SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 2022

Sunday 5 June, 2022 Vol 27. No 9917

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Northern APC Govs, Others Zone Presidential Ticket to the South Governor Badaru withdraws from race Southern govs hail northern colleagues on zoning Buhari urges aspirants to build consensus and come up with formidable candidate APC may punish Tinubu over outburst against Buhari, says Adamu Insists statutory delegates won’t vote in primary

Ejiofor Alike in Lagos, Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Hopes for the emergence of a southerner as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives

Congress (APC) have been rekindled as 11 northern governors elected on the platform of the ruling party and other political leaders from the region, yesterday resolved that the presidential ticket of the party should be zoned to

The Stabilizer

& BRIDGE BUILDER

the South.

President Muhammadu Buhari who met over dinner last night with all the 23 presidential aspirants of the party at the

For

Continued on page 5

AN IMPROVED SECURITY ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT EDUCATIONAL REFORMS AGRICULTURAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY

OTE

DEEPENING CONSULTATIONS… L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, after a meeting with APC presidential aspirants at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…yesterday

2023: INEC to Print Ballot Papers in Nigeria...

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SENATOR AHMAD IBRAHIM LAWAN AS

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)

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SEEKING CONSENSUS… All Progressives Congress presidential aspirants with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha (seventh left), and the Chief of Staff to President, Prof.

Ibrahim Gambari (second right), after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, ahead of the party's primary at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…yesterday

FG Shelves $950m Eurobond Sale over Unfavourable Pricing Lists two new FGN savings bonds for subscription at N1,000 each Says rising non-oil income to cut debt service burden Festus Akanbi in Lagos and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has suspended plans to raise about $950 million in overseas bonds, as a result of unfavourable market conditions during the timeframe approved for the fundraising, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has said.

It also responded to the forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the country could be spending 100 per cent of its revenues on debt servicing by 2026, saying the prediction was based on wrong parameters.

This is as the Debt Management Office (DMO) has listed two new Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) savings bonds for subscription at N1,000 per unit.

Ahmed had in April disclosed that Nigeria planned to sell in May its second external debt this year to help plug fiscal deficits. The planned $950 million bond sale would account for the balance of $6.1 billion in overseas borrowings planned for 2021 after it raised the second tranche of $1.25 billion in March.

However, the minister, who spoke on the sidelines of Islamic Development Bank meetings in Egypt, was quoted by Bloomberg yesterday as saying “we were not able to do that because the market pricing was not good and also the approval period for us has closed. She added that “the approval period was up to May 31, 2022; so, we are not going to be able to take that one anymore.”

Nigeria was one of the first sovereigns to tap the Eurobond market after the start in late February of Russia’s war on Ukraine, which stoked commodity prices and inflation just as the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates. Nigeria’s seven-year bond in March was

priced to yield 8.375 per cent, compared to a similar maturity raised about eight months ago with a coupon of 6.125 per cent.

The federal government plans to curb borrowing costs this year by using the International Monetary Fund’s general allocation of reserves known as special drawing rights to fund projects, then reducing external borrowings, Ahmed said. It projects N17.3 trillion ($41.6 billion) budget spending this year, with forecast deficits of N7.35 trillion.

“What we are doing now is to plan on managing our situation such that we are not exposed to increased costs in 2022,” Ahmed said. “We are

hoping that in 2023 things will be much better than what we are projecting in 2022.”

Analysts said Nigeria’s return to the market at a time when investors are wary of volatility across financial markets shows the urgent need for Nigeria’s government to narrow its budget deficit. The IMF forecasts the gap will widen to 6.4 per cent of gross domestic product this year from a pre-pandemic average of 4.3 per cent, due to the rising cost of fuel subsidies.

Borrowers have been on the sidelines since Russia’s invasion pushed up funding costs. Turkey was the second sovereign to announce an overseas bond sale in April.

Nigeria’s deficit is expected to widen to 6.4 per cent of gross domestic product this year from a pre-pandemic average of 4.3 per cent due to the rising cost of fuel subsidies, according to IMF forecasts.

Meanwhile, Ahmed has also disclosed that the recent forecasts by the IMF that the country could be spending 100 per cent of its revenues on debt servicing by 2026 was based on wrong parameters.

She argued that the organisation's assumption was hinged on the prediction that the country’s revenues would remain stagnant, explaining that it had indeed been improving.

Ahmed stated that Nigeria

was confident that it would beat this year’s non-oil revenue target based on collections made in the first three months of the year.

The Bretton Wood institution had raised concerns over Nigeria’s fiscal conditions, adding that the nation spends 89 per cent of its revenue on debt.

The IMF’s Resident Representative for Nigeria, Ari Aisen, who spoke while presenting the fund’s latest Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Economic Outlook report, also warned that with fuel subsidy payments averaging N500 billion monthly, total expenditure on subsidy could hit a record N6 trillion by the end of the year.

But Ahmed said on the sidelines of the IDB meetings in Egypt that the rise in non-oil revenues would help the country avoid the prediction by the IMF that debt service would swallow all of the country’s income by 2026.

“The IMF projection is predicated on the assumption that revenue levels will stay the same as they are right now up to 2026,” Ahmed said.

She argued that non-oil revenues were outperforming income from crude oil, adding that taxes collected last year even exceeded projections.

“In 2021, our non-oil revenues outperformed our budget by an aggregate of 15 per cent.

NORTHERN APC GOVS, OTHERS ZONE PRESIDENTIAL TICKET TO THE SOUTH State House, Abuja, was said to have supported the decision of the APC northern governors to back a southern presidential aspirant.

He urged the presidential aspirants to hold consultations, build consensus and come up with formidable candidate before the party holds its primary election from June 6 to 8, 2022.

In line with the decision of the governors and other leaders, the Jigawa State Governor, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has withdrawn from the presidential race, just as the party’s screening committee has recommended 13 presidential aspirants.

Badaru’s counterpart in Ebonyi State, Mr. Dave Umahi, has, however, denied stepping down from the race.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the ruling party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has hinted that the party may punish a frontline presidential aspirant and National Leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu, for his recent outburst against President Buhari.

However, in a swift response, the National Vice Chairman of the party, North-west, Dr. Salihu Lukman, said Adamu’s comment

on the recent outburst of Tinubu did not represent the position of the party.

In a statement issued yesterday after a meeting of the northern APC governors and political leaders from the northern states, the leaders noted that they welcomed President Buhari’s invitation to them and other stakeholders to contribute to the emergence of a strong presidential candidate for the party.

The statement was signed by Governors Aminu Masari (Katsina); Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger); Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa); Babagana Zulum (Borno); Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe); Bello Matawalle (Zamfara); Simon Lalong (Plateau); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko.

Kwara State Governor, Mr AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was not at the meeting, has also thrown his weight behind the decision of his northern colleagues, saying it was a perfect decision taken in the overall interest of the country.

“After careful deliberation, we

wish to state our firm conviction that after eight years in the office of President Buhari, the presidential candidate of the APC for the 2023 elections should be one of our teeming members from the southern states of Nigeria.

“It is a question of honour for the APC, an obligation that is not in any way affected by the decisions taken by another political party. We affirm that upholding this principle is in the interest of building a stronger, more united and more progressive country.

“We, therefore, wish to strongly recommend to President Buhari that the search for a successor as the APC’s presidential candidate be limited to our compatriots from the southern states. We appeal to all aspirants from the northern states to withdraw in the national interest and allow only the aspirants from the south to proceed to the primaries.

“We are delighted by the decision of our esteemed colleague, His Excellency, Governor Abubakar Badaru to contribute to this patriotic quest by withdrawing his presidential aspiration,” the statement explained.

The northern governors argued that the ruling party has to

ensure that the 2023 elections offer a nation-building moment, reaffirming that a democratic pathway to power exists for all who value cooperation and build national platforms.

“This moment calls for the most sober and inclusive approach to selecting our party’s candidate, and we call on all APC leaders to fulfil their responsibility in this regard,” the statement added.

APC May Punish Tinubu over Outburst against Buhari, Says Adamu The National Chairman of the APC, Adamu has hinted that the party may punish a frontline presidential aspirant, Tinubu, for his recent outburst against President Buhari.

Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, Adamu described Tinubu’s utterances as insulting, unbecoming, and a mark of lack of respect for the president Adamu stated categorically that the party would henceforth be on the lookout to punish Tinubu or any other aspirant that makes a similar statement as the event

unfolds.

Tinubu had while addressing delegates in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said he made Buhari president in 2015.

Though the former Lagos State governor had in a statement issued on Friday clarified that he has the utmost respect for President Buhari, the APC National Chairman insisted that what the presidential hopeful did was not an apology, but a retraction of his statement.

Adamu argued that Tinubu's utterances did not wipe out the impression that his comments had created in people’s minds.

His words: "Within the last three days, the country, and the world of the social media have been undaunted by the report of one of our leaders, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State when he went for his campaign in Ogun –Abeokuta.

In the course of his address, he went as far as to mention what happened between him and President Muhamadu Buhari.

"He went as far as to tell his audience how President Buhari went to him; even prostrating in Continued on page 6

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NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS… L-R: Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; and former PDP governorship aspirant for Edo State, Mr. Kenneth lmasuagbon, during a congratulatory visit to Atiku on his victory at the party’s primaries in Abuja...recently

2023: INEC to Print Ballot Papers in Nigeria Says election materials won’t be kept with CBN Detects 47,633 voters’ double registration in Ekiti Chuks Okocha Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that the ballot papers for the 2023 elections would be printed locally because it has more than 180 days before the 2023 general election.

The electoral umpire has also confirmed that it would not keep sensitive electoral materials for the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election with the apex bank.

Chairman of INEC, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, stated these in Abuja while responding to questions at a dialogue on elections.

He further said that the ballot papers for the 2023 elections would be printed locally because it has much time more than 180 days before the 2023 general election.

Yakubu said that the ballot papers were printed outside Nigeria in the past elections because of the exigencies of time.

He disclosed because of the availability of time, the materials for the future elections would be printed locally.

According to him, this decision is to guarantee that electoral materials for the lined-up elections are not compromised.

Following the revelation that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele is a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), concerns had been raised about the sanctity of elections materials kept with the apex bank.

But Yakubu said: “Logistics in an election is much wider than the movement of sensitive material for the election. Take the case of Ekiti for instance, all non-sensitive materials have been delivered to Ado-Ekiti and they are in all the LGAs of the state.

“But sensitive materials are usually delivered on behalf of the commission by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which are inspected in the presence of the bank and then moved out by our officials.

“I want to say that since INEC started this collaboration with the CBN, we have never experienced a single issue with the movement of materials. The agency has been such a good partner to the commission.

According to the INEC chairman' chairman, “but we appreciate the current circumstances, and it is for that reason, pending the time we find an alternative, the materials for the Ekiti election will not be routed through the CBN. “We will move the material to the airport in Akure and move the material to our office in Ado Ekiti and do the distribution from there. We are not going to use CBN. And when it comes to the general election, we have to look for an alternative way of doing it.”, the INEC chairman stated.

INEC Gives EFCC

Accounts Details of APC, PDP The INEC chairman also disclosed that the electoral body has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the accounts details of the APC and the PDP. On the continuous voter registration, the INEC chairman said that it is only the online registration of voters that was suspended as the transfer and physical registration are still ongoing.

The INEC chairman acknowledged the receipt of

the letter from the EFCC to the commission and stated that it has replied to the anti-graft letter and provided all the information needed.

EFCC had in a letter under sections 38(1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, demanded access to the accounts of the two leading political parties.

The EFCC in another letter, also signed by the Head of Operations, informed the managing directors of Access Bank and Polaris Bank in Abuja that it was investigating 14 accounts of the two dominant parties.

INEC said that apart from submitting to the EFCC all it required, accounts of political parties are usually audited six months after the general election

INEC Detects 47,633 Voters’ Double Registration in Ekiti Meanwhile, as Ekiti State prepares for its June 18 governorship election, INEC has stated that it detected 47,633 voters’ double registration on its portal.

The commission averred that such people have had their

registration invalidated to prevent double-voting during the election, with the aid of the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) invented by INEC to sanitise its registers.

The INEC's Head of Department, Information and Communication Technology, Titilayo Oderinde, made the revelation in Ado Ekiti yesterday during a one-day training workshop organised for Ekiti journalists in preparation for the impending governorship poll.

Oderinde, who elucidated on the BVAS application and its Continued on page 8

NORTHERN APC GOVS, OTHERS ZONE PRESIDENTIAL TICKET TO THE SOUTH tears, begging him to endorse him for the presidency. He claimed that Buhari went to him. The words in Yoruba... the interpretation was very insulting, very unbecoming of a person of that standing to do what he did to a sitting president produced by the votes of APC. "It is amazing how a fellow APC person can make that kind of comment about the president.

We take exception to this and this doesn't show any appreciable level of respect for the office of Mr. President and the person of Mr. President.

"Therefore, we want to make it public that we are saddened about the audio and video in that reportage and we condemn it in the strongest terms. We do hope he will never say that kind of thing again - especially those of APC extraction to make that kind of unbecoming comments.

"Between yesterday and this morning, it was retracted but that effort is not adequate. It doesn't wipe out the impression that event has left in our minds. This is our position. I, as chairman of the ruling party, have the duty to come out and stand by our government, to stand by our president," Adamu explained.

Asked if punitive measures would be taken against Tinubu, the APC national chairman said: "I don't want to take this together because they are mischief-laden.

I don't want to take the primary screening to answer this question because doing so is finding a way to justify, and give some reasons that may have caused what he did. For one thing, I know at the time this event took place

the screening committee had not made the report to us at all.

"The question of punitive measures is yes and no! This morning we saw some traces of withdrawal statements. You see, these are statements that can emerge not with the intention of the actual actions. So yes, we can't say we don't see in the papers what was reported. It happened.

What is out is out. It is not an apology, it is trying to retract. We will be on the watch for us to penalise any member of the party not just Bola Tinubu, anybody.

We will watch events as they unfold," Adamu added.

However, in a swift reaction, the National Vice Chairman of APC, North-west, Lukman has said that Adamu’s comment did not represent the position of the party.

In a telephone interview with journalists, Lukman said while Tinubu, as well as other members of the party had acknowledged that the statement was unfortunate, it could not be used against him until the appropriate organ of the party deliberates and takes a decision on it.

The party chieftain said Adamu’s position at the moment remained his personal opinion and did not represent the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

His words: "We all, including Asiwaju himself, acknowledged that it was unfortunate he made those statements and it is his right to express his frustration, it should be recognised as such.

"But nobody, no matter the position of the person, can use

it against him unless the party follows the due process through the rightful organs of the party to discuss it.

"So, the opinion expressed

by Abdullahi Adamu was his personal opinion and it is his right to present it to any organ of the party for consideration.

"But until that opinion is adopted by the organ of the party, it cannot be considered as the position of the party. It is not the position of APC, it is his personal opinion," Lukman added.

In a related development, Adamu has stated categorically that statutory delegates are excluded from the special convention of the party, adding that the party has already served an appeal for the judgment given by a Federal High Court in Kano.

A Federal High Court in Kano had on Friday ruled that Section 84 of the Electoral Act did not prevent statutory delegates from voting.

Reacting to the judgment, Adamu noted: "Well, I am a lawyer, we have served notice of appeal and matter is in the court and as far as we are concerned, this convention is concerned, statutory delegates are excluded."

APC Screening Panel Recommends 13 Aspirants In a related development, the John Odigie-Oyegun panel that screened the party’s 23 presidential aspirants has recommended 13 aspirants to the party. The recommended aspirants include Governor Badaru of Kebbi State;

Senator Godswill Akpabio; Mr Chibuike Amaechi; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Mr Yahaya Bello; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senator Bola Tinubu; Mr Tein Jack-Rich; Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; Dr Christopher Onu and Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Dave Umahi.

The National Chairman of the party, Adamu, has however, clarified that no presidential aspirant has been disqualified.

"I want to say very clearly that no aspirant has been disqualified.

Interestingly, President Muhamadu Buhari has invited them to the villa for dinner today (yesterday).

He will be interacting with all of them today," Adamu told journalists in Abuja.

Meanwhile, ahead of the party’s presidential primary, the Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has promised that the APC will have a hitch-free event on Monday.

Akeredolu said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde in Akure.

The governor, who is the Chairman of, Sub-committee on Security and Compliance for the APC Special Convention and Presidential Primary Election, said that the party was ready for the election.

Buhari Urges Aspirants to Come up With Formidable Candidate

At last night’s meeting with all the 23 APC aspirants, President Buhari urged them to hold consultations, and come up with a formidable candidate before the party holds its primary election from June 6 to 8, 2022.

The president, according to a statement issued last night by his Media Adviser, Mr Femi Adesina, said the meeting was a continuation of the ongoing consultative process aimed at ensuring a smooth and strategic emergence of a standard-bearer, who will lead the APC to a resounding victory in the upcoming presidential polls.

The president added: “Our party, the APC, has won two successive presidential elections in 2015, first when we were in the opposition and 2019 when I sought re-election. Both processes were achieved through unity of purpose, strategic alignment, consultation, fairness, determination and effective leadership. In both instances, national and party interests were overriding factors in our deliberations and decisionmaking.

“The 2023 elections are fast approaching in a global, regional and national environment that is constantly changing and challenging. This demands that our party should become more aware of the changing environment, be responsive to the yearnings of our citizens, re-evaluate our strategy and strengthen our internal mechanism so that we would sustain the electoral successes.

“I am pleased to note that the Continued on page 10

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Again, Muslim Extremists Set Man Ablaze for Alleged Blasphemy in Abuja Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Barely three weeks after Miss Deborah Samuel, a 200-level Home Economics student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, was killed and set ablaze by a mob over a comment, which her Muslim colleagues considered blasphemous of Prophet Mohammed (SAW), a man was yesterday set ablaze in Abuja for a similar offence.

In the latest incident, which occurred near the Tipper Garage Section of the Fruit Market at the Federal Housing Estate in Lugbe, precisely on the international airport corridor, the man was set ablaze for allegedly blaspheming

Prophet Mohammed.

The FCT Police Command confirmed the incident, saying it had restored normalcy to the community.

Angry Muslim youths said to be numbering more than 200 were said to have summarily killed the victim, identified as Ahmad Usman and said to be a member of the local vigilance group just after mid-day.

THISDAY gathered that they clubbed him to death and poured petrol on his body before setting him on fire.

He died before police arrived at the scene and shot into the air to disperse the crowd. It was gathered that three persons were shot during the violence.

The victim allegedly sought refuge at the office of the local vigilance group but could not be saved from the wrath of the attackers, who outnumbered the security outfit before handing summary punishment to their victim said to be 30 years old.

When THISDAY visited the scene of the incident, thick smoke from firewoods and burnt tyres enveloped the spot where he was set ablaze.

The incident forced many traders at the Tipper Garage to hurriedly lock their shops for fear that the hoodlums would capitalise on the violence to

burn and loot shops as was the case recently during the riot at Dei-Dei International Market.

In a statement, yesterday, signed by Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, DSP Josephine Adeh, the deceased was said to have got into an argument with a Cleric whose identity was yet unknown.

The police said the heated argument degenerated into an outbreak of violence that led to the murder and setting ablaze of Ahmad Usman by the enraged mob mobilised numbering about 200, who were mobilised by the

cleric.

The police spokesperson said that upon the receipt of the information, a quick intervention team comprising of the Surveillance and Ambush team of the Command attached to the Lugbe Divisional Police Headquarters was drafted to the scene where the enflamed victim was rescued suffering severe degrees of burn and taken immediately to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by a doctor on call.

“Normalcy has since been restored to the situation, while monitoring and surveillance of

the area continues. Residents are therefore urged to go about their lawful duties without fear or apprehension of any kind from any quarters as the discrete investigation continues to unravel facts surrounding the ugly incident and to effect the arrest of the perpetrators therein.

“The Commissioner of Police CP Babaji Sunday while warning against the indiscriminate act of self-help in obtaining justice known as jungle justice, stated that adequate sanctions will be meted on subscribers of this crude and dastardly act,” Adeh explained.

After Losing Presidential Primary, Bauchi Gov Wins PDP Ticket for Second Term Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed has been declared the winner of the rerun gubernatorial primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The rerun primary election took place yesterday at the Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi.

Mohammed had recently lost his bid to secure the presidential ticket of the PDP during the presidential primary where he polled 20 votes. This prompted his quest to seek the gubernatorial ticket held in trust for him by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the election, Murtala Damagum, while declaring the results of the election, said that there are a total of 656 delegates in the state.

He explained that 20 of the delegates are national delegates from each of the 20 local government areas of the state.

Damagum added that the remaining 636 delegates cut across the 323 electoral wards of the state.

Announcing the results, Damagum, said that 10 delegates were absent, 650 accredited and 646 delegates voted.

According to him, Governor Mohammed secured all the 646 votes that were cast.

“I, Hon. Murtala Damagum, by the power vested on me as an Electoral Officer on this occasion, having satisfied all the electoral processes, do hereby, declare our last presidential aspirant and our new gubernatorial aspirant,

Senator Bala Mohammed, the winner.

“He had the total votes of 646 complete votes, he is hereby declared the winner and he is returned elected,” he declared.

In his acceptance speech, Mohammed expressed gratitude to the Secretary to the State government, who had won the first gubernatorial primary election held last week but stepped down for him.

He said: “On behalf of myself, my family and the Peoples Democratic Party, I thank God for this day and moment, and I thank the PDP family and the people of Bauchi for giving me the opportunity.

“You are aware that have gone on a solo trip to run for the presidency of Nigeria and that did not work but today, I must thank my brother, the Secretary to the State government who felt that I should be allowed to go for a second term by stepping down for me.

“What he did is not only a sign of loyalty but a spirit of comradeship which he expressed and I will not take that for granted. I am very grateful to God, I’m grateful to the PDP family, and I’m grateful to him (SSG). I will not disappoint him and I must also thank our national leadership for also accepting Kassim was declared the winner of the first gubernatorial primary election held last week but stepped down to pave the way for governor Mohammed.

As a way of rewarding Kassim, the Bauchi State governor reappointed him as the SSG.

AWARD FOR A JOB WELL DONE… L-R: Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd); Managing Director, Champion Newspapers Limited, Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa; and her husband, Pastor Uche Iheakanwa, during their presentation of 2021 Man of the Year Award on Marwa at 2021 Champion Annual Award in Lagos…weekend

Tinubu Alone Didn’t Make Buhari President, Says Ex-SGF Gboyega Akinsanmi Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal, has described the claim by the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and frontline presidential aspirant, Senator Bola Tinubu, that he made Muhammadu Buhari president in 2015 as an arrogant

assumption.

Lawal said Tinubu was not the only person that helped President Buhari to win the 2015 presidential election.

He made this clarification during an interview on ARISE NEWS Channel last night.

Lawal is who also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and staunch Tinubu supporter, noted that

Buhari had over 11 million votes before he considered forging a merger with Tinubu and other political parties.

He said: “I know Tinubu because I have been part of the process. In 2011, Tinubu should be a candidate for the election.

We put efforts and resources together. He contributed to that resource.

“No individual can make

Festus Okoye, added that part of the constitutional frameworks designed for the success of any election, is freedom of the press, warning that this shouldn't be abused to prevent violence during the election.

organised by the Civil Society Situation Coalition, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Mr. Adeniran Tella said that preparations for the exercise is proceeding smoothly.

At the event held on Saturday in Abuja, Tella said that adequate arrangements are being made for logistics and election security, taking into consideration the challenges of the past.

On the engagement of personnel including the Adhoc staff, the REC said that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been put through training on the rudiments of the new BVAS technology being deployed by the commission for the election.

2023: INEC TO PRINT BALLOT PAPERS IN NIGERIA significance to the credibility of elections, said no individual can exercise double franchise during the election with the help of the ICT innovation.

He said: "During the justconcluded Continuous Voter Registration exercise declared

by INEC for intending voters to update their registration, a total of 124,963 persons registered in Ekiti.

"But it will marvel you that when the number was subjected to BVAS scrutiny, a total of 47,633 were discovered to have registered twice and got expunged from the register.

"Though, the commission was so lenient that one of the double registrations was struck out leaving one for the voter to

exercise his franchise. It does not apply to a gender, the offence was committed by both genders.

"But I see no reason why people should be doing this when they can approach the commission for migration of their polling units, even if they leave their environment for another location."

Also addressing the participants, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ekiti State, Dr Adeniran Tella, appealed to voters not to treat their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as instruments for mere identification, saying they are to be deployed to vote on election day.

"PVCs are not designed as an identification card, it is for

voting. We want to do away with this voter apathy and we are starting with the Ekiti election. I salute our women for participating well in registration.

71 per cent of them had also collected their PVCs. "We are assuring the People Living with Disabilities that their interests will be protected by the commission. They are Nigerians with inalienable rights to vote and we shall provide enabling environment for them to vote in this election, we have made adequate provision for them," he explained.

The INEC's National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr

Commission to Deploy 10,269 Personnel for Ekiti Guber Poll In a related development, INEC has said that it is making plans to deploy a total of 10,269 personnel for the conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election.

Speaking at the INEC- Civil Society dialogue session on the Ekiti State Governorship Election

someone a president of Nigeria.

Before we went for Tinubu, Buhari had consistently scored more than 11 million votes at the polls. The claim that he made Buhari president is an arrogant assumption,” Lawal explained.

Speaking on Tinubu’s outburst in Abeokuta on Thursday, Lawal said he believed Tinubu was stressed at the time he commented how he helped Buhari to win the 2015 presidential election.

The former SGF blamed Tinubu’s outburst purely on the widespread conspiracy theory, which was prevalent in the political space.

He said: “The conspiracy theory went around the country so much. I think he is very stressed. You know APC has gone through all manners of needless crises in recent times.

First of all, there was an issue of why did they extend the sale of forms or why did they extend the date for submission of forms.

“All these issues gave rise to conspiracy theory. The issue of Goodluck Jonathan was coming to contest. All sorts of things put a lot of pressure on the candidate. Nigerians, being who we are, like conspiracy theories,” he added.

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OFFICIAL VISIT TO CANADA… L-R: The Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III; his wife, Olori Atuwatse III; and representatives of T'suut'ina Nation, Andrew JR Onespot Xakiji Sidodi, during a tour of T'suut'ina Nation in Calgary as part of the monarch’s official visit to Canada…yesterday

FG Blames Drop in Electricity Generation on Shutdown of Critical Gas Plant Targets 1,000MW from reactivated 14 solar projects Tasks gas operators on the accuracy of dispensing instruments James Emejo and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday explained that the drop in electricity generation was a result of the partial shutdown of the Oben gas plant for the repair of critical gas processing equipment.

It has also disclosed that the 14 reactivated independent power plants (IPP) across the country will produce off-grid electricity of 1,000 megawatts.

A statement by the Federal Ministry of Power disclosed that Seplat Energy Plc had mobilised equipment, material, and personnel to the site to expedite the restoration of normal gas supply to the affected power plants.

The statement read: “We wish to notify the general public that the current dip in electricity generation is a result of the partial shutdown of the Oben gas plant to address

the repair of critical gas processing equipment.”

“The incident, unfortunately, occurred at a time when other power plants on other gas sources are undergoing planned maintenance and capacity testing.

“We wish to notify the public that Seplat Energy Plc has mobilised equipment, material, and personnel to the site to expedite the restoration of normal gas supply to the affected power plants.

“We have been assured that the repair work would be concluded this weekend and normalcy will be restored. While pleading with electricity consumers with the current state of supply, we wish to assure the general public that efforts are being made for a sustained improvement of supply across the country.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power Abubakar Aliyu has disclosed that the 14 reactivated

IPP across the country will produce off-grid electricity of 1,000 MW. Aliyu disclosed the maiden three-day Nigeria-African Natural Resource and Energy Investment Summit hosted by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in collaboration with other stakeholders in Abuja.

The maiden event has the theme: “Towards a Greener Africa” which ended at the weekend.

The minister said, “government has reactivated 14 IPP Solar Projects across the country. These IPPs, which are currently undergoing Technical and Financial Evaluation, shall contribute 1000MW off-grid.

10 state governments are enabling solar projects in their states that will deliver 100MW each contributing 1,000MW off-grid.

“The 10MW Katsina Wind Farms already contributing to the grid and is being considered for a solar hybrid that will optimise

its availability to 20MW. Once we stabilise the base load through the hydropower plants at various stages of completion, we shall integrate all the off-grid structures to the national grid, increasing our energy mix.”

He noted that African governments must be proactive and responsive to the course collectively as that is a prerequisite for achieving a cleaner energy future, adding “It is only by this can Africa actualise its green transition”.

Speaking further on international partnership toward greener energy, Aliyu said, “Countries, like Nigeria, have made commitments to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the COP26 Agreement in Glasgow.

“To achieve this, we have

NORTHERN APC GOVS, OTHERS ZONE PRESIDENTIAL TICKET TO THE SOUTH party, recognising the significance of all these demands, has over time developed several democratically acceptable processes and policies, that promote consultation, internal cohesion and leadership to facilitate victories at the polls.”

The president recalled the consultation he had held with stakeholders “that would help the electoral fortunes of our party, beginning with the state governors.

This is the second in the series and I still look forward to meeting with party stakeholders. “These steps are being taken to ensure that the unity and cohesion of the party are sustained and to provide direction.

