TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2019

2020 Budget: FG Retains $55 Benchmark Despite Oil Price Spike Buhari deplores attacks on Saudi oil refinery, pledges solidarity OPEC assesses impact of drone assaults on market Ejiofor Alike in Lagos, Omololu Ogunmade, Ndubuisi Francis and Chineme Okafor in Abuja with agency reports The

federal

government

yesterday ruled out revising upward the $55 per barrel oil price benchmark adopted for the 2020 budget despite a spike in value of the commodity in the global market in the aftermath of

Saturday’s drone attacks on Saudi Arabia oil facility that wiped out about five per cent of global supplies.

Oil prices yesterday continued on the upward swing in the wake of the

attacks launched against Saudi Arabia facility by Iran-backed Houthis movement in Yemen; rallying at about $72 a barrel.

At $72 per barrel, crude oil posted its biggest intra-day percentage gain since the Gulf

War in 1991, after the attack on Saturday shut more than five million barrels per day (bpd) of output, or over five per cent of global supply. Oil prices had hit a six-month high of $71. 95 a barrel by Sunday,

a day after the attack.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has deplored the attacks on Saudi oil refinery and pledged Continued on page 6

Banks Intensify Drive to Meet 60% Loan-to-Deposit Target... Page 8 Tuesday 17 September, 2019 Vol 24. No 8926. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Buhari Replaces Economic Management Team with Advisory Council Names Salami, Soludo, Rewane, others as members Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja In what appears a major policy shift that shows his determination to take charge of the economy, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja constituted

an Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to replace the Economic Management Team (EMT) chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo since 2015.

The new council, according to a statement by the president’s Special Adviser

on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, would hold monthly technical sessions as well as quarterly meetings with Buhari who they would report to directly.

The statement said a renowned economist, Prof.

To report directly to president

Doyin Salami, would chair the council, while Dr. Mohammed Sagagi would serve as his deputy.

Adesina listed other members of the council to Continued on page 8 Salami

Soludo

Rewane

Xenophobia: Nigeria, South Africa Mend Fences as Ramaphosa Apologises Buhari promises more robust ties Obasanjo lists ways to end crisis

Omololu Ogunmade, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Idowu Sowunmi and Chinedu Eze in Lagos

South Africa yesterday toed the path of rapprochement as it apologised to Nigeria over the killings of its nationals in xenophobic attacks in the rainbow nation.

South Africa’s President, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, tendered his country's apology to Nigeria in Abuja, two weeks after the deadly xenophobic attacks, which forced Nigeria to evacuate some of its citizens.

The special envoy Ramaphosa dispatched to Nigeria, Mr. Jeff Radebe, tendered the apology to President Muhammadu Buhari in the State House, Abuja.

Buhari, who welcomed the

apology, promised a more robust relationship with South Africa.

Special Adviser to the South African President on International Relations, Mr. Khulu Mbatha, accompanied Radebe to the State House to tender the apology.

Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyeama, and Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Kabiru Bala, attended the meeting.

Radebe’s visit came a week after Nigeria’s Special Envoy, Mr. Ahmed Abubakar, returned to the country from South Africa, where he had met with Ramaphosa to convey Nigeria’s demands to the rainbow nation, including Continued on page 8

Despite Recent Kidnapping, WE ARE SORRY...

African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s special envoy, Mr. Jeff. Radebe (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari during Abuja is Safe, Says IG... Page 6 South the envoy’s visit to deliver a special letter to the president in Abuja…yesterday godwin omoigui

2

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

3

4

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

5

6

TUESDAY, ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

PAGE SIX

Despite Recent Kidnapping, Abuja is Safe, Says IG Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, yesterday assured Nigerians that Abuja, the nation's capital was safe and secure.

His assurance followed concerns over rising spate of kidnapping in Abuja.

A lecturer with the Base University, Abuja, was released at the weekend after spending some days with kidnappers.

This is coming as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command yesterday confirmed the release of Miss Aisha Ardo, the kidnapped daughter of a cousin to former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku

Abubakar, Dr. Umar Ardo.

It was gathered that Aisha was released in Abuja around 11p.m. on Sunday after spending the whole of Saturday night in the hands of the kidnappers.

The 24-year old Aisha was whisked away by the kidnappers about 7.45 p.m. in front of Blinkers Shopping Mall at Kwame Nkrumah Crescent, Asokoro on Saturday evening prompting the FCT Police Command to launch a manhunt for her abductors.

Ardo, a PDP chieftain also confirmed the release of his daughter to the police authorities in Abuja yesterday.

He said she was released on Sunday around 11p.m, adding that she had rejoined

her family at home.

Though the police commissioner did not elaborate on her release, sources said Aisha was taken to a forest close to Gwarinpa area of the nation’s capital, where she was kept until her release. “It was from the forest that she trekked to an eatery from where she was assisted with a GSM to call her father, who drove to the eatery to pick up his daughter," the CP said.

Meanwhile, the IG said the nation's capital remained safe and secure.

He said FCT Police Command has a robust anti-crime architecture, which is continually rejigged to effectively tackle prevailing and emerging crimes.

"While observing that, like other climes across the world, the country has its security challenges, the IG, however, notes that a comprehensive analysis of crime statistics on major cities across the world would reveal that Abuja has one of the lowest crime rates and remains indisputably one of the safest capital cities in the world," he said in statement signed by Force PRO, Frank Mba. He, however, charged all law-abiding citizens and visitors alike to go about their lawful endeavours without any fear or apprehension.

The IG also yesterday launched the automated cooperative portal of the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society

Limited.

He said the innovation lab of the Africa Prudential Plc, an indigenous digital technology firm and capital market operator, developed the project.

Adamu said: "The indigenisation of this process is in furtherance to the federal government’s policy of enhancing local contents in ICT acquisition.

"I have been assured that appropriate security measures have been emplaced by the software developers to protect the application from intrusive activities that could threaten the integrity of the data base and compromise the personal and classified information of the co-operators."

He said with the launch of

the platform, police personnel would no longer be exposed to the risk of travelling from their various commands and formations to process their loan applications, savings withdrawals, or get their contributions balances from the Cooperative Headquarters in Lagos.

"All these services will be done just by the press of the buttons on their computers or mobile devices".

The Police Cooperative is a welfare-oriented Cooperative Society that was established in 1977 by Force Order No. 130, to cater for the welfare needs of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and their families.

It is the largest cooperative society in Africa with well over 300,000 membership strength.

Universities Suffer from Under-funding Despite N1.3tn Spent on Education Need new funding sources Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Uchechukwu Nnaike in Lagos, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Despite the N1.3 trillion spent on education since the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2015, public universities are still groaning under dilapidated facilities due to underfunding, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

Buhari, who recently revealed how much his administration has spent so far on education at the inauguration of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Centre of Excellence, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, said the amount excluded monies spent on overheads and personnel costs.

But despite this huge spending, THISDAY’s visits to some selected universities revealed sorry state of facilities, especially poor accommodation and inadequate poorly-equipped libraries and laboratories, as well as poor remuneration of lecturers.

Also, stakeholders in the university system told THISDAY that the funds allocated to the sector were

merely scratching the surface, as the system needs an overhaul, which will require massive injection of resources.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof.

Idowu Olayinka, told THISDAY that “the federal government pays our salary, which for the most part is too low, compared to what operates in the private sector within the country or peer institutions in other parts of Africa, not to talk of Europe, America, Middle East, Far East and Australia.�

According to him, the poor salary structure has resulted in brain drain with many of the university’s early career researchers leaving the country for greener pastures.

He said for at least the past 44 years when the number of federal universities increased from two to 13, “we have not been able to operate a needsbased budget.� “In its stead, what we have is the ‘envelope system’ whereby each federal university is given a sum of money and it is expected to fulfill all its obligations within the available funds. This has given rise to the term ‘shortfall’, which represents the differential between the required and the

available,� he added.

According to him, underfunding of the university system has been the major source of conflict between staff unions and the federal government since mid-1980s.

He said: “This is the main reason why our academic calendar is highly unstable.

The system has lost at least four years to union strikes in the last 30 years. “This is obviously not the way to build a world-class university on a sustainable basis. It accounts for why many of our young persons migrate to other countries where the academic calendar is stable and predictable. Foreign students find our universities unattractive for the same reason. The poor remuneration to faculty makes it nearly impossible for A-rated foreign scholars to take employment in our public universities. “Since we have difficulties in internationalising either our student body or the faculty, we have little showing on any of the prestigious ranking bodies such as the Academic Ranking of World Universities or the Times Higher Education.�

The vice-chancellor stated that UI’s major challenges

include equipping and modernising its laboratories and studios, while the institution needs to build additional lecture rooms and auditorium to cope with the increasing student population. “We need to build additional hostels for our students and maintain the existing ones.

Ibadan was conceived by our founding fathers as a fully residential university, but we have been finding it very difficult to keep to this since 1973 even with the modest student population then. As of this year we have a total student population of 32,000, while the number of bed spaces is just about 10,000. Staying off-campus is not very attractive to many of our students who are unable to secure campus accommodation; hence many of them squat with their friends thereby over-stretching our ageing infrastructure,� he said.

He added that it is ideal for the university to sponsor its staff to attend at least one foreign conference each session, which would cost about N2.5 billion per session. “But in a good year, we are only able to muster N100 million from both the TETFund and internally generated

resources,� he stated.

On his part, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, said when the university was established in 1961, the number of enrolled students then was small and some of them came on scholarship and they had three square meals per day, but as time went by, the enrolment started increasing based on the population explosion and priority attached to education in the western part of the country, where the institution is located.

He said: “The number of students we have is on a very high side and the number of facilities we have cannot match the numerical strength of the students we have at present. We have more than 25,000 students and we don’t charge tuition in this university. Though the government is trying, we will appreciate a situation where the UNESCO standard is followed so that everybody will be happy and things will move on smoothly.�

Also the spokesperson for the University of Lagos, Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede, said the federal government was providing only a little percentage of the funds used in running

the university, adding that the institution augment its expenses from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for maintenance and running of the school.

According to her, “The university also relies on national and international trust funds, people of goodwill, corporate organisations and individuals for constructions, endowment of funds, among others. “In addition, due to its swampy terrain, the university is faced with the challenge of very high cost of building. This notwithstanding, management is unrelenting in its efforts to get private investors to build on Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis, as well as support the funding of the university in general. The shortage in funding puts a strain on facilities on the university campus such as hostels, classrooms.�

At the University of Benin, the Chairman of ASUU, Prof.

Anthony Monye-Emina, who is of the Department of Economics, said the university is faced with numerous challenges in all departments, especially the academic section.

Continued on page 12

2020 BUDGET: FG RETAINS $55 BENCHMARK DESPITE OIL PRICE SPIKE Nigeria’s solidarity with its comember in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

OPEC has also begun an assessment of the impact of the drone assaults on market in a bid to fashion out its response.

But the federal government said it would adopt a cautious approach to the situation, fearing that the oil price surge might not be sustainable on the long run.

It also expressed concern that the attacks on the Saudi oil facility, despite the sophisticated security system of the MiddleEast nation, showed that the Nigerian oil sector might be vulnerable.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, yesterday said the federal government was not in a hurry to embark on an upward adjustment in the benchmark price of oil for the proposed 2020 budget following the attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facility.

Ahmed, while responding to questions from journalists at a media briefing on the

forthcoming Nigeria Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, described the attacks on the Saudi Arabian oil facility as disturbing.

She expressed apprehension that if a country like Saudi Arabia with such sophisticated security system could suffer such attacks, then Nigeria might be vulnerable.

According to her, the federal government will continue to monitor the situation in the global oil market and respond appropriately should the need arises. “We shouldn’t be rejoicing over the misfortune of others.

If Saudi Arabia that has a sophisticated security system is affected in this manner, it means we are also vulnerable. “So, let us not be in a hurry to celebrate. And as the minister of state has said, we should also not be in a hurry to adjust the revenues," she said.

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, who also reacted to the situation, said the government would not tinker

with the 2020 budget now as the increase in oil price might not be sustainable. “Considering the recent event that happened in the Middle-East and the soaring oil prices; like you know, for now it’s a one-off event and so we will be monitoring the situation. “If it becomes sustainable, then there might be need to adjust. But for now, we will maintain the benchmark rate that we have established as the budget proposal for 2020,� he stated.

On the NES billed for next month in Abuja, Ahmed said the summit had over the years helped to shape many of the reform policies underpinning the evolution of economic growth and development.

With the summit themed, “Nigeria 2050: Shifting gears,� the government, she noted, would be able to address issues of good governance as a path to sustainable human and economic development, adding that the two-day event would also provide a timely opportunity for a national

economic review and create a consensus on the need to ensure that Nigerians take advantage of the opportunities that exist to increase productivity and create jobs. “Shifting gears emphasise the imperatives for the country to move to a more robust competitive private sector economy while discussing the implication of the projected population of the country hitting over 400 million by 2050 with 65 per cent of the population under the age of 35. “This figure we know will put an unimaginable pressure on our educational institutions, structures, resources and manpower. “In this regard, it is only a competitive private sector led economy that will drive this process and ensure economic prosperity for all Nigerians," Ahmed said.

Buhari Deplores Attacks on Saudi Oil ReďŹ nery Also

yesterday, Buhari

pledged Nigeria's solidarity with Saudi Arabia over the attacks on its refinery plants at Khurais and Abqaiq.

Buhari, in a statement by one of his spokesmen, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “We in Nigeria once experienced attacks on our own oil facilities. Those who sought, by doing so, to undermine governments of the day did not succeed then – nor at any time. “The identities of those who sent the drones to attack the Saudi refineries, and from where, may not yet be known. Still, these attacks similarly represent economic warfare aimed at damaging a government, but, in reality, always and only damaging innocent citizens’ livelihoods: those with no place, nor cause, to be harmed. “The attackers of Saudi Arabia will win no friends in the international community for their actions – whoever they may be, and however certain they be in their cause."

TOP GAINERS CORNERSTONE NEM OKOMUOIL CADBURY LIVESTOCK TOP LOSERS UNITYBANK AIRTEL CHAMS PLC

NGN NGN 0.03 0.33 0.17 1.95 4.50 52.90 0.90 11.65 0.03 0.42 NGN 0.07 0.63 35.00 315.00 0.02 0.24 INITIATES PLC 0.05 0.70 CAP PLC 1.50 23.25 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,200.00 Volume: 271.236 million shares Value: N2.906 billion Deals: 4,795 As at yesterday 16/9/19 See details on Page 31

% 10 9.5 9.3 8.3 7.6 % 10 10 7.6 6.6 6.6

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

7

8

TUESDAY, ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Banks Intensify Drive to Meet 60% Loan-to-Deposit Target Obinna Chima With two weeks to the September 30 deadline given by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for commercial banks to maintain a minimum Loan-toDeposit Ratio (LDR) of 60 per cent, the financial institutions have launched an aggressive deposit drive to meet the target, findings by THISDAY have shown.

