TUESDAY 17TH MAY 2022

FIRS Lauds 20 Top Performing Tax Companies, NLPG, NNPC, Mobil Producing, Others James Emejo in Abuja

The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, has commended

20 top-performing taxpayers whose compliances to tax obligations helped the service surpass its N6 trillion tax collection target in 2021.

Nami, in a statement obtained

yesterday, noted that the feat was made possible by the uncommon leadership of the President Muhammadu Buhari, the active support of its supervisor, the Federal Ministry

of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the backing of the National Assembly and its leadership as well as the cooperation of all other stakeholders in the tax system.

The companies included the Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas (NLPG) Company Limited, Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mobil Produc-

ing Unlimited, Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Shell Petroleum Continued on page 8

N80bn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Accountant-General of Federation, Ahmed Idri…Page 8 Tuesday 17 May, 2022 Vol 27. No 9898. Price: N250

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PSC Promotes Magu, Seven Others to AIGs, Amadi, Senchi Now DIGs... Page 35

2023: Sylva, Tallen Back Out of Political Ambitions, Retain Ministerial Positions Amaechi forges ahead with presidential race, resigns ministerial post Ita Enang quits cabinet, to contest A'Ibom guber primary Deji Elumoye and Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja and Wale Igbintade Minister of State for Petroleum

Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, and Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Paullen Tallen, have chickened out of their plans to resign from the cabinet of President Muhammadu

Buhari to pursue their respective political ambitions.

But Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday, officially resigned his position in the

cabinet to focus on his aspiration to contest the 2023 presidency.

Sylva withdrew from the presidential race under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and returned to

work as minister, while Tallen pulled out of her plan to contest a senatorial position in Plateau State.

Like two of their colleagues, Attorney General of the Federation

and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, Sylva and Continued on page 10

34 Senior Lawyers Mount Defence for Deborah’s Suspected Killers in Court Tambuwal relaxes curfew in Sokoto, warns against breach of law Don't join planned protest, Sule tells Nasarawa CAN Southern, Middle Belt Alliance demands prosecution of perpetrators, condemns destruction of property by Muslim youths Berates former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for ‘insensitivity’ Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja, Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto, Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa A legal team of 34 lawyers, led by a law lecturer at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Mansur Ibrahim, yesterday, appeared in defence of two suspects, Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci, arraigned over the murder of Deborah Yakubu.

The 200-level female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was stoned to death and burnt last Thursday for alleged blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed.

The court appearance came as Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, relaxed a 24hour curfew imposed on Sokoto metropolis as a result of protest by irate Muslim youths opposing prosecution of the murder suspects.

Continued on page 10

FIRST LADIES' PEACE MISSION BUILDING GETS DOCUMENTS...

L-R: Coordinator, African First Ladies' Peace Mission (AFLPM), Mrs Beatrice Bassey; President, Aisha Buhari; Executive Secretary, Oley Dibba Wadda and Special Assistant to the First Lady, and former First Lady of Nasarawa State, Hajia Mairo Almakura, at the handing over of the documents of the affairs of the Africa First Ladies' Peace Mission Building to the new Executive Secretary, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday

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

NEWS

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA...

L-R: Board Members, The International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC Africa), Engr. James Nwangi; Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure representing the Governor, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye; President FIDIC Africa, Engr. Kalebo Motswagole, and Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Engr. Charles Yele Akindayomi at the 28th Annual PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN FIDIC Africa Infrastructure Conference held in Lagos… yesterday

3,700 Delegates to Decide Fate of 15 PDP Presidential Aspirants Intrigues as Bala Mohammed listed as Bauchi guber primary aspirant Tambuwal allegedly purchased senatorial election form Party will present leadership that will take Nigeria out of pains, Benue governor promises Chuks Okocha in Abuja The race for who will emerge the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has entered a new dimension as former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu have intensified their respective campaigns.

THISDAY findings showed that their campaigns are channeled towards wooing 3,700 delegates comprising 40 per cent of statutory delegates and 60 per cent of elected delegates from the 740 local government areas and six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

The presidential convention of the party is expected to hold in Abuja on May 28th and 29th, with the leading aspirants intensifying their campaigns by meeting the party’s delegates across the country.

Some are also meeting delegates of the party who are former National Working Committee members.

Speaking on his campaigns, the

former vice president said: "My consultative trips to Abia and Imo and engagements with PDP leaders and delegates affirm that a deliberate policy of inclusiveness, security and infrastructure will promote entrepreneurship and unleash the full potentials of the people of the states to their benefit and the benefit of the rest of Nigeria.

"I was honoured to have been part of the Atiku Town Hall Meeting earlier today in Abuja. The consensus is that if we can enthrone a regime of security and unity, it will pave the way for the economic policies that will usher in prosperity and economic development to take firm root. Together, we can get it done."

Commenting after visiting Edo, Delta and Kogi delegates, Saraki said: “My social contract with Nigerians is my plan to begin fixing Nigeria from my very first day in office.

It’s not just talk, it highlights the actionable policies that my administration will embark on.”

However, THISDAY gathered that two of the presidential aspirants, one from the north-east and the other from the north-west are playing high powered politics having

secretly obtained alternate forms to contest gubernatorial election and the senatorial election.

Findings showed that one out of the two presidential aspirants might appear before the screening committee for the governorship election in one of the states in the north-east and the other before that for senatorial election expected this week. The National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Hon Umar Bature is aware this development, THISDAY learnt. The governorship primary of the PDP is expected commence this week.

Reliable sources told THISDAY that it was because of one of the presidential aspirants’ double ambition that made Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba who represents Sokoto South in the Senate to defect to the APC. The senator representing Sokoto South had to defect to the APC to enable him recontest for the senatorial seat a second time.

Senator Danbaba had to defect because he learnt the PDP had allegedly reserved the senatorial ticket for the governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who is also a presidential aspirant.

The source said the National

Organising Secretary of the PDP is part of the plan for a presidential aspirant to buy two forms, one as an alternative, if fails to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

A source in the PDP while commenting on the matter said: "Let me stress that the principle of double nomination has long been recognised by political parties as a safeguard against losing safe seats and states in crucial elections and under unique circumstances.

“It’s legal, legitimate and a wise strategic disposition by political parties and their key impact players."

A similar thing is happening in Bauchi State, where the Governor, Bala Mohammed’s name is prominently featuring among those to contest the governorship primary election starting from May 21, even though he is also one of the presidential aspirants of the PDP. Confirming that the Bauchi State governor was also contesting for a second term in office as well as contesting for the presidency, Dr. Udenta Udenta who serves as the Director General of Bala Mohammad presidential campaign said: "Senator Rochas Okorocha did it with the full backing of the APC in 2014, when

Ahead of APC Primaries, NWC Begins Consultations with Party Leader, Mulls Unity List Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ahead of the primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that will produce its flag bearers for various party positions at the 2023 elections, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has embarked on wide consultations with some stakeholders across the country.

Recall that the ruling party conducted a screening exercise at the weekend in Abuja for 145 governorship aspirants, 351 Senatorial and 1197 House of Representatives aspirants jostling for the party's tickets.

Though the reports of the screening exercise of the governorship and

National Assembly aspirants were still being collated as of Monday night, indications emerged yesterday that the party leadership has commenced consultation before a final list of qualified aspirants for the party's primaries is released.

A party source who preferred anonymity told THISDAY that the consultation was aimed at reaching out to some critical leaders to produce a formidable and generally acceptable winning unity list of contestants for some elective offices in the 2023 general elections across the 36 states of the country.

The source revealed that the party leadership had resolved not to disqualify any of the screened governorship and National Assembly

aspirants.

The source however added that the consultation was to enable the party to accommodate some critical political tendencies at the state level to enhance the party's success at the polls during the next general elections.

He said, "The Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC is poised to ensure victory at the polls next year and has embarked on wide consultations with some critical leaders at the state level.

"Today alone, two serving Senators, a sitting governor and a former minister were at various times in closed-door meetings to fine-tune and ensure a winning unity list ahead of the general elections.

"Though the party recognises the role and positions of the governors, the leadership has decided to also reach out to some other leaders in some states that are critical to the party."

It was further gathered that most of the leaders from some critical states were invited to the party national secretariat in Abuja for consultation.

A former governor of Gombe, Senator Danjuma Goje yesterday held a closed-door meeting with the National Chairman of the party and some NWC members.

Similar meetings were held with immediate past Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen and Senator Bala Ibn Na'alla from Kebbi State.

he contested for the Presidency as a first time Governor and subsequently won re-election as a second term governor in 2015- thus keeping the seat safe for his party.

"Aminu Tambuwal did likewise in 2018, when, as a first term governor, he contested for the presidency and subsequently got re-elected as a second term governor in 2015- again keeping the seat safe for the PDP," he said.

He explained that it was part of PDP’s strategy to maintain critical offices.

Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has said the PDP would present Nigeria with the leadership that would take the country out of the socio-economic pains it is currently passing through in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.

The governor stated this yesterday, when he received Saraki, who was in the state to canvass support from delegates ahead of the party's presidential primaries.

The governor expressed confidence in the ability of the former Kwara governor to fix multiple challenges facing the country if given the opportunity.

He described Saraki as a politician who had distinguished himself and was known for defending the cause of justice and fairness.

Ortom commended Saraki for the peaceful manner he had been going about his campaign and urged him to maintain a harmonious working relationship with other presidential aspirants.

The governor acknowledged how the former President of the Senate always identified with the state in its trying moments, saying he has distinguished himself as a true friend of the state.

Earlier, Saraki recalled that the history of his presidential ambition would be traced to Benue State, saying his declaration journey began in Makurdi the state capital.

He said Nigeria needs a courageous leader that has the capacity to deal with issues, stressing that he will be firm in tackling insecurity and will address the injustices meted out to citizens by the current APC administration.

Saraki maintained that Nigeria was at a defining moment in its history and needed a president that could unite the country, stressing that "Without unity, there cannot be progress."

Segun Senbanjo: Why I Want to Represent Ogun East Senatorial District Ogun East Senatorial District needs more people-oriented services from the government to improve their lives, says APC senatorial aspirant Segun Senbanjo.

In a statement issued yesterday, Senbanjo addressed developmental issues faced by the Ogun East constituency and explained how he would tackle the challenges if given the opportunity to represent the people in the Senate.

"These are my focal points for my constituency regarding quality representation at the Red Chamber," said Senbanjo in the statement.

Acknowledging the efforts of past and present senators in the zone, the aspiring senator pointed out that he would use a different and pragmatic approach to bring much-needed succour to the Ogun

East constituents.

"I will be offering something different compared to what past and present senators have offered my constituency regarding human resources development and capacity building of the downtrodden," he said.

Senbanjo also mentioned that he would strive to "improve my people's social-economic well-being by creating employment and bringing foreign investments that would create businesses by establishing industries to boost the economic life welfare of my people in the Ogun East constituency."

Among other things, he promised to empower women and youths in education, including skills acquisition, encouraging and establishing SMEs.

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NEWS

FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH L-R: Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria; wife of Edo State Chief Judge, Mrs. Christy Acha; Hon. Justice Joe Acha; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his wife, Betsy, during a dinner for home-based medical doctors, scientists, and medical and non-medical volunteers who participated in the just-concluded free medical outreach, organised in partnership with the Association of Nigeria Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) held in Benin City…yesterday

Three Nigerian Firms Seal $25m Deal to Power Businesses at Lagos Free Zone with Gas Infrastructure Devt To deliver 5mscf/d of gas to LFZ from 2024 Peter Uzoho A consortium of three Nigerian indigenous upstream and midstream gas companies - Falcon Corporation, ND Western Midstream Limited and First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN) Gas Limited - yesterday signed an agreement worth $25 million to develop, own and operate a natural gas distribution infrastructure network within the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ).

The deal would see the partners deliver five million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day (5mscf/d) to the Lagos Free Zone, starting from 2024, with the volume of gas supply expected to progress over time to 40mscf/d as more businesses come into the free zone.

However, to actualise this target, which the consortium said was one of the outcomes of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Decade of Gas Agenda of the federal government, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) known as Optimera Energy LFZ Enterprise (Optimera Energy) has been formed within the LFZ. The partners appointed Falcon Corporation to run the project and also appointed the company's Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, as the Managing Director of Optimera Energy.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony in Lagos

yesterday, Joe-Ezigbo said the Optimera consortium was made up of like-minded shareholders passionate about a common goal, which included accelerating the further growth of domestic gas utilisation in Nigeria.

She said having reliable dedicated gas supply infrastructure installed in the LFZ would add tremendous value to existing industrial concerns and would increase the zone‘s attractiveness to future customers.

She noted that the endeavour would be a big step towards actualising the objectives of the ‘Decade of Gas’initiative of the government, of which gas based industrial growth was a significant part.

Joe-Ezigbo stated, “The PIA provides the necessary regulatory environment for projects such as these to succeed in Nigeria. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in this project's development and operation phases.

“The consortium members bring over 50 years of experience and expertise in operating across the Natural Gas value chain, from upstream production in the Niger Delta to downstream distribution to industries in Lagos.

"Our dedicated Project Team will work diligently with a strict adherence to the highest standards

of safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance to deliver this project on time and under budget, as we have done within our respective portfolios.”

She further said that the partners were engaging all the regulatory agencies, particularly the NMDPRA in order to carry them along on the project, since the project would require the companies getting some licenses and permits from the regulators.

"When you look at the capacity of the companies on the table, not just from the zone, but from the SPV, these are companies that understand the language of

compliance and have proven to be very good corporate citizens in the lifespan of the companies.

"So, every regulatory agency has been engaged; meetings have been held and they will continue to do so, because this project is going to demand several licenses and permits as we all know, which we have already initiated and are progressing significantly in collaboration with the regulators," Joe-Ezigbo added.

Also speaking, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LFZ, Mr. Dinesh Rathi, said in the company's continued efforts at Lagos Free Zone to provide a

The recent ban on the exportation of palm oil and oil palm produce by the Indonesian government have not only increased the pressure on Nigerian oil palm producers but is a blessing as well as an opportunity to build palm oil cultivation and production in Nigeria.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Raedal Farms Limited, Uwadiale Agenmonmen, stated this when he led a team of investors to the company’s farm in Iguomokhua village, Orhionmwon local government area of Edo state where he said the farm needed at

least N2 billion to complete its current expansion programme.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the tour of the farm, Agenmonmen said finance remain the major challenge of the company.

According to him, “The business environment is interesting. It may have its ups and downs but lately the palm oil value chain has been the best in a while, fostered by Indonesia shutting down their export recently and that has driven the pressure back home.

“People that normally import can no longer import palm oil and other products from them so the prices are going up and it is good

He added, "This is a unique transaction in the history of Nigeria's downstream sector wherein a consortium formed of reputable upstream, midstream, and downstream companies have come together to ensure gas supply to LFZ, the sunrise economic epicentre of West Africa.

"Under this arrangement, the consortium, through their special purpose vehicle, Optimera Energy, would deliver uninterrupted piped gas by early 2024 to all the enterprises within the Lagos Free Zone. We welcome the Consortium on this collective journey towards unlocking Nigeria's true potential."

INEC: It’s Too Late to Adjust 2023 Elections Timetable Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is too late to tinker with the schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, stated this while speaking with the newsmen

yesterday in Abuja Also, another INEC National Commissioner, Kunle Ajayi, urged political parties to bear in mind that the political parties had between April 4 to June 3, 2022, to conduct their primary elections to elect their standard bearers.

Okoye spoke against the backdrop of the two months extension of deadline for the

Ban on Exportation of Palm Oil by Indonesian Govt, Blessing to Commodity’s Production in Nigeria, Says Agenmonmen Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

world-class industrial ecosystem that enhances the competitive positioning of Nigeria as a manufacturing hub, its partnership with the consortium of Falcon Corporation, ND Western Midstream Limited and FHN Gas Limited was a landmark development.

With Lekki Port's construction slated to be completed in December 2022, Rathi noted that the company needed to secure a reliable arrangement to meet the energy needs of its fast-growing tenant base, adding that the company was confident that its partnership with the Consortium would help it realise same objective.

for us farmers that actually cultivate and sell so right now the business environment is okay.”

Though he said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has provided funds to boost the industry, one of the major huddles he said was that such funds must pass through commercial banks which set their conditions or evaluation.

Agenmonmen said the farm sits on a 1,509 hectares of land and has currently cultivated 700 hectares while another 500 hectares would be cultivated this year.

He also disclosed that the oil mill in the farm currently has the capacity of producing 16 tons of

red oil every day and from palm kernel oil, it can produce 27 tons every day when there is full stock of raw materials.

“We have to bring our current investors and bankers here to physically see what we are doing because there is a difference when you talk to people about what you do on paper, phone calls.

“We want to connect real time to where they have their money and with this we look forward to better business opportunities. To plant what we have left and do some further development, we are looking to raise the excess of N2 billion," the Raedal Farm boss declared.

conduct of parties’ primary recently sought by Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

According to him, any change in the June 3 deadline would affect other activities for elections.

“The timetable and schedule of activities released by the commission are derived from the constitution, the Electoral Act and the Regulations and Guidelines of the commission.

“The chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made it clear that our timetable and schedule of activities and the terminal date for the conduct of party primaries are firm and fixed.

“The political parties are proceeding with their congresses and primaries. The commission will not tamper with its fixtures, as doing so will affect other activities and constitutionally-circumscribed timelines.

“Certainty is key to planning, and the commission is committed to its timelines. Political parties must brace up to the challenges posed by the Electoral Act 2022,” he said.

Okoye, who said that the commission was already engaged with lots of activities, said it would amount to arbitrariness to adjust the election timetable.

“INEC is preparing for Ekiti and Osun governorship elections as well as 18 by-elections, while party primaries is a small subset of work of the commission.

“The commission is engaged in procurement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, and we will assess and renovate our state and local government offices.

“INEC will also receive, print and display thousands of nomination forms. Moreover, we have trained and deployed hundreds monitors for the congresses and primaries,’’ he said.

Okoye, therefore, stated that it was too late to interfere with the timelines, stressing that the commission had released the timetable and schedule Kunle Ajayi who spoke at a seminar between INEC and the United States International Republican Institute (IRI) canvassed support for political parties to use the primary elections to field women into elective positions.

He expressed worries over the low percentage of women in elective office, urging the political parties to ensure that they used the windows of the party primaries to ensure that more women are elected as their standard bearers.

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COURTESY VISIT...

CONFERMENT OF NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY ORDER OF MERIT AWARD...

Director General, Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Prof. Ayo Omotayo (left) exchanging souvenirs with the Deputy Governor, Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele during a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta... yesterday

L-R: Founder/CEO SecureID Limited, Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe, President Federal Republic of Nigeria , His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, during the Conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit Award at Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja...recently

N80bn Fraud: EFCC Arrests AccountantGeneral of Federation, Ahmed Idris Petroleum marketers seek anti-graft body’s support to curb oil theft in Niger Delta

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arrested the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, in connection

with alleged diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion.

A statement by EFCC said, "Its verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and

other illegal activities, using proxies, family members and close associates."

It further alleged that the funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.

The anti-graft agency stated that Idris was arrested after failing to

honour invitations to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.

Meanwhile, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Monday, sought the support and intervention of EFCC

in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the zonal office of the EFCC in Port Harcourt, Chairman of IPMAN, Hon. Bello Binna, said the anti-graft agency remained the only body

Against Court's Order, FG May Approve $60m Cargo Tracking Contract Alex Enumah in Abuja Indications have emerged that the federal government may go ahead with the disputed $60 million International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) contract initiated by the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi against the order of a Federal

High Court, Abuja.

The court presided by Justice Donatus Okorowo, had earlier issued an order restraining the former Minister from taking any further step on the contract award pending the resolution of a suit instituted against him and some others in respect of the contract.

However, a memo prepared

by the Federal Ministry of Transportation indicated that the contract would be tabled before the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting slated for this Wednesday, for possible approval and award.

The memo sighted by THISDAY yesterday, marked, EC(2022) was signed by Amaechi

on April 12, 2022, but received at the office of the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office on April 20, 2022.

The memo was titled: "Memorandum for approval for the implementation of International Cargo Tracking Note in Nigeria through public private partnership arrangement."

FIRS LAUDS 20 TOP PERFORMING TAX COMPANIES, NLPG, NNPC, MOBIL PRODUCING, OTHERS Development Company Limited, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Total E& P Nigeria Limited, Airtel Networks Limited, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited, Nestle Nigeria Plc, and Dangote Cement.

Others were Nigerian Breweries Plc, Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited, British American Tobacco Marketing, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc. “The service also appreciates Northern Cables Processing and Manufacturing Limited (NOCACO) and Ikeja Electric Plc for being most improved in tax filing and VAT compliance respectively. We urge all taxpayers to join hands with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to make taxation the pivot of our nation’s development and economic growth,” Nami added.

However, the acknowledgment came amidst controversies over specific remittances that had raised questions still begging for answers.

THISDAY had reported last Friday that MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, which was among the top taxpayers being celebrated, had claimed it remitted the sum of N618.7 billion in both direct and indirect taxes to FIRS in 2021, raising concerns in the public.

Nami, in the statement however, commended the contribution of the companies, noting that they defied the harsh global economic conditions imposed by the lingering COVID-19 pandemic to produce a heroic performance in tax payment, compliance and support.

He said, “The combined efforts of all taxpayers made it possible for the service to achieve the tax revenue collection of 2021 which provided our governments with necessary funds to meet their social contracts with the citizens.”

He further highlighted their support and “very laudable performances in tax compliance, tax payment and timely responses to enquiries”.

MTN had in a statement on April 2, 2022, which was issued by the company’s secretary, Uto Ukpanah, claimed that it paid the sum in direct and indirect taxes to the FIRS in the 2021 tax year, making it the largest single biggest contributor to taxes in Nigeria.

The company had added that its total tax contribution to all government agencies was 13.5 per cent of FIRS’ total collection for the year.

“In 2021, MTN Nigeria’s total tax contribution to all government agencies including the FIRS amounted to N757.6 billion while FIRS collected a total of N6.4 trillion tax revenue in the year,” the statement had stated.

Nonetheless, THISDAY calculations had revealed that the N618.7 billion tax payment as claimed by MTN represented less than 10 per cent of the N6.4 trillion that was reported as total collection by the service for the year in reference.

Hence, MTN’s claim that it contributed 13 per cent of total FIRS collections of N6.4 trillion would mean it actually remitted N832 billion to the federal government in the period in question.

Following the apparent

discrepancy unraveled by the THISDAY checks, using MTN’s prior statement, the former raised pertinent questions and sought clarification from both the apex revenue agency and the telecommunications company on why the final taxes was under-declared as it appears to be the case.

Regrettably, the FIRS has declined to provide THISDAY with the specific amount paid by the company as taxes but said the figure churned out by MTN does not tally with its own account.

Yet, the onus falls on FIRS as a matter of transparency and confidence in the management of public accounts to make proper rendition to Nigerians.

The development particularly smacks of negligence on the part of the service and requires that both parties unravel the truth.

Sources confided in THISDAY that the refusal of both FIRS and MTN to do the needful contradicts the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) which among other things, forbids companies and agencies of the government from withholding critical information that is in the public interest.

Observers also said the attitude of both companies serves to undermine the anti-corruption agenda of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Specifically, Section 2, sub-section 4 of the FOI Act requires that “a public institution shall ensure that information referred to in this section is widely disseminated and made readily available to members of the public through various means,

including print, electronic, and online sources, and at offices of such public institutions.

Analysts also said MTN Nigeria, as a corporate entity cannot afford to shy away from the principles of transparency and accountability in the interest of its shareholders and the public in general by detailing the various taxes it paid to the government within the year in question.

It read in part: "The purpose of this memorandum is to seek the consideration and approval of the FEC for the implementation of International Cargo Tracking Note In Nigeria by Messrs MTS Cargo & Logistics Limited through Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) Public Private Partnership arrangement at an initial capital Investment currently modelled at $60,000,000 to be funded 100 per cent through equity by the company for a concession period of 15 years."

It added that the arrangement provides for, "a revenue sharing ratio of 92.5per cent: seven per cent in favour of the federal government represented by the Nigerian Shippers Council and Private Consortium respectively: after deduction of processing cost as well as the Full Business Case (FBC) for the project. "

trusted to proffer solutions on issues of pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

“In the past, our efforts have been wasted, we were advised that the agency, which has the mandate to make our job effective, is the EFCC,” he said.

Binna further said the association was more comfortable with the role of EFCC. “We are here to collaborate with the agency, which we are more comfortable with, and we believe that with your support, our jobs will be easier," he added.

Responding, the zonal head of EFCC, Mr. Nwanneka Nwokike, said the agency was working tirelessly to put an end to the menace of illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.

“I assure you that the EFCC has the desire to reduce, if not bring to an end, the menace of illegal oil bunkering,” Nwokike said.

He stressed the need to educate the youth within the region on the ills of illegal oil bunkering.

“We will educate our youths on the dangers of this, which is part of our mandate, educating our youths on why they must leave these illegalities,” he said. “We must all come together to see how we can tackle this menace. I want to assure you that we will work together,” he added.

Moderation in Food Prices Slows Inflation to 16.82% Food inflation worst in Kogi, Kwara, Ebonyi

James Emejo in Abuja The Consumer Price Index, (CPI) which measures inflation moderated to 16.82 per cent (year-on-year) in April, compared to the 18.12 per cent recorded in April 2021, the National Bureau of Statistic (NBS) disclosed yesterday.

However, month-on-month, the headline index increased to 1.76 per cent in April, representing 0.02 per cent rise compared to the 1.74 per cent recorded in March.

Month-on-month, inflation recorded the highest increases in Abuja at 2.91 per cent; Taraba - 2.76 per cent and Bauchi - 2.65 per cent, while Benue was 0.29 per cent, Kogi - 0.48 per cent and Niger - 0.66 per cent recorded the slowest rise in prices April.

According to the NBS, this meant that inflation rate slowed down in April when compared to the same month in the previous year, though

price increases occurred in every parameter that yielded the headline index during the review period.

The composite food index moderated to 18.37 per cent in April 2022, compared to 22.72 per cent in April 2021. Month-on-month, however, the sub-index increased to two per cent in April, up by 0.01 percentage points from 1.99 per cent recorded in March.

According to the CPI report for April which was released by the NBS, the rise in the food index was caused by increases in the prices of bread and cereals, food products, potatoes, yam, and other tubers, wine, fish, meat and oil.

The average annual rate of change of the food sub-index for the 12- month period ending April 2022, over the previous 12-month average was 18.88 per cent compared to 19.21 per cent in March.

On the other hand, core inflation, which excluded the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 14.18

per cent in April 2022, up by 1.44 per cent when compared with 12.74 per cent recorded in April 2021.

On a month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased to 1.22 per cent in April 2022, down by 0.24 per cent when compared with 0.98 per cent recorded in March.

There were increases in the prices of gas, liquid fuel, cleaning, repair and hire of clothing, clothing materials, other articles of clothing, and clothing accessories.

The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 13.68 per cent for the 12-month period ending April 2022; this is 0.12 percent points higher than the 13.56 per cent recorded in March.

The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12- month period ending April 2022, over the average of the CPI for the previous12-month period was 16.45 per cent, showing a 0.1 per cent decrease compare to the 16.54 percent recorded in March.

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FG: Abuja-Kaduna Train Service to Commence Monday, 57 Days after Attack Says negotiations for release of abducted passengers ongoing Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government through the federal ministry of Transportation (FMoT) yesterday directed the resumption of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Services (AKTS). It would be exactly 57 days after the deadly terrorists attacked the corridor.

The government noted also that concerted effort were being made to secure the safe release of the abducted passengers being held hostage by the terrorists. This, it said was being done out of public domain for strategic security

reasons.

The Deputy Director, Public Relations, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Yakub Mahmood, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, said the passenger train service between Abuja-Kaduna, “is to commence on Monday 23rd May, 2022.”

According to the statement, "the Board and management of the NRC wish to inform our valued customers that additional security measures are being put in place at both the train stations and the

track to ensure the safety of the passengers onboard.

"These measures are not only for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, but also for all the passenger train services especially on the standard gauge railway lines."

It added: "However, the government wishes to assure the relatives of the abducted citizens still in captivity that the safe rescue of these passengers is a top priority and not to misconstrue the resumption of train services, as abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards

their plight.

"The federal government will never abdicate its responsibility in rescuing these valuable citizens, however, the government assures of its resolve not to succumb to threats by any faceless group.

"Consequently, the passengers are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the NRC in order to enjoin improved service delivery, safety and comfort by patiently complying with additional measures that will surely be introduced for the safety of our passengers, such as requesting for passengers’ National

Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of our internal security check in addition, presentation of the following must be strictly complied with before boarding the train.

"Valid Photo Identification Card (ID), reachable telephone number of Next of Kin (NOK) or close relative, online and offline purchase of tickets must contain the passengers individual profile or identification data."

The NRC management further appealed to customers for understanding and invited them

to effortlessly cooperate with its staff at the various train stations.

Adding: "We further appreciate complying with these simple security measures while passengers must desist from obtaining tickets through unauthorized (Racketeers) sources."

One of the two pregnant women among the passengers kidnapped during the attack had been delivered of a baby.

The gunmen had on March 28 ambushed the train heading for Kaduna from the nation’s capital city after bombing its rail track.

“He has shown that the blood of innocent people, no matter where they come from, does not matter to him.

“He has shown that he can shield lawbreakers and murderers to protect and preserve his political interest.

“Atiku has portrayed a most disgusting weakness, especially at a time when Nigerians are looking for a competent Commander-in-Chief that can take the war to terrorists.

“For him, political correctness is more important than national correctness, and this is dangerous.”

Calling on Nigerians to elect a president from southern Nigeria, SaMBA stated, “A president of the South-east extraction will heal our nation of such bigotry and build a Nigeria where every section and religion can co-habit harmoniously.”

The senator commended Bishop Kukah and other Christians for their role in preventing reprisal actions.

Dickson, who condole with the family of the late Deborah, said a country where people took laws into their hands to carry out such barbaric act was not what Nigerians deserved. He said those involved in the heinous act should be made to face justice, as their action violated the laws of the land.

He urged Nigerians of all religions to condemn extremism and take a united position against it.

Dickson stated, “I condemn the brutality of the unacceptable act which is clearly a violation of the laws of Nigeria. I also call for the authorities to take appropriate action and all those who are in authority and leadership to join in condemning this barbaric act.

“This cannot be the Nigeria that we seek, we deserve better than this. I call on Nigerians to respect the religious sensibilities of each other and they should unite against extremism in all religions, as we are a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation.”

34 SENIOR LAWYERS MOUNT DEFENCE FOR DEBORAH’S SUSPECTED KILLERS IN COURT In Nasarawa State, the governor, Abdullahi Sule, appealed to the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) not to join a planned protest by the Christian community across the country against Deborah’s killing. Sule made the call at the state's security council meeting at Government House, Lafia. He said it was to prevent a possible hijack of the protest by hoodlums.

However, the Southern and Middle Belt Alliance (SaMBA), yesterday, demanded accelerated prosecution of those involved in the murder of the late Deborah.

SaMBA also berated the former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for what they described as a “level of insensitivity not fitting for a president.” That was after Atiku, a presidential aspirant, allegedly deleted his tweet condemning Deborah’s murder following threats by some fanatics to deny him their votes at the forthcoming elections.

The suspects, Aliyu and Hukunci, also students of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, who appeared before a Sokoto Chief Magistrate’s Court, under tight security, over their alleged involvement in Deborah’s murder, pleaded not guilty to the crime.

In the First Information Report (FIR), Prosecuting Police Officer, Inspector Khalil Musa, told the court that the suspects were accused of participating in disturbance act that led to the death of Deborah last Thursday.

When the charges were read, the accused pleaded not guilty.

Ibrahim applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons and urged the court to grant the accused persons bail on liberal terms, citing constitutional provisions and sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. The trial judge (name withheld for security reasons) reserved ruling on the bail application and ordered the accused to be remanded at the correctional centre, Sokoto.

The bloody students’ unrest was caused by an alleged blasphemy by the deceased student against the Islamic religion through a social media group. The students, in mob outrage, had traced the female student, killing her and burning her corpse at the school’s security gate after overpowering the college security personnel.

In a move to avert a major religious crisis over the killing of the female student, Tambuwal had, last weekend, declared a 24-hour curfew in Sokoto metropolis. The curfew came as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, suspended all masses in Sokoto metropolis, but clarified that his residence was not attacked.

The curfew in Sokoto followed protests by some Islamic faithful that greeted the condemnation of the killing by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. CAN had at the weekend called on all its members to embark on peaceful protests nationwide on May 22, 2022.

The remains of Deborah were laid to rest at the weekend in her home town, Tunga Magajiya, in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

Tambuwal Relaxes Curfew in Sokoto, Preaches Peace

Tambuwal, yesterday, relaxed the 24 hours curfew imposed on Sokoto metropolis as a result of protests by the irate Muslim youths in the state. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Isa Bajini Galadanchi, the governor said the relaxation of the restriction of movement was sequel to a briefing by the security chiefs in the state.

Tambuwal explained that the revised curfew would now be from dusk to dawn in Sokoto Township. This, he said, was to afford people the window to pursue their legitimate businesses and other means of livelihood.

The government, however, advised people to maintain peace, stressing that it would not condone any breach of law and order in the state In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Sokoto State, debunked a video making the rounds in social media portraying one Anita Josephine Ogonna as a serving NYSC member caught in the web of unrest that engulfed Sokoto recently.

A statement by NYSC’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Sani Idris, said the video was untrue and the mere imagination of the initiators.

“The NYSC management hereby states that the said video, which has gone virile, is baseless and designed by mischief makers to create fear in the minds of corps members, parents, and, indeed, the general public,” the statement added.

Idris further said while the NYSC management sympathised with those affected by the unfortunate incident in the state, those captured in the said video were not Sokoto corps members. He urged the general public to disregard the video in circulation.

The NYSC spokesman disclosed that the security and welfare of corps members remained a cardinal policy thrust of the scheme, adding that the NYSC management and Sokoto State, “Shall never shirk responsibility of ensuring that no corps member is harmed.”

Deborah: Don't Join Planned Protest, Gov Sule Tells Nasarawa CAN Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, yesterday, asked the state chapter of CAN not to join the planned protest by the Christian community in the country. Sule made the appeal in his opening remarks at the state's security meeting held at the Government House, Lafia.

He maintained that his appeal became necessary because of the fragile nature of the state and the fear that hoodlums might hijack the peaceful protest and throw the state into anarchy.

The governor stated, "I will like to appeal to our leaders to ensure that we don't join in this peaceful protest, especially, because of the fragile nature of our state. This is similar to what we have done also when doctors, teachers, ASUU, all in the past, wanted to go on strike, but we appealed to these bodies in the state not to join.