“Amongst other things, I reminded the APC governors of the need for the party to proceed to the 2023 presidential elections with strength, unity of purpose and to present a flag bearer who will give Nigerians a sense of hope and confidence while ensuring victory for our party. I extend a similar reminder to all of you distinguished aspirants.”

President Buhari said he was aware that there is anxiety among party members about the outcome of the process.

“Given these circumstances, I charge you to recognise the importance of the stability and unity of the party, which cannot be overemphasised.

“Similarly, I wish to remind you that our choice of flag bearer must be formidable, appealing to the electorate across the board and should command such ability to unify the country and capacity to address our critical challenges.

“Ahead of the convention, the party machinery has screened and found all aspirants eminently qualified. Recognising this fact, the Screening Committee has, amongst others, recommended that consensus building through consultation, be intensified.

“Without prejudice to your qualifications, I urge all of you to hold consultations amongst yourselves and with the party, to build a consensus in a manner that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants, bring up a formidable candidate and scale down the anxiety of party members.”

The president assured that in the interest of the nation and the party, he would continue to provide effective leadership during the transition processes and ongoing consultations, “until we successfully choose the candidate that will fly the flag of our party for the presidential elections and make the party stronger. I seek your support in this all-important responsibility.”

Earlier, in his speech, the National Chairman of the party,

Senator Abdullahi Adamu had promised that all stakeholders of the party would be reached in the consultation process.

Responding on behalf of the aspirants, former Governor of the old Abia State and immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Dr, Ogbonnaya Onu, Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, thanked the president for his leadership and guidance, pledging that they would hold the consultations as counselled “for the unity and strength of our party, the APC.”

Southern govs hail northern colleagues on zoning Meanwhile, the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum has hailed their northern counterparts on the decision to zone the APC presidential ticket to the South.

In a statement issued last night, the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, said the southern governors did not expect anything short of the heart-warming decision from their northern colleagues whom he described as great patriots and reliable partners in the collaborative efforts geared towards

the attainment of nationhood for the country.

“This is indeed another landmark achievement in our quest for understanding, rapprochement and continual engagements for mutual beneficence.

“We acknowledge this courageous stance for equity and moral rectitude. We applaud the zeal and determination of our brothers to engage realistically and honestly. We salute this uncommon resolve to confront issues militating against the march towards nationhood and ultimate greatness. By this gesture, we are convinced of the seriousness of our colleagues to join other patriots in ensuring that the ascendant march towards stability, progress and prosperity is not truncated by indiscretion,” the statement explained.

The southern governors lauded Jigawa Governor, Badaru, for his exemplary conduct, stressing that posterity will remember him for good.

“We thank the leadership of the Northern Governors' Forum for the patriotic zest displayed at this crucial moment. We look forward to conducting a hitch-free convention which will culminate in the election of a suitable candidate who will hoist the flag of the party with a sense of mission,” the statement added.

to scale up our Solar, Wind, hydropower, and even the new hydrogen opportunities, including other new clean technologies.

Africa needs to focus on proven approaches, as well as the mobilisation of resources to take advantage of carbon-neutral energy sources.

FG Tasks Gas Operators on Accuracy of Dispensing Instruments In a related development, the federal government has directed operators in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector to install deadweight at their premises to test the accuracy of weighbridges used for dispensing bulk gas to retailers.

The government also insisted that henceforth, the use of weighbridges should be the norm at depot terminals when loading LPG products rather than the use of gas meters to ensure that the product being dispensed is accurate since LPG is retailed by weight.

The resolution came against the backdrop of persistent complaints of under-dispensing of products at LPG depot terminals as well as retail outlets across the country.

The federal government’s position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day stakeholders engagement organised by the Weights and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, with the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Depot Owners (LPGDO) on the application of legal metrology in the oil and gas sectors in Nigeria.

THISDAY gathered that the outcome of the meeting had already been approved by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo for immediate implementation.

The communiqué, which was obtained by THISDAY further, directed that henceforth, tankers used for loading and transporting LPG should ensure that they gauge their tank pressures to conform with safety standards before loading to avoid incurring shortages due to excessive gas in their tanks during loading.

It also pointed out that as a matter of urgent necessity, the weights and measures department should embark on periodic inspections of the LPG depot terminals to ascertain their level of compliance with operational guidelines.

It was also agreed that the existing skill gaps noticeable in weighbridges installation should be addressed adding that the quality of gas in the market should be of a high standard with less propane and which should be enforced by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The federal government however warned that depot terminal operators found to be under-dispensing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as well as marketers to consumers will be penalised and urged the weights and measures department to strengthen its oversight functions of the numerous LPG retail outlets across the nooks and crannies of the country.

Moreover, on the issue of overlapping duties between the department and NMDPRA, the stakeholders resolved that the activities of the department revolved around the verification and certification of measuring equipment which is statutorily backed by existing legislation while the former dwelled on the issuance of licenses to petroleum product dealers.

The Director, Weights and Measures Department, Mr. Hassan Ejibunu, however, told THISDAY, “We’ve been receiving complaints from NALPGAM that whatever they buy in bulk from the terminals, maybe 33,000 litres of LPG, but by the time it gets to the final destination you’ll find out it is less than 33,000 litres – may be what is left is about 30,000 litres or less than that.

“We equally received complaints from members of the public that if they go to the retail outlets to buy let’s say 12.5 KG cylinder of LPG, what they’ll get is not up to that.”

He said the stakeholder’s engagement was convened to address the underlying issues and to ensure that consumers of gas get value and accuracy for every purchase they make.

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News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com,08152359253

Nigeria’s Exports Value Hits N7.1tn in First Quarter Festus Akanbi Nigeria’s quest to increase its export earnings received a significant boost in the first quarter of 2022 with a 137.88 per cent jump in the total exports, which amounted to N7.1 trillion as against N2.98 trillion reported in the corresponding period of last year.

However, capital inflow into the country declined by 28.09 per cent to $1.57 billion in the same period.

In comparison with the data for the last quarter of 2021,

when Nigeria’s export value was put at N5.76 trillion, the data for the first quarter of this year shows that Nigeria’s export value rose by 23.13 per cent t as imports declined by 0.67 per cent when compared to what was recorded in the last three months of last year.

The Trade Statistics data released at the weekend by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigeria’s total imports at the end of the first quarter of 2022 stood at N5.9 trillion compared to N5.94 trillion that was recorded in the last

quarter of 2021.

There was, however, a 21.04 per cent rise in imports when compared to N4.87 trillion that was recorded in the first quarter of 2021.

According to the NBS, there had been significant increases in the export of agricultural goods, which rose by 51.89 per cent; solid minerals, which rose by 45.17 per cent, and crude oil exports, which rose by 31.66 per cent compared to what they recorded in the

fourth quarter of last year.

The NBS data also put the value of agricultural goods exports at N201.59 billion while Solid Minerals exports in Q1, 2022 were valued at N19.69 billion. The value of crude oil exports in Q1, 2022 stood at N5,62 trillion representing 70.16 per cent of total exports.

Also, the value of other oil products exports increased by 11.35 per cent to N764.27 billion, compared to N686.38

billion recorded in Q4, 2021.

The value of raw material goods exports in Q1, 2022 stood at N259.48 billion showing an increase of 4.44 per cent and 504.17 per cent than N248.45 billion and N42.95 billion recorded in Q4, 2021 and Q1, 2021, respectively.

Meanwhile, the value of exports of energy goods in Q1, 2022 declined by 25.66 per cent to N15.36 billion, just as the value of manufactured goods exports

stood at N219.08 billion in Q1, 2022 showing a decline of 44.6 per cent compared to N395.48 billion recorded in Q4, 2021.

Capital importation data, which was also released by the NBS, showed that the total value of capital importation into Nigeria in the first quarter of 2022 stood at $1.573 billion from $2.187 billion in the preceding quarter showing a decrease of 28.09 per cent.

Stop Killing to Secure Kanu’s Release, IPOB Tells Criminals David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has cautioned those involved in the killings, kidnappings and criminalities going on in the South-East region to stop if they want the Biafra freedom to be realised.

IPOB, a pro-Biafra secessionist movement, said those who claimed “to be its members and others need to understand that enemies will capitalise on the killings and insecurity in the South-east to blackmail the group and its peaceful agitation.”

This was contained in a statement by Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, noting that most of the killings

always happened a few days before Kanu’s court dates.

Consequently, the IPOB said it looked as if the group perpetrated it.

It specifically said: “Anybody who wants our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, out of the DSS dungeon and the realisation of Biafra freedom must stop being involved in criminalities going on in the South-East.

“Biafrans should take cognizance of the timing of these heinous and barbaric acts of violence and murder.

Our people and the world community should note that most of these heinous killings happen a few days before our leader’s court dates.

EU, INEC Organise Musical Concert to Sensitise Voters The European Union (EU) has partnered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other key stakeholders to organise musical concerts tagged Youth Vote Count 2.0 to create voting awareness.

The EU, under its Support to Democratic Governance Programme in Nigeria (SDGN), said the concert would be organised in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders like Yiaga Africa and DAI. EU’s Ambassador, Samuela Isopi revealed the plan at the weekend, disclosing that the concert was scheduled to hold at 9:00 a.m on June 11 at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The musicians slated to perform include Kizz Daniel, M.I, Teni, Omawumi, Mayorkun, Waje, 2Baba, Patoranking, Skiibii,

Ashake, Small Doctor, Falz and Bella shmurda.

Other celebrities and influencers include: Ufuoma McDermott, Chioma Akpotha, Uti Nwachukwu, Uche Jombo, Lasisi Elenu, Kie Kie, Mr. Macaroni, Real Warri Pikin, Omoni Oboli, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, and Broda Shaggi.

While only a PVC or temporary voters slip admits anyone, those who do not have their PVC or temporary voters slip can register at the TBS between June 6th to 11th.

Speaking on the programme, Isopi said for the EU in general, the youth “is extremely important to us. The question now is - how can we get young people to be more involved in matters that are as critical as the political and governance process?

Abejide, House Member, to Chair Ogidi Day Festival Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Hon Leke Abejide, will chair the 10th anniversary of the Ogidi Day Festival scheduled to hold in Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

The Director-General, Ogidi Day Festival, Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho disclosed this in a statement, saying the festival’s 10th anniversary has been repackaged to deliver value and unique experience to attendees.

Ipinmisho said that by accepting the community’s invitation to chair the event, Abejide was reinforcing his reputation as

a thoroughbred community development enthusiast and an agent of positive change.

He further said the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, top government functionaries, political leaders at all levels and executives of private sector organisations were also expected at the festival which will hold in the second week of June each year.

According to the statement, highlights of the occasion will include the presentation of the new yam to the Ologidi, Oba Rabiu Oladimeji for his royal blessings and a proclamation from the throne, authorising the people of the community to begin to consume the yam.

MARITAL BLISS . . .

Newly wed, Mr. and Mrs. Mobolaji Akanji, flanked by their friends after their engagement and traditional wedding at the Five Palms, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos…yesterday

PDP Reschedules Congresses in Lagos, Imo, Benue, Katsina Chuks Okocha in Abuja The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved fresh primaries for the election of candidates for National and State Assembly seats in Lagos, Imo, Benue and Katsina states.

This is coming as the Governor of Sokoto State, Mr Aminu Bello Tambuwal has stated that he stepped down his presidential ambition for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a sacrifice for Nigerians.

The rescheduling of the primaries was contained in

a statement yesterday signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja.

He said: “After very careful deliberations on the reports of the Electoral and Appeal Panels on the Congresses of our Party in Lagos, Imo, Benue and Katsina states, the NWC has approved repeat primaries in the following federal and state constituencies to nominate our Candidates for the 2023 general election as follows: “Sunday, June 5, 2022: Ahiazu State Constituency of Imo State; Orsu State Constituency of Imo State; Musawa State Constitu-

ency of Katsina State; Dandume State Constituency of Katsina State; Zango State Constituency of Katsina State; Oru East/Orsu/ Orlu Federal Constituency of Imo State; Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State.

“Monday, June 6, 2022; Lagos State House of Representatives Primaries (24 Federal Constituencies),” the statement explained.

The statement further read: “Furthermore, Kaduna Central Senatorial District of Kaduna State, Enugu West Senatorial Districts of Enugu State as well as Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency and Yakuur II

State Constituency, both of Cross River State earlier scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2022, have been cancelled.”

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Governor, Tambuwal, has disclosed why he stepped down his presidential ambition to support the candidacy of Atiku at the recent presidential primary of the PDP. The governor, who was also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the party before his late withdrawal where he asked his supporters to vote for Atiku, said it was a sacrifice for Nigerians and Nigeria as a country.

Buhari Canvasses Stiffer Sanctions on Guinea, Burkina Faso Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the readiness of the Nigerian government to back further sanctions to be imposed by the Economic Community Of West Africa (ECOWAS) on Guinea and Burkina Faso aimed at ensuring that a democratic form of government is restored in the two countries before long.

Speaking yesterday in Accra, Ghana at the 6th Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State on the political

situations in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, Buhari declared that Nigeria fully supports any action, including the imposition of further sanctions that the Authority may adopt to compel the military leaderships in the two countries to submit an acceptable electoral timetable.

He, however, stressed the need for ECOWAS to continue to engage the military leadership and key stakeholders in Burkina Faso and Guinea to reach an agreeable understanding, especially on the transition timeframes.

President Buhari expressed concern that to date, their proposed timeframes are not in tandem with the expectations of the regional leaders as well as their respective citizens.

He urged the military authorities in Burkina Faso and Guinea to renew their determination and immediately provide acceptable timeframes for the return to democracy in their respective countries.

The Nigerian leader also stressed that any decision to be taken by ECOWAS leaders

on the political situations in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea must consider the victims of unconstitutional changes of government and the adverse consequences of isolation on them.

He expressed concern that since the last Summit of ECOWAS leaders on March 25, 2022, not much has been achieved in terms of having an acceptable timetable for the conduct of elections to restore democratic rule in the affected countries.

Makinde: Chieftaincy Declaration will Determine Emergence of Next Alaafin Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The emergence of the next Alaafin of Oyo will be strictly based on the signed Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said.

Makinde made this known yesterday at the State Burial ceremony organised by the state government for the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo. Adeyemi III, who reigned for 53 years, joined his ancestors on

April 23 at the age of 83 years.

The governor explained that the process to select a new Alaafin would not go beyond the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, in spite of calls from some people to recognise other royal families.

“Let our people in Oyo Town know that some people came to me and said that the first Alaafin gave birth to about 13 children and that only two out of them were recognised and that this is an opportunity to bring in others.

“And, I asked them if it is in the Alaafin Declaration, but they said it is inside a Declaration that was not signed. I told them a new Alaafin will be selected only through the Declaration that was signed.”

Eulogising the late traditional ruler, the governor said that the late monarch “lived an impactful life. Oyo State has lost an irreplaceable king, “an encyclopaedia of Yoruba History and Culture.

“I can only say that we have

lost a king that is irreplaceable, but we have to accept the fact that we cannot question God. God was merciful to Baba, because it is not easy to spend more than 50 years on the throne of your forefathers. So, it is a celebration of life for us today.”

In her remarks, the Secretary to State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun said the late Adeyemi was known for consistently blessing governments with quality advice on all issues.

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Editor: Festus Akanbi 08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

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18

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5, 2022

FINANCE

Securing Future of Informal Sector Workers Through Micro Pension Plan 6LQFH 3UHVLGHQW 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL ODXQFKHG WKH 0LFUR 3HQVLRQ 3ODQ LQ D WRWDO RI FRQWULEXWRUV KDYH EHHQ UHJLVWHUHG E\ 3HQVLRQ )XQG $GPLQLVWUDWRUV WKHUHE\ JLYLQJ ZRUNHUV LQ WKH LQIRUPDO VHFWRU RI WKH HFRQRP\ KRSH Ebere Njoji writes

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5, 2022

MEDIA

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SUNDAY JUNE 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY SUNDAYSunday JUNE 5, 20222022 5 June, Vol 27. No 9919 TR

See page 22

TINUBU’S LAST MINUTE OFFENSIVE Bola Tinubu cannot afford to burn bridges at this late hour, writes EHI BRAIMAH See page 22 THE PURITAN IN CREEK HAVEN DANIEL ALABRAH pays tribute to Douye Diri, Bayelsa State governor at 63 See page 51 RE: RISING AND FALLING OF DELTA STATE POLITICAL FAMILY AND CONSEQUENCES Magnus Onyibe’s piece on the PDP gubernatorial primaries is mischievous, contends ANDY CHUKWUMA See page 51

EDITORIAL APC AND THE HOUR OF DECISION See page 52

& RE A S O

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

APC AND THE PROSPECTS OF CONTINUITY TOM OHIKERE highlights the strengths of APC chief mobilisers as the party prepares for the 2023 general election

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Kayode Fayemi is a bridge-builder, consensus manager and inspiring leader, argues DOMINGO ALABA OBENDE

WHY APC SHOULD CHOOSE FAYEMI The delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will meet from June 6th to pick the party’s presidential candidate. The contest is a contest for Nigeria’s future. The country needs people with not only experience, connections, understanding and capacity but who also have an understanding of where the world is going and what Nigeria needs to do to go along with the world. The party needs a candidate who is a capable leader and can inspire the country to move in a progressive direction.

The need to properly interrogate the candidates and decide on the right person is uppermost here.

The country is at a crossroads where we have been stuck with 19th century thinking in the 21st century, the age of knowledge. The APC seems consumed by an obsession with the outcome of the presidential primary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party that seems driven by the ideas of yesterday and the past. The emergence of my very good friend and former Vice President Alhaji Abubakar Atiku seems to have left stakeholders in the APC scrambling for a response as if ours is a party looking to the past and no longer the pacesetter that we promised to be. And so, everyone who has access to a medium has talked about why their candidate deserves to be the APC standardbearer. Also, reports have emerged of a desire DPRQJ $3& ELJZLJV WR ÀHOG D FDQGLGDWH RI HLWKHU northern extraction or one in the mirror image of Atiku. $WLNX EHORQJV WR D GLͿHUHQW SDUW\ DQG WKDW SDUW\ KDV LWV RZQ SKLORVRSK\ GLͿHUHQW IURP the APC, the ruling party in Nigeria. It is WKLV GLͿHUHQFH LQ RXU SKLORVRSK\ WKDW PDGH Nigerians vote for our party. We must therefore not bring a candidate in the mirror image of the PDP candidate. After all, the last presidency of the PDP was from the South, so it could be argued that by choosing a northern candidate WKLV WLPH WKH\ KDYH QRW UHDOO\ RͿVHW WKHLU ]RQLQJ arrangement.

Perception is everything and the perception today is that Atiku and the PDP represent the past and everything that is objectionable about our politics and leadership. In getting obsessed with Atiku, the APC is desperately trying to brand itself in the image of the PDP. It shouldn’t do so. It should feel the pulse in the streets and NQRZ WKDW WKH GD\V RI ROLJDUFKV UXQQLQJ IRU R΀FH and winning are long gone. Nigerians are long past that age and a robust youth engagement is afoot to upturn the regular. APC must put its best foot forward. Else, the party will be roundly humiliated.

It is, therefore, sad that in response to Atiku’s emergence, Alhaji Ahmed Tinubu, one of the APC presidential aspirants, has said and rolled out his supporters to campaign that he is the only man that can beat Atiku. This is fallacious.

Tinubu and Atiku are two sides of the same coin and the pulse of the voters indicate that they will have none of them. The APC must not waste the opportunity of setting the agenda for Nigeria’s future and being in the right side of history. And WKH ULJKW WKLQJ WR GR QRZ LV WR ]RQH WKH 3UHVLGHQF\ to the South and to a younger president, who still

has age on his side.

The APC’s future is neither in the hands of a northern candidate nor in that of Tinubu, a mirror image of Atiku. First, on a northern candidate.

The idea that another northerner should succeed President Muhammadu Buhari is anathema. As Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, rightly said on Thursday, “It is the turn of the Southern part of the country to produce the next President. The party leadership should have no GL΀FXOW\ LQ PDNLQJ SURQRXQFHPHQWV RQ WKLV YHU\ LPSRUWDQW LVVXH MXVW DV LW KDV À[HG YDULRXV fees for the purchase of forms. “This must be done without delay. The principle of Federal Character is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended. It will be disingenuous for anyone to argue against rotation at this period.” The only thing the party has to do is settle for the best man for Nigeria at this time. The PDP candidate is beatable because the party represents the past and all its sordidness and to present a candidate that mirrors him will send a wrong message to young and discerning voters. This is why Tinubu and his message that only he can defeat Atiku must be rejected.

It is clear that the APC needs to do the right

The APC must not waste the opportunity of setting the agenda for Nigeria’s future and being in the right side of history.

And the right thing to do now is to zone the Presidency to the South and to a younger president, who still has age on his side

thing. Nigerians will not be easy on the party if in its faulty calculations it assumed that a northerner can hold the forte. As it is today, the country is divided along the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, age, regions and competing visions. The productive class, men and women that are leaders in industry, young people in their 20s and 30s, executives in their 40s and even entrepreneurs and retirees are sick and tired of a political elite with a sense of entitlement, men ZKR KDYH OLYHG RͿ WKH VWDWH DQG SODQ WR UHWLUH RQ the state. APC should do better. It should look to a candidate with the elan, comportment and IRFXV WR LQVSLUH FRQÀGHQFH ZLWKLQ DQG ZLWKRXW It should look to Dr John Kayode Fayemi (JKF).

In Fayemi, APC has a game changer. With him, I am absolutely Nigeria will prosper.

The Presidential campaign for the general election, more than ever before, will focus on the capacity and outlook of the candidates.

Compared to Atiku, Fayemi is daylight shining bright. Highly educated, with diverse experiences from the civil sector to journalism, activism, lecturing, public administration as Minister and as state Executive Governor, Fayemi is a total package. At 57 years of age, he is a bridge between the youth and elderly, and understands both the nexus and the future. But nothing speaks to the man’s quality more than the testimonials from those who have interacted with him. They speak of a man who is a natural leader.

On the campaign for the APC presidential ticket, Fayemi who is currently a second term governor of Ekiti State, got praises from both APC governors and those from the opposition PDP, speaking to his capacity to reach across the aisles, build consensus and heal wounds. Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje says of Fayemi: “Your leadership qualities are not hidden. The way you have led the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for two terms with unity of purpose and with no dissent is a testament to your leadership skills. You have led 36 governors from DFURVV GLͿHUHQW SDUWLHV HͿHFWLYHO\ µ ,PR 6WDWH *RYHUQRU +RSH 8]RGLQPD KDV WKLV WR VD\ ´+LV PDQDJHPHQW RI DͿDLUV RI WKH 1*) LV D FODVVLF testimony to his renowned man-management DFXPHQ +H LV D WHUULÀF WHDP SOD\HU FRQVHQVXV builder, and brilliant leader. The conviction behind his words provokes you to want to listen more to the wisdom in his thoughts.” To Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom: “The cohesion \RX )D\HPL KDYH EURXJKW WR WKH DͿDLUV RI WKH Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is what Nigeria needs now. You are a fantastic team leader, team player, just and fair minded. I am sure that with you in the saddle, the future is great for Nigeria.”

Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola describes Fayemi as “a great bridge builder, team leader, consensus manager and one of the best sons of Oodua. He takes everyone’s problem as his own, this is why in four years we (The Nigeria Governors’ Forum) have always spoken with one voice.”

Senator Obende was in the Senate between 2011 and 2015

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JUNE 5, 2022

TOM OHIKERE highlights the strengths of APC chief mobilisers as the party prepares for the 2023 general election

APC AND THE PROSPECTS OF CONTINUITY 3UHSDUDWRU\ WR WKH WK 0DUFK 1DWLRQDO &RQYHQWLRQ QRW D IHZ SXQGLWV DQDO\VWV DQG IRUXP VHHNHUV DOLNH WKHRUL]HG IDQWDVL]HG and predicted the probable balkanisation of WKH UXOLQJ $OO 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV $3& This is ostensibly driven by the palpable apprehension within the entire political landscape given the uncompromising praxis RI SROLWLFDO DFWRUV $W WKH ODVW FRXQW WKH\ KDG PRUH WKDQ SROLWLFDO KHDY\ZHLJKWV MRVWOLQJ IRU SRVLWLRQ RI WKH QDWLRQDO FKDLUPDQ DORQH some of whom obviously propped by other political groups who believed their interest will be better protected when they are able to install their proxies in certain vantage positions. The SURWUDFWHG KRUVH WUDGLQJ EHWZHHQ GLͿHUHQW political camps explains the postponement of the convention from February to March.

Any other consideration that informed the FKRLFH RI $OKDML $EGXODKL $GDPX D WZR WLPH former governor of Nasarawa state and a serving Senator representing Nasarawa west senatorial district as the National Chairman of APC and all other NWC members were not PDGH SXEOLF 3HUKDSV HYHQWV RI FRPLQJ GD\V and a cursory overview of other NWC member ZLOO VRPHKRZ FOHDU WKH IRJ +RZHYHU JLYHQ KLV SROLWLFDO SHGLJUHH KH ZDV RYHUZKHOPLQJO\ accepted as the consensus chairman of the APC during the convention along with other NWC members.

Fondly called ”the bridge” by his admirers because of his network and reach across the HQWLUH SROLWLFDO VSHFWUXP 6HQDWRU $GDPX has since assumption as national leader of Africa’s largest political party deployed his wealth of experience to the task. He has not only reconciled the hitherto fragmented major EORFV ZLWKLQ WKH $3& KH KDV VXFFHVVIXOO\ RUJDQL]HG WKH ZDUGV ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW DQG VWDWH GHOHJDWH FRQJUHVVHV DQG DOVR VHW GDWHV IRU WKH SDUW\ SULPDULHV ZLWK IRUPV IRU YDULRXV HOHFWLYH R΀FHV DOUHDG\ VROG WR DVSLUDQWV This it achieved through an exhaustive consultative process and inputs from among the various interests within the party. The successful screening of aspirants under the party platform at some levels has seen some aspirants with unsatisfactory records weeded out of the race. This measure is designed to IRUHVWDOO D UHSHDW RI %D\HOVD ZKHUH DQ APC governor-elect was judiciously removed due to unresolved pre- election negligence.

His attention to details is legendary. These are few among the hallmarks of a leader the APC KDV KDG DW WKH KHOP RI LWV DͿDLUV The resplendent personalities produced by the convention as National Working Committee members showed the strength of the intrigues within the party and how intense competition has produced an excellent team that can mobilize and steer the fate of the party and lead to a possible extraordinary outcome at next year’s general election.

6HQDWRU $EXEDNDU .\DUL WKH 'HSXW\ 1DWLRQDO &KDLUPDQ 1RUWK ZDV D IRUPHU FRPPLVVLRQHU DQG FKLHI RI VWDͿ LQ %RUQR 6WDWH before he contested and won for the federal FRQVWLWXHQF\ LQ WKH JUHHQ FKDPEHU WKHUHDIWHU he contested and won to represent Northern Borno Senatorial district in the upper legislative chamber in the Eighth assembly. :KLOH LQ WKH 6HQDWH $EXEDNDU .\DUL FKDLUHG WKH FRPPLWWHH RQ 'HIHQVH DQG ,1(& DQG was a member of other standing and ad-hoc committees where his contributions to debates and committee works remains a reference.

A strong voice in Borno State and entire QRUWKHUQ SROLWLFDO FLUFOH $EXEDNDU .\DUL

a business and public administration guru ZLWK UHTXLVLWH DFDGHPLF TXDOLÀFDWLRQV KH ZLOO deploy his skills as an astute political colossus to the consolidation project of the APC. 0U (QHXNZX (PPD LV WKH 'HSXW\ 1DWLRQDO &KDLUPDQ 6RXWK DQG ZDV WKH national publicity secretary of the defunct $133 ,QWHULP 1DWLRQDO :HOIDUH 6HFUHWDU\ of APC and National Vice chairman south East before he was elected as the National Vice chairman South. He was the Chairman RI $PLQX .DQR 7HDFKLQJ KRVSLWDO +H ZDV FKDLUPDQ RI WKH JRYHUQLQJ ERDUG 3URMHFW 'HYHORSPHQW ,QVWLWXWH 352'$ (QXJX +LV political trajectory spanning over a decade and experience in public administration will come handy in the running of a great party as APC. ,\LROD 2PLVRUH $3& 1DWLRQDO VHFUHWDU\ is a house-hold name in the politics of the 2VXQ 6WDWH DQG WKH HQWLUH VRXWK ZHVW DV D political icon by every standard. He was the deputy governor in the government of Chief %LVL $NDQGH 8QGDXQWHG E\ WKH skewed political machineries of the Alliance IRU 'HPRFUDF\ WKDW VFKHPHG KLP RXW RI WKH SDUW\ DQG IXUWKHU HPEROGHQHG E\ KLV VWURQJ VXSSRUW EDVH LQ 2VXQ 6WDWH KH GHFDPSHG WR D PLQRULW\ SDUW\ LQ WKH VRXWK ZHVW FRQWHVWHG and won the senatorial seat to represent Ife south in the upper legislative chamber.

2PLVRUH D SROLWLFDO VWUDWHJLVW IURP ,IH UR\DO family played a prominent role in the election RI WKH LQFXPEHQW JRYHUQRU RI 2VXQ VWDWH *ER\HJD 2\HWROD LQ +H LV ZHOO SUHSDUHG WR FRPSOHWHO\ URXW RXW WKH RSSRVLWLRQ 3'3 in his southwest domain and ensure APC remains the ruling party at the center.

