TUESDAY 15TH JUNE 2021

Despite Public Outcry, Nigeria to Borrow More for Railways Expansion FG committed to its loans repayment obligations, Says Amaechi James Emejo, Kasim Sumaina in Abuja and Mary Nnah in Lagos The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday unfolded plans by the federal

government to take more Chinese loans to expand rail services to more states.

Amaechi, who featured on ‘The Morning Show,’ a programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of

THISDAY Newspapers, said the federal government had already begun negotiations for the loans.

If granted, it will balloon Nigeria's public debt stock, which, according to data from

the Debt Management Office (DMO), stood at $87.239 billion as of March 31, 2021.

Already, there has been an outcry against Nigeria's rising debt profile since 2015.

Last Thursday, Minister of

Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, had admitted that the federal government was exceeding its borrowing plan for 2021.

Ahmed, in an interview with France 24, monitored

by THISDAY, had blamed the development on the COVID-19 pandemic and the fall in oil prices.

However, Amaechi said Continued on page 8

Oil Price Exceeds $73 on Improving Demand Outlook...Page 6 Tuesday 15 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9563. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

TODAY'S WEATHER

ABUJA 25°C-33°C

MAIDUGURI 31°C-31°C

UT H

& RE A S O

ENUGU 25°C-28°C

N

KANO 27°C-33°C

LAGOS 24C-27°C

PORT HARCOURT 20°C-30°C

Nigeria Must Decentralise Now or Risk Disintegration, Soyinka Warns Urges Buhari not to bully secessionists, forget open grazing James Emejo, Emmanuel Addeh, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Mary Nnah in Lagos A Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday stated that Nigeria cannot remain one country if it fails to decentralise as fast as possible, adding that analysts, retired generals and others have maintained the same position.

Soyinka spoke to ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to be more sensitive to the agitations of secessionists rather than bully them.

“If it (Nigeria) fails to decentralise, some people use the word reconstruction, some use whatever. But if Continued on page 8

Clark Chastises President, Northern Elders for Silence over Jihadists’Threat to Delta MEND warns Fulani group against planned attack Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Chairman of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday expressed concern over the silence of President Muhammadu Buhari and Northern elders to threats by Fulani jihadists and Miyetti

Allah to attack Delta State for supporting the ban on open grazing.

He told reporters in Abuja that given their promptness in reacting to similar threats to herdsmen, he had expected Buhari and the Northern elders to condemn the threats to Delta State.

The group, on Sunday, had Continued on page 8

VISIT TO ROYALTY...

Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); and Oniru’s wife, Mariam, during the vice president’s courtesy visit to the oba's palace in Lagos...recently

Again, PDP Govs Push for Review of Revenue Sharing Formula...Page 5

2

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

3

4

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

5

TUESDAY, ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Again, PDP Govs Push for Review of Revenue Sharing Formula Urge Buhari to reverse twitter suspension

Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday called on the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to urgently send the revised revenue allocation formula to President Muhammadu Buhari for onward transmission to the National Assembly for enactment, so that more resources are made available to the states and local governments where ordinary Nigerians reside.

The state chief executives in the main opposition partycontrolled states have also called on President Buhari to reverse the suspension of Twitter, saying the action is denying Nigerian youths their legitimate means of livelihood.

The governors also examined the operations of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and expressed alarm at what it described as the opaque manner the oil corporation was being administered.

In a communique issued yesterday at the end of their meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the PDP governors called on the chairman and members of the commission (RMAFC) to resign or be relieved of their duties, if they cannot discharge the sacred constitutional duty entrusted by the Nigerian people to them.

“The present constitutional amendment process should make the commission more independent and accountable to all stakeholders," they said.

The communiqué signed by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, emphasised that under the constitution, the NNPC is duty-bound to make proceeds of sale or business of petroleum available to the Federation Account, which belongs to the three tiers of government, excluding the reasonable and verified and verifiable cost of operations.

The PDP governors also decried the recent NNPC’s decision not to make its statutory contributions to the Federation Account, thereby starving the states and local governments and indeed Nigerians of funds needed for employment, development and general wellbeing.

"The Federal government through NNPC is a manager of our oil wealth merely as a trustee for all Nigerians. The meeting frowned at a situation where the NNPC decides in a totally discretionary and often whimsical manner, how much to spend, how to spend it and how much to remit to the Federation Account, contrary to the letters and even the spirit of the 1999 Constitution."

The meeting called on other agencies of government such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Federal Inland Revenue

Service, Customs and Excise and similar organisations that are statutorily required to make contributions into the Federation Account to do more.

The PDP governors said that the federating states should, going forward, now have a say in the determination of operating costs to ensure transparency and accountability.

The meeting called for urgent steps to reverse what it called the ugly trends in the practice of democracy, constitutionalism and federalism.

The PDP governors expressed deep concerns on the operational system and methods of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and viewed with regrets that the CBN is operating as an independent government within a government, which they said is a perversion of the autonomy of the bank.

They frowned at the rising and seemingly uncontrollable debt profile of Nigeria with over 80 per cent of normal appropriation spent on debt servicing, stating that all the gains of the PDP government under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, where Nigeria exited its foreign debt obligations have been destroyed.

They said that borrowing for frivolous items such as funding the Nigerian Television Authority is scandalous, adding that money should only be borrowed for productive purposes as Nigeria's current debt of over N36 trillion is not sustainable.

They said that Nigeria should not saddle incoming generations with undue debt burden as the borrowing spree of the APC administration if unchecked, will certainly lead Nigeria into avoidable bankruptcy.

The meeting expressed support for the implementation of judicial and legislative autonomy in the federation and states, in conformity with the extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution as altered.

The PDP governors called for more involvement of states in mining and geophysical activities within their states, stating that this is necessary not just to curtail harm to the environment but to further diversify the Nigerian economy and complement oil as a foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.

They further reviewed the emerging threats to the nation's nascent democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law and cautioned the federal government to exercise power with restraint as the need for law and order is paramount to secure the nation, arguing that the mindless killings of innocent civilians should be avoided and are hereby condemned.

The governors reiterated its earlier revulsion at any attack on security personnel and their property anywhere in the country as a criminal and egregious act for which perpetrators should be brought to book.

The meeting examined the suspension of tweeter from operating in Nigeria, and

condemned the personalised reasons given for the action.

The PDP governors said that the mere ego of President Buhari is not enough for such a drastic action that deprives millions of Nigerians of such an affordable means of expression and communication.

Accordingly, the PDP governors said: "We hope that this is not a harbinger or early warning signs of descent into dictatorship."

They noted that social media regulation can only be done within the existing laws on the subject and should not be used as an attempt to punish or gag Nigerians from enjoying constitutionally guaranteed rights.

"Nigerian youths do not

have adequate access to employment and a lot of Nigerians rely on Twitter for their livelihood, businesses and self-employment. This will further worsen Nigeria's 33 per cent unemployment rate which is the highest in the world, improve Nigeria’s ranking as the country with second-highest poverty rate in the entire world, all of which happened under APC's unfortunate stewardship," they said.

They consequently requested the president to review the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria in the national interest.

On the recurring insecurity of lives and property in Nigeria, the PDP governors reiterated the need to decentralise the

operations of the security apparatus of state even within the existing legal framework, to ensure the input of local operators in states and local governments in policing and security.

The governors lamented the fact that the president seems not to be aware that the coercive instruments of state security is firmly within his hands and not the governors, considering his recent media interview on the subject.

They extolled the virtues and achievements of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, their host, at the meeting noting that he has brought prudence, innovation and competence in the management of state

resources with major landmark projects and interventions, and thanked him for being a wonderful host.

The meeting was attended by Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Chairman; and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, vice-chairman.

Others in attendance include Senator Douye Diri, Bayelsa State; Samuel Ortom, Benue State; Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State; Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State; Chief Nyesom Wike, Rivers State; Mr. Seyi Abiodun Makinde, Oyo State; Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Adamawa State; Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Edo State; Senator Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State; Chief Darius Ishaku, Taraba State; and the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mr. Mahdi Mohammed.

GAME WITH A MASTER...

Makoko 2021 Chess Champion, Master Ferdinand Maumo (left), Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the champion’s visit to the governor in Lagos...recently

25 Feared Killed in Attacks on Benue, Plateau Communities Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

No fewer than 25 persons were feared killed by gunmen in separate attacks on communities in Benue and Plateau States.

While 12 persons were killed in Sabon Layi village of Kuru community in Jos South Local Government Area, two others were killed in Zogu village of Miango community in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

In Benue State, no fewer than 11 people were feared killed in two separate incidents in Agatu Local Government Area of the state.

Residents of the Plateau villages said the attacks occurred on Sunday night.

The lawmaker representing Jos South Local Government Area in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Fom Gwattson, confirmed the killing of 12 persons in Kuru community.

He said: "Some gunmen last night attacked my constituency

and killed 12 in Sabon Layi community. I have just been informed of the development and this is completely unacceptable."

Confirming the second attack, National President of the Irigwe Development Association, Mr. Ezekiel Bini, said two people were killed at Zogu village, while others were injured during the attack.

Bini added that the injured have been rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital and other hospitals in the area.

He said: "Two persons died during the attack last night, apart from the others that were injured.

It's unfortunate that we have continued to bury our people on every attack by gunmen without anything being done to stop the killings by the authorities."

Bibi said the killings had been reported to the security agents.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Gabriel Ogaba, however, said 10 persons were killed during the attack in Jos South LGA.

"We had an incident in Jos South LGA. Ten persons, unfortunately, lost their lives.

But I am yet to get details on the attack in Bassa.

"The Plateau State Police Command received a report that 10 persons were shot dead in a drinking joint at Sabon Layi, Kuru in Jos South LGA by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

"Personnel of the command and the military have been deployed in the affected area.

"The Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and to bring the perpetrators of that dastardly act to book," he added.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 11 people were feared killed in two separate incidents in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, barely one week after herdsmen attacked and killed 27 people in the Odugbeho community in the same Agatu LGA. The latest killings also occurred

in Odugbeho and two other rural villages of Aila and Adagbo.

While two people were reportedly killed in Odugbeho, the remaining nine people were killed in Aila and Adagbo villages on Sunday night.

The Chairman of Agatu LG Council, Hon. Adoyi Sule, said the attack on the Odugbeho community was carried out by suspected armed herders.

Sule said the armed herders invaded the community on Sunday night, killed the two people and burnt 21 houses.

He added that the other nine deaths were recorded as a result of a communal crisis between Aila and Adagbo communities.

However, eight people who were wounded during the clash were now receiving treatment in the hospital.

Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said she was yet to receive any reports about the incident.

6

TUESDAY, ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

GATHERING OF OPPOSITION...

L-R: Governors Douye Diri of (Bayelsa), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Godwin Obaseki (Edo State), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Deputy Governor Aliyu Gusau (Zamfara) at the meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Uyo… yesterday

Oil Price Exceeds $73 on Improving Demand Outlook Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The international price of crude oil continued its rise yesterday, extending three weeks of gains on the back of improving outlook for fuel demand as countries ramp up the lifting of travel restrictions, leading to tightening commodity supply.

While Brent crude, Nigeria’s oil benchmark, was up by over 35 cents, or more than 0.7 per cent, at $73.47, the highest since May 2019, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained over 31 cents or 0.5 per cent, to stand at $71.73 a barrel, earlier reaching the highest since October 2018.

Mass transport is returning to pre-pandemic levels and more planes are in the air as anti-coronavirus lockdowns and other restrictions are being eased, driving three weeks of increases for the oil benchmarks.

But the rising international oil prices pose a dilemma to Nigeria, which is earning the much-needed foreign exchange, but also portends increased importation costs for petroleum products and by extension the landing cost.

In March the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said it was paying about N120 billion in petroleum subsidies monthly, even at a time

crude oil price was lower.

Since April, the national oil company has been unable to contribute to the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) due to payments to cover subsidy on petroleum imports.

However, the NNPC said the payment of subsidies was not affecting its obligations to its partners, although it would not be able to contribute to the account from where states and local governments get their monthly allocation.

At the weekend, a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) urged the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and

allies, known as OPEC+, to increase output to meet recovering demand.

But the OPEC+ group has been restraining production to support prices after the pandemic wiped out demand in 2020, maintaining strong compliance with agreed targets in May. “OPEC+ needs to open the taps to keep the world oil markets adequately supplied,” the IEA said.

The agency also claimed that based on current global economic growth expectations, demand for crude oil and petroleum products would be reaching pre-COVID levels by 2022.

However, it called for no more investments in oil and

gas, as it is expected to hit net zero-emission levels by 2050.

The Paris-based energy watchdog said OPEC would need to increase crude oil supply to the market by 1.4 million bpd in 2022, which would mean a significant increase over its current July 2021-March 2022 targets.

The prevailing market conditions also coincide with Nigeria’s falling crude oil production output levels which hit a record low levels in May 2021, according to OPEC data.

The report indicated that in the first quarter of 2021, Nigeria’s average production was 1.410 million barrels per day, in April production

stood at 1.460mbpd and was 1.388 barrels per day in May, leading to the loss of 72,000 daily barrels during the month.

But based on direct communication with OPEC, the cartel put the figure at 1.429 million barrels per day in March, 1.372 barrels per day in April and 1.344 mbpd in May, resulting in a shortage of 28,000 barrels between April and May. The country’s average crude oil production based on secondary sources was 1.78 Mbpd in 2019 and 1.57mbpd in 2020, while total OPEC 13-member crude oil production averaged 25.46 mb/d during the month of May.

Osinbajo: Nigeria Needs Leaders to Unite the People Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for leaders who will be ready to unite all Nigerians irrespective of tribes and religions.

According to him, with the challenges currently facing the nation, there is a need for proactive leaders who are prepared to bring Nigerians together.

Osinbajo, during a visit to

the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, on the occasion of his first coronation anniversary said: “Our country needs all the leaders, the best leaders, the most proactive leaders, leaders prepared to bring the country together. Lagos is a microcosm of Nigeria, everybody is here, if things work out well here, things will be okay in the country.

“I am sure your role here

is that of someone who brings together communities not just Yorubas, but everybody.

“And I can see that from your choice of chiefs, you have gone to other parts, and I think this is the attitude of great leaders.”

While praying for the monarch to have a successful reign the vice president said the progress of the kingdom and its people would be

determined by the quality of leadership provided by the monarch, which is a yardstick to measure the role of traditional rulers in the country.

He added: “You should know that you are always in my prayers because I believe that your role is crucial not just for the development of this state, but for the whole country.

“Today you cannot

relegate traditional rulers because of the exposure and education of those who occupy that position.”

The monarch thanked Osinbajo for his leadership and commitment to the progress of the country.

He pledged the support of the kingdom to the federal government, adding that Osinbajo's leadership style is an example for other leaders across the country to follow.

“You are a leader whose direction we will continue to follow.

"The relationship between the vice president and I had been very cordial. We belong to the same school of thought. He calls and advises me on several issues.

“I want to assure you, Mr. Vice President, that I will not disappoint you, I will ensure the progress of this kingdom and I will be just.”

No Proof South-east is Marginalised, Says Umahi Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, Mr. Dave Umahi, has said it will be difficult to prove that the South-east is marginalised as being perceived by people of the region.

Umahi, while fielding questions during a live television programme stated that every region in the country had been marginalised in one way or the other.

According to him, misinformation has contributed to fuelling

the current agitations for secession and unrest in the South-east.

He expressed regret that those who are in the position to educate the people have failed to do that.

He said: "You see this word 'marginalisation’ is so ambiguous. If you ask some regions, they will feel that even other regions are marginalising them.

"My position about this is that let us get all the details of marginalisation. I cannot say that there are not some pains in terms of some of the issues in the South-east and so with other regions.

So, we are saying to our youths we don't want to move away from a united Nigeria, that whatever may be their grievances we can sit down and discuss.

"There is a lot of misinformation and I will give an example. I will like to say this. When we cry as Ndigbo that we don't have a service chief, it is not true.

Part of Delta is Igbo, part of Rivers is Igbo. We have the chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo coming from Delta State. We have somebody from Delta State who is (CDS), part of the joint chiefs and people are still saying

we are not represented at the Security Council meeting.

"I want to disagree with that. When late Attahiru was the Chief of Army Staff, our brother was number 15 in ranking and Attahiru from out of love and relationship took him from number 15 to make him second-in-command. The man ought to have told our people this favour done to you. We are representing you; so that we appreciate the late Chief of Army Staff and appreciate Mr. President because the actual order of the military is actually the number two, who is in charge of operations and logistics.

There is misinformation.

"And when it was time to replace the service chief, they said the man is secondin-command and he is from the South-east. He is number 15. For example, I was not aware that somebody from the South-east is the secondin-command in the Navy or Air Force."

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari cannot be everywhere at a time to know what is going on in places like government agencies and could not have known when an Igbo man is denied a promotion or appointment.

"My position is this - there are certain things that happen in this country that even the president is not aware of.

When in a particular ministry someone from the South-east is due for appointment or promotion and he is not appointed, how will Mr. President know of this?

"My position is that let us articulate our grievances and let the youths give us the opportunity and chance.

We need to know all these things. And it's when these complaints are made that - I am not saying the South-east is not marginalised but it's not in totality.”

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

7

8

TUESDAY, ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

PAGE EIGHT NIGERIA MUST DECENTRALISE NOW OR RISK DISINTEGRATION, SOYINKA WARNS Nigeria fails to decentralise as fast as possible, manifestly, not as rhetoric, then Nigeria cannot stay together,” he warned, adding: “Again, it's not Wole Soyinka saying this.

Everybody has said it; generals have said it; ex-heads of state have said it; politicians have said it; analysts have said it; economists have said it. And that's what's happening to people in the streets. That's why they are moving; that's why they are demonstrating; that's why they are defying threats from the police and from the government that if you demonstrate, you are traitors or you do this, we'll deal with you.”

Soyinka explained that people are no longer intimidated by Buhari’s threat that ‘we will talk to you in the only way you understand.’

“It doesn't wash with anybody any longer because if

a nation is on a suicidal slide, the people who feel that they do not deserve that kind of suicidal plunge have a right to say 'sorry, I am getting off before it nosedives,” he said.

On how to make the system work again, he said: “It relates to what I was saying earlier.

It is because he (Buhari) is not listening or he's listening and he's not understanding so that we do not have this extreme moment to say, wait a minute, there is nobody out there, we better look after our own security, we better look after our own very existence.”

He accused governors and senators of not doing enough to confront the challenges facing the country.

He said while the Senate has not utilised its powers to force the government to act the way it should, the governors appeared to be too timid to act.

Soyinka added that Buhari is not listening to the yearnings of Nigerians, and his administration did not really understand the applications, full responsibilities and commitments involved in a democratic regime.

He said he was alarmed at the understanding of democracy by the top hierarchy of government.

He stated that the suspension of Twitter's operations in Nigeria aborted the various channels of selfexpression open to any kind of polity and abrogated the essence of democracy.

He said: “The politicians are not doing enough, especially the Senate. If you study the constitution very carefully, you will find out that they have certain powers which they haven't touched.

I have discussed this with constitutional lawyers. There

are certain areas in which they can act, they can force this government, compel this government to act the way it should.

“And that also applies especially to governors. The governors themselves are too tentative; they are too timid.

There are certain areas of the constitution, in which, as I go back to my favourite expression, they can push the envelope, completely, so that we get a sense of governance at all tiers, and have synergy going on. I think people are ready to stand behind the leaders.”

Soyinka said Twitter's suspension showed that democracy means different things to different people.

He also condemned the language used by Buhari in his interview recently and even in his statements from Aso Rock in relation

to those who are clamouring for secession.

According to him, when a group makes such agitations, any sensitive leadership must learn to understand this and respond to the reasons behind those agitations and not start threatening and bullying and trying to intimidate people because they are giving vent to deep-seated grievances.

He added: “For instance, there was a question I listened to President Buhari on this very channel (ARISE) about the position of the various governors on open grazing. At least 50 per cent of the nation has their representatives, saying that within the constitution, within the democratic dispensation that we say we are operatingwe are saying on behalf of our people that we do not want open grazing anymore.

And then somebody sits in

Aso Rock and says to them that well, there is a cattle constitution, I am instructing my attorney-general to dig up some kind of law, colonial law which arbitrated between farmers and herders...so that I can recover on behalf of a certain private business, the whole routes - which means that he is not listening to what people are saying, he's not listening to what the governors representing them are saying.

“He's saying I am going to restore the routes by referring to some colonial arrangements. Now, when I listen to a thing like that I really despair. I want to say this, it was a very instructive interview, and no doubt there was nothing new. One was just hoping that this government had transcended that kind of partisan thinking.”

CLARK CHASTISES PRESIDENT, NORTHERN ELDERS FOR SILENCE OVER JIHADISTS’ THREAT TO DELTA given Delta State a 72-hour ultimatum to review its ban on open grazing or risk an attack.

The group stated that it was angered by the fact that the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, hosted the May 11, 2021 meeting of the governors of the 17 Southern states in Asaba, where they resolved to ban open grazing in their domains.

While claiming to be protecting the Uthman Dan Fodio heritage of free open grazing in Nigeria and the entire West Africa sub-region, the group asked Okowa to disown the position of the Southern governors on open grazing of cattle.

The group threatened to attack Asaba and Agbor unless Okowa withdrew his support to open grazing ban.

It also claimed responsibility for last week's fire at the Federal Secretariat in Asaba, which destroyed the second floor office of the NYSC completely.

But in a counter move, another group, which identified

itself as the Movement for the Emancipation and the Defence of the Niger Delta cautioned the self-styled ‘Fulani Jihadists’ group against attacking the state.

Clark, while condemning the silence of the federal government and Northern elders said open grazing was buried for good in all the 17 Southern states.

According to him, the Northern elders who are always quick to accuse Igbo leaders of not publicly condemning the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have not deemed it fit to call the jihadists to order.

He expressed concern that less than one week after leaders of thought, traditional rulers and others, including himself, met on the state of the nation, the Fulani jihadists issued a threat to attack Delta State.

He said: "We have watched with restrained patience, the reckless and irresponsible utterances of the so-called Fulani jihadists and the Miyetti

Allah, who believe that they own Nigeria from the North to the sea, and, therefore, have the impunity to warn state governments, particularly the Delta State government and governor, to withdraw, within 72 hours, his decision against open grazing, recently taken by the 17 governors of the South, in a meeting held in Asaba.

He said: "We have decided to issue this advice and warning to the federal government and the Fulani jihadists that the people of the Niger Delta will resist in such a way that will make it definitely impossible for the federal government’s security forces to cope with should this action escalate.

"We are reacting because this is not the first time the Fulani and their collaborators have insulted our people. It will be remembered that sometime in 2009, a legislator from Kebbi State in the National Assembly asked the federal government to resettle the people of the Niger Delta in another territory to create a conducive and

unhindered atmosphere for the oil companies to operate.

"That we warn, the resulting consequences will be very unpleasant to them. The federal government has continuously condoned them and behaving as if the federal government is the one giving support to these Fulani Jihadists and the Miyetti Allah because what is happening today in Nigeria, which has resulted in unprecedented insecurity and bad governance in Nigeria will be worse if they are not called to order by the federal government within the shortest time possible.

"For some Fulani Jihadists to issue such insulting and provocative 72 hours’ notice to the governor of Delta State, without the federal government and the elders of Northern extraction ever calling them to order, is most disappointing, considering that the same Northern elders were quick to accuse Igbo leaders of not publicly condemning IPOB. "Such impudence of the

DESPITE PUBLIC OUTCRY, NIGERIA TO BORROW MORE FOR RAILWAYS EXPANSION

Nigeria had been fulfilling its loan obligations as it had never defaulted in the repayment of loans, especially for the railway projects.

He stated that the federal government had so far repaid over $150 million out of the $500 million facility secured by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the Abuja-Kaduna railway.

The minister added that monthly revenue from the Abuja-Kaduna railway operation has increased from N70 million to N350 million as of May. He also refuted the suggestion that some obnoxious clauses in the Chinese loan agreements may lead to mortgaging Nigeria's assets in the case of default.

The minister clarified that he was not behind the recent suspension of the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman.

He said Bala-Usman was not suspended but only asked to ‘step aside’ to enable an investigation into the management of the authority from 2016 to date.

Amaechi said President Muhammadu Buhari would decide on the resumption of the embattled NPA boss after the conclusion of the probe.

Amaechi said: "When you

take the loan, you are expected to pay back and as we are talking today we are paying back.

"Under the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the loan for Abuja - Kaduna was about $500 million. As of today, we have paid over $150 million on that loan.

"And Nigeria has never defaulted when it comes to loan repayment. And I don't also expect that we will default on any other loan we have taken.

"The loan for Ibadan-Kano is about $1.5 billion. The rest of $500 million came from our budget. I expect that whatever loans we take we will be able to pay.

"I am not aware that there is any clause in the loan agreement that hands over any of our national assets to China.

"Yes, in default they go to court and it depends on the outcome of the court case, but I am not aware that there is anything in all the clauses signed by this government or the previous government of Goodluck Jonathan that mortgaged any of our national assets."

According to him, the total reconstruction of the narrow gauge line of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri railway as well as that of Kano

-Maradi will commence in June.

He added that the LagosKano narrow gauge is currently being negotiated with different interest groups willing to rehabilitate it.

He explained: "What we are going to start this June is the total reconstruction of the narrow gauge line. We are rehabilitating Port Harcourt -Maiduguri and at the same time the president has directed that contract be awarded for the standard gauge, which should be funded when the next government comes.

"But the difference between the narrow gauge and the standard gauge is just the speed. The Lagos -Kano narrow gauge is the one we are negotiating with different interest groups who want to rehabilitate.

"That one is for rehabilitation. And when they finish rehabilitation, they will then run it by themselves and make their money and pay themselves back. We've not even commenced negotiation."

Amaechi said more Chinese loans would be needed to extend the railway services to other states.

He said although the Lagos-Ibadan rail line had been completed, the services were still skeletal because it would take six months to test

equipment to ensure they are in perfect condition.

He, however, stated that to extend the railway service from Ibadan to Osogbo and from Kano to Kaduna as well as other states in the country, the country would need to get more Chinese loans of which negotiations were already in progress.

“It takes six months to know that that equipment is in perfect condition. We would continue to test the equipment so that we do not have any train accidents. So we are moving from just two services in a day to four. It will be a gradual progression and I believe that by the end of the year, we will be doing 16 trips in a day,” the minister said.

He also said the continuation of the rail line would only commence when the Chinese loan was obtained, adding that the ministry has already mobilised contractors with some funds pending when the implementation of the loan facility would be concluded.

“As soon as we get the Chinese loan, we would commence the construction of Ibadan to Abuja, but before the end of this month, we should commence some of the Kano-Kaduna rail. We have already mobilised the

Fulani Jihadists will no longer be tolerated. They even claimed responsibility for the burning/bombing of the secretariat in Asaba, which also houses the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Office."

He said the decision on open grazing and other decisions are taken on national interest by the 17 Southern governors received the full support of the people of Southern Nigeria, particularly the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of the South-east, PANDEF of the South-south and the Afenifere of the South-west.

He stated: "We will no longer tolerate hate and divisive statements targeted at deriding and insulting others, from these Fulani who believe Nigeria is exclusively theirs and other Nigerians are their subjects, and not their fellow citizens.

"I repeat, on behalf of Southerners, that open grazing has been finally buried in Southern Nigeria.

For Mr. President to insist that open grazing should continue whereby he asked

the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to dig out the gazette that approved open grazing in the First Republic is unbelievable, unpatriotic and unacceptable to our people.”

Clark also explained how far critical stakeholders have gone in addressing the crisis rocking the country, saying that "in order to maintain and promote a peaceful Nigeria, I was among other 50 prominent Nigerians, including former heads of state, traditional rulers, former chief justices, that met for nine hours, under the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, recently on Thursday, 11th June 2021, at the Conference Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, where valuable decisions were taken to maintain and sustain the unity of this country."

Clark told Buhari to regard himself as president of one Nigeria, and not as president of the Fulani or the Northerners,

contractors with some funds and we would fund it initially from our budget pending when the implementation of the loan facility would be concluded”, Amaechi said.

On the security of the railway system against the backdrop of the activities of vandals and other economy saboteurs, Amaechi canvassed the amendment of the law to make perpetrators liable for manslaughter as well as serve as a deterrence to others.

He said terminal operators must contribute to the total reconstruction and reorganisation of the Apapa seaport.

According to him, the Apapa seaport’s only problem is efficiency, citing the drastic change in the port on the day the president visited to inaugurate the Deep Blue Project.

He said: "I was in the train with the president on that day and noticed that everything had disappeared, even inside the port that looked like a marketplace was very well organised; no persons were found loitering about, no trucks. What it shows is that the problem of the seaport is the problem of efficiency."

He stated: “If they had the capacity in just one night, because I was there the previous evening, and when

I came back in the morning, everything had disappeared; if that can happen in one night, it means that the problem is management, nothing else.

Do we need to wait for the president to come before we can be efficient?”

He added: "What I’ve done was to have a meeting with the terminal operators and I told them that they have to contribute to the reconstruction of the Apapa seaport. We must rebuild the Apapa seaport, taking into cognisance all the issues that we are seeing now that is frustrating the seaport, like where do you park the trucks, how many trucks are coming into the Seaport at what point in time?

"How can a person come into the seaport who has no business being there, what is he doing at the seaport?

The seaport is a security area and it’s not for everybody, even me, after my tenure as minister, I’m not entitled to go into the seaport unless I have business in the seaport."

Amaechi said the Ministry of Transportation would partner the Customs and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to solve the problem, adding that freighting of cargoes from the seaport through the rail, when it begins, will also ease congestion at the ports.

Continued on page 10

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

9

10

TUESDAY, ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Aisha Seeks More Personnel for Security Agencies to Tame Insecurity Deji Elumoye in Abuja The First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has urged the federal government to conclude the employment of more security personnel to address the intractable security problems facing the nation.

According to a statement yesterday by her Special

Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Aliyu Abdullahi, the first lady made the call while receiving wives of service chiefs during a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja.

She stressed the role of women in nation-building, saying that as wives of senior public servants, they should

support their husbands in realising the mandate to secure Nigeria and its citizens.

She also urged them to uphold the spirit of camaraderie characteristic of families of security forces that is demonstrated during periods of joy and sorrow.

Mrs. Buhari also called for

regular and timely payment of benefits of retired and deceased soldiers so that their families get their benefits as and when due.

This, according to her, will serve as motivation for the security forces.

Speaking on behalf of the wives of service chiefs, the wife of the Chief of Defence

Staff, Mrs. Victoria Irabor, commended Mrs. Buhari for her motherly role and constant support to the families of security personnel.

Irabor recalled how the first lady had supported families of injured or deceased security officers through regular empowerment programmes.

She conveyed the gratitude of those who had benefitted from the first lady’s efforts, adding that the officers and their families are encouraged by her kind gesture.

Irabor also charged her colleagues to emulate the gesture of the first lady by remaining in touch with the soldiers’ families.

Have Confidence in APC, Oshiomhole Tells Party Members Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday appealed to party members in Edo State to keep faith in the party irrespective of the party's present challenges in the state.

Oshiomhole, during a meeting of party leaders from Edo North Senatorial District in Auchi, said irrespective of the outcome of the last governorship election in the

state, Edo North APC had enough reasons to be proud for winning the senatorial zone.

He said: "The unity of this senatorial zone must be maintained, serviced and sustained. The only way to sustain it is unity of purpose and constant meetings at all levels from time to time."

He appealed to the party leaders to always carry everybody along at the wards, local and state levels, adding that politics is a game of numbers and as such, no member should be belittled.

"There are some grumblings

and quarrels in some local governments or in some places between one youth and another youth, one woman with another woman. That is understandable because once we relate together as human beings, sometimes there will be a quarrel, but we as leaders must realise that we have a duty to settle such quarrels and put them behind us," he added.

While appreciating the members elected to the state House of Assembly under the APC platform, who till now have not been inaugurated for

keeping their faith, he said the people were elected and committed no sin, yet, they were being denied their right to be sworn-in to represent their constituents.

Oshiomhole said: "I believe that God will deliver justice to them in His own way and at His own determined time."

He further appreciated leaders of the party for remaining steadfast in spite of sponsored negative stories against some of them, and saluted the footsoldiers for their trust and confidence in the party, saying many

of them have made sacrifices.

"Some resigned from their positions based on principles, some resisted the temptations to betray the party for monetary gains, while others were sacked or illegally suspended from their elected positions," he stated.

Speaking about himself, Oshiomhole said: "I have every reason to be grateful to God for His grace upon me. It is on record that I did not only do eight years as governor, but the party also worked hard to have my successor elected on the platform. It does not matter

what happened thereafter.

"I also was privileged to become the national chairman of our party and it does not matter even if I had spent just two days in that office. All that matters is that I occupied the office and it is a history that cannot be changed and for which I am grateful to God. "It is for this reason that I have an obligation to continue to maintain and sustain the ladder, which by the help of other people I used to climb up so that others too can take advantage of that ladder to even climb higher than I did."

Food Crisis Looming in Nigeria, Says Northern CAN John Shiklam in Kaduna The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Authority (FCT), has raised the alarm that a food crisis is looming in Nigeria, stressing that the current situation in the country has plunged the majority of Nigerians into hunger, poverty, frustration and despondency.

It predicted an impending food crisis as a result of the activities of bandits.

In a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna, titled, “Democracy Day, insecurity and the looming food crisis,” the religious body said there was nothing to celebrate on June 12, declared by the

current administration as Democracy Day. According to the statement, amid increasing insecurity, a bad economy and undemocratic tendencies among the leaders, there was nothing worth celebrating on Democracy Day. The statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, Rev. Jechonia Albert, lamented that the increasing insecurity in the country has prevented farmers in many rural communities, particularly, in the north, from going to the farm.

Albert stressed that the implication of farmers not going to the farm is a looming food crisis that may compound the challenges being faced by Nigerians.

“The rains are here, but farmers cannot go to the farms for fear of being killed or abducted by bandits.

“The implication of this is that a looming food crisis stares us in the face and unless steps are taken to provide a secured environment for farmers to return to the farms, we may be in for more trouble with a hungry and frustrated population”.

The statement further said June 12 was marked with mixed feelings, noting that in places like Lagos, Abuja and some southern states, Nigerians trooped to the streets to protest against the unfortunate state of affairs in the country.

“Without mincing words, Northern CAN wishes to state

that the current state of the nation has plunged the vast majority of the people into hunger, poverty, frustration and despondency.

“Amid increasing insecurity, bad economy and undemocratic tendencies among the leaders, is there anything really worth celebrating? Certainly none!

“We are particularly concerned about the security situation which appeared to have overwhelmed the government.”

It lamented that the security situation in the country has worsened with bandits, kidnappers and Boko Haram insurgents unleashing mayhem on Nigerians, killing innocent people and sacking communities.

According to CAN, thousands of Nigerians, especially, in rural communities have been rendered homeless by bandits.

“On a daily basis across the country, communities are being raided and people are being killed or abducted by rampaging bandits and other criminal elements.

“The security situation has crippled the economy as travelling on the highways across the country has become a nightmare to Nigerians.”

The statement also condemned the persistent attacks and abduction of children in schools, especially in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Niger.

“We fear that these attacks, if not checked, parents and

children would be forced to abstain from school, given the recent cases in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina and Niger states, where parents of abducted schoolchildren paid hundreds of millions of naira to bandits for the release of their children.

“This will bring about a serious setback to the quest by the north to bridge the wide educational gap between it and the southern states of Nigeria.

“We join other Nigerians to once again, call on the federal government for the umpteenth time to urgently address the security situation once and for all to liberate Nigerians from criminal gangs and their reign of terror”, the statement added.

CLARK CHASTISES PRESIDENT, NORTHERN ELDERS FOR SILENCE OVER JIHADISTS’ THREAT TO DELTA adding that Nigerians shall resist, at all cost, any attempt to subjugate them.

He cautioned the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, against what he described as his irresponsible and unprofessional language, which he said is misleading the president.

He said: "I also use this opportunity to seriously advise the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over his irresponsible and unprofessional language, which is misleading and misdirecting Mr. President.

Because the rhetoric question Mr. President asked during his interview with ARISE Television, whether Nigerians want him (Mr. President) to contradict the Attorney-General of the Federation, was based on his understanding of the AG’s advice to him.

"The AG’s position is

provided for in the constitution and he is expected to be independent of parochial and unconstitutional government decisions. He behaves as if his position is that of a minister of justice alone.

"This was the reason why at the 2014 National Conference it was recommended that the post of the Attorney-General recognised by the constitution should be separated from that of the minister of justice who owes his allegiance to the government in power that appointed him.

"Perhaps, Mr. President is not aware, or he has not been advised by the AG that the Land Use Act, which vested ownership of land on the state governor is entrenched in the constitution of the country.

Therefore, any gazette or law passed by any State or National Assembly is and will be null and void because the 1999 Constitution supersedes all such laws or gazette notices.

"The President has no power

or authority to impose open grazing on state governments.

Such illegal actions which are a breach of the 1999 Constitution will not be accepted and will be legally resisted at all costs.

"Therefore, any law banning open grazing by state governments is not only legal and binding but is unchallengeable and binding on any person or group of persons, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

Clark, however, appealed to the president to call for national dialogue over insecurity and general violence, with Nigerians of various ethnic nationalities, adding that the various calls by groups for secession and breakup of the country are not healthy.

