SUNDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2021

DMO: Nigeria Didn’t Mortgage National Assets as Collateral for Chinese Loans Festus Akanbi The Debt Management Office (DMO) has clarified that loans from China to Nigeria, which presently stood at $3.59billion were largely concessional as no national asset was tagged as collateral.

The Director-General of DMO, Ms Patience Oniha, who made this known in an interview yesterday, also disclosed that the loan constitutes only 9.4 per cent of the country’s total foreign debt stock of $37.9 billion.

In recent times, both the social and mainstream media

have been awash with news about some African countries, including Nigeria, facing the threat of losing some critical national assets to the Asian country due to high-level indebtedness.

“Nigeria’s total debt stock as at September 30 was $37.9

billion; this figure comprised the external debt stock of the federal government, 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“But total loans from China stands at $3.59 billion, which is 9.47 per cent of the total external debt. The loans did

not require any national asset as collateral; they were largely concessional,’’ she said.

Oniha urged Nigerians to always endeavour to verify sensitive information from official sources before disseminating it.

She explained that before

foreign loans were contracted, very sensitive steps were taken by multiple institutions of government to ensure that they were beneficial to the nation.

“Before any foreign loan is contracted, including the Continued on page 6

NERC: Poor Performance of 17 Power Plants Threatens Energy Stability... Page 6 Sunday 19 December, 2021 Vol 26. No 9750

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Buhari Rallies International Support against Terrorism Deji Elumoye in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi

60 HEARTY CHEERS TO AKIN OSUNTOKUN...

L-R: Guest Lecturer, Dr. Reuben Abati; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Chairman of occasion/Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; the celebrant, Mr. Akin Osuntokun and former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; and Prof. Jide Osuntokun, during the public lecture to commemorate Akin Osuntokun’s 60th birthday in Lagos…recently

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit to provide concrete support to help defeat Continued on page 5

Anxiety Mounts as Deadline for Buhari to Sign Electoral Bill Expires Today SANs ask National Assembly to override Buhari Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah in Abuja, and Gboyega Akinsanmi in Lagos Anxiety has gripped Nigerians over the conduct of future elections as the constitutional time limit for President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 ends today, THISDAY investigation has revealed.

THISDAY gathered that the inclusion of direct primaries is one of the major hurdles that may militate against Buhari’s assent.

While there are indications that Buhari, who is still in Turkey, may sign the bill and send an amendment to the National Assembly, some senior lawyers have asked the federal lawmakers to override the president.

Section 58(4) of the 1999 Continued on page 72

A NEW TALBAN FOR DAURA… L-R: Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Farouk Umar; Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari’s son and new Talban Daura, Alhaji Yusuf Buhari; and Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, at the turbaning ceremony of Yusuf in Katsina…yesterday

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GATHERING FOR PAMO… L-R: Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo; Deputy Governor of Niger State, AlhajiAhmed Muhammad Ketso; Vice Chancellor, PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Professor Michael Diejomaoh; former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.); Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike; his wife, Eberechi; and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of PUMS Governing Council, Dr. Peter Odili, at the first convocation ceremony of PUMS, Port Harcourt…yesterday

VAT Revenue Hits N196.175bn as FAAC Shares N675.946bn for November Francis Ndubuisi in Abuja The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total of N675.946 billion to the federal government, states, and local government councils as the Federation Account revenue for November, as a total of N196.175 billion Value Added Tax (VAT) gross revenue was generated.

A spokesman for the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Henshaw Ogubike, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend in Abuja.

He explained that a breakdown of the figure was contained in a communique issued at the end of a virtual meeting of FAAC for December.

“The N675.946 billion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N488.674 billion; distributable VAT revenue of N182.678 billion, Exchange Gain of N4.156 billion and Excess Bank Charges Recovered of N0.438 billion,” he said.

“In November 2021, the total deduction for cost of collection was N30.957 billion, and the total deductions for statutory transfers, refunds and savings was N136.908 billion. The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $35.365 million.”

The communique confirmed that from the total distributable revenue of N675.946 billion; the federal government received N261.441billion, the state governments received N210.046 billion, and the local government councils received N155.456 billion.

Similarly, the sum of N49.003 billion was shared to relevant states as 13 per cent derivation revenue while distributable statutory revenue of N488.674 billion was available for the month.

“From this, the federal government received N231.863 billion, the state governments received N117.604 billion and the local government councils received N90.668 billion. The sum of N48.540 billion was shared to the relevant states as 13 per cent derivation revenue.

“In the month of November 2021, the gross revenue available from the VAT was N196.175 billion. This was higher than the N166.284 billion available in the month of October 2021

by N29.891billion.

“The sum of N5.650 billion allocation to NEDC and N7.847 billion cost of collection were

deducted from the N196.175 billion gross VAT revenue, resulting in the distributable VAT revenue of N182.678 billion,” Ogubike said.

From the N182.678 billion distributable VAT revenue, he revealed that the federal government received N27.402 billion, the state governments

received N91.339 billion and the local government councils received N63.937 billion.

The federal government also received N1.946 billion from the total Exchange Gain revenue of N4.156 billion while the state governments and local government councils received N0.986 billion and N0.761 billion

respectively.

N0.463 billion was shared to relevant states as 13 per cent derivation revenue.

Of the N0.438 billion excess bank charges recovered, the federal government received N0.231billion, the state governments received N0.117billionm, and the local

government councils received N0.090 billion.

In November, according to the communique, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Oil and Gas Royalties, Companies Income Tax (CIT) and VAT, increased remarkably while Import and Excise Duty increased marginally.

BUHARI RALLIES INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT AGAINST TERRORISM terrorism and insurgency on the African continent.

The president who made the call yesterday while speaking at the third edition of the summit in Istanbul Turkey admitted that the Boko Haram terrorist group, though fragmented by internal strife and degraded by Nigeria’s defence forces, is still active and preying on soft targets.

Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, also yesterday again drew the attention of Buhari to the fact Nigeria is collapsing due to terrorists’ activities.

President Buhari also expressed delight that the Summit convened by Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has given due consideration to the issue of terrorism, while also focusing on development and infrastructure in Africa.

This is coming as Erdogan has stated that Turkey would send 15 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Africa, adding that the low vaccination rates there was a blot on humanity.

Buhari advised that the partnership should also focus on the global challenge of climate change which is impacting Nigeria, Turkey, and indeed the world at large.

According to him, it has become a catalyst for conflict through food insecurity, drying up of lakes; loss of livelihood, and youth migration, among others.

He said: "The trend is the same around the world where communities are overwhelmed by forest fires, rising sea levels, flood, drought, and desertification. I want to seize this opportunity to appeal for support for initiatives such as Africa’s Great Green Wall on Environment and Land Management, which

is designed to fight the effects of climate change and desertification in Africa. The initiative aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in the 11 countries of the Sahel-Sahara strip, capture 250 million tons of carbon and, create 10 million green jobs by 2030."

On the global coronavirus pandemic, Buhari urged nations to follow the example of Africa-Turkey cooperation, which emphasises solidarity and support in tackling the challenge.

The president noted that given the increasingly unpredictable nature of contemporary global challenges facing mankind, world leaders must continue to put the wellbeing of humanity at the centre of the agenda for the common good and prosperity of all.

While applauding President Erdogan for initiating the Turkey-Africa Partnership in 2008, Buhari urged the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) to assist in further increasing the level of Africa-Turkey trade, leading to a win-win for all countries.

He said: ‘‘The pandemic is a global challenge which calls for global solidarity and solutions and the AfricaTurkey cooperation model has proved to be an example to the world. Not only has there been mutual support to respond to the pandemic but also mutual support to build resilience and sustainable development in other sectors. We also commend the African Union for the excellent role it has been playing in coordinating the implementation process of the Partnership. We must therefore promote science, technology,

and innovation and share knowledge from research and development to better equip us to address present and future challenges more equitably and sustainably.

"In this regard, Nigeria strongly endorses the Summit Declaration as well as the 2022-2026 Joint Action Plan.

We are confident that given the level of openness, trust and commitment manifested in the Africa–Turkey Partnership, this cooperation mechanism will be a gamechanger for our countries and set us on the path of sustainable development for our peoples"

Nigeria is Collapsing, Ortom Tells Buhari in Birthday Message Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Ortom, yesterday again drew Buhari’s attention to the fact Nigeria is collapsing due to the activities of terrorists.

Ortom said the president is a grandfather who should understand that people are dying daily unnecessarily in the hands of terrorists.

In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, yesterday, to congratulate Buhari on his 79th birthday, the governor was quoted as saying that the insecurity affecting citizens was not what the president promised when he assumed office in 2015.

According to the statement, the governor, who said he loves Buhari, urged him to take urgent action to secure the country before he leaves office.

Ortom pleaded with the president to use his 79th

birthday, not as a member of a political party or any religious bias, but as a grandfather and a nationalist, to address the obvious imbalances in the nation now before he hands over power in 2023.

“I join your family, friends, political associates, and all Nigerians to congratulate you on the occasion of your 79th birthday,” he said.

“To some, the president is a father, to others, grandfather while yet to others, he is a great grandfather who should understand that Nigeria at the moment is collapsing due to the activities of terrorists who have continued to destroy the very foundation of the unity of this country.”

The governor said the security architecture in the country has collapsed and the citizens now live in perpetual fear as strangers in their own country is not acceptable.

“Daily, people are slaughtered like animals either on their farms, at home, or roasted to death while travelling from one destination to another with video clips showing the faces of the killers. Yet, no one has been arrested.

“The roads have become booby traps where the citizenry are scared to travel on, for the fear that they may be kidnapped for ransom or in some cases killed outrightly.

It is an open secret that no one is safe in this country any longer.”

The governor said the security architecture in the country has collapsed and the citizens now live in fear.

“The president should not listen to sycophants who may not be telling him the truth that all is well,” he said.

“All is not well with Nigeria right now, Mr. President. You

must therefore take urgent steps now to pull the nation back from the precipice before it is too late.”

The governor urged every citizen not to sit on the fence but join hands with governments at all levels as patriots to assist in redeeming the nation from the hands of bloodthirsty terrorists so that Nigeria can gradually move into political stability and economic prosperity for all.

Turkey’s Erdogan Pledges 15m COVID-19 Vaccine Doses for Africa Also speaking yesterday, at a major summit of the continent’s leaders, President Erdogan said Turkey would send 15 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Africa, adding that the low vaccination rates there was a blot on humanity.

“We are aware of the global injustice in accessing the Covid-19 vaccine and Africa’s unjust treatment,” Erdogan said.

“It is disgraceful for humanity that only six per cent of Africa’s population has been vaccinated.”

Turkey is developing its vaccine, known as Turkovac, which is in the process of receiving emergency use approval.

It was not immediately clear from his remarks whether Turkey would first send some doses of the internationally approved vaccines it was currently using, including those developed by PfizerBioNTech.

“To contribute to the resolution of this issue, within our means, we plan to share 15 million vaccine doses in the period ahead,” he said.

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NEWS

SPONSORSHIP… L-R: Marketing Director, International Breweries (IBPLC), Mr. Tolulope Adedeji; President, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick; Chairman, League Management Company (LMC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; First Vice President, NFF, Chief Seyi Akinwunmi; and former Super Eagles player, Mr. Julius Aghahowa, at the unveiling of Hero lager as sponsor of NPFL in Lagos…recently

NERC: Poor Performance of 17 Power Plants Threatens Energy Stability Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said that the poor performance of 17 out of the 26 power stations in the country is a threat to the nation’s energy stability, adding that only nine power plants account for 73 per cent of electricity generated in the country.

The industry regulator, in its report for the 4th quarter of 2020, the latest in the series, said that the situation was of grave concern to the sector as the convergence of generation in a few plants could destabilise supply when they encounter challenges.

THISDAY recalls that the problem manifested in April this year when the nation suffered an extensive power outage as the few functional plants faced operational problems.

Some of the plants that experienced breakdowns at the time included Sapele, Afam, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Ibom, Egbin, Alaoji, and Ihovbor while the Jebba power plant was shut down for annual maintenance.

In addition, the government stated that Geregu, Omotosho, Gbarain, Omuku, Paras, and Alaoji experienced gas constraints while the Shiroro hydroelectric power plant had water management issues.

While malfunctions are a common feature in the sector, resulting in incessant blackouts, on average, Nigeria generates roughly 4,000 megawatts for a population of over 200 million.

In the most recent report, NERC noted that due to its size and availability, the Egbin power plant accounted for the highest share of generation, with about 13.85 per cent of the total energy output followed by the Kainji power plant which accounted for 8.34 per cent energy share.

During the same period, NERC noted that Olorunsogo National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) plant accounted for the least share of output, contributing 0.12 per cent.

“In comparison to the preceding quarter, it shows clearly that energy generation in

Nigeria is still heavily dependent on nine power plants as these plants accounted for 73 per cent of the total electric energy output in 2020/Q4.

“The implication is that the (over)reliance of the grid on the energy supplied by nine power plants may pose a risk to the industry.

“This is because downtime in any of them may result in grid instability if there is no adequate reserved capacity from other plants to timely offset adverse impact of any sudden loss of generation from any of the nine plants,” NERC stated.

To ameliorate the challenge, the industry regulator noted that it had commenced the process of gradually activating industry contracts to provide certainty to the minimum volume of energy expected of each generating plant and properly allocate risks among the industry operators.

“This is expected to lead to incremental growth in power availability and utilisation,” it said.

During the quarter, NERC

said that the industry recorded the quarter’s daily generation peak of 5,520MW on December 4, 2020.

“The decrease in available generation capacity is attributable to the increase in the number of generation units undergoing operational maintenance, which made them unavailable for operation during the quarter.

“On average, 71 plant generation units were available during the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to 72 generation units available during the third quarter of 2020,” it said.

But NERC explained that in Q4, due to improvements in capacity utilisation, the total electric energy generated increased by 16.49 per cent while 71.17 per cent of the available capacity was utilised, indicating a 9.46 percentage points increase from the capacity utilisation rate recorded in the third quarter.

“The improved capacity utilisation rate recorded during the quarter under review was due to the reduction in technical and operational constraints relating to inadequate gas

supply, transmission constraints, limited distribution networks, and commercially induced low load off-take by Discos,” it said.

According to NERC, the average load factor, that is, the amount of energy that a power plant generated over a certain period relative to its available capacity for the said period recorded an increase to 67.59 per cent from the 56.66 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter.

Jebba and Kanji had 90.35 per cent and 88.92 per cent of their available capacities dispatched by the system operator and were respectively first and second with the highest dispatch rates, the commission said.

During the period, the Azura power plant had a load factor of 87.87 per cent while Ihovbor NIPP had the least dispatch rate of 36.06 per cent, the report stressed.

In terms of the generation mix, although thermal (gas) share declined from the preceding quarter, NERC noted that it still dominated the electricity generation mix accounting for

75.29 per cent of the electricity generated during the fourth quarter of 2020.

“This implies that approximately 7.53kWh of every 10kWh of electric energy generated in Nigeria in the fourth quarter of 2020 came from gas.

“Relative to the preceding quarter, there was a 1.16 percentage point increase in the share of electric energy generated from hydro which accounted for 24.71 per cent of the total energy output.

“Notwithstanding the marginal increase in hydro contribution to energy output, the commission notes with concern the low security of supply associated with having just two energy mixes and significant dominance of gas fuel as acts of vandalism of gas pipelines could result in serious grid instability, as was experienced in 2016.

“To ensure continuous improvement in the generation mix, the commission shall continue to work with other key stakeholders in NESI to

develop regulatory interventions and implement policy actions necessary for the actualisation of improved energy mix through clean coal–to–power generation, and on-grid/off-grid renewables,” it stated.

In all, the power sector regulatory agency explained that the industry witnessed a slight decline in the stability of the grid network during the fourth quarter of 2020 relative to the third quarter of 2020.

Similar to the preceding quarter, it said that there was no incident of partial system collapse during the fourth quarter of 2020, but added, however, that the industry recorded one total system collapse, leading to a blackout nationwide.

According to NERC, Jos and Kano Discos had consistently had lower energy offtake than their allocation in the last eight quarters, while Abuja, Enugu, Eko, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Yola Discos had more energy offtake than their Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) allocation over the same period.

Customs Intercept Container Loaded with Guns in Lagos The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Command, yesterday disclosed that it had intercepted a container loaded with guns at Tin Can Island, in Lagos.

According to the service, the owner of the container allegedly declared its content as plasma televisions, but checks by officers revealed that guns were concealed in the facility.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Uche Ejesieme, confirmed the

interception in a statement.

According to Ejesieme, the container was intercepted on Friday in one of the port’s terminals during routine examination.

He said the container was discovered during a routine examination at terminal B2 (Vehicle) of the TICT. He said when the arms were discovered, the container was evacuated to the enforcement unit where necessary procedures will be taken to further ascertain the

quantity of the consignment.

“The officers intercepted a container loaded with weapons, but as we speak, what we have done as a command is that we have written to the terminal to evacuate the container immediately to enforcement unit for 100 per cent examination so that we can actually ascertain the quantity and other relevant information,” he said.

“So, as we speak, we expect the terminal to evacuate the container to the enforcement

unit where we intend to strip it, and the quantity, names of people involved and other further information would be available.”

Ejesieme said in line with service protocol, the command will inform the customs high command in Abuja after the container had been thoroughly examined, adding that it will also ensure that all the persons involved in the shipment are prosecuted.

“This is why we have not issued an official statement

regarding the seizure. As we speak, we do not have full details of who is behind the import, country of import and the model of guns,” he said.

“All these will be made known at the end of investigations. Most times, the suspect you see is those freight forwarders and agents coming for examination, but we are more interested in getting to the importer and everyone involved in that criminal importation to nip it in the bud.”

DMO: NIGERIA DIDN’T MORTGAGE NATIONAL ASSETS AS COLLATERAL FOR CHINESE LOANS issuance of Eurobond, they are approved by the Federal Executive Council and thereafter, the National Assembly.

“An important and extremely critical step is that the loan agreements are approved by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

“An opinion is issued by

the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice before the agreements are signed.

“Several measures which operate seamlessly have been put in place to ensure that data on debt are available and that debt is serviced as at when due.

Provisions are made explicitly for debt service in the annual budgets,’’ she said.

Oniha explained that the loans agreements provided a number of steps to take to resolve dispute when they arise.

“The first action is that the parties should resolve it within

themselves and if that fails, they go to arbitration.

“In other words, a lender, in this case, China, would not just pounce on an asset at the first sign of a dispute, including defaults,’’ the she said.

She explained that the DMO maintained proper records of

debts, provided projections for debt service and processed the actual payments for debt service.

She pointed out that those functions were carried out in conjunction with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

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EDITORIAL

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

NJC AND THE TAINTED JUDGES The council’s verdict holds lessons for judicial officers

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he decision of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction three judges who issued conflicting orders regarding cases involving the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus is commendable. However, given the rot in the judiciary, many are of the view that this sanction did not go far enough to serve as deterrent to other judicial officers. We also share that position.

To the extent that the judiciary remains a critical arm of government that knits human society together, Judges must not only be above board, but they should also be seen to be so. Therefore, a Judge whose integrity has already been called to question cannot dispense justice that would be deemed to be fair to all concerned parties in any dispute before them. There can be no greater indictment for a judicial officer than what the NJC has done to thee While we welcome three errant the decision of the Judges.

Rising NJC to deny these from its two-day judges promotion meeting for some years, last week, the NJC resolved to outright dismissal punish the three Judges of courts would have sent of concurrent jurisdiction who a clearer signal to granted conflictother judges that i ng ex pa r te order s in matit will no longer be ter s w it h sa me pa r t ies a nd business as usual subject mat ter.

T hey w ill not be pr omoted to h ig her bench for a per iod ra ng ing f r om t wo to f ive yea r s whenever t hey a re due. T he t h ree judges were fou nd to have fa iled to exercise due diligence in g ra nt ing ex pa r te order. A mong t he a f fected judges is Okogbu le Gbasa m of t he Hig h Cou r t of R iver s St ate. He was ba r red f r om elevat ion to h ig her bench for t wo yea r s whenever he is due. T he council found that there was really no urgency to warrant the grant of an ex parte order in the way he did.

Letters to the Editor

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Justice Nusirat I. Umar of the High Court of Kebbi State was also barred from elevation to higher bench for two years whenever due. The council said it found fundamental defects and non-compliance with the law in her decision. Justice Edem Ita Kooffreh of the High Court of Cross River State received the harshest sanction among the three judges. He will not be promoted to higher bench for five years for allowing himself to be used as a tool for “forum shopping” and abuse of court process. All the three judges were also issued with warning letters to be circumspect in granting such orders in future. hile we welcome the decision of the NJC to deny these judges promotion for some years, outright dismissal would have sent a clearer signal to other judges that it will no longer be business as usual. However, the council still deserves commendation for its intervention.

In the past, the NJC would wait for a petition before taking a decision even when a judge had done something that brought the judiciary into disrepute. Taking advantage of this flaw in the NJC’s rules, some judges who were petitioned in the past usually put the petitioners under pressure to withdraw them. So, it is remarkable that in sanctioning these three judges, the NJC did not wait for any petition against them before investigating the embarrassing cases.

In a statement announcing the sanctions, the NJC had said: “Even though there was no written petition, allegations of corruption or impropriety against the subject Judges, Council nevertheless, initiated investigation pursuant to its inherent disciplinary powers under the Constitution to unravel the circumstances that led to the spate of Ex parte Orders granted by these Courts of coordinate jurisdiction over matters bearing same parties and subject matter.”

The council is encouraged to continue to use its inherent powers to rid the bench of judicial officers who abuse their powers. Now that judges know that the NJC can initiate disciplinary measures against them without waiting for a petition, many will begin to do the right thing. It is left for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to set in motion the instrumentality of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. It is obvious that it takes two to tango. We cannot cleanse the judiciary without disciplining erring legal practitioners.

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

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

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

BETWEEN AIR PEACE AND EMIRATES AIRLINE

espite the challenges facing the nation, this is one of the good times to be a proud Nigerian! President Buhari-led government has made me proud. The recent reciprocal reduction of Emirates flights to Nigeria from 21 per week to just once, in retaliation to UAE's limitation of Air Peace's flights to Dubai via Sharjar Airport, to one flight per week, has sent an assuring message that the federal government will go full length to protect the interests of indigenous airlines and Nigerian air travellers.

Gone are the days when indigenous airlines would be left in the cold of

crippling politics of foreign airlines and its attendant grave implications for Nigerians on the international routes. Nigerians are among the most mobile humans on this planet—we travel a lot. The Nigerian route is one of the busiest in the world, yet Nigerian airlines have not really benefited from this huge traffic.

Behemoth cum legacy airlines have been using their different home governments to frustrate Nigerian airlines from consolidating in the international routes; thereby monopolising the routes while Nigerian travellers are left at their mercy of arbitrary fares and other forms of exploitative

tendencies. I think we have reached elastic limit of tolerating these excesses.

Never again!

They had gotten away with this impunity and discriminatory actions in the past because previous administrations did not stand up to these economic bullies but Aviation Ministry under Hadi Sirika is making a difference. No injustice lasts forever. Every serious government of the world defends the interests of its indigenous companies against predatory actions of other nations. I am very happy that our government has etched this belief in its consciousness.

In February this year, UAE employed the fight against Covid-19 as a

smokescreen to frustrate Air Peace Airline from coming to Sharjar, using "Rapid Antigen Test" as a flimsy excuse. The federal government reciprocated by stopping Emirates flights to Nigeria. When UAE had a rethink on the Rapid Antigen Test requirement, Nigerian authorities lifted the ban on Emirates flights.

The foregoing context forms the crux of the matter. While Emirates announced flights resumption to Nigeria starting from 5th December, 2021, it never wanted Air Peace to resume its flights on Dubai route. Emirates Airline loves to retain its age-longed monopoly of the route, but has gotten more than it bargained for. Notwithstanding several warnings from Nigerian aviation authorities to UAE's government to allow Air Peace's

fly to Sharjar Airport, at least three times per week, it fell on deaf ears.

UAE even went further to reduce Air Peace's flights to just once per week. What a diplomatic imprudence! Emirates had permission for 21 flights into Nigeria per week, yet UAE could not allow Air Peace just three flights per week. Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority got infuriated, in commendable reciprocity and display of regulatory acumen, reduced Emirates flights to one per week. Applause! Who losses more? Emirates! Now it has dawned on them by giving Air Peace seven slots a week.

We should ask for more.

– Chidiebere Nwobodo, Abuja

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OPINION

BEFORE PRESIDEN T BU H A R I REMOV ES PET ROL SU BSIDY Removal of subsidy will further impoverish the Nigerian poor, writes Ike Okonta

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am happy that Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, General Ibrahim Babangida’s Finance Minister in the 1980s, is alive and well. Dr Kalu, working closely with the then Country Representative of the World Bank, avidly promoted the Structural Adjustment Programme and ensured that General Babangida imposed it on the Nigerian populace. Kalu argued that the government had no role in the economy, that the Naira should be drastically devalued and that subsidies in the education and health sectors should be removed or drastically curtailed. He also called for the privatization of all public enterprises and the removal of tariffs on imports which the federal government had put in place to protect the local manufacturing sector.

Following the introduction of SAP in 1986, the value of the Naira crashed in the foreign exchange market. Local factories that were producing such products as automobiles, textiles and vehicle batteries closed shop. Privatised enterprises did not fare any better. They were subjected to asset-stripping and then abandoned while employees were left to fend for themselves. By the time General Babangida was forced by pro-democracy forces to leave office in August 1993, it was clear to suffering Nigerians that Dr Kalu and the World Bank and International Monetary Fund had sold them a dummy. Nigeria had been forced back into the orbit of the international capitalist system as a marginal satellite that imported everything from toothpicks to automobiles from the Western countries while the fledgling steps she had taken on the path to industrialization in the 1960s and 1970s was abandoned.

Three decades later the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is still making common cause with the discredited World Bank. The government has served notice that it will remove subsidies on petrol and electricity in 2022. It claimed that the burden of subsidizing these two sectors is now too much for the government to bear and that in any case petrol subsidies was benefiting only the welloff. Then the government committed a blunder. It assured Nigerians that the sum of N5000 would be paid to 40 million poor Nigerians for one year to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

Alert public-interest economics did a quick calcula-

tion and found out that the amount of money that would ostensibly be expended in the payment to poor Nigerians would far exceed the yearly subsidy! Who is trying to fool who?

The core argument of President Buhari and the World Bank Country Representative in Nigeria is that the government has no business subsidizing utilities and that such sectors as electricity and petrol should be left to the vagaries of market forces. This is indeed the central position of Neoliberalism, the extreme right-wing regimen that late President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher began to push soon after they were both elected into office in the early 1980s. Neoliberalism, it must be noted, is not about economics. Not at all. Stripped bare, it is a political strategy whose aim is to strengthen the grip of harsh capitalism on the world system and remove socialism as a contending political alternative. This was why Prime Minister Thatcher attacked trade unions in Britain in the 1980s and also sought to cripple the Labour Party. For his part, President Reagan drew up a strategy paper that was later christened ‘The Washington Consensus’ and pushed it to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to implement around the world. The collapse of the Soviet Union a few years later only strengthened the grip of this noxious extreme right political regimen globally.

It is interesting to note that the coming of President Joe Biden in January 2021 has served notice to Neoliberalism that its end has come. Within eleven months President Biden has steered two key bills through the US Congress – one designed to revamp public infrastructure and the other to give subsidies to such vital sectors as healthcare, childcare, and the environment.

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In short President Biden and the Democrats are arguing that Big Government is back; that the old practice of cosseting the rich at the expense of the poor and public welfare has come to an end. President Biden made it clear that he meant every word when, faced with rising inflation, especially the cost of petrol, he released strategic oil reserves in the US in a bid to force down the price of the product.

He did not pay the slightest attention to right wing economists who wanted so-called market forces to continue to determine the cost of petrol in the US – to the detriment of the ordinary consumer.

I have always argued that President Buhari does not have a clear and definable economic strategy.

His policies are made on the hoof; not properly thought-out and with the cares of the ordinary Nigerian as their primary focus. Unemployment is currently about 40 percent. Food inflation has further forced those lucky enough to have jobs to cut corners as they struggle every month with their meager salaries. Removing subsidies on petrol and electricity will only jerk up inflation even higher and worsen the plight of poor Nigerians who even now are hardly able to eat three meals a day. The key to prosperity in Nigeria are diversification of the economy through rapid industrialization and expansion and modernization of the agricultural sector. This will entail establishing a vigorous steelmanufacturing sector and ramping up electricity production beyond the current paltry 4000 megawatts.

The Buhari Presidency has not been able to take these steps. Instead it wants to further impoverish the Nigerian poor by removing the few subsidies they still enjoy. I urge the government to rethink this policy. In any case it is now a lame-duck government as fresh elections are already around the corner. The decision whether to remove subsidies should be left for the in-coming government in 2023. President Buhari has given his best and it is simply not good enough.

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GOOD SHEPHERDS PASTURE (RCCG) AT 25

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0MVTFHVO "EFOJZJ reflects as GSP marks 25th anniversary

t’s almost like yesterday when Ireno Yonwuren, Funmi (Obaweya) Otubanjo, Olapeju (Jikiemi) Falowo, myself and a few others in the ‘Watchmen’ (prayer) group were dispersed from the then Apapa Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Iganmu, Lagos to the Good Shepherds Pasture (GSP) – a new parish of no fixed address; and with a Pastor we were meeting for the first time! (I hope Pastor Tony Rapu, currently the Senior Pasture at This Present House, will soon write his memoir so that some of us can understand what transpired in the weeks leading to the exodus from ‘Freedom Hall’ from where five new parishes were birthed on the same day).

However, as GSP marks its 25th anniversary today, it is appropriate to reflect on an incredible journey marked by the faithfulness of God in our lives this past quarter of a century. I must first thank God for Pastor Niyi Ajibola and his wife, Feyitola whose exemplary lives have helped to turn the GSP into One Big Family for thousands of people now scattered in several countries across the world. Credit must also go to our dear daddy, Pastor Wilson Ifie who took the baton from Pastor Niyi in 2006 and built on the foundation already laid before he also handed to Pastor Doyin Jibodu, following his retirement.

At GSP, I started out as an Usher under Pastor Kayode Alaka before Brother Biola Adetunji took over as head of the department. The temperament of the two were quite different. Pastor Kayode was a no-nonsense head usher.

Brother Biola was more an introvert. Meanwhile, with the latter, every discussion must begin with, “Let’s open the Bible to…” That was how he earned the nickname, ‘The scriptures cannot be broken,’ which happened to be his favourite Biblical passage. I eventually became the head usher before I was posted to the Teens Department, following the relocation to Port Harcourt of Pastor Lanre Ajanaku who would later move to Canada with his family.

At 234 Herbert Macauley Street, (Alagomeji) Yaba which now boasts of a magnificent edifice, we had an exciting time and I saw my role with the teenagers basically as that of a mentor. In the process, we conceived the idea of an annual conference, essentially to bring accomplished people within

the society to fire the imagination of our teenagers. In the first edition in 2004, we invited the late Prof. Dora Akunyili who was then the high-flying NAFDAC Director General and Pastor Sam Adeyemi as our speakers. In the second edition in 2005, we succeeded in bringing Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the lead speaker. She was at that period the Minister of Finance. In 2006, the lead speaker was the then Education Minister, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili.

Although I moved to Abuja at the end of May 2007, such was the bond created that I am still in touch with many of those teenagers of yesterday who have become successful men and women in their own rights. Some have also, at different times, spent holidays with my family in Abuja and I have attended a few marriages. But the most memorable experience at GSP happened in 2002 at a period I was the Head Usher.

Shortly before she got married, the beautiful woman formerly known as Rounke Ajayi was a young usher close to me. One day, as she prepared for her wedding, she said she would bring her fiancée for a night vigil in our house. On the appointed day, Rounke came with the young man, and we had what I remember as a spirit-lifting vigil, praying for their proposed union.

In the morning, as we were about to share the benediction, Rounke asked me, “Bro Segun, do you know my fiancee?”

I couldn’t understand the question given that she had only introduced him to me for the first time the night before, or at least so I thought. What Rounke said next was even more shocking: “Well, God must have told you I will find my husband through you, and you probably then imagined that you could help God.” Then she explained!

Because I admired Rounke and saw in her all the qualities any man would look for in a wife, I invited my friend and brother, Louis Odion to our church.

Louis was then my deputy at THISDAY and I felt it was time he got married. Louis was also the Best Man at my wedding. Having told him so much about Rounke, Louis became a member of our church. But despite making moves to woo her, the relationship

didn’t work out and they both went their separate ways.

Now, sometimes in 2002 when my family was about to move to our own apartment in Abraham Adesanya Millennium Estate, Ajah, from Abesan Estate, Ipaja, we decided to hold a prayer night vigil. I asked Chuks Omeife, a friend who also happened to be one of the ushers, to get me anybody who would lead praise worship session and could also play instrument for the vigil. Chuks delivered on the assignment. But since there was no light that night and I had not bought a generator, we relied on candles for illumination.

The young man who led the praise worship that night happened to be Tunde Babalola. And that was how she (Rounke) met the man who would later be her husband in my house!

It is instructive that GSP marks its 25th anniversary on the 23rd anniversary of my wedding. That is another interesting story of its own. With many members trapped in the traffic chaos occasioned by ‘Lekki 98’, the first Holy Ghost Congress of RCCG which drew an unprecedented crowd, only Ireno and Oti Yonweren made it to my wedding on 19th December 1998. The whole church was compelled by Pastor Niyi to tender apology to me and my wife on the Sunday that followed!

Looking back, I have fond memories of GSP and I congratulate the Pastorate and members (old and new) as we mark the 25th anniversary. On a day such as this, it is also appropriate to appreciate Pastors Emeka Obiagwu, Gbenga Olanlokun, Daniel Udom, Richard Olubameru, Nkoyo Egbedi, Joe Emeribe, Demola Adegboyega, Dayo Kayode, Folake Fajemisin, Leke Kelani, Femi Adedeji, Biodun (Sadiku) Adebowale, Ben Muka, Adeola Fadase, Sunday Ukabam, Fred Okuagba and several others who were brothers and sisters indeed to some of us in those days of small beginnings.

It is my prayer that the Parish will not only grow but will also continue to fulfill its mandate in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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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 ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

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LETTERS A RESILIENT ELECTORAL SYSTEM ADAPTS TO POSITIVE CHANGES

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t the heart of Nigeria`s leadership crisis is the failure of its electoral system to live up to the expectations of citizens.

This failure which stains both men and institutions has been largely responsible for the legion of leeches that has found its way into Nigeria`s public offices since 1960.