Barr. Felix Morka who is the National SXEOLFLW\ VHFUHWDU\ RI WKH $3& LV D VFLRQ RI WKH 0RUND SROLWLFDO IDPLO\ LQ ,ND ODQG 'HOWD State. He was hitherto erroneously considered D SROLWLFDO QHRSK\WH EXW KDV SURYHQ FULWLFV ZURQJ $ SURWHJH RI WKH 'HSXW\ 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 6HQDWH 2YLH 2PR $JHJH KH FDPH LQ ZLWK LQWLPLGDWLQJ FUHGHQWLDOV DQG D ÀUP NQRZOHGJH of public communication. Since assumption of R΀FH DV WKH QDWLRQDO SXEOLFLW\ VHFUHWDU\ KH has deployed his skills to the advantage of WKH SDUW\ HQJDJLQJ WKH SUHVV FRQVWUXFWLYHO\ granting interviews and explaining party positions on issues to the satisfaction of party members and critics alike.

Suleiman Argungu is the National 2UJDQL]LQJ VHFUHWDU\ RI WKH $3& +H ZDV WKH FKLHI RI VWDͿ WR WKH JRYHUQPHQW RI *RYHUQRU $WLNX %DJXGX LQ .HEEL 6WDWH $Q DUGHQW JUDVVURRW SROLWLFDO PRELOL]HU KH KDV EHHQ DFWLYH LQ .HEEL 6WDWH SROLWLFV IRU GHFDGHV +H ZLOO DOVR bring his organizational/ mobilization skills to the smooth administration of the APC as the organizing secretary. %HWWD (GXQ ZKR LV WKH $3& QDWLRQDO ZRPHQ OHDGHU ZDV D IRUPHU FRPPLVVLRQHU of health in Cross River State and national FKDLUSHUVRQ 1LJHULDQ +HDOWK &RPPLVVLRQHUV Forum. and member of the Presidential Health Reform Committee. Better known for KHU SKLODQWKURSLF ZRUNV %HWWD (GX KDLOV IURP Ibalebo village in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. A graduate of Medicine from the University of Calabar before proceeding to London School of Tropical 0HGLFLQH 8QLWHG .LQJGRP IRU KHU 06F 6KH DOVR KROGV D GRFWRUDWH GHJUHH 3K' LQ SXEOLF health from Taxila American University.

Dr Ohikere was a Commissioner for Information in Kogi State

Bola Tinubu cannot afford to burn bridges at this late hour, writes EHI BRAIMAH

TINUBU’S LAST MINUTE OFFENSIVE $IWHU WKH 3HRSOHV 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ 3'3 picked Alhaji Atiku Abubakar last week as the standard bearer and presidential candidate of WKH SDUW\ DWWHQWLRQ QDWXUDOO\ VKLIWHG WR WKH $OO 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV $3& DV ZH HDJHUO\ DZDLW ZKR ZRXOG EH VTXDULQJ RͿ ZLWK $WLNX LQ WKH presidential election next year. The process was delayed by APC after postponing the presidential primary planned to hold last weekend. I was convinced another postponement saga was not LQ WKH R΀QJ Having boxed themselves into a tight corner because of a hidden agenda which was still XQIROGLQJ OLNH D 1ROO\ZRRG HSLF PRYLH WKH party’s henchmen asked for help through the EDFNGRRU 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKH ,QGHSHQGHQW (OHFWRUDO &RPPLVVLRQ ,1(& REOLJHG WKHP 3UHYLRXVO\ 3URI 0DKPRRG <DNXEX ,1(&·V

FKDLUPDQ KDG DQQRXQFHG WKDW WKH -XQH GHDGOLQH for all the parties to conclude their primaries was VDFURVDQFW ,Q SODLQ ODQJXDJH LW PHDQW ,1(& ZDV QRW JRLQJ WR VKLIW WKH GDWH 6R ZKDW KDSSHQHG" INEC needs to be careful and continue to portray the image of an unbiased umpire as we FRXQW GRZQ WR WKH FUXFLDO JHQHUDO HOHFWLRQV The story that some of the political parties asked for the extension is trying to be clever by half; you do not shift the goal post in the middle of a game because you end up giving an unfair advantage to one team over the other. If INEC wanted to FOHDQ XS LWV PHVV WKHUH DUH EHWWHU ZD\V RI GRLQJ LW &OHDUO\ $3& ZDV QRW UHDG\ IRU WKH KLJKO\ anticipated convention which has APC national OHDGHU $VLZDMX %ROD $KPHG 7LQXEX YLFH SUHVLGHQW <HPL 2VLQEDMR IRUPHU WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ minister Rotimi Amaechi and Ekiti state JRYHUQRU 'U .D\RGH )D\HPL DV IURQW UXQQHUV ,QWHUHVWLQJO\ WKH $3& SUHVLGHQWLDO VFUHHQLQJ FRPPLWWHH KDV QDUURZHG GRZQ WKH OLVW WR DVSLUDQWV GLVTXDOLI\LQJ RXW RI WKH FURZHG OLVW RI SRWHQWLDO FDQGLGDWHV )LYH RI WKHP GLG QRW submit their forms.

Senate president Ahmed Lawan’s presidential ambition was only part of the twist in a script written by the leadership of the party but directed E\ $EGXOODKL $GDPX $3&·V QDWLRQDO FKDLUPDQ The party’s options included bringing back former president Goodluck Jonathan to contest through a consensus arrangement. I was not sure what Adamu and company were thinking or wanted to achieve but they were caught on the back foot and the plan failed.

It was evident that APC’s delay tactics ZDV SULPDULO\ WR NQRZ WKH RXWFRPH RI 3'3·V presidential primary so that the master strategists could weigh their options and be able to GHWHUPLQH ZKHUH WKH SDUW\·V ÁDJ EHDUHU VKRXOG come from which was clearly not part of the original strategy.

What happened was that these options did not H[DFWO\ IDYRXU $VLZDMX %ROD 7LQXEX 0HDQZKLOH political pundits had predicted – from various perceptive analyses based on available empirical

data – that Tinubu will be the winner of the APC presidential primary. The predictions tend to suggest that the presidential contest next year will be between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar – two political heavyweights who are believed WR KDYH VX΀FLHQW FORXW LQÁXHQFH ZDU FKHVW and gravitas to keep other contestants on the sidelines. )RU ERWK 7LQXEX DQG $WLNX WKH presidential election will be their best chance to move into Aso Villa as the next landlord. :KLOH $WLNX KDV EHHQ FHUWLÀHG DV WKH 3'3 SUHVLGHQWLDO FDQGLGDWH 7LQXEX LV QRW WKHUH \HW until after the upcoming primary.

Sensing that he could be ambushed by the SDUW\ OHDGHUVKLS LQ $EXMD WKHUHE\ GHQ\LQJ KLP WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR EH $WLNX·V RSSRQHQW he is agitated and concerned. According to LQVLGHUV 7LQXEX EHOLHYHV VWURQJO\ WKDW WKH hanky panky going on within the party was targeted at him – not to favour him but to make him miss the best chance to become Nigeria’s next president.

Asiwaju Tinubu shook the table recently with his ill-advised comments on President 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL 93 <HPL 2VLQEDMR DQG 2JXQ VWDWH JRYHUQRU 3ULQFH 'DSR $ELRGXQ The jabs were totally unnecessary and would never pass the smell test.

I was surprised because Tinubu is an experienced political strategist who has worked very hard to achieve this presidential ambition. With his back against the wall after DOO KLV EHVW HͿRUWV 7LQXEX DSSDUHQWO\ ² ZDV no longer reading the crystal ball correctly which resulted in his knee-jerk reaction. The Jagaban is feeling betrayed by some members of his inner circle “after all he has done for them”. He decided it was time to play his last card to save himself – even if it meant bringing down the entire roof of APC House.

President Buhari’s body language has been largely unpredictable as far as Tinubu’s quest is concerned. Having been denied the opportunity of having statutory delegates in his corner which would have been a big ERRVW DQG QXPHULFDO DGYDQWDJH 7LQXEX believes President Buhari short-changed him deliberately.

So why not hit back at him and take his SRXQG RI ÁHVK" %XW , GR QRW DJUHH ZLWK WKH strategy because Tinubu does not need to ÀJKW OLNH D ZRXQGHG OLRQ ZKHQ KH LV FORVH to winning the party’s presidential ticket. ,QGHHG DOO WKH SHUPXWDWLRQV DUH LQ KLV IDYRXU The Asiwaju is not a street corner politician; he is a “political movement” with wide and H[WHQVLYH QHWZRUN DQG LQÁXHQFH ² LQ 1LJHULD and beyond. +LV VWURQJ DQWHFHGHQWV DQG WKH VDFULÀFHV he made for our democracy to thrive and survive are the reasons why his comments will always be taken seriously. Tinubu can become president if it is God’s wish without attacking anyone the way he has done; it is wrong to cut your nose to spite your face. $V IRU 3ULQFH 'DSR $ELRGXQ KH ´RͿHQGHGµ 7LQXEX E\ DQQRXQFLQJ WKDW 2JXQ 6WDWH GHOHJDWHV ZRXOG OLQH XS EHKLQG 93 2VLQEDMR at the presidential primary. Tinubu’s scathing UHPDUNV RQ 3ULQFH $ELRGXQ DQG 2VLQEDMR ZLWK WKH 2JXQ 6WDWH JRYHUQRU VLWWLQJ ULJKW behind him were to remind them that he was – and probably still is – their benefactor.

Braimah is a public relations strategist and publisher/ editor-in-chief of Naija Times

23

JUNE 5, 2022 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

CONVERSATION WITH MY BILLIONAIRE FRIEND ayo.arowolo@thisdaylive.com 08086447494 (SMS only) PERSONAL FINANCE SAVINGS BUDGETING COMMODITIES

AYO AROWOLO

GOLD

INVESTING

WEALTH CAPSULE 18

Wealth Sustenance Requires Consistent Cost Control and Good Management of Income-Earning Assets

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very week, I look forward to learning from my Billionaire Friend. Our conversations are rich in wisdom and practical insights to help anyone build and sustain a successful financial life. If you have missed a part of the series, head on to thisdaylive.com and catch up on it. Every conversation missed is like a treasure thrown into the ocean.

This week, I met my Billionaire Friend in our usual meeting place. He started the conversation with a surprise question: “Ayo, why do you think some people end up becoming poor, after amassing wealth?”

“Well, I think it’s because they mismanage their wealth, with the false assumption that the size of their wealth guarantees them against ever becoming poor again.”

“You are not wrong.”

It was at this moment I rightly suspected that our conversation would paddle around Managing Wealth for Sustainability. And rightly so. We settled down on this topic for the week:

obvious talent. His personal story was captivating, to say the least. He sold drugs as a teenager and took nine bullets. He ended up selling about 30 million albums and earned dozens of music awards including a Grammy and many billboard awards.

He was particularly famous for his, “get rich or die trying” album. He, however, still ended up declaring bankruptcy after losing millions of dollars”.

“Another wealth owner who later declared bankruptcy is Cyan Queen. He was once the richest man in Ireland before he lost it all. He lost it all because of bad investments in an Irish bank.

Queen was forced to turn over most of his £2.8 billion fortune in the settlement of debts. It was so bad, that in 2011 Queen ended up claiming that his total assets were less than 50,000 pounds as at filing for bankruptcy”.

“Bernand Bernie Madoff once had humongous wealth but also ended up accumulating losses of about $65 billion. Madoff ended up being charged with 11 counts of fraud, money laundering and theft. He received a maximum sentence of 150 years in federal prison. Others famously wealthy include Elizabeth Holmes who was once a Silicon Valley star, whose net worth was about $5 billion, yet ended up in penury”.

“I can go on and on to prove with examples that owning humongous wealth does not protect wealth owners from bankruptcy”.

WEALTH SUSTENANCE REQUIRES CONSISTENT COST CONTROL AND GOOD MANAGEMENT Artist Impression of my Billionaire Friend OF INCOME-EARNING ASSETS. My friend started on the subject matter without wasting time: There is a general tendency for “Wealth in itself is the abundance of valuable possessions which may include money. It indicates people to falsely assume that a a measurement of the value of net assets owned by very wealthy person cannot go wealth owners. Wealth is classified into financial, time, THEN PROTECTS WEALTH OWNERS? social and health wealth. However, for the purpose broke or declare bankruptcy. WHAT “What protects wealth owners is good and effective of this discussion, we would focus on the sustenance Famous wealthy individuals cost control put in place to protect wealth and ensure of financial wealth.” income-earning assets are properly managed to “The sustenance of financial wealth of wealth are known to have fallen from that continuously increase the wealth position of the wealth builders includes, growing wealth consistently in being stupendously wealthy owners. The good management of income-earning the following ways: Management of their financial includes intentionally influencing the process net worth, increase in the earning capacity of their into poverty, and in some cases assets of wealth creation for optimum gains and creating assets, consistent wise investments and the continuous to improve the financial position of wealth management, coordination and control of the net asset declared bankruptcy. These activities builders for generating wealth consistently for them, of wealth owners for preservation. It includes sound include world celebrities, from their well-managed income-earning assets”. wealth planning and the creation of trusts, for the “Effective management of income-earning assets estate of wealth owners”. such as Donald Trump. This involves the deliberate use of the financial skills of “In achieving good sustenance of wealth, some habits ex-president of the United experts to improve the wealth position of wealth are required of wealth owners to ensure that their through optimising the income accruable from wealth is sustained and preserved over their entire States of America, declared owners, their income-earning assets. It is the reasonable but lifetime. These habits include: setting and keeping bankruptcy no fewer than six legal action taken for achieving stable and predictable to set goals, making consistent savings, controlling financial results by wealth owners. This process impulsive spending and evaluating all expenses for times between 1991 and 2009 future of managing income-earning assets should therefore frugal living. It includes making investments for the not be confused with illegal activities of manipulating future, keeping family wealth secure, optimising the utilisation of debts, paying bills promptly as at when businesses, by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in financial positions which do not reflect economic due and putting in place some sound accounting the years before his presidency. He lost some $3 realities. The major patterns of the management of income-earning assets include regular auditing of system. Also, as has been previously canvassed in billion in the process.” this conversation series severally, wealth sustenance “Another well-known multi-millionaire, in this financial statements by experts, income optimisation requires the consistent habit of proper management class, is Mike Tyson. He earned hundreds of millions and the smoothing of all income-earning assets.

“Some earnings management techniques practised and maintenance of annual budgets. It includes of dollars in his boxing career but still ended up dealing with creditors on a fair basis by servicing declaring bankruptcy. At the time of filing for by wealth owners, include cutting prices towards credits promptly and ensuring full payment of debts, bankruptcy, Mike Tyson was also still pursuing the end of the year to accelerate sales, boosting net developing and maintaining contingency funds, and a $100 million lawsuit against boxing promoter revenues for optimising end year results, selling fixed saving for the future”.

Don King, who Tyson claimed skimmed him out assets to improve financial positions and the earning All these are sine qua non habits for sustaining of millions of dollars in revenue. Another well-known capacity of the existing assets of wealth builders. the wealth and the lifestyle of wealth owners. For billionaire celebrity is Michael Vick. Michael Vick Earnings management, however, must not involve sustaining wealth, owners must consistently track was a gifted quarterback player in the USA, who acquiring earnings which would distort financial their wealth diligently, by: made a whopping sum of over $40 million annually information, as to make financial statements less •benchmarking their businesses against those of others at the peak of his career but went on to still declare helpful in predicting future cash flows”. in their industry, for bankruptcy” •diligently managing their variable costs “Curt Schilling is another example. He was a HOW DOES COST CONTROL MANAGEMENT SUSTAIN WEALTH? •investing in technology, former Red Sox ace, whose on and off-field antics “Cost control includes all wealth management •offering incentives to staff from time to time to ensure divided his fan base long before his financial troubles. their motivation for producing good results After helping the Red Sox to win the 2004 World measures for resource planning, cost estimation •getting tough on fixed assets to ensure optimum Series and erasing the team’s 86-year championship and budgeting. Cost management is the process of returns on them and disposing of obsolete ones drought, Schilling didn’t simply whittle away his controlling and managing all costs that are associated •refusing to keep holding onto fixed assets that do baseball fortune, he also whittled away about with running and sustaining the wealth of wealth owners. It includes collecting, analysing and reporting not generate significant earnings. $75-million-dollar in wealth”.

“All of these habits help wealth builders reduce their “50 cent also comes to mind. When he burst into information for effective budgeting, forecasting and monitoring of wealth owners’ costs. It is a very costs, optimise returns, grow and sustain their wealth. the hip hop scene in the early 2000s, Curtis James There is a general tendency for people to falsely assume Jackson III was loved for his crossover appeal and complicated process, which entails knowledge that a very wealthy person cannot go broke or declare bankruptcy. Famous wealthy individuals are known I must add that while trying to reduce costs, such cost reduction to have fallen from being stupendously wealthy into poverty, and in some cases declared bankruptcy. These decisions should not be made at the expense of slowing the include world celebrities, such as Donald Trump. This down business operations and investment opportunities and/ ex-president of the United States of America, declared bankruptcy no fewer than six times between 1991 or reducing the capacity of the assets and personnel of wealth and 2009, after having inherited the wealthy family builders to optimise and take advantage of available business business from his father, Fred Trump. Donald Trump’s father was a successful New York City builder and opportunities for the growth, profitability and sustenance landlord who died wealthy. However, Donald still of the wealth of wealth owners declared bankruptcy after having inherited six owned

of project management for resource planning, cost estimation, cost budgeting and strategic cost management. Strategic cost management in itself is the process of reducing total costs while improving the strategic financial position of wealth owners for the growth and sustenance of their wealth. This is accomplished by understanding those costs which support wealth-builders’ position and which costs either weakens their wealth position or may have no impact on their wealth.”

“Effective cost control and management, include the major cost control measures of getting everyone involved in wealth owners’ businesses for challenging employees throughout the organisation, to identify ways that wealth owners business can save time, materials and money. It also involves working with professionals to control costs and manage costs. Cost control measures; include challenging the accounting and finance staff of wealth builders to reduce expenses at all times. It entails making plans for the continuous evaluation of wealth builders’ business, to find out areas into which attention needs to be focused for minimising avoidable business costs”.

PAY ATTENTION TO THIS “I must add that while trying to reduce costs, such cost reduction decisions should not be made at the expense of slowing the down business operations and investment opportunities and/or reducing the capacity of the assets and personnel of wealth builders to optimise and take advantage of available business opportunities for the growth, profitability and sustenance of the wealth of wealth owners”.

“As a strategy for sustaining wealth, assets that offer the opportunities of earning the best available incomes should be invested in, and such assets should include those with minimum risk exposures. Strategies for sustaining wealth must include ensuring that assets are protected against future avoidable losses and foreseeable risks. Such foreseeable risks include making provisions for and taking up insurance policies to protect the assets of wealth builders against such foreseeable risks. This is to ensure that losses that may arise from these risks exposure are adequately minimised and the assets of wealth owners are protected against unforeseen risks, such as fire, burglary, fidelity, etc.

The strategy of sustaining wealth includes employing the best quality personnel and experts to ensure that wealth-builders are given quality advice for minimising costs, controlling costs and optimising incomes for enhancing the wealth position of wealth builders and protecting them against avoidable losses. It also includes ensuring that legal, accounting and the expertise of other professionals are engaged to advise wealth owners. This helps improve the quality of their decision making, sustain their wealth and optimise the income-earning capacity of their assets at minimum costs.”

DOES THIS MEAN THAT ONE HAS TO FOCUS SIMULTANEOUSLY ON MANAGING COSTS AND ENHANCING THE EARNINGS OF ASSETS? “Of course, these are Siamese-twins requirements for sustaining wealth. Wealth builders must simultaneously manage their costs and optimise the income-earning capacity of their assets, to optimally position their wealth for future sustainability. These two elements of earnings management and cost control go hand in hand such that one can not exist in isolation from the other. Hence, wealth-builders cannot concentrate on one and ignore the other.”

“To wrap up, the sustenance of wealth entails the necessary need for wealth owners to consistently audit the earning capacity of their assets and control their costs, for the optimisation of the income capacity of their wealth. They must continually invest in future assets for improving their income-earning capacity and sustain their wealth at minimum costs, without affecting the health of their business operations and sustenance of their wealth. As mentioned earlier on, wealth owners must be conscious that bankruptcies do occur, no matter how humongous the net worth of wealth owners may be. The sustainability of wealth largely depends on how well wealth owners manage the twin relationship between controlling costs, without affecting the operational velocity of their operations and managing their income-earning assets for optimum returns, growth and income-earning capacity of their wealth-generating assets consistently.”

So far…can’t wait to catch up with you next week

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JUNE 5, 2022

DANIEL ALABRAH pays tribute to Douye Diri, Bayelsa State governor at 63

THE PURITAN IN CREEK HAVEN Two days before his 61st birthday on June 4 two years ago, my phone rang at about 3pm. It was His Excellency on the line.

Without hesitation, I accepted the call. After the usual courtesies, I listened DWWHQWLYHO\ WR WKH VRIW EXW ÀUP YRLFH RQ WKH other end. His Excellency addressed me formally.

“CPS, please be informed that I do not

celebrate my birthday. There are more important things to do with the resources of the state.”

“It is okay, Your Excellency,” I responded, without betraying my surprise.

Immediately, I tried to inform him that some persons wanted to place congratulatory adverts in newspapers on his birthday. But by the tone of his interjection: “that won’t be necessary, please,” it was clear to me that the directive was one that must be uncompromisingly obeyed.

Unbeknownst to me, someone had hinted my boss about the plan and that I was coordinating the collection of funds.

Of course, having received such clear instruction, the plot ended prematurely.

This was only three months and 21 days after the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator 'RX\H 'LUL DVVXPHG R΀FH RQ )HEUXDU\ 2020. Two years on and the third birthday LQ R΀FH WKH PDQ DW WKH KHOP LQ WKH &UHHN Haven Government House has continued to disappoint anyone expecting a lavish birthday celebration or even planning to surprise him with one.

The most interesting aspect about His Excellency’s birthday is his disappearing act. Those who plan to surprise him on that day are left disappointed. It is either the governor is ‘no-where to be found’ or he LV RXW RI WRZQ 7KLV \HDU ZDV QRW GLͿHUHQW What has however not ceased to befuddle the Bayelsa helmsman’s admirers is his simplicity, modesty and self-abnegation. Like the Puritans of the 16th and 17th century Protestant Church in England, Governor Diri has avoided SHUVRQDO VRFLDO FHOHEUDWLRQV LQ R΀FH +H LV UDWKHU FRQVXPHG E\ WKH DͿDLUV RI VWDWH and how to change its developmental paradigm.

The Bayelsa Governor remains an unrepentant apostle of deploying state resources into state projects. Prudence is his watchword. The result of this abiding SULQFLSOH UHÁHFWV WKURXJK WKH NLQG RI projects he has taken on and their quality.

It was this penchant for prudence

WKDW ELUWKHG WKH PRVW PDJQLÀFHQW PHGLD complex in the country today. The Ernest Sissei Ikoli Media Complex, built under two \HDUV RI DVVXPLQJ R΀FH LV D VKLQLQJ OHJDF\ of the Diri administration.

Ditto the imposing Bayelsa State Health Insurance Complex, which now accommodates one of the most successful health insurance schemes in Nigeria. The scheme was inherited from the immediate past Senator Seriake Dickson administration DQG WKH 'LUL DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ KDV EHDXWLÀHG WKLV JUHDW OHJDF\ E\ EXLOGLQJ D EHÀWWLQJ HGLÀFH Diri’s skill in management and allocation of resources has equally ensured that transporters in the state can look forward to a modern transport terminal with departure and arrival lounges, banking KDOOV UHVWDXUDQWV R΀FHV DQG VKRSV DV ZHOO as an expansive loading bay. This ultramodern terminal at Igbogene, also started by the past Dickson administration, is near completion and will be inaugurated soon.

Financial shrewdness has ensured that despite the dwindling allocation accruing to a state with huge monthly wage bill, Bayelsa civil servants and pensioners continue to smile. Their welfare is Diri’s priority.

The big-ticket infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration are a testimonial to the government’s abiding faith in its prudent management of resources. If it was a government that engages in frivolity, the Nembe-Brass road (a neglected federal government project for about 60 years) could have remained on the drawing board. But the Diri administration has braved the odds to commence the FRQVWUXFWLRQ RI WKLV YHU\ VLJQLÀFDQW SURMHFW to the state and the country.

It is this same focus and determination that propelled the continuation of the Yenagoa-Oporoma road (also a federal government project) as well as the Glory Drive road (hitherto abandoned) and the Yenagoa ring road (with Phase One of the Igbogene-Okarki axis completed) projects.

The state capital, Yenagoa, is undergoing a changing phase. The government’s urban renewal programme has ensured the provision of solar lights along major roads and streets as well as the construction of 21 new roads and rehabilitation of 50 others.

The Diri administration continues to extend the frontiers of its human capacity development and youth empowerment programmes. Positive engagement and motivation of the state’s youths have resulted in the remarkable performance of its athletes at national competitions as well as the state-owned football teams, Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens. Both teams in 2021 recorded the unprecedented feat of winning the AITEO/FA Cup in the male and female categories.

Bayelsa Queens also just won the 2021/22 National Women Football League after emerging champions of the NWFL Super Six tournament. It would represent Nigeria in the CAF Female Champions League.

As Governor Diri clocks three scores and three, his avowed commitment is to a greater and transformed Bayelsa in the years ahead.

Alabrah is the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor

Magnus Onyibe’s piece on the PDP gubernatorial primaries is mischievous, contends ANDY CHUKWUMA

RE: RISING AND FALLING OF DELTA STATE POLITICAL FAMILY AND CONSEQUENCES Magnus Onyibe’s article, “Rising And Falling Of Delta State Political Family And Consequences,” published in THISDAY, June 3 2022, is a classic example of political red herring. The article was riddled with fallacies, contradictions, distortions, prejudices, misrepresentations, and utter falsehood.

Posturing as an intellectual, Onyibe ended up sounding like a neophyte with his convoluted arguments and jejune conclusions.

His pain and frustration were palpable in his desperate attempt to discredit the Delta State PDP gubernatorial primaries, in which his friend, David Edevbie lost. And so, for him that means that Delta State is headed in the wrong direction.

It is safe to say that Onyibe was still in

stupor occasioned by his friend’s clobbering at the primary when he wrote that jaundiced piece. That is the only plausible explanation for his declaration in the opening sentence of the article that “an internecine war of anarchic proportions has ensued in Delta State…. That is because the incumbent state Governor, ,IHDQ\L 2NRZD·V SUHIHUUHG FDQGLGDWH 6KHUULͿ Oborevwori who is currently the speaker of the House of Assembly has literarily mauled his opponents in the gubernatorial primaries held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. He clinched the victory by polling a whopping 590 votes of the 825 delegates.”

It is ironic that a self-styled “democracy advocate” like Onyibe would be bellyaching about the victory of an aspirant in a free, fair, credible, transparent, and rancour-free primary that was broadcast live on television and conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere. Onyibe must have been so surprised, or should I say disappointed, that a week after the successful primary, Delta State is enjoying peace and stability, without the contentions and violence associated with party primaries in the past.

Governor Okowa deserves kudos for SURYLGLQJ D OHYHO SOD\LQJ ÀHOG IRU DOO DVSLUDQWV at the various levels of the primaries, a far cry from what it was in the past. It is on record that he set the precedent in 2018 and I dare say that he has left a rich legacy of proper democracy in Delta State PDP. Some of us remember quite well how under Governors James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan, party primaries were a sham. Onyibe was a commissioner in Ibori’s administration.

It is very disingenuous, in fact dishonest, for Onyibe to accuse Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of unilaterally drawing up the list of delegates for the election. I was at the meeting at the Government House, Asaba, in which Onyibe’s benefactor, Ibori, was present where it was unanimously agreed that the delegates election would be conducted in line with the

party’s constitution and INEC’s guidelines.

This was exactly what happened. Elections to produce the three delegates from the wards were conducted during the local government congresses across the state under strict INEC supervision. Politics is local and those who want to play the game must roll up their sleeves and put their hands to the plough.

You cannot sit in the comfort of your home in Lagos and expect the people to hand over the reins of leadership to you.

Onyibe’s assertion that the state “is on the verge of tipping over and into the grasp of the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), if the war persists.” is not only laughable but also unfounded. This is the problem with these out-of-touch elitist politicians whose political base is on television talk shows and the pages of newspapers.

Onyibe speaks of a “war” that only exists LQ WKH ÀJPHQW RI KLV LPDJLQDWLRQ ,I RQO\ KH knew that since Oborevwori’s emergence, a gale of defection has hit the APC in Delta State.

In his bid to execute a sinister agenda, Onyibe claimed that “it took a considerable amount of bickering and arm twisting before the incumbent government decided to honor the agreement to allow the governorship pendulum to swing back to Delta Central which is the base from where the rotation started in 1999.” Haba Magnus! It is tragic when supposedly enlightened persons use beer parlour gossip and social media rumours as material for their thesis. As someone with access to the inner circles of the Okowa administration, it was never in doubt that power was going back to Delta Central.

