TUESDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2021

Fiscal Federalism: Lagos Demands 1% in Revenue Allocation Formula Sanwo-Olu reiterates demand for special status Says prosperity of Lagos has multiplier effect on S’West, Nigeria Segun James Lagos State Government yesterday demanded one per cent share in the federal revenue allocation formula, maintaining that the state’s unique features and its prosperity bear on development

in the South-west and Nigeria, generally.

The government canvassed a special status designation for Lagos State, and proposed that the revenue sharing formula should be 34 per cent for the federal government, one per cent

for the Federal Capital Territory, 42 per cent for state governments, 23 per cent for local governments, and one per cent for Lagos State (Special Status). This is against the current revenue allocation formula, which gives the federal government 52.68 per cent, the 36

state governments 26.72 per cent, and the 774 local governments 20.60 per cent.

The Lagos State government’s demands were made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the opening of a two-day Southwest zonal public hearing on

review of the revenue allocation formula, organised in Lagos by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

In a memorandum on review of revenue allocation formula, which he submitted

to the RMAFC, Sanwo-Olu declared that allocating one per cent to Lagos State (Special Status) and allowing the three tiers of government to share 99 per cent in a new revenue sharing formula Continued on page 10

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Funding of States' Courts, Executive Order 10... Page 11 Tuesday 5 October, 2021 Vol 26. No 9678. Price: N250

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Buhari Presents 2022 Budget Thursday, Lays It at FEC Tomorrow Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

L-R: Former Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) and Non-Executive Board Advisor, Jagal Group, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN); renowned economist/former Chairman and CEO, FSB International Bank Plc., Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote; Managing Director & CEO, Jagal Group, Maher Jarmakani; Co-CEO, Jagal Group, Manssour Jarmakani and Chairman, PHOTO: Abiodun Ajala Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye (FCA), during the special memorial service themed: ‘A Legacy of Excellence,’ for late founder, Jagal Group, Anwar Jarmakani, in Lagos...recently

All things being equal, President Muhammadu Buhari, has been scheduled to present the 2022 budget proposal before the National Assembly this Thursday.

This, however, would be after he would have presented same to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) tomorrow, a source in the Continued on page 10

South-south Governors Resolve to Join VAT Collection Suit Urge FG to constitute NDDC board by law, demand forensic audit report be made public Set to commission regional security outfit S'East govs, leaders to meet over rising insecurity Obi: Situation is disheartening Gunmen enforcing stay-at-home order set tricycle ablaze in Enugu Chuks Okocha in Abuja, DavidChyddy Eleke in Awka, Gideon Arinze in Enugu and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt South-south Governors Forum, yesterday, declared support

for states’ collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) as ordered by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The forum, comprising governors of the six oil-rich Niger Delta states of Rivers, Continued on page 10

Ladi Williams, SAN: Exit of a Legal Luminary...See LAWYER inside

TAKING EXPORT PROMOTION TO WTO...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and President, ECOWAS Trade Promotions Network (TPO), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo (left) with the Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the Public Forum meeting in Geneva, Switzerland... recently

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

NEWS

BUHARI, KENYATTA IN THEIR OWN WORLD...

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) at the inauguration of Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia... yesterday

Okonjo-Iweala: My Purported Resignation Was Fake News Global trade projected to grow by 10. 8% in 2021 Dike Onwuamaeze The Director General of the World Trade Organistation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has described her alleged resignation last week as fake news.

Okonjo-Iweala made the clarification yesterday, during a virtual media briefing on the updated WTO’s Trade Forecast for 2021 and 2022, which projected that world merchandise trade would grow by 10.8 per cent in 2021 and 4.7 per cent in 2022.

Okonjo-Iweala said: “It is fake news. That is all I have to say. I am here. You know I am enjoying my job. We are just starting to work towards the Ministerial Conference 12 (MC12); so let us not spend a lot of energy on fake news. I hope people will stick to facts in the future.”

Continuing, Okonjo-Iweala stated that the large annual growth rate

for merchandise trade expected this year would be based on base year effect, following the significant slump recorded the previous year.

The WTO also predicted that Africa’s merchandise exports would be down by 2.4 per cent while its import would fall by one per cent.

The updated forecast stated that the quarterly trade growth would rise to 22 per cent year-on-year in Q2 of 2021, but was expected to slow to 6.6 per cent by Q4. Also, global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was expected to grow by 5.3 per cent in 2021, up from the 5.1 per cent forecasted in March.

Furthermore, it anticipated that global growth could slow to 4.1 per cent in 2022, up from 3.8 per cent previously. In addition, services trade was expected to lag behind goods trade, particularly in sectors related to travel and leisure.

According to Okonjo-Iweala, there was high momentum that

had not been seen in the past 21 years on the negotiation of the fisheries subsidy that might lead to an expected positive outcome.

Okonjo-Iweala explained that the WTO economists upgraded their forecasts for trade in 2021 and 2022 following the resurgence of global economic activity in the first half of 2021, which lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak.

The trade recovery, according to her, was strong but unequal as regions with access to vaccines and fiscal space were recovering strongly while poorer regions with mostly unvaccinated populations were lagging behind.

“The pandemic is far from over and can weigh on trade up to 2022,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala added: "Trade has been a critical tool in combating the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global

OPEC Leaves Production Quota Unchanged, Keeps Additional Supply at 400,000 bpd Brent oil price hits $81.79 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yesterday resolved to keep oil supply for November unchanged.

It also resolved to gradually ease production by the 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) agreement in July.

The decisions taken during the 21st OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting held via videoconference and chaired by Nigeria’s Sanusi Barkindo, came as rather disappointing news to the United States and a few other countries which were hoping for a surprise increase in oil production.

In the middle of July, OPEC+ decided that it would start returning 400,000bpd to the market every month beginning in August, until it unwinds all the 5.8 million bpd cuts which it embarked upon last year April, following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement released after yesterday’s meeting, the oil cartel agreed to keep the production plans unchanged—adding back 400,000 bpd in November, like in previous months.

Although that was the original plan, but oil prices have been on the rise, and a gas crunch in Europe and in Asia, and pleas from the United States had given the market hope that OPEC+ may consider adding even more production back into

the quota for next month.

But a quick 25-minute meeting ended the conjecture, even as Brent Crude, Nigeria’s oil benchmark, was trading up 3.17 per cent, adding $1.98 to close at $81.79—comfortably above the largely psychological $80 per barrel mark.

Similarly, West Texas International (WTI) was trading at $77.68, moments after the OPEC+ communiqué was released, a 2.37 per cent increase on the day or additional $1.80 per barrel.

The price spike was a fair indication that OPEC+ was for now in control of market prices and that U.S. shale’s day in charge has ended.

According to the statement, the OPEC decision was taken in view of current oil market fundamentals and the consensus on its outlook by OPEC and participating non-OPEC oil producing countries.

OPEC stated that it: “Reaffirmed the decision of the 10th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on 12 April 2020 and further endorsed in subsequent meetings including the 19th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on the 18 July 2021.

“Reconfirmed the production adjustment plan and the monthly production adjustment mechanism approved at the 19th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting and the decision to adjust upward the

monthly overall production by 0.4 mb/d for the month of November 2021, as per the attached schedule.

“Reiterated the critical importance of adhering to full conformity and to the compensation mechanism taking advantage of the extension of the compensation period until the end of December 2021.”

It urged countries that were still defaulting to submit their compensation plans in accordance with the statement of the 15th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting, fixing its next conference on November, 4 2021.

OPEC also ignored a possible option that the group was considering an 800,000 bpd increase in November, followed by no increase in December. On the day, crude oil prices traded firm on the prospect of a pick-up in global growth, higher demand on global power shortage, lower supply and weak dollar.

The prices were supported after OPEC plus allies stuck to its production quota, refusing to increase output in November notwithstanding pressure from consuming nations to raise production.

Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), recently said Nigeria would be most comfortable with a $50 to $60 price so as not to push Nigeria’s customers to begin their search for alternatives.

economic recovery.

"But inequitable access to vaccines is exacerbating economic divergence across regions. The longer vaccine inequity is allowed to persist, the greater the chances that even more dangerous variants of COVID-19 will emerge, and setting back the health and economic progress we have made to date.

"As we approach the 12th Ministerial Conference, members must come together and agree on a strong WTO response to the pandemic, which would provide a foundation for more rapid vaccine production

and equitable distribution. This is necessary to sustain the global economic recovery. Vaccine policy is economic policy - and trade policy."

Okonjo-Iweala noted that only 2.2 per cent of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine despite the fact that more than six billion doses have been produced and administered worldwide.

She described this as a remarkable achievement that remained unfortunately insufficient, because of sharp differences in access across countries.

The director general of the WTO also emphasised that, “failure to vaccinate in all countries against COVID-19 has led to a two-track recovery, with slower growth in countries with limited access to vaccines, which are frequently those that had the least fiscal space to support businesses and households.

“This divergence creates space for the emergence and spread of new, potentially vaccine-evading forms of the virus, which could result in the re-imposition of health-related controls that reduce economic activity.”

Osinbajo, Kyari, Obaigbena to Headline Seplat's Energy Summit Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari as well the Publisher, THISDAY newspapers and Chairman, Arise News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena are expected to speak at the second edition of the Seplat Energy Summit (SES) scheduled to hold on Thursday.

The programme scheduled to hold at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the organisers said, aims to provoke thoughts on perspectives of the energy transition, its economic impact, challenges, prospects, and the changing paradigms to energy politics.

It would feature a panel session of renowned experts to discuss the topic: "Driving Energy Transition in Nigeria, the Change Paradigms," to be moderated by Oteh, while the executive fireside chat on the topic "Migration from Petroleum to Energy- The Seplat Story," would be anchored by Obaigbena.

The programme available for free participation online and has as its theme: "Global Trends in Energy Transition and the African Perspective," according to the hosts, has become timely as the world moves towards energy transition.

The organisers stressed that the discourse would also be dominated by issues on climate change and advocacy as well as policy changes which currently headline most energy conversations with the overall objective of promoting clean energy mix globally.

In addition, it would bring together other reputable international and local experts to speak on the selected theme while the company would also formally provide more information on leading Nigeria’s

energy transition with its recent name change from Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc to Seplat Energy Plc. A statement by the company noted that the name change was in consonance with global trends in the energy transition and aligns with the its renewed focus on the entire energy value chain with an emphasis on cleaner and more sustainable forms of fuels to power Nigeria.

It noted that the 2021 summit would aggregate notable, reputable and dynamic leaders in their respective fields to examine the various aspects of energy transition and also put divergent views on the ongoing transition into proper perspective.

Aside Osinbajo, who would formally kick off the programme, other speakers expected at the hybrid event include the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Sarki Auwalu; Managing Director of Total Energies E&P Nigeria Limited, Mike Sangster; Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Simbi Wabote and the Group Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Oscar Onyema.

Also expected to speak at the event are the Head, Investment Banking ME&A, Citi Group, Miguel Azevedo and non-Executive Directors at Seplat Energy Bello Rabiu and Arunma Oteh.

The keynote speakers include Daniel Yergin,a Pulitzer Prize winning Author and Energy Commentator.

“Yergin takes the audiences on a riveting and timely journey across this new map, illuminating the great issues of geopolitics and energy in our era of rising political turbulence and pointing to the profound challenges that lie ahead.

"Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi, the CEO & Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Sustainable Energy for All will focus on 'Balancing Sustainability Revolution with Energy Poverty- Lessons from around the World,” the statement added.

Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Roger Brown, in a recent interview on the importance of the theme said that: “Nigeria will chart its energy transition journey, but improving access to energy will be essential to its economic growth."

He added: "Given Nigeria’s increasing importance in Africa, the success or failure in addressing this challenge will have global implications”.

Seplat Energy would launch its new energy brand at the summit, and according to Brown, the company was committed to energy transition and intends to be a major player in the renewable energy space, harnessing the abundant renewable energy resources available across Nigeria.

He noted: “The sun is Nigeria’s most abundant natural resource and the advancement in technology is improving its cost competitiveness and efficiency in power generation.

"It is noteworthy that Nigeria’s off-grid solar has an expected market growth capacity CAGR of 26 per cent (2020-2040) and is projected to be worth nearly $17 billion by 2040.”

Brown affirmed that the 2021 Seplat Energy Summit would bring dynamic leaders in their fields to examine the various aspects of energy transition and put divergent perspectives on the subject in context.

"The summit provides the right platform to generate insightful discussion that should offer insights and knowledge to understand energy transition for the continent," he noted.

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SOUTH-SOUTH UNITED WITHOUT AYADE...

L-R: Director General BRACED Commission, Amb. Joe Keshi; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom, at the South-South Governors' Forum meeting held at the Government House, Port Harcourt...yesterday

Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram Restored after Global Outage Share price falls by 5% Emma Okonji More than six hours after Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram went down, their services started coming back gradually midnight yesterday, THISDAY findings revealed.

Earlier in the day, the three social media platforms had suffered outages, according to public statements from the three Facebook services.

Facebook had written on its Twitter handle: "We're aware that some people are having trouble accessing our apps and products.

"We're working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible, and we apologise for any inconvenience."

The development made it difficult for its global users, Nigerians inclusive, to access the social media platforms.

All three apps, which are owned

by Facebook and run on shared infrastructure, stopped working completely yesterday around 4pm Nigerian time.

When contacted, spokesperson for Facebook Nigeria, said the company was aware of the challenge and was making efforts to

address it.

Part of the statement issued by Facebook Spokesperson, Andy Stone, read: “We are aware that some people are having trouble accessing our apps and products.

We are working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible, and we apologise for any inconvenience.”

Stone, who did not give any timeline when the global outage would be fixed added: “Instagram and friends are having a little bit of a hard time right now, and you may be having issues using them.

Bear with us, we’re on it.”

WhatsApp also updated users through its official Twitter account, saying, “We’re aware that some people are experiencing issues with WhatsApp at the moment.

We’re working to get things back to normal and will send an update as soon as possible.”

The share price of Facebook closed the day by depreciating by five per cent as it lost tens of billions in market capitalisation.

When asked what could be responsible for the three apps

going down at the same time and affecting services globally, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, said it would be too early to ascertain the remote cause of the outage, since it is a global issue.

He, however, said it was good

that Facebook had accepted the inability of users to access all of its three apps and that they were working to address the issue.

Visitors to the Facebook website simply saw an error page and a message that their browser could not connect. The WhatsApp and Instagram apps continued to work,

but did not show new content, including any messages sent or received during the period.

According to a Facebook user, outages happen relatively rarely but tend to be vast in their impact, because they affect three of the world’s biggest apps.

In 2019, Facebook suffered its

Ikeja Electric Customers to Suffer Eight Weeks Power Outage as TCN Upgrades 132kv Lines Peter Uzoho Some parts of Lagos State would be experiencing an eight-week power outage beginning from Monday next week to the end of November 2021, from 8am to 6pm daily.

The development was attributed to ongoing expansion project embarked upon by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) where the existing 132kv lines are being upgraded nationwide with more sophisticated brand

new conductors replacing the existing weak ones.

Ikeja Electric which announced this yesterday, explained that the stage two of the four-staged expansion project within its area of operation would start from October 11 and run through November 26 or the end of the month.

Announcing this at a media briefing in Lagos, the Chief Technical Officer, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Olajide Kumapayi, said the expansion work would start from Ogba and progress to Alausa, Ikeja.

He listed areas to be affected by the project as well as the eight-week power outage to include Ogba, Police Training College (PTC) down to General Hospital at Ikeja axis, Oregun, Anifowose, Magodo, Omole Phase 1, Oba Akran, Ojodu, Oke iran and Alausa.

"Now, the implication of that is that from October 11, from 8.am to 6.pm everyday, this station is going to be out, and that will affect all those eight numbers’ 33kv feeders, over 35/11kv feeders and

Nigeria Loses N221bn, 7.193m Barrels to Ageing Oil Facilities, Others in One Month Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The seeming wastage of Nigeria's most priced natural resource, crude oil, continued in July, with the country losing a humongous 7.193 million barrels of the commodity to mainly deteriorating facilities at the country's offshore and shallow waters assets.

It was the highest loss in months mostly as a result of shut-ins due to incessant repairs as well as to a lesser extent, disruptions arising from community workers' protests and fire incidents.

At the official exchange rate of N410 to $1, the loss would amount to about N221 billion or $539.4 million.

At a time Nigeria desperately needs every dollar, the continued monthly losses was seen as a direct leakage on the country's economy.

Delayed maintenance and low investment have combined to ensure that the country has been unable to pump enough oil to meet the quota allocated to it by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in the last four months.

The loss in July was the complete wipe-out of a little short of five full days at the current production level of roughly 1.5 million barrels per day, excluding condensates, a THISDAY's analysis of the data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) latest presentation to the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) had indicated.

In addition, to put it in proper context, at 158.9 litres of petrol derivable from a barrel of crude oil, the 7.1 million barrels lost to the incidences in the month under review could have produced 11.123 billion litres of petrol which can feed Nigeria's petrol demand of roughly 1.8 billion for months.

Experts predicted that Nigeria may not be able to return to at least its pre-pandemic levels when it drilled up to 2 million barrels daily, until the first half of 2022.

However, the Minister of State Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) , Mallam Mele Kyari, recently disagreed, projecting that by the end of October or mid November things would return to normal.

Waning investment and nagging maintenance problems continued to hobble Nigeria’s output as a consequence of several shutdowns, with July share of the disruptions amounting to at least 40 incidences.

However, Nigeria's struggle to up its production capacity also mirrors the impact of OPEC+ on the country's oil facilities some of which were shut down in 2020 due to production curb by the cartel, to support prices when COVID-19 hit demand.

Kyari recently said the compulsory closure of the wells was affecting production, maintaining that it was difficult getting them back on-stream due to the complex-

biggest outage in several years, and said the outage was triggered by routine maintenance operations.

In a leaked transcript published in The Verge in 2019, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, had noted that such outages were a “big deal.”

ity of operating the facilities.

The problems range from unserviceable wells to replacing valves, pumps and pipeline sections.

Five onshore export terminals run by oil majors, which typically export around 900,000 bpd, handled 20 per cent less oil in July than the same time last year, despite relaxed quotas, according to analysis shared with Reuters from consultancy Hawilti Ltd, last week.

The decline indicates lower production from all the onshore fields that feed these terminals.

Only French oil major TotalEnergies' new deep offshore oilfield and export terminal Egina, had been able to quickly turn the taps back on, according to Hawilti, citing an analysis based on data from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

A breakdown of the incidences leading to shutdowns showed that the biggest loss came from Forcados terminal with a whopping 1.891 million barrels shut-ins for the month of July.

The Forcados terminal which is the major trunk line in the Forcados pipeline system and also the second largest network in the Niger Delta after the Bonny oil pipeline system, at the last updated data, exports about 250,000 barrels of crude oil daily from the country.

A further analysis showed that the disruptions from the Forcados terminal happened at 10 points in the facility, including the shutdown of Aroh to manage

tank top, leading to loss of 35,000 barrels, shutdown of Seplat facility due to a fire incident, resulting in loss of 140,000 barrels.

Similarly, 80,000 barrels were shed by the NNPC and partners at the injection into Trans-Forcados pipeline which was suspended because of a fire incident as well as shutdown of Trans-Ramos for maintenance and a two-day shut-in at the same facility.

Other shut-ins, the THISDAY checks revealed, happened at Batan station, which was due to maintenance works, Aroh again, for top tank top issues, and another incident at Batan due to failed surge vessel transmitter leading to 138,000 barrels loss.

Also, at the Atan terminal, there were three incidences leading to deferment as a result of high gas to oil ratio, Moni Pulo production was shut-in for valve leak repairs, among others, resulting in ultimate loss of 1.095 million barrels.

The story was not different at the Bony terminal, Sea eagle facility, Usan, Brass, Yoho, Qua Iboe, Excravos, Akpo, Ajapa, Otakikpo, Pennington and Ima terminals for various reasons, including demonstrations by aggrieved community workers, which led to a shut-in of 675,000 barrels at the Forcados terminal at some point in July.

The previous month, a document obtained by THISDAY showed that the Nigerian NNPC and its partners lost 6.035 million barrels of crude

oil to emergency shutdowns, an over 1 million increase compared to the month under consideration.

In its last presentation to FAAC, before the latest one, the corporation recorded that there were 32 of such incidents throughout its facilities in the country.

A breakdown of the losses, according to the document , indicated that the highest combined shortage of 1.62 million barrels was from Qua Iboe, with 200,000 barrels due to production shut-in arising from flare management and low well head pressure.

Still on Qua Iboe, a further 530,000 barrels were lost to shutins following tank top concerns, 650,000 barrels as a result of production cut-back as directed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as well as a loss of 240,000 barrels due to a gas leak on one of the assets.

This was followed by losses from the same Forcados facility, which shed 200,000 barrels, 84,000 barrels, 30, 000 barrels and 80,000 barrels respectively on different days, with reasons ranging from leak repairs, tank top issues, a fire incident and declaration of a force majeure.

However, Nigeria has continued to ask OPEC for an increase in its baseline production and has written officially to the oil producers’ group which is expected to meet later today to determine whether to leave oil production quotas at current levels or to carry out further adjustments.

a lot of our end-use customers that are circuited under this network.

"So, from 8.am to 6.pm everyday, there will be no supply at all for two months because if want to replace a conductor, you need to de-energise every of such conductor that is near it to avoid an unforetold incidence," Kumapayi said.

The chief technical officer said the stage two replacement project would start from Ikeja Electric Injection Sub-station at Ogba, down to the Alausa Injection Station, adding that 16 of the high tension towers from Ogba to Alausa would be replaced with new conductors.

According to him, the TCN was replacing the 132,000 volts high tension aluminium conductors with sophisticated brand new GAP conductors.

Noting that the advantage in the current upgrade was numerous, Kumapayi pointed out that, "these new conductors will ensure that there is more capacity to be able to wheel more power and energy over the distance."

He added, "Another advantage of it is that you know, in this side of the town, the heat is there and technically when electricity is going in the conductors, it generates heat.

And when the conductors are not used, it generates heat.

"Overtime, depending on how weak those conductors are, if the heat is too much, those conductors break. With this, it has a high thermal resistivity, such that, no matter the kind of heat in this area, nothing happens."

He stressed that the expansion project would have an impact on the company's customers - the residential, commercial and high demand customers.

He, however, urged members of the public not to lose sight of the ultimate benefits of the project.

"Hopefully, when work is completed by 6pm, then we will restore supply overnight and we take it out again from 8.am. And the estimated period of the project is eight weeks. So, the project will be completed between November 26 and end of November. And after that, there will be no more incidence of outages," he said.

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AFBA AWARDEES...

L-R: Former President of Niger, Mohammadou Issoufou; President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum; former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, after receiving their African Bar Association (AFBA) awards in Niamey, Niger Republic... yesterday

Jonathan Charges African Lawyers on Democracy, Rule of Law Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has charged African lawyers to work to protect democracy, good governance, human rights, as a means of bringing an end to growing conflicts and violence in the continent.

In this regard, he urged them to advocate for the establishment of a strong rule of law, describing it as a basis for accountable governance which would help prevent and mitigate violent crimes.

According to a statement, Jonathan said this in a speech titled: ‘Accountable Governance as a Panacea for the Unending Conflicts in Africa: The Legal Profession as the Driver,’ which he presented yesterday, as guest speaker at the 2021 Annual African Bar Association (AFBA) Conference

holding in Niamey, Niger Republic.

In establishing a correlation between functional governance and security, the former President noted that, “lack of accountability leads to conflicts and insecurity while accountable governance almost always leads to peace, stability and development.”

He further noted that all actors within the judicial system have a critical role to play in advancing the course of justice towards bringing peace and development to the society.

He averred that one of the most critical purposes of law in the society was to preserve the moral sanctity that binds the people, describing law as the upholder and provider of order.

According to him: “The rule of

law is more potent in preserving societies than the rule of man. A functional legal system should therefore serve as a hope enabler and catalyst for peace, societal order, growth and development.

“African lawyers both at the bar and the bench, therefore have a great role to play in advocating for the rule of law in our nations. In fact, the role of the state attorneys is critical, if Africa will witness reduced conflicts.

“I urge lawyers and judicial officers not to compromise their integrity in the process of upholding the rule of law and resolving disputes either in the courts, or via the various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.”

The former President also made a case for free, fair and credible

elections and urged legal professionals to lend their weight towards deepening democracy in Africa.

He said: “There is no doubt that the independence of the electoral management bodies, is the key plank upon which a thriving democracy rests. I have always made the case that a truly democratic system narrows the space for strife and conflicts.

“It is therefore the prerogative of the legal professionals to not only protect the independence of the electoral management bodies, but also seek to ensure the integrity of electoral processes.”

Jonathan also decried the spate of poverty on the continent, noting that, “if we tackle poverty through good governance, conflicts on the continent will be drastically reduced.”

Pointing out the importance of education in fighting poverty, the former president said: “One of the key remedies for poverty is education which, I believe, countries should provide for as a matter of right.

“I charge the executives and members of the African Bar Association, in their stated objective of using the legal profession to drive down the instances of violent conflicts in Africa, to return to their individual countries and push for the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for all Africans.

“One of those rights is the right to education. Education is not a privilege. It is a right. And you, gentlemen, are in the best position to see to the actualisation of that right.

Edo Assembly Confirms Chief Judge, 11 Commissioner Nominees Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo House of Assembly yesterday confirmed the appointment of Justice Joe Acha as Chief Judge of the state.

The lawmakers also confirmed the nomination of 11 Commissioner nominees sent to it by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Justice Acha's confirmation was sequel to a request letter

by Obaseki and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Osarodion Ogie.

Similarly, the confirmation of the 11 Commissioner nominees was affirmed by the State Assembly following a letter by, Obaseki, dated September 28, and addressed to the Speaker, Marcus Onobun, requesting the

lawmakers to screen and confirm the nominees as commissioners.

The Commissioner nominees were screened and cleared by the House committee on Rules, Business and Government House led by the Majority leader, Henry Okhuarobo.

Those on the list included Oluwole Osamudiamen lyamu (SAN) (Oredo LGA); Prof. Obehi Akoria (Esan West); Dr. Joan Oviawe (Uhumwode); Ethan Uzamere (Ovia South West), and Monday Osaigbovo (Ovia North East).

Others were Marie Edeko (Esan North East); Joseph Eboigbe (Esan Central); Moses Agbukor (Etsako East), lsoken Omo (Ikpoba-Okha); Andrew Emwanta (Egor) and Mrs. Otse Momoh-Omorogbe (Etsako West).

Okhuarobo, presented the report of the committee on the screened nominees to the house for consideration.

According to the chairman of the committee, the nominees

were competent, relatively young and physically fit for the state assignment.

The committee recommended that the nominees having been found to be eligible should be

confirmed as commissioners in the state.

The House unanimously in a voice vote confirmed the nominees as commissioners in Edo.

Buhari Calls for Peace, Stability in Ethiopia Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has canvassed for unity of purpose among Ethiopians as Prime Minister (PM) Abiy Ahmed began a second five-year term in office.

The president, who spoke yesterday at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, called for peace and stability amid the many challenges facing the East African country.

In his goodwill message at the inauguration of Ahmed for a second five-year term in office, Buhari, according to a statement by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, pledged Nigeria's continued support for the unity and territorial integrity of Ethiopia.

According to him: ''We are well aware of the many challenges facing the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and we encourage all parties to

come together in the interest of the unity, progress and wellbeing of Ethiopia. ''Your Excellency, you therefore have a great opportunity to continue to work for the peace and stability of Ethiopia."

He told the Prime Minister that Nigeria, like many other countries, was counting on his leadership to unleash the great economic potential of Ethiopia by expanding investment

Ayade Visits RMAFC, Seeks Increased Revenue Allocation to Cross River Following low revenue allocation accruing to the state from the federal government, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has visited the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Abuja, where he made a case for improved revenue allocation to the state from the federation account.

Ayade, who addressed the Commission’s committee on Fiscal Efficiency and Budget, lamented Cross River's poor financial status, which he blamed on the ceding of Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon and the consequent transfer of the state’s 96 oil wells to Akwa-Ibom state by the federal government.

According to the governor, the twin actions of the federal government plunged Cross River state into severe financial crisis and untold hardship, leaving it helpless as the second smallest federal allocation in the country.

He maintained that the federal government was unfair to Cross River despite being responsible for her plight and appealed to RMAFC to consider upscaling federal allocation to the state.

He used the occasion to highlight some projects embarked upon by his administration.

These, he listed to include the ultra-modern rice seeds and seedlings multiplication complex,

As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Notice Madiba did not say tool. He said ‘weapon’. The war on terror requires weapons, and whether from Nigeria to Niger Republic, or from Cape to Cairo, the best weapon with which to fight terror is education.

“It is a long-term strategy. And it is scientifically proven to work.

Education is the greatest equaliser known to man. According to the Global Partnership for Education, every year of education a person receives considerably reduces the risk that they would be involved in conflict.

“It is obvious that countries with high knowledge intensity and human capacity development enjoy higher per capita profiles than others.

“African lawyers both at the bar and the bench, therefore have a great role to play in advocating for the rule of law in our states. I urge lawyers and judicial officers not to compromise their integrity in the process of resolving disputes either in the courts, or via the various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.”

cocoa processing factory, chicken processing factory, rice mill and noodles factory amongst others.

According to a statement, Ayade solicited the intervention of the RMAFC through the commission’s special fund for the development of natural resources, to enable the state consolidated on the gains recorded, particularly in the area of agro-industrialisation.

He said the numerous industries and critical infrastructure put in place by his administration were not only for the benefit of Cross River, but the entire nation, saying they were meant to create hundreds of thousands of jobs for the teeming youths, help further

stimulate the economy and fight hunger and poverty.

In his response, the Chairman of RMAFC’s Committee on Fiscal Efficiency & Budget, Adamu Shettima Yuguda, pledged to ensure fairness and equity in making sound recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari.

He regretted the harsh predicament suffered by Cross River due to low federal allocation.

Yuguda, who also commended the governor for the achievements recorded in the state so far said: “Your projects are mind boggling, particularly your heavy investments in Agriculture and its value-chain.

The fact that Cross River state

lies in the south-south region of the country and one of the states in the Niger-Delta, one begins to wonder how such investments outside oil and gas are tenable. For this singular foresight and achievements of your administration, the commission wishes to congratulate you.”

The chairman disclosed that the Commission’s Special Fund for the development of natural resources from where the state was seeking intervention, “was established to help achieve resource diversification and provide alternative source of revenue to oil, not only to the federal government but also the sub nationals.”

opportunities, deepening relations and building trust at home and abroad.

Speaking on the elections that brought the 2019 Nobel Peace Laureate back to power, President Buhari said: ''I commend the courage and commitment of the people of Ethiopia to the values and principles of democracy. ''I strongly believe that the outcome of the elections held in June is a reflection of the desire of the Ethiopian people for transformation through a free, fair and credible electoral process.’’

The president noted that Ahmed’s victory at the election, clearly affirmed the confidence of the Ethiopian people in his leadership, courage and credentials, adding that it also underscores the years of his contributions to the development of Ethiopia’s modern democracy.

While wishing the Prime Minister a successful tenure in office, Buhari said he looked forward to more fruitful and robust engagements between the two countries.

The Presidents of Uganda, South Sudan, Djibouti, Senegal, Kenya, Somalia and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo also graced the event.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

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Cholera Looms as Refuse Heaps Litter Abuja Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have continued to express fear of the possibility of the outbreak of cholera and other gastrointestinal diseases over the mountains of refuse that have lately become a feature in the nation's

capital.

The FCT has one of the nation's highest cholera incidents for this year due to the poor hygiene in places people dwell.

Major streets in the city and those in the satellite towns were littered with garbage with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB)

and Satellite Town Development Development (STDD) making little or no efforts at evacuating them.

Virtually a lane, adjacent the INEC Commissioner's quarter in the high brow Guzape District has been taken over by pile of refuse.

It is also the same situation in the upscale Asokoro, where almost all

the streets are littered with refuse dumps.

Interestingly it is in Asokoro that almost all the state governments have their multi-billion naira lodges.

Deputy Director of Information, AEPB, Janet Peni, has not been forthcoming on the issue.

AEPB is statutorily in charge of

BUHARI PRESENTS 2022 BUDGET THURSDAY, LAYS IT AT FEC TOMORROW the presidency told THISDAY last night.

According to the source, finishing touches were being put to the budget ahead of the Thursday presentation at the federal legislature.

The presidency source further informed that the rescheduling of the ministerial retreat earlier billed for Monday and Tuesday this week might not be unconnected to the preparations for the budget presentation by the president.

The source claimed that the president did not take with levity, the resolve of the administration to take the budget cycle back to the January to December calendar, hence, the seriousness with which all ministries, agencies and parastatals had since taken the budgeting process.

Although the source declined to hint at the possible content of the budget as it were, the federal government had sometime in August this year, said the ministries of works and housing; finance, budget and national planning; and defence would get the highest capital allocations in the 2022 budget.

A 2022 budget call circular published by the Budget Office and signed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, set out the requirements and instructions that must be satisfied and followed in the preparation of the 2022 budget proposal.

A breakdown, according to the circular, showed that the ministry of works and housing was to get the highest allocation of N352.65 billion out of the entire N1.759 trillion capital expenditure for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the 2022 budget.

The ministry of finance, budget and national planning came next on the list with N158.07 billion.

However, the circular noted that the amount included N150 billion for Power Sector Recovery Programme Transfer to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET).

But trailing the two ministries

was defence with N128.94 billion and transport with N120.6 billion proposed estimate.

Other ministries with high capital allocation included health (N108.29 billion), education (N100.75 billion) and water resources (N86.72 billion).

These, however, were followed by agriculture and rural development (N83.82 billion);

aviation (N69.3 billion); trade and investment (N51.08 billion); science and technology (N48.33 billion); national security adviser (N43.14 billion); power (N40.24 billion); interior (N39.64 billion); police affairs (N32.34 billion); presidency (N25.82 billion), among others.

“The thrust of the FGN’s capital expenditure programme in 2022 will

be completion of as many ongoing projects as possible, rather than starting new projects.

“Thus, MDAs are hereby advised that new projects will not be admitted into the capital budget for 2022, unless adequate provision has been made for completion/ work programme of all ongoing projects,” the document stated.

contractors, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that evacuation of refuse has been tardy following delays in payment.

He bemoaned that most of the contractors were frustrated and stressed, as they now resort to borrowing to pay workers on an installment basis.

This, he noted has led to some categories of workers, who were not comfortable with the delayed mode of payment, to refuse to come to work.