"The reasons being that the nature of our own state is peculiar and different from some of these other

states. And sometimes peaceful people, very good people, will actually begin to protest in one way but they lose control because some hoodlums will come in and hijack the protest."

Sule appealed to the leadership of CAN to allow the law take its course, especially as the federal and Sokoto State governments had already come into the matter and were taking action. He, therefore, assured that the murderers would not go unpunished.

Describing the killing of Deborah as unfortunate, the governor said his administration was taking steps to protect the people and ensure similar things did not happen in Nasarawa State.

Southern, Middle Belt Alliance Demands Prosecution of Perpetrators

The Southern and Middle Belt Alliance (SaMBA), yesterday, called for accelerated prosecution of those involved in the murder of the late Deborah. SaMBA, in a statement signed by Prince Rwang Pam Jnr., said the killing of the student was not acceptable under any guise.

The group berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for what it called a “level of insensitivity not fitting for a president.”

It added that Atiku portrayed an ugly weakness now that Nigerians were unanimous in the search for a competent Commander- in-Chief.

SaMBA regretted that the victim was another youth, who could, perhaps, have voted Atiku in the next election, if she was alive.

Atiku was alleged to have condemned the killing in a tweet,

only to delete it after the fanatics threatened to withdraw their votes for him in the forthcoming presidential election.

SaMBA appealed to the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to, as matter of urgency, sensitise Muslims across the country to the fact that killing in the name of God was against Islam, as Islam was synonymous with peace.

SaMBA said in the statement, "It is very pathetic that Samuel Deborah, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, was stoned to death and set ablaze on Thursday by her fellow students for allegedly making a blasphemous statement on a WhatsApp group.

"The act by her fellow students is condemnable in its entirety and we call on security agencies to ensure that all those involved in the killing of Deborah Samuel face the full wrath of the law.

“The case must not be swept under the carpet if we want to bring an end to killings in the name of religion.

"We are not afraid to say that all those involved in the killing of Deborah Samuel are potential bandits and Boko-haram members.”

SaMBA added, “The former vice president has cleared all doubts about his desperation for power and his proclivity to religious fundamentalism, even though he might have made strenuous attempts over the years to hide his bigotry.

“Atiku’s action sends dangerous signals about the kind of president he would be if Nigerians make the mistake of electing him as our Commander-in-Chief.

Dickson Condemns Deborah’s Killing, Urges Nigerians to Unite against Extremism

The senator for Bayelsa West, and immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, called on Nigerians in positions of authority to condemn in the strongest terms possible the grisly murder of Deborah by extremists.

Dickson also urged all politicians aspiring to lead the country in various capacities to condemn the reprehensible killing of the student.

The former governor commended the Sultan of Sokoto and Sheik Ahmad Gumi for promptly condemning the unfortunate incident. He also welcomed the proactive measures put in place

by Tambuwal to ensure peace and order in the state.

Ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal, Denies Urging Christians to Avenge Deborah's Murder

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, denied reports that he was instigating Christians in the country to avenge the killing of Deborah Yakubu, a Christian student, in Sokoto by Muslim fanatics.

Continued online

2023: SYLVA, TALLEN BACK OUT OF POLITICAL AMBITIONS, RETAIN MINISTERIAL POSITIONS

Tallen decided to remain as ministers and beat the May 16, 2022 deadline given ministers in Buhari's cabinet with political ambitions to resign.

But lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, said Malami and Ngige had exposed the country to ridicule with their U-turn.

Falana said after participating in a farewell meeting, the two ministers could not return to the cabinet to function as ministers.

Tallen, who along with eight of her colleagues attended a valedictory session with the president last Friday at the State House, Abuja, in a statement she personally signed, yesterday, said her resigning from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would be a contravention of Article 31 of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution, which gave political office holders 30 days to resign before party primary or election.

According to her, "Mindful that the constitution of APC stipulates in Article 31 (1) (iii) (October 2014 As Amended), that: ‘Any Party Office holder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of nomination or party primary for the office he or she is seeking to contest’, It will therefore be a breach to resign office at this time since this was not done ahead of the stipulated timeline."

The former deputy governor of Plateau State also said she had for now jettisoned her ambition to run

for senatorial seat in Plateau South in the 2023 general election.

She asked her supporters to reelect the current senator for Plateau South, who is also a female, Professor Nora Daduut.

Tallen explained in the statement, "I stand here today thankful to God for His abiding faith in my life and for the multiple opportunities for me to serve this country in various capacities, humbled by the love, support and commitment shown me by well-meaning Nigerians, with the intent for the good of the great people of the Southern Senatorial District of Plateau State.

“Mindful of the task before us, I am deeply grateful for the trust vested in me as we all strive to make meaningful contributions for the greater good of our country as a whole.

"Women groups and other stakeholders had thought it wise to purchase an expression of interest form under the APC for me to participate in the forthcoming elections.

I would like to thank and assure all my supporters that while their intention was well conceived, my current work in superintending the numerous projects for Mr. President as Women Affairs Minister require my undivided attention.

“Additionally, whilst their quest is a good move in support of the clamour for more women in elective and appointive positions, and considered to be critical in addressing the gender question, I am compelled to focus on the

foundations we have laid towards the advancement and realisation of gender equality in leadership positions in the country.”

Tallen stressed that she had not submitted any resignation letter.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued by the Amaechi Presidential Media Committee (APMC), signed

by Kingsley Wali, in Abuja, the former Rivers State governor, in his resignation letter, expressed gratitude to the president for considering him fit to serve in his administration. He equally thanked Buhari for the enormous support given him, which he said, was responsible for the tremendous record of achievements he made in the Ministry of Transportation over the last seven years.

The statement quoted Amaechi as saying in his resignation letter, “It is with mixed feelings that I tender my resignation as the Minister of Transportation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to contest for the presidential ticket of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.

“Your Excellency, it has been a great honour and privilege serving as a member of your cabinet following your historic victory at the polls in 2015. Under your administration, the Ministry of Transportation has recorded significant achievements, made possible by your visionary support and commitment to ensuring that we deliver on our mandate.”

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta, Senator Ita Enang, also resigned to contest for the Akwa Ibom governorship

primary under APC. A statement from Senator Ita Enang Guber Campaigns, made available to THISDAY, announced his resignation.

Quoting Enang, the statement said, "In an appreciation and resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday afternoon, Senator Ita Enang paid glowing tributes to Mr. President ‘for the opportunities to serve which I, and my family shall forever treasure.

‘And the time has come. I intend to contest for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State on the platform of our party, the APC for which I now seek nomination, having purchased and submitted the Nomination and Expression of interest form.

‘I hereby formally tender my resignation from office, to pursue gubernatorial electoral cause.

‘In August 2015, upon your inauguration, Your Excellency graciously appointed me as the Senior Special Assistant to The President on National Assembly matters - Senate and Presidential Liaison to the National Assembly.

‘I served in this capacity managing what turned out to be the toughest Executive - Legislative Liaison assignment in the nation’s democratic history.’”

Enang promised that despite his resignation he would always be available, “to assist our government and party to finish well as your administration enters the critical bracing phase.”

Continued online

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PREMIERE OF AIRTEL TOUCHING LIVES SEASON...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Temi Popoola; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State, Samuel Egube; Non- Executive Director, Airtel Africa, Awuneba Ajumogobia; Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Surendran Chemmenkotil; First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun and Chairman, Association of Licensed PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo during the premiere of the Airtel Touching Lives season in Lagos... recently

Tambuwal: APC Planning to Make Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Its Presidential Candidate

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Barring last-minute changes, the ruling All Progressives Congress has plans to field Senate President Ahmad Lawan as its candidate for the 2023 presidential election,

claims Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

"They are gradually moving away from their zoning arrangement. We know their tricks. They want to see the outcome of our primary come May 28 and 29 before they will decide who will be their

candidate," Tambuwal said. "Look at the APC national chairman. He is quiet about their supposed zoning arrangement simply because they already have plans to field Senator Ahmad Lawan depending on who is the presidential candidate of our

2023 Presidency: I PreferYahaya Bello Not Tinubu, Osinbajo, Fayemi, Others, Says Hafsat Abiola Segun James Hafsat Abiola-Costello says he prefers Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi as a credible APC presidential aspirant to other Southwest presidential hopefuls like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Kayode Fayemi, and Pastor Tunde Bakare, among others.

She mentioned that she chose Bello over the other Southwest APC presidential aspirants because the Kogi governor demonstrated commitment to Nigeria's development and progress and expressed confidence that the governor would win the APC presidential primary.

"I am proud of GYB because of his development records in Kogi. This is a governor that is always looking for progress and the development of the lives of his people," she stressed. "This is me, a Yoruba, supporting someone from Northcentral."

Abiola-Costello, the directorgeneral of the Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Organisation, stated this in Lagos while addressing journalists ahead of the APC presidential primaries slated for May 30 and 31 in Abuja.

"There is no progress without demands. I lost my parents, though, unfortunately, because Nigerians believed in them.

I've been working with GYB for a while, and I have seen that he has the courage and intelligence to deliver Nigeria," added Abiola-Costello. "Going into the presidential primaries, we are on a good footing. If you plant a good seed very early, you will reap better than those who plant late."

According to her, the Kogi governor is a loyal and respectful politician who would carry everyone along.

Abiola-Costello, daughter of

MKO Abiola, winner of the 1993 presidential election, said she chose the Kogi governor because she had seen in him leadership qualities Nigeria needs at this critical point.

On the nation's economy, she noted that statistics from the World Bank on states' accountability rating in Nigeria indicate that Kogi ranks top among other states in the country.

"This is a man who met a debt profile of about N135 billion in Kogi when he assumed office in 2016 but has been able to reduce it to about N70 billion. This is in addition to his huge investments in education, agriculture, security and infrastructural developments.

The World Bank accountability ranking of states in Nigeria evaluated Kogi as second in 2017, first in 2018 and 2019," Abiola-Costello stressed.

Speaking further, she noted, "The draft report for 2021 shows that Kogi scored 100 per cent in

all the areas and from indications, the state will maintain the first position in 2021, judging from the draft report that was released just yesterday."

party."

Tambuwal, a frontline presidential hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party, disclosed this on Monday while speaking at a stakeholders meeting with PDP delegates in Lokoja, Kogi State. He also warned Nigerians against voting for the APC, as the party's presidential candidate will continue President Muhammadu Buhari's poor legacies.

"No doubt the issue of insecurity is a national issue, but it has worsened under the present administration. Any attempt to vote for an APC aspirant or candidate will worsen Nigeria's situation.

Nigeria should know that APC will continue with Buhari's bad

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has begun a two-billion pages drive to accelerate the ongoing digitisation of thesis across 100 least digitised institutions.

Inaugurating the committee on yesterday in Abuja, the executive secretary, Sonny Echono, said the need for a National Academic Research Repository (NARR) necessitated the project, given that numerous research outputs were lying dormant in libraries across tertiary institutions in the country.

He said the digitisation project would also address plagiarism, intellectual property, commercialisation of academic works, etc.

While saying the few existing repositories in the country are not

to power in 2023 if chosen to be PDP's presidential flag bearer.

According to the Sokoto governor, the anguish and horror experienced by Nigerian youths in the hands of the APC government are still fresh in the memory.

The Sokoto governor appealed to PDP delegates to go for an aspirant that could deliver votes for the PDP, and his emergence will put an end to APC's cruelty.

"I have apologised to PDP as I was part of the people that brought this APC to power, and I know how to take them out," said Tambuwal. "Just give me your votes, the rest will be history as APC will be history in Nigeria."

Court Adjourns to May 24 for Clarification on Appeal Court's Judgment on Section 84 (12) Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday adjourned to May 24, 2022, for definite hearing in a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to stop the National Assembly from deleting the controversial Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The judge adjourned hearing in the matter to enable parties address him on the effect of the recent Court of Appeal judgment on the contentious Section 84 (12).

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, had last week voided the judgment of the Federal High Court, Umuahia which had directed the federal government to delete the said section for being unconstitutional.

The appellate court in its unanimous judgment had held that Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Umuahia did not have the necessary jurisdiction to make such an order because the plaintiff who brought the case did not have the locus to file the case

TETFund Targets Two Billion Pages of Research Materials Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

leadership and under-development," Tambuwal pointed out. "This will not go down well for our country as there is hardship in the land. We must not lose hope in this nation.

Nigeria will rise again as we need a leader who will unite and not divide us."

He further noted that the eight years of the APC were horrible compared to the 16 years of PDP in power, stressing that the judiciary is currently under attack.

The former speaker of the House of Representatives told his PDP supporters he was wrong to defect to the APC and support Mr Buhari's government and vowed to stop the ruling party from returning

available to national or global audiences, Echono noted that the ugly development prompted TETFund's board of trustees (BOT) intervention.

"To ensure homegrown solutions are encouraged, we are working with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors (CVC) to embed 'Eaglescan', developed by them, as the plagiarism detection software, as part of the project to ensure the academic integrity of all digitized resources," explained Echono. "Further to this is the use of Galaxy Backbone to serve as the digital archive of the Repository, while the National Copyright Commission, as part of this Committee, will help advise on guidelines for the intellectual property related matters."

Echono listed the committee's

terms of reference to include developing and adopting a model digitisation policy for beneficiary institutions, providing support and guidance for the project management team to implement this digitisation project successfully, develop frameworks and procedures to ensure that the project deliverables are strictly adhered to.

Responding, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, the committee's chairman and secretary-general of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, pledged the readiness of his team to deliver on the task.

Ochefu, who commended TETFund for initiating the project, said the scheme would turn around the fortunes of the nation’s education system.

in the first place.

The appellate court, however, after setting aside the judgment of the lower court delved into the merit of the case and came to the conclusion that the said Section 84 (12) was unconstitutional because it infringes on the fundamental rights of a class of persons (political appointees).

Based on this decision, Justice Ekwo at the resumed hearing of the case asked the plaintiff represented

by Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, if the court could still proceed with the matter.

Responding, the senior lawyer and one-time President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) answered in the affirmative, explaining that there was no issue of fundamental rights before the court.

The PDP's case was aimed at stopping the National Assembly from tampering with the Electoral Act, 2022, as requested by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The president had while assenting to the amended bill written the lawmakers to delete Section 84 (12) from the Electoral Act, 2022 for being anti-democratic.

But, the PDP in the suit is challenging the legality of the National Assembly to delete provisions of the law without recourse to the court.

In responding to Justice Ekwo's questions, Daudu, stated that the appellate court in its judgment held that Section 84 (12) contravened Section 42 (1)(a) of the Constitution which has to do with the funda-

mental rights of certain class of citizens, adding that fundamental rights issue was not among the issues before the court, hence the court can proceed.

He also clarified that the appellate court in the judgment also held that the Section 84 (12) did not violate the provisions of the Constitution on requirements for qualification and disqualification as the said portions of the Constitution concerns Public Servants of whom the appellate court held is quite distinct from political appointees.

The senior lawyer in addition informed the court that the judgment of Justice Anyadike was set aside because the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit in the first place.

However, Mr. Oladipupo Okpeseyi, SAN, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF), told the court that there was no difference between the suit before him and the one of the Federal High Court, Umuahia which the Appeal Court had already passed its verdict.

"The appellant at the Court of Appeal, is the same plaintiff here" he said.

Responding, Justice Ekwo advised the PDP to take a second look at its process and fixed May 24, for hearing.

The section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act bars all political appointees from participating in the congresses and conventions of political parties unless they resigned 30 days earlier.

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POLITICS

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

Intrigues in Kaduna APC as Uba Sani Emerges Preferred Guber Aspirant

There are indications that Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State may have finally resolved the tempestuous politics that led to the choice of Senator Uba Sani as the preferred governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, reports Iyobosa Uwugiaren

F

or those who are familiar with the tempestuous politics of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, currently representing Kaduna Central at the Senate, is set to replace Governor Nasir el-Rufai. And if that happens, Governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai will be remembered as a governor who supervised a transition process, leading to election of his successor without rancour and animosity, which usually characterize such democratic process.

Uba Sani, who was recently cleared by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the governorship election of Kaduna State, has been endorsed as the preferred governorship aspirant for the APC in the state.

In a statement addressed to his supporters recently, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, better known as Dattijo, disclosed that Governor el-Rufai, had asked APC governorship hopefuls to support Uba Sani’s ambition.

Dattijo explained that the resolution to support the senator was discussed at an enlarged meeting of el-Rufai’s kitchen cabinet.

An insider told THISDAY that Uba Sani’s enormous experience as a presidential aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, political adviser to Governor el-Rufai, as well as his sound record at the Senate, hugely contributed to making him the favourite.

Opinion polls were said to have been conducted on governorship hopefuls within “the political family of el-Rufai”, by selected election poll experts, and Senator Uba Sani was said to have come first among the three APC aspirants.

According to an insider, aside from Senator Uba Sani and Dattijo, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the deputy governor of Kaduna, is recorded as the third governorship aspirant within Governor el-Rufai political family.

The decision for an expanded meeting - to pick the preferred aspirant, according to the insider, was a result of the “political activities of supporters of Dattijo and Senator Uba Sani, seen to be heating up the polity within the APC in the state. ‘’Governor Nasir el-Rufai and the Kaduna APC stakeholders wanted the best of the three to be endorsed, so that the party can approach the primary as a united house,” an APC chieftain explained.

The three aspirants, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Dattijo and Senator Uba Sani, according to political monitors, were eminently qualified to occupy the number one political office in Kaduna State.

For instance, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe is the first elected female deputy governor in the state; she had acted as governor on several occasions - in the absence of the governor, and she is seen as good administrator. An experienced consultant in public health, she is said to have led the state’s strong response to COVID-19; and not many people doubt her unique status as an influential Number Two to Governor el-Rufai On his part, Dattijo, is seen as an ‘’international development expert’’, who served twice as Planning and Budget commissioner and was el-Rufai’s Chief of Staff.

Senator Uba Sani is seen as an outstanding first-term Senator, with the highest number of bills, when compared to his colleagues. It is on record that he has sponsored over 23 bills in his threeyear stay in the senate, placing him as ‘’the fourth legislator in terms of high

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sponsorship of bills.’’

Giving details on how Senator Uba Sani’s choice was decided, an insider said, “You know that Governor Nasir el-Rufai is a digital politician, who is tech-savvy and he exercises leadership in whatever he does. Opinion polls, regular meetings and assessments - all played a role in the final endorsement of Senator Uba Sani.

“First, Senator Uba Sani is the core team’s consensus candidate.

Second, Dattijo will vie for the senate to continue his political career at the national level and gain experience in law making, while Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari has been pencilled down to retain his seat as the senator representing Kaduna north senatorial district.”

His records show that Senator Uba Sani was born on December 31 in Zaria, Kaduna State in 1970.

A Mechanical Engineer by training, he holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from the University of Calabar and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Abuja.

A human rights and pro-democracy activist, Senator Uba Sani is one of those die-hard activists, who led several protests against General

Ibrahim Babangida/late General Sani Abacha-led military junta in the country, leaving behind a track of courageousness and patriotism.

A founding member of the coalition of pro-democracy groups, the Campaign for Democracy, he deployed his wide contact in the North and networking skills in 90s in creating a strategic base for the pro-democracy actions in Northern part of the country. Senator Uba Sani also deployed his civil society organization, the Movement for Freedom and Justice, to champion the course of the underprivileged and offered them unencumbered access to justice.

He was the National Vice Chairman (North) of Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Deputy National Chairman (North) of the Joint Action Committee (JACON) led by the celebrated Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN. Senator Uba Sani went into partisan politics after the military was pushed to the barracks – subsequently, with the return of Democracy in Nigeria in 1999. He supported the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and he was later appointed Special Advisor on

Senator Uba Sani is seen as an outstanding firstterm Senator, with the highest number of bills, when compared to his colleagues. It is on record that he has sponsored over 23 bills in his three-year stay in the senate, placing him as ‘’the fourth legislator in terms of high sponsorship of bills

Public Affairs to the president.

He also worked at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on some advisory roles to the then FCT Minister, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and the Kaduna State Ministry of Housing and Works.

In 2011, he contested in the Peoples Democratic Party primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat but he lost the primaries, and in 2015, he was appointed by the Kaduna state governor, El-Rufai as the Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Believing he has services to offer to his people, Uba Sani showed interest and contested for the second time for the Kaduna Central senatorial seat under the ruling political party, APC, in 2019 general election and he was elected senator Uba Sani has track records of humanitarian services. To be sure, in 2018, he founded the Uba Sani Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to promote increased access to good education, healthcare services and better-quality livelihood for the neglected in Nigeria.

The foundation is said to have used available resources and expertise to provide help to the less privileged in education, healthcare, vocational skills and empowerment.

The senator ’s representation in the upper chambers is also mainly seen as a continuation of his sweetheart for service to humanity - as a human rights and pro-democracy activist, businessman and philanthropist.

According to those very close him, his commitment to helping people has endeared him to a lot of people in Kaduna State and several people across the country.

Currently serving as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, his parliamentary aides said Senator Uba Sani’s ‘’sheer genius and springiness’’ have ignited the birth of several reformative legislations with over 23 sponsored Bills to his credit. Five Bills were said to have been passed by the 9th National Assembly, and one approved to by the President Muhammadu Buhari. The Bills passed include the Federal College of Education Giwa Kaduna State (Est. Etc) Bill 2019 (SB.121), Federal Medical Centre Rigassa, Kaduna State (Est., Etc.) Bill 2019 (SB.169), Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN (Amendment) Bill 2020 (SB. 549); Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 (SB. 669) and the renowned Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act (Amendment) Bill 2020, which were both Assented by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Uba Sani also used his influence to secure funding for the construction of the faculty of engineering at the permanent site of the Kaduna State University (KASU).

“Similarly, he sponsored the bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Education in Giwa, Federal Medical Centre in Rigasa, the Federal College of Forestry Technology and Research, Birnin Gwari, among others.

“He also initiated two bills that have been signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari and they are the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) and the new AMCON Act”, one of his legislative assistants explained.

For now, his legislative services appear to have taken the back seat. The contest for the governorship race is on.

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022 Tuesday May 17, 2022 Vol 27. No 9899 TR

See page 20 IGBO IN LAGOS AND THE SANWO-OLU PHENOMENON Where there is peace, there is steady progress, writes OKEKE CHUKA

See page 20 DEBORAH: THE RULE OF LAW MUST TRIUMPH The use of force in place of the rule of law is a recipe for anarchy, writes SONNIE EKWOWUSI See page 21 A RARE MARK OF ALL-INCLUSIVENESS ABUBAKAR ACHIMUGU writes that Yahaya Bello is making a difference in women’s empowerment in Kogi See page 21 EDITORIAL OF SENATE AND RANSOM PAYMENT

See page 22

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

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TAMBUWAL: RISING TO THE OCCASION AK AGBOR contends that the Sokoto governor lives up to expectations in tackling the recent crisis in his state

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The credit for Jonathan’s return to political prominence goes to the APC, reckons PAUL NWABUIKWU

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The metamorphosis of Jonathan is, of course, an indictment of the government that replaced his, an administration which promised so much and delivered not just little but exacerbated the country’s economic challenges and deepened long standing regional and ethnic cleavages

claimed that Jonathan’s patriotism and HͿRUWV PDGH E\ KLV JRYHUQPHQW WR XSOLIW their people inspired their support it was clear that the N100m paid for the form was QRW D FRQWULEXWLRQ E\ ORFDO KHUGHUV VHOOLQJ FDWWOH ,W ZDV UHDOSROLWLN DQG FROG EORRGHG FDOFXODWLRQV 7KH IRXU \HDU OLPLW LPSRVHG RQ -RQDWKDQ E\ WKH FRQVWLWXWLRQ DV D IRUPHU president made him an attractive option because he would have no choice but hand RYHU WR D QRUWKHUQ FDQGLGDWH LQ 7KH TXHVWLRQ LV ZK\ GLG -RQDWKDQ D PDQ ZKR SURYHG E\ ZRUG DQG JORULRXV example in 2015 that he is that rare politician who does not worship power, give serious consideration to coming back DV SUHVLGHQW" :K\ GLGQ·W KH VD\ D TXLFN DQG RXWULJKW ´QR µ WR VXFK D SUREOHPDWLF RͿHU" (YHQ WKRXJK KH XOWLPDWHO\ UHMHFWHG it, his halo as Nigeria’s Mahatma Gandhi KDV ORVW DOUHDG\ VRPH VKLQH 6R ZK\ GLG KH QRW VHH WKH REYLRXV ODQGPLQHV" :K\ GLG he consider it?

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Nwabuikwu is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

2 20

T H I S D AY

AK AGBOR contends that the Sokoto governor lives up to expectations in tackling the recent crisis in his state

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Agbor, a policy analyst, writes from Abuja

TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022

Where there is peace, there is steady progress, writes OKEKE CHUKA

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faces knew no limit.

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321

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022

The use of force in place of the rule of law is a recipe for anarchy, writes SONNIE EKWOWUSI

ABUBAKAR ACHIMUGU writes that Yahaya Bello is making a difference in women’s empowerment in Kogi

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Achimugu writes from Abuja

4 22

T H I S D AY

TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

OF SENATE AND RANSOM PAYMENT The Senate bill against paying ransom to kidnappers does not offer any solution

T

he Senate recently passed a bill criminalising payments of ransom to kidnappers. The proposed law, which amends the 2013 Terrorism Prevention Act, says anyone who pays ransom to kidnappers would face up to 15 years in prison. While this legislation may be good on the face value, we do not believe that the Senate applied any rigour in arriving at their decision. The timing of the bill, for instance, is inauspicious and the provisions do not address the problem that the lawmakers are trying to solve.

We must make it clear.

There is no doubt that ransom payment (which is banned as a matter of public policy in several countries) fuels the kidnapping industry and where the law enforcement agencies are strong enough to protect their citizens, it cannot be encouraged. But under the prevailing situation in Nigeria today, outlawing ransom is a lazy approach, especially when operatives of security agencies often encourage families of victims to ‘cooperate’. In the absence of any concrete measures by the government to curb the activities of kidnappers and other terror groups that are holding the country by the jugular, what should families of victims do? Even more important, at least for the victims currently pining away, what security measures are in place to secure their release?

From security personnel to traditional rulers, school pupils and ordinary citizens, nobody is safe in the hands of these marauders. Kidnapping for ransom is the most pervasive violent crime across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria today. Statistics garnered from the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) reveal growing numbers of people kidnapped. While in 2017, there ZHUH UHFRUGHG NLGQDS YLFWLPV WKH À JXUH JUHZ WR WKH IROORZLQJ \HDU %\ WKH À JXUH KDG MXPSHG to 1,386 before it more than doubled to 2,860 in 2020. $QG WKHVH DUH MXVW UHFRUGHG À JXUHV :KLOH UHOLDEOH

statistics may not be available, hundreds of victims (may be thousands) are currently held by kidnappers in many forest reserves and other places across the country.

Indeed, according to a report by the Lagos-based risk DQDO\VLV À UP 6% 0RUJHQ ,QWHOOLJHQFH NLGQDSSLQJ LQ Nigeria is an extraordinarily lucrative enterprise with at least $18.3 million paid ransom between 2011 and 2020.

The case of dozens of passengers, including children, DEGXFWHG IURP WKH $EXMD .DGXQD RQ WK 0DUFK LV particularly pathetic. A fortnight ago, the abductors released a photo of a baby delivered by one of the train passengers. For the few victims who have regained freedom, their families reportedly paid hefty sums of money. Victims whose families do not have the means to pay the huge sums being demanded remain at the mercy of their violent abductors.

While ransom payment cannot be encouraged, WKH IDFW WKDW WKH DXWKRULWLHV RͿ HU QR VROXWLRQ WR WKH problem leaves victims and their families with no RWKHU FKRLFH 2QO\ ODVW ZHHN 3UHVLGHQW 0XKDPPDGX Buhari said that victims of the Kaduna train attack could not be rescued because they were surrounded by the criminals. So, what next? For how long will they remain in the hands of the blood thirsty criminals in the bush?

2YHUDOO WKH 6HQDWH ELOO GRHV QRW RͿ HU DQ\ VROXWLRQ to the problem of kidnapping in Nigeria. As NBA63,'(/ &KDLUPDQ 0RQGD\ 8EDQL ULJKWO\ VDLG WKH ODZ GRHV QRW UHÁ HFW WKH UHDOLW\ RI RXU FRXQWU\ ´7KH WUXWK RI WKH PDWWHU µ KH VDLG ´LV WKDW YLFWLPV RI NLGQDSSLQJ SD\ ransoms out of desperation and abject helplessness, knowing fully well that the State has failed and is unable to protect lives and property or secure the release of their loved ones from kidnappers’ den.”

It cannot be better said. Passing laws that cannot be enforced is not the way to address a serious national security challenge.

While ransom payment cannot be encouraged, the fact that the authorities offer no solution to the problem leaves victims and their families with no other choice

T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

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

LETTERS FALLOUT OF DEBORAH YAKUBU’S MURDER Nigeria`s federalism has been a festival of the farcical and the Á DZHG D IUHHIDOO LQWR KLJK OHYHO IROO\ :LWK SRZHU XQMXVWLÀ DEO\ concentrated at the center, a feast of the absurd always abound at the zenith of Nigeria`s state power. :LWK D FHQWHU DQG LWV VDWHOOLWHV DSLQJ IDU Á XQJ IHGHUDO VWDWHV DQG states hooked on monthly revenue allocations like some cheap but gripping opiods, it does not exactly take a soothsayer to see that it is the sore at the center that has left the scars in the satellites. The apple does not fall far from the tree after all.

As successive federal governments have struggled to leave their mark in the lives of Nigerians, bad governance has also seeped into the states, with many do-nothing state governments mirroring the inertia at the center.

And, like ministers in the center, like commissioners in the states.

The bad governance crippling many states in Nigeria has been gleefully borne on the shoulders of the commissioners who make up the governments and the nauseating tendency they have to blow hot and cold. Champion political appointees that they are, the expertise of many of them is in obsequiousness and odiousness.

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righteous indignation over a perceived insult to religion descended RQ \HDU ROG 0V 'HERUDK <DNXEX D OHYHO VWXGHQW RI +RPH Economics education at the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, beat her to death and burnt her to ashes. Antennas around the country were especially pricked to pick up the soundbites of those whose words about the heinous murder would amount to something because of the positions they hold in the society.

Fearing harm to their political fortunes, many contenders in next year`s elections chose the convenient cowardice of silence over words pulsing with a warning for the enemies of the country. A leading contender for the presidential ticket of one of the major political parties in the country made a statement on one of his social media accounts before hastily taking it down as the backlash from a section of Nigerians ricocheted. +RZHYHU RQH RI WKH PRVW GLVWXUELQJ VWDWHPHQWV DERXW WKH LQFL GHQW FDPH IURP WKH PRXWK RI 0U $OL\X 7LOGH WKH &RPPLVVLRQHU IRU (GXFDWLRQ LQ %DXFKL 6WDWH 0U 7LOGH GLG QRW RQO\ H[SUHVV VXSSRUW IRU 0V 'HERUDKCV NLOOHUV KH DOVR FRPEDWLYHO\ UHFRPPHQGHG SV\FKLDWULF sessions for those who disagreed with him.

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RGLRXV FKRLU RI JRYHUQPHQW R΀ FLDOV FOHULFV DQG HYHU\GD\ 1LJHULDQV who by their unfortunate words since the incident have contributed WR 0V 'HERUDKCV JUXHVRPH IDWH DV VXUHO\ DV LI WKH\ KHOG WKH VWRQHV clubs and match sticks which sealed her fate with such indignity.

0U 7LOGH KDV EHHQ WKH FRPPLVVLRQHU IRU (GXFDWLRQ LQ %DXFKL 6WDWH for a couple of years now and were the Bauchi State Government VHULRXV DERXW LWV HGXFDWLRQ VHFWRU 0U 7LOGH ZRXOG KDYH VLQFH ORVW his job.

A supposedly respected northern intellectual, no one should ZRQGHU DQ\PRUH ZK\ HGXFDWLRQ LQ %DXFKL 6WDWH LV ZKHUH LW LV +H LW is who has no respect for the rights of others to express themselves freely.