The total industry LDR stood at 57.64 per cent as at July 2019, which is just less than three per cent below the target, according to the latest CBN monthly economic report.

THISDAY, however, gathered that while some banks have exceeded the 60 per cent target, some are slightly below it.

In their moves to achieve the target, some banks’ recently released half-year results showed that most of them recorded improved customer deposits.

For instance, while GTBank’s customer deposits increased by 6.3 per cent to N2.418 trillion, from N2.274 trillion as of December 2018; Access Bank’s customer deposits increased significantly by 63 per cent to N4.18 trillion in June 2019, from

N2.57 trillion in December 2018 and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc recorded 4.8 per cent growth in customer deposits, to N3.510 trillion as at June 2019, from the N3.349 trillion it was a year ago.

An analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Kunle Ezun, told THISDAY that since the policy was announced, banks have been aggressive in shoring up their Current and Savings Accounts (CASA).

Ezun said CASAs are the life wire of the banks. “In some banks today, they have even announced that staff that can bring in enough deposits from CASA would be rewarded. So the idea is to grow your deposits so that you can have more funds to be deployed as loans. “So, the banks are aggressively growing their deposits to meet the deadline. What the CBN is saying is that the banks should have a minimum LDR of 60 per cent, which for me is a lovely idea that is geared towards driving economic growth. “By my calculation, if the banks that are below 60 per cent LDR decide to grant loan, over N1 trillion would

CBN Gov, Godwin EmeďŹ ele be channelled into the system; you can imagine what would happen if we have over N1 trillion in the system. “That is why we can see a lot of the big banks doing advertisements around their consumer lending products. “They all need cheap loans to do all of that. I believe that

to leapfrog economic growth, banks need to lend to SMEs and provide loans for consumer lending. That is how we can grow the economy and that is why I support the CBN policy,� he added.

A Director and Group Head, Investment Banking at Coronation Merchant Bank

Limited, Mr. Abiodun Sanusi, said the overall impact of the LDR policy was that banks would be willing to give out more loans. “So, overall there is a huge positive gain in this 60 per cent loan-to-deposit ratio, which means more loans would be given at longer maturity tenor,� he added.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, in a recent interview on Arise Television, the broadcasting arm of THISDAY Newspaper, said with the industry LDR already at 57 per cent, banks only have to struggle to achieve three per cent to get to the prescribed limit. “Growing three per cent by the end of September, for most banks, they would get really close while some would go over it. So, I think the CBN is being measured in its approach. “If we had gone from 57 to 80 in three months, then we would have had a lot of chaos.

To boost real sector, you have to lend. “There is no way you can boost the real sector without lending. So, this is just to give

the banks comfort to be able to grow their loan books and not worry too much about the non-performing loans that happened as a result of that growth,� Agbaje added.

The CBN had said the new LDR would be subject to quarterly review. “To encourage SMEs, retail, mortgage and consumer lending, these sectors shall be assigned a weight of 150 per cent in computing the LDR for this purpose. The CBN shall provide a framework for classification of enterprises/businesses that fall under these categories. “Failure to meet the above minimum LDR by the specified date shall result in a levy of additional Cash Reserve Requirement equal to 50 per cent of the lending shortfall of the target LDR,� the regulator had added.

As part of the measures to encourage lending to the real sector, the CBN had also stated that it would no longer remunerate daily bank deposit in excess of N2 billion placed at its Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), just as it would restrict banks’ investment in treasury bills.

appointment of Sagagi, who incidentally served as the second in command of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s economic policy team. Salami too is also said

to be a long-term financial adviser to Atiku’s running mate, Mr. Peter Obi. “It shows the president’s resolve to bring on board the best hands even if they have to come from the other side,� the source said.

stand together to champion African cause and to jointly shepherd African development, unity, cooperation, security, and progress to make the 21st Century Africa’s century. “The xenophobia or Afrophobia going on in South Africa is an unfortunate issue for South Africa and for the whole of Africa. It is unfortunate in many respects.

There are only two countries in Africa that have ‘Africa’ as part of their names: Central Africa Republic and Republic of South Africa. For any of these two countries and, I dare say, for any African country to encourage or allow or not seriously sanction xenophobia against Africans in their country, it is a great disservice not only to the country where xenophobia takes place and the countries of the victims concerned, but also a great disservice to the whole of Africa and black race.�

The former president said Africans living in another part of Africa should be treated as brothers and friends.

H described as “condemnable and not acceptable in any civilised society� a situation where the South African police “would stand aloof watching miscreants and criminals committing crimes against fellow human beings,� adding that “this was experienced in South Africa in recent times and it shows either incompetence or collusion on the part of the police.�

He, however, said if South Africa fails to pacify affected victims and work for reconciliation with the countries concerned to end xenophobia, “the concerned countries of the victims should come together to table appropriate motions at the African Union (AU) level first and consider other measures if the situation is allowed to continue.�

Second Batch of Nigerian Evacuees to Arrive Lagos Tomorrow

BUHARI REPLACES ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT TEAM WITH ADVISORY COUNCIL include: Prof. Ode Ojowu, Dr. Shehu Yahaya, Dr. Iyabo Masha, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Bismarck Rewane and Dr. Mohammed Salisu, a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Development Policy, who

will serve as secretary.

The presidential spokesman also said the council was saddled with the mandate to advise the president on economic policy matters such as fiscal analysis, economic growth

and a range of internal and global economic issues.

He said the council would work with relevant cabinet members and heads of monetary and fiscal agencies.

"This advisory council will replace the current

Economic Management Team (EMT) and will be reporting directly to the President,� he said.

An interesting highlight of the council membership, a presidency source said yesterday, was the

XENOPHOBIA: NIGERIA, SOUTH AFRICA MEND FENCES AS RAMAPHOSA APOLOGISES an urgent need to stop the xenophobic attacks and protect Nigerians in South Africa as provided for in various international treaties.

South Africa’s apology came on the same day former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, broke his silence on the xenophobic attacks

by South Africans on other fellow Africans, describing the incident as a great disservice to Africa and the black race.

He also demanded genuine reconciliation and apology from South Africa.

However, despite the apology, Nigeria is not breaking its evacuation of its nationals in South Africa as the airline in charge of the operation, Air Peace, confirmed that it would bring in the second batch of 320 Nigerians from South Africa tomorrow.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Radebe, who said the law enforcement agencies had apprehended 50 suspected attackers so far, said Ramaphosa had sent him and Mbatha to formally convey his apology to Buhari.

According to him, the president recalled fond memories that both Nigeria and South Africa shared and expressed hopes that both countries would continue to enjoy a robust relationship.

He added that the violence by South Africans against foreign nationals was antithetical to the country's value system and its constitutional democracy.

He said: "We met a short while ago with His Excellency, President Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to convey our President Ramaphosa’s sincere apologies about the incident that have recently transpired in South Africa.

Those incidents do not represent what we stand for as a constitutional democracy in

South Africa and the president has apologised for these incidents. “He has also instructed law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned that all those involved must be brought to book, so that the rule of law must prevail in South Africa. He also conveyed his fond memories of ensuring that both Nigeria and South Africa must continue to play a critical role in the rebuilding of Africa to attain the agenda 2063 in the Africa that we want.�

He also said Ramaphosa recalled the historical times shared by Nigeria and South Africa when the former stood by the latter in the dark days of apartheid, recalling how some past Nigerian leaders such as Gen. Murtala Muhammed had joined forces with his country against apartheid.

Radebe quoted Ramaphosa as saying that the attacks were a wake up call on African leaders to fight poverty, reiterating his invitation to Buhari for a meeting on October 3 in South Africa, so they could address burning issues.

Asked about the decisive steps taken so far by the South African government to end the attacks as well as the position of the government on the demand by Nigeria for compensation for its citizens who were victims of the attacks, the envoy said both the Minister of Defence and the South African police were working assiduously to ensure that other culprits of the attacks face justice.

He added that the president's decision to dispatch him and his special adviser to Nigeria was borne out of his belief that Nigeria and South Africa share a common agenda. .

Radebe said xenophobia, which has been happening in the country in the past

10 years, was traceable to economic hardship and prevalent unemployment in South Africa.

In a statement later yesterday, Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said during the meeting, the president recalled roles played

by Nigeria in engendering majority rule in South Africa, which led to the end of the apartheid segregationist policy.

"Going back to historical antecedents, we made great sacrifices for South Africa to become a free state. I was a junior officer to Gen. Murtala Muhammad and Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo.

They were not operating in a democracy, but they got Nigerians to support them in the bid to see a free South Africa. “Our leadership was quite committed to the cause.

We made sacrifices, which younger people of today may not know. During my last visit to South Africa with the late President Robert Mugabe, it was very emotional, as Mugabe spoke about Nigeria’s contribution to free South Africa," the statement quoted the president as saying.

Adesina added that Buhari thanked Ramaphosa, through the special envoy, “for coming to explain to us what happened in South Africa recently, leading to killing and displacement of foreigners," adding that "President Buhari responded to profuse apologies from the South African president, pledging that relationship between the two countries 'will be solidified,' while describing the xenophobic attacks as 'very unfortunate.’ He added: "The special envoy disclosed that 10 people died during the attacks – two Zimbabweans and eight South Africans. He said there was no Nigerian casualty.�

Obasanjo Demands Apology, Reconciliation Meanwhile, Obasanjo yesterday broke silence on the xenophobic attacks by South Africans on other fellow Africans, describing the unfortunate incident as a great disservice to the whole of Africa and black race.

He charged South African authorities to embark on genuine fence-mending, reconciliation and woundbinding with countries whose citizens have been victims of xenophobia.

He also warned against reprisals and repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa, saying it would not solve the matter.

Obasanjo’s suggestions were contained in a reply to a September 11 letter by the President of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, to the former president on xenophobia in South Africa.

He said: “As a suggestion, South Africa should send emissaries to the countries concerned to explain, apologise and agree on the way forward for mutual understanding, accommodation, reconciliation, and binding the wound to promote unity, concord, and brotherhood in Africa.

Repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa is obviously not a permanent solution. At best it is palliative. “But the hurt will still remain for some time. Neither is revenge a desirable solution.

Mutual understanding and acknowledgement of what needs to be done on all sides is imperative and getting down to doing them is the solution that will serve Nigeria and South Africa and indeed Africa well particularly in this era of Africa Continental Free Trade Area opportunities.

Nigeria and South Africa must

Also yesterday, Air Peace confirmed that it would evacuate the second batch of Nigerians from South Africa tomorrow.

The airline said the flight to Johannesburg would leave today by 1.00 a.m. Nigerian time and arrive back in Nigeria by 7.00p.m. the same day.

The Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, said South African authorities wanted the flight to take off in the afternoon because morning period is usually hectic at the airport.

According to him, out of over 600 Nigerians that are willing to come, 360 of them have been cleared for the evacuation but the airline would airlift 320 in the second batch, which is the capacity of the aircraft, Boeing 777 that would be deployed for the flight.

He spoke just as the federal government revealed that both Ogun and Imo states have the highest number of returnees evacuated from South Africa last week.

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa told reporters that after profiling of the 187 already in the country according to states, Ogun State has the highest number with 30 followed by Imo with 28.

Abia has seven; Anambra,13; Edo, 13; Ekiti, six; Enugu, seven; Lagos, seven; Kogi, one; Benue, one; Osun, six; Oyo, 23; Delta,15; Anambra,13 and Ebonyi, two.

Dabiri-Erewa said it was the responsibility of the governors to integrate and empower Nigerians who are being evacuated from South Africa.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

9

NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Osinbajo: Nigerians to Enjoy Living Standard Similar to Developed Economies James Emejo in Abuja

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the present administration is committed to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy an improved living standard which is comparable to what currently obtains in developed countries.

Speaking at the opening of the 60th Nigerian Economic Society (NES) annual conference in Abuja, themed: “Economic Policies and Quality of Life in Africa,” the vice president said the federal government was “committed to this solemn promise.”

He predicated his optimism on what he described as the high macroeconomic returns envisaged from key policy initiatives of government.

Osinbajo commended the NES for organising the conference, noting that the “progress we seek in our lives can only be achieved when anchored in credible economic development agenda at all levels of government.”

Represented by the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, Osinbajo added that the theme of the conference was consistent with national development priorities which

stemmed from government’s determination to address the economic and social challenges facing the country.

He said proper articulation and effective implementation of policies would help in the effective delivery of the dividends of democracy, stressing that the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) had been developed in response to the economic challenges at the beginning of the Buhari-led administration specifically to address inherent challenges and ensure inclusiveness.

The vice president noted that in order to create a more inclusive society that enhances the quality of life, government had continued to implement social investment programmes.

Among other things, he said, the current administration has initiated the single window project which provides data to all trading partners and special investors, a move which he said would in no small measure enhance the ease of doing business in the country.

He added that government is making efforts towards revitalising the textile industry, stressing that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, working closely with relevant stakeholders, had

commenced the data gathering process in this regard.

He said: “This conference couldn’t have come at a better time than now when the current administration is in the process of developing a successor long term and medium term development plan for the country.

“In order to create a more inclusive society that enhances the quality of life, government has continued to implement social investment programmes.

The sum of N500 billion has been

appropriated annually for the scheme since 2016. This reflects the continued determination of government to pursue an inclusive society and achieve a pro-poor policy.

“Policies such as the N-Power scheme have seen over 500,000 graduates and 26,000 nongraduates engaged. Under the national Home-grown Feeding Programme, as at March 2019, over 9.5 million school children across 30 states are being fed... the Government Enterprise and

Empowerment Programme has seen to the disbursement of $1.71 million loans to small businesses across the 36 states and the FCT. “Over 297,973 households in 26 states across the country are benefiting from the conditional cash transfer scheme. Let me commend the NES for organising this conference and state the fact that progress we seek in our lives can only be achieved when anchored in credible economic development agenda at all levels of government.”

Osinbajo said government had in July completed and published the 2019 survey of micro, small and medium enterprises for intervention by government and other stakeholders, adding that “We are also working with several stakeholders to support MSMEs in all sectors for capacity building and credit.”

He also said the current administration was formalising artisanal and small scale mining operations to integrate their activities into the formal economy.

