SUNDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2021

Army Hits Back at The Economist over ‘Mighty on Paper’ Tag Says report crafted to destabilise Nigeria Restates globally acclaimed status in restoration of democracy in West Africa Denies existence of ghost soldiers on payroll Declare state of emergency on security, Masari tells Buhari Ejiofor Alike inLagos, Kingsley Nwezeh inAbuja,and Francis Sardauna inKatsina The Nigerian Army yesterday

descended heavily on the London-based news magazine, The Economist, over the magazine’s report, which described the army as "mighty

on paper," stressing that the report was crafted to denigrate, demonise and destabilise the Nigerian government.

The army, which also denied

the existence of “ghost” soldiers on its payroll, insisted that it has distinguished itself as a worthy contributor to global peace and security

through regional, continental, and international peacekeeping and peace support operations.

Notwithstanding the army’s message of reassurance,

a disturbed Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari has called on Continued on page 8

Nobody Can Predict Who will Be Nigeria’s Next President, Says Obaigbena... Page 5 Sunday 24 October, 2021 Vol 26. No 9694

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Otedola, Adenuga, Hassan-Odukales, Otudeko in Battle to Control First Bank Festus Akanbi By his acquisition of 1,818,551,625 units of shares of First Bank Holdings Plc (FBNH), amounting to a 5.07

per cent of its total issued capital, the founder and Chairman of the Geregu Energy Group, Mr. Femi Otedola, has joined the trio of the Chairman of Globacom,

Chief Mike Adenuga; the current Chairman of FBNH, Mr. Tunde Hassan-Odukale, and Oba Otudeko in the race for the control of the holding company, THISDAY has learnt.

FBNH has a total issued share capital of 35,895,292,791.

According to market analysis, Otedola, Adenuga, the Hassan-Odukales and Otudeko’s shareholding are

above five per cent and this has placed them in a position to control the organisation.

A capital market source disclosed that contrary to the insinuations that Otudeko has

offloaded his shares, he is still a force to reckon with because he is still retaining his shares in First Bank.

Continued on page 5

Snubbed by Tinubu in London, Osinbajo Ready for Presidential Fight of His Life Ejiofor Alike Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is set to fight the presidential battle of his life following a clash of his ambition with that of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

THISDAY gathered that Osinbajo has been left with no other option than to throw his hat into the ring after he was snubbed in London by the former Governor of Lagos State.

Tinubu had earlier this month returned to Nigeria after spending over three months in London on medical vacation.

The two-term governor of Lagos State, whose health has been a subject of controversy was reported to have undergone knee surgery in London.

No fewer than 30 politicians, including President Muhammadu Continued on page 6

CHANGE OF BATON… L-R: Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria and new Chairman of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Mr. John Ugbe; Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; and immediate past Chairman of BON, Hajia S'aa Ibrahim, at the swearing in ceremony of the new chairman in Abuja…yesterday

Buhar i U n ve i l s C B N ' s e N a i ra To morrow. . .

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WHEN COMRADES MEET… L-R: Former member of the National Assembly representing Enugu North senatorial district, Senator Ayogu Eze; Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; former Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba; and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, at the induction of the Chief Executive Officer of Multichoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, as Chairman of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria in Abuja…yesterday

Nobody Can Predict Who will Be Nigeria’s Next President, Says Obaigbena Ganduje, Adesina task broadcasters on ethics, professionalism Udora Orizu in Abuja The Chairman of THISDAY/ ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, has said nobody can predict who will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

This is coming as the Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, have tasked the leadership of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) on the need to prioritise ethics and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking in Abuja at the induction of the Chief Executive Officer of Multichoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, as BON Chairman, Obaigbena, while noting that Nigeria is in a momentous time, expressed optimism that the newly inducted BON executives will be able to guide Nigeria through this change.

He also said that with the current situation, nobody can predict who will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Obaigbena said: "Nigeria is in a momentous time - a time of great change that even on this table in the powerhouse in Kano, none of them can tell you who the next president would be. At this time in Nigeria, there is nobody who can predict 2023. Therefore, these are times of momentous change, when we have ideas of some of those who founded Nigeria in the 60s clashing with the new ideas of the millennials and who Femi Adesina will not like to hear at times. However, we are here to welcome the new leadership of BON, John Ugbe, and his colleague. I believe they are very capable to guide Nigeria through this change. I salute them all."

In their separate contributions, Ganduje and Adesina urged the leadership of BON to prioritise ethics and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Ganduje, who underscored the need for government to support the media industry to move broadcast media to greater heights in the face of emerging

global challenges, also tasked broadcasters with the need to promote peace and national development above individual interest.

According to him, the Nigerian media has an important role to play in promoting the unity and progress of the nation at this moment of challenges.

Ganduje also called on the executive arm of government to upgrade their broadcast facilities to ensure that they have the facilities with which they can effectively discharge their duties.

He said: "As media owners, you have a vital role to play in managing all communications in the public domain in the

interest of peace and national development. Let me reiterate my call to you, to work with the other media industries in Nigeria, to make sure that the Nigerian media is not allowed to disrupt but play its traditional role of leading the way in the process of protecting public interest for nation-building.

"Secondly, it is to also understand the character of the media so that we don’t misunderstand issues. We should be able to accommodate them; we should be able to understand their disposition, attitude, and the nature of issues in this country especially when different ethnic nationalities, leaders of tribal and ethnic organisations. I think this is

the time that the media should be able to make them come together and talk ‘One Nigeria.’"

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Adesina, while describing the newly inducted chairman and vice as consuming professionals, urged them to ensure unity of the country through their broadcast.

He also expressed optimism that during their tenure, there would be a lot of improvements in the broadcasting industry in terms of professionalism.

Adesina said: "I’m glad that the DG of NBC is here, he knows the running battle that the NBC had had particularly with the broadcast stations in

the country. You are driving in your car and you put on the radio in your car, the things that are coming from the station you can’t believe. You can’t believe that such things would be on the airwaves; some on television, you can’t just understand how people who are allowed to speak on national television will say some things.

"I think BON needs to look into this and I believe that if any set of people can do something about it, the incoming chairman and vice chairman can. BON members need to collectively ensure that we have a country.

Senator Abaribe is not in terms of a circle, the entire country; we need to have a country and if

we are going to have a country that will be united and will be one, broadcasting has a very big role to play."

In his acceptance speech, BON Chairman, Ugbe, who rolled out a four-point agenda, reiterated his commitment towards prioritising training and development by sourcing for training opportunities for BON members to deepen their technical knowledge and competent skills, working with local and foreign partners.

He pledged resolve towards the establishment of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, adding that most professions have accreditation organisations that set standards for entry, retraining, and the code of conduct.

OTEDOLA, ADENUGA, HASSAN-ODUKALES, OTUDEKO IN BATTLE TO CONTROL FIRST BANK The source further disclosed that Otudeko’s loan is performing, adding that he is ready to take some risk.

As at March this year, Otudeko was said to be holding a total indirect stake in excess of 532 million in First Bank, coupled with a direct stake of about six million units, bringing his total stakes to about 538 million units of the issued ordinary shares of the bank.

Adenuga on the other hand is said to have been buying more shares and his shareholding is said to be between five and seven per cent.

On the other hand, HassanOdukale, and related parties had acquired a total of 1,923,512,099 units of shares, representing 5.36 per cent of the company’s issued share capital.

These companies include: Leadway Assurance Company Ltd, ZPC/Leadway Assurance Prem & Investment Coll Acct, Haskai Holdings Ltd, Leadway Capital & Trust Ltd and LAC Investments Ltd. Others are Leadway Properties &Investment Ltd, Leadway Holdings, OHO Investment/Oye Hassan-Odukale and Leadway Pensure PFA. Capital market observers said Otedola’s acquisition of shares may open a floodgate of mop up exercise by the competing

Adenuga

Otedola

Otudeko

Hassan-Odukale

shareholders as they move to outdo one another in a bid to control the soul of the holding company.

A statement signed by the Company Secretary of the holding company, Mr. Seye Kosoko, explained that FBNH believed the time had come to make the disclosure and has received notifications from its registrars on the substantial acquisition of its shares by Otedola.

In the letter dated October 23, 2021, and titled, ‘Notification of Acquisition of Substantial Shareholdings in FBN Holdings Plc,’ the Company Secretary stated: “We refer to our communication to the market dated October 22, 2021, on the above subject wherein we stated that we would inform the public of any substantial acquisition, upon receipt of notification from

the Shareholder.

“This morning, October 23, 2021, FBN Holdings Plc received a notification from APT Securities and Funds Limited, that their Client, Mr. Otedola Olufemi Peter, and his nominee, Calvados Global Services Limited have acquired a total of 1,818,551,625 units of shares from the company’s issued share capital of 35,895,292,791.

Based on the foregoing, the equity stake of Mr. Otedola Olufemi Peter and his nominee in the company is now 5.07 per cent.

Commenting on the development, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said Otedola’s acquisition will still be vetted by the regulators, explaining that the CBN will ensure that such shareholders are fit and proper as an investor.

“The shareholder will still go through the CBN vetting

to determine he is proper and fit. They will have to make sure such new shareholders do not have any conflict of interest in the organisation, including insider-related loans in the bank,” he said.

He added that another hurdle would be decided at the company’s annual general meeting where he will have to rely on the recommendations of the shareholders before he can emerge as a director.

However, the source said Otedola may eventually emerge as the largest shareholder as shares held in the accounts of other indirect and nominee accounts are reportedly being consolidated and will be forwarded to the regulators in due course.

In a letter of acknowledgement to the Chairman of First Bank Holdings yesterday, Otedola

explained that efforts were ongoing to consolidate shares held in the accounts of other indirect and nominee accounts, which would be made public soon.

He also placed it on record, his investment of $30million in the bank’s long-term debt instrument.

His letter titled, ‘Interest in First Bank Holdings Plc,’ read: “Pursuant to the notice of substantial shareholding tendered by my Stockbrokers, APT securities Limited and dated 22/10/2021, it is pertinent to state that we are in the process of consolidating shares held in the accounts of other indirect and nominee accounts and this will be forwarded in due course.

“In addition to the above , I also invested the sum of Continued on page 12

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CONDOLENCE VISIT… L-R: Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; wife of the late Justice Sam Chukwudumebi Oseji, Kio; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed; and Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), when a delegation from the Supreme Court and Council of Legal Education paid a condolence visit to the family of the Justice Oseji at their residence in Asokoro, Abuja… recently

Buhari Unveils CBN's eNaira Tomorrow James Emejo in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow (Monday) formally launch the Nigerian Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the eNaira at the State House, Abuja.

The unveiling of the muchanticipated electronic money had been delayed partly to allow for the country's 61st independence celebration, according to the CBN. A statement from CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications, Nwanisobi, noted that the launch of the eNaira is a culmination of several

years of research work by the central bank in advancing the boundaries of the payments system to make financial transactions easier and seamless for every strata of the society.

The apex bank had designed the digital currency, following a series of engagements with relevant stakeholders including the banking community, fintech operators, merchants, and indeed, a cross-section of Nigerians.

According to the bank, the eNaira marks a major step forward in the evolution of money as well as the CBN's commitment to ensuring that

the digital currency, like the physical Naira, is accessible by everyone.

Nwanisobi, stated that given that the eNaira is a journey, the unveiling marks the first step in that journey, which will continue with a series of further modifications, capabilities, and enhancements to the platforms.

He said, "The CBN will continue to work with relevant partners to ensure a seamless process that will benefit every user, particularly those in the rural areas and the unbanked population.

"Since the eNaira is a new

product, and amongst the first CBDCs in the world, we have put a structure to promptly address any issue that might arise from the pilot implementation of the eNaira.

"Accordingly, following Monday’s formal launch by the president, the bank will further engage various stakeholders as we enter a new age consistent with global financial advancement."

According to him, the theme of the eNaira is: “Same Naira, more possibilities”.

Meanwhile, the CBDC is expected to improve monetary policy effectiveness and

enhance the government’s capacity to deploy targeted social interventions, and boost remittances through formal channels.

The bank explained that eNaira wallet is required to access, use and hold eNaira.

The CBN also tasked the deposit money banks (DMBs) to facilitate prompt placement of restrictions on eNaira wallets in the event of a valid report of loss, theft of device or compromise, a hack of a user eNaira wallet.

According to the Regulatory Guidelines on the eNaira, obtained by THISDAY, the apex

575 Inmates Escape as Gunmen Invade Oyo Prison Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The federal government yesterday asked the 575 inmates that escaped from the Abolongo Medium Security Custodial Centre in Oyo State to return to the centre voluntarily or face full weight of the law.

Gunmen had on Friday night attacked the Abolongo Correctional Centre in Oyo town and freed the inmates.

The federal government has however disclosed that of the 837 awaiting trial inmates that fled the centre, 262 had been recaptured while 575 were still at large, according to separate statements issued yesterday by the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, Olanrewaju Anjorin.

In a statement by its media

aide, Sola Fasure yesterday, Aregbesola confirmed the attack on the custodial centre by a large number of heavilyarmed gunmen at about 10.30 pm on Friday.

He disclosed that security agencies “are on the trail of the escaped inmates, while a joint security services manhunt has been launched immediately for the apprehension of the assailants.”

The minister disclosed that the joint security services manhunt had culminated in the capture of some of the inmates while others returned voluntarily.

However, the minister urged those who are on the run to turn themselves in, warning that an escape from lawful custody “is a serious offense, threatening to bring the full weight of the law on them when arrested.”

He said: “Armed squad unit members of the Nigerian

Correctional Service and other security agencies on guard at the facility engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted for 20 minutes before they were overpowered.

“The attackers subsequently used grenades and other explosives to gain access into the awaiting trial section of the facility and set free many of the awaiting trial inmates.

Other sections of the facilities were left untouched.”

He assured members of the public to go about their normal businesses as the situation is under control.

The minister also urged them to report any suspicious movement or any sign of the escaped inmates and the gunmen to the nearest security post around them.

Providing details of the attack yesterday, the Nigeria Correctional Service, Oyo State

Command, said 837 awaiting trial inmates escaped from the correctional centre when suspected gunmen attacked the facility.

In its statement, the command said all the 837 awaiting trial inmates were freed by the attackers, pointing out that the cell housing the convicts and the inmates were not vandalised.

He said 262 escaped inmates “have been recaptured, while 575 were still at large. The invaders arrived the centre heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and after a fierce encounter with the officers on guard, they gained entrance into the yard, using dynamite to blast the wall.

“All the awaiting trial detainees were forced out of custody, the cells housing the convicts and the female inmates were not vandalised. Meanwhile, a total of 262 of the escapees have been recaptured leaving 575 still at

large.

“Following the directives of the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, the State Controller, Noel Ailewon, has commenced the process of search and recapture after visiting the scene of the incident,” Anjorin said.

He said the state controller had promised the public that no effort “will be spared to recapture the fleeing inmates. The controller-general has solicited for credible intelligence to assist the security agencies in tracking down the fleeing inmates.”

He said the Oyo Custodial Centre was established in 2007 with a capacity of 160 inmates, but had a total population of 907 at the time of attack.

Of this number, according to the command, awaiting trial persons were 837 representing 92 per cent, while the convicts were 64.

SNUBBED BY TINUBU IN LONDON, OSINBAJO READY FOR PRESIDENTIAL FIGHT OF HIS LIFE Buhari, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Umar Ganduje (Kano), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), visited him in London.

The northern caucus in the House of Representatives, led by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase also visited the APC national leader and endorsed his candidacy for the 2023 presidency.

A source close to Osinbajo, however, told THISDAY last night that Tinubu snubbed the vice president during his medical vacation in London.

“Essentially, Osinbajo arrived London to attend a conference and then, see Tinubu. As he arrived, he was supposed to see Tinubu the next morning but Tinubu left town by 6 a.m. the next morning to avoid seeing him. Even Adeboye (General Overseer of the Redeemed

Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye) had arrived a day earlier and they planned to see Tinubu,” the source said.

The source further disclosed that the vice president has to make up his mind after his failed bid to see Tinubu.

“Tinubu has ramped up his campaign and Osinbajo also wants to be president and both cannot be president.

“So, now the die is cast for the battle of his life. He has not decided to run but a lot of people are mobilising him to run,” the source explained.

However, according to a source close to Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State had been in London for two and a half months, adding that if Osinbajo wanted to come and see him, he had enough time.

“The president came to see Asiwaju; other leaders came; Osinbajo did not come. If

Osinbajo had wanted to come, he had enough time to do so. Tinubu wanted to return because he wanted to avoid the crowd in Lagos. And he returned when he did,” he explained.

Strong indications that Osinbajo may part ways with his political mentor over the 2023 presidency had emerged during his birthday in March 2020 when Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who delivered an address on behalf of the APC Progressives Governors Forum, hinted that Osinbajo is a good candidate to succeed Buhari.

Osinbajo’s supporters, under the aegis of the Progressives Consolidation Group (PCG), were the first and only support group that has received the approval of the APC to canvass support for his emergence as the party’s presidential candidate

for the 2023 presidential election.

The approval was contained in a letter titled, ‘Letter of Recognition as a Support Group,’ dated October 4, 2021, and signed by the Director of Administration of the APC, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman.

The letter, which was addressed to the PCG, read in part, “We write to inform you that the National Chairman, His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, has approved your recognition as a support group of the party.”

Even though the supporters of Osinbajo and Tinubu have insisted that the alleged attempt to pit the two leaders against each other will fail, there are no indications that any of them will drop his presidential aspiration.

Reacting to a report where groups said to be supporting Tinubu and Osinbajo were pitted against each other over the 2023 presidency, the

Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, had stated in a statement that neither the vice-president nor his office will endorse “this kind of a divisive engagement and news reports”.

“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are members of the same party,” the former senator said.

“Osinbajo regards Tinubu as a respected leader of a political family to which he belongs and will therefore not for any reason endorse an endeavour that seeks to pitch them against each other.

“We are not unaware of some people who may want to foist a crack among our leaders. Such an attempt is abortive. Osinbajo and Tinubu relationship dates way back and it shall continue to wax strong,” Ojudu reportedly explained.

bank, further directed banks to ensure that customers can report via USSD channels, internet banking platforms, customer care phone lines, and in-branch customer care where there is any compromise in the eNaira transactions.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had said that in unveiling the digital money, the bank does not downplay potential risks, adding however that the apex financial regulatory body had put in place appropriate mitigation mechanisms for safer operation.

He said, "We are not going to pretend that there are no risks in opening your system up. We will look at the various products, determine the risks, determine the best way to mitigate the risks before opening it up.

"But it is a journey that we are determined and decided that we will start on October 2021."

The planned unveiling of the much-awaited Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the eNaira, originally slated for October 1, 2021, was put on hold due to other key activities lined up to commemorate the country’s 61st independence anniversary.

However, the CBN, in the framework for the operation of the eNaira further set the transaction and balance limits for individual and merchant eNaira wallets.

In the Tier 0 category or phone number without verified National Identity Number (NIN), the daily transaction is limited to N20,000 with a balance or eWallet limit set at N120,000.

For the Tier 1 category with verified National Identity Number (NIN), the daily transaction limit is set at N50,000 with an N300,000 balance.

However, those in the Tier 2 category will be able to do transactions up to N200,000 daily with an eWallet balance of N500,000, while Tier 3 will have daily transactions of N1 million with balances of N5 million.

However, merchants, or duly accredited individuals and nonindividual (corporates) authorised to conduct business in Nigeria will have no limits on eNaira transactions.

The CBN also stated that under the digital currency framework, Financial Institutions (FIs) shall render returns to the bank in line with the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and as may be specified from time to time.

The guidelines, among other things, said FIs shall put in place appropriate measures to ensure sound risk management practices to address potential threats to their operations.

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PDP Govs to Meet as Appeal Court Rules on National Convention Tuesday Atiku’s former aide asks party not to field northerner in 2023 Ayu’s emergence dampens prospects for youths in 2023 Chuks Okocha in Abuja As the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal rules on the suit seeking to restrain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention on October 31, the governors elected under the platform of the main opposition party will hold an emergency meeting to consider any emerging threats against the party’s national convention scheduled in Abuja, THISDAY has learnt.

A former special adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dr. Umar Ardo, has however cautioned the PDP against nominating Atiku or any other northerner as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

However, the emergence of the 69-year-old former President of the Senate, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as the anointed chairmanship candidate of the PDP has dampened the prospects for the youths to take over the administration of the country in the 2023 general election.

THISDAY also gathered that the governors elected under the platform of the main opposition party may hold an emergency meeting to consider the emerging threats against the national convention of the party scheduled this week in Abuja.

The inability of the various organs of the party to broker a truce between the suspended national chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus and the Rivers State governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, is casting doubt over the possibility of holding the national election convention of the party.

The anxiety is further compounded by the letter dated October 22, 2021 by Secondus lawyer, Mr. Tayo Oyetiba (SAN), asking the party to suspend the national convention, pending the determination of the suit at the Court of Appeal.

THISDAY gathered that when the case comes up on Tuesday, Oyetibo is expected to ask

the court for an interlocutory injunction to stop the party from going ahead of the national convention.

Oyetibo would premise his request on the fact when a case is in court, parties are not supposed to take further action so as not to tie the hands of the court.

The embattled national chairman had approached the Port Harcourt Division of the Appeal Court, asking it to quash two High Court orders restraining him from parading himself as the chairman of the party.

Secondus had also urged the appellate court to declare that his tenure ends in December 2021.

It was gathered that the PDP governors may consider an emergency meeting to discuss the letter by Secondus’ lawyer, especially as the Court of Appeal will on Tuesday in Port Harcourt hear and rule on the suit seeking to restrain the party from holding the national convention.

A source close to the PDP convention committee told THISDAY that the letter from Oyetiba jolted the governors.

Meanwhile, a former special adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dr. Umar Ardo has cautioned the PDP against nominating a northern presidential candidate for the 2023 general election.

He also called on the PDP to allow the suspended national chairman, Secondus to complete his tenure of office that comes to an end on December 9.

He said that he believes in the THISDAY Economic Intelligence Report that said that PDP will make an impact in the 2023 presidential election, if the PDP fields a southerner as its presidential candidate.

"Let the truth be told, the PDP has no numerical strength in the north. The strength of the PDP is in the South. If the PDP nominates a northern presidential candidate and the APC nominates a southern presidential candidate from the south, it is a foregone victory for the APC. "The PDP despite having governors in Benue, Taraba,

Sokoto, Adamawa and Bauchi states, it cannot equate it with numerical voting strength in the north," he said.

The former aide to Atiku tackled his former boss for insisting to contest in 2023, stating clearly that apart from Adamawa State where the former vice president won in the 2019 presidential election, there was

no state in the North, he won convincingly in the last general election.

He said that in 2007, "PDP fielded the late President Umaru Yar'adua; Action Congress fielded Atiku, while ANPP fielded Buhari - all northerners from the three major political parties. In 2019, PDP fielded Atiku and APC fielded Buhari and the heavens

did not fall. He who goes to equity must go with good conscience."

Ardo argued that since Atiku has been contesting presidential elections after he retired from the services of the Nigeria Customs Service, it was only in Adamawa State that he won.

He said:"It is a political fool hardy and miscalculation for the PDP to field Atiku or any

northern presidential candidate and think that it will win the 2023 persistent election. Mark my words. It is impossible and political suicidal mission, if the APC will nominate a southern presidential candidate.”

"If the APC nominates a southern presidential candidate, the PDP will not have a chance, even in the north", he added.

AWARENESS CAMAPIGN… Wife of Ondo State Governor and Founder, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (left), and wife of Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Douye Diri, at the launch of the Bayelsa State chapter of Jog for Life in Yenagoa…yesterday

ARMY HITS BACK AT THE ECONOMIST OVER ‘MIGHTY ON PAPER’ TAG President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the nation's security to stem the tide of insecurity across the country.

But a former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has identified porous international borders, which encourage the influx of weapons and other dangerous materials, as some of the factors fuelling the insecurity.

The Economist yesterday knocked Nigerian Army, accusing it of selling equipment to the insurgents terrorising Nigeria.

While describing the army as only strong on paper, it also described President Muhammadu Buhari-led's administration as an inept and high-handed government that had also failed to tackle corruption.

The 178-year-old magazine said this in an editorial titled, ‘The Crime Scene at the Heart of Africa,’ which was published in its October 23, 2021, issue.

It alleged that the army had ghost workers on its payroll and often sold equipment to insurgents who destabilise the nation.

The news magazine said the

Nigeria Police Force was poorly trained and underpaid hence they rob innocent citizens to augment their salaries.

“When violence erupts, the government does nothing or crack heads almost indiscriminately.

Nigeria’s Army is mighty on paper. But many of its soldiers are ‘ghosts’ who exist only on the payroll, and much of its equipment is stolen and sold to insurgents.

The army is also stretched thin, having been deployed to all of Nigeria’s states.

“The police are understaffed, demoralised, and poorly trained.

Many supplement their low pay by robbing the public they have sworn protect.”

It called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to stop disobeying court orders and release all those being detained illegally.

It said due to Buhari’s mismanagement of the economy, food prices had soared while life had become more difficult for Nigerians.

“Economic troubles are compounded by a government that is inept and heavy-handed.

Mr. Buhari, who was elected in 2015, turned an oil shock into

a recession by propping up the naira and barring many imports in the hope this would spur domestic production.

“Instead, he sent annual food inflation soaring above 20 per cent. He has failed to curb corruption, which breeds resentment. Many Nigerians are furious that they see so little benefit from the country’s billions of petrodollars, much of which their rulers have squandered or stolen,” the report explained.

The Economist stated that even before COVID-19 last year, Nigeria was already witnessing unprecedented poverty.

The news magazine opined that this economic hardship was fuelling the current insecurity in the country.

“Two factors help explain Nigeria’s increasing instability: a sick economy and a bumbling government. Slow growth and two recessions have made Nigerians poorer, on average, each year since oil prices fell in 2015.

But in a swift reaction to the editorial, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement that the report was crafted to denigrate,

demonise and destabilise the Nigerian government.

It said the report also contained some "unimaginable slurs targeted at the Nigerian Military and the Nigerian Army in particular".

The statement described the report as “one of those deliberate falsehood and noxious narratives orchestrated by a network of detractors and coven of dark forces working very hard to adorn the Nigerian Army in an unfitting garb of infamy.”

It said the report spared no effort in trying to vilify and rubbish the image, character, and reputational standing of the Nigerian Army, adding however that it failed woefully.

The statement noted that "as a professional, hard-fighting and globally respected institution that has continued to occupy deserved glorious position in the comity of global defence forces, the Nigerian Army is certainly not what the so-called report by The Economist tried to characterise it.

It accused the magazine of lending its medium for a hatchet job of an article without committing little effort to find out the real truth about the Nigerian Army.

"How is it imaginable that

the Nigerian Army that has distinguished itself as a worthy contributor to global peace and security through regional, continental, and international peacekeeping and peace support operations would be characterised as “mighty on paper?

“How can the Nigerian Army that has restored democracies, brought peace to troubled lands, and stabilised the sub-region through the dint of hard work, commitment to duty, discipline, and professionalism be so denigrated?" it queried.

Responding further to the publication's description of the army as ghost soldiers, the statement said: "Is it the 'ghost soldiers' of the Nigerian Army that have weathered the storm of terrorism and insurgency of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province Terrorists (ISWAP) in the North-astern part of the country and parts of the Lake Chad region?

"In case The Economist magazine and those who fed it all the lies it published do not know, the Nigerian Army working in a joint environment, has been able to stop ISWAP, a very formidable international terrorist organisation in its tracks,

despite all the obstacles, including arm sale blackouts on its way".

The army further stated that "The Economist and it's ilk ought to have known that the Nigerian Army has long distinguished itself as a professional force that does not toy with accountability nor shirk from its statutory responsibility of defending Nigeria from external aggression or internal insurrection.

