SUNDAY 12TH MAY 2024

Wike Apologises to Rivers for Choosing Fubara as Successor, PDP Insists It’s in Full Control

Police explain takeover of legislators’ quarters

Secondus blames FCT minister for Rivers political crisis

The immediate past governor of Rivers State and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday apologised to the people of Rivers State for choosing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as his successor.

Wike’s apology is coming as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the members of the state House of Assembly who

defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are mere ‘former members,’ and urged the APC and the affected legislators to forget any possibility of ever taking charge of the state, which the main opposition party said is now under its full control.

While the state police command has explained that it deployed policemen and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the residential

ALL HAIL THE KING AT 90…

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Kashim Shettima

Awujale

Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona (left), and Vice President Kashim Shettima, when the monarch presented his book titled: ‘Reinventing Governance in Nigeria: The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Model’ to the vice president after the inauguration of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State…weekend

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (left), and the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, at a reception for Harry and his wife, Meghan, in Abuja... yesterday

L-R: Founder, EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu; Duchess of Sussex, Meghan; and Director General of World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the Women in Leadership Nigeria summit co-hosted by Okonjo-Iweala in Abuja…yesterday

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Lagbaja Orders Probe into Mutiny by Soldiers, Conditions of Army Detention Facilities Nationwide

Conduct prejudicial to service order is grievous misconduct, army warns

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a probe into the conditions of Nigerian Army’s detention facilities nationwide and how some soldiers kept in guard rooms for various offences broke the facility located at the 8 Division Garrison, Sokoto, which allegedly resulted to a shooting incident that claimed the life of a soldier.

The COAS has also warned that mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service orders were grievous misconducts, adding that “this incident epitomises such.”

Though the number of soldiers involved in the mutiny was not disclosed by the military authorities, THISDAY gathered from military sources that the incident, which occurred on Thursday, led to the detention of about 100 soldiers, with 10 detained in each cell.

This is coming as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the happiness of his men remains paramount to him in discharging his responsibilities as defence chief.

In his reaction to the development, Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Nigerian Army would not hesitate to appropriately sanction the soldiers involved in what he described as “unruly behaviour” in its Sokoto detention facility.

He said the Nigerian Army took note of a viral report and audiovisual recording circulating on social media produced by some of its personnel held in custody at the 8 Division Garrison detention facility.

“Undoubtedly, the Sokoto barracks detention facility incident is quite unfortunate and an embarrassment to the sound administration efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, to say the least, and in line with his leadership style, the COAS has instituted an appropriate investigation into the incident to determine whether it is an isolated or widespread situation in similar detention facilities.

“While the service regrets and has learned some lessons from the incident, it will however not condone the manner the inmates expressed their purported

grievance.

"Mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service order are grievous misconducts, and this very incident epitomises such", he said.

Nwachukwu affirmed that the personnel would be sanctioned for failing to exhaust all available options to channel their complaints to the appropriate authorities.

“As such, as the Army, on the one side, goes ahead to implement the COAS directive to look into the state of all Nigerian Army detention facilities, as detainees’ lives also matter, the service shall not shy away from appropriately sanctioning the soldiers involved in the unruly behaviour in its Sokoto detention facility for failing to exhaust all available options to channel their complaints to the appropriate authorities and if it was discovered they did and nothing was done, necessary administrative actions will be taken against anyone found to have failed to discharge his/her duties effectively", he said.

“While the service is mindful of its subjective oversight engagements by statutory bodies, it remains primarily a responsible, self-regulating professional body.

“As such, the army remains committed to ensuring that everyone, even those found guilty of aiding terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, and are awaiting confirmation of their sentencing, as it has been discovered in the Sokoto case is accorded a relatively decent life until their judgment is confirmed and executed.

“This commitment underscores the Nigerian Army's dedication to upholding professional standards and maintaining a just and fair system.

"The Nigerian Army appreciates all Nigerians for their concern and support as well as a pledge to remain focused on its drive to defeating security challenges facing the nation in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies", he said.

I Can’t Function If My Men are Not Happy, Says Musa

Meanwhile, the CDS, General Musa, has said the happiness of his men remains paramount to him in discharging his responsibilities as defence chief.

Musa expressed this view while addressing journalists yesterday during the novelty volleyball match in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan, who are on a private visit to Nigeria at the invitation of the CDS.

He said he desired to celebrate the wounded soldiers and veterans which prompted the invitation of the royal prince to come to Nigeria and celebrate with the injured veterans.

According to him, it is a great privilege and honour and it shows that people all over the world understand what it is to sacrifice for one’s nation.

“These guys have given everything they have just to make sure that Nigeria remains one.

“These individuals have families and people that depend on them but we will never allow the situation they are in to keep them out.

“That is why, for me particularly, it is very important for the morale of my men.

“For me, I cannot function if my men are not happy and I will do whatever it takes for me to make sure that they are happy.

“That is why we are acknowledging what they have done and we are commending them and we appreciate the sacrifices they are making,” he said.

The defence chief said the Nigerian armed forces were committed to investing in the Invictus game which commenced in 2014, adding he was wondering why Nigeria delayed taking part in the game.

He promised that the Nigerian team would go all the way to build up the capacity of the personnel to be able to continue to win laurels for Nigeria.

Prince Harry interacted with members of his Invictus Foundation and urged them to keep up the good work.

He also cheered up the injured soldiers and veterans who participated in the novelty game.

The visitors had on arrival on Friday had a closed-door meeting with the CDS after a visit to a school in Wuse, Abuja.

They later proceeded to 44 Army Reference Hospital Kaduna where they interacted with wounded soldiers who are currently receiving treatment.

WIKE APOLOGISES TO RIVERS FOR CHOOSING FUBARA AS SUCCESSOR, PDP INSISTS IT’S IN FULL CONTROL

quarters of members of the state House of Assembly in Port Harcourt to prevent a breakdown of law and order, a former National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has accused Wike of being the mastermind of the current charged political atmosphere in Rivers State

Wike made the apology at Ogu town in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the state during a thanksgiving ceremony held in honour of Senator George Sekibo, who celebrated 20 years of service at the National Assembly and 36 years of his life in public service.

In his remarks at the event, he appealed to the people of Ogun/ Bolo LGA to forgive him, saying that people should be appreciative of those or whoever that is instrumental to their elevation.

The former governor said God cannot come down to help people, but would use somebody to accomplish that, condemning ingratitude in the lives of some individuals.

Wike stated: "My dear people, I came because I respect people who appreciate what God has done for them; who appreciate what God has used people to do for them. God does not come down. God uses people to help people. So, when you have been helped, you appreciate Him and, then, God will know you have appreciated Him.

"I have never told anybody to worship me. Nobody can worship man. All of us believe that we only have one God. And it is only that God we will worship. And will continue to worship that God. But, as politicians, we appreciate people who have helped us.

The minister noted that nobody could be completely free from mistakes, stressing that: "I have made a mistake. I own it up. And I ask God to forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But we will correct it at the appropriate time.

"I am a human being. I am bound to make a mistake. My judgment can be wrong. So, forgive me for making a wrong judgment. That is life. So, nobody should kill himself."

Addressing the lawmaker representing Ogu/Bolo constituency in the House of Assembly, who defected from the PDP to the APC, Wike declared: "Let me say this clearly; Arnold, don't be frightened that anybody would remove you as an Assembly member. Nobody will remove you as an Assembly

member.

"Most of you don't understand. This (politics) is our work. What l am doing is to make them fear; to make them angry. I have no other job than to make them angry every day, to make them make mistakes every day. And they will be in trouble every day. So, don't worry about yourselves.

"If they like, they can go to anybody by 2 am, or 4 am to get an injunction. The law will take its course. We are not afraid. We followed due process. We must follow due process. We are not going to harm anybody. We are not going to give money to anybody to buy arms and kill anybody. We won't do that.”

PDP Insists It’s in Full Control

Meanwhile, the PDP has insisted that it is in full control of Rivers State, and flayed what it described as a statement by the APC to subvert the Nigerian Constitution on the vacation of seats by the former members of the state assembly.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP asserted that all the Rivers’ legislators who defected to the APC have completely lost all claims to their seats while all legal considerations now favour the PDP.

According to Ologunagba, APC is only pursuing mere mirage by making unintelligent claims and trying to subvert Nigeria’s constitution in its recent statements on the vacation of seats by “former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who lost their membership of that legislative house upon defection from the PDP.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution is clear in providing that ‘a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if – being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before expiration of the period for which that House was elected:

“Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions

by one of which he was previously sponsored.”

PDP added that the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have only themselves to blame for vacating their seats, adding that this course cannot be reversed or remedied.

“This is especially so as the Supreme Court, in the case of Abegunde vs Ondo State House of Assembly and Others, has since clarified and affirmed the import of the proviso in Section 109(1)(g) in validating the automatic vacation of a seat by a member of a Legislative House who defected from the Party upon which he was elected into that House.

“For the umpteenth time the PDP cautions the APC to steer clear of Rivers State; it should perish the thoughts of forcefully taking over the State and stop exasperating the public space by seeking to reverse the irreversible,” Ologunagba added.

would lead to a substantial reduction in transportation costs, and ultimately help in curbing inflation.

Shettima also said that the tax reforms would improve the system for the overall benefit of all Nigerians.

According to a statement issued yesterday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima spoke at the retreat of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee held in Abuja.

The vice president, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Moddibo Umar, emphasised that the reforms aim to revitalise revenue generation in Nigeria while sustaining an investment-friendly and globally competitive business environment.

According to him, contrary to speculations in some quarters, “We are not here to frustrate any sector of our economy but to create an administrative system that ensures the benefits of a thriving tax system for all our citizens.”

Shettima explained the policy thrust of the administration’s tax reforms, pointing out that the dynamics of the nation’s fiscal landscape prompted the Tinubu administration to pause

Police Explain Takeover of Legislators’ Quarters

In a related development, the state Police Command yesterday explained why it deployed about 30 armed policemen and APCs to the residential quarters of members of the state House of Assembly in Port Harcourt.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement in Port Harcourt, said the deployment of personnel to the assembly quarters was to uphold peace, and not for partisan interest.

According to her, the recent political developments in the state prompted the deployment.

“Our deployment in the area is solely aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any possible breakdown of order.”

Secondus Blames FCT Minister for Rivers Political Crisis

and reconsider the direction it was going.

“Our aim remains the revitalisation of revenue generation in Nigeria while sustaining an investment-friendly and globally competitive business environment,” he noted.

While expressing confidence in the ability of the committee to deliver on the mandate, he also emphasised the significance of the task ahead, noting that “we are gathered today because we are transitioning from the phase of a proposal in the operations of this committee’s work to the phase of implementation.

In another development, a former National Chairman of the PDP, Secondus, has accused Wike of being the mastermind of the current charged political atmosphere in Rivers State.

Secondus also challenged Wike to account for the proceeds he allegedly collected from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the Ogoni oil wells during his tenure as governor of Rivers State.

Secondus’ spokesperson, Ike Abonyi, said in a statement that the former PDP national chairman made the allegations against the backdrop of Wike’s antics and incessant feud with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Secondus accused the FCT minister of demarketing the state because Governor Fubara had blocked all loopholes that could allow him access to the revenues in the coffers of the state.

Secondus also claimed that Wike had instructed his aides and political

would lead to a substantial reduction in transportation costs, and ultimately help in curbing inflation.

Edun stated this during a visit to the JET Motor Company (JET) Assembly Plant in Lagos, where CNG buses are being assembled.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, the minister noted he had seen the vehicles being assembled, expressing confidence that the benefits of the initiative will soon be accessible to Nigerians.

associates to continuously malign and sabotage the peace, progress, and prosperity of the state by ceaselessly attacking Governor Fubara and other leaders of the state in the media. He further stated that Wike's media attacks against the political leaders of Rivers were "unwarranted and diversionary."

"He had on an occasion mentioned that he is capable of causing a crisis and he is not far from the truth, as he is causing an unfathomable crisis in Rivers State. Mrs. Patience Jonathan and I worked for his emergence as governor. Have we ever breathed down his neck? Instead, what we get is disrespect and insults.

Secondus called on President Bola Tinubu to warn Wike to stop overheating the political atmosphere in Rivers State and allow the governor the freedom and liberty to work in the interest of the electorate in the state who voted him into office.

He said the PCNGi is about affordable mass transit.

Edun praised JET’s employment of local talents in the assembly of the vehicles.

“I am confident that both the federal and state governments stand ready to ensure the effective implementation of your reform proposals, and we shall provide the institutional framework to guarantee the adoption of the consensuses of this committee, aligning them with our economic agenda,” he added Cheaper CNG Buses to Slash Transportation Costs, Curb Inflation,

“I have come to see the CNG buses that Nigerians are asking about. I have seen them. I have tested them and driven them. I have seen them being assembled. The benefits will soon be available to Nigerians,” Edun said.

Edun highlighted the significant cost savings that CNG buses offer compared to their petrol-powered counterparts.

“Two critical aims will be achieved.

Says Edun

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Edun has said that the introduction of CNG buses under the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi)

Whereas it costs about N55,000 to fill a 15–20-seater bus with petrol, it will cost between N12-15,000 to fill a CNG bus of the same capacity. This is three times if not four times less. This is a huge savings that will help reduce transport costs and at the same time, help reduce inflation,” he said.

The chairman and founder of JET, Chidi Ajaere, took the minister round during the visit. Also on hand were the CEO of JET motor company, Derek Ewelukwa, and other members of the JET team, such as Sanjay Rupani of the Technical development department and the plant manager, Ebimo Ofongo. Present also were the Commercial Director of PCNGi, Tosin Coker, and the Director General of the National Automotive Development and Design Council, Joseph Osanipin. Ajaere commended President Bola Tinubu for his initiative in promoting local production of the CNG vehicles and the entire PCNGi team’s resolve to make the project a success.

JET was established in 2018 to build Electric Vehicles (EV) vans, pickups, and CNG/Petrol buses tailored to meet Nigeria’s unique transportation needs.

The company aims to transition from semi-knocked-down components to completely knocked-down components in the next three to four years.

CELEBRATION OF AN ACHIEVER…

L-R: Olugbon of Orile-Igbon of Oyo State, Oba Francis Olushola Alao; Chairman, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh; his wife, Shola; Celebrant and Founder Glbrailtar Construction Nigeria, Sir Olu Okeowo; his wife, Ajoke; Mr. Bosun Oredola; his wife, Yinka; Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, Mrs. Folashade Okoya; her husband and founder Eleganza Group, Chief Razaq Akanni Okoya; Alhaji Tajudeen Okoya; and Mrs. Wosilat Seriki at the thanksgiving service to mark birthday celebration of Sir Okeowo at Solomon’s Chapel of Faith De Okeowo Palacio, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos …yesterday

Jonathan: Progressive Ideas I Championed Were Jettisoned after My Exit from Office

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said some of the progressive ideas he instituted during his tenure were jettisoned after his exit from office.

Speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Jonathan recalled that he faced serious challenges but had his way as the president of the country.

The former president who noted the challenges women were facing in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women's progression in

their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.

Jonathan, who was the President from 2010 to 2015, recalled that the challenges faced by women in the military made him, as President direct that the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), should commence admission of women into the institution.

He explained that though there was resistance to his directive, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he had his way.

The former president said he ensured that women were admitted into the NDA, adding that women have become an integral part of the military with some of them going ahead

to become some of the best jet fighters.

He said: “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigerian Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.

“However, some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned,” Jonathan explained.

"While I was pushing for progressive ideas as president some people were resisting them,” he added.

Jonathan also called for the calibration of the nation's education curriculum that will have less emphasis on certificates

but much priority on skills acquisition and technology

The ex-president explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country's educational system was the way to hasten the development of the country. Besides, he condemned cultism and bullying in the nation's lower school system and called on the government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.

He thanked former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he had not approved the school, the establishment of several private universities in the country would

BB Sasore's ‘Breath of Life’ Sweeps the AMVCA

Wins best overall movie, best director and best lead actor

Vanessa Obioha

For the second time, a film produced and distributed by a streaming platform clinched the Best Overall Movie at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). ‘Breath of Life,’ an Amazon Prime Video Nigeria Original, took the award at the 10th edition of the AMVCA, which took place last night at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The film, executively produced by BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunnu, won in several categories, including Best Director for Sasore, Best Lead Actor for Wale Ojo and the Best Supporting categories with actor Ademola Adedoyin and actress

Genoveva Umeh taking the awards in the respective categories.

Kehinde Bankole, acclaimed for her peerless role in ‘Adire,’ clinched the Best Lead Actress award, marking her second win at the AMVCA.

However, despite its high budget, ‘The Black Book,’ a Netflix hit, only secured the award for Best Editing, while ‘Mami Wata’ won in the Best MakeUp category.

‘Jagun Jagun’ emerged victorious in two categories: Best Indigenous Language (West Africa) for Femi Adebayo and Best Costume Design for Lola Awe.

The talented actor, Chimezie Imo, was awarded the Trailblazer Award.

Emotional about his win, Imo, during his acceptance speech,

reminded his colleagues of perseverance, signing off with “My name is Chimezie Imo, I'm an actor, see you at work.”

This year, the awards had two honourees for its iconic Industry Merit Award: the popular actress Esther Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow), and Richard Mofe-Damijo better known as RMD. Astonished by the recognition, it took a while before Philips found the right words to express her gratitude.

“I thank God I'm still alive,” she said, dedicating the award to her husband and children.

Although he missed out on the Best Lead Actor for the third time, the Industry Merit Award was a recognition of his talent

and contribution to the industry in the past three decades. Stunned but composed, RMD appreciated both the young and old producers, directors and other crew members he had worked with.

Hosted by the witty and charismatic media personality IK Osakioduwa, AMVCA 10 was also a showcase of memorable musical performances.

From the legendary Congolese Awilo Longomba to the nostalgic Shaffy Bello and Seyi Sodimu's rendition of ‘Love Me Jeje,’ as well as Chike's performance of ‘Egwu’ featuring the late singer and rapper Mohbad. Other notable performers of the night included Adekunle Gold and KCee.

Flights Diverted as Another Aircraft Skids off Runway at Lagos Airport

Flights were diverted yesterday as aircraft belonging to Xejet Airlines yesterday skidded off the runway at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos. The incident happened after landing at Runway 18L before it skidded off the Runway into the grass verge by B5 Aircraft.

A source privy to the incident

stated that the E145 aircraft departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with 52 passengers and two crew members on board.

“The fire and rescue team was on the ground to help in the evacuation of the passengers. At the moment Runway18L is closed to traffic,” the source said.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the incident,

saying its investigators had been deployed to the site.

“NSIB confirms that an aircraft belonging to XeJet Airline skidded off the runway at the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport this morning. A go team has been deployed to the site of the incident,” the bureau said.

The development comes three weeks after a Dana aircraft skidded off the runway at the

same Lagos airport.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) subsequently suspended operations of the airline and ordered a probe.

However, weeks after the commencement of the probe, the airline disengaged some of its staff.

It gathered that the decision to disengage staff is a temporary decision by the airline pending the conclusion of the probe.

have remained a pipe dream.

While commending the courage and vision of the Founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in establishing the institution, Jonathan said because the university was doing well, other entrepreneurs were encouraged to establish other private universities in the country.

Jonathan thanked God for using General Abdulsalami Abubakar to bring democracy to the country, just as he thanked former governors Obong Attah of Akwa-Ibom and Chief James Ibori of Delta State, who graced the 25th-anniversary celebration.

In his comment, former Head of State, Abdulsalami commended Igbinedion for his foresight in establishing the university, saying: "25 years ago, we gave a licence to establish this University, and Esama has been making progress. Esama, we congratulate you".

He also thanked the Okada community for their role in

bringing peace to the university.

"In the next 25 years, most of us won't be here. I wish you well in your celebration," he added. Earlier, Deputy Pro-Chancellor of the university, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, and Founder of the university, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, said 25 years after, the noble effort of establishing the institution has paid off with the springing up of more private universities in the country.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, who reeled out several achievements of the institution in the past 25 years, disclosed that it has churned over 60,000 graduates since inception.

The high point of the celebration was the cutting of the 25th-anniversary cake by Chief Igbinedion, assisted by his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion; Abdulsalami; Jonathan and other dignitaries present.

Journalist Released from Prison after IPI Intervention

A Nigerian journalist, Ibraheem Hamza Mohammed, was on Friday released from prison after the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) intervened in his case.

The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Police arrested Mohammed on May 1, 2024 after he was accused of falsely publishing a report alleging that N40 million was stolen from Governor Abdullahi Sule’s bedroom. The article was published on February 22, 2024 on First News, a Lagos-based online newspaper.

The police then charged him with violation of the Cybercrime Act and secured an order for his remand at the Medium Security Custodian Centre in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, pending the commencement of trial.

However, the journalist was released Friday after a Nasarawa High Court sitting in Doma granted him bail. He spent 10 days in jail. He will remain on bail till May 13, when the police are expected to withdraw the charges against him and discontinue the trial.

To secure his release, IPI Nigeria’s delegation led by the

President, Musikilu Mojeed, visited Lafia on May 6, and held meeting with top officials of the Nasarawa State government, including Governor Sule; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Labaran Magaji and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Addra.

The delegation also visited and conferred with the journalist, Mohammed, in prison.

Meanwhile, the management of FirstNews has apologised to Governor Sule over the story, saying it has since found “that the said story lacked any form of truth in it and that the reporter merely concocted the story in his bid to pursue a personal vendetta against the governor.”

“While tendering an unreserved apology to the Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule, we wish to assure him that such will not repeat itself ever again,” the newspaper added.

IPI Nigeria is hereby admonishing Nigerian journalists to always uphold the ethics of their profession, desist from publishing false news, and continue to observe a high degree of standard in their practice.

Chinedu Eze

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

ADVOCACY PROGRAMME…

To Douse Atiku, Wike’s Feud, PDP

Govs, Stakeholders

Seek Unaligned Candidate as Ayu's Successor

In a bid to ensure a rancourfree emergence of the next National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governors elected on the platform of the party and other stakeholders are rooting for a candidate who is not aligned with the two feuding camps in the main opposition party, THISDAY has learnt.

THISDAY gathered that the PDP stakeholders have intensified a search for a substantive national chairman of the party to be announced on August 15, 2024, despite the restraining order of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), barring the party from replacing its acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, pending the determination of the suit before it.

Investigation further revealed that the governors and other PDP leaders seek to ensure that the candidate that will emerge is not aligned with either the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, which have been engaged in a protracted dispute and supremacy battle for the control of the soul of the party.

A member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party told THISDAY at the weekend that the stakeholders and elected governors are tactically avoiding any of the national chairmanship aspirants that enjoy the support of either Atiku or Wike.

The NEC member also disclosed that the NEC of the party was unable to nominate a substantive national chairman in their April 18 meeting because

Stop Disclosure of EFCC Investigation to Customers, Olukoyede Warns Bank Officials

Wale Igbintade

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, yesterday called on Compliance Officers of banks across the country to desist from unauthorised disclosure of EFCC’s investigation activities and request from banks to their customers.

Olukoyede, in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, decried the unhealthy support fraudsters received from the banking sector in Nigeria.

Oyewale stressed that it is posing considerable challenges and concerns to the commission.

The EFCC chairman made this call through the Acting Zonal Director of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the agency, Hauwa Garba Ringim during a stakeholders’ meeting with Compliance Officers of Banks in Oyo State.

He said: “The EFCC is aware of the fact that compliance officers give information to their clients regarding “letters of investigation activities” written

to the banks from the EFCC.

“The act usually jeopardises the investigation exercise of financial crimes and delays corruption cases from being filed before the law court.”

Olukoyede also urged them to always respond to letters received from the commission with certified true copies, including instruments of transactions of beneficiaries or sources, as this will expedite the processes of investigation to a logical conclusion.

The EFCC boss said illegal dealings and trading in naira with the Point-of-sale operators must stop.

“What we notice and see around lately is that Nigerians can only withdraw a small amount of their money with the banks in Automated Teller Machine but POS operators go around with huge amounts of money gotten from the banks. This is not fair to Nigerians and we must fight it head-on,” he added.

He, however, assured the compliance officers of the commission’s support at all times, as “they remain relevant stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crimes.”

the aspirants that indicated interest were aligned with the two feuding camps.

Atiku’s camp comprises mostly former governors and former ministers.

Leaders of Wike’s camp are the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).

“With both camps spoiling for a showdown, the governors sensed the danger that could degenerate into a bigger crisis. They agreed in the pre-caucus meeting to put off the election of the substantive national chairman for another date to allow tension to calm down and also give room for more consultations,” the NEC member explained.

According to him, the governors and stakeholders are focusing attention on some persons who have indicated interest and others who could be persuaded to contest because of their political pedigree.

One of the aspirants is Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, a former deputy national secretary of the party, who was also the state chairman of the party in

Benue State for over eight years.

His appointment on April 18, 2024, as the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum was said to be a plan to make the governors access his capabilities to manage the party.

He is believed to be an ally of the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

A former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam was a major contender on April 18 before the NEC meeting was adjourned till August.

He is seen as independentminded and also a two-time governor, former senator for eight years, and former member of the House of Representatives for eight years.

Conrad Utaam from Benue State is also another contender, who came to the limelight when he went to court to stop the return bid of the former National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu when his ward in Gboko suspended him.

Utaam, a known ally of Ortom, had gone to court to ensure that the order of Benue State High Court against Ayu was not vacated.

This role has however remained an albatross on his neck, though his posters are all over Abuja and the party's National Secretariat.

A former Minister of Police Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Humphrey Abba, is another serious contestant. He is from Kogi State. Those against his aspiration have insisted that Ayu’s successor should emerge from Benue State.

But Abba's supporters have countered this argument, saying that when Audu Ogbeh, who is from Benue State, was removed as the party’s national chairman, he was replaced by Dr. Ahmadu Ali from Kogi State.

A former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Simon Mwadkwon, from Plateau State is also said to be preparing for the race.

He was the Senate Majority Leader in the present Senate but was unfortunately removed by a controversial Court of Appeal judgment.