Every rumour to the contrary was just that – a rumour. Governor Okowa kept his card to his chest but allowed every interested person to contest as has been the practice since 2007.

If Onyibe did not see anything wrong with Ibori preferring a particular aspirant as his successor, why does Onyibe have some grouse with Okowa for doing same? It is obvious that Onyibe’s beef is that Okowa dared to go outside the so-called political class of 1999.

His sense of entitlement is evident in his bogus claim that the outcome of the primary “is doubtless a disruption of the governorship succession model in Delta State which had more or less become entrenched since 1999….

As governor Okowa has leveraged the power of incumbency to supplant the so-called Ibori political family after over 21 years run with his own surrogate, Oborevwori, (which suggests the birth of his own political family) can it be said that things have fallen apart in Delta political family? And can the PDP that has led the state since 1999 be able to sustain its hold by producing the next governor in 2023 with a divided house?”

You can discern from the foregoing that Onyibe’s idea of power rotation is that it should circulate among members of his political class of 1999. What an insult! Imagine Obasanjo insisting that future Presidents of the country should always come from among his coterie of ministers, advisers, and political associates. The message must be made clear to Onyibe and his deluded companions that Delta State is our common patrimony; it does not belong to them. When it comes time to elect our leaders at all levels, we will choose ZKRHYHU ZH GHHP ÀW HYHQ LI KH RU VKH GRHV not appeal to them.

Chukwuma writes from Asaba

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JUNE 5, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

APC AND THE HOUR OF DECISION The APC leadership should do well to deliver a credible nomination convention

A

fter several false starts, occasioned by sundry postponements, the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to begin tomorrow. Barring another attempt at manipulation by those who seem to be working the courts, we expect the 2,320 elected delegates drawn from the 774 local government areas of the country to converge in Abuja to choose from the 13 aspirants cleared at the weekend by the John Odigie-Oyegun-led screening committee.

We enjoin the APC leadership to demonstrate their capacity for internal democracy anchored on due process and rule of law.

It is commendable that some of the leading aspirants in the party have been crisscrossing the country to project their programmes to the delegates. This is how it should be in a democracy, even if their plans for the resolution of burning national issues, including the comatose economy, nationwide insecurity, and the failing structures of state, have not been thoroughly interrogated. But this is just an internal process. An elaboration of their plans is saved for the campaigns to come before the 2023 general election.

However, we are concerned by the way money has been deployed in this nomination process, especially by the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC. Although politicians in the latter appear to be more discreet, huge sums of money are still exchanging hands between the aspirants and GHOHJDWHV DV ZHOO DV EHWZHHQ WKHP DQG SDUW\ R΀FLDOV At a time like this when all hands should be on deck WR JHW WKH EHVW VXLWDEOH SHUVRQ WR SLORW WKH DͿDLUV RI WKH nation, otherwise bright hands are being left behind because of their lack of access to cash.

The problem started with the scandalous nomination IHHV FKDUJHG E\ ERWK WKH $3& DQG 3'3 ZKLFK Á\ LQ the face of the prevailing harsh economic realities in WKH FRXQWU\ ,I FLWL]HQV KDYH GL΀FXOWLHV PDNLQJ EDVLF ends meet, where are they expected to raise such

huge sums either for themselves or for whoever may EH WKHLU FKRLFH WR YLH IRU WKH YDULRXV HOHFWLYH R΀FHV" This unfortunate phenomenon threatens to restrict the democratic space and shorten the people’s choices.

Compounding this restriction is the growing attempt by the APC leadership to shut down competition in the name of consensus-building. This otherwise undemocratic tendency was strengthened when President Muhammadu Buhari met with the party’s governors and requested to be allowed to choose his successor. Although consensus building helps to narrow or even eliminate rancour in an internal electoral contest, the concept becomes antithetical to the pursuit of internal cohesion if the outcome is obtained through a dictatorial process. It is GL΀FXOW WR VHH WKH UHDVRQ for the presidential request, especially when the electioneering process has been devoid of any rancour.

Section 84 (9) and Section 84 (10) of the Electoral Act 2022 make it clear that consensus must be obtained by the voluntary consent of all cleared aspirants. Coming against the background of what is seen as a fair process that threw up the presidential PDP candidate DIWHU D ÀHUFH FRQWHVW WKH UXOLQJ SDUW\ WKDW XQVHDWHG LWV main rival from power seven years ago on the back of a transparent electoral process has no choice than to deliver a credible nomination convention. The challenge before the APC leadership, therefore, is to deliver a nomination convention in which contestants are allowed to participate without let or hindrance while the right of every delegate to vote based on their conviction is guaranteed and protected.

Meanwhile, we understand that every political party has a right to determine the mode for selecting candidates provided they are not infringing on any law. But we must sound a note of caution to the APC leadership, including President Buhari: If the pursuit of consensus ends up creating confusion in both the party and the nation, that can only vitiate the fundamental end of democracy which is to protect the polity from forces of discord and confusion in matters of leadership selection.

The challenge before the APC leadership is to deliver a nomination convention in which contestants are allowed to participate without let or hindrance while the right of every delegate to vote based on their conviction is guaranteed and protected T H I S D AY EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN DEPUTY EDITORS FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN 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 HOW APC’S ONLY FEMALE GUBER CANDIDATE EMERGED The May 27, 2022, Adamawa State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary election was hotly contested, very transparent, free, and fair.

Six contestants participated in the election — former Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow; Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani; former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Nuhu Ribadu; member House of Representatives representing Ganye, Jada, Toungo and Mayo Belwa Federal Constituency, Abdul Razak Namdas; former Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Wafari Theman and Umar Mustapha Otumba, a business tycoon.

Senator Aishatu Binani won the primaries with 430 votes, while Nuhu Ribadu came second with 288 votes; former governor Bindow got 103 votes, Abdul Razak Namdas scored 94 votes while Wafari and Mustapha got 21 and 39 votes respectively. :DIDUL FDPH WR WKH FRQWHVW XQSUHSDUHG ³ ÀUVWO\ KLV WDFWLFV failed to work for him. Wafari solely relied on the strategy that, being the only Christian in the contest, he will get all the ChrisWLDQV· YRWHV 6HFRQGO\ DQG PRVW LPSRUWDQWO\ :DIDUL VXͿHUHG FDVK ÁRZ SUREOHPV Abdulrazak Namdas is the only aspirant that toured the entire

state and spent heavily early in the campaigning period. However, Namdas’s behavior of acting like a candidate is borne out of the contentment that he is the only aspirant from Adamawa southern zone - the zone has nine local government councils. Namdas’s errors were that he spent too much, and too early.

Former Governor Muhammdu Umaru Jirilla Bindow is one of the most likable aspirants in the contest. Since he lost to Fintiri in the 2019 governorship election, Bindow has remained the leader of the APC in the state. Most of the stakeholders’ meetings were held at his residence in Abuja until the time he asked Boss Mustapha to takeover. Though, Boss never called such a meeting at his residence. The reason is that Boss always tries to avoid controversy and he appears comfortable with his position as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Bindow and his team found it hard to believe he came third, because, on paper, Nuhu and Binani shouldn’t have beaten him.

Umar Mustapha Otumba came to the race with a very poor understanding of real local politics. No doubt that Otumba unGHUVWDQGV WKH SROLWLFV RI WKH ÀUVW ZRUOG KH LV LQ WKH NQRZ RI KRZ to analyze developments, but not the language the delegates understand.

Nuhu Ribadu operated his game as the true policeman that he LV +LV HQWLUH DSSURDFK ZDV FRYHUW 1XKX GLGQ·W RSHQ DQ R΀FLDO FDPSDLJQ R΀FH QRU VHW XS WKH WUDGLWLRQDO FDPSDLJQ WHDP ZLWK a DG, he only formed a small committee two weeks before the primaries. Nuhu spent a good time working on his weak point grassroots link. His 288 votes were not a coincidence: he earned it through constant engagement, mobilization, and support from all the APC executives at the LGA level. Nuhu’s biggest error was poor logistics and war chest utilization and over-centralization.

Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani came to the race with assured votes in her ‘handbag’- women constitute nearly 40% of the delegates. When Binani entered the voting arena, the entire women among the delegates welcomed her with a melody (Guda). That was a big signal to her opponents that she was ready for the game.

Local empowerment, smart political calculations, and enormous and clever application of war chest including grassroots base were Binnani’s weapons, and they worked for her.

Binani has a sweet victory but is coated with a bitter problem.

7KHUH DUH DOOHJDWLRQV RI RYHU YRWLQJ DQG ÀQDQFLDO LQGXFHPHQW Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

05.6.2022

Olubukola Bolarinde: An Architect Breaking the Norms Olubukola Bolarinde, a professional architect, whose profile cuts across oil and gas, banking, telecommunications and real estate, is doing it her way with one-of-a-kind art and fashion exhibition that celebrates African culture, Vanessa Obioha reports ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/victoria.olaode@thisdaylive.com.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JUNE 5, 2022

COVER

I’m telling a story about our culture, people and land

Bolarinde

D

uring the lockdown period of the pandemic in 2020, self-taught artist and architect Olubukola Bolarinde found herself reflecting on her artistic expressions. For years, the artist has nurtured her arts for passion which she evinced at a younger age. At one point, she dared to showcase her work at the Nike Art Gallery. The intention then was to evaluate the public’s perception of her art. The feedback was mostly favourable and by 2018, she established Yellow Dot Limited, a leading creative curation/production company.

Bolarinde’s goal was to bridge the gap in the creative industry where many are lost in the pool of talents. Through her outfit, artists and other creatives found an avenue to showcase their talents. That same year, she produced the critically acclaimed film ‘Onidiri’.

Due to her insatiable appetite for art pieces — she collected artworks from Ghana, the UK, the USA, Nigeria and anywhere else her feet touched — Bolarinde began curating for other artists. However, she never abandoned her dream to give the world an exclusive peek into her creativity. After all, it was through her art that her career in architecture was launched.

She was admitted into the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University, Wales where she obtained a graduate degree based solely on her art portfolio. She proceeded to obtain

her masters in Environmental Design and Engineering at Bartlett School of Architecture in University College, London (UCL).

“I came back to Nigeria to start in-practice as an architect with a firm called James Cubitt Architects in Lagos for about four years,” she said on a recent morning in her office at Wing Towers in Lagos.

“While I was at James Cubit Architects, I was seconded to Standard Chartered Bank. So, that started my foray into the banking industry and understanding of the full work of the bank.

I worked there as a project manager, setting up branches from start to finish, designing for the bank in Lagos, Port Harcourt and at a time, Abuja.

“My background in architecture informed my decisions, my precision and my ability to deploy my responsibilities as a project manager. So that helped, I learnt a lot on that job, my skills in project management, construction manager, and cost management, I took all of that and forayed into the project management field. I did not go into full-time architecture practice but in the oil and gas industry.

“I was employed by Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, a leader in the downstream sector at that time. The owner of Zenon was looking to diversify all the earnings into real estate and that was where I came in first as a property manager. The portfolio grew significantly

and it had to be created into a full-fledged subsidiary called FO Properties Limited and I was appointed managing director of that company.”

She is currently the Head of Real Estate and Facilities Management (REFM) Nigeria, and Regional Head of REFM Performance for Ericsson Limited in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Looking fashionable in resplendent flowing attire, Bolarinde proceeded to tell the story of how the lockdown boredom led her to conceive the idea of her forthcoming exhibition. It was a moment for her to reflect and take the bold step to having her solo art debut. Driven by contentment and courage, taking such steps required her to give her best. Therefore, with her attention to detail and penchant for excellence, the corporate professional is throwing everything in the ring to give guests an immersive experience.

The exhibition titled ‘106 Expressions’ and curated by Nike Davies-Okundaye is a first-of-its-kind featuring 85 artworks and two fashion designers who will showcase 10 fabrics each on the runway and will be held on a construction site. According to her, she is breaking the conventional norms to give people a unique experience.

“There will be 106 exhibits at the exhibition,” she said, breaking down the process.

“There will be 85 pieces of visual

artworks with different media: oil on canvas and acrylic on canvas, which will be exhibited in conventional style. Being creative, any way I can look, to break the barriers of convention is what I am looking for because art should transcend beyond putting it on a medium, hanging it up and letting people come and observe it like conventional style. So, that is why I am spinning my art into original exclusive fabric.

“I am partnering with two fashion designers for 10 pieces each, two collections with two distinct pieces of my art. We are going to have a fashion segment at the event where they will showcase two collections each with 10 pieces going down the runway.

Those 10 each, added to the 85 make it 105.

But the 106th exhibit is the event itself, which I have curated from start to finish. It is an event like no other; an event that has not happened before in Nigeria,” she enthused.

Her choice of venue, she said, is drawn from her natural habitat as an architect which is the construction site.

“For the first time, I am staging an exhibition in such a venue and I am building it from scratch.

It is the first of its kind in Nigeria to host such a show on a construction site; in an uncompleted building and I am bringing people and immersing them into an experience that elsewhere did not exist.

So, that immersive experience, walking from start to finish at Eko Atlantic City is the 106th exhibit.”

But the title of the exhibition goes beyond the number of works on display. It is a play on her birthday which is June 10. The event is also scheduled to take place on that day.

“My birthday is very significant to me and I have always celebrated it. People close to me know that I don’t joke with my birthday; I try not to work on my birthday. I take the day off because it is time for me to reflect, enjoy the day and thank God for seeing another milestone. So, it is a day that I celebrate its entirety from the start to the end of that day. So, 106 is a significant number that jumped out on me,” she explained.

Through the exhibition, Bolarinde hopes to tell the African story which traversed time and culture.

“I‘m telling a story about our culture, people and land. When you look at my artwork, it is all an African story; there is a story in every single one. All of my background and influences fuse into my art and translate into my pieces.”

Some of the paintings on display are drawn from her childhood experiences.

From Ekiti State, Bolarinde hails from the home of Fabunmi, the propagator of the Kiriji War. Her mother however is from Ibadan, Oyo State. Although she was born in Lagos, her formative years were in the North.

“I went to secondary school in Jos and was there for six years. From Jos, I went to Kaduna for a pre-degree course. I then spent another year in Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University; that was where I had the training that prepared me for my career in Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning. I was immersed in the culture of the North, and I speak two indigenous languages: Hausa and Yoruba.”

Her understanding of northern Nigerian culture is reflected in paintings such as the Wusasa.

“Zaria is predominately a Muslim city and in those days when we were there, we were told never to walk into Zaria city without covering our hair. It is forbidden, you can’t walk in with trousers as a woman, we were always fascinated by that and beyond the walls of Zaria city is the Emir’s Palace.

But outside of Zaria city, you have Christian communities and there is a town called Wusasa, which is part of the places where I grew up. In the centre of Wusasa is this mud building that looks like an ancient castle, but it is a church called St. Bartholomew.

“You know Kaduna has a long history of religious crises resulting in killings and very gory situations and there was one of such crises when all the churches were set ablaze and St. Bartholomew was also set ablaze but the building never burnt down; it is still standing till today and it is at the central piece of my exhibition.

“So, I did a tribute to St. Bartholomew.

I almost even moulded St. Bartholomew to show the rustic nature. I brought the roughness and texture that you can almost feel, touch it and you are there. It tells you that story and transports you to Wusasa.”

Other paintings that will evoke similar effects according to her include images of Makoko at night, Eyo, Christ Church Cathedral and Durbar among others.

SUNDAY JUNE 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JUNE 5, 2022

HighLife For Babatunde Raji Fashola, Silence is Golden Really, there are different categories of public figures. There are those that take up office with an intention to sway and show off. These are the most common public office holders in Nigeria, and they are always in the news even though they are not doing anything well.

Then, there are the others: they are quiet, are committed and satisfied to do their jobs, and tend to keep their plans to themselves.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, belongs to the latter category. At a time when everybody wanted to be president, he stood out in silence.

History will not be very kind to some of the current political leaders in Nigeria. It was in their time that the presidency became like a bone that every dog wanted to snatch for a long-term enjoyment. So, while nearly all the reputable politicians and public figures are going out of their way to be recognised in the march for the presidency in 2023, it is relieving to see Fashola minding his work and business.

When declarations for the presidency started a few months ago, someone said that Fashola would be among those that would set their eyes on the mantle and contest for it. Alas, the primaries are well underway and the former Lagos Governor has not said a word. It is evident now that he has no intention to run for the presidency, recognising the futility of such an endeavour.

A few weeks ago, there were about 40 presidential aspirants.

When the primaries for the main parties were only a few days away, the number shrunk significantly. We all know that all of this was to get financial benefits and security for the future. This makes Fashola’s refusal to join this horrid business even more apparent.

So, as the presidential narrative continues to unfold, individuals like Fashola are interestingly shining in their silence.

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

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

Ibe Kachikwu Back in Social Whirl as He Plans Jaw-Dropping Wedding

Kachikwu

Love has always been one of the most beautiful things we can celebrate as human beings. And when love is crystallized in marriage, there are few things that are worthy of celebration. This is a fact that prominent oil man, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu is very familiar with.

On this basis, he is going all out to help organize the wedding of his son, Emeka, and make it the 10th wonder of the world.

The name Kachikwu has become synonymous with all things oil and energy in Nigeria. This is because the man at the forefront of the use of this name used to be the President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and then became the GMD of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), former Executive Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. With such a rich career, it is only natural that Kachikwu is a man of influence in Nigeria and beyond.

Due to his influence, the news of his planning a wedding for his son, Emeka, has been received with open arms. According to reports, Emeka will be joining his hands in holy matrimony to Kelechi Esimogu, the great love of his life. Thus, the entire Kachikwu family will be available to support and celebrate the couple. Of course, considering the width and breadth of the groom’s father, it is only natural that there will be prestigious people from far and wide arriving at the wedding.

In reality, this wedding will serve as Kachikwu’s return to the social scene. The last time he was mentioned passionately, Kachikwu was alleged to have spent several millions in a hotel while doing nothing serious.

Of course, that painted him in a negative light and happened to coincide with the period he wanted to rest from the limelight.

And now, Kachikwu is back, and back in a big way.

Battle of the Throne Between Akanimo and Eno as the Duo Fight for the Heart of the Oil-Rich State Things are getting heated up in Akwa Ibom as a result of the multiplicity of expectations.

There is a group of individuals in the state who want to have a particular pastor and former Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Umo Eno, as the gubernatorial successor to Governor Udom Emmanuel. But there is another group that would rather have an established businessman and reputed moneybag, Akanimo Udofia, as the next Akwa Ibom governor. The battle line has been drawn, so we are all watching to see which side wins.

Gubernatorial candidates could number in the hundreds in Akwa Ibom, but there are only two individuals who seem to be competing against each other for the position: Eno and Udofia. The former is the hope that has been presented by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while the latter is the beacon of light that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has guaranteed to

polish the state after Governor Emmanuel.

Despite the tough competition between the two political parties, the most interesting and attention-worthy elements are the men themselves.

Who are they and what are their intentions for the oil-rich state?

Eno is well-known because he used to be the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources.

He is well-educated with a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Uyo. And even though he is the Pastor of All Nations Christian Ministry International in Akwa Ibom, he has led a robust corporate career starting with banking in the early ‘80s and settling into the hospitality sector along the line.

Udofia, on the other hand, is a businessman through and through. He also is well-educated with a Master’s degree from Harvard School of Business, Boston Massachusetts, USA. He is an oil man, having held multiple positions on the

Udofia

boards of oil companies, and has never really worked as a civil servant. Nevertheless, a lot of Akwa Ibom natives and residents are optimistic about him.

Ondo is Not Imo State as Governor Hope Uzodinma Gives Akeredolu’s Wife Political Lessons of Her Life

Uzodinma

Shakespeare said, to be or not to be—that is the question. The English playwright might as well have been giving a deposition on the ins and outs of politics and politicking, especially the way these are done in Nigeria. To put things into

perspective, the senatorial ambition of the wife of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Madam Betty, has failed.

Betty made a recent declaration to the public that she is withdrawing from the race and supporting whoever her party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), deems qualified to be the Senator for Imo East. All that was well and good until she also mentioned that she was relinquishing her senatorial dreams because of “... brazen irregularities, use of force and intimidation meted out on my person and supporters.”Now, politics is not a thing for the faint of hearts, especially in Nigeria. And it is evident from her records as Ondo First Lady that Betty is no pushover. Moreover, her husband the Governor is also well-known as a determined individual who gets whatever he wants. So, how did Madam

Betty lose her cool? What is the reason behind her withdrawal despite the factors she listed?

According to some people, Betty has decided to douse the fires of her senatorial ambition because Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State will have none of it. After all, while Betty is a native of Imo and qualified to represent her people, she is currently the First Lady of Ondo State. So, unless she aspired to be a national— rather than a state—figure, she had to relax her strides and bow to Uzodinma’s will, unspoken though they might have been.

This is the current narrative for why Betty decided to keep calm and remove herself from the senatorial fight. Whether it is absolutely accurate or not remains unknown. But we know, like Shakespeare’s quip, that her senatorial ambition is not to be. At least, not at present.

Will Jimoh Ibrahim Win This Time?

Fashola

It is always interesting to see Nigerians continuing to strive in spite of ridiculous odds. The current Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) had to try time and again before he could get into Aso Rock as chief democratic potentate. As for Jimoh Ibrahim, the Ondo State-born businessman and philanthropist, the grand era of the senatorial is now his choice.

Ibrahim has tried repeatedly to become the Governor of Ondo. Unfortunately, one way or another, he tended to lose at the last step. Some people have likely told him that what will be will be and success is not far from him if he keeps trying.

Fortunately for him, reason won out when Ibrahim decided to try for the Senate as the candidate representing Ondo South Senatorial District.

It is not all that surprising that Ibrahim managed to clinch the senatorial ticket for

Ondo South under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress (APC). After all, the man has been trying to be governor for a long time now, so he has connections in high places and is well-known among the Ondo South— nay, even across the entire state.

It is expected that Ibrahim will lead APC to victory in the 2023 senatorial elections unless something unexpected happens. Nevertheless, there is a good chance for Ibrahim—once again, because he is well-known to the people.

This was how he is reported to have gotten 190 votes out of the 330 votes cast during the APC senatorial primaries. The runner-up, Mathew Oyerinmade, got only 92 votes.

So, the Providence of politics might finally be smiling down on Ibrahim. Perhaps the same ‘luck’ he has wielded in building up his Global Fleet Group has finally taken form in the political scene as well.

Nevertheless, time will tell what shall come out of Ibrahim’s intentions.

Ibrahim

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HIGHLIFE

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Son Ibrahim Eat Humble Pie There are times in life when everything just seems to go wrong.

In the face of such apparent heavyhandedness from the powers of the world, one can either become understandably angry or sad. This is what has happened to the former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, his son, Ibrahim, and their political ambitions.

A few days ago, the All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its senatorial primaries for the determination of who gets the senatorial ticket in Lagos West.

There were only 557 votes cast and three individuals who wanted the ticket: Obanikoro, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule, and former Lagos Commissioner, Kayode Opeifa.

Of the 557 votes, Adebule got 424 which is approximately 76% of everything. The remaining 24% had to be shared by Obanikoro and Opeifa, with the former getting 119

Obanikoro

and the latter getting four (there were 10 invalid votes). As expected, Obanikoro is not at all happy with the results and has even rejected them, stating that Adebule was not screened by the party and did not express official interest in the senatorial position before the primaries.

One can understand Obanikoro’s pain. After all, before now, it was assumed that he had been handpicked by someone high and mighty for the very position he lost even an opportunity to contest. Moreover, this is the same position he allegedly had to quarrel with his son, Ibrahim, for, since the latter was also interested in becoming Lagos West Senator.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim is not doing well himself. The day before his father failed to get his hands on the APC senatorial ticket, Ibrahim also failed to get the party ticket to represent his Eti Osa Federal Constituency. Thus, he will not be returning to the House of Representatives in 2023.

WhyTambuwalDumpedWikeforAtiku

ambuwal

Tambuwal

2023 is just around the corner and the presidential election for the determination of the next Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) is getting nearer and nearer. As a result, machinations are taking place here and there, and deep political schemes are bearing both anticipated and unpredicted fruits. So, after the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar won. The causes and implications are becoming clearer by the day.

More political analysts are investing their time and brains in determining how exactly Atiku won the PDP primaries.

The former VP won by getting 371 votes, pulling ahead of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers who got 237 votes to clinch the party ticket. What were the factors that determined Atiku’s big win?

One of the identified factors so far is the decision of Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State to step down just before the primaries and support Atiku. According to political analysts, and Wike, Atiku was able to win by such a large margin because of Tambuwal’s action (although Wike referred to said

action as betrayal).

But why? Tambuwal was a strong candidate. He might not have been able to win, but he would have likely gotten the support of many delegates, enough to build prestige for later political exercises. Well, there have been three reported reasons. One, Tambuwal realised that the presidency is no joke and decided to support who he deemed as the best candidate out of love for Nigeria and Nigerians. This is the official reason from Tambuwal’s camp.

The other reasons are not as flattering. One is that Tambuwal had always wanted to throw his weight behind Atiku, and all of this was a strategic attempt to keep power in the North. The last alleged reason is that Tambuwal understood the futility of contesting against Atiku, a very wealthy and desperate aspirant (much like Peter Obi did), and decided to secure a future for himself. In this future, big things would be in the offing for him.

Well, which is true? Perhaps only Tambuwal knows.

How Former First Bank MD, Bisi Onasanya, Became One of the Biggest Players in Real Estate with The Address Homes There is an optimistic saying among people of faith. It is said that God shuts a door and opens a window.

Well, for the former Group Managing Director of First Bank, Bisi Onasanya, the window that God opened for him after his exit from First Bank is large enough to fit in a door. Then again, this is what you get when you are an excellent businessman, humble to a fault, and committed to serving people in whatever capacity.

When Onasanya left First Bank, a lot of people wondered about his intentions and ambitions. Would he relocate to London or Dubai? Would he set up a small and private firm to keep his corporate name and presence alive? There were so many calculations.

One turned out to be right, although nobody expected it to pick up so quickly and expand so extensively.

Onasanya established The Address Homes, a real estate agency with business interests in the acquisition, development, and management of

luxurious residential buildings across Nigeria. Since that company emerged from the efforts of Onasanya, it has undergone a clear metamorphosis and is even leading the rest of the real estate industry in determining the best types of luxurious homes and what they ought to be priced at.

Onsasanya’s business outfit keeps to the terms of its purpose and is located in the Ikoyi/Banana axis of Lagos. So far, it has proven to be a leader in the real estate agency pack. Currently, the most mind-teasing of the projects undertaken by the agency are Luxuria, a 13-floor monster of a luxury building located on Alexander Road, Ikoyi, and Dan & Dan, 27 units of fully serviced luxury homes located on Banana Island Road, also in Ikoyi.

Onasanya went from being one of the most accomplished banking executives in the country to becoming one of the biggest players in the real estate industry. Once again, this is what you get with true genius.

Onasanya

Bunmi Ariyo Strikes Gold

Ariyo

Providence is always kind to smart men. For Bunmi Ariyo, the former Personal Assistant of the past Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, providence has become a second mother.

Why? Because the man is smarter than his peers by a large margin; because he has the vision to carve out a prosperous place in the future for himself; because he is bold and determined.

Stories about individuals who occupy public offices in Nigeria and retire from such offices to lead miserable lives.

The public offices did not make them miserable, no. Only their greed and refusal to serve with their hearts and minds. Ariyo is not like one of these people.

He served Ambode and Lagos State to the best of his ability and walked off the public stage to continue towards his personal and corporate goals.

Who said that one needs to be a politician in Nigeria to be satisfied and wealthy? Ariyo is gradually proving such people wrong with his investments and business dealings. According to recent reports, Ariyo is making big on his plans to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in Nigeria. As a consequence, he has invested heavily in it and continues to do so because he is convinced that it is a profitable venture.

For anybody that knows anything about anything, Ariyo’s choice is unbeatable. After all, the agricultural sector is one that nobody can ignore. Dollar prices may rise, as market women are wont to hide behind whenever they raise product prices, but human beings must eat something. Ariyo understands this which is why he is committing a lot of money to this sector.

Ariyo has also invested in the real estate sector. This proves that he is not randomly throwing away money, but understands man’s basic needs: food, shelter, and clothing.

So, once he makes a name for himself for providing the first two basic needs, it is only a matter of time before he becomes one of the wealthiest young Nigerians in the present.

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LOUD WHISPERS

Buhari

ABUBAKAR ATIKU: THE HUN STRIKES BACK My people, this one surprised me o. After the sad Deborah issue and his missteps, I had written him off. I had even written on this page that he should just go into oblivion. But thanks to a warped and jingly system, the man bounced back to glory.

In a system that is not driven by any principles but horse trading among gamblers, you can always emerge if you play your cards very well. Mr. Atiku is adept in this game. He is a master gambler and a king in the subterfuge that is Nigeria’s dark politics.

He emerged first among a band of intellectual midgets which even had my Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, sitting pretty with 100 per cent of Akwa Ibom delegates votes and seven other people whose ‘money no complete’ for the other side.