From councillors and chairmen in local governments, to governors and legislators in the States, to the government at the centre, which is also Nigeria`s central problem, leeches stampede Nigeria`s public offices, sucking life out of the country. From public infrastructure, to public health to public education, their grotesque fingerprints leave marks that even unborn generations will bear.

Elections in Nigeria used to be elaborate experiments in rigging. The circus of 1999, the jamboree of 2003 and the shenanigans of 2007 all happened under the watch of the Peoples Democratic Party. The farce of 2011 completed the Party`s ruthless assault on Nigeria`s electoral democracy.

Defeat followed in 2015 and again in 2019 with the APC engaging in electoral brigandage with no compunction whatsoever.

Over the years, like snakes shedding skin, Nigerians have gradually shed their electoral naivety. Each election has shown an electorate with a thicker skin.

For instance, Anambra State has consistently proven a banana peel for those whose expertise is plundering ballot boxes. On November 6, 2021, ballot brigands tallied another sour

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experience in the State to add to previous humiliations suffered in a State that best personifies the defiance of the Igbo spirit.

INEC which over the years has contributed in no small measure to shredding its own reputation has also grown in resilience, showing with each election that it can hold its own even in the face of relentless assaults from anti-democratic elements.

Because free and fair elections are the veins and arteries which pump blood into the heart of democracy, whenever issues that affect elections crop up, Nigerians now know to sit up and take notice because playing the ostrich opens the gates to all manner of political vermin as has sadly been the case in Nigeria.

Now, an Electoral Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly awaits the President`s assent. It is reportedly drawing angry opposition from those for whom the chickens will come home to roost once the bill is signed.

A key introduction of the bill will be direct primaries by which registered party members will be able to vote for choice candidates from the stage of primary elections as opposed to the indirect mode of voting through delegates which give Nigeria`s grasping kingmakers and godfathers too much power.

Decidedly, they are rattled by the audacity of the amendment. They see in it the shears which will shave off their hairs and airs.

Under the proposed amendment, a nonagenarian party member from a remote ward will have the power to determine the candidates of her party at elections. This unprecedented permutation is giving Nigeria`s avaricious

kingmakers and godfathers who include many governors and former governors bouts of incurable insomnia.

Selection of candidates used to be their province and playground. Over steaming cups of imported coffee in their expansive living rooms expensively appointed with public funds, they used to decide who lived and who died a political death.

From the boys who slept in their living rooms and did all their bidding in an exhibition of distorted loyalty, they used to choose those who would be political kings.

From the earth of foxes who call them ogas out of pathological sycophancy and promise them monthly returns once in office, they used to select their stooges.

Now that the equalizing power of the law is about to level the playing ground, sleep has abandoned them.

They will continue to lose sleep for a long time because Nigeria`s democracy is on an irreversible march to full and forceful realization. For many years, marching in

lockstep with their political parties, they murdered the sleep of Nigerians.

With 2023 breathing down our necks, the governors, many of whom are themselves masters of political dark arts are in a frenzy. But what are the permutations, and what is salutary for Nigeria`s democracy?

The governors about to round up their first terms are desperate for another while those who are concluding their second terms are desperate to determine their successors.

There is a lot of desperation in the air.

For many of them, the provision of democratic goods to those who elected them has taken the backseat.

Now, they are afraid of direct primaries. But why?

They are terrified of the day when those at the grassroots will find the confrontational directness that enlivens democracy.

Should those who have pillaged Nigeria`s dwindling resources for many years now be heard to say that Nigerians should not have a direct say in the

THE NEED TO SUPPORT NORTHERNERS' AGITATIONS

rior to the emergent #NorthisBleeding protests, the popular notion among the Southern Nigerians was the infallibility of Buhari administrative policy in the eyes of the Northerners. An average Southerner had the conception that the Northern region would rather endure unfavourable and harsh political, economic and social programmes of the Buhari-led administration than castigating or portraying it bad in the public domain.

The straw that broke the camel’s back on the already North/South strained relationship and mutual distrust was the condemnation of the #EndSARS protests which was popularly accepted in the North as a conspiracy by the South to overthrow the Buhari-led administration. The pro-SARS movements' rallies organized in some

Northern states particularly seemed to have given more credence to the unalloyed loyalty of the Northerners towards the incumbent national government.

As the #NorthisBleeding protests were being staged across some Northern states, many Southern Nigerians perceived the insecurity outcry as an avenue to pay back the North in their coins.

They therefore trivialized the protest by throwing their weight behind the Buhari-led administration in a bid to spit the Northern protesters. A couple of Southern youths even went on social media to express their joyful mood towards the recent murder of 23 travellers by bandits on a road in the Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State and the gruesome murder of 18 worshippers in a mosque in Niger State.

Whatever argument pushed in justification of the Northerners' stance on #EndSARS movement and other previous actions in solidarity with the incumbent govern-

ment should not be a bone of contention at this period. Likewise, the Southern people should not be castigated for mockery of Northern states' insecurity menace.

The continuous apportion of blame would only serve the interest of the political elite, and not the common man in both regions. Rather, keen attention should be paid at the degree both the Northern and Southern masses enjoyed the dividends of good governance under the incumbent administration.

Be it South or North, the agenda of the upper echelons of Nigeria's political power structure is mutual; the motive to capture and retain political power. Nigeria being a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse society is a fertile ground to breed the seed of ethno-religious hostilities. This same entity is full of potentialities if its ethnoreligious pluralism is managed and harnessed to national integration.

Unfortunately, the country's political elite have chosen the constant playing of ethnic cards to retain political power ahead of nation-bulding.

Nigeria is bedevilled with numerous obstacles which mostly affect the masses. The Nigerian masses would continue to be on the receiving end until the recognition of social identity by ethnicity and religion is uprooted.

The ethnic tension between North and South is a well crafted script by the elite to divert the common man’s attention from pertinent issues related to their wellbeing and survival.

Both average Northerners and Southerners have continued to benefit little or nothing from successive governments. The unity, solidarity, consciousness and proactiveness of this oppressed class is the panacea for their collective survival against socio-political, economic and security challenges.

– Binzak Azeez, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile

foundational processes of governance?

Shall those political parties which have sponsored the greediest plunderers of Nigeria`s commonwealth now be heard to say that direct primaries would be too expensive for them? They now have an opportunity to judiciously apply those stolen funds to strengthen internal democracy within their parties.

Nigerians had watched in stunned horror as the legion of leeches at the National Assembly farcically torpedoed the proposed electronic transmission of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission under the amendment bill.

In a classic case of crying more than the bereaved, the legislators wailed that the country was not ready

to electronically transmit election results. Meanwhile, INEC maintained it was ready to do so.

There is neither perfect elections nor perfect electoral systems anywhere. However, a resilient electoral system which is the spine of a resilient democracy is one which readily adapts to positive changes supported by sound legal frameworks that guarantee respect for the choice of the electorate.

It is thus telling that an amendment that is poised to make Nigeria`s democratic process more transparent is finding strident opposition from those supposedly elected to serve people.

Nigerians do not need to look too far to see who their enemies are.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

TRIBUTE TO CHIEF ISAAC A. OGUNNUBI A decade of fatherly presence, a decade of fatherly guidance, a decade of fatherly care, a decade of fatherly love, a decade of fatherly relationship is all I miss in this great man who impacted my life in no small way. As the first child from the rear of High Chief Isaac Ayorinde Ogunnubi, The Olisa of Ijebu-Isiwo, a renowned community leader and a respected family man I write to honour his legacies.

High Chief Ogunnubi was born on the 15th of January, 1933 by Pa Emmanuel Ogunmosun Ogunnubi of Yenuwa Imowe quarters of Ijebu-Isiwo. The father was the first certified and licensed lay reader under the Anglican Communion when Christianity reached Ijebu land in the year 1896.

His elementary education was at Christ Church School, Ijebu-Isiwo where he obtained the first leaving certificate in December 1950.

He was retained to teach in his alma mater, (a rare occurrence in those days), but as a result of his exemplary moral character and a sound academic capability.

I knew that someday in a far away and distant future, the cycle of life would come to a gentle close for my father. I knew that. I knew that when the time came, we would have to face it with acceptance.

I didn’t doubt that for one instant. But what I could never have imagined was that we would face the tragic, sudden and devastating death of my beloved father exactly a decade today.

My heart aches for the loss of my father but I stand in acceptance. For this is the nature of life. There is time for everything. And a season for every activity under the heavens.

Ten years on, I am honored to celebrate the life of a very special man in my life. A man I am proud to call a father.

A man who is not only my daddy but also a father. A man who I knew so well in life but of whom I am surprisingly learning more about in death. This, through heart-warming anecdotes from people across the country and beyond. People whose lives he touched

through discreet acts of kindness. A selfless and sacrificial life. Stories of empathy. Of honour. Of humility. Of support. Stories that comfort us and bring us joy.

My Daddy was an international figure, but it was in his role as a family man that he truly shone. My Daddy was a straight shooter, whose word was his bond. My Daddy was just an ordinary man who lived a truly extra-ordinary life.

My father participated in the 3rd International Bible Contest and Conference in Jerusalem as Nigeria’s only representative, this also gave him the opportunity of visiting some of the Biblical & Historical places in Spain, Paris in France, Italy (Vatican City) in Rome, Israel, part of Lebanon and Egypt. He did Nigeria proud during that time as he was the only black man among the 20 countries that participated.

The toga of responsibility of running the town fell on him when he was installed as the Olisa of Isiwo in 1983 and this he did pretty well to the admiration of all.

He lived a full and active life as a bold man of artless candor. Ten years after his demise, Olisa Ayo Ogunnubi, one of the most colorful and enlightened men of his generation was a convenient peg on which to hang some reflections. He staked his life, reputation and personal comfort for his people. He was a selfless human being, a kind man, a dependable man.

My father was a confidant to all those that came his way and equally to everybody he came across.

Olisa Ayo was a gentle man, very patient and an understanding leader. The fact that he often held his views amid popular oppositions, dissents and even derisions shows him to be a man of unflinching courage that sometimes verges on dare devilry. It is precisely these qualities which endeared him to many that also alienated him from others.

Tola Ogunnubi (ANIPR, FILRMN)Deputy Head, Corporate AffairsNigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, Abuja

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SUNDAY DECEMBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

BUSINESS

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

Dismantling the Myths of 3.5 GHz Spectrum Auction Some initial analyses on the 3.5GHz Spectrum Auction, which produced MTN and Mafab as winners last week revolved around the fate of other telecoms operators, and the transfer of additional costs to telecom subscribers, whereas emerging narratives from informed industry watchers say time for subscribers to get value for their money is here, reports Festus Akanbi

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ith the successful completion of the much-advertised 3.5GHz Spectrum auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) last week, stakeholders in the nation’s telecommunications industry have singled out telecoms subscribers as the major gainers of the business transaction.

If the narrative pushed out by the leadership of the umbrella body for the nation’s telecoms operators, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria is anything to rely upon, then the auction that fetched the federal government $563 million will not bring additional burden to telecom users although there were initial fears that the telecoms Àrms would not hesitate to pass the burden of the payment to their consumers.

The Auction The auction, which was conducted at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, and virtually, saw the third bidder, Airtel Nigeria, crashing out along the way, leaving MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communication Limited to grab the two slots available.

A breakdown of the federal government’s earnings from the auction showed that it raked in a total of $547.2 million as MTN and Mafab emerged winners of the keenly contested 3.5 GHz spectrum auction for 5G deployment in the country by paying $273.6 million each.

In addition, MTN had paid $15,900,000 to get lot one of the spectrum, while Mafab paid an additional $11,120,000 million to get lot two.

Each of the bidders had initially paid N7. 5 billion to qualify for the bidding, which was a 10 per cent non-refundable deposit of the N750 billion ($197.4 million).

The three bidders were in the contest for two slots of 100MHz each in the 3.5GHz spectrum licence, and each bidder contested for one lot.

Financial analysts said apart from the value to be derived from the eventual deployment of 5G services by the winners of the auction, the accrued revenue from the exercise, which is to be paid in naira, will go a long way in meeting some Ànancial obligations of the federal government at the end this year.

Airtel, Globacom, Etisalat Haven’t Lost Out Putting the narrative in proper perspectives, a telecom industry analyst and publisher of Technology Times, Mr. Shina Badaru, told THISDAY that hope is not lost for the other three major telecoms operators yet to get 5G licence, adding that there are still three other licences yet to be put for sale. ´There federal government has Àve licences for 5G. The government in its wisdom, through the NCC, decided to sell the Àrst two for now. It means there will still be another bid in the future,” he explained.

The struggle for the last auction, according to him, was a reÁection of the instinct of business promoters to seek to be among the Àrst set of people to get such a licence for bragging rights, saying “everybody wants to get the Àrst right to say we got ours from the Àrst batch.”

As far as he is concerned, it’s not a big deal that Airtel opted out at a stage, explaining that usually, businesses will make up their mind about a particular threshold it could go at every auction.

“Recall there were three bidders. The company would have done its mathematics internally and said if the auction goes beyond a particular price, we won’t go ahead. The spectrum is going to demand additional funding before it can be deployed. It’s just like you went to buy a car, the car is just one aspect of the whole process, you will still to be fuelling it, you will buy some other things, you will still do insurance. So, if you have only a N1million assigned for that car if, by the time you Ànd a car of your choice, the price is N1.2million, you already know you have overshot your budget by more than N200,000 because you will still do insurance and other things.

“So, they would have done their maths internally and decided that when it gets to this threshold, we can’t go beyond it,” he said.

He believed that MTN won because of its market size and its capability. “So, MTN, on the other side, is the market leader and they have 73million subscribers.”

He believed that MTN being the market leader will like to be ahead in terms of delivering 5G because it will give them faster access.

Better Services Badaru said Nigerian telecom subscribers are in for a great time in terms of speed and ease of accessing the internet.

He said this would be achieved for instance, “If you watch a video on your phone or other devices, you will Ànd out that with a 3G network, the internet connection will be fast, then when it crosses over to 4G, it will be faster. With 5G, it will be a whole lot faster with very little waiting time. You want to download a video, it will be fast. Because they understand that the consumers want all these fast things on the go and that we are ready to pay for it once it is fast enough, everybody wants to get that 5G.” Mass Porting Imminent Badaru will not rule out mass porting from the network that did not win the licence for 5G. He, however, believed that “Somebody that exits today might still come back the other day when the government wants to auction the remaining three licences, so, that’s the logic. It doesn’t mean that because someone lost out today, it has lost out totally.

It also means subscribers can port to any network of their choice. So, for instance, if MTN now has 5G and you have an airtel phone, you can decide you want to port, nobody is stopping you. It’s a free and open market,” he explained.

ALTON: Subscribers are the Real Winners In his reaction, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, who commended the NCC for a transparent exercise, said Nigerian telecom subscribers are the real winners of the auction.

He said: “In my view, I think there are more winners, the country won, the winners are the subscribers and the entire country. The reason is that it’s a beneÀt for all of us and the preferred bidders, we say well done and we are now looking at them and expecting that they would be able to deliver to the nation all the features and beneÀts of 5G that we have all learnt in the last years and so, we keep our Àngers crossed.”

Pledging the support of the association to the telecoms Àrms, Adebayo assured the

subscribers, saying now that 5G Spectrum has been auctioned, I think the good days are nearby.

So, it’s a good development. The industry is very happy about it, we are delighted about the entire process from start to Ànish and we look forward with hope for better network, to better user experience, to high-speed data and all features and beneÀts as science has explained that are derivable from 5G.” On the fear that subscribers might be the ones to pay the extra cost paid for the 5G spectrum by operators, Adebayo said the argument doesn’t make sense.

“The illustration is very simple. It’s like driving on an untarred road and now driving on a tarred road. You can imagine the experience both in terms of speed of travel, in terms of safety, in terms of comfort, and terms of turnaround beneÀts for them. The end-users will beneÀt from this even more than the operators themselves, the reason being that high-speed data will be provided at a relatively low cost, relative to what has been the case, the experience will be better. It’s like today it takes you 10 minutes to download a particular page, tomorrow it will take one minute to do the same. Today, you are trying to send an email and it’s taking time for the email to go or you are trying to download a movie or trying to watch live station and it’s going on and oͿ, all those experiences will disappear in the technology of 5G. “So the beneÀt is more than the cost. I don’t subscribe to the school of thought saying it’s more a burden to the subscribers. Not at all because earlier generations will continue to run on the network,” Adebayo stated.

Meanwhile, he explained that there will continue to be 2G services, 3 G services, and 4G services while 5G is introduced as according to him, “It’s not a migration from old and new.”

As more issues continue to dominate discussions industry aͿairs commentators said what will be of interest to subscribers who had loudly complained of poor services from the telecom sector is the speed and e΀ciency linked to the deployment of the 5G network.

The industry will also want to know the true identity of the promoters of Mafab Communications company and how and when the company plans to deploy its 5G network service.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

AVIATION

Counting the Losses in UAE-Nigeria Air Travel Impasse Emirates Airlines did not operate to Nigeria from February to December 2021 due to imbroglio that arose between the airline and the Nigerian government over COVID-19 rapid tests. But the airline resumed Áights to Abuja and Lagos on December 12 with initial 14 Áights a week from its assigned 21 frequencies per week. Then another disagreement came up with the refusal of 8nited Arab Emirates to give Nigerian carrier, Air Peace three frequencies it requested from the Sharjah authorities where it operated until the Coronavirus lockdown in 2020. That refusal prompted the federal government to withdraw 20 frequencies to Emirates, leaving them with only one Áight a week in response to the way the Middle East nation treated the Nigerian airline. Who stands to lose more if air travel is severed between the two countries, asks Chinedu Eze

I

tbecamemanifestduringtheevacuation that followed the COVID-19 that the federal government has diͿerent approach to international air travel politics, which is known as aeropolitics.Airlines use the BilateralAir ServiceAgreement (BASA) to open routes between two countries. They also use it to play the politics of competition. Airlines operating to Nigeria may not want Nigerian carrier to Áy to their own territories so that they would have dominance and sometimes monopoly over the route.

When evacuation started during the lockdown, many foreign airlines wanted to take advantage of it by reaching deals with Nigerian embassies to evacuate Nigerians back to the country. -ostling started, as some airlines quickly reached agreement with some Nigerian embassies in Canada, in the 8., in 8AE and other countries. Then the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and the Minister of Foreign AͿairs, GeoͿrey Onyeama made it known that it is only Nigerian carriers that would be funded by government and its agencies to evacuate Nigerians back to their father land.

The rhythm of music changed for some foreign airlines that hoped to rip oͿ from Nigeria and not without their exorbitant fares. It was this policy that made Air Peace and Azman Air to airlift Nigerians from diͿerent countries. So, the federal government, for the Àrst time adopted the principle of reciprocity and refused to back down. It saved Nigerians who were stranded overseasmoneybecauseNigeriancarrierscharged them low fares and those who did not even have money to pay were even airlifted free by Air Peace, especially from India, 8AE and China.

Fence mending Although Nigeria and 8AE are mending diplomatic fences now and there is hope that bothAir Peace and EmiratesAirlines would have their frequencies restored, but what is remarkable aboutit,whichhasattractedalotofcommendation for government and the Minister of Aviation is the ability of the Minister to stand his grounds despite pressures.

In the leaked audio by the Minister when he updated his team while still in Bogota, Colombia, he encapsulated what was going on between Nigeria and 8AE over the Áight rights between the two countries and acknowledged that both countries would lose revenues if they remained aloof without compromise.

“I know they (Emirates) cannot bear the pressure because they have lost a lot of money in the past. Honestly, who cares but by their not coming they are losing a lot of money, we also in Nigeria are losing the service they provide or also losing some economic activity as a result of Áight stoppage. But the sovereignty of 200 million people is too important for us to toy with. So, on behalf of the 200 million Nigerians, I have taken the decision that they also be given one slot,” the Minister said.

Who Loses?

Industry stakeholder and the Chairman of the Board,NelikeCapital,DrAlexNwubasaidduring anArise TV interview that with 21 Áights a week,

Emirates was airlifting about 450, 000 passengers a year and making about half a billion dollars on the Nigerian route, so there is no comparison with what Nigerian carrier is getting.

Industry sources estimated that Emirates airlifted about 1000 outbound passengers everyday from its three operations to Nigeria, which gives it about 7000 passengers a week. This cannot be compared to Air Peace that airlifts less than Àve per cent of that lot in a week. Emirates inbound daily Áight would also be close to that number.

Industry consultant and CEO of Belu-ane .onsult, Chris Aligbe agreed with Dr Nwuba, saying that the capital Áight from Nigeria by these airlines amounted to $1.5 billion annually, up from $1.2 billion in the previous years.

“21 Áights a week will tell you that the route means a lot to them. It is a huge mileage. High percentage of the passengers does not drop in Dubai but connect Áight to other destinations.

I think Emirates has overtaken British Airways so Emirates cannot aͿord to lose the Nigerian market because it has become a major market to the airline. It was good that 8AE got back to give Air Peace seven weekly Áights. I hope Air Peace will make good use of it,” Aligbe said.

He said that the action of Nigerians over the matter showed strong nationalism among citizens and noted that the Minister was point blank in his position over the impasse, which is very good because that would redeÀne future interface between the two countries.

Industry logistics expert and Managing Director, Flight and Logistics Solutions, Amos Akpan said that determining which country s losing depends on the perspective from which the impact is assessed, noting that Emirates loses about $25.2 million a month.

“Some would score from the viewpoint that Nigeria stood up to defend her rights in the international arena. Some would say Emirates

is losing an estimated revenue of $25.2 million per month that could have accrued from operating 21Áights per week, while Air Peace would have lost only $2.7 million per month from operating three Áights per week. These exclude the additional money that passengers would spend in Dubai on holidays and businesses. It is estimated that 40 per cent of passengers on Dubai Áights have Dubai as their destination while 60 per cent transit through Dubai airport.”

Lopsided BASA Akpan suggested that the BilateralAir Service Agreement is skewed against Nigeria because the country did not protect its interest well looking at the number of times the country has been shortchanged by foreign airlines, backed by their countries. These countries took the advantage over Nigeria because of the weakness in the BASA against Nigeria’s interest.

“BASA is standardised for the beneÀt of signatory countries. It is based on equality and a win-win policy platform for the two countries.

When one signatory country has more capacity than the other party, the imbalance in execution is traded on a commercial agreement. Lopsided execution of BASAis when the party with greater capacity exploits the Áight frequencies with its associated freedoms leaving other signatory with lessornilcapacitywithoutÀnancialcompensation or reciprocity.

“It is the responsibility of the signatory parties to build capacities to exploit the beneÀts in a BASA. Instead of blaming the party with more capacity, you negotiate commercial trade oͿ while you build capacity to engage on equal utilisation,” Akpan said.

He gave example with the British Airways and the Virgin Atlantic Airways, saying that these two 8. airlines operate daily into Lagos and BA operates to Abuja all year round. That

no Nigerian airline operates to 8. but is not 8.’s fault.

“Nigeria should develop capacity to have at least two airlines operate into 8.. But while in the process of building capacity to reciprocate, Nigeria should earn income per payload from BAand Virgin on the excess frequencies utilised within the BASA. Akpan estimated that Emirates airlifts 250 passengers per Áight ð 21 Áights per week ð $1200 per passenger $6.3m per week. Then $6.3m ð 4 weeks $25.2m per month.

“This is a type of revenue Emirates or BAmakes from operations into Nigeria. (Note that revenue is not income or proÀt for the airline). This revenue excludes money spent by passengers on holidays or engaged in businesses in 8. and 8AE. Also, note these airlines will request to repatriate greater portions of their revenue, which puts pressure on Nigeria’s forex. Nigerian government should sustain this latest approach used to engage 8AE in aero-politics,” Akpan added.

Aligbe also suggested that the federal government should begin to input slots in its allocation of frequencies and after allocation frequencies in the BASAif an airline requests for more frequencies beyond the number stipulated in the BASA, the airline would pay for it.

“We should begin to input slots in our BASA agreements. If you give us free slots, we give you free slots if you charge us for slots, we also charge you for slots. We should also classify our airports and introduce charges to reÁect that classiÀcation.

You pay more to our Àrst grade airports and less on the others,” he said.

But while Emirates generates huge revenues from Nigeria it also pay for handling services, fueling, landing and parking and other charges just as Nigerian carrier does when it Áies to 8AE. So, in a way, the two countries have something to gain maintaining the Nigeria, 8AE route.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

19

ECONOMY

President Muhammadu Buhari with R-L: Awardee Asst. Commander of Narcotics NDLEA Muhammad Tukur Ahmad, Chairman of ICPC Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, and Awardee Mr. Nelson Okoronkwo of Federal Ministry of Information during the 3rd National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in the Public Sector 2021 and presents Public Service Integrity Award in State House on 30th Nov 2021

Cutting Governance Cost through Fiscal Transparency, Prudence Curbing corruption and the need for government and its institutions to be prudent in their Ànances take centre stage at the recently held National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in Public Sector. Kunle Aderinokun reports that mitigating o΀cial excesses and wastes would be more eͿective, if the real essence of Àscal transparency and responsibility are entrenched in the public service

I

t is an undisputable fact that corruption is pervasive in Nigeria, costing the country trillions of naira that could have been channeled into economic development.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related OͿences Commission, Mr. Bolaji Owasanoye, gave credence to this when he described corruption as a hydra-headed monster, which festers on every facet of the economy and national life, and if left unattended to has the ability to cripple even the most viable economy.

Owasanoye, who spoke at the 3rd National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in the Public Sector held in Abuja, said Nigeria has had its fair share of the devastating eͿects of corruption.

This, he said, explained why from the very inception of this administration in 2015, one of government’s primary concerns has been the reduction of corruption in the public sector to its barest minimum.

The event, which was declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari had as its theme, “Corruption and the cost of governance: New imperatives for Àscal transparency.”

The conference was attended by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. =ainab Ahmed Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha Chief -ustice of Nigeria, Tanko Mohammed among other top o΀cials in the public sector.

The ICPC boss described corruption as a pressing issue in Nigeria, which aͿects public Ànances, investments as well as standard of living. The menace, according to him, also leads to low governance eͿectiveness as a result of ine΀cient government expenditure and leakages.

Giving highlights of the negative impact of corrupt practices in the public sector, Owasanoye told the gathering that some government agencies duplicated 257 projects worth N20.13 billion in the 2021 budget. Nigeria’s 2021 budget signed by the President Muhammadu Buhari was N13.59trillion.

Amidst revenue drought, the government targeted N7.99trillion as revenue, which experts had described as unrealistic.

The country had a Àscal deÀcit of N5.6trillion.

In -uly, Buhari signed the N9 3billion 2021

Supplementary Appropriation Bill into law.

Although Nigeria’s economy gradually improved compared to the COVID-19 era, the government had sought for means to reduce budget padding and enhance cost cutting.

But the ICPC Chairman said despite the efforts by the government to eliminate budget padding, MDAs have managed to duplicate 257 projects.

He said, “ICPC review found that 257 projects amounting to N20.13 billion were duplicated in the 2021 budget leading us to submit an advisory to the HMF, which was promptly actioned by the Minister to prevent abuse.

“A number of MDAs have mini civil wars going on between the Board and management and sometimes within the board. These squabbles revolve around abuse of power prohibited by ICPC Act and unreasonable demands by some Board members for privileges contrary to extant circulars and laws and government’s resolve to minimize cost of governance.

“ICPC’s Ethics Compliance Scorecard of MDAs report for 2021 shows that only 34.6 per cent of the 360 MDAs assessed scored above average in Management Culture and Structure. This poor Ànding is not unrelated to unstable Boards unable to eͿectively oversight the institutions.”

He disclosed that there are ongoing investigations on illegal recruitment by the Ministry of Labour and the 8niversity College Hospital Ibadan.

Owasanoye said, “ICPC investigation of some cases of illegal recruitment forwarded to us by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has so far implicated the Ministry of Labour and the 8niversity College Hospital Ibadan and a number of corrupt staͿ of other MDAs at a lower level.

“This abuse of power is consummated with the complicity of compromised elements in IPPIS. These cases are currently under investigation.

At another level, a syndicate of corrupt individuals within the service corruptly employ unsuspecting Nigerians, issue them fake letters of employment, fraudulently enroll them on IPPIS and post them to equally unsuspecting MDAs to commence work.

“ICPC is prosecuting one of the leaders of the syndicate from whose custody we retrieved

several fake letters of recommendation purportedly signed by the Chief of StaͿ to the President, Hon Ministers, Federal Civil Service Commission and other high-ranking Nigerians.”

The ICPC boss commended government’s posture against illicit Ànancial Áows that drain resources from the nation, adding that the time to further block leakages is now that government revenues are dwindling and practically threatened.

He said the ICPC is contributing to government’s eͿorts by its IFF focused project that has resulted in a major advisory to government with recommendations including prohibiting conÀdentiality clauses that facilitate fraud and money laundering, prevention of tax evasion, prohibition of illegal tax waivers and all practices that undermine government revenue projections.

“The IFF Inter-Agency Committee has organized a number of capacity building programs for civil servant on how to avoid fraud and IFF prone agreements. On this note sir, we advise that government invest more in prevention and behavior change strategies alongside law and order measures to Àght corruption.

“This is important if we are to maximize the gains of prevention and the wisdom that ¶prevention is better than cure’. ICPC in collaboration with development partners notably Ford Foundation for IFFs and MacArthur Foundation for behavior change is putting more attention to these areas in the months ahead,” he added.

Declaring open the 3rd National Summit, Buhari warned that his administration would not hesitate to punish Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that fraudulently present new projects as ongoing projects in the budget.

He added that his administration will sanction those who bring in personnel into the public workforce by illegal recruitment, pad their payroll and retain ghost workers.

“We reduced the cost of governance by maintaining our promise to complete abandoned or ongoing projects commenced by previous administrations and have ensured that MDAs do not put forward new capital projects at the expense of ongoing projects.

“Government has, however, noted from the activities of the Independent Corrupt Practices

and Other Related OͿences Commission (ICPC) that some MDAs have devised the fraudulent practice of presenting new projects as ongoing projects.

“Necessary action and sanctions will continue against the heads of such errant MDAs. I am conÀdent that ICPC will continue to maintain the vigilance required of her by the ICPC Act in this regard,’’ he said.

The President described the summit with the theme as auspicious, noting that it reminds the government of the negative impacts of unnecessary cost of governance and oͿers an opportunity for critical stakeholders to oͿer suggestions on ways to further reduce the cost of governance and promote transparency and accountability in government expenditure.

He said, “I am delighted that the Legislative and -udicial arms of government are also under focus on managing the cost of governance because government is a collective and is not the business of the Executive branch alone.

“On 19th August 2020, the Federal Executive Council adopted the National Ethics and Integrity Policy which I launched on 25th September 2020.

“I am delighted that some public o΀cers continue not only to demonstrate the core values of ethics, integrity and patriotism but have been identiÀed for their sterling anti-corruption disposition in their workplace.”

The Minister of Finance in her address at the event attributed the improvement in the Nigerian economy to Buhari’s Àght against corruption.

The minister said, “The most recent GDP data, which reports real GDP of 5.01 per cent in the second quarter of 2021 and 4.03 per cent in the third quarter of 2021 are very encouraging news, as it indicates that the Àght against corruption has yielded result that the Nigerian economy is solidly on the path of recovery.

“And it is important for us to note that much of this growth is driven by the expansion of revenues from the non-oil sector.”

The minister said to achieve greater economic gains, all arms of government must work together to eliminate corruption.

She said, “The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning continues to play a critical role in ensuring funding requirements for Ministries, Departments Agencies (MDAs) that are involved in achieving this objective, including especially the anti-corruption agencies, as well as the security agencies.

“The war against corruption is a continuous one. There is the need for the executive to strengthen the existing agencies Àghting corruption, such as the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence 8nit (NFI8) and a few others.

“These agencies should be supported even more to adopt innovative methods of preventing o΀cials from stealing public funds through the deployment of information technology, there should be judiciary reforms as well, that are aimed at improving the capacity of the judiciary to speed up the dispensation of justice as far as corruption cases are concerned.”

Ahmed called for a justice system that would strengthen speedy trials of corruption cases.

“It is possible special courts and expedited trials can be introduced or adopted. For corrupt cases, we must design our justice sector to meet our peculiar challenges and the everchanging pace of corruption itself.

“There’s also the need to embark on increased tempo or reorientation amongst Nigerians to change our attitude and psychology as a people towards corruption,” said the Finance Minister.

In his speech at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said that the Federal Government will no longer allow the little resources at its disposal to be used by corrupt o΀cials to build fake projects.

Mustapha said, “Systemic corruption prevents government from maximizing its potential of providing good governance for the people with available little resources especially at this time of Covid-19 pandemic.

“Government is highly worried that about 60 per cent of Federal Government’s Overhead Expenditure in three years (2012 to 2014) was spent on travels, maintenance, local and international training, welfare, o΀ce stationery consumables, honoraria etc.

“Recent data from the Budget O΀ce indicates that actual MDAs recurrent spending is still on the rise viz. from N3.61trillion in 2015 to N5.26trillion in 201 and N7.91trillion in 2020.”

“President Muhammadu Buhari’sAdministration, has, therefore, been unrelenting in making sure that our little resources will no longer be budgeted and or used for frivolities, hidden in fake projects, unnecessary travel, wasteful overhead costs, meaningless capital projects and remuneration of ghost workers.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

BRANDS & MARKETING

All Eyes on Trademark War Between Rite Foods and NBC Brand and marketing specialists who are by-standers in the legal battle between two leading energy drink brands, Rite Foods Limited and Nigeria Bottling Company over trademark infringement are of the view that the decision of the court would create a pathway towards addressing the issues going forward, writes Wale Igbintade

W

ith the resolution of the interlocutory applications in the legal battle between the manufacturers of Fearless Energy drink, Rite Foods Limited and the owners of Predator brand, Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC), last week by the Federal High Court in Lagos, the court is now set to hear the substantive suit which borders on trademark infringement.

Early this year, Rite Food dragged NBC and its managing director to court over alleged trademark infringement.

The plaintiͿ argued that it has been using and trading with the lion image since 2017, three years before the NBC’s Predator came into the market in 2020.

It alleged that NBC has infringed on its trademark with its Predator energy drink, which has adopted a lion head in resemblance to the mark on its Fearless energy drinks brand.

In suit No. FHC/L/CS/92/2021, the plaintiͿ Àled a motion ex parte for an interim injunction restraining the NBC from further promoting or using any sales promotion material for its Predator energy drink in a manner that infringes or passes oͿ the plaintiͿ’s Fearless energy drink, until the interlocutory application for an injunction is determined.

