SUNDAY 7TH MAY 2023

Relief as Buhari Inaugurates Dangote Refinery May 22

Ejiofor Alike

Efforts by the federal government to make the country self-sufficient in local refining of crude oil to save the scarce foreign exchange used in the importation of petroleum products have received a boost as the 650,000 barrels per

day Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery, is set for inauguration on May 22 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

A source at the refinery confirmed to THISDAY last night that the refinery has been completed with pre-inauguration tests ongoing.

He disclosed that President Buhari would inaugurate the plant on Monday, May 22. Dangote Industries Limited had earlier hinted that the inauguration of the refinery in Lagos would take place before the end of the tenure of President Buhari on May 29, 2023.

The Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, had in a statement debunked reports that the refinery was among the projects scheduled for inaugurated by Buhari during his visit to Lagos in January.

“However, our refinery will be commissioned before President Muhammadu Buhari formally leaves office in May 2023, and the public will be duly informed and invited to the epic event,” the company reportedly said in the statement.

which is located in the Lekki Free Zone area of Lagos, covers a land area of approximately 2,635 hectares, which is larger than the size of Victoria Island in Lagos. The refinery is the biggest refinery in Africa and also the

The Dangote Refinery complex, Continued on page 5

World Leaders Excited as King Charles III Swears to Govern with Justice, Mercy

Pledges to be a blessing to all faiths I look forward to working with you, Tinubu tells new monarch

N’Assembly Leadership: Aspirants Kick against APC’s Adoption of Akpabio, Abbas

Constitution, not anyone will determine senate president, says Yari Kazaure warns APC against imposition of speaker

Udora Orizu, Sunday Aborisade, and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) may face a fresh crisis as some members-elect of the federal parliament aspiring for the positions of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have rejected the adoption of the former Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as the next Senate President and Speaker of House of the Green Chamber, respectively.

While the Senator-elect for Zamfara West, and Senate presidential aspirant, Abdul’Aziz Abubakar Yari, yesterday rejected the adoption of Akpabio, a member representing Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Hon. Yusuf

Gagdi also kicked against the endorsement of Abbas as the next Speaker of the House and formally declared interest for the position.

Also, a member representing the Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, Yankwashi federal constituency of Jigawa State, Muhammed Kazaure, has warned the APC leadership against the imposition of a Speakership candidate on the House.

The ruling APC and the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, had reportedly adopted Akpabio as President of the Senate in the coming 10th National Assembly.

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, had said Akpabio would be the next President of the Senate.

Ganduje reportedly stated this in Calabar last Thursday during a meeting with Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, and the Chief of Staff to the President,

Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

He said: “The Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will come from the South-South and it is no other person than the former governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“The uncommon governor, the uncommon minister, who is going to be the uncommon President of the Senate. So, we have resolved that. I am giving you assurances; we are waiting for the D-Day that he will be the Senate President of Nigeria.”

Ayade, who also spoke at the meeting, said: “I want to thank you so much for zoning the Senate presidency to the South-South and to our brother from a neighbouring state, who is also part of Cross River State.

“We want to thank you for this great opportunity because our dream of a Bakassi seaport is becoming very real.”

WORLD LEADERS EXCITED AS KING CHARLES III SWEARS TO GOVERN WITH JUSTICE, MERCY

Wales, became King after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II, who was the longest serving British monarch, had eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and Charles is her eldest son among four siblings.

King Charles III was anointed with holy oil by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church who led the ceremony.

The King took the Coronation Oath and became the first monarch to pray aloud at his coronation.

In his prayer, he asked to “be a blessing” to people “of every faith and conviction.”

"I come not to be served, but to serve," Charles said in his first remarks of the ceremony.

The newly installed King assured the British public of his commitment to govern with justice and mercy and be a blessing to all faiths.

The coronation procession, which was presided by Welby, drew the attention of numerous world leaders and notable figures, who gathered for this momentous occasion that lasted for two hours at Westminster Abbey.

The event also attracted all the leaders of the Commonwealth countries, including Canada and Australia, and recorded the first lady of the United States, Jill Biden, in attendance.

Thousands of people also turned central London red, white and blue yesterday, with a sea of Union Jack flags lining the streets for the coronation.

British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak made an appearance to give a speech during the procession.

He was also joined by past British prime ministers, including Boris Johnson, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and John Major.

At the ‘Recognition’ section of the coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury proclaimed him the “undoubted King”

After the proclamation was made, the congregation shouted ‘God Save King Charles!’, signalling the official commencement of his reign.

Earlier, the King promised to uphold the Anglican Church of England and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

As expected, members of the British royal family were in attendance. William, the Duke of Cambridge, was accompanied by his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. They were in the front row with their children for the ceremony.

The sole daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Anne, arrived in a green cloak that hid her military outfit that she later revealed to take part in the King's coronation procession.

Over 4,000 members of the military provided security for the event.

Prince Andrew, younger brother to the king, also shared the same pew with Prince William, while Prince Harry arrived alone. Recently, the royal family put up an announcement that only Prince Harry would be attending the ceremony.

"Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet," the statement read in part.

Many speculated that it could be due to the existing bad blood between the royal family and Megan Markle who got married to Prince Harry in 2018.

Currently, both Megan and Harry are absolved of their official duties as royals.

Many lined up the 1.4-mile distance between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to celebrate the new king donning the St Edward's Crown as he rode waving to his subjects.

However, a pocket of protest was recorded where protesters brandished placards that read 'Not My King'.

Even before Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, left Buckingham Palace aboard the Diamond Jubilee State Coach for a rainy procession to the abbey, police arrested dozens of protesters.

Before the coronation ceremony, the head of the United Kingdom’s main republican group and other anti-monarchist activists were arrested.

Among the world leaders who rejoiced with the new British monarch on the occasion of his coronation, were the United States President, Joe Biden, French President, Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, Presidentelect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Head of the European Union’s executive, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, the foreign ministry in Greece and many others.

They also called for enduring

The leadership of the APC was also said to have endorsed Abbas as Speaker of the 10th House at a closed-door meeting at the Defence House on Friday.

But Yari yesterday rejected the adoption of Akpabio, insisting that the presiding officers of the Upper Chamber of the Assembly would be determined by the constitutional provision and not by anyone else.

Yari, the immediate-past governor of Zamfara State, said the contest for the Senate Presidency would be based on constitutional provisions and not instructions by anyone.

He said this while meeting with the executives of the Tinubu Shettima Network (TSN), headed by its National Chairman, Dr. Kailani Muhammad, in Abuja.

“The senate presidency is a senator’s business and, on the day, when we are going to do it, everybody may think of the body of the party or anyone who is advisory to what we are going to do that day; the final decision is ours.

ourselves.

“That is what the sections of the constitution stated very clearly. What is going to happen that day - it is going to happen based on the instructions of the constitution and not for anyone.

“So, we are going to exercise our constitutional rights there,” Yari said.

On his part, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Hon. Gagdi, also yesterday kicked against the APC’s adoption of Abbas and formally declared to contest for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Gagdi, who is also Chairman of the House Committee on Navy made the declaration in Abuja when he also unveiled his action plan titled: ‘The Gagdi Plan; One Nation, Forward Together’ and launched a Compendium of his Four Years Mandate.

The speakership hopeful further said an emerging trend of ministries, departments, and agencies budgeting for and executing projects outside their core competence will be ended to stop the perennial issue of duplication of duties.

He appealed to the leadership of his party, the APC, and other stakeholders to cede the position of the speaker to the North-central geopolitical zone which has not gotten the position since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

In a goodwill message, the member representing the Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, Yankwashi federal constituency of Jigawa State, Hon Kazaure, warned the APC leadership against the imposition of a Speakership candidate on the House.

Kazaure said he would prevail on Aliyu Betara who is also contesting for the position to drop his ambition and back Gagdi.

friendship, cooperation and peace.

I Look Forward to Working with You, Tinubu Tells New Monarch

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu has congratulated the new monarch on his coronation, saying he looks forward to working with him.

Tinubu expressed confidence that King Charles would follow in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, noting that the newly crowned monarch would surpass the Queen’s achievements in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

The President-elect said this via a congratulatory letter to King Charles III.

The incoming president, who enjoined the monarch to continue to tackle the plight of the underprivileged people in Africa and around the world, expressed the hope that the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Britain would become stronger during King Charles’ reign.

Tinubu said: “It is heartwarming that your accession to the throne is coming after the 70-year-reign of your iconic mother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose death last September left the entire world in grief, given her eventful reign.

“Bearing your unique place in history as the first King to be inaugurated in Britain since 1937, I trust that you will follow in the glorious footsteps of your late mother and even surpass her achievements in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

“Particularly remarkable about you is your love for the environment, importantly your lifelong crusade for sustainability and biodiversity.

“I hope that you will continue to push for these initiatives with kind eyes on the situation and plight of the underprivileged people in Africa and around the world.

“As the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I also hope that during your reign, the excellent bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Britain will continue and even become stronger in the interests of our two countries.

“I look forward to further engagements with you and the opportunity of a meeting in the nearest future as both of us had earlier indicated in discussions with mutual friends and associates,” Tinubu explained.

“When we do that, we are not for anybody. We are doing what the constitution says that we should take our leader within

He promised to end the practice where ministries, departments, and agencies fund the National Assembly to carry out oversight by putting in place a budget for the execution of that all-important function of the parliament.

He recalled that Betara singlehandedly influenced the votes that led to the emergence of Yakubu Dogara and his successor, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 8th and 9th Assemblies.

Lalong: Northern Govs Didn’t ‘Necessarily’ Want Tinubu to Be President

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Simon Lalong, yesterday revealed that Northern governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not necessarily want the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to be President of Nigeria when they supported the power shift to the southern part of the country.

According to Lalong, who was also the Director General of Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, their push for a southern presidency was rather in order to promote the unity, peace and stability of Nigeria within the spirit of fairness, equity and justice which the late Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, stood for.

Lalong was speaking at the ninth Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Good Governance held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, according to a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut.

The governor said: “When I led my colleagues – the Northern governors – to push for power shift to the South, it was not because we wanted Asiwaju to be President. Rather, we wanted to ensure that justice and fairness prevail in our nation for unity, peace and harmony. That is what we believe our revered father of blessed memory, Sir Ahmadu Bello, would do in such circumstances. Fortunately, the party delegates chose Asiwaju who was eventually accepted by

biggest single-train refinery in the world.

A single-train refinery uses an integrated distillation unit or one Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) to refine crude oil into various petroleum products, as against the use of multiple distillation units by most big refineries.

Due to the large capacity of the refinery, its pipeline infrastructure

Nigerians as he was unanimously elected.”

Lalong urged all Nigerians, both in the North and across the country, to support Tinubu as he takes on the mantle of leadership.

The governor noted that, because the late Sardauna lived a life of accommodation, tolerance, justice and fairness, his legacies have endured long after his demise and continue to inspire leadership in the region and country at large. According to him, the North is an important stakeholder in the Nigerian project and its contributions towards his election cannot be over emphasized.

“The Northern region needs serious attention in various sectors ranging from security, education, infrastructure, agriculture, economic revival and restoration of law and order in various areas that have been ravaged by insecurity.

“It is heartening to note that the Northern Governors Forum, under my leadership, has done a great deal of work on bringing our people together as one people with a common destiny,” Lalong added.

Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, said it was a privilege for his state to host the very important event, which reminds the region and the nation about the values that Sardauna lived and died for.

He said, although there have been challenges in the country after the demise of Sir Ahmadu Bello, some progress has been made which can be built upon to make the Northern region

is the largest anywhere in the world, with 1,100 kilometres to handle three billion Standard Cubic Feet per day (Scf/d) of gas.

According to a report by the company, the refinery has a 435MW-capacity power plant that is able to meet the total power requirement of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

On completion, the refinery is

and Nigeria a better place. Speaking on the topic “2023 Elections as Panacea for Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria,” Kenyan Law Professor and pan Africanist, Patrick Lumumba, said the late Sardauna left behind several lessons for politicians which include his selflessness and sacrifice for the general good.

He said the question of unity and cohesion in Nigeria particularly after the 2023 general election cannot be over emphasized because Nigeria plays a very key role in the stability of Africa being a giant in all ramifications.

Lumumba stressed that the sacrifices of founding fathers like Sardauna, who paid the supreme price, should not be left to go in vain but built upon for a greater Nigeria and Africa.

President Muhammadu Buhari in a message delivered by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, said it is important that Nigerians devote more attention to recruiting quality leaders who are capable of steering the nation in the right direction.

He also said the process of elections should also be looked at, and continuously improved upon to ensure that those who serve the people have their mandate and also enjoy their support.

Emir of Lafia, HRH Sidi Bage, said the lecture series is an opportunity to reflect on the dreams of Sardauna but also a way of putting critical national and regional issues on the front burner.

expected to meet 100 per cent of the Nigerian requirement of all refined products and also have a surplus of each of these products for export.

The refinery is designed to process Nigerian crude and can also process other crudes. It is a multi-billion dollar project that will create a market for $21 billion per annum of Nigerian crude oil.

RELIEF AS BUHARI INAUGURATES DANGOTE REFINERY MAY 22

MARITAL BLISS…

Report: 1,230 Civilians, 79 Security Personnel Killed, 658 Abducted in Q1 2023

Says bandits, herdsmen responsible for most killings in Nigeria

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

An organisation dedicated to the tracking of violent incidents in the country, Nigeria Mourns, has released its first quarter report of 2023 which showed that 1,230 people were killed in the country in the first quarter of 2023.

The report also said that 79 security personnel died within the period while 658 people were abducted across the country.

The report published on its website said banditry remained the most singular cause of violent deaths across the country with 29.27 per cent or 360 deaths while an existing threat is the rise in extra-judicial killings and herdsmen-related

killings, which constitute about 10.08 per cent and 13.65 per cent, respectively with at least 124 and 168 deaths.

A further breakdown of the statistics showed that Boko Haram/ ISWAP-related atrocities constituted 22.11 per cent or 272 deaths. It said political killings mostly due to the recent 2023 general election accounted for at least 7.72 per cent, or 95 deaths.

The group said the trend was an indication of an alarming increase in the activities of Boko Haram/ ISWAP in recent times, and extrajudicial killings mostly perpetrated by security personnel and herdsmen activities by mostly Fulani herders.

The report said secessionists’

PDP: Military Worried over Inauguration Because 2023 Elections were Rigged

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday claimed that the military authorities expressed worries over an alleged threat to the May 29 inauguration of a new administration because they knew that the February 25 presidential election was flawed and compromised.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja.

The party stated that under normal circumstances, the military would not be concerned because democracy and change of government should be seen as a thing of joy and a cause for celebration.

The PDP also said that the bad treatment suffered by Nigerians at Egypt and Sudanese borders was an indication that no nation takes Nigeria seriously again.

"Typically, with the coming of a new government, there should be a new enthusiasm. Democracy should be about the people and therefore a celebration that a new government is about to come.

"I read in the newspapers that the military is expressing concern that some people will disrupt the swearing-in and inauguration of a new government on May 29. Again, it goes to say the election was not proper, and due processes were not followed.

"After all, what are the worries for?

Democracy should be a celebration.

"When a new government is about to come or a democratic change in expectation of a new government, typically the environment will be bobbling with people looking forward to a new horizon and hope.

"In this election or do I say selection, you notice that there are palpable ominous signs in the country otherwise if the election has been okay in line with the laws and what democratic tendencies are all about in terms of change of government, what you will see is that people will be preparing to celebrate on that day.

"But what do you find? You find that the military expresses concern over those against the inauguration because they know that the processes that produced the incoming government, particularly the INEC are flawed, compromised, and corrupted as well as corrupted by the APC and its candidate. There is despondency all over the country.

"It is worrisome for the military to get concerned because a change of government should be a celebration, but it is becoming a mourning period for the country.

"That should capture the attention of Nigerians. Where do we go from here if an election has been so badly skewed by INEC, then that should worry all of us and the question is where do we go from here?

Ologunagba queried.

violent campaign mostly in the South-eastern part of the country contributed 6.75 per cent representing at least 83 deaths while cult clashes took 4.96 per cent or 61 deaths.

It said isolated attacks, mob attacks, armed robbery, and communal clashes accounted for 5.45 per cent of the incidents, translating to 67 deaths.

"In the first quarter of 2023, our data showed that at least 1,230 people were killed, including at least 79 security personnel and over 658 abductions took place across Nigeria.

"In what has been an unfortunate trend in our data collated in the first

quarter of 2023, banditry remains the largest cause of violent deaths across the country with 29.27 per cent (360 deaths) while an existing threat is a rise in extra-judicial killings and herdsmen related killings which constitute about 10.08 per cent and 13.65 per cent, respectively amounting to 124 and 168 deaths,” it said.

On personnel losses in Nigeria’s security framework, it said in the first quarter of 2023, 6.42 per cent of all lives lost to violent killings were security personnel numbering at least 79 security operatives killed across Nigeria while the remaining 93.58 per cent of lives lost violently

are those of civilians numbering at least 1,151 deaths.

It said data on the brazen killings of security operatives is further divided into para-military: Police, 54 constituting 68.35 per cent, NSCDC (at least 10 deaths), representing 12.66 per cent and military (at least 15 deaths) accounting for 18.99 per cent. With at least 54 lives lost, police lives lost in the first quarter of 2023 constituted the highest losses among security operatives, it said.

"In examining the disaggregated data on violent incidents in the first quarter of 2023, our data confirm the popular opinion that each region of Nigeria is beguiled by a peculiar

type of violent incident. While there was slight overlap in certain cases, overwhelming evidence from the data collated suggests that more often than not, violent deaths in a particular region can be attributed to the brand of violence associated with the region.

"Overall, more violent incidents were recorded in the Northern part of the country than the South – of the at least 1,230 deaths recorded, there were at least 932 violent killings in the North representing 75.77 per cent of the total killed, in contrast to the South where at least 298 were killed representing 24.23 per cent of the recorded figure," the group added.

Sonia Ekweremadu: I Feel Guilty for My Parents’ Conviction

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Twenty-five-year-old Sonia, the daughter of the jailed ex-Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has said she felt guilty that her parents were convicted because of her.

Ekweremadu, 60, and his wife Beatrice, 56, were sentenced to nine years, eight months, and four years, six months imprisonment, respectively, for plotting to illegally harvest the kidney of David Nwamini, the boy at the centre of their arrest and prosecution. The third accomplice, a medical doctor, Dr. Obinna Obeta was jailed for 10 years.

Meanwhile, Nwamini has said he would like to remain and work in the United Kingdom, expressing doubt over his safety if he returned to Nigeria.

In an interview with BBC, Sonia noted that although she understood the verdict of the court, she disagreed with it, admitting however, that her position could be due to her bias as a daughter to the senator.

While apologising to her family for what they had to go through for her sake, Sonia explained that she bears no grudges against Nwamini, saying she wished him well.

“It’s been really hard to really wrap my head around it. I understand the conviction, but

personally, I disagree with it. However, that's from a very biased perspective as their daughter and I would obviously always back my parents.

"However, the law has taken its course and we just have to move forward as a family,” she said during the interview.

Sonia also took time to explain why it was difficult to get a donor from her own family, disclosing that there’s a particular gene in the family that would make that almost impossible.

“(My condition) is called nephritic syndrome. Basically, my kidneys are small and they have loads of big holes in them. Either I stay on dialysis for the rest of my life, or I get a transplant. These are my two options.

“I have the APO-1 gene. So, to us, that kind of excluded the family, especially on my dad's side, because they have quite a history of kidney conditions,” she said.

Sonia added that it was in August of 2021 when she found out that there was a possibility that she would need a transplant that her family started reaching out to people.

However, she noted that she was not directly involved in the negotiations, which were handled by her family. She also declined to answer a question on whether she knew Nwamini as a cousin

of hers.

“I wasn't involved at all. It was mostly my family that handled everything to do with my medical side. I mean, I was aware that someone did come forward. He had just come over to the UK, I believe with my uncle and my mom, and I wanted to thank him for that. And the picture (shown) was basically for memories.

“I wouldn't say it's an involvement. They just wanted me to see the progress that had been made,” she pointed out.

While hoping that she would be able to get a transplant soon, Sonia who also responded to how she felt towards Nwamini, stressed that she felt nothing towards him. “I don’t feel anything towards him. I wish him all the best,” she posited.

She also apologised for making her family go through such a tortuous experience, saying that life may never be the same again.

“I want to use this opportunity to apologise to them (my family) for the way everything has played out,” she added.

“Life is just so dynamic. Like you’re one day in your house chilling and the next day, your whole life is turned around, upside down. I don’t think it will ever be the same again. And obviously, I feel guilty because I feel like all these have happened because of me,” Sonia said.

She also expressed shock at the turn of events, especially when security operatives visited their house in the UK.

Meanwhile, Nwamini, the victim in the organ trafficking case has said he wanted to remain and work in the United Kingdom, expressing doubt over his safety if he returned to Nigeria. “They could arrest me or kill me in Nigeria,” he alleged.

He remarked in his impact statement which was read in court, during the sentencing, saying that he was given the assurance that he was being taken to the UK to work by the convicted persons.

“He (Dr. Obina Obeta) did not tell me he brought me here for this reason. He did not tell me anything about this. I would have not agreed to any of this. My body is not for sale.

“I worry for my safety in Nigeria. Those people can do anything. I think they could arrest me or kill me in Nigeria.

“My plan now is to work and to get an education and to play football,” Nwamini was quoted to have said, adding that he did not want to claim compensation from the “bad people” as it would be a “curse and bad luck”.

While it is legal to donate a kidney in Britain, it is unlawful to do it for financial reward or material gain.

L-R: Pastor Femi Omidiran; Mrs. Kunbi Osho; Mrs. Olusola Omidiran; the groom, Prince Tayo Adeniran; the bride, Mrs. Morenike Adeniran; Chief. Goke Omidiran; and Mr. Jide Omidiran, as Goke gave one of his daughters out in marriage at a blissful engagement ceremony held in Okemesi-Ekiti…recently

Apologises to family, wishes proposed kidney donor well Victim fears for his safety if returned to Nigeria

IT’S OUR TURN…

Presidential Election Petition Court Commences Hearing Tomorrow

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) has fixed tomorrow for the hearing of the petitions challenging the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer, Senator Bola Tinubu, as the president-elect.

It was gathered that the expected legal battle by candidates disputing the outcome of the 2023 presidential poll will commence from May 8.

The National Legal Adviser of the APC, Ahmad El-Marzuq, who confirmed the date, said the APC legal team had been briefed and was ready to

defend the party’s mandate.

“We have been briefed about the hearing coming up next week,” he said.

A member of Tinubu’s legal team, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), also said the hearing had been scheduled to commence next week.

Oyetibo said: “Yes, the

hearing is on Monday, but it’s for a pre-hearing session. The hearing is to clarify if there are any applications before the main hearing will start. The timetable will be set for the hearing of the substantive matters.”

Findings also showed that the court stopped receiving replies from the petitioners

Enugu Guber: Mbah Asks Tribunal to Dismiss Edeoga's Petition

Denies NYSC certificate forgery allegation

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Enugu State Governor-elect, Mr. Peter Mbah, has asked the state Election Petitions Tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Chijioke Edeoga against his emergence as the winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state.

Mbah, who was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in his reply to Edeoga's petition through his team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), submitted that Edeoga’s petition was incompetent and liable for dismissal.

Edeoga, the first runner-up in the Enugu governorship election, is claiming that he and not the candidate of the PDP won the election.

Besides the over-voting in favour of Mbah, which he alleged, the petitioner, also urged for the disqualification of the PDP candidate on grounds of alleged certificate forgery.

Responding, Mbah stated that contrary to the claims of the petitioner, he "is more qualified, both educationally and otherwise, to contest the

March 18 governorship election in Enugu State."

The governor-elect pointed out that the alleged certificate forgery (one of the grounds for disqualification) had already been resolved by the court and as such the tribunal lacks jurisdiction to hear again and take a decision in the matter.

Specifically, Edeoga had claimed that Mbah forged his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate with No. A808297 which Mbah had submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his qualification to contest the poll.

But in his reply, Mbah who had accused the petitioners of initiating frivolous cases in court against him pointed out that his NYSC certificate was not only duly issued to him but that the courts had resolved the issue in his favour.

Referring to the judgment of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) delivered in Suit No. FCT/HC/2399/2023, Mbah informed the tribunal that, "this issue has become Res Judicata" in law and no court, including the tribunal, can revisit the issue.

"Suit No. FCT/HC/2399/2023

has suffered the same fate as SUIT NO: FHC/EN/ CS/217/2022 wherein the Court of Appeal awarded N37 million cost in favour of Mbah and PDP candidates against Chika Idoko for filing frivolous action against Mbah and dragging same up to the Court of Appeal," Mbah submitted.

Mbah further claimed that Edeoga who participated in the primaries of PDP and who was recorded to have scored nine votes in the said primary election cannot under the Electoral Act be presented by LP as its candidate.

The combined provisions of Section 77(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act, 2022 makes it mandatory for every political party to maintain a register of its members with INEC both soft and hard copy and make such a register of members available 30 days to the date of primaries.

"The Labour Party primaries was held on June 9, 2022 when as at May 25, 2022 when PDP held it Primaries, Chijioke Edeoga was at venue of PDP primaries where he contested but lost to Peter Mbah who recorded 790 votes as against Edeoga who recorded nine votes. Therefore, it is impossible for

Edeoga to maintain that he was a member of the Labour Party 30 days before the governorship primary election of the Labour Party," Mbah said.

"Chijioke Edeoga is estopped in law from challenging the election of March 18, 2023, having voluntarily entered into a Memorandum of Understanding of May 19, 2022, wherein he undertook not to challenge the outcome of PDP primaries and the eventual outcome of the general election.

"He also made an official statement on May 25, pledging to remain in PDP. All these he did voluntarily and because of his desperation to become a governor at all cost," Mbah added.

He accordingly urged the tribunal to dismiss Edeoga's petition for lacking in merit.

"The petition filed by Edeoga and the Labour Party was not signed by the National Chairman of the party who is empowered by law to sign every petition presented before any tribunal on behalf of the party.

"Edeoga’s petition not being signed by the National Chairman of the party renders the same incompetent," Mbah submitted.

on April 23.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had on March 1 declared Tinubu the president-elect on the grounds that his party scored the majority of votes cast in the polls.

The former Lagos State governor had polled 8.8 million to defeat the Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 6.9 million; Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) who polled 6.1 million votes and 15 other candidates. Dissatisfied with the result, Atiku and Obi have both disputed the results and filed separate petitions seeking orders to annul the election or declare them the winners of the polls.

Atiku urged the court to cancel the election and order a fresh election due to alleged irregularities that marred the February 25 polls in thousands of polling units.

In their 66-page petition, Atiku and his party, through his team of senior lawyers led

by

Joe-Kyari Gadzama

(SAN), argued that as of March 1 when Tinubu was declared the winner of the election, the entire results and accreditation data from polling units had not been transmitted and uploaded by INEC.

On his part, Obi, in his petition, argued that the election was characterised by various irregularities, citing also the alleged non-qualification of Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, to contest the election.

He also alleged that Tinubu failed to win a majority of lawful votes and also onequarter of lawful votes cast in the FCT.

He equally alleged that the election was conducted in substantial non-compliance with the provision of the law. Tinubu and the APC have since responded to Atiku and Obi's petitions.

Also, other political parties and their candidates are seeking the tribunal’s order to nullify Tinubu’s victory as the president-elect.

May 29: Transition Council Disowns Fake Programmes in Circulation

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Presidential Transition Council (PTC) has disowned what it described as the fake programme of events for the presidential inauguration of May 29 currently in circulation on social media.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of PTC, Boss Mustapha, said the Inauguration Sub-Committee of the PTC has reached advanced stages in its preparation for the peaceful and orderly transfer of power on May 29, 2023.

In a statement by the Director Information in the office of the SGF, Willy Bassey, he added that various approved events would be held from the week commencing on Monday, May 22, 2023.

He disclosed further that the approved programme of events would be unveiled at a World Press Conference scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 2023. Mustapha cautioned purveyors of fake news to desist forthwith from peddling falsehood in an attempt to mislead the unsuspecting members of the public.

Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare (left), and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, after signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the state to host the 22nd National Sports Festival in 2024 at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta…yesterday

WE SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF…

L-R: Rev Joseph Okeke; Chairman, Gold Point Limited, Chief Akurienne Okonkwo; Chairman,

Umeh; and President, Ichi Development Union, Dr. Damian Atuigwe, at the funeral service of the

Yar’Adua Never Wanted to Be President, Says Wife, Turai

As Nigerians remember the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on the 13th

anniversary of his death, his wife and former First Lady, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua, has said the husband never liked politics and never wanted to

be president.

The late president died on May 5, 2010, exactly 13 years ago. In a special interview with

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Osinbajo, Atiku, Obi, Govs Bid Diri’s Father Farewell

Olusegun Osahon in Yenagoa

Many prominent Nigerian leaders yesterday bid farewell to Pa Abraham Joseph Michael Diri, father of the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, at Sampou community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

The dignitaries include former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan; Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and his wife, Dolapo; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.

The governors at the funeral service were: Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State), Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun State), Godwin Obaseki (Edo State) and his wife, Betty; Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Darius Ishiaku (Taraba).

The governors-elect of Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Taraba, and Niger states were also present. Obasanjo, in his goodwill message delivered by Vice President Osinbajo, described Pa Diri as an exemplary teacher, a Lay Reader, and a community leader, who gave his children a proper upbringing.

“We are here to celebrate the life and times of Pa Diri. The array of personalities here is an indication that Pa Diri brought up and nurtured the aspirations of so many children,” Obasanjo explained.

The former Nigerian leader noted that the late Diri's reward as a teacher came not just through his son, Senator Diri, but through so many notable Nigerians who came to Sampou to celebrate a humble teacher.

"He could not have imagined that an array of personalities would come here to honour him. According to the book of Proverbs 14:23, ‘In all labour, there is profit.”

Former President Jonathan, in his remarks, said he was with the bereaved Diri family

in appreciating Obasanjo, Osinbajo, and all those who came to celebrate and honour the family and the people of the state.

He recalled that Pa Diri passed on a day when the present administration in the state was marking its third anniversary and prayed to God to strengthen Diri and his family.

On his part, Atiku who was the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general election, said: "There is a special relationship between me and the people of Bayelsa State. l am with you as a family and that is why l am physically here.”

The PDP presidential candidate noted that he attended the funeral ceremonies of former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in Amassoma, former Governor Seriake Dickson's mother at Toru-Orua and that of Diri's father.

Responding, Senator Diri said he and his family as well as the entire state were humbled by the large turnout of high-profile dignitaries in his community to bid his father farewell.

"We are indeed overwhelmed. There can be no love more than that. I would not have thought even in the wildest of my imaginations that there would be a large number of high-profile Nigerians here to celebrate my father."

Diri, who described his father as a disciplinarian, noted that he impacted positively on all who crossed his path and they all shared his positive attributes.

Other dignitaries who graced the event were: Onetime Bayelsa State’s military administrator, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd); wife of a former governor of the state, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha; Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig.

Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd); Senators Uche Ekwunife and Ben Murray-Bruce, as well as the PDP governorship candidate in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye.

The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; his wife, Beatrice; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; other state and national lawmakers; the state Acting Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah; Justices of the state high court; commissioners and other top government functionaries, business mogul, High Chief Victor Egukawhore; captains of industry; traditional rulers as well as clerics, were also present.

BBC Hausa, Turai stated that the late President Yar’Adua was a politician by accident as he never wanted to join politics and never planned to be president.

According to the widow of the late President, “All his life, all he ever wanted was to be a teacher, come home from school, sit with his family, and crack jokes till dusk. He wanted no politics or governance but as Allah wills, he joined politics and became the president."

On how much she misses her husband, especially on the anniversaries of his death, she said: “I think about Yar’Adua every day, and it’s the same for me, anniversary or no anniversary – I think about him and miss him every single day.

“But I am happy on such anniversary days because the nation talks about him, and people across the country come together to say good things about him and pray for him. That truly gladdens my heart”.

Recalling the day he died, Turai narrates, “After he fell sick, I started fasting every day, and on that faithful May 5, 2010, at about iftaar time, I held his hands and told him,

I am stepping out for iftaar and he nodded.

“A few minutes into my iftaar somewhere close, I was called back and I came back and met him gone. I still think I shouldn’t have gone for that iftaar. I should have stayed.

“But I thank the Almighty Allah for honouring me with Yar’Adua as a husband. It is the biggest privilege of my life and I am forever grateful to have spent a reasonable part of my life with this honourable man.

“Yar’Adua is a very simple man. He is humble and down to earth; he almost doesn’t care about comfort or luxury. Even as a governor, I remember he wore a particular wristwatch for months until the leather of the watch tore up. Yar’Adua is like that.

“He is a very good family man and he treats me and the children like royalties. I remember my first trip after his death. I got to my destination and kept staring at my phone but there was no call from him or anyone to ask how I landed. I cried no end that night,” she explained.

Speaking on the family’s relationship with his political

associates and friends after his death, Turai said, “I have a very cordial relationship with all of them; there is no problem at all. We hardly meet but when we do, we joke and respect each other a lot.”

Speaking on the expectations from the incoming administration, Turai counsels the incoming First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu to be patient and tolerant as the road ahead is tough and bumpy. She added that she was convinced the incoming First Lady has what it takes to succeed and help her husband grow the nation.

“When some people realised how good my husband was and how much he wanted to develop the nation, they made me the scapegoat of the administration. Even when he was sick, I was attacked and all sorts of lies were said about me.

“Only a wife can tell her husband the truth; most people around the President tell him what he wants to hear. As a wife, first lady, and mother of the nation, you have to keep your husband on the path of development, growth, and selfless sacrifice,” she concluded.

Benue Court to Decide Ayu's Fate as PDP National Chairman May 26

George Okoh in Makurdi

A Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi has fixed Friday, May 26, 2023, to deliver judgment in the suit seeking the removal of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, adjourned the suit for judgment after the parties in the suit adopted their processes in the matter.

A member of the PDP in Benue State, Mr. Conrad Terhide Utaan, had dragged Ayu to court after his Igyorov Ward executive committee suspended him after passing a vote of no confidence on him.

When the matter came up for hearing, counsel to Ayu, Yakubu Maikasuwa (SAN), raised preliminary objections, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit because it is an internal affair

of a political party.

He also submitted that the plaintiff failed to utilise the domestic dispute resolution mechanism of the party in resolving the crisis.

Maikasuwa averred that no wrong was done to the plaintiff, and there is no benefit or utilitarian value to be derived by the plaintiff from the suit.

In his response to the preliminary objections, counsel to Utaan, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), submitted that the matter is not an internal affair of a political party, saying there is a judicial precedent, which has resolved the issue.

He cited the judgment of a Rivers State High Court in the case between five members of the PDP vs Uche Secondus, the position of the Court of Appeal in Oshiomhole vs Salihu in 2021, and the Supreme Court decision in Gana vs SDP in 2019.

Ukala argued that when it

comes to the interpretation of the constitution of a political party, the court is entitled to exercise its jurisdiction.

On the averment by Ayu's counsel that the domestic dispute resolution mechanism of the PDP was not utilised by the plaintiff, Ukala submitted that the complaint is against Ayu, and as at the time the suit was instituted, Ayu was a sitting national chairman of the PDP.

He submitted that Ayu cannot be a judge in his matter as doing so would be against the principle of fair hearing as contained in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

On the averment that the plaintiff lacks locus standi to bring the application, Ukala argued that it is the case put forward by a plaintiff that determines his locus standi, adding that the originating summons shows that the plaintiff has locus standi in the instant suit.

On the objection by Ayu's counsel that the suit has no utilitarian value or benefit to the plaintiff, Ukala told the court that the suit has utilitarian value and benefit to the plaintiff as the plaintiff is a member of the party.

According to him, the plaintiff’s show of interest in the national chairmanship was activated when the national chairmanship of the PDP was zoned to Benue State.

He urged the court to dismiss all the preliminary objections to the originating summons.

While adopting the originating summons, the accompanying written address, and affidavit in support of the originating summons and exhibit, Ukala averred that Ayu has not challenged his suspension by his ward executive in any court.

After listening to counsel in the matter, the presiding judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese adjourned the matter to May 26, 2023, for judgment.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Ekulo Group, Sir Emma Bishop; Senator-elect for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Victor

late Mrs. Janet Okonkwo in Ichi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State…recently

DARE LIVES IN OUR HEARTS…

Shipowners Fault Lawmakers’ Directive to Suspend $700m Cabotage Fund

The Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) has faulted the decision of the House of Representatives to suspend the $700 million Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

NISA’s founding president, Mr Isaac Jolapamo faulted the directive in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday, saying the decision would affect the progress in the fund’s disbursement conditions.

The House of Representatives had ordered the immediate suspension of the planned disbursement of $700 million CVFF to shipowners by the Nigerian

Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The lawmakers also directed the agency to present an audited statement of account showing all monies that have accrued to the CVFF within seven days.

At an interview yesterday, Jolapamo noted that members of the association had done enough to meet the conditions stipulated for the disbursement of the fund.

Jolapamo, who expressed disappointment, prayed for the CVFF “to see the light of day.”

He further said: “We, as an association, have gone further to have a company, although we have had it since 2008. But

Sudan Crisis: 132 Nigerians to Arrive Abuja

The next batch of 132 returnees from Sudan are expected in Abuja around 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, the returnees “left Port Sudan International Airport on Saturday at 7:20 a.m. local time, with 132 Nigerian nationals (evacuees) 124 adults, seven infants”.

The returnees are reportedly

on board Tarco Airline and the aircraft being boarded is B737-300.

“The Estimated time of their arrival at Port Sudan (PZU) to Juba (JUB) is 2 hrs 50 min. Stop over 1 hrs in Juba.

“JUB to ABV = 03:30 min. Total = 7hrs 30min.

“The flight is expected to arrive in Abuja around 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Nigerian time.”

Adeleke Denies Payment of Half Salary, Demotion of Workers

Osun State Governor, Mr. Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday, described as false insinuations that he was planning to demote workers and pay them half of their salary every month.

The statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the current administration in the state has not and would not demote workers or introduce half salary.

It read, “Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke has not and will not demote any worker. There is also no plan to introduce half salary.

“Additionally, we declare that the content of the said story and all the references

to a supposed worker are mere fabrications to undermine the very strong bond between Governor Adeleke and Osun workers, both in the formal and informal sectors.

“The bond of partnership between this administration and the workers was further cemented at the May 1st workers day celebration where labour leaders praised the extraordinary commitment of Governor Adeleke to workers’ welfare.

“The May Day event also saw confirmation by all stakeholders that Governor Adeleke was the first Governor in Osun state to have workers’ welfare as the first item on his governance agenda.

we floated a new one just to meet the condition. Members of the association own the company. If we are 16 or 20, are we not good enough to get the fund?

“We have started making moves to approach the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd because we understand that it is offering

to give nine per cent of the 15 per cent the shipowners need to contribute.

“So, that gives us six per cent, so if all of us are as broke as we are, we are able to see six per cent to add. So why should anybody want to come and spoil what is going on.”

Jolapamo said it was not the right of the House of Representatives to suspend the CVFF, wondering the reason for the vested interest of legislators on the fund.

“We have been on this struggle for 20 years, to disburse the money that we have contributed. It is not government money. They have made

laws, why must they disturb the executive.

“After the law, the bus stops on the minister’s table for the disbursement. There are people who want to do it and have their name written in gold, somebody just woke up and say they are stopping it.

Ndukwe Onuoha, British-Nigerian Poet, Elected Councillor in UK

Nume Ekeghe

A British-Nigerian poet, Ndukwe Onuoha, has become the first African to be elected as councillor for Mackworth and New Zealand ward in Derby City, UK under Labour Party.

Onuoha’s success in this election is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving the community.

Onuoha’s journey to becoming a councillor began when he

moved to the United Kingdom in 2021.

He settled in Derby and quickly became actively involved in the local community. He joined the Labour Party and started campaigning for the party in local and national elections.

Onuoha has been passionate about making a positive change in the community and sees politics as a way to achieve this.

In 2022, Onuoha decided to run for councillor in Mackworth and New Zealand ward and

successfully picked the Labour party’s ticket. He campaigned on a platform of promoting diversity, economic growth, supporting local businesses, and improving public services.

Onuoha’s leadership experience and his commitment to community service made him a popular candidate, and he won the election unseating an incumbent and gaining an additional seat for the Labour party in Derby City Council.

As a councillor, Onuoha hopes to make a positive impact in the community by working with local businesses and community organisations to promote diversity and inclusion of minority ethnic groups, economic growth and job creation.

He also wants to improve public services such as healthcare, education, and transportation to ensure that residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.

El-Rufai Denies Lobbying to Be Tinubu’s Chief of Staff

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has dispelled the rumours of him jostling to become Chief of Staff in President-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

El-Rufai stated this in Gombe yesterday while addressing newsmen. The governor was in the state to inaugurate the construction of 550 housing units and Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) Service Centre.

He described the reports on the different portfolios being assigned

to him and published on national dailies as “mere speculations”. The governor said he was more interested in contributing to the development of Nigeria than jostling for positions.

El-Rufai noted that being in government was not the only way to contribute to Nigeria’s development, saying even if he was not in government, he would remain committed to the progress of the country.

“I have not had that discussion

with the president-elect and I don’t like to speculate.

“I read in the newspapers all kinds of portfolios assigned to me but you know, I am a committed Nigerian. “I want to see my country make progress and whatever I can do to contribute to the development of the country, I will do it.

“But, I don’t have to work in the government. Everyone who is working either in the private sector or civil society is contributing.

“There is not just one way to contribute to the country and I will never stop working for Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

The governor said upon leaving office in the next 22 days, he would take a break but be available to provide advice, where needed, on how to move the country forward.

“I will be in the private sector, not any chief of staff. I will take a break and advise people like Governor Inuwa Yahaya if they need it,” he said.

Anambra Female Student, 16, Emerges Overall Best in UTME

The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has commended Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma for her performance during the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), describing it as “excellent and very outstanding.”

Chuma-Udeh said the performance coming from the state has again demonstrated the investment and priority the ad-

ministration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo accords the education sector in Anambra.

This is according to a statement issued by the Ministry in Awka, yesterday.

Mmesoma, a student of theAnglican GirlsSecondarySchool,Nnewi,emerged as the overall best student in the 2023 UTME with an aggregate score of 362.

The breakdown of her score is as follows: English 98 Physics 89 Biology 94 and Chemistry 81.

This is according to a statement issued by the Ministry in Awka,

on Saturday.

Mmesoma, a student of the Anglican Girls Secondary School, Nnewi, emerged as the overall best student in the 2023 UTME with an aggregate score of 362.

The breakdown of her score is as follows: English 98 Physics 89 Biology 94 and Chemistry 81.

“This excellent feat has brought joy and celebration to her school and the state, as her teachers, parent and fellow students were thrown into a euphoric and exhilarating mood following this outstanding academic

Mmesoma

performance.

“This outstanding performance of Ejikeme has indeed brought joy and happiness to every Ndi-Anambra.”

Chibuzor Oluchi

L-R: Development Practitioner and Serial Social Entrepreneur, Mr. Abiodun Odunuga; brother to the late Pastor Dare Adeboye; Pastor Adeolu Adeboye; wife of the late Adeboye; and Chairman, Dare Adeboye Foundation, Mrs. Temiloluwa Adeboye; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Executive Officer, Opportunik Global Fund, Mr. Kola Oyeneyin; and Executive Personal Assistant to the General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Leke Adeboye, during the Foundation’s Change and Development Forum, at the Redemption City, Mowe, Ogun State... recently

There are fears that manufacturers of alcoholic beverages which recorded a set of modest gains in their last year’s performances may slip into loss territory as the federal government’s newly revised excise duty

A report had put the total revenue of drink producers in Nigeria at N900 billion in 2022, annual turnover reported in 12 months of the preceding year, when the industry leaders, Nigerian Breweries, International Breweries, Guinness Nigeria and Champion Brewery

by Prime Business Africa, an online news medium, this means that the consumption of alcoholic and soft drinks increased by 22

For a country with blinding poverty and frustrations caused by the failure of government at all levels, sociologists say it is not out of place for people to depend on alcohol of alcoholic drinks, especially beer would However, such a positive projection is being threatened by a new regime of taxes unveiled by the federal government last week, as going forward, manufacturers of such products will have to choose between raising document signed last month by the minister beer and stout, wines, and spirits (per litre)

they were meant to pay this year before the Industry operators and other pressure groups are already crying foul for the sudden tax increase which they said was done without any consultation with the members

Consequently, there are fears, according to the Deputy President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gabriel Idahosa that the volumes of alcohol and tobacco products will reduce “since they are not matters of margins for the companies and returns to investments for shareholders are likely to He said for smaller products or companies in the brewery industry, the combination margins may knock them out of business or struggle to survive, which could eventually

from the people who supply the raw materials to those involved in the transportation and distribution of the products in the country, further causing a decline to the Gross Do-

This fear was shared by the Chief Executive warned that the revised excise duties might wipe out the brewery and other related sectors because they are already dealing with the high cost of foreign exchange, high energy

“The government has not been fair to the these new taxes might close their shops because they are already dealing with the problem of sales as a result of weak demand

“However, the 25 per cent growth in the cost of sales didn’t impede growth

Next is International Breweries which grewated by International Breweries within the

Industry analysts said the pressure is now on manufacturers who have no choice but

“That is why they have to make noise or campaign about the tax increment to let people know that the government is taxing them costs without any negative impact on their

He added that even if they don’t increase prices to preserve market share or competition, it would lead to some sort of pressure

According to AsokoInsight market data, beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage with a 55 per cent market share, with Guinness Nigeria Plc now focusing

But top players in the alcoholic industry such as Nigerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc and Guinness Nigeria, have been struggling since 2019 following the increment in excise duties in a challenging

enough to increase Champion Brewery’s

For Nigerian Breweries, the report

billion revenue generated from sales of

After the cost of sales, tax, and other expenses were removed from Nigerian Breweries’ revenue, the company ended

In 2021, manufacturers were forced to increase prices due to the introduction of the excise tax regime, as well as the strong depreciation of the local currency, which made imported raw materials much more expensive, according to analysts at Euromonitor International, a London-based strategic for alcoholic drinks increased by almost 20

like education, company income and Value

Analysing the performance of industry operators for their 2022 operations, Prime Business Africa’s report showed that Champion Breweries closed last year as the best-performing brewer despite its products; being household brands when compared to

According to the report, the analysis of Champion Brewery’s earnings showed that

to produce its products last year, but the

Despite occupying the second spot on the best-performing list, Nigerian Breweries retained its spot as the market

The report put Guinness Nigeria in the third spot despite not growing its revenue as high as International Breweries because the latter reported a loss after grossed from selling Guinness brands, as the third largest market shareholder in the brewery industry, accounting for

International Breweries made a loss of

Nigerian Breweries’ revenue improved that of International Breweries grew by 29 -

With a near-bumper harvest for their 2022 operations, there is every reason for beer the revised excise duty rates which begin next month, local brewers will either cut down and quality of beer consumed in the country, writes

How TCN Rattled Aba with Unusual Power Outage

with AYO AROWOLO

The only column you may need to read on everything personal finance, money, investing -and other life matters

What Constitutes Meaningful Living?

Last Tuesday, May 2, 2023, was the occasion of the 5th Sina Egberongbe Annual Memorial Lecture to celebrate the late engineering icon and distinguished civil servant. In this report, James Sowole, THISDAY correspondent in Abeokuta who was at the event captures the meat of the presentation delivered by Yemisi Shyllon who was the occasion’s guest speaker. Enjoy:

The occasion was the 5th Sina Egberongbe Annual Lecture, at the Nigerian Society of Engineers secretariat, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The assigned topic was Meaningful Living In Selflessness. And the choice of the speaker, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, did not come as a surprise having established a reputation as a philanthropist himself who has touched lives in many areas. Nothing could have been more apt in introducing his topic to the audience than repurposing a story Nigeria’s billionaire Femi Otedola once shared with a radio presenter about his experience in unravelling the real meaning of wealth. The reporter had asked him this question: “Sir, what can you remember that has made you, the happiest man in life?”

He had responded thus: “I have gone through four stages of happiness in life and finally, I have come to understand the meaning of true happiness.

“My life’s first stage was to accumulate wealth and means. But at this stage, I did not get the happiness that I wanted.

“Then came the second stage of collecting valuable items. But I soon realised that the effect of this is also temporary and the lustre of valuable things does not last long.

“Then came the third stage of getting big projects. That was when I was holding 95% of the diesel supply in Nigeria and Africa. I was also the largest vessel owner in Africa and Asia. But even with that, I did not get the happiness I imagined, for myself.

“The fourth stage was the time when a friend of mine requested me to buy wheelchairs for some disabled children. Some about 200 kids.

“At that friend’s request, I immediately bought the wheelchairs.

But the friend insisted that I go with him and hand over the wheelchairs to the children. I then got ready and went with him.

“I gave the wheelchairs to those children with my own hands. I saw the strange glow of happiness on the faces of those children. I saw them all sitting in the wheelchairs, moving around and having great fun.

“It was as if they had arrived at a picnic spot where they were sharing some won jackpot.

“I felt REAL joy inside me. However, when I decided to leave, one of the kids grabbed my legs. I tried to gently free my legs, but the child stared at my face and continued to hold my legs tightly. I bent down and asked the child: Do you still need something?

“The answer this child gave me, not only made me happy but also thereafter, changed my attitude to life completely. This child said: “I want to remember your face so that when I meet you in heaven, I will be able to recognise you, to thank you once again”. Shyllon said Otedola’s response captures the essence of meaningful living. “Fellow engineers, what would we be remembered for, after we leave our offices or this world?” Shyllon said, adding: “Would anyone desire to see our faces again, where it will all matter?

WHAT IS MEANINGFUL LIVING?

Meaningful living according to Shyllon, “is about deriving happiness from providing selfless services to one’s society. It is a lifestyle. It involves living a life of giving, planting seeds for trees that will someday give shade to people that we may never meet again during our lifetime. It is a lifestyle of deriving happiness from joining others to promote the welfare of many others.”

HAPPINESS

Stressing that one cannot live and enjoy life till eternity, Shyllon remarked that there is a limit to how long or number of years any human being can live irrespective of status and achievements while on earth.

Shyllon: “For a start, let us share some interesting statistical facts of life, about man’s biblical lifespan of 70 years. Indeed 70 years amounts to only 25,568 days on Earth. If one lives up to 80 years, it would be for a total of 29,220 days on Earth. For the very few that live up to 90 years, they will only enjoy living for 32,873 days on Earth. Even those who may live over 100 years, will never make 50,000 days on earth.”

TRANSGENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION

In the words of Shyllon, “This serves to remind us all, about the futility of man’s relentless and endless search for the accumulation of wealth, without giving and connecting with basic humanity and society. Many

people solely focus on things that have to do with material wealth, such as having cars, building and buying properties, buying jewellery and other selfish illusions of life, that are generally not meaningful to the real essence of human living. Inspiration for a meaningful living can be drawn from Winston Churchill’s (1874-1965) quote “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

HAPPINESS IS IN GIVING

To drive home his submission that there is happiness in giving, Shyllon said giving instead of receiving as life’s pursuit, has been identified by philosophers, to be a major ingredient for living meaningful life.

CONFUCIUS (551BC - 479BC)

The Chinese philosopher Confucius, (551BC – 479BC) was the first philosopher to state that; “He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.” Thus, a life of devotion to charity is a veritable means of living a meaningful life, as it is widely accepted by positive psychologists.

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGISTS AND MEANINGFUL LIVING

Positive psychology is that field of social studies, which engages in expanding the virtues of man’s meaningful living. Some researchers in this field have differentiated the distinction between living a meaningful life and living a happy one. The result of such various research suggests that there is more to life than happiness.

ROY BAUMEISTER – FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Roy Baumeister, a Francis Eppes Professor of Psychology at the Florida State University, USA, published a paper in the Journal of Positive Psychology, co-authored with some other researchers at the Universities of Minnesota and Stanford, USA, which extensively espoused, that, “A happy life, is significantly different from a meaningful life.

“In their research studies, they surveyed 397 adults, looking out for the correlation between people’s levels of happiness, meaningfulness, and other various aspects of life, including behaviour, moods, relationships, health, stress levels, working lives, creative pursuits, and more. Their findings reveal that meaningful life is distinct from a life of happiness.

“Meaningful life is not connected with whether one

is healthy, has abundant wealth, or feels comfortable in life. It goes far beyond all these.”

From their research, they identified some major differences between living a happy life and living a meaningful life, among which are the following:

1. Happy people tend to satisfy their wants and needs, but these seem largely irrelevant to living a meaningful life.

2. Happiness involves focusing on the present, whereas meaningfulness of life involves thinking more about the past, present, and future—and the relationship between them.

3. Happiness was seen as fleeting, while meaningful living seems to last longer.

4. The meaningfulness of life is derived from giving to other people, whereas happiness comes from what is received.”

HENRI FAYOL (1841-1925)

ABRAHAM MASLOW (1908-1970)

FEELING GOOD THROUGH “DOING GOOD”

Illustrating the provisions of various religious books and beliefs of adherents, the guest lecturer, cited Holy Quran and Holy Bible as well as Budhists’ position on what constitutes meaningful leaving saying “Meaningful living is enjoined in the holy books, as contained in the Koran (2: 261)”

THE HOLY QURAN

“Those who bestow their wealth in the way of God, are like the grains of corn that sprouts seven ears; a hundred grains in every ear. So, God multiplies for those whom he will.”

Also, the Quran states in Chapter 18 vs 110 that, God states to Mohammed that, “Oh Mohammed: I am no more than a human being like you; one to whom revelation is made’’. “Your Lord is the one and only God. Hence, whoever looks forward to meeting his Lord, let him do righteous.

Buddhists also provide for the required action, in what is called Dana. The concept of Dana includes giving, sharing and selflessly giving without the anticipation of any returns or benefits to the giver. Dana also provides for giving one’s sweat, with givers donating their time and efforts, for the good of others, without getting anything in return.

In Hinduism, as stated by Swami Vivekananda, the great secret of true success and true happiness, is this: the man or woman who asks for no returns, the perfectly unselfish person, is the most successful”.

THE HOLY BIBLE

“The Bible also emphasises the same in the words of Apostle Paul, as contained in 1 Corinthians 13:13.

“And now abideth faith, hope and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity”. The Bible also recognises doing good, as God’s identification of his own religion, as contained in James 1:27.

“In general, philosophers, religionists, theologists and historians are in agreement, in their emphasis, that money cannot buy happiness. Various research conducted by positive psychologists also confirms this.

Indeed, Positive Psychology researchers have found that working on something philanthropic has deeper and more lasting effects on human well-being than the empty pursuit of pleasure, profit, wealth and the good things of life.

PROFESSOR MARTIN SELIGMAN

For instance, Professor Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology and professor at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA, has established a strong correlation between doing well and feeling good. In class assignments, he got students to engage in fun, such as watching movies with friends or volunteering to help others. The students invariably

found putting the needs of others before their own, as more profoundly satisfying than seeking fun for themselves. He found that “Eventually, you need to find a way to use your strength for something beyond yourself or you would only wind up doing what is called ‘fidgeting unto death.”

STEVE JOBS (1955 - 2011)

At this stage, please let me share with you the last words of Steve Jobs on his deathbed, which go to buttress the importance of meaningful living.

“I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes, my life is the epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.”

APPLE COMPUTER

“At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realise that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death. In the darkness, I look at the green lights from life-supporting machines and hear humming mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of the god of death drawing closer…. Now I know, when we have accumulated sufficient wealth to last our lifetime, we should pursue other matters that are unrelated to wealth…. The wealth I have won in my life I cannot bring with me. What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love…. Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – Life.