He said the Buhari needed to have a peaceful government until his exit from office in 2023, and canvassed the restructuring of the nation and return to a federal system of government as it was in 1963,

before the military took over in 1966.

MEND Warns ‘Fulani Jihadist’ Group against Attack on Delta Meanwhile, a group, which identified itself as the Movement for the Emancipation and the Defence of the Niger Delta has cautioned a self-styled Fulani jihadist group against attacking Delta State.

The group warned of dire consequences should the Fulani or Usman Dan Fodio heritage leadership group carry out their threat to Delta and the governor, after the three-day ultimatum.

In the statement titled, "Response to the Fulani Threat to Okowa on Open Grazing

by Southern Governors" and signed off as "Dragon War, MEND", the group said: “We are warning that if your threat

is made to come to fulfilment, No Fulani will ever exist across the Niger Delta and all oil facilities linked to a Fulani will be brought down. If one soul is lost, 10 Fulani souls will pay for it. If one facility is destroyed, 10 Fulani facilities will be destroyed. We will respond proportionately ten times whatever you give, the corresponding response will not be limited to the Delta, it may be with your politicians or with your rulers.

“We will launch three rocket launchers and ballistic missiles at any facility of our choice as a warning in seven days if you make bold your threats.

“We don't make cheap our threats. We have shut down the country and we can at any time shut you down. We are the Niger Delta. We stand for the interest of the Niger Delta and we will not allow any coward to threaten us.

We fight without running. Be warned!"

However, the Delta State

Police Command, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Bright Edafe, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, waved off the reported threat by the faceless group, describing it as inconsequential and something to simply ignore.

The statement by the police advised the people in the state to go about their lawful activities without fear of intimidation or attacks from any quarter.

The police attributed the source of the leaflet reportedly posted at different conspicuous points at Agbor and Asaba, including on walls near the Government House, as the handiwork of miscreants who were intent on creating panic among law-abiding residents in the state and escalating insecurity in the country.

The statement said the police were unwavering in their commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of Delta State.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

11

12

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

13

14

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

COMMENT

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

SHOULD THEVICE PRESIDENT RESIGN? No. The nation needs him in the years to come, writes Etim Etim

I

n the midst of the turmoil enveloping the country and the government’s seemingly poor response, some Nigerians are wondering if Vice President Yemi Osinbajo shouldn’t quit the government. They argue that the VP’s inability to influence the President to change his ways has rendered Prof Osinbajo otiose in the scheme of things.

Across the nation, especially in the beleaguered communities in the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria, the people are asking why Osinbajo cannot help to stop the violence.

In a social media chat room I belong to, a university teacher wrote recently: “what is Prof Yemi Osinbajo still doing in the government? Are his views still being respected? Has he advised the President to run a more inclusive government’’? Others are suggesting that the VP should speak out against what they regard as the ills of the Buhari administration. “I think the Vice President should be bold enough to challenge the President on the continued marginalization of a section of the country’’, writes Engr Emeka Nweke on his Facebook wall.

In many social media platforms, the debate is raging on how the VP should respond to the crisis in the land. But the discussions have overlooked an important constitutional point: A Vice President does not exercise his own power independent of the President; and no matter how strongly he feels about a policy, it would be useless for him and politically dangerous to the nation for him to break ranks with the boss. The job of a VP under a Presidential system is probably the most frustrating in the world, even when the occupant understands his or her role clearly.

No matter how knowledgeable he is or how sound his ideas are, the VP must stand by the actions of the government he serves, otherwise he quits in anger! There are those who think such anger is useful but only for their tunnel vision and limited outlook.

The question then is should this VP resign if he does not agree with certain unpopular actions of the government?

My personal opinion is that it would not serve any important purpose to the VP himself or Nigerians as a whole if Osinbajo quits the government out of frustration. He should hang in there and continue in his work in the economic front till the last day in 2023.

One, the office of the VP is a public trust and is bigger than the occupant, his personal interests and agenda. Osinbajo will serve the greater interest of ordinary Nigerians for whom he is a voice within if he remains in office. Two, in the last six years, the VP has made a big difference in practically every important agenda of this administration such as the Social Investment Program (SIP), Economic Sustainability Program (ESP), Micro Small Medium Enterprises Clinics, Technology and Innovation Programs of the government. Take the ESP as an example. This program was designed by the VP and a team the President put together last year to protect the economy against the negative fallouts of the pandemic. The same President asked the VP to serve as its Chair.

So far there are over 465,820 beneficiaries of the Payroll Support element of the plan and many other beneficiaries of the Artisan Formalization Support Track. In all, over 1.5million beneficiaries will be impacted.

For the most vulnerable, the Osinbajo-led team launched a Cash Transfer Scheme facilitated through a wholly technology-based approach called the Rapid Response Register with plans to give one million households N5,000 monthly Cash Transfer for six months.

THE OFFICE OF THE VP IS A PUBLIC TRUST AND IS BIGGER THAN THE OCCUPANT, HIS PERSONAL INTERESTS AND AGENDA. OSINBAJO WILL SERVE THE GREATER INTEREST OF ORDINARY NIGERIANS FOR WHOM HE IS A VOICE WITHIN IF HE REMAINS IN OFFICE

The Social Investment Programmes (under VP’s Office up till 2019) covered over 12 million direct beneficiaries nationwide, and this include Homegrown School Feeding Programme in 35 states feeding 9.9million children. More than 107,000 cooks are engaged to prepare these meals for the schoolchildren. Think of the jobs created for the cooks, the market created for the farm products, the added nutrition to the school kids and the enhanced school enrolments.

In the N-Power scheme, over 500,000 graduates have been employed, in addition to over 2.3million market women, traders, artisans and farmers across all 36 states of the country and FCT, under Government Enterprise & Empowerment Programme, GEEP. More than three million poor and vulnerable households have registered on the National Social Register and more than one million families are currently benefiting from Conditional Cash Transfer.

The administration has given unprecedented Support for MSMEs in the country. For example, the MSME Clinics have been held in 27 States, twice in Ebonyi, across the country including the FCT. Over 400,000 MSMEs have so far participated in the MSME clinics nationwide. About 300,000 new business names have been registered by the Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC) at a reduced 50% price of N5000, down from the normal N10, 000. In addition, seven One-Stop Shops have been established for MSMES in Cross River, Kwara, FCT, Abia, Bauchi, Osun and Plateau. The federal government has also launched shared facilities for MSMEs in Oyo, Bauchi, Benue and Lagos. This is to allow MSMEs which do not possess the financial capacity to own their equipment the opportunity to go into a fully equipped cluster-style facility to pay a token to use such equipment.

In the area of technology and innovation, Prof Osinbajo has also made significant contributions. The VP’s involvement in tech brought about the following: Microsoft opened an African Development Center in Lagos in 2019 employing engineers building Microsoft products for global use.

This was as a result of the meeting the VP had with the leadership of Microsoft on the 10th of November, 2015 where Microsoft promised a significant presence on the African continent and Nigeria in particular.

Google Inc. in July 2020 announced plans to establish its first Google Launchpad Space outside the United States in Lagos. Facebook, in September 2020, made public its decision to open an office in Lagos as part of its planned expansion in sub-Saharan Africa. This should materialize this year. HUAWEI on the other hand last November promised the Vice President that the company will position Nigeria as a technology centre for the African continent and give more jobs to young Nigerians.

The business community has also acknowledged the administration’s initiatives on Ease of Doing Business. The work of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (inaugurated by President Buhari in August 2016) and the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES) has resulted in Nigeria moving up 39 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings since 2016. In the last three years, Nigeria has twice been adjudged one of 10 Most Improved Economies in the Rankings. Even though there were some setbacks no one can say by being there pushing for the reforms relentlessly, the business community is better served.

Etim wrote from Abuja

OGUN PRESS CENTRE: OSOBA’S HOMAGE TO HOMECOMING Kayode Akinmade pays tribute to Segun Osoba, veteran journalist and former governor of Ogun State

I

t is a no-brainer that homecoming is a crucial phenomenon in human life. Home is where the roots lie; it is the stream from which energy and creativity sally forth. And this is why, for instance, literature as a potent vehicle of human expression has often engaged the multi-faceted wavelengths of homecoming. Whether you are talking of Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native, a cliffhanger dissecting home and pain; Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, a Grecian rendition where Odysseus ultimately returns from his travels, Hassen Khemiri’s The Family Clause with its drama of a grandfather returning to his family in Sweden, or Julian Barnes’ Love, a marital drama about the aftermath of heartbreak and the dynamics of returning ex-husbands, the idea of homecoming inhabits literature as a sold strand. As the literary critic Benedict Ibitokun shows in his epochal inaugural, “Literature and quest for the roots,” all of literature hankers back to the source: African literature cannot but engage the theme of Beginning, of the past and its intricate relation to the present and the future.

One homecoming in Abeokuta, few days ago, offers rich material for our creative and critical lore. On Tuesday, May 25, celebrated journalist and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, returned to the grounds of the Government Secretariat, Abeokuta, in a blaze of glory. An outsider for a decade and a half, the reporter’s reporter exuded ecstasy as the newly-minted Olusegun Osoba Press Centre at Oke Mosan, a majestic edifice was commissioned by Governor Dapo Abiodun. Osoba had once ruled on these grounds, the first time during a brief stay as a Social Democratic Party (SDP) governor between 1992 and 1993, and the second as an Alliance for Democracy governor (1999 - 2003), but politics had made him a pariah for many seasons.

And so the 82-year-old, arguably a media man for all seasons, paid his homage to homecoming, and to the resilience of a new democratic order in the Gateway State. It was such a beauty, such a joy to behold.

The words deserved to be etched in marble: “To imagine that in my life, my return to these premises will be this glorious is something of emotion. I couldn’t come to Abeokuta, not to talk of visiting the office of the Governor. Mr. Governor, you will not know how many hours you have added to my life with this action today. It may be hours, weeks, days, or years, but you have added something very great to my life today.”

You cannot begrudge Osoba his homage to homecoming. The May 25 event was, as The Nation’s editorial poignantly observed, indeed one of a great return to the roots. After a 15-year hiatus, he was honoured in the same secretariat where he had been declared persona non-grata, a reward for his labour of many decades.

The event, though, was one bit of paradox: it was the first time a Press Centre was being commissioned since 1976 when the state was created. As the public is no doubt fully aware, before now, the site where the press held court was the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre at Oke-Ilewo, opposite the old secretariat. Given Ogun State’s place as the vanguard of press presence and the bastion of freedom of expression in Nigeria—Nigeria’s very first paper, the Iwe Iroyin, began operations in Abeokuta in 1859—it is something to regret that a government-built Press Centre took so long in transit.

Happily, though, the lacuna has been plugged, and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm can now begin anew.

The Press Centre comes very well recommended: it boasts two press halls and an arena fitted with

work tools where journalists would be doing their jobs. The governor’s CPS has a modern office there and the governor has a waiting bay where he can stay until the press is ready for his address; a canteen, rest rooms, etc. It is a press centre that can favourably compare with any other in the country.

It is a tribute to Abiodun’s genius that in naming the Ogun Press Centre, he chose a worthy citizen whose journalistic legacy is, quite simply, beyond reproach. The two-time governor, ex-managing editor of Daily Times, Sketch and Herald newspapers has his name implanted in gold. Osoba it was who, as a Daily Times correspondent, discovered the bulletridden body of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa in January 1966. During the Nigerian civil war, he risked life and limb to inform the public.

He was reputed as the only reporter of his time who had a telephone at home, Osoba broke stories at will. As Reuben Abati notes: “Reporter, sub-editor, deputy editor, editor, General Manager, Managing Director from Daily Times to The Herald, to The Sketch newspaper and back to The Daily Times in 1984, Osoba’s story is well told in his autobiography, Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics which, in my view, is a must-read. Osoba, first Nieman Fellow in Journalism from Nigeria, is highly revered, deservedly.”

And not even the passage of time has dulled his journalistic energy: Osoba was at the recent Guild of Editors meeting in Kano, to give wise counsel and support to the emergence of a new executive. He was with the Editors from 30 May to 2 June 2021. And when it was time for project inspection on Tuesday 2 June, Osoba was with them from 9.00 am till 7.00 pm.

They were led by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on an inspection tour of some projects executed by his administration. They inspected the multi-billion

naira Ultra-Modern Cancer Centre, Aminu Alhassan Dantata flyover along Murtala Muhammad Way, Tijjani Hashim flyover at Kofar Ruwa, Madobi Challawa flyover, Sheikh Qariballah Nasiru Kabara flyover at Shahuci, Ultra-Modern Three-layer Dangi flyover and Kwari market flyover, among others.

During the inspection tour, a recently completed Yahaya Gusau Road (which links the main Bayero University Kano road to Sharada industrial area road) in the metropolis was, as a great honour, commissioned by Chief Segun Osoba.

At the Gala Night organized for the editors by Kano State Government, Ganduje praised Osoba who “at 82 stayed with us throughout the inspection tour.” In fact, there is nothing the Guild organizes that Osoba would not be present to show support.

As an elder, he applies his judgment the way hot knife would cut through butter when he mediates in conflicts among these media “gate keepers.” What is gratifying is that they defer to him; they bow to his interventions and verdicts. On personal levels, Osoba does not fail to tell “my colleagues” ( he does not look down on any journalist) on the need to plan for the future by way of investments, especially real estate. This is because just as the editor’s seat is not permanent, every day is not Christmas! That is why all journalists love Osoba. Yes, they do.

Apparently, when Governor Abiodun came into office, he discovered a missing link in the Ogun governance: the media had not been placed in its rightful position. Apprised of the fact that in order to bring government closer to the people, his administration had to take appropriate advantage of the media and its resources, he went straight into action. Promise made, promise kept.

Akinmade, former Commissioner of Information in Ondo State wrote Gwarinpa, Abuja

15

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

EDITORIAL ON TINTED VEHICLE GLASSES The ban should be enforced scrupulously

I

n one of his first decisions following his confirmation as the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Baba has ordered the suspension of indiscriminate use of tinted glasses and Police Supernumerary (SPY) plate numbers by those he described as “unauthorised person or persons”.

The ban, according to Baba, became imperative because “several individuals have of late turned the use of SPY number plates and tinted glass into a status symbol and have fraudulently obtained such” while there have also been “reports that some criminal elements are utilising them as cover for their nefarious activities.”

Ordinarily, we would have considered the measure a welcome development especially in the face of the clear and present danger posed by the activities of terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers, and sundry criminal elements. However, it is one thing to issue a ban order as in the present case and yet something else to implement the ban without considIT IS ONE THING TO ISSUE eration for some A BAN ORDER AS IN THE sacred cows. We are PRESENT CASE AND YET aware that many of SOMETHING ELSE TO Baba’s predecessors made similar ban IMPLEMENT THE BAN WITHOUT CONSIDERATION on tinted glass, sirens, and revolvFOR SOME SACRED COWS ing lights. Were the previous ban orders rescinded by the appropriate authority or simply allowed to fizzle away?

There is no doubt that in a status-obsessed society like ours people who consider themselves as “Very Important Personalities” would always seek to flaunt their “importance” by appearing different from the rest of society. This explains why all manner of “VIPs” procure the use of sirens, revolving lights, and “SPY” number plates.

Ironically, the police have made itself a willing collaborator by obliging all these requests and backed by a so-called “Special VIP Protection Unit”

Letters to the Editor

which is available on cash-and-carry basis.

L

T H I S DAY

EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY 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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, 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 HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

FOR SAM OMATSEYE AT 60

I

t was also a Tuesday, exactly 28 years ago today, when the chairman of ‘The Nation’ editorial board, Mr Sam Omatseye, was to mark his 32nd birthday in Abuja. At that period, I was the Abuja Bureau Chief for ‘African Concord’, a fanciful title conferred on me by the trio of the magazine’s publisher, Mr Deji Abiola, editor-in-chief, Mr Lewis Obi, and editor, Mr Soji Omotunde, even when I was just another bloody reporter in the vast media empire of the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola at the time. And it was precisely because of Abiola that Omatseye’s birthday assumed some significance that day. As the deputy political editor at National Concord, Omatseye had arrived Abuja from Lagos to monitor the release of the results of June 12, 1993, presidential elections conducted three days earlier. Since it was clear that our chairman and Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Abiola, was going to become the president-elect, the Abuja Concord office where Chief Olu Akerele held sway was already prepped for celebration.

However, in a curious twist of events, the Professor Humphrey Nwosu-led National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that afternoon that, in deference to a contrived court order procured by the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), it was going to suspend the announcement of the presidential results. That was what provoked Omatseye’s piece in National Concord titled, ‘They ruined my birthday.’ I recall that episode because since then, I have never forgotten Omatseye’s birthday which usually follows the ‘June 12’ anniversary.

Two years later in 1995, I joined Omtaseye and Tunji Bello in Sunday Concord as the Assistant Editor, effectively the number three

ocal government chairmen and their spouses, traditional rulers, councillors and their wives; even “419ers” and indeed anyone who can afford the fee do apply for and obtain these special police courtesies and privileges. In the long run the system is corrupted with the result that it is difficult to separate the chickens from the pigeons. It is therefore no surprise that criminals have equally leveraged access to these privileges and now hide under them to perpetrate heinous acts. The new ban is therefore an admission of failure on the part of the police authorities that they could not properly ensure the implementation and thorough monitoring of these courtesies. In fact, the system was abused, we dare say, with the knowledge or even the connivance of many of the people in positions of authority.

However, it is police operatives who enable some motorists cover their number plates across the country. This inhibits our law enforcement agents from doing their job and has helped many criminals to escape from being caught. A scrupulous enforcement of this will help, but if recent experiences were any guide, it will be flouted by top government officials.

Meanwhile, whatever may be the justification for the new ban, we would like to offer a word of advice on tinted glasses. There is absolute need to distinguish between factory-fitted tinted glass and locally improvised ones. We are aware that during the last ban exercise, owners of factoryfitted tinted glasses were allowed to obtain special police permit to use their vehicles without molestation. It is equally necessary this time to also make that distinction. Occupants of such vehicles must however stop and wind down their window glass for identification as and when necessary.

That said, unscrupulous police officers should not see the new ban as opportunity to make illegal earnings by extorting money from innocent motorists.

man. My friend, Louis Odion, and I worked directly under Omatseye and from him we learnt a lot about writing. A voracious reader who can almost recite the entire Bible and quote from almost every serious literary work, Omatseye taught us that to write you must read. And he was never shy to challenge authority. I recall a day at Concord when the Managing Director, Dr Doyin Abiola, asked Omatseye: “Sam, why do you always write about personalities rather than issues?”. The reply was instant: “Maybe because the personalities were the issues.”

The writings of Omatseye, Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Arts (FNLA), mirror that of Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American essayist, poet, and philosopher, who was once detained for refusal to pay tax to protest slavery. While in incarceration, Thoreau wrote his famous essay, ‘Civil Disobedience’. But the highlight of his prison experience came with the visit of his friend and fellow writer/ philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Why, Henry, what are you doing in there?” Emerson asked his detained friend who replied: “Nay, Ralph, the question is, what are you doing out there?”

Every good writer is expected to be imbued with such qualities as clarity of thoughts, attention to detail, discipline, etc. But in a society like ours you must also be angry with the status quo and possess the courage to move the hands of those in authority, even at personal risk, while captivating the public with words that convey hope and meaning. Writing with conviction may be hard, but it is essential to making a difference and that is what sets journalists like Omatseye apart. I wish him happy birthday as he joins the sexagenarian club.

Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board

SUNDAY EDET’S VALUES AND PROFESSIONALISM

A

s the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Sunday Akpan Edet stands distinguished as a quiet achiever. A recent survey of very important personalities who have made outstanding contributions towards the evolution of modern Nigeria conducted by Northern Youth Advocacy for Excellence, a pan-northern Nigeria youth group, revealed the humble and humane Mr Akpan as “an icon of professional ethics and values.”

At a recent gathering at the group headquarters in Abuja, Alhaji Musa Wada who is the national coordinator of the group underscored the importance of such recognition which is “aimed at encouraging the achievers” to do more and have others learn from their examples. Mr Akpan remains one of the most highly respected public servants in Nigeria. He has earned that respect due to his knowledge, talent, commitment and strategic success in accomplishing so much for the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology while being a leading technocrat and change agent. He has continually ensured a high ethical standard at the federal ministry against several odds.

Northern youth advocacy for excellence national coordinator stated further that Mr Akpan merits the groups award of “public servant of the year” given the consistent energy, resilience and character with which she has carried on her duties. The Akwa Ibom-born technocrat is a holder of several awards deservedly conferred on him and is a prominent member of several local and international professional bodies. Once upon a time, John Kennedy had said, “we must find time to stop and thank those that make a difference in our lives”. Mr Akpan certainly has.

Musa Wada, Abuja

16

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

17

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

18

POLITICS

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

It’s Maduka Moment Everywhere in Anambra Tony Amadi writes that Dr. Godwin Maduka, the Harvard-trained medical doctor and leading candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party ticket to govern Anambra State has put forward a very strong case across the state that he should win not only the primary but the ultimate main election in November

C

onfirming the action, the professional body of telecommunication operators in Nigeria, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) announced that it officially received instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block access to Twitter although it clarified its stance on the matter, which was in line with the United Nations position that people’s rights to communicate and share information freely and responsibly both offline and online should be protected and respected.

The Anambra State gubernatorial primaries is coming less than one month away and the politics is boiling as you would expect in a state that billionaire businessmen and politicians dominate the atmosphere. In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 16 aspirants are running around the state, pleading for primary votes that will decide the party’s candidate for the November polls.

It is widely believed that if the PDP gets their act together, Anambra is theirs to take even though the APGA, acronym for All Progressive Grand Alliance has produced the governors for three or so terms now.

It is getting to 15 years since the party called the shots from ‘Agu Awka’ Government House, the party is very keen to ensure that the candidate that emerges from the primary is the right candidate that will be unbeatable. Party grandees and stakeholders have assured that the primary election will be free, fair and rancour free.

The PDP has come to believe that despite the fact that the party has more support in the entire state, it has consistently failed to produce the governor in the last two gubernatorial elections in the state. It has become imperative for the party to ensure that it wins the gubernatorial prize this time around and it appears to be leaving no stone unturned to achieve that goal.

The party’s leader in Anambra and former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi went on tour of the 21 local government areas to stress that there was no preferred candidate and the primary election to select the candidate is not only going to be free and fair, but will be seen to be very credible, noting that the PDP must move back into government from March 2022 when the next term start. The matter of zoning has proved to be a major talking point in the gubernatorial election for the PDP where the people of Anambra South Senatorial District insist that they should produce the governor as the area is the only one district which has not produced the governor of the state.

Meanwhile, everybody is in the fray, North, Central and the South but the current frontrunner, a United States based medical practitioner, Dr. Godwin Maduka, who comes from the South has put a very strong case across the state that he should win not only the primary but the ultimate main election in November.

Many important stakeholders have put out testimonies on why Maduka should get the ticket and battle a floundering APGA government’s candidate or whoever emerges from its ranks.

Dr. Maduka had earlier covered the 21 local governments of the state like most of the other 16 PDP aspirants.

Some aspirants have not gone round the state and simply invited executives of the local party to come to the state capital for briefings and cash handouts to raise awareness on their behalf. The

Obi

Maduka

Harvard trained triple Professor of Medicine, Pharmacy and Science has turned himself into an astute politician in the last six months of intense politicking, barnstorming the deep ends of the state and has become well known throughout the state as the man who developed his home town, Umuchukwu into a big city with just about everything a city needs, from hospitals, churches, police academy to magistrate and high courts, primary and secondary schools, roads, bridges and a world class medical research facility on a 16-storey edifice at the centre of the town.

His aim for building the medical research centre was to fasten the end of medical tourism in Nigeria.

The big challenge that opponents of Dr. Maduka are facing is that if you have not done anything to develop your area, what right have you got to ask for their votes when you have not shown what you can do to deserve their support. There are two senators and at least two members of the House of representatives hustling for the position of g9vernor in the PDP. The general belief around the state is that Maduka has done enough to get the PDP ticket and win the election and bring about the total change he is promising the people.

I joined a town hall meeting in Idemili South and Awka North local government areas to witness the soap box oratory dished out by the medical guru and

found that he was out-performing the political stalwarts that’s been around for years. With virtually no script to set out his manifesto, he was adept at stating his goals and promises to the people who seem to be buying into his proposals to take Anambra to the top in infrastructure, agriculture, technology and industrial development that will trigger jobs for the teeming unemployed graduates of the state.

At Umuagu Civic Centre, Nnobi, in the Idemili South LGA, Dr. Godwin Maduka listed reasons why he is the candidate to beat and pleaded to God to do for him in Anambra what He has done for him in America and Umuchukwu. He wants to end fee paying at the secondary school level and ensure a massively improved health care for the people.

Enthusiastic crowds followed him wherever he went and when he strikes a familiar chord with the delegates, they lavish him with praises that include his various nicknames such as Okosisi Orumba, Ijele Ndigbo, Nkwa Chukwu Kwelu Anambra and the Lion of Africa.

The parade of women supporters following him on each campaign stop would suddenly erupt with dance and singing, praising his efforts to develop Anambra and assuring that God will hear their prayers.

Onye Chi Nyelu Eze, Mmadu Apuru Inaya, meaning No one can takeaway chieftaincy conferred by God formed the lyrics as the women sang, praising

The big challenge that opponents of Dr. Maduka are facing is that if you have not done anything to develop your area, what right have you got to ask for their votes when you have not shown what you can do to deserve their support. There are two senators and at least two members of the House of representatives hustling for the position of g9vernor in the PDP. The general belief around the state is that Maduka has done enough to get the PDP ticket and win the election and bring about the total change he is promising the people

God for bringing a personality like Dr. Maduka to contest for the highest leadership position in the state.

One delegate wearing the uniform of another aspirant told Dr. Maduka that he has heard so much about him and always was never around when he visited the local government. I have now seen you, heard your voice face-to-face and I am convinced that you are the leader Anambra needs at Agu Awka and I will devote my time and money to ensure you are the next governor of Anambra state.

That was the Maduka Moment at the Nnobi delegate meeting with the USA medical doctor who many are already addressing as His Excellency, the next Governor of Anambra State. But the aspirant is not taking any serious notice of those who think the game was all over. He is continuously motivating the delegates and urging them that he is the answer to the problems of the state.

The contributions that he has made in Umuchukwu, his home town are quite enormous, “but they are just small signs of what I will be bringing from the moment I am elected as governor”, he told me as we headed to Enugu to catch a flight.

He told the delegates that “We must thank Governor Willie Obiano for the Anambra Airport he has built in Umueri”, however, “it would be the task of my government when elected to add a sea port to facilitate the import and export driven nature of business in the state.

It will be a question of dredging the rivers that connect Anambra to the sea and a whole new world of trade and industry will be opened up. The Federal Government will play a role by approving the necessary permits.

Maduka’s oratorical skills are embedded in Zikism and he was ready to remind us that his Harvard orientation tallies with Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Columbia University, Odumegwu Ojukwu’s Oxford University as God given gift’s to Anambra people, promising that he would ensure the maintenance of quality of leadership expected from leaders with such sound education. He is probably the richest black doctor in America and promises that 50 percent of the cost of developing Anambra under his leadership will come from abroad. “I can say this with confidence because I have the contact for investors on both sides of the Atlantic”, Dr. Maduka said emphatically.

“There will be trauma centres in every local government and the production of Anambra Phones will be one of the industrial projects I will embark upon as Governor of Anambra state to help with job creation. The other area to be considered is the solar energy system. Electricity is crucial for business development and life generally can be a drag without constant electricity supply. It will be a major focus for my administration.”

Despite being a rooky in the art of politics there is little doubt after watching his style and drive in fishing out primary delegates across the state, it is clear that the man knows his terrain and is winning the love of voters, but also the delegates who will vote later in June 2021 for him to become the candidate of the PDP in the Anambra gubernatorial elections in November this year. What seems to be going well for him is the fact that people can see what he has done for his people and the belief that Dr. Godwin Maduka will not sell them down the river is the reason behind the sense that he will come up trumps at the end of the day.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

19

POLITICS

Why Tinubu May Decide to Play Osinbajo as His Trump Card Politics of 2023 has started and the process of brining onboard fresh heads for the plum seat, is in full throttle with the unabashed interest of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead Nigeria, writes Emameh Gabriel

T

he 2023 general election is just around the corner with less than two years remaining for the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the road to 2023 continues to garner interest.

While politicking for who succeeds him seems to have been in full gear with gladiators, groups and stakeholders clamoring and canvassing for who and what they deem is the way forward for the country, given the current challenges in the country, the next general election promises to be filled with intrigues and controversy as forces jostle for dominance.

One particular name and personality that has continued to ring bell, somewhat controversially, is that of the former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu rose to political prominence in the current democratic dispensation through shrewdness and far sighted political orchestrations. A factor that has enabled him to continue to exercise political influences when many of his peers have receded into oblivion.

For him, like some of his contemporaries who made similar attempts in previous elections, this might be his last shot. The coast is near clear for him as power is expected to shift from the north to any part of the south in 2023. It is an opportunity anyone in his shoes will grab without hesitation, particularly for a man with deep pocket.

Tinubu as Governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007 successfully resisted the incursion of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the Southwest region in the 2003 general election, and as ever since continued to gain strength and grounds, across the country, and becoming in 2015, the mastermind of the emergent APC victory at the polls. A feat that made him a domineering figure in the post - 2015 administration and politics, even claiming the title of national leader of the party.

It is widely believed that Tinubu’s support for the incumbent President Buhari in 2015, is premised on the ambition of subsequently emerging as the President of Nigeria. His hopes of first becoming vice president on a joint ticket with Muhammadu Buhari was dashed when forces within the formative APC resisted a Muslim - Muslim ticket, which left him with the only choice of deciding who emerges as the running mate of the then presidential candidate of the APC. Tinubu decided to chose for the position, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a close associate, who was the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice during the former’s tenure as governor of Lagos. Having a professor of law on a joint ticket with Muhammadu Buhari caught the imagination of the public, shoring up the democratic credentials of the former military dictator and was a good sell for the APC propaganda machinery.

But with the emergence of the APC administration, pre - existing factions in the new ruling party began to crystallize and battle for supremacy, and much of the issues seems to revolve around the game plan for who and which region should succeed to the presidency in 2023. However, the South-west is believe to be in the best position to produce the next president going by permutations and Tinubu appears to be top on the ladder.

“Why not? He (Tinubu) should get the offer of first refusal”, said Mr. Elton Onwu, a member of the 2018 APC National Convention Committee and a member of the Screening Sub Committee.

Similarly, a former leader of the sociopolitical group, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, recently expressed support for the presidential ambition of Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Mr Fasoranti stated this while receiving members of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (SWAGA 23), who paid him a courtesy visit in his country home in Akure.

He said: “Tinubu has all it takes to rule Nigeria. Considering his activities and track record, he deserves to be President, come 2023. May his prayers be answered. When

Osinbajo

Tinubu

he gets there, he will do all we want,”

career as he contends with the latest forces arrayed against his interests. His case file was recently with rounds with the newly appointed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa a supposed loyalist of the AGF, as the the anti - graft agency beams its search light on his dealings during his time as governor of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

A move seen by many as an attempt to damage his well crafted political brand for the eventual 2023 election. As a seasoned politician with a reputation, deep pocket and men to commit to a cause, the former Lagos State Governor is no doubt fighting back. He recently held his 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium to his 69th birthday in Kano which saw a rich collection of important dignitaries. He is also said to enjoy the support of Kano and Katsina state governors as well as others in the region.

Although the Tinubu has not officially declared interest to contest in 2023, his body language has betrayed his intentions and with his campaign posters flooding streets in some parts of the country, it is obvious that he would no doubt throw his hat into the ring anytime soon.

While voices even in the north are calling for a southern presidency in 2023, making Tinubu a possible favourite, observers however opine that the new entry of Governors Dave Umahi and Ben Ayade of Bayelsa and Cross River states respectively into the APC, the raging agitation in the South-east for presidency will also contribute to the emerging permutations in the ruling party and the eventual decision of the party’s power rotation arrangement.

Battle for the Soul of APC APC which started as a union of five political factions in 2014 but after it ascended to power in 2015, two dominant tendencies crystallized to play dominant roles in the party affairs and general public administration. The northern tendency as symbolize by Nasir el-Rufai, Atiku Bagudu, Abba Kyari, Malami, Pantami and co, and on the other side, the Southwest faction led by Tinubu.

It was this power play that ushered the exit of John Odigie Oyegun as chairman of the ruling party and subsequently, Adam’s Oshiomhole. This tendencies do not fall strictly within geo - political/ regional lines as alignment and allies still exist across the geo- political regions. In the ensuing struggles, all sides seems to have laid claim to the moral ground but much of the final direction rests on the approval or body language of the president. As was the controversial deposition of Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman, a known protege of Tinubu.

Tinubu had sought key positions for his allies in both the government and party structures in a bid to fortify the pathway to his future aspiration. A desire largely responsible for his fallout with the leadership of the eight National Assembly and the subsequent determined imposition of the leaders of the 9th National Assembly.

But Tinubu’s hitherto free run of the party with former Edo State Governor and national chairman of the ruling APC, Adams Oshiomhole by his side came to an abrupt end with the intrigues that saw the emergence of Governor of Kebbi State, Mai Mala Buni as Chairman of the APC Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee. According to political observers, the subsequent APC registration and revalidation exercise by the new leadership of the party was intended to whittle down the remaining hold of the self styled national leader on the affairs of the party administration and scuttle his presidential ambition.

Analysts also believe that Tinubu may be in for the toughest fight of his political

Osinbajo as Tinubu’s Joker While Tinubu has been on the forefront of the multiple frays and absorbing the blows, Osinbajo, his protege and loyal lieutenant seems to have gone almost unnoticed on the political battlefield. The Professor of Law use to be a vibrantly visible character in the early days of the administration but as the intricacies of politics pulled his master away from the presidency, he has limited himself strictly to the scheme of things.

But some observers however averred that

In the event that the ball slips out of his direct grip, observers believe that his best bet in retaining influence in the post - 2023 political dispensation is by supporting the emergence Vice President Yemi Osibanjo as flagbearer of the party. They opined that Osinbajo being a Christian from the South with a highly touted professorial status that enticed the Nigerians and galvanized the 2015 APC presidential ticket, It would be a better and easier sell, if it has the backing of Tinubu and the APC

Osinbajo’s limited political stature may not be unconnected with the intention of the former to be visibly seen as the man at the heart of the play and a possible presidential successor in 2023. Osinbajo despite his electoral value to the APC/Buhari sellability propaganda in 2015 has always declined comment on the 2023 presidency candidacy.

But as Tinubu sets to contend against the obstacles ranged against the biggest prize of his political career, there are some who posit that VP Osinbajo may remain Tinubu’s only game if his original plan goes awry.

Tinubu has no doubt had a good run with the APC, beginning with the defeat of the ruling PDP in 2015 but his current quest seems to carry many luggages, which some believe may not stand the test of time.

“He knows what he is doing and he understands what is at stake. He is not desperate and at the same time, he will not watch them rubbish what he has built and the sacrifice he has made in the last decades. Yes, he might end up taking the bullet for one of his men”, a source from his camp told THISDAY. Tinubu is a Muslim from the South, while being a Muslim from the South should ordinarily have been an advantage for his ticket as it would galvanize the northern Muslims to his cause, but on the contrary a Muslim succeeding a Muslim as president may not seat well with many people.

Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, the presidency has alternated between Muslim and Christian presidents. With Umar Yar’adua, a northern Muslim succeeding Olusegun Obasanjo, a Southern Christian, and Yar’adua subsequently succeeded by Goodluck Jonathan, a southern Christian who was also succeeded by a northern Muslim, Muhammadu Buhari.

Besides, it almost impossible to harvest a Christian from the north with good command of a fraction of the population in the region.

This will be another mountain for Tinubu to climb.

Only recently, a group under the auspices of Progressive Consolidation Group (PCG), pleaded with Tinubu to shelve his ambition and support Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to contest the 2023 presidential election.

The group argued that for the purpose of re-strategization priorities of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, Osinbajo is the best replacement.

“Both President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo must reach an accord for timely preparation of a more vibrant successor administration to be headed by the current Vice President while Tinubu should reconsider his ambition,” However, having been in the thick of the annulled June 12, presidential election that witnessed a Muslim - Muslim ticket carry the day, may decide to seek a favourable balance that may hand him the presidential ticket of the APC, and some analysts posit that it may be possible through a balance with a popular northern Christian politician. No doubt one of the factors in former speaker, Yakubu Dogara’s recent political calculus when he returned to the ruling party.

But in the event that the ball slips out of his direct grip, observers believe that his best bet in retaining influence in the post - 2023 political dispensation is by supporting the emergence Vice President Yemi Osibanjo as flagbearer of the party. They opined that Osinbajo being a Christian from the South with a highly touted professorial status that enticed the Nigerians and galvanized the 2015 APC presidential ticket, It would be a better and easier sell, if it has the backing of Tinubu and the APC. It is believed that the candidacy will unite and pacify many Nigerians, especially those who reckon that the Osinbajo as Vice President was lacking the presidential mandate and freedom to exercise his intellectual and political dexterity in dealing with issues and solving national problems.