The somewhat celebratory tones which some Nigerians have XVHG ZKLOH UHDFWLQJ WR 0V <DNXEXCV PXUGHU PXVW JUHDWO\ DODUP HY ery well-meaning Nigerian who wants a united Nigeria. The road to Nigeria`s unity is a forbiddingly long one. This is because there are those who do not want a united country but only a country twisted into their grotesque images.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

23

24

TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

17 May 2022

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž &Ğůů ϱϬďƉƐ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ƉĂƌƌĞĚ ŐĂŝŶƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϳϰ͘ϴϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ ϱϬďƉƐ ƚŽ Ϯ͕ϯϰϵ͘Ϭϴ ŝŶĚĞdž ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŽĮƚ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ t W K ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ ;Ͳϭ͘ϯйͿ͕ E/d, ĂŶĚ h ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ ;ͲϬ͘ϳйͿ͘ ĂŶĚ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂͲ DdEE t W K ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘Ϯй͘ ƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϳ͘ϱй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ

^/ ƵƉ ϭϭďƉƐ ĂƐ E' D 'ĂŝŶƐ ϯ͘ϯй

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

dŚĞ ĞĂƌƐ KƉĞŶ ƚŚĞ tĞĞŬ͙ ^/ ĚŽǁŶ Ϭ͘ϯй WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ

ĚĂLJ͕

ƉƌŝĐĞ

ƵƉƟĐŬ

ŝŶ

,KEz&>KhZ

zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ďŽƵƌƐĞ ŬŝĐŬĞĚ Žī ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ & E, ;нϬ͘ϳйͿ ďŽůͲ

ŽŶ Ă ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ŶŽƚĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ E'yͲ ^/ ĨĞůů Ϭ͘ϯй ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ƐƚĞƌĞĚ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůůͲ ϱϮ͕ϵϰϰ͘ϲϱ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ŝŶ t WͲ ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ K ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ DdEE ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ /Ed Z t ;Ͳϵ͘ϭйͿ͘ ĐͲ ϭϭďƉƐ ƚŽ ϯϵ͕ϱϱϬ͘ϯϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ Ͳϭ͘ϴй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ĐŽƌĚŝŶŐůLJ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŵŽĚĞƌĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ Ϯϯ͘ϵй ;ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ േϮϯ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ Ϯϰ͘ϯйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƐŚĂǀĞĚ Žī ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ƚŽ ϭϭϬ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ േϴϯ͘ϮďŶ ƚŽ േϮϴ͘ϱƚŶ͘ sŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĂĚͲ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϴϴ͘ϱй ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

ǀĂŶĐĞĚ Ϯϯ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ ϯϴ͘ϵй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ƚŽ ϯϳϰ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϭϭ͘ϭŵ

ĂŶĚ േϱ͘ϬďŶ͘

ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E ^d> ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ E' D ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

ĐƌŽƐƐ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ĚŽǁŶͲ ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ďĞĂƚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ Ϯ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ

ĂŶĚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ 'ŽŽĚƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d Ϭ͘ϲй ĞĂĐŚ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ŝŶ /Ed Z t ;Ͳϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ &>KhZD/>> ;Ͳϭ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ t W K ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͘ dƌĂŝůŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞ Ğƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϰ͘ϲй &ZͲ/ d ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů Ϭ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ƌĞͲ ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ

ƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ƐĞůůŽī ŝŶ DdEE ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ h ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕

Current Price

Ticker

ŝŶĚĞdž͘

hE/> s Z

;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕

>/E< ^^hZ

;Ͳϲ͘ϰйͿ͕

5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

ďLJ

ƉƌŝĐĞ

ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ

105.6%

13.9%

16.4x

20.3x

5.0%

19.1%

11.2%

35.7x

6.7x

3.8%

2.8%

-7.9%

19.8%

3.2%

3.9x

0.8x

12.5%

25.4% 32.6%

0.2%

5.1%

-7.9%

0.9x

5.8%

15.2%

1.5% 6.1%

24.35

-0.6%

4.9%

-3.2%

-3.2%

20.6%

2.6%

3.1x

0.6x

12.7%

300.00

0.0%

4.4%

16.7%

16.7%

37.7%

16.4%

13.6x

4.9x

6.7%

7.4%

1,400.00

0.0%

2.7%

-10.1%

-10.1%

112.8%

16.1%

24.3x

28.3x

3.6%

4.1%

11.95

0.0%

3.0%

4.8%

4.8%

8.4%

0.8%

7.0x

0.6x

3.8%

14.2%

28.80

-8.3%

3.4%

20.3%

20.3%

15.5%

11.1%

7.8x

1.2x

6.7%

12.8%

9.70

0.5%

2.4%

7.90

-1.3%

1.8%

-1.9%

-1.9%

15.6%

1.4%

2.3x

0.3x

12.7%

44.1%

33.00

0.0%

1.3%

-8.3%

-8.3%

15.6%

2.1%

7.0x

1.1x

8.8%

14.4%

77.00

0.0%

2.1%

54.0%

54.0%

10.5%

3.9%

33.2x

3.3x

2.3%

3.0%

1,300.10

0.0%

2.7%

100.0%

100.0%

7.5%

3.6%

13.4x

1.0x

3.2%

7.5%

2.7x

0.5x

5.3%

37.3%

25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 26 Presco PLC

4.3%

7.2%

12.50

0.0%

1.7%

43.7%

43.7%

18.4%

1.0%

8.00

-9.1%

1.5%

61.6%

61.6%

-9.9%

-3.4%

215.00

0.0%

1.4%

51.4%

51.4%

43.6%

25.5%

11.2x

4.7x

3.7%

8.9%

40.75

-1.7%

1.2%

43.7%

43.7%

15.9%

4.5%

6.2x

0.9x

4.2%

16.0% 35.6%

1.5x

-6.7%

3.69

-0.3%

0.8%

44.7%

44.7%

13.3%

1.2%

2.8x

0.3x

9.7%

2.20

0.0%

0.5%

-5.2%

-5.2%

2.3%

0.7%

25.8x

0.6x

11.2%

3.9%

17.30

0.0%

0.4%

-0.6%

-0.6%

16.7%

6.6%

9.3x

1.5x

5.7%

10.8%

10.7%

1.1%

3.50

0.0%

0.5%

17.1%

17.1%

13.75

1.9%

0.4%

38.9%

38.9%

98.00

0.0%

0.8%

151.3%

151.3%

1.40

8.5%

0.4%

45.8%

45.8%

17.8%

8.1%

14.6x

0.3x

5.7%

3.5x

10.9%

2.4x

0.5%

0.6x

1.6%

6.8%

200.00

0.0%

0.6%

127.8%

127.8%

4.3x

0.5%

27 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 28 AIICO Insurance PLC

12.85

2.0%

0.2%

-2.7%

-2.7%

18.5%

5.7%

12.9x

2.3x

3.1%

7.7%

0.79

5.3%

0.2%

12.9%

12.9%

14.0%

2.2%

31.3x

0.8x

2.5%

3.2%

29 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 30 Custodian and Allied Insurance

234.50

0.0%

0.2%

5.7%

5.7%

1.7x

7.8%

7.45

0.0%

0.2%

-5.7%

-5.7%

19.5%

5.5%

4.4x

0.8x

6.7%

22.8%

31 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 32 Unilever Nigeria PLC

24.50

0.0%

0.2%

8.9%

8.9%

50.3%

19.0%

4.6x

2.2x

6.1%

22.0%

15.00

6.4%

0.2%

3.4%

3.4%

11.2%

6.9%

17.6x

1.3x

3.4%

5.7%

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 34 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

29.80

0.0%

0.2%

33.3%

33.3%

17.0%

2.1%

6.6x

0.9x

8.4%

15.1%

6.55

1.6%

0.1%

11.0%

11.0%

6.1%

0.7%

10.3x

0.7x

9.7%

6.27

4.3%

0.2%

41.9%

41.9%

14.5%

2.6%

2.7x

0.4x

37.0%

3.57

-2.2%

0.0%

395.8%

395.8%

15.6%

0.9%

13.2x

1.9x

6.7%

7.6%

3.95

0.0%

0.1%

-12.2%

-12.2%

22.3%

12.9%

4.1x

0.8x

5.6%

24.5%

1.9x

0.3x

6.5%

52.3%

t W/ ;нϳ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;нϰ͘ϯйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ

32.0% 10.7%

23.95

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC 24 Guinness Nigeria PLC

Ϭ͘ϲй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͕ ďƵŽLJĞĚ ďLJ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ // K ;нϱ͘ϯйͿ͕

ϭ͘ϴй

32.0% 10.7%

9.2% 6.4%

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

ƵƉ

6.2%

0.0%

17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ Ϯ͘ϰй ĂŶĚ

Ğƌ͕

0.0%

46.6%

6.0x

Dividend Earnings Yield Yield

P/BV

18.2%

-0.6%

15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 International Brew eries PLC

37 NEM Insurance PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC

ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘

P/E

0.0%

74.25

38.4%

ROA

46.6%

260.00

11 United Bank for Africa PLC 12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

;Ͳϭ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ t D E< ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŚĂŶĚ͕ ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ

ROE

26.7% 134.9%

0.0%

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC 10 Access Holdings PLC

13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 14 SEPLAT Energy PLC

-0.50%

1,400.00

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

35 Oando PLC 36 Wema Bank PLC

ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ

2349.08

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

Price Previous Price Current Change Price Change Weighting Index to Change YTD Date

1.54

1.3%

0.1%

2.0%

2.0%

9.9%

0.9%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-17.7%

-4.1%

4.88

0.0%

0.0%

-9.3%

-9.3%

1.8x

-9.5%

0.8x

1.4%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a in e r s P ric e

P ric e C hg %

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

1.47

9.7%

T R A N SC OR P

88.6

8.5%

10.90

9.5%

J A IZ B A N K

87.4

-1.1%

T R A N SC OR P

1.40

8.5%

A C C ESSC OR P

28.8

0.5%

WA P IC

0.45

7.1%

IN T B R EW

16.2

-9.1%

ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϲϴ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ /Ŷ ƚŽĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ǁĞ

C H IP LC

0.61

7.0%

IKEJ A H OT EL

11.4

-3.5%

R EGA LIN S

0.31

6.9%

A IIC O

11.1

5.3%

ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĂŬ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ůŝŶŐĞƌ͘

J A P A ULGOLD

0.32

6.7%

GT C O

10.3

0.2%

KƵƚůŽŽŬ

ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕

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/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ

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T ic k er M C N IC H OLS NNFM

LIN KA SSUR E

0.64

6.7%

UB A

8.3

-1.3%

C A D B UR Y

16.95

6.6%

WA P C O

7.4

-8.3%

UN ILEVER

15.00

6.4%

FB NH

6.6

0.0%

dŽĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ E ^ ƉƵďůŝƐŚĞĚ ƚŚĞ W/ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ĨŽƌ Ɖƌŝů ϮϬϮϮ ǁŚŝůĞ dZ E^ ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ > ^ K ;Ͳϲ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ >/s Ͳ

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T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s

< Z ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ

ǁŚŝĐŚ ƐŚŽǁĞĚ ƚŚĂƚ ŚĞĂĚůŝŶĞ ŝŶŇĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ƚŽ ĂŶ ϴͲ

T ic k er

T ic k er C H A M P ION

P ric e 3.94

T ic k er

Value

-9.8%

SEP LA T

1411.8

0.0%

-9.5%

M TNN

715.6

-0.6%

P ric e C hg %

P ric e C hg %

GLA XOSM IT H

7.15

IN T B R EW

8.00

-9.1%

A C C ESSC OR P

278.6

0.5%

N EIM ET H

1.76

-8.3%

A IR T ELA F R I

257.2

0.0%

28.80

-8.3%

GT C O

245.9

0.2%

0.64

-7.2%

WA P C O

218.0

-8.3%

UN IT YB N K

0.51

-5.6%

P R ESC O

195.7

0.0%

F T N C OC OA

0.36

-5.3%

OKOM UOIL

168.3

0.0%

M ULT IVER SE

0.21

-4.5%

IN T B R EW

130.2

-9.1%

R OYA LEX

1.47

-3.9%

T R A N SC OR P

119.0

8.5%

WA P C O R T B R ISC OE

LAWYER TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022

A

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

WEEKLY PULLOUT

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

HON. JUSTICE MARY UKAEGO PETER-ODILI JSC, CFR

Peter-Odili JSC: An Amazon Bows Out at 70

II

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

IN THIS EDITION

Who Can Maintain an Action for Damage or Unlawful Arrest of a Vessel Page IV

NBA President Marries

Page V

QUOTABLES ‘The only genuine reason an A-G can enter a Nolle Prosequi, is when Government believes that it will not be in the public’s interest to prosecute that person at that time. A Nolle is like a sword of Damocles. It doesn’t mean you cannot, and will not be prosecuted another day.’ - Late Sir Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, SAN, Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice (June 12, 2015- August 10, 2018) ‘….The train attack was a collaboration between the terrorist bandits and Boko Haram elements….It is Boko Haram, that has the capacity to make explosives. The bandits are just simple thieves, that know how to steal and get money….We knew from two months ago, that a guy from Sambisa was relocating to help them with IEDs.’ - Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, Governor, Kaduna State, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Nigeria Needs Friendly Tax Laws in a Digital Economy Page V

LAWYER

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

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022

Citizen Deborah: When Extremists Take the State Hostage #justiceforOchanya ast week, I discussed some matters arising from the death of late Ochanya Ogbaje, who died as a result of VVF complications, following sexual assault/ rape from the age of 8, and concluded that the trial Judge did not exercise his discretion judiciously and judicially, resulting in a judgement which many, including myself, saw as perverse, a travesty of justice. I became more convinced that little Ochanya had been denied justice by the Benue State High Court, when I watched the video of her which was tendered in evidence as an exhibit in the case. While the recording may not qualify as a dying declaration, she lucidly and unequivocally named her rapists as Andrew (father) and Victor (son) Ogbuja, and talked about her ordeal briefly.

She even mentioned the fact that the Ogbuja’s daughter had caught Victor raping her and reported to Andrew, who then proceeded to rape her too.

I wondered how much more direct this evidence could be, and why the trial Judge expressed regret that Ochanya was not around to narrate her story!

She was, and she did. And so, I, like many other well-meaning Nigerians, am therefore crying out for justice for little Ochanya. I urge the Benue State Government to appeal this decision immediately, if it hasn’t already.

It is this kind of unjust/perverse decisions from courts of law, that encourage criminals to be more daring. The fact that they know that they will be able to get away with their misdeeds, even if they are taken before a court. See the case of Iteogu v LPDC 2018 LPELR-43845 (SC) on when a decision is reached per incuriam (a perverse decision is one which is arrived at, without taking the law or the facts of a case into consideration in arriving at the decision). You are elected into or put in a position of trust, you steal and loot the State treasury to the detriment of Nigerians - you either get off on technicalities or you are pardoned. You engage in jungle justice in the name of religion, you are never brought to book, and in the unlikely event that you face criminal charges, you also get off.

What type of example is being set? A bad one.

A tasty recipe for corruption and religious crisis.

L

Murder in God’s Name: #justiceforDeborah Recently, Deborah Yakubu, a Christian 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto was murdered by her fellow students for allegedly blaspheming against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a WhatsApp post. The act has been rightfully condemned by many, including President Muhammadu Buhari, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, and the Christian Association of Nigeria; and the public is demanding for justice for Deborah - that the perpetrators of this heinous act should be brought to book. The questions is, will they be prosecuted for murder/culpable homicide to the fullest extent of the law? Already, the public is hearing that while a huge mob was involved in this dastardly act against Deborah, so far, only two people have been arrested. Will Deborah get the justice she deserves?

Other Examples of Injustice This reminds me of the case of Gideon Akaluka, who was murdered by a mob in Kano in 1994. He was detained in Police custody for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran, and while in custody, a mob broke into the Police station, abducted, murdered and beheaded him, and then proceeded to parade his head on a stick. Christiana Oluwasesin, a Christian Secondary School Teacher also suffered a similar fate of murder by jungle justice in Gombe, for allegedly touching a bag belonging to a female student which contained the Holy Quran, thereby defiling the holy Book. In 2016, Deaconess of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Eunice Olawale, who went round her neighbourhood in Kubwa, Abuja daily around 5am evangelising on a megaphone, was found dead in a pool of her own blood, her throat slit. A few days before her murder, she had complained to her husband that she had heard some people behind a Mosque saying she should be chased away because of her evangelising. Is anybody chase away, when the Muslims do the 'Azan' (Call to Prayer) daily, especially at 5am?

Also, in 2016, 74 year old Bridget Agbahime, a plastics seller at Kofar Wambai Market, Kano, who had issues with one Ahmed Dauda, identified as a ring leader of the mob that murdered her, was clubbed to death for allegations of blasphemy which were unsubstantiated.

In all these cases, nobody was brought to justice.

In my article of 22/11/16, "Islam, Mob Justice and the State", I concluded inter alia that, if Government failed to take a stand on this issue of murder in the name of blasphemy, it would send a message that the Federal Government condones cold-blooded

of Mrs Agbahime, because a Nolle Prosequi “is only a temporary proceeding which has the effect only of a stay and not of quashing the indictment, which technically may later be prosecuted without a fresh indictment” - State v Ilori & Ors 1983 2 S.C. Page 155 at 195 per Aniagolu JSC. In Audu v AG Federation 2013 8 N.W.L.R. Part 1355 Page 175 at 203 per Rhodes-Vivour JSC the Apex Court held that “Nolle Prosequi means do not wish to proceed”.

In a 2017 interview of my late friend, former Attorney-General of Rivers State, Sir Chinwe Aguma, SAN, he stated that an AG should only enter a Nolle when it is in the interest of the public to do so. Pray tell, how did it serve the interest of the public, to assist identified murderers to escape justice? It did not.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com onikepob@yahoo.com Twitter: @TheAdvocate

The

Advocate “In my view, any aspirant or candidate in the upcoming 2023 elections, who is not ready to uphold Sections 10 & 38 the Constitution……should not be voted for in the 2023 elections. Their silence speaks volumes about their implied support for religious violence, and their willingness to look away from horrible injustice, just to secure votes…. I, Abimbola Onikepo Braithwaite, condemn the grisly and macabre murder of Deborah Yakubu, and any form of mob or jungle justice” murder, particularly when it is done in the name of Islam; that contrary to Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution), Nigeria is an Islamic State - see Sections 38-40 of the Constitution and the case of Ugwu v Ararume 2007 12 N.W.L.R. Part 1048 Page 367 at 441-442 per Niki Tobi JSC on the word “shall” being a command - Federal and State Government shall not adopt any religion; that Muslims regularly get away with murder done by mob justice, and that Nigeria is a Banana Republic with Kangaroo courts. How can we ever hope to attract new foreign direct investment, with this kind of scary narrative? Well apart from countries like China, who seem to place little or no value on the promotion or preservation of fundamental human rights.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I make these three points yet again - that the Holy Quran does not provide that death is the punishment for blasphemy - “And overlook their annoying talk, and put your trust in Allah (Quran 33:49, 4:41); that the Constitution does not endow their Sharia (and Customary) Courts with criminal jurisdiction - see Sections 262, 267, 277 & 282 of the Constitution; and that under Nigerian law, Blasphemy is a misdemeanour which attracts two years imprisonment with option of fine - see Section 210 of the Penal Code Act

Late Deborah Samuel Yakubu

(PCA) (applicable in Northern Nigeria) & Section 204 of the Criminal Code Act (CCA) (applicable in Southern Nigeria). Murder/ Culpable Homicide, on the other hand, upon conviction of the offence, attracts the death penalty. See Section 30(1) of the Constitution, Section 316 of the CCA and Section 220 of the PCA. Late Betty Agbahime & Nolle Prosequi Late Betty Agbahime's case was said to be glaring, because not only was there positive identification of her killers who were well known, there were eye-witness accounts of the attack on her; the accused persons were arrested and charged to court. But, despite widespread condemnation, even by MURIC which declared that "there is no jungle justice in Islam", unjustly and unfairly, the Attorney-General of Kano State entered a "Nolle Prosequi" and late Mrs Agbahime's alleged killers were freed. I reached out to the AG Kano at the time, to ask why he took the inexpedient way out, instead of prosecuting the matter vigorously to secure justice for Mrs Agbahime. He never responded. These religious bigots who have made a habit of misinterpreting the Holy Quran, have also instilled fear into people, so much so that many are afraid to speak out against their wrongdoings for fear of reprisals.

But, all is not lost, especially in the case

Conclusion So, just like we are hoping that little Ochanya will get justice when the High Court decision goes on appeal, we also implore the Sokoto State Government, Police, and Judiciary to ensure that Deborah gets justice. These criminal, extremist murderers, must be held accountable for their dastardly acts of murder/culpable homicide. Their actions have all the elements/ingredients required to prove the offence of murder, including the mens rea, and it was captured on video. Anything short of convicting every person identified in the video as partaking in Deborah’s murder, and giving them the harshest punishment possible, will put our Judiciary into further disrepute. Making an example of these extremists, who by the way, as students, should know better, will serve as a lesson and deterrent to other intolerant people.

Isn’t it strange and highly unacceptable, that the Government is happy to allow courts which do not have the requisite criminal jurisdiction, to unlawfully sentence people to death for blasphemy, an offence that carries a maximum of a two-year imprisonment punishment, while they look the other way when people commit heinous, gruesome murders that do actually deserve the death penalty as punishment, letting them go scot free?! This must stop. Sir Aguma told us in his interview that, a subsequent Attorney-General can continue with the prosecution of a case in which a Nolle had previously been entered. I hope that this will be done in Mrs Agbahime’s case; and that all the other cases where it was the will to prosecute alleged offenders that was lacking, and not the evidence to do justice to the case, that they are also addressed.

I was appalled to watch videos on social media over the weekend, in which religious extremists in Sokoto went on the rampage to protest against the arrest of the two people who were fingered in the murder of Deborah. Nigeria is fast descending into a state of anarchy. Imagine protesting against the State for doing the right thing - arresting some of those involved in such a gruesome murder. The provisions of Sections 10 & 38 of the Constitution are clear - in a nutshell, that Nigeria has no religion, nor does any State; that we are all free to propagate our religions and beliefs, as long as they are lawful.

In my view, any aspirant or candidate in the upcoming 2023 elections, who is not ready to uphold Sections 10 & 38 the Constitution, who is not ready to publicly condemn and denounce the unlawful and gruesome murder of people in the name of blasphemy, whether Christian or Muslim blasphemy, should not be voted for in the 2023 elections. Their silence speaks volumes about their willingness to look away from horrible injustice, just to secure votes. It shows that, with such people at the helm of affairs, there will be no positive change in Nigeria, as far as divisive issues like religion and tribalism are concerned.

Islam is a religion of peace and total submission to God; not one of violence and mob justice.

I remember attending the funeral of a dear friend of mine, in London some years ago.

As the Imam delivered a brief sermon at the cemetery, I felt his words fill my body with peace and tranquillity. I am unable to understand why people perpetrate violence in the name of Islam. Going forward, Nigeria needs leaders who will restore the nation to normalcy, to the time when religion was personal and played no part in State or public life. And, the time to do this is now, before the country descends into further chaos.

I, Abimbola Onikepo Braithwaite, unequivocally condemn the grisly and macabre murder of Deborah Yakubu, and any form of mob or jungle justice. I believe in the rule of law. I express my condolences to her family, and pray that Deborah rests in perfect peace. Amen.

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

Who Can Maintain an Action for Damage or Unlawful Arrest of a Vessel Facts The Appellant commenced an action against the Respondents, under the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act 1991. The Appellant claimed the sum of $1,986,939.97 as outstanding debt against the 1st Respondent for port and cargo dues, ship charges, agency fees and interest on the said debt at the time of commencing the action at the Federal High Court. The Appellant also filed a motion ex-parte requesting an order of arrest/detention of the vessel MT “Ocean Success” (“the vessel”) and Cargo of 15,300 MT of Premium Motor Spirit (“Cargo”) on board the vessel, pending the provision of a Bank Guarantee from a reputable Bank in Nigeria to secure the claim of the Appellant at the trial court. The application was granted by the court.

The 1st Respondent subsequently provided the Bank Guarantee to secure the claim of the Appellant at the trial court, and filed an application for the release of the vessel and the cargo. The application was granted by the trial court. At the end of the trial, the court gave judgement in favour of the Appellant. The decision was appealed by the 1st Respondent, who felt dissatisfied with the judgement of the trial court. The appeal was successful; the Court of Appeal upturned the decision of the trial court. The Appellant has now appealed to the Supreme Court, against the judgement of the Court of Appeal.

Issues for Determination The following three issues were considered and determined by the court: 1. “Whether the Court of Appeal was right in awarding the sum of US$400,000.00 in favour of the 1st Respondent as daily charter cost, when on the evidence on record and as admitted by the 1st Respondent, it is neither charterer nor owner of the vessel MT “Ocean Success” and when proof by evidence as required by law of such a colossal sum having been incurred by the 1st Respondent as daily charter cost was not before the court.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in awarding the sum of US$9,500.00 in favour of the 1st Respondent, being cost of issuing Bank Guarantee and interest of 18% being Central Bank of Nigeria official rate on the sum of the Bank Guarantee, when the evidence required under the law in support the claims was not before the court.

3. Whether the Court of Appeal was right when it awarded “post judgement interest at the rate of 5% from date of judgement until total sum is fully liquidated”, when no such claim was made by the 1st Respondent before the court.

Arguments Submitting on issue one, counsel for the Appellant contended that the Court of Appeal fell into error in awarding the sum of US$400,000.00 in favour of the 1st Respondent, when it was found as a fact that the 1st Respondent was not the owner of the arrested vessel. The law is that only owners of a ship or demise charterers can sue and be sued, for loss or damages arising from the use of the ship or for wrongful arrest/or detention of the ship - EASTWIND TRANSPORT (NIG) LTD v COMET MERCHANT BANK LTD 1995-1997 VOL. 4 NSCC 85. Counsel argued that even if damage was sustained, the Claimant ought to have specifically pleaded same and provided credible and admissible evidence in proof of the damage sustained, for the award to be made. He posited that the award made in favour of the 1st Respondent as daily cost ought to be set aside, since no evidence was proffered in support of the award. Responding, counsel for the Respondents submitted that the arrest and detention of the vessel was wrongful and utterly baseless in law, as the Appellant who failed to establish ownership of the vessel by the 1st Respondent to justify the arrest and detention of the vessel, became liable for the costs incurred on the release of

Honourable Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 18th day of February, 2022 Before Their Lordships Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Ejembi Eko Mohammed Lawal Garba Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Tijjani Abubakar Justices, Supreme Court SC./310/2015 Between Bronwen Energy Trading Ltd

Appellant And

1.

2.

3.

OAN Overseas Agency Nig. Ltd The Vessel MT “Ocean Success” Master of the Vessel MT “Ocean Success”

Respondents

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC)

the vessel. Contrary to the position of the Appellant, counsel contended that other persons, aside the ship owner, can sue for damages in respect of loss incurred for action of a third party on the ship - REBOLD INDUSTRIES LIMITED & ANOR (2015) LPELR-246 12(SC).

On issue two, counsel contended on behalf of the Appellant that where a party takes steps to mitigate his loss, he cannot recover damages in respect of that loss even if the steps he took to avoid the loss are characterised as being more than what was reasonably necessary. He argued that apart from the mere procurement of a Bank Guarantee, no other evidence was brought before the court to show that indeed, the cost of US$9,500.00 was incurred in obtaining the Bank Guarantee.

Counsel submitted that the claim which is within the ambit of special damages needed not only to be pleaded, but also to be specifically proved by credible and admissible evidence and no such evidence was made available before the Court of Appeal. It was also his case that the alleged interest at 18% per annum being the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official rate cannot stand, as same was neither pleaded nor evidence led in its support.

Reacting to arguments on this issue, counsel for the Respondents submitted

“The law is that, it is only owners of a ship or demise charterers that can sue and be sued for loss or damage arising from the use of the ship or, for wrongful arrest/or detention of the ship”

the law is that even in cases where a Defendant fails to lead evidence in proof of its counter-claim, the court can rightly grant such claims - BALOGUN v UBA LTD (1992) 6 NWLR (Pt. 247) 336.

Regarding issue three, learned counsel for the Appellant submitted that a court cannot award to a party that which he had not claimed, as is the case in the matter at hand. Responding, the 1st Respondent contended that obtaining judgement in a suit, the courts are empowered to make such discretionary orders as to preserve the benefit of the judgement until such time as it is complied with.

In other words, post-judgement interest needs not be specifically claimed - A.I.B. LTD v I.D.S LTD (2012) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1328) 50.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale In resolving the first issue, the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal fell into error in awarding the sum of US$400,000.00 in favour of the 1st Respondent, when it was found as a fact that the 1st Respondent was not the owner of the arrested vessel.

The law is that, it is only owners of a ship or demise charterers that can sue and be sued for loss or damage arising from the use of the ship, or for wrongful arrest/or detention of the ship - EASTWIND TRANSPORT (NIG) LTD v COMET MERCHANT BANK LIMITED (supra). Therefore, any purported damage or loss suffered by the Respondent was voluntary and self-induced, and undeserving of relief from

the court. Assuming the 1st Respondent is the owner or charterer of the arrested vessel and it has suffered damage in the circumstance, the law still requires proof by evidence of the claim. The Court of Appeal ought to have made an enquiry into how the 1st Respondent arrived at the total of US$400,000 for five days, before making the award. The heads of costs were lumped together and not specifically pleaded, as required by law. No evidence whatsoever was led before the trial court, and none was made available at the Court of Appeal in support of the various heads of claims. It follows that the award of the sum of US$400,000.00, was erroneously made.

The only reason that could be deduced for the erroneous award by the Court of Appeal is the wrong conclusion arrived at, that the arrest was wrongful, relying on Section 13 of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act. However, for the Section to apply, certain parameters must be established, such as: that the arrest was made unreasonably and without good cause. In this instance, there were no facts upon which the Court of Appeal could infer unreasonableness and without good cause for the arrest of both the vessel and cargo on board.

Deciding issue two, the Supreme Court held that under Order 7 Rule 1(ii) of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules, 2011, a party to a proceeding commenced as an action in rem may, by Motion Ex-parte, apply for an arrest warrant in respect of the ship or other property against which the proceeding was commenced, as the purpose of the arrest is to secure the claims of the arresting party. The argument of the Appellant that the lower court ought not to have awarded the sum of US$9,500 in favour of the 1st Respondent, is baseless in the light of the position of law that even in cases where a Defendant fails to lead evidence in proof of its counter-claim, the courts can rightly grant such claims BALOGUN v UBA LTD (1992) 6 NWLR (Pt. 247) 336. Also, the provision of Section 13 of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act enables the court to deal with the issues of damages summarily. The 1st Respondent in its Reply to Plaintiff’s Defence to the Counter-claim at the trial court, averred that the Plaintiff’s claims and the subsequent arrest of the vessel is vexatious and without merit. The averment was neither controverted by the Appellant nor denied; it is deemed admitted in law. For this purpose, the court below rightly found that the Appellant was liable for the cost of obtaining the bank guarantees at the cost of US$9,500. The Appellant’s contention that the award of interest rate of 18% was done by the lower court without any evidence before the court in the absence of document from the CBN, is an assertion that had no basis. The documents before the court were sufficient to guide the lower court in arriving at the finding it reached. with regard to interest rate it awarded in favour of the 1st Respondent.

On issue three, the Supreme Court held that after obtaining judgement of court in a suit, payment may be delayed by the judgement debtor. For this reason, the courts are empowered to make such discretionary orders, as to preserve the benefit of the judgement until such time as it is complied with. Post-judgement interest compensates the successful party, for the delay in receiving the judgement owed. The law is that postjudgement interest need not be specifically claimed, the award is at the discretion of the court and it is regulated by the rules and operating statute - A.I.B LTD v I.D.S. LTD (supra).

Appeal Allowed in Part.

Representation Sylva Ogwemoh, SAN with Mudi Ishaka Dikko, M.M. Zakari, Wahab Dako and Dr Solomon Lenlaye for the Appellant.

N.K. Oragwu with G. Ogwu and A. Liman for the Respondents.

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

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NEWS NBA President Marries

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Rabiu Olowo; Senior Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning; , Prince Clem NBA President, Mr Olumide Akpata, his bride, Osayamon Ogbebor Akpata and Attorney-General of Agba; Managing Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe; and Guest Lecturer, Dr Ekiti State, Mr Olawale Fapohunda, SAN to their Traditional Wedding Reception which took place in Alexander Ezenagu, during the 14th Annual Lecture of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors at the Metropolitan Benin, Edo State on Saturday, May 14, 2022 Club, Victoria Island, Lagos on last Thursday, 12th May, 2022 PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

Nigeria Needs Friendly Tax Laws in a Digital Economy Stories by Steve Aya Although, Nigeria has its own tax law, it is important that this law is friendly, fair and flexible, so that the nation can tap from the fast developing digital economy.

These were the views of Dr Alexander Ezenagu, the Guest Speaker at the 2022 edition of the Punuka Annual Lecture, with the theme: “Taxation of the Digital Economy: The Challenges and Prospect for Nigerian Economy”.

A2J Raises Concerns Over NJC’s New Policy Directions on Political Cases A justice sector reform NGO, Access to Justice (A2J), has expressed serious concerns over the recent Policy Directions issued by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on litigation of political cases.

In a statement last weekend, the Executive Director of A2J, Joseph Otteh said: ‘The National Judicial Council (NJC) issued new Policy Directions last week to remedy… the multiplicity of litigation of political suits at different courts of coordinate jurisdiction across the nation, resulting in conflicting orders on the same issues and facts’. A2J regards the NJC’s intervention on the matter as a “one-step” progress towards dealing with a longstanding problem, but, not the solution to the problem.

‘First, aspects of the Directions raise constitutional questions, whether the NJC has not overreached its powers and encroached into the rule-making powers of individual courts, whether State or Federal.

‘Second, the Policy Directions forbids cases to be assigned or entertained by any courts, once “facts or issues have been ruled upon” presumably by another court. This rule creates a real risk that Chief Judges will refuse to assign any cases filed in court, where they believe that a case has facts or issues that have been “ruled upon”.

Cases filed in court may not come in a straight jacket.

Therefore, any assessment by a Chief Judge that a case has facts or issues which have been “ruled upon” may be a patently wrong or unfounded one, or at least may be contestable.

The Policy Directions do not offer litigants the opportunity to make representations to a Chief Judge before, or even after a decision is made by the Chief Judge to preclude the assignment of the case.

‘This power is also arguably

unconstitutional. Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution provides that every person is entitled to a fair hearing in the determination of his civil rights and obligations, while Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantees every person the right to have their causes heard. This means that, whatever is the merit of the case, a litigant has the right to present their case to an adjudicating authority. To give Chief Judges the power to close-off the door to the exercise of this important constitutional right peremptorily, is particularly obnoxious and objectionable. It is mostly after a case has been presented at trial, that it will fall to be decided whether “facts and issues” in a case have been the subject of a previous litigation.

And not before it. The Judiciary ought to be foremost in showing greater sensitivity to protecting rights of access to court, and not restricting it.

‘Again, the Policy Directions fail to address the accountability of individual Judges, for failure to exercise proper diligence when adjudicating over election/political cases. Added to this, the NJC’s track record in dealing with Judges found guilty of misconduct for issuing improper ex-parte orders is slack and poor, and has little deterrent value. Placing “erring” Judges on a watch list and suspending their elevation “when due”, is hardly a cogent palliative, particularly given that under the NJC’s Appointment Guidelines, Judges are “not due” for elevation as of right, but must pass an open, transparent and merit-based competitive process to get selected for appointment to a higher court. Even at that, many Judges could be content with their current positions, and not desire to be elevated in the first place, and so those sanctions mean next to nothing to them.

The University Don said that, given the present international convention where digital business and economy is fast developing, a good tax law that will allow you to tax businesses, both with physical presence or without any physical presence, is what Nigeria needs now given the speed at which Nigerian’s digital economy is developing.

He further maintained that, Nigeria needs to elevate its digital tax laws to the royalty level.

Also speaking at the event, the Nigeria’s Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, said digital economy is high on the list of untapped sources of funds

for the Nigerian tax authorities, and it is the future of the nation.

Agba, who also towed the line of the Guest Speaker, said that a delicate balance must be achieved, such that taxation of the digital economy did not stifle its growth, noting that taxes were the lifeblood of Government.

According to him: “It is the blood with which the economy runs and functions, and without it, a government will not be able to fulfil its obligations to the citizenry.

“Whatever affects collectible taxes will therefore, affect the health, existence and performance of the Government and the economy.”

He explained that the digitalisa-

tion of the economy had revealed some challenges and shortcomings in the existing tax practice, as it affects the allocation of taxing rights and administration of taxes, especially with respect to non-resident taxpayers.

In her welcoming address, the Managing Partner of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe said “that the advent of the internet, birthed prime opportunities for globalisation.

The digital space in Nigeria, has witnessed immense growth over the years. In January 2022, Kepios Data Analysis reports that internet users in Nigeria rose by 4.5million”.

She further added: “that

globalisation has brought about digital trade, commerce and taxation. It has also resulted in major digital advancement, with the emerging issues on crypto currency-commerce and cross border digital trade”.

“It has become imperative to examine incidental issues on taxing the digital economy as it presents the Nigerian Government with huge potentials, and at the same time, tax policy may be disincentives for the growth of digital business. This informs the theme of the annual lecture for this year”, Mrs. Idigbe said.

This year’s hybrid lecture is the 14th in the series, and it was attended by a worldwide audience.

