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S’Court to Hear Petro Union, CBN Case Tomorrow Directors face criminal charges Wednesday Mohammed Aminu In a matter that has been likened to the infamous Process & Industrial Development Limited (P&ID) scam, the Supreme Court is set to hear a

case involving the apex bank, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) against Petro Union Oil and Gas Company Limited (Petro Union), over an alleged £2.556 billion attempted fraud.

Incidentally, the directors of Petro Union will also on Wednesday face criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Lagos on the same matter, which has been established by the EFCC as

an attempt to defraud CBN, UBN and indeed, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The case has garnered public attention especially because the alleged attempt by Petro Union, to swindle the CBN

and UBN of £2.556 billion is strikingly similar to the P&ID directors’ efforts to defraud Nigeria of $10 billion.

The Supreme Court case is coming shortly after Nigerians eulogised a United Kingdom

(UK) court for delivering an impartial judgment in Nigeria’s favour in the highly publicised P&ID $10 billion arbitration claim.

Continued on page 9

OPS Fears Prolonged Protests May Adversely Impact Economy...Page 8 Monday 19 October, 2020 Vol 25. No 9324. Price: N250

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Showdown Looms as Protesters Plan Lockdown of Abuja, Lagos Today Protests hijacked to destabilise FG, says Mohammed Lawan, Gbajabiamila meet Buhari, ask demonstrators for more time Defence minister cautions against undermining national security NGF: Govs concerned about rising anger Kingsley Nwezeh, Olawale Ajimotokan, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and James Sowole in Akure A showdown between security forces and #EndSARS activists may be in the offing as the protesters yesterday unfolded plans to scale up the campaign to force the federal government

to meet their demands to stop alleged police brutality, among others, by blocking critical road arteries in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos, the country’s economic nerve centre.

The protesters, in a tweet, said today, they would Continued on page 10

Anxiety Mounts as INEC Chairman’s Tenure Expires Nov 9 Onochie’s nomination breaches constitution, zoning arrangement Chuks Okocha in Abuja Who becomes the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the tenure of the incumbent, Prof. Mahmood

Yakubu, expires on November 9?

This is one of the raging questions being asked by analysts and INEC officials Continued on page 9

PUTTING HEADS TOGETHER...

L-R: President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; President Muhammadu Buhari; and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, during a meeting on the ongoing protests across the country in Abuja…yesterday

IG Lists SWAT Operatives' qualifications as Training Begins Today... Page 5

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NEWS IG Lists SWAT Operatives’ qualifications as Training Begins Today

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

PTF calls for five-year action plan Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja As the training of selected officers for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team begins today, the InspectorGeneral of Police, (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has listed the requirements of officers to be trained in the new police tactical team to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The IG reassured Nigerians that no ex-SARS operatives have been shortlisted in the SWAT team.

Adamu explained: “The officers selected for the training are young, smart and energetic officers who have acquired not less than seven years working experience with clean service records – no pending disciplinary matters, no record of violation of rights of citizens or misuse of firearms – and are physically fit to withstand the rigour of SWAT training and operations.

A statement issued by Force Headquarters said Adamu reaffirmed that the new police tactical team would operate within high professional and ethical standards, obey the rule of law and dictates of best international policing practices.

It said in pursuant of the above objectives, the police would partner the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other development partners to train the tactical team at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training School, Ila Orangun, Osun State and the PMF Training School, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State.

The IG added that no personnel of the defunct SARS would be a member of the new tactical team.

"The selected officers shall be subjected to the physical fitness test, medical and toxicology screening among others and those found to be unsuitable shall be discharged," the statement added.

The statement, signed

by Force PRO and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP),

Mr. Frank Mba, said the ICRC, independent international human rights and humanitarian support organisation with over 71 years’ experience in humanitarian services and institutional support and development would provide resource persons and materials to handle the human rights components of the training programme.

"Specifically, they will handle topics touching on humanitarian laws, police conduct in conflict situation, human rights standard, especially in the use of force and firearms, arrest and detention amongst others.

"Other areas of the training programme will include modern-day police ethics and values, intelligence-led policing, operation planning/tactical decision making processes, hostage rescue tactics and operation, weapon handling, first aid/basic life-saving skills, stress/fear management, policecitizens relations and emotional intelligence etc," the statement said.

It added that the training modules would be handled by other carefully selected development partners, security experts as well as veterans from the civil society and the human rights community.

The IG charged the training coordinators to ensure a diligent and timely delivery of the tactical team.

He said the necessity for the immediate establishment of a new tactical team was in view of the need to fill voids created by the dissolution of SARS, particularly during the “EMBER months” traditionally characterised with an upsurge in armed robbery and other violent crimes in the country.

The IG, therefore, sought the cooperation of citizens in the ongoing development drive for a new and reformed Nigeria Police Force.

He urged them to be patient and to believe in the reform processes which are all directed at ensuring the security, safety and rights of all.

PTF Calls for Five-year Action Plan Meanwhile, the Police Trust Fund (PTF) at the weekend requested the IG to present a five-year comprehensive plan of action to transform the police force.

The fund at a meeting in Abuja also approved the implementation of extensive training, provision of state-ofthe-art equipment and welfare plan for the force.

The call coincides with the denial by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PTF and retired Inspector-General of the Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, of any rift between him and the Executive Secretary of the board, Mr. Ahmed Sokoto, which was said to have delayed the take-off of the fund.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Abba said: "The board considered the implementation of extensive training, provision of requisite state-of-the-art equipment as well as an appropriate welfare plan for personnel to be deployed to the new tactical team and other specialised units of the Nigeria Police Force.

"The board of trustees also requested the Inspector-General of Police to present a five-year comprehensive strategic plan of action aimed at achieving the total transformation of the Nigeria Police Force."

While denying the purported rift between him and Sokoto, Abba said: "If there is anybody that is deliberately causing problems for the PTF, I will know what to do."

He also flayed criticisms from

stakeholders faulting some provisions of the Police Trust Fund Act 2019, with regards to deductions from states and some corporations as part of the funding for the PTF. He said: "My own understanding is that the Police Trust Fund Establishment Act 2019 is an Act of the National Assembly and only a court of law can declare it or part of it illegal.

"So, if anyone saying there is no Act, you can take him up on what I said.

"Some of the provisions they are talking about, I find it difficult to understand. Is it that they don't want Nigerian police to be transformed? Is it that they don't want the security of this country?

"There are other corporations and agencies where deductions are made from the same

Federation Account and they are not saying anything about it.

"Who is against the police?

Who is against the security of this country? I leave Nigerians to judge."

He also said the Nigerian police contingent to the United Nations peacekeeping operations enjoyed highperformance rating owing to the use of modern technology hence the determination of PTF to equip the force sufficiently.

"It is on record that our policemen go out there on peace mission and come out on tops because the right equipment is there so if they get this equipment, they will even do more because they are with their families, they are at home in an environment they are used to and that is what we intend to do," Abba said.

GRATEFUL HEARTS...

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Bisi; and Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), at the special thanksgiving mass commemorating the second anniversary of the Fayemi administration in Ado- Ekiti…yesterday

Thugs, Not Protesters, behind Attack on Me, Says Oyetola Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, yesterday blamed political thugs for Saturday’s attempt on his life at the #EndSARS protest in Osogbo, the state capital.

The governor, in a broadcast, however, absolved the protesters of any culpability in the attack in which his vehicles were damaged and some of his aides injured.

He said the youths had embarked on a successful and peaceful road walks with the government several times in the past without attacking anyone.

According to him, the political thugs and hoodlums made failed attempts on his life and those of his aides while he was identifying with the youths who were engaging in legitimate protest against the alleged brutality of the now-disbanded Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS).

He said: "The entourage

and I joined protesters from Alekuwodo area to Olaiya Junction chanting solidarity songs with them and encouraging them along the way. During the course of my address to the protesters to reiterate our cooperation and support, political thugs hijacked the exercise and hurled stones and dangerous weapons at us and vandalised several cars in my convoy."

He added that preliminary investigation revealed that the commando-style with which the assailants carried out their attack was deliberate and pre-planned, saying it was also evident that it was not the genuine protesters that carried out the violence.

He said: "Preliminary investigation further revealed that no live bullet or canister of teargas was fired at the rampaging political thugs.

Therefore, no life was lost at the scene of the incident. I was properly evacuated to safety."

But the governor expressed

regrets at the death of two persons even though none occurred during the attack on him.

He explained: “One of the said deaths, which was caused by a lone motorcycle accident, occurred around 12 noon, long before I got to the protest ground.

"The second death was said to have occurred around Ayepe, about five kilometres away from Olaiya where we held the protest.

"We sympathise with the families of the deceased and pray to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the great losses.

"I have directed that the incidents be properly investigated with a view to ascertaining the causes of the deaths."

Oyetola said this week, the government would set up a judicial panel of inquiry in line with the directive of the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President

Yemi Osinbajo, to investigate all related cases of abuse and brutality by the disbanded SARS. The panel will also investigate Saturday's attack on him.

He described what happened on Saturday as objectionable, unacceptable and a blight to the Omoluabi ethos that Osun State stands for.

He said: "Osun youths who are the original #EndSARS protesters have travelled the long road of building a better Osun with us and we have been on the lane of delivering a better and prosperous Osun together. This assassination attempt could not have come from them."

The governor added that his administration had identified with the youths from day one of the protests in the belief that protest is a legitimate right of the citizenry and a core component of democracy.

He noted that on the first day of the protest, senior

government officials were at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park to address the protesters.

He recalled that these senior officers of the government also addressed them at the gate of the State Secretariat, Abere, on the fourth day to identify with the protesters, adding that they “pledged our solidarity to their cause and promise to deliver their demands to the president.

Those demands have since been met by Mr. President.”

He stated that the protesters had engaged in peaceful demonstrations for the first two days before it was later hijacked in the last five days.

According to him, the state government has cause to raise the alarm last Wednesday that the protest had been hijacked.

The governor added that the All Progressives Congress (APC) also raised another alarm that identified political thugs were seen brandishing dangerous weapons while following the protesters.

He said it was unfortunate that Saturday’s protest, which started peacefully, was allowed to degenerate into violence that threatened the lives and property of the people.

He said as a responsible and responsive government, the state will do everything within the ambit of the law to protect the lives and property of the people.

Oyetola said: “All our citizens and residents are enjoined to be law-abiding as any person found contravening the law shall be made to face the wrath of the law.

"We commit to the cause of our youths and the #EndSARS protesters and shall do everything to ensure that their demands are met.

"We shall fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act and bring them to justice.

We shall not condone any act that will compromise the lives of our people and the hard-won ranking of our state as the most peaceful state in Nigeria."

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NEWS

OPS Fears Prolonged Protests May Adversely Impact Economy Calls for dialogue Dike Onwuamaeze Representatives of the organised private sector in the Nigerian economy and some financial experts have expressed concern that the prolonged nationwide protests against police brutality on Nigerian citizens would worsen the country's economic situation.

They, however, urged the federal government and the protesters to come to the negotiation table to work out acceptable resolutions of the dispute before the showdown degenerates to a total shutdown of the economy, with its attendant deleterious effects.

The Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf, told THISDAY that the protests were already having a negative impact on businesses and could lead to a shutdown of the economy if not properly managed.

Yusuf said: “We appreciate the need to do things properly in terms of governance and we believe that the protesters have made their points and made them effectively. So, now is time to dialogue with the authorities on the way forward. I plead that they should go to the dialogue table to resolve the issue.

“Luckily the government has shown the willingness to dialogue and has shown some good signals to solving the problems, which the protesters should catch on.”

The Director-General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Timothy Olawale, expressed similar concerns about the implications of the continued protest on socioeconomic activities and urged the government to arrest the situation.

Olawale asked Nigerians to exercise restraints and trust the

government’s promise to resolve the situation through extensive reform of the police force.

He said: “Every Nigerian should be concerned because we are likely heading for another shutdown of the economy on account of this protest. Not that the protest is bad in itself, but there is the possibility of it being hijacked by hoodlums.

In addition, it will leave the economy with a huge loss of productivity man-hour that will, in turn, lead to loss of business profitability as well.

“However, the larger implication is that it sends the wrong signal of business instability to the international community, which will adversely affect foreign direct investments and even existing investments because we are having a situation where some business chief executives are tinkering with the idea of relocating their businesses to other climes where things are a little stable because there are a lot of instabilities and uncertainties in Nigeria. We just negotiated our way out of labour strike last month. It is like one day, one trouble for the economy. So, we are very concerned.”

Similarly, the Director-General of the National Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Ambassador Ayo Olukanni, told THISDAY: “A prolonged protest would definitely take its toll on the economy and businesses and I am concerned about that.

“But we are also mindful that a safe environment is also a key to economic activities, which is the reason it is important to reform the police. And we hope that the government should start implementing the police reform as quickly as possible.”

For the Chief Executive Officer of Treasure Capital and Trust

Limited, Mr. Tom Achoda, the protest has started to undermine the sources of business and public revenues in the country.

Achoda said: “Its impact on government revenue will be a huge negative. The effective blockade of the Lekki toll gate will be a big loss to the Lagos State revenue. Moreover, free flow of economic activities is jeopardised as those living outside Lagos State are afraid to come to the state.

“The Asaba, Delta State end part of the Niger Bridgehead

has been blocked and once there are hindrances in the free flow of people and goods from one location in the country to the other, definitely businesses will be affected. How can the government collect taxes from businesses and individuals if there are no economic activities to generate revenues that will ensure business profitability?”

A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr. Innocent Ifelunini, told THISDAY in a telephone

interview that the protest would aggravate the country’s economy that is already in trouble due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ifelunini said people have started avoiding work because they could not predict the dimension of this #EndSARS protest, adding that once there are protests and people could not go to work, the impact will be felt on the GDP. He said: “Note that it is no longer the youths alone that are protesting because people that have sympathy for their cause

are joining the street protest, which has spread across many states in the country.

“Once you have a situation where people do not go to work and we compute productivity of the economy based on what people produce, that will impact on the GDP. It will also impact on the marginal productivity of labour, which may not be profitable to the private sector.

“Besides, paying salaries will mean paying for the inefficiency in the system especially in the public sector.”

MOU FOR AGRICULTURE...

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor on Community Intervention, Mr. Kayode Zubar; Executive Director, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, Mr. Muyideen Yomi; and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during the signing of MoU between the state government and NCAM in Ilorin…recently

Oil Marketers: Subsidy Deprived Nigeria of 27,000MW Solar Power, Others

Peter Uzoho

Oil marketers at the weekend listed the opportunity cost of fuel subsidy, on which Nigeria has spent about N10 trillion in the last 10 years, to the economy.

According to them, the amount could have been used to fund infrastructure development, including building 16 million boreholes to reduce water deficit.

Besides, part of the money could have been used to fund some other projects such as generating 27,000 megawatts of solar power, building one million classrooms, equipping 300,000 primary healthcare centres and constructing over 20,000 kilometres of roads.

The Chairman of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Tunji Oyebanjo, reeled out the opportunity cost during his presentation at a webinar organised in Lagos by the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), with the theme: "Challenges and Impacts of a Deregulated Downstream Sector on Nigeria's Economy."

Oyebanji spoke against the backdrop of the imperative of the federal government's removal of the subsidy paid on imported petroleum products, the eventual deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry, and highlighted the benefits derivable from the policy to the citizens.

He said: "So, in some estimates, that money could have built 16 million boreholes, one million classrooms, 300,000 fully equipped primary healthcare centres, over 20,000 kilometres of roads, 27,000 megawatts of solar electricity, 600,000 houses, all from this money. And the list goes endless.

"You can talk about equipping universities, you can talk about equipping the police force, so many different things we could have done with the money."

He said the items listed were not the only wastage inherent in the abolished subsidy, adding that there were still other areas of waste in the nation's economy.

"So, the question at the end of the day is that we are making a choice that rather than spending

money on these things, we were spending money on subsidy.

"I will not say that is the only wastage we have in the economy.

There are still obviously other areas of wastage. However, it is clear that subsidy was a big drain on the economy and we were now in a position where we could no longer afford it," he stated.

He said artificial interventions in the market such as subsidy usually create room for arbitrage, leading to corruption, adding that that was what led to the deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry to allow market forces to determine petrol pump price.

Oyebanji, who is also the Managing Director of 11Plc (formerly Mobil Oil Plc), however, listed some challenges thrown up by the deregulation and how to effectively manage them.

Some of those challenges, according to him, include managing social issues, saying there is a need to ensure that the Nigerian population is carried along so that there is complete

buy-in and less resistance to this fundamental change.

He said: "Ensuring that Nigerians see the benefits of contributing towards national efforts of implementing a full market-driven downstream; and then, managing the reputation of the downstream sector itself.

Because like I said, many people believed that the subsidy was income to the downstream operators.

"In fact, like I pointed out, when you borrow money to import fuel and then, a big chunk of it is outstanding by way of a subsidy cheque, you are waiting from the government and you are paying interest on this money.

"At the end of the day, it turned out to be a cost for many people. The only people you will hear about are those few bad eggs who have been caught trying to cheat the system."

Admitting that price deregulation does not mean the outright end of regulation in the industry, he said there is still the need to regulate issues like product quality and

how products are sold to give consumers value for their money.

He called for regulation of issues around Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) across the value chain of the downstream sector, adding another area that needs to be regulated is competition.

Oyebanji called for legislation to support deregulation, explaining: "Wherever you have a free-market operation, there needs to be a watchdog: a consumer protection agency that will oversee and make sure that operators are not colluding to exploit the public.

"That is an area that needs very close regulation. In countries like the US and parts of Europe, if you collude to fix prices in a particular area, whoever is involved is punished with a very stiff penalty and in some cases, possibly, jail terms."

He, however, stressed the need to initiate right internal economic policies and legislations as Nigeria transitions from a regulated price environment to a deregulated environment.

He said the Petroleum

Industry Bill (PIB) currently under consideration by the National Assembly would become an important document in terms of governance of the industry.

He said MOMAN was working closely with the National Assembly and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to make sure that the outcome of the PIB would enhance the deregulated downstream environment rather than impede it.

Oyebanji expressed support for the proposed creation of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDR) in the PIB, saying that it will serve the sector better than the over-burdened Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

"One of the things I can say, for instance, is that there is now going to be a regulator that will focus more on the downstream rather than the DPR that we have, which is a single entity -one size fits all, which is regulating both the upstream and downstream.

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Nigerian Traders Protest Ghana’s Delay to Reopen Shops Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Nigeria Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG) embarked on a protest at the weekend over Ghanaian authorities’ delay to reopen shops owned by Nigerians in that country.

The President of NUTAG, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nnaji, who led the protest told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that Ghanaian authorities refused to reopen their shops since 2019.

He noted that the Ghanaian authorities’ refusal to open the traders’ shops was despite meetings between top officials of both governments of Nigeria and Ghana.

He said the protest was to press the Ghanaian authorities to reopen their shops, to enable them to tackle economic challenges amid COVID-19.

According to him, the shops locked for over one year should be reopened to enable the traders to return to normal businesses.

He urged the Nigerian

government to evacuate willing traders to Nigeria.

Nnaji said: “I am in talks with my leader, Mr. Ken Okoha, National President of Nigerian Traders, and he has assured us that he will take our case up to the highest level in Nigeria.

“In fact, plans are on for him to move to institutions that are related to trade; I have known him for five years now and I know what he is able to do.

“I am rest assured that the leadership of Nigerian traders are working towards achieving

this goal; some of you, who still have funds, should also continue to help other traders.

“Be law-abiding citizens, COVID-19 is still on and lots of businesses are affected; many of us are living from hand to mouth due to the downturn.

“If you do not have anything to do, stay at home; rest assured that at the end of October, if we are not evacuated, we will keep ourselves at the border.”

Receiving the traders, Charge de Affair of Nigeria High Commission in Ghana,

Mrs. Easter Arewa, said that the government would remain committed to protecting Nigeria citizens.

According to her, the letter

by Nigerian traders has been received and their message will be conveyed to the highest authority.

She said: “Government is not resting on your case; it is because of you Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of House of Representatives, came to Ghana.

“Likewise, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was here. In

spite of his busy schedule, he came here and met with the leadership of NUTAG. He promised to continue with the cause on his return to Abuja.

“He has not failed; very soon, your situation will be addressed because a hungry man is an angry man. It is not nice to hear that in a brotherly country like Ghana, you are being treated like this.

“We have Ghanaians in Nigeria too and they are treated as brothers, so do not worry. It is a government-to-government dialogue”.

The appointment of Seidu Ahmad from Jigawa State has also neutralised the chances of Mrs. Amina Zakari, who is also from the state, as she may be on her way out of the commission.

someone, who will be on the job learning.

"If Yakubu is not coming back, then a new chairman will certainly come from the south. This is to balance the sequence," the source said.

He added that the appointment will show political balance as the two immediate past chairmen of INEC are from the North.

Jega, from Kebbi State in the North-west, was succeeded by Yakubu from Bauchi State in the North-east.

“Appointing a southerner is in the spirit of rotating the office of the INEC chairman between North and South and reflecting the geopolitical balancing in the country," the source said.

It was also gathered that some of the outgoing national commissioners of INEC have moved out of their official quarters in Abuja.

The quarters were built by Jega when he was the national chairman.

Room had criticised the nomination on the ground that it violated Item F, paragraph 14 of the third schedule of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which forbids a partisan politician as a member of INEC – a body charged under the Constitution to unbiasedly conduct of free and fair elections.

“Her nomination amounts to a major attempt at undermining efforts to build credibility for an improved electoral process in the country.

“Situation Room calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately withdraw her nomination. Should the president fail to withdraw this nomination the Nigerian Senate is hereby called upon to disregard her nomination without any consideration whatsoever,” it said.

At the weekend, more critics said Onochie apart from being partisan, had also violated the zoning principle, which requires that membership of the commission for a zone is rotated among states in the zone.

They argued that Onochie who hails from Delta State ought not to be nominated since the incumbent Southsouth representative, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, whose tenure lapses shortly, is also from the same state.

“Her replacement ought to come from Edo State or Bayelsa or any of the other South-south states,” a critic said yesterday.

ANXIETY MOUNTS AS INEC CHAIRMAN’S TENURE EXPIRES NOV 9 as uncertainty beclouds the succession process.

Although Yakubu is eligible for reappointment, THISDAY learnt at the weekend from sources in the commission that his body language showed that he is lukewarm about retaining the job.

However, THISDAY gathered that some national commissioners are keen on stepping into the shoes of Yakubu, if not reappointed.

The Senate confirmed Yakubu as chairman of INEC on October 21, 2015, but he was sworn in on November 9, 2015.

By implication, his tenure is expected to end on November 9, 2020.

THISDAY, however, gathered that Yakubu has bright chances of being reappointed and if it gets the president’s nod, he would be the second INEC chairman to have a second term.

A national commissioner in INEC confided in THISDAY at the weekend that Yakubu has not indicated any interest towards reappointment.

It was gathered that his stewardship could give him a head start in the succession race.

Though a historian, he has introduced some technological innovations like the INEC election result website, an almost equivalent of online transmission of results, that has reduced tensions at election collation centres.

He has also been credited for conducting credible

governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

However, the commission was criticised by observers for alleged poor outings in the conduct of governorship elections in Osun, Bayelsa, Kogi and Kano States.

But despite the allegations, the courts approved most of these elections.

Observers are also divided on the conduct of the 2019 presidential election.

While some alleged that it was rigged, others described it as fair and transparent.

However, analysts have said that his conduct of the last presidential election, which returned President Muhammadu Buhari, increased the chances of Yakubu's reappointment.

It is also not known yet how opposition political parties will react if he is reappointed.

THISDAY gathered that the lukewarm attitude of Yakubu towards reappointment is fuelling the ambitions of some national commissioners for the chairmanship of the commission.

The commission is being run by the chairman; 12 national commissioners - two from each of the six geopolitical zones and 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) who are in charge of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The seven national commissioners whose tenure is not lapsing on November 9 are: Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd), Malam

Mohammed Haruna, Prof.

Okechukwu Ibeanu, Mr. Abubakar Nahuche, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, and Mr. Festus Okoye.

Investigation revealed that these national commissioners are all qualified for the top job in the commission.

So far, Prof. Maurice Iwu is the first national commissioner to be appointed the chairman of the commission.

Iwu was a national commissioner during the tenure of the late Ambassador Abel Guobadia.

However, the appointments of three national commissionersdesignate by Buhari last week has narrowed down the list of contenders as some of the commissioners who could have contested may be on their way out of the commission and would be replaced by the new appointees.

Buhari had asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of one of his media aide, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, and three others as national commissioners.

Others are Prof. Mohammed Sani (Katsina), Prof. Kunle Ajayi (Ekiti), and Mr. Seidu Ahmed (Jigawa).

The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, on the floor of the Senate last week.

With Onochie coming from Delta State, it is obvious that Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who is from Delta State, may be out of the race.

Zakari had once acted as INEC chairman after Prof.

Attahiru Jega left Prince Solomon Soyebi had also acted after Iwu's tenure elapsed.

The tenure of four national commissioners - Dr. Antonia Okoosi-Simbine (Kogi), North-central; Mr. Shettima Arfo (Borno), North-east; Dr. Mohammed Mustafa Lecky (Edo), South-south; and Soyebi (Ogun), South-west, will also expire on November 9.

Edo State has held the office of the national chairman of INEC twice. The Justice Ephraim Akpata died in office and was succeeded by Dr. Abel Guobadia, also from Edo State.

THISDAY gathered that there is a clamour that if the presidency will not reappoint Yakubu, there is the need to appoint a new chairman from the national commissioners who have the requisite experience of the workings of the commission.

"INEC has gone far in ensuring a technologicaldriven commission and there is no need appointing a fresh person without experience in information technology or

Onochie’s Nomination Breaches Constitution, Zoning Arrangement Meanwhile, Onochie’s nomination by Buhari continued to attract criticisms at the weekend with critics insisting that it is not only a violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended but also a disruption of the zoning arrangement.

The Civil Society Situation

S’COURT TO HEAR PETRO UNION, CBN CASE TOMORROW Prior to the delivery of the UK judgment, there was apprehension in Nigeria that the UK Court could favour the claimant (P&ID), a British Islands company, which had also corralled the support of some highly placed Nigerian government officials and lawyers who worked against the interest of Nigeria in deliberately failing to put forward a good defence for Nigeria for pecuniary gains.

These fears were, however, laid to rest when the UK Court in its wisdom, having reviewed the case on its merit, delivered justice in the matter and awarded more than £1.5 million fine in favour of Nigeria.

All eyes will now be on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to deliver a sound decision in the Petro Union case, given that the judgments in favour of Petro Union at the lower courts were allegedly obtained by fraud.

With growing cynicism, given a series of controversial judgments in some recent political disputes, court watchers are concerned that the outcome of the case, which should be unambiguous, remains uncertain.

However, with the multiple reforms going on in the judiciary and the appointment of seven new justices to the Supreme Court Bench, substantive judgment, in this case, will signal a new dawn for the courts and further entrench the anti-corruption war of

the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

Petro Union’s antics began in 1994 when the company allegedly fraudulently procured a cheque from a branch of Barclays Bank in the UK with a value of £2.556 billion and presented it at one of Union Bank’s branches in Lagos, under the pretext that it was meant to construct three petrochemical refinery complexes in Nigeria and establish a bank. While the required due diligence investigations were being carried out, one Mr. Okpala, the Managing Director of Petro Union, inundated the bank and the CBN with visits and demands for the release of the cheque.

Eventually, both the CBN and Union Bank advised Petro Union that Barclays Bank in the UK had been contacted and it confirmed that the cheque could not be given value to because the company that purportedly issued the cheque dated 29 December 1994 (a company, known as Gazeaft Limited) did not exist on the Register of Companies in the UK. The response similarly affirmed that the account on which the cheque was drawn was closed on 21st September 1989 whereas the cheque was issued on 29 December 1994 - five years after the account was closed.

Despite the foregoing startling discovery and decisive response, Petro Union and Isaac Okpala

persisted with their demands and this culminated in a petition by the company to the Lagos office of the EFCC, for alleged offences of stealing and criminal conversion against the CBN and Union Bank.

Following the petition, the EFCC investigated the allegation by interrogating the CBN through a letter dated 12th January 2005. In a letter dated 27th January 2005, CBN responded to the query by the EFCC wherein it denied the allegations of Petro Union. The EFCC also made other efforts to investigate the allegations, including corresponding with Barclays Bank in the UK. Having concluded its investigation, the EFCC issued a letter dated 10th May 2005 addressed to the Managing Director of Union Bank exonerating the bank from any wrongdoing.

However, in its desperation to use the allegedly forged cheque to perpetrate the fraud on CBN and Union Bank, Petro Union in February 2012 instituted an action at a Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit No. FHC/ ABJ/M/104/2012: Petro Union Oil & Gas Co. Ltd .V. Central Bank of Nigeria and ORS., seeking sundry reliefs against (1) CBN, (2) Union Bank, (3) Hon. Minister of Finance and (4) The Attorney-General of the Federation following the allegation that Union Bank of Nigeria received the sum of

£2,556,000,000.00 on behalf of Petro Union and transferred the sum of £2,159,221,318.54 to the CBN while retaining the sum of £396,778,681.46 as commission.

In support of this startling claim, Petro Union alleged that the money is kept in an account in the name of a company called Goldmatic Limited at the CBN and tendered a purported CBN Statement of Account of Goldmatic Limited.

The Federal High Court, Abuja judge before whom the claim was filed, Justice Abdul Kafarati accepted the purported CBN statement of account as conclusive evidence that CBN had retained the money alleged to belong to Petro Union, ignoring the elementary fact that globally a central bank cannot open an account for a private entity - the CBN is statutorily empowered to act as bankers to government and bankers to banks.

Although Petro Union and its directors allegedly knew these facts to be false from the onset, yet they pursued the so-called fraud up to the Court of Appeal where they obtained judgment to establish that the £2.159 billion was lodged in the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The CBN and the Union Bank subsequently appealed to the apex court to set the case aside, urging the court to deliver justice especially when the truth

of the alleged fraud had been uncovered following the arrest, detention and ongoing criminal prosecution of Petro Union and its officers at a Lagos Federal High Court.

Also, the facts before the Supreme Court have exposed the fact that Petro Union allegedly obtained the two judgments at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal based on facts which were not only predicated on falsehood but which have criminal implications.

These facts, if not carefully dissected by the Supreme Court may occasion a miscarried justice capable of ruining the nation’s fledgling economy.

The judgment obtained by Petro Union at the Federal High Court in 2014 for the sum of £2.556 billion also carries an interest of 15% per annum from 22nd June 1995 until payment. Today, that judgment sum together with interest is in excess of £12 billion (about $15.5 billion) – this is 50% more than the award in the P&ID case and represents 44% of Nigeria’s foreign reserves today!

If upheld, the judgment will throw Nigeria into immediate bankruptcy as the country will not be able to meet its debt repayment obligations, pay for imports into the country and will result in a cataclysmic upheaval of the Nigeria financial system such as has never been seen

before! And all this because of the antics of a little known company currently standing criminal trial for fraud aided by a fraudulently procured judgment.

Surely, the Supreme Court will stand up to be counted in this case and uphold the ageold maxim that equity will not permit the law to be used as an instrument of fraud.

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MONDAY, ͹΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS SHOWDOWN LOOMS AS PROTESTERS PLAN LOCKDOWN OF ABUJA, LAGOS TODAY block three of the FCT's most strategic highways: the Kubwa- Zuba Expressway, the Abuja International Airport Road and the Abuja-Keffi Road.

The threat came on the heels of an allegation by the federal government that hoodlums and people with ulterior motives have hijacked the ongoing #EndSARS campaign to destabilise the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, while featuring in a radio programme at the weekend, wondered why the protest is still going on despite the fact that the federal government had met some of the campaigners’ demands.

He warned that the federal government could not allow the disruption to social and economic activities to persist.

He spoke just as government officials stepped up efforts to de-escalate the tension generated by the protest that has disrupted socio-economic activities.

In continuation of the troubleshooting process, the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, met with the president at the State House, Abuja.

The duo also called on the protesters to discontinue their nationwide protest and give the federal government time to implement its response to their five-point demands.

The Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), in his intervention yesterday cautioned the protesters against breaching national security.

Besides, the Chairman of the South-west Governors' Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has also alleged that the genuine movement is already being hijacked by politicians to visit their frustrations on perceived opponents.

Governors, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), however, expressed concern about discontent, hunger and anger in the country, believed to be fuelling public angst, and pledged to work with other stakeholders to find a lasting solution.

The protesters, in a series of tweets, said the FCT roads would be barricaded from 6 am today.

To make real their threat, some of them planned to pass the night at the Central Business District near the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to ease their movements for the demonstration.

They have also vowed to shut down the apex bank tomorrow by preventing workers from gaining access to the building.

The demonstrations in Abuja have been intensified in spite of the ban by the FCT Administration Security Committee on protests in the city.

Any disruption of vehicular flow on any of the routes will affect economic and social activities in the FCT and other neighbouring states and communities.

The Abuja-Keffi Road that passes through AYA Junction in Asokoro links the nation's capital with the North-central, North-east and South-east while travellers going to Niger State and the North-west access the FCT through the 10-lane Kubwa-Zuba Expressway.

The Airport Road, otherwise known as the Umar Musa Yar'Adua Road, connects the western corridor with Northcentral and the entire southern states, including the nation's commercial capital, Lagos.

Its blockade on Friday inflicted untold hardship on workers and other commuters, many of whom walked for hours to get to their destinations.

THISDAY gathered yesterday that the threat by the protesters to blockade the FCT, if carried out, could force the federal government, which is under the pressure to restore normalcy, to take all lawful measures to dislodge the marchers.

In Lagos, the protesters kept vigil on strategic roads last night with a promise to escalate the protest today.

Reacting to the continuation of the protest despite the federal government's concessions, Mohammed, in a Radio Nigeria programme monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the federal government has met the demands of the group and is already implementing them and expected them to also, call off the protests.

He stated that it was absurd for the protesters to remain on the streets causing mayhem, obstructing movements and inflicting pains on Nigerians.

He said: “When you look at the demands of the #EndSARS and the decisions of the federal government, it is clear that there is no single demand of the group that has not been met.

“Therefore, one will begin to ask if there is an ulterior motive because what we have witnessed in the last few days is that they have moved their demands from five to seven.

“As soon as the government approved one demand, another one will follow.

“From the five demands, which were initially tabled and have been addressed, they are now including petrol price, National Assembly salaries and allowances, electricity tariff among others.

"Then you begin to ask yourself what exactly is the motive of the protests and who are those behind them?”

According to the minister, it is more nauseating that the protest has gone violent, claiming lives and causing injuries as well as destruction to property.

He said Saturday’s assassination attempt on Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who came out to identify with the protesters and address them showed that the protest had been hijacked.

Mohammed said the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Mohammed Bello, was equally turned back on the road by the protesters in Abuja.

According to him, “Peaceful protest is synonymous with democratic tenets and to that extent, we see the EndSARS protest as the manifestation of how far our democracy has developed.

“Regrettably, the protest has been hijacked by hoodlums and by people with ulterior motives bent at destabilising the country.

“As of today, many people in many parts of the country simply cannot go out because people are being intimidated and roads have been blocked.

“There was a report of a pregnant woman that died inside the ambulance simply because she could not get to

the hospital because of the protesters.

“This cannot be allowed to continue because where your right stops another person’s rights begin.

"While the government will continue to engage, no responsible government will fold its arms and allow the state to be thrown into anarchy.”

Lawan, Gbajabiamila Meet Buhari, Plead for More Time to Respond to Demands Lawan and Gbajabiamila after a meeting with Buhari yesterday called on the protesters to discontinue the nationwide protest since the federal government had accepted their five-point demands.

Both spoke with State House correspondents after their meeting with the president.

Lawan stated: "I want to thank Mr President for exhibiting his very deep democratic credentials. The protests have gone on for over 10 days, probably today is the 11th day across many states of the country.

"I think the protesters have expressed their legitimate rights, the government has listened and the essence of coming to meet Mr. President is to review the situation and see the roles the two arms of government should play in ensuring that the five-point demands of the protesters are properly addressed.

"It is also very critical at this point to mention this.

Since the protests have taken place and the issues have been accepted, the time has come for the protests to stop because the government needs to have sufficient time and conducive environment to implement the demands of the protesters."

Lawan assured Nigerians that where legislative intervention would be required, the National Assembly would deal with such expeditiously to ensure that concerns of the youths would be addressed.

He stated that where the executive role is expected, "we are sure that the executive will also, expedite action and we will be watching to ensure that such demands are properly met."

Gbajabiamila said the youths had done so well in terms of expressing their grievances, adding that it is important they don’t get side-tracked.