However, a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) told THISDAY last night that the Plateau State Caleb

Mutfwang may not be disposed to have a contending force in the person of the national chairman of PDP from his state and may not be willing to support him.

The NWC member also revealed that Ortom is currently being persuaded to join the face. He, however, added that if Ortom accepts to contest, his ambition would be dead on arrival as he had openly said that he would campaign for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Though he has not explicitly come out to say that he is interested in becoming the substantive national chairman of the party, the body language of the acting national chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum also suggests that he is interested in the race.

Damagum’s campaign posters are all over strategic places in Abuja.

Damagum is from Yobe State in the North-east zone.

Justice Peter Lifu of the High Court of the FCT will on Tuesday, May 14 commence hearing on the suit restraining PDP from replacing Damagum as the acting national chairman of the party.

Corruption Responsible for Insecurity in Nigeria, Says Sokoto NBA

The Sokoto State Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has identified corruption as the major reason for the sustained insecurity in the country.

The legal body stated this at the weekend in Sokoto in a communique signed by Mohammed Nuhu, which was issued at the end of their law week.

"Corruption is largely one of the reasons for the sustained insecurity in Nigeria which is now a serious national challenge and which needs to be tackled frontally, this can be done through adhering to strict rules relating to professionalism,” said the communique.

The body also enjoined security agencies to collaborate if they are to win this war against insecurity.

"Coordination and cooperation

among security agencies should be promoted, they should be on the same page,” the association said.

The union also called for a just and expeditious administration of justice.

"A trustworthy relationship between security agencies in Nigeria and the public is the basis of effective security administration, especially for effective criminal investigations,” the communique said.

The union noted that security agencies should maintain the confidence of the public in various ways by honestly handling citizens' requests, responding quickly to citizens’ complaints, and providing proper protection and support for victims.

The Sokoto branch of the NBA also saluted the courage of the Nigerian security agencies in tackling banditry and associated

terrorist activities.

It further stated that more needs to be done to ensure a crime-free society in Nigeria.

It identified professionalism as a panacea to nation-building, the absence of which can lead to dire consequences.

The NBA urged the government at all levels to provide legal professionals and staff of the judiciary in Nigeria with continuing and on-the-job training to improve their professional skills and knowledge, especially in this time of rapid development in science and technology, Information and Communication Technology as well as globalisation.

It implored different professional groups involved in bringing sanity to the Nigerian system of governance to form a common agenda in fighting corruption, tribalism, and other related offences.

"Nigerians should be seen to move forward and get rid of evil forces that are determined to pull the country down.”

It stated that professional associations should have a common agenda of liberating the country from the hands of the oppressors.

"The association and other related professional bodies should have the courage to punish erring members. Greed, false lifestyle, people’s attitudes, and tribalism have found their way into these professional bodies at the expense of providing direction on how to advance Nigeria as a united country.

"Nigeria should learn from other climes how to promote judicial professionalism to live up to the expectation that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man,” the body explained.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

L-R: Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Sadiq Mamman-Lagos; Deputy Majority Leader, state House of Assembly, Mrs. Munira Suleiman Tanimu; Governor Uba Sani; and Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, during a flood mitigation advocacy and presentation of food items approved by President Bola Tinubu from the strategic food reserve for distribution to vulnerable Nigerians in Kaduna…weekend

SECURITY ON THEIR MINDS…

of

to Governor of Enugu, Mr. Victor

82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu,

Government Houses, Enugu…yesterday.

Ndume Opposes Cybersecurity Levy, Says Nigerians Can’t Be Levied Without Increasing Their Income

TUC slams opposition N’Assembly members for their silence over levy

Wale Igbintade

The senator representing Borno South Senatorial District in the Senate, Ali Ndume, has condemned the controversial cybersecurity levy as proposed by the federal government, saying that it is not proper for the government to continue to levy the citizens while nothing is done to increase their income.

This is as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) slammed the opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly over its perceived quietness on the controversial cybersecurity levy.

Ndume, who was a guest during a television interview at the weekend, said the proposed cybersecurity levy would increase the tax burden on Nigerians.

“You cannot be charging taxes on people when you are not increasing their income. Their source of income, you are not widening it, you are

not increasing it. I am not part of those that support levying people anyhow,” he said.

The Cybersecurity Act was recently amended by the members of the National Assembly, including Ndume. He, however, said that while he supported the Act, he didn’t spot this part that has placed a burden on Nigerians.

“The amendment to the Cybersecurity Act, I supported it but not the nitty-gritty and I am not trying to run away from any blame. We have issues with cybercrime, you know that, and there is a need for the government to improve the Cybercrime Act, that is what I understand by the amendment.

“Looking at the nitty-gritty would have been the responsibility of interested parties. If I had known there was an issue where a cost would be transferred to a customer or a Nigerian, I would not agree,”

he said.

Ndume said the lawmakers alone should not take the blame for the Act, saying that where some things escape the notice of the lawmakers, civil society organisations and the labour unions are supposed to point out grey areas during the public hearing.

In a circular dated May 6, 2024, to all deposit money banks, mobile money operators, and payment service providers, the apex bank directed the deduction of the levy to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund (NCF), administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

On May 6, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directed banks and other financial institutions to implement a 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy on electronic transfers.

The apex bank said the deductions would go to the National

Cybersecurity Fund which would be administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Many Nigerians and groups have expressed their dissatisfaction, highlighting that banking transactions are becoming increasingly costly due to numerous charges.

The CBN directive has since been greeted by a deluge of condemnations, with the labour unions threatening nationwide action should the government fail to withdraw the directive.

The House of Representatives has, however, asked the CBN to withdraw the circular directing financial institutions to commence implementation of the 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy, describing it as “ambiguous”.

During the same programme, TUC slammed the opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly members over its perceived quietness on the

Fear Grips Dana Air Workforce as Airline Disengages 500 Workers

There is palpable fear among the workforce of Nigeria’s mid-sized airline, Dana Air, over the future and survival of the airline following its disengagement of its workers estimated at 500 after many years of struggle to keep its aircraft in the sky.

The disengagement of the workers followed the recent suspension of the airline by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The NCAA had suspended the airline following a directive by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, directing that the airline be suspended over the runway excursion it suffered on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Confirming the disengagement in a statement issued yesterday, Dana Air stated that for it to return to service, it was undergoing an operation audit with the regulatory authority, NCAA.

The airline said in the statement signed by the Head, of Corporate Communication, Kingsley Ezenwa, that: “The audit, currently underway, is a collaborative effort between Dana Air and the authorities to ensure

compliance with all necessary standards and regulations.”

The airline which did not disclose the number of the disengaged workers, however, reaffirmed its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and expedited resolution of the audit process.

“In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit. This decision has been made to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures,” the statement added.

The airline’s management commended the resilience and dedication of the disengaged workers during the period of uncertainty, adding that it recognised the difficulties that the members of staff had to endure.

It gave an assurance that every effort was being made to resolve the situation promptly.

“Dana Air remains committed to providing updates and support to its staff throughout this process and while these challenges are being addressed, Dana Air has commenced talks with lessors and are currently engaging stakeholders on the progress

made so far,” the statement explained.

Dana Air also noted that it was working diligently to address any concerns and prepare a restart plan that would ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.

It also expressed confidence that with the continued support of its staff and stakeholders, it would overcome these challenges and emerge stronger.

THISDAY gathered that the NCAA is inclined to the airline changing its McDonnell Douglas (MD-83) aircraft by adding two more aircraft, possibly a Boeing 737 as a condition for its resumption of operation.

It was also gathered that while the MD-83 may not have any safety challenges, both the airline and NCAA acknowledged that being old equipment, it costs more to keep them airworthy as it will record AOG (Aircraft on Ground) and will also require regular maintenance.

The investigation further revealed that the company is shopping to acquire more aircraft.

However, with the long time required in aircraft acquisition by purchase or lease, industry insiders also fear that the airline might not be resuming operation soon.

Commenting on the development, the Secretary General of the National

Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Ocheme Aba, told THISDAY that if the airline does not have work again for the workers, it should declare redundancy and then negotiate with labour on the staff benefits.

“If the airline is not unionised it will negotiate with the Ministry of Labour and Productivity,” he added.

On his part, the Chairman of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Dana Air chapter, Peter Dunia, told THISDAY that the workers are demanding their entitlements and want to negotiate directly with the Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air, Mr. Jackie Hathiramani, hinting that the major challenge of the airline is financial distress.

THISDAY learnt that the airline has about 600 workers and has retained about 100, mostly technical, administrative, and managerial staff who would be working with the NCAA on the audit and resolving financial matters.

Other industry insiders also told THISDAY that the major deterrent in the airline industry is low-profit margin, which discourages operators from committing more funds to the industry.

controversial cybersecurity levy.

The TUC President, Festus Usifo, wondered why the opposition lawmakers who are representatives of the people are yet to take a stance on the controversial policy. He accused the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress (APC) – of making life more difficult for the Nigerian people.

“Where are the opposition parties in the National Assembly? Where are the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP members?” the visibly angry Usifo questioned.

“Even if the ruling party today

wants to suffocate Nigerians and the opposition, you hear nothing from them. It is really that bad. This kind of attitude where we don’t see bills like this in the newspapers that there is going to be public hearings, and we don’t hear any advertisement on major television channels that there is going to be a public hearing. What are they doing with the budget of the National Assembly?” According to him, the organised labour was not carried along by the lawmakers in the passage of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024.

To Attract Foreign Investments, Encourage Visitations, FG Moves to Review Visa Policy

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

As part of the efforts to attract foreign investments and encourage visitations, the federal government has said it would undertake a review of the nation’s visa policy.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY and Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, had on Friday charged African leaders to work towards removing visa restrictions in the continent to encourage free movement of persons and goods in the region and promote development.

Obaigbena made the call in Nairobi, Kenya, during the wrap-up session of a three-day AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit with the theme: “Re-engineering African Media in Times of Critical Transformation.”

The media mogul was one of the co-chairs of the summit.

Speaking yesterday during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Nigeria visa in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described as unacceptable the number of visitors into the country last year compared to the population, resources, and opportunities available in the country.

He argued that the policy on visas has to be reviewed to meet the standards of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“We are determined to make sure that in the next couple of weeks, by the grace of God, the new implementation framework will be on the ground.

“And people all over the world will start having easy access to the country. We want to welcome investment and people.

“Just last year, the number of foreign passengers that came to Nigeria whether Nigerians or non, was just less than two million people.

“That is unacceptable for a country of over 200 million people. It means that we are limiting investment and import of forex among other things.

“So, once we get the visa policy right, and we get the implementation framework perfect, then definitely economic prosperity will come,” Tunji-Ojo said.

The minister further maintained the country would consider a visa policy that would attract investments and encourage visitors to visit Nigeria from across the world without putting the country's security in jeopardy.

He said though it was difficult striking a balance between easy access to visa and national security considering its delicate nature “if gotten right, it would no doubt lead to a healthy investment promotion for Nigeria “.

He said: “You see, seamless access to any country is key for investment promotion, job creation, foreign direct investment. In short, it is key to whatever a particular country wants to do or achieve to enable its progress.

“The logic is that everything is built on effective visa administration. So, we are here to talk about it and to be able to streamline the process for the better.

“Especially, in areas of short stay visa and even our other categories of visa to see how we can optimise them and make it more efficient in such a way that will be able to attract more investment”.

L-R: Chief

Staff

Udeh; Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu; Governor Peter Mbah; State Director, Department of State Services, Theresa Egbunu; Garrison Commander,

Brigadier General Murtala Abu; and State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Peter Ogar, after a meeting of the State Security Council at the

Chinedu Eze

FIVE YEARS ON THE THRONE…

Justice Obiora Egwuatu; Justice Kazeem Alogba; Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I; Abuja-based lawyer, Alhaji Abbas; and Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige

after the ceremony marking the five years of coronation of Emir of Lafia in Lafia…recently

Dalung: How I was Abandoned in Jos Hospital over N80,000

A former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has narrated his neardeath experience at a hospital in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where he was abandoned for over four hours due to non-payment of N80,000 admission deposit.

According to the ex-minister, he took ill on Wednesday and arrived at the hospital but shortly

became unconscious after doctor’s interviews.

Dalung, who narrated his ordeal in a post via X, said he was taken into the emergency ward but abandoned for over four hours due to non-payments of admission deposits.

The former minister said he regained partial consciousness later and made the transfer of the deposit before he was attended to.

Niger Speaker to Marry off 100 Females Orphaned by Banditry

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has disclosed that 100 female orphans who lost their parents in banditry attacks in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State will be given out in marriage this month.

The Speaker, who pledged to pay the dowries for the bridegrooms, has procured all the materials needed for proper marriage to the 100 girls, stated that their comfort in their marital homes has been taken care of like any other child who gets married in the Islamic way.

The Speaker, who represents Mariga Constituency, did not disclose the age range of the girls but stated that the girls who would be married off were carefully selected from the 170 girls

whose names were submitted.

Speaking to newsmen in Minna, Sarkindaji said the project would be part of his constituency empowerment project, adding that it was being done with the best of intentions and would serve as a way of easing the sufferings of the poor.

He also said that Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and the Emir of Kontagora Alhaji Mohammed Barau would serve as guardians to the female orphans who would be married off.

The Kano State Commander General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, is expected to attend the event slated for May 24 at Bangi, the headquarters of Mariga Local Government Area.

President Congratulates Senator Musa on His Birthday

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, on his birthday.

In a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the president joined members of the National Assembly to felicitate the senator who has demonstrated consistent espousal of national development efforts.

The president wished him robust health and strength as he continued to discharge his duties to the fatherland.

Senator Musa, a finance and business expert, boasts of a rich repository of leadership stripes in both private and public sectors. He was chairman of a string of private entities and also served in various capacities in Niger State. He currently represents Niger East Senatorial District in the Senate.

“I took ill on Wednesday, arrived at the hospital, and shortly became unconscious after doctor’s interviews. I was ferried into the emergency ward but abandoned for over four hours due to non-payment of admission deposits. Regained partial consciousness and later did the transfer of deposit.

“After that, I fell into unconsciousness again for about seven hours. To God be the glory, I have been discharged after three days and recovering. Were it not for partial consciousness to pay the deposits, I would have been Mr. late. Many Nigerians have gone this way. Where is our humanity?” he wrote.

He said: “We left the house around 3:30 pm and got to the hospital around 4 pm, but the doctor did not come out. Instead, he said I should come in. He didn’t even produce a wheelchair to take me in. So, my orderly and driver held me and took me to the doctor’s office.

“He asked me the normal questions, but then I was already transiting into sub-consciousness, so I was not even hearing what he was saying. I managed to tell him, ‘I can’t sit anymore. Can I lie down?’ And he said I should lie down in the bed in his office, and he concluded his questions. I remember him saying, ‘admission’. I shook my

head in response.

“Then three of them came. Instead of taking me to the ward, because it’s a hospital I’m familiar with, I was ferried into the emergency ward. Why an emergency ward? I couldn’t do anything, so I lay down and just went off. I didn’t know what was happening. They administered an intravenous injection to me. They brought the medication to me, but it was kept in the room.

“After four hours, I suddenly became very cold, so I became conscious. I raised my head and saw some drugs in a carton but I couldn’t move or do anything, so I was just there for a few moments, then my orderly came in and then

the drama of the deposit started. Deposit about what? Take me into admission. They said they couldn’t administer the drugs to me, that I had to pay the deposit before I would be taken to the ward, and then they would administer the drugs. Then, my consciousness became erratic again.

“I’m not even new to the hospital. That’s where my medical records are. In the last two months, I had my medical checkup, and it was there. I’ve been admitted there a couple of times. That’s where my wife died. They’ve been treating my family members. That’s why I’m yet to come to terms with how I was treated.

FG to Close Adeniji Adele-Falomo Road for Repairs from Monday

Bennett Oghifo

The federal government has announced that it would close the road from Adeniji Adele-Falomo for rehabilitation on Monday, May 13, as part of the extension of the emergency repairs of Third Mainland Bridge.

A statement issued yesterday by the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs. O. I. Kesha, said: “From Monday, 13th May,

2024, the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Works wish to inform the motoring public that Adeniji Adele-Falomo will be closed for rehabilitation works in sections, progressively from Falomo roundabout to Adeniji Adele (both bounds).

“It is noteworthy to mention that a closed section will be rehabilitated completely and open to traffic before changing

to another section.

“However, motorists will be diverted to adjacent streets to the closure points to connect to alternative routes onward to their destinations.

“The first section of the closure will be from Glover JunctionFalomo.

“Motorists are therefore required to use alternative routes. Consequent upon the above, Motorists are further

Ododo Visits CUSTECH, Assures of Safe Return

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has vowed to secure the safe return of students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, who were abducted from the university campus last Thursday.

Ododo made this known when he visited the university campus for an assessment of the security situation in the wake of the security breach on campus that led to the abduction of the students.

The governor assured the university that every necessary step including non-kinetic measures have been activated to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.

He also assured members of the university community of efforts by the government to improve the existing security architecture on campus.

Governor Ododo promised that he would do whatever it took to return all the abducted students to the university and reunite them with their families and friends.

“It is our duty as a government to protect lives and property in all parts of the state. We are prepared to protect the students and that is why we allowed the students to stay on the campus.

“We installed CCTV cameras in all the classrooms and the entire perimeter of the university campus yet on the day of the attack, our

advised to cooperate with the traffic management officials deployed to manage traffic and ensure hitch- free movements in order to minimise the discomfort during this rehabilitation period. While thanking the general public for their continued cooperation and support, please note that the federal government is committed to providing lasting infrastructures for the comfort and benefit of road users.”

of Abducted Students

investigation so far revealed that all the cameras were switched off and this can only be attributed to sabotage by internal collaborators.

Our security agencies are on their heels and the investigation is ongoing. All our students shall return safely and the perpetrators shall be brought to book,” the governor assured.

Speaking further on the ongoing rescue efforts, Governor Ododo disclosed that there will be regular reviews of the operation as more facts emerge from the investigation.

According to the governor, “I am here to see things myself; to assess the situation and also to review the ongoing operation that will ensure the safe return of the students to

the school. What is most important now is how to rescue our students unhurt.

“We have the right information at our disposal but we can’t put all that out in the media. I want the parents and students to be calm as we are making a concerted effort to secure the return of the students.”

He commended the security agencies for their gallantry in minimising the impact of the attack by preventing the attackers from gaining access to the university hotels, stressing that nothing would be spared to bring back the students and to prevent a repeat of such an unfortunate attack on the university campus and elsewhere in the state.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

L-R:

(SAN),

TIME FOR STOCKTAKING…

Managing Director of 11Plc, (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc), Mr. Tunji Oyebanji; Non-Executive Director of the company, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir; and the Company Secretary, Mr. Chris Olumayowa Meseko, during the company’s 46th Annual General Meeting in Abuja …recently

House Summons AGF, DIA, UNCR, Others over Abduction of Cameroonian Professors Working in Nigerian Varsities

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition has summoned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the leadership of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to appear before it on Tuesday, May 14. Also summoned were the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nigeria and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They are expected to give further information on the abduction of some Cameroonian professors teaching in some Nigerian universi-

ties, who were abducted in 2018 and jailed in their country

A lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives, Abdul Shaibu Oroh, confirmed the development to THISDAY yesterday in Abuja.

He said the petition on the matter was presented to the House by a legal firm, Frulaw Chambers. He said the petitioners were urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the House of Representatives to work for the release of the professors.

The professors, who had lived and worked in Nigeria for a long time, were abducted from their homes by Cameroonian security men working in collaboration with

Court Moves Alleged $5.6m Fraud Case against Akintoye Akindele to Lagos

Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the transfer of the trial of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Duport Midstream Company Limited, Mr. Akintoye Akindele, to the Lagos division of the court.

Justice Omotosho made the order while delivering a ruling in the application by the Inspector General of Police (IG), seeking the transfer of the case because the Lagos division is the proper place for the trial.

Akindele and his company are standing trial on a four-count criminal charge bordering on alleged diversion of the sum of $5,636,397.01, and N73,543,763.25, belonging to Summit Oil International Ltd.

The two defendants, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/570/2023, were said to have committed the act between 2017 and 2021, when they allegedly converted the said sum received from Shell into personal use.

While the defendants had

pleaded not guilty to the charge, Akindele was granted bail in the sum of N750 million.

However, as the trial was about to commence in March, the prosecution lawyer, Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, brought an application for transfer of the case to the Lagos division of the Federal High Court, because “the proof of evidence, the six witnesses are in Lagos, all the companies and banks involved are in Lagos”.

But, the defendants through their lead counsel, Chief James Onoja, SAN, disagreed, pointing out that the alleged offences in the charge occurred in Benin and not in Lagos.

Onoja in urging the court to dismiss the application said that the defendants are willing to waive their rights and have the matter tried in Abuja.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Omotosho who agreed with the prosecution that the best place for the trial is the Lagos division of the Federal High Court, pointed out that the court does not, “intend to labour in vain” or waste precious judicial time hearing the matter.

their Nigerian counterparts and extradited to Cameroon.

The 10 university teachers as well as a retired Deputy Registrar with the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria and a former Vice President (Deputy Vice-Chancellor) of America University of Nigeria in Yola sought a diplomatic intervention for their freedom in a petition to the House of Representatives and the Presidency, through their lawyers.

In the petition submitted to

the House Committee on Public Petition, the university teachers urged the parliament to liaise with the president to deploy other means to secure their release from detention in Cameroon.

They claimed, in the petition presented to the House by a legal firm, Frulaw Chambers, that they were abducted from Nera Hotel in Abuja on January 5, 2018, by security agents.

The petitioners claimed that they were repatriated to Cameroon,

tried by a military tribunal, and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Kondengui Maximum Security detention facility.

They begged the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure the implementation of Communication 59/2022 of October 14, 2022, of the UN-HRC-WGAD to facilitate their release.

They said the Federal Government of Nigeria needed to take action and implement the rulings in the three judgments of the

Federal High Court of Abuja in 2019 which ordered the release and compensation of these petitioners. They urged “the Nigeria Government to leverage the Abuja 2002 ruling in suit number FHC/ ABJ/CS/30/2002 between The Southern Cameroons Rep by Kelvin Ngwang Ngumne et al Vs the Attorney General Federal Republic of Nigeria, and intervenes to resolve the conflict between Southern Cameroons and La Republique du Cameroun”.

Double Emoluments: Court Upholds Sack of Varsity Don

Justice J.D. Peters of the National Industrial Court in Ibadan has upheld the sack of a lecturer in Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Dr. Elizabeth Aanu, for illegitimately drawing salary and pension simultaneously from both the university and Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Delivering a judgment in the case filed by Aanu against the university, praying the court to declare the termination of her appointment as “wrongful, null and void,” Justice Peters upheld the submission of counsel to OOU, Mr. Felix Ogunmade, that given the stipulation in paragraph 2(a), Part 1 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal (CCT) Act which prohibits receipt of two

emoluments simultaneously, Aanu’s conduct as a public officer violated the fifth schedule of both the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the CCT Act.

Counsel to Aanu, B.A. Ogunleye, had among others, sought declarations setting aside the sack of his client, who was engaged in August 2006 by Appointment and Promotion Committee (A&PC) of OOU for a probation period of two years but was not confirmed until her sack in June 2021.

The counsel also demanded for payment of arrears to Aanu and her reinstatement for what he described as wrongful termination of his client’s appointment.

Dr. Aanu who had been engaged by OOU as Assistant

Lecturer in 2006, failed to disclose to the institution that she had retired from SUBEB, paid gratuity and also earning pensions while also drawing a monthly salary from OOU.

She later obtained a doctoral degree and was consequently promoted to the position of Lecturer II but was not confirmed following the discovery that she had retired from SUBEB, drawing pensions and yet seeking another pensionable job with OOU.

Reviewing submissions before his final judgment, Justice Peters said: “Yet the question as to how the claimant disengaged from SUBEB remained unanswered.

I, at this stage opt to ask some pertinent questions and proffer answers within the available

evidence before me in resolving this issue. Did the Claimant work with SUBEB, Ogun State for 26 years? Yes.

“Did the Claimant retire from SUBEB, paid her gratuity and drawing monthly pensions? Again, I answer in the affirmative. While under cross examination in this case, Claimant in response to a specific question told the Court that she was paid her gratuity by SUBEB. She also responded to another question that she is presently receiving monthly pensions from SUBEB. She, however, stated that she could not say for how long she had been collecting pensions.” Harping on Aanu’s misconduct by earning double emoluments, the judge added:

Mbah Places N10m Bounty on Killers of Two Police Officers in Enugu

Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah, has placed a N10 million bounty on the killers of two policemen in the state.

On May 7, the Enugu State Police Command said two policemen and three members of the neighbourhood watch were killed during a crisis that erupted in the Iggah community, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.

While briefing journalists after a security council meeting at the

government house yesterday, Mbah said the state would go after the culprits with every resource at its disposal. On the possible culprits, Mbah said available information pointed to men of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

He called on members of the public to be on the lookout for the criminals and the exhibits, and report the same to security agencies.

“We just rounded off our security council meeting where

we discussed, among other things, the gruesome killing of our policemen - men of the Enugu State Police Command - by criminals suspected to be members of the ESN,” Mbah said.

“Let me say this. This bestial and cold-blooded action cannot be condoned in Enugu State.

I have given my directives to the security agencies that there must be no hiding place for these criminals in Enugu state. We must use everything necessary to hunt

down, arrest, and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

“We have also placed a bounty of N10 million as a reward to anyone, who would have any useful information that will lead to the arrest of these criminals. So, I enjoin members of the public to, please, come forward, or call the police and other security agencies with any useful information that could lead to the arrest of these criminals.