While the clock ticks, it is clear that it would not be a smooth ride for the lion of Bourdillon, as Tinubu is sometimes known.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ, ͰͮͰͯ

20

FEATURES

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

Fadun’s Literary Window into History, Universal Themes In the book, ‘Thoughts of Babatunde Fadun,’ the author makes a case for the integration of the Awori towns of Otta, Igbesa and Ado-Odo into Lagos, student loan schemes, review of the constitution while wading in on global issues. Yinka Olatunbosun writes

C

hief Babatunde Fadun’s book titled ‘Thoughts of Babatunde Fadun’ is essentially a collection of his commentaries that had previously been published in leading national newspapers since 1973. The author who hails from Igbesa had worked at the defunct National Bank of Nigeria for six years during which he studied journalism by correspondence at the School of Journalism, Hermitage, England.

After his stint at the University of Lagos where he studied Economics, he worked for 10 years at the Marketing Department of NNPC and would later join politics in 1997.

A foundation member of PDP in Ogun state and an experienced insurance practitioner, his varied professional experience reflected on his informed commentaries in the book.

The articles are multi-dimensional focusing on politics, economics and historical trajectories of Nigeria. Chief Fadun’s writings, both national and universal, are fact-oriented. With its foreword written by the human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, the tone is set for a patriotic sojourn through a maze of events that necessitated the original commentaries.

In the book, the reader takes a walk through some aspects of history, a page at a time. Beginning with the argument around the territorial stretch of Lagos into its border towns with Ogun state, Chief Fadun integrates his insight as a native of one of such communities and a dogged student of history. There are many communities outside Lagos that fall under Ogun state that appeared to be closer to Lagos that Ogun state. These include the Awori towns of Otta, Igbesa and Ado-Odo. The Aworis, though a small

ethnic group, are considered as the first ethnic settlers in Lagos. The writer Babatunde Fadun delves into history to trace their imprint and examine where other Awori communities should be part of Lagos state.

Before the intertribal war broke out in 1794, the Aworis migrated to Lagos metropolis arriving at Ogudu, Ojuwoye (now Mushin), Ebute Metta. It was said that the Awori and Egbado often met at Iddo Wharf for the purpose of marketing.

Next, the author examines the history books on Lagos written by various authors such as Prince John. B Losi’s ‘The History of Lagos,’ another one titled ‘History of Nigeria’ from a former Colonial Governor of Nigeria, Sir Alan Burns and ‘The Case for Lagos State’ written by the first executive Governor of Lagos state, Lateef Jakande. For the author, the argument for the inclusion of Otta, Igbesa and Ado-Odo in Lagos is informed by the prospect of experiencing infrastructural development that would lead to better quality of life.

In another piece, the writer explains why locally manufactured goods are expensive, tapping from the wealth of knowledge of some industry experts. In addition to these newspaper commentaries, the author adds some paper presentation to the collection. For instance, the paper titled ‘Memorandum to the panel on the review of the Nigerian Capital Market headed by Denis Odife,’ the author identifies some of the inherent problems in the Nigerian Capital Market, proffering solutions.

As observed by Falana SAN, the book is a ‘priceless compendium, an important read at last for those who are curious to connect with Nigeria’s past, present and future.’

Rotary Maryland to Commission Medical Portacabins in Ogun Rebecca Ejifoma

T

o mark its 19th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Maryland Ikeja is set to commission two fully equipped medical portacabins worth N12.9 million in Ososa and Obasa in Owode communities, Ogun State, today.

The portacabins, the club said, were donated to the communities

alongside drugs to meet their basic healthcare needs.

This disclosure was made by Rotarian President, Obafemi Obadina, at a media parley in Lagos in preparation for its anniversary slated for June 15 this year at Preston Hotel, Lagos.

"So for our anniversary project, we will be commissioning two fully equipped medical portacabins to Ososa and Obasa in Owode Ogun

State," said Obadina.

Apart from the construction of medical cabins, the president said they would supply drugs. "Yes, we will supply them drugs. And this project is executed in conjunction with the Ogun State government, who will provide medical personnel that will ensure the sustainability of the project".

He added that the rural commu-

L-R: Rotarian Sidney Osaebu, past president; Rotarian Maruf Bello, vice president; Rotarian Obafemi Obadina, president; Rotarian Grace Bamigboye, chairperson 19th Anniversary and Rotarian Tunde Olaniyan, past president

nities were in dire need of basic healthcare, thereby, patronising local herbs. "Even pregnant women don't have pre-antenatal or prenatal care.

So we thought that it is high time they had access to basic healthcare."

While providing their needs, the president said th other neighbouring communities from Ososa and Obasa would benefit from the project. "8,500 people will benefit from this project we have executed".

On why Ogun State, Obadina, the 19th president, clarified that Rotary Club Maryland is under Rotary International District 9110, which covers Lagos and Ogun States.

"Our goal is service to humanity and anywhere we see there is a dire need, we move in to execute projects. This project today is part of our numerous humanitarian projects covering our seven to assist humanity," he noted.

Speaking also, the past president, Tunde, Olaniyan, said they have set up Rotary community corp which comprise members of the community, to monitor the projects.

"So what they do is to ensure that they take ownership of that project to ensure the project is used and maintained properly to serve its purpose," Olaniyan added.

Now, with the theme, "Progressively serving humanity at 19", the special guest for the 19th anniversary ceremony is the District Governor, Kola Oyebade, as it promises to be most impactful for members.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ, ͰͮͰͯ

21

FEATURES

Encouraging Girls in Science to Bring Fresh Perspective to Problem-Solving Tolu Oyekan

O

ver the years, the study of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has increasingly gained grounds across the world.

Nigeria is not left out as many young people are becoming more interested in studying science subjects at secondary and tertiary levels of education.

This is no surprise as our world today is largely driven by technology. Technology encompasses practically every facet of our lives. Life has become easier through the application of technology. For instance, Information and communication technology (ICT) has proven to be invaluable as the world tries to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic challenges. The application of ICT tools kept people connected, made essential services accessible and sustained businesses.

The 21st century brought about lots of scientific innovations which have propelled the need for students at different levels to become more proficient in the knowledge of STEM. Besides Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics; other STEM subjects include Actuarial Science, Statistics, Psychology, Robotics, Information Science, Atmospheric Sciences and Educational Research.

Experts have discovered that early exposure of students to STEM and technology-related subjects will help young people develop a passion for technological pursuits and eventually help them pursue a job in a STEM field.

Right now, the fastest growing job categories are related to STEM with recent studies indicating new jobs, in areas such as data analysis, software development and data visualization, virtual reality, artificial intelligence etc.

As important as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is, a report by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap shows that only 22 per cent of artificial intelligence professionals globally are female.

Data from UNESCO reflects that less than 30 percent of all female students choose STEM-related subjects in higher education, while just three per cent of women choose ICT subjects.

This year, the International Girls in ICT Day held on April 22 with the theme: ‘Connected Girls, Creating Brighter Futures’. On this day every year, stakeholders in the technology space and indeed all of us, should seek opportunities to empower girls to develop digital skills so as to pursue careers enabled by technology.

As these young women move on to take up various careers in the ICT sphere, they are faced with several challenges, particularly finding a perfect work-life balance. Activities like pregnancy, breastfeeding and taking care of children pitched against rigorous work hours, put many women in disadvantaged positions. In many cases, childcare centres are not found close to places of work resulting in women working part-time or accepting lower paying jobs to focus on their homes or quitting the career early.

There is also the glass ceiling issue affecting females in ICT such as gender biases during appointments, promotion and career improvement opportunities as well as harassment, biased evaluation by peers and students along with familial responsibilities, which could cause increased stress.

There could be several factors which account for the seeming lack of interest in STEM by girls. One which is quite obvious, is the issue of the environment, culture as well as the emphasis on gender equality and encouragement of growth mindset. A report from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) shows that the learning environment and social belief system affect girls’ interest and achievements in STEM subjects.

Another study showed that in countries

Oyekan

like Sweden and Iceland where gender parity prevails, girls perform better than boys on Math tests. On the other hand, girls from countries like Turkey where gender discrimination is greater, don’t do well in Math tests.

Research also shows that majority of people view STEM fields as which should be ideally dominated by men; a view which still holds sway to this day.

Society views women in science and engineering jobs as less competent than men unless they are exhibiting success tendencies.

No doubt, there are many women who are exceling in science and ICTrelated fields. Some examples of women excelling in ICT globally include Sheryl Kara Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer,

Facebook and founder of LeanIn.org; Ruth Porat, Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet Inc and its subsidiary, Google and Ginni Rometty, Former Chairman, President and CEO of IBM, In Nigeria, worthy role models for girls are Funke Opeke, founder, Main One Technologies; Omobola Johnson, former Nigerian Minister for Communication Technology; Juliet Ehimuan, Country Manager Nigeria, Google; and Cherry Eromosele Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Interswitch, to name a few.

The beautiful thing is that women definitely bring a fresh sense of perspective to problem solving and women in ICT are not any different. One of such ways is using her ‘voice’; by this, I don’t just mean talking. It is when a person

Some studies have shown that teams with women as leaders were more successful when facing tasks that are more mentally challenging and required complex problem-solving abilities.

But this good performance only showed if the women spoke up, if the leaders believed that women were capable contributors, and if the team acted on the women’s suggestions

challenges the status quo, contributes in making policies or suggests an idea that moves their workplace or organisation towards a new course of action.

Some studies have shown that teams with women as leaders were more successful when facing tasks that are more mentally challenging and required complex problem-solving abilities. But this good performance only showed if the women spoke up, if the leaders believed that women were capable contributors, and if the team acted on the women’s suggestions.

To ensure more girls get more interested in STEM and ICT careers, women already in science should get more involved in the development of STEM policies which will favour and encourage girls to develop an interest in these subjects.

These will include exposing girls to STEM fields, encouraging participation in STEM programmes, providing scholarships, as well as supporting learning opportunities in communities.

At Boston Consulting Group, the education and encouragement of girls to fit adequately into the future of jobs, is a core aspect of our ‘Back to The Future’ agenda. We hope that more girls will begin to have affinity for STEM subjects and capacity will be built in ICT-based endeavours to gain new skills and enhance problem solving. ...Oyekan is a partner at BCG.

22

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan

15.06.2021

Speaker, House of Reps, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila

NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION: NEW OR REVIEWED?

2/DASHBOARD

15.06.2021

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan

15.06.2021

Speaker, House of Reps, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila

NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION: NEW OR REVIEWED? QUOTABLES

‘It is not One Nigeria at any cost. It must be One Nigeria, where every Nigerian can feel proud. No Nigerian is born a slave, no Nigerian is born to be oppressed.’ President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, former Military Head of State (19761979) and former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999-2007) ‘……And, now, we are told that Nigerians can be tried under a law that has not been enacted by the National Assembly. So, we are fully back to an era whereby the provisions of Chapter IV of the Constitution, can no longer be said to be in force in our country.’ - Femi Falana, SAN

Liability of Shareholders for Debts Owed by the Company PAGE 4

ASTEP Partners With SEC, NSE and Others PAGE 5

NBA-SBL Unveils Keynote Speaker for its 15th Annual Conference PAGE 5

/3

15.06.2021

Why Nigeria Is A Graveyard for Injustice The Twitter Saga When I saw the front page headline of This Day Newspaper last Wednesday, I realised that this administration neither cares about the welfare or happiness of Nigerians, nor has it got the wherewithal to fulfil either the primary purpose of Government, nor the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, that is, Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution, which sets out the very essence of Government. Because, to insist that the suspension would not be rescinded until Twitter shows remorse, makes it abundantly clear that Nigeria has unfortunately been cursed with an egotistical Government suffering from chronic illusions of grandeur. If Twitter could deactivate President Trump’s account, why can it not delete President Buhari’s tweet? While I personally didn’t find President Buhari’s tweet offensive, that is my personal opinion; enough people would have found it offensive and reported it, to the extent that the President’s tweet met Twitter’s threshold for sanction.

We have a Government that is prepared to damn the consequences of the additional suffering being inflicted on its people who are already in pain, as a result of loss of revenue, loss of jobs especially for the millions of young Nigerians who constitute majority of the population, many of whom derive their livelihood from the use of Twitter. Nigeria is already the poverty capital of the world, and this only worsens the situation. The attendant negative multiplier effect of this decision is immaterial to Lai Mohammed and Government, as it is obviously more important for them to prove a point to Twitter, because their pride has been hurt, and they also see it as a golden opportunity to silence critics.

Section 16(1)(b) of the Constitution which mandates the State to inter alia, secure the maximum welfare and happiness of every citizen, does not come into play in many Government decisions, at least not in this one. The suspension of Twitter is clearly an infringement on our rights to freedom of expression, access to information and right to earn a living (Sections 39(1) 16(1)(d) and 17(3)(a) of the Constitution).

A Contumacious Government Is there a word or phrase that can better describe what is presently happening in the country? Aside from insurrection, terrorism, insecurity, anarchy and constitutional crisis?

One that describes a situation where you have a contumacious Government that protects and promotes lawlessness and political disorder, while it opposes the conservation of fundamental rights and legality? An oppressive authoritarian dictatorship, perhaps?

At every given opportunity, it seems that when there is a chance for Government to choose the welfare and happiness of Nigerians, it sacrifices the people and makes the wrong choice. Take for example, the decision of the Southern Governors to ban open grazing in their territories (supported by an earlier decision of the Northern Governors, and a joint decision of all Governors), in order to protect the lives and property of their people - a decision that is both constitutional and lawful, backed by Sections 14(2)(b) and 45 of the Constitution, and Section 1 of the Land Use Act 1978. When Miyetti Allah emerged with a statement that they would not obey the ban, as they were free to graze their cattle anywhere there is grass and water, Government supported their illegality by stating that such a ban infringes on their right to freedom of movement (Section 41 of the Constitution), when we all know that this right does not extend to cattle nor to being able to trespass on another’s land and commit other offences in the bargain. As long as the ban on open grazing is supported by laws enacted by the various State Houses of Assembly to that effect, as Ekiti and Benue States have done, most Lawyers, in fact anyone with a wholly Nigerian and not a tribalistic or ethnic agenda, agree that this ban is necessary and in order (see also Section 4(6) & (7) of the Constitution).

Government seeks to maintain the suspension order until Twitter comes to grovel for forgiveness, regardless of whether it is a breach of our fundamental human rights. See Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti & 3 Ors v AGF, Chief of Army Staff & 7 Ors 1985 2 N.W.L.R. Part 6 Page 211 at 230; Imonikhe v AG

Bendel State 1992 23 N.S.C.C. Part II Page 480 at 491 per Nnaemeka-Agu JSC. It is ironical that in the two instances which I have just highlighted, Government has eschewed constitutionality and legality, and shown itself to be lawless in this and numerous other instances. Unfortunately, the consequences of having a lawless Government is usually illegal opposition (as we see in the North East and South East) and a high crime rate, amongst many other evils; most of which we are experiencing in Nigeria today. When the rule of law is lacking in a society, it breeds inequity, inequality, insecurity and poverty.

Principles of the Rule of Law We often refer to the rule of law - it seems almost non-existent in Nigeria, and until we start to develop it, these harsh problems which the country is facing, will not abate. I found an apt description of what exactly it means to have the rule of law in a society. The World Justice Project's (WIP) Rule of Law Index, enumerates the following principles that demonstrate a society that is governed by the rule of law: "the government and its officials and agents are accountable under the law; the laws are clear, publicised, stable and fair, and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property; the process by which laws are enacted, administered and enforced is accessible, efficient and fair; justice is delivered by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve".

Lack of Rule of Law in Nigeria Is it that our Constitution was inadvertently designed to make our country fail ab initio, because of some of the mechanisms for dereliction inserted therein, which would inevitably prove to be unworkable in a democratic setting, unbeknownst to the drafters of the grundnorm?

I use the word inadvertently, because I imagine that the drafters of the Constitution obviously did not foresee or envisage this kind of failure, chaos and misprision that is plaguing Nigeria today. Instead, they may have thought they were being ‘sharp’, crafty and cunning, their objective to surreptitiously perpetuate the military mindset, by introducing a pseudoconstitutional democracy, that is, continuing the unitary, centralised system of Government practiced by the military, giving some zones an advantage over others in the country as far as the number of States in the different geographical zones are concerned, thereby giving them a majority vote in Parliament (dictatorship) and making it a near impossibility to create any new States to balance the equation, by virtue of the unfriendly provisions of Sections 8 and 9(3) of the Constitution.

For good measure, they also inserted Section 6(6)(d) into the Constitution, which makes any issue concerning achieving (or not) the aims and objectives set out in Chapter II of the Constitution, that is, the very essence of governance, non-justiciable. This sealed the fate of accountability of governance and Nigerian Government officials, who did not want to take responsibility or be blameworthy in the first place, fuelling the flames of inequity, injustice, corruption, and many other societal ills. My point? The first element of a society governed by the rule of law - accountability of Government and public officials, is missing from ours.

Again, the second principle of clear and good

President Muhammadu Buhari

laws or laws that uphold fundamental rights, is not always followed by our Government, or even our Legislature for that matter. A classic example is the draconian Hate Speech Bill which the Senate came up with, in order to gag Nigerians and curtail our freedom of expression, prescribing stiff penalties of even the death penalty. I have given the anti-open grazing law enacted by Ekiti and Benue State in the interest of their people, for the security of their lives and property, being opposed by the Federal Government and the Herders, as another example. The amendment to Section 31(1) of the Electoral Act which was definitely not publicised before it was passed, a proviso that INEC cannot reject or disqualify a candidate for any reason whatsoever, is another example of a bad law. This was clearly an unfair law enacted by Politicians for their own protection from disqualification, even in the event that they submit fake credentials or faulty documentation to INEC, or they are underaged, or simply unqualified to run for office for some other reason. See the Supreme Court case of People’s Democratic Party v Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo & 3 Ors. Similarly, it was rumoured about four years ago, that there was a clandestine attempt by NASS to amend the Constitution to endow Sharia courts with criminal jurisdiction which they presently do not have, despite the provision of Section 10 of the Constitution which is to the effect that Nigeria is a secular nation. Here lies another example of opaqueness in our lawmaking. And, when that failed, the Sharia courts still continued to unlawfully exercise criminal jurisdiction which they do not possess, and dispense ‘injustice' in criminal matters. The 2020 case of Yahaya Sharif Aminu, a musician in Kano State who was sentenced to death by hanging for blasphemy (an offence which the Holy Quran enjoins Muslim faithfuls to ignore and overlook, not punish with killing - Quran 33: 49, 4:141), readily comes to mind. See the case of Madukuolu v Nkemdilim 1962 2 S.C.N.L.R. 342.

The appointment of an Inspector General of Police who is not qualified for the position (contrary to the provisions of the Police Act 2020 and the Public Service Rules), and his wife who allegedly seeks to ban the sale of alcohol in the Police Barracks, are additional examples of Government, and even appendages to Government officials’ contempt for the rule of law. Pray tell, what law gives the wife of the IG the power to issue such an unconstitutional directive (if indeed, she did), because possibly, she and her husband are Muslims? Any adult over the age of 18 has the right to consume alcohol.

Lagos State contributes about 50% of the V.A.T. generated in Nigeria, with plenty of it derived from the sale of alcoholic beverages, nightclubbing and so on. While the Sharia States prohibit the sale of alcohol and this kind of robust social life, many of them except Kano State, contribute little or almost nothing to the total V.A.T. revenue of the country, yet, they get more than their fair share in the distribution of V.A.T. revenue to the States. Is this not hypocritical, inequitable, unjust and unfair? Hisbah is famous for destroying beer.

In Kano, in 2013 and 2015, 240,000 and 326,151 bottles of beer were destroyed by Hisbah. Why then, should the V.A.T. revenue derived from the sale of alcohol, not be restricted to only those States that allow alcohol, especially if the Sharia States are honestly being true to their religion? Is it just, to enjoy the revenue of what you disallow? In this case, reprobate and approbate?

And what about justice delivery? The wheels of justice in Nigeria are slow, our courts are grossly underfunded, our jurists grossly underpaid and disrespected, while there’s always one outcry or the other from time to time, about the suitability of some of those appointed to the Bench to dispense justice - complaints like not being knowledgeable enough or being partisan. Or even the issue of attempting to appoint a known APC supporter and aide to the President, to such an important and delicate position of INEC National Commissioner, which demands absolute neutrality for fairness? If we were not in a lawless society, with a Government that disregards the rule of law with gusto and aplomb (relish too), the idea of having such a person as an INEC Commissioner would

“IN KANO, IN 2013 AND 2015, 240,000 AND 326,151 BOTTLES OF BEER WERE DESTROYED BY HISBAH. WHY THEN, SHOULD THE V.A.T. REVENUE DERIVED FROM THE SALE OF ALCOHOL, NOT BE RESTRICTED TO ONLY THOSE STATES THAT ALLOW ALCOHOL….IS IT JUST, TO ENJOY THE REVENUE OF WHAT YOU DISALLOW? IN THIS CASE, REPROBATE AND APPROBATE?”

be unthinkable, let alone letting it see the light of day.

Conclusion I am quite sure that you will agree with me, that it is glaring that the combination of the aforementioned factors and examples which I have cited, only a few out of a myriad, I might add, are anti-rule of law and therefore, an impediment to the achievement of a successful and just society. Our foundation is indeed, extremely faulty, therefore making it inevitable that the country must wobble very badly. Going forward, any constitutional amendment or redrawing, and law reform exercise, must take many of these anomalies, partisanship etc into consideration, and rectify them to reflect equity, equality, inclusion, excellence, accountability of public officials etc. In practical terms, many of these injustices can be corrected today, by actions or policy change. Government already has their work cut out for them. As tensions continue to mount, I advice Government to hurriedly take some positive, practical steps to address these injustices. I believe it will improve the situation in the country.

4/LAW REPORT

Liability of Shareholders for Debts Owed by the Company Facts In 2009, the Respondent instituted an action at the High Court of Ghana and obtained judgement in the sum of US$1,043,682.00, being the cumulative indebtedness; interests as at 31/10/2008 in the sum of US$101,625.00; and ten percent interest from 31/10/2008 to 31/5/2009 in the sum of US$60,881.45.

Further to the above judgement, the Respondent instituted an action before the High Court of Lagos State, seeking an order of court entering final judgement against the 1st to 3rd Appellant.

The 1st to 3rd Appellant filed their pleadings and a Notice of Preliminary Objection, challenging the competence of the suit and alleging lack of jurisdiction of the trial court on the ground that the provisions of Section 8 of the Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act, 2004 and the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgements Act (CAP 175) 1958 ousted the jurisdiction of the trial court to deal with the matter. The Appellants also alleged that the service of the Originating Processes on the 1st Appellant was not proper; that the 2nd and 3rd Appellants were not parties to the foreign judgement sought to be enforced; and that the issues before the court in the said suit were res judicata. After hearing arguments from parties, the trial court found that the service of the Originating Processes on the 1st Appellant through the 2nd Appellant was improper; nonetheless, the court dismissed the other grounds of the objection filed by the 1st to 3rd Appellant.

The 4th Appellant also filed a Preliminary Objection against the competence of the suit, on the basis that the Respondent did not comply with the requirement of issuing a thirty-days Pre-action Notice in writing, which is a condition precedent to instituting an action at the trial court. The court upheld this objection of the 4th Appellant, and struck out its name as a party to the suit.

Thereafter, the 1st to 3rd Appellant appealed the decision of the trial court dismissing their Preliminary Objection. The appellate court dismissed the appeal, and remitted the case to the High Court for re-assignment and trial before another Judge. The Summons for Judgement was thereby heard, and the court delivered its ruling entering final judgement against the 1st to 3rd Appellant.

Ghana. Counsel urged the court not to allow the Respondent to re-litigate the same issue and subject-matter against the same parties, as the Respondent could have appealed the decision of court instead of filing a new suit. In his reaction, counsel for the Respondent submitted that the suit was not barred by the principle of res judicata, as the issues between parties were not determined in the earlier suit. Counsel argued that the court rightly granted the reliefs against the 2nd and 3rd Appellant, as there was overwhelming documentary evidence of merger or acquisition of the 1st Appellant by the 2nd Appellant, inclusive of its assets and liabilities.

HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding the Preliminary Objection, the court held that a Respondent who neither files a Cross-appeal nor a Respondent’s Notice, cannot formulate issues outside the Grounds of Appeal as filed by the Appellant. In this case, issues one and two in the Respondent’s Brief, were said to have been distilled from Grounds one and two of the Notice and Grounds of Appeal. However, the issues do not arise from ground one and two of the Grounds of Appeal as alleged, or from any other ground. It follows therefore, that the issues are incompetent. The court thereby, struck out the issues.

However, the appellate court held that, there is a saving grace for the two issues formulated by the Respondent, as same were adopted as the issues in the Preliminary Objection. Thus, the court decided to consider the issues alongside the Preliminary Objection.

The appellate court observed that the name of the 4th Appellant, which had earlier been struck off the suit was contained in the ruling of the lower court, and that this was not an inadvertence of the trial court as some other paragraphs of the ruling showed references to the 4th Appellant, where the court held that the issue of res judicata was yet to be settled between the Respondent (as the Claimant) and the 4th Appellant.

The appellate court held that, it was the duty of the Respondent to apply to the lower court for rectification of the error in the ruling. Having failed to so do, the error becomes one which can be corrected by an appeal, so that the 4th Appellant can be free from the ruling bearing its name. The 4th Appellant was a party on record to the ruling appealed against; hence, it has a right to appeal as of right to have its name struck off the record.

Accordingly, the court struck out the name of the 4th Appellant from the ruling of the trial court.

Deciding the main issue, the court relied on documentary evidence before it, showing that the 2nd Appellant acquired 100% of the 1st Appellant’s shares vide a Share Purchase Agreement dated 7/2/2007, to hold that what transpired in law was simply a shareholding agreement and not a merger or acquisition as argued by the Respondent. This does not translate to the 2nd Defendant becoming an agent or bearer of the liabilities of the 1st Defendant, beyond the value of its shareholding. The law does not permit a shareholder and/or directors of a limited liability company, as the 1st Appellant, to be held responsible for the company’s liabilities beyond the value of their shareholding in the 1st Appellant. Thus, so long as the 1st Appellant remains a legal entity in law, separate and distinct from the 2nd and 3rd Appellant, it remains responsible for its own liabilities – VIBELKO (NIG.) LTD v NDIC (2006) 12 NWLR (Pt. 994) 280 at 293-294. Further, the shareholding agreement relied on in this case was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, in line with the provisions of CAMA, 2004. The only admissible form of such document is a certified true copy, but the Respondent failed to provide the document in an admissible form on the excuse that they are foreign companies. There is no exception under the Nigerian law, which allows the use of an unregistered Share Purchase Agreement in proof of purchase of shares in a company.

On the issue of the 2nd and 3rd Appellant being privies of the 1st Appellant, the court held that the onus was on the Respondent to prove that they are privies of the 1st Appellant, and therefore, bound in law to satisfy the judgement obtained against the 1st Appellant in Ghana. From the evidence before the court, there is no agency or privy relationship between the Appellants. It follows that, they cannot be bound by the judgement of the High Court of Ghana.

Regarding the issue of res judicata, the court held that the refusal to register the judgement of the High Court of Ghana alone without more, cannot amount to the same issue in a fresh action seeking to prove the said judgement against the 1st Appellant. The first suit filed by the Respondent was for registration of foreign judgement, while the suit leading to this appeal, was for proof of the foreign judgement by means of Writ of Summons. Thus, the issue of res judicata was not made out against the 1st Appellant, while the issue does not arise at all in the case of the 2nd and 3rd Appellant who are strangers to the transaction between the 1st Appellant and the Respondent.

Overall, the court upheld the decision of the lower court, which found the 1st Appellant liable for its debts to the Respondent, but adjudged as perverse, the part of the decision which held the 2nd and 3rd Appellant liable to pay the debts of the 1st Appellant.

THE COMPANY’S LIABILITIES

Appeal Succeeds in Part.

BEYOND THE VALUE OF THEIR

Representation Seni Adio, SAN with Ijeoma Njemanze, Esq. for the Appellants.

SHAREHOLDING IN THE 1ST

J.W. Dong Esq. for the Respondent.

Honourable Biobele Abraham Georgewill, JCA

In the Court of Appeal of Nigeria In the Lagos Judicial Division Holden at Lagos On Thursday, the 1st day of April, 2021

The 1st to 3rd Appellant, appealed the decision of the trial court. At the Court of Appeal, the Respondent filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection to the competence of the appeal of the 4th Appellant whose name had been struck out as a party before the trial court, and who did not seek and obtain the leave of court to appeal as an interested party.

Before Their Lordships

Biobele Abraham Georgewill Frederick Oziakpono Oho Folasade Ayodeji Ojo Justices, Court of Appeal Appeal No. CA/L/70/2019

Issues for Determination The issues in the Preliminary Objection were: 1. Whether the 4th Appellant’s appeal ought to be struck out and/or dismissed as incompetent.

2. Whether the 4th Appellant can appeal the ruling/judgement as of right, when there is no order made against it in the decision, and merely because its name was inadvertently included on the face of the decision of the court.

In the main appeal, the court considered the following sole issue: Whether the court below was right when it held that the 2nd and 3rd Appellant are not distinct entities from the 1st Appellant, and that they are liable for the debts of the 1st Appellant, and whether the court below rightly arrived at the conclusion that on the preponderance of evidence before it, the Respondent’s case ought to succeed against the 1st to 3rd Appellant.

Arguments Arguing the Preliminary Objection, counsel for the Respondent submitted that parties are ad idem on the fact that the 4th Appellant was struck out as a party before the lower court. He argued that the name of the 4th Appellant as seen in the decision was mere inadvertence of the court, which the court would have corrected if its attention had been drawn to same by the 4th Appellant. He submitted that the 4th Appellant had no standing to appeal the decision, without seeking leave of court to appeal as an interested party. Counsel argued further that the orders made by the trial court did not affect the 4th Appellant, to be conferred with the right to appeal as an interested party. On his part, counsel for the Appellants submitted that the first two issues of the Respondent, which were also the issues raised in the preliminary objection, were incompetent for a proliferation of issues. He argued that the appeal of the 4th Appellant is competent, because there is nothing to show that the name appeared on the decision by inadvertence of the court. Counsel posited that, in law, where the name of a party appears in a decision of court, that party remains a party to the suit.

Regarding the issues in the main appeal, counsel for the Appellants submitted that in law, once a company is registered, it becomes a separate and distinct entity different from its directors, employees, shareholders and all other officers. Thus, the 1st Appellant is a separate entity from the 2nd and 3rd Appellant, though the 2nd Appellant is a shareholder in the 1st Appellant and the 3rd Appellant is a shareholder in the 2nd Appellant. He argued that shareholders cannot be held liable for the actions or debts of a company, save for the unpaid value of their shares.

He referred to Section 37 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2004.

Regarding the issue of res judicata, counsel argued that the trial court, having held that the 2nd and 3rd Appellant are privies to the 1st Appellant, fell into a grave error of law when it proceeded to hold that the Respondent’s suit was not caught up by the principle of res judicata, given the earlier decision of court in Suit No. REJ/02/2010, which suit was dismissed by the court on the ground that the judgement cannot be enforced in Nigeria against persons who were not parties to the suit in

Between 1.

2.

3.

4.

Willbros West Africa, Inc. Ascot Offshore Nigeria Limited Berkeley Group Plc Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)

…..Appellants

And Mcdonnel Contract Mining Limited………………

.Respondent

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Biobele Abraham Georgewill, JCA)

“THE LAW DOES NOT PERMIT A SHAREHOLDER AND/OR DIRECTORS OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AS THE 1ST APPELLANT, TO BE

APPELLANT”

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

NEWS/5

15.06.2021

ASTEP Partners With SEC, NSE and Others Rising from its recently concluded virtual Conference, the Association of Succession, Trust and Estate Planning Practitioners (ASTEP) has concluded plans to partner with major organisations and stakeholders, in its vision to entrench the practice of Trust and Estate Planning in Nigeria.

The Conference had as its theme, “The Issues with the Wealth Transfer Process through the Court Supervised System in Nigeria”.

It featured three main speakers, including Mrs. N. Otunmunye, from the Valuation Department of the Lagos State Judiciary, Mrs. O. Martins who represented the Chief/ Probate Registrar of Lagos State, and Mr. Akin Oni, the Head of Trust Services and Legal at STL Trustees.

The Attorney-General of Lagos State was represented by the Head

L-R: Vice President of the Association, Mr. Olayimika Olasewere, Member, Mrs Bunmi Ibraheem, Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, and Secretary of the Association, Mrs Tola Ayanru

of the Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee of Lagos State, Mrs Omotola Rotimi, who delivered the goodwill message.

At the Conference, the following issues were highlighted:

a. The need for Registrars, Banks, and Pension Administrators to work with the Probate Registry to avoid duplication of efforts by applicants. b. The assessment provided for properties by the Valuation unit of the

Probate High Court is to a large extent, predictable and calculable by the applicants, using the Fair Market Value Book. c. The need for certainty in the process of transmission and transfer of assets from

NBA-SBL Unveils Keynote Speaker for its 15th Annual Conference

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Business Law has unveiled its keynote speaker for the 15th Annual Business Law Conference, scheduled to hold on Wednesday July 14th and Thursday 15th, 2021.

In a press statement signed by the Chair of the Conference Media, Publicity & Mobilisation Sub-Committee, Theodora Kio-Lawson, the Section revealed that NASA’s Wendy Okolo, would give the keynote address at this year’s Conference.

Dr. Wendy Okolo is an Aerospace Engineering Researcher in the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Centre. She leads a controls team on a Space Technology project to advance the guidance, navigation, and control technologies that will make precision landing for deployable entry vehicles a reality for planetary exploration.

At 26 years, Wendy became WKH ÀUVW EODFN ZRPDQ WR obtain a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Her graduate studies were recognised and funded by the U.S. Department of Defence through the National Defence Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, Zonta International through the Amelia Earhart Fellowship, the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Texas Space Grant Consortium.

At NASA, she has received

Dr Wendy Okolo

a number of awards, including the 2020 NASA Ames Award for Researcher/ Scientist and the 2019 NASA Ames Early Career Researcher Award. Dr. Okolo is also the recipient of the 2019 U.T. Arlington Distinguished Recent Graduate Award, the 2019 Women in Aerospace Award for Initiative, Inspiration & Impact, and the 2019 Black Engineer of the Year Award for Most Promising Engineer in U.S. Government.

Dr Okolo, whose keynote address will dwell on the 2021 theme: “Re-tooling Business for Change: Leveraging the Tech Explosion”, will kickstart Conference conversations across several plenary and breakout sessions to explore the fast-developing

relationship between frontier technologies, business and the law.

According to Kio-Lawson, the choice of the young NASA top executive as this year’s keynote speaker, was in IXOÀOPHQW RI D SURPLVH WR RͿHU SDUWLFLSDQWV DQ XQXVXDO experience with explosive content and resource at 15th Conference.

She said, “The NBA-SBL is dynamic and forward thinking in its approach to achieving its objectives – which includes capacity building, professional development for PHPEHUV FROODERUDWLYH HͿRUWV to drive policy changes, and several other contributions to the Bar. In the aftermath of a pandemic and faced with current realities, it was important that the 2021

theme brought to light the disruptive nature of technology and its transformative impact across the world today. Hence, our choice of theme, keynote speaker and selection of highly knowledgeable speakers and discussants”.

The 15th Annual Business Conference which is a hybrid of virtual and in-person attendance will amongst other things, spotlight vital topics such as, tech innovation and e-governance; the future of GLJLWDO ÀQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV alternative currencies in the digital age; global tech trends in law practice management; the role and impact of technology and innovation in bridging the health care GHÀFLW LQ 1LJHULD DPRQJVW other vital discourse.

deceased persons to their respective beneficiaries.

In the course of 2020, the Association also had cause to reach out to other organisations to partner with ASTEP, in the achievement of a mutually beneficial relationship.

Such organisations include the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Nigerian Bankers’ Committee. The strategy for this year is to establish strong ties with these Associations, and ASTEP has written to arrange meetings with key officials of these organisations. The purpose of this is to develop a strategy and protocol regulating the roles that these Associations have to do in the wealth transmission process, to make the process easier for deceased’s beneficiaries and probate and trust practitioners.

In post-Conference release, Secretary of the Association, Mrs. Adetola Ayanru said: ‘All over the world, several professionals and institutions play roles in facilitating the smooth transition of wealth to a deceased’s beneficiaries.

These professionals include Lawyers, Accountants, Corporate Managers, Registrars, Probate Officers, Stockbrokers, Trustees, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, and relevant Regulatory

authorities’.

‘Although generally, there are laid out procedures governing the administration of a deceased’s estate, the reality is that many beneficiaries to the estates and their representatives encounter challenges, in seeking to effectively administer the estate of deceased person.

‘In order to rise up to these challenges, ASTEP was created. It was founded in 2010, by seasoned professionals operating in the specialised field of succession and estate planning. Our current membership is constituted by senior Lawyers and other practitioners within the succession industry. Our Founding Trustees are Mr Osaro Eghobamien, SAN, Mrs Sola Adegbonmire, Mrs Morenike Obi-Farinde, Mr Enitan Oshodi and Mrs Violet Onyemenam.