"Like I said, you have never heard it from Mr President, but now, he has said so. So, let us tarry a little while. Let us sit back.

“We have got what we want, let us sit back and see what happens.

"If you like, you begin your protests again if nothing happens in two weeks. But let us not continue this thing and lose the plot. That is what I don’t want," he stated.

Defence Minister Cautions against Undermining National Security The Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), has cautioned protesters against breaching national security.

He said, protesters should not engage in acts that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

A statement issued by the minister's office urged youths to be "guided by the rule of law" and avoid "acts capable of undermining national security and the rule of law."

Magashi spoke when the National Coordinator, Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO), Mr. Danladi Pasali, led the executive committee of the organisation drawn from its headquarters, zonal and state levels on a courtesy visit to him in Abuja.

The minister called on the protesters to approach the #EndSARS protests with calmness.

He said the group should leverage on their structure in the 774 local government areas and 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory to gather intelligence and channel it to the appropriate authorities for action.

He assured them of the support of the ministry in raising the bar of national security.

Politicians Hijacking Protests, Say Southwest Govs The Chairman of the Southwest Governors' Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Akeredolu, has alleged that the protest has been hijacked by disgruntled politicians.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Ojo Oyewamide, the governor described the attack on Oyetola as unwarranted, misdirected and repulsive.

Akeredolu said the genuine movement was already being hijacked by politicians to attack perceived opponents.

He said: "Undoubtedly, the EndSARS movement had had a popular and receptive attitude to it by the majority of Nigerians, including policymakers, who have seen in it, an opportunity to deepen concern and redirect efforts towards veritable reforms aimed at achieving positive results.

"All the same, the desirability or otherwise of this movement appears to have come under a curious integrity test following the misdirected anger visited on Governor Oyetola.

"This act is a clear act of terrorism under the guise of a civil and supposedly peaceful protest that has been hijacked by criminals and hoodlums hired by politicians.

"This is more so, that dangerous weapons were said to have been deployed in the ignoble act."

Akeredolu called on the organisers to rein in stakeholders involved in the protests in order to stratify between those with genuine, altruistic desires for reforms and elements who have offered themselves as mercenaries to unleash mayhem on innocent people.

Governors Concerned About Anger in Nigeria, Says NGF The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), chaired by Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed concern about discontent, hunger and anger in the country, driving public angst that birthed the #EndSARS campaign.

It pledged governors' readiness to work with other stakeholders to find a lasting solution.

The NGF said the raging nationwide #EndSARS protest resulted from years of pentup emotions, adding that the governors are committed to larger reform of the polity not only in the police.

Fayemi spoke on behalf of the governors yesterday at a special thanksgiving mass held at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Old Garage in Ado Ekiti as part of activities to mark the second anniversary of his administration in office.

He said he understood the frustration of the youth who had taken to the streets for the past one week, noting that he had used his younger years to participate in similar protests against bad governance, especially military dictatorship.

Fayemi said: "There is a lot of anger in the land; there is a lot of hunger in the land; pent-up emotion. There is disillusion in the land. As a young man who spent much time in the barricades protesting bad governance, I can understand what is going on now.

"I and my colleagues are concerned and we are committed to reforms not just about SARS because we will be making a mistake that the general disaffection in the land is all about SARS. "Like Your Lordship (the bishop) had said, the government should be allowed to address the problems that have cropped up."

Stop Soldiers from Dispersing Protesters, Falana-led Group Tells Buhari Meanwhile, the Alliance for Survival of COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), a coalition of labour and civil society groups being led by a human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has warned the Buhari administration against deploying soldiers to disperse protesters from the streets.

Falana, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday on behalf of ASCAB, also vowed to report the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in The Hague if soldiers kill any protester.

He urged the federal government to withdraw plans to use soldiers to quell the protests that have rocked major cities across Nigeria.

The statement was issued against the backdrop of the announcement by the Nigerian Army to commence Exercise Crocodile Smile VI from Tuesday till December 31, as part of its effort to enhance national security.

But Falana, who is the Chairman of ASCAB, warned that “Buhari should not invite soldiers to resolve a purely democratic issue that calls for dialogue and constructive engagement.”

ASCAB noted that protests have common features across the world as seen in Hong Kong, United States, France, South Africa, and Belarus and even in Sudan.

It added that in no instance were soldiers deployed to suppress the protesters.

It said the Operation Crocodile Smile had been declared illegal by a Nigerian court with competent jurisdiction following legal actions filed by Falana.

It added that efforts by the Chief of Army Staff to challenge the order by approaching the Court of Appeal met a brick wall.

Nigerian-born Canadian Minister Endorses Protests, Narrates Ordeal A Nigerian-born lawyer and Minister of Justice in

a Canadian Province, Mr. Kaycee Madu, has endorsed the #EndSARS movement.

Madu narrated how his cousin, Mr. Chrisantus Korie, was killed by the police in Nigeria in 2013.

In a series of tweets at the weekend, Madu said his cousin’s murder was not investigated by the police and all efforts to get justice became futile.

He acknowledged his support for the #EndSARS protest and encouraged all Nigerians to lend their voices to the fight for freedom from police brutality and injustice.

He said: “I support the people of Nigeria as they protest to end police brutality and extrajudicial killings.

My own cousin, Chrisantus Nwabueze Korie, was murdered by the Nigerian police in April 2013.

“Despite my best efforts, the police would not investigate his murder and did everything to obstruct. I also helped to petition a committee of Nigeria’s National Assembly to probe the killing and report back to the house within a timely manner.

“Fundamental human rights like peace, security and freedom from police brutality are universal. The Nigerian government has an obligation to protect its citizens and deliver substantive police reform.

“Changing the name of SARS and reconstituting it without significant reform won’t be sufficient to satisfy the cry of the Nigerian people for justice.”

Let Your Voices Be Heard, OkonjoIweala Tells Protesters Also, Nigeria’s candidate for the post of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and former Minister of Finance and Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged youths protesting against police brutality, extrajudicial killings and extortion to be peaceful.

While she commended the youths for being courageous, Okonjo-Iweala advised them to be united.

She gave the advice in a tweet yesterday.

“I applaud the resourcefulness and courage of Nigerian youth in the #EndSARS. Powerful to let your voices be heard peacefully.

Let’s join hands for a positive outcome through a One Nigeria approach,” she tweeted.

EndSARS Protests Spread to London, Coventry, Edinburgh, Nottingham Meanwhile, the protests against police brutality, extortion and extrajudicial killings have spread to London, Coventry, Edinburgh, and Nottingham.

The organisers of the protests made this known in an awareness image shared on social media.

The message on the image showed that the protests will be organised at several locations yesterday.

In Coventry, #EndSARS “peaceful protest” held at Coventry Transport Museum.

Another protest was organised by All BlackLivesMatter UK March against police brutality at the Nigeria High Commission – Scotland Yard – Parliament Square.

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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COMMENT

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

#ENDSARS: A RESPONSE TO CULTURE OF IMPUNITY Kingsley Moghalu urges President Buhari to address the demands of the youth

T

he #EndSARS peaceful demonstrations by Nigerian youth against police brutality are a necessary and welcome response to the culture of impunity represented by the FSARS. The protests have been largely peaceful. I commend Nigerian youth for the maturity, determination and discipline they have shown in keeping the protests peaceful. My objective assessment is that this stance has not changed a week into the protest, despite the occasions of highhanded responses by the police that have resulted in the death of some protesters. By their peaceful conduct, the youth have shown that they are coming of age. I commend them for this.

It is important that, while it lasts, the protest must remain peaceful. Nigerian youth are not expendable.

They are the future of Nigeria. Therefore, apart from addressing their demands, President Muhammadu Buhari should ensure that the protesters are safe. So far, the President seems to have restrained the police and has kept the military from the fray. He should also ensure that non-state actors do not instigate or carry out attacks on the protesters. The #EndSARS protest has many merits. Many citizens have been reporting their experiences of victimization by operatives of the now-defunct FSARS unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Some citizens have met their deaths in the hands of people whose job it was to protect them. It is tragic when a law enforcement agency that should protect the lives of citizens preys on those very citizens, with a profound disregard

NIGERIAN LIVES SURELY MATTER. #ENDSARS IS A METAPHOR. IT IS A MEANS TO VENTILATE PENT-UP FRUSTRATION BY THE YOUTH ON THE DIMINISHING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM IN THE COUNTRY

for their lives, instead of reducing the spiraling rate of violent crime in Nigeria. Nigerian lives surely matter. #EndSARS is a metaphor. It is a means to ventilate pent-up frustration by the youth on the diminishing economic opportunities for them in the country. Nigerian youth unemployment is above 30 per cent and rising.

The #EndSARS protest is also an opportunity for the government to show understanding in the plight of the youth. Accordingly, the government needs to go above and beyond the demands of the youth. What it is unable to deliver with concrete action and because of very limited resources now, it can compensate for with empathy. I would like to assure the youth that theirs has been a credible protest heard around the world: peaceful, independent and devoid of partisan affiliation. Across the country, they have been united in their purpose.

It should remain so. They should also engage responsibly with the government, holding the latter to account for its promises while recognizing credible actions taken by the government to address the demands of the youth. The deep lesson of the protest so far is that real power belongs to the people in a democracy. This should be an abiding principle that all stakeholders must respect as we seek new and better realities for the country and the people. rMoghalu is former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; and Convener, To Build A Nation

MISMANAGING THE ANTI-SARS AGITATION The answer to the protest does not lie in sending the military to the street, writes Ken Nwachukwu

U

nless one is taking refuge at home, very few in major towns of Nigeria can claim not to have been affected by the ongoing #END SARS agitation by Nigerian youth.

Young men and women of all ages have for one week seized major arteries of cities to protest the high handedness if not outright brutality of the Nigeria Police Force. This has forced many off the roads to either stay safe or save their property. The EndSars protest is a youth-led protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police.

Accounts of the police accosting young adults in the streets and forcing them to unlock their phones or laptops on suspicion of criminal dealings abound everywhere. Many of these youth have been molested, abused or simply dehumanized by the police. Those caught with money have been forced in some cases at gun point by the police to part with heavy sums as ransom. Or have been taken willy-nilly by the police to the ATM to withdraw money to reprieve themselves. Yet a few unfortunate ones have paid with their lives such as the case of ex -Youth Corper, Ifeoma Abugu, who was seized in place of her fiancĂŠ and died in police custody under mysterious circumstances.

The week’s long protest by the youth has coalesced all manner of agitators, anarchists and sundry troublemakers. Their battle cry has become a lightning rod for venting on all the perceived ills of the society: police brutality, bad governance, corruption, among others. The youth have come up with their five-point demands which include: dissolution of the SARS, holding perpetrators to account, compensation to victims of police brutality, etc.

There is no gainsaying that the protest is gaining traction. It has received a ringing endorsement from the children of the first and second families as with other important personalities in the country. Kiki Osinbajo, daughter of the Vice President tweeted #endpolicebrutality and #endsars. Her youthful

counterpart Zahra Buhari, daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari tweeted #EndPoliceBrutality. Many celebrities and legions of wannabe important actors have followed the train of hashtag EndSARS. Not to be left out, some Yuppie preachers have registered their presence at these protests, thereby giving more gravitas to the protest.

In response to these agitations, Mohammed Adamu, the IGP has caved in on the demands by the youth and dissolved the SARS. He has also promised to bring to account, police officers found complicit in the brutality of the police. It is a move that has received presidential endorsement.

But mobile policing has always been part of Nigeria’s security architecture. The reason is understandable.

Policing per capita in Nigeria is one leanest in the world. Nigeria has less than 400,000 police personnel securing a population of almost 200 million Nigerian. Of this number, a sizeable proportion is employed on non-police duties, which sometimes involve rendering menial responsibilities to high ups in the polity.

In essence, SARS or mobile policing has served at once to cobble the manpower gap in the force and to deter armed robbery and other social ills through presence. Before now, it was the Police Mobile Unit that had that honour of providing mobile policing. The Mobile Police or MOPOL, like its successor units was not fancied for its people-friendly disposition. The force was so brutal that it was dubbed ’Kill and go.’ This was a sobriquet earned because of its impunity and non-accountability.

Since then mobile policing has been chaperoned through some cosmetic changes—changes in name but not style. The name has oscillated along a wide spectrum of nomenclatures ranging from ‘Operation Flush’ to ‘Operation Checkmate.’ Each police command was permitted to elect a frightening appellation according to its fancy. The actual nomenclature of the immediate past mobile policing outfit was FSARS and not SARS. Mr Adamu, current Inspector-General of Police simply prefixed the ‘F’

to the previous outfit, perhaps to distinguish it from the previous notorious body. And in the wake of the current uprising, quickly dumped the name and opted for SWAT—Special Weapons and Tactics group. One however begins to cringe at the lack of originality in the Police Force. Is the problem with name of mobile policing unit or the tactics?

Shouldn’t the police think more of rejigging its doctrines and methods and not just names? There is no reason why anyone can be arrested in front of their house for ‘wandering’ without being allowed to prove his bonafides. Or face a binary choice of being force-marched to the station or the ATM to prove that he is not guilty as charged. The name SWAT is another problem. SWAT is the same name as the American Police flick of 1970s. The copycat name is troubling.

It gives the impression that Nigeria is not capable of fashioning out an authentic name to depict its concept of mobile policing. SWAT also means to crush. What then is the actual intention of the police establishment?

If SARS has not done enough damage to the people already, is it to crush them that is preferable?

There is also a concerning discordance in the approach to handling this protest. While some governors such as Simon Lalong of Plateau State and his Borno State counterpart, Babagana Zulum have been less than supportive to the protest, a handful of others have openly fawned at the protesters. Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Nyesom Wike have mounted the rostrum to identify with the protesters. Governor Abudulrahman Abudulrazaq of Kwara State and Adegboyega Oyetola joined the crowd to protest police brutality as though they were not the chief security officers of their states.

The strike itself has assumed an alarming proportion. From a youthbased protest, the demographics have escalated. You now have mothers, grandmothers and fathers joining in the protest. The original revendication has also evolved from five points to 23 points if this anecdotal report on that evolution is to be

believed. In the midst of all these the police have continued to behave true to type. On October 12, the Police wantonly opened fire on protesters in Surulere, killing one Iloamauzor.

This action by the police should train new scrutiny into the psyche of our police. Is it that they are tone deaf or just do not understand the gravity of the moment?

As troubling as the protest have been, some good have come out of it. The protests have put a lie to the claim that the biggest challenge to the national unity is ethnicity. Youth from all walks of life and across ethnic divides have spoken with one voice to denounce police brutality.

It was a spectacle watching some Muslims observe the Jumat service on Friday 16, at Lekki toll gate, while other protesters kept watch.

Men and women, boys and girls moved freely and were united by a common purpose. Food was made available, just as free charging ports were provided. No one spoke of robbery. Those who suffered losses were easily provided succour by fellow protesters.

For some arcane reasons the protest has so enlarged that few will recognize the proximate cause for the youth taking to the streets. The mindless trigger-happy approach to law and order was the main reason for this flash of emotions. The youth or rather the people have spoken. It is now the time for government to aggregate these demands and come up with solutions. The answer does not lie in sending in the military as some have clamoured. There is always no facile way to handing public upheaval. But sensitivity has proven to always be a winner.

Government should come up with answers – immediate and long term.

For the rioters, the point has been made. The police may not always be your friend, but they are a necessary evil. It is now to go home. Continued protests will further undermine the economy that has been hobbled by the five-month coronavirus lockdown. Let reason prevail. r/XBDIVLXV B SFUJSFE BNCBTTBEPS XSPUF GSPN "CVKB

15

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍˇËœ 2020

EDITORIAL

NO TO ‘OPERATION CROCODILE SMILE’ The military should stay away from the streets

T

hese ongoing protests against police brutality and the disruptions they have engendered in the past two weeks are bad enough to make any government nervous.

But the idea by the military high command to conduct some “Operation Crocodile Smile� is a cause for concern. We admonish President Muhammadu Buhari to ask the army to suspend the idea. Whatever may be the motivation, the timing is wrong. While we have no problem with the military doing their work, attempt to use force to stop the protests is a dangerous gambit that we cannot afford, especially at such a delicate period as this. We are, however, heartened by the announcement that the operation will not be targeted at the protesters.

The possibility that the protests against police brutality could linger remains high. The anger that ignited the SO FAR THE PROTESTERS protests is still smoldering in HAVE BEEN REASONABLY PEACEFUL. IN THEMSELVES, some parts of the country. Reports THE PROTESTS HAVE NOT from states EXCEEDED THE BOUNDS OF like Osun and Ekiti signal clear DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS AND violent breaches FREEDOMS of public peace.

Some hoodlums mobbed the convoys of the governors in both states leading to avoidable loss of lives. Isolated episodes of violence and thuggery have also been reported in other places. While the federal government has indicated a clear road map towards fixing the immediate malfunctions in the police, some state governments have also swung into action in the direction of investigating instances of police abuse and brutality.

However, some statements indicate a level of panic in high quarters. The Minister of Information has warned that government may apply strong measures against protesters to restore order. More worrying, the army has announced an imminent special programmes of “cyber warfare exercises designed to identify, track, and

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counter negative propaganda in the social media and across the cyberspace�. These could be indications of a desire to use strong-arm tactics against protesters. They are steps in the wrong direction.

So far the protesters have been reasonably peaceful. In themselves, the protests have not exceeded the bounds of democratic rights and freedoms. We agree that the protests should not last forever in view of disruptions to life, society and business. Yet, the situation requires careful management and restraints. The instrument of choice remains the conventional police. Given the dire sensitivities in the society now, the deployment of soldiers in any form to confront the protesters could generate undue crisis and even violence. This is in fact a time when the military should be less visible in the eyes of the public.

Over and above the relatively peaceful protests against police brutality, the nation is faced with more serious internal security issues. We cannot afford to distract the armed and security forces from those.

We recognise that by scrapping the notorious Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) of the Nigeria Police, setting in motion a process to investigate all allegations against those found to have abused their power among other measures, the federal government has demonstrated good faith in the management of the crisis. Indeed, we have urged our young people on the streets to demonstrate reciprocal obligations, give the government the benefit of the moment and suspend the protests. But whatever may be our misgivings about their refusal to leave the streets, we do not endorse any idea by the military to intervene in this matter.

With a large segment of the population roaming the streets without any means of livelihood and hope for the next meal, it should be little wonder why the social tension in the country has reached a boiling point. And with that, it should be clear to the military that the national security situation is very treacherous. Any little spark could cause a conflagration. We urge the military leadership to review their position in the national interest.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c 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.

THE REELECTION OF GOV AKEREDOLU

I

t was Mark McKinnon, an American political advisor, reform advocate, media columnist, and television producer, who remarked that: “Mention the name George W. Bush in mixed company, and you’re likely to spark a lot of debate and emotion - hot and cold, good and bad. Not a lot of neutral reaction. He was elected in the most controversial contest in American electoral history and governed during one of the most tumultuous decades.� Similar to that is Rotimi Akeredolu who is popularly known as Aketi, the Governor of Ondo State who was largely criticized at any campaign rally held by the opposition.

Owing to that a number of people held some contrary views while most people, given his achievements in his first term, continued to hold on to their belief in him which was lucidly depicted in the election that held on 10 October, 2020 where he victoriously emerged the winner.

Importantly, to me, there are three critical ingredients to democratic renewal and progressive change in Ondo State.

They are: good public policy, grassroots organizing and electoral politics all of which Aketi seems to represent. In the light of these I believe Aketi had fulfilled every requisite needed to safely sail the ship of Ondo State for the next four years.

Besides, man’s handiwork shall pave way for him. Evil, they say, begets evil; same goes for good deeds. The Yoruba in their ingenuity will say: “oun to eniyan ba gbin ni yio ka. eniyan oni gbin cocoa,ko wa ka agbon,� one would surely reap whatever one had sown.

Our people are not daft and they can easily differentiate between efficiency and inefficiency. Logically, if he weren’t functional, he wouldn’t have been re-elected.

A popular saying goes that ‘seeing is believing’; we believe in what we can see and not abstraction. I believe the masses are tired of empty promises rather they want a government of action and not words. We want to cease being a backward nation as we also want to testify to the dividends of democracy through infrastructural development and

not ‘stomach infrastructure’.

Consequently we have desisted from following political parties as they are virtually all birds of same feather. Rather, we now believe in people’s integrity and their burning desire to patriotically serve their fatherland— which Aketi already displayed and, thus, got him the ticket for the second term.

I would like to close this piece with the counselling words of Narendra Damodardas Modi, an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India, where he said: “Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion.� I, therefore, congratulate the people of Ondo State who had largely trooped out to exercise their franchise despite the ominous fears... they made their choice. I wish the re-elected governor a fruitful and hitch-free four years journey he is set to embark upon. rFatai Adisa Folorunso, corps member, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN

T

he COVID lockdowns and restrictions have changed our habits. With many limitations, there has been an increase in many areas, more home delivery food, more books to read, too many zoom sessions and more gardening. A quick check of the vegetable seeds section showed few available options as everyone has gone green. It doesn’t seem to be a panic about food supplies but rather an attempt to return to simpler times.

The growing of your own vegetables is a rewarding task and the produce is much tastier and doesn’t come wrapped in lots of plastic and even more importantly it is environmentally friendly.

Look for the good from everything, even this COVID pandemic even if it is green. r%FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME Melbourne, Australia

16

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 •T H I S D AY

17

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

As EndSARS Morphs Into Intractable Protests Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha write that the federal and various state governments are having difficulties coming to terms with the apparent obstinate youths who have tasted victory with the success of their EndSARS campaigns and are bent on using thesame methods to extract more life-changing conditions for the citizens

Buhari

Gbajabiamila

Oyetola

Sanwo-Olu

F

reduced drastically and immediately. An exasperated President Buhari rising from a recent National Economic Council meeting conceded to the governors the right to deal with the campaigners in their different states as they deem fit.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo later explained that the powers to set up judicial commission of inquiries into cases of police brutality rested with state governors.

Meanwhile, the EndSARS saga has recorded some interesting episodes.

rushed to Bowen Teaching Hospital where he gave up the ghost. Two other persons suffered a similar fate.

In compensation, the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde gave the affected families one million Naira each and N100 million for renovation of the palace.

his life or not, the governor of Osun State is grateful to live to tell the tale of how he narrowly escaped a mob lynch on Saturday, October 17. The governor had joined the EndSARS protesters from the Alekuwodo area to Olaiya Junction to show his solidarity.

But during his address to the youths, armed thugs attacked the governor and his convoy, throwing stones and dangerous weapons at the governor. The thugs also damaged the vehicles conveying the governor and his entourage.

In a broadcast on Sunday, Oyetola said he was convinced that the attack on him was not orchestrated by the youths but by political thugs and hoodlums. He said that the attack would be investigated by a Judicial Panel of Enquiry in line with the directive of the National Economic Council set up to investigate all related cases of abuse and brutality by the disbanded SARS.

rom a gathering a few hundreds on the first day, Nigerian youths led

by Douglas Jack Agu, better known as, Runtown and Folarin Falana, better known as, Falz Tha Bad Guy persuaded other popular personalities in the creative industry to join the campaign for the disbandment of the Nigeria Police special unit, known as Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Two days after, they had leveraged on the amazing advantage of information technology which has turned the world to a global village to go international and gain incredible support from major influencers in kind; and in cash. On the third day, the government gave in to their initial demand for an end to SARS. Encouraged by this remarkable achievement, they pressed on with a five-point demand, which included the release of all persons arrested and detained by the police on account of the protests and increase in the salary of police officers. All the five points were agreed to by the government.

By this time, the zeal of the campaign had fired the ambition of youths outside Abuja and Lagos, which were the start off points.

The entire country was under siege of sorts by the youths.

The situation became more confusing as regional colouration was introduced when youths in some Nothern Nigerian states took to the streets in solidarity with the police and the Federal Government. A leader from that section of the country, Shettima Yerima signalled that their understanding of the protests was that youths from the South plan to bring President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to a hurried end.

Another section of youths from Eastern Nigeria have also weighed in on the protest to press home their secessionist pro-Biafra demands.

Expectedly, these communal interests may have watered the initial objective of the EnSARS campaigners and their subsequent requests. At the weekend, many were beginning to question the purpose of the continued protests since government has demonstrated willingness to open a discourse. Without a clear-cut leadership, it has been difficult to engage the protesting youths in a dialogue, other than expression of their interests and demands which are copiously published on social media. From EndSARS, they are now demanding an end to bad governance, while probing into the earnings of members of the National Assembly and insisting that their seeming outrageous remuneration be

Victims of EndSARS In the past few days of the peaceful protest of the EndSARS movement, violence has been recorded in some parts of the country.

Hoodlums seized the opportunity to attack prominent and harmless Nigerians. Not a few escaped the wrath of the attackers.

They include: Isiaka Jimoh: Isiaka Jimoh was on his way to his mother’s place on Saturday, October 10, when he was allegedly felled by police bullets dispersing the EndSARS protest that was taking place in Ogbomoso, Oyo state. His sudden demise fuelled the agitation against police brutality as many condemned the act and called for justice. The police on the other hand has denied complicity in the incident.

Jimoh, a 24-year-old apprentice electrician was due for his graduation before he met his untimely death. Three Bullets were said to have penetrated his body when he was

Minister of Youths and Sports and the Soun of Ogbomoso The Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, unfortunately choose the wrong time to pay a courtesy visit to the Soun of Ogbomoso on Sunday, October 11, which made him a victim of an attack by the youths of the town. The youths stormed the palace in retaliation of the murder of Jimoh Isiaka and two other persons during a peaceful protest that turned bloody following the intervention of the police. Dare and the 94-year-old Monarch fled for their lives as the attackers destroyed vehicles and buildings to varying degrees.

The Minister in a tweet insisted that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums.

“Ogbomoso-Hoodlums, thugs and miscreants disrupt stakeholders meeting in Soun’s palace now-invading, stoning and breaking doors, glasses. Soun, myself, and council chiefs were scurried into safety by the police and DSS. Ogbomoso youths are law-abiding. But hoodlums have taken over.”

Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola Whether it was a deliberate attack on

From EndSARS, they are now demanding an end to bad governance, while probing into the earnings of members of the National Assembly and insisting that their seeming outrageous remuneration be reduced drastically and immediately. An exasperated President Buhari rising from a recent National Economic Council meeting conceded to the governors the right to deal with the campaigners in their different states as they deem fit

James Nwafor, Anambra Governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Security Following the allegations of human rights violations levelled against the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Security, James Nwafor, the Anambra state governor finally relieved him of his services. Nwafor was accused of killing many youths in the state during his tenure in the dissolved SARS. His name was the most detested appellation last Friday night when protesters held a candlelight procession for victims of SARS. A young woman Obianuju Iloanya, narrated how the dismissed security aide boasted to her parents that he killed her older brother Chijioke who was last seen in 2012 and there was nothing they could do about it. Her traumatic tale fuelled the protesters to continue their demand for justice against victims of SARS. Addressing protesters, the governor said: “Your first request is immediate prosecution and removal of James Nwafor, the immediate release of all protesters in police custody.

Consider those ones done.”

Random Deaths Scores of persons campaigning against police brutality have been reportedly killed or injured in different parts of the country.

From Edo, Ondo Abuja, to Lagos, reports of attacks on the peaceful protest have been rampant. In Lagos, a truck was said to have run into the protesters at the Lekki toll gate on Friday morning. The previous day witnessed videos and pictures of hoodlums brandishing weapons to attack peaceful

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020

18

MONDAY DISCOURSE

Dare

protesters in Alausa, Ikeja went viral on social media. In Edo, two persons were allegedly killed on Friday after suspected thugs hauled pebbles and fired bullets sporadically at the protesters who besieged the Edo State House of Assembly.

There were also reports that one person was killed and three others injured in Ondo State when a car rammed into the protesters in Akure, the state capital.

SARS Officers Dismissal One of the greatest outcomes of the EndSARS protest is the dissolution of the special police unit. After a resilient demand for the scrapping of the unit, the Inspector General Police last Sunday announced that the unit has been dissolved. All officers were immediately relieved of their duties. While the news was met with joy, the protesters argued that accused offices of the defunct unit should be brought to book.

Ikechukwu Ilohamauzor The 55 year-old was driving his boss Samuel Okafor home when he was shot.

Okafor said that they were on their way to Ilupeju when they rañ into the traffic caused by the Surulere EndSARS protesters.

Ilohamauzor was said to have stepped out of his car when he was hit by a bullet. There have been counter-accusations between the police and the protesters on whose bullet killed the deceased. The police denied shooting the deceased, heaping the blame on violent protesters. However, the Lagos state governor would later note that four police officers were complicit in the incident.

Beneficiaries of EndSARS A spirit of altruism has been seen in the ongoing protests. Several creatives have dedicated to helping the needy and less privileged who have joined the protest. Food, water, security are provided to protesters while funds were raised to help the less privileged.

The Elderly Groundnut Seller An elderly woman who sells groundnut at the Lekki Toll Gate where protesters have occupied in the past few days was blessed last Thursday. The woman who joined the protest was said to have melted the hearts of protesters with her humble beginning that funds were immediately raised to support her business. About N2 million was given to the woman.

Disabled Protesters On Sunday morning, pictures of a protester Jane Obiene marching with hundreds of protesters bearing crutches flooded the internet. There were calls to raise funds for the young lady who reportedly had been unemployed since 2013 due to her disability.

A Twitter user Aproko Doctor shared her story and opened a link for people to donate to buy a prosthetic leg. He intended that N500,000 would be raised within 30 days.

The user was however astonished when N3.2 million was raised within four hours of sharing the link.

He also shared a picture of another young man with disability Charles Nnanam, who like Jane, joined the protest in Surulere.

The donations received will now be used to purchase two prostheses for Jane and Charles.

Makinde

Season of Accountability A remarkable trait of the #EndSARS protest is the level of transparency displayed in their financialtransactions. Every Naira and Kobo donated and spent are documented and shared on social media for all to see. For instance, one of the support group Feminist Coalition regularly tweet updates of the donations and expenses made on their Twitter page.

For instance, they tweeted the amount of money raised for the protests and logistics spent on Sunday.

“On Oct 17th we donated N3,520,000 to 11 protests, and made a donation to @endsarsresponse for food, water, ambulances, and other support.

Total N raised: N73,298,499.13 Total N disbursed: N23,708,280.00 Balances NGN 49,590,219.13 USD 11,474.34 CAD 5,595.89 GBP 5,733.49 EUR 875.42 GHS 1,256.70 KES 53,016.60 BTC 5.72695197 #EndSARS.” This accountability mocks the government who barely give detailed account of their expenditures.

Outcomes of the Protest Protesters have been quite vocal about their demands. Some of them have been met, others are yet to be realised. They include: Scrapping of SARS Following the unjust killing of a young man in Ughelli, Delta state, protesters stormed different parts of the country and staged protests outside the country, calling for the disbandment of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad. That demand was met last Sunday when the Inspector General Police Mohammed Adamu announced the dissolution of the unit.

“The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force otherwise known as SARS is hereby dissolved in all the 36

Obiano

Lalong

State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said in a live broadcast.

was in accordance to the recommendation of the National Economic Council (NEC) for the establishment of state-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry by Governors to collate complaints and ensure accountability in the operations of police units in their respective States. Other governors who have set up Judiciary Panels of Investigation include Enugu and Ogun states.

Five-Point Demands Met Following the dissolution of SARS, the protesters gave the government a five-point demand which included the release of all persons arrested and justice for victims of police brutality. The protesters also demanded that an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reports of police misconduct (within 10 days) should be set up; psychological evaluation of all disbanded SARS officers before they can be redeployed, and increase in police salary so that they can be adequately compensated for protecting lives and property of citizens.

Two days later, the Federal Government gave in to their demands. In a statement, the presidential spokesman Femi Adesina confirmed that “the five-point demands of the protesters and the ENDSARS movement are genuine concerns and will be addressed by the Government.”

Governors Forced to Action The governors of Lagos, Ogun, Plateau and Anambra found themselves giving in to the demands of the protesters. In Anambra, the protesters called for the dismissal of the governor’s security aide James Nwafor and the release of detainees held illegally which have been met by the governor.

In Lagos State, the hotbed of the protests, governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu continues to take steps to show his solidarity with the protesters. From revealing names of erring officers involved in the Surulere protest attack to setting up a sevenmember Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for victims of SARS-related abuses in Lagos State.

“This panel will ensure that all those with verifiable cases of SARS brutality or fatality get justice and receive compensation.”

The state governor also set up an N200 million fund for residents in the state who have been victims of police brutality.

In a similar move, the governor of Plateau State Simon Lalong of Plateau State has established a Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality and other extra-judicial killings. It

The situation became more confusing as regional colouration was introduced when youths in some Nothern Nigerian states took to the streets in solidarity with the police and the Federal Government. A leader from that section of the country, Shettima Yerima signalled that their understanding of the protests was that youths from the South plan to bring President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to a hurried end. Another section of youths from Eastern Nigeria have also weighed in on the protest to press home their secessionist pro-Biafra demands

Launch of Online Radio To show they mean business, the EndSARS protesters on Sunday launched an online radio ‘Soro Soke’ which means to ‘Speak Up’ in Yoruba. The radio is part of the movement’s plan to get the government to answer their call for police reforms and restructuring of the country. On the platform’s bouquet are programmes aimed at educating and communicating with protesters and also coordinate activities nationwide.

Global Support The EndSARS protests have put Nigeria on global focus. Several international celebrities have shown support to the cause. Twitter’s CEO Jack Dorsey last week endorsed the campaign by tweeting two publications that reported the protests and accompanied the tweets with the trending hashtags #EndSARS and the Nigerian flag. He also shared a link where people can donate bitcoin to support the protesters.

Musicians like Drake, Trey Songz, Alicia Keys, as well as Hollywood stars like John Boyega, Gabrielle Union and Tyler Perry have pledged support for the campaign.

Trey Songz tweeted: “Police brutality here in America often is an abuse of power-driven by race. To be brutalized, extorted, and murdered by your own people is unimaginable. Prayers up and I’m researching ways I can help. #EndSARS.” Filmmaker Tyler Perry tweeted “I hate that a country, with enormous potential to be one of the greatest in the world, is going through so much horror. I stand with Nigeria. #ReformTheNigeriaPolice #ENDBADGOVERNANCE.” “I stand with my Nigerian brothers and sisters to end police brutality, the government must answer to the peoples cries #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria,” tweeted Kanye West Also, televangelist T.D Jakes tweeted “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere... Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. #EndSARS.” Hackers Collective Anonymous Support for EndSARS A group of international hackers who are known for cyber campaign against government corrupt practices last Wednesday showed their support to the movement. So far, Anonymous claimed to have hacked the Lagos State government website, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) among others.

On Sunday, the group tweeted: “Websites will continue to go down and leaks will continue to pour, the Nigerian government falls short in cyberspace. They don’t fear ‘Anonymous’ they fear the youth and overall they fear a united Nigeria that exists in the streets and beyond hashtags.

That’s the power. #EndSARS.”

19

T H I S D AY Ëž MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020

POLITICS

Discordant Tunes Over #EndSARS Campaigns As the #EndSARS campaigns enters its second week, Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha catalogue instructive comments of leading personalities from all sides of the unfolding episode

Osinbajo

Lawan

IGP Adamu

Abiodun

Oluremi Tinubu

Aisha Yesufu

Davido

Naira Marley

President Muhammadu Buhari he disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people. r* NFU BHBJO XJUI UIF *(1 UPOJHIU 0VS determination to reform the police should OFWFS CF JO EPVCU * BN CFJOH CSJFGFE SFHVMBSMZ on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure UIBU UIF 1PMJDF BSF GVMMZ BDDPVOUBCMF UP UIF people. r5IF *( BMSFBEZ IBT NZ Ă SN JOTUSVDUJPOT to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, & ensure FSSJOH QFSTPOOFM BSF CSPVHIU UP KVTUJDF * BQQFBM for patience & calm, even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.

ones to come, in the spirit of transparency, so that you can hold us accountable. We are, after all, here to serve you and we owe you a EVUZ UP XJO CBDL ZPVS USVTU ,FFQ TBGF (PE bless you.

VQ GPS IFS MPTT CVU BT HPWFSOPS * IBE UP UBLF responsibility.

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As a state, we will also support and hopefully make her life easier.

5IF TUBUF "UUPSOFZ (FOFSBM .S .PZPTPSF 0OJHCBOKP 4"/ KPJOFE NF GPS UIF WJTJU BOE he will be providing me regular updates on the case. * IBWF TFFO QPXFSGVM JNBHFT BOE WJEFPT PG the #CandleForSARSVictims vigils held across UIF DPVOUSZ *U DBMMT GPS WFSZ TPCFS SFĂĄFDUJPOT Yesterday, the orderly room trial of the police officers involved in the surulere incident r4PNF PG UIF WJDUJNT BUUFOEFE BOE XJMM UFTUJGZ CFGPSF UIF QBOFM OFYU XFFL +VTUJDF XJMM Inspector General of Police Mohammed be served. Thank you to the team actively following up and helping victims.