"It is only few street sweepers, who accept a token from their wages, that are still coming to work, while the truck drivers who evacuate dumps from streets had downed tools to protest delays in their payment schedule," the contractor said.

dialogue with a special federal delegation led by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President. Notable among the requests were the relocation of NNPC subsidiaries and IOCs headquarters to the Niger Delta and the completion of a number of federal projects in the region, notably, roads.”

Meanwhile, the South-east governors and leaders meeting holding today at Enugu State Government House would be expected to discuss measures to address the lingering security challenges in the zone. Recent escalations in the security crisis had led to several deaths, including the killing of renowned medical doctor and widower of the late Professor Dora Akunyili, former directorgeneral of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Chike Akunyili, in Anambra State. The governors were also expected to discuss the prolonged incarceration of Kanu.

A memo sent to newsmen by the Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman, South-east Governors’ Forum, David Umahi, showed that the leaders would reach some decisions to salvage the region currently battling high insecurity.

Umahi appealed to the governors and other leaders from the zone to endeavour to be present and not in a representative capacity.

He wrote in the memo, “Your Excellences and our highly esteemed leaders, in consultation with our governors and President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, where a decision for an urgent meeting to be called was reached, may I therefore invite you for an emergency meeting of Southeast governors, some leaders of Ohaneze, some of our political leaders, some of our religious leaders, and some of our traditional leaders.”

Obi, worried about the situation in the zone, said there was need for an urgent stakeholders meeting to discuss salient issues pertaining to the wave of violence in the region.

In a news release by his media aide, Mr Valentine Obienyem, the governor called on the different political, religious, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders of South-east to come together and tackle the monster of insecurity currently contending with the peace of the region and the unity of the Igbo.

The statement said, "We can no longer sit and wish away the unacceptable killings and violence raging through our region. We, Igbos, are not known for violence and disrespect for human lives and must not allow the urge for bloodbath to creep in among us. The sit-at-home order that has persisted in the

South-east heavily bears down on the regional economy.

"The urgent need for stakeholders meeting is, therefore, inevitable. This is the time for every leader in the region to unite and, in unity, address the challenges of insecurity facing us, before we are all consumed."

Obi reminded south easterners that crime fighting required collective efforts, urging them to remain committed to the peace and development of the region. He encouraged them to eschew crime and pursue productive ventures that will better their lives and bring development to society.

On his part, Metuh submitted that the release of Kanu would not only douse tension in the region but also put an end to allegations and counterallegations regarding those behind the escalated insecurity in the zone and give the security agencies a clearer cue to track down the perpetrators.

A statement by Metuh said, "This call is coming on the backdrop of denials by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of involvement in the recent killings, arson and other acts of violence in the South-east; and particularly in the face of allegations that the attacks were being sponsored by external, political and criminal interests.

"The authorities should, therefore, use the release of Nnamdi Kanu to eliminate the current puzzlement and complications as well as a political solution for situations that constitute unrest in the South-east.

"It is, therefore, imperative for our governors and leaders to use this meeting to impress it on the federal government to adopt a political approach by releasing Nnamdi Kanu."

Metuh reiterated that Kanu, “an Igbo man and our son, has not stolen nor has he killed anyone and, hence, we must stand for him as our son.”

However, Metuh urged the youth in the zone not to allow themselves to be used by criminal and political elements to destroy the region for their selfish interests.

"We must all be vigilant, circumspect in our utterances and place our hands on the deck for solutions," he said.

The stay-at-home order continued in the South-east, though, IPOB had repeatedly said the exercise had been suspended.

Streets and major roads in Enugu were deserted in compliance with the order, which many residents have condemned and told IPOB to seek other ways of protesting the detention of Kanu. The threat driving the order was intensified yesterday, when some gunmen set ablaze a tricycle, alleging that the owner flouted the order.

SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS RESOLVE TO JOIN VAT COLLECTION SUIT Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta, made the declaration after a closed-door meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governors’ decision to join the suit currently before the Supreme Court was contained in a communiqué presented to newsmen by Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The forum urged that in constituting the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the federal government should follow the law establishing the commission. They demanded that the NDDC forensic audit report should be made public.

The governors regretted the federal government’s failure to honour an understanding regarding the relocation of the headquarters of subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the international oil companies (IOCs) to the Niger Delta. They called for the completion of federal projects in the region.

The governors said they had established a regional security outfit that would be launched soon, adding that the National Assembly, in amending the Petroleum Industrial Act, should seriously consider the interest of the communities hosting the oil and gas activities.

In a related development, governors and leaders of the five South-east states scheduled

an emergency meeting today to address rising insecurity in the zone. That was as former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, decried the level of insecurity in the zone, describing the situation as disheartening.

But former National Publicity Secretary of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, said the South-east leaders should demand at their meeting the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying this is a sure step towards tackling the security challenges in the zone.

The situation in the zone remained tense yesterday, as gunmen enforcing a weekly stay-at-home order set ablaze a tricycle in Enugu State for disobeying the order.

South-south Governors’ Forum met at the conference room of Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, and the meeting was chaired by Okowa, with the governors of Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom in attendance.

The governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, who recently defected from PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was absent at the gathering.

The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, and read by Okowa stated, "After an extensive deliberation,

Council, bearing in mind that most of the BRACED states have established their state security organs, approved the regional security architecture, which would be launched soon.

“Unequivocally supports the decision for states to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) and resolved to join the suit before the Supreme Court.

“Urge the president and the National Assembly to take necessary measures to review some unfair aspects of the recently signed Petroleum Industry Bill to ensure fairness and equity. It urged that the amendment should include a clear definition of host communities and that the trustees should be appointed by state governments.

“Called upon the president and the federal government to uphold the law establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission by appropriately constituting its Board. In addition, it expressed the hope that the federal government would make the forensic audit report public and deal justly and fairly with the report with a view to strengthening the capacity of the NDDC to meet its obligations to the people of the region.

“Regretted that the president and the federal government had generally failed to give reasoned consideration to requests made by the region during the

FISCAL FEDERALISM: LAGOS DEMANDS 1% IN REVENUE ALLOCATION FORMULA was straightforward, self-justifying and in no way controversial. He said the review of the current revenue allocation formula was long overdue, stressing that the best way to guarantee national progress and development is to pay attention to sub-national development since the national is a summation of the sub-national.

The governor reiterated the call for Lagos State to be accorded special status in recognition of its huge financial commitments to infrastructure and provision of basic amenities for the increasing population of residents, as well as its preeminent contribution to the national coffers. He said the call, which had been re-echoed at different forums, could not be overemphasised, especially against the backdrop of the current economic situation of the country, the aftermath of the EndSARS protests, and the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, for which Lagos had been the national epicentre.

Sanwo-Olu stated, “Our demand is a sharing formula that is just, fair and equitable; reflecting the contribution of stakeholders to the common purse; and also one that enhances the capacity of state and local governments to deliver high-quality services and the full dividends of democracy to the greatest number of our people.

“Lagos State is, no doubt, the nation’s commercial capital, and

waste management in Asokoro, Maitama and other places that fall within the jurisdiction of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The situation was even more worrisome in satellite towns, like Lugbe, Karu, Kubwa, Deidei, Mpape Gwagwalada and Nyanya where traders indiscriminately display their ware, including vegetable and fruits close to open dumps and in some cases right on those dumps.

It might however shock residents to realise that Director AEPB, Abubakar Alhassan, who has the mandate of ensuring cleanliness of the city has been rather preoccupied with shifting official files around, as he has just three weeks before his statutory retirement from the civil service.

One of the waste management

population centre. The level of funding required to service the state’s social and public infrastructure is so significant that it will be difficult for the state to bear the burden for much longer under the present arrangement.

“I should say that it will actually be unfair to expect the state to bear this heavy burden on its own. It is, therefore, necessary to give due consideration to all the variables that support our advocacy for a special status.

“The call for a special status for Lagos is not a selfish proposition; it is in the best interest of the country and all Nigerians, for Lagos which accounts for about 20 per cent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 10 per cent of the nation’s population to continue to prosper.”

Further defending the demand for special status, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was more than just another state in the Nigerian federation, saying there is no tribe in the country without significant stake in the state.

The governor said, “As the former capital of the country for 77 years (compared to the 30 years that Abuja has been the Federal Capital Territory), Nigeria’s largest metropolis still bears the heavy brunt of being home to all Nigerians; irrespective of age, class, gender, religious affiliation or tribe.

“There are several statistics

that show the number of people that come into Lagos every day, however, there are clear indications that most of these people migrate with the intention to make Lagos their new home and in pursuit of personal dreams due to the opportunities the city-state seemingly possesses, and this portends additional responsibilities on the government.

“Additionally, Lagos still harbours a huge number of federal establishments, which could not be moved to Abuja.

These include military cantonments and barracks, Police, Customs, Immigration, Civil Defence, Prisons, Road Safety and security/intelligence establishments.

“There are several reasons to justify the call for a special status for Lagos apart from the aforementioned factors and by extension, a review of the Revenue Allocation Sharing Formula.”

Sanwo-Olu also said it would be unfair for Lagos to be left alone to bear the burden of the massive destruction experienced by the state during the EndSARS protests, which were hijacked by hoodlums, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said, “This month marks one year after the massive destruction experienced by the state in the violence that accompanied the hijacking of the EndSARS protests. Public buildings were burnt down, and

historical infrastructure destroyed.

“Although, we have put that experience behind us and forged ahead, the reality of this unfortunate incident remains with us; resources that should be committed to other areas of need are now being used for the restoration of these public facilities. It will be totally unfair for Lagos State to be left alone to bear these huge expenses without assistance from the centre.

“COVID-19 pandemic is another issue that has once again, supported the justification for Lagos to be accorded the privilege of a special status. As much as this affects the entire country, it is a fact that the degree of havoc caused by this virus differs from state to state.

“Lagos was the epicentre for this virus, the same way it was for the Ebola virus some years ago. The management of these unforeseen occurrences comes with huge responsibilities and financial commitments on the part of the state government.”

Sanwo-Olu commended the chairman and members of RMAFC for taking the bold step of reviewing the revenue allocation method, which he believed would, “result in a fundamental alteration of the current revenue sharing formula, in favour of one that is truly fair and equitable, and that takes into full consideration the specific and more pragmatic fiscal contexts of the sub-national governments of the federation.”

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FOR A JUST REVENUE FORMULA...

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (left); Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle) and Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Engr.

Elias Mbam (right), during the opening of a two-day South-West zonal public hearing on review of revenue allocation formula by RMAFC, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos ... yesterday

S'Court Reserves Judgment on Funding of States' Courts, Executive Order 10 Sub national governments demand N66bn refund

Alex Enumah in Abuja The Supreme Court yesterday reserved judgment in the suit filed by the 36 state governments seeking an order of the apex court to compel the federal government to take up funding of capital and recurrent expenditure of Courts of record in states of the federation - High Courts, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of Appeal.

The apex court reserved judgment after taking submissions of parties for and against the suit as well as from five amicus curiea invited by the court to speak on the matter.

The 36 States’ Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice had last year dragged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to the apex court over the refusal or failure of the federal government to fund courts of the federation.

The suit marked: SC/ CV/655/2020 and dated September 16, 2020, was filed on behalf of the states by Mr. Augustine Alegeh.

They want to know whether having regard to the provisions of Section 6 and 81(3) of the Constitution read together with item 21(3) of the third schedule, the defendant is not constitutionally obligated and or charged with the responsibility for funding all capital and recurrent expenditure of the High Courts, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of Appeal at the states of the Federation being courts created under section 6 of the constitution.

They asked whether, "Considering provisions of Section 6, 80, 81, 120 and 121 whether the Presidential Executive order number 10 of 2020 made by the president on May 22, 2020 to compel the plaintiffs to fund State High Courts, States Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of Appeal in violation of the Constitutional provisions vesting responsibility for funding the said courts on the federal government is not unconstitutional and unlawful.”

Among the nine reliefs sought by the Plaintiffs were: an order compelling the federal government to henceforth fund all capital and recurrent expenditure of the High Courts, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of Appeal

of the states of the Federation being courts created under Section 6 of the Constitution.

Plaintiffs also asked for an order compelling the defendant to refund it all sums expended in funding the capital expenditure of the above three courts ought to have been expended by the defendant.

Specifically, they asked for the refund of a total sum of N66 billion they claimed the 36 states had expended in the maintenance of these courts in their respective states.

Plaintiffs further asked the apex court for another order setting aside the Presidential Executive Order 10 on the grounds that same was in violation of the express provisions of the constitution.

When the matter came up yesterday, Lead counsel to the Plaintiffs, Alegeh, submitted that the three courts were courts of the federal government and as such funding of their capital expenditure should flow from the Consolidated Revenue funds of the Federation.

The Senior lawyer further argued that since the salaries and emoluments of the Judges of the three courts were being paid by the federal government, section 81 of the 1999 constitution should be revoked to place the responsibilities of funding their capital expenditure on the federal government.

He, therefore urged the seven-man panel led by Justice Musa Datijo to rule in favour of the plaintiffs and grant the nine reliefs sought in the originating summons.

Responding, AGF's lawyer, Mr. Tijani Gazali, vehemently opposed the request of the plaintiffs, stating that the current action of the federal government was based on a judgment of a Federal High Court, which according to him the Plaintiffs had never appealed up till this very day.

He further pointed out that the issue of salary and emoluments were expressly stated in the constitution as responsibility of the federal government, noting that the section was silent on the capital project.

Arguing further, he said since the states had been responsible for the funding of capital expenditure

of the courts since 1999, the position should be maintained.

He therefore called on the apex court to dismiss the suit and award substantial cost against the Plaintiffs.

However, the five amicus curiea invited by the court over the issue gave different opinions on the issue.

While three of them agreed with the plaintiffs that the federal government should be responsible for the funding of capital

expenditure for the three courts since they were establishments of the federal government, the other two aligned themselves with the federal government stressing that while federal government should be responsible for federal courts, state governments should be responsible for courts within their individual states.

Those in support of the plaintiffs case were: Adegboyega Awolomo, Olisa Agbakoba and Sebastian Hon.

However, Agbakoba disagreed with the plaintiffs on the issue of refund stating that nobody in the first place asked them to assume responsibility for capital expenditure of the three courts.

The two amicus curiea who spoke in favour of the federal government were: Mahmood Magaji and Musibawu Adetunbi.

They submitted that the constitution was clear as to the responsibility of the federal government in respect of the three

courts, adding that the apex court should not be tempted to disrupt the system.

However, Adetunbi was in agreement with the plaintiffs on the issue of Executive Order 10, which he said should be set aside for being unconstitutional.

After listening to all the lawyers in the matter, Justice Datijo announced that judgment of the panel has been reserved to a date that would be communicated to parties in the matter.

Irabor: Arms Proliferation Poses Threat to Nigeria Launches 'Operation Still Waters’, targets militants, bandits, robbers, others Chiemelie Ezeobi and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor, Monday, said the proliferation of small arms and light weapons posed a systemic threat to the country.

The CDS stated this during a public hearing on a Bill to give effect to ECOWAS convention on small arms & light weapons control, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements.

In the same breath, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, yesterday, launched Operation Still Waters, a joint operation aimed at combating kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other crimes within Lagos and Ogun States which are its Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

Irabor, who was represented

by Air Vice Marshall T. O. Yusuf, noted that the bill was a welcome development in view of the threat such proliferation entailed, and pointed out that the functions of the national centre, which the bill proposed was similar to the proposed national commission against the proliferation of arms and light weapons from another legislation.

This he said would amount to a replication of duties.

He said, "On proposed bill, it was well received and it is pertinent to state that DHQ is of the view that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria poses a systemic threat to the nation’s long term socio-economic development as well as security."

Also, in his presentation, the Inspector General of Police, Usman

Alkali Baba, said the police were aware of the disastrous consequences of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on the prolongation of armed conflict and the exploitation of natural resources of member states.

Represented too by the Assistant Inspector General in charge of Armament, Mohammed Lawan, the IGP said the police were committed to the need to build peace and prevent conflict among member states.

While encouraging the enactment of laws to curtail illicit manufacturing, trafficking and diversion of arms, he added that police over the years had made tremendous efforts especially, in the areas of arrest, recoveries of small arms, light weapons and ammunition and prosecution of suspects.

An Assistant Controller General of Immigration in charge of General Services, Kunle Osinsoya, equally disclosed that the Service had commenced marking of all its arms.

He said so far, all the arms in their headquarters and in the Federal Capital Territory had been marked and the ones in the various commands across the country would be done in the next few weeks.

Earlier, in his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, said out of over 400 treaties and agreements that Nigeria had signed, only 10 or 11 had been domesticated.

This, according to him, meant that the country was not moving forward.

"It means we are not moving forward. Under my headship as chairman of this committee, we have already forwarded about 25 domestications, the first of its kind, since 1999 and we intend to reach

up to 50 to 100 to domesticate in the next two years. We feel that the Nigerian people must be able to derive some benefits of what our fathers and the current people, who have gone to represent Nigeria to sign these agreements," Ossai said.

However, at the launch of Operation Still Waters in Lagos, troops deployed for the exercise were charged to be ruthless with criminals disturbing the peace and security of both Lagos and Ogun States.

But they were mandated to respect the rights of law abiding citizens and adhere to the rules of engagement guiding the field exercise.

According to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Lawrence Fejokwu, residents of both states should expect increased military presence both during the day and at night till December 23, when the exercise would be concluded.

He said during Operation Still Waters, formerly codenamed Exercise Crocodile Smile, troops were expected to practice what they have learnt in the classrooms to better prepare them on how to tackle criminal elements.

Fejokwu said: "We have rules of engagement, therefore, lawful citizens have nothing to fear but if we find criminals in the course of conducting the exercise, we will deal with them accordingly. There would be increased military movement by day and night and I urge law abiding citizens to go about their business without any fear.

"All we are trying to do is to work in synergy, carryout rehearsals and be sure of what we want to do so

that when we have to conduct raids in the future such as cordon and search operations, all services will be on the same page and we will do it together the way it should be done, because we have rehearsed it and because we know what each service ought to do in any given situation.

"If we also have the security agencies on the street conducting exercises it would go a long way at deterring criminal activities in our society. We expect heightened security awareness and that citizens in the course of this exercise can report any case to the nearest field location, which are evenly distributed in the state. We are using our gun boats to patrol the waterways and deploying our own soldiers on the banks of so many jetties."

In his remarks, Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Lander Saraso, said the participating troops have been briefed to be friendly, civil with law abiding civilians but deal ruthlessly with criminals terrorising the society, within the ambit of the law.

He said the exercise would train the troops in certain aspects of counter terrorism/counter insurgency operations in the states, adding that its headquarters was sited at the Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, because it was close to some identified flash points such as Oshodi Isale.

Saraso said the ability of unit and sub-unit commanders to handle the press during internal operations would also be tested, adding that they would be exposed to the levels of service support available to them at the tactical level.

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TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

NARD: Why We Suspended Nationwide Strike Gives FG six weeks to implement MoU

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Association Resident Doctors (NARD) has said its members decided to suspend the 63-day-old industrial action based on the strength of progress made in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached with the federal government.

But the association stressed that it was giving another six weeks window for the government to implement the decisions reached in the MoU, failing which it would summon another emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide on what to do.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, yesterday, NARD President, Dr. Dare Godiya Ishaya, said the NEC meeting assessed the level of implementation of the MoU reached with federal government and was impressed with the progress.

NARD said it was persuaded by various interventions from prominent Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari, the Committee of the House of Representatives on Health, among others to suspend the industrial action.

He said: After critical

appraisal of the performance of both federal and state governments on all the issues that led to the ongoing strike as stated above, progress made in implementing previous agreements reached with federal government, the

interventions of President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Health, Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Chairman of House Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services and

his deputy, president of the Nigeria Medical Association and well- meaning Nigerians, government's show of goodwill to return to the negotiating table, NEC resolved by the votes of a simple majority, to suspend

the total and indefinite strike embarked upon on August 2nd, 2021. Therefore, our members will resume full work on Wednesday October 6 by 8 am," he said.

He said the government has commenced the payment of

medical training allowance in about 20 verified centres across the country.

He said NEC noted the commendable level of resolutions of issues involving House Officers by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

FESTAC MARATHON… L-R: Vice-Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area(LGA), Mrs. Chika Asara; Senior Brand Manager, Amstel Malt Ultra, Mrs. Amina Jagun; Operations Manager, FrapapaBet, Mr. Olalekan Kolade; and Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin, LGA, Mr. Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimo, during the presentation of a trophy to Frapapa as the Official Sponsor of Festac 10 kilometers Marathon 2021 in Lagos…recently ABAYOMI AKINYELE

Again, Gunmen Kill Three, Gunmen Assassinate Enugu Businessman, Raze LG Secretariat Injure Others in Plateau Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Three persons were yesterday confirmed killed in a fresh attack by gummen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state.

Another three persons, who sustained injuries during the attack which occurred in Hukke village, Miango district of the council area, received treatment in a hospital in the area.

The Public Relations Officer for Miango Youths Development Association, Mr. Nuhu Bitrus, confirmed the attack, accusing the Fulani herdsmen of culpability..

He said the gunmen arrived the village around 3.00 pm on Sunday and killed the victims after operating for about five hours before the intervention of the security men who were

alerted on the attacks.

Bitrus said that the attack started from 3.00 pm and lasted for about five hours.

"The security personnel came to the scene after a while and tried their best to contain the situation but before their arrival, the Fulani gunmen had killed three persons and injured three others", he added.

The youth leader who condemned the attack, gave the names of those killed as Barry Ive, 42yrs;Isaiah Gado, 45yrs and Weyi Chohu, 40yrs, while those who sustained injuries were identified as Bosco Gbere, Barnabas Lundi and Moses Bombo.

The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command,Ubah Ogaba, when contacted said that security operatives had been deployed in the affected community.

NIPR Advocates Inter-ethnic Marriages for National Unity Miriam Gavar in Abuja The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for more marriages across different ethnic groups in Nigeria so as to encourage deeper cohesion despite the country’s diversity and growing fault lines.

The President of NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, who spoke when he hosted members of the Association of Inter-Ethnic Married Nigerians (AIMN) in Abuja, maintained that Nigerians should look beyond ethnicity and religion when making major decisions.

He argued that when properly harnessed, diversity could be a very strong force for good virtues, noting that there’s hardly anyone

who chose their religions or tribes-something humans do not have control over.

“Now, we have lived in a better country than this.

We have lived in a country where our ethnic divisions, our religious diversity, and our geographical accidents didn’t matter to us, because if they actually mattered, we wouldn't have married the people that we married.

“So those are the times that we remain nostalgic about-where you could go around and be friends with anyone. This was the country we all grew up in, but at some point, something snapped and allowed suspicion to come in and threaten to divide us,” Sirajo lamented.

Suspected assassins yesterday killed a businessman, James Innocent, at his residence in Ibagwa-Ani, in Nsukka local government area of Enugu State.

Innocent was murdered on a day hoodlums enforcing the sit-at-home protest in the state reportedly set ablaze a tricycle at Amachi Road Junction, Agbani road in the State capital.

The hoodlums were also reported to have set ablaze some sections of the Nsukka West

Development Centre Secretariat building, damaging property worth millions.

A close family source, was said to have narrated the incident when the member representing Nsukka West Constituency in the Enugu House of Assembly, Hon Emma Ugwuerua and the Administrator, Nsukka West Development Centre, Mr. Dominic Ajibo, paid condolence visit to the deceased’s family.

According to the source, the

killers invaded the residence around 4.00am and dragged him out of his room after when they could lure him out.

The source added the assailants, on arrival, reportedly told the deceased that some criminals were looting his provisions store, which is located very close to his house.

But he was said refused to yield to their antics.

“When he refused to open his door, his assailants shot at and

shattered the glass window of his room, and used dynamite to force the iron door open.

“They dragged him out of the room and shot him dead.

After they had gruesomely murdered him, they released two gunshots again and went away,” the source said.

Enugu Police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said that the incident had to do with a reported case of suspected assassination.

NDLEA Charges Man with Unlawful Sale of 1.6kg Cannabis The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has charged one Musa Abubakar, 22, with unlawful sale of 1.6kg cannabis sativa. According to the charge sheet made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on yesterday, Abubakar faces

a one-count charge of drug trafficking.

The Prosecutor, Mr. Jeremiah Aernan, alleged that the defendant committed the offence on September. 13.

Aernan said that Abubakar was arrested under the bridge at the Ijora area of Lagos, where he was allegedly

trading in the hard drug.

According to him, cannabis sativa is classified as “a banned narcotic, like cocaine, heroin and other restricted hard drugs listed in the NDLEA schedule prohibited by law”.

He said the offence contravenes the provisions

of section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Law of the Federation 2004.

The Act provides life imprisonment against the offender, if convicted.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for Abubakar’s arraignment as the court just resumed from vacation.

Man Jailed 12 Years for Raping 17-year-old Girl An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on Monday sentenced one Kabiru Oriyomi, 43, to 12 years in prison for raping a 17-year-old girl The convict, a resident of Mai-Angwa, Zone 7, Dutse

Alhaji, Abuja, was prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the matter had been on since May

15, 2018 following series of adjournment.

The victim, the court was told, resides with the convict’s family.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Yusuf Halilu, held

that he had listened to the argument of the defence and prosecuting counsel, but the court must exercise its discretion in the matter.

Halilu said the discretion must be done judiciously.

RMFAC: Abiodun Canvasses 45% Increment in States’ Allocation Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has canvassed an upward review of States revenue allocation sharing formula from 26.7 per cent to 45 per cent in order to allow more developments in the states.

Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, canvassed the position in Lagos while speaking at the South West Zonal Public Hearing on Review of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

Abiodun also noted that there should be a downward review of the allocation the federal government to 30 per cent.

Making the proposal, the governor said the formula should be reworked to stand as 30 per cent to Federal; 45 per cent to states; and 25 per cent to Local governments, as against the current stand of 52.68, 26.72, and 20.60 percent respectively.

Noting that the current formula is no longer in tune with economic realities, the governor said the allocation was forestalling the development of

states and local governments.

Abidoun also wants the Excusive List amended to allow each tier of government concentrate on areas that will better touch the lives of the people.

Governor Abiodun, who attributed the current imbalance in the revenue sharing formula to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly the Exclusive Legislative List, maintained that States have increasingly borne significant additional increase in managing issues relating to maintenance

peace, security, education, infrastructural development, and social welfare programmes, among others.

"Given that the state and local governs are closer to the citizenry and can meet their needs more accurately, it is imperative to consider an increase in the allocation to the States and Local governments.

"In addition to the above, revenue allocation should be reviewed and each tier of government should be funded according to the functions they perform."

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

COMMENT

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

RE: DEMOLITION MAN, OBASEKI ON THE RAMPAGE Francis Omo-Osunde Iyasere argues that the piece is unfortunate

I

read the aforementioned article with total disdain for the twisted truth as contained therein. And I am duty bound to put the records straight as they were because lies told repeatedly takes the likelihood of truth if not attended to.

First, Nseobong Okong-Ekong raised a false alarm with the intention to malign the governor through a tiny warped narration. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global concern and every single caring leader would take it with all mustered seriousness. As posited in the article, there was no court order stopping the plan to make sure people get vaccinated. The purported court order was a fraudulent one which has been terminated as the signature of the presiding judge was forged. As the security officer of the state, the governor has the right to protect the citizens of the state from the ravaging pandemic. The writer is trying to downplay the death of even a single citizen, well, the governor cannot. Every single life is important. All medical investigations have shown that even those that have been vaccinated can be infected by those who refused to be vaccinated and the virus has been mutating to deadlier strains.

So it’s within the moral rights of the governor to see that people are protected from the pandemic. Edo do not have to be the epicenter before cautious decisions are made to protect the lives of its citizens.

Again, it is a peddled falsehood that dangerous weapons were deployed during the 2020 gubernatorial election. The election was adjudged to be one of the freest and fairest election in the country. It was free of violence as results from polling units where transmitted live. I live here in Edo, went out to vote in a peaceful atmosphere and went back home without any sign of intimidation. Where the writer got his story of violence from must be a darkened space full of lies.

It’s unfortunate that the writer wish the governor should allow illegalities of the past to fester on because he would not want to gore some oxen. There have been years of defacing the town planning works in the state where those with connections to government or could bribe town planning officer to build wherever they wish to.

The governor has insisted all of those are in the past, whether it was built by himself, Victor Ighile or by Tony Kabaka. No physical

IT’S WITHIN THE MORAL RIGHTS OF THE GOVERNOR TO SEE THAT PEOPLE ARE PROTECTED FROM THE PANDEMIC. EDO DO NOT HAVE TO BE THE EPICENTER BEFORE CAUTIOUS DECISIONS ARE MADE TO PROTECT THE LIVES OF ITS CITIZENS.

reforms are made without stepping on toes. We can cast our minds back to the era of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a lot of properties were destroyed in a bid to construct infrastructure and the heavens didn’t fall. Even a known property belonging to General Samuel Ogbemudia was hauled down during this era. I wonder why it should be an issue now. Yes, there is need for the Garick Memorial School land and that of Izi-Iyamu (that was said to be illegally acquired) to be put to better use for the common good of general public. All the legal process of acquisition and compensation will be done.

The mention of Governor Godwin Obaseki accusing the federal government of printing money is laughable. The governor stood by what he said and his claims were validated by the Minister of Finance and the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, as well as other notable financial experts. What should have interested the writer is the caution by the governor on the reckless spending by the federal government especially in this period of scarcity. To go back to the issue of printing money as claimed and validated is a disservice to the nation. The writer should have done his own independent findings first before publishing this article.

It will amount to unnecessary distraction on the part of the governor if he would need to respond to byway plots to malign his person. If a working governor need to be called tyrant, so be it. As reference to the inauguration where only 12 members out of 24 members-elect of the Edo State House of Assembly, the writer will do well to ask those who refused to present themselves for the inauguration as Obaseki is the head of the executive arm of government, not the legislative arm.

Oh, how I wish the writer is able to understand the complexity in naming a cabinet after the hasty decamping of the governor from APC to PDP and the associated problems with the harmonization of both parties, he would attempt to criminalize the inability of the government to form a cabinet. Well, for his notice, names have been forwarded for confirmation and they will hit the ground running as soon as possible.

Prince Omo-Osunde Iyasere wrote from Benin City

RACING TO THE PROMISED LAND Gombe is living up to its promise as a model state, writes Ismaila Uba Misilli

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he critical point to note as Gombe State marks its 25th anniversary is that the ideals behind its creation have been largely defined and shaped by the power of leadership and vision over time, making it imperative to contend with the relevance of these development factors now and in the future.

It is important to go down the memory lane to recollect the patriotic endeavours of the founding fathers who, against all odds, ensured Gombe was created out of the old Bauchi State for the essential concern to bring development closer to the people and move as quickly as possible in the ladder of progress. It is therefore adequate to salute the vision and courage of these founding fathers.

From its creation on 1st October, 1996 till date, the leadership of the state had changed in quick succession from the military era to the civilian and in particular those who have led the state in this Fourth Republic and whose commendable efforts deserve some appreciation at this momentous occasion even in relative terms.

In tune with this season of silver jubilee, therefore, we extend our profound gratitude to the pioneering military leaders in the persons of Group Captain Joseph Orji and Col. Mohammed Bawa (late) who though had short stay in office were important part of our history.

Due recognition also goes to the civilian leaders, namely, former Governors Abubakar Habu Hashidu, Mohammed Danjuma Goje and Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo as well as the current Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who, no matter the differences in the level of evaluation, contributed to the development of the state.

Now, the question arises: can we justifiably celebrate Gombe at 25? This may be subjective but certainly, I think we can and should roll out the drums and celebrate because Gombe State, based on the development efforts and expanded big vision of contemporary leaders in particular, is living up to its promise as a model state and in quantum leaps of socio-economic progression to the greater happiness of the people.

From the earliest days, the conviction was clear even to the founding fathers that Gombe was brimming with human and material resources and justifiably this position was at the heart of the spirited proposal to the late Head of State, General

Sani Abacha on the need to create the state. As a matter of fact, the viability of Gombe State at creation and as presented to the late head of state hastened its approval even though without any take-off grant like other states.

The rest is now a matter of historical revelation as the state has moved from one development trajectory to the other with particular attachment to the leadership at a given point in time, emphasizing the leadership question as a major factor in societal regeneration.

Gombe, the state capital, like most of the other towns around the state, has now grown so phenomenally big as modern city with mindblowing infrastructure and amenities as envisioned.

To some development experts, 25 years may not be so long a period in the life of a state or nation but what counts indeed is the level of achievements relative to expectations. While it is appropriate to recognize the various roles played by the successive leaders and allied patriots, I cannot but pinpoint the new vistas being heralded and engineered by the current leadership in the state chiefly on the fundamental issue of real growth and development.

In particular, there has been a strategic interlinkage between the then Goje’s administration and the current governor who was a key member of the Goje administration as Commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning and indeed consequential to the reforms and development trajectories of that era now bolstered under his watch as Gombe State chief executive.

However, we have also seen a marked shift and expansion of good governance in the state, a desirable shift which essentially has changed the attitude of how government business is conducted in deft appreciation of the people’s mandate for renewal and the zeal to develop the state.

Governor Inuwa’s strategic leadership is confounding in the context of the array of accomplishments during his short stay in government.

Yes, this is an important component of assessment of Gombe at 25: we need to have an objective retrospective look at what Governor Inuwa Yahaya met on ground at the assumption of office and compare with the realities today in terms of basic levels of development not only in the state capital but also across the state and in major strategic areas and indices. He has actually

made a world of difference in changing our collective narrative amidst socio-economic and political stability.

Since he took office in 2019, Governor Inuwa has matched effective leadership with a broad vision, imbued with hard work, sacrifice and innovative thinking and thus turning the tide even in a challenging political environment as well as a tough economic climate.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya is moderating a new clime of conscious idealism placed side-by-side with realism on the journey so far especially on the challenge of translating the great potential of the state into real socio-economic enterprise. He’s evidently delivering on the promise envisaged at inception to make Gombe a model state.

Indeed, in 2021, Gombe State, by a landslide, won the number one position in the Ease of Doing Business Index as certified by the National Economic Council under the chairmanship of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

By major parameters, Governor Yahaya has excelled and even surpassed the records of his predecessors in all critical aspects of the state’s economy: roads, rural infrastructure, pipe borne water, health, education, power, transportation, urban renewal, agriculture, civil service reform, manpower development and women and youth empowerment. The specific cases of roads construction across the state as well as health centres, greater access to education and water provision will forever be reckoned to be the high points of life changing development incentives of the administration and indeed lasting legacies.

