SUNDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2023

Keyamo Reads the Riot Act to CEOs of Aviation Agencies, Vows to Cancel Obsolete Contracts Says he would rather sack agency heads than lose his job Directs NCAA to submit daily reports on flight delays

Chinedu Eze

(SAN), yesterday read the riot act to the aviation agencies, vowing to review subsisting contracts in the sector and cancel obsolete ones.

MMinister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo

Keyamo also threatened to sack the heads of aviation agencies who may not meet up with the Key Performance Index (KPI) of the

government.

The minister also said he would rather sack chief executives of the aviation agencies under his ministry

across all airports in the country on a daily basis.

than lose his own job.

Keyamo also directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to provide daily reports of flight delays

Continued on page 5

See eCopy of THISDAY Style on www.thisdaylive.com Sunday 5 November, 2023 Vol 28. No 10434

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Analysts: Frequent OMO Auctions Raise Bright Prospect of Higher Naira Value… Page 5

Abdulsalami-led Commission Summons Stakeholders in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Elections for Peace Accord Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Chairman of the National Peace

Commission (NPC), and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has announced that

parties and stakeholders involved in the Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states’ governorship elections will sign

a peace accord on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

Abdulsalami made this known

in a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Abuja.

The statement read: “The NPC

hereby wishes to announce Continued on page 5

After Surviving Impeachment Plot, Fubara Apologises over Political Crisis in Rivers Hails Tinubu on fatherly intervention Ijaw youth leaders caution Rivers elders, vow to resist any intimidation Political structure doesn’t belong to you, INC tells Wike Stop being timid, fight to free yourself, Shehu Sani advises governor Police redeploy Wike’s loyalists to strategic positions Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Wale Igbintade in Lagos, and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has apologised to the people of the state over the tension that gripped the state last Monday, following an impeachment plot allegedly masterminded by his predecessor and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike.

The governor, who survived a plot to impeach him by Wike’s loyalists in the state House of Assembly last Monday, described the crisis as regrettable.

His apology came as the Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought accused the Rivers State Elders Forum of bias and vowed to resist any form of intimidation from Wike and his Continued on page 5

PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN NIGERIA...

L-R: Kwara State Governor/Chairman of Nigeria Governors' Forum, Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa'ad Abubakar III; and the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; at Jum’ah service in Ilorin, the state capital…weekend

Buratai: Political Class Created Insecurity in Nigeria… Page 10

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NEWS

Analysts: Frequent OMO Auctions Raise Bright Prospect of Higher Naira Value Festus Akanbi As the Naira continued its rebound against the dollar on Friday, strengthening to N950/$ on the average in the parallel market, financial market analysts said that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to increase the frequency of the Open Market Operation (OMO) last week will further raise the value of the naira amid the resolve to dry up system liquidity and make the nation’s economy attractive to foreign portfolio investments.

Last week, the CBN started clearing parts of its outstanding FX backlogs, beginning with the banks that make up a smaller portion of the total outstanding FX forwards.

Simultaneously, the CBN conducted an OMO auction on October 30, selling N400 billion across three tenors, with the 365day bill closing at 17.50 per cent (annualised: 21.20 per cent).

The CBN auctioned another OMO bill on November 1, (two days later), selling instruments worth N77.20 billion. The stop rate averaged 15.36 per cent across the three tenors, with

the 365-day bill closing at 17.98 per cent (effective yield: 21.91 per cent). OMO is principally used to mop up or inject liquidity into the system as a strategy for monetary management by the Bank.

Reacting to the development, analysts said that the body language of the current management of the apex bank shows it might adopt frequent use of OMO going further.

On their part, analysts from Cordros Capital explained that the overall expectation is to make naira assets more attractive and to attract more portfolio investments.

“Irrespective of how frequent the OMO auctions become going forward, we think the aim is to serve dual functions of mopping up system liquidity and attracting FPIs. In the company’s weekly report, made available at the weekend, the analysts stated, “As system liquidity dries up because of the frequent OMO auctions, local yields will increase, making naira assets more attractive. At the same time, it is essential to note that the CBN’s settlement of outstanding matured FX forwards does not

KEYAMO READS THE RIOT ACT TO CEOS OF AVIATION AGENCIES, VOWS TO CANCEL OBSOLETE CONTRACTS He spoke in Lagos at the one-day stakeholders’ meeting, the first to be held since he assumed office.

According to him, some of the contracts for the installation of safety and navigational equipment entered into by some of the agencies, especially the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were obsolete, and wondered how the country signed and continued with such agreements.

Keyamo further stated that he had signed a performance bond with President Bola Tinubu, alongside other ministers of the federation, revealing that he was under obligation to perform.

He said: “We had a three-day retreat with Mr. President, all the ministers. At the end of the day, we signed a performance bond. I also signed my performance bond yesterday (Friday). So, if you don’t want me to get sacked in the next few months, you need to support me.

“On this side, it is either I get sacked or they get sacked. So, it is a race to who will survive. That’s what I have told all my CEOs, somebody must die first, but before I die, I will take you down.”

Kayamo explained that the purpose of the forum was to receive inputs from all stakeholders in the sector.

“Your input will add value to the road map/focus area that the industry will prioritise to make our aviation sector world-class and meet the aspirations of Nigerians and all aviation stakeholders. We should desist from game blame and focus on solving the problems in the industry.

“As you are aware, Mr. President has unveiled his economic plan. The three-year economic revival plan that emerged from his inaugural Federal Executive Council meeting is anchored in an eight-point focus area targeted at addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

“It seeks to move away from the frenzied borrowing of the last government, check the unacceptably high jobless rate, achieve economic growth, prosperity for all, and end poverty. This, we as an industry, will factor into our own focus areas for the development of the industry and in turn the economic development of our nation.”

Keyamo also highlighted activities under his ministry since his appointment.

He said, “You will recall that following my appointment by Mr.

President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I had gone on inspection of the Nigeria Airports, that is, Lagos and Abuja.

“I set up a task force for the relocation of foreign airlines from the old international terminal to the new terminal following the state of disrepair of the old terminal which does not speak well about Nigeria as a people.

“The task force has since submitted their report. We are looking at their recommendations for possible action.

We will overhaul this terminal to further boost the revenue drive of our airports.

“I equally, formally received the land for the construction of the 2nd runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from the Jiwa Community. This is a historic event and a dream come through, which Nigerians have looked up to for the past two decades.

You can rest assured that the benefits of the second runway will provide a substantial economic advantage to the nation.

“I have also received briefs from some of the agencies under the ministry and the unions in the aviation industry. I have taken note of the concerns raised. After this engagement, we shall have a management retreat where we will further distill your inputs as stakeholders to move the aviation industry forward.”

Keyamo also said that the government was taking a concrete decision on the Nigeria Air project, saying that the file was on President Tinubu’s table.

He maintained that their inputs would add value to the roadmap and focus of the industry, while also enabling it to prioritise activities in the sector.

“I took away a lot of inputs from stakeholders; contributions from those who have an interest in the industry and I am more informed.

We are going to table a lot of these issues in Warri retreat, starting from Thursday next week, and see how we can take all of these into major decisions," the minister said.

He, however, lamented the short life span of Nigerian carriers and promised that the federal government would henceforth support the airlines.

Keyamo said at least 100 airlines had collapsed in the last 20 to 25 years in the country, and described it as worrisome.

indicate FX intervention, but the apex bank just honouring its past FX obligations. Overall, these two actions by the apex bank show its renewed determination to solve the challenges stoking the existing FX liquidity constraints.”

Also last week, the Managing

Director of Airtel Africa Plc, Mr. Olusgeun Ogunsanya ruled out further devaluation of the Nigerian currency, lending credence to the position of financial analysts on the current efforts being put in place by the CBN. Ogunsayo, quoted by an agency

report disclosed: “I do not think we are going to have another massive devaluation from where we are now like we had in our first quarter. The devaluation after the first quarter has not been as massive”.

Policy instruments used to achieve price and financial system stability

objectives include the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), and other intervention instruments such as Open Market Operations (OMO), Discount Window Operations, Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), and Foreign Exchange Net Open Position (NOP) limit.

ABDULSALAMI-LED COMMISSION SUMMONS STAKEHOLDERS IN IMO, KOGI, BAYELSA ELECTIONS FOR PEACE ACCORD the signing of peace accords on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, by political parties and other election stakeholders in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

“This is to pledge their commitment to peaceful, transparent, and equitable elections in their respective states.”

Abdulsalami stressed the need to commit to a peaceful and conducive environment, adding that the elections in the states provided

an opportunity “to underscore our unwavering commitment to peaceful democratic transitions, setting an inspiring example for the entire nation.”

He urged stakeholders in the affected states to play their part in keeping the peace before, during, and after the elections, adding that peace was the responsibility of everyone.

He also called on citizens to exercise their franchise in electing their leaders according to the

provisions of the law.

“The responsibility for peace belongs to each of us. We appeal to citizens in these states to exercise their rights to vote, choosing their leaders according to the provisions of the law.

“Remember, your vote is your voice, and with your participation, we can collectively build a better state,” he added.

The NPC boss also urged the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) and other agencies who facilitate the elections to do so with transparency “particularly because the entire nation and the world is watching.

“In conclusion, we extend our best wishes to the residents of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, noting that your collective efforts to ensure the electoral process epitomises the spirit of progress and hope, will set the standard for unity and growth in our nation.”

AFTER SURVIVING IMPEACHMENT PLOT, FUBARA APOLOGISES OVER POLITICAL CRISIS IN RIVERS

cohorts.

Similarly, the apex socio-cultural organisation of over 40 million Ijaws globally, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), said the attempt by Wike to keep the political structures and the incumbent governor under his armpit is an aberration with dire consequences for the human capital, political, economic and social development of the state and by extension, the Nigerian state.

Former Kaduna State Senator, Shehu Sani, has also advised Fubara, to either free himself or continue to appease what he described as the ‘tiger’.

But in what seems to be an attempt to facilitate an easy impeachment of Governor Fubara, the loyalists of the FCT minister in the police force have been deployed to head the security architecture in the state.

Fubara also hailed President Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis rocking the state, saying it led to a quick resolution of the matter.

The governor described the crisis as “regrettable anxieties of the last few days,” saying it was important to make sacrifices for peace to reign.

He stated this in a statement he signed and titled: ‘Peace is Priceless’, which was issued to journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

While recalling the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex and the division among lawmakers, the governor explained that his visit to the assembly complex was to assess the level of damage caused by the fire and undertake remedial measures to protect lives and property within the complex.

He thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, which he said opened a series of communication channels aimed at arriving at a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

The governor added that no sacrifice was too much for him to make, saying it is the collective responsibility of his predecessor, Wike, and himself, to use their positions to advance the progress, security, and well-being of the people.

The statement partly read: “Late on Sunday, October 29, 2023; I was inundated with reports that the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been gutted by fire. The blaze was successfully put out by the fire service, after which security agencies took control of the situation.

“My visit to the assembly complex on Monday, October 30, 2023, was to assess the level of damage and undertake remedial measures to protect lives and property within the assembly complex. I charged

the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and report it to me.

“Shortly after, I got reports that the state House of Assembly had broken into two factions: One claiming to have impeached and suspended the House Leader and three others preparatory to initiating an impeachment action against me, and the other rival faction impeaching the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, thus sparking off some form of political crisis.

“I wish to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his fatherly intervention which opened a series of communication channels to facilitate the timely resolution of the festering crises. I wish to also thank our elders who are currently intervening in the matter,” the governor explained.

Fubara continued, “Let me clearly state that my actions are aimed at restoring peace and stability in our state. I am a man of peace and as governor, the advancement of our state is my primary concern.

“Consequently, no sacrifice is too much for me to make to achieve this objective. Furthermore, as leaders, it is the collective responsibility of the immediate past governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and my humble self, to leverage our positions and influences within and outside the state to advance the progress, security, and well-being of our people.

“We must, therefore, not allow circumstances that could retard all efforts at achieving greatness for our people to prevail.

“On our part, we are always willing and ready to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility with a commitment to consummating all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my brother governors and the elders.

“I assure the people of Rivers State that peace will certainly prevail and we shall continue to work together to advance the peace, security, and progress of our state.”

“As governor, I sincerely apologise to the good people of Rivers State for the regrettable anxieties of the last few days, while thanking you all for your concerns, and continued support, love, and prayers. May God continue to bless our dear Rivers State,” he explained.

Ijaw Youth Leaders Caution Rivers Elders, Vow to Resist Any Intimidation

Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought have accused the Rivers State Elders Forum of

bias and vowed to resist any form of intimidation from Wike and his cohorts.

In its statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Jackson Agbor and its Secretary, Comrade Moses Omare, the Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought called on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise and condemn self-seeking elders who have been hired to throw the Niger Delta into political turmoil.

The group expressed disappointment that the Rivers State Elders Forum, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba failed to condemn the attack on Governor Fubara, but decided to ruin their honour and reputation by brazenly claiming that the incident was false.

“They failed woefully for not making it clear to Nyesom Wike, as expected by the world, that Rivers State is not his private company where he is at liberty to hire and fire at will. They also failed for not publicly condemning the attempt of those disgruntled members of the House of Assembly to impeach the Governor who has not committed any constitutional infraction. They also failed the expectation of the public by not calling on all parties to cease fire and come to a dialogue to resolve the impasse’’.

The group urged the Rivers State Elders Forum to tread carefully and be mindful of their choice of words when referring to Governor Fubara and the Ijaw nation warning that ‘’the Ijaw nation is not at war with any neighbour and, therefore, should not be projected as clamouring for ethnic conflict in Rivers State.

Political Structure Doesn’t Belong to You, INC Tells Wike

Also, the INC in a statement said the attempt by Wike to keep the political structures and the incumbent governor under his armpit is an aberration with dire consequences for the human capital, political, economic, and social development of the state and by extension, the Nigerian state.

INC in a statement said while they remained profusely grateful to Wike for making their son, he should equally give him a free hand to govern the people of the state.

In a statement signed by its President, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, the body expressed disappointment over his insistence to relentlessly continue his plot to unceremoniously remove Fubara as governor of Rivers State for no just cause, despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and pleas from other senior citizens.

The group also called on

President Tinubu not to relent in his well-calculated effort to prevail on Wike to sheath his sword unconditionally and support his own dearly beloved godson to succeed.

On his part, a former Kaduna State Senator, Shehu Sani, has advised Fubara, to either free himself or continue to appease what he described as the tiger.

On his verified X account (Twitter), Sani warned Fubara of the consequences of his current path.

Sani metaphorically compared the governor’s situation to befriending a tiger, stressing that when one befriends a tiger, there are only two options: Either to continually appease and feed the tiger or to stand up and fight it to assert control.

“To Mr. Sim; when you befriend a tiger, you must either feed and appease the tiger or you must fight and prevail over the tiger; there is no timid or evasive middle ground like praying or hobnobbing with the tiger for the peace of the habitat,” Sani wrote.

Police Deploy Wike’s Loyalists to Hijack State’s Security Architecture

In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed Wike’s former Chief Security Officer (CSO), Promise Wosu, as the new Commander of the Special Protection Unit (SPU), better known as Base 6 in Rivers State.

When contacted to confirm the development, the spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko promised to get back to THISDAY but she did not do so as of press time.

The SPU was established to fortify security around VIPS. Nwosu was last week removed as the CSO to Governor Fubara, after the failed plot by Wike’s loyalists in the state House of Assembly to impeach the governor.

It was also gathered that two other former aides of the FCT minister in the police force were also deployed to head the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and ‘Operation Sting’.

They include the Former Camp Commandant of Rivers Government House, Irikefe London Owen, and Emmanuel Nwakanme.

Operation Sting was a special state security outfit launched by Wike in 2019.

It is believed that the move was to allow Wike’s loyalists to hijack all the security architecture in Rivers State for easy impeachment of Governor Fubara.

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NEWS

COURTESY CALL ON THE PRESIDENT… L-R: Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Dikko Umar Radda; President Bola Tinubu; former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema; and former National Welfare Officer of the All Progressives Congress and senior presidential aide, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, during a courtesy call on President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja…weekend

Senate Justifies Passage of N2.17tn Supplementary Budget in 48 Hours Holds emergency session tomorrow Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Despite public outcry, the Senate yesterday explained that the two chambers of the National Assembly speedily passed the N2.17 trillion 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill within 48 hours in the national interest.

The Chief Whip of the Senate, who is also the Vice Chairman, of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Ali Ndume, explained in an interview with journalists in Abuja.

His explanation came just as the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, confirmed to journalists yesterday that there would be an emergency session on Monday to approve the votes and proceedings of Thursday's plenary where the bill was passed.

Adaramodu said the passage of the votes and proceedings was to enable the National Assembly to transmit the fiscal document to the President for assent.

The budget was submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.

The two chambers instantly adjusted their standing rules to ensure that the bill passed the first and second reading on that day.

It was referred to the committees on appropriation in the two chambers and members had

only Wednesday to study it and invite heads of ministries, departments, and agencies of the federal government to defend their estimates in the document.

Heads of the nation's security agencies and the service chiefs were also attended to behind closed doors on the same day.

The committees presented their joint report at plenary in the two chambers the following day (Thursday) and it was deliberated upon and approved without contributions from members on the floor.

However, Ndume told journalists that the National Assembly accelerated the budget passage in the interest of the country.

He argued that the federal parliament was convinced that the items in the fiscal document would sufficiently cushion the current effects of fuel subsidy removal.

He also cited the need to pay the increment in workers’ salary, the take-off of the students’ loan scheme, and the need to ensure the smooth running of newly created ministries as reasons for the speedy passage of the bill.

He said: "The increase in the prices of fuel, costs of essential services and food items have gone up in the country following the withdrawal of fuel subsidy.

"Workers embarked on strike many times as a result of this and there were negotiations between the organised labour and the federal government.

"At the end of the negotiations, the labour and the federal government agreed that workers would be paid N35,000 in addition to their minimum wage.

"If N35,000 is paid to each of the over 1.5 million workers and the money is captured in the supplementary budget, it is imperative for us to approve it for immediate implementation.

"There were also agitations among parents of students in tertiary institutions following the increment in the tuition fees and the federal government came up with a wonderful idea of giving loans to students in tertiary institutions hence provision of N5.5 billion was made in the supplementary budget for that purpose also.

"The two chambers of the National Assembly met on it and we both agreed to jerk it up to N10 billion. This is because our members from the House of Representatives argue that the provision of N5 billion made for the procurement of the presidential yacht was not necessary at the moment.

"It was the Yacht money that we added to the initial N5 billion

provided for student loans which jerked it up to N10 billion "We had already acted on the N5 billion provided for the presidential yacht and removed it from the budget before the public outcry.

"It is not true that the Senate was silent on the N5 billion provided for the yacht. We had harmonised with the House of Representatives before the joint appropriation committee of both chambers prepared and presented their reports. It was even signed by the two chairmen.

"The only thing was that the Navy asked us to forget about the yacht and pleaded with us to allow them to have the N5 billion to enhance their operations, especially in the areas of fighting oil bunkering and crude theft in the Niger Delta and we immediately told them to utilise their operational funds for that purpose.

"There is also the provision of N8 billion for the takeoff of the new ministries that were created by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration. It is very important for them to get certain things on the ground to start working.

"A particular amount of money was also provided in the Ministry of Agriculture Budget which was meant for the purchase of grains as palliatives to encourage farmers to engage in dry season farming to guarantee food security.

Honeymoon Between Atiku and PDP Govs Over, Says Ex-VP’s Former Aide Chuks Okocha in Abuja A former Special Adviser to the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the immediate past governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Adamawa State, Dr. Umar Ardo, has said that the governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have already dumped the former vice president.

In a statement he issued on the political future of the former vice president, Umar Ardo said: "Reading through Atiku's last

Monday’s press conference regarding the outcome of the Supreme Court's judgment and his position towards President Bola Tinubu’s Presidency vis-a-vis the following day's communique of the PDP Governor's Forum after its meeting at the Oyo State's Governor's Lodge, it's obvious that the honeymoon between the party’s 2023 presidential candidate and its governors is now over."

He further stated that "while the former impugned on the Supreme Court's judgment and implicitly rejected President Tinubu's leadership, the latter

expressed “faith and confidence in the judiciary to do justice in political and other cases before the courts.”

Ardo noted that "in a separate address to the press following the communique, the chairman of the forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, extolled the leadership qualities of President Tinubu and reiterated the PDP governors’ readiness to cooperate, support and work with the federal government that he leads.

"Nothing else can be more explicit in illustrating the two going on their different and

separate ways more than this,” he added.

He argued that “with these opposing positions, it's just a matter of time (and in a not distant future) for the inevitable implosion to happen, and either Atiku steps down his presidential ambition or leaves the PDP, or be expelled from the party! That's my reading of the political crystal ball”.

Atiku had rejected the judgment of the Supreme Court and slammed the conduct of the judiciary, but the PDP governors expressed confidence in the judiciary.

"Apart from this, the Senate considered that since the Independent National Electoral Commission has its off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states on November 11, and N18 billion was captured for that purpose in the supplementary budget, they needed to access the funds for proper conduct of the polls.

"The Nigeria Police Force is supposed to supervise the election and it would need more personnel hence the sum of N20 billion was earmarked for that purpose.

"The Nigerian Army would also need additional money to pay duty allowances to the soldiers on the field who are currently engaged in all the states of the federation. Each of them is being paid a minimum of N5, 000 per day. It is not a small amount of money at all.

"Another item captured in the budget is in the housing sector which got N100 billion. The thinking of the government is that it will tackle the challenge of housing deficits in most urban

areas in the country.

"There is also the N300 billion allocated to the Federal Ministry of Works. It was not for the construction of new roads but to make the existing roads motorable.

This is the opportunity to do so now that we are already in the dry season.

"There is no single provision for the National Assembly and we ensure that each geopolitical zone in the country gets N8 billion to fix roads in their areas.

"The sum of N28 billion was allocated to the State House. The funds allocated for the presidential fleet were for the maintenance of the aircraft which are serviced abroad in dollars.

"President Bola Tinubu did not buy a single aircraft. He inherited all of them and he has to maintain them otherwise if he skips their maintenance the aircraft would all be grounded.

"We asked questions as members of the nation's parliament and we were satisfied with the answers provided by the executive arm of government," Ndume added.

Gunmen Kill Four NSCDC Operatives in Rivers, Six Civilians in Sokoto Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Gunmen have killed four operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bakana, Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, and six other persons in Duhuwa town of Wurno LGA of Sokoto State.

Though the circumstances leading to the death of the NSCDC are still sketchy, it was gathered that the gunmen ambushed the operatives on the waterway.

In a viral video that surfaced, the remains of the dead NSCDC were seen packed in a boat floating at the river bank.

In the said video, some officials of the corps and sympathisers identified some of the victims, while fighting back tears.

They identified two of the victims as Chibuzo and Chief Priest.

It was gathered that two of the victims had already been buried according to Islamic rites, while the bodies of the others were deposited at an undisclosed hospital mortuary.

Efforts to reach the state NSCDC spokesman, Olufemi Ayodele, were unsuccessful as he did not answer several calls put across to his mobile.

In Sokoto State, a source said four others, who were injured during the attack, were receiving treatment while many others were abducted and whisked away by the bandits.

While confirming the attack, Sokoto State Police Command stated that at least five persons were killed during the attack, while four others were injured.

A spokesman for the Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed that the bandits attacked Duhuwa, under Wurno on Thursday night.

“Five people were reportedly killed in the unfortunate incident.

Four are receiving treatments for injury suffered during the attack, while many others were abducted,” he said.

A resident of the village, however, said six corpses were buried after the attack.

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NEWS

AVIATION STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM… L-R: Member of House of Representatives, Hon. Sani Bala; Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines; Chief Okonkwo Obiora; Chairman/CEO, Air Peace, Sir Allen Onyema; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN); Chairman of Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari; and Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Musa Nuhu, during the aviation stakeholders’ forum at Ikeja…yesterday KOLAWOLE ALLI

FG Probes Crash-landing of Private Jet in Ibadan Chinedu Eze The federal government has commenced investigation into the crash-landing of a private jet, at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan in Oyo State.

Officials of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed yesterday that the aircraft crash-landed at the airport on Friday night, but there was no casualty.

They stated that investigators from the bureau had been sent to the scene of the accident, and promised to provide further

details as they unfold.

The tragedy was averted on Friday night when the private jet crash-landed.

The full details of the incident were still sketchy as of press time but THISDAY gathered that it happened at about 19.21 (7:21 pm) local time.

There were speculations that seven passengers, including the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and three crew members were on board the jet.

However, efforts to confirm that the minister was in the

aircraft proved abortive as THISDAY could not obtain the manifest.

The aircraft, which sustained substantial damage, was believed to have left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Ibadan at 18:41 (6:41 pm) and crash-landed into the bush away from the runway with no fatalities recorded.

THISDAY gathered from airport sources that the chartered aircraft, Flint Short Aero, an HS25B with the registration number: 5N-AMM, had an initial contact with the Control Tower at 18:56 seeking for extension, which was granted by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency

(NAMA).

One of the sources said the Pilot-In-Command was cleared of RNAV (Area Navigation, which is instrument flight rules), and the aircraft had approached Runway 22 when the incident occurred.

The source, who suggested that the weather conditions might have caused the accident, added that the aircraft landed short of the threshold by about 50 metres and skidded into a bushy ditch close to the runway.

“Aircraft was airborne Abuja at 1841 and crashed into the bush short of the Runway at about 1921UTC (local time).

No fatalities but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The pilot was cleared for RNAV approach Runway 22. However, all passengers and crew safely evacuated,” the source said.

