TUESDAY 17TH AUGUST 2021

Kyari: Host Communities to Get $500m Annually from New PIA New petroleum Act marks beginning of full deregulation Emmanuel Addeh and James Emejo in Abuja The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, yesterday calmed frayed

nerves among some indigenes of oil producing communities in the Niger Delta, maintaining that the three per cent approved under the new Petroleum Industry Act could be bigger than what the Niger Delta Development Commission

(NDDC) currently gets.

Speaking when he appeared on Arise Television, THISDAY’s broadcast arm, Kyari noted that given about $16 billion total expenditure by the oil and gas sector last year, host oil

communities could earn as much as $500 million yearly if the trend continues.

The new law mandates the payment of three per cent of oil companies' operating expenses in the previous year to the host oil

communities, which are mostly in the Niger Delta.

The GMD noted that whereas the oil-producing communities could not determine what projects would be located in their areas before now, from now on, the new

legislation ensures that they largely control their funds and projects in the communities.

Kyari said although in the past there were attempts to make sure Continued on page 10

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Expect More Intervention Projects in 2022, FG Assures N’Deltans Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal government has told people of the Niger Delta region to expect more intervention projects in 2022, declaring that it was passionately seeking better

and faster ways of delivering dividends to the people of the region.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio stated this during the commissioning/handing over of

the youth corps members’ lodge and viewing centre constructed by his ministry in Koroma Tai Community, Tai Local Government of Rivers State.

Akpabio, who was represented by a management

staff in Housing and Urban Development Department of the ministry, Mr. Ephraim Brigid, urged the community to be dedicated to the protection and maintenance of the facilities in their area as government

compliments the effort.

A statement issued by the Director, Press/PR in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Patricia Deworitshe, quoted the minister as describing the lodge/viewing

centre as one of the gains and achievements recorded under the 'change agenda' of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He urged the Niger Delta region to expect more Continued on page 8

Watershed Moment, As Buhari Signs Petroleum Act to Overhaul Oil Industry Senate President, Speaker, OPEC, NEITI, industry stakeholders hail new legislation PDP, PANDEF, IJC kick against Act, condemn assent, say President has demonstrated he is not a listening leader Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh, Udora Orizu in Abuja and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa In a historic move yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), a piece of legislation that will serve as the framework for the operations in the oil and gas industry.

The legislation which has suffered several setbacks since 2008, when it was first presented to the National Assembly, aims at removing legal and regulatory uncertainties that have held back the industry’s growth.

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provides legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, the development of host communities, Continued on page 10

Biden Defends Afghanistan Policy Amid Mounting Criticism of Withdrawal... Page 58

A NEW ERA BEGINS...

President Muhammadu Buhari signing the Petroluem Industry Bill into law at the Presidential Villa , Abuja ....yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

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

APC GOVERNORS COMMISERATE WITH THE ABIODUNS… Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru; Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu; host governor Dapo Abiodun and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Bunu when All Progressives Congress chieftains paid a condolence visit to the Abioduns on the demise of their patriarch, Dr Emmanuel Abiodun, at their family house in Iperu on Monday

NEF to Buhari, Lalong: Reactions to Jos Killings Must Produce Immediate Results Gov promises not to allow violence degenerate into religious Crisis NLC, NGO, northern group condemn attacks

Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has condemned the recent attack and killing of travelers in Jos North, Plateau State, saying the reactions of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, must produce immediate results in the arrests and prosecutions of the perpetrators.

But Lalong, on Monday, described the killings as an act of criminality that must not be allowed to degenerate into a religious crisis.

Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), a NonGovernmental Organisation, Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM) and a Northern association,, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) have condemned the development, while at the same time demanded arrest and prosecution of those behind the dastardly acts.

However, the Northern Elders Forum, in its intervention, warned that under no circumstances must the heinous crime be ignored or treated as a routine.

Director of Publicity and Advocacy of the Forum, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in a statement issued Monday, stated that it was shocked by the cold blooded murder of scores of travelers by locals in Jos. The Forum, while condoling with families of those murdered, appealed to all communities to show the highest levels of restraint and tolerance, stressing that killings and reprisals only endanger the lives of more people, most of them innocent.

It said: "Notwithstanding the fact that most of the North of Nigeria is now a virtual killing field, this particular incident is an outrageous provocation, and it compounds the deteriorating community relations in this and many parts of the region."

"The Forum has taken note of the statement of President Muhammadu Buhari and the steps taken by Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong. These reactions must produce immediate

results in arrests and prosecutions.

Under no circumstances must this heinous crime be ignored or treated as routine."

The Forum, therefore, called the attention of leaders at all levels to the increasing vulnerability of Nigerians to armed criminality and deteriorating relations among many communities.

It said it was important that the citizens were made to feel safer and more secure and that every Nigerian must be made to know that there would be consequences for their actions, or the country would sink deeper into lawlessness and anarchy.

Lalong, while on an on-thespot assessment of the affected areas alongside the head of the Inspector General Special Squad, DIG Sanusi Lemu, said, "We in Plateau want to continue to stay in peace but criminal elements are always working to take us backward.

“Attacks on innocent citizens, no matter their religions or backgrounds will never be tolerated in Plateau State and those who are found to be behind such attacks will be dealt with decisively to serve as deterrant, and to restore public order.

"We would ensure that those arrested are made to face the full wrath of the law. We have done a lot to ensure peace in the state, and cannot sit back and watch miscreants take us back to dark old days."

Senator representing Plateau South, Prof. Nora Daduut, also condemned the attacks that led to the deaths of commuters in Jos as heineous, calling on law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a press statement, Daduut called on citizens of the state to live in peace with one another as there was no alternative to peace coexistence.

She commended the Governor and security operatives for their proactiveness and called on citizens to cooperate with them to ensure lasting peace in the state.

The NLC, in a statement by its president, Ayuba Wabba, said, "This incident further highlights the

deteriorating security situation in our country. There is no gainsaying the fact that we are really living in dangerous times in Nigeria.

"We commiserate with the families of the victims of this heinous crime and we pray for repose on the souls of the faithful departed".

NLC said whatever was the motivation for the barbaric and atrocious murder of the 22 innocent travellers was totally unacceptable and condemnable, adding that the incident was another sign that the country was steadily losing her humanity.

The CPPM in a statement by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Nelson Ekujumi, also lamented the action.

"We are indeed saddened and traumatised by this heinous crime

against God, humanity and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by agents of darkness, who perpetrated this evil act and insist that they must be fished out to face the full wrath of the law at all cost within the confines of the law."

Ekujumi, however, commended the security agencies, especially, operatives of Operation Safe Haven and the Nigeria Police, whom, he said monitored and responded promptly to distress call in reducing the carnage by rescuing some of the victims and accessing them medical assistance.

"We must also commend President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Simon Lalong for their prompt condemnation and directives to security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this

act of barbarism and criminality," he added.

The Coalition of Northern Groups, while addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, through its spokesperson, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, expressed shock that unarmed Muslims, who were in a convoy of five buses were waylaid at Rukaba, Jos, forced to disembark and dozens of them killed in cold blood.

The group noted that the latest incident of highway ambush and killings by the criminals was not an isolated case but part of a coordinated mega plot to give the crisis a religious coloration to cause greater conflict in the North.

It lamented that the main actors in the perpetuated highway ambushes and killings have been

left on the scene over the last decade to exploit the huge vacuum in the government’s political will and capacity to arrest the escalation of avoidable conflicts.

"We categorically warn the perpetrators of such highway murders and their sponsors that people's patience has reached the point where any further ambush and attack would not be tolerated henceforth.

"We demand thorough investigation, arrest and diligent prosecution of the criminals that blocked and killed innocent travelers on such public highways as the Rukuba junction in Gada biyu, Abuja and Barikin Ladi roads in Plateau State and other locations in Kaduna and Benue States," it stated.

Compensate Families of Those You Killed or Face Legal Action, Masari Tells Customs As lawmaker accuses agency of killing 25 people in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, on Monday, directed the Nigerian Customs Service to compensate families of those killed and injured by its operatives in Jibia Local Government Area or face legal action by the state government.

He also accused the Nigerian Customs Service under the leadership of Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) of working against the people of Katsina State, particularly those at the border communities in the state.

In the same vein, the Member representing Jibia-Kaita federal constituency, Hon. Sada Soli, has accused the operatives of the Customs Service of killing 25 persons in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.

Masari, who gave the directive, when he received the Service Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Assistant Controller General (ACG), Uba Mohammed, urged the service to arrest and prosecute its officers and driver involved in the Jibia incident.

A THISDAY report had it that

operatives of the NCS, while pursuing suspected smugglers in Jibia Lacal Government, on Aug 9, 2021, lost control and killed 10 persons and injured 20 others.

The governor called on the Nigerian Customs Services to liaise with other security agencies to identify and raid shops, where contraband were stored rather than reckless shootings and killings of innocent citizens of the state.

"There was a time you (Customs) were shooting sporadically and shouting right here inside the Katsina city, when bandits are there killing people. But you are also busy killing people,because of bags of rice on motorcycles, unfortunately.

"We are not condoling smuggling in any form but then you have criminalised people living within the border communities of Nigeria.

You don't even care. Life means nothing to you,because in the end you are going to declare in the federation account amount collected by the Customs.

"Today, if you are taking pure water from Katsina to Jibia you will pass not less than 28 checking points. Those 28 check points, they

are not check points but toll-gates.

You are making life miserable for people you suppose to serve.

"You are pursuing somebody on a motorcycle with five bags of rice as if you a pursuing a bandit. Look, for me, you have to compensate these people. Secondly, you must prosecute the driver and the officer, who directed him.

"We will not accept anything short of this. We are ready to test the legal system that gave you right to kill right inside the town.

There are only two things that will stop us from testing; you compensate those lives that you killed and prosecute the driver and the officer who is directing to pursue recklessly," he said.

On his part, Soli, who corroborated the governor’s position, said, "We are not happy with the conduct of the operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service.

In the course of three years, we have the records, the customs killed 25 people in Jibia, and this is the first time the killing is generating this kind interest.

"There are 2,000 villages on 156 borders from 21 states in this country but we did not experience

this kind of behaviour like the way we are experiencing in Katsina".

Dr. Bashir Ruwan-Godiya, who spoke on behave of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Katsina, said the CSOs in the state would no longer condone the attitude of the customs operatives in the state, declaring that, enough was enough.

He said: "There is no point whatsoever that somebody who is trained and given the opportunity to protect lives, will turn into a killer of lives because of rice.

"Your visit here is not enough and will not bring anything to us, unless we see action, change and difference in what is going on in these border communities".

The ACG Mohammed, said the service was not unmindful of its paramilitary responsibility,which was essentially to protect lives and described the incident as unfortunate.

"As part of the visit, the Controller-General, Rtd Col. Hamid Ali, has mandated us to interact with communities, leaders, the bereaved families and the victims of the accident with a view to report our findings," he said.

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Osinbajo: MultipleTaxation Killing SMEs at National, Sub-national Levels James Emejo in Abuja Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo yesterday expressed concern over the high mortality rate of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

The vice president lamented the rate at which small businesses were shutting down due mainly to tax -related issues, among others.

Osinbajo, who spoke at the maiden Abuja SME Conference and Exhibition, with the theme: "Solution Strategies for Resolving Tax, Regulatory, Packaging and Logistic Challenges Facing Nigerian SMEs,” which was organised by

the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), said, "the problem of taxation on the growth of SMEs is exacerbated by a lack of reliable data for statistical analyses."

He, however, assured that the current administration remains committed to improving the ease of doing business as well as encourage tax and fiscal responsibility in the country.

He said the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) had been doing a lot to address the thorny issue of multiple taxation which has a debilitating effect on the business environment.

Represented at the occasion by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum, the vice president specifically pointed out that SMEs were facing challenges of multiple taxation at the national and sub-national levels, non-clarity on the procedure and amount to pay and non-friendly tax administrators.

However, he further said the federal government, aware of the constraints affecting the business landscape had over the last two years, through the Finance Act 2019 and 2020, amended various tax and fiscal legislations to align

the Nigerian business environment with global standards.

He identified one of such amendments to be the categorisation of companies into small, medium, and large companies, based on annual gross turnover as seen in the Finance Act 2019, adding that the Act also has a strategic objectives to support small businesses in line with the ease of doing business reforms.

Osinbajo said in order for SMEs to sustain their role of contributing to the mainstream economy, they have to implement effective strategies in all of their

business operations, inclusive of logistics.

He said the function of logistics was important to SMEs because it is the quintessence of the organisation’s relationship with suppliers and customers.

He said though logistics, including high transportation costs, lack of quality delivery service and lack of quality infrastructure such as roads constituted major challenges, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had made massive investments in the railways, power and roads infrastructure all over the country trying to addressing

FLAG-OFF OF PHASE 2 COVID-19 VACCINATION… L R: President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah; Minister of State for Health, Sen. Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora and House of Representatives PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE Committee on COVID-19, Hon. Haruna Mshelia during the National Flag-Off of Phase 2 COVID-19 Vaccination at Federal Medical Center in Abuja... yesterday

NYSC Asks Corps Members to Avoid Night Travels Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.

Gen. Ibrahim Shuaibu,has called on all Corps members and prospective ones not to travel beyond 6pm, advising that should they be on the road by that time, they should approach the nearest military barracks or NYSC formations for accommodation.

The NYSC Director Press and Public Relations, Adenike Adeyemi quoted the DG saying, "Corps Members have been advised to approach military barracks, Corps Lodges, NYSC State Secretariats and palaces to pass the night whenever their journey is going beyond six in the evening."

Ibrahim gave the charge on Monday at a virtual address to Corps members marking the end of the 2021 Batch 'B' Stream One Orientation Course.

According to him, "The Scheme

had partnered the Federal Road Safety Corps, both at its National Headquarters in Abuja and at the state level, including the transport unions on the need to provide roadworthy vehicles and other modalities that would ensure accident-free journey for Corps Members while travelling."

The DG also admonished them not to board vehicles by the roadside, but rather go to designated motorparks in order

to ensure their safety.

He warned the Corps Members to be security conscious and avoid indulging in acts that could endanger their lives.

"All of you must be conscious of your security and you must not put yourselves in harm's way. You must not travel at night and for those of you going on relocation you must adhere to this instruction.

Go to the designated motor parks and under no condition must you

board vehicles by the roadside.

“Your parents have invested so much in you and they want return on their investment. The Federal Government cares for you, NYSC loves you and we don't want anything untoward to happen to you", he said.

The Director-General also urged them to sensitize Nigerians on the non-pharmaceutical safety protocols of COVID-19 as they were deployed to their places of

BanditsKillEightasVillagersBarricadeKatsina-FuntuaHighway Francis Sardauna in Katsina Angry villagers in Yantumaki community of Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday barricaded Katsina-Funtua highway over bandits' attack on Amarawa and other villagers in Matazu and Musawa councils that claimed eights lives.

It was gathered that most of the protesters were those displaced from their ancestral homes by the hoodlums across the three affected local governments, currently taking refuge in Yantumaki town.

THISDAY further gathered that the barricade forced hundreds of travellers, who were going to Funtua, Kaduna, Abuja,

Sokoto and Gusau to turn back and waited at Dutsin-ma until security operatives later cleared the highway.

One of the protesters, Ibrahim Nura, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that: "On Saturday midnight, bandits attacked Dagul village in Matazu, where they killed four people including the village head, Malam

EXPECT MORE INTERVENTION PROJECTS IN 2022, FG ASSURES N’DELTANS intervention projects as soon as the 2022 appropriation bill is passed.

The minister said: “This commissioning is only the beginning. The ministry is passionately seeking better and faster ways of delivering on its mandate. We have noted and learnt many lessons from the development of this project and will factor this into future projects."

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babayo Ardo, in his welcome address stated that the facilities were among the many projects being developed by the ministry in each of the nine Niger Delta states.

primary assignment.

"For you to be protected, please get yourselves vaccinated and in all the communities you will be deployed, sensitise the members that there is nothing harmful when one is vaccinated.

“Protect yourselves so that you can protect others. Don't let down your guards. You must adhere strictly to the non-pharmaceutical safety protocols of COVID-19", he said."

the issues.

He further described the theme of the conference as appropriate and timely, especially with the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA).

He said, "This is so because there are several African countries that have the scale to compete with Nigerian businesses in terms of productive capacity, packaging, exports and logistics.

"Consequently, Nigerian businesses would have to adapt to the new form of competition, on the back of the trade environment, created by the AfCFTA. "Additionally, Nigerian businesses must learn to position themselves to take advantage of the new markets that have been opened to them- a single market of 1.2 billion people and a cumulative GDP of over $3.4 trillion."

Describing SMEs as powerful tools for growing emerging economies such as Nigeria, the vice president, tasked stakeholders at the gathering to ponder on the challenges confronting the sector and come up with other practicable approaches that will see SMEs to excel.

In his remarks, President of ACCI, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, said the conference was convened to provide answers to the often repeated challenges facing SMEs in the country.

He pointed out that there are no shortage of analysis and reviews on problems facing SMEs, adding that, "What is missing is the creation and implementation of solutions by stakeholders."

"Our goal for this conference is to match problems with solutions alongside developing an implementation plan," he added.

Abubakar said the chamber remained one of the foremost advocates for businesses in Nigeria, particularly in the SME space.

According to him, multiple taxation had been identified as the principal headache killing SMEs and in effect, deepening unemployment in the country.

He explained: "We had proposed a legislation to harmonise taxation for SMEs. Our detailed submission also seeks a presidential executive order collating all current incentives for SMEs and issuing directive for due compliance.

"I want to re-emphasis and strongly recommend that tax harmonisation legislation should be preceded by a presidential executive order.

"This will enforce compliance with pro-SMEs initiatives and interventions of the government."

Ardo stated that history had been recorded since it was the first youth corps members’ lodge to be commissioned by the ministry in Rivers State.

“It is therefore one of the concrete example of the commitment and legacy of this administration,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Tai Local Government Chairman, Hon. Friday Mbakpone,stated that corps members played important roles in the community, school and offices and commended the ministry for providing comfort to the youth.

He pledged the readiness of his office to collaborate with any organisation, public or private

that wanted to provide some level of comfort for corps members.

In a related development, the Akpabio, while commissioning the Community Primary School, Tombia in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, stated that modern economy was knowledge-driven and the Niger Delta Region needed to be carried along.

He was referring to findings in UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report, which stated that poverty was directly connected to poor quality education and improvement in the quality of education could reduce poverty to as much as 30 per cent.

The minister, who was represented by the Director, Community Development and Education (CDE) Department, Sabo Adamu, stated that the ministry served as a primary vehicle to drive federal government’s intervention to fast-track socio-economic development in the Niger Delta region.

According to him, the ministry has made considerable progress in the area of infrastructure development, environmental remediation, human capital development and maintenance of peace and security for sustainable development.

Rabi'u Matazu.

"They cart away several household items, and also set many homes on fire and went away with scores of cows and other domestic animals. Also, on Saturday night, bandits attacked Ilali in Matazu, where they ransacked several homes and carted away household valuables including foodstuff and money.

"They entered the home of one of the residents, but he managed to hide inside the ceiling of the house. The bandits searched for him and when they couldn't find him, they set the room in which he was hiding on fire. They killed one person and broke into several shops where they carted away valuables and undisclosed amount of cash."

On his part, Kabir Kamilu, disclosed that several communities were attacked in Musawa on Saturday, where at least two persons and one bandit were killed.

He said: "On Friday night at about 8.5pm, bandits attacked several communities in Musawa where they killed one person and operated for more than an hour.

The bandits also set several homes

ablaze and rustled an unspecified number of domestic animals.

"But at Gidan Mamman Dangata, the bandits met stiff resistance from vigilantes and other residents, where gunfire exchange ensued. During the exchange, one of the residents was shot and he died minutes later, while several sustained injuries.

Spokesman for the Katsina police command, SP Gambo Isah, said security operatives were on top of the situation.

"We woke up this morning with a report of protest by some youths at Yantumaki area,because of bandits' attack at Amarawa village where two villagers were killed by the hoodlums.

"The Command in collaboration with military and other security agencies are on top of the situation as personnel and equipment are additionally deployed to deal with the recalcitrant bandits hibernating in the area.

"The Command is calling for calm and urges members of the communities around the area to join hands with security agencies in the ongoing onslaught against the hoodlums," he said.

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TEN WATERSHED MOMENT, AS BUHARI SIGNS PETROLEUM ACT TO OVERHAUL OIL INDUSTRY and related matters.

This is just as the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and some industry players have said the PIA would positively reshape Nigeria’s industry.

On the contrary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), ljaw National Congress (INC), have expressed displeasure over the development, saying the president failed to heed to the complaints on certain areas in the law.

A statement issued by the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said President Buhari assented to the Bill working from home.

It stated: "Working from home in five days quarantine as required by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 after returning from London on Friday August 13, the President assented to the Bill Monday August 16, in his determination to fulfill his constitutional duty.

"The ceremonial part of the new legislation will be done on Wednesday, after the days of mandatory isolation would have been fulfilled.

"The Petroleum Industry Act provides legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, the development of host communities, and related matters.”

Buhari’s government is banking that the reforms will attract a greater share of global capital allocated to fossil fuel projects.

The Senate and House of Representatives had last month passed the bill, thus ending a long wait since early 2000s.

But while the Senate had approved three per cent as operating expenditure to the host communities, the House of Representatives, on its part had approved five per cent.

Both chambers had equally approved 30 per cent of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) profit share for exploration of frontier

basins such as Lake Chad, Benue trough, Anambra, Dahomey (Lagos) and Gombe Basins.

The disparity in the percentage approved for the Host Communities by the two chambers resulted in the setting up of a Conference committee headed by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, to harmonise the two positions.

Eventually, the committee recommended three per cent to the Host Communities which both the Senate and the House of Representatives adopted and sent to the President for assent.

The presidential assent has rekindled hope that although late in coming, some part of the losses, by one estimate by NEITI exceeding $200 billion, may be recouped before big oil finally goes into extinction.

With the new law, the establishment of an Upstream Regulatory Commission to oversee upstream petroleum operations, including technical, operational and commercial activities and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing upstream petroleum operations, will soon be set up.

It will also see the transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a profit-oriented company devoid of political interferences.

Added to that, is the establishment of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority which would be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of midstream and downstream petroleum operations in the petroleum industry in Nigeria.

The new law will see the deregulation of the sector and ensure strict environmental implementation of policies, laws and regulations for midstream and downstream petroleum operations; and to develop and enforce a framework on tariff and pricing for natural gas and petroleum products.

With the signing of the bill into law, NNPC now becomes commercialised as Nigerians will have the opportunity to buy shares in the business and ensure more transparency in its operations.

Senate, Gbajabiamila Say Legislation Positive for Nigeria’s Economy

The Senate described the new PIA as a major victory that has the potential of bailing Nigeria out of its economic predicament.

According to the upper legislative chamber, the Act will also enable the country to make the most of economic gains of the oil industry for the benefit of Nigerians.

Chairman of the Senate committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Ajibola Basiru, in a statement congratulated the Executive arm of government, the leadership and members of the National Assembly and all other stakeholders in the oil industry for the realization of the new Act. He noted that efforts at reaching this stage had been a protracted affair as the Bill, first initiated in 2003 had been subjected to a ping pong affair between the previous legislatures and the Executive.

According to him, the Ninth National Assembly finally broke the jinx when it recently passed the Bill after working dispassionately by putting the interest of the nation first over petty squabbles and other self-interests, thereby laying finally to rest previous failed attempts.

The Senate spokesman further attributed the success of the accent to the bill to the cooperative efforts of all participating sectors in the process and also the nonconfrontational policy of the current National Assembly.

On benefits of the new law, Basiru said the PIA will juice up the national economy by liberalising the petroleum sector which will pave way for investors, both local and international, to invest in the oil sector with government on a competitive basis.

In his contribution, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the PIA, saying Nigeria's oil and gas industry will now receive a breath of fresh air and allow investments and transparency to flourish.

Gbajabiamila, in a statement, noted that the coming into being of the law was a victory for Nigerians and a landmark achievement that ended the two-decade-long journey.

According to him, when massive investments come in as a result of the PIA, many Nigerians will gain employment.

He expressed optimism that with the law, Nigerians would also benefit from reduced fuel prices as there would be competition among the industry players.

He said, "As I said before, this is a landmark achievement. It has been 20 years in coming. This ninth Assembly will be recorded on the right side of history for this big score. I call on investors to take full advantage of the opportunities that the new law provided."

OPEC: Buhari Has Ushered in New Era for Oil Sector

The Secretary General, OPEC, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, in a statement congratulated President Buhari, saying it marked significant milestone for Nigeria’s oil industry and an historic achievement for the Presidency.

According to Barkindo, with the stroke of a pen, the president has inaugurated a new era for the industry following years of legislative efforts to strengthen the legal, regulatory, fiscal and governance framework of the petroleum sector.

“Indeed, the new law will enhance the Nigerian petroleum industry’s reputation, open the door to new investment, and ultimately strengthen its position to meet the world’s growing demand for energy.

The enactment of this legislation is especially timely as the investment outlook becomes clouded by efforts aimed at accelerating a lower-carbon future.

“Furthermore, the new law will help harness Nigeria’s potential to achieve its programme of raising oil production to four million barrels per day and oil reserves to 40 billion barrels, while also drawing on the country’s vast natural gas reserves to provide clean and efficient energy.

“In addition, these resources will be vital to supplying world markets with a broad portfolio of energy options, and support global efforts to alleviate energy poverty as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7,” the OPEC scribe added.

He noted that the signing

K YA R I : H O S T C O M M U N I T I E S T O G E T $ 5 0 0 M A N N U A L LY F R O M N E W P I A that oil companies provided for the host communities, it was not done in the right manner, even if carried out in the name of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.

“And three per cent of your operating expenditure is a huge number. Many people argue around whether it should be 10 per cent or five per cent or three per cent. But percentage of what?

I think that’s what most people don’t understand today.

“Last year’s operating expenses for the year was about $16 billion.

Three per cent of $16 billion is a large number, somewhere around $500 million plus. That’s because in today’s context, it is probably bigger than the NDDC. That’s really what it is. That’s what you’re providing,” he stated.

He stressed that the signing into law of the new Act essentially means transforming from a law that is 54 years old to something new, saying that with the legislation, the NNPC would now operate under the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

“The meaning of this is that this company will just be another privately-owned company in a sense, this company will pay taxes, this company will pay royalties, and this company will deliver dividend to its shareholders.

This isn’t the situation today, because the corporation has no such obligation today.

“What this bill will do now is that in the very short term, within the framework of the petroleum industry act, within six months a new company will be incorporated.

That means all liabilities and assets of this company will be transferred to the new company, not all of them.

“By the way, the bill is also very clear that some toxic assets of the corporation would no longer would be with the corporation, but the shareholders can decide to keep some of the assets and leave some within the corporation,” he explained.

Given the new scenario, Kyari pointed out that the NNPC would become more efficient, much slimmer and a much more commercial national oil company at par with its peers across the globe, pledging that the company will do better under the new arrangement.

He added that there was already a framework established by government, which would take care of the new transition within the timeframe of six months to incorporate and transfer assets, personnel among others.

The GMD noted that while he recognises that the NNPC is a national oil company operating in a resource-dependent country, with some obligations to the people, the new law would effectively mean the deregulation of the sector.

“When you have a CAMA company, you cannot put those obligations or those responsibilities on the company, and therefore, somebody will have to pay for it. Here, it is all of us because once you are selling petroleum below market price, and essentially that’s the meaning of subsidy, and somebody will have to pay for it and that’s the state, all of us.

“The PIB did envisage that we’re going to have a market regulated petroleum market regime. And by the way, I’m sure you’re aware that only petroleum is regulated today. And every other petroleum product prices are determined by the market. And therefore the only one element that is not resolved today is petrol,” he noted.

While the new law envisages a fully deregulated market, Kyari stressed that a number of engagements have been going on to ensure a smooth transition.

However, he said when deregulation eventually happens, there would be safeguards against market manipulation to ensure the poor and vulnerable are not unduly exposed.

“The provision of the law is such that it recognises that subsidy will be out someday. But it didn’t say that we’ll do it tomorrow. So there are a number of balancing that we will do, there’s clearly a policy issue for government to say that I’m going to let go of this,” he explained.

Further commenting on the possible impact of subsidy removal on ordinary Nigerians, the NNPC GMD admitted that eliminating the subsidy regime could have adverse consequences on the ordinary person if not properly managed.

He said certain conditions needed to be fulfilled by government before the policy action is taken.

Among other things, he said there must be some arrangement to provide alternative for petroleum by making gas readily available to

consumers at a more affordable prices.

He also said there's need to put in place some structures that would stabilise prices to avoid exploitation of the ordinary people under the new regime.

"And therefore, those conditions and provisions must take place before you can think of exit," he said.

Kyari said there are already ongoing engagements with stakeholders including labour on how to deal with the issue of subsidy in the new regime.

He said,"I think two things would play out, first of all, timing is everything in this conversation.

When will that happen? Obviously it is not tomorrow and is there any engagement going on?

"Absolutely correct today because as we speak now there are a number of engagements that has been going on and there's one element that is not resolved which is that will any removal of subsidy have adverse impact on the ordinary person?

"The answer is correct if you don't manage it properly. And so what can you do about it. " The NNPC GMD said, "With passage of the PIB into law, you must determine how you are going to transit out of this.

"Transition means you either set platform for market manipulation; do you have safeguards against potentially a transportation cost rises and is it going to affect some labour issues that you have to deal with? And so many other things that have happened in other jurisdictions.

into law of the legislation also coincided with another significant milestone in Nigeria’s history – the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s Membership of OPEC. According to Barkindo, the golden moment provides a unique opportunity to reflect upon Nigeria’s rise as a global energy supplier and partner.

“Since the 24th OPEC Conference on 12 July 1971, when Nigeria received a unanimous and enthusiastic welcome as the 11th Member Country of the Organisation, our country has come to symbolise Africa’s within OPEC and its pivotal support for global oil market stability.

“Excellency, the past year has been a time of enormous challenges for our world, for our Organisation, and for each Member Country. Yet throughout this difficult period, we have demonstrated the enduring importance of OPEC and its timeless commitment to dialogue, cooperation, multilateralism and respect among all nations,” he added.

NEITI: Law Has Ended Uncertainty of Future of Nigeria’s Oil Sector

In its assessment, NEITI also described the development as historic.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, in a statement, noted that the new law has ended decades of uncertainty concerning the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

According to Orji, “The new law has opened a new phase of wider opportunities in the oil and gas industry. For us in NEITI, President Buhari has broken new grounds, created new business horizon built on healthy legal frameworks that will push the boundaries of reforms in the sector with realistic optimism for inflow of investments, revenue growth and job opportunities.”

The transparency boss applauded the significance of the Presidential assent to the Bill, adding that NEITI looks forward to playing active roles in designing a new future for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry under the new Petroleum Industry Act. “The signing into Law of the PIB has demonstrated government’s resolve to strengthen governance processes and systems especially in the extractive industry through an institutional and legal framework.

NEITI is encouraged by the development,” he added.

The NEITI Executive Secretary expressed delight that the, “Petroleum Industry Law will provide the dynamic legal governance framework required to re-position Nigeria’s Petroleum industry to fully embrace competition, openness, accountability, professionalism and better profit returns on investments to both companies and government.”

He further stated, “I want to also use this opportunity to call on companies, government agencies and civil society involved in the oil and gas sector governance to give this Law a chance to succeed.

NEITI as an agency with legitimate interest in the Law will carefully study the contents of the new Law and work closely with national and global partners especially the EITI to use the Law to open the Nigeria oil and gas sector for transparency, accountability and inflow of foreign direct investments into Nigeria.”

Industry Stakeholders Say Legislation Big Win for Nigeria

In his reaction to the promulgation of the new law, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), Dr. Mayowa Afe, told THISDAY that it was a happy day for the industry and a big win for the country.

The former President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) and current President, European Association of

Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), explained that aside the argument over the three per cent or five per cent for host communities, the law is a foundation that can be built upon in the future.

“It’s good news that the president has come all the way from his holiday and on his first day of work assented to the bill.

It is good news for all of us. It has been there for 20 years although it’s not perfect. No law is perfect, but we can begin to work on it from here, particularly the three per cent or five per cent for the communities.

“Now, we have a law regulating the oil and gas industry and the ones that are not up to what we want, we begin to work on it and there will be a lot of advocacy concerning this. So, it is a good day for all of us.

“For investors, those who are bringing their money into the country, they now know what they are bargaining for and the communities will know what to expect. I am happy, the industry is happy.

“Now every company knows what they are working against, because there is now a regulation and a framework, so I can put my money there. It's different from a situation where people didn't really know what was going on, no regulation and those we had were archaic, he stressed.

In his remarks, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Dr. Billis Gillis-Harry, stated that although the law was largely unfair to the Niger Delta, it wasn’t a bad place to lay a solid foundation for the sector.

He noted that the country’s scarce resources that were being used to fund the petrol subsidy regime will now be used for developmental purposes, saying that the organisation had always supported deregulation.

“As for the three per cent, it is unfair to the Niger Delta that bears the burden of oil production in the country to be so unfairly treated.

“When you compare this to 30 per cent of NNPC profits even as a private company, being reserved for the frontier exploration, it doesn’t add up.

“However, bills are made by man. I believe that at the right time some factors should change, but I congratulate Nigerians that this bill has been passed, though it had been jinxed for a number of years.

It’s a landmark event,” he stated.

Chairman, Petroleum Technology Associated of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr. Nicholas Odinuwe, in his remarks expressed joy that the bill had been signed into law, adding that the views of the organisation were taken into consideration in the process of consultations.

“The president has signed the PIB and there’s no comment from me that will change anything. We are happy that our views were taken into consideration. We are happy, so let the bill work for Nigeria,” he said.

Also, a Niger Delta activist and the National President, Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum (NDNAF), Wisdom Ikuli, hailed President Buhari's prompt signing into law of the legislation.

Ikuli, said the action of the President showed his high level of responsibility and responsiveness and a further confirmation of his proactive and compassionate disposition especially to the plights of the over exploited people of the Niger Delta and the Oil Producing Communities in particular.

PDP, PANDEF, Others Kick

But despite the accolades that have been heaped on Buhari over the new oil and gas law, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the president.

According to the political party, the president ignored the outcry

by Nigerians across board not to Continued on page 65

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NEWS

Jega: Rotational Presidency Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Problem Disagrees with IBB over age limit for president Says electoral act amendment bill will create more problems for INEC

Mary Nnah in Lagos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A former national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),Professor Attahiru Jega, has said the idea of rotational presidency was not foolproof and would therefore not take Nigeria out of its present political and economic challenges.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS last night, he explained that whether power remained in the North or in the South, Nigeria at the moment needed the best person to be the president – one who is competent, with capacity and experience to be able to get the country out of her present situation.

Jega, who disagreed with former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, over the age bracket of those, who should aspire to be president in 2023, also spoke about the electoral amendment bill before the National Assembly, which he said should not be passed

without addressing certain critical elements else it would create more problems than it sought to solve.

His words: “That person can come from the North, South, East or the West but the important thing is that even if political parties decide that a candidate should come from a particular area, what we need to do is that Nigerians must interrogate the capacity of that person to lead this country appropriately.”

According to him, apart from the two major political parties in Nigeria (APC and PDP),Nigeria should have an alternative platform that would bring good people that really are selfless and focused in terms of addressing the challenges that have been bedevilling this country.

“To me, that is probably the best way for us to begin to address the challenges that face our economy. It can be any party but I have joined PRP and I think it is a good platform to drive that

process. You know membership of a political party is free choice but I am saying that the way we are trying to reposition PRP, it will be a good platform for people to come and for us to put hands together to addresses the challenges of this country,” he added Jega, who had been campaigning that Nigerians should not vote either the APC or the PDP, but the PRP, said, “Our politics needs to be better than it is presently.

We have two dominant parties in Nigeria and we have seen how they have managed our politics and our economy. It is clear that there are not much to be desired in the way they have ran this country.”

He said as a political scientist, his take was that there were good people in those parties but the parties were dominated by people, whom he could say without fear of contradiction, put too much of their selfish and personal interests rather than the national interest in all they do.

Jega said as far as he was concerned, the president of Nigeria should be the best choice of the people of Nigeria, adding that age should not matter.

“As a political scientist, I have read about Nigerian politics, I understand the challenges and I have also had the privilege for five years of relating relatively more loosely with Nigerian politicians, so, I have a clear appreciation of the serious challenges that Nigeria faces particularly, the dangerous trajectory, which many of our politicians are leading this country to and if we all sit and watch and allow this, in no time they would wreck this country.”

To do better and deepen Nigeria’s democracy, Jega said first of all, Nigerians should ensure that, “we respect the constitution, we comply with the rule of law and we should also ensure that whoever is in power has the national interest as his focus rather than personal

REVIEWING PENSION MATTERS… Enugu State Governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (right) with the leader of the delegation from the National Pension Commission and Commissioner (Technical Division) representing South East geo-political zone, Mr. Ayim Nyerere, at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday.

Ataga:FamilyBriefsOzekhome,AllegesPoliceCover-up CP denies claim, says forensic investigation ongoing Chiemelie Ezeobi Family of the late SuperTv boss, Michael Ataga, has briefed a constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, on the state of the case with a view to securing justice.

The family had accused the Lagos State Police Command and its Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, of attempt to cover up the killers, low level of professionalism in bringing the perpetrators to book and keeping the family in the dark on the day the arrested suspects were arraigned in court.