Nigeria, India Worse on Gender Inequality Index, Says Gates Martins Ifijeh The co-Founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Mr. Bill Gates, has stated that Nigeria and India are the worse countries on the global gender inequality index, and that this may hamper the drive to improving human capital development and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

He said although a person’s gender and place of birth still unfortunately determine the future of that person, countries must make conscious investments in their ‘next generation’ if they hoped to build on the improvements already made in health and development, as shown by the Goalkeepers Report, an annual report by the BMGF to track progress in SDG. Gates, who stated this during a restricted teleconference held with select journalists across the world recently, said: “Countries that are interesting to look at are India and Nigeria, where the districts that are worst off are some of the toughest in the world, and the districts that are well off are actually almost exceeding the success of developed countries.

We need to take best practices from the best countries.

“Our data shows that while progress on health and development continues unabated, global inequality remains a major barrier to achieving the SGD. Even in the worst-off parts of low and low-middle-income countries, more than 99 percent of communities have seen an improvement in child mortality and schooling. Yet, despite this progress, persistent gaps in opportunity mean that nearly half

a billion people-about one in 15 persons-still do not have access to basic health and education,” adding that majority of those affected are women and girls.

Gates mentioned that gaps between countries, districts, and boys and girls prove that the world’s investments in development were not reaching everyone, adding that no matter where one is from, life is still harder for females than males.

The foundation co-founder said despite gains in female educational attainment, opportunities for girls are limited by social norms, discriminatory laws and policies, as well as gender-based violence, noting that to address this persistent inequality, countries should look at a new approach to development, targeting the poorest people to make up the most ground.

According to him, “Governments should prioritise primary healthcare to deliver a health system that works for the poorest; digital governance to ensure that governments are responsive to their leastempowered citizens, and more support for farmers to help them adapt to climate change worst effects.

“We will produce a Goalkeepers Data Report every year through 2030, timing it to the annual gathering of world leaders in New York for the UN General Assembly.”

Gates described Nigeria as a super-important country for achieving SDG globally, adding that the BMGF has done a lot of work in Nigeria on polio, and was glad the country has gone almost three years without having a polio case.

THE WORLD LEADERS...

L-R: Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres; New President of United Nations General Assembly, Amb Tijjani Mohammed Bande; and immediate past President of the United Nations General Assembly, Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, after the handover in New York, USA... yesterday

Ambassador: 10,000 Nigerian Girls Forced into Prostitution in Burkina Faso The Nigerian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Ramatu Ahmed, yesterday said that no fewer than 10,000 Nigerian girls are forced into prostitution in Burkina Faso.

Ahmed disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Ouagadougou.

She said the victims of the sex-trade were mainly underage girls kept in appalling conditions in Ouagadougou and in mining camps across the West African country.

Ahmed, who has been in Burkina Faso since August 2017, said over 200 Nigerian girls had been voluntarily repatriated this year.

According to the Ambassador, many of the girls, who were promised jobs in the country and Europe by the human traffickers,

are not willing to return home.

“The spate of human trafficking here in Burkina Faso is a big concern to the embassy because at present, we have nothing less than 10,000 Nigerian girls who have been trafficked into Burkina Faso as commercial sex workers.

“And most of these girls are underage; most left schools and are roaming about doing commercial sex work in Burkina Faso.

“This apart from being a dent to our country, it is also a sort of concern as far as their health is concerned. This is very serious to us and most of the girls who want to go back as a result this voluntary repatriation do it because they were tricked, they did not know the condition there are going to found themselves here.

“For every Nigerian girl that escapes and wants to go back,

there are more than 10 in the bush that are willing to carry on,” she said.

Ahmed condemned the activities of Nigerian syndicates operating in Burkina Faso, vowing that the embassy will continue to track them down and bring the perpetrators to book in collaboration with the local authorities.

She said the embassy was partnering with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) office in Ouagadougou to assist in the voluntary repatriation of some of the victims of human trafficking.

“Two hundred girls have been repatriated to Nigeria by the embassy, this is apart from the ones that run to the churches, some to other Civil society Organisations (CSOs) and the

International Organisations on Migration (IOM).

“In fact, the IOM is complaining to the embassy that most of its money meant for West Africa is used to repatriate Nigerian girls back home and they are complaining that with time, they would not be able to cope with the number.

“So, if the embassy alone have repatriated 200 girls, you can imagine how many girls the IOM has repatriated and the reason they are complaining,” she said.

Ahmed appealed to Nigerian parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards more closely and not to be swayed by promises of greener pastures abroad.

“I am pleading with Nigerian parents that they should know what their children are doing.

NECO Withholds Niger Candidates’ SSCE Results Laleye Dipo in Minna The National Examination Council (NECO) has withheld the June/ July Senior School Certificate Examination results of candidates who wrote the examinations in Niger State.

Investigation by THISDAY revealed that the results were

withheld by the examination council over the failure Niger State’s government to pay about N400 million registration fees.

NECO had allowed the students to sit for the examination on the promise that state government would settle the debt before the release of the results.

It was learnt that even non

indigenous students, who paid their registration fees through the Ministry of Education, have also not been able to access their results because government did not pay the money to NECO. Efforts to reach the Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Alhaji Abubakar Gana, were abortive as he was said to

have traveled out of Minna.

However, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Bala Mila, confirmed the story and blamed the development on paucity of funds. Mila said the ministry was already discussing with NECO on how to reach an amicable settlement adding that about N100 million had been paid.

10

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

US Envoy Tasks Nigeria on Job Creation, New Markets Bennett Oghifo U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires, Kathleen FitzGibbon, has stated that strong intellectual property rights protection is essential for creating jobs and opening new markets for goods and services.

FitzGibbon, according to a statement by Public Affairs Section (PAS), U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, made this observation yesterday during a two-day Intellectual Property (IP) Symposium on the theme “The Bane of Counterfeit

Oyo Election Tribunal Upholds Makinde’sVictory Truth has prevailed, says governor Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Oyo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Ibadan, the state capital, yesterday dismissed the petition of the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general election, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

The tribunal in a unanimous judgement delivered by Justice Sirajo Muhammed on behalf of the three-member panel, which lasted for over seven hours, also upheld the election of Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected governor of the state.

The tribunal averred that the petitioners, Adelabu, and the APC failed to prove the allegations of corrupt practices, overvoting, improper accreditation, inaccurate ballot counting and non-compliance with the 2010 Electoral Act as amended.

It stated that he who asserts must prove, and the witness must be those who participated in the election, noting that on the evidences of PW4 and PW28, they were not in tandem with the ‘Jurant Protection Act’, and consequently dismissed the petition.

The petitioners had filed a petition challenging the declaration of Makinde by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

They also prayed the tribunal to declare Adelabu the winner of the election having scored the highest number of lawful votes or nullify the election and order a rerun.

Notable members of the PDP and opposition APC stormed the tribunal venue with many arriving as early as 6 a.m., and met security operatives on ground.

Apart from lawyers and those who have genuine business to do within the premises, those who were granted access were screened, as the tribunal commenced the reading of the judgement at about 10:15 a.m.

While reacting to the judgement, one of the counsel to Adelabu, Akin Oladeji, said he and his other colleagues, who are Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), would study the full judgment to know the next line of action after discussing with their client.

According to him, “Until we study the full judgment, then we will know the next line of action. This judgment has just been delivered, and we need to look at everything which the court has decided and see whether to take it further.”

However, the state Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, has congratulated Makinde, for his victory at the election petition

tribunal.

Mustapha, in a statement issued by the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akeem Olatunji, said the judiciary should be commended for upholding the wishes of the people as demonstrated by the pattern of voting in the last gubernatorial election by declaring Makinde as the winner.

According to the party, the governorship election petition tribunal, by its landmark ruling, had helped to restore hope to Nigerians that judgment is not for sale.

Mustapha saluted the judges for putting honesty, justice and fear of God above any other considerations to carry out their professional callings.

Also, the state Secretary of PDP, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, in a separate statement issued by Olatunji, commended members of the bench for being firm despite attempted rampage to destroy the judiciary, insisting that this has reinforced the hope of average Nigerians that men and women of unquestionable characters abound in the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Makinde, while reacting to the judgement, described the victory of the PDP, the platform he won the March 9, 2019 governorship election in the state, as the triumph of truth over falsehood.

This was as he appreciated the people of the state for standing by him before, during and after the election, calling on the opposition APC to forget politics for now and join hands with him to work for the good of the state.

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Makinde as saying that he did not expect anything less from the election tribunal, “because truth was always constant.”

According to him, “We want to thank the people of Oyo State who have stood by us before, during and after the election, and since we have got into office.

We didn’t expect anything else, because truth is constant. No matter how far a lie goes, the truth will always come out.

“We have remained focused on the task the people of the state committed into our hands.

Today, we went out to Bishop Philip Academy to kick-start our programme for the provision of textbooks and exercise books, who resumed after the long vacation.

We didn’t break any sweat over the petition, we have remained focused and we are pushing on with our agenda for the state.

“What I will say to the APC is that they should let us forget politics for now. We can pick up politics again by 2022. For now, let us all work together for the good of the people of Oyo State.”

Pharmaceuticals and Piracy.”

The symposium, which was attended by senior officials from Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA), legislators, lawyers, business, and technology leaders, was organised by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and the American Business Council, in partnership with the Government of Nigeria and members of the private sector, the statement said.

The envoy emphasised the importance of intellectual property rights protection, which she said “enables the innovation and creativity needed to bolster economic growth.”

She said: “This is not just an American issue, this is a global

issue and as Nigeria moves ahead with goals of diversifying and shifting to a knowledge-based economy, a strong intellectual property rights regime will help attract investment and protect Nigerian ideas and Nigerian businesses.”

She urged government, consumers and businesses to join forces in ensuring the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Others who spoke at the opening of the symposium include a member of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training, Robert Bowman and

a leading intellectual property scholar and the IP Chair at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Adebambo Adewopo.

The statement said students of the Caro Favored Schools of Ajegunle presented a dramatic sketch, which was designed to raise awareness among young Nigerian consumers about the importance of trademarks, brands and dangers of counterfeited products.

The symposium also featured panel discussions, exhibitions and the screening of a documentary “Fishbone,” a Nollywoodproduced film, on the menace of counterfeited pharmaceuticals

and their effect on both Nigeria citizens and the local economy.

“Through economic diplomacy overseas, the United States encourages host-nation governments to establish predictable legal regimes to ensure intellectual property rights can be secured,” the statement said.

It said as a follow-up to the IP symposium, the regional taskforce against counterfeit pharmaceuticals and healthrelated safety will hold their first roundtable meeting on September 18-20, while the regional cybercrime, cyber security, and internet piracy workshop will take place on September 23-27, 2019.

EXPANDING THE FRONTIERS…

L-R: US Consul-General in Lagos, Ms Claire Pierangelo; National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and Charge d’ Affaires, US Mission in Nigeria, Ms Kathleen Fitzgibbon, after an audience with Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence, Ikoyi, Lagos... yesterday

Gunmen Abduct Four BayelsaYouths Who Went to Rescue AccidentVictims Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa A younger brother to former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power and a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godknows Igali, was among those kidnapped last weekend while attempting to rescue several Bayelsa youths who were involved in an accident during a trip from Imo State.

Robert Igali, a leader of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), and three others were forcibly taken away at Elele community in Rivers State by unknown gunmen who are said to be demanding N5 million ransoms for their

freedom.

The incident has further thrown the state and the accident victims, mostly social media influencers, into mourning in an incident where two persons, including the driver and a popular activist , Prince Elayo Ekete, died on the spot while the others are said to be recovering in the hospital.

They were returning from the marriage ceremony of one of the aides of the member representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Preye Oseke, in Mbaise, Imo State, when their vehicle had an accident.

On hearing the news, Igali

and his friends were said to have rushed to the scene of the accident from Yenagoa, but were lured to a bush within the Madonna Teaching Hospital with a phone call by the hoodlums using the mobile phones of some of the accident victims.

One of the accident victims, who is said to be responding to treatment at the time of filing this report, Dini Adiva, in a message on social media, urged the people of the state to pray for the abducted youths.

“Pray for those who were kidnapped while trying to make arrangements to move us from Madonna University, Elele, to Yenagoa, so that they come out

unhurt.

“This is a trying time for me, and I know it will pass. I appreciate all your love and support, I’m yet to seat upright and walk, it will take some time though. Ebinebo Stample and others are also recuperating well,” she said.

It was learnt that on getting to the spot, the gunmen reportedly came out with AK 47 rifles and abducted the victims, threatening to kill them if they raised the alarm.

The incident has led to a 24hour break in political campaigns on social media in the state in honour of those who lost their lives during the fatal accident.

Katsina Election Tribunal Relocates to Abuja Francis SardaunainKatsina The Governorship, National and State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Katsina State yesterday relocated its sitting venue from Katsina to Abuja.

The tribunal has been holding its proceedings in the Katsina State High Court since it inauguration six months ago.

An administrative officer of the three-man panel, who pleaded anonymity, told journalists in Katsina yesterday, that the “tribunal have to relocate to Abuja for security reasons.

The source, who couldn’t disclose the new venue of the tribunal in Abuja, said: “The sitting is now taking place in Abuja and not in Katsina again.”

However, the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, in a telephone interview, told THISDAY that there was no official document informing the party of the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja.

He said PDP and its 2019 governorship candidate, Senator Yakubu Lado, would honour the ‘oral’ invitation to attend the sitting

in Abuja before they would make their final stand on the decision taken by the three-man panel.

According to him, “We have just been told of the change in the venue of the tribunal. It is now shifted to a magistrate court at Wuse, Abuja.

We are on our way there now for the adoption of the addresses slated for tomorrow (Tuesday) before we can make our stand known to the public.”

Meanwhile, before the announcement of the new venue, counsel to the parties in the governorship petition were

supposed to adopt their various written addresses today (Monday) before the tribunal would give a date for the ruling on the petition.

Senator Lado and his party, the PDP, had dragged Governor Aminu Bello Masari and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), before the tribunal, challenging the result of the March 9, 2019, governorship election.

Masari, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are the first, second and the third respondents in the petition.

11

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Bauchi Gov: NLTP will Accommodate Fulani Herdsmen from Neighbouring Countries Chuks Okocha in Abuja Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, yesterday said the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) programme by the federal government would accommodate every Fulani herdsmen including those from Chad, Niger, Mali and other neighbouring countries.

The governor, who stated this while speaking as a guest on the Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, said Fulani herdsmen are nomadic in nature, adding that it would not be appropriate to deprive any of them from

benefitting from the livestock plan on the account of being aliens.