All the passengers and crew were, however, evacuated safely.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) had issued a travel warning severally based on hazy weather.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also advised pilots and airline operators to exercise caution due to hazardous weather conditions as the dry season approaches.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Dr. James

Odaudu, confirmed that the investigation was ongoing.

“On the accident involving an aircraft operated by Flint Aero at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Ibadan, please be informed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the cause.

Our investigators are on site, and further information will be provided as soon as possible,” he said in a terse statement.

A spokesperson of NSIB, Mr. Tunji Oketunmbi, had earlier said that the Bureau’s investigators were on the ground to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

Appeal Court Sacks Senate Minority Whip, Declares PDP’s Akobundu as Abia Central Senator Trading off France with Russia Would Be a Dismisses Ayade’s appeal, upholds Jarigbe’s victory

Wale Igbintade The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has sacked Darlington Nwokocha of the Labour Party (LP) as senator representing Abia central.

The Appeal Court declared Augustine Akobundu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the February 25 National Assembly election.

The court also affirmed Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe of the PDP as the winner of the Cross River North Senatorial District election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Nwokocha as the winner of the election with a total of 92,116 votes. Akobundu came second with 41,477 votes.

Dissatisfied with the result, Akobundu, a former Minister of State for Defence, filed a petition before the election petition tribunal to upturn Nwokocha’s election.

His petition was, however, rejected by the tribunal in September.

Unfazed by the ruling, Akobundu, who was a former Organising Secretary of the PDP, went to the appellate court.

Yesterday, he was declared the winner of the Abia central senatorial district election.

In a statement, the PDP said Akobundu and Osita Ngwu of Enugu west “are the two senators of the PDP extractions from the South-east region at the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the court has affirmed Senator Jarigbe as the winner of the Cross River North Senatorial

District election.

The court dismissed the appeal by former governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court also awarded N500,000 against the former governor in favour of the incumbent senator.

Ayade lost the February 25 National Assembly election to the incumbent senator, Jarigbe.

The former governor who was in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, lost the election with 56,595 votes against Jarigbe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 76,145 votes.

Dissatisfied with the result of the election as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ayade had approached the Cross River State National Assembly Election Petitions sitting in Calabar.

But the tribunal, in September, declared Jarigbe as the winner of the senatorial poll and dismissed Ayade’s petition for lack of merit.

In the five-hour judgment, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice M. A. Sambo, said the petitioners (Ayade and APC) failed to prove their case substantially.

He dismissed all their petitions, saying there was no credible evidence tendered before the court to prove that the elections were fraught with malpractices.

Jarigbe, a two-time member of the House of Representatives, was elected into the Senate through a by-election in September 2021 following the death of Dr. Rose Okoh.

Mistake, French Minister Tells African Leaders French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colanna, has questioned the actions of some African countries, especially former French colonies, which appear to be drifting from France’s influence and moving closer to Russia, saying the move would be a costly mistake.

She was responding to questions from journalists who asked about France’s reaction to Russia’s growing influence over its former colonies

following the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

“I wouldn’t trade off France with Russia, if I were you,” Colonna said in a short response, in Abuja.

Recent coups in the West African region have seen some residents of countries where coups have occurred march in support of the coups while carrying Russian flags and singing chants against France.

The foreign minister, according to Premium Times, noted that when coups happen, they (France) have no choice but to decide to leave, however, “others might pick up where we left.”

“The recent history of the French presence in Niger is not a result of the colonial past, it is a direct result of a request made by Niger’s legitimate authority as a way to

fight terrorism on the ground,” Colonna said.

Despite the fallouts, she noted that France will continue to support the West African region including its former colonies.

Colonna reiterated France’s support for ECOWAS to ensure President Mohamed Bazoum’s release, and return to constitutional rule in Niger.

Knowledge about Other Religions will Promote Peace in Nigeria, Says Sultan Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Mohammed Saad Abubakar, yesterday called on the adherents of the Islamic religion to seek knowledge about people of other faiths to promote peaceful co-existence in the country.

Abubakar, who stated this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital during the 10th Annual Usman Danfodiyo Lecture, also admonished Muslims to acquire "knowledge about words of God and work with them to become better human beings."

The Sultan said the purpose of the annual Usman Danfodiyo lecture was to encourage Muslims to acquire knowledge and share such to strengthen Islam.

"Sokoto Caliphate was founded on knowledge and not on illiteracy hence it is an obligation on all Muslims to seek knowledge, bequeath such to their children, and spread the right knowledge about Islam to check the trend of fake news," he added.

He said the choice of Ilorin for the lecture was done deliberately to demonstrate that Muslims are "one big family."

"Why Ilorin, somebody may ask that question. It is because we are one family and it is important to share knowledge and educate people across the globe," he said "We are here to educate ourselves about what our forefathers did to strengthen Islam. They didn’t bring Islam to the world, they followed the words of God and strengthened it," he added.

Sultan who praised the choice of the guest lecturer, Dr Zakir AbdulKarim Naik from Malaysia, described him as an international scholar of repute and urged the attendees to share the knowledge acquired and work with the words of God. "It is one thing to hear the word of God, it's another thing to work with it. I'm asking us to work with the words of God so that we can become better human beings," he said.

Meanwhile, during the event, a special prayer was offered for the peaceful co-existence of the country.

Among personalities at the event include, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim SuluGambari, the representative of the State governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen who is also the grand Kadi of the state, and Dr Zakir

AbdulKarim Naik who delivered the 10th annual Usman Danfodiyo's lecture.

The prayer which was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu, formed the major highlight of the 10th Annual Usman Danfodiyo Lecture.

Naik, a Malaysian national, spoke on the topic: “The Concept of God in Major World Religions.’

The Secretary General of NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Professors Badamas Yusuf, Abubakar Aliagan, the Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, and the Zanna of Ilorin, Mr Yusuf Sagaya were also in attendance.

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu, led others in praying to God to prosper Nigeria and restore peace to the troubled parts of the country

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15TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY… L-R: Matthias I. Bamigbola; Mr. Paul O. Ajetunmobi; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ambassador James S. Olaleye; District Superintendent, Apostolic Faith Mission and Chancellor, Crawford University, Rev Isaac O. Adigun; Pro-Chancellor/Chairperson, Governing Council, Prof. Modupeola O. Asokhia; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Reuben Jiya Kolo; Rev. L.U. O. Olowoshile; and Secretary/Member, BoT, Mr. Olajide Yesufu, at the 15th convocation ceremony of Crawford University, Faith City, Igbesa, Ogun State…recently

Buratai: Political Class Created Insecurity in Nigeria Terrorists’ days are numbered, says DHQ Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has said the insecurity in Nigeria is a creation of the political class.

This is just as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned terrorists that their days are numbered as the military thwarted the plots of the criminals in several operations within the last week.

Buratai made this allegation at the weekend while sharing his experience in a lecture he delivered titled: ‘Public Service and the Imperatives for National Security in Nigeria’ in the second stanza 2023 National Public Service Lecture and the 65th anniversary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association.

He also took a swipe at critics calling for his sack over insecurity in the country while he was in office, saying such calls stemmed from personal biases rather than an objective evaluation of his performance.

He said: “These individuals might have held negative opinions of General Buratai based on subjective factors, such as personal preferences or biases unrelated to his actual capabilities. It is crucial to approach discussions regarding national security matters with a fair and impartial mindset,

focusing on relevant aspects rather than personal biases and idiosyncrasies.

“The National Assembly had twice or more passed resolutions calling for the sack of the service chiefs. The President, Muhammadu Buhari had told the Ninth National Assembly to mind their business. If properly interpreted, the call by the Ninth National Assembly was to derail the democracy by the military.

“This should be a lesson for political actors. It was a direct confrontation blaming the service chiefs as if they were the ones who started the insecurity.

The insecurity being faced in the country since 2009 was the creation of the political class.

With a strong political will, it can be surmounted.”

He advised politicians, public servants as well and civil servants to live above board by eschewing corruption which he said had plagued the country’s political sphere for decades, eroding public trust and hindering development.

According to him, misappropriation of public funds, bribery, and embezzlement have become too common, diverting resources away from essential services and leaving citizens disillusioned.

He also advised politicians to be accountable and transparent.

“Politicians often make lofty promises during election campaigns but fail to deliver

once in power. The lack of accountability erodes public confidence and perpetuates the perception that politicians are more interested in the people,” Buratai added.

Chairman on the occasion, former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Operations), Oyo State Command, Adejobi Akinade, called on the general public to support the efforts of the police in tackling insecurity challenges in the country.

Meanwhile, the DHQ has warned terrorists that their days are numbered.

Defence Spokesman, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba stated this in a statement at the weekend in Abuja.

“The military will continue to deny the terrorists, insurgents, and violent extremists the ability to achieve their selfish objectives.

“The war is on and their days are numbered unless they surrender,” Defence Spokesman, Buba, said.

He said during the operations, 67 terrorists were eliminated, 190 apprehended, and 47 kidnapped hostages were rescued.

The operations were conducted in the North-west, North-west, and North-central zones and had substantially inflicted casualties on terrorists,

insurgents, and violent extremists.

Buba said 112 assorted weapons and 989 assorted ammunition were recovered by troops across areas of the operations.

The ammunition, he said, comprised one GT3, 42 AK-47, and 11 locally fabricated rifles.

The defence spokesman added that seven pump action guns, one locally-made double barrel, pistol, three Dane guns, and two locally-made pistols were also recovered.

According to him, the ammunition recovered included 342 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special, 190 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO, 34 rounds of 9mm, 74 live cartridges, 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, empty shells and 27 magazines.

Buba added that 23 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 31 mobile phones, five boafeng radios, four bicycles, cutlasses, axes, a digital camera, and the sum of N3.2 million were recovered.

Giving a breakdown of the operation in the North-east, Buba said troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 42 terrorists, apprehended 15, and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages within the week.

He said that the troops recovered 41 AK-47s and two locally fabricated rifles, 241 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 57 rounds of 7.62mm

special (refilled), 22 magazines, seven motorcycles, three mobile phones, one camel bag, one bicycle and the sum of N2,200.

He added that in the Northcentral, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke killed seven terrorists, apprehended 23, and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages.

The defence spokesman said several calibres of arms and ammunition as well as

Avoid Major Nigerian Hotels, US Warns Citizens American citizens residing in Nigeria have been asked to avoid lodging or patronising major hotels in the urban cities of the country.

The United States government, which issued the advisory to its nationals, added that such hotels are liable to security threats.

According to an emergency warning issued at the weekend, the Nigerian security agencies are making efforts to prevent any attacks.

It, then, advised the US citizens in Nigeria to be cautious of major hotels, and

Chuks Okocha in Abuja Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), at the weekend, warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can’t conduct credible elections with card-carrying members of political parties as the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

The Senate had last Thursday, confirmed the three remaining RECs after the first seven of the 10 appointed by President

Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

But Falana in an interview during a television programme at the weekend, said it would be difficult for INEC to conduct credible elections by appointing card-carrying members of political parties as RECs. He said: “Since 1999, we have had this terrible experience of a ruling party trying to populate the electoral body with party loyalists and sympathisers, and that was what led to the amendment

of the constitution.”

Falana explained that “successive regimes in Nigeria, Yar’Adua’s regime, Jonathan’s regime, and Buhari’s regime have all set up electoral reform committees or panels to make recommendations that will assist the government to have credible elections. In the case of President Tinubu as a leader of the APC, he set up a committee for electoral reforms to campaign for the implementation of the

recommendations of the Uwais Panel, and one of them is that we must have independent umpires in every material particular.

The human rights activist continued: “You can’t have a card-carrying member of a political party or a loyalist of a political party to be a Resident Electoral Commissioner or a national commissioner; you complicate the problem for INEC to have credible elections.”

do a thorough examination of their environment before settling in, adding they should keep a low profile.

The advisory reads, “The US Government is aware of credible information that there is an elevated threat to major hotels in Nigeria’s larger cities.

“The Nigerian security services are working diligently to counter the threat,” it stated.

It also provided the addresses and telephone numbers of the US embassy in Abuja and the consulate in Lagos in case there is a need for any of the US citizens to seek help

Appeal Court to Hear Kano Governorship Dispute Tomorrow Alex Enumah in Abuja

INEC Can’t Conduct Credible Elections with Partisan RECs, Says Falana

motorcycles, among other items, were recovered.

In the North-west, Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised five terrorists, arrested four, and rescued five kidnapped hostages.

He also said troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised two terrorists, arrested seven suspects, and rescued two kidnapped hostages.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has fixed Monday for the hearing in the appeal filed

by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) against his All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna.

The governor had filed an appeal to challenge the nullification of his election by the Kano Election Petitions Tribunal.

A three-man panel of judges led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay had on September 20, 2023, sacked Yusuf, declaring 165,663 of his votes invalid because “they were not signed or stamped by INEC”.

Yusuf had described the tribunal’s verdict as “unfair”

and “a miscarriage of justice”.

Parties in the suit include Governor Yusuf and his party, NNPP as well as the opposition APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC had declared Yusuf winner of the March 18, 2023 election after he secured 1,019,602 votes against Gawuna who secured 890,705 votes.

However, after the tribunal deducted the 165,663 votes from Yusuf’s tally and his votes were reduced to 853,939, 30,000 votes less than the 890,705 votes polled by Gawuna.

Consequently, the court declared the APC candidate winner of the governorship election and ordered the INEC to withdraw Yusuf’s certificate.

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MARITAL BLISS …

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kelechi Bobby Akuegbu; the Groom, Mr. Jude Eke; Chief Executive Officer, Port & Related Services Limited, Chief Kevin Onyebara; Bride, Mrs. Ujunwa Celestina Eke; and Chief Executive Officer, CEO Chriskoch Global Projects Limited, Chief Christopher Nkwocha, at the wedding reception of the newly wed in Lagos…recently

Ex-NMA Boss Asks FG to Declare Attack on Health Workers as National Emergency Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A former President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, has warned that if the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system is to be secured, the acts of violence against healthcare workers must be declared a national emergency.

Enabulele, who is also the immediate past president of

the World Medical Association (WMA), argued that the state of emergency to be declared must be backed by prioritised investments in the health system, as well as the well-being, working conditions, safety, and security of healthcare workers.

Speaking as a guest lecturer at the Second Induction/Oathtaking ceremony of medical graduates of the Edo State

Lagos Govt Cancels 50% Discount on Public Transport The Lagos State Government has cancelled the 50 per cent transport fare discount on all public transport system which was implemented in response to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive on August 2, 2023.

In a public notice yesterday, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) announced a reversion to the old rates of public transport from

November 5.

“The 50 per cent rebate in transport fare in the regulated transport system in Lagos ends on Sunday,” the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority said in a statement yesterday.

The statement informed commuters that starting “from Monday, November 6, 2023, transport fare will return to the pre-2nd August 2023 rate.”

With Disputed Election Over, Korean Envoy Charges Nigerians to Focus on Economic Devt, Promotion of Democracy Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Young-Chae, has appealed to Nigerians to focus on the economic development and promotion of democracy after a divisive presidential election, whose validity was challenged up to the Supreme Court.

He made the appeal at the occasion of the Korean National Day reception held in Abuja.

“Nigeria conducted elections early this year, and the political process is finally over.

Democracy needs patience and compromise. Now, we have a high expectation that Nigeria will concentrate on economic development,” Kim said.

He said Korea was among the first countries that President Bola Tinubu had summit meetings with, adding that he and Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had a very fruitful meeting in India on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

He expressed the hope

that there will be another bilateral summit meeting in Seoul next year when Korea hosts the Korea-Africa summit.

In addition, he warned that some of the daunting global challenges facing humanity, including climate change, disruption of global supply chain, geopolitical conflicts and the emerging 4th industrial revolution cannot be effectively resolved without the active participation of Africa.

Kim said in recognition of these challenges, the Korean government was enhancing its overall relations with the African continent as many Korean companies looked at Africa as the next manufacturing base as well as a single market.

He added that the Korean government had also decided to host a Korea-Africa Summit next year for the first time in its history that will lead to more highlevel exchange of visits, improved trade, investment opportunities and the deepening of a mutual understanding.

“Together with the summit meeting, the Korean government will expand its presence in Africa.

University, Uzairue, he lamented that despite their frontline roles in the management of injured victims of conflicts/war, physicians and other health professionals are most times the primary victims and are subjected to acts of violence in all regions of the world.

“Despite their critical roles and importance in society, physicians and other members of the health workforce are still subjected to acts of violence

which undermine the healthcare delivery system, especially in Nigeria.

“It has indeed become one of the major drivers of brain drain of these professionals from Nigeria’s health sector,” he further observed.

Enabulele continued: “More and more conflict parties violate, with complete impunity, humanitarian law and attack health facilities and health personnel who are usually at the frontline treating

victims of conflicts or abuse signs of protection by storing weapons or troops in hospitals or using ambulances for combat purposes.”

While calling for an investigation into all forms of attacks against health workers and consequent punishment, the immediate past WMA President opined that violence against healthcare workers can be stemmed if various stakeholders, including medical doctors

and other health professionals, and their associations, effectively play their roles.

According to him, “all attacks against healthcare, in peace or armed conflicts contexts, must be properly investigated and those responsible must be brought to justice.”

He further called for improved security of Nigerians and the provision of decent pay decent working conditions, secured and safe workplace.

Ondo Speaker Accuses Aiyedatiwa of Ignoring APC Peace Moves David Fidelis in Akure Ondo Speaker Hon Olamide Olajidi has blamed the refusal of Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to withdraw cases in courts for the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), peace moves to materialise.

Speaker Olajidi said Ayedatiwa, was not ready for genuine reconciliation.

Olajidi stated that the APC reconciliation committee headed

by Aminu Masari, in its bid to resolve the crisis asked Aiyedatiwa

to withdraw the court cases Speaking in Akure at the weekend, Oladiji said: ”We met the National Chairman, and he specifically asked me how do we commence reconciliation. I told him that the reconciliation process has to start from the deputy governor. He is the one that took us to court, we cannot be reconciling ourselves when we have cases in court.

“Let him go to the court, withdraw all these cases, then we would know that we are now in for genuine reconciliation.

But the deputy governor has not done. He has appealed some of the rulings of the lower court.

“As far as the House of Assembly is concerned, we are not doing anything. The cases are in the court and we would follow due process.

We are following up the cases in the court.”

On the division among the lawmaker, the Speaker said: “At times, when there is a political tussle like this, there can be insinuations, rumours, but in the House of Assembly, we are together. We told ourselves that it is an institution, and the

institution must be protected. So, we are together”.

Aiyedatiwa had said he remained committed to the ongoing reconciliation efforts of the national leadership of the APC. According to him, “I affirm my commitment to the ongoing reconciliation efforts of the national leadership of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the political situation in our state which are already yielding the much needed tranquility in the state.”

Court Issues Fresh Order Restraining NLC, TUC from Strike in Imo The National Industrial Court in Owerri has issued a fresh interim injunction restraining the Organised Labour from embarking on any kind of strike in Imo state until further notice.

The court warned against disobedience of its order, saying that it would attract consequences.

Justice N. C. S. Ogbuanya gave the order after hearing the submissions of counsels to both parties that they were yet to reach

a settlement on their dispute.

The defendants are the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) the Secretary General, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and its Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro.

In the suit No NICN/ OW/41/2023, the Attorney General of Imo State and the Imo State Government are claimants.

The court held that in consider-

ing the motion for interlocutory injunction by the claimants, after hearing from both counsels, it has reserved November 30,2023 for the ruling.

The court further held thus: ” Considering the court’ s duty to ensure that Labour dispute and related disagreements between the parties are not allowed to escalate and adversely affect the interests and well-being of the

citizenry and third parties who are not involved in the Labour dispute already submitted for adjudication in the pending suit in the court”, it was necessary for the parties to hold the peace till the next adjourned date.

“Parties are hereby directed to be mindful of consequences of disobedience of extant court order in the pending suit before the court,” it further ordered.

Group Applauds Supreme Court’s Decision to Revisit 2019 Imo Guber Dispute Wale Igbintade A public policy think tank, the Neo Africana Centre (NAC), has expressed satisfaction with the decision of the Supreme Court to revisit the December 20, 2019 judgment on the Imo State governorship election of 2019.

The unsettled issues around that election have led to disruptions and instability in the Imo State political landscape, culminating in the removal of Emeka Ihedioha

as the governor of the state.

Specifically, the Supreme Court had in the December 20 judgment affirmed that a certain Uche Nwosu was guilty of double nomination, having emerged as the governorship candidate of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Action Alliance (AA).

By reason of that double nomination, the Supreme Court pronounced him disqualified from the election. The logical consequence of that pronounce-

ment was that the political parties whose tickets he held, did not participate in that election.

In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Jenkins Udu, the Centre said it was difficult to understand how a political party, in this case the APC, which has been disqualified from an election by reason of double nomination will be assigned another candidate for the same election.

This was the curious thing

about the January 14, 2020 judgment in which Hope Uzodimma was passed off as the candidate of the APC in the same election.

The think tank said the absurdity of January 14 would not have taken place if the Supreme Court had given effect to its earlier judgment of December 20.

It has therefore commended the court for revisiting the issue in the hope that justice, even though it has been delayed in this matter, should not be denied ultimately.

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

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18

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2023

MEDIA

Businesses Adopt Price Adjustment 7DFWLFV DV ,QÁDWLRQ %LWHV +DUGHU With the general increase in the cost of doing business amidst the sharp depreciation in the value of the naira, high energy costs, and other negative indices, providers of goods and services have begun to DGMXVW WKHLU SULFHV DV UHÁHFWHG LQ YLUWXDOO\ DOO WKH VHFWRUV RI WKH HFRQRP\ UHSRUWV Festus Akanbi

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ne headache for the current administration is WKH ULVLQJ LQÁDWLRQ ZKLFK underscores the current level of hardship in the FRXQWU\ 7KH LQÁDWLRQ rate in Nigeria increased to 26.72 per cent in September from 25.80 per cent in August of 2023. ,W LV D WUHQG WKDW VHHPV WR KDYH GHÀHG YDULRXV HͿRUWV SXW LQ SODFH E\ VXFFHVVLYH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQV )RU LQVWDQFH WKH LQÁDWLRQ UDWH LQ 1LJHULD DYHUDJHG 13.14 per cent from 1996 until 2023, reaching an all-time high of 47.56 per cent in January 1996 DQG D UHFRUG ORZ RI SHU FHQW LQ -DQXDU\

Rising Cost of Business

7RGD\ WKH LQÁDWLRQ EXUGHQ LV ZHLJKLQJ KHDYily on businesses and consumers in Nigeria, as prices of products and services continue to rise across the country.

On November 1, Nigeria’s leading pay-TV service provider, MultiChoice Nigeria, in a text message to customers, announced a price adjustment on its subscription packages on '6WY DQG *2WY 7KH QHZ SULFH UHJLPH ZLOO VHH Premium Package subscribers on DStv pay N29,500, a 20.4% increase from the previous price of N24,500. Customers on the Compact 3OXV SDFNDJH ZLOO QRZ SD\ 1 DQ LQFUHDVH of 19.2%. DStv Compact package price also rose E\ WR 1 ZKLOH '6WY &RQIDP <DQJD DQG 3DGL JRW QHZ UDWHV RI 1 1 DQG N2,950 respectively. $OVR XQGHU WKH QHZ DUUDQJHPHQW FXVWRPHUV RQ WKH QHZ *2WY 6XSD SDFNDJH ZLOO VWDUW SD\LQJ 1 ZKLOH SULFHV IRU *2WY 6XSD 0D[ -ROOL -LQMD DQG 6PDOOLH SDFNDJHV ZLOO LQFUHDVH WR N7,600, N5,700, N3,950, N2,700 and N1,300 in that order. As contained in the message to customers, WKH QHZ SULFH ZLOO WDNH HͿHFW IURP 1RYHPEHU 0XOWL&KRLFH·V SULFH DGMXVWPHQW FDPH WZR months after another pay-TV operator, Startimes, announced its price adjustment. Both companies KDYH KDG WR DGMXVW WKHLU SULFHV WZLFH LQ :KLOH 0XOWL&KRLFH LV \HW WR JLYH DQ R΀FLDO UHDVRQ IRU WKH QHZ SULFH DGMXVWPHQW 6WDUWLPHV VDLG WKH PRYH ZDV QHFHVVDU\ DV WKH ROG UDWHV ZHUH QR ORQJHU IHDVLEOH WR UHPDLQ LQ EXVLQHVV “We are not increasing prices to make extra SURÀWV EXW UDWKHU WR FRYHU RSHUDWLRQDO FRVWV DQG FRQWLQXH WR SURYLGH DͿRUGDEOH DQG DFFHVVLEOH digital TV to millions of Nigerians,” the company said.

7KH PRYH E\ ERWK FRPSDQLHV LV W\SLFDO RI ZKDW brands and service providers have been doing LQ UHFHQW PRQWKV WR VWD\ DÁRDW LQ 1LJHULD ZKLOH EUDQGV WKDW ÀQG WKH VLWXDWLRQ XQEHDUDEOH KDYH closed shop.

InAugust, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc. announced that it had stopped commercialisation of its prescription medicines and vaccines LQ 1LJHULD DQG ZRXOG WUDQVLWLRQ WR D WKLUG SDUW\ direct distribution model in the country. The company didn’t give a reason for the decision, but this is believed to be connected to foreign exchange availability, cost of living crisis, rising EXVLQHVV FRVWV DQG D GZLQGOLQJ FRQVXPHU EDVH

RYHU 1 $ ERWWOH RI EHHU QRZ VHOOV IRU 1 in most parts of Lagos State, a 43% increase from the N350 price tag in May. One kilogramme of JDV QRZ VHOOV IRU 1 DW ÀOOLQJ VWDWLRQV ZKLOH retail outlets sell at over N1,150 depending on the location.