“When a person goes into the operating room, he will realise that there is one book that he has yet to finish reading –the Book of Healthy Life…. Please let us substitute his book of healthy life for the book of meaningful living. Treat yourself well. Cherish others,” - Steve Jobs

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS TO THE VALUE OF MEANINGFUL LIVING

The parting message from Steve Jobs is confirmed by many other thinkers including, but not limited to the poet Maya Angelou (1928-2014), who stated that “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”

In practice, the lifestyle of meaningful living involves creating a room from limited means, for giving to those who do not have one, empathising with the poor, underprivileged and the physically handicapped of this world. In doing these, we will end up leaving a rich legacy behind, of selflessness, philanthropism (in whichever way one is best suited for us) and making meaningful contributions to our immediate community, society and the world. In doing this, we will thus be selflessly making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in want in our society. This enjoinment agrees with man’s spiritual essence as captured by Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) to the effect that.

HENRY WARD BEECHER (1813-1887)

Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven”.

Explaining further, the guest lecturer presented the story of a woman, who visited her psychiatrist depressed, but left better after listening to another person’s story.

Shyllon said, “A beautiful and rich woman, in an expensive dress, came to her psychiatrist, saying that she was depressed, her life was meaningless and was seeking happiness. The psychiatrist then called an old lady named Mary, who usually cleaned office floors and told her to tell her story. So, the old lady put down her broom, sat on a chair and told her story.

“My husband died of cancer, three months after which, my only son was later killed by a car…. I then had nobody and nothing left. I could not sleep; I could not eat and I could not smile at anyone. I even thought of taking my own life. Then one evening, a kitten followed me home from work. Somehow, I felt sorry for that kitten. It was cold outside, so I decided to let the kitten in. I got some milk and the kitten licked the plate clean. Then it rubbed against my leg and for the first time in months, I smiled.

“In general, philosophers, religionists, theologists and historians are in agreement, in their emphasis, that money cannot buy happiness. Various research conducted by positive psychologists also confirms this”

Shyllon

NATION-BUILDING AND DEMANDS OF CITIZENSHIP

Nigeria should work with the US in engaging North African countries in order to address rising racial conflicts,

NORTH AFRICA, U.S. AFRICA STRATEGY AND NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

See Page 20

OYO AND HOUSE DEPUTY SPEAKERSHIP AFEEZ BOLAJI Repete canvasses

a good reward for loyalty to the APC

At a National Security Council meeting of the Tunisian government in late February 2023, President Kais Saied triggered racist attacks against black African immigrants, describing them as perpetrators of violence and crimes, and attempting to change Tunisia’s demographic composition. His statements, which highlight some of the racial issues that had impinged unity in Africa, led to waves of violence and abuse against thousands of Black Africans who reside, school and work in Tunisia. This is despite the fact that black Tunisian citizens make up 10 percent of the country’s population. A not too similar but also disturbing situation is playing out in the ongoing Sudan crisis, where Egypt, another North African country, is requesting for visas arrangements organised by the Nigerian government. The implications of these events, what it means for true unity and development in Africa, and the possible collaborative foreign policy response by Nigeria and the United States (US), are of main concern.

See Page 20

EDITORIAL

ALL EYES ON THE PRESIDENTIAL TRIBUNAL

As a result of President Saied’s actions, quite a number of the estimated 21,000 subSaharan African immigrants in the country suddenly lost their jobs and housing. Hundreds of them were arbitrarily arrested and held in detention centres, with many, including those with Tunisian passports, facing racial abuse on the streets. Many immigrants subsequently camped outside the International Organization for Migration headquarters in Tunis, while some sought refuge in their home countries’ embassies. In response to these attacks, many African countries launched repatriation schemes for their citizens, which is a sad tale for African unity - or any thoughts of it.

Tunisia’s legislature passed the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination Act in

Also, that this event occurred in a country

lot about the actual state of things between Africans from south of the Sahara, and their counterparts from North Africa. Together with the hands of Egyptian authorities, and other recorded cases, it can therefore be safely argued that it is not just a Tunisian problem, but a problem in North African countries. It also further underscores the somewhat unsettled issue of whether Maghreb countries are Arab, or African.

See Page 45

This racist event to a large extent, makes mockery of grand socioeconomic plans by the leadership of the continent led by the African and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) can hardly be achieved, if such relations among component parts of the continent exist.

So, what can possibly be done to address

this dichotomy between Africans from south of the Sahara, and North Africa?

Well, in times of such crises, victims and interested persons look up to certain countries to play leadership roles, towards resolving these problems. Nigeria is the most populous and largest economy in Africa and south of the Sahara, and it is only normal that victims look up to countries such as Nigeria to play a redeeming role. The expectation on countries such as Nigeria is backed by precedence, as it the apartheid government in South Africa, where Nigeria became a ‘frontline state’. Besides, Nigeria has also played leading roles in providing political support to other African states, such as through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), in which in Sierra Leone and Liberia respectively, in in both countries to an end, between 1990 and

Contemporary socioeconomic circumstances however mean that Nigeria may not be able to provide such unilateral international support, as part of its active diplomacy. Government budgetary provisions for such international diplomatic responses have been on the decline, which make frontline and ECOMOG-like interventions not feasible. Such challenging circumstances however require some innovative moves and foreign policy entrepreneurial approaches, or partnerships, for desired goals to be attained.

This is where the U.S. Strategy Towards Sub-Saharan Africa of 2022, comes in. It is among the main overt foreign policy

strategy documents that the well-resourced US foreign policy establishment has, for its engagement with African countries, south of of the President, National Security Council, this US foreign policy document has as part of its strategy, a resetting of its relations with African countries, as part of ‘A 21st Century U.S.-African Partnership’. Under these partnerships, there is the objective to bolster civil society, through which there will be efforts at addressing racial justice and inequality. Also, part of the 21st century partnerships strategy envisaged by the US is to transcend geographical seams, where the US aims to deepen cooperation with bureaucratic division between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa’.

It is this particular partnership opportunity that the foreign policy arm of the Nigerian government should explore, in addressing the racial challenges that black Africans face in North Africa. Working together with the US government, Nigeria can lead other likeminded African countries to work with the US in engaging North African countries, toward ensuring that the causes of this racial attacks are addressed, as a means of ensuring that they do not occur again. Given the long history of the trans-Saharan slave trade, as well as its outcomes, holistically addressing these issues will require years of engagement, proposed partnership with the US allows for leveraging of resources by both countries, for

Nation-building is a function of leadership as well as citizenship, reckons FREDRICK NWABUFO

writes CHUKWUEMEKA UWANAKA

NATION-BUILDING AND DEMANDS OF CITIZENSHIP

OYO AND HOUSE DEPUTY SPEAKERSHIP

AFEEZ BOLAJI REPETE canvasses a good reward for loyalty to the APC

The broth has been successfully cooked. The soup is ready. As the Yoruba say, all manner of knives rear their ugly heads whenever the humongous flesh of the elephant is due for slaughter, both the idle knife and the one that was negatively critical of the process that led to the killing of the animal. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully midwifed the presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all manner of prongs are being brought forward for the dissection of the elephantine meat that is the proceeds of the sweats of the zones of Nigeria. In this contest and melee for the meat of the elephant, every of the buccaneers whose knives are poised on the ready for the sharing of the huge meat needs to learn the basic rules which, in all civil gathering, should inform or be the basis for the sharing of the meaty spoils, in this case, the presidency of Asiwaju Tinubu.

To suggest that the advancement of any society chiefly hangs on the elements of homogeneity and lateral filial connections is a self-determining fallacy. Nature bubbles in divergence and eclecticism. The beauty and wonders of our world are by the fashioning of heterogenous intelligence. Man was not made to be culturally, socially, morphologically, and linguistically unipolar.

So, in essence, Nigeria’s multiformity is not the dominating factor for its seeming ungovernability. Rather, it is the abuse and exploitation of differences; abnegation of civic duty, denuded understanding of citizenship, refusal to submit to the collective interest, native nationalism, and the absence of a rallying identity and cause, that are the denominators of Nigeria’s quandary.

Those who say Nigeria needs to splinter according to ethnic determination to achieve unity, peace and progress are ignorant of the complexities of natural design. “Presumed homogeneity” does not guarantee unity, peace, or progress among a people.

In fact, a good number of the world’s most successful countries are so endowed by the nourishment and talents of their diverse population. There is wealth in diversity.

More so, homogeneity does not exist in the true sense of the word among any ethnic classification. For instance, in the south-east, which is wrongly viewed as a homogenous society, there are subgroups and splinter groups within the entity. There are also many varying derivative dialects across communities and towns, some of which native Igbo speakers may not understand.

The variant of Igbo spoken in my native town is different from that spoken in other towns within the same state. There is also no homogeneity in religion. And there have been cases of clashes among communities over differences bordering on politics, land, and other contentions. In fact, my native town and a neighbouring town do not agree. There is still a disputation over land to date.

So, essentially, the argument that a Nigeria carved up along sectional contours will become united and prosperous is a slothful one. It shows a vacancy of thought and reason. Nigeria’s challenge is not its diversity, but the unwillingness of its leaderships and followership to be deliberate citizens.

We are citizens of Nigeria by the fashioning of fate, marriage, or naturalisation. But are we deliberate about our citizenship? Being deliberate citizens implies a commitment to the ethos of the country and a discharge of our responsibility to fatherland.

The 1999 constitution (as amended) spells out these responsibilities as: “Section 24 (a) -It shall be the duty of every citizen to – (As Nigerians, we owe our country to do the following:) abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and legitimate authorities; (Obey the constitution and respect our national authorities and icons;)

“Section 24 (b) - help to enhance the power, prestige, and good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria, and render such national service as may be required; (Promote Nigeria’s reputation and power and defend the country if the need arises;)

“Section 24 (c) - respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood; (Live in peace and unity with all others, respecting their own individual rights;)

“Section 24 (d) - make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress, and well-being of the community where he resides; (Support the development of your local community;)

“Section 24 (e) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order; and (Help government agencies maintain the law;)

“Section 24 (f) - declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay his tax promptly. (Declare and pay the truthful and complete tax on time.)”

My interest here is in section 24 (b) and (c) which stipulates that as citizens we must promote Nigeria and defend its reputation as well as respect the dignity of other citizens and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood.

It takes deliberate citizenship to actuate these ideals. It takes an attuned citizenry to live by the laid downs of our constitution. Clearly, we have been remiss in this regard. Nation-building is by and large citizens doing the building. There is the place of leadership, but the office of the citizen is a critical trigger for the change we seek. We cannot abandon the responsibility of building Nigeria to anyone.

Nation-building will not be possible if a number of citizens are largely ignorant or insouciant about their part in solving the puzzle. The leadership can do its bit, but in our pottery wheel lies the greater task of moulding Nigeria the way we want it to be.

Nwabufo is a media executive

No sooner had the reality of the Tinubu presidency come to maturation than these buccaneers started to dissect the meat. One of the chunky meats that is ripe for butchering is the meat of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. As we speak, many zones have been in a stampede for it. They come with all manner of rationalizations, rational and subrational and even laughable, on why their zones should be the one to grab the position. Aside this seat, the jostling for other positions have been frenetic and quite very hot too.

However, in this piece, this writer wants to advance very logical arguments on why Oyo State, the seat of the old Western Region and one of the most supportive states for the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu presidency, should be the most entitled state to own that position.

Let us begin from the holistic zone of the South West. That zone is not only committed to the Tinubu ideal, it delivered massive votes for Asiwaju Tinubu in the last presidential election. Indeed, the second largest number of votes in all the six geo political zones in the country was delivered by the South west. You will recall that, during the electioneering process, there were feisty fear that the South west, judging by the number of nay-sayers that had populated the political landscape in that part of the country, might replicate the Olusegun Obasanjo unenviable record where the ex-president’s own geographic zone failed to elect him in the 1999 presidential election. Though it eventually does not have any political or legal impact once the candidate is elected by the other parts of Nigeria, the fact that the candidate’s people fail or refrain from electing them is a huge moral burden that they need to discharge. This was the moral burden that Obasanjo carried and which, during his second term, he fought strenuously to take off his shoulders. It was thus with huge apprehension that lovers and believers in the Asiwaju Tinubu candidacy went into the process, however believing strongly that their own people would see reason in his presidency and thus massively vote for him.

Immediately the electioneering process began, the South West literally took a deep journey into herself and roused up its electorate, spreading the gospel that if Tinubu won the rest of Nigeria without the votes of his own people, the South West would have stamped in history an unenviable and indeed shameful political pedigree. Out of the love it had for its own son, the South West heeded that call and voted massively for the man who is today Nigeria’s president-elect. Thus, in the mix of the victory for Asiwaju Tinubu, we must not let go of the fact that the South west rose from the ashes of probable defeat by the forces of darkness and stood stoutly in the defence of its own son.

Having drawn a larger picture of the South west of Nigeria, there is also the need to extrapolate this win of the Tinubu presidency and localize, indeed locate it within the vortex of the actions that took place in the election. Let us begin from the South West as a zone. That zone delivered massive votes for Asiwaju and, delivered the second largest number of votes in all the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. Now, coming to Oyo State, that state, in the election

under reference, delivered the biggest margin of votes in the South West. Since figures don’t lie, it will be interesting to double-down on the strides that Oyo State made in that election.

For instance, while Ekiti delivered the sum of 201,494 votes for President-elect Bola Tinubu and had a difference of 111,940 between its votes for Tinubu and Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar; Osun State had 343,945 for the APC and 354,366 for the combine of PDP and LP, with a difference of minus 10,421. Ondo State had 369,924 votes for Tinubu, 115,463 for both PDP/LP and had a difference of 254,461. Ogun had 341,554 for Tinubu, while Lagos, the home state of the president-elect, got him 572,606 but with a figure of 582,454 for the opposition, with a difference of minus 9,848. Oyo State, on the converse, posted 449,884 and 182,977 for both LP and PDP, with a difference of 266,907.

I went into the above to be able to say that the support and commitment of the people of Oyo State for the Tinubu presidency was not just a fluke but a meticulously articulated one. However, when it now comes to the harvest of the sweats of the various actors’ energies, various persons have been seeking to jab the state and make sure that it does not reap the sweats of its labour.

Apart from its strides in the election, Oyo State is cast for the role of the Deputy Speakership of the House of Representatives for many other reasons. The reasons are here stated. One is that, Oyo as a state has never had the privilege of producing a presiding officer in the National Assembly. This is a fact that can be cross-checked. The second information that would be necessary in the consideration of where this position should go is that Oyo State is also the only State in the South West that is without any significant major federal position, despite the number of votes that the people of this ancient state polled for our dear president-elect.

More significantly is that, as frenetic as its efforts were in the last elections, Oyo State does not have an APC sitting governor. This seems to be a drawback for a state that used to be the seat of progressive government in Nigeria. For this same state to now add this very debilitating political trauma to that of never having the privilege to produce a presiding officer in the NASS, and specifically, the only state in the South West without any significant major federal position despite the numbers they poll, is a triple political tragedy. When the issue of the votes polled by Oyo State comes for review, this should be taken against the backdrop that Oyo also delivered the biggest margin in the South West, despite the fact that it didn’t have a sitting governor.

What all these translate to mean is that, with the victory of the PDP in Oyo State for a second term running, the APC in the state will not have a sitting governor for eight years, no NASS position and will be a political orphan among states of reckoning, in spite of its massive contributions to the political joy that the APC relishes today.

Nation-building is a function of leadership as well as citizenship, reckons FREDRICK NWABUFO

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email

peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ALL EYES ON THE PRESIDENTIAL TRIBUNAL

The

courts should allow justice to prevail by placing a premium on facts before them

The presidential election petitions tribunal will tomorrow begin the hearing of petitions challenging the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president-elect. According to the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Mahmood Yakubu on 1st March, Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 8.8 million votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who garnered 6.9 million votes, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) who amassed 6.1 million votes, and 15 others. The petitions by Atiku and Obi seek to cancel the election or declare them as winners. Some candidates of the other fringe parties have also filed petitions at the tribunal against the declaration.

We take no interest in the arguments and counter arguments being canvassed by the parties in the presidential election dispute. Indeed, it is not in our place to analyse the weight of evidence before the tribunal. That is the task of the fiveman panel that will begin to sit from tomorrow. But it is the sacred duty of the judiciary, in this case the tribunal, to safeguard the rights and liberty of the citizens. Respecting such rights forms the bedrock upon which the society lays claim to civilisation. The main concern here is the primacy of the law in the settlement of disputes in a nation where endless post-election litigations and protracted court processes have infected the judiciary with the massive corruption that has unfortunately now become part of the brand identity of Nigerian politics. Meanwhile, we align ourselves with the argument that it should not always take months or years to adjudicate on election disputes. Speed and accuracy are of vital importance, particularly in the matter at hand. It is precisely on that premise that some people now advocate that the president-elect should not be sworn in until the case is concluded. Whatever may be the merit of that suggestion, there is no precedent for it in our political history. It is also a recipe for constitutional crisis since the incumbent

Letters

However, this is a critical challenge that has for which a more sensible solution must be found. There are several examples from ot her countries that we can cite, including within the continent, where dispensing with presidential election cases does not take long. In Kenya, it took exactly two weeks between the time petitions election and when the judgment was delivered by their Supreme Court. It is the same in many other countries. The lesson is that in election and other related matters where order and national stability are at stake, the judiciary must act expeditiously.

election petitions are to be declaration of results. The respondents also to the petitions. The hearing and judgement at the tribunal of first instance are supposed months to conclude a case that will still end up at the Supreme Court is an affirmation of the legal maxim, “Justice delayed is justice denied”. Besides, the intervening uncertainties usually create a situation in which every politician would be writing their own judgement based on their interpretation of the law in a divided polity.

As the presidential election petition tribunal begins sitting tomorrow, the Judges must recognise the function of law as an instrument of social engineering by ensuring that substantial justice is not only done but is seen to have been done by Nigerians. That will only happen if they place a premium on facts put before them rather than on legal technicalities. But we also urge petitioners at all levels to recognise that this will not be the last general election in the country. To that extent, they should eschew anything that would cast aspersion on the ongoing judicial process. The ideals of responsible citizenship demand that.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief(150-200 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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer

RISING CRIME RATE IN NIGERIA

general elections, Nigeria experienced some calm and safety. It was nuanced that the sponsors of terrorism, banditry and other crimes were too occupied with the electioneering. Few weeks after the elections and announcement of results, the spate of insecurity is on the rise again. It is quite disheartening to see young men of school age involved in various crimes. Education in Nigeria has been so much degraded that most youths view it as a waste of money, time and resources. Due to incessant strikes and other bottlenecks in the high institutions, majority of the students have embraced cybercrimes, internet fraud (Yahoo plus) and kidnapping. Some of the university professors on the other hand are used by the incumbent government to perpetuate electoral fraud and announcement of election results marred by irregularities.

A pertinent question seeking for answers is: why do individuals take up leadership

positions in Nigeria? To feather their own nest? Take on an uneasy head bearing a crown? Become famous and popular? Or to be precursors to the demands of common good, improve and make their society better and livable?

Do we need a soothsayer to declare that the network of criminality is getting stronger every day in Nigeria? Several state governors have abandoned the security of lives and property to providence and fate due to incessant killings and lack of cooperation from the federal government. All these happenings corroborate the statement that ‘the society we abuse today, will take revenge on us tomorrow’. seen in different church denominations thanking God for sparing their lives from bloodthirsty men. We may not need the analysis of criminologists to validate that the corruption of the best is the worst of religious intolerance which had often

bedeviled the nation are ignored due to our narrow-minded leaders. The wealthy and the rich are not the only ones affected by the high rate of crimes; poor farmers and others are often attacked by armed men.

Moreover, we cannot discuss crime in Nigeria without referring to APC-led government at the federal level which promised to end insurgency, terrorism, has failed woefully in protecting lives and property. The rate at which young people embraces crime is an indicator of a failure on the part of government. Ritual money, ritual killings and celebration of evil practices is on the increase. Thuggery and touting were the mechanism used by the ruling party in some states to win election. Kidnapping and demand for ransom are always evolving into different forms in the South eastern part of Nigeria. In some parts of Nigeria, Christians do not attend churches again for fear of losing their lives.

Undoubtedly, there is crime in every

corner of the world but the rate of crimes in Nigeria is alarming. The dignity, sanctity and sacredness of human life is derided. Even priests and men of God are not spared in the quest for quick money or innocent blood. Some Catholic priests have been killed and others kidnapped. The masses in Nigeria are faced with the worst scenario of their life every day. Night life is a thing of the past in some cities. Families, friends, relations and well-wishers are too scared to attend social events like burials, party, picnic and recreational outdoor programmes.

As solution is not forthcoming from the government, many are taking laws into their hands in a bid to protect themselves. To clean up Nigeria is a great task. Only a competent, capable hand with integrity can make Nigerians smile and sleep with their two eyes closed again.

Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu, Trade Fair Complex, ASPAMDA, Lagos

Judges must recognise the function of law as an instrument of social engineering by ensuring that substantial justice is not only done but is seen to have been done by Nigerians

Deepening Threats to Global Peace and Security: Implications of the Kremlin Drone Attack

Threats to global peace and security are on daily basis deepening.This development has prompted several speculations. Former President of the United States, Mr DonaldTrump, has warned about aThird World War in the making. As he put it on April 5, 2023,‘this could very well lead under the Biden administration’s leadership to an all-out nuclearWorldWar IIIs.We’re not very far from it, believe it or not.’President DonaldTrump gave this warning in light of dangers from other countries that are threatening.

He gave the example of US-North Korean relationship under his administration. He depicted the relationship thus: ‘I had a great relationship with President Xi, with Kim Jong Un.You would’ve had a nuclear war had Obama’s reign continued for a number of months. The relationship started off rough. I was saying little rocket man, and he was saying “I’ve got a red button on my desk and I’m willing to use it”and I say I have a red button too and mine’s bigger and mine works.’ In the eyes of Donald Trump, he did his best to smoothen ties with North Korea, meeting him twice, of which one took place in Singapore. However, today, ‘it’s the opposite, now he’s shooting missiles all over the place and he can’t stand Biden – he hates him, he says very bad things about him by the way.’

The import of the foregoing is the impression that, under President Joe Biden, the foreign policy attitude of the United States is aiding and abetting the resort to nuclear-driven Third World War. Will there be or not a Third World War? Why talk about a World War III and not simply about another EuropeanThirdWorldWar?Why is everyWorld War beginning from Europe or from the First World and the Third World would then be joined?

The grim warning by China is equally interesting. China similarly draws public attention to a possible World War III, because of Russia’s nuclear plans. Russia wants to send nuclear weapons to Belarus, an ally of Russia in the war in Ukraine. Malcolm Davis, an Australian foreign affairs analyst, says that it is not in the interest of the West to allow Russia to win the war in Ukraine, hence the need to continue to sustain Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion.The problem with this sustainable support and resistance is that the support does not include sending troops. Only military logistics are being provided.The policy attitude is to allow Ukrainians to do the battle while avoiding a direct military confrontation with Russia. Put differently, efforts are being made to present the war as if it is between Russia and Ukraine. But how is Russian special intervention perceived by China and Russia?

DeepeningThreats to Global Peace

Related to the above threats is the potential conflict between China and the United States over unification of Mainland China andTaiwan, or over the future of the policy of‘One China, Two Systems.’It should be recalled that, at the end of World War II, Taiwan and Penghu, both islands, were placed under the care of the Kuomintang government of Republic of China on 25 October, 1945.The Kuomintang government was in government from 1927 to 1949. It therefore played host to the massacre of February 28, 1947, referred to as the 228 Massacre and as the Peace Memorial Day. On that day, the Chinese Nationalist Party government or the Kuomintang government violently suppressed anti-government uprising in Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party eventually proclaimed the People’s Republic of China, and compelled the Kuomintang government to consider relocattion toTaiwan from where they enjoyed much of development aid from Japan and development of capitalism. The Governor of the Taiwan Province declared a martial law in 1949.

This development compelled the Kuomintang government to withdraw from Mainland China at the end of the civil war in 1949 to Taiwan and to declareTaipei as its temporary capital. By so doing, there were two competing authorities claiming governmental legitimacy over China. However, in 1971, the United Nations put a stop to the duality of claims of authority over China by recognising only the People’s Republic of China. The Republic of China government was sacked. A democratisation process was put in place after the lifting of the martial law in 1987. This was the background to the dispute between the People’s Republic of China and the United States. The Beijing authorities have not been against maintaining a capitalist system in Taiwan, and has therefore subscribed to the policy of One China, Two Systems,’ that is, One United, inseparable China with

socialo-communist and capitalist systems. This is the foreign policy Beijing has generally given as conditionality for maintaining warm diplomatic conditions with other sovereign States.

In this regard, the United States and its Western allies wantTaiwan to remain completely autonomous as a democratic, capitalist state. China maintains that there cannot be two Chinas and has not shown readiness to compromise on the matter.To a great extent, the Beijing authorities appear to have a well-justified policy stance for two reasons.

First, both Beijing and Taipei admit that Taiwan and Penghu islands were returned to the Republic of China based on the 1945 Japanese instrument of surrender. Secondly, if the United Nations sacked the Government of the Republic of China as from 1971 as representative of China, Beijing cannot but have the sovereign right over the whole of China. It is against this background that the Retrocession Day (a public holiday to commemorate the return ofTaiwan to the Republic of China on 25 October 1945) should be understood.

One critical controversy here is the conflict between the significance of Retrocession Day, and the international recognition of the authorities of the People’s Republic of China as the legal representative of China. Explained differently, there is always the principle of continuity of political governance.The Kuomintang administration preceded the governmentofthePeople’sRepublicofChina.Themomentanendwas put to the Kuomintang government, the assets and liabilities should be inherited by the successor government. This controversy is not different from the struggle for self-determination in many countries of the world.The United Nations does not encourage disintegration in Member States of the United Nations.Yet, international law provides for the rule of self-determination in the context of decolonisation and denial of justice, oppression, etc., in the context of constitutive regions of an existing State. This is a political lull that is begging for

If truth be told, Ukraine is a testing battle ground for new weapons and opportunity for the West to weaken Russia as a great power. The Taiwan issue is also another opportunity and future battle ground for the West to stop the growing influence of China as an emerging superpower. All the efforts in supporting Ukraine and Taiwan are meant to sustain the United States as primus inter pares in strategic power relationships. The problem, however, while virtually the European observers are talking about World War III, the likely truth remains that the war is not likely to be world or global in execution. It can be global in terms of impact. The support from Africa for another Europeangenerated World War is quite remote for various reasons: Europe and America cannot refuse to send their own soldiers to Ukraine and expect African countries to provide troops. Africa is under the strong influences of Russia and China. In fact, Francophone hostility towards France under President Emmanuel Macron is unprecedented. The use of Sudan as a proxy battlefield is generating hostility. Consequently, Europe must make haste slowly in precipitating another World War in which Africa apparently will not be involved

an enduring solution.

President Putin himself has not helped matters. He has depicted the United States and the NATO as war mongers and has therefore also issued several warnings. For instance, President Putin was reported to have complained that,‘on March 21, United States opened its first ever Permanent Garrison in Poland and eighth in Europe. The latest garrison in Europe is closest to Russia, as Poland is Ukraine’s neighbour and has taken the total US army deployment in the country to 10,000.’ Besides, ‘on March 18, Politico reported that NATO is considering deployment of up to 300,000 troops to the border with Russia amid raging war in Ukraine.’

As further noted by President Putin,‘the United States is building World War II Axis-style alliance… They are creating more and more alliances. And this gives grounds for Western analysts to say that the West is building a new WW axis-style alliance. The United States is creating new alliances using NATO’s new strategic concept, which explicit says it plans to develop relations with Asia-Pacific countries and create a global NATO.’And perhaps more interestingly, President Putin noted that it is the Westerners, and not the Russians, that have said that ‘the West is starting to build a new axis similar to the one that was created back in the 1930s by the fascist regimes in Germany and Italy, and militarist Japan.’