The controversial NLTP programme is to be 80 per cent funded by the federal government, while the states would provide 20 per cent counterpart funding and the needed land.

Mohammed, whose state is part of the first batch to benefit from the programme, noted that Fulani herdsmen exist in many countries across Africa, stressing that they share brotherhood which transcends boundaries.

“I think there is a lot of mistrust and misconception as regards the Fulani man. The Fulani man is

a global or African person. He moves from the Gambia to Senegal and his nationality is Fulani.

“As a person I may have my relations in Cameroon but they are also Fulani. I am a Fulani man from my maternal side. We will just have to take this as our own heritage, something that is African. So, we cannot just close our borders and say the Fulani man is just a Nigerian.

“In most cases, the crisis is precipitated by those outside Nigeria. When there is a reprisal, it is not the Fulani man within

Nigeria that causes it. It is that culture of getting revenge which is embedded in the traditional Fulani man that attracts reprisal,” Mohammed said.

When asked if it’s right to allow foreigners to benefit from Nigerian taxpayers’ money, the governor said it was proper, adding that Fulani do not actually have one single nationality since they are nomadic in nature.

According to him, “We are already accommodating them. Do you delineate and really know who is not a Nigerian Fulani man?

They are all Nigerians because their identity, their citizenship is Nigerian even though they have relatives from all over the world.

“So, presumably they are Nigerians because they move all over and have relations all over. That is why our population in Nigeria is fluid.”

On the question if there would be any form of documentation for the Fulani herdsmen coming into Nigeria from other countries, Mohammed said: “Yes, this will give Nigeria the opportunity of having proper documentation

and knowing the demography because the Fulani man settles anywhere he can feed his cattle.”

The NLTP programme, headed and being implemented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is aimed at providing one-stop location herdsmen and their livestock in designated colonies which would give them the opportunity of exploiting the livestock value chain.

Already, many northern states have accepted and embraced the policy, while the southern states are not comfortable with the plan.

Bandits Abduct Three in Kaduna Katung, wife of the pastor of John Shiklam in Kaduna

Three people, including a clergy and his daughter, have been abducted by gunmen in Kaduna State.

The clergy man, Rev. Haggai Kwasau, and his daughter, Margret, are members of Baptist Church in Kankomi Village located in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. They were reportedly abducted on Sunday.

The bandits were said to have invaded the community at about 11.00 p. m., and started shooting sporadically.

Chairman of Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, who confirmed the incident, said the family members of victims informed him of the unfortunate incidents last night.

He also disclosed that on Saturday, Mrs. Esther Ishaku

ECWA Church in Bagoma, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was abducted, when bandits broke into their home in the night.

Hayab said her husband, Rev. Ishaku Katung, who managed to escaped, was seriously injured by the bandits and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The CAN chairman added that people are becoming helpless by the day following the deadly activities of bandits.

“We are no longer safe in our homes. We are no longer safe on the highways. We are in perilous times and we pray that the authorities will wake up to their responsibilities and address the menace,” he said.

However, Public Relations Officer, Kaduna State Police Command, Mr. Yakubu Sabo, did not respond to calls and text messages when contacted on the issue.

LEAH SHARIBU ON THEIR MINDS…

The Representative of the government of Antigua and Barbuda, and Minister of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development, Hon. Samantha Nicole Marshall (left), and founder of the #FreeLeahSharibu Movement, Mr. Reno Omokri, discussing what the government of Antigua and Barbuda can do to aid the release of Leah Sharibu…recently

Police Arrest The Punch Reporter over Sacked UNIZIK Wike Remodels 253 Schools in Rivers who will be empowered in interventions.

Ernest Chinwo in Port Lecturer’s Petition According to him, “We shall the process of executing the Harcourt David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Police Command (ASPC) has arrested a reporter with Punch newspapers, Mr. Tony Okafor, over a petition brought to the State Police Commissioner, John Abang, by a former lecturer with Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State.

The former lecturer, Dr. Peter Ekemezie, was sacked by the university following an allegation published by Punch newspaper that he forged some credentials to attain a PhD The notice of his sack was communicated by the Registrar of NAU, Philomena Okoye, in a letter that ordered the indicted lecturer to immediately hand over all the institution’s property and must not return to the institution except with the express permission of the Vice Chancellor.

The Punch reporter disclosed to THISDAY that he was arrested by the police yesterday, around 12p.m., on the petition of the sacked lecturer.

However, the Public Relations Officer of ASPC, SP. Haruna Mohammed, has denied that Okafor was arrested. Mohammed said the reporter was only invited by the police after the indicted former lecturer, Ekemezie, wrote a

petition against him to the state’s police commissioner.

Mohammed said: “There was a formal petition to the Commissioner of Police against one Mr.Tony Okafor and seven other persons.

“The police invited Mr. Tony Okafor for interview to ascertain the veracity of the complaint against him.

“Tony Okafor was never detained by the police, that’s why he is still using his handset to communicate.

“The commissioner of police has directed that I should find out the circumstances surrounding the incident from the officer in charge of the case and feed him back immediately.

“I have contacted the officer and he stated that he would give Mr. Tony Okafor the petition to go through.

“I have equally contacted Okafor and assured him that he would be granted bail as soon as the IPO comes back and investigation will continue.

I will keep you posted on any further development please,” Mohammed said.

The reporter was still being interrogated by the police at the time of filing this report.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said he has upgraded and expanded 253 schools in his efforts to create access to quality education in the state.

He stated yesterday while inaugurating the reconstructed and remodeled Sea-Bed Model Primary School in Port Harcourt as part of event marking his 100 days in office in his second tenure.

Wike assured Rivers people that he would continue to uplift the standard of education in the state through critical

continue to engage in human capital development. And the best way to engage in human capital development is to fund educational development.”

He announced that the state government has awarded contracts for the construction of 69 primary and basic education schools in the state.

“We are awarding contracts for the construction of 69 primary and basic education schools for the expansion of the frontiers of education.

“These projects will be handled by the people of Rivers State,

projects,” he said.

Wike said the state government would continue to develop the education sector as a way of securing the future of Rivers State.

The governor reiterated the abolition of fees and levies for all primary and secondary schools in the state.

He said: “We shall sanction any school administrator or principal that collects any type of fee. We have made provision for the funding of all schools in the state.”

Wike said while other states

celebrated their first 100 days through press conferences, the Rivers State Government has continued to deliver projects to the people.

In a project description, the Permanent Secretary of Bureau of Special Projects, Sunny Okere, said the school was remodeled and expanded, adding that the new school now has computer laboratory, electronic library, new classrooms and a generator house.

Chairman of Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Venerable Fyneface Akah, said this was the first time the school was witnessing upgrade after 106 years of existence.

Bayelsa PDP Moves to Halt Defections, Sets up Reconciliation Panel Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has constituted a nine-man committee to reconcile aggrieved members of the party after some loyalists, including Mr. Joshua MacIver, a governorship aspirant and younger brother to the State’s Deputy Governor, John Jonah, dumped the party at the weekend.

The reconciliation panel is coming on the heels of the recent primary election where Senator Douye Diri emerged as candidate

of the party for the November 16, 2019, governorship election.

The State Chairman of PDP, Mr. Cleopas Moses, said in a statement that the committee would be inaugurated on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, by Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.

Moses noted that there was need to carry all members of the party along and ensure its unity ahead of the governorship election.

The committee would be chaired by Senator Inatimi RufusSpiff, with a former Secretary to

the State Government, Gideon Ekeuwei, as secretary.

Other members are Senator Emmanuel Diffa, Chief Bright Erewari-Igbeta, Hon. Darius Obiene, George Okiriyan, Israel Igbori, Hon. Solomon Agwanana and Millionaire Asangba.

In a related development, the party chairman has urged members to remain steadfast and not listen to the propaganda and blackmail being spread by the opposition in the state.

He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) lacks the capacity

and a marketable candidate to win the governorship election in the state.

“The APC cannot, and does not have the capacity, to win in Bayelsa State. It does not have a marketable governorship candidate that Bayelsans will accept and support,” he said.

Moses noted that the recent appointments of Bayelsans as Minister of State (Petroleum) and an Executive Director in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), were to entice the people of the state with bogus promises

12

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Group Carpets S’Africa for Attempting to Stop Nigerians from Returning Home A leading Non-Governmental Organisation, African Diaspora Coalition for Unity and Progress (ADCUP), has condemned the action of the South African Government that disallowed several Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa from boarding the Air Peace flight sent to the former apartheid enclave.

This was contained in a press statement issued in Lagos by the Executive Secretary of the organisation, Chris Kehinde Nwandu.

According to ADCUP, the South African government has by its action contravened the objectives of the African Union

and the African Protocols on the movement of people .

The group said it was saddening enough that the South African government closed a blind eye to the continued attacks of Africans by its citizens in the past few months, which led to the death of several fellow black brothers and sisters in what has been described as the most vicious xenophobic attacks in modern history.

“Disallowing willing Nigerians from leaving their country on the flimsy excuse of not having relevant papers is adding more salt to an already bruised injury.

The organisation therefore enjoins

all Nigerians still held up in the country be allowed to go home without any inhibition,” the group said.

It commended the efforts of

the federal government, Air Peace, Nigerian Embassy in South Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Diaspora Commission towards

making sure that Nigerians in South Africa did not get stranded .

The group recalled that only 187 out of over 300 Nigerians

initially scheduled to be in the first batch of returnees were allowed by the South African government to board the Air Peace flight to Lagos

EU Commits 1bn Euros for Products Standardisation in West Africa Ndubuisi FrancisinAbuja The European Union (EU) has so far contributed a billion Euros to help the standardisation of goods and services produced within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as part of the efforts to make them satisfactory for the global market.

The EU Project Manager for the West Africa Quality Systems Programme (WAQSP), Mr. Frank Okafor, who made the revelation in Abuja, at the extended WASQP steering committee meetings, stated that EU’s backing of the programme was targeted at promoting and unifying trade within the ECOWAS sub-region as well as to the world markets.

According to him, the EU contribution has been for a period of about 17 years, adding that it has also partnered and coordinated efforts with other development partners, including USAID, among others.. “ All our contributions to this quality upgrade project is aimed at having a harmonised standards of products in West Africa and to ensure that goods and services here are competitive and meet the international requirement with all bearing the ECOWAS Quality Agency - ECOWAQ approval Mark,” Okafor said..

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the UN body charged with industry worldwide under whose purview the project is being undertaken has the mandate to promote and accelerate the inclusive and sustainable industrial development of developing countries and economies in transition.

Addressing the representatives of ECOWAS countries , the UNIDO Director General, Mr. Li Yong who was represented by the UNIDO

Project Officer in charge of the WAQSP, Mr. Bernard Bau noted UNIDO’s intervention in the programme.

On the progress report of the implementation so far, he said: “ We have taken it from a very short perspective but I think what counts here is the overall result. From last year we have made big progress, we have held very critical regional training and workshops on different important topics such as consumer protection, public procurement guidelines to integrate quality requirements.

“We are also working on curriculum for universities, we want universities to take methods at the regional level, we have also moved towards the accreditation with international recognition of additional testing laboratories and certification.’’

“Now we have reached a number of 19 conformity assessment bodies being accredited in the region of which four are certification bodies.

We have also developed further the quality certification mandate that we have established for ECOWAS. Some countries so far have also adopted their national quality policy--nine out of the 16 West African countries in the region. We still have to work a bit with the six or seven remaining countries so that they push the agenda for the adoption of quality policy because it is really the backbone of quality infrastructure development for ECOWAS countries.

“Unfortunately, I must say that Nigeria has not done the step; they have not yet approved the quality policy. There are a lot of internal discussion and negotiation in the country and you know that Nigeria is a very big economy; some discussions are ongoing but we are positive and hopeful that the policy will be adopted if not this year, then next year,” Bau noted.

SECURING INVESTMENTS...

L-R: Representative of President Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Tom Yakubu; Chairman/CEO Investments and Securities Tribunal, Hon. Siaka Isaiah Idoko-Akoh; members of the tribunal, Hon. Jude Ike Udunni; and Hon. Emeka Madubuike, during the commencement of 2019/2020 Legal Year of Investments and Securities Tribunal, held in Lagos… yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Invest in Humanity Not Nuclear Weapons, Ooni Tells World Leaders Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has urged world leaders to invest in humanity through researches and documentation of historical facts rather than spending funds on nuclear weapons.

The Ooni, who is the cochairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), made the call at his Palace in Ile-Ife while playing host to a team of researchers led by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jerome Pasquier.

The foremost African monarch, who decried the huge amount of resources invested in the procurement of war weapons which he described as items of destruction, posited that the world

would be a better place for all if such is spent to advance nature through archeological and historical researches that can establish the links connecting various nations in the world as one family.

According to him, “We are one people regardless of our cultural, racial, religious and social beliefs, and the earlier we recognise this fact, the better for us. Let us use our God-given resources and potential to document our history and research on archeology linking all of us together as one family even though we are separated by artificial national boundaries.

These archeological items are useful for the unborn generations, rather than destroying ourselves with our own resources.”

On the visit of the French ambassador and other researchers

to the ancient city, Ogunwusi revealed that there is a strong cultural relationship between France and Nigeria, especially on the basis of kingship. He commended the visiting ambassador and his team for their commitment to the promotion of the ‘prestigious’ African culture.

The Ile-Ife monarch said: “Just recently, the French President, Mr. Emanuel Macron, visited Nigeria during which he stopped at some notable heritage sites, including the famous musical shrine originated by the late Afro legend, our own Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

“I have always said we are of one family source; the Europeans too are now corroborating me.

The French Government has been wonderful, especially in ensuring that all our artifacts are returned to

us in this part of Africa, and they are working with us on this here in Ile-Ife, as they are also working with the Benin kingdom. Of course, you all know the strong relationship between the Benin kingdom and the Yoruba people as direct descendants of Oduduwa, who pioneered kingship in the world with this sacred throne I now occupy as the Arole Oodua and the natural head of the Yoruba race worldwide.”

Earlier in his address, the Ambassador, Pasquier, who was flanked by the French Consular General, Mrs. Lawrence Nonnayrant, and other personalities admitted that the Ile-Ife kingdom occupies a huge place in history, adding that such historical relevance could be a source of economic gain if maximised.

UNIVERSITIES SUFFER FROM UNDER-FUNDING DESPITE N1.3TN SPENT ON EDUCATION “Over the years, the position has remained that of poor funding of the university facilities which in turn has undermined quality teaching and learning; dilapidated structures, poor teaching and learning environment, as well as others such poor hostel facility for students residence on campus over the years,” he said.