A new clime of possibilities is booming as Gombe State has become the most favoured destination for high net worth investors who have taken advantage of the relative absence of bureaucratic bottle necks in the issuance of business permits, contract awards, procurement process and tax payments in the state. The high level of partnerships with several agencies of the federal government, international bodies and multilateral agencies and development partners is also a huge mark of leadership integrity and performance by the administration as agent of positive change.

Indeed the state’s GDP has quadrupled while the GDI has similarly reached record high especially with a newly improved civil service witnessing a momentous leap in workers’ morale and produc-

tivity occasioned by incentives, modern work tools and ethics, adequate remuneration and punctual payment of staff salaries and emoluments.

But all these did not happen by accident but a product of painstaking preparation. As a practical and innovative leader, Governor Inuwa Yahaya had prior to his election as governor understudied the Asian leadership and economic revitalization and he was fascinated by the Singapore model under the legendary Lee Kuan Yew as a fitting example of what modern Gombe State should look like.

He had then come to the conclusion that the most effective way of guaranteeing the fast track of economic growth and infrastructural transformation of the state was the enthronement of a virile, productive, efficient and incorruptible civil service, without which any policy or structural reform would be a waste of time, akin to erecting a structure on shaky foundations. Thus one of his first priorities was urgent civil service reform and this was kick-started with the establishment of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) which took the lead in identifying those sectors in need of drastic reform and implementing them without let or hindrance and at full capacity, a feat unprecedented in Gombe history.

The Gombe 10- year development plan, is another initiative of Governor Yahaya with the mission to create an enabling environment for sustainable peace, cohesion and an all- inclusive development for the people to leave lasting legacy for succeeding generations.

Governor Inuwa has also led by example as an apostle of peace amidst diversity, as he continually preaches peace, tolerance, co-operation and peaceful cohabitation among the diverse ethnic, religious and linguistic groups in the state. That Gombe State has not turned into a haven for Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and assorted kidnappers as other states in the North-East can be ascribed to Inuwa’s One Gombe, One Destiny philosophy which has permeated all nooks and crannies of the state, thus translating into a peaceful, prosperous and progressive society. Just a couple of days earlier, the conference of state directors of security, North East zone, rising from their meeting, declared Gombe as the safest and most peaceful state in the sub-region.

Misilli is Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

EDITORIAL

RAPE AND THE UNIFORM

Law enforcement officers who violate the law must be served with the full weight of the law

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s sundry criminal cartels prowl the country, an epidemic of rape has emerged as one of the new forms of social deviance.

This and other similar forms of psychosocial crimes have compelled the Nigerian Police Force to create and dedicate desks to respond to social crimes. Since urgent and rapid response to reports of crimes is the first step in apprehending offenders and bringing them to justice, we commend the police for their action. However, in a situation where law enforcement agents, specifically the police themselves, are the offenders, society becomes bewildered in its helplessness.

Barely a week ago, in the commercial city of Aba, students of the state-owned Abia Polytechnic staged an angry protest against policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad who allegedly raped and abused a second-year Ordinary National Diploma (OND) student of the institution. The incident attracted the attention A SITUATION WHERE of the wife of the THOSE WHO WEAR THE governor, Mrs. FACE OF THE LAW BECOME Nkechi Ikpeazu, who CRIMINALS THEMSELVES visited the affected IS AN INDICATION OF THE student in hospital.

The governor himself COLLAPSE OF ORDER IN has called on the state THE SOCIETY police command to quickly apprehend the offending personnel and ensure that they are disciplined and brought to justice in line with extant regulations.

While the public awaits the outcome of whatever disciplinary processes that may have been instituted against the Aba rapist cops, this incident like several others that have been reported nationwide, is yet another unpleasant development in a society where the dividing line between order and lawlessness is fast disappearing. But it is also coming at a period when we may need to learn from how other societies deal

Letters to the Editor

with criminals in uniform. Last Thursday, a United Kingdom Metropolitan Police officer who kidnapped a woman under the guise of an arrest before raping and murdering her was sentenced to a whole-life prison term.

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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

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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.

SHUAIBU’S MURDER: WILL JUSTICE BE SERVED?

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he murder of a Christian pastor in Kano has raised issues regarding justice, equity, and fairness for non-Muslims in Muslim-dominated Kano State. Muslim bloodletters killed Rev. Shuaibu over his alleged role in the conversion of a Muslim to Christianity in the area. Such horrific acts of religious extremism are not new in Kano State. Kano is one of the Muslim majority states in Northern Nigeria where sharia law is in force.

Islamic theocracy prevails in the region. Kano State officially treats non-muslims as second-class citizens.

Muslim extremists engage in attacks and killing of non-Muslims with impunity. The federal government authorities turn a blind eye to Muslim faith-based abuses and felonies. The Christian Association of Nigeria has asked that justice be done in the case of late Pastor Shuaibu. But will justice be done? There have been reports that the police have arrested some suspects. But will they be prosecuted and punished for their crimes? It is not in the character of the Islamic Kano State to ensure fairness and equity for non muslim believers. Whenever Muslim jihadists go on the rampage, attack, or kill non-Muslims, as in the case of Pastor Shuaibu, the Kano State government panders to the Islamic base.

State officials look the other way; they pretend not to know their duty and responsibility. State actors

eported cases of rape, incest, sexual violation of minors, domestic violence and other psychosocial crimes have of late become quite rampant throughout the country. Some attribute the development to the influence of the social media which now ensures that incidents are reported more frequently than before. Others attributed the development to increased stress and socioeconomic pressure. Whatever may be the excuse, an increased number of citizens are being driven into unusual crimes and deviant behaviours.

However, the involvement of law enforcement personnel in these crimes is worrying. In situations where citizens are victims of rape and related crimes, the standard expectation is that they will get help once they report to the police. But a situation where those who wear the face of the law become criminals themselves is an indication of the collapse of order in the society. Police officers who rape helpless citizens are not any better than the several others who engage in armed robbery while in uniform or those among them who rent firearms officially allocated to them to criminals.

When law enforcement officers engage in criminality, the expectation ought to be that they will face even stiffer penalties than regular criminals. The assignment of protecting defenceless citizens from sexual and other predators which the work of the police entails places on their personnel a heavy burden of responsibility. When police officers prowl the streets and college campuses with the intent of violating innocent women and girls, they must be served with the full weight of the law. First, they should be dismissed from the police and subsequently prosecuted.

Thereafter, their names should enter a national register of convicted sexual offenders.

feign ignorance of the law and constitution. Muslim attackers and murderers go scot-free because murdering a non-muslim is not treated as a criminal act.

In some cases where the victims survive, they are arrested and detained for their safety. Victims of Islamic mob attacks are prosecuted for engaging in actions capable of breaching public peace. In situations where they did not survive, as in the case of Rev Shuaibu, suspects might be arrested.

But they would later be secretly released. As in the case of Bridget Agbahime, whenever alleged perpetrators are charged to court, state prosecutors would at some point declare a nolle prosequi on the case. They would release the bloodletters. Everyone expects the pattern to play out in the case of Rev Shuaibu. Kano State government could also choose to prove the pundits wrong. Now the police have arrested some suspects, will the delay tactics set in? Will the police charge them in court? Will the police keep them in custody until the tension has dissipated and then release them? It is known that state prosecutors sometimes also act as if they were keen at diligently handling the matter. They would charge the case to court and later discontinue the trial or get the judge to throw it out. Would this drama play out in the case of Rev Shuaibu?

Leo Igwe, Abuja

NIGERIA: SO RICH, YET SO POOR

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ecently a friend of mine and I calculated potential dead capital in Lagos (by dead capital I mean abandoned and locked up building that could have been generating income) and we discovered it is worth billions. Further shocking is the fact that the number of houses that are abandoned are almost at par with the new real estate built. This enunciates conversations about the viability of the real estate market and the bubble it represents. I don’t see why home prices are perpetually high in Ikoyi when most of the homes are empty.

This is to show that Nigeria is filled with a lot of wealth but yet we are so poor. Wealth truly is about becoming a pioneer, unlocking the things that nobody hither realized existed.

It was Henry Ford that unlocked the possibility of paying five dollars in America in the 1920s. I can go through a retinue of sectors that have not been unlocked in Nigeria. The so-called un-governed spaces where bandits roam can be solar generation farms and with the right investment we can put 2GW of solar power on the national grid. Yet Nigeria spends N16 billion on diesel to increase global warming by burning fossil fuel. In Morocco, Ouarzazate Solar Power Station (OSPS), also

called Noor Power Station (Arabic for light), is a solar power complex located in the DrâaTafilalet region, 10 kilometres from Ouarzazate town, in Ghessat rural council area. At 510 MW, it is the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant. With an additional 72 MW photovoltaic system the entire project is planned to produce 582 MW at peak, when finished.

It is being built in three phases and in four parts. The total project’s estimated cost is $2.5 billion. The Moroccan agency for sustainable energy built this and it seats on 2500 hectares.

Just imagine if we can turn Sambisa forest into a solar power station and pay good wage. I bet the criminals will like to work there.

The problem with Nigeria is that we have so much, but we don’t see far and wide enough to find possibilities. The politicians that steal are oblivious of the fact that if we develop the country there would be enough wealth to go round. It is only in Nigeria and Africa people make money from government.

In other climes, they make money from the private sector because they allow enterprise.

We need to develop this economy because it is too small and it starts by thinking. I wish Nigeria the best.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

PandoraPapers: World Leaders Deny Wrongdoing after Leaks Several world leaders have denied wrongdoing after featuring in a huge leak of financial documents from offshore companies.

Dubbed the Pandora Papers, the 12 million files constitute the biggest such leak in history.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein are among some 35 current and former leaders linked to the files.

Both have issued statements saying they have done nothing wrong.

Jordan’s royal palace said it was “not unusual nor improper” that King Abdullah owned property abroad.

Leaked documents show the leader secretly spent more than £70m ($100m) on a property empire in the UK and US since taking power in 1999.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov meanwhile questioned the reliability of the “unsubstantiated” information, after it detailed hidden wealth linked to President Putin and members of his inner circle.

“For now it is just not clear what this information is and what it is about,” he told reporters, adding that “we didn’t see any hidden wealth of Putin’s inner circle in there.”

The data was obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in Washington DC, which has been working with more than 140 media organisations on its biggest ever global investigation.

BBC Panorama and the Guardian have led the investigation in the UK. Other leaders linked to the leak include Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who allegedly failed to declare an offshore investment company used to purchase two villas for £12m in the south of France; Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who - along with six members of his family - has been linked to 13 offshore companies; Chile’s President Sebastián Piñera, a billionaire businessman, who is accused of selling a copper and iron mine in an environmentally sensitive area to a childhood friend, as detailed in Spain’s El Pais newspaper; and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, whose family and close associates have allegedly been secretly involved in property deals in the UK worth more than £400m.

Eight Killed in India Farm Protests Tensions have flared in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh after eight people, including four farmers, were killed Sunday while demonstrating against controversial farm laws.

The incident marks an escalation in India’s long-running farm protests that have festered for almost a year amid an impasse between the government and farm leaders.

The protestors alleged that two farmers were killed when a motorcade linked to India’s deputy home minister, Ajay Kumr Mishra, ran over them on Sunday in Lakhimpur Kheri district. They said the minister’s son was driving the car that plowed

into the protestors.

The minister has denied the charge and said that farmers pelted stones at the vehicle, which resulted in the driver losing control and ramming into the protesters.

The police said they are investigating whether the minister’s son, Ashish Mishra, was in the car that struck the protesters.

In clashes that erupted, three members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, and a driver, who were in the car were killed, according to officials. Videos on social media showed a car on fire.

Uttar Pradesh is one of three northern states whose farmers are spearheading protests to demand the repeal of three laws that open sale of farm produce to private companies.

The government says these market-friendly reforms will modernize the agriculture sector but farmers fear that corporations will depress crop prices and ultimately force them to sell their land.

War Spreads as Ethiopia Swears in PM Sworn for Second Term Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been sworn in for a second five-year term running a country in the grip of a nearly year-long war.

Abiy’s Prosperity Party was declared the winner of parliamentary elections earlier this year in a vote criticized and at times boycotted by opposition parties but described by some outside electoral observers as better run than those in the past.

The prime minister, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner for restoring ties with neighboring Eritrea and for pursuing sweeping political reforms, now faces major challenges as war in the Tigray region spreads into other parts of the country, deadly ethnic violence continues, and watchdogs warn that repressive government practices are on the return.

The 11-month war is weakening Ethiopia’s economy, once one of Africa’s fastest-growing, and threatening to isolate Abiy, once seen as a regional peacemaker. Just three African heads of state - from Nigeria, Senegal and neighboring Somalia - attended Monday’s ceremony.

Ethiopia’s government last week faced condemnation from the United Nations, United States and several European nations after it expelled seven U.N. officials it accused of supporting the Tigray forces who have been battling Ethiopian and allied forces. .

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi Too Tired for Frequent Court Appearance, Says Lawyer

Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday asked a judge to reduce the frequency of her court hearings

due to strained health, her lawyer said, but assured the public there was no concern about her condition.

Suu Kyi, who is on trial and attending court sessions in multiple cases since her overthrow in a Feb. 1 coup, requested hearings in each case be handled every two weeks, not every week, chief lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told media.

Asked by Reuters about the status of her health, he said Suu Kyi, 76, was suffering from tiredness from her busy schedule and there was no indication of illness.

“She is tired. At her age, it is not convenient to sit for hearings every day of the whole week,” Khin Maung Zaw said by phone.

“She doesn’t have any disease nor specified sickness. It is not a concerning situation. She is just tired.”

The health of the Nobel laureate is closely watched in Myanmar, where she spent many years in detention for challenging its military rulers.

She is charged with a litany of offences, including breaking coronavirus protocols, illegally importing and possessing two-way radios, incitement to cause public alarm and violating the Official Secrets Act.

and seizure of the equipment was done on orders from police in Warsaw.

Roman Imielski, the paper’s deputy editor, said the police incursion took place without a warrant and “strikes against the fundamental right to journalistic secrecy in a democracy.”

He said in an article published on the paper’s website Saturday that the editors have “no doubts” that the police raid is “to intimidate the journalists” of the newspaper, citing other moves by the ruling authorities against independent media.

Warsaw police said the reporter wasn’t specifically targeted. It said that offensive messages containing threats had been sent to Polish lawmakers, who reported the threats to the police.

The messages were then traced to an IP address that led to that of a “little-known local journalist.”

Bakselerowicz denied having sent any threatening emails.

“I have never threatened anyone. To me, it is a provocation or an attempt at revenge for writing inconvenient articles,” Bakselerowicz said.

Meanwhile, the editors of the newspaper vowed to use all legal means to protect its journalists “from harassment by the authoritarian authorities.”

Russia Test Submarine-launched Hypersonic Tsirkon Missile

Beirut Blast Probe to Resume

Russia said on Monday it had successfully test launched a Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic cruise missile from a submarine for the first time, a weapon President Vladimir Putin has lauded as part of a new generation of unrivaled arms systems.

The defense ministry said that the Severodvinsk submarine had fired the missile in the Barents Sea, successfully hitting its chosen target.

The launch took place at night, video footage released by the ministry showed.

Russia tested firing the Tsirkon missile from a warship in July.

Putin announced an array of new hypersonic weapons in 2018 in one of his most bellicose speeches in years, saying they could hit almost any point in the world and evade a U.S.-built missile shield.”

Poland Police Confiscate Journalist’s Computer Police confiscated the computer equipment of a journalist working for a leading newspaper in Poland which has carried out investigations of the country’s right-wing government.

The seizure of the equipment of Piotr Bakselerowicz, a reporter for the liberal Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper, took place on Saturday in Zielona Gora, a city in western Poland 450 kilometers (280 miles) from Warsaw. The raid

Lebanon’s appeals court on Monday rejected lawsuits filed against the lead investigator of the Beirut port explosion in a decision that allows him to resume his work, the country’s National News agency said.

Monday’s ruling came a week after three former Cabinet ministers, who are also defendants in the investigation, accused the judge of bias and filed lawsuits demanding he be dismissed.

The challenge automatically suspended the probe until the decision was reached. The appeals court rejected the request to remove Judge Tarek Bitar, saying doing so is not its jurisdiction. It fined each of the three former ministers 800,000 Lebanese pounds ($47 at the black-market rate, and about $530 at the official rate.)

The lawsuit was part of a growing campaign by Lebanon’s political class against the investigation into the devastating port explosion of Aug. 4, 2020. The blast heavily destroyed parts of Beirut killed over 200 people and wounded over 6,000.

The ruling political class, accused by rights groups and the public of knowing about the explosive material stored at the port and doing little to protect against it, has closed ranks against Bitar and his predecessor. Both have wanted to interrogate senior political and security officials accused of negligence that led to the blast.

Bitar took over the job in February after judge Fadi Sawwan was also removed from his post following similar legal challenges by senior officials.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

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IMAGES

L-R: Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu; wife of Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki; and wife of Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mryrann Shaibu, during the press briefing on the maiden edition of the Besty Obaseki Women Football Tournament in Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: AYO AJAYI

L-R: Chairman, Planning Committee, Press Week of Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State chapter, Temitope Adewunmi; Senior Manager, Brand and Communications, Fatgbems Group, Adeosun Azeez; and the Chairman, NUJ, Ogun State chapter, Wale Olanrewaju, at the 2021 Ogun State chapter of the NUJ Press Week supported by Fatgbems Group in Abeokuta, Ogun State…recently

T H I S D AY ˾ ͳ, 2021

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

L-R: Brand and Event Coordinator, Ikeja Electric, Adebimpe Akintola; Community Leader in Odi-Olowo, Mushin, Lagos, Mr. Ajibade Adesina; Business Manager, Shomolu Business Unit, Ikeja Electric, Olanrewaju Yusuf; and Head Teacher, Odi-Olowo Primary School, Mushin, Mrs. Adesiyan Simiat, during the donation of learning materials to the primary school in Mushin, Lagos…recently

L-R: Managing Director, University Press Plc, Mr. Samuel Kolawole, and Executive Director Finance, Dr. Ganiyu

L-R: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Babcock University (BU), Prof Philemon Amanze; his wife, Dr. Ruth Amanze; President/Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Ademola Tayo; his wife, Prof Grace Tayo; Vice President, Financial Administration, BU, Dr. Ilesanmi Akande; his wife, Mrs. Jumoke Akande; and Vice President, Student Development, BU, Dr. Didam Audu, during the cutting of the university’s 2021 Founders’ Day celebration cake/ thanksgiving service held at the university campus in Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State… recently

L-R: Member, Board of Trustee (BoT), GAMSU, Ese Onosode; Speaker, House of Representative/Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; member, BoT of GAMSU, Mr. Alfred Okoigun; Edo State Governor/Guest of Honour, Godwin Obaseki; and others during the book presentation and panel discussion to unveil the Gamaliel Onosode ’Classicus, an honourable life’, organised by Gamaliel and Susan Onosode Foundation (GAMSU) in Lagos…recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel; his wife, Deaconess Martha Emmanuel; celebrants, Mrs. Patience Eno; and Pastor Umo Eno during thanksgiving for Pastor Eno’s 35th marriage anniversary, appointment as state Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, and first anniversary in memory of his late mother, Deaconess Eka Eno, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State...recently

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, GAMR Africa, Sholakunbi Adenipebi; Consul-General, Laurence Monmayrant; Chief Executive Officer, GAMR Africa, Eniola Edun; and French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jerome Pasquier, at the GAMR Africa Zone, during the Lagos Comic-Com 2021 held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

POLITICS

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

PDP and the Zoning Conundrum Tony Amadi writes that the two leading Nigerian political parties are facing a difficult decision, for the first time, with their option of zoning offices

Secondus

Abubakar

O

bservers of politics in Nigeria believe that the political party that comes up with the smartest zoning policy in the forthcoming Nigerian presidential elections will carry the day at the end of the ongoing strategic planning for the 2023 general election.

The two leading parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are expected to provide the next president of the Federal Republic, but the majority of Nigerians would wish that the two were banished into political oblivion for their penchant for misrule and lacking ideas to move the country forward.

Never mind that Patito’s Gang (Pat Utomi, Jega and fellow egg-heads) want to set up a third force, it is still the two key parties of today’s Nigeria that will produce the next president.

Therefore, we are unlikely to change the system in the next decade, the excessive corruption, the general bad governance, the nepotism and impunity of the ruling class will remain with us for some time to come.

As the political season gathers momentum for take-off, where the president of the next dispensation should come from is the problem bogging the leading politicians in the country. Two decades ago with former Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan in charge, zoning was a simple matter, so that where the president comes from the South,

Tambuwal

the party chairman comes from the North and vice versa. But with the arrival of the APC with its northern bent, and the almighty PDP brought down to earth from its powerful heights over 16 years, the zoning of the 2023 presidential election has become a problem, more for the PDP that has been languishing in opposition and needs federal power critically, the real problem is now at hand.

The biggest party in Africa now faces a veritable conundrum, how to position itself to win in 2023, while the APC, the ruling party is not worried wherever they end up in the zoning theatre. Despite widely believed poor performance of the APC in governance at the centre, more PDP senators and House of Representatives members are flooding into the APC at a very unimaginably high rate. The opposition had hoped that the APC would name their zoning plans first to enable it confirm its strategy, but the governing party seems very adept at tossing the opposition around.

To compound the PDP worries, its chairman Uche Secondus decided to choose this time to disrupt the party’s electoral plans by precipitating a leadership crisis at a very uncomfortable time in the run up to the 2023 election. Compared to the APC, the PDP should be credited with

vast experience in election management and governance; generally. However, the problem of the PDP now calls for greater skill and political sagacity if the party is to surmount the enormity of the problem at hand.

The zoning committee which is concerned with the task of deciding which zone should produce which position from party offices to the presidency appear to have run into troubled waters. Headed by the usually staid governor of Enugu State but peopled by political gurus of the likes of three former senate presidents, Iyorchia Ayu, Pius Anyim and David Mark, the committee has the capacity to do a decent job. And apparently the Ugwuanyi zoning team delivered on its mandate when they resolved to have a northern party chairman and possibly by usual convention, a southern president.

But note that in one of the rare interviews he had granted in the course of the assignment, the governor quipped that their mandate did not include zoning of the presidency.

And there lies the problem. The PDP will go into its national convention at the end of October where it must crack the knot of where its presidential candidate should come from. The PDP has a number of formidable northern contenders including

Saraki

the legendary Atiku Abubakar and the princely governor of Sokoto state Aminu Tambuwal, both with the capacity to upturn their opponents game plan and get their way. Former Senate President Abubakar Saraki is also said to be planning to run and his chances are as high as ever. There have been snide comments that if the APC goes South with their presidential zoning, the PDP would go North and pick up all the northern votes and win the presidency.

On the other hand, the APC is adept at using state power to full advantage. The ruling party is busy attracting all the dodgy politicians in the PDP to move over and get their dirty linen whitewashed. I was shocked to read the other day how a decamping PDP senator was boasting about the expected landslide in the Anambra elections by their candidate Senator Andy Uba even as a corruption court date awaits the senator this month. That is the level of impunity the ruling party politicians have attained lately. You can then imagine the motivation behind the belief that despite their growing misrule at the centre, a senator facing corruption charges is so confident that their party would win a key state in the South-east.

What a frightening prospect to face at this time of our political history.

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

A Cerebral Legislator in the 9th House Udora Orizu examines some of the noteworthy legislative activities of the Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu

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n effective legislator is not only one who has integrity and conducts himself/herself in a disciplined manner, but also one who ensures that the main functions of the legislature which are making laws, representing constituencies and power balance are the core focus while carrying out his or her legislative activities.

Both chambers of the National Assembly consist of legislators who can be described as onlookers or bench warmers. Some of them do not attend plenary sessions, neither do they participate in the primary function of making laws.

The Deputy Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu) is one of the few federal legislators that carry out the legislative duties expected of them by their constituents.

Okechukwu who represents Aninri/Awgu/ Oji River constituency has been a member of the House since 2011, serving in the 7th and 8th Assemblies. Before his emergence as the Deputy Minority Leader of the 9th House, the lawmaker was until May 2019, Chairman House Committee on Works and Vice-Chairman Ethics

and motions during plenary sessions.

He also doesn’t hesitate to air his views on national issues which often provides solution to the problem at hand.

In the last two years, he has sponsored several bills and motions which have direct impact on his constituents and the nation at large.

Okechukwu

and Privileges Committee. He was also a member of House Committees on Culture and Tourism, Justice, Steel, Pension, and Appropriations.

Okechukwu over the years is known to be a broad-minded lawmaker, who makes useful contributions to debates on bills

Bills, Motions and Notable Contributions During Debates at Plenary Some of his motions include, Motion on the need for the House to intervene and ensure that the planned strike by electricity workers is not allowed to take place; Motion on the need to investigate, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the gruesome murder of Mr. Eugene Iloabani in Oji River, Enugu State and motion on the need to investigate the gruesome murder of the Director General of Scientific Equipment Development Institute, SEDI, Enugu, Prof. Samuel Ndubuisi in Enugu; Motion on the need to uphold the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Act in the implementation of the Special Public Works Programme; Motion

on the need to Investigate the Status of Medical research in the fight against COVID-19 and Other disease in Nigeria; Motion on the need to investigate the security breaches and violence at the November 16, 2019 elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states; Motion on the Need to ensure Speedy Rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

While most of his motions were adopted by his colleagues, however one of motions was stepped down in February 2021. The motion sought to obtain the report of the 2014 National Conference with the purpose of including it in the ongoing constitutional amendment process of the National Assembly.

While moving the motion, Okechukwu made reference to the reports of the 2014 National Conference and the report of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee on True Federalism chaired by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, saying that it will address the mileage and challenges being faced in the union.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

POLITICS

Road to Political Reforms Still Thorny Vanessa Obioha reports that the public lecture on reforming Nigeria by renowned lawyer and activist Muiz Banire (SAN) at Niran Adedokun’s book launch leaves little hope for the country but some stakeholders at the panel discussion argue otherwise

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lot is at stake for Nigeria in the 2023 elections. It is one election that many believe will alter the political landscape either for good or for bad. However, that outcome dependst on the present action of leaders and the people. At least, this much was gleaned from the paper presentation by renowned lawyer and activist Muiz Banire (SAN) at the book launch of lawyer, journalist and PR practitioner Niran Adedokun. Adedokun’s book ‘The Law Is an Ass’ is his third book and a collection of short stories that plumb social ills and the legal system.

The book launch was in commemoration of Adedokun’s 50th birthday.

At the public lecture, Banire tackled the topic ‘Reforming Nigeria: People Vs Structure’. His argument was premised on ideologies behind the emergence of Nigeria as a country and as a people.

Banire traced the current issues facing the country to the amalgamation where he noted that the division of the country into southern and northern protectorates in 1914 was a clear indication of the ethnic divides visible in the country today.

“Whilst the colonisation of the South was done through the missionaries and traders, with the adoption of western education as a potent tool, the colonisation of the North was largely executed through military conquest.

This is the categorisation often referred to as direct and indirect rule.”

He argued that through the lens of history, Nigeria has never been a united race and therefore, continuous conflict will remain a perpetual reality.

“Historically, the North would appear to have been an economically unviable structure in the arrangement, the administrative imperative of which compelled the amalgamation.”

This arrangement, he said, made the promotion of nationalism almost unachievable, as seen in the First Republic.

“From late Awolowo’s perspective, factors such as ‘gross incapacity and utter lack of honesty and comprehension on the part of those who directed and administered the affairs of the Federal Government; abnormal imbalance in the constituent units of the federation; total absence of correct ideological orientation and of courageous and unselfish leadership at all levels of our governmental activities, but more especially so at the federal level; tenacity of office, that is, overpowering an obsessive desire

Banire, Bala-Usman and Peller

on the part of our political leaders to stick indefinitely to public offices by all means, fair or foul’ were responsible for the fall of the First Republic. These failures he attributed to both the deficiency in the Constitution and the human propensities to evil-doing. All these are still very much with us a nation. Suffice to say that the situation, rather than improving, is degenerating vastly by way of the promotion of our diversity.”

However, in addressing the agitations to reform Nigeria, Banire has a pessimistic view on the reality of that agenda. As far as he is concerned, the desire to reform Nigeria will still remain a mirage given the leadership and structural deficits in the country today.

“While virtually all the major challenges, ranging from insecurity, political instability, economic downturn, pathological corruption, etc. would appear to have solutions, the reality that always stares one in the face is the incapacity to advance the ultimate solution, which is the right

leadership. Thus, as the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo put iit, the sources or harbingers of the problems are both human, (people) and structural, (the Constitution). The solution, where feasible, will, therefore, revolve round the reorientation of the people as well as tinkering with the structure.”

Banire argued that good leadership will be dependent on the electoral system because where the electoral system is not corrupt, then the people will be motivated to choose the right leaders. In his perspective, both the leaders and the followers are the necessary change agents.

“The reformation of Nigeria will remain a mirage until the leadership recruitment process of the country is capable of producing leaders that are sincere, focused, visionary and missionary. The present electoral system cannot give birth to such leaders. Thus, as important as the people, in terms of leadership is important, the emergence remains a challenge. The role of the people, as in the followers, will also remain illusory until such time we are able

to make their votes count and full participation actualized.”

The activist didn’t shy away from criticising the National Assembly that has kicked against electronic transmission as suggested by the electoral umpire.

“The latest introduction of the electronic transmission of results is being resisted by the National Assembly for obvious reason of rigging elections. This could have enhanced the result transmission process and save it from manipulations such as forgery and alteration, defacement of result. Victorious candidates are often raped of the results earned at this level of transmission. To worsen the situation, the election petition Tribunals are not that helpful in enthroning electoral justice. Even, the minimum qualification threshold is too low to produce the enigma we are searching for. At the end of the journey, what we witness is garbage in, garbage out. This is the product of the extractive political structure that we have retained in the nation that is making political and economic advancement of the people impossible.”

On voter apathy experienced in the last elections, Banire said over 70 percent of voters who participated in the election are ignorant.

“Those who could not connect their votes to their lives. They don’t know why they are voting, much less knowing the reason they are voting a particular political party or candidate. They often treat their votes as a product for sale and which indeed, in a lot of instances, are/were sold. Apart from this, where they vote voluntarily, they vote on the basis of parochialism dictated by sentiments of nepotism, tribal affiliations, township loyalty or other primordial wishy-washy considerations often aided by desperation to ensure victory for the preferred individual or party.

Hence, at the end of the ballot exercise, not only do the outcomes not reflective of the genuine will of the voters/electorate, they are often torpedoed by sharp practices which enable the incompetent lots to be declared as winners and by implication, the leaders of the people. This type of leaders cannot drive the process of reformation of the country as they are ab initio out there for their selfish reasons of personal aggrandizement and material acquisition.”

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

Jitters Over Yari-Tinubu Ties Ibrahim Madugu attempts to justify the recent visit of former Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, in London

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he visit of former Governor of Zamfara State and State All Progressives Congress (APC) leader to the National Leader of the APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in London has obviously sent jitters to many political camps especially in Zamfara State.

The immediate byproduct of such fear was the bunch of lies from speculators on the purpose of the visit. The biggest of such was the hysteria that the two political heavyweights were working to come up with a new political party that will wrestle power from the APC in 2023.

Ordinarily, one would not pay attention to such mischief except for the concerns that such illusions and nightmares when repeated can deceive the gullible and unsuspecting minds.

Alittle step in the recent engagements of former governor Yari would be enough to demystify the antics of these speculations. In July 2021, after the Eid -el kabir festival, Yari had a consultative meeting with major stakeholders of APC from all the Senatorial Zones of Zamfara State at his hometown of Talata Mafara. The meeting took place in four sessions with all party stalwarts from the 147 wards of the state in attendance. In the last session of the series, former governor Yari made the historical declaration that demonstrated

his political fidelity and acumen.

On a podium with APC constitution in his hand, he declared in unambiguous way to the mammoth gathering that he would never decamp from APC! In his words, “I rather accept a situation of impoverishing and coming back home to tilt the inherited farmland of my father than leave the APC!”.

He continued, “the reason is simple, it is not brave enough nor in our character to leave the house we built”. Yari used the opportunity to narrate the story of how he, as the then Governor of Zamfara State, was among the 11 serving governors of then legacy parties of ANPP, ACN and CPC that came together to form the APC, they later joined hands with the new PDP comprising of five governors and other top political heavy weighs to win the 2015 General Elections.

Party members who were not as close to Yari and especially the new entrants into APC were surprised and taken aback by this declaration, more so, considering all the assurances the new entrants were given by the Abuja politicians that Yari and his group are definitely leaving APC the day after they (the new entrants) decamp from their party to APC. But those close to Yari

were not surprised because they knew how the former governor talks about the foundational roles he played in building the party with relish and the commitment to stand by it, come it rain or shine.

The interesting thing in all the concoctions of lies like the one at hand is that their sources and financiers are easily predictable. After two years of running a government without any direction since 2019, the PDP led government of Zamfara State wanted to cowardly reap where it didn’t sow by decamping to APC through the window. The leading reason to their desperation to come to APC was the genuine political reconciliation that emerged from Governor Yari and Senator Marafa groups among others that left no space for PDP government to imagine victory at poll in 2023 amidst very poor performance.

The basic calculation was that Governor Yari led team will be frustrated out of APC by the forced decamping move. To their surprise, Yari’s commitment to APC even increased by adding the volume of his assistance to cater for the new party members trooping from PDP. This was a great shocker to the mediocre who didn’t

mean well for APC and the State.

Obviously, their biggest shocker was when they see the relevance of Yari in the national matrix of the party waxing with the London visit to the Party Leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among others. Party stakeholders with healthy minds who know the historical antecedents of APC will be surprised that Yari’s visit to Tinubu was a point of mischief.

Pertinent questions such as how far was 2013 that people forget the role played by the two political giants in forming APC? Where were these actors of mischief when Tinubu’s house in Lagos was sieged with armored vehicles and battle-ready army? Remember the poster *”This is not Sambisa Forest. Wrong posting” on the fence of Tinubu’s house on Bourdillon Road in Lagos in protest to the siege. Where were they when Governor Yari hosted the convention in Gusau that saw the formation of APC? Were they even aware that it was Yari who sourced the money to settle ANPP caucus who felt that the merger would not take place until they were paid their investment in building the party?