From the foregoing, it can be rightly argued that accusations levied by Russia’s Putin are part of the rationales for Russia’Special Military Intervention in Ukraine and the imminent clash with US-led NATO forces. If the 8th US garrison is the closest to Russia, through Poland, and Poland is a Member State of the European Union, is the RussoUkrainian war not going to be more externalised from Europe? Will the war truly be a World War or remain essentially a European war? Whatever is the case, global peace and security is unnecessarily being threatened with the likely use of nuclear arms. In fact, the big powers are always interested in testing their new weapons and as such, they not only aid and abet belligerency but also take side with warring parties. Imagine the quest of the United States to mediate the dispute between Israel and the Palestinians. It is a truism to state that the United States is supporting Israel against the Palestinians. How can the United States be seeking to mediate while having partisan position? What is particularly noteworthy here is that there is the likelihood of the use of tactical nuclear weapons for the simple reason of the common desire to win the war by all means. The United States cannot cope with the rise in both Russian and Chinese influence to the detriment of American power. Russia’s vehement opposition to NATO presence near its international borders is best explained by Shakespeare’s Macbeth observation that ‘the near in blood, the nearer bloody.’The war is a must win for Russia, especially that the first launch of military intervention came from Russia. As explained by Dmitry Rogozin, an ex-head of Russian Space Agency, President Vladimir Putin should unleash nuclear weapons followingPresidentPutin’sallegationthatUkrainehadtriedtoassassinate him. As he reportedly put it,‘Russia has no option, but to use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine.’Additionally, it is believed that, with the increasing logistical support being given by Euro-American countries to Ukraine, Ukraine cannot but have conventional war advantage over Russia. Deductively, the only way to ensure the defeat of Ukraine cannot but also require the use of tactical nuclear weapons. In this regard, if Russia is compelled to use tactical nuclear weapons, will there not be a reciprocal use of tactical nuclear weapons, if not more use of serious nuclear response, by the NATO supporters of Ukraine?

And perhaps more importantly, President Putin noted at the meeting of Russia’s Council of Legislators last week that‘our partnership, or, one might say, already former partners, in some countries, are maniacally destroying the legal framework and channels of communication, trying to impose their views and so-called rules on everyone. What are the rules? Nobody saw them. They are writing something under the covers, and they themselves are doing something with that under the covers. Most significantly, Putin said ‘we are not going to crawl under the covers with them. But we are not going to follow their rules, either. We will expand pragmatic, equal, mutually beneficial, exclusively partnership relations with friendly countries in Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America’(vide the HindustanTimes for more details). The implications of the foregoing warnings are not far-fetched.

The 2023 Kremlin Drone Attack

The recent drone attacks on the Kremlin are a major aggravation of the increasing threats to global peace and security. The attacks are important because of the fresh concerns they raise and particularly because of the militaro- political significance of Kremlin. Kremlin simply refers to ‘Moscow Kremlin.’ Kremlin is a Russian word for ‘fortress’ or ‘citadel.’ It does not mean outer city wall but a fortress within a city. Grosso modo, every Kremlin is located at the centre of the city. In Russia, the Kremlin has been serving as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation since 1991. If there is a drone attack on the official residence of the President, what really would have been the ultimate objective?

The Kremlin was constructed in the period from 1776 to 1787. Could the objective have been to destroy only the building without the main occupant? Some observers have argued that the objective could not have been for Ukraine to kill Vladimir Putin because the Ukrainian leader cautiously monitors the movement of the Russian leader, and therefore knew that President Putin was not at the Kremlin by the time of the drone attacks on Wednesday, 3rd May, 2023. Who really should be held responsible for the drone attacks? Read

Zelenskyy

MTV Shuga Naija to Premiere in May, Throws Light on Arranged Marriages

Stories by Vanessa Obioha

After its exclusive premiere in Lagos, MTV Shuga Naija makes a grand return to the screen for its fifth season. The series produced by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation tackles the real-life issues that affect the youth in Nigeria today. From relationships to health, the show explores the complex challenges that young people face daily.

The new season tells the story of Moh (Gbubemi Ejeye), a bright young woman who must make a difficult decision when her parents force her into an arranged marriage with an older man and her family’s benefactor.

Bringing the eight-part series to life is a delightful mix of established on-screen legends and rising stars including Adesua Etomi-Wellington, John Njamah, Tomiwa Tegbe, Maggie Osuome, Okey Uzoeshi, Gbubemi Ejeye, Genoveva Umeh, Ilooise Omohimin, Sharon Jatto, Lexan Peters, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Susan Pwajok.

Big Brother Titans star, Kanaga Jnr. Eme, and Chioma Edak will be playing lead and supporting acts respectively, having come through the MTV Shuga Naija public auditions last year.

As its tradition, MTV Staying Alive Foundation partnered with Unitaid, Global Innovation Fund, and Paramount for this season “to address issues on gender-

based violence, COVID-19 vaccine confidence, women empowerment, modern contraception, as well as generate demand for the HIV self-testing kits now available in Nigeria,” said Country Manager, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Anita Adesiyan.

“At MTV Staying Alive Foundation, we believe that its main platform Sugar Naija is very necessary to promote awareness and create impact. Gender-based violence, for example, remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with over 31 per cent of young women and girls experiencing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner.

“Furthermore, Nigeria has recorded the second highest epidemic for HIV with over 1.9 million people in Nigeria living with HIV. That is why through MTV Shuga Naija, we are able to raise awareness of these issues and provide necessary information and resources that these young people can use in protecting themselves and their communities,” she added.

Adesiyan also noted that the foundation went beyond screen messaging and peer-to-peer interventions to launch a Talent Accelerator Programme (TAP) that promotes gender participation within the creative industry.

Therefore, the new season produced in partnership with 1Pod Pictures – a female-led production company out of Nigeria – had 11 female interns selected from TAP to work across different departments on set. The MTV Shuga Naija Season 5 crew also had an overall female representation of 80%.

The new season will premiere on May 21 on MTV Base.

“As a network that is committed to engaging with and empowering young people, we recognise the immense impact that this series has in promoting positive behavioural change and sparking important conversations on social issues,” said Country Manager, Paramount, Dr Bada Akintunde-Johnson.

MTV Shuga Naija’s fifth season is set to reach a wider audience later this year through the free-to-air platform NTA. Fans can also catch the entire season on popular streaming platforms Netflix and YouTube.

An Artistic Journey Through Spotify’s African Playlists

For its Nigerian version, seven young Nigerian artists were tasked to create artworks from five different Spotify African playlists: Alter-NATIVE, Naija Bars, Naija Traffic Jams, Hot Hits Naija and African Heat.

The artists Chinaza Nkemka, James Adebayo, Chijioke Anyacho, Kenter Kachina, Odinakachi Okoroafor, Abigail ‘Esoterica’ Oghene and Sotonye Jumbo, whose works cut across classic, contemporary and postmodern art, delivered pieces that take one on an artistic journey through the playlists.

For instance, Oghene, in depicting how alternative music has become acceptable compared to the past, painted a picture of a bull in a jar (also the title of the piece). In another painting, the way Nigerians listen to music when caught in traffic jams was portrayed by a painting of eyes in a rearview mirror and a steering wheel.

Beyond the paintings, the chef of the night, Chef Benedict tantalized guests’ taste buds with a ten-course menu that blended traditional Nigerian ingredients with contemporary flair. Each dish was thoughtfully paired with a corresponding song from a Spotify playlist, creating a harmonious intersection of music and food.

To further enhance the ambience, violinist Tenaviolinist and DJ TohBahd entertained guests with their music. The event also marked the soft launch of Spotify’s VIP program, adding to the overall festive mood.

Inside the colourfully lit Red Door Gallery in Victoria Island on a recent Thursday evening, a group of influencers, media personalities, creators and visual artists were treated to an experiential event that showcased the intersection of music, art and food. The event was the latest in Spotify’s experiential series dubbed #SpotifyMoments. The music streaming platform has recently been expanding its events beyond music, entangling with other elements of culture to provide a holistic experience for music lovers.

Earlier in the year, it held a similar event in South Africa where it paired music with fine dining with the help of top Chef Wandile Mabaso.

Airtel TV Crowns Winner in Inaugural Super Skit-Makers Contest

With the growing popularity of skit-makers in Nigeria, Airtel TV, an entertainment content streaming service by the telecoms company, Airtel, launched a contest Super SkitMakers in March to recognise and celebrate this new crop of talents in the emerging genre.

The competition concluded on Wednesday, May 3, with a prize presentation to the winner at the company’s headquarters in Ikoyi.

The star winner, Qudus Shokunbi, received N1,000,000 cash prize and a scholarship to Del-York Creative Academy, one of Lagos’ top film schools. The second and third-place winners were presented with cash prizes of N500,000 and N250,000, respectively, and scholarships to Del-York Creative Academy. Makers of the top 10 most viewed videos also received branded Airtel TV merchandise for their notable participation.

“I am happy that Airtel TV organised this competition and offered this large prize. Their support will go a long way to encourage more youths to produce more creative skits,” enthused Shokunbi.

“Airtel Nigeria is excited to host the Skit-Makers and celebrate the incredible contributions of young skit-makers

Another artwork titled ‘Monday Morning on 3MB’, was inspired by the Naija Traffic Jams playlist and it told a story about the upbeat and chaotic nature of Lagos traffic. Each piece tells different stories inspired by different songs on the Spotify playlist.

“Across Africa, Spotify has been on the journey of intersecting music with other culture elements that elevate the music listening experience,” said Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, Victor Okpala.

“Nigeria’s contemporary art scene is gaining global recognition just like its music, and we are committed to creating a platform for collaborations between music, art and other cultural elements that will bring Nigerian music to life.”

Faze, Punchline, Phage Bring the Heat to ‘Unknot Your Tie’

A night of hilarity ensued as ‘Unknot Your Tie’, the longrunning comedy series by Nigerian comedian Fagade Olufemi, popularly known as Omobaba, took centre stage debuting at Comedy Zone.

Held at The Zone recently, it showcased a lineup of talented comedians who left the audience in stitches with their various satirical presentations that took the form of standup comedy, spoken word poetry, and songs.

Judging from its lineup, it was a bold attempt to shake up the status quo by giving young, up-and-coming acts a spotlight to shine with fresh materials. The show offered a mix of observational humour and satirical commentary from the acts. From the quirky remarks of comedian Phage to the rousing performance by the duo of Triclowns and Mr Akanbi, the audience was held spellbound.

to the comedy genre in particular, and Nigerian entertainment in general,” said Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja.

“We believe in supporting and promoting creativity in Nigeria, and with Airtel TV, we are thrilled to recognize and reward the impact of these talented creators.”

With the Super Skit-Makers contest, Airtel TV is paving the way for the emerging online skit genre and providing a platform for exceptional talent to be recognized and rewarded. It is hoped that this initiative will inspire more young creators to produce innovative and creative content that will continue to entertain and captivate audiences across Nigeria.

Bringing a different mix was rapper Punchline. He performed ‘If I Be Yahoo Boy,’ dazzling the audience with his flow, penmanship, and sheer bravado. But they were in for a surprise performance. One-third of the defunct boy group Plantashun Boiz, Faze, took to the stage to give an energetic performance.

Faze met and surpassed expectations with a medley performance of ‘Need Somebody’, ‘Originality’, ‘Kpo Kpo Di Kpo’, and ‘Kolomental’, and gave a teaser of ‘Faze Alone’. Though Faze held his own, the rush of nostalgia had the packed audience take the reins singing each line of the songs with impeccable accuracy.

As the night wound down with more acts gracing the stage with the occasional interludes provided by Omobaba, the attendees, by staying till the end, affirmed that the outing for this edition of ‘Unknot Your Tie Tie’ was a success.

Iyke Bede

Akah Nnani and Kaylah Oniwo at #SpotifyMoments

Omobaba

Clockwise: Kanaga Jr, Gbubemi Ejeye and Susan Pwajok

L-R: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon.

KING CHARLES III

All Hail the New King of England

Yesterday, May 6, 2023, King Charles III was officially crowned the monarch of Britain, to sit on a throne his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, held for 70 years before her death last September. Shying away from the lavish and grandiose coronations of the past, King Charles III presented himself as a contemporary ruler who aspires to lead a nation with differing perspectives on the royal family. Vanessa Obioha delves into the life of the new king, highlighting the notable experiences that have shaped his journey

All Hail the New King of England...

For most of his adult life, King Charles III lived in the shadows of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, carrying out his duties as the Prince of Wales. Given his mother’s long reign, not a few wondered if Charles would one day become the king. But on Saturday, May 6, King Charles III finally became the new king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The coronation which took place at the historic Westminster Abbey where most British coronations have been held in the past 900 years, had only 2,800 guests and was streamed live on TV and other digital platforms.

Despite being the second televised coronation ceremony, King Charles III’s coronation ceremony was a toned-down affair and didn’t include all the fanfare and extravaganza that accompanied his late mother’s coronation in 1953. Dressed in layers of glittering robes, including a shimmering gold-sleeved coat called the Supertunica that was made for George V in 1911, the new monarch was anointed by the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. He received the Royal Orb, the two Sovereign’s Sceptres, and the crown, making his reign official, although he has since legally ascended the throne since last September when his mother died.

The festivities continue today with a concert that will feature performances from Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, the Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli and Nigerian afrobeats sensation Tiwa Savage. Bringing the festivities to an end ‘The Big Help Out,’ an initiative in which charities and other organisations across Britain will offer volunteering opportunities for people who want to get involved.

The coronation expenses are usually paid by the British government, in other words, taxpayers’ money. Perhaps due to the rising cost of living crisis, King Charles III decided to have his ceremony on a low key. Notwithstanding, his coronation cost is estimated at $125 million, double of his mother’s coronation expenses. Her coronation cost 1.5 million pounds in 1953, which is about 50 million pounds in today’s money.

King Charles III’s ascendancy to the throne is coming at a time when there are differing opinions about the royal family. A recent poll carried out by YouGov, a renowned market research firm, discovered that 58 per cent of those surveyed believe that Britain should maintain its monarchy, whereas 26 per cent preferred the option of having an elected head of state. However, when scrutinizing the opinions of those aged between 18 to 24, it was evident that fewer than one-third of them favoured the retention of a monarchy.

Notwithstanding, the new king has always maintained that he would uphold the traditions set by his antecedents but with a modern twist. This was seen when the coronation organisers implored the public to pledge allegiance to the new monarch, a departure from the traditional allegiance pledged by hereditary peers, who would line up to kneel before the monarch in Westminster Abbey.

Having lived a life in the spotlight as a young prince, now that he is king, not a few wonder how Charles, now 74 will handle the cameras.

A Prince of Many Firsts

On November 14, 1948, Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth gave birth to her first son Charles. Charles was shortly declared the future king at age three, following the end of his grandfather’s reign. Constantly in the spotlight as a child, Charles was always seen with either his mother or both parents; be it during her coronation in 1953 when he was four years old, or during candid moments at Balmoral castle.

King Charles became the first heir apparent to be tutored outside the palace. He attended Hill House School in West London, and subsequently Cheam Preparatory School in Berkshire and Gordonstoun in Eastern Scotland.

The King maintained his knack for breaking royal traditions by also becoming the first heir apparent to go straight to university after his A-levels instead of joining the British Armed Forces. He became the first British heir to earn a university degree. He studied archaeology, anthropology, history, and even Welsh language and

history during his time at Trinity College, Cambridge and the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. Charles graduated from the University of Cambridge with a 2:2 Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, and later had it elevated to a Master of Arts (MA Cantab) degree, becoming the first heir to achieve these milestones.

In 1969, at the age of 20, he was invested by the Queen as Prince of Wales at Caerfarnon Castle. His coronation was also televised and the following year, he assumed his place in the House of Lords. On June 13,

1974, he gave his debut speech - the first monarch to do so since Edward VII in 1884. He addressed the House again in 1975.

Marriage to Diana Spencer Charles’ fame grew when he married Princess Diana Spencer. Before their widely publicised wedding that drew millions of viewers, the new king was famous for his affairs with other prominent women like Georgina Russell, the daughter of Sir John Russell who was then the British ambassador

to Spain. Also included in that list was Queen Camilla.

The king’s romance with Lady Diana started in the 80s and by 1981, he had proposed and wedded her. Living at both Kensington Palace and Highgrove House, near Tetbury, the couple welcomed two children: Prince William in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984. Again, Charles broke the tradition by being the first royal father in generations to attend his children’s births, a precedent that had not been set since Prince Albert.

But whatever fairytale wedding they had became a nightmare in 1986 when the couple started having marital problems. Charles resumed his relationship with Camilla who was then married. Princess Diana was also said to have admitted that she had fallen in love with someone else. With the media feeding on their lives and broken relationship, the duo officially divorced on August 26, 1996, after being advised by the late queen to end the marriage.

Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997, casting Charles again in the spotlight.

From Lover to Queen Camilla

Camilla Parker Bowles and Charles’ romance was one of persistence and resistance. Despite the odds stacked against them, the couple waved through every murky water and finally tied the knot in 2005. Given the position of the late queen as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the civil wedding ceremony was not attended by Charles’s parents. However, they were present at the service of blessing and held a reception for the newlyweds at Windsor Castle.

At first, the idea of Camilla taking on the queen title was not well-received, even though she was married to the future king. Instead, she was intended to be referred to as princess consort, a title considered inferior to that of a queen in terms of both status and association with the revered Queen Elizabeth II.

However at her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II released a statement declaring it her “sincere wish” that after Charles ascended to the throne, “Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

That title was again changed when Buckingham Palace revealed the invitations to the coronation, on which Camilla is styled officially as Queen Camilla.

“There’s a view in the Palace that Queen Consort is cumbersome and it might be simpler for Camilla to be known just as the Queen when the time is right,” Daily Mail reported in February.

For clarity, Camilla’s rank is that of a queen consort and not a queen regnant, as was the case with Elizabeth. A queen regnant is the ruling head of state, while a queen consort is the wife of the head of state and has no governing authority. Her role is to support her spouse in their position. Additionally, Camilla is not part of the line of succession. When Charles dies, William will become king and Kate will become queen. Camilla will most likely retain her title, but she will still play a supporting role to the new king and queen.

Strained Relationship with Children

The relationship between King Charles III and his son Prince Harry has been tense since the latter exited the royal family and started a new life in the U.S. in 2020 with his wife Meghan Markle. The decision according to reports did not augur well with his father and when Harry had an interview with Oprah Winfrey, he admitted that his father was upset by his decision to step down as a working royal and that he stopped taking his calls. Although they are on speaking terms, Harry was the only one invited to his coronation ceremony while Meghan stayed back to look after their children in the U.S. William, who will become the future king, however, has a stable relationship with his father.

The Days Ahead

Known for his environmental activism, and organic farming, King Charles III is not coming onto the throne with a blank slate. He is, however, ruling at a time when most countries’ monarchies have been toppled and the belief in the British royal family is wavering. His mother made a mark by portraying a figure of permanence and stability in an era that was marked with tumult. Will the new king fit into his mother’s shoes perfectly or will he chart a new path that will define a new generation in the royal family or lead to its demise? The coming days will tell.

A young Queen Elizabeth and baby Charles

HighLife

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Diri Stages a Befitting Burial for Father Three Decades and Still Counting … A Tale of Two Wedding Anniversaries

Marital bliss is not something that every married couple has come to know. Since Nigerians decided to inherit the divorce predispositions of the West, the stallion of marital bliss has neighed further away for many couples. However, some wedded pairs have refused to let water into their boats, continuing to enjoy the blessings of peace and happiness in their marriage. Pastor Sam and Adenike Adeyemi, as well as Minister Babatunde Raji and Abimbola Fashola, are great examples of the latter. Now celebrating 30 years of marriage on May 1, the Adeyemis and Fasholas are a source of comfort for unmarried Nigerians everywhere.

Is life a rollercoaster ride that leads nowhere? Seeing the impactful lives of people like the father of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the late Pa Abraham Diri, one can confidently answer no. Knowing the impact that this man has made in his life and the lives of many others, Governor Diri has staged a befitting burial for his father. In the events that follow this burial, Diri continues to demonstrate that he was raised by a caring and compassionate person, one with vision and the ability to teach greatness.

Governor Diri has not been able to get over the loss of his hero and father, Pa Abraham. Death leaves such deep wounds many times, and the wounds left behind by the passing of the patriarch of the Diri family are too deep for words to describe. Nevertheless, Diri is consoling himself and has people like Ken Etete, the CEO of Century Energy Group, similarly comforting him.

Pa Abraham’s death on February 12 came all of a sudden and rattled the entire Diri household. A retired headmaster and a devout Christian, Pa Abraham was the very picture of humility. Despite being the father of the number one person in Bayelsa, he did not frustrate others with his authority but continued to support his son with prayers and the occasional counsel. Thus, it is no surprise that his burial was attended by people from all walks of life.

Apart from Etete, Governor Diri has also had to throw open his doors to the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) led by the President, Emeka Rollas, as well as popular comedians I Go Dye and Okon Lagos. All of these people travelled to Diri’s hometown, Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa.

One can go on celebrating the marital bliss of the Adeyemis and never tire. Pastor Sam has been a blessing to Nigerians as far back as when he first came on the radio to teach the ways of success. The 56-year-old senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos, has come a long way since then, with his wife, Adenike, solidly behind him. As he has noted plenty of times, Lady Adenike is one of the main reasons he has come this far, going from one of many motivational speakers to a global phenomenon, inspiring millions and millions of people to heights never before reached.

On their lane, the Fasholas have been no less impactful. The outgoing Minister of Works and Housing and former Governor of Lagos State is a wonder. Soft-spoken and easygoing, Fashola has demonstrated that power does not always make for a crooked neck or an arrogant tongue. Even so, those

that know him know that Fashola has been able to maintain his original heart because of the unshaken support of his wife, Dame Abimbola. She is the one who in the last 30 years has stood solidly by him, satisfied with his successes and comforting him in his failures.

For both the Adeyemis and the Fasholas, 30 years of marriage has proved a big blessing. It has been one new height after another. This is the perfect demonstration that marriage between people who genuinely love each other is a blessing and will always be a blessing.

Moments of Pride as ‘House Master’, Gbenga Ashafa, Achieves Peerless Feats with Zuba

obligations, one person has stood out: Senator Gbenga Ashafa, the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). For Ashafa, it has been a delightful ride in the satisfaction of official duties.

At least half of the genius in leadership is in selecting the right people to serve as deputies and overseers. On this front, one cannot fault President Muhammadu Buhari. Even if every other appointment failed in the dispensation of authorised

The residents of Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have found reasons to salute the administration of President Buhari, especially as the president’s era is almost expired. The gratitude comes as a response to the fulfilment of the president’s promise of change back before he was elected. Specifically, the Zuba residents were full of praise for Buhari and his appointed hands at FHA after they were handed the keys to the new estate covering 18.5 hectares of land and holding 748 units of different house types borne on 75 blocks.

Recognising housing supply as a necessity for Nigerians, the president in

A Chip off the Old Block … Praises as Saraki Celebrates 58

It has always been the order of life that the tallest tree would face the strongest winds. For Senator Gbemisola Saraki, the second of the Saraki pair that has left behind deep footprints in the senatorial corridors of Nigeria, strong winds have only served to blow her further than her peers and higher than her expectations. At 58, she continues to bear witness that a solid upbringing is a foundation that nobody should jettison regardless of the cost.

Accompanying her new age was a deluge of salutatory offerings, many of them goodwill messages and many others extraordinary panegyrics pointing to her accomplishments in times past. But few of these offerings can stand on the same level as the birthday message from her older brother, Senator Bukola Saraki. One really cannot compare the doings and achievements of Gbemi to other women in the senatorial arm of government in Nigeria.

Although she is currently the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, that appointment came last year after her awesome work as the Minister of State for Transportation. But it is easy to see Gbemi’s political tracks and falsely think that these things capture all that she has done in her 58 years of life.

his commissioning of the estate lauded the efforts of Senator Ashafa in helping to deliver the housing units. It was also intimated that on account of Ashafa’s good work, more Nigerians have taken a strong step away from poverty and penury, walking closer and closer to prosperity.

Indeed, Ashafa has been doing well since he was appointed as FHA MD/CEO in 2020. That appointment has become one of the best things to happen to Nigerians, especially in Abuja and Lagos. Ashafa has been working overtime to ensure that housing provision is optimised across the federation.

His work has been recognized many times, earning appreciation and prayers from all over. This time, it is the residents of Zuba who are sending a salute to Ashafa, grateful for the House Master’s dedication and forthrightness in his duty as FHA boss.

How many people are aware that Gbemi has one of the brightest accounting and financeattuned heads in the country? She has a bachelor’s in Economics as her first degree from the University of Sussex, UK, and worked at more than one bank and financial institution before deciding to accompany her brother in politics. While Gbemi has done much, one cannot but compare her to her father, the late Olusola Saraki. He was also a senator and laid the foundation for both Gbemi and Bukola. Clearly, Gbemi is the apple that fell to the foot of the tree, the chip off the old block. Saraki

Diri

Pastor Sam and Adenike Adeyemi

Ashafa

Abimbola and Babatunde Raji Fashola

Kwankwaso Finally Tamed Ganduje Adeleke as Man of the People

Political contests are always fun for onlookers and observers. To the individuals in the ring, when it is not a battle of life and death, it is a battle of life and death. Even though it is looking like the outgoing Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has overthrown his rival, Rabiu Kwankwaso, one need only look to closer to realise that things are not so simple. In fact, the reverse may be the case.

The people of Kano are not over their celebrations over the emergence of Yusuf Abba of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as Governor-elect. Beating Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was supported by Governor Ganduje, Abba has ultimately placed victory in the hands of Kwankwaso, his father-in-law.

Kwankwaso and Ganduje are old pals and rivals. In 2019, Kwankwaso almost collapsed the gubernatorial ambition of Ganduje with Abba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) then. Ganduje’s victory over Abba was so fragile that it was a mere 8,982 votes that he took the trophy

Kwankwaso

home. Ever since, it is clear that Kwankwaso has had him in mind, and prepared his son-in-law, Abba, to finish Ganduje in the gubernatorial ring. And he has.

Recently, Ganduje has been affirming his influence in Kano. Political analysts say that a recent address that Ganduje gave on Workers’ Day in which he stated that the emirates he created have to come stay were directed to Kwankwaso. They are reportedly Ganduje’s reaction to Kwankwaso’s comments that the incoming government may vet Ganduje’s disintegration of the Emirate of Kano that had Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir, a process that saw the creation of five emirates.

If Kwankwaso has his way and the five emirates established by Ganduje are changed in some way, Ganduje would have lost big time. After all, the splitting of the Kano emirate and the consequent dethronement of Sanusi was one of the highlights of his administration. So, it is still a strong contest between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, one that Kwankwaso is on the cusp of winning.

With Kwankwaso’s son-in-law set to become governor, Ganduje has become the underdog in Kano State politics.

How Tony Elumelu Takes It Back

that Tony Elumelu, super businessman and leading capitalist, has been able to dominate virtually every industry his business fingers have touched. Recently, with his reacquisition of Transcorp stocks from his friend, the equally mind-stirring business boss, Femi Otedola, Elumelu has reestablished himself as a force to be reckoned with.

At present, very few people have a perfect grasp of what went down this past week in Transcorp. First came the news that Otedola had his eyes on Transcorp shares. This was not altogether surprising because the company had reported strong numbers of profit in their last quarterly report. That would attract any sensible investor, not to mention an experienced sage investor like Otedola. So that was the first news - that Otedola had his eyes on Transcorp.

Business has a human face. This fact, so often overlooked, is the reason behind the success of so many top executives all over the world. It is also one of the reasons

A large stone used for supporting the household leaves one’s hand and a bird falls. The process of throwing the stone to kill the bird for food is risky, but the risk of starvation is greater. This African proverb demonstrates something of the urgency with which President Muhammadu Buhari has once again appointed Abike Dabiri-Erewa for the position of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In this respect, the president has demonstrated great faith in the person and work of Dabiri-Erewa.

It is no longer news that NiDCOM has assumed the fierce attitude of its Chairman and CEO. Since President Buhari appointed her to the position in 2018 (confirmed by the Senate in 2019), NiDCOM became one of the frontline agencies in the country.

Following that first news in rapid procession was the one that Otedola had acquired a 6.3 per cent stake in Transcorp.

Excitement as Abike Dabiri is Reappointed

How did Otedola go from wanting to own Transcorp shares to owning over six per cent? But while onlookers were still hyperventilating in shock, the third news bit came: Otedola had sold the stakes he purchased to Elumelu.

For the experienced observer, it is clear that there is much more going on in the background than ordinary eyes can catch. This became apparent when Elumelu announced that his company, HH Capital Limited, had increased its stake in Transcorp to 25.58 per cent. In other words, due to Otedola’s quick-in-then-out action, Elumelu had increased his control over the Transcorp stakes.