The Executive Committee of the Association consists of Mr Olugbenga Fabilola (President), Mr Yinka Olasewere (Vice President) and Mrs Adetola Ayanru (General Secretary).

‘ASTEP was established with the vision of: 1. Promoting the practice of succession trust and estate planning 2. Providing a forum to discuss and advance the knowledge in respect of wealth management practice in Nigeria.

3. Educating and training practitioners in succession trust and estate planning matters.

‘In recent times, the Association has embarked on a number of programmes and events to facilitate knowledge and understanding of Estate and Trust Planning and Management. ASTEP has hosted several webinars which include the following: Administration of Charitable Trusts, Succession to Digital Assets, Estate Planning: A Necessity, An Interactive Session with the Lagos Probate Registry, The Capital Market Registrar as a Veritable Agent in Wealth Management and Transfer, The Liability of Corporate Trustees as Executors (Part 1 and 2), ‘Unclaimed Dividends and Dormant Accounts in Respect of Finance Act 2020 e.t.c.’, Anyaru said.

6/

15.06.2021

Twitter v FG: Who Blinks First?

Introduction The seemingly personal spat between President Buhari and microblogging service provider, Twitter, decidedly took a turn for the worse last week, in the aftermath of the taking down of the President’s controversial threat to ‘speak the language they understand’ directed to malcontents, which he (or his handlers) posted on the site, to which his Government responded by blocking access to the latter by all its Nigerian-based end-users. Needless to say, all hell has since broken loose, as ‘the usual suspects’ (human rights activists, foreign embassies and their governments),have unanimously condemned the Government’s reaction and demanded that the ban be lifted.

Indeed, the public reaction has permeated virtually every strata, with ordinary Nigerians (not just so-called ‘netizens’) joining in the ‘Leave Twitter Alone’ chorus.

For its part, the owners of the site have (as usual) promised to engage with the Nigerian authorities, to restore access as quickly as possible. This might be dismissed by the cynic, as dictated more by economic imperatives (Twitter reportedly has almost 40 million Nigerian users) than anything else. The ban clearly hit where it hurts most.

As for the Government, it appears to have seized the controversy as an opportunity to rein in (or muzzle, depending on your point of view) all social media platforms like Facebook, Google, Whatsapp, Instagram (and Twitter, of course), as it publicly demanded, through its Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, that all of them should register with the Government, in order to continue operating in Nigeria. This was issued at the same time as a charm offensive which it launched, targeted at foreign (mostly Western) missions in Nigeria, at which it tried to soften the latter’s hard stance against the ban.

Alas, the offensive appears to have been futile: bring back Twitter – immediately – they insisted. So, what will have to happen for both sides to shift ground – without appearing to lose face? It remains to be seen.

For now, all options are on the table, as it is hard to imagine that the freedom-loving online networks, will ‘surrender without a fight’ to the Government’s perceived attempts to silence or, at least, gag them.

This is where the law comes in. In this regard, it appears that the Government’s preferred legal tool for ‘controlling’ social media platforms is the National Broadcasting Commission Act, 1992 and its subsidiary legislation, the National Broadcasting Code, as amended in 2020.

What does the former, in particular, say?

Is it what the Government thinks it is, or can it really do what the Government plans to use it for - in terms of regulating social media? Let us see . . .

The National Broadcasting Commission Act As previously stated, this law came into life as a Military Decree, in 1992. It subsequently took effect as an existing law under Section 315(1) of the 1999 Constitution; this is because, with the exception of wireless and broadcasting provided by State Governments, the National Assembly is eminently competent to legislate on or regulate all other kinds of broadcasting and wireless service providers, including allocation of wave-lengths therefor: see Item 66 of the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution.

This is not the end of the story, however, as the real question is whether the sort of service provided by all social media platforms – not just foreign-based ones

platforms, rather ‘piggy-back’ (more like a commercial, if not exactly a symbiotic, relationship) on the latter? What is the practical experience of users of the platforms? Do they have a direct, commercial relationship with the platforms, or is such a relationship rather indirect, through the said mobile phone networks, as well as electronic applications (called “apps”) which are available to download from online market places such as Google Store or Apple Store – which can only be accessed through the self-same mobile phone networks? If – given all the foregoing – the Government is not exactly barking up the wrong tree in ‘targeting’ Twitter and others, can it, in the light of the provisions of Section 2(2) of the NBC Act still proceed, in all conscience?

President Muhammadu Buhari

Twitter Co-Founder & CEO, Jack Dorsey

like Twitter and Facebook – was envisaged by the makers of the NBC Act, either at inception (in 1992, as aforesaid) or since.

This calls for a closer look at the provisions of the Act.

established or operated by the Federal, State or Local Government; (c) recommending applications through the Minister to the President for the grant of radio and television licences; (d) regulating and controlling the broadcasting industry; (f) receiving, considering and investigating complaints from individuals and bodies corporate or incorporate regarding the contents of a broadcast and the conduct of a broadcasting station; (l) regulating ethical standards and technical excellence in public, private and commercial broadcast stations in Nigeria; (n) determining and applying sanctions, including revocation of licences of defaulting stations which do not operate in accordance with the Broadcast Code and in the public interest; (q) intervening and arbitrating in conflicts in the broadcasting industry; (s) serving as national consultants on any legislative or regulatory issues on the broadcasting industry”; “(2) No person shall operate or use any apparatus or premises for the transmission of sound or vision by cable, television, radio, satellite or any other medium of broadcast from anywhere in Nigeria except under and in accordance with the provisions of this Act” Do the foregoing provisions or any of them, entitle the Government to regulate social media platforms? That is the question.

I’m afraid, the answer – if the provisions of Section 2(2) of the NBC Act quoted above are anything to go by - appears to be anything but in the affirmative. I submit that, this is the only conclusion to be drawn from a plain and literal or grammatical construction of that clause, particularly the words “from anywhere in Nigeria”. Does either Twitter or Facebook (or any of the other popular international social media platforms) operate their broadcast equipment from anywhere in Nigeria? How does a social media platform operate, and what equipment (apart from satellites) does it deploy in that regard? Is it like a mobile phone service provider (GLO, MTN, Airtel, etc.) who – apart from satellites – also operate through an extensive network to terrestrial (land-based) so-called ‘cell-sites’, complete with masts and power generators?

Or do they, that is, the social media

Section 1 of the NBC Act established the National Broadcasting Commission and charges it, in Section 2, with the following responsibilities, inter alia: “(1) (b) receiving, processing and considering applications for the establishment, ownership or operation of radio and television stations, including – (i) cable television services, direct satellite broadcast and any other medium of broadcasting; (ii) radio television stations owned,

“…..IT APPEARS THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PREFERRED LEGAL TOOL FOR ‘CONTROLLING’ SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS IS THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMMISSION ACT, 1992 AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING CODE……”

So much for that.

On the side of the Government, can the ut res magit valeat quam pereat rule of statutory interpretation avail it vis-à-vis the provisions of the NBC Act? This maxim enjoins the interpreter of a statute to do so in such a way (that is, with the objective – if at all it is possible) of saving it, instead of letting it fail. In this regard, it appears that the only provision of the NBC Act which remotely authorises the Commission (and, thus, the Government) to regulate social media platforms, is Section 2(1)(d) referred to above. It will be recalled that, this provision empowers the Commission to “regulate and control the broadcasting industry”.

There is no doubt that were this provision contained in the Constitution, it would have ‘sailed through’, as the Constitution is judicially required to be interpreted liberally and broadly. But, this is an Act of the National Assembly – to which no such rule applies.

So, what is the meaning of “broadcast” or “broadcasting”? Online (again!) resource platform, Wikipedia, defines the latter as “the distribution of audio or video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass communications medium, but typically one using the electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves) in a one-to-many model . . . The field of broadcasting includes both government-managed services, such as public radio and public television and private commercial radio and commercial television”.

There is no mention of satellite-enabled encrypted microblogging services, and their ‘cousins’ (such as Twitter and Facebook respectively). Indeed, in the United States, the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 97 defines “broadcasting” as “transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed”.

Unfortunately, our own laws, particularly the NBC Act, is completely silent on what “broadcasting” means. No doubt, this would have served as a guide on the scope of the Act, and whether it avails the Government in its demand that the platforms register with the Commission. Needless to say, the NBC Broadcasting Code, (amended in 2020) cannot make much of a difference, as it cannot be stronger than the principal statute.

Conclusion Even leaving aside the arguments about freedom of expression under the Constitution (which, at any rate, is not absolute, given the provisions of Section 45 of the same Constitution), it is hard to see how the Government can legitimately rely on the NBC Act to control Messrs. Twitter & Co. – without amending it, that is.

Short of that . . . your guess is as good as mine.

15.06.2021

/7

Southern Governors’ Asaba Accord to Rescue Nigeria’s Sinking Ship (Part 3) Introduction Last week, our discourse was on what the law says about individual rights, as against majority rights; and what the State Governors must do; etc. Today, we shall further x-ray whether the Southern Governors should have first consulted the Northern establishment before taking any step at all; Saleh’s illogical and Provocative Inanity; Questions begging for answers from Saleh; etc. Please, read on.

Should Southern Governors Have First Consulted the Northern Establishment? (Continues) Indeed, as far back as 26th April, 2018, (over three years ago), the National Executive Council (NEC) had approved the recommendation of its sub-Committee that open grazing of cattle be banned across the country.

The three-man sub-Committee on herdsmen/farmers clashes constituted by the Buhari Government in February, 2018, was headed by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi. It was specifically mandated to unravel the causes of herdsmen/farmers clashes (wrong usage: herdsmen’s unproved attacks on farmers is better). It was to dialogue with relevant stakeholders, to end the killings of innocent citizens.

Other members of the sub-Committee included Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), and Bindo Jubrilla (Adamawa). The Panel was mandated to visit Benue, Taraba, Zamfara and Adamawa States.

Umahi had told Nigerians after the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa presided over by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, that the panel submitted its report to the Council which okayed the recommendation to ban open grazing, opting instead for the establishment of ranches in States affected by the herdsmen onslaught.

Governor Umahi, who said his team visited five States Benue, Taraba, Plateau Adamawa and Zamfara, said there were three main categories of herdsmen in Nigeria. These, according to him, are foreign herdsmen, nomadic herdsmen and migrant herdsmen, whose continued activities have resulted in clashes with farmers.

He said the NEC also agreed that the States affected by herdsmen killings, should donate land for the establishment of ranches that will include nomadic schools and health facilities for their family members. Said Umahi: “Niger and Kaduna have given lands, and Plateau is also giving land. We also agreed that through the agriculture Ministry, we have to introduce new species of cows…… and to stop the further influx of foreign herdsmen into the country”.

So, where did the Southern Governors go wrong in reaffirming Federal Government and Northern Governors position? I cannot see it. Or can you?

Saleh’s Illogical and Provocative Inanity Did you read the provocative inanity uttered by one Alhassan Saleh, National Secretary of Miyetti Allah? I read it, and became more convinced that our dire national situation may be hopeless after all. Hear him deliver his gibberish sermon: “If the South feels because they have oil, they can show this open hatred to the Fulani, I bet you, they are late.

You cannot expel an ethnic group that has a population of 17 million people from an entity. So, if the agitators want to divide the country today, or this minute, we will help. We are ready to go. We are more prepared than any other tribe.

Nowhere is this type of ban done. You can only control it.

But, the Fulani by nature, move about with their animals.

They are not only in Nigeria, they are all over Africa…

We are just moving forward and backward…herders are not the problem facing the country, but the ethnic profiling of the Fulani in the country, particularly in the South, is mind-boggling…

They (Southerners) want to force us to react, but, we don’t react that way. Compared to what we went through in Guinea and Sudan and we survived, this is even a child’s play.

We understand that 2023 is also part of the game plan.

They want to get power on a platter of gold. Nobody will give them power like that. They must seek our support.

People who want power, don’t behave in this manner…

Herders are insignificant when it comes to problems of this country. Are they the ones looting the treasury?

What damages are they causing to this country? Compare them with the criminal activities of ‘Yahoo” boys (internet fraudsters), kidnappers, political looters, bandits in power, and vagabonds in power like Governor (Samuel) Ortom.

Do you think if these things will be happening?

Today, we are ready, let them divide the country. Let them not wait till tomorrow. We are better prepared, than any other ethnic nationality. So, we are ready, let them divide the country. Let us die, we that don’t have the oil.”

The Southern Governors at Asaba

Questions Begging for Answers from Saleh Let me interrogate Saleh’s thesis, with some questions. Is Saleh really telling us that cattle breeders (just like Igbo Alaba shop owners, or Yoruba cocoa farmers, or Ijaw fishermen (examples not used in any derogatory sense, but to make the point), have so cheapened the proud Fulani race of Shehu Usman Dan Fodio (born Usman bi Fudi; 1754 – 1817), that they have actually become the Fulani’s mouthpiece, their spokespersons? I cannot understand this. Or can you? So, to ensure peace, Fulani herders who “are not only in Nigeria, but all over Africa (moving) about with their animals”, should be allowed to commit genocide against other Nigerians?

Let me ask Saleh one question: who is the aggressor? Did other Nigerians invade Fulani towns to attack them? So, Saleh is saying that Fulani herdsmen who migrate from all over Africa through open borders of the North (those of the South are firmly shut), should be allowed unchallenged as they have been doing, especially since the last six years of the Buhari Government, to continue to attack innocent people in their homes, spill blood and

“SO, SALEH IS SAYING THAT FULANI HERDSMEN WHO MIGRATE FROM ALL OVER AFRICA THROUGH OPEN BORDERS OF THE NORTH…..SHOULD BE ALLOWED UNCHALLENGED AS THEY HAVE BEEN DOING…..TO CONTINUE TO ATTACK INNOCENT PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES, SPILL BLOOD AND RAPE THEIR WIVES AND DAUGHTERS?”

rape their wives and daughters? So, Fulanis should be allowed to invade helpless farmers’ farms, kill the farmers with their sophisticated AK-47 rifles, destroy their farms, and freely graze on their crops with their cattle? Oh, Fulanis must be allowed to walk leisurely with herds and hordes of cattle across the Federal Secretariat buildings and Three Arms Zone of Abuja, with vehicles and trekking human beings stopping and waiting for them to pass? So, that is Saleh’s own warped idea of living together? So, Southerners should be wiped out from the face of Nigeria in a carefully choreographed genocidal script, and they must not complain just because they will seek power, and must need Fulani support? So, the Southern Governors hate the Fulanis for telling them to stop open grazing and movement of cows by road across the South, thereby killing innocent people and destroying people’s means of livelihood? So, the life of a cow is more precious than that of a human being?

I cannot understand Saleh, and his Miyetti Allah’s reasoning and illogicality. Or can you? So, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State is a “vagabond-in-power”, simply because he cried out that he was tired of being a helpless undertaker, coffin maker, an elegy orator and chief mourner presiding over the daily slaughter of his own people?

So, because the Fulanis are all over Africa, and they had successfully overrun Guinea and Sudan (predominantly Muslim countries), they should also be allowed to overrun plural Nigeria (there are actually more Christians than Muslims, even in the North) and wipe out the other 373 ethnic groups of Nigeria (according to Professor Onigu Otite)? I cannot comprehend this man. Or can you?

More Questions More questions please, Saleh: So, a personal profit-making venture such as cattle rearing, should be forced willy-nilly on all other Nigerians as a fundamental objective and directive principle of State policy? So, the yam produce, cocoa palm kernel and tomatoes farmers of other ethnic groups, should equally be allowed to invade and seize Fulani lands and impose their trade on them? How would the Fulanis feel if the Igbos insist that because they are excellent traders, shops must be built for them by the Federal and State Governments across Nigeria, free of charge, to ply their lucrative trade? How will they feel if rearers of pigs (even when the Muslim Fulanis forbid pork meat) overrun their territories with hordes of pigs, all in the name of keeping Nigeria together?

Nigeria’s population projection by the United Nations for July, 2021, is 210,665,492. Of this number, only 17 million people are Fulanis, according to Saleh. There are three classes of Fulanis based on settlement patterns: the Nomadic/Pastoral or Mbororo; the Semi-Nomadic and the “Settled” or “Town Fulanis”. Thus, the Miyetti Allah nomadic or pastoral group constitutes only one-third of Fulanis in Nigeria. This means, speaking arithmetically, 8% people out of Nigeria’s population of 210.6 million people.

So, going by Alhassan Saleh’s puerile vituperations, a tiny, but powerful, well-connected, power-dominating minority of 8% of Nigeria’s population must be allowed forever to tyrannise the vast majority, impose their will; govern them by force; kill them; wipe them out of Nigeria, all in the name of peace, unity, indissolubility and indivisibility of Nigeria? So, the other 92% Nigerian majority should be held down by the jugular, just to make Nigeria work and prevent Fulanis from leaving Nigeria?

Haba! I can never understand this man and the cattle rearers he spoke for. Or can you? (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Good governance, safety, a chance to grow economically and professionally - those are important things.” (Dana Perino)

8/COVER

15.06.2021

D

I

S

C

O

Nigerian Constitution: Nigeria is on the march again, seeking a new Constitution, the grundnorm expected to usher in a fresh and invigorated polity, maybe even a new beginning. Every previous attempt to review or fashion out a new Constitution has not been completed. The question on the lips of many, is whether what Nigeria really needs is a new Constitution, or simply a review of the old and wobbling one. Dele Adesina, SAN, Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, Ahuraka Yusuf Isah and Professor Auwalu Yadudu (in his widely circulated letter to the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution) state their positions in the face of the much-faulted ongoing public hearings around the country, towards giving Nigerians a workable people-centric Constitution

A Brand New Constitution for the Peace and Stability of Nigeria The Inconvenient Truth

Dele Adesina, SAN Introduction Quite often, I meditate on the affairs and the future of this nation. Each time I do this, I believe like many others in this country, I become very apprehensive of the future of the country, even though I am a man of faith. However, I do recognise that faith does not deny the facts. Faith only insists that the facts do not represent the final position, if something is done to change that position. It is an undeniable statement that faith without works, is dead.

The situation in Nigeria today to face reality, is precarious from all dimensions. That is not the focus of my short presentation, but, I dare say that, all that we are seeing today are symptoms, products and reminiscent of a faulty foundation.

If the foundation be destroyed, God says there is nothing the righteous can do.

What is a Constitution?

In Nigeria, the Supreme Court has said in AG Federation v AG Abia State that “It must be remembered that the fountain of all laws is the Constitution. It is the composite document setting out how the country is to be held together.

It is not a document to be read with levity or disdain …. It is the very foundation of the nation’s existence”.

It is the Supreme law, in which the principles of fundamental nature for a nation are established.” It is supreme and superior to any other law. Indeed, it determines the validity or otherwise of governmental actions.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 in Section 2 states “This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic of South Africa.

Law or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid and the obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled”.

Article 6 Clause 2 of the Constitution of the United States of America says “This Constitution and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof and all treaties made or which shall be made under the authority of the United States shall build the supreme law of the land….. any thing in the Constitution or law of any State to the contrary notwithstanding”.

Similarly, Section 1(1) of the 1999 Constitution FRN also established the supremacy and the binding force of the 1999 Constitution, I submit, in an inelegant manner, unlike the very vocal and direct provision of the South African Constitution I cited above.

The Incurable Vices of the 1999 Constitution i. The late constitutional Lawyer, Chief Rotimi Williams, QC, SAN said on the 18th of June, 1999 at a Seminar organised by the NBA Ikeja on the 1999 Constitution, that “The 1999 Constitution is a document that tells lie against itself.” ii. Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN in his characteristic self was more categorical when he described the Constitution as a fraud, contending that the people of Federal Republic of Nigeria never gave to themselves or resolved to give to themselves the 1999 Constitution.

I will expatiate on this later. iii. Another foremost constitutional Lawyer, Prof.

Ben Nwabueze, SAN has described the Constitution as an illogicality, contending that the 1999 Constitution is a unitary Constitution for a Federal system of Government.

iv. My Learned Brother Silk and Constitutional Law expert, S.T. Hon, SAN, had this to say in his book titled ‘Constitutional Law and Migration Law’: “there is no doubt that the 1999 Constitution was enacted by the military. That the Apex Court merely imputed this exercise to the Nigerian people”. v. In a Paper titled “Preventing the Breakdown of Democracy in Nigeria – an overview of the 1999 Constitution” presented by me in 2000, I said “The 1999 Constitution is in my view, nothing more than a legacy bequeathed on us by the Military neo colonial masters at the eve of their departure on the 29th of May, 1999, in a fashion reminiscent of a will that takes effect after the demise of the testator…” .

Many other well informed Nigerians, too numerous to mention have said repeatedly, based on the

“……THAT THE 1999 CONSTITUTION LACKS LEGITIMACY AND POPULAR ACCEPTABILITY FUNDAMENTALLY BECAUSE OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF ITS MAKING, AND BECAUSE OF THE SEVERAL POSITIONS IN IT WHICH ARE ALIEN TO ALL KNOWN PRINCIPLES OF FEDERALISM”

vices stated above and many others, that the 1999 constitution lacks legitimacy and popular acceptability fundamentally because of the circumstances of its making, and because of the several positions in it, which are alien to all known principles of federalism.

First, it is to be recalled that we have successfully carried out four Amendments through 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Alteration exercises. Several Sections of the Constitution were altered in the course of the four exercises, all these within approximately a period of 21 years of the existence and operation of the Constitution. The question is, if we find it desirable to embark on another exercise as profound and expansive as the one being contemplated, whether it is not far better and more desirable to think about a holistic replacement of the 1999 Constitution?

Second, I noted with satisfaction that some of the issues scheduled to be considered in the review exercise, constitute fundamental and existential issues for Nigeria as a safe and secured Nation, as a Federation and lastly, as a successful Constitutional Democracy. I am referring here to such items as Devolution of Powers, Federal Structure and true Federalism, the Nigeria Police and Nigerian Security Architecture, comprehensive Judicial Reform, Local Government autonomy and the National Assembly itself. Once these foundational issues are going to form the cornerstone of this review, the question is, whether it is not better and preferable to garner the thoughts, feelings, visions and aspirations of the Nigerian people with a well articulated, negotiated agreement towards embarking on the process of making a new Constitution for Nigeria to mark a new beginning.

Third, the Constitution was described as a fraud and a document that lies against itself, at a Seminar on the new Constitution organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, on the 18th of June, 1999 because the Constitution purportedly stated in its opening recital that “We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria having firmly and solemnly resolved… do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves the following Constitution” Since the enactment of the 1999 Constitution, the question has been asked repeatedly, where and when did that resolution

take place? How did the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria arrive at that firm and solid resolution, purportedly expressed in the recital to the 1999 Constitution?

It must be recalled that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was midwifed by the then Military Government of General Abdulsalam Abubakar, GCFR, pursuant to the promulgation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Decree No. 24 of 1999. The question is whether Decree No. 24 of 1999 can take the place of a referendum by the people in the making of a people’s Constitution, recognising that the ultimate sovereignty lies with the people?

Faulty Federal Structure In the case of Attorney-General of Abia State v Attorney-General of the Federation, the Supreme Court stated the meaning and scope of Federalism in the following words: “Federalism as a legal concept generally connotes an Association of States formed for certain common purposes, but the State retains a large measure of their original independence or autonomy. It is the co-ordinate relationship of power, between the individual States and the National Government which is at the centre”.

The Supreme Court went further to say that “Federalism as a viable concept of organising a pluralistic society such as Nigeria for governance, does not encourage so much concentration of powers in the centre which is the Federal Government. In federalism, the component States do not play the role of errand boys”.The point was also made by the Supreme Court in Attorney-General of Lagos State v Attorney-General of the Federation, that each Government in a Federation “exists not as an appendage of another Government but as an autonomous entity, in the sense of being able to exercise its own will in the conduct of its affairs, free from direction from another Government”. None of these essential characteristics of a true Federalism, can be said to exist in Nigeria in real and practical terms.

I am fully persuaded by the opinion of Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN, that “one single Constitution for all the governments involved, both Federal and State in a Federation, is a manifest contradiction”. For instance, in 1960, we had the Independence Constitu-

COVER/9

15.06.2021

U

R

S

E

New or Reviewed? tion. There were separate Constitutions for both the Federation and the Regions, as separate Schedules to the Independence Order-in-Council. Similarly, the 1963 Republican Constitution made provisions for the establishment of regional Constitutions, for the three regions that composed the Federation at the time. Section 5(1) thereof stated as follows: “Subject to the provision of this Constitution (Federal Constitution) the Constitution of each region shall have the force of law throughout the region”.

There was also a specific provision in that Constitution, which stated that the Executive Authority of a Region (which extended to the execution and maintenance of the Regional Constitution) shall be exercised so as not “to impede or prejudice the exercise of the Executive Authority of the Federation or endanger the continuance of the Federation”.

It therefore follows that, in an ideal Federal system, apart from sharing of powers, both the Federal and the Federating units must have their own Constitutions. The question is, whether we truly want a Federal or a Unitary System of Government in Nigeria, and whether an elaborate discussion on the desirability or otherwise of this initiative can be undertaken under an amendment process such as the one being contemplated?

Everyone in this Nation today accepts the fact that the Nation is faced with a lot of structural and systemic challenges, a good number of which are the products of the inadequacies of the 1999 Constitution. It is no longer news that there has been over- concentration of powers at the centre, to the detriment of the federating units. Indeed, over the years, the centre has been grabbing and grabbing powers at the expense of the federating units. The long years of military adventure in governance, has not helped the situation. For the sake of comparison, the 1954 Constitution donated 43 items to the centre in the Exclusive Legislative List, 45 items in the 1960 and 1963 Independence and Republican Constitutions, 66 items in the 1979 Constitution and 68 items to the centre in the 1999 Constitution.

The reality of our Constitutional structure and power sharing today is that simple items such as census, labour, trade unions and industrial relations, mines, minerals, natural gas, drugs, evidence, trade and commerce are on the Exclusive Legislative List. Not to talk of the Policing system. This is in addition to 30 items under the Concurrent Legislative List, for which both the Federating States and the Federal Government have powers to make laws, subject of course, to the supremacy of the Federal Law over the State Law on any such matter where one is inconsistent with the other.

A Centralised and Monolithic Police Structure: An Absurdity The issue of Nigeria Police and the security architecture in particular, is very germane. It is not an over-statement to say that the greatest challenge confronting our Nation today, and particularly the security and sustenance of our Constitutional democracy, is that of insecurity. I believe that nobody is left in any doubt that the centralised and monolithic Police structure established by Sections 214 and 215 of the Constitution, can no longer guarantee the security of this Nation and its component parts, and this explains why the other security agencies like the Military, the Airforce and the Navy, are now directly involved in the maintenance of law and order in different parts of the country.

Participatory/ People Driven Constitution The process of making the 1999 Constitution as stated earlier, falls short of guaranteeing its popular legitimacy and acceptability. No amendments, no matter how many times, can in a retroactive manner cure this foundational defect in the making of the 1999 Constitution. It remains a military-donated Constitution. A deliberate effort to embark on the making of a new Constitution, will offer an opportunity to Nigerians for popular participation in the Constitution making process of their country.

Scholars of Constitutional Law have argued, and I wholeheartedly agree with their reasoning, that the scope of making a Constitution should not be determined by the rulers or those who govern them. Professor Julius Ihonvbere, talking about the value of a participatory/people driven Constitution making approach had this to say: “political elites and leaders have not come to fully appreciate the importance of a participatory or

Dele Adesina, SAN

people driven Constitution-making approach to their own survival in office and to the reduction of conflicts and pressures on the State, its institutions and custodians. Aside from using the process to resolve burning national issues, a participatory approach is probably one of the best panaceas to instability, public cynicisms and alienation from government. It is equally the best way to cultivate a culture and tradition of reliance on dialogue and consensus, rather than the resort to violence in the political process”.

The contemporary challenges being faced in the Nation today, such as the wide spread insecurity, various sectional loyalty and allegiances instead of loyalty and commitment to the cause of the Nation on the basis of nationalism and patriotism, lack of a properly focused political system cloaked in ideology and the uncountable number of political parties jostling for power, the agitation for true federalism, both fiscal and structural, make the call for a new Constitution not only worthy of consideration, but I submit, compelling and inevitable.

It is my humble view that, the time to take the bull by the horn and drive a wholesale replacement of the 1999 Constitution through the instrumentality of an autonomous and independent body is now. Such body must emanate from the people. Like I stated earlier, the ultimate sovereignty lies with the people. It is my contention that we have gotten to a point in Nigeria when we should subject the Nation to the sovereign will of the people, by making a people driven Constitution.

Argument Against the Proposal for a New Constitution I am not unaware of the argument that we cannot have two sovereigns in a nation, in the sense of having a Sovereign National Conference as well as a Sovereign Government and Sovereign National Assembly. I am not here to advocate for a sovereign national conference. Any conference or assembly of people, can drive a new Constitution for Nigeria.

Going by the example we have seen in South Africa, I think both can coexist without one impeding or obstructing the workings of the other. Example they say, is better than precept. Let us draw example from those who have successfully passed through this stage before, and came out very successfully.

Let it be recalled that the agitation and resistance against the Apartheid System of Government in South Africa, was what led to the setting up of the Convention for Democratic South Africa (CODESA). At the time of formulating a new Constitution by the Convention for Democratic South Africa (CODESA), the Republican Constitution of South Africa 1961 was in place, and a democratically elected government led by the National Party was also in place.

History recorded that it was the Convention for Democratic South Africa that fashioned a new Constitution, that ultimately removed discrimination and all forms of apartheid rule in South Africa. It is time for us to recognise that, no problem is ever solved by technically avoiding the problem. Let us collectively resolve to confront our constitutional problem, resolve it by taking the bull by the horn.

It will be a great day for Nigeria, if we can take

this giant step to fashion out a new Constitution that will satisfy the yearnings, aspirations and inspirations of all Nigerians, rather than embarking on limitless amendments. A Constitution that will enjoy the buy-in of all Nigerians. A Constitution that Nigerians can take ownership of, by their participation in the process of its making. Somebody says that no matter how long you persist on a wrong route, you can never arrive at your desired destination. The time for us to take our destiny into our own hands, is now. With all its noticeable inadequacies, the 1999 Constitution has tried to give us a Constitutional democracy, albeit in a limited sense. We can all see the failures, that are threatening the survival of our democracy. If it is not Panadol, it cannot do the work of a Panadol.

The flaws of the 1999 Constitution cannot, no matter how many alterations, be cured.

Conclusion In conclusion, I cannot agree less with Professor Julius Ihonvbere when he stated in his paper titled ‘Towards Participatory Mechanisms and Principles of Constitutional Making in Africa’ published in 2000 said: “rather than just seeing the Constitution as a power map focusing exclusively on the question of power (which is what we may achieve by the various Amendments), we must see the Constitution as an instrument for addressing pressing socio-economic, cultural and economic questions, as well as an embodiment of consensus around constitutionalism”.

The Constitution must be seen and regarded as “an expression of the general will of the Nation, a reflection of its history, fears, concerns, aspirations, vision and indeed, the soul of the Nation.

Furthermore, the Constitution is not just an elite affair, rather it must be seen as a single document under which diverse and ideologically opposed people unite and rally in defence of democracy”.

The Chairman of this Review Session and through you, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a new Constitution will translate: “We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria having firmly and solemnly resolved… do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves the following Constitution” from make believe into reality.

May I conclude by saying that, if we must decisively address the inadequacies, distortions, confusions, fundamental omissions and the inherent contradictions and illogicalities in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, if we must establish a true and functional Federation that will guarantee National cohesion, our focus must be to give to ourselves a new Constitution. This is the truth, no matter how inconvenient.

Dele Adesina, SAN, LL.M, FCI Arb. Past General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association; Presented on 2ND June, 2021 at the Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)

The Symbolism and Legality of State Con-

“IT WILL BE A GREAT DAY FOR NIGERIA, IF WE CAN TAKE THIS GIANT STEP TO FASHION OUT A NEW CONSTITUTION THAT WILL SATISFY THE YEARNINGS, ASPIRATIONS AND INSPIRATIONS OF ALL NIGERIANS, RATHER THAN EMBARKING ON LIMITLESS AMENDMENTS…… THE FLAWS OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION CANNOT, NO MATTER HOW MANY ALTERATIONS, BE CURED”

stitutions in Nigeria Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN Prologue State Constitutions are important democratic governing documents, and they can be all the more important if their role in the Federal system of government is understood properly. As such, a renewed appreciation of State constitutional law is essential, for restoring a better balance of National-State authority in a Federal system. Both the Federal and State Constitutions are organic texts: they are the fundamental blueprints for the legal and political organisations of a Federal Government and the States, respectively.

The American Federal System of Government The American Federal system (from which the Nigerian Federal system of Government was copied) rests on two constitutional pillars, that is, the 50 State Constitutions and the United States Constitution (National Constitution). Metaphorically speaking, if one or the other pillar is cut down in size or raised too high, then the Federal system becomes unbalanced. In many respects, this is what has happened to our Federal system of government in Nigeria – imbalance due to the absence of State constitutions. Ours in Nigeria, is a patched-patched Federal System of Government.

In the United States of America, State Constitutions are the business of Governors, Legislatures, the People and the Courts. Most State Constitutions are amended much more easily and frequently, than the National Constitution. Citizens promote or affirm changes in State Constitutions by initiative or referendum. In addition, Governors and the Legislature are frequently involved in providing leadership for constitutional change. However, because of the direct role of citizen participation in State constitutional development, amendment plays a larger role in the change process than it does for the National Constitution.

The United States Bill of Rights provides in part that: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people". The Guarantee Clause of Article 4 of the Constitution states that "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government." These two provisions indicate that States did not surrender their wide latitude to adopt a Constitution, the fundamental documents of State Law, when the cont'd on page 10

10/COVER

15.06.2021

Nigerian Constitution: New or Reviewed? cont'd from page 9

setting up of a Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) in September 1975, to produce and submit to the Supreme Military Council a Draft Constitution.

In August 1977, the Constituent Assembly Decree No. 50 of 1977 established a Constituent Assembly (CA), which comprised elected and nominated Members to deliberate on the Draft Constitution drawn up by the CDC. The most controversial issues during the debates at the Assembly, were those relating to the creation of new States. Despite the argument that a Representative Assembly possesses a legitimacy superior to that to be derived from the stamp of any other authority (salus populi suprema lex), the Federal Military Government made 22 amendments to the Assembly’s version of the Draft Constitution which the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, said were meant to strengthen it and ensure stability, progress and continuity. The issues relating to the amendments were popularly referred to, as the “No-Go-Areas”.

General Obasanjo promulgated the amended Draft Constitution presented to his regime, into the 1979 Constitution. A General election was held which, ushered in a civilian administration at Federal level and the 19 States of the Federation, with Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the elected President and a National Assembly comprising a Senate and House of Representatives at the centre. Similarly 19 State Governors were elected, each with an elected State House of Assembly. The Second Republic lasted four years.

U.S. Constitution was adopted.

Typically, State Constitutions address a wide array of issues, deemed by the States to be of sufficient importance to be included in the Constitution rather than in an ordinary Statute. Often modelled after the Federal Constitution, they outline the structure of the State Government and typically establish a Bill of Rights, an executive branch headed by a Governor (and often one or more other officials, such as a Lieutenant Governor and State Attorney – General), a State Legislature, and State Courts, including a State Supreme Court (a few States have two High Courts, one for civil cases, the other for criminal cases). They also provide general governmental framework for what each branch is supposed to do, and how it should go about doing it.

The Nigerian Case Section 2(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides thus: “Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign State to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

2 (2) goes further to provide that – “Nigeria shall be a Federation consisting of States and a Federal Capital Territory”.

It is therefore safe to state that, Nigeria like the United States of America, is both a ‘Federation’ and a ‘Republic’.

What is a Federation?

The word ‘federalism’ is derived from the transitive verb ‘federate’, meaning to join together in a Federation, or cause various bodies to join together in a Federation.

Its verb, ‘federating’, means to associate, implying a coming together of States into a League or federal union. Therefore, federalism connotes an arrangement in which political powers are constitutionally shared between the central government and the federating units. It is a device that enables each group in a plural society to look after its own internal affairs, free from outside interference. It is also a device for limiting the powers of the centre, in order to prevent it from becoming an instrument of total domination. Just as one cannot play Shakespeare’s Hamlet without the ‘Prince of Denmark’, it is impossible to ignore Nwabueze’s opinion on a discussion of federalism.

The renowned Constitutional Law Expert defines federalism as – “an arrangement whereby powers of government within a country are shared between a national, countrywide government and a number of regionalised (i.e. territorially localised) governments, in such a way that each exists as a government separately and independently from the others, operating directly on persons and property within its territorial area, with a will of its own and its own apparatus for the conduct of its affairs, and with an authority in some matters exclusive of all the others”.

What is a Republic?

The word republic, comes from the Latin word res publica, (public thing) and refers to a form of government where the citizens act for their own benefit, rather than for the benefit of a ruler or king.

A republican government is one in which the political authority comes from the people.

As a political belief, the noun ‘republic’ connotes the notion that – • Sovereignty rests with the people or their representatives, rather than with a monarch or emperor; • There can be no exercise of political power, be it at the centre or periphery, except as determined by the people; and • No public resources ought to be deployed in maintaining institutions or offices that are not constituted from the exercise of peoples’ sovereign will (N.J.Udombana).