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

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FEATURES

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

A Boost to the Fight against Sexual Assault Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the recent patronage by The Duchess of Cornwall, conferred on Mirabel Centre, Nigeria's first Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which provides succor and a safe place to survivors, was a huge boost to the hydra headed monster of sexual assault and rape, including those targeted at minors

"I

am delighted to become Patron of the Mirabel Centre in Lagos.

It is a truly trailblazing organisation, supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault as they seek healing and justice. Their vital work means that women need no longer suffer in silence and I am deeply grateful to all Mirabel’s wonderful staff and volunteers."

The above statement was issued by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall after she assumed patronage of Mirabel Centre, a one-stop service center that provides timely and professional services free of charge to survivors of rape and sexual assault.

The Duchess of Cornwall is a member of the British Royal Family by marriage.

Married to the HRH Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne, her charity work varies across several themes including health, literacy, supporting those in need; victims of rape and sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Partnership Milestone After the announcement of the Duchess of Cornwall as Patron of the Mirabel Centre, the UK Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn - Jones, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Mirabel Centre, which according to the centre, marked an important moment for Nigeria's first Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

For Mirabel Centre Ambassador, Queen Ubah, the patronage marks such an important milestone in its history of the centre.

According to her, "the centre has come a long way from being the sole centre in Nigeria providing support services to survivors of rape, to having another centre in the North West, the Nana Khadija Centre.

"As I look back I am truly proud to be associated with such impactful work.

Gender-based violence is an epidemic in our society and it takes the bold and courageous to do something about it.

"The Mirabel Centre is doing its part and it so deserving of the global attention the work is now getting. We all have a responsibility to end gender-based violence in our homes and spaces.

My hope is, that this new patronage opens up the opportunity for more and stronger support of survivors."

In her opening remarks at the occasion, Board Chair, Partnership for Justice, managers of the Mirabel Centre, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, thanked all partners for their support over the years including the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) which has continuously partnered Mirabel Centre in providing support services to survivors of sexual violence.

Leap of Faith For Founder, Mirabel Centre, Itoro Eze-Anaba, it was a leap of faith that established the refuge home eight years ago. According to her, "eight years ago, I took a leap of faith. Despite the challenges and the pressure to change focus, I knew I could not fail that 14 year old girl who told me in 2003 how her father had been raping her since the age of 11. All she needed was someone to believe her, a place where she could tell her story and be treated with dignity.

"It took 10 years to get the funds and on July 1, 2013, Mirabel Centre, the first Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Nigeria, was born. It has been a long journey but Mirabel Centre has shown that it can be done, with the support of dedicated, committed and passionate staff and volunteers.

"The story of Mirabel Centre cannot be told without mentioning the support from Bob Arnot of Justice for All, a programme of DFID and British Council for the confidence and trust in us when others denied us needed funds because setting up such a centre had never been done in Nigeria.

"Our survivors have made it worthwhile.

They are courageously telling their stories, seeking help and breaking barriers! We believe you!!! You are not alone. The Mirabel Centre will continue to provide free professional care and support to survivors of rape and sexual violence irrespective of when the incident happened. That is my pledge!

"It is an honour to welcome HRH The Duchess of Cornwall as our first Patron.

We are pleased that the Duchess has agreed

L-R: Queen Ubah, Mirabel Centre ambassador; Board Chair, Partnership for Justice, managers of the Mirabel Centre, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, the UK Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn - Jones; and Founder, Mirabel Centre, Itoro Eze-Anaba to be our patron. We have followed her work with charities working in the sexual and gender-based violence space and have seen how passionate and committed The Duchess is towards providing support for survivors.

“Indeed, this announcement is timely considering the devastating nature of sexual violence and the increased advocacy for survivor support services which has led to an increase in the number of survivors who require the services of the centre.

"The current COVID-19 pandemic has further revealed the endemic nature of sexual violence. We have seen a huge number of children and women coming forward to report cases of sexual assault and rape. Our youngest survivor is a three-month-old baby and the oldest, an 80-year-old woman. We are confident that the support of The Duchess will make a difference."

UK's Commendation Speaking also, the UK’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing CB said: “I am absolutely delighted that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to become Patron of the Mirabel Centre in Lagos Nigeria.

"In this role, she will help showcase the essential work the Mirabel Centre does to support sufferers of sexual assault and domestic abuse. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has been a long-standing supporter of women who have suffered from these crimes.

Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) is a global epidemic ravaging all levels of society, and one of the most prevalent and devastating human rights violations. " It cuts across all social, national, economic boundaries and, sadly, remains largely unreported due to the stigma and shame too often associated with survivors, and the impunity too often enjoyed by the perpetrators.

“The Mirabel Centre is the first of its kind to provide holistic and high quality psychosocial and medical services to these survivors in Nigeria, and this patronage will no doubt help to ensure safe and continued support to sexual assault survivors, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. This will

Duchess of Cornwall, a Patron of Mirabel Centre

complement the UK Government’s other partnerships in Nigeria to tackle SGBV.” Mirabel Centre Located in a modest two-room building within the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in the heart of the city, Mirabel Centre is currently expanding its residence to make adequate room to serve survivors of sexual violence promptly.

The Mirabel Centre is the first of its kind to provide holistic and high quality psychosocial and medical services to these survivors in Nigeria, and this patronage will no doubt help to ensure safe and continued support to sexual assault survivors, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Founded in July 1, 2013 by Itoro Eze-Anaba, the Mirabel Centre has ensured survivors who have recently or in the past been sexually assaulted can access free post-incident support services at the centre.

In the last eight years, the Mirabel Centre has provided free medical and psychosocial support services to over 6,569 survivors (including persons with disabilities) as the centre provides services to different clients including children, girls, boys and women. The youngest client at the centre is a three-month-old baby and the oldest is an 80-year-old grandma.

Foundation But how did Mirabel Centre start?

According to reports, it all began sometime in 2001 when a young girl in her 20s walked into the office of Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) and reported a case of domestic violence. She was referred to Itoro Eze-Anaba, who was then the Programmes Director and Coordinator of the Women’s Programme.

On realising that there was no law that protected women from domestic violence, she initiated the Domestic Violence Bill project, under which she drafted the first Domestic Violence Bill in Nigeria and engaged in advocacy campaign for its passage into law at the National Assembly and in 12 states in Nigeria.

In the course of campaigning for the

Despite the challenges and the pressure to change focus, I knew I could not fail that 14 year old girl who told me in 2003 how her father had been raping her since the age of 11. All she needed was someone to believe her, a place where she could tell her story and be treated with dignity

passage of this bill into law in 2003, she came across a young girl, a teenager, who told her a story that changed the course of her career. The teenager narrated how her father had been raping her for years, and was asked not to speak about it by her religious leader when she tried to get help. Shocked by the story, she carried out a brief research and discovered that many young girls were being sexually abused in their homes by people known to them.

There was no safe place for reporting or receiving treatment for such abuses in Nigeria.

About the same time, Ms Eze-Anaba was privileged to attend a seminar funded by the British Council in Manchester, UK, on Violence Against Women and one of the side events was a visit to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which provides care and support to survivors of rape and sexual violence.

She came back to Nigeria, determined to open a similar centre in Nigeria. 10 years later, Justice for All (J4A), a project of British Council under the Department for International Development (DFID) provided the funds for the establishment of the Centre. On July 1, 2013, Mirabel Centre, the first Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Nigeria, opened its doors to the public.

Services Offered The centre carries out medical examination and treatment by trained forensic examiners for illness and injuries caused by the assault; counsels (face to face and by telephone) to help cope with emotional and psychological effects of rape; help in reporting the matter to the police; provides information on the legal system; provides referral to other agencies for help not provided by the Centre; and provides pregnancy tests and other tests associated with rape, as well as medication and drugs.

They also refund of clients’ transportation costs to the centre in selected cases; provide change of clothing for some; bears the cost of tests not done provided by the centre and makes referral to other agencies/ organisations for follow up services not available at the centre; provides medical reports for clients on referral from the police which aids in the investigation and subsequent prosecution of perpetrators All these are done by specially trained professionals who underwent an intensive two- week free training on forensic medical examination for sexual abuse victims and were also trained as sexual abuse counselors to provide psycho social support to victims of abuse. These training sessions were carried out by experienced experts from the St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester, UK. They are also equipped with skills to carry out intensive head to toe examination of clients while looking out for injuries while maintaining confidentiality and respecting the clients’ choices.

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FEATURES

The Psychology of BBNaija Explained Olusola Ogunnubi

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he controversial aspect of reality programming stems from its largely unscripted nature, subjecting the events to the participants’ improvisation. Across the world and in Nigeria, several reality TV shows have dominated the airwaves. Nigeria’s creative industry is the leading promoter of Nigeria’s pop culture and values. Reality shows such as Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) serve as excellent platforms to highlight the nation’s peculiarities and these values.

The Big Brother Naija Phenomenon BBNaija, organized by MultiChoice Nigeria, is a reality television show that selects some young Nigerians through auditions. After a rigorous process, they are housed for some time with no access to the outside world. Usually, their only companions are each other and several cameras as they compete for the grand prize. The grand prizes from past seasons have ranged from N25million to N90 million, including cash prizes and gifts from associated sponsors. Other housemates also win some money and endorsements from emerging victorious in the weekly games and tasks.

However, the popular BBNaija reality TV show has always remained controversial, eliciting diverse opinions from Nigerians.

Expectedly, the show has conflicting views among conservatives and supporters.

Opposers of the show say it is ‘immoral’ and portrays values that are ‘un-African.

Protagonists celebrate BBNaija for its entertainment value (Akinlolu and Ogunnubi 2020). Nigerians remain divided about supporting the show’s continuation amidst the clamour for its ban by specific segments of society.

Antagonists claim BBNaija promotes immorality and corrupts the moral values of the viewers. Those who support the show’s continuation argue that BBNaija offers educational, informational, entertainment, economic and social benefits to the housemates, the viewing audience and the nation (Iyorza 2021).

This article does not dwell on the moral values of BBNaija. Instead, the author seeks to understand the psychological impact of BBN on housemates, viewers and the nation.

BBNaija And Its Popularity With Young People The BBNaija reality TV show has gained wide popularity among the youths in Nigeria and Africa, with the youth demographic constituting the vast majority of the region’s population. Young people from African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, have become engrossed with the show and. In most cases, they often participate in the weekly voting for their favourite housemate(s).

Despite criticisms, BBNaija has become successful within and outside of Nigeria, thereby generating a huge viewership and fan base. This is connected to the fact that international viewers are exposed to the Nigerian lifestyle, culture, and general way of life through the weekly activities of the housemates. Hence, the drive for BBNaija transcends its primary role as an entertainment program to being quite educative and informative. While some viewers are focused on entertainment, others seek ways of gaining knowledge on interpersonal relationships, leadership, careers and a host of other areas of life.

Therefore, the show’s relevance depends on the viewer’s intention as it offers a wide array of content. It can be argued that BBNaija, in specific ways, projects an admirable image of Nigeria and Nigerians to African viewers.

Big Brother Naija Helps Viewers Be More Empathetic Apparently, a significant reason viewers love to watch the BBNaija reality show is the empathy it provides. BBNaija mirrors societal behaviours of individuals because it portrays elements of human social

2021 BBNAIJA Shine Your Eye Season winner, Whitemoney with host of the show, Ebuka interactions. Technological advancement and globalization have resulted in a decline in physical interaction.

Therefore, it becomes easier for viewers to develop a mental attraction to reality shows such as BBNaija. This leads individuals to see these celebrities as allies, friends and role models.

According to clinical psychologist Dr Jana Scrivani, reality television shows (such as BBNaija) give us a false sense that we know the people we watch. This sense of personal relationship with ‘housemates’ is amplified with the ‘reality’ label.

Over time, we come to see the folks portrayed on the screen as friends.

We identify with their struggles and triumphs, thereby creating a mental bond with these celebrity individuals (Bhattacharya 2020). While this is not always the case, people are drawn to the show as they recognize certain character traits that they appreciate or admire in these housemates. In most cases, people are drawn to the personality of a housemate whom they feel a connection with based on their attitudes, experiences, charisma, tribe and physical features.

Big Brother Naija Fosters A Sense Of Community In a bid to protect the interest of their favourite housemates, the social media space is filled with daily comments, updates, donations and campaigns for them. Each group of supporters create specific hashtags that they use on social media to solicit votes for their favourite contestants from across the continent. These hashtags often outlive the shows as their supporters continuously engage in banter or rivalry to ensure talks about their favourites dominate the social media platforms.

Big Brother Naija Fosters A Sense Of Hope Viewers fall in love with BBNaija a little more as they watch each ex-housemate create their own success stories spurred by the show. Reiss and Wiltz (2004) concluded that reality shows such as BBNaija help viewers feel important. Seeing ordinary people attain success after the show allows them to fantasize about also gaining celebrity status. The achievements of

former housemates generate confidence in the youths who monitor their progress and growth. It makes them believe that they will also excel if they have the right platform.

BBNaija gives each housemate the platform to display their talents, skills and personality to a broader audience. It opens them to a world of opportunities that are supported by passionate fan bases. This gives them a marketable edge and attracts them to top brands in Nigeria and Africa, often resulting in endorsement deals and other engagements. Hence, every housemate emerges a winner even without winning the grand prize.

Perhaps more people tune into the show because it offers them a temporary escape from the daily struggles of life. The activities in the House constantly keep young people occupied, thereby diverting their attention away from other socio-economic and political situations in the country.

With the unemployment rate and increasing food inflation, BBN offers a coping mechanism for young people to deal with and temporarily escape from these prevailing issues during the show.

Big Brother Naija and the Focus on the Mental State of Housemates The other psychological issue related to BBNaija that is increasingly gaining attention, especially with the current season, is housemates’ mental state.

Several studies have raised concerns over the psychological stress that being locked up for weeks in an enclosed place can have on the mental wellbeing of a person. We saw this concern amplified with the global lockdown that followed the response to the novel Coronavirus that ravaged the entire world in 2020.

In this 2021 season of BBNaija, a housemate quit the House on medical grounds and based on the advice from doctors. This situation, although isolated, highlights the mental issues associated with being in the House, which has not always been addressed.

Thankfully, the quick response from the show’s producers proves that the psychological state of the housemates is not secondary to the show’s entertainment value.

The psychological impact of BBNaija is diverse and dependent on the driving motive of the housemates and viewers for their interest in the show

Big Brother Naija is also a Socioeconomic Driver As a socio-economic driver, several businesses and brands have benefited from sponsoring or placing Ads on BBNaija.

Their participation on the show often result in increased social media engagement and visibility for their brands. According to a report by The Future of Work, a data analytics, consulting and training firm, ‘seven brands had 206,905 Twitter mentions in conversations bordering on the show in 2019. These brands include MunchIt, Oppo, Heritage Bank, Pepsi, Dano and Bet9ja. Of the seven, Bet9ja was said to be the most-talked-about, largely because it was a title sponsor and supplied the hotly contested game coins to the housemates’ (Olapoju 2020). In turn, the increased social media engagement and visibility directly result in more significant revenue for these brands due to increased patronage. It explains why brands like Pepsi, Patricia, Evans Industry, Get Fit, and Bet9ja keep returning to the show as sponsors in varying capacities.

Big Brother Naija also helps reduce Nigeria’s unemployment rate by directly and indirectly engaging the services of the backroom staff. It serves as a platform for many businesses and brands like food supply businesses, fashion designers, drink companies, lounges, and entertainers to reach a wider audience.

Conclusion The psychological impact of BBNaija is diverse and dependent on the driving motive of the housemates and viewers for their interest in the show. Generally, the housemates are driven by the desire to emerge victorious by winning the grand prize. The result of this is constant competition and rivalry between each other. However, the clashes and rivalries among the housemates are purely focused on entertaining the viewers, creating highlights, and ultimately winning the grand prize.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s prevailing political and socio-economic realities have left the youth in dire need of coping mechanisms through the amusement that BBNaija offers. BBNaija serves as a medium of entertainment, social integration, interaction, and relaxation and as a way to learn some tricks about the psychology of survival that housemates adopt while in the BBNaija House. More so, it further reinforces self-belief in the housemates and viewers that given a suitable environment, the achievement of their personal aspiration is possible.

-Olusola Ogunnubi (PHD) writes from the Department of Political Science, Carleton University.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Independent Quality Control Vital to Curbing Building Collapse, Says Ajayi Anthony Oladapo Ajayi, a professional engineer and Principal Operating Officer of Praggschrome Projects Limited, says building collapse will be greatly reduced in the country if independent professionals conduct quality control on buildings. He tells journalists how it can be done

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ell us about yourself Certainly! My name is Anthony Oladapo Ajayi. I am a professional engineer and currently the Principal Operating Officer of Praggschrome Projects Limited. I have more than 20 years of professional experience in civil engineering and active practice in construction management in Nigeria and abroad. I hold a graduate degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in business management. I have extensive professional training in on-site quality control, material testing, site safety, special inspections, building constructions, and personnel management in the United States.

I am a member of the Nigeria Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Nigeria Society of Engineer (NSE), and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Since day one, going the extra mile for every client ensuring structural stability has been my priority. I have worked in the private sector in Nigeria and in the public sector in the United States as a building inspector for numerous construction sites. I have also worked as a plan examiner, reviewing construction plans in their entirety to ensure compliance with requirements and conformance with design standards. My areas of specialization are structural stability, structural detailing, structural design, and forensic engineering. I have abundant knowledge of on-site quality control, assurance, progress inspection, material testing and placement. To avoid severe issues in the long run, no tolerance to negligence is implemented in every task undertaken. It is better to prevent than lament.

There are increasing records of building collapse and project failures in Nigeria.

What do you think are the causes of these problems?

Recently, Nigeria has become a victim of failed infrastructures. Unfortunately, several buildings that have collapsed in different states are avoidable. These mishaps have caused headlines around the globe, prompting the government to take note and brainstorm on ideas that can better the situation. The causes of these collapses can be majorly categorized into four, but all can be attributed to neglect or absence of on-site quality control in initial construction plan. To prevent frequent structural collapse, there are various things that can be done. Nonetheless, it all begins with the implementation of third-party quality control in every aspect of a construction project. Developed countries always implement this type of control, which is why building collapses have been reduced. There are four basic causes of project failures in Nigeria which includes; inadequate structural design, lack of independent onsite quality control, ineffective material placement and inadequate post-construction maintenance.

Elaborate on the services of Praggschrome Projects Limited Praggschrome Projects Limited is a thirdparty onsite quality control, inspection, and assurance company that focuses that construction methods, materials and their placement abide by the stated specifications.

This ensures that the infrastructure remains strong. Over the years, Praggschrome has successfully conducted construction onsite quality control on numerous publics, private, institutions, commercial, residential structures, places of worship, etc.

Pre-Construction Assessment To ensure that an effective project completion is obtained, pre-construction site visit, startup planning and assessment is coordinated with the project owner, sub-contractors, major contractor, and other relevant vendors.

Constructability Examination The Praggschrome team reviews construction

building in question. This type of assessment is non-destructive and is conducted accurately in a timely manner.

Reporting Structural element stages consist of tracking, preparation of comprehensive report, and responsible communication with owner and contractors. Within two days of site visit, material analysis and recommendations, progress evaluations, and inspection reports will be available. We video record important elements of a site and showcase it to project owners.

Having a visual is highly important at times when there are downfalls present.

Final Sign-Off of Project At the end of every project, the Praggschrome team conducts a post-construction analysis and inspection with the contractors and owner to ensure requirements have been met as expected.

Management With the help of our team, your property will be always 100-percent functional. We undertake general operations, maintenance, and services so that project owner and occupants can focus on other tasks related to their core daily business activities.

Ajayi

processes, from start to finish. This is essential for stakeholders to identify any obstacles during construction and aid in preventing or reducing construction issues.

Plan Examination Every design needs to be compliant with regulations, specifications, and applicable codes. The Praggschrome team implements a thorough plan examination to make sure that all requirements are met.

Material Observation and Laboratory Testing The Praggschrome team conducts thorough observation of all materials on job site in every aspect at every phase ensuring compliance with local and international standards. We conduct independent laboratory material tests frequently as required to ensure that the materials meet the stringent quality requirement and evaluation.

Quality Assurance & Control Praggschrome does more than inspecting, testing, and certifying materials for construction in the field. We also focus on job site quality assurance which is the process of confirming that a contractor’s quality requirements are being met and control monitoring system is evaluated.

Quality assurance encompasses the processes and procedures that systematically monitor different aspects of construction.

Through audits and other forms of assessment, Quality assurance encompasses the processes and procedures that systematically monitor different aspects of quality

control. Through audits and other forms of assessment, quality assurance efforts detect and correct problems or variances that fall outside established standards or requirements. We focus extensively on A-Z quality control methods to ensure they’re working as planned.

Safety & Health Praggschrome enforces safety procedures, conducts accident investigation, trains workers, and provides preventive measures to OSHA requirements. This aids everybody involved in the project to be safe throughout the construction period.

Forensic Engineering This type of engineering is categorized into pre-structural failure and poststructural failure. The pre-structural failure is vital for a standing structure that the onsite quality report cannot be provided, or safety guaranteed. Post-structural failure determines the cause of failure and improves overall construction in the future.

The Praggschrome team implements the best principles and standard technology during investigation to resolve matters with adequate solutions.

Current Property Assessment For properties that have been built, purchased, or there is an intention of a purchase, our expert team can aid by conducting a comprehensive inspection for a detailed report to be provided. This report provides homeowner the structural stability and existing condition of the

The international building code expands on the inspections by requiring special inspection by qualified individual or a professional. Our qualified on-site quality control team work along with other professionals to make sure everything is satisfactory as envisioned. We work with the architect and design engineer to ensure everything is compliant with national standard, state regulations, local requirements, and applicable building codes

What is the detailed process of independent quality control services and inform as to why is crucial for it to be implemented in property and infrastructure planning in Nigeria?

The international building code that is recognised as the essential tool to preserve public health and safety that provides safeguards from hazards associated with construction and environments and adopted by many countries of the world provides variety of procedures and criteria for testing materials and assemblies on site. The international building code expands on the inspections by requiring special inspection by qualified individual or a professional. Our qualified on-site quality control team work along with other professionals to make sure everything is satisfactory as envisioned. We work with the architect and design engineer to ensure everything is compliant with national standard, state regulations, local requirements, and applicable building codes. Structural stability is our primary goal. We recommended a complete architectural and structural designs before contractor mobilises to site. We have timely electronic report system that delivers laboratory and site results rapidly to avoid delays with a construction. Reports, which are reviewed by our licensed and professional engineers is expected to be delivered within two days after tests have been conducted. Until results are received of the material tests, no contractor can utilize any material. The final stage of Praggschrome involves inspection and sign-off. It consists of completing punch list items and conducting trainings if required.

A final walkthrough is conducted with the owner. The post-construction report is provided alongside as-built plan so that the owner can be aware of what to do to keep building in perfect shape.

Why do you believe that independent project quality control is the key to solve project failures in Nigeria?

When independent on-site quality control company is engaged, zero tolerance for negligence is reflected. Praggschrome is equipped with a team of professional engineers, specialized inspectors, architects, and qualified safety inspectors who strongly believe in the aforementioned. Therefore, Praggschrome continues to be the go-to option. We have a seasoned management team that is adequately trained abroad and locally with meaningful number of trainings in offsite and onsite quality control, customer relation, and material testing.

LAWYER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

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Ladi Williams, SAN: Exit of a Legal Luminary

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Legal Status of the Rules, Regulations and Guidelines of CBN Page VI

: Exit N A S , s m a li il W i Lad ry a in m u L l a g e L a of

Nigerian Lawyer Appointed to Advisory Council of Canadian Law Society Page VII

QUOTABLES ‘The NJC does several things. You could say that, the NJC has too much on its hands. If you set up a body only for the discipline of Judges, I think that body will go far.’ - Hon. Olabode Rhodes- Vivour JSC, CFR, Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria ‘What is most disconcerting for us, is that the more INEC strives to improve the credibility and transparency of our electoral process, the more extraneous obstacles are put in our way through litigations.’

- Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Election Commission (INEC)

Teenager Sentenced to Death for Stealing Phone, Set free by Court of Appeal Page VII

Oseji JSC Passes On Page VII

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

Beyond Zoning, the President Nigeria Needs

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appy belated 61st Independence Day Nigerians - well, whatever that means; or should it be Sad Independence Day instead, since majority of Nigerians are mostly unhappy, and feel that there isn’t much to celebrate, unless we want to engage in self-delusion. My question to every successive Nigerian Government, be it our Founding Fathers, the Military, NPN (National Party of Nigeria), PDP or APC is - "Nibo Ie gbe Nigeria de?" that is, where have you carried Nigeria to - where have you taken Nigeria to? Where have you reached with Nigeria?

The answer clearly is, you have taken Nigeria to a BAD Place; you have made the country regress to an unimaginable level, one which we could never have envisaged.

Founding Fathers Our Founding Fathers did a better job. In a nutshell, the Regions had started to develop at their own pace. The South had embraced Western education wholeheartedly, especially with the introduction of Free Education by the then Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, SAN (of blessed memory). The Western Region engaged in trade in agricultural products like cocoa; and being surrounded by water gave the South an advantage for export trade. The Eastern Region, apart from being traders, mined coal. Calabar which had the first sea port in Nigeria, was also part of the Eastern Region at the time. The North too was doing fine. They grew millet, sorghum, cowpea, ground nut and sesame for trade and export, and they had the Fulani nomadic pastoralists. Things were looking up. In the 1960s, Nigeria even lent/gave South Korea (SK), then a rural agrarian economy, funds. Today, SK has metamorphosed into a first world country (and SK is not endowed with any mineral resources), while to date, Nigeria has remained a third world country, borrowing and sorrowing.

What Went Wrong?

So, what went wrong? I think the combination of the discovery of oil by Shell BP in Nigeria on January 15, 1956 at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta area, precisely in present-day Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State; and the intervention of the Military in governance, was in my humble opinion, responsible for the truncation of Nigeria’s growth, development and bright future. Unknown to us, it was the beginning of our descent from grace to grass.

The discovery of oil, was both a blessing and a curse. Instead of using our oil revenue to build upon the infrastructure and institutions that our British Colonial Masters had started, those that were already in place were left to rot like the roads and the railways; the money was basically frittered away by the Military with not much to show for it, except maybe for the development of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the new Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and a few other structures; not much infrastructure was put in place.

Nigeria became lazy, depending mostly on oil revenues as her main source of income, corruption which had started on a small scale during the First Republic steadily increased with the Military and blew out of proportion by the time we reached the Fourth Republic. The little armed robbery we had experienced with Dr Ishola Oyenusi (Dr of Armed Robbery) in the 1970s, and Lawrence Anini in the 1980s, gradually began to be on the rise. By the time we got to the era of General Ibrahim Babangida, we had started to experience occasional power cuts.

The Unitary system and sharing of oil revenue among the States, which the Military introduced, worked well enough when the going was good and there was plenty to share, but eventually turned sour partly when those revenues started to dwindle; and now we are faced with cries for Restructuring, and more divisive cries for Secession. Insecurity and kidnapping have become the order of the day in all parts of the country, and Nigeria, once the Giant of Africa, has become the poverty capital of the world!

We now have one of the highest out-of-school children rates in the world, a low standard of education, inadequate health facilities, a high rate of inflation and unemployment; we manufacture little or nothing, food shortages are imminent; agriculture and mining which would have been viable sources of revenue are threatened, since Farmers are no longer able to go to their farms regularly, for fear of violent attacks, either perpetrated by Herders or Bandits, and also kidnapping, which unfortunately has

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

The

Advocate “….. or should it be Sad Independence Day instead, since majority of Nigerians are mostly unhappy, and feel that there isn’t much to celebrate, unless we want to engage in self-delusion” become the new rave in town (Miners too, are under similar threats).

So, what are we really celebrating at 61?

Failure? None of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy set out in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution) have been fulfilled. The Federal Government, just as the Military plucked the lowest hanging fruit - depending mostly on oil revenues to run the country, is using the second lowest hanging fruit - borrowing - and at an alarming rate too - to provide the infrastructure that its predecessors failed and neglected to provide when they had the opportunity to do so. The debt forgiveness that Nigeria secured through the efforts of President Obasanjo is now ancient history, as the country is now swimming in a deep ocean of debt. How will Nigeria repay its loans? How does a country thrive, when it lacks a good measure of security to be able to harness its resources?

Looking at the APC'S three major campaign promises, that is, eradicating insurgency and insecurity, fighting corruption and revamping the economy, it is obvious that if the fight against insecurity and corruption are fought effectively, the issue of the economy will be easier to solve.

Reinforcing Failure and Lack of Accountability My point? While we, the Nigerian people are bothering our pretty little heads on how these challenges should be tackled, Politicians and rulers, who by virtue of their roles in Government are mostly responsible for mess we find ourselves in; who should be more concerned about the dreadful situation Nigeria is in, and be

pre-occupied with proffering viable solutions to save our country, couldn’t care less. They are more concerned with talk of 2023, and which Zone should produce the next President! After plunging Nigerians into deep misery and suffering, the APC and PDP (Twiddledim and Twiddledumb) are more engrossed in how to perpetuate themselves in office - shamelessly crosscarpeting amongst themselves, in a bid to stay relevant. I was mortified when I heard that PDP was complaining that APC is poaching it’s members, by blackmailing them with the EFCC! If they didn’t have skeletons in their cupboards, surely the EFCC would have nothing to blackmail them with! Are these the kind of people we want in office again? Unfortunately, yet again, these two political parties seem to be the main contenders for the Presidency in 2023, unless some miracle happens to bring in a usable third party. Lest I forget, corruption under both political parties, is unprecedented.

So, when I hear some of the names being peddled as 2023 Presidential hopefuls, I wonder. They are old and recycled, and I find it hard to fathom why their names should even be mentioned. I challenge others, including the Youths, to organise themselves, and put forward worthy, capable and unblemished candidates. Definitely, Nigeria has more to offer than these same old people. Why is it that we like to reinforce failure? Should eligibility for office, at least for those who have held one public office or the other in the past, not be based on their previous performance? Even if the candidate is from the private sector, what are his or her achievements there? Why is it that the concept of accountability, is seriously lacking in the Nigerian set up?

(Used with the Permission of Business Day)

Last week, I saw several news clips concerning other countries, in which public officials/ government agencies were held accountable for their undesirable actions - a concept which we have failed to grasp in Nigeria. In Britain, Wayne Couzens, a Police Officer, was given the maximum sentence (usually handed down sparingly), life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, for murdering Sarah Everard. In Nigeria, ‘Super Cop’ DCP Abba Kyari, was cleared by the Panel set up by the Nigeria Police to investigate money laundering charges levelled against him by the American Government, in connection with convicted felon, Hushpuppi’s case, when the reports against him show quite clearly, that he has a case to answer. Former French President, Nicholas Sarkozy, was sentenced to one year house arrest for illegally financing his re-election bid. Again, the American Military have publicly admitted to making a tragic mistake in a drone strike which killed about 10 members of a family, including children, in Afghanistan (even though this admission of guilt isn’t nearly enough - there must be reparations to the family). In Nigeria, the authorities are still trying to cover up the fact that live bullets were used, and a considerable number of Youths were killed during the October 2020 #EndSARS Protest, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. When will Government understand that, without accountability there can be no progress?

Disqualification Technically, Section 137 of the Constitution which sets out the Disqualifications of a Presidential candidate, may not have been proven in a court of law to be applicable to some of the 2023 Presidential hopefuls, though there have been accusations levelled against some of them, from presentation of forged certificates to INEC contrary to Section 137(1)(j), to corruption, which would have consequences by virtue Section 137(1)(d-e) of the Constitution and other criminal laws, if charges were laid against them, and they were convicted.

I suppose Section 137(3) of the Constitution which precludes a person who was sworn in to complete the term for which another was elected as President, from being elected as President for more than one single term, may not be applicable to President Jonathan who completed late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s term, since this occurred in 2010 before this insertion into the Constitution, which came by the Fourth Alteration of Section 137 No. 16 of 2017. The jury is still out on this. While some Lawyers reasonably argue that a law cannot be retrospective, others believe that it is applicable to anyone that is in this situation, because the amendment seeks to avoid a situation where any person stays in office for more than eight years. One would even imagine that, Politicians would ‘take the hint’ from this new provision, especially as President Jonathan’s administration has been fingered as being one of the main reasons for Nigeria being in the horrible position it finds itself today! Apart from the massive corruption in the Jonathan administration, in 2009, the extra-judicial killing of Yusuf Mohammed, the leader of the Boko Haram sect while he was Vice President under President Yar’Adua, is seen to be one of the major accelerants of the insecurity which Nigeria has faced since then.

Conclusion While the argument that the next President should hail from Southern Nigeria cannot be dismissed with the wave of a hand, especially by those from the North who now conveniently and hypocritically say zoning of the Presidency is unconstitutional, after benefiting from the same doctrine not just during the last electoral cycle, but also after President Obasanjo finished his term of office - what is referred to in law as, ‘approbation and reprobation’ - “quod approbo non reprobo” “that which I approve, I cannot disapprove”; as we enter into the next electoral cycle, it is imperative that CAPACITY should be our watchword and main consideration, in choosing a President. We must ‘shine our eyes’ and endeavour to select the right leader who can extricate Nigeria from the seemingly insurmountable, unconquerable dilemma that we presently find ourselves in. This, for right-thinking Nigerians, is the most crucial characteristic that we should be looking for in a Presidential candidate, along with attributes like vibrancy, integrity, vision and focus, unimpeachable ideas, moderation, justness, humility, patriotism; a true Nigerian who is not given to discrimination based on tribe, sex and religion, and one who is endowed strength, vitality and good health.

IV COVER

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams, SAN

Ladi Williams, SAN: Exit of a Legal Luminary The eldest son of late Chief Rotimi Williams QC, SAN, Chief Oladipupo Rotimi-Williams, SAN, joined the saints triumphant in the early hours of Sunday, October 3rd, 2021, as a result of complications due to Covid-19. He was aged 74. The Learned Silk was said to have been fully vaccinated, having taken the two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, before his demise. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, and brother Silk, Chief Mike Ozekhome, pay tribute to the late Chief Ladi Williams, SAN Short Biography

C

hief Oladipupo RotimiWilliams was born on December 1, 1946 to Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams and Beatrice Ola Rotimi Williams.

He attended Children’s Home School, Ibadan (1953), I.D.C. Practicing School, Ibadan (1954-1959). He then proceeded to King’s College, Lagos (1960-1964), and Seven Oaks School, Kent, UK (1965-1967). He studied Law at the University College, London (1968-1971) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1972.