Rite Foods argued that the alleged infringement negates the common law property right in the goodwill of “Fearless” energy drinks and Trade Marks Act, Cap T 13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which oͿers exclusive rights to get designs of products already in use by a proprietor.

It also argued that a business name as well as the logo is the distinguishing factor of a business, adding that it is of immense value to a brand; setting it apart from other brands.

The plaintiͿ further contended that while it is important that handlers of brand protect it from infringement by third parties, it is equally vital to understand that the law regulating trademark registration in Nigeria grants exclusive right of ownership to a trading name or logo.

It noted that a trading name or logo is a brand’s identity and trademarking it grants exclusive commercial rights, and that it also prevents other businesses from using a similar name or mark.

But the NBC said that there has been no trademark violation or passing oͿ with its Predator Energy drink and maintains that the Predator brand logo has been in existence and in use in many markets even prior to the launch of Fearless by Rite Foods in the Nigerian market. It asked the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

While the suit was pending before the Àrst judge, -ustice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Rite Foods Àled a motion for interlocutory injunction seeking to prevent NBC from marketing or distributing Predator Energy drink in Nigeria. It also Àled an application before the court to hold NBC and its Managing Director, Mathieu Seguin in contempt for still producing and selling the Predator brand despite the fact that a suit had been Àled on alleged trademark infringement.

Soon after, the case was transferred to -ustice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa. At the hearing of the suit, counsel to NBC, Mr Matins Okonma and that of the NBC’s managing director, Mr Oluseye Opasanya (SAN), urged the court to set aside the

committal proceedings as the ex parte order complained of has been discharged.

Opasanya had also informed the court that he Àled a motion on notice dated October 18 and supported with a seven-paragraph a΀davit together with one exhibit.

He told the court that he brought the motion to strike out the suit on a number of reasons. Counsel to the NBC, Ngo Matins Okonma, had also told the court that he Àled an application dated October 15, 2021 and a motion on notice in respect of the application to regularise the application dated November 11.

In his motion on notice, he asked the court to set aside the order of committal proceeding in its entirety including all processes used by plaintiͿ in the proceedings. They both argued that since the said order had been discharged, the court cannot punish an alleged contemnor for any breach.

Both counsel asked the court to award punitive costs against Rite Foods if it Ànds no basis for the contempt proceedings “The order upon which committal proceedings was premised has been discharged/ set aside by -ustice Chukwujekwu Aneke on September 27, 2021.”

Counsel to Rite Food. Mr MuyiwaOgungbemiro in his own counter a΀davit sworn to by Francis Omoniyi, dated October 21,2021 and a written address to support their case, asked the court to dismiss the Contemnors’ motion to set aside the committal proceedings.

He submitted that contrary to the position of counsel to the contemnors, the court has the power to punish a contemnor for an oͿence committed during the pendency of an order.

Ogungbemiro added that the order of

court complained about, was violated during the pendency of the order and this require that the violator must be punished for such act.

After listening to the arguments, -ustice Lewis-Allagoa on the penultimate Wednesday, set aside the contempt proceedings. He also held that there was no subsisting order that was disobeyed by the respondents.

He remarked that his learned brother -ustice Aneke had on September 27, 2021, discharged and set aside the committal proceedings. He therefore awarded punitive cost of N500,000 each in favour of NBC and the alleged second contemnor, against the plaintiͿ, (Rite Food).

In his ruling, the judge set aside the order of committal proceeding in its entirety including all processes used by plaintiͿ in the proceedings.

“The motion Àled by the plaintiͿ is qualiÀed as nullity. A foundation of any committal proceedings is for a valid judgment, where there is no valid judgment it cannot be used. Committal proceedings can only exist having been that the order is still enforceable, the motion dated October 15 and 18, Àled by the respondents has merit. I hereby set aside in its entirety the committal proceedings, including all the processes”, the judge held.

The resolution of the interlocutory applications has now cleared the pathway for the court to hear substantive suit.

Even brand and marketing specialists who are observing the legal battle between two top energy drink giants cannot wait to see how the court resolution will set a precedence for future engagements in the industry. They believe that legal tussle reminds the industry of the Cola War of

the 70s. The war was one of most polarising and iconic battles among beverage brands. Coca-Cola and Pepsi went to battle to determine who becomes the ultimate champion in the soft drink market.

The tussle was part of the strong effort of each of the parties to diͿerentiate themselves, as both of their beverages were brown, sweetened and carbonated soft drinks.

While Coca-Cola emphasised a sense of belonging and loyalty in the hearts and minds of consumers, PepsiCo focused on showcasing how their brand is up-to-date, fresh and youthful. Many still believe the battle is covertly still ongoing till date.

Interestingly, the feud between Rite Foods and NBC is not the first case of trademark infringement in Nigeria. There was a case of Nabisco Inc., v Allied Biscuits Company Limited in 1998, where the trademark RITZ was the issue before the court. Allied Biscuits first registered the mark eight months before Nabisco.

But in its resolution, the court ruled against Nabisco on the grounds that it had not used the mark sufficiently to acquire a reputation for the mark in Nigeria; and therefore its intention is to destabilise the Nigerian market and her economy.

Also on October 18, 1993, Pfizer dragged Iyke Merchandise to Court for infringing on its trademark, Combantrin Plus, with the name Combatinrein, which was likely to confuse consumers.

No doubt the outcome of the legal battle between Rite Foods and NBC would nonetheless set yet another precedence in the handling of trademark issues among Nigerian consumer brands in the future.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

THE EXECUTIVE $:(/( (/80(/8

Businesses Should Have Dual Purpose RI $FKLHYLQJ 3URÀW 3URVSHULW\ The Founding Trustee of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr Awele Elumelu is the wife of the billionaire banker and philanthropist, Mr. Tony Elumelu. With her position, she occupies the driver’s seat in the organisation’s decision to empower young entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries with business management training, mentorship, coaching, funding and access to markets and key networks. In this interview with )HVWXV $NDQEL, she spoke on sundry issues including the role of private sector as a catalyst for development, the dual purpose of business in achieving proÀt and prosperity, her role in the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the nurturing of a new class of Africa’s entrepreneurs

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QH RI WKH XQLTXHQHVV RI WKH 7RQ\ (OXPHOX )RXQGDWLRQ LV WKH IRFXV RQ WKH 0LFUR 6PDOO DQG 0HGLXP (QWHUSULVHV 060(V ZKLFK LV SRSXODU DPRQJ WKH \RXWK DQG PDUJLQDOLVHG VHJPHQW RI WKH VRFLHW\ LQ $IULFD :KDW ZLOO \RX GHVFULEH DV WKH GULYLQJ IRUFH WR KHOS WKLV FODVV RI SHRSOH" As individuals, my husband and I have always believed in our continent. As my husband always says “He was born in Africa, raised in Africa, studied in Africa, worked in Africa, and has achieved success in Africa.” Same with me. I am anAfrican product through and through. We also very much believe in ‘doing well and doing good’. Business should have a dual purpose of achieving proÀt and prosperity. The private sector must play a leading role in development.

We cannot continue to outsource the role of development and transforming our continent to public sector alone. We have extended this belief, which is known as Africapitalism to our business practices as well as our philanthropic endeavours. Africapitalism espouses that the private sector has the power to transform the continent through long-term investments, creating both economic prosperity and social wealth. Africa has unique challenges, and we believe that as private sector players we act as key enablers to bring about lasting solutions.

Through Heirs Holdings, our family-owned investment company, we invest in key sectors that contribute signiÀcantly to Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Through our philanthropy, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, we empower young entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries with business management training, mentorship, coaching, funding and access to markets and key networks.

Indeed, at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we are focused on empowering African entrepreneurs of all ages and across all sectors through our annual Entrepreneurship Programme which was conceived to identify, train and provide non-refundable seed funding to 1,000 entrepreneurs per year. This year, we recently announced that over 5,000 entrepreneurs were chosen for the 2021 programme. As I said earlier, we centred entrepreneurship as our cause because of our Àrm belief in Africapitalism, our guiding principle which states that the private sector – that is, the entrepreneurs that we are empowering – hold the key to the social and economic transformation of the continent. By empowering these micro, small and medium enterprises, we are helping them to catalyse change in the communities as they create jobs, add value and help eradicate poverty in their communities.

Finally, we sought to democratise luck. Yes, hard work plays an important and undeniable

Elumelu

part in success, but one must not discount the role of luck – someone being willing to take a chance on you or business idea by empowering you through training, mentorship or funding. We have seen Àrsthand the role of luck in our success and we are trying to replicate our success by making this luck available to as many people as possible. Our hope is that, through the Entrepreneurship Programme, we would help the next business leader or captain of industry be whom they are meant to be.

,Q PDQ\ FDVHV SKLODQWKURSLVWV RIWHQ ÀQG LW GLͿFXOW WR PDNH WKHLU VSRXVHV EX\ LQWR WKHLU JHQHURVLW\ $W ZKDW SRLQW ZHUH \RX FRQYLQFHG WKDW 7RQ\ (OXPHOX )RXQGDWLRQ ZDV SXUVXLQJ D MXVW FDXVH" To be honest, one does not need convinc-

ing to do the right thing. It didn’t take much to convince me. My husband and I are passionate about Africa’s socio-economic transformation and always thought about how we could contribute and pay forward the good fortune we have been fortunate to have experienced. According to my husband, we committed ourselves to ‘institutionalising luck’. I knew from the onset that what we set out to do at the Foundation and what we are currently doing is the just thing to do. Beyond business success, one must always look for ways not only to give back but also to empower the generation coming behind us so that they can go even further than we have.

That is how we can enact this social and economic change that we are all seeking in our country and on our continent. As

a parent, one’s desire is for your children to do better than you and so you will provide the resources and materials that they need to ensure that they go far in life. Similarly, at the Foundation we are equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.

Since 2010 when we launched the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we have rolled out many diͿerent initiatives aimed to target structural barriers for entrepreneurs. We also launched initiatives focused on identifying and developing the next generation of African leaders. Initiatives such as The Tony & Awele Elumelu Prize, to recognise, reward, and inspire academic excellence in tertiary institutions across Africa, The Elumelu Professionals Programme, an MBA internship program designed to improve the competitiveness of innovative small and growing African busi-

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

THE EXECUTIVE %XVLQHVVHV 6KRXOG +DYH 'XDO 3XUSRVH RI $FKLHYLQJ 3URÀW 3URVSHULW\ nesses while introducing some of the world’s brightest young Business School students to the growth opportunity that African markets represent. We have also had the Blair-Elumelu Fellowship which was a partnership between the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Tony Blair Institute to aidAfrican governments with policy advisory, leadership and management support.

From running these diͿerent initiatives over the years, it became clear to us that there were some key gaps. Access to early-stage capital and business development support were not available on the right terms nor scale to entrepreneurs across Africa. And so, in 2015, we commited US$100 million to identify, train, mentor, fund and provide networking opportunities for 10,000 African entrepreneurs across 54 African countries over 10 years.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, which has become the Áagship programme of the Foundation, has now grown beyond our initial plans. Every year, interest, participation and partnerships increase. We have now been able to empower and fund 15,847 entrepreneurs to date and support 1.2 million through TEFConnect, our online digital platform.

The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme is the most extensive program of its kind in Africa, reaching Anglophone, Lusophone, and Francophone regions alike, cutting across all 54 countries on the continent.

We have been able to create a bridge to connect and cater to all corners of the continent, and I am proud of this achievement. I am also quite proud of the increase in female participation, especially with the 2021 cohort where we witnessed a record 68% selection of women entrepreneurs!

I will say of this generation, that in addition to being smart and technology savvy, they are also very entrepreneurial. They have refused to follow the traditional paths that we took in our day where a lawyer was just a lawyer who gradually and patiently climbed the career ladder, or a doctor was just a doctor or an engineer just an engineer. No, this generation is entrepreneurial and solutions-driven and so, are applying their academic knowledge along with digital savvy to bring innovative solutions to endemic social and economic issues. Their businesses have improved the ease of cross-border payments, health care record management, intra-Africa logistics, and even improved representation in health prostheses to name a few. These are laudable and need to be encouraged and empowered. We must continue to encourage them as much as we can and with the resources that we can. I do not think one needs to be convinced before one sees that this is the right thing to do.

,Q ZKDW ZD\ V LV \RXU WUDLQLQJ DV D PHGLFDO SUDFWLWLRQHU DGGLQJ YDOXH WR \RXU SRVLWLRQ DV D IRXQGLQJ WUXVWHH RI 7()" My experience as a business leader in Africa, especially in an industry as highly regulated as healthcare gives me Àrst-hand insight into the operational environment and some of the challenges our entrepreneurs face.

Avon Medical Practice has been in business for over 10 years. What started as a small hospital in Surulere has now become a group of hospitals, specialist, and worksite clinics all over Nigeria, as we plan for further expansion in 2022.

In addition, as a medical doctor and chair of healthcare investments within the Heirs Holdings Group, healthcare will always be at the forefront of many of my contributions to the foundation. This is because of the critical role healthcare plays in fostering economic development. Although there are countless studies proving the links between the health of a population and increased economic growth and prosperity, one only needs to look at the impact that the ongoing pandemic has had on the global economy to come to the conclusion that there is no business without good health systems. To underscore this point, at our last Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum in 2019 which we held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, I convened a panel that included the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus; the Vice-President of the Internal Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Gilles Carbonnier, and other distinguished regional leaders as we discussed the central role of healthcare in economic transformation.

Therefore, in my personal capacity, I ensure that we have representation from healthcarefocused entrepreneurs who can help strengthen

hope and help stabilise this volatile region.

We will harness their ingenuity and ideas in a way that can beneÀt their communities and the continent at large.

This partnership is also in line with the UN SDG goals and the AU’s Agenda 2063 so we will be hitting micro- and macro-economic development goals.

This partnership which began in 2018 has today empowered over 5000 entrepreneurs from across all 54 African countries.

We have recently just announced an additional partnership with the UN, UNDP and UNICEF where the Tony Elumelu Foundation will be the implementing partner for the United Nation’s Sahel Initiative for the Youth, called “A Regeneration”.

Elumelu

and innovate our health systems and I truly believe that Africa can be a locus of technology-led healthcare innovation.

I get a sense of fulÀlment from mentoring our Tony Elumelu entrepreneurs. With each mentee, I know I am not just supporting a business but also a community. Beyond the funding, a lot of our entrepreneurs look forward to the guidance and steer; instilling good corporate governance practices and sharing insight on how to adapt to challenges with creative thinking are lessons I continue to share.

It’s not just about disbursing funds, we want these businesses to succeed and so ensuring their success whether through advocacy for an improved operational environment, funding or mentoring, we do the utmost to contribute to the progress of our entrepreneurs.

With your active participation in TEF, how are you coping with the home front?

I am not only a Trustee of the Foundation but also, as mentioned earlier, I straddle diͿerent roles as the Founder and Chairman of Avon Medical and the Chairman of Avon Healthcare, our HMO business, member of Heirs Holdings Group Board, Member, UBA Pensions Custodian Board.

I also sit on the board of the Sirleaf Johnson Foundation, the board of the Yale School of Health, and serve as the GAVI Private Sector Champion for Africa.

But as we say, family comes Àrst and with our seven children, it’s a delicate balance to ensure that we are raising healthy, diligent children who are not only learning but living the values that we are teaching them. It is not easy, I must say, but one must realise that as with all things in life, one has to be very deliberate with our 'R \RX VWLOO SUDFWLVH DV D PHGLFDO choices. While yes, I am very hands-on GRFWRU RU \RX KDYH ÀQDOO\ KXQJ \RXU with all aspects of our children’s lives, VWHWKRVFRSH" education and everything that has to do (Laughs) Can one ever truly hang up with the home, so is my husband despite one’s stethoscope? In this day and age, and his hectic schedule. We make joint decisions especially with the ongoing pandemic, one on everything that concerns our children has to continually learn through formal and our home. and informal channels and stay abreast of &DQ \RX HODERUDWH RQ WKH SDUWQHUVKLS medical trends in order to provide quality EHWZHHQ WKH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV 'HYHORSPHQW healthcare delivery.

To answer your question, I made an 3URJUDPPH 81'3 DQG WKH 7RQ\ (OXintentional decision a few years back, after PHOX )RXQGDWLRQ 7() ZKLFK SURGXFHG several years of working in the Àeld, to 7() 81'3 <RXWK (QWUHSUHQHXUVKLS move to the business side of healthcare. I 3URJUDPPH WR HPSRZHU DQ DGGLWLRQDO envisioned building an institution where \RXQJ $IULFDQ HQWUHSUHQHXUV we could provide aͿordable, quality health- RYHU WKH QH[W \HDUV ZLWK VHHG FDSLWDO care with empathy and equity at its core. EXVLQHVV WUDLQLQJ DQG PHQWRULQJ" The TEF-UNDP Partnership builds This led to me founding Avon Medical, a multi-specialty hospital network with on Tony Elumelu Foundation’s proven locations in Lagos, Abuja, Delta and Rivers model for empowering young African enState to name a few, and Avon Healthcare, trepreneurs across all 54 African countries a health management organisation, which through our Áagship TEF Entrepreneurship is a top 3 HMO in Nigeria – thanks to my Programme. The TEF-UNDP Partnership dependable and capable CEO – Simbo scales the existing TEF Entrepreneurship Ukiri, a woman also! Although I do not Programme to reach thousands more practice as much as I did in my early days, I across Africa. With this partnership, we am very involved in the day-to-day opera- are targeting African youth in underserved tions of the hospitals both from the clinical communities, including the Sahel region and also on the business side. which is home to the youngest population I will say though, that my medical license in the world with about 194 million people is also fully active for the times I may need under the age of 25. to jump in here and there.

The partnership is not only about providMr. Elumelu is a global entrepreneur ing economic empowerment to these young who is practically on the move every time. Africans, but it is also a way to give them

:KDW DUH WKH FKDOOHQJHV WR WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI WKH 7() SURJUDPPHV JLYHQ WKH IDFW WKDW ZH DUH WDONLQJ DERXW HQWLUH $IULFD DV D FDWFKPHQW DUHD" As with any ambitious venture, there will be challenges but at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we like to say that we do not see challenges but rather opportunities to learn and scale.

As a testament to the strength and hard work of the Board, management, and staͿ of the Foundation, most of what would be challenges were foreseen and processes were instituted to forestall them before they surfaced. For instance, leveraging on technology to train, mentor and coach our thousands of young entrepreneurs from across all 54 African countries, we have managed to leapfrog a lot of the challenges that would have come with implementing the programme across Africa. This year alone, the Tony Elumelu Foundation trained over 200,000 young African businesses through its proprietary digital platform, TEFConnect.com I commend the pioneer CEO of the Foundation, Wiebe Boer, his successor Parminder Vir, and incumbent, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu.

One issue that could have been a major challenge for us is the disbursement of funds to entrepreneurs. Our Entrepreneurship Programme empowers entrepreneurs across the 54 countries in Africa while our base of operations is here in Lagos. This may have posed a bit of a challenge as a result of issues with cross-border payments and in ensuring that payments are going to the intended recipients. Luckily, our partnership with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa’s Global Bank, has helped us to simplify this process seamlessly. Working with UBA, which has over a thousand branches in 20 African countries, serving over 26 million customers, the bank has made our work in disbursing the funds easier as a result of their massive footprint and capacity. $UH WKHUH PHFKDQLVPV WR NHHS D WDE RQ WKH DFWLYLWLHV RI EHQHÀFLDULHV RI 7() WUDLQLQJ DQG IXQGLQJ LQ RWKHU WR HQVXUH WKH VXUYLYDO RI WKHLU EXVLQHVVHV" At the Foundation, once an entrepreneur is selected for the Entrepreneurship Programme cohort, we have designed a robust mechanism to keep them engaged and to monitor them.

When they are selected to be part of a cohort, they work closely with the Entrepreneurship Programme team keeps and are introduced to Hub Leads, who are alumni of the programme in their diͿerent countries and locales so that they get physical support both from the Foundation and from their peers. On completion of the program, they are considered alumni and are handed over to the Alumni Engagement Team at the Foundation, which helps with issues within their purview. Then there is our robust Monitoring and Evaluation Unit which sends out periodic surveys and provides reports to the Board on the general health of our entrepreneurs’ businesses.

As I also earlier mentioned, TEFConnect, which is the largest digital platform for African entrepreneurs for them to connect, engage and seek funding and mentorship as needed. It is a very active platform with over one million users which helps us keep tabs on entrepreneurs and also helps us get feedback from them so that we can know where and how we can better help them with their businesses.

At the Foundation we have access to unique data and have leveraged this to produce original reports which support our advocacy agenda to improve the ecosystem for African entrepreneurs. For instance, the Foundation’s publicly available 2021 Impact Assessment published by PWC, the TEF beneÀciaries have collectively created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs in Africa!

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

19.12.2021

Kiki Okewale Eroding Pain, Embracing Purpose Her fairytale life was upended at a young age by the death of her beloved father. Still, Kiki Okewale-the young woman behind the fashion brand Hope by Kiki Okewale and wife of the popular fertility doctor Babatunde Okewale is not easily deterred by life’s circumstances. Like a phoenix, the fashion designer overcame the unbearable loss to become one of the leading businesswomen in the fashion industry. Vanessa Obioha captures her inspiring tale and her mission to help others live a purpose-driven life.

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

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

COVER

Kiki Okewale

Repurposing Life’s Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones

Okewale

T

he imposing building of Hope Plaza along Opebi-Oregun Link Road is unmissable. Quite easily, it pulls the attention of any passerby with the bold image of an elegant female covering the side of the building facing Opebi Road. The accessories donned by the model are convincing enough to lure anyone into the plaza. Inside the whitecoloured showroom is a display of luxury; think of expensive fabrics, footwear, bags and other glittering accessories that accentuate the beauty of a woman. All of these make up the three fashion brands owned by Kiki Okewale. They are Hope by Kiki Okewale for fabrics; KO Ready To Wear for party/evening and casual dresses, and Bling By Kiki for jewellery, shoes and purses/clutch bags.

Okewale is no stranger in high society.

She is the wife of the popular Lagos fertility doctor Babatunde Okewale. On the fashion scene, she is known for unique designs which often come with glittering embellishments,

earning her the moniker, the Queen of Blings. Her clientele boasts of prominent personalities in politics and the business sphere. Within the short period she forayed into the fashion industry, the young woman has carved a niche for herself, stitching her name tightly into the Nigerian fashion landscape.

Before she veered into fashion, Okewale worked in notable PR companies like TPT owned by the prolific Tokunbo Modupe, although she disclosed that her venture into the field was out of necessity since she just returned to Nigeria at the time. She would later veer into the events arm of the company OO1 Prisme Events Limited where she lived her passion for event management.

But she realised that the job won’t be suitable when she finally settled down and by 2010, she left the world of PR and event management.

Today, the proud mother and wife boasts of a résumé that includes more than one career and continues to chart into new

territories that are fashion related.

One can call Okewale a workaholic and will not be far from the truth. She runs a blog, non-governmental organisations and offers mentorship classes on fashion entrepreneurship.

This reporter’s arrival on a recent sunny afternoon interrupted a scheduled video shoot. Wearing one of her ready-to-wear outfits, with her face all made up, the tall brown-skinned fashion designer settled into a seat in her showroom within arm’s length while the camera crew waited upstairs in her office.

“If I ask you to wait, we may not be done till evening,” she explained, striking a pose that suggested she was ready to tackle any questions thrown at her. But once we began the interview, Okewale relaxed and turned out to be engaging.

Starting off with a compliment on the neatness of her showroom, particularly the pristine white walls, she confessed that she was finicky about cleanliness with a story to that. It all began during her stint with OO1.

“I had a couple of cleaners there that would always look up to me. Some of them wanted to go back to school and I sponsored them. I realised that I paid so much attention to their cleaning. I’m always pointing out the areas that are not properly cleaned. I’m very finicky. Even here, they are tired of me. I’m always pointing out one dusty area or the other. It’s not as if they are not trying but it’s not enough for me.”

She explained that she deliberately painted the showroom walls white because other colours hide dirt. It is now habitual that she repaints every year to keep the glow.

Her penchant for cleanliness led her to open a cleaning facility that supplies cleaners to hospitals, hotels, and corporate organisations. She also manufactures cleaning products such as detergents, handwash, etc. Still driven by ambition, Okewale honed her skills at the Green Cleaning Institute when she travelled abroad.

“They basically teach you how to clean in a green way,” she said. She eventually became their representative in Nigeria.

Okewale’s entrepreneurial spirit can be traced to her childhood. At the age of 11, she lost her beloved father. His death was a big blow to Okewale and her family. As the last child and the only daughter of her parents, Okewale was used to the fairy tale life.

“I was practically a spoiled child. My Dad and my (five) brothers overly pampered me. Not until my father died, I honestly didn’t know that there were some people who couldn’t afford three square meals in a day. I didn’t understand that. I just could not imagine that there were some children who had no idea how they would feed or where they would sleep because I was sheltered and privileged,” she revealed.

Such a luxurious lifestyle sent many tongues wagging when her father died.

Some laughed at her mother, basking in their moments of schadenfreude at the plight of the family. Not a few concluded that the mother would remarry, probably to one of her late husband’s friends to maintain the elitist status.

Little Okewale was however bothered that all everyone saw in her was a spoilt brat.

So she resolved to prove a point to all that she was more than the spoiled rich girl tag attached to her.

By age 12, Okewale started working.

“I did different things. I had neighbours who wanted me to take care of their children. So when I returned from school, I would do that. Others needed their laundry done and all of that.”

Meanwhile, her mother was unaware of her hustle. She however pointed out that the aim was not to make money.

“I was just happy rendering services and being there for people.”

But her clients were impressed by her dedication and rewarded her. From the monies she received, she started saving and taking care of some of her personal needs as things became too tough for her family.

Okewale landed a job immediately after secondary school. She was recruited in a poultry farm in Ibadan and within one year, she was made the manager. Her take-home pay was N12,000.

“It was a lot of money at the time. And from it, I would send money to mum and save for my university.”

While her initial plan was to run a degree program, Okewale ended up with a diploma, largely because of her working schedule.

However, she didn’t stay too long. She eventually went to the United Kingdom to study. “My Dad’s loss really shook me. We were very close. It was a blow but it helped me to be purpose-driven.”

Even in death, Okewale endeavours to honour her late father by following his principles.

“My Dad was a philanthropist and he helped a lot of people. Like my father, every year I try to sponsor two students to the university and I make sure I pay their tuition throughout the course. So far, I have sponsored six people.” She added: “It’s not easy.

Sometimes, you have to pay even when you need the money most.”

Okewale finds fulfilment in helping people.

She currently runs two non-governmental organisations: Stitches of Hope which focuses mainly on training young people while Kiki Okewale’s Foundation is concerned with taking care of less privileged people on an annual basis.

Unlike most people who find their creativity nudging them into the fashion world, for Okewale, it was about overcoming her body image. She revealed that as a child, she had issues with her appearance.

“I felt like I had a lot of features that were very masculine because I looked a lot like my Dad. Even though I had a passion for fashion, it was difficult to mingle with others. If there were four children seated here, because I lacked confidence, I would never feel comfortable and beautiful. So I learned how to add embellishments to my attires just to stand out in the crowd.”

Her skills came in handy when she eventually left the corporate world. Okewale’s mindset was that since she could not be part of the events management, she would probably dress people going to events.

“That was why I went into fashion as I have always loved to but I didn’t want to do normal sewing. I thought about a lot of people who had self-esteem problems. Even older people still suffer from such and feel they are not older people. So I thought of how I could help them.”

A recurrent feedback from her clients is how her clothes make them feel confident. Such testimonials make Okewale feel she is living a life of purpose.

“For me, it’s not just about styling, it’s about making you feel comfortable.”

Although she has physical stores, Okewale was able to leverage the opportunities that come with promoting her brands on social media, particularly after the outfit she made for actress Mercy Aigbe for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) went viral. Her social media pages gained traction overnight. About 80 per cent of her clients now are from social media but the fashion designer is a bit wary about social media following the blackout that affected Facebook and its sister products a few months ago. Nowadays, she ensures that she gets the email addresses of her clients. But the most instructive lesson for her was that the brick and mortar space is still very important in today’s business landscape.

Perhaps, the greatest lesson Okewale has learnt so far in her needle and thread trade came during the pandemic. She stated that the pandemic helped her look inwards.

“I started a garment production company BK3 during the pandemic because we realised that many boutiques were buying from Turkey and China but everywhere was closed during the lockdown period. Boutiques were suffering.

After I did some research, I told myself that in every problem there is a goldmine. I never would have thought that having a garment factory would be rewarding. Because now, boutiques are bringing jobs to factories. It is cheaper for you and saves you from shipping expenses.”

Okewale’s utmost desire is to empty herself before leaving the earthly plane. One of the ways she is doing that is through an Instagram live program called ‘Pain to Purpose’ where she brings people to share an experience that was painful at a point but later became a purpose.

For her, it was her father’s death, an unbearable pain that has now steered her into a purposedriven life.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

55

TRIBUTE

Saraki at 59: A Doctor and His Health Projects Yusuph Olaniyonu

T

oday, there will be no drumming, dancing, or partying. The day will, as usual, be devoted to prayers and enjoying the company of family, friends, and well-wishers. However, as it is the tradition with his family, the 59th birthday anniversary of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki will witness a new development in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The celebrator’s foundation known as Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation will collaborate with the Kwara Health Insurance Agency and the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) to launch an Access to Health Insurance Programme in Ilorin. The event will see 1,000 people being sponsored and uploaded into the state health insurance programme as beneficiaries. The Saraki Foundation will pay the premium on their behalf for a period between one to five years, depending on the category they fall into.

The first category is the people who ordinarily cannot afford to pay for the Programme. These people will have five years premium paid on their behalf. The second category of people is those living on the threshold of poverty. They will enjoy the policy for three to four years without paying the premium which has been paid on their behalf by the Foundation.

The people in the third category are those experiencing temporary financial difficulties.

Two years premium will be paid on their behalf.

This is done in the hope that before the expiration of the premium, they would have recovered financially and been able to take up the payment of the premium, after experiencing the benefits.

The fourth category can afford the insurance premium but they are ignorant of the benefits.

These include traders in the various markets, artisans, commercial vehicle drivers, and motorcyclists. Only a one-year premium will be paid for beneficiaries in this category. The plan is to use the one year of the free access to the insurance scheme to introduce them to the benefits and the importance of such a Programme which will give them access to basic health care, at no cost.

This programme is a new method of celebrating a birthday and a fresh perspective into giving back to one’s community. In a society where people die of small ailments like malaria, cholera, and other uncomplicated diseases whose treatment can be handled in primary health care centres and covered by basic health insurance policies, the Universal Health Insurance Programme is the way to go.

That is why as governor of Kwara State, Saraki introduced the Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) to make quality healthcare services readily available, accessible, acceptable, and affordable to the majority of Kwarans, most of whom live in the rural areas.

Under the scheme, 39, 676 people initially enrolled and they only paid an annual fee of N300 a year. The scheme was a tripartite arrangement with the Dutch Government represented by PharmAccess, and another private sector healthcare company. This initiative has since been sustained by subsequent administrations in the state.

The Programme being launched today to celebrate the former governor of the state, former Senate President of Nigeria, and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin as part of his birthday anniversary have different symbolisms. First, it is a service to humanity for which the Sarakis are known.

Starting from his late grandfather, Alhaji Mutairu Saraki to his dad, the famous Second Republic Senate Leader and late Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, and his siblings, the family tradition has always been to care for the less privileged and use their resources to improve the lot of others. For this family, philanthropy and service to the community are generational values and virtues.

Another symbolism is embedded in the Saraki family being well known as health care providers. Apart from the fact that today’s celebrator is about to produce the third generation of medical doctors in his family with one of his twin daughters doing very well in the medical college, his wife, Barrister Toyin Saraki is the founder of the WellBeing Foundation-Africa, a non-governmental organisation devoted to improved maternal, newborn and child health care across the continent.

The foundation which was set up in 2003 is engaged in a partnership with many organisations involved in health-related issues across the world and has sponsored many projects across Nigeria, and most especially

Saraki

Also, in partnership with Sight Savers International (SSI), the Saraki administration set about attempting to reverse the trend in visual loss among the less privileged Kwara State. Mrs. Saraki has won numerous awards and high-profile nominations into global bodies. She is a two-term Global Goodwill Ambassador for the International Conference of Midwives and Nurses. Named Global Champion of Universal Health Coverage at the Universal Health Coverage Forum in Tokyo, the WBFA founder is Special Advisor to the Independent Advisory Group of the World Health Organisation’ Regional Office for Africa. She is a partner with Johnson & Johnson and the Centre for Maternal and Newborn.

Also, this gesture of sponsoring insurance policies for less privileged people creates a tieback and appreciation of one of the numerous and enduring programmes, policies, and projects initiated by Saraki as governor over one and halfdecade ago.

Saraki has always been passionate about public health and the health of ordinary citizens.

It is the reason why the 8th Nigerian Senate he led included a clause in the 2018 appropriations Bill that guaranteed that one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund would be used to fund primary healthcare across the country.

That action was to activate, for the first time, the provision of the National Health Act, 2014.

Apart from this bold measure, the 8th Senate under Saraki passed 16 other health-related Bills which were aimed at making a beneficial impact in the life of Nigerians. Such Bills include the National Health Insurance Act 2003 (repeal and re-enactment) Bill 2016, FCT Health Insurance

Agency (establishment, etc) Bill 2018, FCT Primary Health Care Board (Establishment, etc) Bill 2018, Environmental Health Officers (Registration, etc) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016, Dangerous Drugs Act (Amendment Bill 2016) and FCT Hospitals Management Board (Establishment, etc) Bill 2016.

Other health-related Bills passed by the 8th Senate under Saraki’s leadership include the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, which will save the lives of countless Nigerians, in boldly addressing the reluctance of hospitals to treat victims of gun violence, National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Establishment, etc) 2018, Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provision) (Amendment) Bill, as well as six other bills establishing health-related tertiary institutions, professional regulatory and training institutions For Saraki, a medical doctor who found himself in banking, business, and later, politics, one of the best ways to reconnect with his profession is taking very seriously the issue of access to efficient healthcare services for the majority of the people and that is why as Governor, senator, and Senate President, advocating for universal health care and Basic Health insurance programme are issues dear to his heart.

As governor of Kwara State between

2003 and 2011, one of the areas where Dr. Saraki excelled is in the area of making quality health services accessible and affordable to the people.

Apart from the Community Health Insurance Policy earlier mentioned, the Saraki administration rehabilitated primary health centres across 16 local government areas of the state to a minimum specified standard which included equipment for out-patient services, family planning consultations, nutritional items added supplements for patient management, ante, and post-natal services, modern laboratory equipment and cleaning facilities.