“Is it not curious that an otherwise respected international magazine could so easily be sucked in by the antics of conflict merchants and agents provocateurs who are uncomfortable with the steadfastness, patriotism, unwavering commitment, sacrifice, ruggedness, and resoluteness of the Nigerian Army in stamping out terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes assailing the country and the West African sub-region?

"How The Economist magazine failed to do simple due diligence on the said fabricated report is worth interrogating by those who are interested in distinguishing between rogue journalism and professional one.”

Continued on page 12

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ͺͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

34 Oil Firms Disburse $896.891m as Social Expenditure in 12 Months Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Thirty four foreign and indigenous oil companies disbursed $896.891 million as social expenditure in the 12 months culminating in December 2019, the latest audit report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has indicated.

Social expenditure may be mandatory or non-mandatory, with the compulsory payments being the one remitted to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in line with their respective Acts.

On the other hand, nonmandatory social expenditure is the voluntary payments made by companies to or for their host communities and other commitments across the federation.

They include the provision of social amenities like roads, communal water borehole, health centres, provision of scholarships, funding of skills acquisition centres, agricultural support schemes, among others.

The report showed that that while remittances to the NDDC and NCDMB totalled $815.594 million, constituting about 90.94 per cent of total spend, non-mandatory expenditure was $81.297 million, about 9.06 per cent of total payments.

Of the 34 companies, which carried out 690 projects, Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC), expended $12 million, followed by Total, which paid $11 million, Sterling Global with $10.2 million, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) disbursed $10.13 million as part of their non-mandatory obligations.

However, with the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), there’s now a legal framework for host communities’ Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR) which was recently estimated at $500 million, when calculated against last year’s total operating costs by oil companies in the country.

“In 2019, total social expenditure (mandatory and non-mandatory) was $896.891 million. This consisted of a non-mandatory contribution of $81.297miilion (9.06 per cent) and mandatory contribution of $815.594 million (90.94 per cent),” the report said.

Other top companies in the list included Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which NEITI said expended $8.3 million, Chevron Nigeria, which spent $7.67 million, Total’s $4.8 million, Green Energy’s $2.26 million and South Atlantic’s $2 million.

The report further stated that the delay in the remittance of net domestic crude sales proceeds by the NNPC to the federation account due to its 90-day payment circle was costing the country N17.5 billion.

It recommended that the NNPC should ensure that payments are made as and when due, but however said that the corporation’s explanation was that it was caused by the long-standing practice of bundling domestic sales proceeds remittances with the monthly Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) driven by the schedule of the meetings.

It added that at the time of preparing the report, efforts were ongoing to effect necessary internal process changes to ensure timely payment, going forward.

The audit identified three items where quasi-fiscal expenditures (payment for public infrastructure, fuel subsidies, national debt servicing etc) were made by the NNPC, with the total sum expended amounting to N341.295 billion.

“This amount shows a reduction of 57 per cent (from 2018) in the amount spent by

NNPC outside the budgetary process. The sum of N96.378 billon was spent above the approved sum on securing and maintaining of the nation’s pipelines.

“The sum of N30.287 billion had been approved for this item In the national budget. However, the actual spend was in the sum of N126.664 billion,” it noted.

In addition, it stated that while the sum of N213.074 billion was spent above the approved sum on recovered cost for the importation of petrol for local consumption, N305 billion had

been approved for the item in the national budget, while the actual spend was N518.074 billion.

NEITI noted that nondisclosure of revenue from pipeline transportation by the NNPC continued, requesting that NNPC and SPDC should provide the basis for the computation of amount payable to ensure that the government receives what is due, while NNPC should account for the difference.

It pointed out that the excuse by the Joint Ventures (JVs) was that there are no uniform bases

for computation, and the rates depend on negotiation with the customers. However, it urged the NNPC to drive the JV operators to ensure full disclosure.

A total of 85 incidents involving environmental damage were reported, according to the report, comprising 64 cases of water pollution, four cases of air pollution and 17 cases of land pollution during the period.

NEITI also decried a situation where oil companies reported crude oil losses higher than their ‘fiscalised’ production, implying that the federation was losing

benefits from the production arrangement.

To reduce loss of products through crude theft and sabotage, NEITI called on the NNPC to ensure proper surveillance and update of the country’s pipeline networks.

Added to that, it recommended that the federal government should ensure the success of oil and gas industrial parks in the Niger Delta region to ensure the development of oil and gas infrastructure in the oil-producing states to reduce unemployment.

DIPLOMATIC VISIT… High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa, Alhaji Muhammad Haruna Manta (left), and President/CEO, MTN Group, Mr. Ralph Mupita, when the envoy paid a courtesy visit to the MTN Group Headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa…recently

ARMY HITS BACK AT THE ECONOMIST OVER ‘MIGHTY ON PAPER’ TAG The statement added that the gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are undeterred, undistracted, and unfazed by the assertions contained in that silly report.

Meanwhile, miffed by the state of insecurity in the country, the Katsina State Governor, Masari, yesterday called on Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the nation's security.

The governor added that the declaration of the state of emergency on security would tackle the security challenges, particularly banditry and insurgency besetting Katsina and other states of the federation.

Masari, who made the call at the third-quarter general meeting of the Conference of Speakers in Katsina, said that the security agencies were doing their best to bring an end to the carnage but added that more needed to be done to ward off the criminals.

The speakers' meeting with the theme: "The Menace of Insecurity in the Country and the Role of State Assemblies to Restore Peace and Order," was aimed at discussing and proffering solutions to the nation's security challenges, drawn speakers from across the 36 states.

The former speaker of the House of Representatives reiterated that insecurity, disunity, and economic stagnation were some of the most critical issues afflicting the country in its quest for development.

Masari stated that given the security challenges in Katsina State, the state government had reviewed the 1975 Local

Government Administration Law to enable traditional rulers and other stakeholders to participate directly in security decisions and management in the state.

He said: "In Katsina State, our major problem is the security challenges we are fencing in some parts of the state but with the support of the state House of Assembly, some legal frameworks were put in place while the existing ones were restructured to address the security challenges".

"I wish to call on the federal government to declare an emergency on the nation's security to bring an end to the loss of lives and property across the state.

"Security agencies are putting in their best to address the security issues across the country but more has to be done to curtail the activities of bandits, cattle rustlers, insurgents, and other criminal elements across the country".

Earlier, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman said insecurity in the country has constituted a serious threat not only to the economic growth and development but also to the peace and unity of the nation.

He called on governors across the 36 states of the federation to grant financial autonomy to both the state legislatures and judiciaries to enhance good governance in the country.

Alpha Jets, Helicopter Gunship Kill 60 Terrorists in North-east

In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force fighter jets under Operation Hadin Kai has launched airstrikes against insurgency targets in the Lake Chad basin killing 60 terrorists.

The airstrikes hit fighters of terrorist groups, Boko Haram and Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP), who converged for a meeting in 20 boats on an Island in Tumbuns in the Lake Chad area and Malam Fatori.

A statement by the Air Force said the military sustained their onslaught on terrorist and insurgent targets on islands and localities around Lake

Chad.

"On receiving credible Intelligence on October 20, 2021, that about 20 boats with suspected Boko Haram /ISWAP terrorists were converging for a meeting on an Island in the Tumbuns on the Lake Chad and at Malam Fatori, three NAF aircraft under Operation Hadin Kai were scrambled to carry out strikes on the targets.

"Reaching overhead the targets, the pilots observed a gathering of about 20 boats consisting of 5-7 suspected terrorists in each boat. Using a mix of bombs and rockets, the three aircraft carried out series of strikes and scored

devastating hits on the targets leaving some survivors scrambling for their lives", it said.

Buratai Blames Porous Borders for Inflow of Arms However, the former Chief of Army Staff, Buratai yesterday lamented the nation's porous borders which he said were a channel for arms smuggling.

Speaking at an event in Yola, Buratai identified porous international borders which encourage an influx of weapons and other dangerous materials, and the tendency by the masses

to leave the anti-insurgency war for the military as some of the reasons for persisting insecurity.

Buratai also stressed that lack of development presented a breeding ground for poor nationals who become prone to acts that cause insecurity.

"The quest for security must go with development,” Buratai said, adding that terrorism thrived in the North-east particularly because it is the poorest region of the country.

"The North-east lacks development in all areas. That is one of the major factors fueling the insurgency and insecurity in the region,” he said.

OTEDOLA, ADENUGA, HASSAN-ODUKALES, OTUDEKO IN BATTLE TO CONTROL FIRST BANK US$30million in the bank's long term debt instrument (classified as Tier II capital) and which constitutes a significant portion of the bank’s capital base.”

Speaking on why he made such a huge investment at this period, Otedola said, “I believe in the Nigerian economy, it is resilient and has a bright future.

“The current security challenges will be overcome.

Anyone who fails to see the future now will lose out.”

In an earlier notice to the Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC) on Friday, FBNH declared that it received a notification on Friday from Leadway Assurance Company Limited that Chairman, First Bank Limited, Mr. Tunde Hassan-Odukale, and related parties had acquired a total of 1,923,512,099 units of shares, representing a 5.36 per cent of the company’s issued share

capital.

A THISDAY analysis of the company’s share movement on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) showed that FBNH closed its last trading day (Friday, October 22, 2021) at N12.25 per share, recording a 1.2 per cent gain over its previous closing price of N12.10, was traded at N9.70 on October 10.

FBN began the year with a share price of N 7.15 and has since gained 71.3 per cent on that price valuation, ranking it 16th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.

The stock of the holding company has accrued an outstanding 63 per cent over the past four-week period alone—second-best on NGX. Between July 26 and October 22, 2021, FBNH has traded a total volume of 3.81 billion shares—in 14,746 deals—valued at NGN

38.1 billion over the period, with an average of 60.5 million traded shares per session.

A volume high of 603 million was achieved on October 14th, and a low of 1.74 million on September 1st, for the same period.

Analysts said the sharp movement in the share price of the company became noticeable from October 14 when it jumped from N10.95 the previous trading day to close at N11.75.

The following day, the share price continued its upward swing when it closed at N12.70 and it has continued to stay above the N12 threshold since then.

The CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, did not respond to calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages sent to him yesterday, while the spokesperson for SEC, Mrs. Efe Ebelo declined

to comment because she had not been authorised to comment on the issue.

FBN Holdings Plc is the nonoperating holding company of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a commercial bank with operations in 10 countries.

As a diversified and one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in Africa, FBN offers a broad range of products and services including commercial banking, merchant banking, asset management, and insurance.

The merchant banking and asset management business of the group comprises FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, FBNQuest Capital Limited, FBNQuest Trustees Limited, FBNQuest Capital Asset Management Limited, FBNQuest Funds Limited, and FBNQuest Securities Limited.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

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EDITORIAL

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

APC, PDP AND INTERNAL DEMOCRACY Political parties should adhere to their internal rules and operations to strengthen the democratic process

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ith the conclusion of the ward, local government, and state congresses of both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), all is now set for the conventions to elect their National Working Committee (NWC) members and other national officers.

But if there is anything leaders of both parties have demonstrated in recent weeks, it is their total disregard for internal democracy anchored on transparency and accountability. In many of the states, the congresses were marred by violence while many produced factional and parallel executives.

Ordinarily, by aggregating and representing the interests of their members, fielding credible people for public offices, and holding government to account when in opposition, political parties have a huge role to play in any emerging democracy.

But since the democratic credentials of the principal promoters of political parties in Nigeria are thin, they have yet to demonstrate that they are driven by the core value of promoting the common good. For the past 22 years, impunity and arrogance have found expression within the leading political parties with unmanaged factions that at every election season produce rival war lords who clash openly and, in some instances, violently.

As we consistently argue on this page, political parties should be more of avenues for the contestation of ideas about how society should develop and thrive than a vehicle for seeking government offices. The challenge is that no political party in Nigeria, especially under the current dispensation which started in 1999, has articulated what it stands for in terms of ideas let alone canvass its platform to ordinary Nigerians. The situation is worse with fringe parties many of which come into existence only at election seasons and die off afterwards.

Such parties are no better than business ventures being promoted by mercantile politicians who hawk them as platforms of convenience at every election season.

Meanwhile, to the extent that political parties remain the framework for democracies to recruit and organise the populace for power contests, when they exhibit incoherence in policy formulation and disorder at local levels, it is democracy that is endangered. That precisely is what is going on today within both the APC and the PDP, even though we must acknowledge that the latter has conducted itself better than the former in recent weeks. The PDP has even succeeded in reaching a consensus on the zoning of critical offices such that a former minister, Iyorchia Ayu, is well positioned to become the next national chairman.

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When a party has no definable ideology, structure, or institutional memory as it is evident in both the PDP and APC, mechanisms for internal democracy will also be lacking

Letters to the Editor

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S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN DEPUTY EDITORS FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

owever, both parties are bogged down by legal entanglements over lack of respect for their own constitutions. The PDP constitution says that ward executive cannot suspend a national officer. But Uche Secondus was upended at his ward and a tenure guaranteed to end on 9th December has technically been terminated by default with the embattled national chairman in court to scuttle the national convention slated for this weekend. Meanwhile, there are also many within the APC hierarchy who argue that the recent judgment of the Supreme Court on the Ondo State governorship election puts the party in a quandary over the legality of a sitting Governor (in Mai Mala Buni of Yobe) acting as the caretaker national chairman.

Political parties are not only the expression of pluralism within a given polity, but they are also a fundamental instrument for popular participation in governance. Their internal structure and operations are therefore expected to be democratic. Sadly, internal democracy is a mirage within the structure of political parties in Nigeria. The challenge now is that going by the mayhem and utter disorder that characterised the ward, local government and state congresses that will culminate in the national conventions of both the APC and PDP, we are likely to witness legal battles in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be drawn as we approach the 2023 general election.

When a party has no definable ideology, structure, or institutional memory as it is evident in both the PDP and APC, mechanisms for internal democracy will also be lacking. And when their members find themselves in government, accountability will mean nothing!

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

REVERSING WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS

fter decades of political independence and transition into democracy, there remains a lifelong begging question of why women are not getting elected into political offices in Nigeria.

There is no gainsaying that this is a major Achilles heel that the country has faced over the past two decades since her return to democracy, and solving it requires both a critical look and, more importantly, strategic approach.

From 1999 to date, no woman has democratically been elected president or governor in Nigeria.

More specifically, less than 10 percent of women who run for seats in either chamber of the national assembly emerge victorious. In 2019, the ratio of men to women during the federal election was 12:1 with about 678 women vying

for seats at the national assembly, six for the presidency, and 22 for the vice presidency. At the end of the elections, only 62 women were elected to office. But it is not a Nigerian problem alone.

The United Nations has often emphasised the need to promote women participation in politics and, although certain countries are already obliging, performance is still depressing. The UN Women points to the direction that gender equality in politics may not be possible in 130 years at the current speed of progress. Available data indicate that across the 190 plus members of the United Nations, only 26 heads of state and government are women -- but just within 24 countries. Furthermore, only 25 per cent of parliamentarians across the globe are women, with only four nations having women comprising 50% or more -- Rwanda (61 per

cent), Cuba (53 per cent), Bolivia (53 per cent), and UAE (50 per cent).

This unequal approach to governance has brought about the underrepresentation of women and has placed them on the minority mantle in policy-making corridors.

Women’s poor performance in politics is highlighted by a plethora of factors suggestive of socio-cultural biases, economic inequality, poor access to education, low and underpaid employment, and, most importantly, the exorbitant costs of campaign believed to be a great hindrance to women running or even winning at the polls. Political parties do not provide a favourable environment to thrive in. From late meetings to poor funding, and social stereotypes, women are undermined throughout political processes.

What then can be done to remedy the situation for women?

Quite a number of strategies have been implemented by numerous foreign jurisdictions and can be replicated in Nigeria.

Rwanda passed an amendment of her constitution in 2003 which established a 30 percent reservation for women across all elective positions. By the end of the 2013 general elections, 61 per cent of the seats in the Rwandan parliament went to women underscoring Rwanda as the leader and frontier of women in politics and governance across the globe. Cuba, UAE, Bolivia, Mexico, and Sweden followed suit in implementing similar tactics which helped each of them achieve a higher number of women in politics and governance, most particularly the executive cabinet and parliament.

Could this then be taken as a signal to Nigeria to implement constitutional reforms that capture quota reservation for women across all levels of government? Certainly! At the moment, a bill to increase the seats in parliament with

a reservation clause of 111 seats for women scaled to second reading at the House of Representatives. It is a step in the right direction. Although, it could be amended to better reflect the economic situation of the country.

If equality is to be achieved for women in politics, then quota reservation is the best approach, and it can only be championed by civic organisations.

However, the clampdown on civic space raises concerns for the progress of equality in politics. A good example is the case of Paul Ifere and Promise Etete, who were arrested and detained by law enforcement agents in 2016 and 2020 respectively for publishing content that was critical of the government and its officials.

––Olasupo Abideen, Executive Director of Brain Builders, Youth Development Initiative.

Read the full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

OPINION

THE DESTRUCTION OF NIGERIA’S INTELLECTUAL ELITE Ike Okonta argues the need to rekindle the publishing industry

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bdulrazak Gurnah, the Tanzanian novelist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature two weeks ago. Professor Gurnah has been living and writing in Great Britain since the mid-1960s.

The response of Nigerian journalists, academics and other intellectuals to the award was shocking, and illustrated in graphic terms the low depth into which they have sunk.

First, these intellectuals complained that they had neither heard of Abdulrazak Gurnah nor read any of his novels.

Then they argued that Ngugi Wa Thiong’O, the Kenyan novelist was more deserving of the prize and that the award to Gurnah was a deliberate snub of the former by the Nobel Prize Committee.

When an elite class has been so thoroughly beaten by the rain that they no longer know when the rain started in the first place or what to do to find shelter, then the country is in trouble. That is the case with Nigeria’s intellectual elite. They were unable to ask themselves the simple question: How come we have not heard of Abdulrazak Gurnah before? Is it our fault or his? I shall explain the veil of silence that has enveloped Gurnah until he became a Nobel laureate two weeks ago. Gurnah began to write in the mid-1980s. This coincided with the imposition of the much-lamented Structural Adjustment Programme on Nigeria and other African countries by the International Monetary Fund, a neo-liberal economic regimen promoted by the administration of Ronald Reagan, the then US President.

The coming of the Structural Adjustment Programme had two immediate consequences for Nigeria’s intellectuals. As the local currency the Naira was devalued, the subsidiaries of such Western publishing companies like Longman, Macmillan, Evans and Heinemann found that they could no longer operate in the country profitably and they closed shop. This meant that Nigerian writers no longer found an outlet for their work. Avid readers were also affected. New books in Nigerian bookshops dried up. To make matters worse, local bookshops were unable to restock as the price of imported books relative to the devalued Naira became too expensive. Denied fresh supplies from Nigerian publishing companies (even indigenous publishers like Fourth Dimension and Onibonoje had folded up because they could no longer print abroad), bookshops turned to selling stationary and Bible tracts.

General Ibrahim Babangida, military Head of State at the time the Structural Adjustment Programme storm began to blow across the African continent, was particularly intent on imposing the programme on Nigerians. Babangida is not a trained economist. The economists he had assembled to do the IMF’s bidding were neither intelligent nor patriotic. Dr Kalu Idika Kalu and Dr Chu Okongwu were mid-level IMF operatives who were not discerning enough to ask themselves the simple question whether the regimen being proposed by the Fund had worked anywhere else in the world. For them, it was good enough that instructions came from IMF headquarters in Washington DC, and they implemented these instructions with uncommon zeal.

But General Babangida did not just stop at obeying the IMF’s orders. He went after Nigerian intellectuals, students and journalists who were intelligent enough to see the Structural Adjustment Programme for the economic and social disaster it was and were warning the federal government to steer clear of it. Progressive academics in the universities were either deported from Nigeria or sacked from their jobs. Student Union leaders were either rusticated or expelled from their schools by craven Vice Chancellors. General Babangida instigated the setting up of secret cults on campuses which then went on to terrorize progressive lecturers and students alike. Life on university campuses was made so difficult for patriotic academics that they had no alternative than to relocate to Europe and North America in their thousands.

This then was the general hostile intellectual atmosphere in Nigeria and other African countries when Abdulrazak Gur nah began to get published in the UK in the mid-

When an elite class has been so thoroughly beaten by the rain that they no longer know when the rain started in the first place or what to do to find shelter, then the country is in trouble. That is the case with Nigeria’s intellectual elite

1980s. His books could not get to Nigeria because the book industry, as I have explained, had collapsed. Even in the UK, Gurnah’s work was generally ignored by mainstream critics because the subject he was tackling – the lingering effects of British colonialism on Africa and other formerly dependent continents – made them uncomfortable. Unlike the late V.S. Naipaul who elected to make himself the tribune of Imperialism, attacking former colonies with such novels as A Bend In The River, Guerillas and The Mimic Men, Gurnah wrote about the former colonials, the hapless refugee uprooted from Africa and deposited in a hostile and uncaring Europe, and all who had received the short end of the stick after colonialism left indigenous social and political systems out of joint.

It is significant that Nigerian intellectuals were unable to analyse the workings of the international system in the 1980s and 1990s that conspired to deny them the simple pleasure of reading Abdulrazak Gurnah, one of their own. This points to a deeper wound: the inability to make sense of Nigeria’s failing political economy today and work out solutions to get the country out of the bog into which she has sunk. Between them, General Babangida and the IMF collaborated to destroy Nigeria’s intellectual elite. The present challenge is to ask ourselves what can be done to replant that tree so that it can begin to flourish again.

Three Nigerians (there may be more) have been struggling against odds to ensure that the flame of intellectual and cultural life does not go out altogether in the country. They are Toyin Akinosho, Richard Mamah and Abubakar Adam Ibrahim. These three patriots have been campaigning zealously for the place of books and the reading culture in Nigerian national life. Instead of campaigning for the maintenance of the ban on Twitter, Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture should reach out to these three Nigerian patriots and work out how to scale up their activities so that culture and literature would be given a new lease of life in Nigeria.

When that day eventually dawns, Nigeria’s beleaguered intellectual elite will be able to stroll into a bookshop in the country and buy any of Abdulrazak Gurnah’s 10 wonderful novels.

––Dr. Okonta was until recently Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Department of Politics, University of Oxford. He lives in Abuja.

Atiku: Needed 'Oxygen' In The Lungs of Nigeria Former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, is needed to pull the nation from the brink, writes Babajide Balogun

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igeria is in despair and distress. The nation is sick and like a Covid-19 patient in dire need of oxygen for survival.

Truth be told, the components which constitute the ‘lungs of Nigeria’ have become frail and weak. And except oxygen is quickly administered to them, difficulty is the road to survival.

The question, therefore, becomes which Nigerian leader as at today has the capacity to not only be the oxygen needed but also have the capacity to effectively administer this?

From the North, South, East and West, there is a consensus that the country is at a precipice and hence desperately yearning for a new order and leadership.

To posit that life has become unbearably difficult, miserable and despairingly lost its huge value in the most recent years is to state the obvious. Indeed, aside the Civil War with its attendant consequences never has the Nigerian state and its people experienced the turmoil and hardship being experienced across the nook and cranny of the country.

The three pillars of security, economy and social welfare upon which the present administration campaigned and came into power have become a mere mockery of the words themselves. While the nation grapples with an all-time worsening insecurity as never contemplated before, the economy and social welfare on the other hand is in a shambles with no hope on the horizon.

As the dollar continues a skyrocketing trip against the naira in terms of exchange on a daily basis, inflation is worsening, making the cost of living drive hunger and crime to never expected levels in our dear country.

More saddening is the level of disunity, distrust and outright resentment that clearly calibrates the despair and agitations across regions of the country. To posit that Nigeria is a nation at a precipice is to, as much as painful, also be generous with the real state of the

country. Like a surgery gone bad, the country clearly yearns for quality leadership, one that is genuinely reflective of the spirit of the once ‘giant of Africa’.

Indeed, giving the worsening state of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, secessionist agitations, hunger and unemployment, it has become necessary that a leadership with vision and capacity is needed not only to deliver, but one that understands the complex and diverse nature of the country be given an opportunity to lead the country out of the woods. And this is possible.

We don’t need to look too far for such possibilities. Rwanda, gives a clear-cut understanding and image of how a country can be ‘healed’ and made to become the envy of many. Within a few years of emerging from what seemed like an irredeemable situation, Rwanda, under a visionary leadership has become the cynosure of all eyes and the envy of Africans.

Rwanda illustrates how capacity in leadership and governance when blended with vision and national interest can make any country of the world become dynamic regardless of its past challenges.

As the situation in Nigeria looks dire, one Nigerian leader who has the capacity to turn the tides around and can be trusted by the Nigerian people to lead them in redirecting the ship of state is Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri of Adamawa and former Vice President of Nigeria.

Across the country, the former Vice President cuts the perfect picture of a trustworthy leader. His cosmopolitan nature radiates and reflects in his reach and spread amongst friends, associates and followers across the country. From the North, South, East and West, Atiku’s acceptability is premised on a mien that is encompassing, welcoming and long tested.

A leader that can never be faulted on the basis of religion or tribalism, the twin factors that are the

underbelly of our politics and governance, his true character, just as it is cast on stone, is one that is presently needed to pull the nation from the brink.

His record of excellent public service coupled with a stint in the private sector in which he has distinguished himself building companies delivering profits and much-needed jobs is well documented. Known not to play to the gallery, Atiku Abubakar is equipped to lead and heal the nation.

There is no doubt that some measure of relief is needed in the ‘lungs of Nigeria’ as in all fairness to the Nigerian people, they have continued to exercise patience and understanding in this tortuous journey, but have perpetually been served the short end of the stick.

However, 2023 gives Nigerians hope. Whether in the streets of Kaura Namoda, those of Obowo, Ojuelegba, Maiduguri, Ogoja, Otukpo, Bukuru, Ilorin, Sapele, Benin, Kano, Ife, Okrika, Karu, Kano or indeed any part of the country, we can collectively change the course of this ship for our sake and the sake of our future generation.

Given Atiku’s track records of public and private service, his reach in friendship and goodwill across the country, it is time we stand united in our collective demand for a change of baton to a tested and trusted leader who will galvanise us to national integration and economic rejuvenation.

We all as citizens have had it rough. But like Michael Jordan, the great basketball legend says, “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it”.

It is time we did this collectively with a new dose of oxygen; which Atiku depicts and clearly has the capacity to administer.

––Balogun wrote from Ibadan.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

15

LETTERS

T

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN’S TOUR OF AFRICA

urkey`s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently embarked on a tour of Africa where he too k in visits to Angola, Togo and Nigeria. It was no coincidence that Mr. Erdogan chose to travel to Angola, Togo and Nigeria, for as the saying goes, birds of the same feather flock together. In leaders of all three African countries, Mr. Erdogan very much finds leaders cut from the same cloth as he is.

Nigeria is Africa`s most populous country and biggest economy. It is also Africa`s biggest oil producer. However, years of maladministration marked by corrosive corruption and rudderless leadership has left the country and its long-suffering citizens on the brink.

Angola is Africa`s second biggest oil producer after Nigeria. The country is blessed with vast oil reserves. However, the country`s troubled past includes the horrors of a protracted civil war which stretched from 1975 – 2002 and the utterly corrupt and cluelessly dictatorial government of Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos who was in power from 1975 to 2017.The devastating combination of the Angolan Civil War and the ruinous corruption of the government of Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos who turned Angola`s commonwealth into his family`s personal fund, has ensured that millions of long-suffering Angolans remain firmly in the grasp of gripping poverty.

Unlike Nigeria and Angola, Togo is not an oil-producing country. The country is poor without a lot of natural resources. But to compound the country`s miserly lot has been the iron dictatorship wielded like a cudgel by the

Gnassingbe family. Eyadema Gnassingbe was in power from 1967 until he died in 2005.He was immediately succeeded by his son Faure Gnassingbe in 2005 who has been in power ever since with embarrassingly little to show for it.