Adamu 5IFSF JT TP NVDI NPSF UP CF EPOF BOE * XJMM 5IF *(1 DIBSHFT UIF USBJOJOH DPPSEJOBUPST to ensure a diligent and timely delivery of the keep sharing the actions we are taking in line with my announcements.

Tactical Team. r)F PCTFSWFT UIBU UIF OFDFTTJUZ GPS UIF Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State immediate establishment of a new Tactical While we are setting up, in addition to these, Team is in view of the need to fill voids created by the dissolution of the defunct SARS B 'PSFOTJDT -BCPSBUPSZ UP BJE DSJNF JOWFTUJHBparticularly during the “EMBER Month� UJPO XF XJMM QSPWJEF UIF 0HVO 4UBUF )VNBO traditionally characterized with upsurge in 3JHIUT $PNQMBJOUT 3FQPSUJOH 1PSUBM WJB XIJDI armed robbery and other violent crimes in 0HVO 4UBUF DJUJ[FOT DBO VQMPBE EPDVNFOUBSZ video or audio evidence of abuse. the country.

5IF )VNBO 3JHIUT $PNQMBJOUT 0GĂ DF XJUI 5IF *(1 UIFSFGPSF TFFLT UIF DPPQFSBUJPO PG the citizens in the ongoing development drive .S +PTFQI 0HVOOJZJ &TR BT $IBJSNBO XJMM GPS B OFX BOE SFGPSNFE /JHFSJB 1PMJDF 'PSDF facilitate easy access of complainants to asr)F FOKPJOT UIFN UP CF QBUJFOU BOE UP CFMJFWF sistance via modern technology channels, and in the reform processes which are all directed give regular reports to the Special Security and at ensuring the security, safety and rights of all. Human Rights Committee for action. r*NQSFTTJWF SFTVMUT IBWF FNFSHFE GSPN PVS Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos &OE1PMJDF#SVUBMJUZ BHJUBUJPOT GPMMPXJOH UIF resolutions of the virtual National Economic State 5PEBZ UIF $IBJSNBO PG UIF -BHPT QBOFM PG Council, NEC meeting that was held on Thurs&ORVJSZ BOE 3FTUJUVUJPO GPS WJDUJNT PG 1PMJDF EBZ 0HVO 4UBUF XJMM CF TFUUJOH VQ POF FBDI PG CSVUBMJUZ JO -BHPT 3UE +VTUJDF %PSJT 0LVXPCJ a support fund, panel, committee, and office. r5IJT USBOTGPSNBUJPO XJMM NBLF B TJHOJĂ DBOU visited me as the panel gets to work from difference, and this Administration will not Monday. *U JT NZ QSPNJTF UIBU UIFZ XJMM XPSL EJMJ- relent in representing the interests of the people who voted her in. gently... ..to make sure all cases brought before them * UIFSFGPSF DBMM PO BMM QSPUFTUFST UP CSJOH BO FOE will be pursued to a logical conclusion, and to the demonstrations, while the joint initiatives all verified victims will get the justice and PG UIF 'FEFSBM BOE 0HVO 4UBUF (PWFSONFOUT compensation they deserve. are implemented for practical change.

We will also be adding more youth repre #VJMEJOH0VS'VUVSF5PHFUIFS *4&:" sentatives to the panel. #EndSARS We see you.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the We hear you. online edition on www.thisdaylive.com 5IFSF BSF OP XPSET * DPVME IBWF TBJE UP .ST /HP[J *MPBNBV[PS UPEBZ UIBU DBO NBLF

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable. We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them. r0WFS UIF QBTU XFFL XF IBWF CFFO GPMMPXJOH UIF QSPUFTUT BOE * IBWF IBE B OVNCFS PG discussions with key people in the administration that you deserve to be informed about. Transparency, after all, is a key tenet of government.

We understand that you want to see action GSPN VT BOE * N IFSF UP UFMM ZPV UIBU XPSL JT POHPJOH * DIBJSFE B NFFUJOH PG TUBUF governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.

We have proposed that each state governNFOU TFU VQ B 7JDUJNT 4VQQPSU 'VOE XIJDI !/JHFSJB(PW XJMM TVQQPSU 5IJT JT UIF MFBTU that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers. r5IF SFBTPO CFJOH UIBU POMZ TUBUF HPWFSOPST by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public. r8F BMTP VOEFSTUBOE UIBU UIF JTTVFT UIBU ZPV SF SBJTJOH BSF CJHHFS UIBO KVTU 4"34 5IFZ SF EFFQ BOE TZTUFNJD BOE XF SF VOEFSUBLing comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training. r8F XJMM DPOUJOVF UP VQEBUF BOE FOHBHF with you all on these action steps and the

Senate President Ahmad Lawan * UIJOL UIBU UIJT JT UIF TJUVBUJPO UIBU TIPVME be properly investigated. Those in involved in recent incident should be arrested and prosecuted. The law should take its due course. This is not acceptable. Nigerians need to know what happened by those who have killed Nigerians. r5IFSF BSF HPPE QFPQMF BOE CBE QFPQMF JO SARS. Scrapping of agencies when you have mistakes may not be the best position. Rule PG MBX TIPVME CF QVU JO QMBDF *G ZPV TDSBQ SARS, you lose the chance of getting those doing well to continue to do well r0O UIF ĂĄPPS PG UIF 4FOBUF UPEBZ * SFJUFSBUFE the fact that Nigerians acted within their rights to protest the killings of, and brutality meted against citizens by men of the now dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) across the country. r* UIJOL UIF QSPUFTU IBT ZJFMEFE UIF EFTJSFE result so far, and there may not be need to continue to have protests again when SARS has be disbanded r-FU T HJWF UIF HPWFSONFOU UIF DIBODF UP implement those reforms as quickly as possible while ensuring that those culprits who were involved in the killing and maiming of Nigerians are brought to book.

Deputy Senate President Ovie OmoAgege We are beginning to wonder because you DBO U UFMM XIFO ZPV TFF B 4"34 BOE BSNFE robbers, even the way they are dressed. We have the constitution which has guaranteed privacy to our citizens but this people have become more like extortionists looking for way to force people to part with money Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House of Representatives We have been able to secure the release of 0LBSB /LFN 2 Ayodeji Ayeni /EVLB 5SFBTVSF 4 Adeola Adebayo "EFUJGB 0MBOSFXBKV 4BNVFM 5IF UI EFUBJOFE QFSTPO "EFNPMB 0KBCPEV XBT USBOTGFSSFE UP 1BOUJ QPMJDF TUBUJPO BOE BMM will be done to effect his release too.

(MBEMZ XF IBWF CFFO BCMF UP TFDVSF UIF SFMFBTF PG "EFNPMB 0KBCPEV UIF MBTU PG UIF arrested people. We must and will continue to protect our rights at all times. * IBWF TQPLFO UP UIF $1 -BHPT BOE * BN JO touch with my member representing Surulere, in the State Assembly, Hon Desmond Elliot XIP JT QSFTFOUMZ PO IJT XBZ UP "SFB $ 1PMJDF station where some protesters are being held.

8F XJMM FOTVSF UIBU 1FPQMF T SJHIUT BSF OPU violated. * IBWF KVTU TQPLFO UP UIF "SFB $PNNBOEFS * BMTP TQPLF XJUI $IBSMFT XIPTF MFHBM TFSWJDFT * IBWF FOHBHFE 5IF MBXZFST BSF OPX PO UIFJS XBZ UP NFFU XJUI UIPTF EFUBJOFE -JLF * TBJE we will stop at nothing to protect their rights and release from detention.

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Capturing the Soul of #EndSARS Protest Chiemelie Ezeobi, who has monitored the ongoing 12-day-long #EndSARS Protest, captures some of the moments that stood out in the nationwide movement, which has also gained global traction, to end police brutality and kickstart reforms in the force

The candlelight memorial in honour of those slain by the police

Protesters cleaning up

"H

that has sustained the protests, Twitter has shown unequivocal support to the cause.

They recently launched an emoji in support of the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. The emoji is a raised fist designed in the colours of the Nigerian flag; green, white and green.

In a tweet, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Twitter, Jack Dorsey used the #EndSARS hashtag with the new emoji.

e gave us his snacks for free.

We begged him to collect money but he insisted no.

He said e bawa se kĂ­n lè lo ile iwe (loosely translated to mean ‘Do it for us so that I can go to school’).

Those were the tear-jerking words of one @ Animolenikun, who posted their encounter with Damola, a youngster that sells Cheeseball, a snack, to make a living.

Damola, a child hawker, was hustling to make ends meet for the day when the #EndSARS protesters stumbled on him. They bought some Cheeseballs from him but he refused payment.

When they insisted, he succinctly told them to he was contributing his quota so that the society will be better enough for him to go to school.

Moved by those words, they took his picture and shared the experience on Twitter. It soon went viral with several people reaching out to sponsor him to school.

This is just one of the beautiful stories that have emerged from the ongoing #EndSARS Protest.

From offering pro bono legal services to engaging private security for protesters, financial donations, food galore , water, entertainment, sanitation, medical services, logistics and so many others- all carried out by youths, the protest has shown that indeed, a value-bound Nigeria is very much possible. #EndSARS Movement The #EndSARS movement started off as a quest to get the presidency and the police hierarchy to dissolve the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) nationwide. The protest, which has been on since October 8, 2020, started off in Lagos in trickles but gained momentum in the next two days with the protesters even camping on the road to show their sheer will in ending the police unit. It soon spread to most parts of the country.

The nationwide protests were a culmination of weeks of anger and unattended complaints by Nigerians over the pernicious actions of SARS operatives, who had either forcefully abducted, harassed, shot and even harassed youths across board.

With placards bearing inscriptions like “Am I the next to die�, “Stop Police Brutality�, “Why shoot bullets at us�, “I am not a criminal #EndSARS�, “Our lives matter�, “Stop criminalising innocent citizens�, “Stop extorting and killing us�, the protesters took to the streets of Lagos.

Demands Reiterating their demands, the protesters charged the presidency and police hierarchy to not just #EndSARS but to also end police brutality and then institute police reforms from lower cadre policemen to the highest cadre.

They also called for transparent prosecution of all the officers involved in the menace, both past and present, as well as ensure compensation of victims of police brutality.

In their demands as articulated by Citizens Gavel Foundation against Social Justice, they lamented that despite several reforms announced by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, cases of abuse of citizens by SARS have

Photos: TWITTER

Resilience in the Face of Death The protest has always been streamlined as peaceful but the process hasn’t. When the police and military are not shooting live bullets, tear gas or water at protesters, thugs are allegedly hired to disrupt the peaceful gathering.

While so many have been harassed, injured and brutalised by security operatives, some have also died while some have been arrested and even charged to court for murder.

Despite this, the resilience of the protesters have merely doubled. With each hurdle, they cross it with grace and soldier on.

#EndSARS art by Oye increased without any steps taken by the police hierarchy to address the fundamental problem of impunity of the operatives.

They further stated that SARS operatives promote extortion for self-enrichment and lawlessness, of which their non-adherence to the prescription of the law poses greater consequences for citizens.

In their demands, the protesters first called for the total disbandment of SARS as a unit (which has been granted), just as they called for a list of all officers that have been found culpable in the past and transparent prosecution of such officers.

They also demanded for justice for all victims who have suffered injustice in the past and a public enquiry on the activities of the unit in the past. In the long term, they also suggested the police hierarchy apply digital medium for tracking such cases with the police.

ers, celebrities and activists were loud; from the ones that started off the protests, to those that braved the cold elements to camp out, to those who defied threats and veiled messages to stand firm, these crop of influencers, celebrities and activists, too numerous to mention, have written their names in the sands of time.

Concessions by Government Some of the demands made have been fulfilled but some others have not been fully met. These include the prosecution of killer cops, the release of all protesters in detention and the total overhaul of the police. The government has however resolved to set up a judicial panel of inquiry as a follow up to dissolving SARS, just as each state government is to set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which the federal government will support.

Analytics With the way the protest has been sustained both online and offline, it was bound to make impressions on data analytics. With social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Whatsapp being the spring board of these campaigns, as at last week, the #EndSARS trended worldwide at number one spot on Twitter. Also, the the #EndSARS hashtag has had over 7 billion impressions with an estimated 28 million tweets from more than 2 million Twitter users.

AmpliďŹ ed Voices of Inuencers, Celebrities, Activists More than ever, the amplified voices of influenc-

Global Voices The protest has also gone global as calls for protests in US, the UK, Canada, Switzerland, Germany have been recorded.

Also, well known global entertainment figures like Diddy, Treyz Song, Chance the Rapper, Lil Baby, Damson Idris, City Girls, Tyler Perry, Kanye West, and even Nigeria’s own international figure, John Boyega, have also lent their voices to the cause with most of them using the #EndSARS.

Twitter Support Despite the flaks it received for being a gateway

Empathy If the protest scene was a river, the empathy of protesters would have over run it. From one corner of the nation to the other, stories of strangers looking out for themselves abound.

From making financial contribution to helping the weak and even less privileged persons.

At the Lekki protest ground, an aged groundnut seller went home with over N2,350,000 contributed

by Nigerian youths.

According to one @Sama_on-Point, over N500,000 was raised first raised for her with a hefty donation from John Ogu, Nigeria’s midfielder.

The money raised was finally pegged at over N2million with a charge to desist from such a trade at her age.

In Abuja, protesters came across some destitutes living under the bridge and showed them love.

Without taking any joint agreement, the protesters released different sums of money to the mothers and their children.

Also in Abuja, a traffic warden made to flee when he saw the crowd approaching, but they calmed his nerves and donated money, drinks and snacks to him. He wept as the Nigerian youths commended him for his diligence to duty despite the meager salary.

Another aged woman, who joined up in cleaning the protest grounds as part of her contribution, was also bombarded with money by protesters as she looked in bemusement.

Meanwhile, the viral picture of a young girl, one Jane Obiene, who has her left leg amputated, but still joined the protest with the aid of her crutches, has attracted goodwill to her.

Championed by Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, the fundraiser was to help get her a prosthetic leg since she has not been gainfully employed since 2013 when her leg was amputated.

Although the funding goal was initially N500,000, it was later increased to N1.5million to cover the cost of other expenses.

But barely hours after the portal went open, 961 persons crashed the funding goal and raised

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Jane Obiene

The blood donation drive by LifeCares

about N5million for her.

With the overflow, the doctor also intends to help out another male amputee who was at the National Stadium in Surulere to march despite his disabilities.t.

they have N53,053,104.11, 11,474.34 US dollars, 5,595.89 Canadian dollars, 5,733.49 Great Britain Pounds, 875.42 Euros, 1,256.70 Ghana Shillings, 53,016.60 Kenyan Shillings and 4.55795633 Bitcoins as balance.

Campaign against Sexual Abuse Unlike what is obtainable in large crowds, the protesters looked out for the female among them to prevent cases of sexual harassment and abuse. In one case when a male protester tried to molest a young girl, the men gathered together and gave him a sound beating.

Continuously on different social media platforms, they kept harping on the need for men to respect the females, with stern warning to tackle the perpetrator. In the long run, it seemed to have worked as no further case of abuse seem to have been recorded.

Healthcare Health is wealth and who better to understand this than doctors. Several doctors including Aproko Doctor have sacrificed their time, intellect and even resources to take care of the wounded.

Nigerians were also quick to donate money for medical supplies, which were quickly sent to all protest grounds. According to Aproko Doctor, someone even sent in money for inhalers and it came in handy as one of the protesters had an asthmatic attack and one was promptly used.

Backing them, health companies like Avon Medical supplied ambulances free of charge to help treat and convey the injured to the hospital.

Some other medical brands that stood in the gap were Medplus and other brands that supplied medical supplies.

Safety Tips To ensure everyone is safe at the protest grounds, different safety tips were circulating, especially on what to do if tear gas is sprayed, gun shot injury is recorded, cases of dehydration and so on.

Unity A show of unimaginable unity was on display at the protests. The protesters buried their age-long political, social and cultural feud and campaigned with one voice. As shocking as it might seem, members of opposition parties who never saw eye to eye were in this instance in agreement to end police brutality.

Religious Tolerance Unlike what was obtainable in the past, the two major religions in Nigeria- Christianity and Islam, showed tolerance while protesting. At the protest grounds, it was not out of place for gospel songs to be sang and those of the Islamic faith did not object.

On Friday, during the congregational prayers held by Muslims, the protesters showed solidarity as all protests were put on hold for them to observe their Jumu’ah prayers. Whilst their Muslim counterparts prayed, the Christian faithfuls formed a human barricade around them to ensure they were not attacked.

No Recognised Leadership Perhaps one factor that has sustained the protests till date is the fact that there is seemingly no structure, yet it works perfectly. None of those at the forefront of championing the cause are leaders of the protests, which has made it quite difficult for the government to penetrate their flanks.

Funding In this regard, it seems to have been centralised, albeit, not be design. For the funds raised under the Convener of OperationSanitize, Savvy Rinu, she said they have currently raised N4,046,923, spent N1,919,701 and now have a balance of N2,127,222.

Meanwhile, the Feminist Coalition, a group of young Nigerian feminists formed in July 2020 with a mission to champion equality for women in Nigerian society with a core focus on education, financial freedom and representation in public office, has raised millions in support of the campaign.

To coordinate funds for the logistics of the protests, the Feminist Coalition raised a total of N73,241,384.11 and disbursed N20,188,280.00 nationwide.

Updating Nigerians about their expenses and what has so far been accrued, they added that

Emotional Support Meanwhile, asides the medical treatments given by doctors across the state, some psychologists have also joined the loop by offering free therapy.

According to Emotions Doctor, the free therapy was for those that have been traumatised in any way during the protest.

Other groups like the Mentally Aware are also on board in assuaging they emotional and psychological needs of protesters.

Free Rides One thing that stood out during the protest was how Nigerians were so open to giving protesters free ride. Even some cab hailing companies soon joined. In Ibadan, a bike startup company @ SafeBoda_NGA provided free rides for all protestors to commute for the #IbadanProtests.

Entertainment Meanwhile, protesters at Lekki Tollgate have made themselves comfortable with no plans to leave the toll for free flow of traffic. To keep the pulse in the protests, some light entertainment was held at intervals.

From artists singing to talks and presentations, the entertainment can be said to have gingered the protesters to keep going despite the elements and stress.

Food and Drinks One thing that was in surplus was the food and drinks shared. Most amazing was the quality of dishes as people fell over themselves to contribute to the feeding of protesters. From local dishes to intercontinental and even snacks and confectionaries, the protesters certainly had their fill.

Accommodation, Grants for Journalists Championed by Gatefield Impact, they provided a six one-bed and three studio apartments in Ikeja, Lagos for journalists covering the protests on the mainland who need a place to spend the night.

Not done yet, they also provided grants for freelance journalists to adequately cover the protests. This they did with the support of Feminist Coalition. As at last weekend, they had disbursed N930,000 from N982,000 to 22 journalists and media organisations to report on #SARSMUSTEND and also contributed towards replacing damaged gear.

In terms of data, they provided data support to 25 more citizen reporters to enable them stream the protests.

Logistics

Damola the teenage snacks seller Although they seem to be in different camps, one thing that stood out was the coordination from each group. From providing free charging points to feeding, releasing arrested protesters, gifting data, transportation and even healthcare, the logistics and organisation were topnotch.

Sanitation The youths again outdid themselves as they ensured the protest grounds were also cleaned up and the garbage disposed off after each day.

Whether in Lagos or Abuja, the story was same.

The protesters put aside their class and did the dirty work.

Blood Bank Giving the numerous times injuries were recorded with some quite severe enough to receive blood transfusion, it became imperative for a drive to donate blood.

Championed by LifeBankCares-led Temie Giwa-Tubosun, the group called for blood donation for injured victims of police brutality during the protests.

According to reports, since launching in 2016, LifeBankCares, has saved almost 7,000 lives, thus living up to the goals Giwa-Tubosun had when she started the company to bring vital medical supplies to people who need them, when they need them.

Prayer Walk Meanwhile young members of the Christian community have gone spiritual in the fight against #EndSARS. Exercising their spiritual authority, the young Christians led by one @Limboblaze began the movement last Sunday in Lagos with over 600 youths in Alausa.

Already, the movement has doubled in size with caucuses springing up in cities like Ilorin, Abuja, Kaduna, Abeokuta, among others.

According to Heritage Youth, “this is a call to every youth to join in as we take this fight both physically and spiritually. There’s a huge shift emerging and God has placed in the position to fight for it.�

The prayer walks soon went viral and it featured prayers for peace in the country, an end to police brutality and for good governance. In Nigeria, the prayer walks were staged in states like Lagos, Niger, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Kaduna, Niger, Rivers, Kwara, Delta and has even spread globally.

Legal Representation At least 600 lawyers have been drafted to provide free legal services to Nigerians under detention for protesting against brutality and extra-judicial killings. Already, they have built an efficient legal aid/support structure operating in 36 states and they have been achieving results in this regard.

Candlelight Service Another beautiful, yet somber moment was the candle light service held last Friday in honour of all those innocent persons who have been killed by the police.

At the different locations where the candlelight event held, prayers were said after which the demonstrators sang the National Anthem in respect of the country before they began to reel out their names.

One that particularly stood out was the story of Chijioke, who was allegedly killed by SARS in Awkuzu and his body dumped into the Ezzu River alongside over 200 bodies, which forced his father to swim inside to identify the body of his late son.

For those at the candlelight, it has gone beyond ceremony and clamour for disbandment

of SARS, but to also bring justice for those who have suffered injustice at the hands of the police.

Fixing Damages Something beautiful happened in Abuja after some hoodlums set on cars stuck in traffic and destroyed about 10 of them. Viral videos showed the distraught car owners quite perplexed by the situation. In one of the videos, one of the men affected was seen crying bitterly after assessing the extent of the damage.

In an unexpected show of oneness, several pledges began to come in towards fixing the damaged cars. At the end, the organisers of the protest ensured those affected had their cars fixed.

For the damaged phones as a result of the stampede, one of those that pledged to repair them was a mobile phone dealer, Dabz Global Gadgets, at 80 per cent discount, adding that repairs from N5,000 and below will be done free of charge.

Private Security After some thugs attacked the protesters in Alausa, the coordinators of the protest quickly organised private security to safeguard lives and properties.

In Abuja, some of the protesters saved the day with their pit bulls and bull dogs. When the thugs returned the second day to attack them, the fearsome sight of the dogs made them to retreat.

Returned Properties At the protest grounds, countless stories abound of people’s lost properties that were returned.

According to many, this is the birth of a new Nigeria where everything good is possible.

Online and Ofine Campaign One of the core strengths of the ongoing protests has been the seamless transition between online and offline campaigns. Those who could not protest physically used the social media to pass across the message while those who could, shared content for the online warriors to use.

Helpline To ensure a coordinated protest nationwide devoid of hitches, the protesters created a helpline on 01 700 1755.

According to FK Abudu, one of the organisers, the call sign one is for medical, two for legal, three for food and supplies, four, five and six for mental health emergencies and seven for security.

Credit for this was given to @EbyAkhigbe and @funmioyatogun.

Support Unit To provide resource and information support for the protesters, the End SARS Response was created. Under this wing is the Protest Mobilisation Support Form where requests for funds to support protest resources (including food, printing placards, transportation and other mobilisation needs) are handled. Although their job is not to raise funds or collect donations, they connect protesters across the nation to the resources available.

They also have the medical wing which connects those in need of the medical supplies to the resource centre. The response team also has the legal aid support wing and even the volunteer response.

They disclosed that with just 90+ hours in service, the unit has served nine states and 39 cities from across three continents and four time zones.

With no end in sight at the moment, the lessons inherent in the protest abound- the youths are not lazy after all as they were once described by the Nigerian president.

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Quick Takes Adeeko Becomes IoD Fellow

FACILITYTOUR

L-R: Minister of Aviation, Sirika Hadi; Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola; CEO, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Bode Makanjuola, and Mrs. Yoyinsola Makanjuola, during the tour of Caverton maintenance repair and overhaul facility and flight simulator at the Mutarla MohammedInternationalAirportLagos...recently ETOP UKUTT

Omoigui-Okauru Recounts Leadership Lessons from IFRS Obinna Chima A former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mrs. Ifueko OmoiguiOkauru at the weekend recounted how she drove transformation at the national revenue collection agency.

She also said she was looking forward to a future where taxes would become the pillar of popular engagement in the democratic process and pivot of Nigerian national development.

Delivering the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) 2020 Annual Public Lecture, with the theme: “Transforming the Public Sector in Nigeria: Lessons from my Leadership of the FIRS,�

Omoigui-Okauru, highlighted the reforms initiated under her leadership at the agency.

Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is the founder and chairman of the AIG. The former IFRS boss who is presently the 2019/2020 AIG Visiting Fellow of Practice at the Blavatnik School of Government, extolled former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his team, who identified, gave her the opportunity and stood by her, despite her young age and without any experience working in the public sector. “What I believe I had going was a track record that would come to play in a new role. I also thank all the other Presidents I worked with after President Obasanjo left office – President Umar Yaradua and President Goodluck Jonathan – for believing in my service and keeping me in office. Continuity matters. If my stay had been interrupted, my story may be different. Passing the baton, not allowing it fall, and making the race after faster and even better than the last, is for me, a critical success factor in the delivery of public service,� she said.

She said public officers must always demonstrate readiness for

ECONOMY the job, determination, adding that how they embrace their subordinates matter in keeping them focused on achieving the goals set.

If you are not ready for a job, become ready and wait until you are or don’t take it, if you truly want to achieve an impact, she stressed. “Be ready to always challenge your thinking, listen, reflect, communicate to your diverse stakeholders and stay focused on serving all of your stakeholders even when you risk been misunderstood – keep learning but keep communicating,� the former FIRS advised those eyeing public service. “I was exhausted at the end of my tenure and needed a break from anything public service. Now, I am encouraged a lot more to tell the story of what we did, achieved and our challenges, fueled by the people I meet every day,� she added.

According to her, when she joined the FIRS, it had about 7,200 staff (80% of which were non-professional staff), describing the agency then as a mini-Nigeria which was diverse in location, gender, age, creed, ethnicity et al.

Omoigui-Okauru pointed out that the only recognised professional cadre within the service then was that of tax administration, saying all other positions were either filled from the Federal Civil Service - Legal, Finance and Admin (HR) functions were filled by staff from on a rotational basis; or junior staff hired by the service for clerical and other work. “Eight years later, FIRS had about 7,000 (80% of which were professional staff), located in every State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. To be a professional in the service, you had a career path in different

functional areas beyond just Tax Administration, to include Tax Research and Policy, Communications, Facility Management, Finance, HR, ICT, Legal, Security amongst others. With this, not just where we self-sustaining, we were also able to align staff to their areas of best fit. “This opened up vacancies in the service, with over 2,000 people created through open advertisement, testing and interviews to take advantage of the new positions created. We developed a culture over time, where we encouraged the use of technology, removing the need for secretaries, removed symbolic computers on the desks of senior officers, and managed the fears people to even open up computers that were readily made available.�

According to Omoigui-Okauru, under her leadership, the FIRS redefined tax administration by giving staff an opportunity to cross-learn and grow as well empowered to see themselves as beyond just working in the FIRS, but possessing skills that could be attested to within or outside the service; within or outside Nigeria. “The organisation structure was designed to build tax administration capacity across all the typical functions in preparedness for automation. We repeatedly encouraged staff through the various meetings and sessions we had, to be self-confident, believe in themselves, their abilities and with that, the sky wasn’t even a limit. “We had non-professional staff eager to go back to school or to do professional exams, supported by the Service to improve themselves, and succeeding. We had people empowered to take decisions through policies and a decision-making matrix clarifying their authorities. We gave people confidence through amongst others the rebranding (in form and deed) of the Service and the improved compensation and performance driven bonuses paid; people were

proud to wear the badge of the organisation. “The general public and taxpayers acknowledged the changes.

It was easier to pay their taxes through the one stop shop and electronic channels created. They had confidence in having people to report to if they had any issues.

Taxpayers were better educated on their responsibilities and their rights. Taxpayers saw evidence that if a tax officer is caught in a fraudulent act, penalties will be imposed and in certain cases convictions obtained. “We encouraged the youth to get involved through our Students Tax Advocacy Initiative (STAI) initiative. Today, some have chosen a professional career in tax because of the work of STAI,� she added.

Speaking further, she said during the wave of reforms at the FIRS, the only goal was to triple non-oil revenues by 2007, and grow overall revenues by 25 per cent year on year.

We focused on the achievement of set goals at every meeting with staff and stakeholders, she said, adding that the target guided her team then at the FIRS. “We could measure, track and reflect on why the targets were met or not met. We had a three-year rolling strategic plan that drove our reform efforts through. A plan that involved all staff, getting their views on where we were, where we wanted to be and how to get there. “A plan that clearly set out our vision, mission, values and goals.

A plan that got the Federal Executive Council under the leadership of the trigger for all these efforts, President Olusegun Obasanjo, to hold a special meeting for the first time, on October 2004, focused on one agenda - approving the tax reform plan, in the first year of our efforts, and first year of my tenure. “A plan we tracked at every Continued on page 24

TheDivisionalHead,SharedServicesoftheNigerianStockExchange,Bola Adeeko, was among the 31 new Fellows inducted by Institute of Directors (IoD) of Nigeria at its 2020 Fellows’ Investiture last Thursday.

In addition to 31 new fellows, ďŹ ve new distinguished fellows were admitted. The Investiture themed: “Innovations in Crisis Environment – The Role of Directors,â€? was headlined by Prof. Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, Distinguished Professor of Innovation & Marketing & Founder/President, Nobel International Business School (NiBS), Accra Ghana.

Adeeko’s admission was particularly notable as he is a lifetime member, IoD and Chair, Audit & Risk Committee, IoD Centre for Governance.

Thenominationcomesonthebackofhistrackrecordasanaccomplished business executive with 27 years’ cognate experience. He is lauded for his ability to manage risks and stakeholders eectively, which has produced veriďŹ able results in the delivery of set corporate performance indices, as well as the reputation for transforming under-performing operations, products and client portfolios into proďŹ tability.

In his current role at the NSE, Adeeko oversees the administration, legal, corporate communications and technology functions at NSE. Over the years, he has deepened and demonstrated expertise in developing eective business strategies, building new business relationships and leading multi-disciplinary teams to produce quality and bespoke business solutions.

Accountants Harp on Proactive Regulations

Eective regulations around the accountancy profession have been identiďŹ ed as one of the ways to improve the profession.

This was the core of discussion at a recent webinar to assist regulators and operators in the profession.

While pointing out regulatory best practices as it concerns regulators, theChiefExecutiveOďŹƒcer,CrownHeightConsultingServices,Mr.George Onekhena emphasised the need to have regulatory policies in the area of governance for regulators.

He moved on to explain that the best practice requires that the role of regulators must be clear, adding that there has to be a decision-making body and governing structure for independent regulators.

For Onekhena who is also a Non-Executive Director at the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, regulators have to be properly funded, as this would lead to their eectiveness, accountability and transparency.

Ontheprinciplesofgoodregulation, Onekhenaexplainedthatregulations must have identiďŹ ed policy goals and empirical basis for their issuance. “Ideally,foreveryregulationthatisissued,thereshouldbeclarityastothe beneďŹ ts to society or the risks that are prevented. Also, regulation should promote innovation. In this world we are today, innovation is the solution. “Again,regulationsshouldbeclear,simpleandpracticaltotheusers.There should be a one-stop shop for regulators. We shouldn’t have a situation where we have duplications,â€? he explained

AfDB Named into WBAF Board

TheWorldBusinessAngelsInvestmentForum(WBAF)recentlyannounced the African Development Bank (AfDB) as its newest Board Member. In this capacity the Bank will represent Africa’s early-stage equity markets, entrepreneurshipandstartupecosystems,smallandmediumenterprises and high-growth businesses, angel investors, and private equity funds.

The Director of Industrial andTrade Development, Abdu Mukhtar, will occupy the Bank’s Board seat. “We are delighted to have the African Development Bank Group as a global board member of the World Business Angels Investment Forum,�

WBAF’s Executive Chairman, Baybars Altuntas said. “IamconďŹ dentthatbyincludingAfDB,WBAFwillbeabletoprovideawide range of opportunities for start-ups, scaleups and high growth businesses in Africa—ones that will open the doors for economic development. “By working together across borders, with a common vision, and with these smart dynamics in mind, we are well placed to bring about positive change in the Africa and global economy,â€? he added.

WBAF promotes access to ďŹ nance for businesses from start-up to scale-up,withthegoalofgeneratingmorejobsandsocialjusticeworldwide.

The Forum engages with a wide range of institutions to help shape the global agenda.

“Every federating state has potential to take care of their total expenditures and even do better than they are doing currently, �

Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu

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BUSINESSWORLD OMOIGUIOKAURU RECOUNTS LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM IFRS management, regional and stakeholder meeting. Meetings that lasted hours on end, engaged in debates and conversations to ensure inclusion and ensure we carried everyone along.

Meetings staff complained about as too long, but which eventually delivered what we wanted them to. Plans that we cascaded to every department and individual and formed the basis of performance bonuses that were paid to deserving departments and individuals.�

Continuing, she said: “These steps typically touted as needed to drive change, worked within the FIRS, a then unknown civil service institution that transformed to becoming an esteemed agency of the public service during my tenure. “From day one, my mindset that drove the change efforts I embarked upon, was to see this as an opportunity to bring development to Nigeria. It was about restructuring the organisation and bringing a sense of purpose to every single staff. “I was driven by years of experience in leading strategic planning and change management engagements, that placed in me an unchanging belief of the importance of inclusion and buy-in and alignment across the organisation as critical to organisational success; sincerely carrying everyone along a journey of developing a clear roadmap that everyone understood and executing same in a disciplined manner; recognising the importance of people in the landscape of change and that without the people on the side of change, very little can be achieved. “I was also driven by my inbuilt sense of personal sacrifice, built over time from my very early years, to disregard self and focus on the results expected by those around me. All these influenced, how I started my journey at the FIRS; seeking the opinions of others about the change desired; developing a roadmap for change and getting the buying of all stakeholders in the roadmap.�

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

NEWS

Stock Market Sustains Positive Performance Goddy Egene The Nigerian stock market recorded another growth last week to sustain the positive trend as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.86 per cent to close at 28,659.45.

Similarly, market capitalisation added N127.6 billion to close at N14.98 trillion. As a result, the year-to date (YTD) growth stood at 6.8 per cent.

The market had remained positive in the past four weeks as investors are attracted by the currently low market valuation amidst the continued low yield environment in the fixed income space.

And many analysts had remained bullish on the market.

For instance, Cordros Research said they expect the market to continue to benefit as domestic investors seek alpha-yielding opportunities in the face of increasingly negative real returns in the fixed income market. “However, we advise investors to trade in only fundamentally justified stocks as the weak macro environment remains a significant headwind for listed companies,� they said.

Although the market appreciated last week, the volume and value of the previous week could not be sustained. Investors traded 1.955 billion shares worth N22.978 billion in 22,844 deals, down from 3.140 billion shares valued at N35.372 billion that exchanged hands last week in 35,099 deals the previous

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

namely United Bank for Africa Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc in volume terms accounted for 885.515 million shares worth N15.881 billion in 6,308deals , contributing 45.3 per cent and 69.11 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The price movement chart showed that 35 equities appreciated during the week, lower than 53 equities in the previous week, while 23 equities depreciated in price, higher than14 equities in the previous week.

Eterna Plc led the price gainers

with 34.9 per cent, trailed by International Breweries Plc with 12.9 per cent. Cadbury Nigeria Plc appreciated by 12.5 per cent, just as Guinness Nigeria Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc gained 10.8 per cent.

Total Nigeria Plc chalked up 10 per cent, while Presco Plc garnered 10 per cent and 8.9 per cent in that order. Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services Plc and May & Baker Nigeria Plc chalked up 8.3 per cent apiece, while NASCON Allied Industries Plc went up by 7.8 per cent.

Conversely, E-Tranzact Inter-

national Plc led the price losers with 26.3 per cent, followed

by Portland Paints & Products Nigeria Plc that shed 10.3 per cent.

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc depreciated by 8.1 per cent.

Royal Exchange Plc, Cutix Plc and AXA Mansard Insurance Plc lost 7.4 per cent, 5.8 per cent and 5.8 per cent in that order.