He worked in the Chambers of his Father, Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers, until he set up his own Firm, Chief Ladi

Rotimi-Williams’ Chambers (CLRWC), where he was the Principal/ Founding Partner. Chief Ladi Williams took Silk in 1995; and he and his Father were the first Father and Child to become Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

He was appointed as a member of the Constitutional Drafting Committee in 1988. He was also appointed as a Director of National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), and he served the Corporation during his tenure. His service to other industries saw him on the Board of Corporations such as, UPS/IMNL and Mutual Benefits Assurance.

‘Chief Ladi Williams, SAN Carved a Niche for Himself’ Olumide Akpata I received with shock, news of the sudden death of Chief Ladi Williams, SAN on October 3, 2021. A distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Williams was the son of the revered legal icon, Chief Federick Rotimi Alade Williams QC, SAN, whose towering status in the legal profession remains a reference point to date.

Resquiet in Pacem. Amen.

“Chief Ladi Williams….. was able to carve a niche for himself and to excel in the profession, which ultimately led to his being elevated into the Inner Bar in 1995…..”

He Excelled in the Legal Profession

While Chief Ladi Williams was privileged to have been born to such a renowned father, and to have cut his teeth in the legal profession under his direct tutelage, he was able to carve a niche for himself and to excel in the profession, which ultimately led to his being elevated into the Inner Bar in 1995 when he was conferred with

the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Also on record, are his profound contributions to nation building, as a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee of 1988.

It was Ernest Hemingway who once said: “every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died, that distinguish one man from another”. Chief Ladi Williams, SAN undoubtedly distinguished himself in life, through his contributions to law and national development.

On behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association, I commiserate with his wife, Dr Mrs Williams, his children, and the entire Williams family on the passing of this great man, and I pray that he soul rests peacefully with the Lord. Amen

Olumide Akpata, President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

Chief Oladipupo Williams, SAN: The Shocking Exit of a Good Man

V COVER

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

Ladi Williams, SAN: Exit of a Legal Luminary Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, OFR, Ph.D

Covid-19 Vaccine

The death of Chief Ladi Williams, SAN, has hit me like a thunderbolt from the blues. It was least expected. It is more painful, going by the news that he died from Covid-19 complications, even after being fully vaccinated with the two doses of the vaccine, as medically recommended.

This clearly puts to question, the compulsion that the Federal Government is already flying a kite about, to the effect that all Nigerians must be vaccinated, otherwise, they will be denied certain privileges, such as international travel and access to certain facilities.

It merely shows that, at the end of the day, that Covid-19 has come to stay with us for good, like Malaria, Tuberculosis, Polio, HIV, Asthma and other diseases, but all of which have been greatly controlled and even tamed.

His Death is Painful to Me

Ladi Williams’ death is most painful to me, because here was a very good, hard-working gentleman, who valiantly tried to step into the incredibly large shoes of his late father, Chief FRA Williams QC, SAN ( "Timi the Law"), of " *the* *black* *table* " fame. But, FRA's shoes were actually larger than life, as he was simply an iconic colossus, in a class of his own.

Chief Williams’ Personae

Chief Ladi's unexpected death is also searingly painful because, here was a man given to extraordinary humility. So humble he was, that he literally and figuratively wore humility like his second skin. He was ever so sartorial and gregarious. He was found, either always smiling, or laughing; occasionally with a guffaw. He was simply luminous; incandescent. Chief Ladi simply possessed presence, panache and gravitas.

He had class and carriage. He mixed freely.

Unforgettable Experience

I can recall a particular experience in early 2009, which I will never forget in my life.

Chief Ladi was leading me and other very senior Lawyers, who were not only very senior to me in the legal profession, but were also SANs, in a case before the Federal High Court, Lagos. By that early 2009, I was not even yet a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The case was for the argument of a bail application for Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), who had urged his legal team that he would want me to personally argue his bail application. He based his humble request on my past performances between 2007 and 2008, when I had defended him in some cases in Abuja.

Of course, I had no mouth to speak on this issue, because I was perhaps, the most junior member of the legal team. I could not therefore, dare to bring it up when he expressed his personal desire to me. I told him clearly in unmistakable terms, that in the legal profession, it was not possible for a junior to be heard arguing a matter when his seniors were present. I told him it was simply unthinkable, as it was a legal anathema and unbespoken sacrilege.

I did not know that FFK had also made the same proposal quietly and confidentially, to Chief Ladi Williams. To my utter bewilderment and amazement, when the case was called in court the following day, Chief Ladi Williams stood up, in all his magisterial

Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams, SAN,

gait, and announced himself as leading all the Lawyers who had appeared with him in the bail application.

Then he dropped the clincher. He said, “My Lord, I would pray that you permit our learned friend, Chief Mike Ozekhome, to argue this bail application on our behalf".

Expectedly, some other very Senior Advocates in the team who had appeared in the matter, were visibly livid with rage and disappointment. Chief Ladi merely shrugged his shoulders, and countered that he was merely exercising his privilege as the leader of the team. I was dumbfounded, and greatly humbled. I thanked him and the Judge profusely, for so permitting me, a little fry in the team, to handle the ball application on behalf of the members.

By the grace of Almighty God, I argued the bail application very competently and brilliantly, to the utter joy of FFK, Chief Ladi Williams, SAN, and the presiding Judex, who openly commended me. FFK was admitted to bail on very liberal terms. I was overwhelmed with joy, that I did not disappoint Chief Ladi and FFK who invested so much trust, faith and confidence in me. I recall that I left the court that day very happy, energised and fulfilled.

Chief Ladi’s Bombshell

Then, Chief Ladi was to throw a bigger bombshell later in the day. As I was driving to my then humble abode in Igando, Alimosho, Lagos, near the old toll gate that leads to Ibadan, my phone rang. It was close to the spot where the late Kudirat Abiola was dastardly, gruesomely and horrifically murdered. Behold, it was Chief Ladi

“Chief Ladi….was a man given to extraordinary humility….I regarded him as an 'Ègbòn'…. tapping from his inexhaustible pool of knowledge and wisdom”

Williams on the line. What did he want? He was to tell me words I will never forget in my life.

Frightened, and very gingerly, I said, "Sir, I want to thank you for the privilege and honour you accorded me today, in allowing me handle the matter where legal giants like you and others were physically seated”.

He said he was calling me to tell me something quite different.

I was scared. I wondered what it was, half suspicious he was probably going to say something negative. I prayed silently against such. God, I just wanted to be allowed to savour the joy of the day. Was he going to throw spanners? Why not just leave me alone, I silently moaned, with bated animation. In measured words, Chief Ladi simply said, “Look Mike, I love you and we love you in the legal profession. You make us proud. Your brilliant outing today, could only have been done by two Lawyers I know of.

And do you know the Lawyers ?”, he asked. I said “No, Sir.” He said, “my late father, Chief FRA Willams, SAN, and one young Lawyer called Chief Mike Ozekhome". Gosh! Was I dreaming? I was so shocked at his kind words, that for seconds, I lost my voice. When I eventually gathered myself together, I lavishly thanked him. And he insisted he meant every word of it. I was not only greatly humbled once more, but was fired to do better in the legal profession.

Ever since then, Chief Ladi Williams and myself became close, even if distant in frequent physical interactions. He showed me undeserved love. I regarded him as an 'Ègbòn', a very caring elderly brother, tapping from his inexhaustible pool of knowledge and wisdom. He had depth and breadth of these.

My Pantheon of Heroes

So, Chief Ladi Williams was one Lawyer in Nigeria that I admired and adored. There are some other few Lawyers ( some late, and some still

living (whose names I will not mention here, but, I know they know themselves), that fall into this my pantheon of heroes.

Of course, undoubtedly, everybody knows my close relationship with late Chief Kanmi Ishola-Osobu (People’s Lawyer), with whom I interned throughout my University of Ife days. He first showed me the beauty and fire inherent in legal practice. And, of course, legendary and iconic Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, SAM, with whom I closely worked, and later rose to become the Deputy Head of Chambers in 1985. He fondly called me "Ozekbaba", "mobile dictionary", and "mobile library". These are Lawyers that have made an everlasting positive impact on me and my career. I will never ever forget them in the remaining days of my earthly sojourn. God bless them. Itsee.

Death, Where is thy Sting?

Death is inevitable; but the sting is always very weakened and rendered useless by the simple fact that when we die, we shed our corporal body for the spiritual body; the terrestrial for the celestial. At that stage, we become indestructible. We transmit from life of mortality to life of immortality. In that transition process, death itself is vanquished.

So, Chief Ladi Williams has defeated death, because death is ephemeral. He has shamed death, by leaving death behind with its ugly visage. He has transmuted to eternity. So, death, where is thy avowed sting? You too shall die, and rise no more. But, Chief Ladi will rise again. So, he has roundly defeated you.

That is the wide difference, shameless death!

I believe, in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that God will forgive Chief Ladi his earthly sins, and grant him eternal repose of his kind soul in His warm bosom. There, we shall all meet on resurrection day, and we shall part no more. May God rest Chief Ladi Williams SAN’s beautiful soul. Adieu, Chief. Farewell, the Law. Goodbye, great Ègbòn.

Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, OFR, Ph.D

VI LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

Legal Status of the Rules, Regulations and Guidelines of CBN Facts The Respondent applied for overdraft facilities, from the Appellant. He paid all the principal sums and interest as agreed, and subsequently, renewed the facility. He defaulted in the repayment of the renewed facility, and the debt accrued via interest and charges. Subsequently, the Respondent instituted an action against the Appellant claiming that the interest and charges made by the Appellant on the facilities, were outside the agreed rate and illegal.

He sought, inter alia, a declaration that the said interest and charges were illegal, null and void, and an order of court directing the Appellant to refund the excess charges deducted from his account. He also sought damages for breach of contract.

The Appellant filed its Amended Statement of Defence and Counter-claim, by which it counter-claimed for the sum of N1,729,938.84 as the outstanding indebtedness of the Respondent, as well as pre-judgement and post judgement interest.

The Appellant also sought an order of court, directing the sale of the Respondent’s property pledged as collateral for the facility. At the conclusion of trial, the court delivered judgement in favour of the Appellant, and granted all the reliefs sought in the Counter-claim. Aggrieved, the Respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal which allowed the appeal, set aside the judgement of the trial court Honourable Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji, JSC and dismissed the counter-claim. The Appellant, In the Supreme Court of Nigeria who was dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal, Holden at Abuja lodged a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

On Friday, the 21st day of May, 2021 Issue for Determination In resolving the appeal, the Supreme Court considered the following four issues: Before Their Lordships Amina Adamu Augie 1. Whether Rules, Guidelines and Regulations Uwani Musa Abba Aji made by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are Mohammed Lawal Garba part of the laws which the courts must take judicial Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji notice of.

Emmanuel Akomaye Agim 2. Whether the Respondent’s mere reference Justices, Supreme Court without particulars to CBN Rules, Guidelines SC.508/2015 and Regulation, dispenses with the requirement of the law that documents to be tendered at trial must be specifically pleaded.

Between 3.Whether the Appellant is entitled to judgement on its Counter-claim, based on the evidence it adduced ACCESS BANK PLC APPELLANT to support the Counter-claim at trial.

And 4. Whether the Court of Appeal’s award of general damages against the Appellant is in line with the MR FOLORUNSHO OGBOJA RESPONDENT rules on pleadings, evidence and judicial authorities.

(Trading as Sir Afalo Enterprises) Arguments On the first issue, counsel for the Appellant argued (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji, JSC) that it is only the National Assembly that has the constitutional powers to make laws. He submitted that the Rules, Guidelines and Regulations made by the CBN cannot be regarded as laws made by the National Assembly so as to enable courts take judicial notice of them, and having not pleaded the rate as stipulated by the CBN, the trial court was with particularity by any of the parties in their counsel for the Respondent argued that the right to have discountenanced the CBN Guidelines pleadings, and it must also be relevant to the Appellant had a duty under Section 51 of and Regulations relied on by the Respondent, as it case before the court. He submitted that the the Evidence Act 2011 to further lead credwas in consonance with the decision of the Court Respondent’s pleading was devoid of the ible evidence in support of the statement of of Appeal in CHIDUME OKORO v IKECHI facts and particulars, necessary to make the account tendered through its sole witness, and OKORO (2009) All FWLR (Pt. 489) 480 that CBN Guidelines admissible. Reacting to the ought not to merely tender same as proof of its courts cannot take judicial notice of such Guidelines submission above, counsel for the Respondent claim. He submitted that the Appellant failed and Regulations, without evidence in support. In reiterated that he pleaded facts relating to the to prove its Counterclaim, as the Appellant’s reaction, counsel for the Respondent argued that documents in his pleadings and did specifically sole witness did not provide evidence as to the decision in Chidume’s case (Supra), in fact, make reference to the CBN Monetary Policy how the overall balance in the Respondent’s supported the Respondent’s position that the court that was in force during the contract between statement of account was arrived at, and how ought to take judicial notice of the extant CBN the parties, because it detailed the appropriate the interest rates were calculated.

Guidelines, and when given its literal meaning, the On the fourth issue, counsel for the Appellant guidelines and rates that the Appellant was decision is to the effect that the court is bound to argued that the Court of Appeal wrongly to charge. take judicial notice of the bank rate issued by the With respect to the third issue, counsel for the awarded the Respondent damages of in the CBN in circulars, as long as there is evidence of it.

Appellant submitted that sufficient evidence was sum of N5 million as the alleged damage was He contended that although there was no obligation led to substantiate the Appellant’s Counterclaim, not pleaded, and no evidence was adduced by on the Respondent to specifically plead the bank and the trial court was right to have granted the the Respondent to show what loss or injury rate approved by the CBN, the Respondent pleaded Counterclaim, having regard to the evidence the Respondent sustained as a result of the sufficient facts on the bank rates as approved under of the Appellant’s sole witness which was not Appellant’s action. He submitted that the the CBN Guidelines. impeached during cross-examination. He urged award of damages by the Court of Appeal Arguing the second issue, counsel for the Appellant the Apex Court to set aside the judgement of the is not in line with the law of pleadings and the submitted that for a document to be admissible, Court of Appeal, and restore the decision of the rule in evidence; therefore, the award was a even though it need not be pleaded, facts relating trial court on the Counterclaim. Contrariwise, nullity. He relied on FEDERAL MORTGAGE to such documents must be specifically pleaded FINANCE LTD v HOPE EFFIONG EKPO (2005) All FWLR (Pt. 248) 1669-1670.

Responding to the submission, counsel for the Respondent argued that the grant of general damages is at the discretion of the court, and it flows from the wrong complained of and need not be specifically proved; the Respondent is therefore, not required to prove the award of damages. He contended furthermore that the Court of Appeal considered the claims of the Respondent at the trial court, and believed that the sum of N5million damages flowed from the breach of contract committed by the Appellant when it exerted illegal charges on Respondent’s account, thereby negatively impugning the operation of the account.

“…..the Central Bank of Nigeria has the statutory clout to make Rules, Regulations and Guidelines with regard to monetary policy and control of the banking industry.

The Rules, Regulations and Guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria made pursuant to the Central Bank Act and the BOFIA constitute subsidiary legislation, for which the court shall take judicial notice of within the meaning of Section 122(2) of the Evidence Act 2011….”

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

Resolving the first issue, the court referred to the provisions of Section 122(2) of the Evidence Act, 2011 that the court shall take judicial notice of all laws and enactments and any subsidiary legislation made under them having the force of the law now or previously in force in any part of Nigeria. The court quoted the provisions of Sections 33 and 57 of the BOFIA (as amended) and Section 51 of the CBN Act, which empowers the CBN to make Rules, Regulations and issue Guidelines to any person or institution under its supervision, and held that from these provisions, it is clear that the Central Bank of Nigeria has the statutory clout to make Rules, Regulations and Guidelines with regard to monetary policy and control of the banking industry.

The Rules, Regulations and Guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria made pursuant to the Central Bank Act and the BOFIA constitute subsidiary legislation, for which the court shall take judicial notice of within the meaning of Section 122(2) of the Evidence Act 2011, without any further proof.

On the second issue, the court held that only material facts supporting the admission of a document ought to be pleaded, and not necessarily the document itself. Once sufficient materials in respect of a document are pleaded, it shall be sufficient for the party pleading same to rely on it and tender documents in support of the pleaded facts, even though the document itself is not pleaded. Further to this principle of law referenced, the court held that the Respondent’s Amended Statement of Claim contained enough facts connected with the relevant guidelines of the CBN, and this was sufficient to justify the admission of same in evidence. The Court of Appeal was thus, right to set aside the findings of the trial court by restoring the Guidelines as part of the evidence to be considered in the judgement.

Deciding the third issue, the court held that it is settled beyond doubt that a Counterclaim is an independent action, and the quantum of proof necessary to be attained for the purpose of obtaining judgement in the counterclaim must be the same standard required of the Plaintiff in the main claim. The Counter-Claimant can only succeed on the strength of his case, and not on the weakness of the defence. The court referred to the provision of Section 51 of the Evidence Act 2011 which provides that entries in books of account or electronic records regularly kept in the course of business are admissible evidence, however such statements shall not alone be sufficient evidence to charge any person with liability.

The court held that to merely tender the statement of account as evidence in proof of the debt purportedly owed by the Respondent as interest and charges without demonstrating how the said debt accrued, amounts to dumping a document before the court and expecting it to embark on a voyage of discovery. The Appellant needed to adduce evidence to explain how the figures in the statement of account accrued, and whether it was based on the terms agreed to by the parties. The court relied on FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA v MAMMAN (NIG) LTD (2001) FWLR (Pt. 31) 289.

Regarding the fourth issue, the Apex Court held that although general damages are those which the law implies in every breach of contract and every violation of a legal right, it is nonetheless the duty of the court to apply the legal method of assessment to any qualification, and clearly not to take any pre-estimated determination as if the damages were special and so provided for in the contract. The court referred to SWISS-NIGERIA WOOD INDUSTRIES LTD v BOGO. S (1970) NSCC 235 and ACME BUILDERS LTD v KADUNA STATE WATER BOARD (1999) 2 NWLR (Pt. 590) 288 and held that the Court of Appeal, without engaging in the assessment of damages and without stating whether the amount awarded is for loss of profit and breach of contract or even anticipated profit, erred when it simply awarded general damages in the sum of N5 million, without any basis for the award.

The award could, therefore, not stand, as it would be legally and judicially unjustifiable.

Appeal Allowed in Part.

Representation Tunde Adeoye with T.O. Ajayi and Daniel Ojo for the Appellant.

Prince A.A. Ojopagogo for the Respondent.

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

VII NEWS

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem

Kingsley Jesuorobo

Late Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji, JSC

Nigerian Lawyer Appointed to Advisory Council of Canadian Law Society A Nigerian Lawyer, Kingsley Jesuorobo has been appointed by the Law Society of Ontario as a member of the Advisory Council on Access to Innovation.

The Law Society of Ontario regulates over 57,000 Lawyers and about 10,000 Paralegals in Canada. He is one of the 12 members, that currently constitute the Advisory Council.

He told THIS DAY LAWYER in an exclusive chat that: ‘My excitement over my appointment, is doubled by the fact that the other members of the Advisory Council are exceptionally endowed and accomplished individuals.

‘The role of the Advisory Council on Access to Innovation (A2I) is to help fulfil the Law Society of Ontario’s transformative objective, to

open up law practice in the province to technological innovations.

‘The Advisory Council will play a pivotal role by essentially superintending with the management over the actualisation of this objective, beginning with a pilot stage implementation process.

‘In their congratulatory message to me, the Selection Committee wrote: “We were fortunate to receive a very high number of strong applications, and we felt that your skillset and interest would fit particularly well for the role.”

‘I enthusiastically look forward to working with the other exceptionally endowed members of the Advisory Council, to actualise our mandate.

‘For me, this is a monu-

Oseji JSC Passes On Okehie Tochi

A Justice of the Supreme Court, Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji has died. The Apex Court’s Director, Press and Information, Dr. Festus Akande, said in a statement, that Justice Oseji died in the wee hours of September 28, 2021 after a protracted illness. Akande added that Justice Oseji died at the National Hospital, Abuja where he had been receiving medical attention for some days.

Part of the statement reads: “Hon. Justice Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji who was among the eight Justices of the Supreme Court that were sworn-in on Friday 6th Nov, 2020, died at the National Hospital, Abuja, where he had been receiving medical attention for some days now.

“Justice Oseji who hails from Idumuje Unor in Aniocha North Local Government of Delta State, was born in

Jos, Plateau State on 2nd June, 1954 to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Oseji.

“He attended Nigerian People’s High School, Lagos between 1977 and 1979, and later proceeded to St Patrick’s College, Asaba, Delta State where he completed his Secondary School education in 1980.

“He was admitted into the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1980 and got his LL.B Degree in 1984; he was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

“Justice Oseji had a brief stint working with the Legal Aid Council, before his appointment as Senior Magistrate Grade 1 in the Delta State Judiciary l994.

“He was appointed High Court Judge in Delta State on 9th November, 1998; and was later elevated to the Court of Appeal Bench on 16th July, 2010. He became Supreme Court Justice on Friday 6th November, 2020.”

mental milestone, not only in terms of the uncommon trajectory of my professional career evolution and development, but also in upping the standard and level of participation of members of Canada’s racialised community, in endeavours that are traditionally and characteristically uncharted

by us.

‘It is all the more gratifying for me that my selection as a member of the Advisory Council on Access to Innovation, is coinciding with the beta launch of my Danalix Software (www.danalix.com), an all-in-one, multilingual, web and mobile enterprise software, designed to enable

professionals (including Lawyers, Paralegals and Consultants) and businesses, to efficiently manage their affairs in accordance with regulatory requirements and global best practice standards.’

He is the Founder, Principal and Managing Counsel, Kingsley Jesuorobo

& Associates; Member: Advisory Council on Access to Innovation, Law Society of Ontario; Vice President (North America): African Bar Association; President: Canadian Association of Nigerian Lawyers (2017-2019).

He is called to the Bars of Ontario, Canada and Nigeria.

Teenager Sentenced to Death for Stealing Phone, Set free by Court of Appeal Steve Aya

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, 28th September, 2021 discharged and acquitted a teenager who was sentenced to death by a High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti for stealing a phone.

The teenager, Adeolu Bamiteko along with one Ayobami Ojo were arraigned in Charge No. HAD/15C/2014 before the High Court presided over

by Justice J.O Adeyeye on three counts of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Consequently, on the 30th of June, 2017, Adeolu Bamiteko was sentenced to death by the trial court.

Dissatisfied with the judgement of the Court, Bamiteko through his Lawyer, a human right activist, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, filed a Notice of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/EK/41C/2020 at the Court of Appeal sitting in Ado Ekiti, on the ground that the Prosecution failed to prove its case against Adeolu beyond reasonable doubt.

While arguing the appeal, Ajulo contended among others, that the Prosecution

failed to call the alleged victim as a witness in the case, and the purported confessional statements of the accused persons which were admitted in evidence, were actually recorded in Yoruba Language and translated into English Language; however, the Yoruba version of the statements were not tendered before the court.

He further argued that, there was no admissible or reliable evidence as to where, when and how Exhibit C (the bag allegedly belonging to the accused which contained a locally made pistol, a knife

four mobile phones, a wristwatch, a necklace and a 50 Naira note) was allegedly recovered from the accused.

In a unanimous judgement, the Panel of Justices Coram, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Ali Andenyangtso; Hon. Justice Bilikisu Bello Aliyu, and led

by Hon. Justice Theresa Ngolika Oriji Abadua, agreed with the position of the Appellant’s counsel, and set aside the judgement of the trial court in its entirety and thereafter, discharged and acquitted Adeolu of the offences for which he was charged.

VAT: Appeal Court Grants Lagos’ Request to Join Rivers Suit Okehie Tochi

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has granted an application by Lagos State filed to be joined as an interested party in the suit that stripped the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, of the right to collect

Value Added Tax, VAT. The Appellate Court, in a unanimous decision by a three-man Panel of Justices, last Thursday, held that Lagos State had through its Attorney-General, established that it “has a direct and substantial interest” in the matter.

It, therefore, made an

order, joining Lagos State as the 3rd Respondent in the appeal the FIRS filed to set aside the judgement of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which gave Rivers State the nod to collect VAT revenues within its territory.

The Court of Appeal, in the ruling that was read by the head of thePanel,

Justice Haruna Tsammani, ordered FIRS to serve the AG of Lagos State with all the relevant processes in the appeal.

It adjourned further hearing of the matter to October 7, disclosing that further proceedings in the case would be conducted in Port Harcourt.

Chief Ladi Williams, SAN is Dead The son of late Chief Rotimi Williams QC, SAN, Ladi Rotimi-Williams, SAN has passed on. According to the deceased’s younger brother, Chief Kayode Rotimi-Williams, Ladi Rotimi-Williams died in the early hours of Sunday

from complications due to Covid-19. He was aged 74.

The Learned Silk was said to have been vaccinated, and had also taken the second dose of the vaccine before his demise.

Chief Ladi RotimiWilliams was the Principal/

Founding Partner of Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams’ Chambers. He was appointed as a member of the Constitutional Drafting Committee in 1988. He was also appointed as a Director of National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), and he

served the Corporation during his tenure. His service to other industries has seen him on the Board of Corporations such as UPS/ IMNL and Mutual Benefits Assurance.

He was conferred with Silk in 1995.

VIII

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

IMAGES

O

n Monday, September 27th, 2021, the Lagos State Judiciary commenced its 2021/2022 legal year. Activities to mark the new legal year, commenced with Mosque and Church Services. Here are some of the personalities who attended the Services…. PHOTOS: KOLAWOLE ALLI L-R: Hon. Justices Oyebanji, Adesanya, Coker, Nicol Clay, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Rev Dr Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye, Admin Judge Ikeja, Hon. Justice Ipaye, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, Hon. Justices Obadina and Adebiyi

Cross-section of Judges and the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba cutting the New Legal Year Cake

L-R: Chairman, NBA Lagos, Ikechukwu Uwanna, Hon. Justices Oyeban-Abdullahi and Kazeem Alogba, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN and Hon. Justice Ipaye

L-R: Legal Secretary, Diocese of Lagos, Temitope Toluhi; Deputy Chancellor, Diocese of Lagos, Olumide Sofowora, SAN and Chancellor, Diocese of Lagos, Hon. Justice Dayo Oyebanji

L-R: Hon. Justices Lawal B. Akapo, Adenike Coker and Femi Adeniyi

L-R: Admin Judge Lagos, Hon. Justice Oyekan-Abdullahi, Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheik Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abdu-Nallah, Representative of Lagos State Governor, Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Olanrewaju Elegushi, Lagos CJ, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba and Hon. Justice Opesanwo

L-R: Hon. Justices Ogungbesan, Sonaike, Akinlade and Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN

L-R: Olusegun Fabunmi-Johnson, SAN and Kunle Oyesanya, SAN

L-R: Rt. Rev Dr Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye, Bishop of Awori Diocese, Rt. Rev Akin Atere, Hon. Justices Alakija and Ogunjobi

IX IMAGES

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

L-R: Hon. Justices Sonaike, Adesanya and Akinkugbe with Mrs Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN (left) and Ms Toyin Bashorun, SAN

Cross-section of Magistrates

L-R: Hon. Justices Oyekan-Abdullahi, Kazeem Alogba, Ipaye, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN and Director, LMDC, Mrs Yinka Aroyewun

L-R: Hon. Justice Alogba, Mr Olanrewaju Elegushi and Hon. Justice Dabiri during the Service at the Mosque

L-R: Hon. Justices Okikiolu-Ighile, Harrison, Akinkugbe, Ogunsanya and Savage

Magistrates with Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, Rt Rev Drs Olumakaiye and Atere

Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba inspecting the Guard of Honour

Hon. Justices Buki Adebiyi (left) and Dayo Oyebanji (right) with Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN

L-R: Babajide Oladipo, SAN, Kunle Oyesanya, SAN, and Ade Oyebanji, SAN

X

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY

Integrity and Human Rights Protection in Nigeria Introduction Meaning and Concept of Integrity “Integrity” is the qualification of being honest, and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness.

It is generally a personal choice, to hold oneself to consistent moral and ethical standards. Koehn defined integrity as “the compassionate and receptive work of making the self, whole and enduringly happy, through critically and assiduously separating who we truly are from the false ego”. Integrity has also been described as adhering to what one believes to be right, especially when a price is paid in foregoing immediate gain.

Concept of Integrity A value system's abstraction depth and range of applicable interaction, may also function as significant factors in identifying integrity due to their congruence or lack of congruence with observation. A value system may evolve over time, while retaining integrity, if those who espouse the values account for and resolve inconsistencies. An individual's value system provides a framework, within which the individual acts in ways which are consistent and expected.

Integrity can be seen as the state or condition of having such a framework, and acting congruently within the given framework. In personal ethics, this principle requires that one should not act according to any rule that one would not wish to see universally followed. For example, one should not steal, unless one would want to live in a world in which everyone was a thief.

The concept of integrity implies a wholeness, a comprehensive corpus of beliefs, often referred to as a worldview. This concept of wholeness emphasises honesty and authenticity, requiring that one acts at all times in accordance with the individual's chosen worldview.

Integrity, is one of the top attributes of a great leader. It is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes. It connotes a deep commitment to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances. Choosing the right, regardless of the consequence, is the hallmark of integrity.

Leaders without integrity cannot be trusted by their colleagues or the public, and inevitably, that will lead to problems.

In the protection of human rights, it is of great importance that leadership of the country is trustworthy. They must apply the Constitution and laws dealing with human rights and civil liberties, as they have voluntarily sworn to. To this end, Muel Kaptein opines that integrity starts with what politicians should know and what their position entails, since integrity demands knowledge and compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the written and unwritten rules. So by ‘leading with integrity’, we are talking about behaviours in the leader that seek to yield the most moral outcomes, even when there is a cost (however short-term), to the leader, as a result.

What are Human Rights?

Human rights are moral principles or norms, which describe certain standards of human behaviour, and are regularly protected as legal rights in municipal and international law. They are commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights "to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being", and which are "inherent in all human beings" regardless of their nation, location, language, religion, ethnic origin or any other status. They are applicable everywhere and at every time, in the sense of being universal, and they are egalitarian in the sense of being the same for everyone. They require empathy and the rule of law, and impose an obligation on persons to respect the human rights of others. They should not be taken away, except as a result of due process based on specific circumstances; for example, human rights may include freedom from unlawful imprisonment, torture, and execution.

Historical Sources of Human Rights Historical sources for human rights can be traced to past documents, particularly the Constitution of

Medina (622), Al-Risalah al-Huquq (659-713), Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789), and the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution (1791). Early philosophical sources of the idea of human rights include Francisco Suarez, Hugo Grotius, Samuel Pufendorf, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant. The idea of human rights suggests that, "if the public discourse of peacetime global society can be said to have a common moral language, it is that of human rights”. Many of the basic ideas that animated the human rights movement developed in the aftermath of the Second World War and the atrocities of the Holocaust, culminating in the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paris by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, partly in response to the atrocities of World War II. It is generally viewed as the preeminent statement of international rights, and has been identified as being a culmination of centuries of thinking along both secular and religious lines. Although the UDHR is a non-binding resolution, it is now considered by some to have acquired the force of international customary law, which may be invoked in appropriate circumstances by national and other tribunals. The UDHR urges member nations to promote a number of human, civil, economic and social rights, asserting these rights as part of the "foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world". The declaration was the first international legal effort to limit the behaviour of States, and press upon them duties to their citizens.

The UDHR has served as a template for subsequent human rights instruments, and has had a positive impact on the legal, political, and cultural evolutions of nations and remains the mirror by which “every individual and every organ of society” reflects on human rights. Since the adoption and promulgation of the UDHR 1948, the United Nations has not wavered in its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. This explains the subsequent numerous resolutions, declarations and conventions which have been passed in the area of human rights.

Africa In Africa for instance, except for Tanzania, where reference to human rights is to be found in the preamble to the Constitution,

“What can be done to safeguard human rights, when those in power are responsible for human rights violations? This is where the importance of integrity, cannot be over-emphasised”

and Malawi, where human rights provisions embodied in substantive provisions of the Independence Constitution were replaced by generalised references to human rights in the “Fundamental Principles of Government” section on the adoption of the Republican Constitution of 1966, most African Constitutions include in their substantive sections, provisions for human rights.

Nigeria In Nigerian Constitutions, beginning from the post-independence Constitution, due attention has always been given to the issue of human rights. In the 1960 independence Constitution, 1963 Republican Constitution, and 1979 Constitution, provisions were made for human rights protection. Further, in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), two Chapters, spanning 26 sections are devoted to human rights subject. The need for constitutional provisions for human rights cannot be over-emphasised, because, it is the State, with its various institutions which is primarily responsible for guaranteeing the implementation and enforcement of these rights in respect of its citizens, and all those coming under its jurisdiction.

Integrity and Protection of Human Rights To protect human rights, is to ensure that people receive some degree of decent, humane treatment. Responsibility to protect human rights, resides first and foremost with the States themselves. However, in many cases, public authorities and government officials institute policies that violate basic human rights. Such abuses of power by political leaders and State authorities, have devastating effects. What can be done to safeguard human rights, when those in power are responsible for human rights violations? This is where the importance of integrity, cannot be over-emphasised.

The Copenhagen Documenta For instance, the 1990 Copenhagen Document of the CSCE spells out in detail, what internal compliance and integrity in human rights protection may require, inter alia: • Free elections that will be held at reasonable intervals by secret ballot or by equivalent free voting procedure, under conditions which ensure in practice, the free expression of the opinion of the electors in the choice of their representatives; • A form of government that is representative in character, in which the executive is accountable to the elected legislature or the electorate; • The duty of the government and public authorities to comply with the Constitution, and to act in a manner consistent with law; • The activity of the government and the administration as well as that of the judiciary will be exercised in accordance with the system established by law; respect for that system must be ensured; • Human rights and fundamental freedoms

will be guaranteed by law and in accordance with their obligations under international law; • All persons are equal before the law and are entitled, without any discrimination, to the equal protection of the law; the law will prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground; • Everyone will have an effective means of redress against administrative decisions, so as to guarantee respect for fundamental rights and ensure legal integrity; • Administrative decisions against a person must be fully justifiable, and must as a rule indicate the usual remedies available; and • The independence of Judges and the impartial operation of the public judicial service, will be ensured. Principles of fair trial are guaranteed and access to justice, to effective remedies, is secured.