But Odumosu, in a swift rebuttal, told THISDAY that the outcome of the case was yet to be determined, thus the police could not be said to have exhibited unprofessionalism.

However, confirming the brief, Ozekhome declined to state if he was to watch brief on behalf of the family or whether a fiat had been obtained from the state to enable him undertake the prosecution.

"All I can confirm to you is that I have been briefed by the family to ensure that justice is done in the matter," he said.

The bereaved family had last week alleged they were not notified by the police, when

the primary suspect, Chidinma Ojukwu, 21, and others were separately arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate Court.

The family also accused the police of unprofessionalism in bringing the perpetrators of the grime crime that led to Ataga’s murder.

Ataga, 50, was murdered on June 15, at a Short-let apartment on Adebowale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, where he was spending time with a younger lover, Ojukwu.

The police arrested Ojukwu on June 23, who initially confessed to have killed the businessman, but in subsequent interviews, denied committing the crime.

According to her, even though they had injested some hard drugs, she had stepped out for an errand only to return and saw that the door to their apartment was not locked and Ataga had been brutally murdered.

In the course of police investigation, other suspects including Ojukwu's adopted father, Emmanuel Ojukwu and one Babalola Disu, were also arraigned for preventing the police from performing their lawful duties and refusal to report a crime.

In its accusation of the police,

the family expressed shock that Disu, whom they alleged committed the murder, was charged with obstruction of justice and failure to report a crime.

They said the suspicion of Disu was based on information they received that his short-let apartment was directly opposite the one Ataga was killed inside, which was booked by Chidinma.

The family also alleged that Disu had asked that the facility's carpenter be called to fix his door only for the carpenter to be told later that it was Ataga's door that was broken.

The Ataga family therefore expressed displeasure about what it termed the comfy movement of Ojukwu from court to the prison in a hailing cab ride without handcuffs on her.

"To all other suspects involved in this dastardly act (except Chidinma who was ordered remanded ), bail was granted

by Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo, in the funny conditions of one million naira each with two sureties in like sum.

"The over liberal bail terms in such a heinous crime of hideous and horrific murder," adding that these acts by the police was a slap on their face, the face of justice and a deliberate cover-up.

But Odumosu, who had dismissed coverup, disclosed that at the moment, forensic investigation was ongoing including fingerprint identification, adding that some were being taken abroad to the pathologist for analysis.

On the issue of lack of handcuff on Chidinma, he said the behaviour of the suspect determines if he or she would be handcuffed, pointing out that the suspect was no longer in his custody but that of the Kirikiri Female Prisons.

"There was a court order that she be remanded in their custody", he added.

Clarifying the handcuff part, he said, "It's when there is an element of violence that we handcuff. In a case, where someone can injure herself or somebody, that's when we handcuff. That's the law."

While stating that he understood the feelings of the bereaved family, he also stressed that the police could not operate outside the ambit of the law.

On the matter of Disu and his supposed light bail terms, he said the investigation was not concluded yet and that the case was adjourned, while any exhibit needed would be presented to the court.

idiosyncratic tendencies. If we can do that, a lot of the challenges that we face now and the perception of inequity and lack of opportunity will be remarkably addressed.”

He stressed that Nigerians could also improve the process remarkably by having good people rather than sitting and watching reckless people wrecking our country, to come and alter that trajectory that is going to lead us to self-destruction as a nation, if care is not taken.

“Every Nigerian has the responsibility and everyone knows things are not right in this country. So, we need to ensure that good people come in and there are good people everywhere,” he said.

On Babangida’s age prescription, he stated: "That is his (Babangida) personal opinion. But as far as I am concerned, the President of Nigeria should be the best choice of the people of Nigeria. Age may not matter."

Asked about who he was referring to in his recent statement that those in power have betrayed Nigerians, who elected them, Jega said there was much to be desired in the way the executive and the National Assembly approached the electoral amendment process.

He stressed that there were things that they needed to do and they have not paid attention to and there are things they are trying to do, which would create more problems than it would solve if they proceeded the way they were going.

Clarifying his recent statement where he urged Nigerians not to vote for the APC and the PDP in 2023, Jega said the country's politics needed to be better than it is presently.

The former INEC chairman said there were three critical issues that make an election credible.

He explained that one key area is the mindset of the politicians; the capacity of INEC to prepare for elections effectively and efficiently, which is the second; and the legal framework which is the third.

"Now in the Nigeria context, whatever INEC does, if our politicians have a mindset of winning elections by hook or by crook and they are willing to deploy resources to influence both the legal process and the operational mechanisms of comforting elections, they are obviously very serious challenges that will continue to bedevil the integrity of the electoral process.

And to be honest, that is what to

my mind we are seeing in Nigeria presently," he said.

Jega stressed that the Electoral Act Amendment bill being considered by the National Assembly should and could have been better than what was passed, adding that since 2010, he has not seen remarkable improvement in the legal framework for elections in our country.

To this end, he pointed out that any effort to improve that legal framework would be commendable and acceptable, but added that one would have expected that members of the National Assembly expressed their minds clearly on some of the key issues that could have enhanced the integrity of the electoral process.

Jega stated: "And looking at the bill that they are now considering, I see at least three key areas where there are serious challenges if they are not addressed and they pass the bill the way it is, will create more problems that it would solve."

He explained that while INEC could try to develop competence and capacity into organising elections efficiently, effectively and transparently, it could not influence the mindset of the politicians, who were desperate to win the election by hook or by crook.

"What Gen. Obasanjo at that time called it a do or die affair. Obviously INEC is kind of handicapped in dealing with that kind of mindset."

Asked if there are no laws to check these excesses, Jega decried that the politicians truncated the laws, they operated with impunity, they deployed resources, the security, pointing out that INEC was not a security organisation, but the security agencies appeared incapable of addressing some of the challenges facing the electoral process.

Against this background, Jega said there was a need for a robust legal framework to ensure that certain things were done appropriately.

He added that there were two contradictory provisions in the Electoral Act, which really needed to be addressed.

Jega noted that on the one hand, a Section says once a party conducts its primaries and submits candidates to INEC, it cannot change it for any reason whatsoever, and on the other hand, another Section of the Electoral Act says that parties are to conduct their affairs through the democratic process.

WHO Commends FG for Investing in COVID-19 Vaccines Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The World Health Organisation (WHO), has commended the federal government for its huge investment in the procurement and installation of Ultra Cold Chain equipment at the national strategic store and the state cold stores for covid-19 vaccines.

Country Representative of WHO, Dr. Kazadi Mulombo, who spoke at the flag-off of thesecond phase of COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria at the Federal Medical Centre, Jab, said it was encouraging that the country utilised 98.9% (3,980,600 doses) of first tranche of COVID-19 vaccines.

"Today, we are gathered to launch the phase two of COVID-19 vaccination, with an initial 4,000,080 doses of Moderna and 176,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines, which will be administered to people aged 18 years and above in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Molumbo commended NPHCDA for successfully vaccinating over 2.5 million and 1.4 million persons with first dose and second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine respectively in the Phase1 rollout of COVID-19 vaccination.

"The introduction of these vaccines comes with a huge logistical preparation for the storage of Moderna vaccine.

Partners are very happy with the federal government. This is good sign of a committed government leadership at national and state level to have it citizens vaccinated against the disease.

"Going by the lessons learnt from the Phase 1 of COVID-19 rollout, we have no doubt that the Government of Nigeria will be able to overcome all challenges for a successful Phase 2 rollout," he said.

Mulombo explained that WHO and partners would continue to support the country in reaching its targeted population with safe and effective vaccines.

12

TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Nigeria on the Road to its Worst Debt Trap, Says Don Dike Onwuamaeze A Professor of Economics and Head, Innovation and Technology Policy Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and

Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Professor John Adeoti, yesterday raised the alarm that Nigeria is rushing headlong into its worst debt trap ever.

Adeoti stated this when he

NSCDC CG Reads Riot Act to Criminals

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has said his men were now prepared to speak to bandits and criminal elements in the language they understood.

Speaking at the passing out parade of 267 men and officers of the Corps trained in arms handling, Audi implored them to brace up and “speak to bandits and criminals in the language they understand.”

The CG, while warning them that he had zero tolerance for accidental discharges, said with their training, they should be able to evolve professional tactics in discharging their duties of curbing criminalities in the country.

“You now have the training and arms to enforce the law in the country. There should be no excuse,” he said.

He added that, “From the reports I received from their training and the parade we witnessed today (Monday), there is ample evidence that these officers and men have passed through an intense and very rigorous training and have come out ready and well-prepared to contribute their quota to the actualisation of the Corps mandate.

“Please, be aware that, this is just the beginning. Ahead of you lie years of service to the people of this great country, which I am confident you will perform with the traditional flair and selfless devotion to duty.

‘How We Steal from Bank Accounts Using Lost Sim Cards’ Police nab 78-year-old arms dealer Kingsley Nwezeh inAbuja The Nigeria Police yesterday paraded 39 crime suspects including a 46-year-old suspect, Zakarri Hahaya also known as ‘’his excellency’’, who specialised in using lost sim cards to steal money from bank accounts.

The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the police also arrested a 78-year-old arms dealer in Markudi.

Yahaya, who was among 39 suspects paraded over various crimes in Abuja confessed to his crimes, saying that bank accounts of many Nigerians receiving alerts were easy to access by using their account and phone numbers.

Parading the suspects in Abuja, Force Spokesman, Frank Mba, said the suspects were arrested across the country by Force Investigation

Bureau of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by Tunji Disu, who took over recently from the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari.

The cyber-crime suspect narrated how he stole millions from bank accounts without detection. “My name is Zakarriyah Yahaya, I was born and brought up in Jos. I was arrested last month in Mabushi here in Abuja. I use to reset any SIM that receives bank alert. I will reset it and steal all the money inside the bank account. ‘’I do reset it with victim’s bank account number through bank code from the first to the last number. Any bank that we get, we first use it to buy recharge card, from there, they will send us the alert. From the alert, we will now get the account number,” he said.

2023: PDP Has Already Conceded Defeat, Says APC Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the unfounded allegations made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the procurement of e-voting machines by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and plans to rig the 2023 elections were a clear testimony that the PDP had already conceded defeat long before the 2023 electioneering process began.

National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement issued yesterday said the PDP in its desperate bid to remain in public

reckoning had recently resorted to many diversionary activities.

According to him, the idle conspiracies and wild allegations being bandied by the PDP on the procurement of e-voting machines and plans to rig the 2023 elections, were clear testimony that the PDP had already conceded election defeat long before the 2023 electioneering process.

Akpanudoedehe noted that the PDP was clearly unsettled and afraid of the APC widespread popularity, hence, PDP’s imaginary, baseless and concocted allegations of a plan to rig the 2023 elections.

He noted that the ruling party would not learn the PDP bad habits on election fraud.

delivered the keynote address at the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria(ICAN)’s 2021 Mid-year Economic Discourse” titled, “X-raying the Nigerian Economy: Problem and Prospects” Adeoti also warned that Nigeria must prioritise productivity within its economy above fixation with macroeconomic management and also watch the fast rate of its population growth.

He said: “The debt burden, especially the foreign debt in particular, is going to lead

us into big debt trap worse than what we have ever experienced,” adding that “some of us economists will say what the problem is with concessionary low interest rate loans as any rational businessman will do that?

Why can’t we continue on this at least to balance the budget deficit and to ensure that we build infrastructure?

“My own response to that is that it does not always work like that. If you will continue to borrow and the project you finance cannot service the

debt, then you are planning for trouble. If we borrow for projects that will finance their interest repayments that is okay.

But all of us will know that what we are doing currently and what we have done many times over the years is far from that. So, it is a big problem for the economy in spite of what Economics’ textbooks say about how investments should be done. That you borrow to invest and with the return on investment will pay-back.”

Adeoti also said that Nigeria should prioritise production

above macroeconomic stability even though macroeconomic management is important in modern capitalist economy.

He said that the country’s focus should be on how to keep production going across sectors while dealing with macroeconomic variables like inflation, exchange rate, monetary policy.

“The focus should be how do we prioritise production.

“Many of the issues that we are dealing with in our economy is because we have a big production challenge.”

EFFECTIVE JUDICIARY…

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Alhaji Ahmed Kuru; Nigerian Ambassador to Egypt, Alhaji Nura Abba Rimi; and Justice Binta Nyako at the 2021 Federal High Court foreign training programme in Cairo, Egypt …recently

Court Adjourns Resident Doctors’ Case to September 15 Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Industrial Court has adjourned the hearing of the dispute between the federal government and the resident doctors to September 15, 2021.

The adjournment of the case involving resident doctors came just as the Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige hailed the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) for shelving its planned strike, describing their

decision as patriotic.

A statement by the leadership of National Association Resident Doctors (NARD) signed by its President, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi said that the Industrial Court had adjourned the case with the government to September 15.

He said: “ As a law -abiding association, we were at the court as summoned but the Ministry of Labour and Employment was absent and only the Ministry of Health was present representing

the federal government. The court then adjourned the case to September 15”.

In the statement NARD pleaded for understanding of Nigerians for the ongoing strike, saying that, “ a hungry doctor is dangerous doctors”.

He said that the association is hopeful that government will do the needful by providing for the welfare of the doctors, so as to stem the ugly state of brain drain afflicting the health sector.

However, a statement by

the Deputy Director, Press in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan, commended the senior doctors for their maturity in not going of strike.

The statement said: “The consultants have proved they are conscious of the onerous roles and extra burden they shoulder as very senior doctors at a critical time, the resident doctors embarked on a strike the federal government has done everything to avert.

Zulum Visits CDS over Repentant Boko Haram Members

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof.

Babagana Zulum, yesterday commenced consultations on how to react to the massive surrender of Boko Haram with a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff(CDS), General Lucky Irabor in Abuja.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau, the meeting, which was held behind closed doors, was in furtherance of Zulum’s

resolve to widely consult security and Borno stakeholders towards developing a framework that would address concerns raised over the surrender of members of the Boko Haram/ISWAP through the military’s ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ deployed as a psychological warfare to weaken the ranks of the terrorists.

Governor Zulum, who arrived in Abuja from Maiduguri, headed straight to the Office of the CDS. The governor is scheduled to

hold series of other consultations.

Zulum had on Saturday during visits to Bama and Gwoza, addressed military commanders and community leaders.

He had then disclosed plans to engage in a high-level consultation with President Muhammadu Buhari, the service chiefs and the resident security heads, traditional rulers, elders and religious leaders, national and state assembly members, academics, other stakeholders and

victims of insurgents’ attacks with a view to addressing what he described as a difficult situation.

The governor noted that though the surrender by thousands of insurgents provided a significant opportunity to end the 12 years of war, there were concerns that needed to be addressed, which bother on the feelings of victims as well as the confidence of citizens in the event repentant insurgents are to be reintegrated.

Airport Concession: FG Releases Request for Qualification Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The federal government through the Ministry of Aviation and in compliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (N4P) yesterday released the request for qualification for the concession of four international airport terminals and related services.

In the document signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Hassan Musa, which was made available to journalists in Abuja by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. James Odaudu, stated that the four major commercial airports, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Murtala Muhammed Internatıonal Aırport Lagos, Malam Amınu Kano Internatıonal Aırport, and

Port Harcourt Internatıonal Aırport, and surrounding communities are intended to be developed into efficient, profitable, self-sustaining, commercial hubs which will create more jobs and develop local industries through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The document says: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Aviation, is inviting bids from

reputable Airport Developers/ Operators/Financiers/Consortia for prequalification for the concession of selected airports terminals under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.”

It further stated that the airport terminal concession is one of the critical projects under the Aviation Sector Roadmap of the federal government, and fits well within the scope of the ministry’s strategic plan for the sector.

TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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COMMENT

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

AFGHANISTAN: IMPORTANT LESSONS FOR NIGERIA Nigeria should develop its strategic national interest and pursue it in the context of its foreign policy, writes Etim Etim

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he invasion of Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, by the Taliban over the weekend marked the takeover of the country by the Islamic terrorist group 20 years after they were driven out by the American military. There were chaotic scenes at the Kabul airport as the Americans, other foreign nationals and Afghans themselves struggled to flee the besieged country. Hundreds of people flooded the tarmac, chasing a taxing plane, all in desperation to escape. The commotion and pandemonium followed the unexpected departure of the country’s leader, President Ashraf Ghani late Saturday night.

Ministers and senior government officials were heartbroken and they felt betrayed that the President had fled without giving them a hint. “How could he run away without informing us’’, Education Minister Ragina Hamidi told BBC, sobbing. President Ghani fled after the Taliban fighters entered Kabul. He is said to be taking refuge in Tajikistan. When a President flees his country in the middle of a war, it signifies the ultimate capitulation and surrender. Six weeks ago, President Joe Biden had assured his country that the withdrawal of the US troops will not lead to the return of the Taliban, a group notorious for marginalization of women and religious minorities. But the sudden overrun of the capital, the seizure of the Presidential villa and the mass movement of people out of the country must be very embarrassing to the Biden administration.

In Washington, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken rushed through the early talk shows on Sunday morning to explain such a terrible foreign policy debacle. The image of helicopters picking US diplomats from the US embassy compound to the airport to scramble out of town reminds older Americans of such a jostle out of Hanoi, Vietnam about 50 years. President Joe Biden himself hunkered down at Camp David, watching developments in Afghanistan and getting briefings from officials. The world seems to have been caught off guard. The United Nations is contemplating a special session on Afghanistan. NATO is providing security at Kabul airport while airlines have suspended flights into and out of the airport. Biden is planning to address his nation later in the week. This is what war looks and feels like, and this particular mess is the worst and most humiliating foreign policy failure for the US since April 1980 when President Jimmy Carter failed to rescue American hostages in Iran.

The failed attempt resulted in the death of one Iranian civilian and eight American servicemen. It’s one of the reasons Carter lost his reelection later that year to Ronald Reagan. I wonder how President Biden and his party will fare in the midterm elections next year.

As I watched the dramatic events unfold in Kabul, I pondered Nigeria, my beloved country, and how the country has been fighting another deadly war with another set of Islamic terrorists and fundamentalists. Our country has spent billions of Naira and lost thousands of lives (both civilians and servicemen and women) in the last 12 years in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP and their various variants. First of all, I am grateful to our military for defending the nation against our own Taliban for the last 12 years with valor, bravery and a sense of patriotism. Never for once have our troops surrendered, given up or shown any form of fatigue or cowardice even in the face of poor funding and difficult challenges.

There have been cases of internal sabotage and betrayals by some unscrupulous soldiers, but overall, our troops have been patriotic, heroic and loyal to the Constitution, civilian authorities and the nation. I stand in total salute to them for their sacrifice and service, and I commend our military families across the country for their loss and sacrifice.

There are a few lessons for Nigeria and Nigerians in the unfolding drama in Kabul. I should note that the United States has its own national interest which it pursues with so much fervor all the time,

THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROSECUTE THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISTS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA WITH A SINGLEMINDED FERVOR; AND WE SHOULD NOT EXPECT ANY HELP FROM ANY FOREIGN POWER

no matter who is affected. The US is also very protective of its national security. If you read memoires of Henry Kissinger, Colin Powel, Condoleezza Rice and other diplomats, you’ll have insights into how dearly the US holds its national interest and national security. The withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan is all in line with its national interest and national security. The US has no friend or enemies. It has Interests. If those interests are compromised by the Taliban, the US will not hesitate to return to that country.

Nigeria should develop its strategic national interest and pursue it vigorously in the context of its foreign policy. This should be a big lesson to Nigeria. It is therefore important that the Nigerian government should prosecute the war against terrorists in Northern Nigeria with a single-minded fervor; and we should not expect any help from any foreign power. No foreign power will help us. This is our cross; we should bear it with equanimity, courage and pride.

The government and military should not expect any help from any foreign power. Nigerians should support our troops materially and psychologically. Corporate organizations should reach out to the military authorities and offer support. Our senators, governors and even artistes should visit our troops at the frontlines and offer succor and encouragement. I commend our neighbors (Chad, Niger, Mali, Cameroun and Benin) for their help.

The ease with which the Taliban captured Kabul and seized the presidential palace without firing a shot has confounded analysts.

Did Afghan troops surrender because they haboured hidden support for the Taliban? Or did they just melt away to avoid bloodshed and civilian casualties? Whatever the reasons for the quick advancement of the terrorists, many Nigerians are now speculating that Boko Haram fighters in the North East could be emboldened by the good fortune and audacity of the Taliban to launch an offensive against our troops. This should also be another lesson for Nigerians.

Islamic terrorists are the most dangerous and destructive set of criminals. They are resilient, and because theirs is an ideological war, they typically fight to their death. The people of North East Nigeria, and indeed all Nigerians, must all stand with our military and support our troops with intelligence. We cannot afford to surrender our country to terrorists, kidnappers and rapists. This is not about Buhari, APC or PDP. This is about our homeland. Another interesting lesson for us is how quickly the Afghan President and his family fled the country. He didn’t even bother to inform his ministers. You can trust that all other politicians will vamoose in the next few days. The Americans themselves are scampering away like cowards. Americans go to other countries, create a mess and scamper away in their helicopters. See what they did to Libya! The other day, Pastor Paul Adefarasin was boasting that he had already created Plan B for himself and his family. You can be sure that he was speaking the mind of all the politicians and rich businessmen.

But what of the ordinary folks like you and I? Where do we run to if, God forbid, this country goes up in flames? This is the reason I am against IPOB and all the ruffians trying to create problems. The federal government must crush these troublemakers (they are mostly drug addicts) with all the will it can muster. Nigerians who talk flippantly about waging war against their country should learn a big lesson from Afghanistan. The leaders and the rich ones will easily run away, leaving a huge mass of 200 million people as refugees.

Who will accommodate us? Who will feed us? Where shall we run to? The chaos and commotion in Kabul in the past few days show just how terrible war is.

Once again, I thank our military and the brave men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice. They stay awake, fight and die just to keep us safe. May God continue to bless and protect our troops and keep our country safe.

THE NNPC INVESTMENT IN DANGOTE REFINERY Julienne Manga writes that it is a praiseworthy investment

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he 20 per cent stake of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the upcoming Dangote Refinery raised heckles from concerned citizens and shown the need for better understanding and clarity on the issues. A deep dive shows that far from out of place, the investment is both visionary and in line with an existing policy of Nigeria having a stake in the critical energy sector. It also speaks to foresighted investment.

The Dangote Refinery at Ibeju Lekki is an ambitious integrated energy project. It will produce 650, 000 barrels of crude petroleum daily that makes it the largest such refinery in the world. Dangote Refinery would produce enough for Nigeria and export. In other words, it will meet our need for 57 million litres of petrol daily, 27 million litres of diesel per day, 11 million litres of kerosene per day and nine million litres of aviation jet each day.

In approving the NNPC move, the Federal Executive Council considered the strong case the corporation made. Nigeria needs to invest in the energy sector, directly building refineries or investing in projects that will meet the national energy need. The investment of

$2.76billion in the Dangote Refinery is one of five planned for upcoming private refineries with a minimum capacity of 50, 000 litres per day. The goal is to guarantee national energy security. Citizens should therefore expect the nation to make more of such investments through the NNPC. For years, NNPC has been a partner of all the big energy firms in the country involved in exploration through the joint venture strategy. Shell, Mobil, Total, Agip and the highly successful Nigeria LNG Limited have NNPC stakes. The investment aligns with the new direction and structure of NNPC as a public limited liability company in the months and years ahead. NNPC investment in the private refineries would grow the domestic refining capacity and improve petroleum products supply from local refineries.

There is a sound justification in investing in a private sector driven project: A resourcedependent country as Nigeria cannot but show interest, and have a stake, in a business that borders on energy security and has fiscal security implications for the economy.

Misunderstanding and possible mischief informed some narrative on social media that

did apples versus oranges comparison of the Dangote Refinery and a 90-year-old Sinclair refinery in the United States. The comparison was that HollyFrontier is buying an entire Sinclair Refinery for an investment of $2.6 billion. Except that the analyst failed to disclose the details hidden in those numbers.

NNPC’s 20 per cent stake would translate to 130, 000 barrels per day capacity from the brand new 650, 000bpd Dangote Refinery. It is already higher in capacity terms than what Sinclair can deliver at full capacity.

The combined business of HollyFrontier and Sinclair will have a refining capacity of 678, 000 bpd after the acquisition. HollyFrontier already has refineries, and is only adding Sinclair’s two refineries, with a combined capacity of 115, 000 bpd to its portfolio.

Of the 115, 000bpd capacity, the first refinery, with a capacity of 85,000 bpd, was built in 1924, 97 years ago while the second refinery with a capacity of 30,000 bpd, was built in 1992. The numbers show that NNPC is getting better value in capacity and in the age and potential of the refinery than the comparator The NNPC investment compares to and aligns with the acclaimed efforts of the Japanese

Ministry of Trade and Investment (MITI) in driving the policy and execution of that country’s industrialization. American economics professor Chalmers Johnson noted in his 1982 book, MITI and the Japanese Miracle: The Growth of Industrial Policy 1972-1975, that the intervention of MITI was critical to the successes of Japan. “The particular speed, form, and consequences of Japanese economic growth are not intelligible without reference to the contributions of MITI. Collaboration between the state and big business has long been acknowledged as the defining characteristic of the Japanese economic system”, Johnson states.

South Korea also adopted a similar practice in industrialisation. Strong business-government links including direct investments were significant contributors to changing the South Korea development narrative. South Korea also had a Ministry of Trade and Industry that worked with the Economic Development Board and the Ministry of Finance to drive policy direction and implementation.

NNPC is on the right track both in terms of policy direction and significance as well as in the absolute numbers generated by the investment in the Dangote Refinery.

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EDITORIAL

WHEN LIVES BECOME STATISTICS All the critical stakeholders should do more to stem the rising tide of criminality

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o fewer than 3,868 persons were killed in different states of Nigeria between January and June 2021, according to the midyear report by Global Rights, an international human rights organisation. The Washington DC, United States-based group which tracks daily incidents of mass atrocities also put the number of persons abducted in Nigeria within the timeframe at 3,016, an 80 per cent increase compared to 615 incidents recorded within the same period in 2020. It is a report that should worry the authorities.

The report reveals that banditry accounted for 2,423 cases (62.64 per cent) of violent killing nationwide, Boko Haram 388 (10.03 per cent); herdsmen attacks, 289 (7.47 per cent), isolated attacks, 272 (7.03 per cent), cult clashes, 213 (5.5 per cent), communal clashes, 180 (4.65 per cent), extrajudicial killings (106 (2.74 per cent).

In January 2021, according to the report, 373 persons were killed across the country; 685 in February; 545 in March; 724 in April; SECURITY AGENCIES 778 in May, and 763 NEED TO STEP UP THEIR in June. In terms of abduction, the report ACTS AND STRENGTHEN revealed an unprecNOT ONLY INTERedented increase AGENCY COORDINATION in the number of TO CHECKMATE THE CURRENT DESCENT INTO kidnapped victims, which steadily surged ANARCHY BUT ALSO from 615 in the first THE INTELLIGENCEsix months of 2020 to GATHERING CAPABILITIES 3,016 incidents within OF THE POLICE AND STATE the same timeframe SECURITY SERVICE in 2021.

The unprecedented increase in violent attacks is defying the sustained narrative among analysts that the northwest is relatively more peaceful compared to the northeast. From Kaduna to Katsina and Zamfara, none of the seven states within the zone is immune to the orgy of bloodletting. But the incessant attacks on local communities and kidnapping of people by criminal groups suggest a more sinister

Letters to the Editor

incursion of terrorists. The zone is increasingly becoming a haven for active terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and rogue West African herdsmen once rated the fourth-deadliest terror group in the world.

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

T H I S 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 SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGED ENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

he growing feeling of helplessness by Nigerians compounds the challenge. If gunmen can cynically invade police detention centre, kill policemen and raze their stations, it is very telling of the capacity they have mustered. Indeed, the ability of terror-minded gangs to thumb their noses at authority each time the security forces attempt to make claims and boastful noises must be seen as a measure of their strength vis-a-vis the government’s weakness.

Some of the identified causes of these problems include arms and weapon trafficking, poor governance, poverty and climate change, overburdened security apparatus and diminishing government presence in some areas. Policies to address these recurring challenges include improved law enforcement among the people, collaboration with Nigeria’s immediate neighbours like Chad, Niger, etc., to fight terrorism and banditry, and strategic investments in human and infrastructural development.

With the arrival of some Super Tucano fighter jets that are now available to the Air Force in the Northeast and Northwest zones, we expect changes in the battle against the sundry criminal cartels who trouble the peace of our country. We hope the military authorities will step up action in making Nigeria safe again. There is an urgent need to put a stop to loss of innocent lives that defines this season. We therefore reiterate that security agencies need to step up their acts and strengthen not only inter-agency coordination to checkmate the current descent into anarchy but also the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Police and State Security Service (SSS).

As we have also repeatedly pointed out, it is important for all the critical stakeholders in the country to look beyond politics at a time like this and render whatever assistance they can in the bid to put an end to the current carnage, which clearly puts all at risk.

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.

ASSAULT ON NIGERIAN DIPLOMAT IN INDONESIA

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hile Nigerians contend with police brutality at home, it seems that police in other countries are following events back home. Or how else can one explain the torture of a Nigerian diplomat in faraway Indonesia by Indonesian policemen in broad daylight?

How can one explain the video that went viral and the hapless man`s haunting wails that were roundly ignored by the Indonesian police men?

Nigeria is certainly not the best country in which to be a citizen. For many years now, life in Nigeria has become cheap and expendable. It is not only the harsh economic conditions which keep parents up at night listening to the stomachs of their children rumble out of hunger, it is the insecurity which has ensured that so many Nigerian roads are closed for travel and countless citizens have met their end or abducted for ransom at the hands of faceless criminals.

Countless Nigerian citizens within Nigeria leave their homes in the morning unsure thy would return home when the day ends. As a result of the uncertainty here, many Nigerians look forward to migrating to whichever country is willing to take them. The luckier Nigerians find government patronage in their haste to flee the country. They are mostly diplomatic personnel seeking refuge in diplomatic posts in far flung but relatively less chaotic countries than Nigeria.

For the unlucky and the uninitiated, the nightmare begins. The road to hell usually passes through the Libyan deserts before cutting through water bodies churning out fury in their quest to drown

intruders. When they finally make it, they take to the streets of those countries where the backbreaking conditions of life are blissful compared to the chaos in Nigeria.

So, other countries consider Nigeria a shipwrecked country of weather-beaten citizens who may well become baits in elaborate but insidious attacks on human dignity. Indonesia is the theatre this time around but Nigerian citizens have been similarly shabbily treated in other countries with little consequences.

It is true that Nigeria has its own fair share of criminals who are more interested in their bulging pockets than in the image of the country abroad, but no one country is a saint in the geopolitics of international crime.

It is true that Nigeria has many Hushpuppis but countless countries have embraced far more sophisticated criminals with little consequences. So why is it that once Nigerians are concerned, what is sauce for the goose is summarily denied the gander? Most crucially, how does Nigeria respond when any of its citizens is made a bait in practice games of incompetent foreign police agencies?

It is galling that the response has more often than not been one of inertia. Whenever something like this happens, the Ministry of Foreign affairs routinely goes through its tepid rituals that amount to no more than slaps on the wrists, and silently prays that such incidents are not reprised lest retaliatory actions lead to breakdown of diplomatic relations.

One wonders how Indonesia is doing as a country. From the stories which have rent the pages of international news media about one of

the world`s most populous countries, one can safely conclude that the country is managing to keep its head above the waters which literally submerged Jakarta, its capital, forcing it to seek out a new capital. That their police have brutalised a Nigerian is unforgivable. That the police anywhere brutalise any Nigerian is unforgivable.

While a lot of countries treat our citizens with dreadful disdain, our security forces tremble at the sight of their citizens. We do everything to protect them here so that it will not be said that it was while they visited Nigeria that they came to harm.

The worth of any country can be measured in the worth it attaches to its citizens wherever they may be. It is not enough that one is called a Nigerian citizen. Every Nigerian citizen must be able to feel the support of the country no matter the twist and turn. This support invariably means holding to the strictest accounts those who victimise Nigerians anywhere in the world.

But this may be yet farfetched. The actions of the Indonesian police seem a mere re-enactment of the brutal police reality Nigerians live at home. There can be no faking it. If Nigeria is not ready to confront its internal demons here at home, it is only a matter of time before those demons recruit foreign counterparts, and make every country a living hell for long-suffering Nigerians.

The Nigerian government must seize the opportunity offered by this ignominy from Indonesia to raise a loud hue and cry so that other countries will not only sit up, but take notice and accord Nigerians the dignity that other countries have denied them for so long.

Kene Obiezu, Abuja

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POLITICS

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

TRENDING NEWS

2023: Situating IBB’s Presidential Picks (I) Still externalising his inner convictions and playing his controversial symphony on the delicate keyboard of the Nigerian state, former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, recently ‘identified’ the qualities of the next president come 2023. Louis Achi explores who fits the bill

Babangida

Osinbajo

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owered by a trinity of forces – an unrelenting drive to succeed, providence and careful planning, the ascendancy of former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), to the national stage provides a study in the military-political intrigues intimately associated with the evolution of many African nation states.

He belongs to both the military and civilian wings of the mainstream Northern political intelligentsia, a group that has largely shaped the national political landscape with its quasi astute brand of realpolitik.

From ‘retirement,’ Babahgida has

Fayemi

Amaechi

made successive interventions as events that fundamentally threaten the nation’s political stability unfold. The latest was his recent pre-80th birthday

interview with the ARISE News, where he clarified his vision of who the nation’s president should be, come 2023.

However, beyond whatever

Peering at 2023 elections, Babangida had pointed out that at this point in Nigeria’s history, the nation is in dire need of a leader who connects with the people, tries to talk with them and not the one who “talks on top of the people

Fashola

speculations Babangida’s antagonists may adduce for his interventions, a common consensus is that his positions cannot be written off lightly.

Peering at 2023 elections, Babangida had pointed out that at this point in Nigeria’s history, the nation is in dire need of a leader, who connects with the people, tries to talk with them and not the one who “talks on top of the people.”

His words: “If you get a good leadership that links with the people and tries to talk with the people; not talking on top of the people, then we would be okay. I have started visualising a good Nigerian leader. That is, a person

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POLITICS

Amosun

who travels across the country and has a friend virtually everywhere he travels to, and he knows at least one person that he can communicate with.

“That is a person, who is very versed in economics and is also a good politician, who should be able to talk to Nigerians and so on. I have seen one, or two or three of such persons already in his sixties. I believe so if we can get him.” Significantly, Babangida did not specify sainthood as a key parameter.

Who Fits the IBB Template?

Against this backdrop is a qualified character cast of notable politicians, who legitimately have their eyes on the coveted presidential seat. But who fits the Babangida template of age, knowledge, experience and wide appeal?

The first six personalities here actually fit the bill. Within their 60s or below, they’ve been governors, parliamentarians and ministers before or currently and have contacts across the country courtesy NGF. They are also steeped in knowledge of the economy and politics.

IBIKUNLE AMOSUN: Former governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun (born in January 1958) and two-term senator is a hugely exposed personality and indisputably has nurtured strategic contacts across board.

Perhaps his biggest selling point is that in the Southwest geopolitical niche – the zone clamouring for the presidency – he’s touted to be closest to President Muhammadu Buhari.

As a successful account and politician with formidable political machine in his home state of Ogun, he brings into his mix of experience, both the private and public sector trajectories, a scenario, which rather positions him as a frontrunner.

KAYODE FAYEMI: Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, born in February 1965, with his current stint would have done two terms as a state chief executive by 2023. He has also been Minister of Solid Minerals Development in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, from November 11, 2015 to May 30, 2018.

As the chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), he certainly has the ears of his colleagues.

Indeed, he has the advantage of being a Christian. Most of the second term Northern Moslem governors are speculated to be actually looking at him as a good pairing. Depending on which way the zoning cat swings, many of the Northern prospects want

Saraki

to be Vice President.

Fayemi has really networked widely and fits the profile which ambitious Northern politicians with eye on vice presidency want and agewise, snugs in nicely into the IBB template.

BUKOLA SARAKI: Former two-term governor of Kwara State (2003 to 2011) and ex-Senate President, Dr. Bukola Abubakar Saraki, born December 19, 1962, is a sound, well-grounded politician with the sagacity to match. As Senate President, he demonstrated considerable control, charisma and mettle.

He straddles both North and South which yields double advantage geopolitically. The South cannot say they don’t know Bukola, so also the North cannot deny their Abubakar. He has considerable network locally and internationally. Leaving open the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning argument brightens Saraki’s chances.

Unquestionably, Saraki has steeped himself in the nuances of both the private and public sector, including the fact that he is smart, intelligent and futuristic.

With his imposing stature that cuts every glimpse, it is being speculated that Babangida probably had Saraki in mind, when he shared his vision of who the next Nigerian president should be.

BABATUNDE FASHOLA: The focussed, brilliant and workaholic ex-two term governor of Lagos State (from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015) and currently the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, was born June 28, 1963. Though a top-notch lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he is also grounded in the economy and key issues of statehood.

Fashola’s intellectual savvy,

Olawepo-Hashim

political maturity and discipline put him in a good stead with many.

His exceptional performance as governor of Lagos State is an important element in his favour. And he easily fits the IBB template. Besides, his now well-managed relationship with his erstwhile godfather, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is also strength for him.

ROTIMI AMAECHI: Being the Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker for eight years, governor for two terms and currently minister for almost eight years put Hon. Rotimi Amaechi in a very strong position ahead 2023 calculations.