Electricity and running water were also connected to all the centres.

The administration introduced the training of all health workers involved in child health care in the state in Integrated Management for Childhood Illness (IMCI). The training enabled the workers to accurately identify childhood illnesses, ensured appropriate combined treatment of all major illnesses, strengthened the counseling of caretakers, and speed of referral of severely ill children. The IMCI training served to improve the skills of the healthcare staff, family and community health practices, and the overall health system, from the gateman of the Heath facility to the consultants in charge.

The administration was the first in Nigeria to introduce a home-based health record book that guaranteed the access of pregnant women to a comprehensive package of healthcare starting from antenatal care and ensuring continuous care throughout pregnancy, delivery, early infancy, and childhood up until the child’s fifth birthday.

The initiative was later copied by the federal government which named its own Personal Health Record.

It also implemented a statewide polio Programme which culminated in a zero-level prevalence of the Wild Polio Virus (WPV). Kwara State under the Saraki administration achieved over 90 per cent coverage in routine immunisation, significantly higher than the national average of 80 per cent. The extensive coverage in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) for routine immunisation then made Kwara remain polio-free despite its being surrounded by states that still have cases of WPV. The administration introduced an articulated Accident and Emergency Programme and established ambulance points at major roads leading into, and out of the State Capital. Located at Budo Awero, (Ogbomoso Road), Olokonla (Jebba Road), Odo Owu (Kabba Road), and Ijagbo (Osogbo Road), these fully equipped state-ofthe-art ambulances were purchased to provide emergency first aid services and evacuate accident victims to the nearest hospital.

The Saraki administration conceived, built, and equipped the Kwara Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre, a state of the art centre with imaging and laboratory divisions, complete with a 64-slice CT scanner, 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, ultrasound, echocardiograms, mammograms, and routine X-rays machine based in Ilorin as part of a holistic vision for improving the healthcare delivery system of the state and serving as a referral diagnostic centre for all the states in North-central Nigeria. The centre also has a full-fledged Laboratory services division, complete with automated hematology, biochemistry, immunology, and microbiology units. The Saraki government also established a new College of Nursing which was commissioned in December 2010.

The Kwara State Government under Saraki succeeded in reducing HIV prevalence by 36 per cent through the establishment of HIV counseling and testing centers in all local government areas, collaborating with development partners, private hospitals, and the Ministry of Education.

Also, in partnership with Sight Savers International (SSI), the Saraki administration set about attempting to reverse the trend in visual loss among the less privileged. By 2009, 48, 526 patients had been attended to and screened while the number of cataract surgeries increased from 120 in 2003 to 2, 630 in 2009. The Kwara Eye Programme became so popular then that there was an influx from neighbouring states.

It is therefore obvious that while Saraki has not been practicing as a medical doctor after he left the services of Rush Green Hospital, Essex in the United Kingdom in 1989, his love for medicine has continued to manifest in his commitment to helping to build a healthy population that can contribute tremendously to the aspiration to reset, rebuild, and Grows Nigeria.

Happy birthday and many happy returns to a competent, committed, compassionate, and visionary leader on his 59th birthday today.

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56

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

GLITZ FEATURE

How FG Prevented Marital Apocalypse Vanessa Obioha reports that save from the statement from the Ministry of Interior debunking the news that a Federal High Court has nullified all marriages conducted at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry, most couples would have been caught in an end-time marital whirlpool

I

magine waking up to the news that your marriage of 10 years or even more is no longer valid due to a court judgment that nullified all nuptial vows exchanged at the registry where you and your spouse pledged eternal love. How would you react?

Excited or confused?

This state of confusion was what greeted many Nigerian couples last Wednesday morning when the viral news that all the marriages performed at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry in Lagos had been declared invalid. According to the news report, a Federal High Court had declared that it was unconstitutional for the federal government to conduct marriages, declaring marriage certificates issued at the Ikoyi registry as illegal and invalid.

The presiding judge Justice D. E. Osiagor stated that only the local government marriage registries were empowered to do such by the provisions of the amended 1999 Constitution.

In the judgment, while Justice Osiagor perpetually restrained the federal government through the Minister of Interior from further contracting marriages under the Marriage Act, 2004 within four local government councils Areas in four states, he however, refused to direct the Minister of Interior to return all marriage certificates issued within the respective plaintiffs’ local government councils since June 8, 2004, as demanded by the plaintiffs.

The judge also refused to order the Minister of Interior to return all the fees/ money paid by couples’ since June 8, 2004 to the plaintiffs’ Marriage Registries for re-issuance.

Regarding the plaintiffs’ prayer for an order sealing all Federal Marriage Registries in their local governments, the judge granted the prayer in part.

He granted the prayer to the extent

that there shall be no Federal Marriage Registry in the Marriage Districts (Local Government Councils) save Ikoyi and Abuja Federal Marriage Registry which predate the 1999 Constitution.

The order, the court held, is without prejudice to Minister of Interior’s “exclusive powers” to issue license to places of public worship to celebrate marriages all over the federation.

Within minutes, social media was flooded with different kinds of reactions that transitioned from puzzlement to anger, then memes that taunt the fate of married couples engaged in extramarital affairs. A viral meme that elicited laughter was that of a married man asking a single lady out. When the lady reminded him that he was married, the man replied “So I thought but it was at the Ikoyi registry.”

For single guys and ladies who got married couples on their radar, they reminded them that since their marriage was no longer valid, they can now have an affair without feeling guilty.

Couples seeking divorce likewise were congratulated as the court ruling had somehow saved them from the expenses that accompany the dissolution of marriages.

But beyond the humour, the verdict brought to fore the legal tussle between some local government areas and the federal government on whose right to perform marital duties and issue out certificates.

For long, LGAs has argued that the federal government through the Ministry of Interior has seized their statutory powers to register marriages. According to THISDAY report, this prompted the Eti-Osa LGA of Lagos State to go to court, demanding to take over Ikoyi Marriage Registry being operated by the Ministry of Interior in a suit marked FHC/ LS/CS/816/18, which had the Ministry of Interior and Attorney General of the Federation as defendants.

The Ikoyi Marriage Registry is a

Mecca of some sorts to couples looking for a simple celebration without the theatrics of a white wedding ceremony. The registry, located at Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi offers various services that include registration of ordinary and special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for a certified true copy of the document, place of worship licensing among others. It is also one of the popular federal marriage registries in the country.

Thankfully, the tension was doused by evening as the Ministry of Interior declared the viral news false and misleading. In a statement, it said that the reported annulment of weddings conducted by the registry is a “deliberate distortion” of the court’s decision.

“The attention of the Ministry of Interior has been drawn to news making the rounds on social media claiming that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared all Marriages conducted by Ikoyi marriage registry to be illegal and invalid.

“We would like to state that this statement is false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of the decision of the Court in Suit No: FHC/L/ CS/816/18 between Eti-Osa Local Government Council & 3 others v.

Honourable Minister of Interior and 2 others, where the honourable court held that only the local government councils can conduct valid marriages in Nigeria.”

Arguing further, the statement signed by Permanent Secretary and Principal Registrar of Marriages, Dr.

Shuaib Belgore, said that the same Federal High Court situated in Ikoyi, Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/870/2002 between Prince Haastrup and Eti Osa Local Government held that the federal government, through the Ministry of Interior is constitutionally empowered to conduct marriages in Nigeria and held that the local governments were delegated by the federal government to conduct marriages, under legal notices issued pursuant to the Marriage Act. The statement also noted that nothing in the role of local governments, as defined in the Constitution, suggests that local governments can conduct or contract marriages as alleged in their pleadings, arguing that the court affirmed that the powers of the local governments to contract statutory marriages is derived from the legal notices issued by the President.

“The court also confirmed that the role of local governments, as enshrined in the Constitution is limited to registration of all forms of marriages (including Islamic and customary marriages).”

Although the statement offered respite to worried couples, however, few feel indifferent to the verdict. For instance, take a Lagos-based Public Relations practitioner Jerry Adeyinka. When the news broke that fateful morning, he simply shrugged it off as one of the dramatics of the federal government. He jokingly admitted that he has forgotten he exchanged vows with his spouse at the registry.

“I couldn’t be bothered honestly. There are so many issues confronting the nation at this time. I just wished the government will pay more attention to insecurity than marital issues,” he said.

Regardless, the statement by the federal government saved marriages for who knows what would have been the fate of couples if the court had truly nullified all marriages conducted at the registry. A marital apocalypse may have occurred.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

57

GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

It’s Wizkid Night at Livespot X Festival Stories by Vanessa Obioha The Grammy award-winning artist, Wizkid, will be bringing Afrobeats vibes to the Livespot Entertainment Centre this evening at the ongoing Livespot X Festival. The ‘Essence’ hitmaker has so far had a fantastic year.

From winning a Grammy this year for ‘Brown Skin Girl’, his collaboration with the international act Beyoncé, to fetching double nominations for the 2022 Grammy Awards and shutting down O2 Arena in London.

Wizkid is the latest artist to have a headline concert at the festival which opened on Thursday, December 16. Tiwa Savage last Friday night thrilled fans with her concert. The festival will continue on Christmas Day, December 25, with P-Square ‘Reactivated’ concert which was earlier slated for December 18 while Tems will bring the festival to a close with her headline concert on Boxing Day, December 26.

NSIA Postpones Inaugural Awards, Changes Name Due to the untimely demise of the Creative Director and Vice-Chairman Awards Council of the Nigeria Skits Industry Festival and Awards, Joshua Olorunfemi, the organisers announced the postponement of the awards earlier slated for today, December 19, 2021.

The convener Bimbo Daramola described the late Olorunfemi as a super talented graphics artist and visualiser whose works could compete anywhere in the world. He was the brain behind the colour scheme and codes, the logo as well as other exposures of the crusade.

“This is one big loss to us as a team and it is for the reason of this unfortunate twist that we have regrettably consulted widely and as a recognition of his roles that we have arrived at the decision to postpone the awards so that we can offer some comfort to his young family as we all go through this moment of grief together and hopefully join others to give him a modest burial.

“This is the minimum we can do for such a good and resourceful man who gave all of himself to this initiative, indeed on his sickbed he was still churning out designs and giving his intelligent input; he would be sorely missed,” said Daramola.

Daramola also disclosed that the award formerly known as Nigeria Skits Industry Awards (NSIA) will now be known as Nigeria Skits Industry Festival and Awards (NSIFA).

“This obviously makes the crusade bigger and better, instead of an awards night. It will now be a whole day event that will start with the festival in the afternoon and the awards in the evening.”

He also hinted at plans to ensure that two skit makers will be given national honours. He argued that the reward system of giving national recognition to recipients when they are in wheelchairs should be eroded.

A new date for the NSIFA is yet to be disclosed.

Wizkid

TMPL Motion Pictures Goes Green with ITK 2 Production After a successful run of its movie ‘Introducing the Kujus’ last year, TMPL Motion Pictures is taking a bold step for the sequel ‘Introducing The Kujus (ITK): Finding A Kuju’. It is keen on driving sustainability and environmental protection awareness among filmmakers and fans alike by ensuring a paperless production. Instead of printed manuscripts, cast and crew made use of tablet devices.

The movie’s green appeal followed a pledge by Executive Producer, Idris Olorunnimbe who joined stakeholders at the year edition of Sustainability Table Discourse Series with the theme, ‘New Pathways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a circular economy’.

“When I’m editing, I want to see what I am editing.

So I will first state my commitment today to reduce my use of paper. I also want to ask a favour of you, please don’t come to a movie set because we use a lot of paper but again, I will go back and look within my

organisation on how we can reduce the use of paper and help to preserve our environment,” said Olurunnimbe at the event.

‘Introducing The Kuju: Finding A Kuju’ sequel sees the Kujus again at loggerheads. They gather at a hotel resort for the traditional wedding of Mauyon and Lily, but things quickly take a turn for the worse when underlying tension meets unfortunate incidents as money, as well as people, go missing.

The movie which has been filming in locations including Epe, Lekki and Victoria Island in Lagos is directed by Biodun Stephen and produced by Bisola Aiyeola and Winifred Okpapi. Mavin Records executive Don Jazzy swells the movies’ already star-studded cast which parades the likes of Aiyeola, Timini Egbuson, Femi Jacobs, Bimbo Ademoye and eccentric comedian, MC Lively. Other acts include Kunle Remi, Mimi Onalaja, Ronke Odusanya, Lilo Aderogba, Oli Ekun among others.

Some cast members of ITK movie 2

Lafup Takes ‘The Faaji Experience’ to Ibadan Comedian Lafup is flipping the page of his annual show Lafup Live this year. The celebrity Mac revealed recently that he is taking the show to Ibadan on Boxing Day December 26.

He described the Lafup Live 2021 edition tagged ‘Faaji Experience’ as an event that will not

just pay homage to Ibadan, a town that embodies the spirit of Faaji but also gets residents out of their comfort zones and into their Owambe mood as they dance to their heart’s content in a night filled with music and comedy.

Notable names set for the experience include Ali Baba, Princess, 9ice, Small Doctor, and Ibadan’s very own DJ Banky and DJ Sexcy.

The comedian also hinted that fun-seekers can also expect to see some Fuji artists incorporated into the comedy-centred show.

House of Ajebo tops Google 2021 Search lists

Nigerian Creators Who Top Google 2021 Search Lists For the year 2021, HouseOfAjebo, Chike’s ‘Running’ music video are some of the Nigerian creators that dominate YouTube’s 2021 Top 10 Lists.

HouseOfAjebo takes the top spot on the Top 10 creators in Nigeria. The channel which is famous for its hilarious skit centred on the comic character Tegwolo beats comedian and singer Samuel Animashaun Perry (aka Broda Shaggi) channel as well as ApataTV+. HouseOfAjebo also emerged on top on the Top 10 Breakout Creators in Nigeria for the year while SwagBoyQ leads on the Top 10 Shorts Creators in Nigeria.

On the Top 10 Music Videos in Nigeria, the ballad ‘Running’ by Chike featuring Simi sits at number one. The song released in February this year was an instant hit, fetching The Voice Nigeria alumnae more recognition in the music industry.

Also making this list is Teni’s ‘For You’ featuring Davido and Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ featuring Tems.

For the selection of the top trending videos on YouTube for 2021, the online video community deployed a range of factors, beyond just viewership. For example, YouTube also considers engagement while also looking at signals like shares and likes. Topping this list is ‘President Kuti’, a movie starring Ibrahim Yekini, Bimpe Oyebade, and Odunlade Adekola and is available on the Yorubaplus channel.

YouTube’s Top 10 Lists for the year celebrates 2021’s biggest moments on the platform in Nigeria.

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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 ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

HighLife

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

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

Family at War as Ambition Tears Senator Ademola and Dele Adeleke Apart

Oba Ogunwusi

Behold, All the King’s Women The English poet, John Keats, was right: a thing of beauty is a joy forever [and] its loveliness increases.

For men who have good taste, there is no better beauty in this world than the beauty of women. This is a secret that many men, monarchs especially, have learned the accumulative way. Here, we must throw a salute the way of Oba Adéyeyè Enitàn Ògúnwusi Ojájá II, the extraordinary 51st Ooni of Ife. Oba Ogunwusi is a dragon among men. This is almost a literal fact, considering how he is living a very brilliant life surrounded by the twinkling stars and enchanting comets that are his wives. While it is easy to debate whether these women number up to 10 or the prime numbers of five or seven, no one can contest the fact that they are all captivatingly lovely. As they should be as one can only expect of an enlightened sovereign.

Among the most notable wives of the king (who are respectfully referred to as Aya Oba) are phoenixes and swans. The most popular swan is naturally the one that gave birth to the heir apparent, Prince Tadenikawo Ogunwusi, not too long ago.

She is Olori Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi—incidentally a prophetess. Where others have paved the way for the Ooni with their social networks, the prophetess has used divine connections.

Then there is the one who is reported to be the first wife, if not the number one as per public support: Adebukola Bombata. Rumours say that she has been with the Ooni since 2015, but did not yield a progeny.

Then came Zaynab Wuraola Otiti, a Bini lady. With her, things at the Ooni Palace were exciting for a while, but this did not last long These three are the main wives that have been recorded as Oloris and Aya Obas in the minds of the Ile Ife people.

However, there are a few more that folks insist are as close to the heart of Oba Ogunwusi as the Prophetess.

Most of these are princesses.

Whatever the case, Oba Ogunwusi has proved his mettle with the women in his harem. Some may have left while others are still around. Nevertheless, the Ooni is, without question, as imperial as the history books tell us that kings used to be.

When talking about the corporate corridor, especially at the corners where very large sums of money often exchange hands, we say that it is a dog-eat-dog world. For some reason, we do not extend the same thought to politics. Maybe we all recognize that politics is a ruthless exchange at its core, and that family interests are almost always trumped by personal interests. Seeing members of the Adeleke’s lineage in Osun State preparing to charge at each other stirs the mind and shows politics for what it truly is: a ruthless exchange.

Dusting their documents and readying their resources, the interest groups in Osun are on the heels of finalizing the preparations for the 2022 gubernatorial race. Among these interest groups, two individuals immediately stand out: Senator Ademola Adeleke and Dele Adeleke. Even more astounding is the fact that both these individuals — who are related by blood — are vying for the same political position under the same multicoloured umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Senator Ademola is not a stranger to the

gubernatorial race. The Dancing Senator, as he is fondly called by the public, has attempted to seize that mantle and almost succeeded during the last election. Dele, on the other hand, is not exactly a greenhorn in politics. However, this is the first time he is contesting for something so conspicuous. That Senator Ademola is Dele’s Uncle makes the latter’s gubernatorial ambition something to think about.

According to those who know the matter, Dele’s emergence is not surprising. During the 2018 elections that almost saw Senator Ademola outmanoeuvre Gboyega Oyetola to become Osun governor, Dele was reportedly the PDP Agent at the state collation centre. Also, because Dele has shown himself to be a brilliant business manager, it is rumoured that several influential stakeholders are willing to stand behind him.

By every indication, Dele is a big threat to Senator Ademola’s governorship dreams. There are so many ways this can go wrong, with the possibility of hostile exchanges. In fact, the Adeleke family is in trouble.

Chinwe Bode-Akinwande Foundation to the Rescue

Akinwande

Babatunde Fowler—this is a man of legend.

Given enough time, folks might imagine that he contested for the presidency and almost won.

How else would you justify that many reports published in 2020 had his face in colour and his name in bold letters? Even so, the man has crossed to the other side and started to benefit from the foliage of renewed success. One might even say that his star, once drooping and nearly fallen, is on the rise again.

Fowler is one of Nigeria’s most interesting personalities. Both his time in office as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the time afterwards indicate his motivating narrative.

For one nurtured by Providence and then abandoned only to be adopted again, Fowler has gone through it all. But new days are upon him.

Since clinching the Pan-African Oversight Committee appointment wherein the PanAfrican Parliament (PAP) of the African Union (AU) assigned duties to Fowler and seven others, not much has been heard about the taxman. This is not to say that he is not living fine, it is only that

To look beyond socio-cultural differences and see the person beneath is one of the true characteristics of humanity. With suffering as a prevalent trend in society, this characteristic is gradually disappearing. However, thanks to individuals such as Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, the spark of humanity is still very visible.

Bode-Akinwande has extended a hand of fellowship and assistance to underprivileged widows and children in Nigeria once again. Through her foundation, the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande Foundation (CBA), the esteemed corporate Amazon has stirred the hearts of many such widows and children in the country. Her actions show us that having boundless wealth is not the key to executing genuine humanitarian gestures, a boundless heart does. It is what sets the philanthropic ball going.

To Bode-Akinwande, the plight of the common man, woman, and child is something that the entire society should care about. This is

New Lease of Life for Babatunde Fowler

Fowler

Adeleke

the case for women, especially, who could be argued to be the soil from which human civilization sprung up. When these women, particularly those who have lost their husbands or means of sustenance, suffer, the world inadvertently suffers with them. This is one of the things that Bode-Akinwande set out to change: to make the world a better place by relieving widows of their heavy burdens. And CBA has accomplished much in this regard.

Since the foundation’s conception in 2015, Bode-Akinwande has graciously handed over food packages to around 10,600 Nigerian widows. She has also improved the lots of 8,600 widows by empowering them through capacity-building programs, not to mention the many health-related initiatives and interventions that CBA has launched for widows.

Then there are the children. Here, BodeAkinwande’s foundation has helped at least 158 children start basic education from scratch.

This time, their focus would be on acquiring quality education and training, rather than just attending public schools with oil-stained and frazzled fabrics that look like uniforms. tales of misfortune fly faster and Fowler has sensibly kept a cool head since the FIRS fiasco.

For those who followed his tale, Fowler’s tenure as FIRS chairman ended on a harsh note. President Muhammadu Buhari refused to grant him a second term but went ahead to appoint someone who would hound him. After successive attempts to regain his reputation, Fowler became an object of scorn among Nigeria’s high society.

Then came the repeated visits from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These visits forced the taxman to recall how he spent every penny back when he worked with the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue. It was a truly harrowing experience, even for onlookers.

Then came a period of quiet. Then came the PAP appointment. And Fowler could breathe again. And that has been the case ever since. Fowler has climbed up the ranks and is working on his international prestige. Indeed, it is a new lease of life for the taxman.

Raising the Bar of Legislation… As Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye Out with Mega Projects in His Constituency The Nigerian legislative house has a lot to answer for, especially from the perspective of the masses. It can be argued that only a handful of these representatives have done anything of note for their constituencies. Among these handfuls, Honorable Tajudeen Adefisoye stands out like a thumb. Since joining the House of Representatives for the people of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in 2019, he has arguably lived up to expectations.

Say what you will about Nigerian senators, congresspeople, and politicians in general, the crop is not the same in and out. A few of these political figures, and Adefisoye is a leading character among this category, have changed the narrative. Today, unlike yesteryears, Nigerian politicians are not corrupt, pot-bellied church elders and alhajis. Apart from his humanitarian attitude, this man who is nicknamed Small Alhaji is exactly the opposite of this old archetypal figure.

There are too many projects in Ondo State,

megaprojects for that matter, with Adefisoye’s name on them. In his constituency, Adefisoye has constructed a seven aside stadium to attract the sports talent of the region. Adefisoye specially established this stadium early this year at the compound of Olofin Grammar School, Idanre, as a symbol of his gesture. He noted at that time that the stadium is the fulfilment of his promise to raise a new crop of footballers to hoist the Idanre flag.

In truth, Adefisoye has not been missing in action in the constituency. His visible achievements can be traced to the building of a skill acquisition centre and renovation of a police station in Ifedore; a 250-capacity ICT centre in Idanre, and three open-stall markets at both Idanre and Ifedore. Besides these economic investments, Adefisoye is also behind the construction of six blocks of classrooms and a two kilometres road in Idanre. He also renovated six blocks at Ebun

Adefisoye

Ogunyinmika School, Idanre, and multiple health centres at the Federal Constituency.

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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 ˾DECEMBER 19, 2021

HIGHLIFE The American poet, Walt Whitman, said this about time and renewal: Nothing is ever really lost, or can be lost, no birth, identity, form — no object of the world…

The body, sluggish, aged, cold — the embers left from earlier fires; [even] the light in the eye grown dim, shall duly flame again. This is a sentiment that onlookers can relate to as they observe the most recent reports about former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Amosun is 63 years old and has walked the halls of Nigerian politics and democratic governance for the better part of 25 years at the very least. However, the latest rumours would have us believe that the ambitious fires of Amosun’s youth continue to burn and have enough fuel to burn for another 25 years. For now, the rumour-mongers appear to say that Amosun has his eyes on the presidency and will likely contest against his peers for the mantle of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The news which is now all over social media started when folks noticed full wine bottles inscribed with Amosun’s face. From the extra information on the

Ex-Governor Amosun Campaigns with Customised Wine Goes Viral on Social Media

Amosun

bottles, Amosun is asking for support to participate in the 2023 presidential race.

Whether one gets to keep the wine upon declaring support for Amosun’s supposed presidential ambition or one has to donate some money to his campaign cabinet

remains a mystery. In fact, at this point, whether Amosun has an interest in the presidential race is another mystery.

However, it might not matter if the inscription follows Amosun’s heartfelt intentions or otherwise. The fact, moving forward, is that it is out there.

This is especially true since political lord, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has essentially confirmed the reports that he will be joining the presidential race sooner than later. Of course, the most recent notice put out by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is to the same effect.

Therefore, it may not be untrue that Amosun will wrestle with these folks to become the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

What better way to let the public know than through wine?

Education is His Legacy as Sanwo-Olu Commissions Another School There have been many Lagos governors since the creation of the state. Because Lagos is essentially the commercial capital of Nigeria, whoever ends up with the mantle of gubernatorial leadership faces many challenges. The key to unravelling this Gordian Knot, as many intellectuals have argued, is infrastructural development. This is a secret that the current governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has realized and begun to take advantage of.

Much has been said about Governor Sanwo-Olu since he came into power in 2019. Regardless of the divided opinions on his approach to handling problems, nobody can deny the fact that the man has the best intentions for the state and its people. Even so, the best thing anybody can say about SanwoOlu’s administration is that it is committed to education.

Given this assessment, Sanwo-Olu recently commissioned a structure for education, with 18 blocks serving as classrooms. The newly-constructed Elemoro Community Junior Secondary School was also furnished with sporting facilities, showing that SanwoOlu intends to drive the potentials of young Lagosians to the maximum, squeezing out every gift they have for formal (classroom) learning and extracurricular activities.

The Elemoro school is only the latest of Sanwo-Olu’s grand momentum in reviving the education sector in Lagos State. For some time now, the bulk of Sanwo-Olu’s attention has been divided between empowering the members of this progressive cabinet with the resources they need for good governance and gunning for the achievement of his digitalization of secondary school education in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu

Yayi and Odebiyi: Set to Exchange Thoughts in the Ring

Odebiyi

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, much is being revealed. Different individuals at the various levels of government are popping up to claim that this place is theirs by right and that

place is theirs by quota. In Ogun State, Ogun West senatorial district, to be precise, Senator Solomon Olamilekan (alias Yayi), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), and Senator Tolu Odebiyi are the main figures of focus. Even so, it is Yayi and Odebiyi who have gotten into the ring to fight it out and represent the people and interest of Ogun West.

Since time immemorial, leadership positions may be obtained by lineage, but human relations and influence are the main infrastructures that help one keep such positions. This is a fact that is well recognized by Senators Yayi and Odebiyi.

Nevertheless, the contest for the Ogun West seat would be easily resolved if recognition of facts is the only determinant, wouldn’t it? And yet, Yayi and Odebiyi are supposedly at each other’s throats as they contend for the position.

Senator Odebiyi may be argued to have stronger pillars of support. At the moment, he is the incumbent representative of Ogun West.

As the 2019 senatorial champion for the All

Between Adeyanju Binuyo and Gboyega Oyetola For those in politics, human relations are everything. A smart politician, therefore, must concentrate the bulk of his resources to please the people who have the power to elect them. This is the key that the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State, Prince Adeyanju Abdullah Binuyo, has started to use. Given time and effective use of resources, Binuyo might open a few more doors, cementing Oyetola’s position as a good governor and securing him a second term in office.

There is no doubt that Osun is facing as many challenges as its sister states in the South-west. Due to constraints that are best left for lengthier editorials, these states are not having it easy deciding on the folks that will cart the people on the wagon of progress for the next four to five years. In Osun, the governorship elections are less than eight months away. Thus, Binuyo’s choice to assist Oyetola and get him the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket is a smart plan.

Binuyo

Progressives Congress (APC), his influence cannot be belittled. Moreover, per pedigree, his father is a former senator who reigned in his days. With this profile, Odebiyi can take on anyone.

But, Yayi is no slouch himself.

According to those who are informed of such inner-conclave politics, Yayi has the support of the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun. Knowing Abiodun’s progressive approach to things, there is no questioning his influence over electioneering matters. However, Yayi is currently serving as the senator for Lagos West Senatorial District. Even more, he is already a two-term senator. But he has Governor Abiodun in his corner.

So, without considering GNI’s senatorial ambitions, Yayi and Odebiyi are the main contenders for the Ogun West seat. They have already begun clandestine campaign moves, so the match is on.

So far, reports claim that Binuyo has already managed to rally a group of influential stakeholders around Oyetola.

These individuals, if Binuyo’s plans bear the intended fruit, would support Oyetola against the opponents from APC during the primaries, and also help him consolidate his forces against the contenders from the other political parties.

Of course, this is no easy feat. For one, the APC in Osun is as frazzled at the edges as it is at the core. Due to the tensions between Oyetola and his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, getting a foothold now is no small feat.

Even so, Binuyo does not seem overly nervous. Moreover, he is reported as willing to go to any length to see his superior retain his position as Osun State governor.

Undoubtedly, Binuyo has Oyetola’s support and vice versa. What better alliance is there? It is, as others have pointed out, very interesting that Binuyo is the one going through all the trouble even though he is only the Deputy Chief of Staff and not the Chief of Staff.

Tinubu

The Chinese have a saying: the tallest tree in the forest faces the strongest winds. The Chinese are wise, for they have sufficiently captured the length and breadth of the rumours regarding the downfall of most prominent people. The son of the acknowledged Jagaban, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu, is experiencing the same narrative at the moment.

According to speculations, the entrepreneur and brains behind the outstanding advertising company, Loatsad Promomedia Ltd, has resumed his fling with an old flame. Freda Francis is the name of the old flame and the rumours run a few miles further by stating that Francis is expecting a child, all thanks to Seyi’s virile powers and prowess.

The rumour started suddenly and without an exact origin.

However, it has already blown up on the faces of everyone involved, particularly the immediate family of the supposed father-to-be.

Folks from the camp of the person in question, Seyi, have denied the entire saga. They have declared to all and sundry that Seyi has no such thing with Francis and that he is happily committed to his matrimonial relationship with his wife, Layal. Whether Francis is pregnant or not, these folks have had nothing to say.

But who can blame them?

Francis, the proud CEO and founder of Oasis Med Spa has to defend herself and uphold her integrity herself. Seyi is doing the same, especially with his wife, Layal, reportedly having second thoughts about his familial loyalty because of this issue.

Folks have reported that Layal has already taken drastic steps to preserve her sanity and protect her and Seyi’s four-year-old son, Alexander, from the rubbish that is online. Others claim that Layal has shredded every evidence on social media of a happy marriage with Seyi. She has reportedly deleted their anniversary pictures and blocked Seyi.

In the face of such opposition from within and outside, what is a man to do? This is the present state of Seyi, as reported by folks who know their business. It is obvious that there is more to the story than outsiders can see. Is someone after Jagaban’s son or is it a sad coincidence that Seyi is in this mess? Time will tell.

60

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Ikoyi Registry Saga: A Wonderful Opportunity Look, let me quickly put out this advice: those of you who married at that place should quickly take advantage of the lacuna created by this judgment to go and enjoy yourself outside o.

Immediately I saw the report, I rushed to go and check if by any chance I married there. Na Shomolu Local Government I married in the year of our Lord 2000 so I cannot take advantage.

Anyway, the report has been debunked by the Ministry of Interior but the confusion persists. My own is that what the Federal Government is doing in this space is what Yoruba people call ‘agbaya’ things. Struggling with this one with the local government authorities just shows the continued confusion that pervades our system.

What concerns a whole Federal Government with issuing marriage licenses when they have not been able to hold down security, economy, infrastructure and the rest.

Let’s even leave that one and look at this Ikoyi registry. The place is a cesspool of corruption controlled by clusters of hoodlums who perpetrate all sorts of rackets.

Everything and anything can be obtained at the place from make-up artists, to suits, ties, to even brides.

All you need to do is to walk in there and say, ‘I want to marry’ in minutes everything is provided and you are married.

My only sister, the great and legendary Dame Glory Edgar married there and that was my first real experience in

the place. I stood aside and watched the massive rackets going on. Everything was procured, money changing hands faster than the Stock Exchange, things happening, officials turning from security men, to witnesses and from officiating ministers, to photographers, to purveyors of wedding rings; everything and anything is happening in that place. So, for me, this court case, no matter how it goes, has succeeded in throwing a huge spotlight on the madness going on in the place.

Meanwhile, please help me watch very closely my brother-in-law, Etim Ezekiel. He married my aforementioned sister in that place, I am sure it will be itching him now o. That advice I gave does not concern him o. If he tries it…

NYESOM WIKE: THE SAGA OF ‘COMMISSIONERSHIP’ The recent report that His Excellency Nyesom Wike sacked a commissioner for hosting an unauthorised visit by a group of medical professionals has strengthened my resolve never to accept any appointment as a commissioner anywhere in this country.

That ‘thing’ na just total waste of time. It is nothing more than unbridled servitude. You just go to work at the whim of your Oga, His Excellency. In my engagement with various state governments, I see the total ‘helplessness’ of a commissioner; they just help you fine tune your proposal; go and submit and be waiting for approval like you.

Both of you will be doing the same prayers, doing the same fasting and waiting for His Lordship to see reasons. In most cases, if the idea does not push the agenda of the Emperor or make him look good as long as it does not come from him or his immediate cronies, forget it.

Why people accept to serve under such conditions is beyond me. I watch them lose their self-esteem.

I watch them run around like welldressed domestics and I just squirm.

On top of that one, you will now be struggling with Permanent Secretary and career civil servants who are

entrenched and, in some cases, laced with Juju. Mbok, commissioner work no be am, count me out. It’s thankless.

that concerns me. First Bank through its First@ Arts have continued to empower the creative sector.

Throwing such legendary and powerful minds like Folake AniMummuney and ‘Abim’ into the fray with my brother Oze, you begin to feel its impact especially in areas of creating opportunities, infrastructure to deepen the space.

This December alone, First Bank at least from what I know are supporting over 10 different productions, putting thousands of creatives to work, expanding the scope and generally being a pillar. We thank them.

So, Mr. Otedola, whoever advised you on this move did you a whole lot of good. You owe the person a huge bowl of Afang and ‘ekwong’.

Wike

Otedola

FEMI OTEDOLA: TRULY THE FIRST It was my lord, Mr. Akin Kekere Ekun, who once said, “Edgar you now have a voice, do not always be in a hurry to rush to comment on issues.” I have taken that advice very seriously as the gains far outweigh the negatives.

It is in that context when all the noise surrounding the massive incursion into my favourite bank – First Bank Nigeria by my lord ephemeral, the quintessential Femi Otedola I decidedly stayed away from the fray.

Lord had once told me something and I quickly rushed to press and that did not sit well with him. Thus, my delayed response on this one.