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The September Consumer Price Index (CPI) VKRZHG WKDW ´1LJHULD·V LQÁDWLRQ UDWH URVH WR 26.72% from 25.80% in August.” This, according WR &3, ZDV GRZQ WR WKH KDUVK HFRQRPLF UHDOLWLHV occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy by WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW LQ 0D\ 7KH LQÁDWLRQ UDWH ZDV LQ -DQXDU\ 7KH LQFUHDVLQJ LQÁDWLRQ ÀJXUHV FRXSOHG ZLWK the steady decline of the naira against the dollar in the exchange market, are evident in the steady rise in prices of food and other commodities across

the country. )LJXUHV IURP WKH VHOHFWHG IRRG SULFH ZDWFK E\ the National Bureau of Statistics, in September VKRZHG WKDW WKH DYHUDJH SULFH RI NJ RI beef boneless stood at N2,816.91.

“This indicates a 28.08% rise in price on a year-on-year basis from N2,199.37 recorded in September 2022 and a 0.62% rise in price on a month-on-month basis from N2,799.51 inAugust 2023. The average price of 1kg of Rice increased

by 60.59% on a year-on-year basis from N471.42 in September 2022 to N757.06 in September 2023. On a month-onmonth basis, the average price of this item increased by 2.48% from N738.74 in August 2023,” the report said.

Amarket price scan also revealed that the price surge cuts across all sectors of the economy. Malaria drugs that sold IRU 1 LQ 2FWREHU QRZ VHOO IRU

$ VRFLDO FRPPHQWDWRU 6DPXHO 2ODZDOH ZKR KDV EHHQ REVHUYLQJ WKH LQÁDWLRQ PDUNHW WUHQG in the country, said companies have no choice EXW WR DGMXVW IRU VXUYLYDO ´$V FXVWRPHUV ZH IHHO WKH EUXQW RI LQÁDWLRQ EXW WKH PLVWDNH PRVW RI XV PDNH LV WKDW ZH DVVXPH WKH PDQXIDFWXUHUV and service providers are immune to it. The cost RI GLHVHO LV RͿ WKH URRI $ OLWUH FXUUHQWO\ VHOOV for N1,200. This is forcing manufacturers to reduce production hours. What this does is, it reduces available products and the prices of available ones rise sharply.

“The failure to keep the naira devaluation in check is the main problem our economy IDFHV ULJKW QRZ 7KH QDLUD NHHSV IDOOLQJ WR WKH GROODU DQG ZH NQRZ ZKDW WKLV SRUWHQGV IRU RXU LPSRUW GHSHQGHQW HFRQRP\ 7KLV LV ZK\ companies like MultiChoice and Startimes ZLOO KDYH QR RSWLRQ EXW WR NHHS UHYLHZLQJ WKHLU SULFHV LI WKH\ ZDQW WR VXVWDLQ WKHLU business in the country. These companies pay for all foreign content in dollars and PDNH LW DYDLODEOH WR XV LQ QDLUD <HV WKH\ DFTXLUH VRPH RI WKHLU FRQWHQW ORFDOO\ EXW ZRQ·W be surprised if I hear that some local content producers are already requesting to be paid LQ GROODUV DV ZHOO EHFDXVH LW·V QR ORQJHU ZLVH to do business in naira, due to its volatility,” he said.

Going by the events of recent months and the implication of policies on the Nigerian economy, it is expected that more businesses ZLOO EH IRUFHG WR XS WKH SULFHV RI SURGXFWV DQG VHUYLFHV WR UHÁHFW WKHLU RSHUDWLQJ FRVWV The economic hardship did not spare NigeriDQV ZKR IRXQG VXFFRXU LQ DOFRKROLF EHYHUDJHV ZLWK WKH GHFLVLRQ RI DOFRKROLF PDQXIDFWXUHUV to raise the prices of some of their products as far back as August this year. )RU LQVWDQFH 1LJHULDQ %UHZHULHV DQQRXQFHG D SULFH LQFUHDVH LQ VRPH RI LWV SURGXFWV HͿHFWLYH August 10, 2023. It said the price hike became necessary due to the continued rise in input costs and the necessity to mitigate its impact.

19

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

SOFT FINANCE

INVESTMENT | ECONOMICS | FINANCE | MONEY | E-COMMERCE

with

AYO AROWOLO ayo.arowolo@thisdaylive.com 08086447494 (sms only)

Clive Carpenter: 9 Lessons Life Has Taught Me Clive Carpenter is an international banker with over 40 years of experience in business and finance, much of which has in the highly challenging environments of developing countries.

During his career, Clive has lived and worked in Kenya and Nigeria and, from 1998 to 2003, managed an IFC project (AMSCO) spanning the African continent.

In 2003, Clive established himself as an Independent Director and Trustee, applying his experience to resolving the challenges of doing business in Africa. He sits on several boards and is a Trustee of the Royal Over-Seas League’s Golden Jubilee Trust.

Clive is a consultant to several international businesses and a mentor to several young executives. A while ago, THISDAY asked Carpenter to share his life experiences on key areas of life. Here are his key reflections. Enjoy. that somehow alleviates your own worries and challenges.

SPIRITUALITY I wish I had attended church far more regularly and been more involved in church activities over the years. However, there are ways of applying oneself to spiritual matters other than attending church. My way of praising God is through my garden.

I am a passionate gardener. I like to feel I am creating a lovely garden for Him and His creatures. One can see so many miracles happening in a garden if you look closely enough. As I say to my friends, if you are looking for God, you can find Him in the garden, if you know where and how to look.

FUN TIME I’ve never been very good at having fun. I am rather too serious, according to my friends.

All work and no play.... It is important to make time for fun or, at least, activities that have no link to one’s work. This brings relaxation and well-being. However, it is a delicate balance.

Too much fun can so easily spill over into all types of problems. Everything in moderation!

MIND DEVELOPMENT This can come from many different activities, of course. Reading, attending seminars, and having a good mentor. I think for me, it has come from travel. I am fortunate enough to have travelled quite widely, especially in Africa, and I have learnt so much through that.

Travel really does broaden the mind. I love studying different cultures. I have certainly learnt so much from African culture.

FINANCE When I was young, no one realised that people would live to be much older than previously and still be working into their 70s and beyond. I wish I had given more attention to setting up a really good pension scheme for my old age. I remain comfortably off financially, but what happens if I live to be 100? The young people of today who can anticipate living to a great age hopefully must give thought to how they will finance that old age. I think there is nothing worse in life than being old, in ill health and being short of money.

HEALTH ‘You are what you eat’. ‘You dig your grave with your knife and fork.’ I have always been very particular about what I eat and drink, even more so as I have grown older. I am a great believer in trying, so far as possible, to eat food that is as God made it, i.e. it has not been processed or, at least, minimally so. I should have taken more exercise in my life, although I have managed to stay trim. Nevertheless, exercise remains very important for everyone. It is a great reliever of mental stress. One needs to balance mental work with physical activity. For me, my main physical activity comes from tending my rather demanding garden on England’s South Coast.

CAREER I would like to have been a medical doctor rather than a banker. I have always been very interested in medical matters and still am and have many books on the subject, with special interest in alternative treatments using vitamins, minerals and plant extracts. A few years ago, I had a bad case of pneumonia. An ambulance had to be called to my home to take me to the hospital. When the paramedics arrived, I gave them a quick briefing on my condition - tachycardic, hypoxemia, febrile, heart in the sinus, etc. The paramedics could not believe I was not a doctor! I would have enjoyed the challenge of trying to improve people’s health and their lives in general. It would have given me great satisfaction.

Carpenter

BUSINESS In today’s world, there are so many new rules and regulations, statutory provisions and environmental concerns that it is probably not as easy to succeed in business as it was some years ago. Nevertheless, there are many opportunities, but a great deal of research needs to be done before one proceeds in any particular field. I never got tired of talking about the wealth of opportunities in Africa in particular. It is such an exciting place just now, and I love the enthusiasm of the young people and their work ethic. Tenacity is the key requirement.

People give up far too easily.

RELATIONSHIP I was always too career-focused, I think, and still am to some extent. Quite a few friends have given up on me, tired of me always being busy with business commitments.

Especially as one gets older, relationships/ friendships become ever more important.

It is very essential to work on relationships and give them time and attention just as one would your business interests. I always look at a relationship as being like a tender flower growing in the garden. You have to water it and feed it to keep it in peak condition and to ensure it keeps flowering. That is just how a friendship or relationship is. If you neglect it, it will eventually die.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION It is so important to give something back in return for all that life has given you. Everyone’s CV should reflect some voluntary work. It puts life into perspective, making you realise how fortunate you are. Nothing makes you feel better than giving another person a helping hand.

I undertake several voluntary activities and hope to continue to do so, although I should do more. The greatest benefit is that even if you have problems you will always see others with a far heavier burden than yourself, and

THREE MISTAKES I MADE 1. Being too trusting of others. The business world of today is a dog-eat-dog world, and there are many ruthless and unscrupulous people that one has to contend with. When I was younger, I think I was too trusting of people who took advantage of my willingness to work very hard for not too much in return.

Always ensure you have a watertight contract covering your business dealings with adequate reward for what is achieved. Learning to say ‘no’ when necessary is also important, always sticking to your principles.

2. Not appreciating the need to build my network/contacts at a younger age. I firmly believe that who you know is more important than what you know. It has taken me many years to build my current extensive network of contacts, and I wish I had worked on this when I was younger. If someone has never met you, it is unlikely they will contact you or wish to engage you in business. You need to be well-known in your field of activity.

Get out there with your business card and introduce yourself! This is not just for your benefit but can make you valuable as an intermediary.

3. Sometimes using work as an excuse to avoid socialising. When I was younger, I think I was too work-focused. I am not a naturally sociable person, shy in fact, and looking back, I feel I used work as an excuse to sometimes avoid going out and meeting people. Friends and family are a very important part of life and should not be given a lack of attention

because of the demands of one’s career.

THE BEST THREE BOOKS THAT HAVE HELPED YOU IN LIFE A difficult question as reading is an essential part of my life and I have so many books at home that I have had to have several new bookshelves constructed to hold them.

I have now progressed to electronic books to save space!

My three books are: The Bible. What can I say? So many lessons to be learned from reading it; so many things to think about, and a book that one could never tire of, but return to again and again as you proceed along life’s rocky road. It puts everything into perspective.

Roget’s Thesaurus. Such an essential tool when it comes to composing an important letter or e-mail. Someone else once said of this book, ‘This must surely be the most indispensable publication ever compiled.’

No More Champagne, Churchill and His Money (David Lough). The amazing story of how Britain’s most celebrated modern statesman lived most of his life on a fiscal cliff edge. The book reveals the scale of Churchill’s risk-taking combined with an ability to talk himself out of the tightest of corners. So many lessons can be drawn from reading this book - the interplay of private man and public figure, politics, greed and money. Being great does not always equate with being rich!

ONE GREAT LESSON You raise yourself by raising those around you. When one is young and ambitious, it is not easy to accept this advice, but as I have grown older, I have come to know it is correct, and I now preach it to those I mentor. Humility is a great attribute, and I do not claim to have it myself, but there is great satisfaction in raising those around you, and you then come to realise that it is they who will push you up life’s ladder and not yourself through arrogance and self-promotion.

Each mistake or setback is an opportunity.

If life never held challenges, setbacks, disappointments and even disasters for us, we would never learn or develop.

Sometimes, there need to be unfortunate developments to direct us to a different course or to change our mindset. I try to see such setbacks as opportunities, and so often they are, although a considerable time may elapse before that becomes obvious.

One door closes, another opens!

I never got tired of talking about the wealth of opportunities in Africa in particular. It is such an exciting place just now, and I love the enthusiasm of the young people and their work ethic. Tenacity is the key requirement. People give up far too easily.

20

T H I S D AY SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2023

NIGERIA AND THE SECURITY CHALLENGE ALIYU TANIMU canvasses need to strengthen our porous borders

The activities of kidnapping for ransom have reared their ugly head, this time in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve city and arguably Africa’s tech hub. Lagos State hosts numerous multinational companies, including Microsoft, Google, MTN, and Netflix, as well as foreign embassies and consulates. No state has more millionaires and billionaires than Lagos. It boasts the largest foreign direct investment and internally generated revenue in Nigeria.

Lagos is the lifewire and the purse of the nation. Kidnapping has no place in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. If kidnapping is allowed in Lagos, foreign investment will opt out of the state, and multinational companies will close their offices due to the fear of being kidnapped. To allay these fears, the government has to be proactive, and citizens have a significant role to play by providing information to security agencies.

Sadly, Lagos has now joined the league of states grappling with kidnapping.

Kidnapping for ransom is a lucrative business and a new goldmine for frustrated youths who were deprived of a quality education and remain illiterate. It has become Nigeria’s cankerworm.

For years, Northern Nigeria has been grappling with kidnapping for ransom and terrorism. It started in Zamfara before spreading to other states. They said, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” We have to learn from historical facts that nations that fail to invest in and empower their youth are inviting anarchy. Check the human development index; we are at the bottom.

Our brightest minds are disillusioned about the country’s future; hence, there is a mass exodus to Asia, Europe, and America. The net benefits of human capital flight for the receiving country are sometimes referred to as a ‘brain gain,’ whereas the net costs for the sending country are sometimes referred to as a ‘brain drain.

Many of those conscripted or lured by terrorists and other non-state actors are in their teens and early thirties, indicating that the system has failed those within that age bracket. Instead of producing world-class scientists, engineers, and laureates, we are breeding terrorists and bandits.

The resultant effect of failing to invest in and empower the youth is that we may need to seek international peacekeepers’ help, as Haiti did, to quell and contain gang violence and other security threats.

Alternatively, we might have to increase our security budget, redirecting funds from education, infrastructure, and healthcare allocations to address the security challenge.

Let’s refresh our memories and go back to July 30, 2009, when Late Muhammad Yusuf, a hardliner and leader of Boko Haram, was killed in an extrajudicial killing during the Boko Haram uprising in Maiduguri. After his demise, a new leader emerged, this time more brutal: Abubakar Shekau. Abubakar Shekau gained notoriety for his carnage and massacres until he killed himself after a gun duel with a rival terrorist group, ISWAP. During his reign, Boko Haram spread its carnage beyond Maiduguri’s borders to all of northern Nigeria, killing thousands, taking girls hostage, and marrying them off against their will. Boko Haram festered during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s time. Buhari, the immediate past President, inherited the Boko Haram menace. He managed to decimate the group, but a new threat emerged in the form of banditry, which he passed down to the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Some of the bandits’ modus operandi are not dissimilar to Boko Haram and ISWAP, who kill, maim, dislodge, and ransack communities, kidnapping schoolgirls to attract both external and internal attention. Most of the foot soldiers are stark illiterates with little to no Islamic education, let alone Western education. Some are herders who lost their cattle to cattle rustlers and armed themselves against the

A lot more needs to be done to democratise the digital space in Africa, argues OLASUPO ABIDEEN

DIGITAL INCLUSION RIGHTS AND FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY

state Bandits controlled mining sites in Zamfara, as well as a large expanse of land in Zamfara, Niger, and Sokoto. They functioned as a de facto government, imposing tax levies on the communities they controlled and kidnapping both men and women, rich and poor, old and young. Now, they even have the audacity and temerity to collect royalties from mining companies in exchange for safety guarantees. They have been allowed to act with impunity and treated with kid gloves.

Recently, the troops dealt a severe blow to the bandits in Zamfara, resulting in the deaths of hundreds. The momentum should be sustained by taking the battle to their doorstep.

The bandits have become so emboldened that they attack and kill military personnel and formations. As I said earlier, some of the bandits’ modus operandi are not dissimilar to Boko Haram and ISWAP, which kill, maim, dislodge, and ransack communities, kidnapping schoolgirls to attract both external and internal attention.

However, there is no justification for their actions. Zamfara used to be the epicenter for the bandits before spreading to other northern states. The bandits have amassed billions through illicit trade of humanlike commodities in the market, untraced because the ransom money is unbanked.

The origins of the bandit conflict can be traced back to herder-farmer conflicts that have plagued Northern Nigeria for decades, particularly between the Fulani and Hausa and other minority tribes. Climate change has exacerbated the conflict as the movement of cattle to arable land for hay and water has led to conflicts between herders and settlers. It’s safe to say that most of the bandit foot soldiers are from the Fulani ethnic group, but some criminal elements and terrorist organizations have infiltrated and exploited the conflict to their advantage. In Kaduna State, the Birnin Gwari axis has been infiltrated by ISWAP, luring and indoctrinating young people into their fold. If something is not done, the Birnin Gwari axis could become another Sambisa forest in Kaduna State.

The inevitable teething problem arises when the battle against them is won. My immediate concern and worry are, what will we do with the thousands of youths hired as vigilantes to help fight against bandits in Kaduna and Katsina once we eventually win the battle against the bandits? Are we going to absorb them into our military or what?

We should learn a lesson from Russia’s Wagner Group mutiny against the Russian Federation.

Banditry, terrorism, separatism, and NLGQDSSLQJ FDUU\ VLJQLÀFDQW HFRQRPLF implications. Farmers have forsaken WKHLU ÀHOGV H[DFHUEDWLQJ IRRG LQVHFXULW\ and hindering our quest for food selfVXIÀFLHQF\ Furthermore, businesses are relocating abroad, leading to economic stagnation and increased poverty, among other consequences.

Arc. Tanimu writes from Kaduna

Earlier in the month, the world celebrated Global Encryption Day to further reaffirm the need to remain safe online and offline while promoting end-to-end encryption as the gold standard of online security across the world.

The whole month of October itself is considered as the global cybersecurity awareness month.

In a world where people seem to spend more time online, it has become pertinent to ensure people can communicate with another person safely without any attempt by a third party to access or tamper with their messages or the risk of such messages being used to cause reallife harm.

Beyond safety in the digital space, the access and opportunity to harness digital tools in the African climes remains a major concern. Issues around infrastructural and capacity deficit, digital inequality gaps, and sociocultural predisposition continue to widen the gap between the status quo and an ideal digital future in the global south.

According to the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), the African region has the lowest ICT usage figures compared to other regions and also experiences a deep digital divide. As of 2020, a country like Liberia has barely 20% internet penetration according to the Alliance for Affordable Internet.

The importance of internet penetration goes beyond how easy it makes life for users.

Sometimes, quality of life and outright survival can be dependent on access to digital tools.

During the pandemic, efforts intensified to improve digital communications across all facets of life. This did not only ensure that digital technologies became pivotal but also made digital literacy integral to adapting and communicating in the society, but in some African countries like Liberia, it only led to a further divide people the minority that access to the internet and the public which doesn’t.

Similarly, public institutions like the Nigerian Immigration Service, National Identity Management Commission amongst other agencies substantially deployed digital tools to enhance its processes. Public institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led the way with online submission of lists of party agents, development of results viewing portal accessible to all everyone. This was followed by the design and implementation of the pre-registration portal for Continuous Voters Registration in 2021 which enabled potential voters to commence registration process online before finalizing biometrics physically. This to a large extent improved the process and decongested registration centers as potential registrants were assigned dates to visit INEC offices in their local government areas to complete their registration. In this vein, just like voting is a right in every democracy, the ability to navigate from registration to voting proper in the midst of technological advancement in the process is as important.

Also, the proliferation of mobile applications for virtually all institutions like banks, insurance agencies, pension administrators, transportation companies amongst others only means digital literacy has gone beyond a luxury knowledge to an essential one.

And with this increase in digital footprint should come a corresponding increase in investment into securing the data that is processed. Digital rights, which are basically a fundamental human right, are expected to enable individuals to access, use, create, and publish digital contents using computers, mobile phones, internet and other electronic devices, and telecommunications networks.

However, Africa and specifically Nigeria still face challenges in accessing what has become a necessity in order to effectively participate as active citizens.

A young person residing in urban and

suburban locations in Nigeria still struggles with the purchasing power required for a sophisticated smartphone and bandwidth to use important applications.

This is largely due to the skyrocketing inflation rate which has also affected the cost of internet data and restricts citizen’s access to few selected platforms. In the midst of this, it’s almost impossible to overlook inhabitants of rural areas whose important means of communication is a transistor radio and at best, a simple mobile that barely makes and receives calls.

Another important hindrance to digital access especially in Africa has been the attitude of the government toward Information Technology (IT) and information infrastructure. This is largely due to vague legislations that are mostly implemented and violated arbitrarily. The government ban on Twitter (now X) from 5th June 2021 to 13 January 2022 is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians. This not only restricted access to information via the platforms but prevented digital access as far that platform is concerned all through the seven months period of the ban.

In recent times, even as the Malabo protocol was ratified, a handful of African leaders have arbitrarily shut down internet access especially during elections. In August, Gabon’s government shut down internet access after an election reportedly marked by major voting delay and accusations of manipulation.

Most recently, Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) on October 14 announced the ban on using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Tanzania which undermines the rights of Tanzanian citizens to access information, communicate securely, and express themselves freely online.

According to Access in 2022 alone, government authorities shut down the internet in at least 35 countries at least 187 times. This is basically the highest number ever recorded in a single year.

In Africa, seven countries-imposed VKXWGRZQV QLQH WLPHV D VLJQLÀFDQW decrease from 2021 where 12 countries disrupted the internet 19 times. In climes where leaders in democratic societies are autocratic to the extent of shutting down digital platforms in a bid to shut down dissenting voices, democracy itself becomes under threat and defending the system of government becomes even more arduous.

As digital literacy continues to become a prerequisite for actively participating in democratic system of government, a lot more needs to be done to democratize the digital space, especially around access, knowledge, security and privacy.

Abideen serves as the Kwara State coordinator of the NotTooYoungToRun movement and Global Director, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative

21

T H I S D AY SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

THE OFF-SEASON GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS

I

Can INEC learn from its missed opportunities?

Q -XO\ ÀYH PRQWKV DIWHU WKH JHQHUDO HOHFWLRQ the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reviewed the entire exercise with critical stakeholders. Despite widespread criticism, the commission gave itself a pass mark and noted its attempt to improve the transparency of its processes by using such technology as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). But INEC also acknowledged challenges it must surmount in future elections. They include the perennial logistic nightmare of voting materials getting to polling units on schedule, electoral violence, and compromise of its result management system. Well, the future is not far away. Indeed, it is already here.

Come Saturday, the people of Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States will go to the polls to elect their governors for another four years. Being an off-season election and given misgivings in several quarters about the conduct of the February/March general election, INEC has an opportunity to redeem its image. The commission must realise that it has been given a sacred duty to ensure that the will of the people prevails through the conduct of free and fair polls in the three states.

For that to happen, INEC must bring onboard public concerns and the reports of the 54 international and domestic observers it accredited to monitor its conduct of the last general election earlier this year. Though minimal in relation to the overall number of litigations across the country, some judicial outcomes have demonstrated that even with the introduction of technology, the human element continues to get in the way of INEC operations. Yet, it is becoming increasingly clear that the more automated the electoral process, the more credible the outcomes. %HLQJ WKH ÀUVW VHW RI HOHFWLRQV XQGHU KLV ZDWFK President Bola Tinubu also has a responsibility to HQVXUH D OHYHO SOD\LQJ ÀHOG IRU DOO WKH SDUWLFLSDWLQJ political parties and candidates. INEC has already sounded the alarm that should concern authorities in the security sector. “The three states of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi are not the easiest states LQ 1LJHULD WR FRQGXFW HOHFWLRQV 7KH GLIÀFXOW geographical terrain and prevailing insecurity

are compounded by negative mobilisation by political actors,” said INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. “Violence and other undemocratic activities VXFK DV YRWH EX\LQJ DWWDFNV RQ HOHFWLRQ RIÀFLDOV DQG disruption of the electoral process must stop.”

While electoral violence and all manner of intimidations should have no place in a civilised society, it should worry authorities in Nigeria that we are increasingly being marked down as a country where anything goes, where obstacles are deliberately placed on perceived opponents, and where politicians engage in reckless, unlawful, improper and questionable activities without consequences. These desperate moves put the democratic experiment and our country at great risks and should be checkmated before we are tripped over the precipice by the inordinate ambition of a few.

6LQFH DQ ¶HQG MXVWLÀHV the means’ approach to politics has over the years provided the incentive and motivation for power seekers to believe that all is fair and acceptable in electoral politics, we agree with Yakubu that the success or failure of the polls will depend largely on the capacity of the security agencies that must remain neutral throughout the entire process.

Meanwhile, there are interesting dynamics to the gubernatorial election in the three states. Unlike in the past where the choice is usually between the ruling party and main opposition party, there are formidable contenders who run on party platforms outside the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially in Imo and Kogi States. And for that reason, INEC and the security agencies must be neutral before, during and after the polls on Saturday.

Fortunately, INEC has had ample time to prepare and get its act together by ensuring that all logistical problems like late arrival of ballot papers and voting materials to polling centres are not repeated. So, there is no room for excuses. At the end, the choice of who govern Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States for the next four years is that of the residents of the states to make. That is what is before them on Saturday. May the best candidates win.

The choice of who govern Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States for the next four years is that of the residents of the states to make 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 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, 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

Letters to the Editor

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

LETTERS

J O E AJA E RO A N D T H E E N D O F S O L I DA R I T Y In the chequered history of labour relations in Nigeria, every ardent follower of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its antecedents can attest to the fact that we have never had it this low.

The mere mention of this pressure group and her leaders in recent times elicits an awkward sense of dissatisfaction from the people, nay the working class. How did they come to this level of public disdain and contempt?