EFCC Closes its Case Against American, Marco Antonio Ramirez Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has adjourned the fraud case of an American citizen, Marco Antonio Ramirez till June 24, 2022 for the defence to open its case.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has closed the case of alleged $368,698.24 Visa racket fraud brought against the American, before the Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

Ramirez is facing an amended nine-count charge alongside his companies: USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP, and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP. During the resumed proceeding, the EFCC counsel, Samuel Daji presented the Prosecution’s last witness, Ayotunde Solademi, who works with the Federal Bureau

of Investigation, FBI, Office of the Legal Attache in the US Consulate.

He said: “Sometime in 2016, the Office of the Legal Attache in Nigeria received a letter from the EFCC, containing a request that the FBI should assist the EFCC to find out about the EB-5 Investor Immigrant Programme.

“Also to know if USA Now LLC has the right to issue out the EB-5 Investor Immigrant visa to Nigerians. “The FBI investigated the matter relating to questions that were asked.”

According to him, following the conclusion of investigations, a reply of the findings was sent to the EFCC. He said: “We responded to the EFCC, based on our search and people interviewed. “The main crux of our finding was that, Nigeria is

not a participant of the EB-5 Investor Immigrant Programme.

“And if Nigeria is not a participant, then no company has been given the licence or right to give out the visa to them.”

He thereafter, identified the FBI correspondence with the EFCC, as the Prosecution sought to tender it.

There was no objection from the Defence, and it was admitted in evidence as Exhibit P19.

Under cross-examination by Lawal Pedro, SAN, the Defendant’s new counsel, the witness testified that Ramirez is in fact also wanted in the United States to stand trial for some other charges against him.

“Sometime in 2018, the FBI wanted the EFCC to return the Defendant to the US to face charges against him”, he told the court.

After cross-examination, the Prosecution informed the Court that it was closing its case.

Some of the charges against the Defendant reads: “Marco Antonio Ramirez, USANOW LLC, and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP on or about the 26th day of July, 2013 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $250,000 from Gabriel Ogie Edeoghon under the false representation that the sum was his investment in your company: USA NOW Energy Capital Group LP in the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) United States of America Investor Programme, which investment would qualify him to be eligible to a USA Green Card, and which representation you knew to be false.

PHOTO NEWS

Lady Matilda Folorunso Oshikoya (centre), Wife of late Attorney-General of Lagos State (1992-1994), Sir Otunba Yomi Oshikoya, recently celebrated her 90th Birthday in Lagos. With her, her twin daughters, Kehinde Pamphille (left) and Taiwo Kola Balogun (right)

Lady Oshikoya with her children including Steven Kola Balogun (extreme right), Helen Oshikoya (next), Taiwo Kola Balogun (standing behind the celebrant), Ola and Feyi Ogunneye (next), grandchildren and great grandchildren

#upjudicialsalaries “A justice system replete with individuals who are underpaid and overworked, is a well tested recipe for corruption.” - Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor, Ekiti State; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum

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Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili CFR

Peter-Odili JSC: An Amazon Bows Out at 70 Having served the nation with great candour and dedication for 44 years, Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili CFR bowed out as a Justice of the Supreme Court last Thursday, May 12, 2022 on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70. Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi who attended the colourful and very well-attended valedictory court session at the Supreme Court, spoke with a crosssection of senior Lawyers who attested to the her humility, integrity, intelligence and hard work. In this Special Edition, Chief Solomon Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, also pays glowing tribute to her Virtuous Lady of the Law Chief Solomon Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN King Jehoshaphat said to the Judges: “Take heed what you do; for you judge not for man, but for the Lord, our God who is with you in the judgement.

Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord Our God be upon you; take heed and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes” 2 Chronicles Chapter 19: 6-7 Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili CFR (nee Nzenwa), Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, born on 12th May, 1952, attained the age of 70 years prescribed by the Constitution for retirement by Judicial Officers of the Supreme Court on 12th day of May, 2022.

She has spent 44 out of the 70 years of her life on the Bench of the Judiciary in Nigeria (1978-2022). She is married to Sir Dr Peter Odili, Governor of Rivers State (1999-2007). She had reproduced herself in two of her daughters, who are now Judges of High Courts. She is the Vice Chairman Body of Benchers, and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (FNIALS).

Her Career Hon. Justice Peter-Odili’s career began in 1978 as a Magistrate Grade III in the former Bendel State of Nigeria, and ended as Justice of the Highest Court in Nigeria. No one is surprised that she chose to be a Legal Practitioner; she came with enviable pedigree. Her late father, His Royal Highness, Eze B.S.C Nzenwa, was a global Solicitor/Advocate, a mediator, a Judge in his Amudi Obizi, Ezinihittle Mbaise Local Government of Imo State.

Discussing the virtuous Lady of the Law, Hon. Justice Peter-Odili is difficult, because she is a woman of many parts and indeed, a legal titan and one of the Nigeria’s illustrious Ladies of the Law. She was the 3rd

woman to sit on the Bench of the Supreme Court after Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar GCON (Former Chief Justice of Nigeria) (CJN), and Hon. Justice Olufunmilola Adekeye JSC Rtd, and she left behind four female Jurists in the Court, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie, Hon. Justice Uwani Musa Abba- Aji and Hon. Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JJSC. Socrates, a great Philosopher said: “Four things belong to a Judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially”.

Judgements Let us read her words concerning few areas of law which may reveal the inner mind of the Jurist .

When she was faced with matters touching on tradition and powers of Traditional Rulers, she had no difficulty in giving justice to whom it was due.

Alhaji Ado Bayero & Anor v Alhaji Agundi & Ors In the case of His Royal Highness Alhaji Ado Bayero (Emir of Kano) & Kano Emirate Council v Alhaji Aminu Agundi & 9 Ors, a fairly complicated case, she demonstrated the virtues of a Judge in determining the case.

The 1st Respondent, Alhaji Babba Dan Agundi, was conferred with the title of Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta and made a District head by the Emir of Kano, then Alhaji Dr Ado Bayero. Later, the Governor of Kano State approved the appointment of Agundi as the District head of Gabasawa Kano.

Following a disagreement between the Emir and Sarkin Agundi on a traditional matter, the 1st Respondent was stripped of his title and was removed by the Emir. The 1st Respondent was dissatisfied with the Emir’s decision; he instituted action in Kano State High Court on the grounds that his appointment had statutory flavour, and that the Emir was not competent to remove him. He also alleged that his right to fair hearing, was denied.

“Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili is one of the finest Judges that has adorned the Bench in Nigeria….

She combined her judicial duties with the wisdom of Abigail in the Scripture…..As a Justice…..her character remains her hallmark and identity”

He was successful in the lower Courts. Emir Ado Bayero and the Kano Emirate Council, appealed to the Supreme Court. It was one of those volatile cases, one that provoked lengthy and elaborate legal argument in the Supreme Court, by leading eminent Counsel at the Bar. Hon Justice Peter- Odili, who presided and read the lead judgement, held that Traditional titles given at any time to any person in Kano State, was the responsibility of the Emir of Kano. The primary criteria for such appointment are “loyalty and likeness”. The Emir, according to custom and tradition, was guided in the appointment by only one criteria which was, “Soyayya and buyyaya”, that is “favour and obedience”. The removal of any holders of traditional office by the Emir, is a matter within the custom and tradition, and the sole prerogative of the Emir.

His Lordship, stated the mind of the Court in these words: “Traditional titles given at any time, was the responsibility of the Emir of Kano. The main criteria for such appointment are loyalty and likeness.The power of ºthe approving authority, did not in any way affect the discretionary power of the Emir in making those appointments.

The Emir is guided in the appointments he makes, but only one criterion, which is ‘soyayya and buyyaya’; that is, ‘favour and obedience’.

The Emir appoints whomever he wishes.

There is no shackling provision in the Local Government Law of Kano State to the powers of the Emir and the Emirate Council, which has the discretion on the day to day running of the territory including those things necessary to assist in the maintenance of peace and order.

The removal of the title of Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta, is in accordance with the customs and traditions of Kano Emirate”.

Steven Platt, the founding Managing member of the Platt Group Incorporated stated that, an excellent Judge is known by his ability to communicate with Counsel.

Hon. Justice Peter-Odili demonstrated her ability to apply the law to the facts. and to understand how a judicial decision will affect the human being appearing before the Court with patience, open-mindedness, courtesy, punctuality, firmness, understanding, humility and common sense.

Every Lawyer who had practised in the Supreme Court, will attest to the fact that, any panel of the Supreme Court where Hon. Justice Odili presided, “the Court Orderly and bearer of the Seal of the Court” knocked at exactly 9am, and the humility of the Presiding is shown as the Presiding Justice greeted all Counsel and litigants with a smile.

Demonstration of Virtues of an Excellent Judge: Adeniran & Anor v Oba Ibrahim & Ors The virtues of an excellent Judge were demonstrated in the case of Mr AbdulGaniyu Adeniran (for Adeniyi Apata family, Offa) & The Olafa of Offa v HRH Oba AbdulGaniyu Ajibola Ibrahim Olusokun II, Elerin of Erin-Ile (for Himself and the Erin-Ile Community) & Ors. The facts of this case relate to where the Supreme Court had given a final judgement in 1973, affirming the boundaries of Offa and Erin-Ile communities .

The Offa Community continued to re-litigate on the same cause of action, apparently not satisfied. At the hearing of the appeal which came from the Court of Appeal Ilorin, Hon. Justice Peter-Odili who presided, demonstrated the open-mindedness of an excellent Judge. She permitted forensic advocacy and freedom of Counsel to fully address the Court on the issues brought for determination.

In the lead judgement, Hon Justice Odili wrote: “Again, most crushing of the facts is that, assuming the appeal was competent, it seems to me an abuse of court process, since what is in dispute is the boundary between Offa Community and Erin-Ile Community, a matter well rested by this Court in 1973, which has thrown up the principle of estoppel and the need to proclaim that the time has come for society to be mindful, and not go chasing after issues long adjudicated upon and decided”.

Her Applauded Attributes One of the most celebrated and applauded attributes of Hon. Justice Peter-Odili, is her ability to exercise forbearance under provocation of the most unjustified circumstances.

In October 2021, on a Friday, some persons who claimed to be officials of the Federal Executive Arm of Government, approached the official Quarters of Hon. Justice Peter-Odili with a “search warrant”. They were resisted because of its unlawfulness and its being an affront to the Judiciary, as an arm of Government.

The incident had precedent in the invasion of the homes of Justices of Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court Judges in 2016. It was the worst and most provocative attack on Judiciary in Nigeria, and to date nothing useful and good has come out of it. It was the height of impunity, and executive lawlessness.

The unwarranted, unlawful and reckless actions of these persons was given wide publicity by both electronic and print media. The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association and several non-governmental organisations condemned the action, and called for prosecution of the miscreants.

The quality of confidence in God, courage and fearlessness manifested in the calmness with which His Lordship handled the matter ,was exemplary.

The following Monday after the incident, Hon. Justice

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Peter-Odili JSC: An Amazon Bows Out at 70 Peter-Odili presided along with other Justices of the Supreme Court, to perform her scheduled duties of hearing cases without any emotion. She did not allow the incident to affect her judicial conduct or decisions, even where the Federal Government was a party in the appeal before her in accordance with her oath of office.

The most important over-all attribute which is a key to intangible positive reputation both in the profession and of community of a Judge, is character.

It was reported that a Judge of the British Crown was asked why Judges of Her Majesty were not accused of corruption, as are Nigerian Judges. He was reported to have ensured that, the most important qualification of Her Majesty’s Judges is “character”.

Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili is one of the finest Judges that has adorned the Bench in Nigeria, from a High Court Judge, who at the same was the wife of the Governor of Rivers State. She combined her judicial duties with the wisdom of Abigail in the Scripture, by protecting her family from destruction of the political opponent, without affecting her judicial functions. As a Justice of the Court of Appeal and of the Supreme Court, her character remains her hallmark and identity.

It is common knowledge that, political elites in Nigeria classify and profiled judicial officers into political camps. Sir Dr Peter Odili had since 1999 been and is still a leader in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), so every political or electoral cases in the Supreme Court touching the interest of the PDP had always been insinuated, falsely by political gladiators as being influenced by Hon. Justice Peter-Odili; but at the end, she was always justified by her character as one who feared God, and free from all such negative insinuations.

Ikpeazu v Otti In the case of Ikpeazu v Otti (2016) 8 N.W.L.R. (Pt.1513) 38 per Mary Peter-Odili, J.S.C. at page 412, paras. A-C stated thus: "In this case at hand, the application was brought by the 4th to 8th Respondent to call additional witnesses, but erroneously, only two names of witnesses were put on the list of witnesses. It is glaringly evident that a gross mistake had been made, especially where the witness statements of the 213 witnesses were in the processes before court.The ensuing effect of refusing the amendment to bring in the names of these witnesses whose statements or depositions were already in, would definitely, in my view, be a miscarriage of justice, and the full application of technical and abstract justice based on arid legalism to the loss of substantial justice. That is not what the law or its practice, is all about”.

Justice Peter Odili is an advocate of discipline, diligence and adherence to the rules of professional ethics. She demonstrated this in the case of Akinlade v INEC (2020) 17 NWLR (Pt.1754) 439 at 457 where His Lordship stated the law thus: “Paragraph 20(4) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007 forbids a Lawyer from being a witness for his client in a matter that is contentious.

The point is so basic and fundamental, that the total disregard or lack of it by a Lawyer cannot be condoned.

Any conduct that is a direct affront or infringement of the express Rules of Professional Conduct, can only be regarded as a conduct unbecoming.

“In the instant case, the 2nd Respondent’s motion was contentious. The Appellants, through one Mubarak Imam who described himself as “a Legal Practitioner in the Law Firm of Ahmed Raji & Co., counsel to the Appellants”, filed a counter-affidavit wherein they supposedly joined issues with the 2nd Respondent on his objection to grounds 14 and 18. The counter-affidavit offended paragraph 20(4) Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007, that forbids a Lawyer from being a witness for his client in a matter that is contentious. The Appellants’ counter-affidavit being so brazenly offensive, was accordingly discountenanced” (P. 457, paras. E-F).

Conclusion The end of a thing the Scripture says, is better than its beginning. The glorious career of the Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, should be celebrated.

She is a great symbol of women of virtue, a pride to women all over the world, and Jurist who all young Lawyers should hold as role model.

Chief Solomon Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, former Attorney-General of Osun State THISDAY LAWYER took Short Takes from Senior Lawyers Former NBA President, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN She Helped to Deepen the Frontiers of Our Justice System Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, JSC Rtd, CFR, in her 44 years career as a judicial officer, has helped to deepen the frontiers of our justice system. She is a proud emblem of our cherished noble profession, who has acquitted herself creditably well in discharging

Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili and her daughters, Hon. Justice Chinelo Odili (left) and Hon. Justice Njideka Odili Iheme the onerous responsibility of the exalted office of a Justice of the Supreme Court with admirable dignity, courage and a high sense of national duty.

Our judicial landscape is replete with her landmark judgements, which will live for all time. I wish her well, in her well-deserved retirement.

Former NBA President, Augustine Alegeh SAN She Remained True to her Judicial Oath She has served meritoriously for 44 years, through all the rungs of judicial hierarchy. She ably combined her role as a judicial officer, with her position of the wife of a Politician-Deputy Governor and later Governor's wife. She not only remained true to her judicial oath, but also remained humble and passionate. She has served well, and deserves to retire to family life. She is a role model, and has set standards by which others will be measured. Though retired, I know she will continue to mentor and support judicial officers, with advice and guidance from her deep reservoir of experience.

Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN She Demonstrated Rare Courage Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, was an Amazon on the Bench. A combination of elegance, brains, beauty and courage. A rare breed in the true sense of the word. She has left indelible footprints on the sands of judicial times, through her erudite judgments. She demonstrated rare courage as the only dissenting voice, when the inglorious removal from office of Hon. Justice Onnoghen came before the Supreme Court.

My Lord also demonstrated courage, when some miscreants tried to invade her house. She soundly rebuffed them. And the rest, as is usually said, is now history.

As she bows out of the Apex Court Bench, we thank the Almighty God on her behalf for a glorious and unblemished carrier at all levels of the Nigerian Judiciary.

Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN She Contributed Significantly to our Jurisprudence She has served the judiciary and Nigeria well.

She held her head high, and contributed significantly to our jurisprudence.

Chief Sebastine Hon, SAN Very Articulate and Hardworking My Lord was a very articulate, hardworking, well-focused and courageous Judge. I knew her way back in Port Harcourt; and even as spouse to the then sitting Governor, my Lord never wavered in the discharge of her duties as a Judicial Officer.

Remember, too, that she rose from the Magistracy to the summit Court, id est, the Supreme Court.

Given her gender, one can only applaud her exploits in the legal profession. I doff my hat, and pray that God Almighty grants her long life and all the good things of this life.

“Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili was a trailblazer….

She is well known for her excellence, integrity and maintaining discipline. From her judgements, it was very clear that she eschewed technicalities, and believed firmly in ensuring substantial justice was done”

mind and body.

J.S. Okutepa, SAN A Quintessential Jurist of Credit and Repute I think my Lord, Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili JSC is a quintessential jurist of credit and repute.

She is a mother, a humanist, and an epitome of what a judicial officer should be. She hardly got angry or upset, when she presided over matters while on the Bench. She guided those who may not know, and even those who knew, on what to do. She was compassionate in all ramifications. She exuded kindness and candour. She was attacked, but she remained resolute. As judicial officer, mother and grandmother, she is a light that shines in darkness, and was not overwhelmed by threats from different quarters. We will miss her greatly on the Bench, but we shall tap into her humanist posture in retirement. She is a friend, mother and role model. She is a workaholic and woman of virtue. Her kind is very rare to find.

I congratulate her on her successful tenure as Justice of the Supreme Court, and wish her happy 70th birthday. She did not panel beat her age as judicial officer. That is why she retired at 70, but looks like 60 years in appearance.

Sam Ologunorisa, SAN We’ll Surely Miss her Erudite Contributions My Lord Justice Mary Peter-Odili JSC, was a quintessential jurist of no mean repute. A great Judge of stellar accomplishments. One of our, best and mother to all. Always ready to assist and guide the junior ones. We will surely miss her erudite contributions, on the highest Bench of the land.

Dapo Tunde-Olowu, SAN Her Industry Shines through her Judgements I have had the privilege of appearing before my Lady, Justice Mary Peter-Odili at the Court of Appeal and at the Supreme Court. As she bows out after a lifetime of service to the legal profession and Nigeria, I celebrate with her for bowing out with grace and without blemish. My Lady is not only an erudite jurist, her industry shines through her judgements, and she leaves with a legacy many aspire to. I thank Justice Odili for her service to the profession, and to our great country, Nigeria.

I wish her a beautiful time outside of the Bench.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN A Friendly, yet Firm Jurist An eminent jurist has retired, after decades of selfless commitment to the enthronement of rule of law, and the administration of effective justice in Nigeria.

Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili will be remembered by Lawyers and non-Lawyers alike, for her erudite judgements littering in various law reports, her judicial mien, and magisterial carriage in the finest traditions of the Judiciary.

The senior Lawyers will remember her as a friendly, yet firm jurist, who has a firm grasp of substantive and procedural law, and will not allow undue technicalities prevail over substantial justice.

Younger Lawyers will look back to the days when she presided in court with nostalgia, as Her Lordship showed motherly patience to young Lawyers who struggled with practice at the Apex Court.

Her Lordship had her days when she walked through the valley of the shadows of politically induced harassment; her faith in God and her enormous goodwill stood in the gap, while she prevailed against dark forces.

As Her Lordship takes a bow from the Supreme Court, I join the legal community in wishing her a well-deserved rest in continuing good health of

Prof Andrew Chukwumerie, SAN A Humane Judicial Officer from her Days as a Magistrate She was an articulate, well-focused and humane judicial officer from her days as a Magistrate. She had the attitude of patiently hearing every advocate make his/her point. She did not allow her husband's political exposure, to affect her focus on the job, and dedication to it.

She is probably one of the few that have traversed the full cadre or realm of the Judiciary, from the very lowest cadre of the Magistracy up to the Supreme Court.

It is not possible to associate her with any thing less than the best judicial conduct and carriage. Throughout her judicial career, no one can associate her with any kind of crisis or any such kind of thing.

I know these things extremely well, because I practice in Port Harcourt where she had the most extensive span of her legal career. She was a Magistrate, and a High Court Judge in Rivers State. I have also watched her from a distance, when she left Port Harcourt for the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, culminating in the service with her on a national Committee for the Supreme Court and the NBA. I can only wish her well, and hopefully, welcome her to a stint in the academics into which I have heard colleagues invite her into.

Chief Chris Uche, SAN She held the Office with Great Dignity and Amazing Humility Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili JSC, CFR is indeed, a great gift to the Nigerian Judiciary. An embodiment of judicial excellence, juristic brilliance and jurisprudential finesse, the noble law Lord served the nation and rendered justice at all cadres of the judicial hierarchy, without fear or favour. His Lordship held the office with great dignity, and amazing humility.

I join many others to celebrate Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, as she bows out in grace and glory.

Tuduru Ede, SAN Fine, Cerebral, Hardworking Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, JSC served as one of the finest, cerebral, hardworking and thought provoking Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in recent years.

She proved that Lady Justices either at the High Court and Courts of coordinate jurisdiction and the Court of Appeal, and can discharge judicial functions eminently and creditably.

Her judicial career was marked by distinctive, equitable application of the law to everyday problems. I wish her a well-deserved and worthy rest in retirement.

C.O.P. Emeka, SAN She Wrote the Longest, Most Exhaustive and Most Prolific Supporting Judgements I will remember Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili for her amiable mien, which relaxes both Lawyers and litigants under the usually tense atmosphere of the Court. A quintessential jurist, my lord made her mark on the Bench, especially at the Apex Court.

Arguably, she wrote the longest, most exhaustive and most prolific supporting judgements in our law reports. A typical supporting judgement is short, and merely adopts the leading judgement. She changed the narrative.

Justice Peter-Odili does not look 70 at all, and appears top-notch physically and mentally at retirement. She will be missed. I hope Nigeria will continue to tap from her compendium of knowledge and experience, for a long time to come.

I wish my Lord, long, healthy and happy years in retirement as she bows out from the Supreme Court on this day when she clocked 70, after a colourful career on the Bench.

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TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

COVER IMAGES

Honourable Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad CFR

Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola JSC

Mrs Doyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN and Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour JSC (Rtd)

L-R: Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun, Hon. Justice Peter-Odili JSC and Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, JSC

Hon. Justice Abdu Aboki JSC

Hon. Justice Lawal Garba JSC

L-R: Son of the retiree, Chinwike Peter-Odili; Governor of Rivers State 1999-2007 and husband of the retiree, Dr Peter Odili CON; Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili and Dr Abdulrahman Sambo

Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar JSC

Hon. Justice Ibrahim Saulawa JSC

L-R: Editor of This Day Lawyer, Mrs Onikepo Braithwaite, Hon. Justice Peter-Odili, and Justice Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja Deputy Editor of This Day Lawyer, Mr Jude Igbanoi

L-R: Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson; Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri; Wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Eberechi Wike and Governor of Rivers State, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON

Dr Peter Odili (left) and former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia

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COVER IMAGES

Professor Ademola Popoola (left) and Hon. Justice Moronkeji Ogunwumiju JSC

L-R: Solicitor-General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba; President, NBA, Olumide Akpata and Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN

L-R: Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN; Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Mr Tony Ojukwu, SAN and Dr Mrs Valerie Azinge, SAN

L-R: Mr Chijioke Okoli, SAN; Mrs Onikepo Braithwaite; Mr Olumide Akpata and Mr Emeka Ngig,SAN

Chief Judge, Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu

Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN

L-R: Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and Governor Simon Lalong

Former NBA General Secretaries, Mr Afam Osigwe, SAN (left) and Mr Jonathan Taidi, with General Secretary, NBA, Mrs Joyce Oduah

Mr Y.C. Maikyau, SAN (left) and Mr Damian Dodo, SAN

Chief J.K. Gadzama, SAN

L-R: Madaki Chidawa, Dr Peter Odili, Hon. Justice Peter-Odili JSC and Jemma Ekeanyanwu

Wilcox Abereton, SAN

Daughter of the retiree, Hon. Justice Njideka Odili Iheme of the Police Officer Josiah Jang, Her Lordship’s Orderly who assisted in Daughter of the retiree, Hon. Justice Chinelo Odili of the Rivers State High Court Federal High Court, Abuja repelling the attack of those who invaded Her Lordship’s residence

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TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY

Election and Defection: Who Owns the Votes? (Part 5) Judicial Activism vs Judicial Rascality (Continues) Introduction Defection of a political nature, seems to have become a recurring decimal in Nigerian politics.

It is a practice that predates our independence as a country. While it is true that politicians have the fundamental right to freedom of association, it is still pertinent to note that, certain rights come with some limitations.

Scholars have continuously agitated for the enactment of proper laws that will curtail the rate of political defections, but this has not been addressed as defections are still on the rise. It is on this premise that we shall continue our examination on this vexed issue, having started with judicial activism vs judicial rascality.

One major significant pronouncement in the case of SENATOR SONI OGBUOJI & 2 ORS v ENGR. DAVID NWEZE UMAHI & 2 ORS (supra) decided by the Court of Appeal, Enugu Judicial Division is that even in the case legislator’s defection, as held in ABEGUNDE v ONDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY & ORS (2015) LPELR -24588 (SC), the consequential order a court shall make to ensure defectors suffer the consequences of their act of defection, is the loss of their seats.

In the case of a “non-fractured party, it is for by-election to be conducted. It is not for their vacated seats to be allocated to either the political party, or the runners up at the election”. This point is recondite, as it has not been brought before now, even though it is expressly provided for in the Constitution. Indeed, analysts had not even carefully studied Section 68(2) and 109(2), which have to be first activated before a legislator loses his seat. Both sections emphasise the point that the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, or Speaker of a House of Assembly, or even a member “shall first present evidence satisfactory to the house that any of the provisions of that sub section has become applicable in respect of that member”. Thus, the relevant House must be fully involved, concur and activate the removal; it is not a court of law that carries out the removal.

What is Judicial Activism?

I am a Judicial Activist. I believe in creative thinking of Judges, but within the confines of the rule of law. I love Lord Denning (MR) to no end. He was the greatest exponent of judicial activism. He is considered to be the father of judicial activism. He is my idol.

The meaning of judicial activism can be distilled from the famous statement of Lord Denning (MR) himself in PARKER v PARKER (1954) All E.R. 22, where the unforgettable Jurist made the following immortal statement: “What is the argument on the other side? Only this, that no case has been found in which it has ever been done before. The argument does not appeal to me, in the least. If we never do anything that has not been done before, we shall never get anywhere. The law will stand still while the rest of the world goes on; and that would be bad for both”.

Judicial activism is a judicial philosophy holding that the courts can and should go beyond the applicable law, to consider broader societal implications of its decisions. It is sometimes used as an antonym of judicial restraint. The term usually implies that Judges make rulings based on their own views, rather than on precedent. The definition of judicial activism and the specific decisions that are activist, are controversial political issues.

The question of judicial activism is closely related to judicial interpretation, statutory

interpretation, and separation of powers.

Arthur Schlesinger Jr. was said to have introduced the term “judicial activism” in a January 1947 Fortune Magazine article titled “The Supreme Court: 1947”.

Even before this phrase was first used

by Schlesinger, the general concept already existed. For example, Thomas Jefferson in one of his Federalist papers, had referred to the “despotic behaviour” of Federalist federal Judges, in particular, Chief Justice John Marshall.

Dictionary defines judicial activism as a “philosophy of judicial decision-making, whereby Judges allow their personal views about public policy, among other factors, to guide their decisions.”

The online Glossary of Political Economy Terms states that judicial activism means Judges “should creatively (re)interpret the texts… to serve the Judges’ own considered estimates of the vital needs of contemporary society” and “should not hesitate to go beyond their traditional role as interpreters” of the law.

Therefore the Judges, instead of only the elected representatives, can serve as society’s “independent policy makers”.

The 5th edition of Black’s Law Dictionary sees it as it amounts to a Judge “departing” from strict adherence to judicial precedent, in favour of progressive and new social policies which are not always consistent with the restraint expected of appellate Judges.

Recent definitions tend to ascribe a more negative connotation to the term “judicial activism”. The seventh edition of Black’s Law Dictionary (1999) defines it as when Judges use “their personal views about public policy” in their decisions and, in so doing, actually “ignore” precedent (as opposed to “depart from” it, the more benign phrase which was the earlier choice of the fifth edition).

Alexander Hamilton, one of the Constitution’s framers, discussed the role of the Judiciary in “The Federalist Papers No. 78.” Using terms like “judicial discretion” when describing the Judiciary’s duties, he explained “interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar province of the courts… It therefore, belongs to them to ascertain (the law’s) meaning”. If it is the ultimate duty of the court to have final say in matters of legal interpretation, then how can one fault the court for having the final say by interpreting as it sees fit”?

Hamilton thus, laid out the principle of

“Since judicial activism often entails the overturning of precedent, it often violates the principle of “stare decisis” which bounds the courts to follow precedents. It could therefore, be abused”

judicial review as defined by Encyclopaedia Britannica, as the “power of the courts of a country to examine the actions of the legislative, executive and administrative arms of the government.”

This indeed, closely mirrors the notion of “judicial activism”, which refers, in essence, to rulings “handed down by the courts that invalidate, rather than merely interpret, congressional legislation”.

Indeed, judicial review is regarded by some as one of the United States’ legal system’s “distinctive features”, as a Findlaw article analysing the establishment of United States’ judicial review says, and there is essentially unanimous agreement among legal scholars particularly given its formalisation in the 1803 landmark case Marbury v Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137, 2 L.Ed. 60 (1803), that the Judiciary has the ability to exercise its strong hand in all grey areas of government.

Additionally, some contend that every Judge is an activist Judge in his or her own way. Some even argue that Supreme Court Associate Justice Scalia, one of the country’s most ardent opponents of judicial activism, is a judicial activist. Even U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Stephen Breyer, had championed a freer judicial activity. He advocated in his book “Active Liberty: Interpreting Our Democratic Constitution” for personal interpretation of the Constitution, as opposed to passive acceptance of the status quo. He argued that the court is obligated to advance “political rights of minorities and look beyond the Constitution’s text when necessary”. This is judicial activism.

A major argument against judicial activism is that an umpire does not create new rules when there is a new play, but, rather, only applies the existing rules of the game when making calls. So, according to this view, should Judges avoid any semblance of creativity and disregard their personal views and idiosyncrasies when applying the law.

Since judicial activism often entails the overturning of precedent, it often violates the principle of “stare decisis” which bounds the courts to follow precedents.

It could therefore, be abused. Where there exists too much judicial activism, court rulings might eventually become unenforceable, or at least much less respected; and that would hurt the rule of law.

Many people have therefore, called for “judicial restraint”, usually regarded as the opposite of judicial activism. There are many reasons for this; representative democracy of the people, requires that the Court, an oligarchical body, should proceed slowly in imposing its own social, economic, or political views upon the whole people under vague doctrine of judicial activism.

The values of a federal system provides for decentralised decision- making through Federal, State and Local governments. This must therefore, require the Court, a national body, to proceed slowly and consciously in using in using vague constitutional phrases to set aside Federal, State or local laws in favour of whimsical and capricious assumptions.

Proponents of judicial self-restraint also argue that, an accumulated body of wisdom expressed in age-long precedents and other sources of law which had been built up step by step by Judges and constitutional customs over the years, are a preferable and better guide to the wise resolution of constitutional questions, than the individual and whimsical views of one Judge or even a majority of Judges. Perhaps, the most important of these arguments is the need to ensure effectiveness of the rulings of the judicial institution (which is unelected), and is charged with enforcing constitutional limitations against the popularly elected executive and legislative branches. The Judiciary lacks the power of the purse or the sword (Alexander Hamilton Federalist Paper No 78). It must therefore, only rely upon the power of legitimacy, the capacity to evoke uncoerced assent and strong public support.

One of the greatest criticisms of judicial activism, charge that it usurps the power of the elected branches of government and of legislatively created agencies, damaging the rule of law and democracy. However, projudicial activists argue that, in many cases, it is a legitimate form of judicial review and that the interpretation of the law must change with changing times.

The United States Examples of Judicial Activism Judicial activism has been very active in the United States, as can be gleaned from the following cases 1.BROWN v BOARD OF EDUCATION, 347 U.S. 483 (1954): This is the 1954 Supreme Court ruling, which ordered the desegregation of public schools.

2. RO E v WADE, 410 U.S. 113 (1973): This is the 1973 Supreme Court ruling, which created the constitutional right to abortion.

3. BUSH v GORE 531, U.S. 98 (2000): This was the United States Supreme Court case between the major-party candidates in the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush and Al Gore. The Justices voted 5–4, to halt the recount of ballots in Florida. This resulted in George Bush being chosen as President.

4. KITZMILLER v DOVER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, 400 F. Supp. 2d 707 (M.D. Pa. 2005): This 2005 Supreme Court decision, declared that intelligent design is not science.

5. CITIZENS UNITED v FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION, 558 U.S. 310 (2010): This is a US 2010 Supreme Court decision declaring congressionally enacted limitations on corporate political spending and transparency, as unconstitutional restrictions on free speech.

6. OBERGEFELL v HODGES, 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015): In 2015, the Supreme Court in this case declared same-sex marriage as a right guaranteed under the Due Process Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment.

7. JANUS v AFSCME, No. 19 – 1553 (7th Cir. 2019): This is a 2018 Supreme Court decision, which addressed whether unions can demand dues from all workers who benefit from collective bargaining agreements. This decision overturned the 41-year-old precedent of Abood v Detroit Board of Education.

8. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY v REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, 140 S. Ct. 1891, 1896 (2020): This is a 2020 Supreme Court decision addressing whether the Department of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump, had the authority to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program initiated by Executive Order under former President Barack Obama. (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Winning or losing of the election is less important than strengthening the country”.

(Indira Ghandi)

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XIV

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY MAY 17, 2022

FEATURES

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

Professor Mark Nwagwu: For the Love of Science, Literary Works Born in Obetiti, Nguru in the eastern province of Nigeria on May 17, 1937, Professor Mark Nwagwu attended St. Patrick’s College, Calabar from 1950 to 1956. In 1957, he went to study Zoology at the then University College, Ibadan. After that, he was awarded the Bachelor of Science degree from the University of London in 1961 and in 1965, received a Ph.D. from the University of Stockholm.

Nwagwu went to the University of Connecticut, USA, in 1966, where he accomplished spectacular research on myosin messenger RNA and muscle-protein synthesis on a post-doctoral fellowship. In 1969, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at Brock University, Canada, and rose to Associate Professor in 1973. A scientist of note, Professor Nwagwu turned to literary works in retirement.