L-R:

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Editor: Festus Akanbi

08038588469

Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

The Scramble for Cash amid Currency Surge

As the rationing of cash by banks continues to push Nigerians to POS operators who are making a kill of the rise in patronage, Festus Akanbi writes on the pains and the absurdity of the cash crunch at a period of a consistent rise in currency-in-circulation

Nothing aptly captures the current absurdity in Nigeria’s money supply statistics better than the fact that at a period when the rise in the volume of currency in circulation is giving the Central Bank of Nigeria sleepless nights, Nigerians do not have access to adequate cash to meet their daily obligations

In the same vein, currency outside banks

statistics data of the CBN, Currency in circula-

whereabouts of this excess cash in the wake of the report that commercial banks recently set withdrawal limits on their automated has created pressure for cash, especially in the

cash withdrawals in the country has declined consistently over the last few years, while the

In a society that still relies on the use of cash despite the popularity of the apex bank’s cashless policy, the rationing of cash by banks has to be making a kill of the increased customers’

Hoarding

customers can get at a period when the apex bank has repeatedly assured Nigerians that

scarcity experienced in some locations was due to a high volume of withdrawals from its branches by banks and panic withdrawals by

While the scarcity persisted, the apex bank, on stating most of the cash given to banks was in

withdraw money for everyday transactions

Like in many unfortunate situations, Nigerians have continued to pay dearly for their exorbitant charges to these operators, many people have fallen victim to the fraudulent

Customers queuing for cash

many Nigerians, perpetuating a cycle further compound the issue, leaving but also disillusioned by the lack of

Rationing Cash

In some banks, account holders can per day while customers using another

however alleged that in reality, some of

Ikoyi, Lagos last week showed that most as banks’ security men were waving customers away from their premises,

perience as customers have to approach -

spondent last week that she has stopped not been able to withdraw more than

they may not be safe, but I have a woman I -

can’t withdraw more than a certain amount;

areas of Lagos, charges are usually moderate as operators rely on their turnover for their

Ikoyi and Victoria Garden City, people pay

In a notice to customers, a bank advised withdrawals should be limited to one bank card per transaction when using the company’s

limit your withdrawals to one bank card per

prevent instances of cash shortages that may occur when individuals use multiple cards from surpassing the maximum daily withdrawal limit

deposits are said to have been wiped away as their accounts became compromised after

million people and a banking population of operator in the country, which controls over

was quoted as saying the current cash crisis

the number of bankable adults keeps increasing and more cards are issued, it is expected that

the crisis generated by poor management of urgent need for comprehensive measures to safeguard consumers and hold accountable

INDUSTRY

Economic Ripples of Beer Industry Losses in Nigeria

It’s a trying time for major operators in the Nigerian brewery industry as the rising cost of production, foreign exchange crisis, high cost of sale, and falling purchasing power of the people are pushing beer makers into huge losses, writes Festus Akanbi

s the current administration rushes from pillar to post to alleviate the mounting economic load on the people, the reality is that the current challenging environment is forcing some corporate groups to make harsh decisions to survive.

cost of sale, eroding purchasing power, naira devaluation, and the attendant scarcity of foreign for electricity, among others, operators in the nation’s brewery industry are compelled to announce increases in the prices of their products. Nigerian Brewery Plc okayed its second price adjustment in February, while Guinness Nigeria Plc commenced a new price regime

Season of Losses

However, when their full-year performanceity of the problems became manifest as the three leading beer manufacturers in Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria Plc, and International Breweries posted huge losses.

and production.

Nigerian Breweries

In its operating results for the period ended

induced by the impact of the devaluation of the naira on its foreign exchange transactions.ing company for the year ended December

The company’s books reveal that another factor that drove the loss was the cost of sales,

International Breweries

For International Breweries Plc, maker of a matter of going from bad to worse scenario

balance sheet debts.

for the third quarter.

the company was pressured by increased production costs that consumed more than all the gains in sales revenue in the year.

billion. This means additional sales revenue

needed to produce the units of the products sold. Recovery Planronment, the company has indicated its plans for company-wide reorganisation as part of a strategic recovery plan.

In letters signed by the company’s Human Resource Director, Grace Omo-Lamai, and addressed to the leadership of the National Union of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) and the Food Beverage and Tobacco informed both unions that its proposed plan and a company-wide reorganisation that includes the temporary suspension of operations by labour requirements, the company invited

the unions to discussions on the implications of the proposed measures.

ing Director/CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi said: “We recognise and regret the impact that the suspension of brewery have on our employees. We are committed to limiting the impact on our people as much as possible by exhausting all options available including the relocation and redistribution of employees to our other seven breweries, and providing strong support and severance packages to all those that become unavoidably our host communities in ways that ensure they continue to feel our presence.”

Guinness Nigeria Guinness Nigeria Plc, famous for the production of brands like Harp, Guinness, Johnnie

billion for the six months ended December of last year.

exchange losses more than doubled during the year.

vealed that it ran at a loss despite growing

The company’s losses are on the backdrop

the full year showed that the loss on remeasurement of foreign currency balance

Though International Breweries grew its

costs also contributed to the company’s worst

The company in its audited result and accounts

that the recent price hikes imposed by beer manufacturers and now their string of losses have threatened to sever the cherished bond between average Nigerians and their beloved brew, arguing that as the cost of indulging in this cultural staple climbs ever higher, access to the simple pleasure of sharing a cold beer with friends becomes a luxury beyond reach for many.

string of losses by leading beer makers in -

cally, it may lead to decreased government revenue from taxes and levies imposed on the brewing industry, potentially impacting budgets for social programs and infrastructure development.

within the sector could contribute to higher unemployment rates and decreased consumer the economy.”

He explained that socially, the downturn could alter consumption patterns, potentially leading to shifts in social gatherings and entertainment preferences. This, he said, could also impact the livelihoods of individuals involved in the distribution and retail of alcohol, potentially leading to social tensions and challenges. Overall, the losses incurred by leading beer makers in Nigeria have the potential to reverberate across both economic and social landscapes, necessitating strategic responses from stakeholders to mitigate adverse impacts.

Some beer products

Beer

Nigeria’s Road Show at OTC Signals Readiness to Welcome New Investors into Oil and Gas Industry

The manner in which foreign and indigenous investors received the news of the licensing blocks is a testament that Nigeria is already in hydrocarbon.

Emmanuel Addeh

is a frontrunner in the advocacy for a just energy transition.

manner it is managing the divestments of some oil majors with a new divestment

which includes lowering signature fees for oil blocks and lowering entry bottlenecks.

issued a licensing round guideline

told both foreign and indigenous investors.

order to reduce the contracting cycle

“I know we had in the industry some stalemate with some divestment and divestment were kind of in slow motion.

summoned the entire industry to a forum -

ments that signaled Nigeria’s readiness to do business.

Chevron is one of the big oil majors in the launch of the licensing round for the -

as well. The world is going to need that. “In terms of energy transition… we

interest of the Nigerian government in the industry.

and saw major announcements from

cubic feet of non-associated gas.

barrels.

believes in the future of hydrocarbon as a transition fuel.

south to the North by the end of the second quarter.

ment so we can get returns out.

government’s desire to grow local content months.

for investors.

reversed the directive because it was not attract foreign investors.

agency in the oil and gas industry. If the and downstream will be a failure.

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum and others at NUPRC exhibition stand at the OTC, Houston, USA... yesterday

www.thisdaylive.com

BAYING FOR NGELALE’S BLOOD

Ajuri Ngalele is living up to the billing of a presidential spokesperson, argues UNEKWU MGBEDE

See Page 20

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS IN A DEPRESSED ECONOMY JOSEF

OMOROTIONMWAN

urges the scaling down of constituency projects

See Page 20

opinion@thisdaylive.com

THE IMPERATIVES OF STATE POLICE

A federal state the

size of Nigeria cannot be policed effectively from Abuja, argues GBADE OJO

Undoubtedly, one major glaring absurdity of Nigeria’s convoluting federal architecture is that of over centralization in there is no other federal state with power

This has led to what students of federalism would regard as ‘federal immobilism’ with the concomitant effect of stress that has

It is ludicrous that the octopus federal government was contemplating chewing what it cannot swallow by nursing the idea of community policing in the face of palpable Now that the security reality on the ground has called for establishment of state police, one is shocked to the marrow that Inspector be the arrow-head of the initiative prefer the extant system of an octopus police structure under the command of one person called population by conservative estimate and land mass that can swallow many countries in of hyper-ethnic instability syndrome in the midst of hundreds of ethnic nationalities where justice do not reign; the idea of state police becomes imperative which no

lecture he gave at the University of Ibadan, Department of Political Science that the most fundamental being the unprecedented

investigates inter-state crimes, among others, the state police enforce state laws and even supervise federal elections, city/township police enforce local laws while police authorities of special districts like schools relationships between all the police services are properly coordinated for the exchange of On a comparative basis, the federal

the federal government is also allowed to Switzerland empowers the federating units to share policing functions with the federal

each federating state the power ‘to establish and administer a state police force, and to maintain public order and peace within the Be that as it is, it is evident from the its policing structure is the exception rather post-colonial Nigeria police establishments into Nigeria operated a diverse system of

hoodlums and bandits are carried out in rural

What the country needs for now in the face of overwhelming security challenges all over the country no doubt is state police; which cannot be achieved by presidential

Presently, Nigeria as a federal state operates

for Nigeria”, which shall be known as the Nigerian Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section, no other police force shall be established for the federation or provisions, as our legal luminaries would say is that although the Nigerian constitution recognizes two tiers of power with authorities to make exclusive or concurrent laws on stipulated areas, only one police authority is recognized by law to enforce laws made by both federal and state legislatures! It is perhaps against this background that the

South Western States, which no doubt has been copied by other parts of the country to

It is imperative to note that the provision of central policing has thrown up many as recently noted by a two-term former

time, perusing our national dailies or follow country is in a perpetual state of war with the deluge of crimes and violent cases across the country on a daily basis such as: Boko Haram insurgency, armed robberies, kidnapping for ransom, mob killings and assassinations with the addition of Fulani herdsmen wreaking

organized? How are its men recruited? How is the force funded? What is the indoctrination of the force? Who does the force report to? How nimble is the reporting authority? How conversant are they with the culture and language of the communities they police, how familiar are they with the terrain they superintend over? What is the relationship of the police commissioner with the state governor whom he is supposed to serve as the what is the population size of the police? It is often stated that the personnel in Nigeria is now number may be far less, the police management is unwilling or unable to give us the exact figure fact is that the total numbers of the Police, both officers and men vis-à-vis the United Nation that many Nigerians die daily of avoidable deaths!

experience of its peers in the international

and the likes, the policing system in Nigeria has no bearing to what it should be in a federal United States allows the federal, state, local and even special districts like universities

Igboland, communities enforced societal rules with the use of age groups while the Dongaris were the law-enforcement agents in most of the communities in the areas that became the colonial power established different police forces across the country until it brought all of

However, the Nigeria Police Force existed

Region confirmed existing police forces in the region and authorized every local government

establish police authorities at local government

It is unfortunate that this system was abrogated when the military took over power

Police Forces shall be placed under the

The police forces of native authorities and local councils were put under the operational reason for this abrogation was the use of the local police forces to harass, intimidate and that this centralization of police functions

BAYING FOR NGELALE’S BLOOD

Ajuri Ngalele is living up to the billing of a presidential spokesperson, argues UNEKWU MGBEDE

His appointment as the president’s special adviser on media and publicity jolted many. It was understandable because the president had always had notable media spin masters around him for decades. But Ajuri Ngelale was the chosen one, and the president’s decision, though respected, didn’t go down well with some folks, I believe. I like the young man. He has a calm personality. Beyond the calm mien is a man who understands what he is up against with his acceptance of the presidential appointment.

He is not a rookie. He has been around the corridors of power for a while. He must be used to the intrigues and outside the corridors of power. He has been bashed severely. Sometimes, he is scapegoated. These are normal as they come with the terrain. But we must be circumspect in our actions and inaction.

The most recent disclaimed plan by a Danish business concern to invest $600 million in expanding the existing port infrastructure to accommodate more container shipping services in Nigerian ports is in focus.

This information was in the public space. Industry stakeholders hailed the investment decision. The presidency disseminated this information based on want unsuspecting members of the general public to believe. Presidential spokespersons don’t act on instincts. And they don’t generate press statements on behalf of any individual or organization. The attempt at denial by APM Terminals was in poor taste. This is not the case in a country like Nigeria, where many are quick to tag every action of this administration as dishonourable. And that put the innocent presidential spokesperson on the hot seat.

In some quarters, he was wrongfully labelled as a purveyor of fake news. Very uncharitable to the young man who has carried himself well as the presidential spokesperson in the country. I love how Ajuri Ngalele has comported himself so far. He doesn’t bark in response to diatribes. He explains calmly while highlighting his points. This is a constant feature whenever his voice has to be heard on matters of state interest. Some may think age is a requisite for professionalism. If that is the case, a young man can’t be a presidential spokesperson in Nigeria. This is Ajuri Ngelale’s offence. That the president saw him worthy to be appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity is a misnomer—a cross he has carried since his appointment.

As I stated earlier, there is a place for circumspection in the manner that we throw the efforts of others under the train. It is now a fad in the country that comes with negative consequences on

the psyche of the victims. This is aside from the fact that the bashing is now selective. I know that a top presidential aide brought down a tweet on the APM Terminals issue in the wake of the denial from APM Terminals. He was spared for inexplicable reasons. But what is good for the goose should be good for the gander. The implication is that Ajuri Ngelale didn’t act in error in the saga. He was only a product of victimisation because of his spokesperson. Let me digress. Has Ajuri Ngalele lived up to the billing of a presidential spokesperson? The answer is yes. He has been honest, frank, and open with information. He can’t be faulted on these lines because these are qualities of an effective presidential spokesperson. And he should be unapologetic about it. That is the crux of the matter and why some of his actions and inaction are criticised without substance. Interestingly, many know little about Ajuri Ngelale and his passion for his job. They forgot that the young man had paid his dues as a professional who brought passion and dedication to previous and present responsibilities. And he earned his stripes. Nigerians must accord him the respect that he deserves.

I elected to pen this piece to address this concern that has the potential to destabilize the young man. He is not in default in discharging his duties. I admire his style and his mien. Many have written about him based on their standards, which are exclusively theirs. But I am a realist. I put issues in proper perspective. And I can’t change this position. Not even for riches untold. It is about Ajuri Ngelale’s appointment. Let’s make no mistakes. No matter how it is coated. It is what it is. Ajuri Ngelale is a man in the storm for taking what they perceive as theirs. A storm that was created with intentions and not happenstance. Many mistake this. But those conversant with high-wired politics would relate. Ajuri Ngalele needs a breather. He has a lot on his table. It’s one step at a time for him. Nobody has a monopoly on knowledge. We all learn every day. He has apologized when necessary. That is taking responsibility. How many can claim such an attribute? It is a fact that he is a professional with considerate years of experience. His appointment is in place, and his performance is top-notch. I stand to be corrected. Many would form their perspectives on this piece. It comes naturally in this clime. There might be rebuttals. I will welcome them in good stead. But it won’t change my position, as enunciated. I only advocated for circumspection on Ajuri Ngelale when discharging his duties and responsibilities as the presidential spokesperson. He is obviously in the storm. It’s an unnecessary one—my two cents.

JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN urges the scaling down of constituency projects

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS IN A DEPRESSED ECONOMY

We have since stopped looking at Constituency Project from the narrow viewpoint of strict constructionism. For too long, we remain glued to the concept of the separation of powers, which meant the legislators should confine themselves to policy formulation while policy implementation and execution must be left in the hands of the executive branch.

For much longer, we looked at the three tiers of government and found that in the main, most of the projects from National Assembly members fall within the purview of State and Local Governments. To that extent, those constituency projects would totally distort the performance of the federal budget.

The constituency projects are scattered everywhere in the federal government capital budgets. The legislators would use their overwhelming influence to ensure that no matter how slim the available revenue is, these available resources get released for their projects.

At the end of the financial year, you look at the budget performance and find that your capital budget has performed at the 30 percentage level, which is quite impressive.

But there is nothing to show for that improved capital performance - the federal highways are still death traps; education and health sectors are virtually comatose; power supply is still a mirage; and so on. It soon dawns on you that a good part of the releases done during the year went to the procurement of fridges, corn grinding machines and the provision of boreholes and solar lights scattered in all nooks and crannies of the country.

Essentially, the federal government has spent a good part of its revenue in doing what the States and localities should have been doing.

Nothing in the foregoing vitiates the fact that the constituency projects have become a fact of life. Things are changing.

For one thing, the local government system has almost gone into extinction since the time when the state governments constructively expropriated their finances and functions.

Secondly, not many legislators can live in the budget and resist the temptation of being affected by the budget. Relatively, the legislator lives the good life in Abuja. But he cannot always escape that moment when he must remember that his people back home have only pond water to drink and do their house chores during the rainy season, and in the dry season, they must trek long distances with big calabashes on their heads in search of water.

Again, in Abuja, the legislator’s immediate neighbour is the air-conditioner - at home, in his car, in the office, in the Chamber, and everywhere! He cannot always escape those high moments when he must remember that back home, the school children have no classrooms - they study under the shades of trees; and sometimes, under leaking roofs and falling walls. If this legislator now has the opportunity to insert any of these things in the budget that is passing through him, it will only take a moral idiot to begin to think if the functions are federal, state or local government. It is an opportunity that must not be allowed to slip by. For the legislator, it is like the snake - A man sees it; and the woman kills it. The important thing is that the snake does not escape!

This is one way of explaining the avalanche of water boreholes and solar lights in every part of the country from the constituency projects. These fixed assets are recommended because of their non-discriminatory nature. They have no political colouration. The only problem, though, is that they hardly function beyond the day of commissioning. The question is not whether the constituency projects should be but how to regularize their stay and make them function well.

In the name of helping the President, they destroy the President. During the Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP/ Bauchi Central) saga where he stripped the Senators naked in the market place and it came to light that some ranking

senators got as much as N500 Billion for their constituency project, many senators simply resorted to the same sing-song of “We are helping the President to implement his Renewed-Hope Agenda”.

And this is a President who is looking for every Kobo to provide critical infrastructure for the people. Even in these austere times, a budgetary provision of N100 Billion had been made for constituency projects. But this was not enough! At the National Assembly, a whopping sum of N1.2 Trillion must be added to the original provision; and in all this, we are dealing with borrowed money. Essentially, we are borrowing to finance fraud and frivolities.

Admittedly, the President and his team have not demonstrated sufficient seriousness that times are hard. We know that things are really hard for them. You cannot continue to ask people to tighten their belts while your own belt is still left loose at the number 10 hole. We have heard of instances where some State Governors have given up their pay because of the hard times - Governors Alex Otti and Chukwuma Soludo of Abia and Anambra States respectively, readily come to mind. Senator Gbenga Daniels (APC/Ogun East) is forfeiting his pensions for as long as he remains a senator. Yet, the President and the heavy baggage he drags with him are living in opulence marked by the most ostentatious consumption patterns.

All the same, we expect that in time of depression such as these, the legislators should also scale down their constituency projects commensurately.

Does the federal government know where its assets are? For the avoidance of doubt, all those constituency projects provided from the Federal Budget are Federal Government Assets. In normal life, only a foolish person would have assets and not care what happens to such assets. Going forward, we must quickly revive the local government system throughout the Federation. Then, the federal government shall have an inventory of all the constituency projects. At the Presidency, there shall be a Task Force charged with the responsibility for caring for these assets. The task force shall have a Liaison Officer who shall be domiciled at the headquarters of every local government where the constituency projects are situated. The liaison officers shall report on the state of the assets from time to time, including the need for replacements and renewals; and they shall also advise on when the assets are beyond repair and due for disposal as scraps.

This new regime will make it criminal for any legislator to provide constituency projects and inscribe his name on such projects. Federal government assets shall not be named after any individual legislators. Most importantly, this speaks to the items that can be accepted as constituency projects. They must be tangible assets that can be seen in public places; and such that are useful to all in society without political colouration.

Mgbede,apostgraduatestudentofcommunication, writesfromMakurdi

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE CONTROVERSIAL CYBERSECURITY TAX

At a time many Nigerians are experiencing intense economic distress, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed the banks to impose a 0.5 per cent tax on electronic transactions, otherwise known as Cybersecurity Tax, with effect from next Monday. The new levy, if implemented, will compound the woes of many Nigerians.

According to the CBN, the tax is part of efforts to contain rising threat of cybercrime in the remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The implementation of the levy, the CBN further explained, followed the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (amendment) Act 2024, and was pursuant to the provisions of Section 44 (2)(a) of the Act.

As expected, the new tax has been greeted with angst across the land, with many questioning rational of another burden on an already beleaguered populace overwhelmed by a multiplicity of taxes. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has described the idea as ill-timed, given that the “impacts of the fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reform, and, most recently, the removal of electricity subsidies still permeate the operating costs of businesses and citizens’ welfare.” It warned that the government “must be cautious of the numerous strenuous policies that stiffen the purchasing power and welfare of corporations and individuals.”

to fund expenses and responsibilities of banks? When has it become the business of the government to watch over the operations of banks vis-a-vis cyberspace? What makes the controversial levy even more nebulous is how the CBN that is championing a cashless policy and

an agenda that is antithetical to its realisation. It is incomprehensible how an apex bank that is pushing for e-banking is in the same breath moving to charge for every transaction, including cash deposits.

These levies only serve to deepen the financial burden on citizens already grappling with economic challenges

SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN

DEPUTY EDITORS FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI

the authorities might advance for the levy, it makes no sense introducing another tax at this time, under any guise. This is particularly so since the Taiwo Oyedele Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms whose mandate includes streamlining multiple taxes and levies currently inhibiting the growth of businesses in Nigeria, is yet to submit its recommendations. Worse still, it comes on the heels of other charges incurred on the transaction, like value added tax (VAT), stamp duty charges on mortgage-backed loans and bonds by the federal government, etc. These on citizens already grappling with economic challenges.

President Bola Tinubu must be concerned that Nigerians are getting increasingly agitated that his administration is heaping too much burden on the poor. Many have not only questioned the rational for the proposed levy, but also why 40 per cent of its proceeds should be

As argued by many experts, the cybersecurity levy carries the downside risk of discouraging the transmission of monetary policy, with more people shunning the banks due to high charges. The result is that it would make all the efforts

There are also pertinent questions that deserve answers. Are customers supposed

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

We therefore align with the position of several individuals, organisations and members of the House of Representatives who have called for the suspension of this offensive levy. It is an unnecessary extra weight on a beleaguered citizenry, and it is important for the CBN, and by extension, the federal government to withdraw the circular and halt its implementation.

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

LETTERS

US

The act of establishing foreign military base purportedly to help combat threat by nonstate actors is not an outlandish strategy. It has always been a strategy used by foreign powers to combat (what is considered to be) threat to international security. Usually, it is often regarded as a collaborative effort by foreign powers and a host country to combat illegal international interference in the territory of the host country and to fight against terrorist organization that is or has the potential of threatening the host state, directly or indirectly, through humanitarian crisis. It can, sometimes, be deployed in a region whose insecurity is considered as having the potential of causing international instability—usually with the assent of the countries in such region. Foreign basing skyrocketed in the Cold War era between the United States and the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics (USSR), and has obviously continued till date. However, the rationale behind foreign military bases is often

MILITARY BASE IN AFRICA

to enhance foreign strategic influence in the host country, namely, to enable intelligence gathering about a potential enemy, and for easy deployment of military actions to deter any offensive from an enemy. It is, practically, a kind of proxy tool deployed by world powers. Although the allegations that erupted last month regarding a proposed US military base in Nigeria had been refuted by the federal government, it is not certain that the United States would not open another military base in another part of the continent, anytime soon. The question is, is it good for the continent of Africa to abhor foreign military troops?

The establishment of the US foreign military bases took a new turn in the early 19th century when the country shifted from her isolationist policy to pragmatism/interventionism. The United States withdrawal from the isolationist policy brought her out of the confine of addressing national security issues nationally. President Theodore Roosevelt, as against

General George Washington, harped on the need for the United States’ intervention in global politics in order to secure its territories and territorial gains. Subsequent presidents pushed forward to not only protect the United States’ territories, but also, to make her a super power helping to adjudicate global issues. This translated into other policies, the Monroe Doctrine, the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan which bred the Bretton Woods institutions. The first two doctrines, especially, emphasize the need for diplomatic military actions by the United States in the protection of her national and territorial security abroad. The United States began establishing more, and more military bases abroad, having realized its relevance after the Spanish-American War at the end of the 19th century. Many of the United States military base surfaced in allied countries during the Cold War as she could not endure the expansionist influence of the Soviet Union into newly independent states. Thus, foreign military base would be useful

in counteracting her major contender, the Soviet Union, from expanding its communist ideology into the United States capitalist allied states. By the end of the Cold War in 1990/91, the United States had established military bases in up to about 40 countries. After the USSR’s disintegration which culminated in its withdrawing of foreign military troops in its former sphere of influence, the United States also reduced her foreign troops significantly. However, due to the September 11 Attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the US reignited her strategic military base in foreign countries in order to effectively carry out her “global war on terror.” By 2021, US foreign military base has spread across over 80 countries. Africa has then become a place of call for the United States to turn towards as the continent is prone to terrorist organizations. Abdulkabir Muhammed, Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University

INTERNATIONAL

UNSC and Promotion of International Insecurity: The Case of US Veto in Israelo-Palestinian

The UNSC (United Nations Security Council) is believed to be the most important and powerful organ of the United Nations for various reasons. First, right from the inception of the modern state system introduced at the end of the thirty-year old European War in 1648 and leading to the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia, use of force was lawful. Even the Covenant of the League of Nations did not prohibit the use of force by States. It was when the United Nations Charter prohibits in its Article 2(4) the use of force in international relations that war became illegal, with the exception of collective self-defence provided for under Article 51.

The terrible experiences of World War I, in which France lost more than two million people, and World War II, in which the holocaust against the Jews prompted the international community to say ‘Never Again,’ compelled world leaders to want to prevent the use of force in inter-state relations. It is for this reason that the promotion of international peace and security is made the main objective of the United Nations (UN). The responsibility of the UN is to prevent a new scourge of world war and for which the UNSC is given the unique responsibility. With this responsibility, the UNSC necessarily becomes the policing Council of the world, doing and undoing whatever it considers to be in the interest of global peace and security.