In the recent past, especially IURP WR WKH 1/& XQGHU the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was an alternative voice of the people. Oshiomhole

brought fond memories of the early labour activism of Pa Imoudu of blessed memories and the Railway union days.

He was the sought-after bride of media houses, especially in times of fuel crises, wage crises, and the regular tertiary institution’s face-offs with the government.

Oshiomhole was trusted by the workers and the people as he negotiated several deals on the side of the masses, sometimes, at a personal risk in confrontations with the power that be.

But what we have today, as represented by the Joseph Ajaero leadership, is nothing compared

to it. More often than not, this crop of leaders has demonstrated their uncanny ability to bark and not to bite.

Severally and at sundry times, they have lifted the hope of the masses by appearing to be standing with them in critical moments like the recent currency crisis and the petroleum products price increase coupled with the subsidy removal debacle.

In all of this, nothing remarkable was achieved. The people felt abandoned and often accused them of selling out to the government of the day. This may have led to the recent apathy being experienced even within the various trade unions

that make up the NLC and the people such that an NLC President was recently manhandled and brutalised by security forces in Imo State without an eyebrow being raised by the people in solidarity, not even the trade unions.

It is obvious that the “solidarityforever” cliche has developed wings and flew out of the labour lexicon. There’s no more solidarity between the leadership of the unions and the workers on one hand, and that between NLC and the Nigerian masses on the other. How are the mighty fallen!

Austen Akhagbeme, Abuja

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2023

22

PERSPECTIVE

Adeleke Makes Seismic Shift, Unveils N100 Billion Infrastructure Signature Projects Alade Adeyanju

T

he Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has become aware of a recent newspaper article written by Sir Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide and published in THISDAY Newspaper on September 27, 2023. In the article, Sir Johnson made several spurious claims, which are at best a misrepresentation of facts and an attempt to besmirch the integrity and reputation of AMCON in the fulfilment of its statutory mandates and objectives.

While it is not the focus of AMCON to engage in needless media squabbles, as several of the issues in the article are sub judice, considering factual inaccuracies presented in the article, AMCON considers itself duty-bound, as a public institution, to correct certain inacc Getting value for money from infrastructure investment, and using such investment to stimulate inclusive socio-economic growth for public use has remained the commitment of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State since his inception into the coveted office.

Thislaudablestepinthecountry’sbodypolitic has also projected Governor Adeleke not just as a performing Governor but a trailblazer, who has a penchant for public investment management reforms that represent the first step in developing sector-specific interventions geared towards infrastructure outcomes for capacity building and human capital development.

The extent to which this is feasible is closely related to the quality of governance and institutions in the state under Adeleke, which is key to determining which projects are selected and how they are delivered in record time for the good of public interest and optimal use.

In deepening this zest for excellence, Mr. Governor on Friday, October 27, 2023, unveiled his laudable plan to build infrastructure worth N100 billion for the state. The infrastructure would judiciously cover 45 major roads, 345 healthcare centres, five flyover bridges, statewide portable water provision as well a street lighting network among others.

Adeleke did the unveiling at the Excos Lounge of the Governor’s Office in Osogbo, the Osun State capital amidst critical stakeholders from all walks of life.

The governor stated that having a solid infrastructure base in all sectors of the economy would help catalyze growth and development in the state.

He added that the imperative of bridging the state’s infrastructure gaps necessitated his current urgency and commitment in this

Adeleke

I have used the last 11 months to address the over 90 per cent infrastructure deficit our administration inherited. “But more still needs to be done, hence the ambitious plan to launch this infrastructure plan that covers roads, health, water, and schools among others regard.

“I have used the last 11 months to address the over 90 per cent infrastructure deficit our administration inherited.

“But more still needs to be done, hence the ambitious plan to launch this infrastructure plan that covers roads, health, water, and schools among others.

“By investing so much in infrastructure upgrades, we are laying the foundation for effective public-private partnership”, the governor said.

Intermsoffinance,GovernorAdeleke said the infrastructure plan would be sponsored entirely by thestatewithout procuring loans from any financial institution.

He added that his plan entailed complying with all procurement laws and dueprocesswhilealsoensuringthatthe local content part of the implementation was adequately satisfied.

He said: “Very importantly, our administration is ensuring localisation

in the implementation process. Local content in terms of sourcing materials and workforce is key to transferring skills and economically empowering our people.

“This is in line with the five-point agenda of our administration which seeks to boost the local economy. High local content is married with a strong maintenance plan to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.”

Governor Adeleke said his administration would hit the ground running after the unveiling and promised that 95 per cent of the projects would be executed through local content to curb capital flight.

In specific terms, the rehabilitation of Otan Ayegbaju Iresi Road and Ede-Egbedi to Erin Osun Road has been captured by the state government. It has also targeted water projects across all 332 Wards of the state which is ongoing.

It is also conducting geophysical surveys across the political wards. Likewise, borehole drilling is also taking place in all the selected areas of each Ward as well as installation and supply of head tanks.

In the area of health, the Imole Medical and Surgical outreach will now be held quarterly, in six of the state hospitals under the coordination and supervision of the Osun State Ministry of Health.

Governor Adeleke who has disdain for white elephant projects also places a high premium on education, just as he marked for reconstruction, Ede Muslim Grammar school in Ede (Ede Zone), Ifeoluwa C&S Grammar school Ilesha (Ilesha Zone), Oranmiyan Memorial Grammar School Ile-Ife (Ife Zone), NUD Grammar School Oke Bailey, Osogbo (Osogbo Zone), Baptist Grammar School Bowen road Iwo (Iwo Zone) and College High school, Ila Ikirun (Zone 7).

Mr. Governor is also set to carry out dualisation of the following roads; Old Garage Oke Fla LAMECO roundabout, Osogbo, Skoda junction Baptist High school Ede, Baptist High school Oke Gaza, Ede, Oke Gada Ido Osun-Ofatedo road, Ilesha/Akure-Brewery-Palce-Ilesha. Also set for rehabilitation are Otan Ayegbaju Iresi Road and Ede Egbedi Erin Osun Road.

Besides it is also constructing 1.5km length of roads across 30 local govt and one area office. Similarly, Governor Adeleke is equally constructing the Oke Fia roundabout, Osogbo, construction flyover, underground tunnel at the stadium roundabout Osogbo, construction of flyover at May Fair roundabout, Ile-Ife, construction of flyover at Owode market Ede. These interventions are also extended across the Osun River, Ede and Erinle Rivers in Ede. ˾ ÎÏãËØÔߘ Ë ÎËÞË ËØËÖãÝÞ˜ ÝÏØÞ ÞÒÓÝ ÚÓÏÍÏ ÐÜÙ× áÙ˜ ÝßØ ÞËÞÏ

NEWS

Woman Drags Siblings to Court over Late Father’s Estate

M

rs. Rachel Ajuwa (Nee Yekovie),oneofthechildren of late Pa Edward Ubu Yekovie, has approached a Delta State High Court, Effurun, praying the court torestrainhersiblingsfrom selling,alienating,dissipatingthewholeorparttheir father’s assets pending the issuance of a Letter of Administration by the Delta State Government.

The claimant in suit number EHC/102/2023 filed by her lawyer, S E Moragon, is also seeking for a declaration that the dissipation, sale and otherwise alienation of the assets of the Estate of Pa Edward Ubu Yekovie or parts thereof by the defendants especially the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th defendants without recourse to the other biological children of late Pa Edward Ubu Yekovie including the Claimant, is wrongful, illegal and of no legal effect, having regard to the clear provision

of Section 50 (1) of the Administration Estate Law of Delta State.

ListedasdefendantsinthesuitareMs.Okiemute Yekovie, Mr. Tega Yekovie, Mrs, Uzezi Ugbaja, Mr. Jovi Yekovie, Mr. Rezi Yekovie, Mr. Maro Yekovie, Ms. Edesiri Yekovie, Mr. Emamo Yekovie, and Miss Efe Frank Yekovie Besides, the claimant is asking the court presided over by Justice R. D. Harriman to mandate the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th defendants to render a comprehensive account of the sum of money they have collected as rents and/or for sale of part of the assets of Pa Edward Ubu Yekovie since his death intestate on December 1, 2021.

In a 12-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the claimant, she stated that the defendants especially 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th defendants have benefited immensely from rents collected from the assets of Pa Edward Ubu Yekovie since his death intestate on December 1, 2021.

She stated that since the death of their father, the defendants have been dissipating parts of the assets of their father’s Estate, composing a Boys Quarter and a Room Self-Contained apartments situateatCrystalPalaceEstate,Edjeba,DeltaState, by way of collection of rents from tenants or lease of same and conversion of the proceeds thereof to their personal use, without recourse to her or any member of the family.

The claimant also deposed in her affidavit in support of the Originating Summons that the 1st - 8th Defendants have a legal duty to her and other familymemberstonotonlyrenderacomprehensive account of how much they have so far collected as rents from the property situate at Crystal Palace Estate, Edjeba, Warri, Delta Stale but to also pay the total amount collected by them into an interest yielding account, and where that is not possible, into the account of the Administrator-General of Delta State, pending the issuance of a Letter of

Administration to them.

Consequently, she’s asking the court to determine “Whether the defendants, especially the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th defendants are entitled to dissipate, sell or otherwise alienate the assets of the Estate of Pa Edward Ubu Yekovie without recourse to the other biological children, including the claimant, having regard to Section 50 (1) (c) of the Administration of Estate Law Cap Al Laws of Delta State.

The claimants is seeking the following reliefs: “a declarationthatthedissipation,saleandotherwise alienation of the assets of the Estate of Pa Edward Ubu Yekovie or parts thereof by the defendants especially the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7h and 8th defendants without recourse to the other biological children of the late Pa Edward Ubu Yekovie including the claimant, is wrongful, illegal and of no legal effect, having regard to the clear provision of Section 50 (1) of the Administration Estate Law of Delta State.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

05.11.2023

AISHA MUHAMMED-OYEBODE CHAMPIONING GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERMENT Female empowerment has always been dear to the heart of Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, the daughter of the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed. In the last two decades, she has consistently demonstrated her advocacy for the rights of women and girls through different platforms. Starting from her role in the Murtala Muhammed Foundation created to honour her father’s legacy, she has tirelessly advocated the release of the Chibok girls amongst other issues concerning the girl-child. As the chairperson of LekOil Nigeria Limited, she has further championed gender balance and female empowerment. She tells Vanessa Obioha why gender inclusion must be a top priority for all organisations

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/victoria.olaode@thisdaylive.com.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R NOVEMBER 5, 2023

25

COVER

Gender Inclusion is Not Just a Matter of Ethics but Also an Economic Advantage

I

n 2021, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode assumed the role of Chairperson on the board of LekOil Nigeria Ltd, a company specialising in Africafocused oil and gas exploration. Her appointment marked a crucial juncture for the company, which was grappling with uncertainty. Initially, she stepped in as an interim chairperson, guiding the company through challenging times.

However, her exceptional leadership and experience in navigating the company’s challenges garnered her the permanent role. Moreover, she is one of the few who witnessed the birth of the company and has watched it evolve over the years. In the two years that Muhammed-Oyebode has served in that capacity, the company has made significant strides.

“While we have encountered obstacles along the way, our dedicated team, together with our resilient approach, has propelled us in the right direction,” she says in a recent encounter. “Our commitment to achieving our goals is unwavering, and we are constantly adapting and strategising to ensure that we meet, and eventually exceed, our projections in the ever-evolving business landscape.”

As advocacy for cleaner energy continues to reverberate around the world, Muhammed-Oyebode emphasises that LekOil is keen on sustainability as well as technological advancement and geo-political adaptation.

“We are acutely aware of the growing importance of sustainability in the energy sector. Lekoil is actively working to reduce our environmental footprint, enhance our environmental and social governance (ESG) practices, and transition towards more sustainable energy solutions. These efforts not only align with global trends but also help ensure the long-term viability of our operations.”

One remarkable goal MuhammedOyebode has achieved in the company is the push for female leadership in the company.

The board she chairs today boasts an equal number of both genders. But that’s not all.

“We have taken significant measures to evaluate and enhance gender diversity in our leadership ranks,” she says. “We have exceeded the industry norm by having a greater proportion of women in executive and non-executive positions than the majority of African companies in our industry. I am one of the few female chairs of an oil and gas company.

“Similarly, the top executive cadre is populated by exceptionally capable women.

It is an achievement we can be proud of, but we are not stopping there. We remain committed to advancing and expanding female leadership in non-traditional oil and gas specialties, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our journey towards greater gender inclusion is an ongoing one, and we remain committed to advancing progress in this area.”

Muhammed-Oyebode’s background is steeped in history; her father, Murtala Muhammed, a former head of state, was tragically assassinated in 1976. She is the first of his six children and was in her adolescence when the tragic incident occurred. Despite these challenges, she’s become a successful leader, chairing numerous boards, running the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, and a real estate development firm, Asset Management Group Limited.

She has in over two decades played a pivotal part in female empowerment, a passion that has always been dear to her heart. She is most notable for her work in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign where she led a peaceful protest in Lagos at the peak of the infamous incident in 2014. On the ninth anniversary of the Chibok girls’ abduction this year, Muhammed-Oyebode released the book ‘The Stolen Daughters of Chibok’ in the United States. It was subsequently released internationally. The book is a vivid account of the impact of the abduction on the parents of the victims. It also included essays from notable Nigerians like the former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Muhammed-Oyebode hopes that the remaining girls still in captivity will soon be reunited with their parents while

Research consistently shows that diverse and inclusive workplaces tend to outperform those that are not, both in terms of financial results and employee satisfaction.

By focusing on gender inclusion, organisations are making a strategic move to stay competitive and relevant

Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode

highlighting that the release of the girls should be a collective cause.

A human rights activist, her advocacy for female empowerment stems from her personal journey and the remarkable women in her family who overcame societal biases.

“My advocacy for the empowerment of women was profoundly influenced by my personal journey and that of the courageous women in my family who overcame societal biases and limitations,” she explains. “Witnessing their struggles and hardship instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility. I believe that Nigerian women have enormous potential and that these societal constructs originate from a fear of women’s extraordinary capabilities. My passion lies in encouraging all women to shatter these restrictive stereotypes and embrace their full potential in all aspects of life, be it at home or in the boardroom. It is not about defying societal norms; it is about fostering the understanding that women are capable of achieving greatness in any endeavour they pursue.”

As one of the few female chairs of an oil and gas company in Africa, Aisha emphasises that gender inclusion is vital for organisations. According to her, it aligns with principles of justice and equality, enriches decision-making, drives economic success, and aligns with societal expectations.

“It is not just a matter of doing what is right; it is also a smart and forward-

thinking business strategy. Organisations must therefore proactively identify and eliminate these disparities, cultivating a workplace culture that not only recognizes the value of diversity but also provides equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their gender. This is a crucial step toward achieving true gender inclusion in the workplace.”

She highlights some of the notable gaps that need to be bridged.

“First and foremost, it’s a matter of justice and equality. In today’s world, the recognition and respect of individuals’ rights and opportunities should not be blind to gender. It is a fundamental principle that society is progressively acknowledging, and organisations are aligning their priorities accordingly.”

Muhammed-Oyebode further notes that gender diversity enhances decision-making and problem-solving by incorporating various perspectives, leading to more effective solutions and fostering creativity; while stressing that gender inclusion is not just a matter of ethics but also an economic advantage.

“Research consistently shows that diverse and inclusive workplaces tend to outperform those that are not, both in terms of financial results and employee satisfaction. By focusing on gender inclusion, organisations are making a strategic move to stay competitive and relevant.”

Additionally, she underlines the

importance of organisations responding to growing public awareness of gender issues.

“The increasing awareness of gender issues in the public eye means that organisations must be responsive to public sentiment and societal expectations. A company that fails to prioritize gender inclusion risks reputational damage, which can have long-lasting consequences.”

Given her numerous endeavours, Muhammed-Oyebode has mastered the art of balancing multiple tasks. She puts it this way: “The secret to managing multiple roles and responsibilities successfully is a combination of effective time management delegation, and prioritisation. I am fortunate to have a strong support system, both personally and professionally, and I am genuinely passionate about each of my endeavours.

Setting clear goals and prioritising tasks is essential, however, it is not just my effort but the collective work of a dedicated team that contributes to any success I may have.”

She further adds: “Technology helps keep the tempo, though I am no tech whiz. Selfcare and mindfulness allow me to stay at my best. Adaptation is also an ongoing challenge.

In this orchestra, as a conductor, I must constantly fine-tune my skills.”

Despite the limited time she had with her father before his untimely departure, Muhammed-Oyebode gleaned invaluable life lessons from him, particularly emphasizing the importance of unwavering commitment and diligent effort.

“My dad’s unwavering commitment to his work and family instilled in me the importance of diligence and perseverance in achieving one’s goals,” she says.

“Additionally, my dad has been a role model in terms of resilience. He faced adversity with grace and determination, which has taught me the importance of maintaining a positive attitude even in challenging times. Moreover, the time spent with my dad underscored the significance of strong interpersonal relationships. His ability to connect with people, empathize with their experiences, and offer a helping hand has been a vital lesson in the power of compassion and kindness. As she reflects on the memories of her father, her adoration for him becomes apparent, emphasising his unwavering dedication to family and building lasting and meaningful relationships with those who matter most.

These enduring lessons serve as the guiding stars on Dr. Aisha MuhammedOyebode’s path to achieving her goals and inspiring us all to treasure what truly matters.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R NOVEMBER 5, 2023

26

HighLife

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

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

Fejiro Agbodje: In the Eye of Storm

Adedeji

For Zacch Adedeji, It’s Time to Work Great things are on the horizon for Nigeria’s economy. The economy’s levy and taxation arm is expected to pick up pace with the arrival of Zacch Adedeji at the scene. Indeed, given his expertise, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) could potentially become Nigeria’s number one agency Having witnessed the methods of his predecessors, Babatunde Fowler and Mohammed Nami, Nigerians believe that Adedeji could surpass them, bringing the mandate of FIRS to fruition.

The rising expectations for Adedeji’s performance are related to two important indices. The first one is the condition of the Nigerian economy. Desperate times validate desperate measures. The second index is Adedeji’s portfolio which portrays him as a potential saviour, able to drive the country’s tax policies for maximum efficiency.

Reports suggest that Adedeji has what it takes to arrive at this level of efficiency. With around two decades of professional experience in the corporate corridor, Adedeji’s familiarity with all things accounting, administration, and consultation is at its peak. Furthermore, given his teamwork spirit, it is almost certain that Adedeji’s appointment to the FIRS Chairman position is the wisest decision by the present administration.

Unsurprisingly, Adedeji is already demonstrating his brilliance to assure the public that his appointment to the FIRS chief position is sound. During a retreat for senators in Abuja regarding fiscal policy and tax reforms, Adedeji offered multiple actionable insights for sustainable economic growth.

Adedeji’s primary argument is that Nigeria needs a diversified economy.

The lesser the reliance on oil, the better.

Clearly, the man has been around and knows exactly what needs to e done to strengthen the country’s prospects.

With such positive matters in mind, Nigerians can rest knowing that a competent person is in charge of FIRS. Nevertheless, the time has come for Adedeji to put into practice all that he has conceptualised for Nigerians.

Money will surely be the undoing of many in this generation, as has been the case since the start of human civilization.

Fejiro Agbodje should have been warned ahead of time. Now, his brainchild, Patricia Technologies Limited, is in trouble, again.

It has been a while since crypto news broke on the internet in Nigeria. But this situation is rapidly changing with reports of Agbodje’s Patricia on every major social media newsfeed. The gist is that Agbodje’s company breached the customer-confidence code, leading to a loss of about N2 billion.

According to the reports, Agbodje’s crypto exchange firm experienced a security breach. As a result, the breachers allegedly made away with Bitcoin and naira assets worth N2 billion (or the equivalent of $2 million in any other currency).

Consequently, customers of Patricia and related subsidiaries are running all over the place to secure their assets with Agbodje’s company.

Crypto breaches are nothing new in many areas of the world. Cybersecurity has always been a big deal, especially in

Agbodje

banking where the digitalisation of assets has taken over. But these stories have always been a faraway thing for the average Nigerian, not something to worry about. Not anymore.

In reality, the reported security breach at Patricia happened in 2022. Back then, social

media was replete with the news of the company’s retail trading arm experiencing a security breach. Although Patricia reported that everything was under control, clients were still scared.

Presently, the Nigerian economy is slightly harsher. As a result, the reemergence of old videos of that incident at Agbodje’s company has customers allegedly running to withdraw their assets from OPay, Moniepoint, Palmpay, and others affiliated with Agbodje and other technopreneurs like him.

Furthermore, Agbodje has proposed converting some of the N2 billion debt to shares. But few customers are allegedly not interested in such a move. The majority just want out.

Unless Agbodje does something about the current situation, his reputation will take a severe hit. Once that happens, he might start facing the same level of harsh criticism that certain American youngsters are currently facing for developing unreliable crypto trading platforms.

Adebayo Adelabu on Snail Speed over Power Sector Direction

Adelabu

The condition of Nigeria’s economy his making the people to put more pressure on public officials. This is obviously the case with the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who is now

being heavily criticised for appearing to contribute little to the economy. But things might not be as straightforward as they seem.

Adelabu has indeed been in charge of the power sector for two months now. Once believed to be a sound choice for the position, the narrative regarding Adelabu’s suitability for the Minister seat has changed. He is now described in terms indicating mediocrity and deficiency.

The primary cause for the changed narrative regarding Adelabu is his apparent decision to take things slowly. Back in September, he promised to improve Nigeria’s power sector by adding 20,000 megawatts of electricity. But things have remained the same, with Nigeria still struggling with a 4,500mw capacity.

The main issue at hand is that Adelabu has not drafted or presented a blueprint for his declared goal. Had

he supplied such policy details to the public, the present narrative about him would be different. But he has not.

Due to this evident pace of work, public commentators are throwing Adelabu under the bus for incompetence and unreliability.

Interestingly, a new narrative is emerging in which Adelabu’s failure to propel the power sector forward is on account of his persisting gaze on the Oyo State governorship seat.

Such critics of Adelabu would have him acknowledge that this is a terrible way of life. They would point him at Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior. The latter also desired to be governor in Ondo State but has retired from this dream to focus on his ministry. And there is visible progress at the Ministry of Interior.

Adelabu consequently needs to gird up his loins to do his work.

Good work is the best launchpad for ambition.

Siju Iluyomade: A Pastor with a Difference The conditions of a person’s heart will always be judged by their actions.

For people like Dr. Sijuade Iluyomade, a cursory run-through of their work would yield great admiration. And indeed, Iluyomade is something different from the current mould of pastors, one that values philanthropy and empowerment.

It is that time of the year when Dr. Iluyomade opens the doors of her heart for Nigerian women to step through and obtain goodies. This year’s edition of the Arise Women Conference was no different from the others, except in the area of the women reached and the bright futures meted out to them.

This year’s Arise Women Conference featured the standard empowerment scheme for Nigerian women. Leading a team of competent and established women, Dr. Iluyomade helped to lay the foundation for lasting impact and ease for the participants and beneficiaries.

The 2023 edition of the Conference

was held on Saturday, October 28 at Trinity Towers of the City of David, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Oniru, Victoria Island. Four additional centres were used due to the thousands of individuals who attended, even though attendees could access the Conference via TV broadcast and the internet.

This year, Dr. Iluyomade had prominent personalities that attracted this mammoth crowd. These included the First Ladies of the South-West States, with Lagos state’s Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu in the lead. Others included popular pastors, Jerry Eze and Tinuke Asegieme, as well as sensations like BJ Sax, Yinka Aleseyori, Mike Abdul, and Emma OH My God. Dr. Iluyomade’s impact continues to be felt in Nigeria and abroad. With the conclusion of this year’s Arise Women Conference, one can be sure of changed narratives in the lives and careers of the conference participants Iluyomade and beneficiaries.

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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 NOVEMBER 5, 2023

HIGHLIFE

Babajide Sanwo-Olu: New Legacy Project in the Offing The distance is growing between Lagos and its sister states. With the way things are going, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu might convert Lagos State into the authentic centre of good governance in Nigeria. With one good project following another, Sanwo-Olu is getting accolades from the citizenry.

It was not so long ago that Lagosians went into a frenzy over the successful completion of the Blue Rail Line project.

It was a significant step in Sanwo-Olu’s blueprint for the transformation of Lagos.

Apparently, things are not at all over. Reports show that the governor intends to excite his people further with the establishment of the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

The Fourth Mainland Bridge is a special project that has been in the minds of Lagosians for a long time. Expected to connect Lagos Island through Langbasa in Lekki with Baiyeku and Itamaga in Ikorodu, the bridge is also expected to take the position of Africa’s second-longest bridge.

Sanwo-Olu

The Fourth Mainland Bridge is believed to be the latest project by the Sanwo-Olu team. Following the Blue Rail Line project, commentators are optimistic, hoping that this will also change the economy of Lagos for the better, raising hope for Lagosians and Nigerians in general.

Sanwo-Olu’s plan to make the bridge a reality is already taking shape.

According to reports, he has already signed a partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), as well as Access Bank. The result of this partnership is an investment relationship guaranteeing about $1.4 for long-term infrastructure projects in Lagos.

Given this speed of progress, four years might just be sufficient for the softspoken governor to accomplish greater things than all his predecessors combined.

Nigerian Oil and Gas Ministers Skip Africa Energy Week The heart of a follower grows cold upon realising that the leader is not very interested in progress. Such a mindset is sprouting among informed Nigerians because of certain decisions and actions attributed to highprofile individuals in the country. Among these individuals, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, and his counterpart for Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, are leading the charge.

This year’s edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) Conference was held from October 16 to 20, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa. Known as the stage of the big players in the energy sector in Africa, this conference provided another opportunity for nations to shine. However, it seems that Nigeria was not as radiant as expected.