Turkey`s Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a constant in his country`s political scene since 1994. He has been the President of Turkey since 2014 and under him, one of the world`s most liberal Muslim-dominated country has come under the bootheels of autocracy especially since a failed coup attempt in 2016.

What immediately binds Turkey, Angola, Togo and Nigeria is the fact that the quartet of countries are governed by leaders who prefer the toxicity of intolerance and autocracy to the refreshing freedom that democracy conjures on a daily basis.

If the world is to break free of the cloud of poverty that suffocates children and their families in many countries of the world, power must truly and fully belong to the people,

and the people alone. In every country of the world, people must be able to choose how and by whom to freely express their power.

Under Mr. Erdogan, Turkey which was previously a secular state marked by tolerance and prosperity has witnessed a severe erosion of democratic rights and freedom. Citing the failed coup attempt of 2016, Erdogan has fully and freely indulged his autocratic appetites in putting journalist, artistes, artists, political opponents behind bars or on trial by a compromised judiciary.

The international community has largely turned a blind eye to what is happening in the country because Turkey is serving as a holding pen for millions of refugees who would otherwise pour into the European Union and other countries.

The questions are obvious: are economic prosperity and democratic freedoms mutually exclusive? Is there any sort of rivalry between economic prosperity and democratic free-

N

would be welcome. But this must be accompanied with effective media dissemination of the security reinforcement.

This confidence - building measure is necessary to achieve the desired voter turnout. Understanding for IPOB's self-determination activism does not however translate to support for election boycott call. Given the restriction of vehicular movement during elections, threat to voters from the prowling "unknown" gunmen will be greatly reduced. This opening against voter intimidation should be cultivated from now to polls day with media and public education by the INEC, political parties, churches and the larger civil society.

But given the deficiencies of typical Nigerian elections, there are legitimate concerns about possible manipulation of the election process. The limitations that continue to stunt our electoral exercises hinge on the vulnerability of the electoral body to control by the ruling party. And so, acting on enlightened self interest, no successor government has moved to implement the Justice Mohammed Uwais Committee report divesting

the countries where they sprout roots in the name of bilateral and trade relations. Africa is a favourite destination. To change this narrative, African countries must look at themselves and resolve to no longer serve as playgrounds for foreign autocrats.

Nigeria as Africa`s most populous country and biggest economy must again take the lead in efforts that are invariably in defense of democracy which is the best guarantee that African children will experience a future better than the present. Nigeria must demand that every country that seeks to engage with it on any level must attain certain democratic and human rights credentials.

Kene Obiezu, Abuja.

Read the full article online www.thisdaylive.com

IRIS TECHNOLOGIES AND NIGERIA’S PASSPORT CRISIS

V

ice President Yemi Osinbajo is right on point on this; his views resonate with trends in developed and the developing world on the role private firms can play in a nation's economic development.

"It is the private sector", said Professor Osinbajo at the commissioning of BUA's Sokoto Cement plant in July 2018, "not the government, that will ultimately drive Nigeria's economic growth". True, and this does not require much elaboration. The woeful performance of public companies in Nigeria and elsewhere have been well documented and formed the basis for the massive privatization exercise that has liberated numerous sectors of the economy from the shackles and lethargies of

non-performance.

What has taken place in the telecommunications and financial sectors is nothing short of a revolution. The performance of private firms in the telecommunications and financial sectors has validated Vice President Osinbajo's assertion. Since the liberalisation of those sectors of the economy, they have become the major drivers of the nation's economic development.

In this regard, the transformation of Nigeria's chaotic, corrupt and inefficient passport administration, issuance, and control under the Buhari administration should be considered as a positive development and a major game-changer. Since the outsourcing of the production of Nigeria's e-passport to a highly qualified, competent,

ANAMBRA'S NEXT GOVERNOR: NOT BY MIGHT igerians generally and the people of Anambra State in particular are trying to grapple with the intricacies of the Anambra governorship election fixed for November 6, 2021. Standing out in the campaigns, candidate's rating, political party appeal and general support base is Professor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA. He is trailed from a considerable distance by the duo of the APC and PDP flagbearers, Senator Andy Uba and Mr Valentine Ozigbo respectively. But as the Anambra electorate make up their minds on the deserving choice of the next governor, they are also contending with doubts about the feasibility of a free and fair election. For many, the question is, will due process or power play prevail?

While the problem of insecurity in the southeast is of concern to many, it is believed that this could be contained with some decisive measures. Considering that the feeling of insecurity is linked to the opposition of the IPOB to holding of elections in the region, beefing up security presence as indicated by the Inspector General of Police

doms? Is there ever a conflict between economic prosperity and democratic freedoms? If there is, which among both desirables should take the upper hand?

Because Africa as a continent has failed in spite of its vast natural and human resources to keep up with the pace of development in other continents, thereby ensuring prosperity for its diverse populations, it has always been a playground for foreign leaders who seek to score cheap political points or cover up their failures at home or abroad. Most of the countries who engage in this kind of diplomatic white-washing are countries with questionable human rights records. China is a prime example. Because these countries pay little regards to the rights of their own citizens, they are not shy to export their ruthlessness to

the executive the power of appointing members of the electoral commission.

In the unfolding Anambra State governorship process, some political interests have been flaunting their supposed proximity to the establishment and therefore, their capability to influence the exercise.

The posturing, carriage, outbursts and combative language of some actors in the Anambra political scene had tended to give credence to threats of manipulation.

Expressions such as "capture Anambra State"; "the Imo formula"; and "power not about morality" currently employed by some competitors in the contest sadly have a tenor of aggressiveness.

With the APGA looking set to extend its 15-year -reign in the state, a school of thought views the recent tussle over the leadership of the party and governorship ticket as sponsored to abort the party's chances at the November poll. The discredited judgments obtained in certain high courts were intended to conflict the party. These and other containment moves serve as reflection of the level of desperation being brought into

the governorship race.

Similarly, the recently flown emergency rule kite was widely perceived as a maneuver to upset the status quo in the state.

Coming less than two months to the scheduled November 6 poll, analysts perceived ulterior political motive in the scheme, with one editorial describing it as a plan for power grab.

Other plots for teleguiding the Anambra election might well be afoot. But their successful implementation must contend with the people's will. Subversion of the system can only be realised with the resignation of the citizens. Nothing suggests that Ndi Anambra are about to disregard the huge progress made in development in the past seven years. The resilience demonstrated since the political shift of 2003 indicates that they understand what is at stake.

History continues to demonstrate the inestimable value of just struggle and people's solidarity.

––IfeanyiChukwu Afuba is editor of Anambra Times.

Read the full article online www.thisdaylive.com

and engaged private company, Iris Smart Technologies Limited, the problems associated with the issuance and administration of Nigeria's passport have become a thing of the past. This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in passport production and administration has become a reference point in the synergy of the public and private sectors and a foretaste of what is to come.

Without investing money into passport production, the federal government earned over $290m and N80b from this passport project in revenue. This sum is expected to rise as more Nigerians apply and receive new passports.

Due to the enhanced security features in the new passports, Nigerian passport holders are no longer subjected to embarrassment at international airports and other travel destinations as was rampant in the past. Gone are the days when Nigeria's passport was printed and easily obtained at street corners and counterfeit joints.

As a private company, wholly-owned by Nigerians and based in Nigeria, Iris Technologies Limited is a good example of how the best brains in Nigeria can contribute their quota to national development.

Iris invested its own money; the government never invested one single dime, they put their own money and they printed passports. It is after the sale that immigration pays them back and they have successfully handled this work for years and it has succeeded. The idea that someone in government is contemplating taking away this job from these patriotic bonafide Nigerians who are not foreigners is indefensible.

Iris Technologies is growing Nigeria’s confidence in technology and private sourcing of funds for investment.

At a time Nigerians are complaining of a sluggish economy, how else is this economy expected to grow other than by individuals creating an investable enterprise, sourcing their funds, and creating values for the common good? Companies like Iris are privately driven, yet they are doing very well.

They should be encouraged,

not discouraged. Unlike Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) which wastes billions of naira annually but still cannot meet the minimum standards in product or service, Iris Technologies produces the e-passports with funds with its resources. The company took a syndicated loan of $30million to finance the design and production of the new national passport project. It installed equipment for high-definition biometric capture in 86 different locations – 42 within Nigeria and 44 abroad.

Private firms like Iris Technologies excel where government firms fail because they are efficient and deploy resources in an efficient and result-oriented manner. They achieve quality results without wasting materials, energy, and time.

They deliver quality results to build and maintain their reputation. A company like Iris technologies would have been more respected and referred to if it were owned by foreigners.

It is a shame that Nigerians do not value what they have. The company has also introduced technological innovations that have met and exceeded global industry standards. The featured innovations on the Nigerian e-passport strengthen its security value, making it impossible to be faked, counterfeited, or transferred to an authorized user who might pose a security threat to a third-party country.

Strengthened by enhanced 25 new security features which include the engraving of a holder's National Identity Number (NIN), the new Nigerian e-passport assists rather than hinders at-risk countries in their fight against terror.

Also, the data page comes in polycarbonate technology that eliminates damage and is not laminated like the previous one. Therefore, fraudsters will find it harder to alter personal information, including changing a photograph on the Nigerian passport.

––Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, Bayero University, Kano Read the full article online www.thisdaylive.com

16

SUNDAY OCTOBER 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

17

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 24, 2021

BUSINESS

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

Repositioning Nigeria’s Courts as Catal\sts Ior (conoPic *roZtK In developed countries, the judiciary plays a crucial role in economic development through quick and fast resolution of commercial disputes. This is why the concern expressed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, that the delay in justice delivery accounts for the inability of the judiciary to eͿectively contribute to the development of the nation’s economy needs to be taken seriously, reports Festus Akanbi

Muhammad

A

ll over the world, one of the major functions of the judiciary is to interpret and apply laws to speciÀc cases. While deciding the disputes that come before it, the judges interpret and apply laws because every law needs a proper interpretation for getting applied to every speciÀc case.

Whether in 1igeria or elsewhere, the Àrst and foremost function of the judiciary is to give justice to the people, whenever they approach it. It awards punishment to those who after trial are found guilty of violating the laws of the state, the rights of the people or breach contracts Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the judicial system is found wanting as far as prompt justice delivery is concerned, a sad development that prompted the Chief Justice of the Federation, (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, to call out members of his constituency for unwillingness to take commercial disputes resolution seriously.

The CJN believes that the delay in justice delivery accounts for the inability of the judiciary to eͿectively contribute to the development of the nation’s economy.

Justice Muhammad noted that although disputes were unavoidable in business transactions and other related economic activities, it was scandalous to have such cases linger for years in court without resolution, adding that it discourages investment.

The CJN urged judges and judicial stakeholders to device prompt dispute resolution, saying an eͿective judicial system is a catalyst for Ànancial system stability, which often translates to economic growth.

Justice Muhammad spoke in Abuja at “the national workshop for judges on recent reforms of the Banking and Financial Services Sector in Nigeria: Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 in focus” organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in collaboration with Juris Law and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CJN noted that the delay often experienced in the determination of cases in courts, particularly with commercial disputes, was

Pinheiro

unacceptable, pointing out that “If the judiciary must play its role in Ànancial stability in Nigeria, cases of delay must be aggressively and frontally addressed so that parties will get justice at the end and the resultant eͿect of this will raise public conÀdence in the Judiciary.

Disputes are Inevitable… *iving a Àrst-hand perspective to the issue, an associate with Perchstone & Graeys LP, a Àrm of solicitors and arbitrators, Mr. Temidayo Adwoye, explained that disputes are inevitable in commercial relations, adding, however, that “Where disputes arise, the mechanism available for their speedy and just resolution is usually a factor that investors watch out for before investing in any country.

“Investors will typically consider whether the fora for resolution of commercial disputes in the jurisdiction where he is intending to invest is such that can ensure that justice is not only served but that the winner of the dispute can easily enjoy the fruits of the resolution speedily.”

Long Road to Justice Adewoye lamented that “Commercial cases in Nigeria take “donkey years” before they are Ànally resolved. In Nwosu North and South International Limited & Anor v.

Nigeria International Trading and Industrial Corporation Limited (2014) LPELR-23425 (CA), Justice Joseph Tine Tur (JCA) began writing his judgment with his decry of the long gestation time of commercial cases when he said: “Nwosu North and South International Limited I shall call (“the appellant”) instituted a suit against Nigeria International Trading and Industrial Corporation Limited I shall call (“the respondent”) before the High Court of Justice, Jos, Plateau State on 28th January 1975 when I was just entering the university. Twenty-Nine years have passed and I am delivering judgment in the dispute.

Meanwhile, Anthony Nwosu died in the course of the proceedings. He is not alive to know the outcome of the suit. What kind of judicial system is this? There has to be an improvement on the justice delivery system in Nigeria.”

Pointing out causes of delay in the dispensation of justice on commercial cases, he said that one

Ozekhome

of the challenges entails the competence of the judge sitting over commercial cases in our courts.

According to him, “There are judges that are not so adept with the interplay of commerce and the law and the need for the Court to reÁect commercial realities in their judgments.”

He believes that the eͿect of having competent hands man the trial courts is that it ultimately reduces matters that go on appeal because issues submitted for determination are thoroughly addressed by very competent hands at the High Court level.

“In Nigeria, this is not entirely the case. Many High Court judges, except in specialised courts such as the National Industrial Court, are expected to preside over all manners of cases that are submitted to their courts. This, in turn, leads to judgments that are bound to be appealed because of clear errors of law,” he stated.

According to him, “Part of the infrastructural challenges is also a factor that delays commercial cases. Many Courts do not have facilities for virtual hearing or to play and view electronic evidence. Instead of electronic Àling of cases, litigants are still compelled to Àle all their processes in papers. Many courts do not have stenographers to assist the court take notes of proceedings as it is done in other climes.

There are times where courts are constrained to put on their rechargeable lamps to continue their proceedings in thick darkness caused by power outages. All of the challenges of infrastructure slow the pace of proceedings before courts.”

Adewoye called for a more transparent and veriÀable procedure for the appointment of judges.

“Commercial judges should be legal practitioners who have advised various commercial transactions and represented parties in commercial disputes. There has to be better funding for the judiciary. Judges whose salaries have reportedly hardly been reviewed in 14 years cannot be motivated to discharge their duties eͿectively. There must be the resuscitation of the Law Reform Commission at State and Federal levels to undertake studies in how to ensure more e΀cient administration of justice, especially in commercial cases,” he submitted.

$cKieving Judicial (Ϳcienc\ However, leading legal luminary, Kemi Pinheiro says the blame for the lethargy in the judicial system should be taken to the doorsteps of the executive arm of government for not providing the needed leadership capable of fast-tracking commercial cases in court. “Sadly, it would seem that successive governments in Nigeria do not place much importance on commercial disputes, which have continued to linger in the various courts across the country despite the undeniable role an eͿective judiciary plays in ensuring economic growth.

“In other words, it appears that the diͿerent arms of the Nigerian government do not appreciate the role a Tuick, eͿective and e΀cient dispute resolution mechanism play in the economic development of a country.”

The Senior Advocate explained that “a wellfunctioning judicial system is indispensable to business activities and society as a whole.

“Judicial e΀ciency measured by trial length, one of the essential factors in the eͿectiveness of the justice system, ensures contract enforcement, which is the basis of market transactions. Judicial e΀ciency is closely associated with accessibility to judicial services and the certainty of an e΀cient judicial system raises people’s conÀdence.”

Double Standards Analysts wondered why successive governments which found it di΀cult to enthrone Tuick justice delivery in commercial cases have put in place reforms to remove the delay on elections cases.

Pinheiro noted, “It is quite incredulous that successive governments in Nigeria have failed to make concerted eͿorts to reform the judiciary.

It will be recalled that when the politicians were faced with the possibility that the period for the determination of pre-election and election matters would linger at the tribunal for a long time because of the rot in the judicial system as in the case of Ngige v Peter Obi (2006) LPELR-12920, immediate and urgent steps were taken to amend the Constitution to ensure that election matters are determined expeditiously and within a Constitutionally guaranteed time frame (See Section 285 of the Constitution).

“Sanctions are meted out by the National Judicial Council to judges who fail to determine election matters within the time prescribed by the Constitution.

3riorit\ In his observation, Mr. Mike Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) maintained that the Nigerian court gives priority to election matters.

Ozekhome insisted “the Nigerian courts give priority to election matters to the total exclusion of strictly commercial disputes.

“Although Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) has since stepped in to help out, it is still in its embryonic state because most Nigerians believe more in ÀsticuͿ litigation in courts of law.”

He alleged that elected leaders hardly work for the good of the people given their disposition to abandon duty to Àght for re-election.

According to him, “The result is that international investors watch with shock, how their important commercial cases are relegated to the background on the altar of a mad political system. They simply pack their baggage and go to the next business-friendly environment. That is why we say bye-bye to economic growth and national development.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 24, 2021

18

AVIATION

Securing Regional Market for African Airlines through SAATM After the demise of many national carriers in Africa, the continent lost its air travel market to mostly European and Middle East carriers, which now control over 70 per cent of the market. So the African Union established the Single African Air Travel Market to increase market share for African airlines and rejig the economy of the region. Chinedu Eze writes that African airlines must work together for SAATM to succeed

F

ortheaviationindustrytodevelop and contribute signiÀcantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many countries in Africa, create thousands of jobs in the continent and produce skilled manpower as pilots, engineers, air tra΀c controllers, schedulers, airspace managers and others, African airlines must dominate the African market.

Today, international airlines have over 70 per cent of the market share of African destinations, as many African airlines are literally limping.

Many of them are infected by short-term disease, which ensures that they don’t thrive for a long time. This is because they manage the remnant of the routes left for them after the lucrative destinations have been mopped up

by European and Middle East mega carriers.

For example, in Nigeria airlines like British Airways, Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines leave Nigeria everyday with high load factor, operating large body double isle aircraft. TheirAfrican competitors are Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Rwand Air. These African carriers may not have more than 30 per cent of the Nigerian market and there is no domestic carrier to compete with them, except Air Peace that is only operating two international destinations, Sharjah in United Arab Emirates and Johannesburg.

It is this reality that prompted the African Union to establish The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in 2018 as a way to push African airlines to begin to nibble into the huge market dominated by foreign carriers.

Liberalisation of African Airspace The Single African Air Transport Market is a Áagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, an initiative of the African Union to create a single uniÀed air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalisation of civil aviation in Africa and act as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAATM would ensure aviation plays a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its social, economic and political integration and boosting intra-Africa trade and tourism as a result. IATAexplained that SAATM was created to expedite the full implementation of theYamoussoukro Decision, which was earlier decision taken by African leaders to liberalise the continent’s airspace.

IATA believes that SAATM would open up Africa’s skies and promote the value of aviation throughout the continent. It would also open air arrangements and agreements, boost air tra΀c, drive economies and create jobs.

IATAsaid if just 12 keyAfrica countries opened their markets and increased connectivity, an extra 155,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual GDP would be created in those countries.

Recovering the African Market The Chief Commercial O΀cer, EthiopianAirlines, Mr. Esayas WoldeMariam told THISDAY recently in Addis Ababa that African airlines constitute only three percent of the total aviation market in the world and that 80 percent of the three percent is operated by non African airlines, only 20 percent is left but that with SAATM, African airlines would dominate the African skies.

“We are not just working towards SAATM only, we created it. When Nkosazana DlaminiZuma was the head of the African Union Commission, Ethiopian Airlines spearheaded the push to have SAATM because before that there was what you call the Yamoussoukro Decision, which became defunct, so we needed something modern that could work. Zuma then told us

Some African airlines

to go and bring along some other airlines, so we brought a few airlines together and we went in. She was convinced of the initiative; afterwards, theAfrican governments discussed and ratiÀed it,” he said.

WoldeMariam said SAATM would give opportunity to African airlines to dominate African skies.

“Right now, from Africa to the world and from the world to Africa, our airlines constitute only three percent of the total aviation market

by IATA and 80 percent of that three percent is operated by non African airlines, only 20 percent is left for us. But with SAATM, we would dominate the African tra΀c.

“We would work with each other and not against each other and we would try to connect cultures, people and goods in Africa and that is why Ethiopia started making visa online and visa on arrival for all Africans. This is because many African countries delay or deny visa for fellow Africans citizens while they give to people who are coming from the northern hemisphere,” he said.

WoldeMariam explained that instead of building 30,000-kilometer railway, a three-kilometer runway for the aircraft would enable air travel to connect in a cheaper way all people in Africa to buy and sell from each other.

He disclosed that Africans are transacting only 10 percent business with one other and 90 percent with overseas partners and “we want that to change so that employment and capital will remain within the African soil.”

“So SAATM is our making and we are working very hard towards its success because that would be the best thing for all African airlines.

The African Union Commission for Trade and Investment is working seriously for its realisation and they are going to push for that so that the rest of the African countries would follow suit,” WoldeMariam said.

To date, 34 countries in the continent have signed up to the SAATM, which include Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde,

Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea (Bissau), Guinée, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sénégal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tchad, Togo, Zimbabwe and IATA has noted that these countries represent over 80 per cent of the existing aviation market in Africa.

SAATM’s Gains for Nigeria Air Transport Specialist and former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Richard Aisuebeogun has identiÀed key factors that must be met for domestic airlines to beneÀt from the SAATM. Some of these key factors include using appropriate equipment (aircraft), on-time performance, consistency in service delivery and using diplomacy with the support of Nigerian government to overcome aero politics, which tend to inhibit smooth inter-country connectivity in the sub-region.

In Africa, Nigerian airlines have Central and West Africa as their turf, where they have dominated for years because Nigeria has the highest number of existing airlines in the West Coast at any time. Central and West Africa sub-regions have 23 countries where many Nigerians live and do business and always longed for direct Áights to their home country.

Aisuebeogun noted that Nigerian airlines had dominated the West African region in the past three decades with airlines like Okada Air, ADC Airlines, Bellview Airlines, Virgin Nigeria Airways controlling over 80 per cent of that market but that dominance started waning when external factors like protectionism began to take root. On the side of the airlines, he observed that internal factors like poor management, lack of understanding of the market in terms of yield and revenues, operating aging aircraft became a hindrance to the potential success

of the airlines.

He however stressed that protectionism through arbitrary charges by airport management of various countries and lack of appropriate pricing were reasons that led to gradual withdrawal of airlines that operated from Nigeria to the West coast.

The market contracted further for Nigerian operators when some countries in the sub-region opened their airspace to Àfth and sixth freedom rights to foreign airlines, thus cementing multiple designations in a region that was not fully liberalised and this aͿected the proÀtability of Nigerian carriers.

New Vista of Hope The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika is optimistic that if Nigerian airlines are strategic and operate the right equipment with on-time performance, it would dominate the West and Central Africa under SAATM. Sirika who spearheaded Nigeria’s support for SAATM said that Nigerian airlines should be willing to compete and added that Nigeria has secured Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) from many countries in West and Central Africa.

Also, travel expert and oragniser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that SAATM would succeed if each country were willing to open its airspace for other African carriers and noted that Nigerian airlines, which hitherto dominated the West Coast as stated above, have lukewarm attitude towards SAATM and think they need to fully exploit their local market Àrst.

The travel expert also noted that SAATM was established to pressure countries to open their airspace to African carriers as leeway to retrieve the African market from international carriers for the beneÀt of airlines from the region, so countries in the region should adopt the policy of diplomatic reciprocity that would encourage partnership and cooperation for the airlines in the continent.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 24, 2021

19

BUSINESS OUTSIDER

Google.com

Surviving Economic Downtimes as Small Business Tunji Adegbite

A

s inÁation continues to rise amidst worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, businesses are struggling to stay aÁoat, and consumers’ purchasing power is diminishing.

Recently, a baker informed his patrons that he would be shutting down the business and laying oͿ over 25 employees due to rising operational costs and the resultant dwindling proÀts.

“There’s a limit to how much loss the business can absorb or how much product prices can be increased.”

This baker’s situation is unfortunately not a one-oͿ; many SMEs are struggling to remain proÀtable in the economic recession. These smaller businesses do not have the cash reserves to adjust or absorb losses endlessly compared to their bigger counterparts. Can small businesses survive and even grow in a challenging economy?

In today’s article, which marks a year of sharing my business insights on ThisDay, I will share four steps your company should consider during economic downtimes to survive and perhaps even grow: Focus on core competencies and introduce value add streams Look at the numbers - what actually sells best with little marketing and or production cost? Scale back to those products and or services that already perform very well with your customer base. Using sales data to determine the core products is crucial. It provides an unbiased view; business owners often have their favourite products or products they believe should do well that

may not align with actual consumer demand.

During this period, rationalise all other less proÀtable product lines that require expensive support. Concentrate your eͿorts on producing and promoting the products that are guaranteed to Áy oͿ-the-shelf to past, current, and prospective customers.

After identifying the core products, increase revenue streams by adding VIP and ¶economy’ versions of the core product or service. One aspect of this concept is satchetisation, which reduces the size of products into more miniature, economic single-serve packs. However, businesses rarely implement the other side by introducing luxury or perceived luxury versions.

Let’s look at the case of a popular bakery- its most popular product is cake. In addition to its standard cake price list, the bakery introduces a Áat fee cake size design for N5,500. Customers can walk-in and purchase a nice tasting occasion cake for under N6,000 without needing to pre-order. On the other hand, they also created speciality cake designs at an additional price that cater to individual customer’s speciÀc design or Áavour requirements. With both ends of the market covered, this bakery can maximise all the potential revenue streams of its most popular product, occasion cakes.

Make small cuts early and protect cash Áow Business conditions during economic downturns can result in slimmer proÀt margins and difÀculty maintaining a healthy cash Áow. Small budget items add up

to high costs even though on their own are not signiÀcant. Audit all monthly expenses and strip out all unnecessary spending - let go of services, resources, dormant equipment, or subscriptions that the business can function without.

Rethink how much value the business is extracting from assets it is holding on to - consider renting out unused extra o΀ce space or delivery infrastructure for additional revenue. Run the business on a “pay-as-you-go” model. This means you make all non-essential business expenses based on corresponding sales. Limit reaching into the reserve to settle non-essential bills and renegotiate supply agreements to get competitive pricing, discounts, or Áexible payment terms on essential items.

Adapt your pricing and marketing strategy A business pricing strategy during an economic downturn should play to the psychology of consumers. Most consumers respond to discounts while getting value for money. A study by Kahneman and Tversky about choices, values, and frames found that when presented with two scenarios: Case 1: a 10 discount on an item causing a reduction of $5 Case 2: a 5 discount on an item causing a reduction of $5 A 10 discount resonated better even though it should not since the quantitative value received is the same. This is because discounts provide an additional utility, apart from the acquisition utility acquired from the exchange of money for the product or service. This additional transaction utility appeals to the psychological aspects of a consumer’s mindset and makes

(more) discount special.

While your marketing shouldn’t be pushy or insensitive to the tough times, your marketing content should highlight the immediate beneÀt of the consumer taking any action. Use precise language and call-to-actions (CTAs) to allow the consumer quickly connect and feel psychological ownership for the product, leaning on a perceived loss of value opportunity if action is not taken.

Improve customer experience As discretionary spending reduces, consumers will cut down on their spending, and it is a lot more di΀cult to convince new customers than it is to maintain current customers. As economic constraints continue, businesses should rethink their marketing strategy; focus on retaining and increasing customer lifetime value through targeted marketing and positive customer experiences.

Encourage your customers to share their experiences and use social proof to push your marketing eͿorts. The beneÀt of this strategy is that customers share experiences, and word-ofmouth referrals are a low-cost way of getting more customers to try your products.

Depending on the type of business, adding loyalty points, and rewarding repeat customers can be a way to ensure repeat business. For servicebased companies, reach out to past customers, understand why they stopped purchasing and implement strategies to get them to re-engage.