Survey of Constitutional Development in Nigeria To determine the symbolism and legality of State Constitutions in Nigeria, the various Constitutions enacted in Nigeria from the Independence Constitution to the Current CFRN 1999 must first be examined.

Most of these Constitutions were preceded by the setting up of Constitution Drafting Committees, and or Constituent Assemblies and or Constitutional Conferences. For instance, the 1960/1963 Constitutions provided for Regional Constitutions; however, in subsequent Constitutions, the provisions for Regional Constitution or State Constitution (upon the creation of the States) was abandoned. To ascertain why the regional/state constitution was jettisoned, we must also examine the debates and issues that formed the fulcrum of the draft Constitutions that were later enacted.

Nigeria has enacted roughly five Constitutions between independence and now, though one was inoperative. They are the 1960 (Independence) Constitution; 1963 (Republican) Constitution; 1979 (Second Republican) Constitution; 1989 (Babangida) aborted Constitution; and 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Elaborate and often expensive constitutional conferences and/or constituent assemblies, preceded the making of these constitutions.

The Independence Constitution of 1960 The 1960 Independence Constitution was preceded by the London Conferences of 1957 and 1958, as well as the Constitutional Conference of 1960. The 1957 Conference deliberated and decided on many issues, such as internal self-governance in 1959 and

Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN full political independence in 1960. There was a proposal to create new States out of the then existing three – Northern, Western, and Eastern – regions, in order to establish equilibrium and allay the fears of minorities. Meanwhile, the 1960 Constitution provided for a federal system, consisting of strong regions and a centre with limited powers. The 1960 Constitution specifically allowed each region to enact its own Constitution, Coat of Arms, and Motto.

The 1963 Republican Constitution The 1963 Constitution provided for a ceremonial President, while the Head of Government was a Prime Minister. In the regions, there were ceremonial Governors, while the Executive was headed by Premiers. The National Parliament consisted of elected Representatives, and a Senate whose members were nominated from the Houses of Chiefs. Two types of Legislative Lists were entrenched, namely: The Exclusive Legislative List for the Centre, and the Concurrent Legislative List for both the Centre and the Regions. Before the promulgation of the 1963 Constitution, there were numerous disturbing signs of discord, tension and disagreements, leading the nation to slip into a series of crises. All these negative developments watered the seed of discord that eventually led to the fall of the First Republic through the violent military intervention of January 15, 1966, and the emergence of General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi as the first military Head of State in Nigeria.

Constitutional Conferences Under the Military In February 1966, following the violent seizure of power by the military and the collapse of the First Republic, three important Study Groups were set up by the new Administration in order to examine Constitutional,

“…… IN VIEW OF THE LACK OF EXPRESS PROHIBITION OF A STATE CONSTITUTION IN THE CFRN 1999, A STATE CAN RELY ON THE OMNIBUS PROVISIONS IN SECTION 4(7) OF THE CFRN 1999, AND ENACT A STATE CONSTITUTION FOR THE GOOD GOVERNANCE OF THEIR STATE”

Administrative and Institutional problems in the Federation. The Study Group on Constitutional problems was to, among others, review all aspects of the 1963 Constitution including – the structure, division of powers and the electoral, as well as party political system; identify factors militating against national unity and the emergence of Strong Central Government; and recommend possible safeguards.

Before the Constitutional Study Group made any progress, it was scuttled by the promulgation of the Constitution (Suspension and Modification) (No. 5) Decree No. 34 of 1966.

The Unification Decree No. 34 of 1966 Under Decree No. 34 of 1966 promulgated by the General Ironsi regime, Nigeria ceased to be a Federation and instead, came to be known as “Republic of Nigeria”; the Regions were equally abolished and each came to be known as “Group of Provinces” under a Military Governor appointed by the Head of the National Military Government; and a National Public Service was created through the unification of all the existing Public Services in the Regions. Lt. Colonel (Later General) Yakubu Gowon overthrew the Ironsi Military Government in another bloody coup d’état. Gowon set up an Advisory Group of Civilians to advise his Government on appropriate Constitutional changes that could be easily accommodated, considering the circumstances and mood of the nation. The Constitutional (Suspension and Modification) Decree 9 of 1966, returned the Political Structure of the country to the position before the promulgation of Decree 34. An Ad Hoc Constitutional Conference of the Advisory Group of Civilians was convened on September 2, 1966 in Lagos. By the end of the month, a preliminary report was submitted to the Supreme Military Council. The proposals presented by the Regional Delegations showed the extent to which the country had drifted apart, and was on the brink of disintegration. The Conference failed, because the protracted deliberations on the acceptable formula for maintaining the Federation were prematurely ended with the news of fresh outbreak of violence in the North, which was also echoed in the South. The Gowon administration ruled out a complete break-up of the country, and suggested three possible constitutional arrangements that would enable Nigeria to remain as one nation: a Federation with a strong Central Government; a Federation with a weak Central Government; or a Confederation with no Central Government.

Gowon’s Constitutional Conference had deliberated on proposals from the four Regions, without deciding on any agreed programme for keeping Nigeria as an indivisible political entity. The positions of the Delegates from the Regions on the form of association, differed considerably. For instance, the Mid-west supported continued Federation with the existing four Regions, with more regions in the future and with Lagos either as Federal Territory or as a separate State. The West and Lagos proposed a Federation with more States on linguistic basis, with Lagos as a separate State. The East demanded a loose association of States, comprising the existing Regions. The North advocated for Nigeria to have strong autonomous States, delegating powers to a Central Authority for common services.

Murtala/Obasanjo Constitutional Initiatives Following another Coup d’état July 29, 1975 that toppled Gowon and brought Murtala Mohammed; the new Military Government under General Murtala announced a five-stage programme of transition to democratic civilian administration, including the

General Babangida’s Constituent Assembly The Military struck on December 31, 1983, exactly three months into President Shehu Shagari’s Second Term in office. General Muhammadu Buhari, emerged as the new Head of State. The austere economic policies of Buhari’s regime caused severe hardship across the country, and a faction of the military took advantage of the situation to stage a counter-coup which brought General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida to power on August 27, 1985.

In January 1986, the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) under General Babangida, established a Political Bureau to sensitise Nigerians politically, receive and collate their ideas/opinions on a possible future political system. A Constitution Review Committee (CRC) was also set up in September 1987, in order to examine the 1979 Constitution, and make relevant amendments for the consideration of Government. A Constituent Assembly similar to the one established in 1977 was set up, comprising some elected and nominated Members. The Assembly was mandated to deliberate on the CRC recommendations. General Babangida’s Constituent Assembly did not bring any fundamental changes to the 1979 Constitution, except for the provision of a 2-Party System; establishment of Traditional Councils, and conferring on States the powers to create Local Government Development Areas (LGDAs).

The National Constitutional Conference of 1994/95; Abacha Conference The annulment of the results of the June 12 Presidential Election by the Armed Forces Ruling Council, created very serious political and inter-regional problems. The fault-lines of differing identities across the country, became suddenly sharpened and solidified. General Babangida himself was consequently, consumed in the flames of organised opposition and sustained protests against military rule and militarism especially by individuals, groups and civil society organisations from the Southwest. He abdicated in controversial circumstances on August 27, 1993, and installed a very successful andº respected industrialist who did not have public service background or political antecedents: Chief Ernest Shonekan, to head an Interim National Government (ING).

Chief Shonekan’s interim administration lasted only three months, and was challenged on many fronts (political and legal) for its doubtful legitimacy, leading to its overthrow by the Minister of Defence, General Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993. With the termination of the ING, the agitations for a return to Constitutional Government heightened. In response, the new Head of State stressed the determination of his Administration to restore power to Civilians, based on a transparent process of democracy. Amidst incessant unceasing calls from several quarters for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC), General Abacha convened a National Constitutional Conference in 1994.

Nationwide, non-partisan, indirect elections were held into the National Constitutional Conference on May 28, 1994 wherein 273 Delegates, each representing a Conference District, were elected to the Conference.

In addition to the elected Conference Delegates, the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) nominated 96 other persons, three from each State of the Federation and three others representing the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS). The Head of State appointed both the Chairman of the Conference and his Deputy, as well as Members of the Conference Commission – the administrative organ established to manage the National Constitutional Conference.

The 369-member Conference was deliberately designed to avoid being dominated by a single group, interest or section in the country. It brought together persons chosen on the platform of delineated constituencies, small enough to facilitate the equal cont'd on page 11

COVER /11

15.06.2021

Nigerian Constitution: New or Reviewed?

“MANY LEGAL PERSONS

cont'd from page 10

participation of all. The nominated Delegates were drawn from a wide spectrum of the society, such as professionals from law, medicine and engineering.

Other sectors represented included, religion, politics, academia, administration, banking, industry, the armed forces, law enforcement and security services (retired personnel only), the media, traditional rulers, technocrats, local community leaders and opinion moulders. However, there was a huge gender deficit in the representation, as only eight out of 396 Delegates were females.

The National Constitutional Conference was boycotted by the vocal sections of the society that agitated for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference – i.e. – the civil society advocates, including the Southwest-based National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), and the mainstream political platform of the Southwest – the Afenifere. The Conference concluded its assignment in 1995. The products of its deliberations included policy recommendations, and a new Constitution that was never promulgated.

Elements of that Constitution that never saw the light of the day included, the introduction of a hybrid political system similar to the French model of a President subsisting with a Prime Minister.

The Conference also came up with new initiatives that have now been entrenched in Nigeria’s political landscape – the six geo-political zones.

The failure to promulgate the new Constitution and the sudden death of General Abacha in 1998 after a controversial attempt at self-succession, led to the emergence of General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new Head of State. The new Head of State established a Constitution Review Committee which examined previous constitutional arrangements, and made recommendations for a new Constitution. The new Constitution was largely a re-enactment of the 1979 and 1989 Constitutions, with few additions or modifications. An election was held in 1999 which ushered in a new civilian democratic dispensation under President Olusegun Obasanjo, a bi-cameral National Assembly at the Federal level, and 36 State Governors with State Houses of Assembly.

Finally, there is nowhere in the various Constitutions enacted in Nigeria, where reference was made to State Constitutions, with the exception of the 1960 Constitution which made provisions for Regional Constitutions. Neither the above examination of the 1960 (Independence) Constitution; 1963 (Republican) Constitution; 1979 (Second Republican) Constitution; 1989 (Babangida) aborted Constitution; the 1999 Constitution (as amended), nor all the expensive constitutional conferences and/or constituent assemblies that preceded the making of these constitutions provided for State Constitutions.

The 1999 Constitution’s Silence on State Constitution The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), is silent on the issue of State Constitutions. The question that begs for answer is whether the silence of the 1999 Constitution on State Constitutions, could mean that the power to make a State Constitution is a residual power that is reserved for the States Houses of Assemblies to legislate on.

As to whether inference could be drawn from other relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to conclude that States Houses of Assemblies have the power to enact their respective State constitution, a look at the First & Second Schedules to the 1999 Constitution (i.e. the Exclusive, Concurrent and Residual Lists) will reveal that no reference whatsoever was made to State Constitutions. This constitutional silence has further compounded the problem of determining whether or not a State can enact its own Constitution, as well as the proper legislative authority imbued with the power to enact a State Constitution.

However, Section 4(6) & (7) of the 1999 Constitution vests an omnibus legislative power of the States of the Federation in the Houses of Assemblies thus: “Section (6) The legislative powers of a State of the Federation shall be vested in the House of Assembly of the State.

Section (7) The House of Assembly of a State shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the State or any part thereof with respect to the following matters, that is to say:(a) Any matter not included in the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part I of the Second Schedule to this Constitution. (b) any matter included in the Concurrent Legislative List set out in the first column of Part II of the Second Schedule to this Constitution to the extent prescribed in the second column opposite thereto; and (c) any other matter with respect to which it is empowered to make laws in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”

Possible Features of a Nigerian Model State Constitution The Model State Constitution is "an ideal of the structure and contents of a State Constitution that emphasises brevity and broad functions and responsibilities of government", according to Ann O'M Bowman and Richard Kearney in “State and Local Government”. It is my respectful view that, a State Constitution can include the following items: i. The Coat of Arms, Motto and Logo of a State and its distinctive features, ii. State Anthem, as well as the occasion it should be rendered,

ARE IRKED WITH THE CJN BEING CALLED AS THE 5TH PERSON, INSTEAD OF THE 3RD IN THE ORDER OF THE NATIONAL PROTOCOL. WHEN THE CONSTITUTION RECOGNISES HIM AS THE HEAD OF THE JUDICIARY, HE’S THEN THE HEAD OF THE THIRD ARM OF THE GOVERNMENT…..”

Ahuraka Isah iii. Establishment of Traditional Council thereby involving them in governance, such that they can play an advisory role as an organ of a state government, iv. Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism to aid the state’s Judicial system, v. Local Vigilante groups such as Amotekun should be recognised by the Constitution, as a State security outfit.

I submit that all matters that are not allocated to the centre exclusively, or to centre and regions concurrently but reserved for State under the ‘residual list’, can be included in the state Constitution.

Conclusion This article set out to examine the symbolism and legality of State Constitution in Nigeria. In furtherance of this objective, it clarified key concepts relevant to the discourse, examined the relevant constitution and constitutional conferences/debates in Nigeria from 1960 Constitution to the current 1999 Constitution (as Amended). From these reviews and analyses, I found that; though, there is no provision for a State Constitution in the CFRN, 1999 unlike the 1960 Constitution, however, it is my respectful view that - going by the provisions of Section 4(7) of the CFRN 1999 to the effect that - a House of Assembly of a State shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of a State, and in view of the lack of express prohibition of a State Constitution in the CFRN 1999, a State can rely on the omnibus provisions in Section 4(7) of the CFRN 1999, and enact a State Constitution for the good governance of their State. More so, it was found that, it is now rather trite that what the law/constitution does not prohibit is permitted. This has been encapsulated into a Latin Maxim “licet non sit prohibitus” which literally means "Everything which is not forbidden is allowed". I submit that licet non sit prohibitus is a constitutional principle. It is the concept that any action can be taken by an individual or a body, unless there is a law against it. It is also known in some situations as the "general power of competence", whereby the body or person being regulated is acknowledged to have competent judgement of their scope of action.

The opposite is a principle whereby an action can only be taken, if it is specifically allowed. The general power of competence operates in most States and societies, as it is much easier to specify what cannot be done, than listing what can be done.

The State Constitution itself is symbolic of federalism, and portrays the State as a federating unit. In our dear Oyo State, we have our Logo and Coat of Arms, we have a beautiful Anthem which is sung with great pride. I believe we can have a State Constitution, as a symbol of our status as a federating unit in Nigeria.

Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN

Constitution Amendment: Reasons Behind Judiciary Reform Proposals Ahuraka Yusuf Isah On June 3, 2021, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad submitted some proposals to the National Assembly, ostensibly to alter some provisions of the Constitution concerning the Judiciary Arm of Government. The CJN made this submission in the paper he presented as recom-

mendations of the Judiciary on the occasion of the National Public hearing by Senate Committee on review of the 1999 Constitution, held at the Africa Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

In a 17-page paper titled “Input by the Judiciary to the Proposed Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as Amended)’’, the CJN’s submission to the Senate Committee contained 45 constitutional amendment proposals on reforms for the Nigerian Judiciary.

Some of the amendments the CJN proposed threw many stakeholders aback, especially on his reasons behind such a radical departure from the norm, and against positions of the Government that be. Let’s take cursory look at some of the proposals once more.

Pegging the Supreme Court Bench at 16 Section 230 states that the Supreme Court of Nigeria shall consist of the Chief Justice of Nigeria; and such number of Justices of the Supreme Court, not exceeding twenty-one.

Section 230 of the Constitution the CJN states, should be altered by ‘’(a) substituting paragraph (a) of the existing subsection (2) with a new paragraph (a); ‘’(a) The Chief Justice of Nigeria who shall be the head of the Judiciary of the Federation’’. “(b) Substituting the words “not exceeding twentyone’’ in lines 1 to 2 of paragraph (b) of the existing subsection (2) with words “not exceeding sixteen’’.

The reduction of the Apex Court Bench to 16, is followed by other proposals to reduce the workload of the Supreme Court. For instance, all the appeals to the Apex Court, would be by leave of the Apex Court. This is like creating toll gate to sieve appeals that can be heard by the Apex Court, invariably reducing several spurious appeals usually sponsored

by Lawyers seeking to be elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and must appear before the Apex Court.

Again, three Justices of the Supreme Court sitting in the chamber, the CJN said could dispose the application for leave of the court. Besides, a single Justice of the Supreme Court sitting in chambers, could exercise power vested in the Apex Court in some instances. In addition, all the appeals from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, should be by leave of the Supreme Court. No appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal (and by extension to the Supreme Court) from any decision of an election tribunal, in respect of an interlocutory decision. By this insertions, the proposal for the reduction of the Apex Court Bench, is to larger extent justifiable.

Moreover, several stakeholders have viewed an attempt to appoint more Justices, possibly to make up the Supreme Court Bench to 21, as a drive to turn the Apex Court to Magistrates Court. Whereas, all that the Apex Court requires, is to streamline avalanche of appeals lying before it.

Besides, President Buhari neither increased the N110 billion budget allocation to the Judiciary for 2021 fiscal year, nor provided additional fund to the Supreme Court when he appointed eight justices to the Supreme Court.

However, if the CJN is named as the head of the Judiciary of the Federation in the Constitution, the Judiciary would perhaps assume its rightful position in the order of protocol in the nation. Many legal persons are irked with the CJN being called as the 5th person instead of the 3rd in the Order of the National Protocol. When the Constitution recognises him as the head of the Judiciary, he’s then the head of the Third Arm of the Government, with the President as the 1st, Senate President as 2nd and CJN the 3rd.

Fixing and Periodic Review of Judges’ Salaries The CJN also asked the National Assembly to alter the Constitution, with the effect that the National Judicial Council (NJC) would fix and review Judges’ salaries every four years.

In item 38 of his submission, the CJN requested Part 1 of the Third Schedule Paragraph 21 to the Constitution be altered to include sub-paragraph ‘h’, to the effect that the NJC should ‘’fix, in conjunction with the Salaries and Wages Commission, Salaries and other emoluments of Judicial Staff; in the case of Judicial Officers, to review such salaries no later than four years from the last exercise’’.

By the dictates of Section 84 (1), the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) reviewed Judges’ salaries alongside some other public officers through the enactment of, ’’Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008’’ which came into force on February 1, 2007.

Since this Act has not been reviewed since 2008, Judges’ salaries have remained the same for about 13 years, with attendant implications. The CJN who now wants to take the bull by the horn; he wants the lawmakers to separate the duty of fixing and reviewing of salaries of both Judges and Staffers in the Judiciary and be done by NJC, following the Salaries and Wages Commission laid down guidelines.

Of course, this is a far reaching instrument, for the Judiciary to take control of its affairs both at the Federal and State levels. Perhaps, this is why he called for the alteration of Section 84 of the Constitution, by deleting the words ‘’other than allowances’’ in line 2 of subsection (3). Ostensibly to protect Judges and the Judiciary Staff, the allowances cannot be altered downwards, once set.

Other Far Reaching Proposals ‘’A person shall not be qualified to hold the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria or a Justice of the Supreme Court, unless he is qualified to practice as a legal practitioner in ,Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period of not less than fifteen years’’.

Also, he called for the number of the Court of Appeal Justices the Constitution pegs at 49 under Section 237, to be amended such that they are not less than 100 Justices.

The NJC should collect, control and disburse all monies, capital and recurrent for the Judiciary.

The CJN said the Constitution should be amended, for the NJC Secretary seat to be at par with that of the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The Judiciary is now to exercise control over the Code of Conduct Tribunal, as the Federal Judicial Service Commission is to advice the NJC in nominating persons for appointment as the Chairman and members of the CCT. This is necessary since the CCT is of coordinate jurisdiction with the High Court. Appeals against its decision, should also lie to the Court of Appeal.

Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Chief Justice of Nigeria

Avoid Taking the Slippery Slope Path to Constitutional Review Professor Auwalu Yadudu cont'd on page 12

12/COVER

15.06.2021

Nigerian Constitution: New or Reviewed? cont'd from page 11

“……. THE CONFAB, BEING UNELECTED, DOES NOT DERIVE ITS MANDATE FROM THE SOVEREIGN WILL OF THE PEOPLE…..I WOULD PERSONALLY RECOMMEND THE RETENTION, MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE NIGERIA POLICE……I WOULD URGE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE, IN PRINCIPLE, OF A COMMUNITY POLICING SYSTEM….. I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT THE IDEA OF CREATING A THIRD LEGISLATIVE LIST, TO BE CALLED THE STATE LIST…..”

Permit me to present to your august body some ideas, suggestions and recommendations, which l hope will help you in carrying out the processes the two wings of the National Assembly have embarked upon, for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution. Although l have read the 17-item list of issues you invited comments on from members of the public, l wish, if you permit me, to address only four issues that speak to some of items directly and others consequentially.

Firstly, I intend to dwell on the constitutional validity, practicality and feasibility of referendum as a mechanism for the adoption of either an altered version of the existing document, or of a wholly new one. Secondly, l shall briefly address some of challenges associated with the vexed issue of devolution of powers by reference to how to juggle the legislative lists. Thirdly, l will speak to the controversial matter of State Police, and the place of Local Government system. In all these instances, l shall propose some recommendations.

On Referendum Of recent, it has become fashionable to lay all the evils bedevilling our polity, society, the economy etc at the door of the 1999 Constitution, the authorship of which has gratuitously been ascribed to me personally. My attitude to this ‘donated’ honour or infamy, depending on how you view it, is to laugh it off or humbly state that it is unearned. Viewed differently, It is ideal talk engaged in by lazy commentators and, in some cases, otherwise distinguished Elder Statesmen and e-warriors.

A motley of critics of all hue and cries have disparaged the 1999 Constitution for telling a blatant lie, when it claims in its preamble to have derived its authority and sovereignty from “We the people”, when in fact it is the creation of a military decree.

To remove the imprimatur of personalities from its vestiges and cure it of the fib, there have been varying calls for the emergence of a wholly new Constitution, on which the “people” will confer legitimacy with its adoption through a referendum. Regrettably, such calls have not come only from ‘separatist’ elements.

Some clever chaps attempted to hoist the idea on the nation by calling for the adoption of a new Constitution which they surreptitiously cooked during the National Conference of 2014. A legal icon, a National leader of the Bar, and an Elder Statesman, has thrown his weight behind the idea by calling for the outright rubbishing of the 1999 Constitution and its substitution with the 1963 via the instrumentality of referendum.

One must observe that, apart from being subversive of existing constitutional and legal order from which all institutions and offices of the Nation derive their legitimacy, such calls have tended to obfuscate issues and ignore facing basic questions of the legality, practicality and feasibility of conducting a referendum.

As a participant at the National Conference, 2014, l had occasion to address the issue of the use of referendum. I consider it pertinent to reiterate the views l expressed then, and to make own recommendations on the subject-matter as follows: It is incontrovertible that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 contains very clear provisions, under Section 9, and has spelt out explicit rules to govern specific steps to follow to alter its provisions, including the adoption of an entirely new Constitution if deemed desirable, I am satisfied that the procedure for any alteration does not envisage or recognise “referendum”, as the mechanism for bringing about change to the existing Constitution or the adoption of a new one. Moreover, for any alteration to the Constitution to be legitimate or credible, it must be validated by the concurrent adoption of the National Assembly and the resolution in support of 2/3 (24) of the Houses of Assembly of the States, where this is assented to by the President.

Today, many are vigorously urging for the adoption of the Report and Draft Amendments to the 1999 Constitution, as proposed by the National Conference, 2014, for a restructured Nigeria via referendum. This recommendation is faulty, for many reasons.

Which of the over 600, often conflicting and many of them of a policy nature, recommendations do they want adopted? On whose mandate can the Conference members rely to hoist such set of documents on the nation? Which institution has the mandate to conduct the referendum? Under what legal or constitutional cover? Since a referendum is designed to present two clear choices of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, what issue or issues will be canvassed for adoption or rejection during the referendum? Are we going to put Nigerians to a choice between the much touted 1963 Republican Constitution, with its Westminster parliamentary system and four regions, against the 1999 Constitution? Or do we put to them the choice to accept the amorphous, albeit discredited, policies and recommendations contained in the 2014 National Conference Report as against the 1999 Constitution?

Proponents of referendum, as a panacea for all the ills of the 1999 Constitution, have avoided facing up to these and many unexplored and unresolved questions squarely. But, we are entitled to ask them and to demand clarity before embarking on the slippery slopes to anarchy, political uncertainty and constitutional crises.

While we are it, one needs not be reminded that the National Conference comprised unelected members – however dignified or experienced they may be in their individual capacities - and, consequently, it lacked the powers of a Constituent

Prof. Auwalu Yadudu Assembly, in the exercise of which it may propose or adopt a new Constitution. In other words, the Confab, being unelected, does not derive its mandate from the sovereign will of the people, and cannot claim to be speaking for them. For such a defective Confab to assume such a role or purport to adopt a new Constitution, as representatives of the people or under any guise, would amount to the usurpation of powers it does not possess. It cannot discharge or exercise a mandate, not conferred on it by law.

If the Confab, whose members lack popular mandate and whose composition is undemocratic having been assembled in a very skewed manner by the use of a template of dubious legal or constitutional basis, purports to promulgate “a new Constitution” the constitutional document thereby produced would tell an even bigger lie than is being levelled against the 1999 Constitution, which is being disparaged as the handiwork of the military. It should also be pointed out that, there does not exist any Act of Parliament or Rules of Procedure in Nigeria that would enable any organ or under which to conduct a referendum, and no agency of Government is empowered by law to carry out same.

For the avoidance of any doubt the Confab, whether at plenary or committee stages of its work, never tasked any members to propose a “draft constitution” which may be considered for adoption by “referendum”, or in total disregard of the existing constitutional or legal order. As the Deputy Chairman of the Conference Committee on Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Law Reform, I can, with humility, claim to know that we were not mandated to and none of our recommendations were couched or reduced into a new Constitution. On the contrary, our clear and unambiguous recommendations on the matter, which Conference had adopted, was for any resolutions requiring constitutional changes to be channeled through the NASS. In anticipation of that, we even urged the President to “initiate an interface” with members of the NASS to facilitate that. How the Secretariat came up with the scenario of “ a new Constitution”, must raise some serious questions.

Recommendation The foregoing is my critique of the sort of constitutional, legal, practical and legitimacy challenges associated with referendum, as a mechanism for resolving politicalcum-constitutional questions. Clearly, in my view, there is no basis for it to feature in your deliberations, or to give your Committee sleepless nights. Your mandate to alter the existing document or replace it entirely, must be undertaken in accordance with the provisions contained in and procedures envisioned by the 1999 Constitution. Should you be persuaded to consider the use of referendum for the future, then you do need to amend the said Constitution to address the many questions l raised above. You do need an enabling Act to spell out what sort of questions to submit for resolution via referendum, who is invested with power to conduct it, using what voters’ register, who is eligible to participate in it etc.

In 2018, the APC at National level established what it termed as the “Restructuring Committee”, under the Chairmanship of Governor Nasir El Rufai. It came out with its report containing far-reaching recommendations on various aspects of the Constitution, including accompanying draft Bills for the NASS to give effect to its recommendations with enabling Laws. I had occasion to express my views on the El Rufai APC Ad Hoc Committee on Restructuring as it relates to Referendum, Devolution of powers, State Police, the place of the Local Government system etc, and wish to share them with your Committee. As you are urged to adopt its various recommendations, l wish to reiterate my observations and recommendations for your consideration.

On State Police The report canvasses for the creation of State Police, and has proposed what it has considered necessary amendments to achieve this. The strongest argument in support of this position, is that the introduction of State Police will augur well for effective community policing, accords well with our federal system and will help fill the gap in the gross inadequacy of the federal Police in numbers and funding. In any event, advocates argue, currently, a heavy financial burden is borne by States in support of the NIGERIA Police in a manner that is unaccountable. Those who oppose State Police point to the grave dangers of abuse of the institution, as experienced in the past. They harbour apprehension of its susceptibility to being manipulated to harass political opponents, ethnic minorities etc. They caution against the emergence of militias controlled, armed and funded by States.

Given our precarious situation in inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations, opponents of State Police fear that local warlords may hijack it, to further aggravate the precarious security situation in various communities across the nation. The foregoing appear to summarise the powerful arguments for and against the establishment of State Police. Mallam Tanko Yakasai, a veteran NEPU activist who had been on the receiving end of the Native Police, Yan Doka, and who had made powerful submission against State Police, appears to be the lone voice which has been drowned by a crescendo of its support.

I would personally recommend the retention, maintenance and enhancement of the NIGERIA Police. However, in light of its inadequacy to provide effective policing in the face of the multi-faceted security and law and order challenges facing all communities across the nation, l would urge for the acceptance, in principle, of a community policing system with the following safeguards and guarantees: 1. Constitutional and strong federal legislative guarantees are needed to specify the extent and limit of community policing powers, the roles and mandate allowed for States, and how the new institution will interface with federal Police, other State Police commands and other securities agencies in its command and control structure and operations.

2. The Federation shall retain the power to specify which types of arms and ammunitions the Community Police may bear, and veto powers as to deployment.

3. Recruitment of low and middle cadres of the Nigeria Police to be from locality, and every effort must be made to ensure inclusiveness in recruitment.

4. Allow for the establishment of a Community Police Force, or the conversion of existing local institutions which must meet the stipulations contained above.

5. Limit community policing to detection and investigation of crimes defined under local legislation, assistance with criminal justice system at community level, provide alternative dispute resolution mechanism etc.

6. Consider converting FRSC, Civil Defence Corps, Road Traffic Wardens to form part of the Community Police.

Recommendation The relevant Section of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act will need to be amended, to allow for the establishment of State Police. An Act of the NASS will need to be passed, to embody the preconditions specified above and any other incidental matters.

The Police will need to be transferred from the Exclusive to Concurrent List.

On Devolution of Powers The Committee has not fully articulated its idea of devolution of powers. It merely went ahead to

transfer some items from the Exclusive Legislative list to Concurrent List. In my considered view, this amounts to no more than allowing the two tiers to share such powers, subject to the doctrine of covering the field which renders State Laws subservient to Federal Acts. This means if you merely transfer a power from Exclusive to Concurrent, the State legislature’s power to make laws in respect of matter is subject to and limited by the federal exercise.

I have noted the lists the Committee recommended for transfer. Consequently, one views this to be a misconception of devolution as, in reality, powers simply “shared” are not “devolved” or “transferred”.

In reality the mere act of transfer of list, leaves matters where they belong. In place of transfer of any number of lists, l would recommend that the idea of creating a third legislative list, to be called the State List, be seriously considered. In a way this new list will belong to States exclusively. There is need for serious and dispassionate discussion by all stakeholders, not the NASS alone, to reach consensus as to what such will comprise.

Be that as it may, l endorse the transfer of some, but have serious reservations against transferring others.

I certainly do not support arms and ammunitions, foods, drugs & poison, census, ownership and operation of shipping, to be put on Concurrent or the new State List.

Recommendation I recommend the thorough reexamination of the Second Schedule, both Parts l and ll to the 1999 Constitution, to arrive at firm consensus of all stakeholders as to what items will form part of the new State List, and what items will remain on the Exclusive and Concurrent Lists.

On Deletion of Local Government Councils from the Constitution (LGC) While wrongly equating the LGC system to be third federating unit, the report recommends for the deletion of LGC’s from mention anywhere, particularly Section 3(6), the first and fourth schedules, in the Constitution and Section 162 which makes provision for them in the revenue sharing formula.

I strongly oppose the deletion of LGC’s from the Constitution.

I consider these recommendations to be totally unjustifiable. First, LGC’s participate in revenue sharing, not because they are a federating unit. But, they are considered as a local administrative tier the establishment of which Section 7 has guaranteed, and which the framers of the Constitution deem worthy of funding. The said Section 7 seeks to ensure their establishment, protect their democratic nature and enhance their autonomous existence.

Secondly, they are the closest units of governance to the grassroots which, if properly protected, can serve as veritable institutions for local mobilisation and socio-economic development. Lastly, deleting them will further undermine their autonomy and political independence, what with the nationwide perversion of the electoral processes at that level by every State government which has conducted.

Recommendation Consequent upon foregoing observations, l would urge for the retention of all provisions made in the 1999 Constitution in respect of LGC’s, so as to ensure their existence and enhance their autonomy. We should do nothing to undermine that. If any problems exist pertaining to how they are created, their number, funding and structure, we should amend the identified sections as appropriate, but not delete the institution of the Local Government entirely from the Constitution.

Prof Auwalu H Yadudu

15.6.2021

/13

14/

15.6.2021

15.6.2021

/15

16/

15.6.2021

23

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

ͯ ͯ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͯ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 22.93 22.33

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

S & P INDEX 22 Ͱͱ˛ͳͮ Ͱͳ

INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

S & P INDEX ͳͯͳ˛Ͳͮϱ ͮ˛ͮͯϱ ͯ˛ͲͰϱ

1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

EXCHANGE RATE ̋͵˛͵ʹϱ ̋ Ͱͱ˛ͯ​ͯϱ

Ͳͯͮ˛͵ͳ˹ͯ ̩ ̩

Quick Takes AfDB Approves $430,000 Grant for Guinea

ANNUAL LUNCHEON

L-R: Former President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Olumide Akintayo; Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Clifford Esomonu; Chairman, PSN Lagos State Branch, Gbolagade Iyiola; and President, Sam Ohuabunwa, at the PSN 2021 Annual Luncheon and Investiture of Merit Award Winners/50 million Fund Raising, held in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

IEA Pushes for $1tn Investment in Renewables by 2030 Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that investment in clean energy in emerging and developing economies need to rise more than seven times, topping $1 trillion per year by 2030, to put the world on track for net-zero emissions by 2050.

A report conducted with the World Bank and the World Economic Forum (WEF) by the IEA stated that without stronger action, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from those economies – mostly in Asia, Africa and Latin America – would grow by five billion tonnes over the next two decades.

ECONOMY It said while developing and emerging economies account for two-thirds of the world’s population, they receive only one-fifth of investment in clean energy.

Annual investments across all parts of the energy sector in developing and emerging markets have fallen by about 20 per cent since 2016, it added, partly because of challenges including weak regulation and a lack of profitable clean energy projects.

According to the report, last year, $150 billion was put into renewables, adding that unless much stronger action was taken, the 2050 target may not be met.

“In many emerging and de-

veloping economies, emissions are heading upwards while clean energy investments are faltering, creating a dangerous fault line in global efforts to reach climate and sustainable energy goals.

“Countries are not starting on this journey from the same place – many do not have access to the funds they need to rapidly transition to a healthier and more prosperous energy future – and the damaging effects of the Covid-19 crisis are lasting longer in many parts of the developing world.

“There is no shortage of money worldwide, but it is not finding its way to the countries, sectors and projects where it is most needed. Governments need to give international

public finance institutions a strong strategic mandate to finance clean energy transitions in the developing world,” the IEA Director, Fatih Birol, stated.

The report noted that recent trends in clean energy spending point to a widening gap between advanced economies and the developing world even though emissions reductions are far more cost-effective in the latter.

Besides, it stated that emerging and developing economies currently account for two-thirds of the world’s population, but only one-fifth of global investment in clean energy, and one-tenth of global financial wealth.

Continued on page 24

FG Announces Addition of 3.53TCF to National Gas Reserves The federal government has announced the discovery of an additional 3.53 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of gas in the country, further boosting the existing quantum of reserve to 206.53 TCF. Speaking at the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS), held in Abuja recently, the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Sarki Auwalu, noted that the 2021 figure, was a major step towards the 220TCF target it set for itself earlier.

Of the aforementioned amount, Auwalu stated that the quantum of associated gas now stands at 100.73TCF, while non-associated gas is 105.8 TCF to arrive at the new figure, in line with the federal government’s “decade of gas” declaration.

Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa and holds the largest natural gas reserves

ENERGY on the continent. It was the world’s fifth largest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in 2018, although it continues to battle with incessant blackouts due to gas shortage to power its electric plants.

Auwalu stated that Nigeria’s human and natural resource coupled with being Africa’s largest economy, places it at a vantage position for investment and participation, reason the regulatory agency has continued to grow the country’s reserves.

According to him, Nigeria is positioned to optimally develop its oil and gas resources for the benefit of 200 million shareholders, adding that indigenous operators have a significant role to play in that regard.

He assured that government would support indigenous

and marginal field operators to grow, share, and enhance participation in the sector for wealth and value creation.

“I’m happy to announce that a critical lever to achieve the decade of gas is progressing speedily. Because we surely do have gas reserve growth. First, Nigeria achieved the target of 200 trillion cubic feet of gas as at January 1, 2019, before the 2020 targets. Thereafter, government set a target of a reserve position of 220 TCF by 2030.

“As a department, we have continued to drive the performance to grow reserve through dedicated gas exploration, deep drilling, optimal appraisal, field studies and improved oil recovery. It is therefore my pleasure to formally declare the national gas reserve position as at January 1, 2021.

“By the powers conferred upon me by the petroleum drill-

ing and production regulation, 1969, as amended, and other powers enabling me in that respect, I hereby declare as follows: natural gas reserves as at January 1, 2021, now stands at 206.53 trillion cubic feet.