Other top price losers included: Custodian Investment Plc (4.7 per cent); Fidson Healthcare Plc (4.6 per cent); Ardova Plc (3.6 per cent) and Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nigeria Plc with 3.4 per cent respectively.

CAPACITYBUILDINGFORUM

L-R: Director, Strategy and Business Development, Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Ltd, Bola Adetayo; Chief Executive Officer,Taiwo Oluwadahunsola; Director,Agribusiness,LagosStateMinistryofCommerceandCooperatives,OsiefaAkinbayo,andManagingDirector,GreenEaglesAgribusinessSolutions Ltd,TasalaOsinowo,atthesymposiumorganisedforcooperativeinLagosbyGreenEaglesAgribusinessSolutions,heldinLagos...recently ETOP UKUTT

FG to Make Kano IDP Transit Port Eromosele Abiodun The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello has said that the Kano Inland Dry Port (IDP) will be a transit port that would connect landlocked countries of Niger Republic, Chad, Northern Cameroon and other Sahel African countries.

He disclosed this in Lagos during a courtesy call on the NSC by the governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Bello, who acknowledged that the Inland Port has enjoyed the support of the Kano state government disclosed that the state recently invested over N2.4 billion in development of infrastructure.

The NSC boss assured that the council was perfecting plans to ensure that the port project gets the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval before December

this year.

Nigeria, he stated, has to get ready to receive and utilise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which he stated was expected to expand the size of African economy by $29 trillion in 2050, cover more than 1.2 billion people across 54 countries and generate over $3 billion in GDP. Stating that it is not population or size that would make Nigeria benefit from ACFTA, Bello said the country could only benefit from opportunities provided by the continental pack based on how far it has gone in building infrastructure and industries at state levels.

He, however, implored the concessionaire on the need to operate a modern dry port with electronic gate, good access roads devoid of gridlock, and short delivery time of cargo, 24-hours port operation

and multimodal approach to cargo delivery among others. Following the importance of Dala Inland Dry Port to Kano’s economy and that of its neigbouring states, the state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, called on Federal Ministry of Transport through the Nigerian Shippers Council to facilitate the approval and declaration of the Inland Port as a Port of Origin and Destination.

Ganduje also called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to extend its rail line to the dry port in order to facilitate seamless cargo evacuation from the port.

According to the governor, “We also want Shipper’s Council to ensure the cooperation and collaboration between the shipping lines and their agents with the Inland Port to allow seamless flow of both import and export cargoes; facilitate the actualisation

of the Inland Port to be a transport and logistics Free Zone as well as the linkages and access to the markets in the Sahel African countries particularly Chad and Niger Republics.�

Furthermore, the Kano State governor assured that the state would exploit all the opportunities offered by the Port to aggressively grow exports in order to boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange in addition to growing Kano States internally generated revenue.

While appreciating the effort of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in actualisation of the project, governor Ganduje said the Kano State Government is fully committed to supporting the realisation of the Port, which he stressed, will facilitate efficient handling of both import and export cargoes from the state. “The Kano State Government under my watch had provided the

200 hectares of virgin land free of encumbrances required for the two integrated projects, the Inland Dry Port and Special Economic Zone; critical infrastructure required for the project including construction of standard dual carriage access road, provision of power and water to the project site among others, �Ganduje stated.

Earlier in his speech, the Director General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Chidi Izuwah, said the commission was willing to assist the Kano state government bring the project to fruition.

Represented by Director, Transportation Infrastructure Plus Department at the commission, Emmanuel Onwodi, he assured the state government that the commission would work with the Nigerian Shippers Council to get FEC approval for the Inland Port.

NIWA Boss Seeks Increased Investment in Waterways Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

week.

However, the Financial Services industry led the activity chart with 1.648billion shares valued at N18.824billion traded in 13,050deals, thus contributing 84.3 per cent and 81.9 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates industry followed with 99.313million shares worth N87.823million in 553 deals. The third place was the Consumer Goods, with a turnover of 60.570million shares worth N991.189 million in 3,269deals.

Trading in the top three equities

The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr. George Muoghalu has called for more investment in waterways to boost the country’s economy.

Muoghalu made the call at the weekend when the Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, Hajia Mariam Sanusi led a delegation to his office.

He said when he was appointed, he realised that NIWA was under-reported and most

Nigerians didn’t even know the agency is under Ministry of Transportation, adding that he set out on that trajectory to ensure that the narrative was changed.

Muoghalu said his wish for the waterways is to make water transportation becomes the best means of transportation by the time he leaves office.

He stated: “If for example, 200,000 or about one million containers are going to the Southeast, the simple implication is that the same number of trailers will be on our road. If it is 1,000 containers, 1,000 trailers will be

on our road, if it is 1 million containers, one million trailers will be on our road. There is no way our road can be designed to carry such weight, bulk cargoes are moved by water or by rail. “Fortunately for us as a country, we have over 10,000 kilometers of waterways that transverse through 28 states. It is only that at the moment, we have just over 3,000 kilometers that is all year round navigable. “But ordinarily, we can reach 28 out of 36 states by water in this country. Which means if we make more solid investment in the waterways sector, it is going to

impact positively on our national and economic life.�

He assured that NIWA would partner NIPR organisation, adding that he believed in training and capacity building of his staff in order to justify the investment government is making on them.

The NIWA boss also appealed to Nigerians to spread the message of unity in the country.

According to him, “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to us as Nigerians using the platform of NIPR to bring the message of unity in this country, to market it, because if we are not united we can’t achieve our

desired objective. “Government is doing its best, what we need to do is to encourage them. I don’t quarrel with criticism, but let it be constructive.

If you think I’m not doing this right, what I do, how do I do it to achieve the same objective, if your intentions are honest, if not just to being me down.�

Earlier, Sanusi noted that there was need for collaboration between NIWA and NIPR in areas that are mutually beneficial. “If you partner with us, you can send us your staff for training and they will come out as the best,� she added.

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Firm to Support Technicians with Working Tools Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano An indigenous lubricant oil company, Ammasco International, has procured overr N500 million mechanical tools for distribution to technicians across the country.

The National Secretary of National Automobile Technicians Associations of Nigeria (NANTA), Mr. Musa Yahaya, disclosed in Kano during a meeting between the association and Ammasco held in Kano.

He explained that the oil company was also targeting over 3,000 members of the association as beneficiaries.

Yahaya explained that the working tools was to support the practitioners in the automobile industry as well as an empowerment scheme.

The NANTA National Secretary stressed that the working tools were not meant for onward disposal in the market.

He recalled that the company provided palliatives to the members across the country during the coronavirus pandemic, adding that the company had sponsored the training of the members within and outside the country.

Yahaya, pointing out that the company is paying yearly rent for the association’s national secretariat in Abuja and salary of the staff working there.

Also speaking, the Deputy Marketing Manager of Ammasco International, Mr. Hamza Said Hamza, explained that a raffle draw had been introduced by the company to encourage the practitioners win various prizes.

Guinness Partners Ministry on Responsible Drinking Initiative Raheem Akingbolu Guinness Nigeria Plc, through its DrinkiQ initiative is collaborating with the Ministry of Youths and Sports to launch a quiz version for youths between the ages of 18-35 years.

DrinkiQ, an initiative of Diageo, the parent global company of Guinness Nigeria, is an e-learning platform that provides fact and information on alcohol thereby allowing consumers make informed choices around alcohol.

The company recently introduced the quiz version of DrinkiQ to take the drink responsibly campaign to the youth via the Nigeria Online Youth Assembly (NOYA) platform.

This is part of the Ministry’s efforts to empower the Nigerian youth by disseminating relevant and timely information on selfdevelopment, career growth, training, job and employment placement opportunities via a unified platform. Nigeria Online Youth Assembly (NOYA) is an aggregator site established as an

engagement portal with the youth population in Nigeria powered by the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports (FMOY).

According to Guinness Nigeria, the DRINKiQ quiz version aims to test the knowledge of the youth on how much they know about alcohol while educating them on responsible drinking, facts, causes, and consequences surrounding under-age drinking.

Guinness Nigeria, the only total beverage alcohol company in Nigeria, continues to reiterate the importance of the company’s part in creating a positive role for alcohol in the society through its partnerships and programmes that reduce harmful drinking habits.

Managing Director, Baker Magunda noted this while speaking on the partnerhip, adding that the collaboration is in line with efforts aimed at acknowledging the need for responsible drinking. “We have always led the industry in promoting responsible drinking while working with others on related initiatives�, Baker said.

Sahara Group Launches SDGs’ Impact Fund Sahara Foundation, the corporate citizenship vehicle of energy conglomerate, Sahara Group, has launched the Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) and the Governance Unusual Programme to facilitate the generation of ideas and solutions towards increasing access to clean energy, mobilizing partnerships to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspiring a good governance paradigm shift.

Sahara Foundation would drive the programme using the Sahara extrapreneurship model with an underlying ethos of “creating enabling environment for entrepreneurs�.

The fund’s capacity is set at over $100,000 with opportunity for incremental access by beneficiaries based on impact, reach and sustainability matrices targeted at supporting young social entrepreneurs in Africa with seed funding as well as providing access to mentoring from Sahara Group and other private sector partners, to scale up clean energy and sustainable environment innovations.

The Programme is a strategic partnership involving Sahara Foundation, Ford Foundation, LEAP Africa and Impact Investors Foundation leveraging on strengths of the various partners.

Sahara Foundation has implemented various projects across its locations in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, impacting the lives of over 2,000,000 beneficiaries, with youth accounting for over 50% of the beneficiaries.

According to the Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Pearl Uzokwe, the Sahara Impact Fund and Governance Unusual programme would reinforce ongoing conversations on boosting entrepreneurial capacity and how individual responsibility can inspire a paradigm shift that will culminate in the “whole� gravitating towards “doing the right thing� – without equivocation. Sahara Group is delighted to promote a robust movement for self-governance – one that challenges everyone to be the measure for “doing the right thing� against all odds.�

Experts Urge FG to Revamp Paper Industry Dike Onwuamaeze The Chairperson of the Printing and Publishing Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Layo Okeowo, has described the paper industry in Nigeria as a goldmine waiting for investors to explore.

Okeowo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of FAE Limited, made this call during a webinar with the theme: “Revitalising the Paper Industry: Challenges and Opportunities in South-West Nigeria,� organised by the LCCI recently. Okeowo, also urged the federal government to muster the political will needed to launch targeted policies that would significantly help to revive the country’s paper and allied product industry from its current state of comatose, which experts have estimated to have an annual market value of N3 trillion.

She said that it was disheart-

ening that despite the potential of the paper industry and also considering its strategic importance in the broader manufacturing value chain, the sector has been neglected by successive administration, which has made the country a net importer of paper products.

These policies, according to her, would encourage “research (Paper Research Institute) on how to grow improved trees, own and manage plantations that would feed the mills, as well as the creation of training sectors that would strengthen the skills of young individuals in paper mill operations. We also need friendly policies to encourage higher private sector participation in the paper industry.�

She said: “It is very disheartening that despite the potential of the paper industry and also considering its strategic importance in the broader manufacturing value chain, the sector has

been neglected by successive administration.�

The Chief Consultant of the B. Adedipe Associates Limited, Dr. Biodum Adedipe, in his presentation, urged investors to rethink their attitude toward the Nigerian paper industry and reposition themselves for the impending growth opportunities for wealth and job creation in the industry.

Adedipe, noted that the wide gap between the paper mill installed capacity of 200,000 metric tonne and the domestic production need of about three million metric tonne was an opportunity that would be hard for any investor to ignore. He stated: “Nigeria is a net importer of paper and paper making products. This is a massive spot for investment in paper and paper making product. “With Smartphone adoption reaching 50 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa, the scope for e-commerce has expanded significantly and along with

the opportunities in packaging and other segments of paper and pulp industry. “The Nigeria Customs Service indicated in 2018 that imports of paper and pulp was N720 billion.

There is however a printing and industry based estimate that put it at N3trillion annually, which translate into some 235,000mt per month. “This is by far beyond the installed capacity in the sector and points at investment opportunities,� the economist said.

Adedipe went on to state that the sector more than doubled the value it created between 2010 and 2019, from N24.36 billion to N53.93 billion (CBN), averaging annual growth of 10.02 per cent. “This is estimated to grow to about N140.14 billion worth of value that can be created in the sector in Nigeria by 2030.

This figure can escalate with fresh capital injection from new investors,� he said.

SPECIALRECOGNITION

L-R:DistinguishedFellowAwardee(DFA)ofIoDNigeria,Mr.EdmundYomiJones; ImmediatePastPresident,Mr.AhmedRufaiMohammed;DFA,Dr.Ebenezer Sonaiya; Chairman, Fellows & Awards Committee, Mr. Thomas C. Awagu; President IoD Nigeria, Mr. Chris O. Okunowo; DFA, Ms. Ngozi Chibututu; Mr. Ben Onuorah;Mr.VictorEburajolo,andDG/CEO, IoDNigeria,Mr.DeleAlimi,(M.IoD)duringtheIoD’sinvestitureawardheldinLagos...recently

Siemens Energy Promotes Sustainability Goddy Egene Siemens Energy and partners are holding a major Middle East and Africa (MEA)-focused virtual conference, themed: ‘Shaping the Energy of Tomorrow,’ from October 19 – 21, 2020.

The conference is to drive forward the sustainability and decarbonisation agenda at a defining moment in the energy industry.

With the long-term impacts of Covid-19 and a fundamental shift in energy markets still being realised, now is the moment for the energy industry to collaborate to realise a future that is sustainable, efficient, affordable and accessible, in line with the ideals laid out by UN Sustainable Goal 7, they noted in a statement.

The MEA Energy Week conference is being held in partnership with the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK); the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa);

the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS); and Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi government’s Mubadala Investment Company.

The launch of the event comes shortly after the listing of Siemens Energy on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on September 28, following a spin-off from Siemens AG. An estimated one-sixth of the world’s power generation was already based on technologies from Siemens Energy. “With this important legacy comes significant responsibility; to help shape the direction of the future of energy sector, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and decarbonisation, for the benefit of society. “Around 850 million people on our planet still lack access to reliable electricity, this must be improved. As an independent company, Siemens Energy has the entrepreneurial flexibility to

help shape the global transformation of the energy markets in a sustainable and economically successful manner,� Siemens Energy Middle East Managing Director, Dietmar Siersdorfer, said. “But this change can only be achieved with global awareness, willingness to adapt and strong partnerships. That is what makes this event so important. The impressive list of participants highlights the desire to collaborate on finding solutions to the challenges,�

Siersdorfer added. “The ‘Shaping the Energy of Tomorrow’ virtual conference is a remarkable initiative that aims to create an excellent platform to discuss the essential economic challenges of today and tomorrow. “The event brings together energy industry leaders and policymakers at a time of potentially drastic change for the energy industry,� Chief Executive of Foreign Trade and Member of the Executive Board, DIHK, Dr. Volker Treier, said.

“Together with Siemens Energy, Arab decision-makers and energy experts joining this conference, we are aiming to generate more collaborations to advance a sustainable energy future through the implementations of ambitious agendas and the adoption of new technologies and innovations,� Secretary General, Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi explained.

The speakers’ line-up would feature numerous regional ministers, CEOs, energy and finance industry leaders and Siemens Energy experts for the eight panel sessions.

Ministers from Benin, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria and the UAE would participate in the conference. Senior executives from Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company, ADNOC, Crescent Petroleum, DEWA, Euler Hermes, Masdar, Mubadala and Saudi Aramco have also confirmed their participation.

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Ahmed: FG to Reexamine Economic Fundamentals at NES#26 James Emejo and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja The Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has said the 26th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#26) will provide an opportunity to rethink the country’s economic fundamentals and deliberate on the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. She said it was important that Nigeria’s top policy makers and business leaders proactively converge and engage to address key questions that presently confront the country.

Speaking at a media briefing for the NES#26, which is scheduled to commence from October 26–27 in Abuja, the minister added that the summit would emphasise the urgency to strengthen multi-stakeholder alliances between governments and businesses in co-creating a national strategy that would usher the country in the next decade.

She said: “It will be a big conversation for public and private sector stakeholders to reflect on the state of the Nigerian economy, rethink the country’s economic

fundamentals and deliberate on the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic.�

With the theme: “Building Partnership for Resilience,�

Ahmed pointed out that the summit will be underpinned by three pillars, namely collaboration, execution, and impact adding that these pillars will resonate through all the sessions at with a strong emphasis on reinforcing the role of sub-nationals as the frontiers of economic growth and development as the government strives to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

The minister said the summit was timely, saying the government is currently developing a MediumTerm National Development Plan (MTNDP), 2021-2025 and the Nigeria Agenda 2050-which are the successor plans for the National Vision 20:2020 and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which expires in December.

She further stressed that the government working on operational, regulatory and legislative interventions to enable the country move to the top 100 on ease of doing business ranking.

She added that Nigerian governments across all levels would continue to initiate businessoriented policies and ensure adequate commitment to their implementation.

She said as the country awaits the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, the Finance Act and the Companies and Allied Matters Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) which was recently signed by President Muhammadu Buhari into law would transform the business environment and re-energise the private sector as the engine of growth of the economy.

She further maintained that the greatest challenge facing government is inadequate revenue to execute its numerous projects and other initiatives adding that new sources of revenue were being

identified and explored while coordination and cohesion among revenue generating agencies is also being improved.

Ahmed also maintained that the closure of the country’s land borders was one of the boldest decisions ever taken by any administration to curb insecurity, smuggling and kidnapping.

She Said: “This has in a positive way impacted Nigeria as we are closer to attaining self-sufficiency in rice production than at any point in time in the country’s history. “This spillover effect is also evident in other sectors such as manufacturing, livestock amongst others. This also provides an opportunity for the private sector to leverage increased local content and expand their businesses.� The Chairman,

Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), MR. Asue Ighodalo, said the summit would be held at a turning point in the history of country.

He said: “We have celebrated remarkable moments, we are weathering difficult times, but we will emerge stronger together.�

According to him, even though Nigeria is currently the largest economy in Africa, “every Nigerian will acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to be done as we strive for regional and global competitiveness�.

He said the NESG was proud to be playing its part in process, including the convening of annual Nigerian Economic Summits since 1993, the provision of platforms for sustained public and private sector engagements, and the

provision of strong support in policy agenda setting.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, expressed optimism that the outcome of the summit will further help enrich government plans in ensuring that the impact of the pandemic on the economy and the citizens is minimised. He said relevant recommendations of the NES#26 would be mainstreamed into the medium and long term plans currently being developed by the ministry and all the critical stakeholders including the subnational governments, private sector operators, civil society organisations, women and youth organisations and development partners.

Kano State Agro Pastoral Project to Support 550,000 Farmers Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project will support at least 550, 000 primary beneficiary farmers in the state, as part of its overall objective to contribute to reducing poverty and strengthening food and nutrition security in the state.

The project, through Sasakawa Services, would impact on 450,000 farmers of rice and maize while KNARDA, the state agricultural agency, has been engaged to work with 100 000 farmers, providing them starter kits including fertilizer, seeds and animal plough, trainings and marketing services.

The State Project Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Garba Muhammad told reporters at the weekend that, “The project will provide support to smallholder farmers with access to improved inputs (seed, fertilizer) and extension services to increase production, yields and residue of cereals (rice, maize, wheat, sorghum), legumes (soya bean, cowpea, groundnut)�.

According to him, “the project will support smallholder farmers to access equipment for land preparation, harvest and post-harvest operations.

This will sustainably increase production, yield and make crops residues and agroindustrial by-products more abundant and available for animals feeding.�

He stated that the project would invest substantially in irrigation development to provide farmers with impetus for improved production and increased prosperity. “For instance in the next coming weeks, we are going to award contracts for the renovation of Watari dam. The project

will develop additional 1, 000 hectares of land downstream of the dam, using gravity for irrigation, for 4000 new farmers for rice, maize, onion, tomato, groundnut, cowpea and vegetable production,� the Project Coordinator revealed. “To sustain value addition, the project will support local fabrication of mechanised equipment and the establishment of post-harvest services through trainings and coaching. This will improve the volume and quality of marketed produce translating into more jobs, income and reduction of youth unemployment.

Furthermore, value chains actors will be trained in processing, marketing and in value chain governance and empowerment,� he added.

He explained that, “the project will support smallholder farmers engaged in dairy and beef production, feed lot production and small ruminants rearing by women and youth with access to feed through public and private initiatives. “The project planned to support to cattle fattening schemes as well as small ruminant fattening and reproduction schemes to provide more quality meat for the citizenry.�

Similarly, Malam Ibrahim stated that arrangement had been concluded to invest in livestock and livestock products market development and market access, explaining that activities to be embarked upon by the project in this sub-sector, include investment in milk collection, processing and storage, support to milk and milk products marketer’s associations, improvement of livestock markets and slaughter houses.

CSR-IN-ACTION

L-R: Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Sade Morgan; Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; Winner, Maltina Teacher of the Year 2020, Miss. Anani OlĂşwabunmi; Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, and Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, during the grand finale of the MaltinaTeacher of theYear 2020 held in Lagos...recently... SUNDAYADIGUN

OPIC Remitted N1.92bn to Ogun Govt in Six Years, Says Ex -MD James Emejo in Abuja The former Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Ogun Property Investment Corporation (OPIC), Mr. Babajide Odusolu said the agency remitted the sum of N1.92 billion into the coffers of the state government during his six-year tenure.

He said he was able to turnaround the fortunes of the hitherto near-moribund corporation into a N60 billion entity by 2019.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists, he said working with other agencies of the state, the company was also able to reposition the Gateway Mortgage Bank on the path of profitability.

Odusolu, who had served as the OPIC boss from 2013 to 2019, said he worked with his team moved the hitherto ‘bureaucratic’ corporation to a profit minded company.

He said: “We went from a corporation that had assets that were undermined and undervalued to one that did a turnover of N18.7 billion within a six year period. “OPIC did not get subventions from the government; we had to generate resources to fund all our work. Because the government was averse to commercial loans and we also could not borrow. “So what we did was to invest and recapitalise all the returns we got from our various projects.

Despite doing that, we were still about to deliver returns of N1.9 billion to the state government.

During this period, the government mandated us, in conjuction with other agencies, to turn around the Gateway Mortgage Bank. We were able to turn it around and make it a going concern; all within this six year period.�

He said in the about 29-year existence of OPIC before his assumption of office, the company never remitted up to N100 million to the state government account.

He said: “By the time I was sworn in, the maximum OPIC had ever contributed to Government coffers was about 20 million Naira cumulative. For all the over 20

years it was in existence I don’t think it was even up to 100 million. “But within a six year period, with the active support of the Governor and his encouragement, OPIC did more than 1.9 billion in remittances to the state government.�

Among other things, he said:�Until we came on board, OPIC just took land without improving it and sold it as it was.

By the time we were leaving office in May 2019, if you valued the total assets of OPIC, it was a N50 billion to N60 billion corporation.

We had lands we had recovered and fenced and were available to developers...�

AIO Lists Benefits of Digitalisation for African Insurance Market Ebere Nwoji The African Insurance Organisation (AIO) has said the digitalisation of insurance market in Africa will help streamline the insurance value chain and enhance the efficiency of administrative processes.

The AIO stated this after a recent study on digitalisation of insurance market in Africa, an aspect of the Africa Insurance pulse launched by the organisation recently.

The organisation said to achieve digitalisation in the African insurance space, insurers and reinsurers are considering various strategies.

Along this line, the AIO disclosed that one of the global insurers with presence in 12 African countries, Allianz Africa, has initiated a digital transformation project, with its masterpiece being the Allianz Business System (ABS).

The ABS is a platform developed with a customer-centric approach to standardise and harmonise products, systems, and processes across the continent.

Speaking on the system, AIO president, Delphine Traore, said: “In order to enable digitisation achieve the intended goals, we must start with a fundamental aspect of simplifying before digitalisation.

“This is to reduce the complexity of processes and products to offer our customers, a unique and optimal customer experience, wherever they are,â€? TraorĂŠ said.

He said it expects that most insurance products would be distributed digitally, adding that products should be prioritised to address individual customer, followed by enterprise products and finally, specialised solutions. “We continue our digitisation journey by adding new lines of businesses and products to the ABS platform, making them more accessible to our business partners and clients.

“This is even more relevant now, given the ongoing health crisis that is changing our way of doing business in the insurance sector,� he added.

According to him, the main factors promoting digitisation are the increasing mobile phone penetration, a large number of young people, a growing middle class and compulsory insurance schemes.

He said most African insurance executives take a careful approach when investing in technology, using an equivalent of up to two per cent of their revenues to drive forward their digitisation strategy.

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Charting the Path for Greater Lagos Oluchi Chibuzor writes on the expected benefits of the forthcoming Lagos Economic Summit christened ‘Ehingbeti.’

Sanwoolu

T

he outbreak of the COVID-19 has profoundly changed the world.

From being a health crisis which has claimed the lives of over one million persons globally, the economic damages caused by the virus which emanated from Wuhan, China, has been unprecedented.

Indeed, the Nigerian economy is currently in dire straits with major economic indicators looking grim due to increasing external shocks as a result of the virus. The pandemic as well as the drop in crude oil prices, the country’s major source of revenue, indeed exposed Nigeria’s weak underbelly.

For Lagos State, despite the fact that the lockdown that was occasioned by the virus affected socio-economic activities, the state government has remain focused on its promise to transform the state.

For instance, despite the challenges posed by the virus, the internally generated revenue (IGR) of Lagos state grew to about N212.5 billion in the first seven months of 2020. Thus, as economies around the world begin to implement recovery strategies from the shockwave of the virus, the Lagos Economic Summit Group (LESG) is charting the path for the sustainable socio-economic development of the state at the Lagos Economic Summit tagged ‘Ehingbeti 2020’ scheduled to hold from November 10th to 12th, 2020.

With the theme, ‘For a Greater Lagos: Setting the Tone for the Next Decade,’ Ehingbeti 2020 will provide a platform for deliberations on pragmatic optimisation of the inherent opportunities in Africa’s fifth largest economy and offer perspectives on how to manage the peculiar socio-economic landscape of the state in the coming decade.

Acknowledged as the first institutionalised economic forum by any state in Nigeria, Ehingbeti is a public-private sector roundtable that started as a collaborative effort between the Lagos State Government and Business Club Ikeja.

Since the inaugural summit in 2000, the summit has gained useful insights from innumerable business and political leaders, private sector players, renowned economists, notable development experts and outstanding scholars, who have participated from various parts of the world. Ehingbeti is an ingenuous socio-economic apparatus that has contributed significantly to the evolution of Lagos State into a major economy in sub-Saharan Africa and an admirable megacity, with expanding potentialities. The summit, hosted by successive administrations in Lagos State since the beginning of the 4th Republic, has consistently

Egube redefined the dynamics of public-private sector collaboration for development across social and economic indices in Lagos State.

The three-day summit, which would be a hybrid of virtual and live events, would draw participation from various sectors of the economy and across the globe.

With the absence of the economic summit in the past four years, there seemed to be a decline in the rate of public-private collaboration in the state.

According to the state government, this year’s summit is aimed at reconnecting with the private sector, which is the bedrock of the Lagos Economic Summit, adding that the quest to strengthen existing relationship between government and the private sector is one of the major goals of the summit since greater private sector participation in governance remains a prerequisite for a functional state.

The state has also refreshed the Ehingbeti logo to reflect the contemporary outlook of the annual summit without disconnecting from the economic heritage of the Marina and Broad Streets areas of Lagos, which served as the springboard for Nigerian and West African economic development since the European incursion in the 15th century.

Unveiling the new logo recently, the Co-Chair of the ‘Ehingbeti 2020’ Steering Committee and former Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso said: “this new Ehingbeti logo is an embodiment of meanings and expression of the LESG ideals. The convergence of colours in the logo connotes the essence of Ehingbeti as a participatory forum for integrating local and international stakeholders to exchange ideas and chart a path for the socioeconomic development of Lagos State “The bright star above the image of the iconic ‘Agba Meta’ is a depiction of the result of working together to deliver the stellar accomplishments that define the city state of Lagos and the pervasive atmosphere of economic stability in the State. “I am happy to let you know that the image of the ‘Agba Meta’ is a representation of the sculpted white cap chiefs built to welcome people into Lagos. The logo is to emphasise our pride in culture as we welcome participants to Ehingbeti 2002 and beyond.�

Cardoso, who is also the Chairman Citibank Nigeria, noted that the state continually outshines its peers in the country because of its continuous dialogue and collaboration with the private sector.

Cardoso said: “It is timely that this happening and I say that because Covid-19 and its aftermath has wreaked havoc in economies around the world and we are no exception to that and

when it going to end nobody knows. “All we know is that countries around the world, pay dearly from being on lockdown and for any lockdown, you have a corresponding loss in Gross Domestic Product. “With the challenges ahead and Lagos being the economic nerve center of the country, there is a large responsibility to ensure that they protect the citizens of the state and this is something that can’t happen unless it is planned for.�

On his part, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, who is also a Co-chair of the Steering Committee, Sam Egube, pointed out that in the last two decades, Ehingbeti has played a pivotal role in the transformation of Lagos State, with useful inputs into Lagos State Development Plans (LSDP). “Our realities from 2000 when the first Ehingbeti held, exactly 20 years ago, have significantly changed. As a state, we now have to cater for the infrastructural needs of more than 22 million population and ensure that Lagos remains on the path of continuous growth. “These considerations are the groundwork of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES Agenda, but translating the agenda to benefits for our people will require collaboration amongst stakeholders, and a determination to deepen the foundation for sustainable development and growth of our society. So, Ehingbeti 2020 offers us a platform to address all these,� Egube added.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the summit has a rich history and is firmly established as a credible forum for stimulating economic growth for Lagos state.

You cannot lead a place like Lagos with one mind, you have to bring together all the minds, he stressed. “The first three editions were deliberately diagnostic, but by the fourth one, we had started to create a blueprint and we have started to implement it from the early decisions that had been made. So far about 119 resolutions were taken in the history of Ehingbeti, 109 of them have been implemented,: he said.

According to the Lagos Commissioner, the good thing about the summit is that the government is responsible for the decisions taken and is obliged to report back to the next Ehingbeti what it has done with the decisions that were taken at the previous one. “To some it appears the ambitions are too high, because how do you put private sector in the lead and collaborate in that manner. They have wondered whether government can be trusted to follow through with this idea of collaboration, but the performance shows that yes, we follow

through,� he stressed.

Speaking about the impact of the summit, Egube pointed out that the whole idea about the blue line, the red line, the rail master plan were initiatives that were conceived during past editions of the summit. “Today we see the rail line is on its way those are big projects that sometimes it is difficult to take such decisions on your own but when the private sector comes together and say let’s do this, it increases confidence in taking such leap.

I can tell you that we are on our way to deliver the red and blue line,� he added.

He further added that the entire Lekki-Ikoyi toll bridge project came out of Ehingbeti discussion. “The fact that we are trying to expand our activities on the waterways is also Ehingbeti.

Lagos homes ownership scheme rent to build scheme, all of these came out of Ehingbeti,� he added.

The Lagos State Government recently assured residents of its commitment to fulfilling all its promises, in spite of disruption occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges not envisaged.

The Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said fulfilling the promises was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda for ‘Greater Lagos’.

He said that in spite of reduction in the budget as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government would fulfil its promises.

According to him, the state government is determined to step up the tempo of governance through innovative and inclusive policies. “I want to assure you that despite disruption occasioned by COVID-19 and other challenges that we did not envisage, we are still committed as a government to fulfilling the promises we made to people, knowing fully that no excuse will be tenable to our citizens. “We must be determined to step forward, heighten the tempo of governance and continue to create opportunities through innovative policies that are not only inclusive but provide sustainable solutions for this present administration and lay foundation for future administrations coming behind us,� he said.

Sanwo-Olu implored public office holders to be committed to the administration’s effort to meeting the yearnings and aspirations of Lagosians.

In all, the expectation is that the economic summit would bring together experts, both in private and public sector, to design policies that would enable the state government achieve its goal of creating a greater Lagos.

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MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 •T H I S D AY

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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Idowu: Nigeria’s Aviation Industry Has Great Prospect An American-based Nigerian aviation safety expert at the Kansas State University, Alaba Idowu, in this interview discusses the way forward for flight safety and sundry issues in the Nigerian aviation industry. Sunday Okobi brings the excerpts to create opportunities for the masses. We need to think out of the box. God has blessed us, but blessings might be far from us if we don’t take rightful steps. I am willing to become a blessing that will transform the aviation industry and provide job opportunities to the masses if the government can allow us to use our God-given talents and experience.

As a stakeholder in the industry and an expert in aviation safety, where do you see the sector in Nigeria?

First and foremost, I want to thank all aviation professionals in Nigeria, especially the leaders of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other agencies; they are working hard to improve aviation safety in Nigeria. A layman might not understand the efforts they put into what they do, but I do as an expert. Though some areas still need improvement, however, we need to appreciate their efforts. In the past few years, Nigeria has been able to maintain a good safety record. I pray God will continually help and give us faithful leaders who will not compromise safety. However, we need to adequately train many aviation safety personnel, especially those who work for charter airlines in Nigeria.

The majority of them are not aviation experts.

The aviation industry has been worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic; can you suggest ways of helping many airline companies survive the time?

The impact of the pandemic is enormous on the aviation industry. However, airlines will recover from it over time. Let’s talk about the workforce.

I don’t think furlough is the solution. Everyone knows this is a global crisis. If we have to furlough some workers and keep some, we are not fair.

I think the airlines can keep their workers and reduce the working hours of the employees. The industry will still come to normal, and when that happens, they will invest so much money training newly hired employees. So the solution is not to sack workers, but to reduce working hours so that they can still keep all the employees.

What led to your recent accreditation as master ight instructor, and what does it mean for the development of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

The NAFI Master Flight Instructor Accreditation is earned by aviation educators based upon a system of advanced professional standards and peer review. The accreditation identifies and publicly recognises those flight teachers who demonstrate commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community. The NAFI Master Instructor accreditation is for two years and may be used to renew an FAA flight instructor certificate. Applicants must have been a CFI for two years and have given 1,000 hours of flight instruction. In addition, candidates must meet and document activity in four NAFI Master Instructor categories (Instructor, Educator, Service to the Aviation Community, and Professional Activity).

Members of the National Association of Flight Instructors work as independent instructors at flight schools, universities, FBOs, corporate flight departments, and the military. Since 1967, NAFI and its members, who teach in 30 countries, are dedicated to increasing and maintaining flight instruction professionalism. NAFI members influence active pilots daily: students working to become pilots, current pilots training to advance their skills with new ratings or certificates, and pilots who seek to improve their skills with recurrent training.

NAFI also serves as an advocate with industry and government as a voice for flight instruction.

NAFI helps shape the current and future direction of flight training. This accreditation means a lot to me. Like I said in one of my books, flight instructors are pacesetter of aviation safety. For the past three years, I’ve been researching into how human errors can be reduced in the aviation industry to improve safety. Seventy to 80 percent of aviation accidents occurred as a result of human errors. Being a flight instructor, it is incumbent upon us to imbibe safety culture into future pilots as they get trained. This accreditation is an award of excellence that gives me a platform to reach out to the entire world and be a voice to promote aviation safety. One of the criteria for awarding this accreditation is service to the aviation community; in one of the books I wrote titled “Family Life and Aviation Safety,� I did an explorative study on the impact of pilots’ emotional stability on flying performance. The ongoing research and books will bring development into the aviation community at large and improve aviation safety.

It will also help me bring development into the aviation industry’s education sector in Nigeria. One

Many airlines have been dormant since the emergence of the pandemic, what’s their (aircraft) safety state in the sky as they commence gradual operations?

The aviation industry is well-regulated. For the fact that most aircraft were parked during the pandemic does not mean they portend dangers when restrictions are totally lifted. None of those aircraft will return to service if they are not airworthy.

Part 121:367 talks about maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations programs for the airlines. The regulation says: Each certificate holder shall have an inspection program and a program covering other maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations that ensures that: Maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations performed by it, or by other persons, are performed in accordance with the certificate holder’s manual; competent personnel and adequate facilities and equipment are provided for the proper performance of maintenance, preventive maintenance and alterations; and each aircraft released to service is airworthy and has been properly maintained for operation under this part.

Idowu of the programmes in the National Association of Flight Instructor (NAFI) is Pilot Development Programme. This program provides all certified flight instructors (CFIs) with invaluable education and tools to enhance their technical and teaching skills, including improving their ability to interact with their students to reach their goal to become pilots. It is a mentorship programme, and I am willing and trusting God to help me extend this programme to interested pilots and future pilots in Nigeria.

How long did it take to get the accreditation, and how were you able to attain this feat?