Tough, focussed, at times brash and quick to anger, he is certainly the poster boy of the Buhari administration. The nation’s rail transformation narrative gives him a larger-than-life aura. He was born in May 1965.

A testimony to his directness and boldness, Amaechi is one of the few politicians, who have clearly communicated his desire to be president. More, he is working to achieve this goal and is also building bridges to that effect.

And being a Southern Christian fits the religious dimension of the geo-political calculations.

Many believe that he has the financial capacity to prosecute the presidential project after his heart. And having being Buhari’s campaign DG for the two times, many believe the battles ahead has already been test-run and honed for Amaechi.

YEMI OSINBAJO: In theory, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo should have had his position as Buhari’s successor dusted and clean. His eligibility is not in doubt. He is Christian and from the South-west. Age-wise, knowledge-wise, economy/politics

Against this backdrop is a qualified character cast of notable politicians, who legitimately have their eyes on the coveted presidential seat.

But who fits the Babangida template of age, knowledge, experience and wide appeal? The first six personalities here actually fit the bill

savvy with a calm, cool competence, he fits the IBB template.

Osinbajo hides behind an affable hymn-singing façade, an inner steel that has seen him rise to become the nation’s second citizen. He is steeped in his party’s philosophy and manifesto and is a great understudy of Buhari.

But there are other political calculations.

Although he is believed to have no political base as protégé of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, having worked with Buhari for almost eight years, few can market the administration’s programmes better or incept/reconceptualise new strategies to transform the economy and defeat corruption and insecurity.

A glimpse into his style was observed when he acted in Buhari’s absence – and this might have rubbed several administration hawks wrongly.

Osinbajo, as a professor of law understands the economy of the country without a doubt. Though he does not have a political base, however, having been with President Muhammadu Buhari, closing on eight years would have exposed him considerably for the big job. Although he is a Pastor, Osinbajo is nobody’s fool. Each time he takes over from Buhari his impact registered loudly.

GBENGA OLAWEPO-HASHIM: Age-wise, exposure-wise and knowledge-wise, human rights activist and businessman,Gbenga Toyosi Olawepo fits the IBB template. He is clearly a self-made, emerging political leader. He was born on 28 June 1965.

He entered partisan politics in 1995, when he became National Publicity secretary of the National Democratic Labour Party (NDLP) in the transition programme announced by the Abacha regime.

Eventually his party and that of some politicians like Solomon Lar, Alhaji Rimi’s SPP, Ciroma and Bamanga Tukur’s ANC were denied registration.

Rather than find accommodation in the military founded parties, Olawepo found association with principled politicians, who opposed the late Nigerian military dictator Sani Abacha.

This group of politicians first organised around the Institute for Civil Society and G-34 and later pioneered the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He has traversed Nigeria and has solid contacts. Gbenga, who contested the presidency in 2019 against Buhari is an inner-driven person with the boldness to follow his convictions and provide leadership.

Not a governor or minister, Olawepo brings a different mettle to the table ahead of 2023.

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POLITICS

At Last, It’s Victory for Jarigbe

Alex Enumah writes that with the declaration of the Court of Appeal Abuja over the weekend that it has become ‘functus officio’ in the Cross River North Senatorial District bye-election, it is now victory for Senator-elect, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe

Jarigbe

Odey

Agi

Justice Dongban-Mensem

R

espite on Saturday was said to have finally come the way of Senator-elect for Cross River North Senatorial District, Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe following refusal of the Court of Appeal, Abuja to set aside Jarigbe’s declaration as winner of the December 5, 2020 bye-election for the senatorial district in Cross River State. This is so because the Court of Appeal which is the final court for election matters for national and state house of assembly in two separate rulings held that it cannot overrule itself in its own judgement, especially when it has not been established that there was a slip in the delivery of such a particular judgement.

Although this is not the first time Jarigbe will be emerging victorious in his bid to move to the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, this victory however has finally brought to an end legal battles for the seat of Cross River North Senatorial District which became vacant owing to the demise of the former occupant, late Senator Rose Oko It should be stated that Jarigbe won both the pre-election and election suits to secure his seat at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. In the pre-election cases, Jarigbe won all through from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Jarigbe had approached a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to challenge his disqualification from the December 5, 2020 bye-election for the Cross River North Senatorial District in Cross River State. The High

Court in its judgment declared Jarigbe as the authentic candidate of the PDP for the December 5, bye-election for Cross River North Senatorial District.

However, the PDP had submitted the name of Stephen Odey as its candidate in the election. The PDP and Odey scored a total of 129,207 votes to defeat their closest rival, Joe Agi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored 19,165 and while the electoral umpire accordingly declared PDP as the winner of the bye-election, it went further to issue a certificate of return to Odey. But when the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the judgment of the FCT High Court which had declared Jarigbe as the authentic candidate of the PDP in the December 5, bye-election, INEC in line with the appellate court judgement in late December, recognized Jarigbe as PDP’s candidate and went ahead to issue him a fresh certificate of return after it withdrew the earlier one issued to Jarigbe.

Similarly, the Supreme Court in its own judgment also affirmed the decision of

the Court of Appeal that Jarigbe was the authentic candidate of the PDP in the December 5, bye-election.

While the pre-election matter was ongoing, Jarigbe also joined as a party at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, which held in Calabar. The tribunal presided by Justice Yusuf Mohammad had in a judgment delivered on June 18, 2021, held that Odey was the authentic candidate of the PDP for the senatorial bye-election. The panel accordingly ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return earlier issued to Jarigbe and issue same to Odey.

However, in a ruling on July 30, a threemember panel of the Court of Appeal, Calabar presided over by Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, nullified the decision of the tribunal and ordered the sack of Odey on the grounds that he was not the authentic candidate of the PDP in the said bye-election. The panel subsequently ordered INEC to immediately issue Jarigbe the certificate of return which the court held was wrongly withdrawn from him.

Citing section 246 of the 1999 constitution, the Court of Appeal held that its judgment once delivered diligently cannot be set aside except where such judgement is fundamentally defective

This ordinarily would have put an end to the whole legal battle for the seat of the Cross River North Senatorial District since the Court of Appeal is the final court for such matters.

But this was not the case as the two major contestant from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal, Chief Joe Agi of the APC and Stephen Odey of the PDP, again approached the appellate court in Abuja, to revisit and review the July 30, judgement with a view to setting it aside.

They had claimed that the appellate court erred in its decision when it dismissed their own appeals against the judgement of the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal and found merit in Jarigbe’s appeal and went ahead to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately issue Jarigbe a Certificate of Return which the electoral umpire “wrongly withdrew” from Jarigbe. They further claimed that the judgment delivered on July 30 in Calabar violated section 285 of the 1999 constitution having been done without jurisdiction. In addition, the appellants submitted that Jarigbe, who was returned as winner of the bye-election did not participate in all the stages of the election as required by law.

The appellants therefore asked the court to set aside the judgment on account of being a nullity.

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

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IBB AT 80: A LEGACY OF VISION AND REFORM

excelled in his chosen career and rose to the pinnacle of and pull have endured even in the decades since he his profession and national service. From the crucible of left power and office. ormer military President Ibrahim Babangida harsh beginnings and uncertain fate, Babangida assumed Therefore, whatever maybe the eventual verdict of turns 80 today, almost three decades after national leadership at a moment of desperate need. history on the life and times of this man of many seasons, he left office and returned to his ancestral With characteristic calmness, confident control and toughness Babangida remains firm in his belief that when the nation Minna. Along with family and friends, he will be reflecting on his journey so far and forged in the smithy of war, the man many Nigerians call IBB called him, he answered with the honest intent and firm thank providence for his eventful life and came to rule Nigeria for eight eventful years. His every step resolve of a true patriot and nationalist. His belief in a his years of service to Nigeria. Babangida in power bore the imprint and surefootedness of a practiced united and indivisible Nigeria and the manifest destiny is not likely to throw an elaborate feast in player in the theatre of power and politics. In leading one of our nation remains unshaken. For him, Nigeria has no of the world’s most engaging nations, Babangida brought other choice than to be great among nations. deference to the present mood of the nation. to his task an unusual courage and authentic creativity.

Because of his compassionate nature, it would be fair to For the man that many Nigerians prefer to call IBB, His vision was clear. He strove to enthrone a free market say that Babangida has remained one of us. He feels our today is not a destination but a milestone in a personal journey. That journey is a long trek of fortitude in the face economy, a two party liberal democracy with clear ideological pain, shares our hopes, fires our aspirations and envisioned of daunting travails. It is a pilgrimage powered by unusual options. Above all, he sought to bring about a fair society a better place where we could all be proud to call home. personal strength and resilience in the face of trials that in which our diversity will be fully deployed towards the Even today, IBB remains a national icon that is hard to ignore. Three decades after he left office and power, IBB test the will of heroes. The Babangida story is an epic of development of the nation. has dominated our political discourse and engaged our providence and the courage of one visionary individual This was the Babangida mission and vision. He brought national imagination on matters of leadership. who stepped forward and dared to make a difference. to this multiple mission a personal charisma and style No leader can ask for a greater acknowledgment.

Growing up as an orphan from age 14 and raised that were distinct. The magnetism of that aura and style by a benevolent and caring uncle, Ibrahim Badamasi endeared him to a populace that was not always united Continued on page A2 Babangida grew up to make a career of soldiering. He in their embrace of him and his policies. Yet, his appeal

BY CHIDI AMUTA

F

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Babangida

ENTER THE SUNSHINE MAN:

O

n the 27th of August, 1985, Ibrahim Babangida stepped onto the saddle as Nigeria’s new military leader. From the onset, he took on the unusual title of “President” which for an unelected military officer signaled an unabashed political conception of his role and mission. His preposterous choice of the curious title of ‘President’ was a curious departure in a tradition of military interventions where even the vilest despots assumed the innocuous title of ‘head of state’. That choice resonated with echoes of great missionary and visionary military statesmen elsewhere in world history.

Babangida came to power at a time of grave national anxiety. The frontiers of freedom were severely constrained just as the reputation of the military regime that preceded him was one of insensitivity and frowning indifference.

The national economy was in tatters because government was broke and oil prices were in severe depression.

the institutions of state, the orientation of the economy, essence of the enlightened state which he sought to the political architecture of the nation as well as the enthrone. fundamental dynamics of the society. These were the essential pillars of the Babangida administration.

THE VISIONARY REFORMER

P

olitically, Babangida was ideological without being an ideologue. With the benefit of hindsight, perhaps his oft quoted preference for ‘…a little to the left and a little to the right’ defined his essentially right of center liberal preference. He detested ideological labels but instead adopted a liberal evolutionary approach to steering society towards his essential right of center position.

His preference was for a free market economy supported by a liberal democratic political order in the pursuit of a fair society.

THE ENLIGHTENMENT PRESIDENT

B

abagida was enamored of the power of ideas.

Even now, he is at his best in the Babangida was and still is at his best in the company of people of ideas. Your welcome is warmer if you are bringing something new and fresh to the table.

Babangida was first and foremost a man of ideas.

He ruled through a methodical deployment of ideas on literally every subject in terms of the economy, the political system and the society.

Perhaps we passed through eight years of an Babangida’s impeccable faith in Nigeria came wrapped enlightenment without realizing its full import.This is in a series of reform ideas which he sought to converted the essential reason why his rule can be described as Therefore, beyond the restoration of basic freedoms into policies and programmes to be quickly deployed an era of enlightenment. and the easing of tensions in the polity, Babangida chose and tested in the life of his administration. For him the the path of reform from the onset. He sought to reform diversity of viewpoints and poicy approaches was the

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gravitate around the poles of winners and those opposed to the winner.

BABANGIDA’S PEOPLE OF IDEAS

The two party option obliterated religious and geo ethnic polarization in political alignment. Democratic choice was simplified to a choice between opposites.

But it was a bipartisanship imposed from above, complete with party logos, guiding ideologies and ready-made party offices.

Up to the present moment in time, the advantages of the two party option would seem to have vindicated itself as Nigeria’s ultimate political party destination.

H

is constant companions were some of the nation’s most outstanding men and women of ideas. He constantly sought the diverse views and perspectives of intellectuals. He recruited them to work with him as ministers, advisers, heads of specialized agencies and friends. It can be safely said that to date, the Babangida administration featured the largest collection of people of ideas in government.

Just a sampling: t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t

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ECONOMIC REFORM AND DEREGULATION:

B

The birth of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) and the National Republic Convention(NRC) was the height of idealistic institutional engineering. The two parties with their manifestoes, emblems, nation Babangida entering his car wide identical party offices and suggestive ideological underpinnings were distilled from t 3JTF PG QSJWBUF FMFDUSPOJD NFEJB BOE QSJWBUF previous trends in Nigeria’s political history.

CSPBEDBTUJOH t -JDFOTJOH PG OFX HFOFSBUJPO CBOLT t -JDFOTJOH PG NVMUJQMF QSJWBUF BJSMJOFT t 3JTF PG QSJWBUF TIJQQJOH DPNQBOJFT t *OUSPEVDUJPO PG NPCJMF UFMFQIPOZ t 1SJWBUJ[BUJPO PG NPTU HPWFSONFOU PXOFE FOUFSQSJTFT t was Babangida who inaugurated the concept of “No Go” areas in our political discourse. He clearly told t $PNNFSDJBMJ[BUJPO PG /5" BOE '3$/ TFSWJDFT politicians aspiring to succeed him then that they t -JCFSBMJ[BUJPO PG CVTJOFTT BOE DPNQBOZ SFHJTUSBUJPO were free to debate everything under the sun except QSPDFTTFT certain ‘No Go’ areas. The elements of Babangida’s essential nationalism are as follows:

THE UNREPENTANT NATIONALIST:

I

However, the onset of a new free market system created many widows and orphans in the land. The new islands of prosperity were surrounded by a menacing sea of poverty, hunger and desperation. The state found itself burdened with the fruits of inequality as an unintended social consequence of economic deregulation. Social unrest and mass discontent fueled political opposition.

Occasional riots, demonstrations sent a clear message on the need for the state to don a more compassionate face. State compassion gave rise to poverty alleviation measures and institutions.

abangida took a conscious decision to migrate Nigeria from a state controlled and over regulated economy to a free market open economy dominated by the private sector. That was a historic step which changed Nigeria’s basic economic orientation for good.

POLITICAL REFORM:

Deregulation unleashed the creative and competitive spirit of Nigerians. New private wealth sprouted and flourished in unexpected places. Some of the benefits are as follows:

B

t t t t

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In the heat of the current clamour for restructuring of our federation, Babangida has advised that all views be heard and power devolution be given consideration.

This view, which has been variously misinterpreted as an y far Babangida’s most contentious encounter endorsement of the dissolution of the federation, falls into was in the political realm. He took many practical his liberal disposition, which allows free debate on key steps to re-engineer the political architecture national issues. In his time, Babangida subjected nearly of the nation. The choice of a two party system every important issue to open nationwide debate. A was based on the history of our tendency to sample checklist:

Babangida with former late President Nelson Mandela of South Africa

Babangida with late M.K.O. Abiola

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Sani Abacha with Babangida

Babangida riding with Queen Elizabeth Babangida in a motorcade

t t t t t t t t t t

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Babangida with former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Accordingly, president Babangida reorganized the Nigeria Police into the present zonal command structure. Similarly, the architecture of national intelligence and security was reorganized from the former monolithic National Security Organization(NSO) to the present three branch structure of:

THE INSTITUTION BUILDER:

I

t has been observed that a major part of Africa’s political problem is the preponderance of strong men with weak institutions. Babangida, a remarkably strong and enlightened military ruler embarked on the establishment of several institutions and the strengthening of existing one.

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Central to President Babangida’s grand vision and its enabling strategy was the creation of strong national institutions. In the domestic sphere, Babangida was obsessed with the establishment of a robust institutional framework for nation building. In the entire history of post colonial Nigeria to date, the Babangida administration is on record for establishing the highest number of national institutions to carry the burden of his sweeping reforms in major areas of national life. Most of these reforms and institutions have endured to the present.

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Babangida with President Muhammadu Buhari

INTERNAL SECURITY: THE NATIONAL GUARD IDEA

U

p to the time he left office, Babangida was never in any doubt about the unsettled nature of inter-ethnic relations among Nigerian groups.

It was his conviction that our federation was still unsettled, with many real and potential flash points. The present and future nature of our internal security challenges would overwhelm the police and distract the professional military.

Babangida with former President Goodluck Jonathan

Babangida with former President Abdulsalami Abubakar

Port Harcourt Refinery

He believed that the police is too mild and civil to contain armed insurgency while the military is too fierce to be pressed into combatting fellow Nigerians with its characteristic terminal precision. The solution was to establish a mid intensity intermediate force- a National Guard- based in the states and specially trained and indoctrinated to manage internal security with a mixture of resolute force and patriotic compassion. The National Guard would contingents in every state and specialized national units in the key flash points nationwide. That was the origin and rationale of the National Guard concept under Babangida.

Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos

MOVEMENT OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TO ABUJA:

O

the final official presidential flight out of Lagos as the nation’s capital. On this symbolic flight the presidential aircraft was escorted by a ceremonial formation of Nigeria Air Force Alpha fighter jets.

In a short symbolic but emotional farewell ceremony in Dodan Barracks in Lagos before the flight, Babangida captured the essence of the movement of the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja: “the movement to Abuja is a sign of hope, a dream come true… and a momentous phase in our determination to build a nation”.

n the morning of 12th December, 1991 (12-12-91), President Ibrahim Babangida and a contingent of administration leaders and presidential aides departed the Murtala On arrival in Abuja, the modest presidential motorcade Mohammed Airport, Lagos, for Abuja. It was headed for the newly completed Aso Rock Presidential

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Aso Rock Villa, Abuja

International Conference Centre, Abuja

FOREIGN POLICY TRIUMPHS:

F

oreign policy is usually not the favorite zone of transient military dictatorships. Their sense of mission is usually defined by a certain tentative brevity and quest for domestic political legitimacy and international acceptability. But Babangida was different.

His grand vision of Nigeria saw a bolder more assertive and even regionally powerful Nigeria. With Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi as Foreign Minister, Babangida pursued the kind of bold and activist foreign policy that only befits an ambitious regional power.

Federal Secretariat, Abuja He was not shy to project Nigeria’s power in the West African sub region hence his direct military Villa. Babangida had initiated the Aso Rock Villa project intervention in the civil wars in both Liberia and Sierra after abandoning the ongoing State House in central Abuja Leone. He saw the civil wars in both countries as direct for security reasons. On this occasion, the President was threats to the regional security of West Africa. welcomed by a small party of colorful horse mounted guards. At a short commissioning ceremony, the president In August 1990, contingents of the Nigerian army dedicated the new complex as the permanent seat of arrived Monrovia to commence the ECOMOG operation. government to the eternal service of the Nigerian nation. The Nigerian force was supported by a small Ghanaian contingent, which was allowed to provide the first force He declared that the complex was deliberately set against Commander of ECOMOG, General Arnold Quainoo. He the backdrop of the majestic granite landmark of the was to be succeeded by an unbroken chain of Nigerian Aso Rock which was to become the name of the Villa. force commanders.

This was intended as an eternal tribute to and symbol of ‘the permanence and indestructibility of our nation’.

The Babangida administration never shied away from placing Nigeria in the forefront of African and global From that day onwards, the seat of the Nigerian diplomatic competition and leadership. The administration government moved permanently to Abuja. boldly supported and sponsored Nigerian citizens for

leadership of two major world bodies. General Olusegun Obasanjo vied for the Africa slot for the United Nations Secretary General position. Although Obasanjo lost the bid to Egypt’s Boutrous Ghali, the point had been made that Nigeria was ready for world leadership.

On the 18th of October, 1989, Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria was elected Secretary General of the Commonwelath at a meeting of heads of government in Kuala Lumpur.

Following the success of ECOMOG, Babangida followed up with soft power initiatives to cement Nigeria’s clout as a major regional power in Africa. The initiation of the Technical Aid Corps (TAC), founded in 1987 and modeled after the American Peace Corps of the 1960s provided Nigerian trained manpower to place their skills at the disposal of fellow Third World countries spanning outwards from the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. Nigerian graduates and professionals were posted as far afield as the Fiji Islands, Botswana, Equitorial Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica etc. The Corps is still alive today.

Similar soft power initiatives took the form of the Concert of Medium Powers initiated by Bolaji Akinyemi as Foreign Minister. It was a Nigerian initiative designed to project Nigeria as a regional power in Africa and a major voice in international affairs. The original membership of the Concert included countries like Algeria, Argentina, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Austria, Zimbabwe, Brazil, India, Egypt, India and Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Senegal etc. The aims of the initiative included provision of a forum for international action to cater for the interests of rising powers of the world.

The release of Nelson Mandela from 27 years imprisonment on 11th February, 1990 and the rapid progress towards a multiracial democratic South Africa was a tribute to Nigeria’s long standing support to the anti apartheid struggle. Not surprisingly, Nigeria was one of the first countries to be visited by a free Mandela.

Nigeria was among the first African countries to establish diplomatic relations with a free South Africa and to resume diplomatic relations with Israel after a protracted break in protest over the Palestinian question The shift to Economic Diplomacy was designed to tie Nigeria’s external exertions to the nation’s economic interests. Nigeria had previously expended huge resources to support major foreign policy initiatives without any tangible economic returns. These included the anti Apartheid and liberation struggles in Southern Africa.

INFRASTRUCTURE HIGHLIGHTS:

O

ne of the challenges that the Babangida administration had to contend with was a consistently low oil prices. For most of the time, oil prices gravitated around $9 a barrel except during the brief first Gulf War. Yet, the administration undertook some very remarkable infrastructure projects which remain national landmarks.

The most remarkable include the following: t "TP 3PDL 1SFTJEFOUJBM 7JMMB t 5IF *OUFSOBUJPOBM $POGFSFODF $FOUSF t 5IF 5IJSE .BJOMBOE #SJEHF -BHPT

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GENDER EQUITY & WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

O

ne of the most remarkable aspects of the Babangida administration is its gender sensitivity. That aspect is a by- product of the prominent role played by the late First Lady, Hajia Maryam Babangida in the president’s administration. She stepped forward to identify practically with her husband’s grassroots empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes.

Mrs. Babangida was passionate about women empowerment and the pursuit of gender equity. She carried that gospel to all corners of the nation and mobilized the rural womenfolk. Most importantly, she enlisted the urban elite women to provide enlightened leadership for their less privileged rural compatriots.

Her effort in this regard was complemented by the President’s deliberate policy of involving women at the highest level of policy making and governance. Prof. Grace Alele Williams became Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. Maria Shokenu became managing director of Peoples Bank.

Specifically, Mrs. Babangida’s Better Life for Rural Women programme was targeted at the empowerment of rural women. Its focus was empowerment through skills acquisition and financial empowerment and inclusion.

In the process, rural women rediscovered themselves and their power while their creativity and productivity were unleashed. Accordingly, the nation discovered the hidden treasure of rural womanhood.

Through countless product exhibitions, seminars, conferences and several conscious efforts, Mrs. Babangida brought the plight and strengths of Nigeria’s rural womenfolk to the forefront of national discourse and international recognition and reckoning.

Babangida and Maryam

Aisha

Muhammed

POVERTY ALLEVIATION:

T

he quest for a new social order was very close to the heart of General Babangida. He constantly tasked his team to seek ways of mitigating the inequality that was increasing in the society. In spite of embracing a free market system for the country, General Babangida believed that it was the responsibility of a compassionate government to give capitalism a human face by mitigating the alienating effects of market competition.

The concern was part of the effort to ameliorate the harsh effects of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) and his economic reform agenda. His administration came up with a very comprehensive poverty alleviation and rural development programme. The administration had easily the most systematic and well thought out poverty alleviation programme in our history to date.

It included the following aspects: t 5IF %JSFDUPSBUF GPS 'PPE 3PBET BOE 3VSBM *OGSBTUSVDUVSF %'33*

t 5IF 1FPQMFT #BOL t $PNNVOJUZ #BOLT t /BUJPOBM %JSFDUPSBUF PG &NQMPZNFOU t /&3'6/% t 5IF .BTT 5SBOTJU 1SPHSBNNF Through the government’s Mass Mobilization Programme, there was massive public buy-in to these programmes which ensured their popularity and success within a relatively short space of time.

Aminu

HIS FAMILY:

A

Halima

Aisha is a successful mobilizer on gender equity issues, rural development and poverty alleviation. She is trailing the path of gender equity and people empowerment left by her late mother, the much admired Mrs. Maryam Babangida.

most remarkable aspect of the Babangida phenomenon is his exemplary family life. For a devout Moslem, it remains remarkable that Muhammed is a successful business man with interests he remained faithful and dedicated to his life long wife and partner, Maryam. Together, they in real estate, education and security. raised four children in a very close- knit family.

Aminu is a successful businessman with interests in a broad variety of areas ranging from banking and Their marriage resulted in four remarkable children: finance, oil and energy. He is currently the Chairman Aisha, Muhammed, Aminu and Halima. of Unity Bank Plc. Happily, each of these children has justified the excellent Halima is a business woman with interests in agriculture educational opportunities that they have received from and property development. this remarkable family.

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TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

IBB AT IBB

ADVERTORIAL

SOME MEMORABLE IBB QUOTES:

We may not know no ow tho those ose who will succeed du us. s. Butt we e know those who will ow ill NOT NO OT succeed uss The idea is to h have ttwo political parties; one a little to the right and the other a little to the left.

The challenge as we saw it was to restructure the economy decisively in the direction of a free modern market as an appropriate environment for the cultivation of freedom and democracy and the natural emergence of a new social order.

We should use this opportunity of democracy to correct past mistakes and not to blunder anew.

If a leadership in a democracy arrogates to itself absolute wisdom and knowledge, governance soon degenerates into an absolutism.

-Kaduna, 17th December 2002 at the Launch of IBB: Heritage of Reform.

We were a military regime that sought to lay the foundations for freedom and liberty in a complex society –27th August 2003, Public Presentation of Governance in Nigeria: the IBB Era” by John Shagaya

When peace is sacrificed, order vanishes and with it law and the freedom which it ought to protect.

An address to the International Press Institute, 52nd General Assembly, Nairobi, Kenya May, 2005.

Nigeria must overcome the constraints imposed by the past, the fears and hesitations inhibiting the present. And take the bold and giant leap into the future.

-15th October, 2000, Hill Station Hotel, Jos. Address at the close of a symposium on The Babangida Regime: Problems and Perspectives.

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‘With 10,000 Pending Appeals, the Supreme Court is Overworked’ Mrs Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha

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Collection of Rent Arrears: Effect on Quit /Forfeiture Notice Issued Page IV

ending ‘With 10,000 P reme p u S e h t , ls a e p Ap orked’ w r e v O is t r u o C atu Uwani Mustapha Mrs Hadiz

QUOTABLES ‘It is only a dictatorship that won’t listen to the people.’

- Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Lawyer, Leader, Pan Yoruba Group, Afenifere

‘Politics is not a do or die affair.’ - Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, GSSRS, POS, Lawyer, Life Bencher, Governor of Rivers State

How Reverend Sister Moneme Made History as Canon Law Graduate Page V

Bozimo Tasks Judiciary Workers on Enhanced Performance Page V

Juvenile Courts for Child Offenders Coming Soon, AGF Malami Page V

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021

Why Politicians Prefer Election Tribunal to Electronic Voting Greetings from Port Harcourt

G

reetings from the metropolitan garden city of Port Harcourt - well at the time of writing this piece anyway.

I came to attend the 4th Memorial Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, SAN, KSC Lecture/Public Discussion (he is the immediate past Attorney-General of Rivers State, who joined the saints triumphant on August 10, 2018 - May his soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord. Amen). The event took place at the NBA House, Port Harcourt. As we drove from the airport to town, the road looked familiar, but, somehow looked different. It then dawned on me that, since I visited Port Harcourt last year, the road had been widened and upgraded. And, when we arrived at G.R.A., I could barely recognise the place. Every road we passed through had also been newly done, complete with pavements and drainage. This is the kind of development which Nigerians yearn for in every part of every State, throughout the country - infrastructural development.

A Brief Summary of the Lecture The theme of the Lecture was very topical and apt -”Implication of Electronic Transmission of Results on Election Petitions”; and yours truly, my humble self, played the role of Moderator for the two very able Panel Discussants, Hon. Justice Frank Onyiri of the Customary Court of Appeal, Rivers State, who has served as a member of the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Oyo State in 2019, and is currently serving as the Chairman, Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal, Rivers State; and Mr Dike Udenna Okoronkwo, aka Dike Udenna, a legal practitioner and Head of Chambers of Bridgestone Law Attorneys, based in Port Harcourt.

As the Moderator, I introduced the famous Section 52(2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (EA), and gave a brief overview of its history, from the outright prohibition of electronic voting machines in the 2010 version, to the 2015 amendment which permitted voting to be done in accordance with the procedure determined by INEC. I submitted that though it was not explicitly stated, as the law presently stands, the use of electronic voting machines, or electronic voting or electronic transmission of results or manual voting, are all methods which can be determined and employed by INEC to conduct elections, and there is absolutely nothing preventing INEC from transmitting results electronically. Come to think of it, it is the Senate that is actually trying to drag INEC back to the dark ages and frustrate the progress of the voting system, by unconstitutionally insisting that the latter seeks its approval and that of the NCC, before being permitted to transmit election results electronically. Assuming that it was even constitutional to seek approval from a third party (which it definitely is not), I even wonder what gives the Senate the wherewithal to be the ones to approve electronic transmission of results? Are they engineering experts?

Hon. Justice Onyiri It was sad to see that there is a consensus that Nigeria is seriously deficient in infrastructure, and Justice Onyiri began his discussion by stating this fact. However, I submit that there is still ample time before 2023, for NCC and the various networks to correct any transmission issues, if they are truly lacking (though INEC has rebutted this claim). Justice Onyiri then remarked that the whole electoral process should be electronic, and not just a part of it. He was of the opinion that you cannot have manual back up processes, that is, that inputs cannot be manual and then transmission of results, electronic. That holistically, the process must be digital, as the input into the system obviously bears on the output - certainly if it is garbage in, it will definitely be garbage out!

On the issue of the Senate attempting to foist itself and NCC into the election process, when Section 78 of the Constitution is quite clear on the role of INEC, Justice Onyiri concluded that all that is required, is for INEC to conform to the NCC standard; that INEC certainly did not need NCC’s permission or that of the Senate, to go ahead with electronic transmission of results. As for the Senate, Justice Onyiri submitted that all that is required of them, is to put in place a good legislative framework, instead of trying to sneak themselves into the process.

Dike Udenna Dike Udenna spoke from an extremely practical point of view, as a counsel who has handled several election petitions. He made some interesting submissions.

He started off on the premise that the odds are stacked against a Petitioner in an election petition,

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

The

Advocate “Apart from it being easier for Politicians to rig elections if the voting system is manual, our Election Petition system seems to favour Respondents almost a win-win situation for them” because there is a presumption and policy of the EA, that an election is properly conducted

by INEC, until such presumption is rebutted by the Petitioner. He submitted that electronic transmission of results would more than go a long way, to not only to affirm the integrity of an election, but reduce the hitherto almost insurmountable burden on the Petitioner, of having to prove the Petition, for several reasons; including the fact that, because Petitioners are given a very limited amount of time to examine their witnesses (10-14 days or so; one court day obviously not being the full 24 hours, but maybe 2-4 hours), and the number of witnesses sometimes running into over a hundred, since usually, witnesses must come from every polling unit that is said to have had a problem, as well as also presenting polling agents to testify; it is almost an impossible task for Petitioners to prove their cases within the appointed time, and invariably, the Tribunal will rule that the Petitioner having failed to discharge the requisite evidential burden to prove their petitions, the Petition automatically fails. He submitted that, the electronic transmission of results would assist in no small measure, to make an election petition a more level playing field for both the Petitioner and Respondent, as the results would have been uploaded electronically from source, without the need for hundreds of witnesses to come and testify, thereby making the case possibly more clear cut, and giving the Petitioner a better chance, if indeed, such Petitioner has

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu

a strong case.

Dike Udenna talked about how results were changed during their manual transmission, from the polling unit to the INEC Collation Centre.

How Petitioners, who by virtue of the results declared at the polling units, had won elections, but by the time there is a proper declaration of results by the Returning Officer, to the chagrin of the Petitioner, the figures magically change and the opponent who lost the election is declared the winner; and because of some of the aforementioned obstacles which exist in proving the election petition, the opponent who was the loser in the election, is sworn in as the winner. He submitted that, the practice of unscrupulously changing results between the polling unit and the final declaration, would be greatly reduced if the results are electronically transmitted, especially in the case of transmitting results from distant or inaccessible places like riverine areas, back to town.

Several other issues were raised, like that of INEC officials being made to declare the wrong results under duress. Dike Udenna gave the example of a Returning Officer who complained that he was forced sign a false result sheet, but was too afraid to come and give evidence at the Tribunal, because he felt that his life and that of his family would be in danger if he did so - that those who could threaten and force him to sign a fake document, would be able to locate his home easily and deal with him (and his family) decisively, if he testified against them.

Late Emmanuel Chinwe Aguma, SAN, KSC

This resulted in the Tribunal attaching absolutely no weight to the result sheet, since the maker of the document did not testify before it. The electronic transmitted results, would undoubtedly come in extremely handy in these type of situations, as the transmitted results not only speak for themselves, but would corroborate as true or denounce as false, the figures in result sheets.

The example used by Dike Udenna, immediately brought to mind the case of Senator Rochas Okorocha’s election in Imo State, in which the Returning Officer had revealed that he had been kidnapped and forced to declare Rochas Okorocha as the winner of the election. Shockingly, Senator Okorocha was still given his certificate of return, and is happily sitting in the Senate Chamber as the duly elected Senator representing his constituency!

Dike Udenna also commented on the deployment of electronic transmission of results, to rule out the incidence of non-INEC parties like the Police, submitting election results as evidence to the Election Petition Tribunals, as again, in the case of the Imo State Gubernatorial election, where the results tendered by the Police to the Tribunal, was what was used to jet the candidate who came fourth in the election, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to the position of the winner. Again, in the event that the Police tendered conflicting results (I still have questions as to whether the Police is the proper party to tender election results), the electronically transmitted results would be a means to ascertain the veracity of those other results so tendered.

Conclusion All in all, those of us who were in attendance at the Lecture, left with a better understanding of why Politicians, especially those already sitting in elective positions, are opposed to the electronic transmission of results, and why they are happy to take their chances at the Election Petition Tribunal and Court as Respondents. Apart from it being easier for Politicians to rig elections if the voting system is manual, our Election Petition system seems to favour Respondents - almost a win-win situation for them.

What then, is the difference between our National Assembly (NASS) members and a military dictatorship, in terms of both of them trying to perpetuate themselves in their positions? None. It is only the method that differs. While the military employs sheer brute force to remain in government, our NASS members are doing so by manipulating the laws to suit their purpose, while trying to introduce useless Bills to gag those who complain about their unholy activities.

On my way to the airport after the programme, I visited the site of the Nigerian Law School, Rivers State Campus - the Dr Nabo Graham-Douglas, SAN Complex on Abacha Road by Agip junction and Ikwerre Road; and also the site for the Law School Staff Quarters by Presidential Hotel, G.R.A. I also visited the Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma Judges’ Quarters, in honour of the late Attorney-General on Tombia Extension, erected by the Rivers State Government. The Estate is quite picturesque - there are at least 20 duplexes in the Estate with well manicured lawns, complete with tennis and basketball courts, and other modern conveniences. Judges who opted for cash payments in lieu of the accommodation, were given N150 million each. I am pleased that Judges in Rivers State, are being appreciated and taken care of. I hope other States will take a cue from Lagos and Rivers State, and do the same for their Judges.

P.S. What a Country!

Resident Doctors are paid N5,000 a month hazard allowance, and a significant number of Doctors did die last year due to the Covid-19 hazard.

Yet, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives are paid N303,960 and N297,781 monthly or thereabouts, for their Newspaper allowance. It seems that, in Nigeria, Legislators reading the ‘Dailies’ and keeping up with current affairs, is more important than the lives of Doctors and their role as life savers! (Even though the effect of their avid newspaper reading, with the will of the people clearly contained in those newspapers, is not necessarily their priority or reflected in their law making). And, indirectly, Legislators reading newspapers also seems more important to the Nigerian Government than the lives of Nigerians, because when there is a strike, those with urgent medical needs run the risk of death, if they don’t receive the much needed attention and treatment. A senseless and grossly inequitable system, that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Food for thought!

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021 • T H I S D AY

Collection of Rent Arrears: Effect on Quit /Forfeiture Notice Issued Facts

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he Respondents, as Lessors, entered into a contract of lease with the Appellant for a plot of land situated at Plot B, Sabiu Ajose, Surulere Lagos. The contract was a 26-year Development Lease for the erection of a building within two years, to be completed on/or before 1979 on payment of annual rent payable in advance. The suit was initiated by the Respondents in 1993, to recover the property, due to non-compliance with leasing terms of erecting a building on the land.

Both the trial court and the Court of Appeal found that the Appellant, as Lessee, breached the terms of the lease. Dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination The following issues were considered by the Apex Court: 1. Whether the Court of Appeal was right by affirming the decision of the trial court, that the Respondents pleaded and proved service of statutory “Notice of Breach of Covenant” (Exhibit E) as required by law.

2. Whether the Plaintiff/Respondents have waived their right to forfeiture by demanding and collecting rent up to 1995, before the purported Notice to Quit was allegedly issued in line with the averments in the Defendant/ Appellant’s Statement of Defence.