Secondly, five of the 15 Members of the UNSC are Permanent Members, while the other ten members are elected on a two-yearly basis. The Five Members are referred to as the P-5. They are the only Members with the right of Veto which makes a nonsense of any majority vote on substantive, and not on procedural, matters. Thirdly, the P-5 are also officially recognized as the Nuclear-Weapons States as per the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty. As the only recognized nuclear powers, they do not want any other country to join them and they also do not want any access of any country to nuclear status. Fourthly, and most importantly, they simply govern the world on the basis of their national interest thanks to the reckless use of the right of veto. It is on this basis that the United States, in particular, has been protecting Israel to the detriment of the maintenance of global peace and security.

UNSC and Global Peace

Unlike the UNGAwhere deliberations are about the viewpoints of Member States, where focus is on international questions of interest to them, and where decision-taking is either taken by simple majority or by two-thirds majority, UNSC is hardly by simple majority. It is only when interest is common to all the P-5 that a situation of simple majority can exist. Any voting that antagonizes the national interest of any of the P-5 has the fate of being thrown out with a veto. It should be noted here that, decisions on more important or substantive issues – peace and security, membership of the UN, UN budget, etc. - are generally taken by two-thirds majority, while other issues are decided based on simple majority. Use of veto cares less for the distinction between substantive and procedural questions.

Explained differently, and without any shadow of doubt, the P-5 strongly believe in ‘power is might’ and ‘might is right.’ To that extent, regardless of whatever resolution is adopted or the pretension of the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) is all about, any member of the P-5 can always exercise the right of veto at any time in its own national interest, but to the detriment of the required maintenance of international peace and security. Without doubt, the UNSC, acting within the framework of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, can take any measure to maintain or enforce international peace and security. It is also in this regard that the UNSC has established the UN Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions. But more often than not, the UNSC P-5 have acted in defence of their national interest than in the protection of international peace and security. This is more so because the provisions of the UN Charter are generally rigid. No one can easily amend the

charter without reckoning with the whims and caprices of the P-5. For instance, amendment of the UN Charter is subject to the approval by a vote of two-thirds of the membership of the UNGA and with ratifications by twothirds of the governments with the affirmative approval of and ratification by all the P-5. In other words, nothing can move forward without the consent of every Member of the P-5. This is why the United States can always call the bluff of the majority. However, an UNGA resolution adopted by two-thirds vote has the potential to override a P-5 veto, if a special emergency session of the UNGA is convened within 24 hours of the vetoed resolution, which was what the UNGA did last week.

As the body language of the P-5 suggests non-acceptance of expansion of the P-5 with right of veto extended to the new members, or acceptance of new Permanent Members but without veto power, a likely scenario is that the P-5 may prefer to opt out of the UN rather than let go their privilege of veto. It is true that the grant of veto to them was on the basis of their victorious status during World War II. They are also the recognized nuclear weapon powers. What happens if they withdraw from the United Nations? Whatever is the case, the P-5 status sustains inequality, injustice and unfairness. If the P-5 were victorious, many

This submission of Susan Rice appears to be ridiculous and illogical. Why shouldn’t the UNSC not address what was separating the Israelis and the Palestinians? Is Susan Rice not directly advocating non-solution to the core issues in the dispute? It is a very welcome development that the whole world, and particularly, several African countries voted in support of the PLO’s UN full membership, even if the United States vetoed it. One day, not to say sooner than later, the right of veto will be thrown into the dustbin of history and new foundations for sustainable peace will be laid. Africa should therefore begin to think of an Africa without the United Nations. The United Nations, as it is today, is not united and can never be united. It is an organization of unequal members and the organization can never be of equal members without accepting to amend and modify the UN Charter. But for now, Africa’s support, and particularly that of Nigeria for the Palestinians, is very significant. It is a vote against Israeli war and genocidal crimes. It sends a message to US president Joe Biden, that not all African leaders are puppets and blind. Some of them still have the political integrity to resist Joe Biden’s threat to punish whoever votes against US foreign policy interest. By voting for, Nigeria is seeing clearly, and must see more clearly, by particularly asking why the P-5 and other great powers preach the sermon of democratization since the 1990 La Baule Franco-African Summit but refuse the democratization of the UN

African countries were also part of the victory, and yet they are not part of the causal factors of the war. World War II was the making of Europe. If there is payment of dividends of victory, the dependent territories cannot and should not be set aside. This is why African leaders should make more efforts to strengthen the African Union to become self-reliant and not dependent on any regional or global institution.

Grosso modo, the United Nations underscores preventive diplomacy, and especially peaceful coexistence, as well as adoption of non-forceful methods of conflict resolution: conciliation, reconciliation, good offices, etc. But where these peaceful efforts do not work, diplomacy is still not set aside but peace enforcement strategies are adopted until peace is restored and diplomacy is again brought back to sustain negotiations. In this regard, emphasis is generally placed on disarmament, demobilization, the Nigerian Gowonian style of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. The UN also underscores reintegration of combatants, promotion of constitutional developments, restoration of rule of law, and promotion of human rights.

As noted by the United Nations (vide “United Nations Peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet,” in the un.org), ‘peacekeeping operations get their mandates from the UNSC; their troops and police are contributed by Member States, and they are managed by the Department of Peace Operations and supported by the Department of Operational Support at UN Headquarters in New York.’ 71 UN peacekeeping missions were deployed between 1948 and now and there are currently 11 UN peacekeeping missions in the world of today. These missions clearly suggest that the UNSC has not been able to put crises and conflicts under control, even though there has not been any Third World War. Again, this is in spite of the fact that the UN Secretary-General was able to launch the A4P (Action for Peacekeeping Initiative) in 2018 in order to strengthen peacekeeping by promoting collective action by all peacekeeping stakeholders.

Before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, the identified major threats to peace included the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, trans-border crimes, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. As at today, the Israelo-Hamas war has the great potential to engender a global war in an unprecedented manner if caution is not taken with wisdom. Israeli bombings have been indiscriminate in Gaza. Whether to launch attack in Rafal in the south where most of the internationally-protected reside remains a moot concern as at today. Majority of the Member States of the international community now have greater sympathy for the Palestinians. In fact, Israel has been isolated more than ever before. With these challenges, the UNSC is making strenuous efforts to bring Israel under international control but the United States is frustrating the efforts with use of its right of veto. In this regard, can there really be any sustainable peacekeeping when it does not even exist? Can we be talking about peacemaking when a veto power, and even President Joe Biden is pro-Israel to the heart? If there is no peace to keep, no peace to make, no peace to build, and if the United States will continue to veto every effort meant to make the Palestinian Organisation more responsible within the framework of the UNGA, what then is the goodness, if any, in the purpose of establishing the UNO? In fact, in April 2024, the admission of the PLO as a full member of the United Nations was tabled for discussion and approval but the United States vetoed the resolution on it. Again, on Friday 10 May, 2024, the UNGA gave overwhelming support for the full membership of the PLO: 143 States voted in favour. At least 37 African countries voted in favour: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Malawi is the only African country on record to have voted against the full membership of the PLO of the UN. Even if the Palestinians are yet to become full members of the UN, ‘they can now sit among Member States in alphabetical order; they can speak at General Assembly meetings on any topic instead of being limited to Palestinian affairs; they can submit proposals and amendments; and they can participate at UN conferences and international meetings organized by the Assembly and other UN entities’ (vide nytimes.com).

US and Blockade of UNGA Resolutions

As noted by Creede Newton on 19 May 2021 on the platform of Aljazeera, the United States has vetoed, at least, 53 UNSC resolutions that were critical of Israel since 1972. In his words, ‘on Monday (17th May, 2021) Washington blocked a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – the United States’ third such veto reportedly within a week.’ Additionally, Creede Newton said ‘the US’s unequivocal support of Israel has seen it thwart resolutions condemning violence against protesters, illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank built since 1967 and even calls for an investigation into the 1990 killing of seven Palestinian workers by a former Israeli soldier.’

Dennis Francis

Husseini Leads Shift to Content Classification at NFVCB

Iyke Bede

The National Films and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), under the leadership of its new Director General, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has unveiled plans to overhaul its approach to content regulation of censorship to adopt the classification model.

Husseini clarified that the traditional practice of censorship, which entails the suppression or modification of films to align with regulations or societal norms, will be gradually replaced by the classification model. This approach evaluates films according to their content, aiming to provide audiences with information about potential sensitive material.

“I started a cross-section of

engagement with the industry to build a world-class classification centre,” he revealed. “My initial impression was that we should focus more on classification than censorship. What has kept most of our stakeholders from the Board is the issue of censorship. All round the world, Boards have moved away from censorship to classification.”

Husseini added, “If we have classification done properly, we will have a rating on all content. And this means that in our new regime of classification, we are going to classify skits, short content, and films, because the board is set up by law to classify any video content, anything that is a motion picture produced in Nigeria or imported into the country.”

To achieve this goal efficiently,

Felabration 2024 Gets a New Look

Vanessa

Obioha

For its 2024 edition, Felabration, the annual celebration of the life, music and legacy of the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is donning a new look that reflects his activism.

The new logo is minimalist and simple, featuring a circular design that has the revolutionary colours of white, red, yellow and black. At the centre is a smiling image of the legend. The logo is reflective of this year’s theme ‘Look and Laugh’ which is derived from one of the songs of Fela’s 1980 album ‘Coffin for Head of State.’

The song, which has the same title as the theme, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, as it remains a true and derisive reflection of the various faces of modernday corruption. The lyrics subtly condemn self-serving actions and satirically call on listeners to open their eyes to the truth and act against oppression.

“With ‘Look and Laugh,’ we honour Fela’s legacy by embracing his message of resilience and expression,”

said Head of the Felabration Organising Committee, Yeni Kuti.

“In a country grappling with record levels of inflation, currency devaluation, and rising food and fuel prices, this year’s theme takes on renewed significance. Felabration 2024 aims to ignite conversations, provoke reflection, and inspire action, carrying forward Fela’s legacy of social consciousness and innovation through entertainment.”

Felabration has long been a cultural touchpoint for music enthusiasts, activists, artists, and fans worldwide. Each year, the festival serves as a rallying point to commemorate Fela’s enduring impact on music, politics, and culture. The unveiling of the logo and theme marks the beginning of the journey towards October’s festival, promising an enriching experience for attendees.

Drawing from the success of the Festival’s expanded format in recent years, Felabration 2024 will feature staple activities like ‘The Fela Debates’, Afrobics Dance

Competition, Secondary School Debate, Art Competition, the Dress Fela Fashion Competition, and the 7-day Music concert.

The festival is slated to run from Monday, October 14 to Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Paramount Africa Unveils New Culture Squad for Africa Month

As part of its mission to give African originality a bigger stage and empower the youth, Paramount Africa is commemorating Africa Month with the recognition of youths who are promoting African culture through its ‘For the Culture’ campaign.

The campaign features 10 Africans on Paramount’s iconic brand channels including MTV Base, BET Africa, Nickelodeon and MTV, that are showcasing the richness of African youth and entertainment pop culture. They include MTV Base presenters Ilo, Oluchi, Caddy, Lerai and Shamiso; and BET Africa’s Ayanda MVP, Daala, Leddi G, Craig and Biko Star.

“Africa’s time is now! The Paramount Culture Squad exemplifies our dedication to empowering young Africans, giving African originality a bigger stage, and ensuring that

the diverse voices of our youth are heard loud and clear,” said Senior Vice President and CoGeneral Manager of Paramount Africa and Lead BET International, Monde Twala. “We are thrilled to be working with these exceptionally talented content curators and excited to open doors for the next generation of cultural trailblazers.”

The Paramount Culture Squad host iconic TV shows on their respective channels for the viewers, interview global stars, showcase the diversity of African creativity, and grace screens with their infectious energy and undeniable charisma. They embody the essence of African youth and lead conversations, push boundaries, and influence cultural shifts, amplifying voices from every corner of the continent.

the Board is working on digitising its submission process for its content review, aiming to shorten feedback times. To promote engagement, the proposed platform, set to launch at the end of May, will be freely accessible to the public for the first two weeks.

Asides from increased revenue generation to the government with the new model that encourages filmmakers and content creators to submit their works for rating, Husseini noted that their increased participation will drive growth through investments.

“We need this data because we must not drop in our ratings as the second-largest film industry in the world. The reason the industry is not being taken seriously is because of lack of data,” he concluded.

Accelerate

Filmmaker Project Makes a Comeback with Fifth Edition

Iyke Bede

Continuing its culture of empowering young filmmakers in Nigeria, Accelerate Studios has returned with the fifth instalment of the Accelerate Filmmaker Project (AFMP).

Powered by Access Bank and Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), the programme will offer training sessions, insights, and experience to emerging filmmakers seeking to expand their skills and opportunities for growth.

Running on the theme ‘Africa Reimagined,’ Head of Production at Accelerate Studios, Esse Akwawa, explained that the goal of this edition is “to push the programme to a global audience.” This is also reflected in the number of trainees it will accommodate, which has doubled from 25 to 50 compared to the last edition.

The tuition-free programme has included training sessions led by industry experts like Joke Silva, BB Sasore, Kemi Adetiba, Chris Odeh, and many others. The areas covered in filmmaking will include but are not limited to, scriptwriting, acting, directing, cinematography, producing, makeup and SFX, and soundtrack production.

“This edition will be more robust and engaging than ever before,” CEO, Accelerate, Colette Otusheso noted. “Unlike the previous edition that comes with a week of training, we have a two-week intensive programme planned to train and empower young budding filmmakers and give them the skills, tools, mentorship, and access to industry leaders to gain skills for impact and employability.”

She added, “Everything about AFMP is about education, empowerment, and obviously, entertainment. But if we don’t concentrate on the education, the empowerment side, how are we going to get the entertainment side up to the level that we want it to be? So it was important that we started creating communities of people that are able to support each other.”

The two-week training will culminate in a pitch session where trainees are allowed to present their short film ideas to the AFMP industry mentors. The top five selections will be funded for production and will be subsequently showcased at the 2024 edition of AFRIFF. d to participate in a special edition of the game show, where they were grouped into Team MTN and Team Momo. This interactive session further emphasised the show’s goal of strengthening bonds through play, and at the end of the exercise, reflected the impact of the show on Nigerian families

Shaibu

L-R: Head of Production, Accelerate Studios, Esse Akwawa; Filmmaker Seyi Babatope; Founder, AFRIFF, Chioma Ude; CEO, Accelerate, Colette Otusheso; Chief Brand and Communications Officer, Access Corporation, Amaechi Okobi; Operations Manager/Programmer, AFRIFF, Theo Ukpaa; and Nollywood actor Jide Oyegbile at the announcement of the fifth edition of Accelerate Filmmaker Project recently held at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Paramount Africa Culture Squad

Late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti

RETIRED, BUT NOT TIRED JUSTICE MARY ODILI

Two years after her retirement, Justice Mary Odili’s influence continues to reverberate through the halls of justice, leaving an indelible mark on a profession she dedicated her life to. As she marks her 72nd birthday today, Vanessa Obioha reports on the various positions she has assumed since she bade farewell to the bench

Retired, But Not Tired

Today, May 12, marks another significant chapter in the life of retired Justice Mary Odili as she clocks 72. As one of the revered justices in Nigeria, encomiums will pour, extolling her contributions to the profession she dedicated her life to.

Despite leaving the profession two years ago, Justice Odili’s influence still continues to reverberate through the halls of justice. This was glimpsed recently when she concluded her one-year tenure as Chairman of the Body of Benchers and was honoured by the legal community. Appointed to lead the body in April 2023, merely a year after her retirement in 2022, her continued impact and leadership remain evident.

The well-heeled gathering, which was held in Abuja had the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon Justice Olukayode Oriwoola, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, President of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Monica DongbanMensem, and the incoming Chairman of Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, among others in attendance. There, the retired justice was exceptionally lauded for her competence and diligence in discharging her duties.

CJN particularly praised her untiring efforts to elevate the integrity bar of the legal profession.

“Your tenure as the Chairman of this August Body witnessed many remarkable achievements geared towards the development of the legal profession. Your passion and service to the Body of Benchers cannot be over-emphasised nor downplayed as you have boldly written your name in gold in the annals of this August Body.”

Reflecting on her illustrious career trajectory, Governor Fubara hailed her diligence, attributing her success to a steadfast dedication to duty.

“Hon Justice Mary Odili rose from the ranks up to the High Court and from there she was promoted to the Court of Appeal and finally to the Supreme Court,” he said. “Those are lines of diligent work and commitment to duty. You also saw the documentary that was shown. So, when it comes to her life as a judicial officer, the records are there and it is only a good product that can beget a good product, noting that this is the reason why she is excellent in what she is giving out.”

Similar encomiums came from other attendees like the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma who was represented by Ambassador Humphrey Orjiakor. He described the jurist as a round peg in a round hole, while commending her unquestionable commitment to truth and patriotism

For Justice Dongban-Mensem, Odili made a difference during her tenure as seen in the way she discharged her duties with ease. Her one-year tenure, she said, was marked by a good working relationship with the Bench and the Bar.

“Justice Odili championed the cause of improving the welfare of judicial officers and pursued the amendment of the Legal

Practitioners Disciplinary Committee Rules to enthrone a more disciplined legal profession.”

Rafiu Lawal-Rabana SAN, speaking on behalf of the Body of Benchers, commended Odili’s transformative leadership, citing her instrumental role in implementing positive changes within the legal profession. From establishing management committees to championing amendments to disciplinary rules, her legacy of innovation and progress remains indelible.

“History will judge her as contributing positively to the growth of the legal profession and working towards enhancing the welfare and work environment for the judiciary.”

However, no one could be prouder of Odili than her family and loved ones, who basked in immense pride as she was showered with accolades. Her daughter, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the Honourable Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, described her mother as a beacon of calmness, intelligence, humility, and care.

“She paid attention to everyone in the house and walked them through the various paths they needed to succeed and even in marriage, she remained a support pillar for all of them in the house.”

In Rivers State, Justice Odili is highly respected. Apart from the women groups who see her as a pace setter, she towers as a naturally kind person who does not allow her background get into her head. Those who work or had worked with her husband perceive her as a great mother figure in the state.

Dr. Emma Okah who worked as Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Peter Odili and has remained a strong ally and loyalist of the Odili family said, women in the mould of Justice Odili are hard to come by.

“Her Excellency is excellent in many respects. She is deeply God-fearing, very beautiful, ageless, calm, always smiling, fairminded and humble. I have never seen her raise her voice on any one. True, I have never. One great attribute of madam is that she is not materialistic. She shares whatever she has with family members, friends, the needy and staff. It was the need to care for the less-privileged that she formed The Adolescent Project (TAP) while she was Rivers State First Lady. God crowned her effort and today, most fortuitously, the site of TAP is the present location of the prestigious PAMO University of Medical Sciences. If there is any wish for her today, it is that God should keep her and my political father for another 50 years,” Dr. Okah said.

Amidst the accolades bestowed upon Odili, the atmosphere reflected the culmination of a series of events held in her honour upon her retirement from the Supreme Court in 2022.

While many retirees often retreat to solitude, Justice Odili, wife of former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, remains a sought-after presence among her peers. Her intellectual contributions continue to be highly valued, ensuring that she remains in constant demand within legal circles.

Though age is not a guarantee of wisdom, in the case of Justice Odili, each passing year seems to enrich her legacy and deepen her

impact on law and humanity.

Recently she was appointed the ProChancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Rivers States University. She is equally a member of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the highest-decision judicial body in Nigeria.

Born Mary Ukaego Nzenwa into the esteemed lineage of His Royal Highness, Eze Bernard Nzenwa, and Ugoeze Bernadette Nzenwa of Amudi Obizi, Ezinihitte-Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Odili hails from a noble background. Her father, a distinguished lawyer of international renown, initially practised in the United Kingdom before assuming the role of Secretary at Nigerian Airways.

She attended several primary schools, including St Benedict’s Primary School, Obizi Ezinihitte, St. Michael’s Primary School, Umuahia, St. Agnes Primary School, Maryland and Our Lady of Apostles Primary School, Yaba. She briefly attended Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, also in Yaba, Lagos.

Following the outbreak of the civil war in 1967, Mary and her parents relocated to the South-east of the country. There, she continued her education at Owerri Girls High School until her family moved back to Mbaise. She then attended Mbaise Girls Secondary School and later enrolled at the Queen of the Rosary College in Onitsha. In 1972, she passed with Grade I (aggregate 6) in the West African School Certificate Examination. The same year, she gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus where she read law. In her second year at the university, she earned a scholarship for maintaining the second class upper division league with higher scores.

She met her husband, a medical doctor, at a campus party. Graduating in 1976 with an LLB (Hons), she was recognised as the top student in commercial and property law. Subsequently, she obtained her B.L. certificate from the Nigerian Law School in 1977.

After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligations as Pupil State Counsel in Abeokuta and Benin City from 1977 to 1978, she began her judicial career as a Magistrate Grade III in November 1978. She married Dr. Odili in 1977 and relocated to Port Harcourt, where he established Pamo Clinics. From 1980 to 1988, she held various roles including Chief Magistrate Grade I, Chair of the Juvenile Court, President of the Marine Board of Inquiry, Chair of the Constitution Drafting Committee for the University of Nigeria Alumni Associates, Inaugural Chairperson of FIDA Rivers State, and Secretary of the Nigerian Horticultural Society.

With her support, Peter ventured into politics, leading the Rivers State Delegates to the Constituent Assembly. In 1992, while she served as a High Court Judge, Odili became the Deputy Governor of Rivers State. Upon her husband’s election as governor in 1999,

she assumed the role of First Lady until May 29, 2007.

She was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2004 and was the Presiding judge of the Kaduna Division of the court.

She once acknowledged the supportive role of her husband especially when the biggest offer yet came- she was asked to submit her resume and 10 judgments to be considered for an appointment to the Supreme Court. Besides being the topmost aspiration for any judge on the bench, the Supreme Court bench was a male-dominated one.

“I did not see the feasibility and Peter and I had a good laugh at the joke. The words of Hon. Justice Salami when I took the papers to his office was soothing and fatherly and I remain grateful to him. I was at the time Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division and as only God would make possible the unreal, I got to the apex court and the pinnacle of my judicial career,” she said during the valedictory court session held in her honour in 2022.

Throughout her career, she delivered landmark judgments and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s legal landscape, leaving a lasting legacy in the judiciary. She was the leader of the five-person panel at the Supreme Court that nullified the governorship election of David Lyon after his deputy was found wanting for submitting fake certificates during preelection screening after they were declared winners on November 16, 2019, Bayelsa State gubernatorial election. The judgment has helped political parties in Nigeria to thoroughly scrutinise and vet candidates’ certificates and their backgrounds before fielding for elections.

As she celebrates another year of life and achievements, the retired jurist remains an inspiration to women generally and female lawyers in particular. At 72, her legacy of resilience, jurisprudence and philanthropy continues to shape the landscape of Nigeria and inspire generations to come.

The Odili family

Justice Odili

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

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

Royal Romance: Celebrating Love in the Palace

Love can choke, love can kill, especially for onlookers looking on with envy. This is the general response to the heartwarming display of affection when Oba Saheed Elegushi, the 21st Elegushi of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, took to his official social media platforms to celebrate his second wife, Hadiza Yakasai. The monarch’s public tribute to his charming wife has sparked discussions about the dynamics of their relationship and the age-old question: who is the luckier partner?

Oba Elegushi, known for his regal presence and esteemed position, expressed his unwavering commitment to his union with Olori Hadiza as they marked their fifth wedding anniversary. In a poignant message, he celebrated their enduring love and deep friendship, highlighting over 1,800 days of shared experiences and mutual affection.

Despite leading a private life away from the spotlight of social media, Olori Hadiza’s presence in the monarch’s life is undeniable. It is clear to even the blind that the reserved demeanour and dignified presence of the good queen complement Oba Elegushi’s royal stature, creating a harmonious partnership built on mutual respect and understanding.

Therefore, the celebration of their fifth anniversary not only signifies a milestone in their journey together but also illustrates the enduring power of love and commitment.

France-Nigeria Friendship: New Avenue for Economic Growth

As President Bola Tinubu continues to solidify his steps on the global stage, Nigeria’s international landscape is witnessing a transformative shift, marked by burgeoning ties with France. President Emmanuel Macron’s recent invitation of four Nigerian billionaires to the upcoming Choose France Summit underscores the deepening friendship between the two nations and holds significant promise for Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

Tinubu’s proactive approach to international engagement, coupled with his track record in governance and business acumen, signals a strategic pivot towards attracting investments and bolstering Nigeria’s fiscal resilience. His frequent visits to France, culminating in his participation in the Summit on New Global Financing Pact hosted by President Macron, highlight the pivotal role of France in Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy agenda.

Traditionally, foreign policy serves as a conduit for advancing a nation’s interests on the global stage. Nigeria’s aspiration to emerge as an economic powerhouse in Africa has long been championed by successive leaders. In

Renowned real estate magnate, Sir Olu Okeowo, recently marked another milestone as friends and associates gathered to celebrate his birthday. While his name might not resonate beyond elite circles, Okeowo is a towering figure in Nigeria’s high society, renowned for his

this pursuit, forging alliances and cultivating relationships with strategic partners such as France becomes imperative.

The evolving dynamics of international relations necessitate a nuanced approach, where the intersection of domestic imperatives and foreign engagements forms the cornerstone of diplomatic strategy. While past administrations grappled with distinct challenges, Tinubu’s presidency signifies a recalibration of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework to align with contemporary realities.

The burgeoning friendship between France and Nigeria holds multifaceted benefits, ranging from enhanced economic cooperation to strategic partnerships in key sectors. As Nigeria endeavours to position itself as a hub of investment and innovation on the African continent, the collaboration with France offers a pathway to realize this vision.