The economic downturn has been brutal for any small business, but it is essential to plan and remain strategic to capitalise on this opportunity.

Assess the risk to your business and market sector, identify your most critical suppliers and distributors, and streamline costs as much as possible.

20

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 24, 2021

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 21Oct-2021, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS

AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 163.78 165.22 1.18% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 7.88% Nigeria International Debt Fund 316.20 316.20 -15.98% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 105.89 106.94 -4.32% 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 10.16% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.30 3.36 -4.31% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 8.65% Anchoria Equity Fund 140.50 142.28 5.63% info@anchoriaam.com Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.13 1.13 -14.76% 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 20.59 21.21 13.53% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 448.71 462.24 12.07% ARM Ethical Fund 39.69 40.89 17.74% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.00% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.98 0.99 -5.95% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.21% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 106.87 106.87 5.07% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,044.97 1,044.97 4.50% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.07 2.07 -4.93% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.23 2.27 3.23% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.03 1.03 4.02% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.18% Paramount Equity Fund 17.35 17.67 8.49% Women's Investment Fund 141.44 143.10 6.29% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.62% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 123.83 124.67 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 109.31 109.31 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 N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 7.40% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 8.07% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,167.64 1,187.94 1.48% assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.

EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-assetmanagement-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.92% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 2.39% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.12 Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 103.88 FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price FBN Bond Fund 1,432.67 FBN Balanced Fund 196.97 FBN Halal Fund 113.70 FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund

127.33 173.09

1.12 11.77% 103.88 3.84% invest@fbnquest.com Offer Price 1,432.67 198.33 113.70 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 11.46% 4.95% 9.32% 9.02%

127.33 4.05% 175.37 14.49% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price N/A N/A N/A

Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A

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 Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral 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 6.70% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.89 2.95 1.09% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 154.21 154.49 -0.83% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.27 1.32 1.22% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.06 1.06 3.66% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.47 1.49 7.64% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,141.95 1,141.95 7.09% 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 12.03 12.12 15.07% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.30% enquiries@norrenberger.com NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 100.38 100.39 7.02% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 8.33% 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 1.56 1.59 13.31% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.19 11.20 -7.94% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.62% PACAM Equity Fund 1.46 1.48 -7.49% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.39 114.46 2.42% 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 135.23 139.58 10.38% 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 1.06 1.06 10.11% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,403.37 3,439.30 5.96% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 234.00 234.00 4.07% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.28 1.30 9.32% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 309.35 309.35 4.99% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 236.73 240.34 8.49% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.45% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,071.23 11,230.91 5.51% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.28 1.28 4.36% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 116.10 116.10 4.52% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 104.67 104.67 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.35 1.37 5.06% United Capital Bond Fund 1.93 1.93 5.41% United Capital Equity Fund 0.92 0.95 15.69% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.81% United Capital Eurobond Fund 121.02 121.02 5.71% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.11 6.79% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.07 1.07 6.61% 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 Balanced Strategy Fund 13.17 13.29 10.97% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 14.74 14.90 20.79% Zenith Income Fund 24.56 24.56 2.38% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.95%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 53.78

10.62% 6.44%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.94 131.44 103.07 17.94 21.99

14.04 134.71 105.32 18.04 22.09

5.48% 9.31% 3.88%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.94 5.54 17.78 1.00 21.56 156.91

4.04 5.64 17.98 1.00 21.76 158.91

5.20% -2.39% 9.76% 0.00% 5.04% -15.44%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

24.10.2021

Margaret Murray-Bruce A Long-standing Matriarch at 95 If you desire to live a beautiful and healthy life, you may take a few pointers from Margaret Murray-Bruce who in her 90s is as stunning as ever. Her enchanting elegance complements her polished and radiant skin; cutting the image of a woman in her 70s. She is full of life and blessed with a sound mind that recalls with ease past occurrences with acute accuracy. No doubt, the Murray-Bruce matriarch has lived a fulfilled life and raised successful children who are wave makers in their own right. As she turns 95 on October 26, 2021, she shares some episodes of her life with Funke Olaode ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

46

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

COVER

Margaret Murray-Bruce:

If I Were to Return to School, I Might End up Being a Journalist

Murray-Bruce

H

er sprawling bungalow in Yaba Area, Lagos is befitting for a king. The cool breeze blows relentlessly from several gigantic trees that dotted the earthy compound.

A walk through the living room reveals her charming face which stares back at you in old family photographs, all neatly arranged on the walls. The family heirloom quickly takes you back memory lane. Welcome to the world of Margaret Murray-Bruce.

Her gait reflects the agility of a woman in her 70s as she emerges from her room. No visible inhibition of old age. She appeared youthful, agile, classy and cosmopolitan. Born on October 26, 1926, the elderly Murray-Bruce would be 95 this year.

“I don’t feel anything; I just take one day at a time,” she said of her new age.

“I feel blessed. Right from my younger days, I have embraced simplicity. Besides living a simple life, I have also learnt to take things as you see them, take each day as it comes, and don’t quarrel with anybody. Help people if you can, mind your own business and enjoy your life. So turning 95 for me is by the grace of God.” The last of three children of her parents, Murray-Bruce is a product of an Englishman, James Lee from Britain and Bessy Lee, a native

of Bayelsa State. Recalling the circumstances surrounding her birth, she revealed how the little Margaret was born on a ship.

“My mother was going to have her baby in Akassa, Bayelsa State, but she didn’t get to Port Harcourt before she had me on the Atlantic Ocean, on the ship. However, I grew up in Lagos.”

The matriarch of the Murray-Bruce family had a privileged beginning having been born into wealth. Her British father was an engineer with the Nigerian Marine who in those days helped to man the Nigerian waterways, while her mother was a full-time housewife, looking after all her children.

Her family later moved to Lagos. MurrayBruce remembers the ‘Lagos of old’ with nostalgia. She said it was a colonial era where everywhere was peaceful and calm.

“Lagos was a very nice, peaceful place.

I lived in Ikoyi and schooled in St. Mary’s Convent. I had a wonderful Catholic life in the Convent. Growing up in Lagos was beautiful. I used to go to Bar Beach from school. At that time, where you know now as Victoria Island was a thick bush. We used to walk through the bushes barefoot. We had picnics at Bar Beach, and it was fun,’’ she recounted with a hint of glee.

After her early education at the Convent School, Murray-Bruce was married off as a bride-child to her husband, William Murray-

Bruce at age 16 and had her first child at age 18. At that time, it was a common practice and she felt lucky to have been matched with the right man.

“I enjoyed the marriage and we were blessed with successful children. My husband used to work at the UAC, and most of my children were born in different cities. Lagos, Enugu, Sapele, Calabar, Warri, Ilorin, almost every part of Nigeria. Every two years, a child was born. They were very nice children. I had no problem raising them. I had a good time with them as they were growing up. The good thing was that my husband was the one working and I was always at home doing nothing else but raising them. I later trained as a seamstress and used the proceeds from my trade to support my family. And see how beautiful they all turned out to be. And all of the children are all grown now and doing well in their various endeavours,” she said.

Perhaps, the children inherited the entrepreneurial skills from their father who later owned Domino Stores, a departmental store. She recalled too that those early years were marked by recreation and peace where everyone had a good life without a nagging need to feel superior to the other.

“Nothing special about anybody. We were equal. Nobody was considered wealthy or poor, we were living averagely, even though my family was very wealthy. I loved the Nigeria of old. We had no fear. Everybody was comfortable. There was no fear of insecurity or anything. In the colonial era, we drank water from the tap, and we didn’t fall sick. No mosquitoes, no beggars, people looked out for one another. We were like brothers. The northerners, Igbos and Yorubas co-habited peacefully in the same compound like families. That’s how life was then. Now you have to raise fence. You don’t feel safe or comfortable anywhere. Today, I don’t like what I see. People are suffering. Things are not the same anymore like they used to be.

People even fear their own shadow today.

This is disheartening.”

While lamenting the woes that have befallen Nigeria as a nation, she blamed it on the change in the value system.

“The values we had before are no longer there. We no longer have our priorities in the right order. We don’t care about education.

We now have a lot of get-rich-quick, greed and people are no longer content with what they have and live within their means. In those days, people were very contented with the little they had, but not anymore.”

How does she think we can go back to the basics as a nation?

“Everybody has to be born again. Our leaders and all Nigerians have to give their lives to Christ and let the fear of God live in them. As our father would say, ‘go straight, you will never go wrong’. This is the only way. People should do what is right.”

Murray-Bruce may be operating behind the scenes, but the accomplishments of her offspring resonate through Nigeria and across the globe. For instance, the Silverbird Cinemas rebirthed the interest in cinema culture in Nigeria. Her sons, Ben and Guy have built a good image for Nigeria and Nigerians on the global map through their different exploits in beauty, entertainment and politics.

As a mother, Murray-Bruce feels very proud of her children.

“I feel proud of my children. It wasn’t an overnight success. I paid attention to my children. I was always there for them.

I wasn’t the kind of person that goes about visiting friends or neighbours. I only lived for my children. It pays a lot when you pay attention to your children.

That way, you know their problems and how you can help them, guide them and even with their friends. I nurtured them well, and that is it for me in a nutshell,’’ she narrated.

She shattered the stereotypical view of stay-at-home mothers with her free spirit.

Being devoted to her home shouldn’t mean living a boring, lacklustre life as she would later reveal.

“When my children entered into entertainment, my husband was around, and he supported them. Somehow in the family, we love entertainment.

My husband was fun-loving, and most weekends when he was free, we would listen to music and dance with the children.

So, we all loved music. My husband, being a businessman as well, supported the children and their passion for entertainment. And I, as their mother, got used to it as well. The late-night shows, the late-night movements - I got used to them all and just supported them the best way I could. There was a time two of my children had a nightclub, but I wasn’t bothered. I even got involved at a time. This was when they had these new artistes coming in. I welcomed them into my home and even cooked for them throughout their stay. I have always supported my children.”

To be a successful wife, a committed homemaker and a supportive mother, in her view requires commitment and the wisdom to shun harmful sentiments.

“It is simple. People should let go of certain things when it comes to family affairs,” she continued. “They should always be there for their children. They should be there to guide them, nurture them, and correct them when they go wrong. They should learn and realise that the home comes first. I was forced to attend a social event once by the Reverend Father. I attended because of him. I got home by 10pm. While I was there with them at the event, I kept thinking about the home and the children; have they had their dinner? Were they alright? How was their father? Did they look after him? This was in 1964. That was the first and the last time you would find me in any social activities.”

Not given to frivolities, she was absent from parties that would affect the time she had to be with her children.

Today, the matriarch of the Murray-Bruce family whose command of English can give a contemporary broadcaster a run for her money keeps abreast of global development. Her daily routine includes reading the newspapers and listening to the news.

“I’m very current about happenings around the world and Nigeria. If I were to return to school, I might end up being a journalist.”

Murray-Bruce is a rare breed. At her age, she moves around unaided, which makes one wonder if there is a secret to her longevity.

“As said earlier, simple life. I’m not into any society. I’m a stay-at-home mum who is always there for the children. The children go to school, I welcome them back when they return home. I had a good time with them without any problems. I think that’s the secret for me.

“I also eat healthy. I eat fresh foods every day. I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. Apart from arthritis which is normal for my age, I don’t suffer any illnesses. My mother died around 1994, or thereabout. In those days, there wasn’t a proper recording of ages. But my father died in 1996, he was 81. My husband also died around the same year. In a way, longevity runs in the family.”

Often, she travels outside the country to see her children. Homely and bubbly, Murray-Bruce often prays for God’s protection on her offspring.

Although very religious, she had decidedly kept the church at bay upon the outbreak of COVID-19.

To maintain that stunning look at 95, her beauty routines include baby products such as baby oil, baby lotion, and all baby-friendly products. After prayers, she keeps her breakfast light with a simple English breakfast, such as egg, sausage, a slice of tomatoes, cereal, pap or oat. For lunch, she likes vegetable soup and carbohydrates; baked plantain, not fried with lots of fruits.

Graceful and grateful, she is not afraid of death as reflected in how she acknowledged the eventuality of death.

“Death?” she asked rhetorically. “I am not afraid of death. I know it can come anytime, any day. I am very religious and I have lived well with my Maker. And if it comes today, I know I am going straight to heaven.”

Despite being a child of the colonial era and having witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly of a nation called Nigeria, Murray-Bruce is not discouraged. She still believes in the Nigeria of her dreams.

“I love my country. I don’t mind coming back to Nigeria if there were to be another world. We still have a lot of kindhearted Nigerians who still care about humanity and want good for everybody. I have hope in this country. Even if I go to the US or England, I still love to return here. For me, Nigeria is home.’’

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T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

GLITZ TRIBUTE

Raymond Dokpesi: Portrait of A Pacesetter at 70

From establishing the first indigenous shipping line in Nigeria to instituting a 24-hour broadcast service in Nigerian radio and television, Chief Raymond Dokpesi who turns 70 on October 25 has etched his name in history as a habitual pacesetter in his varied career life. Yinka Olatunbosun writes

C

ome October 25, 2021, Chief Raymond Dokpesi clocks 70.

As a successful businessman with multiple fingers dipped in shipping and mass media, celebrations are in top gear to launch him to ‘the seventh floor.’

This phenomenal citizen has been a habitual pacesetter in his varied career life. As one of the biggest hegemons in the media industry, Dokpesi is expected to use the occasion of his birthday to launch his autobiography titled: ‘The Handkerchief.’

The book trails his journey through life, the twists and turns that culminated in his historic rise on the rungs of national affairs.

Other programmes lined up to celebrate the latest septuagenarian are: a lecture in his honour, drama presentation, thanksgiving mass and a grand reception where guests and family members would be treated to some sumptuous foods and exotic drinks.

At 70, Dokpesi certainly has every reason to be grateful to God for not only seeing this day, but for overcoming the challenges life has thrown at him.

Recently, he contracted COVID-19 and survived it alongside his family members who were also infected, despite the fact that the disease claimed the lives of many important personalities.

Most importantly, the door is closed on his travails in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for which he was discharged and acquitted by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on April 1, 2021.

When he was arraigned by the antigraft agency in 2016 on charges relating to money laundering and breach of Procurement Act in relation to the disbursement of the N2.1billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd), most of his enemies had thought that his end had finally come.

As the case was taking an unfavourable dimension, he stood strong and at end, he was discharged and acquitted by the Court of Appeal, which in a unanimous judgment held among others, that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

Justice Elfreda Williams-Dawodu, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the ingredients of the offences alleged in the seven-count charge were not established by the prosecution as required by law.

She further held that there was nothing in the evidence of the 14 witnesses called by the prosecution to persuade the court to compel the appellant to enter defence in the charges where ingredients of the offence were not provided.

Following his acquittal, a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice John Tsoho a few days ago ordered the EFCC to remove his name from its watch list.

In his ruling, Justice Tsoho was of the view that there was no justification for the EFCC to retain his name on its watch list since no criminal charges or allegations

Dokpesi were pending against him.

The judge, who is also the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, noted that retaining politician’s name on EFCC’s watch list amounted to disobeying an earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which in April this year quashed the alleged N2.1billion procurement fraud charge against him.

Before all these aforementioned legal battles, Dokpesi was just a young native of Agenebode, Edo State with big dreams.

Born on October 25, 1951 to the family of Chief Williams Ayaoghena Dokpesi and Mrs. Alice Aishetu Dokpesi of Agenebode in Edo State. His younger years in Ibadan, the native of Agenebode had a varied upbringing that accounts for his cosmopolitan nature. Upon completing his primary school education at Ebenezer African Church School, he proceeded to Loyola College, Ibadan and, much later Immaculate Conception College (ICC) Benin City. While in Benin, he started his undergraduate studies at the University of Benin before travelling abroad for further studies.

Picture him by the sea: the ripples matched by the allure of a beautiful sunset that characterised a typical day at sea for the young marine engineer far away from his Nigerian roots in Poland. As the strong

At 70, Dokpesi certainly has every reason to be grateful to God for not only seeing this day, but for overcoming the challenges life has thrown at him. Recently, he contracted COVID-19 and survived it alongside his family members who were also infected, despite the fact that the disease claimed the lives of many important personalities

wind swept past him, images of his home countries flooded his mind. The year was 1972. Though homesick, young Raymond Dokpesi calmly embraced Poland as his new home.

Honourably, he received his Bsc, Masters and doctorate degrees from Wyzsza Szokta Morska Gdynia and University of Gdansk Sopot, Poland respectively. The memories are still vivid in his mind: the rapturous applause, quickfire camera flashes and hugs. On his wall laid the plaque being the best graduating student in fifty years in Poland in Marine Transport Engineering- finishing off with a first class.

Aquatic life has always fascinated him. Before his adventures in Poland, he had a stint at the Nigerian Ports Authority as Marine Office Cadet in 1969 which invariably prepared him for the courageous career at sea. He would later lecture at the University of Gdansk, Poland before proceeding to Nigeria on the invitation of the then, Nigeria Head of State who was on State visit to Poland.

While in Poland, he had demonstrated strong leadership skills, holding positions such as President, Nigerian Students Union Gdansk Poland (1972 – 1974), President, African Students Union, Poland (1973), President, International Students Association, Poland (1974), President, Nigerian Students, Eastern Europe (1974).

Somewhere in between those busy schedules, he fell in love with a beautiful woman that later became his wife. Upon his return to Nigeria, he worked with different government parastatals including the Federal Ministry of Transport and Aviation as the Head of Water Transport Division on Secondment from Nigerian Ports Plc (NTCC) between 1978-1983.

He was the Chief of Staff of the Gongola State Government from October to December 1983 and subsequently the Managing Director of African Ocean Line Limited from 1984-1988. He is Chairman, of the first indigenous shipping line African Ocean Line now Baldok Shipping Lines Limited from Feb 1989-and

surprisingly too- till date.

As the Executive Chairman of DAAR Communications, he gained more popularity for earning the first license for private radio broadcast in Nigeria with Raypower 100.5FM. That era became a watershed in Nigerian history of broadcasting as the first licensed private radio station became a catalyst for promoting- amongst other thingsNigerian music especially the emerging genres that bred today’s globe-trotting Afrobeats exports. In the same vein, Africa Independent Television (AIT), became a trailblazer in curating indigenous home grown content. All the on-air personalities had a dress code: strictly African.

Remarkably, AIT glamourised African culture through its programming and inhouse policies.

Chief Dokpesi’s knowledge of marine engineering which developed from the understanding of sound waves brought revolution to the broadcast sector.

His initiatives were anchored on the introduction of 24-hour transmission on both radio and television right from inception as well as introduction of Cyber and Chroma technology for television operations and digitalized audio and video signals on both radio and television.

Through his efforts Africa Independent Television (AIT) became the first African broadcast station to transmit into the United States of America (USA). Other subsidiaries of DAAR Communications include a digital multi-channel direct-tohome subscription TV, DAARSAT and Faaji FM which broadcasts in Yoruba and Pidgin-English.

A writer of insightful publications, Dokpesi boasts of numerous professional qualifications and a portfolio of national assignments. He is also a recipient of several national and international awards including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Africa Leadership Award and Gold Medal for Excellence in Business Practice, awarded by the Foundation for Excellence in Business Practice, an organ of the United Nations based in Geneva, Switzerland. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) 2007 Entrepreneurial Award.

He holds the following chieftaincy titles from different parts of Nigeria namely: Ogieorumoa of Weppa-Wanno – 1986, Araba of Osooroland 1987, Osese of South Uneme – 1990, Gbobaniyi of Ilawe-Ekiti – 1994, Oganigwe Umu Orji Ako Nibo – 1999, Sardaunna of Kpaduma, Abuja 2002 and Ezomo of Weppa Wanno Land, 2003.

Asides being decorated with many traditional titles, Dokpesi has a colourful life decorated with women. In a recent interview with journalists, he admitted that polygamy is one of his greatest regrets.

“I was married to a Polish woman. I wanted to remain with the Polish woman, I still desired it in my old age but she left Nigeria for reasons that she was the only child of her parents and so she had to stay with her parents and I had to stay here and there is no leave in marriage. And so, I shuttled down to Poland over 16 times requesting her to come back to Nigeria and stay but as the only child, she had to stay with them,’’ he said.

In recognition of his several patriotic roles and contribution to the country in Academic Publications, Broadcasting, Sports, the growth of the Nigerian Entertainment – Music and Nollywood and Entrepreneurship, he was conferred with a National Honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2008.

A member of Island, Ikoyi and Apapa Club, he has been described as an avid reader, researcher, philanthropist and humanitarian.

Without necessarily blowing his own trumpet, he had been credited for building of schools for communities and offering of scholarships to students into tertiary institutions. Needless to add, he loves sports, traveling and music.

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

SUNDAY OCTOBER 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

HighLife

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

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

Popular Lagos Socialite, Tajudeen Owoyemi, Wife Become Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju of Offa

Mohammed

As Kwara Governor and Lai Mohammed Tussle Get Messier, Who Will Settle Their Fight?

In the days to come, particularly just before the 2023 general election and immediately after, Nigerians are definitely going to enjoy a deluge of home videos from Nollywood. Thanks to the comedies and tragedies playing out on the Nigerian political stage and across the most prominent political parties, there will be quality material for these film productions. Take for instance the ongoing tussle between the governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed: is there any better awardwinning sequence of histrionics?

On the long string of disagreements that now characterises the relationship between Governor AbdulRazaq and Minister Mohammed, the most recent incident has the governor accusing the minister of snatching funds that were supposed to have been used to smoothen his gubernatorial campaign in 2019.

According to AbdulRazaq, a businessman from the Southeastern region of Nigeria donated N100 million to support his campaign. One way or another, that sum reportedly came through Minister Mohammed. Unfortunately, as Governor AbdulRazaq alleged, the funds somehow disappeared after they had reached Minister Mohammed. The governor’s conclusion—and the cause of the latest contention—is that Minister Mohammed had simply pocketed the money.

This is likely the heaviest indictment that AbdulRazaq is throwing against Minister Mohammed. It is close on the heels of Minister Mohammed’s claim that he—and not some other person— singlehandedly sponsored the governor’s election in 2019. As both claims centre around the campaigns and election that resulted in AbdulRazaq taking over the governorship seat, folks have stated that the contest is really about who is the real godfather and captain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State.

Analysts have stated that while both parties continue to throw slings at each other, 2023 is just around the corner. If their party must advance their objectives by way of succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari and keeping the Kwara State governorship mantle on the APC shelf, they need to sit over coffee, engage in a few hours of tête-à-tête, shake hands, and come out with arms around each other. The alternative is a complete loss which would significantly affect both of them.

But who will get Governor AbdulRazaq and Minister Mohammed on a reconciliatory sofa? Who will settle their fight?

Owoyeni and wife

Regardless of the twists and turns that usually characterise human life, there are times that one can only describe as auspicious for certain people. This is true for the notable baron of hospitality, Tajudeen Owoyemi who has now ascended beyond the

ranks of his peers and obtained chieftaincy status. More than that, so propitious are the times for Owoyemi that his wife, Madam Riuanatu, clinched a title alongside her hubby.

Saturday, October 23, 2021, was a big day for the people of Offa, Kwara State. Spearheaded by the Olofa monarch, Oba Mufutau Mohammed Gbadamosi, Okikiola Ajagungbade I, Esuwoye II, all corners and clans of Offa witnessed Owoyemi and his wife go from generous commoners to Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju of Offa kingdom, respectively.

The decision of Oba Gbadamosi to accentuate the prestige of Owoyemi is pegged upon the latter’s many contributions to the welfare of the townspeople, not to mention the reputation of the kingdom. Thus, Owoyemi was handed the mantle, the third person to ever do so in the history of the town.

Among the many illustrious figures that witnessed the new Asiwaju’s coronation are

the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Ikateland’s Oba Saheed Elegushi; the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal; and the Emir of Lafiagi in Kwara State, Mohammed Kudu.

Owoyemi has been something of a household name in recent years, especially. His story astounds and inspires in equal measure.

After all, to go from being the son of a petty trader to obtaining hegemony in the hospitality sector is no small deal. Today, Owoyemi’s Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited stands alongside top international luxury hotels in the country. But it is his philanthropy that has earned him the greatest expressions of appreciation back home.

It is a new day for Owoyemi and his wife.

The many good deeds that can be traced to them have yielded a rank in their native land that will remain with them until the very end.

Flying With Pleasure: How Emmanuel Udom Changed the Face of Aviation Sector in Nigeria The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, continues to top the ranks for the most innovative personality among his peers. Compared to others, Udom can proudly announce that he gave wings to the people of his state during his tenure, granted them the gift of flight, and remained involved long enough to ensure the success of the enterprise. Moreover, his preferred style of administration — concerning the running of the airline — remains commendable in the face of obvious difficulties.

There have been many attempts recently to depreciate the endeavours of Akwa Ibom’s Number One Citizen. As governor of the Land of Promise, Udom has implemented his promise to establish an airline that will be overseen by the state government. Since the airline, Ibom Air, started operations in 2019, it has been praised as a milestone since Udom reportedly almost singlehandedly brought about its existence. Lately, however, there have been a few glitches in the system that got outsiders talking, going so far as to belittle Udom’s achievement in the aviation

Udom

sector.

For those who follow new developments in the sector, Ibom Air recently started ‘wearing the colours’ of

an airline from Egypt—Egyptair. This led to the false impression that Ibom Air had been taken over by — or at least suffered significant loss at the hands of — the Egyptian airline. For an airline that could be described as a forerunner among its peers in Nigeria, reputation is not a coin that is so easily trampled. These rumours attempted to do exactly that.

However, details about the involvement of Egyptair have resolved the inaccuracies. To quell the rumours, the management of Ibom Air explained that one of the airline’s aircraft was undergoing maintenance. Thus, to continue to adequately serve the Akwa Ibom people, an aircraft from Egyptair was brought in to fill the gap. And the rumours ended.

There is a moral for this narrative, and that is that Udom and his Ibom Air have enough clout to ‘borrow’ an aircraft from the state-owned flag carrier of Egypt. All to ensure that the people of Akwa Ibom never stop enjoying the benefits of Ibom Air, for that matter. If that is not Governor Udom redefining governance and aviation with equal dexterity, what is?

Kayode Ajulo Becomes Fellow UK Chartered Institute of Arbitrators When Nigerians are good at something, they are really good at it. This is the thought that comes to the mind of many people at the news of notable lawyer and civil rights activist, Olukayode Abraham Ajulo joining the Fellowship of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). As Ajulo takes this very big step towards the peak of the legal representation career, neither his records and achievements nor his present status as CIArb Fellow appear as glorious as the limitless possibilities in the days to come.

CIArb is the United Kingdom’s professional organisation that is as prestigious as it is an effective establishment representing the interests of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practitioners.

As the organisation is backed by the royalty of the UK, Ajulo just went from being a brilliant but

regular lawyer to being an honourable member of an association armed with globe-level resources and networks.

CIArb operates in 149 countries, has more than 21,500 members, and is one of the foremost bodies admired by ADR practitioners all over the world.

By obtaining his membership, Ajulo proves that he is no ordinary lawyer, so all familiar designations do not sufficiently describe him any longer.

Ajulo’s achievement is all the more astounding considering that he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Jos, Nigeria, graduated from the Nigerian Law School Abuja, and went back to the University of Jos for his Master of Laws degree. The only ‘outside’ academia addresses tied to his name are his PhD pursuits in the School of Law at

Gbenga Ashafa Loves His Lagos Roots Some periods and eras are dominated by certain individuals to the point of having such periods named after them. This is one of such times in Nigeria’s timeline and Senator Gbenga Ashafa is one of these individuals who is currently taking the nation by storm.

This is particularly true in Lagos State, a place that has been described numerous times as one of the main roots of Ashafa.