Arguments Counsel for the Appellant submitted on the first issue that the manner of pleading the Notice of Breach of Covenant offends Order 17 Rule 4 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 1994, which stipulates that pleadings should contain only statement in a summary form of the material facts on which the party pleading relies for his claim/defence, but not the evidence by which they are to be proved. Counsel argued that the Respondents ought to have pleaded the legal effect of the Notice of the breach as a fact, before it was tendered. He argued further that the name of the legal practitioner who issued the said Notice should have been pleaded, and that failure to call one Mr Alade Akinsote, who effected the service of the statutory notices as a witness, was questionable. He prayed the court to invoke the provision of Section 149(d) of the Evidence Act (now Section 167(d)), to hold that counsel for the Respondents withheld evidence.

Countering the submission, counsel argued on behalf of the Respondents that the statutory notices were validly served, and that despite the denial by the Appellant, DW1 admitted in evidence, service of the said processes subsequent to the denial in the pleadings.

More so, the Appellant did not object to tendering of the said document(s) at trial in the suit, and so, cannot be heard to complain at the Supreme Court.

Regarding the second issue, it was the submission of counsel for the Appellant that the rent paid was subsisting till the year 1995 and that the receipt of arrears of payment during the subsistence of the statutory notice(s), necessarily destroyed the validity of such Notice.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding the first issue, the court restated the trite position of law that pleadings should contain facts and not evidence. Documentary evidence need not be specifically pleaded to

Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 5th day of February, 2021 Before Their Lordships

Olabode Rhodes-Vivour Musa Dattijo Muhammed Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju Abdu Aboki Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Justices, Supreme Court SC.105/2010 Between Pillars Nigeria Limited

…

…

…

…

Appellant

…

… Respondents

And 1. William Kojo Desbordes 2. Mrs. Doris N. Forson (Nee Desbordes) … …

(Substituted for Mr. Louis Desbordes and Mr. Albert Desbordes on 14th May, 2018)

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC)

be admissible in evidence, so long as the facts by which such document is covered are expressly pleaded – OKONKWO v COOPERATIVE AND COMMERCE BANK (NIG.) PLC & 2 OTHERS (2003) 8 NWLR (Pt. 882) 347. In this case, the Notice of breach of covenant was pleaded, and the facts of the averred breach was pleaded. The Appellant did not deny the existence of the Notice of Breach of covenant, and the general traverse in paragraph 4 of its Amended Statement of Defence is of no value. Though the name of the legal practitioner that issued the notice of breach of covenant to the Appellant should have been pleaded, but failure to do so is of no moment. Further, the document being in evidence, the Appellant did not object to the admissibility of the notice of breach in evidence as exhibit, he is thus, estopped from contending that it is not sufficiently or properly pleaded; more so, as the essence of pleadings is to ensure that parties do not spring surprises on opponents.

Regarding the submission that the

“….. the collection of arrears of rent before approaching the court, cannot amount to a waiver of the Notice to Quit issued to the Appellant”

Respondents should have pleaded the legal effect of the notice of the breach as a fact before it is tendered, their Lordships held that the position of the Appellant stemmed from a misconception on the modern rule of pleadings, as the old legal terminology of pleading has since changed in line with new procedures. The pleader does not need to state the legal result of a document or facts pleaded, as this will amount to argument in pleading – EZEWANI v ONWORDI (1986) 4 NWLR (Pt. 33) SC. 27. In this instance, having pleaded the document in controversy, there was no need to plead its legal effect, as that would amount to argument in a pleading. The Apex Court concluded that, the Appellant failed to show that the decision of the trial court which held that Exhibit E was served on the Appellant, was wrong.

On the issue of service of the Notice of Breach of Covenant (Exhibit E), the trial court disbelieved the testimony of DW1 that he was not served with the said notice.

The Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of the trial court, on the credibility of the witnesses. The Appellant abandoned its appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal affirming the decision of the trial court, on the credibility of PW1 and DW1. Learned counsel for the Appellant, has correctly restated the law on the requirements of proof of service of the notice of breach of covenant. But, having accepted as correct the decision of the Court of Appeal, concurring with the decision of the trial court believing PW1

that Exhibit E was served on the Appellant and disbelieving DW1’s denial of such service, the brilliant arguments of learned counsel on the legal requirements of proof of service of notice of breach of covenant become valueless.

It is settled law that, a party who has not appealed against a finding or holding in the judgement appealed against, cannot validly argue contrary to that finding or holding.

Having accepted as correct the judgement of the Court of Appeal affirming the decision of the trial court that Exhibit E was served on the Appellant, further to the evidence of PW1, the Appellant could not argue that the service of the notice was not proved.

Deciding issue two, especially as it relates to waiver of rights to forfeiture upon collecting rent up to 1995 before the issuance of the Notice to Quit in 1992, the Supreme Court reiterated the findings of the trial court in this respect, and the affirmation of the salient finding by the Court of Appeal. It was the position of the Appellant that the Respondents demanded for rents which it paid up to 1995. By the evidence before the court however, the Respondents had written to the Appellant demanding arrears of rent owed, and the Appellant responded by issuing a cheque for payment (Exhibit O) dated 4/5/1992. Counsel for the Respondents was unequivocal in his determination to pursue forfeiture of the lease, and communicated this to the Appellant before the payment was made. More so, the trial court found that the Respondents only collected rent till 1991, contrary to the position of the Appellant that it paid rent up to 1995. This finding was affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

The Appellant however, failed to challenge this significant finding of the lower courts.

There is no ground of appeal on the holding of the Court of Appeal, that the Appellant deliberately falsified the years for which it alleged to have paid rents. The Apex Court agreed with the inference of the court below in affirming the decision of the High Court, that even though the Respondents collected rent till 1991, there was a letter by counsel for the Respondents - Exhibit N - written in 1992 clearly showing an intention to terminate the lease. Thus, the collection of arrears of rent before approaching the court, cannot amount to a waiver of the Notice to Quit issued to the Appellant.

His Lordship, Ogunwumiju, JSC stated that the fact that a landlord collected rent on a property still in occupation or possession of the tenant after notice to quit, cannot by any stretch of the law, equity or imagination amount to a waiver of the notice to quit even where the notice had expired, and the tenant refused to yield possession in time. The notice to quit would subsist until it is formally rescinded by the landlord, or when a fresh tenancy agreement is entered into.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Chigbo Anainugwu with V.I.P Ozumba for the Appellant.

Tochukwu Onuike with Nnemeka Otagburuagu with Adaeze Anah for the Respondents.

PLEASE NOTE: The holding that “Equity demands that wherever and whenever there is controversy on when or how notice of forfeiture or notice to quit is disputed by the parties, or even where there is irregularity in giving notice to quit, the filing of an action by the landlord to regain possession of the property has to be sufficient notice on the tenant that he is required to yield up possession”, was an obiter dictum of His Lordship, Honourable Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC. Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

V NEWS

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021

Reverend Sister Winifred Moneme

Former Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Justice Rosaline Bozimo

Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN

How Reverend Sister Moneme Made History as Canon Law Graduate Alex Enumah in Abuja

Following her success at the March 2021 Final Bar Exams of the Nigerian Law School and her subsequent Call to Bar last month, Reverend Sister Winifred Moneme is said to have made history as the second Nigerian to have studied Canon Law. Reverend Sister Moneme, a native of Agulu in Aniocha Local Government

Area of Anambra State, studied at the Catholic Institute of West Africa; the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, (where she bagged a degree in Canon Law); Urban University Rome, Italy (Diploma in Italian Language); Pontifical University Lateran, Rome, Italy ( Masters in Civil Law); Pontifical University Lateran (Phd. in Canon Law); Pontifical University,

Judge’s Harassment: Lawyers Boycott Court in Benin Steve Aya

The Nigerian Bar Association, Benin Branch has threatened that it’s members will boycott a particular High Court No. 6 in Benin, over what it described as harassment and intimidation of its members, by the presiding Judge. The body of Lawyers has therefore, given an order to that effect to its members via a statement.

In a statement signed by the Association’s Chairman and Secretary, Pius Oiwoh and Andrew Lawani respectively, the body insisted that its decision to boycott the court was a unanimous one, with regard to the “incessant and relentless harassment, intimidation, outright insults and deliberate embarrassment to counsel” appearing before the Judge.

The decision according to the statement, was reached

at an August meeting of the Lion Bar in Benin, which was attended by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Benchers, elders, leaders and members of the Bar. The statement alleged that the Judge harassed, insulted and intimidated SANs and other very senior members of the Bar, in the presence of their clients and would-be clients.

‘Any member who flouts this directive under any guise, shall be liable to be blacklisted at the Branch and made to face its disciplinary Committee.

‘Consequently, all members of the Association are directed to embark on a total boycott of the court, and are not permitted to carry out any business in the said court till a subsequent review of this directive by the general meeting”, the statement added.

Rome (Phd. in Civil Law) and the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators.

The field of Law concerns the rules and ordinances governing the Christian community, specifically the Catholic Church.

Moneme, who is a member of the Congression of Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, Rivers State, combined both Civil and Canon law and studied both at the doctorate

level.

In a chat with our Correspondent shortly after the Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, the Reverend Sister who was overwhelmed with joy for being among the 884 graduates of the law school to be called to the Nigerian Bar, dismissed the perception that the legal profession lacks morality.

“It’s a wrong perception to say that religion and law,

are strange bed fellows.

Religion is like a vocation, while law is a profession.

“Like every other profession, there are good and bad people, so the issue of morality really is an individual thing. Besides, the rules of professional conduct for Lawyers and ethics does not accommodate immoral conduct”, she said.

According to her, she desires to practice law in

the areas of forensic, medical and religion.

The Reverend Sister cum Barrister appealed to parents to allow their children choose their careers, and not force theirs on their wards.

Moneme similarly appealed to the management of the Nigerian Law School to improve in the area of academic facilities, especially the digital aspect of it.

Bozimo Tasks Judiciary Workers on Enhanced Performance Steve Aya The former Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Rosaline Bozimo, has reiterated the need for enhanced performance by Judiciary workers in the country, in order to remain relevant and effective in the ever-improving world of Judiciary.

Bozimo stated this while delivering a welcome address at the opening ceremony of a virtual National workshop for

Registrars, Court Clerks and Bailiffs held in Abuja.

The theme of the workshop was: ‘Enhancing Staff Performance For Effective Justice Delivery’.

The workshop, according to Bozimo, would not only afford them the opportunity to get equipped with necessary tools needed to overcome challenges, she added that it would abreast them with current developments in the discharge of their duties.

“The process of producing, transmitting and retrieving records of proceedings and communication as ordered by the court, will not be possible without your input.

“Your capacity to provide the required services to court cannot be over-emphasised, because your proficiency and propriety determine the first impression and inspire confidence in every court user that approaches the court for remedy, Bozimo noted.

In a keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, observed that considering the roles being played by the category of staff, efforts should be made to empower them adequately to be able to deliver.

“As Court Registrars, Process Clerks and Bailiffs, you should understand the core functions of your office, and be acquainted with global best practices for optimum performance.”

Juvenile Courts for Child Offenders Coming Soon, AGF Malami Steve Aya In its commitment to enhance child rights, the Federal Government said it would soon create a specialised court where victims of rights violations, especially children offenders, would access justice.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN said this recently in his keynote address at the project launch of the EU – UNICEF Access to Justice Programme for Children held in Abuja.

The initiative is a collaboration

between the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police and the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF).

The highpoint of the two-day event was the meeting of Justice Actors, to Launch the Justice for Children Coordination Forum and their inauguration.

The inaugurated entities are drawn from the FMOJ, FMWA, LACON, NAPTIP, NHRC, NSCDC, NIALS, NJI, NBA, FIDA, UNICEF, UNODC, UNDP, OHCHR, IOM, ILO, University of Abuja and the Buni Yadi Foundation.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties and Research, Office of the AGF, at the occasion, Professor Mohammed Lawal Ahmadu, the AGF noted that the move will not only fast track cases and give justice to victims, it would also strengthen the justice system.

He said, “Judges have been assigned to be trained in the enforcement of the Child Rights Act. This for me, will strengthen the justice system in line with the MDG goals.

“The AGF’s office has also

launched the first phase of the amnesty and decongestion for children found against the law, while the borstal institutes across the country will be a kick-start point for the second phase.

In his address, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola described the period of childhood as delicate, saying the Ministry is worried by spates of bad parenting which has led to menace like banditry, drug abuse by children, and all forms of social malfunctioning beyond their mental capacity.

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he 4th Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, SAN, KSC Memorial Lecture/Public Discussion themed ‘Implication of Electronic Transmission of Results on Election Petitions”, took place last Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House. Here are some of the personalities who attended the event….

Engr. Samuel Nwanosike, Chairman, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State (left) and Chima Aguma

Mrs Onikepo Braithwaite, Moderator of the Panel Discussion and the Panelists, Hon. Justice Frank Onyiri (left) and Mr Dike Udenna Okoronkwo (right) Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi

Widow of Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, Mrs Inime Aguma and their sons, Eze (left) and Chima (right)

Mrs Inime Aguma (left) with the Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom-Wike

Cross-section of Guests

Chairman of the Occasion, former NBA President and former President, Body of Benchers, O.C.J. Okocha, SAN

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice representing Governor Nyesom Wike, Professor Zaccheaus Adangor, SAN

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021

L-R: Hon. Justices Florence Fiberesima, Green, Elsie Thompson, Mrs Inime Aguma, Mrs Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, Hon. Justices Dagogo-Jack and Meg Okpara

Editor of This Day Lawyer, Mrs Onikepo Braithwaite (left) and Mrs Inime Aguma

Chima Aguma (left) and Dike Udenna

Chima Aguma, Dike Udenna with other Lawyers L-R: Former Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mr Emma Okah, Mrs Inime Aguma and Mr Chima Aguma

Mrs Miebi Aguma (left) and Mrs Inime Aguma Head of Chambers Aguma & Co, Mr Wori N. Wori

L-R: Rivers State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Osimah Gina, Professor Z Adangor, SAN, Mrs Inime Aguma, Mrs Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, Mrs Miebi Aguma, Mrs Dibou Aguma, and Ms Ngozi Aguma

Younger brother of Chinwe Aguma, Hon. Igo Aguma

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Immediate Past Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mrs Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha

‘With 10,000 Pending Appeals, the Supreme Court is Overworked’ The Apex Court, despite being the highest court in the land is not without its own challenges, particularly underfunding and understaffing. In addition to these acute problems, their Lordships are overburdened with frivolous appeals that should not be clogging up their dockets. Between 2007 and 2019, over 10,000 appeals were filed at the Apex Court. For the outgoing second Female and 17th Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mrs Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha, these are important issues that require urgent attention, in order to make the Supreme Court operate at an optimal level. Having enjoyed a successful and fulfilling career, as she bows out on the attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 60, Mrs Mustapha shared her life’s story and experience from her robust career with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi, narrating how she managed to put in place, numerous innovations and drive several initiatives while at the Supreme Court, despite the paucity of funds.

And, going forward, among other endeavours, how she intends to establish an NGO devoted to the Girl Child

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indly, tell us about yourself, your journey from the beginning to your qualification as a Lawyer, and finally to the position of not just Chief Registrar (CR) of the Supreme Court, but to being the second female ever to hold that position which you assumed on May 31, 2017? Over the years, CRs are hardly seen nor heard. Kindly, let us into what your role entailed as the Head of the Supreme Court Registry.

I became the 17th Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court when I was appointed to the seat on the 31st of May, 2017. Since the appointment of C.O. Madarikan in 1958, until my ascension to the seat, it was only Mrs. G.O. Jackman who was female, making me the second female Chief

Registrar of the Supreme Court.

I was born on the 8th of August, 1961 at Bukuru in the old Plateau State, into the family of Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha and Hajia Rakiya Mustapha. I am the second of his eighteen children.

He had two wives, one of whom was Hajiya Rakiya Mustapha, my mother. My father, Alhaji Mustapha was an employee of the Borno State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources until he retired, but before then, he had worked in the same capacity in the old Plateau State.

At the age of seven, precisely in 1968, I got enrolled at the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School in Bukuru where I went through primaries one and two, before my father transferred his service to the Government of the

‘However, the inflation rate which rose from 11.4% in 2019 to 13.25% in 2020, and to 15. 79% in 2021, rendered useless any increase in budgetary allocation to the Court’

then North-Eastern State, his home State. Back at home, I was enrolled in Primary two at Yerwa Practicing Primary School. In September, 1974, I gained admission to Government Girls Secondary School, Maiduguri after completing her primary education same year.

In 1980, I was admitted to read Law at University of Maiduguri, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) in 1984, and was subsequently called to the Bar in 1985.

After my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1986 in Kano, I joined the service of Borno State Ministry of Justice as State Counsel II in 1987, where I rose to the position of Acting Director, Citizen Rights Department in 1999.

At the Borno State Ministry of Justice, I handled several duties, such as public prosecution which involves preparing and filling trial documents in respect of suspects before the appropriate court.

Other duties carried out were writing legal advice to the Police, attending to petitions submitted by members of the public, vetting of legal documents, drawing of contract agreements between the State Government and contractors,

and prosecuting civil cases. It also included the prosecution of election petitions before the Election Petition tribunals; and I had been member of various Committees, for instance, the Local Government Assets Sharing Committee, Borno State.

In 2000, I was appointed Chief Enterprise Officer of the Bureau of Public Enterprises(BPE) in Abuja, and by 2004, I returned to the service of the Borno State Government, and this time around, as the Acting Director of the Public Prosecutions (DPP). After a little stint in the position, in 2005, I was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (Admin) to the then Governor of Borno State. By 2007, I became the Director of Legal Services for the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). And, between 2007 and 2011, I was the General Manager of the Maiduguri International Hotel.

Before the end of 2011, I was appointed the Deputy Chief Registrar (Works and Services) for the Sharia Court of Appeal, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and also as the Deputy Chief Registrar (Procurement), a position I held till she I was elevated to the position of the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court in 2017.

I retired from this current position

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‘With 10,000 Pending Appeals, the Supreme Court is Overworked’ on the 8th of August, 2021, after attainting the mandatory retirement age of 60. I am married with children and grandchildren.

As the CR, how did you cope with the daunting task of running the Apex Court Complex, especially as the N110 billion budget allocated to the Judiciary has remained stagnant since 2019, while Nigeria has been faced with spiralling inflationary rates?

Inflation has been a major challenge, in managing funds appropriated to the Supreme Court. In fact, our budgetary allocation has witnessed marginal increase from 2020 to 2021 as can be seen below: 2018 N9,631,309,652.05 2019 N9,106,309,652.05 2020 N10,201,646,285.76 2021 N12,880,824,019.00 However, the inflation rate which rose from 11.4% in 2019 to 13.25% in 2020, and to 15.79% in 2021, rendered useless any increase in budgetary allocation to the Court. Besides, the increase in allocation has been for the Capital sub-head, only leaving other sub-heads to suffer lack of funding.

You stepped down as CR about two weeks ago. In your four years in this role, you were responsible for several laudable projects including the remodelling and computerisation of the Supreme Court Library, construction of the Ceremonial Court, furnishing and modernisation of the Supreme Court Clinic (I personally witnessed the rapid response of the Clinic’s personnel complete with resuscitation equipment, when I was at the Supreme Court recently, and another visitor collapsed on the premises in my presence), digitalisation of the court rooms, employment of high definition audio/video recording equipment to compare with international best practices, to mention a few. What is the level of automation at the Supreme Court Registry? How compliant are the staff and their Lordships in the use of IT? Tell us about these and other initiatives you may have instituted as CR, and the legacy you have left for your successor to build on.

From January 2020, every court process filed in our Process Unit, is being uploaded and stored in a shared folder by the Litigation Department and ICT Unit. This will ultimately be used by the Nigeria Case Management System (NCMS), one of the processes of court automation being deployed by the Judicial Information Technology Policy Committee (JITPO-COM) of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The Supreme Court is one of the pilot sites of JITPO-COM because, as of today, the Committee has executed three projects in the Supreme Court, and is currently executing another one.

Immediate Past Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mrs Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha

The executed projects are: 1. Data Centre 2. Retrofitting of Court One 3. Establishment of the Legal mail.

As I speak, Court Two is being retrofitted by the same JITPO-COM; the projects being executed are sine qua non for the ultimate automation of the judicial process in Nigeria through the Nigeria case management system.

JITPO-COM was inaugurated in 2012 to chart a course for the introduction of Court Technology in Nigerian Courts, to enhance the efficient and speedy disposal of cases.

To complement the efforts of JITPO-COM, the Supreme Court has taken over the maintenance of the retrofitted Court One. The Court has also started an ambitious program of digitising the entire archives of the Court, as well as pending live appeals.

Capacity building for our ICT and Litigation staff for the implementation of the NCMS, is being vigorously pursued.

Once the uploading of the pending Appeals is completed, the ICT Unit will put the Hon. Justices through the use of the

‘I supported the JUSUN strike because the Judiciary is one big family, and when a part is affected, the whole is affected’

NCMS, which is seamless. Supreme Court will then go fully electronic, doing away with papers.

You were also interested in staff welfare, ensuring that salaries are paid as at when due, facilitating foreign workshops for staff training when funds were available, creating new office spaces for more Justices.

Do you believe that the Judiciary is underfunded? Do you believe that if the Judiciary was allocated more funds, it will be more efficient, and the wheels of justice will move faster? Did you support the JUSUN Strike?

Has it had any positive impact on judicial autonomy or on the Judiciary as a whole? Many have complained that our Judicial Officers from bottom all the way to the Supreme Court Justices are grossly underpaid. Kindly, share your views with us The Judiciary is seriously underfunded, because of the envelope budgeting policy in use for the Judiciary. Funds appropriated for the Judiciary under the envelope budgeting policy, are a far cry from what the Judiciary needs to operate efficiently and optimally.

For example in 2020, eight Honourable Justices were appointed for the court towards the end of a financial year, so that there were no funds to rent residential accommodation and procure official card for them. There were not enough offices for all the Honourable Justices, and the additional offices we provided for them could not be provided with the relevant books needed for the them to function effectively.

In fact the skeletal services being rendered to the new Justices was only made possible, based on financial intervention from the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Yes, I believe that for a faster and more efficient Judiciary, the funding of the Judiciary needs to be reviewed.

I supported the JUSUN strike because the Judiciary is one big family, and when a part is affected, the whole is affected. But, to be fair, in respect of the Federal Judiciary, the Federal Government of Nigeria has fully complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, with respect to autonomy and independence for the Federal Judiciary.

Unfortunately, our Judicial Officers are poorly paid because the law regulating their salary (Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances ETC) Act 2002, needs to be amended after the last amendment in 2008. Inflation has rendered the salaries of Judicial Officers absolutely inadequate to cater for their needs.

You are only the second female Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, the first being Mrs Jackman who held the position almost 40 years ago. Why is this so? Is it that gender discrimination discrimination exists in our profession? Why does there seem to be a paucity of women holding positions, not just at the highest levels of our profession, but in Government, in the Legislature, and in most walks of life in Nigeria? What can be done to change this narrative, to get a fair deal for women? Do you think that like Rwanda, affirmative cont'd on page 10

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‘With 10,000 Pending Appeals, the Supreme Court is Overworked’ cont'd from page 9

action laws should be passed to bridge this gap, so that women can take their rightful place in governance?

I do not think that there is discrimination against women in our profession, but I also think that affirmative action is required to increase the participation of women in our legislative and judicial sectors.

About three years ago, the Supreme Court held in the case of C.E. & M.S. LTD v PAZAN SERVICES NIGERIA LTD, that service of court processes by SMS, email or any other electronic means is valid. To what extent has the Apex Court ensured compliance by Lawyers?

An important aspect of the implementation of information Technology into the Judiciary in Nigeria, is the introduction of the legal mail in Supreme Court.

The JITPO-COM, in conjunction with the NBA, is ensuring every registered Lawyer acquires the legal mail free of charge, before filing any process in the Supreme Court.Once processes are served, the Lawyers receive messages electronically via the legal email and notification through text messages, informing them of the service. In fact, proof of service is automatically generated by the system, printed by the Registrar and put in the court’s file; and this is good and proper service.

The NBA recently expressed serious concerns over the several names found missing from the Supreme Court Roll. For the past few years, many Lawyers have been unable to process and obtain their Stamp and Seal, on account of the fact that their names couldn’t be found on the Roll. It was also alleged that it is a problem of the Registry.

How is your office addressing this serious complaint?

To the best of my knowledge, there is no case of missing name on Roll for Lawyers in Nigeria domiciled with the Court. My attention was recently drawn to a problem in the Credence and Enrolment Unit of the Litigation Department, which handles enrolment of Lawyers. I set up a Committee which resolved the issues within two weeks, and the Lawyers called to Bar in 2020 who did not get enrolment numbers, can now come to the Unit and obtain their numbers.

For many years now, it has been suggested that their Lordships at the Apex Court should be supported with Legal Research Assistants, like we have in other jurisdictions.

This suggestion does not seem to have been well received, and the volume of work of the Honourable

Immediate Past Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mrs Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha

Justices keeps growing, while adjournment dates are given far into the future. What is the way out, to reduce their workloads?

In the Supreme Court, we have been assigning Registrars to assist the Honourable Justices with research. I agree that they do need legal Research Assistants, but, the surest of way reducing their work load in the court, is to cut down on the number of Appeals coming to the Court by amending the blanket right of appeal as contained in the Constitution, and vesting the Appeal Courts with power to grant leave for appeals only in deserving appeals that present novel issues to be determined.

It has also been suggested that the Supreme Court should be unbundled, to create at least three Divisions in the three regions of the country. Others have suggested that there should be a Division for Election Petitions, and even a Division for constitutional matters only, so that justice at the Supreme Court will be more swift. Still others have suggested that not all matters should go on appeal

‘The way to reduce this burden for the Justices, is not by creating a proliferation of more divisions of the Supreme Court, or even by increasing the number of the Justices of the Court’

to the Apex Court, especially flimsy interlocutory appeals which can be taken with substantive matters. Do you subscribe to any of these ideas? Others say that more Justices should be appointed to the Apex Court.

What suggestions do you have, to make justice swifter there?

From 2007-2019 alone, we have about ten thousand appeals pending. The Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, are the most overworked Justices of any Supreme Court in the entire globe.

The way to reduce this burden for the Justices, is not by creating a proliferation of more Divisions of the Supreme Court, or by increasing the number of the Justices of the Court. With respect, the surest way to reduce congestion in the Supreme Court is as follows: (a) Amend the Constitution and restrict the Right of Appeal, so that similar issues already decided upon by the Court should never be allowed to come before the Court on appeal again. (b) Amend the Constitution and restrict both pre and post-Election Appeal matters for Governorship, State and Federal legislature to terminate at the Court of Appeal.

Only appeals on Presidential election, should come to the Supreme Court.

If the above is done, a full compliment of the Justices of the Court, that is, 21 Honourable Justices should be able to dispense quick, efficient and effective Justice.

You also double as the Secretary to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee. Recently,

some veteran Senior Advocates made a call, that conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) should be deferred for the next couple of years. What reasons did they give for their position?

Do you agree with them? Should those who qualify for the rank be denied conferment?

BOSAN is of the view that the criteria for conferment of the coveted Rank of SAN has been weakened by the extant guidelines and watered-down the standard and core requirements of excellence and distinction, because from 2015-2019 we witnessed 100% increase in the number of those conferred and 600% increase from 2020 to 2021. With respect, I do not agree that the standard has been lowered. I am however, sure that the LPPC will give a dispassionate consideration to the submission made by the respected body.

Going forward, what are your plans for the future having stepped down?

My parents cared for the Girl Child, and gave me every opportunity and assistance to achieve my full potentials.

To pay back to memory of my parents and society, I will, in my retirement, set up an NGO that will cater for the Girl Child in Nigeria. Along with my NGO, I will pursue farming, as I have already set up poultry. I am also engaged in fish farming.

Additionally, I will establish a consultancy firm, as well as a law firm that will focus on being a Solicitor and corporate consultant.

Thank you very much. We wish you the very best, as you begin a new chapter in your life.

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embers of the Body of Benchers converged in Abuja recently for the Call to Bar Ceremony of new wigs. Here are some of the Benchers and award winners at the event Members of the Body of Benchers

Members of the Body of Benchers filing into the 2021 Call to Bar Ceremony; L-R: Immediate Past Chairman of the Body of Benchers, OCJ Okocha, SAN, Chairman, Council of Legal Education (CLE), Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN and President, NBA, Olumide Akpata The Chairman, CLE, Emeka Ngige, SAN presenting the Law Students for Call to Bar by the Body of Benchers

L-R: DG, Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Chiroma, SAN, Emeka Ngige, SAN and Attorney-General of Borno State, Kaka Shehu Lawan

Ms Bukola Alada receiving her 1st Class Certificate

A cross-section of First Class Law Graduates and Prize winners with the Chairman of Body of Benchers, Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Emeka Ngige, SAN and Professor Isa Chiroma, SAN

The Overall Best Student of 2021 Bar Exams, Ms Bukola Fatimat Alada (2nd right), her parents Mr & Mrs Alada (2nd & 3rd left), Chairman Body of Benchers (4th from left), DG, Law School (1st left) and Vice Chairman, Body of Benchers (1st right) after Ms Alada received 16 prizes at the Call to Bar ceremony

Benchers! L-R: Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Hon. Justice Monica Dongbam-Mensem, PCA, Hon. Justice Mojeed Owoade JCA and Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN

L-R: Chief Ben Anachebe, SAN, his wife and son, all Lawyers, welcoming their daughter, Chidera Anachebe (2nd left), a 2021 Law Graduate called to Bar

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021 • T H I S D AY

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY

NASS: Manual or Electronic Rigging? (Part 2) Introduction

L

ast week, we saw how the National Assembly (NASS) was thrust into chaos, during the consideration of the Electoral Amendment Bill on 15th July, 2021. While this amendment should have been an upgrade to the Electoral Act, 2010, the reverse seems to be the case. Today, we shall conclude our discourse.

Senate’s Ruling on Electronic Transmission of Results The Senate passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021, after a clause-by-clause consideration of the Report of the Committee on INEC. The Committee on INEC had reported that “INEC may transmit results of elections by electronic means, where and when practicable”. Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC, Niger) proposed an amendment to this recommendation, on the basis that electronic transmission of results would disenfranchise some Nigerians in areas with poor or no network coverage. Senator Albert Bassey Akpan (PDP, Akwa Ibom) contended this proposal via a motion which was unsuccessful, after a voice vote. The approval of Senator Sabi’s amendment by Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, was met with chaos and uncomplimentary verbal exchanges amongst Senators.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia), then cited Order 73, calling for division and allowing Senators to contest the ruling of the Senate President. The Senators took turns to vote on the amendment proposed by Senator Sabi, and at the end, 52 Senators voted for Sabi’s amendment while 28 voted against it. All 52 Senators who voted for the amendment were from the APC ruling party, while the 28 who voted against were of PDP. There is no other parliamentary or legislative decision taken elsewhere in the world, where the divide is based solely on a political basis, rather than a merit basis.

Consequent upon the conclusion of the open voting, the Senate President, thus, approved the amendment which provided for electronic transmission of results during elections, but with a caveat that, “the national network coverage is adjudged to be adequate and secure by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and approved by the National Assembly”.

APC’S Unruly Role in this Taboo It was reported by The PUNCH, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had rallied its Senators to reject moves to adopt electronic transmission of election results in 2023. The source gathered that APC had been reaching out to its lawmakers through zonal caucuses to insist that their position on this controversial issue would test their party loyalty.

Recall that the Senate Committee on INEC, had recommended the use of electronic transmission of results in its election. The Committee was chaired

by Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano) who, on Thursday, 15th July, 2021, voted against the use of electronic transmission. When questioned as to why he voted against the recommendation in the report of the Committee he headed, he said, “If you prepare something and you later saw an improved version of it, you can go for it.

There is nothing wrong if the Chairman of a Committee, supports the amended version of a report he presented”. How is voting against electronic voting an improved version? What exactly does it improve? In my opinion, I believe it further solidifies the allegations that the APC rallied its Senators to vote against the electronic transfer of election results,. and speaks truth to it.

In a publication by PremiumTimes.ng on the 16th of July, 2021, a high-ranking APC member, whose anonymity was preserved, stated as follows: “This is politics and as the governing party, you don’t allow the opposition to dictate the

pace. Those in opposition certainly know something we don’t know. The way they (PDP) were pushing for this electronic transfer of results or electronic voting thing using NGOs, international agencies and all that, should tell you something”.

This statement says it all. It highlights that, the debate on the electronic transmission of votes was merely a power play battle for the APC, and not a battle for the betterment of future elections in Nigeria, and the Nigerian citizens in general. It is a despicable truth, that urgent and relevant issues affecting the country and its citizens are argued on a power level, rather than with the interests of the country at heart.

Is the Senate’s Ruling Constitutional?

NO! The decision of the Senate on the electronic transmission of election results, lack any form of constitutionality. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 78 of the 1999 Constitution provides that “the registration of voters and the Conduct of Elections shall be Subject to the Direction and Supervision of [INEC]”. The Constitution further provides that: “INEC OPERATIONS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE DIRECTION OF ANYBODY OR AUTHORITY”. The words direction and supervision suggest that INEC is the primary body to determine how elections are to be conducted, and also supervise the conduct of elections. Thus, the Constitution expressly and impliedly provides that INEC is not subject to the governance of anybody, authority or agency, let alone to talk of a body that is not recognised by the Constitution (NCC).

It is obvious that the “electronic transmission of election results” constitutes the conduct and supervision of election, which INEC has been exclusively tasked with. It is equally obvious that the National Assembly has the power to create laws and amend Acts, but such power to create and amend laws must be consistent with the 1999 Constitution, which is the highest law of the land, the grundnorm and fons et origo.

The supremacy of the Constitution to all other laws and Acts, has been emphasised in a plethora of cases. In UGBOJI v STATE (2017) LPELR43427(SC), the Supreme Court per AMIRU SANUSI, JSC (Pp 23 - 23 Paras B - D), held thus: “My lords, permit me to reiterate that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999, as amended, had by Section 1, made provision to emphasise or assert its supremacy. By that provision, any law/statute or provisions thereof that runs riot and violent to the provisions of the Constitution, or is in conflict with the constitutional provision is null and void to the extent of inconsistency. See A.G. Ondo State v AG of the Federation and Ors (2002) 9 NWLR (pt 772) 226”.

Therefore, where the provisions of the Constitution conflict with the provisions of Acts or Bills passed by the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, the Constitution prevails. See also the cases of OLAGBENRO & ORS v OLAYIWOLA & ORS (2014) LPELR-22597(CA); A-G ABIA STATE v A-G. FEDERATION (2006) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1005) page 265 at Pages 290 and 291; AINABEBHOLO v EDO STATE UNIVERSITY WORKERS FARMERS MULTI-PURPOSE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD. & ANR. (2007) 2 NWLR (PART 1017) page 33 at page 50 paragraph G and P, 151 paragraphs C-D. It is clear that the ruling of the Senate on electronic transmission is unconstitutional, null, void, of no effect, and is dead on arrival. Therefore, while the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 may be constitutional and valid, the amendment made to Clause 52(3) which subjects the national coverage

“….. the debate on the electronic transmission of votes was merely a power play battle for the APC, and not a battle for the betterment of future elections in Nigeria, and the Nigerian citizens in general”

National Assembly Complex to be adjudged to be adequate and secure by the NCC and approved by the National Assembly before INEC can transmit votes electronically, is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution.

It must also be stated here that, the Constitution reserves the right to expressly make provisions, and such provisions are interpreted literally. An Act, Bill or even the courts cannot add words to the Constitution, nor subtract from it. As a result, the golden latin maxim of expression unius est exclusion alterius – the explicit mention of one thing is the exclusion of another – applies to the Constitution. The Constitution expressly provides for INEC to supervise and conduct all elections, but did not provide for INEC to be supervised or subject to the direction of anybody, arm of government or agency. See the cases of PORTS AND CARGO HANDLINGS SERVICES CO LTD & ORS v MIGFO (NIG) LTD & ANOR (2012) LPELR-9725(SC); EHUWA v ONDO STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION & ORS (2006) LPELR-1056(SC); and, WEST AFRICAN UTILITIES METERING & SERVICES LTD v AKWA IBOM PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS CO. LTD (2019) LPELR47089(CA). Therefore, the Senate’s decision to subject to it INEC’s constitutional power to conduct elections via electronic transmission of votes (if INEC so wishes) is patently null and void, unconstitutional, unlawful, dead on arrival, and of no effect whatsoever and howsoever.

The Way Forward Upon the conclusion of the open voting session at the Senate on Thursday, 15th July, 2021, the Senate President, Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, stated that: “there is no victor, no vanquished in this affair…we want an electronic transmission system for our electoral process, however, we want to ensure that no Nigerian is disenfranchised in this process, and time will definitely come when all parts of Nigeria will have coverage that we all need to deploy our technology to ensure electronic transmission of election results. This has come to settle the issue of what INEC can do, and what INEC cannot. We have given INEC an electoral Act amended, to enhance its performance”.

This statement of Ahmed Lawan can be tackled from three perspectives. First, there is clearly those “vanquished” by their decision – the entire citizens of Nigeria. The citizens of Nigeria have once again been subjected to the horrors, chaos and dastardly acts of election rigging, ballot box snatching, disruption of polling units, fightings, maimings and killings in upcoming elections. The Rule of Law that provides that no one, including the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, should act ultra vires (above the law) has suffered heavily. The future of peaceful, free, fair and secure elections has also taken a dive for disaster. So, yes, there is “the vanquished in this affair”.