He also accused administrative and governing councils of poor management of even the little funds provided by the government.

He said: “Gross underfunding and poor management of available funds by administrative and governing councils have not helped matters in the university system over the years as facilities deteriorates, which has undermined quality of teaching and learning.”

He, however, said it was only recently that the federal government took the issue of funding seriously because of the efforts by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who has been making efforts to make government see why it should adequately fund universities.

Monye -Emina said with the coming back of Adamu as education minister, there is hope that he will continue in that light to get government cooperation to adequately fund universities beyond the present handouts.

Reacting to Buhari’s claim that his administration has so far spent about N1.3 trillion on the education sector in the last five years, Academic of Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, told

THISDAY that there was nothing to support such claim in terms of the turnaround of the nation’s universities, stressing that the universities still lacked the facilities to operate properly.

He said only N220 billion has been allocated to the universities by the federal government out of the N1.3 trillion it agreed to provide within the period of 2013 to 2018.

He said as part of the agreement reached with the federal government, as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2013 with the union, the federal government agreed to inject a total of N1.3 trillion into the university system in six tranches over a period of six years, ending in 2018.

According to him, a framework

for achieving this kind of revitalisation of the country’s universities is provided by the federal government’s Committee on Needs Assessment of Public Universities set up in 2012.

He said following the reports of the NEEDS Committee, ASUU pressed for the implementation of its recommendations with a strike in 2013 resulting in the signing of an MoU with the union.

“This agreement on massive injection of funds into the system was meant to transform and reposition Nigerian public universities for global reckoning.

Unfortunately, however, only N220 billion has been released to date, out of the promised N1.3 trillion under the Needs Assessment Intervention regime,” he said.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

13

14

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

COMMENT

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

THE $9.6B JUDGMENT DEBT BURDEN

Government should explore every legal means to resolve the dispute, writes Adewale Kupoluyi

T

he court judgment of $9.6 billion against Nigeria by a United Kingdom court for its inability to perform a subsisting contract between both parties continues to elicit reactions and controversy in the polity. In a judgment against the nation, the Irish company, Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) has been given the right to seize $9.6bn in Nigerian assets. The sum, which is about 20 per cent of the country’s external reserves of $45billion, makes the judgment a product of the inability of our government to keep faith with the contractual terms with the existing Gas Supply and Processing Agreement (GSPA), causing the nation an opportunity to add 2,000 megawatts of power to its generation capacity.

In 2010, both parties had signed the agreement that P&ID would build a state-of-the-art gas processing plant that would convert wet gas to dry gas and supply same to the national grid at no extra cost to the country while the federal government would lay pipelines and supply gas to the plant in line with the deal. The company was obliged to make its invested funds through the exportation of byproducts of the wet gas for over 20 years. Reports indicated that the government failed to lay required pipes, making it impossible for P&ID to build the plant, as agreed. This brought about the dispute that made the company accuse Nigeria of breach of contract and depriving it of opportunity to earn a profit, as building the plant was contingent on the government laying the pipes.

For emphasis, in keeping to the terms of the contract, the company had opted for arbitration and a settlement was reached in 2015 in which Nigeria agreed to pay $850 million. Unfortunately, Nigeria did not adhere to the terms of the arbitration, making P&ID resort to arbitration and in 2017 whereby the arbitration tribunal ruled in favour of the company and ordered Nigeria to pay for the value of the profits which P&ID would have earned from March 2013 with interest. Despite this, the government reneged by forcing the company to approach a commercial court to seek enforcement of the tribunal’s ruling, which culminated in making the court to rule that Nigeria had erred in the handling of the matter and should, therefore, pay $9.6 billion to the company. The non-presentation of proper documentation to the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court) has accounted for the legal action facing the nation. The interim award judgment would give P&ID the right to seize Nigeria’s assets in any of the 160 countries that form part of the New York Convention, which is a global pact for the enforcement of such arbitral awards. Matters arising from the case suggest that there are many faults on the part of the government. For instance, representatives of the government were accused of not being in court when required or refused to follow up on negotiated out of court settlements. These amounted to costly legal mistakes as the judgment is capable of making the country to lose a huge amount of its external reserves, about 2.5 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Furthermore, rather than correcting the mistake, retrogressive actions were taken by the country and the suit, which lasted for more than four years, had a ruling against Nigeria that it was liable to the P&ID. This judgment was never contested.

The following knotty questions deserve answers: why did public officials offer to give up jurisdiction clause to overseas interests and by so doing, externalise the choice of law in contracts to be executed within local jurisdictions? Could this be deliberate to put the nation in a disadvantaged position? Was the deal meant to be a failed venture ab initio? What

WE SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE IS A SERIOUS ONE THAT SHOULD BE ACCORDED GREAT ATTENTION, EXPERTISE, AND PATRIOTISM

were the obligations and limitations of the parties? What is the actual amount that the firm invested in Nigeria on the contract? Where is the office of the firm located in the country? Who are the personnel and principal officers of the firm in Nigeria? These are questions that deserve concrete explanations in line with the statutory requirements for foreign participation of business in Nigeria.

As a way forward, the government should explore every legal means to resolve the dispute without further delay. This becomes crucial in view of insinuations by government that the judgment debt was a calculated attempt by international and local scammers to deplete the country’s rising foreign reserves, just as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), had rejected claims by P&ID that he was culpable for causing a delay that culminated into the award of $9.6 billion against the nation.

It is hoped that the country’s economy would not be depleted going by the welcome decision to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the police and relevant bodies to look into the saga. Those found guilty should be sanctioned no matter how highly placed they may be. The federal government should logically appeal against the ruling of the UK court by exploring the possible defences customarily afforded by sovereign states under the United Kingdom Sovereign Immunity Act to halt enforcing payment of the avoidable judgment debt.

This should be properly done through a well-coordinated strategy without foreclosing out-of-court settlement options, which is the hallmark of arbitration as opposed to litigation in terms of being parties-driven, privacy, time management, and cost-effectiveness.

This possibility should be harnessed given the reported olive branch extended by the son of the owner of P&ID, Adams Quinn, in reaching out to the federal government for a possible amicable resolution of the issue in dispute. Quinn is said to be in contact with the government, having proposed meetings with government officials.

We should always remember that the business of governance is a serious one that should be accorded great attention, expertise, and patriotism. What has been the experience of the nation over the years is that governmental affairs have not been given the utmost attention that could yield or transform into rapid development and good governance for the nation. Despite our modest achievements, unnecessary rivalry, poor accountability, red-tapism, nepotism, indiscipline, lack of continuity and sustainability of public policy had characterised public administration in Nigeria.

This is lack-luster performance of public affairs has further weakened by the alleged government bloated workforce, which informed the setting up of the Steve Oronsaye Committee in 2011 and before it, the 1999 Ahmed Joda panel that had recommended the reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161, out of which about 38 of them were set for scrapping. To date, not much had been done to implement the life-transforming initiative. We need to get it right as a nation by learning from past mistakes and taking decisive and critical decisions.

The avoidable $9.6 billion debt judgment should be reversed. This is the expectation of the people.

Kupoluyi wrote from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

ASIKA’S VISION, RENASCENT BIAFRA AND IGBOS (1) Chuma Uwechia writes that Ukpabi Asika’s stature as a true giant becomes clearer with every passing day

T

he late Ajie Anthony Ukpabi Asika, died exactly 15 years ago on September 14, 2004 and his life and leadership have been subject of recent revisions of history prompting one to wonder what happened to his post-civil war neo-Biafra ideology and economic development blueprint for Ndigbo.

In May 1967, following the outbreak of Nigeria – Biafra civil war, General Yakubu Gowon, then military Head of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reorganized the country’s four regions, Northern, Eastern, Western and Mid-Western regions into 12 states. Six of the states were for minority ethnic groups that had agitated for states creation since the 1950s. The creation of East Central State, South Eastern State, Rivers and parts of Mid-Western States out of the old Eastern region comprising the secessionist region of Biafra was viewed as an attempt to deprive the Igbo majority fighting for Republic of Biafra the active support of their neighboring minorities.

By what appears to be a divine design, General Gowon appointed Dr. Ukpabi Asika, a 31-year- old Political Science lecturer at the University of Ibadan as civilian administrator of East Central State (comprising present Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi States). Asika was among the Igbo that remained within the Nigerian territory during the war. His appointment during the prosecution of the civil war seemed to be a strategy to undermine the gravity of the situation since East Central State was still part of the battle front and enclave of the secessionist Biafrans, with General Chukwuemeka Odimegu Ojukwu as the leader. It is, however, inexplicable how General Gowon settled on the Van Dyke spotting intellectual visionary and erudite wordsmith. It

seemed more than mere coincidence that fate would again thrust another native of Onitsha onto the national scene in quick succession to personalities like His Excellency and first President of Nigeria, the late Owelle, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the late Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, who has been acknowledged as the brain behind the January, 1966 military coup which was largely in reaction to a destructive political crisis which began in Western Nigeria.

In light of continuing hostilities in the east, Asika was unable to relocate to the state capital so his administration remained largely in Lagos until the fall of Biafra’s capital Enugu on October 4, 1967.

For starters, Ajie Asika, like Zik, believed in the self-determination of the Igbo, not as a separate nation, but as separate as a finger united with others as a part of the same hand called Nigeria. Further, Asika, a pragmatic patriot and nationalist believed in the concept of neo-Biafra, a nation without borders for the Igbo because of their adventurous, mercantile and egalitarian spirit, a virtual nation that lives in the heart of every Igbo person, but with a solid root and spiritual home in Eastern Nigeria. He envisioned that the Igbo just like the Jews, cannot be confined to any specific physical national boundary or continent, and saw the state of a secessionist Biafra as antiquated and against the true spirit of the Igbo adventurism.

He believed that the grave issues that led to the civil war and destruction of Igboland could have been resolved diplomatically without the further loss of millions of Igbo lives. Asika dreamed and worked for the actualization of East Central State as a great state of excellence within Nigeria and to place it in a pioneering socio-economic and technological position.

Consequently, at the end of the war in 1970, Asika assiduously tackled the colossal job of rehabilitation, reconstruction and reintegration of Ndigbo into mainstream Nigeria and reviving economic life from the ruins of Biafra with a drive that remains unparalleled till date. In the face of obvious lukewarm financial support from the federal government, Asika exhorted and led Ndigbo to rebuild their homeland through great personal exertion and self-sacrifice by calling on their legendary ingenuity, dynamism, resilience and grit. How the East Central State government managed to find enough scarce resources to jumpstart life after the war was like the miracle of Meribah, but it all boils down to the visionary and deft leadership of a 34-year -old youth.

He assembled a high powered administration that any nation would wish for. It is amazing that Asika had the burden of the destiny of the Igbo on his youthful shoulders at the age when most Nigerians are still ensconced in their cocoon at home trying to gain independence from parental control. Asika, at that stage in history, had the toughest job in Nigeria and he did not flop. At the end of the civil war, he successfully galvanized the Igbo as a group to rebuild and pursue their collective interest within Nigeria. He enlisted all the eminent players in Biafra, directly and indirectly, to help with the restoration task at hand. Despite their initial scepticism because he was viewed as a saboteur of the secessionist attempt, they could not resist supporting Asika when they saw the tenacity and sincerity of purpose that he brought to the job of reconstruction and revitalization of Igboland. At 34, Asika was a charismatic and surprisingly unifying leader who jealously guarded and protected the interest of his people and ensured

their well-being.

His administration floated the indomitable Enugu Rangers International football club which successfully flew the flag of Ndigbo to win national and international soccer championships in the post war years and restored the pride and dignity of Ndigbo.

It was a great psychological and spiritual rebirth for the Igbo on the Nigerian scene; Rangers’ feat epitomized the dynamic Igbo spirit. Today, Rangers remains the only club in Nigeria that has never been relegated from the first division league.

Also, in 1971, Asika’s government brought together all the Biafran scientists and created Projects Development Institute (PRODA) to enable the scientists to continue their amazing scientific development work and lay solid foundation for Igbo technological takeoff. PRODA was charged with the broad function of generating and catalyzing industrialization by carrying out industrial research from the laboratory stage to the pilot plant stage, and by rendering consultancy services to governments, industry and individuals. The resultant East Central State Industrial Master plan, designs and prototypes, however, remain largely ignored today by the five successive Igbo states governments, stalling the swift technological takeoff of the Eastern states. Although, the Murtala/Obasanjo regime took over PRODA in 1975 by decree, and presumably starved it of funds, and basically destroyed its aims, nothing prevented Ndigbo from effectively resuscitating PRODA as an Eastern States institute as original conceived on return to democracy in 1999.

Uwechia is a New York-based Attorney and Author of The Law and Practice Relating to Clubs and Associations

15

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

EDITORIAL 3,000 INMATES ON DEATH ROW It is unacceptable to leave inmates perpetually on death row

T

he Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) was recently renamed Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). But many are not excited by the name change because in real terms, nothing has changed. This much was confirmed last week by the NCS Controller General, Ahmed Ja’afaru who disclosed that almost 3000 inmates who have spent 10 years on death row still live under the suspense and mental torture of death. “Out of the number, a greater percentage of them may have finished appeals and are still waiting for the determination of the approving authority to either approve their execution or commit them to life imprisonment,” said Ja’afaru.

According to Ja’afaru, the prisons across the nation have a population of 73,102 prisoners, 19,878 convicted males and 299 convicted females. Condemned male prisoners stand at 2677, and females, 42. But like it has always been, prisoners awaiting trial constitute the majority as their numbers IT IS AN INHERENT stand at 50,216. Some VIOLATION ON THEIR lunatics numbering 13 are also quartered RIGHTS AND DIGNITY at the Enugu prison TO KEEP PEOPLE while condemned INTERMINABLY prisoners make up the ON DEATH ROW, rest. Most disturbing ESPECIALLY FOR CASES is the large turnover of THAT HAVE BEEN inmates on death row in the country.

CONCLUDED BY THE We can understand SUPREME COURT that some governors dither in signing death warrants on humanitarian, political, religious, emotional and ethnic grounds. But whatever may be the mitigating sentiments, the delay in carrying out this executive function is breeding congestion that has impacted significantly on the administration of justice. That is aside the helplessness endured in the roller coaster of emotions for these condemned inmates who have practically been reduced to the status of the living dead.

Statutorily, governors are not bound to sign the

Letters to the Editor

warrants for the execution of people on death row. They can exercise their prerogative to commute such sentences to lifetime in jail or reduced the jail terms. They can also grant such convicts state pardon, therefore putting a closure to the matter. But it is unacceptable for them to leave inmates perpetually on death row.