Furthermore, to comply with human rights obligations, a State must establish foundations for the rule of law in which the following institutions must be guaranteed: • A legislative institution, which represents the will of the people, and is chosen by free elections held at reasonable intervals under conditions which ensure in practice, the free expression of the opinion of the electors in the choice of their representatives.

The legislative body should legislate in compliance with international human rights commitments.

• A judiciary that protects the human rights of individuals and groups against arbitrary legislative power, and guarantees effective remedies and fair trial.

• An executive branch that does not abuse discretionary power, and seeks to promote the enjoyment of human rights by all under its jurisdiction.

This is in line with the doctrine of Separation of Powers as espoused Philosophers and Jurists such as Aristotle, Saint Augustine, John Calvin, Hans Kelsen, John Locke, A.V. Dicey, and of which the foremost proponent is the French Jurist, Baron de Montesquieu. Montesquieu, argued in the Spirit of Law, that the division between the executive (the monarch) and the legislature (parliament), which itself was divided between the House of Lords (the aristocracy) and the House of Commons (the people) should, in theory, help to secure the integrity of the institutions, prevent a concentration of power and promote liberty, because the making and enforcing of laws are separated and inexpedient laws or dangerous actions are prevented.

Conclusion In the protection of human rights by any form of government, integrity is a sine qua non. Leaders must imbibe the tenets of integrity, in the application of the Constitution, laws and rules. A Leader must understand and appreciate the fact that every human being reserves a great level of autonomy, which should not be tampered with in furtherance of selfish aggrandisement. Where leaders of a country pay lip service to the issue of human rights, there is bound to be a certain re-enactment of the deeds and acts of Emperor Nero, who fiddled while Rome crumbled in flames.

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

S E P T E M B E R

S & P INDEX

2 7 , 2 0 2 1

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

14.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

565.29%

1/4 TO DATE

6.06%

N412.08/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

14.50%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.11%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.66%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.41%

With Less Production, Ratio of Nigerians Per Barrel of Oil Increases from 79 to 118

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja In real terms, Nigeria is on the average, producing less crude oil than it pumped in some selected years in the 80s and 90s, data released by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

has revealed.

According to information contained in the newly released Annual Statistical Bulletin (ASB), between 1980 and 1986, the country produced on the average 1.3 million barrels of crude oil per day.

An analysis of the figures

showed that with an estimated population of roughly 213.40 million people, according to the OPEC data, barrel of oil per population now stands at 118 to one barrel.

Compared to the World Bank estimated 119 million in 1990, when the country produced

between 1.5 million barrels and 1.85 million barrels, about 79 Nigerians were entitled to a barrel of oil crude, meaning that the standard of living is lower now if purely based on oil production.

A breakdown of selected years indicated that put side

by side Nigeria’s current production allocation of 1.579 million barrels per day, which the country has even recently failed to meet, leaving a deficit of 114,000 barrels unproduced, in July, the 80s and 90s held a more robust period for the country’s oil industry.

In 1989, Nigeria produced 1.501 million barrels, while in 1990 it increased to 1.6 million barrels, it was 1.840 million barrels in 1991 and 1.751 million barrels in 1992 Continued on page 26

AfDB to Equip 40m Farmers with Modern, Climate Resilient Technologies by 2026 Gilbert Ekugbe The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced plans to reach over 40 million farmers with modern and climate resilient technologies in the next five years.

According to the multilat-

eral financial institution, its Feed Africa Strategy through its Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme has so far provided 11 million farmers across 29 African countries with proven agricultural technologies for food security.

The AfDB maintained that

food production has expanded by 12 million metric tonnes while saving $814 million worth of food imports.

The President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, stated this at the United Nations Food Systems Summit.

Earlier in the year at a meet-

FOOD NAME OF COMMODITY

MAIZE

LOCATION

PRICE

100KG JIGAWA

N9000

100KG ENUGU

N24000

100KG DELTA

N15000

100KG

ABIA

N14000

50KG

LAGOS

N13500

SIZE

ing on food security in Africa organised by AfDB and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), 19 African Heads of States had called for the establishment of a facility for financing food security and nutrition in Africa.

“The facility for financing food security and nutrition in

COMMODITIES

PRICE

Africa should be capitalised with at least $ 1 billion per year,” Adesina said.

Decrying the 246 million people in Africa who go to bed daily without food and the continent’s 59 million stunted children as “morally and socially unacceptable,” Adesina said delivering food security for

T O D AY

Africa at greater scale called for prioritising technologies, climate and financing.

He added that the $33 billion per year required to free the world of hunger, is just 0.12 per cent of $27 trillion that the world Continued on page 26

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS FOOD

NAME OF COMMODITY

PALM OIL

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

25CL LAGOS N20,000-N25000 25CL

PH

NAME OF COMMODITY

RICE

COMMODITIES SIZE

50KG

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

IMO

N21,000–N24,500

25CL

EDO

N17,000–N20,000

PRICE

100KG ABUJA N23,000–N25,000 50KG

N21,000-24,000

STATE

OYO

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

COCOA

N22,000-N25,000

LAGOS N23,000–N26,500

50KG

EDO

PRICE

N740,000

EDO

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

ONIONS

100KG

IBADAN

N25,000

100KG

KANO

N10,000

100KG

BENUE

N27,000

100KG GOMBE

N12,000

100KG DELTA

N21,000

100KG LAGOS

N25,000

100KG ENUGU

N15,000

100KG

N29,000

N730,000 – N750,000 N720,000 – N740,000

CROSS N700,000 1 TON RIVER – N720,000

50KG SOKOTO N11,500–N13,000

N19500- N25000

STATE

1 TON ONDO – N760,000

1 TON

50KG RIVERS N23,000–N26,500

25CL ABUJA

SIZE

1 TON OSUN

PLATEAU N23,500-N25,000 (JOS)

50KG KWARA N24,000–N27,000 50KG

T O D AY

1 TON

N17,000–N20,000

AKURE SOUTH, ONDO

N730,000 — N755,000

ABIA

European Union Announces Extension of €48m Electricity Sector Intervention in Nigeria Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The European Union (EU) in collaboration with Germany’s Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has announced the extension of its €48 million investment in the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) till next year.

With the extension, the EU has granted an additional €15 million funding to the initial €20 million dedicated to supporting the Nigerian renewable energy

sector while the total funding for the programme now comprises €35million, from the EU, while €13 million is from the German government.

Speaking at an event in Abuja, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms Cecile Tassin-Pelzer disclosed that the programme marks a notable example of how efficient cooperation between Nigeria and the EU.

The NESP is a technical assistance programme, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power (FMP).

The EU and the German government have now agreed to extend the second phase of the NESP until November 2022 for the EU contribution and until May 2023 for the BMZ

contribution.

But beside revving up renewable energy and energy efficiency, the initiative currently going on in about 22 states in the country, has been largely hampered by insecurity in parts of the country, especially in the north.

“The programme is a notable example of efficient cooperation among the EU and the Nigerian partners, bringing tangible results to the country,” Tassin-Pelzer noted.

She pointed out that the initiative was aimed at ensuring that the potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency is utilised in the country, adding that the programme support Nigerian government in developing sustainable energy policies and regulatory instruments.

According to her, these areas include mini-grid regulations, the national renewable energy and energy efficiency policy, and the building energy efficiency code.

In the second phase, she disclosed that attention shifted from framework support to implementation, which heralded the mini-grid acceleration scheme and the interconnected mini-grid acceleration scheme.

Also speaking, Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ina Hommers, said over 3,000 settlements and 2.6 million buildings had been remotely mapped, with over 50,000 kilometres of electricity grid tracked across 22 states of Nigeria

Lagos, Kogi, Others to Benefit from World Bank’s Agro Processing, Productivity Project Gilbert Ekugbe The Presidency has stated that six states would benefit from the agro processing, productivity, enhancement and livelihood improvement support project of the World Bank.

The Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu, in a statement, disclosed that under the external borrowing plan worth $4 billion to be sourced from multilateral institutions, the states to benefit from the project include Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Cross River, Enugu, and Lagos under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) as the implementing ministry.

According to the Presidency, the major objective of the agro-processing project was to enhance the agricultural productivity of small and medium-scale farmers and to improve value addition along priority value chains in the participating states.

The statement revealed that no fewer than 29 states

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)

would also benefit from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Arid Zone Landscape project.

The Agro-Climatic Resilience Project is expected to reduce natural resource management conflicts in dry and semi-arid ecosystems in Nigeria.

To be co-financed by the World Bank and European Investment Bank (EIB), the states to benefit have been listed as Akwa Ibom, Borno, Oyo, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Edo, Plateau, Abia, Nasarawa, Delta, Niger, Gombe, Imo, Enugu, Kogi,

Anambra, Niger, Ebonyi, Cross River, Ondo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Benue, Yobe and Kwara.

“The World Bank is also funding the Livestock Productivity and Resilience project in no fewer than 19 states and the

Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” the statement read in part.

On its part, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) would finance the Value Chain Development Programme to be implemented in Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi,

Niger, Ogun, Taraba, Nasarawa, Enugu, and Kogi States.

The Value Chain Development Programme is projected to empower 100,000 farmers, including over 6,000 and 3,000 processors and traders, respectively.

Warri-Itakpe: FG Tasks Investors to Establish Logistics Value Chain Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government has called on private investors to cache in on the enabling environment created by the opening up of Warri-Itakpe rail corridor to establish logisitics and other businesses.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, made the call when she embarked

on a fact-finding tour of the Warri-Itakpe rail line following reports of logistics shortfall and poor service delivery along the corridor.

She also invited those in the hospitality industry to set up hotels and guest houses at all the rail stations, saying: “We are trying to get private investors to at least build hotels in virtually all our stations. So, if for any reason people come in late, they can check into those hotels. Those who want to

catch the early trains can also spend the night there and, in the morning, they board their train to their destination.”

Ajani, while admitting to the lack of such amenities stated that Government can’t do everything but: “we are trying to see, to make sure that private individuals can come in and partner with us and build these hotels at the stations.”

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary called on the

leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, to constitute themselves properly and set up motor parks where passengers can conveniently get vehicles to their destinations on disembarking from the train.

This aspect too, she disclosed is talk-in -progress as she had earlier during the 16th National Council on Transportation held in Kano met with the Union’s leadership on how to drive

the initiative.

At the Dr. Olushola Saraki, Train Station, Ajaokuta in Kogi State, the youths of the community informed the Permanent Secretary that they have constituted a vigilante group to protect railway infrastructure from vandals.

In the light of that, they appealed to her for assistance as it is from their meagre means that this effort is being sustained. Ajani applauded their efforts

while calling on them to sustain it .

She expressed regret over her inability to help them as there is no immediate budgetary provision for such venture.

She, however assured that the Nigeria Railway Corporation has a similar proposal, promising that when it gets approval, those qualified would be first in the line of consideration ahead of others.

WITH LESS PRODUCTION, RATIO OF NIGERIANS PER BARREL OF OIL INCREASES FROM 79 TO 118 and in the first quarter of 1993 it fell slightly to 1.857 million barrels.

In 1998 it increased to 2.0 million barrels, and was 2.1 million barrels in the last quarter of 2000 as it continued to average over 2 million throughout the decade.

But the production figures have been falling since 2019 hitting 1.7 million barrels on the average in that year and 2020 and falling to 1.5 million barrels in the first half of 2021,

before slightly increasing to 1.579 million in July.

According to the data, the value of Nigeria’s petroleum exports was $27 billion for 2020 with proven crude oil reserves of 36.91 barrels, while export of petroleum products was zero, since the country did not export any finished products.

In addition, OPEC data stated that Nigeria’s total export value decreased by almost half in 2020, down to

$37.984 billion from $67.481 billion in 2019.

In comparison, the total export value was $37.301 billion in 2016, $49.492 billon in 2017 and $65.357 billion in 2018, even as 2020 recorded a drop of 543 million barrels in the crude oil reserves of the country.

According to OPEC, Nigeria’s oil reserves reduced from 37,453 billion barrels in 2016 to 36,910 billion barrels in 2020, in comparison with 2017 when

it was 37.453 billion barrels and 2018 when it dropped to 36.972 billion barrels and 36.890 billion barrels in 2019.

While oil rigs in 2017, 2018 and 2019 were 13, 32 and 17 respectively, the number of oil wells that were completed in Nigeria moved up from 76 in 2016 to 81 in 2020 in addition to the completion of 76, 81 and 100 oil wells in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.

In terms of daily crude oil production, in 2020, it was

1.486 million barrels per day, 1.43 million barrels per day in 2016 and 1.54mbpd in 2017, while the average daily crude oil production in the country increased in 2018 and 2019, recording 1.6mbpd and 1.74mbpd in the two years.

The contribution of crude oil to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has also been falling consistently, hitting a low of 10 per cent on the average in the last number of years.

AFDB TO EQUIP 40M FARMERS WITH MODERN, CLIMATE RESILIENT TECHNOLOGIES BY 2026 has deployed as stimulus to address the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing optimism that zero hunger would be achieved in Africa by 2030.

Convener and UN Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres, said the event is billed by its organisers as, “a historic opportunity to empower all people to leverage the power of food

systems to drive the world’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and get the world back on track to achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.”

The summit brought together thousands of youths, food producers, members of civil society, researchers, the private sector, women and indigenous people,

all of whom are participating both physically and virtually in the summit.

It is taking place on the sidelines of the 76th UN General Assembly in New York.

In his opening address, Guterres said the participants represented “energy, ideas and the willingness to create new partnerships,” and was a

time to celebrate the dignity of those who produce and create the world’s food.

The welfare of the 70 per cent of Africa’s population working in agriculture and agribusiness is a barometer of the state of the continent’s health.

“If they aren’t doing well, then Africa isn’t doing well,” Rwandan president Paul Kagame said in a

message at the official opening.

The many other heads of state and government who spoke on Thursday included, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Jacinda Arden of New Zealand.

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BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Realising Local Manufacturing of Vaccines Stakeholders in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry share their views on how to make the National Vaccines Policy sustainable, Dike Onwuamaeze, writes

N

igeria is set to reap from the unintended consequence of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic disease, which chartered global socio-economic lives in the whole of 2020 and still ravaging on.

Woken by the devastation the pandemic wrecked on its national life and its exposure of the weaknesses in the country’s health sector, the federal government launched the Nigeria Vaccine Policy (NVP) last week on Thursday, September 30. It is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The policy was meant to encourage the manufacture of vaccines in Nigeria and enhance access to the use of vaccines for protection of its citizens from infectious diseases.

Speaking at the launch of the maiden edition of the NVP, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, declared that the policy would create a supportive environment for access and use of vaccines as well as setting the requirements and mandates for protection of citizens from internal and external harm.

Ehanire observed that there is need to resuscitate the local production of vaccines and intensify research and development along the same line.

The federal government, in furtherance of this objective, had a partnership with May and Baker Pharmaceutical, that established the Biovaccine Nigeria Limited (BNL) to encourage local vaccine manufacturing.

In addition, the unveiling of the NVP would enable prospective domestic manufacturers to use appropriate technologies in modern vaccines production to boost local production of vaccines in Nigeria and make vaccines available to Nigerians and the entire West Africa.

He said: “A NVP will reflect new realities and trends, including the provisions enumerated in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Health Act 2014, National Health Policy 2016 and PHC Under One Roof (PHCUOR).

This will further ensure the development of strategies that will respond adequately to global health trends for emerging diseases and pandemic that impact on the Nigerian health system.

“Most importantly, the ongoing global efforts to develop COVID-19 vaccines further provide a strong justification for enacting a NVP in the interest of achieving vaccine security in Nigeria,” He asked the governing council of the BNL to mobilise resources from governments across all levels, individuals, the international communities, donor agencies.

Ehanire noted that the launch of the third edition of the national drug policy came on the heel overall Health Sector Reform (HSR) Programme (HSRP) of the federal government.

According to him, “no matter how vibrant a health policy, without availability of good quality and affordable medicines, that policy will be sterile.”

He said the government has also taken a number of pragmatic steps towards boosting the local capacity for the manufacture of essential medicines “to ensure that the local pharmaceutical industry becomes a major actor in providing good quality essential medicines

for our health care programmes.

“It is my earnest hope that the launch of the third edition of the National Drug Policy will further increase the vibrancy of the pharmaceutical sector for the overall improvement of people’s health,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, Mahmuda Mamman, said a NVP was required to achieve an effective manufacture, storage, importation and distribution of safe, effective and good quality vaccines to the end users, adding that countries needed to have strong mechanisms that would enable informed decision-making about immunisation priorities and the introduction of new programme strategies, vaccines and technologies.

The declaration of the NVP resonated with the conversion a day earlier by the country’s eggheads in the pharmaceutical sub-sector under the theme “Enhancing Local Manufacturing of Medicine and Vaccines,” which was organised by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) as part of its build-up to its NESG27 Conference titled “Securing Our Future: The Fierce Urgency of Now.” According to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, who was represented by an Investment and Agribusiness Advisor, Ms. Judy Melifonwu, at the NESG’s event, said that self-sufficiency in the local production in medicines and vaccines would undoubtedly go a long way in preserving lives of Nigerians.

Adebayo observed that the current COVID-19 pandemic has created a global vaccines production race that some countries and companies have taken advantage and made billions of dollars from the production of vaccines. It has also forced countries to examine how self-sufficient they are in the development of medicines by amplifying the vulnerabilities of the health sector.

He said that Nigeria should analyse where it stands and “what we need to do to take us where we need to be. Nigeria as the largest market in Africa always has the potential to emerge a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa.

Yet, we are able to meet only 30 percent of our demand for pharmaceutical products through domestic production, which leaves a significant gap being met through importation.

The local pharmaceutical manufacturers are currently subdued by high cost of production, low uptake by consumers and the importation of low cost sub-standard syringes and needles.

Adebayo said: “The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has worked extensively with the Ministry of Health and various industry players, key stakeholders to develop a national industrial policy on medical devices. This calls for high import duties on raw materials and machineries, high interest rate on credit and also the importation of sub-standard syringes and needles into the country. Our aim is to ensure

Nigeria produces good quality, affordable and accessible medical devices and create jobs for skilled young Nigerians.

For the Founder and Managing Director of the Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, there is no other path for sustainability than local manufacturing “because there will be times like this as we have now with the pandemic when every country will have to protect its own. I am not surprised with the so called vaccine nationalism and other therapeutic agents for the management of COVID-19. Every country is affected and impacted and the primary loyalty of any leader is to his people.”

He identified the absence of clear headed and targeted policy by the government to protect the pharmaceutical industry as the major issue hindering the expansion of access and availability of vaccines and drugs in Nigeria.

“Any country that cannot manufacture on a sustainable basis the drugs it consumes is in the process of being consumed in times of crisis and war. Nigeria unfortunately is facing this reality at the moment. We have not had clear headed and focused policies to address how to make drug manufacturing sustainable in Nigeria.”

The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, said that policy on health care provision from manufacturing to distribution should be matched by consistent action by avoiding policy inconsistency that move the country a step forward and two steps backward.

Ohuabunwa said that the COVID-19 shock has woken Nigeria to begin to take actions.

“But it is an all emergency actions and soon we will go back to our ways.”

He said that the viability of manufacturing vaccines in the country would be affected by the limited customer base for the product as vaccines were not sold in the open market.

Ohuabunwa also warned that the government should avoid the policy summersault that ruined the country’s past attempt to manufacture HIV drugs in the country.

“We want to be sure that our governments are ready to buy our vaccines. Because we have had cases where we were told to make HIV products but government made its purchases from multilateral agencies. That frustrated those who invested money in the HIV products. I hope it won’t happen in vaccines down the road. There must be holistic policies that see the end from the beginning so that we can sequence what we can do at each stage. We need to speed up FX allocation and customs clearance,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of May and Baker Plc (M&B), Mr. Patrick Ajah, who was represented by Mr. Everest Okeakpu, said that a lot is happening in the vaccines manufacturing in the country through the establishment of the BNL, a joint venture between the federal government

and the M&B. Ajah said that his firm’s strategies to address the issue of local manufacture of vaccines in Nigeria were based on five cardinal pillars, which include infrastructure for capacity building for local manufacture of essential vaccines.

The second strategy is putting in place infrastructure for the manufacture of vaccines critical to the West African region. “Of course, when you are able to manufacture the traditional vaccines, the skills you learn from it will now be translated to begin to address those challenges that are peculiar to Nigeria. For instance, every year we have the Lassa fever outbreak and a couple of them that are vaccines preventable diseases. Because of the shortfall of the capacity to be able to do this locally we have not been able to address this challenge that is peculiarly ours. And no big foreign pharmaceutical will invest money there unless Nigerians,” he said.

The third strategy is to have institutions that would address the issue of vaccine hesitancy in the country.

He argued that the effective way to address vaccines hesitancy is to have them manufactured locally.

The last of its strategy is training and capacity development for the people who will carry on this dream.

“There is need for collaboration among all stakeholders in identifying implementable actions, finance and timelines to competitively produce Nigerian vaccines.

“The critical success factors are basically technology partnerships that is needed to begin to manufacture vaccines locally.

“We need infrastructural requirements and enabling ecosystem. Policy thrust should support these efforts.

It should address issue of market access and some incentive for technology transfer. There is need to look at the regulatory environment. The NAFDAC and customs should not feel that they are solely revenue making agencies of government.

“Also is funding and grants in the right currency, particularly at “these initial stages where you are required to procure equipment that are not manufactured locally.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK), Mr. Kunle Oyelana, said that collaboration between local manufacturers and multinational pharmaceuticals is needed to make a success of the NVP in terms of building their capacity to produce quality exportable products.

“The priorities should be how we should formalise these partnerships and collaborations with the global players in order to bring global best practices into Nigeria for the local manufacturers. This has begun to happen. One of the things that are needed is a framework around the collaboration for in-country manufacturing. The pharmaceutical industry should be prioritised for foreign exchange because we are dealing with products that save life every day.

“I am also conscious that the AfCFTA is quite at the door. So, it is important that this collaboration should happen so that the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria can take the advantage,” he said.

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Omolayole: Investments in Agriculture, Infrastructure Vital for Economic Growth Life Patron of AIESEC Alumni Nigeria, Dr. Michael Omolayole, speaks with Ugo Aliogo and Shalom Uzochukwu about new development in AIESEC, and the Omolayole Management Lecture Series. He also shed lights on policy interventions to promote economic growth. Excerpts: Can you tell us about the Omolayole Management Lecture Series that lasted for 37 Years?

ML is the acronym for Omolayole Management Lecture series, which was conceived in 1984 by AIESEC Alumni Association as a surprise which they announced at a reception organised in my honour when I was retiring as Chairman and Managing Director of Lever Brother Nigeria Limited now Unilever Nigeria Plc. When the announcement was made by a group, prominent among was Mr. Shola Oyetayo (FCA). I honestly did not take it seriously. I thought it was youthful exuberance by trying to show that they appreciated my support and encouragement to AIESEC Nigeria and AIESEC International.

The history of AIESEC in Nigeria is virtually the same as the history of my relationship with AIESEC Nigeria, which started about 60 years ago. It is a very long story. I can only summarise it by saying this; when AIESEC Nigeria started at the University of Ibadan in 1961, my late friend Prof. Aboyade had started to establish his reputation as a foremost Economist in Nigeria. And so when the request came from AIESEC Nigeria for assistance by the company which I worked for to participate in their International Student Exchange Programme I made sure that Lever Brothers Nigeria Limited was willing to help. I was then the Head of the Human Resources Division and was given the task of liaising with AIESEC Nigeria. I took the assignment seriously and in no time AIESEC Nigeria started to establish itself at the University of Ibadan.

AIESEC international was established in 1948 in Paris as an International Student Body. The acronym AIESEC stands for Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales. By the time the concept came to Nigeria, AIESEC International itself was just a little over 12 years old. The growth of the association in Nigeria in the early 1960s was however interrupted by the internal crisis of the national branch. When it appeared to be losing ground and strength, AIESEC International sent a field officer to me to try and assist in revitalizing the body. By then my friend late Professor Aboyade had become a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan (UI).

I assured the delegate from Europe that he should consider the job done. Therefore, by the late 1960s, AIESEC was fully re-established in Nigeria and a successful effort was made to expand its activities to the following Institutions: The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN); The University of Lagos (Unilag); The University of Ife (OAU); and the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU) In the early 1970s, I gladly accepted the invitation to become the Chairman of AIESEC Nigeria National Board of Advisers. By the time I became Chairman/ Managing Director of Lever Brothers Nigeria Limited in 1975, AIESEC was strong and well established.

By the mid-1970s, AIESEC Nigeria had proposed my membership of AIESEC International Board of Advisers in Brussel Belgium. Consequently, my connection with AIESEC was both at the National and International level and I had the honor and privilege of being one of the AIESEC International guest speakers at the 1st AIESEC International Conference in Brussel in 1978. I was also a guest speaker at the 2nd AIESEC International Conference in New York in 1980. That made AIESEC Nigeria proud. Due to these efforts, the AIESEC leadership announced their intention to start a lecture series, to be named Omolayole Management Lecture, was announced.

The next stage of the development of the Omolayole Management Lecture (OML) started with the first lecture which was very well organised. The first guest speaker was Chief Ernest Shonekan who was then Chairman and Managing Director of UAC and later became Nigerian Interim Head of State; the Chairman of the 1st lecture was Chief (Dr) Chris Ogunbanjo. Both the first Chairman and the first guest speaker are very close to me. The two of them are still going strong.

The Chairman will be 98 later this year. The young AIESECers who arranged all the initial lectures were very confident, articulate, serious-minded, and showed early signs of leadership and management qualities.

Hence they were able to convince highly placed and very busy senior citizens to participate.

It is noteworthy that the Chairman of the third lecture was Papa Elder Akintola Williams now age 102 and still going strong.

When the lecture series had lasted for 28 years, I started to reflect and think deeply about what had passed, the lessons learned, and what should be the projection for the future. I was convinced that it was a lecture series that deserved to be well preserved for future generations unborn, certainly well beyond the lifetime of the honouree.

One of the ways of achieving that objective was to link some existing strong Nigerian Institutions with the

The sixth challenge is the dangerous experience of very bad living conditions of citizens with regards to the safety and security of life and properties. There is a complete loss, of amity between citizens and the security forces in particular between the police and the young people. The Nigeria space appears to be an occupied territory or a war zone. Bandits and kidnappers must be vanquished. Otherwise, the country is doomed.

The seventh challenge is the issue of disconnected ineffective and expensive governance restructure.

Unarguably the political system in Nigeria is characterized by over-centralization. Our federal system of government will appear to be so only in name. It is too far away to influence community development, which is the undoubted basis for sustainable development.

The eighth challenge is General poverty in the country as captured by statistics. The poverty is so profound that, Nigeria is regarded as the “poverty capital of the world”. It is caused mainly by very high inflation and a depressingly high cost of living.

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Omolayole annual event. I had been privileged in my years of service to the nation to serve on the Governing Councils of many strong Institutions. I selected 4 out of these Institutions following their longevity in the service of the private sector.

What can you say about the challenges facing Nigeria’s economy and what steps do you think the government should take to tackle the challenges?

To my mind, the challenges are so weighty and so many that a comprehensive answer will occupy several pages. I will do my best to pick the ones that are easier to tackle and lead to the profound result within a relatively short time using what is called in management science Pareto’s principle.

The first challenge that comes to the surface is the huge and suffocating unemployment regime, especially among young people. It had reached an unbearable proportion and needs very urgent attention. Not only is the percentage according to statisticians as high as 33 per cent but the average length of unemployment (for young university graduates in particular) is also often measured in multiple years! What a calamitous situation.

The solution to my mind is a massive programme of training in vocational skills that will make it possible for millions to find employment in agriculture and the building of infrastructure.

All the governments (Federal, State, and Local) should invest heavily in Infrastructure and Agriculture.

The second challenge is the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The solution to my mind is to educate and persuade all citizens to accept that vaccination helps. In the same manner, the medical protocols such as social distancing, the wearing of a mask, and the use of sanitizer had produced good results. The protocol should continue.

Every effort must be made to get able-bodied citizens who can be gainfully employed to get back to work without breaking these protocols.

Citizens should pay attention to work and wealth creation more than socializing through endless parties. Our citizens must reduce the penchant for over-celebrating.

The third challenge is the challenge of the humongous debt hanging over the Federal Government and State Governments. It had led to the egregious depreciation in the value of the naira and the scarcity of foreign exchange. Our

agriculture must be revived and made to earn far more foreign exchange than the mineral oil sector.

We must curb our appetite for imported foods.

We must learn to grow what we eat and to eat what we grow. We must pay more attention to tree crops such as cocoa, rubber, oil palm, and cotton.

We should process our crude agricultural produce rather than by exporting raw materials. We must pay more attention to “manufacturing” including aiming at exporting refined and manufactured products. We should stop our precarious existence as hewers of wood and carriers of water for highly industrialized countries.

The fourth challenge is that the country had become so “strike prone” especially within the high-level manpower, grade in the social sector in particular lecturers and doctors. It is not an exaggeration that in the last 30 years there is hardly a single year in which Nigeria did not suffer from the strike of lecturers and doctors. Consequently, our social sector had been ruined almost beyond redemption. The use of dialogue must be promoted with every sincerity of purpose. Our social partners must learn to “jaw-jaw” rather than “war-war”.

You can never beat a sincere spirit of dialogue in resolving disputes. A good industrial relations system must find a way of accommodating trade disputes instead of ultimatums. The issuing of the ultimatum is not a language of peace it is provocative and combative. It reflects an attitude of negativity.

Finally, our industrial relations system in the public sector should emulate what happens in the private sector, where the influence of NECA, collective bargaining, and sanctity of agreement had led to a reasonable peaceful industrial relations atmosphere.

The entire public sector in this country must go in search of peace and harmony in place of strife and strike.

The fifth challenge is solving the problem of epileptic electricity supply. Access to a regular supply of electricity at a reasonable price is a “sine qua non”. In the last 40 years, the supply of electricity has worsened progressively every decade. The supply had never caught up with demand. The country has become the dumping ground for the world manufacturers of standby generators. If this country fails to tackle the critical issue of electricity supply, it will never make it industrially.

What has been the impact of the series of lectures on Nigerians, and the key roles of the hosting partners concerning the economic development of the Nation?

In my own opinion, any high-level lecture worth its salt is given by an intellectual giant is an intellectual feast and an invitation to partake in a nourishing food for thought. Human beings are endowed with cerebral power as well as visceral capacity. In simple parlance, one refers to brainpower and the other to emotional intelligence. Most problems are solved satisfactorily in this world through the application of exceptionally brilliant brainpower. With all modesty, I believe that the series of lectures over the past 36 years had been given by people who were well endowed with brainpower and therefore they have given a lot of items of food for thought. The Guest Speakers were the best and brightest in Nigeria. In a country where there are very few think-tanks lecture series like Omolayole Management Lecture (OML) help to fill the gap. Business leaders and political leaders of any of the numerous sectors and groups that constitute a nation can do well to pay attention to intellectual products of these lectures that are available to the entire public free of charge.

It is hoped that by drawing attention to the paucity of think-tanks in this country, the government, as well as the private sector and civil society organizations, will seriously start to spend time, talent, and treasury on establishing think-tanks in this country. So far, Nigeria is still far behind when the world talks about the knowledge industry. What will accelerate our entering into the knowledge-led era is by paying enormous attention to the acquisition of knowledge, in particular scientific and digital knowledge. I believe very strongly in a cliché that says “progress stands from translating knowledge into wisdom”. Any good lecture series helps to achieve that.

As for Impact on the general economic development, a good public lecture by a guru helps to analyze information and data critically and thereafter to hypothesize and synthesize towards a thesis that finds a solution. Any attempt to solve the problems without thorough exercise in thinking will only lead to futility in action. Most of the speakers in the lecture series were not just thinkers; they have demonstrated an enormous capacity for taking actions that had produced successful results in the development of this country economically, socially, and politically.

Most of them have been CEOs of large successful organizations, who were thinkers as well as doers.

They were and are icons in the area of Nation Building, it is my opinion that no nation can rise above its brains. National problems and challenges are solved by the application of brilliant rigorous and brainy thoughts from serious-minded citizens.

All the lectures had been national events, open to Nigerians young and old, men and women, thinkers and doers. Most of those who participated, believe that the country is better together and bigger together.

In fact, in the year 2017, I composed a Song of Unity. We sing that song at the end of every OML (Omolayole Management Lecture Series) since that year. Nothing can demonstrate faith and work towards nation-building more than that.

Above all, the strongest foundation for nationbuilding is the belief and the pursuit of education passionately for all citizens from the lowest level to the highest level.

The OML lecture series and the hosting partners (LCCI, NECA, NIM, and CIPM) appreciate and support, encourage and promote education with an emphasis on verbal literacy, mathematical literacy, and digital literacy in addition to the acquisition of skills. Whoever doesn’t believe and pursue passionately the education of the masses is only paying lip service to nation-building.

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Ari: At 50, ITF Has More to Offer Nigeria As the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) turns 50 in a few days, the helmsman, Sir Joe Ari, in this interview with Seriki Adinoyi recounted the laudable achievements of the Fund over the years. He however said ITF is not about to relent as it has more to offer to Nigeria As the Director General of ITF, your administration will on the 26th of September turn five years on the saddle. What is your assessment of the journey so far? et me start by thanking God almighty for seeing us through in this journey that, to me, can be captured as interesting and equally challenging. In the next few days, my administration will be marking its 5th year in office, having clocked the first term last year. That would mean that my management will have three more years to go in the saddle in charge of the affairs of operations of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

Looking back, we have every reason to give thanks to God. When we came in, the ITF was at the brim of collapse, there was industrial disharmony among the workforce, our stakeholders were not satisfied with our service offerings, so it was both internal and external crisis. But being an insider, we hit the ground running, unveiled a lot of policies and visions, because for me, a leader is meant to give the direction as the saying goes, “there can be no soldiers without a commander, just as there can be no commander without soldiers.” So it is a mutual and beneficial journey.

Although, change is constant, we are not fully satisfied with the way or position the ITF is occupying because we believe that we have a lot more to offer this nation by a way of service to our father land and as contributions to the economy. So five years down the line, I would say that a journey that was seen as insurmountable and challenging has today, become a milestone and a household name in the eyes and minds of the Nigerian people.

engender peace and develop the workforce to a level where they will understand, and thirdly, work as onto God, meaning that we were going to be responsive and responsible citizens in terms of our application of our God’s given talent to advance the mandate of the ITF. We also ensured that the conditions of the service where congenial enough, and conducive workforce to strive. Implementing these policies have brought about peace; no industrial unrest, and there have been harmony amongst us, promotions have been given out every year and salaries has been paid without delay.