Second, INEC has come out to state that the claims that Nigeria does not have enough network coverage to guarantee the electronic transmission of election results, is false. INEC maintains that all network providers in Nigeria have assured them of 100% coverage for electronic transmission of results. To this effect, INEC’s Director of Publicity and Voter Education, stated that: “In January 2018, INEC approached NCC that it wants a technological-driven Commission, and both have been work-

ing closely to deliver free, fair and credible elections in our country for the benefit of our citizens. They are also aware that two network providers, MTN and Airtel, have assisted JAMB conduct their examinations across Nigeria.” In the same way, these network providers, alongside other network providers in Nigeria, can assist INEC to ensure 100% network coverage for the electronic transmission of election results, as assured. In any event, where the network coverage in Nigeria is not 100%, what stops the Senate from ordering the NCC to ensure that the network coverage be guaranteed before 2023? Why become penny wise, and pound foolish? Why not thrust Nigeria into the technological advancement that a developing country like Nigeria lacks? Questions, questions, questions.

Lastly, the Senate cannot settle what INEC can and cannot do. INEC is an independent body, as guaranteed by the Constitution. Although the Senate can amend the Electoral Act of 2010 and make subsequent provisions affecting INEC, it CANNOT make provisions which encroach on INEC’s independence.

Therefore, their decision that the national network coverage is adjudged to be adequate and secured

by NCC and approved by the National Assembly (and any other future decisions that affects INEC’s independence), is contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and is null and void.

Conclusion Simple. Let INEC be. Let INEC supervise and conduct elections in Nigeria, however it sees it fit. If INEC makes a turnaround and decides that electronic transmission of election results is not practicable, then that is within their purview.

If they maintain however, such transmission is feasible, then it is also within their supervisory functions. INEC should not be intimidated by the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021. If same is made into law, they can go to the Nigeria courts and seek a declaration of its consistency with the 1999 Constitution. INEC should continue to be bold, brave and courageous in granting free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.

To conclude, I totally agree with the statement of Comrade Paul Ikechukwu Njoku that: “The Ahmed Lawan-led 9th clueless and rubber stamp Senate, has on Thursday, July 15, 2021, dubiously adopted a legislative banditry which obviously castrated the absolute and operational independence of our electoral umpire, INEC, (in contravention of Section 78 of the 1999 constitution) by voting to allow the National Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly to specifically downplay and technically usurp the philosophy of the usage of electronic transmission of results in our elections, devoid of the absolutism of INEC and what was proposed and campaigned in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. We say No to election rigging. We say NO to legislative banditry against our electoral process. Power belongs to the people”. (Concluded).

Serious and Trivial There are two sides to every coin. Life itself contains not only the good, but also the bad and the ugly.

Let us now explore this.

“Sometimes change will not be given to you; you must ask for it” – JM. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “There are three critical ingredients to democratic renewal and progressive change: good public policy, grassroots organising and electoral politics”. (Paul Wellstone)

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PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

ParaQuick Renders 11 Purpose-built Royal Homes in Banana Island

Architectural drawing of Royal Homes in Banana Island, Lagos, being developed by ParaQuick

Bennett Oghifo

S

tandalone homes are usually hot in the real estate market. They are most sought after by realtors because these rare types of homes are usually snapped off the market in no time, most times during construction.

The promoters of the Royal Homes, only 11 prized pieces, being rendered in Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, have this strategy in mind when they envision them as owner-occupier homes, not only because of the top-notch construction but also because of the premium fittings that each prospective owner will have an opportunity to customise. “These homes are being customized for the prospective occupiers. These are private

homes for discerning people across the country and, in particular, for those in the Diaspora. It is also ideal for anyone who seeks a second/ retirement home, complete with privacy,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Avoda, Mr. Arinze Anumudu, whose company is developing the homes for ParaQuick Limited, a member of the Group of companies.

According to Anumudu, construction of Royal Homes began in June this year, adding that “we have just completed the pilling for all of them and we are fixing the ground beams/German Floor now. We expect construction to take 10 to 12 months maximum.”

The homes are sturdy and so is their pricing, which is between N700 million and N950 million per unit, depending on the preferred type, he

said, stating that interested buyers are expected to deposit 50 per cent and pay up on or before completion, but that the deposit is negotiable.

Regardless, “it will not go below 30 per cent.”

The homes share common parameter fence with the famed Ocean Parade and the Sujimoto signature estate is just across from it. “Royal Homes is a premium development that encompasses style, grandeur and beauty. It is specially created for those who want to own their privacy and environment. The development consists of 11 classic-contemporary stand-alone units with 5 bedrooms each, peaking at the second floor.”

The prime features of the homes include, large open plan spaces; large bedrooms, well-fitted kitchen, guest rooms/BQs, lifts, 24/7 security monitored CCTV.

Anumudu said, “Beside the fact that the homes are in Banana Island, we’re selling you your own private prime space, as opposed to apartments or town houses without the privacy we offer.

Each of the units has its own entrance, except for three of them. They all have six parking spaces, swimming pool, and these 11 Royal Homes are built into about 5000sqms. Each unit rise up to three floors and vertical movement up and down these floors is by lift/elevator.”

The ground floor holds the kitchen, living and guest rooms, first floor has two rooms and family sitting and the last floor has the master and madam’s bedrooms. Each home has its gate, utilities and complete privacy, arguably the only private development on First Avenue, Banana Island. It is a good buy, Anumudu said.

Sanwo-Olu Charges Lagosians on Waste Bills Bennett Oghifo The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has charged Lagosians to ensure that they pay their waste bills as at when due, stating that it’s only by doing so the PSP Operators can enhance and make other investments in the sector.

The governor, who was speaking at the unveiling of 102 new compactor trucks and 100 Double Dino bins, which the State Government

presented to the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in Lagos, called on the people of Lagos to continue to co-operate and collaborate with their individual PSP Operators by paying their waste bills regularly, “Let me say that we should at all times co-operate and collaborate with the PSP operators as partners, it is only when we understand that we are both partners that the operators are able to carry out

efficient and effective waste management system and enjoy collecting the waste.

“It is an important sector, particularly now that we are in a different time, an era of climate change with all sorts of emissions.

“As a government, we are committed to doing our very best but as citizens, you have to partner with us to see that it is a win-win situation,” the governor pleaded, stating that solid waste management remains critical in his

government’s agenda.

According to him, his government has already committed a lot of money in the sector, particularly in revamping the state’s dump and loading sites and “we believe it is the way.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the intention in the presentation of the 102 compactor trucks to the LAWMA was not to make the Agency go into competition with the PSP operators but to strengthen them.

While commending the operators, stating that they were doing their very best in waste management in the State, he promised to extend the new compactor truck arrangement to them soon, just as he said in response to their request that he has endorsed a jaw-jaw meeting together with his deputy with them once a year to bring them closer with him and familiarise the government more with their activities and challenges.

In the same vain, the Managing Director (MD), LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, while reviewing the achievements of the Agency since the Sanwo-Olu administration assumed office two years ago, commended the PSP operators, pointing out that they have acquired 920 trucks for waste disposal within the period and urged Lagosians to always pay their waste bills as Lagos is envisaged to become the neatest city in the country soonest.

and Housing had inspected the facility during an assessment tour of the centre towards making policy recommendations”, he said.

“The revamp of this workshop is channelled towards achieving National Economic Sustainability Plan of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration,” he said.

“We have a formidable team in place and very soon, we will restore the glory of this centre and more employment opportunities will be created,” he said.

“We will adopt both short-

and long-term measures to train artisans in various fields in order to bridge the skills gap and also create millions of jobs in line with the policy of the Buhari regime,” he said.

He interacted with the artisans undergoing training at the facility and assured them of government’s commitment to sustaining the Centre. He also implored the trainees to put what was learnt into practice and share same knowledge with their colleagues when they get back to their respective parts of the country.

FG to Revamp Workshop in Ijora Fadekemi Ajakaiye The federal government has stated its intention to revamp the Federal Ministry of Works’ Central Workshop in Ijora, Lagos.

This intention was made known in Lagos recently by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Alhaji Babangida Hussaini, during an inspection of facilities at the Central Workshop in Ijora.

Hussaini stated that the purpose of the inspection was to have a holistic view of the centre in order to make it better

for its users.

“There is an urgent imperative of the Federal Ministry of works and Housing to turn the workshop around in order to provide mass job creation and training of artisans”, he said.

Hussaini stated that efforts are being put in place to upgrade the obsolete equipment as well as rebuild it dilapidated structure.

“In the 1970s through the 1980s, this workshop was the industrial hub for fabrication and production of mechanical, automotive, and electrical parts as well as a training school. our

intention now is to put it back in place for both skilled and unskilled persons for short- and long-term training”, he said.

He stated that after the inspection, the Ministry of Works and Housing would submit its recommendations for consideration by the Federal Executive Council to revamp the Central Workshop of the Mechanical and Electrical Development Skills section.

Hussaini stated that the Ministry was determined to embark on the immediate renovation of the centre. “Between now and December of this year, measures

are in place to make this facility conducive for the training of graduates and non-graduates in craftsmanship. A full-scale revamp will commence in January 2022, either from the government or through a PublicPrivate-Partnership”, he said.

He stated that the Ministry was prepared to ensure new technologies were adopted to replace the obsolete ones, and also to support the ongoing plan to continue the production of railway parts like it was practiced in the past.

“Earlier the Minister of Works

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TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021 •T H I S D AY

51

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

OBB OVERNIGHT

16.75% 17.25 %

A T

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun

Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

A U G U S T

S & P INDEX

1 6 , 2 0 2 1

S & P INDEX

CALL 1-MONTH

4% 6%

INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY

547.96% 0.51%

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

2.00%

EXCHANGE RATE

1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

2.8% -18.25%

N410.80/ 1 US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Nigeria Pumps Additional 45,000bpd Crude Oil in July as FG Activates Two More Oil Rigs

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja With the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) gradually easing its tight hold on crude oil production brought about by the Covid-19-induced oversupply and waning demand, Nigeria pumped an additional 45,000 barrels of the commodity in July, THISDAY has gathered.

However, despite the July increase, Nigeria’s production figure remained a far cry from its 2 million daily target before

the market crisis, which started in the first quarter of 2020.

Following the increase, according to the cartel’s Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) for August, the country produced 1.437 million barrels of crude oil per day, excluding condensates, which are not part of the quota controlled by OPEC. The 1.437 million bpd new crude production is however, an improvement on the previous month of June, where 1.392 million barrels were pumped per day, whereas in May it stood

at 1.410 million bpd.

In all, total OPEC members’ daily production for July was 26.657 million bpd, an increase of roughly 637,000 bpd when compared with 26 million bpd in June and 25.4 million bpd in May. Nigeria’s oil rig count also increased in the month under review in apparent preparedness for the new quota, which was assigned by the oil producers’ group, which takes off this month.

A rig count is an official

listing of all the oil and gas rigs that are operational at a certain location and demonstrates the necessary details such as the location of each rig and its functional status.

It is an important procedure as it helps to get an insight of the active number of drilling rigs that are installed on both offshore and onshore sites and helps in collecting data that assists in analysing several factors indicating the status of drilling activities.

Nigeria’s oil rig count which

was 13 in 2018, rose to 16 in 2019, fell to 11 in 2020, a total negative difference of five rigs between 2019 and 2020, according to the OPEC document.

The situation particularly worsened in the third quarter of 2020, when it fell to eight, then seven in the fourth quarter of 2020, six in Q1, 2021, five in Q2 this year, five in June, but increased to seven in July, a positive difference of two rigs, month-to-month.

As expected, in July, Saudi Arabia had the highest list

of active oil rigs among the 13-member OPEC countries with 57, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with 43, Iraq had 41, Venezuela had 25 active rigs, followed by Kuwait with 24, while Algeria came tops in Africa with 21.

For the month of July, total OPEC rig count was 356 as against 354 in June, while total world rig count stood at 1,486, mainly led by the United States, which had a total of 483.

Continued on page 52

Air Travellers Spent N40bn on COVID-19 Test in Nine Months 10 months after, Auditor-General fails to release audit on disease funds’ utilisation Chinedu Eze in Lagos and James Emejo in Abuja Inbound passengers who travelled into the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, were estimated to have spent about a total of N40.212 billion as payments for Covid-19 test on arrival, from September 2020 to June, 2021, investigation by THISDAY has revealed.

However, the much-anticipated release of the maiden interim audit report on the COVID-19 intervention funds has now been shrouded in uncertainty, about 10 months after it was supposed to be ready, THISDAY’s findings

also showed.

International air travel resumed on September 5, 2020, at the Lagos and Abuja airports after the lockdown occasioned by the pandemic.

According to data obtained by THISDAY, 575,175 passengers arrived Nigeria through the MMIA, Lagos, while 286, 324 arrived through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja between September 2020 and June, 2021.

Arriving passengers to the Lagos airport pay about N50, 400 for Covid-19 test, while those arriving at the Abuja airport pay about N39, 200, hence the N40.212 spent during the period.

The payments are compulsorily collected on arrival from pas-

sengers to test for the virus, which they are expected to do after seven days of quarantine.

According to COVID-19 protocol from the Presidential Steering Committee, passenger on arrival are expected to proceed on mandatory seven days selfisolation/quarantine in their selected in-country destination.

Also, the passengers are expected to show-up at the laboratory/sample collection centers on the seventh day of arrival and pay the applicable fees for the COVID-19 PCR test.

Samples will be taken, and a COVID-19 PCR test done.

Also the Nigeria International Travel Portal of the NCDC states that the cost of COVID-19 PCR test varies across private

laboratories.

“Currently, it ranges between N36, 000 to N50, 400 naira on the payment portal. Please note that all payments go directly to the private laboratories and not to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control or Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health,” it stated.

Speaking recently on why the federal government insists on compulsory test for arriving passengers, the NCDC had said PCR testing for COVID-19 was important in order to protect the Nigerian populace.

“The fragility of our health system means that we must collectively take responsibility to reduce the spread of the disease,”

the agency had explained.

But THISDAY investigations revealed that after collecting the money on arrival many of the passengers are not followed up.

A passenger who arrived from Brazil recently told THISDAY that after he paid the fee on arrival, he was neither sent an SMS message nor called upon, until when wanted to travel back to Brazil before he went for the test.

On the other hand, another passenger narrated how he was stopped from travelling because he didn’t do the test as prescribed after he arrived Nigeria.

Also, another passenger told THISDAY how he arrived Nigeria and was directed to quarantine but he did not do that and was

stopped by NCDC officials from leaving the country.

Managing Director of Finchglow Travels and former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bankole Bernard, said, “To a very large extent the Covid-19 protocol we put in place is quite commendable.

But my question is this, Why must travellers pay through their nose?

“If United States of America can say COVID-19 test is free, why should you make your citizens pay that huge sum? I think it is unfair. I think it is something the government can look into.

Continued on page 52

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT M O N D AY, A U G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 2 1 FGN BONDS DESCRIPTION 11.150 FGNSB 11-SEP-2021 12.364 FGNSB 12-SEP-2021 12.175 FGNSB 10-OCT-2021 11.244 FGNSB 16-OCT-2021 10.296 FGNSB 13-NOV-2021

Price

Yield

BILLS Change (%)

MATURITY

OTC FX F U T U R E S

Discount Yield Change (%)

100.58

2.87

0.05

NTB 26-Aug-21

2.49

2.49 -0.27

100.69

2.90

0.06

NTB 9-Sep-21

2.80

2.81 0.00

101.28

3.51

0.57

NTB 16-Sep-21

2.96

2.96 0.14

101.25

3.64

0.68

NTB 30-Sep-21

3.27

101.45

4.22

1.16

NTB 14-Oct-21

3.59

CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

Contract

Current Rate ($/₦)

NGUS AUG 25 2021 420.93

2

NGUS SEP 29 2021 422.38

3

NGUS OCT 27 2021 423.83

3.29 0.41

4

NGUS NOV 24 2021 425.28

3.61 0.68

5

NGUS DEC 29 2021 426.73

C Ps MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change (%)

UNCP CP III 27AUG-21 VAAG CP I 27AUG-21 TTNG CP II 31AUG-21 SIBP CP I 2-SEP21 NBRP CP XIII 2-SEP-21

3.69

3.69

-0.21

9.64

9.67

-0.21

4.11

4.12

-0.14

3.67

3.68

-0.12

4.35

4.36

-0.12

52

TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

PARTNERSHIP FOR QUALITY EDUCATION…

L-R: Country Director for Nigeria, Nexford University, Olamidun Majekodunmi; Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman; CEO, Nexford University, Fadl Al Tarzi and Divisional Head, Health and Education Sectors, Sterling Bank Plc, Obinna Ukachukwu during the signing of a partnership in Lagos… recently

Federal Government’s Funding for Priority Projects in Oil Industry Hits $1.54trn Deficit in June Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) may have been unable to fund its priority projects in the oil and gas industry to the tune of $1.54 trillion, according to a document presented by the corporation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in July.

In the document subheadlined “Statement of Joint Venture (JV) Cost Recovery and Government Priority Projects for June 2021”, the government stressed that the shortfall was between January and June this year.

Cost recovery refers to a mechanism through which a party to an oil and gas project can recover most, if not all, of its capital and operating costs out of a specified percentage

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

of production called ‘cost recovery oil’.

Whereas the total 2021 “calendarised’’ financing obligation was put at $3.21 trillion, with a monthly tranche of $536 trillion, the data showed that actual dollar equivalent funding stood at $846 million as of June this year, leaving a deficit of $1.545 billion.

A breakdown of the figures seen by THISDAY showed that $196.1 million of the budgeted $536 million was released in January, $168.5 million was released in February, while in March $128.101 million was made available for funding the projects.

In addition, $167.2 million was pumped into the projects

in April; in May it was $172 million, while June saw the release of a meagre $14.2 million.

Some of the ongoing projects in the budget of the NNPC include a handful of national domestic gas development initiatives, frontier exploration, renewable energy and the Nigeria/Morocco pipeline.

Others include the Gbaramatu IPP/Excravos environs power plant, upgrade and rehabilitation of Delta IV, upgrade of Oben metering, Sapele metering station, Ajaokuta metering station as well as construction of Egbin 500mmscfd gas facility.

There’s also construction of the West Niger Delta project, Asa north Ohaji project, Excra-

vos/Lagos pipeline expansion, OB3 supply lines as well as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) project.

The figures showed that in January, the NNPC recorded a deficit of $259.6 million, $283 million in February, $228 million in March, $296 million in April, $148 million in May and a whopping $333.7 million in June.

Coupled with sundry other issues besetting the national oil company is the issue of subsidy which it has shouldered in last few months, sometimes affecting its obligations and contributions to the joint federation account.

Earlier in the year, the NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, opened

up on the state of affairs at the corporation, saying that at the time, the government was subsidising petrol with about N120 billion monthly.

He said the NNPC could no longer afford to bear the cost and Nigerians would have to pay the actual cost sooner or later, as market forces must be allowed to determine the pump price of petrol.

“Today, NNPC is the sole importer of petrol. We are importing at market price and we are selling at N162 per litre today. Looking at the current market situation today, the actual price could have been anywhere between N211 and around N234 per litre.

“The meaning of this is that

consumers are not paying for the full value of the petrol that we are consuming and therefore, someone is bearing that cost. As we speak today, the difference is being carried on the books of the NNPC and I can confirm to you that the NNPC may no longer be in the position to carry that burden and because we can longer afford to carry it on our books,” he had said.

In June, he noted that the NNPC was paying subsidy on over 103 million litres of petrol daily, including the one smuggled through the borders because of the cheapness of Nigeria’s fuel compared with the price it is sold in neighbouring countries.

However, more than a year after the audit was announced, the report appeared to have been politicized, according to sources.

Also, over eight months into the appointment of the current AuGF, Mr. Adolphus Aghughu into office by President Muhammadu Buhari, nothing has been heard about the COVID-19 audit report.

THISDAY couldn’t ascertain whether the report had actually been submitted to the National Assembly as earlier indicated by the former AuGF. A source who spoke under conditions of anonymity said given the controversies surrounding the utilisation of the funds released by the federal govern-

ment to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report may have been embargoed by those in authorities.

Also, there are allegations that part of the intervention fund were siphoned by those who administered it.

Ayine had said his office had the mandate to evaluate the usage of all public funds advanced for specific purposes -and to determine whether these were deployed for the purposes meant for.

He had also said auditors had a clear responsibility to present timely, accurate and reader-friendly reports that speak directly to key issues affecting the public purse.

AIR TRAVELLERS SPENT N40BN ON COVID-19 TEST IN NINE MONTHS “We should stop thinking that air travel is luxury. It is no longer luxury but necessity. Let us start to look at it that way.

Let us start to look at travel as an essential service and not one luxury thing. I mean nobody is flying private jets.

“We are talking about going from point A to Point B, using a commercial flight. So the COVID-19 test protocol they put in place is good, but I believe that the cost can come down.

“I think the cost needs to come down. There is no need putting the cost at over N40, 000. In Abuja it is cheaper. Are we saying the government is in the business of making money from its own people?”

he queried.

In a related development, the much-anticipated release of the maiden interim audit report on the COVID-19 intervention funds has now been shrouded in uncertainty, about 10 months after it was supposed to be ready, according to THISDAY findings.

In October 2020, the erstwhile Auditor General for the Federation (AuGF), Mr. Anthony Ayine had assured that the audit would be released before the end of the month. But he left office on October 25 without unveiling the report.

The fact that he had promised to release the report a week from the day he publicly announced

it will be released, indicated that the study was almost completed if not ready.

The COVID-19 fund audit was supposed to assess the utilisation of funds released to manage the pandemic starting from the period the Presidential Task Force (PTF) was established up till June 30.

Subsequently, the report was supposed to be published quarterly, meaning that at least three editions ought to have been released by now.

Ayine had also declined to provide insights into the report, citing administrative protocol of first submitting its findings to the National Assembly before divulging its content public.

NIGERIA PUMPS ADDITIONAL 45,000BPD CRUDE OIL IN JULY AS FG ACTIVATES TWO MORE OIL RIGS On Nigeria’s economic outlook for the month, OPEC stated that its July Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) readings continued to be above the threshold level of 50 points for the second month in a row in Nigeria, pointing to an improvement in business conditions and a recovery in

non-oil activities, rising to 55.4, up from 53.6 in June.

The PMI is an index of the prevailing direction of economic trends in the manufacturing and service sectors and provides information about current and future business conditions to company decision makers, analysts and investors.

OPEC stated that while there is a glitter of hope that some recovery was in the offing, the Delta variant of Covid-19 which has found its way into Nigeria may increase uncertainties as the government revs up actions to keep it in check.

“This was the strongest reading since January 2020,

amid faster growth in non-oil output, new orders, purchases and higher employment. The average reading for 2Q21 also came in at 53.6, which is higher than the 1Q21 average of 51.9.

“Although, there is optimism about output prospects going forward, uncertainties remain high due to the Delta variant.

Additionally, price pressures increased as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached 17.8 per cent y-o-y in July, though it has slightly eased from the 17.9 per cent y-o-y seen in June. CPI edged up on a monthly basis by 1.1 per cent, following 1.0 per cent the previous month,” the report said.

53

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BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

FX Squeeze: Manufacturers Begin to Look Inward for Survival The illiquidity in the Nigeria’s foreign exchange market is forcing operators in the Nigerian manufacturing sector to look inward for local raw materials to reduce costs and remain afloat, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

T

he Nigerian industrial sector is in dire financial straits. The sector is faced with challenging foreign exchange squeeze.

This has constrained growing number of them to adjust their operations by looking inward for local supply of raw materials as the dearth of hard currencies needed to fund their inputs from abroad bite harder.

Last week, the Director of Finance, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Adesola Sotande-Peters, said during an investors conference call that the Unilever is constrained to source for dollars above the official market rate due to paucity of forex.

Sotande-Peters disclosed that the company bought dollars at between N440 and N450 during the first and second quarters of 2021 to import petrochemicals, which is a major raw material for its products.

Now, the Unilever has begun to increase the percentage of local raw materials in its production in order to be “forex neutral in the very near future,”The Managing Director of Unilever, Mr. Carl Cruz, said.

“The company has also planned to transfer its tea business to a newly incorporated firm in October as part of its global strategy to maximise value for its shareholders. “We will realize cash from the transaction,” Sotande-Peters added.

The Unilever is not alone. BUA Cement, another major manufacturing concern in Nigeria, is also resetting its corporate strategies in order to cope with the raging FX squeeze. The Chief Executive Officer of the BUA Cement, Mr. Yusuf Binji, said during the conference call that the cement maker has resorted to the use of locally sourced coal and liquefied natural gas in favour of imported coal in order to withstand the stress in the foreign exchange market.

The Corporate Affairs Manager of BUA Cement, Mr. Otega, told THISDAY on Friday that the “BUA Cement’s switch to LNG at our Sokoto plant was a strategic decision done for efficiency gains and to reduce our foreign exposure on coal imports since LNG can be sourced locally.

“We started the conversion of the plant last year and it is now completed.The BUA Cement’s Sokoto plant now runs on locally sourced coal and LNG rather than the previous mix of local and foreign sourced coal and LPFO. LNG will also be used to power engines used in generating electricity and will replace LPFO and AGO. “Additionally, the use of LNG will also reduce our carbon footprint and conserve the environment in line with our commitment to environmental sustainability and the Paris Accord of which Nigeria is a signatory, ”he said.

SURPRISE PACKAGE The current foreign exchange crunch might not have come as a surprise to Nigerian manufacturers.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) warned in December 2020 that many of its members might be forced to close shop in 2021 if the federal government failed to take urgent steps to address the challenges militating against the growth of the manufacturing sector.

The President of MAN, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, expressed

this concern when he spoke on the, “Effects of the COVID-19 on the Country’s Manufacturing Sector,” at the 2020 Workshop of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN).

The president, who was represented at the occasion by the Director, Corporate Affairs of MAN, Mr. Ambrose Oruche, also said that the scarcity of FX is preventing members of the association from enjoy the full benefits of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) N1 trillion intervention funds for the real sector.

Ahmed said: “I want to put on record our appreciation to the CBN for its interventions. But how far could those interventions go? Many that have been able to access the N1 trillion could not buy machines for their production because of foreign exchange scarcity and you know that most of our manufacturing depends on imported raw materials, spare parts and machineries.

“We are appealing to the CBN to prioritise allocation of foreign exchange as it did in 2016 and 2017 recession. Then, the CBN prioritised forex to the manufacturing sector and that created growth as production came back to life. Why not do the same now by prioritising the allocation of foreign exchange to the manufacturing sector to be able to import needed raw materials and machineries.

“I am saying that many of the manufacturing firms will not open their shops in January unless something drastic is done by the government to alleviate the severe challenges hindering the manufacturing sector.

“There is need for intentional actions from the government to create an enabling environment that will enable investors to set up plants in Nigeria to manufacture industrial raw materials in a commercial quantity that can compete with the rest of the world,” Ahmed said.

“It will be difficult for some manufacturers to comeback after the Christmas holiday. Why? The raw materials are being exhausted and the foreign exchange to replenish them and purchase spare parts and machineries are not available due to low inflow of foreign exchange into the economy.

MAN PERSPECTIVE The MAN in a recent statement titled: “MAN’s Perspective on the CBN New Policy on Forex Allocation to BDCs,” that was signed by its Director General, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, extensively discussed how the scarcity of foreign exchange and the continued depreciation of the Naira have become one of the greatest undoing of the country’s manufacturing sector.

Ajayi-Kadir observed that traditionally, foreign exchange rate played an important role in investment determination via its relationship with inflation and interest rates.

He noted that variability and large depreciation of the exchange rate would obstruct economic activities, particularly manufacturing production.

These assertions could be supported by the fact that Nigerian manufacturing across sub-sectors is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and most of their machines and spare parts.

Therefore, a favourable exchange rate in the case of the appreciation of the Naira would no doubt present good development and improve manufacturing production. But this has not been the case. “The case,” as he stated it, “has been the consistent depreciation in the value of the Naira as observed in various foreign exchange crises.

“The foreign exchange crisis in which the Naira value depreciates among convertible currencies such as the US$, strangulates and reduces the size of manufacturing in the country. This is because the depreciation in Naira value causes manufacturing raw materials and machinery imports to be more expensive.”

Moreover, the high-cost of import bills for the productive inputs would also decrease manufacturing working capital and feeds into manufacturing commodities prices, thereby making the sector less competitive.

“As was well observed, COVID-19 majorly triggered the current foreign exchange crisis through low international commodity prices, particularly crude oil prices. The acute shortage of foreign exchange and the erosion in Naira parity has been nightmarish to manufacturers in the country.

“In the current survey (Q42020 MCCI) most CEO of manufacturing companies reported inability to adequately source foreign exchange for importation of productive raw materials and machineries that are not available locally,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

The director general of MAN stated that the directive of the CBN on the BDCs corroborated with its view and may help address the maladroit (sic) activities of operators in the BDC market.

“However, much of the efficiency and effectiveness of the new guidelines will be determined by how determined the CBN and commercial banks will be to ensure that FX gets to genuine users.

“For instance, with the new policy, manufacturers will depend solely on the interbank market for their foreign exchange needs. We hope the banks will provide a seamless process and timely execution of foreign exchange applications by manufacturers,” the association added.

UNIFIED FX MARKET The question is: what is the way out of the foreign exchange squeeze afflicting the country’s manufacturing sector? The answer, according to Ajayi-Kadir, is contained in the various submissions of the MAN on the need for the CBN to collapse various foreign exchange windows into a single official foreign window.

“We believe that a single foreign exchange window will eliminate the excesses of middlemen, save the value of the Naira and allow for available foreign exchange to be allocated productively using the official banking protocols,” he added.

MAN further argued that a major challenge with foreign exchange allocation to the BDC segment “is that the operators always lacked the ability and the will to continuously adhere to set guidelines. Most times their operations drift into round tripping and other financial incongruities that negate the overall objective of creating the BDC foreign exchange market.

“The end result was always the escalation of the premium of foreign exchange in BDC compared to the official window and further depreciation of the naira.”

Also, the OPS were optimistic that the new policy direction by the CBN might be beneficiary to the economy in the long run, saying no central bank in the world sells FX directly to the BDC except in Nigeria.

They, however, observed that channeling the supply of foreign exchange through the commercial banks without addressing its supply side might unintentionally trigger a boom in the black market for foreign exchange.

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association ((NECA) told THISDAY that banning FX allocation directly to the BDCs and channeling same to the commercial banks without addressing the supply side of the market would not be enough.

The Director General of the NECA, Mr. Timothy Olawale, enjoined the CBN to, “develop strategies in addressing the exchange market by reviewing the fixed market regime and allow the market to find its balance, as fixed market regime is disincentive to inflow of foreign exchange and diaspora remittances.

“An exchange management posture that features multiple official rates, distorts the market, denies foreign exchange to critical productive sectors and facilitates illegal arbitrage.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Ayo Olukanni, told THISDAY that the association understood the need for the CBN to take urgent measures to ensure the legitimate use of FX and prevent wholesale and illegal use, but, however, “sees this directive as a latest in the long list of actions by the CBN to ensure absolute control of the Nigerian foreign exchange market, in terms of who buys, who sells and for what purpose.

“But, given the bureaucratic nature of the process of obtaining ‘legitimate’ foreign exchange, the implication of this directive is likely to be a blossoming black market for foreign exchange with serious implications on businesses with time-sensitive needs for foreign exchange in terms of import of raw materials.”

An Economist and the immediate past Director General of the LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, noted recently that the major shortcoming of the Nigerian manufacturing sector is its reliance on import.

According to Yusuf, the sector accounted for about three per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings but constituted 30 per cent of the country’s import bill. “This demonstrates that the sector is not properly aligned with the vision of self-reliance being promoted by the current government. Local value addition is still very low. The most sustainable segment of the manufacturing sector is the food and beverage industries, and the cement industries where the local content is well over 60 per cent. This explains the competitive strength of these segments.”

54

TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Kumral: VKS Will Revolutionise Nigeria’s Textile Industry An industrial revolution is underway in Akwa Ibom State, spearheaded by Onur Kumral, a Turkish businessman and investor, who recently won the CEO of the year in Nigeria. Kumral spoke about this and several issues including plans to create more industries in Nigeria, the exportation of made in Nigeria syringe to Germany and how technology has been transferred to Nigerians through his investments. Ugo Aliogo presents the excerpts is in charge of some key Projects. Some of the projects have been completed like the 21-storey building known as Dakkada Towers. If I am not wrong, it is the 6th tallest building in Nigeria.

Again, with the vision of the Governor, if you want people to come and invest in your State especially the international entities, you have to put in place some critical infrastructures like the Ibom Air, which is operating in the International Airport. Now, we are building a terminal there. They need an international standard office space, that is why they needed to build a 21-storey building which the state government my likely commission on the 23rd of September. We have some critical building projects here like the Dakkada Towers, Airport Terminal, which is finishing very soon. But we had some delay in the airport project because of the Covid-19. Of course, the productions of materials that we were going to use were not that fast. But all of that has been sorted out so we are speeding up that.

Also, Governor Udom Emmanuel, has made a huge investment in coconut planting business. The factory is finished and it is very much ready to be commissioned on the 23rd of September which is going to generate big revenue to the State. It is a State-owned factory. The raw materials will be produced in the state. Also, a lot of farmers will be supplying coconut. So, instead of coconut to be sold to the retail market, you can produce more and sell to the coconut factory and get paid every day. It is a very critical and important factory, which my company also constructed. Of course, my construction company built my factories. We have some jobs in other states too. Construction is an important sector of our investment, but our main focus is industrialisation. This is because the biggest advantage for us to have a successful story in Nigeria is to produce. If we can produce more, we believe the success will grow more.

During the 2020 Independence Newspaper Award, you became the first none Nigerian to be honoured as CEO of the year. How did you arrive at this, what’s the secret? uring the 2020 Independence Newspaper Award, you became the first none Nigerian to be honoured as CEO of the year. How did you arrive at this, what’s the secret?

It is our organisation that got the award. We got it as a people. I only received it on behalf of the management and staff of our organization. First, I really want to thank my team, Akwa Ibom State, stakeholders, the company, for their support to let us get the award. It came through hard work. Now, it is time for new frontiers.

The secret is that we worked hard. We believe in this country. We believe that if we continue like this, we would get more.

D

How has Akwa Ibom people benefited from your investment in the State?

Akwa Ibom State is one of the largest oil producing States in Nigeria. But unfortunately, in the past, the State could not record adequate investment. That is what we saw as a point of business. So, the things that we created have impacted much on manpower and also trade.

When you have investments like the ones we have here, Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Limited and Kings Flour Mill, you simply create jobs for the people. And a State that is only producing oil began producing other materials and a lot of skilled people came and transfer those skills to the indigenes of Akwa Ibom State. That is why we believe Akwa Ibom State first of all, has the benefits of employment through new investments.

Second, it has increased revenue because of tax benefits, which goes back to the people living here. Also, the traders, we see our brand on the street. New trading companies are opened. These kinds of investments will make the State rise like a trade hub in the future.

Talking about the benefits to the State, how many Akwa Ibom people are working in your organisation?

About 2000 direct employment and over 25,000 indirect employment is created by our investments.

If you compare to farming or construction, the benefit of this kind of investment is not seasonal.

It is a lifetime job. So, what we created is bringing lifetime benefit to people who are in touch with our investments.

Kings Flour Mill recently marked two years in Akwa Ibom State but out there, your brand is everywhere. How did you achieve this?

Let me give the credit to our guys working in the company, not to myself. They have done very well to create that brand. They want to touch everyone’s life; giving that quality. The same applies to our Syringe. When I saw our Syringe in a pharmacy in Lagos, I was really proud of what we have done.

When you see the flour like I visited one State in the North about 4 months ago, I saw on the street our brand. It makes me proud of what we have done. I am sure this is a big success for our marketing team, a big success for our production team in terms of quality. What we have done in Kings Flour Mill is that we combine good price with good quality. So, that strategy worked out.

I really want to thank our team.

You have come very far. Can you lead us into the future of your investments?

This is just a start of the story, hopefully. What we have planned now is that we want to raise the capacity of our Flour Mill as soon as possible.

This is because the demand now is much more than supply. For the syringe, we want to add more lines to new kind of products not just syringe. We want to add drip lines to it. However, we want to expand on these two sectors first. Also, with our partners in Turkey, a huge oil and gas group, we have signed a deal on exclusive distribution of oil lubricants for ECOWAS region. Of course, it will first start in Nigeria. Our first target is to start trade in oil. But the main target is to see if we can create that same success in what we have done in Kings and Jubilee. If we can create the same distribution lines, we want to start packaging.

Also, we are very much interested in textile business. We have signed our preliminary contracts

Kumral with our partners in Turkey again. Of course, you know Turkey is a big textile country.

We want to bring that textile company to start to produce in Nigeria. We hope to start the construction before the end of this year. Hopefully, next year, you will see the opening of a textile company here in Akwa Ibom State; local designers will design it. It will be in the quality of Turkish textile that is what we want to achieve. Our first target will be to produce 3000 dresses a day, which will be a standard of 3000 to 5000. That will create about 5000 direct employment and maybe 23,000 to 25,000 indirect employments.

This is the first target we have in 2021. If we succeed, in 2022, we will want to add some more. But we have to go step by step. We have some principles. We have to succeed before we get to the next one.

Are investment policies in the country favourable to your investments?