T

T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO 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 (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

XENOPHOBIA, NIGERIA AND THE AFRICAN QUESTION

T

he leadership of Africa has been etched in the manipulative tendencies of the colonial antecedents. It has been what the colonialists wanted, so what dominated Africa and made the leadership subservient and created a pervasive culture of inept leadership and selfish disposition in a culture that was hitherto selfless. By default we were selfless and creative a society for growth when the Portuguese came to Benin in the 1500s; they saw street lightings working well, the Benin moat is still a building masterpiece till date, but increasingly through our colonial past our drive for youth development had been subjugated. This subjugation has led to an inept and inert disposition of self-identity. This selfidentity crisis is the pedestal for the identification of various problems in Africa - from leadership to the followership.

The Europeans started coming to Africa in the early 1800s and by the time the Berlin Conference was held, they had successively eroded courage in a hitherto boisterous mind.

In Lagos they did that in 1860s when Akitoye and Kosoko fight started and they took over Lagos. In Congo Pietro Paolo de Brazza signed brazen ignoble treaties with Chief Makoko and took Congo hence the name Brazzaville. In the Guinea, Samori Toure was the victim. In the Bight of Benin and Biafra it was Jaja of Opobo. This same consciousness has permeated the African youth because all their fathers know is suppression by the colonialist. That’s why they are suppressing the youth too. That’s why they think it is inebriating to have a

he obligation on the governors is specifically enshrined in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution as well as Section 221 of the Penal Code and Section 319 of the Criminal Code. All this prescribes capital punishment for murder while sections 37 and 38 of the Criminal Code prescribe the same punishment for treasonable felony. There is of course a global campaign against capital punishment, but it is still applicable in Nigeria. Majority of these death row inmates are in solitary confinement having been convicted for such offences as murder, treason, and armed robbery. Some states in the country have also enacted capital punishment for those convicted of kidnapping.

It is an inherent violation on their rights and dignity to keep people interminably on death row, especially for cases that have been concluded by the Supreme Court. Such practice is antithetical and capable of inflicting traumatic shock on the condemned inmates awaiting an imaginary death in solitary confinement. To put in context, prisoners on death row are condemned to a kind of existential limbo, existing as entities in cold storage rather than living as human beings. We therefore imagine the harrowing spell condemned prisoners go through daily in solitary cells, humbled by the force of an impending death that seems to be an eternity.

Whatever may be the justifications, prolonged solitude is a punishment that is detrimental for the psychology of death row inmates. It kills the victims incessantly and unmercifully. We welcome Section 12 (2c) of the new NCS Act which provides that where an inmate on death sentence had exhausted legal procedures for appeal and a period of 10 years had elapsed without execution of the sentence, the chief judge may commute the death sentence to life imprisonment. It is the right thing to do.

youth in power, that is why the majority of the ministers screened in Nigeria are in their 60’s and this has led to national confusion.

It is indisputable that Nigeria as a country has profuse talents, resources and endless possibilities but the question which cannot be over flogged is, ‘Why have we been unable to effectively harness this potential for our success as a national entity?’ Again, what are the limiting factors that prevent this process of potential maximization? It is pertinent to ask these questions because it looks as though Nigeria and the African continent at large are gradually on the brink of collapse as indicated by the untold hardship which is currently affecting the lives of the teeming populace. The case of xenophobia in South Africa is also currently asphyxiating Africa; the air in our lungs of unity is depleting fast like a punctured tire. Nigerians have to return from South Africa hastily, the same Nigeria that protested vigorously against the Bantu education system and other nefarious policies of Verwoerd; but the nefarious needle of economic stagnation in South Africa now needles African unity. South Africa currently is afflicted with an unemployment problem and the aftershocks are felt all over Africa. Franz Fanon posited that the oppressed looks for others to oppress, hence all we hear in Africa these days is sabre rhetoric instead of sabre tooth grip on pan African cohesion.

I constantly ask: when will this end?

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

IN PRAISE OF MIMI ORUBIBI

M

rs. Mimi Adzakpe Orubibi, popularly called Mimi, is a Nigerian politician and hails from Kwande local government area of Benue State. Today, she is regarded as one of those rare women who dabbled into politics to emancipate her people. As a politician, many consider her as a progressive, someone who believes strongly in individual rights and freedom, someone who believes we are better as a society when we are working together and when we find ways of helping those who may not have all the advantages in life to get the tools they need to lead a more productive life for themselves and their family. She would be recognised as a proud Nigerian modern progressive, and that is the type of philosophy and practice we need to bring back to our country’s politics. She is a progressive who wants to get things done, who knows how to find common ground, who also knows how to stand her ground. She has proved that in all positions she has had in life. She as a politician is a defender of the true Nigerian values and she has the understanding of the principles and structures of government.

You cannot talk of Mimi Orubibi without first understanding the woman, her philosophies and her politics. She is today a woman to be studied as many now recognise her as a self-made woman and an institution. In the politics of Benue today, Mimi Orubibi is a subject.

She is a courageous and fearless political amazon, patriot, motivator, strategic thinker, risk taker, grand-mistress of grassroots politics, humanist and a crusader for change. She exudes charisma, dignity and honour, an indomitable leader, a woman endowed with sheer organisational ability, motivational prowess, the most colourful woman politician in Benue State today. As a politician, she always respects the rules. She never engages in the do- or- die politics.

A woman that is not well known in Nigerian political terrain before the 2019 general elections, she has contributed immensely to change the political landscape of our country, Benue State in particular. Her influence had always been magnetic and impactful since she joined politics and even as chairperson of the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service, she remains the quintessential Mimi for everyone.

Musa Wada, Abuja

16

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

CJ Seeks Recruitment of More Federal High Court Judges SANs want court split into specialised divisions

Alex Enumah in Abuja The Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has made a case for the engagement of more judges of the court in order to enhance justice delivery in the division and by extension the Nigeria’s judiciary.

Justice Tsoho yesterday predicated his call on the heavy workload of litigation faced by judges of the Federal High Court in the discharge of their official duties.

In the same vein, the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BoSAN) as part of suggestion to ease the heavy burden on judges of the Federal High Court has called for the breaking up of the court into specialised divisions.

They made the call at the special court session held to mark the beginning of the Federal High Court Legal Year 2019/2020 in Abuja.

Declaring the legal year opened, Justice Tsoho disclosed that the judges worked tirelessly to dispense 12, 694 out of the 16, 144 cases brought before them in the previous legal year, while noting that there are still 116, 623 cases pending at the court.

“It is pertinent at this juncture to highlight the status of litigation before this court in the last legal year. From reports received, about 116,623 cases are pending in the federal high court. 16,144 cases were filed in this quarter alone in which 12,694 have been disposed

of. It is obvious that judges were over burdened with work in the last legal year. We therefore need to engage more judicial officers to help out”, he said The acting CJ while noting that there was no provision for appointment of judges in the current budget, assured that efforts would be made to engage relevant stakeholders, to see to the possibility of facilitating the recruitment of more judicial officers in the course of the year.

He also assured that he will continue in the footsteps of his predecessor in improving both human resources and infrastructural development in the court.

“More importantly, attention would be paid to efficient and effective administration of justice and the welfare of judiciary officers, as well as the support staff of this court”.

In addition, he said he would make training of judges and staff of the judiciary his priority in order to enhance their professionalism.

He also promised to work with the legislature and the executive to entrench constitutionalism in the federal judiciary.

He disclosed that the Federal High Court has amended its civil procedure rules to enhance speedy dispensation of justice.

“The new rules contain certain innovations to meet with the dynamism in law and to bring the court at par with other courts in the developed

world. Some of these include affidavit of non-multiplicity of actions (Order 3 Rule 9(2)(d); a reinforced interpretation of the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, such that no leave is required for service of process anywhere within the federation (Order 5 Rule 31)”, he said.

In his remark, representative of the BoSAN, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), said that the establishment of the specialised divisions would enhance the optimal operation of the Federal

High Court.

According to Awomolo, the era of general jurisdiction in one judge, has shown that a judge in each day has over 25 cases to deal with, adding that their claims or causes include political matters under Electoral Act, criminal matters under NDLEA, NAPTIP, EFCC, ICPC and sundry crimes.

He said in the same cause list are suits on aviation, fundamental enforcement, bankruptcy and insolvency, terrorism, mines among others, adding that the judges move from law to the other

within hours with rulings and judgment to be delivered thereon.

“My Lord, specialised divisions of the Federal High Court will lead to specialisation, increased productivity, reduce the much talked about delay in the administration of justice arising from unnecessary workload”, he said.

The senior lawyer also called for the protection of judges in the discharge of the judicial duty, disclosing that public perception of the judiciary in recent times has not been inspiring or favourable.

“The leadership should ensure that judges are protected from undue harassment, intimidation, insecurity and threat to their lives and tenure. Judges should be given every facility to perform freely and to the best of their abilities”, Awomolo urged.

He however admonished the judges to endeavour to live above board and discharge their functions with the fear of God, while avoiding contact with politicians, and touts who use their names to extort members of the public.

IT’S NICE DECONGESTING APAPA… Minister Gives NCC Sept 26 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right), presenting plaque to the Chairman, House of Representatives’ Ad-hoc Committee on Port Decongestion, Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, during their courtesy visit on the governor, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja…yesterday Deadline to Rectify Improperly KOLA OLASUPO Registered SIM Cards FG Inaugurates Solar Hybrid Mini Grid Power in Kebbi Today The Minister of Communications, Dr. Ibrahim Isa Pantami, yesterday gave the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) till September 26 to rectify all improperly registered SIM cards in the country.

Pantami who received the management team of the commission in his office in Abuja, however, commended the NCC for its ability to reduce the number of improperly registered SIM cards from 9.2 million to 2.42 million within one week.

He told the team led by its Chairman, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye that it had become necessary to ensure that not a single SIM card is being used in the country without proper registration considering the security implications and the challenges facing the country.

Pantami said, “Based on the report I received today from the NCC, within the period I issued a statement on improperly registered SIM and now, they were able to reduce the number significantly.

“Within this period, they were able to rectify at least over 6. 775 million lines with incomplete registration of SIM cards. So, the total number of incomplete registration of SIM cards as it is today based on the report I received is 2.42 million. So, the reduction within this period is about 73. 2 per cent.

“This is a significant

achievement from 9.2 million we are back to 2.4 million. Within this period 6.775 million have been rectified and this highly commendable. I want to use this opportunity to commend the management and the Board of NCC as well as the entire ministry for the supervision.

“This is highly commendable.

Please maintain the tempo.

However, the next line of directive both with the support of the Board is that we want to make sure that by 26 September 2019, based on the report I received today, we don’t want a single incomplete registration of SIM in Nigeria.

“By 26 September 2019 we don’t want a single incomplete SIM, meaning that the remaining 2.4 million lines should be rectified before then. We want the management to immediately inform the Telecom companies. “’After September 26, when a crime is committed and SIM is being used, we only need the number of that SIM and convey it to the regulator; within an hour we want to get the details of the person who committed that crime.

“Even if that cannot stop people from committing crimes, what we are interested in is to know the identity of the person who commits the crime. If we can do that I think a lot can be achieved. At least the identity can be presented to security agencies and they will be able to act”.

As part of its commitment to provide equitable access to electricity across regions in Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will today (Tuesday) inaugurate 98.8KW solar hybrid mini grid power plant at Kare-Dadin Kowa, in Kebbi State.

Kare-Dadin Kowa is a small riverine community in Argungun Local Government Area of Kebbi State, with a total population of about 3,180 people, whose major vocations are agriculture and fishing.

The new solar hybrid mini grid system will provide clean energy to 483 residential buildings, 82 commercial buildings and will serve over 3,000 inhabitants of Kare-Dadin Kowa. A total of 565 high grid solar panels have been installed to power homes, businesses, places of worship, schools, health centers etc.

The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the implementing agency of the federal government tasked with electrification of unserved and underserved communities.

The Rural Electrification Fund

(REF) provides equitable access to electricity across Nigeria to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of rural electrification grants, to promote off-grid electrification, and to stimulate innovative approaches to rural electrification.

REF projects are administered using a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The first call of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) will energise 12 communities and deploy 19,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS).

Speaking on the project’s implementation, REF’s Executive

Director, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, stated that “Kare-Dadin Kowa community is the second of 12 communities earmarked to benefit from REF grants.

This followed the attainment of the legal, regulatory and procurement compliance and ‘no objection’ from the federal government.”

He added that in line with REF’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project executed

by Nayo Tropical Technology Limited is constructed in line with international standards and best practice.

Exploit Whistle-blowing Policy to Report Capital Market Infractions, SEC Tells Operators Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged capital market operators to make use of the commission’s whistle-blowing policy and report any infraction in the market for immediate actions.

SEC Acting Director General, Ms. Mary Uduk, who made the call, also assured investors that the commission is committed to ensuring that suspicious transactions are not allowed in the market.

Reacting to questions during a two-day international

capital market conference organised by the commission in collaboration with the Department of Finance, University of Lagos, Uduk lamented that the private placement bubble happened with the connivance of many market operators who encouraged issuers to take advantage of loopholes in the relevant investment laws at the time SEC, in a statement by the its spokesperson, Efe Ebelo, said Uduk recalled several efforts and appeals to such issuers, to list their shares without

success, stressing that market operators encouraged private placements knowing that the law did not allow the SEC to regulate private companies.

“Insider trading is what we have to prove. A lot of us are in the market and we have whistle-blowing mechanism.

It is the operators who will be in a better position to know and report such infractions. For those that have been reported to us, we have been carrying out investigations and once we have evidence we will invite them and also refer them to the relevant authorities

“With the whistle-blowing provision, we have always asked operators in the market to come to our aid if they find any unwholesome activity going on. It is our market and so we all have to do our bit. The market should not be left to us alone; you need to provide information for us to take the necessary actions.

“Anyone that is caught engaging in any activity that is against the laid down rules, be rest assured that such an operator will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

17

NEWSEXTRA

NFIU Clarifies ‘Unauthorised’ Correspondence, Insists Politicians Not under Probe James Emejo in Abuja Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) yesterday said the recently leaked letter from the organisation in which information on certain categories of public officers was requested had been issued by an officer of the unit without authorisation.

To this end, it clarified that no politician is currently being investigated, contrary to media reports.

“For the avoidance of doubt, their excellencies, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Federation, as well as senators, members of the House of Representatives, justices and other members of the judiciary are not under investigation by the NFIU,” the agency said, in a statement by its Chief Media Analyst, Ahmed Dikko.