The alleged reason for the dullness in Nigeria’s record at the conference has to do with the absence of two of its most important figures, Lokpobiri and Ekpo.

At the time of writing, the ministers had not forwarded any explanation as to their absence

at the conference. Although multiple reasons have been generously supplied by the general public, none of these are considered credible since neither Lokpobiri nor Ekpo authored them.

Interestingly, Ekpo is reported to have been scheduled for a session at the conference.

He was allegedly supposed to offer insights regarding the investment opportunities that exist in Nigeria’s gas market, reinforcing the sectoradvertising strategy of his counterpart, Lokpobiri.

However, it was a no-show for both ministers, reportedly. Perhaps Lokpobiri’s absence is tied to political matters with Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri.

But what about Ekpo?

Agitated voices have risen against Lokpobiri and Ekpo for this negligence. Who knows, maybe the ministers had a legitimate excuse to be absent from a conference that could have announced Nigeria’s energy market as available for foreign investments.

Will Luck Save Lucky Aiyedatiwa from Impeachment?

Aiyedatiwa

Names are powerful indicators of the destiny of a child. But recently, these indicators often validate the irony of predestination. The impeachment attempt against the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is a case in point. With such a name, Lucky, should the deputy governor be so unlucky as to be impeached?

Ondo is one of the focal points for political commentary in Nigeria. The main reason is that the status of the deputy governor of the state, Aiyedatiwa, remains uncertain. It appears as if the powers that be are not interested in leaving him in the position of Ondo’s number two person.

Matters arising in Ondo for the past two or three months have Aiyedatiwa positioned against his boss, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Granted, the deputy governor has maintained his innocence regarding plots to replace Akeredolu, but things have not changed. They appear to remain against him, evidenced by the impeachment proceedings at the State House of Assembly.

Lokpobiri

Surprisingly, Aiyedatiwa attempted to further ingratiate himself to Governor Akeredolu with an apology letter. However, the letter did not achieve its purpose. Insiders allege that Akeredolu was not impressed with Aiyedatiwa’s method of apologising since the said method was general and let-the-sleepingdogs-lie in nature.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Aiyedatiwa’s apology came without any approval from Akeredolu. As the apology was conducted via a press conference, it reportedly did not convey any genuineness to the governor, resulting in futility.

Although many voices have joined Aiyedatiwa to make him acceptable to his boss once again, things are not looking too good at the moment. Moreover, it is not as if Akeredolu does not have his own problems.

It just might be a matter of dethroned chief and deputy seats, if care is not taken.

At the end of the day, Aiyedatiwa’s luck is not charming his detractors.

Perhaps, this might be the best outcome for him: deputy governor today and governor tomorrow. How that will come about, only God knows.

Bamikole Omisore’s Image on the Rise … How He Works Round the Clock with Osun State Governor Progress is an important aspect of life. Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, understands this point very well. This is evident from his appointments and the due diligence that accompanies them. This is where Bamikole Omisore shines in his capacity as Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Relations.

Where political appointments often drive out the hidden nefarious intentions in the heart, Omisore’s appointment has shown something else: an unyielding desire to see Osun and its

people in better conditions than the present. Having Governor Adeleke as his boss simplifies things for Omisore, resulting in good things said about him everywhere.

Omisore’s recurrence on the public scene has something to do with his dedication to the obligations of his office.

Even though he has long been acknowledged as Osun’s number-one relations and digital communications specialist, Omisore’s status in the hearts of Osun residents is now unfathomable.

Back when Adeleke’s team disclosed the appointment of Omisore, some people raised

their eyebrows. According to them, Omisore is too young and power easily gets into the heads of young people. These people neglected the fact that Omisore had already proved himself as a wielder of great power, in both economic and political terms.

As far back as 2011, Omisore already had the helm of power within reach as the Special Assistant on Media and Advocacy to Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, later to become Senior Special Assistant on International Relations to Saraki in 2016 when the latter became Senate President.

Omisore

Julian Osula: The Lifestyle King that Brings Luxury to Nigeria Some people perceive luxury as an unnecessary part of life, belabouring the pockets and inclining one to poverty. Others think otherwise, appreciating luxury for what it is. Julian Osula, the boss of Julian’s Luxury, stands at the centre of these people, effortlessly transforming the perspective of the former group to the latter.

Without question, Osula lives one of the most envy-inducing lives in Nigeria. Influential and affluent, the Prince of the Osula Royal family conducts himself with enough dignity to humble a European prince. But underlying all these is a simple man who enjoys delivering luxury things to his Nigerian customers.

Regarding the matter of luxury in Nigeria, Osula appears to take the duty of ensuring its prevalence upon himself. Whether it is a luxury car, wristwatch, or rare jewellery, Osula has mastered the science of navigating the skies and seas to ensure that his clients are always satisfied.

What is most interesting about the man from Benin is that he maintains a cool head. Neither pompous nor parasitical, Osula’s air always compels camaraderie. This is undoubtedly good for his business, but also for his reputation which has remained clean and unstained since he ventured into his luxury-shuttling business.

It is supposed that barkeepers are often the first casualties of their inebriating trade. Osula cuts the line. Although he deals in luxury, it is for his love of luxury, not merely for the money.

This is another reason his clients are so free with him, knowing that he is no dabbler, but a committed luxury merchant.

To bear the title King of Luxury among the most affluent figures in Nigeria is no big deal. But none of these figures have a problem with Osula. This could be attributed to Osula’s academic background in law, which helped him cultivate diplomacy to the peak.

Since Stiple Gate which Osula founded in 2011 and Julian’s Luxury which he established in 2013, the man has shown great commitment to delivering luxury to Nigerians. Even now, Osula is considered the number-one person to look to regarding luxury timepieces, jewellery, and accessories in Nigeria.

Osula

How Runsewe is Using Arts and Culture to Change Nigeria’s Image Vision is a necessary component for excellent leaders. The Director General (DG) of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Olusegun Runsewe, has this component. Due to his continuing work in harmony with this vision, Runsewe is getting outsiders to see Nigerians in a more positive light.

Runsewe’s appearance on the arts and culture scene has led to many productive transformations and outcomes. Since he set his hand on the plough to work, a day has not gone by that Runsewe’s diligence yielded nothing for the country’s image.

Given his dedication, Nigeria will soon be perceived as visitors’ delight.

If there is one thing that is consistent with Runsewe, it is the ideal of images and brands. Not long after he became NCAC DG, Runsewe sparked a debate regarding his unchanging choice of traditional garbs.

Always preferring ‘natives’ over suits and the like, Runsewe simply explained that he is a Nigerian and Nigerians should promote Nigerian things.

This attitude won Runsewe many rounds of applause back then. But it also flashed the light into the man’s ideology which is closely tied to the progress of Nigeria, which Runsewe believes can be achieved with arts and culture and without losing her identity.

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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 NOVEMBER 5, 2023

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

BITE, IF YOU WILL, PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU Well, it seems like President Bola Tinubu is settling down. Since the Supreme Court judgement, the steam from Atiku and Obi’s boats have evaporated and calm has suddenly descended on the land. Even the Naira sef has started showing some signs of recovery and the business of government is now the main focus.

So, you can imagine my joy at the speech by the president – I can now call him my President - at the ministers’ retreat. He had mentioned very firmly that any minister that does not perform will be shown the way out and went ahead to appoint that beautiful but very firm lady, Amaechi’s nemesis, in charge of the office that would be monitoring and evaluating these ministers and possibly recommending them for sack.

My excitement stems from the fact that if you look at this cabinet you will see that most of them were put there not because of their competence but as reward for services rendered during the elections, services expected to be rendered in the event of a run-off election and basically “because we come from the same village.”

I think President Tinubu is gradually growing in confidence and within the next few months, he will sack some of these people who really have no business in a cabinet that is saddled with the kind of economic woes that we face.

Mr. President well-done for that speech and I do hope you follow it through and sack all non-performers because as you say – the bulk really do stop at your table now.

Thank you.

Tinubu

Tinubu

Abubakar

Ajaero

Ita-Giwa

SIMINALAYI FUBARA: SEEING SPIRITS It was my brother, the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, who had said to this rookie governor that “if you want to see what you should not see, you will be seeing spirits...” Mr. Governor is definitely seeing spirits today less than six months after being sworn in.

His opponent being the “godfather” who went out of his way to install him against the wishes of the general people of Rivers. Did you really think that the very sophisticated people of Rivers in a fair and square competition will choose this Sim who looks not too sharp over the more cerebral Tonye Cole?

As someone whispered in my ear the other day, “See Edgar, do not pity the governor, what kind of person did you think Wike would choose to succeed him? Did you honestly think that Wike’s decision for a successor will take the interest of the Rivers people to heart?”

What we are witnessing today

is a fallout in the gangland. A godfather trying to brow-beat his hireling into shape. The kind of thing the New York mafia families used to do. The struggle here is for continued control and access of Rivers people’s resources and that is why Mr. Sim is seeing spirits today.

Shebi they have burnt down the State House of Assembly, shot at the governor, injured and maimed people and you still think all of these are for the good of the Rivers people.

People get the kind of leaders they deserve. Shebi they have been dancing to the nonsensical tunes of Wike as governor, watched him install his puppet and are still watching him try to decimate this puppet with the plan to install a more amenable puppet and you people are still there going about your business while all of this is going on.

My people, it is not Sim that is seeing spirits, it is Rivers people that are seeing spirits. They are captives and the sooner they come to that realisation, the better for

them. Na wa.

meetings where decisions that affect over 200 million people are taken.

It is not where you will carry a face cap and beards and black t-shirt to go and sit down for whatever reason.

I thank Mr. President for calling you out, even though I think the public callout was just a show, it was still enough to send a very strong signal to you and your admirers that enough is enough.

Aburo, comportment is the key word here. Maturity and reasonability is what is expected from you, not all these “jaga jaga” moves. Take on an issue or a grouping and represent them. Advocate for them, give them support, channel resources towards them and generally be their ambassador and face. That is how normal people play in this role. It could be boys scouts or even an industry. That way, you will gain international respect and not this one that you are playing Absalom all over the place. Abeg, it’s annoying.

Why not kuku attend plenary at

SEYI TINUBU: A STRONG WORD OF ADVICE Shebi you have just faced national disgrace from no less a person than your father, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Shebi, you will calm down now. It was getting too much and almost irritating. The stories coming from your behaviour were becoming too much and annoying.

You are not the first to be the son of the President. We have had plenty in the past, even children of military dictators, but none carry the thing put for head the way you have. Your matter tire person.

We were still struggling with the Presidential Jet matter only for us to now hear that you were attending FEC meetings.

My brother, attending the FEC meeting for wetin na? Is it to take pictures to post on your very popular social media handles or what? Did you attend as bragging rights or did someone dare you?

FEC meetings are very serious

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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 NOVEMBER 5, 2023

the National Assembly then we will now know we really do have the Son of the President of the Federal Republic.

ATIKU ABUBAKAR: HISTORY WILL BE KIND TO YOU Baba, how are you doing today?

I hope you are resting after such a hectic season. Do not worry my egbon, I do not agree with the APC which has come out to say that history will not be kind to you. Na lie, in all of these, you have proven to be a better democrat than your opponent. We all know what they could have done if the shoes were on the other leg.

We have had persons calling for the blood of baboons to flow. The others unleashed thugs and made the whole place ungovernable.

But you as a major democrat stuck to due process. You followed your agitation at huge personal cost, through very legally constituted means. You did not look at the weakened institutions and the very glaring possibility that you will not get fair hearing but you still put a lot of faith in the system, thereby doing much more than the rest in strengthening the system and the institutions therein.

Don’t worry oga, history will certainly judge you very fairly.

Your place in history will remain indelible and I must remind you of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who during his unjust incarceration on false allegations, had looked up in the sky and proclaimed- kai, I don forget what he said ooo. Kai, who do me like this o?

JOE AJAERO IS SEEING BLACK AND BLUE The last time I saw that kind of black eye was when Gbenga beat the living daylights out of me as a school boy in Shomolu. We were fighting over a girl and the mad man took blows to my face that when my mother saw me, she did not recognise me.

The people that beat up our NLC President are wicked people o.

From the look on his face, the blows must have been vicious to the point that as he was narrating the experience, you could still feel the fear in his voice.

NLC has said in a statement that it was the police, and if this is true then the IG of Police must as a matter of national attention, fish out those elements within his force and summarily deal with them.

You cannot just abduct any citizen and subject them to such treatment, talk less of a whole NLC president. I think all workers in the country should down tools until those elements are summarily dealt with. I do not believe that in my life I would ever support a national strike, but this one na me dey call for am. You cannot allow this to go scot free.

Such beating is so, so wrong and annoying. For what na? Why beat him that much? I really don’t understand. If it is truly that the police did this, then something must be done and if it is thugs, they must be fished out and dealt with.

How will Joe now carry this kind eye go and negotiate with the government during the next negotiations? Will he be able to see well so? Kai.

FLORENCE ITA-GIWA ON NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a classic example of the calibre of woman politician that I have been advocating for over the years.

Her doggedness in the face of intimidating odds has deservedly earned her a seat in the senate.

Even though she is not a member of my party, all the same, I salute her political courage. Of truth, it reminds me of the overwhelming impediments put in my way when I ran for my first election three decades ago.

It may surprise many, but to this day, the men I defeated are still bitter, and every now and again, they lash out at me. I, however, must caution Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that this victory may not be the end of physical, emotional, and verbal violence from recalcitrant male politicians. If anything, this victory is bound to attract more attacks as it would appear that in Nigerian politics, it is a crime to be a beautiful, articulate, and principled woman.

I therefore urge her to remain courageous and steadfast over the course of her blossoming political

Wike

NYESOM WIKE: WHAT MANNER OF MAN I am just very confused as I write.

These kinds of narcissists bordering on a self-evolving feeling of messianic proportions have only been seen in such despots as Adolf Hitler, Idi Amin and Emperor Bokassa, my favourite.

Those ones, you could understand that they arrogated to themselves the powers of life and death and carried themselves with the infallibility that made us all forget that they were mere mortals.

Mr. Wike seems to be very drunk in whatever drink that he has taken, giving him that sense of fake immortality and an invincibility that only him can decode and see. It’s amazing how an “employee,” because that is just what he really is in his latest position, can carry along the way he has been carrying to the point that he is being labelled ‘copresident.’

This is what you get, when you weaken processes and institutions. It throws up power-drunk maniacs who arrogate powers they do not have to themselves.

See him screaming “I paid for forms for everybody from the governor to the council man…” and nobody is asking, paid from where and how? Is it your money? Tax payers’ money? And you are shouting you paid? And because of that you now believe that you must be the Nebuchadnezzar of Rivers politics

and by extension may be Nigeria.

I know Nigerians really do not like calling a spade a spade but instead they will be calling me and saying, “Duke you no dey fear, oya fire Wike.”

Me sef will carry my big head and be firing.

But the truth is that Mr. Wike is a despot and not a very intelligent one at that. What has kept him going is the seeming inefficiencies within our system that allows such shallowminded but power drunk individuals like this to run riot over the place.

The way this particular demi-god has been carrying along for the past four years has not only been embarrassing but a total shame to all 200 million of us. How could we have produced such a leader? Not only produced “it” but nurtured it and kept it going to the point where regardless of rules, structure and all, it will be moving along almost uncontrollably.

President Tinubu, I don’t know how you could be so comfortable with such a loose cannon in your backyard to the point that he is now being labelled your co-president.

I do not know what exactly Mr. Wike has on you, but you have to be a man and clip his wings, after all, he is just an “employee.” I never see this kind one for my life. I just tire.

career.

While women ought to be glad about her victory, it is certainly not yet uhuru for women in politics.The number of women in elected office is still embarrassingly abysmal.

Natasha’s epic battle with powerful men in her state is sadly the lot of most women in politics who have to battle unprincipled male politicians for political space. ln the cause of my political career, I have had to confront and beat back unscrupulous male politicians who have continually tried to intimidate me politically.

As I congratulate Natasha AkpotiUduaghan , I wish to challenge other women in politics to be inspired by her doggedness. We must push on until we women form a critical mass within the Nigerian political space.

NAIRA MARLEY AND SAM LARRY: HUMAN RIGHTS ON TRIAL Something is happening o and I do not know if you guys have noticed at all. Social media pressure and its influence on justice delivery. I have been watching this very closely and have started feeling very uneasy about the happenings.

So, an issue erupts and social media goes ga ga and the celebrities jump in and pressure is on. Authorities start to pander to social media influence and human rights of some people start to suffer.

Seun Kuti, who stupidly slapped a policeman, was tried and jailed on social media. He was arrested, refused bail, incarceration extended and later released on bail after spending an extended time in jail.

Social media pressure.

Now the case of Naira and Larry, his co-traveller. They have been in detention for a bit. The time the judge gave to remand them has expired and as at the time of my writing, there has been no fresh court order legalising their continued stay in detention leading them to go to court in a bid to enforce their rights.

If anybody is thinking that social media is not playing a very powerful role in this matter, then that person went to Chicago State University.

I have always wondered if all the allegations of bullying, adultery, drugs and gangland activities thrown at Naira Marley and Larry’s doorsteps were the direct cause of Mohbad’s death. I have not really said anything because I am not an expert, but make I ask abeg, If I send boys to beat you two years ago and disrupt your concerts regularly and abuse your father and impregnate your wife and you now die after taking an injection from a quack nurse, does that mean say na me kill you?

But like I have said, I am not a crack police detective nor am I a lawyer so I cannot really say much on this matter other than to ask that the human rights of these two and those of all Nigerians in police custody be continually protected.

That is all I have to say on this for now. Thank you.

WELL DONE MADE KUTI Well-done to my boy who recently got hooked. I saw pictures and was very, very proud of him and his parents.

Femi Kuti, his father looked very well put out and Funke, his mother was an epitome of beauty. Congrats to the family.

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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 NOVEMBER 5, 2023

GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

With ESIFF 2023, Obaseki Paves the Way for Edo’s Cinematic Ascent Iyke Bede

Benin City, renowned globally for its rich historical and cultural heritage, will once again be the attention of the world as it hosts the second edition of the Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF) in celebration of cinema, arts and culture.

The upcoming edition of ESIFF aims to unite global filmmakers, artists, investors, distributors, and enthusiasts to celebrate cinema and boost the state’s revenue. From November 30 to December 2, 2023, the event will host various programs, workshops, and classes, focusing on enhancing the skills of over 5,000 delegates in line with industry trends. The festival also received over 3,000 movie entries from 126 countries and will screen over 500 for the festival. At a recently held Industry Mixer event at Eko Hotel and Suites, Governor Godwin Obaseki highlighted Edo State’s commitment to supporting the film festival, showcasing its cultural richness globally. He praised ESIFF for uniting cultures, fostering creativity, and attracting talents.

The motion picture and music recording sectors of the creative economy have already contributed approximately N154 billion to the country’s GDP this year. While

acknowledging the sectors’ potential, Obaseki stressed plans for a film village to retain local talent and boost employment.

“Films are so big and global, and the African share is growing. Nigeria accounts for a substantial portion of that share, we are the dominant market on the continent. With what we are going through and the push to diversify the economy, this is one quick way we nurture it. We did one film festival last year and we are doing another this year, and then next year. By the time we get to our fifth year, everybody will know that this has come to stay. There is a marketplace for this that now serves as a destination for a lot of younger people to be entrepreneurs.”

To encourage filmmakers who will be showcasing their film projects at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Sound Stage, Edo State, the governor revealed that exceptional works in 19 categories, including Best Non-English Film and Best Short Film, will be recognized and share a prize pool of $30,000. While he noted that Lagos is currently the entertainment capital of Nigeria, he reiterated that his state has the potential to contribute a significant quota as well, outlining plans to redesign the city centre and establish museums for returned artefacts to boost tourism.

Jituboh’s Riveting Tale Introduces ‘Madam Koi Koi’ to the Global Halloween Scene With his ambitious cinematic endeavour ‘The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi’ sent straight to global streaming platform Netflix, Nigerian filmmaker Jay Jituboh is set to introduce the vengeful figure that roams dormitories into the global spotlight. This film brings her into the world of Halloween thrills. Released on Halloween Day, Tuesday, October 31, the riveting origin story chronicles the tale of a rape gone wrong on the outskirts of a model boarding school.

Two decades later, the vengeful spirit roams, meting out punishment to persons it deems wanting. The two-part film immerses viewers in a microcosm that mirrors the broader world. According to Jituboh, it tackles numerous pressing societal issues, both locally and globally, including sexual harassment, rape, the influence of money in society, abuse of power, and various other societal ills.

Conceptualised in 2020, principal photography commenced in 2022 in Abeokuta and ran for three weeks.

Jituboh disclosed that the idea of bringing Madam Koi-Koi to the big screen was a no-brainer: he wanted to establish her legend to rank alongside Western counterparts like Dracula and BigFoot.

“I have always been an advocate of telling Nigerian stories in the Nollywood format, which is what Bollywood and Korea are doing. When it was time to do this film, it was a no-brainer for me: what was that one legend we have in Nigeria that everybody is familiar with and that we can tell the origin story in a way that can birth many more episodes or sequels? Madam Koi Koi was the only one that came to

Vanessa Obioha As Nigerian music and films continue to gain global appeal, comedian Kojah Kaze aims to redefine stand-up comedy with his new show ‘Don’t Judge Me,’ taking place today, November 5, 2023, at Terra Kulture.

The stand-up comedy show, according to the comedian, will be

The Macallan, Atafo Take Guests on a Sartorial Reverie In continuation of its partnership with Nigerian famed creative designer, Mai Atafo, The Macallan threw its weight behind the designer’s Spring/Summer ‘24 collection.

With about 70 models in 90 outfits, the fashion show themed ‘Sartorial Reverie’ pooled over 700 guests, including top Nigerian celebrities in the creative industry like renowned photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Nollywood veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, actress Shaffy Bello, Banky and Adesua Wellington, media personality IK Osakioduwa and singer Waje to the venue, Eko Hotels and Suites.

The collection was a stylish mix that merges contemporary design with traditional Nigerian style. It reflected Atafo’s timeless tailoring and innovative spirit.

“The collection ‘Sartorial Reverie’ is a celebration of my commitment to elevating the craftsmanship at ATAFO, and nothing emphasises mastery like The Macallan,” said Atafo.

“The ATAFO brand perfectly exemplifies The Macallan’s dedication to craftsmanship and the peerless spirit. And this showcase presents a unique opportunity to reinforce our commitment to Nigeria’s vibrant creative industry,” added Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi.

Jituboh

mind.”

With a lineup of upcoming actors like Martha Ehinome, Chuks Joseph, and Ejiro Onojaife, the audience generally gave a positive reaction at its private screening held a day before its official premiere. Other established acts in the lineup include Jude Chukwuka, Ireti Doyle, Chioma Chukwuka, and Omowunmi Dada.

With ‘Don’t Judge Me,’ Kojah Kaze Showcases Nigerian Comedy to Global Audiences

Kaze

L-R: Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Production Designer, Mrs Iyen Obaseki; Actor, Osezua Stephen Imobhio, and Chairman, Edo State Skills Development Agency, Mrs Ukinebo Dare, at the Industry Mixer event for the Edo State International Film Festival 2023.

recorded and distributed to streaming platforms.

“This is me telling the world that this is a new era of stand-up comedy in Nigeria,” he says, “The plan is to meet global standards, to have this project reach the global audience, to make them understand that we are here in the Nigerian entertainment space. The music and movies are doing very well, who says Nigerian stand-up comedy cannot reach a global audience as well.”

Recently, comedy shows have become a staple on streaming platforms such as Netflix. American stand-up comedians like Chris Rock, South African comedian Trevor Noah and even Nigerian AY have their comedy shows streaming on Netflix. Kaze hopes to join the expanding list and believes that the time is ripe for Nigerian stand-up comedy to be in the global spotlight. To truly achieve this, he said artists need to be consistent with their content.

While he prides himself in artistic sincerity by crafting his own jokes, he underscores the importance of originality in comedy.

“Plagiarism is a global problem to artistry. It just depends on the sincerity of the artist. Of course, people will say no idea is exclusive but it still boils down to sincerity. We may have similar ideas but the way we make it sets it apart. So I think it is the sincerity of artists that matters. You know when you are stealing except you want to lie to yourself.”

Elaborating more on the show which marks his debut on the stand-up comedy scene, the comedian who hails from Jos noted that the show is going to be edgy and thought-provoking. “’Don’t Judge Me’ is my debut stand-up comedy show. The theme is self-explanatory. We live in a very peculiar and interesting time in the entertainment and comedy space where people expect comedians to be politically correct. That’s why I am coming out to say a lot of stuff. This is a very dear project to me and my art and humour are from a place of sincerity.

My truth doesn’t have to be polite. It’s my reality and art should be an expression of one’s reality,” he says.

L-R: Amadi-Obi, Adeniyi and Atafo at the fashion show.

Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston Make Forbes’ Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities 2023 The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, leads the annual list of Forbes Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities 2023 with $115 million in earnings. It marks the second time the late artiste clinched the top spot. Jackson’s earnings increased over the past year from ticket sales of the Broadway hit ‘MJ: The Musical,’ which grossed about $85 million. The Cirque du Soleil show, ‘Michael Jackson ONE,’ in Las Vegas, also raked in millions for the deceased. Forbes forecast that his earnings will continue to rise given that his estate signed a biopic earlier in the year which will feature his nephew Jaafar.