It has been a journey. I caught the vision of becoming a pilot in 2004 when my mother was bedridden. Being the last child, I had to abandon my education and stayed at home with her. When I was inspired to pursue a piloting career, I did not know how it would happen because my father was not financially capable, and my mother, who had been assisting financially, was confined to the bed. I trusted God and decided to walk with Him. After my mother’s demise, the Lord led me to aviation business school, where I studied Travel Agency Management/ Air Ticketing and Reservation. After working with a few travel agencies, the Lord impressed on me to take a bold step of faith and go for the flight programme. I was scared because of the financial implications.

Amazingly, in 2010, I secured an admission, and I was granted a visa to study in the United States of America.

Flight training is such an expensive programme, so I did not find it easy at all. However, I fixed my eyes on God to help me. Due to financial struggle, I was advised to take some steps and get my papers so that I could work and get some money to make the journey and the training easier, but God did not allow me to take that step. Contrary to what people do, I would travel to Nigeria and work to make money and return to the United States to spend it on my studies; I spent five years over a programme that should not last more than two years. When my friends were finishing their programmes, I was practically making no progress. I also lost my father during this time, and things became difficult, but God never left me. I held on to God to help me and see me through. To the glory of God, I finally became a commercial pilot five years after I started the programme. After receiving my commercial pilot license, I traveled back to Nigeria to raise money for the “flight instructor rating.� I returned to the United States for the instructor rating. Miraculously, the Lord supplied all my needs, and I finished all the flight instructor ratings in about one year

and decided to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. While working as a flight instructor to build flight hours, I developed an exceptional interest in the flight training environment to help future pilots; due to God’s favor, my chief flight instructor recommended me to become a Check Airman, which immensely helped towards receiving this accreditation. During the degree programme, I also developed an interest in research, and I began to do research on how to improve aviation safety. This led to writing research papers and books to enlighten aviators. The research, aviation-related articles, service to the aviation community, personal and professional development, and instructor activities were the project in which God used to help me receive this accreditation and attain this height.

As the second Nigerian to receive such honour in the US, what does the future hold for you and the industry?

I strongly believe the future is bright by the grace of God. With this accreditation, I see God helping me to become a fully established aviation consultant focusing on aviation safety and aviation business management.

One of the things I’m working on right now is to involve aviation enthusiasts in the ongoing research like they do in other advanced nations.

We can do what other nations are doing; we can have aviation labs in Nigeria and begin to solve problems confronting the aviation industry worldwide. The future of the industry lies in our hands. I thank God for our leaders; we can pick things up where they stopped, and we will see that beyond the sky is the limit.

How do you intend to bring your experience and expertise to help in developing the aviation industry?

Like I said that I’m working towards involving aviation professionals in Nigeria in the ongoing research to bring development into the aviation sector. In addition to the ongoing research, one other area I am trusting God to help is the area of job creation. I have done my homework, and I discovered that if Nigeria government allows us to use the gifts the Lord has given us and the knowledge we acquired, nothing less than 40,000 jobs will be created in the aviation industry.

There are untapped resources in Nigeria. Nigeria is blessed with human resources, but we are not making good use of these resources. I feel sad every day seeing Nigerians complain about a lack of job opportunities, and we have what it takes

Nigeria has limited safety personnel in the aviation sector, what’s your take on that?

Yes, that’s true, but it does not mean the little ones we have are not doing their jobs. I really want us to understand that we cannot compare Nigeria to countries like United States, Australia and other developed countries. We do not have any university offering aviation programmes in Nigeria, so it makes it harder to have more than enough aviation safety personnel in Nigeria. In the United States, we have many universities offering degrees programmes in aviation. When a student attends any of these colleges or universities, he will take about four to five safety classes and have the option of specialising in aviation safety. So this makes it easier for such countries to have more than enough safety personnel. I was fortunate to talk to one of my friends who worked for a charter airline in Nigeria, and I asked him, ‘who is your safety manager/director and what is the person’s qualification?’ He told me the person studied agronomy in one of the Nigerian universities and was sent for a safety certification programme.

Apparently, this person does not know anything about the aircraft system, performance, and other aviation-related subjects. So, that is the challenge we face in Nigeria. Until we have good aviation educational programmes, it will be difficult to have enough aviation safety personnel.

What other areas would you suggest for improvement in the industry?

It is the management aspect of the industry.

If the aviation industry is well managed, many Nigerians will be gainfully employed. We need to look into that. We have what it takes to create jobs for Nigerians and generate income for the government, but we need to think outside the box. We need to look beyond the money we make from crude oil and focus on other industries like aviation.

For you, what’s the way forward?

To be candid, the first thing we need to work on is training. Without adequate training, our growth will be limited. The aviation industry has a great prospect in Nigeria, but we need qualified candidates to explore it fully. If the government decides to focus on the aviation industry, we will mismanage the available resources without qualified personnel. There are many benefits to having standard educational structures in the aviation industry. Without qualified personnel in the industry, ten persons will be doing the work meant for just one person, which will negatively affect the organization’s sustainability. This is what we see in Nigeria; we have heard of many aviation organisations who could not last because 40 to 60 per cent of the workforce are not fit for the position they occupied.

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FG Restates Commitment t o Digital Economy Emma Okonji and Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami has reiterated the commitment of the federal government to turn Nigeria into a digital economy that will promote job opportunities and security. Pantami who restated the commitment in Abuja, during the just concluded National Dialogue on Telecoms and ICT Sector in Nigeria, organised by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), with the theme: ‘Harnessing the Digital Resources for the building

of our National Economy,’ said the journey towards transforming Nigeria into a digital economy, started last year when the federal government renamed the Ministry of Communications to Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. Pantami in his keynote address, acknowledged the contributions and challenges of a digital economy in Nigeria.

According to Pantami who was represented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, “In Nigeria, we are keen to develop a digital economy that will have a great impact on every sector of

Nigeria’s economy.�

He listed some of the challenges of the digital economy in the country to include: Rapid evolution of technology and widening inequalities between the digital “haves� and “haves-not�; Need for new regulations; Cybercrime and other threats; Low level of digital literacy; and poor telecoms infrastructure. Pantami, however, said opportunities were abound with technology, “if we get it right with digital economy.�

He listed some of the benefits of digital economy to include: Economic growth and productivity; increased transparency; growth of digital innovation and

IIM Africa Launches Digital Transformation Awareness Campaign Emma Okonji As part of the drives towards promoting excellence in data and information management in the society, the Institute of Information Management (IIM) recently concluded a National Digital Transformation Awareness Campaign, which was conducted at different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. The initiative, according to the President/Chairman-GC, IIM Africa, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, was a follow-up to the directive issued by the Head of Service of the Federation in June, 2020 directing MDAs to begin automation of files and records.

Oyewole said the main goal of the workshop was to provide a deep understanding of the concept of digitisation, digitalisation and digital transformation, specifying its core elements/components in business, which cuts across people, process and technology.

According to Oyewole, “The awareness campaign as conceived by the Institute of Information

Management, is intended to provide technical support in ensuring the successful implementation of files and document digitalisation across MDAs in the country. “Furthermore, the awareness workshop also provides attendees insight into how to develop a comprehensive corporate information governance program, plans and processes. “Input on comprehensive information management guidelines, standards, and tools for facilitating workable processes for seamless digitisation/automation of files and records are also featured.�

The workshop also highlighted coherent framework to describe and validate imaging performance and quality, based on existing international best practices and standards.

The workshop further provided taxonomic structure, operational metrics and criteria for evaluating digital image characteristics.

Other key areas of focus included accessibility, privacy, confidentiality, policy, records quality, security, capacity building

and, records lifecycle management.

Some of the MDAs in participation include Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR); National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy; Galaxy Backbone; National Identity Management Commission; Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and Federal Ministry of Transportation and others. “As a follow-up to the awareness campaign, the institute is working on a white paper aimed at providing professional guidelines and standards for files and records automation processes across MDAs. “The white paper is expected to facilitate seamless integration of processes and technologies across government agencies, which will equally engender seamless exchange of data and information in a secured and protected environment,� Oyewole said.

entrepreneurship; digitisation of work; and useful insights from big data. He said digital economy would increase contribution to GDP, more than the current 17 per cent being contributed by ICT. “Telecom and ICT sector stand to gain a lot from the development of our digital economy and the public and private sectors need to partner to maximise the impact,�

Pantami said. Danbatta who also presented a keynote address, said: “The NCC remains committed to driving the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025 for advancing the

digital economy vision of the federal government. “As you are aware, our role is to drive major digital initiatives and policies of the government, hence, we have continued to work with government as a critical stakeholder.� Danbatta reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to fulfill its parts of the agreement with the InfraCos which is a major aspect of achieving the national broadband plan of 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025. “We are committed to the execution of the counterpart Funding Agreements with the Licensed InfraCo to facilitate increase in fibre deployment in the country

and ensure, at least one Point of Access (PoA) in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria to enhance digital transformation,� Danbatta said, adding that the commission has so far awarded the sum of N336.4 million as research grants to the academia and has endowed professorial chairs in two Nigerian universities.

Most of the state governors present, explained how they were leveraging on technology to boost the economy of their states, in line with the federal government’s drive for digital transformation through digital skills development.

Ecobank Rewards Xpress Point Agents Ecobank Nigeria has rewarded its agency banking partners, also known as Xpress point agents across the six geo-political zones of the country with gifts for their performance from January to September 2020.

This reward came ahead of the Ecobank Vanguard Digital financial inclusion summit bringing together stakeholders in the digital financial inclusion space in Nigeria.

Announcing the rewards in Lagos, the Head, Agency Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Nike Kolawole, said it was expedient to recognise and reward agents across the country for their tenacity, knowing that they are helping to drive the Ecobank’s financial inclusion strategy in Nigeria.

She noted that the agents are already commending the bank for the gesture.

According to Kolawole, a total of 18 agents were selected across the geopolitical zones of the country based on their transaction counts and value from January – September 2020, adding that the winners were rewarded with 40 inch televisions

while second and third winners went home with refrigerators and generating sets, respectively.

She added that the aim of the Xpress Point is to let every Nigerian and household have access to Ecobank services within their neighbourhood to provide easy banking services. “We are happy with our Xpress point agents, knowing they are playing a critical role in helping us reach out to the unbanked and underbanked in the society.

They are bringing more people to the banking space through their services. “They carry out financial transactions on our behalf and earn commission on every transaction processed. The consumer experience is very good as customers can do simple deposit, payment and transfers in their own neighbourhood rather than travel for hours to a bank branch. “The Xpress Point is also a channel that is also being used for the deployment of national social intervention programmes of the government,� she said.

Kolawole listed the services offered by the Xpress point

agents as: cash in, cash out, fund transfer, bills payment, airtime recharge, remittance and account opening, among others.

She added that the services are available for “sole proprietors, partnerships, co-operative societies, microfinance banks, companies with large distribution network – like petrol stations, FMCGs, telecommunication companies, super agents, aggregators and unregistered businesses such as petty traders, hair salon and others.

Most of the agents that benefited from the reward scheme expressed appreciation to the bank with a promise to contribute more to the agency banking of the bank.

Speaking on the Digital Financial Inclusion Summit slated for the 21st of October, Kolawole said she was excited as the timing is pertinent, as Ecobank across Africa is determined to take banking to the populace. She noted that the agency banking scheme for instance is helping to build entrepreneurs and push financial inclusion to the large unbanked and under-banked population.

Kwara, NCAM Sign MoU on Agro-processing Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on behalf of the state government and National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) to boost the processing of agricultural produce across different communities in the state Under the agreement, Kwara State would build some cottage industries in the state to boost productivity, drive community

growth, and create wealth.

Kwara State Government would sponsor the establishment of the industries in identified locations across the state. In a statement issued in Ilorin by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, the state explained that, “On the part of the NCAM, it will give necessary inputs such as engineering and technical supports that will lead to the establishment of those industries.�

The statement explained that the NCAM would also help to install such machines and train

people within the communities on how to operate and maintain the machines and equipment.

The statement added, “This is another milestone in our drive to ensure food security and create wealth for the people. Kwara is privileged to have such NCAM and others like that sited here and our administration will take full advantage of them,� the Governor told the NCAM team led by its Executive Director, Dr. Muideen Kasali. “What we want to do under the MoU will be covered in the

2021 budget. It is a beginning of many things to come. Apart from Benue State I don’t know of any other area which produces Yam like Baruten here in Kwara. So, it is important for us to be able to process Yam Flour, mechanise its production. There is the need to process it before taking it out of Kwara State,� the statement added. Kasali, on his part, said the body was ready to support the administration’s dream of empowering the youth and women.

He said the NCAM had

earlier established 11 processing centres across the state to support community growth and youth empowerment. “We are very happy with this MoU that we have just signed.

We thank you for the initiative.

This will help the youths to come out from the streets and be empowered. It will create employment and allow the youths to be engaged,� according to the NCAM boss.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Interventions, Kayode Oyin-Zubair,

hailed the initiative which he said would drive socioeconomic growth in several parts of the state.

He said, “Before the advent of this government, on their own (NCAM), through their extension services has no less than eight cottage industries around the state. And with (the Governor’s) permission, I have toured the industries and I found out that a number of them are moribund.

They did it for the communities to take ownership, make use of them and earn a living but they are not working.

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IMAGES

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Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R: Chairman Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Sam Egwu; Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Ahmed Dangiwa; and Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Sen.ator Yisa Ashiru, during the committee’s oversight visit to FMBN headquarters in Abuja...recently

L-R: ACOMORAN National Secretary,Mr Idris Muhammed; Hon Minister of State for Transportation,Senator Gbemisola Saraki; National President of ACOMORAN, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun and Director of Mass Transit and Land Transport, Mrs Agalasi Ehigie, during a courtesy call on the Minister by ACOMORAN member in Abuja...recently

L-R: General Manager, Dairy Development Programme Nigeria, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. Mr. John Olayiwola; Corporate Director, Dairy Development and Milkstreams, Royal FrieslandCampina, Mr. Jeroen Elfers; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. Mr. Ben Langat; and Executive Director, Corporate Aairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. Mrs. Ore Famurewa at the virtual launch and unveiling of the Center for Nigerian Dutch Dairy Development in Lagos‌.recently

#Endsars protesters protesting at the National Assembly in Abuja....recently

ENDSARS Protesters on Kubwa expressway at NNPC junction Kubwa, Abuja...recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Gbolabo Olaniwun; Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Representative of Lagos State Governor/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, during 2020 World Food Day celebration in Lagos...recently

L-R: Country Representative of The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law, Ijeoma Nwafor; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. COC Akaolisa; Governor Hope Uzodimma; and Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu; at the unveiling of the Justice Transformation Strategy pamphlet in Owerri Imo State...recently

Chairman Photojournalist Association of Nigeria/Photo Editor, Thisday Newspaper, Abiodun Ajala (left) and Editor-in-Chief, Our Moment Newspaper, Mr. David Olanrewaju during the presentation of Journalism Legend Award to Ajala in recognition of his immense and progressive contribution to Photojournalism in Nigeria by Olanrewaju in Lagos...recently

PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

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L-R: Former Accountant-General (AG) of Enugu State, Dr Paschal Okolie; Enugu State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Ada-Onah Uyawune; and wife of the AG, Mrs Stella Okolie, during a retirement send-o for the former Accountant-General in Enugu...recently

L-R: Representative of the Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jubrin; President, Military Widows Association, Mrs Veronica Aloko; and National Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Brig.-Gen. Adakole Akpa(Rtd), during the MIWA Week in Abuja..recently

L-R: Administration Manager, Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), Patricia Akor; AYGF Programme Director, Faith Olajide; Executive Director of AYGF, Dr Arome Salifu; and Representative of the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of TraďŹƒcking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr Olubiyi Olusayo, during a lunch of Migration Information and Communication Campaign-Nigeria, in Abuja...recently

L-R: Coordinator, National Defence College OďŹƒcers Wives Association, Mrs Dalapo Kadiri; Coordinator, Defence Intelligent Agency OďŹƒcers Wives Association, Mrs Hussana Usman and National President, Defence Police OďŹƒcers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Omobolanle Olonisakin, during the workshop on post COVID-19 blended teaching techniques for DEPOWA teachers in Abuja...recently

L-R: Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Dave Umahi; Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje and SSA on Youths and Student Aairs Hon Nasir Adhama, during the Launching and Exhibitions Tour of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) Tools held at the State House in Abuja.recently

L-R: Honorable Commissioner of Health, Rivers State, Prof. Chike Princewill Rewhuamwhu; Associate Director, Government relations, IHS Nigeria, Mr. Bond Abbe; and OďŹƒcer Fleet Operations, IHS Nigeria, Mr. Livingstone Ogualu; during the oďŹƒcial handover of PPE items to support the ďŹ ght against COVID-19 in Portharcourt,Rivers State....recently

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Olojudo of Ido, HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; Oloye of Oye Ekiti, HRM Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; Alafan of Ilafan, HRM Oba Akin Owoeye and others during the Community Engagement (Town Hall) meeting for the preparation of 2021 Budget in Ikole-Ekiti...recently

L-R: Commissioner for Women Aairs and Social Development, Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade; Director, Care for Population and Reproductive Health (CPRH), Prof Oladosu Ojengbede;and Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, during the advocacy meeting on mainstreaming Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) into Ekiti State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Ado-Ekiti‌recently

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CITYSTRINGS

ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™ĂœË? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă? äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͔͙͚͚͓͖͑͑͑͒

Assessing the Impact of Flooding in Delta Community Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that as the River Niger gradually overflowed its banks, it submerged farmlands and homes in over 50 communities in Ndokwa East Local Government Area in Delta State, thus sacking residents and farmers from their homes and farms, respectively

NELGA Chairman, Juan Amechee Governor

... Plying through a ooded road

Some of the ooded houses in the communities

F

or a community that lives in the riverine area and whose source of occupation is agrarian, this is definitely not the best of times for communities that reside in Ndokwa East in Delta State. When the River Niger slowly overflowed its banks, nothing prepared them for the level of devastation it would leave in its wake.

The flood from River Niger and its tributary, Ase Creek, submerged communities, farmlands, fish ponds, markets and crops. Soon enough, it spread its fangs to other Ndokwa East communities along Ase and Inyi Creeks.

At the last count, according to reports, more than 50 communities were affected and they include Onyah, Adiai, Aboh, Aballa-Oshimili, Utchi Communities of (Okwumedo, Umuochi, Owelle, Obalu, Oboma and Obeche), Okpai communities of Oluchi, Umuagulu, Obeze, Asaba Okpai, Beneku, Abalagada, Edegiriga, Abuato, Ugbene, Agwe-Iyom, Ise-Onokpo, Onuobiuku, Umu-Ugbome, Umu-Uti, Afiankwo, Umuolu, Utuoku, Oworubia, and Wari-Irri.

Other include Aballa-Obodo, Aballa-Uno, Inyi communities of (Umu-Inyagbo, Obeche, Umu-Agwuyam, Isiolu, Umuoga, Ezinyi, Utuke, Ude, Ogigogwe, Ezeagba), Umu-Eche, Ogwasi, Umugwo, Umuazu, Ozala, all in Onuaboh, Akarai, Azagba, Ekpe, Ibedeni, Osafu, Ase, Asaba-Ase, Onogbokor, Iyede-Ame and Anyama, Ossissa, Obikwele, Afor communities of Iselegu, Umuokpala, Umuachi-Ogo, Okolori, Umuachi, Ogbedigbo, and Obetim, Ashaka, Igbuku, Ibrede and completely swept away the entire Aballa Osumili, Okumedo and Umuochi.

Assessing the Impact on Communities To assess the impact of the flood on communities in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area (NELGA), its executives set out on a fact-finding mission.

In continuation of other assessments done, the office of the Executive Chairman in conjunction with some past Chairmen of the LGA (Hon. Sam Chukwuji and Hon. Elder Chike Ugwumadu)

recently undertook a trip across the LGA to assess the state of the flood. The communities covered included Aballa, Inyi, Onuabor and Utchi.

This is because earlier last month, they made a similar tour to assess the Asaba Ase axis, covering Onyah and Umuolu, as well as the situation at Beneku, Okpai, Aboh, Akarai, Azagba, Ibedeni, Iyede Ame, Ibrede, Igbuku, Ashaka, Ushie and other flooded communities in the LGA. According to NELGA C/M, Juan Amechee Governor, after the assessment, in summary, “about 90 per cent of our communities have been taken over by the ravaging flood while almost 100 per cent of our community’s access roads have been cut off as well. In most communities along the Ase River and the Niger, it is a total displacement as all farmlands have been flooded. Even Ashaka is now an Island as all roads leading into Ashaka have been cut off by the flood. The situation is actually relatively close to what happened in 2012. “The entire council premises at Aboh have also been submerged by the flood and even Ashaka where we thought will be safe has lost over 75 per cent of the town to flood. Consequently our earlier proposal to use the Ashaka Council premises is also no longer feasible because of the challenges of staff coming to work at Ashaka and considering the fact that most of our staff is also affected by the flood. “Our offices will therefore continue to be on lockdown while we will be carrying out official duties on as need bases from our homes. We regret any inconvenience this action may cause us as we look forward to normal business as soon as the flood begins to recede and it’s safe to resume normal office businesses.�

Addressing the issue of the schools he said: “Our schools across the LGAs are also not spared as all the schools have been taken over by flood.

Our children are therefore under compulsory displacement as a result of the floods.�

Word of Caution Giving a word of caution he noted that, “at a time like, it is unrealistic to blame the government

or other agencies for our plight, though we are very much aware that state government is putting measures in place to assist the LGA to manage the flood situation in absence of IDP camps. “However, it’s not what government alone can do considering the level of impacts across the LGA. The LGA is even more handicapped based on the prevailing paucity of fund resulting from the refusal of key Oil and Gas companies in NELGA to pay tenement rate among other financial challenges faced by the LGA.�

Proffering Solutions Moving to solutions, he posited that, “the truth is that we are in very hard times, considering what our people went through during the COVID-19 lockdown and the situation we find ourselves with the flood now. This is therefore not a time to sing about the problems but to proffer what we can individually or collectively do to ameliorate the suffering of our people and reduce the impact of the flood on their person. “As earlier solicited, all community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders are hereby encouraged to do everything they can to assist our people in our various communities in any measure we can (nothing is too small or too big at this time), help monitor and enforce all possible strategies in the communities across NELGA to ensure that no life is further lost during the flood season, having recorded one death involving a police officer few weeks ago and assist our displaced school children in one way or the other including but not limited to organising free lessons for the kids around us. “We urge residents of the LGA, especially those in flood-prone areas, to take precautionary measures in respect of the flood alerts and press releases from us. Every necessary step must be taken to avoid any disaster while we do all we can to attract necessary intervention from all walks of life including state and federal government.

Safety Advisories To minimise loss of lives, especially those making

use of water transportation he said: “Referencing our earlier press release, water travel is still on the increase and we recommend that we all adhere to the water travel safety measures; avoid overloading; ensure you use life jacket during travel period; avoid low spots, like ditches, basements, or underpasses; do not walk through flooded areas; If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving; do not drive into flooded areas; do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water; know the weather; let your people know about any trip you are embarking on, before your journey, during the trip and post arrival.

Put safety first after God in all you do now and going forward.�

He further charged the people, both individually and collectively, to take the flood advisories to heart and commit wholeheartedly to their messages, adding that “we are required now, more than ever before, to be our brother’s keepers among others requirements. “It is even of paramount importance that our people should take necessary precautions during heavy rainfall or in the event of commuting. People still living in houses built along floodplains should be encouraged relocate to safer places, avoid the use of low bridges and culverts when the rain is persistent, and whenever there is rainfall, people should avoid staying under high tension electricity installations�.

Assurance Assuring that the federal, state and local government, as well as all government agencies are working in collaboration with partners, he said they are doing everything possible to help the people stay safe and remain calm, adding that the situation at hand demands proactive response and collaborative effort on a daily basis.

Given the magnitude of destruction, the affected communities have called for urgent response from the federal and state governments, especially now that their sources of livelihood have been cut off by the flood.

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CRIME&SECURITY

ACG Braimah Tasks Journalists on Nation Building through Positive News

The Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Immigration, Zone "A" Lagos, ACG Doris Braimah anked by other senior oďŹƒcers Rebecca Ejifoma

T

he Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Immigration, Zone "A" Lagos, ACG Doris Braimah, has tasked journalists in the country on using their tools for nation

building.

The ACG alongside the PCO, A.S. Garo and Mr. Fagbamigbe E.S, said this during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos where she spoke on, ‘The Power of Positive News in Nation Building'.

While describing the media as the most powerful in nation building, the ACG implored journalists on sincerity of purpose in the dissemination of information while projecting the image of the nation.

Listing media tools including, laptops, cameras, midgets, phones and pen among

others, she said the message from the media should add value. “Let us be patriotic as a nation. In my years of service I’ve seen how other people patronise their nations to make the nation great,� she enjoined the media.

According to her, there is need for patriotism. “In the past, immigration has partnered very well with the media. That is why I thought it was a very vital component of the service in terms of projection. So, that is the reason being on board the affairs of Zone A, I must continue with you in that light.�

She, therefore, declared the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) readiness to work with the media in projecting the nation in a positive light.

More so, during the course of the parley, the AGC clarified that there is no scarcity

of e-passport booklets as being purported in the public while calling on passport applicants to stop patronising touts who bill them double the cost of passports.

Braimah’s words, "We don't have scarcity of booklets, it is the touts who are behind the campaign in order to exploit unsuspecting applicants.�

This is coming after the media raised the issue on some touts exploiting unsuspecting applicants who want to acquire their passports.

She further described some applicants as lazy to follow due process, hence charged them to “log on to the website of NIS yourself, fill the application form and proceed to the passport office for the other processes�.

Braimah disclosed that NIS under the leadership of Muhammadu Babandede has improved its technology to expunge all interface with touts.

She harped on, “don’t patronise touts.

Ensure you have your documents complete.

Fill your form in the comfort of your home, come to the passport office, queue up and follow due process and you will get your passport.�

Hinting that the NIS has recorded giant strides under the Babandede administration, she listed the achievements as prompt payment of salaries, ease of doing business, building of Forward Operation Base in the states, 17 command buildings, creation of 76 visa categorisation, creation of comprehensive database for migrants, and the ongoing construction of data base collection centre, amongst others.

The ACG, who said the achievements of the NIS is under reported, also encouraged the media to be patriotic for the sake of nation building.

Police Arrest Couple, Four Accomplices with Human Skull r...Nab eight cultists, two kidnappers Becky Umenyili Luck recently ran out of a couple who dug out a corpse from a grave for ritualistic purposes following their arrest by the Ogun State Police Command.

The couple in company of other suspected ritualists, namely Niyi and Remilekun Folorunso, Muyideen Tolubi and, Sonubi Taiwo were arrested for unlawful possession of human skull following an information received by the police in Odogbolu Division of the command.

The DPO of the division, CSP Afolabi Yusuf, who led some detectives to the scene, confirmed the report and further added that the mutilated corpse belonged to none of the arrested suspects.

During interrogation, three of the suspects confessed that they dug the grave and removed the head of the corpse and thereafter led the police to where the fourth person who asked them to bring the head for ritual purpose was also apprehended.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Ajogun has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation and prosecution.

In another development, eight members of the Black Axe cult group were recently arrested

CP Ajogun while mourning one of their members.

The arrest followed the timely report to the Ogijo Police Station of Ogun State by aggrieved persons as a result of the attack by the cultists on a 16-year-old boy, Onome Iduru, who was shot in the stomach by the cultists and dispossessed of his personal items like phone, during the funeral procession by the cultists in honour of their departed colleague.

The group further unleashed terror in the community, causing panic and mayhem in the society.

The DPO of Ogijo Police Division, CSP

Muhammed Suleiman Baba led his men to the scene where eight members of the violent group namely: Olatunji Opeyemi m' 26, Ayuba Oduolam' 25, Sobowale Abiodun m' 28, Sobowale Sunday m' 25, Adelowo Olalekan m' 32, Kareem Lanre m' 21, Emmanuel Adebisi m' 21 and Tobiloba Wasiu m' 20 yrs were arrested after serious encounter with the policemen, while their mourning materials were seized.

The injured victim were taken the hospital for medical treatment and peace has since been restored to the affected community.

Meanwhile, the CP, who ordered the transfer of the suspects to SCIID for further investigation, warned against any group or individual engaging in activities capable of undermining the peace of the state while appealing to parents and guardians to warn their children and wards not to be part of any unlawful society as the results may be catastrophic.

In another development, the operatives of Ogun State Police Command have arrested two members of a kidnap syndicate who attempted to abduct 25-year-old Mariam Fagbohun and murdered her 50 years old mother in the process.

Fagbohun, who runs a provision store and a beer parlour was abducted by a six-man kidnapping gang in Ijoun, in YewaNorth Local Government on August 21, 2020 when she closed from her shop and was home bound.

In the process of abducting her, she raised an

alarm which attracted people around, including the victim’s mother, Annah Fagbohun.

While the people around were trying to chase the abductors with the aim of rescuing her, the kidnappers shot into their midst and the bullet hit the victim’s mother and she died on the spot.

Reacting to the incident, the DPO of Egua Police Division, CspKalejaiye Olarenwaju led his men to the scene and with the collaboration of members of the Community, rescued the victim and apprehended one member of the gang by name JimohFayemi a native of Omu-Odo in Ekiti State.

Following the arrest, the CP directed that the suspect be transferred to the anti-kidnapping section with a clear mandate that search other members of the gang and bring them to book.

The team embarked on a technical and intelligence based investigation which led to the arrest of another member of the gang in Ekiti State, James Arowolo, a 47-year-old native of Obo-Ayegunle in Kwara State.

On interrogation, the duo confessed to have been contracted by one man simply known as “Ade� and his friend known as ‘Doctor’ who live in the same neighborhood with the victim to come and swindle her of a huge sum of money.

But having realised that the woman will not fall into their trap, they decided to kidnap her and demand for ransom.

Recovered from them were three single barrel guns, 12live cartridges and face mask.

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Covid-19: Automobile Firm to Invest $54m in ‘Healthier Cars’ Ugo Aliogo Geely Automotive is set to develop healthy cars by investing $54 million to fund the initiative, while furthering its fight against the COVID-19.

In a statement, Geely Automative, said the move not only adds a new dimension to Geely’s understanding of, “passenger safety,� but also represents a new development direction for automobiles.

It explained that the development of a, “healthier car,� differs from specialised medical vehicles, adding that the company’s products are made for ordinary consumers.

It further stated that cars with comprehensive virus protection not only require the capability to isolate harmful substances in the air, it also needs to quickly and effectively purify cabin air for occupants.

The statement further explained that the company’s global R&D and design networks based in Europe, USA and China would jointly research new environmentally sustainable materials with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, “which can be used within air-conditioner systems and on frequently touched surfaces such as buttons and handles.� “Geely Auto will make full use of its global R&D system and resources as well as cooperate with professional medical and scientific research institutions to set up special project teams to work on the new research.�

The President of Geely Holding Group and President and CEO of Geely Auto Group said: “Epidemic prevention is a job that requires the long-term effort of wider society. As the most common mode of transportation, consumers spend a considerable amount time in their cars, akin

to a ‘second home’ Only by making healthier products can we meet consumer demand for better quality of life. Based on the automotive industry’s development direction built around electrified, connectivity, intelligence, and shared mobility, auto companies should commit to developing products that help protect the health of drivers and passengers.

This will become one of Geely Auto key long-term development objectives.�

The statement revealed that in January, Geely Holding Group went into a collaboration with the Li Shufu Foundation to set up a special $30 million fund in support of the new coronavirus prevention and control.

It explained that the partnership was focused on mass purchasing of much-needed medical supplies for China in the short term.

MARKET INDICATORS

Stanbic IBTC Restates Commitment to Host Communities Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has reiterated its commitment towards creating a positive impact within its host communities through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives.

The financial institution explained in a statement, that it recently touched the lives of people in various communities where it operates through the donation of household and skill acquisition items, as well as the renovation and equipping of a hospital cafeteria.

Speaking during the inauguration of the renovated cafeteria at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking (PBB), Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Remy Osuagwu, said positively impacting communities where Stanbic IBTC operates is one of the ethos of the organisation. Osuagwu noted that staff of the Personal and Business Banking department

of Stanbic IBTC embarked on the renovation of the cafeteria to ensure that patients at the hospital eat their meals in a hygienic and conducive environment.

According to him, the humane choice of the Federal NeuroPsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos was borne out of the need to support the hospital, which plays a critical but often overlooked role in the health care sector.

Expressing her gratitude to the management and staff of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dr. Oluwayemi Ogun, Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, explained that one of the ways the hospital is being assessed is the present state of its infrastructures.

She noted that Stanbic IBTC has provided a conducive environment where the kitchen staff can work seamlessly in making nutritional meals available to the patients.

Ogun, however, called on other organisations to emulate the good

work done by Stanbic IBTC in supporting Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals across the country, noting that mental health is one of the most critical aspects of life.

Earlier on, the department of Enterprise Data Office, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC and staff of Stanbic IBTC Insurance Brokers Limited donated household items to St. Monica Orphanage Home, Iju-Ishaga and Heritage Homes llupeju, Lagos, respectively.

The Procurement and Group Real Estate Department of Stanbic IBTC also donated skill acquisition items and empowerment machineries to the Freedom Foundation in Lekki, Lagos.

Similarly, the Card Operations department donated food items, toiletries and home utensils to the Old People’s Home, Yaba, Lagos.

Peter Ashaolu, Manager, Card Operations, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, said that one of the organisation’s strategic drivers is to give back to the community.

Winners Emerge in FATE Foundation’s Pitch Competition Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂŁĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ announced winners in its business pitch competition that was recently concluded at its inaugural Aspiring Entrepreneurs Programme for Nigerian Agribusiness entrepreneurs. Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ăž Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ÞÒĂ? between the ages of 18 to 35. the programme which launched last year through a grant support from Mitsubishi Corporation’s International Contributions programme enabled Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž ͟͸ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ stage agribusiness startups with information and knowledge to grow and build viable businesses in the agribusiness space by providing training, mentoring, advisory, formal registration of their business entitles and business model guidance. Ă’Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ÚÓÞĂ?Ă’ Ă?Ù×ÚĂ?ĂžĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ which took place on August 29, ÍşÍ¸ÍşÍ¸Ëœ Ă’Ă‹ĂŽ Ă“ĂžĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ finale resulting to each competing entrepreneur to pitch their business to an expert jury comprising of Mrs. Yemisi Obe (the Entrepreneur in Residence for the programme), Dr. Uyi Ima Edomwonyi and Mr. Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă’Ă“Ă—Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă”Ă&#x;ĂœĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? businesses pitches in key areas such as market strategy, business model, innovation and viability potential.

According to a statement, the winners of the pitch were Olowo

John of OhRich Nigeria who came in first and received a cash prize of Í˝Í¸Í¸ËœÍ¸Í¸Í¸Ë› Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă?ÙÖÖÙåĂ?ĂŽ

by Ante Joseph of Maatalous Nasah who came in second and received a Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ĂšĂœĂ“Ă¤Ă? Ă™Ă? ÍşÍ¸Í¸ËœÍ¸Í¸Í¸ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜Ă•Ă?

Aderinoye of Agrinerve Ventures who came in third and received a Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ĂšĂœĂ“Ă¤Ă? Ă™Ă? ÍšÍ˝Í¸ËœÍ¸Í¸Í¸Ë› Speaking about the program, the Managing Director, Mitsubishi Corporation Nigeria Limited, Makoto ËÓÞÙ Ă?ÞËÞĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ’Ă‹ĂžËœ ËŤ Ă’Ă? Ă‹Ă‘ĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“ness program is one of the many social philanthropy activities of Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) aimed at contributing to the social economic development of the communities and regions where MC operates in response to their needs. One of the focus is capacity building through nurturing, preparing and empowering the next generation to enhance skills to become self-reliant.

It has become important to transition agribusiness ideas into viable models and solutions to enhance yield and efficiency across the agribusiness value chain to aid income generation, improve quality of life and overcome the devastating impact of COVID 19.�

Also commenting on the conclusion of the programme, the âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœËœ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Adenike Adeyemi congratulated the

winners stating that, ‘’the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Programme: Agribusiness provides a unique opportunity to young agribusiness entrepreneurs and we are proud of the success of the programme and the achievement Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?neurs have proven to be resilient, socially impactful and innovative, by developing sustainable solutions pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic.â€?

She further stated that the two organisations were proud of the partnership, saying it showed how investing time, resources and knowledge in innovative young Nigerians in high growth sectors such as agribusiness are important in empowering the next generation to create wealth, jobs and add significant socio-economic value and look forward to collaborating more to supporting more young entrepreneurs across Nigeria. Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ËŞĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™ĂšĂŁ in line with its charity giving ethos ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ?