During the week, it was announced that he had increased his stake holding by another 2.5%, driving it above the 7% mark and making him the single largest shareholder of the prestigious bank.

At this point, congratulations are in place not only for Mr. Otedola but also to First Bank for being able to attract such massive investments at this time. Knowing Mr. Otedola very well, what he would be bringing to the bank in terms of leadership and visionary speed cannot be quantified and this would certainly put the bank within the most influential financial institutions in the world.

Before I sign off, let me say the one

AYO SUBAIR: A GENTLE TAX GIANT He is not only my friend but my egbon. He is the one running the Lagos State Internal Revenue Services and from the figures we are seeing, he is doing a damned good job.

The other day, just after my play ‘Awo’, I got a call from his people, “Can you bring back your play- Isale Eko for us in December?”

Unfortunately, we are off to Uyo already and will not be available. The beautiful lady Monsurat did not give up. “Duke,” she said, “we are hosting the Joint Tax Board and all of the chief tax officers in the country are coming and we want to show them the best of Lagos and your play ‘Isale Eko’ is just perfect.”

Subair

Aregbesola

As I hear that one, I said oya. You see, no nation can attain basic developmental indices if it has a poor tax base like we have. So, the opportunity to encourage and inspire these tax people should not be taken lightly.

At the event, Mr. Subair took the podium and spoke very eloquently about the vision of the LIRS and the work of the JTB in partnering with the government as it struggles to meet its obligations to the people.

But as the event wore on into the night, I had to leave and as I was getting to the Mainland, I received a text from my other brother, ‘Nidu Inneh, the Tax Chief of Edo State.

The message read “Duke are you here?”

I replied, “I just left.”

“They are doing your play o” “Tell me what you think” “It is too long” “Na you know,” was my response to him.

It was a glorious evening, well packaged, well attended and everybody had fun but the most important thing was the fact that the mission of the JTB was not lost on anyone who attended.

KEMI OLUNLOYO: FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN This self-acclaimed investigative journalist is something else o. The

Fani kayode

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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 ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

LOUD WHISPERS way she enters issues like hurricane Katrina used to amaze me.

See what she has done with this sad and unfortunate case of the little boy who recently lost his innocent life in the hands of bullies. While the police and other authorities are still trying to unravel the matter, she just jumped in with a wild allegation and threw a lot of confusion into the system.

While at it, she goes into a fight with actress Ada Ameh pulling in that one’s late daughter. For Kemi, there are no holds barred once she is on a matter. It seems her stint in Port Harcourt Prison has not calmed her down or taught her a lesson.

This our only investigative journalist in Nigeria na wa o. Help us beg her to calm down o.

whatever she has done to or for me, I forgive her. Give her all she wants. I just want peace.”

You will see that even the Precious sef will give you the opportunity to try your ‘Lionic’ skills on her once again.

Let peace reign sir. It’s in your hands.

TIWA SAVAGE: AN UNENDING CRUSH When all of you were salivating and shouting over the sex tape, me I was hurting. You see I have never hidden the fact that I have a crush on this beauty. I would have loved to be that person on the sex tape with her and would not have minded to wear my APC t-shirt in the video.

Well that one has passed. Yesterday, out of nothing to do, I started going through all of her videos, especially GERNOT ROHR: ANNOYING MUSICAL her latest, the one she did with CHAIRS American songstress Brandy.

So, they have finally sacked Mr Mbok, if you have not seen it go and Rohr and reappointed the serially see it. It has garnered over 12 million sacked Eguavoen. The whole football views on YouTube. It is a creative infrastructure in Nigeria is a scam. bomb. Well curated and her talent Watch o, by Valentine’s day, they with that of the mercurial Brandy will sack Eguavoen and most likely shown through. bring back another previously sacked I have put it on permanent rotation. person and if we are not careful the She is sultry, she knows her stuff circle will swirl back to Rohr by next and her brown skin with the well Christmas. curvy body forms a complete surreal This is why I no longer watch football. The magic is gone. The heydays of Keshi and Yekini are long far gone. The beauty of the game has gone, killed by infantile administrators who will be carrying You see, I will need to study white beards all over the place. this Baba’s tenure with the aim Me, I don’t know the details of of writing a major book on his why they sacked him or even strategy and push as Information the result of their last game, I Minister in this era. The talent just decided to put this story in he has shown has been quite today to complete quota. Nigerian remarkable and defies all known football? Na ‘ten ten.’ logic.

His latest statement as reported FEMI FANI-KAYODE: THE LION OF that if not for our dear president, APAPA Nigeria would have been turned One thing you don’t do to a into an Islamic state is nothing full-blooded Nigerian male is to but gold in the pantheons of question his integrity in the other propaganda. room. Up until this time, Chief I have seen this report on Kayode has been playing soft so many platforms as a direct with his former wife in their onresponse to something Obasanjo going battle in courts. was supposed to have said. This Then she upped the ante by really pushes the mantra that saying he cannot perform. Kai, that is like releasing nuclear bombs in a small fight. That must have hit the handsome chief in a very soft spot.

Instantly, a press statement was released calling that allegation a lie of the devil amongst other very strong words I cannot use in a family-oriented column like this.

As if that was not enough, one beauty came out to say that chief was a lion in bed. Kai, how she ‘know’ that one she didn’t say but that we should just take it from her that daddy is a lion and cannot be held down once revved.

Me I believe. But all these women, when they want to fight us, they should not be going to that level na. That is too low and immature.

My advice to both combatants, especially my egbon, is to think of the mental health of the children and the very real potential of exposing them to bullying when they are of age. The taunts will not be easy on them when their classmates start calling them names and alluding to the fact that their dad is a lion or a kitten in bed.

Please my Egbon, leave Precious alone. Just go to court and say, “This is the mother of my children, I used to love her but no longer do and Mohammed

appeal as I stared with my mouth open.

The scene that has killed me finish is the one where she walks into a body of water with a very sweet waterfall cascading down from a hill and she, wearing a green two-piece bikini just wallowing in the warm waters.

Her beauty shines like a thousand jewels and she teases me, saying, “Duke leave Shomolu and come here.”

My people, many reasons dey that heaven go hard for me to enter o. This Tiwa girl is one of them, I need deliverance and no be that kind Oyedepo ‘pull am for leg’ deliverance; this one na real fire deliverance wey dem dey do for Mountain of Fire. Tiwa is a national goddess.

EMIR OF DAURA: MY HERO I have seen the picture of the bride and I will not blame this 90-yearold traditional ruler if the reports we are seeing are anything to go by. Unconfirmed reports have said that the well-respected traditional ruler has taken as a new wife this very sweet looking beauty who could easily pass for his great great granddaughter.

This announcement sparked a very

LAI MOHAMMED: LET’S FEAR GOD every issue has two sides. It’s true na. While the vast majority of us are seeing unending bloodletting, mad insecurity, looting, rape and carnage, Baba is seeing the other side which according to him if not for his principal, it could have been worse.

We cannot blame him o. He has a job to do and he must do it excellently well. My own is that when all these are over, he must write a book, not that kind of Baba Akande tales by moonlight but a very serious book that will teach aspiring Information Ministers the deft act of playing ‘boju boju’ in the face of fire. Kai, I tire.

heated argument on the BGL Alumni Group. My sister Ada was strongly against it and started reminding us of past heroes who had lost their lives on top of these young and sexy females. Me on the other side countered that is it not better to die on top of these mountains than to be butchered by bandits or even decimated by Covid?

I think at the end of the day, these older women are kind of jealous of what is going on. They can no longer offer the services and comfort we need at these advanced ages and sit aside, watching their roles being taken over. Well too bad, nothing we can do about that.

Me, whether Duchess like am or not, if God give me a long life to Emir’s age, I will certainly go 20. I tell you.

Even the ones we are experiencing now is like heaven o. Once you can buy data, phone and hair you will be seeing Angel Michael singing for you.

It’s not every time man will be battling with wahala that comes from our older women. We love them, we cherish them, we bless them, we will build our future with them, let them run our businesses, own our property and take charge of everything but in this particular area, they should sha accept that their skill set cannot play, they should then just morph into advisory capacity.

I tell you. My Dear Emir, you are doing well, we dey your side and we dey your back. When can I come for a visit, I am so impatient and cannot wait until I am 90. Let’s do this now.

Please, I know some wicked people will go and show Duchess this write up now o. Stop na.

PAUL ALABA LAWANI: A DIFFERENT BREED Did you see the video? I saw it and admired his courage. This young man had gone to a road construction site and reported live on social media the shoddy job the contractor was doing. This caught the attention of the Edo State Government with the Deputy Governor Mr. Shuaibu visiting the site and the Governor His Excellency Obaseki promising to do something about it.

The prayer is for this type of citizen advocacy to catch on and then our leaders will begin to sit up. We should learn how not to take just anything. We should also take our leaders to task, especially on things like this.

Mr. Lawani is a hero and thankfully he has been receiving a lot of commendations from home and abroad. Well done bro.

KARIBI FUBARA: A MIDNIGHT SONG He passed last Wednesday but before leaving us, he had sent in a lot of videos chronicling his fight with kidney/cancer. His videos were touching and deeply philosophical. I had watched some and wondered at his incredible talent and personality.

He was a strong Nollywood player with a good heart. I know God will open up the heavens to receive him giving the rest of us the comfort that he has truly gone home to rest.

I didn’t even know the relationship between him and my bosom friend, Dr. Ibiene Ogolo till I reached out to her for something else and met her in a state. She said they were extremely close family friends with the two families dating back over 20 years.

We are encouraged by the life he lived and we remain eternally thankful that he passed through.

Sleep well bro.

62

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

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Bashir

Who is Musbahu Muhammad Bashir?

No doubt, Dr Musbahu Muhammad Bashir shies aways from the klieg-light.

His preference is to live a quiet lifestyle and grow his business but with his new business, public interest has been piqued.

The question on the lips of many at the moment is: Where did Mafab Communications and its promoters emerge from?

This is one of the initial feedbacks some deeply stunned Nigerians fervently sought answers to about the ownership of the telecoms firm, after it fought Nigeria’s 5G battle to the end, winning it alongside MTN last Monday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

However, the answer wasn’t farfetched, as the new champ in the Nigerian telecoms space is owned by a self-effacing business mogul.

Unknown to many, the Kano State-born silent billionaire, who is the Chairman of Althani Group, has made a wide variety of investments cutting across banking, insurance, oil and gas, real estate, telecoms, maritime and aviation.

He has developed a reputation for quietly running his mega businesses without floundering about seeking validation to herald his considerable achievements and endless resources, as other wealthy Nigerians with unrestrained desire for show-off would do.

But it is awe-inspiring to see the entrepreneur embrace the media spotlight with his Mafab, an indigenous company, surprising investors and watchers with a $275 million swoop on NCC in a three-horse race auction bid, slugging it out with the multinationals —MTN and Airtel.

Initially, his hitherto unknown entity in the telecoms space had taken everyone by surprise, emerging one of the contenders for the initial two licenses for the next generation telecom network among the three preferred bidders.

But on the D-Day, Mafab, the surprising underdog, gave the two telecoms giants a good run for their money with Airtel dropping off at $270 million, while Mafab surprisingly joined MTN to pick the two Nigeria’s 5G licenses at the eye-watering fees of $275 million each at the same stage where GSM record was created 20 years ago.

Expectedly, some immediately raised hell over the success of Mafab at the 5G license auction wondering what experience this newbie will be banking on to execute the license when finally granted.

But while Bashir’s Mafab may be regarded as the underdog of the Nigeria telecoms mafia —it was just licensed July 8, 2020 to provide and operate local interconnect and international carrier services— it has, however, proven to be a massive international data carrier with previous three licenses for Interconnect Exchange, International Data Access and Value Added services.

And to another set of doubters, winning is one stage, paying is yet another phase.

Of course, the Winning Bid price of $275 million (about N120 billion) to be paid by Mafab before February 24, 2022 at the prevailing exchange rate, will go to the government pocket 100 per cent.Bashir will now go sourcing for another huge funds to build and roll out the 5G infrastructure.

Air Peace boss, Allen Onyema, has remained a delight to aviation industry watchers.

Indeed, he has steadfastly been redefining the industry since he came on board. It will be recalled that his arrival on the scene had caused a stir in the industry, when he reeled out beautiful promises to his potential customers.

For some observers, Onyema’s continued relevance, nay staying power should provoke some careful study by aspiring entrepreneurs or even established ones, especially in Nigeria’s inclement business environment.

If there is anything you could say with certainty about him, it is the fact that he has his eyes fixed on the future.

Those close to him revealed that he has remained relevant and achieved great fears based on his wonted tenacity and doggedness.

Or how else does one explain his daring moves just recently just when some other

businessmen are busy looking for excuses and gnashing their teeth in the current unpalatable business situation?

The businessman has continued to sail untroubled in the entrepreneurial ocean, navigating numerous business boats with grace and nous of a veteran captain.

Interestingly, his success story has never escaped the attention of newshounds.

No doubt, Onyema has also succeeded in engraving his name in the Nigeria’s aviation sector just few years into the field with his business wizardry.

Last week, many were greatly excited after Air Peace settled its battle with the officials of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The airline rejected claims made by aviation authorities in the UAE on why the country decided to deny its flight slots in the MiddleEast country.

Onyema

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority had described as “unreasonable” Air Peace’s request for three slots, instead of one that it was given at the country’s second busiest airport, Sharjah Airport. It advised the airline to make up for the shortfall with flights to any other airport in the country that has available slots.

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Shagaya

In the eyes of many, billionaire businesswoman, Hajia Bola Muinat Shagaya, comes across as a phenomenon of sorts.

She also typifies a soul who enjoys abundant luck and grace of God, particularly when you consider her intimidating profile.

Interestingly, it is no exaggeration to say that her life epitomises the tenacity of purpose.

She started out as a banker with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). But she wanted so much more out of life. And she pursued that ambition with abiding trust in God. The boardroom guru has showcased that not only men are good managers of money, but that women can also excel in boardroom politics.

Unarguably, the Kwara State-born woman has risen to her current position based on her finesse and sheer artistry in the business climate.

But what many do not know about this woman of substance is that beyond her feats in the business, she is also gifted with great

oratorical power.

She is said to have showcased this Godgiven talent recently at a function in Kwara State.

The virtuous woman took the centre stage and she was the cynosure of all eyes at the forum tagged: ‘Cracking The Glass Ceiling: the Story of Kwara Women,’ which was held on December 7, 2021 at Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

Shagaya was celebrated by the participants for her eloquence and for “cracking the glass ceiling.”

She was honoured and awarded at the event alongside the likes of a former acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Economy, Dr. Sarah Alade; former Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb and former Presidential Candidate, Sarah Jubril.

One-Good-Turn-Deserves-Another: City Businessman, Gerald Azonobo’s Philanthropic Gesture For the debonair businessman and socialite, Gerald Azonobo, there is no gainsaying the fact that giving, without looking back, is a hobby of sorts.

Since 2011, Azonobo, through his KUTH Foundation, has always made it a point of duty annually to lend support and be a shoulder to lean on for numerous less-privileged, especially widows and widowers.

To the top real estate player, widowhood is not by choice, but simply an affirmation that we are all mortal beings, who are subjected to die at a time only known to the Creator.

Azonobo has thus become a bellwether in the acts of generosity to these sets of people.

He sees sharing love with them as a sacred devotion.

Whenever his Foundation is planning its annual philanthropic gesture, the widows and widowers go to the top of the list.

And he is not applying brakes yet. In fact, he

has done it again!

Last weekend, the Edo State-born genial dude commenced the outreach to widows and widowers at St. Augustine Catholic Chaplaincy, Akoka, Yaba Lagos and touched their lives in different ways.

He later moved the gesture to Festac Town, where he equally kept alive the hopes of hundreds of widows and widowers with various food items and cash gifts.

It will be recalled that the real estate merchant recently held a befitting burial ceremony for his beloved mother, Mrs. Christiana E Azonobo Italume, at the Monarch Events Center in Lekki, Lagos.

And all his good deeds were literally paid back, as the high and mighty, including monarchs, showbiz stars, as well as relatives, friends and well-wishers, came from near and far to join him in bidding his beloved mother a farewell.

A member of the Red Chamber, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele is a vibrant and brilliant politician whose trajectory in the nation’s politics would make an interesting story.

For a fact, the Ekiti State-born politician received his political tutelage under the APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, having served as a Commissioner under him while he was governor of Lagos.

Much later, Tinubu ensured his victory in the race to the House of Representatives in 2011 under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

To say that Opeyemi also enjoyed a robust relationship with Tinubu until 2013 is to say the obvious. But he later literally played Oliver Twist, when he began to manifest traces of a man who was over-ambitious.

Many said he was under some illusion over the dummy sold to him by some sycophants or political hangers-on.

He dreamt of becoming the governor of Ekiti State, while Tinubu was interested in returning the then former governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

All entreaties to make him forego his political ambition had fallen on deaf ears. Determined to actualise his dream, he had dumped ACN and pitched his tent with the newly structured Labour Party.

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Bamidele

Azonobo

But it turned out to be a wrong political step, which he later paid dearly for.

Because his ambition to be the number one citizen in the state did not see the light of day, he became a spoiler, as the party was polarised, thereby leading to the emergence of Ayo Fayose of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor of the state.

But like a prodigal son, he later crawled back to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he had so much vilified towards the build-up to the governorship election in the state, and he begged his political mentor and godfather, Tinubu.

He also worked hard for the emergence of governor Fayemi towards the build-up to his election in 2018.

Much later, Tinubu ensured his victory to the Senate in 2019, and he has since been once enjoying a robust relationship with the APC chieftain.

Meanwhile, Society Watch gathered that the graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Benin may have concluded to return to centre stage, as he is ready again to throw his hat into the ring for the number one job of Ekiti State.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

19.12.2021

TO RELISH ART IN SECLUSION, FIVE IS COMPANY… A coterie of five artists, cloistered in a resort for a five-day residency programme, away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos city life, had a time of their lives learning and bonding with each other. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

O

ut of 150 artists, who had responded to an open call by The Artist Ladder Konnect – a. k. a. TALK – residency programme, only six were initially chosen.

But, Àve artists – three of whom were female and the remaining two, male – eventually showed up at The Love Portion Creative Hub in the Ajah area of Lagos, the venue of the programme.

For one reason or the other, the male artist who would have been the sixth had failed to take up his slot, leaving the organisers with little or no time to Ànd a replacement. Thus, things eventually came to a satisfactory – albeit an unintended – resolution: Àve artists were engaged by Àve mentors/facilitators during the Àve days of the residency programme.

Talking about those Àve days – from Monday, December 6 to Friday, December 10 – they only Áagged oͿ the Àrst and on-site phase of TALK’s two-phase project. During this period, the Àve emerging and mid-career artists – Marietta Schulze-Berning, Ella Ojadi, Mofoluso Eludire, Moses Oyeleye and Timothy Popoola – lived as housemates at a resort, away from their usual environments.

At this serene venue, they not only interacted and exchanged ideas with each other, but they were also exposed to special sessions with visiting facilitators like Imal Silva, Iniabasi Leye, Adesola Fakile and Oludamola Adebowale, as well as with the mentor-in-residence Olusegun Adejumo, who is one of the leading artists in the Lagos art scene.

Reliving her experience during this Àrst phase of the programme, one of the female artists, Marietta Schulze Berning, says: “Honestly, this experience has been more than just about my work. Surprisingly, it has done so much already to my sense of value and self-worth, both as an artist and a person.”

Art, according to the University of Lagos graduate, had always been something she considered a part of herself and always felt good about. “Seeing that I have been always good at it, it was one part of me that could never be wrong or that I could never do badly.”

For one of the two male artists, Timothy Popoola, this phase of the programme was a liberating experience.

“I experienced a shift in the way I see and do things,” he discloses. “I used to be very serious-minded before, but in the course of the residency, I discovered that being too serious can aͿect my freedom and self-expression.”

The artists’ return to their homes, after the Àve-day retreat, launches the project’s second phase, which continues for three months. During this second phase, the mentorship programme will extend to such capacity-building activities as studio and gallery visits and artist talks.

An exhibition featuring works that were inspired by, and/or created during, the residency is expected to round up the

See-you-later-Alligator-1 by Lasisi Babatunde

Two of the participating artists, Timothy Popoola, left, and Moses Oyeleye, at a still-life drawing session

entire programme by sometime early next year.

Before the residency programme, which is being supported by Goethe Institut Lagos and The Love Portion Creative Hub, there was The Artist Ladder Konnect (TALK) online series. According to the cultural producer and arts consultant Blessing “Bee” Azubike, who is also the director of the programme, the online series, which were launched a few months ago, inspired the residency programme. “This sort of programme is an assignment – a calling of sorts. All I’m doing is obeying destiny’s call.”

The online series, she explains, featured in-depth discussions with experts and practitioners from both within and outside Nigeria. “They were basically insightful conversations executed via Instagram lives. Following a successful digital run, and with an apparent need for more extensive and intensive sessions,

we launched a physical edition, The Artist Ladder Konnect (TALK) Residency, a hybrid (on-site and oͿ-site) immersive and participatory programme, designed to give emerging artists a rounded, transformational experience.”

Looking back at what the residency had achieved so far, Azubike was certain that it was, among other things, able to connect, nurture and transform the participants. “I particularly loved the connection between the participants, the mentors, the facilitators, and the residency team.

You couldn’t ignore the communal feel and the camaraderie, developed in just Àve days. While the connections were established and the nurturing process began, we are aware that the rest of the nurturing and the transformation will be experienced in the following months which make up the second phase of the residency programme.”

Corroborating this assertion, Schulze-

Berning noted that the passion expressed by both the participants and the facilitators was overwhelmingly inspiring. “It is amazing meeting people who are just as passionate as you are in a profession that not many people understand or appreciate.”

Silva, one of the facilitators, described it as “truly a time of creative retrospection, engagement and practice”. According to the Abuja-based artist and businessman, it was also a week, during which the participants collaboratively explored their passion for art, honed their skills, engaged to understand market trends and worked on leaving a lasting legacy. “It was a call to artists to be thought leaders and inÁuencers in their generation.”

Azubike – known in the art circles as the “Chief Artvocate” – had in the programme’s early planning stages envisioned a “getaway”. Indeed, she had wanted “the residency to hold in a dreamy, almost magical location, so that it could be some sort of ‘escape’ for the artists. I mean, Lagos is already a chaotic city, why not take everyone away from it all, so that we can focus on thinking, and creating. I’m so glad that even with a tight budget, we did pretty okay with that.”

The mass communication graduate, who had previously worked, among other things, as public relations and communications consultant as well as media and project manager, owes her involvement in the arts to her aesthetic sensibilities. She had Àrst initiated Art for a Reason, Africa as a platform to promote and showcase artists as well as art projects and initiatives. Then, sometime in late 2019, The Artist Ladder, which mainly focuses on the support, opportunities, education, liaison and career advancement for artists and creatives, was conceived as a spin-oͿ of Art for a Reason, Africa.

Azubike, who doesn’t believe in the concept of Art for Art’s Sake, sees artists as social engineers and culture-shapers.

“But if they are not conscious of this power that they possess, then they will be unable to fulÀl their purpose.”

Meanwhile, the selection of the facilitators and mentors was no easy task. Because the focus was on honing the drawing skills of the participants, the organisers enlisted the services of Adejumo. As for Silva, his background as an artist, gallery owner and businessman, stood him in good stead for an advisory role to help the artists see the business side of things.

“As regards the other facilitators, we put together a long list of topics and possible facilitators we wanted to feature, and after a few conversations, we decided on which to start with for the on-site phase of the residency, and for the months to follow,” Azubike discloses.

Ultimately, TALK Residency’s goals of instigating a mind-shift among the participants were realised. The quintet returned to their homes brimming over with self-conÀdence and optimism.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

ARTS & REVIEW\\EXHIBITION

Sense Of Self III (Within You) ,oil on canvas , by Olawunmi Banjo 2018

Introspection, oil on canvas by Olawunmi Banjo 2021

WITH OLAWUNMI BANJO’S SENSE OF SELF EXHIBITION, THE WHEATBAKER MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY Yinka Olatunbosun

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s part of the year-long celebration of its 10th year Anniversary, Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi hosts a solo show by Olawunmi Banjo, a self-taught visual artist.

Titled, ‘Sense of Self,’ the show is curated by SMO Contemporary Art highlighting Banjo’s reÁections on embracing and accepting humanity through art.

‘Sense of Self’ features 20 paintings of Àgures woven together by electrical wires in acrobatic dance poses leaping through time and space and propelled by a colourful surge of electrical

energy. The artworks are hinged on these three central themes: accepting self, letting go of the past and embracing present moments. For the artist, ‘Sense of Self’ is an expression of human’s life-long journey towards self-realisation and actualisation.

Banjo carves a niche for herself with the hyper-realism style inspired by exploring surrealistic landscapes which question constructs around physical reality. Each of the Àgures communicate key stages in the journey of self-seeking, realization and acceptance. From the curatorial point of view, a series of three paintings of Àgures suspended mid-air in acrobatic poses, alludes to the sensitivity of a moment in

time and one’s decision to either help or harm. In The Moment Series, Banji touches on the pores of empathy to pull a person oͿ the ledge.

The Director, Wheatbaker Hotel, Mosun Ogunbanjo said that the exhibition is perfectly in sync with the Wheatbaker’s unique growth as an art inspired hotel over the past decades. “After 10 years of showcasing leading and emerging Nigerian talents, we are excited to celebrate our anniversary month and the start of the art season in Lagos with Sense of Self exhibition.”

In his review of the works, Jess Castellote, curator and director of the Yemisi Shyllon

MUSIC

FOR JIDE KUTI, ROOFTOP IS ALL ABOUT BREAKING STEREOTYPES Yinka Olatunbosun

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igerian-born pop-soul musician, Jide Kuti has dared to break stereotypes with his debut single titled “Rooftop”. Unlike many newbies in the music scene making claims to the Afrobeats genre, Jide is continuing the tradition of pop and soul that was made popular by the likes of Nina Simone and Sam Cooke.

Based in the UK, Jide began his musical sojourn at 16, drawing inÁuences from other vibrant UK singers, including Mahalia, Taylor Swift, Jon Bellion, Olivia Dean and Ed Sheeran, among others, ultimately creating his own vocal persona. With a boy-next-door demeanour, Jide delivers easy mid-tempo rhythms accompanied by acoustic guitar.

“My quirky pop/soul sound into

something that represents me as not just as an artist, but as a person,” the singer intimates. “I am a Àne blend of quirky lyricism, honest, soulful and charismatic vocals, catchy melodies, as well something profoundly inexplicable.”

Jidé is a self-taught guitarist with a love for the acoustic soul. Having performed at Roundhouse Rising Festival, Camberwell Fair, Lambeth Country Show, Gigs: Big Busk and many more, he launches forth a Àrst EP “The Open-Heart EP”, which he describes as the culmination of his heart’s deepest desires. He dreams of appearing on Colours or NPR’s tiny desk one day, as well as featuring in a Disney Àlm and an Anime one day. Safe to say, Jidé is excited to take what he feels is the next steps in his musical journey and has a lot of very big goals.

Before this EP, Jide had been performing in public spaces and other unconventional venues such as train stations, King’s Cross Square, Power station, amongst others.

Jide Kuti

Museum, focused on the non-material aspect of the works. “What we are invited to see in her works is what is invisible to the eyes, the interior struggles, pain, longings, joys and hopes of human existence,” Castellote explained.

Nneoma Ilogu, the exhibition curator and manager at SMO Contemporary Art described Banjo’s works ‘as a body of works that speak to a deepened self-awareness, breaking through the intense pressure of technology, social norms and the constant need for external validation.’

Her works have been showcased in local and international exhibitions and art fairs including The Invisible Hands at Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Lagos, Nigeria 2021 - 2022, Stasis by SMO Contemporary at Temple Muse, Lagos, Nigeria 2019, Re-Art Meets Africa, Ihlienworth, Germany 2018, Mind Revolution II at Praxis am Traveplat, Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany 2015 – 2016, Mind Revolution at Nike Art Gallery, Lagos, Nigeria 2014. She was a nominee and Ànalist at the Global Art Awards (Painting category), Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE 2017.

She is a nominee and Ànalist at the Global Art Awards, Painting category. The current show runs till January 16, 2022.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

CICERO

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

IN THE ARENA

Amid Existential Dilemma, Nigerians Look to Leadership Seared by unimaginably cruel daily killings, abductions and desolation, Nigerians continue to look up to a footloose leadership, Louis Achi writes

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t press time, President Muhammadu Buhari was away to the Republic of Turkey to attend the third TurkeyAfrica Partnership Summit, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He was accompanied by his wife, six ministers, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Before the current Turkey trip, the President had visited at least eight cities outside the country in the last 13 weeks. These include Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on December 1, 2021, where he attended the EXPO 2020 Dubai; Durban, Paris, Scotland, New York, Riyadh, Mecca and Addis Ababa.

In conventional statecraft, these diplomaticcum-business tours are widely accepted, legitimate governance exertions. But linkages must necessarily be made to the existing socio-political stability, economic and security scenario of the president’s home country. In Nigeria’s case, the big picture is emphatically not ideal and calls attention to the multi-hued disintegrative stress within the patchy fabric of the nation state.

Between January and December 2021, no less than 3,125 people were extra-judicially slaughtered with some 2,703 kidnapped by bandits - currently rebranded as terrorists.

These figures were gleaned from the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), a project of the Council on Foreign Relations’ Africa programme, an American think tank. The think tank catalogues and maps political violence based on a weekly survey of Nigerian and international press.

The data presented includes violent incidents related to political, economic and social grievances directed at the state or other affiliated groups. Also data from quarterly reports released by the Kaduna State Government from January to September complemented information on the human tragedy currently prevalent in the country.

Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger and Borno made the list of the most affected states with Kaduna being the only state releasing figures of casualties every quarter while reports for other states are gleaned from media cover-

society.

Notes Chidi Odinkalu, lawyer and teacher: “A country in which young people cannot expect to grow up nor to live cannot offer its mature generations rest or respite in their old age. That is what General Buhari’s Nigeria has become: a country without a past, bereft of a future and unable to describe its present.”

For the Vice President of Northern Christian Association of Nigeria which includes 19 northern States and Abuja, John Hayab, it was obvious that Buhari cared more about travelling abroad than caring for his citizens.

His words: “The people and communities under siege by bandits do not have any contribution to make for and in Buhari’s government. That is why he has not deemed it fit to visit those communities.”

Last week also, the Middle Belt Forum criticised Buhari over “lack of sympathy for victims of attacks in the country” alleging that the president had abdicated his responsibility to the nation.

Stung by mounting criticism by diverse stakeholders, the Presidency had attempted to state its own case and clarify efforts deployed to defeat the extant infamy. According to Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, the growing instability in the North is unacceptable.

His words: “The growing instability and violence in the North of Nigeria and elsewhere is unacceptable. No one, not least the Presidency underestimates the seriousness of the situation. Every day, the President holds the victims and their families in his thoughts and prayers.

Above all, he wishes to reassure them - and all Nigerians – that tackling the scourge of banditry and terrorism remains this government’s first priority.

“Alongside military force, this government is seeking to address the violence at its economic source. Massive infrastructure projects like the coastal rail and new train from the southern coast through the north-east to our neighbour Niger, aim to expand employment and opportunity across the country, bringing hope to our more remote and poorer regions where bandits and terrorists thrive.”

Beyond rhetoric, when will the nation’s political leadership muster the will to cage the rapidly spiralling human tragedy? Time will tell.

Buhari age.

A January/February/March breakdown showed that no less than 902 folks were massacred while 1,308 were kidnapped by terroristsbandits and herdsmen in different parts of Northern Nigeria including 317 schoolchildren of Jangebe, Zamfara State, 39 students in Kaduna and 100 miners in Zamfara.

In April and May, 775 people were killed in the same Northern region with 586 abducted. The abductees included students of Greenfield University numbering 23 and 208 Niger State students with about 40 Muslim worshipers. 444 persons were abducted in June/July with 675 persons cavalierly murdered while in August, 215 people were killed and 169 kidnapped.

While 54 were abducted in September, 220 were reportedly killed. In October 64 folks were abducted while in November 41 were kidnapped and 148 killed. In December, at press time, no fewer than 50 have been slaughtered while over 100 kidnapped.

In all these bloody infamy, states which lack constitutional powers to deploy armed force have been trying various measures to pushback and protect its citizens. While the federal government imposed a no-fly-zone on Zamfara State in March, the state in September closed

base telecommunications stations, cutting off communication across all local governments in order to curtail criminals’ activities. Sokoto, Kaduna, and Katsina later cloned the measure, closing down borders and transportation in selected local government areas.

The sheer cruelty of this bloody infamy is perhaps now matched by their frequency.

Killings in the Northern and Southern Nigeria and especially in the North-West are now a daily occurrence and media reportage fatigue is setting in. Worse, the seeming unwillingness and or strange disinterest of the highest political authority in the country is highly bothersome.

To successfully confront and defeat the growing miasma, an intimate understanding of the key drivers of the crises is needed - beyond conventional kinetic force. The so-called banditry is a mix of complex dimensions. Climate change, pervasive poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, strong feelings of dispossession and exclusion, the dearth of moral order and lack of genuine governance vision are unquestionable enablers of the growing tragedy.

A very important dimension to the current bloody disruption of society which many may miss is that the women, youths and children are most affected and this bodes ill for survival of

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

Thumbs Up to Hadi Sirika!

Sirika

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, was the darling of a majority of Nigerians, both home and away, for the past weeks and deservedly so. For the love of the country, he staved off deliberate diplomatic disrespect to Nigeria’s sovereignty and the dignity of her people, when some ally nations decided to go low and for reasons they concocted badly.

In the heat of the fast spreading Omicron, a new variant of the Covid-19 virus, Canada had closed its borders against Nigeria, because the first set of three infections from the variant discovered in her territory was through individuals, who had travelled from Nigeria. That was a piece of news Nigerians didn’t receive well.

However, while still brooding over that,

the United Kingdom, reacting to the growing Omicron variant on her soil, also shut its doors against Nigeria, including suspending the treatment of visa applications by Nigerians for the period it didn’t quite stipulate at the time.

To compound all of these, the hitherto lingering disagreement between Nigeria and the UAE, degenerated, when Nigeria decided to reciprocate the poor treatment meted out to it by Dubai in the aviation sector, clearly disregarding the BASA agreement.

All of these at the same time just didn’t sit well with the country and her people. Thus, leadership was desperately needed.

And boom, the minister stepped in and provided the much sought after leadership.

Apart from dismissing the UK decision as

discriminatory and needless, he spoke tough to the UAE and also intentionally ignored Canada. He proved, with just a few actions, that Nigeria was not to be treated shabbily by anyone, stood his ground where necessary and shifted positions, where he deemed fit.