An exciting writer of repute, he has published three novels, Forever Chimes in 2007, My Eyes Dance in 2010 and I Am Kagara in 2016. He has also published four works of poetry, all dedicated to his dear wife, Professor Helen Onyemazuwa Nwagwu: Helen Not-of-Troy in 2009, Cat Man Dew, in 2012, HelenaVenus in 2013, and Time Came Upon Me in 2019 written in her memory after her departure in 2018.

Prof. Nwagwu is a frequent contributor to several Nigerian newspapers on social and moral issues. In 2000, he established Youth and Enterprise Initiative, a non-governmental agency that promotes excellence in our youths. As he clocks 85 today, he reminisces about his life's journey in this interview with Mary Nnah

Y

ou are a scientist. Where did your love for literature come from?

In my school days at St. Patrick’s College, Calabar (SPC), 1950-54, we were brought up on the required subjects for the Cambridge School Certificate: science, that is, physics, chemistry, biology, and health science; literature, comprising English language and English literature where we studied a book The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan and poems by Matthew Arnold, John Keats, and Wordsworth; for plays we studied Shakespeare’s Macbeth. We also studied history, mathematics, and geography.

In the School Certificate Examination, I offered general science and Biology in the sciences and all the other subjects including English Language and English literature. In our days you had to pass the English Language to obtain a certificate.

If you failed in the English Language you failed in the entire Cambridge School Certificate examination. Add to this, you must pass with Credit in English Language and Mathematics and in four other subjects to qualify for matriculation in the GCE (General Certificate of Examination of the University of London).

This qualification was generally referred to as London Matriculation with which you can sit for the GCE Advanced level and gain entry into a university.

I passed the School Certificate Examination in Grade I with Credit in the eight subjects I sat for, namely, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, History, Geography, General Science Biology, and Health Science.

I had the desire to continue my education and now had to make a choice; to study science or the arts. It was an easy decision because, in 1951, SPC started a course of studies in the sciences for the Cambridge Higher School Certificate in physics, chemistry, botany, and zoology. I do not now remember whether we also had Mathematics and Additional Mathematics, but I did not take much interest in it as I was poor in Mathematics.

I was as good in the arts as in the sciences: in fact, I would say I was better in the arts and took a great interest in literature. SPC had a well-stocked library that was open to all students, especially to those students who had commenced their studies on the curriculum for the Cambridge School Certificate Examination.

For us, in 1952, in our third year in school, we started to study the subjects according to this official curriculum. I am restless by nature and would often be found doing what I was not supposed to be doing. I took great interest in reading novels. For reasons I do not now recall, I got interested in stories about heroism and chivalry.

Perhaps I saw my father in them, my passionate and unmatched hero. I took to novels

by Sir Walter Scott and read three of his novels, Ivanhoe, Red Gauntlet, and Kenilworth. Then I wandered into Willkie Collins and read two of his novels, The Woman in White and The Moonstone. There were other novels, but I’ll

her way through this confusing landscape.

Forever Chimes made the First Eleven on the NLNG shortlist for literature in 2008. Two other novels followed, My Eyes Dance (2010) and I Am Kagara (2016) all owed to Chioma’s irresistible passion to live her life to the full among apparently confounding incongruities.

My poetic works all dedicated to my dear wife, Helen, Helen Not-of-Troy (2009), Cat Man Dew (2012), HelenaVenus (2013) were written while Helen lived and the fourth, Time Came Upon Me (2019), after her passage. As I was told, no other poet in Sub-Saharan Africa, and perhaps in our contemporary times, has accomplished this poetic feat.

Prof. Nwagwu never forget a romantic novel by Richard Mason, The Wind Cannot Read.

I read several other novels of the romantic pedigree at SPC. I read Bertha Clay’s Beyond Pardon, which my father bought me, and others by Marie Goretti such as A Romance of Two Worlds.

My main reading in poetry apart from the prescribed works for the examination were the works of William Wordsworth whose poems were also on our syllabus. But I went beyond the syllabus, so enchanted was I with his works. In particular, I remember his poem Intimations of Immortality. I did not read any other play at SPC apart from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

This was my first encounter with the world of literature in my formative years. Off and on in my later years, I read works that I can’t now remember, but David Copperfield’s Great Expectations stands out as a memorable novel that lives with me.

I buried myself in my science all my working life and gave all of me to science. I did, however, write articles for The Guardian beginning in 1997 when I turned 60 and my first article was, On Turning Sixty. Thereafter, for over ten years I wrote frequently in The Guardian, at least once a month. Someday I’ll gather my articles and publish them. This you could say was my first outing in public writing.

In 2003 my dear wife, Helen, and I

visited our daughter, Ugochi, and her family in Rockaway. New Jersey, USA. To my amazement, I found that our granddaughter, Akunne, was always reading a book wherever she was at home or in the car. I asked her mother and she said that Akunne read a book a day or at most every two days and that the worst you can do to her was to take her reading away from her.

I was beside myself with joy and wondered what I could do for this special child of mine. Without much thought about it, I promised her I would write her a novel. And I started writing sometime in 2004 and went on to 2007 when the novel I had promised her titled, Forever Chimes, was publicly presented on my seventieth birthday at the University of Ibadan. Chimes treated the lineage in the Akadike family up to the fourth generation.

I wanted my granddaughter to have a firm grasp of the lives of the African family from the pre-colonial days to recent times in the twentieth century including lives in the USA where Akunne was at the time.

This is a long and consuming story about the astounding love of a great-grandfather, Akadike, for his great-granddaughter, Chioma, and the prevailing difficulties in living both as an African imbued in deep moral African traditions and the contending variables of a materialistic American culture.

Chioma tries to successfully navigate

What was growing up like in the South-east?

We lived at 158 Hundred-Foot Road, Aba, and my earliest recollections of my childhood come from my first day in primary school in 1942. The priest asked me my father’s name and I said, Sir Papa. I called my father papa so that must be his name. My uncle, Dede Raymond, who took me to school then, gave me my father’s name as Charles. So I was Mark Charles in primary school for a long time and I do not now remember when I became Mark Nwagwu.

I attended Christ the King School, Aba, 194249. My life revolved around going to school and playing football after school. There was ample space between two adjoining houses and we played football in this space, the goalposts at the beginning and end of the passage. I often had homework to do but I paid more attention to football.

I was not good at Arithmetic in school and was regularly punished by our teacher, Mr. Kuru, for failing my sums. The punishment got so bad I stopped attending school and would hide somewhere until school was over and then boldly walk home as if I had been in school all day. My uncle Dede Iwe found out and brought me back to my senses to return to school. He did not report me to my parents. In time I did worse: I left Christ the King School and enrolled myself in another school, Etikokwu Grammar School. My father found out and gave me the whipping of my life and I had to return to Christ the King.

I was a truant: I would often miss the evening catechism class and instead wander off to suya spots in the vicinity. With some coins taken from my other’s bag, I indulged my taste for suya. Sometimes, my good friend, Christopher Onochie, would oblige me and buy me a stick or two. One day I invited one of my classmates, Okeke Okonkwo, the best boy in our class, and asked him to join me in a suya fiesta. He begged off saying he had many irons on the fire! This was my first time meeting this expression and of course, did not know what it meant.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022

IMAGES

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

L-R: General Secretary, Crime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Niran Odutayo; Public Relations Officer/Auditor, Taiwo Jimoh; Vice President, Evelyn Usman; President, Lekan Olabulo; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos Council, Ajayi Adeleye; and the Principal Partner of Olayinka Sanni, Olayinka Sanni, during the swearing-in of elected executives of CRAN at their Oduduwa GRA Secretariat, Ikeja in Lagos...recently

L-R: Chairman, Katchey Company Limited, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah; CEO, Katchey, Mrs. Kate Isa; and a clergyman, Most Rev. Emmanuel Egbunu, during the inauguration of Katchey Analytical Laboratories in Lagos…recently

The Sponsor, Babcock University Students’ Association (BUSA), Dr. Seun Ebiesuwa (left), presenting BUSA Sponsor’s Five Star Honours award to the President, Babcock University Students’ Association, Mr. Umeh Christian, during the 2022 BUSA dinner held on the Babcock University campus, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State… recently

L-R: Vice President, Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA), Bishop Joseph Lamparca; RECOWA President, Bishop AlexisTuabli Youlo; and Vice-Chairman, Communication Committee of RECOWA, Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, during a press conference of the fourth General Assembly of RECOWA in Abuja… recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Mother of the managing director, Fatgbems Group, Alhaja Ramota Gbemisola; Managing Director, Fatgbems Group, Kabir Gbemisola; and Chairman, Dambod Oil, Alhaji Damola Oke, during the inauguration of Fatgbems Petroleum Solar-powered Retail Station in Abeokuta, Ogun State… recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE

R-L: Training Capability Development Manager, Shalina Healthcare Nigeria, Mr. Ayo Akinsola; Founder, Market Doctors, Dr. Yetunde Oyalowo; and Director, Market Doctors, Mr. Taiwo Oshinusi, during a free healthcare service for Lagos street sweepers, organised by Shalina Healthcare Nigeria as part of the World Malaria Day celebration in Lagos…recently

L-R: Executive Director and Vice President, Customer Development, Unilever Nigeria, Felix Enwemadu; General Counsel and Company Secretary, Unilever West Africa, Abidemi Ademola; Non-Executive Director, Unilever Nigeria, Abiola Alabi; Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Unilever Nigeria; The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe; Managing Director, Unilever West Africa, Carl Cruz; Independent Non-Executive Director, Unilever Nigeria, Ammuna Lawani Ali; Executive Director and National Finance Director, Unilever Nigeria, Folake Ogundipe; and Independent Non-Executive Director, Unilever Nigeria, Mike Ikpoki, at the 97th Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos…recently

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT LIFEPAGE, Stakeholders Brainstorm on Investing in Real Estate Bennett Oghifo

A

s part of activities planned in line with her 10th anniversary commemoration, LIFEPAGE in partnership with Business School, Netherlands organised a symposium to brainstorm on Wealth Creation Opportunities in The Nigerian Real Estate Sector.

The symposium which held over the weekend at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island Lagos, had in attendance participants from all over the nation with industry experts from branding, financial, educational institutions and real estate businesses as guest speakers - who delivered various lectures with special highlights on; Government Policies and Framework; Growth Strategies for Operators in the Sector; Brand Positioning and Promotions; Investment Opportunities and Partnerships; Attracting Foreign Direct and funding, and Project Financing Options/ Funding Structures - REITs, CPs, Bonds, etc In his keynote address Mr. Oladipupo Clement, CEO LIFEPAGE/convener, who spoke with special focus on realtors stated there are four primary ways to play in the real estate space – ranging from being a regulator, developer, investor to being a realtor. For him, being a realtor is the cheapest way to play in the industry as it requires connecting buyers to sellers.

He alluded to the real estate industry report of 2020 by Agusto & Co which states that the Nigerian real estate industry as at two years ago in terms of size, is valued at $3.96

trillion. Which implies that without any financial contribution from realtors, connecting buyers to sellers will yield them income without hassles – a system that has worked for brands in other markets like; Amazon, Nike and many more who play in other industries.

LIFEPAGE, as a business, according to Mr. Clement has played successfully in the last 10 years both as an investor and a developer.

Adding that as a developer there are challenges it is tough to play in this market particularly due to fluctuating costs of project developments, inflation rates, among many others.

There are several opportunities for making it big as a realtor in Nigeria, according to the convener. However, the referral method which requires little or no funding to get started with, remains the cheapest. This method is one everyone does without even knowing or being rewarded for and this is where we have played successfully as a business. We have put structures in place to ensure that everyone benefits from their efforts.

In his words; there are several questions to help a realtor set the tone of his/her journey to wealth; “here is how you can make it big as a realtor – first is; how much money do you want to make? How much sale will fetch the amount you want? How many products would you put out for sale to achieve your target? And who needs what you are selling or who knows who needs what you are selling? If you can resolve these questions then you are on the right path to beginning your journey to making it big.”

The convener, who also spoke about the

LIFEPAGE business and how it all began, enjoined participants that every opportunity is linked to the ability to sell per time which also begins from understanding the industry and driving demands. “LIFEPAGE itself began by selling for other businesses.” He rounded up his session with the opportunity for participants to become a partner with LIFEPAGE through its regular bootcamp for realtors adding that the Nigerian real estate market is huge and its surface yet to be scratched.

Other phenomenal speakers who pointed

participants in the direction of wealth creation and retention through the real estate vehicle at the symposium include; (Mr Leke Alder - Principal, Alder Consulting, Dr. Olumide Emmanuel - Best Selling Author, The school of Money, Prof. Lere Baale - CEO, Business School Netherlands, Nigeria, Senami Amusu - Fundraising Consultant, Growvest Financial Advisory) with Damilola Hassan - Managing Director, Meristem Trustees Limited as the moderator of the panel session and SACO as the compere of the day.

L-R: Managing Director, Meristem Trustees Limited/Moderator, Mrs Damilola Hassan; CEO/Convener, Lifepage, Oladipupo Clement; Best Selling Author, The School of Money/Guest Speaker, Dr Olumide Emmanuel; CEO, Business School, Netherlands, Nigeria/Guest Speaker, Prof. Lere Baale; and CEO, Growvest Financial Advisory, Senami Amusu, during the 10th anniversary symposium of Lifepage, held in Lagos… recently

2022 Colloquium Mandatory for All Architects, Says ARCON Fadekemi Ajakaiye The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has directed all architects practicing in Nigeria to attend the 2022 colloquium.

The council gave this directive last week in Abuja after its planning meeting.

It said apart from rejigging the program to meet current realities in the field of architecture, the annual event now attracts 40 per cent grade points of the Continuous Professional Development Courses.

ARCON President, Sir Dipo

Ajayi, who noted that every year, the council works towards improving the content of the program, added that the planning committee has expanded the scope of the event to cater for all categories of people within the profession.

Hence, he said both online and offline attendees have a lot to gain from the event this year.

ARCON Registrar, Umar Murnai, said the event with a theme “Architecture and National Development Agenda XIV”, billed to hold between May 23 and May 26 in Abuja, is unique in its focus on two

prevailing subject matter in the Nigerian Construction space in which architects are key players.

According to him, the annual architects’ colloquium, which forms a major part of the profession’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD), is one of the ways the council has been enhancing architecture in the country.

He, therefore, urged those who have not been committed to the programme to turn in new leave, as such defaulters may have difficulties in renewing their practicing license.

Among others, Murnai said that the event is in part, ARCON’s commitment to advancing architectural practice, education and research for the public good and wellbeing, which will lead to the development of basic construction trade skills.

Chairman, Planning Committee, Musa Sada, said participants will be exposed to technology in the AEC and job creation within the industry and the built environment.

Sada, a former Minister of Mines and Steel, said the programme this year promises

to make far-reaching impacts on architecture in the country.

The chairman added that a lot of work had been done and more will still be done between now and May 23, when the program will take off.

According to Sada, the 2022 colloquium caters for all categories of architects both in the public and private practice and students in Nigerian schools of architecture.

The targeted audience, according to the chairman, Planning Committee, include all schools of architecture; departments of architectural

services in the federal and state ministries of power, Works, Housing & Urban Development; all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), all states housing corporations and plan approval offices of states and local governments.

Also to attend are physical planning units of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education; works and services departments of military, police, paramilitary; property development units of banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.

Countdown to CONEXPO-CON/AGG, IFPE 2023 Begins Bennett Oghifo With the next CONEXPOCON/AGG and International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE), being less than a year away, construction pros can expect a next-level experience when they arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 14-18, 2023.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will be at the event. AEM is the North

America-based international trade group representing offroad equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide.

The equipment manufacturing industry in the United States supports 2.8 million jobs and contributes roughly $288 billion to the economy every year.

A foremost public relations

company in Nigeria, Niche PR, one of AEM supporting organisations, said that Nigeria would be represented by Construction Industry experts and buyers looking to further take their businesses to the next level. Mrs Marcella Iyitor, CEO, Niche PR is leading the delegation of contractors, FERMA, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Federal Ministry of Power to experience the newest equipment and products.

“For business networking and possible partnerships, we are hoping to have more roundtable discussions at the show again.”

The most obvious project underway during the last show was the construction of the new West Hall and adjacent Diamond Lot on the site of the old Gold Lot. The other was the Tesla-powered people mover, now called the “LVCC Loop,” underground transport project being built under the LVCC.

Now that both projects are complete, CONEXPO-CON/ AGG, and the co-located IFPE will make full use of both.

“AEM and our show committees of industry leaders are working to take advantage of everything that has changed in Las Vegas to deliver a topnotch event delivering the latest innovations and best practices to help construction pros take their businesses and careers to the next level,” said Dana

Wuesthoff, show director of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023.

“Between the West Hall and Diamond Lot bringing a lot of displays closer to the rest of the show as well as serving as a connector to the Festival Lot, and the LVCC Loop making it effortless to get across the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, it’s never been easier for attendees to see everything they want to learn about when they get there.”

Real Estate Unite Summit to Focus on Climate Tech, Sustainability Fadekemi Ajakaiye Climate technology, and sustainability will be the focus of this year’s Real Estate Unite Summit, now in its 10th year.

According to the organiser, 3INVEST, the Theme of the summit is ‘Towards a Sustainable Culture’ and it is scheduled to hold on May 30 and 31, 2022, at Eko Hotel, VI, Lagos.

The annual real estate summit after two years of hiatus

due to covid and unforeseen circumstances, said the company, in a statment.

Real Estate Unite is the annual flagship event that provides an important platform for the built sectors in Africa to network, learn, transact, showcase and discuss opportunities and issues in global real estate yearly. With over 1000 participants, the Summit features a conference, exhibition, leader/women’s forum and a

sustainability Awards. Technically, the land construction and real estate sector is one of the most influential globally when it comes to impacting the health and wellbeing of people and the environment. The real estate sector is responsible for 40% of all carbon emissions globally, the industry has both the obligation as well as the opportunity to make an extraordinary impact in creating a healthier, safer and cleaner planet.

Therefore, for inclusive, economic growth and shared prosperity, the built environment as a matter of urgency must begin to take the lead in the plan, designing and managing more resilient and sustainable communities. To achieve this Real Estate Unite Summit has been redesigned to address the global challenges and encourage the built environment in Africa to embrace the sustainability culture.

“Getting the real estate players to embrace sustainability is our collective goal. Our plan is to create a community of stakeholders who are passionate about sustainable development and culture. Encourage education and participation in sustainability-related activities.

Recognise organizations that are taking the lead in sustainability and finally lobby for ESG regulations, policies and better incentives for this community”

said the founder, Real estate Unite Summit Ruth Obih during the announcement ceremony.

The built sector has a substantial sustainability impact through land development, resource use, waste generation and labour practices throughout its life cycle. The sector impacts either directly or indirectly the implementation of almost all United Nations (UN)Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

M A Y

S & P INDEX

9 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

6.50%

CALL

10.75%

INDEX LEVEL

610.44%

1/4 TO DATE

– 1.31%

N416.75/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

7.17%

1-MONTH

9.66%

1-DAY

0.03%

YEAR TO DATE

7.13%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

1028%

MONTH-TO-DATE

– 1.31%

Nigeria’s Rigs Count Remains Stunted as Oil Sector Investments Wane

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja With investment waning and oil production declining, Nigeria’s overall oilrigs count, which generally mirrors the measure of activities in the upstream sector, has continued to stagnate, a THISDAY analysis has shown.

As reflected in the latest Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) released by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries

(OPEC), Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, has not markedly expanded its capacity in the last few years.

Instead, while there are assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) that they are “doing everything” to ramp up production, the number of oil rigs tell a different story.

In all Nigeria’s share of the global rig count as of April, according to the data released in May, has become insignificant, remaining at just 11 of the world’s total of 1,735 and OPEC’s total count of 390.

With over 37 billion barrels of crude oil in reserves and roughly 2 per cent annual production as well as an estimated 50-year total life, if there are no new discoveries, Nigeria remains one of the most significant oil producers globally

at 15th position.

But while the country’s oil rigs only increased by one, to 11, from the 10 in March, it showed a sharp decline from, for instance, 2019, when it was 16 on the average.

The data showed that in April, Algeria, a lesser oil-producing nation had 28 oil rigs in total, while Angola’s was six and Libya, even with its current civil disturbances had seven.

Of the 1,735 rigs count globally,

according to OPEC, 1,379 are oil, 328 are for gas while 28 are classified as others. OPEC has 13 members of which at least two are not currently being rated due to political problems in their countries.

To put it in context, non-OPEC countries such as the United States, the data showed, had 694 rigs while Canada had 103, both far higher than the entire Africa’s count of 55 for April this year.

Generally, in the oil industry,

higher oil prices, like what currently obtains, mean higher rig counts, which also mean higher production.

In the opposite direction, lower prices mean less rigs and falling production.

However, Nigeria currently lacks capacity to ramp up production.

Aside the positive correlation between number of rigs and oil production, there are also many jobs attached to rigs when they are Continued on page 26

G7: FAO Puts Forward Proposals to Address Current, Future Food Shortages Oluchi Chibuzor The head of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has called on G7 nations to help anticipate future food shortages, as the war in Ukraine squeezes sup-

plies, pushes prices to record highs and threatens already vulnerable nations across Africa and Asia.

The UN’s body Director-General Qu Dongyu, who was invited by the German presidency of the G7 to discuss the consequences of

the conflict in eastern Europe on global food security, stated this in a statement released by FAO. Speaking to the G7 Agriculture Ministers meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, Qu, said, “We need to actively identify ways to make up

FOOD

COMMODITIES

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

RICE

100KG

ABUJA

N23,000–N25,000

SORGHUM

50KG

OYO

N22,000-N25,000

50KG

PLATEAU (JOS)

N23,500-N25,000

50KG

KWARA N24,000–N27,000

50KG

LAGOS

50KG

RIVERS N23,000–N26,500

50KG 50KG

N23,000–N26,500

SOKOTO N11,500–N13,000 EDO

N17,000–N20,000

for potential future gaps in global markets, working together to foster sustainable productivity increases where possible.”

The FAO boss also called on governments to, “refrain from imposing export restrictions,

SIZE

PRICE

STATE

100KG JIGAWA

which can exacerbate food price increases and undermine trust in global markets. Instead, we must “ensure that any measures taken to address the crisis do not exacerbate food insecurity and on the contrary increase resilience. Already in 2021,

approximately 193 million people were acutely food insecure and in need of urgent assistance, up nearly 40 million people from 2020.”

According to the statement, Continued on page 26

T O D AY

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

N9,000

C O C OA

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

1 TON

ONDO

N740,000 – N760,000

1 TON

OSUN

N730,000 – N750,000

1 TON

EDO

N720,000 – N740,000

100KG

BENUE

N8,500

100KG

KADUNA

N8,500

50KG

ENUGU

N23,000

50KG

LAGOS

N17,000

1 TON

CROSS RIVER

N700,000 – N720,000

100KG

DELTA

N23,000

1 TON

AKURE SOUTH, ONDO

N730,000 — N755,000

26

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS FOOD

NAME OF COMMODITY

PALM OIL

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

25CL LAGOS N20,000-N25000 25CL

PH

NAME OF COMMODITY

TOMATOES

N21,000 – 24,000

COMMODITIES SIZE

STATE

40KG BENUE

PRICE

N15,000

40KG

KADUNA

N5,000

40KG

ABIA

N18,000

25CL IBADAN N18,000-N22,000 25CL

IMO

N21,000–N24,500

25CL

EDO

N17,000–N20,000

25CL ABUJA

N19500- N25000

25KG LAGOS

N9,500

40KG DELTA

N17000

PRICE

T O D AY

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

ONIONS

100KG

IBADAN

N25,000

100KG

KANO

N10,000

100KG

BENUE

N27,000

100KG GOMBE

N12,000

100KG DELTA

N21,000

100KG LAGOS

N25,000

100KG ENUGU

N15,000

100KG

N29,000

ABIA

NAME OF COMMODITY

MAIZE

LOCATION

PRICE

100KG JIGAWA

N9000

100KG ENUGU

N24000

100KG DELTA

N15000

100KG ABIA

N14000

50KG LAGOS

N13500

SIZE

Lalong Charges NMGS to Grow Nation’s Economy, Reposition Mining Sector Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has charged the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) to do more in terms of developing the mineral resources in the country, especially petroleum, coal, tin, among others, with a view to growing the economy of the nation, and to better the fortune of the sector.

The charge was given during the investiture ceremony of Dr. Raymond Daspan and his executive

members held at the NMGS secretariat in Jos, Plateau State.

Represented by the state Commissioner of Mineral Development, Mr. Jude Dakur, the Governor emphasized on the great potential of solid minerals in the state and other states, urging NMGS to harness it to improve Nigeria economy for overall benefit of the country.

Congratulating the new EXCO, the Governor urged them to do only what will raise the image of NMGS

and revive the glory days of the society.

Welcoming the guests at the event, the NMGS President, Mr. Charles Alabo agreed that Plateau State has been in the lead in mining activities, hence his love and passion for the state.

Encouraging the miners in the state not to relent in showcasing the fortune of the mining industry, Alabo specifically urged them to develop more skills and technology to keep the banner flying high, adding that he was sure that the

society is in capable hands.

In his keynote, the Guest Lecturer, and Consultant Geologist/Hydrogeologist, Dr. Matthew Offodili, said it was observed at Ife symposium that members of the society “have no doubt contributed immensely to the development of the mineral resources in the country, especially petroleum, coal and tin.

Its members hold key positions in government, corporations, industry and in the private sector as well. Indeed the

achievement of individual members in these various sections is commendable.

“The Society as an entity has, however, made very little or no impact on the economic development of the country.

It enjoys no recognition from government as a professional body; its views are not sought, on subjects of national interest on which it should be the final authority in the country.”

In a goodwill message, the immediate past President of NMGS,

Professor Edatafano Ahsano encouraged the new EXCO, urging them to note that their new position is a call to humanity and sacrificial service and not an opportunity for personal gains or power display.

He said the NMGS Jos chapter remains the doyen of the national body, an enviable status that must be maintained. He also stressed the need for the team to restore the annual conference of NMGS that used to be hosted in Jos but was interrupted by insecurity in the state.

Newly Poor Africans Increased by 55m Says Ghanaian Minister Gilbert Ekugbe Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has stated that the number of newly poor Africans have increased by 55 million.

In 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimated that over 490 million people in Africa lived under poverty line of $1.90 per day, which was 37 million people more than what was projected without the COVID-19 pandemic.

With this increase, the number of poor people on the continent has risen to 545 million.

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

“The newly poor in Africa have increased by 55 million and approximately 35 million formal jobs are at risk,” the minister said. “This toxic mix of challenges exist even as we try to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic,” he stressed.

He emphasised Ghana’s partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) in its development as he addressed journalists at a press conference to publicise the institution’s upcoming annual meetings.

Ofori-Atta described the meetings as seminal, in the context of a world seeking to rebalance in the wake of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.

“The hosting is long overdue. Forty-one African economies are severely exposed to at least three concurrent crises – rising food prices, rising energy prices and tightening financial conditions – what finance ministers now call the dreaded three f’s,” Ofori-Atta said.

Throughout Africa food prices are currently around 34 per cent higher, crude oil prices 60 per cent and global inflation is affecting all countries, the minister said, with inflation in Ghana standing at around 23.6 per cent.

“In the African Development Bank, we have a well-positioned institution with the convening power and a network of technical and financial resources to significantly contribute toward finding robust

solutions to some of these intractable problems that we are experiencing,” Ofori-Atta said.

During the annual meetings, scheduled from May 23 to 27 in the Ghanaian capital Accra, there would be a showcase of products and services of 13 indigenous industrialists and five fintechs on the sidelines.

He also touched on the replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF), the African Development Bank Group’s concessional

lending arm. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the fund.

“One of the key issues is how to push our nonregionals to accept ADF going to the capital markets to leverage the $25 billion equity so we can get more resources,” Ofori-Atta said.

He said the ADF would benefit from cheaper interest rates, should it turn to the capital markets. Donors and multilateral institutions cannot meet Africa’s developmental demands.

NIGERIA’S RIGS COUNT REMAINS STUNTED AS OIL SECTOR INVESTMENTS WANE operational, meaning less rigs, less jobs in the oil sector.

However, although Nigeria failed to meet its production quota, its rig counts increased by two, from eight to 10 in March, but it was an average of five in Q2 2021, 10 in Q3 and seven in Q4 of the same year, but fell to eight in Q1, 2022.

Recently, a THISDAY’s analysis showed that Nigeria is producing far less oil than it did 25 years ago when the estimated population was much less than what it is today and government spending was far below what it is in 2022.

A comparison of the country’s average oil production per day in

1997, as indicated in the NNPC’s yearly statistical bulletin, showed that while Nigeria pumped 2.344 million barrels per day, plus condensates over two and a half decades ago, it can hardly produce 1.4 million as of this year.

Furthermore, while 26 rigs were in operation, on both onshore and offshore terrains, in 1997, Nigeria at present has just 11 active oilrigs, with a number of them not even in use.

In addition, Nigeria’s count fell from 11 in September to nine in October 2021, according to data released by OPEC and got worse after Nigeria began shutting down

many of its offshore platforms as oil prices took a downward slope and the producers’ group embarked on production curbs to stabilise the market.

A random historic rig count assessment earlier obtained by THISDAY showed that for instance, in the month of May, 2020, the country’s producing oil rigs fell from 16 to eight and two months later, in July, it fell further to six.

In January 2021, only six rigs produced while in February, it was seven; in March, it fell to six again, while in April 2021, total rig count was just five.

Nigeria has been struggling for

over a year with meeting the quota allocated to it by OPEC due to ageing infrastructure as a result of years of under-investment in the upstream of the oil and gas sector.

Added to these are vandalism and sabotage, technical issues as well as difficulties with restarting oil wells the country shut down last year in the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nigeria’s prospects in the sector remain uncertain, with deteriorating infrastructure that have seen all of its key export grades, including Agbami, Bonny Light, Forcados and Qua Iboe face severe production issues in the last year.

A recent document released by the upstream commission showed that although Nigeria’s rigs could be as many as 53 , only 12 have been near active in the last few months, while 25 are on standby and 16 have been “stacked” (may or may not be operable).

In terms of terrain, of the 53 rigs, 33 are onshore, 11 are offshore while nine are found in the swamps.

With big oil companies planning to embrace renewables, the challenge of getting the needed investment in a country like Nigeria which is rated low on its business friendliness may become even more difficult coming years.

G7: FAO PUTS FORWARD PROPOSALS TO ADDRESS CURRENT, FUTURE FOOD SHORTAGES “Russia and Ukraine are important players in global commodity markets, and the uncertainty surrounding the conflict has caused prices surges, particularly of wheat, maize and oilseeds, as well as fertilisers. These increases come on top of already high prices driven by robust demand and high input costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In March, the FAO Food Price Index reached its highest level (160 points) since its inception in 1990

and only dipped slightly in April.

Qu added that, “Wheat export forecasts for both Russia and Ukraine have been revised down since the start of the war.

And despite other market players such as India and the European Union boosting their offers, supply remains tight and prices will likely remain elevated in the coming months Countries that are heavily reliant on wheat imports include Egypt and Turkey, but also a number

of Sub-saharan countries such as Congo, Eritrea, Madagascar, Namibia, Somalia and Tanzania.”

Meanwhile, countries that are heavily dependent on fertilizers imported from Russia include key cereal and high value commodity exporting countries like Argentina, Bangladesh and Brazil.

Offering solutions to the challenges, FAO noted that market transparency is crucial, “That is why FAO welcomes every effort to strengthen and expand the

Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), an inter-agency platform designed to enhance food market transparency launched in 2011 by G20 Agriculture Ministers following the global food price hikes in 2007/08 and 2010. AMIS is hosted by FAO. “FAO has also proposed a global Food Import Financing Facility to help nations deal with rising food prices. The mechanism, which is strictly based on needs and limited to low and lower middle-income,

net food-importing countries and selected beneficiaries of the International Development Association, could benefit almost 1.8 billion people in the world’s 61 most vulnerable countries.”

The facility, he added, has been designed to include smart conditionality to act as an automatic stabilizer for future funding.

“Eligible countries will commit to added investments in agriculture, thus reducing future import needs, “he stated.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022

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OIL & GAS

NNPC: Many Failings of Nigeria’s National Oil Behemoth Despite the enormous roles the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is statutorily empowered to play in the life of every Nigerian, the national oil company appears to have failed in almost all its responsibilities to the country, writes Emmanuel Addeh

I

n essence, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has some of the most critical responsibilities in terms of being one of Nigeria’s most important revenue sources and practically acting as the hands of government in the oil and gas industry.

Set up in 1977, the NNPC has the duty to, among others, explore and prospect for oil and gas, refine, treat and generally engage in the handling of the resource and its derivatives. As the hydrocarbons space in the country evolved, these roles have also become more unwieldy.

It also has the function of purchasing and marketing petroleum, its products and by-products; providing and operating pipelines, tanker-ships or other facilities for the carriage or conveyance of crude oil, natural gas and their products.

Furthermore, the national oil company has the responsibility of constructing, equipping and maintaining tank farms and other facilities, carrying out research in connection with petroleum or anything derived from it and promoting activities for the purpose of turning to account the results of such research.

In carrying out these functions, it is expected to do anything required for the purpose of giving effect to agreements entered into by the federal government with a view to securing participation by the government or the company.

Most importantly, the NNPC is literally supposed to be the federation’s cash cow, contributing heavily, as it were to the joint account every month which is shared among the federating units.

To be clear, the NNPC has never really had a sterling record of performance, even in its heyday, but in the last couple of years, all the indices have pointed to not just a struggling national oil firm, but one that is seemingly failing on all its set targets.

Nigeria is not only pumping less oil than it did 25 years ago, despite the soaring population, as it seems, nothing appears to be working in the country’s favour in the oil industry. While the missed targets are numerous, quite a number of them have had a devastating impact on the country’s economy.

INABILITY TO MEET OPEC QUOTA

For more than a year now, Nigeria has consistently under-produced its quota as expected by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). As much as 400,000 barrels per day is under-produced daily when put side by side what the cartel expects. With the quota now exceeding 1.7 million bpd, drilling still remains at about 1.3 million bpd.

In actuality, while oil-producing countries around the world are smiling to the bank, with international oil price exceeding $100, a height rarely seen, Nigeria has continued on a borrowing spree because, simply put, it cannot produce enough oil for sale.

In fact, despite assurances by the national oil firm, the situation has not markedly improved.

It has indeed deteriorated, with the difference between actual expected production and Nigeria’s production falling by 558,000 barrels between March and April, according to OPEC. The company saddled with the responsibility has blamed the development on massive oil theft, inability to restart oil wells shut down in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, lack of investment as well as community issues.

To underscore the severity of the situation, almost half the shortfall in planned oil supply

by OPEC and its allies last month was down to Nigeria and Angola.