Philanthropy Coalition for COVID-19 Ě™ Ěš Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽË› Ă’Ă? ͺͽ͸ Million COVID-19 Fund was set up to support ongoing national and local efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure in anticipation of further strains and pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

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

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ÍŻÍł Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $41.29 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $41.20 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), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

37

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍˇËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Sunu Assurances Nigeria Moves to Reconstruct Shares Goddy Egene Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc has submitted an application to the Nigerian Stock Exchange to carry out a share reconstruction exercise.

The application followed the special resolutions passed by the shareholders of Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc at an extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM) held on March 9, 2020, in favour of the proposal.

The share capital reconstruction

will result in the cancellation of four existing ordinary shares out of every five ordinary shares of Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc held by its existing shareholders. The total number of issued ordinary shares post the capital reconstruction exercise will be 2.8 billion ordinary shares of N0.50 each while a total of 11.2 billion ordinary shares of N0.50 each will become cancelled and unissued.

The Chairman of Sunu As-

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

surance Plc, Mr. Kyari Bukar, had assured stakeholders that the company would have satisfied the newly required minimum paid-up capital of N5billion before the end of the year. “Conscious efforts would be made to achieve the required minimum paid-up capital of N10 billion by September 30, 2021 through the rights issue exercise as approved by the shareholders at the last EGM,� he said.

Speaking on the financials of

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

the company, the chairman said the company’s underwriting profit increased by 30 per cent from N914 million in the 2018 financial year to N1.2 billion in 2019.

Bukar said: “During the year, we were able to increase significantly our processes through improved operating efficiency, optimising our current assets and improving operating efficiency which is part of our strategy. We also seek to create further value by developing the

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

opportunities embedded in our existing operations which present the most attractive options for growth. We are always looking beyond our current operations for sustainable growth opportunities,� he said.

According to him, going forward, the company shall strive to operate its business with a sharp focus on efficiency, transparency and sustainable cost improvements. “To this end, the company

O F

had been through a period of change which included the implementation of new operating procedures to strengthen our internal capabilities and prevent leakages. I have no doubt that the future will bring many new opportunities and challenges but we have learnt that by focusing on running safe and efficient operations, maintaining our costs and managing our strategic objectives, we would continue to succeed,� he stated.

1 5 / 1 0 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

38

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

NSE Delists Anino International for Non-compliance Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange

(NSE) last week delisted the shares of Anino International Plc as a result of the its

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

persistent non-compliance with exchange’s post listing rules.

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 15Oct-2020, unless otherwise stated.

The exchange explained that the delisting, which was approved by the council

of the exchange on April 30, 2020, is in line with the provision of Clause 15 of

the General Undertaking, Appendix III of the Rule Book of the NSE.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.97 0.98 7.55% ACAP Income Funds 0.85 0.85 11.03% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.86% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.45 3.57 40.98% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 107.52 108.28 11.91% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.21% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.24 2.24 20.79% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.03 2.06 29.61% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.92% Paramount Equity Fund 13.14 13.40 5.07% Women's Investment Fund 120.00 121.19 8.74% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.94% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 120.51 121.03 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 130.52 131.51 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 103.24 103.24 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.93% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.06 1.07 14.23% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.69 1.69 27.55% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 3.03% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.09% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,182.19 1,196.86 6.66% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,492.93 1,494.59 21.91% FBN Balanced Fund 162.61 163.83 10.75% FBN Halal Fund 109.01 109.02 9.01% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.71% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 120.33 120.76 4.12% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 120.35 120.78 3.62% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 126.21 128.16 -3.01% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,359.70 3,401.12 10.53% Coral Income Fund 3,208.77 3,208.77 4.32% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 3.47% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.42% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 122.51 123.04 13.81%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.00% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.46 2.51 12.58% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 6.69% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.22 153.02 6.21% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.46 1.48 18.74% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.74 11.82 4.45% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 2.80% PACAM Equity Fund 1.17 1.18 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.64 111.29 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 121.66 123.82 -0.28% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 6.62% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 13.68% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 5.62% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 10.56% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 6.49% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 14.10% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.05% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 5.24% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.21 1.21 4.40% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 109.96 109.96 5.52% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.24 1.26 4.22% United Capital Bond Fund 1.86 1.86 7.74% United Capital Equity Fund 0.72 0.74 2.15% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.75% United Capital Eurobond Fund 115.27 115.27 5.48% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.02 1.03 -2.59% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 11.09 11.22 7.89% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.31 12.42 5.89% Zenith Income Fund 24.52 24.52 7.94% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.10%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

117.93

5.15%

53.40

2.59%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.50 97.35 74.39

9.60 99.45 75.76

13.60% 3.06% -0.98%

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.47 4.63 13.32 1.00 12.21 207.08

3.51 4.71 13.42 1.00 12.41 209.08

1.64% -21.49% 9.58% 2.62% 17.32% 9.17%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.03

15.02%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 • T H I S D AY

39

40

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 •T H I S D AY

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 • T H I S D AY

41

42

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 •T H I S D AY

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 • T H I S D AY

43

44

MONDAY 0CT0BER 19, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

COVID-19: UK Facing Tough Christmas, Sage Scientist Warns Christmas is unlikely to be the “usual celebration” of “families coming together”, a leading scientist has said.

Jeremy Farrar, who sits on the Sage committee that advises the government, warned it would be a “tough” Christmas.

The Wellcome Trust director also told Sky News there was “light at the end of the tunnel” as he believed a vaccine would

be ready early in 2021.

PM Boris Johnson has warned things will be “bumpy to Christmas and beyond”.

Earlier this week, Prof Farrar told BBC Newscast arguments between Westminster and local leaders were “very dangerous” and also that a circuit-breaker, or a short, limited lockdown, was needed now.

Speaking to Sky News’ Sophy

Venezuelan Envoy Urges ECOWAS Court to Halt His Extradition from Cape Verde to US A Special Envoy to the Government of Venezuela, Alex Nain Saab Morán, has urged the West African regional court, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, to halt the plan to extradite him from Cape Verde to the United States of America.

Morán, a dual Colombian and Venezuelan nationality, who has been in detention since his arrest

by Cape Verde authorities four months ago, urged the court to suspend the extradition process as a precautionary measure pending the court’s decision on the merits.

According Morán’s legal team led by Mr Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Morán, who is a Special Envoy to the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is being “arbitrarily detained” by Cape Verde pending extradition to the United States.

Falana in the application filed on behalf of his client on September 30, 2020, said the extradition request initiated by the US authorities was an offshoot of “the political conflict between the United States of America and Venezuela”.

Cape Verde is the Sole Respondent in the Suit He argued that as of the time

of his client’s arrest on June 12, 2020, “the complainant was carrying out a special mission on behalf of Venezuela and was not the subject of an arrest warrant or even a red alert in Cape Verde”.

Falana who alleged that his client’s detention in Cape Verde was illegal and arbitary, argued that Morán “enjoys immunity and inviolability in his capacity and status as Special Envoy to the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”.

He added, “So far, Cape Verde’s executive and judicial authorities have ignored the Complainant’s claim that he cannot be subjected to extradition proceedings in Cape Verde and that, therefore, his protective custody for the purpose of extradition violates his fundamental right of freedom.

“In this sense, Article 22 (1) of the Constitution of Cape Verde provides that everyone has the right to request the Constitutional Court, through a writ of amparo or protection appeal, through a habeas corpus, to protect their constitutionally recognised fundamental rights, freedoms and guarantees.”

Hay Festival Severs UAE Ties after Sex Assault Claim by Employee The Hay literary festival has accused a senior Gulf royal of an “appalling violation” after he allegedly sexually assaulted one of their employees.

Caroline Michel, Hay chair, said they would not work in Abu Dhabi again while Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan remains minister of tolerance.

Their employee, Caitlin McNamara, claims he attacked her earlier this year and is seeking legal redress.

Sheikh Nahyan, 69, has denied the allegations.

Ms McNamara, 32, told the Sunday Times that the alleged attack happened on 14 February at a remote private island villa where she had been summoned, she thought, to discuss preparations for the first-ever Hay Festival in Abu Dhabi, which was opening 11 days later.

Hay FestivalAbu Dhabi February 2020 She said she told both her employer and embassy officials soon after the attack, and went to the

police in the UK when coronavirus lockdown restrictions lifted.

According to the Sunday Times, Ms McNamara is waiting to hear whether the Crown Prosecution Service will take up her case, and said she had decided to waive her right to anonymity because “I feel I have nothing to lose”.

“I want to do this because I want to highlight the effect of powerful men like him doing things like that and thinking they can get away with it,” she told the newspaper.

“It seemed clear from the set up I was not the first or last. It really took a massive mental and physical toll on me for what to him was probably just a whim.”

The Sunday Times said Sheikh Nahyan had not responded to its approach for a comment on the allegations, but had received a statement from London libel lawyers Schillings which said: “Our client is surprised and saddened by this allegation, which arrives eight months after the alleged incident and via a national newspaper.

The account is denied.”

Ridge on Sunday programme, Prof Farrar said the UK faces a “very, very difficult” period.

“Christmas will be tough this year. I don’t think it’s going to be the usual celebration it is and all families coming together, I’m afraid,” he said.

“I think we have to be honest and realistic and say that we are in for three to six months of a very, very difficult period.

“The temperatures drop, we are all indoors more often, we have the other infections that come this time of year.

“It’s much better for us to be upfront and honest now, and say we are in for a really difficult time, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Prof Farrar said he thought a vaccine and effective treatment would be ready early next year.

“I do believe the vaccines will be available in the first quarter of next year, I do believe that monoclonal antibodies to treat patients and save lives will be available in the coming months,” he said.

“It’s with that context that I think we need to reduce transmission now and we need to get ourselves back to the beginning of September as a country, not in piecemeal, not in fragments across the country, but as a whole country.”

Speaking further about the need for a circuit-breaker, Prof Farrar claimed there could

be 50,000 cases per day in England.

The government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, warned in a press conference on 21 September that the UK could face 50,000 cases a day by mid-October if no action was taken.

Prof Farrar said an Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey, which he described as the “best data in the country at the moment”, showed that 27,000 people were getting infected each day in England as of 10 October, but he said, given a time lag, it would actually be more than 50,000 by now.

The ONS survey tests a

representative sample of the general population to provide an estimate of the true spread of the virus, as it picks up asymptomatic cases that would not necessarily be identified in the daily figures.

The ONS figures are far higher than the number of confirmed cases announced by the government each day.

On Sunday, the government figures showed 16,982 people tested positive for the virus and a further 67 people had died.

Prof Farrar said the “best time” to have introduced the short, limited lockdown would have been around 20 September, but said the “second best time is now”.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN GOMBE...

L-R: Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Vice President of TBEA Company Limited, Mr. Chang Weijuin; and Managing Director of China Railway 18th Bureau Group, Mr. Qin Weiguo, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the Chinese firms on coal power in Gombe...recently

Ivory Coast Election: Pascal Affi Nguessan’s Home Burnt down The house of a former prime minister of Ivory Coast has been burnt down during clashes less than two weeks before bitterly contested elections.

It is not clear who was behind the attack on the residence of Pascal Affi Nguessan in his stronghold of Bongouanou.

One of the town’s schools was also destroyed, a teacher told the BBC. Nguessan and former President Henri Konan Bédié announced this week they would boycott the 31 October elections.

President Alassane Ouattara, vying for a third term in office, has rejected their demands to postpone the vote and hold talks.

He initially said he would stand down but after his preferred successor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, died of a heart attack in July, he reversed his position.

There are fears that the election could reignite conflict in the country, which is slowly recovering from a civil war sparked by a dispute over the 2010 election, won by Mr

Ouattara.

Friday’s clashes between rival groups of supporters in Bongouanou, about 200km (125 miles) north of the country’s main city, Abidjan, came a day after official campaigning began.

At least two people were killed, according to witnesses cited by the AFP news agency.

Mr Nguessan told AFP: “People were transported from Abidjan. They targeted the property of opposition leaders.”

The teacher said: “I saw people with machetes, knives attacking

other people.”

“My school was burnt. They burnt everything there, all my personal belongings disappeared in the fire.”

He spoke of other attacks on buildings and accused the police of not doing enough to prevent them.

When contacted by the BBC, the police declined to comment.

Bongouanou Mayor Amalaman Gilbert told the BBC on Sunday that mediators were trying to ease tensions.

Omar Bashir: ICC Delegation Begins Talks in Sudan over Former Leader An International Criminal Court (ICC) delegation has arrived Sudan to discuss the prosecution of former President Omar al-Bashir.

Bashir is wanted by the ICC on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Sudan’s prime minister said the delegation would be in the country until 21 October, to discuss “co-operation” in the case.

Sudan’s government has agreed that he can stand trial in the Hague.

But under a peace deal with

rebels in the Western region of Darfur, the government has agreed to set up a special court on war crimes that would include Bashir.

The ICC team currently in Khartoum includes chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.

The UN estimates that 300,000 people were killed in the conflict, which began after a revolt in Darfur 2003.

The ICC has also charged two other former officials, Ahmed Haroun and Abdelrahim Mohamed

Hussein, with war crimes and crimes against humanity, allegedly committed in the region.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok told the Financial Times that newspaper he had spoken with the ICC about the option of trying Bashir in a “hybrid court” in Sudan.

Bashir, 76, was toppled last year after mass protests. A transitional government is currently ruling Sudan under a three-year deal with top

civilian and military leaders.

The former leader has already been convicted for corruption. He and 27 other officials are currently on trial in Khartoum over charges relating to the 1989 coup that brought him to power.

If found guilty, they could all face the death penalty.

Bashir has denied the charges against him. Earlier this year one of his lawyers said Bashir and other defendants were facing “a political trial” being held “in a hostile environment”.

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NEWSXTRA

Lagos Protesters Hold Sunday Service in Protest Grounds

Cult clash mars protest in Ikorodu, protesters arrest phone thief in Lekki Lagos police engage community leaders to manage protests Nigerians raise N5m for amputated protester

Chiemelie Ezeobi The ongoing protest in Lagos State took another dimension yesterday as #EndSARS protesters held church services at their respective protest grounds.

Jumaat Congregational prayers were also held on Friday by Muslims faithful with Christians forming a human shield around them.

This is coming as the protest in Ikorodu area of Lagos turned violent yesterday when supremacy battle erupted between two cult factions at the Ogolonto area.

The Lagos State Police Command has however, charged the area commanders and divisional police officers to engage their respective community leaders in the action plans for effective service delivery especially with the ongoing protests.

The #EndSARS campaign has also launched an online radio broadcast called Soro Soke Radio to provide minute by minute nationwide updates on the ongoing protests, just as they also created a helpline for emergencies and a website to document stories of police brutality.

In Alausa, the interdenominational Sunday service was held on the grounds of the Lagos State House of Assembly with live bands to thrill worshippers.

Among the pastors there were Pastors Leke Adeboye and Kunle Ajayi, as well as Arole the comedian.

At the Lekki, there was praise and worship by gospel musicians while some of the protesters streamed the 11am Sunday Service of Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s DayStar.

Meanwhile, the protest in Ikorodu turned violent at the last-minute when a brewing cult war by two factions at the Ogolonto area erupted.

Protesters, who had barricaded the Ikorodu Expressway at Ogolonto end, were left helpless as a hitherto peaceful protest soon turned chaotic.

Taking advantage of the cult war, some hoodlums quickly began loot shops as others unleashed mayhem on motorists and passerby.

Not done with vandalising vehicles of motorists caught in the gridlock, they soon turned on passersby and snatched their bags and phones.

Reacting to the incident, the state Police Spokesman, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the protest was hijacked by hoodlums, who were brandishing cutlasses, broken bottles and other harmful weapons, to cause chaos.

He said the hoodlums looted shops, attacked motorists, broke windscreens and side mirrors, snatched bags and phones from passers-by.

Adejobi said a second wave of attack by this same set of hoodlums was repelled by protesters with support from the Area Commander Area N, Ijede, ACP James Usen, who stormed the scene to restore normalcy.

In another development, the #EndSARS protesters at Lekki, arrested and handed over one Yusuf Lawal to the police for stealing a phone.

The protesters who were angry about the incident descended on him and gave him beating before they hand him over to the police at Maroko Police Station.

As at press time, the stolen phone had not been recovered as the suspect passed on the phone to his fleeing gang members.

Adejobi said the police are working on the useful information gathered from him to track down his gang members who are at large.

He said: “The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has reiterated that this incident is a clear indication that the protests across the state, have been hijacked by some hoodlums who hide under the #EndSARS protests to steal, loot and cause damage to people’s property. ”He therefore advised protesters to be watchful of those who have

Oyedepo Backs Protesters, Says ‘Lives Have NoValue’ under Buhari The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church, Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has thrown his weight behind the protests and warned against the shooting of youths protesting against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and extortion in the country.

He explained that the youths have good justifications to protest, adding that killing them during the protest “is a sacrilege”.

He described the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as the most “gruesome” in the history of the country.

Oyedepo spoke yesterday during the second service of the church.

He said: “Every man has a right, legitimately so, to express his displeasure and pains. Everybody has it.

“I kept quiet for a while because in 2015, I warned this

nation, vehemently, consistently… because I saw the dangers ahead and you can tell.

“The most gruesome season in the life of this nation is in the last five years, where lives have no value, wanton killings here and there.

“Now, they have faced the youths; and because they don’t know who is next, they have a right to say enough is enough.

“Any system that has no value for human lives is irrelevant, if they are killed when they were youths, will they be here today?

“Now, it would be a sacrilege to shoot the protesters who are not looting, who are not ravaging.

“When you push a goat to the wall then you will know that goats have teeth to bite.

“It is a sacrilege to kill youths during a protest, this protest is legitimate.”

infiltrated into their gatherings to cause pains to innocent Lagosians.“ The Lagos command has charged the area commanders and divisional officers to incorporate their respective community leaders into action plans for effective service delivery especially with the ongoing protests.

He pointed out that with the ongoing protests and security challenges associated with ember months activities, there is need to involve community leaders and stakeholders in the security

business to police the nooks and cranies of the state.

Meanwhile, the viral picture of a young girl, one Jane Obiene, who has her left leg amputated, but still joined the protest with the aid of her crutches, has attracted goodwill to her.

Championed by Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, the fundraising was to help get her a prosthetic leg because she has not been gainfully employed since 2013 when her leg was amputated.

Although the funding target was initially N500,000, it was later increased to N1.5million to cover the cost of other expenses.

But barely hours after the portal went open, 961 persons crashed the funding goal and raised about N5million for her.

With the overflow, the doctor also intends to help out another male amputee who was at the National Stadium in Surulere to march despite his disabilities.

The #EndSARS campaign has launched an online radio broadcast

called Soro Soke Radio to provide minute by minute nationwide updates on the ongoing protests, just as they also created a helpline for emergencies and a website to document stories of police brutality.

‘Soro Soke’ a Yoruba phrase , which is loosely translated to mean ‘Speak Up’, is the slogan for EndSARS protesters in their campaign to end police brutality.

According to the group, it was built to aid coordination and communication nationwide.

CELEBRATING A NEW FEAT…

L-R: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Corporate Services, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),Mr. Mohammed Ahmed; COO, Gas and Power, NNPC, Mr. Yusuf Usman; Chairman, Waltersmith Group, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa; Non-Executive Director, Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical, Dr. Tajudeen Umar; General Manager, Refinery, Waltersmith Petroman Oil, Mr. Abdul Isa; and General Manager, Operations, Waltersmith Petroman Oil, Mr. Rowland Ogundu, during the pre-commissioning visit by the NNPC officials to the 5,000bpd WalterSmith Modular refinery project in Ibigwe, Imo State …recently

Army Denies Plans to Disrupt Protests Kingsley NwezehinAbuja The Nigerian Army yesterday denied that Operation Positive Identification, part of a larger Operation Crocodile Smile VI was aimed at disrupting the ongoing #EndSARS protests across the country.

An Army statement issued last night said there was no plans to disrupt the protests in any way.

The Army, which had during the launch of Operation Positive Identification in October 2019, said it was designed to track fleeing terrorists in the north, who had

moved to other parts of the country.

Nigerian Army Headquarters had informed members of the public to always go about with a valid means of identification.

Troops were directed to strictly check “legitimate means of identification such as national identification card, voters registration card, drivers’ licence and international passport or other valid official identification before allowing such persons passage.”

It later announced that it was extending operation positive identification across the nation to checkmate bandits, kidnappers,

armed robbers among others It said this year’s Exercise Crocodile Smile VI scheduled to commence from the 20th of October to the 31 of December 2020 had no relationship with any lawful protest under any guise whatsoever.

“To now insinuate that it is an exercise meant to stifle the ongoing ENDSARS protest is to say the least highly misinformed.

“Exercise Crocodile Smile VI has nothing to do with the ongoing protest and the Nigerian Army has never been involved in the ongoing protest in any form whatsoever”, it said.

The statement signed by Army

Spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, said so far, the army had acted professionally since the civil protest started over two weeks ago.

“For the records, Exercise Crocodile Smile is a yearly exercise in the NA calendar/forecast of events, which traditionally holds from October to December of each year.

“This year’s Exercise Crocodile Smile is scheduled to commence from the 20 of October to the 31 of December 2020 has no relationship with any lawful protest under any guise whatsoever,” it said.

Oyo Deputy Gov Narrates Ordeals in Hands of SARS Operatives Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Rauf Olaniyan, has narrated his painful ordeals in the hands of operatives of the recently disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The deputy governor, who had last week joined the protesters to call for a ban of the unit, said he was brutalised on two different occasions with both experiences leaving sore in his heart.

The inscriptions on his placard at the protest when he joined thousands of protesters who stormed Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan reads: “I was a victim of Police brutality twice, Rauf Olaniyan. “#EndPoliceBrutalityNow, #ReformNigerianPoliceNow” Speaking at the weekend, Olaniyan said his two encounters,

which happened in Lagos did not go disastrous for the fact that he had some cash with him while it lasted.

He recounted that on a particular occasion, he was rushing to catch a flight, the SARS operatives had to collect all the monies he had on him (both local and foreign).

He said that even an appeal to them to spare him some to use when he gets to his destination fell on deaf hears.

While noting he is not in support of the call that the 36 State Commands of the Nigerian Police is too large for an individual in the person of the Inspector General of Police (IG) to manage, the deputy governor said only reforms of the police will help address all the anomalies in

the system.

Olaniyan said: “I was a victim twice, once at Ikeja roundabout and at Ojota ramp when you want to negotiate around Ikorodu road to the express.

“Ask my driver. We were ransacked there. What only saved me was the fact that I had some money with me. I had to part with over a hundred thousand naira. It was terrible.

“That of Ikeja, they took Pounds Sterlings, they took dollar notes, all the money I had because I was travelling. I was eager to go and catch my flight, they emptied me.

“I even pleaded with them that I planned to spend the foreign currencies when I get to my destination, they said people there that I was going to meet will take care of me. They were

very very notorious.”

Asked on what could be the lasting solutions, he said: “It is not only EndSARS but we need complete police reformation. Some of them are very nice, good, decent and even professionals.

“But some of them may not even be in SARS outfit but they behave just like them, so what we need is a complete police reformation.

“If they disband SARS, they should be retrained on how to relate and deal with civil society.”

Asked what he did or efforts made to report the matter after the brutality by the (defunct) SARS operative on the two occasions, the deputy Governor simply said “do they give me a receipt? What evidence do I have to give? Then who am I going to report the matter to?”

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NEWSXTRA

Kogi, Plateau Inaugurate Panels on Police Brutality Lalong denies calling for return of SARS

Chinedu Eze in Lagos, Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Following recommendation of the National Economic Council (NEC), for the establishment of judicial panels of inquiry by the governors to hear complaints and ensure accountability in the operations of police units in their states, Plateau and Kogi states have set up the judicial panels on police brutality.

Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, who approved the appointment of members of the panel to investigate complaints of police brutality and related extra-judicial killings in the state, also denied calling for the return

of dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), insisting that he was misunderstood.

Lalong said that the constitution of the panel was with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.

The panel, which will be headed by a retired Judge of the Plateau State High Court, Justice Philomena Lot, has other members as: Commissioner of Police Garba Patrick (rtd); Mr. Ezekiel Dauda Daschen (youth representative); Mrs. Rauta Dakok (representative of Attorney General’s Office); and Mrs. Kyempia Mafuyai (representative of Human Rights Commission).

The committee has six months

to complete its assignment and submit its report.

The terms of reference, according to the governor, are to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings; evaluate evidence and draw conclusions

on validity of complaints; as well as recommend compensation and other remedial measures.

While congratulating members of the committee on their appointment, the governor challenged them to be “thorough, diligent and fair to all those that

will appear before them in order to ensure that justice is served to all parties without bias.”

Meanwhile, Lalong has denied that he advocated on behalf of the Northern Governors Forum for the return of the scrapped SARS, adding that he was

misunderstood.

He explained that “there was no way the Northern Governors will call for the resurrection of an already scrapped SARS as approved by the president and announced by the Inspector General of Police.”

Banks Tighten Security to Prevent Hackers Multichoice denies alleged hacking of its website Emma Okonji As part of efforts to prevent the Anonymous, a group of international ‘hacktivists’, from getting access into their system, commercial banks in Nigeria have said they have adopted security measures to ensure safety of customers’ deposits as well as to prevent systemic risk.

THISDAY gathered that most of the IT and risk management staff at most banks worked throughout the weekend to ensure that the group of hackers does not have access to their system.

The Anonymous has been carrying out the nefarious act in support of the ongoing protest in the country.

The group had last Thursday issued a 72-hour notice to the federal government to address all issues related to police brutality in the country; bring to justice every police officer involved in killing of innocent citizens, and had threatened to cause more harm if the government failed to respond.

In a related development, Multichoice, owners of DStv and Gotv, has refuted claims making the rounds that its website was hacked at the weekend by the Anonymous.

A source at the Multichoice Nigeria told THISDAY that there had been systems upgrade on the company’s network since weekend, which affected customers’ transactions on the website.

The source, however, said customers have been informed since last Thursday on the issue.

Part of the message sent across to customers of DStv included: ‘Our services are currently offline. We are upgrading our systems from October 17 11p.m. to October 19 4p.m. All self-service platforms are not available during this time’.

Reacting to the alleged hacking of websites, the President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, who distant the #EndSARS protesters from the alleged hacking, said the youths were only registering

Zulum Declares Fasting against Boko Haram Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has declared today a day to pray for peace to return to his troubled state as well as the defeat of Boko Haram terrorists, who have terrorised the state for 11 years now.

This is the second time the governor would make such declaration, with the first one made on February 24, 2020.

Zulum made the declaration after separate meetings at the weekend with Islamic and Christian leaders in the state.

The governor, in a statement after the meetings with the clerics, explained that his regular trips to front lines were not out of pride or to attract attention, but to satisfy his conscience and discharge his obligations to the people of Borno State.

The governor said: “I will like

to start by registering our depth of eternal gratitude to the good people of Borno State for the overwhelming support and sincere goodwill our administration has been accorded in the last 17 months.

“Nothing I say here or anywhere else can best describe the extent of my gratitude to the people of the state and many Nigerians outside the state.

“We have been shown enormous love and support from day one till date. Above being loved and supported, the people of Borno State have proved to trust us and have faith in what we do.

“For me, one of the greatest feats a leader can attain is to earn the trust and confidence of those being led. On the other hand, the worst thing that can happen to any leader is to lose the trust and confidence of the people.”

AWARD FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE…

L-R: Head of Nigerian Consular Services in Italy, Mr. Bello Saluwa; outgoing Nigerian Ambassador to Italy, Yusuf Jonga Hinna; and the National President of National Union of Nigerian Association in Italy (NUNAI), Mr. Samson Hodge Iriakannu, during the presentation of certificate for distinguished service to the ambassador in Rome, Italy…recently

We Lost Five People in Osun, Protesters Allege A leader of the #EndSARS protesters in Osun State, Omolola Pedro, said five persons lost their lives during the protest in Osogbo, the state capital on Saturday.

Pedro, who disclosed this yesterday, said apart from the DJ at the event, one Mutiu, Lekan and two unidentified persons also died in the violence that erupted during the protest.

The protest in Osogbo turned

violent on Saturday while Oyetola was addressing the protesters at Olaiya Junction.

His security men forced the convoy through the crowd while some hoodlums threw missiles at the vehicles.

One person was said to have been shot at Oke Ayepe Area after the incident at Olaiya Junction, as police confirmed two dead during the protest.

But there are claims that the governor’s convoy shot at some of the protesters in a bid to escape after suspected hoodlums pelted the convoy with stones and other objects.

Giving an update on the incident, Padro said, “Five people died; our DJ, one Mutiu, Lekan and two others that we don’t have their identities yet.”

Meanwhile, the Osun State

Police Command said no arrest had been made in connection with the violence at the scene of the #EndSARS protest in Osogbo on Saturday.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Yemisi Opalola, in an interview on Sunday, also confirmed that Osun Mall, a shopping complex in Osogbo, was looted by some hoodlums.

Makinde Probes Task Force Officials’ Alleged Manhandling of Proprietress The Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident reported in viral audio, in which a school proprietress, Mrs. Olayemi Sylva, alleged that officials of the State’s Environmental Task Force manhandled her.

The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.

The statement was titled, ‘Viral audio: Makinde orders

full probe of environmental Task Force, school proprietress brawl in Ibadan’.

The statement read in part, “The attention of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, has been drawn to the contents of viral audio credited to a school proprietress, Mrs. Olayemi Sylva.

“The governor has since directed the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Idowu Oyeleke, to commence full and immediate investigations into the matter and

apportion blame accordingly.

“Governor Makinde has also given the commitment that no one found guilty of infractions in the matter would be spared at the end of the day and that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.”

The statement also quoted Oyeleke as saying that his office had taken up the governor’s directives while keeping in touch with the woman and her family members.

He said, “In line with the

directives of the governor, I have immediately established contact with the affected woman and when it became clear that she had gone for medical checks, I visited her and made an initial deposit to take care of her medical bill.

“I have also been briefed by the Chairman of the Task Force, ACP Francis Ojomo, whose men have been striving hard to rid the city of Ibadan and Oyo state of dirt and refuse. We are fully cooperating on this matter.

ADC Asks Buhari to Address Concerns of Youths The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to urgently address the concerns of Nigerian youths to avoid a situation that no one would be able to control.

The party said the lingering #EndSARS protests had revealed the intensity of the anger in the land, adding that people were fed up with both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a result of the failure of the two parties to harness the vast resources

of the country for sustainable growth and development over the years.

A statement signed by the National ChairmanofADC,Mr.RalphsNwosu, said the time had come for Nigerians to snatch the destiny of this great country from the claws of enemies of the economy who had held the country to ransom for too long.

The statement said: “The youths are saying, no Buhari, no Atiku. What they are saying is that they are tired of the parties that have ruled so far.

We need a fresh paradigm. They are smart kids and Nigerians should not under-estimate what can happen in

the next few days.

“When a people have been robbed for far too long, of the same resources they took part in creating, this is usually the end result. This is no longer about EndSARS or EndSWAT. It is about End Impunity, End Terrorism, End Looting, End Vote Buying, End Leadership Insensitivity.”

Nwosu, however, urged the APC administration to redeem whatever was left of its image and address every point on the demand of the peaceful protesters, saying the days of hiding behind a finger had ended.

The party said, “While we

are a peace loving party built on integrity and respect for human and constitutional rights, we would stand solidly by calls to right the numerous wrongs in our society.

“Police brutality, especially by the now defunct Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad, was at a scary level until this strong movement against it. Extra-judicial killings were being treated like the norm in a sane society; and victims’ families were lefthelpless,mosttimes,insituationswhere killer officers were shielded by superior accomplices.Itisonlyinorderforpeople toriseandsay ‘Enough is Enough.’”

MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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MONDAY 0CT0BER 19, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Steel Boom May Lead to Nigeria’s Industrialisation in Five Years, Says Finance Minister The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has said Nigeria may join the league of industrialised countries in the next five years with a steady investment in steel sector.

Ahmed said no nation can witness industrialisation without a stable steel industry.

The minister, who made the disclosure during a tour of the steel plant of the African Natural Resources and Mines Limited in Jere in Kaduna State, said if the nation’s steel industry comes on stream, Nigeria would save a lot of foreign exchange because importation of steel will stop.

She also said the ongoing huge investment in steel will attract auto companies which can produce cars in the country for Nigerians.

Ahmed added that Nigeria has a brighter future.

She said: “There is no country in the world that will industrialise without having a stable steel industry. Your partnership with us as a government means that we are on a very sound footing to meet our aspirations of industrialising Nigeria.

“I hope that this happens very quickly within the next five years to put us on the map as one of the industrialised countries of the world.”

“Producing one million metric tons of steel per annum means that Nigeria will really be well on its way of being independent of importing steel into our country and this will attract other investors to come into Nigeria.”

She said the nation’s auto industry will also benefit from the steel revolution in the country.

She said: “One of the main impediments has been the scarcity of high quality steel but with this project, we are now assured that we can attract the auto industries of the world to come into Nigeria and produce cars in Nigeria for Nigerians as well as for the region.

“From what I am told and I could immediately see, this is going to make a huge difference.

This will be the first company that is producing steel, made in Nigeria high quality steel, that will be used by our industries and it will help

us conserve our foreign exchange and help us fast-track our journey towards industrialization.

“I want to also say that what you are doing will be helping us very significantly in conserving our foreign exchange and the exportation of the steel will help us earn foreign exchange into the country.”

The minister commended the company for being part of the nation’s policy on diversification.

She said the value chain of the steel plant is significant.

She added: “Just from entering here, I can see that the African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd project is actually a major partner for

Nigeria’s economic development, as well as its diversification.

“What you are trying to do here proves that urbanisation and industrialisation are two sides of the same coin. Setting the record as the first steel company that will come on scene is very significant and I want to congratulate you for this.

“The design of your program of mining the ore that will be used to produce high grade steel means it is a well-planned and thought out project. The impact of it will go beyond the steel industry; I can see a very significant value chain effect including the support that you have provided for the people

of Jere Local Government.

The minister was also excited that the firm assisted Nigeria with N1.35billion to fight COVID-19.

She said: “On the social level, I have seen your contribution to the COVID-19, the people of Nigeria are very appreciative to you and others that have come together to provide significant resources that has helped us to effectively fight COVID-19, Nigeria has been known globally that we have had a very efficient system of responding to the pandemic and the response of the private sector in Nigeria is parallel to anywhere in the world.

NECO Postpones Computer Studies Practical Kuni Tyessi in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna Following the mass #EndSARS protests, which have engulfed almost the entire country, thereby halting free vehicular movement, the National Examinations Council (NECO) has postponed its Computer Studies practical.

The practical, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, October 19 (today), is now to take place on Monday, November 16.

In a statement signed by NECO’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Azeez Sani, the examination body assured all stakeholders and the general public that the affected examination materials have been retrieved and are intact.

“This is to inform the general public and especially candidates that the National Examinations Council (NECO) has been constrained to reschedule the Paper I Computer Studies Practicals earlier scheduled

to take place on Monday, 19 October 2020, 10am to 1pm, for Monday, 16 November 2020, 10am-1pm “This unforeseen incident has been caused by the ENDSARS protest that blocked the free movement of transport at the city entrance gate, Benin. The NECO delivery truck had left its take off point well in advance on Friday, 16 October, 2020, earlier to deliver examination materials to some states and has been held up in the blockage since then.

“The Council wishes to assure all stakeholders and the general public that the affected examination materials have been retrieved and are intact.”

The statement added that while regretting any inconveniences the rescheduling may cause esteemed stakeholders, “the council has however taken this decision in order to maintain the integrity and security of its examinations procedures for seamless conduct of the Council’s examination.”

Ngige’s Community Dethrones Monarch David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Igwe of Alor community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, MacAnthony Okonkwo, has been allegedly dethroned.

Okonkwo, who was deposed yesterday by the Alor People’s Assembly, was among the 13 traditional rulers who were accused of travelling to Abuja with oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, without the permission from the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano.

As sanction for the alleged disobedience, the state government had slammed a one year suspension on the monarchs, but Alor community accused Igwe Okonkwo of gross misconduct besides the ill-fated trip, which necessitated his removal.

In his place, the community selected Chief Ebelechukwu Chukwumesili as the new monarch of the community.

Chukwumesili was presented to the Alor people by the Ifite section of the town, and

adopted as the monarch-elect by the community at a town hall meeting presided over by the President-General of Alor People’s Assembly, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa.

He was later crowned by the king maker of Uruezena village, Edwin Ezeoke, while the traditional staff of office was handed over to him by Eze Ofo of Alor, Chief Gibson Onyekaonwu of Umuoshi village.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, who hails from the community and also attended the meeting yesterday, expressed confidence that the new monarch would lead the people well, restore peace and build bridges of friendship among his people, which he said led the community in the old order.