Was the issue health, agric or empowerment during the convention? Very far from it. When you watch serious country primaries, you will marvel at the debates, the engagements and the openness of it all. Our own ugly people will be wearing aso-ebi with their candidates’ pictures all over and will be carrying ‘Ghana must go’ bags everywhere, wheeling and dealing. Na who get money pass and who deliver pass is the winner. Not who get sense pass. So

Atiku

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

I’m hardly surprised by any news about President Buhari. Na my man. I think he is the only consistent politician in recent times. Look at that statement he made recently about his successor perfectly fits with his persona.

In case you missed it, he was reported to have said that since he allowed governors to choose their successors, he too should be allowed to do the same . After all, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Abi no be so

them teach us for nursery school.

This statement is so revolting and so low, especially for a leader who at this point should be thinking of his place in history rather than continue to roll in the murky mud of crass politicking.

How he expects the APC and by extension the rest of us to allow only one man to decide who will succeed him in the midst of this carnage really confounds me. Maybe the urge for selfpreservation post his ‘regime’ is

the driving force. But shebi he said he is incorruptible, so there is nothing to be afraid of. He should therefore desist from making statements that will make Dino wear starched agbada with his big bele and attempt to make a presidential speech.

Me, I am now daring President Buhari to try himself by not appointing a successor if truly he has nothing to fear after his regime. This is the real test my Lord.

Atiku is definitely not the best qualified but the best dasher and this is why these crops of delegates are worse than the devil’s blood children.

I saw EFCC walking around the place with their red jackets looking lost and not even knowing what to do. The fact that all money laundering laws have been thrown to the winds lost on them.

Well, PDP has chosen their king, what else can we say. Atiku the ‘barbarian king’ has emerged again. We hunker down. Salvation is still far.

was categorically stated and agreed that he would not be supported. He was called all sorts of names in big grammar. Grammar that you will not usually ascribe to a northern politician- he didn’t pronounce some words well but it can pass.

So, Tambuwal, seeing that and to avoid imminent disgrace, quickly went to play the hero to hoodwink us. Information reaching me shows that if he had gone ahead, he would have had Senator Shehu Sanni with his two votes defeat him.

So, my people there is no hero Tambuwal but a quick thinking and strategic Tambuwal which in essence is even more sensible than my own governor who still went ahead to record 37 votes and came back to Uyo to be eating Afang instead of joining forces to make history at the convention. Na wa.

remarkable and I was going to say you are the champion.

Then Ore came and spoiled it with that statement which is a fact. How do you mindlessly spend that kind of money when people are suffering and dying? Just last week over 30 people in your state died in a stampede queuing for food.

It’s madness. The fact that you are a governor with immunity and powers does not mean that you can just be throwing the money up and down because you want to be president, so that you will now be throwing around national money instead of just Rivers money.

So, my brother, I pull back. I no hail you again. I hereby apologise to Madam Ore and all right-thinking Nigerians for my momentary lapse in judgment. Please forgive me, na lack of Afang for a bit disconnect my brain.

AMINU TAMBUWAL: FAR FROM A HERO This one too will be shaking his head and be doing like he has done something noble. The Chairman of PDP, Iyorchia Ayu was seen visiting him and hailing him as the ‘Hero of the Convention’ simply because he stepped down.

All of us were initially meant to believe that the stepping down was altruistic. A lot of southern leaders had gone to town to scream how the North always come together to fight for one North. Even Apostle Suleiman, fresh from the d…k showing scandal, also reined in by saying how the southern politicians are just noise makers who never knew how to come together as one.

Well, I have seen a video which blows all these to pieces. Tambuwal knew very well that he didn’t have the support of a vast majority of his people in Sokoto. A huge meeting of elders and stakeholders in Sokoto was held and in that meeting, it

Tambuwal

NYESOM WIKE: A SHOUTING WEAKLING Just as I was about to write this piece, someone called my attention. A very beautiful woman, she said, “Edgar, what is so courageous about someone who was alleged to have spent over N33 billion Rivers State Government money on an inordinate ambition? Was it his money?”

Shame catch me o. I was about to hail Wike for not allowing himself to be brow beaten by a system which naturally looks down at minorities. We are minorities o. I wanted to say well-done bro, for insisting that you must be given power on your own terms.

I was going to say well-done, you shouted well, coming second from Rivers was

Wike

Please are there any auditors in Rivers? Do they still have a State House of Assembly?

What are the federal authorities doing?

Mbok, while you are still on it can the same questions be asked in Akwa Ibom – N33 billion? Kogi billions and still counting and all the other states?

Is it their money?

Obi

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LOUD WHISPERS

Osinbajo na lightweight. Too gentlemanly for the dog fights needed. Humbled by being number two in this regime that has seen the Naira lose over 600% of value. What exactly does he want to sell? Is it Fayemi who is not known outside of Ekiti and who shares a base with Tinubu and who Fayose will decimate even in that Ekiti?

Is it Bello? Mbok, let me just laugh. Or Okorocha that is wetting his pants any time EFCC knocks on his door? Mbok, APC is just one funny contraption with 24 political dwarfs.

Buhari must have looked at the list and just shook his head and said to his wife, “Hajia, we are in trouble. I no see anybody for this list.”

I am even thinking that APC should draft Buhari’s wife into this matter quickly o because from this list I am seeing, e be like say Atiku will overrun them even with federal might. I am telling you.

APC: PLEASE WHO IS THAT GIRL? Mbok, as Tinubu siddon with starched agbada and spoke with that his drawl that only him dey hear, I just noticed something.

The APC screening team has one very beautiful lady on it o. Remove that Oyegun gorimapa and there you are. Kai, come and see the skin, the facial structure, the beautiful allure. Wow, so beautiful. I stopped listening to Tinubu and was trying to catch a better glimpse of the lady.

Oyegun kept using his head to block the lady and I found myself screaming at my screen, “Oga remove your head o.”

Mbok, such a beautiful lady and from what I saw, she will be tall o. She will have legs as long as that of a gazelle. I do not know if she is married, but if she is, that would be such a national tragedy for one man to hold her.

She should be put in the National Museum for us to be ogling at her and worshipping her. I will register with APC for her. Kai, I don’t even know her name o.

Mbok, anybody that is close to her, kindly tell her that the Duke of Shomolu, Lord Ini and the family head of the Edgar Clan-local and diaspora is looking for her number.

Please, I will pay ransom to anybody that sends me her numbers within the next seven days. This is the only reason why I will vote APC. Please, where is the registration centre?

In all of my career with women only one woman from Kwara/Kogi don fine pass her o. Please send me her number ooo.

PETER OBI: BETTER WARN YOUR PEOPLE So, I said my mind last week on Peter Obi’s defection from the PDP to the Labour Party and that is how all his people started abusing me. The abuse was plenty and I just ignored them. It is not today that people have been abusing me for my views. It will not stop me from eating Afang or shake my body. So, this deluge of Obi supporters abusing me is nothing.

But one hit home. This one called me a thief and ass licker. He said that since he started reading this column for years now, he did not know how or where to place me, but this my Obi column has confirmed that I am a thief and ass licker.

BANKYW, SAM AIBONI,WHATIS GOING ON? Let me first declare that I am vested.

Sam is my friend and co-director at Hamilton and George so my objectivity go hard on this matter.

But as a true Nigerian seeking a new lease in national ethos, I must be objective. These two battled for the PDP nominations in Eti -Osa Local Government in Lagos for the House of Representatives.

Banky is a fine and very popular gentleman. Strong name recognition and huge followership in the entertainment space with one of the most beautiful wives you can imagine. He is a Lagosian and well entrenched.

Sam, on the other hand, is one of the most brilliant lawyers you will ever come across. A good looking despite his huge tummy- a young man from Edo State. His wife is the first female appointed to run a Shell company and he comes from a family of intellectuals with his father being a professor.

Sam is an arbitrator and an internationally regarded legal mind with seats on some of the juiciest committees globally. The kind of mind that would enrich the House.

Well, when he told me he was contesting, I said, “Bro, with this your bele how you go win for

Eti-Osa. You na Ishan man and the babes go follow Banky. You no fit win o. You sabi sing? You sabi rap?

You sabi toast? Remember that area is where all the slay queens live and Don Jazzy go put mouth o.”

Sam said, “Edgar, no worry.”

Well, the day came and people voted and the results don hang. Almost two weeks now we no know the winner o. We have seen a video with Banky getting over 20 votes and Sam with three and then we have seen a PDP return form showing Sam with over 20 votes as against Banky’s 3.

Everybody is weak. I don’t have access to Banky so I have not gotten his position. I have spoken to Sam who said that the footage we saw was fake and that he was waiting for the central working committee of the PDP to settle the matter.

For me, I think the PDP has a mean task because these two are a major asset for them if we are to upturn the monarchy in Lagos. So how they will resolve this one without losing one person is the issue.

Remember PDP in Lagos no reach 50 people statewide including Bode George so losing one person get as e be. How will they enter general elections with 49 people? This one pass me o.

Banky W

APC. A PARADE OF DWARFS Please have you seen the APC list of presidential hopefuls. Please if you have not, go and scan through and have a good laugh.

The list is so weak that you will piss from laughter.

Everybody get k-leg on that list and it’s no wonder that Buhari after scanning through is begging to be allowed to choose his person.

There is nothing on that list. From Tinubu, to Osinbajo to Amaechi to Okorocha there is nobody on that list that will defeat Atiku in a free and fair election.

How Tinubu will win this one is something I am really waiting to see. From Chicago, to health, to division in his base, to bullion van.

How he would dodge all these bullets to the throne will be the 8th wonder of the world.

Amaechi, the supreme court has started wounding him, Wike will ‘die’ instead of allowing him. He has no national followership. He can wear all the Babaringa he wants to wear and eat all the ‘goro’ to the point that his teeth will be red, he cannot defeat Atiku in voter clusters anywhere in this country.

Mbok, see mumu o. See the abuse he gave me simply for small thing that I talked about. Calling me a thief is something else.

I am so many things – womaniser, crazy man, nudist, tattoo enthusiast but a thief?

No ooo. I have never been called a thief nor have I ever stolen in my life except when I thief people girlfriends. If na that one yes, I am a thief but the thief in this baba’s context, I no gree.

Please I have his numbers and he is reading this. If he is a man, he should come to me at Bajulaiye road in Shomolu where all the molues park after a hard day’s work so that we can fight.

He cannot be hiding behind social media

and be abusing me. Come if you are a man and let’s fight stark naked. Bring the most beautiful woman in your village and I will also bring three very beautiful Akwa Ibom damsels. If you beat me, you go with mine and if I beat you, I will take your own. Me, thief? Me, ass licker? Because of Obi? I am waiting o.

SHEHU SANI: TWO VOTES A SLAVE You know some people do not know how to respect themselves. You see that the whole thing has turned to Ariaria market and you still carry your afro go there.

People that spent millions were losing, making them contract bandits and

kidnappers to recover their money and you still went to put head.

Bros in a report said that he was even surprised that he got two votes. In that market, it is not English or values or vision that is being traded there o. It is raw cash.

Raw Igbo trader type of cash. Cash speaks.

No other language is understood there. If you understand that, just don’t bother.

We are still waiting for the next elected officials from the President to the councillor to come and be talking about piety, justice and incorruptible leadership. Can anything good come out from such a diseased birth canal?

My brother, let’s go and join an NGO and watch Nollywood films. This is not for your type. Accept my condolences. Na real condolence.

SENATOR BASSEY EDET OTU: RAISES A POINT When Senator Ita Giwa called and said she wanted to talk about something, you quickly listen o.

“I hear you have been eating Afang somewhere? That na treasonable felony o.”

I quickly denied o.

“It was just once that my sister Cindy, the one that is handling Akan Udofia’s media in Akwa Ibom took me to eat Afang at Jevnik and I didn’t even enjoy it ma,” I lied.

She said, “Well, that will be handled another day, I want to talk about Senator Otu and seek your support.”

I hadn’t heard of him up until then but coming from Mama Bakassi, then he must have something to offer. He is a gentle and generous man, she started. Very philanthropic in nature with the interest of the people at heart. The people had given him the opportunity but the powers that be tried to scuttle it and we went into the trenches.

Thankfully according to her, victory was affirmed. Prominent citizens like Senator Ndoma Egba (SAN), Pius Tawo, Chief Peters and a host of others stood on the side of justice and it prevailed.

She believes that Cross River State was in need of the type of leadership he was offering hence her full support of the candidate.

She continued, “I am trying my best to get him off his shell. Make him a little bit more open and accessible so that the rest of the people can see the sterling quality that he possesses.”

If you have ever eaten Mummy’s Afang, you will just be agreeing the way I was agreeing.

Who wants to be suspended from Echoes of Calabar? Me? No ooo. Mbok, people of Cross River, I am now an extraordinary delegate and I am telling you all that Prince Otu is your next Governor. Vote for him, work with him and watch him transform your state.

Mummy, I have talked. Can I come on Tuesday, because the chef said that is the day they use prawns as a side dish?

LAIDE AGBOOLA AND OBINNA ONUNKWO: A PURPLE WAYTO GO hebi they say that Yoruba and Igbo people don’t like themselves. That is only in politics if at all. Daily, Yoruba boys are chasing Igbo girls and vice versa all over the place. Mbok, that is talk for another day.

Another example is Laide and Obinna, these boys have taken the real estate, finance and retail space with a storm. I have heard one small secret and I have been sworn to secrecy but I will talk here abeg, come and beat me.

They will soon be launching a N40 billion Initial Public Offer (IPO) making their group one of the huge leaders in the new economy.

Mbok see Laide and Obinna o. These boys no old reach me o. Still in their early 40s and are doing these big things and you say there is no hope in Nigeria.

They own the huge purple mall in Maryland.

Yes, that one with the biggest LED billboard in Africa. They also own the purple franchise which comes with strategic real estate holdings and the wave making Purple Money.

I salute their courage. They have suffered blood and are still suffering but still pushing.

Last time I was with Laide, he said, “Edgar, see tension. See my hands are shaking.”

I asked him if he doesn’t have a side chick?

“Mbok, leave me. focus.”

And we laughed.

I celebrate these boys and do wish them tremendous success in this IPO. Landmark!

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Seasoned Corporate Lawyer, Bola Tinubu, Educates with New Book

Tinubu

One of the things often said about Bola, the darling wife of Jubril Adewale Tinubu, a successful oil tycoon, is that she is still her “usual self”, despite her privileged position. The seasoned corporate lawyer, with 25 years in practice, has proven to all that money doesn’t always change you.

Unlike some of her fellow billionaires’ wives who love a flashier lifestyle, Bola lives a fairly quiet life. Though she shies away from publicity as much as she can, her philanthropic gestures, among other sterling qualities, have always made her a subject of interesting discussions.

Interestingly, she juggles between running her home, attending to her hubby’s needs and overseeing the needs and welfare of her five lovely children.

Also a child advocate, she has devoted her entire time to the defence of the defenceless.

The rights advocate, who founded Nigeria’s first free child helpline, on Friday, May 27, 2022, launched her new children’s book titled ‘Bisi is The Boss’.

The book provides an interesting take on child sexual education through an interactive and exciting storyline packed with fun trivia, colourful characters and valuable lessons.

Being a highly invested advocate for children’s rights and a mother, she established the Cece Yara, a non-profit organisation in 2016, armed with a multi-disciplinary team of counsellors, social workers, child advocates, lawyers and forensic interviewers, to prevent child sexual abuse and to provide access to care, information, protection and emergency intervention for children who have experienced sexual abuse or who are at risk.

Speaking about the book, she said: “‘Bisi Is The Boss’ is a book about child safety and protection. It empowers children and their caregivers by teaching them how to recognize boundaries, react, who their trusted adults are, and how to get help.

“Empowering children is a great step towards breaking the cycle of child sexual abuse, and my aim is to get this book into the hands of every Nigerian child no matter what their circumstances are.”

The book is an all-encompassing read not only simplifying the difficult subject of abuse but also providing a bonding platform between guardians and the children in their care.

The storyline follows Bisi, a wellinformed little girl who teaches young children through this important book how to identify inappropriate behaviour and create body boundaries.

The wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who performed the unveiling of the book, commended the author for her diligence and consistency in the pursuit of the objectives of the Cece Yara Foundation.

How Shina Peller’s Over-bloated Ego Crashed his Political Aspiration Shina Peller’s name is synonymous with the nightclub business. Having been plying his trade for some years, the CEO of Aquila Group of Companies has redefined the face of the business to the admiration of all.

His entry into the business was hailed by many who know his antecedent as an accomplished entrepreneur. The top socialite is also the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Aquila Oil and Gas Limited, a new-generation, systems-driven oil and gas firm that has made a strong presence in the oil sector in its 15 years of existence.

However, while he was minding his business, he was reportedly dragged into politics. Like a fighter and an ambitious young man, he took up the gauntlet, and, in no time, wormed his way to the hearts of his people owing to his famed kindness. He subsequently got elected into the Green Chamber representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/ Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State.

Shortly after moving to Abuja, the popularity of his outfit, Quilox, which was regarded as one of the biggest and most luxurious in the continent of Africa, gradually plummeted. It also lost the patronage of its many patrons, which Peller has

Peller

been unable to lure them back.

The lawmaker has been enjoying his time in the House of Representatives until recently when he got more ambitious and decided to bite more than he could chew.

Just as the preparation for the 2023 general elections commenced in earnest, the lightskinned politician got more confused, maybe for his over-bloated ego or allowing himself to be deceived by political jobbers or hangers-on when he started thinking too highly of himself.

First, he nursed the aspiration of becoming the number one citizen of the country. Then, it was gathered that he backed out and eyed the Oyo North Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A source revealed that he was also advised against it by some of his friends and a few political leaders in his constituency.

But like a dog that will miss its way will surely turn its malfunctioning ears to the hunter’s whistling, he refused to heed the advice.

Before the primary election, he was so optimistic. But he was floored, as he scored only five votes, while the winner, Abdulfatai Buhari, the current senator representing the constituency, won with 570 votes.

Florence Ita-Giwa’s Heart of Gratitude As a bibliophile, Florence Ita-Giwa, a respected politician, has read a volume of memoirs of great individuals in history, who lived exemplary lifestyles. So also, in her peregrinations, Ita-Giwa, a former Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has encountered many whose lives have impacted humanity greatly, albeit quietly.

Since she left the corridors of power, she has proven to the world that no joy is equal to the joy of serving others. Her service to her immediate environment is almost unequalled, as she expends millions of Naira every year for the education of the less-privileged children she brought out of Bakassi. Besides, she is also at the forefront of the struggles to ensure her people enjoy good representation, politically.

For instance, the support Mama Bakassi, as she is famously called, gave Prince Bassey Otu,

who wants to govern Cross River State, has been hailed by many in the state, a development that eventually led to his victory at the primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

To say that Ita-Giwa was elated is, to put it mildly; she was fulfilled. It is another proof that she is still a factor to be reckoned with in the political climate.

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. This saying by Henry Ward Beecher, an American Clergyman must have guided the beautiful woman as she expressed gratitude to the governor, Senator Ben Ayade, and the entire leadership APC in the state for the overwhelming support that led to the emergence of Senator Prince Bassey Otu, popularly known as ‘Sweet Prince’ as the winner of the primary election.

Ita-Giwa

Ex-BOI MD, Waheed Olagunju, Wife, Get Traditional Titles

Olagunju

All roads, last week, led to Offa in Kwara State for the decorations of the immediatepast Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Dr. Waheed Olagunji and his heartthrob,

Mobolaji as the Aare Bobagunwa and Yeye Aare Bobagunwa respectively by the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Okikiola.

The ancient town started buzzing on Thursday on account of the conferment of the titles on the public-spirited couple, with a well-attended pre-investiture lecture titled “Mobilizing Popular Participation for the Emergence of Offa Titun” delivered by erudite scholar, Prof. Akin Oyebode.

Two days later, at Olofa’s Palace, the Offa-born couple took the centre stage as Oba Gbadamosi bestowed the titles on them in recognition of their contributions to the development of the community, amid pomp and circumstance.

The event peaked with a shindig at Imperial Event Centre, where families and friends of the couple from all walks of life danced to the music of King Sunny Ade, who was on the bandstand.

The couple earned their stripes as illustrious son and daughter of Offa on the back of their selfless services to the community.

Dr Olagunju, a former television broadcaster with NTA, is a member of Offa Club 80 and was a key figure in the socio-cultural group’s social and infrastructural interventions in Offa, including the construction of a township library, among others.

Olori Janet Afolabi’s Wonted Fellow-feeling Wealth, it is said, is nothing, if it cannot be used for the advancement of society and mankind. This age-long wise saying is not strange to Olori Janet Afolabi, wife of the Alapomu of Apomu Kingdom, as she has been deploying her wealth to the service of humanity, especially in her domain.

All her actions in the past years point to the fact that she shares in her husband’s vision, which is to further change the face of the kingdom, while also bettering the lives of the indigenes.

In line with her wonted fellow-feeling and abiding commitment to giving back to the society that has given her fame, she recently played host to more than 900 school children around the kingdom and distributed 1,000 books to commemorate

Children’s Day, on May 27.

Beyond the gifts, other activities such as march pass, quiz and dance competitions were organised, with winners going home with prizes.

Hon. Maroof Akinremi, Chairman, Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State, presented the first prize trophy to Prophet Muhammed School, which won in marching.

Sunday Odewale from St Barnabas Anglican Primary school won the first prize in the dance competition.

Among those who attended the event were the Woman Leader of Apomu market Christian Akinlabu; Otun Iyalode of Apomu and youth corps members, among others.

Afolabi

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

5.6.2022

FOR THE LIMCAF 18, DAK’ART WAS ONE TURNING-POINT EXPERIENCE… Exposure to an international art encounter like the Dakar Art Biennale or Dak’Art, had a galvanic impact on young Nigerian artists, who were sponsored by El Anatsui under the auspices of Life in My City Art Festival, writes Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

S

ometimes, it’s hard to allay this lurking sense of unease. And that is stoked by the mind-whirling aesthetic canons upheld by platforms such as the Dakar Art Biennale, tagged Dak’Art, which seem designed to signpost the future of art practice. With the collusion of the critics, who are not less mired by the allure of the zeitgeist, impressionable younger generations of artists are often corralled into desired thought patterns. How then, under such circumstances, ZRXOG D ÀUVW WLPH SDUWLFLSDQW DW WKH HYHQW ZKLFK is in its 14th edition, be able to resist the urge to do some soul-searching afterwards and go back to the drawing board?

That said, it would be uncharitable to downplay the fact that exposure to the biennale would remain a needful turning-point experience for the 18 Nigerian artists sent by the Life in My City $UW )HVWLYDO ZKLFK LV PRUH RIWHQ UHIHUUHG WR E\ its acronym LIMCAF. Speaking of the artists, ZKR KDYH VLQFH UHWXUQHG WR 1LJHULD RQ 6DWXUday, May 28, they were in Dakar as the recent past winners of the annual LIMCAF, courtesy of the world-renowned Ghanaian-born artist El Anatsui. Anatsui, now an emeritus professor of WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 1LJHULD 1VXNND·V )LQH DQG AppliedArts Department, had similarly sponsored LIMCAF’s 2017 top four winners for the 2018 edition of the biennale. He would later extend the gesture to the top six winners of the 2018 and 2019 editions, hoping that they would attend the next Dak’Art, which was to be held in 2020.

But then, since COVID-19 happened and both LIMCAF and Dak’Art could not be held in 2020, the inclusion of the 2021 winners swelled the QXPEHU RI WKH EHQHÀFLDULHV WR Thus, with the best of intentions for the artists, AnatsuihopedtheDak’Artexposurewouldlaunch WKHLU FDUHHUV WR WKH QH[W OHYHO ,QGHHG SDUWLFLSDtion in such international art encounters not only HOHYDWHG WKHP EH\RQG WKHLU ´ORFDO FKDPSLRQVµ mindset but also helped open up opportunities for further cross-fertilisation of ideas with other DUWLVWV IURP GLYHUVH FXOWXUDO EDFNJURXQGV 7KH /,0&$) DFFRPSDQLHG E\ WZR R΀FLDOV³ the LIMCAF artistic director, Dr Ayo Adewunmi and a LIMCAF LOC member, Dr Ngozi Agujobi 2GRK³ KDG DUULYHG LQ WKH 6HQHJDOHVH FDSLWDO MXVW LQ WLPH IRU WKH ELHQQDOH·V R΀FLDO RSHQLQJ DQG awards ceremony at Dakar’s Grand National Theatre Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose on Thursday, May 19. Their subsequent programme was, according to Dr Adewunmi, structured in such D ZD\ DV WR KHOS WKH DUWLVWV GHULYH WKH PD[LPXP SRVVLEOH EHQHÀW IURP WKHLU ELHQQDOH H[SHULHQFH Shortly after the opening ceremony, during which the Senegalese president, Macky Sall, H[WROOHG WKH HFRQRPLF YDOXH DQG JURZWK SRtentials of art, the young Nigerian artists were shepherded to the old Palais de Justice, where the R΀FLDO RSHQLQJ RI WKH 'DN·$UW PDLQ H[KLELWLRQ ZRXOG EH KHOG ODWHU WKDW GD\ LQ WKH HYHQLQJ ´>7KH@ LIMCAF team spent quality time going through the exhibition and interacting with artists and art HQWKXVLDVWV ZKR FDPH IURP DURXQG WKH ZRUOG µ $GHZXQPL QDUUDWHG ´7KHUH ZHUH D IHZ DUWZRUNV that attracted a lot of attention. One of such works is the Tea Cup installation by Ngozi Omeje who ZRQ WKH 2YHUDOO /,0&$) 3UL]H LQ µ Omeje, as one of the Nigerian artists represented DW WKH HYHQW DSSDUHQWO\ FDXVHG TXLWH D VWLU ZLWK

Viewers at the opening ceremony of the PACA-LIMCAF exhibition

Director of the Museum of Modern Art, MOMA, Smooth Ugochukwu Nzewi, right, at the PACALIMCAF exhibition

Ngozi Omeje's Tea Cup Installation

this installation work. Emmanuel Dare, one of the 18 LIMCAF artists, said he was so enthralled E\ LW WKDW KH EHOLHYHG LW ZRXOG ZLQ WKH ELHQQDOH·V main prize, known as the Le Grand Prix Leopold Sedar Senghor Prize, which was awarded to the Ethiopian artist Tegene Kunbi.

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RͿ H[KLELWLRQ LQ FROODERUDWLRQ ZLWK WKH 3DQ $IULFDQ Circle of Artists (PACA) at the Daniel Sorano Theatre should be listed among the experiential high points of their programme. The works for the exhibition, according to Dr Adewunmi, were LQVWDOOHG RQ )ULGD\ 0D\ ´7KH H[KLELWLRQ ZDV PACA’s sixth show at the Dakar Art Biennale," he explained. "PACA was gracious enough to accommodate the LIMCA 18 in the exhibition DW WKH 'DQLHO 6RUDQR 1DWLRQDO 7KHDWUH µ Credit goes to the renowned Senegalese artist, Mor Faye, who is also the president of his country’s chapter of PACA, for not only curating the exhibition but also for hosting both the PACA and LIMCAF teams. Thanks to his solicitude, the VWD\ LQ 'DNDU ZDV PDGH ERWK ´HQMR\DEOH DQG VHDPOHVVµ IRU WKH 1LJHULDQ YLVLWRUV :KHQ WKH H[KLELWLRQ R΀FLDOO\ RSHQHG RQ 6DWXUday, May 21, it drew a large throng of enthusiasts from not only Senegal and Nigeria, but also from Denmark, Hungary, Morocco, Mauritania, the Netherlands, Gambia, SouthAfrica, Guinea Bissau, DQG 6ORYHQLD ,Q DOO LW IHDWXUHG WKH ZRUNV RI

PACAartists and 18 LIMCAF artists, which for an ´2Ϳµ H[KLELWLRQ ZDV RQH RI WKH KLJKHVW LQ WHUPV RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ ÀJXUHV LQ 'DN·$UW :LWK VXFK distinguished guests as Mor Faye, Senegalese DUWLVW =XOX 0ED\H 6HQHJDOHVH ÀOPPDNHU 0RXVVD Sene Absa and Nigerian PACAchapter president Kent Onah in attendance, it was declared open by the Daniel Sorano National Theatre’s director Abdoulaye Koundoul.

Of course, there was also the attendance at the opening ceremony of one of the Dak’Art "In" exhibitions, Le Marché International des Arts de Dakar, at the imposing Monument de Renaissance site, which had a steep learning FXUYH IRU WKH DUWLVWV $QG WKLV ZRXOG EH EHFDXVH WKH \RXQJ DUWLVWV ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ LQVSLUHG WKDW the work of a Nigerian artist, Ibe Ananaba, was among those featured at that exhibition. A tour of the iconic site was an icing to the exhibition H[SHULHQFH IRU WKH YLVLWRUV Among other highlights of the programme ZHUH YLVLWV WR WKH 0XVpH GHV &LYLOLVDWLRQV 1RLUHV on Monday, May 23 to see an exhibition of some of Picasso’s works and a tour of the National Gallery, where the Senegalese artist Soly Cissé’s solo exhibition was held, the next day. There ZDV DOVR D YLVLW WR WKH $UWLVWV· 9LOODJH LQ 'DNDU·V <RͿ QHLJKERXUKRRG SDUWLFLSDWLRQ LQ D 3$&$ conference in collaboration with a newly-opened gallery and art centre, Les Arts du Soleil, in <RͿ DQG DWWHQGDQFH DW D MRLQW H[KLELWLRQ IHDWXUing the works of Mor Faye and Zulu Mbaye on :HGQHVGD\ 0D\ 7KHQ WKHUH ZHUH D PHHWLQJ and interaction with the Nigerian-born curator of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, Smooth Ugochukwu Nzewi, on Friday, May 27. This was after the latter had seen the PACA/ LIMCAF exhibition.