INCESSANT FUEL SCARCITY

It would seem that the only redeeming factor for the NNPC, which was the ability to supply the country, or put more appropriately, import enough petrol through its Direct Sale Direct Purchase (DSDP) is now in tatters.

In the first five months of this year, Nigerians have not enjoyed adequacy of products for more than two months. The scarcity is currently biting so hard in Abuja that at the time of this report, streets were deserted as supply dried up.

But the queues have continued to grow longer as motorists struggle to get the product from the few filling stations that are open for business, with vehicular traffic stretching several kilometres as a result of the latest scarcity.

It came after a few weeks of respite, following more than three months of gruelling petrol scarcity nationwide which the NNPC attributed to off-spec fuel imported at the time. The NNPC is the sole importer of the product although it deploys agents for the purpose.

In late January this year, Nigerians were similarly confronted with supply disruptions, which began

signed, no commitments. Nothing!

Since the Russia-Ukraine war started, Europe has sought to free itself of Russian hydrocarbons, which produces up to 40 per cent of its total gas consumption. But Nigeria has been unable to increase production and supply despite its over 206tcf of proven gas due to under-investment and inadequate infrastructure.

But again, the NNPC without much substance, assured that the company would continue to deepen its “historical relationship” with EU companies in Nigeria in order to add more value to its business.

KICKING OFF NNPC LTD ON A NOTE OF INDEBTEDNESS

in Abuja, then spread to Lagos and other parts of the country after adulterated products went into circulation. The problem lasted until early April.

But in what appeared to be a defence devoid of logic, a statement from the national oil firm in an attempt to explain away the sufferings faced by Nigerians affected by the scarcity of the product, blamed the last Muslim holiday for the situation. To be sure, there have always been holidays in Nigeria. “ This (scarcity) is very likely due to low load-outs at depots which usually happen during long public holidays, in this case, the Sallah celebrations.

“Another contributing factor to the sudden appearances of queues is the increased fuel purchases which is also usual with returning residents of the FCT from the public holidays,” NNPC Spokesman, Mr Garba Muhammad, noted.

WHERE ARE THE ADULTERATED PETROL IMPORTERS?

As stressed earlier, before the latest episode of fuel scarcity, Nigeria experienced what could possibly be its longest fuel supply disruption between February and April.

Since then, there has been a game of rocking chairs, with plenty motion and no movement.

The NNPC practically exonerated the culprits, perhaps unwittingly, when it rokd the world that Nigeria has no standard for methanol content of the petrol it imports.

Although it mentioned several possible companies that were culpable, till today, the matter has effectively been swept under the carpet.

The vehicles belonging to Nigerians damaged by the inefficiency of government bodies till today have not been fixed. Suffix to say that things have returned to business as usual maybe until the next episode.

ZERO FUNDING FOR FEDERATION ACCOUNT

A recent THISDAY review showed that in 2021, the NNPC only succeeded in remitting less than 20 per cent of its expected funding for the federation account, jointly shared by the federal, state and local governments.

With the signals from the national oil firm in 2022, the situation may even be worse than last year’s.

Indeed, the company has failed to remit any money to the federation account, since this year, a real anomaly at a time oil prices are skyrocketing.

An analysis of the NNPC presentation to FAAC for March showed that while subsidy will gulp N671.88 billion in April due for sharing in May, the oil firm has failed to pay anything out of its budgeted annual N1.473 trillion for the year.

Despite increasing international prices of crude oil, Nigeria has failed to take advantage as it imports all products from abroad, the purpose for which it will expend N4 trillion this year, almost a quarter of its N17.1 trillion budget for the year.

Nigeria’s external reserves has shed $840.6 million in the last months from January 1, 2022 to April 26, according to official data, falling to $39.67 billion as of April 26, down from the $40.518 billion posted on January 1, 2022.

In the first quarter of 2022 ending March, the reserves dipped $971.36 million from $40.518 billion on January 1, to $39.55 billion on March 31.

The Muhammadu Buhari-administration recently deferred the implementation of the full removal of subsidy by 18 months, effectively pushing it to the next government which begins in May next year.

NON-FUNCTIONAL REFINERIES

It would be a waste of precious space to regurgitate the fact that Nigeria’s refineries which are run by the NNPC have not functioned for years.

However, the company spends as much as between N100 billion and N120 billion yearly servicing what it calls important items in the four refineries, even though they have not produced a drop of fuel in years.

In the main, Nigeria is suffering current distortions in the supply chain because all products are imported and are subject to the vicissitudes of forex, international shipping dynamics, among others.

But Group Managing Director NNPC), Mele Kyari, blames the last 25 years of bad management as being responsible for the poor state of the country’s refineries.

But again, he’s a veteran of the 45-year organisation.

Addressing federal lawmakers last week, the NNPC GMD said: “We recognise that today none of our refineries is operating for the very obvious reason that through the work of this committee, you will find out why they are not operating.

“We will hide nothing from you. We will also tell you where we are as we speak today.

Needless to say that the refineries were essentially not properly managed overtime, not just today, but in the last 20 to 25 years.

“The turnaround maintenance processes were clearly mismanaged overtime. I have said this over and over. And when we took over, it was very obvious that what you were dealing with was not a turnaround maintenance. We were dealing with total rehabilitation “We had degradation of monumental proportion that we met and, of course, the only way you can do this is to conduct a full turnaround maintenance,” he said in defence.

He further stated that the ongoing rehabilitation will be financed by banks.

“That is the difference between what you had in the past, where you do halfway work and never complete what you were trying to do,” he argued.

GAS DEFICIT

As the war between Russia and Ukraine rages, the European Union (EU) has continued to mount pressure on Nigeria to ramp up its gas supply to the European continent. But if anything has come out of recent meetings, it’s simply that Nigeria lacks the capacity to do so.

With the various visits to Kyari, the (erstwhile) Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva and head of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, in a bid to pressure the country to raise its gas production, no documents have been

The NNPC as a CAMA company, is not born yet, as it were. That will happen in July when it transmutes to a limited liability company. But it has already committed N621 billion to the rehabilitation of roads from its yet unrealised revenues.

Indeed, it has already handed over a symbolic cheque of N621.24 billion for the rehabilitation of 21 critical roads across the federation through what it terms a Tax Credit Scheme under the Executive Order 7 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Some of the roads include the construction and rehabilitation of Kabba-Obajana Road in Kogi State and the Apapa-Oworonsoki Road in Lagos. For a tottering firm with massive change in operational structure, many think that it’s too much to bite. They argue that starting on a new note, it will be too much of a burden to shoulder for NNPC Ltd.

UNPRECEDENTED OIL THEFT

Nigeria is currently experiencing unprecedented rate of oil theft. While the federal government has admitted that security agencies may be complicit in the menace, it is believed that such level of heist would be impossible without the active connivance of industry players.

According to official figures, over $2 billion worth of oil was estimated to have been illegally siphoned in 2021. When added to the first quarter of 2022, it could have climbed beyond $3 billion, the NUPRC recently said.

LOCAL PRIVATE REFINERIES SUFFER

Recently, THISDAY reported that the few small-scale refineries operating in Nigeria are facing a huge challenge of crude oil supply, as the NNPC continues to focus on exporting the commodity rather than reserving some barrels for them, thereby killing any incentive for investment.

A number of operators, despite the assurances by the national oil company of support, have expressed frustration that in spite of the huge investments, their facilities remain dormant as the NNPC has declined to make the raw material available.

THISDAY recalls that on several occasions, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari, had assured local operators of adequate crude oil supply.

But it was gathered that the refineries operating mainly in Imo, Delta and Edo have been mostly dormant due to the refusal of the NNPC to supply crude to them.

For instance, it was gathered that the 10,000 barrels OPAC refinery in Kwale which underwent testing under the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has not been producing due to the NNPC’s inability to supply them.

“We will work closely with them to ensure that they get enough crude feedstock they need to operate seamlessly,” the NNPC boss had recently said while inaugurating one of the facilities.

SLEEPING ON THE ‘TAPE’ AGENDA

How much petrol does Nigeria consume daily? That’s one question that the NNPC has not been able to answer for years. How many barrels of oil does Nigeria exchange for petrol on a daily basis. These are basic unanswered questions.

But again , the company has a much-mouthed Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda. Aside the controversial N287 billion “profits” announced in the 2020 fiscal year, the TAPE agenda seems to be only in name.

Will the NNPC wake up from its slumber in an industry that’s increasingly becoming more competitive? The options are clear.

28

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Understanding Manufacturing Sector’s Q1 Marginal Decline The MCCI report of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for the first quarter of 2022 recorded marginal decline in the productivity of the industrial sector, Dike Onwuamaeze writes

T

he Manufacturers CEO’s Confidence Index (MCCI) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recorded a marginal decline of 1.5 points in the first quarter of 2022 when compared with the point it achieved in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The latest MCCI report that was released in this month showed that index of score of the manufacturing sector in the first quarter of 2022 stood at 53.9 points, which was a decline of 1.5 points from 55.4 points index score of the fourth quarter of 2021.

Yet, in spite of the slight decline, the latest MCCI report still confirmed sustained confidence of the sector on the economy during the quarter under review.

The MCCI has a baseline index of 50 points that suggests a stationary point in the economy and affirms the level of confidence and performance in the quarter under review. Points above 50 points indicates that manufacturers have confidence in the economy and improvement in manufacturing performance, while any index point below 50 points indicate otherwise.

The report noted that since the second quarter of 2021, the MCCI score has remained above the 50 neutral points, reaching 55.4 points in the fourth quarter of 2021. The score indicted sustained confidence of manufacturers in the economy and improved manufacturing performance over the period.

FACTORS THAT CAUSED THE DECLINE: The MCCI report stated that some factors were responsible for the decline reported in the index score for the first quarter of 2022. These factors included the eroding disposable income of consumers, high interest rate, excessive drive for revenue by government, obvious neglect of the economy for politics, the persistent acute shortage of foreign exchange; insecurity, the immediate impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as seen in the hike in price of diesel, wheat and other imported manufacturing inputs.

It said: “Although the first quarter 2022 MCCI index score of 53.9 points fell below that of the last quarter 2021, the overall result shows that even though the economy recorded positive improvement despite unstable macroeconomic fundamentals, the manufacturing sector is still largely under severe pressure, its health very well in the fringes and below the desired performance threshold.

“In addition, feedbacks from manufacturers identified Limited supply of electricity; High cost of local and imported raw-materials; Persisting acute shortage of forex for importation of machine, raw materials not available locally and persisting insecurity in the country as the challenges limiting the performance of the manufacturing sector in the period under review. “ The overall consequence of the factors enumerated above was that “the aggregate MCCI score declined to 53.9 points in Q1 2022 from 55.4 points recorded in Q4 2021.

“Although, on the overall, the score suggested fairly stable confidence in the economy that was driven primarily by improvement in current business condition, the performance was affected by declining employment and production conditions arising from familiar supply-side constraints.

“The general decline in the index point and the dimmed outlook for the second quarter

evidenced by expectations of lower production, employment and unfriendly business condition, is a cause for concern.

“This obviously calls for the crafting of a National Response and Sustainability Strategic Plan to avert the looming economic crisis and shortages that would arise from the impact of the Russia invasion of Ukraine.”

Findings from MCCI’s sectoral analysis in the first quarter of 2022 also showed that three sectors performed below 50 points. These sectors were the Wood and Wood Products, Electrical and Electronics and Motor Vehicle and Miscellaneous Assembly groups that scored 48.9, 49.9 and 49.2 points respectively to indicate that they were heavily challenged in the Q1 2022.

The MCCI said: “Findings from Sectoral analysis shows that operations of manufacturing concerns in the Wood & Wood Products, Electrical & Electronics and Motor Vehicle & Miscellaneous Assembly groups were heavily challenged in the Q1 2022.

“Index Score of Wood & Wood Products sectoral (48.9 points); Electrical and Electronics (49.9 points); and Motor Vehicle and Miscellaneous Assembly (49.2 points) were all below the 50 base points. Thus, affirming low confidence in the economy, poor performance and the struggling status of these manufacturing sectoral groups.”

However, only three sectors recorded performances in the first quarter of 2022 that were stronger than their showing in the fourth quarter of 2021. These sectors were the food and beverage sector, non-metal and domestic. They scored 59, 51.8 and 59.9 points respectively against 58.7. 50.6, and 58.3 points they pooled in the fourth quarter of 2021 respectively. But there were sectoral groups that performed strongly during the first quarter of 2022 by earning points that were above 50. These were the food and beverage, textile, pulp and paper, chemical and pharmaceutical, non-metallic group, dometic, and basic metal group. These sectors scored 59, 52.9, 52.5, 60.2, 51.8, 59.9 and 54.7 respectively.

Analysis based on industrials zones showed

that out of the 13 Industrial Zones in Nigeria, Bauchi/Benue/Plateau, Abuja and Rivers struggled in the First Quarter of 2022. The performance of the afore-mentioned zones were clearly depicted by the index scores of 48.3, 44.8 and 46.0 points respectively, during the period under review which fell below the 50 neutral points threshold index score.

The MCCI report said: “In broad terms, the lackluster performance recorded in Bauchi/Benue/Plateau, Abuja and Rivers industrial zones is attributed to the unbridled disruption of manufacturing activities by high level insecurity, rising operating cost and the general manufacturing unfriendly environment.

“In specific terms, peculiar contributory factors for Rivers State include the prevailing low interest in the productive sector evidenced by shrinking industrial landscape, low support for the manufacturing sector and the overly concentration on trade and services.”

The report also stated that available facts and recent experiences have shown that the emergence of a challenge in one country could become a major constraint with spiral effects for the entire world. This was demonstrated by the Russia/Ukraine armed conflict that commenced in the first quarter of 2022.

“The learning curves from recent development include the need for leaders all over the world to jointly manage global peace and deepen the cord of interdependence of countries along the line of development priorities of nations and the obvious reality that when disruption occurs in any part of the global economy, only countries with automatic stabilisers and strong internal economic mechanisms will be able to respond appropriately,” the report said.

Therefore, “the trend observed in the first quarter 2022 MCCI resonated with a priori expectations, the oscillatory trajectory of the macro economy and fluctuating manufacturing performances observed in the last two years.

In fact, the performance recorded is largely similar but with slight differing magnitude when compared with what was obtained in the last quarter of 2021. Clearly, the prevalence of

familiar binding constraints to the steady growth of the manufacturing sector, the reverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the food shortages, rising inflation, foreign exchange parity, economic uncertainty, general increase in price of petroleum products, supply chain disruptions and the growing concern of future increase in the prices of wheat and fertilizer manufacturing inputs occasioned by the Russian invasion of Ukraine are contributory factors that impacted the aggregate MCCI. “All of these clearly show that the ongoing invasion of Ukraine will continue to have negative spiral effects on every sector of the economy if not halted as soon as possible. The implication of allowing the invasion to continue for the manufacturing sector will include enormous decrease in capacity utilisation (as factories begin to experience stock-out situations), inflation, dwindling sales, lower productivity, unemployment and heightened insecurity. Certainly, all of these would also have severe implications for economic and social well being of over 200 million Nigerians.”

MAN noted that undoubtedly, the precarious situation that the manufacturing sector is currently in and the looming dangers ahead call for a National Response and Sustainability Strategy to guarantee the survival of sector and avoid further de-industrialisation.

“As customary, MAN will include findings in the advocacy submissions to the Government backed with detailed recommendations on measures to address identified challenges inhibiting scale and competitive production in the sector,” the report said. The MCCI is a quarterly research and advocacy publication of the association, which measure changes in pulse of operators and trends in the manufacturing sector quarterly, in response to movements in the macro economy and government policies using primary data mined through direct survey on over 400 chief executive officers of MAN member-companies. The standard diffusion factors deployed in the MCCI analytic processes include the current business condition, business condition for the next three months, current employment condition (rate of employment), and employment condition for the next three months and production level for the next three months.

Report: Renewables Set to Break New Records DespiteHeadwinds in 2022 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja New capacity for generating electricity from solar, wind and other renewables increased to a record level worldwide in 2021 and will grow further this year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said.

The world added a record 295 gigawatts of new renewable

power capacity in 2021, overcoming supply chain challenges, construction delays and high raw material prices, according to the body’s latest renewable energy market update.

Global capacity additions are expected to rise this year to 320 gigawatts, equivalent to an amount that would come close to meeting the

entire electricity demand of Germany or matching the European Union’s total electricity generation from natural gas, the report said.

Also, solar energy is on course to account for 60 per cent of global renewable power growth in 2022, followed by wind and hydropower, the IEA noted.

In the EU, annual additions

jumped by almost 30 per cent to 36 gigawatts in 2021, finally exceeding the bloc’s previous record of 35 gigawatts set a decade ago. “Cutting red tape, accelerating, permitting and providing the right incentives for faster deployment of renewables are some of the most important actions governments can take to address today’s energy security

and market challenges, while keeping alive the possibility of reaching our international climate goals,” IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, said.

Renewables’ growth so far this year is much faster than initially expected, driven by strong policy support in China, the European Union and Latin America, which are more than

compensating for slower than anticipated growth in the United States. But in the absence of stronger policies, the amount of renewable power capacity added worldwide is expected to remain flat in 2023, as continued progress for solar is offset by a 40 per cent decline in hydropower expansion and little change in wind additions.

29

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Moughalu: APM Terminals Apapa Upholds Inclusion, Equity, Diversity Erica Moughalu is a banksman at APM Terminals Apapa. APM Terminals Apapa is located within the Apapa Port and is the largest container terminal in Nigeria. In this interview, Moughalu speaks on her role as a banksman and what it means to work at the seaport, which is a male dominated environment. productivity.

Please introduce yourself. y name is Erica Muoghalu.

I am a banksman at APM Terminals Apapa.

I work in the operations room, which is one of the biggest rooms in the admin building.

I utilise the CCTV cameras to work handin-hand with the mobile crane operators, truck drivers, clerks in the yard, planning teams and equipment control teams. When there are issues that require my physical presence - probably damaged containers, I go to the field to have a physical look and generate a report.

M

What is your view on inclusion, equity and diversity in the workplace?

Diversity entails people from diverse backgrounds - family, work, gender.

Inclusion talks about these people with different backgrounds coming together to achieve a common goal. They are in one environment despite having different backgrounds. Equity means giving everyone a fair ground to grow or play despite gender or age disparities.

To me, inclusion, equity and diversity are the totality of what APM Terminals stands for since I have been here.

As a female banksman, do you think your opinions or ideas matter?

Of course, they do. I had past work experiences before I joined APM Terminals Apapa. I must say that in APM Terminals there is a culture of equality, inclusion and diversity. It is not something you have prior knowledge of if you have not worked in other places. You could tell that as a lady, your opinions matter.

Whenever we are in a meeting or training, there is nothing like because you are a woman, you can do this but not this. It is a fair and equal ground for everyone to play. And whatever I merit is given to me. Though it is silent, but you see and experience it.

How does it feel working in a traditionally male-dominated shipping industry?

I actually had experience working in male-dominated departments in my previous workplaces and so it doesn’t come across as something strange. I don’t see it as something that should be stereotyped, but in the shipping industry it is a new thing for me but that I have male colleagues teaching and guiding me from my first day here. They taught me about containers, vessels, badges. I met this warm and welcoming atmosphere when I came in and that makes the environment more welcoming and inclusive for me.

Here you are given the opportunity to have a sense of ownership. You own your

Moughalu

work; you are accountable for integrity on the job, and for me that is what I also stand for, and that alone. So I am psychologically safe and included to succeed.

Do you enjoy the same resources and opportunities as your male counterparts?

Absolutely! There has not been partiality in terms of gender. The atmosphere gives you an opportunity to shine and possibly outshine your male counterparts. There are no psychological or emotional biases, seen or unseen, conditional or unconditional that could come in a workplace. Of course, at some age, certain factors can come to play in women but I have also seen some of my counterparts here who are nursing mothers. They have flexible work hours, enough maternity leave and a psychological backing that they are safe on their job.

The theme of the 2022 International Women’s Day is break the bias. How is this important in the workplace?

It is very important to break the bias in the workplace. It is about a fair review of salaries, payment schemes, making organisational policies and programs in the workplace, which do not in any way adversely affect women. It talks about when the women are getting to a certain age, they take positions where they would still be relevant and may not excessively use their physical power, yet their technical know-how and skills are needed.

It is also about ensuring that both genders are in the same place regardless of the noises out there. They may not be verbal comments; they could be behaviorally spoken even by fellow gender. But here it is not like that. APM Terminals has a positive work culture and this has given women the ability or a stepping-stone to shut out these noises and focus. When you are focused, you will definitely see the results on your

Do you think women are assuming more challenging roles at APM Terminals Apapa?

Before I joined APM Terminals, I read a lot about them in the media. When in 2018/2019 the process of bringing in women onboard began and I heard about it, I was glad because I always desired to work here. When I came in, women were assuming strategic positions like managerial roles, and of course I was happy. There is more accountability, questions are being asked which most times the other gender may not get to ask and they do come into play. The land is green for everyone to grow.

What progress have you witnessed in APM Terminals in terms of the continuous strive for a diverse and more inclusive environment?

What I have witnessed is also all over

the news. APM Terminals is one of the best companies operating in Nigeria and Africa, we operate with the industry best practices and standards with regards to occupational health and safety and the kind of equipment we use. We have smart buildings; smart technologies and our IT personnel are top-notch. APM Terminals has made very huge progress. The world has changed tremendously from manual to digital. There were times things were done manually – the banksmen had to go outside to the quayside under the sun and inside the rain to do some jobs.

But currently, it is not so. We now have shelters at the quayside, we use smart cameras to capture what is going on in the yard. The present upgrades in the terminal have made it easy for women to still be relevant without excessively working out themselves.

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

30

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 13May-2022, unless otherwise stated.

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

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 204.22 205.37 20.23% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 6.19% Nigeria International Debt Fund 319.74 319.74 4.38% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 105.31 106.46 6.69% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.19% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.75 3.81 5.90% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A info@anchoriaam.com ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 23.32 24.02 14.96% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 520.65 536.35 15.40% ARM Ethical Fund 43.40 44.71 11.40% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.06 1.06 -2.04% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.04 2.36% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.77% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.21 105.21 8.08% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,104.60 1,104.60 10.46% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.12 2.12 8.62% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.44 2.50 34.34% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,004.91 1,004.91 3.45% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.04 1.04 3.07% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.81% Paramount Equity Fund 21.16 21.55 21.34% Women's Investment Fund 157.96 159.90 11.23% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.55% Cordros Milestone Fund 139.94 140.91 12.06% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 109.18 109.18 4.68% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.26% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 7.52% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.12 1.12 22.31% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 102.26 102.26 4.19% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1450.88 1450.88 10.21% FBN Balanced Fund 199.67 201.16 13.93% FBN Halal Fund 119.53 119.53 9.20% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.06% FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) 123.70 123.70 4.99% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 175.35 177.69 14.71% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.17% Legacy Debt Fund 3.97 3.97 -0.83% Legacy Equity Fund 2.03 2.08 17.08% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.22 1.22 1.42% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn

Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

4,406.71 3,547.63 100.00

4,478.31 3,547.63 100.00

36.76% 6.27% 6.18%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.10 1.10 3.68% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.65% Vantage Balanced Fund 3.16 3.23 17.72% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 140.10 140.10 2.24% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.37 1.41 15.22% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 4.12% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.58 1.60 11.08% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,158.47 1,158.47 3.38% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 13.99 14.07 19.78% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.92% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 101.49 101.49 5.93% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 8.09% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.75 1.78 9.11% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.73 11.75 4.94% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.17% PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.66 16.32% PACAM EuroBond Fund 116.11 118.92 0.92% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 135.48 138.93 11.09% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 9.25% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,842.72 3,888.72 11.66% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 238.55 238.55 1.20% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.57 1.60 21.92% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 319.56 319.57 1.99% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 289.25 293.78 19.52% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.61% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 13,290.00 13,483.24 19.66% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.32 1.32 1.76% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.34 118.34 1.17% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 109.19 109.19 2.55% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.12 1.14 20.14% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.59 1.62 16.66% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.27 1.29 16.88% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.10 1.10 2.70% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 2.00 2.00 2.44% United Capital Eurobond Fund 124.69 124.69 1.92% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.73% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 14.50 14.65 10.03% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.74 16.94 14.61% Zenith Income Fund 22.59 22.59 2.55% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.45% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.31 4.41 7.41% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.94 7.04 18.54% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 20.85 21.05 17.79% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.27% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 22.98 23.18 14.94% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 152.40 154.40 -3.38%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.16 53.16

1.62% 0.82%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

16.39 155.87 123.36 24.59 23.62

16.49 159.68 126.03 24.69 23.72

17.10% 18.40% 19.03% 0.00% 0.00%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.55

12.10%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

31

TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

How To Build Political Parties …And a Bit About Deborah

I

t is a very gratifying thing that both major Nigerian political parties have thrown out zoning. Zoning, by its very nature, is antidemocratic. It belongs in the past, along with other relics of colonialism and military rule, including the quota system and the unitary system of government.

Zoning panders to ethnicity, rather than ability.

It is the triumph of nepotism, rather than ideology.

That is why it should be a stop-gap measure, which was what it was designed to be in 1998, when the military class of 1966 decided to compensate the Southwest for the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, which was won by a man of Southwest origin, Bashorun MKO Abiola.

No country should build political parties on the basis of region, religion, tribe, or zone. That is a very dangerous slippery slope that can lead to a Rwanda-style genocide if Nigeria is not careful.

So, if parties should not be built along primordial lines, how should they be built? Good question.

Enduring political parties are built on ideological common ground. History has proved that parties built on primordial foundations not only do not last, they are also most dangerous.

Let us take the oldest political party in Africa the African National Congress. It was founded on January 8, 1912, and has endured and against all odds, it became the governing party in South Africa.

It is built on a foundation of national liberation, and national democratic principles, as a political and economic model for the redistribution of national wealth.

Because of this clear-cut ideology, all South Africans, including even White and Asian South Africans, were drawn to the party.

However, South African parties that pandered to ethnicity, such as the Inkatha Freedom Party, which was unabashedly set up to promote the regional interests of the Zulus of the KwaZulu-Natal, have not been so successful.

This is even as the largest ethnic group in South Africa is the Zulu, with the majority of them living in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Despite that state of things, the ANC dominated the IFP because of its reliance on ideology over ethnicity, and that route to power saw Nelson Mandela, and Thabo Mbeki, of the smaller Xhosa tribe becoming successive presidents of post-apartheid South Africa.

In contrast, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a Zulu prince, and traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu nation, who had coveted that post, never attained it until he retired from public life in 2019.

Whether it is the Kenya African National Union, or the Chama Cha Mapinduzi, or the Labour Party of Mauritius, the political parties that have endured and thrived in Africa are those which were founded on the basis of ideology, rather than ethnicity or religion.

And when a party makes zoning a permanent feature, it cannot in truth lay claims to being founded on ideology.

Some may point to Switzerland, where the rotation of power is a well-established principle. However, the situation in Switzerland is a constitutional and

Late Deborah national convention, not a party affair.

In Switzerland, the positions of President and Vice President rotate annually, and the president of the Confederation of Switzerland is not the Swiss Head of State. The seven-member Swiss Federal Council, is the collective Head of State of Switzerland.

If Nigeria wants to go that route, which is similar to the recommendations of the 2014 Nigerian National Conference, then so be it. That is more workable than leaving it to political parties.

Because, when zoning is seen as a right, it breeds an entitlement mentality, and creates the type of “it is our turn campaigning”, where a candidate and his or her supporters campaign on that basis and get aggressively confrontational when their sense of entitlement is not reciprocated by other citizens.

And then in frustration, they fall back on primordial sentiments, deepening the ethnic politics that a country like Nigeria should be trying to move away from.

We ought to be moving towards a country where citizens are more connected through ideology than through region, religion and other primeval appeals.

That is the only way Nigeria can thrive as a country, because we are currently striving as a nation.

Societies cannot grow beyond a point if their constituents stick with the tribal niche that they have always known and refuse to open themselves up to higher ideals that do not emanate from their neck of the woods.

If you want to be wealthy and upwardly mobile, you should want to be connected with another individual who has such aspirations. And where there are enough of you, then as a community, you should organise yourselves into a body to promote

such aspirations.

Political parties are about aspirations and interest.

Being from a tribe or a religion is not an aspiration. It is a settled matter. Therefore, if you build a political party around settled matters, there will be little or no progress in society, because there is nothing to aspire to!

Religion, region and ethnicity are fixed. There is little room for aspirations with them. They were chosen for you by either God, or your parents (very few people choose their religions). Thus, building parties around them leads to the death of aspirations.

Look throughout history. Wars and other conflicts, like genocide, and ethnic cleansing, have always been traced to political parties or movements built around race, religion and ethnicity, whether in Germany, Rwanda, or the Ottoman Empire. Nigeria ought to consider this, and take a step back or else we will take a setback.

It is easier to settle the conflict of interests in societies, when those conflicts are about economic and ideological positions, rather than when they are primordial. If you oppose me because I am rich and you are poor, then I can try to resolve that by introducing policies to help you prosper materially.

However, if you oppose me because I believe in Christ, or based on the fact that I have Itsekiri heritage, how would I be able to resolve that? And if there are no possible ways of resolving such conflicts politically, then the result would be like what happened in Yugoslavia - God forbid!

Nigeria needs to go back to the days when a Fulani, Umaru Altine, made history as the first elected mayor of Enugu in 1956 and Felix Ezejiofor Okonkwo (AKA Kwankwaso, a bastardisation of Okonkwo and sons) made his own history as a member of the Northern Nigeria House of chiefs in 1957.

And that is only possible with parties built on ideology, not on primordial sentiments.

In conclusion, I would counsel the Peoples Democratic Party to learn from contemporary politics in countries that are in the same stage of political development as we are, and with similar schisms in their societies, which should have similar populations as ours.

The Philippines is a good example. They just had a Presidential election last week.

The Peoples Democratic Party should study how Ferdinand (Bongbong) Marcos won the Presidency, because BBM, as he is fondly called, and his party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) have a lot of similarities with the PDP and its candidates, and can teach them how to win in 2023!

Ferdinand (Bongbong) Marcos’s political enemies tried to bring up his family’s negative political past (his father, Ferdinand Marcos was overgrown in 1986 and accused of corruption). But BBM did NOT respond to those comparisons. Instead he talked about his plans. And he won!

The All Progressives Congress will try to do to the Peoples Democratic Party, and whoever is their candidate, what the PFP in the Philippines did to Marcos Jr. The PDP must respond like Marcos, by talking about tomorrow. Let APC talk about yesterday and today.

Reno’s Nuggets

On The Sokoto Incident Sokoto is a place I understand. My family lived there for decades. The people of Sokoto are VERY TOLERANT, except for anything they consider as disrespectful of their major religion, Islam.

My father went to Sokoto as a 23-year-old NYSC corps member. He became Director of Public Prosecution of Sokoto at the age of twenty nine. He became a judge in Sokoto at the age of thirty six. And the Northwest gave my father, a Christian, their slot in Nigeria’s second-highest court, the Court of Appeal!

I know people who have never been to Sokoto, or lived there, will attack me now for saying this. But I have lived there. If you respect their religion, you will prosper there, even if you do not believe in their religion. They do not force their religion on you. But you must respect it. That is my eyewitness testimony from my personal experiences in Sokoto.

To all those saying Northern Nigerian Muslims are bad and barbaric, you may have forgotten that a Northern Muslim, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, saved the lives of hundreds of Christians on June 23, 2018.

You see, there are good and bad people in every religion. Face the culprits, not the religion!

Let us rather learn from this teachable moment.

I urge everyone to observe the mature and orderly manner in which the Body of Christ handled the incident involving the blasphemy surrounding Sterling Bank’s MD, Abubakar Suleiman.

We did not kill, we did not withdraw our monies from the bank. We did not hold violent protests. However, we made our grievances known.

And he apologised. And as soon as he did, the Christian Association of Nigeria officially forgave him. And that action helped promote religious coexistence.

Perhaps those who killed Deborah were unaware that what the MD of Sterling Bank was alleged to have done was just as bad. Or even worse.

Comparing our Lord and Saviour to Agege bread.

But we know there is a Judgment Day, and left judgment to God. They could have done that too.

We are never going to be rid of each other.

Christianity and Islam must coexist in Nigeria, because the alternative will make what happened in Yugoslavia look like child’s play.

That is why all of us, especially clerics, must think about what we are saying to our congregants. If we do not learn to live together in peace, we will soon learn that it is hard to live apart in pieces.

You may attack me for what I write, but God did not create Reno Omokri and put me on Earth to live up to the expectations of any man, or any society. He put me on Earth for one thing and one thing only: To live up to His expectations.

You may now insult me! #JusticeForDeborah

Expect More Flight Disruptions over Fuel Scarcity, AON Tells Passengers Chinedu Eze The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has said passengers should expect more flight disruptions as scarcity of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1 bite harder.

AON's spokesman and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, said this in a statement yesterday.

According to Okonkwo, the persistent fuel scarcity was affecting the operations of air transport in the country and could lead to more rescheduling and cancellations of flights.

He, however, said the AON was working in alliance with product marketers, government and relevant stakeholders to ensure availability and proper pricing of the product in the country.

“The Airline Operators of Nigeria wish to alert the public of impending disruptions to scheduled flight operations of

members of the association.

This development is being forced on members by the growing scarcity of aviation fuel popular as Jet-Al. “The scarcity is impacting negatively on the seamless conduct of air transport

operations and would lead to flight rescheduling, and, or, cancellations.

“While pleading the understanding of the flying public in the face of this reality, we also promise to do all that is necessary, and within our

powers, to restore normal flight schedules as soon as possible," he said.

However, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika at the opening of the 7th African Indian Ocean Region (AFI) Aviation Week in Abuja,

yesterday, said petroleum products scarcity had become a global challenge because of the Russian-Ukraine war, noting that there is scarcity of the products in different parts of the world.

He said recognsing that

the issue was not peculiar to Nigeria, he expected airline operators to show more understanding, as they have severally acknowledged that the Buhari administration has done so much for them since the history of Nigeria.

2023 Elections: LASAA Releases Guidelines for Political Campaigns Lagos State Signage and Advertisements Agency (LASAA) has issued guidelines on using election campaign materials in Lagos ahead of the 2023 general elections to control and regulate advert displays, as provided under its enabling law.

Speaking on the guidelines, LASAA's Managing Director, Mr. Adedamola Docemo, urged politicians and their supporters to comply with the guidelines.

"The guidelines are issued without prejudice to any political party, association or

aspirant as it is the agency’s intention to ensure fairness and equality among all concerned stakeholders while judiciously performing its duties and applying the rules without sentiment or bias," said Docemo.