At the end of the day, Nigerians generally acknowledged his choices in collective interest and efforts designed to ensure that her territorial integrity was not trampled upon. Today, all the issues have been resolved after the initial back and forth, and without tearing down any bilateral ties with those countries. But, the fact remains that, all of those would not have been possible had Sirika not acted promptly. Thumbs up, Mr. Minister!

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

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BRIEFINGNOTES As Opponents Tear Akande’s Book to Shreds A former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, recently stirred the hornet’s nest in his autobiography where he painted renowned national leaders who are opposed to his political inclinations as dishonourable men. Ejiofor Alike writes that historical facts being presented by his opponents as they fight back are eroding the credibility of the new book

I

n what has been described as a bid to settle scores, a former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, in his autobiography, which was launched last week, described former President Olusegun Obasanjo; leader of the apex Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, among others, in uncomplimentary language.

These are national leaders who have paid their dues for the progress of the country.

Obasanjo’s contribution to Nigeria’s development is legendary.

He was a two-time Nigerian leader and has also fought the Nigerian Civil War to keep the country together.

Apart from his renewed struggle for the restructuring of the country, Adebanjo was in the trenches with his leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; Sir Ahmadu Bello; Chief Anthony Enahoro and other nationalists in the struggle for Nigeria’s freedom from her colonial masters.

Falae had also distinguished himself with unblemished record as a civil servant.

He had also contributed to stabilise Nigeria during the military era as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Minister of Finance.

He was among the three national leaders from the South-west to have secured more than 10 million votes in a presidential election, when he ran for the presidency in 1999.

Obasanjo and Chief MKO Abiola were the other two.

While Akande had described Obasanjo as a “faithless suitor” and “unblinking political philanderer,” he had described Falae as just someone who has “been trying to blindly straddle Nigeria’s complicated politics.”

He also hauled insults at Adebanjo, describing him as a “blank politically-minded leader” who “never has what it takes to aspire for high political positions.”

Akande had also alleged that Adebanjo’s Lekki home was built for him by the former Lagos State governor and National Leader of APC, Senator Bola Tinubu.

It was not clear why the former Osun State governor chose to rubbish these statesmen in his new book, while presenting himself as an honourable man.

What was clear was that all these leaders are opposed to his political inclinations.

President Muhammadu Buhari admitted this in a recent statement where he revealed how Obasanjo allegedly used diabolical means to double-cross and end the gubernatorial career of Akande.

Buhari had revealed this in a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi

Akande Adesina.

“It is common knowledge that Akande was the victim – along with other AD Governors – of a diabolical double-cross which ended his gubernatorial career.

Only the steadfast Asiwaju Bola Tinubu escaped the electoral massacre masterminded by President Obasanjo,” the statement had explained.

From Buhari’s statement, many believe that the bile and hatred contained in Akande’s book ‘My Participations,’ were meant to settle scores.

It is a common knowledge that Obasanjo incurred Akande’s wrath when he destroyed the Alliance for Democracy and truncated the APC chieftain’s glowing political career.

But the former president had also helped Akande’s APC to destroy the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While Obasanjo and many of these leaders have not responded to Akande’s book, others have torn it to shreds.

Following the claim by Akande that

President Buhari reneged in his promise to make Tinubu, his running mate ahead of the 2015 elections, many of Buhari’s close allies and foot soldiers have dismissed the account by Akande as being twisted and far from the truth.

THISDAY reported exclusively that Buhari’s allies disclosed that: “Buhari truly and only promised Tinubu a workable partnership, which included conceding the vice presidential slot to the Southwest as a bloc, not to exactly make him his running mate.”

Buhari’s boys had also added that they recognised “the role Tinubu played in helping them and the role of the South-west for voting en bloc during the convention that produced Buhari, which was pivotal and he presented the vice presidential slot in the partnership.

“And, in all of this, what Akande did not disclose was that Buhari sent a delegation of Farouk Aliyu, Hadi Sirika and Sarki Abba, to meet Tinubu and explained to him that the Muslim-Muslim ticket would

not work, but that they would be partners to work together,” they reportedly told THISDAY. The Buhari boys had also concluded that the former Osun State governor appeared to have taken up the task of “a political bull, trying to force Buhari’s hands to support Tinubu in 2023. But that, we will not accept, even though no one is opposed to his aspiration.”

On his part, the Afenifere Leader, Adebanjo, had also debunked claims made by Akande that Tinubu built his Lekki house for him.

“I, therefore, deny categorically that my house at Lekki was built with my resources through the sale of three developed properties, loan from GTBank and the sale of undeveloped landed property given me by my late leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory,” Adebanjo said in a statement on Thursday.

The Afenifere leader said he had expected Tinubu to refute “such a malicious falsehood about me emanating from his Man Friday.”

He premised his expectation on the fact that “Tinubu (had said) just some three years ago on the occasion of the presentation of my auto-biography ‘Saying It As It Is’ that for my incorruptibility and strength of character he (Bola Tinubu) would not have been Governor of Lagos State in 1999.”

Going down memory lane, Adebanjo gave details of how he financed the Lekki house.

Also, a former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has also replied his predecessor, Akande, faulting the allegations the APC chieftain made against him.

Oyinlola said in a statement on Thursday that the content of Akande’s book questions his forthrightness.

“I found it strange that Chief Akande who boasted that he was prudent and honest as governor, awarded the construction of a Government House in his last days in office, after he lost the election, and in advance, paid the contractors the entire contract sum of N800million,” Oyinlola wrote.

The Afenifere leader, Adebanjo has also alluded to corrupt deals in the Government House contract and challenged Akande to disclose the source of his wealth.

“His (Akande) house in Ibadan was also alleged to have been built by the contractor that built the secretariat in Osogbo, when he was the Governor of Osun State,” Adebanjo had alleged in Thursday’s statement.

Indeed, the historical facts emerging from those attacked in Akande’s book, are eroding the credibility of the book.

A former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George, had asked Akande, to withdraw the book, describing the book written by Akande as malicious and offensive to Yoruba elders.

“Akande must apologise openly to Yoruba elders. The attitude that he displayed is not acceptable in a civilised society. Is it his legacy to dishonour Yoruba elders?” George queried.

NOTES FOR FILE

Is Uzodimma Overwhelmed By Insecurity in Imo?

Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, appears to have been overwhelmed by the worsening insecurity in the state as the spate of kidnapping of traditional rulers in the state has continued with the state government watching helplessly.

This drama of abductions of the traditional rulers in the state had continued on Tuesday night as gunmen kidnapped the traditional ruler of Umuezeala Ama Autonomous Community in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state, Eze Aloysius Igwe.

The traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in Njaba Local Government Area, Edwin Azike had earlier been murdered.

However, the traditional ruler of Mbutu

ancient kingdom in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Eze Damian Nwaigwe, and the Eze Acho Ndukwe of Ihube Autonomous community in Okigwe Local Government Area were freed by the kidnappers.

The traditional ruler of Ezi- Mbieri, an autonomous community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, 89-year-old Eze Henry Madumere, was also freed by his abductors.

The monarch was the father to former Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere.

While most of the southern states had developed local solutions such as Amotekun and other local vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the conventional security agencies to tackle insecurity, Uzodimma has continued to

depend largely on Abuja for solutions.

An elder statesman, and Minister of Aviation in the First Republic, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, had reportedly blamed the insecurity in the state to the rift between Uzodimma and his predecessor, Senator Rochas Okorocha.

According to media reports, Amechi also reportedly exonerated the separatist groups agitating for Biafra for the insecurity in the state.

He argued that until Uzodimma and Okorocha resolve their problems and make peace, the state may not know peace.

When will Uzodimma look inward and stop running to Abuja, which is already overwhelmed by the activities of bandits and other terrorists across the country?

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

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CICERO/REPORT

Jega’s Damning Verdict on Judges With the accusation by a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, that judges adjudicating election petition matters corruptly enrich themselves by selling judgments to the highest bidders, many Nigerians have called for new ways to tackle the menace, writes Vanessa Obioha

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former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, stirred up the hornet’s nest recently when he said some corrupt judges are usually made part of election petition tribunals in order to corruptly enrich themselves by selling judgments to the highest bidders.

Jega said some of these corrupt judges sold judgments to the highest bidders and quickly retired to avoid being sanctioned by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The former INEC boss, who is also a former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano said this in a lecture he delivered at the Owolabi Afuye Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch as one of the events to mark its 2021 Law Week.

He said activities of these corrupt judges and lawyers were some of the factors fuelling underdevelopment and insecurity in the country. Jega said the NBA and the Body of Benchers needed to urgently address the issue to save the country from crisis.

Jega said: “Some senior lawyers have become stupendously wealthy defending corrupt public officials, or handling electoral litigation for governorship and presidential candidates. Similarly, many judges have become notorious for corrupt enrichment for ‘cash and carry’ judgments, especially in election matters generally and in election tribunals, more specifically.

“Some election tribunal appointments were in the past widely said to have been made to senior judges about to retire, who allegedly ‘sold’ judgments, most likely to the highest bidders, enriched themselves and quickly retired to avoid being sanctioned by the NJC. “When lawyers use technicalities to subvert justice and ‘win’ cases without regard to perpetration of injustices, they basically help to undermine, rather than enhance national development, peaceful coexistence and security. They discard ethical and professional conduct, and put parochial and/or self-serving objectives in the forefront of their practices.”

Jega was not the only Nigerian who had raised the issue in recent times. Before him, many Nigerians including renowned constitutional lawyer, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), eminent Chief Afe Babalola ((SAN), the late retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kayode Eso, former Chairman of Transparency International (TI) in Nigeria, Major General Ishola Williams (rtd.), among many others, had shouted themselves hoarse on the corruption going on among judges handling election petitions.

It would be recalled that many Election Petition Tribunal judges had also come under severe criticisms over their incoherent and incongruous judgments from the election petition cases brought before them. Legal and political observers said many of the judgments delivered by the tribunals and Courts of Appeal were below expectations, thereby denying a lot of petitioners and appellants justice.

For instance, they feel that in some cases some of the judges handed vague judgments instead of consequential orders and declarations. There were also cases where some petitioners were denied justice on technical grounds rather than on merit of the case. In many of the cases, allegations of compromise were imputed.

Justice Tanko Muhammad Some argued that one of the reasons why some judges in the previous tribunals were involved in corrupt practices were because they too wanted a piece of the “National Cake”. Some of the judges saw their inclusion in Election Petition Tribunals as an opportunity to make money.

For instance, Professor Nwabueze at a public function in Lagos had criticised some judges and justices on the quality of their pronouncements.

He had accused them of allotting victories to defendants at their whims and thereby diminishing the tenets of justice cum constitutional democracy.

Before his demise some years ago, retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Eso, after reviewing what was happening in the Election Petition Tribunals across the country, concluded that the judiciary was full of judges and justices who ought not to have been there in the first place.

He lamented the all-important arm of government stinks of corruption, adding that until the bad eggs in the institution were flushed out, the justice sector would continue to witness retrogression.

Justice Eso had lamented that the judiciary had been ridiculed courtesy of some atrocious actions of some judges, who rather than discharge their responsibilities, had resorted to playing politics with the profession.

He lamented the endemic corruption in the third arm of government, adding that if left unchecked, could sound the death knell for justice administration and delivery in the country with dire consequences for its democratic governance.

As he put it then, what was happening in the election petitions tribunals, involving judges across the country, was mind-shattering because many of the judges “are not just millionaires as we were told but billionaires.”

In his own lamentation of how corruption has dented the judiciary, eminent lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola

Prof Jega (SAN), noted that it was regrettable that Nigerians were no longer reposing confidence in the judiciary despite the acronym that it is the last hope of the common man.

He posited that experience in the past had shown that “our bitter experience is that election petition have inflicted severe injuries and damage on both electorate, the judiciary (which has been brutalised and called all sorts of names) as well as the political class.”

According to Babalola, “time was when a lawyer could predict the likely outcome of a case because of the facts, the law and the brilliance of the lawyers that handled the case. Today, things have changed and nobody can be sure. Nowadays, politicians would text the outcome of the judgment to their party men before the judgement is delivered and prepare for their supporters ahead of time for celebration.

“Today, Nigeria’s search for justice and equity and fair play among her citizens seems to be hampered to a large extent by the unusual tardiness experienced in our courts. Today, things have changed and nobody can be sure. Nowadays, politicians would text the outcome of the judgements to their party men before the judgment is delivered and prepare uniforms (aso-ebi) for their supporters ahead of time for celebration. In some cases, there have been some text messages before the judgment day like ‘we now have four members to two, we are still working on the fifth’ (referring to members of election tribunals,” he added.

Also, former Chairman of Transparency International (TI) in Nigeria, Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd), claimed that election tribunals were becoming goldmines for Nigerian judges.

He put it this way: “All the judges are just using the election tribunals to make money. All those who had gone through election tribunals are

millionaires today. I challenge any one of them to say no!”

Williams’ open challenge has not been disputed to this day, making many to conclude that the temple of justice in Nigeria is being compromised and corrupted to serve the interest of a privileged few.

This is why many legal and political analysts are calling on the President of the Court of Appeal to ensure that only judges with high level of interity are called upon to adjudicate election petition cases in the country. They also asked the President of the Court of Appeal to always allow Nigerians to assess and voch for the integrity of the judges before they are posted out.

Those who spoke to THISDAY on account of anonymity, called on the NJC to thoroughly vet the judgments delivered by the judges petitioned.

“The NJC in most case do not always vet the judgments delivered by some of the judges complained about to ascertain any miscarrige of justice. This is wrong. Since it is always difficult to investigate whether money exchanged hands, their judgments should always be thoroughly vetted,” one of the lawyers posited.

A more scathing revelation of how endemic corruption is in the judiciary came Justice Akinjide Ajakaiye of the Federal High Court, who during a valedictory session organised in his honour, described corruption in the third arm of government and the country at large as the main factor retarding nation’s progress.

He disclosed that the country was destined to be great but has been crippled by corrupt and unpatriotic people. He noted that even though the country was blessed with men of honour in the judiciary, there still some who have shamelessly wallow in the malaise.

According to him: “The constitution, which is the organic law of the land has thus empowered the judiciary to do justice to all manner of persons whether high or low.

“Then each judicial officer has taken a vow to do justice without fear or favour, ill-will or affection. It is unfortunate that a lot of judicial officers pay lip-service to the letters of that oath. It is trite that the judiciary is the hope of the common man, particularly having regard to the decadent and perilous socio-economic and political situation of this country. The judiciary is placed in a peculiar position to enforce and maintain sanity and social equilibrium.

That is why judicial officers ought to brace up, be up to the occasion and be circumspect.

“Being a judicial officer is serious business and involves a lot of responsibilities and attracts a lot of expectation from God and man. It is a position of trust that should not be handled trivially or recklessly. It is a position divinely given to man to do justice to all manners of persons. It devolves from God to man and that makes it absolutely delicate. That is why those of us involved in the administration of justice must know, and always realise that we owe the position as a trust from God to whom we are accountable. We must realise that God is God of justice who expects the position entrusted to us to be handled with justice. That is why any act of injustice, intentionally occasioned, is a breach of that trust reposed by God and will one day be punished by Him,” he added.

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CICERO/INTERVIEW

Ige: Not Finding My Father’s Killers a Dent on Nigeria’s Image Renowned for his oratory prowess and political sagacity, the late Cicero of Esa-Oke and the then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige (SAN) had traversed Nigeria’s political terrain like colossus until his brutal murder on December 23, 2001 at his Ibadan, Oyo State home. It has been 20 years, but his killers are yet to be apprehended. As his immediate family plans to celebrate his life and time this week, his surviving son, Mr. Muyiwa Ige, in this interview with Funke Olaode, expressed the hope that his murderers would be caught one day while urging the government to revisit his case

I

are really walking dead people.The blood of Bola Ige will haunt them.The unresolved murder of Ige’s assassination continues to be a major blight on the reputation of this country. If the government wants it resolved, it will be done.

n a couple of days, it will be 20 years since the late Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Chief Bola Ige was assassinated.

Are you not worried that two decades after his murder the Nigerian government is yet to apprehend his killers?

Stating that one may be worried would be an understatement. Over and beyond being worried it is a major dent to the image of this country. As you stated, it is two decades later and his killers are yet to be apprehended. Although we know what transpired during the shenanigans of the trial then. It is my strong belief that everyone will surely get their comeuppance. I have always maintained that at the God-appointed time, a sensible government will do the needful to correct the ills of that period. You mentioned the Nigerian government. If there is the will to find the killers, the government knows what to do and how to do it.

It has become obvious that the government at the time (both at the state and National level) in 2002-2003 ensured that the case was not properly prosecuted and gave tremendous and unprecedented cover to the prime suspects and other accused persons.

So, you are obviously worried that there is no closure?

We all need closure, and for as long as the Ige’s murder is unresolved, as well as the numerous other unsolved murders, the issue will forever haunt his killers.This is because as they are walking the street today, they have the blood of Ige on their hands. My father left an extraordinary legacy that will dwarf the existence of his traducers while alive, and the killers, including those that aided and abetted the murder.

Again, it seems there is no pressure on government at the centre to find the killers?

Year in year out, the issue of the Ige’s murderers is brought to the front burner. One would expect that the government would be interested in solving the murder. Recall, my father was a sitting Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, as well as having been the First Executive Governor of Old Oyo State (1979-1983).To any reasonable person it will surely seem as though the government should do the needful.That has sadly not happened. Again, at this epochal 20th anniversary, I am using this medium to urge the federal government to correct the wrongs previously done and to prosecute the case properly.

They can start from the assault on my father in Ife (within the Palace precinct) on 15th December, 2001. Also, as he was a federal minister, the federal government should kindly revisit the case files and do the needful.

There are speculations that the book, “My Participations,’ an autobiography recently launched by your father’s political ally, Chief Bisi Akande revealed some facts that there was enough evidence that the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo was reluctant to find his killers. What is your view on this?

I have read the book. Baba Akande obviously, in his position as a siting Governor and Chief Security Officer of the State, must have had a lot more information to back up his assertions.

Those facts raised should be interrogated in case it will lead to proper prosecution. As I stated earlier, everyone will surely get his or her comeuppance.

Don’t you think the state security failed him, considering what transpired at the

Had it been that Ige was still alive, how would he have felt about the current political structure? Would he have been happy with the way things are going considering his philosophy and ideology?

If he were alive today, he would have been 91years old. He definitely would have withdrawn from active politics to allow the young ones he had mentored and had faith in, to blossom.The political dynamics would have also been different.The last 20 years have drummed up massive revisionism. Politics based on ideology and philosophy has ‘gone to the dogs’.There is a huge leadership vacuum and ‘everyone wants to be chief, no one wants to be Indian’. He would however, marvel at how debased the polity has been.

Ige President’s wife’s chieftaincy title award ceremony at lfe where his cap was removed? Wasn’t that an indication that his life was in danger?

The brazen assault in the Palace at Ife on 15th December, 2001 was an abomination and a sacrilegious act, perpetrated by despicable specimens of the human species.

Interestingly, the Chief detail assigned to my father allowed the urchins to get close to him. However, my Dad insisted and told the monarch at the time that he would not leave until his cap was returned. We later found out that that individual was compromised. What a shame and a betrayal of trust, to allow your Principal to be exposed to attack.

At a point, Ige’s political allies such as Rauf Aregbesola took over the administration of Osun State and the present federal government. What efforts did they make after the PDP’s failure to identify the killers?

The murder case was tried in Oyo State, since the murder took place there. We all witnessed the convoluted investigation that took place and the charade of the trial. Recall DIG Ojomo had made tremendous progress before she was summarily pulled off the case – African magic. Also the 2003 election tsunami that swept away the AD governors provided a glorious opportunity for the Ladoja’s government to file nolle-prosequi on the prime suspects and all accused persons.

I am aware there have been quiet attempts to resurrect the case, but they constantly meet a brick wall. It is my hope that this present administration will dust off the files and re-investigate the case – starting from the assault in the palace at Ife. An interesting detail, which I recall now, is that

the two policemen posted to guard the house from Bodija Police Station did not show up mysteriously on that fateful evening, and have also disappeared into thin air. We are told the Police have no record of them in the Force – African Magic again. What happened to those officers posted to the Ige residence on 23rd December, 2001? Why did they not report to duty? What happened to their records?These are questions begging for answers.

A few people were arrested who initially pointed accusing fingers at certain individuals as accessories to his murder. But they were later left off the hook.

Of course, the denial at the court left a deep hole in your Mum’s heart and she never recovered. What do you think went wrong at this stage of self-denial by the accused?

The issue you refer to is the recant of our star witness, Andrew Olofu. He had identified those that accosted him when they invaded my father’s house in the evening of 23rd December,2001, in a Police line-up. Interestingly, the same Andrew Olofu, a prosecution witness, was allowed to be tampered with by the prime suspect. When on April 9, 2003, Andrew Olofu recanted and became a hostile witness, my Mum, being a brilliant jurist and a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal knew that the case was thrown and lost. She was broken-hearted and remarked, ‘Se bi won se ma pa Bola mi gbe niyen? O gaa o, O gaa o. …

She did not recover and died the following morning on April 10, 2003. What a shame!

What a country!

Do you still have hope that the killers will be found one day?

The killers that are walking the streets now

You have not been politically active though you had a stint as Commissioner during Aregbesola’s first tenure. Are you scared?

I had a glorious opportunity to serve in 2011, in Osun State, as Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development.This platform provided the opportunity to add greater value to government policies and to measure the impact on the lives of the citizenry, from urban renewal of nine cities; to collaboration with UNHABITATon structure plans of nine cities in Osun; to designing new towns for Osogbo and Ilesa. It indeed was a glorious opportunity to serve. I recall what my father always told me, that leadership is responsibility and when you have the glorious opportunity to serve in any capacity, do it to the best of your ability and make sure you better the lot of the common man.This has always been my guiding principle.

Why has Chief Bola Ige not been immortalised by the federal and/or state government?

I trust and believe that this will be done eventually. Recall that he was a serving Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation as well as the first Executive Governor of old Oyo State (1979-1983). Some people have suggested that a federal university should be named after him. I also remember sometime in 2013, the then Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola had made the pronouncement that Osun State University be renamed after Bola Ige. From another quarter, some people were suggesting that the new Osogbo NRCTrain Station (when built) should be named Bola Ige Station. However, the family continues to give scholarships to deserving scholars in his memory, and we keep his legacies alive. Ige lives on!

What are you doing to mark the 20th Anniversary?

This post-COVID-19 period has been quite humbling. Additionally, we recently lost my father’s favourite niece.Therefore, we will be having a reduced Memorial Communion Service at the family church, Saint Anne’s Church, Molete Ibadan, where he was a foundation member in 1961. I am producing a stage play of his life and times on earth, titled IGE (From Kaduna Boy to Cicero of Esaoke), and will also be presenting an Illustrated Children’s Book on his life story, for young people. My father indeed was a great and good man, and my confidant. We must continue to honour his memory. May God continue to grant his soul, and the souls of our faithfully departed loved ones, sweet repose.

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CICERO/INTERVIEW calculation politically, my view is that it is to divide the country into North, South and Middle-belt /North-central.

In which case, if the southern region produces the president, then the North would produce the vice and the central would produce the Chairman of the party for a more balance equation.

What can you offer as a chairman of APC? I can offer everything positive to lead a party with integrity, experience, hard work, loyalty, teamwork, bridge-building, humility, stability, party discipline and much more. Also, I want to offer a good reward system for party loyalists and also a generational sympathy for harnessing votes from the younger generation in general election. All these put together with a positive energy and sense of direction is what I am going to be offering for the party with other like minds to achieve our progressive agenda; and to deliver on electable leaders all across the country for a better Nigeria. The party is the vehicle and a party with leaders of these qualities is needed.

The people in the race are mostly governors, how can you challenge them?

In all modesty and with a sense of responsibilities, this is not a contest of titles, but a call to serve, manage and accommodate different interests, promote, stabilise a rancour-free environment for the emergence of a winning party for the country. I hope and pray the former governors would give me the opportunity and cooperation for fresh and new ideas to be brought in especially in instances where the former governor has been around for too long.

We need to have these changes both in narratives and generational approach.

Mustapha

Mustapha: I will Bring Integrity and Character as APC National Chairman One of the national chairmanship aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Saliu Mustapha spoke to Chuks Okocha on what his aspiration and the ideological path of generational change will bring to the party. Here are the excerpts

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hy are you in this race for chairmanship?

First and foremost, it is an ideological path for me to be in APC and also in a progressive party. I am in the race to contribute to a positive leadership for all and help to bring about a disciplined, stable, focused and purposeful party for all with new ideas, and to be a fresh face that resonates with the younger generation who makes up 80% voters going into 2019 general election. Also, I wish to build bridges between the different strata of our societies. I intend to bring about my long-standing abilities in party administration to help create an enabling environment for all so as to have a party and candidates that will deliver on good governance. Also, I want to continue with the good works of the present administration led by our leader and father, President Buhari. So, I believe there is the need for an equally strong successor leadership not only at the national and sub-national levels but also at the party level. That is the vehicle through which the successor government will emerge. This is what I envision and this is why I am in the

race for the national chairmanship of APC. We need people of character at the leadership of APC. The party can only deliver through those who manage it and the government. If the party produces bad eggs, then, it will impact on the party and the government.

Are you not intimidated by the likes of former governors and senators that are in the race?

On the contrary, I am drawing my inspiration and encouragement from most of them, especially with what I earlier mentioned in the first answer about why I am in the race. A lot of them believe in the need to have a change of the narratives in so many ways in which I represent. It is their endorsement that I would be looking for, not competing with anyone of them for a contest because all hands on deck to succeed.

Would you consider yourself as too young to lead a political party as big as APC? Age is just the numbers. The trend is being seen across the world as young people are becoming increasingly involved in politics.

Youth inclusion in governance is being perceived as a catalyst for change. In many countries, we have seen the age of those in positions of leadership come down over the years – Justin Trudeau of Canada, for example, is 47 years old and David Cameron became Prime Minister of the UK at 43. It seems though that this trend has not extended to African countries just yet, where comparably, Rwanda is leading the way with Paul Kagame’s cabinet reaching an average age of 47.5 years old. The youths consist of over 70 per cent of the voting population.

My party must use the advantage of that sector of the population. If the PDP is giving their youth leader to a man of 25 years; when the APC gives the office of national chairman to a young man, the sky is the limit for the APC. They will see in me as their representatives and I will not fail them.

Has the office National Chairman been zoned to the North-central or North-west and why the zoning?

In all honesty, it has been said to be zoned to the North. But in principle and from a realistic point of the

Some critics would think that you are coming to represent CPC factor in APC. What do you think of this?

I am in to represent all members of APC and to also appeal to more Nigerians to join our party. Of course, I am from the CPC by origin and it is one of the three legacy parties along with ACN and ANPP that formed the merger that is today APC. In politics, we always try to balance and give people a sense of belonging, so if there is an agitation for the national chairman to be produced

by CPC, it is natural owing to the fact that ANPP and ACN have once produced the chairman of the party but like I earlier said, I am in it to represent all as a bridge builder because you need every possible hand on deck to gain electoral victories.

What role does the president play in all this?

The president, as you know, is a father, leader and a democrat to all of us. Of course, some of us have an ideological path with him and in reality have been brought up under his political tutelage, notwithstanding always giving us his blessing and support for everyone to go and win the confidence of the people you want to lead especially when you possess those ideals he believes in.

What are the likely details of the convention?

In February next year, from the good work of caretaker committee ably led by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai-Mala Buni, it is work in progress.

As you know, the convention has been officially fixed but I can assure you that it would be as said, especially considering the huge task ahead of the party and also making sure we sort out all that needs to be done in party building, reconciliation, accommodation and conducting of congresses, primaries before any general election to meet INEC deadlines. So, I will assume the caretaker committee, with the good work they are doing, will put all these into considerations.

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

Groaning Under the Burden of Loan Approved by N’Assembly The National Assembly recently approved the $5.8 billion loan request of President Muhammadu Buhari which has increased the country’s debt proÀle to about N40 trillion.

Adedayo Akinwale reports National Assembly’s Approval of Fresh Loan Request espite the country groaning under the huge burden of loan which the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has brought on the country, the National Assembly recently approved the president’s request for loans totalling $5,803,364,553.50 and a grant component of $10 million under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan of the federal government.

The president had in a communication to the National Assembly dated May 6, 2021, requested the Senate to consider and approve the plan.

The Senate was the Àrst to approve the loan following the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.

The plan contained a request for approval of the sum of $36,837,281,256 plus €910 million and a grant component of $10 million.

The Chairman of the committee, Senator CliͿord Ordia, said $2.30 billion would be sourced from the World Bank, another $2.30 billion from the German Consortium, $90,000,000 from the Islamic Development, $786,382,967 from the China Exim Bank, $276,981,586.50 from the Bank of China, and $50million from the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

He noted that a report was laid by his committee before the Senate in July 2021, recommending the approval of the sum of $8,575,526,537 and €490ml million.

Ordia recalled that the Senate, in July 2021, approved Ànancing for projects as recommended by the committee, while the committee continued further legislative action and consideration of the outstanding request.

He added that on September 15, 2021, the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, read another communication from the Buhari containing an addendum to the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan in the sum of $4,054,476,863, €710 million and a grant component of $125 million for various projects, and same was also referred to the committee for further legislative action.

Ordia stressed that the second report was laid by the committee before the Senate in November 2021, recommending the approval of the sums of $16,229,577,718, €1.02 billion and a grant component of $125 million.

He explained that the request for the approval of $5.8 billion was part of the mandate of the committee in respect of the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan.

The committee noted the genuine concerns of Nigerians about the level of sustainability and serviceability of Nigeria’s borrowing within the last decade.

It reiterated its stance on the need for a more proactive and broad-based approach to revenue enhancement-related issues, adding, “there are noticeable improvements in the country’s revenues.”

The House of Representatives also at plenary, approved Buhari’s loan request, following the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Hon. Ahmed Safana.

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Lawan 5LVLQJ 'HEW 3URÀOH Unlike any other administration since 1999, Nigeria’s public debt has risen the most under the Buhari administration.

Analysis of the government’s domestic and foreign debts has shown the country’s debt has grown three times more than the cumulative Àgure recorded by the past three administrations.

In the last six years of Buhari’s administration, governments at the Federal and State levels have accumulated borrowings to the tune of, at least, N23.34 trillion.

Between 2015 and 2016, the debt increased by 34.4%. In 2017 it was increased by 20%; it was the increase by 10% in 2018; in 2019, the debt of the country increased by 14.6%; in 2020 it was increased by 25.4% and 10.1% in 2021.

When President Olusegun Obasanjo assumed o΀ce in 1999, he met a debt of $28 billion, but left $2.11 billion in 2007 after successfully securing debt relief from the London and Paris clubs of foreign creditors.

The Yar’Adua/Jonathan government added $1.39 billion to what they met. It’s important to note that President Goodluck Jonathan completed the tenure from May 2010 to May 2011 after the death of his boss,

Yar’Adua.

Within 12 months of Jonathan’s reign, there was an increase in the federal government’s debt from N4.94 trillion to N6.17 trillion.

By May 2011 when Jonathan was elected to serve a fresh term in o΀ce, Nigeria’s foreign debt was $3.5 billion and by the time he left o΀ce in 2015, it went up to $7.35 billion.

Under the Buhari administration, the country’s external loan hit $28.57 billion by December 2020. This means that an extra $21.27 billion was accumulated.

In December 2020, Nigeria’s domestic debt stood at N16.02 trillion, with the current administration’s appetite for borrowing still increasing.

Regrettably, debt service obligations gulped 97 per cent of the Nigerian government’s total revenue in 2020.

According to a civic-tech non-proÀt organisation, Budgit, in its July report, of the N3.42 trillion generated as revenue, Nigeria spent N3.34 trillion Also, N3.3 trillion was set aside for debt servicing in the assented 2021 budget, about a quarter (24.3 per cent) of the entire N13.6 trillion total expenditure.

Recall that the sum of N1.6 trillion was proposed for servicing debts out of the total (N7.3 trillion) budgeted for 2017. In 2018, the Àgure rose as N2.2

trillion or 24.17 per cent was pegged for debt servicing in the N9.1 trillion budget.

Moreso, in 2019, the government proposed to spend 24 per cent (N2.14 trillion) of the N8.9 trillion expenditure on debt service.

Analysts have however expressed worry that the country’s loan is already unsustainable because it is taking 95 to 97 per cent of annual revenue generated.

Dataphyte analysis revealed that 38% of the 2022 budget would be financed by loans.

The federal government spent N2.02 trilllion on debt servicing in the first six months of 2021. This figure represents 90.58 per cent of the total revenue of N2.23 trillion generated by the FG within the period.

Similarly, the federal government is projecting a sum of N3.61 trillion to be spent on debt servicing in 2022. This means over 22% of the year ’s budget is already projected to be earmarked for debt servicing.

The Debt Management Office, claimed that Buhari’s administration inherited N12 trillion though the total debt stock hovers around N40 trillion.

There are fears that by the time Buhari leaves office in May, 2023, the country may be unable to finance the loans that would have been accumulated by his government.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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

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NEWS

Abdulsalami Urges FG to Support Private Institutions Ex-Head of State, Wike bag honorary degrees Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has urged the federal government to render support to private universities through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other agencies of government through the various initiatives currently being enjoyed only by public institutions.

He also called on the state governments to support private institutions in their various states, for improved standard of education of the students.

Abdulsalami made the call yesterday, in his address at the first convocation and fourth founders' day celebration of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The former Head of State noted that the success of PUMS is a demonstration of what can be achieved when state governments step in to support the provision of private education in their respective states.

He stressed that the institution was only four years yet, it has blazed the trail among other universities in the country.

The former Head of State said: "In the same vein, the federal government is called upon to render support to private institutions through university education trust funds.

"It is also statutory for state governors to extend a hand of support to private institutions in their respective states. It is important because of the not too pleasant experience in other institutions".

Abdulsalami commended Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike’s administration for offering a scholarship to students of Rivers extraction studying at

PAMO University.

According to him, the governor’s unrivalled contribution to the development of the university would forever be in the annals of her history.

In his remarks, Governor Wike said the government and people of Rivers State are delighted with the establishment of PUMS, and the vast opportunities it has availed youths in the state to become highly educated and skilful medical professionals and practitioners.

He said the state government has maintained and sustained a close, symbiotic, and mutually beneficial relationship with the university from its inception to date, by identifying with and contributing materially to its steady growth and progress.