In essence, the France-Nigeria friendship represents more than just a diplomatic gesture; it symbolizes a convergence of interests, aspirations, and opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity. Thus, with Macron’s

of the

in the 7th Choose France summit at Versailles on May 13, it is clear that Nigeria has embarked on a new chapter of international engagement.

Celebrating Another Year of Olu Okeowo’s Opulent Lifestyle and Philanthropy

opulent lifestyle and philanthropic endeavours.

As the founder and Chairman of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, Okeowo operates in the realm of multi-million and billion-naira real estate deals, solidifying his position in the echelons of wealth and influence. His illustrious career has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements, including the construction of the Palacio de Okeowo Mansion - a sprawling edifice that epitomises luxury and grandeur.

Situated on five acres of land, the Palacio de Okeowo Mansion is a three-floor Victorian-style masterpiece modelled after a French palace. Adorned with exquisite furnishings and lavish amenities, the mansion boasts a 500-seater auditorium named the ‘Solomon Chapel of Praise’ and a garage housing a fleet of choice automobiles worth billions of naira, including Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, Bentley, and Cadillac.

Despite his affluence, Okeowo remains deeply committed to philanthropy, exemplifying his dedication to impacting humanity and

creating a healthier society. His notable acts of philanthropy include the donation of a building to the Department of Physiotherapy at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos—the largest donation by any private individual to the university.

Born into a family of affluence and influence, Okeowo’s journey to success took a transformative turn when he transitioned from studying Medicine to pursuing a career in construction. Over the years, his company, Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, has spearheaded several landmark projects, including the iconic Parkview Estate in Ikoyi, Lagos, where Okeowo resides.

A silent philanthropist and a Knight of the John Wesley Anglican Church, Okeowo embodies grace and glamour, epitomising the pinnacle of success in Nigeria’s real estate sector. With an estimated net worth of $250 million, he continues to inspire awe with, among many other things, his Palacio de Okeowo—a testament to his unwavering pursuit of excellence and his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of generosity and prosperity.

Kolade Oladigbolu: A Contender for Alaafin of Oyo

The proverb goes that apples rarely fall far from their trees. When they do, there’s doubt as to which tree they fell from. This applies in the case of Prince Kolade Oladigbolu. Currently, speculation is swirling around his potential candidacy for the esteemed throne of Alaafin of Oyo. With a lineage tracing back to his grandfather, Oba Abubakar Oladigbolu, and great-grandfather, Oba Muhammad Agogo-Ija, who both held the revered position, Prince Kolade finds himself at the centre of discussions regarding the succession to the throne.

His familial ties to past monarchs, coupled with his deep immersion in Yoruba culture and tradition, position Prince Kolade as a formidable contender for the vacant stool of Alaafin.

Beyond his maritime and entrepreneurial pursuits, his extensive knowledge of Yoruba history and traditions, gleaned from experiences in royal palaces across Yorubaland, underscores his suitability for the esteemed role.

Prince Kolade’s insights into the significance of the term “Alaafin” in Yoruba culture highlight his deep understanding of royal terminology and the symbolic importance

Family Feud Over Late Biafra Leader’s Estate Takes Centre Stage

Human life, brief though it might be, can be filled with many intrigues. This is why seeming mysteries excite us so much. It is also another reason many readers are paying close attention to the curious case of the Ojukwus, picking at threats about how the matter will end and who will come on top.

The bitter dispute over the estate of the late Biafra leader, Chief Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu, has intensified as the sons of his widow, Bianca OdumegwuOjukwu, launch a daring bid for control. In a bold move, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu have stormed the legal battleground, seeking entry into a

long-standing feud initiated by Ogbonna Ojukwu and others against Ojukwu Transport Limited (OTL) and its affiliates. The battlefield? The prestigious Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos, among other prized properties. Their gambit? Citing a secret victory of their own—a silent conquest in a separate courtroom skirmish—where they claim ownership of key assets, including the coveted Oyinkan Abayomi Drive.

As the legal clash escalates, OTL stands its ground, defiant against the claims of the upstart heirs.

Dr. P Ike Ojukwu, their formidable commander, leads the charge, backed by a legion of legal warriors.

But where are Bianca and her sons in this high-stakes showdown? Absent from the fray, their silence speaks volumes, leaving observers to wonder: Are they strategizing a stealthy assault or have they abandoned the field altogether?

As the courtroom drama unfolds, each twist and turn adds fuel to the fire of family discord, casting shadows over the legacy of a fallen patriarch and raising questions about the true cost of inheritance. Will the sons emerge victorious, or will the empire

of the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo. His articulate defence of Yoruba heritage and the unique role of the Alaafin further reinforces his qualifications for the position.

Additionally, his familial connection to past Alaafins, with his father being a younger brother to the late Oba Bello Gbadegesin, adds another layer of legitimacy to his potential candidacy. The anticipation surrounding the emergence of the next Alaafin, particularly in light of the revered legacy of Oba Siyanbola Ladigbolu, only intensifies the speculation surrounding Prince Kolade’s candidacy.

crumble under the weight of familial strife? The battle rages on, with the fate of a dynasty hanging in the balance.

Oba Elegushi and Olori Hadiza Elegushi

Bianca Ojukwu

Tinubu

Okeowo

invitation

Nigerian billionaires to participate

Yahaya Bello: White Lion or White Chicken?

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, once proudly dubbed himself the “White Lion,” exuding audacity and confidence akin to a lion strutting about its pride. However, recent events have painted a starkly different picture, depicting the once-bold lion as a timid chicken, scurrying away from accountability and scrutiny.

Following his formal exit from office last year, Bello has found himself embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy, particularly surrounding the expenditure of over N80 billion during his tenure. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has honed in on these allegations, prompting Bello to evade facing the music, earning him comparisons to a feeble-hearted rat fleeing from accountability.

Bello’s ascent to power, marked by questionable circumstances following the demise of the winner of the 2015 governorship election in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, showcased his youthfulness as a defining feature. However, his subsequent performance during his eight-year tenure laid bare the limitations of age as the sole criterion for leadership suitability. Despite his

Celebrity event planner Kehinde OnabanjoIyiola, the CEO of Finesse Events and Whitestone Event Place, recently dazzled guests with her stunning 40th birthday celebration. The event, held last Sunday, attracted high-profile personalities including Oyo State Governor, Seyi

youth, Bello’s tenure was allegedly characterised by a lack of discipline, vision, and integrity, painting him as the epitome of indolence and vacuity in leadership.

The former governor’s reaction to the EFCC’s invitation reflects a sense of entitlement and defiance, as he attempts to evade accountability for his actions. However, such behaviour only serves to exacerbate public scrutiny and raise questions about his perceived immunity from the law.

Comparisons to past governors who willingly submitted themselves to the scrutiny of anti-corruption agencies, such as Bola Tinubu and Ayo Fayose, highlight the contrast in attitudes towards accountability. While these leaders faced allegations head-on and cooperated with investigations, Bello’s reluctance to do the same only cast further doubt on his integrity and leadership capabilities.

In the face of mounting allegations and public scrutiny, Bello’s legacy as the “White Lion” of Kogi State appears to be crumbling, revealing the vulnerabilities and shortcomings beneath his once-imposing facade.

A Lavish Affair:

Onabanjo-Iyiola’s Spectacular 40th Birthday Celebration

Makinde, and Oba Saheed Elegushi, among others. As Pillars of High Society came together to honour one of the latest celebrities in town, the lavish affair showcased Kehinde’s expertise in orchestrating unforgettable experiences.

Onabanjo-Iyiola, also known as KOI, is not only a trained lawyer but also a visionary entrepreneur with a keen eye for event planning. As the mastermind behind Finesse Events, she leads a talented team of event managers, decorators, and vendors to create memorable experiences for individuals and organisations alike.

With over a decade of experience, KOI has orchestrated more than 5,000 events ranging from weddings and birthdays to product launches and concerts across Nigeria’s major cities. Thus, it is not difficult to imagine how she threw her dazzling party.

Indeed, KOI’s Finesse Events company

Grammys Academy Launches African Branch in Nigeria: A New Era for Music in Africa

The decision by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the organising body behind the prestigious Grammy Awards, to establish its African branch in Nigeria has captured the attention of music enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. This move signifies a significant milestone in Africa’s music landscape and raises several important questions about the mechanics, rationale, and implications of this development.

The official launch of the Grammys Academy’s African branch will commence with a tour starting in Abuja, Nigeria, in June. Nigeria, alongside three other African countries, has been selected to host the expansion of the Grammys Academy. Creative Minister, Hannatu Musawa, played a pivotal role in finalising the contract, despite initial hesitations due to Nigeria’s lack of Grammy wins in 2023.

Moreover, it cannot be denied that Nigeria’s rich musical heritage, diverse talent pool, and

The Chinese say that a fleeing rabbit has three holes. It brings to mind the case of the once-prominent figure behind NotoreChemical Industries Plc, Onajite Okoloko, who has seemingly vanished from the public eye.

thriving entertainment ecosystem make it an ideal location for the Grammys Academy’s expansion into Africa. The country’s vibrant music scene, characterised by genres such as afrobeat, afropop, and highlife, has captivated international audiences and garnered attention from industry professionals worldwide.

The establishment of the Grammys Academy’s African branch in Nigeria signals a new era for the country’s music industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for local artists, producers, and industry professionals to gain global recognition and exposure. It is expected to stimulate investment, collaboration, and innovation within the music ecosystem, leading to the development of world-class infrastructure, talent incubation programmes, and international partnerships.

Ultimately, the launch of the Grammys Academy in Nigeria marks a significant milestone in Africa’s music history and heralds a new era of collaboration, innovation, and

has earned a reputation as the go-to event company for high-profile occasions, thanks to her meticulous planning and attention to detail. From coordinating large-scale funeral ceremonies and gubernatorial inaugurations to organising royal coronations and milestone birthday celebrations, her portfolio speaks volumes about her expertise and professionalism.

Beyond her contributions to the event industry, KOI is also the CEO of Whitestone Event Place, a premium venue renowned for its elegance and sophistication. With state-of-the-art facilities and impeccable service, Whitestone Event Place offers a luxurious setting for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. KOI’s expertise in venue management and consulting has further solidified her position as a leader in the hospitality sector.

growth for the continent’s vibrant music industry. As Nigeria prepares to host the inaugural leg of the Grammys Academy’s Africa tour, the spotlight shines brightly on the country’s rich musical heritage and its potential to shape the future of music in

The Expensive Absence

Since his remarriage and subsequent controversies surrounding his personal life, Okoloko’s presence in the public sphere has dwindled significantly. Amidst ongoing legal battles and financial disputes, the whereabouts and activities of this enigmatic figure have become the subject of speculation and intrigue.

Not long ago, news sources revealed that Okoloko’s company, Eroton Exploration, was embroiled in a bitter legal dispute with his estranged wife, Salma Okoloko, over an outstanding contract debt. Eroton reportedly failed to honour its financial obligations to Salma’s company, Tectonic Oil Tools Limited (TOTL), prompting legal action from the latter.

Okoloko’s personal life has also been marred by controversy, particularly concerning his divorce from Salma. The divorce proceedings, initiated in 2020, have allegedly been fraught with legal complexities and jurisdictional disputes. Furthermore, allegations of mismanagement and under-reporting have

of Jite Okoloko

been reported as attracting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to Okoloko’s door.

Amid these legal and personal challenges, Okoloko has managed to stick to his principles. In 2021, he announced his retirement as the chief executive officer of NotoreChemical Industries Plc after 16 years at the helm. It is expected that his successor, Ohis Ohiwerei, will be able to move the company, which is Africa’s first indigenous urea fertiliser producer, forward.

So far, Ohiwerei has floated on the waves of controversy, as does his predecessor. In other words, Notore may continue to be free, despite having a former boss with a large shadow of uncertainty and legal battles.

The legacy of Okoloko continues to loom large, even though it is overshadowed by legal disputes and personal controversies that have left lingering questions about his whereabouts.

Abdulfatah Ahmed in His Shell

Abdulfatah Ahmed, the former governor of Kwara State, appears to have adopted a low-profile stance reminiscent of his predecessors, aiming to stay out of the limelight and avoid trouble, particularly from vindictive successors. However, recent events have thrust him back into the public eye, raising questions about his tenure and potential involvement in financial impropriety.

Ahmed’s recent interrogation at the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reignited scrutiny of his administration. The antigraft agency is reportedly investigating the expenditure of N3 billion during his time in office, marking the third time Ahmed has been summoned for questioning since leaving office in 2019.

His background adds layers to the intrigue surrounding his tenure. Before assuming the governorship, Ahmed served as the commissioner for finance under Bukola Saraki, his predecessor, linking him to the political lineage of the state.

The ongoing investigation captures the challenges faced by former governors, who often find themselves under the microscope of anti-corruption agencies once they leave office. For Ahmed, the allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement cast a shadow over his legacy and raised questions about his stewardship during his tenure.

Despite being granted bail by the Federal High Court in Ilorin, Ahmed’s legal troubles persist, as he tackles the legal proceedings and attempts to defend his actions during his time as governor.

As the investigation unfolds, observers and critics alike await further developments, eager to uncover the truth behind the allegations and determine whether Ahmed has anything to fear or hide.

Ahmed

Musawa

Okoloko

Onabanjo-Iyiola

Please, which one is the cybersecurity levy again o? This was my first reaction when I saw the report. Not sure if it is .005% or .5%. The levy has hit Nigerians with a thud that has made them just give up. For me, immediately I saw the report. I rushed to the bible to see the physical description of Zacchaeus, the famous tax collector, to see if there was any resemblance between him and our Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu. Apart from the description that puts Zacchaeus as short, I do not see any other real striking resemblance since there has been no report that President Tinubu knows how to climb trees or has climbed any tree in his life. Remember that Zacchaeus, who was so disliked, had to climb a tree to see Jesus. Anyways, amid the hoopla that has heralded this one too many levies, let us look at it from this angle. Oya everybody put yourself in Tinubu’s shoes- you have just been sworn in and they have just given you the handover report. The first thing you do is to scream “egbami oooo.” The treasury is empty, looted. No money. Kai, the next thing you see is debt. The zeroes behind the debt are amazing, by this time, your mouth is wide open with spittle dribbling down from it. Wait o, it has not finished o, then they show you, your financial obligations on capital projects, wages and the rest and while you are at it, the Naira is dropping, inflation is skyrocketing, multinationals are declaring humongous

BIMBO ASHIRU: A RENAISSANCE MAN

You know in real life, I am an investment banker, so economic issues and company performances interest me. So, you will forgive me if I decide to blow this baba’s trumpet small. When he was appointed Chairman of the huge indigenous conglomerate – Odu’a, we had a small discussion. The issue was between his role as Chairman of this major institution or a commissionership in his state of origin which I believe was being dangled at him and which would put him in better stead to contribute meaningfully to the people.

I suggested he takes the Chairman role because if for nothing else, his activities will crisscross economically the whole South-west, he will create jobs, and impact very positively on the people without the red tape and “boysim” that will come with a commissioner role.

Bola Tinubu as the New Zacchaeus in Town

Today, I take pleasure in announcing that Odu’a Group has just reported — wait for it o — revenues in excess of N3.9 billion and is paying a dividend of N428 million. The revenue figures represent a 7% growth YOY.

The PBT also increased by 62% and the dividends were paid to its shareholders who are the South-west states according to my egbon Mr. Raji, the outgoing Managing Director.

Now if you juxtapose this with the humongous losses our other firms in the FMCG and telcos space have been announcing then you will understand the context with which I am offering Otunba and Mr. Raji plates of Afang this morning – that is if they will not purge.

Well done to the great team at Odu’a and I sincerely do wish that this performance is not only sustained but replicated nationwide. This na real oasis in an economic desert. Kai.

losses and everything is becoming chaotic and just as you are about to knock your head on the table, Gbaja reminds you that “Oga, that your statement at your swearing in – Subsidy is gone- has just been rated the worst ever inaugural speech in the history of inaugural speeches.” You will just run to Remi in the bedroom and say, “Ahhhh Mummy, who send us oooooo!”

Well, the next morning you wake up, take your bath, eat your agbado and move to the office. We have to reflate the economy and since FDI’s are not quick to cometaxes!!!

My people, me in Tinubu’s shoes, will do the same as a short-term fix. I will ramp up taxes and levies strategically, in a bid to stabilise government revenues and then plough back the funds as they come into strategic sectors of the economy and welfare in such a way that it will serve like fuel going into a car that the tank was just emptied.

My people, the cry should not be on the levies but on how the funds are being managed. Is Zacchaeus going to tax our blood only to be spending billions on pilgrimage or some white elephant projects or worse still, to be pillaged by his officials, like that Humanitarian Ministry damsel?

I have no problem with the levies and taxes, they are needed, but what we should now be looking at is their utilisation. Simple. So, for now, Ribadu the NSA honcho should be the most watched Nigerian. Let’s watch and see how the funds would be expended. Simple.

MAGNUS ONYIBE ‘LEADING FROM THE STREET’ STILL ON MY MIND

Mr. Magnus Onyibe is a public intellectual at least, as alluded to by Dr. Rueben Abati who was given the task of making some remarks during the last launch of his book, ‘Leading from the Street.’

The way Onyibe sold this particular book, you will think it was his first book. I tell you, from radio chats, radio jingles, letters, calls, broadcasts, press releases etc. Onyibe did not leave any stone unturned in ensuring a very successful book launch.

To God be the glory, the hall was filled to the brim. From former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to His Excellencies, Chief James Ibori, Segun Osoba, Donald Duke up to the glamorous icons of our screen, Sienne Allwell Brown and Ruth Benamaisia were all in attendance. He capped it for me by bringing out Patrick Oke of

the now-rested Newsline as anchor. If I talk now, Onyibe will vex. I had written here last week that I thought the book was a “lazy approach towards public commentary,” seeing that he had compiled his old articles into book form and got “yesterday’s” people to review it chapter by chapter, giving the book a dusty old feel. I had said that I would have loved a fresh outlook towards the book. A contemporary minute-by-minute look at the contending issues in modern-day Nigeria while getting fresher minds to look at the issues as against getting people of the 70s to write. I would have preferred historians to write this kind of book instead of Onyibe who I really feel is one of the most cerebral public commentators you will find. Anyways, as I walked into the hall, Onyibe jumped at me: “Did you hear what Prof. Osaghae said?”

Prof. Osaghae is the DG at the NIIA

Tinubu

Fubara Ashiru Akpabio

Fada

and my former lecturer at the University of Ibadan who gave a brilliant review of the book… “Oh sorry, I missed it, I was in the toilet sir,” I replied.

I, however, listened to Dr Abati who took a break from causing commotion on national TV to come to the book launch. Dr Abati was brilliant in his review and engaging in the way he took on some issues like cyberbullying amongst others. Anyways, as I walked into the hall, I felt myself transported to the ‘80s. My people, it was as if I was on the set of Newsline or some very old NTA current affairs programme. They were all there o, people of the past. From their clothes to the way they sat, and the way they spoke, it was truly a blast from the past and I enjoyed myself.

Well done my brother, I will send my objective review of the book when I am safely out of the country, just in case you have a tiny urge to give me a knock after reading it. Don’t mind me jare, my brother. Kai. Shout out to the ever-beautiful Mrs. Onyibe. Long time.

SIM FUBARA: A STORMY WEATHER

When you are faced with consistent bullying, it gets to a point where you will stand back and say – oya let’s fight. I think that my brother Sim has just reloaded his SIM card. He is now beginning to sound like a man, unlike those early days when he was wimpish and almost cowardly. These people that “put” him there have been all so irritatingly annoying in the way and manner they have been going about their relationship with their “boy.” The arrogant approach to whatever is their agenda reeks of a lack of regard for our intuitions and laws as a people. So you can imagine my joy when Sim announced that these people were no longer legislators and as such he would not recognise them. He was even reported to have withheld allocations to the local government chairmen who seem to be part of the charade that is going on in that state.

Every right-thinking Nigerian should be behind Sim in this fight because this is a fight that if lost would have dire consequences on the rule of law. You can’t just wake up in the morning, and decide that you no longer want a sitting governor just like that. When you were pushing his candidacy against the will of the people, he was good now for whatever reason, you no longer find favour in him, and you want to remove him just like that, na lie, we will not agree. Leave him alone, let him serve his four years and after that let the people decide who or what they want. We cannot continue to be slaves and serve under a foul breath, dancing dictator who has only his interest at heart. Tufiakwa.

GODSWILL AKPABIO: A SENATOR OF ALL TIME

He has always said he was uncommon and as such uncommon things must continue to be his lot. This our very uncommon Senate President has just been reported to be the very first anywhere in the world since Socrates discovered democracy to be the first senatorial aspirant -three years from elections, and wait for it o, the first to be unanimously supported by all parties as their only choice for the position.

Let me explain it better. Barring any unforeseen circumstances or any natural occurrence - which we don’t, every political party in his senatorial

district irrespective of ideology, manifesto and outlook will support his candidacy for the Senate. This declaration, I hear, was made at a huge stadium event which I am also made to believe had the Executive Governor of the state who is of a different party attend. My people of Akwa Ibom are not only known for our afang but are now becoming better known for uncommon things since this Akpabio emerged on

the national stage.

My own in all of these, is that why is he thinking small, why go through all that stress only to be Senator? He for kukuma use his uncommon touch to get all parties, all Nigerians push for his Presidency in 2027, abi he dey fear? This one is not looking like an uncommon man o, but looking more like an uncommon periwinkle- go for presidency mbok, and leave the Senate for your guys. Thank you.

BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU AS THE DEMOLITION MAN

Jidooooooo!!! I am sure this is how his close pallies will be hailing him when he walks in. Jidooooooooo!!! and he too will reply – awon eyanmi.

This my favourite governor has been going on a demolition spree for some time now in Lagos.

From Argungi, to Ikate and now Mende, houses have been going down with tears and gnashing of teeth from the people. The Mende own, come and see the video as the lady was screaming, “They gave us two hours oooo, two hours oooooo.”

As we were looking at that one, another news report came that 80% of Lekki homes don’t have approval. Thank God, me I don’t have any side chick in that zone because I cannot come and accommodate an internally displaced side chick in my house. That one Duchess will just put salt in my BMW engine, I swear. Anyways, before we give Jidoooooo, omo iya olobe horns and paint him as a devil, let’s tarry awhile. Bobo is chasing a legacy in his second term. Bobo has to immortalise himself and as such is constructing landmark projects everywhere, trying to sanitise the state so that when history judges him, it will judge him well.

But wait, one snag. Illegal structures everywhere block these developments. So, the question now should be, should

WOFAI FADA: MIXED BLESSINGS

This very beautiful actress recently released a very beautiful video showcasing her new beau. In the video, she announced to the world that she was engaged to this gorgeous Yoruba man and was even reported to be a “baby” for him. Oh, the video was beautiful, she looked so happy and fulfilled. The man who must have felt blessed also looked so happy. So, so happy, that he rode a bicycle from Isale Eko to Calabar to go and collect palm wine served by this bewitchingly beautiful Calabar damsel.

Kai, I sighed. You know I am a romantic. Ohhhhh, I swooned. They looked so happy together and I vowed to attend the wedding ceremonies. You know Wofai is my friend and I met her through my in-law Ohimai who took me to her Just Afang restaurant in Ikoyi where I ate free afang pretending to be a reporter.

Anyways, someone has now poured “sand sand” as they say on my sister’s parade. The Coker family have reportedly in an open letter as seen on social media not to be too happy at the liaison. In a released tape, one “amebo” aunty was heard taunting a voice purportedly being that of the man’s father making that one proclaim very clearly, “We are not aware oooooo. The girl is 38 and our boy is 30,” he continued. “They have only met for six months and I hear she is pregnant,” he continued. The safety of the girl should be paramount, he proclaimed in a very strong Yorubaaccented English.

he abandon the developmental work that would benefit the over 20 million Lagosians or should he because of the illegality of a few clampdowns and just ease out his tenure?

My people, just for one minute, put yourself in his shoes and answer very truthfully. A right of way being blocked by very beautiful illegal estates? Multibillion Naira projects built on drainages, causing flooding? If I were governor, I would rush to the nearest juju man and get a “booster” and personally drive the bulldozers and “scatter” everywhere. Because if I don’t do it, it is these same people that will be pointing at Lekki bridge and be saying see what Fashola did, and then they will point at Oshodi, see what Ambode did, and then they will now point at that Buka near former LIRS building at Alausa and say, see what Sanwo-Olu did. Mbok scatter everywhere abeg. The only thing I will request from Mr. Governor is that he should help us sanitise his land bureau and all those institutions that give out fake approvals. You really cannot be demolishing people’s houses when those within your government are the ones giving out fake approvals, fake inspection permits and fake everything that allows for this. Mr. Governor, start from home. Thank you.

Mbok, what all of these reminded me of, was when I took Duchess to my Ibibio parents. My mother almost fainted. She took me aside and said, “So in all of this Lagos, you cannot find a beautiful girl from Akwa Ibom to marry? Even if you cannot find one, what of Igbo or even Delta, what are you doing with an “atoro uduang ku ufik” girl?”

I was livid. I thought it was a joke. Is this not the same mama who fought the civil war so Nigeria could be one, why is she now saying this? I looked at my father and he too said the same thing in our language so that Duchess would not hear. Mbok, I was shocked because all of my life and up till that time, I did not know I was living with racist o. Real ku klux klan in Shomolu.

When Duchess left, I looked at my parents and asked one last time: “Are you guys really serious about this? Tell me you are joking. Tell me she is short, not beautiful enough, did not go to school but don’t tell me she is Yoruba, abeg make I no break my head for this una wall.”

My father looked at me very sternly and said in a conspiratorial voice, “Joe, we don’t marry Yoruba people. Look around you, who has married a Yoruba that you know. Mbok, let your mother find a nice young Ibibio girl for you.” I just stood up, went to Duchess who was then a 22-year-old lass and asked her clearly. Are you ready and she said yes. I asked her again, are you ready and she said yes. I went straight to Shomolu local government and had a secret wedding. I told them that I no get Papa and I no get Mama, make them let me sign abeg.