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You have been here at the ITF as staff, and as Director, before you became the DG. Tell us how the Fund has evolved into what we have today.

As an insider, I had the privilege of heading the public affairs, administration and human resources department, cooperate planning department, business training development department, and serving as the chairman research committee and management. I have a fair knowledge of the enormous responsibility of this great institution. As soon as my leadership was unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari, we needed a kind of document, a blueprint that would guide us and carry all the workforce along and we unveiled the ITF reviewed vision and in that vision, we had strategies for the actualization of the very robust mandate of the ITF and in identifying and drawing up such strategies, we were able to demarcate it along the line of short, medium and long term goals.

Since the establishment of the ITF almost 50 years ago, the ITF evolved from a single office in Lagos when it was a directorate in 1971 to what it is today. We have 45 offices; 40 area offices with vocational wings and 5 training centres as of today. That is why we pride ourselves as an agency with the most expansive network amongst most agencies of the Federal Government. We developed the ITF first training policy and its human capital base and implemented its first training program at the inception.

With time, we realised that the management training program that the ITF was carrying out needed restructuring, taking into cognizance of what would be beneficial to the Nigerian society. We felt that there was a need to be shoulders above those we train, being the foremost training organization in Nigeria and one of the best in the world. And we realised also that Technical-Vocational Education and

Ari

Training (TVET) was a trend, we had to refocus and this was embedded in the reviewed vision.

Unemployment remains a major bane of Nigeria’s development. What is the ITF doing to cushion the shock of this unemployment?

In the phase of challenging unemployment and the growing number of the poor, nations all over the world have resorted to skill acquisition and use it as a vehicle for equipping their citizenry with competitive skills for entrepreneurship and employability.

The reason is simple, for even the over 36 intervention programmes we have introduced, we discovered that one intervention program gives birth to both direct and indirect jobs, and placing it alongside the impossibility of acquiring or getting paid employment, skill acquisition becomes an answer to the absence of white collar jobs. The reason being that you provide skills to learn, the person becomes an employer of labour by bringing people who are categorized indirect jobs created and add value to the economy, they become employers on their own. Leaving youths without skills or manpower will create a lot of vices such as banditry, kidnapping and prostitution. So, there’s need to address unemployment through the acquisition of skills amongst others.

It is for this reason that ITF sees skill acquisition as a universal currency of the 21st century and most sustainable vehicle for job creation as well as poverty reduction.

What feedback mechanism do you use to assess how benefactors of your skill acquisition programmes are doing out there?

ITF as a result of its training capacity and network has been able to identify through research and used facilities such as the tracer studies, a tracking system that follows up on beneficiaries.

After training the beneficiaries, we are

able to use the tracer studies to identify where they have been settled, and what they are doing, and to a large extent, how far they have gone in their trade. ITF has a symbolic relationship with its trainees by introducing some of them to certain loan facilities with the Bank of Industry. Together with the tracking system we have come to realize that 80% of our trainees set up immediately, or have paid employment, and are employers of labour.

How has the ITF contributed in the Federal Government economic diversification?

ITF has contributed in drawing up the NIRP document, a major contributor of the economy recovery plan, a member of the national skill council headed by the Vice President as chairman, and member of the NISME council and even the survival fund as the chairing committee to actualise the stimulus plans of the Federal Government.

The government has been able to identify the important role of the institution in translating its policies to concrete realities. That was the reason the Vice President in 2019 gave the ITF the Star Partner award of the Federal Government. The government has since keyed into providing skills to Nigerians, meaning that it accepts the position of the ITF as the direction to go to equip Nigerians with the requisite skills. For me, the institution has paid its dues and completely demonstrated support and solidarity to the Federal Government.

What is the ITF doing about its staff welfare and development in terms of training?

In the reviewed vision, industrial harmony was one of the key aspects we have focused on. We had three major approaches to our process of program delivery; one was to heal wounds because of the restiveness within the organization to institutionize love to the system. Secondly, we needed to

What will you say has been the major challenge facing the ITF? While we have made remarkable progress, we are also faced with some challenges.

We have three major challenges; the fact that the awareness for the importance of skill acquisition is not yet accepted deeply into the minds of Nigerians, there is need for it to be included into the curriculum of Nigeria’s educational system. Secondly, lack of harmonization of skills amongst agencies of government as well as the private sectors. We need to come together as we are working at cross purposes yet, we are aiming at the same goal. Harmonizing will address some of the issues we see today. Thirdly, we face the issues of finance- Technical vocational training is capital intensive. To build and equip an industrial center is in billions. Even with the 1% paid by employers of labour are reimbursed by almost the 50% of the 1%, so what remains is minimal and may not meet our goals and desires. Finance is a key factor in establishing more training centers not just in the six geo-political zones, so as to escalate skills acquisition across the country.

Where do you see the ITF in the next 10 years?

I believe that with what we have done, ITF is well grounded and only need other people to come and consolidate. It has done considerably well in actualizing its mandate with what we have put in place, i.e with the building blocks and machineries, I believe the ITF is well poised to take the lead in matters of human capital development in Nigeria. In the next 10 years, I see an ITF that has answered its name as a leading learning and development agency that Nigerians depend upon at actualizing the building of our economy and adds core values in taking Nigeria to the top across the globe, and an institution that competes favourably with government agencies worldwide.

The President is determined to lift out 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, how will ITF skills acquisition programme help in complimenting this effort?

The ITF has made subject to the government on the need to create 19 million jobs and we took four sectors construction, agriculture, transportation and manufacturing. If one agency can create 19 million jobs and other agencies contribute to it, then we will meet the goal of 100 million.

19 million will be direct jobs created, leading to an additional creation of indirect jobs. ITF was among the sectors engaged by the government when the council was set up. We gave the council the ‘knowhow’ to arrive at the 100 million jobs. Our submission has been taken in, and we hope that the government will study it and come to a reasonable conclusion where the ITF will be a party to the realization of this laudable government policy.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Food Production: Queen of Netherland Task Nigeria on Infrastructure Devt Gilbert Ekugbe The Queen of Netherland, Her Majesty, Maxima Zorreguieta, has charged Nigeria’s economic managers to as a matter of urgency address the nation’s infrastructural challenges, noting the need to build roads, railways and ensure digital financial inclusion for Nigerian farmers to boost food production.

The Queen stated that agriculture is music to her ears being the daughter of a former Minister of Agriculture, urging Nigeria to make infrastructure available for investors and aid donors to access areas beyond the major

cities.

She stated this during a bilateral meeting with the President Muhammadu Buhari at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA She however lauded the huge effort made by Nigeria to combat the pandemic, saying that the country spent a great part of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to fight the pandemic.

Zorreguieta said that she had a huge commitment to Nigeria and would want to support the country to do more.

“You won’t be alone. We will be there along with other partners,”

she affirmed.

Responding, President Buhari stated that the decision to shut the nation’s border in August 2019 paid off, noting that Nigeria would have been in a food crisis when the pandemic struck.

According to him, the policy made farmers return to their farms and encouraged Nigeria to consume

what it produces.

He added: “When the borders with some neighbouring countries were closed to encourage farmers “eat what we grow”, people went back to the land and the status helped the country tremendously.

“We made fertilizers available, resuscitated dams, and it all paid off handsomely. Otherwise, with about

200 million people, we would have been in trouble when COVID-19 struck, and affected the economy.”

Buhari said with increased investments in the agriculture sector, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, Nigeria can produce more food.

He noted that Nigeria was well aware of her limitations, and

thus prioritised the provision of infrastructure.

“We have the land, we have the people, capital input is what we need,” Buhari added.

The president also pointed out that the Nigerian farmers were quite receptive to modern ways of doing things, especially in respect of cutting down post-harvest wastages.

FG Sets Up Panel on Meter Installation to Curb Mishaps Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has set up a committee comprising members drawn from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to certify meter installers in the country.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Company (NEMSA) Mr Peter Ewesor, who spoke in Abuja, said that the agency, which is responsible for certifying electrical installation personnel, would not accept quacks as meter installers, especially given the current federal government efforts to distribute the devices.

He stressed that having taken over the functions of the inspectorate services; NEMSA would ensure that only competent and qualified personnel certified by the agency are allowed to work in the industry.

He stated that the move was to preserve ethics and specialisation in carrying out electrical installation works, and ensuring that electricity meters are properly installed.

“And it is only this agency that has a mandate under the law. No other agency has the power or the right to certify any electrical personnel working in the industry. That is a very emphatic one that we need to actually know,” he noted.

According to him, the agency had commenced the certification of contractors, since 2016 and had validated over 9,000 of them, but said the certification of electricity metering had become even more important due to the federal government’s current metering policy and regulations.

“You will find out that a lot of challenges are beholding the sector, with regard to the quality of installation of electricity meters in Nigeria and NEMSA is the agency responsible for enforcing the conditions for the installation of electricity meters in the grid,”he added.

Ewesor stated that bad installation could affect collection efficiency and by extension, industry liquidity saying that some of the devices are installed without a good earthing system, thereby causing leakages of power.

He said that some meters had lower load capacity but are fixed to a lot of load in residential and business areas, which could blow up the system, insisting that it is illegal for anybody to install electric meters when they are not NEMSA-certified to ensure that things are properly done.

According to him, this will ensure the safety of life and property as fire outbreaks could happen and cause disaster in those premises or buildings.

“So, I want to tell the panel that this is a very serious assignment, and I’m sure you know the consequences of what I have been saying in the industry because you must have seen a lot of havoc that meters have caused, ”he noted.

He urged the panel to shun favouritism, emphasising that the result would be unpalatable and further appealed for strict adherence to professionalism to avoid the impact of bad meter installations.

In his comments chairman of the panel, Dr Sule Mohammed, stated that the faith reposed in the committee will not be be misplaced, promising that the committee will do its best to ensure that the job is carried out without fear or favour.

SKILLS FOR PROSPERITY

L–R: Board Member, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Idris Olorunnimbe; Acting National Team Lead, Palladium Skills for Prosperity Nigeria (S4P-N) Sybil Ferris; Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones OBE; Executive Secretary, LSETF, Ms. Teju Abisoye and Head of Prosperity, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Martha Bostock at the launch event and signing ceremony of the Skills for Prosperity Nigeria (S4P-N) in Lagos...recently

Again, COREN Kicks Against Influx of Foreign Artisans into Nigeria Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), has again kicked against the high number of foreign artisans in Nigeria, especially from neighbouring countries, describing the situation as shameful.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Committee of Technical Colleges in Nigeria (COTEC), in Abuja, President of the council, Mr. Ali Rabiu, stressed that the regulatory body was doing everything possible to ensure that the anomaly is addressed.

Rabiu, who was represented by a member of the council’s board, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, explained that engineers, more so, craftsmen, technicians, technologists must rise to the occasion by being more competitive.

“As a nation, we cannot import artisans from neighbouring countries to service us; that is a failure on

our side, not on the leadership, but in this case the engineering professionals.

“COREN along with the four associations under it must join hands to ensure that we change the situation for the better. I use this opportunity to solicit your understanding and support so that we will down the road turn back and say, yes we did it,” he said.

Rabiu said: “COREN in its wisdom took the bold decision and steps to correct that abnormality. So, the president of our dear council, has asked me to welcome you and to tell you that the council has taken a decision against all odds to make sure that we have the COTEC running.”

Rabiu disclosed that the council had signed a new revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to be able to deepen the accreditation of training of technicians and technologies, to

deepen the level of skills.

Also speaking in the same vein, Registrar of the council, Prof. Joseph Odigure lamented that the education and practices of the technicians and craftsmen within the profession had been neglected over the years.

“This has resulted in the unproductive situation where instead of having the largest number of professionals as craftsmen at the bottom, narrowing up through the technicians and technologists cadres to a few engineers at the top in form of normal pyramid, the reverse is the case, with the engineers being the largest in number, representing an inverted pyramid,” he said.

Odigure explained that as of June 2021, of the total number of registered engineering personnel in the country, included engineers numbering 62,313; engineering technologists, 6,587; engineering technicians, 937; and engineering craftsmen, 2,778.

He added: “The negative consequences of this neglect are visible in the national economy.

Today, artisans of precinct countries around the nation’s borders have taken over craftsman practice in Nigeria.

“Artisans are now imported from China, Taiwan, Benin Republic, Togo, etc. to fix technical problems in Nigeria. The situation is so bad that the technical colleges are on the brink of survival; intake of students has become a problem.

“There is no motivation for prospective students and their parents to make technical colleges a choice over secondary schools.

This is very unfortunate,” he stated.

According to him, while in the 60s and 70s, technical education were the pride of the country, with sprawling structures, well-equipped laboratories, sound and robust staffing as well as robust staffing, the situation has turned out for the worse in recent years.

Africa Petrol Refiners to Discuss Energy Transition at 2021 Conference Week Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Major players in the downstream segment of the petroleum industry in Africa are set to develop a robust, continent-wide downstream energy transition plan as the world continues to focus on ways of exploring renewable sources of fuel.

The African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA), arguably the only pan-African organisation for the African downstream, is expected to hold its annual ARDA Week

programme from the 11th to 13th of this month.

The event will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions as participants converge online for the 2021 ARDA Week Conference to celebrate the organisation’s 15th anniversary.

Executive Secretary of ARDA, Anibor Kragha said in a release that the anniversary would be marked by initiatives towards the implementation of actionable roadmap to effectively transition Africa’s current primary energy mix towards a more sustainable and lower-carbon footprint.

He equally noted that the virtual conference would serve as a means of finding lasting solutions to the challenges bedevilling the future of African downstream oil industry.

Kragha disclosed that the Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Sanusi Barkindo; Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire, Thomas Camara; Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk are amongst the dignitaries expected to grace the occasion.

In addition, global institutions, including Vitol, Total Energies United Nations Development Programme, International Energy Agency, S&P Global Platts, Clean Cooking Alliance and the Global LPG Partnership are expected to participate at the event.

Some key African organisations participating in the event comprise Sahara Group, EGPC, Standard Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation.

Founded in 2006, ARDA is comprised of African oil refiners, importers, terminal and pipeline operators, major marketers,

distributors, regulators and others.

The association is currently working with the African Union (AU) on the adoption of a harmonised, pan-African cleaner fuel specifications (10 ppm sulphur for gasoline and diesel by 2030) against the backdrop of the growing need for intraAfrican trade.

This is also coming as pressure mounts to reduce health and environmental issues associated with higher-sulphur petroleum products, with the continent needing about $15.7 billion

to upgrade the existing 36 oil refineries, according to an earlier release by the organisation.

Apart from considering the emerging issues surrounding energy transition in the global space and the relevance for Africa, Kragha said the experts would dissect impacts and roles of technology in the energy transition plan.

They are also expected to speak on supply chain challenges for LPG adoption and avenues for securing sustainable finance to drive the energy transition agenda on the continent.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͳ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Experts Advise Businesses on Surviving Current Macro-economic Policies Top experts have offered valuable tips to organisations and businesses on survival and scale under the current harsh economic environment that has seen some companies close shop.

Foremost economists and analysts including, former Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf; founder, B. Adedipe Associates Limited, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, and Dr ‘Tunde Popoola, explained that businesses have to protect their cash flow, invest in existing customers and continue marketing, to survive.

The trio gave their advice in presentations at a seminar themed, “Navigating Nigeria’s Macroeconomic Environment for Business Growth,” organized by

the Savanah Business School and moderated by Head, Corporate Communications, TGI Group, Rafiat Gawat recently.

In his presentation, Popoola explained that a business cannot control the macro-economic environment but operates within it.

He decried the prevailing high inflation rate, inappropriate foreign exchange policy, high foreign and domestic debts that are hampering the growth of businesses.

Popoola noted that all these had created problems, including low demand for goods and services, rising unemployment, the rising cost of production, and uncertainty in investment opportunities. He urged the economic drivers to pursue sound macroeconomic policies

because the “extent to which policymakers can establish a track record of policy implementation will influence private sector confidence, which will, in turn, impact upon investment, economic growth, and individual prosperity.”

Adedipe, on his part, stressed the importance of entrepreneurs doing the right things and going digital. “There is no sector you operate in the Nigerian economy that there is no space for you to thrive if you do the right things at the right place and the right time for the right person, with most things now digital.”

Like Popoola, he also decried the inconsistent fiscal and monetary policies, expressing worry over the country’s shrinking external reserves.

NCRIB Urges MDAs to Pay Premiums to Prop Insurance Sector Growth Olawale Ajimotokan iØ ÌßÔË The President Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Dr Mrs Bola Onigbogi has appealed to the federal government to encourage Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) to pay premiums in order to support the growth of the insurance sector.

She made the appeal in Abuja during the investiture/Gala night of the Abuja Area Committee of NCRIB for the 2021 elected Recently the federal government announced it had paid N9.2billon as premium for life policies for insurance companies that will manage the group life insurance for federal civil servants for 2021-2022.

However, in spite of that payment, the assumption remains that there is still lot of outstanding to be paid from the non-life sector.

“We appeal to the federal government to encourage Ministries, Agencies and Departments to pay premiums in order to support the growth of the sector,” Onigbogi said.

Her position was also reinforced by the Executive Director of Operations, Hallmark Micro Life Insurance Company, Mrs Mary Adeyanju. She described the federal government as the biggest debtor in the industry.

She said though the economy is not very buoyant presently, the practitioners are doing their best to give the economy a boost so that government can be able to pick up their bills especially from the insurance perspective.

“Obviously, if you are the greatest consumer of the product, naturally you will also the biggest debtor to that product. The federal government has supported insurance like every other country. The economy has not being doing so well and so the government has not been spending in the area of insurance“ Adeyanju said.

In spite of all, Onigbogi noted that the future of insurance brokage in the country is very bright as many people are now aware of the existence of insurance brokers and the benefits of the practitioners in the insurance value chain.

The NCRIB President described brokers as the intermediaries between the insurance companies and the insuring public that ensure the interest of the insured is protected.

Akpabio, Saraki To Lead Discourse At 3rd AFMESI Annual Symposium All is set for the 3rd edition of the African Marine Environment Sustainable Initiative (AFMESI) as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio CoN and the Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki will lead maritime stakeholders and industry experts to the 3rd edition of the summit Thursday, this week, the organizers have said.

The event themed: “African Blue World: Which Way To Go?” has the Chairman, House Committee on Maritime and Education, Honourable Linda Ikpeazu as the Special Guest of Honour; the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime

Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh as the Chief Host; and the Chairman of Starz Group, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun is slated as a Guest of Honour.

According to the Founder of AFMESI, Dr. Felicia Chinwe Mogo, the one-day event would feature several pertinent maritime topics such as; Impact Of Security And Piracy in Maritime Business; Integrated Ocean Management, Science And Governance; Ocean Science And Governance In Marine Environment; Accounting For The Values And Wealth Of The Maritime; and Africa’s position within various ocean-related international laws (int’l).

“The topics would be

discussed by high profile panelists, including; Dr. Pierre Failer, a professor of Economics at the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom and Director, Centre for Blue Governance; Prof. Susan Kholeif, a Marine Geologist, Oceanographer and Ecologist at the National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries, Egypt; Prof. Rasheed Sumaila, Professor, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries Economics Research Unit, Ocean Canada Partnership; Maj-Gen India Garba (Rtd), a trained Combatant, Strategist Logistician, Administrator and Member of AFMESI Advisory Board; Prof. Kelly Hoareau, Director, Blue Economy Research Institute, Seychelles.

First Bank to Host Annual FINTECH Summit First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has announced that the 2021 edition of its annual FINTECH Summit is scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 7, 2021.

The bank in a statement said the virtual event is opened to everyone stressing however, that participants are required to register online.

“The 2021 edition of the summit which is the fifth in its series is themed; “Open Banking and

its Derivative Opportunities for the Financial Ecosystem” and will be discussed by experts, policy influencers, regulatory officials as well as key and leading players in the Nigerian financial, banking and technology climate.

“Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe, the Lead Faculty of Tekedia Institute with a PhD in engineering from John Hopkins University, USA, will be leading the discussion as the Keynote speaker alongside

other panelists; Ankit Sharma, Director at Strategy&, a part of the PwC network, based out of Mexico; Ope Adeoye, CEO (Chief Plumber) at One Pipe;Aminu Maida, Executive Director, Technology & Operations at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS),Musa Jimoh, Deputy Director, Payment Systems, CBN and Olayinka Situ, Head, Corporate Transformation, First Bank, “the statement reads.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ Ͱͷ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $78.37 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $77.73 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

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͳ˜ 2021

Airtel Africa to Buyback 8.27% Minority Shareholdings in Nigeria Subsidiary Darasimi Adebisi Airtel Africa Plc yesterday on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) announced plans to buy back 8.27 per cent minority shareholdings at an offer price of N55.81 per share from its subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria).

The company in a statement hinted that: “Assuming all minority shareholders decide to tender their shares, the total consider-

ation is estimated to be N61.24 billion or $148.1million using an exchange rate of N413.38 N/ USD). This represents an open offer to all shareholders.”

The stock price of the company traded flat at N715.00 yesterday on NGX. Meanwhile, the company yesterday announced that Olusegun Ogunsanya has resumed duty as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, as at 1 October 2021 and joined the Board of

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Airtel Africa plc.

Segun was previously Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Nigeria and was responsible for the overall management of the operations in the Company’s largest market.

Ogunsanya in a statement signed by group company secretary, Simon O’Hara said :”I am looking forward to building on the solid foundations the Group has established for future sustainable growth across

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Africa. Moving forward, we will invest even more in our network and distribution channels to serve the communities where we operate. By doing this, we will continue to sustainably bridge the digital divide, expand financial inclusion and meet the evolving needs of our customers.

“Ogunsanya has more than 25 years business management experience in banking, consumer goods and telecoms.

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Before joining Airtel in 2012, Segun held leadership roles at Coca-Cola in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya (as MD and CEO).

He has also been the Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (Coca-Cola Hellenic owned) and Group head of retail banking operations at Ecobank Transnational Inc, covering 28 countries in Africa.

He is an electronics engineer and also a chartered accountant.”

Meanwhile, trading on the

O F

Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) stock market started on a positive note as investors’ interest in FBN Holdings, 22 others inspired yesterday’s gain.

Precisely, the benchmark index, NGX All-Share Index appreciated by 0.05 per cent to close at 40,243.05 basis points from 40,221.17 basis points it opened for trading yesterday.

Similarly, the market capitalisation gained N14 billion to close at N20.970 trillion.

0 4 / 1 0 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

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QUANTITY TRADED

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TUESDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

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TUESDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

Has Buhari Done Better Than Any Government Since 1999?

R

ecently, I was in New York for the #HARASSBUHARI OUTOFNEWYORK protest, which was very successful.

Whilst in the Big Apple however, we encountered a counter protest of proBuhari campaigners.

I was intrigued. Especially as these protesters did not look Nigerian, though they were Black.

So, we did some digging. Turns out that there was a Criagslist Advert offering mouthwatering sums for anyone willing to join a peaceful protest. And it began to fall into place.

It turned out that the pro-Buhari campaigners were African-Americans, who had been paid to participate in a rally that they knew nothing about. And we have proof. Cast-iron proof. In the form of a confessional video by one of the ‘protesters’.

It shows you how unpopular Buhari really is. That he could not find people willing to protest in his favour amongst the over 300,000 Nigerian immigrants in America, and felt the need to hire fake protesters shows that even the man himself, and his cabal are aware that the game is almost up, if not up.

But one more thing struck me about Buhari’s New York outing. Whilst the major highlight of Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo’s speech was how his nation, and Africa were able to escape the doomsday scenarios painted about Africa and COVID19, Buhari’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly was beggarly.

He basically reduced Nigeria to a beggar nation before the eyes of the world by using his time in the spotlight to beg for debt forgiveness and also beg for more debt and aid.

As a Ghanaian, you would have felt a sense of pride when you heard Nana Akufo-Addo say that the West’s doomsday scenario did not come to pass. You would have also felt well represented to hear him admonish Europe and America for using Covid-19 as a sort of immigration population control against Africans.

The reverse was the case for Nigerians.

We saw a thoroughly subdued and capin-hand Buhari, begging for vaccines, money, assistance, everything.

And even before his UNGA speech, he had given a preview of what to expect at his meeting with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

His body language at that meeting was so sad. Google the photos from the event. Buhari had his hand clasped behind his back, almost in subjugation.

He looked at the floor. He shrunk to a corner. Meanwhile Queen Máxima was looking at him and gesturing.

And then he proceeded to ask her for financial assistance for Nigeria. The funny thing is that Queen Máxima of the Netherlands is not even a Head of State. She is just a consort, as the spouse of King Willem-Alexander, who is the real Head of State.

She is originally from Argentina and has absolutely no role in government.

Neither she, nor her husband, King Willem-Alexander, can appropriate or grant monies belonging to The Netherlands to Nigeria or any other country.

Her husband, King Willem-Alexander, is a ceremonial constitutional monarch.

His role is more or less advisory.

And this is the man whose wife Buhari

Buhari

was begging for aid from.

And going back to his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, there appears to be a disconnect that quite a number of people noticed.

And it is this: How can you be appealing for debt relief on the one hand, and on the other hand you are going cap in hand begging for more loans? There is so much unintelligence in Buhari personally, and on those he surrounds himself with that the contradiction is lost on them.

By asking for debt forgiveness, you are invariably saying that you lack the capacity to pay your debt. That is the only basis for which your creditor would forgo the debt - lack of capacity to pay. So, the money request is itself an admission of incapacity.

Now, after you have admitted your incapacity to service the debt that you already have, you are asking the same people, who you just asked for debt forgiveness, to lend you more money.

It does not just show to your lender how unintelligent your are, it also tells him that you think he is as stupid as you.

Because if you cannot repay ten, and you want it forgiven, and you are asking for five more, it invariably means that you will soon be asking for forgiveness of fifteen instead of ten.

I was so embarrassed at that silly request that Buhari made at the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations. It just made Nigeria look big for nothing in the eyes of the international community. It was childish and betrayed a regime that is so wrapped up in itself that it does not know that others can see through them.

And the chickens are coming home to roost. Perhaps it was because the then Statistician of the Federation was soon to

retire and had little to lose, or perhaps it was sheer bravado. However, after years of denying the obvious, the National Bureau of Statistics last year confirmed that since 2015, poverty in Nigeria had widened to the point of being endemic.

According to the NBS, 40 per cent of Nigerians now live below its poverty line, confirming the 2018 report by the World Poverty Clock that Nigeria is now the world headquarters for extreme poverty, with six Nigerians entering into extreme poverty every minute.

On June 13, 2021, the Debt Management Office released its own riposte, saying that in just three months, Nigeria spent 999,5 billion (almost a trillion) servicing (not repaying) debt.

According to the Debt Management Office (which is controlled by the Buhari junta), Nigeria’s debt-to-revenue ratio is approximately 83%.

To put this in perspective, Western banks would typically refuse to lend you money if your debt-to-revenue is above 43%.

As it stands now, Nigeria under Buhari is spending more money on debt servicing (again, debt servicing is not debt repayment. Servicing means you are paying the minimum required interest on your debt), than you are spending on infrastructure, youth development or education.

And the man who irresponsibly increased our debt from 12 trillion in 2015, to 35 trillion today had the guts to say during his fallacious Independence Day broadcast that “No government since 1999 has done what we have done in six years to put Nigeria back on track.”

The above quote may be proof of the cognitive dissonance the President is rumoured to be suffering from.

Because, with the abysmal performance of this administration in every measure of the Human Development Index, it beats my imagination as to why Buhari will make a fool of himself with the statement of comparison that he made.

In 2015, when Nigeria’s unemployment rate was below 20% according to the NBS, Buhari said it was unacceptable. Today, Nigeria’s last reported unemployment rate is 33.3%.

So, what is the basis of Buhari’s claims?

Has any area of life in Nigeria improved under Buhari? Security is worse according to the Global Terrorism Index. We were the fourth most terrorised nation in the world in 2015. Now we are the third, having overtaken Somalia. The economy is worse, according to the World Bank.

And corruption is much worse according to Transparency International, which lowered our ranking from 136 in 2014, to 144 today.

So, of what benefit has Buhari been to Nigeria that he can make that delusional boast?

And how could a man, who has so irresponsibly increased Nigeria’s foreign debt at a time when crude oil sells for $75 per barrel, claim to have done better than an Obasanjo, who paid off Nigeria’s foreign debt at a time when crude hovered between $19 (1999) and $36 (2004)?

And how could a man who has not initiated, started and completed a single school say he has done better than a Jonathan who initiated, started and completed 165 almajiri schools, 13 federal universities?

Buhari could not afford his APC Presidential nomination form in 2014.

Now Nigerians, who were rich in 2015, are now extremely poor, and Buhari, who was poor in 2014, is now extremely rich.

What kind of destiny switch is this?

In 2015: - Fuel was N87 - 50kg bag of rice was N8000 - $1 was N150 (N199 in 2015) - Lagos-Abuja air fare was N10,000 - Bottle of Coke was N60 - Peak milk was N80 Today, can Nigerians even eat? The poor can’t sleep because they are hungry and the rich can’t sleep because the poor are awake and you want me to keep quiet while Buhari destroys my country? Who is safe in Nigeria today? Are you?

It is an insult to the intelligence of every right-thinking Nigerian for Buhari to have said what he said. But how can you expect a man who begs the wife of a ceremonial monarch for aid to have any sense of shame?

Reno’s Nuggets Dear boyfriend, If your girlfriend has an iPhone 13, and she does not have a job or a business, and you did not buy it for her, and you know for a fact that neither her parents nor her siblings can afford it, then you have a problem. If you go ahead and marry her, that problem will transform into a crisis. Why would you allow yourself enter into an avoidable crisis? And then you start disturbing the public with a DNA palaver? Do yourself a favour and avoid high-maintenance girls whose romance is induced by finance! #RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

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TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

No Conspiracy will Stop Northern Presidency in 2023, Says CNG Says north not obliged to respect any zoning arrangement Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has warned that no conspiracy in whatever form would stop the north from fielding a candidate for the presidency in 2023.

It also said the north was obliged to respect any zoning arrangement of any elective position in whatever party.

Spokesperson of the group, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, while addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, warned that any political party that took any step to block the window for the possible emergence of a northern presidential candidate would be rejected by the north.

It said it was disappointed and agitated by the recent threats by Southern governors and elite to intimidate the north out of the presidential race.

The group said it did not wish to remain silent or passive and allow things that affect the North and potentially cause greater democratic instability in the country to continue unchecked.

It said it found the renewed desperation by the South to threaten Northern people's right to franchise a deliberate attempt to bastardize democracy, causing greater instability in the guise of a contentious, undemocratic power shift arrangement unacceptable.

The group said in the unfolding political chess game, therefore, it was essential that the North anticipated and

checkmated the maneuvers of the South in all possible and likely scenarios, and obtained ascendancy over the voices

of threat, intimidation and blackmail from the South.

The group pointed out that the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP), which initiated the idea of zoning, had itself literally bungled it at all subsequent elections since 1999.

APC Pegs Age of Youth, Women Leaders At 35 Laleye Dipo in Minna The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed the age limit for its youth and women leaders at 35 years.

The decision was the outcome of a recent youth summit held recently in Abuja.

Niger State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who until recently was in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Emmanuel

Umar, disclosed this in Minna at the weekend while speaking at ‘a Youth Awareness and Sensitisation Programme’ organised for students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, by YIAGA Africa.

Umar said: "In fact we met with critical stakeholders and agreed that henceforth, anyone that will occupy the position of a youth leader at any level must fall within the age bracket of 18 and 35 years.

"We are going beyond that, as we are also talking about the women leader."

He added that the party was also going beyond the policy by ensuring that a most of the political appointees appointed by any APC governor are youths.

Umar said the policy was already being implemented by the party in Niger State, which is why he, as a commissioner, relinquished his position as the youth leader of the APC in

the North Central geo-political zone.

The commissioner explained that during the last local government congress of the party in the state, ‘a very young girl’ emerged the women leader in one of the local government areas of the state.

"Our intention is to get the youths involved in all aspects of the party as well as encourage them to vie for elective positions," Umar declared.

Ndume Loses Bid to Discharge Bauchi:Why We Demolished Lawmaker’s Building Self as Maina’s Surety Segun AwofadejiinBauchi

A Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday dismissed the application filed by Sen. Ali Ndume, seeking an order to discharge him as Abdulrasheed Maina’s surety, after he jumped bail.

Justice Okon Abang, in a ruling, held that the application filed by Ndume amounted to an abuse of court process, having filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal, Abuja on the same matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Maina, chairman, defunct Pension Reformed Task Team (PRTT), had, around September 2020, jumped bail after he was released from Kuje Correctional Service Centre on July 27 nine months after he was arraigned.

The ex-pension reformed boss was, however, rearrested in Niger Republic, where he

was alleged to have fled to, by security forces and produced in court on December 4, 2020.

His release on bail was made possible following Ndume’s resolve to stand as his surety after the lawmaker used his Abuja property’s title documents worth N500 million as bail bond in compliance with some of the bail conditions.

Ruling, Justice Abang, who said he had considered the arguments of both parties in the suit, held that he had no jurisdiction to entertain the lawmaker’s application dated Dec. 15, 2020.

“Where an appeal has been filed, every application will be made before the Court of Appeal.

“Therefore, any issue can only be entertained by the Court of Appeal,” he ruled.

Following the controversy trailing the demolition of a building belonging to a member representing the Bauchi federal constituency, in the House of Representatives, Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi, the Bauchi State Government has reacted to the development, saying the construction of the building violated the government policy of land administration.

Addressing a press conference at the Government House in Bauchi yesterday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, said it has become necessary for the state government to set the record straight and disabuse the minds of the public on any insinuation on the demolition saga.

Gidado, who was reacting on behalf of the state government, said on October 1 2021, the state government demolished an ongoing ‘illegal’ construction

Insecurity: Anambra CP Visits Igbokwe, Okongwu's Houses David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Tony Olofu, yesterday led a team of police men on patrol in the state in an effort to provide adequate security.

The commissioner also visited the houses of Lagos State Commissioner, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, and Chu Okongwu, which were burnt down by attackers last Sunday.

A statement issued by the state police spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, stated that Olofu also visited the offices of the Department of State Services (DSS), which was

also attacked on the same day.

Ikenga said the police commissioner decided to lead the patrol as a way to boost the confidence of police officers, who have recently become targets for attacks.