“Of the natural gas reserve as at January 1, 2021, the associated gas position is now 100.73 trillion cubic feet of gas and non-associated gas stands at 105.8 trillion cubic feet of gas, totalling 206.53 trillion cubic feet of gas,” he said.

On the recently awarded marginal fields, Auwalu stated that there is need for more intense work to accelerate it and bring about a lot more opportunities in the sector.

Talking about opportunities in the industry, he noted that in the midstream gas sector, there are gaps to be filled in distribution and supply, crossContinued on page 24

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $430,000 grant to Guinea to fight the spread of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever epidemic throughout the country.

Since mid-February 2021, Guinea has been facing a resurgent Ebola-related epidemic, following the major crisis of 2014. This new epidemiccomesagainstthebackdropoftheCovid-19pandemic,which poses both health and socio-economic challenges to theWest African country.TheprojectwasapprovedonJune3rd,accordingtoastatement.

The funding from the bank will enable Guinea to strengthen the diagnosticandsamplemanagementcapacityofsixregionallaboratories.

“These laboratories will receive sample collection kits, reagents, and infectionpreventionandcontrolequipment.Fourregionallaboratories will also receive GeneXPert equipment and genome sequencers, and biologists will be trained in Ebola virus diagnosis.

“The project will also provide personal protective equipment and triage, isolation and case management facilities. In total, some 200 pieces of personal protective equipment will be distributed, including to health and community workers.

“Some 400 health workers and community volunteers will receive refreshertrainingininfectionpreventionandcasemanagement,including survivors, in the affected regions,” it added.

Russia, China Seek NAEC’s Partnership

The Chinese and Russian envoys to Nigeria have separately visited the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) in search of areas of collaboration in the nations’ bid for nuclear energy for peaceful use.

Charge D’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Valery Shaposhnikuv, was received by the Acting Chairman, NAEC, Prof.

Yusuf Ahmed, who briefed him on the collaboration between the two countries on Nigeria’s nuclear energy programme. During the meeting, the parties discussed preparations towards the visit of the delegation from the Russian Federation on the strategic partnership between the two countries on Nigeria’s nuclear power plant, which is expected hold in July 2021.

The proposed visit, a statement from NAEC stated, was aimed at further discussions on Inter- Governmental Agreement(IGAs) signed between the federal government and Russia.

According to NAEC part of the discussions centred on the 2009 cooperation on the development of nuclear energy for peaceful use and the 2012 cooperation on the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of NPP in the federal government.

It noted that the 2016 construction of a Multi- Purpose Research Reactor (MPRR) complex in the country also formed part of the talks during the meeting. In the same vein, the newly appointed Ambassador ofthePeople’sRepublicofChinatoNigeria,Mr.CuiJianchun,hasvisited the commission to familiarise himself with areas of interest between the Asian country and Nigeria.

PTI Matriculates 1,901 Students

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State has matriculated 1,901 students for its 2020/2021 academic session.

The acting Principal/Chief Executive, PTI, Dr. Henry Asimula, who administered the matriculation oath on the students called on them to shun unlawful assembly and protest on campus. He said the management does not tolerate any social vices as spelt out in the Institute’s Handbook, adding that anyone caught would face the consequences.

Adimula urged the students to take their study with all seriousness which was their primary aim of coming to the PTI. The Acting Principal /Chief Executive disclosed that the PTI, which is the foremost institute of oil and gas in Africa, was being reorganised in line with the current trend in the oil and gas industry.

He noted that, PTI being a specialised institute for the training of manpower for the oil, gas and allied industries, placed the students at advantage over their peers in other tertiary institutions.

According to Adimula, “on behalf of the Academic Board, Management and Staff of PTI, I hereby welcome all the new students to this year combined matriculation ceremony of full-time and School of Industrial Continuing Education (Part-Time) programme students of the 2020/2021 academic session.”

“This is a landmark issue for Ecobank, and indeed the success of this first Sustainable Tier 2 issuance is testament to our clear strategy, solid positioning across the panAfrican banking space as well as our deliberate and long term focus on sustainable Group CEO, ETI, Ade Ayeyemi

24

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

IEA PUSHES FOR $1TN INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLES BY 2030

Goldman Sachs Maintains $80 Brent Crude Forecast

“Annual investments across all parts of the energy sector in emerging and developing markets have fallen by around 20 per cent since 2016, and they face debt and equity costs that are up to seven times higher than in the United States or Europe,” it said.

Avoiding a tonne of CO2 emissions in emerging and developing economies costs about half as much on average as in advanced economies, according to the report, stressing that it is partly because developing economies can often jump straight to cleaner and more efficient technologies without having to phase out or refit polluting energy projects that are already underway.

Describing the report as a global call to action – especially for those who have the wealth, resources and expertise to make a difference – and offers priority actions that can be taken now to move things forward fast, Birol stressed that as the world expands energy access, it also needs a global transition to low-carbon energy.

World Bank Global Director for Energy and Extractives, Demetrios Papathanasiou, said the bank would continue to support countries that seek assistance to transition away from fossil fuels and scale up low-carbon, renewable energy, and energy efficiency investments.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report

FG ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF 3.53TCF TO NATIONAL GAS RESERVES national pipeline networks as well as opportunities in the gas flare volume that the sector is working towards eliminating.

“There are also potential in services sub-sector, opportunities for power, creation of industrial parks and when you look at the downstream gas and what our indigenous and marginal producers will do, there’s a gap that exists in distribution,” he added.

Looking at the penetration of LPG, CNG and domestic LNG, he noted that there exists potential through the use of virtual pipelines, pending the completion of the critical pipelines and getting to distribution.

Goldman Sachs, a leading global financial institution, has reiterated its forecast that Brent crude will hit $80 per barrel this summer as demand quickly recovers.

Goldman had in March this year, estimated that Brent crude would rise $80 per barrel this year. “Rising vaccination rates are leading to higher mobility in the United States and Europe, with global demand estimated up 1.5 mb/d (million barrels per day) in the last month to 96.5 mb/d,” the investment bank said in a note seen by Reuters.

In April, the bank had reiterated its forecast, noting that, “The magnitude of the coming change in the volume of demand, a change which supply cannot match, must not be understated.”

A month later, Goldman analysts wrote that “The case for higher oil prices therefore remains intact given the large vaccine-driven increase in demand in the face of inelastic supply,” referring to the possibility that the United States and Iran will reach an agreement on the latter’s nuclear program

that would lead to the lifting of US sanctions.

The lifting of the US sanctions on Iran is unanimously seen as bearish for oil prices, but observers differ in their opinion on exactly how bearish it would be.

According to Goldman, the return of Iranian oil to global markets will not have a significant effect on demand dynamics and, therefore, prices.

Indeed, earlier, the US had lifted some sanctions against Tehran officials, and prices fell,

but not for long as Brent was still trading above $72 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate was changing hands at $70.72 per barrel.

Meanwhile, OPEC has said it expected oil demand to rise by six million bpd this year,

and the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast it would add 5.4 million bpd this year and another 3.1 million bpd next year, returning to and exceeding pre-pandemic levels to reach 100.6 million bpd by the end of 2022.

COURTESY VISIT

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (left), presenting a souvenir to the Director Public Procurement Research Centre, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Prof. Remy Uche, during Uche’s visit to the Naval Headquarters, Abuja...recently

FG Urged to Liberalise Power Sector for Optimum Performance Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has called on the federal government to fully liberalise the power sector to allow state governors generate and distribute power to their citizens.

The governor who made the call during an interactive session with journalists in Uyo, stressed

the need for the people to support government by purchasing their prepaid meters and to settle their bills promptly.

The governor said he was determined to ensure that there was adequate power supply across the 31 local government areas of the state by 2022.

He said in spite of the economic and security challenges that confronted the country, his administration had made

maximum use of the available resources to provide basic infrastructure to the people.

Accordng to him, in the last six years of being in office, his administration had attracted investors to the state through good road network, and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

Emmanuel explained that there had been improvement in the area of road infrastructure,

education, agriculture, rural development, aviation and healthcare delivery in the state.

He said the investment opportunities attracted to the state was due to the quality of good leadership, saying that it would be sustained in the next two years.

He, however, said that there were certain economic indices that could not be controlled by anyone, which he said was

affecting the performance of his administration.

“Apart from economic and security challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging the whole world has affected our performance.

“As a governor, you don’t control policies.

If you have that limitation, you can’t perform optimally.

Shell to Step Up Energy Transition after Landmark Court Ruling Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Royal Dutch Shell will seek ways to accelerate its energy transition strategy and deepen carbon emission cuts following a landmark Dutch court ruling last month, its Chief Executive Officer, Ben van Beurden has said.

The move is likely to lead to a dramatic shrinking of its oil and gas business.

Shell plans to appeal the May 26 court ruling that ordered it to

reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 from 2019 levels, significantly faster than its current plans.

But the court ruling applies immediately and cannot be suspended before the appeal, van Beurden said in a LinkedIn post.

“For Shell, this ruling does not mean a change, but rather an acceleration of our strategy,” van Beurden added.

Earlier this year, Shell had set out one of the sector’s most ambitious climate strategies. It

has a target to cut the carbon intensity of its products by at least six per cent by 2023; 20 per cent by 2030; 45 per cent by 2035 and 100 per cent by 2050 from its 2016 levels.

“Now we will seek ways to reduce emissions even further in a way that remains purposeful and profitable. That is likely to mean taking some bold but measured steps over the coming years,” he said.

The court ruling called for Shell to cut its absolute carbon

emissions, a move van Beurden had previously rejected because it would force Shell to scale back its oil and gas business, which account for the vast majority of its revenue.

Shell currently plan to increase its spending on renewables and low carbon technologies to up to 25 per cent of its overall budget by 2025, Reuters reported.

Analysts have said the ruling could lead to a 12 per cent decline in the company’s energy output, including a sharp drop in oil and

gas sales.

The court case came shortly after the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report that investments in new fossil fuel projects should stop immediately in order to meet UN-backed targets aimed at limiting global warming.

Shell, which is the world’s top oil and gas trader, has said its carbon emissions peaked in 2018, while its oil output peaked in 2019 and was set to drop by 1 per cent to two per cent per year.

Duport Midstream Energy Park Nears Inauguration, to Create 2000 Jobs Peter Uzoho Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Duport Midstream Energy Park currently under construction at Egbokor, Edo State, is speedily approaching inauguration as the overall project has attained 90 per cent completion, the company has disclosed.

The multi-million dollar integrated facility reputed to be the largest in the world, houses mostly scalable sub-facilities including the 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity modular refinery, 60 million standard cubic feet (scf) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) processing plant, 10 million scf Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plant, 15 megawatts power plant, and a 4-tier smart data centre.

Being built by a Nigerian indigenous oil and gas company in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the project is one of the outcome of the federal government’s refinery revolution policy aimed at achieving the country’s self-sufficiency in finished petroleum products.

The Chief Executive Officer, Duport Midstream Company Limited, Dr Akintoye Akindele, disclosed during a media parley in Lagos recently, that the first phase of the ambitious project has reached 90 per cent completion and would be inaugurated in October 1, 2021.

“They are read, CNG is already built, it’s ready, power plant is

already built and ready, refinery is already built and ready, gas processing plant is built and ready. Everything is built, it’s 90 per cent complete.

“So, we will start testing this things September 1 and commission it October 1. We will start installation July and that should be done within 60 days. Come October 1, the first energy park where you have gas, refinery, power and modular LNG goes life first time in the world,” Akindele said.

When operating, he said the refinery which is starting with 2,500bpd would be processing 145 million litres of white products including diesel and naphtha, every day, and that

when scaled up to 10,000 bpd, it would be processing about one billion litres. The Duport CEO said 70 per cent of the work on the project was delivered in-country in compliance with the local content provisions, adding that only 30 per cent was done outside Nigeria which included the refinery and the CNG compressor.

Speaking on what drove the company to embark on the project, he said: “It’s basically a play on us trying to convert resources that we were given, that we were endowed with and from more than common wealth to share the wealth.

“Each of the things I mentioned, from refinery to gas, and

power, those are critical projects we have in Nigeria and they are all big on their own whereby if you put them together, the cost becomes a bit more optimised, they share resources.”

He noted that while thinking about the project, the company realised that the best way to start solving Nigeria’s problems in energy was by making the process last mile, where people could access it easily and by making the course scalable to cut down cost.

Akindele said when it fully becomes operational, the energy park would create about 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, saying currently, hundreds of Nigerians are working at the project site.

25

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Oil Sector: From Crisis to Opportunities In the last 15 months, the oil industry has gone through what is unarguably one of its most turbulent times since the last century. With the coast now gradually clearing, Emmanuel Addeh writes that the just-concluded Nigeria International Petroleum Summit presented a good opportunity for industry players to reassess the future of hydrocarbons

A

lthough already beset by the usual vicissitudes of the sector, the Covid-19 pandemic further exposed the vulnerability of the global oil and gas market, crippling demand in its aftermath.

Being one of the most oil-dependent nations in the world, the impacts of the combination of internal and external shocks due to the country’s reliance on crude oil sales for fiscal revenues, foreign exchange inflows, fiscal deficit funding and capital flows required to sustain the country’s economy was, to put it mildly, devastating.

The headwinds presented by the challenges in the global market, compelled the Nigerian government to reconsider the key budget assumptions for the 2020 budget as well as that of 2021.

However, all the apprehensions over falling oil prices, although not fully subsided, appears to be waning as the oil market is now in a renewed comeback, as prices last week exceeded $72, the highest in over two years.

So, while the country grapples with trying to surmount the challenges in the sector, the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS), provided an opportunity for industry players, from within and outside, to again, deliberate on the future of oil, which, as it were, is currently being threatened by the renewed attention to renewable sources of energy.

Speaking at the five-day 2021 edition of the event, which held in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari called on the operators of the Nigerian oil and gas industry to search for more efficient ways of exploiting the product to reduce the cost of production per barrel significantly.

The president stressed that although Nigeria was observing the trend in the global movement toward renewables, he was of the view that oil will remain relevant in the coming years.

Buhari, who was represented on the occasion by the Minister of State, Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, declared that his administration has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the overhauling of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria to make it fit for the future.

Other speakers at the opening session included the Managing Director, Total E&P, Mr. Mike Sangster; Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan; Speaker, House of Reps, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamia, and several stakeholders in the industry from both foreign and other African nations.

Buhari hinted that he had continued to receive updates on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and expressed the hope that the National Assembly will pass it into law soon, noting that the current administration’s drive for the discovery of more reserves and ramping up oil production was irrevocable.

“The ambitious goal of ramping up crude oil production to at least 4 million barrels per day, and building a reserve of 40 billion barrels remains sacrosanct and guiding principle to our overall outlook for the industry, creating the conducive business environment for hydrocarbon industry to thrive, is no longer a choice. It is a necessity,” he said.

The president opined that the accelerated and unprecedented oil demand disruption and the supply glut that generated the crisis in the global economy, has presented both challenges and opportunities.

While calling for stringent measures to reduce production cost, Buhari posited that if strategies are not quickly put in place, the country may witness a situation in which expected oil revenues will be wiped out by costs, admitting that the energy remains a formidable challenge to the oil industry.

“However, energy transition is real, renewable technologies are getting cheaper and investors are increasingly conscious of environmental issues and are beginning to turn their back on hydrocarbon investments, but history has shown that human beings have such appetite for energy, which renewables do not have the capacity to cope with in the foreseeable future.

Buhari

Sylva

Kyari

“Experts project that about 80 per cent of the world’s energy mix in 2040 will still come from hydrocarbons. Fossil fuels will continue to be the source of dozens of petrochemicals and petrochemical feedstock that companies transform into versatile and valued materials for modern life,” he said.

The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, described cost as, “everything” in the future of the industry.

He argued that the COVID-19 crisis has shown that only the best of producers will survive, because cost control has become a major issue for the industry, assuring that the corporation and its partners were working together to make sure that it is achieved.

He mentioned funding as another major issue in industry today due to paucity of resources across the globe and overall reluctance by investing companies or banking authorities to divest from oil-related businesses.

“This is what we have to live with and what we have to contend with. Obviously, the best of the business that will survive are the ones that try to translate into much more climate-friendly businesses,” he stressed.

Kyari added that security remains a major issue for the industry in the country, but assured that there is concerted effort across the industry in the Niger Delta and all other locations to make sure that all the security threats are dealt with.

He noted that the industry must work together to look at advantages that are inherent in the transition, while moving from fossil fuels to renewables forms of energy.

The GMD noted: “And to do this, you must automate, you must reduce your cost, you must be more efficient and also, we must be more collaborative in our approaches and this has paid off for us.”

In a separate session, he called on International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the country to be more accountable to the Nigerian people and not just to their respective shareholders and companies.

He stated that although oil companies plying their trade in the country have a responsibility to their home companies, they must also strive to incorporate the interest of the government and its people.

He added that shareholders expect companies to deliver value, which is reflected in the dividends that they are able to deliver, noting that beyond that, they expect that chief executives should act responsibly.

According to him, acting responsibly means recognising that there are citizens of that country that have different expectations.

Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr. Sanusi Barkindo, in his address, noted that participating countries have taken proactive and pre-emptive action to help reduce volatility, stabilise the oil market, and provide a flexible platform for recovery with potentially broader participation in the coming years.

He added that countries have subsequently reviewed the decisions on a monthly basis to proactively anticipate market developments

and improve the core principles upon which the oil enterprise was founded.

He listed the principles as transparency, equity and fairness, emphasising that conformity levels with the production adjustments have been a testimony to the depth of member countries’ commitment.

In one of the sessions, the NNPC predicted that oil price could climb as much as $200, as banks and major International Oil Companies (IOCs) withdraw from funding critical projects in the industry, leading to supply shortage and huge upsurge in the amount the commodity is sold.

The national oil company contended that with the accelerated push to migrate to low carbon-intensive alternatives, time will tell whether the decisions that are currently being taken “very hastily” by some big oil companies will remain the right decisions.

Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary of NNPC, Mr Bala Wunti, who spoke on the fourth day of the event, argued that the impact of the current decision to stop investing in the sector will begin to manifest in about five years, shooting oil price to around $200.

“I was talking to one of my senior colleagues yesterday, and he said, well, it is time for someone to speak the truth. If nothing is done and this trend continues, guys, we should be ready for a $200 per barrel of oil. Reason is simple, if you stop investment in the oil and gas sector, you can only produce what you have today.

“And what you have today, in many instances in five years, it will start declining, that is, if you we are not already in a declining mode, because many in Nigeria are in declining mode.

“So, if there’s no fresh capital for either brownfield or Greenfield investment, we cannot grow production; if we don’t grow the production, the consequence is that we’re building a short supply for tomorrow.

“In basic economics, short supply means higher price. So this is the world. This is the world that we see today and this has presented some very emergent trends,” he said.

Sangster, a major participant at the event, said Nigeria must remain competitive in the global energy market , despite the shifting focus on renewable sources of fuels.

The Total Energies Nigeria boss declared that the current transition to carbon free sources of energy will continue and urged the country to see the opportunities in the ongoing global development.

Sangster, who is Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), the umbrella body of major international and indigenous oil companies, stated that as the world progressively starts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, all stakeholders must work to ensure that the country remains attractive for investment.

Sangster pointed out that the world was starting to see signs of a resurgence of global economic growth, explaining that this will present Nigeria with new opportunities to develop its abundant natural resources.

He added that 2020 accelerated momentum towards the energy transition and how there

was substantial global reduction in demand for fossil fuels, stressing that “it’s clear to me that this trend will continue”.

“So, I think this really is a perfect opportunity for all the key actors, government regulators, national companies, private companies and all the suppliers to the industry to work together to ensure that Nigeria is competitive in the international landscape, and as an attractive destination for investment.

“It’s our hope, and indeed it’s our expectation that this will help to identify and proffer solutions towards ensuring the sustained development of Nigeria’s resources, particularly gas,” he said.

On a separate panel with the theme: “ New Strategies for the New Era,” the Deputy Managing Director, Deep Water, Total, Mr Victor Bandele, stated that Nigeria has not fully taken advantage of its oil and gas facilities.

Bandele noted that even within Africa, collaboration has been quite rare, explaining that the joint use of oil and gas facilities will help drive down costs in the industry.

On the last day of the programme, Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Sarki Auwalu, noted with enthusiasm that the quantum of associated gas in Nigeria now stands at 100.73TCF, while non-associated gas is 105.8 TCF to arrive at the new figure, taking Nigeria’s gas reserves to 206.53 TCF. Some of the private organisations advocated the use of technology to confront the challenges in the industry. For instance, Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, said that when fully utilised , technology can help in reducing headwinds and improve process optimisation in the country’s oil and gas industry.

Speaking on the theme “Data to Barrel”, Managing Director, Huawei Technologies, Michael Zhuang, said his firm was dedicated to promoting digital transformation and reducing the digital gap in the oil and gas industry.

Zhuang explained that the company had continued to work with local oil companies in the upstream, midstream and downstream arms to promote new oil and gas digital frontiers.

On his part, the Managing Director of the Nigerian LNG, Mr. Tony Attah, reiterated that energy demand is set to grow by more than 30 per cent, while the world’s population will add 2 billion by 2050, noting that sustainability remains crucial.

He said the whole world is now talking about de-carbonisation, which is about sustainability, adding that the environment must be preserved for generations unborn.

At the end of the programme, the federal government renamed NIPS as the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES), from the next edition.

Sylva said the change was in line with the move of government towards energy transition and declaration of the decade of gas, stressing that successful hosting of the 2021 NIPS was an indication of resilience and determination of government to ensure transition into a gas economy.

Will the 2021 recommendations be implemented? Only time will tell.

26

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

FG Commences Construction of N62.7bn Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Highway Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has commenced the construction work on the 90.65 kilometre Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi federal highway linking Kano and Katsina States.

The contract for the reconstruction of the road to dual carriage way was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in November 2020, at the cost of N62.711 billion with a completion period of 24 months.

At the event to mark the commencement of the project, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini, in his welcome address, stated that the contract was awarded on December 1, 2020, to Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited.

Represented by the Director Highways (North -West) in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Folorunsho Esan, he explained that the dual carriage way has a total

number of three bridges, with additional 7.3 metre width and 1.5 metre shoulder width as well as an outer shoulder width of 2.7metres.

He said already, the Kano State Government had “dualised” 7.2 kilometres of the road from the Bayero University Kano (BUK) axis, terminating at the outskirts of Dayi town in Katsina State.

Hussaini, disclosed that the road would be completed with all the furnishings such as lane markings, kilometre signs and

signage, adding that the road is expected to last over 20 years.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, described the project as important to the people of Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.

The governor also explained that the reconstructed road would contribute in addressing the security challenges along the area, noting that as requested by the federal government, the

state government was ready to pay the compensation for the facilities and utilities that would be affected by the project.

Ganduje told the gathering that with all the projects, commercial and business opportunities had increased in Kano as well as improved security.

In his remarks, the Senator representing Kano North, Barau Jibrin, said the project was a promise that the government made to the people during campaigns.

The Executive Director of CGC Nigeria Limited, the construction company handling the contract, Mr. Fan Xiaojing, thanked the federal government and Kano State for the opportunity given the company to handle the project, stating that it was an indication that their expertise in handling such project was recognised He stated that with the cooperation of all the stakeholders, the job would be delivered on schedule.

ITF Mulls Domestic Phone Production James Emejo in Abuja The Director-General/CE of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr. Joseph Ari, has said plans are at an advanced stage to commence mass production of the locally manufactured ITF mobile smartphones, which was recently presented to President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the device would be made available and affordable to Nigerians adding that this would expand the GSM phone market and create more jobs in the process. Ari, also commended both the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Mr. Niyi Adebayo, and his counterpart, Mrs. Mariam Katagum, for providing qualitative leadership which had unleashed innovativeness and creativity of agencies and parastatals under the ministry.

Speaking shortly after the formal presentation of the smartphone to Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, recently, he credited the achievement to the inspirational leadership and support of both ministers.

According to him, he phone

was produced with 100 per cent locally sourced material adding that the, “breakthrough was proof that given the enabling environment and opportunities, Nigerians will unleash their creative potentials”.

The ITF boss, in a statement by the Fund’s Director, Public Affairs Department, Suleyol Fred Chagu, said in terms of quality and performance, the phone is, “comparable or even superior to most android phones currently in our markets.”

He said: “We are presently putting processes in place with the relevant regulatory agencies towards quality assurance, legal framework and intellectual rights amongst others.

“Our vision is to create a mass production hub that will churn out products that will be available to all Nigerians.”

While also commending the Buhari-led administration for its policies of encouragement of innovation and creativity as well as initiatives that gave birth to the breakthrough, he appealed for increased funding for the ITF to ensure full actualisation of its mandate.

Stanbic IBTC Upgrades USSD Platform Stanbic IBTC Bank has upgraded its USSD platform with innovative features and capabilities to improve customer experience.

A statement from the bank explained that the upgraded USSD banking platform tagged, “bigger and better,” would enable customers to make seamless transactions continually.

Some of the new features on the upgraded platform include the bill payment gateway for billers such as the DISCO companies, which will enable customers pay their electricity bills without stress; auto-airtime top-up, which allows customers to set up a mandate for airtime top-up whenever their balance drops below a set benchmark; as well as direct data top-up.

Speaking on the rationale behind the USSD platform upgrade, Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Remy Osuagwu, was quoted to have

said: “We are dedicated to meeting the banking needs of our customers. Improving customers’ experiences at every touchpoint with the brand is critical.

“We are optimistic that the new features added to our USSD platform will indeed give our customers a bigger and better banking experience.”

Offering customers easy, fast and secure financial transactions, the Stanbic IBTC USSD platform works on any mobile phone.

It can be used to purchase airtime, transfer funds, check account balance, request account statements, make bills payment, view transaction history, link a debit card to a wallet and more.

Osuagwu assured the bank’s customers of the organisation’s commitment to continually develop digital banking solutions to meet their needs as they evolve.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

L-R: Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Asue Ighodalo; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Deputy Governor, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the one-year Memorial and Holy Communion Service in memory of late Pastor Ibidunni Ighodalo, held in Lagos...yesterday

Electronic Payplus Partners American Express on Smart Card production Nigeria’s smartcard manufacturer and payment solution company, Electronic Payplus (Epay Plus) Limited has announced a partnership with American Express to produce its range of smartcards.

Epay Plus recently got admitted into the prestigious International Cards Manufacturers Association (ICMA).

Forbes describes American Express as “by far one of the most versatile card providers available”.

The company offers a variety of cards suited for the needs of a wide range of consumers.

A statement quoted American Express to have stated that Electronic Payplus Limited

had complied with the security requirement as stipulated by the Payment Card Industry.

“American Express hereby confirms that the vendor (Electronic Payplus Limited) has provided evidence of completion of a security review by a PCI accredited security assessor demonstrating compliance with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Card Production Physical and Logical Security requirements.

“Therefore, it is confirmed that authorization is granted to the vendor to perform the checked services for GNS Licensees whom are licensed by Amex to issue American Express branded cards,” the company said in

the license issued to Electronic Payplus Limited.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Electronic Payplus Limited, Bayo Adeokun, described the American Express partnership as another first by his company.

According to Adeokun, Epay Plus is technically the first African company to be so licensed by American Express to produce its cards.

“Please note that Electronic Payplus Limited is the second Company to be certified in Sub-Saharan Africa by American Express International, outside South Africa. The two South African Companies are

International Companies from Europe with outlets in Johannesburg.

“The implication of the above is that Electronic Payplus Limited has increased its suite of service offering, apart from the Verve, VISA and MasterCard certifications that we presently have.

“We are now well positioned to help any issuer in Nigeria or from any other country in Africa with their American Express card issuing project.

“This is another first for the Company as it’s our usual practice to be the leader in innovative products in the market,” Adeokun added.

Work to Resume on N155bn Abandoned Tropicana Entertainment Complex in Uyo Okon Bassey in Uyo Work will soon recommence on the N155 billion 14-storey Tropicana Entertainment complex in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, seven years after it was abandoned.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Okpolupm Etteh, said the state government had been shopping for investors for the project.

Etteh who was fielding questions from journalists recently, revealed that at least four investors had indicated interest in the hotel project.

He denied allegations that the project was stopped due to structural defect, stressing

that in three months’ time, government would have an investor who would take over the completion of the hotel.

He stated that a suitable investor would be chosen after due diligence is completed, stating that the government was shopping for an investor that would be able to sustain the hotel once it kicks off.

“You have to be sure where you invest your money. Currently, we have three to four investors that are interested in that hotel. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCEC), is one of them.

“You know the Nigerian

climate, it is not easy for someone to bring his money and come and invest in a particular project. The person will also do due diligence to find out is the state government owing a contractor, is the business viable?

“A lot of investors have been coming but the onus is on the government to choose the one who would be able to invest and sustain that particular business.

“In the next two or three months, we have an investor to the hotel. We are doing due diligence to choose an investor that we know will handle the

project.

“The due diligence of that building was done by a reputable company in Nigeria called ETR and Partners Consulting Engineers, there is no defect in that building,” he posited.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel had in a media interactive session described the project as a white elephant project which was not viable.

Until recently, when the Governor commissioned ‘Market Square”, to operate within the shopping mall complex, only the cinema was functioning within the Tropicana Entertainment Centre.

27

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

AfDB Launches $463.9m Kangaroo Social Bond

Access Bank’s South Africa Subsidiary Opens for Business Obinna Chima The doors of Access Bank South Africa Limited were yesterday officially opened for business.

The bank described the development as another step in engraving Access Bank Plc into the continent’s history.

Noting the enthusiasm of all parties leading up to this day, Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe said the SADC region represents the strongest economy on the African continent.

“This means Access Bank SA is firmly seated in one of the principal geographical areas apart from Nigeria, in terms of the size of the economy, and unlocks the gateway to the entire Southern African region,” he was quoted to have said in a statement.

Wigwe highlighted Access Bank’s solid presence in Zambia too, saying the opening of the South African subsidiary cements the Bank’s commitment to sub Saharan Africa as a portal for exceptional banking opportunities across the continent.

Building on the organisation’s vision of delivering a robust banking operation that connects key African markets, the CEO of Access Bank SA, Bennie van Rooy, described the development as, “an exciting event for the South African banking industry,” as well as the provision of sustainable support to existing customers while appealing to new clients

with a business presence across Africa.

“As part of the robust Access Bank family, the South African operations look forward to contributing meaningfully to the achievements and ambitions of the Group. In offering a full suite of financial service products to a market we understand in depth, Access Bank SA is delighted to grow the family footprint,” he added.

Continuing, Wigwe said the Group would continue to focus on building relationships, as a partner in both businesses and in communities it serves.

“It’s vital that our banking solutions give clients the advantage they need to grow sustainably, with access to smart solutions that help them reach greater goals,” he added.

With its transactional account and online banking, commercial and asset finance, offshore investments and Forex requirements or deposit solutions, Access Bank puts the power of choice in clients’ hands.

“Partnerships with all our clients mean power for them to achieve their aspirations, while Access Bank’s growth brings greater advantages in the financial sector. Like Bennie, I am excited to be on this path with the knowledge and experience of the continent that we share,” said Wigwe.

“We look forward to the opportunities that present themselves with opening doors for individuals and businesses, and growing possibilities as we go.”

Dike Onwuamaeze The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched a A$600 million (US$463.9 million) 5.5-year Kangaroo bond, marking its return to the Australian dollar bond market.

A Kangaroo bond is a foreign bond issued in the Australian market by non-Australian firms and is denominated in Australian currency The transaction, announced recently, was led by Nomura and RBC Capital Markets, according to a statement.

It was the institution’s first benchmark Kangaroo since early 2018 and it’s first in the mid-curve since 2015.

“It is also the largest AUD trade ever issued by the Bank. More than 30 investors participated in the deal, with a total order book of more than

A$775 million, leading to an upsize of the trade from the announced size of A$250-300 million to the final size of A$600 million.

“These included a strong cohort of Australian investors, while fund managers were the major investor type,” the statement explained.

AfDB’s Treasurer, Hassatou N’sele, said the Covid-19 pandemic had led to a rise in global issuances of social bonds.

“Following on from the ground breaking USD$3.1 billion 3-year ‘Fight Covid-19’ Social Bond we issued in 2020, we’re glad to see that public domestic markets, like the Kangaroo bond market, are now seeing similar development in terms of interest from dedicated ESG investors, which provided additional momentum enabling us to print the largest trade

we’ve ever done in AUD,” N’sele said.

The AfDB’s social bonds have use of proceeds allocated to projects that alleviate or mitigate social issues such as improving access to electricity, water and sanitation, and improving livelihoods through flood-risk reduction and access to clean transportation and employment generation.

Recent KangaNews data showed that the AfDB had A$1.75 billion of bonds mature between its 2015 benchmark deal and its most recent.

Keith Werner, Manager of Capital Markets and Financial Operations, said 38 per cent of investors in the deal had a socially responsible investment approach and that the African Development Bank intends to issue more social bonds in Australian dollars.

“In addition to the important contribution that socially responsible investors had to the success of this trade, it’s also gratifying to see such a large portion of the investors (41%) were domestic, which is an area where we haven’t seen strong support historically.

“We look forward to leveraging this momentum and continue evaluating opportunities in the future in this market”, Werner said.

The Australian dollar is the fifth currency in which the AfDB has issued social bonds since it established the program in 2017, following deals in euros, US dollars, Norwegian kroner and Swedish kronor.

In December 2016, the AfDB launched its inaugural Kangaroo Green Bond. This transaction followed successful outings in USD and SEK Benchmark formats.

1,000 Women, Youths Benefits from N150m Bauchi Empowerment Programme Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi As part of efforts by the state government to improve the living standards of the people of the state, about 1,000 women and youths from Zaki and Gamawa local government areas of Bauchi State have benefited from the government’s N150 million empowerment programme.

The intervention known as Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP) is an initiative of the Bauchi State government to empower women and youths with incentives that will alleviate poverty and provide them with job opportunities in the state.

The beneficiaries were empowered with motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, makeup kits, shoe making machines, among others.

Flagging off the Programme in Zaki and Gamawa local government areas of the state at the weekend, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed said the government has done so much in the area of infrastructure development, pointing out that it has become imperative for the government to improve the living standards of its citizens, particularly women and youths.

Mohammed said when he took over the mantle of leadership in 2019, he met

a state whose infrastructure was in shambles, adding that within the two years of his administration, the government has constructed roads, built hundreds of schools, hospitals, provided water amongst others.

According to him, “We are being criticised by some people that we have been constructing roads without considering the welfare of the citizens and so, because of the promise we have made, that is why we remained adamant in our quest to develop the state.

“This same intervention will be replicated in the remaining 18 local government areas of the state. The sum of N75 million was expended in each of the local government” “We promised during the electioneering campaigns, to provide infrastructure that includes roads, schools, hospitals, water and have done more than fifty percent.

“Despite dwindling resources at the federation account, we were able to execute all these laudable projects, this is to show you that we will accomplish more if you continue to support the government” he said Speaking earlier, the Bauchi State First Lady, Aisha Bala Mohammed urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items donated to them to empower themselves and be self-reliant.

C&I Leasing Completes Second Tranche of N20bn Bond Programme Oluchi Chibuzor C&I Leasing has completed the issuance of the second tranche of its N20 billion bond programme which it started in 2017.

The company, which is Nigeria’s only listed leasing company also said it is optimistic that a new business model which it adopted, would help in driving revenue growth and further improve the profitability of its business from 2021 and beyond.

According to a statement, at 100 per cent subscription rate, the long-dated instrument was a N10 billion bond, issued at

a coupon rate of 15.5 per cent.

The firm had earlier in 2018, issued the first tranche of N7 billion.

The leasing firm which has its core business operations in Nigeria and Ghana is investing significantly in its digital business, after the pandemic affected fleet business operations across the globe, causing a decline in revenue.

The firm has launched into the market three digital products, two of which are in its fleet management business, and the other in the personnel

outsourcing, according to the Managing Director/CEO of C&I Leasing, Andrew Otike-Odibi.

“C-Ride, which is one of the new products of the firm in its fleet management business, is a hailing business/car-sharing software, which it deploys to corporate bodies.

“This enables the businesses secure reliable mobility for its staff without having to invest in fixed assets. C&I Leasing gives them a pool of vehicles that they can call on anytime they need. This software can also be deployed to optimise the fleet of a company as it ensures

efficient allocation of resources,” the statement explained.

It quoted the CEO to have said: “In providing this service we are putting on the table our skills and pedigree as having managed a logistics company in the past 30 years by providing relatively new vehicles, trained drivers with good safety records.”

It pointed out that the FMS 360, which is another product developed to disrupt its fleet management business, is a software that helps companies better manage the data of their fleet in terms of fuel monitoring and driver management.

Union Bank to Reward 657 Customers with N55m Dike Onwuamaeze Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has launched a nationwide “Save & Win Palli Promo” that would reward new and existing customers with cash reward.

The bank said the promo would provide relief to 657 winners as Nigeria continued to grapple with the economic hardship that was induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and other national issues.

The bank’s Head of Retail Banking and Digital, Ms. Lola

Cardoso, reiterated that the promo was consistent with the bank’s culture of giving back to its customers. Cardoso said: “The Union Bank is excited to give back to our customers through the ‘Save & Win Palli Promo,’ which is one of the many ways we are offering support to Nigerians at this time. “This promo presents a wonderful opportunity to reward our customers in ways that matter and foster the savings culture among Nigerians. The Union Bank will continue to deliver products and services that enable

our customers to achieve their personal and business goals.”