Today, I have Olusola, Boluwatife and Zara – chai I don forget Zara Yoruba name and the sky has not fallen. My sister and brother, if you love yourself, abeg ignore those people. You have kuku given the girl bele, come and I will advise you on how to do a secret wedding for Shomolu local government. That mama that did my own 26 years ago is still there, abeg. Just ignore those people. God bless you.

Sanwo-Olu

For King of Gas, Julius Rone, It’s Time to Shine Like a Diamond

The billionaire businessman, Julius Rone, possesses an unrivalled genius and a profound understanding of investment and the art of making money.

Consistently, the brilliant man who will be 50 this year, is making headlines and staying ahead of his peers while his remarkable qualities have set him far apart from ordinary business magnates across the continent.

His presence in the gas sector has been a dominating force, leaving an indelible mark wherever he ventures and positioning himself at the pinnacle of Nigeria’s gas industry. The strings of industry awards that litter his ornate office serve as a testament to his success story in the sector.

For instance, Rone, who is the boss of UTM

When

Those who describe Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State as a breath of fresh air in the nation’s politics are not mistaken.

The trained lawyer hit the ground running immediately after he was appointed as commissioner after his tenure as a Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Education in 2019.

This is surely due in part to his belief that anything worth doing at all is worth doing well. He believes that things should be done the right way to achieve great results.

As Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Education, he spearheaded the biggest turnaround in the educational sector in Lagos. He revamped the educational template of Lagos to meet global standards, upgraded colleges of education, and polytechnics to universities, and ensured teachers were dishing out quality education in line with THEMES agenda.

With all his giant strides, Governor Sanwo-Olu immediately redeployed him in his new role as the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources during the beginning of his second tenure.

Shortly after he was sworn in as a commissioner, the fearless man didn’t take long before reading the riot act to workers in the ministry and also erring Lagosians who are in the habit of polluting Lagos through waste, air, noise, and encroached builders on areas reserved as green areas or those blocking the drainage channel for easy movement of rainwater.

While many are aware that discharging his duties is a Herculean task, he is doing everything within his power to ensure things are done according to the law and also in due process without minding whose ox is gored.

His no-bending style and courage have earned the outspoken, articulate, and highly cerebral accolades in many quarters. He also has become one of the most talked about commissioners in Lagos State nay Nigeria.

Wahab, a lawyer with more than 25 years of experience, is a partner at Wall and Ace Law Firm. He has extensive experience across all strata of legal practice.

He is also an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Wharton University of Pennsylvania.

Offshore Limited (UTMOL, kick-started last year on a high note by receiving the prestigious Vanguard’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, recognising his esteemed position as one of Nigeria’s astute dealmakers.

Also, in September 2023, he was honoured by BusinessDay with The Next Bulls award in recognition of his market leadership and pacesetting innovation.

Again, the hardworking and high-flying Rone has started this year on a brighter note. Last week Saturday he shone brilliantly at the Independent Awards where he received the award as Oil and Gas Personality of the Year 2023.

Without a doubt, these are attestations of his unprecedented participation and contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

Rotimi Ajanaku Pooled Eminent Personalities to Late Dad’s Funeral

One of Pa Olusegun Samuel Ajanaku’s several heart desires was to be survived by a family who would give him a befitting burial at his home whenever he transited to eternal glory.

No doubt, his prayer was answered last week when his son, billionaire businessman, Rotimi Ajanaku and his siblings gathered their friends from all walks of life as they gave their late dad the kind of burial he deserved.

And expectedly, the burial would be the talk of the town for a long time as they literally shut down everywhere. The Oke-Popo, Lagos State came alive when the Ajanakus pooled eminent personalities to the venue of the funeral of their late dad.

Indeed, if the late community leader could turn in his grave, he would beam a winsome smile over the befitting burial held for him by his family who successfully carried out his dying wish.

As gathered, the events commenced on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, with the body of the late Pa Ajanaku paying a farewell visit to his hometown, Lagos State. He was received at his home in Oke-Popo, Lagos Island, where he lay in state.

On Wednesday, May 1, his body arrived back at his Ibadan abode for a Christian wake at the Oluyole estate, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Bola Shagaya Plans Jaw-dropping Wedding for Son, Muktar

Who does it better?

This catchy phrase accurately fits in for Bola Shagaya, the billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist. When it comes to celebration of life, she sets the standard, and no one among her peers does it better than her. This is not in any way a hyperbole!

In fact, it is a common joke in the society world that aside from making money and cutting deals, her other forte is throwing shindigs that are always remarkable.

Currently, the social climate is flailing wildly and Nigerian elites have been thrown into a state of frenzy. In pairs and groups, they discuss in hush and loud tones about the upcoming high-octane wedding that is bound to leave them starry-eyed.

The best party planners have been contracted, ace fashion designers have their hands full and makeup artists are gearing up to skip to their banks as many Nigerian elites are gearing up in anticipation for this shindig.

Indeed, in a couple of weeks, the city of

Lagos as well as Abuja will play host to celebrities, business tycoons, politicians and high net-worth individuals as they will all converge for the wedding of Honourable Muktar, the handsome son of Shagaya.

As gathered by Society Watch, the lawmaker representing Ilorin/ Asa Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber, will be walking the aisle with his heartthrob, Ayotola Odebiyi in July.

According to the information, the wedding would be remarkable as usual. The ceremony will kick off with a traditional wedding on July 6 in Lagos, while another reception will be held on July 12 in Abuja. Invitation cards are in circulation for close friends, families and close associates of the couple’s parents.

Already, many members of the Lagos social establishment are gearing up for the soiree that will definitely be one of the most talked about this year. The wedding, for those that are privy to the preparation, had already tagged it the ‘wedding of the year.’ Little wonder the groom’s mother,

The fundamental issue of sensationalism in news reporting and its effects on national security in the era of new media will be on the front burner at the fifth edition of the Timeline Awareness Initiative Lecture/Awards coming up on Wednesday, May 29 in Lagos.

The annual event, slated for the Radisson Blu in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, will have affable billionaire businessman and distinguished Senator, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu as the Chairman. The former Abia State Governor will be supported by Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora as Co-Chairman. Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke SanwoOlu; Lagos Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa; Sen. Gbenga Daniel, and corporate lawyer, Dr. Siju Iluyomade are special guests

The late Pa Ajanaku’s remains were interred on Thursday, May 2, 2024, after a funeral service at the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Odo-Ona, Ibadan.

The ceremony again moved back to his home in Lagos for a grand finale where a classy reception was organised by his son, Rotimi at the Harbour Point Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the king of Fuji music, King Wasiu Ayinde (K1 de Ultimate), on the bandstand.

The colourful event was another concrete proof that Ajanaku’s pre-eminence in the social world is not a fluke, given the array of guests who honoured his invitation.

The expensive state-of-the-art automobiles that conveyed the guests to the venue caused a stir, as many residents gawked at them.

From the catering to the ushering, no stone was left unturned. The hall was colourfully decorated with balloons and other aesthetic materials to give it a regal look. Assorted food and drinks flowed like an endless river. Indeed, guests had no reason to complain as everything was taken care of.

Shagaya is exhaling whoops of joy. Society Watch sources confirmed that the affluent and aristocrats can’t wait for the day. At the moment, the household of the couple is busy with preparations as no stone would be left unturned to give the couple a befitting rite of passage into matrimony.

of the 2024 yearly event. Veteran journalist and President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga has been selected as the lead speaker.The informative and educative programme that is being put together by Timeline Nigeria —an online news portal— is aimed at getting all and sundry acquainted with the sociopolitical happenings in the country and also honours distinguished Nigerians in politics and business sectors. Past editions saw the presence of prominent speakers such as Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat; immediate past Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; and Brila FM founder, Dr. Larry Izamoje, among others.

Ajanaku

Shagaya

Kalu

ARTS & REVIEW ARTS &

A PUBLICATION

For Nwaegbe, It’s Inspired Lurch Towards Abstraction

A just-concluded solo exhibition in Abuja, which is a captivating sequel to his past exhibitions in Lagos and Accra, reveals Obi Nwaegbe's profound longing for his conceptual provenance, he recently tells Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

Acacophony—or better still, a startling collision—of colours and rhythms must have assailed Obi Nwaegbe’s senses as he stepped into the vibrant chaos of Lagos’s gritty, claustrophobic streets two decades ago. He had just completed his studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he was also raised as his professor dad’s only son among his sisters and mom. Hence, these impressions, which were akin to a culture shock, must have hit him like a thunderclap. Nonetheless, he chose to remain steadfast in his resolve to earn his daily subsistence as an artist. engulfed in a tumult of uncertainties, had to take really hard decisions. He had indeed left behind him the protective bubble of academia—that dreamlike space where the mind could soar unfettered, where mere musings birthed worlds of unbridled imagination. But then, stepping out into the stark embrace of reality demanded a renegotiation of those ideals he once held sacrocant. So with measured resolve, he shed the conceptual armour that he was cocooned in during his student years to confront this new so-unkindly-scripted mise-en-scène.

Somehow, Nsukka’s pedagogical ethos, steeped in lofty ideals, lingered in his subconscious as both a beacon and a lament. This was as he plodded on on this path of creative uncertainties that saw him relinquish the whimsical realms of imagination for the grounded allure of representational art—a deliberate pivot egged on by the demands of the art market. This pivotal shift not only birthed his earlier body of works, which featured in a pair of compelling solo exhibitions across two vibrant cities: Lagos and Accra—christened Tainted Visions and its sequel, Tainted Visions II—but also became the cauldron pot in which his latest solo exhibition, Inspired Visions, which was held after several others, was conjured. I had to start learning to fend for myself and get established,” Nwaegbe, who is currently the executive director of Artstier Company Limited, an art production and consulting company based in both Abuja and Lagos, reminisces. “Much of what I learned in school, which were systematic on as an individual who had to pander to certain commonplace sentiments and aesthetic tastes in order to be able to make a living through art.”

As for Inspired Visions, which ended only last Sunday, May 5, days after its private opening was held on Friday, April 26, it symbolises a poetic detour that echoes the homecoming of a prodigal son. To the artist, this latest solo outing at Moeshen Art Gallery in Abuja’s Life Camp district might as well have been a bid to reclaim the conceptual essence of his artistic heritage in a symphony of a glorious rebirth. Besides this, the fundamental vision behind the exhibition has been reinforced resonating together like a symphony with -

lective harmony, the artist is inspired to transcend ordinary aspirations, reaching towards lofty ideals that promise to awaken his artistry from the reverberating depths of his very soul. “When I set out to make a body of work that contributed to these

series, I reminded myself that it was over a decade since the ‘Tainted Vimy commitment to creativity at its purest form,” he says.

Today, Nwaegbe’s captivating creativity unfurls like an ancient tapestry, intricately woven to navigate the labyrinthine conworld. Within this evocative creation lies a profound dialogue, resonating with echoes of strength as it strives to guide Africans towards reclaiming their dignity amidst the tumultuous currents of human sociopolitical engagement. The exhibition, bathed in a luminous glow of resilience, emerges as a jubilant ode to the indomitable spirit conquering existential trials, a testament to the boundless powers housed within the realms of imagination.

Of course, there is a remarkable distinction between this solo exhibition and the artist’s previous ones. This lies in the intricate interplay of themes rather than their mere material essence. Nwaegbe’s tangible but rather on the ethereal cohesion of underlying motifs that harmonise the diverse assemblage of creations within his exhibitions, transcending the boundaries of medium or texture. Indeed, the repurposed soda cans, which were initially juxtaposed as a catalyst for global environmental dialogue, are unyielding in their poignant message amidst changing tides. An undisputed hallmark of this curated collection is the deliberate departure towards a realm of anonymity, with heads and feet stripped away to unveil a canvas of pure form and essence. Recall that at the initial stage of his studio practice, he seemed to have found his comfort zone in a stylized version he calls “abstract expressionism” while working almost exclusively with oil, acrylic, and sometimes watercolour and pastels.

Meanwhile, the artist is currently engrossed in his MFA thesis, whose pivotal focus delves into the metamorphosis of expressionist musings into geometric abstractions—a transformative journey reflected in the enigmatic characters adorning the exhibition’s vivid tapestry. Naturally, the possibilities of exploring other mediums are completely open to Nwaegbe. “Part of the reason I went for a master’s degree in studio art was to give myself access to more intellectual information about art mediums and more technical diversities. I am also looking at the possibility of making relief sculptures out of my soda can experiments as well as three-dimensional sculptures on metal and wood.”

As for the artist’s candid assessment of the just-concluded exhibition’s success, he reverently adheres to the set parameters instilled during his academic days at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. For him, the sanctity of a successful exhibition reverberates in the moment of its grand opening—an feather in the cap of an accomplished artist. Sales, attendance, and other metrics become tangential in the wake of this paramount achievement. “So by this parameter, I say that the exhibition was successful in spite of everything else that happened in the course of the exhibition, which included a sizable number of visitors as well as the sale of work.”

One of Nwaegbe's paintings

Nwaegbe

One of Nwaegbe's recent mixed media paintings, titled Inertia

Dancing to Tell Stories

Yinka Olatunbosun

While the memories of Word Dance Day 2024 still linger, the dance ambassadors have continued to etch indelible marks on the cultural landscape. Take Rasheed Ibrahim, for instance. He witnessed his transformation from a young boy with restless feet to an acclaimed dancer in the dusty streets of the crime-prone Lagos neighbourhood of Bariga, with their patchwork of colours and cacophony of sounds.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Lagos, dance became his solace, his rebellion against the shadows who, with his wisdom etched in every movement, guided him through the intricate tapestry of dance, unveiling a world where rhythms spoke louder than words. As he enrolled in the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos, the echoes of dance legends like Herbert Ogunde and Peter

generations to comeThat, in a nutshell, was the story of Rasheed Ibrahim, who started dancing at the age of seven and is now the artistic director of times, the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly challenging for him as well as for many artists whose works were tied to large gatherings. But did he learn a lesson from the restrictions?

Yes, he did. “Anytime I am with friends, I tell them that this job is about collaboration,” he intimates. “When COVID-19 happened, I was in Burundi for a festival. I was fortunate to return COVID-19 made all artists realise that if we don’t us, and Zoom came in handy.”

While he was contemplating the evolving deepened over the persistent undervaluation of deserves. Despite the gradual emergence of dance

DANCE

luminaries like Ijodee and Peter Badejo reshaping societal views, the art form still faces stigma. Often, bright students are discouraged from pursuing the arts due to prevailing prejudices labelling artists as aimless. Fortunately, the tide is turning with the growing appreciation for dance, championed by entities like the Society

Gbenga Yusuf, and the unforgettable legacy of the late Wole Oguntokun.

going to study law or medicine but and Theo Lawson have been very helpful in funding some of my trips to dance festivals around Africa.It has been a tremendous help.”

Some dance professionals, like the renowned Korra Obidi, have vocally criticised individuals who diminish dance by relegating it as a mere accessory

to other art forms, such as music. Conversely, to be a lucrative industry of its own. says. “They will invite you to come and dance for a three-minute song and then I will begin to choreography, I want my dancers to get mentioned while I get the credit for the choreography. I am

In Anticipation of Trio’s Shared Visions at Didi Museum

EXHIBITION

Emmanuel Ndogo

for dancing sake. Dance the way you want to be addressed. I have danced for a movie production.

tions between diverse dance styles, embracing a plethora of dance projects without hesitation. His artistic realm thrives on the vast spectrum of dance forms available. Adept and dynamic, he honed his craft as a choreographer, masterfully orchestrating intricate movements across eight distinct genres—from traditional to African contemporary, hip-hop to salsa and cha-cha. His accolades speak volumes, having clinched prestigious awards like the COVID-19 Dance Challenge in Lagos and the SCB-9 Dance Festival Award of Excellence in Art in Bénin Republic. the recent distinction at the Festival International prowess in the realm of dance.

Expanding on his thoughts on the impact of technology on dance, he shared a profound perspective from his own experiences. Emphasising the transformative role of technology, he articulated how platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become vehicles for artist visibility, shaping their narratives and catapulting dancers into the limelight. He stressed the importance of authenticity in captivating audiences and sparking curiosity for more.

“I dance to tell stories,” he explains. “One of my dance productions is titled ‘Akoko’ meaning dance has addressed societal ills like kidnapping, poverty and other issues.”

With Art Exhibition, Odama Gallery Sets to Launch

Withthehighlyanticipated debut of its inaugural exhibition, titled Intersectionality in Art, Odama Art Gallery in the vibrant upscale Lagos neighbourhoods of Lekki Phase I is poised to assert itself as the premier destination for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Indeed, with its clear vision centred on championing a wide array of creative expressions from both local talents and artists on the global stage, the gallery seems to have all it takes to curate a distinctive ambiance that seamlessly blends artistic innovation, cultural immersion, and recreational indulgence. Thus, by providing a dynamic platform for artistic discovery and dialogue, it hopes to serve as a dynamic nexus for social engagement and cultural appreciation in the bustling city of Lagos.

Back to the exhibition, set against the backdrop of an airy gallery space, it will feature the engagAbinoro, Theophilus Madaki, Ikechukwu Ezeigwe, Imomoh Asemokha, and Soile Olayimika, runninglong event will be akin to a sensory feast, delving into a curated collection that captures the artists’ vivid imaginations. With each stroke and sculpted form, the essence of their mastery unfolds, inviting guests to partake in a kaleidoscope of colours and concepts, forging timeless connections between art and audience.

A close-up of the artists reveals a fascinating array of talent and diversity in their artistic journeys. Among them is Abinoro Akporode Collins, a 2019 graduate of sculpture fromAuchi Polytechnic, whose innovative art pieces crafted from spoons caught the attention of the international art scene following a

GALLERY OPENING

Month Residency and Exhibition, and showcasing his work at the Historical Festival by Art Hub in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Additionally, his participation at the King Abdulazeez Camel Festival in Saudi Arabia alongside 43 other global artists marked a milestone in his career.

Madaki, an art graduate of Ahmadu Bello Univerpaintings that celebrate the allure of black skin. With a portfolio brimming with beauty and colour, Madaki’s artistic prowess has garnered recognition through various exhibitions and art competitions, culminating in his debut solo exhibition, “The Root,” in 2021, which captivated audiences both at home and abroad.

Ezeigwe, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, distinguishes himself through his experimental artistic style that skillfully attributes human characteristics to animals, resulting in captivating hybrid creatures. The sale of his piece

Imomoh, a fellow alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, showcases his unique perspective through introspective cubist paintings that emphasise limbs and torsos. With a penchant for exhibitions, Imomoh continually pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Completing the ensemble is Olayimika Soile, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, whose captivating works resonate within the local art scene, embodying a fusion of creativity and cultural expression.

Amidst the elegant ambiance of the chic gallery adorned with exquisite artwork, guests will be immersed in an enchanting evening at the glamorous cocktail party. This extraordinary celebration of art, culture, and networking is set to unfold as a grand Lagos. As anticipation builds, the statement echoes the enthusiasm of Tommy Odama, the chairman of the board of directors of Unarenabylvg Lagos, eagerly expressing the gallery’s commitment to showcasing the vibrant tapestry of the local art scene.

An art exhibition featuring the works of three artists—Ogochukwu Ejiofor, Adedoyin Bello-Adelani, and Ohiolei Ohiwerei—will open May 25 at the Didi Museum in Victoria Island, Lagos. The exhibition, titled Through My Eyes, will be on until June 29.

During a press preview on the morning of Tuesday, May 7, at 11 a.m., inside the distinguished Didi Museum’s legacy space, the talented exhibition curator, Moses Ohiomokhare, eloquently unveileding theme. Concluding the introduction with insightful depth in his curatorial essay, his ardent wish was for this innovative exhibition to ignite the visitors’ curiosity, as the distinctive works of the three artists exude a captivating brilliance through an array of vivid and captivating colours. Earlier in his welcome remarks, Didi Museum’s head curator, Patrick Odimfe, narrated the story of in the country, was established in 1983 by the Ohiolei Ohiwerei, one of the exhibiting artists, stands out as the sole male among the trio of artists, besides the fact that he is a sculptor. Working meticulously with the unforgiving medium of bronze, the University of Benin graduate of sculpture draws inspiration from the organic beauty of nature and the unadorned authenticity of human life. The fact that he is an indigene of the historic city of Benin explains why his works are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of his indigenous heritage.

Also at the press preview, one of the two female artists, Ogochukwu Ejiofor, gracefully articulated her deep-rooted connection to her muse, women. Ejiofor, who holds a BA from the degree from the University of Benin, passionately stated that her inspiration stems from female camaraderie, highlighting the theme as “when women gather through my eyes.” Delving into the intricate social fabric, she illuminates the beyond men’s grasp. She fervently believes in the uniqueness of women’s struggles, asserting that, despite individual nuances, a shared sisterhood fosters empathy and understanding. She cites, as a poignant example, how a single woman can intuitively grasp and empathise with the challenges faced by a fellow woman navigating marriage and pregnancy.

Finally,Adedoyin Bello-Adelani, the other female artist, channels her creativity through a fusion of paint and embroidery. Through her intricate pieces, she weaves a narrative portraying the lived experiences of women, showcasing resilience and painting from the Lagos State Polytechnic, now recognised as the Lagos State University of Technology, draws inspiration from the strength and innocence of women and young girls, highlighting the constant battle that women face to establish themselves in society. Her art boldly challenges the multifaceted essence of womanhood.

Ibraheem

Art Festival in 2013, participating in the African Art

Yinka Olatunbosun

A view of the gallery's interior

IN THE ARENA

Season of Threat to Media Freedom

The abduction of yet another Nigerian journalist, who was detained for 10 days, is indicative of a worrying pattern that suggests that the federal government tolerates and encourages a climate of repression against press freedom, Wale

Igbintade reports

About six weeks after gunmen later identified to be operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) abducted the then editor of FirstNews newspaper, Segun Olatunji, from his home in Lagos State, another journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, was on May 1 abducted by the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police.

Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was said to have gone missing on Wednesday, May 1 with his phone numbers switched off and his whereabouts unknown to colleagues, family and friends.

Penultimate Thursday, FIJ made a missing-person-report at police stations in the area where he was headed.

However, by Friday, a private detective hired by FIJ tracked the last active location of his phones to an address in Isheri Olofin, a location FIJ now believes was where the police originally picked him up. It was later discovered he was being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti area of Lagos.

Investigation revealed that the journalist is being held for an alleged violation of the 2015 Cybercrime Act based on a story he wrote. The Cybercrime Act is a law used by the federal government to prosecute journalists and media houses.

In March, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) invited and grilled the Chairperson of FIJ’s Board of Trustees, Bukky Shonibare, in Abuja during which they mentioned a story authored by Ojukwu. The story alleged that the Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammad Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, paid N147 million to a restaurant for the construction of classrooms in Lagos Except for Shonibare, the police never invited Ojukwu or any other FIJ staff member. Shonibare honoured the police invitation and was never detained. But the story changed when the police decided to abduct Ojukwu instead of formally inviting him.

Last Sunday, the police confirmed moving Ojukwu to the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja. It was not till Friday, after 10 days in custody, that he was released.

Under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and other international instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory, it is forbidden for any citizen or resi-

dent to be detained beyond 48 hours, except with a valid court order.

Many Nigerians now fear that a pattern has emerged, suggesting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu does not only condone repression of freedom of the press but also encourages it, in contradiction to the promises made during the president’s inaugural speech that his administration would uphold fundamental human rights.

The abduction and detention of Ojukwu exactly when the world was celebrating the freedom of the press, raised questions on the federal government’s commitment to the freedom of the press.

The offence for which he is alleged is bailable but he was not offered bail or arraigned in court as enshrined in the laws.

Since journalism plays a critical role in democracy, serving as a catalyst for change and as a watchdog for accountability, the police and other law enforcement agencies must avoid using the Cybercrimes Act to suppress investigative journalism aimed at entrenching a transparent and accountable system.

While the media is not above the law, in a democracy, the only way to determine wrong or right is through the legal process.

Nigeria remains one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists, according to the Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

who ranked Nigeria 123 of 180 countries in its Global Press Freedom Report for 2023.

The report noted that Nigerian journalists are regularly monitored, attacked and arbitrarily arrested, adding that the “crimes committed against journalists continue to go unpunished, even when the perpetrators are known or apprehended.”

Apart from Ojukwu and Olatunji’s travails, a journalist with The Whistler Newspaper, Kasarahchi Aniagolu; a reporter with Daybreak Newspaper, Achadu Gabriel; a journalist with the Sun Newspaper, Godwin Tsa; an online publisher and journalist, Precious Eze; the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor of Informant247, Salihu Ayatullahi and Adisa-Jaji Azeez, respectively; Publisher of Just Events Online, Abdulrazaq Babatunde, and Publisher of Satcom Media, Lukman Bolakale, among others have been abducted or detained since President Tinubu came to power.

Penultimate Tuesday, WikkiTimes published an investigation accusing the lawmaker representing Jama’are Itas Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rabilu Kashuri, of distributing aid from the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to his political party loyalists.

For this reason, a journalist with WikkiTimes, Yawale Adamu, was threatened by a political aide to the lawmaker, who accused the reporter of be-

POLITICAL NOTES

ing used by political rivals to undermine his principal and tarnish his reputation.

He threatened the reporter, in a telephone conversation, that the Department of State Services (DSS) had been contacted as he vowed to take ‘action’ against the reporter.

“I have provided the SSS with the contact details of the individual who assisted your reporting in the constituency; they intend to track him down. The person who guided you and facilitated interviews throughout the constituency, I assure you, will face consequences; no one will shield him. We cannot stand by while our reputation is damaged; I swear by Allah, you will face repercussions for your actions,” WikkiTimes quoted the political aide as saying in one of the phone conversations.

Many Nigerians are shocked that the DSS and police are being involved in matters relating to mere defamation.

While Ojukwu is languishing in detention, the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) had threatened to include the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, in IPI Nigeria’s book of infamy and branded an enemy of the media and journalists over the abduction and detention of Ojukwu.