He said: "The commissioner today (yesterday) led a team of senior police officers and tactical squads on a confidence-boosting patrol within the state. The CP also visited the scene of recent attacks in the state, including the DSS office in Nnewi and the residences of Joe Igbokwe and Okongwu.

"He also visited Nnewi

area command, Otolo, Nnewi Division, among others, to boost the morale of police personnel as part of efforts to tackle the new trends of security breaches in the state."

He said the commissioner, while condemning the recurring developments of public disturbance and attacks on government facilities and private residences in the state, charged the police personnel to be firm and resolute in resisting attackers, while also charging them to take the battle to the door-step of the perpetrators of these dastardly acts.

Al-Makura Declares for APC National Chairmanship Race Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Senator Umaru Tanko AlMakura yesterday declared to contest for the national chairmanship of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the party's forth coming national convention.

Al-Makura, who is the erstwhile governor of Nasarawa State, made public his desire to contest for the

seat in Lafia Local Goverment Area of the state.

He said his desire to campaign for the national chairmanship of the APC was borne out of his conviction to safeguard the good tenets of President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He said: "I feel this time is auspicious. And The venue of this grand finale is important. Today I take the

opportunity of this grand finale to make a declaration about my aspiration to contest for the office of APC national chairman in the coming convention.

"I consider this important because this is my base. This is my Local GA where my ward and Even the zonal headquarters is. This is where my umbilical cord that gave rise to my political aspiration.

work of a house at number 7 Buba Yaro road in the state belonging to a member of the House of Representatives due to factors which contravened the laws of the government in connection to land.

According to him, "The government approved the sale of some of its residential houses to occupants on owner-occupier basis; however, government houses

on Buba Yaro road in old GRA in Bauchi popularly referred to as commissioners’ quarters are exempted from this policy.

The said house on Buba Yaro road was allocated on June 23, 2014, to the state House of Assembly to serve as guest house.

"In spite of the exemption of the houses on Buba Yaro road from the owner-occupier policy of the state government, the then

commissioner for Works, Land and Housing, under the past administration of Alhaji Abubakar Tatari Ali allocated the house to himself, using a fictitious name of one Mohammed Kabir of Danjuma Goje Street, Bauchi. The house was later sold to Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi, a member representing Bauchi federal constituency in House of Representatives at the cost of N9 million."

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021

NEWS XTRA

Insecurity: SaMBA Wants Buhari to Arrest, Try Sponsors of Killings in S’East Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Southern and Middle-Belt Alliance (SaMBA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently identify and apprehend the sponsors of recent killings by unknown gunmen in the South East zone.

The group, in a statement on Monday and signed by its spokesman, Rwang Pam Jnr. appealed to the president to take immediate steps to tackle the growing menace of violence in Anambra State and the entire South-East region.

SaMBA, while commending the Nigeria Army’s proactive action against insecurity as it planned to commence three security exercises nationwide, codenamed ‘Golden Dawn, Enduring Peace and Still Water’, further advised the soldiers to conduct these exercises with restraint and respect human rights of civilians.

The statement read in part: “Recent activities of the socalled ‘Unknown Gunmen’ in Anambra State and the South-East in the past few

weeks call for concern among peace loving Nigerians as scores of lives had been lost and government and private

properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.

"The right to life is fundamental and basic right

and it’s so entrenched in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) in Section 33, which clearly states, ‘that

every person has a right to life and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in the execution of

RECOGNISING A PIONEER…

L-R: Chairman, STB- Mclan Group, Lagos, Mr. Steve Omojafor; Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Prof. Pat Utomi, and celebrant, Mrs. Sena Anthony, during MUBO PETERS award presentation by CVL to Anthony as the pioneer woman in Nigeria oil and gas sector in Lagos…recently

Igangan Seeks N193m Damages Amanze Obi Presents New Book over Herders' Attack Igangan community has submitted a list of property and vehicles that were destroyed during the June 5 attack to the Oyo State Government.

A total of 15 residents were killed by those who invaded the town.

The community is seeking N193 million compensation to enable victims rebuild and repair their houses, shops, gas refilling station, vehicles and motorcycles, among others.

When the unknown gunmen susp=ected to be criminal herders descended attacked the community on

the night of June 5, over 70 properties, including houses, shops and gas refilling stations were destroyed and looted.

According to the list, 11 indigenes were killed on the fateful night. Four members of the about 100-strong attackers, also lost their lives during the three-hour attack.

Waiting for the expected compensation, many of the shops and houses, including the palace of the Asigangan, were already being repaired through self-help when The Nation visited the town last week.

Fishermen Protest Attacks, Abduction by Sea Pirates in Akwa Ibom

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The fishing community in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State yesterday protested incessant attacks and abductions of their members by suspected sea pirates in the state.

The protesters, under the aegis of Watch Out Fishermen Cooperatives (WOFC), stormed the Ibaka beach early in the morning chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards of various inscriptions.

Some of the placards read: "Foward Operating Base, Ibaka is sleeping," "President Buhari do the needful, we are tired of paying ransom," "Federal government and Nigerian Navy stop the sea piracy," etc.

Addressing the protesters, the Chairman of the WOFC, Mr. Effiong Numah, expressed worry that despite the insecurity along the waterways, state government and security agencies have remained adamant to their plights.

Ortom Mourns General Apere George Okoh in Makurdi

The Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army and the Olupako of Share, Oba Haruna Olawale Suleiman, the entire Share community and family over the death of Brigadier-General Dayo Apere, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).

Ortom said the death of General Apere, who died on

the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.

Saturday, October 2, 2021, of an undisclosed ailment is a huge tragedy to Nigeria’s war against terrorism.

He described the death of Apere as a big blow to the army and particularly Benue State who has been contending with Fulani militia, bandits and kidnappers.

Ortom recalled that the contributions of Operation Whirl Stroke under the Command of late Apere was instrumental to the relative peace the Benue State is enjoying now.

A new book entitled, ‘Scents of Power’ written by frontline journalist and notable columnist, Dr Amanze Obi, is to be presented to the public soon.

The book presentation is scheduled for 12th October, 2021 in Abuja.

According to the author, the book is a peep through the multiple doors that he has passed in his triple engagements as a scholar, journalist and public servant. The emphasis is on his multi-faceted experiences with men of power and influence.

The account is a product of history. Guided by historical actuality, the author focuses on factuality, authenticity and the true value of knowledge in his reflections about the past.

There is no myth or legend in the book. What we have is living history. The outcome is a historical narrative that pieces together the rudiments of yesterday and converts them into raw materials for present engagement. The blend is uncommon. It exemplifies and highlights the eclectic bent of

the author as an accomplished raconteur.

His adoption of the historical approach in his narrative is significant. It has helped to identify the author as an artist with a significant past and a predisposition to write in a certain manner. This knowledge enables the reader to ascertain how the book reflects the historical forces that shaped it.

But the narrative goes beyond the author's personal encounters.

It is imbued with a universal appeal that makes the account

not just the author's story, but everyone's story.

The governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who wrote the Foreward to the book, notes that “Amanze Obi is a journalist that has traversed the media landscape and made his imprint in many national dailies; his opinion has found favour in the public domain, adding value to the papers' image and economics. He got a chance to walk his talk when he got appointed to serve as a commissioner on two occasions."

Death Row Inmate Commits Suicide in Abuja A death row inmate, Obinna Echianu, has committed suicide inside the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja. Echianu, who was convicted for the murder of an Uber driver, Inalegwu Ali in Abuja, last year, was said to have hanged himself with his clothes in the prison toilet last Saturday.

His body was found early in the morning by other inmates who wanted to use the toilet.

The body was subsequently removed and taken to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital mortuary while an investigation was launched into the incident.

“The inmate hanged himself with his clothes while the other inmates were sleeping on Friday night. They woke up Saturday morning to find his body dangling in the toilet.

Investigations are ongoing but

there is no sign or suspicion of foul play or culpable homicide but investigations are on. His case was on appeal and nobody knew what the outcome would have been,” a source said.

Echianu was arraigned alongside one Everly Nnorom, a student, by the police on five-count of armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and culpable homicide.

The prosecutor had told the

court that Echianu, a businessman from Abia State and Nnorom, from Imo State on December 25, 2016, conspired to commit armed robbery and culpable homicide, punishable with death.

It was gathered that the two men were said to have dispossessed Ali of his Nissan Almera car and one mobile phone at Gosa pedestrian bridge, Airport Road, Abuja, and also killed him after the robbery.

IWG Visits Ondo Health Ministry, Discusses Information Access Shalom Uzochukwu An Independent Working Group (IWG) formed by HACEY Health Initiative has visited the Ondo State Ministry of Health to discuss ways to improve youth’s access to sexual and reproductive health information.

HACEY Health Initiative, a leading development organisation focused on

improving the health and productivity of the vulnerable and under-served population in Africa formed the group and tasked them with the role of advocating for improved access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information and services for young people.

A statement by the HACEY Health Initiative said the IWG is constituted of six students

who have shown interest in increasing young people’s awareness of their sexual health and rights while also increasing access to youth-friendly SRH services.

The statement revealed that the visit which took place at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health and had in attendance the Ministry’s Permanent

Secretary, Folukemi Aladenola; Director of Family, Health and Nutrition, Dr. Isaac Aladeniyi; other key officers of the ministry and HACEY’s Youth Amplify Project Manager, Kemi Omole.

She lauded the gesture, stating that young people’s sexual and reproductive health is an integral part of their total wellbeing and needs to be hugely prioritized.

2023: Tinubu's Posters Flood Lagos as SWAGA Intensifies Consultations Segun James Although the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has not declared his intention to contest for the 2023 presidential election, a campaign group rooting for his candidature, the South-west Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA’23) has intensified its sensitisation, consultation and

mobilisation tour in the state.

Tinubu's posters for the poll were seen in many strategic areas of the state, such as Ojota, Maryland, Ketu Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Ikotun, Igando, Ojuelegba among others.

The SWAGA’23, which is being led by a former Minister of Works and Media Adviser to the late Chief Moshood Abiola, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye,

had inaugurated chapters in Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti States after its regional inauguration in Ibadan, the political headquarters of western Nigeria, on December 15, 2020.

The group commenced a week-long sensitisation, consultation and mobilisation tour in Lagos with visits to traditional rulers in Badagry,

Ikeja, and Lagos Divisions to solicit for their support.

Traditional rulers of Badagry Division of Lagos State have jointly endorsed the national leader of the APC as a presidential aspirant.

The traditional rulers made the pronouncement at a town hall meeting that was organised by the SWAGA'23 on Sunday in Lagos.

TUESDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

38

TUESDAYSPORTS Awoniyi, Ekong, Onuachu, Akpoguma, 11 Others in Camp for CAR

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Osimhen, Iheanacho, Musa, four others expected before noon 2 0 2 2 W O R L D C U P Q UA L I F I E R S Chidera Ejuka...IN

Chidozie Awaziem...IN

Duro Ikhazuagbe S uperr Eagles camp at Eko Hotel on Super L ag goss Island roared into life with Lagos tthe he ar r arrival of 11 more players late llast ast s n night for the 2022 World Cup d do oubll header qualifying clash with double tthe he C Central African Republic on T hurs Thursday in Lagos.

Tho o who joined the early four Those pl playe p l ye like Chidera Ejuke, Daniel players A kp pe e Akpeyi, Chidozie Awaziem and JJa amilu u Collins late last night include, Jamilu Ta o Awoniyi, Taiwo Pau u Onuachu, Samuel Kalu, Kevin Paul A kpo og o g Akpoguma, Innocent Bonke, William T rooss Troost-Ekong, Frank Onyeka, Leon B alog gu Joseph Aribo, Calvin Bassey g Balogun, a nd O and Ola Aina.

Tho o confirmed to arrive today Those iinclude: in clud Vicctt Osimhen, Maduka Okoye, Victor K Ke lecc Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Kenn n Kenneth Omeruo, Simon Moses, Franci i Uzoho and Shehu Abdullahi.

Francis Me ed Officer of the Super Eagles, e Media B Ba baf Babafemi Raji who confirmed the a rriva a of the 11 additional players arrival to the first four in camp to to THISDAY last night said the team

will repeat light work out in the w gym this morning while there will n at be an evening training session m. m Teslim Balogun Stadium at 5pm. pen p “The first 10 minutes will be open ssion to the media before a closed session and with only the players, coaches a sssed back room staff begins later,” stressed otel o Raji from Eagles camp at Eko Hotel on Victoria Island last night.

AR A Eagles will entertain the CAR um, u inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium, ffore Lagos on Thursday evening before heading to Douala, Cameroon for The the reverse fixture on Sunday. T pted d Cameroonian city is the adopted ffterr home of the Central Africans after e CAF did not approve any of the e stadiums in their country for the qualifiers. iints With the maximum six points from their first two matches of the ag gos g campaign (against Liberia in Lagos delo d and against Cape Verde in Mindelo gles g earlier this month), the Super Eagles g of will be as good in the final leg able the qualifying series if they are a iinst to pick another six points against u e uble the central Africans in this double header this week.

Jamilu Collins.. ...IN .IN IN IN

Daniel Akpeyi...IN

CAR’s Wild Beasts ‘Strategising’ in Douala, to Arrive Lagos Today

Femi Solaja

Ahead of the Match-day three of the 2022 World Cup qualifying clash between Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR), Super Eagles opponents, the ‘Wild Beasts’ arrived in Douala, Cameroon yesterday to fine-tune ahead of the trip to Lagos later today.

The cash strapped Central African team, according to local radio station, Ndekeluka, had initiallyplanned to hit the neighbouring nation, Cameroon on Saturday but could not achieve their aims due to financial constraints but eventually landed in the city yesterday.

They are expected to connect the Asky flight to Lagos later this evening.

Top sources informed the radio station that “approved funds for the team was not release until Sunday which explains why the delay”.

The Wild Beast hanging on just one point from two matches played so far will be aiming to upset the form book with a win in Lagos against

Nigeria and come back into reckoning of winning the sole ticket of the group to the final qualifying knockout out phase in March next year.

According to the travel plan of the team, the Wild Beasts will return to Douala, immediately after the first leg

to prepare for the return fixture against the Super Eagles on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Head Coach of the team, Raoul Savoy, has restated the team’s plan for future tournaments while the World Cup qualifying round of matches is yet to be concluded.

The Spanish-Swiss tactician is on the second spell with the team after he was disengaged and worked at Ethiopia, Eswatini and The Gambia before returning to handle the Wild Beast again.

“It’s good to be back at home. I’m feeling well with

the atmosphere, the people and the mentality.

“We’re in a right track when I left two years ago. It was time to travel again together.”

Despite the immediacy of the World Cup qualifiers, Savoy declared his primary objective will be qualifying for the 2023

Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

“The AFCON is our main goal. We can do it and it’s just a question of working hard and having the full commitment of our international players,” the local radio quoted him yesterday.

WADA Clears Nigeria of Anti Doping Rules Non-compliance The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has signed off on all outstanding critical and high priority corrective actions required of Nigeria following its review of the National AntiDoping Committee (NADC’s) continuous monitoring programme, corrective action plan and its efforts to address same.

This latest development was conveyed to Nigeria in two separate letters dated August 2nd and 4th, 2021 and addressed to the NADC. “Following the review of your continous monitoring programme, corrective action plan and your responses to

address the required critical and high priority corrective actions, we are pleased to inform you that WADA has concluded that your organisation has appropriately addressed all critical corrective actions,” read the first letter while the second, specifically addressed to the head of NADC, Dr Fadekemi Fadeyibi delivered the cheering news. ''Following the latest developments, we have signed off in the CCC the remaining critical corrective action. Therefore the relevant compliance procedure has now been closed,” read the second letter.

By implication, Nigeria has satisfactorily addressed all the

non-conformities identified with its national anti- doping programme and code compliance which led to the country's delisting by WADA on 6th December, 2018.

Although WADA reinstated Nigeria shortly after following its recognition of some initial steps taken by NADC, the implementation of these corrective actions were deemed outstanding until the recent acknowledgment of satisfactory implementation by WADA. Nigeria was declared a non-compliant code signatory in December 2018 for deficiencies identified in NADC's national anti-doping programme and

required to implement some critical corrective actions.

With the House of Representatives Committee on Sports holding a public hearing to address the non-eligibility of 10 Nigerian athletes to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in July and August, it is expected that legislative backing could not have come at a better time to remove permanently the embarrassment of stopping Nigerian athletes from competing in continental and global sports fiesta.

With the right legislation, Nigeria's anti-doping administration can compare with key NADOs in the African

region namely the South African and Kenyan NADOs. Already, the Sports Committee has invited the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare to come and shed light on what happened in Tokyo.

However, track & field aficionados believe to get to the root cause of the embarrassment in Tokyo, the immediate past board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria recognised by both World Athletics and the Athletics Integrity Unit should also be invite to explain why it neither appointed a qualified anti-doping officer nor set up an anti doping committee for four years it was in charge of Nigeria’s athletics.

39

TUESDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Abraham, Tomori Recalled to England’s Three Lions Roma striker Tammy Abraham and AC Milan defender, Fikayo Tokori have been called up to the England squad for October's World Cup qualifiers.

Gareth Southgate named his squad to take on Andorra

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS and Hungary last month, with Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins the only out-and-out strikers to make the cut.

The pair have now been joined by Abraham, whom The Athletic's David Ornstein notes has been called up to join the

squad for the first time since November 2020.

Abraham is not thought to be replacing anybody in the squad and has simply been introduced as a reward for his impressive form since swapping Chelsea

for Roma this summer.

The 24-year-old has managed four goals and three assists in ten appearances for Jose Mourinho's side, winning praise for his allround game and ability to link up with those around him. He has been a crucial part of Roma's rise to fourth in the Serie A table.

Having made his international debut in 2017, Abraham has racked up six caps for the Three Lions, bagging his only goal in a 7-0 thumping of Montenegro in late 2019.

He has not been involved since coming on as a late substitute

in a victory over Iceland in November 2020, after which Abraham quickly began to lose his spot in the Chelsea squad.

Following Thomas Tuchel's arrival at Stamford Bridge in January, Abraham saw his minutes at club level plummet, and Southgate felt unable to offer him a spot in the squad for this summer's European Championships.

Southgate also recalled AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in his 23-man squad.

Watford Appoint Ranieri as New Manager

Tammy Abraham ...back to Three Lions

Fikayo Tomori....battled his way back to reckoning

Watford have appointed Claudio Ranieri as their new manager after sacking Xisco Munoz on Sunday.

The Italian, 69, returns to the Premier League which he famously won with Leicester in 2015-16,having left Serie A side Sampdoria in the summer.

It is the 14th managerial change under Watford's owners, the Pozzo family, since they took over in 2012.

Ranieri is charged with improving their league form as they sit 15th after taking seven points from seven games.

Watford's first match with their new manager in charge will be at home against Liverpool on Saturday, 16 October.

Ranieri has a wealth of experience with Watford being his 21st

club in a 35-year managerial career. In that time he has won eight trophies, including the 199596 Coppa Italia with Fiorentina, 2004-05 Super Cup with Valencia and the 2015-16 Premier League title with Leicester.

He is familiar with the English top flight through Chelsea, Leicester and Fulham.

Ranieri is held in high regard at Leicester but was sacked with the Foxes just one point above the relegation zone with 13 matches left in the 2016-17 season.

From Leicester he took a season away from the Premier League, in Nantes, before returning to take charge of Fulham in 2018. He only lasted 106 days as the Cottagers sacked him with the club facing relegation.

Peter Rufai Stars at Saharalympics Games Foremost former Nigerian goalkeeper and Super Eagles Captain, Peter Rufai produced excellent saves that left spectators thrilled as he joined Sahara Group over the weekend to celebrate the 4th edition of the energy conglomerate’s Saharalympics Games.

The biennial games which held at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos featured Sahara Group’s employees across Africa, Asia Europe, and the Middle East.

“I have seen a lot of sporting events in my time, and I must admit that this is an excellent competition. I am delighted to be here to witness the brilliant sporting skills of Sahara Group employees and the display of unity in the organization,” said an elated Rufai who left the crowd

cheering with several acrobatic saves from the penalty spot.

The event also had special guests in celebrated sports broadcasters, Charles Anazodo and Segun “The Pundit” Agbede who presented medals to outstanding athletes at the games.

According to Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, the Saharalympics is a celebration of “competitiveness and camaraderie” and provides a platform for enhancing employee collaboration, recreation, and productivity.

“The Saharalympics releases a special kind of energy that reinforces the ambidexterity of the employees at Sahara. The other day we had our Variety Night celebration that saw

spectacular performances from Saharians across the Group. Today, we have taken the notch higher with sublime performances from all the teams. We work hard, play hard and win together at Sahara Group. We are already looking forward to the 2023 edition,” Obioma added.

Five teams, Sahara Group Consolidated (comprising Group operations, trading entities, First Independent Power Limited and teams from within and outside Africa, Asharami Energy (a Sahara Group Upstream Company), Ikeja Electric, Asharami Synergy (a Sahara Group Downstream Company) and Egbin Power competed for laurels in athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, bulls’ eye, supply crude, egg and spoon race and sack race

at the Saharalympics.

Egbin Power emerged winners, while Ikeja Electric and Asharami Synergy took the first and second runner up positions respectively.

Acting Chief Operating Officer, Egbin Power, Olurotimi Famoroti said: “We simply lived out our mantra which propels us to always work towards being better in all that we do. Egbin Power, a member of the Sahara Power Group is a foremost power plant in sub-saharan Africa and the largest power generation company in Nigeria. We successfully transmitted that power to our performances on the pitch.

Ultimately, we are all winners at Sahara, and we look forward to defending our title in 2023.”

IBB Club Spanks Achimota in Nigeria's Independence Match Play Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Egbin Power celebrating on the podium after winning Sahara Group’s 2021 Saharalympic Games in Lagos....last weekend

Claudio Ranieri...appointed new Watford Manager

IBB International Golf and Country Club, over the weekend defeated Achimota Club 1934 of Ghana 15-5 in the revived match play friendly to mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary.

The matches were put off last year arising from the COVID-19 pandemic that forced a global lockdown.

The 15-man Ghanaian contingent was led by the Captain Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah and the Vice- Captain Joseph Kusi-Tieku.

IBB Club won the day- one doubles match play held on Independence Day, 6-1 and followed with an emphatic 9-4 in the singles matches the

following day to emerge winners.

Amoafo-Yeboah vowed the Ghanaians will retaliate when the Nigerian capital city club visits Accra on March 6, 2022for Ghana's 65th Independence Anniversary.

He said the Ghanaians came with an abridged team because of the restrictions placed on travellers by COVID-19.

"It is always an honour for us to be able to come to be received as well as we always have. We came with a relatively small delegation compared to the size that used to visit Nigeria.

We were actually hoping to come with 35 members but unfortunately we couldn't have the numbers because of the COVID-19 protocols. But

we will retaliate when Nigerian team comes to Achimota, " Amoafo-Yeboah said.

He said they cherish the bond between Nigeria and Ghana and will use the next match play to cement the relationship established over the years.

Vice Captain, IBB International Club, Mike Ekoja said that the Ghanaians visit with an understrength team did not take the shine from the tournament because all players played against the course and to their handicap while they also thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"Overall, we did exactly what we said we would do as we organised a smooth tournament.

Our sponsors and partners were also supportive," Ekoja said.

Tuesday October 5, 2021

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Price: N250

MISSILE Gov Wike to APC, Jonathan

“What APC is doing now is to bring reputable people from PDP, and destroy them so that they won’t have anywhere to go again. If I see the former President, Jonathan, I will tell him what I heard. Don’t go anywhere because these people want to destroy your reputation. They don’t like you; you should know” –– Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, criticising APC, and admonishing Jonathan not to fall for their bait.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Independence Day Blues “H

appy Independence Day, my brother. I hope you had a great Independence Day?” “No. I didn’t. This country don tire me.”

“Tire you how? How can you get tired of your country when the other day, you and I still went to Ngozi’s place to enjoy nkwobi and isi ewu with better orisirisi? Where else in the world can anyone enjoy the kind of special things we enjoy in this country without cutting an arm and a leg?”

“You tend to take everything as a joke. I can’t blame you. I guess someone already said that the great thing about Nigerians is our ability to laugh when we should cry and dance when we should be still and sober. We make light of every tragic situation. We wake up the following morning and pretend as if all is well. If it rained overnight, we manage to forget and forge ahead.” “Ït is called resilience, my brother. We are a resilient people. We are like the Beetle. No matter how bad the road is, there is no killing the Beetle.

We keep going. I am not going to allow some stupid leaders mess me up. They can do all the things they want, I am not going to give up. If they like they can turn the Naira note, the national currency into a meaningless piece of paper, I am going to keep going. Soldiers come, soldiers go.

Let me tell you something bro. This too shall pass and Nigeria shall be great again.”

“Your problem is food and drinks. And I understand. There are people like you. Once you can eat and drink, you are fine. But there are some of us who want more from life, and we don’t think Nigeria is working. We think at 61, this country is thoroughly messed up and if I have my way, I will argue that the celebration of October I should be suspended till further notice in this country,” “Omo, chill. What are you suspending? You can’t suspend history. Nigeria gained its independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. You can’t deny that. Don’t go about suspending things you can’t suspend. Jaiye ori e, bobo” “But your President suspended Twitter? And even in his 61st Independence Day anniversary, he couldn’t lift the ban on Twitter. He said he had given directives that Twitter should be allowed back into the country based on conditions.”

“Leave Twitter I beg. Jack Dorsey is doing his own business. What has Twitter got to do with Nigeria’s independence anniversary? 61 years of Nigeria. Before Twitter, Nigeria was, after Twitter, Nigeria will still exist. I don’t even know why the President of Nigeria will choose to talk about Twitter on Nigeria’s Independence Day. That speech just went on and on. Good flow but too many unnecessary things inside. I was surprised President Muhammadu Buhari didn’t talk about Evergrande and its troubles and the fuel crisis in the UK.” “Looks like the weed you smoked is beginning to clear from your head.”

“Which weed? Na drink I dey drink, I no dey smoke. You know say my Mama don die. If I go smoke now, the thing turn my head, who go take care of me? But what I am saying is that Nigeria is not a place you wake up in the morning and you begin to worry yourself? This life itself is not worth worrying about. Just live, and be yourself.

Be happy. Don’t expect too much from anybody.

This world is full of evil. Government. Government.

Government. Who government don help? Can you believe there is power outage in Northern China? If they told you a day will come when white people in England will struggle with fuel scarcity, and beat each other up at fuel stations, struggling to get fuel, and that the streets of London will be filled with fuel queues, would you have ever agreed? But it happened bro. If not for COVID-19 and all these red list, green list things, I was tempted to go to London to make quick business. You buy, hoard, you sell.

Buhari

And make good money. I was looking at those people in London, fighting at fuel stations and for once, I felt good. If that happened in Nigeria, we would have been calling for a revolution, and the end of government. Every country has its own crisis. Let the Heavens fall, life will continue.”

“You are comparing apples and oranges. China does not have an electricity problem. Britain does not have a fuel scarcity problem. They have supply chain issues, and the fuel queues you are jubilating about are beginning to disappear.

Britain and China have the capacity to fix their problems. Who will fix Nigeria? Can anybody fix Nigeria? Has anybody been able to fix Nigeria?”

“You like to praise white people. Anything a white man does; you will rationalize it. But you won’t rationalize anything for your own country.

Which China? China where government is breathing down everybody’s neck, regulating everything including what time children should go to bed and what games they should play? With all our problems here, I don’t think any Nigerian leader would ever be mad enough to dictate what kind of food I should eat. You are praising the UK? Please who are you praising? Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister who does not know his right from his left? Supply chain problems? Are you saying I did not see those fuel queues? And the punch ups at the fuel stations, sorry, they call it forecourts?

I have been telling you, don’t worry yourself.

Nigeria is fine. Nigeria is great. If you are not happy, watch a Nollywood film. Listen to good music. Nigeria is the biggest entertainment centre in Africa. The home of pure genius in culture and the arts. The land of diamonds and resources.”

“I see you love escapism. You eat and drink.

Watch movies. And you think all is well. That is actually the problem with most Nigerians today.

They are so used to suffering, they don’t care anymore. A nation of depressed people.”

“Who is depressed in this country? Me or Davido and Whizkid who are selling out Arenas all over the world with their talent? Or Oluwaburna who is winning big international awards for his genius? Or Chimamanda Adichie who is lecturing European leaders about how to do the right thing in a world in need of justice and humanity? Your problem is that you worry too much about government.”

“Governments dictate how we live” “And I say leave government alone and focus on yourself to avoid high blood pressure!”

“How? With all the bad roads, and poor infrastructure? And insecurity? When many Nigerians wake up in the morning, they are

afraid to leave their homes because they are not sure whether they will make it back home in the evening or end up in the mortuary or a kidnapper’s den?”

“You must have been reading too many newspapers, and those things they write. This is a country of 210 million people. What do you mean people are afraid to leave their homes? Have you not seen the rush at bus stops every morning?

And the queues at garages across the country, people moving up and down?”

“Nigeria should not be at that level 61 years after independence. In 1960, it was widely believed that the Nigeria of the future would do better than Japan and Malaysia within a decade. We messed it all up. A 61-year old person in the UK, Japan, and Malaysia is better off than a 61-year old in Nigeria today.”

“Na lie. I know Nigerians who are 61 years old who are on the Forbes list of the wealthiest people in the world.”

“And their names are probably listed on the Panama and Pandora papers, and America’s Wanted List. You will never find my name there.”

“Because you spend your entire life criticizing others. You don’t ever see anything good in anything or anybody. You must change your mind-set. You praise other people. You condemn your own. A 61-year old man or woman in Nigeria is better off than a 61-year old in Malawi or Zimbabwe and Guinea Conakry. How about that?”

“But they don’t kidnap people or kill them like flies in those other countries. What is the worth of a Nigerian life, 61 years after independence? All good things Nigeria destroys them all. The other day, they killed Dr. Chike Akunyili, Dora Akunyili’s husband in broad daylight in Anambra State” “Yes. Sad. Sad.” “For days, I kept remembering how the innocent man writhed on the floor, and nobody tried to help him. Instead, by-standers brought out their phones and recorded videos of his agony as life ebbed out of him. Something terrible has happened to this country, both the government and the people. If I had my way, I would ban the use of any phone with a video recording device in this country. Those phones are robbing Nigerians of their humanity and the old values we cherished.”

“Be careful. A few minutes ago, you were condemning the ban on Twitter. Government will hear you now, they will think it is a good thing to ban everything else including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp.” “No society should be this cruel. In one day, in Anambra, the offices of the Department of State Services (DSS) was burned down, same with the office of the Federal Road Safety Commission and the country home of Joe Igbokwe in Nnewi and all you hear is that unknown gunmen did it.

Unknown gunmen. Unknown soldiers. Unknown terrorists. Nigeria is a country of unknown citizens.

Even the government is unknown. What tragedy can be bigger than that? Please tell me.”

“Ah well, Nigeria will survive. I have faith.

According to my Pastor, he was telling us this Sunday…”

“Please can we leave your Pastor out of this? I am not interested in what your Pastor has to say…

Religious leaders have done too much damage…

They are part of the problem…”

“I just know that Nigeria will survive… My Pastor knows a lot...”

“What do you yourself know? What does your Pastor know about the unending insecurity in the country, the hundreds of children who have been victims of kidnapping in the North and have been scarred for life. What do you yourself know about the failure of the state in major parts of the country? The entire North is a killing zone. The Middle Belt is unsafe. Now the South is also in turmoil. Do you know that things have gone so bad in Anambra State, people are even afraid to go out, every Monday? That state is scheduled to

hold a Gubernatorial election on November 6. A month to the election, many of the candidates have suspended their campaigns and fled the state. In fact, it is now being suggested that the Anambra election should be held in Abuja.”

“You like to exaggerate things. How do you hold a Gubernatorial election in Abuja, hundreds of miles away? Will the women and voters of Anambra travel to Abuja to make a choice about their own future?”

“Nigeria’s Theatre of the Absurd. As some of you celebrated Nigeria at 61, some of us spent our time reflecting on these things. In Niger State, a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport was abducted along with his granddaughter at an event in Zungeru. In the same state, in Kachive Village, 20 persons were killed, houses were razed down by bandits. In Sokoto state, terrorists kidnapped 20 persons and then freed one of their victims to deliver a letter to the traditional ruler of the affected community, to demand a ransom of N20 million. In Nigeria, human beings have become commodities traded on the Kidnappers Stock Exchange (KSE), which is fast becoming far more profitable than the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

That is how bad our situation is.”

“Na wah oh.”

“One of these days, we would all be here and we would all hear that a State Governor has been abducted or maybe his wife.”

“Na lie. That can’t happen. A whole Governor?”

“Are you not aware that many Governors no longer spend the night in their states. That is why they all have private jets. They show up in the state to attend events, and as soon it is over, they go to the nearest airport and fly to Abuja to spend the rest of the week. And yet these persons are called Chief Security Officers of their states.”

“Make you no blame them my brother. Who wan die? Everything for this life na destiny. Na where you find yourself, you go manage.”

“Even the economy is in tatters. Our debt service to revenue ratio is frightening. 97.7%. And that is why I don’t understand why there is so much scramble over who should become President of Nigeria in 2023. North vs South. The next Nigerian President will inherit chaos. A broken country, if not physically, but certainly spiritually.”

“Don’t worry yourself, Nigeria won’t break.

Did you not hear the President when he said that the Nigeria the British gave to us is indivisible and non-negotiable?”

“I sort of liked the speech. I thought it was a significant improvement on the terrible prose they used to write as Presidential speeches. But a second reading revealed the false claims in that speech. Fine prose yes, but don’t use fine turns of phrase to deceive the people. In this business, that is a form of corruption. In normal life, they call it “toasting”. Those fine things you say to seduce a woman.”

“Omo oor. The thing choke!”

“You heard woman now, see how you are excited like a child. Are you okay? The thing to note is that Nigerians today are beyond seduction.

That is why we have all these problems around the country. I just hope that in the next round of elections, Nigerians will shine their eyes, and vote wisely.”

“Shine ya eye! Big Brother Naija. You too watch am? Odogwu, my man, Mazi White Money. The money white e be like snow.”

“I am not talking about Big Brother Naija.

The obsession with a group of young men and women living in a cage defined by dissoluteness is a reflection of the state of the nation.”

“Nigeria sef na Big Brother Naija. Discuss. Mazi, White Money, na you biko.”

“I won’t discuss that with you.”

“Leave this Nigerian matter I beg. Na who go remain go remain, make we go drink, clear head. Buhari sef fit dey the other room, we dey here dey drag plenty matter.”

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