The question of whether Elumelu lost control in the first place is no longer valid, although some analysts still like to bring it up. What is important now is that he is back in charge - and his Transcorp executive cup is bigger than ever.

Moreover, its protective status has endeared it to Nigerians everywhere, making it so that Dabiri-Erewa would become the darlings of Nigerians big and small. Thus, following her recent reappointment, many of these Nigerians that see Dabiri-Erewa as a darling mother are excited and celebrating.

President Buhari’s choice and decision to reappoint Dabiri-Erewa does not need explanation. The simple fact is that she has done well since 2019, bringing much pride to Nigerians in her handling of matters in the diaspora. Many foreign representatives have described her as having the alter ego of a frightening tigress, an alter ego that appears whenever a Nigerian living outside the shores of the country is threatened.

Dabiri-Erewa

Who will Akeredolu Support as Successor? Deputy, Ibrahim, Odu, Oke, or Elegbeleye?

Things will always be different when the right person is in charge. In Ondo State where Governor Rotimi Akeredolu reigns supreme, there is still some confusion as to who will win his thumbs-up and use that to launch their gubernatorial campaign. If things go well, that person will take up Akeredolu’s mantle and lead the Sunshine State into a new era of glory. But who will that person be? This is the question.

Political analysts have once again taken up the challenge to argue hypotheticals. This time, the source of contention is Akeredolu’s successor, specifically who the governor will support in the coming days. The only reason this debate is valid is that there are so many hands, many of which are qualified, ready to steer the gigantic ship that is Ondo state into the sunset. Thus, when Akeredolu and his wife, Betty AnyawuAkeredolu, decided to take a short holiday and left his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in charge, the analysts had a field day.

The main contenders for Akeredolu’s support are his deputy; lawyer and senator-

elect for Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim; super political strategist and right-hand person of the governor, Princess Oladunni Odu; former governorship candidate and prominent lawyer, Olushola Oke; and the former Director-General of the National Sports Commission in Nigeria, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye. Every one of these individuals is close to Akeredolu and reportedly counting on him to support them.

Considering this fierce lineup of Ondo’s finest politicians, what will Akeredolu do? Who will he support? Moreover, a governor must be very considerate of his successor since that person can collapse all that the governor has worked for. In the same way, a sensible governor wants someone to continue from when they stopped, not someone who will be deconstructing projects up and down.

So, this is not the best time to be Akeredolu. After all, in choosing to support any one of the cited individuals, he would be offending the rest.

There are all shades of governors in Nigeria. Some are only known and loved outside their states but are widely despised by their people. Others are not known or loved anywhere, spending all their time in Abuja. Governor Ademola Adeleke does not belong to any of these classes. Holding as precious the trust of his people, he has gained their love and loyalty.

Governor Adeleke is currently soaking in the praises of Osun residents. In recent days, Adeleke has gone out of his way to research the things that distress them. Knowing that he is only doing these things because he wants to find and execute permanent solutions to their troubles, Osun residents are not hesitating to throw their lot in with Governor Adeleke, trusting that he will not betray them for anything.

Among the governors recently installed, Governor Adeleke is likely the one that has rubbed shoulders with his people the most. Although this may be related to the fact that he is a down-to-earth person who will take no one for granted, one must commend Adeleke for retaining his original heart so far. Others in the same position would have grown crooked necks by now. But not Adeleke. He is a man of the people.

Among the things that have endeared Adeleke to Osun residents is his practical plans for them. For example, on May 1, he enjoined the state workers to let go of the past and work with him to secure themselves happier lives. He noted that the darkness of the past is past and his time as the light of the state has started. Therefore, they should be more hopeful knowing that he intends to stand by his promises to them, come what may.

Indeed, Adeleke is a charmer and continues to worm his way into his people’s hearts. That he cares so much about what they think of him is a good thing. It also shows why they love him so much.

Omo-Ojo Breaks School’s 30-year Record in Canada

Ernest Omo-Ojo has just made history by winning the Herzing College cup, the award for overall best student of the respected institution which specialises in high-demand skills.

According to the President of the Herzing College, Ottawa, Kevin Crupi, Omo-Ojo is the first winner in the 30 years of the award to emerge from the campus. Herzing College is over 55 years old with some 7 campuses in Canada in the United States.

The Herzing College Cup is a competition for students across all campuses and it’s on 30th edition.

In its 30 years existence no student from Ottawa campus has ever won the award, a feat that was finally broken in its 2022 edition by Omo-Ojo.

The Herzing cup involves submission from various campuses nominating their best students each year to a panel of nearly 40 judges.

After a career in ExxonMobil in his birth country Nigeria which ended with Ernest having to opt for voluntary retirement, OmoOjo decided to relocate with his family to Canada, and re-skill at Herzing after authoring 2 books (The potent force of sponsorship and his latestThe Audacious Faith) on self improvement based on his experiences while at Exxon.

An amazing story for tenacity and selfdevelopment.

Akeredolu

Elumelu

Adeleke

This is the question that has been on my mind and also on the mind of many market players. It’s just that if you have a licence and you are operating in the system, you cannot risk being too critical of a regulator that seems to have gone to sleep. Nothing concern me, they have sacked me tire and now, na play I dey write and there is nothing anybody can do to me.

The market is literally dead. Flat out with a very serious absence of any real regulation, or how do you explain the radio silence of the apex regulator to the shenanigans of two weeks ago.

A very handsome Yoruba man enters the market and in days walks home with billions while my brother Asuquo who had used part of his pensions to buy N700,000 worth of shares from the same company and in six years have only earned N50,000 as dividend, but yet the major shareholder is wearing million naira Tom Ford suits and shouting that Africa is in our hands.

This could only be possible with the kind of

regulation that we have in the markets. So, you acquire the largest stake in a firm that is contributing over 40% to the national grid, has a huge hotel chain with land worth much more than the land the Buckingham Palace sits on and yet the share price lingers for over six years at N1.49k and we have regulators? Which kind regulator is that one na. Even the Oshodi garage ‘baba’ will kick out that operator who has not made returns in two days, let alone less than six years even in the face of muted profitability. Our market today is bereft of any frenzied activity; that one is even wondering how brokers are surviving with the tiny things they make as fees. It is no wonder that most of them are now Uber drivers or ‘lesson’ teachers – coaching people for ICAN exams.

No IPOs, no exotic M&As, no massive trades. Before this ‘kalo kalo’ one that happenedtwo weeks ago, it was the Titan/Union Bank one and the MTN one and maybe something from Dangote that excited the market. The excitement

is gone and the all-share index is as flat as a dying man’s heartbeat in the hospital. All of this is because the market has lost confidence. Serious players are delisting and major players no longer look towards it to raise capital, they prefer to pursue baba ‘Alajo’ or do ‘esusu’ instead of going into the market. The SEC in my head is suffering from two things: mago mago and lack of capacity. But the level of impunity in the market can only be made possible by collusion. Rules are not obeyed; reports are not submitted periodically and magical trades are being carried out in the face of everybody. The second thing is a lack of capacity. Regulators who I can swear are still wondering what just happened last week, really do not understand the complex nature of say derivatives, or cannot spell crypto? Will now come and regulate?

AKPABIO AND THE DILEMMA OF A ‘TRIBALIST’

When it was very clear that the frontrunners for the highly revered senate presidency were Senators Orji Kalu and Goodswill Akpabio representing the South-east and South-south respectively, I sent out a Whatsapp broadcast saying rather than these two, let the position go to another region. For me, these two be like those people wey dem hang for cross beside our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though one repented and followed Jesus enter heaven, we cannot afford to take the risk of late-night repentance from any of these two after the eight years of pestilence and locust that we have just witnessed. My people, come and see abuse as soon as the broadcast went out. “Edgar, you are not loyal, how can you not want the position for our region. What is wrong with Akpabio, are you not an Ibibio man,” they screamed. “Better don’t come to Akwa Ibom in a bit o. Shebi your candidate even lost the elections, don’t come. Akpabio is our son and we must support him.”

I am afraid I do not play my own politics like that o. The fact that we share the same heritage does not make him win my support and I will shout it well at the risk of being called a tribalist or enemy of the tribe. Las las, they won’t let me enter Akwa Ibom and go and eat the delicious afang at De Castle in Ewet Housing. Small sacrifice to make for national common sense.

I do not believe that Akpabio has the capacity, temerity and sincerity to play in that role, judging by his pedigree in office especially in his last role as minister of something.

There was nothing in that last tenure that showed a serious approach to good governance or an ability to serve as the leader of a constitutionally sanctioned body that is expected to serve as a serious check on the expected robustness of an expansive Tinubu Presidency.

Now, whether we are from the same hamlet or not or if his great grandmother slept with my great grandfather does not in any way affect my thinking or my positioning on this matter and if our region cannot throw up a more credible candidate then let it go to Idumota.

Sadly, I am but a lone voice in the wilderness and what will be will be, shebi na this same Nigeria. We will continue to fasten our seat belts and be praying like hapless passengers in a plane going through turbulence, hoping for divine intervention because this is the only way we can get salvation in Nigeria of today. Na only God can help us as election no fit do am again. Na wa.

GABRIEL OGBECHIE ON A PLATFORM OF FIRE

You know this church platform used to invite a lot of credible speakers and they will say some very earth-shaking things. Their Platform series is so popular that I am of the firm belief that the series created the Peter Obi phenomenon.

This last series had my brother Gabriel Ogbechie on point. Gabriel, if you do not know, is one of Nigeria’s most gifted and astute businessmen and investors. At the risk of annoying him, he is one of the top five shareholders in First Bank of Nigeria, one

of the major investors in Globus Bank and the major promoter of Rain Oil which is a multi-billion naira oil and gas concern that is employing thousands. Once you are a major employer of labour, you cannot do anything wrong in my eyes again. Kai, Gabriel’s story is remarkable. I have heard that story and when he opened his Platform speech with “I ask myself, what else can I do that will give me my salary,” I just knew he would scatter the place. The video clip of the speech has gone viral, with millions downloading and sharing. His story is inspirational, endearing and captivating with no single crooked naira inside the thing. Gabriel spoke extensively and you could feel his energy levels rise, the pride of a man who started from nothing and is now sitting at the top very conveniently and deservedly. By the time Gabriel finished, there was no need to listen to any other speaker. I switched off. This is the Nigerian dream. This is the Nigerian story that we will sell to the world. Unvarnished, pure and intrinsically honest, laced with grit, confidence and a telling desire to succeed. See my people, if Gabriel can succeed anybody who is not being chased by family bad luck can make it, I swear. Thank you, Platform, for giving us the Gabriel Ogbechie story in this undiluted mode. As I dey go pursue investors for my own business, I dey watch the video to gather inspiration, the message was just too powerful. Seek for that speech and make it your own JFK speech, I tell you it was that

powerful. Delta man, don kill me. Kai. BGL: RUMBLINGS OF A REBOOT

For those of you who do not know, BGL was that powerful investment house that came crashing. Its crash was spectacular and some have said its effects ultimately led to the passing of its charismatic promoter, the great Albert Okumagba. BGL bestrode the investment banking space like a colossus. It galvanised and pushed some of the most strategic transactions that exited the capital market. It pushed the mergers and acquisition platforms with vigour that some of its achievements are still standing today. Dangote, Access Bank, Federal Palace, UBA are some of the very many that still stand today as testimony to its vibrant approach to investment banking. Sadly, the colour and magic started fading as a result of many factors, some being a lack of understanding on the regulators side in working with a giant facing turbulent economic headwinds. Instead of the regulator to work with it the way we see them work with Goldman Sachs and Merryll in better places, the regulator was the one shouting “kill him.” Well, the company died and with it the vigour and passion of the market.

Happily, I am hearing that the giant is about to rise up again. Oh the phoenix is about to rise from its ashes and I am hearing that very strong efforts are being made to reclaim its licensees and begin the ever so exciting process of a rebirth.

Akpabio

Emir Sanusi Savage

Yuguda

Ogbechie

I hear all hands are on deck, some of the key people although a little bit older are still around and with the positive vibe from an energetic and ready to do it alumni cluster, BGL will surely rise again. We are ready. I don go dust up my bow-tie in readiness for the inevitable call up. The soldiers are ready, let’s do this. Albert will rise again. Yes.

EMIR SANUSI: A BREWING SAND STORM

I had always known that this would happen. The stars were aligning and I could see from my vantage position that a recall would be very very possible and I will tell you why and how.

But first, let me recap the news if you have not heard. Kwankwaso has been reported to have said that the new Governor of Kano will revisit Khalifa Sanusi III’s dethronement. Now let me tell you why I knew that it would happen or at best that an attempt would be made o. Editor don’t vex o, let me mention my play small.

At the showing of ‘Emir Sanusi’ in Abuja, the Governor-elect of Kano was in attendance. He was very popular as the applause that welcomed him into the Hall was as resounding as that of Khalifa himself. He sat in front and was very far from Emir Sanusi. I thought he was Kwankwaso as he wore the red cap synonymous with that one.

So, I asked Maitama Sule- not the real one but his great grandson and he said noooooo, that is the next governor of Kano, he is extremely popular and he loves Khalifa to bits. Kai, no wonder when Khalifa was ready to give his speech, he blew the hall to bits. So immediately I heard that he had won the election. I just knew that something would happen.

Secondly, the injustice of the whole dethronement is just so clear. The balkanisation of an ancient empire into four with the appointments of ‘eaglet Emirs’ was too much of a slap on history, heritage and ancestry and I knew it would not last. Can never last.

My only fear is that they have gone to announce it too early and ‘enemies’ will start work now oooo. What is even wrong with this Kwankwaso? He should have waited until after the swearing-in and then the needful would be done. Anyway, truth always stands no matter what. I am excited.

SEYI TINUBU’S EXCITING PREAMBLE

Shebi you guys have seen the Bloomberg report where our paddy with the black face cap was said to have bought a multimilliondollar edifice in London which was still under investigation. Well, me I cannot talk too much on the matter but to just fold my hand and be laughing. Shebi it is our turn. Our turn is the economic principle that we will run this our empire. It is our turn that is the ideology that will drive social cohesion and empowerment abi.

It is our turn o. What this tells us is that this ‘it is our turn’ matter did not only start at that Abeokuta declaration but has been our turn since 2015 or how do you explain this alleged 2017 transaction? The boldness to go into it, if it is true at the time that the new government of Buhari fresh from his 1983 war against indiscipline and with people being afraid that he will resume giving politicians 200-year prison sentences and this bobo just open eye do this thing? It’s not today that it has been their turn o. It has been their turn since 2015, me just dey laugh as the whole thing is unfolding.

This is just the preamble; the first scene in what promises to be an exciting journey for Nigerians. Na to go buy black face cap, grow my beards and fold hands and be watching the film. Na blockbuster.

TINUBU, WHITE WITCHES AND THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE – DANCE OF THE MACABRE

There is a video report of the crash of the Hercules airplane belonging to the Nigerian Air Force which took the lives of hundreds of personnel. At the time, it was announced as the loss of a whole generation of soldiers and airmen.

The video took us through the rot that was the Nigerian Air Force. Corruption leading to a lack of maintenance culture down to indiscipline which even led to the death of house girls, side chicks and houseboys on the flight who had been smuggled in for a free trip to Kaduna.

If you watch that video, you will not only cry but curse our leaders. That plane was said to not have gone in for routine service for years. They kept managing it the way molue drivers

manage their vehicles and when it happened, the Air Force had no rescue capability for almost a whole day.

It took Julius Berger and the Lagos State Government to rustle up some things and by that time, those that could have survived had died.

From my little knowledge of the Air Force, it is looking like things today are not very far from that time, at least we saw the passing of a whole Chief of Army staff through the same way and the multiple helicopter crashes of our dear beloved Vice President in the recent past. So, it is no wonder that the white witches of Nigeria who cannot help us in the fight against terrorists and kidnappers and oil bunkerers are now offering to cover the Abuja skies in protection of President Emilokan. Nothing we will not see and hear in this jankara we call Nigeria.

What is remaining is for the Air Force to form a joint patrol team with the white witches to cover the air skies as President Bula Balu welcomes a new Nigeria. So, as the swearing-in is going on, if you look up, you will see a MIG fighter jet fly past and the next thing you will see a witch from Agenebode or Uyo fly past too on her broom- make he no just wear underwear, na that one go really interest me. While we are still at it, they should also send a contingent for the march past. As the Army, Navy and Police are filing past, the witches too will also float past. Them no they march, dem leg no dey touch ground, na to float. Only in Nigeria, I swear. Only in Nigeria.

ALBERT OHAMS: CARTOONIST AS A SOCIAL CRITIC

As a child I was enamoured by cartoonists. Sam Ajiboye of Sunday Times was my god. I devoured his cartoons like crazy not only for the graphics or images but for the punchy political messages that came in satirical beats. Then later I discovered Ohams whose massive cartoons for Vanguard and The Sun created tremors in the space. Much later, people like Asukwo began to light the space. The cartoonist is one very influential and critical part of the fight for an egalitarian society. He fights with his brush strokes and people like Albert are the Picasso of that world. His cartoons send very strong messages, educate and entertain but most of all the cartoons give him a space on the perch of democratic hero’s. If you don’t have one of Albert or Asukwo’s works hanging in your living room, you never start. Well done my egbon, when are we coming to the studio?

MIKE

ADENUGA:

A BELATED BIRTHDAY WISH

I did not send my muchawaited birthday greetings to one of the greatest sons of Africa for two reasons. The first reason, I will not mention as it is personal to me and Daddy, and the second reason is that, I didn’t want my own message to be lost in the deluge of messages that fell on Nigeria during the period. What a lot of people will never know is that I used to have a strange but beautiful relationship with Daddy. He would call and say, “Duke Abadie…” in fluent Ibibio and we would discuss things. I would say, “Lord, hungry dey o,” and he would laugh in his very unique big man laughter and say, “don’t let it be heard that a whole Duke is hungry.” Well, that was like two years ago and that line has gone cold for reasons only Sir and John the Baptist can tell. Despite this, his phenomenal contributions to business and economy cannot be ever understated. Enough cannot be written on

him and his distinct business persona. Today, thousands of Nigerians owe their livelihood and fulfillment to his business dexterity and clear belief in Nigeria. He continues to sweetly play in critical sectors of the economy contributing very seriously to the GDP, infrastructural development and in lighter areas like entertainment and sports. It is no wonder that his 70th was heralded almost at the same levels as King Charles’s coronation. Daddy has done more than most with less noise. Daddy has with little or no noise emerged one of the greatest employers of labour and by extension one of the biggest believers in the country. On behalf of the good people of Shomolu, I would like to wish Chief Mike Adenuga Jr a happy birthday and continued blessings from the Almighty, good health and every other thing he wishes for himself. Well-done sir.

TIWA SAVAGE DOING US PROUD

From the ashes of an infamous sex tape to singing to the most powerful modern-day king in the world is the trajectory of this beautiful singer. Shebi I have been shouting how much of a crush I have on her and she is ignoring me. It is now that I know why, so na King Charles, Tiwa dey target. Ok ooo. Seriously, when the infamous sex tape came out, I fell in love with her. Wait, not what you guys think with your funny dirty minds o. I didn’t even look at the tape o, I only peeped small.

My admiration was the way she came out. She boldly preempted the idiot. Rather than fall to the blackmailing antics of the fool, she announced boldly that somebody has a tape of me and my boyfriend and is trying to blackmail me. That was bold. Truly, the fool released and she rode the storm like the queen that she is and finally even released a track on it.

It is no wonder that her confidence and elegance has now pushed her to be selected among a litany of global stars to perform at this very auspicious event. Well done my baby, well done to the most beautifully made Nigerian female. I remain her number one fan and wish her well as she sings to the king. Make she no go do too sexy o and be distracting king that day o. Me I dey here for Shomolu begging to be distracted o. Leave King alone, he don old. Brilliant Tiwa, well done.

ANNIE ESSIENETTE: A BEAUTY OF ‘DIASPORAN’ PROPORTIONS

Annie is the hardworking Head of Corporate Communications in the wave making Ibom Air, one of Nigeria’s favourite airlines. Remember the afang being served on boardthingy, it was her team that came up with that April fool gambit which went viral. Her brilliance and hard work shows with the right image positioning of Ibom Air and this is why I want to steal this opportunity to wish the African beauty a happy birthday. Happy birthday, adiagha.

Adenuga

Multi-talented Singer, Wisdom Chigozie Honoured in Georgia

Asides being a seasoned Spiritfilled and anointed psalmist, worship leader, songwriter, music producer and public speaker, Chigozie Wisdom has got so many other graces and attributes that have not only worked for him in his journey of life thus far but have also helped him wormed his way into the hearts of men from all walks of life.

The talented and awardwinning musician was recently honoured at the State of Georgia with the prestigious Honorary Citizen of Georgia Award from The State of Atlanta Georgia. This is one of the few honours that he has received in the past

His story is the true definition of a grass-to-grace story. The second child from a family of four, the singer and his family lived in one of the Nigerian police barracks with his father being a member of the Nigeria Police Force and his mother a retired staff of the SSS (state security service). Despite living in the barracks, Chigozie’s mother would always draw his ears from time to time, saying “You may be living in the bar racks, but you’re not a barracks boy.” These were some of the words that spurred him into desiring to be different from others as he grew.

His journey into music started with his loyalty and unflinching commitment to the service of Christ which can be regarded as second to none and has become a testimony throughout all the religious gatherings he has ever been to, beginning from The Assemblies of God Church (AG) where he joined the choir at a tender age of seven and rose through the ranks to become a multi-talented instrumentalist.

A multilingual singer with several ministrations and compositions in various languages, this is part of what makes him unique.

The singer has also shared the stage with several notable global icons like Dr. Ron Kenoly, Pastor Benny Hinn, the late Evangelist Morris Cerullo, Dr. Phillip Goudeaux, and Bishop Francis Oke, among others.

Billionaire Businessman, Taiwo Afolabi’s Unusual Birthday Celebration

Highly cosmopolitan and blessed with the demeanour of a perfect gentleman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi is not new on the social radar as a consummate businessman, investor and maritime guru. Undoubtedly, he is one of Nigeria’s most successful shipping magnates, with his company, SIFAX.

He didn’t just attain that position by chance. Neither were his palm kernels cracked for him by a benevolent spirit. His formative years were riddled with sweet and sour experiences, but by sheer hard work, dedication, prayers and dint of luck, he climbed the ladder of success within a short while.

Apart from his shipping business, the SIFAX boss has his hands on many other pies, which include oil and gas, real estate, and agriculture, among others. Afolabi is not just a billionaire, he is also blessed with a kind heart, helping the needy with his wealth.

The serial entrepreneur on April 29 clocked 61. We gathered that the occasion was an emotional sort for him because it was his first birthday without his twin brother, Kehinde Afolabi, who died late last year. Kehinde died shortly after celebrating their 60th birthday in grand style.

The trained lawyer is known for hosting remarkable parties in the past. Many that attended his 60th birthday would never get over it in a hurry as he is never one to do things in half measures. Therefore, given that his twin is no longer around, Afolabi traded his lavish shindigs for a solemn celebration, jetting out to the UK to mark the special day with his wife.

However, despite the low-key celebration, the Ogun State-born serial entrepreneur received several congratulatory messages in the press from friends.

Saheed Elegushi’s Glorious Anniversary

gregarious royal father, the inestimable King of Ikateland, Saheed Elegushi, celebrated his glorious 13th coronation anniversary recently.

Unlike the razzmatazz which usually occasioned his previous coronation and birthday anniversaries, the handsome man fondly called, King ‘Gushi’ surprised many when he built and donated a multipurpose and fully-equipped Lagos History Research Centre in the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo Lagos.

people of Lagos across all the five divisions since pre-European contact and to correct the misinformation and misrepresentation of the various groups and communities in the state, especially on the erroneous viewpoint that “Lagos is no man’s land.”

The precise drive to attain self-actualisation is as important as arriving at one’s anticipated destination and realising personal dreams and aspirations.

Taking a cue from this novel statement, one would not but agree with how the amiable and

The research centre, named after his beloved father, Oba Yekini Elegushi (Kusenla II) of blessed memory, at the study centre for Lagos Studies, will serve as a research institute for the study of the socio-cultural, economic as well as political development of the state since its incipient days, and a hub for organising seminars, workshops and conferences for issues relating to Lagos for policy formulation.

The centre is expected to bring people face to face with the history, culture, geographical location and socio-economic activities of the

Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Showcases Her Intellectualism

How much do you know about Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno? She is definitely not the kind of woman that strives for frivolities. The Rivers State-born top diplomat belongs to the class of fine brains that are well respected in the nation’s political circle.

Those who know the former member, Rivers State House of Assembly, will attest to her impressive and intimidating résumé. She is blessed with brains, beauty and confidence; and she is one of the most soughtafter females that have excelled in male-dominated environments.

She belongs to the class of one the few who believe that women can indeed play important roles in society.

Tamuno has just showcased her literary genius with her new book, titled ‘ Ife Cradle of the World.’ As gathered, she published a coffee-table book,

which is the first of its kind based on the ancestral city of Ile-Ife.

The publication documents the incredible culture and the rich history of the cradle of the Yoruba race as well as showcases the interconnections between the Yoruba Nation and the people of the Caribbean and African Americans who are believed to have migrated to countries such as Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Haiti and some parts of America due to slave trade. The book also focuses on four thematic areas; history, culture, tourism, and business.

The brilliant envoy at the launch of the book recently, confirmed that she wrote the book after her research and found some connections between Ile-Ife and the Caribbean black people in the Diaspora.

This perception is indeed a contradiction to the popular cliché among the indigenous elements of ‘Gedegbe l’Eko wa’ (Lagos Stands alone). Historically, the first assumption rests on a misconception rather than on facts of history. The best way to correct this glitch is through knowledge dissemination and the display of historical artefacts. It is in this quest for such a reputable centre that Oba Elegushi’s vision is commendable.

Interestingly, LASU happens to be his alma mater. This is indeed a laudable and very exemplary achievement for a king with a knack and affinity with his people in any subject even outside his domain, especially in the area of education.

Tamuno

Media Mogul, Biola Alabi Bags 500 Global Silicon Valley Scholarship

A top player in the media industry, Biola Alabi, is admired for her brains and gut. She is endowed with great poise and infectious charm.

As one who has been dedicated to supporting African founders and fund managers to help build a sustainable African ecosystem, the media mogul was recently announced as one of the latest recipients of the 2023 Diversity VC Unlocked, a Silicon Valley Scholarship of the 500 Global, a venture capital firm on a mission to uplift people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship. The invite-only, educational program is in collaboration with the Stanford University Center for Professional Development for emerging leaders who want to shape the future of the venture capital industry.

Biola acknowledged the scholarship via her Twitter handle recently while expressing her joy and excitement to be a recipient of such an outstanding opportunity. The two-week

program is taught by Stanford University faculty and 500 Global leaders who share their knowledge and expertise in live, interactive sessions.

Biola, a former Managing Director for M-Net Africa, a part of the globally-renowned Naspers Group, is now the CEO of Biola Alabi Media (BAM), a production company that produces TV series and movies for the Nigerian market. The media mogul is an active angel investor and advisor in the fast-growing African technology and media startup ecosystem. She is a limited partner in numerous funds, with investments in companies like Trove Technologies and Chekkit. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Unilever Nigeria PLC, a member of the board of directors at Monty Mobile, and the Chairwoman of Big Cabal Media. All these form part of Alabi’s push to create positive African female role models who are diverse and nuanced.

Oba Elegushi

Afolabi

Chigozie

Alabi

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW

Meeting Aisha Aliyu-Bima, Shyllon Museum’s Next Curatorial Laureate

Aisha Aliyu-Bima’s self-effacing demeanour belies her lustrous antecedents in the liberal arts, a background that stands her in good stead for her recent selection for a curator project at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

Typically donning a headscarf, Aisha Aliyu-Bima proudly wore her modesty on her sleeve as she warmed to the ongoing conversation that barmy Wednesday, April 19 evening. Her serene, almost Zen-like demeanour was an eloquent testament to her observance of her religion’s month of abstinence.