In a statement issued by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser/Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, IPI Nigeria strongly condemned the abduction and called on the IG to order Ojukwu’s release.

The IPI Nigeria asked the IG to order the immediate release of the detained journalist.

“Human rights violations have continued unabated because perpetrators are hardly held to account. It is time to begin holding those suppressing freedom of expression to account,” the statement said.

Amidst these unfortunate incidents, Nigeria ironically joined the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day where the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) asked the federal government to stop using “repressive and anti-media law such as the Cybercrime Act and some code of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)” to target, intimidate and harass journalists and media houses.

Surprisingly, despite the abductions and arbitrary detentions of journalists, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had insisted that no journalist in the country was being detained by the administration of President Tinubu.

Ndume and Poor Renovation of National Assembly

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, lastTuesday revealed how the National Assembly was poorly renovated with the main chamber lacking facilities that were available in the old chamber after N30billion spent.

The Senate recently resumed plenary in its main chamber after over two years of sitting in a temporary hearing room.

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had in March 2021 reportedly awarded a N30 billion contract to rehabilitate critical segments of the National Assembly complex to an indigenous firm.

At Tuesday’s sitting, Ndume criticised the structural outlook, arrangement of chairs, sound speakers and other equipment in the chamber.

Ndume said: “This is not a chamber; it is like a conference room. You will not even know that it is me, Ndume that is speaking; so also, when the leader was speaking.”

He also complained that electronic voting devices that were available in the old chamber are no longer in the renovated chamber.

“There is no voting device here, if we are to vote electronically, the facilities are not there, but we had that previously.

“There is no clock here for senators to see the time. Okay, they are trying to show me one and I am looking for it, it is not even clear. There used to be a big one,” he said.

Ndume also complained that microphones and sound speakers in the chamber were not audible.

“This is a serious observation. If you play back the record, you cannot identify Akpabio’s voice, you have to listen hard, but the audio is supposed to be very clear,” he added.

But in a swift response, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the leadership of the 9th Senate led by Senator Ahmad Lawan and the authorities of the FCDA should be blamed for the observed lapses.

ItisashameandembarrassmenttoNigeriathatN30billion, which can be judiciously utilised by some countries to build a new National Assembly Complex with the state-of-theart facilities, was wasted on poor renovation of Nigeria’s National Assembly. Who will hold the leadership of the 9th Senate and the FCDA to account for this embarrassment? When will the culture of wasteful spending and unbridled corruption end in Nigeria?

Ndume

Idris

BRIEFING NOTES

Questioning the Legitimacy of 27 Rivers Lawmakers

The recent reference to the 27-member faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly as former lawmakers by an elder statesman and leader of South-south geopolitical zone, Chief Edwin Clark, citing Section 109 (1) (g) and 2 of the 1999 Constitution has again raised questions on the legitimacy of the state assembly and the laws and resolutions the lawmakers have passed in the past few months, Ejiofor Alike reports

As the debate on the perceived illegitimacy of the 27- member faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gets messier, the leader of the South-south geopolitical zone, Chief Edwin Clark, last week threw his weight behind the supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the defected assembly members as “former lawmakers.”

Section 68 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution also makes it explicitly clear that any lawmaker that defects to another party loses his seat.

Indeed, political analysts believe that with the express provisions in the 1999 Constitution and the position of the Supreme Court, the seats of the 25 lawmakers who defected to the APC are vacant.

Apart from these constitutional provisions, the Supreme Court had in 2016 extensively dealt with the issue of defection as it concerns the legislature when it decided the case between the Labour Party (LP) versus Ifedayo Abegunde, a member of the House of Representatives, who defected from the party to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Apparently miffed by what many analysts perceived as the incessant actions of the lawmakers to make the state ungovernable for him, Fubara had late last month affirmed that he would not rule the state on his knees or from a position of submission, amidst what he described as ongoing efforts to destroy the soul of the state.

In a speech at the Ubima country home of a former governor of the state, Sir Celestine Omehia, in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Fubara reportedly said: “I will not; I repeat; I will not govern our dear state on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right.”

Fubara, also last Monday, questioned the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and led by Martin Amaewhule, saying the lawmakers no longer exist as legislators in the eyes of the law.

The governor made the assertions when he received on courtesy visit, a Bayelsa State delegation of political and traditional leaders, led by former governor of the state, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, at Government House, Port Harcourt.

“Let me say it here, those group of men who claim that they are assembly members, they are not existing. I want it to be on record,” Fubara said.

Fubara added: “But I think it has gotten to a time when I need to make a statement on this thing, so that they understand that they are not existing.

“Their existence and whatever they have been doing is because I allowed them to do so. If I don’t recognise them, they are nowhere, that is the truth.”

The governor’s comments on the illegitimacy of the lawmakers had provoked the ire of the APC as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the party in the state and Wike’s perceived lackey, Tony Okocha, on Tuesday, asked the “former” lawmakers to impeach the governor, insisting that the governor has no constitutional power to declare the members of the state assembly non-existent.

But in a swift response, Clark, in an open letter to the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, also reiterated that the “25 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have automatically forfeited their seats in accordance with section 109 (1) (g) and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended”.

Clark urged the IG to “stop these fraudulent former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from parading themselves and issuing provocative statements to intimidate and increase tension in Rivers State which may one day burst into open conflagration.”

Fubara had also on Tuesday barred all heads and officials of the 23 local government areas in the state from appearing before the state House of Assembly, through a circular signed by the Director of Information and Communications for Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Ebirieneuket Nteile, and dated Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

However, Wike’s camp seems unrelenting as local government chairmen in the state, under the aegis of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, also backed the impeachment plot against the governor.

In a press briefing held on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the chairperson of the group, Allwell Ihunda, accused Fubara of withholding the statutory allocations meant for the 23 council areas in the state.

But the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELF), insisted that the 27 lawmakers no

NOTES FOR FILE

longer have the legal mandate to impeach Fubara. Spokesman of the forum and National Coordinator of South-south Leadership Forum, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, was quoted on Wednesday as saying that those parading themselves as lawmakers lost their seats following their defection from the PDP to the APC.

Addressing a press conference, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, had also reminded the lawmakers that, just as the governor had said, they did not exist in the sight of the law.

On Wednesday, the five-member faction of the state lawmakers loyal to Fubara took the bull by the horns as they upstaged the speaker, Amaewhule, and elected Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo as the new speaker.

This factional assembly, believed to be authentic, had earlier collapsed its structure following President Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis.

The new Assembly leadership declared all actions taken by members of the faction led by Amaewhule as void and a nullity in the eyes of the law.

It further called on Fubara to stop dealing with those it called former lawmakers, who had lost their seats following their defection.

The assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. David Wariboko, who was suspended by the Amaewhuleled factional assembly, was seen performing his duties with the new assembly leadership under Oko-Jumbo.

Addressing the assembly, the new speaker said his emergence was in pursuant to the resignation of Hon. Edison Ogerenya Ehie and in line with Section 92(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Oko-Jumbo stated that after the assembly last sat on December 13, 2023 and adjourned sine dine, there had been an avalanche of legislative rascality perpetrated by the 25 “former” members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the former speaker, Amaewhule.

He said following their defection from PDP to APC on December 11, 2023, Ehie, who then became the speaker on December 13, 2023, wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaring the seats of the 25 lawmakers vacant in line with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

Constitutional lawyers, including a human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), believe that the anti-Fubara lawmakers will not survive constitutional hurdles.

As Court Strengthens EFCC, ICPC’s Powers

The judgment of Justice Folasade Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba dismissing the suit filed by the Delta State Government to stop the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from probing the state’s spending is a good decision to many Nigerians who want accountability at the state level.

The court gave the judgment in the suit filed by the Attorney General of Delta State challenging the powers of the two anti-corruption agencies to investigate the state government’s finances and invite the state officials for interviews in the course of investigations.

The state government had asked the court to among other things declare that by

virtue of the provisions of Section 120, 121, 122, 123 & 125 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), no authority or person other than the state government, the state house of assembly, and the auditorgeneral of the state has the constitutional mandate to exercise power or control over the funds standing to the credit of Delta State in the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other state public funds.

But Justice Olubanjo disagreed, upholding the powers of the anti-graft agencies to investigate and prosecute state officials who allegedly engage in corrupt acts. She held that the sister organisations whose core mandates are basically the same do not in any way violate the principle of federalism and

separation of powers embodied in the Constitution.

The judge held that Nigeria practices cooperative federalism; and as such the fight against corruption is a function of both the states and the federal government. She further noted that the issues before the court had been settled in a plethora of appellate decisions, among which is the Supreme Court judgment in AG Ondo State vs AG Federation & 36 others.

Many state governors being the emperors that they are, after being accused of corruption, had used their state High Courts to prevent the anti-graft agencies from probing them, thereby crippling their powers.

Even the state Houses of Assembly and the auditors-general which they claimed have the constitutional powers to probe the states are the rubber stamps of these governors. This is why the decision of the Federal High Court is important.

Olukoyede

Fubara

Is Edo PDP Divided against Itself?

As the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State sets to commence campaigns ahead of the September 21, 2024 election, its governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is receiving threats, not from the opposition political parties, but from renegade members of his party, Chuks Okocha writes

With the inauguration of a 363-member campaign council for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to battle not only renegade members of the party but the opposition parties - All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP), for the governorship seat.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Godwin Obaseki mocked the Legacy Group, headed by the party’s Vice Chairman, South-South, Dan Orbih, expressing confidence that the governorship candidate of the PDP, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, would win with 80 per cent of the votes.

Obaseki hit back at Orbih’s camp, describing the faction as disorganised and a sheep without a shepherd.

He noted that the party has the best candidate and programmes for the people of Edo, saying: “The timetable is out; can you see any of them (Legacy Group)? Can they organise themselves? PDP leads, others follow.”

The governor, while alleging that the factional PDP members fighting in the party have collected money from opposition parties to destabilise the party in the state, however, warned such persons to stay away.

He said: “PDP is one. Those who are fighting the PDP have collected money from the other parties, and they want to sell out. I want you all here to join me so that we can flush them out of our party because we are not going to allow anybody to divide us; we are one party - one indivisible party in Edo State.

“The money they have collected is enough; let them go and enjoy it; let them go and spend it outside. We don’t have anything to fear. I will fight them if they try us; we will fight them if they try us. They know us; we never fight and lose; let them come and try. They have collected money; let them stay outside with their money, and not disturb us, because this election is ours and we are going to win by the grace of God.”

He explained that the structure of the campaign council was rooted in all the 192 wards and 18 local government areas across the state, adding that every organ of the party was captured.

Since after the primary where he emerged victorious as the candidate of the party, Ighodalo’s popularity has continued to grow in lips and bounds with many personalities and groups endorsing his candidacy.

Known for his expertise and pedigree in corporate law, finance, and investment banking, Ighodalo is a boardroom titan.

His work and boardroom experience clearly show that when given the opportunity to govern the state, he won’t be a liability to the state, but would be focused on how to bring his global and national connections to help boost activities in the state and add value to the commonwealth of the people.

The PDP candidate is the co-founder of Banwo & Ighodalo, one of the foremost corporate and commercial law firms in Nigeria, with 15 partners and over 100 lawyers.

He obtained his first degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, a law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and was admitted into the Nigerian Bar in July 1985. His core areas of practice are corporate and project finance, securities and capital markets, energy & natural resources, and mergers & acquisitions.

Ighodalo is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (past Chairman of the Section on Business Law 2014-2016), International Bar Association (Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law Section (SEERIL)), Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, Institute of Directors Nigeria, Commercial Law and Taxation Committee of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. Until he ventured into politics, Ighodalo was the Chairman, Board of Directors of Sterling Bank Plc,

Nigerian Breweries Plc, Levene Energy Group Limited, Edo State Investment Summit, DO II Designs Limited and Global Mix Limited.

He also sat on the boards of Mainstreet Technologies Limited (ownership company of MainOne Cable Limited), Cardinal Stone Partners, Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Christopher Kolade Foundation, Boff&Co. Insurance Brokers, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (NGO focused on the development of healthcare practitioners) and Kashim Ibrahim Foundation, Kaduna (NGO focused on the leadership development of Nigerian youths).

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and he also served on the board of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) from May 2017 to 2021 and was Chairman of Dangote Flour Mills Plc.

However, despite these robust accomplishments and attainments, including the overwhelming support and endorsements, Ighodalo has continued to face opposition, not from the opposition political parties but from renegade members of his parties.

This is due to what many described as the dirty politics that has characterised the PDP in the state and other selfish considerations.

For instance, Orbih; former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto; and their followers in Etsako have declared that they would work against the party.

THISDAY gathered that their intention is to move round the three senatorial districts where they would declare their reservations on the way Governor Obaseki treated them after they helped him to realise his second term ambition in 2020 and the need not to vote for Ighodalo. Orbih, who was appointed as

a member of the campaign council, specifically rejected his membership and vowed to work against Obaseki and Ighodalo, insisting that the PDP governorship candidate cannot lead the state.

Orbih said: “Let me send a powerful message to PDP, we the Edo PDP can tell you that it is not well with Edo PDP. I hereby denounce my membership as a member of the PDP Edo campaign council. Obaseki and his chosen candidate were not the way forward.”

Orbih also condemned the impeachment of Shaibu and said that the Legacy Group was behind him.

On his part, Shaibu said the people of the state cannot vote for a candidate who does not know their problems and challenges, adding that Ighodalo is an outsider and not a homegrown person.

Similarly, Adjoto said PDP under the leadership of Obaseki could not manage the success of its victory in 2020. He added that instead of consolidating on the victory recorded in the 2020 election by rewarding those who worked for his re-election, Obaseki opted for others in the party who did not work for the party.

Many indigenes of the state are wondering at what point the national leadership of the party would call particularly Orbih to order. They further wondered if they would allow him to play the same anti-party role like he did with his ally and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike when they made the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, lose the 2023 presidential election.

This is why the Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Timothy Osadolo, is calling for the suspension of the members of the Legacy Group and Shaibu.

Osadolo said the declaration by Orbih and his group to work against the party on September 21 is tantamount to anti-party activities for which they should be sanctioned.

For now, the people of the state are eagerly looking forward to seeing how the Legacy Group plans to stop Ighodalo from winning the poll come September 21.

ObasekiIghodalo

Orbih

Controversy over Non-existent Airport Project in Abia State

The response by the former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, through his former Commissioner for Information, John Kalu, that the N10 billion originally budgeted for the airport project was rechannelled into other projects has vindicated Governor Alex Otti, writes Wale Igbintade

Who is lying between Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu? The people of the state have been asking this question since a war of words broke out between them over the alleged allocation of N10 billion by the Ikpeazu-led administration to a non-existent airport project in the state.

Ikpeazu served as a two-term governor of the state under the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP) between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2023, before he handed over to Otti who was elected as governor of the state on March 22, 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party. Otti defeated the PDP candidate, Okey Ahiwe who was Ikpeazu’s preferred candidate.

The feud started when Otti was at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in the United States, where he delivered a lecture on April 19, 2024. The governor spoke on the topic, ‘State of Governance and Economic Transition: Meeting the challenges.’

During his lecture, Otti accused Ikpeazu of allocating N10 billion to a non-existent airport project in the state. He attributed the information to a report of a forensic audit carried out by a firm contracted by his administration.

Almost simultaneously, the video clip which showed the governor making the speech went viral on various social media platforms.

“Talking about corruption, I had set up a forensic audit as soon as I took over office in Abia, last year (2023). So that there won’t be any argument, I called in one of the top three audit firms in the world, and not too long ago, they turned in their report, and some of the things in their report are frightening,” Otti said.

“So, some N9.3 billion was paid to seven contractors for contracts that were not executed at all up till today. Another N15.9 billion was paid to 63 contractors with no supporting documents anywhere in the state. Another N12 billion was paid to two contractors for contracts that do not exist. Out of this figure N10 billion was on September 25, 2020, paid to some contractors for the construction of the Abia State airport.

“We have spent time trying to locate the airport and up till now have not been able to locate it. So, as we continue to look for our airport, we have also involved the security agencies to help us search,” the governor stated.

While Otti did not mention Ikpeazu’s name or his administration in the comment, the former governor was in power within the period the allocation of the funds allegedly took place.

In his first response in late April, Ikpeazu, through a statement by his spokesperson, Onyebuchi Ememanka, denied the allegation, describing it as “senseless”. He consequently challenged Otti to release the audit report which he relied on and also made public details of other projects which were allegedly not executed.

“We hereby throw a public challenge to Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State to make public any documentary evidence or any kind of evidence at all that shows that the sum of N10 billion was paid for an airport. When forensic auditors are appointed and when they complete their task, the reasonable thing to do is to make the forensic audit report public and allow the document to speak for itself,” he said.

In his second response, which apparently vindicated Otti, the former governor, through his former Commissioner for Information, John Kalu, explained that the N10 billion originally budgeted for the airport project was rechannelled into other projects following the approval of

the then State Executive Council.

“Shortly after we announced Exco’s approval of the airport project, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu received in audience executives of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council then led by HRM Eze Joseph Nwabekee.

“On the 13th of November 2020, Okezie Ikpeazu informed members of the State Executive Council about the details of his meeting with representatives of the traditional rulers in Abia State, who requested that we suspend the airport project and commit the funds earmarked for it to do more roads in the state, as we are surrounded by airports already but need to urgently improve internal roads that would give a further boost to the socio-economic activities of the state.

“The members of the State Executive Council thereafter voted to approve the suspension and request to use the earmarked funds for road projects in the state,” he narrated. Kalu added that on 17 November 2020, Ikpeazu took to his official X handle (formerly known as Twitter) to inform residents of Abia State that the airport project had been suspended. He listed some of the road projects where the funds were rechannelled, adding that the projects were captured in the state’s approved 2020 budget.

Though Governor Otti has not officially released the report of the forensic audit, he has vowed that if

he does not find the airport, then the money must be refunded to the treasury.

Speaking during an interactive session with constituents of Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Otti added that upon assumption of office as governor, he established an audit with the primary objective of recovering stolen government funds and not to send anyone to jail.

The governor said the report of the audit revealed that “a lot of money was looted and stolen brazenly” for non-existing projects which include the Abia Airport Project.

“I am looking for the airport for which funds were moved from the coffers of the government for. The people concerned with the act of moving the airport project funds in question went to the media and began to say all manner of things. If you are following the happenings in the media space, you will see these things there.

“The problem with lying is that when you tell one lie, you will need another one to cover the first lie and need three more lies to cover the second one. We are looking for our money and we must find our money. If we don’t find the airport, then they will refund our money,” he said.

According to him, the government will not relent in improving the welfare of the citizenry through various progressive initiatives that facilitate socioeconomic growth. He said that the government was determined to recover the funds and utilise it for the development of the state.

Otti commended the House of Assembly member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Roland Chinwendu, for playing “politics of no bitterness”.

“Immediately, after the elections, he came to me to make it clear that as the member representing my Constituency, he would work with me to move Abia forward. It is worthy of note that he is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and I commend him for that,” he added.

Earlier, Chinwendu said that the emergence of Otti as the governor was an indication of the citizens’ desire for good governance.

“The elections are long over and I was elected to deliver effective representation and not elected to play politics of opposition or bitterness. We have a governor whose dictum is practical government and good governance and I have no reason not to identify with him,” he said. He assured the governor of the unalloyed support of his constituents and urged him to extend his infrastructural development to every part of the constituency.

Also, a Chieftain of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, commended the lawmaker for reaching beyond party affiliations to support the Labour Party-led government in Abia. He said that the present administration was poised to reposition the state through governance.

This is not the first accusation by Governor Otti. Since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, he has been making various allegations against Ikpeazu. In June 2023, for instance, Otti accused Ikpeazu of leaving a “humongous” debt burden for the state.

While many indigenes of the state have seen a remarkable difference between the two administrations, they want the governor to face governance and invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where he has concrete evidence of corruption.

Also, some civil society organisations, such as the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, have written to the Abia governor, demanding a copy of the forensic audit report and other details of his allegation.

Otti

Ikpeazu

PERSPECTIVE

Need for Accountability in NCDMB Disbursements

Olayemi Akintunde

The recent petition by a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Israel Sunny-Goli, over the discovery of allegedly botched multi-million-dollar investments done by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) calls for worry.

Though the former lawmaker has petitioned the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the NCDMB investments, the anti-graft agency needs to take some steps further by ensuring a “thorough investigation and possible prosecution as it relates to the disbursements of funds for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as well as the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited.’’

Sunny-Goli, who represented Nembe-Brass Federal Constituency in the ninth National Assembly, highlighted the fact that all the projects are situated within the precinct of the Brass Local Government Area. He revealed that the investments were undertaken during the tenure of the immediate past board.

It should be noted that the NCDMB’s total equity of $200million was contributed for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Limited project which was conceived to establish two trains of 5,000MTPD methanol plants and one train of 500Mscf per day processing plant and associated infrastructure to be sited in Odiama on the Brass Island, Bayelsa State.

Also, for the Atlantic Refinery project, it was revealed that full investment of $35 million was made for the project which was expected to be a 2,000 bdp modular refinery with a jetty facility and a 2MW power plant and a duration of 24 months completion at the Brass Free Trade zone (FTZ).

According to the former lawmaker, the projects are well-meaning and could provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and also increase the revenue of government.

Those involved need to come out clean on the botched investment because it is worrying that such huge investments, which could be beneficial to Nigerians in so many ways, have not been fully accounted for.

So many tongues are wagging as to how the EFCC would swing into action and call those involved for questioning. This would signposts President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda as real.

Recall that the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has said that the anti-graft agency under his leadership will “continue to be broad-based, holistic and unsparing of anyone linked with any form of economic and financial crimes.”

Olukoyede vowed: “We will not spare anyone. We will not spare the mega thieves. As we are doing the mega, we will also do those at the lower end. In the last two months, we have arraigned two former governors.

“So, it is not true that we are only focused on internet fraudsters. Of course, internet fraud is bad enough, but our focus is on every form of economic and financial crimes.”

With this in mind, the EFCC boss must roll up his sleeves and not treat the petition with levity.

Also, earlier this year, President Tinubu vowed to fight corruption. Tinubu, who made the vow while speaking at the inauguration of the Red Line Rail Project in Lagos, had said: “We said we can do it, you believed in us. We said the people’s lives will end up being better, you believed in us. I could hear a lot of voices right now, I asked for this job, and I could not complain. It’s all about democracy.

“What is our problem? If it’s corruption, we must exterminate it. No matter how hard it’s fighting back, we must say no to corruption. We must adhere to our pledge of patriotism, perseverance, consistency, and staying focused.”

For his administration to stay focused and consistent, the EFCC must do the needful by ensuring that it carries out a thorough probe of the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Limited project.

In his petition, the former lawmaker alleged that the current status of the project indicates that

nothing tangible has been accomplished on this project, thus making its delivery uncertain and gloomy.

His petition reads: “I was a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, following my election to represent Brass Constituency 1 between 2015 and 2019. In 2019, I contested and won an election to represent the good people of Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State in the 9th Assembly (2019–2023), particularly in the Federal House of Representatives.

“Given my years of active political and communal leadership, I am by all standards qualified to express concerns about the overall development of my people and to protect same.

“It is on this premise that I hereby wish to forward a petition to the commission for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution as it relates to the disbursement of funds for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, as well as the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited, all situated within the precinct of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, during the tenure of the immediate past board of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Giving background on the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, he said: “The project was conceived to establish two trains of 5,000MTPD methanol Plants and one train of 500MMscf per day processing plant and associated infrastructure to be sited in Odiama, Brass Island, Bayelsa State. The total NCDMB equity contribution for this project is $200m. With an initial payment of $20million made in May, 2021, and an annual payment of $60m over the period of three years.”

The $20 million made in May 2021, and an annual payment of $60million are not funds that can be easily swept under the carpet. There should be accountability. According to the former lawmaker,

“Available information indicates that nothing tangible has been accomplished on this project, thus making its delivery uncertain

and gloomy.”

On the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, he disclosed that “this project was conceived for the establishment of a 2,000bpd Modular Refinery, a jetty facility, and a 2MW power plant in the Brass Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Bayelsa State.

“Its target completion period was 24 months from the date of financial closure. A full investment amount of $35m was released in one bullet in October 2020. The project has stalled and has little or nothing to show for the disbursement made. Delivery timeline is also uncertain.

“The investment on the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited was for the establishment of a 50 million-litre facility with a two-way product jetty, automated storage tanks, and loading bay in Brass, Baylesa State. The project was initially conceived to have the NNPC Limited and the NCDMB as shareholders with the private company but was curiously financed by the Simbi-led NCDMB alone.

“The project for which funds were disbursed in September 2021 has not progressed as expected, and its completion remains not only uncertain but funding by the other shareholders is also not assured. As can be deduced from the information supplied above, these are well-meaning projects aimed at creating jobs for our teeming unemployed youths, as well as increase the nation’s revenue.

“To ensure our great nation is not short-changed, and our teeming unemployed youths denied gainful employment opportunities in line with the Renewed Hoped agenda of President Bola Tinubu, I hereby request that your commission immediately institute a thorough investigation into the projects listed above, and prosecute without delay, anyone found culpable in the event of any misappropriation of funds. Please find attached pictorial evidence and other documents in support of my claims.”

Some Nigerians are of the view that “it’s time for transparency and answers. The people of Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole deserve to know how their funds are being utilised. I hope this investigation is carried out with all seriousness and vigorously.”

Sunny-Goli has given the EFCC a good lead in his petition. It is left for the anti-graft agency’s boss to swing into action.

Olukoyede

ENGAGEMENTS

Red Notice: Putin is Nearby

Putin is nearby. Precisely, Russia’s ambitious global influencer of illiberal order has docked next door. In Niger Republic to be exact. At the end of April, the military junta in Niger kicked out the American military advisers and tiny troop contingent from their country. Earlier,theyhadforcedtheU.Sdroneandsurveillance base in Agadez to shut down. As part of a half-hearted diplomatic move to repair military relations with Niger, an American delegation went to hold talks with the regime in Niamey.