In recent days, Ashafa has become synonymous with the sort of aggressive advancement that is only written about in history books. The man, just over a year since President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as MD/CEO of the Federal Housing

Authority (FHA) of Nigeria, has completely outshone his forebears and eclipsed his own record of past achievements. Even so, his love for his Lagos roots and people does not appear vulnerable to any wearing down.

Recently, Ashafa rocked the minds of many Lagosians when he implemented a part of his promise to restore the glory of FESTAC Town. This he did by handing over the sixacre stretch of land (that is Mechanic Village/ Market) in the historic housing estate to artisans. By so doing, Ashafa has extended the lifeline of FESTAC Town by many years seeing as the housing estate used to be known for the variety of arts and cultural expressions.

Ajulo

Middlesex University, London, and a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the University of Oxford. Talk about there being ‘gold in them thar hills.’

For Ajulo, proud CIArb Fellow, there is no better time than now.

Despite being a national figure, Ashafa is evidently still very concerned with the development of his town, especially the grassroots. His comment, during the handingover ceremony about even mechanics and technicians being important links in the chain of development, demonstrated that Ashafa is the visionary his current accomplishments — as the most effective FHA boss in recent years — reveal him to be.

To surpass one’s origin and roots is good.

To keep said origin and roots in mind even after exceeding them is even better. By this, folks are even more sure of the sort of man that Ashafa is.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

HIGHLIFE

Happy Times: Princess Rosula Mku-Atu Bags Honorary Award These are happy times for Princess Rosula Osula Mku-Atu, the prominent philanthropist, property baroness and founder of the non-profit organisation, Rosula Foundation. A few days ago, Crescent University, Abeokuta, conferred on her the honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) award in Business Administration.

Among her many recent courses of action and accomplishments, this is the biggest one yet.

The relatives and friends of Princess MkuAtu are currently celebrating her latest milestone.

A deluge of congratulatory messages is already pouring into her social media handles and home as her new status and designation distinguishes her as a phoenix among her peers. As one of the most outstanding personalities at present, the honorary title clearly fits her.

The honorary ceremony was held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the institution. Combining the 12th and 13th Convocation, the school awarded Princess Mku-Atu the honorary title along with other high-shelf figures like the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Saburi Babajide Bakre; the former AccountantGeneral of the country, Dr Mohammed Kyari Dikwa; and notable scholar, Sheikh Muhyideen NajimdeenAl-Kubra.

Mku-Atu

Being what she is, a stupendous philanthropist, Princess Mku-Atu also directed her NGO, the Rosula Foundation, to lay the foundation for the Rosula Academy building at the university during

the convocation ceremony. For those who are familiar with the lady and her foundation, this is not much of a surprise, especially considering that the NGO is primarily targeted at ensuring an ever-increasing standard of life for the underprivileged via formal education, empowerment and humanitarian services.

Also, Princess Mku-Atu is celebrated for her achievements in the real estate sector.

Most notable among these achievements are Nehemiah Grace Limited, Sharon Properties Limited, and Jezreel Grace Villa and Apartment Ltd. The success recorded by only these companies are indicative of Princess Mku-Atu’s expertise.

Based on the success of this and many other endeavours and grand philanthropic gestures, several institutions and organisations have recognised Princess Mku-Atu as a rare paragon.

In 2020 alone, she received the Vanguard Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2020, Tell Communication’s 20 Nigerian Women of Distinction, and Across Africa Distinguished Leadership and Development awards.

Truly, great times for the illustrious businesswoman from the Bini royal lineage.

*ROGHQ (UD DV <HPL (GXQ 7XUQV It must be said that many Nigerians residing outside the shores of the country are gradually taking over their respective domains.

Yemi Edun, the genius with an impossibly allembracing grasp of property evaluation and acquisition is one of these individuals. Recently, he clocked 50 years, joining other prominent Nigerians in the enviable golden club of affluence and influence.

To date, there are only a handful of Nigerians with the same volume of kismet as Edun.

Beyond his business interests and success, none of which can be reasonably described as mediocre or run-of-the-mill, Edun’s brilliance relies on eclipsing expectations, reaching new heights with seemingly easy steps, and inspiring others to imitate his giant strides.

With such prestige, it was no surprise that several notable personalities residing in Nigeria dusted their international passports to join Edun as he celebrated his 50th birthday. Among these dignitaries were former First Bank boss, Bisi Onasanya; oil and gas mogul, Dan Ngerem;

property tycoon, Otunba Yemi Saheed Lawal; former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; super journalist and publisher, Aare Dele Momodu; the boss of Vandrezzer FC, Joe Udofia; and other prominent characters like Ayo and Simbo Ojuroye of Bet Naija, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji, Amara Kanu, Bola Obileye, Ayo Oyatolu, Gboyega and Moji Fatimilehin, Dr Eke Agbai and Abdulrahman Esene.

To say that the celebrations were over the moon is an understatement. Edun did not only treat his guests to the best views around the famous River Thames but also had them wine and dine while enjoying live jazz music.

Then there was the boat cruise around London, something that none of the guests will forget anytime soon.

Then again, Edun is not the typical businessman. With his interesting blend of firmness and flexibility, it is no surprise that he raised Daniel Ford International from the ground up, leading the company to become a top-shelf establishment for real estate ventures.

0LGDV 7RXFK RI (UQHVW $]XGLDOX 2ELHMHVL

Edun

What might come as a shocker— although it may not, considering that Edun is the subject of this discourse — is that he was able to dominate his peers and make the Power List 2022, marking him as one of the most influential Black people in the United Kingdom for the second time running.

Surely, there is more to come.

/DJRV 7UDIÀF +XPEOHV )D\RVH

Fayose (middle)

Who wants to be a millionaire? Then answer this question: who said that “Lagos traffic is no respecter of anyone? I had to take okada to Ikeja to avoid missing my flight?” If your answer is anything other than Ayodele Fayose, you lost the game. This is about the same excitement that met the news of Fayose, one of the most notable political figures in the country, hailing and boarding a commercial motorcycle (also known as okada).

The photos of the former governor of Ekiti State on a commercial motorcycle has got some Nigerians cackling with unrestrained laughter and others completely perplexed and wondering what to make of the incident.

Nevertheless, memes are certainly going to emerge very soon carrying Fayose’s face as the characteristic conditions of Lagos city played a number on him.

By every indication, Fayose did not climb out of bed thinking to himself, “This is a good

day to navigate the bustling streets of Lagos on okada.” No! Fayose made plans based on his itinerary, considering the thickness and depth of his pockets. But plans that Lagos traffic cannot rout do not exist. And that is how the former governor ended up depending on a motorcyclist to beat the traffic.

According to Fayose (kudos to him for aptly capturing the whole thing, pictures and all), hailing and boarding okada was the only method out of the hectic Lagos traffic. This traffic, as even he expressed with resignation, is no respecter of persons. It did not care that Fayose intended to board a flight for some very important meeting, nor that it was effectively levelling his status along with every other Lagosian stuck in the same jam.

Regardless, Fayose, being Fayose, took it all in stride and had his security aide sitting behind him on the motorcycle as they made their way out of the gridlock.

How Florence Ajimobi Became De Facto Leader in Oyo APC Celebrated British philosopher and social reformer, John Stuart Mill said that “A party of order or stability, and a party of progress or reform, are both necessary elements of a healthy state of political life.” This comment is timely when placed in the frame of the goings-on in the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the former party leader’s wife takes over her late husband’s position.

Since the state and party lost Senator Abiola Ajimobi to the cold hands of death on June 25, 2020, APC in Oyo State has gone through many twists and turns—so has the widow of the late Ajimobi, Madam Florence Ajimobi. However, based on recent reports, either the tumbles and power tussles have reached their end due to her emergence as Oyo APC de facto leader or they just began.

Factions are somewhat allowed within political parties. However, the smaller the scale of the party’s operation, the greater the calls for unification. This is to ensure that rifts do not appear at local levels since these could lead to

fractures that collapse the party’s grassroots pillars. This is why the current crisis in Oyo APC is conspicuous. As insiders have reported, the state party is undergoing a severe baptism of internal fire. Nevertheless, Madam Florence’s arrival on the scene has cooled the flames somewhat.

The qualification of this de facto leader of Oyo APC is predicated on her late husband’s prestige and contributions to the state as a governor, senator and APC acting National Chairman before his death. Those that shared the late Ajimobi’s vision have, therefore, not hesitated to ask his wife to prop up the party in her husband’s stead. She has taken this task with enviable equanimity, prompting more highranking party members to join her wagon.

At least, this is one viewpoint of the state of things at Oyo APC. However, regardless of the viewpoint, including those insisting that Madam Florence hijacked the party and could bring about its downfall sooner than later, it is a fact that she is at the helm of affairs.

Azudialu-Obiejesi

Ajimobi

The turkey is a bird as the eagle is a bird. Even so, they thrive in different environments, with the happy eagle nimbly gliding among the clouds and the happy turkey dragging its feet across the dust of the earth. Dr Ernest Nnaemeka Azudialu-Obiejesi, compared to some of his peers, is the former, remaining on the highest altitudes possible and keeping his business ventures on the same range.

There is no arguing the fact that Nestoil’s Group MD, AzudialuObiejesi, is one of the most captivating corporate leaders in the country. The man’s penchant for titanic accomplishments that used to be ‘impossible’ is behind Nestoil’s status as Nigeria’s largest indigenous Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) company in the oil and gas sector. Even so, Azudialu-Obiejesi retains the title of King Midas as he persists in raising the bar in all things pipeline construction, repairs and maintenance with associated facilities for dredging, river crossing and shoreline protection.

With the powers that be in the centres of administration in Nigeria promoting policies and schemes that encourage the participation of local investors and companies in the oil and gas sector, visionaries like Azudialu-Obiejesi are having the time of their lives. Nestoil, for example, has grown significantly in recent years, reaching heights never before seen or imagined as several Strategic Business Units (SBUs) emerge from it. At present, Nestoil’s SBUs include Energy Works Technology (EWT), B&Q Dredging Limited, Shipside Drydock Limited, Century Power Generation Limited (CPG), Neconde, IMPaC, among others. Each of these subsidiaries of Azudialu-Obiejesi’s Nestoil is capable of toppling the oil and gas industry at their respective regions of operation. Put differently, Azudialu-Obiejesi has taken over a respectable fraction of the sector.

This is to be expected from an experienced businessman whose family pedigree includes jawwrenching business adventures and attainments. Even so, AzudialuObiejesi stands out as a paragon among paragons, the oil mogul with a Midas touch.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Leave My Wife Before I wish Your Highness happy birthday, there is a story I would like to share. I once went to a fashion show on the Island. It was at a restaurant along Ozumba Mbadiwe and I was invited by my sister, the influential media personality, Azuka Ogujiuba. So, I went with my little-known wife, the ever-beautiful Sara. She has a wonderful daughter Annette for me. Just before the show began, people began whispering that the Ooni of Ife was coming.

He had just been crowned the Ooni and I didn’t really know who he was. I wasn’t really keen on any Ooni since my problem that time plenty.

So, we sat down and then ‘Ooni’ arrived. Mbok, come and see drums and everything. I looked at this Ooni, this one no fine o. Looks old and his shoe bend one kain. I wondered which kind of Ooni be this, why Ife people no look for a very fine Ooni to give the throne?

Well, like I said, wetin concern me. We continued to watch the show. The Ooni people began to distract with drumming and jumping up and down, with the Ooni walking around like say na him get the place.

That was how I stood up to go and ‘piss’ but as I was returning, I saw the Ooni talking and smiling with my Sara. No problem, I said to myself. We are all hunters. My confidence was strong. The piss I went to piss was not ordinary piss; I had followed one beauty and got her number, so as I saw Ooni asking my own for her number, I just laughed.

Then I saw my Sara kneel before him. You know the way ladies show respect to a monarch. Then it dawned on me that this Ooni will use royalty or even worse, juju catch my woman o. I had to move in.

So, I walked towards them and greeted Ooni ‘good evening, Sir’. Me, I no say your Majesty o.

By that time, me and the man na same level. We are at war, I cannot show respect again o. Person want to chance me, I will now come and be showing respect? I just greet am the way you greet tenant wey dey owe you money and grab my Madam waka pass. Me, I no know road to Ife and I cannot shout.

As I rescued my damsel, I told her that we should leave, “this show is not sweet sef. It is a yeye show.”

That one was now saying, “what is the matter with you. Why will you disgrace me like that?” You know how women who will be saying, “that was the Ooni, that was the Ooni, why are you always so jealous?” That was how she reacted.

You, that I saw you begging that bow-legged tramp for number and you are here fighting shadows.

I said “mumu, you that would have just ended 600th wife and be doing Amala for one BQ for Ife. If you don’t enter this car now, I will release your sex tape.” I spoke in mighty jealousy and anger and rage and tears.

As I was about to drive out, Azuka ran towards us, “Edgar, why are you leaving? The show is just about to start.”

“Azuka, leave me o, nothing happened. I just want to go and see my mama.”

Sara quickly replied, “Don’t mind him o, he is jealous. Have you seen this type? He was busy collecting phone number of all the women including two ushers and just because he saw me talking to that nice Ooni he wants to kill himself.”

By this time, I was livid. So this woman even

like the Ooni, see as she call am ‘nice’. Which kain ‘nice? I want to die o.

Azuka laughed, “Edgar your body too hot. That no be Ooni. That na one Palace Chief. Na Ooni advance party. Ooni tall. When Ooni come, you sef go know.”

I nearly died of laughter. “Saraaaaaaa!!! So na advanced party come toast you. You see yourself.

Advance party.”

Sara, by this time, laughed at me too and said, “you lucky because if na the real Ooni, me I don go. Wetin I go dey do with you this Shomolu boy, I don follow am go o.”

I looked at my Sara, I saw the colour, I saw the height, I saw the fine shape and the correct carriage, my mind say na true o. This na Ooni spec.

“Azuka my sister, no vex, my mama dey call me.”

I drove away like a demon was chasing me. I cannot come and cry or jump inside Lagoon for Lagos.

The following week, I now met the real Ooni at the American Ambassador’s house. Immediately I saw him, I knelt down and thanked Jehovah God for giving me the presence of mind to come to the party alone.

This Ooni fine o. Tall, smooth dark skin, penetrating eyes and imbued with wonderful charisma. Even me, I like am. I went to greet him and his people gave me a quick one-minute tutorial on how to greet the great Monarch.

Happy birthday o great one. You have in your short reign showed true wisdom, courage and have really become a beacon to not only your subjects but to mankind.

FEMI OTEDOLA: MY LIPS ARE SEALED By the time you all read this, I am sure the news of the massive ground breaking transaction that my egbon has just sealed would have been made official. But me, I will not talk as my lips remain sealed.

You know they say, once bitten twice shy.

Egbon, who I must say I have tremendous respect for had once given me a hot gist and me not knowing that the gist was meant for only my ears, now went to broadcast.

The next morning egbon reached out and was kinda upset. I apologised and swore to myself that if I am given any kind of opportunity like this again, I will never do basketmouth.

So, I have heard of this phenomenally tangential transaction. One that continues to show daddy’s overwhelming belief in this economy and by extension this country but will not mention. As the thing was itching me to spill, I reached out and said, “Lord I have heard something o, should I blast?” and he replied that I should wait until it is official.

So, me I am waiting o. But people have been telling me o. It is not me telling them o. Plenty stockbrokers have been saying it o and you know I am a stockbroker too and I

have been hearing but I will keep quiet until I have the green light from baba himself.

When he eventually tells me to go ahead, I will report it even if by that time my Great Grand Aunty in Ibeno would have even heard, it’s no problem. Anyway, let’s still say well-done bros, it is people like you that continue to give us hope in this country.

Well-done sir. I have not said anything o.

COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF IMMIGRATION TURNS JAMES BOND Baba did not need any Nollywood makeup artist, he already looked the part – mallam selling Burantasi. He dropped from the ‘keke marwa’ and walked into the most corrupt enclave in this country.

His people did not recognise him and they went about doing their usual with him. They gave him a price and I am sure they would have directed him to one of the shanties that surround the place for them to provide for him corresponding documents within a jiffy.

According to him, they gave him a price and really showed him what exactly Nigerians go through to get a passport. They didn’t even recognise their own oga, blinded by the greed that has so shamelessly been

the ethos of the service.

My Lord, I do not know anybody that has collected International Passport without going through what you went through.

The system especially in that place is putrid and the stench goes all the way and is very pervasive. I am happy you went this way to discover the stench.

But since they did not transfer you from the Airforce, I want to believe that you already would have known all of this coming through the ranks and as such I am hoping this is not just a PR stunt because what is happening in that place is very obvious even to the mallam selling sugarcane across the street.

My brother, if you like, disguise like King Kong or Baba Suwe and go again next week, you will still pay double, you will still go to the filling station across the street to fill form and you will still sit in front of overweight immigration officers and receive all the rude treatment.

What is the solution egbon-technology?

When your subscription for MTN finish, can you settle anybody to continue giving you service? Can you settle MNET to continue showing you people bathing in Big Brother when your subscription has finished? Can

Otedola

Babandede

Ebohon

Oba Ogunwusi

When you are less busy, let me know so I can send you a wonderful plate of Afang that you will savor the taste, so you go rest for all that Lafun dem dey give you chop. Have fun your Majesty o, great one.

you beg Folake or Ugodre who are my very good friends at Ikeja Disco to give me ‘light’ when the ‘pay as you go’ has finished?

My brother, deploy ‘end to end’ technology. Remove the human touch and voila, you have the solution. Once the human element remains, nothing can be done o.

Those your people are dyed in the wool ‘corrupt’. They should come and beat me.

Mbok, I have cried in that place. Real tears.

HARRY EBOHON: QUIETLY DOING HIS THING A lot of you do not know this young man and mostly will never hear of him and the reason is simple. He is quiet. Highly cerebral but very adept at what he does.

He runs the quietly efficient Propetrol, a concern that is into downstream oil and gas but with a specialty in bunkering.

Harry recently got nominated for special recognition as the Forbes Outstanding CEO for the work Propetrol is doing in bunkering.

Recently, once they call Forbes, people will be fearing but this time, the award is more than deserving. I have watched Harry strive and work his brains out to the risk of his health to build this firm to the levels

Udo-Udoma

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

LOUD WHISPERS it is.

Today, Propetrol is an outstanding international leader in the space. They just recently acquired vessels and are the number one service provider in the whole of West Africa.

That my brother Harry deserves this award is to state the obvious. You should watch him at work; very cautious, gracious but highly intelligent. Mbok, let me praise him, the man deserves more. These are the types of Nigerians we need to continually celebrate. I tell you.

Well done bro. You are a beacon. I salute.

UDO UDOMA: A GENTLEMAN OF PEDIGREE Recently, I got a much sought-after invite to spend some time with this erudite gentleman. If you know me, you will see that I crave such engagements. If for nothing else but for the opportunity it affords me to just listen. The experience, depth and knowledge shared are usually priceless at such engagements.

This was particularly tricky though since I am on the verge of executing the biggest stage production ever in Southern Nigeria.

The outdoor media campaign on this play – Ufok Ibaan- is running into millions and is APCON approved. The inspiration for the play is his grandmother, Adiagha Edem Abia who led a courageous resistance to the draconian tax policies of the colonial authorities and lost her life in the process.

He was very reluctant to meet up because he didn’t want to be seen as projecting his family story. He didn’t have to. The story itself is compelling and rich enough to attract very strong corporate sponsors like First Bank, Wema Bank and Zenith Bank amongst others including the Akwa Ibom State Government whose Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Orman Esin, is running with us as Co-Executive Producer.

The meet was brilliant as expected. Na tea and cake we drink. Just like my other ‘daddy’ Chief Emeka Anyaoku- these ones na aristocracy, na tea and cake. Go eat the Afang later.

The discussions were rich, explorative and mind-opening. It moved very quickly from history and the role his father the late Justice Udoma played in the Ibibio Union and the politics of the first republic, down to economy, his legal practice and then his foray into politics and the role he played at the Senate and as Federal Minister.

I loved the session and as it was ending, I saw a beautiful artwork of the Oba of Benin being taken in a canoe filled with British soldiers to Calabar. He said, “Edgar, six able-bodied men will be needed to carry this artwork.” If he had turned away, only me would have carried it and run to Shomolu.

It was that beautiful. I had fun and I hope I will be invited again.

GBENGA OYEBODE: ANOTHER FINE GENTLEMAN It was my partner that said, “Edgar, Oyebode is not happy with you.” What is wrong with this Lami, does he even know the kind of relationship I have with the man?

“Wetin happen?

“You didn’t approach him to come and see Awo.” True o. He is one of my major backbones in this theatre matter. If na ticket sales I would have by now ended up in Anyima Nsit selling mpheee. Mpheee is periwinkle.

I quickly called Oga and apologised. I had contacted his office and they were doing me official and so I left it. But Oga said, I should have come to him directly.

I apologised and requested for an opportunity to meet with him with the cerebral Ore Sofekun. Ore is a first-class investment banker whose depth is quite amazing.

My people, I could not say a word at the meeting. Although they were speaking English, me just dey look them, waiting for time to go and eat Edikaikong because I did not understand a word they were saying to each other.

Two extremely brilliant people talking,

what will I be saying beyond, yes sir, yes ma, it is true, please where is the loo and did rain fall yesterday in Ikoyi?

It was a lovely meeting and I really enjoyed myself watching both of them spar.

I had fun. Well-done sir.

TONYE COLE, DO ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES You know I had heard and did not really connect maybe because my brother is in faraway Jos at the NIPSS Kuru preparing for election. That was how I now called him during the week and said, “Bros the war don start o, you still dey school. You know even go London go pay visit to Jagaban ask am how the knee and how many minutes he don dey last now for bed and you hope to win any election for this country?” He laughed and said, “we dey for ground.”

Then I commiserated with him on the recent passing of his sweet mum and he responded by saying I am his senior in this matter and I said yes o.

Let me use this opportunity to wish my dear brother strength as he grapples with the recent loss of his great mother. Losing a mum at any age is very traumatic. I know, I

have seen it and I have seen my son Alvin go through the trauma and saw my father crumble when his own mum passed at almost 109.

But Bro Cole will find the courage to continue to make her proud with his firm resolve to contribute meaningful leadership to our country. Accept my profound condolences.

FLORENCE ITA GIWA’S EDIKAIKONG Ok, let me tell you this story. I am from Akwa Ibom and I am addicted to our soups but I have never eaten Edikaikong like the one I have been eating at Mummy’s Echoes of Calabar. This is not a paid PR or advert or any of the sort, it is a revelation that I feel I must shout.

So on Tuesday, which was a holiday, I quietly went there to savour the taste once again. I told Duchess that I was coming and that I was going for meetings and went straight there and ordered the soup.

Let me describe it. The leaves were lush, mixed with scattered dry fish and periwinkles dancing and swerving up and down in between the very sumptuous bowl

CHIKE OGEAH: A QUIET BIRTHDAY It seems all my people are celebrating their birthdays this week. My Lord says it will be a quiet 60th, me I no gree. How can it be quiet, didn’t he attend RMD’s own? Didn’t he see that that one bring Hollywood to town? I no gree o. He says he wants it quiet and that he wants to go into solitude and reconnect with his Maker and thank God for all the blessings and long life.

I say I no gree. How many people get this kind blessing – good looks, powerful network, privileged access, health, wealth and on top of that the elegant Funke Ogeah beside him and he say na quiet 60th. I no gree ooooo.

Where NLC now o? They will not come and let us fight this issue. We must bring out the parade and make a lot of noise. That is how they will be telling me, “Edgar, I want to do it quiet”

Chike Ogeah

and the next thing you will see now is THISDAY Style doing pictures of Chike’s 60th and Ovation full two editions with captions – Handsome Chike and elegant Funke at their sprawling home.

Mbok, don’t try it o. Don’t even dare.

If I see any party or anything wey I no come, I will fight o. I will release nude picture o and nobody will beg me o. So for now, I take it by your word, a quiet 60th. I believe you, but I no trust you.

Guys, let me say this. After Azuka Ogujiuba, na Chike discover me. My network, my reach, my everything na Chike. He is a pillar in our Hamilton and George Financial Advisory firm, he is an elder brother wey I never fit pay dividends but he stands. Help me wish him a happy advanced birthday celebration and long life and God’s speed. Great guy.

it was served with.

The soup itself was exotically placed with the vegetables served in resplendent green and spiced with well-cooked condiments.

Served with plantain flour, as you take the first morsel of the soup in your mouth, it melts dramatically and you start to taste the ‘abu’. Abu is crayfish in the soup. It slowly melts down your throat leaving a sweet aftertaste at the back of your throat, pushing you to quickly go for the next morsel.

As you eat, you pray for the soup not to finish as the delicacy cascades your very being, giving you tiny dimples as its deliciousness messes up with your senses.

Trust me, I have eaten Edikaikong in this life, this particular one deserves the Nobel Prize. As I ate, Mummy walked in and screamed, “Ayen nmi, thank you so much for making Afang an international cuisine.”

“Mummy no distractions, I am on an expedition.” You either sit down quietly or leave me. I need no distractions.

Mbok when I finished, I washed it down with a sweet combo of watermelon, pineapple and orange and you come dey ask me why I fine and fresh like this. Be eating stew and ponmo there and be asking me questions.

ONARI DUKE: HER BEAUTIFUL EXCELLENCY It was her birthday during the week and I had totally forgotten. Then I saw a post on the BGL Group and someone was celebrating her astuteness, her contributions to philanthropy and the rest. I screamed o, I had just spoken to her like two days ago and didn’t even remember it was her birthday.

I immediately wrote an epistle on WhatsApp and broadcast it. I told people how she had visited my ailing mother on her sick bed and how that experience coloured my mother’s last days and how till she passed, she continued to ask me to thank Her Excellency and remind her that her Afang was still waiting for her.

Happy Birthday my dear Excellency and may God continue to grant you a long life and everything you wish for yourself.

Say hi to your lovely grandchildren. How lucky they are to have you as a doting grandmother.

TOPE AFOLABE: CONFESSIONS OF A SHOE WHORE This investment banker is an exciting subject. I first met him at Investment One before they sacked me. He was in retail and will be bringing clients like Femi Otedola into the system. I was his Oga. I would go to Nicholas and say, “Lord, Tope cannot be in Retail, the man is using your head.” Nicholas wey no dey street smart will not agree. He will say, “Tope is the best retail marketer we have.”

I would reply. “How can you call someone who brought Femi Otedola as retail? He is collecting your tiny retail target and be bringing HNI money.”

Nicholas would carry that him big glasses and say, “Edgar go and work leave Tope alone.”

Then Tope took me to Ibadan Polo Club where he was friends with all the polo players including their captain and if you know polo players, you will agree that this cannot be retail.

I rushed back to Lagos and had a major fight with Nicholas. Let’s move this gaddem guy to HNI and Wealth management. Anyways, Nicholas sacked me and Tope continued his blistering career. Today he is a champion at Chapelhill Denham.

Then he has a hobby. He loves shoes. He is passionately mad about shoes so he opened shoestrad.

Mbok, I have bought over 25 shoes from the place.

The guy just gets me and has turned my cravings to a very profitable one for him and his wife. Help me o, Tope go soon use my money build house for Lagos. Anytime I go there, I must pick something.

As an Investment Banker, the guy just knows how to collect the footwears. The quality, the comfort, the grace, Shoestrad which is the name of the shop just gets me.

I was wearing one of his shoes when I received VP Osibanjo during Awo and that one was just staring at the shoe and just as he was about to ask me where I got them, Protocol say, “Oga you cannot ask that, respect yourself.”

Welldone Tope, keep the flag flying.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Allen Onyema: Flag-waving Patriot

When the World Celebrated the Ooni of Ife To some, turning 47 is no big deal. But that is not so in the case of Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The colourful monarch was deservedly celebrated beyond the shores of the country on Sunday, OCTOber 24, 2021, when he turned 47. The ancient city of Ife in Osun State and its environs literally stood in honour of the firstclass monarch on the occasion.