Following him closely is his late father-in-law, Elvis Presley with $100 million. His home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee, saw about 600,000 visitors in the last 12 months and the estate has multiple sources of income, including tickets and merchandise. Other renowned dead celebrities on the list include Dr Seuss (No. 4, $40 million), Prince (No. 6, $30 million), and Whitney Houston (No. 7, $30 million). Forbes Dead Celebrity ranking this year includes pretax earnings from sales, streams, licensing deals and other sources between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, as well as estate acquisitions made or announced during the same period.

The late Michael Jackson

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

5. 11. 2023

Bruce Onobrakpeya, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig and a guest at Art X Lagos

This Year, Art X Lagos Sparks More Dialogue With a few landmark additions, this year’s edition of ArtX Lagos, which revolves around the theme, “The Dialogue”, sought to get more artists involved than ever before, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig tells Yinka Olatunbosun

I

nviting views. Warm embraces.

Exciting works. These are all essential parts of what have made Art X /DJRV D FXOWXUDO VWDSOH $ ÀUVW LQ :HVW Africa, this weekend is yet another gathering of art enthusiasts, curious minds, and collectors. Seven years ago, the founder of Art X Lagos, Tokini PetersideSchwebig, arrived on the art scene in Lagos with an unprecedented three-day fair beginning with a VIP opening at the Federal Palace Hotel. This \HDU LV QR GLͿHUHQW H[FHSW IRU D IHZ ODQGPDUN events that have been incorporated to heighten the experience for the thousands of visitors.

In an exclusive interview with PetersideSchwebig, THISDAY gathered much about the new paths that the fair is charting on the cultural landscape in Africa.

“This year, there is a need and space for GLDORJXH µ VKH EHJDQ ´'LͿHUHQW VHFWRUV DUH going through various challenges and situations. We have a theme this year: The dialogue.

We want the fair to be a place for conversations and contemplation. In the previous years, we had the dominance of art galleries at the fair.

This year, we would scratch that. This year’s edition is going to get more artists involved than ever before.”

Although the fair will only showcase 10 galleries this year, the strength of the event rests on the strong, ambitious projects and innovative LGHDV EHKLQG WKHP )RU WKH ÀUVW WLPH $UW ; /DJRV showcases Art X Cinema, a cinematic experience within the fair stand.

Describing this exhibit, Peterside-Schwebig said that it is the culmination of years of video installation segments that birthed the idea of Art X Cinema.

Wunikan Mukan and Jacqueline Suowari “This will be the epicentre of the fair,” she GLVFORVHG ´7KH ÀOP WKDW ZH ZLOO VKRZFDVH ZLOO explore the interplay that has existed between DUW DQG ÀOP $UW ; &LQHPD ZLOO EH H[SHULHQFHG across all four days of our fair, with a very detailed SURJUDPPH VKRZFDVLQJ ÀOPV DFURVV $IULFD and in the diaspora. We have never at the fair VKRZFDVHG D ÀOP WKDW VKRZV WKH FRQQHFWLRQ EHWZHHQ ÀOP DQG DUW DV DQ LQWHJUDO IHDWXUH RI the fair. We also have very ambitious special projects this year.

A very special spotlight on Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya is one of the highlights of the fair. As a revered member of the Zaria Art

Society, Onobrakpeya is being honoured with a presentation of his unique body of works, which showed the interplay between art and OLWHUDWXUH 6KRZLQJ WKH LQÁXHQFHV RI WKH ZRUNV of Cyprian Ekwensi, Wole Soyinka, and other literary giants, the works serve as a window into our cultural history and values.

“We will also see the presence of the Ghanaian artist, Ibrahim Mahama. He is a globally successful artist and the founder of Red Clay Studio, Savannah Centre for Contemporary Arts, and Nkrumah Volini,” she added.

“We will also see the presence of the Ghanaian artist, Ibrahim Mahama. He is a globally successful artist and the founder of Red Clay

Studio, Savannah Centre for Contemporary Arts, and Nkrumah Volini,” she added.

While the ticket prices remain the same, the stakes are higher this year. It is more important WKDQ HYHU EHIRUH IRU WKH IDLU WR UHGHÀQH LWVHOI DQG UHÁHFW WKH UHVLOLHQW VSLULW RI $IULFDQ DUWLVWV as a whole.

For Peterside-Schwebig, Nigeria’s reputation DV D ÀOP FDSLWDO LQ $IULFD PXVW EH VXVWDLQHG ZLWK projects that amplify the diverse artistic voices.

"We are well aware that beyond the works WKDW WUDGLWLRQDO ÀOPPDNHUV FUHDWH PDQ\ DUWLVWV LQ WKHLU FDUHHUV KDYH SURGXFHG ÀOPV WKDW VSHDN WR GLͿHUHQW H[SHULHQFHV LQ WKH VRFLHW\ :H MXVW wanted to be the avenue to join that. This is going to be a space and session within the fair where audiences will be invited to question and where hopefully, our intention is to spark dialogues. I should say at this juncture that when people hear our theme ‘The Dialogue’ they may presume that the entire fair is simply talks and conversations. The experience this year is about sparking dialogues among our audiences."

Meanwhile, the winners of the Access ART X Prize 2022 edition are Dafe Oboro (Nigeria 3UL]HZLQQHU DQG %HOLQGD .D]HHP .DPLĸVNL (Africa/Diaspora Prizewinner) are already enjoying the dividends of their victory.

Dafe spent three months at Gasworks in London for a residency courtesy of Access Holdings while Belinda had hers in Lagos at G.A.S Foundation founded by Yinka Shonibare.

The two artists are showcasing their solo exhibiWLRQV DW WKH IDLU UHÁHFWLQJ SHUVRQDO PHPRULHV DQG experiences in their families while also speaking to their journey as artists.

The fair which ends today will be another experience that won't be forgotten in a hurry.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2023

ARTS & REVIEW\\POT POURRI

All for an Artist’s Mother and Universality Yinka Olatunbosun

F

ollowing a successful career in architecture, Abe Odedina, born in 1960, has followed a new career path since 2007 while on a trip to Brazil. In a quest to release his artistic energy and honour his mother, who has just turned 96, he is showcasing his ERG\ RI ZRUN IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ D /DJRV gallery. Inside the carefully lit O’DA Gallery in Victoria Island sat the bespectacled artist, who was excited to be showing his unique SDLQWLQJV LQ /DJRV DOEHLW IRU WKH VHFRQG WLPH )ODVKEDFN WR KLV ZRUNV ZHUH ÀUVW UHFHLYHG LQ 1LJHULD DW WKH $UW ; /DJRV West Africa’s largest fair, with warmth and enthusiasm. Buoyed by that experience, he began to work on the next project. Thankfully, he found a kindred spirit in Obida Obioha, the founder and creative director of O’DA Gallery, who unearths the richness embedded in Odedina’s tableaus for the /DJRV DXGLHQFH 2GHGLQD ZKR EHVWUDGGOHV /RQGRQ DQG Brazil, drew largely upon his background in architecture to define his style. Selftrained, he has unapologetically captured composition elements of Renaissance portraiture and pop art framed from both classical Haitian and African myWKRORJLHV LQ WKLV VKRZ WLWOHG :DON /LNH a Champion.

"I paint acrylic on plywood possibly because it was a material I was used to working as an architect. I like the solidity and practicality of working with plywood.

If we are honest and historically accurate, images on board happen several hundred years before painting on canvas. In a funny way, I'm going back to the roots. I simply do what I would to plywood and it gives me the sort of response that I felt comfortable with. That's how my technique has HYROYHG , VXSSRVH P\ ZRUNV DUH ÀJXUDWLYH paintings that explore abstract concepts.

I am exploring ideas about our common humanity."

Though far from being biographical, his works are deeply personal even as their subject matters resonate with every viewer.

about 25 paintings, he evokes the African spirit and worldview. For instance, in the ZRUN WLWOHG ´6LJQLÀFDQW 6LOHQFH µ KH H[WROV the virtue of being discreet.

"The work with a man whose mouth is padlocked is not about restriction. As a Yoruba man, and more importantly as an Ijebu man, there is something called discretion. We are in a world of sharing and oversharing and people are not sure what to say, when to say and how to say it. And it seems we all want to be part of the conversation. That's just a reminder that there is such a thing as D VLJQLÀFDQW VLOHQFH 3D HQX H GH <RX KDYH to know when to shut up."

This piece is perhaps particularly relevant in our world that is dominated by social media usage. The platform, though empowering, has made silence far from being golden. Odedina explained further KRZ WKLV ZRUN LV GLͿHUHQW IURP WKH RWKHUV at the show.

"The power of knowing what not to say and not saying things is as powerful as constantly saying things. I'm not interested in verbal diarrhoea. My paintings are about questions. I am not interested in preaching to anybody. I am interested in provoking dialogue. You must also know when to talk.

In another piece rendered in monochrome, Odedina projects the barber's shop image as a symbol of communality.

"When you are of a particular age, you start to follow your dad to the barber's," he explained. "And that is when you begin to learn about the important aspects of huPDQLW\ <RX EHJLQ WR PHHW GLͿHUHQW SHRSOH Obida Obioha and Abe Odedina at the opening of the show in Lagos GLͿHUHQW IURP WKRVH \RX PHHW DW KRPH 7KH\ could brush your hair in a harsh way but WKHQ \RX FRXOG KHDU FRQYHUVDWLRQV GLͿHUHQW to have been raised by a strong woman.

"I am the fourth child. At some point, all from the conversations at home. You begin EXHIBITION my siblings had gone to university or lived to understand that the world is bigger than somewhere else. Actually, we got very close. you could understand."

For him, the barber’s shop is a meeting "For me, I explore human concepts and She is giving me tools to be the kind of person the triumphs of daily life," he continued. "I that I have become. She has handed me SODFH IRU WKH FRPPXQLW\ QRW GLͿHUHQW IURP am looking for universality; the things that the compass that allows me to go through where women plait their hair.

With colours that allude to Orisha, Odeunite all of us. Why do I do this? We tend OLIH ZLWK D FHUWDLQ FRQÀGHQFH LQ WHUPV RI dina weaves through the threads of human to forget these things and are so happy to making decisions."

In explaining the idea behind the title Walk existence—along the lines of the triumphs FHOHEUDWH RXU GLͿHUHQFHV , ORYH WKH WKLQJV /LNH D &KDPSLRQ 2GHGLQD VDLG WKDW LW LV and tragedies of life—to tell a truthful tale we share."

On why he had dedicated the show to his about being one’s true self and being com- with universal appeal.

The show runs till November 18. mother, Odedina recalled what it feels like fortable with that ever-changing self. With

Imal Silva... Still the Same Artist with a Cause Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

K

Silva

nown to have hitherto deployed his art for public engagement and enlightenment—for such causes as raising awareness about people with disabilities, voluntary blood donation, and rape and sexual abuse, as well as maternal and child health—Imal Emmanuel Silva, in his most recent works, which were produced earlier this year, challenges the proclivity for urbanisation that disregards the natural environment. ,Q RQH RI WKH SDLQWLQJV³DQ DEVWUDFW RͿHULQJ titled “Vertical City for My Children!”—patterns of yellow, red, and green resembling shards of broken bottles are strewn against a grey backdrop. Here the artist seems to decry the anarchic urbanisation that favours grimy masonry over greenery, thus compromising the future of humanity by making no provision for the joy of communal living and exercise.

Indeed, isn’t it amazing how the one-time acolyte of the great nonagenarian artist Bruce Onobrakpeya, while excelling as a creative entrepreneurial maestro, deftly curates his SURÀOH DV D FRPPLWWHG DUWLVW" 7KH 6UL /DQNDQ born Abuja-based artist, whose last known solo exhibition—a retrospective, really—was presented last year and caused quite a stir in Ibadan, where he was raised, appears to have developed a penchant for peddling hope in these dire times.

That exhibition, which coincided with the opening of TECH Art Gallery, had the inspired WLWOH ´7KH 6,/9$ OLQLQJ ,PDO 6LOYD 7KH 0DQ His Art, and His Journey ”, a pun on his name,

VISUAL ARTS and left viewers with a nuanced message of hope for better times to come for the country. $UW WKH 5R\DO &ROOHJH RI $UW /RQGRQ DOXPQXV once explained, has always been a theme song of his life since he, as a ten-year-old, migrated ZLWK KLV PRWKHU IURP 6UL /DQND WR ,EDGDQ ZKHUH he attended the International School and the University of Ibadan. That his long residence in this south-western Nigerian city subsequently QRXULVKHG KLV HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI WKH 7UHDVXUHV /LIH $UW *DOOHU\³RIWHQ DEEUHYLDWHG DV 7 /³VKRXOG

therefore not come as a surprise.

Having conducted several workshops and held many exhibitions, Silva virtually became legendary in Ibadan for his art activism. He was a past executive of Alliance Française, Ibadan, a WZR WLPH MXGJH DW WKH /LIH LQ 0\ &LW\ DUW FRPpetition, and a member of the Nigerian Field Society and Museum Society, in addition to his advisory role at the Oyo State Ministry of Information, Arts, and Culture. Furthermore, he has frequently appeared as a guest on national and international television networks to discuss art-related themes, and his work has been widely covered in national newspapers.

PHOTO NEWS

Dr Bukar Usman delivering his keynote address at the 13th National Conference on "Literature in Northern Nigeria" at the University of Abuja recently

33

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2023

CICERO

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Fubara vs Wike: Dark Clouds Not Over Although temporary calm might have returned to Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, many still believe the current truce is a postponement of the evil days. Wale Igbintade writes

T

hose following the politics of Rivers State, knew it was only a matter of time before the honeymoon between Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, collapses due to the indecorous and brazen behaviour of the latter.

Fubara, a former Accountant General in the state, was single-handedly imposed on the state

by Wike as his successor. The immediate past governor had literally forced other governorship aspirants in the state to step down, thus paving the way for the ‘unwilling’ Fubara to emerge as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and eventually, the governor of Rivers State.

The hitherto papered cracks has started to become noticeable after the FCT minister allegedly handpicked, as well as forced virtually all the members of the State Executive Council (SEC) on the governor.

A source in the state informed THISDAY that Wike was frequently giving directives and instructions to the governor on what he should do and who to appoint into positions in the state, including approving files.

Practically all the personal aides, including the governor’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) were appointed by Wike. All the local government executives were also handpicked by the minister, sources said, adding that, members of the state House of Assembly and their leadership were also put in place by the minister to gag the governor and get him out of office if he attempted to resist his dominance.

The development, it was learnt, made the commissioners and local government chairmen to have very little regard for the governor.

It was further gathered that there was one instance where Wike was said to have driven into the Government House and openly chastised the governor for gifting the Government House staff some money after a project inspection.

An embarrassed Fubara was said to have taken the situation with equanimity. Even the appointment of the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, was allegedly perfected to quicken Fubara’s exit from power should he “misbehave”.

Investigation revealed that when Justice Adama Iyayi Lamikanra was to retire from service

Fubara and Wike in 2021, Justice Joy N. Akpughunum, who was the most senior judge in the state, was sidelined

by Wike, who preferred Justice Amadi, who was number three in seniority ranking, to head the state judiciary because he needed a pliable chief judge in the plot to remove Fubara from office.

The minister had also allegedly limited the governor’s movement within the state to prevent him from sharing his unpleasant experience with other sister governors and other national figures, who might advise him on ways to free himself from Wike’s grip.

This was believed to have accounted for Fubara’s failure to attend PDP governors meetings, which had been held several times since May 29, 2023.

Observers believed that attempts by Fubara to resist Wike’s excesses lately had led to a frosty relationship between the duo, culminating in the alleged instigation of the state House of Assembly to impeach the governor.

Many further believed that the last straw that broke the camel’s back was the governor’s nomination of Commissioner for Information, which he added to the four commissioners that Wike brought in the last batch of five commissioners.

Wike was said to have insisted that the information commissioner must be dropped, a directive the governor was said to have resisted.

“Even the governor’s friends were disallowed from visiting the Government House without

Wike censoring them through the retinue of aides he surrounded Fubara with.

“When the governor could not take it any longer, he offered to give Wike back the governorship seat. He packed out of Government House and refused to continue to commission projects,” a source said.

The height of the feud was when 24 out of the 32-member state House of Assembly, last Monday, attempted to impeach Fubara as governor, resulting in the open crisis that engulfed the state, following the protest that rocked the Assembly complex against the impeachment plot.

Earlier, there had been the bombing of the assembly by suspected arsonists on Sunday night, which damaged a chamber in the assembly and several otherstructures.

Even though President Tinubu had intervened in the feud, it was clear from Wike’s utterances after the intervention that the crisis won’t go away soon.

Tinubu was said to have told Wike to come to terms with the fact that Fubara had become governor and should respect him as the leader of the state. He noted that respecting the governor and his office would help to reduce tension and stave off unnecessary ill-feelings between them, even among their supporters.

According to a THISDAY report, the president pointed out that the minister might have assisted Fubara to become governor, but, ultimately, it

was God, who made him governor and as such, he must lead the state with the fear of God and be just to all.

Tinubu, who promised to meet with the governor privately for proper briefing on the situation, however, condemned Fubara’s outburst on national television. He said it was too early and not strategic in any way to have put up a combative poise on national television.

But reacting to the efforts to bring peace between him and his estranged political son, an obviously unrepentant Wike said he would not allow anyone to hijack the political base he had built over the years, and insisted that any politician whose base was usurped would automatically become irrelevant, adding that he was not bothered about the allegations against him, especially on the social media.

His words: “Everyone wants to be politically relevant. Would you allow anybody to just come and take over your political structure? Everybody has a base. If you take my base, am I not politically irrelevant? You can say anything you want to say, at the appropriate time, we will know who is right and who is wrong.”

Wike’s utterances on how all the elected leaders in the state had become his personal investments because none of them paid for their nomination forms,showed the minister’s desperation to run the state as his personal estate, without regard to the fact that his predecessors did not interfere in his running of the state during his eight-year tenure as governor.

Unfortunately, this is an indication that Fubara’s headache is far from over, despite Tinubu’s intervention. This is why the president needs to vehemently warn the minister before he throws the state and the entire Niger Delta into chaos.

Tinubu also needs to listen to leaders and groups in the state and outside, including foremost Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, and civil society groups such as Coalition of Democratic Vanguard, that have issued a strong warning to Wike and his allies against attempting to undermine Fubara.

While Clark called on Tinubu to call Wike to order, the group in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr. Thompson Orumbo, and Secretary, Chief Peter Nwabunna, condemned any attempt to undermine the democratic process and urged all parties involved to respect the will of the people and also prioritise the betterment of the state.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

When Ajaero Tasted Uzodimma’s High-handedness

Uzodimma

Ajaero

President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, tasted the high-handedness of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State when he was arrested andbrutalisedbysomeoperativesoftheNigeriaPolice in the state.

At a press briefing in Abuja, last Sunday, Ajaero had announced that the union would shut down the state capital, Owerri, due to alleged violation of workers’ rights by the state government.

As early as 8 am on Wednesday, workers started gathering at the state secretariat of the NLC for the protestbutsuddenlysomemenwithweaponsreportedly stormedthesecretariatandattackedtheworkersand chased them away.

It was learnt that the workers later re-assembled at thesecretariat,ledbybothAjaeroandGeneralSecretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, to commence the protest.

Justas Ajaerowasabout toaddressthegathering,a teamofheavily-armedpolicemenarrestedhimalongside some officials of NLC and took them to their popular dreaded base called Tiger Base.

Confirming the development to journalists via telephone, the Head of Information and Publicity at the NLC, Benson Upah said the NLC president was abducted by policemen armed to their teeth at the Imo State NLC secretariat.

Also, while giving the account of the incident, the Chief of Staff to the NLC president, Chris Onyeka, said he was standing with Ajaero when he was brutalised and arrested.

Meanwhile,Ajaerowasreleasedbythesecurityforces at about 3pm with serious injuries on his body and was later hospitalised.

The state governorship election comes up on

November 11 and Governor Uzodimma is seeking a reelection with alleged desperation.

Eventhough thestate government hasdenied having anything to do with the brutality, since Uzodimma became governor,thestatehasnotknownpeace.Thisis whytheNLCpresidentneededtohavebeencircumspect.

He could have allowed the election to be over before going to the state for the protest.

However, it is unfortunate that the police had to brutalise Ajaero. The Nigeria Police are always very effective in dehumanising unarmed citizens.

When it comes tousingthepolicetobrutalisepolitical opponents, state governors are also very effective as chief security officers of their states. But when they should use them to tackle unknown gunmen and other agents of insecurity, they would always claim that the police are not under their control and supervision.

34

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2023

BRIEFINGNOTES Kogi’s First Female Senator Humbles Yahaya Bello Despite the formidable forces deployed by suspected agents of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to truncate the political ambition of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, her doggedness, resilience indomitable spirit and popularity frustrated all the state and nonstate forces with the recent judgment of the Appeal Court declaring her as authentic winner of the February 25 senatorial election in Kogi Central, Ejiofor Alike reports

I

t was a humbling, if not a humiliating experience for the Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday, when he announced his acceptance of the Appeal Court’s verdict affirming Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected Senator for Kogi Central, and congratulated her for the victory.

The humiliation stemmed from the fact that despite the state machinery and non-state apparatus the governor’s suspected agents mobilised for over five years to stop her political ambition, she not only triumphed over these forces but also emerged as the senator representing the sitting governor’s senatorial zone on the platform of an opposition party.

Many believe her victory signifies a vote of no confidence in the governor and his eight-year tenure by his Kogi Central senatorial district.

Reacting to the Appeal Court verdict, the governor, while addressing State House correspondents after the Police Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, reportedly said: “I accept the decision of the Appeal Court and I use this opportunity to congratulate my sister, Barrister Natasha as a senator of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.”

He added: “I, as the executive governor of Kogi State received the news of the decision of the Court of Appeal nullifying the election of Senator Abubakar Ohere, and affirming Barrister Natasha Akpoti as the senator representing Kogi Central.”

The governor’s humiliation began in September when the Kogi State National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, pronounced AkpotiUduaghan as the rightful winner of the February 25 National Assembly elections as against Abubakar Sadiq Ohere of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was earlier declared winner of the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The tribunal chairman, Justice K. A. Orjiako, who delivered the unanimous judgment of the three-member panel, declared that Ohere’s results were inflated in nine polling units in the Ajaokuta Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

He added that INEC reduced Akpoti-Uduaghan’s results in those areas and omitted the results of three other polling units meant for her in the same LGA. Following the corrections, the tribunal declared her as the winner of the election with 54,074 votes, as against Ohere’s 51,291 votes.

However, dissatisfied with the tribunal judgment, Ohere approached the Court of Appeal,

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (right), handing over a copy of the Senate Standing rules to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, after her swearing-in by the Clerk of the Senate seeking to quash the tribunal’s verdict.

But the three-member panel of the appellate court, in a verdict, upheld the judgment of the state’s election tribunal and dismissed Ohere’s appeal.

The court agreed with the submission of counsel for Akpoti-Uduagan, Mr. Joshua Usman, (SAN), that Ohere’s appeal lacked merit.

Before Governor Bello congratulated her on Tuesday, his suspected agents had deployed state and non-state apparatuses to frustrate her political ambition but she remained undaunted.

During the November 16, 2019 governorship election, which she contested on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), AkpotiUduaghan had alleged that Governor Bello had ordered people to kill her since the eve of the election.

Addressing journalists shortly after she cast her vote, she said that no credible election was going on in Kogi central as most of her party agents had been harassed and arrested by “fake police officers.”

“I have been ready for the past hour and half but each time I try to cast my vote, there are sporadic gunshots then chanting violent words.

“This is definitely not an election; this is almost like a war zone and the sad thing is military personnel and security agents around there are doing nothing while thugs harass the SDP agents,” she explained.

Despite the violence unleashed on her and her supporters in the 2019 governorship election in the state, she remained undeterred and still contested the National Assembly elections on February 25, 2023.

But Governor Bello’s political intolerance also manifested when he allegedly ordered the destruction and excavation of major roads leading to the Kogi Central on the eve of the National Assembly elections, in what his opponents described as an attempt to obstruct the movement of election materials and personnel.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was the senatorial candidate of the PDP and who also wields significant influence in the politics of the state, had described the excavation of the major roads leading to the areas considered her strongholds as politically-motivated.

But defending this shameful action, the state government described it as a preemptive measure to stop terrorists from unleashing havoc on the

people of the state.

In a statement issued on February 24, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, cited an unrelated bomb blast that had occurred two months earlier, on December 29, during a visit by the then President Muhammadu Buhari.

“One of the measures arrived at was to restrict the number of routes to the flashpoints to enable security agents to properly mount effective surveillance on the other access roads for the safety of the people,” the commissioner added.

Despite the violence unleashed on her and the manipulation of the senatorial election results in favour of the APC candidate, both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal have unanimously declared her as the authentic winner of the election, to the humiliation of the governor, who had no choice than to accept the court’s verdict and congratulate her.

In her reaction to Bello’s congratulatory message, the senator who was sworn in on Thursday, by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had on Tuesday, accused the Kogi State government of a plot to harm her during the senatorial election.

She made this allegation in an interview on national TV. “I heard guns; I heard his henchmen shoot at my vehicle; I have video evidence of that,” she said.

She expressed concerns over Governor Bello’s recent statement where he acknowledged her victory.

She said: “He said this is the beauty of politics; this is not the beauty of politics. You don’t endanger people, you don’t destroy properties, and you don’t frustrate the electoral process just because you want your candidate to win and call it ‘the beauty of democracy.”

She recalled that essential routes within the state were destroyed to impede the seamless progress of the election.

“It was a day for the election, but thank God we had the payloaders, and I went all night; we had to cover the gullies so that the election could take place.”

With her victory, the first female senator in Kogi State has demonstrated that she is a dogged fighter who cannot be cowed by manipulative forces.

At last, her resilience, and wide acceptability by her people have paid off.