Of course, she couldn’t have been oblivious to the dual role Fate had recently bestowed upon her—as the poster girl of her generation and a voice for creatives of Northern Nigerian extraction—especially since her recent selection by the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at the Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, for a curatorial project alongside another candidate. This is one reason why she believes that she has a part to play in promoting artists and art from Northern Nigeria, which, in her opinion, have been hitherto underexplored. “When art doesn’t get seen, it doesn’t get explored,” she reasoned, echoing Aristotelian logic. “When it doesn’t get explored, it doesn’t develop, and when it doesn’t develop, it dies out.”

There is, of course, an economic side to the scenario. Whereas there is still what she called north, many institutions and individuals in the south make a living from it. “So we need support from both governments and individuals to revive and revitalise our rich artistic heritage, to support those working with the inspiration of that, and to look at it as a means of economic continued. “Because when we say Naija to the world, it’s not just the proliferation of afrobeats; there is also Kannywood, there’s Hausa music, there’s art, and there are countries and societies that have a deep appreciation of the Northern creative output and are willing to engage with it.”

Expressing delight at the emergence of a new generation of Northern Nigerian curators and writers like Sabo Kpade, Sada Malumfashi, FareedaAbdulkareem, Summaya Ja’eh, Blessing Tarfa, Ganeeyah Sani, and Ponchang Kumven, she lauded them for blazing new trails for curating and cultural appreciation of the Northern Nigerian artistic output.

Back to her recent selection by the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, which is more often known by its initials YSMA. She responded to an open call posted on Instagram by the museum and used a project she was working on at the time to secure one of the two opening slots. “I thought their space would be the ideal place to present work of this scale and challenge,” she told her interlocutor.

Meanwhile, the ambience at Mamba Café, a mostly open-air pub tucked away in a cosy corner of the MaitamaAmusement Park, seemed custom-made for this evening’s chit-chat. For starters, there weren’t many people about, which foreclosed the obtrusive chatter of customers in the background or possible eavesdropping on her chat with her mentor, Nduwhite Ahanonu, and her interviewer. Of course, the fact that this was one of the numerous sites for theAbuja Open House last year, in which she was a prominent EDITOR

dramatis personae, added a nostalgic dimension to the setting.

A quick rewind to the Abuja Open House 2022: Aliyu-Bima had curated one of its main exhibitions, titled Convergence, which featured two young Northern Nigerian artists, Idris Abdulwahab and Salim Abdulrazaq, at the Institut Français. Both artists, she explained, have been her friends for a long time. “I always thought their work deserved more visibility. However, due to the shortage of art spaces in the North and also curators with a Northern Nigerian focus, it seemed like that wasn’t going to happen. So I was truly excited when the application panel saw my proposal and felt it was worth being brought to life.”

Complementing her curatorial input at the premium art event was her role as the programme manager, a job she deemed both challenging and enthralling. “Being at the back end of an event of such scale, with so many moving parts, taught me the importance of resourcefulness and being dynamic. It was also so great working with a team that was committed to seeing our goal achieved and was ready to contribute in their own way.”

Her selection earlier that year—precisely, sometime in May—as the Institut Français curatorial laureate turned out to be an Open Sesame for a slew of other opportunities, one of which was working with the Abuja-based International Institute for Creative Development (IICD) Centre, a multi-disciplinary experimental art space. “Its founder, Nduwhite NdubisiAhanonu, provided me with such direct mentorship in a space where I am constantly learning and putting those ideas into practice. Alongside that, the IICD curatorial technical discipline to everything that I do. I think the IICD Centre is a one-of-a-kind space for any growing curator, providing the kind of rigorous learning, development, and kindness

Aliyu-Bima

that are so important for a budding curator.”

Even as she hinted at the challenges of working at the IICD, she nonetheless acknowledged the tangible progress she had made in her curatorial

The IICD Centre, meanwhile, positions itself as an art space that builds creative capacity for open thematic expression within the context contemporary art practice. “Our positioning is in sustainable creative programmes, training, workshops, and curated exhibitions,” according toAhanonu. “We also provide technical assistance for creating and managing cultural exchange programmes that seek to advance cultural mediation, education and social development.”

Besides mentoring Aliyu-Bima as one of its protegées, the IICD has also trained two Abujabased curators. Ahanonu later outlined its plans classes starting this summer, after a series of curatorial workshops and artists’ residencies.

pre-launch of the IICD International Curatorial Studies, so far preens itself on achievements, which include developing a growth map for the cultural scene in Abuja, pioneering upcycling workshop in collaboration with the US Embassy in Abuja, initiating and self-funding programme, holding annual portfolio reviews with internationally established curators in partcultural diplomacy tools, in collaboration with the US Embassy and Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja for deepening social conversation, and guaranteeing civil interaction consistently.

Of course, there is also the Abuja Open House, which, initiated in collaboration with the US Embassy, has since morphed into Abuja’s biggest annual art event. “I also think an event like Abuja Open House is necessary to spotlight the Abuja creative space and promote collaboration and cultural engagement,” Aliyu-Bima added.

The Hungary-trained graduate of medicine, eager to begin working on her curatorial project with the YSMA. “I am grateful to the selection team for taking a chance on the idea I presented,” she enthused. “At the YSMA, I hope to present a project that educates people and really opens their eyes to the possibilities around them.”

She, however, admitted that there could be a penumbra of uncertainty surrounding the introduction of new perspectives. Still, she hopes they will be well received by the public. Exposure to world histories, geographies, and cultures from a young age, as well as growing up in a multicultural society in an intellectually engaging setting, seem to have adequately prepared her for her current calling. Additionally, she had to watch as her birthplace, Jos, became serially engulfed in a string of crises; an unfortunate turn of events served as fodder for her creative mill.

She completed her high school education at the then-ABTI Academy, now known as AUN (American University Nigeria Academy), in Yola, where she was exposed to a lot of art and literature in both the required and optional activities. This was in addition to her participation in a classical music club where students gathered to hear music by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Liszt, and other renowned composers. She occasionally had conversations about art with the club’s patron, Dr. Duncan Shaw. Additionally, Vincent Odeh, her sculpture instructor, introduced her to Nigerian art outside of the required curriculum. “By the time I moved to Europe for university, I had a long list of things I wanted to see in the museums, and interestingly enough, most of terracotta outside of blurry textbook images was in Europe.”

Encountering many traditional European understand the level of creative and cultural appreciation that existed in other parts of the world. Although she wasn’t sure about ‘how’ at the time, she was certain that she wanted to see this level of cultural appreciation and representation in her own part of the world.

7.

A view of a section of one of the Institut Français exhibition halls, which hosted an exhibition curated by Aliyu-Bima

Behind Kofa’s Metaphor of Closed Doors

Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

It is possible that a sensitive viewer's initial experiences of Kofa’s early sequences will swirl around dread, trepidation, and—who knows?—claustraphobia. And, of course, these do not exhaust the gamut of other emotional responses that a lengthy, harrowing scene showing eight adults in the prime of their lives sporting only their underwear, in captivity in a close room, and apparently remembering nothing other than their names can elicit in a viewer.

which is a ThinkingMan Media production in association with Creoternity Films and C-Blunt Films, was written, directed, and produced by Jude Idada, with the support of a production team that includes Chibuzo Okoye and Femi Ogunsanwo.

Its star-studded cast, unarguably drawn from the industry’s best, features names like Daniel Etim

GraceAgu, Beverly Naya, Zainab Balogun, Enyinna Nwigwe, Shawn Faqua, Charles Etubiebi, Gina Castel, Udoka Oyeka, Bucci

Franklin, Lucy Ameh, Carol King, Afeez Oyetoro, Achalugo Chioma Ilozumba, Paul Utomi, Femi Olayiwole, Folu Ogunkoya, Kiki Omelli, Wale Ojo, Eucharia Okoye, and Kola “Aderopoko” Olaiya.

The nightmare deepens with the intermittent appearance of a ruthless, armed man (played by Udoka Oyeka), who picks them up one by one. Although it is obvious that they will fail, their anticipated attempt to overpower heightens the suspense. Meanwhile, the viewer should ignore the fact that the captives are never seen eating, nor do they seem to have a need to answer nature’s

MOVIES

call. Perhaps the idea is to look beyond the nightmarish scenario and the obvious discomfort of the captives to the inner recesses of the mind for solutions. Indeed, the whole narrative of this psychological movie pivots not on its deeply troubling scenes —captives held against their will by psychopaths—but on providing, or rather, proposing, solutions. Its plot, motivated by the scourge of terror in the country, seems contrived to make “Psychological movies do just that,” Idada says. “They open your mind and make you see on your spirit and stay with you longer. They are vehicles that inspire change. They add the values that truly matter, especially as we are a society that is growing in so many ways and attacks from other societies, both seen and unseen, known and unknown.”

directorial debut of the Lagosborn-and-bred Edo State native,

a Hausa word for “door” andanness even when it is also made for an international audience, for instance. It is a veiled allusion to the metaphorical “closed doors” encountered by humans in this at opening these doors against all odds strengthen the inner man, maturing him for higher experiences.

However, its overt portrayal of semi-nudity, unrestrained use of foul language, and violence undercut many of its sublime messages, repeatedly reminding the viewer of the vileness of his immediate surroundings. None of these, in any case, prevented gulped a lot of money—both in naira and dollars—from conception to the exhibition stage, from clinching a handful of respectable awards and being positioned for more. For instance, besides winning the award for the Best Film at the GlobeAwards of the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF), one of the acthe Best Actor Award, while the writer Jude Idada won the Best Screenplay Award at the event. This is in addition to receiving

VISUAL ARTS

two AMVCA nominations for Best Actor in a Drama and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Castel, respectively.

For its mantra of solutionof the central theme, Kofa can count on the acclamation of of its production team, namely Kagho Idhebor (cinematography), Ola’Kazeem Agboola (colour), Kazeem Idris (editing), Ava Momoh (score composition), and George Flores (sound mix and design), ups the ante even among the industry’s best. Meanwhile, for Idada as a topical issues bordering on the pressing concerns and challenges of the human experience, psythe way to go. “The scourge of kidnappings, insurgency, and terrorism and what seemed like the Nigerian security operatives seemingly being unable to deal with it and bring relative peace to the country made me decide -

that shows a solution. Hence my inspiration was to add solution-driven value through crisis bedevilling the nation.”

The recent laureate of the Nigeria Literature Prize, recognises the worsening climate of insecurity in Nigeria as hydraheaded and therefore calls for a multifaceted approach to resolving it. Of course, it acknowledges and lauds theferent security agencies, but it also tries to point out ways that suggest thinking outside the box. For instance, as shown in the is a “Trojan horse” or an “insider” that eventually eliminates a terror kingpin.

into the World of AI and Social Realities

Yinka Olatunbosun

The intrusion of Ar(AI) in the creative space has been a subject of curiosity and concern in recent times. It came as no surprise when the newly opened show curated by SMO Contemporary artistic perspective on the subject. The show, which opened on May 1 at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, features 31 pieces from two experimental artists, Tayo Olayode and Ade Odunfa.

Olayode, who is a co-founder of the Iponri Art Studios and the President of the Watercolour League, explores the subject matter of AI and how technology is creating mind-bending solutions culture and identity. For real artists’ works not to be upstaged by AI generated art, his position is for artists to embrace their ingenuity and the traditional art forms.

a struggle identifying which is AI generated art and which is traditional art,” Olayode explained during a recent press preview of the works hosted by Wheatbaker

SNA Lagos Signs MOU with Sterling Bank, Commissions Legal Team

Yinka Olatunbosun

n SundayApril 16, the Lagos chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) commissioned a legal team and also formalised its collaboration with Sterling Bank through Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

organisation comprising artists in practice in Lagos has experienced a series of contractual compromise with some agents and galleries. Hence, it became necessary to set up a legal team to oversee such

Also, SNA-Lagos has a slew of activities every year that require corporate sponsorships. In the absence of such sponsors, members of SNA-Lagos have been compelled to back up some of these events with personal funds alongside the dues received from members. Sadly, this has overwhelmed the annual income of the association.

During the brief ceremony to formalise the agreement reached between SNA-Lagos and Sterling Bank, the Chairman, SNALagos, Kolawole Olojo-Kosoko remarked: “It is imperative that oriented entities whose business goals and corporate social responsibility (CSR) key into what we do and represent.

O“In addition, we sampled different opinions and the result of our survey made us realise that our art promotion and marketing strategies have been largely analogue in nature, thus, there is an urgent need for the 21st century SNA-Lagos.’’

Abiola Adelana, Head of Tourism Business, Sterling Bank Plc, which commending the leadership of SNA-Lagos described the arts as a powerful tool in transforming lives.

“It takes a revolutionary leader to know that it takes partnership and collaboration to move forward. We need to embrace learning and work with the younger generation. We need to actually partner with others to achieve our goals.”

Ezinne Nwokafor, Head of SME, Sterling Bank also spoke arts, partnership and access to “We need to be able to sell our creative industry. I see that a lot of us might not necessarily know how to monetise or how to turn That’s why we are.’’ She added training workshops.

SNA-Lagos, Mrs. Ruth Adewale (Awesu) assured members of the association of her willingness to work with them in areas such as sales of artworks, contracts, property acquisition and others.

Nigeria Int'l Book Fair Returns to Mainland, Holds This Month

Yinka Olatunbosun BOOKS

The Nigerian Book Fair Trust, (NBFT), the organiseroftheannual Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF), has announced that this year's 22nd NIBF will take place at Yard 158 EventArena, KudiratAbiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja from May 10 to 13.

One of the works at the exhibition

EXHIBITION

Hotel, Ikoyi. “Artists may have to compete with computers and the competition is going to get a lot tougher even though I believe it will help increase the value of traditional art.”

In his Flip Flop series, Olayode recycled rubber slippers, making mosaic pieces out of its tiny fragments. The end result is colourful and hopeful, capturing relatable images and scenarios in the daily lives of a Nigerian such as a mother taking her child to

school on foot, two technicians working on a faulty generator and a rider helping another to push a motorcycle to start. It is quite routine – the rubber slippers – is appropriated in delivery of this series that echoes the theme of survival.

In some of Odunfa’s pieces, he delves into cultural memory in his use of upcycled household materials such as the lace fabric amongst others. He revealed that the fabric used were retrieved from his mother’s collection of vintage laces to create sophisticated female

forms that radiate elegance and vibrancy. The lace motif largely winning artist that he appropriated the leaf patterns on the lace for his canvasses. For both exhibiting artists, the show is a response to the political realities in Nigeria and a reminder of the power of the arts in building bridges. Prior to this show, the two artists had collaborated on projects for over 25 years, exhibited locally and internationally and worked on large-scale sculptural commissions in public spaces in two cities namely Lagos and Port Harcourt. exhibition’s curator and creative director of SMO Contemporary Art, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago remarked that this showcase of two mid-career artists is an important avenue for recounting the complex African art narratives.

“The rich textures and diverse media showcased in Kindred Spirits is a reminder that we need to appreciate the solid talent and artistic contributions of a whole generation of important artists who have paved the way for the young and dynamic ‘tik tok’ generation taking over the social media,’’ she said. The show runs till June 30.

The four-day programme with the theme, "The Role of a Functional National Book Policy in theAfrican Book Ecosystem," will feature book sales/exhibitions, schools and children competitions, and conferences.

Michael Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trustists explained reasons the book fair will not be held in Island like the previous edition. According to him, "the simple reason is that NBFT is an organisation that listens to, and considers the opinions and advice of those who participate in its events. There were complaints about the high participation cost when the book fair was moved to Lagos Island.

“A request was made for an increase in the number of days for the book fair from three to at least four days. These and some other reasons prompted us to move the venue of the book fair back to the Lagos Mainland."

Speaking further on this year's activities, he noted that the body has included the tertiary education summit in their lined-up programmes to address salienttions in Nigeria and the summit would have major stakeholders in

the industry as discussants. Healsonotedthattheinternational conference and opening ceremony for the 22nd NIBF will be held on Wednesday, May 10. Among the dignitaries expected to attend the opening ceremony are the executive secretary of the NigerianEducationalResearchand DevelopmentCouncil,ProfessorIsmail Junaidu, the Director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Dr. JohnAsein, and former Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Professor Olasupo Jegede, Stakeholdersintheeducationalsector such as the executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi and the special guest of honour, the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu are expected at the conference. Ditto the National Librarian/CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe VeronicaAnunobi and the Commissioner for Education insayo. The chief host of the event is the Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Oluwatuyi disclosed that visitors are also expected from Canada, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana and other African countries.

Mrs.Yomi Ogunlari, the pioneer Chairman NBFT also noted that this year's book fair would be more educational focus and also all-inclusive expositions for all participants.

Udoka Oyeka in Kofa

Towards a Sustained Peace in Kano

The revelation

An indication that the last has been heard about the dethronement of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, came last week when the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, declared that the incoming administration of the Governor-elect, Abba Yusuf would revisit the dethronement of the former monarch.

Sanusi, who became emir in the final term of Kwankwaso as governor of the state, was dethroned by the outgoing Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who was the deputy governor at the time the monarch was installed.

Ganduje’s loyalists had accused the deposed monarch of supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections when the governor was seeking a second term in office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former emir was also perceived by Ganduje’s allies to be too critical of the policies of the state government as well as federal government.

Ganduje sacked the emir on March 9, 2020, and also banished him from Kano and sent to Loko, a remote community in Nasarawa State.

The former emir later became the leader of the Tijaniyya Islamic sect in Nigeria, after he was turbaned in Senegal as the Khalifa of the Tijaniyya sect in Nigeria by Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim Inyass, the Grand Khalifa of the Tijaniyya Movement.

However, Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in December 2021, declared his banishment as unlawful and unconstitutional, and also awarded N10 million compensation to him and against the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of Kano State, who were also ordered to tender a public apology to him in two national dailies.

Following the court judgment, Sanusi had in February this year for the first after dethronement paid a historic visit to Kano State. The former Emir later clarified that he was in the state on his way to Dutse, Jigawa State.

He explained that he could not fly directly to Jigawa State, because of the bad weather and had to stop over in Kano.

After Sanusi’s dethronement, Ganduje had also

enacted a law splitting the Kano emirate into five emirates and appointed Emirs who were at par.

But speaking in a viral video, Kwankwaso said the dethronement and balkanisation of the emirate would be reviewed by the incoming government of the governor-elect, Yusuf, who is popularly known as Abba Gida-Gida.

“We have campaigned and as you know we are popular in Nigeria, especially in Kano State, we are now back and God willing we will continue with the good works our administration left. This incoming governor and his team will take them up.

“As elders, we will continue to advise them to do the right thing. We tried not to intervene in the issue of bringing or removing any Emir, but now, an opportunity has come. Those who were given this opportunity will sit down and see to the issues. They will look at what they are expected to do.

“Besides the Emir, even the emirate has been divided into five places. All these need to be studied. Usually, a leader inherits good, bad, and issues that are hard to reconcile,” Kwankwaso

had said.

Though Kwankwaso did not reveal the shape the review would take, whether it would involve reinstating the former emir or not, but reacting to his revelation, Ganduje last week declared that God would not allow anybody to destroy the four new Emirates created by his administration.

In his speech to mark the 2023 Workers’ Day at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, Ganduje insisted that the newly created four Emirates have come to stay.

To the outgoing governor, the four new Emirates are etiquettes of unity, progress and even development across the state.

He said: “Any of you that visits the headquarters of these new emirates will believe me that we have brought development to these places. These emirates were created for unity, progress, history, and also for the recovery of the reputation of the traditional institutions. We created them to honour the people of these regions.

“I want to assure you that these emirates are permanent; they have come to stay. And anybody that will destroy them, God Almighty will

not bring him to Kano State. We assure you that these emirates were created because of you, because of your progress. Even if we are not in government, we are praying and we will keep praying for God to protect these emirates from all evils. I thank you all,” Ganduje reportedly explained.

Recall that one year after he removed Sanusi, Ganduje had at the presentation of a book on former President Goodluck Jonathan, which was authored by a journalist, Mr. Bonaventure Melah, argued that the former emir was not the best man for the throne, adding that he removed him to save the traditional institution from abuse. He also alleged that the deposed emir was appointed to spite former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Meanwhile, the incoming governor has not made any public pronouncement on the planned review and the final decision resides with him and not the NNPP leader.

But speaking in a video shortly after his dethronement, Sanusi had declared that he was no longer interested in going back to the throne of Emir of Kano.

The video was shared in March 2020 by Ibrahim Adam, the personal assistant to Abba Yusuf, now governor-elect and PDP governorship candidate in the 2019 elections.

He said, “I have done what I could in six years, I’m moving on. I don’t want to go back. The truth is, if I had wanted to go back, the dethronement letter was so badly written, it was not done professionally. The easiest thing is just to go to court.

“It’s simple, fair hearing, ‘did you query him? Did you ask him to defend himself? Did you even call him to ask him any question?’

“That’s all but I think we should go on to a new phase in life. There is no reason to be sad or be depressed. I know it’s difficult but for me; it’s never an issue,” Sanusi reportedly said.

There is no doubt that any review of the balkanisation of the emirates by the incoming administration will be received with both excitement and grief by residents of the state.

Therefore, in the event of such review, the governor-elect should seek to address any identified cases of injustice and not aim at settling scores to avoid unintended consequences in the state known for its volatility.

POLITICAL NOTES As Doguwa Joins Speakership Race

Will members of the 10th House of Representatives elect the outgoing Majority Leader of the House, AlhassanAdoDoguwa,astheirnewSpeakercomeJune when the National Assembly would be inaugurated? This was the question many asked last week when he formally threw his hat in the ring for the speakership race of the 10th House.

Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tundun Wada FederalConstituencyofKanoState,announcedhisentry intotheraceinaletterofintentsenttomembers-elect.

The lawmaker who is currently facing criminal trial, was detained by the police and charged for criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide.

The police prosecutor told the court that Doguwa allegedly committed the offence on February 25 at theTudunWadaLocalGovernmentAreaofKanoState.

The judge, Yunusa Muhammad, granted him bail in the sum of N500million, with the condition that the suspect must provide two sureties, one of which shall be a first-class traditional ruler while the other must be a permanent secretary at the federal or state civil service.

Penultimateweek,theStateHighCourtpresidedover by Justice Maryam Sabo ordered the state Attorney GeneralandCommissionerforJustice,MusaAbdullahi Lawan, to immediately file a charge against Doguwa and his other alleged co-conspirators. His opponents have argued that in a sane country, his likes should be in custody, pending the outcome of investigation or resign his position as a lawmaker to go and clear his name.

Itiscommonknowledgethatmanywhowereaccused

of similar offences are languishing in prison today. However,hissupportersarguethatheisinnocentof the allegations until proven guilty by the court. Buthowwillthefamiliesofthepeoplewhoallegedly died in the public disturbance feel when they hear that one of the accused persons standing trial has been elected Speaker of the House of Representatives? Withthecasehangingonhisneck,hisopponentsfeel thatwhatshouldworryhimishowtoclearhisnameand prove his innocence of such heinous crimes. Others argue that the federal lawmakers should be honourable men and women who should not elect membersstandingtrialsforheinouscriminaloffences as presiding officers because the trials will be a huge distraction to the affected presiding officers and a dent on the image of the parliament.

Ado Doguwa

Kwankwaso Ganduje

by the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party in the 2023 general election and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, that the incoming administration of the Governor-elect, Abba Kabir Yusuf, popularly known as Abba Gida-Gida, will revisit the dethronement of the 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, could seriously disrupt peace in the state if the people of the not properly handled, Adedayo Akinwale writes

BRIEFING NOTES

Wike’s Gamble on Rivers APC’s Ministerial Slot

Governor

Nyesom Wike of Rivers State’s

with

President-elect,

political battle to grab the ministerial slot belonging to the members of the All Progressives Congress in the state and remain politically relevant after his failed bids to clinch the presidential and vice presidential tickets of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ejiofor Alike reports

At the peak of his glory in September 2021 when he was bestriding the political landscape with boisterous confidence that he would fly the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike had described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as “cancer in stage four that can kill.”

Wike was responding to a call by the then Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godwill Akpabio for him to dump the PDP for the APC.

The occasion was the inauguration of a new police headquarters in Rivers State where Vice President Yemi Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reacting to the minister’s call, Wike said he preferred to live with malaria than with cancer.

“I prefer to stay where there is malaria than to go to where there is cancer. Cancer at the fourth stage, you are likely to die. So, I don’t want to die now,” Wike said.

Earlier while speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin in March 2021, Wike had vowed never to follow the bandwagon and defect from the PDP to the APC.

Asked by the interviewer if he would ever contemplate leaving the PDP for the APC, Wike reacted in shock, saying: “Leave for where? I presently have malaria and is it cancer I will go and look for?

“Why are you talking like this? I have malaria that can be treated easily and I will go and look for cancer that will kill me immediately?

“Is the APC a party? A party that has killed Nigerians? No way, I can’t leave the PDP for such a party. Any fight we engage in the PDP is inside the PDP and that is where I will fight. If they like, they injure me there or I injure them but I won’t ever run away. Though I know they cannot injure me.

“That is where we will fight our fight but to leave the PDP that has common malaria for the APC that has cancer, no, it can’t happen.

“See, let me tell you, the APC has stage four cancer and when doctors say you have stage four cancer, just tell your God that it has happened as you can never survive. That is what the APC has. So, it will be impossible for me to defect to catch their cancer,” Wike reportedly explained.

On another occasion, during the build up to the elections, Wike had slammed APC presidential aspirants, including Tinubu, vying to be president because they wanted to continue the good job President Buhari has started if elected in 2023, The governor wondered what good job the politicians were referring to.

He said: ”When I hear people declaring for APC, saying that they want to continue the good job of Mr. President, the good job of people dying everyday, the good job of Naira falling everyday, I feel so ashamed that we have gotten to the level where sycophancy…

be his

running mate.

Melaye said: “He (Wike) will tell you he wants a southern presidency, that is why he is fighting but that is a bogus lie.

“Wike wanted to be vice-presidential candidate to Atiku. He called me 19 times in two hours when Atiku was going to mention his vice-presidential candidate, lobbying me with everything possible to influence Atiku to announce him as his running mate. I have witnesses,” Melaye added.

The governor has yet to debunk Melaye’s claim apparently due to fear of the former Senator’s threat to open more cans of worms.

When Atiku finally unveiled Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate, Wike rallied four other PDP governors to work against him in the February 25 presidential election without leaving the PDP.

Wike worked for the presidential candidate of the APC, the same party that he had described as “cancer in stage four that can kill,” the same party he claimed had “killed” Nigeria.

Many are surprised to see that the same Wike who had said all manner of ills about the APC coming to openly fraternise with the party and its members.

In what his opponents described as his desperation to grab the ministerial slot meant for the members of the Rivers APC, the outgoing governor has been fighting hard not only to ingratiate himself with Tinubu but also to endear himself to those who have the ears of the President-elect.

After inviting Tinubu’s associates to inaugurate projects in his state, it was the turn of the Presidentelect to inaugurate projects in the state last Wednesday and Thursday.

Wike’s opponents believe that while he may have the resources to lobby Tinubu’s strategists, the decision to appoint ministers rests with the President-elect.

people would come and say I want to come and continue the good job of Buhari...what is the good job of Buhari? Of hunger, is the good job? Of poverty if the good job? Of insecurity, is the good job? Or the economy falling is the good job? Such a shameful thing. I don’t believe that somebody would come out in today’s Nigeria and say I want to continue where Mr. Buhari has stopped. May God forgive. May never allow that people to continue to…”

However, after losing both the presidential and vice-presidential tickets of the PDP, a humbled Wike is singing a different tune, with his body and soul deeply in the APC, pending his likely official defection to the party, which many believe will be in a matter of weeks.

Wike had claimed that he was fighting for justice in the PDP but refused to see the injustice in not ceding the PDP ticket to the South-east, which is the only zone in the South that has not produced the president.

He supported the idea of throwing the ticket open because he was confident of emerging victorious, given the enormous resources he had allegedly

mobilised to realise his ambition.

His greatest shock however came at the venue of the primary when one of the presidential aspirants and Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal announced his withdrawal from the race and asked his supporters to back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Wike had supported Tambuwal’s presidential ambition in 2019 and had expected that he would reciprocate the gesture.

After losing the ticket to Atiku, he started lobbying for the vice-presidential ticket.