We have a lot of support. First, we will like to thank the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, because his investment mindset encourages us to bring all these industries and investments to the State.

Second, we want to thank His Excellency, the Vice President for attending all our openings and to consider all our requests on how to encourage us as a private sector investment.

We have a lot of support from stakeholders in the country, starting from our landlords; village chiefs, paramount rulers, the State stakeholders, the Governors and even at the Federal level; people are recognizing what we have done. That is a big encouragement for us. You know when a number two citizen of a country comes and open your facility and says you have to raise your capacity, you cannot say no. It is an encouragement.

Like in the Senate now, they are deliberating on the ban of importation of Syringe into the country, and this is good because it is what we have been trying to explain to Nigerians that you do not joke when it comes to quality especially in Medicare. We are happy because some Senators have decided to support the local manufacturers by demanding that Teaching Hospitals buy their syringes from local manufacturers. That is a huge support, which I, as one of the local manufacturers, cannot appreciate enough. That means they are thinking about people’s lives, same thing with Kings Flour Mill.

During the heat of Covid-19 lockdown, all the Governors gave us some exemptions including the Federal Government to work and to transport the flour to people’s house.

You know, these are very critical decisions that every country must take. The situation in Nigeria, if you have the goodwill and perform well in step one, you will have 5 steps added. That is something I have seen in Nigeria. I have been here 8 years now; I have never seen anything negative. When I want to invest on a sizable thing, I always see the support from every stakeholder.

When Governor Udom Emmanuel started governing the State, he declared the same policies as United Nations declared in investment. Declaring is not a big deal, everyone can declare. But he executed it and that execution gave us a big encouragement.

That is why I am still thinking about more investments if possible.

Tell us about your interest in the construction industry I am a civil engineer. Of course, as a civil engineer, you must be in the construction business. I have a construction company which

A lot of people in Akwa Ibom State have criticised the Governor on his policies on industrialisation saying that it is not very effective, and most of the critical areas have not been touched. What is your reaction on this?

I am not a politician and I do not like being dragged into an area I have little or no idea about.. But I can make my comment from the business perspective. Anytime I go to him and request any support or propose creating a new factory or industry, he is always a step ahead of me in policy. So, as a person, considering his desire to see more investments in his state, I know this cannot be true. But again, since the rate of unemployment is high in the country, nothing is enough for the people. However, I know that under his administration, 15 industries have been created and this is quite commendable. There is no success close to what Governor Emmanuel has done in terms of industrialization in just over 6years. But I can understand people’s criticism. It is normal, people will always want more. And if you ask me if my investments can be repeated, I will say, yes.

Your organization had offered insight into the fact that you are planning to produce other medical consumables besides syringes.

We are yet to see that in the market. What could be stalling its realisation?

Unfortunately, Covid-19 has stopped a lot of things we were planning to finish on time. That was about last year. But what we are facing now is post Covid-19 circumstances. Post Covid-19 circumstances have caused a lot of nightmares. Some companies and manufacturers that we were going to buy our things from are not there. During this post Covid-19, to bring materials starting from timber, aluminum to steel have been raised to about 70 per cent on dollar prices because of supply and demand problems.

The transportation to Nigeria from Europe is about double now. So, this also affected our budget. Post Covid-19 investment budget and the duration are not the same. Let me give you example, when I ordered an injection machine from Austria, I was able to get that in 3 months, maximum 4 months.

If you go now and request from those same people, they will give you a minimum of 9 months.

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

55

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

AGRICULTURE

Africa’s Youth Key to Transforming Food Systems, Says AfDB Stories by Gilbert Ekugbe The Africa development Bank (AfDB) has stated that active participation of the youthful population in Africa is vital in scaling up agricultural production that would transform Africa’s food systems.

The AfDB noted that engaging the youth in the agricultural sector is necessary to revitalize the failing global agro-food systems, which also called for more investments in rural areas and actions to end hunger and

malnutrition by 2030.

The AfDB’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Dr. Beth Dunford, stated these during the celebration of the International Youth Day that was tagged “Transforming Food systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.”

Dunford added that Africa is producing a growing number of young entrepreneurs who are adopting new ideas to bring more affordable, quality food from farm to fork,.

She said: “Africa’s youth play a key role in scaling up the continent’s agricultural production that can transform Africa’s food systems. On International Youth Day, we celebrate Africa’s next generation ‘agri-preneurs,’ whose innovations in agribusiness are helping to feed Africa.”

The Country Representative, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ms. Uller Mueller, urged youths to engage themselves in agricultural and stressed that they have an opportunity to “show the

world that they are not just the future but the present. This is a unique opportunity to show what they bring to the table and they bring a lot to the table and this is their time and it is also an opportunity for them to make informed decisions on food choices because food choices are really important.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Releaf, Mr. Ikenna Nzewi, said that his organization has an innovative approach that would improve food systems and to help industrialise Africa

by setting up smaller factories that are closer to farmers.

Ikenna said: “When the logistics costs are really high, you have to pay farmers low prices for their commodities.

When you are closer by, you can afford to pay them more,” Nzewi said.

The Releaf’s is a Nigeriabased smallholder farmer food procurement company that is focused on industrialising food processing in Africa, which won $20,000 in the AfDB’s AgriPitch competition, where over 600 top

agripreneurs in the continent vied for a share of $120,000 in seed funding prizes and a slot in the competition’s business development boot camp. The finalists also receive mentoring and training.

“The grant was very helpful to operationalise our work – we started operations in January.

The publicity was helpful for our company. Being able to have more people hear about…how we are tech-enabled industrialists has been really exciting,” Nzewi said.

Olam Reaffirms Commitment to Backward Integration Olam Nigeria, a leading agribusiness conglomerate, has reaffirmed its commitment to the federal government’s backward integration programme (BIP) to revitalise the agricultural value chain.

The Olam said that it has made strong inputs across the local agricultural landscape with valuable impacts on Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the national job creation drive.

The report showed Olam has consistently scaled its investment in various outgrower programmes, research partnerships, seed trials, and the integration of smallholder farmers into various empowerment initiatives across different levels.

To boost the supply of rice, Olam partnered the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the federal government of Nigeria in the value chain development programme (VCDP), a backward integration framework to train smallholder rice farmers, supplies input to the farmers and provides guaranteed buyback.

According to the statement, since 2014 when IFAD and VCDP rolled out the rice value chain development project, about N22 billion has been injected into the rice smallholder initiatives of Olam in Nigeria’s Middle Belt as data by IFAD revealed that a larger number of the smallholder rice farmers who were engaged by Olam and its partners recorded a 79 per cent jump in their incomes.

To mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 supply chain shocks in 2020 on the supply of rice to Nigerians and the incomes of farmers, Olam presented an estimated N110 million grants to select farmers in Benue State. Till date, the agribusiness out-grower programme has engaged over 35,000 smallholder rice farmers and is still on boarding new farmers to accelerate the supply of rice.

Similarly, in the wheat value chain, the collaborative efforts between Olam, Flour Millers Association of Nigeria (FMAN) and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) are yielding appreciable results.

New Rice Scheme to Engage 1000 Women, Youths Over 1000 women and youths are expected to benefit from a new rice initiative (wet season) aimed at boosting rice production in the country post pandemic.

The Project Coordinator of Fevick Resources, Mr. Samuel Oluwafemi Adeshina, said by the time the rice programme kicks off, it would empower clusters of women and youths agripreneur farming together on a contiguous arable farmland to produce high quality and quantity of rice paddy for processing during this year’s wet season farming in Nigeria.

Adeshina, who addressed a press briefing in Abuja recently, stated that the new wet season rice farming project would link farmers to new technologies and high yield seedlings.

He noted that the new rice planting initiative would create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for 1,000 women and youths in the pilot phase.

“They will produce high quality and quantity of paddy rice for processors to get high milling outturned which will increase the profit margin of the women and youths. We can derive six to seven metric tonnes of rice per hectare by introducing new varieties of

very high yielding seedlings,” Adesina said.

He added that this variety of rice seedlings will be tested to determine the ruggedness, virility and flood resistance of the variety that was developed to see how the new variant of rice will survive in submerged areas during serious flood and ozone depletion.

According to him, the Taraba State Government is hosting the pilot programme and the farmers under Fevick Resources’ supervision would have three layers of credit open to them.

“There is the direct fertilizer aspect, which will give the farmers NPK and urea (fertilizer), there is also the seeds variety Faro 66 and 67, the third part of the credit to the farmers is the crop protection product (CPP) which is the aspect that covers labour and services as this will cover land preparation, harvesting, threshing and aggregation,” he said.

He further stated that the project would create strong and effective linkages to quality agro-inputs and services including mechanisation, credits, insurance, technology, information, and market for rural farmers to improve their livelihoods and build sustainable agriculture.

L-R: General Manager, Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Mrs. Salome Bidda; Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, UcheUnigwe and Commissioner for Tourism,Culture and Hospitality Plateau State,Tamwakat Weli at the launch of the new Tiger Bar in Jos… recently

‘Invest in Agricultural Sector to Attract Active Youth Participation’ The Chief Executive Officer, the Global Macron Pace Limited, Mr. John Oriazowan, has urged the federal government to prioritise investment in the nation’s agricultural sector in order to win the active participation of youths into the sector.

Oriazowan said that youths are not motivated enough to venture into agriculture due to the poor state of infrastructure, poor storage facilities and bad road network.

He said that this has resulted in massive rural-urban migration of youths as they no longer see any hope in subsistence farming.

He also urged the federal government and the stakeholders in the agro-allied business to invest in the sector in order to boost food production post COVID-19.

The CEO added that agro allied business is very profitable and is yet to be fully tapped by several stakeholders in Nigeria, saying that the sector has great potentials for investors.

Oriazowan noted that the agricultural sector has the capability to employ about 70 per cent of the Nigerian labour force if the government and private sector invest massively in the sector.

He said government needs to address the concerns of investors in the sector to encourage more Nigerians that are interested in agriculture.

“The agricultural business in Nigeria is yet to be tapped. If it is well tapped, the agricultural sector has the capability to employ about 70 per cent of the Nigerian labour force. As you can see, youth no longer wants to stay in the rural areas because of lack of infrastructure, poor storage facilities of harvested crops and bad roads to transporting of harvested farm produce.

“If the government can continue with the way they

have started paying attention to agriculture and creating the enabling environment, I see this sector employing about 70 per cent of our country’s labour force.

We have had several challenges like the increasing pressures from herdsmen attack farmers, kidnapping, bad roads, poor governmental responses, poor implementation of governmental policies, high cost of farming, high cost of processing equipment, lack of power supply, access to loans with collateral and illiteracy of most farmers which makes it hard to implement modern farming methods,” he said.

BATNF Plans N2bn Investment to Boost Small Holder Farming The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has announced plans to invest over N2 billion to support small holder farmers across the 36 States in the federation.

The move, according to the foundation, is aimed at improving the lives of smallholder farmers and enabling them to move from subsistence to commercial agriculture to boost food production in the country.

A member of the foundation’s technical committee, Mr. Fatai Afolabi, on the sidelines of the West Africa Innovation

Awards in Lagos recently, said the BATN foundation has chosen passion for supporting and empowering rural smallholder farmers in the country to contribute to food productivity in order to realize food security via sustainable commercial agriculture.

While reacting to the two awards given to the BATNF, the foundation’s technical committee described the gesture as a worthy recognition of the diligent efforts of the BAT Nigeria foundation team over the years in promoting good agricultural practices among

rural smallholder farmers and empowering youths in agriculture and other enterprises.

“The BAT Nigeria Foundation is very passionate about young people and that is why one of our pillars of engagement is formed around youth employment and empowerment with particular emphasis on agriculture and the development of its value chains. As a Foundation, we reached out to young people through the provision of seed grants to scale up their agribusinesses whilst also providing mentorship and internship opportunities, which

is why we are being recognized here today. We have also established the #WealthisHere initiative, a campaign developed to reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit in the younger generation through sustainable agriculture,” he said.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the BATNF, Ms. Ololade Johnson, expressed how passionate the BAT Nigeria foundation is about rural farming, noting that its customers are rural farmers with core mandate to help small holder farmers earn a sustainable income.

56

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Celebrating Jedy-Agba’s Footprints in the Power Sector Inyali Peter

A

ddressing Nigeria’s epileptic power supply was one of the cardinal campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, (APC), during the 2015 and 2019 electioneering processes.

Past administrations had expended so much resources in the power sector but with little results.

Despite the county’s existing power plants having the potential to generate up to 12,522 megawatts of electricity, the highest the highest it has attained was the 5,552.8MW announced on the 6th of January, 2021 by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Besides, the country’s overdependent on thermal and hydro power sources that other countries are walking away from is a major part of the issues facing the power sector. The decision of the Buhari’s administration to invest massively in renewable energy development is not however, unconnected to this.

During his first tenure, the President merged the Ministry of Power with that of Works and Housing. But in his second term, he decided to unbundle the Ministries, with the Ministry of Power assuming a pivotal role in the process of driving the nation’s economy in line with the administration’s diversification agenda.

To underscore the importance his administration attached to solving Nigeria’s power problem, the President deployed two Ministers; Engr. Saleh Mamman as Honourable Minister of Power, and Dr. Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, as Honourable Minister of State, Power.

For effective and efficient service delivery and harmonious working relationship, the President, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha shared responsibilities in the power Ministry between the two Ministers, with each having equal and independent supervisory role over agencies under them.

While Mamman was asked to suprivise the activities of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company

Jedy-Agba of Nigeria (TCN) and Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), Dr. Agba on the other hand, was saddled with the responsibility of executing his mandatory work as Minister through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN).

Two years down the line, the two Ministers have left no stone unturned in ensuring improved electricity supply in Nigeria. For instance, the Minister of State alone has supervised the completion of twenty (20) major projects within this period, all geared towards solving the shortage of electricity supply in the country.

These projects are spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country. There’s no single geopolitical zone in Nigeria today that Jedy-Agba has not completed, commissioned and handed over economically viable electricity projects to benefitting communities and institutions.

In NAPTIN, for example, he has ensured drastic reformation in the agency which has

enhanced its capacity to train more Nigerians in different electricity value chain including generation, transmission, installation and maintenance of electricity infrastructure. More than five thousand (5,000) young Nigerians have been trained, equipped and empowerred since he assumed office.

Similarly, for NEMSA, the agency responsible for maintaining technical standards in the power sector, he has supervised the completion of its state-of-the-art Meter Testing Station. The ultramodern facility is the first ever building started and completed by the agency since its establishment eight years ago.

Located in Enugu State to cover the entire Southern Nigeria, the station amongst other things, is handling all metering services in the region as well as testing and certification of energy meters. Plans are on ground to build similar facility in Northern Nigeria to reduce the amount of money expended in rent in some of its rented facilities.

Nevertheless, where the Minister has shone the most is in the Rural Electrification Agency.

To his credit, the agency has completed and commissioned not fewer than nineteen (19) major projects since he assumed office. Several other projects have been completed and awaiting commissioning while some are at different stages of completion.

These projects include, 100KWP Isolated hybrid mini-grid at Eka-Awoke community in Ikwo local government, Ebonyi State, 8.25MW Solar hybrid mini-grid at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, two 7.5KWP Mini-grid at Nnewi and a 1.12MW Solar mini-grid at Abubakar Tafewa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Others are, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Adebayo Community, Ovia South local government, Edo State, 1.35MW at Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Obudu Ranch Resort in Obanliku Local government area of Cross River State, 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Okangha-Mpkansi community in Ikom local government area

of Cross River State, Grid Extension project in Malumfashi local government, Katsina, and 30KWP solar mini-grid at Bambami also in Katsina.

The REA under his supervision has also completed Grid Extension Electrification Project in Ifesowapo in Ajilola, Ede South local government, Osun state, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Olooji community in Ijebu East, Ogun State, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Budo-are community, Ifesiwaju local government, Oyo State, provision of 65KWP solar hybrid mini-grid system in 250 bed cottages hospital in Ukpogo community in Okene local government, Kogi State.

Under his watch, the agency has also completed a 334KWP isolated PV solar hybrid mini-grid in Shimankar Community in Shendam local government area in Plateau State, provided and installed 5.4KPW solar hybrid mini-grid at Adavi-Eba, Adayi local government, Kogi State, 40KW solar mini-grid at Goto Sarki community in Paikoro local government, Niger State, 85KW isolated solar mini-grid at Dakitti community in Akko local government area of Gombe State as well as provision of 30KW solar mini-grid at Mbela Town, Yulde, Gubudo, Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State.

There are also several other solar power streets lights projects across the country that have been completed under his watch in the past two years that are not included in this list.

Indeed, when President Buhari assured the United Nations General Assembly during its 74th session held in New York on September 24, 2019 that Nigeria is working to have at least 30 per cent of its total electricity supply from renewable sources by 2030, he knew he had a capable hand in Jedy-Agba to steer the country’s renewable energy revolution.

Nigeria may not have completely overcome the challenge of inadequate power supply, but with the guts, passion, commitment shown, as evidenced in the achievements of Jedy-Agba as Minister and the overall performance of the Buhari’s government in the power sector, the country is undoubtedly moving stoutly in the right path. t *OZBMJ 1FUFS XSJUFT GSPN "CVKB

NCC, NESG in Fresh Move to Enhance Telecoms’ Impact on Nigeria’s Economy Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) are considering possible areas of increasing collaboration to enhance the impact and contributions of telecommunications sector on Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

NESG and NCC discussed this during a recent courtesy visit to NCC, by a delegation of the National Assembly

Business Environment Round Table (NASSBER), a policy unit at NESG, led by Nnanna Ude and a member of the technical committee of NASSBER, Yemi Keri.

The focus of the visit was to buttress the need for stakeholder collaboration and engagement between the commission and other stakeholders in order to conduct an impact assessment and gap analysis of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, which will lead to improvement of the legal instrument and

Ascon Oil Company Re-claims Petrol Filling Station in Lagos Darasimi Adebisi Quest Oil & Engineering Services Limited, owners of Ascon Oil Company Limited has announced that it has reclaimed its petrol filling station located at Block 36 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.

The company in a statement said the action is in line with the earlier Order of Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Lagos setting aside his previous Order restraining Ascon from interfering with the activities of the purported Receiver, Olawale Akoni SAN who saw to the illegal possession of the Property

by Rain Oil Limited.

The Chief Executive Officer, Ascon Oil Company Limited, Mr. Goke Dele in the statement said: “we are setting the pace in the downstream sector as a major player with innovative energy solutions.

“Our current asset optimization across the country

symbolizes our reinvigorated strategy for the Nigerian Energy, Oil & Gas market. Ascon Oil Company Limited will continue to carry out its lawful services in line with the provisions of the law.”

The company stated further that: “As part of its plans to position the downstream sector in the global energy transition map, Ascon Oil Company Limited plans to provide alternative sources of fuel to its customers as it plans to deploy autogas infrastructures across its service stations strategically located across the country.

“This is not only a giant stride, but further gives credence to the company’s commitment and investment in innovative clean energy technology in the downstream sector. This, the company believes, will lead to employment generation, and the creation of cleaner fuel sources which will reduce the cost of energy for Nigerians.”

reflect new trends, especially in a post-pandemic world.

The two bodies also considered synergy in the area of Research and Development (R&D), while the NESG expressed its desire to have the commission feature prominently in the forthcoming Nigeria Economic Summit (NES), an annual summit organised by the NESG, scheduled to hold in October this year.

While receiving the delegation on behalf the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta, the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, stated that the meeting was a welcome development, as it aligns with the telecom regulator’s strategic partnership and collaboration objectives.

Adinde said: “NCA 2003 is a robust regulatory instrument, which has given the NCC the mandate to regulate the telecom sector effectively, as seen in the contribution to the overall

economic development of the country.”

He stated further that, by virtue of Section 70 of the NCA 2003, the “commission has developed various regulations and issued guidelines that have helped in addressing critical issues pertaining to its regulatory activities”.

Other senior management staff of the commission, took turns to talk about the activities of the NCC in implementing its regulatory mandate for the benefit of the country.

The Director, Licensing and Authorisation, Muhammed Babajika, spoke on the licensing regime of the commission and its impact on innovation in the economy, while the Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, spoke about NCC’s regulatory efforts and collaborations with various stakeholders, such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) towards addressing challenges

to quality of service (QoS) in telecom industry.

The impact of these challenges such as multiple taxation and regulations, fibre cuts, vandalism, high cost of Right of Way (RoW), theft of telecoms facilities and the need for the passage of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Bill into law, were also discussed.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Laoye Jaiyeola; Ude acknowledged the critical role NCC is playing in the provision of essential digital support for the Nigerian economy. He noted that, in 20 years of telecoms liberalisation, the commission has been contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Ude explained that the visit was part of the efforts of the NESG to strengthen collaboration with key institutions of government such as the NCC. He extolled the role of the commission

in driving telecommunications sector growth through efficient and result-oriented regulations, noting that the impact of the regulations are evident in industry performance indicators, which have shown upward trajectory over the recent years.

“The NCC is key to the digital transformation agenda of the government and we can see the footprints of the readiness of the country on that journey, in terms of the level of broadband penetration, internet subscription, teledensity and other critical indicators,” Ude said.

Adinde expressed the commission’s happiness in partnering with NESG and NASSBER, noting that such partnership will further enhance telecoms contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth. He added that all the issues discussed would be articulated in a memorandum and submitted for consideration.

Contest to Spotlight Upcoming, Professional Talents in Photography Gilbert Ekugbe Organizers of the second edition of the lifestyle competition, African photography organisation (AFPHOR), Investment One Financial services Limited, has announced plans to organize a contest to spotlight upcoming and professional talents in the photography industry in Nigeria.

The organizers in a statement explained that the competition, with the theme, “The Beauty of Africa,” would feature two categories of participants; the amateur category for people that have interest in taking pictures

and are not professionals nor have professional equipment and the professional category for people that have a skill in photography.

“The competition can help the participants gain greater exposure and even achieve international recognition as it is a continental competition. It can give enthusiastic photographers their ‘big break’ to make it in the industry with exciting prizes and merit awards,” they stated.

Asked what makes the event a must to participate in, the organisers noted: “If you have always dreamed of being a more recognised and

valued photographer, you can take your career or passion to the next level with cash prizes and gifts to be won as well as acknowledgement of the African photography competition 2021.

“For the competition, selection of winners would be determined by likes from the general public and a panel of Judges, which consists of professional photographers and lovers of art. The first place winners in the amateur and professional categories will be awarded with cash prizes while there would be consolation prizes for other

top competition.

“The prizes would be financed by the headline sponsor Investment One Financial Services and other sponsors. Investment One’s involvement in the competition is based on their interest in the creative industry, especially in the area of art and photography, as it is one of their corporate responsibilities to identify creative people in the society and empower them. Other sponsors of the competition are the Ziing app, Investment One Pension Managers and Orange One Finance, “it stated.

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ECOWAS Fixes January 2025 Deadline for Adoption of Cleaner Fuels Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have set a January 2025 deadline for the adoption cleaner fuels and vehicles in the region to reduce air pollution across the cities.

Speaking at the African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) 2021 Virtual Workshop Series, ECOWAS Director of Energy, Bayaornibe Dabire, disclosed that the range of fuel specifications in the subregion currently spans 50 Parts Per Million (PPM) sulphur in some countries to 10, 000 ppm in others.

He said the need for harmonisation led to the issuance of ECOWAS directive C/ DIR.2/09/20 last year, which covers exhaust gas and particulate emission limits for two-wheeled, light and heavy vehicles.

Dabire stressed that any improvement in fuel specifications without alignment with vehicle emission limits would not have the desired effect, emphasising that member states should prohibit the import of petrol and diesel which do not comply with the harmonised fuel specifications.

“From January 1, 2025, only gasoline and diesel that meet the harmonised fuel specifications can be marketed within the ECOWAS region. A waiver would

be provided for refineries within the region to remain operational while they introduce measures to comply with the directive,” he noted.

He stressed that the age limit for importing vehicles into the ECOWAS region has been set at five years for light-duty vehicles, two-wheel motor vehicles, tricycles and quadricycles and 10 years for heavy-duty vehicles, adding that a period of 10 years would be granted to countries that have not yet adopted the age limits to gradually comply.

With a population of nearly 400 million, West Africa has one of the fastest growing car fleets in the world, while majority of vehicle imports into the region are second-hand and the fuel used is generally of poor quality.

For instance, in 2016 Onitsha, Nigeria, was designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the most polluted city in the world in terms of fine particles, which are very harmful to the lungs.

Currently, only about 20 per cent of the region’s fuel needs are refined locally, while 80 per cent is imported.

In his comments, ARDA’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Anibor Kragha, explained that effective regulatory frameworks remain critical for development of the energy sector, especially as Africa’s population is projected to increase significantly

Hull Blyth Begins Rail Haulage of Containers to Apapa Port Nigeria’s foremost shipping and cargo logistics services provider, Hull Blyth, has opened a rail hub at Wasimi, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, for use by importers and exporters.

The Wasimi Rail Hub, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, will allow shippers receive import containers from Apapa port, and also send export/empty containers to the port by rail.

The Managing Director of Hull Blyth, Mr. Christian Holm, who disclosed this in Lagos said the new rail hub will save shippers the hassles and high cost of transporting their containers to/from the port by road.

“We started this project because we are concerned about the pains shippers go through in moving their boxes in and out of the Apapa port in Lagos due to the congestion on the port access road.

“We are happy to inform all shippers in the southwest and other parts of Nigeria that they no longer have to go through the pains of trucking their containers to Apapa. Just send it to us at Wasimi and we will gladly move it to Apapa port by rail.

“Importers should also simply hand over their consignments to us at Apapa port and we will move it by rail to Wasimi from where it will be moved to final destination. It is time shippers took advantage of the rail services revived by the Federal Government and relieved themselves of the stress and high cost associated with road haulage, ”Holm said.

He said that empty containers returned to the Wasimi Rail Hub will not attract demurrage,

as it will be deemed to have been returned to the shipping company.

“The rail hub brings several benefits to the trading community and the Nigerian economy.

In addition to reducing the cost associated with trucking containers by half, it will also save importers and their agents the money they spend on payment of demurrage.

“This is because we have agreed with shipping lines that containers delivered to the Wasimi Rail Hub from any part of the country will be deemed to returned to the shipping company and will not attract demurrage,” he said.

He said rail hub has commenced full operation, as the first train of both export and empty containers has been successfully delivered to APM Terminals at the Apapa port “within only hours of transit from Wasimi” Holm said the Wasimi Rail Hub will save importers, exporters and agents as much as 50 per cent of logistics costs, since it is much cheaper to move goods by train.

He said the Wasimi Rail Hub is the precursor to a Dry Port, which is already under construction. When completed, the Dry Port, will have capacity to handle up to 7,000 TEUs and will be fully connected to Apapa port by rail.

A beneficiary of the first train service, Ms Dede Yebovi of Quinet International expressed satisfaction with the ease of moving export from Ogun State by rail to Apapa port. She was particularly impressed that the service saved her company cost and provided faster transit when compared to road haulage.

over the next two decades.

He called for clarity from the regulators, individuals and organisations to which the regulations apply and the consequences for non-compliance, explaining how a strong regulator can use data-driven decisions to effectively drive key reforms in the area of cleaner fuel imports.

Director, Pricing, Planning & Research at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in Ghana, Alpha Welbeck, in her intervention, called for the need

for digital monitoring across the value chain from offshore to retail, providing end-to-end visibility of operations and reducing the tendency for companies to cut corners or make abnormal profits.

Welbeck stated that in Ghana, which currently has the lowest sulphur content specifications (50 ppm) for fuels in the ECOWAS sub-region, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) periodically calibrates the fuel dispensers of the 4,300 retail outlets in

the country to ensure that the right quantity of products is consistently dispensed to consumers.

“The NPA has commenced installation of Automatic Tank Gauging System (ATGS) at all retail outlets to enhance monitoring of volumes supplied as well as improve the control of illegal fuel activities such as illegal imports, dumping and diversion,” she noted.

Chief Executive Officer, National Oil Ethiopia, Tadesse

Tilahun, stated that effective regulatory support has not yet been fully addressed in Ethiopia, thereby leaving the downstream sector vulnerable to unfair trade practices and multiple supply and distribution challenges.

He added that the different regulatory activities of the sector have been handled by different government ministries without adequate coordination or single-point accountability for responsibilities clearly defined.

COURTESY VISIT…

L-R: Captain of Abeokuta Golf Club, Mr. Kola Adeneye; Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Group Executive, Retail Banking (Lagos & West), First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tunde Owolabi during a courtesy visit to Obasanjo in Abeokuta ahead of the FirstBank sponsored 5th Olusegun Obasanjo Open Golf Championship organised by Abeokuta Golf Club... recently

DPR Insists on Training for Downstream Operators to Cut Mishaps Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has reiterated that the Minimum Industry Safety Training for Downstream Operations (MISTDO) remains compulsory for all players in that part of the petroleum industry.

The DPR noted that the programme introduced to safeguard operations in the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry, remains critical to protecting those who operate within the space.

The oil and gas industry regulator launched the programme last year, with the Director, Mr. Auwalu Sarki, saying that the industry being a volatile sector

was prone to many hazards, noting that majority of accidents in the downstream sector were due to human errors.

“This has led to loss of human lives, destruction of properties and grave environmental pollution. Consequently, this puts the economy under immense pressure because it is affected negatively by such impacts,” he stated.

The DPR at the time projected that MISTDO will be a prerequisite for the renewal of all new downstream licences nationwide from 1st January, 2021.

Reiterating the importance and need to adhere strictly to the directive in a statement on Sunday, Head of Public Affairs, DPR , Paul Osu, explained that

the initiative covers depots, petrol stations, product pipelines, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plants as well as petroleum trucks.

“The programme, which was launched following extensive collaborations with relevant stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), was a direct response to upsurge in downstream sector accidents and operational mishaps leading to high casualty and fatality rates averaging 54 fatalities yearly within a five-year period.

“The objectives of MISTDO amongst others, include to enforce and standardise basic training for downstream workers and to provide industry reference for prospective

trainees,” Osu stated.

He noted that the programme requires robust accreditation of training centres for existing workers and new entrants into the downstream sector, where successful trainees are issued a certificate valid for two years at a negotiated cost between the trainees and the certified training centres.

While explaining that the DPR does not charge the trainees for the MISTDO programme, he pointed out that to further ensure transparency of operations between the training centres and trainees, DPR made it mandatory for trainers to publish their cost of providing training on the MISTDO portal managed by the regulator.

CITITRUST Wins Global Banking, Finance Awards CITITRUST Holdings Plc, a market leader in investment holding across Africa, has won a trio of honours courtesy of the prestigious awarding body Global Banking & Finance Awards.

Global Banking & Finance Awards bestowed the honours of Best Financial Services Group Nigeria 2021, Decade of Excellence Holding Group Nigeria 2021, and Most Innovative Holding Group Nigeria 2021 onto CITITRUST Holdings Plc for its incredible work.

Three key areas were highlighted by Global Banking & Finance Awards. A diverse financial services holding group, CITITRUST was recognized for demonstrating strategic agility in

long-term value creation across different sectors of the economy in a way that is sustainable for over a decade.

“In addition, CITITRUST holds significant investments that cut across commercial banking, wealth management, investment banking, pension fund administration, and insurance services with operations in 13 African countries, “the organisers stated.

The firm was also recorgnise for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, first-class investment services, and highly skilled financial advisors.

The Group Chief Executive, Yemi Adefisan, who received the

awards on behalf of the firm, expressed his delight on the recognition from Global Banking & Finance Awards.

He said, “CITITRUST seeks opportunities to build and invest in the majority and/or significant minority stakes in leading African companies and believes that Africa will continue to offer excellent investment opportunities in the future.”

He further stated that, for over a decade, CITITRUST has striven to provide the comprehensive products and services individuals and companies need.

Also speaking, Editor, Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda Rich said.

“The company continues to

deliver for its customers and doesn’t rest on its successes. We look forward to seeing further industry-leading solutions from CITITRUST Holdings Plc in the years to come.”

Global Banking & Finance Review’s prestigious award honours the best banks and financial organizations around the globe. Since 2011, the Global Banking & Finance Awards has honoured companies that stand out in particular areas of expertise in the banking and finance industry, recognizing the innovation, achievement, strategy, progressive and influential transformations that transpire every year within the global finance community.

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

The Umpteenth Ban on Okada in Lagos Chiemelie Ezeobi, Sunday Ehigiator and Oluwabunmi Fache report that for the umpteenth time, the Lagos State Police Command, recently kicked off full enforcement of the restriction order against commercial motorcycles in six local governments ares, nine LCDAs, 10 highways, 40 bridges and flyovers, as part of efforts to return sanity to the state

The menace of commercial motorcycles cannot be overemphasised

L

agos wears the toga of a mega city but is burdened by high cost of living, traffic snarls, bad roads, epileptic power supply, and chaos on the roads. The latter is often caused by reckless commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada.

The advent of okada as an alternative means of transportation was caused by the perennial traffic snarls that has bedeviled the state since its creation more than five decades ago.

For any society to thrive, transportation is one of the key factors because it is pivotal to the economy. The reason is simple- the efficiency at which people, goods and services can move from one point to the other largely determines the quality of life of the society.

For Lagos, which boasts as the largest metropolis in Nigeria and the second most populous city in Africa, as well as currently estimated to be the 7th fastest growing city in the world with its population of 22 million people, the perennial traffic has become a huge challenge to the state traffic management and transportation system.

With the entrance of okada, a name gotten from the defunct Okada Airways, these breed of okada riders have in no small measure contributed to the chaos in the mega city, also touted to be the commercial nerve centre of the nation.

Given the chaos and its resultant negative effects like accidents and deaths, the state government resorted to reinforce the ban by former administrations, which prohibits okada riders from six local governments, nine LCDAs, 10 highways, 40 bridges and flyovers. Also affected by the ban were commercial tricycle riders popularly known as Keke.

Also, the rate of crimes aided by Okada and Keke keeps rising as they are used as getaway means by criminals, hence the recent ban.

Old Order It was in 2010 during the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola, that the government came all out guns blazing in a bid to ban commercial motorcycles. Given the fight they had at their hands in a bid to enforce the ban, the government went to the drawing board and thus the 2012 Lagos Traffic Law was borne.

This law saw to the prohibition of driving motorcycles on 475 out of 9100 roads in that state. The government of the day had said the need for the ban was because from the statistics compiled in government hospitals, an average of 16 okada-related deaths were recorded per month and 646 okada-accident related injuries per month.

Then came Akinwunmi Ambode’s admin-

istration. Barely three months after his elections, he had asked commercial motorcyclists to desist from operating on the 475 restricted routes across the state in compliance with Lagos Road Traffic Law, 2012. The then permanent secretary, Ministry of Transportation, had made this disclosure at a news conference in Alausa.

After consultations with stakeholders, the State Security Council, in compliance with the extant Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, decided to commence enforcement of the law which bans the operation of Okada and Keke in six LGAs and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

What the Law Stipulates The various laws regulating their operations as contained in Section 3 of the Road Traffic Law stipulates that they desist from plying any of the 475 roads, including highways and bridges restricted for their operations out of the 9, 200 roads in the state. The Law on motorcycle operation in the state is sacrosanct.

Thus, anyone found to have violated the Law will be dealt with in accordance with the Road Traffic Law, RTL 2012 Section 3 Subsection 5 which stipulates that “Any person who fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Section commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to: imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or render community service in accordance with the provisions of Section 347 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State and have his vehicle forfeited to the state.

Contained in Section 3 and Regulation 16 Sub-Section 4, 5 and 6 of the 2012 Road Traffic Law, the guidelines also stipulates the wearing of standard crash helmet with full protection for both rider and passenger.

Photo: Google It also prohibits the carrying of more than one passenger, carrying of children and pregnant women and also operation of okada beyond 8pm in Victoria Island, IKoyi and Ikeja and 10pm in other areas of the state.

It also strongly warns against riding of motorcycles on the kerb, median or road setbacks or in a direction prohibited by law and expects respect for all traffic laws and regulations.

Recent Ban Given the continued menace okada and tricycles pose, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, recently ordered officers and tactical commanders of the command to immediately embark on full enforcement of restriction order of the state government.

While reacting to what he described as an “act of lawlessness, recklessness and impunity being exhibited by some road users especially Okada riders” in some parts of the state, the police boss particularly ordered officers and men of the command to go after road users including Okada operators who drive against the traffic and ply BRT corridors.

He emphasised that the violators should be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

While also appealing to residents of the state to desist from violating traffic laws, he said the command will implement the full enforcement of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 and other extant laws of Lagos State.

Partial Enforcement Kicking off enforcement, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) last week impounded 57 motorcycles from riders plying prohibited routes in Costain, CMS and Lekki. Led by the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Shola Jejeloye said the agency would intensify its enforcement of Lagos State Traffic

Such gross violation with impunity must stop...the command will implement the full enforcement of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 and other extant laws of Lagos State

Law 2018.

Alternative Prior to this ban, the Lagos State government in May unveiled plans to phase out Okada and tricycles with Last Mile Buses. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had noted that the government has seen the danger motorcycles and tricycles pose on Lagos roads, thus the plans to eradicate them.

According to him, at the inception of his administration, the first priority in the developmental plan as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda is anchored on tackling the challenge of transportation, which has made imperative the need to develop a functional and effective intermodal transportation system in Lagos.

The First and Last Mile Bus project is therefore an integral part of the resolve to bequeath a befitting transportation system that is reflective of the mega city status of the state. The scheme, which is a key part of the Bus Reform Initiative, is a modular concept to enhance both motorised and non motorised (including walkways) transportation of commuters to/from their origin and final destination.