Her case should serve as a lesson to some governors who think that they can always use the apparatus of government to lord it over the people and truncate their wishes.

NOTES FOR FILE

Can High Court Judges Stop Ridiculing the Judiciary?

Ariwoola

The judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja last week, giving the nod to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, to participate in the November 11 poll, should serve as a reminder to High Court judges across the country to strictly follow the precedents set by the Supreme Court on locus standi when challenging candidates who emerged from primary elections in order not to further ridicule the judiciary.

Recall that the Abuja Federal High Court had on October 9 disqualified Sylva from the election, following a suit by a member of the APC in the state, Demesuoyefa Kolomo.

In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/821/2023, Kolomo, who was not an

aspirant in the primary, had asked the court to determine whether Sylva was qualified to contest in the election, having occupied the office of governor of Bayelsa from May 29, 2007, to April 15, 2008, and May 27, 2008 to January 27, 2012.

Ruling, Justice Donatus Okorowo held that allowing Sylva to contest again would breach the provisions of the 1999 constitution, having been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as a governor of the state. The judge also said Sylva would spend more than eight years in office if allowed to participate in the election and eventually win.

Citing the case of Marwa vs Nyako at the Supreme Court, Okorowo noted that the drafters of the country’s consti-

tution stated that nobody should be voted for as governor more than twice.

However, dissatisfied with the judgment, Sylva asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment.

In a unanimous decision by a three-man panel last Tuesday, the court held that the litigant who initiated the suit that led to Sylva’s disqualification lacked the locus standi to do so.

Though the appellate court did not deal with the substantive issue which was whether Sylva is qualified to contest the election but relied on technicality which borders on locus standi, it was obvious that the lower court did not follow the precedence of the Supreme Court on such cases.

The Federal High Court was supposed to know that Kolomo was clearly not a candidate in the primary election that produced Sylva as candidate in the first place, and as such, lacked the locus to institute the suit.

35

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2023

CICERO/ISSUE

Egbetokun

Fagbemi

Police Give Gunshots, Accident Victims Hope Despite the enactment of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017 to prevent people from dying unnecessarily from gunshot and accident wounds, hospitals have continued to reject victims. But it is hoped that the directive from the Inspector General of Police will go a long way to saving lives, writes Wale Igbintade

I

n order to ensure full compliance with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, last week directed all medical practitioners and facilities in the country to provide prompt treatment to all victims of gunshots and accidents, irrespective of the presence of a police report.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the police, Muyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun disclosed that the decision was in response to the ongoing concern over the tragic loss of lives due to the neglect of gunshot and accident victims by medical practitioners. He said the directive is aimed at prioritising the immediate care and stabilisation of such patients, recognising the critical importance of timely medical attention in saving lives.

“The IG’s directive aligns with the full enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, which mandates that all healthcare providers prioritise the immediate care and stabilisation of such patients, recognizing the critical importance of timely medical attention in saving lives.

“TheIGunderscoredthemoraldutyandresponsibility of medical practitioners to uphold the sanctity of life and provide life-saving care to those in need aiming to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers, facilitating a more efficient and compassionate response to emergency situations, and curbing crimes by fulfilling their obligation to invite the Police for assessment while treatment is ongoing,” police statement explained.

Recall that outrage had recently greeted the death of a community developer and member of the Young African Leaders Initiative Network (YALI), Greatness Olorunfemi, who was said to have been rejected at the Maitama General Hospital, in Abuja, which allegedly denied her treatment for not providing a police report.

According to witnesses, Olorunfemi was pushed out of a fast-moving vehicle, popularly called ‘one chance’ along the Maitama-Kubwa highway by hoodlums who reportedly robbed her on September 26.

It was alleged that due to the severe injuries she sustained, the Maitama General Hospital in Abuja refused to grant her medical attention over the absence of a police report.

The hospital, however, denied the allegations, claiming that the deceased was brought in dead.

But efforts by the federal government to address

the issue of people dying unnecessarily from gunshot and accident wounds by enacting the Act, reports across the country have shown that victims are still being rejected by hospitals.

Before the signing of the legislation law by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017, the misinterpretation of the provision of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap 398 of 1984 had led to the death of several innocent Nigerians. Part of the act states: “It shall be the duty of any person, hospital or clinic that admits, treats or administers drugs to any person suspected of having bullet wounds to immediately report the matter to the police. It shall be an offence, punishable under this Act for any person to knowingly house, shelter, or give quarters to any person who has committed an offence under Section (2) of this Act.” While there is nowhere in the Act which bars attending to gunshot victims, even if they are armed robbery suspects, there have been several instances where doctors were brutalised by the police and arrested for performing their professional duty of treating gunshot victims. But it has also been established that many doctors simply latch on to this to insist on police reports where timely and effective response to emergency victims could save life.

It is a harrowing experience for families to lose their loved ones under such cold-blooded deaths.

One of such cases involved the late Bayo Ohu of The Guardian Newspaper, who was shot in his Lagos home in 2009 by suspected assassins. The first hospital refused to admit him. By the time he was taken to a public hospital, he was pronounced dead. The death of Saka Saula, a former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), Lagos State chapter, followed the same pattern in 2008.

Cases of unwarranted deaths under similar circumstances were so incessant before the enactment of the relevant legislation, that the then Inspector-General of Police (IG), Solomon Arase, had to re-issue a statement on this matter in 2015, where he charged his officers and men not to harass Nigerians and good Samaritans in this regard.

Arase, who is now the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), also reminded doctors that they were “equally duty-bound to treat victims’ wounds and further inform police of relevant facts.”

Unfortunately, the police have continued to ignore this charge while hospitals have also continued the practice of rejecting victims. It was not surprising

that one Christopher Ojiaka died in Port Harcourt in November 2017, after two hospitals refused to admit him, following gunshot injuries he sustained at a bank ATM. Two years ago, the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, proposed an amendment bill which among others, sought to establish the Medical Emergency Assistance Fund to cover the treatment of victims of gunshot, knife wounds and other life-threatening emergencies. However, her effort did not yield any result.

ManyNigerianswonderwhythecountrystillrecords cases where hospitals demand police reports before treatment of gunshot wounds in 2023.

The hospitals’ rejection of emergency cases of this nature is an abuse of the most important fundamental human right – the right to life, enshrined in Section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution. No one, the constitution emphasises, shall be deprived of it, save in the execution of capital offence, for which the person had been found guilty by the court.

What seems obvious is the fact that the fear of police harassment is not the only obstacle to the enforcement of this life-saving law, but the profit motive of hospitals. In an emergency, the victim or the Good Samaritan that may rush him/her to a health facility may not have cash to deposit immediately. For this reason, elaborate public enlightenment on the details of the Gunshot Act is imperative, especially on the penalties for its violation by hospitals, doctors, nurses and policemen.

By doing so, the law will not be like any other legal instrument in the country, which is observed in the breach. In fact, if society had been one of law and order, a new law to compel hospitals to save lives in an emergency would have been needless.

Apart from the constitution, The National Health Act 2014 had made a provision for this. In Section 20, it states partly: “A health care provider, health worker or health establishment shall not refuse a person on emergency medical treatment for any reason. An offender is liable to a fine of N100,000, a jail term of six months or both upon conviction.”

But despite the signing of the law into existence, deaths of gunshot victims have continued unabated.

The latest devastating news has once more brought to the fore, the non-adherence to the provisions of the Act. The Act also imposes on every citizen a civic duty to render every possible assistance to any person

with gunshot wounds by ensuring that the person is taken to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment.

It also mandates all medical facilities to receive and accept victims of a gunshot for immediate treatment without a police report.

As soon as the President signed the law, the then Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, emphasised what was expected of doctors in emergencies at an event: “Hospitals are a sanctuary for the sick and injured… Doctors must show no restraint in treating emergencies, even with gunshot wounds, you must treat them, and thereafter raise questions.

You must also treat emergencies before asking for money because life is more precious than money.”

Understandably, gunshot injuries might prompt suspicion, but hospitals need to provide treatment first because even a criminal has to be alive to face justice.

Under the law, any hospital in Nigeria whether public or private shall receive and accept for immediate treatment anyone with a gunshot wound without demanding payment of deposit.

The Act also accords volunteers or helpers of gunshot victims the right to be treated with respect and not to be subjected to unnecessary and embarrassing interrogation in their genuine attempt to save a life.

The Act lists the responsibilities of the police as follows: To render every possible assistance to any person with gunshot wounds and ensure that the person is taken to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment; to commence an investigation to ascertain the circumstances under which the person was shot; and to furnish the hospital with background information of the victim.

Additionally, The Act has an array of penalties for those who contravene it. For instance, any hospital that fails to make a report commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 and every doctor directly concerned is equally liable on conviction to a term of six months or a fine of N100,000 or both.

Equally, a person or authority, including any police officer, or other security agents who stand by and fails to perform his duty under this Act which results in the unnecessary death of any person with gunshot wounds, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of five years or both.

The police, hospitals and all relevant stakeholders are expected to comply with this Act to save Nigerians from avoidable deaths.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2023

36

INTERNATIONAL

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S

ince 2020, international peace and security has been gradually challenged by regional threats, especially from the continent of Africa. The reason for this cannot be far-fetched: Africa has always been a terra cognita for insecurity, ranging from human insecurity, intra-State civil and military unrest, to agitations for ethnic separation and true democracy. In 2018, public protests against the government of President Omar al-Bashir, asking for return to true democracy, led to his removal as President of Sudan. He was then and still now under the International Criminal Court’s warrant of arrest.

Coup-making in Sudan began in 1958 and has not ended. The brutalities perpetrated under President al-Bashir eventually led to the carving out of South Sudan from Sudan. But the struggle for peace and security in the country remains.

As noted by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, ‘Africa comes second (after Asia) in the number of armed conflicts per region with more than 35 NonInternational Armed Conflicts (NIACS) taking place in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.’ What is noteworthy about this observation is that the Geneva Academy has also noted that ‘western powers and/or neighbouring countries are intervening in the NIACS that take place in Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Somalia. CAR is on the top of the list with several NIACS involving multiple armed groups.’The operational word in this observation is ‘intervening.’

Why is it that Western powers are always intervening in the NIACS taking place in many African countries? Article 2(7) prohibits interventions in the domestic affairs of other sovereign States. The Article stipulates that‘nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the UN to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State or shall require the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter, but this principle shall not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter VII.’NIACS are not matters for collective security or for application of enforcement measures.

They are matters strictly falling under domestic jurisdictions of Member States. Unwarranted interventions of powerful countries are part of the threats to the maintenance of global peace and security. Many current international questions clearly point to this.

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Omar al-Bashir

Current International Questions Africa’s policy of no compromise with unconstitutional changes of government in Africa has become a major threat to regional peace and security in the continent. True, the African Union wants to promote democracy and democratic culture in Africa by banning coups d’état in all ramifications. However, this policy has also been silent on sit-tight African leaders who manoeuvred and changed their national Constitutions by manu militari. It is most unbelievable that the African Union, in general, and the ECOWAS, in particular, are fighting military coups and are, at the same time, condoning constitutional coups. A coup is a coup, for as long as it involves change of government by manipulation, by fraud. It is not only a coup by use of force. If there is a change of government compelled by the wishes of the people governed, it is a people’s coup, implying that there should be a basis for the discussion of permissible coups. But this cannot be so for the sit-tight leaders who have now become new political fashion designers in the governance of Africa.

And perhaps most disturbingly, civilian coups-making appear to have become the new fashion in government-succession, especially in Francophone Africa. The African Union is seeking to protect elected incumbent presidents, but the civilian populations are vehemently protesting against them for bad governance, chronic corruption, and protecting post-colonial interests to the detriment of the national interest. This is one genesis and dynamic of the deepening threats to global peace and security that now has a very bleak future.

Moscow says its de-ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is merely designed to bring Russia into line with the United States, which signed but never ratified the treaty. Russia will not resume nuclear testing unless Washington does, say Russian diplomats.’ Why de-ratification at this juncture? Is it a warning to pro-Israelis in Gaza? Whatever is the case, Russia is most likely to support the Palestinians through Syria to serve as a counterpoise to the Americans. Russians have alleged that the United States have signed the nuclear agreements but have not ratified them, hence the Americans are not

Israel and Gaza: the Great Power Politics

bound by the agreements. Accords normally create obligations for the signatories that have ratified them.

US non-ratification of the agreements is another dynamic of global insecurity. The Nuclear Weapons States do not want other countries to acquire nuclear capability. France and China refused to sign the nuclear nonproliferation treaty at the initial stage but later came back to sign it after perfecting their capability. The Nuclear Weapons States, otherwise the P-5, preach the sermons of peaceful use of nuclear development but use theirs for war. This is double standard and uncalled for. Nigeria should take advantage of the eventual withdrawal of Russia from the nuclear accords to invest in the development of nuclear capability for war. This is necessary to be able to respond to the deepening challenges of global peace and security. The manner of management of international current affairs so dictate

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First is the issue and place of democracy in the conduct and management of peace and security: how far can the quest for and protection of democracy help the management of conflicts? Can democracy, in the current global dispensation, prevent international insecurity and national instability?These questions are necessary because one major dynamic of regional insecurity is the issue of democracy and war as dynamics.

The July 26, 2023 coup d’état in Niger Republic ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) used the need to protect democracy as a pretext to condemn the coup and to issue a 7-day ultimatum at the First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, held on July 30, 2023, to the military junta. Abdourahamani Tchiani, who led the junta, declared himself the President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger. The ECOWAS asked the coupists to reinstate President Bazoum who was put under house arrest or face an ECOWAS military intervention.

The Authority of Heads of State and Government recalled the need to respect the principle of zero tolerance for constitutional change of government as enshrined in the ECOWAS and African Union Protocols and other instruments.The ECOWAS Authority also resolved that‘only official

acts of President Bazoum or his duly mandated officials will be recognised by ECOWAS.’This resolution is quite significant from the perspective that there are now two de facto governments in Niger Republic. France, the former colonial master, and the United States, both of which have military bases in Niger Republic, as well as the ECOWAS, still recognise the ousted government of Mohammed Bazoum. On the contrary, Mali, Burkina Faso, Russia and many others support the Tchiani-led military junta. Thus, Niger Republic is consciously or otherwise now playing host to international conflicts of interests.

In this regard, the ECOWAS has called for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum. It rejected any letter of resignation that might have been purportedly signed by him, and warned that, ‘in the event the Authority’s demands are not met within one week,’the Authority will‘take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force. To this effect, the Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.’In fact, the ECOWAS ordered the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS borders and Niger, no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger. It also suspended all commercial and financial transactions with Niger, placed travel bans on the coupists, froze assets of the Niger State Enterprises and parastatals in commercial Banks, etc. All these measures are pointers to regional instability.

These ECOWAS policy positions can be appreciated against the background of the increasing coups-making in the West African region. Mali, Guinea Conakry, not to mention Guinea Conakry that can be described as the regional base for coup-making, have played host to coups before that of Niger Republic. Consequently,‘enough is enough’ was the thinking of the ECOWAS which is currently chaired by the President of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Another consideration is the importance attached to democracy in the Republic of Niger. President Mohammed Bazoum was the first to be elected in 2021 in a peaceful election and democratic transfer of power since the country’s independence in 1960.

Consequently, the need to prevent any return to the political lulls of yesteryears became a desideratum for the ECOWAS leader.

However, it should be noted that this ECOWAS intention of military invasion is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1978 Protocol on Non-Aggression which requires all Member States to ‘refrain from the threat or use of force or aggression… against the territorial integrity and political independence of other Member States.’While this provision may not be limited in interpretation to the individual members of the ECOWAS, does it really prevent the regional organisation from engaging in any collective intervention?

Whatever is the case, the domestic environmental conditionings in Nigeria are very hostile to any ECOWAS military intervention in Niger Republic. Francophone West Africa is sharply divided on the matter. For example, Mali and Burkina Faso have expressed open support for the coupists. Not only are the people of Mali and Burkina Faso enjoying Russian collaboration, so also are Nigériens rejoicing over the coup and dancing with the Russian national flags.

The Western powers, led by France and the United States, are aiding and abetting the ousted president of Niger while the Wagner Group, supported by Russia, Mali. Burkina Faso, Algeria are supporting the coupists. By implication, the coup in Niger as a conflict has now extended beyond the shores of Niger Republic.

ECOWAS has not been able to restore Mohammed Bazoum to power and has also not succeeded in restoring constitutional order. France is gradually withdrawing its troops. Will France be replaced by Russians in Niger? The Wagner group boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has observed that‘what happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers, with colonisers who are trying to foist their rules of life on them and their conditions and keep them in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago.’

If the former colonialists want to keep their former colonies in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago, what really is there for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) to do or contain recolonization in another form? PBAT admitted in his opening remarks at the extraordinary meeting that the ECOWAS had made ‘diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation.’ At the second extraordinary meeting, PBAT added that‘it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress.’But where is the ECOWAS after the evaluation as at today?

At the international level, the problem is no longer that of unconstitutional changes of government but that of gross violation of international humanitarian law. The Israelo-Gazan conflict has become another major threat to global peace and security. First, there are various reports showing the bombing of hospital ambulances by Israeli Defence Forces, thus prompting international concerns and protests. And yet, the great powers in Western Europe, and the United States have the luxury of telling the world that Israel has the right of legitimate self-defence. Does the right of legitimate self-defence include the disrespect for the protection of innocent civilians or the non-combatants?

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2023

ENGAGEMENTS

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

Rivers: The Emperor Looks In

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s a political destination, Rivers State never ceases to excite and intrigue. It is capable of infinite political possibilities and great drama. In just one day this past week, the state gravitated from order to near anarchy and back into tenuous normalcy. Any one who has studied its political history in recent times will testify to this curious habit of politicalbrinkmanshipandperennialexistential uncertainty.

On Tuesday, the state degenerated into near anarchy. A mysterious fire at the state House of Assembly necessitated a site visit by the Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara. Instead of the usual fanfare that usually accompanies gubernatorial visits, the governor met a rude shock.

He met a mob of thugs and irate policemen. He was greeted with tear gas smoke and water cannons. One report said a police personnel may have fired live shots in the direction of the governor. The governor later alleged the shot was fired at him. In the confusion, it was uncertainwhosethugsandmobswereincharge at the troubled House of Assembly. The larger Port Harcourt city did not fare any better as street mobs quickly built up as rival protests tooktothestreetsinsolidaritywiththeirchoice of patrons and principals.

It has since been revealed that that the political division at the bottom of the confusion is essentially that between the incumbent governor and his immediate past predecessor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

Asyet,nooneknowstheexactboneofcontention but from all that has been revealed, there seems to be a disagreement between Mr. Wike and Mr. Fubara whom he )Wike) supported into office. There is the usual hearsay about control of the state government and other big money related issues that are not yet supported by concrete evidence.

In the interim, order and governance in the state have been disrupted. There have been moves and counter moves by state legislators to change the leadership of the state House of Assembly with the aim of either effecting an impeachment of the governor or obstructing Wike same.

In just one day of confusion, protests and brawls, the political countenance of the state had become disfigured. There was a clear and a based in Abuja, namely Mr. Nyesom speedydescentintolawlessnessandanarchy.A Wike,thenMinisterofStateforEducagovernor was struggling for political survival. A tion, actively supported by then First state legislature battled to find coherence and Lady,PatienceJonathan,hadperfected continued relevance. The state administration a plot to impeach then governor, Mr. was in coma as the people were torn between Rotimi Amaechi. All hell was let loose joiningtheswellingstreetmobsandgoingonwith but the face off took the state governtheirlives.Itwasatthispointthatthegladiators ment as its prime casualty. behind the fast descent into anarchy took off The anarchic situation persisted their masks. until after the elections which saw Mr. Governor Fubara and his supporters have Wike as the successor governor to Mr. sinceopenlyaccusedMr.NyesomWikeofbeing Rotimi Amaechi in the state. Amaechi behind the attempted ‘coup’ to oust a governor moveduptojointheBuhariwagonatthe whohasspentlessthansixmonthsinoffice. Mr. federal level while Mr. Wike assumed Wike, a man not known for hiding his political the throne as virtual Emperor of Rivgloves, stepped forward literally to own the ers State. His rule and reign lasted the crisis. He has since disclosed that he is out to whole of eight years during which his protect and defend his political base. word was the only law in the state. He A cross section of Rivers elders worked the proceeded to bluff, abuse, insult and phones to get Mr. Wike and the governor to call generally lord it over the entire Rivers a truce while they looked into the crisis. On his population unchallenged. part,PresidentBolaTinubusummonedthetwo Nearly a decade afterwards, the men to Aso Rock to cobble some appearance pattern of alignments and conflicting of a resolution. A combination of presidential allegiances may be different. The key intervention and the gravity of Rivers elders dramatis personae may have altered has restored some semblance of peace. The slightly. Only two constants remain. hopeisthatthegovernormaynotbeimpeached Mr. Nyesom Wike remains a key player. just yet. But the lines of the battle have been His controversial method of gunboat clearly defined. ‘shoot at sight’ politics is the playbook Thisweek’sbriefrehearsalinanarchyisfamil- of choice. His imperial disposition is iar in Rivers State. A similar face off took place the dominant political method and nine years ago at precisely the same location, philosophy. Nopoliticalspaceisenough the state House of Assembly. In the run up to to accommodate Mr. Wike and anyone the 2015 presidential elections, rival political else. It is him and him alone with barely forces broke into an open weaponized brawl in enough room for his minions and his the chambers of the State House of Assembly. orchestra of praise singers.

Theimpactontheadministrationand Rival groups of legislators hurled chairs at each other.Somethugsinvitedthemselvesintowhat securityofthestateremainslargelythe becameafreeforallfight.Afactionofthepolice same. A government method devoid was on hand but in a partisan anti-governor of accountability, dialogue and camaformation. A few heads were broken, some ribs raderie is the vogue. In this emerging cracked and lungs filled with tear gas. imperial school of government and That earlier face off was between forces politics, there is only one mode of

communication: a long boring monologue of imperialpronouncementsandundigestedhowls from the throne. This is imperial politics in open display under the guise of a democracy.

Beneaththeprosaicdramaofwhattranspired inRiversintheweek,certaininconvenienttruths haveemerged.GovernorFubaraisembattledby Mr. Wike’s suffocating embrace as his political Godfather. On his part, Mr. Wike sees Fubara’s gaspforfreshairasanunhappysignofaGodson who is likely to jump ship. And Mr. Fubara is not your normal political surrogate in terms ofcredentials.BeforeMr.Wikeshoe-hornedhim into the Government House in Port Harcourt, hewas the State’s Accountant-General. Hewas the custodian of state finances for the eight years that Mr. Wike was imperial governor of Rivers State.

Now having lost his gubernatorial immunity, Mr. Wike desperately needs Mr. Fubara’s support to sleep better at night. His nervousness in the present circumstances is therefore understandable.

He has let it be known that he is primarily concerned about the security of his political base. This fear is indeed founded on clear and present vulnerabilities.

Love him or hate him, Mr. Nyesom Wike is a totalitarianpolitician.Heleaveshisadversaries noelbowroomoraccommodation.Hehasused hisscorchedearthpoliticalmethodtotaketotal control of the Rivers state political landscape.

AlthoughamemberoftheoppositionPDP,Mr. Wike has used his political sagacity to straddle the terrains of both his own party and the ruling APC.Heinstalledthegovernor,controlsmajority of the state House of Assembly, produced all threesenatorsrepresentingthestate,produced most of the six House of Representatives members representing the state in Abuja. He controls all chairmen and majority councilors of all 23 local governments in the state. This is clearly an expansive and impressive political

empire and base.

Insomefairness,anysinglepoliticalactorwho is able to gain such total control of the political machinery of an entire state deserves some acknowledgment. Politics is first local! We may not like Mr. Wike’s uncouth methods or his undemocratic ways. But he seems to speak the Nigerian political language that connects to his constituency. He is Machiavellian in a rather crude sense of placing the end on the negotiating table before unleashing the crude means at his disposal. He has a clear definition of his political ends and deploys whatever is available to achieve that end. The end begins and ends from one point: Nyesom Wike. Other politicians with a moral slant may find him and his methods unusual and devilish but it works forhim.Heinsistsheisapoliticians,notaclergyman though the son of an active Pentecostal clergyman!

In short form, Mr. Wike is essentially an imperial politician. He ruled Rivers state like an emperor, dominating not only his governmentbutalsotheentirepoliticaluniverseofthe state. He abused and insulted his predecessor, hounded his former associates even within the PDP, destabilized the PDP at the national level, burntordemolishedthepropertiesofpoliticians who disagreed with or opposed his political interests. Where and when he deemed fit, Mr. Wike cajoled, threatened, ‘bought’ supporters or starved his adversaries of patronage and pork. In a sense, he personifies the essence of a rising imperial school of politics in Nigeria’s frail democracy.

Incidentally, the Wike school of imperial politics seems to have found traction with the new Tinubu presidency. The president has openly acknowledged and embraced Mr. Wike as not only “a prime minister” but a valued political ‘adviser’ of sorts.

A few months ago, before President Tinubu began nominating his future ministers, this reporter cautioned against brining the Wike type of baggage into the new federal cabinet: “Hecomeswithabaggagefullofawildpedigree ofserialpoliticalbetrayals,disruptivebehavior, uncouthmanners, exhibitionismandcontroversies…” Having to play umpire in a political brawl between Mr. Wike and the political leadership of his home state is perhaps the least distraction that President Tinubu should expect from his choice of Mr. Wike. Other inconveniences may follow, including having to fend off Wike’s fiendish political ambition as a threat to his own political longevity.