Although his friends, associates as well as other royal fathers made the day a grand one for him, many, in a show of love and appreciation, placed congratulatory adverts in some national newspapers. And, indeed, the contents of the adverts spoke volumes of his enviable place in the hearts of the advertisers.

Also, many extolled the virtues of the handsome king on other platforms, describing him as a strong advocate of peace and unity.

The Ooni of Ife is a role model to his contemporaries and the younger generation, owing to his contributions to humanity. It is widely acknowledged that since he ascended the throne of his ancestors, the narrative of Ile-Ife, which is described as the cradle of the Yoruba race, has changed. This was evident immediately after the coronation when he began to unfold his development plans for the town, to the admiration of all. Sources revealed that many of his decisions have been very accurate, which confirms the belief in some quarters that he is a man blessed with uncommon sagacity.

Like every creature, this well-revered king too has his own humble beginning. But his will inspire any ambitious soul, any day and any time. As a young prince, he had a clear vision of what he wanted to do later in life, and he pursued it with unwavering doggedness.

Until he became the Ooni of Ife, Ogunwusi had been a major player in the real estate sector.

He had constructed highbrow and eye-popping estates such as Jacobs Mews Estate, Yaba; Lake View Park 1 and 2 located along the Lekki-Epe Road and Chevron Toll Gate; The Northpointe Phase 1 and 2 Estates, Golden Leaf Estate and the Lord’s Estates.

In 2019, the profile of Air Peace boss, Allen Onyema received a boost, after he offered the use of his Boeing 777 aircraft, free of charge, to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa during the xenophobic attacks.

It was a rare act that highlighted not only his patriotism but also his love for humanity, especially considering the fact that over N280 million was set aside for this purpose.

Though many naysayers had said then that it was a mere public relations stunt, the man has since proved them wrong. Despite the uncertainty in the country, he is one of the few patriots who believe so much in the nation.

Today, he is fast becoming a role model to many; he preaches his love for the country while also motivating others, particularly the youth who have lost hope in the country.

Many would not forget in a hurry his motivational speech in September, which spurred the nation’s Super Eagles into action in their campaign towards qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Apart from fulfilling his N20 million pledge to the team after they won the match, he also donated one of his aircraft for the trip.

Onyema, who charged the team to use sports to unify the country, stated that Air

Onyema

Peace was very happy to be associated with the team. He added that the favour which God granted Air Peace had manifested in their victory against Liberia.

No doubt, this singular act further endeared him to many Nigerians.

The only Nigerian who had probably beat his record is the late MKO Abiola, who was Africa’s Pillar of Sports. But Onyema is gradually stepping into his shoes.

For Onyema, starting an indigenous airline was not about making profits, but about creating jobs. He decided that commercial aviation was a much nobler venture than leaving his money to sit idle in the banks. Such is the life of this business mogul who has become an angel of hope to many and a God-sent to his compatriots, who have been visited by the vicissitude and lassitude of life.

To say he is generous with his Godgiven wealth, is to put it mildly.

Despite a two-year delay resulting from the absence of an operating licence, Air Peace has grown to become the largest indigenous airline in the entire West and Central Africa with competitive fares on both passenger and charter services.

Has Aminu Tambuwal Chickened Out?

Oftentimes, one of the names that have been enjoying a good mention whenever the 2023 presidency is being mentioned is the current governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

This is not unexpected, at least, to his supporters who claimed that “the country is on the precipice, and needs a messiah.”

According to them, the searchlight should be beamed on individuals who can give the nation positive vibes.

It was gathered that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives started nursing the ambition to become the number one citizen of Nigeria shortly after he assumed office as the governor of the state.

Tambuwal was one of the leading aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the build-up toward the 2019 presidential election. However, his loss at the primary had made a mess of his ambition.

It was gathered that, contrary to expectations, he seems not to be interested in pursuing his presidential ambition again. This development has come like a rude shock to his loyalists, who believe that Tambuwal would have been a perfect candidate for his party, PDP in the race.

His reason, according to a reliable source, is

that he lacks the financial war chest to prosecute his agenda.

“Many will agree that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tambuwal has proved himself to possess distinguishable qualities that make a good leader. He has the requisite skills to make very urgent decisions that can solve most of the problems we have as a nation. He is clearly a leader with a vision. He is very young with less baggage. But contesting for the presidency of Nigeria goes beyond that. So, the man does not see himself as anyone who has the capability for such an assignment for now,” a source said.

Apart from being the former speaker at the Lower Chamber, Tambuwal is a member of many professional parliamentary and international bodies.

He is a member of the International Bar Association, Nigerian Bar Association and National Executive Committee of the NBA. He is also an alumnus of many universities and international educational institutions, including Harvard University, USA, and was the regional representative of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Tambuwal at various times served as Organising Secretary and Legal Adviser of political parties. His position as a lawyer, legislator and Speaker of the House of Representatives was appreciated and

Gov. Tambuwal

recognised when he was appointed into the highest professional policy-making body of the Nigerian legal profession with his appointment to the Body of Benchers.

Oluw wo off Iwo, Oba Abddullrashheedd Akaande’s Achilless’ Heel Oba Ogunwusi

Azeez Yusuf: Making Nigeria Proud in the Diaspora The flawed perception that has been hitherto ascribed to many Nigerians living abroad is gradually and stealthily being renewed and refreshed by a new set of Nigerians who are giving the country a better and improved image abroad.

One of this new crop of guys abroad is the very entrepreneurial and officious Asiwaju Azeez Oladapo Yusuf who has been eking out a legitimate living in The Gambia for over two decades now and has never been found wanting.

Now a resident of Gambia, Yusuf has his hands in many legitimate pies, leaving the grand impression that Nigerians living abroad are not about scams, fraud, drugs and shady dealings, all in the name of making cool money but with questionable sources.

Enterprising, Yusuf is well known and massively patronised in the Gambia especially with his hospitality haven, Big Apple, that has remained number one in giving quality entertainment and relaxation to patrons in that African country and beyond.

Those who have visited his Big Apple will attest to the aura and ambience of the hospitality spot. Still in the attitude of making a living through legal and legitimate means, the very innovative and industrious Yusuf, who is also a lawyer runs A&A Consortium Gambia Ltd in the Gambia, which comprises real estate, oil and gas, and agriculture.

Yusuf is a good representative for Nigerians living abroad, and his activities and ventures outside the shores of his fatherland bear very sterling testimony to this.

Oba Akande

One of the popular sayings among the Yoruba is: “There is no respect for a king without a queen.” But it seems that the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akande, does not give a hoot about this saying, as he is not in a hurry to remarry after his former wife, Chanel Chin, a Canadian, left the palace in a controversial manner.

The break-up of the marriage, which produced a son named Oduduwa, had been followed with accusations and counter-accusation that went viral for many months. It was so messy that it was the talk of town across the country.

Among other reasons, the Oluwo

Adama Indimi’s New Lifestyle Who says being married cannot make one kick some bad habits, particularly if one is determined to make the marriage work?

If you are in doubt, ask Adama Indimi, the beautiful daughter of Borno State-born billionaire, Mohammed Indimi. Before she finally bade goodbye to spinsterhood last year, she was controversial and was always in the news for the wrong reasons. Besides, she was very active on social media, particularly Instagram, where she commented on issues that did not affect her directly in any way.

However, since the pretty damsel got married to her heartthrob, Malik Ado-Ibrahim, the founder of Bicernery and owner of F1 Team Arrows, in August 2020, she seems to have turned over a new leaf, as no controversy or

negative news has been traced to her in recent times. A source revealed that the only thing that matters to her at the moment is the success of her marriage to her billionaire hubby.

Before her marriage to Ado-Ibrahim, who is also the heir to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the ravishingly beautiful lady was one of the hottest spinsters in that part of the country.

Very fashionable, Adama, who runs a travel agency, Kauna Solutions, was not in short supply of men who wanted her as a partner.

But none was willing to takeAdama, a graduate of the Lynn University, Florida, US, to the altar simply because of her controversial nature. It got so bad that tongues were already wagging over her single status before she was finally hooked to the billionaire Prince.

Indimi Ado-Ibrahim

accused her of being an ‘agent’ planted in the palace by his enemies and that she filmed their bedroom activities, which she allegedly tried to use to blackmail him.

But since she left the palace, it seems he is not in a hurry to bring another woman into the palace. He has not been romantically linked with any other woman. Although a source revealed that he has a woman after his heart, he has not made up his mind to bring her into the palace.

“Kabiyesi has a woman he is dating.

But remember that, once beaten, twice shy. So he is watching her for now.”

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

24.10.2021

RETRACING AN ARTIST’S FOOTPRINTS IN THE COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS Getting set for his first solo exhibition in Lagos since 2015, Germany-based Chidi Kwubiri consolidates his renown in the local art scene. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

A

canny self-vision – backed up, of course, with steadfast diligence – seemed to be all that was needed. Hence, to get the best of two worlds, Nigerian-born, and Germany-based, Chidi Kwubiri remains committed to the local exhibition circuit. Back in the early 90s, the 55-year-old, responding to an inner urge to broaden his horizon, had left the comfort zone of his native Umuahia, the capital city of the southeastern Nigerian state of Abia, and ended up settling down in Germany. Despite this life-changing move, he nonetheless keeps in touch with his Nigerian roots.

Thus, he was not only drawn by the sights and sounds – and the kindred sensory experiences – of his hometown and the bustling Lagos city life, which he likened to nourishment for his soul, but he also relishes the stability and reliable infrastructures of his adopted German environment. Somehow, the placidity of the latter manages to seep into his canvases spread out on the Áoor of his studio in Pulheim near Cologne.

Fast-forward to the present. The 2002 Duesseldorf Art Academy Master of Fine Art in painting holder is swamped with work as he prepares for Footprints – an exhibition of his paintings which o΀cially opens on Saturday, October 30 and ends on Wednesday, November 10 at the Nike Art Gallery in Lekki. This is while he is simultaneously getting set for three other international exhibitions: Art X Lagos, a group exhibition in memory of his late professor A. R. Penck at the Gallery Lachenmann in Frankfurt (Germany) and another at the Kyung Hee University Museum in Seoul, South Korea, which are all opening about the same time.

A big close-up on Footprints, which is being curated by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye and supported by Mouton Cadet.

The solo exhibition – the artist’s Àrst in Lagos since his 2015 show, titled Points of View, with Arthouse-the space – seems, in a manner of speaking, autobiographical.

The artist himself a΀rms that the artworks – literally and metaphorically – tell stories from his life. While they allude to stories about people, who have left their footprints in his life, the act of sharing these stories could be likened to leaving footprints in the lives of others to impact their perceptions and worldview.

By extension, Footprints retraces Kwubiri’s steps in the international exhibition platforms and art encounters. He has besides his many exhibitions in Germany and Nigeria been part of shows in the US, South Africa, Morocco, Montenegro, Italy, Russia, The Netherlands, Belgium, France and several other places.

But, besides tracking his artistic trajectory so far, the exhibition – buoyed by his favourite themes, bordering on such elements of human interaction as respect, kindness, compassion, diversity and unity, cohesion, hope, contemplation and reÁection as well as by nature and his Christian

A view of the artist's studio faith – is, above all, a re-a΀rmation his artistic credo.

While at work in his studio WALZWERK (along Rommerskirchener Str in Pulheim, Kwubiri often Ànds himself drawing parallels between his unwavering belief in the Almighty and the traditions of his African roots. In both, he discovers differences and similarities, which continue to fascinate him. Of course, global events sometimes obtrude into his consciousness. “The elements that shine through, again and again, are the meaning and the rhythms of the music of my homeland and my more contemporary playlists, which always Àll my studio space when I am painting and are, so to speak, brought into the canvas together with the paint,” he adds.

Meanwhile, an aesthetically fascinating feature of his paintings remains their mottled Ànish, a technique which critics often mistake for pointillism. On the canvases, mannequin-like Àgures with befuddling resemblance to each other seem to materialise out of a haze of muted, soothing colours, which at the same time constitute their backdrop.

While he acknowledges that there are indeed elements of dotting in these paintings, Kwubiri says they are rather fallouts of a “dripping” technique that gives the impression that they were dotted.

Despite the close resemblance with pointillism, Kwubiri adds that the “dots are not that well-thought-out composition of conceptually and consciously set ‘points’, which are characteristic for the actual pointillism.”

Chidi Kwubiri “I choose this dripping style to achieve mainly two purposes: Àrst I want to free my motifs from a concrete background and lift them into a more open ‘universal’ context in a seamless and dimensionless ‘universe’ of drips and dots which create an apparently limitless environment…”

No doubt, appropriating this technique as his artistic vernacular has its other uses besides aesthetics. Indeed, the spectral Àgures in the paintings seem conceived to teleport the viewer beyond the inanities of his dense material environment. For man’s millennia-long self-chaining activities to

t limited perception of his physical brain the h has unleashed disastrous consequences.

If painting – especially with acrylic on ccanvas – remains Kwubiri’s favoured med dium of expression, it is because it seems m most suited to his temperament. Still, there aare moments when his creative whims tturn his sights towards such materials as h his working clothes, used brushes and d dried-out colour palettes, which could be rrepurposed for future projects.

Then, there is his studio Áoor, which h has remained a silent witness to the proccess that has seen all his artworks take fform. “It symbolises proverbially my ffootprints, which have arisen as a result o of my turning round after round around m my Áat-lying canvas to apply layer after llayer of colours through the process of d dripping to give the actual motif the o optical and textual depth in which I w want to allocate my message,” he says. ““The patterns of drips and squares still visible on the studio Áoor are actually the ‘footprints’ of all artworks that have been created on it.”

After years of dues-paying and eventual acceptance in the German art circles, Kwubiri’s has also gained large followership in the Nigerian art scene. This explains the frequent sale of his works for respectable hammer prices at the Arthouse auctions, which have unarguably been rated as Nigeria’s most prestigious.

Meanwhile, following the lead of the high demand for his works, the artist continues to explore new markets in other African countries, the US, the UK, India and the Middle East.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

56

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

AbdulRazaq Has Big Plans for Arts in Kwara Stories by Vanessa Obioha In the city of Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State is constructing a magnificent building that will soon become the centre of attraction in the state. Called the Visual Art Centre, the governor’s lofty plans for arts include having a film factory, a Dolby studio and a gallery where the artworks of both famed and up-and-coming artists will be on display.

The governor is acutely aware of the potentials the creative industry, particularly Nollywood and music, have. He expressed concern that as buoyant as Nollywood is, it doesn’t enjoy much prominence in continental and international film festivals as it should.

“We have realized that in Nigeria we have Nollywood and music. There’s much to do. These boys are working from their laptops, mixing music. Music is not easy, but in film production, more is required. Our films are not enjoying as much prominence as they should in film festivals beyond our shores. Because what we’re shooting is videos, not movies. We are not doing cinematography, because we don’t have studios. We cannot do the last mile which is the postproduction. Yes, there’s a place to meet in Lagos, Accra, and Johannesburg. Because of capacity and waiting time in these places, we thought of having a film factory here to help not only the locals but from outside Kwara.

“We have a faculty of film in the university here.

Let’s link it to build capacity, build soundstages. Take for instance the movie ‘300’, it was shot in a studio.

They didn’t shoot anything outside. Big Brother Naija

Gov. AbdulRazaq

GUS S12: The Search for Akolo’s Secret Continues The 18 contestants who kicked off the Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) season 12 will continue their search for Akolo’s secret on tonight’s episode. Already, they are confronted with obstacles on their way into the jungle.

GUS is known for its adventure format. This season’s Age of Craftsmanship is centred on a small town called Ijuka, which existed many centuries ago. Ijuka attained fame when a mysterious craftsman named Akolo settled down amongst the blacksmiths and woodcarvers. Equally talented, Akolo taught his contemporaries his skills and soon his name began to pool many to the town. But many came to learn about his special brew which was compared to none. Akolo sourced his ingredients from trading his great works with European merchants. The king soon heard of his fame and appointed Akolo to be a member of his advisory council.

Although Akolo formed a close bond with the king, he never revealed the recipe of his brew.

As the fame of his brew grew, trading routes began to pass through Ijuka, and many sought to taste his brew. Ijuka became a prosperous town, and soon enemies began to gather. Several attempts

to take Akolo’s life were made but to no avail. Akolo would later leave town for the mangrove forest with his secret brew recipe and all his knowledge, never to be seen again. Ijuka suffered Akolo’s absence and was soon laid to waste by foreign invaders.

The 18 contestants will now have to retrieve the iron chest containing Akolo’s secrets and be crowned the ultimate champion of the season. GUS airs every weekend on Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv.

Akolo GUS

Omah Lay, Others Join #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class The ‘Understand’ crooner is among the 54 artists, songwriters and producers selected to join the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022. #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022 is a development programme designed to directly support and mentor Black artists, songwriters and producers worldwide. It is supported by the #YouTube Black Voices Fund.

For the set of 2022, the class will be grouped into two programme streams: one for artists and one for songwriters and producers.

Class participants will each receive dedicated partner support, seed funding to invest in the development of their channels, and opportunities to participate in training and networking programs

focused on production, fan engagement and wellbeing.

They will also get opportunities to develop their catalogues and collaborate with other global artists, songwriters, and producers who have also been selected to take part in the programme in the next six months.

“African music is taking the entire world by storm and the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund is an opportunity to both celebrate and nurture African artistry and help songwriters, producers and artists share their craft with global audiences,” said YouTube’s Head of Music, SubSaharan, Addy Awofisayo.

Other participating Nigerian creatives include music producer P.Priime, singer-songwriter CKay and singer Telz.

was shot in a studio. Some programmes are shot in the studio. So we are building the studio, and we are bringing Dolby to Kwara to train our people.”

As a predominantly civil service state, AbdulRazaq believes that having a thriving creative economy will change the face of the state. Moreover, some Nollywood thespians like Adebayo Salami hail from the state.

The governor also plans to have an art exhibition once the facility is completed. With a wild lust for art, he has lost count of artworks in his possession but they include works of famed artists like the late Nigerian painter Ben Enwonwu, Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui and Beninese artist Zinkpe.

For the art exhibition, AbdulRazaq is toying with the idea of inviting the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI to the launch. He described the monarch as the number one collector in Africa who also has a lot of Nigerian art in his possession.

Still promoting Nigerian art, the governor hinted at the possibility of having an exchange of art with the UAE. “We are planning on showcasing Arabic pieces because there is a culture here. And we intend to speak with the ambassador to UAE who is a good friend. The UAE is currently building the Louvre Abu Dhabi and is likely to complete it in five years. They have great experience in Islamic, Arab and global art and they are tapping from the resources of the Louvre in France. So we can do an exchange of art,” he concluded.

Zee Entertainment Partners The Temple Company to Drive Growth Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, the owners of Zee World and Zee Cinema has appointed The Temple Company as its representative. In a statement

by The Temple Company, the full-service creative agency based in Nigeria will interface with public sector organisations looking to leverage the strength of Zee Entertainment’s widely accepted platforms to their advantage.

“We were ready for this collaboration long ago,” said Group Chief Executive, The Temple Company, Idris Olorunnimbe. “When we launched The Temple Company, we had our job cut out to attract strategic collaborations that would impact positively on the creative economies across territories. This new partnership with Zee Entertainment embodies these aspirations. We are excited at the promise this

presents for sectoral growth.”

CEO, Sub-Saharan African and Indian Islands, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd said Somnath Malakar equally expressed excitement over the new deal. “We are certainly excited to partner with The Temple Company which positions us to collaboratively unlock the opportunities presenting themselves in Nigeria, the biggest and fastest-growing television market in Africa.’’

Zee World is one of the most loved channels from the entertainment company.

Since its debut in 2015, the Hindi-language TV series content dubbed in English has become a staple that has kept Nigerians glued to their screens. According to the latest MPS data ratings, the channel commands a viewership base of up to onefifth of the entire Nigerian Pay-TV landscape making it a desired platform for advertisers.

THE TEMPLE COMPANY

R-L: CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Sub-Saharan African and Indian Islands), Somnath Malakar; Group Chief Executive, The Temple Company, Idris Olorunnimbe; Vice President, Programming and Marketing at Zee International, Desiree Pillay; Senior Vice President, Head of Revenue and Business Development for Africa at Zee International, Gaurav Chatterjee; and Head of Strategy, The Temple Company, Winifred Okpapi

57

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 24, 2021

CICERO

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

IN THE ARENA

#EndSARS Protests: No Closure, a Year After One year after the unprecedented #EndSARS protests against the crass impunity, extreme brutality and extra-judicial massacre perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad forced the scrapping of the unit, genuine closure, and the youth’s demands are still illusory, Louis Achi writes

F

rom the 17th Century English thinker Thomas Hobbes to John Locke, Rousseau and Ibn Sinna, political philosophers have taught that men agree to be governed only because of a pre-existing social contract in which the state protects the people in exchange for their obedience. When a government fails in that elementary duty, it breaches that sacred civilisational trust.

The social contract theory was at the heart of the #EndSARS massive protests that swept the country a year ago when the Nigerian youths rebelled against the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) established in 1992 and which over the years had become synonymous with crass impunity, extreme brutality and extra-judicial massacre. The protests morphed from social media campaigns into One year after, Nigerian youths gather again to mourn ‘fallen heroes’ street demonstrations in October 2020.

Still vivid was the violent twist that characterAnambra, Benue Abia Ogun and Ebonyi states.

Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai ised the #EndSARS protests, last October, in Lagos and Oyo states had the highest figure Mohammed, who revealed the decision of NEC which many policemen and civilians were killed of slain policemen, with six each, followed by in Abuja, during a media briefing, also accused across the country, scores injured and several Anambra State Police Command with four, Abia those he labelled “champions of a massacre others left in life- threatening conditions by and Ebonyi had two each while Ogun recorded at the Lekki Toll Gate,” including Amnesty rampaging hoodlums that hijacked the peaceful one.

International and CNN, of holding on to “their protest. Some 205 police stations and formaFired by deep memories of hurt and lack of unproven stand.” Mohammed explained that tions, including other critical private and public closure, the Nigerian youth made good their NEC had called on the leadership of the security infrastructure across Nigeria were damaged by threat to hold memorial marches mid last week, agencies to ensure that persons recruited hoodlums during the hijacked protest. commemorating those who died during the into arms-bearing security organs underwent Today, a year after the massive #EndSARS nationwide protests last year. They ignored psychiatric evaluation and drug test before protest, over 300 still in detention in Lagos, warnings by the Nigeria Police that marches to enlistment. according to a civil society group, New Nigeria mark the one year anniversary of the #EndThe seriousness of the federal government’s Network (NNN), and has urged the state govSARS protest would not be condoned. new position and directives to state goverernment to take them to court.

In Lagos State, the youths gathered at the nors remains to be proven. This is because According to Co-convener of NNN, Mr. Adesina Lekki tollgate to mark the #EndSARS anniverinvestigative panels set up to look into police Ogunlana, “information at our disposal does not sary. But the rally was marred by police brutalbrutality have so far been marred by prolonged indicate any arraignment at all of those already ity and clampdown on journalists covering the adjournments, intimidation of witnesses by slated for trial at the High Court, courtesy of the peaceful event. In Abuja, security operatives police lawyers and the failure of police officers legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecupushed back a procession to the National Asto appear as witnesses, according to observer tion (DPP) Lagos State, acting on behalf of the sembly complex. reports verified by AI. Panels have failed to sit Attorney-General of the state since 2020. For Perhaps nudged to life by the memorial rallies in some states, and in others have gone on an the other category slated for trial at the Magheld in some states, the National Economic indefinite break. istrate Courts, there has been no significant Council (NEC) directed state governors to According to Osai Ojigho, human rights expert progress in the ‘alleged prosecution’ which is forward final reports of the panels of inquiry who is the Director of AI National Office in more of window dressing.” into the protests to their Attorneys-General Nigeria, “what we observed at these panels is Meanwhile, many burnt police stations are for prompt arraignment and prosecution of the discouraging and clearly shows there is no real yet to be fixed with policemen working like indicted persons. commitment to ensuring justice for victims of refugees. Policemen were killed in Lagos, Oyo,

police violence across Nigeria. These panels raised hopes of getting justice but in some states, this is quickly vanishing.”

Further according to Amnesty, a year after peaceful #EndSARS protests ended in a brutal crackdown by Nigerian security forces in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country, no one has been brought to justice for the torture, violence, and killings of peaceful protesters, while reports of human rights violations by the police have continued.

Almost every person arrested during the protests described being beaten with the butt of a gun, whips and fists during their arrests.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 12 journalists were attacked during the #EndSARS protests by security forces and unidentified perpetrators. Many of those detained interviewed by Amnesty said that they were tortured while in detention.

Sources revealed that the majority of the 29 states that set up the panels have concluded hearings. But curiously none has made their findings public - spawning speculations of a charade.

It would recalled that the five-point demands of the youth protesters included proscription of SARS, compensations for the families of those who died under police brutality, the release of arrested protesters and an increase in the salaries and allowances of police officers. They also demanded that an independent body be set up to investigate allegations of police misconduct and to prosecute those indicted. They also called for the psychological evaluation of officers of the disbanded SARS before they are redeployed into other units.

Clearly, youths coming together in joint action have served as a major engine of social transformation throughout human history. At key moments, younger generations have repeatedly acted to challenge and influence the dismantling of systems of oppression,

subordination and injustice.

Today, youth-led collective action is proving decisive in combating global challenges. From fighting for the environment, to protecting and expanding human rights to demanding economic justice, young folks are at the forefront of change. This demographic niche represents the future and their voice needs to be heard and not blocked.

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

Sanwo-Olu Not Your Butt of Jokes

Sanwo-Olu

Since the #EndSARS episode, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has done everything humanly possible to assuage the youths by not only identifying with them but taking conscious steps to making sure what happened last year does not repeat itself and at the same time, leaving the panel of inquiry to do its job in collective interest.

For the record, he took part in the protest before it was hijacked. He had also engaged the youths at different times afterwards to pick their brains on the way forward, as well as seek closure to what had happened.

After all, apart from the Lekki tollgate incident, there were protests in other states with equally huge destructions and killings.The attitudes and

approaches of the governors of those states are markedly different from Sanwo-Olu’s. Yes, Lagos was the epicentre of the protest, the governor has also lived up to billings.

What then is the basis for inciting the public against him? Posting his telephone numbers online and asking people to curse him? How easy is it to hide under pseudo names to terrorise others on the social media.These irreverent fellows didn’t end it with just Sanwo-Olu; they included his wife and child.

Even if these insensate fellows do not have anyone guiding them on public engagement, how bad is it that they can’t talk to themselves? You crave leadership and seek change to how things are done, yet, your choices are rather too poor for apprenticeship.

Excesses like these are why the youths are often seen in a different light when it comes decision-making. Anyone driven by emotions other than substance is dangerous to any cause.The mob mentality has never proffered solution to anything and of course, the tables would turn some day and no one needs any telling how your reign will turnout.

Joke all you like, do not take it too far. Sanwo-Olu cannot be drawn into any ludicrous pastime, oxygenated by sheer tokenism and unwieldy exuberance.

He’s fatherly, kind, civil, cosmopolitan and shown understanding even in the most impossible situations.The office and person of the governor deserve some respect. Sanwo-Olu isn’t your butt of jokes. And please, cut him some slack.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 24, 2021

58

BRIEFINGNOTES

When will FG Declare Bandits as Terrorists?

Having downed Nigerian Air Force fighter jet, bombed train track, invaded military facilities, killed security agents and engaged in Boko Haram-styled mass abduction of students, Ejiofor Alike wonders why bandits have not been declared as terrorists by the federal governent as demanded by the National Assembly; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and other stakeholders

B

efore they embarked on invading schools to carry out mass abductions of students, the bandits terrorising the North-west and some parts of the North-central had restricted their activities to kidnapping villagers, travellers and rustling cattle.But after acquiring more sophisticated weapons, they became more daring, carrying out Boko Haram-like raids on schools, abducting students, collecting millions of naira in ransom and killing some of the students in the process.

Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger states suffered the worst humiliation in the group’s mass abduction of students.

On August 24, 2021, the daring bandits also attacked the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna where they killed two officers – Lieutenant Wulah and Flight Lieutenant Okoronkwo, and abducted Major Christopher Datong, who regained his freedom after 24 days in his captors’ den.

The bandits were also known to have killed scores of policemen and sacked military outposts in Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi and Sokoto states, inflicting collateral damage on soldiers.

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) on Thursday last week stopped services on the Abuja-Kaduna route following the suspected bombing of the train track by bandits.

On Sunday, July 18, 2021, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet, returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna states, came under intense fire by the bandits, which led to its crash in Zamfara State.

However, the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, demonstrated an unprecedented exemplary heroism and successfully ejected from the downed fighter jet.

Worried by the criminal activities of bandits in many parts of the country, many Nigerians, including governors, have called on the federal government to declare bandits as terrorists.

The Senate had also at a recent plenary called on Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, declare them as terrorists and order the military to eliminate them by bombing their hideouts.

The Senate also told the president to immediately declare all known leaders of the bandits wanted, and track them wherever they are for arrest and prosecution.

The resolutions followed the consideration of a motion on banditry in Sokoto

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi (left), and a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, during a visit to one of the bandits’ camps in North-west…recently State, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Gobir.

Presenting the motion on the floor of the Senate, Gobir lamented that Sokoto East Senatorial District had become a safe haven for bandits following a crackdown on them by the military in Zamfara State.

He lamented that on Saturday, September 25, about 21 security men were killed in Dama and Gangara villages by rampaging bandits.

According to the senator, out of those killed, 15 were soldiers, three mobile policemen, and three members of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in addition to yet to be ascertained number of civilians from the neighbouring villages.

Gobir called on the military to carry out a holistic operation on frontline states, such as Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, and Kaduna, in order to produce effective and desired results.

Speaking after the adoption of the motion, Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, charged relevant committees of the National Assembly to ensure that funds appropriated for the armed forces were judiciously applied to the purposes they were budgeted.

Barely 12 hours after the Senate passed the resolution, the House of Representatives, also asked Buhari to designate bandits, and their sponsors as terrorists.

Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Senator Babajimi Benson, had at the plenary moved a motion of urgent public importance, urging the chamber to back the Senate.

It was titled, ‘Declaration of Bandits and their Sponsors as Terrorists.’

The Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, asked for those who were against the motion but the lawmakers chorused, “No!” The motion was unanimously adopted through voice vote.

Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, had also last week disclosed that he had since 2017 written to the federal government to designate bandits as terrorists, because it was the only way to change the game against the criminals.

The state government had revealed that a total of 343 people had been so far killed, while 830 others were abducted by bandits between July and September 2021.

El-Rufai, who spoke on the situation report in his state, however, said his govern-

ment frowned at the actions of individuals, groups and political actors, who incited citizens to arm themselves.

“The rhetoric of self-help is dangerously misunderstood. It is a recipe for descent into anarchy. Individuals, who perpetrate violent attacks are very often not around, when retributive actions are taken by the victims, and so citizens, who are perceived to share ethnicity or religion with the attackers are then targeted in reprisal,” he said.

He disclosed that in 2017, his state government wrote letters to the federal government, requesting that bandits be declared as terrorists.

El-Rufai however aligned with a recent resolution of the National Assembly on bandits, noting that it was only when they were declared as terrorists that it would allow the Nigerian military to attack and kill the bandits without any major consequences in international law.

“We, in the Kaduna State Government, have always aligned with the declaration of bandits as insurgents and terrorists. We have written letters to the federal government since 2017, asking for this declaration, because it is the declaration that will allow the Nigerian military to attack and kill these bandits without any major consequences in international law.

“So, we support the resolution by the National Assembly and we are going to follow up with a letter of support, for the federal government to declare these bandits and insurgents as terrorists, so that they will be fair game for our military. This is the view of the Kaduna State Government,” he said.

Without the declaration of bandits as terrorists, the Armed Forces cannot deploy their full arsenal against bandits terrorising the North-west and parts of the Northcentral geopolitical zones, as it is against international law to attack and kill bandits with such maximum force.

It was in line with this international treaty that the agreement signed between the Nigerian government and the United States stipulated that the A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets procured from the US would be deployed against terrorists and insurgents, and not bandits.

In view of the Boko Haram-like atrocities committed by bandits, one wonders why Buhari has not declared the group as a terrorist group when the federal government was very swift in declaring the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist group even when the agitation of the group was still very peaceful.

NOTES FOR FILE

Mindless Show of Force by Police Nigerian security operatives’ penchant for dehumanising and harassing unarmed and harmless civilians continued on Tuesday, October 20, 2021, during the commemoration of the #EndSARS anniversary.

While bandits are having field day in kidnapping students, travellers, villagers and blowing up rail infrastructure in some parts of the country, heavily armed security agents turn their weapons on unarmed civilians at every slightest opportunity.

During the commemoration of the #EndSARS protest, there was heavy police crackdown on journalists, activists, musicians, and Nollywood actors and actresses at Lekki Toll Gate and other parts of the country.

A video clip shared by some of the protest-

ers showed an ARISE NEWS Channel reporter being harassed by security operatives at the Lekki Toll Gate.

In the video, policemen were seen forcing the female reporter to submit a drone which the TV Station had deployed to monitor proceedings at the protest anniversary grounds.

In another video clip, a man identified as Uber driver was beaten severely by policemen while blood gushed out from his mouth as the officers tried to drag him into their waiting van.

Another video showed another journalist being dragged by his belt to the police van parked nearby.

The harassment of civilians was not restricted to Lagos.

In Enugu, a combined team of security personnel, made up of the Nigeria Army and the police, dehumanised journalists who were on duty to cover the peaceful protest.

A BBC reporter and her cameraman were allegedly ordered by a riot police team in 14 security vans to sit on the bare floor, while their camera, microphone and other working equipment were confiscated by the operatives.

Other protesters were arrested and maltreated before they were later released.

Also protesters who gathered at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, and were proceeding to the National Assembly to continue their protest, were stopped by security agents, comprising policemen, soldiers and operatives of the

Department of State Services, DSS, who mounted a barricade.

In Ilorin, Kwara State, policemen dispersed protesters who gathered in front of MAMTESS supermarket at Taiwo Isale to begin their protest.

Unfortunately, the police and other security agents demonstrated a show of force against harmless civilians to disrupt a peaceful protest in a democracy, while heavily armed bandits are planting landmines on rail lines unchallenged.

The questions all the enumerated harassment have raised are: What lesson did the police and other security agencies learn from the #EndSARS protests? Will police brutality ever end?

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 24, 2021

CICERO/ISSUE

North or South, Neither Atiku Nor Tinubu is the Answer As Nigeria approaches 2023 general election, Wale Olaleye writes that the choice the country makes is critical to her future

H

ow do you write about Nigeria’s political trajectory especially, her contemporary history and not devote generous pages to both Senator Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, who is one of the most noted leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election?

Misgivings notwithstanding, these two men have not only paid their dues, they have also earned their places in the annals of the body polity – positive or negative. Their current strutting of the turf isn’t some chancing by downright influence; they earned it, including the groundswell of supports they enjoy from many people and institutions across the globe.

In the dark days of the military, history has an enviable cache of their defining roles as much as the moves they spinned to get civil rule back on track. And regardless of the reservations some may have about them, they are today very popular, not because they were conflicted about their democratic predilections, but because they consciously etched their names, albeit after weighing many options, at the very centre of civil and democratic causes.

What’s more, they’ve given more than just their time, name, credibility and resources, but even made such personal sacrifices that could have forced them to paying the supreme price. That, of course, still accounts for their relevance, name recognition and the veneration they have continued to revel in.

How Lagos has turned out, including many parts of the Southwest and beyond, are directly proportional to Tinubu’s leadership, influence and political sagacity. Smart, strategic, assertive, talent hunter, high political networth and huge followership with a rather hypnotic war chest, Tinubu is this and more, although sometimes highhanded.

His capacity for assembling ‘skillful men’ for any cause and supervising same to a fruitful end, has been the most referenced of his credentials, not just as a hunter of talents, but even more instructive, as a manager of human resources, boasting though often pedantic, however, generally intelligent ideas about leadership and governance.

Side-by-side, the Turaki Adamawa has been around even much longer.

His choice as former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s running mate and eventual deputy, wasn’t a random pick, but one informed by his rich political and democratic history.

Often referred to as the most prepared for the job of the president of Nigeria, especially, in the recent experience of 2015 and 2019 elections, Atiku’s ideas about leadership and governance stand him out a lot of the time, more so, his futuristic approach to leadership and coming from a liberal northern background, even though a devout Muslim.

Unfortunately, however, some equally more decisive factors, through the window of time, might have also shut them out of the 2023 presidential run. If anything and

Atiku (left) and Tinubu

given the current state of play, neither of these men is today in the bracket of the desirable, beyond the evidently orchestrated media yearnings for their choices. Even as the available, the train has since left station.

First, the health of these two men is the number one factor and definitely not what anyone can downplay or gloss over. Whatever plans President Muhammadu Buhari had coming into office in 2015 were messed up by his sudden ill-health, which took a better part of his time during the first term.

Whilst it may be convenient for Tinubu and Atiku’s supporters to either lie about this or brush it aside for political expediencies, the fact of their poor health is already evident and public knowledge and definitely not a risk worth taking in larger interest.

Age and health combined have slowed them down significantly and even if their otherwise pretentious supporters choose to look away for whatever is in it for them, Tinubu and Atiku personally know that the leadership needed now to run the race of Nigeria is not the one with their kind of health. At worse, they are in it for sheer power and personal aggrandizement and not to change the country.

The race for 2023 is not the same as 1999. Tinubu and Atiku, without papering the truth, cannot hold a-six-hour meeting at a stretch. They cannot do any marathon meeting back to back, traversing the globe for those events that require their presence. They can’t even inspect projects as a chain of events.

Now, this is not about their respective ages, but their health, speaking stricto sensu. After all, Obasanjo is older than the two of them, and even as at today, he still travels the world like a

teenager. He’s gifted good health and that’s God’s doing.

Both Tinubu and Atiku are good political strategists, no doubt, but it should be clear to them now that they are jaded somewhat, and this is evident even in the age of their ideas.

The reasonable and dispassionate lot are tired of their struggling to be king, when they should be kingmakers, by presenting younger elements for the office as well as helping governments at all levels to source the best hands that could help deliver on theirprogrammes, policies and projects.

Concerning, however, the fact that these two cannot even see anyone else apart from themselves emerging president at a time like this, not only speak to the fact that they might have been overrated as ‘patriotic leaders’, judging from the three factors of capacity, competence and character; but has further put a lie to the assumption that they are good talent hunters.

Apart from exhibiting unbridled poverty of ambition, their desperation for the presidency is now in the mode of a “do-or-die” affair, thus querying all that they ever claimed and boasted to be.

Atiku has been contesting for the presidency since 1993, and it was only in 1998, that he stepped down to contest the Adamawa governorship. But he was back in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.

This has thus made him a serial loser and the people are surely tired of seeing his name, both on the campaign and the ballot.

For Tinubu, he had the best chance of being on the ticket in 2015. Perhaps, if they had done that, it probably would have been the end of the ticket, as there might have been no victory for the APC. Today, public opinion has shifted in favour of the younger

turks in the ruling party, starting from the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to several others Tinubu was believed to have discovered and help put in the limelight as well as many others, who still defer to him as leader. The feeling is the same in the opposition party, the PDP. Curiously, Atiku is interested in the presidency while his son, Adamu, wants to be one of the senators representing Adamawa. The same way Tinubu is itching to be president and at the same time, positioning his son, Seyi, to be governor or deputy governor of Lagos State.

While the moves to pass on the baton to their children are not in any way out of place, for as long as they are qualified and eligible, after all, their children too are Nigerians with legitimate constitutional rights, could they at least take one and leave the other in a manner that typifies their much talked about large heart for a national cause?

The challenge of the future is legion and daunting. Age is but a number. But health is not some chessboard political game to be brushed aside as though it would sort itself out. Indeed, ideas propounded to situations speak volume. And this is where a sound mind is not negotiable. Of course, the stamina for the job cannot also be underestimated.

This is why neither of these two is desirable for 2023. Indeed, if they love Nigeria as they often claim, then, it should be easy to let go of their ambition in collective interest.

Their fixation or assumption that there isn’t any better candidate outside of them is actually the justification for their non-desirability. Neither of them is indispensable and Nigeria is greater than them combined.

Above all, this intervention is not to abridge their rights to contest in any way, but toeing the path of honour in the 2023 presidential run could help tone down tension and present the country with a better opportunity to truly change the tide.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 24, 2021

CICERO/REPORT

When Odili Stands up to Immigration Service’s Impunity Since he left office in 2007, former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, is hardly in the news. But attempt by the Nigerian Immigration Service to humiliate him recently was vehemently resisted by a Federal High Court in Abuja, Alex Enumah writes

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he Abuja Division of the Federal High Court last week ordered the immediate release of the international passport of former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, seized by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

The court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, gave the order in a judgment he delivered in a suit by Odili challenging the action of the service.

The judge declared the action of the service as illegal, unconstitutional and an infringement on his fundamental rights.

He added that the seizure of the former governor’s passport, was a punitive act, insisting that no citizen should be treated in such a manner, irrespective of status.

Odili had successfully travelled to the United Kingdom recently for his medicals.

Upon his return to Nigeria through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on June 20, his travelling documents were checked and given back to him by operatives of the NIS. But while he was waiting for his luggage, under the pretext of routine check, an official of the service again approached him and demanded for the passport which he complied with. But the document was never returned back to him, without any cogent reason.

This prompted the former governor to file a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/965/2021 against the immigration service and its Comptroller General before a Federal High Court in Abuja. In a fundamental rights enforcement suit he filed, the former governor claimed that the international passport was seized from him on June 20, by operatives of the service without any cogent reason and has been withheld since then.

In an eight-paragraph affidavit he personally deposed to, the former governor claimed to be a senior citizen of Nigeria, law-abiding and had not done anything to warrant the seizure of the passport from him.

He prayed the court to compel the two respondents to release the passport to him and also issue an order of perpetual injunction against the respondents from further harassing, embarrassing, intimidating or interfering with his fundamental right to freedom of movement.

The former governor further demanded a written apology for the embarrassment caused him by the immigration service.

Soon after, the immigration service filed a counter, ridiculously revealing that the former governor’s passport was seized because he was on the watch-list of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The service turned around to say that Odili did not care to know why his passport was seized, or demand its release.

In an affidavit deposed to by one Okwe Ernest of the Legal Department of the service, he averred that the former governor was not entitled to the request presented before the court and that his suit should be dismissed for being premature, having failed to meet the condition precedent to the filing of such suits.

He asserted that the action of Immigration was as a result of collaborations of all the federal government security agencies and that the respondents were only carrying out their statutory functions.

“It is the government policy that streamlines the security agencies present at the point of entry/exit from the country.

“By virtue of Section 31 of the Immigration Act 2015, the respondents are empowered to prevent the departure

Odili from Nigeria where there is a request to arrest such a person in the public interest as requested in the instant case by the EFCC. By the above section of the Immigration Act, the respondents are empowered to seize the applicant’s international passport because he was watch listed sequel to EFCC requested,” it said.

“This action is premature and incompetent as the applicant failed to serve pre-action notice on the service as condition precedent before filing this suit against the respondents. The failure to serve pre-action notice robs this honourable court of jurisdiction.

The applicant is not entitled to the reliefs sought and the suit should be dismissed with substantial cost for failure to comply with condition precedent,” the service said.

While arguing the case, Odili’s councel, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, contended that his client’s right to own property was violated by the NIS because it failed to obtain any court order before seizing the passport. He urged the court to order the respondents – the NIS and its Comptroller-General – to return his client’s passport which they unlawfully seized from him.

The counsel also urged the court to disregard the respondents’ claim that Odili was on the watch list of the EFCC, noting that up till now, his cli-

ent has neither been interrogated nor charged with any offence. He urged the court to reject a letter from the EFCC, tendered by the respondents to justify the seizure of the passport.

Adedipe noted that the purported letter could not take the place of an order of a law court.

“The applicant is a senior citizen of Nigeria and is 73 years old, a former deputy governor, a two- time governor of Rivers and an accomplished medical doctor as well as a holder of national honours. The EFCC is not a body that can instruct Immigration to seize passport in place of a court order,” Adedipe said.

Responding, NIS’ lawyer, Jimoh Adamu, simply urged the court to reject the case, because the name on the seized international passport did not correspond with the name of Peter Odili that instituted the court case.

After listening to all the arguments, Justice Ekwo in his judgment, agreed with Odili’s lawyer, Adedipe that the NIS and its Comptroller General lacked the constitutional powers to seize the said documents.

He went down memory lane when he referred to the brush Odili had with the EFCC in 2007, which culminated in a judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on March 5, 2008. In the judgment was an order of perpetual injunction restraining

the EFCC from investigating the former governor over his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007. Justice Ekwo added that until the order is voided and set aside by a competent court of records, the order remains binding on EFCC, its operatives and agents.

He said: “I found that the seizure of the applicant’s International passport was wrongful, illegal, contemptuous, arbitrary and above all unconstitutional. From the evidence which has not been controverted in this case, the seizure of the applicant’s passport upon his return from his medical trip was done in a manner that dehumanised, belittled, harassed and derided him.

“Declaration is hereby made that the seizure of the applicant’s international passport without any reason is illegal and constitute an infringement on his fundamental human rights to freedom of movement and to own moveable property as guaranteed under sections 41 and 44 of the 1999 constitution.

“An order is hereby made directing the respondents to immediately release and return the applicant’s international passport. The action of immigration in this matter is condemnable as it is made in violation and disobedience to valid order of court.”

Justice Ekwo consequently, ordered Immigration to tender an apology to Odili in writing for the embarrassment caused him with the seizure of his passport. He thereafter granted order of perpetual injunction against Immigration and restraining it and its agents from harassing, intimidating or infringing on the fundamental rights of Odili to freedom of movement inside or outside Nigeria.

Many observers have since described the action of the immigration service not only as impunity and overzealous but disgraceful. They noted that it smacks of busybody, noting that if this could be done to a former governor, how much more ordinary citizens Though the service stated in its affidavit that it action was legally empowered by virtue of Section 31 of the Immigration Act 2015, there was nowhere the Act stated that passports would be withdrawn with impunity and in an overzealous manner but with cogent reason.

Odili, a medical doctor, deputy governor between 1992 and 1993 and two term governor of Rivers State between 1999 and 2007, has been in the since country since he left office. From time to time since then, he has been going abroad for medical check ups based on the advice of his doctors. Nobody has ever accused him of any wrongdoing. How the last trip became different, is strange to many.

Reacting to the verdict, a former Commissioner of Information in Rivers State, Emma Okah, decribed the action of the NIS as impunity and overzealousness taken too far. He wondered what the former governor did to warrant such a humiliation.

“I was shocked when I heard that the immigration service seized former Governor Odili’s international passport. A peaceful man who has been quietly enjoying his retirement? What did he do? Nothing. He has been in this country since 2007 when he left office, quietly contributing his quota to the development of the country.

Did they hear that he was involved in fraud when he travelled abroad? Is it an offence to travel for a medical check up?

Why are they after him, to embarrass him? Has it become a crime to live in peace or quietly? This was a clear display of impunity, illegality and overzealousness,” Okah said.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 24,, 2021

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CICERO/INTERVIEW

Hamzat: Supreme Court will Resolve VAT Issue Based on Our Constitution The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has been quietlyprovidingformidablesupportforhisprincipal,GovernorBabajide Sanwo-Olu to implement six priority areas of the administration.

Hamzat spoke to journalists a fortnight ago on the ongoing road projects across the state, resolve to enforce anti-open grazing law, legal fireworks over collection of value-added tax (VAT) and policing constraints in the state. Gboyega Akinsanmi was there

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raffic congestion is worsening in Lagos metropolis. This has been traced to the deplorable state of roads, which is costing motorists a lot. What is the state government doing about this situation?

We have done quite a lot. We are still doing a lot to resolve all these challenges.

However, I have listened to a statement that a road is a death trap. People use that statement to describe a deplorable road. If you look at it critically, it is not bad roads that kill. I read reports of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) every quarter. Based on FRSC reports, 67 per cent of deaths on roads is due to drunkenness, while driving. If you go to any part of the world, especially New York, New Jersey and other states in the US, they do auction of cars involved in accident every week. Their roads are good. So, the question is our driving habit and the way people drink cause death.

If you are going to Abuja through the airport, you will always see scenes of accidents.

Can you give an update of what the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been doing in terms of road infrastructure?

In terms of road infrastructure, we decided to concentrate on high-traffic moving areas and opening new roads. For example, we are expanding Lekki-Epe expressway from Eleko junction to Epe. That is about 21 kilometres. Currently, it is a one-lane road, though it is actually two lanes in some areas. But we are expanding it to a six-lane highway with about three or four bridges. So, the essence is that we must start to move traffic away from the highway. We are also expecting Dangote Refinery on that corridor. We must make sure we expand that road. That is a concrete road, and we are expanding it to six lanes. It is a money gusher.

It is expensive, but it has to be done. Like you said, our city is growing heavily. Therefore, we have to focus on the main load-carrying capacity roads so that we can distribute traffic effectively along the corridor. We have awarded the regional road. We need to do it because Fourth Mainland Bridge will be in that area.

Since 1999, nearly all administrations have been working on the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

Yet, the project has not come to fruition. Now that the state government has resolved to concession it, when will the project come on stream?

The Fourth Mainland Bridge is important to us as a state. It is parallel to the Lekki-Epe expressway I just mentioned. There is a reason it has not been built. It is not viable for the public-private partnership project. Generally, investors are looking for what is viable. They are not going to bring their money to just build roads for us. They will build with a projection to get something at the end of the project. If it is a public-private partnership project, what is in there for them? The Lekki-Epe is a Grade-7 road. What it means is that the road can take maximum number of vehicles it can take. But that does not mean other vehicles are not coming.

If we build Fourth Mainland Bridge that takes traffic from it and also brings traffic from Ikorodu back to it, you are populating that road. Therefore, there will be gridlocks at both ends if we are not careful. And as such, we need to build another road that is a bit parallel and that will take off vehicles to other places. That is why we are embarking on regional road. It is massive. It is about 10 or 11 kilometres. It allows us to take traffic from the Lekki-Epe expressway and make Fourth Mainland Bridge very viable. Already, we are rounding the process of concessioning the bridge. We have

of enacting anti-open grazing law. Now that the law is in place, when is the state starting enforcement?

Yes, the anti-open grazing is passed. It has also been signed into law. Interestingly, people ask these questions from time to time. The fact that we have been doing something in a specific way does not mean we will continue to do it. I will give you an example. My own maternal grandfather went to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and spent 11 years there. At that time, they trekked to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Or some went on horse. The man spent 11 good years. People thought the man had died.

It was 37 of them that left Lagos for Saudi Arabia.

Only about four came back. Some died on their way. Some decided to stay there. Some decided to stay in Libya. That is the reality. So, why are people now going by plane? Things have changed.

And things are getting better. The question is: Is it good to migrate cows for 100 kilometres? In other jurisdiction, it is animal abuse. People go to jail for such an offence. There is a young boy that follows the herd all through the way. Where does he sleep? Where does he eat? Where does he go to school? As a people, we must ask this question: Why do we treat ourselves this way? Something is wrong. Unfortunately, we weaponise issues in our society. We do not even look at issues rationally anymore. If you milk a typical cow in Nigeria, it is about two litres per day. If you milk a typical cow in The Netherland, it is almost 18 litres. The meat is tender. They are big, massive. We can see ranches all over the world. So, we should do better for the animals and the people doing that business. Let us just do the right thing as a people and forget about fighting.

Lagos State subscribed to Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), codenamed ‘Operation Amotekun’. But Lagos State is the only state that has not set up its own Amotekun corp. What is delaying it?

If you notice, the Amotekun Laws in other states took its roots from Lagos State. You can call it any name. The law itself is an offshoot of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law. The law is working very well. It is almost the same as Amotekun law. The essence is: What do they do?

They collaborate within the region. As long as that is being done, we are satisfied.

Hamzat three concessionaires shortlisted for the project.

They are all international companies. Very soon, we will make our decision on the Fourth Mainland Bridge public.

Can you provide more details about the concessioning of the Fourth Mainland Bridge project? Can you tell us more about the concessionaires? When will the project finally commence?

There are processes for project concessioning.

First, the process is not 100 per cent in the hands of public servants. They are not the only set of people handling it. There are experts working on it. So, Fourth Mainland Bridge may cost as much as $2 billion. It is not a project that I can say I know enough. We brought in experts from different parts of the world to come and manage it. However, the experts brief us once in a while. It is not a process that is 100 per cent with Lagos. We are working with our consultants to make sure that the project succeeds. Initially, there were about six international companies that expressed interest in the project. Currently, the number has come down to three or four companies. So, it is difficult for me to tell a specific company. Even now, the companies are coming together to handle the project. There is a Portuguese company. There is a Chinese company. I think Julius Berger is also part of them.

But now the companies are coming together. I do not know what it will come to be eventually. But I assure you that we will make everything public by the time final concession is done. Let us wait for the outcome of the process.

In specific terms, what other areas in the state is the state government focusing on in terms of road development?

We are focusing on roads in other areas. For example, the road that comes from Deeper Life to UNILAG is one of such roads. We have a lot of institutions along this corridor. We have UNILAG there. Federal College of Education is there. We have Yabatech there. It allows us to move people from one end to another end. So, we are looking at strategic areas, where we can actually move people in mass. As we award new roads, we are also fixing existing ones. As at June, Public Works Corporation has rehabilitated more than 198 roads apart

from those we did at the ward level. One of the things we did at the ward level was to call all our councilors. We have 377 councilors in Lagos. Since they are the closest to the people, we asked each of the councilors to tell us a specific project he wants in his ward. We asked them to consult with the people. Majority of it turns out to be roads, though some want schools, viewing centres, public healthcare centres. In terms of road, we are doing a lot to make sure we plan the transportation needs of the state. However, we cannot overbuild our city.

No society has been able to do that. If you go to London, you notice that the roads are too small.

But they are managing it.

In Ajao Estate, restive commercial motor cyclists, better known as Okada operators, killed two senior police officers fortnight ago.

Besides activities of Okada operators are a source of concern all over the state. Beyond rhetorics, what is the state government doing about okada operation?

As we all know, the law is there. But that law must be enforced with the support of security officers, especially the police and the rest. One of the things we must do is to make sure we get every person involved in terms of enforcement.

Honestly, the killing of senior police officers at Ajao Estate was quite unfortunate. The day after, it was in national dailies that 60 suspects were arrested.

That process is ongoing. The suspects will be taking to court. Even at a point when we were enforcing the laws, people were saying Lagos State was clamping down on okada. As you know, the law was passed long ago. As a government, what we intend to do is to keep enforcing the law. In order to do that, we have security meeting, including the military and police officers. One of the reports we got was that some law enforcement officers owned some of the motorcycles being used for okada operations. We had internal discussion with the law enforcement officers. We told them the need to enforce the law without bias or prejudice.

This is the law, and it must be enforced with the support of security officers. That is ongoing as well.

Very soon, you will see that the presentation will get better. We cannot allow lawlessness.

Lagos State has completed the process

Currently, the dispute about VAT is now at the Supreme Court. The 1999 Constitution is very clear about which government can collect VAT. With the politicisation of VAT dispute, what are the options before Lagos if the matter turns otherwise?