Considered as community based routes within a distance of 3-4 kilometers, which are currently served by tricycles and motorcycles, bus users will not pay cash for transportation fare, but debit cards will be made available for all. The debit card is known as Cairo and the bus routes, Lagos Island, Agege, Surelere, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorudu just to mention but few.

To kick off the scheme, the state government facilitated the provision of 2000 buses, in collaboration with the private sector, to be operational in phases over the next six months.

Already some are on the roads.

Potential Cash Cow for Police Meanwhile, Lagosians and operators alike have bemoaned the fact that the ban will become the proverbial cash cow for the police. This was witnessed in the past when such bans enriched the pockets of the police, who arrest and release after being paid.

On this, CP Odumosu warned the police operatives and teams who are detailed for the enforcement order operation to act within the ambit of the law and discharge their duties devoid of extortion or corrupt practices in any form “as such will not be tolerated by the command".

For now, Lagos residents wait with bated breathe to know if the recent ban would go the way others did. But at the moment, commercial motorcycles and tricycles are still having a field day across Lagos.

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Yemisi Edun and FCMB's Gender Equality Triumph Adewale Okoya

T

he recent appointment of Mrs Yemisi Edun as the Managing Director by the Board of Directors of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited represents a significant milestone in bringing about a gender diverse workforce at the senior management and board levels in Nigerian banks. The appointment also reinforces a recent trend in the banking sector that has seen women emerging as CEOs of commercial banks.

At the last count, six out of the 23 commercial banks in the country, representing 26 per cent, have women in CEO positions.

Apart from Mrs Yemisi Edun in FCMB, Guaranty Trust Bank has Mrs Miriam Olusanya, Fidelity Bank has Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and Citibank Nigeria has Mrs Ireti Samuel-Ogbu. Others are Mrs Halima Buba of SunTrust Bank Limited and Mrs Tomi Somefun of Unity Bank Plc. Also, the number of women in other top management positions in Nigerian banks is on the rise.Although there are currently no specific legal requirements for gender diversity in Nigeria's legal system, the gender gap in the country's banking sector is indeed closing. Nonetheless, regulations issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Code of Corporate Governance and the 2018 Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (CCG) provide assurances that the number of women holding key positions in the banking sector will only continue to grow.

In the light of FCMB's bold move to appoint Mrs Yemisi Edun as its substantive MD/CEO after serving as acting MD of the bank for a few months, there is no gainsaying that the bank is committed to both promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. The composition of its board of directors and its executive management reflects this. The bank's board currently has two female Independent Non-Executive Directors: Mrs Mfon Usoro and Ms Olayemi Keri, while another female.

It has been said that having just one female member on the Board of Directors of an organisation is an indication of weakness. Such arrangement is also viewed as tokenism because it is quite hard for one person to challenge existing corporate behaviour. FCMB stands tall among its peers in this respect because, unlike other institutions, women are well represented on its Board of Directors. Undoubtedly, the FCMB Group is now a model corporation in Corporate Nigeria.

Notably, a study by McKinsey & Company analysed more than 1,000 companies in 12 countries and concluded that genderdiverse companies are more likely to outperform their national industry average in terms of profitability. With three women on the most influential decision-making areas of the bank, the future can only be rosy. Given the amount of information needed to understand and govern today's complex business environment, a diverse and gender-balanced board appears to be the best guarantee for inclusive growth.

Women are also well represented in the day to day running of the bank. Apart from Mrs Oluwatoyin Olaiya, who serves as Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer, there is also Ms Felicia Obozuwa, Divisional Head, Corporate Services, Mrs Folake Fajemisin, Divisional Head, Corporate Banking, Mrs Funmi Adedibu, Company Secretary and General Counsel, and Mrs Rolayo Akhigbe, Divisional Head, Transaction Services.

FCMB easily meets the minimum of 30 per cent female representation on boards of Nigerian commercial banks mandate of the CBN. The choice of Mrs Yemisi Edun as the top decision-maker in the bank is undoubtedly no happenstance. She fits perfectly into the category of qualified women with the right skillset and experience to serve on corporate boards. Her pedigree, backed by work experience spanning nearly 35 years, is of the highest quality

MD of FCMB, Mrs. Yemisi Edun possible. She began her career with Akintola Williams Deloitte (member firm of Deloitte Touché Tohmatsu) in 1987, focusing on corporate finance activities. She was also involved in the audit of Banks and Other Financial Institutions. She joined FCMB in the year 2000 as Divisional Head of Internal Audit and Control before assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer of the bank.

Mrs Yemisi Edun holds a bachelor's in chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, and a master's in international accounting and finance from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Certified Financial Analyst, CFA® Charter holder, she is also an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers; an associate member of the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria; a member of Information Systems Audit and Control, U.S.A; and a Certified Information Systems Auditor.

FCMB is already reaping the benefits of advancing gender diversity beyond its immediate workplace.

For example, the board of directors of African Development Bank (AfDB) recently approved a loan of $50

million for the bank. The AfDB feels more comfortable channelling the funds meant for Nigerian enterprises and women-empowered businesses in the agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors through a gender-sensitive financial institution.

And with 30 per cent of the funds earmarked for underserved womenempowered businesses due to the effects of the rampaging Covid-19, it is only fair that a women-friendly financial institution like FCMB is selected to manage the process of disbursement.

In his comments, Stefan Nalletamby, AfDB's Director of Financial Sector Development, said, "The African Development Bank is pleased to support FCMB's strategy to become a dominant player in addressing the funding needs of women-empowered and local enterprises."

AfDB will also provide a technical assistance grant of $200,000 through its Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, supported by the Women Entrepreneurship Finance Initiative, as the project aligns with the objectives of AFAWA, which aims to improve gender inclusivity by improving

Given the amount of information needed to understand and govern today's complex business environment, a diverse and gender-balanced board appears to be the best guarantee for inclusive growth

access to finance for women entrepreneurs.

The journey towards gender equality is truly and well underway.

The role of women in societal progress is being undermined by the viewpoint that men must remain the leaders in society.

Such perspective is equally responsible for relegating women to the background and limiting their participation in top leadership positions. Although Chief Bola Kuforiji-Olubi broke the glass ceiling when she was appointed as the chairman, board of directors of United Bank for Africa (UBA) in 1984, it is only now that significant changes are being recorded and there is a need to sustain and even accelerate the changes.

The days of tokenism in appointments of women into boards and the incredible disparity in the male to female ratio of directors in Nigeria must be reversed, especially when studies after studies have conclusively shown the positive correlation between gender diversity on the board and financial performance. Corporate Nigeria must begin to move away from its patriarchal tendency and embrace gender balance in the composition of boards of directors.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) says that the overall global gender gap can only be closed in 108 years with current trends. This is unacceptable. It is, however, heartening to note that the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been consistent in affirming CBN's commitment to the promotion of gender diversity in the workplace, empowering women and increasing their active participation in the economy.

-Okoya, a former newspaper editor and social commentator, writes from Lagos.

60

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ 17, 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

RIMAN Calls for Increased Investments in Technology to Mitigate Banking Sector Risks Nume Ekeghe Risk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) has urged banks to increase investments risk assessment tools to mitigate the increased risks that come with digitisation in the banking sector. President RIMAN, Mr. Magnus Nnoka stated this while speaking at the 20th Annual International Conference of the Risk Management Association of Nigeria, where stakeholders gathered to deliberate on ‘Risk Management in a Digital Era.’ Nnoka said: “The rise in digital assets and channels consequently lead to emerging and evolving risk types, therefore, we are seeing increasing digitisation of risk. Even as organisation seek increasing digitisation, we can readily identify few of the drawbacks on this journey, these include Legacy Information asset, organizational culture, data

quality, dearth of requisite talent and complexity of organizational structure.”

He noted that in the digital era, risk management professionals should be required to review and reshape their mandate and roles, develop digitally driven mindset and capacity to provide faster, more forward-looking, and deeper insights in driving the new working environment.

He added: “Furthermore, concerns have been raised not by a few, that technological innovation or digitalization specifically in the banking sector appear to be concentrated mostly on customer-facing journeys such as online banking and marketing and the activities that support these journeys such as customer onboarding, customer servicing and resolution of complaints.

“It is my submission that Managing risk in a digital era should be supported by adequate

and appropriate investment in digitalisation of risk management Digital risk transformations should be pursued intentionally by organisations It will be increasingly challenging for risk management approach to stay analog while customer-facing activities and operations race ahead into digital.”

In his keynote address, Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adesola Adeduntan said risk managers should be well equipped to better manage emerging risks in a digital world. Adeduntan who was represented by Group Executive Treasury & International Banking Group of First Bank, Mr. Ini Ebong said risk leaders are expected to provide the required support that will enable their organizations to remain resilient amidst uncertainties and growing complexities in an operating business environment.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021

RSTDA: Nigerians Spend Billions of Naira Abroad on Tourism Blessing Ibunge ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ The Rivers State Tourism and Development Agency (RSTDA) has noted that Nigerians spend Billions of Naira on outbound tourism building the economy of other nations.

Director General of RSTDA, Mr Yibo Koko stated this at the agency’s launch of a one week tourism seminar in Port Harcourt.

He stressed that the nation’s economy should be encourage through the inbound tourism, thereby promoting local arts and culture. Speaking on the theme: “Understanding Domestic Tourism and Monetizing Creative and Cultural Tourism Assets in Rivers,” Koko stressed the need to education and sensitise the local communities about the value of their resources, adding that there is more opportunities for wealth creation in arts and culture.

“Nigerians spend a lot of money doing outbound tourism because people plan with their families to travel abroad, where they go to the people deliberately doing things that attracts them to

come. This is because inbound tourism is not encouraging, especially where security is a concern, in the preservation of these areas where bound is built.

“More so, people in the community do not even understand that people come inside to see what they have. So you have to let them understand that so the traveling agencies can now use all the tools they have to bring them into the state and country.

Culture is our way of life, but we do not understand it. Meanwhile, the white man uses our resources to boost their economy. We need to make them understand that we can use what we have to better our economy, “he said.

Speaking on the agency’s road map on improving tourism in the State, Koko said, “Initially, when we came onboard we put across a N100billion Revenue Base Financing for Rivers State, which is how we can grow the Rivers State economy to N100billion for the citizens and state in terms of revenue.”

He disclosed that the agency has a structure that will grow wealth not only in the state but

the nation at large.

Koko added that the idea for the event is to keep the conversation going irrespective of challenges; he called for collaboration with the media and other agencies to promote the use of arts to sustain wealth and growth productivity in environment and the people.

Also speaking, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paulinus Nsirim, commended RSTDA for it’s giant strides at organising the launch, pledging the Ministry collaboration in the development of tourism in the state.

Represented by a Human Resources Development Expert, Dr Ugo Onyeka, Nsirim noted that tourism can provide better living opportunities for many in the country.

He said: “Having recognized the important role tourism can play in the economic growth of any country, Nigeria identified tourism as an important economic sector to be developed as one of the alternation for bailing the country out if economy depression.”

Quickteller Highlights Practical Business Strategies for SMEs To Thrive As businesses seek to overcome the post-COVID challenges affecting them, Quickteller Business, has said it will continue to provide support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through various value propositions that are designed to drive growth for the sector.

The firm made this known during the SME event hosted by Nelly Agbogu popularly known as Naijabrandchick and Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze the promoter of the Accountinghub on Instagram.

The event themed, “Let’s Talk: Your Business & Sales,” held in Lagos, was sponsored

by Quickteller Business.

In his opening remarks, Group

Head, Growth Marketing, Merchant and Ecosystem, Olawale Akanbi, enumerated practical business strategies and skills needed for SMEs to increase their revenues.

He said SMEs must leverage partnership, innovative solutions and viable financial products to drive the growth of their businesses. Akanbi continues, “The SME sector is fundamental to driving the economic development of any nation, critical skills such as business management, bookkeeping and basic accounting processes are necessary for SMEs to stay abreast and scale. This is why Quickteller Business is in partnership with impactful

initiatives such as this event to avail SMEs the opportunity to learn and grow their businesses efficiently.”

He noted that Quickteller Business is committed to building capacity and supporting SMEs across the country. He urged SMEs to take advantage of all the offerings on the Quickteller Business platform, explaining that the integrated platform is designed to help them better navigate the challenges around payments collections which invariably allows them focus on their core businesses, with their diverse transaction requirements taken care of through the versatile platform.

Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͯͳ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $73.15 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $75.29 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

61

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ͵˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Equities Market Declines by N9bn on Profit-taking in Banking, Oil & Gas Stocks Darasimi Adebisi Trading on the Nigerian equities market yesterday started the week marginally lower, as investors profit-taking in Banking and Oil & gas stocks down the market

by N9 billion.

In summary, the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) AllShare Index (ASI) dipped by 16.94 basis points, representing a decline of 0.04 per cent, to close at 39,505.40 basis points. Similarly,

the overall market capitalisation value lost N9 billion to close at N20.583 trillion.

Sectoral performance revealed that Banking (-0.7per cent), Oil & Gas (-0.3per cent) and Industrial Goods (-0.1per cent) indices declined, while the Insurance and Consumer Goods indices closed flat.

The market negative performance was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks amongst which

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

are; CAP Plc, Lafarge Africa, Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI).

However, the market breadth closed positively, recording 24 gainers as against 15 losers. MRS Oil Nigeria recorded the highest price gain of 9.92 per cent to close at N13.85, per share. May and Baker Nigeria followed with a gain 9.77 per cent to close at N4.83, while Honeywell Flour Mill went up by 9.76 per cent to

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

close at N2.25, per share.

Mutual Benefits Assurance rose by 8.82 per cent to close at 37 kobo, while FTN Cocoa Processors gained 6.82 per cent each to close at 47 kobo, per share.

On the other hand, Associated Bus Company led the losers’ chart by 8.33 per cent to close at 33 kobo, per share. Lasaco Assurance followed with a decline of 6.67 per cent to close at N1.40, while Livestock Feeds

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

down by 4.81 per cent to close at N1.98, per share.

Fidelity Bank lost 4.80 per cent to close at N2.38, while Champion Breweries shed 4.55 per cent to close at N2.10, per share.

The total volume of trades declined by 25.2 per cent to 141.282 billion units, valued at N1.636 billion, and exchanged in 3,393 deals.

Transactions in the shares of eTranzact International Plc topped the activity chart with

O F

16.188 million shares valued at N33.348 million.

Fidelity Bank followed with 10.442 million shares worth N24.329 million, while Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) traded 9.769 million shares valued at N9.284 million.

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance traded 9.181 million shares valued at N4.407 million, while Access Bank transacted 7.585 million shares worth N69.025 million.

1 6 / 0 8 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

62

TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

63

TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021 • T H I S DAY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 13Aug-2021, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 156.41 157.82 -3.36% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.75% Nigeria International Debt Fund 316.37 316.37 -21.58% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 110.82 110.82 -1.13% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.68% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.27 3.43 -3.75% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.77% Anchoria Equity Fund 142.51 144.15 7.14% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.11 1.11 -16.23% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.72 20.32 8.76% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 432.10 445.12 7.92% ARM Ethical Fund 38.26 39.41 13.49% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.02% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.97 -7.59% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.10% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.67 105.67 3.89% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,017.15 1,017.15 1.72% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.01 2.01 -10.48% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.12 2.16 -7.75% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.34% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.04% Paramount Equity Fund 16.64 16.94 4.03% Women's Investment Fund 136.97 138.56 2.92% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.59% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 118.81 119.58 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.89 107.89 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.70% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.20 1.21 -0.26% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.38 1.38 -12.82% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 8.28% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.10% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,140.42 1,155.98 -0.98% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,402.47 1,402.47 11.38% FBN Balanced Fund 191.96 193.32 2.28% FBN Halal Fund 111.86 111.86 8.30% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.67% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

126.66 158.39

126.66 3.64% 160.61 4.77% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.96 1.60 1.18

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 5.66% 3.96 2.39% 1.63 5.25% 1.18 4.16% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 3,725.17 3,358.16 100.00

Offer Price 3,780.53 3,358.16 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn -0.51% 2.50% 3.71%

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.93% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.72 2.78 -4.66% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.21 152.49 -2.11% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.28 1.33 1.92% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.10 1.10 0.88% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.43 1.45 4.86% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,143.32 1,143.32 5.31% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.48 11.54 9.65% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.64% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.66 1.69 7.15% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.52 11.57 -5.06% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 5.75% PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.67 4.51% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.72 114.53 2.59% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 131.76 134.35 8.60% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 10.12% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,281.54 3,316.53 2.18% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 232.23 232.23 3.28% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.22 1.24 4.24% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 305.81 305.81 3.78% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 224.45 227.78 2.84% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.16% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,366.04 10,516.56 -1.21% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.27 1.27 3.40% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 115.26 115.26 3.76% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 103.01 103.01 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 1.65% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 4.10% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.49% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.82% United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.62 119.62 4.52% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.07 3.48% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 5.92% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.93 13.04 8.92% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.24 14.36 16.55% Zenith Income Fund 24.28 24.28 1.25% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.20%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

125.18 51.80

10.79% 2.67%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.46 122.83 97.29 17.90 18.28

13.56 125.89 99.42 18.00 18.38

1.84% 2.15% -1.94%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.93 5.93 17.59 1.00 19.34

3.97 6.01 17.69 1.00 19.54

4.06% 4.12% 8.33% 6.31% -5.70%

153.86

155.86

-29.87%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

64

TUESDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPECIAL REPORT

Buhari

Kyari

Sylva

What You Need To Know About New Petroleum Act With the President signing of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, into law and now to be known as Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, the entire framework for doing business in the oil sector changes fundamentally. Emmanuel Addeh brings out the highlights of the new Act that will now govern operations in the sector going forward

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T

he new Petroleum Industry Act mandates that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will be commercialised within the next six months, effectively transforming the national oil company into a limited liability company.

Added to that is the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which shall be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of upstream petroleum operations.

According to the new law, the commission will ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing upstream petroleum operations in a manner to minimise waste and achieve optimal government revenue as well as promote healthy, safe, efficient and effective conduct of upstream petroleum operations.

But despite the hue and cry from some groups

in the Niger Delta on the need to increase the host communities' fund, the new Act retained three per cent of total expenditure by the oil companies for the previous year for oil-producing areas and 30 per cent of NNPC Limited’s profit oil and gas in product sharing, profit sharing and risk service contract for frontier basins exploration.

Also established is the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) which shall be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of midstream and downstream petroleum operations in the petroleum industry.

Furthermore, the NMDPR, which effectively means the extinction of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) will ensure efficient, safe, effective and sustainable infrastructural development of midstream and downstream petroleum operation as well as promote healthy, safe, efficient and effective conduct of midstream and downstream petroleum.

Among others, the new body will promote a competitive market for midstream and downstream petroleum operations; promote the supply and distribution of natural gas and petroleum products and ensure the security of natural gas supply for the domestic gas market as well as ensure crude oil supply for domestic refineries.

Also to be floated is the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) which shall be funded from 0.5 per cent of the wholesale price of petroleum products and natural gas sold in Nigeria, which shall be collected from wholesale customers.

Other sources of funding for the new body are grants accruing from multilateral agencies, bilateral institutions and related sources dedicated partly or wholly for the development of infrastructure for midstream and downstream gas operations in Nigeria and interest payable in respect of money in the fund.

Also, monies received from gas flaring penalties by the commission for the purpose of environmental remediation and relief of the host communities of the settlor on which the penalties are levied and any other sum freely donated shall be paid into the fund.

On the commercialisation of the NNPC, it states: “The minister shall within six months from the commencement of this Act, cause to be incorporated under the Companies and Allied

Matters Act, a limited liability company, which shall be called the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited).

“The Minister shall at the incorporation of NNPC Limited, consult with the minister of finance to determine the number and nominal value of the shares to be allotted, which shall form the initial paid-up share capital of NNPC Limited and the government shall subscribe and pay cash for the shares.

“Ownership of all shares in NNPC Limited shall be vested in the government at incorporation and held by the ministry of finance incorporated and the ministry of petroleum incorporated in equal portions on behalf of the federation and the ministry.”

The document further states that assets, interests and liabilities of NNPC not transferred to NNPC Limited or its subsidiary under subsection (1), shall remain the assets, interests and liabilities of NNPC until they become extinguished or transferred to the government in six months following the determination while the minister of finance and the attorney general of the federation shall develop a framework for the payment of the liabilities.

According to the new law: “NNPC shall cease to exist after its remaining assets, interests and liabilities other than its assets, interests and liabilities transferred to NNPC Limited or its subsidiaries under subsection (1) shall have been extinguished or transferred to the government.”

To allay the fears expressed by beneficiaries of host community funds that oil companies may continue to under-declare expenses or profits and overstate losses, the law also set out appropriate punishments for any person who makes incorrect accounts by omitting or understating any profits or overstating any losses of which he is required under the act to make accounts.

It added: “A person who prepares or causes to be prepared any incorrect schedule or statement required to be prepared under section 277 of this Act by overstating any expenditure or overstating any royalties or other sums or by omitting or understating any amounts repaid, refunded, waived or released, or gives or causes to be given any false; “Or misleading information in relation to any matter or thing affecting his liability to hydrocarbon tax is liable to an administrative penalty of the

sum of N15,000,000 or 1 per cent of the amount of tax which has been undercharged in consequence of such incorrect account.”

As part of the implementation process, the law mandated the minister to within 24 months of the effective date cause an inter agency transfer of any staff of the institutions to the commission, the authority or NNPC Limited based on skills and competence requirements of the new institutions.

It stated that every settlor shall transfer any existing host communities development project or scheme under its corporate social responsibility or memorandum of understanding or any other agreement to a host communities development trust established under the act.

“Every applicable settlor shall notify the commission or authority, as the case may be, upon completion of any transfer under subsection (1) to any one or more host communities development trusts of any of its existing host communities development projects or schemes.

“Any financial contribution made by a settlor from the effective date until the date falling 12 months after the effective date to any ongoing host communities development project or scheme in accordance with their terms, shall be deemed to constitute a contribution made by such holder or holder nominee under section 240 (2) of this act,” it stated.

It stressed that rules, orders, notices or other subsidiary legislation made under the Petroleum Act, the Petroleum Profits Tax Act and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act shall continue to have effect as if made under the corresponding provisions of the Act. The new act further mandated each settlor through its operator to make the 3 per cent available for the host communities, with each of the trusts allowed to receive donations, gifts, grants or honoraria that are provided to such host communities development trust for the attainment of its objectives.

“Each settlor, where applicable through the operator, shall make an annual contribution to the applicable host communities development trust fund of an amount equal to 3 per cent of its actual annual operating expenditure of the preceding financial year in the upstream petroleum operations affecting the host communities for which the applicable host communities development trust fund was established, ” it said.

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PERSPECTIVE

As Buhari Makes History with Petroleum Industry Act ...Late Chief of Staff hailed James Ume

N

igeria recorded a major progress on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) on Monday as President Muhammadu Buhari signed it into law exactly 48 days after it was passed by both arms of the National Assembly.

This another historic feat recorded by the Buhari-led administration.

Also, one must not lose sight of the major role played by Abba Kyari, the late Chief of Staff to the President, who contributed significantly towards shaping the new oil and gas framework Kyari was close to launching the longdelayed initiatives to restructure the notoriously underperforming oil and gas sector, a feat that was even acknowledged by Financial Times of London.

Indeed, the Petroleum Industry Act provides legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, the development of host communities, and related matters.

With this, the oil and gas industry now has a legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework.

Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, said President Buhari, working from home in five days quarantine as required by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 after returning from London on Friday, signed the bill in his determination to fulfill his constitutional duty. But the ceremonial part of the new legislation will be done on Wednesday, after the days of mandatory isolation would have been fulfilled.

Even though the legislation has been in the works since the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, successive sessions of the National Assembly were not able to pass it because of vested interests by stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

The legislation is designed to reform the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Its central aim of the law is to foster sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The law started as an omnibus bill and was later divided into four separate bills before it was reintroduced in 2020 as a consolidated bill.

During the Senate hearing last month, the bill passed third reading after Mohammed Sabo, chairman of the joint committee petroleum (upstream and downstream) and gas, presented a report and its clauses were put to voice vote.

Sabo said the legislation is aimed at “promoting transparency, good governance and accountability in the oil and gas sector.”

On the other hand, at the House of Representatives, the bill was passed after Mohammed Monguno, chairman of the ad hoc committee on the PIB, presented the report and the lawmakers voted on 319 clauses of the bill. Monguno said by passing the bill, the ninth house would have succeeded in enacting important legislation.

Indeed, the new legislation is expected to bring governance issues in the oil and gas sector in tandem with the international best practices.

It is believed that the absence of the legislation greatly stalled the growth of the petroleum industry and its unstable environment made international investors to lose confidence in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

That is why the bill over the years attracted the attention of stakeholders and investors in the country’s oil and gas industry because of the significant impact the sector has on Nigeria's economy.

Buhari More so, while the oil and gas sector contributes about 10 per cent to the country's Gross Domestic Product, it contributes about 90 per cent of the foreign exchange earnings; 60 per cent of total income and to a large extent is a major barometer to determine the health of the country.

That is, any adverse change in the industry will have a major impact on government finances as was the case last year when the price of crude oil dropped significantly.

Clearly, one of those that has been in the forefront of transforming the oil and gas industry, who also contributed significantly to the new structure in the sector is Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mallam Mele Kyari.

Since his appointment, Kyari has remained focused in ensuring the passage of this very important legislation by rallying all the relevant stakeholders.

The NNPC boss has been vocal and a major advocate on the need for the lawmakers to pass the bill which has been largely described as a game-changer for the country’s oil and gas industry.

For instance, in addressing the National Assembly’s House of Representatives’ Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Committee, Kyari had urged swift passage of the PIB in order to attract capital, strengthen cost recovery and ensure decent returns on investment.

Kyari had also called for the new law to enshrine a

clear separation of roles between industry operators and regulators, and questioned the over-hasty manner in which local content had been pursued in the oil and gas sector.

“You cannot but rely on foreign investment if you want to grow; we have seen the cost of local content shoot up in the last 10 years, magnifying the cost of doing business in Nigeria,” Kyari said recently.

He had also at a separate meeting stressed the need for the lawmakers to quickly move from the unstable situation the country was previously on the matter, to a stable one, saying the only way out was the passage of the PIB. According to Kyari, foreign capital was needed in the upstream sector and the only way to attract it was to have stable laws and a friendly business environment that could guarantee cost recovery and a decent return on investment for investors.

He had disclosed that the uncertainty in the sector created by the long delay in the passage of the PIB has led to a number of divestments from the country in the recent past.

The GMD had also stated that the drive by the management of NNPC to entrench the culture of transparency in the corporation had improved its business fortunes and creditworthiness as lenders are now willing to grant credit to it.

Kyari had consistently maintained that for

WATERSHED MOMENT, AS BUHARI SIGNS PETROLEUM ACT TO OVERHAUL OIL INDUSTRY sign the law, describing it as offensive, repugnant and anti-people.

The party in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that the signing of the law, despite widespread public rejection, amounted to endorsement of imposition, saying it further confirmed that, “President Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC) have no iota of respect for the people as well as the tenets of democracy as a system of government.”

According to the PDP, "By his action, President Buhari has only authenticated that he is not a listening leader and that the APC and its leaders are only out to trample on the will of Nigerians for their selfish interests.

"In putting his hands to endorse the obnoxious bill, even with its distasteful, paltry and provocative three per cent revenue to oil producing communities, President Buhari and the APC have again displayed disdain and insensitivity to the sufferings of the people of the Niger Delta."

The PDP said the President could have returned the bill to the National Assembly with a request that it was

made to address the demands of the oil producing communities.

It added: "Our party fears that the new law cannot guarantee the desired stability and development in the oil and gas sector as well as respite in the Niger Delta region.

"If anything, the Act as signed by President Buhari is a dangerous recipe for avoidable crisis in the sector."

The PDP called on President Buhari to salvage the situation by immediately forwarding an amendment bill to the National Assembly to reflect the true wishes and aspirations of every segment of the nation.

While calling for calm across the country, particularly the South-South geo-political zone, the PDP also charged lawmakers elected on its platform to be at alert even as preparation must be commenced for an urgent amendment to this law.

Also, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) faulted Buhari's assent signing of the bill into law, describing it as unfortunate especially with the public outcry associated with the passage of the bill by the National Assembly.

It stated that the Niger Delta people may have no option but to take a position on the issue which include seeking political as well as legal response to the issue at stake.

The group in a statement by its spokesman, Ken Robinson, wondered why President Buhari assented to the bill to become law despite condemnation of some of its provisions including the paltry three per cent provision for the Host Communities Development Trust Fund and the appropriation of 30 per cent of NNPC Limited’s profit for the Frontier Oil Exploration Fund.

According to the group, the law fell short of the expectations of the Oil and Gas Producing Communities, which bear the brunt of unconscionable industry operations.

It further stated: "This assent, by President Buhari, simply speaks to the repugnant attitude of disregard, propelled by arrogance, disdain and contempt with which issues concerning the Niger Delta Region are treated, particularly, by the present Administration.

"What this act signifies is an

unequivocal message to the Niger Delta people that how they feel and what they say, do not count, at all, in the Schemes of the Nigerian Project.

“That's insensitive, abominable and afar every boundary of proper Democratic practice, and, therefore, unacceptable to the good people of the Niger Delta, the critical economic nexus of the entire Nigerian territory.

"The Niger Delta people will speak, shortly, after full consultations, on this callous act, on the best legal and political response."

On their part, the ljaw National Congress (INC) said it remains resolute on its earlier stance on the minimum acceptable allocation of 10 per cent to the oil bearing communities as compensation for the various degrees of damages suffered in course of oil and gas production in the area.

The president of the umbrella body of Ijaws worldwide, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said with President Buhari’s assent, their next line of action after the passage of paltry three per cent would be announced after further consultations with critical stakeholders within and outside the region.

Nigeria to make the most of the industry, the passage of the PIB was imperative as it has the prospect to guarantee a robust fiscal regime, protect the environment, ensure development of host communities, ensure proper alignment with other sectors and encourage investors to expand their investments in Nigeria.

“Getting the petroleum legislation passed is the right thing to do because investors will not invest their money if they are not sure of how they are going to get their investment back and what benefits can they get from their investment and how stable the investment climate is.

“We must resolve the petroleum legislation and am aware that this administration is working assiduously to get the law passed within the shortest frame of time,” Kyari had said at a different forum.

Kyari’s passion to the PIB’s passage ties up with his desire to bequeath to Nigerians a vibrant oil and gas industry as contained in the transformative agenda he unveiled when he assumed office.

That was his Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda, a five-step strategic roadmap.

According to Kyari, ensuring energy security is one of the cardinal agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Furthermore, he said closely related to energy security was the rehabilitation and expansion of the local refining capacity.

To global professional services firm, KPMG, if Nigeria must achieve its ambition of 40 billion barrels of oil in reserves and four million barrels of oil per day, it needs to attract new investments into the sector.

This task, it noted, has even become more daunting in the light of the various challenges facing the industry, especially with respect to the renewed focus on renewables and energy transition.

“The oil in the ground is of no use to the country if it cannot monetise it.

“Therefore, the PIB must lead to a massive transformation of the industry and succeed in attracting the desired investment required to reposition the industry. Otherwise, Nigeria’s production will continue to decline significantly.

“Hopefully, the provisions of the PIB will be enough to stimulate the desired investment though it has not addressed the issue of energy transition from fossil fuel to clean energy. The key question is whether those investments would pay off or would they be a risky bet?”

Therefore, it is expected that the signing of this new law would unlock the enormous investment opportunities in the sector, attract the much-needed investments as well as significantly raise the country’s oil revenue.

It is definitely a new dawn for Nigeria’s oil sector as increased orderliness and transparency are expected to turn-around for good.

Ume writes from Abuja

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NEWS XTRA

Biden Defends Afghanistan Policy Amid Mounting Criticism of Withdrawal President Joe Biden of the United States yesterday defended his administration’s decision to continue with the US military drawdown in Afghanistan, blaming the US-backed Afghan government and military for

allowing the Taliban to take over.

“Afghanistan political leaders gave up and fled the country; the Afghan military collapsed, sometimes without trying to fight,” nbcnews.com quoted Biden to have said.

Businesses, Schools, Offices Open in Enugu as IPOB Suspends Sit-at-home Order Gideon Arinze inEnuguand David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Business and academic activities as well as government offices yesterday resumed in Enugu State following the suspension of the weekly sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB had declared every Monday ‘a ghost Monday’ effective from August 9, 2021, to prevail on the federal government to free Nnamdi Kanu, its leader, who is currently in detention for alleged treasonable felony.

But in a statement issued last Saturday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the group had suspended the sit-at-home exercise which commenced on August 9.

He stated that the suspension of the exercise was due to a ‘direct order’ from Kanu, leader

of the group, to that effect.

It is believed that the suspension of the exercise was informed by the loss of lives, property and millions of naira which trailed the first week of its implementation.

When THISDAY visited Ogbete, the busiest market in the state, it was bubbling as marketers had come from far and near to transact their businesses. But while some marketers said they were happy to return again having lost huge revenue on the first week of implementation of the order, others said they were not happy it was suspended because the sit-at-home was a better way to press home the demand for recognition in the Nigerian state.

Schools in the state also resumed for academic activities just as offices that were locked on the first day of the exercise were also opened.

JAMB Fixes Date to Announce New Admission Cut-off Marks Kuni Tyessi in Abuja Candidates of the 2021Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will on August 31, 2021, know the minimum admission cut-off mark for the 2021/2022 academic session.

Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had last year set 160 and above as cut-off mark for admission into universities; 120 for polytechnics and 100 for colleges of education.

According to a bulletin issued by the spokespersons of the Board, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, last Sunday, the decision would be reached on the new minimum cut-off marks and other admission issues in a policy meeting scheduled for 31 August.

The meeting, which has been approved by its Chairman,

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, will have all heads of tertiary institutions, heads of regulatory agencies in the sector, and other stakeholders in attendance.

The bulletin read: “This policy meeting kick-starts the admission process into the tertiary institutions. It will discuss critical issues emanating from the presentation of the Registrar of JAMB on the just-concluded UTME and Direct Entry (DE) applications, in addition to setting the tone for the 2021/2022 admission exercise.

“The meeting is expected to chart policy directions for the country’s tertiary institutions, set admission guidelines and present application statistics for candidates’ performance as well as evaluate the 2020 admission exercise.”

FG Kicks off Phase Two of COVID-19 Vaccination Exercise Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government yesterday kicked off the phase two of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Abuja.

This phase will see the nationwide administration of about 4,000,080 million doses of Moderna vaccines donated by the United States Government as well as the 177,600 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines out of the 29,850,000 doses the federal government purchased through the Africa-ImportExport Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Union to people aged 18 years and above starting

from yesterday.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mrs. Mojisola Adeyeye, has however, said the vaccine is safe to be administered.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, officially flagged off the vaccination exercise at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, Abuja, at an elaborate ceremony graced by members of the PSC and other dignitaries from the National Assembly and diplomatic corps.

“If anything, the developments of the past week reinforce that ending US military involvement in Afghanistan now was the right decision,” he added.

Speaking to the American public from the White House, Biden said he stood firmly by his decision and argued that he was faced with a choice to either follow through with the drawdown or escalate the conflict into its third decade

and ultimately sacrifice more American lives.

“I stand squarely behind my decision,” Biden said. “After 20 years, I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw U.S. forces. That’s why we’re still there.”

The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan’s capital on Sunday following President Ashraf Ghani’s departure from the country,

bringing an abrupt end to the 20-year US effort to restructure the Afghan government and its military.

Within hours of the Taliban takeover, chaos erupted at Kabul’s international airport as desperate Afghans raced to flee the country.

A harrowing video captured Monday showed Afghans storming the military side of the airport and clinging to a US

Air Force plane as it attempted to move down the tarmac. In the video, some people appear to fall to their death as the aircraft takes off.

The White House appeared to be caught off guard by the Taliban’s rapid advance. Within the past few days, the US was forced to send additional troops to Afghanistan to help with evacuations.

ALL EYES ON RETURNS…

L-R: Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Finance, Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi; Chairman, Board of Trustees , National Association of Microfinance Bank (NAMB), Alhaji Ibrahim Bamalli; and President, NAMB, Mallam Yusuf Ahmed Gyallesu, during the 11th Annual General Meeting of the NAMB in Abuja…recently

Zamfara School Abduction: Three Staff Members Rescued Onuminya Innocent in Gusau Three abducted staff members of Zamfara State College of Agriculture and Animal Science have been rescued by the police.

In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Shehu, confirmed this to journalists in Gusau, the state capital.

The statement further said the state Commissioner of Police, Ayuba N. Elkana, accompanied by strategic and tactical commanders visited

the school at Bakura yesterday following the attack on the school by bandits.

Mohammed disclosed that bandits, who were in a large number, came to the school at midnight with the intent to abduct large number of students and staff, but were heavily confronted by the Tactical Police Operatives who were alerted and responded to the scene on time.

He, however, said a Police Inspector and two other civilian guards lost their lives while 15 students and four staff members

were abducted by the bandits.

The PPRO stated that police operatives, while on extensive bush combing at the surrounding areas, rescued three staff who will be debriefed and medically examine before being reunited with their families.

The state police boss, while at the school, held an emergency meeting where he assured the school management and their relations that the state police command in collaboration with other security agencies are employing various search

and rescue strategies in order to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students and staff currently in captivity.