Almost on the same day, officials of the junta were reportedly showing a Russian military advance party around what used to be the American military base. The intent was obvious. The Russians were in the process of being handed the keys of what used to be a US base or at least preparing the grounds for an active security relationship with Moscow. Though the janitors are yet to hand over the keys of the former US base to the Russians, the signals are clear.

Earlieron,themilitaryjuntainNigerhadchased away the French ambassador to the country, thus ending centuries of French influence in the country. Of course, the military dictators were towing the same line as their colleagues in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea. A rushed end to French presence and influence in these former French colonies has since become the central foreign policy doctrine of the new autocrats in what used to be Francophone West Africa.

Official Moscow is still predictably silent on its intentions. But what is clear is Moscow’s preparations to replace the West, specifically the United State and France as the strategic influence in Niger Republic and its environs. And with the exit of both French and American military presence in Niger, the door has been thrown wide open for their replacement by Russia. Of course Russia’s interest in Africa especially West and Central Africa has never been disguised in recent times.

Prior to the demise of the bullish Yevgeny Prigozyn and the decline of his Wagner mercenary force, Russian commercial and security presence in these parts of Africa had been quite pronounced but diplomatically muted. Nowwhatbeganasanexpeditionarymercenary commercial interest is about to graduate into a full blown strategic military and security presence and interest from Moscow.

The presence of US troops and the drone base coupled with the presence of a French protection force in West Africa remained for a long time part of the international arrangement to keep jihadist terrorists from drifting towards the south of West Africa. Countries like Nigeria were prime beneficiaries of the US presence in Niger. It was more importantly part of an international strategic engagement to barricade the region from a rampaging Jihadist onslaught from the Sahel.

This logic of containment and protection remained the major plank of Western influence remained valid until the rapid reduction of French presence and influence in the region by new military regimes. It all began with Mali whichhadearlierevictedFrenchdiplomatsfrom Bamako. This was followed by the withdrawal of French protection troops from Mali and subsequently the other major West African former French territories now under military dictatorship: Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger and possibly Chad.

There a historical context to Russia’s residual appealinparts ofAfrica.Instructively,inthewake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world was gripped by anxiety. On March 2nd, the UN General Assembly voted on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Of the 54 African member states, 28 voted against Russia while 17 abstained and 8 refused to show up. Towards Russia or more precisely the old Soviet Union, some nostalgia among an ageing generation of elite.

Many of these older African elite recall the days of the Cold War and the old USSR’s identification with Africa’s causes especially anti colonialism and anti Apartheid. Ideological nostalgia towards the Red Empire is strongest in places like Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, NamibiaandSouthAfricawherepoliticalparties that pioneered the independence and anti racist struggles were backed by the old Soviet Union. Atthepresenttime,RussianinfluenceinAfrica

remainssporadicanduncoordinatedbut cannot be ignored as a significant part of the strategic future of the continent. In 2019, the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi was attended by 43 African countries. It was a forum for Mr. Putin to critique the West’s policies towards Africa.

Nonetheless, Russia’s trade with Africa is only 2% of Africa’s goods trade with the rest of the world. A Russian bank VEB now under Western sanctions is a shareholder in the African Development Bank. Even then, Russia’s economicandmilitaryinterestandroles in some African fragile states remains considerable. Russia is the largest arms supplier to African countries, a net extractor of mineral and other resources and a prop for fragile even if unpopular regimes.Butwithallitsnoisypresencein world affairs, Russia remains an unlikely agent of economic benefit for African countries.

The Russian economy is about the size of that of Italy. So, Russia is not in a position to act as an attractive agent of development in Africa. Russia is still a relatively poor country. Its companies playing in the African economic theatre aremostextractiveindustryinterlopers and state sponsored thieving entities. Russian infrastructure companies are stillnotinterestedincontractsinAfrican countries. African tourist and business travel interests in Russia is next to zero. So, by and large any renewed Russian interest in parts of Africa will remain a matter of limited mutual convenience. Security assistance in return for opportunities for Russian rogue companies to come in and make some quick cash while the Russian state increases its foothold and authoritarian leverage against the Western liberal order.

ForNigeria,theimplicationsoftheexit of two majorWestern powers from our immediate northern frontier are many and far reaching. Nigeria’s exposure in this regard are threefold. First, the

failed.

A few tepid diplomatic threats and fickle sanctions failed to deter the dictatorship in Niamey.Thejuntagotstronger,comparednotes with those in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea. Theygotstrongertogetherandbecameathreat to ECOWAS from which they threatened a pullout. ECOWAS’s solidarity was broken. The bloc buckled. Its military weakness was on open display as they could neither effect an ultimatum to use force if necessary. Individual member nations reached out to the Niger and other dictators and made individual deals. Nigeria’s resolve was broken. We shamefully restored electricity supply to Niger, lifted our limited and effete sanctions. And now the Niger junta has dug in and has admitted a potential destabilizing force into our immediate northern frontier. By creating room for the exit of the West from Niger and the tacit admission of Russian influence into the region, Nigeria has shot itself in the foot.

There is something more frightening in our political response to this development.The possibility that the United States and France could decide to pitch tent in Nigeria by negotiating military basing footholds here is far fetched. But even then, it is being opposed vehemently by some politicians instead of being welcomed enthusiastically.

In Nigerian political circles, the debate has been as to whether Nigeria should allow France and the United States to establish military bases in its territory. As is typical in our lazy politics of sectarianism, regionalism and divisiveness, the most eloquent voices of opposition to possible Western military bases in Nigeria have come from northern political voices. This is not only sad but also not backed by any iota of strategic insight and knowledge of basic national interests.

security safe corridor against jihadist terrorist expansion from the Sahel is instantly closed. Without American drones, intelligence and Frenchtroopsontheground,Nigeriaisexposed. Our national security is further compromised. The jihadists are now free to roam free from centres in Niger into the troubled northern parts of Nigeria.

Secondly, the military presence of Russia in Niger and other parts of what used to be French West Africa immediately signals a decline of Western influence in the region and its replacement with an antithetical Russian influence. Russian security presence and strategic influence in an area now under military dictatorship effectively means the shrinking of the frontiers of freedom and democratic rule and its replacement with an authoritarian influence. Russian is not known to be a patron of democracy and freedom anywhere in the world. It cannot possibly export what it does not have at home.

Hidden under the above two meanings is a clear and present threat to Western influence in West Africa.The timing of this development in world history is fortuitous. We are in an era where the Cold War has been replaced by an increasing hemispheric war of nerves and rhetoric between Western democracies as we have come to know them and a rising authoritarian counter force.The counter force is being guaranteed by the growing influence and fortunes of China. Russia, North Korea, Iran and other client states of the same ilk are taking shelter under China’s bloated bank accounts to keep the West uncomfortable.

Nigeria’s political response to the developments in Niger have shown little of an enlightened national self-interest. At the time the coupists toppled Niger’s democratic government,Nigeriawasinapositionto prevent the coup and its nasty consequences. Former president Buhari had a close personal relationship with the democratic leadership in Niger.

Even after Buhari’s tenure, his successor Mr. Tinubu woefully failed to use his position as the new Chairman of ECOWAS to neutralize the coup in Niger. Nigeria was in an eminent position touseitseconomicandmilitarypreponderance in the region to stifle the Niger coupists. We

Ironically, the North is the region immediately exposedtothe consequencesofthewithdrawal ofWestern forces from Niger. It has become the epicenter of national insecurity and instability of the kind associated with increasing jihadist activities. It is the home base of banditry. It is a free market for the spread of small and medium arms from the theatres of trouble in the Sahel, NorthernAfricaandtheMiddleEast.Itisthearea where schools are being sacked and farming disrupted. It is the source of herdsmen turned into killers, armed robbers and kidnappers. Morepointedly,thereisnothingthatsaysthat should Nigeria consider it strategically wise, Western military bases in the country must be located in any particular zone of the country. Such bases can be located anywhere in the country.Andtheyoftenhavecollateraleconomic benefitstothehostcommunitiesasinplaceslike Djibouti, South Korea and Germany where US military bases are part of the local economic life. In the world of modern technology, possible Westernmilitarybasescanbelocatedanywhere in the country. Advanced intelligence gathering andsurveillancesystemsnowallowmajorworld powers to gather intelligence, order operations and manage military outcomes from virtually anywhere.The drones that decimated Al Queda in Afghanistan and Pakistan emanated from dronecommandbasesinthedesertsoffaraway Nevada.DonaldTrumporderedthedroneassassination of Iran’s General Soliman at Baghdad airport from the comfort of the Oval Office in far away Washington.

The long term strategic and overall national interest of Nigeria are better served if we rise above petty regional narrow views of the developmentsunfoldinginourNorthernfrontier.First, we need to protect the nation from the spread of jihadist insurgency and terrorism. We need to remain enlisted in the international effort to defeat Jihadist terrorism decisively. We need to protect freedom and democratic rule as a heritageaftermorethanfourdecadesofmilitary dictatorship in our history. Consequentially, we need to act in concert with the rest of the free world to discourage Russia’s active promotion and tacit marketing of authoritarianism and anti democratic ideas around the world. Incidentally, among the salesmen of authoritarianism in the world, Russia is handicapped. Unlike China, Russia is neither an agent of economic development nor a model of cultural inclusiveness and universalism. Few free and happy people want to make Moscow their preferredholidayorbusinesstraveldestination.

Putin

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe

email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Opeyori Becomes First Nigerian Badminton Player to Qualify for Olympics Back-to-back

Femi Solaja

Multiple African Men’s Singles Badminton Champion, Anuoluwapo Paris 2024 Olympic Games, according to the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Opeyori who is a two-time African Games Champion made history by becomington player to make it to the Olympics back-to-back (2020 and 2024).

Opeyori dominated Africa in the men’s singles from 2019 till date winning four African Championship titles and two African Games titles.

An elated President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, told newsmen yesterday that Opeyori has broken the jinx in Nigeria badminton by making it to the Olympic Games in Paris.

Orbih stressed Opeyori’s

the current leadership of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) target of producing world-class players is beginning to manifest.

He revealed that BFN will leave no stone unturned in supporting the dreams and aspirations of the young players in making podium

Orbih said, “History has been made in badminton as Anuoluwapo Opeyori has secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the release made by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

“I am excited and full of joy becauseAnuoluwapo Opeyori player to feature in the men’s singles at the Olympic Games attend two Olympics and back to back.

“Three years ago, it was Dorcas Adesokan in the women’s singles and Opeyori with his partner Godwin Olofua in the men’s doubles that made it to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Today, Anuoluwapo Opeyori will represent Nigeria in the men’s singles; the leadership of BFN and Nigeria are proud

of him,” observed the BFN president. Orbih charged Opeyori not

Man City Move Two Points Clear of Arsenal at the Top, Burnley Relegated

JIn

oskoGvardiolscored twice as Manchester City put the pressure on Arsenal in the title race by beating Fulham 4-0 to move two points clear at the top of the Premier League.

NNigerianquarter miler, Ella Onojuvwevwo, produced a stunning 50.57secs run yesterday to qualify for the women’s 400m event of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. It is Nigeria’s fastest women’s 400 time in almost 24 years.

Onojuvwevwo,19,achievedthe feat at the NCAA Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships that ended yesterday. And in celebrating Onojuvwevwo’s

the second half but the Premier League’s top scorer somehow drove high over when through

all-time personal best feat,African women’s 400m record holder, Falilat Ogunkoya, tipped the Louisiana State University undergraduate to go far if she stays focused and work harder.

“It’s a heartwarming developOlympics,” observed Ogunkoya who’s 49.10secs African record achieved at the Atlanta 1996 Games remains untouchable in 28 years.

“Ella needs to work harder the Olympics.

“I believe she can drop 48

on goal.

But Manchester City did not have to wait long for another goal as Gvardiol stabbed in at the far post to put the result beyond Fulham. Issa Diop was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time as he brought down Julain Alvarez inside the box, and the Manchester City substitute then duly converted the penalty.

sometime in the future, but it is going to take a lot of hard work… running 49 is not an easy job, so she needs to be focused and listen more to her coach,” Ogunkoya told mainlandmetronews.com. ng. Onojuvwevwo’s time erased the LSU 27-year-old record of 50.60 seconds.

Onojuvwevwo who represented Nigeria at the African junior Championships in Zambia 2021, has consistently made an improvement to her race. She clocked 51.85 seconds, followed by 51.31 inApril and at the World Relays her split was 50.45secs.

The result means the Gun-

to Manchester United on Sunday needing to win to be certain of taking of the season.

Manchester City are at Tottenham on Tuesday and if Arsenal fail to get a positive victory will seal a fourth consecutive Premier League title for

Rivers Hoopers Clinch Basketball Africa League Playoffs Spot in Dakar

He said, “I want to urge Anu-

we are going to ensure he attends training tours before the Olympic Games”.

Sports Minister Meets Tinubu, Gives Update on Nigerian Sports

Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa at the weekend to provide a comprehensive account of his stewardship within the sports sector.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.

Enoh outlined the successes achieved across various sporting events, including the Africa Cup of Nations, the African Games, and the World Relay ChampionshipsintheBahamas.

He emphasised the positive strides made by Nigerian athletes on the international stage, showcasing the nation’s prowess and determination in the world of sports.

Enoh outlined the vision of the Ministry under his watch, to increase private investments in the industry as well as advance sports for development and development of sports.

PresidentTinubucommended Minister Enoh for his dedication and proactive initiatives in advancing the sports industry.

bold leadership and visionary policies for the transformational changes witnessed in Nigerian sports.

Rivers Hoopers became the to qualify to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2024 place later this month in Kigali, Rwanda thanks to a 78-71 double-overtime win over APR on Saturday. Devine Eke’s put-back sent the game to the Hoopers outscored APR

out 5 assists and swatting 3 blocks shots.

Peter Olisemeka came up with a remarkable double-double of 17 points, 19 rebounds while dishing

On the day that lethal scorer Will Perry had a quiet performance, Eke, who had a slow start, contributed massively on with 18 points and 18 rebounds as the Hoopers improved to 4-1 with a game remaining.

He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the minister in driving positive change and promoting excellence within the sector.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to the President for his steadfast support and advocacy for the sports sector.

Enoh credited the president’s

The minister noted that under President Tinubu’s guidance, the sports industry has under-ing in a new era of growth and opportunity, with the Ministry of Sports now standing alone from youth development. The discussion also centered on the upcoming Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Paris, as well as other international tournaments on the horizon. Minister Enoh provided insights into Team Nigeria’s preparations and outlined strategies aimed at ensuring a successful outing for the nation’s athletes. his commitment to supporting Team Nigeria’s participation in the Olympic Games, pledging to provide the necessary resources and assistance to facilitate their success. He abilities of Nigerian athletes and reiterated his belief in their potential to excel on the global stage.

ners head

Guardiola’s side.

Anuoluwapo Opeyori qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris at the weekend

Enoh

Rivers Hoopers’ Kelvin Amayo (right) celebrating with a teammate on the ticket to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2024 playoffs after defeating Rwanda’s APR ...last night

Ella Onojuvwevwo yesterday qualified for the women’s 400m event of the 2024 Olympic

to relent but continue to train and attain top form ahead of the Olympic Games.

oluwapo Opeyori to continue training hard for the Games;

“You cannot be charging taxes on people when you are not increasing their income. Their sources of income, you are not widening it, you are not increasing it” – Senator Ali Ndume condemning the controversial cybersecurity levy as proposed by the federal government Ndume

WAZIRI ADIO

POSTSCRIPT

A Month of Two Key National Milestones (2)

In 17 days from today, Nigeria will be confronted with a dual anniversary: 25 years of unbroken civil rule and one year of the President Bola Tinubu administration. Both are significant landmarks, but more deserving of a critical interrogation than an outright celebration. Last week, I looked at how Nigeria’s longest democratic experiment should have led to a better standing for the country on global measures of democracy, governance and development and how 25 years of civil rule should have delivered more tangible dividends to the greatest number of Nigerians. Today, I turn to President Tinubu’s one year in the saddle.

To be sure, one year is not long enough for a full and final assessment of a president’s term in office. But one year is also a quarter of a four-year tenure. That is enough time to gather insights into the president’s mindset and style and his possible trajectory for the remaining 75% of his mandate. One year is also enough time for the president to lay a proper foundation for his administration, to settle fully into the job, and to figure out where he needs to make urgent course correction to ensure that he maximises the time left.

Tinubu came out of Eagle Square on his inauguration day with clear pronouncements on petrol subsidy removal and exchange rate unification. “Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources,” Tinubu intoned, then added off-script “Fuel subsidy is gone.” He also directed, this time on-script: “the Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate. This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.”

Within two weeks of Tinubu’s assumption of office, petrol subsidy was terminated and the Naira was floated. Either by default or by design, these two have become the core of Tinubu’s reform agenda, have had consequential effects on the populace and the economy, and have necessarily become the key metrics through which his time in office so far must be assessed.

Both reforms, without a doubt, were necessitated by the state of the economy that Tinubu inherited. Nigeria was spending the money it didn’t earn and was dancing on the edge of bankruptcy. Government revenue was underperforming exuberant projections, with the balance being bridged with unbudgeted borrowings, steering us into steeper debts and higher debt service. At some point, debt service alone was gulping more than 80% of government revenue, meaning that personnel, overhead and capital expenditure had to be funded with more debts. It’s a vicious circle, one that must be broken.

Apart from being suboptimal and unsustainable, petrol subsidy (which alone swallowed $10 billion in 2022) was also implicated in the limited accretion to Nigeria’s external reserves at a time of historically high oil prices. Crude oil, about the only thing that Nigeria sells to the world, was returning to the country not as dollars but as bartered petrol sold locally below landing cost. This double whammy was compounded by a third: the rationing of the limited and shrinking foreign exchange at a subsidised rate and in a manner that encouraged arbitrage and constrained investment flows.

The dire economic situation had thus ripened the case for both reforms to the extent that the three leading candidates during the hotly contested 2023 presidential election promised to take off the two massive millstones around Nigeria’s neck. Having a consensus on key reforms is not a common occurrence in Nigerian politics. This was good to see.

Removing petrol and forex subsidies is thus the right thing to do, and Tinubu rightly got a lot of applause for having the guts to move quickly in dismantling both. But the right things can be done

the wrong way, and/or in the wrong order. This is what has transpired with Tinubu’s signature reforms. Where adequate thought and painstaking plans were needed, the president and his team opted for an impulsive, shock-and-awe approach. And where adequate provisioning would have been an irreducible minimum and should possibly be frontloaded, they put faith in muddling through.

Part of the consensus that had emerged on petrol subsidy removal was the need to cushion the negative effects of the expected spikes in energy and related prices on those that would be most impacted, especially the poor who spend a disproportionate portion of their incomes on food and transportation. Under the last administration, some development partners had worked with the presidency and the governors’ forum to map out different scenarios and to develop a plan for removing petrol subsidy and repurposing the savings. This was one of the reasons why the subsidy budget for 2023 was for six months. It will be a big surprise if this plan was not handed over to the then president-elect and his transition team/policy advisory committees.

When Tinubu issued a verbal executive order on the eventual end of petrol subsidy at Eagle Square on May 29th, the valid expectation was that he had a well-thought-out plan in case he didn’t fancy the inherited plan. This has turned out a vain expectation. If there was a prior Tinubu plan on the different components and the sequential steps for full deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, it wasn’t apparent or, at best, it was being made up along the way. In fact, only subsidy removal was on the card, not full deregulation.

As well foretold, the impact of petrol subsidy removal was swift and unsparing. Immediately the pump price of petrol more than tripled, the prices of food, commuting, medication and other basic necessities moved in tandem. Precious time was dissipated on the best way to provide succour to the needy, while the poor and the marginalised continued to wallow in unmitigated pains. Almost a year after, most of promised items remain as promises.

Petrol subsidy by itself can be likened to a seismic shock. Citizens need some reasonable time to fully absorb the impact and make necessary adjustments. To introduce forex reform in short order amounts to introducing two shocks almost simultaneously to a frail body. It also reveals a limited or defective analytical lens. Currency depreciation will not only trigger higher prices

across the board (since most final and intermediate goods are imported) but it will also fuel increases in the price of petrol anytime the value of the Naira falls.

The price of petrol leapt from N185 per to litre to N537, then to N615 and above, not necessarily because of a surge in the price of crude oil but because of the incessant depreciation of the Naira. This is not difficult to fathom. We still import most of the petrol we consume, which puts us at the mercy of the volatility in the forex market. At some point, the government had no option but to freeze the price of petrol, even as Naira continued a downward gyration. There is no official acknowledgement yet, but it is obvious even to the acutely unlettered that petrol subsidy is back. Something doesn’t add up if the price of petrol remains the same whether the official exchange rate is $1/N800 or $1/N1400.

Some wild figures are being touted about the current subsidy bill, with some suggesting it is higher now than before the president’s Eagle Square declaration. It is very probable. Worse, we are back to all the things that we should have put behind us if the president had paced his reforms better: NNPCL has returned to its preferred sweet spot as the sole importer of petrol (because no sane marketer will import and sell petrol below costs), opacity in the management of the petrol subsidy has resurfaced as well as the likely smuggling to neighbouring countries where petrol is now sold for at least twice the price it goes for in Nigeria. It is amazing how a much-lauded reform can swiftly unravel. But it is a not a big surprise. This is the kind of harm that goes with lack of clarity and planning.

There is a school of thought that advocates for taking all the tough decisions quickly and early. Tinubu is obviously a fan and clearly took this to heart. He deserves some credit for having the mind for tough decisions. But thoughtful planning and careful sequencing are prized items in reformers’ toolbox. Maybe those cheering on the president as Baba Go Fast forgot to show him the memo about the need to sometimes make haste slowly.

Possibly to retain their jobs, the interim team at the Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) evidently took a wild gamble in floating the Naira on 14th June 2023. No country floats their currency without having secured adequate forex supply, except they are ready for a currency free-fall and the attendant pains. Floating the national currency in a country that imports a lot and where most prices are indexed against the US dollar amounts to a gratuitous invitation to price volatility and anguish.

On the first day of the “free buyer, free seller” regime, the Naira depreciated by 37% in the official market. The parallel and the official rates briefly flirted towards convergence. Not long after, Naira continued a precipitous slide in both official and parallel markets, first crossing the $1/N1000 barrier, then leaping to $1/N1500 and higher. The wild gyrations, especially in the first quarter of 2024, resulted in disturbingly rising prices, especially of food items, and led to demonstrations in a few cities and desperate assaults on warehouses and food trucks.

The new team at CBN came on board in September 2023 and has been battling to stabilise the Naira, with a flurry of circulars and rate hikes. Forex inflow increased and Naira rallied for a few weeks, but only to starting plunging again. There are projections that things will normalise down the line with more forex inflows from credits and investments, but the original sin is the disorderly and hasty nature of the decision to float the Naira without a proper roadmap and an adequate firepower. A more considered approach would have favoured a gradual devaluation of the Naira and the elimination of the arbitrage-enabling

multiple official exchange rates. The extreme case would have been to go for a managed float or even for a full float but after securing adequate forex liquidity, as Egypt did in early March when it floated the Egyptian Pound.

On the positive side, the three tiers of government now receive more money from the federation pool. For example, FAAC disbursement was N2.07 trillion in February 2024, compared to N1.03 trillion in February 2023, a year-on-year increase of 100.97%. Ordinarily, this should translate to more spending in areas that should directly boost citizens’ living standards. But this is yet to be seen, possibly because government’s priorities are different or because of time lag issues. However, what is felt immediately and unceasingly are the negative impacts of Tinubu’s twin reforms. Nigerians are shuffling through the worst cost of living crisis in decades. Most people are struggling to feed their families, buy medications and pay other important bills. This is largely on account of two related factors: the continuous spike in energy costs (even though the price petrol is frozen at around N650/litre, the prices of diesel and aviation fuel are not); and the constant weakening of the Naira. On 29th May 2023, the US dollar exchanged for N460.72 and N780 at the official and parallel markets respectively. On Friday, the rate was $1/1,466 at the official market and $1/N1,470 at the parallel market. The rates are converging, as the president ordered in his inaugural speech. But the cost of convergence is steep. Naira has, within a year, suffered a massive depreciation of 68.57% in the official market and 46.94% in the parallel market. Most analysts agree that the Naira is now grossly undervalued. But we activated the free-fall. It will take some magic to haul Naira to its fair value. Meanwhile, Nigerians continue to take the hit. Headline inflation, which was 22.41% in May 2023, jumped to 33.2% by March 2024. Food inflation soared from 24.81% in May 2023 to 40.01% in March 2024. It is important to say that again: food inflation is 40% in a country where households spend 59% of their earnings on food. The inflation rates are composite figures and thus mask the fact of daily price increases in some instances and the doubling or tripling of the prices of most basic items within a short period. (By the way, a major driver of soaring prices of food and other items is the haphazard manner the forex reform was introduced, and not the ‘saboteurs’ and other ‘bad people’ that some in the government like to blame.)

To tame inflation, the CBN recently increased the benchmark interest rate by 600 basis points over two months to 24.75%. This should reduce money supply and encourage saving and investment flows. But interest rate hike is neither neutral or painless. It will increase the cost of credit and dampen economic activities, increasing the pinch for the vulnerable. Poverty and other socio-economic indicators have probably worsened on account of the reforms, as more Nigerians will clearly live below the poverty line of $2.15 a day when the exchange rate is $1/ N1,400 than when it was $1/N463.

There is enough for President Tinubu to chew on as he gets ready to mark his one year in office. Though a high cost has been incurred, it is not too late in the day to salvage his two signature reforms. The reforms need solid strategies and reasonable circuit breakers. He should also be wary of advice from those who have little or no skin in the game about piling more pains on the people. The human capacity to bear pain is not infinite. There is a pervasive unease in the land. It is bubbling beneath the surface. This should not be allowed to lead to a national blowout. The president needs to shake up his big band cabinet, stay more grounded, and address his administration’s embarrassing propensity for schoolboy errors. Time is not his friend, nor that of Nigerians.

Tinubu