We all signed up for constitutional democracy. In this context, the court will interpret our constitution and adjudicate on the matter. It is all about our constitution, which we all agree to abide by. When the court finally decides, everybody will abide the judgment. If the court rules in our favour, we abide by it. If the court rejects our plea, what can we do?

But note, it is purely about the interpretation of the constitution. Let the court interpret. We must have this type of discussion in our country. It might be tough. But we need to have it. I do not see any problem at all. Let the court decide and then we move on as a people.

During the #EndSARS protest, a lot of public assets, especially high occupancy vehicles (HOVs) and courts. One year after, the assets have not been refurbished. What is the government doing about it?

I will tell you about the histories of other democracies. In the South of the United States, you notice that there are no public transport buses.

It was during the riot of the south that those buses were burnt. The governments decided that if people did not want buses, they should all drive.

That money does not expand. It means you must take that money to somewhere else because it is the same purse. If something has been built, how do governments get funds? Governments get funds from taxation, borrowing or whatever it is. If you borrow, you tie it to borrow in some cases. So, I cannot change it because the basis of borrowing that money is the project. That is why we have a committee saddled with the task of designing a plan to rebuild those projects. In terms of functionality, for instance, all our high courts are operational, though not in the same place. For example, you know Osborne. There are about four courts in that axis as we speak. There are courts in so many areas like Osborne. It is not the building that is important. It is material and records. They are gone. But we are working with lawyers to retrieve some of these documents back. It is not about the building. We can rebuild the courts. But how can we retrieve the records? Like I said, the judges are working elsewhere.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

NEWS

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

Obasanjo, Babalakin Lament Govts’ Failure to Deliver Quality Education Old students spend N2bn on Government College Ibadan

James Sowole in Abeokuta and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Former President Olusegun

Obasanjo and Chairman, Bi-Courtney Group, Dr. Wale Babalakin yesterday lamented governments’ failure to deliver quality education in the country.

They also noted that governments could no longer fund education, thereby calling well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and old students’ associations, among others, to provide much-needed interventions to salvage education in the country.

They expressed this concern at the 92nd annual public lecture of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) held at the Conference Hall, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State The lecture delivered by the Minister of Health, Dr Emmanuel Ehanire, who was represented by an old student of the college, Mr Segun Oguntoyinbo, was entitled “ Covid 19 and its Devastating Effects on World Affairs.”

At the annual lecture of GCIOBA, Obasanjo said the old students of the college “have done and are still doing what other alumni of schools and colleges should emulate.

“We have no substitute for quality education. It does not matter what the government

does, the government alone cannot provide with what is required to fund education.

So all hands are on deck to fund education,” the former president said.

Where possible, the former president suggested that the state governments should hand over management of some schools to old students.

Obasanjo said: “If the government hands over some schools to old students for management, it will relieve the government of the burden. Government will only provide guidelines to those managing the schools and which they will follow “In Abeokuta alone, there are some secondary schools that have alumni that can even establish their own school. So, managing those schools should not be a problem.”

Babalakin, also President of GCIOBA, disclosed that the Old Students of Government College, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, had spent no less than N2 billion on infrastructure projects in the college between 2017 and 2021.

Babalakin, who mentioned some of the projects executed with the money, said six projects would be inaugurated

by Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, as part of the activities to celebrate the 2021 reunion.

He explained the decision of the association to invest in the school was informed by the reality, which according

to him, was due to lack of government’s capacity to fund education adequately.

Babalakin said the government alone “cannot fund education. For Nigerians to have good quality education, alumni associations of schools come to the rescue of the government and invest in the development of their

alma maters.”

He listed some of the projects to include: street lighting system, a museum of government college artifacts, two modern blocks of classrooms and road, among others.

Babalakin said: “We are celebrating a glorious past and the determination to

create a greater future. We are virtually rebuilding the school.

“Between 2017 and now, the old boys of government college has invested over N2 billion in their alma maters.

All class sets contributed and still contributing and willing to contribute.

“You either have good

education or you don’t. Any education that is not good is not worthwhile, then if education is going to be free, it must be good. If it is not good, it is not worth having at all. This is the thing that has motivated government college to partner the Oyo state government to rebuild our school.

EKO FESTIVAL… L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Nigerian Musician , Sir Shina Peters at the Eko on Show festival held in Lagos...recently

FG, States Adopt Rent-to-own Schemes to Bridge 17m Housing Deficits Gboyega Akinsanmi The federal government and

all states of the federation have adopted rent-to-own schemes as an alternative funding strategy to bridge the country’s 17 million housing deficits.

The governments have also warned landlords and property owners against the exploitative practice of collecting advance rent from tenants in excess of one year,

directing all state governments to enact law to criminalise such practice.

These decisions were contained in a six-page report of the 10th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development held in Lagos between October 18 and 21, 2021.

The council comprises the federal government, 36 states of the federal government and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)

Edo Agrees to Pay N190m to Victims of Police Brutality Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Government at the weekend agreed to pay N190 million compensation to the victims of police brutality as recommended by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry constituted to investigate police brutality, human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings in the state.

The state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki gave this assurance during a meeting with the youths from t18 local government councils of the state at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He said: “I set up a panel to investigate cases of police brutality against the people. The panel has done its work and submitted its report. In summary, 117 petitions were received, 25 of them were struck out while 10 were dismissed.

“The panel recommended compensation to be paid to victims totaling N190 million, while the amount of judgment

sum recommended being enforced was N98 million. I have accepted that we will pay those who were victims; we are not waiting for anybody, not even the Federal Government.”

“There should be a regular promotion for the police when it’s due, enforcement of welfare package, training and re-training of police officers, upward review of salaries, yearly mental evaluation and quarterly tests for hard drugs,” the governor added.

Reassuring that his administration would do all within its power to implement the 15 recommendations of the panel, Obaseki said Edo youths are the greatest resources of the state.

He explained that the panel also recommended that youths should be encouraged in the area of agriculture, entrepreneurship, empowerment, girl-child education, provision of annual state scholarship, and building recreation centres, among others.

under the chairmanship of the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Sam Egwu; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, Mr. Mustapha Dawaki; and all the commissioners of Lands, Housing and Urban Development from all

states of the federation.

As shown in its report, the council agreed that the governments at all levels should enact laws to cater for rent-to-own schemes as alternative payment options for home ownership which has proven to be comparatively less expensive.

It also directed all landlords and property owners “to adopt a maximum of one-year advance rent payment or less as against the yearly upfront payment

Police Confirm Abduction of Two School Children in Ondo Fidelis David in Akure and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The Ondo State Police Command yesterday confirmed the abduction of two little girls of nursery and kindergarten classes and the stealing of their mother’s car in Akure, the state capital.

Operatives of Kogi State Police Command have however arrested two suspected kidnappers - Danlami Shuaibu and Kabiru Amadu - who have been terrorising innocent citizens along Itobe - Ayingba highway in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

THISDAY gathered that the unidentified men suspected to be kidnappers carried out the abduction at Leo area, in Akure South Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Funmilayo Odunlami, told THISDAY that the abduction took place on Friday night.

She said: “Upon their return from an outing at about 8 p.m.,

the mother parked the car in front of her house and went out to open the gates leaving the two kids in the vehicle.

“Another car with three occupants suddenly drove up to her; some of the occupants collected her car keys and drove her car away with the kids inside.

“The anti-kidnapping section of the police is already on the trail of the assailants to rescue the two kids and recover the car,” the PPRO added.

Meanwhile, the operatives of the Kogi State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers - Danlami Shuaibu and Kabiru Amadu - who have been terrorising innocent citizens along the Itobe-Ayingba highway in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Kogi State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), DSP William Aya, which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

with respect to middle- and working-class residential houses to reduce the burden on tenants and improve housing accessibility and affordability for Nigerians.”

In specific terms, the council directed all states of the federation to enable legislation to end the exploitative practice of collecting advance rent payment from tenants in excess of one year upfront.

It further agreed that the agency fees charged across board

by professionals and agents for the rent of properties “shall not exceed a maximum fee to be paid by the person who employs the professional or the agent subject to what each State will legislate.”

It directed all governments and developers to provide firefighting infrastructure such as fire service access, water for fire-fighting and emergency communication centers as part of strategies to mitigate the impact of fire disasters.

IPOB Declares 7-day Sit-at-Home, Threatens Anambra Poll David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a 7-day sit-at-home protest from November 5 to 10 to prevail on the federal government to release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

This was revealed in a statement

by IPOB’s Media and Public Secretary, Emma Powerful yesterday, a directive that threatened the governorship election in Anambra State scheduled to hold on November 6.

The statement said, “Following the adjournment of Kanu’s court case to November 10 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, we wish to inform Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom that IPOB will lock down Biafraland from November 5 to 10 except Sunday, November 7, a day our people worship the Almighty God if the Nigeria Government fails to release our leader unconditionally before November 4.

“Our leader must be released unconditionally on or before November 4 because he has not

committed any offense known to any law. Failure to release our leader on or before November 4, our one week Sit-at-Home begins on November 5 till November 10.

“Although we quite understand the pains and adverse effects of this option on our people, we are compelled to take it to achieve a better purpose in the collective interest of Biafrans.

“We have taken time to analyse what transpired on October 21 when our Leader was arraigned in court and discovered that the federal government is not sincere and only wants to humiliate him and keep him perpetually in DSS custody to rot there.

“We all saw how lawyers, journalists, Igbo delegates and respected traditional rulers and other people who came from all around the world to witness his court case were restricted and denied access into the court premises by security agents who kept them outside under the scorching heat of the sun. What a humiliation and wickedness!

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 24, 2021

NEWSXTRA Buhari Charges Varsity to Develop COVID-19 Vaccine Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday tasked the University of Ilorin to play a leading role in research and production of vaccines locally.

Buhari, also, appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions within and outside the university system to always give peace a chance.

He gave this charge through Prof. Ignatius Onimawo of National Universities Commission,

who represented him at the 36th convocation of the university held in Ilorin.

“The nation expects your university to play a leading role in research efforts to develop COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. The nation expects nothing less from the Nigerian university system.’’

Buhari equally challenged all universities to give their best in the fight against infections and diseases.

He also appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embrace peace, adding

that dialogue was always better than conflict.

“No one gains from crisis.

While government alone cannot solve all challenges facing a society, this administration is willing to listen to complaints and alternative points of view to managing a situation.

Prof. Onimawo who also represented the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, at the occasion noted that the University of Ilorin had excelled in several disciplines.

He noted also that the university is one of those that had

“The university system cannot withstand any crisis now considering the time it had lost to Coronavirus pandemic,’’ he submitted.

He reiterated government’s resolve to prioritise and promote teacher education to raise the quality of teaching in the country.

enjoyed very stable academic calendars over the years.

“In the last couple of years, the University of Ilorin has had the highest students’ subscription in JAMB enrolment.

“As of today, the University of Ilorin has become the university of choice in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Declare for Presidency Now, Group Tells Tinubu Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) yesterday asked the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly declare his ambition to run for presidency in 2023.

TSG, an umbrella organisation housing an amalgam of sibling groups, also urged Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, to respond to the clamour by declaring his intention to contest for the President of Nigeria.

TSG’s Director-General, Alhaji Umar Mohammed these calls at the inauguration of its State Steering Committees and unveiling of insigna in Abuja, yesterday.

While there are permutations in the political space that Tinubu is eyeing the APC presidential ticket to take over the mantle

from President Muhammadu Buhari, he is yet to openly throw the hat in the ring.

At the inauguration, Mohammed asked Tinubu to avail the nation of his enormous wealth of experience, outstanding and visionary leadership qualities, to contest the 2023 presidential election.

Mohammed said the inspiration to call on the APC chieftain is derived from the tremendous impact the Tinubu phenomenon has created on the socio-political landscape of the nation.

He said: “Tinubu is a bridge builder across regional, ethnic and religious lines that is capable of uniting the country.

We have identified him as an exceptional manager of resources and a seasoned administrator and we are convinced that the nation needs him in the next dispensation.

AfricanVoicesFeaturesRobotBuilder, Creativity Director This Week Nigeria’s leading telecom giant, Globacom yesterday said its 30-minute magazine programme on Cable News Network (CNN) would feature a static robot builder, Kabelo Morokotso and a creative director, Zana Masombuka next Saturday.

This was contained in a statement by its Glo Corporate Communication Office, appreciating the unlimited potential of two Africans, The statement said Morokotso, a welder who turns metal scraps into useful objects, including gates and trailers would be featured on the programme alongside Zana Masombuka, a creative director from Johannesburg, South Africa.

It said: “Morokotso, a father of two from Botswana, is best known for his massive robot named Kajumo which he spent 18 months to build with the support and prodding of his two sons whom he describes as his project directors.

“He revealed that his motive for building the rare technology is to ignite innovation in his native country as well as provide jobs for his compatriots on the instrumentality of his innovations.

“Masombuka, on the other hand, is a graduate of the Stellenbosch University who presented her project The Ndebele Superhero at the Dutch 2019 antenna conference.

iRecharge Unveils Payment Solutions for Utility Consumers Udora OrizuinAbuja iRecharge Tech-Innovations Limited, an industry player with focus on Consumer services, Digital Alternatives, Payment processing and Enterprise Business Application, has unveiled a payment solution for utility consumers in the country.

Chief Executive Officer, iRecharge Tech-Innovations, Mr. Tomi Araromi disclosed this in a statement at the weekend, saying it was “a patented and first-of-its-kind system that commands the ease and convenience of payment of recurring bills.”

Araromi noted that the new service “enables customers to make their frequent utility bill payments through the use of a unique NUBAN account number.

“Customers can retrieve the account numbers assigned to their utilities cable TV decoders, electricity meters etc by visiting their website.

“Using this system, customers will no longer need to expose their card details online to make payment for services. It also reduces the number of steps and time spent paying bills on mobile applications or at physical points of sale.

SUPPORT FROM MUSICAL SOCIETY...

Chairman of Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN), Orits Williki in handshakes with the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Mr. John Assien after the presentation of a Toyota Hiace bus to the commission in Abuja...recently

Ubah, Okonkwo Confident of Winning Anambra Guber Election Deji Elumoye in Abuja The candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and his Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) counterpart, Dr Obiora Okonkwo yesterday said they were confident of winning the governorship contest.

Ubah and Okonkwo expressed

their optimism at separate sessions with journalists in Abuja and Awka respectively, claiming that their candidature was more acceptable to the electorate than other candidates.

He said: “As through the Grace of the Almighty God and goodwill of electorates in Anambra State put the YPP on the national political landscape in the 2019 general elections. So,

it will be for the party through my candidature in the November 6, 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

“All required contacts, campaigns, networking and even door to door consultations have been made with deserved assurances from people that the votes on that day are surely for me. This is not about grandstanding but about the love already

shown by Anambarians for my aspiration.”

Asked for his response to remarks made by one of his opponents few weeks ago that he is not educated enough to govern the state, the senator explained that he expected such comments from his political enemy who knew he was going to lose the election to him.

London Court Awards Damages against Badejo for Defaming Olukoya Omolabake Fasogbon

A London High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, has awarded a six-figure sum of damages in Pound Sterling against Ms. Maureen Badejo for defaming General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Pastor Daniel Olukoya.

The court also ordered Badejo to publish a summary of the judgment across nine of her social media channels for a

period of 10 consecutive days as a corrective measure and as a means of ensuring that her misguided and misinformed audience get to know about the Court’s decision.

This was revealed in a statement by Okukoya’s Media Office, noting that the court gave the judgement on Friday, October 22.

The statement, signed by Brother Collins Edomaruse, said the court handed the orders in considered judgement in the defamation action filed by

Olukoya and his wife through their Solicitor, Mrs. Shubha Nath and their attorneys, Jonathan Price against Maureen Badejo in London The statement said in awarding the judgment and damages, the court said it recognised the intense, malicious and relentless campaign waged by Maureen against the Olukoyas with whom she had no previous acquaintance or even the opportunity of a chance meeting.

He added that the court also observed that the unjustified

attack was widely publicized and had harmed the character, professional integrity and reputation of the Olukoyas yet Maureen had neither apologized nor shown any remorse for her actions.

The court had earlier granted an order of injunction restraining Badejo from broadcasting further defamatory matters against the couple and adjourned to take evidence on the questions of defamation, damages and ancillary reliefs.

Put Your House in Order, Okowa Charges Delta Central Sylvester Idown in Warri Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta Central senatorial district to remain united in their quest for the governorship seat in 2023, saying anybody contesting political office must put his house in order.

Okowa gave the advice while addressing PDP faithful at a “Mega Rally” organised by leadership of the party in Delta Central to welcome returnees and decampees at the Sapele Stadium.

The decampees from All Progressives Party (APC) led by a

former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, included a former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Solomon Edoja; Hon. Julius Akpovoka, Chief Francis Aguonigho, Chief Spin Ogboru, Chief Anthony Enakpoya and Chief David Ukueku.

The governor commended the decampees, most of whom were former members of PDP, for returning to the PDP, saying that the party was a very organised family in the country and strong enough to win in all the local government areas in Delta Central in 2023.

He described Igbuya as a friend and ally who contributed

immensely to his emergence as governor in 2015.

Okowa said anybody contesting political office “must put his house in order. I have spoken and I hope you have heard me. Our goal is to deliver PDP in all local governments in the state.

“PDP is a very organised party where we welcome new members unlike APC where one man is pursuing others out of their party. In 2015, we won in four local government areas in Delta Central; in 2019, we won in six local government areas; in 2023, we will win in all eight local government areas of Delta Central. “We are one united family in PDP and once we take that

decision we will all stand by it. It is not about me but about what is good for all Deltans, and at the appropriate time, we will meet and take a decision which will be for the overall good of all Deltans,” he stated.

Welcoming the decampees, Chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso, said that PDP was the only visible and well-organised political party in the state.

“I welcome you all to this great consolidation rally put together by our party in the Delta Central senatorial district. Here in Delta, there is only one political party led by our amiable governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

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The Fuel Subsidy Dilemma

W

ould you rather buy petrol at the market price — currently about N264/litre — but get quality healthcare and education in return?

Or would you prefer to keep buying subsidised petrol — currently at N162/litre — but our public hospitals and schools will remain abysmal?

This is the perennial predicament presented to Nigerians for the past three decades since the fierce argument over fuel subsidy began. From the days of Gen Ibrahim Babangida as military president, the subsidy debate, framed in different ways, has always been a source of fiery relationship between the government and the people. It has led to strikes, protests, riots and killings at various points.

I would love to enjoy the best of both worlds, so why should it be an either/or question? I would say I want to buy petrol at N162/litre and, at the same time, get quality education and fantastic healthcare. I want government-owned schools in Nigeria to be as good as state schools in the UK when it comes to modern classroom infrastructure and excellent instruction — and for free. I want government-owned hospitals to have the best of qualified and motivated doctors and other personnel, as well as the most modern of medical equipment, super-adequate hospital beds, and the best of care — topped up with free consultation, free treatment, free surgery and free drugs.

But there are serious problems with my choice because they are based on some outrageous assumptions. One, I am assuming that Nigeria is “rich” and, therefore, has enough money to fund petrol subsidy and still offer excellent healthcare and education to hundreds of millions of its citizens. I am ignoring the fact that the country now services its debts with over 90% of its revenue and is running on empty. Two, I am assuming that it is my birth right to buy cheaper fuel because Nigeria is an oil-rich country. That is why I think I should buy petrol at a price that is lower than what obtains in other countries, even though I bought my car at a price that was not subsidised.

On the other hand, if I argue that I should buy petrol at N264/litre and then begin to enjoy world-class healthcare and education for little or nothing, I am also making many ambitious assumptions. One, I am assuming that the money that would have been saved this year would have been spent by the government (federal and state) to improve social services. From experience, the money is more likely to go into building ultramodern governor’s lodges and constructing airports than go into improving healthcare and education.

Two, I am assuming that the government even has the capacity and the will to manage social services in a way that would be beneficial to the people on the streets.

Yet, the fuel subsidy burden is no longer a joke.

According to analysts, the bill would likely hit N2tr by the end of 2021 as crude oil prices keep going up. NNPC says we are consuming 60m litres per day. The higher the crude oil price, the higher the petrol subsidy. We must have spent over N10tr on petrol subsidy in the last 10 years and I cannot say our lives have been bettered by that. Nigeria is practically bankrupt. At this rate, states may go to FAAC meeting one day and come back in tears. All kinds of ailments are surrounding us at the same time: low oil revenues, low FX inflow, high debts and a monumental subsidy bill. In the meantime, economic productivity is hampered by insecurity.

Anytime I look at the subsidy figures and what we could have done with the money, I am deeply saddened and conflicted. We are talking about $4bn potentially pumped into petrol subsidy in 2021 alone. Some would say it is equal to piling

Buhari up tonnes of dollars and setting them on fire. If $4bn is split in two and injected directly, honestly and judiciously into education and health sectors alone, Nigerians would feel the impact and rejoice.

Nigerians would see the result. But they are forced to ask: of all the times that subsidies have been removed with promises to fix hospitals, roads and schools, what was the outcome? Did our lives change for the better? What were the benefits?

I may be exaggerating, but I would say only once have fuel prices been raised and Nigerians could actually point to what was achieved with it.

In October 1994, Gen Sani Abacha, then head of state, increased petrol price from N3.25k to N11 and dedicated N5/litre to the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF), which he set up to utilise the gains. It was headed by Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari, who happens to be our current president.

PTF built roads, equipped hospitals and did water projects, among others. You could see PTF signboards at project sites across the country. But the other instances of fuel subsidy removal only produced mass transit buses. The rest was mainly “audio”.

It is, therefore, always a herculean task preaching to ordinary Nigerians that they need to let go of fuel subsidy, no matter the fraud involved in the application. The subsidy removal campaign has been packaged in so many ways. I remember the campaign for “appropriate pricing” in the 1990s.

The key point was that, like every product in the market, petrol (and other fuels) should be priced to reflect the cost of producing it. Later, it became “deregulation”. That was packaged as government no longer getting involved and allowing the private sector to run the show. As far as activists are concerned, it is all about inflicting more hardship on poor Nigerians. Any other thing is theory.

Government officials have also often said insensitive things while advancing the case. There was a media campaign under Babangida that “a bottle of Coke is more expensive than a litre of petrol”. What exactly was the point — comparing oranges with tennis balls? As Prof Olatunji Dare asked then, were Nigerians now drinking petrol in place of Coke since it was more affordable? One of Babangida’s ministers, Col David Mark, as he was, queried why students were demonstrating against fuel price hike “when they don’t own cars”. He probably thought they trekked from their village to their schools. All these arguments only led to more resistance from the unions and students.

There was the argument over smuggling. Because Nigeria was selling petrol below market price, the product was being smuggled to neighbouring countries for arbitrage. We were therefore subsidising

the consumption of petrol by our neighbours. If the prices were the same all over, the incentive for smuggling and corrupting the security officers at our borders would be gone — naturally. This is a logical argument and makes perfect economic sense, but there was also a counter-argument by activists: that the government was indirectly saying it was incapable of policing our borders and Nigerians should thus be “punished” for a clear state failing. Something like passing the buck.

Let me now come clean: I was pro-fuel subsidy and I wrote persistently against it from my student days until January 2012 — when the government of President Goodluck Jonathan announced the deregulation of the downstream sector, which expectedly came with pump price increases. I was shocked at the people that were urging me to oppose the removal. Some of these people were openly canvassing deregulation. I started asking myself why they would campaign for something on TV and then nudge me to oppose it. It was when the entire subsidy scam, running into trillions of naira, became public knowledge that I began to understand what was going on. I retreated.

While we have been campaigning that the government should “protect” the poor by keeping petrol price low, we were playing into the hands of the fat cats as they were busy buying private jets. I landed at the Abuja airport one day in 2012 and was dazed by the number of private jets at the GAT. They were parked wing-to-wing. Most of the jet owners turned out to be subsidy scammers.

When you asked them what they were doing for a living, they would say “oil and gas”. No physical office. No tank farm. No refinery. From that era, I began to show more interest in the workings of the subsidy regime. My conclusion since then has been that we were really protecting the rich.

That moment of truth did not turn me into an anti-subsidy campaigner. Rather, I began to ask myself what we should subsidise. I was no longer persuaded that petrol subsidy is the right thing. I would rather the money was pumped into other sectors. Let Nigerians enjoy quality healthcare and education at subsidised rates. Redirect part of the fuel subsidy to public hospitals so that we can have the equipment, drugs and personnel to protect poor Nigerians from dying cheap deaths. Re-direct part of the fuel subsidy to fund education so that poor Nigerians can get world-class education while paying little or nothing. That is a more productive application of subsidy, I told myself.

But you know what? Stop the average Nigerians on the street today and ask them if they would rather pay more for fuel than receive better treatment at public hospitals and you are more like to hear them defend keeping fuel price at N162/litre.

Why? It is not difficult to understand: they easily feel the impact of fuel price hike. If you promise them that the subsidy budget would be re-directed to create world-class hospitals, they would laugh at you and ask: “Na today? Is that not what they tell us all the time?” The average Nigerians do not think the government cares about them. They see themselves as neglected. They think they are only needed at election times because of their PVCs. I will be honest: although I can analyse from now till tomorrow how good and pleasant it would be to re-direct the $4bn subsidy to social services, the truth is that it is the poor that would be hit the most, at least in the short run. Transport and food costs will go up instantly. Yet, we cannot continue sinking N2tr into petrol subsidy yearly. It is unsustainable. The biggest challenge is how to wean us off subsidy. Ghana is also oil-producing but sells petrol at N459/litre. They automatically adjust the pump price as crude price changes. Are Nigerians poorer than Ghanaians? No. Now, this is the trick: Ghanaians, unlike us, were not brought up on petrol subsidy. That is our predicament.

Entrenched.

And Four Other Things…

END SARS, AGAIN! On the first memorial of the #EndSARS uprising that shook the nation to its foundation, officers of “federal” police and “state” police (that is, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency) joined forces to brutalise more citizens in Lagos state.

Of particular concern was the assault on Mr Adedotun Clement, an Uber driver. The video of the brutality, which went viral, sums up the entire story of policing in Nigeria: uncivil and crude. Thankfully, Lagos state says it has acted swiftly against the LSNSA officers, although we shouldn’t expect much from the police themselves. But all said and done, this is yet another clear indication that they are still not getting the message. Pathetic.

TRAIN PAIN The Abuja-Kaduna train service was disrupted on Thursday by gunmen. They tried to force the train to stop by opening fire on the front coach, but the driver kept going. The track had apparently been wired with explosives which went off. The train eventually came to a halt. Were these just vandals, as claimed by the government, or bandit-terrorists, as the rest of us suspected? The train service became very popular for security reasons — because the Abuja-Kaduna road was under constant attack from kidnappers and bandit-terrorists. While the high and mighty will always fly, it now looks like ordinary Nigerians cannot feel safe travelling by road or rail to/from Kaduna. Catastrophic.

IMAGINED WEALTH Nigeria is not a country where we learn lessons, so we keep doing the same thing all the time and expecting a different result.

After all the heartaches that came with the fraud of wonder banks and MMM, you would swear that Nigerians would never fall for the get-rich-quick trick again. You’re wrong. The latest in the scam scheme is Imagine Global, a finance company offering depositors 10% interest at a time big banks could only give 3%. The scheme has since collapsed and thousands of Nigerians are crying yet again as the promoters are said to have fled the country with their loot. You know what? This is not the last scam. Another one is loading and there will be victims again. Greed.

TRIAL OR ERROR? The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has finally restarted, with the federal government amending the charges. The trial has been nothing short of dramatic, with Kanu jumping bail at a point, although the allegation then was that he was either killed or arrested by soldiers during the Operation Python Dance of 2017. This allegation has turned out to be false as Kanu was re-arrested and apparently renditioned from Kenya. Is the decision to put him on trial an error of judgement — or something the government needed to do to assert its powers on Nigeria’s integrity? I would be very interested in how this whole thing pans out.

Epic.

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