Based on the guidelines, political campaigns on billboards and wall drapes may only be deployed on existing structures owned and operated by outdoor advertising practitioners registered with LASAA and have obtained permits for such sites and structures.

"A-frame may only be placed on road verges, medians on inner streets and must not exceed a size of 2x1 metre (big size) and 0.5 x 0.5 meters (small size), and it must have a distance of not less than 100 metres between each sign deployed, which must be made of standard and sturdy materials to ensure that they do not drop or block the roads," it added.

According to the guidelines, politicians and political parties should display banners on inner roads and streets. They must be

attached to the wall of buildings with owners' consent - limited to inner streets and not tied to poles or public utilities, including electric and telecom poles.

It said posters might be pasted on designated surfaces on inner streets only, excluding public utility structures such as streetlamp poles, transformers, bridge pillars/barriers, directional road signs, electrical poles and other unauthorised surfaces.

LASAA advised political parties and aspirants to refrain from displaying campaign posters

indiscriminately, stating that unauthorised billboards or wall drapes and non-conforming political campaigns on banners, A-frames and posters, etc., will be removed.

It also urged political parties and aspirants to remove all election materials immediately after the 2023 general elections, adding that parties interested in deploying political campaigns are advised to contact LASAA or the owners of the proposed structures, including billboards and wall drapes, for clarification.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ MAY 17, 2022

32

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Standard Chartered Acts as Sole Arranger of $50m Step-up for Access Bank Standard Chartered Bank acted as Sole Arranger and Sustainability Structuring Agent of a $50 million Reg S Step-up Puttable Green Notes due 2027 for Access Bank Plc in the international capital market via a private placement.

Standard Chartered in a statement said the offering represents a first of its kind in Africa, “and the second Green Bond Issuance by Access Bank, following its debut Naira Green Bond Issuance in 2019.

“This innovative puttable Green private placement for Access Bank is a 5-year Senior Unsecured Note (Reg S) issued under Access Bank’s US$1.5 billion Global Medium-Term Note Programme and is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

“The Bond was issued with a coupon of 5.50% in the first two years and then steps up (on the put option date) to 7.25% in

the last 3 years to maturity, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears. This innovative structure enabled Access Bank Plc to achieve an attractive pricing, with a blended average cost of funding below of fair value, amidst the rising and volatile interest rate environment.

The net proceeds from the issuance of the Bond, will be used by Access Bank for the financing or refinancing, in part or in full, new and/or existing projects and/ or assets meeting the eligibility criteria set out in the Bank’s Green Financing Framework dated 18 November 2021, on which S&P Global Ratings has provided a second party opinion.

This deal was solely originated, executed and led by Standard Chartered, with our sustainable finance team working with Access Bank to establish a Green bond framework.”

Standard Chartered’ s Executive

Director, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking, Nigeria & West Africa, Mr. Olukorede Adenowo noted that, “Standard Chartered is proud to once again partner with Access Bank on this momentous transaction. The success of this issuance continues to demonstrate investors’ confidence in Access’s strategy as a leading banking group out of Africa.

“We work with our clients across Africa to deliver on their growth aspirations and also use our market leading position in the international bond markets and sustainable financing space to drive inclusive growth and development in Africa. Standard Chartered Bank has led and served as Joint Lead Manager on almost all Eurobond transactions by banks in Sub Saharan Africa since 2017, underscoring our unparalleled leadership in the space.”

MandilasTasks Stakeholders on Sustainable Cold Chain Industry Mandilas Group Limited has joined the ongoing clamor to curtail post-harvest losses and expansion of the cold chain industry in Nigeria.

According to the Group, a vibrant cold chain industry will help preserve and protect the supply of food and medicine.

Addressing key stakeholders in Lagos, the Group General Manager in charge of Sales and Marketing, Mrs Marie-Therese Phido explained that cold chain industry is critical to the deveopment of the economy especially the agriculture sector.

Phido, who spoke at the official launch of Carrier Transicold in Lagos said “Changes around the world have underscored

the importance and challenges of helping to ensure that food and medicines reach the people who need them.

“Through industry leadingservices, solutions and expertise across all aspects of the cold chain, Carrier is moving the cold chain forward to help preserve, protect and extend the world’s supply of food and medicine“.

Explaining further at the event attended by the Business Area Director, Carrier Transicold Europe (Russia, Eastern, Middle East, Africa), Mr. Eric Moussiegt, Phido urged stakeholders to take advantage of ongoing diversification of Nigeria’s economy by the Federal Government especially

in the Agriculture sector.

Also present at the event were representatives of the Organisation for Technological Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) and Mandilas Group Customers.

Mandilas Group, a front runner in the Nigerian Automobile and Cooling Industries has been in operation for over 70 years and boasts of a quality after-sales portfolio backed by a well-trained and experienced technical team.

The Group General Manager (Operations), Mr. Pal Singh, who also spoke at the event assured potential customers of unrivalled and excellent after-sales support for all products and services offered by the Group.

Abbey Mortgage Marks 30th Anniversary, Repositions for Better Services Rebecca Ejifoma Abbey Mortgage Bank, a primary mortgage institute in Nigeria, has celebrated 30 years of providing excellent service delivery and being the first choice for mortgage, housing, finance and investment.

According to a statement by the Managing Director, Mobolaji Adewumi, Abbey Mortgage Bank is now repositioning itself for the next 30 years and would continue to maintain its leadership position in the industry.

Under the new management led by Adewumi, Abbey Mortgage Bank intends to intensify its efforts into building and

deploying its internet banking, Mobile App and USSD platforms whilst expanding its frontiers into construction finance and financial advisory. With this, the mortgage banking arm of the business now represents only one vertical in the whole arrangement. This means Abbey Mortgage Bank is repositioned for growth and would be creating more value for shareholders.

From very modest beginning in 1992, Abbey Mortgage Bank has traversed an incredible journey of delivering impeccable financial services to its customers and helping them build and achieve their dreams. Adewumi recounted:

“The journey has not been easy. But we are entering into a new phase with renewed energy, bigger dreams and better plans to ensure that our staff, customers and shareholders are happy.

“We are not relenting in our efforts to fulfil our vision of becoming the leading mortgage bank out of Africa. This can only be done by constantly innovating and adapting new technologies to make the banking process a seamless experience for our customers.”

The MD further expressed that they have been building dreams for the past 30 years, adding that “It can only get better from here”.

Report: Phillipines, Nigeria Top Remittance Recipients Globally Omolabake Fasogbon A new report on remittance inflows across the globe has listed Philippines and Nigeria as top remittance recipient countries worldwide.

The report published by WorldRemit ranked Philippines as the most common country receiving remittance, accounting for 18 percent .

Nigeria came second on the list with 11.5 percent while Ghana came third with 10.5 percent .

The report which is made available to THISDAY observed that a number of senders particularly in United States of America, United Kingdom and Canada were adjusting their remittance habits in recent times due to COVID-19.

According to the report, the habit of senders has significantly affected the amount of money sent from abroad, particularly for the key reasons people send money abroad.

The report identified daily expenses, gifts, medical expenses and education as the most common reasons why people send money from abroad.

Presenting the report, Head of UK at WorldRemit, Karen Jordaan said, “The result of our study of more than 3,000 of our customers paint a striking picture of the importance of remittances to the loved ones of immigrants, alongside the impact we know it has on the global economy.

68% of respondents sent money abroad at least monthly, with a further 28% sending multiple

times a year” Jordaan noted further that the organisation is also adjusting it services to suit the challenges of consumers as revealed by the study.

“We understand the unique challenges migrants face on a day-to-day basis when supporting loved ones overseas, whether it be helping to ensure their family members get access to medical care or have money to pay for basic cost of living expenses.

“WorldRemit understands the needs of our customers and strives to offer a safe, fast and convenient service. We are also encouraged by our customers and how they are investing in the future, namely education and new business ventures.”

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ͷ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $114.37 a barrel on Friday, compared with $113.04 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

33

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ͵˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Vetiva Funds Manager Pays Dividend to ETF Holders Kayode Tokede Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, yesterday announced the final distributions for the year ended December 31st, 2021 for three of its Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).

The three ETFs that involved in dividend payout to holders are; Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF, Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond ETF and Vetiva Banking ETF of N0.15/

Unit, N15.00/Unit and N0.025/ Unit respectively, and it is in-line with the structure of the Fund to remit distributions to Unit Holders.

Vetiva Fund Managers in a statement explained that the distribution will be paid to Unit Holders of the Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF, Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond ETF and Vetiva Banking ETF whose names appear in the relevant Register of Unit

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Holders as at on Thursday, 12th May 2022, Thursday, 12th May 2022 and Friday, 29th April 2022 respectively.

Speaking on the Funds, the Head, Investments, Vetiva Fund Managers, Mrs. Evaezi Uzowulu in a statement expressed the importance of using ETFs as convenient and transparent investment vehicles for broad exposure to the Nigerian equities market, Nigerian bond market

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

and relevant Sectors of interest via a single security.

The Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF (the first equity-based ETF to be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) is designed to track the performance of the constituent companies of the NGX 30 Index.

The index is constituted of the top 30 companies listed on the NGX in terms of market capitalization and liquidity,

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

whilst the Vetiva Banking ETF (one of the Sector Series ETFs) is an equity-based ETF designed to track the performance of the NGX Banking Index.

On the other hand, the Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond ETF is a fixed income ETF designed to track the performance of the FMDQ/S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Index.

Other Exchange Traded Funds and mutual funds managed by

O F

Vetiva are the Vetiva Consumer Goods ETF, Vetiva Industrial Goods ETF and the Vetiva Money Market Fund.

The ETFs track the performance of the NSE Consumer Goods Index, NSE Industrial Goods Index respectively, whilst the Vetiva Money Market Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of money market instruments to meet its objective of capital preservation, liquidity and current income.

1 6 / 0 5 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

SARAKI’S CONSULTATION SESSION WITH PDP DELEGATES IN LOKOJA...

L-R: Former Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; Chairman of Saraki’s Campaign & Advocacy Council, Prof. Hagher Iyorwuese; PDP Presidential Aspirant, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Former Governor of Kogi State HE Captain Idris Wada; Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris; and State Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Samuel Uhuotu, during Saraki’s consultation session with PDP delegates in Lokoja, Kogi State.

48 Hours after Soludo, Nnamdi Kanu Meeting, Gunmen Strike in Anambra Arsonists raze LG secretariat, courts, EEDC office, kidnap lawmaker Engage military in all-night shootout, police kill enforcers of sit-at-home David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Despite the visit of Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the detention facility of the Directorate of State Services (DSS) last Friday, insecurity has persisted in the state.

Soludo who visited Kanu, had in a social media post he made, stated

that the IPOB leader was unhappy with the insecurity pervading the South-east.

While many thought the visit would make some elements perpetrating insecurity in the region, especially Anambra to soft pedal, THISDAY findings showed that just two days after the visit, the number of cases of insecurity in the state has increased.

Last Saturday, Sunday and

yesterday, attacks on innocent Anambra people were registered, with a local government secretariat, office of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and courts torched.

On Sunday, suspected arsonists burnt down Idemili North Local Government secretariat located at Ogidi and a Magistrate Court in the area too.

Sources said the arsonists entered

the premises on Sunday night to perpetuate the act, burning down all files, properties in the secretariat, including the secretariat building.

The videos and pictures circulating online also showed that the entire buildings were reduced to rubbles, while vehicles parked inside the local government secretariat were also burnt to ashes.

The state police command confirmed the development, at-

Editors Reaffirm Commitment to Defence of Democracy, Press Freedom Round off town hall meeting/capacity building training for 350 journalists Commend US Embassy for huge support The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has concluded its Town Hall Meeting/Capacity Building Conference in six geo-political zones, during the week - with the last one in Port Harcourt, the South-South zone.

According to a statement, the journalists resolved not to buckle under any circumstances in its historic duty in defending and promoting the cause of democracy and press freedom in the country.

The NGE said having contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy in the country, including putting the lives of many of its members on the line - via constant harassment, brutalisation and death, its members are now more equipped and energised by the training to discharge their constitutional role of holding government accountable to people.

The editors who commended the United States Embassy in Nigeria for sponsoring the regional training workshop for 350 editors across the six geopolitical zones, urged the Embassy to also support stepdown trainings for line editors and reporters.

It quoted a communiqué signed

by NGE’s President, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, to have explained that having consistently put down their lives in the defence of democracy, the editors have also resolved to take the gauntlet by sifting from the array of aspirants angling for the presidency, governorship, the national and state assembly

elections in order to ensure that the electorate are provided with credible information to make informed choices in the democratic process. ‘’Editors have resolved to assist in ensuring that frivolous and unserious candidates, as well as those who have not demonstrated any capacity for leadership, are weeded out from the race. ‘’That ahead of the 2023 general election, editors should engage more with other stakeholders like civil society groups, the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and others in deepening the democratic process.

“The editors should also ensure that the parties and their candidates are properly guided along issuebased campaigns and discourage campaigns anchored on exploring the ethnic, religious and regional divide that tend to put the country asunder,” the editors stated.

Noting that the media thrives better under a democratic rule, the NGE explained that the media has contributed significantly more than any section of the Nigerian society in enthroning, promoting and sustaining the cause of democracy in Nigeria. ‘’While other sections of the society were pummelled under military dictatorship, the media stood like the rock of Gibraltar and had the effrontery to look the military in the eye.

“Unfortunately, in spite of the huge human and material resources

of the country, many years of democratic rule have not brought significant development in different sectors to meaningfully impact on the lives of the Nigerian people.

But the media will not give up in the its defence of democracy,” the editors added.

Amidst increasing misinformation, disinformation and deliberate falsehood in cyberspace, the editors also resolved to explore the use of fact-checking tools to verify stories as part of the process of erasing the credibility gap.

According to the editors, “There is need for the media to always use fact check tools to verify its stories. And that no matter how reliable a source has been in the past, the media should always be circumspect about any disclosures from any sources by double checking the information.’’

Noting that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) could assist the media to deal with the problem of anonymity of sources, particularly when confronted with legal matters, the editors said that there is a need for the media to make more use of the Act as part of the move to instill greater credibility on its stories.

Arising from the conversations at the conferences in the six geopolitical zones, the editors said that while regulation of media practice would accord media professionals greater respect like other groups, pandering to the antics of a government, which has consistently shown abrasive

zeal to hamstrung the Nigerian media - to solely regulate the media, will be harmful to its survival.

“This is more so given its insidious use of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) codes to clamp down on stations that give vent to anti-government opinions.

“Editors agreed that the media should endeavour to regulate professional practice and also ensure proper corporate governance on the part of the owners of media houses, in order to guarantee adequate supply of working tools, better working environment and improvement in staff welfare,” the editors further added in the statement.

tributing it to unidentified arsonists.

Also, unidentified gunmen same Sunday night allegedly engaged military men in a shoot-out at 3-3 estate, Nkwelle Ezunaka, near Onitsha.

Sources said the shooting which started at about 10pm lasted late into the night, with bullets flying in the air, while expended shells dropped on roofs of residents in torrents.

It was gathered that the shootout started after the unidentified rifflewielding men took battle to the door step of the military, in a spot, where they were stationed, within the estate.

A resident of the area who spoke to THISDAY on condition of anonymity, said they were scared stiff all through the night as sounds of gunshot rented the air.

She said: "It is true. Yesterday night at housing estate gate, unknown gun men attacked the military men securing us. There was three hours open fire. My estate was hot from 10pm - 12am last night. Call your colleagues living at Onitsha to confirm."

It was learnt that the gunmen also visited the Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Onitsha, where they also shot intermittently.

At Amansea, a border town between Anambra and Enugu State, gunmen numbering about seven and wearing hoods, yesterday mounted guard to enforce compliance of the sit-at-home order.

A man, Mr. Ekene, who drove his sick mother from Oji River, a border town on the Enugu flank to Awka to meet up with a doctor's

appointment told THISDAY that he was saved by sight of his mother, who was lying on the back seat.

"About seven of them were on the road, but when I told them I was taking my sick mother to the hospital, they allowed me to go," the man said.

Also, on Sunday evening, Mr. Okechukwu Okoye, a lawmaker representing Aguata Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly was kidnapped.

Okoye is an indigene of Isuofia, same community with Soludo.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the kidnap while speaking with journalists, said the lawmaker’s black Sienna bus, which he was driving before the incident, had been recovered.

Most other incidences of insecurity listed above were also confirmed by Ikenga, who disclosed that two persons said to be enforcing compliance to the Monday sit at home were yesterday gunned down by police operatives.

Ikenga said: "Operatives on crime prevention patrol in the early hours of today 16/5/2022 along Umunze, road, Orumba South LGA, engaged arm bearing gunmen allegedly enforcing sit - at - home in Anambra State.

"The operatives neutralised two of the miscreants and recovered a white Toyota Hiace Bus with no registration number."

Ikenga further stated that the miscreants where obstructing the movement of innocent road users going for their businesses, when they were accosted by the operatives.

ASUU Strike: UNIBEN Students Shut Down Federal Secretariat in Edo Adibe Emenyonu in Benin

As students' protests across the country against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)'s strike continue, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has taken to the streets, shutting down the Federal Secretariat in Benin City.

On Monday, the students stormed the Aduwawa area, where the secretariat is located, and told the workers to take the day off.

"We have told the workers that today is a free day for them because they can't be working while we are out of our classes. All the Federal

offices would be shut down," said UNIBEN's Students' Union Government President Foster Amadin. "We have also written to INEC to let them know that elections will not take place in Edo until we return to our classes.

The students, who also cooked at the secretariat, said they had resolved to shut federal government offices in the state to press home their demand to resolve the ASUU crisis.

Amadin accused the government of unseriousness regarding the crisis.

"Education has been taken to an unserious level, and the federal government is busy with

the election, forgetting that there are many students at home due to the ASUU strike. We are appealing to those concerned to step in and find a solution," stated Amadin. "We are here today. We have protested at the Airport, Ring Road and the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) office. We will keep going round until they find a solution, and we go back to our classes."

He added, "Since we are not attending classes, we will look for places to play and show our grievances instead of staying at home and becoming the devil's workshop."

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TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

HERE IS YOUR PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION FORM...

L-R: Deputy National Secretary, National Rescue Movement (NRM), Obidike Okolo; Presidential Aspirant of the party, Prof. Benedicta Egbo; deputy national Chairman North, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Jikamshim; and National Organizing Secretary, Mohammed Dirisu Isah; during the party presentation of the presidential nomination form to Egbo ...recently

PSC Promotes Magu, Seven Others to AIGs, Amadi, Senchi Now DIGs

23 Deputy commissioners elevated to commissioners, 31 ACPs bag DCP ranks, 63 CSPs promoted ACPs

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday announced the promotion of senior police officers to their next ranks.

Details of the promotion released in a statement showed that former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu and seven others were promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIG).

Also, acting DIG John Ogbonnaya Amadi was confirmed substantive Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) while the commission approved the appointment of Zama Bala Senchi as DIG of Police.

The commission which rose from its 15th Plenary Meeting held last Friday, in Abuja, also approved the promotion of 23 Deputy Commissioners (DCPs) to the next rank of Commissioner of Police (CP), 31 Assistant Commissioners (ACPs) to the rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) and 63 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police.

The plenary meeting which

began last Wednesday, May 11, 2022, was presided over by Alhaji Musiliu Smith, the Chairman of the Commission and former Inspector- General of Police.

The statement explained that Amadi replaced late DIG Joseph Egbunike and would be representing the South-east in the force management team while DIG Senchi was the most senior in the AIG cadre.

Other decisions taken by the commission at the plenary were the promotion of 57 Superintendents of Police (SPs) earlier skipped when their mates were promoted to the next rank of chief superintendents.

Other categories of superintendents of police such as the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Course 4, Inspectors Course 37 and regular ASP’s course 25 and 26 were also promoted to chief superintendents having met established requirements.

The commission also promoted 1,698 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP), 6,119 Inspectors who attended the recent Departmental Selection Board (DSB) were promoted to ASP11 while 1,965 ASP11 were confirmed ASPs.

In addition, the commission also approved the conversion of 19 engineers from general duty to specialists and upgraded them to the rank of deputy superintendents of police which is the statutory entry level for pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers in line with aviation scheme of service.

The eight Commissioners of Police promoted to AIGs were: Magu Ibrahim, who is the most senior in the CP cadre and who missed the last two promotions after returning to the Police; Abraham Egong Ayim; Okunlola Kola Kamaldeen; Andrew Amieengheme; Akeera Mohammed Younous; Celestine Amechi Elumelu; Ngozi Vivian Onadeko and Danladi Bitrus Lalas (Airwing).

The new 23 Commissioners of Police were Taiwo Olusola Jesubiyi, former DC, Admin and Finance, Akwa Ibom State Command; Kolawole Olajide former DC, Force CID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos; Julius Alawari Okoro, former DC, Maritime, Lagos; Adelesi Ebunoluwa Oluwarotimi, former DC DFA, Kwara State Command; George Chijioke Chuku, fomer DC Ops Ebonyi State Command; Paul

Alifa Omata, former DC Ops, Kwara State Command; Effiong Dominic Edem, former DC Ops, Zone 2 Lagos; Yusuf Adesina Akeem, presently at the National Defence College; Mary Gbemudu George, former DC, Anti Human Trafficking Abuja; Etim Oqua Efiom, former DC Ops FHQ, Abuja, and Mohammed Yakubu, former DC SCID Anambra Command.

Others were: Ganiyu Alhaji Salami, former DC ZCID Zone11 Osogbo; Magaji Kontagora Ahmed, former, DC Ops, Lagos State Command; Kolo Yusufu, presently O/c IGP Special Tactical Squad & TIU; Bzigu Yakaba Kwazhi Dali, presently on secondment to ECOWAS Commission, Guinea, Bisau; Ahmed Ammani, presently at the National Defence College; Afolabi Babatola Adeniyi, former DC, Ops Yobe State Command; Njoku Henry Eronini, former DC, JTF, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State; Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi; Dankwara Adamu Mohammed, former DC, SPU FHQ, Abuja; Mohammed Usaini Gumel, former DC TIU FHQ, Abuja; Ogundele Ayodeji, former DC Central Intelligence, Force CID Annex, Lagos and Idris Nagoyo, former 2i/c Force

Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone Collaborate to Improve Africa’s Air Transport Safety

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Sierra Leone and Rwanda to collaborate through technical support to enhance safer and security of civil aviation in Africa.

The MoUs were signed by the Nigeria's Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Captain Musa Nuhu and representatives of the two countries at the opening ceremony of the African-Ocean 7th Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week 2022 organised by ICAO in conjunction with the NCAA in Abuja, yesterday. The overall objective was to continue to sustain and improve air safety in the continent to match what obtains in other regions in the world that have significantly improved in their safety ratings.

Speaking on the MoUs, the

Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika said they would strengthen safety and efficiency of the sector as well as cooperation in the region.

He said, cooperation whether regional or international was about safe air transport, security, efficient passenger facilitation and confidence in aviation industry.

The Aviation Minister stated that aviation being an enabler and positive factor for growth, development and robustness of the economy, informed the country to enter into partnerships with other countries to further develop the sector.

"This is the only way to continue to make these initiatives relevant and sustainable, while contributing to the strengthening of safety, security and facilitation in the region, bearing in mind that a safe, secure and efficient air transport system is a natural impetus for

socio-economic development of the region and a means to support trade and tourism," he added.

The NCAA Director General, who threw more light on the new collaboration, said the partnership with the two African countries was to assist each other where there are gaps or deficiencies in the system, adding that no civil aviation authorities globally have the capacity to do everything.

The experience of the last two years, Nuhu remarked, underscored the fact that overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful growth in the industry, could only be done through cooperation, collaboration and co-ordination amongst stakeholders.

"I am therefore optimistic that this event, which is a combination of many meetings will further enhance the collective efforts within AFI region in the areas

of aviation safety, security and facilitation", he said.

Before declaring the conference open, the Minister of Aviation called on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to ensure that the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF), which has become inactive in the past four years should be revived.

He appealed to the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and other stakeholders on the continent to pressurise the ICAO Secretary General to use his good offices to revive the fund, which had remained inactive since 2018.

According to Sirika, Nigeria was one of the major contributors to the fund, which primary purpose was to train technical personnel for the industry, stressing that personnel trained on this programme had gained tremendous knowledge about the industry in the past years.

Animal branch.

The 31 Assistant Commissioners of Police promoted to Deputy Commissioners included Peter Ugochukwu Ezebuike, Anambra State Command; Gabriel Onyilo Elaigwu, NIPSS; Ajewole Adebayo, Provost Headquarters Annex, Lagos; Emefile Tony Osifo, 54 PMF Onitsha; Umar Ahmed Chuso, Ops Delta State Command; Mohammed Abubakar Guri, Mopol 45, Abuja; Aina Adesola Police Training School Oyin Akoko; Uduak Otu Ita, Ogun State Command; Sylverster

Edogbanya Nnewi Area Command, Anambra; Naziru Bello Kankarofi, Ikot-Ekpene Area Command, Akwa Ibom; Nendel Joseph Gomwalk Life Camp Area Command, FCT; Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, Finance and Admin Zone 2, Lagos; Wilson Aniefiok Akpan Ops, Kwara State Command; Morkwap Dongshal, 39 PMF Osun; Abdullateef Ajape Yusuf, Commander 69 PMF Toto, Nasarawa State and Audu Garba Bosso, Area Commander, Ugo-Niyi Orhinmwon, Edo State amongst others.

Aspirant Threatens to Drag PDP to Court over Disqualification Michael Olugbode in Abuja An aspirant of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) for the Abuja Senatorial seat, Prince Taribo Williams has threatened to drag the party to the court over what he termed his unjust disqualification.

Reacting to his purported disqualification by the screening committee of the party, William told THISDAY in Abuja yesterday, that he had contested the same seat on the platform of the National Democratic Party in 2007. He said PDP disqualified him for failing to present his educational certificates after he had presented an affidavit showing that he lost them during the Jos crisis of 1999.

He said he went ahead to take his grievances on his purported disqualification to the appeal panel of the party, which told him there was no reason for the action against him.

He said he was however surprised that the earlier decision to disqualify him from the party primary was not reversed.

Williams, while explaining that he was still expecting the party to reverse his disqualification, said he was however consulting his lawyers to take up case with the party if no action was taken within the next 48 hours.

He said: "I feel robbed of my right to represent the good people of the FCT, Abuja at the Senate. I will take the case up at the court if I am not allowed to run."

He added that: "I have consulted

with my lawyers and we are given the party 48 hours to reverse the early decision, failure of which we will take them to court."

On his aspiration, he said: "My passion to run now more than ever is because of the hypocrisy of the incumbent Senator representing FCT who has been unable to deliver the democratic dividends to all and sundry in the constituency.

"Due to his tribal, sentimental and regional politics, the FCT has lost a great deal, this is the place for all Nigerians to live freely, play politics freely and serve the people living in the FCT with decorum and respect.

"One of my greatest agitation in the FCT is decentralisation of AMAC from the Seat of the President of Nigeria. Abuja is created to reflect the real image of Nigeria where tribal, ethnicity or religion does not hold any relevance."

He added that: "Abuja is a city that promotes unity, oneness and freedom for all Nigerians to aspire to live, to contest, to serve Nigeria in any capacity both in politics or in business. And as an aspirant I have investments in FCT worth over N16 billion, spanning projects from road construction, real estate and hotel acquisitions in the FCT since 2006 till date.

“So I have enough investments to motivate me to protect and safeguard investments, and promote development in the other area councils aside AMAC to realize the yearning of the people of FCT for FCT State. "

TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Angry Atiku Bars Journalists from Covering Meeting with PDP Delegates in Plateau Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday walked journalists out from covering his meeting with delegates at the Plateau State secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jos, Plateau State.

Atiku, who arrived the secretariat at about 2.19 pm was visibly angry and ordered the reporters out of the hall, saying: “I have nothing to do with journalists. I’m here to see delegates.”

His aides and security details immediately pounced on the journalists, causing a stampede and damaging the tripod and camera of the Channels Television crew in the process.

This is the first time a presidential aspirant visiting the state will take such a definite stand against coverage of such magnitude of event by journalists.

Not even the host PDP officials and delegates could calm the fury of their visitor

and his entourage, and make a case for the journalists, who had covered such visits in the same secretariat by other presidential contenders in the past three weeks.

Bewildered party supporters at the scene could not help but wonder aloud why the former Vice President put up such a disappointing attitude at such a critical time

in the party’s preparation for the 2023 general election.

No one was sure of what really angered the Presidential aspirant who got to the venue with twisted face.

Atiku’s burden of trust, depleted public perception, and unfavourable national mood got worse recently after Muslim students of

the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, murdered their Christian colleague, Deborah Samuel in cold blood over an alleged blasphemous statement.

GAS INFRASTRUCTURE DEAL…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone(LFZ), Mr. Dinesh Rathi; Managing Director, Falcon Corporation Limited, Prof. Joseph Ezigbo; Chief Executive Officer, ND Western Limited, Mr. Eberechukwu Oji; Managing Director, Optimera Energy, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; Managing Director, Fintech & Infrastructure, Tolaram, Mr. Navin Nahata, and Managing Director, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited, Mr. Femi Bajomo, during the signing ceremony of the gas infrastructure development agreement for LFZ in Lagos ... yesterday

Pharmacist Council of Nigeria Seals Wike Berates NBA for Not Defending Rule of Law The governor recalled that to any person or authority inner and outer Bar, have failed Ibunge in Port 469 Medicine Shops in Bauchi Blessing in their responsibility to protect while speaking for the Body other than the constitution in Harcourt

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN)has sealed 469 pharmacies and patent medicines shops in 18 out of the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State for noncompliance and failure to update their documents.

The PCN Director and Head of Enforcement Department, Mr. Stephen Esumobi, who gave the figure during a press conference held at the Council’s North East Zonal office, in Bauchi yesterday said the move was part of the Council’s current national enforcement exercise in conformity with its responsibility of regulating

the education, training and practice of pharmacy as enshrined in the PCN’s Act 2004.

He explained that out of the 598 patent medicines shops (PMS) and pharmacies visited 469 were found guilty of violating the rules in the 18 local government areas.

The PCN director of enforcement said many products in the erring premises were no longer fit for human consumption due to poor handling and exposure to adverse environmental factors to include high temperature, humidity and direct sunlight, all of which compromises the quality, safety, and efficacy.

Fayemi Presents C of O to 237 Property Owners in Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday, presented Certificates of Occupancy to 237 property owners, saying the concept will help in tackling land grabbers and other fraudulent practices in land related matters in the state.

Fayemi lamented that low acquisition of proper land documents was affecting business growth and development adversely in Ekiti, and enthused that regularisation of C of O would promote

business interest through access to bank loans.

Fayemi spoke in Ado Ekiti while presenting valid documents to 237 beneficiaries under C of O made easy programme initiated by his government.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, said the home owners charter scheme where C of O are procured within three weeks after application was introduced as a policy to accelerate the acquisition of land documents.

Buhari, Northern Leaders Have Failed Nigerians, Says Bauchi Gov Francis Sardauna in Katsina A Presidential Sspirant on the Platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Bala Mohammed, has described Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari as a failed state by all standards of judgment.

He explained that the recurrent cases of insurgency, banditry and poverty have become worrisome in the country under the watch of President Buhari, whom he described as a northern leader.

Mohammed, who is the current Governor of Bauchi State, added that President Buhari and APC leaders in the north had failed woefully in tackling the security and economic challenges besetting northerners.

Addressing delegates and leaders of PDP in Katsina ahead of the party’s primaries, Mohammed said that Buhari did not understand politics and failed to live up to expectation because he is surrounded by “liars and sycophants.”

The Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for not protecting the rule of law and the judiciary from alleged punitive intimidation and erosion of its independence by the federal government.

Governor Wike was worried that the President of the NBA, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has failed to admit that the NBA, including the

the rule of law from abuses.

He made these remarks at a book launch in honour of Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili on her retirement in response to some statements credited to Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, (SAN), and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akpata, regarding the depressing state of the judiciary in Nigeria.

of Senior Advocates during the valedictory Court Session in honour of Justice Mary Odili, Olanipekun identified corruption as the bane of the Nigerian judiciary and allegedly pointed fingers of responsibility at politicians, lawyers and the federal government.

He noted that as the third arm of government, the judiciary is required to be independent and never to be bound howsoever

the discharge of its functions of adjudication and delivery of justice.

He stressed that judicial officers are mandated to uphold the rule of law, protect fundamental rights and dispense justice to all persons without fear or favour, ill-will or affection, added that democratic nation craved for an independent and effective judiciary to advance the rule of law as an integral part of good governance.

Naval Chief Seeks Speedy Trial of Maritime Cases Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has called on the judiciary to expedite action on cases of detained vessels handed over to prosecuting agencies since 2015.

Gambo said that out of the 488 vessels arrested between 2015 till date, 234 were handed over to prosecuting agencies while only 52 were successfully prosecuted.

He said the navy and other maritime security agencies were in dire need of the support of the judiciary in ensuring that cases of sea piracy, illegal bunkering and other illicit activities received speedy trial.

Gambo spoke at a lecture on his mission and vision for the Nigerian Navy to participants of the Naval War College Course 6 in Calabar.

He noted that there was need

to close the gap in the judicial process, which revolved around lengthy trial periods due to its exploitation by criminal elements.

He observed that the endless trial periods were responsible for prolonged litigations and several abandoned vessels across Nigerian Navy bases.

“The effect of this lengthy trial processes to the Nigerian Navy is evident in instances where out of the 488 vessels

arrested between 2015 till date, 234 were handed over to prosecuting agencies.

“Yet, only 52 have been successfully prosecuted, while others were still in the Nigerian Navy custody. Beyond the logistic and man power committed to this process, the Nigerian Navy expend enormous resources to preserve and keep over 100 detained vessels afloat,” he said.

Sexual Assault: School Bus Driver Gets Life Imprisonment A Lagos State Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court has sentenced a school bus driver, Tony Akpan, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a five-year-old pupil.

Justice Abiola Soladoye in her judgement, held that the prosecution had presented overwhelming evidence against Akpan and his accomplice, Itoro Wilson, the school bus assistant.

The Judge also sentenced Wilson to two years imprisonment for assisting the convict to evade justice. ”There is overwhelming evidence before the court. The testimony of the survivor is truthful and boldly narrated by her. ”The medical doctor’s testimony also corroborated what she said.

“The first defendant is

hereby found guilty as charged contrary to the provisions of Section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State and is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment.

“The first defendant should have his name entered in the Sex Offenders Register of the Lagos State Government”, she held.

The Judge also held that the second defendant ought

to have spoken up and not concealed the truth. ”The punishment meted out to this defendant will serve as a deterrent to others out there.

“The second defendant is hereby sentenced to two years imprisonment for a felony,” The Judge tasked Roy Mind Favour Filled School, Unilag Estate, Magodo Isheri where the survivor attended to recruit responsible staff going forward.