As for the concerned elders of Rivers state, engagement with a long drawn confrontation between Mr. Wike and Governor Fubara promises to be a long undertaking. Future episodes, which are not far away, may not be resolved so quickly.

As for Mr. Wike himself, the future of his relationship with the governor as his political God son promises to teach him a few home lessons about surrogates and power incumbency. Mr. Fubara may seem meek and pliable but he is in powerandauthorityinRiversstatetoday.Itmay not be so easy to wrest him from that position of strength. He can only get stronger and grow his followership in the state. The governor is the present custodian of what Wike values so highly,namely,hispoliticalbase.Thegovernoris in charge of the local governments, the political parties in the state and can take control of the entireStateHouseofAssemblyatwill.Aboveall, the Governor has immunity which Mr. Wike has lost.Yetthesevulnerabilitiesdonotnecessarily make Mr. Wike an easy political adversary to neutralise. He will wage a bloody fight every inch of the way.

As for the young governor, the incident that tookplacelastweekismerelyadressrehearsal of what lies ahead. I was struck with pity when after his Abuja meeting with Mr. Wike, the governor naively described his brief brush with Wike as “a father and son” disagreement! What Emperor Wike just did with the simulated crisis of last week is merely an inoculation battle to test the waters. The Emperor merely looked in to get a sneak preview of the future battlefield.

Fromhisresponse,thegovernorhasfailedan elementary rule of the power game. The rule is simple: When a Godfather as lethal as Mr. Wike becomes a political adversary, you do not just scorch the snake. You decapitate it.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R NOVEMBER 5, 2023

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GLITZ FOCUS

Serving God and Humanity, True Purpose of Life Akinwunmi Ambode

I

am not sure why I am being addressed as a special guest speaker here today. When a man is asked to speak to his brothers and sisters and family members, that is not because he is special. It is because he is a member of the family. He has only been selected amongst other family members to speak from his own experiences at such event.

So, I am not addressing you today as a special guest speaker but as a member of this community; sharing my life experiences and hoping it inspires or sparks something in one or two people.

When I say this is my community, it is because this is where I grew up as a little boy and where I made my first conscious contact with my Maker, Almighty God. I was born into a very strong Anglican family and we were all devoted members of the Anglican church. I was born and was baptized in St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Epe. By 1967, when I was just four years old, my family moved to Ebute Meta on Lagos Street and from then on, St. Jude’s Anglican Church and School became my home.

My family was deeply ingrained into the St. Jude’s family. My father, who was a teacher, started teaching at St. Jude’s Primary School. my mother, obviously was also active having transferred from St. Micheals (Ang) Primary School Epe. My father taught at St. Jude’s for 14 years; from 1967 till he passed into ancestry in 1981. In addition to my father teaching at St. Jude’s, my eight siblings and I attended St. Jude’s Primary School.

That is not all. At that time, my father was a member of the Christ Little Band (CLB). I don’t know if the society is still functional. Is it? Maybe I should consider joining the band. I remember they used to have rotational meetings, and my father hosted the meetings on several occasions. I used to hang around during the meetings and listen to their discussions and banter. It is possible that I may have picked up a lot from just observing them during those meetings. I admired their white colored agbadas/bubas, with blue caps (fila) and geles, I guess.

When my father passed on in 1981, members of this church supported us in so many ways and helped us to carry on after losing the head of the family. That was a trying time for us but the church showed us the real meaning of family.

Apart from these, I also had my deep and personal encounters with God in this church.

During the Easter season of 1973, before I turned 10 years, I was selected to be the person who would ride the donkey on Palm Sunday, symbolizing the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. It was a new and very powerful experience for me. Somehow, after that experience, I have always found myself in the limelight, even without actively looking for it.

On Palm Sunday the next year, in 1974, I decided to wear an all-white outfit, complete with my white canvass shoes to church. I was not scheduled to participate in any activity. That was what I was inspired to wear on the day. I was just attending service like every other child of our Anglican community. But it turned out that the boy who had been selected to ride the donkey for the Palm Sunday procession had developed cold feet or a fear for the donkey and the church needed someone else to ride the donkey. Without.

While they were thinking of who would do it, someone asked, “who did it last year?” And with that they came looking for me in the Sunday School corner and it turned out that I was all dressed up and prepared for the role even futures that was not in my plans when the day started. So, I rode the donkey for two Palm Sundays in a row!

From hindsight, it was a prophecy being foretold as events in the future later revealed.

Thinking about it now, I must have gotten some extra blessings from God from my participation in those Easter events. And I really have not had to struggle for God’s blessings and favours. Somehow, God’s blessings always find me. And it all started from here for me, in St. Jude’s Anglican Church. And I am sure these blessings are still available to all of us gathered here today. God knows every single one of us and has a special plan for us. All we need to do is listen to His voice and be prepared.

Ambode

And for me, St, Jude’s community goes beyond God’s blessings upon me and my family. Whatever it is I was; whatever it is that I am today; and whatever it is that I will be; I was formed here. My character and Christian values were developed here in St. Jude’s Anglican Church by the grace and guidance of God Almighty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. St Jude’s Anglican church is a family. It is a community.

Back then, every parent knew every child. Every parent knew you and watched you, guiding you to what is right and pushing you to succeed. Everybody looked out for everyone. There was a strong bond amongst all the families and people of God who worshipped here. Every family was represented in all the church activities. We ate, drank and worshipped together. That is what a church is about.

A family coming together under the umbrella of God Almighty. To praise Him and uplift each other.

The family values I learnt at home were further strengthened in this church. Total faith in God. Submission to the will goods God. Community support and participation. Giving back to the society. Excellence and Diligence. Steadfastness and Dedication to good causes.

All these and more moulded me and gave me the solid background and foundation with which I was able to leave home and go into the world at age 11, when I went to secondary school in Warri. The values I learnt from here helped me to stay focused on doing the right things.

At this juncture, it is pertinent to ask - What is the purpose of life? With my little experience and the few narratives, I have tried to share in the last few minutes, I glowing pondered on the real purpose of life.

In my own narrow understanding; growing up to know God, serving and loving God in order for us to love others crystallizes the real essence of living a purposeful life. With love together we join hands to love God and serve humanity.

However, when pain or challenges come, you must endure. In the midst of our patience, the

divine hand works on our destiny; to deliver what fate has in stock to us.

This has been a journey full of testimonies for me and my family and I pray today, that God in His infinite mercies will manifest Himself in all our lives. There are many of us in this church who have risen to the top of our chosen fields because of the grounding we received from here. And today, I urge us all to remember our roots, our foundation and our faith. This will always access you on the right path. We must always remember our church, our St. Jude’s family and our community. We all have a role to play. For people like us who have benefited from this community, we must give back and support those who are coming after us. For me, I will always do my best to support the work of God who has blessed me through this community because without Him I am nothing.

I want to personally thank Justice Ibukunola Adebiyi for inviting me; to let you know that God has made you to be that vessel to draw my attention to how I should give back to this church.

I commend Justice Adebiyi and her team for the good work her committee has done. I commend the Dean of the Cathedral, Venerable Ajayi for the work of God that is visible and shining through this church.

I thank you for deeming me worthy to address this family and community. I also thank you all, my brothers and sisters in the St. Jude’s family, for your presence here today and for the opportunity to share some of my life experiences with you. I also thank my family and friends who are present here today.

May God continue to shine His light on our church and our community. And may He bless and protect us all.

Thank you very much.

Ambode, a former Governor of Lagos State, delivered this goodwill message at the St. Jude’s Day Family Reunion Luncheon at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, EbuteMeta, Lagos, delivered on Saturday October 28

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

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B AC K PAG E C O N T I N UAT I O N AFTER THE SUPREME COURT VERDICT… for appeal and all cases should be concluded before inauguration. I still do not think this will solve all problems, but it is very necessary.

Yet, there is a counter argument: a ruling party can always use its incumbency to win an election and deploy its power and perks during post-election litigation to favour its candidate, who will then be inaugurated.

The problem remains unsolved. Also, if we stretch this argument further, what happens to a sitting president running for a second term? He will still enjoy incumbency during post-election litigation. But I still support the motion that petitions should be concluded before inauguration. It makes sense.

The second issue is the 25 percent threshold as it pertains to the FCT. Section 134 (2) of the 1999 Constitution says: “A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being more than two candidates for the election: (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter (same as 25 percent) of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.” The Supreme Court has now interpreted that in a presidential election, FCT is to be taken as the 37th state. No state is superior to the other.

This is a commonsense interpretation of the constitution. At no time in our history has any law mandated a presidential candidate to win 25 percent in a particular state to be declared overall winner. The 1979, 1989 and

1995 constitutions — either operational or not — did not place any such requirement.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari became president in 1979 and was re-elected in 1983 without winning 25 percent in Lagos state, the federal capital then. If the capital city logic were to apply, it would also mean a governor should win 25 percent of the state capital to be declared winner. The vagueness in the 1999 Constitution was obviously because the FCT is officially not a state.

But there was another commonsense issue: if either Atiku or Peter Obi had won the highest number of votes across the federation and got 25 percent in 30 states, as Tinubu did, and failed to win 25 percent in the FCT, as was the case with Tinubu, would either be satisfied for the election to be declared inconclusive and a run-off ordered? If I were Atiku or Obi, I would argue vehemently that it would amount to miscarriage of justice. But I understand that this is politics and people would deliberately becloud the issues and ignore the logic just to gain an advantage. By the official results, Atiku scored 25 percent in 21 states and Obi in 16 states. Both fell short of the 24 states threshold.

And that is actually the second issue: is it 24 or 25 states? What is “two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja”? What is “two-thirds” of 37?

I can see another constitutional crisis in the embryo. It happened in 1979 when we could not define “two-thirds” of the 19 states that we had then. Shagari met the threshold in 12

states, but Chief Obafemi Awolowo filed a constitutional case to argue that it should be 13 states (since humans cannot be fractionalised).

The Supreme Court ruled that it should be 12 states plus a quarter of two-thirds of votes cast in the 13th state (which was Kano). This was decided before Shagari’s inauguration.

What is my point, though? The National Assembly must now amend Section 134 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution for clarity. It should state clearly that the FCT will be regarded as a state for the sake of calculating the spread requirement. It should also state clearly what two-thirds of 37 states is so that we would not have to start another round of litigation in the future. Ironically, the late Prof Bala Usman raised the issue of “two-thirds of 19 states” at the 1978 Constituent Assembly that debated the draft of the 1979 Constitution. Nobody took him seriously but he included it in the minority report. It became the biggest issue of the 1979 presidential poll and made a small dent on it.

The third issue for me is “how to win an election petition”. The Supreme Court gave enough “expo” on that: don’t just say you won an election and were cheated; show us how you won. Show us that in State X, you polled 800,000 votes but your tally was unlawfully reduced to 100,000. Tabulate it. Back it with copies of the result sheets signed by the officials and your agents at the polling units. Show evidence that the figures on the result sheets given to your agents are different from the results announced by INEC. Show evidence

that if the actual votes had been counted, you would have won. The burden is entirely on you to prove that you won and to show how you won. This is vital.

For instance, Obi definitely won in Rivers state from the results uploaded on iRev but his votes were shortened by about 80,000 — which, unfortunately, was not enough to make him the overall runner-up to Tinubu. His supporters said over one million votes were stolen from him in Lagos. It would have been very easy to prove that: just gather all the copies of the result sheets at the 13,000 polling units in Lagos and do an alternative collation and tabulation to show the tribunal that his actual tally in the state was 1,582,454 and not the 582,454 that was recorded against his name. That would have taken him to second position overall.

These are lessons for the future, especially with regards to litigation.

In all, I have raised three issues which I believe need to be addressed by those concerned. One, we have to conclude election petitions before inauguration. It is not a super solution but it is absurd to swear in the proclaimed winner of a disputed election while litigation is still on.

We need to adjust the election timetable. Two, we need to amend the constitution to clarify the status of FCT in presidential elections and to make it plain what “two-thirds of the 37 states” means. Three, litigants must understand that proving that they are the actual winners can be simplified if they provide alternative tallies based on the result sheets signed by their agents. There is a lesson for everyone.

And Four Other Things…

WHAT A YACHT Nigerians are justifiably livid that the federal government is budgeting to pay for a presidential yacht for N5 billion at a time the majority of our people are groaning under economic hardship accelerated by the inevitable removal of subsidy and devaluation of the naira. Presidency has explained that it is not a “yacht” as we know it but a “naval vessel” for operations in our territorial waters and that the commitment was made by the previous administration. But we were still trying to digest this when Senator Ali Ndume revealed that the yacht is already in the country, even though “we are yet to pay for it”. The naval authorities have also confirmed that the expensive toy is already here. Enjoyment.

MIDNIGHT RAVEN The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has decided to put a stop to night raids — apparently in response to the outcry over the mass arrest of students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

Sting operations are common with security agencies, no doubt. But what we have been witnessing over time is a recurrence of an absolute abuse of people’s rights under the general title of “sting operations”. People are routinely molested. There seems to be an element of voyeurism too as security operatives invade the rooms of ladies who are most likely sleeping naked. We must always remember that these rights abuses fuelled the End SARS uprising. Provocative.

STOPPING SEYI President Tinubu recently publicly complained about his son, Seyi, gaining undue access into the Council Chambers during a cabinet meeting. Tinubu did well to speak openly, but this is still nothing more than a slap on the wrist. The boy needs to be put in his place. Never since the time of Gen Sani Abacha has any “first son” been in our face like this, with his finger in every pie. Seyi is clearly enjoying the moment too much, but he needs a conversation with himself for his own good.

His father will not be president forever and he risks his own future if he keeps walking on our heads. The president should also call Folasade, the exuberant “first daughter of FRN”, to order. Caution.

AND FINALLY… Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was beaten black and blue in Owerri, Imo state, on Wednesday ahead of a planned picketing of the airport over the salaries of civil servants. The police said they only rescued Ajaero from the mob that had attacked him but his fellow activists said it was the police that assaulted him. No matter who is responsible, the fact remains that he was battered beyond recognition — at least from the images we have seen so far. He definitely did not molest himself. In the whole situation, though, Ajaero gave us unusual comic relief while narrating his experience: “Dem beat me o… God must have taken extra time to create me.” Rib-cracking!

ACUTE TONE DEAFNESS AMIDST ANGUISH AND HUNGER dollar exchanging officially for N461? That our country is not as rich as perceived, is indeed broke and cannot afford or sustain such luxuries? But is there anything that has changed in the comportment of our public officials between the previous or the current prices of petrol and dollars?

If your argument is that she needs to absorb the pains for things to get better in the country.

With a sneer, she is likely to ask you: but is everyone, especially those at the top, making sacrifices? And what’s the guarantee that those not making sacrifices will not be the same ones that will corner the benefits, if any?

Do our public official look and behave as if they are administering a country that is running a budget deficit of about 50% and using 96% of its revenue to service debt? Do they look like leaders of a country where more than 90 million citizens and counting are income-poor and 133 million citizens and counting are multi-dimensionally poor? Do they? Do you see that in the historic size of the president’s cabinet, the number of aides, the size of their convoys and the general flamboyance? Do you?

I have listened to and read arguments put up by our federal legislators on why they need to buy luxury cars and I am still straining to find any of them convincing. By law, parliamentarians are entitled to 400% of their annual basic salary as car loans. With the monetisation policy, most of the perks like housing, furniture and transportation, have been monetised.

Providing for some of these things like cars could amount to double dipping and it makes a mockery of the monetisation policy.

And masking them as tools for committee or constituency work is akin to hiding behind one finger. Agreed, 400% of their annual basic salaries cannot buy even decent, used cars now.

But our operating context is a time when the poor are getting poorer, and those previously

President Tinubu fairly okay are being dragged into poverty.

It is a time that calls for sacrifice from those stewarding public resources. Those asking legislators and other public officials to buy Nigerian-made cars are making the wrong arguments. Let them manage whatever they have until things improve.

The media and some civic groups have done a great job analysing the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2023. A lot has been said about the allocation for cars for State House and the Office of the First Lady, the renovations/ construction of residences and offices for the President and the Vice President and for a Presidential Yacht.

Even when some explanations have been

given, there are still unanswered questions about timing and sensitivity. And the issue is not about how much these items cost in proportion to the whole budget. It is that making them a priority now screams of: “we don’t care how you people feel or what you are going through.” That is not a good way for the government to come across.

I will raise a few additional issues around the supplementary budget. The first one is on a positive note. It is always better to handle revenue shortfalls and emergencies through supplementary appropriation than through off-budget avenues like Ways and Means.

Off-budget funding obscures the process and the expenditure items from legislative and public scrutiny. Generally, opacity enables dark things.

We should commend the government for opting for supplementary appropriation and should insist that the government continues to do so, and that even overdrafts from the central bank should come under legislative oversight, even if it is when considering subsequent appropriations.

But given that this supplementary budget is for a year that is ending in two months, it is important to ask why some of the items in the N2.177 trillion budget cannot be in the 2024 budget.

The budget can be divided into four broad areas: security services and State House; infrastructure in ministries of works, agriculture, housing and FCT; statutory transfer to INEC for off-cycle elections; and provisions for palliatives.

Apart from the N210 billion for wage awards for four months, the N400 billion for cash transfers and the N18 billion for INEC, it is difficult to see what is so urgent about most of the items. For example, there are roads, highways and bridges under the proposal for the Ministry of Works, and some of these are new roads. Security budgets are usually treated

as sensitive and off-limit but it is difficult to see the urgent need to spend N2.15 billion for the cladding of the Ministry of Defence Headquarters and other activities.

Also, there is a N50 billion allocated for “Renewed Hope” mini estates across the country. Apart from something being off about personalising what will be funded with public resources, it is difficult to see why a supplementary budget is needed for this. This late in the day, the legislature should be treating the 2024 budget while the supplementary budget for 2023 should be for only things that cannot wait. The way things are, the January to December budget cycle appears jettisoned.

It is concerning that the supplementary budget is light on details in many areas. Tens of billions of Naira are allocated to individual one-line items that are not self-explanatory. The only exception is the budget for the Ministry of Works, which accounted for seven of the ten pages in the supplementary budget. For example, there is no clarity about a N12.7 billion allocated under recurrent expenditure for the Presidential Air Fleet in the budget of the Office of the National Security Adviser. Is this for salaries, for parts, for aviation fuel? Is this for recurrent expenditure not previously budgeted or for supplementation?

Then, there is a whopping N200 billion allocated for contingency under Capital Supplementation. That is about 10% of the entire supplementary budget and 17% of the entire capital allocation under the supplementary budget allocated to a nebulous one-liner. Finally, the supplementary appropriation bill gave no indication of how the budget will be funded.

Based on the deep fiscal hole where Nigeria is and the growing hardship in the land, it is not too much to expect a little sacrifice and more sensitivity and openness from those in positions of authority today. We need a more appropriate tone from the top.

75

Sunday 5 November, 2023

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“You can’t have a card-carrying member of a political party or a loyalist of a political party to be a Resident Electoral Commissioner or a national commissioner; you complicate the problem for INEC to have credible elections” – Rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, warning that INEC can’t conduct credible elections with card-carrying members of political parties as RECs.

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SIMONKOLAWOLE After the Supreme Court Verdict…

SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

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ow that we have officially dispensed with all matters relating to the 2023 presidential election, many issues came up along the line which I think we need to pay closer attention to in the interest of consolidating this democracy. It is no longer about who won or who lost — the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, has declared that President Bola Tinubu won, or that his opponents did not prove that they won. We now need to look at what we have learnt in the process and how these lessons can be useful going forward. My intention is to pick on three issues and offer my thoughts.

I do not intend to claim perfect knowledge of the solutions, but I plan to challenge some notions.

The first issue, which kept coming up, is the need to dispense with post-election litigation before inauguration. This is very important. It does not make sense that the disputed winner of an election will be sworn in while the legal battles are still on. This gives the proclaimed winner, in this case the president, an unusual advantage. He has assumed full executive powers over state institutions that are critical to the electoral process. He has taken full control of the treasury. He can do and undo, as it were. His party controls the legislature. If the

Atiku election is annulled and a fresh one ordered by the court, the acting president will be the senate president, who happens to be from the same party.

Moreover, there will be an uneasy state of affairs if the senate president were to be acting president. For one, he will take over the executive powers and is likely to act in favour of his

party. We may end up burning more billions on a fresh election, only to return the same person to office. That would be a monumental waste of resources. More worrisome, for me, are the consequences of a perceived power vacuum while the president steps aside. There will be uncertainties within the power centres.

Our democracy may be undermined as we saw with the Interim National Government in 1993. It is not a co-incidence that no sitting president has ever been removed by a tribunal.

It is just too risky.

For these reasons, I fully support the motion that election petitions should be fully dispensed with before inauguration. But things are a little bit complicated. If you want to prove that you won an election, you need to gather critical evidence and witnesses to argue your case in court. We hold the general election in February and March. Inaugurations take place in May. That is a gap of two to three months. For a presidential election that holds in 176,000 polling units, 774 local government areas, 36 states and the FCT, the litigants would need a mix of magic and miracle to prove their case within the allotted time. Maybe we can extend the gap to six months by holding elections earlier.

It has also been suggested that we shorten the litigation process. One suggestion is for an electoral court to be set up for election matters only. As things stand, a governorship petition

starts at the high court, goes to the appeal court and ends at the apex court; National Assembly starts at the high court and ends at appeal court; and presidential starts at the appeal court and ends at the Supreme Court. Some people think these processes are too long and all matters should start and end at the electoral court. However, I think there should always be room for redress. After all, many verdicts are upturned on appeal. But the truth is that those who eventually lose will still complain of injustice.

For instance, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, after losing his petition against Tinubu at the Supreme Court, launched an attack on the judiciary. He said the judiciary is the “lost hope” of the common people. When he was winning every case at the Supreme Court in 2006 and 2007, he praised the judiciary. This is so typical of Nigerian politicians. I’m sure Tinubu would have done the same if he had lost. When PDP was in power, any election won by APC/ACN/AC was declared “free and fair” by Lai Mohammed, the opposition spokesman. But if PDP won, it was “rigged”.

In 2023, where PDP or LP won, it was “free and fair”. Where they lost, it was “the worst election in Nigeria’s history”. So it goes.

Nevertheless, there should always be room Continued on page 39

WAZIRIADIO POSTSCRIPT

Acute Tone Deafness amidst Anguish and Hunger

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he insistence of our legislators on an inscrutable right to binge on luxury cars and the audacity of the executive to include some items in the fast-tracked 2023 supplementary budget indicate, clearly, that our current ruling class simply doesn’t get it or is detached from or untouched by the anguish and the hunger roiling the land.

An overwhelming majority of Nigerians are going through it at the moment. Most of our people are struggling with constantly rising prices. They are wrestling with how to make ends meet in general and how to feed themselves and their families in particular.

Businesses and households are taking major hits.

The least that is expected of leaders at a period like this is for them to align with the trying times, to show empathy, to demonstrate sensitivity, to model the needed sacrifice. But it seems the gravity of the situation is lost on this lot. This level of tone deafness must be acute. It is jarring and concerning. It needs to be cured, and urgently too.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), headline inflation was 26.72% and food

inflation was 30.64% in September. Both are projected to soar even higher. So, even if those in government do not go to the same markets as the populace or they are not paying from their pockets, they should at least be aware of the dim official statistics and the grim implications for citizens’ welfare.

But these are even aggregate figures and do not fully reveal the enormity of what people are dealing with. The reality is that the prices of some essential items like food and drugs increase almost daily. Prices of some of these basic items have more than doubled or tripled within weeks. Most people on fixed incomes see their purchasing power plummet. And with surging costs and shrinking demands, some businesses are closing shops and laying off staff.

Sustained increase in prices have been around for a while, but they have picked up pace with the introduction of two policies by the President Bola Tinubu administration: removal of petrol subsidy and what in practical terms is the devaluation of the Naira. Both policies are designed to put the economy on a stronger footing. I remain an unwavering supporter of the need to end the wasteful and misdirected petrol subsidy and the need to terminate the

arbitrage-enabling multiple exchange rates.

However, I have had cause to disagree with the implementation in terms of not carefully calibrating and phasing the two reforms—which in essence introduced two simultaneous shocks on an overburdened populace—and the apparent lack of a reform strategy and a contingency plan. But I still maintain that both reforms are necessary and that their attendant pains are significantly less than what would have issued from an inevitable economic collapse.

I was never in any doubt that reforms come with pains. However, we should also realise that the capacity to bear pain is not elastic or infinitely elastic, hence the need for sequencing and for frontloading reliefs.

Most importantly, those at the helm should know that they undermine reforms when they transfer the burden of the pains entirely to the populace and carry on as if we live in normal or plenteous times.

It is simply not enough for the president and others to be telling us that they feel the pains of the populace. They need to show it in what they do and how they allocate increasingly scarce resources. It is hollow and disingenuous for leaders to call for citizens to make necessary sacrifice while they are

having a blast.

Even if for just symbolic reasons, a more aware leadership will be talking about taking cuts in salaries and allowances, about instituting a freeze on travels, workshops, furniture and cars, about eliminating wastes and leakages, about reducing the cost of government to the barest minimum. But no. Not this lot.

The sacrifice, it seems, is beneath them. It is not for them. It is for the hapless people.

They are making it difficult for anyone to continue to defend the removal of the subsidy on petrol which resulted not just in close to 300% jump in pump prices of petrol within four months but has also triggered increase in the costs of other things, especially transport and food. If the leaders are not bearing their share of the pains or they are using the extra revenue from subsidy removal to fund a profligate lifestyle, how do you convince Nigerians going through acute pains that removing petrol subsidy makes sense? How? What will be your compelling argument to an average Nigerian that she is not better off with petrol at N165 per litre or with a Continued on page 39

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