"Back in 2017, we instituted a special public scholarship, covering tuition, accommodation, and feeding to encourage our indigenous students to take advantage of the university and become graduates and professionals of the areas of interest.

"We have religiously implemented this scholarship programme for four consecutive years with almost 600 beneficiaries as at the last academic session.

"Today, I am very pleased to note that all the graduating students of Rivers State origin are scholars of the Rivers State Government educated and trained with public funds.

"In addition to the scholarship, which now costs well over N2.9 billion to implement annually, we have also made several generous financial donations towards the infrastructural development of the University."

He commended former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, for establishing the first and only private medical university in the

entire South-south geo-political region of Nigeria.

The governor, who attributed his success in life to his faith in God and education, said his political life, just like that of Odili, has been a lesson in devotion, hard work, and passion for success and service.

Governor Wike announced a N500 million grant to PAMO University; a post-graduate scholarship to the overall best graduating student, and a N5million reward for each of

the best departmental graduating students.

In his keynote speech, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, said private universities have continued to play a vital role in the national development of Nigeria.

He said PAMO University is currently the 19th best private university, and 35th best out of 200 universities in the country.

On his part, the Pro-Chancellor

and Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, Dr. Peter Odili, said the management of the institution remains unapologetically committed to total compliance to the rules and sanctions for any breaches by staff and students.

He commended Governor Wike for offering a scholarship to over 600 Rivers State students to study medicine and allied medical courses at PAMO University.

Meanwhile, Abdulsalami and Wike were conferred with

honorary doctorate by the university.

While Abdulsalami, who is also the Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the University was conferred with Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)

Honoris Causa, Governor Wike bagged an honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa.

The university graduated 21 students from the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, and Physiology.

EMINENT OLD BOYS… Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky E.O. Irabor (left), and Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, exchanging pleasantries at the groundbreaking of Ika Grammar School projects organised by the Ika Grammar School Old Boys Association at Boji Boji-Owa in Ika North-East Local Government Area, Delta State…yesterday

ANXIETY MOUNTS AS DEADLINE FOR BUHARI TO SIGN ELECTORAL BILL EXPIRES TODAY Constitution (as amended) stipulates that where a bill is presented to the president for assent, he shall within 30 days thereof signify that he assents or that he withholds assent.

Under Section 58(5), the constitution states: “Where the president withholds his assents and the bill is again passed by each house by a two-thirds majority, the bill shall become law and the assent of the President shall not be required.”

Today, December 19, 2021, is the deadline mandated by the Constitution for the president to sign the electoral bill sent to him for assent on November 19, 2021.

Currently, the president is on an official state visit to Istanbul, Turkey.

It was learnt that he might refuse to sign the bill and ask the National Assembly to consider some of the major issues.

A top official at the presidency told THISDAY that the president wants the direct primary imposed on political parties in the new bill removed, based on the advice of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).

“There is already a Supreme Court judgment that political parties should be allowed to decide their internal affairs.

So, the president believes that imposing a direct primary on political parties would amount to imposing a decision on them on the conduct of their affairs,” the source explained.

Some political parties, including the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had kicked against the direct primary and insisted

that parties should be allowed to decide the management of their internal affairs democratically.

The presidency source further explained that Buhari is also concerned with the cost and security implications of direct primary.

In the letter by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof.

Ibrahim Gambari, to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, dated November 29, 2021, the president had requested their inputs on the cost and security implications of the electoral bill.

The presidency source told THISDAY that it was based on the IG and the minister’s comments on the cost and security implications of direct primary elections by political parties that Buhari has raised objections against the direct primary.

The source concluded that since Buhari is expected back in Nigeria from Turkey today, he may be persuaded to sign the bill and send an amendment to areas he had raised objections to.

INEC had on December 3, 2021, replied to Buhari’s letter directing it to explain some issues contained in the electoral bill transmitted to it by the National Assembly.

According to the reliable source in the presidency, it was INEC’s considered opinion that the bill contains substantial provisions that would lay a solid foundation for important improvements in the electoral process.

INEC, he said, had highlighted landmark proposals in the bill that would radically improve

the quality of elections.

These include Electronic transmission of results, early submission of list of nominated candidates, and the power of INEC to review election results declared under duress or in contravention of electoral laws and guidelines.

INEC said in its response that "an accelerated assent to the bill will facilitate the preparation of major elections such as the FCT municipal area council election, Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections, and the 2023 general election."

It, therefore, urged the president not to hesitate in signing the bill on electoral reforms.

SANs Ask N’Assembly to Override Buhari Meanwhile, as the constitutional time limit for Buhari to sign the bill ends today, some senior lawyers yesterday asked the National Assembly to override the decision of the president if he withholds his assent.

The legal icons, also, faulted a position credited to Malami in a leaked letter to the president that making direct primary mandatory for all political parties would confuse.

However, there are concerns that if the National Assembly goes on recess on December 21 as proposed and resumes in the third week of January 2022, the lawmakers may not have the time limit to veto the president.

Interim Chair, Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN); a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association

(NBA), Chief Joseph Daudu; human rights lawyer, Mr. EbunOlu Adegboruwa; Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN); constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN); and Mr. John Baiyeshea (SAN), told THISDAY that the federal lawmakers should veto the president.

While INEC and the leadership of the National Assembly had advised the president to sign the bill, most states governors and Malami had asked him to reject the bill on the ground that making direct primary mode mandatory would create confusion among political parties.

With the constitutional time limit ending today, Falana challenged the National Assembly to proceed to override the decision of the president if he withholds his assent in line with section 58(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

Falana said if the president withholds assent again as he did in 2018, the lawmakers should initiate the process of overriding the decision of the president, which according to him, required a two-thirds majority of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Falana, however, explained that the challenge of the governors “is not direct primary mode. The real problem is the electronic transmission of election results because it will stop manipulation.

“The governors now want the president to throw away the baby and bathwater. That is how the president rejected it in 2018 under the guise that it was close to the general election.

“The 2010 Electoral Act provides for direct and indirect

primaries specifically under section 87 (1), (2) & (3) of the Act. Under this regime, direct primary mode is optional. In the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021, it becomes mandatory.

The question of some leaders sitting somewhere to impose candidates will not arise again.”

On Malami’s letter, Falana asked the president to ignore misleading advice from unsolicited quarters, especially potential governorship aspirants, noting that such advice “is based on personal interests and not in the national interest.”

The human rights lawyer also, added that the question of political parties amending their constitutions “to accommodate direct primaries does not arise as they are already part and parcel of the electoral law.”

On his part, Daudu noted that under the subsisting electoral regime, indirect primaries, direct primaries, and consensus had been identified as the options open to the political parties to select and submit candidates for elections.

He explained how the overbearing roles of the governors in the entire electoral process compelled the lawmakers and other stakeholders to introduce the direct primary mode during the amendment of the Electoral Act in 2015.

The senior lawyer argued that over the years, the other stakeholders “have accused the state governors of having a stranglehold on the entire electoral process, especially the process leading to the selection of candidates.

Daudu explained how members of the National Assembly took a collective

exception to the stranglehold of the governors on the electoral process considering implications such influence had on their nominations for election.

He said: “This is understandable, as it was getting increasingly clear that even their re-election to their various seats at the National Assembly was shaky without the endorsement of their respective governors.

“Consequently, like a bolt from the blues, the legislators inserted by legislative fiat, a clause in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill stipulating that the party flag bearers can only be selected by the direct primary medium or mode by their political parties.”

NBA’s former president said: “The legislators want to call the shots, and in the process, upstage the governors as to who occupies an electoral office in Nigeria.

Thus, it is not about internal democracy, but about who emerges as the winner in 2023.

“Hence, this Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill as engineered by the National Assembly who together with some segments of the civil society organisations want to use the new law to shift the power base. Now, it is not Buhari’s duty to weigh in on the side of one of the two combatants.”

He, however, said the responsibility of the President “is to bequeath on Nigeria an enduring electoral legislation that will enthrone free, fair, and credible elections and not arbitrate between legislators and governors as to who will have the electoral advantage come 2023 general election.”

Also speaking on the issue, Continued on page 73

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

NEWS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT… L-R: Businessman, Prince Arthur Eze; Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife, during the 30th Ukpo Ofala celebration at Dunukofia Palace, Ukpo, Anambra State…yesterday

FG Yet to Decide on Fuel Subsidy Removal, Ngige Clarifies Says no need for NLC’s planned protest Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has said the federal government is yet to approve any policy on the removal of fuel subsidy.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had resolved to hold a national protest on February 1, 2022, against the plans by the federal government to remove fuel subsidy.

The decision was contained in a communique issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and General Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, after the NEC meeting.

The NLC said before the national protest, the labour union would hold protest

rallies in all the 36 states of the country on January 27, against the subsidy removal.

But Ngige told THISDAY yesterday that there was no need for the labour movement to be raising concern over the matter since the government was yet to discuss anything in that direction.

Ngige who reacted to the threat by the NLC said the issue of whether to remove fuel subsidy or not had not been tabled before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) where such decisions should be taken.

"That's their NEC decision but there's no point overheating the polity as there is neither any FEC discussion nor decision on the fuel subsidy removal or non-removal.

"I wish them the best of the season merry Christmas and a

happy and prosperous 2022".

NLC had stated that the protests would commence without warning should the FG announce new fuel prices.

The federal government had said it would remove the fuel subsidy next year, following advice by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.

In its place, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said about 40 million poor Nigerians would be paid a N5,000 monthly stipend for transportation.

But the NLC argued that fuel subsidy would expose Nigerian workers and the generality of the citizenry to acute deprivation, hardship, and suffering, and also worsen the already established trend of hyperinflation in the country.

It also attributed the crisis in

Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sub-sector, especially as it relates to the petrol pump price regime, to the policy of importation

presidential assent. Nothing is too much to give to salvage our hard-earned democracy.”

Speaking on whether Saturdays and Sundays are included in the 30 days, Adegboruwa stated that the “Constitution only says 30 days and there is no distinction on 30 working days.”

Constitutional lawyer, Ozekhome, also disclosed that the 30 days will expire today.

“Under section 58(4-5), it will expire today. By tomorrow, which is Monday, the National Assembly can convene. But we do not have a National Assembly. They are lily-livered.

They are spineless. If they are a strong National Assembly, they will convene on Monday and get the two-third majority of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives and override the president’s withholding assent.

“What the president has not done now is to veto the bill by assenting to it. But the National Assembly can override it under Section 58(4-5) of the 1999 Constitution. They should go ahead and override the president’s veto.

“I do not agree with the argument of the AGF. Because the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 introduces the direct primary, you should kill the whole Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill? The argument that political parties will have to change their constitutions does

not arise at all.

“The political parties can always change their constitutions.

What is the big deal? Is that why you should kill the whole Electoral Act that contains electronic transmission of results, which is a leap forward? That argument is red herring. I think the president should assent to this bill. Since today is Sunday, he should assent to it today.

The last day falls on today, which is Sunday. He must assent to it today. If he does not, the National Assembly must meet tomorrow and override the president’s veto. They have that power,” Ozekhome explained.

But for Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), the big question is whether Nigeria as a country can currently afford the huge cost of the Direct Primary being proposed in the amended bill.

In an interview with THISDAY, Raji also further questioned the capacity of INEC as well as that of the various political parties to conduct direct primary elections.

“My frank position is that the National Assembly should holistically and thoroughly examine the reservations of Mr. President. Direct Primary is new and it is looking like a mini general election. Can we afford it? Is INEC well equipped for it? Do the parties have credible members' registers? And what is the effect on our court system? And is our life all about elections?”

It said that the government should promote the local capacity to refine petroleum products for domestic use.

CBN Moves to Protect Bank Customers against Excess Charges, Illegal Debits Asks affected customers to apply for redress Festus Akanbi Following rising complaints from customers of commercial banks in Nigeria over incidences of multiple and indiscriminate charges and debits on their accounts, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has promised to ensure that affected customers get redress on their complaints.

A spokesman for the apex

ANXIETY MOUNTS AS DEADLINE FOR BUHARI TO SIGN ELECTORAL BILL EXPIRES TODAY Adegboruwa told THISDAY that there “are many innovative provisions in the bill that makes it attractive as a tool to oil our democratic experiment, especially the issues of electronic transmission of election results and direct primaries for the political parties.

“From the events monitored on the floor of the National Assembly and indeed the public hearings conducted, it is clear that Nigerians prefer that results of elections be transmitted electronically by INEC to avoid the recurring decimal of manipulation and rigging.”

According to Adegboruwa, direct primaries for the choice of candidates of political parties will eliminate the hydra-headed issues of godfatherism and imposition of candidates.

Relying on section 58 (5) of the 1999 Constitution, the senior lawyer urged the National Assembly, in the national interest, “to invoke their constitutional powers to pass the Electoral Bill and save our democracy from imminent collapse.”

He added that Nigerians expect the National Assembly to shake off the toga of being a rubber stamp entity and use this golden opportunity to assert their autonomy.

“This matter is important and pressing enough to warrant the suspension of the current recess of the National Assembly to pass the Bill and in that wise, override

based on a pricing template for refined petroleum products as against local production-based pricing template.

he queried.

In his reaction, Mr. John Baiyeshea (SAN), insisted that if the President does not sign the Electoral Bill, the next thing that should happen is to invoke the Constitutional provisions to override the president's veto.

The senior lawyer, however, expressed doubt that the present dispensation of lawmakers has what it takes to override the president.

“Even under the rather 'hostile' leadership of the National Assembly in the immediate past dispensation (is it the 8th Assembly they called it), the president vetoed an Electoral Bill and other Bills. And they did not override him then.

“I don't see the present rather 'friendly' leadership of the National Assembly galvanising the National Assembly members to override him”, he said.

But Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) argued that the result-oriented approach would be that if the President is not persuaded to sign the bill, “both Houses of the National Assembly have the constitutional mandate or power to take a second and possibly harder look at the Bill.

“Once they are doubly convinced that the Bill as initially passed would do more good than harm to the polity, it would be proper for the National Assembly to override the veto of the President bypassing the Bill into law with the requisite majority.”

bank, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, advised aggrieved bank customers to contact the CBN, promising that the apex bank would ensure that customers get redress on issues of excess charges and unauthorised withdrawals.

Nwanisobi was responding to an avalanche of complaints on social media, where many customers complained that they were at one point or the other shortchanged by some commercial banks through unauthorised debits from their accounts.

On Friday, some of them expressed their frustration over the failure of the affected banks to resolve the issues, prompting the affected customers to cause a stir on social media.

“Guys, there’s a high level of coordinated fraud in the banking sector right now. So many customers are getting debited from their accounts and banks are claiming it’s PoS transactions even from accounts that barely use their cards. These funds are not being reverted,” a Twitter user wrote.

According to another aggrieved bank customer, “Banks are not having explanations for these debits and unauthorised transactions. Banks are not safeguarding these funds. They are encouraging the fraud and nobody is talking about it. If you have a debit card, your money is not safe.”

A customer by the name Arakunrin Anu alleged that he lost N39,000 in one of the banks, adding that when he “went to the bank to complain, they said it was a PoS transaction, which was not initiated by me or anyone, I stay alone and don't move about with my card.”

Another customer, Mr. Ukeh, a Sunday school teacher, alleged that one of the banks removed N10,000 from his cousin’s account for a supposed PoS transaction which he said he never authorised.

“He went to the bank to fight, I mean physically fistfight, and in less than 12hours it was reversed,” he stated.

However, the apex bank’s spokesperson, according to TheCable, explained that the CBN has since issued a circular on its website, showing all legitimate bank charges.

He added that any charge outside what is stated in the circular is not allowed.

“What you should be asking them (bank customers) is if they have reported those incidents to the CBN. We work based on the information we receive,” Nwanisobi said.

“We have channels; we have educated them; we have said that you have the right to complain if you get debited. We have written on our website about the cost of bank charges. If anybody is charging you more than what you see, what do you do?

“You need to report to CBN and we will take it up. Anytime we have done sensitisation, we showed them, in concrete terms, the amount we have recovered from banks and sent back to individuals.

“Customers should report to the CBN. We have channels; we have email addresses where they can reach us. That’s what they should do.”

Meanwhile, the CBN advised customers to allow deposit money banks to resolve their complaints within two weeks.

“If after lodging your complaint your Bank still fails to engage you and resolve the complaint within two weeks as provided for in the ATM HELP DESK Circular, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the Consumer Protection Department (CPD) of the CBN,” the apex bank said.

The apex financial regulator said customers can contact the CPD by sending an email to cpd@cbn.gov.ng, contactcbn@ cbn.gov.ng, or call +234 7002255226.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

INTERNATIONAL Nigeria’s Recidivist Insecurity and PMB’s Remissness: Libya and China Beyond the Tales by Moonlight

N

igerians witness daily breaking news of insecurity, which is deepening in different ramifications. President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) strongly believes that he and his government are doing the best possible in the collective interest. But most concerned Nigerians do not share PMB’s perspective for reasons of psychology of human differences.

Former military Head of State and elected President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Okikiola Obasanjo, noted on Monday, 13th December 2021 that‘President Buhari has done his best. That is what he can do. If we are expecting anything more than what he has done or what he is doing, that means we’re whipping a dead horse and there is no need.’In reaction to Chief Obasanjo’s observation, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that‘while there is nothing wrong in the citizens expressing their concerns over the insecurity in the country, we wish to say that the use of incendiary and insulting words, especially by leaders of all hues, can only overheat the polity and heighten tension.’

More important, Alhaji Mohammed added that‘while the government provides leadership, all Nigerians have a role to play in securing our nation. Security is not the sole responsibility of the security forces alone. We must not only support our security agencies, (but) we must also say something anytime we see something that hampers our safety and security, as encapsulated in the mantra:“if you see something, say something.”In this regard if Lai Mohammad believes that seeing something is also saying something, in which way has what Chief Obasanjo seen and said constitute an insult?

We believe strongly that it is precisely Alhaji Mohammed who has been recklessly insulting Nigerians of all hues. He takes the whole people of Nigeria for granted by seeking to teach them how to think, how to see or observe, and how to evaluate. One typical example is his description of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry Report on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters as‘tales by moonlight.’With the seriousness of purpose, objectivity of investigation, and honesty of reconciliatory efforts, a Minister of Information and Culture can have the effrontery to liken such a report as another chiffon de papier. It is the taking of public opinion on a lighter mood and neglecting this type of tales by moon light that are fueling national insecurity in Nigeria.Muammar Gaddafi’s observation is a case in point. The reported Chinese intention to establish a military base on the coast of Equatorial Guinea is another dilemma.

Gaddafi’s Tales by Moon Light To an extent, the information minister is correct that all Nigerians should support the security agencies and that if one sees something, one should say something. However, the problem with Alhaji Mohammed’s observation is the emptiness of it. He complained about leaders making incendiary statement and insulting PMB. Since Alhaji Mohammed was reacting to Chief Obasanjo’s perceived incendiary statement, it is logically deducible that he believes Chief Obasanjo was insulting PMB. Considering that both Chief Obasanjo and PMB are both military-turned politicians and were both Heads of State through coups d’état and elected presidents of Nigeria, it is useful to note that Chief Obasanjo is senior to PMB in the military and as a militician. It is a truism in military tradition that a junior officer cannot court-martial his senior. By implication, Chief Obasanjo can insult PMB if need be, but PMB cannot insult his senior, even if we still admit that respect begets respect. Chief Obasanjo is advising, warning about the likely dangers ahead. Instead of taking an objective look at the advice, at the warnings, at the implications, the information minister is pontificating on tales by moon light to no avail. In other words, he sees the complaints as a child’s play. It is this type of perception of foreign observations, often considered as a child’s play, that has been largely responsible for the deepening of national insecurity in Nigeria.

At the level of the Libyan tale by moon light, so to say, Muammar Gaddafi said in 2010 that Nigeria should be split along religious lines, that is, Muslim North and Christian South (vide Reuters/Filippo Monteforte/pool/files). The Government of Nigeria was angered to the extent of recalling its Principal Representative, Ambassador Isah Mohammed, for urgent consultations.

Gaddafi’s suggestions were made considering the violent clashes between the Muslim and Christian groups in Jos. In the words of Gaddafi, the Jos crisis was a‘deep conflict of religious nature’ and therefore called for the splitting of Nigeria in the belief that it

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama ‘would stop bloodshed and burning of places of worship.’

The National Assembly passed a motion which requested the Government to ask the African Union to carry out an independent investigationinto whether Libya was supplying infiltrators to destabilizeNigeria. There is no information to educate us on the outcome of the investigation. What is on record is that Nigeria’s Foreign Minister said that‘the insensitive and oftentimes irresponsible utterances of Colonel Gaddafi, his theatrics and grandstanding at every auspicious occasion have become too numerous to recount. These have diminished his status and credibility as a leader to be taken seriously.’

This is another mania of saying that Muammar Gaddafi is a tale by moon light himself. The mere consideration that he is not serious a leader implies not taking his words seriously. The issue is not accepting Gaddafi’s suggestion of splitting Nigeria but to seek a better understanding why religion remains a do-or-die matter in Nigeria. Is it because of farmland needs in the Middle Belt or because of jihadist agenda? Many notable Nigerians have accused PMB of nursing an Islamisation and a Fulanisation agenda. Whether the allegations are right. whether they are wrong remains a different kettle of fish entirely. What is undeniable, however, is the attitudinal disposition of PMB which apparently lends credence to the accusations. Consistent with Government’s attitude of tales by moonlight, no one bothers about whether there is Fulanisation or Islamisation agenda, while national insecurity is deepening.

As regards the planned Chinese military base on the coast of Equatorial Guinea, this will be the second time that Equatorial Guinea will be used to seriously threaten Nigeria’s national security, and particularly Nigeria’s existential survival. The first time was when Apartheid South Africa wanted to establish itself in Equatorial Guinea. The strategic calculation by then was to be able to contain Nigeria’s anti-Apartheid activities. Nigeria fought both South Africa and Equatorial Guinea tooth and nail and South Africa did not make haste slowly in throwing her military presence in the country to the dustbin of history.

Rather than meaningfully investigating the complaints about the mania of democratic governance in Nigeria, PMB wrongly believes that Nigeria can always be governed by manu militari. No true federalism in place. Over-centralisation of policy has been the order of the day. Thus, the reasons for insecurity in Nigeria are deep and man-made. Insecurity in Nigeria is deepening and PMB’s remissness has become a catalytic agent in its deepening. Insecurity is deepening not because efforts are not being made but essentially because when the people of Nigeria tell PMB what the nature of Nigeria’s problem is all about, PMB’s lieutenants see them as tales by moonlight.

Public opinion is never taken seriously. Nepotism is not a big deal in the eyes of PMB. Public allegations of Fulanisation or Islamisation agenda does not mean anything for PMB. PMB allows everyone the freedom to say whatever one wants to say but he only does what he believes in. PMB needs to investigate what prompted Muammar Gaddafi to have suggested the splitting of Nigeria into two. He must also investigate the implications of Chinese permanent military base in Equatorial Guinea because Shakespeare has it in Macbeth that ‘the near in blood, the nearer bloody.’ The issues should not be taken with kid gloves or considered as tales by moonlight à la Lai Mohammed.

On this second experience, The Wall Street Journal has reported, based on classified US intelligence, that Chinais planning to launch its first permanent military facility on the Atlantic Ocean and that the base will be on the coast of Equatorial Guinea. The report also has it that the United States is opposed to the location of a permanent military base near Nigerian waters.

Without doubt, Sino-American relationship is not at its best. It has been largely fraught with mutual suspicions arising from alleged human rights abuses in China and violations, disagreement over the future status of Taiwan, US belief that COVID-19 originated in Wuhan China which the Beijing authorities have vehemently opposed, trade disagreement and emergence of China as another superpower. In the eyes of the Washingtonian government, the most serious security threat to the United States is any permanent military of China on the Atlantic Ocean.

The report of the Journal also recalled the briefing by General Townsend, the Commander of the US Africa Command, to the US Senate in April 2021 that‘China’s most significant threat would be a militarily useful naval facility on the Atlantic coast of Africa.’

According to General Townsend, the military base would be a place that they can make port calls and get gas and groceries and where they can re-arm with munitions and repair naval vessels.

If the United States is so much concerned about the alleged Chinese threats in far away America, should Nigeria not also be concerned? This question has been asked bearing in mind that the coast of Equatorial Guinea is only about 144 kilometres from Calabar, 225 kilometres from Port Harcourt, and 672kilometres from Lagos. Should this concern be considered as another tale by moonlight?

Without jots of doubt, Equatorial Guinea has the sovereign right to invite China to establish any base, temporary or permanent base within the international territorial limits of the country.

However, this cannot and must not be detrimental to Nigeria’s national security interest. Nigeria’s relationship with China is generally good. The same is true of Nigeria’s ties with the United States. The issue at stake, however, is not simply about taking side with anyone of them. The fact is that Nigeria’s territory is within the coverage of any missile attack in the event of a sour relationship in the future. Nigeria’s debts to China are on the increase.

What happens in the event of financial insolvency? Will the Chinese attach any of Nigeria’s country’s infrastructure? With the nearness of a Chinese permanent military base to Nigeria’s territorial waters, what are the strategic implications and scenarios?

Which country is friendlier to Nigeria in terms of development assistance: China or the United States? If Nigeria’s foreign policy interest has been discouragement of foreign military presence in Africa, if Nigeria has been opposed to the establishment of the US Africa Command, what will be the basis of accepting a Chinese permanent military base in Equatorial Guinea? Indeed, the issue goes beyond a tale by moonlight.

According to the Beijing authorities, China’s military strategy ‘will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, oppose hegemonism and power politics in all forms, and will never seek hegemony or expansion. China’s armed forces will remain a staunch force in maintaining world peace’(vide China’s Military Strategy: The State Council Information Office of The People’s Republic of China, May 2015 published by the Foreign Languages Press). To what extent will this strategy consistent with peace making?

Dynamics of PMB’s Remissness The remissness of PMB in effectively containing insecurity in Nigeria can be explained by several factors. First is the complicity of Muslim followers, especially the Northern Muslims. Kingsley Omonobi, in his report, entitled“Gaddafi wanted to break Nigeria,” in Saturday Vanguard of October 22, 2011, gave instances of the many visits of Muammar Gaddafi to the northern part of Nigeria.

Gaddafi had always said that Nigeria would break up unless the country was split into Muslim North and Christian South.

As reported, Gaddafi was massively funding the construction of Mosques and Islamic Centres of worship in Kano and other cities of the North. He was making donations unannounced. And perhaps more interestingly, Omonobi re-quoted a confidant that‘there were also several visits by several top and influential Northerners, especially those of the Islamic faith to Libya ostensibly on the invitation of the late Libyan leader when he was alive and held sway in Tripoli before the revolution against him started which security agencies were aware of and we closely monitored these persons.’

If the security agencies were aware of these developments, and aware of Gaddafi’s destabilization agenda since 2003, why did the Government of Nigeria keep quiet? Is it another tale by moonlight? When PMB came to power in 2015, impression was given that there would no longer be tales by moonlight and that the issue of jihadist insurrection would be quickly nipped in the bud. PMB’s many policies have pointed to a change in continuity: changing the technique but still sustaining an Islamic and Fulanisation agenda. This is one of themajor factors serving as a catalyst of insecurity in the country, but which is simply taken as a tale by moonlight. When attention is drawn toit, Government talks about hostility and insults. This is most unfortunate.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

75

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 19, 2021

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

ENGAGEMENTS

Xi Jingping in Calabar

C

hinese leader, Xi Jiping, wears the face of the looming age of China in world affairs. Inscrutable but amiable in a rather mechanical way, Xi is a man with a huge world historic mission but few words. Under his leadership, the coming of the age of China has acquired greater traction and urgency than ever. But as in Xi’s facial expression, we have no way of knowing everything the Chinese are thinking about the future of the world. They think in Mandarin and communicate directives to 1.4 million citizens. I suspect they only translate 25% of what they want the world to know and believe into English and other languages. Ordinarily, then, the Chinese are an inherently quiescent people, a land of everyman as a stoic Confucian contemplative philosopher.

Onthecontrary,theAmericansthinkandtalktoo much in English with the result that nearly everybody can second guess their next set of moves. It isAmerica’srowdypoliticsandtalkativediplomacy that is drawing out the Chinese to occasionally say some of what they are doing if only to respond to someoftheoutrageousclaimsandchargestumbling out ofWashington daily.This contrasting approach is likely to dominate big power relations in the decades ahead.

All the same, feverish rehearsals for a prolonged contest of global pre-eminent between the United States and China are gathering steam in many spheres.TheChineseareliterallyforaginginunusual backyards for strategic footholds in anticipation of a confrontation that is foretold but may never take place. In the Asia Pacific, China has staked an unmistakableclaimonwhatitconsidersitsimmediate sphere of influence and interest. It is building navel and air bases in the South China Sea. It has served notice to nations like the Philippines that its presence and interests can no longer be ignored. It has flexed its muscles in its border areas with India while serving notice to Australia, New Zealand and Japan that it intends to contest the influence of the West,especiallytheunitedStates,intheareasthat matter to China’s long term interests.

In Africa, the Chinese have already established a full scale naval base in Djibouti under the understandable pretext of contributing to the safety of the troubled waters in the Gulf of Aden, a major shipping gateway long troubled by Somali pirates.

It was hard to fault their logic as the Djibouti facility cameinhandywhenLibyaunraveledandtheChinese rapidly evacuated thousands of Chinese workers from Libya.

ForNigeriaandWestAfrica,however,aconcerning developmentwithlongtermconsequenceshasjust taken place. United States intelligence reports as recently confirmed byTheWall Street Journal and subsequentlyechoedandanalysedbyTheEconomist to the effect that the Chinese have just completed the construction of a deep sea naval port facility in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.

This is China’s first effective foothold in the Atlantic.ItisadevelopmentthathasirkedWashington making it send a high level emissary. In turn, it has sent a high level emissary to caution the authorities in the tiny African country on the dangers of facilitating China’s global ambitions. In addition to EquatorialGuinea,theChinesearesaidtohavetheir eyes on the ports of Angola, SaoTome and Principe and others. Its strategy is either to have outright navalbasesorfriendlyportaccessinsomeofthese places.Chinaisalreadyinvolvedintheconstruction ordevelopmentofanumberofportfacilitiesinAfrica including Lagos.

InanApril,2021assessmentpresentedtotheUS Senate, General StephenTownsend, Commander ofUSAfricaCommand,assertedthat‘China’smost significantthreat…wouldbeamilitarilyusefulnavel facilityontheAtlanticcoastofAfrica.(Thatmeans) a port where they can rearm with munitions and repairnavalvessels.”Thisispreciselywhatmayhave been achieved with the facility at Bata in Equatorial Guinea. Washington was sufficiently worried aboutthedevelopmenttosendJonFiner,itsdeputy national security adviser on a mission to the tiny republic to register the unease ofWashington with the development.

What is significant for Nigeria with this development is first the sheer physical proximity of the Chinese military presence. Malabo is a mere 144 kilometers away from Calabar, 225 kilometers from Port Harcourt and a little over 600 kilometers from Lagos. These distances are immaterial in today’s world of virtual proximity of everywhere from everywhere. What is important is Nigeria’s strategic interest and stake in the Gulf of Guinea and the sensitive positioning of Equatorial Guinea

Buhari in that mix.

Of course, it is well within the sovereign prerogative of Equatorial Guinea to enter into any arrangements with any other country to locate whatever facilities it considers in its national interest. As they have tended to do in recent times, the Chinese are free to seek out whatever African dictatorships it can find and cajole or bride them into whatever agreement that serves its interest. On the surface, both China and Equatorial Guinea may have acted within their rights under international law in the location of the naval facility at Bata. But as is common with all such sensitive strategic decisions,thereisnothinginthelegitimacyofthis action that should deter other nations that are likelytobeadverselyaffectedbytheactionfrom actingindefenseoftheirownnationalinterests.If EquatorialGuineaeverbecomesatheatreforthe drama of competing national interests between China and the United States, Nigeria may not be a disinterested bystander.

Ontheirpart,theChineseinchoosingEquatorial Guinea acted well within a predictable model of political behaviour. Equatorial Guinea offers an ideal partner, the type of African state that the Chinese would opt to deal with.The country is an autocracy presided over by a ruthless 79-yearold with iron fist since 1979. PresidentTeodora ObiangNguemaMbasogoisoneofAfrica’slongest ruling leaders.The government in which his son is also the Vice President is a famously corrupt family autocracy. Everything ranging from the oil industry, telecommunications and retail trade are controlled by either the president’s family or cartels under their direct sponsorship. This autocracy is the closest the Chinese can get to finding a kindred spirit to their own homegrown communistauthoritarianisminanAfrican‘elected’ government.

Something needs to be said in favour of the Chinesenationalinterestintheirforeignforays.As at2020,Chinacontrols15%oftotalworldtrade and still rising. Similarly, an estimated 2 million Chineseworkersandexpertsarescatteredallover the world engaged in various projects.This huge expanse of trade and manpower implies a global presencewhichdictatesthattheChinesedevelop amaritimecapacityaroundtheworldtoguarantee the safety of their goods and personnel. And in anyevent,theWestmustunderstandthattherise ofChinaasaneconomiccompetitorontheworld

stagehasaninevitablemilitaryconsequence.Itis understandableiftheUnitedStatesandtheWest get unduly jittery over the prospect of Chinese military competition.That is in the nature of the contest for global power pre-eminence.

Ordinarily,however,Nigeria’sstrategicinterests can hardly find comfort with the military presence of an anti Western power right inside its strategicarmpit.TheChinesemayhavedesigned aforeignpolicyofnoninterferenceintheinternal politics of African countries where they choose to conduct their business. In that regard, Nigeria may naively assume that Chinese presence in Equatorial Guinea does not necessarily concern usandmaynotconstituteacrediblethreat.After all, China is a ‘friend’ and development partner.

They have lent us nearly $3.5 billion in concessionary loans. They are building us shinny new railway tracks with rolling stock to ferry our millions around the country. Some of our high public officials have not disguised their love and admiration fortheChineseandtheirsuppression ofcivilanddemocraticrights.Mr.LaiMohammed isenamoredoftheChinesecontrolandcensorship of the social media and their over regulation of conventional media.

Allthisiscostlynaivety.Itisconvenienttotrade with China as even the United States does. If we findthattheirloanscomeataconcessionaryrate, let us borrow from them but make sure that we match our appetite for copious borrowing with a plan for responsible repayment. Otherwise, the shrewd Chinese will enforce forfeiture and repossession clauses in those loan agreements which are almost always written in Mandarin.

Nonetheless,We cannot wish away the fact that we remain one of theWest’s most important and long lasting allies and investment destinations in Africa.The United States, Britain and France would be hard put to trifle with Nigeria’s alliance andsupportintheeventthattheshowdownwith the Chinese assumes a loud international scope.