SDP Presidential Hopeful Hails Prosecution of Deborah’s Killers Gboyega Akinsanmi

A presidential aspirant of the Social Democratic Party SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo has condemned the barbaric killing of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto over alleged blasphemy.

Adebayo, a legal practitioner and founder of KAFTAN TV, commended the prosecution of the perpetrators of Deborah’s

barbaric killing in line with the established laws.

The suspects were arraigned in Sokoto and got remanded yesterday.

He also noted that Debora had been laid to rest last Saturday in her village in Tunga Magajiya in Rijau Local Government Area in Niger State, describing it as a painful incident that could have been prevented.

“Let us not be Muslims or Christians, North or South, East

or West. Let us be human and humane. Let us seek justice not revenge. Let us invoke the law with truth.

“Let us support the Sokoto State Government to restore order. Let us unite for justice not polarise. We must avoid defaming all for the misdeeds of a few. We must not exploit anger and grief for any other motive than seeking justice and calming frayed nerves.

“We must not reignite age-old

disputes or expand cracks in our society. There are only two sides: law versus lawlessness,” the presidential hopeful challenged the governments to serve justice in Deborah’s murder case and forestall future occurrence.

Adebayo observed that people in leadership should recognise the country’s descent into anarchy and unite to arrest it, lamenting that lynching takes place across the federation on a daily basis.

TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

Conflicting Judgments: Judiciary Watchdog Faults NJC’s New Policy Wale Igbintade The justice sector watchdog, Access to Justice, has faulted the recent policy direction issued by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on political and election-related cases.

A statement by its convener, Joseph Otteh, stated that the new guidelines fell short in articulating a better approach to dealing with abuses of adjudicational authority by erring judges.

The statement noted that, while the NJC’s guidelines were wellintended, they did not offer the best formula for dealing with the problems they address.

The group added that the guidelines concentrated too much power on chief judges that can be abused and used to violate constitutionally protected rights of fair hearing.

It added that the guidelines also fell short in articulating a better approach to dealing with abuses of adjudication authority by erring judges.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) issued new Policy Directions last week to remedy the multiplicity of litigations of political suits at different Courts

of coordinate jurisdiction across the nation, resulting in conflicting orders on the same issues and facts,” said the statement. “Access to Justice regards the NJC’s intervention on the matter as a ‘one-step’ progress towards dealing

with a longstanding problem but not the solution to the problem.”

The justice watchdog further explained that aspects of the directions “raise constitutional questions whether the NJC has not overreached its powers and

encroached into the rule-making powers of individual courts, whether state or federal.”

It added that abuses of judicial power by judges “are evidence of a deeper distress within the Judiciary that implicate broader

questions of competence and possibly corruption.”

“Yet, the NJC’s interventions mostly deal with the symptoms of the recurring abuses and not their underlying causes. The NJC must offer a more tailored and

effective plan for ending judicial abuse of its powers. Overall, while the policy guidelines of the NJC are well intended, they do not offer the best formula for dealing with the problems they address,” explained the watchdog.

DISCUSSING AIDS CONTROL…

L-R: Head, Projects Department, Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr Oladipupo Fisher; Country Director Nigeria of the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), Dr. Erasmus Morah; Chief Executive Officer LSACA, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke; Lagos Programme Officer UNAIDS, Dr Temitope Fadiya, during a courtesy visit to the agency by Morah who is leaving Nigeria after five years as Country Director UNAIDS in Lagos…recently

Ebonyi APC Denies Lagos APC Moves to Smuggle Aspirant Mandating Aspirant to Pay into Race for Senate after Deadline are plans by the Lagos executives of the party were third person refused to turn in Orelope-Adefulire did not, Extra N400, 000 for Clearance There State Chapter of the ruling All disappointed at the desperation her form. and waited till the deadline for

Benjamin Nworie inAbakaliki

Ebonyi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Stanley Okoro-Emegha, has denied the allegation that aspirants were mandated to pay extra N400, 000 for screening.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the chairman explained that it was only N500, 000 that was charged for clearance, stressing that the extra N400,000 as alleged was a ploy to tarnish his hard-earned image.

Okoro-Emeha said: “To my greatest astonishment, the said aspirants were alleging also that

they were asked to pay the sum of N900,000 for the state clearances instead of N500, 000. The question should be, ‘how and who made the request since they were shut out of the alleged screening exercise?’

However, we did not mandate any aspirant to pay extra N400, 000.”

He also dismissed the rumour that about 25 aspirants for the state House of Assembly were excluded from screening at the party’s secretariat in Abakakili over the weekend.

The chairman noted that the screening committee is yet to be inaugurated at their National Secretariat in Abuja.

Lawmaker Clears the Air on Alleged Budget Padding Controversy

Ugo Aliogo

Following the revelation by a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, that there was ‘financial recklessness’ in the state 2022 budget, a member representing Eti Osa constituency 2 in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, has cleared the air on the 2022 budget, stating that there were projects not captured in 2022 budget, one of such was the rail line project, and that there’s

anything as budget padding.

Yishawu, who disclosed this yesterday during the maiden edition of the Town Hall Meetings with the theme: ‘Closing the Gap Between The Governed and The Government’, stated that the rail line project was being financed through loan by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Debt Management Office (DMO) told the state government that if the project was not a budgetary item, they would not approve the loan, “so, N153 billion was to be put into the budget.”

Electoral (Amendment) Act: Supreme Court Adjourns Malami’s Case to Thursday The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned hearing in the suit filed

by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami to Thursday, May 19, 2022.

Buhari and Malami had taken the National Assembly before the Supreme Court over Section 84 (12) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022. The law bars political appointees like Malami from seeking elective public office or voting as delegates in a party primary unless they resign

their positions.

President Buhari and Malami had in the suit marked SC/CV/504/2022 and filed on April 29, 2022, removed the clause in the electoral act.

Both of them told the apex court that the Section 84 (12) of the Electoral (Amendment)Act, 2022 is inconsistent with the provisions of sections 42, 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 147, 151, 177, 182, 192 and 196 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), as well Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and People and Peoples Rights.

Progressives Congress (APC), to smuggle an aspirant into the race for Lagos West senatorial seat, after the deadline for the submission of forms and screening of aspirants.

A party source, who frowned at the development, said although he did not know what politics was going on in Lagos, some of the national

by the party leadership in the state to smuggle a yet-to-be identified aspirant into the race for Lagos West Senatorial seat after deadline.

According to the source, three people bought the form for Lagos West senatorial district, but two returned their forms and were screened by the party, not worried, however, why the

The three candidates are the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire; former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Akeem Opeifa.

But, while Obanikoro and Opeifa returned their form,

submission closed and screening done for the two others.

The source noted that the APC in Lagos, has since been trying desperately to turn in the third form, albeit for another person entirely, using the offices of the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore and the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungun.

Unions Kick as Aero Allegedly Plans to Reduce Workforce by 40% Chinedu Eze

Aviation unions have threatened to disrupt Aero Contractors’ operations over allegation that the management of the airline plans to sack 40 per cent of the workforce.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) accused aero

management of concluding plans to reduce the staff strength of the company without considering redundancy or any other alternative to outright sack.

Speaking during a press conference organised by the General Secretary, NUATE, Ocheme Aba and Deputy General Secretary ATSSSAN, FrancesAkinjole the two unions appealed to the National Assembly, Ministers of Aviation and Labour & Employment to initiate

an intervention that could save both Aero Contractors and Arik Air, which are under the receivership of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

The unions chided the management of Aero for admitting that the airline has old aircraft, noting that Aero has maintenance facility and so identifying the aircraft as old was immaterial.

They said the challenge of the airline started with a phony aircraft

lease, where it acquired two aircraft, which it operated at a loss.

The unions frowned at the seconding of Mr. Charles Johnson Arumemi from Arik Air to Aero Contractors, alleging that as commercial manager Arumemi drew up a schedule granting the leased aircraft all Aero Contractors’ juicy routes, which grossly reduced the airline’s revenue and leading to its inability to pay staff for about three months.

Nwajiuba: Ghost of ASUU Should Hunt Every Administration James Emejo in Abuja Presidential Aspirant and former Minister of State for Education, Mr. Emeka Nwajiuba, yesterday admitted that the present administration had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians concerning the tertiary education system, where the universities had been on strike for several months without a resolution.

He, however, insisted that past governments should also share in the blame as the crisis rocking the university system didn’t start with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Speaking when he appeared on ARISE News Channel, the sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, Nwajiuba refused to take full responsibility for the failure in

the education system when he was asked if the ghost of ASUU won’t hurt his presidential ambition.

He said though the union’s demands are legitimate, implementation had often been a challenge because of the funding and the manpower constraints.

He added that financial, human resource and managerial constraints all come to play at the point of implementation of

agreement.

He said: “Again, ASUU needs to be put in context. ASUU is not a creation of this government.

ASUU has been around since 1982. ASUU has made a lot of gains for the Nigerian educational sector “However, what ASUU has been asking for is consistently true and good – we need to make sure university education is available for everybody and qualitative.

Edo Communities Take Obaseki to ECOWAS Court over Forceful Takeover of Forest Reserves The suit was instituted about Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Community Court of Justice Community Initiative (first No fewer than 45 agrarian communities with large forest reserves spanning four local government areas of Ovia North-East, Uhunmwonde, Owan West and Owan East have filed a lawsuit against the Edo government before the

of Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS), Abuja, over Governor Godwin Obaseki administration’s plan to take over their forest reserves.

The suit (reference no. ECW/ CCJ/APP/22/22) was filed on May 11 by the Incorporated Trustees of the Okpamakhin

plaintiff), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) comprising farmers and other land users drawn from the cluster communities (clans) of Orhue, Ozalla, Ora, Iuleha, Sobe and others. The second plaintiffs are eight farmers and land users of the forest zone.

a year ago when Obaseki, in conjunction with the Central Bank (CBN), inaugurated a N69 billion fund to establish oil palm plantations in Edo. Obaseki announced that he earmarked tens of thousands of forest reserves for the project.

TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

38

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Buhari Rejoices with Ex-Eagles Goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, at 71

Deji ElumoyeinAbuja President Muhammadu Buhari has sent warm greetings to former goalkeeper of the Green Eagles, Emmanuel Okala, as he marks his 71st birthday yesterday.

The President, in a release issued Monday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, rejoiced with the ex international who earned global recognition and awards for his prowess in between the post for Nigeria and club side Rangers International of Enugu.

President Buhari joined his family, teammates, teeming fans

and professional colleagues in celebrating the auspicious occasion, which brings back memories of his patriotism on and off the pitch in the 1970’s and 1980’s, being one of the heroes of the winning squad of 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, and member of 1977 Africa Cup-Winners’ Cup Rangers International FC team.

The President affirmed that Okala made history as the first goalkeeper in the history of African football to be crowned Africa’s Player of the Year by the African Sports Journalists Union (ASJU) in 1975, and was part of the team

that won All-Africa Games football gold in Lagos in 1973, also taking bronze medals at the Africa Cup

of Nations in 1978.

President Buhari extolled Okala's contributions to the

development of sports in the country, remaining a light and inspiration to many young

Nigerians.

The President prayed for the wellbeing of Okala and his family.

Olisa Ndah Coming to Uyo with Orlando Pirates for RS Berkane Clash Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Nigeria international defender Olisa Ndah will be on parade when Orlando Pirates of South Africa take on RS Berkane of Morocco in the final of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday.

Ndah played for the Super Eagles’ squad at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon earlier in the year and is on the books of the popular South African club, nicknamed Bucaneers. Pirates won the old-style Africa Champion Clubs’ Cup in 1995.

Ndah, who also played for the Nigeria U23 squad at the U23 AFCON in Egypt in 2019, won the Nigeria league title with Uyo darlings, Akwa United FC before moving to the Rainbow Nation.

To reach the final of Africa’s second most important club competition, Pirates defeated Al Ahli FC of Libya 2-0 in Johannesburg in the first leg of

CAF CONFED CUP their semi final, before losing by a lone goal in Libya on Sunday.

Berkane were 1-0 losers to TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo but turned things around by winning the return leg 4-1 in Morocco, also on Sunday.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo – venue of several FIFA World Cup and AFCON qualifiers involving the Super Eagles, as well as continental matches involving Akwa United FC – will on Friday play host to the first continental Cup Final in Nigeria in 18 years.

The last time an Africa Clubs’ Cup Final was held in Nigeria was on 12th December 2004, when Enyimba FC defeated Etoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia on penalties at the National Stadium, Abuja to claim a second successive title.

Oshoala Makes African History in Spain, Wins Golden Boot Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala has won the Spanish Premiera Iberdrola golden boot following an impressive goalscoring 2021-22 season with champions Barcelona.

The four-time Africa Women's Player of the Year becomes the first woman from the continent to achieve the great feat, scoring 20 goals in just 12 starts of all 19 league appearances.

The 27-year-old, who opened her season account with a brace in a 5-0 win over Real Betis on September 11, grabbed her 20th goal of the season in a 5-1 win against Sevilla on May 5.

The 20th goal of the season saw the Super Falcons star, who twice bounced back from 16 weeks on the sideline due to injury to level with Brazil's Geyse of Madrid CFF, who failed to go further.

Despite introduced as a 63rd minute substitute, the Nigerian

could not add to her goal tally on final day's 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid, but she still nicked her long-sought accolade, having played fewer matches (19) than Geyse (27).

Having won the famous Pichichi, Oshoala will now shift her attention to helping Barcelona retain the UEFA Women’s Champions League title when they face Lyon in a 2019 final rematch at Juventus Stadium on May 21. In the aftermath, she will seek to maintain her quadruple dream when they meet Real Madrid in the Copa de la Reina semi-final four days later.

With her fine club season, the goalscoring sensation will seek to cap her unforgettable year with a fourth title in Nigeria's colours at the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from July 2 to 23.

Newcastle midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes (left) got the curtain raiser before an own goal by Ben White sealed the fate of Arsenal in their battle to finish in the Premier league’s Top Four

Arsenal’s Top Four Dream Dealt a Big Blow at Newcastle Arsenal's hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four were dealt a huge blow as they were well beaten 2-0 by Newcastle at St James' Park.

Mikel Arteta's side needed a win to move above Tottenham into fourth and put them in the driving seat to secure a Champions League spot heading into the final weekend of the season.

But they were second best

PREMIER LEAGUE throughout and fell behind early in the second half when Ben White turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Callum Wilson, who was making his first start since 27 December.

Bruno Guimaraes, who has become a cult hero since joining

Newcastle at the start of this year, then rounded off the impressive win when he drove into the net as Arsenal struggled to clear.

Arsenal offered next to nothing, with Martin Dubravka only really tested once, with a 25-yard Mohamed Elneny shot in the second half.

Indeed, Newcastle could have won by more with Wilson coming

Bayelsa Queens Beat Rivers Angels in Opener in Benin City Naija Ratels hammered for refusing to wear sponsor’s branded Jersey A late goal from Bayelsa Queens forward Monday Gift ensured that the 'Prosperity' girls got all three points against perennial rivals and defending Champions Rivers Angels in the opening match of the 2022 NWFL Premiership Super 6.

Rivers Angels had the better possession in the early stages of the first half, but failed to take their chances and were however punished in the 33rd minute through influential midfielder Bokiri Joy. The Bayelsa Queens Legend netted, after a group of Rivers Angels defenders allowed a loose ball to go past them inside their penalty area.

N W F L P R E M I E R L E AG U E S U P E R 6 Rivers Angels left full back Rafiat Imran leveled in the 76th minute through a well placed free-kick,

from about 40 yards.

The defending Champions continued to threaten upfront

44th CBN Senior Tennis Serves off in Abuja The 44th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championships served off yesterday at the Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

To set the ball rolling, men's top seed Clifford Enonsoregbe defeated John Henry 6-1,6-2,

to book a place in the second around while Emeruwa Isaac also triumphed over Ayoola Michael 6-4,6-2,6-3 to move into the next round.

In other results, former national number three, Paul Emmanuel was sent packing

by Abubakar Yusuf while

so close to capping a dream return from injury with a stunning longrange effort that dropped just wide of the goal.

The result, which also confirmed Chelsea's finish in the top four, means Arsenal must beat Everton in their final game of the season on Sunday (16:00 BST) and hope Tottenham lose at relegated Norwich.

Sani Musa was edged out by Iyoruobe Joseph who defeated him 7-6,6-3.

In the women’s category, top seed and defending champion, Oyinlomo Quadre has also cruised into the second round.

More matches are to be played today.

Rivers Angels’ Rofiat Imuran (centre) battling for ball possession with a Bayelsa Queens defender shortly before scoring Rivers’ equalising goal. Bayelsa won the opening match 3-2.

with Maryann Ezeanagu, Chiamaka Okwuchuku and Brume Ikhekua, but couldn't go past Bayelsa Queens Cameroonian goalkeeper Ange Gabrielle.

At the tick of time, Loanee, Gift Monday took advantage of a counter attack to beat Rivers Angels Ghanaian Goalkeeper Adjei Charlotte to give her team a hard fought victory.

Rivers Angels will face Delta Queens by 4pm tomorrow at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

Elsewhere in Benin, NWFL Super Six newcomers, Naija Ratels FC of Abuja, lost their first game ever in the 2021/2022 Super Six following their deliberate contravention of the Statutes of the Nigeria Women Football League guiding sponsorship.

In clear contravention of the NWFL Statutes on Sponsorship Articles 7.7 to 7.10, the Chairman of Naija Ratels FC, Mr. Edeh, instructed his team not to wear the jerseys made available to all the six teams in the NWFL Premiership Super Six after earlier agreeing in a meeting with NWFL Club Owners.

39

TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Real Madrid Confident Mbappe Will Announce Switch Soon

Real Madrid are confident Kylian Mbappe will announce his decision to join them from Paris St-Germain within the next fortnight, reports Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

The 23-year-old's contract expires this summer and BBC Sport reported in Aprilhe had

agreed terms with Real Madrid.

PSG were prepared to offer the forward a 150m euros signing-on fee to keep him at the club for another two seasons.

But the La Liga champions expect him to make his decision public shortly.

Mbappe is set to join up with his France team-mates for Nations League games at the start of June and the Spanish club anticipate an announcement from him before then.

"Real Madrid are confident the terms agreed in the past will be respected, even though

he tried to change them a bit when PSG came up with a huge offer of a 150m euros signing-on fee," said Balague.

"Since then, the things that needed to be finalised are the image rights and other things related to the contract but Madrid insist the personal

terms have been respected.

"They are confident that when he comes out with his decision before he joins up with France, it will be to say he is going to

Real Madrid. Every time there has been a news story coming from PSG, the message from Real Madrid has been 'don't worry'."

Mauritius Win Appeal against Sao Tomé and Príncipe, Now to Play Nigeria AFCON 2023 QUALIFIERS The Director of Competitions of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr Samson Adamu has confirmed that Mauritius won a case it filed against Sao Tomé and Príncipe concerning their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary qualifying fixture, and will therefore join the combatants in Group A of the qualification series starting next month.

Victory for Mauritius at the CAF Disciplinary Committee means they now join Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau in Group A of the six-match phase

that ends in March next year.

Nigeria will play Sierra Leone in Abuja on Thursday 9th Juneand then play Mauritius on Monday 13th June.

Mauritius had filed a protest against São Tomé and Príncipe, who won their preliminary qualifying fixture, insisting that one São Tomé player had tested positive for covid-19. “The matter became somewhat more interesting because the player at the centre of the controversy is the one that scored the only goal of the match,” said our source at the time.

Japan, Nigeria to Sign MoU on Baseball and Softball Devt Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Kylian Mbappe is set to join Real Madrid after months of speculations about his future

Asisat Oshoala...now most decorated African footballer on the podium....at the weekend

Waldrum Invites Ebi, Oshoala, Ordega, 29 Others to WAFCON Camp in Morocco Head Coach Randy Waldrum has invited 32 players to the camp of the Super Falcons as the Cup holders get set for a twoweek training camp in Morocco ahead of the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations holding in that country, 2nd – 23rd July.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender and captain Onome Ebi, midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade and Toni Payne, and forwards Francisca Ordega, Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala are among those called to the two-week intensive training programme.

Thenff.com learnt that the training camp will start on 18th June in the North African kingdom, with all players already advised to arrive in Rabat on 17th June.

Nine –time champions Nigeria will play in Group C of the 12-team tournament alongside South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, Botswana and Burundi. Nigeria’s first match of the competition, at which Africa’s four flagbearers to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will emerge, is against the Banyana at the Complexe

Sportif Prince Abdellah in Rabat on 4th July.

SUPER FALCONS FOR TRAINING CAMP IN MOROCCO: GOALKEEPERS: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel); Rita Akarekor (Nasarawa Amazons); Yewande Balogun (Coppermine United, USA) DEFENDERS: Opeyemi Sunday (Edo Queens); Glory Ogbonna (Santa Teresa FC,

Okpekpe 10km Road Race is Next Stop on World Athletics’ Calendar World Athletics confirmed at the weekend that the next elite label road race on its calendar will hold on Saturday May 28, 2022 in Okpekpe, Edo State of Nigeria.

The event in Okpekpe, the Okpekpe international 10km road race is coming after the successful organisation of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru in India yesterday.

The governing body for the sport on its label road race page on its website alerts the whole world to the fact that the next World Athletics elite label road race will hold in Nigeria.

It is the only label road race

in all label categories that will hold that day before the Kigali International Peace Marathon in Kigali, Rwanda and the Tartan Homes Ottawa International Marathon in Ottawa, Canada which hold the next day.

World Athletics Label Road Races are races that the World Athletics designates as one of the leading road races around the world.

The classification was first introduced for the 2008 running season, upon the suggestion of the IAAF Road Running Commission and the Okpekpe international

10km road race is the first road running event in West Africa to be granted a label status which confers on it the status of one of the leading road races in the world.

The Okpekpe race is returning after suffering two covid-induced postponements in 2020 and 2021 and organisers have promised a better and bigger race this year to be in line with its new classification as an elite label race.

The race is organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing, a leader in sports marketing, sponsorship, hospitality and rights acquisition business with operations in Nigeria.

Spain); Onome Ebi (En Avant Guingamp, France); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Ugochi Emenayo (Konak Belediyespor Izmir, Turkey); Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England); Nicole Payne (West Virginia University, USA); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Akudo Ogbonna (Edo Queens) MIDFIELDERS: Peace Efih (Kiryat Gat, Israel); Amanda Uju Mbadi (Atasehir Belediyespor, Turkey); Halimatu Ayinde (Eskilstuna FC, Sweden); Charity Adule (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Toni Oyedupe Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (Minsk FC, Belarus); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF, Spain); Suliat Abideen (Edo Queens) FORWARDS: Anam Imo (Pitea IF, Sweden); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan, China); Vivian Ikechukwu (WFC Gintra, Lithuania); Chinonyerem Macleans (GSK Gornik Leczna, Poland); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Meizhou Hakka Club, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Tigres Femenil, Mexico); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain).

Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) and Japan-Africa Baseball & Softbal Foundation (J-ABS) have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop baseball and softball in Nigeria, through the Nigeria Baseball Development Project for the next five years.

The signing ceremony of the MoU, which is slated to have in attendance the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Nigeria High Commissioner to Japan and members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, will hold at the Baseball Park of MKO Abiola Stadium Complex in Abuja on May 20, 2022.

The signing ceremony will be followed by a two-day technical seminar for coaches and games masters, who will start up the developmental process for the baseballers, would be held by the initiator of the project, Japan-Africa Baseball and Softball Foundation working

in partnership with the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association.

A statement on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, Robert Onwukwe, said the aim of the project is to make Nigeria the power and pillar of baseball in Africa considering the exploits in sports, talents and resources available in the country.

According to him; the two countries are ready to jointly identify, examine, and strive to strengthen and facilitate realization of the goals, and mitigate through existing and perceived challenges in relation to baseball in Nigeria.

Onwukwe said both parties are ready to make their best efforts to achieve joint success in these activities.

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

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NLC to Gov Wike

“Your Excellency, it is regrettable that nearly two years after reaching a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Rivers State workers and pensioners, the state government has reneged on the following commitments: Non-promotion of civil servants eligible for promotion since 2012; Non-payment of salaries arrears to civil servants not paid February and March 2016 salaries due to the aborted biometric verification, among others…” ---NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, urging the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike to honour the agreement.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Goldmine Season For Lawyers I

t is goldmine season for Nigerian lawyers, meal time, boom time as every election season has been, but now more than ever. Every electoral process, pre- during, and after - often provides opportunities for aggrieved politicians to take their disputes to court, and over the years this has been so much the pattern that lawyers often brandish the elementary fact that election petitions are sui generis, that is that they are in special category of their own, unique, peculiar. The originating process for election cases is the filing of petitions based on the framework provided in party guidelines, the Electoral Act and the Constitution, the basic law, and in accordance with stipulated rules of procedure. Some lawyers - from the ordinary ambulance chaser to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria have so mastered the game that most politicians know who to go to when it is election time, and which judges and courts to consult. Many senior lawyers have their pre-eminence built on their reputation to pursue election petitions.

The net effect is that many politicians, veterans of election petition cases, have also become bathroom lawyers. These persons are so adept at the tactics of election litigation that they sometimes sound smarter than the counsel, when it comes to forum shopping, the resort to obnoxious ex parte applications and how to get judges to descend into the arena and pollute the temple of justice. It is such time again and we have seen signs of this as litigants are now taking pre-election disputes to High Courts. One major feature of the new Electoral Act 2022, which became effective in February 2022, is that pre-election cases are now to originate from the Federal High Courts, but even striking is how the new law provides so many grounds for likely litigations. In 2015, after the election, it was observed that litigations were few. In 2019, there was quite a number. In 2023, there would be a deluge, and the catalyst for this would be the contradictions and omissions in the Electoral Act 2022 which repealed the 2010 Electoral Act. I should not be misunderstood. The review of the country’s electoral framework was a major subject of advocacy by the Nigerian civil society, lawyers, politicians, the media and stakeholders. Nigerians wanted an electoral system that would address the people’s grievances, as defined by omissions in previous electoral cycles, and the need to bring Nigerian democracy at par with best practices elsewhere, if not exactly, but at least to strengthen the credibility of the process, through technology, and the power of the people to make informed choices. Previous attempts to repeal the Electoral Act 2010, ahead of the 2019 elections failed. The 8th National Assembly could not find a common ground with the Executive as the President picked issues with language, timing and the contents of the proposed amendments. He rejected the Bill three times. When it became clear that the rigmarole would not end and that the elections were around the corner, the Buhari government claimed that it was better to avoid “uncertainty”.

The popular opinion on this was that the government was not ready for any reform, and would rather play safe to retain power under familiar electoral arrangements. But the agitation for electoral reform did not subside. The pressure remained so strong that the succeeding 9th Assembly that assumed office in June 2019 had to declare as one of its major priorities, a new electoral framework consequent upon a repeal of the Electoral Act 2010. In November 2019, the duo of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central) and Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno North) moved the motion on the floor of the Senate for the required exercise. In February 2022, the outcome of the process, including public hearings, debates and harmonization between both Chambers of the National Assembly, a new Bill was sent to the President for his assent. When it appeared as if the President was not going to act within the stipulated time frame or that he would

NBA President, Olumide Akpata attempt to veto the Bill or raise objections that would amount to a repeat of the debacle of 2018, civil society groups who had been active participants in the process trooped to the streets. Opposition parties made an issue out of the President’s tardiness. Even members of the ruling party became rebellious over the right mode of party primaries that should be adopted in order to ensure a level playing field and check the menace of overbearing state Governors and party overlords who use influence, cash and the power of incumbency to subvert internal party processes.

In the end, the President signed, although with an advisory that the National Assembly should amend Section 84(12) of the Act which in his reckoning violates Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution. The lawmakers amended the mode of primaries providing for direct, indirect and consensus options with a strict construction of the meaning of consensus. I shall return to this anon, but for now it is to be said that the redefinition of the Electoral framework was a sort of self-redemption for President Buhari and his administration. Electoral Act 2022, like the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Discrimination Against Persons Living With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act would be remembered as part of his legacy. The Electoral Act is also a kind of victory for civil society, its persistence and the solidarity of other stakeholders. For the National Assembly, it is a sort of vindication; for once, Nigerian lawmakers, the class of 2019 in Abuja acted intentionally and with courage. Before then, time, money and energy had been wasted to the consternation of the public.

The law also came as great relief, in part because of some of the game-changing provisions therein, to wit: Section 3(3) which says that funding required for a general election must be released not later than one year before the elections. This makes sense but I doubt if the provision has been complied with. Section 8(5) - on the complete neutrality of INEC officials; Section 29 on early conduct of party primaries and submission of list of candidates; Section 34 on the substitution of candidates in the event of death in an election; Section 47: which legalizes the electronic accreditation of voters; Section 50: which allows for electronic transmission of results; Section 54 (2) which allows for the participation of persons with disability; Section 51 which redefines over-voting; Section 65: gives INEC the powers to challenge any fabricated results and declare same void; Section 94 on early commencement of campaigns, 150 days before polling day. These are some of the top provisions in the Act, although there are oversights as well: the failure to

include independent candidacy which is now one of the 44 Bills in the Constitution amendment process, diaspora voting which has been overlooked in both instances, and the failure to agree on an Electoral Offences Commission.

But very early in the day, we are beginning to see how controversial the new law may turn out to be.

No law is perfect, but this is a landmine for litigations.

First, Section 84 (12) which says basically that political appointees must resign their positions ahead of the party primaries in order to create a level playing field for all delegates and aspirants. This particular provision has pitched state governors and the Federal Executive against the National Assembly resulting in litigations from Umuahia to Abuja. The Federal High Court in Umuahia in a matter brought before Justice Evelyn Anyadike by Chief Nduka Edede ruled that Section 84(12) is unconstitutional, illegal and void to the extent of its inconsistency with Sections 37, 42, 66, 107, 137 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution. The Court ruled that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation should delete the said Section 84 (12) from the Electoral Act. Neither the National Assembly nor the Electoral Commission was joined in the matter.

The former engaged the services of Kayode Ajulo Esq. to file an appeal, and after seeking leave of the Umuahia Court which was granted, Ajulo has since filed appellate processes. While that was pending, the Peoples Democratic Party had also filed an appeal in the matter in a suit titled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vs. Chief Nduka Edede and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). On May 11, the Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division, sitting in Abuja ruled in this particular case.

The ruling of the Court of Appeal has created more confusion than anything else, and it is perhaps the structure of the judgment itself that is responsible for this. The text of the lead judgment (there were no dissensions) began with declaratory affirmations that went beyond the main prayers before the court.

Whereas it is elementary law that judges can express opinions, obiter dictum, what is of moment is the main substance of the case, the ratio. In this case, after considering the facts of the case, and the issues, the Appeal Court ruled that the High Court in Umuahia lacked jurisdiction and that the plaintiff, lacked locus and a cause of action. In effect, the case in Umuahia which Federal Ministers and others have been relying upon for protection was a nullity. But the same Court of Appeal then went further to say if this had not been the case, it would be proper to declare Section 84(12) unconstitutional. They opined that the matter would be best resolved by the Supreme Court. The media and interested politicians took the Court’s comment and went to town with it. It is not the duty of the Court to play Father Christmas. The Court must speak with clarity, and refuse the temptation to go on a frolic of its own.

What is further curious is the report in the newspapers, yesterday, that since April 29 President Muhammadu Buhari and AGF Abubakar Malami had gone to the Apex Court to seek an order of the Court to strike out Section 84(12) of the Act. The National Assembly has also filed a counter-affidavit.

But what is the interest of the Federal Government in this matter seeking to invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? It would seem in this instance that what the Federal Government is doing is trying to take a second bite at the cherry. The President having granted assent to the Electoral Bill 2022, has already exercised his discretion. To have assented accordingly and now go to the Supreme Court is a most unusual move. The executive is at liberty to send further amendments to the National Assembly, to do otherwise would amount to self-indulgence.

In yet another case filed by Mike Ozekhome, SAN on behalf of the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, which has now been withdrawn,

the constitutionality of the same Section 84(12) was also raised by counsel. We certainly have not heard the last story on the matter of Section 84(12).

Similarly, Section 84(8) of the Electoral Act 2022 has also raised concerns. The National Assembly suspended its recess and returned to give “expeditious consideration” of the Section 84 (8), to modify it.

In the process of amending the Electoral Act, the lawmakers had forgotten to include statutory delegates in the list of those who could be delegates at party primaries. Section 84(8) refers to democratically elected delegates as persons who can participate in party primaries and conventions; having now realized that they had written themselves out of the law, the lawmakers sought to correct that oversight. This is a reinstatement of a similar provision in the Electoral Act 2010. Otherwise, it would have meant that the President, the Vice President, Members of the National Assembly, Governors and their Deputies, members of State Houses of Assembly, Councillors and other elected officials would have been excluded from the party primaries, not being delegates. But there are landmines here, and the most prominent being the likelihood that the President may not grant his assent to it before the commencement of the election of delegates. The two major political parties have fixed their conventions for the end of the month. Should the President sign after the election of delegates, it means that any special delegate that participates in the Conventions would have violated the same law.

That will be a case of the law having retrospective effect which could become a ground for litigation by qualified persons challenging the validity of such participation. It is a potential source of dispute.

The same can be said of Section 84(3) of the Electoral Act which says that neither the party nor INEC can disqualify a candidate except through a court of law. As follows: “A political party shall not impose nomination, qualification or disqualification criteria, measures, or conditions on any aspirant or candidates for election in its constitution, guidelines or rules for nomination of candidates for elections…” This section of the Electoral Act is meant to check the excesses of political parties. Political parties often insist on the authority that they are entitled to conduct their own affairs without any interference by the courts except where it can be established that party rules or the laws of the land have been violated. In the on-going process, political parties have been screening candidates, and we have had many aspirants claiming that they are loyal party members and would abide by what the party says. There are persons who have also been told that incumbents have been anointed for another term and no one should bother to challenge them, and certain persons may be expressly disqualified on this. If an incumbent is not doing well, should any party talk about offer of first refusal or impose the incumbent? We can only expect many cases in court over this, beginning with the pre-election dispute already declared by a PDP member, Mr. Cosmas Ndukwe who is asking the court to stop the PDP presidential primary on the ground that the party has violated its own Constitution on the issue of zoning.

While there is no doubt that the Electoral Act 2022 has introduced some reforms, it would certainly require further amendments. In repealing Section 31(5) of the Electoral Act 2010, the new law at Section 29(5) and 29(6) grants locus in matters involving false submission of information to only an aspirant who took part in the party primaries, not any person, and under Section 84(11) and (12), only the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over party primaries. The Federal High Court is likely to be overworked! Even when an observer has truthful information about a particular aspirant, he would be dismissed as a busy-body meddling into internal party matters.

There would be busy days ahead for lawyers. Let them enjoy the harvest.

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