A letter from the unit had emerged last week in which banks were directed to provide

accounts details of some politically exposed persons (PEPs). The development elicited reactions from far and near.

NFIU, which initially disowned the letter, however, said the officer who issued it did so out of ignorance and without approval as the agency already had all the details of PEPs and needed no further request.

He said issuance of the letter did not follow due process, adding that the matter was being investigated.

“We have noticed that while some individuals who seem to be favourable to government are creating the wrong impression that the opposition is using the NFIU, those in the opposition seem to be speaking through some non-governmental organisations and insinuating that government is using the NFIU to its political advantage. Both positions are not only untrue but patently unimaginable.

“It has become necessary

that the officer who initiated the request was obviously unacquainted with the fact that the NFIU already had access to such information through its database.

“It is also pertinent to note that the NFIU has the major responsibility, in accordance with global standards, to maintain and regularly update the list of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). It will be recalled that a

new government was inaugurated in May 2019.”

According to him, “The officer who initiated the unauthorised letter was also taking the initiative to update the PEPs list. The list includes politicians and political appointees in all organs of government.

“The update exercise which is a regular practice in order to protect public funds and other

assets is also in accordance with global best practice.

“We appeal to members of the public that it is needless to make political capital out of this as the entire country is just one co-signatory with other 164 members of the FIU process.

“Having been aware that the leaked letter was not subjected to the appropriate level of authorisation before transmission,

the NFIU has commenced investigation to unravel the persons and factors that led to the inadvertent circumvention of our internal process in this isolated case with a view to applying appropriate sanctions as deterrence.”

In an earlier correspondence, the organisation said the unit did not make blanket requests to all banks.

House to Deliberate on Current National Challenges Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja As members of the House of Representatives are set to resume from their two-month recess today, the current national challenges, task of nation-building and the quest to move the country to the next level will top their priorities.

In an interview with THISDAY, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said the members of the National Assembly were familiar with the challenges confronting the citizenry and would address them headlong.

Kalu said: “In all, the entire membership of the House is refreshed and motivated by the sound and all-inclusive leadership of the House of Representatives.

We are all ready to push the nation- building agenda to the next level. We are resuming as a formidable-united house.

“You are aware of the current

challenges in the country. They are the trending issues. These issues affect the people we represent and as their representatives, we identify with them, not merely as victims but as solution providers as allowed by the enabling laws establishing our offices.

“Like any other nation, our challenges are more than one, yet some will be prioritised by the House of Representatives on our list of preference in view of its urgency and importance to national unity, peace and progress.

“Various reports will be analysed and resolutions will be reached thereafter, which will be immediately communicated to Nigerians.”

Talking about the level of preparedness of the lawmakers to resume, the House spokesperson said: “The Speaker yesterday inspected the chamber to ensure everything was in place for our resumption on Tuesday.”

Flood Sacks Ondo Community James SowoleinAkure Residents of Ayetoro Community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State are now counting their losses as flood ravaged the community rendering many of them homeless.

It was gathered that no less than 1,000 residents of the riverine community are now without homes following persistent rainfall that lasted more than two days in the area.

Speaking on the matter, a resident, Mr. Emmanuel Aralu, lamented that the flood affected about 100 houses.

Aralu noted that economic activities had been paralysed as most of the people of the community who engage in fishing had abstained from the river and the ocean while most shops had been destroyed.

He added that the only church in the town, the palace, health centre and schools were all affected by the flood, saying some residents had fled the coastal community because

of the development.

Also speaking, Mrs. Margaret Ogunyemi lamented that flooding had been a recurrent problem in the area, alleging that subsequent state governments have been insensitive to the plight of the people in the area.

According to her, government had not been fair to the people of the community over the years and wondered why they should be abandoned in their time of need.

She said most of the residents noted that the villagers could not relocate from their homes due to lack of access roads as the earth roads in the communities were flooded, adding that the people have resorted to the use of canoes in accessing their houses.

“We need help from the government before the flood washes the community away, the state and federal governments should come to our aid. The health centre, palace, schools, shops and most houses here are flooded, we have been held in a place for days,” she lamented.

NEW LEGAL YEAR BEGINS…

L-R: Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kunle Kokumo, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, , Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun ; and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the Church service marking the commencement of the new legal year…yesterday

Fayemi Returns School to Missionaries Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Government yesterday returned Christ School, Ado-Ekiti to its original owner - the Anglican Communion, in fulfilment of the government’s pledge to return all mission schools to their original owners.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) returning the school to the Anglican Communion, said the handing over of Christ’s School would provide a template for subsequent release of other schools whose owners have indicated interest in having them back.

The brief ceremony, which took place at the Governor’s Office, was witnessed by the Bishop of Anglican Communion, Ekiti Diocese, Rt.

Revd. Christopher Omotunde, some leaders of the church and representatives of the alumni association of the 86-year-old school.

Fayemi stated that the return of mission schools would help in building a future generation of values-driven and morally sound individuals, adding that the return of the schools would equally assist in lightening government’s financial burden, especially at a time when government’s purse is lean.

The governor, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to engaging positively with the missions that desire to take over their schools, expressed optimism that the returned school would assist the present administration in achieving “its policy thrust of reclaiming our land and restoring our values as Ekitis.”

“What we are witnessing today is a culmination of a process which began during our first term in office to return schools belonging to mission bodies to their original owners, and I am delighted that the final consummation of the release of Christ’s School has been achieved. Ours will not be the first time such a consummation will take place between governments and missionary bodies. Other states like Anambra, Lagos and Enugu had done similarly in the past,” he said.

In his remarks, Omotunde, who hailed the government’s decision on mission schools, commended Fayemi for making good his promise to return mission schools to original owners.

“You initiated the idea of returning mission schools to their

original owners during your first term in office. We are happy that you are here today fulfilling that promise with the return of Christ’s School to the Anglican Church,” he said.

Omotunde, who said Christ’s School had always been a model across the country, promised that the mission would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the school returns to its pride of place in Nigeria.

Dr. Odunayo Fagbeyiro, who represented Christ’s School Alumni and Bishop Omotunde signed the MoU on behalf of the Anglican Communion, while the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji and the state Attorney General, Mr. Wale Fapohunda signed on behalf of Ekiti State Government.

Five Fraudsters Jailed, Banker Arrested over Diversion of N137m Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Makurdi Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of five persons for various offences.

The commission said it has also arrested one Kehinde Olumide Agbabiaka, a sales agent at Fidelity Bank Plc for diversion of N137 million.

The convicts, Charles Chijioke Iwu, Ademoyegun Dare Samson, Quarshe Fredrick Nnamdi, Nuhu Clarkson Usman, and Emmanuel Adakole Ogbole, were jailed for electronic card fraud, cybercrime, ATM fraud and internet fraud respectively.

The convicts were prosecuted before Justice Nkeonye Maha of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Following a plea bargain agreement between the convicts and the prosecution, they were rearraigned on separate amended charges bordering on possession of documents containing false pretenses.

They pleaded “guilty” to the charges.

In view of their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Mary Onoja and George G. Chia-Yakua, urged the court to accept the plea bargain agreement and convict the defendants accordingly.

Justice Maha consequently

convicted and sentenced them to various terms of imprisonment, ranging from three to six months with options of varying fines.

The convicts are also to forfeit various items like phones, laptops and money to the federal government.

Also, the court ordered the convicts to sign an undertaking to be of good behaviour and never to be involved in any form of fraud Meanwhile, EFCC in Ibadan Zonal Office has arrested Agbabiaka over allegation of corruption.

His arrest was sequel to a petition jointly penned by a new generation bank’s Regional

Security Officer and the Cluster Control and Compliance Manager in which it was alleged that the suspect suppressed, diverted and stole a sum of N137 million in Ibadan.

The petition alleged that Agbabiaka committed the offence between January 2017 and July 2019.

The suspect, who was the account officer attached to the customer, was said to be visiting the business premises of the victim weekly to collect cash with the understanding that he would remit same to his accounts domiciled in the bank’s branch in Challenge, Ibadan.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

18

POLITICS

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

TRENDING NEWS

In Kaduna, El-Rufai Makes Great Strides, But Insecurity Remains a Major Headache John Shiklam writes that Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has recorded recent giant strides in office

A

s a politician who is in a hurry to deliver on his electoral promises, time is of essence to him.

He was probably the first governor to hit the ground running upon taking the oath of office for a second term on May 29, 2019.

Few days after his swearing in, he made key appointments and on July 12, he constituted the state executive council by swearing in commissioners.

Most of his appointees are those who served in various capacities during the first term.

His administration is focused on reforms in the public service, education, health, provision of infrastructure and creation of jobs among others.

During his first term, he introduced the Public Service Reform and Revitalisation Project, aimed at strengthening the public service by injecting into its ranks younger, well-educated, IT-compliant and competent personnel.

The reforms in the education sector also led to the replacement of thousands of school teachers, rated as unqualified.

Speaking at the swearing-in of commissioners, el-Rufai said there would be no major policy change during his second term.

“While we envisage no major change of direction regarding our governance policy since 2015, we shall be paying closer attention to some aspects of the social sector,” he said.

According to him, “There will be a focus on providing low-income housing and developing a social protection system, in addition to expanding access to education and improving health out-comes.”

The governor also promised to launch a social investment programme for the poorest and the most vulnerable residents of our state.

He noted that, “even in tough times, there is an obligation for government to strive to leave no citizen behind.”

“As such, we shall reform and expand programmes like the Kaduna State Women Empowerment Fund (KADWEF) to fully embrace the vulnerable,” he promised.“ According to him, the state government, alongside its partners, have made a lot of investments in providing facilities and opportunity for skills acquisition and vocational training, stressing that during his second term, steps would be taken to move beyond skills acquisition into creating more jobs and businesses.

Some of his recent achievements includes the launch of the Urban Renewal Project, which aimed at boosting infrastructural development in the state.

The project was kicked started in Kaduna metropolis with the groundbreaking and signing of the contract for the construction of a N3.9 billion Galaxy Mall in the metropolis.

The Shopping Mall is being constructed through a public private partnership (PPP).

The Urban Renewal Project has 14 components, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of roads, mass transit transportation, housing, improved land use, street lights, parks and recreational centres,

el-Rufai

markets, neighbourhood centres and waste management.

Shop owners along Warf Road, Kaduna, have cleared their structures to pave way for the construction of the Galaxy Shopping Mall and the dualization of the road.

The construction of the new Kasuwan Magani Market, Kajuru Local Government Area, to replace the one that was burnt during the crisis that engulfed the community in October 2018, has also commenced.

Speaking at the flag-off of the

Recently, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Denmark based Arla Foods International, the biggest milk corporation in the world to boost dairy production in the state. The €100 million investment is expected to create 50,000 jobs when it becomes operational

project, the El-Rufai said the reconstruction of the market is part of the programme aimed at promoting equality of opportunity and economic development.

According to him, N3 billion was being invested in the project which will have 2000 shops when completed.

Also, the dualization of Katuru road from Isa Kaita to Rabah road Kaduna and the construction of the 5.7km road from Millennium City, connecting the Eastern bypass to the Kaduna-Abuja expressway are in progress.

Work has also resumed at the Gonin Gora-Hayin Katafawa-Ungwa Bije Road Project.

Recently, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Denmark based Arla Foods International, the biggest milk corporation in the world to boost dairy production in the state. The €100 million investment is expected to create 50,000 jobs when it becomes operational.

Speaking during the signing of the MoU, El-Rufai said it will promote modern livestock production and encourage itinerant nomadic herdsmen to embrace modern techniques of livestock production.

“We want to show that it is possible for livestock production to be a business rather than a culture or habit or lifestyle but something that can empower and enrich our herdsmen and women.

“Arla intends to invest one hundred million Euros in this project, this is a major investment that will create tens and thousands of direct Job opportunities, but more than that, its success will provide a template that can be replicated across our other 15 grazing reserves and indeed across

Nigeria, because the herdsmen-farmer problem is not just an economic or political problem but has today become a national security problem,” the governor said.

Similarly, the state government has signed a MoU with Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), a programme under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to implement a five year programme to support environment policy, facilitate business enabling environment and capacity building of women and youth involved in agriculture on priority crops in the state.

The project is expected to attract $100 and $200 million in investment and credits to the agricultural sector of the state.

The initiative is expected to benefit about 6,000 small business and farmer groups across the state.

In the health sector, the governor is focusing on the completion of the upgrading of the 255 primary healthcare centres in all the wards across the state.

Furthermore, the second phase of the multi-billion Naira Zaria Water Project which was initiated in 2008 by the administration of former governor Namadi Sambo was completed by the governor and commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari on August 22, 2019.

In order to strengthen the public service and its capacity to deliver quality and responsive public service, the state government on August 26, 2019, announced that it will implement the N30,000 national minimum wage by this September.

In order to put an end to ethnoreligious conflicts in some communities in the state, the governor inaugurated a 10-man judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the incessant crises in Kajuru, Kachia and Chikun Local Government Areas of the state.

The commission which was inaugurated on August 7, 2019, is headed

by Justice Isa Aliyu, a judge of the State High Court.

The governor charged the commission to identify individuals, traditional and religious institutions and other associations that might have contributed to the build-up of the disturbances and recommend further action by government.

But, besides ethno-religious conflicts, Kaduna state is one of the states facing serious security challenges, occasioned by kidnappings and banditry at homes and on the highways, especially along the Kaduna- Abuja, the Kaduna- Zaria and the Kaduna- Birnin Gwari highways.

Kidnappings along these roads have become so rampant, despite the efforts by government and security agencies to combat the menace.

Almost on a weekly basis, people are being abducted either on the highways or in their homes by dare devil gunmen.

Though the government is making concerted efforts to stem the tide of kidnapping and banditry, the efforts are yet to pay off, as bandits continue to unleash terror on people and collecting millions of Naira as ransom.

T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

19

TRENDING NEWS

Confusion as CJ Returns A’ Ibom Gov Candidate’s Suit to Regular Court Alex Enumah writes that Mr. Iboro Otu, governorship candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) insists that the decision by the Akwa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to shut him out reveals part of a wider plot to prevent him from bringing before the election panel strong evidence that would establish claim of rigging and substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws

Emmanuel

T

here is palpable apprehension as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja ordered the return of two suits filed by the candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) in the March 9, governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, Iboro Otu to a regular court.

Otu is among the contestants challenging the declaration of Udom Emmanuel as winner of the Akwa Ibom State governorship poll.