6LJKWVHHLQJ WRXUV ZKLFK LQFOXGHG D YLVLW WR WKH ÀVK PDUNHW EHDFK DW <RͿ 7RQJR DQG D WDVWH RI the Senegalese rice dish, thieboudienne, courtesy RI 0RU )D\H·V ZLIH ZHUH WKH LQHYLWDEOH LFLQJ RQ WKLV YLVLW

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

62

SUNDAY JUNE 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

63

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5, 2022

CICERO

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Make or Mar Battle for APC’s Presidential Ticket

After weeks of horse-trading, the Special National Convention of the All Progressives Congress takes off tomorrow amid intense political permutations that will determine the future of the ruling party and the country, Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

A

t last, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set for its Special National Convention, which begins tomorrow. Like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did fortnight ago, the ruling party’s delegates, three from each of the 774 local government areas nationwide, will converge on Abuja to elect their flag bearer for the 2023 presidential election.

At least 28 aspirants had obtained the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms as a condition to participate in the primary. Of this figure, however, five withdrew from the contest for diverse reasons, leaving only 23 aspirants, who had gone through the screening, to face the delegates.

Already, the leaders of the legacy parties that established APC in February 2013 have been jostling for the party’s nomination.They include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; a national leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu; former Minister of Science andTechnology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; former Minister ofTransportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; immediate past governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Senior Pastor, Citadel Global Community Church, Dr.Tunde Bakare; Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi; former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Badaru, among others.

Amid these highly convoluted interests, different blocs in the hierarchy of the APC have been projecting their choice candidates. As shown in politicking recently, nearly all the blocs have also been lobbying President Muhammadu Buhari apparently to secure his buy-in for their candidate, one factor, they believe, will swing the pendulum of the nomination to their sides if guaranteed.

The first bloc comprises northern conservatives, who were rooting for former President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election this time on the platform of the APC. As analysts have argued, this option gained traction because Jonathan, a first-term president, would only complete his second term and return the presidency to the North. Unfortunately, the plan to draft Jonathan into the race failed.

However, another bloc within the APC came up with the option of Lawan.The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has been champion-

ing the realisation of Lawan’s aspiration. He even dropped his presidential aspiration for him on the premise that in the interest of justice and equity, the next president should come either from the South-east or the North-east, two geo-political zones that have not produced a president before.

The push for Lawan’s aspiration spread like wildfire after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged the flag bearer of the PDP. With Atiku on the ballot, pro-Lawan campaigners argued, the APC may not win the 2023 presidential race if it nominates one of its southern aspirants as the flag bearer.

This option obviously breaches the gentleman’s agreement by the legacy parties that the presidency should return to the South in 2023. Due to the popular clamour for the presidency to shift to the South, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) had rejected Atiku’s candidature, which it believed, was a ploy by the North to retain the presidency beyond 2023.

As shown in the country’s electoral records since 1979, southern candidates have defeated northern candidates in the previous presidential contests.

In 1993, for instance, the flag bearer of the Social Democratic Party, Chief M.K.O. Abiola defeated his frontline rival from the defunct National Republican Convention, Alhaji Bashir Tofa.

In 2011, also, Jonathan as the PDP candidate

defeated Buhari, who contested the race on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, the second biggest legacy party that formed APC. As Lawan’s aspiration remains a factor that may cause upset in the quest for the southern presidency, a bloc within the presidency has been pushing for Osinbajo.This bloc has leveraged its campaign on the need for continuity, which according to its proponents, is central to completing and preserving the achievements of Buhari.

Likewise, the proponents of continuity have been exuding an unduly high degree of confidence that Osinbajo has already garnered Buhari’s nod.

But with time, this claim will be proven, especially now that Buhari has been pushing a doctrine of reciprocity as a mark of recognition from the state governors to allow him anoint his successor since he never worked against their clinching return tickets or installing successors in their states.

The last comprises all the state governors. Across all political divides, the governors agreed to an understanding to install one of their own as the next president. As a strategy, as some observed, they are seeking control of the presidency to enable them address gnawing issues affecting their states.

The APC governors are now deeply polarised, rooting for presidential hopefuls of their choice. A group of progressive governors has been standing with

Tinubu, who as they have argued at different times, has been an asset to the APC from its formation to date. Other governors have thrown their weight behind Fayemi, Amaechi and other aspirants.

With less than 48 hours to the decision time, none of these blocs is confident of pulling through its plan to secure Buhari’s approval for its presidential hopeful.This became clearer just after the president addressed the progressive governors before he departed the country for Spain last Tuesday on an official visit.

In line with the tradition established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which the governors of different political parties and political godfathers adopted in the states, Buhari introduced the doctrine of reciprocity in the APC presidential primary. He premised the doctrine on what he described as the party’s established internal policies that promote continuity and smooth succession plans.

The president first justified his doctrine on the ground that he had encouraged first-term governors who served credibly to stand for re-election.

He also explained how he had allowed secondterm governors to promote their own successors without interference from the presidency. Buhari demanded the reciprocity of the governors and stakeholders to pick his own successor, who according to him, would fly the flag of the APC for election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.

Already, Buhari’s open demand has raised concerns not just in the rank of the APC, but also in the public space.

While some presidential hopefuls have intensified their lobby to be anointed, a few who have no hope of being chosen have alleged that the process of nominating the flag bearer of the APC has been compromised before the contest.

Of course, the president’s responsibilities under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 does not include anointing a successor. In his argument, former President of Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Joseph Daudu likened Buhari’s request for reciprocity to a coup d’etat, which flagrantly violated Section 1(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution in all ramifications.

If APC’s presidential primary turns out to be flawed eventually, the ruling party will unequivocally face an uncertain future.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

With a Chairman Like Ayu...

Ayu

Talkaboutthenationalchairmanofapoliticalparty without tact, requisite neutrality and the maturity to managecomplicatedsituationsasmuchasimpossible political tendencies, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, comes to mind with a medal to his name. His role in the eventual outcome of the PDP presidential convention, has not only exposed him, but what he’s capable of. And that, for the PDP, is something to file away.

Three days to the convention was when the real Ayu started unraveling. He changed dramatically, away from the facade he had hitherto presented as a leader for all. He was said to have personally led the charge against the Rivers State Governor, NyesomWike,insistinghemustbedroppedatallcost.

Not just that, it was the same Ayu, who led the pressure on the Sokoto State Governor, AminuTam-

buwal, to step down for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the eventual winner of the PDP ticket.This was because as a four-horse race, it was clear Wike would win. Even if Tambuwal had withdrawn from the race and Atiku did not, Wike was still on the cusp of victory.

But when you look at the composition of the convention committee, it was deliberately slanted to favour Atiku. Look at some of the members: Ben Obi, Adamu Waziri, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Jerry Gana and Saka Balogun among others. Besides, Ayu was also meant to be at the convention with his resignation letter, just in case.

However, for Tambuwal, who was supposed to have resigned before the convention, his

announcement, which didn’t come the first time, evidently swung the votes in favour Atiku, because Ayu, had allegedly sold the idea that the party would collapse with the emergence ofWike.

Ayu’s plans eventually worked out, the reasons he could not hide his excitement the next day, when he visited Tambuwal and described him as “the hero of the convention”.

That statement, of course, gave Ayu away and exposed his chicanery, while keeping the supposed face of a father for all. His biases are sheer bigotry and his insincerity is unbefitting of the office he occupies. For a man, who fell short of basic decency and flaunted same without caution, nothing more could be indicative of who he truly is: Ambidextrous!

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5, 2022

64

BRIEFINGNOTES

Will Adamu Survive Banana Peels in APC?

Barely two months after the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress was elected into office, some of the NWC members have raised questions over his leadership style, Ejiofor Alike reports

F

ollowing his sustained loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari as manifested in his pro-Buhari sentiments and fierce criticisms of Dr. Bukola Saraki-led leadership of the eighth Senate, a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu was anointed by the president as his preferred choice for the position of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Afterheemergedastheconsensuscandidateofthe party, Adamu was affirmed as the National Chairman of the party at its March 26, 2022 National Convention in Abuja.

But barely two months after Adamu and other members of the party’s NationalWorking Committee (NWC) were elected, cracks are beginning to appear among the party’s NWC. The first sign of thecracksappearedwhentheparty’sNationalVice Chairman, North-west, Dr. Salihu Lukman, accused himofrunningaone-manshow,thesameaccusation thatsweptaformerNationalChairmanoftheparty, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole out of office.

InaletterdatedMay27,2022,titled:‘Rebuilding APC: Need for new Initiatives,’the former DirectorGeneraloftheProgressiveGovernors’Forum(PGF) allegedthatthenewNWCunderAdamuwasgradually toeing the old path of the leadership style of OshiomholeandtheformerChairmanoftheparty’s NationalCaretakercommittee,Hon.MaiMalaBuni wheredecisionswereleftunimplementedandNWC members not carried along.

“Under your leadership, the current NWC is gradually snowballing into similar circumstances whereby decisions taken are allowed to lay bare and,insomeinstances,changedwithoutnecessarily taking needed steps to carry members along,” he wrote.

Lukman also frowned at what he described as the old approach of dropping President Buhari’s name as the sole determinant of crucial activities in the party. He argued that the approach was not onlyunfairtothepresidentbutanattempttousehis name to give excuses for failure. He acknowledged thatunderAdamu’sleadership,themeetingsofthe NWC are now held almost every week.

“It is to your credit that you accept the positions of members even when you disagree. This is a remarkable departure from what was obtained in the past where the National Chairman conduct meetings of party organs as Chief Executive and to that extent, therefore, exercises prerogatives and overrules members.The big challenge is ensuring thatdecisionstakenarefaithfullyandimplemented,” Lukman wrote.

According to him, the inability of the party under OshiomholeandBunitoimplementdecisionstaken waspartlyresponsiblefortheleadershipcrisisthat confronted the party. He advised Adamu to avoid taking unilateral decisions.

Lukman is not new to controversies. As the

Adamu then Director General of PGF, he was a thorn inOshiomhole’sflesh.Lukmanwhoisbelievedto be an ally of Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State,wassaidtohavebeenbroughttothePGF by the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

BeforeOshiomholewassacked,Lukmanhad accusedtheformerEdoStategovernorofmany infractions in the running of the affairs of the party.HealsodidnotspareBuniashealsowrote similarletterstohim,accusinghimofelongating his tenure, among other things.

However, he was not alone in his accusation againstAdamu.Barelyoneweekafterhewrote theaccusationlettertoAdamu,Lukmanandhis counterpart from the South-west, Mr. Isaacs Kekemeke accused the APC national chairman of rendering the NWC redundant. Kekemeke is aknownallyofOndoStateGovernor,Mr.Rotimi Akeredolu.

Lukman and Kekemeke also threatened that any further unilateral decision taken by Adamu or any other party functionary, which required theapprovaloftheNWC,asenshrinedintheAPC constitution,wouldbeconsideredasillegitimate andaninfringementonthejurisdictionalscopeof theNWC,unlessotherwiseconfirmedasvalidly approved decisions of the NWC or any other legitimate organ of the party.

Theduoarguedthatnoonewaselectedatthe March 26, 2022 national convention to warm seats or offices at the national secretariat.

In a statement titled, “APC and the Need for Vigilance: Urgent Call for Intervention”, and jointly signed by Lukman, and Kekemeke, the NWCmemberslamentedthatwithintwomonths in the life of the Adamu-led leadership, critical decisions about the affairs of the party were being taken unilaterally by the chairman.

They expressed worry that all efforts to get the national chairman to respect the authority of the NWC had proved unsuccessful, adding that they are compelled to issue the statement following postponement of the scheduled NWC meetings twice within 48 hours.The party chieftains noted thattheywereconvincedthatthereschedulingwas a deliberate attempt to foist a fait accompli on the NWC on fundamental issues that affect the party.

They alleged that the NWC, organ of the party vestedwiththepowerofmanagingtheday-to-day affairs, including implementing decisions of the National Executive Committee (NEC), as provided in Article 13.4 of the APC Constitution, has been rendered redundant.

“Thenationalchairmantakesdecisionsunilaterally. When it suits him, he invokes the name of our leader,PresidentMuhammaduBuhari,toblackmail NWC members into accepting his decisions.

“Every effort to get the chairman to respect the authority of the NWC, as elected by the March 26, 2022 APC National Convention, is proving very difficult,ifnotimpossible.NotethatNEC’sdonation of its powers was to NWC and not to the national chairman or any individual.

“Thenationalchairmanmustbeproperlyreminded to recognise that the business of managing the day-to-day affairs of the party is the responsibility of the NWC, as provided in provisions of the APC constitution,” Lukman and Kekemeke argued.

The key players in this unfolding crisis can’t be saidtobeinsharplydifferentcamps.WhileLukman is known to be el-Rufai’s loyalist, Kekemeke is a known confidant of Akeredolu. But none of these governors is suspected to be behind the position ofthetwoNWCmembers.El-Rufai,justlikeAdamu is a loyalist of President Buhari. Akeredolu is also close to Buhari.

Adamu, a product of consensus, is known to be an apostle of consensus presidential candidate just as Akeredolu had on Tuesday, thrown his weight behind the clamour for consensus candidate. The Ondo State governor however insisted that the candidate should come from the South-west. So, it is not clear why the two NWC members moved against Adamu.

But since Lukman and Kekemekearestillminority members of APC’s NWC, their opposition to Adamu’s leadership style is still of no significant effect.ThoughAdamuwassaidtohaveapologisedto theaggrievedpartyofficials,andpromisedtocarry every NWC member along in the decision-making of the party henceforth, the peace may be shortlived,giventheparty’spreviousexperience,andthe current bitter contest for the party’s presidential candidate.

But can Adamu survive the banana peel if more members of the NWC are recruited into a plot against him?

Events of the next few weeks will determine the direction of the party and the fate of its national chairman.

NOTES FOR FILE

Ikpeazu’s Reckless Claim on Release of Methodist Church Prelate

Ikpeazu

AbiaStateGovernor,Dr.OkezieIkpeazu,lastTuesday confirmedtoNigeriansthathefailedasagovernorto protect his people when he claimed that the release of Prelate of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Kanu-Uche, by Fulani herdsmen within24hoursofhisabductionwaspartlyduetothe “well-coordinated response from security agencies in Abia State”.

Ikpeazu, in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememenka, also gave the impression that no ransom was paid before the clerics were freed on Monday.

The governor’s claim was outright lies from the pit of hell. Both the Prelate of the Methodist Church and the Nigerian Army had punctured his claim.

First, the Prelate revealed that the church paid a

ransom of N100 million to secure freedom for him and two other priests following their abduction on Sunday afternoon. The Prelate stated ourightly that neither the security agencies nor the government played any role in securing their release.

The Prelate further lamented the apparent indifferenceofthesecurityagenciestotheatrocities being committed by the Fulani herdsmen along the axis of evil within Umunneochi and Isuikwuato LGAs of Abia.

“But the irony of it is that where they (kidnappers) were situated, the soldiers all of Fulani extraction, Nigerian soldiers, they were there at Lokpa junction and these boys were going behind them,” he added.

He identified the gang that abducted him and his fellow clerics as “Fulani boys,” adding that their leader,whosaidhewasborninAmuzukwuUmuahia, is about 35 years while others were in their teens.

While denying the alleged complicity of soldiers in the abduction, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army,Brig.Gen.OnyemaNwachukwudisclosedthat no information was made available to the Nigerian Army on the abduction, contrary to Ikpeazu’s claim that security agencies responded swiftly.

Indeed some roads in Abia State have become worse than Abuja-Kaduna highway in terms of kidnapping by foreign bandits. Abia State governor’s claim was shameless and a confirmation that he failed as a governor to protect his people from the marauding killer-herdsmen.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5, 2022

CICERO/ISSUES

Anyim

Okowa

Emmanuel

Nnamani

Ihedioha

Obaseki

As Atiku Begins Search for Running Mate With the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, he has commenced search for a running mate with many party chieftains and political analysts clamouring that the South-east should be considered for the sake of equity and justice, Ejiofor Alike writes

W

ith the successful conduct of the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flagbearer for the 2023 presidential election, political horse-trading has begun among the southern politicians, especially from the South-south and Southeast geopolitical zones over who will be his running mate.

Atiku was elected penultimate Saturday at a special convention of the PDP, after beating the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, among others to emerge the party’s standard bearer.

While some South-south governors seem to have positioned themselves for the position, new political considerations however, seem to favour the South-east zone for the simple reason that the zone has not had the opportunity of occupying the number one plum position since 1999.

Currently, there are three governors from the South-south that are potential candidates for the position of Atiku’s running mate. They are: Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

Okowa is a calm politician, and an Ika from Owa-Alero, who was re-elected as the governor of Delta State on May 29, 2019.

A medical doctor by training, he has been Secretary to the Ika Local Government and then Chairman of the Ika North-East Local Government Council and has consistently remained in the PDP since 1998.

Okowa was also a former commissioner in Delta State at different times. He was elected PDP’s Delta North Senator in 2011 and clinched the governorship position in 2015. By May 2023, Okowa would have completed his two constitutionally guaranteed terms.

On his part, Emmanuel took office since May 29, 2015. Before becoming governor, he was appointed in 2013 as Secretary to the State Government of Akwa Ibom and in 2015, he was elected governor of the state, succeeding his benefactor, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

He was re-elected in 2019, after defeating 44 other candidates at the poll. Emmanuel, who bagged a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Lagos in 1988, was Executive Director in Zenith Bank Plc before working for the government.

Also being mentioned is Obaseki who is

currently the Governor of Edo State. He was in the financial sector as an executive board member of several private companies, including Afrinvest before former Governor Adams Oshiomhole in March 2009 tapped him on the shoulder to join him to run Edo State. He served as the Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team. He later succeeded Oshiomhole in 2016 and was re-elected for second term in 2020.

Whether for political expediency, balancing or giving a sense of belonging, Atiku and the leadership of PDP’s searchlight on the South-east geopolitical zone to shop for a running mate is not out of place. Indeed, many feel that it will be desirable to correct real or imaginary marginalisation of the zone.

It is just a convention and political arithmetic that the plum position of the President of Nigeria rotates between the North and the South. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (South-west) had it from 1999 to 2007 for the South. He handed over President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (North-west) in 2007 but by a twist of fate, Yar’Adua died midway and by the provision of the Nigerian constitution, the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan (South-south) assumed the mantle of leadership till 2015.

Due to the deep fracture in the hitherto behemoth, the PDP, the party lost the presidency to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 with President Muhammad Buhari (North-west) as president. Buhari will complete his eight-year tenure in 2023. Therefore, South-east is the only geo-political zone in the South that has not produced the president.

In the build-up to the primaries of the two major political parties, the clamour for a president of South-east extraction had resonated so well with many people and groups across the country. Chief Ayo Adebanjo of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Edwin Clark of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Dr. Pogu Bitrus of Middle Belt Forum (MBF), had argued eloquently and persuasively that it was the turn of the South-east zone to produce Nigerian president in 2023.

The leaders of the socio-cultural groups argued that on the basis of equity, justice and fairness, the political parties in the country should pick their presidential candidates from the zone as a way of giving the people of the zone a sense of belonging.

The socio-cultural organisations reasoned that if the political class and the retired military Generals could concede the presidency to the South-west zone in 1999, the same approach could be adopted and micro-zone

the presidency to the South-east zone in 2023.

Afenifere leader, Chief Adebanjo, was emphatic that the group was in support of the South-east producing the next president.

In the same vein, the elder statesman and PANDEF leader, Chief Clark, said: “We stand for power shift to Southern Nigeria. Igbo people deserve the presidency of Nigeria.”

For Bitrus of the MBC, “It is the turn of the South-east to produce the president. Nigeria cannot be a stable and prosperous country if some of its constituent parts behave as if they were the natural masters of everyone and that everyone else exists at their pleasure and to serve them.”

Other groups and notable individuals have made similar appeals to the two major political parties in the country - the APC and the PDP - to zone the presidency to the South-east.

Many feel that since it is becoming obvious that the zone may not get the presidential, the vice presidential tickets should not elude them for equity and justice. This is why they are calling on Atiku and PDP to look in the direction of the South-east where the names of former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, and short-lived Imo State Governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and former Governor of Enugu State and current Senator representing Enugu East, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani are being touted as potential favourite for the plum job.

Anyim and Ihedioha have cognate experiences in the legislature. They were both presiding officers in the National Assembly.

While Anyim was Senate President 2000 to 2003, Ihedioha was Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015. On the other hand, Nnamani was a two-term governor of Enugu State and third-term senator.

A respectable blend between the old and the new generations of politicians, Anyim attended Imo State University, where he studied law and graduated in 1987. And since joining politics in 1998, he has progressed enviably as one of the leading lights from the South-east geopolitical zone.

With a good grasp of the nation’s complexities and her fault lines, Anyim has proven to also know what the issues are with profound solutions often suggested on the way forward.

Thus, as a force from the Igbo-speaking nation, he qualifies as a worthy complement to the PDP presidential ticket.

Ihedioha is a former Deputy Speaker of

the House of Representatives from where he contested the governorship election and lost to Rochas Okorocha in 2015. When he tried again in 2019 and succeeded, it was snatched from him controversially by the Supreme Court on January 20, 2020 and given to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Another name that has continued to come up prominently is that of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani. The former Enugu State governor has twin advantages over the rest of the potential candidates. Nnamani has both executive and legislative experiences. He was a forefront Governor of Enugu State for eight years and a ranking senator.

Many believe that if merit, competence and capacity are the yardstick, Atiku should settle for Nnamani and search no more.

They believe that Nnamani unarguably possesses the requisite knowledge, ability and statesmanship to be Nigeria’s Vice President.

As a great mobiliser, he has demonstrated this through his Ebeano political family since 1999 that leadership is not complex if right steps are taken and putting the interest of the people first.

His Ebeano political family has become a dynasty in Enugu State and has continued to produce successive governors. It has also produced Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Senators, Deputy Senate President, in the person of Ike Ekweremadu, senators, ministers, House of Representatives members, ambassadors, INEC national commissioners, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, state House of Assembly members, local government chairmen and councilors in Enugu State. His Ebeano network is synonymous with grassroots politics in Enugu State. Many analysts believe that such a man is an ideas man and an asset to the PDP going forward.

An American-trained specialist in obstetrician and gynecologist with sub speciality in foetal and maternal medicine (medicine of the unborn babies) of international repute, Nnamani is also a professor of medicine. He currently teaches and supervises medical students at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) pro bono.

As governor of Enugu State, Nnamani demonstrated capacity and provided responsible leadership. It is to his credit that he built and moved the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to its permanent site, built the ESUT Teaching Hospital at the old site of Parklane Hospital, Enugu, three district hospitals in Udi, Enugu Ezike and Agbani, as well as 24 cottage hospitals. He also built the Enugu Campus of the Nigerian Law School.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5, 2022

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CICERO/REPORT

How EU, Partners Drive Youth Participation in Electoral Processes UgoAliogoexaminestheeffortstheEuropeanUnionismakingtoensurethatNigeriaimprovesandstrengthens her democracy, especially in the conduct of a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful elections since 1999

W

hen John Lewis, the late civil rights activist and member of the United States House of Representatives for Georgia said: “The vote is precious.

It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it,” he must have been thinking of how to convince the citizens of the world, especially young people spread across on the potency of their votes, and the need for them to exercise it in order to demand and shape the future they expect to see.

Since Nigeria joined ranks with the committee of democratic nations in 1999, policy wonks, public affairs analysts, and experts have unanimously agreed that the ballot box has proven to be more powerful than coercion, violence or the even bullet, especially for Nigeria that has exited a military era.

However, after six presidential elections, the country’s nascent democratic electoral process continues to grapple with diverse challenges, including but not limited to inter and intra political parties conflicts, electoral reform divides, marginalisation of vulnerable groups, fiscal accountability and transparency, ideological differences, inadequate civil engagements, etc. Chief among these challenges is the lack of engagement and full participation by the citizens, especially the youth with the electoral process.

According to data from the INEC, turnout for general election has not crossed the 50 per cent threshold since 2015. Furthermore, while 51.11 per cent of registered voters are young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years, youth turnout for the 2019 election was fixed at 46 per cent.

The apex electoral umpire further noted that the decline in youth participation can be attributed to a number of reasons, including distrust in the electoral process, inaccuracies in the voter register, poor voter mobilisation, threats of violence, bad governance, militarisation of election, amongst other factors. There is therefore a lot of work that needs to be done to reverse this trend and break the cycle of voter apathy.

As the popular saying goes - “a tree cannot make a forest.” Hence, to ensure that Nigeria improves and strengthens its democracy, especially and more specifically in the conduct of a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful elections, the European Union (EU) has been supporting the country since 1999 to achieve these, and more. Whilst the European Union has launched successive democratic governance programmes since the return to Democratic rule in 1999, its current flagship programme launched in 2017.

Through the European Union Funded Programme “Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria” (EU SDGN), the EU has consistently contributed to the reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through the building of strong, effective and legitimate democratic institutions.

It did this, first through the EU SDGN Phase 1, which was launched and began implementation in 2017 and ended in early 2022. The EU SDGN 1 had five component areas namely - Support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was implemented by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES); Support for the National Assembly, which was implemented by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA); and Support for Political Parties, which was implemented by the Political Party Leadership and Policy Development Centre of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Furthermore, it supported the Media in the electoral process, an intervention implemented by the Institute for Media and Society and the International Press Centre. Finally, it supported civil society organisations in improving the quality of the electoral process, working with a range of organisations including the Albino Foundation, the BBC Media Action, CLEEN Foundation, and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

To continue the achievements and build on the successes of the first phase of the EU SDGN, the

L-R: Chief Technical Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Bolade Ayinla; Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law, at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs. Laolu Olawumi; EU Political Advisor, Paulo Barroso Simoes; INEC Chairman, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu; European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Samuela Isopi; and Political Adviser of the EU in Nigeria, Osaro Odemwingie, when the EU delegation paid a visit to INEC in Abuja...recently EU launched the EU SDGN 2 this year to span the next five years.

All these, according to the EU, came with corresponding funding. However, according to the EU, since it began supporting the country in shaping and bolstering its democratic frameworks, over 130 million Euros have been spent from 1999 till date.

The European Union (EU) believes that the youth are a critically important demographic group in the political and governance process of the country.

Hence, it is important to get them involved.

Speaking on the EU’s plans to increase young people’s participation in the electoral process of the country, especially in terms of voting in elections, the Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS’s Programme Manager for Democracy and Rule of Law, Ms Laolu Olawumi, said: “We see that there is that huge disconnect between young people and the political process. We also think that it is not because of a total lack of interest, but because of some degree of distrust in the process. For us at the European Union, youth is at the core of our partnership with Nigeria, and we aim to continue to engage, connect and empower young people in order to increase their contribuition to the development of the country.’

“When you look at what the statistics tell us in terms of the population of young people and how that relates to the participation in the political process in general, youth turnout on election day has been quite low compared to the number of registered voters. If you also then see the trajectory with the ongoing voter registration, you find out that young people between the ages of 18 and 34 constitute more than seventy per cent of newly registered voters. You see people turnup to register, but that does not necessarily translate into political participation and into effective engagement with the political process, so the apathy is there.”

The Youth Vote Count 2.0 campaign is more than a mega music concert, but a non-partisan civic campaign that is designed to bridge the gap in youth participation in electoral processes.

The event will be leveraging the pop culture prevalent among young Nigerians, to raise awareness on the importance of them actively participating in the electoral process, while providing a platform for them to engage the electoral umpire - Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The campaign concert, which is being organised by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN), in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders like Yiaga Africa, DAI, is scheduled to hold by 9 am on June 11,

2022, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

Selected Nigerian celebrities - musicians, comedians, OAPs, social media influencers etc., - will grace the stage with their craft, while lending their voices to encourage the youth to get registered, collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), and ensure they come out en masse to vote for the candidates of their choice during the elections, while assuring them that their votes will count.

The musicians expected to perform include: Kizz Daniel, M.I, Teni, Falz, Omawumi, Mayorkun, Waje, Joe Boy, 2Baba, Patoranking, Skiibii, Ashake, Small Doctor, Pasuma and Bella shmurda.

Other celebrities and influencers include: Ufuoma McDermott, Chioma Akpotha, Uti Nwachukwu, Uche Jombo, Lasisi Elenu, Kie Kie, Mr. Macaroni, Real Warri Pikin, Omoni Oboli, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, and Broda Shaggi.

A unique feature of the campaign will be that while only a PVC or temporary voters slip will be the entry pass into the venue of the event, those who don’t have their PVC or temporary voters slip will have the opportunity to register at the TBS between June 6th to 11th.

Olawumi said “The idea of Youth Vote Count Campaign was birthed by the EU Delegation in 2018 in the run-up to the 2019 General election to address an important question - how do we increase the participation of young people in democratic process? Leveraging youth pop culture was an obvious answer to this, and so in collaboration with the EU SDGN implementing partners, we began to explore ways to connect youth pop culture, technology and media, with the various centres of power. For us, with the huge entertainment industry that we have, the question became - how do we bring this influence to bear on young people and structure the narrative around political engagement? We have seen some results and feel this is something we can continue to push for. For this reason, the Youth Vote Count is here to stay.