When Atiku visited him at his Asokoro residence in Abuja to seek his support shortly after the primary, Wike was said to have pledged to keep to his word of supporting whoever won the ticket.

Though he had boasted that he won’t be the running mate of any candidate in the 2023 elections, a former senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye recently revealed that he lobbied to be Atiku’s running mate.

Speaking in a recent interview on ARISE NEWS Channel, Melaye claimed that Wike called him 19 times in two hours, lobbying to become Atiku’s

NOTES FOR FILE

Responding to Wike’s speech at the inauguration of the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover (12th Flyover) last Wednesday, the President-elect had demonstrated that he would not be moved by sycophancy.

Tinubu had bluntly faulted Wike over his request for the federal government’s refund of money spent on the construction of federal roads in the state, saying he owes the governor nothing.

Wike had requested that the president-elect should consider refunding Rivers State the money spent on all the federal roads in the state.

But reacting, Tinubu told Wike that he owed him nothing, stressing that the governor and his people were using the roads in question.

Wike’s traducers described his open appeal for such refund as a public show of sycophancy since a sitting president was still in office.

They argued that he should have made the request in a closed-door session.

However, whether or not Wike’s current gambling will pay off and guarantee him a ministerial position will come to light in the coming weeks.

Unwarranted Disruption of Air Peace’s Operations by Labour

FromthewaytheJoeAjaero-ledNigeriaLabourCongress (NLC)isgoingwithhisthoughtlessdestructivetendencies in the name of activism, his leadership will soon lose the people’s confidence if it continues to fight proxy, selfish and nonsensical battles.

Last Wednesday, the labour union and its sister union disrupted Air Peace’s flight operations and stopped the airline from taking off to any destination from its Lagos operational base and Abuja.They said they were on strike in Imo State against Governor Hope Uzodimma.

LaboursourcessaidthattheCongresschosetodisrupt Air Peace operations so that its strike action in Imo State wouldhavenationalimpact,asAirPeaceoperatesover80 flights a day.

ThetradeunionshadwrittentoAirPeace,statingthatno flight should be operated into Owerri, Imo State, because

GovernorUzodimmahaddisruptedtheirMayDayactivities.

Ifthelabourunionshadstucktopreventingtheairlinefrom goingtoOwerri,itwouldhavebeenbetterthandisrupting all its flights to other places.

Air Peace has criticised the actions of the NLC and TUC against the firm, which the airline said would result inN700millionloss.Itaccusedtheworkers’unionsofalways targeting its operation whenever they have an issue with the government.

It noted that it does not have any affiliation with the governor and wondered why its operations should be disrupted. It added that instead of the workers taking their fight to the governor, NLC and TUC chose to shut down its operations.

Duringthedisruption,notonlydidinnocentpassengers miss their flights, many equally missed their business

engagements.

Many are wondering if Nigeria has become a Banana Republicwherehoodlumswouldentertheairportinthe nameoflabourunionstodisruptflightoperationsandinflict suchhugelossesonaninvestorthatcreatesemployment opportunities. Airports all over the world are restricted areasandnotmotorparkswheretoutsplytheirtradein thenameofunionism.Wherewerethesecurityagencies when the labour union officials gained access into the airport? Where were even FAAN security officials?

NoteventhevoluntaryserviceAirPeaceisrendering withtheevacuationofstrandedNigeriansinSudancould maketheeconomicsaboteurshavearethink.Thosebeating the evil drum for Ajaero to use the platform of labour to fight proxy wars and disrupt other people’s businesses willabandonhimwhenhisthoughtlessactionsbackfire.

ongoing effort to ingratiate himself

the

BolaTinubu, is believed to

final

Wike

As 2023 Elections Put Judiciary under Pressure

In Nigeria’s history, the judiciary has never been faced with mounting pressure as it is facing currently. Since after the general election when the battle for the validity of the results of the polls shifted to various Election Petitions Tribunals, everybody has turned his or her focus to the judiciary, with many wondering if it would be able to deliver substantial justice without fear and favour.

When the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), a technology that would drastically reduce electoral malpractices, Nigerians had thought election results would be more credible and less prone to legal challenges. But this was not the case.

Opposition parties alleged that the same INEC in their estimation flagrantly and willfully refused to use BVAS or followed its rules and regulations in the presidential and governorship elections. This made the several results it announced controversial and subjects of litigation.

With the results of the 2023 general election declared and the aggrieved parties asked to go to court, the only option currently before many Nigerians is to be anxious.

Many are wondering if the judiciary would be able to ensure substantial justice with their decisions reflecting the expectations and will of the people, as expressed at the polls.

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, who was declared winner of the election by INEC would be sworn in on May 29, and begins to discharge the functions of the president.

But many, especially his opponents, who also lay claim to victory, feel that a brave Supreme Court, like that of Kenya, can annul the election if it is found to be deeply flawed or fraudulent.

While the Supreme Court had on many occasions annulled several governorship elections, it has never tampered with the outcome of a presidential election, whether in the Second Republic or the current dispensation since 1999. This had raised questions as to whether the irregularities that led to cancellations of governorship elections were not present on a larger scale in the presidential elections. With some controversial judgments by the Supreme Court such as the recent judgment that affirmed the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, as the valid candidate for his senatorial district and a previous judgment that declared a governorship candidate who came fourth in the governorship election as the winner, the question on the lips of many Nigerians is whether the third arm of government would be able to live up to the expectations of the aggrieved people who filed petitions to challenge the process.

It is against this backdrop that the organised labour and the civil society coalition, under the aegis of the Citizens’ Democratic Movement, on International Workers’ Day, urged the country’s judiciary, especially judges of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, to help safeguard democracy by doing justice to all the election petitions brought before them.

The movement, comprising several civil society and youth organisations, alleged that INEC had seriously damaged the country’s democracy with its poor showing at the elections.

Co-conveners of the movement which included Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Senator Shehu Sanni, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Professor Udenta Udenta, Salisu Mohammed,

and Olawale Okunniyi, were joined by the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joseph Ajaero, and the General Secretary, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, during the event.

In his speech, Ajaero appealed to the judiciary to use the opportunity of adjudicating in the petitions arising from the 2023 general election to redeem its fast-waning image. He said the labour movement and its allies were prepared this time to monitor the operations of the judiciary.

Ajaero, in a speech titled: “The Threatening Decomposition of Democracy in Nigeria and the Urgent Need for Citizens’ Intervention,” said the judiciary had through its many flops attracted many questions from Nigerians, adding that, “if they fail to answer those questions within a short time, we would create a hall of shame for those judges that come up with judgments, for those judges that create such problems, that would happen soon.”

He further said there was a need for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and all arms of the judiciary to speak out on happenings in the judiciary and frankly ponder whether the judiciary was still the last hope of the common man.

Ajaero, who reminded the members of the judiciary to remember that the destiny of the country was in their hands, said, “It is either they fulfill it or they betray it once again. When they tell you to go to the court, they’re telling you that, that is the end of the matter. Somebody will steal yam and say go to the court. On what basis are those statements being used?

“That’s the level of ridicule that the judiciary has brought and as Nigerians, we all need to come out to rescue the judiciary, else there’ll be no need to continue to go to court.”

Ajaero noted that NLC identified with the movement not necessarily on a political basis, but in order to rescue the country.

Addressing journalists at the end of their meeting at Labour House, in Abuja, the spokesperson of the group, Toyo, accused INEC of attempting to destroy democracy by failing to uphold the provisions of the Electoral Act and even their own set rules.

Toyo stated, “This 2023 general election became an anti-climax, dashing the hopes of Nigerians for credible elections and denying citizens the emergence of qualitative

political leadership across Nigeria.

“Clearly, INEC in cahoots with some members of our political class has driven a death nail into the democratic experience of most Nigerians, thus, leaving the electorate despondent to resort to self-help in their effort to salvage whatever is left of their vibrant political engagement with the 2023 elections.

“Unfortunately, the majority of Nigerians, especially the youths, who fought with patriotism to reset their country through the ballot box, are now wondering if elections have not become the tool for legitimising the corrupt takeover of Nigeria.

“Therefore, as affected individuals and parties resort to the court as the main conflict resolving mechanism, we hope that the judiciary, as the final arbiter, will ensure that the malfeasances of those powerful individuals and their corrupt allies will not be rewarded but, rather, they will be discredited and punished.

“We are calling on the Justices of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to rise up to the occasion by restoring the people’s confidence in the processes that were abused by INEC and also stem the deep decline of our democracy.”

Recently, in his Easter message, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, told judges that the future of the country depends on how they arrive at their much-awaited judgment.

He added that Nigerians are saddened that the judges’ sacred temples have been invaded by the political class leaving the toxic fumes that now threaten their reputation as the last hope for all citizens.

The renowned clergy said it was sad that their hard- earned reputation is undergoing very severe stress and pressure from those who want justice on their own terms.

“Nigerians are looking up to you to reclaim their trust in you as the interpreters of the spirit of our laws. The future of our country is in your hands. You have only your conscience and your God to answer to when you

listen to the claims and counterclaims of Nigerian lawyers and have to decide the future of our country.

“We pray that God gives you the wisdom to see what is right and the strength of character and conscience to stand by the truth. You have no obligation to please anyone. Our future depends on how you arrive at your much-awaited judgment,” he said.

On his part, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, said it doesn’t make much sense for President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to be sworn in before the conclusion of the election tribunal.

Speaking during an interview on television last week, Onaiyekan said the system of electioneering in the nation should be reviewed, noting that it would produce winners who don’t have the shadow of the court lurking behind their victory.

“There are cases in court that have not been disposed of. That is why we are in an anomalous situation. We have a president-elect whose election is being challenged and the court is handling it. I’m still waiting for the court to tell me who won the election. It doesn’t make much sense to be swearing in people when they are still in court, he said.

Ahead of the hearing and determination of the various petitions filed to challenge the elections, Olu Fasan had implored the tribunals not to use technicality in subverting the will of the people. He specifically urged the Supreme Court not to treat politicians as if they are fungible or substitutable, but to annul the election and order a rerun for there to be direct electoral links between the governed and those governing them.

He urged the apex court to be brave like the Supreme Court of Kenya, which can annul the election if it’s deeply flawed or fraudulent.

“Would the judiciary ensure substantive justice so that their decisions reflect the will of the people, as expressed in elections, instead of perverting it? Or would the tribunal or the court be the continuation of politics by other means, whereby judges give subjective judgments that are not defined by law, evidence and justice? Sadly, based on the past, few can vouch for the judiciary to do the right thing.”

However, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), had slammed the labour union for threatening to create a hall of shame for judges that undermine the tenets of the judiciary and come up with ridiculous judgments on election petitions.

Keyamo warned that any attempt to ‘intimidate’ the Nigerian judiciary as it prepares to begin hearing in the presidential election petition would be an invitation to crisis.

In a long treatise on Twitter, Keyamo drew attention to a group of people he said had formed themselves into “watchdogs” over the judiciary in respect of the pending election petitions.

“Any attempt to destroy the judiciary as these characters are bent on doing, is an invitation to another Sudan. Just as they often issue the empty boast that they are a different movement and the judiciary should not ‘mess’ with them, they will soon realise that the judiciary is also a different kind of institution with which they cannot ‘mess’ with,” he wrote.

With the alleged failure of the INEC to make the elections credible, free, fair, transparent and therefore acceptable to all the stakeholders, the judiciary is now under immense pressure.

As the battle for the validity of the results of the elections shifts to the Election Petitions Tribunals, Alex Enumah writes that the judiciary, unlike any other time in the country’s history, is now under unprecedented pressure and scrutiny to deliver justice on the petitions before it

CJN, Justice Ariwoola PCA, Justice Dongban-Mensem

Buhari: A Farewell with Benefits

Every tenure of power is a gallery of omissions and commissions.

At the point of exit, the man of power pauses, looks back to wave goodbye amidst a confetti of both real legacies and many unfulfilled goodintentions.Noexitfrompower istotallydevoidoftheritualsofaccountability.Even the tenures of unpretentious fascists and outright autocrats exit with some kind of balance sheet. It does not matter if they be statistics of untimely deaths,dilapidatedroads,oraparadeofdestitutes, orphansandwidows.Theexitmomentisthemoment torecordbothworthyfootprintsandloftyintentions aborted. An avalanche of hurried commissioning and inaugurations has become the standard fare of Nigerian power farewell seasons.

For President Buhari, that hour of historical inevitability is around the corner. And the man and his squad have risen to the occasion. A 90-page summary of achievements has just been issued by palace chroniclers. It is a telephone directory of roads constructed or contracts ongoing, terrorists liquidated, kidnap victims rescued, meetings attended everywhere in the world and addresses read to sundry listless audiences.

Infairness,someprojectslikerailwaylines,some majorhighways,roadsandbridgesarehardtodeny. Nottotalkofthelimitlessforeigntripsstillongoing. Arms and fighting gear have been bought for the armedforcesandmayhaveclaimedmoreinnocent civilian casualties than enemy combatants. Also undeniableisalonglistofexpressionsofpresidential good intentions up to the launch of some phantom ‘Project 2050’ only a few days ago!

ButMr.Buhari’sscorecardandlegacycanonlybe measured in two broad realms. First is his degree of success in doing what he and his party, the APC, promised Nigerians in 2015. His promises were in threebroadareas:endinginsecurity,fixingthewobbly economyandcontainingrampagingcorruption.Mr. Buharimadethesepromisesvoluntarily.Itwasonhis ownaccord.Nooneputapistoltohisheadtoextract these commitments. It was willful and voluntary.

Based on a persisting myth of the man in the public mind, the electorate voted for him. Even afterbeingdeclaredwinnerofthe2015election,Mr. Buhari could be seen at the airport carrying his own bag and generally dramatizing the austere, simple patriarchonamissiontorightthewrongsofanation that had long gone astray. He had promised to sell off some the excess luxury jets in the presidential fleet, tone down the pomp of state and manage resources more frugally.

In all three areas of his enabling manifesto, it was a season of great expectations. As he heads for the exit door, Nigerians are now in a better place to assess Buhari’s mantra of “change”. The pomp and ceremony of state has magnified. The presidential fleet of luxury jets is still fully in place. The First Family has more all less transformed into a royal household. The number of presidential flight miles has ballooned.

The scale of insecurity is unprecedented. The military is in active combat deployment in 33 of our 36 states. Kidnapping has grown into a national industry recognized even by banks as a revenue head. Banditry and casual armed robbery are new commercial undertakings. Urban cultism, violent political thuggery and a culture of violence have come to stay. A lively trade in human body parts is thriving. An odd mixture of an epidemic of cybercrimes and ritual killings have come to define our society. In Buhari’s Nigeria, the digital age and primitivesuperstitionmixfreelywithaPentecostal obsession for instant salvation. A new hunger for instant martyrdom among Muslim youth marks a hurry to go to heaven and partake of the promised rewards.Terrorismandinstantjunglemobjusticein matters pertaining to faith have led to lynchings of innocent kids who dared proclaim a different faith. TheeconomicprogrammeoftheBuhariadministration is the virtual disappearance of professional economic experts from the cast of policy makers. ApresidentialEconomicAdvisoryCouncilhasbeen empanelledanddisappearedsoonafterinauguration. Nationaleconomicpolicymakingandimplementation have been left in the hands of a politicized Central BankSheikhGovernorandahaplessFinanceMinister who could have fared better managing her family’s monthlygrocerybudget.Completelyflabbergasted bytheabracadabra economicpoliciesandmanagement style of this presidency, brilliant world class Nigerian economists have kept a distance.

Asaconsequence,Buhariisabouttohandoverto hissuccessoraneconomichellhole.Apresidentwho

inherited the Naira at 185 to the US dollar is about to hand over a sorry N750 to the dollar to his successors. The mountain of external debts is in excess of $40 billion while the domestic debt stock is now in excess of N30 trillion. In dollar terms, both external anddomesticdebtsarecloserto$100billiondollars. Debtservicenowgulpsawhopping105%ofnational revenue.Anestimated30%ofourdailyoilproduction isstolenunderthesupervisionofgovernmentofficials and security personnel. An unverified N7.2 trillion is going to be burnt on oil subsidy in 2023 alone. Our unemploymentfigureishoveringaround40%,oneof thehighestintheworld. Drovesofyoungtalentedand highly qualified Nigerians troop out daily to Canada, Saudi Arabia, Australia,Ireland,the UnitedKingdom and even Rwanda.

On the troublesome issue of corruption, Nigeria’s reputationhasbeenamplifiedinthelasteightyears. We are among the top 5 most corrupt nations in the world. Yes, there was rampant corruption under Buhari’spredecessorsbutthequantumandprevalence hasbecomefrightening.Eventheformerheadofthe anticorruptionagency(EFCC)hadtobeinvestigated forcorruptionrelatedallegations.Heneverreturned tohispostafteraninvestigationwhosereportremains shroudedinmysticalsecrecy.Betweenindustrialscale corruptionandanepidemicofkillings,abductionsand kidnappings, there is a lively contest for front page newspositionintheNigerianmedia.Spiritedefforts to track corruption seem to have been arrested and detained by corruption itself. No one can vouch for the integrity of the judiciary either.

Theremaybenopointworryingabouttheminutiae ofthequantumomissions,commissionsandmissteps of the Buhari presidency. He has failed woefully on all his manifesto promises. Perhaps governments are doomed to failure. Missteps and errors in governance seem implicit in the business of government. Unforeseeneconomicfactorslikefallinoilpricescould derailbudgetaryestimates.Aglobalcalamitylikethe Covid-19emergencycouldhappen.Abadcabinetcan foulupgoodplans.Unintendedhappeningsathome andabroadcouldshowupandconvertmangledgood intentions into a pile of visionary rubble. Even in the absence of unforeseen happenings, bad things can happen to well meaning good people. Worse still, a government devoid of executive capacity but with an overload of good intentions is a calamity waiting at the point of exit.

Mr. Buhari has lately owned up to his baggage of errors. He has even had the unusual humility and courage to ask Nigerians for forgiveness for the grave hurt he has obviously inflicted on the majority. He has in turn informed us of his retirement itinerary. He is set to return to either dusty Daura or to his kith and kin in Niger Republic at least to justify the illicit ‘export’ of our resources spent on projects in that country.

To most Nigerians, Buhari is free to retire wherever he likes. Even without formal retirement, he was hardly there for or with us anyway. In ourhoursofpainorneedwhenthesoothingwordsof a compassionate leader could have healed a nation

in pain, he either ignored us in quiescent indifferent aloofnessorjettedouttowhereverthewindcarried him. In our hours of pain like when our youth were murderedoverSARSorwhenCovid-19ravagedthe land, the President had to be begged to show up and console a grieving nation. Now that he has to go home as a matter of compulsive necessity, we can only wish him the best of retirements. He can also take the forgiveness of Nigerians for granted. We are a magnanimous nation when itcomestohowwetreatourpastleaders.Weforgive our errant leaders and we forgive each other. That iswhatmakesusexceptionalasapeople.Mr.Buhari knows this. As a military leader, he jailed people for several lifetimes and was forgiven. He ordered people flogged in public for the crime of queuing up in hunger lines and he was forgiven. He lined up hustling young men at the Bar Beach and shot them in cold blood for alleged possession of narcotics. Innocent people were arrested and locked away for months on his orders and we forgave him. He kidnapped a big political animal (Umaru Dikko) in the streets of London, crated him for onward cargo delivery to himself in Nigeria. For that, too, he was forgiven. As a leader, Buhari is easily the greatest beneficiary of the habitual magnanimity of Nigerians among all our leaders. For all his serial transgressions against us, we have even rewarded this man with so many positions of trust over the years. Since he is retiring in fairly good health and opulentcircumstances,wecanonlyhopethatBuhari will now begin to reciprocate the magnanimity of Nigeriansthroughactsofphilanthropyandgenuine community service.

Overandabovethepitifulperformance recordof the Buhari presidency now in its last days, however, weneedtolocatethehigherhistoricalsignificanceof hismissioninpower.Wheredoeshestandintheranks of Nigerian leaders? What is the ultimate purpose of the Buhari presidency in our national quest for nationhood? Where does he fit in the context of democratic governance and genuine economic development?

Contrary to the popular misgivings that I will highlight presently, I think that Mr. Buhari may have an enduring significance in our national history. We may even find some use value for this lucky Daura general. First, Buhari has demonstrated that the Nigerian nation is resilient and can survive the worst leadership accidents on its path. For most of his eight years in office, Nigeria was literally on autopilot. Neither the gross misrule nor serial incompetence of the last eight years diminished the will of Nigerians to live together as a national community and get on with their lives. In fact, the conventional wisdom in the streets is captured by this saying that “this, too, shall pass”!

ItisperhapsbesttoseeBuhari’sincompetenceand misrule as an eight year long stress test of Nigeria’s resilience as a nation. The things that could have drownedothernationshavehappenedhereandyet Nigeria is still standing as one nation. The number of poor people has skyrocketed from 40 million to

130 million in less than a decade and there are still no street riots. The inflation rate has gone up from less than 9% to nearly 20% under Buhari and yet our people have remained faithful.

We saw hitherto peaceful and harmless herdsmen of yesteryears emboldened into armed killer gangsonrampagealloverthecountryandnoonehas declared war on the Fulani as a Nigerian people. We have seen our youth rise up against police brutality duringtheENDSARSprotestsandoncetheannoying SARSwasdisbanded,peacereturned.Government has consciously sowed division among the regions, ethnicitiesandfaithsinthenationandyetourpeople have instead embraced each other as one people, blamingbadpoliticsforbringingdivisionamongthem.

Secondly, the various positions of authority that Mr.Buharihasbeenentrustedwithovertheyearssay somethingcurious aboutNigeria’spowerdistribution, system of rewards, leadership selection standards andcriteriaofleadershipevaluation.Inhiscareer,Mr. Buharihasbeenastategovernor,atwotermMinister ofPetroleumResources,amilitaryHeadofStateand atwotermdemocraticallyelectedPresident.These arenotjustfancytitlesandhonoraryaccolades.They are serious positions of strategic responsibility and executiveauthority withconsequencesforthelives andlivelihoodofmillionsofNigerians.Ineffect,weas a nation have at different times placed Mr. Buhari in charge of the plight of the world’s largest and most important black nation. Yet no one recalls any giant leaps or outstanding breakthroughs made under his watch. No policy highpoints. No developmental strides. No diplomatic splashes. No great policy reforms.Nomilestonesinnationbuilding.Notevenone memorablequotablespeechormomentofinsightful illuminationonanyaspectofnationallife.Justaplain drab, boring and inconsequential stretch.

Giventheembarrassingdisplayofincompetence and ineptitude that have become the hallmarks of thepresidencythatisabouttoend,Buharimayhave openedaninquiryintoaworrisomepartofthegroup psychology of Nigeria as a nation. Many questions arise. What character of nation would place this series of strategic positions in the hands of a man of doubtful competence? What system of reward and leadership selection would opt for palpable mediocrity in a nation of millions of sparkling intellect and competence? The answers are many and varied in their speculative breadth.

There may be a fatal flaw in the psychological make up of the entire national populace that makes us frequently settle for the fifth eleven. It may also be that Buhari himself possesses a superior wisdom of the Nigerian power mechanics that is not obvious to the common eye or mind. He may be something of a power genius. In that case, he may possess something that most of us do not. It is only a person of uncommon political wisdom that can hoodwink a nation of otherwise smart people for so long to concede him this number of important leadership positions in one life time.

The speculations do not end there. There may be something in the power configuration of the Nigerian state that makes it amenable to periodic power heists led by all manner of pretenders. At a personal level, there may even be something inherently questionable about a citizen who consistently seeks and ascends to lofty public positions knowing that he possesses neither the intellect, competence, knowledge nor vision to dischargetheminimalobligationsofsuchimportant positions. Taken together, all these speculative possibilities are at play in the Buhari scenario. I doubt that any serious historian can do justice to this chapter of Nigerian history without seriously coming to terms with the ambiguities of the Buhari anomaly or phenomenon. He himself may have taken the lid off his serial deceptions when he recently beat his chest with satisfaction to say that he has accomplished all he set out to achieve in power.

Even if we take just his elected tenure as President only, there remains an abiding value to Buhari’s abysmal failures. Mr. Buhari and his discordant choir may have set a gold standard as to what future Nigerian leadership must NOT be like. In that sense, it can be argued that Mr. Buhari has more or less defined the agenda of any serious future government in Nigeria. The political shorthand seems to be a consensus. In order to be minimally acceptable, any future government must NOT be any thing like the Buhari presidency. Instead, future generations of Nigerians are likely to recall the Buhari era almost in a startle after a nightmare and swear in tears: NEVER AGAIN!

Buhari

LET’S DISCUSS THE ‘AGBADO’ ECONOMY

catch on. I tried it once or twice. Human taste is acquired over time and it cannot be changed overnight. If we were born eating bread with cassava content, it would be easier to sell. President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was not interested in the cassava initiative and did not adopt any crop, but there was much attention to tomato production and commercial farming under him. President Goodluck Jonathan tried to revive the cassava bread policy. It still did not work, but he also spent energy on rice, building upon what Obasanjo started. Although there was some success in local production, smuggling hindered the goal of weaning us off imported rice.

For some reason, Nigerians have always had the tongue for imported rice (remember Uncle Ben’s?) Locally produced rice is considered as food for the poorest of the poor, particularly because of the quality of production and packaging. President Muhammadu Buhari has raised the profile of local rice in his time, despite the challenges posed by smuggling. He not only banned FX allocation for rice importation but also chose the abnormal route of closing the international borders to check smuggling, in the process hurting trade on the West Coast. Now that Nigeria has significantly increased its rice production, Buhari can claim that all is well that ends well, even at a heavy price.

As Tinubu prepares to take the reins of power from Buhari on May 29, I would now like to challenge him on the “agbado” that he spoke about at the colloquium. I do not know if he really meant it or it was just political speech-making, but agriculture and industry remain the routes offering quick wins for any administration intent on tackling unemployment. Agriculture is the biggest employer of labour in Nigeria and this can even lead to expansion in industry. Not all of us can be farmers, as farming is not considered glamorous here. Some can be

‘NO INAUGURATION’

First, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, said there is no president-elect and that the president and the CJN should not inaugurate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29. Some legal experts joined in, insisting that the petitions must be decided before inauguration. The clergy is on board, with Cardinal John Onaiyekan saying it is senseless to swear in a new president while petition is pending. This may be a good argument but there is no law stopping inauguration because of litigation. We need to step back and take a deep breath. If we follow this emerging logic, 28 states will not have governors on May 29 because of pending petitions. Weird.

involved in light processing in the value chain. Jonathan, in particular, promoted what he called “agropreneurship” to attract youths. Does Tinubu intend to promote maize? Well, the global maize industry is huge. If we want to use agriculture to partly tackle insecurity and unemployment — two of our biggest headaches — maize is one crop we can target. Nigeria is rated Africa’s largest producer with an output of 33 million metric tonnes (mmt) in 2021/22 but, not surprisingly, the yield is poor, compared to second-placed South Africa, which produces only 15.3mmt. Our yield per hectare (t/ha) is less than 2mt — not even up to half of South Africa’s 4.9 t/ha. South Africa was responsible for 75 percent of Africa’s exports. You can look away now: the US produces 354.19mmt and exports 57.59mmt. We definitely can scale up.

Why is “agbado” so important? Although the world’s 86th most traded product, it is now the most beloved cereal in demand, moving above wheat and rice since 2020. In plain language, it is a growing market. In 2021, the US, as the world’s top producer of maize, earned $18.8 billion from exports, followed by Argentina ($8.88 billion) and Ukraine ($5.86 billion). Same year, Nigeria earned $57,350 from exporting 62,000 mt. You may look at the statistics and get depressed or frustrated, but the better option is to see the huge opportunity begging for attention. The solutions to our problems are in plain sight. All we need to do is focus our energies on the right things and the results will show up. While providing employment through agriculture and industry can easily absorb youths from the labour market and take them off crime, we are also going to be tackling food poverty. These are the things the countries we call “advanced” today realised long ago and took action while we were busy sharing oil revenue and buying private jets up and down.