She said the promo is scheduled to run from June to December 2021, and would enable new and existing customers that saved N10,000 monthly to have a chance of winning cash rewards and other prizes.

“A total of 350 customers will win N100,000 each in the monthly draws, while six customers would be rewarded with N1,000,000 each during the quarterly draws.

“The grand finale will take

place in December, with one customer winning the grand prize of N5,000,000. An additional 300 customers will receive exciting gifts, bringing the total number of winners in the promo to 657,” Cardoso said.

The bank also said customers could top up their savings with multiples of N10,000 to increase their chances of being among the winners that would emerge through a series of transparent, electronically-generated draws, which would be supervised by relevant regulatory institutions.

28

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ, ͰͮͰͯ

IMAGES

29

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

L-R: Area Head of Human Resources, British American Tobacco West and Central Africa (BATWCA), Temitope Akinsanya; President, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Taiwo Adeniyi; Area Head of Marketing, BATWCA, Ademola Omitayo; and Director General, NECA, Mr Timothy Olawale, at NECA Annual Employers’ Excellence Awards, in Lagos, where BAT won the ‘Food, Beverage and Tobacco’ category of the Awards...recently

Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Disposal of Forfeited Assets, Mr. Dayo Apata (second right) and other members of the committee, during the opening bid for the engagement Auctioneers for disposal of forfeited assets to the Federal Government of Nigeria in Abuja... recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (MHADMSD), Bashir Alkali, Minister, MHADMSD, Hajia Sadiya Farouq, presenting engagement letter and Tablet to Rahila Ayuba one of the beneficiaries at the empowering of the trained Independent Monitors for the National Social Investment Progrmmme (NSIPs) in Abuja...recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo and his Ghanaian counterpart, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, after the Maritime Security Operations Meeting between Ghana Navy and Nigeria Navy at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja...recently

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (3left) with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo(5left) during the public presentation of a photobook ‘Gbajabiamila: The Long Road,’ authored by Mr. Ayo Adeagbo, the Special Assistant on Visual Communications/Personal Photographer to the Speaker, in Abuja...recently

L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folorunsho Coke, presents the letter of promotion as substantive Director of Marketing and Promotions to Mr Henry Okechukwu, at NTDC Headquarters in Abuja ...recently

L-R: Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya receiving a souvenir from the Chief of Army Staff, Major General, Faruk Yahaya, during the Governor’s visit to the Army headquarters in Abuja...recently

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

30

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Nigeria Joins Other Countries to Endorse COP26 Forest, Agriculture, Commodity Trade Bennett Oghifo

N

igeria and 22 other countries have endorsed a joint statement committing them to working together to protect the world’s precious forests while also promoting sustainable trade and supply chains of agricultural commodities.

The countries took this significant step at the COP26 Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue that was launched in February, this year to bring key countries, which buy and produce products such as beef, soy and palm oil together to agree how these can be traded more sustainably.

The landmark statement is the result of collaborative action on an issue that is complex but also critical to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and limiting a global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

International trade in agricultural commodities like palm

oil, soy and beef, is worth over $80 billion per year. Globally, 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods, many of them in developing countries, said a statement by the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“Nigeria is a producer and consumer of forest-risk agricultural commodities. Domestically it produces cocoa and palm oil but it also imports palm oil from Southeast Asia.

“Forests are the largest natural carbon sink and a vital harbour of biodiversity but they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Nigeria has one of the highest deforestation rates globally, it loses approximately 350,000 – 400,000 hectares per year. Logging, agriculture and collection of fuelwood are the leading causes of forest loss in Nigeria.

“Through programmes such as Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land-Use (IFSLU), the UK Government is supporting a shift to sustainable supply chains for agricultural

commodities associated with deforestation, including palm oil and cocoa, and creating new investment opportunities in sustainable land use through public-private partnerships.

“IFSLU has worked with Edo State – one of the major forest states in Nigeria, and a leading palm oil state. Edo State Government has committed to responsible oil palm production, becoming a member of the UK-funded Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 (TFA 2020) Africa Palm Oil Initiative (APOI) in May 2018 and the UK-led Just Rural Transition in September 2019.”

The UK Government, the statement said, is keen to intensify our partnership with Nigeria to ensure an inclusive vision and effective action for sustainable agriculture, forests and land use economy, these areas have the potential to address major barriers to development around poverty, food and nutrition insecurity, unemployment, environmental

degradation and instability.

Nature, including protecting forests while promoting development and trade, remains one of our main ambitions for COP26 and we will use our COP Presidency to bring forest-risk commodity consumer countries, producer countries, and companies together to meet this challenge and make the most of a market transition to sustainable commodity trade.

Global collaboration and an all-society approach, involving everyone from political leaders to businesses through to individual consumers, is needed to protect the planet’s biodiversity and establish a sustainable future.

COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma said: “The FACT Dialogue has much work ahead to deliver on its objectives as we move towards COP26.

But the publication of today’s joint statement marks a highly important first step in laying the foundation for our work.

“To have brought so many countries together, both produc-

ers and consumers, and to plan a way forward on sustainable trade is a fantastic start. I am confident that this is just the beginning as we work to protect trade and development, and our biodiversity-rich forests, in equal measure.”

British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing said: “In Nigeria

the UK is working with the Federal Government, the private sector and with local communities across the country to promote investment in climate-smart practices and business models that will help reduce emissions, increasing productivity and build climate resilience.

Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar

UbosiEleh Report Plays Down Impact of COVID-19 in 2021 Real Estate Forecasts Fadekemi Ajakaiye Estate surveying and valuation firm, UbosiEleh+ Company has released “The Nigerian Real Estate Report 2021” reviewing the sector’s outlook in the 2020, and predictions for 2021.

The 125- page annual report dwelt extensively on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected

economic activities including real estate in 2020. The Report noted that by 20th March, 2020, the federal Government of Nigeria’s travel restrictions took effect which applied to travels from countries where more than 1,000 cases have been recorded including China, Italy, Iran, South Korea Spain, Japan, France, Germany, US,

Norway, UK, Netherlands and Switzerland, according to the Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control’s report.

According to the Report, the Covid-19 pandemic with the attendant lockdown in Nigeria and across the nations of the world was a singular event that changed global economy, Nigeria inclusive, by many

User-comfort in Buildings Possible with Proper Electromechanical Works, Says NIOB Fadekemi Ajakaiye The President of the of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Bldr. Kunle Awobodu has asserted that quality in building production, enhanced building performance and habitability are not chance events. Awobodu made this assertion at the recently concluded mandatory professional development workshop of the institute that held virtually from 26th to 27th May, 2021. The virtual workshop attracted participants from various parts of the world and had as its theme: Sustainable building services practices: enhancing performance and user satisfaction.

Awobodu explained the terms building services, otherwise known as electro mechanical services, to mean and include all that contribute to the comfort of users and utility of the buildings such as lighting and other electrical works, plumbing works, transportation systems in buildings such as lifts and escalators. In typical and simple buildings, the commonest are the lighting and plumbing systems.

Plumbing systems include the pipework, the fittings, inspection chambers, septic tank

and soak away pits among others. Awobodu further averred that these systems give major headache to end users of buildings where designs and installation are not properly done. It is the search for solutions to these nagging problems and the strategic position of the builder in the process that warranted the workshop, Awobodu further explained.

Resource persons included seasoned practitioners and researchers in the field of building services. Among them was the former Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Otunba Engineer Gbenga Daniel. Other resource persons included Ibikunle Ogunbayo, an Engineer and a former President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria; a Builder and Professor of Building Services at the Ahmadu Bello University, Ikemefuna Mbamali; an expert in construction Ergonomics, health and safety from Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, Professor John Smallwood; Professor Abimbola Windapo from the University of Cape Town, South Africa; and Dr Emmanuel Nkeleme, a post-doctoral researcher in the Nelson Mandela University,

South Africa. Other resource persons included Dr Alfred Olatunji from Curtin University, Australia and Graham Teede from the Australian Institute of Building. Other presenters included Aderonke Oyelami, a Quantity Surveyor; Dr Buhari Manzuma and Olugbenga Ayeni, who are both registered builders from Ahmadu Bello University. All the resource persons shared worthwhile and powerful insights on building services.

The Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria who is also the current Vice-Chairman Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Kabir Bala, commended the NIOB for organising the workshop in a search for solutions to the problem of services in buildings.

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engineer Babagana Mohammed displayed passion and vigour emphasising the necessity of the workshop. He further campaigned for increased cooperation and teamwork among the various professions in the construction industry.

He equally pledged his support and cooperation for the growth of sister professions and eradication of quackery in the industry

accounts, the most significant health crisis in half a century.

The Report noted with the “ a result of the crisis from the pandemic, it was no surprise that healthcare real estate jumped to the fore front in investment in Nigeria’s real estate market with emphasis on emergency care developments.”

It reiterated that the demand for logistics and mid-size warehousing increased because “last mile ware housing, logistics

and home delivery gained traction from the movement to on-line shopping.”

In the submission of the report, “office real estate market that was on its way from the effects of the 2017 recession took a heavy blow from the pandemic, which questioned the purpose and value of office space”. On the flip of the coin, it was a big boost to residential real estate because the pandemic “offered opportunity to developers

as the gains in commercial real estate dried up because companies had embraced the new normal working virtually or remotely, away from physical office building.”

The Report continued: “the lockdown and shrunken economic activities were some of the reasons that accounted for the rise in demand in the residential market. But the demand was mainly for small sized, pocket friendly, family housing units.”

Cedarwood Luxury Launches Quick Response Code Fadekemi Ajakaiye Fans of Cedarwood Luxury brand of apartments and terraces can now enjoy more perks following the Quick Response Code (QR Code), recently introduced by the management of PWAN Plus Business Concerns, owners of Cedarwood Luxury estates.

The Managing Director of the firm, Dr. Julius Oyedemi explained that Cedarwood Luxury Apartments and Terraces embraced the innovation in order to take its tradition of customer satisfaction a bit further, according to a statement by the company.

Dr. Oyedemi, who is also the Managing Director of Property World Africa Network (PWAN) Group, explained that QR Code is an innovation which business concerns are now using to enhance easy and fast access to information for accuracy and for security.

“Now if you go to our Lekki head office Cedarwood Luxury Apartments and Terraces our QR Code is conspicuously placed at our reception area, for all to just scan and then get to know more about PWAN Plus and our services.

“I saw that some real estate firms are trying to emulate what

we are doing and decided that we should take the perks further, for the benefits of our huge clientele.

“We are now integrating all customers’ data and client information so that just at a scan they can see all our transaction, know more about the company, our offerings, and updates if any instantly. We are the first firm to introduce QR Code into real estate business,” Dr. Oyedemi added.

According to him, people living in the Diaspora will appreciate it more because they are more digitally inclined. He explained: “They don’t need to spend more on making calls unless when it’s absolutely necessary.

“All they need to do is scan our QR Code and it takes them to our companies domain where they can access every information first hand. It is also relevant security wise,” Dr. Oyedemi further explained.

Barr Rejoice Alabi, Personal Assistant to the Managing Director, threw more light on the QR Code pointing out it’s unique relevance to real estate practice.

“It is a two dimensional barcode used for inscription of website, PDF documents linked to YouTube and a lot

more things. In real estate what we sell is information; and you can use the code to plant information in a very unique way such that people can quickly get relevant information first hand, not through a third party.

“When you use PR code to send information people get the accurate information, because they are not redirected to another platform that will direct them into another platform before they get the information,” Alabi said.

He related how the firm to leveraged on the enormous potentials of QR Code to make bumper sales even during COVID-19 pandemic era.

“Our business received tremendous boast during the lockdown period, without engendering physical contact, just because we deployed the innovative QR Code.

Oyedemi

31

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Julius Berger to Build Cancer, Cardio-Vascular Centre in Port Harcourt Bennett Oghifo

T

he nation’s leading engineering construction company and most reliable i n f r a s t r u c t u re s development partner, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., has signed a contract to build Nigeria’s first State-owned cancer and cadio-vascular diseases diagnostic and treatment centre in Port Harcourt.

The contract signing ceremony took place 9.00 am last Monday at the Council Chambers of the Rivers State Government House with the full complement of the State Executive Council, including Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and Deputy Governor Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, DSSRS in attendance.

The Governor who disclosed that the multi-billion Naira project is for a 14-months completion period, also emphasised that the contractors, Julius Berger, come rain or shine, should in line with

their habitual and well attested reliability, work, complete and deliver the project for commissioning as scheduled by the Government. He emphasised his unflinching confidence in the commanding technical competence and abilities of the country’s leading engineering construction leader. According to the Governor: “People ask: why should it be Julius Berger that will build it, and I ask why not Julius Berger? Our people need the best infrastructures, and in this country, we all agree that Julius Berger builds and delivers only the very best and lasting infrastructures. We chose Julius Berger to help us build it not only well, but also successfully within its scheduled completion time as experience has taught us the company always do with projects they undertake.”

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, described the project as a special one in the sense that it is a medical facility “that has the potential

to alleviate suffering and serve as a beacon for care for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic disease in Nigeria….a project to serve as a catalyst and inspiration for the development of reliable, high quality healthcare solutions in Nigeria.” The Julius Berger helmsman further said the Centre has been designed with “advanced healthcare services such as Chemotherapy and nuclear Medicine.”

The facility is designed to provide 72 beds for patient accommodation, including a dedicated ICU/CCU patient accommodation ward; critical care areas for immune compromised patients; and private isolation bed wards.

Additionally, the hospital will also feature outpatient procedure capacities, a fully equipped Pathology laboratory, a fully equipped Radiology department, two full theatres and one Cathlab with full support infrastructure, electronic and mechanical systems and equipment, doctors consulting rooms for inpatient and outpa-

tient consultation, a pharmacy; as well as a coffee shop and restaurant facility for visitors and patients refreshments.

Richter said the building itself has been designed using the “best practice” principle for hospitals and will be equipped with most modern medical diagnostic equipment. This, he

said, “means that in planning the facility, there was a careful consideration of the patient and service flow, to ensure a highly efficient and thoughtful environment - ensuring hospital functions remain out of sight to patients and visitors, in order to provide a quieter, calmer more therapeutic stay

and an improved recovery”.

Richter further said that the building has also been “future proofed”, having been designed to be “extension ready, to accommodate additional facilities or services for possible new advanced treatment and care in the future.”

L-R: General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola; Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, representing the Governor, Mr. Tunji Bello; Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage Services, Dr. Joe Igbokwe and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye, during the unveil of Urban Regeneration Garden and tour to commemorate the 2021 World Environment Day, in Lekki Lagos… recently

Group Champions Cycling for Healthier Environment Rebecca Ejifoma The “Let’s Get Lagos Moving” campaign group has championed stronger Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) policy, provi-

sions and mobility like cycling to the existing law to improve air quality and safe roads in Lagos State.

The NMT policy will include more robust NMT provisions,

affordability, and integration of the informal sector among others. This was made known at the World Bicycle Day on June 3 this year at Alausa Ikeja.

The Executive Director,

Lagos Urban Dev Initiative, Mrs. Olamide Udoma-Ejorh, harped on the health benefits of cycling. She said that the poorest urban sector that often cannot afford private vehicles

walking and cycling can provide a form of transport.

“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway

for achieving greater health equity. At all ages, the benefits of being physically active outweighs potential harm, for example through accidents,” she emphasised.

FG, Italy, UNIDO, UNDP Collaborates to Phase-out Ozone Depleting Refrigerants Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigerian government is working in collaboration with Italy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to phase out ozone depleting refrigerants.

The Minister for Environment, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar revealed this recently at the inauguration of the stage two of the hydrochlorofluorocarbons phase-out management plan (HPMP) Project in Abuja.

He said: “Haven successfully completed state one of our HPMP, the stage two of the project was approved by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol with the aim to achieve the complete phase-out of ozone depleting

blowing agents and refrigerants in the foam and refrigeration sectors.”

He disclosed that the overall commitment of the HPMP Stage 2 is to phase out 51.35 % of ozone depleting refrigerants consumption by 2023. The project will be executed by my Ministry, in collaboration with UNDP, as the Lead Implementing Agency, UNIDO, the co-implementing agency and the Government of Italy, the bilateral agency.”

He said the project will complement the HPMP Stage I project taking account of difficulties encountered, experience gained, and lessons learned in the implementation of the Stage I. He disclosed that the strategy for implementing the second stage was determined taking into account the following: The level of reductions in ozone

depleting refrigerants imported into the country; the market trends in the use of alternatives to ozone depleting refrigerants and the need to mitigate their potential negative impacts, e.g. on production technology, the environment or health; and the need for continuity in phasing out ozone depleting refrigerants consumption in the numerous SMEs in all the relevant sectors.

He noted that to achieve the stage II target, these must be carried out: strengthening of our refrigerants licensing and import quota system for ozone depleting refrigerants; complete phase-out of ozone depleting blowing agents through conversion to non-ozone depleting technologies; and reduction of ozone depleting refrigerants use through support to the refrigeration servicing sector.

He disclosed that the specific responsibilities of the project

L-R: Engineer (Mrs) Yinka Ogunlere; Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev (Dr.) Sunday Ogunlere; Mrs. Elizabeth Ogunlere (celebrant); Tolu Ogunlere at the 60th birthday ceremony of Mrs. Ogunlere held at the Church hall of Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Blessing, Palm Avenue, Lagos… recently

steering committee include: address project issues as raised by the National Ozone Office of the Ministry; provide guid-

ance on new project risks, and agree on possible mitigation and management actions to address specific risks; and

ensure coordination with various government agencies and their participation in project activities, among others.

Top 5 Mistakes Corporate Tenants Make When Leasing Commercial Real Estate A high-profile realtor, Fine and Country, has listed five mistakes corporate tenants make when leasing commercial real estate. The research finding is titled ‘Commercial Properties; The devil is in the detail’.

Fine and Country International (W.A) is a multi-award winning international real estate network reputed locally and worldwide for its’ unique blend of intelligent and creative marketing and branding services, a solid market research and property investment advisory service coupled with a professional approach to corporate sales and leasing of premium commercial and luxurious residential properties.

With operations spanning over 300 offices worldwide; in the UAE, South Africa, Mauritius, Fine and Country International Realty has its head office located on Park Lane, Mayfair in the United Kingdom.

According to Fine and Country, the commercial real estate space is quite dynamic and requires expertise of the processes involved, as it is clearly more complex than leasing a residential apartment. However, too many corporate tenants take it for granted and end up making huge mistakes as a result of not following and understanding due process. To help minimise potential risks and other costly

errors associated with this, we have compiled a list of top five mistakes corporate tenants make when leasing commercial real estate.

walk you through the process and confirm that a space will meet your current and future needs.

1. Beginning the negotiation of a renewal or new lease too late.

Delayed negotiation of a renewal or new lease is one of the biggest mistakes we see corporates tenant make. In simplest terms, if you wait until your lease expires before you start speaking to your landlord about renewing your lease or before you start looking for a new space, you may have a hard time finding exactly what you need especially in a competitive market.

3. Commercial Lease Clauses- the devil in the detail There is usually a lot of documentation as well as clauses in a commercial lease contract that are mostly in favour of the landlord.

It’s therefore important to understand what those clauses mean and how they can they positively or negatively impact your business. Most times your real estate advisor/legal team can help you understand these and negotiate clauses that will be more in your favour.

2.

Competence and Expertise Many corporate tenants go into lease agreement process without properly having adequate and required knowledge and as such, they have made lots of mistakes that have impacted their business negatively. Lack of knowledge combined with time pressure usually causes corporate tenants to make wrong location decisions without being aware of all the choices. This will sometime result in errors that cut into their profits and/or increase financial exposure.

To guide yourself, consider getting the services of a commercial real estate advisor to

4. Focus On Strategy, Not the Transaction Whenever there’s a need for a company to move to a new development or to renew their lease, in the excitement of ensuring the transaction goes on smoothly, corporate strategy is often neglected.

All negotiations tend to focus only on the major financial terms of the lease agreement and as a result, the impact of the transaction on the portfolio strategy is easily forgotten, important terms like rent review, expansion and contraction rights seem to have low priority in the leasing process.

32

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

33

34

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021

TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

35

NEWSXTRA

Fulani Leaders Disown Threat to Attack Delta Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Leaders of Fulani community in Delta State have dissociated themselves from the three-day ultimatum allegedly given to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by a faceless group, ‘Fulani Jihadists’ to rescind his stand on the ban on open grazing in southern Nigeria.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okowa on Special Duties, Alhaji Muktar Usman, flanked by the leadership of the Fulani in the state, told journalists in Asaba, the state capital, yesterday that they were not party to the threat, which he described as disappointing.

The Fulani leaders described the news of the threat to attack the state as shocking, noting that fears of reprisals from their hosts had overtaken their people since

the news broke.

They said that having lived in peace with their host communities across the state for decades, they had no reason to take up arms against their hosts, urging the governor and security agencies to disregard the threat and remain vigilant.

“Yesterday was a very sad story for the leadership of Fulani in Delta. We woke up to see the viral report in the media that suspected Fulani Jihadists threatened to attack Delta State.

“We are very disappointed in that threat and we are calling on the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and security agencies in the state to know that we are not part and parcel of that threat.

“We are Nigerians and we have good understanding with our host

communities, having lived here for over 40 years.

“We are calling on government to fish out those people that are behind the alleged threat because we are not part of it and we can never be part of it.

“We are in very good understanding with our host communities and we must thank the governor because we

are accepted more here in Delta than even in our respective states.

“So, I want to call on all our peace- loving people to remain calm and avoid unnecessary tension because since yesterday(Sunday), our people have been panicking.

“We are telling the world today that we condemn this act in all ramifications. We are not part of

it and we don’t intend to fight anybody; we are peace-loving people.”

Similarly, leader of Fulani in Delta State, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, said that his people had settled in Delta for many decades. “We have lived here for many years and we don’t have problems with the people of the state,” he said.

He urged the state government to discountenance the threat, and take measures to strengthen security across the state.

Prominent members of Fulani community at the briefing included the Sarki Fulani in the state, Alhaji Muhammed Musa; Chairman of MiyettiAllah in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Haruna and Alhaji Useni Haruna, Sarki Asaba.

Boko Haram, ISWAP Release Abducted Humanitarian Workers, Civilians GATHERING OF SILK… of the released captives were Michael Olugbode inMaiduguri Several humanitarian workers and civilians abducted during attacks on the North-east have been released by Boko Haram/ Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Sources close to these aid workers disclosed that the aid workers were freed by the terrorist group yesterday alongside other civilian captives, after negotiations.

Among those released is a staff of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Idris Alooma, who was abducted along the Damaturu-Maiduguri road in January.

The group was also said to have released a senior Christian cleric, Reverend Zango and one Barka Wasinda, a former staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and some aid workers abducted from a facility in Dikwa in March.

THISDAY gathered that most

abducted during attacks on parts of Borno State, the birthplace of Boko Haram between March and May, and recently in June.

During some of the attacks, the terror group overran Dikwa, destroyed support facilities, including a primary healthcare centre, and also laid siege to the United Nations humanitarian hub, which forced aid workers to seek shelter in a bunker.

The United Nations had to suspend its operations in response to the attacks on humanitarian operations in Dikwa and Damasak, and this affected humanitarian assets and personnel.

According to multiple sources, the aid workers and the other freed persons are receiving medical support.

As at the time of filing the report, official confirmation of the release was yet to be received as known military spokesmen were not picking their calls.

PDP Govs, Leaders Storm C’River Issue APC quit notice

Bassey Inyang in Calabar Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accompanied by the party’s national chairman, Prince.

Uche Secondus; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and other leaders of the party stormed Calabar, Cross River State yesterday and vowed to take over the state from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The visit of the PDP leaders to the state, aside from showing solidarity with party members, was to inaugurate the party’s new secretariat at Mary Slessor Avenue in the heart of the city.

The PDP lost its original secretariat located at Murtala Muhammed Way to the APC about 48 hours after the state governor defected from PDP to the APC. Governor of Sokoto State and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, disclosed that they came to Cross River State from Akwa Ibom State after a meeting of the party’s governors’ forum.

Tambuwal said their visit was to strengthen the PDP in the state,

inaugurate the party’s secretariat, receive new members, and issue quit notice to the APC ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“What we have seen today is a clear prove that Cross River State is PDP. We came here to also support the National Chairman of the Party in the inauguration of the new caretaker committee for Cross River and to also welcome formally back to the PDP, our friend, former Governor Donald Duke.

“We are determined to reclaim what belongs to us by 2023; that is the leadership of Nigeria and that of Cross River State,” Tambuwal said.

Also speaking, Secondus said, “PDP is the party of the future.

We are coming to reclaim and reposition Nigeria, we have the experience and we are determined to restructure the country and hand it over to the youths. Nobody can stop Nigerian youths from having a voice including on social media whether, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. We are coming to restore the freedom of Nigerians especially the youths.

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP), Mr. Oluseun Abimbola, (SAN); Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Justice of Supreme Court, Justice Abdul Aboki; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Emma Ekpo; and National President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olumide Akpata, at the 2021 Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State...yesterday.

KOLAWOLE ALLI.

Ebonyi People Have No Land for Ranching, Says Umahi Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Dave Umahi, has disclosed that the people of the state have no land to give out for the ranching of cows.

Speaking yesterday when he featured in Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme, Umahi, said each of the states in the South-east already has laws banning open grazing.

Responding to a question on whether he would provide land for ranching as a governor,

Umahi said, “This is not about the governors; it is about the people.

So, whatever position the people take in this regard, that is what will happen. There is no land in this regard that is not owned by individuals, corporate bodies.

“So, this is beyond governors and that is the truth. People calling governors are making a very grievous mistake. Even if I say as a governor in South-east, I want people from this village,

I want you to donate this land, the question is: will they allow it?

“I have had about three communal crisis in my state, and it is all about land. There is a place that I am building a medical university and the people of that village, for a project that is almost completed, went and brought it down. They prefer to have their farms than a medical college. So, land is a different ball game altogether.”

When asked whether the people

of the state have agreed that the governor should give out land for ranching, Umahi said, “They have said they have no land for ranching. They put me where I am. If I have one acre of land and I am talking about giving land for ranching, I should be talking about that particular land. I can’t be talking about somebody’s land.

Yes, constitutionally, I have control over the land but you have to kill all the people to get the land.”

Banditry: We Won’t Accept Repentant Criminals asVigilantes, Say Police John Shiklam in Kaduna The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Muri, has said the state police command would not accept repentant criminals as members of vigilante groups in the state.

According to the CP, such repentant criminal elements usually compromise, adding that they reveal secret information to

criminals.

Muri stated this yesterday when he joined other security heads on a confidence-building visit to the Palace of Emir of Zazzau over rising insecurity in the emirate.

He told the Emir to form vigilantes within the emirate but excluding repentant criminals.

The police commissioner also said the only people they will agree to work with as vigilantes would

be people with the fear of God. “I want to appeal to the emir of Zazzau that the security agencies are not many and we want the emir of Zazzau to give us the best so that we will be able to form vigilante not repentant criminals,” he said.

According to him, when repentant criminals are given as vigilantes, instead of assisting the police to solve the problem, they may end up compromising.

The CP said the command preferred to work with people with the fear of God as vigilantes to tackle the security challenges in Zaria and the state at large.

He assured the people of the state of their commitment to securing the lives and property of the residents as he urged the people to feel free to provide information to security agencies.

Teenager Reports Father to Police over Alleged Defilement A 14-year-old girl has reported her father to the men of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly defiling her in Ikorodu area of the state.

Police operatives attached to Ipakodo Division, Ikorodu, arrested the teenager’s father identified as 45-year-old Kayode Adeyanju.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a

statement issued yesterday and titled, ‘Lagos Police Arrest Man for Defiling Daughter, Suspected Cultists Arrested With Arms in Lagos Hotel’.

“The survivor personally reported the case at Ipakodo Police Station, Ikorodu on the 7th June, 2021, after her horrible ordeal in the hands of her father and the police operatives arrested the suspect.

“The Commissioner of

Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has condemned the act and ordered that the case be transferred to the Gender Unit of the Command for further investigation,” the statement partly read Adejobi also said police operatives attached to the Morogbo Division on Sunday night, acting “on a tip-off from the management of House 2 Hotel, Igbekele Morogbo, Lagos State, that some boys suspected

to be cultists were holding a meeting in the hotel, arrested seven suspected cultists”.

“The suspects include Hameed Salami, m, 35; Ogunlade Adewale, m, 30; Sunday Ogbemudia, m, 36; Okekunle Segun, m, 26; Imole Kingsley, m, 23; Rasak Lekan, m, 26; and Osuya Innocent, m, 23.

Items recovers from them include one locally made pistol, two live cartridges, one axe, assorted charms,” the statement added.

Varsity Students Beat Robbery Suspect to Death in Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti A robbery suspect, Sunday Oluwasola, was allegedly beaten to death by angry students of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, after being captured during an operation in one of the hostels.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, in a statement issued yesterday, said the incident

happened on Sunday in one of the students’ hostels at Iworoko Ekiti.

Abutu added that the robbery suspect and members of his gang allegedly robbed the hostel, adding that in the course of the operation, the victim was caught and beaten to stupor before the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad rescued him.

The police spokesman stated that while Oluwasola was

caught, other members of his robbery gang escaped.

He said: “On Sunday, June 13, 2021 at about 4.30pm, a distress call was received by the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) that an armed robbery incident was going on in one of the Students’ Hostels Opposite Ekiti State University, Iworoko-Ekiti.

“The Operatives of the RRS

were immediately deployed to the scene of incident. But on getting to the scene, it was discovered that one of the armed robbers, one Sunday Oluwasola, had already been captured by the irate students and beaten to stupor while the other suspects escaped with the students’ v a l u a b l e s s u c h a s l a p t o p s , p h o n e s and m o n e y.

36

TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Emir of Zazzau Decries Frequent Cases of Abductions in His Domain John Shiklam in Kaduna The Emir of Zazzau (Zaria), Kaduna State, Ahmad Nuhu

Bamali, has lamented over the frequent cases of banditry and kidnappings in his domain.

The emir lamented over the

Death Toll from Cholera Outbreak Hits 37 in Bauchi Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The number of lives lost to the recent cholera outbreak in Bauchi State has risen to 37.

The immediate-past Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Aliyu Maigoro, had on May 25, 2021, announced the outbreak in the state, with a 37-year-old housewife who reportedly had the disease at the Burra General Hospital on April 24, 2021.

Maigoro disclosed then that 20 people had died from the disease, while 322 people affected were being managed.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHDA) has said the deadly disease has now spread to

six more local government areas from the initial nine, making it 15 local government areas of the state.

In a data made available to journalists in Bauchi by the Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, yesterday, BSPHDA disclosed that 1,799 cholera cases were recorded since May 25, 2021, when the outbreak was announced.

In a telephone interview with journalists, the Executive Chairman of the agency, Mohammed, said the state government in collaboration with some international donor agencies has embarked on the construction of a 100-bed capacity Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) at the state Specialist Hospital to take care of the victims.

Babangida Urges Nigerian Journalists to Emulate Foreign Counterparts LaleyeDipoinMinna Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) last Sunday charged media professionals in Nigeria to emulate their foreign counterparts in their reportage of events in the country.

Babangida made the charge when he received the newly elected officials of the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by the state Chairman, Mr. Abu Nmadu.

According to the former leader, “I always watch foreign television stations and observe the way journalists deal with developments in their countries, be it politics, policy implementation or any other issue.

“Sometimes, I kept wondering, when shall we get to that level,

but now that you have that at the back of your mind, I want to tell you that I will support you to achieve those objectives, and I want to see a situation where Niger State would become a hallmark of such example.”

He urged the new leadership of the state NUJ to “inculcate discipline” and ensure that journalists practicing in the state are abreast on the current best global practices.

Babangida said: “I’m impressed by the fact that you are going to move with the time in your profession, and that is the right step in the right direction,” advising the new executive to go along with the objectives it has set for itself, before assuring the leadership of his unflinching support to enable it achieve the set goals.

issues yesterday while receiving heads of security agencies in the state, who paid him a courtesy call.

The heads of the security agencies were led by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan.

Bamali said security challenges in his area have reached an alarming rate, such that children can no longer go to school as bandits moved about unchecked.

The emir described the security situation as unacceptable, adding

that residents of Zaria feel vulnerable and are living in a state of fear.

Last Thursday, bandits invaded the Kaduna State-owned Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic on the ZariaKaduna road in the night and killed one student and abducted 10 others, including two lecturers.

Also, in the early hours of last Sunday, 12 people were abducted by gunmen in an attack on a new residential area of Kofar Gayan/ Kofar Kona axis of Zaria.

The emir said despite the several military formations in

Zaria and environs, residents feel very unsafe due to the activities of bandit.

He called for urgent security action to check the activities of criminals.

According to him, “We are calling on security personnel and agencies to rise up to the challenge and put an end to this sad situation.

“We have several military formations in Zaria and environs yet our people feel unsafe due to banditry.”

Speaking earlier, Aruwan assured

the emir that heavy security had been deployed in the 12 local government areas that make up the Zazzau Emirate.

Aruwan, however, said it is not possible for security agencies to be in every community, and called for collaboration between security agencies and community leaders in the area of intelligence gathering.

The delegation also commiserated with the emirate council over the recent attacks and kidnappings of residents of the area.

TARGETING COST REDUCTION…

L- R: Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde; Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management; Mr. Adeleke Adewolu; Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Ms. Josephine Amuwa; and Director, Human Capital and Administration, Mr. Usman Malah, at the industry stakeholders’ forum on cost-based pricing of mobile International Termination Rate for Voice Services (ITR) organised by NCC at its headquarters in Abuja… yesterday

Gbajabiamila Tasks Lawyers to Fix Dysfunctions in Legal System Okon Bassey in Uyo The House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, has challenged lawyers to fix evident dysfunctions that corrupt the legal profession and undermine its prestige.

Gbajabiamila posed the task on the lawyers yesterday while addressing the 2021 Nigerian

Bar Association-Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) annual conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary and member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium federal constituency, Onofiok Luke, argued that as lawyers

and citizens, they need to make effort to do things differently for the profession and the country.

Nigeria, he said, is desperately in need of honest brokers to mediate a national dialogue to resolve many issues and give it a new lease of life.

According to him, “This conference is coming at a time

in our country when we are confronted with and must answer critical questions about the terms of our nationhood and the conditions for a sustained national union.

“Throughout history, it has often fallen to lawyers to do a lot of the heavy lifting of nation-building. That is still the case today.

Osinbajo Calls for Reversal of Negative Mindset Towards Albinos Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for a reversal of negative mindset towards albinos, saying there’s need to have frank and robust conversations on the protection and empowerment of those who live with albinism.

Osinbajo made the call at a

virtual event attended by several personalities, including diplomats such as the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, to mark the World Albinism Day with the theme: ‘Strength Beyond All Odds’.

He said as a people, it is paramount to have conversations around the safety and enablement of

the citizens who live with albinism.

According to him, “There is a need to see it for what it is, which is a genetic difference not a contagious disease or a public health problem. ‘’These conversations will drive change on two levels in the public domain, where sociocultural perceptions of albinism that are rooted in ignorance and

superstition can finally be laid to rest.

“This is not going to be an easy task because superstition and sociocultural issues take a while to deal with, but we must aggressively begin to present counter-narratives to the sociocultural misconceptions about albinism.

The plaintiffs are the registered trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 420 Nigerians, including former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and the co-Founder of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu.

The court, in a notice to the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Femi Falana

(SAN), and respondent’s counsel, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, stated that the hearing would be virtual.

“The notice is hereby given that this application has been fixed for hearing of the application for interim measure on June 22, 2021, at 10 a.m. in the forenoon, and will be heard on that day if the business of the court permits or otherwise on some adjourned day of which you

may not receive further notice,” the court stated.

SERAP and the 420 concerned Nigerians are suing over “the unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, criminalisation of Nigerians and other people using Twitter, and the escalating repression of human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom in the country.”

Labour Begins Indefinite Strike over N30,000 Minimum Wage in Nasarawa ECOWAS Court Fixes June 22 for Suit Challenging Twitter Suspension Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Organised Labour in Nasarawa State has today commenced an indefinite strike over partial implementation of N30, 000 minimum wage and other welfare related issues.

The strike was declared yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting with the labour movement in the state.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Nasarawa State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),Yusuf Iya, said the action became imperative due to the failure of the government to meet their demands after two months ultimatum were served on it.

The NLC chairman listed other demands to include partial implementation of minimum wage

without recourse to due process of collective bargaining and lack of implementation of promotions since 2008.

Others were lack of annual increments, lack of training, lack of confirmation of appointments of casual workers, some of whom have been working for more than 10 years, among others.

Iya said some of the problems lingered for a long period of time, “but the government has failed to give priority in addressing them.

“We have given the present administration more than two years grace to address our challenges, but the government has been paying lip service to the issue.

“The strike was supposed to have commenced since June 7, but was delayed due to intervention by the traditional rulers in the state.

Chiemelie Ezeobi The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has fixed June 22, 2021, for hearing on a motion in a suit challenging the Nigerian Government’s suspension of the operations of Twitter, a microblogging platform, in Nigeria.

First Ladies Lament Setback in Anti-cervical Cancer Campaign Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria’s target to achieve cervical cancer elimination by 2030 as prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), may no longer be feasible.