Ngige said: “You can see the mood of the people; there’s joy all over the place because it was a tortuous journey, but I told them to abide by the rule of law. Alor people spent seven years in court to get their town’s government legitimated.

FACILITY TOUR...

L-R: The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; Director, African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, Professor John Akanya; and the Group Managing Director of the company, Mr. Alok Gupta, during the minister’s inspection of the steel plant in Jere, Kaduna State...weekend

ArewaYouths Lament Worsening Insecurity, Caution against Undemocratic Change Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano A platform of Northern Nigerian youths, The Arewa Agenda, has said the rising insecurity in the country, most especially in the North, has called for a great concern.

The group, however, pointed out that any clamour for change must adhere strictly to democratic tenets and processes.

The media advocacy platform and publication of young writers from the 19 northern states stated that it believed that the #EndSARS protest is a great opportunity to challenge the system to address teething developmental issues in

the country.

Its Convener and Managing Editor, Mohammad Dahiru Lawal, at a press briefing in Kano yesterday said they have keenly observed how Nigeria’s anti-police brutality uprising and associated protests took various twists and turns since it was ignited by a single tweet early in the month.

Lawal, while commending the federal government for promptly addressing some security challenges, said based on feelers, especially among youths and elders, there is palpable fear that some of the campaigns may have sinister motives.

He noted: “We are concerned about the possible escalation towards a more violent situation, where innocent lives and property might end up bearing the brunt, especially in view of the fact that uprisings have never augured well in some instances across the continent of Africa.”

According to him, eight years after the Libyan uprising in 2011, the country continues to struggle to end its violent conflict and build state institutions.

“Similarly, Tunisia’s fledgling democracy since the Arab spring of 2011 is still struggling with the economic crisis and political

disaffection, which continue to threaten the country’s stability.

“For a country with a more volatile sensibility, we cannot with our own hands, afford to subject our beloved country through the trauma of a similar torturous experience. Majority of our members and teeming population of Nigerians are victims of ASUU strike, prospective NYSC corps members, who have been at home idling away and unemployed graduates with a passion for a better, united and peaceful country but are unfortunately living on the brink,” the Arewa Agenda managing editor said.

Lawan Pays Bill for Marriage of 300 Couples in Yobe Deji Elumoye in Abuja President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has picked the bill for the marriage of 300 couples in Yobe State with a batch of 100 couples drawn from Nguru and Karasuwa Local Government Areas of the state benefitting from the goodwill last Saturday.

The first batch of 100 couples from Bade and Jakusko LGAs of the state had their wedding in Gashua in September while the last batch of another 100 intending couples from Machina and Yusufari LGAs in the state is expected to have their dreams realised soon to make up the six local government areas in Yobe North senatorial district.

Speaking at the ceremony at the weekend, former Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon Sani Dahiru Elkatuzu, described the mass wedding and skill acquisition programmes by the Senate president for the poor as impacting positively on the lives of the youths in Yobe North.

According to him, this has made them to embrace responsibilities that come with marriage and caused them to shun a life of crime, which they otherwise would have turned to due to hardship and unemployment.

“We believe that most of the problems we are having with the youths around here is because they cannot afford certain basic things of life.

“Part of it is if they cannot afford to have families of their own when they are ready to get married, and because of financial difficulties, then it becomes a problem.

“That is why I believe the Senate president decided to assist in this regard. From experience on the one conducted in Bade and Jakusko, the people are really impressed and happy that this is happening.

“It did not only stop at getting them married, the Senate president also went ahead to train and empower them with skills with which they can fend for themselves and their families.

Any effort that can reduce the number of unemployed youths from the streets is definitely a step

in the right direction, and that is exactly what is happening here.

A lot of our youths are getting married and trained in skills to enable them secure for themselves the basic necessities of life. It is commendable, and everyone in the society is praising the Senate president for this,” Elkatuzu said.

Also speaking at the Emir of Nguru’s Palace moments before the couples were wed at the Nguru Central Mosque, Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon Ahmed Lawan Mirwa, lauded the Senate president for fulfilling the promise made to the youths during his campaigns ahead of the 2019 elections.

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Buhari, Jonathan Salute Gowon at 86 Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday felicitated with former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) who turns 86, describing him as a gallant patriot whose commitment to national unity is beyond comparison in the annals of Nigeria’s chequered history.

Gowon also received praise from former President Goodluck Jonathanwho described him as a statesman that has contributed so much to Nigeria’s progress and unity.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, issued in Abuja yesterday to mark Gowon’s birthday, Buhari described Gowon as one of the fairest leaders he has ever known who has inspired so many future

leaders.

Buhari said: “The role General Yakubu Gowon played in our political history and infrastructure development is etched in stone and cannot be rewritten.

“As young military officers, many of us regarded General Gowon as our role model because of his patriotism, commitment to unity and his humility.

“The Nigerian civil war brought out the most brilliant qualities of GeneralGowon as a visionary leader who put the interest of Nigeria before his own personal interest.”

The president said the former head of state led a national reconciliation effort at the end of the civil war in order to heal the emotional and psychological wounds of the fratricidal conflict.

He added that even in Africa, many leaders in the continent

draw inspiration from Gowon’s handling of the outcome of the civil war through his policy of ‘no victor, no vanquished.’

“As he marks 86 years of age, Nigerians cannot forget General Gowon’s immeasurable contributions to the unity and development of Nigeria. May God continue to bless him with more good health and the needed strength in understanding his

The Nasarawa State Government yesterday said it has reopened schools in the state after fumigating over 2,108 public primary and secondary school premises across the state as directed by the federal government.

The General Manager of the Nasarawa State Environmental Protection Agency (NASEPA), Iliya Yusuf Adeka, disclosed this yesterday in Lafia in an interaction with THISDAY. According to him, “The fumigation started in August when NASEPA fumigated over

700 schools for exiting students by carrying out disinfection, disinfestation and decontamination exercises in the environment of the affected schools.

“What I mean by decontamination is to use chemicals against COVID-19; disinfestation is against reptiles, insects and others, as well as the use of herbicide against weeds.”

He continued that the second phase of the fumigation exercise was just concluded last week by the agency where it was able to fumigate about 1,408 public primary schools.

He, however, said there were

Segun James As the #EndSARS protests continues to rage across the country, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has warned the federal government against using the military on the protesters.

about 179 public secondary schools still remaining to be fumigated by the agency.

Adeka concluded: “When the federal government agreed for states to reopen their schools, Nasarawa State Government also resolved to reopen its schools on October 5 this year.

“What happened was that the government directed private schools to carry out the fumigation themselves. But for the public schools, the government gave funds to the Ministry of Environment to carry out the fumigation exercise,” he added.

NCC Begins Review of InfraCo Framework, Funding Options Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has constituted a committee to review the framework for the licencing of Infrastructure Companies (InfraCo) and recommend sustainable funding options for effective implementation of the proposed national fibre project.

NCC had in 2015, licenced InfraCos to cover the six geopolitical areas of the country, with the mandate to roll out infrastructure that would enhance broadband penetration across the country.

Since the licensing, InfraCos were faced with challenges that hindered the fast rollout of broadband services across the country, a situation that forced one of the InfraCos to return its licence and withdrew its services.

The constitution of the committee, according to NCC, was sequel to the requirements of the new Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and reports of relevant committees set up by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which includes the Inter-Ministerial Review Committee on Multiple Taxation on Telecommunications Operators over Right-of-Way (RoW) and the Technical subCommittee on Right-of-Way for Deepening Broadband Penetration in Nigeria.

These requirements and reports are related to the imperative of reviewing the

InfraCo framework to cater for the delays in take-off; change in exchange rate; supply chain and other challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NCC said the committee set up by the commission has met with all licenced InfraCos as well as the preferred bidder for the North Central zone.

The committee is also looking at the challenges facing the InfraCo project, the need for accelerated deployment of fibre infrastructure, and the means of mitigating the exorbitant RoW charges among others.

Thecommissionisalsoworkingactively with the Broadband Implementation Steering Committee as constituted by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy based on the

and well-wishers to celebrate with you on the occasion of your 86th birthday.

“You are a statesman and a Nigerian hero who has continued to contribute to our nation’s progress and unity, even after many years of retirement from service.

“Your relentless crusade for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria has continued to inspire

hope and patriotism in our people.

Many Nigerians see you as a role model to present and future generations of leaders, because of your modesty and principled stand on issues of morality, equity, and accountability.

“My family and I pray God continues to uphold you in peace, strength and sound health. Congratulations, Your Excellency.”

Don’t Use Soldiers to Quell Protests, Gani Adams Warns FG

Nasarawa Reopens Schools Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

ongoing spiritual engagements and service to humanity,” the president added.

In his goodwill message, Jonathan prayed to God to continue to grant the former head of state peace, strength and sound health.

In the goodwill message he personally signed, the former president said: “It is with great joy that I join your family, friends

recommendations and requirements of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).

Giving updates on the status of the InfraCo project at the weekend in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said: “The InfraCo project is dear to the government because of its ability to enhance robust and pervasive broadband infrastructure to drive service availability, accessibility and affordability.

“We are keen on ensuring the project delivers maximum benefits for the economy at large and that is why the ongoing review is very critical to the overall success of the project in line with the new realities of the time.”

Adams in a letter sent to President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday asked him to enter into constructive dialogue with the protesters, saying: “I can’t imagine soldiers being sent to stop the protests. Soldiers are to fight external aggression. We are dealing with peaceful protesters.

It is wrong to give the impression that Nigeria is at war with its citizens. We must do everything possible to promote and defend democratic culture.”

The Yoruba leader also urged the protesters to ensure the process is not hijacked by violent and recalcitrant people, adding: “I condemn violence in all forms.

I strongly condemn the actions of some security operatives that murdered the protesters.

“The list available to me shows that 20 people have been killed across the country. I also condemn in the most profound manner the

killing of any protester or any security official associated with the protests.”

Adams warned that using soldiers to quell protests by civilians have already been declared illegal by a Federal High Court in July 2020, even as he reminded the president that protests have hit many countries this year and none has resorted to using soldiers to suppress the protesters He berated the incidence of violence linked with some protesters in some states, saying: “The protests have been largely peaceful. The resort to violence by a section of the protesters is condemnable. It is uncalled for.

Violence seeks vengeance and creates wounds which scars never heal. Violence diminishes critical thinking, undermines democracy and destroys any noble intention of the protesters. It also questions the quality of those behind the protests.

On the other hand, adoption of a violent response by the state should never be considered an option.

“I saw clips of the attack on the convoy of the Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola. This is distasteful, just as I condemn the violent attacks on the convoy of the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. It’s unfortunate that the incidence in Osun State led to avoidable deaths” He said the killings and violence are ill winds for the Southwest and Nigeria, adding that such attacks might by explored by political interests to plunge the South-west region into a state of emergency.

Adams, therefore, urged President Buhari to see the protest as a form of resistance against systemic failure, corruption, economic and political exclusion, and above all, incompetence at all levels.

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NEWSextra

FG Reopens Eko, Marine Bridges Today After concluding the urgently needed repair works on Eko and Marine Bridges in Lagos, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has directed that both bridges be reopened to traffic today.

The approval for the reopening of the completed First Phase of the repairs on the Bridges by midnight on Sunday, October 18, which was given by the Minister on

Friday was sequel to the report by the contractor handling the projects, Messrs Buildwell Plant & Equipment Industries Limited that the repair works on the first phase had been completed 100 per cent.

In his directives for the reopening of the Bridges, Fashola thanked the residents of the state for their patience, understanding and cooperation while sections of

Nigerians Rate FG, States’ COVID-19 Responses Poor Peter Uzoho Nigerians have rated the response of the federal and state governments to the Coronavirus pandemic in the country poor, a report by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has revealed.

The Report entitled: “Leadership Approval Rating: Citizens’ Perception of Leadership and Governance”, said the current COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the weak capacity of the government to understand and respond to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

The Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, in his address at the public presentation of the report recently, said the respondents were found to be honest in terms of their observations, their perception of official responses to the needs of the people.

“Respondents in the survey knocked the federal and state authorities for poor responses to a pandemic that has hit social, economic and cultural lives of millions of people all over the world.

“The survey revealed respondents’ dissatisfaction with various responses from the federal and Lagos State Governments.”

According to respondents, public officials did not do enough to meet

global standards rated in their poor management of information, public education, swift responses to public health needs, sharing of palliatives and constructive engagement of the critical sector.

The report provided citizen perception of the federal government’s decision making and how such affected the people and perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the highlights of the report, respondents were drawn from the labour force while the survey weighed on gender Suraju said the survey which targeted 1,300 respondents recalled a success 1,150 responses.

He explained that 50 percent of the respondents above 50 years of age said the federal government did not fairly well handle the pandemic while 50 percent of female respondents said the federal government badly handled the responses.

He further explained: “Out of 420 respondents, with 262 male and 155 female, 104 respondents said the governments fairly badly handled the response while 104 female, 231 male said the responses were badly handled.

“The report contains analysis and evaluation of the various citizen perspectives on government responses.

302 Nigerians, SERAP Sue Buhari over Hike in Electricity Tariff, Fuel Price Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 302 Nigerians have filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly over the recent hike in electricity tariff and fuel price.

This was made known in a statement by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, titled ‘SERAP sues Buhari, National Assembly, wants court to declare electricity tariff, fuel price hike illegal’.

The federal government had on September 1 announced a total removal of subsidy from the price of petrol and thereby pushed the price per litre of petrol to N151.

On August 19, 2020, the federal government also announced an increment in the electricity tariff per kilowatt to be paid by Nigerians.

The statement noted that the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of House of

Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, were joined in the suit as defendants.

In the suit number, FHC/ ABJ/CS/330/2020, filed last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja, they are asking the court to “declare illegal, unconstitutional and unfair the recent hike in electricity tariff and fuel price because top-level public officers cannot continue to receive the same salaries and allowances and spend public money to finance a life of luxury for themselves while asking poor Nigerians to make sacrifices.

“An order directing and compelling the RMAFC to cut the salaries, allowances and other emoluments payable to President Buhari, Professor Osinbajo, Lawan and Gbajabiamila, in line with the current economic realities, and principles of justice, fairness, equality, and non-discrimination.”

the bridges were closed.

The minister also directed that members of the public should be informed of any restrictions to traffic while work is ongoing on the second phase of the project.

The minister added that while the completed section of the Eko Bridge (Lagos Island Bound) should be reopened to traffic, work should commence immediately on the Alaka bound side of the project.

Explaining further on the next phase of repair works on the

bridges, the Director in charge of Highways (Bridges and Designs) in the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Adeoye, said work was taking off without the need for either partial or complete closure of the Bridges, adding, however , that the public would be informed adequately should such a step become necessary.

The 1,350 metre Eko Bridge, built in phases between 1965 and 1975, links the Lagos Island to the Mainland.

It was closed to traffic in March

this year in order to replace faulty joints and bearings.

But, as a result of COVID-19 lockdown, actual repair works commenced in the first week of June.

Work commenced in May on the first of the three phases in which repair works on the Marine Bridge was divided. The repairs on the bridge, which is part of a network of complex bridges with several loops taking traffic in and out of the Apapa area of Lagos, included jacketing and

skin repairs of the piers, lifting the bridge section deck in order to change the electrometric bearing, milling and placing a new wearing course of asphalt among others.

The repair works on the Eko and Marine Bridges is part of the ongoing federal government’s bridge maintenance programme which involves the repairs and rehabilitation of over 37 bridges nationwide with a substantial number already completed while others are at different stages of completion.

FIGHTING PORT CONGESTION…

L-R: Managing Director, Dala Dry Port, Mr. Ahmed Rabiu; Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello; Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; and Managing Director, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, Mr. John Jenkins, during the assessment tour of Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited by the Kano State governor held at the Tin Can Island Port, in Lagos…weekend

N’Assembly’s Nod Not Required for Buhari To Deploy Army, Say Senators Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Some members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly have said that President Muhammadu Buhari would not require the approval of the legislature to deploy soldiers to quell the EndSARS protests across the country.

Three Senators across

party divides who spoke to THISDAY on condition of anonymity in the wake of the closed-door meeting held yesterday between President Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly over the EndSARS protests, ruled out the possibility of the Executive approaching the legislative arm to seek its nod to roll out army tanks and personnel to

stop the EndSARS nationwide protests.

The three senators, including a female senator were unanimous in ruling out any legislative order to end the crisis caused by the excesses of the disbanded Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which culminated in the EndSARS protests sustained in the last 11 days by youths in

different parts of the country.

A ranking senator said that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) made it very clear that the President as Commander-in -Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces is at liberty to deploy soldiers to any part of the country with a view to maintaining law and order.

#EndSARS Protests: Ekiti CP Condemns Destruction of Police Station, Others Victor Ogunje inAdoEkiti As some youths under the guise of #EndSARS nationwide protest allegedly launched attack on a police station in Ekiti State last Saturday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Babatunde Mobayo, has warned against such act, saying the rights of the people should not be trampled upon during any peaceful mass action.

The police commissioner said the

attack on the police station at Ikere Ekiti was not only condemnable, but barbaric.

The police boss insisted that whether the attack was carried out by #EndSARS protesters, hijackers or hoodlums, violent protest won’t be tolerated in the state, “because it infringes on the rights of the citizens.”

Some protesters branded as “hoodlums” by the police had last Saturday attacked the Ikere Divisional Police Station, and damaged the

building and four vehicles parked within the premises of the station.

Describing the action as an onslaught on the police, Mobayo restated that no property belonging to individual, corporate body or government should be attacked during any protest perceived to be peaceful, legal and masses-oriented.

Mobayo, in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Abutu, yesterday said: “On October 17, 2020, a group of

hoodlums in their large numbers in the name of protest went wild and attacked IkereArea Command as well as Ikere Divisional Police headquarters, destroying items worth millions of naira in the process.

“Part of the items destroyed included theArea Command and the divisional headquarters’ fences/gates, divisional headquarters’signposts,about 40 window glasses, four vehicles, and the roof of a building close to the station, among others.

Katsina Moves to End Perennial Water Scarcity Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has said the Ajiwa water treatment plant, after the ongoing revitalisation and installation of equipment, will supply 50 million litres of potable water daily to residents in the state.

He said the perennial water scarcity facing most communities in the state, including Katsina, the state capital, would soon be

eradicated to enhance constant water supply in the state.

Masari, who was speaking yesterday shortly after inspecting the ongoing work at the treatment plant in Ajiwa, said his administration would not relent until the acute water shortage afflicting the state is stemmed.

THISDAY gathered that Ajiwa water treatment plant was constructed and inaugurated in the 70’s but was later abandoned by the previous administrations

despite serving the state capital and its environs.

Masari, while lamenting that work projects are capital intensive, said the second phase of Ajiwa water works project would focus on how to provide additional 20 million litres of water to residents of the state.

According to him, “We have completely rehabilitated the Ajiwa Dam, and if you go inside the chemical room, the pumps and the filters have been changed. What is left

now is the pump house, and we have done 75 per cent because two pumps have been installed and the third one is waiting for installation.

“By the time the third pump is installed and other works here, civil, mechanical and electrical, are completed, the Ajiwa water works will be able to be producing 50 million litres per day, which will be taking to Katsina for distribution in addition to what is coming from Zobe Dam.”

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Dabiri-Erewa Denies FG’s Complicity in Arrest of EndSARS Protesters in Egypt The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NDICOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has denied the Nigerian government’s involvement in yesterday’s arrest of some Nigerians protesting against police brutality in Cairo, Egypt.

She also explained that the Nigerians were not arrested at the Nigerian Embassy but at another location.

In a video that surfaced online,

the Nigerians were seen chanting solidarity songs.

While the policemen attempted to disperse them at the Nigerian Embassy, the protesters continuously chanted #EndSARS. One of the protesters in the video explained to the policemen that the protest was not against police authorities in Egypt.

Another protester was heard clarifying that by protesting at the Nigerian Embassy, they are

CAC Withdraws NYCN’s Certificate Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has cancelled and withdrawn the certificate of registration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) over the alleged registration of some overage individuals as members Board of Trustees (BoT).

The commission in a document obtained yesterday noted that the trustees, Dickson Aheh Akoh, Oscar Davide Kalu, Shola Oladeji, and others are above 35 years of age and ineligible to continue to serve as trustees.

CAC in a letter with reference number: COM/SPM/2020/044 dated October 9, 2020, and signed

by Dr. Femi Ogunlade for the Registrar-General addressed to the chairman of BoT titled: ‘Re: Consent of the Board of Trustees to Northumria Solicitors to File New Constitution of the National Youth Council of Nigeria with Corporate Affairs Commission’, revealed that it has cancelled and withdrawn the registration of the association on just and equitable ground.

It read: “The commission also notes that the composition of the

membership of Council is in default of the National Youth Policy and the constitution of the association which prescribe maximum of 35 years to be eligible for election into any office.

“By the above, the following trustees who are above 35 years of age and whose names appeared on the certificate of registration of the association issued on November 3, 2017, are ineligible to continue to serve as trustees.

“Consequently, the commission has cancelled and withdrawn the certificate of registration of the association on just and equitable group.

“You are, therefore, enjoined to submit the original certificate of registration.”

Meanwhile, the National Executive Council (NEC) of NYCN leadership was recently confirmed by the High Court of Federal Capital Territory in a judgment delivered by Justice O. A. Musa on August 12, 2020, suit number: FCT/HC/BW/ CV/181/2020, that Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo is the duly elected president of the youth organisation.

NCWD Lifts 100 Women out of Poverty KuniTyessi inAbuja The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), through its five- day Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training for agricultural development, has succeeded in lifting 100 female farmers out of poverty.

The centre stated that the training was designed to expose participants to the role played by ICT in the development of modern agricultural practices, making it a catalyst in the realisation of the government plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.

The Director-General of the centre, Mrs. Mary Ekpere-Eta, while presenting certificates of attendance and a brand new laptop to each beneficiary, said the training and economic empowerment for women is critical, especially for those in rural areas, through sustainable development programmes with the aim of being self-reliant.

With the theme: ‘ICT for agricultural development’, the DG added that 70 percent of the country’s population which comprises of women and youths, need to harness the power of ICT so that they can participate in the programme and benefit from the information revolution taking place across the country.

She said the training, which has

exposed the participants to global spatial database of land use, food processing, flooding in Nigeria and many other applications, will enable them make informed decisions on what to produce, when and where to produce as well as where to sell products at competitive prices.

According to her, “100 female farmers from different local government areas in the country were assembled for this intensive training after a thorough screening process.

They have been made aware of ICT techniques that can be leveraged for business development, access to finance, marketing and networking strategies, personal security, access to modern agricultural practices among others.

“It is common knowledge that the SDG-5 is aimed at achieving gender equality to empower all women and girls through the use of ICT. As a result, participants were introduced to the global spatial database of land use, food prices, flooding in Nigeria and many other applications, as well as resources online, through which they can gather vital and timely information as farmers and make informed decisions on what to produce, when to produce and where to sell their products at a competitive price.”

believed to be in their country – Nigeria.

A Twitter user, @ DrOlufunmilayo, alleged that “Nigerians were having a peaceful protest in Cairo, Egypt today (Sunday) and the Nigerian Embassy called Egyptian police to arrest them. 20 people now arrested. How can Nigerians be arrested for peaceful gathering in a Nigerian embassy?”

“Consular to Nigeria Embassy in Cairo, Egypt refused to interact with peaceful protesters. They were all arrested shortly after

their demands to speak with the consular,” another tweep, @AdebayoApanpa, added.

But Dabiri, explained that Egypt has rules guiding public gathering.

Dabiri said this while reacting to a tweet by popular actress, Toyin Abraham, who had said, “Aunty Abike @abikedabiri, please we are waiting to hear from you ma. The peaceful protesters that were arrested in Cairo should be released.”

Replying to the tweet, the NIDCOM boss said, “The Egyptian police dispersed them,

then traced them to a very far place. They didn’t arrest them at the mission. They came in a bus driven by an Egyptian. The driver has also been arrested. The mission will do all they can. Egypt is very very strict with its laws.

Nigerian mission did not call Police. In Cairo, gatherings without permits are banned. In Egypt you can’t even travel from one part of the country without a permit to travel from the state you live . They have their own rules which they strictly enforce. https://t.

co/cKpfzmWiqh Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@ abikedabiri) October 18, 2020 “Nigerian mission did not call Police. In Cairo, gatherings without permits are banned.

In Egypt, you can’t even travel from one part of the country without a permit to travel from the state you live in. They have their own rules which they strictly enforce.

“However, the mission will be engaging with the Authorities to see what can be done.”

TAKE HEART…

L-R: Children of the deceased, Mr. Chuks Adichie; Mrs. Chimamanda Adichie; and their mother, Mrs. Grace Adichie, during the burial of the late Professor James Nwoye Adichie, in Umueri, Ezi-Abba village, Abba, Njikoka LGA of Anambra State…recently

NLC Writes Buhari, Kicks against Airports’ Concession The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked against the planned concession of four of the Nigeria’s major airports.

In the letter written to President Muhammadu Buhari and signed by the NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, the union warned the federal government that it would resist vehemently if the concession went ahead without a reconsideration of the facts.

The letter dated October 8, 2020, was entitled, ‘The Nigeria Labour Congress rejects the plan to concession Nigeria’s major airports’, asked the government to consider other viable and sustainable ways of managing airports and attracting new capital

for expansion and development.

It highlighted ideas like Green Field Concession and Corporatisation or full autonomy of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) instead of the planned concession which would end up adding no value at all to the airports being concessioned for 20 years while some private pockets were filled.

The letter read in part, “First, is the Green Field Concession where investors are invited to make fresh investments in clearly delineated areas of deficit in our airports’ infrastructure including terminal expansion, runway expansion and upgrading of critical aviation equipment and facilities. Such investments should be recouped

from the additional revenue from the patronage and services accruing from the use of the upgraded facilities.

“Another alternative is to corporatise FAAN. Here, government should retain 45 per cent equity share while the remaining 55 per cent is broken down for public acquisition.

This is the model adopted in such climes as South Africa in a similar situation as we. This would help build investor confidence while assuaging the concerns of labour.

“Another way to optimise infrastructure layout, service delivery, revenue generation and served markets is to ensure the complete autonomy of FAAN as is the case in Ethiopia. This should be void of

political meddlesomeness which has been the bane of the efficient performance of Nigeria’s aviation sector.”

It also argued that due process had not been followed in the concession process.

The congress said, “Your Excellency, Mr President, Organised Labour is also miffed that due process as prescribed by our Public Procurement and Concession laws and the laws governing our aviation sector has been flung to the dogs by the peddlers of this toxic pill designed to shortchange, enslave and pillage the Nigerian people. A few instances would suffice.

Rail: Amaechi Tasks Engineers on Environmental Impact Kasim Sumaina and Sunday Okobi The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, at the weekend tasked the contractors and engineers handling the Lagos-Ibadan railway project to as a matter of urgency assess the impacts of the project on host communities.

This is even as he stated that the 157-kilometre Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge project was coming to an end, though did not state the exact date, adding that there has been huge improvement on the stations, from what he saw in his previous visit.

Amaechi gave the directive while briefing journalists shortly after the monthly inspection tour at Moniya station in Ibadan, Oyo State.

While charging the engineers to take a village-by-village study to see what impact the

rail project must have caused to the communities, vis-a-vis the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), said: “It is unfair not to listen to the communities, after they have given their support to the government.

“We are being unfair to these communities because they gave us all the cooperation we wanted.

If these communities have been good to us, why do we want to visit them with what was not there before we came?”

He further noted that the communities have written to him severally over lack of adequate overhead crossing and underpasses, as well as erosion caused by the project, but nothing has been done to their complaints.

“These communities will write, when they write, I will vet it to the permanent secretary of the ministry, and the permanent secretary will vet it to the Director

of Rail, and I wouldn’t hear about it again.

“The engineers should take a village-by-village study to see what impact the rail line must have caused to that communities,” the minister added.

Speaking also, the Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Fidet Okhiria, said arrangements are being made for communities to have pedestrian crossing-overhead or underpasses-adding that they will be done gradually as all the roads cannot be closed at once to avoid gridlock.

Okhiria noted that the narrow gauge is being vandalised especially in the Middle Belt-Benue and Nasarawa State-noting also that vandals are also taking things in Apapa but not as rampant as what is being done in the East and Middle Belt.

The Chairman of the Board

of NRC, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, in his remark, said in the course of the project, the management of NRC sat with Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and agreed on areas where overhead crossing and bridges would be constructed.

Musa stress that they agreed that some bridges and overhead crossing would be constructed by the federal government, while others will be done by the state governments.

According to him, “For instance, we constructed new two-line bridges at Costain in Lagos and brought down the old ones to enable us have access. The people are still asking for more; but they will be considered based on merit and the finances available on the ground as it is not every request that can be met.”

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MONDAY 0CT0BER 19, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Protesters in Edo Turn Protest into Funfair Kwara gov condemns attacks on protesters Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The #EndSARS protesters in Nigeria, mostly youths, have turned the busy Ekenwan road in Benin-city, Edo State, to football pitch as they also created bonfires

and prepared rice on the road to feed themselves.

This is coming as the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday condemned the attacks on the peaceful #EndSARS protesters in some parts of Ilorin,

Onochie’s Nomination: APC is BehindViolations, Abuses in Nigeria, PDP Alleges Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to justify President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of his aide and frontline APC member, Ms. Lauretta Onochie, as a national commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) has confirmed that APC is the brain behind the series of constitutional violations, abuse of human rights and impunity bedeviling Nigeria in the last five years.

The PDP said such provocative, arrogant and disdainful display of impunity by the APC and its administration, particularly in the violation of rules and crass abuse of apparatus of power like the police, is responsible for the growing tension, remonstration

and social restiveness currently threatening the national cohesion.

The party said in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, that the PDP and Nigerians were shocked that the APC deployed an impostor as spokesperson to issue a statement to justify the brazen violation of paragraph 14 of the 3rd Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which forbids a person involved in partisan politics to hold office as a member of INEC. According to the PDP, “After a critical analysis of the statement and other offensive comments by the APC in support of constitutional violations and abuse of rights, no one is left in doubt that the APC, as a party, is bent on triggering crisis and destroying the unity of our dear country, seeing that it has no place in the future of Nigeria.

Bauchi Gov Urges Elected LG Chairmen to Be Closer to their People Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed has charged the newly elected chairmen of the local government areas Chairmen of the 20 LGAs of the state to be closer to their people.

The governor gave the advice at the swearing in ceremony of the elected Chairmen held yesterday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi.

Mohammed said working closely with their people at the grassroots would enable them justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.

The governor, who said their tenure is for a period of two years, noted that, their political career is connected to the success or failure of the tasks assigned to them.

He called on them to

pay serious attention to the management of the scare resources by concentrating on projects and programmes that will add value to the lives of the rural dwellers.

Mohammed also tasked them to be on the same page with his administration in the ongoing efforts to sanitise the state payroll in order to free resources for the execution of developmental projects.

“I am highly delighted to welcome you to this very historic event - the swearing in ceremony of our newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen, who along with their deputies were successful in a keenly and hotly contested election. It is historic because an election of the type we just witnessed, was last conducted in the state some 12 years ago.”

Sylva Pledges FG’s Support for Indigenous Companies The Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva has pledged the federal government’s support for indigenous oil and gas companies in the country.

Speaking during a tour of facilities of Lee Engineering and Construction Company’s fabrication plant, in Warri, Delta State, Sylva said it is through government’s patronage and support that the local content Act can be fully realised.

He noted that Nigeria was

determined to raise the bar in promoting local content in the oil and gas sector.

Sylva maintained that it is only through such deliberate policies that Nigeria can attain full industrialisation and continue to create jobs for Nigerians.

While commending the giant strides made by Lee Engineering and Construction Company in promoting local content in the oil and gas sector, he said the government would support the company to achieve greater heights.

the state capital, describing the violent attacks as despicable and intolerable.

In Edo State, the bonfire and complete blockage of the sloppy end of the road hindered commuters going to Upper Ekewan road, Ugbiyioko, Evbuotubu, and other areas, as some were seen stranded while other came down from the vehicle coming from Ring Road (centre of the city) and started trekking several kilometres before

getting another vehicles to their destinations.

The protesting youths demanded totally reformation of the Nigeria Police, government agencies, parastatals, and complete restructuring of the Nigeria state.

Speaking to journalists on behalf of the protesters, Collins Omorogie said though the protest was against the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) and its injustice meted on Nigerians, “the injustice in the country as of today cuts across

board, hence they are demanding justice in all spheres.”

Omorogie, who wrapped himself with the Nigeria green and white wrapper during the protest, said injustice is apparent across the three arms of government in the country.

“The injustices in our three arms of government and in other areas are what we are protesting against today in the strongest term. We are saying ‘no to corruption, nepotism, embezzlement, quack leadership

among other anomalies,” he stated.

The mouthpiece of the protesters lamented that even with the high number of educated people in the country, unemployment is going higher, as he further lamented that people in less developed countries with lesser education live better than Nigerians.

He said the act of knowing influential persons in the country before an ordinary person could get to a position or better job should put to an end.

PROMOTING LOCAL CONTENT…

Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva (left), and Executive Chairman, Lee Engineering Group, Mr. Leemon Ikpea, during the minister’s tour of the company’s fabrication plant in Warri, Delta State...weekend

Absenteeism:Yobe APC Stakeholders Call for Buni’s Removal from Office Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Yobe State has called on the state House of Assembly to begin the removal of the state Governor, Mai Mala Buni, due to his unavailability in the state to discharge his constitutional duties as governor of the state.

Buni, who also doubles as the caretaker chairman of the APC, has been away from the state since he accepted the responsibility

to direct the affairs of the party following the sack of the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

The Buni-led committee was mandated by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the APC to reconcile the aggrieved members of the party, as well as conduct election for new party executives for the smooth running of the party.

But while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja,

the leader of the group, Mr. Hussain Muhammad, said the position of the stakeholders in the state was that Buni has become a self-serving governor who failed and betrayed his people when they needed him most.

Against this background, he stressed that it has become very expedient to draw the attention of the public, especially the state House of Assembly, to the aberration of having a governor who is non-functional.

Muhammad said: “We, therefore, call on the state House of Assembly to begin the impeachment process if he fails to resign as a governor.

In the event that he is no longer interested in being the governor, we have many qualified people who can fit in and save our party and people in the state.”

He pointed out that Buni was not elected as APC chairman but as the governor of the state, and swore to obey the constitution.

Protests are against Incompetent, Dishonest Leadership, Says Catholic Bishop Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye, has described the ongoing #EndSARS nationwide protests as agitations against incompetent and dishonest leadership in the country.

He said the protests were beyond the facade of protests for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), saying it was an anger against what he termed incompetent,

dishonest, recycled leadership and mistrust between the leaders and the led.

The cleric stated this yesterday in his sermon entitled: ‘The Journey of Faith: Success Without Worthy Successor is Failure in Reality’, being a thanksgiving service to mark the second year tenure of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Present at the thanks giving were the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu;

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi; Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Funminiyi Afuye; former Deputy Governors Abiodun Aluko and Modupe Adelabu; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Chief Niyi Adebayo, among others.

Addressing the congregation, Bishop Ajakaye appealed to the protesters to ceasefire and allow the government to act

on their five-point demands.

According to him, “They should also bear in mind that there are police that are not brutal. On July 30, 2020, police accosted me in Adebayo area.

If you saw how they treated me, I thank God I was not killed, if I had been killed, a lot would have been said. If they could do that to a man in cassock, what would they do to an ordinary man? Though, I reported to the police authorities, nothing was done till date.

Professor James Nwoye Adichie Officially Laid to Rest Professor James Nwoye Adichie, father of renowned writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was recently committed to earth in his hometown of Abba, Njikoka LGA of Anambra State.

This was preceded by a vigil mass at Professor Adichie’s compound, Umueri, Ezi-Abba village, Abba on Thursday, October 8, 2020.

Adichie died on June 10, 2020 at the age of 88, after an illustrious career as a scholar of

international repute whose impact was felt across the continent and the world at large.

The officiating minister during his homily, said Adichie died a good man. He added that Adichie had performed and finished his race on earth and urged his family and those left behind to emulate him. He urged everyone to use his death as a time for sober reflection to become better persons just like Adichie had been until his passing.

Adichie received his PhD in

statistics from the University of California-Berkeley, and went on to become Nigeria’s first professor of statistics in 1976, with his dedicated life’s work done at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he was named professor emeritus in 2016.