The CP further went round the school and assessed the existing security arrangements to enable more reinforcement against further invasion.

The Provost of the school, Habibu Mainasara, while briefing the Commissioner of Police, commended the resilience of the police operatives for standing their ground despite the abductors strong fight against them.

2023: Nigerian President Must Be a Business-inclined Southerner, Says Publisher Sunday Okobi The Publisher of THEWILL Newspaper and Downtown Lifestyle Magazine, Mr. Austyn Ogannah, has suggested that the next Nigeria president should be a Southerner, who is not a regular politician, but an aggressive and successful businessman, who will unify the country.

He noted that the next man to pilot the affairs of Nigeria, after President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, must understand the core needs of the Nigerian people.

Ogannah stated this last weekend when he appeared as a guest on a Classic FM 97.3 Radio Programme, ‘The Discourse’, Speaking on the topic: ‘Finding Nigeria’s Next President’, Ogannah said the perfect driver to take the country through total reconstruction in 2023 must be authoritative enough “to reinvent the ship that will sail the people into the right direction.”

He said such Nigerian must

acquire the understanding that the country is presently marred by insecurity, divisions and lacking citizens’ commitment to the project called Nigeria.

According to the publisher, “The next president must be a Southern Nigerian, who is healthy and must not be above 70 years at the time he finishes his tenure in office.

“Nigeria must elect a hybrid personality from the South, who is an astute businessman or woman, who knows how to create jobs and wealth; someone who is not your typical politician and is acceptable by all the key interests in the country, so we can unite as people and move forward.

“This person must have a blend of Igbo and Yoruba in him or her so that the agitations from the Southeast and South-west regions can be calmed. It has to be someone from the private sector with administrative experience.”

Ogannah lamented that Nigerians have suffered a lot to allow an uncreative mind with no track record of business

qualities to emerge as president in 2023.

He insisted: “The next Nigeria president must be a detribalised and successful industrialist or entrepreneur.

“He or she must be a leader with the charisma to unify the country and satisfy the needs of the country.”

Ogannah recalled how Nigerians missed the opportunity to form a viable pressure group with the #EndSARS solidarity protest.

“The #EndSARS protest was a tool that would have been used to negotiate a better Nigeria, but unfortunately it lost its value. It was the only umbrella that had successfully united Nigerians,” he said.

The senior journalist, therefore, called for solidarity among the elite to occupy the vacuum #EndSARS protest left in order to present credible candidates in the 2023 presidential election.

This, he noted: “They must do because the present challenges in the country affect everybodyrich, poor and elite.

“The rich have become

poor and the poor poorer,” he lamented, saying as a result, everyone must show interest in who emerges as the next president in 2023, especially with the rate of rising agitations and insecurity in the country.

Ogannah also lamented the poor reading culture among Nigerians, adding that one of the challenges in the country is lack of political awareness among Nigerians because of their poor reading culture.

Advocating a way forward, he called on publishers to ensure that a minimum of 5,000 copies of their production are sent as complimentary copies to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the country as their contributions to curbing the poor reading culture.

Speaking also on internal wrangling among the two major political parties, the publisher of TheWill Downtown Lifestyle Magazine said: “What is happening today is not new,” describing the squabbles in major political parties as recurring events of every oncoming election.

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NEWS XTRA

36 States Drag FG to Court over Alleged Non-remittance of N2tn Recovered Assets Alex Enumah in Abuja

Governments of the 36 states of Nigeria have filed a suit at the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the federal government, over the alleged non-remittance of recovered assets into the federation account.

The suit with number SC/395/2021 dated March 9, 2021 was filed on June 16, 2021 on behalf of the plaintiffs and has Attorney General of the Federation as the sole defendant.

The plaintiffs, which include the Attorney General of Abia State and 35 other states attorneys

general are alleging that the federal government between 2015 till date from both international and domestic forfeiture recovered the sum of N1.8 trillion cash, 167 properties, 450 cars, 300 trucks and cargoes and 20 million barrels of crude oil worth about N450 billion, but illegally appropriated the assets meant for the three tiers of government.

A copy of the suit sighted

by THISDAY revealed that some of the questions raised for determination by the apex court are whether by sections 162 and 80 of the Constitution assets confiscated, recovered or forfeited

to the Federal Republic of Nigeria constitute revenues payable to the federation account instead of the consolidated revenue account of the federal government.

They further asked the court to determine whether by the constitutional provisions mentioned above, revenues accruing to the federation can be appropriated and applied by the President through the Minister of Finance, Budget

and National Planning or any other ministry or agency without due allocation from the federation account and the approval of the National Assembly.

In the event the questions raised are answered in the affirmative, the plaintiffs want the Supreme Court to declare, “that by the provisions of Section 162(1) and Section 162(10) of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria

1999 (as amended), all income, returns, proceeds or receipts howsoever described derived from confiscated, forfeited and/ or recovered assets constitute revenue of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which must be remitted to federation account for the collective benefit of the federal, state and local governments.”

They also want the court to declare that “the failure and/or refusal of President Muhammadu

Buhari, the minister of finance, the office of the AGF, and the accountant-general of the federation, and all other relevant authorities and/or agencies of the federation to remit the receipts, income, returns or proceeds derived from all assets recovered, seized, confiscated and forfeited into the federation account to be distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution” is unconstitutional.

Group to Project Delta Governor of Urhobo Extraction in 2023 Sylvester Idowu in Warri A Former Delta State Gubernatorial Aspirant and Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Sunny Onuesoke, has reiterated that the Delta Central 23 (DC-23) was created to project an Urhobo candidate for Delta State Governor in 2023.

Onuesoke dispelled the insinuation that the DC-23, a pressure group within the ruling PDP in the state, was created for the personal political ambition of Mr. Ighoyota Amori, who is the leader of the group.

Onuesoke, while addressing journalists at his Agbarha-Otor country home in Ughelli North Local Government Area over the weekend, urged Deltans to disabuse their minds from rumour making the rounds that

the National Chairman of DC-23, Mr. Ighoyota Amori is using the group to launder his political image toward contesting for Senate in 2023.

He noted that the suspicion in some circles that Amori has been using the group for his own political ambition, instead of that of Urhobo people has affected the credibility of the group and reduction of its membership.

He insisted that the DC-23 has nothing to do with whatever political ambition Amori is nursing and maintained that the pressure group was created to sustain unity for the common good and for the actualisation of governorship slot, come 2023 under the PDP for emergence of governorship candidate from Delta Central Senatorial District.

Army Clashes with Edo Community over Land Ownership Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Hundreds of people from Oghede community in Ovia North East Local Government of Edo State, yesterday, protested the destruction of buildings and existing structures including tombs of the dead by Nigerian Army personnel who were allegedly claiming ownership of their land.

But the army in a statement has said the land belongs to the Nigeria Army, adding that the community is just being mischievous by claiming ownership.

Speaking on behalf the community, during a protest yesterday in Benin City, an elder the community, Mr. Festus Aghahowa, said soldiers from the Ekheuan barracks invaded their community in the morning

claiming they had acquired their ancestral home without documents.

Aghahowa who led his community members with placards of various inscriptions against the army, said the people wanted justice from the government.

He explained that the only acquisition the army made was between 1964 and 1965 and a demarcation was made, adding: “We took the matter to the palace under Oba Erediauwa and he said the army has not done any other acquisition apart from the one that was done during the reign of his father Oba Akenzua II and so the army should stay in their barracks and then instructed that a road should be constructed by the fence, the commander then was immediately transferred.”

Hushpuppi: Probe Panel on Kyari Submits Report to IG The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, was yesterday said to have received the report of Special Investigation Panel(SIP) set up to probe the former Head, Intelligence Response Team, Deputy Police Commissioner Abba Kyari. The panel was set up two weeks ago to probe Kyari for his alleged involvement in a $1.1 million Internet fraud linked to Instagram influencer, Abbas Ramon, also known as Hushpuppi and four others.

The four-man panel is headed by the Deputy Inspector -General of Police in charge of the Force

Criminal Investigations Department, Joseph Egbunike. It was gathered that the panel submitted its findings to the IG yesterday.

Following investigations into Hushpuppi activities, the FBI alleged that Kyari detained Chibuzor at the behest of Hushpuppi for one month to enable the latter and his coconspirators to fleece their Qatari victim of over $1m.

As a result, the IG on August 1, recommended the suspension of the Kyari to the Police Service Commission, with effect from July 31.

CATCHING THEM YOUNG…

L-R: Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Mrs. Omowale David-Ashiru; and Chinedu Azodoh, all speakers at the Teen Career Conference organised by the Everlasting Arms Parish of Redeemed Christian Church of God , Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Ikpeazu Calls for New Constitution as Bello Faults Timing Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has called for a repeal of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), blaming the precarious situation of the country on a weakened constitution.

He stated that a new constitution would enable power to devolve evenly to all the tiers of government, even

as the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, said the timing was inappropriate and practically impossible. They spoke at the 5th edition of the Osasu Show Symposium in Abuja, hosted

by Osasu Igbinedion, with the theme ‘State of the Nation: the People’s Constitution.”

While Ikpeazu argued that a new constitution championed by the people would entrench good governance, as power would be devolved to states and local

governments, Bello contended that it would be impossible for the country to repeal the constitution at this time.’

Ikpeazu said: “The 1999 Constitution is both deficient and vulnerable. The vulnerability of the constitution is measured by its inability to promote evolution and strengthening of institutions and capable of buffering it from the tendencies of a powerful ruler or against a powerful leader.

“The most potent thing to

nation-building are ethnosensitivism and religious sensitivism. For a true sensitive country like Nigeria, a people’s constitution for us should be a constitution that is capable of protecting the feeling and aspirations of people from Borno through Adamawa to Rivers through Enugu to Ibadan.

Nigerians must be given the opportunity to keep themselves with a constitution that is original and home-grown.

PDP Unveils Anambra Governorship Campaign Council Nseobong Okon-Ekong The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled a star-studded campaign council, advisory council, elders forum, and campaign committee that would serve as the PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation for Anambra State.

The announcement was made at a meeting with journalists in Awka on Sunday.

Included in the team were eminent personalities like former

Governor Peter Obi, Senator Uche Ekwunife, who was named the Chairperson of the Campaign Council, Senator Stella Oduah, a former aviation minister, who currently represents Anambra North at the Nigerian Senate, and a serving federal lawmaker, Hon. Chris Azubogu as well as Dr. Ifedi Okwenna.

Ekwunife would share leadership of the campaign Council with Senator Oduah; Dr Winston Udeh, a lawyer and former

governorship aspirant would serve as the Vice-Chairman; as well as Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, a seasoned public administrator and politician, who has been involved with several successful electoral campaigns, would serve as the Director-General of the PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation.

Other notable appointments into the PDP Anambra State Campaign Council were Hon. Tim Egboka, a former member of the

Anambra State House of Assembly, who would serve as the Deputy Director-General for the campaign; Chief Tony Offiah, a prominent PDP stalwart who would serve as Director of Financial Services; Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, who wouldserve as Secretary to the State Campaign Council; and Hon. George Ozodinobi, a former federal lawmaker who would serve as the Secretary to the Chairman of the Campaign Council.

Osun CoS Decries Political Apathy among Elites Sunday Ehigiator The Chief of Staff to the Osun State Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, has described as disturbing the lack of interest in politics and public sector among the elites in the country, despite the rising cases of insecurity and unemployment in Nigeria.

He made the remark while delivering a speech at the

investiture ceremony of the 37th President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Uche Obienu, held recently in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Akinola, who centred the thesis of his discussion from a cynicism that exists among many elites, who consider a venture into the public sector as anathema, noted that: “Our brightest minds are apathetic about governance.”

“My friends often say to me that ‘it is not worth their time or that it is an outright waste of time’, for obvious reasons.

I have always found this sort of response very disturbing.

“I say this because, it does appear that many of us do not seem to have an idea of what really is at stake if our bright minds are apathetic about governance.

“As we speak today, not less than 13.2 million children in Nigeria are out of school and have become a major threat to our collective safety. Of course, we do not need a prophet to tell us that this is a time bomb waiting to explode. “Right now, the unemployment rate is at least 33.3 per cent, that is half of the labour force is unemployed or underemployed.

Buhari Congratulates Zambia’s President-elect, Hichilema Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Presidentelect of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, on his victory in the presidential election held on August 12, 2021.Buhari, in a statement issued yesterday

by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, hailed Zambians, who came out in their numbers to exercise their civic rights, voting for candidates of their choice.

This, he said, showed that the prospect of a united, stable and prosperous Africa lies in

the power of the people to freely elect their leaders.

President Buhari commended the outgoing President Edgar Lungu for accepting the outcome of the election and a peaceful transfer of power, noting that such patriotic disposition deserves the praise

of all lovers of democracy.

Highlighting the close and historic relationship between Nigeria and Zambia, Buhari said he looked forward to working very closely with the Zambian president-elect for the peace, development and prosperity of both countries.

TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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Ebi

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Eagles players will be hoping for a favourable AFCON 2021 draw today in Yaounde, Cameroon

Eagles’ AFCON 2021 Opponents to Emerge at Tonight’s Draw in Yaounde Tipped to draw Egypt, Cape Verde, Comoros Femi Solaja After the initial postponement occasioned by protocol reasons, the much awaited draw ceremony of AFCON 2021 tournament would be staged this evening with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Pot 1 tipped to face seven-time winners Egypt (Pot 2), 2022 FIFA World Cup foes Cape Verde (Pot 3) and the gritty and gutsy Comoros team that recently achieved a first-ever qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (Pot 4).

At the ceremony scheduled to hold at the le Palais des Congrés in Yaoundé, Cameroon tonight, three-time champions Nigeria’s Super Eagles are among the six teams seeded among the contesting 24 teams.

All teams in the same pot are to avoid one another but they could be drawn against any in the other pots, so no one can rule

THE POTS: Pot 1: Cameroon, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria

Pot 2: Egypt, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea

Pot 3: Cape Verde, Gabon, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone

Pot 4: Malawi, Sudan, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, The Gambia

out the likelihood of the Eagles clashing with the Pharaohs, the Blue Sharks and surprise packets Coelacanths.

Being grouped in Pot 1 together means the Eagles, who picked up the bronze medals at the last edition in Egypt two years ago, will avoid Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions (five-time champions), Senegal’s Lions of the Teranga (Africa’s number one-ranked team), Tunisia (2004 champions and Africa’s number two-ranked team), Cup holders Algeria (now ranked number three in Africa) and 1976 winners Morocco (now ranked fourth in Africa, a step above the Super

Eagles).

The draw ceremony is to formally kick-starts preparations for all teams concerned. However, the disruption caused by the global coronavirus pandemic means the AFCON 2021 is now to hold between 9th January

and 6th February 2022, with the qualifying series of the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals yet to be concluded before the AFCON. The knockout rounds for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 holds in March 2022.

Most of the teams involved

camping programme.

Ghana, who have four titles from the AFCON but have not won the trophy in the last 39 years, are in Pot 2 alongside Egypt, 2015 champions Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea.

Aisha Buhari Cup Feels Like Women AFCON, Says Onome Ebi Super Falcons defence stalwart, Onome Ebi, has said that the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women's Tournament is a good initiative ahead of the Women Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON)

qualifying campaign.

Ebi, star player for FC Minsk of Belarus, who is excited about the tournament said it will help the six nations taking part in it to prepare ahead of their AWCON

NLO Coach Banned Two Years for Attempts to Fix Match Nigeria’s lower tier National League One (NLO) was in the news for the wrong reason again yesterday following the banning of Coach Remmy Amadi of Cofine FC for two years over allegations of attempts to manipulate a game in the Calabar Zone.

The Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation yesterday found Amadi guilty as charged and has been thrown out of all football related activities in the country for the next two years.

Allegations of attempts to fix Cofine FC of Rivers State

in Cameroon 2021 will be using the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers as preparatory sessions, with six tough games to negotiate between September and November, and only the last week of December and the first week of January open for any

v Bussdor FC match played on 15th March, 2021 at University of Calabar Stadium, Cross River State was brought before the NLO secretariat which in turn prompted the setting up of a committee to look into the issue.

In a circular dated March 15, and addressed to the concerned parties, and host FA, the NLO Secretariat acknowledged the receipt of the report and decision of the panel.

The NLO stated that the allegations of match fixing against Coach Remmy Amadi of Cofine FC was ‘very grievous offence,’ which can bring the

game into disrepute.

The lower league body therefore invoked the relevant rules of the tournament that provided a two-year ban for such offenders.

The club, Cofine FC, was also not spared as it was slammed with a fine of N500,000 while all results of their matches in the ongoing 2021 NLO season were cancelled.

NLO also warned clubs to desist from desperate moves to qualify for promotion, insisting that it would not tolerate any act of misconduct before, during and after every game.

qualifying games coming up in October.

Nine-time African champions Nigeria will tango with Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, South Africa and Morocco for the glittering trophy at the tournament scheduled for between September 13th and 21st, 2021.

"With regards to the Dr. Aisha Buhari Cup, I see the competition as a good one because it will help most of the teams participating in it ahead of the Women Africa Cup of Nations. As we all know that the last AWCON did not hold due to the coronavirus, I believe this Aisha Buhari Cup is going to help the teams by bringing African teams to play against themselves.

"We just see it like we are playing the Africa Cup Nations again because I see it that it's the same teams that will likely be playing in the AWCON that will play in this competition. I am really excited and happy that we are going to play against a team like Ghana because we

will be playing against them again in the qualifier. I think that will really help in preparing the team because the qualifying games will be in October. So, this tournament in September will help all the teams to prepare well in their qualifying games against their opponents.

"Hopefully, Nigeria will come out great and emerge champions because we have really been working, training and preparing ourselves, trying to come together. And we are grateful to our Coach because he has been working hard to ensure that the team come together to have games. We have played in tournaments in Turkey and USA. And coming to play this coming tournament is really good one for the players.”

The 38-year-old, who is the first African footballer to play in five FIFA World Cup finals, is grateful to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for getting the team into different tournaments as preparation for their AWCON qualifying race.

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Laporta: £1.15bn Debt Burden Weighing Down Barcelona Barcelona President, Joan Laporta, has said that the club is in €1.35 billion (about £1.15billion) worth of debt, a €200m increase from the figure that was reported in January.

Barça's horrific off-field problems have been common knowledge for some time. Years of overspending on wages and transfer fees have finally caught up with the club, resulting in Lionel Messi being unable to extend his contract this summer.

New signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia were also only able to be registered after Gerard

Pique agreed to an eleventh-hour pay cut before his side’s La Liga opener against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Barça won that game 4-2 with Pique netting the opener, ironically nodding home Depay’s free kick - who would not have even been playing if not for his sacrifice.

Off the pitch, the bad news continued on Monday with Laporta revealing the full extent of the club’s financial problems in a press conference. As well as confirming that debt levels had risen further, he also admitted

that Barcelona currently has a net worth of negative €451million.

Laporta blamed the dire situation on former President Josep Maria Bartomeu’s door.

Bartomeu recently penned a letter to his successors explaining the decisions he took. Laporta dismissed it as “full of lies”.

“Previous board just ignored financial controls. Just like in Barçagate, other invoices were 'split up' to avoid having to go through oversight as they should have. Including Espai Barça (Camp Nou rebuild),” he said (via Dermot Corrigan).

He also accused Bartomeu of conning the club’s board members and reserved special criticism for his handling of the funds they received from selling Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain for over £200million.

“I would remind Bartomeu of all the damage the Neymar deal did to Barça's image. There were four open cases with Neymar, we thought best for Barça's interests to settle and avoid more risks."

It’s not true that the club’s salary bill exploded to compete with the state-owned clubs. It was mis-spending the €222m

from Neymar, in salaries and amortisations. The transfer policy of the club was just bad.”

Although the situation is dire, Laporta said he was hopeful of digging the club out of their financial hole.

He revealed his confidence that Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba and Sergio Aguero would agree to wage cuts similar to Pique’s and hinted that further cuts to the playing budget would be required.

“Players have a fixed salary and bonuses for performance and trophies. Some like Pique

have agreed reductions. Others are contemplating a deferral or a lowering of their bonuses.

We are looking for solutions, to restructure it all, the whole squad,” he said.

“The squad already reduced salaries due to Coronavirus. Now, we ask for a second effort, first response is surprise as nobody likes to lower their salary. But given the situation they are starting to understand and we trust we can resolve it as soon as possible with the captains, then other players,” concludes Laporta.

Joan Laporta…Barcelona President lamenting the cash crunch facing the Catalan club at a press briefing …yesterday

Just Like Tokyo 2020, Paralympic Games to Hold Without Fans Spectators will not be allowed at the Tokyo Paralympic Games because of the city's ongoing struggle with coronavirus, organisers announced yesterday.

The Japanese government has proposed expanding and extending the country's state of emergency, with the Paralympics beginning on 24 August.

"We very much regret that this situation has impacted the Paralympic Games," organisers said in a statement.

As well as stadiums, fans were also requested not to attend road events.

Organisers confirmed spectators would not be allowed at events in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Shizuoka because of infection rates in those regions.

School children will still be allowed to attend at the request of local authorities or school administrators.

Fans were barred from venues in the capital for the Olympics, with events held in some other regions allowed up

to 50% capacity.

"We sincerely apologise to all ticket buyers who were looking forward to watching the Games at the venues," the statement continued.

"We hope that you understand that these measures are unavoidable and being implemented in order to prevent the spread of infection.

Everyone is encouraged to watch the Games at home."

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria athletes arrived in Kisarazu, Japan, the venue of their training camp before departing for Tokyo on Sunday.

Nigeria is to participate in four events at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

The events include; Powerlifting, Para-Athletics, Para-Table Tennis and Para Rowing.

Nigeria had her most successful outing at the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, finishing as Africa's best team and 17th overall in the world on the medals table with 8 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.

Guardiola Laments City's Inefficiency in Defeat at Spurs Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola has said that his side were not clinical enough in their 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday but insisted he was "delighted" with the attacking options in his squad.

A second-half goal from Son Heung-min meant the reigning Premier League champions City fell to a surprise defeat as they began the defence of their crown with an under-par display.

City and Guardiola have now lost all four of their games at Tottenham's new stadium

without scoring, including three in the Premier League.

"In general, we showed a good spirit and good intention and we arrived in the final third many times, but we could not be clinical enough. Son scores and we lose," Guardiola said.

"We have the same players as last season. I'm so delighted with the same guys who scored a lot of goals. We are good enough to create chances and score goals - we will do it."

"We are one against one a lot.

But in the end we could not dribble, shoot and score goals.

Tottenham Hotspur players celebrating Son Hueng-min goal in the 1-0 defeat of the Premier League defending champions Manchester City...on Sunday

BetKing, Okocha, Unveil Exciting New Brand Identity Ugo Aliogo BetKing has unveiled its new brand identity along with its distinctive brand positioning, encapsulated in the new strapline “That Feeling, That’s BetKing”.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos yesterday, the Managing Director, KingMakers, Gossy Ukanwoke, disclosed that the company had never been just a sports betting company.

“BetKing speaks about leading, being in charge, taking control – We are reminding people that they have the power to change their path by allowing entrepreneurs to invest in a shop, hire their cashiers, and consequently better their community.

“On the other side, we are

providing customers with multiple ways of winning – a win that could change their lives partially or wholly,” he said.

Ukanwoke hinted that the brand re-launch is the next stage of the company's evolution and that its services would now go beyond sports betting.

He further explained that the company is becoming a sports/ entertainment services provider to its customers beyond just sports betting. He added that the event was the first step in a series of enhancements to the BetKing offering in Nigeria that would unfold over the coming months.

The Managing Director affirmed BetKing's commitment to its corporate social responsibilities, stating it would continue

to improve communities where it finds itself.

Former Super Eagles Captain and BetKing Brand Ambassador, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, described his three-year-old journey with BetKing as a beautiful and purposeful partnership.

“In the last three years, we have created a household name, enabled the provision of jobs to thousands of Nigerians and shared memorable triumphs with our customers.

“I have experienced the passion of the BetKing team – a group of talented individuals who are working to the games closer to Africans. That's what we stand for – promoting sports – delivering entertainment developing our communities –facilitating commerce – helping

people win and feel great about it. That Feeling, That's BetKing.”

Okocha added that he is always delighted by the trust Nigerians repose in the BetKing brand and inspired by its transparency and impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

"BetKing stands out because of its integrity and access to seamless transactions by customers.

It is also creating opportunities for agents and is helping reduce unemployment in Nigeria," he noted.

Also speaking, the DirectorGeneral, National Lottery Regulation Commission (NLRC), Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, expressed delight at BetKing's growth, stating that the rebranding was a good development.

FirstBank Sponsored OBJ Golf Tournament Holes out in Abeokuta It was a fun-filled weekend for members of Abeokuta Golf Club when the famed FirstBank of Nigeria Limited sponsored OBJ Golf Tournament made an exciting return to the club after it was skipped in 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2021 edition, which attracted golfers from across the country, produced Olajide Owolabi as champion. Owolabi whose score of 68-net earned him victory in 2019, carded 69-net score to win the

2021 edition. Tolu Olugbemi who returned 70-net score by 1-shot was the runners up.

Harrison Karuiku came in third position after 71-net score beating the fourth placed O. Olayinka who also signed for 71 on count-back.

Happy with FirstBank’s commitment to the tournament, former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended the financial institution for its roles in promoting golf and sports in general across

the country.

“I want to show my appreciation to Abeokuta Golf Club and FirstBank of Nigeria Limited for keeping faith and maintaining this event and for keeping it on the nation’s golf calendar,” Obasanjo noted with appreciation.

He therefore urged the sponsor not to waiver, stressing that it should continue to sponsor the tournament the same way it has been bankrolling the Lagos Open, Kaduna Polo, (Georgian Cup), Dala

Hard Court (Tennis), Sardauna Northern Durbar Horse Racing Competition in Kano, Basketball and Athletics.

Speaking earlier, Tunde Owolabi, who represented the Group Managing Director of FirstBank, Adesola Adeduntan at the event, pledged FirstBank’s commitment to sponsorship of the annual tournament.

The OBJ Golf Tournament debuted in 2015 and has been played consistently ever since.

Tuesday August 17, 2021

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& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE PANDEF to Buhari “This assent, by President Buhari, simply speaks to the repugnant attitude of disregard, propelled by arrogance, disdain and contempt with which issues concerning the Niger Delta Region are treated, particularly, by the present administration.”

––PANDEF fuming over the assent to the PIB and ignoring protests against the 3% by the Niger Delta communities

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Echoes from Afghanistan O ne of the first things I picked up very early in this business of public affairs analysis is something senior colleagues referred to as Afghanistanism. If you were told a column, story or essay, you had submitted for publication reeked of Afghanistanism, it was clearly a subtle kind of condemnation. It meant dabbling into a remote subject that was not of immediate consequence whereas you could have chosen a better topic of greater local value and relevance. In other words, the phrase “Afghanistanism”, was not a compliment.

It was a label for absent-mindedness, an obsession with far-away places and events, sounding eloquent about other people’s issues while overlooking the same problems at one’s doorstep. Afghanistanism was thus projected as a perfect exemplification of parachute journalism. But here we are, at this time, in the past two weeks, and in the past few days, Afghanistanism is now suddenly no longer a flight of fancy. It has become the symbol and the very definition of much that is wrong with our world. It is the news of the moment, not so distant anymore, but a source of worry for the entire world. I guess it is now possible to indulge in Afghanistanism without being accused of an idle journey to distant places.

Over the weekend, Afghanistan imploded. Its President, Ashraf Ghani abandoned the Presidential Palace and fled towards the direction of Tajikistan.

The Vice President went in another direction. Security agents including the police and the military dropped their weapons and fled too. Ordinary citizens headed towards every available border to become refugees in neighbouring countries. The United States which had been involved in the politics of Afghanistan since 1999 is also on the run out of the country, as it shuts down its embassy in Kabul, burning down sensitive documents, and rushing to airlift its citizens out of Afghanistan. The British, and NATO soldiers who had both supported the US in Afghanistan, are also on the run. It is an unfolding chaos and tragedy, the exact end of which no one knows, and that is precisely what makes all of this a sad day for the rest of the world. The fate of the people of Afghanistan hangs in the balance. Their future is uncertain. Their government has collapsed. A bunch of radical extremists, terrorists, ideologues and tribal warlords, known as the Taliban, are now in charge.

They have taken over the Presidential palace and the entire country. In the 1990s, they were in charge of the country. The people of Afghanistan have just been taken back to the 20th Century. That country has turned full cycle to the age of fundamentalism, the oppression of women, disdain for education and abuse of human rights. Tragic.

The crisis in Afghanistan speaks to the failure of American diplomacy and specifically of US foreign policy. Diplomatic relations between the United States and Afghanistan dates back to 1935. In the course of that relationship, the United States was responsible for setting up in that axis, a bunch of extremists known as the Mujahideen as part of the Cold War with the Soviet Union and China, two countries with which Afghanistan shares borders. The Mujahideen would later become the Taliban. They gained control of Afghanistan. If America thought it was exporting its Western style democracy to Afghanistan, a majorly Muslim country with strong ethnic cleavages, and that the people would adopt American ideology, it was grossly mistaken. The Muslims of Afghanistan were not willing to abandon their religious and ideological beliefs, and many resented the Western way of life. It did not take long before Afghanistan became the home of religious fanaticism and the headquarters of the Al Qaeda.

Matters later took a turn for the worse when the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1267 which created the al-Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee, and the classification of both groups as terrorist groups with sanctions over their funding, travel and activities.

Osama Bin Laden in the face of this rose to the top. In 2001, Ahmad Massoud, commander of the Northern Alliance, an anti-Taliban coalition was

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani

assassinated by the al-Qaeda, which by then had grown in strength and scope. As it happened, later, on September 9, 2001, terrorists struck in the United States, in the tragedy now known as 9/11. The US and its allies promptly launched a retaliatory offensive: Operation Enduring Freedom, and later, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel against the Al-Qaeda.

The Taliban and its totalitarian government fell in the face of this offensive and hence resorted to a guerrilla warfare against the West and the government installed by the US in Afghanistan. Over 2, 400 US soldiers have died in the war against the Taliban.

Over 20, 000 were wounded. Washington has spent over a trillion dollars. The British have also lost over 450 soldiers to the battle. But even with the negotiations over the years, and America’s training of Afghan soldiers to keep the Taliban at bay, the intervention in Afghanistan by the US and NATO has proved futile and unwinnable. With the return of the Taliban to Kabul, the war against terror in Afghanistan has proven to be a colossal failure. America has been humiliated. What we are witnessing is two decades of bad judgment and miscalculations. In July, President Joe Biden boasted that Kabul would not fall and the day would not come when the Taliban will overrun the country. It took the Taliban just ten days to overrun the entire country. America and its allies were overwhelmed. The now deposed Afghan government and the US have been trading blames.

But after the initial denial that this is not another Saigon in South Vietnam, 1975, it is interesting to see American diplomats eating their own words.

Anthony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, and other Washington policy wonks, have now come to the realisation that this is a failed mission for the United States as was similarly the case in Vietnam, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, and Libya.

America did not need to stay in Afghanistan forever. It is simple and direct logic that the Afghans would have to clean up their own mess, at some point, but the leaders of Afghanistan failed to govern properly, and America’s hasty withdrawal plan was a mistake. America misread the politics of Afghanistan.

It underestimated the Taliban. It also overestimated the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF). The US spent loads of dollars training what became known as the Afghan Special Forces. It was thought that they had received enough training to be able to secure their own country against the terrorists. But that was pure fiction. The ANDSF lacked real capability. The Forces were mismanaged by the local authorities. When the Taliban launched an onslaught, the ghost army that the US and other nations thought they had set up took to its heels.

The disaster that has now occurred was long in coming. It was a disaster foretold. In February 2020, the US struck an agreement with the Taliban in Doha. That has failed too, in part because even the Afghan leaders were excluded from it.

The regional warlords who both the US and the Afghan government thought would resist the Taliban did not raise a finger as The Taliban overran the provinces all the way to the Capital. The US thought Pakistan would help. Instead, Pakistan became a sanctuary for the Taliban. The US may well claim in the end that in 20 years it helped to reduce the scope of terror and the growth of terrorism in the world, but the failure in Afghanistan, spanning about four US administrations, looks ironically as a reinforcement of terrorism. The return of the Taliban is bound to embolden terrorist groups across the world. It will grant them confidence and hope that they can also achieve the same kind of triumph.

Twenty years later, the US may have lost so much but it is the entire world that is at risk. The thinking that the US and its allies can save humanity, or that any country at all can rely on the omnipresence or the “indispensability” of the United States has been exposed as one of the biggest lies of the century.

When it suits its purpose, the US will review its own

priorities and it would not matter to the average American taxpayer whether you sink or float.

And it is at this point that the prompt intervention

by Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari becomes relevant. In an article published in the Financial Times of London, the same day Kabul fell to the Taliban, Buhari placed his fingers rightly on the threat that the fall of Kabul poses to Africa. He referred to Africa as “the new frontline of global militancy” and called for global action to fight terrorism. He says: “We must not complacently assume that military means alone can defeat the terrorists. If Afghanistan has taught a lesson, it is that although sheer force can blunt terror, its removal can cause the threat to return.” Indeed, there are many lessons to learn from the Afghan debacle. He would go on subsequently to say that “a lack of hope is the chief recruiting sergeant for the continent’s new brand of terrorism.” This commentary was on point in every regard. I am tempted to suspect they just recruited someone with a sharp brain into the Nigerian Presidency. When the President returned from the UK, we were told he and his delegation would go into isolation in line with official regulations. And then from isolation, the President has just signed the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law. I digress. The big point about Afghanistan is the need to realise its implications for the global war against terror, US Foreign policy, and the balance of power in the world. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi on Arise TV, analysing the dilemma that the world faces spoke about the “clash of civilizations” (an apt reference to Samuel P. Huntington) and the likely emergence of “a new world order.” But is Africa prepared?

The failure of US policy in Afghanistan has occurred under the watch of President Joe Biden, even if it is an inherited crisis. Will it affect his rating? Is the average American bothered about whatever happens to the people of Afghanistan?

What does the future portend for Afghanistan? The international community would probably make the usual noise about the need to protect human rights and refugees and the rule of law, and perhaps the UN Security Council would threaten to impose sanctions, but in the end, it is only the Afghans that can determine their own future. There is no way the Taliban can overrun Afghanistan, chase away a sitting government and seize power without the people’s tacit compliance. America must learn not to dictate ideological choices to others, in a diverse and complicated world.

Hichilema: Zambia Shall Be Free

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s a secondary student, one of the compulsory literature texts that my set read for the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) was a book titled Zambia Shall Be Free by Kenneth Kaunda. Our teacher had a funny way of pronouncing Zambia. He would turn Zambia into “Zam-bi-u Shar-lll -Be Friii”

by Kerr-nnerthi- Kar uuun dar”. Till today, some of my old classmates in that literature class still refer to Zambia as “Zam-bi-u”. Fond memories of those old days. Kenneth Kaunda, the author of that literature text, in which he documented the independence struggle in his country, died recently at 97. He was Zambia’s President from 1964 – 1991. There have been six Presidents in Zambia since 1964. The seventh was elected this past weekend, August 12, and it was the third time power has shifted peacefully from a ruling party to the opposition since independence. It is unfortunate that Zambia like other African countries gained flag independence from colonial rule, but the dream of concrete freedom articulated by Kaunda and other African leaders has not yet been realised.

Zambia in particular has been unfortunate. Rich in copper but poor in leadership. I see the election

that was concluded on August 12 as an attempt by Zambians to take back their country. They made a powerful statement about people power. They resolved that Zambians deserve to be free from the grips of corruption, nepotism, neo-colonialism and the forces of retrogression. The just-concluded parliamentary and presidential elections in Zambia offer an indication that the people’s voices and choice should matter most in a democratic process.

It was a referendum on President Edgar Lungu’s languid leadership. When Lungu succeeded Michael Sata in 2015, he promised to put an end to nepotism and inefficiency. He was hailed as a reformist but he ended up as a hypocrite. As recently as last month, when he went to London for a Global Education Summit, he had three members of his immediate family in his entourage and he shamelessly tried to defend himself. He even forced an amendment of the Constitution to allow him have a third term in office. He is leader of a Pentecostal Assembly with a Ph. D in Theology but he ran Zambia like the chief priest of a local cult. He readily boasts about the infrastructure that he has provided, but Lungu sold the soul of Zambia’s commodity sector to the Chinese. He incurred debts. The country

went into recession. Ahead of the August 12 elections, he deployed the military to intimidate the opposition. He shut down the internet. He threatened to jail Hakainde Hichilema, Presidential candidate of the main opposition party, the United Party for National Development (UPND). In 2016, Hichilema lost the Presidential contest to Lungu by a mere 100, 000 votes.

Last week, and as announced yesterday by the Zambian Electoral Commission, this time around, Lungu lost to Hichilema, 1.8 million votes (39%) to 2.8 million votes (59%). The defeated incumbent President is now saying the election was not “free and fair” and that his supporters were intimidated.

The same Lungu is condemning an election that he controlled by every means possible. Zambia has a registered voter population of 7 million out of a total population of 19 million citizens. Voter turn-out was 70% on election day, mostly youths who have now sent a strong and clear message that Lungu has overstayed his welcome. Hichilema, 59, has his job cut out for him: to ensure the freedom of Zambia from the forces of neo-colonialism, economic failure, nepotism, cronyism, incompetence, COVID-19, and elite stupidity. Above all, he must learn from the mistakes of Edgar Lungu.

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