“Another unique attribute of the Youth Vote Count is the bridge it builds between young people and the government. Working with, and for the youth to engage with young people, to create spaces for their voices to be listened to and for their perspectives and ideas to be taking into consideration.”

Olawumi explained that under the first round of the Youth Vote Count Campaign, which was termed as Youth Vote Count 1.0, the entire campaign centered on engagement with university students on campuses across the six geopolitical zones.

The plan of the EU and partners is therefore to build on the successes and lessons learnt from the Youth Vote Count 1.0.

“So what we did was to go to these campuses, and organise town hall-style meetings where we got civically conscious entertainers and influencers to come and speak to students. The INEC Chair and the entire leadership of the Commission were also gracious enough to collaborate with us on this.

This sort of engagement with the Chair of INEC is something that is unique to this campaign. INEC officials were also on ground to register people.’

“At the end of that process, we had about 25,000 newly registered voters. Unfortunately, we did not track to see whether they all voted on election day, but I think that it was a positive first step to increase young people’s participation in the political process. There is indeed a huge potential.

This was just six universities with limited people.

Now imagine going to a place where those who are not in formal education can also participate in the process.”

Concerning what to expect with the launch of the second phase of the EU SDGN and how sustainable it will be, the EU Programme Manager said: “With EU SDGN 2, we are learning very important lessons, and we are taking those lessons and building on the successes we were able to achieve under EU SDGN one. EU SDGN 1 worked across different components and thematic areas in synergy, to drive a common objective.

With EU SDGN 2, I think people should expect more of that; targeted advocacy, engagements on key national issues, effective collaboration, and constructive disruptions that will drive change.

“What we are most proud of is that even though the name says EU SDGN, it is 100 per cent Nigerian-driven. You have brilliant minds drawn from different organisations coming together as Nigerians first, and as activists reformists - to contribute to the development of the country.

EU SDGN has demonstrated that the solution lies with Nigerians. We want to put our Nigerian implementing partners and stakeholders in the spotlight, and see that they are able to drive change.

We encourage others to join us in building a bigger and better Nigeria.

“Our partners are coming up with innovative strategies, especially those that have worked under EU SDGN 1. They are using these to create tightly-woven interventions to achieve our objective under EU SDGN 2, which is to consolidate democracy in Nigeria.’

“With the way the programme is structured, the element of sustainability has remained quite strongly. Even if the EU decides to pull back, those structures will continue to exist and will be reinforced based on all of the hard work our Nigerian partners have done.”

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R JUNE 5, 2022

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INTERNATIONAL Democracy, Terrorism, and Foreign Policy: Implications of Killing Nigeria Softly Disintegration

T

he nexus between and among democracy, terrorism and foreign policy is quite interesting: international connectivity. Democracy is an international value that is being forced on all countries of the world. It is a major constituent of the United States’ foreign policy. It is generally considered as the best form of government in contemporary international relations.

In fact, democracy been made a conditionality by the developed world for economic cooperation and development assistance.

On 20 June 1990 French President, François Mitterrand, apparently taking into account the dismantlement of the Soviet Union following perestroika and glasnost (restructuring and openness) told all Francophone African leaders that France would only give development assistance to countries that accept multiparty democracy.This, expectedly,wastoputanendtotheone-partysystemthatwasinvogue in many French-speaking African countries. In the words of President Mitterrand,‘la France liera tout son effort de contribution aux efforts qui seront accomplis pour aller vers plus la liberté ; il y aura une aide normale de la France à l’égard des pays africains, mais il est évident que cette aide sera plus tiède envers ceux qui se comporteraient de façon autoritaire, et plus enthousiate enver ceux qui franchiront, avec courage, ce pas vers la démocratisation…Il ne faut pas voir la liberté comme un ennemi caché. Elle sera votre meilleure amie.’

Put differently, President Mitterrand said,‘France will link all its assistance effort that will be accomplished more towards liberty; there will be normal aid from France to African countries, but it is clear that this aid will be more lukewarm towards those who would behave in a dictatorial manner, and be more disposed towards those who will achieve with courage, this path towards democratisation… Liberty should not be seen as a hidden enemy. It will be your best friend.’This statement is considered one of the most, if not the most, important political statements pronounced by President Mitterrand in his 14 years as President of France. This is because of the implications in international economic relations.

In the same vein, terrorism is precisely a negation of democracy, antirule of law, anti-orderliness, and therefore unlawful. It is internationally prohibited by various international conventions. Political terrorism, like in the cases of liberalisation in Africa should not be confused with criminal terrorism like in the case of US 9/11. In both cases of democratisation and containment of terror, foreign policy is the instrument of management. In Nigeria, democracy, terrorism and foreign cum domestic policies are killing Nigeria softly most unfortunately.

Manifestations of the Nexus At the level of democracy in Nigeria, it is difficult to argue that there is democracy in the country. Even though many scholars have submitted that there is no perfect democracy. Democracy in Nigeria does not truly respond to any logic, good or bad. There is no democratic governanceinthesenseoffreeparticipationindecision-taking.Imagine, for instance, how the NationalWorking Committee of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, can be given almighty powers to decide the fate of political aspirants without any room for complaints or appeal.

Democracy preaches fairness, equity, accountability, transparency, and justice as elements of good governance. Most unfortunately, political governance in Nigeria does not obey the rules of fairness, equity and justice. One good illustration is the politics of electoral zoning. The gentleman agreement is that there will be presidential rotation between the North and the South.When there is a Northern president who governs for two terms of four years, it should be the turn of the South to also provide the president for the next eight years.This agreement is meant to respond to the challenges of ethno-religious diversity and character of the Nigerian society. It is also meant to ensure equity participation of every community in such a way that if one area in the north provides the president, it is expected that when it comes to the turn of the North after eight years, another area in the North should normally be given the opportunity to provide the presidential candidate.

Most unfortunately, however, President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) will have done eight years in power by May 2023. This implies that it should be the turn of the South to be given the opportunity to also provide the President in 2023.The 2022 party primaries that will enable the shift of power to the south are being manoeuvred.The gold post is being shifted under ludicrous excuses. In other words, political leaders are not in any way concerned about fairness or justice and even about sanctity of agreements.

There is the screening of the APC presidential standard bearers, numbering 23. The screening committee, chaired by Chief John

“

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Onyeama Oyegun, disqualified ten of them contrary to the provisions of Sections 42 and 137 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Article 42 provides for the right to freedom from discrimination, while Section 137 provides for disqualification of any presidential candidate who has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of another country or is found to be lunatic, undischarged bankrupt, is found to have been convicted, or to be a member of a secret cult, or has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission, etc.

Regardless of the reasons for the disqualification of the ten presidential candidates, it is fundamentally wrong to allow a candidate to pay as much as N100m for nomination form, allow such a candidate to travel to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria campaigning, only to disqualify him by fiat and by whatever criteria 72 hours to the time of the party convention.

Where is the justice and fairness in democratic governance in this case? The Screening Committee has reportedly considered the age and dual citizenship of candidates. Why is it that the criteria have not been made known before the screening interview and even before selling of forms to applicants? We strongly believe that there is the need to have made such criteria known to all contestants before purchase of the costly nomination form.The fundamental right of those disqualified, not on the basis of the reasons provided in the 1999 Constitution, has been illegally and undemocratically breached.

Additionally, political leaders talk about consensus. Consensus can be democratic. In Nigeria, it is synonymous with imposition.

Inabilitytocontestinthespiritofcompetitionisnecessarilydictatorial and therefore not democratic. And perhaps more disturbingly, six critical challenges of democracy in Nigeria has been identified by the nigerianfinder.com: corruption, which we all know, has become institutional; poor justice delivery which is also becoming increasingly monetised; high cost of governance, which raises

Refusing to listen to public calls for restructuring of Nigeria, refusing to address other public complaints on nepotism in political governance, keeping quiet about various allegations that there are Boko Haram agents in government, keeping quiet about allegations of the military aiding and abetting kidnapping and Boko Haram insurrection, refusal to allow space for true federalism, refusing to stop conscious planning for election rigging, pressurising an Independent National Electoral Commission to lose its independent integrity, and showing arrogant disregard for allegations of Islamisation and Fulanisation agenda cannot respond to the logic of silence being a best answer to a fool. Silence may not be an answer, not to suggest being the best answer to a fool. The truth is that the foregoing observations of ‘foolishness’ if we take them as such, are only killing Nigeria softly and in an irreversible manner. One leeway to quickly put a stop to the slide towards national disintegration is the political will to recognise and accept that Nigeria is on the fast lane of disintegration. By so doing, the most critical allegations of Fulani hegemony, Islamisation and government purportedly aiding insurrection in order to prolong PMB’s further stay in government or to enable the North to hang on to power, can only be addressed in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect

the suggestion that the country should return to a parliamentary system of government; poverty and illiteracy, for which Nigeria has been touted to be the new world capital; insecurity for which Nigeria is also recognised as a leader in Africa; and cross carpeting, though not illegal, but an expression of immoralism.

Theproblemofcrosscarpetingismostcritical.Thoughcrosscarpeting is considered to be lawful, the fundamental act of injustice is that voters aresubjectedtotheselfishnessofpoliticianswhoaregiventhemandate of an individual voter or that of a political party but taken to another political party without the consent of the initial voter. Most disturbingly in this case is the fraudulent monetisation of party conventions where delegates are purchased like commodities to vote. It is the politics of highest bidder or offer, meaning that vote is not a function of interest in a candidate, not a function of competence of a candidate. And yet this display of money laundering is called democracy.

Regardingterrorism,Nigeriaundoubtedlyhasbecomeaterracognita ffor worst forms of violent crimes: armed banditry coupled with reckless IIslamic-motivated killings of alleged unbelievers in the northern part of N Nigeria; boko haramist insurrection aimed at Islamising and disintegratiing Nigeria; herdsmen and farmers’conflict in which the herdsmen, mostly Fulani, are reportedly engaged in rape of women, killings of m ffarmland owners, and allegations of their cattle also destroying farm p products; the insurrection of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ffor a separate and independent State of Biafra in the Southeast, and tthe agitation of the Southwest for restructuring of the polity, failure of whichtheYorubasouthwestarealsolookingforwardtoanautonomous w Oduduwa Republic.

O IntheSoutheast,attacksonpeopleandpublicinstitutionsarecommon.

TThe identity of the attackers is hardly known.While Government prefers tto hold the IPOB agitators responsible, the IPOB refutes vehemently ssuch criminal activities, arguing that they cannot destroy their own iinstitutions as they are not part of their targets.Whatever is the case, the IIPOB has a commanding influence in the Southeast to the extent that w when it says that markets should not be opened on Mondays people ccomply either for fear of being attacked or in supportive compliance.

The agitation for self-determination in the Yoruba Southwest is aapparently non-violent but this does not mean that the way they are g going about it with the PMB administration showing more of nepotistic p policies and non-preparedness to restructure the polity, resorting to use o of violence, may not be ruled out.Thus, Nigeria is on the path of being kkilled softly. Nigeria’s support for the African Union’s suggestion on the n need to quickly establish an African Standby Force AgainstTerrorism iis therefore quite understandable. What is not quite understandable, however, is how PMB would have donated $1 million to Afghanistan in humanitarian aid and also pledge another $3million to the newly created AU humanitarian agency, but without having any donation or pledge to provide funds for university education in Nigeria?

Finally, concerning foreign policy, the PMB administration operates as if domestic problems can be clearly ignored to the advantage of foreign policy. Policy is necessarily a continuum in which the domestic policy is at the bottom and the foreign policy is at the crescendo, and thereforeallowingforverticalmovementsupanddown,allmovements complementing one another. Most unfortunately, however, foreign policy which is also required to use the international environment to assist domestic growth and development cannot be so used in various ways in the context of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s diplomatic missions cannot defend the indefensible abroad, more so that diplomatic missions in Nigeria are better informed than Nigerians living at home regarding political developments in Nigeria.

Nigeria has an international image of a terrorist country even if PMB thinks he can give impression of normalcy in Nigeria by frequently travelling abroad. He has travelled out of Nigeria eight times in the past five months, while the home front is on fire, while kidnapped victims are begging for mercy.

Killing Nigeria Softly: One Solution PMB, for me, is killing Nigeria softly. This is why he is the problematique. Nigerians, and particularly his close collaborators who assist him in political governance are the problems. PMB is considered the problematicbecauseofhisviewofNigeriaandNigeriansandhismilitary background. For instance, PMB as a soldier, cares less about human life.

He is only used to commanding and not to negotiating. He strongly believes in the indissolubility and indivisibility of Nigeria. As such, there is nothing like any advocacy for restructuring of Nigeria that can or should be listened to. It is his own viewpoint as President that matters.

Without whiff of doubt, the 1999 Constitution provides that‘We the People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria having resolved to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble Sovereign Nation under God and therefore decided in Article 2(3) of the Constitution that‘Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble, Sovereign State to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

Good as this provision may be, the relevant question is why countries have similar provisions on national unity, indivisibility and indissolubility, but still end up in national disintegration. Why were national constitutions set aside? Why should war replace the constitution? Asked differently, why the disintegration of Yugoslavia? If Eritrea was once part of Ethiopia, how do we explain its political independence and territorial integrity as of today? For many decades, South Sudan was an integral part of Sudan. How do we explain its being carved out of Sudan? After disintegration, why has the United Nations recognised the existence of the new States and has even accepted them into the membership of the United Nations?

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 4 2022

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with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

ENGAGEMENTS

Atiku’s Dance, Buhari’s Song

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hortly before the outcome of the recent PDP primaries, a video clip of Atiku Abubakar dancing in casual outfit hit the social media. It did not seem like a recent video.

But it gathered traction and went even more viral once Mr. Atiku was proclaimed the presidential candidate of the opposition party. In the dance video, Mr. Atiku, in casual weekend dress down type shirt and trouser, was dancing away, surrounded by delectable females and a youthful party type collection. Just dancing away,withallcarescastaside.Themanwasobviously enjoying the gig.

The symbolism of this display of cosmopolitan freedomcannotbelostonfellowNigerians.Mr.Atiku is a Muslim from the northern end of the Nigerian polarity. He has emerged as a serious contender in our politics of binary choice usually animated by an implicit north-south and Muslim- Christian political ping pong. Yet Mr. Atiku has consistently come across more as the urbane and cosmopolitan cosmopolitan Nigerian elite guy next door than as a proselytizing mullah or ascetic conservative. If anything, it is variously said that Atiku is held in suspicion by the northern mob for embodying too much of the worldly western values that the Muslim majority suspect in their southern compatriots.

Mr. Atiku has taken wives from all over the major zones of the country. Some of them were not even known to be Muslim women. They were just women who appealed to him. He is a western type entrepreneur, a champion of western education and an advocate of western style modernization.

To Atiku’s credit, his political public relations has consistently focused on broad national issues rather than regional and sectarian concerns. His belief in the potentials of the Nigerian federation is unquestionable.

But he agrees on the imperative of strengthening our federalism through restructuring to unleash the aggressive competitiveness among states as federating units.

In addition to the obviously contentious matter of restructuring, Mr. Atiku had in his epic presidential quest advocated clear policy departures on various national issues ranging from education to unemployment and poverty alleviation. No one can fairly accuse Mr. Atiku of symbolizing a continuation of northern conservative hegemonist ideology of the kind that is automatically trade marked with Buhari and the motley crowd that have besieged the presidential villa in the last seven years. I reckon that a certain level of unease may have greeted the emergence of Mr. Atiku as PDP flag bearer among the conservative northern power establishment.

Significantly,amongthesouthernpower,business andmediaelite,however,theemergenceofMr.Atiku has ruffled no significant ideological or sectarian feathers. As they say, people just cool with Atiku.

Among the line up of aspirants and contenders for the presidential pedestal in recent times, Mr. Atiku is easily the most business friendly, being himself a business owner with wide ranging interests. He is associated with investments in higher education, confectionary and fast food, logistics as well as oil and gas. To that extent, Mr. Atiku is most likely to resonatewithcorporateNigeriaandaninternational business community that is becoming increasingly concerned about Nigeria’s economic prospects.

Those familiar with Mr. Atiku’s network of friends and associates will readily credit him with a wide network of friends and associates from across all the corners of the nation and internationally. In this regard, he is rated only next to former President Ibrahim Babangida whose network and expanse of affiliates remains legendary.

Nonetheless, Mr. Atiku’s dance video is by no means a victory dance. It is instead an invitation to all us to relax because the road ahead is long and bumpy. The road ahead still has an APC checkpoint and hurdled counterpoints to contend with.

Yet at the level of democratic due process, the PDP would seem to have scored goals in terms of its largely successful presidential primary. It was not a hitch or blemish free exercise. Troves ofdollarcashmayhaveexchangedhands.Delegates may have transacted with their votes. Regional solidarity and string of alliances may have been activated to secure a desired outcome. All this is part of Nigeria’s murky political heritage and worrisome leadership culture.

Thesuccessfulpresidentialprimariesareatribute to PDP’s Internal democracy advantage. It is at least a testimony to the Party’s long institutional memory and organizational superiority.

Atiku (left) and Buhari Clearly, the response of the ruling APC has been embarrassingly tardy. As at the time the PDP delegates gathered in Abuja to elect their flag bearer, no coherent position was forthcoming from the APC. The decision of the INEC to grant a one week extension for parties to complete their primaries has justifiably been read as an act in deference to the tardiness of the ruling party. This speaks volumes about the competence of a party that has virtually run Nigeria aground in the last seven years.

Inthecountdowntoitsrescheduledpresidential primary convention starting tomorrow, the nation heard disturbing news from president Buhari as party leader before he left for Spain.

In an address to APC governors and state party chairmen,thepresidentaskedthemforsupport to appoint, choose and anoint his successor.

To believers in democracy and party internal democracy in particular, this is a message from hell.The simplistic blackmail in Buhari’s appeal is the reminder to the APC governors that he as president has been sufficiently graceful to ‘allow’themchoosetheirrespectivesuccessors.

First, it erodes the party’s democratic essence. Secondly, it undermines the competitive essenceofpartisanaspiration.Third,itsubverts the republican essence of liberal equalitarian democracyandseekstoreplaceitwithapseudo monarchical absolutist arrangement.

If the APC hierarchy were to honour the president’s appeal, it would have far reaching implications for the party, the future of the presidency as an institution and indeed the political future of the country. Once a precedent of presidential preference in matters of succession is established, the open democratic essence of succession would go up in smoke.

The Nigerian president would graduate into an absolute monarch who picks and chooses his successor at will to suit his whims even if the public as an electorate has decided that the outgoing president was no use.

Such a precedent could inject a far reaching political upheaval as competing rival aspirants clashintheaftermathofsuchanarbitrarychoice of successor by the exiting president.

Mr. Buhari’s stated option is more In line with a monarchical system.This confirms once again that Mr. Buhari has conducted himself more like a distant monarch who seeks unquestioning obediencefromservilesubjectsthananelected president in a republic who sees himself as a fellow citizen with his compatriots.

That the president has to resort to personal selective choice of a successor at this last minute is a searing indictment of his leadership Of the ruling party. If indeed he had led the party well, his preference for a successor of his choice would have emerged as a consequence of his own deft political footwork.That has not happened. The result is this recipe for party implosion and national catastrophe.

If indeed the APC were a real conservative party, Buhari’s quest for selective private succession would have made some limited sense

even if it would still be strange and out of place.

But for a professed ‘progressive’ party , it is even more disastrous. Of course we understand the ideological anomaly of a ‘progressive’ alliance led by a militarist conservative and sectarian regionalisthegemonist.Hissuccessionproposition openly clashes with the republican essence of a progressive people -oriented party.

In the normal process of competitive politicking, a virtual succession line up has emerged in the APC with the top four aspirants:Tinubu, Amaechi, Osinbajo and Lawan.

The challenge of the moment is to allow the mechanism of internal democracy through the primaries to produce the next president from among these front liners.

Thepresidenthascitedtheneedforaconsensus candidate to ensure party unity and national cohesion.

In politics consensus is not just about persons as candidates for elective office. In a political party setting, key individual party leaders are first carriers of ideas, tendencies and values.

To seek a consensus among them is usually a means of finding common ground among the contending ideas on national issues that they represent. Consensus politics presupposes the existence of clear ideological tendencies within a party on core national issues In the APC, however, what we have is a contest of egos, ambition, grandstanding and little or no policy or ideological differences.

ThematterofconsensuscanalsoariseiftheAPC contained clear positions on the current state of the national question.We can entertain a quest for consensus if the APC has clear divisions between advocates of restructuring and plain unitarists or status quo federalists. Seeking a consensus in that situation would be a clear and urgent national cause.

Since there are no long held views and convictions on key national issues that can be attached to the key aspirants, what president Buhari seeks in his succession proposition is a blind obedience to his kingly ego and a sheepish endorsement of his personal wishes.

If the president seeks a successor to continue in his own ways, he has read the mood of the nation wrongly. The current mood of the nation desires an anti Buhari leadership template.

If he desires a perpetuation of personal loyalty, he may be right only if the presidency were a private estate.

He has of course vicariously placed matters of geo political equity in the forefront of national expectations. His lopsided appointments and skewed preference for hordes of incompetence appointeeshascreatedaneedforadecisiveurgent change. His apparent disdain for intellect, elegant personal style, dignified carriage and proximity to the people have all become issues in the Buhari succession. Modern day Nigeria is anxious to turn its back on these negatives.

The only way Buhari’s option for a handpicked successor can minimally appeal to the nation is if his chosen successor is the direct opposite of

his own dour appeal.

There is an even more urgent national imperative.

The nation is badly divided along regional sand sectarianism lines.The restoration of national stability , unity and survival demands that Buhari’s successor should be other than a northern Muslim.

While Atiku’s emergence has not activated a north-south reaction, anyone chosen by Buhari will automatically spark off a geo political and sectarian anxiety and even fire storm.

It is quite a legitimate political enterprise for an incumbent to scheme towards a chosen successor.

But the way to achieve that would be a combination of ruse, political engineering and long term strategic planning. None of this seems to be on display in Mr. Buhari’s open brash and archaic approach.

Instead, Buhari seems to have opted for a crude ancient direct hand picking approach. Even a monarch would fare better. The line of royal succession would ordinarily indicate the lineage of virtual succession.

What Buhari has instead signaled is a stealth surpriseapproachmostlytraceabletohissubversive military background.

The secrecy surrounding his ‘chosen one ‘ proposition smacks of a military type coup d’etat against a political party and indeed the entire democratic edifice of the nation as a constitutional democracy.

Normaldemocraticsuccessiondictatesthatleadershiprenewalshouldcomefromanopen,competitive and transparent internal party democratic process.

You cannot opt to ‘surprise’ a whole nation by the choice of a successor you privately make simply because you are the incumbent president. Nor can you hold an entire party membership and nation in avoidable suspense as we wait for you to announce your successor. Nigeria is never a anyone’s private estate whose leadership succession should emerge from the private chamber of one authoritarian figure. Nor was the presidency designed to be an oracle whose real wishes can only be known through divination.

That is the height of presidential arrogance and can only be read as the deployment of presidential absolutism and a travesty of the best traditions of democracy. It does not matter whom this selective succession gambit throws up tomorrow or next. No choice can justify the extension of impunity to the choice of a democratic succession. And once this exception and despicable precedent is tolerated, it couldbecomethenorminallsubsequentpresidential successions. By default, Nigeria will have tacitly adopted a semi feudal monarchical system without effecting the requisite constitutional change.

The omens spell doom for the party and catastrophe for the nation if not carefully handled. Already, someoftheaspirants,fearingtheworst,haveamped up warlike rhetoric. Mr. Tinubu has gone to town with claims of how he anointed Buhari as president, Osinbajo as Vice President and Dapo Abiodun as governor of Ogun state. He has proceeded from there to claim the next presidency as a personal political entitlement.

If the governors and elected leaders of the APC opt to insist on the sanctity of the party’s internal democratic processes and conformity with INEC’s stipulations on party primaries, the president will be badly bruised politically for the rest of his tenure. If a section of governors and political leaders decide to opt out, the party will be divided. If the aspirants decide to proceed with the primaries as planned, the outcome of the process may conflict with the president’s original choice and intentions.The party would then end up with a candidate without a tacit presidential stamp of approval.

It could get worse for the president. If his chosen successor happens to be a northern Muslim, Mr Buhari may be saddled with how to keep Nigeria one. If his chosen successor ignore the clamor of the South East and South South for equity and justice in the succession, the president will handed his successor a live cobra. The combinations and possibilities are full of omens.

In the best of circumstances, the party and key aspirants could, with difficulty, go with the presidential choice. The beneficiary candidate would still carry the burden of a dubious mandate acquired through arbitrary presidential fiat. Most importantly, there is nothing in the act of Buhari’s arbitrary choice of a successor that guarantees the APC victory in 2023. Mr. Buhari’s risky choice of choosinghissuccessoroutsideelectoraldueprocess could end up setting the stage for Mr. Atiku’s real victory gig. In that case, Nigerians might as well sing: Let the music play!

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾JUNE 5, 2022

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NEWSXTRA

201 Residents Slump after Inhaling Chemical in Kano Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuiabu in Kano No fewer than 201 residents of Sharada Quarters in Kano State collapsed after inhaling chemicals from a cylinder dismantled by metal scrappers on Friday, THISDAY has learnt.

With health complications that resulted from the incident, President Muhammadu Buhari described the gas explosion at a Kano factory Friday as “extremely horrific,” saying he is distressed by the tragic accident, the second in the city in a month.

Likewise, the Minister of

Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Farouq visited victims of a gas explosion and chemical leakage which happened in Kano State Thursday and Friday respectively.

An explosion had occurred at a Liquefied Petroleum Gas refilling shop while it was being discharged at Sheka quarters, Kumbotso LGA leaving at least 27 victims with various degrees of burns and injuries.

The following day, another poisonous gas leakage at Sharada Yan tagwaye, Kano Municipal also left scores of people unconscious and in distress after inhaling chemicals

from a cylinder dismantled by metal scrappers.

After the cylinder exploded, the victims were rushed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Sharada Industrial Hospital and Ja’en Hospital, for urgent medical attention.

The victims collapsed and became unconscious after inhaling toxic substances from the cylinder dismantled by some metal scrappers.

Speaking in Kano yesterday,

the Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency in Kano, Nuradeen Abdullahi, confirmed the figure in Kano.

Abdullahi explained that the cylinder chemical explosion “occurred on Friday at about 4:00pm, at Sharada Industrial Area. The victims were suffocated and unconscious.”

He said the chemicals contained in the cylinder escaped into the air and made those who

inhaled it become unconscious.

Speaking on the incident, the Chief Medical Director of Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Dr Hussaini Muhammad, said they received over 70 victims out of which 65 were now in stable condition.

“Thirty-five victims received treatment at Sharada Industrial Hospital and 96 at Ja’en Hospital,” he added.

In a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Garba

Shehu, the president said the chemicals contained in the cylinder escaped into the air and made those who inhaled it to become unconscious.

Buhari said: “I am shocked and pained to hear about this tragic incident, so soon after the last gas explosion. Our brave emergency response agencies and medical workers are trying their best to save lives. We are in constant touch with the field workers and the hospitals.”

I Stand on Tinubu’s Mandate, Buhari’s Aide Declares Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Special Duties, Mallam Ya’u Darazo has said he is standing with the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming primary.

Darazo, therefore, urged Nigerians, delegates and members of the APC to ignore attempts by the opponents of Tinubu to misrepresent his comments about how he helped President Muhammadu Buhari win the 2015 presidential poll in Abeokuta Thursday.

He made these remarks in a statement he personally issued yesterday, saying the distortion of what the frontline presidential aspirant said was a dubious attempt to cause discord between him and Buhari.

As a member of the team

working for Tinubu’s campaign, Darazo said: “Let me start with a disclaimer. I am issuing this statement in my personal capacity. This is very important before mischief makers start attributing it to some other persons.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I am a supporter of Tinubu. I, therefore, belong to the team assiduously working for Asiwaju 2023 presidential project. On his mandate I stand.”

Darazo noted that President Buhari “can see through the mischief having been a victim of misrepresentation himself in the past and no ill-motivated plot can destroy the relationship between Buhari and Tinubu.

“In the last 48 hours or so the media space has been polluted by the odious breath of mischief makers-nay ingrates?

Who misrepresented Asiwaju’s speech with the sole aim of planting discord between him and Buhari.

CIAPS Announces Commonwealth Postgraduate Scholarships The Centre for International, Advanced and Professional Studies(CIAPS), a Lagos-based International Graduates School, has announced a Commonwealth scholarship scheme for its 2022 Postgraduate Professional studies.

This was revealed in a statement by the Director of CIAPS, Prof Anthony Kila yesterday.

The statement said the CIAPS Commonwealth Scholarships “are part of the new CIAPS Scholarship programmes, which will directly benefit students entering postgraduate professional education in June 2022.

It said: “There are a total of Fifty (50) scholarships available,

for qualifying students” adding that “each successful applicant can receive up to One Thousand Dollars towards his or her tuition fees at CIAPS for the duration of the postgraduate professional study.