Upon his retirement, he lived in his hometown, Abba, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, where he held the traditional title of Odelu-Ora Abba, which literally translates

to “One Who Writes for our community’’ The late university leader was laid to rest in the presence of family and friends who took an active part in his funeral activities. Kinsmen from Abba, royal fathers, members of the academia, top government functionaries, church members and more showed up to honor the late Adichie amid an outpouring of encomiums on a life well lived.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020 Ëž THISDAY

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BACKPAGE CONTINUATION DEMOCRATIC RECESSION: STRONGMAN POLITICS AS UNDERTAKER and in so doing, turning against valid and defined democratic processes many reckon insidiously, will subsume it.

The strongman political instincts of cunningly and sometimes brazenly reducing the very complex calculus of politics to very myopic and simplified arithmetical conversions and principles will lead any democracy to doom and anarchy. The prevalent talk in town , is that the executive arm of this government has castrated and rendered the legislature and the judiciary impotent and incapable of acting independently and providing the necessary checks and balances required in any virile democracy.

The prevalence of this administration’s authoritarianism is gaining momentum reminiscent of the President’s past actions when he was a military dictator, between 1983 and 1985. When Buhari overthrew the democratically – elected government of Shehu Shagari, he promulgated lawless decrees that indiscriminately jailed journalists and other citizens. Some unlucky citizens were killed by firing squad. His military junta committed several violations including the movie-like failed abduction, kidnap and crating of Umaru Dikko in a foreign land with the intention of forcefully bringing the politician back to Nigeria to face “justice�

Since assumption of power as a democratically elected president in 2015, Buhari has come under intense scrutiny and criticism for acting as if he were still a military ruler. He has blatantly violated several rules of law and democratic norms. A few of these violations include rampant disregard of court orders, thereby undermining the authority of the Judiciary and, wantonly trampling the constitutional and human rights of citizens.

The strongman style of politics in an autocratic manner, has caused the detention of the former NSA Sambo Dasuki, Ibrahim el-Zakzakky the Islamic cleric and his wife, Omoyele Sowore a journalist, amongst many others, despite court orders granting them bail. Also the raids on judges homes and courts, and the National Assembly by the DSS, the secret police that reports directly to the president. That these pugnacious acts were done in the interest of national security, is a blatant abuse of power and is highly contemptuous.

The political and economic atmosphere in Nigeria today is deepened in despair and constantly fueling disenchantment that is threatening the very fabrics of our existence as a democracy. I believe that the exacerbation of non - democratic styles of governance are the greatest threat facing our democracy and are forcing our already battered down precedents, leveling norms, and demolishing properly constituted institutions. From all indications, it is regrettably evident that our politicians and indeed those in leadership, have seized these moments to inevitably eclipse power and that the resultant destruction of all we hold dear, will soon follow.

This essay seeks to offer a cautionary tale about how quickly a robust democracy can be weakened and destroyed when actions not taken, can inimically bode ill for the smooth functioning of a democracy. The weaknesses inherent in our already less than robust democratic institutions and structures, are decisive and divisive driving forces and factors that when confronted by, or with authoritarian impulses, spell catastrophic disasters and collapse for the system.

Someone once asked me to explain to him how a President Buhari who rode into power in 2015 as a populist, has suddenly become remarkably unpopular. I found the answer in so many spheres. But what came to my mind as a political scientist, is first, the coercive and “strongman� positions he has taken and exhibited in almost all his actions and proclamations. Instead of persuasion, he has consistently deployed what many perceive as “aggressiveness� in combating issues. This

Buhari is to the peril of a clearly recognized and more embracing political dialogue - induced dealings and tools required in a pluralistic democracy, that should be encased on common heritage. The idea of doing things based only on instincts, body language, personal values or ideals, has backfired spectacularly against Buhari, as public opinion on most of his agenda is turning sour.

Can we survive this onslaught on our democracy? My take is that our country’s history is rife with powerful and strongman leaders and groups that, after professing their love and commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law in their bid to win elections , turn around and deploy anti - democratic ways. These people always lose this fight, and in all the cases, democracy prevailed.

Going by the economic prosperity and seemingly stable political climate existing in the world’s powerful authoritarian countries; China and Russia, the question of the terrible democratic recession the majority of the world’s democracies are witnessing is very troubling. Is it that economic boom that China and Russia are experiencing despite their political system is a sign or signal that democracy is no longer a preferred system of government? The fact that the cumulative GDP of autocracies may be exceeding that of Western liberal democracies is making good argument for dictatorship. Is this what is about to be manifested in Nigeria?

Are we not experiencing populist dictatorship in Nigeria, where our rulers come to power by all means necessary, and thereafter, deploy these so called victories to arrogate absolute powers to themselves by diminishing and weakening the independence of other key and parallel institutions.

It is certainly evident that these erosions of democratic institutions are on – going as we see that the judiciary; the legislature are all almost, but rubber stamp lame arms of the executive in whose stead is the apparent

curtailing of the ability of the opposition parties to effectively organize to contest or even realistically win elections. The critical element of a free and fair press is under threat and gravely undermined. Under these highly undesirable conditions, as the strongman rulers consolidate their strangle-hold on the system, the outlook for our democracy is so miserably bleak and in jeopardy.

It is relatively and precariously safe to imagine that once an authoritarian ruler takes some level of obscene control over other democratic institutions; in Nigeria’s case; the judiciary, the legislature, the electoral body (INEC), then the doom is cast over our democracy, our freedom, liberty and justice. But, like many well – meaning citizens of our country, I rely on the antecedents of world history, that almost always ascertain that all kinds of dictatorships have been remarkably vulnerable to democratic forces and challenges.

Authoritarian regimes or governments anywhere in the world pose grave dangers to its citizen’s value for liberty, freedom, collective self – determination and self – worth. Without the existence of those values, the society no matter how prosperous will eventually have legitimacy problems that will invariably affect political and economic growth leading to staggering levels of upheavals, corruption and instability.

I perceive that the crisis and shock our political systems are suffering from today, may be as a result of the disruption caused by Buhari’s waning popularity. The lack of genuine victories in the elections purportedly won by the ruling party, paints a desperate picture of the dubiousity of the party’s popularity.

What then follows in the game of acquiring, storing and dispensing political power, is that the ruler will step up all gimmicks in the game to retain power by increasing the levels of oppression. We are inevitably witnessing drastic electoral malpractices, election violence,

jailing of opposition politicians and journalists, sacking of judges and civil servants and replacing them with political lackeys, etc. The more the anti democratic characters are rejected by the citizens, the more they become more dictatorial and authoritarian. Hypothetically, the fall of these regimes are imminent, as the citizens are wont to recognize these types of governments as unsuitable for what they were brought in for, creating an extensive legitimacy problems for the dictators and their regimes.

So many years after independence, Nigerians have tasted freedom and liberty, and have enjoyed relative self-determination. Citizens of this country will always long for freedom when they remember the military dictatorships of the past and the unpleasant effects of those oppressive and unwanted regimes.

Is Buhari a strongman politician? Is he using his almost diminishing and illusive populist powers to subvert democracy? The prevailing new orthodoxy in my view, thinks and believes that his high level of extensive levers of powers over our democratic institutions, and the other arms of government, are intensely overbearing.

This is desperately horrible for our democracy.

My fear, is that the continuing pursuit of these treacherous paths by this government, or any other government, will lead us down a devastating slippery slope of erratic policies and actions that will jeopardize and subvert the political environment causing massive economic and social crisis.

Critics of Buhari’s government have excoriated his administration as probably one of the worst civilian governments ever witnessed in the lifespan of the country’s democratic experiment.

These critics strongly questioning its threshold of imminent intolerance of dissenting views or opinions on issues of national interests and on its conducts and interference in the electoral process and practices that are antithetical to the tenets of democracy.

The devastating consequences of strongman politics are just too many. The country as a direct result, is mired in intractable political crisis, ethnic rivalry and conflict, economic degradation and decline. All this malaise threaten the continuing existence of the country as one indivisible unit, and places it on a precariously dangerous trajectory constantly lurching from one crisis to another.

The tendency for a strongman politician to engage in extreme cronyism, as is the case where the President, is appointing and elevating mostly people from his enclave and religion to high offices and making it a norm, is flourishing. Our barren anti – nepotism law and the concept of federal character as enshrined in our impotent constitution, should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny. The adverse effects of these anachronistic behaviours of the strongman ruler are so strong, perilous, and infectious, that one wonders whether our already weak and fragile political system can withstand and even endure, without a catastrophic collapse, the suffocating onslaught.

In my mind and in those of many scholars of Political Philosophy and Thought, the words of Niccolo Machiavelli in the “Princeâ€? is quite instructive to our dictators when Machiavelli admonished that the ruler “who becomes master of a city accustomed to freedomâ€? would never find peace or sleep easy. “When it rebels, the people will always be able to appeal to the spirit of freedom, which is never forgotten, despite the passage of time and any benefits bestowed by the new ruler‌.. if he does not foment internal divisions or scatter the inhabitants, they will never forget their lost liberties and their ancient institutions, and will immediately attempt to recover them whenever they have an opportunity.â€?

OUR RULERS and the oppressed, ARE YOU LISTENING? rAnueyiagu writes from Lagos

ODOEMENE: A GOOD MAN IS GONE life all through.

Even with the demands of his career, he remained a family man. He had 8 children and he ensured that all of them were not only well educated to post graduate levels but that each had a career to pursue. The last of his children is currently pursuing a PHD programme in the USA. At the last count, there were 21 grandchildren all to his credit. The matriarch of the house and his wife of 53 years, stood by him and seĴled with the children in agos as Chief Odoemene moved from one location to another as duty demanded. He was later to “oin her in agos when he retired from Service as Comptroller of Customs, Bayelsa State in 1999.

Sir Odoemena was a devoted Christian and practised his catholic faith till the last day.

He belonged to the St. Joseph’s Society and

participated in most activities of the church.

The high point of his service to the church community was when he was inaugurated as a fourth degree Knight of St. Mulumba by the Catholic Church in 2003. He was actively involved in the service of the community. He was highly revered in his community and was recognised as an Ezeji. He was conferred with several Chieftaincy titles, amongst which was “Ugbo Na Akwo Aku� of Nguru Mbaise.

He supported a lot of families and helped indigent children by puÄ´ing them in school and paying their fees.

He remained an intellectual, even while in uniform as he was at some point in charge of Research and Planning of the Nigerian Custom Service. Before he passed, he had published two books and a number of research papers and reports.

My father in law and I had a special relationship especially after he took over the role of being a father to me from the moment I lost my biological father in 1994. There was hardly any major decision that I needed to take that I would not run by him, either to get his opinion or where necessary, his consent.

When about three years ago he became ill, we spared no eěort in ensuring that he had the best medical care available. He recovered quite remarkably and was managing the situation of his health very well. With the coronavirus, I made eěorts to see him one of the weekends but shelved the idea, convincing myself that being in the vulnerable bracket, I should wait for the pandemic to be over. iĴle did I know that our meeting wasn’t going to be. To my consternation, death was lurking around in the corner, such that when that call came by

2am Monday May 25, I was sure that he was going to be alright. Two hours later, another call came from the hospital that he had passed on.

I have no doubt that it was the way that God had predestined it. But we would have loved to stay together and bid him farewell before he embarked on this long but irreversible trip. Nevertheless, we cannot question God. We consider ourselves very privileged and are indeed very grateful to God almighty for giving us this rare human being as a father, father in law, and grandfather. It is a rare honour to have shared our world with him.

We are in no doubt that he will rise again on that resurrection morning when the trumpet shall sound. We shall meet him again to part no more. Until then, we bid you farewell Papa.

Good night Ugbo Na Akwo Aku!. It is well with your soul.

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Ëœ ͚Π˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Owolabi Blasts Rohr, Insists the German ‘Technically DeďŹ cient’ Duro Ikhazuagbe Former Green Eagles left winger, Felix Owolabi, has joined the growing list of Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the manner German Coach, Gernot Rohr, is managing the senior national football team after over four years in charge.

Owolabi who holds a doctorate degree in Physical Education for several years was a regular face in the Green Eagles and won the country’s

first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. He was also part of the success story of IICC Shooting Stars where he played club football for a decade and half.

Speaking yesterday during a Sportsville programme on Channels Television, Owolabi expressed disappointment at the poor playing pattern of the three-time African champions in the two friendly matches against Algeria and Tunisia in Austria. “I watched the games against Algeria and Tunisia. I saw that

we paraded players who have the potentials but are playing under a coach who has no sense of direction,� observed the ex international fondly called Owoblow.

He insisted that he is not basing his assessment of Rohr on the results from the two matches but the lack of direction and any known playing style. “I am not looking at the result but the quality of play which

was lacklustre. “In the game against Algeria in particular, we played like a team that has no character‌in fact I didn’t even know who was playing what role, from the attack to the midfield down to the defence. “Somebody should tell Rohr that he has tested enough.

Enough of testing. After going to the World Cup with the youngest team and going to the Nations Cup in Egypt

building a team, he can’t after four year say he is still building a team,� the ex international stressed.

Owolabi was particularly irritated by the continued snubbing of players from the domestic league in preference for only overseas based players. “Rohr must look inward to build a solid national team. He cannot continue

to overlook the nation’s domestic league.�

Unlike during his era with the Green Eagles when players were contented with wearing the nation’s jersey, Owolabi demands more commitment from the Super Eagles players “Our players are not playing with commitment‌I don’t see that hunger to deliver in their play,â€? concludes the former Shooting Stars winger.

Oshoala Scores First Goal of the Season as Barcelona Femeni Crush Huelva Super Falcons Captain, Asisat Oshoala, scored her first goal of the 2020/21 Spanish Primera Iberdrola campaign as Barcelona crushed Sporting Huelva 6-0 yesterday.

Having failed to find the back of the net in two matches, the Nigerian striker’s opener inspired her team’s extension of their winning streak in the Spanish top-flight as they claimed their third straight victory.

The defending champions made a brilliant start to the contest as Mariona Caldentey’s perfect pass allowed Oshoala to score her first league goal of the season for her side after just five minutes.

Three minutes later, Kheira Hamraoui doubled the lead for Barcelona before Alexia Putellas netted a third six minutes from half-time.

After the restart, Caldentey got on the scoresheet with a fourth of the match 10 minutes into the second half before Caroline Graham Hansen made it five for

the visitors in the 76th minute.

Two minutes later, Caldentey bagged her second assist of the match as she teed up substitute Bruna Vilamala to wrap up the big victory.

Oshoala, who was in action for 68 minutes before she was taken off for Vilamala has now scored one goal in three matches this term.

On the other hand, Spanishborn Gambian Fatoumata Kanteh featured in the opening 45 minutes for Sporting Huelva before she was replaced by Cinta Del Mar. The victory took Barcelona two points clear at the top of the Spanish Iberdrola table with nine points after three games while Sporting Huelva languish at the bottom with no points after two outings.

After the international break, Sporting will visit Sevilla in their next league outings on November 1, while Barcelona welcome Real Betis on the same day.

LMC, Next Digital Refute Reported Rift Between the Companies The League Management Company (LMC) and Next Digital Broadcasting Company Limited (Next Digital) at the weekend reaffirmed that there is no rift between the two companies and asked the public to discountenance pronouncements made by individuals or persons who do not represent them.

The statement signed by the leadership of both organisations last Friday read in part, “It has come to the attention of the League Management Company Ltd (LMC) and Next Digital Broadcasting Company Ltd (Next Digital) “that, certain persons have taken it upon themselves to publish either by themselves or through others unauthorised, views and comments about the business and commercial relationship between LMC and Next Digital. Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt and as a matter of records we hereby state as follows: “That our companies have not at any time or under any guise authorized or mandated any individual or persons to pronounce upon or disseminate

documents concerning the commercial and contractual relationship of our companies.

Secondly, “That any individual or persons who purport to pronounce upon our contractual relationship for or against either of our companies does so unauthorized, unsolicited and such individual or persons are busybodies and meddlesome interlopers. “That both LMC and Next Digital reaffirm that they at one point, entered into a commercial relationship for the clear objectives of developing NPFL and indeed Nigeria football, which has now ended and been superseded. We affirm our mutual understanding and clear resolution of any miscommunication and, hereby confirm that all contentious matters between the companies have been resolved amicably. “That in particular, Next Digital acknowledges the LMC/Redstrike Group Strategic Partnership for the development of the NPFL Commercial Rights.

L-R: Ex Internationals, Peter Rufai; Taribo West and Jonathan Akpoborie; with Convener, Women Arise, Pastor (Mrs) Siju Iluyomade; Miss United Nation, Hadassah Ibinyingi -Allaputa and Head of Ikoyi, Bourdillon Cluster during the Arise Walk for Life 2020 (#Staying Alive) in Lagos‌ at the weekend ABIODUN AJALA

Osimhen’s First Serie A Goal Excites Napoli Manager, Gattuso Napoli Manager Gennaro Gattuso has expressed his joy after Victor Osimhen scored his first Serie A goal in their 4-1 victory over Atalanta on Saturday.

The 21-year-old sealed

the Blues’ win moments before the half-time break after Hirving Lozano’ brace and an effort from Matteo Politano had given his side a comfortable lead. “I’m happy for Chucky’s

Victor Osimhen (left) and Gennaro Gattuso celebrating the Nigerian striker’s first Serie A goal for Napoli at the weekend

brace, but Osimhen’s goal makes me happy because he hadn’t scored so far and he deserved it for the hard work done for the team,� Gattuso told the club website. “Victor was my wish and I thank the President for having satisfied me. It wasn’t easy but we have bought a player who is very important to us.�

Having accomplish all I thought was impossible for me through GOD, now I know better, time for some limitless goals and desire. GOD is the greatest,� he responded after the match.

The AFCON 2019 bronze winner with Nigeria in Egypt had controlled goalkeeper David Ospina’s long ball before beating Marco Sportiello with his fine effort, which ultimately rendered Sam Lammers’ second-half strike a mere consolation for Atalanta.

Osimhen celebrated his goal in a spectacular manner when he joined thousands of Nigerians who are calling for an end to police brutality in the West African country.

The forward teamed up with the Stadio San Paolo outfit in July for a club-record fee of â‚Ź70 million from French side Lille.

Osimhen made an immediate impact with the Blues, scoring a number of breath-taking goals during the 2020-21 pre-season.

Napoli’s victory over Atalanta ensured they returned to winning ways after losing against champions Juventus last time out.

Osimhen will be expected to continue with his impressive performances at Stadio San Paolo when his side takes on AZ Alkmaar in a Europa League game on Thursday.

‘Anambra Stadium Will be Ready for Action Dec 28’ The new Anambra Sports Stadium in Awka would be ready to host her first game, a Community Shield encounter on December 28 this year, less than three months after work commenced at the arena.

CEO of Monimichelle, Ebi Egbe, who is handing the project, confirmed at the weekend that the arena would be ready when he played host to Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano who paid an unscheduled visit to the site midweek.

Obiano who was impressed with the pace of work done so far, commended Monimichelle.

He said he was not surprised being a FIFA certified contractor with an impeccable track record of constructing over eight quality turfs all over the country.

Obiano said his administration is set to leave a lasting infrastructural legacy for the people of Anambra with the arena which he noted would be world- class with facilities to take care of special athletes.

While assuring the governor that he would deliver the job by the December 28 date, Egbe said the playing turf he is laying at the arena “Is FIFA-approved hybrid synthetic turf with the latest revolutionary pitch cooling system with a 12-14 year wearing warranty.

Egbe stressed confidence that the athletics track is a Full PU-cast track with minimum 14-year warranty. “What we are installing here is the best money can buy in

the athletics and football world.

We are constructing an arena all Anambra indigenes would be proud of and I want to thank his Excellency, Gov Obiano for giving us the opportunity to showcase what we can do,� Egbe said.

Chairman of the Anambra Sports Commission, Chief Tony Oli said the Anambra Community Shield would be played at the brand new stadium on December 28, declaring that Gov. Obiano is out to change the face of sports in the state.

Ëœ ͸ ͸ ͚Π˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

55

MONDAYSPORTS

#EndSARS: Why Sports MustTake a Stand

F

rom Lagos to Port Harcourt, Benin to Abuja, Kaduna to Owerri, the protests across the nation is gradually building into a movement of sorts as the youths are throwing themselves into it totis viribus. Everyone is joining to condemn the menace of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in particular and police brutality as a whole. Their action has been a broth long in the brew.

Men of this special police squad have lived as an authority to themselves totally disregarding the constitution and using their assault weapons as a torture instrument on the populace, especially the youths.

These young Nigerians have been arrested and incarcerated for being technology savvy, some for being financially successful, some for having a laptop, an iPhone or just a backpack. There have been reports that outward appearance too is a cause for arrest. A dreadlocked hair or torn jeans makes you a suspect for these dirty looking non-uniformed gun-wielding police squad. Once arrested, most times whisked away in a shabby commercial bus or unmarked vehicle, these thug-like police take you to unknown destinations. Torture you, take all your money and sometimes force you to ATMs to withdraw cash for them, your cash. All these if you are lucky, because the police squad have been accused of extra-judicial

murder and the victims are most times never found again or sometimes reported as armed robbers. This police squad had become so dreaded that people actually preferred to run into robbers than them. They became more deadly than the virus in which they shared the same name.

The spontaneity and spread of the demonstrations and civil unrest have surprised many, nonetheless, the government who seem incapable of handling this situation. Hired thugs have been deployed to fight these young brave men and women but that has not dampened their enthusiasm. In some cases paid Pro-SARS demonstrators have tried to make these protests a political or ethnic issue without success. There have been some who are even saying it’s a religious and sectional cause. All these divisional tricks politicians have used for years to divide and rule us. But it seems that these tactics are not working now as the crowd numbers, scope and demands grow with each passing day. And most impressively, apart from isolated cases, the protests have been largely peaceful.

The voices to end the SARS brutality have come from far and wide. The majority have been from the entertainment industry. American musicians Big Sean and Trey Songz have been very vocal condemning SARS and calling for the end of police brutality in Nigeria.

Canadian rapper, Drake took

to his Instagram stories where he re-shared a post from Grace Ladoja calling for Nigerians in the UK to join an #EndSARS protest at the Nigeria High Commission in London. Celebrities in South Africa are not left out as rapper, Nasty C slammed the police for the crimes they have committed in the country. American popular radio personality, Kojo Ebro advised the Nigerian government

Adekunle Gold have all been very prominent in the demonstrations in Lagos.

However, it is sad that Nigerian sportsmen and women have been silent in the midst of all these condemnation. For a sector that boasts of over 90 per cent of its participants as youth, the sports industry have been timidly quiet. Icons like Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Jay Jay Okocha,

Team Nigeria athletes at the last Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to fix the menace created by men of the special police unit, SARS. At home it has been the same demography. The entertainment industry has thrown its weight behind the #EndSARS movement physically, online and with funds.

Davido and Wizkid have been present at protests in Abuja and London while Tiwa Savage, Falz, Kate Henshaw, Olamide, Kaffy, Seyi Law, Ycee, Lil Kesh,

Aruna Quadri, Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya, Daniel Igali, Henry Amike, Yusuf Alli, Daniel Amokachi, Segun Odegbami, Victor Moses, Blessing Okagbare, Chika Chukwumerije, Funke Oshonaike and a host of others have not come out vocally at all or enough. It is so sad given the history sportsmen and women have had over the years with the police.

Nigerian quarter miler Dele Udo was about to hit the limelight before he was “mowed down� by a trigger-happy policeman at Ojuelegba, Lagos, as he was training for IAAF event one early morning in 1981. He was a collegiate champion at the University of Missouri in the 1970s and competed in the men’s 400 metres at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Dele Udo and his mates (Sunday Uti, Hope Ezeigbo and Felix Imadiyi) reached only the semifinals of the Moscow Olympics in 1980.

The police shot and killed him and tried to frame him as an armed robber all because of a five Naira bribe.

A Police officer attached to the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ogun State Command killed Remo Stars FC Assistant Captain Tiyamiyu Kazeem earlier this year. The SARS officers flagged the car conveying the players and then labelled Tiyamiyu a “Yahoo Boy� – a term used locally to describe an internet fraudster. The cops then insisted on arresting the players and taking them to their station despite both men having shown their ID cards which identified them as Remo Stars Football Club players. They then took

them to an unknown destination where Tiyamiyu was killed. His teammate, Sanni Abubakar, who was also arrested escaped. The club described Tiyamiyu “as a humble and reliable defender for Remo Stars FC in the 2019/2020 Nigeria National League (NNL).�

The stories are numerous.

Sportsmen have been victims of these police brutality. They must join the musicians, actors and entertainers and push these social demands up. Rather than think that they are discommoding us, we must lend our voices and muscles to the struggle and protest. We have the influence.

We have been used for political rallies and to promote products and legitimate governments. It is now time to use our influence for social justice and become more relevant in the New Nigeria.

Some international sports men are already speaking, Mesut Ozil, Lebron James and a few others have tweeted against SARS, why are Nigerian Sportsmen, the core of the active youths, silent?s.

* EneďŹ ok is an author, Speaker, administrator, Life coach, businessman and Nigeria’s ONLY Male two Time Olympic Medalist

Van Dijk Needs Knee Surgery, Faces Lengthy Lay-off Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk needs surgery on a knee ligament injury sustained in the 2-2 draw at Everton on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Netherlands defender was unable to continue following a rash challenge

by Toffees keeper Jordan Pickford in the first half.

It is unclear how long he will be out for with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

He went for a scan before a specialist confirmed the extent of the damage yesterday.

Returning to action after ACL surgery can take many months and Liverpool will

not specify how long the Dutchman will be out for until after his operation.

Surgery will not be immediate and the operation has yet to be arranged.

Club sources are reluctant to rule out a return to action this season, as much will depend on his rehabilitation.

Van Dijk has been a key figure for Liverpool since signing for them in January 2018 for ÂŁ75m.

He has played every league game for the club in the past two seasons as Liverpool finished second in 2018-19 before winning their first top-flight title in 30 years in 2019-20.

The Dutchman was also a

leading figure for the side as they won the Champions League in 2019 and Club World Cup later that year.

He had played seven times for the Reds this season prior to the Merseyside derby.

Van Dijk’s absence will leave manager Jurgen Klopp with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as his main centre-backs as well as the inexperienced Nathaniel Phillips.

Gomez and Matip have never started a match together as centre-backs for Liverpool. Before Saturday’s Merseyside derby, the last time they both played in that position

for any part of a game was the last hour of the 4-1 defeat by Tottenham in October 2017 at Wembley “It’s huge because of the quality that he brings to Liverpool on the pitch and in terms of his organisational skills,� former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock told BBC Radio 5 live.

“When you look at the central-defensive positions at Liverpool - Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have also had injury problems. Who are the other replacements behind that? Fabinho is who they usually turn to.

It will definitely hinder Liverpool’s defence of the title.�

Midfielder Fabinho

deputised at centre-back in the win at Chelsea earlier this season.

In addition to Liverpool, the Netherlands will be keeping their fingers crossed he will be fit to take part in the postponed Euro 2020, which is now set to take place from 11 June to 11 July 2021.

West Ham Fight Back from Three Goals Down to Share Points with Spurs West Ham came back from three goals down with under 10 minutes to go to rescue a point in an astonishing 3-3 comeback against Tottenham Hotspur.

Manuel Lanzini’s brilliant long-range strike in injury time levelled the scores after Spurs had taken complete control in the opening 16 minutes through two goals from Harry Kane and one from Son Heung-min.

Fabian Balbuena’s header began West Ham’s fightback, with Davinson Sanchez’s own goal giving even more hope with five minutes to go.

Gareth Bale, on as a substitute in his first appearance since his return to Spurs from Real Madrid, missed a great chance

in stoppage time before Lanzini lashed the ball in off goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ fingertips to cap an incredible climax.

West Ham improved markedly in the second half, but when Kane hit the post with 12

minutes to go there was no sign that the final result would be anything other than another win for Spurs.

The result sees Spurs remain in sixth place, while West Ham move up two places into eighth

West Ham players celebrating Lanzini’s late strike to equalise 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur‌yesterday

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford escaped action over this challenge on Virgil van Dijk during the Merseyside derby‌on Saturday

Rivers to Inaugurate Committee on Pre-Season Soccer Tourney The Rivers State Ministry of Sports will today in Port Harcourt inaugurate a committee to organise the 2nd edition of Gov. Wike PreSeason Football Tournament.

The inauguration, expected to be performed by the Rivers Sports Commissioner, Hon Boma Iyaye at the Conference Room of the Ministry, will have in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Sir Honour Sirawoo, FA Chairman in Rivers State,

Chris Green, among others.

Members of the Committee include; Bashir Badawiy (Chairman); Benjamin Akobo (Alternate Chairman); Karika Dima, Member (Technical); Chuks Ezeji, Member (Venue); Olalekan Ige, Member (Publicity); Bright Ogude, Member (Club Liaison); Chris Dorya, Member (Security) and Sepribo Gilbert, (Secretary) The pre-season tournament is expected to have 16 teams, drawn from the Nigerian

Professional Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL).

The tournament is primarily aimed at preparing Nigerian clubs ahead of the 2020/2021 NPFL season and CAF Club competitions.

The state-owned football club, Rivers United is among the teams participating at the tournament that would afford the team the opportunity to test its strength against other clubs.

Monday October 19, 2020

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Price: N250

MISSILE

FG to #EndSARS Protesters

“There is no where in the world where a government will folds its arms and allow the country to descend into anarchy. We are no longer dealing with #EndSARS but a volatile situation that can lead to anarchy if government does not take some very firm steps to protect the lives and livelihood of innocent Nigerians.”

– Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, warning that the federal government will not allow the country to be thrown into anarchy.

ALEXOTTI OUTSIDE THE BOX

alex.otti@thisdaylive.com

Odoemene: A Good Man is Gone “His life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!” - William Shakespeare, ‘Julius Caeser’

T

he family is the nucleus of every society. Once the family falls apart, the rot washes into the larger society and the ills that follow lead to total breakdown and chaos. When you want to know how stable a nation is, start with its tiniest constituent, which is the family.

A strong nation begins with a strong family structure. Similarly, leadership is important at every tier of society, beginning from the nuclear family structure. As they say in Latin, ȁminimis ędelis’ Ȯ be faithful in liĴle things. It is the ability to manage the seemingly small things that lead to success in managing the complex ones. When societies are made up of families that have strong leaders, you can rest assured that such societies will meet any challenge that is thrown at them. Strong family values are consistent with strong societal values.

It was sometime in 1991, the year Madonna released the hit song, ȁJustify My Love’, and Whitney Houston also came with her ‘All The Man That I Need’. Love, obviously, was in the air for me. I had met my wife to be and as I quickly found out, she was living under some man’s roof. As a maĴer of fact, she was his ęrst daughter and the fatherȦdaughter love

Odoemene between them was very strong. I was able to manoeuvre and meet her mother after numerous entreaties. When her mother eventually met me, she received me well but said nothing commiĴing. Clearly, she had no say in these kinds of maĴers. It was the sole decision of her husband, the head of the household.

Somehow, the meeting with the father was going to be a very diĜcult one as everyone

was afraid of him, being a no-nonsense man and a strict disciplinarian of the Old School extraction. AĴempts to send emissaries failed as we were told he was not ready to entertain this discussion. His stance was based on the fact that his daughter had just turned 21 and was, in his conviction, too young to get into marriage.

Not fazed by the challenge, I dug deep and hatched out a plan. I had to mobilise my uncle to lead me to meet the man, during one of the weekends he came home to Lagos. At that time, he was working out of Port Harcourt while the family seĴled in Lagos. Surprisingly, on the appointed day, as I ędgeted and sweated in the course of the meeting, he was relaxed and very friendly. I was wondering if we were actually meeting the right person. I naturally left the talking to my uncle who deftly handled the situation with aplomb. He presented the drinks and proceeded to inform him of the reason for our visit. Two years later, by October 1, 1993 precisely, we became husband and wife. The rest has now become history.

Chief ǻSirǼ Cosmas Ajonu John Odoemene ǻCAJ like was fondly calledǼ, my beloved father in law, was a great man. He was born on October1ŝ, 1939 to a family of teachers. He was determined to become a priest early in his life and enrolled in St. Peter Claver’s Seminary, Okpala in the present-day Imo State. It was at that school that he obtained his secondary school certięcate in 19Ŝ0. He subsequently proceeded

to Biggard Memorial Seminary, Enugu in 19Ŝ2 in pursuit of his dream of being a clergyman.

As providence would have it, after his A-level education, circumstances made him change course from being a priest and he enrolled as a teacher, thus following in his father’s footstep. He was in this vocation until the outbreak of the civil war. At the end of the war, he proceeded to study Geography at the University of Lagos. Funds were in short supply for the young man but being a very hardworking individual, he was able to pay his fees through the University by doubling as a book seller in his spare time. Those who knew him at that time revealed that quickly, his room turned into a mini bookshop. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and joined the then Department of Customs and Excise, now the Nigerian Customs Service. His career took him to several parts of Nigeria and the world. He combined his job with the pursuit of higher education and subsequently earned a Master’s degree from the same University of Lagos. He enrolled in a PHD programme but was unable to complete it owing to commitments of work which took him outside Lagos frequently and of course the family. An account which everyone who knew him in his career continues to give is that he was a very upright and honest in discharging his duties. He was not aĴracted to ęlthy lucre and lived a simple and decent Continued on page 53

OKEYANUEYIAGU GUEST COLUMNIST

Democratic Recession: Strongman Politics as Undertaker “Look around, strong man politics are ascendant suddenly, whereby elections and some pretense of democracy are maintained but those in power seek to undermine every institution or norm that gives democracy meaning” –Barack Obama

I

n the last year or two, I have written extensively on the erosion of our political institutions and norms by politicians and other actors, and the imminent danger these happenings portend to our lives and to the continuing existence of our country.

My essays, titled; Democracy, Is This The End? and Is Our Democracy Dying? were published on the back page of Nigeria’s daily; Thisday, and were featured in many other journals, media and online platforms.

Essentially, these essays focused on the examination of the failure of our democratic institutions, the processes and the actors to address correctly, the many problems facing the country in attaining certain levels of a better life exemplified in the dispensation of freedom, justice, security and economic advancement and comfort. Painfully, these essays expressed fears that our democracy is tittering and on the verge of collapsing if urgent

actions and steps were not effectively taken with speed to solve the continuing bastardization of our political institutions and processes. The essays, tearfully concluded that if measures were not urgently taken by our politicians to relieve economic inequality, curb corruption, secure and guarantee freedom and the rule of law; that citizens will ultimately lose faith in government and that these anomalies will constitute recipes for anarchy, disorder and disunity.

Nigeria evidently is not an exception to these maladies that one may conveniently describe as Democratic Recession. In so many democratic countries around the world, many institutions of liberty, freedom and justice are viciously under attack and experiencing severe threats to their continuing existence.

From India’s ethnocratic repression, to South Africa’s xenophobic vengeance; Hungary’s despotism; to even Israel’s dysfunctional democratic challenges, the fear of the collapse of democracy is real. To think of the United States of America, one of the world’s oldest democracies, as being in crisis with the dark night of Trumpism, is in itself, an absurdity.

The analytical and prescriptive view of Nigeria today as a democracy requires an intensive

study of the practices, bearing in mind a total cognitive evaluation of the happenings in the political scene lately. We must address these questions and worry about the conditions of our politics and its practices; examining if the ties that bind us as a people; and as a nation – state, are not fraying and bursting at the seams at such an alarming speed, that we may have become utterly contemptuous of each other in ways and methods so consequentially dire and possibly irreversible.

It is evident today that the body politic in Nigeria has become injuriously more fractious than at any time in recent history. Not even the apocalyptic civil war atrocities and the after effect of that evil war match the vicious trend of events we are witnessing in today’s Nigeria. Equally evident, is the waning and the decline of trust in the various political institutions. This distrust has become rather centrifugal, raising the already high stakes of hostility, disunity and crisis.

What may have caused such major upheavals in our polity? Ethnic rivalry. Growing economic inequality. Unemployment. Overpopulation.

Terrorism. Religious tension. Hunger. The hyperbolization of the social media platform.

Politics of attrition. Corruption. All these

adverse factors and several other vices may have contributed to the growing stress our political systems are suffering in recent times.

These many factors have affected the political normalization of affairs in the country, and have created a negatively transitional change that any stable democracy has ever experienced in history. The changes in the system occasioned by these factors have created insensate feelings in the minds of most of the citizenry. The fear of the domination of one ethnic group over the others, and the vagaries of ethnic and tribal group discrimination will produce adverse political backlash, exacerbating the already fragile political equation and national equilibrium.

The hostilities amongst partisans ideologically and geographically, have created dangerous divisions with its overheating rhetorics on our political climate. Many had thought that the Buhari government would be a revival of sort; but lately his tenure is being viewed as an interregnum with a transition into an almost autocratic regime capable of completely destabilizing our democracy. My fear is that this government is crossing rigid boundaries, Continued on page 53

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