It is significant in this regard to point out that thenewChinesenavalfacilityinEquatorialGuinea isthefirsteffectivephysicalpresenceofamajor powersoclosetoNigeria.Asamatterofnational prideandreflex,Nigeriahashabituallyrejectedthe presenceofmilitarybasesbycontendingpowers either in its territory or too close by.

Older Nigerians will recall that soon after independence, the first major elite uprising againstthegovernmentofthenewlyindependent

nationwasagainstanattempttosignadefensepact with the British government.This would mean the establishment of British military bases in Nigeria.

This was roundly rejected.

Similarly, in the heat of the Niger Delta militancy, hints by the governments of the period to invite friendly countries to establish amphibious special forces facilities in the Niger Delta were similarly rejected. Even with the upsurge of the Boko Haram insurgency, international effort to contain the insurgency were treated as part of the global fight against international terrorism. The United Statesspecificallysuggestedthelocationofabase in Nigeria to host the drones it was deploying to aid theoperationsintheSahel.ThosedroneswouldenableitmaintainsurveillanceandtargetBokoHaram and ISWAP movements. But Nigeria rejected the suggestion. Instead, the US unit is currently based in Chad from where it supports French troops in their Sahel anti terrorism operations.

Rewindtothelate1980sandearly1990s.Inthe desperate dying days of apartheid South Africa, the racist regime came to see Nigeria as its most consequential adversary. Nigeria with its then vast resourcesandconsiderablediplomaticandmilitary cloutwasthemostlethal‘frontline’statestandingin oppositiontotheapartheidregime.ButNigeriawas toofarawayandcouldnotbeeasilydestabilisedthe way it had done with its immediate neighbours. So, South Africa went shopping for pliant client states nearenoughtocauseNigeriasomesleeplessnights.

Equatorial Guinea and Cameroun presented themselves for divergent purposes. Both being located in the soft underbelly of Nigeria, were attractivetoadeterminedadversary.First,Equatorial Guinea was cajoled into the location of a South African military outpost with sensitive listening facilities. Second, the Cameroun government was encouraged by South Africa to ratchet up pressure on Nigeria by rekindling its claims on the Bakassi Peninsula.The government of Ibrahim Babangida recognized the credibility of the strategic threats andcommunicateditsdispleasuretobothcountries.

In response to Equatorial Guinea, the Babangida administration’s response was a classic carrot and stickapproach.Inadditiontosecuringabilateralair services agreement that enabled Nigeria Airways to frequently fly into Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria undertook a number of assistance development projects in Equatorial Guinea.These ranged from schoolstohealthfacilities.Asa‘stick’component,the Nigerian Navy activated a forward presence in the Atlantic Sea board with an operational base at the Calabar port and surveillance oversight stretching through much of the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Navy’s flagship, NNS Aradu, was stationed around the waters off Calabar mostly as a psychological deterrence.TheNigeriaAirforceactivatedacombat strike fighter squadron in the same vicinity.

InresponsetoCameroun’sirritationsoverBakassi, Nigeriareinforceditstroopspresenceintheborder areas. In response to some skirmishes across the border, the Nigerian army displayed strength with restraint while diplomatic efforts at the United Nations sought to arbitrate the border issues.

Nigeriawasnotdoneyet.Onthediplomaticfront, NigeriaengagedwiththegovernmentofF.WDeklerk which was already prepping to dump the apartheid system.Veryquickly,apartheidended.Mandelawas releasedfromprison.SouthAfricabecameafreeand democraticcountry.Itnolongerneededoutpostsfor trouble making in our backyard. Nigeria’s response thenwasamixtureofsomecarrots,adanglingstick nearbyandmeasureddiplomaticengagement.That was the old Nigeria, at the height of its power and influence as an emerging regional power.That was the world as it was then.

Fastforwardto2020-2021.ChinaisinEquatorial Guinea not as an adversarial force. But it is close enoughtocauseusstrategicconcern.Thequestion iswhetherthesensitivityofNigeriawasatanytime consideredinthesightingandexecutionoftheBata facility.

Regrettably,whatwearewitnessingistheerosion of whatever diplomatic and military clout Nigeria ever had as a former emergent regional power.

Our domestic economy is in a free fall. Whatever remains of our military clout is bogged down in internal security engagements with a cocktail of non- state trouble makers. We have lost strategic foreign policy focus, having run a government for close to 10 years without a word about a foreign policy review. Nigeria has literally disappeared fromtheradarofsignificantinternationalstrategic calculations.This is the context for understanding whydevelopmentsliketheChineseBatanavalbase are likely to feature more in the years ahead.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

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NEWS

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com,08152359253

Osinbajo, Lawan, Others, Grace Installation of Buhari’s Son as Talban Daura Emir lauds President, says VP a trusted person Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday led top government officials to the turbaning ceremony of the son of President Muhammadu Buhari, Yusuf, as Talban (District Head) of Daura in Katsina State.

This is just as the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, lauded the president

for his leadership qualities while describing Osinbajo as a nobleman and trusted person.

Apart from the vice president, other dignitaries at the event held at the Emir of Daura’s palace, included the governors of Katsina State, Mr. Bello Masari; Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and

‘No DSS Personnel was Abducted in Abaji’ Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Directorate of State Security (DSS) yesterday denied that some personnel of the agency were kidnapped by armed bandits in Abaji Area Council.

There were reports that a member of a vigilante group in the area was killed while some DSS operatives were allegedly abducted when the bandits stormed the area shooting sporadically.

Eyewitness accounts said it was a night of horror as the gunmen sustained sporadic gunshots for hours, killing a member of a vigilante group.

The bandits had attacked

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola has urged that competition into the selection of directors in the Civil Service should be keen in order to pick the best leaders that can solve problems.

He tabled the proposal yesterday at the 2021 awards ceremony of the civil service innovation competition held in Abuja.

In his goodwill message, Fashola suggested more attention should be paid to those who enter the Civil Service directorate cadre before thinking of whom will be the Permanent Secretary.

“The meaning of a Director is someone who leads, who directs; not somebody who wants to be directed or told what to do. It is a cadre that we should pay attention to,” Fashola said.

The minister said as people

that drive government policy, the process for the selection of those seeking to get picked from assistant directorship should be extremely competitive.

He commended the organisation of the innovation challenge and setting up of task teams in civil service, saying innovation solves problem and provides solution.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan said the Federal Civil Service Innovation Challenge is an open-ended space of possibilities and opportunities capable of being explored and harnessed to evolve a technology driven civil service that provides more efficient, effective and citizen-friendly services.

She said the Nigerian public sector as the largest service provider in the country is gifted with a crop of the brightest and innovative minds that can compete anywhere in the world.

NYSC Honours New Nigeria CEO The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has honoured the Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano as an icon of youth empowerment. In a statement yesterday, the Director General, NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim commendedAkano for his relentless commitment and unparalleled passion for youths empowerment The statement noted New Horizons Nigeria was designated

by NYSC as a critical partner in youth empowerment It said: “New Horizons is Nigeria’s largest ICT training company, having empowered over 1.2 million Nigerians with relevant ICT skills in

Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba.

Speaking at the occasion, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar, praised President Buhari for his leadership qualities, adding that power belongs to God and He gives it to whoever He pleases.

He disclosed that the Daura Emirate Council decided to honour the president and his family with the traditional title being conferred on Yusuf Buhari, especially since being

the president, he won’t be able to take any other title.

Commending both the state and federal governments, the traditional ruler testified that the Katsina State Government has been working hard to end the difficulties of the masses.

He added also that Daura has been transformed under the leadership of the president, lauding him for the developmental strides witnessed so far.

The Emir of Daura also extended his appreciation to the vice president who represented the president at the occasion.

According to him, “the VP is a nobleman who keeps his promises and a trustworthy person who has so much patience and knows what to do at any given time.”

He added that Osinbajo is a very good man, “he is my favourite person, a very nice and honest person.”

the place, which had become notorious for abductions, armed robbery and other criminalities with minimal security presence in the area.

But a short statement

by DSS on its WhatsApp platform last night denied that any staff of the agency was kidnapped.

“It is not true. No DSS personnel was abducted in Abaji or anywhere in the FCT”, the statement posted by the Spokesman of DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, said.

Efforts to reach the Federal Capital Territory Police Command on the matter was unsuccessful.

Fashola Proposes Competitive Entrance into Civil Service Directorship Cadre Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

some members of the National Assembly such as senators Bello Mandiya and Jibrin Barau.

Also present were the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof.

Ibrahim Gambari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), including Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika and the Minister of State for

the last 16 years, bridging Nigeria Technical IT skill gaps.

“New Horizons Nigeria is a franchise of New Horizons worldwide, the World’s largest independent IT training company with offices in 90 countries globally.

“In the last 16 years, New Horizons Nigeria has won over 50 national, continental and international awards and industry recognitions while Tim Akano has won over 60 individual awards.”

NYSC, in its citation singled out New Horizons Nigeria for uniquely and relentlessly empowering thousands of corps members in a way to making them wealth creators instead of job seeks in the last 12 years of SAED creation.

PLEDGING MORE DECENT HOMES …

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai and Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka at the inauguration of 744 homes at LagosHoms Sangotedo I… recently

Okowa: Poor Attention to Education Exacerbating Nigeria’s Challenges Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday expressed grave concern about inadequate attention paid to education in Nigeria, saying the situation was partly responsible for the plethora of problems bedeviling the nation.

He, therefore, stressed the need for all stakeholders to give the issue of provision of quality education the urgent attention it deserves to give the youths the right orientation and restore sanity in the system.

The governor made these observations yesterday as the

special guest of honour at the launching and groundbreaking for infrastructure projects at Ika Grammar School, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

The event, which was organised by the Ika Grammar Old Boys Association, was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Chief Jim Ovia; and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who are also alumni of the school.

Highlights of the event included the fundraising ceremony

and the ground-breaking for the major building projects within the school premises performed

by Governor Okowa, who was assisted by the invited personages and old boys, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Irabor.

Okowa set the ball rolling by promising that the state government would take up the construction of one of the proposed school building projects.

The CBN governor, Emefiele also promised to donate a dormitory block while the Zenith bank boss, Ovia announced a donation of N150 million The Vice-Chancellor, Univer-

sity of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, who was the guest speaker at the occasion, delivered a paper entitled: “The 21st Century Imperative of Education,” saying that the social, political, and economic importance of quality education has posed an enormous challenge for the government, parents, and schools.

Okowa noted that moral values in the country have been severely eroded due to a decline in the level and quality of education, and appealed to parents and other stakeholders to join hands with the government to tackle the educational challenges confronting the nation.

Buhari’s Life Service to Nigeria, Humanity, Says Lai Mohammed Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed yesterday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s life had been that of unalloyed service to Nigeria, his country, and to humanity at large.

The minister said this in a tribute he rendered while addressing newsmen to mark the occasion of the President’s

79th birthday.

Mohammed said the President “has been almost everything there is to be in the service to the nation, and he has always given his all each time. Not once has he fallen short.

“He has been a soldier, governor, minister, Trust Fund Chairman, Military Head of State democratically-elected President (twice).

“He fought a war to keep

Nigeria together, and that explains his passion for the country’s unity” Mohammed said Buhari, as a steady hand in troubled times, made it possible for him to preside over the affairs of the country at a most turbulent period.

He said in spite of obvious challenges, the President had managed to keep the nation afloat, and even set it on a trajec-

tory of growth and development.

“In spite a myriad of security challenges, and amidst dwindling national earnings and a crippling global pandemic, he has racked up a number of achievements, most of them unprecedented.

“He leapfrogged Nigeria to the modern rail era and set the nation on the path of unprecedented infrastructural development

NACCIMA Canvasses Creation of Customs, Excise Duties Tribunal The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) yesterday canvassed a legislative action to establish an independent appeal ombudsman to be called Customs and Excise Duties Appeal Tribunal.

In a statement by its President, Ide Udeagbala yesterday, NACCIMA said the tribunal would serve as a vehicle for resolution of disputes arising from, relating to, and connected with assessment, payment and collection of

duties and tariffs by the Nigeria Customs Service, thereby making going to court unattractive and as a last resort.

Udeagbala said he had held several advocacy meetings with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on

Customs, Excise & Tariff, Senator Francis Alimikhena, requesting the committee to present a Bill for the Amendment of the Customs and Excise Management Act to allow for the establishment of an appeal tribunal.

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NEWSXTRA ASUU May Issue Strike Notice over FG’s Non-implementation of Agreement Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may strike notice to the federal government over its failure to implement the agreement reached with the union, THISDAY has learnt.

The union leaders met in Abuja last night with all the zonal branches to harmonise the union’s position on the alleged non-fulfillment of the agreement contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the federal government.

ASUU President, Prof. Em-

manuel Osodeke, who confirmed the meeting in a telephone conversation with THISDAY, however declined to respond to further enquiries on the outcome of the meeting.

However, a source privy to the meeting, told THISDAY that most of the resolutions from the ASUU branches across the country were in support of proceeding on strike.

The source stated that after going through the reports presented by the zones, the ASUU president still went ahead to present the progress of the implementation

of the MoU. But the various branches insisted that the level of implementation of the agreement was unacceptable. ASUU is demanding the full implementation of 2020 Memorandum of Action it signed with the federal government.

At the fifth and sixth convocations of Federal University Oye Ekiti yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari insisted that the Federal Government had released funds for payment of earned allowances and revitalisa-

tion to universities.

Buhari identified funding as a major problem confronting the Nigerian university system and as well the primary basis of incessant industrial actions in the ivory towers.

The president said his administration had “consistently paid serious attention to the issue of university funding”.

Buhari, who was represented by a Director in the National Universities Commission, John Ahmadu, said his administration

had handled funding issues in universities “through multiple sources, including education budgets across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, but most importantly through the Federal Ministry of Education as well as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

“As a government, we will not relent on this commitment. We will continue to support the university system through improved funding and infrastructural development. In

this regard, my government has repositioned the TETFUND to be able to address the infrastructural gaps in our tertiary institutions.

“As evidence of our commitment to the welfare of university staff, the Federal Government recently released funds for the payment of Earned Allowances as well as the revitalisation of universities. We will continue to do more within available resources considering other competing national needs,” he said.

Buhari Felicitates with IPI’s New Leaders Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the Editor-in-Chief/Chief Operating Officer of Premium Times Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, who has emerged the President of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI).

In a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu yesterday, the president also congratulated the General Manager, Business and Strategy of Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust, Ahmed I. Shekarau, on his election as Secretary of IPI Nigeria.

Buhari hailed the diligence

and brilliance of both journalists, who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career with many recognitions and awards, urging them to bring their versatile experience in the media to reflect on the Institute.

He, also, rejoiced with the IPI on its successful General Assembly, saluting the outgoing leadership for providing sound management for the institute.

Buhari said looked forward to working with the new executive to advance the interests of the nation, which are not at variance with the IPI in the promotion of journalism, social justice and human rights.

Niger Revokes Operating Licences HONOUR FOR YOUTH ENTHUSIAST… of Private Tertiary Institutions Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Alano (left), receiving NYSC Icon of Youth Empowerment Award from the Director

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Niger State Government has announced the revocation of the operating licences of all private tertiary institutions in the state.

The government said the revocation order was with immediate effect.

A statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Professor Baba Aliyu and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Musa Sadiq, made available to newsmen in Minna said: “The Niger State Government has withdrawn/revoked approval granted to operators of all private tertiary institutions in the state” saying the government is: “Disturbed about the spate of contravention of stipulated rules and regulations governing

the establishment of private tertiary institutions across the state”.

According to the statement, the ministry had earlier shown its magnanimity by granting provisional approvals to many of such established institutions pending the fulfilment of all requirements, but unfortunately instead of honouring their obligations they chose to abuse the granted privileges.

The statement added that government action was “aimed at preserving the standard that has been set for tertiary level of education in the state” and therefore asked proprietors of such institutions who are ready to conform with existing norms “to reapply for their establishments /operation” adding that “a prerequisite conditions” will be given for such institutions to operate”.

Obiano Condoles Anyaoku over Brother’s Death David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaokuhaslosthisyoungerbrother, Bertram Anyaoku at the age of 87.

Bertram reportedly died at about 7:00 pm Nigerian time on Friday in Houston, Texas, where he was said to be receiving medical treatment.

Bertram was a former Executive Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

He was also a civil engineer and hydrologist, who trained at the University College in Ibadan and the University of London before proceeding to universities in Holland and Australia for postgraduate studies.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has

mourned the passage of Bertram Anyaoku, while commiserating with the former scribe of the Commonwealth of Nations over the death of his brother.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba, Obiano urged Chief Anyaoku to take heart and also bear the loss of his brother with equanimity.

Obiano regretted that Bertram could not survive the brief illness which gave no sign that it was serious, but noted that the late engineer led a fulfilled life and contributed significantly to the country’s development.

“He was truly accomplished in every sense of the word, and the nation valued his services immensely.

General, NYSC, Brig Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim at the at NAF Center, Abuja … Friday

Sexual Harassment, Extortion in Varsities Unacceptable, Says Buhari Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians and management of universities that his government is incurably committed to tackle cases of sexual harassment, extortion, kidnapping and killings militating against Nigerian university system.

Buhari made this remark at the fifth and sixth convocations of Federal University,

Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) yesterday noting that nothing would be spared to make the universities a safe teaching grounds for the country’s scholars and professionals.

No fewer than 88 graduates bagged First class Bachelor Degree as the institution graduated 2,599 across all the departments.

Also, the Attah Igala and Chancellor of FUOYE, HRM Mathew Opaluwa Oguche, a former Rector, Kaduna Poly-

technic, Dr. Nuhu Yakubu and the owner of Bovas Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Mrs Victoria Samson were garlanded with PhD degrees(Honoris Causa) of the institution.

At the convocation, Buhari sympathised with the families of students , academic and non- academic staff that had fallen into the hands of kidnappers, bandits and killers and perpetrators of academic frauds, saying with the support of all

Nigerians that all these menaces will be routed Buhari, represented by a Director in the National Universities Commission, Mr. John Ahmadu, said: “The stories emanating from some of our campuses, such as sexual harassment, extortion, plagiarism and other forms of intellectual fraud and corruption are totally unacceptable. The Unions can do more to assist in addressing these issues, for a much better university system.

Lagos Reels out Plan to Deliver 7,000 Housing Units by 2022 Segun James The Lagos State Government at the weekend reeled out an ambitious plan to complete at least 7,000 housing units as part of its efforts to bridge the state’s housing deficit currently standing at about 2.5 million.

By 2022 fiscal year, according to the state government, at least 7,000 housing units would have been completed in different

parts of the states through joint ventures and budgetary allocation with the sustained drive to deliver more decent homes to Lagos residents.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai made this disclosure in response to THISDAY’s inquiries Friday, pointing out diverse initiatives by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to bridge the housing deficit.

Akinderu-Fatai revealed this plan few days after Sanwo-Olu inaugurated 774 housing units at Sangotedo area of the state and about three weeks he unveiled 480 housing units in 480 housing units at Ibeshe, Ikorodu Local Government Area.

As a testament to Sanwo-Olu’s resolve to deliver more decent homes across the state, the commissioner put the number of housing schemes completed

between 2019 and 2021 at 14, apart from those already scheduled for completion in 2022.

He, therefore, listed housing schemes that had been completed under Sanwo-Olu’s administration to includeAlhaji Lateef Jakande Gardens, Igando; Courtland Villas, Igbokushu; Lekki Apartments, Lekki; Lagos State Affordable Housing Scheme; Bayview Estate, Lekki and Sunnyville Apartments, Ogba.

Stakeholders Kick against Handing over Airports to Foreign Firms Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja To ensure that the management of Nigeria’s major airports are not left in the hands of foreign concerns, some aviation industry stakeholders have called on the federal to concession the designated facilities to competent indigenous companies.

The federal government had

announced that it was set to concession the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, and the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State.

Stating that such critical assets should be handled by nationals who have the interest of the country at heart, a retired

engineer with the defunct Nigeria Airways, Mustapha Bello, said security and national interest should be of utmost priority.

He called on the authorities to be reminded of the experience of Uganda during the reign of the late Gen. Idi Amin when the Entebbe raid was successfully carried out because the Israelis had the architectural

plan of the Uganda Entebbe International Airport in their possession.

“Since there are some Nigerian companies who have successfully operated airports terminals, like Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, who are currently running Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, MMA2, Lagos, they should be considered first.

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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 ˾ DECEMBER 19, 2021

NEWSXTRA Nigeria Records Surge in COVID-19 Infection with 1,584 New Cases FG Allocates 350,000 booster doses to Bauchi Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The federal government has said that there were a total of 1,584 newly confirmed cases of COVID19 and one death as at Friday night.

With the rising cases the pandemic, the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHCDA) disclosed that the federal government

allocated 350,000 COVID-19 booster doses to Bauchi to prevent any further spread of the pandemic.

In its COVID-19 update yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said: “On December 17, 1584 new confirmed cases and 1 death were recorded in Nigeria.”

The centre said till date, 222,655 cases “have been confirmed, while 211,373 cases

have been discharged and 2,984 deaths recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. “The 1, 584 new cases are reported from 11 States Lagos (906), FCT (258), Rivers (217), Edo (85), Oyo (50), Ogun (16), Ondo (14), Bayelsa (12), Osun (10), Bauchi (9), and Kano (7),” the centre said.

NCDC explained that a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC),

activated at Level 2, has been activated to coordinate the national response activities.

At the third annual research day and scientific conference of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH) yesterday, the executive secretary of BSPHCDA Bauchi would soon supply the booster doses to the state.

He added that booster shots would only be administered to

Army Chief Tasks 4,000 New Recruits on National Interest Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, yesterday charged newly recruited soldiers of the Nigerian Army numbering over 4,000 to put national interest over their interests and be professional as they discharge their duties in the field.

This is coming as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has disclosed that the Nigerian Navy is partnering with the Ghanaian Navy to combat piracy and maritime crime

in the Gulf of Guinea.

A statement issued by the Nigerian Army Headquarters said the COAS gave the charge at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of 81 Regular Recruits Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State, where he was the special guest of honour and reviewing officer.

Congratulating the young soldiers for the successful completion of their training, the COAS noted that the training of recruits into the Nigerian Army (NA) was in fulfilment of Army Headquarters’ Training Directives in line with his vision to

have “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions Within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”

He added that the POP marked another crucial chapter in the history of the training institution and the Nigerian Army as it welcomed a fresh set of well-trained soldiers into the noble profession.

He described Depot Nigerian Army as a key training institution responsible for moulding selected able-bodied citizens into well-trained and disciplined soldiers to meet the manpower requirements of the Nigerian Army necessary

to execute the onerous task of tackling contemporary security challenges bedeviling the nation.

The army chief disclosed that the rigorous training undertaken by the young soldiers has transformed them into highly skilled and professional young soldiers, poised to enhance the strength and combat efficiency of the service.

He reminded them of the importance of the oath of allegiance to which they have all sworn, adding that by the oath they were under obligation to remain loyal to the Constitution and President.

those who had taken their first and second jab of COVID-19 vaccines, to boost their immunity against the Omicron variant.

He said: “Even if you are vaccinated, you can get infected with the mutant Omicron variant of COVID-19. However, the good thing is that people that were vaccinated will not get the severe form of the Omicron variant.

“If you have not taken the vaccines, there is a rule now.

There is going to be a booster dose and it would only be given to those that have taken the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“To prevent Omicron variant, the only way is to do the booster

dose and the federal government will send about 350,000 booster doses next week to Bauchi State,” the executive secretary said.

Mohammed said many people “are still reluctant in taking the vaccination. It is a major challenge because as some educated persons including healthcare workers are yet to take the vaccine.”

He attributed the development “to myths and misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has never been more important than now because of the emergence of Delta and more recently OMICRON variants.

Nigerians Adopt Entrepreneurship Spirit As unemployment situation in the country bites harder, a Lagos-based fashion institute, Rhoda Micheal Fashion institute, has graduated 50 students.

The proprietor of the organisation, Rhoda Micheal said many Nigerians have decided to take their destiny in their hands, given the insufficiency of white collar job, a development she attributed to the large number of graduating students from her institute.

“There is a high rate of unemployment and dissatisfaction. Most people are now considering entrepreneurship as an option.,” she said.

She spoke at the school’s graduation, which attracted notable Nollywood actors and some popular fashion designers.

The ceremony afforded the graduands the opportunity to showcase their new labels.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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“Under section 58(4-5), it will expire today. By tomorrow, which is Monday, the National Assembly can convene. But we do not have a National Assembly. They are lily-livered. They are spineless” – Constitutional lawyer, Dr Mike Ozekhome, disclosing that the 30 days President Muhammadu Buhari has to assent to the Electoral Bill expires today.

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How Not to Kill the ‘Hustle’ of Nigerians

D

o you know how many bakeries I have shut down today? That was the sadistic boast of an official of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on an “inspection” visit to a bakery in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) some years ago. To her, it is a lifetime achievement to shut down people’s businesses, rupture an economic vein and render people jobless. To be clear, I am not saying standards should not be enforced. Rules are rules and should be obeyed. The regulations are designed for order, health and safety. They are not for window dressing. A bakery should operate to the highest standards. No one can sustain an argument to the contrary.

However, more often than not, government agencies are only after one thing: revenue. It is not strictly about enforcing regulations. And government officials are mostly after one thing: extortion. Rather than work day and night to aid the development and growth of businesses for the greater benefit of the Nigerian economy and millions of Nigerians, government officials are better at using their positions to extort, intimidate and oppress entrepreneurs. Only God knows how many businesses have gone bankrupt because of the tyranny. Tragically, we do not appear to understand that there is a direct link between government policy actions and the sad state of the nation.

On Monday, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the chairman of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), touched on a subject dear to my heart: creating the environment for Nigerian businesses to flourish. At the yearly review of how federal government agencies relate with the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Osinbajo reminded them of their duty: to support the “hustle” of entrepreneurs. “People need the right environment and that is what our role is: to ensure that we understand that it is to facilitate and make it easier, not to become a stumbling block or a tollgate,” he told officials of NAFDAC, SON, FIRS and other principalities in the room.

I was putting this article together when the Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly over multiple taxation and over-regulation. They said the following state MDAs regularly swoop on them in the name of regulation: the Lagos State Safety Commission, the Ministry of Transport, the Lagos Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS), the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Ministry of the Environment, and the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA).

They further listed all the 57 LGAs/LCDAs as charging them separately for “mid-year papers” and “yearly papers”, in addition to collecting daily toll all over the state. Then, there are the well-established federal headaches: NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Ministry of Labour and Productivity, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSTIF), and so on. Bakeries in the federal capital also have to contend with the Abuja Municipal Council Area (AMAC) and Federal Housing Authority (FHA) who both charge for “fumigation” in addition to all kinds of fees, including a special levy for the use of vans for bread distribution. That is the country that says it wants to create jobs.

If you are unfortunate to go into water production in Lagos state, there are many gods to appease, apart from NAFDAC and SON. They are: Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), LASEPA, Lagos State the Ministry of Environment, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Local Government Environment Service, Local Government Health Department, Local Government Fumigation Department, Local Government Food Department and the health office nearest to the factory. SON inspects four times a year.

The ministries of health and environment do theirs twice. Mind you: for every inspection, there are official

Osinbajo and unofficial costs.

I repeat: I am not suggesting that businesses should not be regulated, inspected or asked to pay taxes.

These are the functions of the state. But, for the life of me, how many levies should an MSME pay in an economy that badly needs millions of more MSMEs? How many regulators should an MSME face? How can businesses thrive under this suffocating hand of government? Does the government — federal, state or local — ever assess the heavy-handedness and how it impacts on the economy? When will someone up there realise that it is in the best interest of government to seek first the prosperity of businesses — and bigger tax revenue will inevitably be added to it?

Osinbajo put it pointedly: “This is a country where people want and desire to work… the constraints are what we have to address.” Unfortunately, he was talking to a wall. MDAs are in a different world.

That is why the NAFDAC official would be boasting about having shut down so many bakeries in one day. To her, that is the purpose of power. In his newly published book, ‘The Arc of the Possible’, Waziri Adio, former executive secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), posits that as a people, “our conception of power remains that of instrument of oppression, not as a means of protecting the rights and dignity of the ordinary person”. Word!

The way we have turned regulatory agencies into revenue-generating bodies has created a perverse incentive for extortion and oppression — as we can also say about the general drive for IGR. This is further worsened by the concentration of power in regulatory agencies, enforced sometimes with the muscles of law enforcement agencies and even blood-thirsty thugs.

There is a lack of checks and balances. When an agency abuses its powers — to devastating effect on businesses and the economy — there is hardly anywhere for MSMEs to seek redress. In advanced countries, regulators focus more on helping MSMEs to comply and grow. They have no interest in shutting them down.

A major failing of policy design in Nigeria is the lack of basic checks and balances on regulators. Anywhere you give people power over others, especially in a place where people are besotted with using power to intimidate and oppress, you have to think about the tendency for abuse and how to check that. It is common sense. Another major policy design error is that there are no one-stop centres where MSMEs can access all regulators with ease, avoid multiple taxes/ levies, and even have compliance officers to guide them. A true appraisal of governance in Nigeria will reach a sad conclusion that the leadership — at all levels — is neither sincere nor strategic in its policy thinking.

Recently, when Mrs Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, promised that 40 million poorest Nigerians would be paid N5,000 monthly when petrol subsidy is removed, I told myself: the government still doesn’t get it. An average Nigerian can generate N5,000 daily if only the government would not make life unbearable for him or her. Sure, they will collect the N5,000.

Who rejects free money? But that is tokenistic and unsustainable. The Nigerians I know — north or south — are entrepreneurial. Don’t give them fish.

Just allow them to use their hooks and nets under the right atmosphere. Stop sending thugs to hamper their hustle. Stop taxing them to hell. They will catch fish by themselves.

Here is my point. Any government that is going to pull millions of Nigerians out of unemployment, poverty and disease, tackle insecurity and propagate peace and prosperity will first have to understand that it has to create a conducive environment for business.

Nigerians need their government to support them with infrastructure and incentives. When we say government should create jobs, we are not saying it should set up more parastatals. How many millions can government employ? We are saying government should create an environment for businesses to germinate. Most of these jobs will be in MSMEs. That is the engine room of every economy in the world.

There is a stark lack of understanding in government on how the wheel of economic progress is oiled. The government-erected obstacles are just too many.

Generally, it is as if government deliberately wants to kill the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians. I am not talking about MSMEs alone. Some of the biggest demons tormenting businesses in Nigeria today are in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The extortion and blackmail are incredible. Any government that genuinely wants the Nigerian economy to prosper will focus on reforming Customs. We shouldn’t even be debating this. With the way they behave, you would think the mandate of Customs is to destroy enterprise.

You would expect an import-dependent country like Nigeria to at least instil efficiency at the ports to save its own life. But you are expecting too much of the government. We depend heavily on imports to meet strategic and critical needs. We import all sorts — milk, wheat, poultry, fish, medicines, name it. We import virtually every piece of paper and every yard of textile. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), our trade deficit was N5.81trn in the first half (H1) of 2021. Our export was valued at N7.99trn while import was N13.8trn. In fact, H1 2021 imports were 22% higher than H1 2020 and 60.7% more than H1 2019. When we had trade surplus, it was all thanks to crude oil!

To reduce Nigeria’s chronic import dependency, is it not common sense for us to improve local productivity and incentivise export? But what do you say when we charge $1 million just to process a licence for a special economic zone (SEZ)? The whole of $1 million for a piece of paper! Years ago, I read of a state government that had to bribe federal government officials with millions of dollars to get the necessary documents for an SEZ. You go from one government agency to the other and discover that the actions and attitudes of the officials are completely at variance with our openly stated goals of promoting economic development.

Why are we like this? What is wrong with us?

As we prepare for 2023, you would expect issues such as ease of doing business, reform of Customs and other agencies, efficiency at the ports, and other germane matters of economic development to form the basis of campaigns and debates. At least, let us set the tone for a robust electioneering. But many Nigerians, particularly on social media, are only obsessed with “tribe and tongue” as if that is what is going to bring down the price of garri. It is said that in a democracy, people get the leaders they deserve.

I think we need to break this vicious cycle. All the signs around us point to the fact that if we don’t start doing things differently — and urgently — Nigeria will be doomed. Eternally.

And Four Other Things…

AKANDE’S PARTICIPATIONS Chief Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun state and former deputy governor of the old Oyo state, recently released his memoir, ‘My Participations’, to wide condemnation.

Most of the responses so far accuse him of being timid with the truth and fiddling with the facts. Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Afenifere leader, and Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Akande’s successor in Osun state, have both strenuously pooh-poohed Akande’s claims in the book. Akande mysteriously left out the fact that he was jailed for corruption by the Buhari military government. I used to respect and idolise Akande a lot, but I think this book has altered my view of him. Silence can be golden at times. Duplicity.

MENTAL HEALTH Abdulrahman Odunare Olamilekan, a young Nigerian, reportedly jumped into the lagoon at Epe, Lagos state, on Tuesday. His body was found two days later. His widow, Rufiat, told the media that he had been talking about committing suicide for days but, as it is typical of us, people around him scoffed and said he was on drugs. I suspect that he had lapsed into depression. Unfortunately, we still do not take mental health seriously in this society. I doubt if there is any helpline for people to report cases such as Olamilekan’s. Even if he was on drugs, what he needed was help, not ridicule. Let’s hope Olamilekan’s case would rekindle public interest in mental health. Imperative.

SUBSIDY STRIKE The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that rallies will be held nationwide to protest against the plan to remove petrol subsidy. The rallies will take place in the 36 states on January 27, followed by a national protest in Abuja on February 1. This has always been the case anytime government increases the price of petrol, although, to be fair, there were no protests in 2016. Unions always oppose fuel price increases because of the immediate impact on transportation costs and the effects on food prices.

However, there are bigger issues around the current petrol pricing regime and the oil sector which the unions must rigorously interrogate beyond holding rallies. Deep.

BUHARI AT 79 On Friday, President Buhari clocked 79.

When he leaves office in 2023, he will be 80. He is easily the oldest man to have ruled Nigeria. He was 72 when he was elected in 2015. No Nigerian leader has hit 79 in office.

The closest record is held by President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was 62 when he was elected in 1999 and left at 70. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was 75 when he ran, unsuccessfully, in 1979. The youngest-ever leader remains Gen Yakubu Gowon, who was 31 when he became military head of state in 1966. He was overthrown in 1975 when he was 40.

That record is unlikely to be broken: you have to be 35 and above to run for president. Lest I forget, happy birthday to the president.

Cheers!

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