Maize, for instance, is a staple for billions of people in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. According to a 2021 report by PwC, entitled “Positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leader in maize production for AfCFTA”, some 300 million Africans depend on maize as the main staple crop. All parts can be used for food and non-food products.

Maize accounts for 30−50 percent of lowincome household expenditures in Africa, according to the PwC report, and over 30 percent of the caloric intake of people in sub-Saharan Africa comes from maize. In Nigeria, maize is used to make animal feeds. It is raw material for breweries. It is also raw material for the manufacturing of industrial flours and corn flakes. It is food for us in many forms. The truth, of course, is that we can do far better than we are doing now if we adopt the right practices and policies to improve productivity, not just in maize but in the various cash crops that we are blessed with in this country. Everything I have written here can apply to all our cash crops.

Any problem associated with maize can also be seen in yam, cassava, tomato, name it. There are general problems with agriculture in Nigeria. One is poor yield. This is a problem discouraging many investors. And this is a problem science can solve. Improving yield has vast economic benefits. Another is postharvest loss. Challenges around conditioning and preservation can be resolved by science as well. Yet another challenge is the value addition. You don’t have to be a farmer. You can go into processing and producing finished products with raw material from agriculture. This is an industry that good policy choices and incentives can address. It is a massive world out there.

Some things are just not working well and the policy makers know it. How can it be said that we are the largest producers of cassava in the world but we do not feature

And Four Other Things…

EMIRATE POLITICS

Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), has hinted that Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II could be restored as the emir of Kano when Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP) is inaugurated as governor. The politicisation of the throne since Alhaji Ado Bayero died in 2014 is gearing up for another phase. Sanusi was appointed in Bayero’s stead after he was removed as CBN governor by President Goodluck Jonathan. The APC took full advantage, with some leaders even promising Kwankwaso, then Kano governor, the presidential ticket. Sanusi would fall out with Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the governor, in 2020 who removed him and broke up the emirate. Intrigues.

DEBT OVERHANG AND RELATED FISCAL ISSUES

Clearly, there has been a growing and uncontrollable appetite for debt as a way of financing the budget. This should be a serious cause for concern. FG’s overdrafts from CBN are also a major contributor to inflation, which negatively impacts households and businesses.

The second issue is that though the Ways and Means are now being regularised and were probably used to forestall other crises (such as being unable to pay salaries), they were done in violation of the CBN Act. The law allows the central bank to give advances to government to meet budget shortfalls. But the law also sets limits, and clearly for good reasons. Section 38 (2) of the CBN Act 2007 states that the advances cannot be more than 5% of FG’s actual revenue for the previous year. Section 38 (3) stipulates that the advances shall be fully repaid by the end of the financial year, failing which new advances cannot be granted.

Clearly, this was observed in the breach, otherwise we would not have arrived at a N22.7 trillion unpaid debt. The CBN failed to exercise fidelity to its own enabling law, despite its vaunted independence. Also, both the executive and the legislative arms were complicit in disobeying an extant law or in failing to seek or insist on an amendment to allow for possible exigencies. Governments cannot be choosing and picking what laws

Buhari

they want to obey. While passing the request, the Senate asked that the National Assembly be carried along in seeking subsequent advances and that the executive should seek amendment of the 5% threshold in the future. But this is self-indictment. If the legislators had taken their oversight and

SUDAN SALVATION

The way the federal government reacted to the plight of Nigerians caught in the Sudan crossfire is laudable, although there are also arguments that we should have been more proactive and the evacuation arrangements could have been smoother. Still, I am glad our compatriots returned home safely. The late Chief Ojo Maduekwe launched the “citizen diplomacy” policy when he was minister of foreign affairs. I think we should revive it. Many Nigerians in diaspora are bitter because they feel the government doesn’t care about them. They face challenges that “normal” consular services could have helped address. I will celebrate the Sudan rescue mission all the same. Positive.

among the top cassava-exporting countries? We are the largest producers of yam but we are virtually non-existence in the export market. One reasonable explanation is that Nigeria has a huge population and we should be grateful that we produce enough to eat. Export can come later. That is not a bad argument but the fact that we are producing so much in spite of the poor yield and in spite of the discouraging living and farming conditions says a lot about where we can be if we get things right. Let’s think about that.

A Zimbabwean farmer, who worked in a small community in Kwara state years ago when Dr Bukola Saraki was governor, had this to say after spending less than a year in the country: “Nigeria’s agriculture potential is scary!” Outsiders see so much potential in us: potential to create quick jobs and get youths off the streets; potential to produce enough food to cure our people of hunger; potential for a wealthy value chain; and potential to export raw materials as well as finished products and earn billions upon billions in forex. It appears we are not seeing what they are seeing, so we keep going back and forth and returning to square one at almost every turn. We need to wake up.

I must immediately clarify that I know agriculture is on the concurrent list and not the exclusive preserve of the president. The federal government does not own any land apart from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). But if Tinubu is going to promote the “agbado” economy, or agriculture and industry for that matter, he has to rally the governors, show leadership by providing the vital policy and infrastructural support, and take it as a personal project that must be seen to a conclusion. We’ve tried to tackle insecurity with bombs, and poverty with handouts. There is a lot more we can achieve with agriculture and industry if we know what we want and are determined to get there.

AMBASSADOR OSIMHEN

Victor Osimhen inspired Napoli to win the Italian football league for the first time in 33 years, scoring 21 goals in 26 games so far. His equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Udinese on Thursday sealed the Serie A title for the team, which previously had the legendary Diego Maradona as the hero when he led them to their first and second titles in 1987 and 1990 — virtually all by himself. The way Osimhen was celebrated at the stadium on Thursday night made me a proud Nigerian. While our politicians are doing all they can to divide the country along ethno-religious lines, the good news from Nigeria is always coming from Nigerians shining in academics, sport, Afrobeats and Nollywood. Ambassadors.

relief. But it may distract us from the fact that our public finance is in dire straits. It could induce the temptation to borrow more or the eagerness to continue to press the CBN to keep the tap running. We cannot borrow our way out of this fiscal bind. Revenue from oil sales has virtually vanished, sadly at a time of high oil prices and when other oil-producing countries are making the bank. Diminished production and oil theft are hugely implicated here. But the major culprit is Nigeria’s beloved petrol subsidy, which is likely to burn N6.72 trillion if retained for the whole of 2023. When our 8% tax-to-GDP ratio, about the lowest in the world, is layered on this, then the case for urgent adjustments has made itself.

appropriation responsibilities more seriously, they would have seen what was in plain sight all along, and should have insisted that the proper thing be done.

The flexibility offered by the approval by the National Assembly to restructure the Ways and Means sure offers some

We are clearly living beyond our means, as most of these overdrafts were for personnel and overhead items, and not for capital. There are many areas of leakages and wastes. Revenue-generating agencies are mini-governments in themselves. We are not spending smartly enough, as we burn scarce resources on subsidies that are mostly captured by the rich. And we are not generating enough revenue for our size and needs, or to conveniently absorb the mounting debts. Our work is clearly cut out. We can choose to do it, or we can continue to choose work avoidance.

Law Scholar Asks Tinubu to Prioritise Appointment of Supreme Court Judges

Alex Enumah in Abuja

President of the Centre for SocioLegal Studies (CSLS), Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) has called on the incoming administration to give priority to the appointments of judges of the appellate courts in order to restore the hope of the common man in the country’s justice system.

Akinseye-George, a professor of public law, said one of the major problems facing the country today is the persistent issue of delay in justice delivery, which according to him, is the mother of criminality which in turn breeds impunity.

He made the call recently at a two-day training/seminar for young lawyers on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The senior lawyer said making the issue of rotation of political offices constitutional would create

a sense of belongingness among Nigerians and at the same time eradicate the hopelessness said to be responsible for the current desperation by politicians.

He, therefore, said the in-coming government should take urgent action to reduce the problem of delay in justice delivery.

As an immediate step, the law scholar explained that it should consider “urgently filling the vacancies in the appellate courts, introducing technology to do away with the archaic system of manual writing by judges, abolishing de novo trials, improve the working conditions of judges and prescribing a maximum timeline for the conclusion of court cases.

“Such time limits should not be limited to only Election cases. These and other urgent measures are needed to restore the hope of the common man in the justice system.

RIMAN Unveils Chartered Risk Management Institute May 11

Nume Ekeghe

The Risk Management Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) has announced that it will formally change its corporate identity to the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) on May 11.

In a statement by its Registrar, Victor Olannye yesterday, RIMAN noted that CRMI was established by the Act of the National Assembly No. 39, 2022 and assented to by President Muhammadu

Buhari in December 2022 for the purpose of promoting sound risk management practices.

Olannye noted that CRMI Act 2022, consistent with global best practices across all the private and public sectors, would be inaugurated on Thursday, May 11 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos under the theme, “Risk Management Driving Organisational Agility”

He added that the inauguration was to engage stakeholders to stay abreast of the evolving trends in

Court Orders OGFZA to Reinstate Employee Suspended for 12 Years

The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has given the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) to recall and reinstate one of its managers Funmi Omosule who was suspended 12 years ago.

Justice Olufunke Anuwe who issued the order also held that the continued suspension of the claimant by the authority since 2011 was oppressive, unjustifiable, null and void and of no effect.

Thejudgedeclaredthatthestoppageof the claimant’s salaries and allowances on thebasisofhissuspensionwasunjustifiable.

She consequently ordered that the claimant’s salaries and allowances be computed from April 2021 up to the time he is reinstated and be

On the issue of zoning, Akinseye-George observed that if there were any major lessons to be learnt from the recent general elections, is that rotation of elective offices must no longer be left to the whims and caprices of politicians. According to him, the recent elections were highly divisive; reopened old wounds and rekindled primordial and parochial tendencies which may endanger the country’s democracy, if not carefully addressed.

To this end, Akinseye-George

disclosed that the centre would work with like-minded Nigerians to propose amendments to the constitution on rotation of major political offices at all levels.

“The practice of electing political officers by rotation must be entrenched in the Constitution. Our Centre intends to work with like-minded Nigerians to propose amendments to the Constitution on Rotation of major political offices at all levels.

“All zones, and sections of this country and of every state and

IN PUBLIC INTEREST…

paid to him.

The judge also awarded the sum N500,000 to the claimant. She however declined the claimant’s request that he be promoted to the level he would have been had he not been suspended.

In its defence, OGFZA argued that Omosule was suspended because he failed to bring original certificates before the management for verification.

In his reply, the claimant said he lost his original certificates and that he submitted certified true copies of the certificates to the authority but that his employer still refused to recall him from the suspension.

Africa Magic Holds Session with Film Industry Stakeholders

As part of its commitment to the growth and development of the Nigerian movie industry, MultiChoice Nigeria has revealed that Africa Magic will hold a film and television stakeholders engagement session on May 10 in Lagos.

Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola Tejumola, revealed the plan in a statement at the weekend.

Tejumola said the event would take place a few days before the 9th edition of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), which will be held in a series of events from May 18-20.

According to her, the aim of the session is to strengthen

communication among industry stakeholders and provide a platform for capacity building for high-quality content creation. She said that attendees of the event would have the opportunity to learn about the Africa Magic pitch process, understand how acquisitions and commissioning work, and network with the brains behind the scenes at Africa Magic.

He said the stakeholder engagement “is aimed at strengthening our communication with film and TV stakeholders in line with our commitment to continue to empower, promote, and support the film industry in Nigeria; especially looking to the future of film as we mark our 2oth year of operations in Nigeria.

every community must be given a sense of belonging as equal owners of the Nigerian space.

“Hopelessness breeds desperation. Every community must have the hope that one day it will be their turn to produce the president, governor, senator, etc,” he said.

The president suggested that the country may begin with the idea of “one president and six vice Presidents, one per geo political zone. One governor and three deputies, one per

senatorial zone”, he said.

He added that other details will be worked out in a bill for constitutional amendment which shall be tabled before the National Assembly.

He disclosed that the purpose of the training was to improve awareness and deepen the knowledge of the ACJA by as many Nigerians as possible, adding that since its passage in 2025, 35 states of the federation have already domesticated the Act.

HURIWA, CROYN Disagree over Onaiyekan’s Election Petition Remark

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and Congress for Rights Of Yoruba Nationalities (CROYN) yesterday disagreed over the remark of the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Dioceses of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan that it made no sense to inaugurate politicians whose elections were being challenged.

While HURIWA revealed

how Onaiyekan’s remark was recommended in the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Commission Reforms in 2008, CROYN claimed that the priest was expected to promote unity, national stability and peace rather than heightening tension and engaging in subtle provocation.

In separate statements by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko and CROYN’s National President Abiodun Fanoro, the rights groups

expressed divergent positions over Onaiyekan’s position

Onwubiko, specifically, said the position of the cleric “is not in any way out of point as it was part of the recommendations of the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Commission Reforms that should have been incorporated into the Electoral Act, 2022.

While carpeting the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, for faulting Onaiyekan, he said it was

unfortunate that Keyamo has suddenly become a defender of injustice, having dined with politicians, wondering where the Keyamo of the activism and civil rights days departed to. He said: “80-year-old Archbishop cleric has spoken truth to power and this is very courageous of the octogenarian in a country filled with sycophants and hypocrites who form that they are with the masses but yet dine with the oppressors.

Forum Asks NDDC Board, Management to Embrace Peace

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Niger Delta Justice Forum has challenged the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embrace peace as a strategic goal of developing the oil-rich region.

The forum added that instead of engaging in public fits and outbursts, the board should liaise with management to rethink job creation, retool youth unemployment thereby significantly addressing insecurity and engendering the flourish of

enterprise.

This was contained in a letter to the Chairman of NDDC Governing Board, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku on their public disagreement over NDDC’s plan to undertake a rail project that would run through all states of the region.

The letter, signed by Convener of the forum, Bassey Idongesit and Publicity Secretary, Joachim Dakolo, frowned at the chairman’s statement condemning the widely hailed effort of the commission towards transition-

ing to a new organisation that would leverage private capital for sustainable development of the region through PPP.

The letter further condemned the chairman’s at the subsequent signing of an MOU for preliminary processes for a rail network that would connect the nine NDDC States is both reckless and illconceived.

It said: “Her attempt to create an imprimatur of illegality and deliberate litigation of the internal affairs of the commission in the public space is an unprecedented embarrassment to the region and

its people.

“No matter how cleverly disguised and presented, her grudge response is simply in furtherance of her ongoing schemes at total capture of the executive powers of the Commission not institutional bargain.

“How else can any rational person explain her opposition to the transformational change and blue-sky thinking that led to the concept of the PPP? Is she not aware that the federal government has all, but abandoned the eastern railway corridor due to paucity of funds?

Nigeria Tops List of Qualcomm Startup Programme for Africa Development

Emma Okonji

Four Nigerian startups have topped the list of 10 selected startups across Africa that will be mentored by Qualcomm to develop technology solutions that will address the immediate and long term needs of Africans. Qualcomm Technologies announced the selected 10 startups at the weekend, drawn from 550 applications across 34 African

countries.

The selected 10 startups will participate in the six months inaugural Qualcomm ‘Make in Africa’ startup mentorship program, as part of the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform announced in December 2022.

The startups will be developing innovative products in clean energy, agricultural technology, computing for education, geospatial predictive analysis, medical

technologies, and innovations utilising electric vehicles.

Among the selected 10 startups, four came from Nigeria, two each from Kenya and Uganda, and one each from Rwanda and Ghana.

The four startups from Nigeria include: Fixbot, which developed vehicle diagnostics and inspection solution; OneTouch Diagnostics, which developed solution for diabetes patch and monitoring

system; QuadLoop, which developed solar e-Lanterns and battery storage from e-waste; and Maotronics Systems Limited, which developed IOT-enabled precision agriculture solution.

The two selected startups from Kenya inclde: Ecorich Solutions, which developed organic composting solution and Neural Labs Africa Ltd, which developed solution for healthcare diagnosis.

L-R: Director, Alliance Française de Lagos, Mr. Marc Brabant; Head of Public Relations and Communication, Jumia Nigeria, Mr. Robert Awodu; President of the board, Alliance Française de Lagos, Abiola Williams-Otufale; and Head of Talent Acquisition, Jumia Nigeria, Mr. Kelvin Umeh, at the official launch of the Alliance Française de Lagos Library…recently. ETOP UKUTT

Victorious Team Nigeria Athletes from Zambia Celebrated in Lagos

SportsMinisterassurescontingentofpropergroomingaheadofParis2024

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Victorious Team Nigeria’s U18 and U20 athletes to the Confederation of African Athletics Championship in Ndola, Zambia, returned to rapturous celebrations at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos yesterday.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare led the cheer party that also included 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba and President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa.

Speaking at the ceremony at the arrival wing of the airport, Chief Dare congratuthe country proud and representing Nigeria Africa with less number of athletes when compared with the rainbow nation.

He assured the team of proper grooming and monitoring ahead future competitions.

Dare was particularly happy that this contingent surpassed the performance of Team Nigeria at the last edition of the competition in Cote d’Ivoire four years

Team Nigeria represented by 41 athletes in Ndola, Zambia won 36 medals, made

up of 17 gold, 10 silver and nine bronze as against the 80 athletes that were in Abidjan four years ago.

“Let me on behalf of the President Muhammadu Buhari and also our Presidentelect, Senator Bola Tinubu, these two men who are fathers and lovers of sports and also lovers of youths, congratulate you for your wonderful performance in Ndola, Zambia,” began the minister.

“Let me also thank you for doing Nigeria proud. Four years ago, we came third in Côte d’Ivoire and didn’t even get this number of medals, so we are proud of you.

“I must also thank your coaches and the technical team. This performance shows that our grassroots developmental programme is working. Who should take the credit is not the Sports Ministry, but the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, which includes your President, Tonobok Okowa and the board members and also the grandfather of athletics, Chief Solomon Ogba. into the victory by the athletes. The Ministry and the Federal Government will sit down with the AFN to see how to keep this team together for future competitions.

“I am sure some of you will surely go the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Before then, we have the African Games and the Youth Games. We need to keep the team

together, support the team, keep them in camp and make sure they participate in various competitions,” observed the elated minister even as he joined in the dancing and singing to the melodious led Nigeria Supporters Club. Nigeria’s U20 record holder in the 100m, Tima Godbless was crowned the new African Queen in the women’s 100m sprint at World U20 Championships, overpowered become the new U20 queen in the women’s Opeyemi Oke added the 400m gold women’s quarter mile champion. Ajayi Koyinsola also triumphed in the 100m Men U-20, where he grabbed the gold medal. Ogazi Samuel won gold in the 400m Boys U18, just as Okwose Faith overpowered all oppositions to win the gold in the 100m compatriot, Tianna Justina

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Ogun, FG Sign MoU on 2024 National Sports Festival

GovAbiodunpromisesworld-classevent

Determined to host a world-class National Sports Festival in 2024, the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In his remarks after the signing of the MoU at the GovDapo Abiodun informed the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, that Ogun is noted for recording

“Ogun State indigenes have invested in sports development in Nigeria. Apart from that we have eminent sports men and women who have distinguished themselves and brought glory year. We have capable hands and sponsors that are ready to support us.

disappoint you.

“I want to assure you that like you have said to me that the one in Edo was a very good showing, the one in Delta was better than the one in Edo, the one in Ogun will be the best. We will immediately move to set up a Local Organizing Committee,” the governor stated.

Gundogan Brace Takes City Four Points Clear of Arsenal

Manchester City moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League by surviving a late scare to beat a Leeds side damage for City, who appeared utterly dominant as they headed towards their 10th straight league win. found him in space on the edge of the area, was into the bottom left-hand corner of Joel Robles’ goal. His second, again with Mahrez the provider, was identical apart from that he found the opposite corner of the net.

to go, when Pascal Struijk fouled Phil Foden inside the area and referee Andrew Madley pointed to the spot.

Napoli Owner Insists Osimhen Not for Sale

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has insisted he will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer despite serious interests for the striker from some of Europe’s top clubs.

Rosemary

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“I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer — no way,” Laurentiis simply told Rai It has been a breakthrough season for the Super Eagles striker after his 22 goals helped Napoli to scoop the Scudetto for only the third time in their history.

Premier League giants like Manchester United, Chelsea andArsenal have been linked to the player as well as PSG in France and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

A record-breaking transfer even been spoken about for the player.

U17 AFCON BRIEFLY...

Eaglets in Comeback Victory Over S’Africa to Reach Q’finals

Nigeria sailed into the last eight of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria with a 3-2 defeat of South Africa’s Amajimbo in an interesting encounter in Constantine last night.

Five-time world champions Nigeria, who pipped Zambia 1-0 in their opening match but then lost by the same margin to Morocco in their second game, fell behind as early as the 6th minute when Amajimbo

The Eaglets had the ball in the net four They continued to knock as Tockukwu Ogbadibo’s shot proved too weak to trouble the opposing goalkeeper and Light Eke’s header missed target.

Charles Agada, who also had been knocking on the door, brought Nigeria level in the 33rd minute when he nodded into the net from a corner kick with South

SABALENKA

Africa’s goalkeeper in no man’s land. South Africa shot ahead once more but Light Eke restored Nigeria into the game two minutes after the restart.

Abubakar Abdullahi shot Nigeria into in the 63rd minute, and it remained that and in second place in Group B, behind

Aryna Sabalenka beat world number one Iga Swiatek on last night.

Just two weeks after losing to the Pole in Stuttgart, Belarusian Sabalenka won an enthralling battle 6-3 3-6 6-3. It is her WTA Tour-leading third title of the year and comes two years after The win also underlines Australian Open champion Sabalenka’s credentials three weeks before the French Open, where Swiatek is the defending champion.

who clinched

ships held in Cote d’Ivoire, Team Nigeria

ChukwumaandEnochAdegoke were products of that edition.

Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare (right) and First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Chief Solomon Ogba celebrating Team Nigeria athletes on arrival from the CAA U18 and U20 Championship in Ndola, Zambia at the Murtala Mohamed Airport in Lagos...yesterday

Victor Osimhen celebrating Thursday night after his equaliser against Udinese gave Napoli their third Serie A title

Minister Chief Dare and First Vice President of the Nigeria Committee (NOC) Chief Solomon Ogbacelebrating Team

Baba-Ahmed to Buhari, CJN

“I’m repeating, swearing in anybody who does not meet the constitutional requirements of our country, you are engaging in an unconstitutional act. Mr. President, do not hold that inauguration. CJN, your lordship, do not partake in unconstitutionality”– Vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba -Ahmed, calling on President Buhari and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to boycott the swearing-in ceremony of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu.

SIMON KOLAWOLE

SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com,

Let’s Discuss the ‘Agbado’ Economy

One of the most enduring jokes on social media is centred on “agbado” — the Yoruba word for maize, which is equally known as corn. Many Nigerians might have forgotten the source. Speaking at his 69th birthday colloquium in March 2021, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then addressed as national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), advocated the massive recruitment of youths into the army so that Nigeria could tackle insecurity and unemployment at once. He obviously goofed by suggesting that 50 million youths could be recruited into the army to address the security challenges. His media office later clarified that he meant to say 50,000 youths as 50 million was way out of line.

“We are under-policed and we are competing with armed robbers and bandits to recruit from the youths who are unemployed. Thirty-three per cent unemployed?” Tinubu said at the event. “Recruit 50 million youths into the army! What they will eat — cassava, agbado (corn), yam — we’ll grow here. Don’t talk about illiteracy… anybody who can hold a gun, who can handle a gun, who can cock and shoot, is technically competent to repair a tractor in

Tinubu

the farm.” He was apparently preparing to join the presidential race, so many took this as a hint of his manifesto. Thereafter, “agbado” became a byword. “Corn” became an object of scorn. “Agbado” became a pejorative prefix for a Tinubu fan.

WAZIRI ADIO POSTSCRIPT

as substitute for barley malt, which was being imported as raw material by breweries and the food-processing industry in general. It was a controversial policy, hampering growth in the short run and even sending some factories packing in the process. Many economists argued that the import ban was wrong. Although the beverage industry suffered, we are today one of the largest producers of sorghum. We barely import barley.

In our history, different presidents have adopted different cash crops which they promoted to a level of significance. Some were successful and some were not. Gen Ibrahim Babangida, as military president, promoted the local production of sorghum

Nonetheless, we do not have many success stories in import-substitution, which is usually enforced with an import ban. That is why some economists prefer we focus on our areas of strength rather than spend energy banning imports. When President Olusegun Obasanjo was in office, he vigorously promoted cassava. He set up the Presidential Committee on Cassava Initiative Programme. In no time, we became the world’s largest producers. But producing and adding value are two different animals. The one keeps you at the basic stage, earning you pittance, compared to the other that oils a value chain. Obasanjo started promoting cassava content in bread to promote local utilisation.

Unfortunately, the cassava bread did not

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Debt Overhang and Related Fiscal Issues

Last week, the National Assembly finally approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to convert to more favourable terms the N22.7 trillion owed by the Federal Government to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The legislators approved for the overdrafts, which accumulated overtime and spiralled in recent years, to be converted to securities of 40-year tenor at 9% interest rate and with a three-year moratorium on the principal. This approval will expand the fiscal headroom for the outgoing and the incoming governments. But it also thrusts to the fore critical issues about the state and the management of Nigeria’s finances. These are issues in need of serious interrogation and attention.

First, the good part. The approval means that the Federal Government will now pay lower interests on Ways and Means, the technical name for the overdrafts that it has binged on lately to finance budget shortfalls, especially for payment of salaries. The interest rate will plunge from the 21.5% currently charged by CBN to 9%. This is as good as it gets because the FG borrows

from the domestic market at between 11% and 14%. The high interest rate and the repayment on overdrafts are parts of the reasons that debt servicing has hit the roof lately. According to the World Bank, debt service alone gulped 96.3% of FG’s revenue in 2022.

Thus, this is likely to reduce the portion of revenue swallowed by debt and, by extension, lessen the need to take on new debts, and free up additional resources. The Debt Management Office (DMO) stated late last week that the securitisation of the loan will lead to some savings and reduce budget deficit. On a related note, this also means that Nigeria’s public debt, especially the domestic component, will now be fully accounted for. The DMO used a nice spin: improved debt transparency. The fact of the matter is that without legislative approval, the DMO could not include the Ways and Means (basically a private arrangement between the FG and its banker, CBN) as part of the public debt stock. With legislative approval, it will now be fully accounted for.

From DMO’s data, the total domestic debt incurred by the FG, states and the FCT as at 31st December 2022 was N27.55

trillion. The incorporation of Ways and Means will push domestic debt to N50.2 trillion and the total public debt (domestic and foreign) to N68.9 trillion. This means that Ways and Means alone, when included, will constitute 45.2% of domestic debt and 32.95% of the total debt. (It should be noted that this calculation is yet to take account of the loan for the 2022 supplementary budget and for the first four months of 2023.) Another way of putting it is that both domestic and total public debt had been previously understated by that magnitude. This was pointed out in a policy paper published by Agora Policy in October 2022 and before the president sent the request to the parliament in December 2022.

Publicly accounting for FG’s indebtedness to CBN gives a full and proper picture of Nigeria’s debt. This “improved transparency” will also change Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which, by extension, has also been grossly understated. Nigeria’s public debt was 23% of GDP as at end of 2022. With the inclusion of Ways and Means, it will shoot to about 35%. This is still within manageable threshold of 60% for developing economies and is covered by the revised Medium Term

Debt Strategy (MTDS). In 2021, the national debt limit was raised from 25% of GDP to 40%, possibly to accommodate the eventual incorporate of the CBN overdrafts. While debt-to-GDP is a useful metric, it is however more useful to always remember that debts and interests are paid from government revenue, not from GDP.

The Ways and Means matter has thrown up some issues about the management of Nigeria’s finances and economy in recent years and there is the need to draw appropriate lessons and make necessary adjustments. I will highlight a few. The first is that Ways and Means ballooned from N265.7 billion in 2014 to N22.7 trillion in 2022, an increase of 8,443%. Relatedly, debt as a ratio of GDP bumped from 12.6% in 2014 to 23.3% in 2022 (which in reality should have been 35%). It is also interesting to note that total public debt was N12.6 trillion in 2015 and it leapt to N46.25 trillion (without Ways and Means) or N68.95 trillion (with Ways and Means) by 31st December 2022, an increase of 267% and 447% respectively.

Continued on page 61