This is because of the nonavailability of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine,

which the federal government planned to introduce into the routine immunisation programme for elimination of cervical cancer among the female population.

The immunisation programme, which was earlier scheduled for roll out in the first quarter of 2021, could not take off due to the inability to secure the HPV

vaccines.

The fears was expressed by the Chairperson of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, at the commemoration of the Day of the African Child (DAC) 2021 held yesterday in Abuja.

Shinkafi-Bagudu, whose organisation comprises wives

of the 36 state governors of the federation, said: “Nigeria and other countries have been unable to include HPV vaccines in its routine immunisation schedule despite reasonably high political will and making funds available. The planned roll out of the vaccine in the first quarter of 2021 is unlikely to happen in the near future.

TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021, ˾ T H I S D AY

37

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Afenifere, Ohanaeze, South-South Want New Constitution before 2023 Elections Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The various regional leaders in Nigeria have demanded a “new people-oriented federal constitution” before the 2023 general election, insisting that the 1999 constitution does not represent the interest of the masses.

The groups argued that the new constitution should provide for a “true federalism that heralds a restructured Nigeria,” while the 2023 Presidency should be zoned to the South.

The socio-political leaders made these demands in a communiqué issued at the end of the Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Transition InterEthnic Peace Dialogue, with the theme, ‘Restructuring and 2023

Power Shift: Nigeria’s make or break factor for political survival.”

The event which was held in Abuja was convened by Kennedy Iyere, the President of the Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), and his diaspora partners, in collaboration with ethnic nationalities and local non-governmental organisations.

Among participants at the programme, attended by over 300 delegates, were the leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Chairman, Igbo World Assembly, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze; President, Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr Kunle Olajide; a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief Kofoworola Bucknor; and President of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, Jonathan Asake.

Others were Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Senator Emmanuel Ibok; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former Governor of Anambra State,

Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife; President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr George Obiozor; convener, National Consultative Front and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba;

a political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi; and a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

While insisting that “federal character should be used in federal appointments”, the elder statesmen

charged the Federal Government to “urgently address the recurring security challenges in the country as part of the efforts to avert a second civil war and possible disintegration of the country.

Yoruba Groups Rally Support COLLABORATIVE VISIT… for Self-determination, Former United States’ congressman representing State of New Hampshire, Ambassador Richard Swett (left), and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, during the former’s courtesy visit to the Government House, Yenagoa…yesterday Condemn Terrorism Says South-west farmers lost Suspected Herdsmen Attack Two Brothers in Akwa Ibom, Kill One $1bn to herdsmen Okon Bassey in Uyo

Several Pan Yoruba groups yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Lagos, calling for an end to the siege on indigenous communities by armed groups in all the South-west states.

The groups said in the past three years, Yoruba farmers have lost $1billion worth of farm produce to activities of armed bandits who either killed, kidnapped, raped or chased farmers from their farms.

Organised under the banner of Omoodua Ronu, thousands of protesters occupied the Beko Memorial Park in Lagos. The protesters dared heavily armed policemen that stormed the venue but failed to stop the protesters.

The organisers said some of the participants at the protest came from the six South-west states including Kwara, Kogi and Itsekiri areas of Delta State.

The protesters displayed several placards calling on the federal government to put an end to

terrorism in Yorubaland or risk further mass protests.

“The basis of this protest is to register the grievances of Yoruba people across the country on the prevailing state of siege and violence across the South-west territories.

Our people are tired of the state of terror in the land. The least we can do is to register our grievances through peaceful protest,” leader of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Hon. Wale Osun, invited to speak at the event, said.

Some of the displayed placards read ‘End Terrorism or Risk Public Uprising;’ ‘We support Yoruba Autonomy’: ‘State Police Now’; ‘Fatherland or Death’; ‘United Nations Supports Self-Determination,’ ‘Yoruba Self Determination Now.’ Dr. TundeAkin-Ariyo representing theApapo O’odua Koya, (AOKOYA), said Yoruba farmers have lost close to $1billion due to the destruction of their farmlands, killingsamidstarmed invasion of Yoruba forests.

Tension has enveloped Ikot Atasung community in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following the alleged killing of an indigene of the community by Fulani herdsmen.

THISDAY gathered that the herdsmen allegedly attacked two brothers on Sunday morning and

killed Mr. Silvanus Usen while his brother, Andrew, was severely injured and rushed for medical treatment at undisclosed health facility.

Sources told THISDAY that a reprisal attack on Hausa community in the village was averted by swift intervention of prominent indigenes of the village.

A source said that “suspected herdsmen in the early hours of

Sunday attacked Ikot Atasung village in Ikot Ekpene where one Silvanus Peter Usen was killed and his brother, Andrew, was severely injured and is currently at the hospital battling to survive.

“A possible faceoff between the angry youths and the Hausa community in Ikot Ekpene was avoided through the intervention of some political actors and the police. However, there is an air of

uncertainty in Ikot Ekpene now.”

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Superintendent Odiko Macdon, confirmed the incident, which he described as “unfortunate.”

Macdon said that the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident.

Senate Probes NSITF over Alleged Mismanagement of N61.1bn Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate is set to probe the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) over an alleged diversion and financial mismanagement of N61.1 billion by its management.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts (SPAC) has, therefore, invited the director general of the NSITF and other top officials of the

agency to appear before it (today) Tuesday, June 15 to explain what they know about the alleged diversion of money.

The Chairman of the SPAC, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, said that the invitation was based on three queries issued in the 2018 Auditor General of the Federation’s Report, which is being considered by the upper legislative chamber.

According to auditor general’s query, the NSTIF was accused of diverting the sum of N5.5 billion from its account with the Zenith Bank while in another query, the agency allegedly paid N38.2 billion as personnel cost from 2012 till 2017, which was not approved by National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission. The query further alleged that N17.1

billion was transferred to some persons and companies from these account.

The query reads: “Audit observed that the fund had been implementing a salary structure that is not approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission. As a result, irregular payment of N38,219,919,530.32 by way of personnel cost was made to the staff of the Fund from 2012 to 2017.

Sokoto Commissioner, Sanwo-Olu Tasks Nigerians on Life Worthy of Emulation Ighodalo as a very passionate she passed on, probably not for the families and Pastor Ituah Segun James Dasuki Denies 2023 person, “who within the few knowing what was in the offing, Ighodalo in particular to forget Lagos State Governor, Mr. years she lived, touched many she asked me the same question Ibidunni and what she stood for Governorship Ambition The in a hurry.” again.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged lives.

Sokoto Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, has said that he is not in the race for the 2023 governorship seat in the state.

Dasuki said this yesterday while appearing on a local radio station where he spoke on the achievements of Governor Aminu Tambuwal, as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day. Responding to a question on the 2023 governorship election and whether he would join the race to succeed Tambuwal, the commissioner said, “I am not in the race. Please count me out of 2023 governorship contest.”

Dasuki said he was privileged to be given an important assignment as commissioner by Tambuwal to reposition the state’s finance and ensure its judicious application for the benefit of the people of the state.

The commissioner said he was focused on that assignment and

would not be distracted by 2023 politics.

Dasuki, therefore, called on all lovers of the state to join hands with the governor in his determination to turn the state around and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

Commenting on the second anniversary of the Tambuwal administration’s second term, Dasuki noted that his ministry is saddled with the task of guarding the state treasury and working towards ensuring that the state is financially healthy and prosperous.

The commissioner said the governor had strengthened the economy of the state, sanitised the payroll system, plugged loopholes and repositioned the state’s finances.

He said the Tambuwal’s administration was also transforming Sokoto into a smart government with policies designed and fine-tuned based on data and analytics.

Nigerians to live a life worthy of emulation and a legacy for others to cherish.

The governor, who made the charge at the one-year memorial service of Pastor Ibidunni Olajumoke Ituah-Ighodalo at the Trinity House on Victoria Island in Lagos, described late

“She demonstrated the passion to help the weak and the vulnerable in our society.

“May 17, 2020, she asked me: ‘My brother, when are you going to give me an isolation centre to put together for you’, and I replied: “I will get back to you.

“That was three days before

“She has left us with the challenges of this country, city and the world. She has left this sinful world, but we can see the beautiful things she left behind. We have to take solace and believe that there is reason for everything.

“I know it would be difficult

The governor added that it would be difficult to understand, but that God has a purpose for everything, as he consoled both Olaleye Ajayi and Ighodalo’s families.

PastorItuahIghodalo,inhiscomment, said it takes the grace of God to live without a second half.

APGA Clears Soludo,Three Others for Anambra Governorship Primaries Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Ahead of the November 6, 2021, governorship election in Anambra State, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has cleared former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and three other aspirants to contest its party’s governorship primary scheduled for June 23.

Others cleared were Damian

Chibuzor Okolo, ThankGod Christopher Ibe, and Christopher Okwudili Ezenwankwo This was contained in the report of the screening committee signed, and by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Ifeanyi Mbaeri.

The screening held on June 10, 2021, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja saw eight aspirants who bought nomination forms to contest for the primary

elections on the platform of the party filing out to face the screening committee.

The screening committee, however, disqualified Ifeanyi Odera Ozoka, Nonso Okafor, Sullivan Akachukwu Nwankpo, Michael Chukwuma Umeoji, and Cater Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu.

According to the report of the committee, some of those disqualified were not cleared for reasons ranging from not having

spent up to 18 months in the party; defiance and insubordination to party authority and supremacy; and not registering as a voter in the state.

They, however, advised those not cleared that they are “at liberty to exercise their right of appeal in writing only, as stipulated

by Article 10(1) of the APGA Electoral Guidelines for the state governorship primary election 2021.”

38

TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Dangote Fertilizer Targets Central, W’African, USA, S’American Markets Dike Onwuamaeze The Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects & Portfolio Development, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Mr. Devakumar Edwin, has disclosed that the Dangote Fertilizer Plant (DFP) would target markets in West and Central Africa as well as the United States of America and South American countries for the sale of its urea fertilizer

products.

Some of the South American markets being targeted by the DIL, according to Edwin, include Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay.

He said: “We have good markets in West Africa and Central Africa. South America is a big market too. Even the United States of America is also a big market. We have customers from the USA and South America

APC will Have No Place in Nigeria after 2023, Says PDP Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have no place in the post-Buhari Nigeria, given the resolution by Nigerians to return the country to the path of peace, unity and economic prosperity, “which can never be attained if APC is allowed to govern beyond 2023.”

The PDP noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to launder the APC to remain in power after his tenure would amount to an effort in futility “as Nigerians are no longer ready to put up with the wickedness of the APC in its atrocious activities, treasury looting and ‘Janjaweed’ ideology

of violence, with which they have held the country captive in the last six years.”

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “Our party has been informed of how desperate APC leaders, who have been indicted for treasury looting and aiding of terrorism in our country are blackmailing President Buhari to use his media interviews to canvass the perpetuation of APC in power so as to shield them from prosecution at the inevitable end of his tenure in 2023.

“The PDP is already aware of how such individuals have been trying to force the president to commence an early campaign for the APC.”

Veteran Journalist Suggests Solutions to Insecurity A veteran journalist, Akogun Tola Adeniyi, has suggested ways of achieving an end to the rampaging security challenges in the country.

Adeniyi, a former Chairman of Daily Times of Nigeria, said that since some people in government had already admitted that some foreign Fulanis were imported into the country for a reason in 2015, the government should dispossess the mercenaries of their weapons and drive them out of Nigeria.

Adeniyi aired his views while fielding questions from a panel of discussants on People’s Arena, a state-of-the-nation forum on Facebook.

“The militias rampaging the land were, by own admission, imported into the country by the government... and it was for a purpose. Now they have gone out of control and both the unitary government in Abuja, the affected state governments, and poor victims are forced to pay huge

ransoms.

“The only way to get out of it is for those who brought them into the country to do a dirty job to get them out and dispossess of their lethal weapons “Government at the centre must be honest to itself...all these bandits are not ghosts...who are they? What’s their identity? Answers must be provided to these questions before we can get to the root of this crazy terrorism.

“Who is killing them in Zamfara?

Who is killing them in Katsina? Who are the farmers in Kebbi? Who are the people killing the farmers and why?”

A discussant and former gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Olu Falana noted that “a lot of Nigerians appear petrified with all that is going on and seem unable to assert their rights under any conventional statutory norms, he therefore asked

who have been discussing with us in the past six months. Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Columbia are fertilizerconsuming nations that depend on imports. We have good urea fertilizer products that can compete with products from Russia in the South American market.”

Edwin pointed out that the DIL would not focus on East Africa region even though that it has a good potential market because it would be easier and much more economical for the region to get supply from the Middle

annual need of one million tonnes with its three million tonnes per annum capacity fertilizer plant.

He also disclosed that the DIL would not be limited to the production of urea fertilizer but would produce the entire bouquet of fertilizer products that could offer varieties to its customers.

Edwin also said that the DIL hoped for favourable return on investment and projected to recoup its investment of over $2 billion between seven and ten years.

He also disclosed that a bag of the Dangote fertilizer would be sold at N8,800, but refused to speak on whether it would be subsidised by the government or not.

“As you know, it is for the government to make the decision and I will not like to get into that. Ours is to concentrate on the production and supply by ensuring that the best quality fertilizer is produced and distributed adequately so that farmers will get their fertilizer in time,” he said.

PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS...

L-R: An estate surveyor and valuer, Mr. Adedotun Bamigbola; Group Managing Director, John Holt Plc, Dr. Christopher Ezeh, and Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Lagos State Branch, Mrs. Olabisi Demola-Alade, during a visit to John Holt Plc for a demonstration of John Holt Rapid Intervention Vehicle (JH-RIV), in Lagos ... recently

Old Grazing Reserves Law Applied Only to Northern States, Says Falana Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has disclosed that the Grazing Reserves Act of 1964 which President Muhammadu Buhari was bent on reviving was only applicable to northern Nigeria in the 1960s.

In a statement issued on Sunday and titled, ‘President Buhari

Should Embrace Ranching,’ Falana argued that the Grazing Reserves Act of 1964 was not a law of general application because the “Western Region, Mid-Western Region and the Eastern Region had ranches for animal husbandry.”

Falana, therefore, advised

Buhari to promote ranching instead of attempting to revive grazing routes.

The human rights lawyer stated that in 2016, the federal government announced that it had acquired 55,000 hectares of land in 11 states for grazing of cattle.

“Shortly thereafter the federal

government adopted cattle colony or Ruga Policy. But due to the opposition which greeted the concept of cattle colony in many quarters the federal government jettisoned the policy and adopted the Livestock Transformation Policy including ranching in 2018,” Falana recalled.

New ‘Bakassi’ Security Outfit Emerges in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka An unorthodox security outfit has emerged in Anambra State to help other security agencies rid the state of cultists and other criminal elements.

The ‘Bakassi-structured’ security outfit, it was learnt, had already swung into action by allegedly killing and burning six suspected

criminals in Awka, the state capital, yesterday.

THISDAY gathered that the vigilance group began work in Awka last Saturday and swung into action immediately.

A source said: “The ‘boys’ came mainly for alleged cult groups which have taken over Awka town in recently without any response from the police force.

“We don’t know who they are, but they have been apprehending and killing suspected criminals on the spot.”

However, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ikenga Tochukwu, denied any knowledge of such security outfit.

According to Tochukwu, “I don’t have any such detail before me. Meanwhile, I will make

enquires and get back to you.”

However, a senior police officer, who spoke with journalists in confidence, said some security men arrived in the state, but failed to confirm who they are and where they came from.

According to the source, “That’s the only thing I can tell you for now; let’s see how things work out in days and weeks to come

NDDC: Itsekiri Leaders Caution against Reappointment of Former Board Members

Francis Ogbolu for Burial June 25

SundayOkobi

A Knight of Saint John International (KSJI), marketing icon, community leader, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Sir Francis Njokanma Ogbolu, aged 89, is dead.

His burial rite begins on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 5pm with a Vigil Mass at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Abuedo Quarters,Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South LGA, Delta State.

A Requiem Mass holds at 11am on Friday, June 25,2021 at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Abuedo Quarters,UbuluUku,while internment follows immediately after mass at his family compound.

Reception will take place thereafter at Abuedo Primary School, Abuedo Quarters,

Leader of the Itsekiri nation in Delta State, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, has cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate against reappointing members of the dissolved substantive board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

She stated that doing so would

Ubulu-Uku. On Sunday, June 27, at 9am,a Thanksgiving Service will hold at the above church.

He is survived by children, grand and great grandchildren, relations, among others.

East because of shipping cost.

He also disclosed that the DIL would soon commission its port facilities for export of fertilizer to generate foreign exchange.

He said: “If you go to the ports you will see that we have big ship holders. And we about to commission the first ship loader that has been fully assembled and we are also building a second ship loader so that we can load the ships automatically.”

He told journalists during the weekend that the DIL has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s

amount to violation of the Act that established the interventionist agency.

The right activist also insisted that the communities with the highest oil production quantum in Delta State should produce the leadership of the commission.

In a letter she sent to President Buhari through her counsel, Mr. BJ Akomolafe, which was made available to THISDAY yesterday, the veteran

journalist urged the president to be guided by the law in making decision on NDDC to avoid litigations and other consequences.

TheletterwasalsocopiedtheAttorney GeneralofFederation(AGF)andMinister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Niger Delta, GodswillAkpabio, and SenateCommitteeChairmanonNDDC, Sen Peter Nwoboshi.

The letter read: “We humbly

write to inform your excellency on the instructions of Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, representing the Ugbodede community in Itsekiri land; Rev Dr. Jackson Omasanjuwa representing Bateren community, and Edward Milverton Omagbemi representing Omadino community of Warri South Local GovernmentArea of Delta State.

We shall hereafter refer to them as our clients.

John Holt Partners Nigerian Institution of Estate andValuers

Ogbolu

John Holt Plc partners with The Nigerian Institution of Estate and Valuers (NIESV) at the recently held Honours Nite, a biennial award event of the Lagos State branch of NIESV. The NIESV Lagos State branch holds this event to recognise the contributions of real estate firms and other relevant

industries to the economy. The event saw El Alan Group winning the John Holt Plc Award for Most Outstanding Development.

John Holt Plc, the major sponsor of the event, used the opportunity to introduce its Rapid Intervention Vehicle (JH-RIV) to members of NIESV Lagos State branch.

Speaking at the event, senior Executive, John Holt Plc, Mr. Kris Nwachukwu, who represented the Group Managing Director of John Holt Plc, said the JH-RIV is a complete, advance, rapid response, lightweight extinguishing system that is integrated with water and foam tanks (Dual Agent System)

He added that the product which is already being deployed by several organisations can be effectively used by estates, office complexes, car parks/ garages, markets, schools, hospitals and other facilities where lives and properties need to be secured.

39

TUESDAY JUNE 15, 2021 ˾ THISDAY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

AFN Crisis: Two Presidents Emerge in Elections in Kebbi, Abuja Gusau re-elected, Okowa’s board to be inaugurated today

Duro Ikhazuagbe The crisis rocking the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) took a new dimension yesterday with the emergence of two presidents for the track and field federation at elections held in Kebbi and Abuja respectively.

Incumbent President, Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, who has been having running battles with most members of the immediate past board was re-elected at the Congress he called in Kebbi with Sunday Adeleye and Nneka Ikem Anibeze as his first and second vice presidents respectively.

Barely an hour later, Chairman of Delta State Athletics Association, Chief Tonobok Okowa was elected unopposed as president of the AFN at an Elective Congress of the federation with Fidelis Tafida Gadzama, a member of the Sydney 2000 Olympics gold-winning 4x400m relay team as his first vice president.

Former African record holder in the triple jump and 1995 African Games champion, Rosa Collins, was elected the second vice president.

Okowa polled 41 votes with three voided in the Abuja election presided over by a former Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Elias Gora.

Reports from Kebbi claimed Gusau polled 20 votes while his challenger, Uche Muoma, got just two votes from the 22 delegates present at the venue of the Congress called based on the AFN constitution as amended at Awka in 2020.

Speaking after his victory in Abuja, Okowa affirmed that his mandate as President would prioritise athletes and coaches welfare.

Okowa said:”First of all, my mandate is all about the Athletes and Coaches. We ‘ll make sure we give them an enabling environment to succeed.

We will give priority to welfare package. We have to draw up our programme and ensure we do proper budget especially the one that will favour the Athletes and Coaches and ensure they excel” In his own acceptance speech in Kebbi, Gusau thanked the delegates for their support in making his first term a success while counting on their continued support for the next 4 years.

“This is really humbling.

I will like to thank all the delegates for finding time to come to Kebbi in the face of intimidation.

“We call on everybody to join hands with us to build athletics because the 14 of us (board members) cannot do it alone.

He revealed that, “Very soon, we will be constituting Commissions to oversee the daily affairs of the federation while we have time to face other serious matters.”

He thanked the World Athletics and the Confederation of African Athletics for their continued support as he hopes for stronger ties with the two bodies.

The two elections in Kebbi and Abuja are the fallout of the infightings that have characterized the last four years of the immediate past board of the federation.

NPFL: LMC Slams Kano Pillars with N8.5m Fine, Three Points Deduction Kano Pillars have been slammed with a N8.5million fine and three points suspended deductions for the infractions that led to the discontinuation of the Matchday 27 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game with Akwa United last Sunday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna?

The League Management Company (LMC) announced yesterday that Kano Pillars were fined N5million for breaching the Covid-19 Protocol by admitting and/ or permitting spectators and supporters into the venue of the match.

The Sai Masu Gida were also charged and fined N2.5million for the encroachment of their supporters onto the field of play, thereby disrupting the match.

For failing to provide adequate security at the match venue, another N1million was slammed on Pillars.

LMC also imposed sanction of three points deduction on Kano Pillars but will be suspended for the duration of the remainder of the NPFL season, subject to good conduct.

“The club also face a venue sanction of being banned from their Kaduna home ground and subsequently moved to another venue if there is a recurring event.”

Kano Pillars have been directed to submit a revised security plan within 7 days and ensure they comply strictly with Covid-19 Protocol.

All subject to approval by the LMC. The club however have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal these sanctions.

Despite interventions in the AFN crisis by both the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and the World Athletics, both Gusau and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development-backed board members stuck to their guns and refused to yield ground.

Gusau who by the 2017 constitution has the right to call the elective congress opted to use the 2020 document he amended at an improperly convened Congress in Awka. That document created a non existing position of a Director General in the

history of the federation so as to sidetrack the Sports ministry appointed Secretary General who is the chief accounting officer.

Although the new board of the AFN led by Okowa will be inaugurated today at the media centre of the Moshood Abiola Stadium

in the Federal Capital City, there were fears in athletics circles in the country last night t hat t he gains mad e in t he s po r t s in t he las t d ec ad e are about to be eroded with unnecessary litigations and possible ban by the world body.

Ibrahim Shehu Gusau (left) and Tonobok Okowa were elected at Kebbi and Abuja respectively yesterday to lead the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Chinese Community in Lagos Rewards Edo 2020 Medallists Femi Solaja In fulfilment of the promise it made before the Games, the Chinese Community in Nigeria last weekend rewarded all the Kung Fu medalists at the last Edo 2020 National Sports Festival.

At a colorful ceremony held in Lagos and jointly organised by the Nigeria HuaxingArt Troupe/Wushu Development Association of Nigeria, the Chairman of Chinese Industrial and Commercial Entrepreneur Association, Dr Eric Ni, said the reward to the athletes was the confirmation of good relationship

that has existed between China and Nigeria.

Although Kung Fu was a non-scoring event that made its debut at the national multi-sport event last March, the monetary reward were given to the six best performers at the Festival.

Among the recipient of the cash award include; Oluremi Phillip Adedokun, Austin Esther Douye, Shittu Modinat, Iyanu Okiki Oladele, Eweje Yusuf Leye and Nwobilor Francis Tochukwu.

Gold medallists were given N200,000 while silver medal winner and bronze winners

smiled home with N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.

During the presentation ceremony, Mr. Ni explained that it is the wish of the Chinese Community to continue to reward Nigerian youths in talent development and groom them to be among the best in the world.

“We have been in Nigeria for almost 60 years and meaning we are together in nation’s building programmes for such a long time.

We want to help build youths of the nation both in sports and cultural development.

Former Olympic champion,

Chioma Ajuwa, who was invited to give motivational talk to the athletes commended Mr. Ni for the initiative stressing that the youths of today are privileged to enjoy such donations as against her own developmental stage.

She urged the youths to take advantage given to them by the Chinese Community to development themselves and achieve greater goals both in sports and education.

Aside the monetary reward, the Chinese Community also donated sporting equipment to the Kung Fu Federation.

Ronaldo Ready for ‘Perfect’ Euro 2020 Opener against Hungary Former World Footballer of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday said that he was looking forward to beginning Euro 2020 in front of a packed Puskas Arena against Hungary as he prepares to lead defending champions Portugal in their search for a repeat triumph.

At 36 years old Ronaldo is set take the field in front of 68,000 fans in the Hungarian capital today in what should be Portugal’s simplest match in a tough Group F alongside Germany and world champions France.

“It’s perfect. I wish every single venue could host a full house. It’s great for viewers and players, but sadly it’s not up to us to decide,” said Ronaldo.

“We know the pandemic has its influence. I wish we could always play before a full house.”

Portugal have lost Joao Cancelo from their squad to

Covid-19 after the Manchester City right-back tested positive for the virus on Sunday, but Ronaldo says the team are not worrying about the pandemic.

“We don’t talk about Covid because we’re tired of it. It’s a sad situation but we’re focused...

Nothing will shake us... We’re just focused on playing.

“I think the team is ready, physically and emotionally.

The players are young but that doesn’t stop us from dreaming. I know all the players are ready.”

The Portugal captain is set to become the first person to play in at least one match at five European Championships, and also has another record in sight.

He needs just five more goals to equal Iranian Ali Daei’s alltime mark of 109 international goals, a feasible target at this summer’s tournament should Portugal go deep.

“I’m not the same player I was 18 years ago, 10 years ago, five years ago... you keep adjusting,” said Ronaldo.

“I’m more mature, if a player wants to play for many years he needs to learn how to adapt.

From 18 to 36 years old I’ve learned to adjust and adapt, and I’ve always been able to win personally and collectively.”

A win over the Magyars would go a long way to ensuring Portugal qualify for the next round at least as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams as coach Fernando Santos targets two Euro titles in a row with a talented squad.

“Right now we think we have what it takes to win the cup,” said Santos.

“There are very good opponents, seven or eight teams are playing to take the trophy home, and there are dark horses who also

think they have a chance.

The only difference is that we hold the title.”

Cristiano Ronaldo...Set for cup defence against Hungary

Tuesday June 15, 2021

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Soyinka to Buhari “And then somebody sits in Aso Rock and says to them that well, there is a cattle constitution, I am instructing my attorney general to dig up some kind of law, colonial law which arbitrated between farmers and herders...”

– Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, condemning President Buhari’s language during his recent interview.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Interviewing President Buhari I

have been privileged to interview quite a number of world leaders in the course of my journalism career. These include President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Ketumile Masire of Botswana, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Commonwealth Secretary General Shridath Ramphal, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan etc.. not to talk of holding the microphone across the world in the presence of countless Presidents in my then capacity as President Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesperson. But no other encounter held as much memory and nostalgic feelings for me as my return to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Wednesday, June 9 to interview Nigerian incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

It was my first return, not to the Villa itself, but to the President’s Residence since President Jonathan was driven out of that environment on May 29, 2015. As I walked from the parking lot in the Residence as we call it, I took in the familiar surroundings. I recalled I used to walk along the same paths, on a daily basis, as frequently as duty demanded. One day, we all followed our principal out of the Main Gate. How transient power can be.

A sense of home and exile is definitely imprinted on the pavestones in the corridors of power. Today, you can pound it as if you were the mason who arranged the interlocking stones. Tomorrow, you could be exiled by circumstances from the same space, and your brief sojourn, with the effluxion of time, becomes a distant, fading memory.

As I stepped on every stone leading to the Residence, my mind travelled to the past. I felt as if I was in a trance. I was soon woken up by the words of welcome of the security men at the entrance. I was surprised some of the boys from the past were still on duty. Past the security check-point is the Red Carpet, the outer reception of the Residence. I walked in and sank into a seat.

Red Carpet! This was where President Jonathan held his early morning devotions, with members of his family and some aides who were always in the Villa for early morning worship. The Christian devotion usually started around 6 am, by which time, in those days, the President would have shown up at the Red Carpet to start the day with prayers. Christian Presidents in Nigeria usually appoint a Chaplain for the church in the Villa. His job includes overseeing this early morning devotion.

The red carpet was also where we, members of the President’s Main Body – Special Adviser Media, Chief Physician, SCOP, CSO, ADC, Chief Detail, PA, often sat if the President was sitting in the main living room, attending to a guest and we needed space to chat and relax. I saw some members of President Buhari’s Main Body last week also sitting in that same Red Carpet, as we waited. It was like old times. I was in the Villa with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of the ARISE/ THISDAY Media Group, owners of THISDAY newspaper and ARISE TV, along with Olusegun Adeniyi, former Presidential spokesperson during the Yar’Ádua administration, now Chairman of the THISDAY Newspaper Editorial Board, and Ms Tundun Abiola, lawyer, daughter of the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the 1993 June 12 Presidential election and ARISE TV anchor, to interview President Buhari.

The interview was aired on Thursday, June 10 during The Morning Show on ARISE TV and has been repeated in other bulletins on the station since then. This is one media interview that has generated more commentary than any other in the past five years in Nigeria. Quotes have been taken from it. It has been curated to the last detail.

It has been reproduced on virtually every channel, local and international. Essays have been written on it and every part of it dimensioned for analysis.

This particular media interview has thus exerted an elephantine impact on the public imagination with each viewer or commentator slicing off his or

Buhari her own share of the meaty conversation. Others have described it as an exclusive and a scoop.

On Friday, June 11, another interview with President Buhari was aired by the governmentowned Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) but that has been treated as an anti-climax, an afterthought and a veritable evidence of the lack of trust in government and its institutions. Nonetheless, the excitement that has been demonstrated over the Buhari interview(s) owes in part to the status of public perception about the President’s unwillingness to communicate directly with the people who elected him into power in 2015 and 2019. For the better part of his six years in power, President Buhari has engaged more with Nigerians through third parties, spokespersons and press statements. Other Presidents before him appeared regularly on Presidential Media Chats during which they responded to the people’s concerns. Not this President. In six years, he has not granted one Presidential media chat. Other Presidents gave one on one interviews to media houses, or even stand-up interviews with reporters. This President has been unusually reticent and absent. On the few occasions that he has spoken to the press, he did so with foreign journalists, a counter-productive move that merely infuriated Nigerian stakeholders. As his spokespersons churned out press releases and statements clarifying previous releases, in the face of rising wave of insecurity, violence and confusion in the land, Nigerians demanded that they would rather have the man they voted for speak to them.

The absence of the President’s personal voice eventually resulted in conspiracy theories which flourished unabated. Opposition elements argued that Nigeria no longer had a President but a Presidency that had been taken over by a cabal. They argued that the elected President died a while ago and had been replaced by a body clone called Jibrin from Sudan. For effect, they added that even the First Lady was aware of this and hence, her trenchant criticisms of the government and her husband’s aides. Commentators like Farooq Kperogi, claiming insider knowledge of Aso Villa and its actors, in seductive prose, told Nigerians many tales about how their President had succumbed to a combination of dementia and senility and government had been taken over by unscrupulous persons who call the shots in the President’s name.

The big lesson in retrospect is that when a President distances himself from the people, and refuses to engage them as we see leaders in other parts do, he unwittingly encourages conspiracy theories about a vacuum in power and the politics of absence and/or indifference at the highest levels.

Whoever advised President Buhari to grant media interviews last week and also address the nation on Saturday, June 12, did him a big favour. The intensity of media appearance was a good move,

even if it came rather late. Nigerians may disagree with some of the things the President said in his media outings, but many of the myths constructed around him have been exploded, and that must be helpful to his administration. The man that our team sat with and interviewed didn’t sound like a Jibrin from Sudan. He was alert, alive, informed, confident, relaxed, witty and capable of disarming humour. He was not the invalid or the senile old man that his critics say he is. He didn’t sound weak either. As the interview progressed, he had another function that he needed to attend, and we didn’t leave the Villa until about 11 pm. Less than 12 hours later, the same man, the following day was in Lagos to commission rail, maritime, and security projects. His submission to a media conversation is also a form of protection for his spokespersons. Many have accused Garba Shehu, Femi Adesina and Alhaji Lai Mohammed of speaking for themselves, and not for the President, but we have all seen a President, speaking for himself, whose views do not contradict what his aides have been telling us. Our interview with him also proved the point that there is no doubting the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari is effectively in charge. He knows what is going on.

And he showed no hesitation in restating some of his reported views and taking ownership of them despite the controversial nature of those views. Every President has his or her own style but deliberately playing possum should not be part of that style. President Buhari should speak more often to Nigerians. He should sit down at Presidential media chats. Nigeria is not a feudal system where the aristocrat treats the people with disdain. In a democracy, the man of power is accountable to the people who expect their leaders to continually justify why they must be in power and office.

The reactions to our interview have been mixed, I guess, understandably. The problem with being a journalist however, is that everyone claims to know the job better than the man in the arena, more so because Nigeria is afflicted by a yet undeclared pandemic that I have since labelled opinionitis.

We must get a vaccine for that. Nigeria is the only country I know where everybody is a universal expert on every subject, including the mating habits of porcupines and the nightlife of witches and wizards. People wake up in the morning with ready-made opinions even about news that they have not read or seen, and they are ready to go town with all the energy they woke up with. With due respect, I think our team asked serious and relevant questions, which brought out Buhari, the man, the person, the persona and the leader. But Nigerians still raise questions. I have been told for example that when the President said he would keep the question about what his government intends to do about Twitter to his heart, we should have followed up with an attack.

Fine. The President spoke his mind. But were we supposed to rip out his heart from his chest to find out what he was keeping there? His answer was revealing enough. When he spoke about the neighbouring Republic of Niger, he focussed more on the economic advantages of engaging Niger, on government to government, business to business and people to people basis, but the only word his critics heard was that he referred to having cousins in that country. Were we expected to turn into his media advisers at that point? I do not intend to defend our work. But the conversation and debate that have been generated by the Arise TV interview is enough proof that this was a useful, impactful, and path-finding contribution to public conversation. What we did was not a celebrity showcase, but serious journalism.

The ground-breaking nature of that interview must be further situated within the context of the different reactions to it along the North-South

Nigerian divide. It must be noted that the feedback from the North has been overwhelmingly positive.

From the South, majorly negative. The President referred to IPOB, the Indigenous People of Biafra, as a “dot in a circle”. He proceeded to talk about how IPOB, he meant Igbos, are in every part of the country and how they will not be allowed to exit. He repeated the point that if they try to do so, government will speak to them in the language they will understand. The police and the military will be sent after them. Southerners including the Yoruba Afenifere group are angry about this. But the Hausa/Fulani are happy that the President spoke firmly. It didn’t matter to them that he also added in that interview that bandits in the North will also be spoken to in “the language that they will understand.”

When asked what he will do after retirement, whether he will set up a Presidential Library or not, the President did not refer to any library, he said he will return to his farm in Katsina and tend the cows in his farm. In that breath, the President identified with every cattle owner in the country.

Southern commentators think he should set up a library, but the man made it clear he would rather attend to cows. He would later talk about grazing routes that need to be reinstated in line with a First Republic Gazette. Southern Nigerians have been up in arms because of that statement.

They are quoting the ruling of Justice Adewale Thompson in Suit AB/26/66 of April 1969 in the Abeokuta Division of the High Court in which the learned Justice described the grazing of cows as “repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience”. That ruling has not yet been set aside 52 years after. They also quote Sections 1 and 2 of the Land Use Act which vests ownership of land in the states, which means that in 2021, the President is not in a position to enforce a 1960s gazette on open grazing, more so as states of the South and the Middle Belt have imposed a ban on open grazing in their jurisdictions. Many Northerners think Southerners are talking nonsense, and are just being intolerant.

When asked about zoning and succession within his party, the President made the point that determining the future of the party is the responsibility of the party not his, and that it is not something that anyone can sit in Lagos and decide.

This turned out to be the most salacious part of the Arise TV interview. Southern commentators have stretched that comment to its point of elasticity and attached a name to it: that of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Presidency has had to issue a statement to debunk the auto-suggestions. Southern Nigerians are not impressed. They see this, and the President’s laboured justification of his nepotism in appointments as a confirmation of the fault lines in his government. Northerners don’t see any issue here. Similarly, there have been, in the course of the weekend, equally partisan, ethnic responses to the President’s claims about creating 10.5 million jobs in 2 years and the sectional spectacle of June 12 protests and celebration. What came across to Buhari’s opponents is the persona of a President with a military mind-set, an ethnic champion who is still fighting the civil war, and who cares little about public opinion.

The Buhari interview has further revealed how divided we are as a nation, and the crisis of social cohesion that we face. Nigeria is more divided today than at any other time in our history. And certainly, the President’s responses reinforce this conclusion because his main constituencies and supporters see nothing fundamentally wrong with his media statements in the last few days. With his responses, Buhari chose his audience tactically.

People should stop saying he did not understand the questions. He did, and he made his point. And I insist: that was a very good interview, and an opportunity for the entire country.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com