The scheme is aimed at aiding deserving and willing students with the burden of Tuition Fees.”

In order to be eligible to apply for this postgraduate professional programme, the statement applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; be a Commonwealth citizen, a resident in a developing Commonwealth country, or a refugee/person working with an organisation linked with developing Commonwealth countries.

Background Screeners Unveil Board of Trustees The Society for Professional Background Screeners (SPBS) has disclosed plans to commence its activities as an independent non-profit trade association of professional background screeners in Nigeria.

In a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Kola Olugbodi, SPBS said trustees had been appointed for the association, noting that officers have also been elected to run the affairs of the Association.

The statement said Chief Executive Officer, Risk Control Services, Mr. Femi Ajayi was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees while Managing Director of Proton Security Services, Col.

Ademola Onalaja will serve as Secretary of the Board.

The statement added that members of the Board of Trustees “are Chief Executive Officer, Halogen Group, Mr. Wale Olaoye; Chief Executive Officer, Background Check International, Mr. Kola Olugbodi and Chief Executive Officer, Trapezoid Limited, Mr. Bolaji Olamiju.

“The association aims to promote ethical business practices, foster awareness of the need for background check as a security risk imperative, and establish acceptable and evidenced-based standards for background screening professionals in Nigeria.

CONGRATULATIONS… President, New Mainland Chapter, Soroptimist International Nigeria, Mrs. Catherine Adeniyi (left); and National President of the organisation, Dr. Aniebue Adaku, during Adeniyi’s investiture in Lagos…recently

Amid Intrigues, Fayemi Garners Massive Support Nseobong Okon-Ekong At least 17 governors elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) may have backed the presidential aspiration of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi ahead of the special national convention scheduled for Tuesday, THISDAY has learnt.

Of the 17 governors, findings revealed that only Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State

and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State were not rooting for Fayemi’s candidature.

Multiple sources disclosed this feat at the weekend, attesting to diverse re-alignment currently on-going to ensure that the governors put Fayemi, the Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, on the ballot.

One of the sources said Fayemi had been able to regroup 17 out of the 22 APC governors who are sympathetic to presidential ambition, though five governors shut delegates from their states out of the

reach.

The source said: “In light of the push by the governors for one of their own to take over as president, Fayemi, a presidential aspirant of the APC has been rallying the governors around his candidacy.”

In the last couple of days, according to the source, Fayemi had engaged 15 APC governors to support his push to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

Another source claimed that the meetings were positive and the governors were optimistic about Fayemi’s chances and his

capacity to manage the affairs of the country efficiently.

He said: “Many governors have already pledged their support to Fayemi. They have also reiterated their stance that it is their collective decision for a governor to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari.”

“Fayemi’s meeting with the governors is in continuation of the engagements he had had with them in the past and that the recent meetings were at the instance of the governors, who wanted assurances on a number of issues.

Security Operatives Eliminate Five Bandits in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi At least five bandits have been neutralised by a combined team of Operation Whirl Stroke and Community Volunteer Guards in Utange, Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State.

The Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security, Lt Col. Paul Hembah made the disclosure in Makurdi yesterday, revealing that a member of the community volunteer guards was killed during a reprisal attack.

Hembah explained how the security operatives were able to neutralise the bandits on

the outskirts of Utange, community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State.

According to him, there are elements of armed herdsmen who are in an unholy alliance with the bandits. When there is pressure from troops of OPWS and other security agencies on them, they usually take cover in the tents of these herdsmen.

He disclosed that the first encounter was at about 10;30 am while the second happened already at 16:00 hours.

He said: “There is much improvement in security in Katsina-Ala. It used to be a nightmare before now. In fact, it was the worst not just in

Sankera, Ukum and Logo, but also the entire state. That is not the case now. I visited there.

This was not the case two or three ago.

“So, we will give a lot of kudos to Governor Ortom, who in spite of criticisms from different quarters, prioritised security and the result is seen.

Though there are still some pickets of crimes here and there.

“You know crime is not something that is totally eradicated. Some criminal elements are still stealing and kidnapping in the fringes mainly on the border between Benue and Taraba States.

“They come, hit and run.

They also form alliances with criminal herdsmen. Generally, there is calm. If you go there, you will see a lot of market activities that were closed down and have been reopened.

“Schools that were not functioning have reopened and people are going to their farms.

The ban on the use of Okada and Duck Yansh is still enforced because we do not want to take chances.

“We are still monitoring the security situation. The ban was a masterstroke on the activities of these bandits as they have beencrippled and cannot kidnap and run away again.

FG to Establish Anti-trafficking Squads in 110 Unity Schools The federal government has disclosed that it will be establishing anti-trafficking and violence against persons squads in all the 110 unity schools across the country.

Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi revealed the plan in Abuja at a workshop for public school counsellors in the Federal Capital Territory.

She said: “We are currently

establishing what we call a Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Persons Vanguards in secondary schools. We started last year with the establishment of this platform in Federal Government Girls Collage, Abuja.

“This year, we got approval from the Federal Ministry of Education to establish this same platform in the 110 unity schools. We are starting with the unity schools before we gradually move into Govern-

ment schools.

“This is a platform for young people to educate themselves and peers on the ills of trafficking in persons and violence against persons.”

“When we talk about violence against persons, people automatically think it just has to do with women? That is why the act is intentional by calling it violence against persons and not women. It also covers men.

“How many men know that if your wife or girlfriend

destroys your TV or property due to a quarrel, it is a crime and it is punishable by two years? How many women know that when someone consistently calls you stupid, it says you are worthless or an idiot and it is a crime?

“It is called emotional abuse.

We already have a law that protects us against all these things and penalises all the actions but you will not know that unless you know the content of that law.”

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B AC K PAG E C O N T I N UAT I O N ATIKU’S CANDIDACY AND NIGERIA’S DELICATE BALANCE still blocked him in the PDP in 2007. He defected to the Action Congress (AC), ran for president and came third behind Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (PDP), sibling of his mentor, and Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari (ANPP).

With Yar’Adua terminally ill, Atiku returned to the PDP to pursue his ambition, insisting that it was the north’s turn after the south had done eight years through Obasanjo.

President Goodluck Jonathan, a southerner who became president after Yar’Adua’s death in May 2010, also wanted to run in 2011 and disingenuously denied the existence of power rotation in the PDP. Atiku rallied the north to produce a “consensus candidate” to face Jonathan at the primary, with Gen Ibrahim Babangida, Dr Bukola Saraki and Gen Aliyu Gusau all showing interest. The Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF), led by Mallam Adamu Ciroma, picked Atiku but he still lost the ticket to Jonathan.

In a sense, the bitterness over power rotation in 2011, not ameliorated in any way by Atiku’s bid to get PDP’s ticket, gravely poisoned the geo-political atmosphere and I am of the opinion that we are still suffering from the consequences. Jonathan went ahead to win the presidential election in 2011, claiming 16 out of the 17 southern states and seven of the 19 northern states. Some key northern politicians supported him, allegedly with the pact that he would do only one term.

Atiku stayed behind until it became clear Jonathan would run again in 2015. He walked out on the party, teamed up with the newly formed APC — an amalgam of four opposition parties — to help crush PDP.

Atiku re-launched his presidential quest in APC, but he could only come third in the primary as Buhari got the ticket with 3,430 votes. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso came second with 974 votes, while the former vice-president scored 954. In 2017, with the message quite clear that Buhari would seek a second term, Atiku returned to PDP yet again to continue the pursuit of his life ambition of being president. He was promoted as the best northerner to tackle Buhari in the 2019 presidential poll and he did not do his chances any harm by winning PDP’s primary, getting 1,532 delegate votes and pushing Tambuwal, who was heavily backed by Wike, to a very distant second with 693 votes.

Having lost the election to Buhari in 2019, Atiku was assumed to have ended his Aso Rock pursuit. It was expected that with Buhari in power from 2015 to 2023, it was only logical for PDP and APC to pick candidates from the south next. But Atiku would have none of it. He came back on the scene and has now won the PDP ticket, in the process kicking against the power rotation he had vehemently stood for in 2011. “The PDP, of which I am a founding member, should focus on winning, not on zoning,” he said in an interview. I recall arguing in 2010 that Atiku was only interested in actualising his lifelong ambition and not particularly keen on the rotation policy.

By now spitting on power rotation, Atiku has somehow vindicated my perception of him: that all he wants is power. He has participated in every presidential primary since 2007 — zoning or no zoning. The Atiku

I know is not an ethnic champion or bigot, contrary to the impression he created in 2011 when he wanted the PDP ticket by any means necessary, even dangerously invoking John F. Kennedy’s quote about “those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable”. I testify that he is a broadminded Nigerian with friends and associates across every tribe and tongue, but he was so desperate for the ticket in 2011 he gleefully played the regional game.

Finally, I want to be clear: I believe Atiku has every right to contest and has not broken any law by doing so. I also believe he is competent and has the experience to lead the country. However, he has proved not to be much of a statesman. His life-long ambition has the potential to upset Nigeria’s fragile balance at a time there is so much discontent with the union. Moreover, there are equally competent and experienced southerners. Our nationhood is constantly under threat because of our fault lines and sensitivities. I worry deeply that we are threading this divisive path yet again. If he wins the presidential election, power could be in the north for 12, or even 16, years non-stop.

It is particularly worrisome because of the inevitable scenarios. Whatever the APC does at its presidential convention this week will come with challenges. One, if the ruling party goes ahead to field a southerner, our troubling fault lines may be magnified. It may be cast as North vs South, as we saw in previous elections in parts of the country with the attendant consequences that we are still having to live with. I am one of those who believe that regional tensions are

a major distraction to Nigeria’s development as sectional groups and ethnic champions continue to heat up the polity and make parts of the country ungovernable just to score a point. We can’t progress like this.

Two, if the APC decides to go north so as to snuff out any potential advantage that fielding Atiku can confer on the PDP, that would even be more problematic. We are going to be left having to pick between six and half a dozen, or between and betwixt.

The majority of southerners may be left with a feeling of being edged out of the game, and this can only further widen and deepen our fault lines and create a hostile polity for several years to come. It is glaring that there will always be consequences either direction APC faces: north or south. Unfortunately, when the deed has been done, it is the rest of us, who are neither APC nor PDP, that will have to live with the consequences.

There is a third scenario: if APC/PDP decide to field northerners, the possibility of a third force — which will unfortunately further divide us along regional lines — may be stronger than ever. A possible southern solidary forged with some northern states may upset the APC/PDP duopoly and redraw our electoral map. I am not saying it is a certainty, but we have eight months to the elections and there is enough time for planning, realignment and mobilisation of forces. There will be unpalatable dynamics as regional tensions will become well pronounced again. All these scenarios because the PDP, in a bid to help the northern aspirants, did not do the rational thing on zoning.

And Four Other Things…

TINUBU’S OUTBURST Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu broke the internet on Thursday and Friday following his series of outbursts in Abeokuta, Ogun state, while addressing delegates to the APC presidential convention. The former governor of Lagos state, who is seeking his party’s presidential ticket, outlined how he has been betrayed by the people he toiled for day and night to help get into positions of power.

While I cannot judge him for feeling the way he does (I think every human being will feel bitter about betrayals), I am amazed that he said all that in a public place, on camera and at a time no candidate had been openly endorsed by President Buhari. I think Tinubu needs to be calming down. Tact.

UNIFORMED KIDNAPPERS? Samuel Kanu Uche, the head of the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), is arguably the most prominent victim of kidnap-for-ransom in recent times. He was abducted by gunmen along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway in Umunneochi LGA of Abia state on Sunday.

He said it took a N100 million ransom to get him and two other clerics freed. He made serious allegations against soldiers whom he said were involved in the dastardly crime.

Although I flinched when he described them as “Fulani and non-Christians” because it sounds like the profiling that has become the order of the day, the military authorities will do Nigerians a world of good by investigating this diligently. Creepy.

DREAM KILLERS You can never make up some things about this our country. D’Tigress, our enterprising and inspirational female basketball team, fought tooth and nail to qualify for the 2022 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s World Cup in Australia. We were still clinking glasses to celebrate the feat when the Nigerian government announced that we were withdrawing from international basketball for two years “to revamp the sport from the grassroots”. There is apparently a power tussle in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and the best way to resolve it is to slice off our nose to spite our face. We are killing the spirit of these athletes. What a country. Senseless.

AND FINALLY… Mr Tanko Sabo, from Kaduna state, became an instant sensation on Wednesday when he disclosed that he had reinvested the money he made as a delegate in the welfare of his people. He did not reveal exactly how much he made but said he paid N6.9 million as WAEC and NECO fees for 150 orphans and the underprivileged, spent N3.2 million to buy 42 customised football jerseys for youths in his community, and another N350,000 to support elders, women and “executive beggars”. The economics of electioneering can be seen in the trickle-down effect in Sabo’s case. It is like wealth redistribution, although we would be overstretching things by saying he is Robin Hood. Amusing.

SCENARIOS AROUND BUHARI’S CHOICE OF FLAGBEARER his preferred aspirant. This means that the party will opt for indirect primaries as direct primaries cannot be conducted before expiration of the extended deadline.

But the broad consensus that would have emerged prior to the commencement of voting at the convention cannot be overcome by any challenger.

This scenario is achievable if the president focuses his energy on building a winning coalition behind his preferred aspirant rather than pursuing formal consensus, and if he succeeds in getting most of the governors and the godfathers to concede to him the right to be the sole determiner of the party’s flagbearer. In this case, the election becomes a mere formality, a cakewalk for the president’s anointed. For this option to work, the president will need to pick someone who is broadly acceptable and he needs to disclose his preference on time and be ready to put all his political capital behind the person until the votes are tallied.

This option is viable but not risk-free.

The outcome of the contest is likely to leave at least one of the challengers bruised, which poses a major risk to the party in the general election, especially if Buhari the bruised challenger is someone with a base and structure robust enough to tilt risk to this form of consensus-building outcome in the general election. But this is that there are many and sometimes risk will be easier to manage if the contest irreconcilable interests at play, ranging within the party is open and fair and if from the regional to the personal. That the party invests sincerely and heavily in said, the few days left, if judiciously and post-primaries fence-mending. Time will mindfully utilised, are enough to put in be another challenge for building such a place robust risk-mitigation strategies. broad pre-primaries consensus. There is The third scenario can be called the forced a possibility that some key stakeholders preference. Here, the president leverages might be unable to get of out prior the enormous weight of presidential powers commitments that may be at variance and state apparatus to force his will on his with the president’s preference. Another party. In this case, it would not matter if the

anointed is unpopular or is unacceptable to most or a significant section of APC’s critical stakeholders. Also, it would not matter that some of the aspirants are unwilling to step down. All means, fair and foul, may be deployed to make the president get his way. Such means could include not clearing some aspirants on criteria outside of the ones stipulated in sections 137 of the 1999 Constitution and 84(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, releasing some stinkers about unwanted or difficult aspirants, putting enforcement agencies on their tail and even blocking them from leaving their houses or from accessing the venue of the event, doctoring the delegates’ lists, and making the voting pattern traceable to hint at possible repercussions.

There will be enough national and statelevel playbooks to guide a resort to such naked display of power and there will be enough advocates for it, even among the ranks of aspirants. But it is laden with risks. Some of the underhand tactics may be successfully challenged in court, may make the party deeply fragmented and more vulnerable, and should worry all those interested in free and fair general election next year. My sense is that President Buhari will not tow this path.

The fourth scenario is the defeated preference. This is where the president fails to get his way, with his anointed defeated, even if narrowly, in an open contest at the convention. This scenario is possible in different ways but we can narrow down to three: the challenger gets a majority of the votes because he has secured the backing of the states with the highest delegates and a significant spread in the 22 states controlled by APC and the 14 states not controlled by the party;

a challenger wins narrowly in a crowded field by securing the highest number of votes but not the majority of votes because the method adopted is the first-past-thevote; and a challenger defeats the anointed aspirant in a two-way race by securing the tacit support of other significant power blocs on need for equity and through deft management of interests.

This scenario can play out for a number of reasons: one, because the president failed to declare his preference on time and thus left it too late for his endorsement to count; two, because the president for so long did not get involved in party affairs unlike his only other term-barred predecessor, and this left the field wide open to others more politically involved to project influence and secure binding loyalties in different parts of the country; and three, because the national working committee of the party, largely installed by the president, is less than three months old on the saddle, and not rooted enough to enforce the will of the president.

But this scenario is a very problematic one for the party. The flagbearer’s victory may end up being pyrrhic. The president loses face for being unable to see his preference through. A bruised president is worse than a bruised aspirant, especially when that president is the party’s main electoral asset, its 12-million vote machine. If this scenario sails through, also a big if, the party has extra work on its hands, and a lot will depend on the disposition of the president.

Will he brush aside the disappointment, revert to the father-of-all persona and rally his party behind the flagbearer he didn’t prefer or will he become more detached and leave the flagbearer and the party to their devices?

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5, 2022

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SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

NPFL: Rangers in Oriental Derby with Abia Warriors Head Coach of Rangers International F.C, Abdul Maikaba, has assured fans the Flying Antelopes that his wards are in Okigwe, Imo State, the venue of the last but one‘Oriental Derby’of the 2021/2022 NPFL fixture against Abia Warriors with their eyes set on consolidating on new found winning mentality in the squad.

After the mandatory feeling of the Okigwe Township Stadium pitch yesterday under the scorching sun, the vastly experienced gaffer stated that even when the pitch was not in the best shape, he was positive about getting a good result at the end of the re-arranged Match-day 32 Clash this afternoon.

“The playing surface we trained this afternoon is not in its best shape but that is where other teams that have visited have been playing and we are prepared to put in our best and come out with our heads held high.

Shakira Splits from Barca Star, Piqué, after 11 Years Iga Swiatek...celebrating winning her second grand slam in Paris yesterday

PHOTO: Reuters

Swiatek Beats Gauff in Paris to Win Second Grand Slam Title

T

op seed Iga Swiatek underlined why she was the red-hot French Open favourite by beating Coco Gauff in straight sets to win her second Grand Slam title on Saturday.

Poland’s Swiatek, 21, won 6-1 6-3 against the American teenager to record her 35th straight victory - equalling the longest WTA streak this century.

Gauff, 18, was contesting a first major singles final and made a nervy start.

Swiatek, who also won Roland Garros in 2020, took full advantage and went on to win her sixth successive title.

By fighting back from a break down in the second set, Swiatek won the 56th of her past 58 sets.

She also maintained her streak of winning in finals, extending that record to nine in a row.

“I try to treat a final like any other match,” Swiatek said.

“That is pretty hard and kind of not possible, because there are always going to be bigger amounts of stress.

“I’m also aware that my opponents are also going to be stressed. So I try to not panic and just be less stressed than they are.”

With clouds darkening and thunder rumbling overhead, Swiatek brought up two championship points and took the first when Gauff hit a forehand long.

After a warm embrace with Gauff, Swiatek dashed off court to hug her team in the stands - and Poland footballer Robert Lewandowski, who came to watch on his day off from Nations League duty.

“Two years ago winning this title was something amazing and never expected,” said Swiatek, who finished her victory speech to send a message of support to Ukraine following the invasion by Russia.

“This time I had worked hard to get here and did everything I could, even though

the pressure was tough. The pressure was big but I did it.”

The celebrations were in stark contrast to the sight of Gauff, who was distraught as she sat alone on her chair and broke into tears before putting a towel over her head.

“I’m super proud of myself and feeling a lot of emotions. A mix of happiness and sadness,” the 18th seed said.

“I’m going to take this experience and hopefully learn from it and get better.”

Not since Serena Williams in her prime had there been as strong a favourite for a Grand Slam women’s singles title as Swiatek.

In a stunning start to 2022, the Polish player won five consecutive tournaments - in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart and Rome - and took over as theWTA world number one following Ashleigh Barty’s surprise retirement in March.

Since then, her level has increased even further and to a point far higher than any of her rivals on the WTA Tour.

Italy Hold Germany in Rebuilding Process, England Crash UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE

A

n inexperienced Italy began their rebuilding job with an impressive 1-1 home draw with Germany in a Nations League opener for both sides.

Having failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar, Italy opted to test out numerous raw players.

One of them, 18-year-old substitute Wilfried Gnonto, set up Lorenzo Pellegrini for a 70thminute goal.

Germany levelled immediately, with Joshua Kimmich firing in to make it 10 games unbeaten under Hansi Flick.

Germany’s next game in Group A3 is a home match against England, who were beaten 1-0 in

Hungary earlier on Saturday. Italy host the Hungarians, with both games on 7 June.

This international clash between Hungary and England was billed to take place behind closed doors as UEFA punishment for racist and homophobic behaviour by Hungary’s fans during Euro 2020.

And yet it was played in front of a large crowd, consisting mainly of schoolchildren allowed in under UEFA rules - and the young supporters revelled in a poor England performance and Dominik Szoboszlai’s winning goal from the penalty spot after Reece James fouled Zsolt Nagy.

Nigeria’s Flamingos yesterday booked their tickets to the FIFA Under17 World Cup in India

Columbian music star Shakira has confirmed her split with her footballer partner Gerard Piqué after more than a decade together.

Spanish media reported yesterday that Shakira, 45, has two children with Piqué, 35, who has played for FC Barcelona since 2008 and made over 600 appearances for the club.

The reason for their split may not be unconnected to allegation of cheating leveled against Pique.

In a joint statement released via her publicist, the pair said: “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways.

“For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”

The pair met back in 2010 while she filmed the video for her World Cup song Waka Waka for the competition held in South Africa.

While they never married, they were together for 11 years and share children Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven.

Talking about how their relationship began, Piqué said at the time: “It all started when we were in South Africa and I wrote to her.”

He was recently quizzed by Gary Neville on why he’d never tied the knot with the Hips Don’t Lie singer.

During an appearance on The Overlap podcast, he said: “No, I’m not married. It’s her mentality.

“I like it how we are right now. We have two kids, nine and seven right now. We work good as a couple.”

Nigeria’s Flamingos Qualify for U-17 World Cup Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup billed for India.

In the second leg played inside the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Saturday, the Flamingos were held to a goalless by Ethiopia to qualify 1-0 on aggregate.

After playing six qualifying matches the Flamingos scored 15 goals without defeat and conceded none.

Three teams will represent Africa at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India which will run from October 11 to 30.

The 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be the 7th edition which is contested by the under-17 national teams of the member associations of FIFA, since its inception in 2008.

It will be the second time that India host a FIFA tournament after the men’s 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the first time that India host a FIFA women’s football tournament.

TR

Sunday June 5, 2022

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Price: N400

MISSILE

Babachir Lawal to Tinubu

“No individual can make someone a president of Nigeria. Before we went for Tinubu, Buhari had consistently scored more than 11 million votes at the polls. The claim that he made Buhari president is an arrogant assumption” – Former SGF, Mr. Babachir Lawal, disagreeing with the National Leader of APC, Senator Bola Tinubu, that he made Buhari president in 2015.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Atiku’s Candidacy and Nigeria’s Delicate Balance

I

f power does not go to the south in 2023, the pivotal role of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will have to be scrutinised.

His life ambition is to be president of Nigeria and his influence on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) effectively ensured that the main opposition party did not zone presidency to the south. With Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, dropping out at the last minute and handing over his votes to Atiku, a fellow northerner, there was going to be only one outcome.

Atiku secured 371 delegate votes, outscoring Governor Nyesom Wike who got 237. The margin of 134 is attributed to the Tambuwal effect, to the chagrin of many southerners.

Dr Iyorchia Ayu, the PDP chairman and Atiku’s long-time associate, was caught on video celebrating Tambuwal as a “hero”.

The immediate implication is that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will now have to take a decision: to zone its ticket to the north to counter Atiku or zone to the south for the sake of national sensitives. The easiest way to achieve rotation was for the two leading parties to zone to the south. Head or tail, presidential power would have gone to the south. However, the choice of Atiku as PDP’s flagbearer will test APC’s fidelity

Atiku

to the political understanding on rotation.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the APC chairman, has been telling us there is no decision yet on zoning.

To refresh our memories, next year will mark the 30th anniversary of Atiku’s presidential

ambition. His first attempt was in 1993 under the now-defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP).

With the Option A4 experiment performed by the electoral commission, there were four stages to become a presidential candidate.

Hence the name: Option A4. The first was at ward level, the second at local government, the third at state and the fourth at national.

Every state had a presidential flagbearer, and since Nigeria had 30 states then, there were 30 contestants in each of the two parties.

The SDP presidential convention was held at the Jos Township Stadium, Plateau state, on March 27-29.

Atiku was the SDP candidate from Adamawa, Bashorun MKO Abiola from Ogun and Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, former SDP chairman, from Borno. These were the top contenders. Kingibe had most of the SDP governors on his side, Atiku had Maj-Gen Shehu Musa Yar’Adia (rtd) and his political machinery, while Abiola had name recognition and widespread goodwill. At the end of the first round of voting in which delegates had to pick three contestants in order of preference, Abiola came tops with 3,617 votes, Kingibe second with 3,225 and Atiku third with 2,066. There was no clear majority. That meant there was going to be a run-off where delegates were limited to

picking only one choice.

Abiola went into intense negotiations with Yar’Adua/Atiku, reportedly promising to make Atiku his running mate if they jointly fended off Kingibe. With deal sealed, Atiku informed his supporters just before the second round of voting that he was quitting the race.

“Distinguished national delegates, I very much appreciate your endorsement last night…

But in order to ensure a rancour-free election tonight, I beg and I plead with you to allow me to discontinue the race,” he said. Abiola polled 2,683 votes to Kingibe’s 2,456 and was crowned the presidential candidate. He ended up picking Kingibe, and not Atiku, as his running mate and went on to win the June 12, 1993 poll. It was sadly annulled.

Meanwhile, Atiku kept nurturing his ambition. After winning the 1999 governorship in Adamawa on the platform of the PDP, he was picked as VP candidate by President Olusegun Obasanjo. But since he had his eyes on the presidency, he set up campaign structures ahead of 2003 — despite Obasanjo being eligible for second term. He said he had three options: to support Obasanjo, to go with Dr Alex Ekwueme, and to contest himself. He later pulled back but Obasanjo Continued on page 70

WAZIRIADIO POSTSCRIPT

Scenarios around Buhari’s Choice of Flagbearer

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resident Muhammadu Buhari injected some oomph into the already charged political terrain on Tuesday. At a meeting with governors of the states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), he renounced the disinterested impression he gave five months earlier and confirmed what many had always suspected: that, as a departing president, he will fancy the privilege of determining who flies the flag of his party in the 2023 general election. And he did it in a scripted way.

He delivered a cryptic and teasing speech, one that was studded with copious hints that winked simultaneously in different directions.

As if that is not enough drama, the president cranked up the suspense by flashing a to-be-continued card. Then, he jetted out of the country for a few days, returned, then flew out again. This is tease artistry in vintage form. The country is literally waiting on his decision. Lovers of high-octane political drama are salivating noisily for the next episode of this evolving and engrossing drama. Pundits are

scrubbing the speech for definitive clues and journos are furiously working their sources. Governors and party leaders are holding endless and inconclusive meetings.

And some aspirants and their supporters are joyfully inserting themselves into the expansive arc sketched by the president.

It is not inconceivable that the president had made up his mind a while back but prefers, for whatever reasons, the last-minute approach. Eventually, the sell-by date of the suspense game will lapse; and the president’s choice will be announced or whispered to the governors and other party grandees. The last-minute approach may or may not end up as a genius move. The widely-held assumption is that the outcome of the APC convention will be a foregone conclusion once the president unveils his preferred aspirant. That assumption may hold, and it may not. Precisely because politics is the art of the possible, there is no 100 percent guarantee in this game.

There are many ways in which things can pan out at the APC convention billed to start tomorrow. Here, I will highlight four such scenarios.

The first scenario is that all the other

power centres in the party dutifully line up behind the president’s choice. This is the consensus option. This means that not only do the governors and godfathers concede to the president the right to choose the party’s flagbearer but also that all the other cleared aspirants will withdraw from the race and endorse the consensus candidate in writing as required by Section 84 (9) of the Electoral Act 2022. In this case, the convention will just be to fulfil all righteousness: to ratify the choice of the consensus candidate.

There are many reasons to suggest this is APC’s preferred option. Most of the members of its national leadership emerged by consensus at the national convention held just a little over two months ago. There were reports that aspirants were asked to sign and submit prior letters of withdrawal with their nomination forms, possibly as part of a plot to engineer consensus. The chairman of the APC screening committee, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, also disclosed on Friday when he submitted his committee’s report that all screened aspirants were asked about their views on the consensus option.

However, this option will fly only if the

president’s choice squares firmly with the preference of the governors and the other godfathers in the party and the other cleared aspirants decide or are persuaded not to call for an actual vote. If the president and the party are able to pull this off (and this is a big if), this will be the best-case scenario for the ruling party: the president will have his way and the party can head into the general election as a united and formidable family. But given that at least one of the frontline aspirants is unlikely to step down if he is not the president’s choice or not asked to nominate someone else, the consensus option is unlikely to happen.

This nicely leads to the second scenario, which can be called the modified consensus option. Here, the party’s flagbearer will be determined through an open contest because the formal conditions for consensus stipulated in the electoral act cannot be met.

But the outcome will be predictable. And the outcome will be predictable because the president would have been able to line up a majority of the delegates for Continued on page 70

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