He had approached the Federal High Court, Abuja to challenge his exclusion from the Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the designated court for election matters.

He also sued the President of the Court of Appeal for refusing to attend to Hus matter.

The suits are; FHC/ABJ/ CS/550/2019 and Suit No. FHC/ ABJ/CS/652/2019.

In the first suit marked; FHC/ ABJ/CS/652/2019; the Independent National Electoral Commission, Udom Emmanuel, Peoples Democratic Party, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Gubernatorial Elections Petition Tribunal, and the Registrar, Akwa Ibom State Gubernatorial Elections Petition Tribunal are joined as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

The other with suit number FHC/ ABJ/550/2019 has the President of the Court of Appeal and another as defenfants.

The suit filed on behalf of Otu, by his lawyer, Faruk Khamagham, is supported by a nine-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the applicant.

According to Otu, all efforts to get the tribunal to accept his petition against the outcome of the March 9 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State proved abortive, including protest letters written to the president of the Court of Appeal against the

Otu

refusal of the tribunal to accept his petition.

In the suit dated June 10 but filed June 11, the plaintiff averred that the Registrar of the Akwa Ibom State Gubernatorial Elections Petition Tribunal had on March 30, 2019, refused to accept his petition against the governorship poll on the grounds that, “it would take some minutes to process a Remitta payment and obtain a receipt and that before accomplishing that, the time would have lapsed into the next day being March 31, 2019.”

But Otu has insisted that the decision by the tribunal to shut him out reveals part of a wider plot to

Part of the reliefs sought in the suit include, “A declaration that the persistent refusal by the Respondents to cause the Applicants Petition to be received and duly treated, constitutes a grave infringement of the Applicants rights to fair hearing guaranteed under Sections 36(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999

prevent him from bringing before the election panel strong evidence that would establish claim of rigging, substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws as well as other electoral malpractices that marred the governorship poll.

However, the fate of Otu has been further jeopardized following a letter

by Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, rejecting his application for expeditious hearing of the two suits owing to the time bound nature of electoral matters.

The acting CJ declined to grant the plaintiff ’s application that the suits be heard during vacation on grounds that it was a post election matter that ought to be heard by a regular court.

Although the matter was earlier assigned to Justice Ahmed Mohammed and was listed for mention July 3, the court however, did not sit on the scheduled date.

He was later told that the suit would be reassigned to a vacation judge due to the time bound nature of electoral matters.

But in the two separate letters dated August 8 and 9, cited by our Correspondent, the acting CJ refused the applications and ordered that they be returned to the regular court for continuation of hearing.

In the letter dated August 8 regarding suit number: FHC/ABJ/550/2019 involving the President of the Court of Appeal, the acting CJ returned the case file to the regular court on grounds that “The case is not a post election matter,” which in the other suit involving INEC and others the acting CJ held that, “The matter shall continue before the regular court being a post election suit.”

Both letters were signed by one Ambrose Unaeze, Special Assistant to the Acting Chief Judge.

According to the plaintiff the two cases filed at the Federal High Court

are political and bothers on his ambition to become Governor of Akwa Ibom State and as such should have been heard by a vacation court.

He submitted that the decision of the CJ to keep the suits till after the annual judicial vacation was detrimental to his cause.

“The consequence of the Chief Judge’s decision is that Mr. Otu will not have the opportunity to present his case before the Gubernatorial Elections Tribunal because the constitution stipulates that all such case ought to be determined within 180 days from the date of declaration of the results of the elections,” his lawyer said.

The results of the elections were declared on 11th March 2019, and by the 11th September 2019 when the 180 days required by law elapses the Courts would still be shut.

The annual vacation ends on Friday September 13, 2019.

His lawyer however said the situation leaves his client with no other option than to consider other avenues outside the Federal High Court and outside the Electoral Tribunal to ventilate his grievances.

Part of the reliefs sought in the suit include, “A declaration that the persistent refusal by the Respondents to cause the Applicants Petition to be received and duly treated, constitutes a grave infringement of the Applicants rights to fair hearing guaranteed under Sections 36(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended.)

“That the gubernatorial election held in Akwa Ibom State on 9th March 2019 was marred by illegality and substantial irregularities and the result thereof ought not to stand.

“An order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct fresh elections into the office of Governor of Akwa Ibom State within 30days of the date of the Judgment of this court.”

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

20

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08152252325

Hope in the Horizon for Yobe People Though Yobe State is far from the centre of things, Muhammad Abdullahi who resides there writes that going by the accomplishments of Governor Mai Mala Buni in his first 100 days in office, there is plenty hope in the horizon

G

overnor Mai Mala Buni is one of the 29 governors that took the oath of office on May 29, 2019 and within the time under review, he has matched his campaign promises with actions, consolidating on the solid groundwork laid by his predecessor, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam.

Buni had at the onset of the new administration proved his mettle in advancing good governance occasioned by service delivery to the people, solid structures for human capital development and economic prosperity.

Although Yobe is not as well off as many other states, and the state and its people have had their fair share of security challenges, those did not in any way hamstrung the gradual but promising development strides being put in place by Buni. Keen watchers of events in the state say that the new has started on a sound footing devoid of controversies and unnecessary distractions.

Until he became the gubernatorial candidate of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buni was the national secretary of the party, a strategic position in the ruling party that prepared him for the tasks and challenges ahead. He had served a complete first term of four years as national scribe of the APC and had begun his second when he became the governorship candidate of his party in Yobe State.

Buni had built a formidable network of contacts and friends during his national assignment with the APC, network that would be very useful to him going forward.

As candidate, he campaigned on the twin planks of “continuity and consolidation� and as he marks first 100 days in office, the governor left no one in doubt, within Yobe and beyond that he is well prepared for the job. He promised to continue with the successes recorded during the administration of his predecessor and mentor, and to consolidate on those achievements by opening more doors of socio-economic development in the state.

On inauguration on May 29, 2019, Buni identified healthcare, education, agriculture and youth empowerment as the major pillars on which to rest all other development efforts.

Education Therefore, he declared a state of emergency on education with particular attention on basic (primary) and secondary education.

One month later (July 1, 2019), he convened an education summit, first of its kind in history of the state, and assembled experts, parents, traditional rulers, administrators, educators, etc to brainstorm on the state of education in Yobe and proffer workable, actionable steps for how to clean the rot in the system and provide for quality, functional education.

The committee, called Technical Committee to Revitalise Basic and Secondary Education, was led by former Vice Chancelllor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Malah Daura.

During the summit in Damaturu, Buni complained over what he called “continuous dismal performance of students of the state in all the secondary school leaving examinations�.

Though recent statistics showed a flicker of hope owing to huge investments and policies that favoured the religious and cultural peculiarities of the state, Yobe had for so many years trailed behind other states in WAEC and NECO, a development that made this initiative timely.

Buni said the summit was aimed at reworking the existing policies that will engender a better learning environment

Buni test-driving a tractor

Buni inaugurating a project in public schools.

According to him, “our education system is still not where it is supposed to be. We still have so much work to do.

First, we all know that the performance of a majority of Yobe students in various national examinations, including SSCE and NECO, is not very impressive. “Second, because of the often-dismal performance of students at the primary and secondary school levels, Yobe has remained unable to fill our quotas in various institutions of learning and in significant areas of specialisation, such as medicine, computer science, and engineering. “Third, as a result of the above, we are still a long way from getting an adequate number of indigenous professionals that our state needs to provide much-needed social services.�

However, these problems were not surpris-

ing, considering that like its neighbour Borno, Yobe had in the last one decade suffered serious setbacks in education because of direct onslaught by Boko Haram insurgents.

After exhaustive deliberations during the summit, the Prof. Daura-led committee worked for several weeks, visited more than 1, 400 schools, talked with relevant stakeholders and reviewed data over several years. It submitted its report to the governor and the governor promised to study the report and begin implementation. “I think this is probably the best thing that happened�, said Aliyu Mohammed, a primary school teacher and also a student of Atiku Abubakar College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Nguru. “If we will get our education system right, every other thing will be right because literacy is key,� Mohammed said. “I salute the courage of the governor because no

investment in education will be too much.

Of course, it will take some time to see the results but the commitment the governor showed immediately after he assumed office is commendable�, he added.

THISDAY gathered that the governor has already given approval for the implementation of the report put together by the Prof. Daura committee and assured that all the necessary backing required will be provided. For example, based on the recommendations of the committee, he has approved for the establishment of three Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education schools to advance science education in Yobe State.

He has also approved for the setting up of a Teacher Training Centre to re-train teachers in the state who are falling short or who need to be pushed to catch up with modern trends in teaching. Buni has also

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

21

FEATURES approved the recruitment of new qualified teachers across the state.

Agriculture On agriculture, the governor plans to hold a ‘Yobe Agricultural Retreat’ from September 16 to 19 2019. The retreat, similar to the education summit, will assemble relevant stakeholders and tap from their views and experiences to re-position agriculture and move it away from a subsistence to a commercial enterprise in the state.

While the retreat details are being worked, the governor has ordered hundreds of truckloads of fertilisers for sale to farmers at very affordable rates. In conjunction with the 17 local government councils also, the state government has procured 103 tractors for use by young, female and elderly farmers across the state.

Yobe is an agricultural state, with other 70 per cent of its people engaging in mostly seasonal farming. It is to expand agriculture and food production that Buni is also working to resuscitate and reactivate dormant industries in the state, including the woven sacks factory, the Potiskum Flour and Feed Mills and the Potiskum Aluminium company. Already, the governor has approved funds for the retooling and re-equipping of the Flour Mills and the Aluminium company.

Viable Partnerships Buni has also began to use the extensive contacts he has built during his time as the APC national secretary to build partnerships and contacts that are working well for Yobe State.

He has struck a partnership with a housing finance firm, Family Homes Funds Ltd, to build 3600 low- and medium-income housing units across 17 local governments in the state at over N10 billion. The foundation laying ceremony for the construction of these houses was held on September 5, 2019 in Damaturu. It is estimated that this will create thousands of new construction jobs.

In conjunction with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Buni is also building a Modern Trailer Park in Potiskum, the town in Yobe which has the highest numbers of trailer trucks in the whole of the North. The trailer park will be built under the Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Yobe State Government has already provided 50 hectares of land in Potiskum. The park will also have a mechanic’s village, hotels, fuel stations, etc and is projected to create over 5,000 direct jobs. The foundation stone for the park has already been laid by the governor on November 4 in Potiskum.

The governor is also said to be working on partnering the Sukuk Fund to build the very first Modern Market in Damaturu, the state capital and other modern markets in Potiskum, Gashu’a, Nguru, Gaidam, Ngalda, and Buni-Yadi Towns. Surprisingly, until now, Damaturu as Yobe State capital for 28 years does not have a built marketplace.

The governor is also partnering the Kingdom of Morocco and entities in that country for youth empowerment. Morocco is famous for embroidery, including traditional wears that people use a lot in Northern Nigeria. So, Yobe youth will be trained in arts and crafts, etc to support them to become self-reliant. A delegation from Morocco is expected in Yobe in the middle of September 2019 to push the partnership forward.

Buni during a groundbreaking at Potiskum Park

Buni receiving the report on education summit

Constructions The governor has also begun the construction of township roads in Buni-Yadi, headquarters of Yobe’s hardest hit local government by the Boko Haram insurgency – Gujba. More towns, including Damagum, Babban Gida and Jaji Maji are in line for more township roads in the coming months.

Continuity He has also continued with all ongoing projects that his administration inherited from the former administration of Governor Gaidam, including the multi-billion-naira cargo airport project, road projects, etc. He has also continued funding and support for all health institutions, including those recently set up by the immediate past administration, such as the new University Teaching Hospital.

Buni has met with youth groups to

Buni inspecting a project indicate how important youths are to the development of the state. He has raised public confidence in governance and has kept hope alive that he is truly a worthy successor of Governor Gaidam, who was seen as having really done so much for the state despite obvious challenges.

He also continued with the remarkably popular worker-friendly disposition of the

past administration of Governor Gaidam by ensuring regular and timely payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities of civil servants. “History will judge the governor fairly if he implements all these programmes within the next few years,� said Mrs Halima Isiaku, a nurse in Potiskum. “I am not a politician, but our governor has proved

that nothing is impossible. Leadership is about creative thinking and it seems he has taken the responsibilities vested in him very seriously; he needs our support�, she said.

Isiaku, however, advised the governor to assemble a formidable cabinet that will help him implement the projects he has planned in order to achieve the desired results.

A

17.09.2019

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

ATIKU V BUHARI:

IS THE JUDICIARY ON TRIAL?

President Muhammadu Buhari

Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

2/DASHBOARD

17.09.2019

Requirements for a Successful Defence of Alibi PAGE 4

Lagos DPP to Issue Legal Advice within Two Weeks, Says AG PAGE 5

Magu: 167 Arrested, $169,850, N92m Recovered from Nigerian Fraudsters in EFCC, FBI Collaboration PAGE 5

Tribunal Upholds Jibrin’s Victory as Winner of Kano Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency

QUOTABLES ‘To the extent that the South African government is unable or unwilling to guarantee a minimum standard of treatment to foreigners, especially Africans living there, South Africa owes a duty in International Law to pay compensation for the injury that Nigerians have suffered.‘ – Professor Akin Oyebode, Professor of International Law & Jurisprudence

PAGE 6

‘Humility and Diligence Make a Good Lawyer’

‘To allow every Nigerian to feel that the citadel of justice will be got in a Tribunal, change the law, so that the presumption of regularity attached to INEC’s results will now be changed, so that INEC will be forced by law to come to the Tribunal to say ‘I have done my duty, this is how I did it’, then it will be clear to everybody....’

– Robert Clarke, SAN

PAGE 6

COLUMNIST DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN, OFR, FCIARB, PH.D, LL.D Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Dr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria's pioneer human rights league, on October 15,1987, the Universal Defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Dr. Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE EDITOR JUDE IGBANOI DEPUTY EDITOR AKINWALE AKINTUNDE REPORTER TUNDE BUSARI GROUP HEAD OCHI OGBUAKU II ART DIRECTOR

/3

Judgement Almighty

D

‘A-Borrowing and A-Sorrowing’ id I not tell you last week, that many of the Federal Government expenditures are asinine, irrational and downright senseless? That, in spite of the fact that Nigeria is in such a dreadful financial position, necessitating Government to be prudent with expenditure, they are wasting money on things like the unnecessary purchases of state-of-the-art cars for government officials (not only in the Senate), and would soon go a-borrowing!

“Ifa tin se” (the prophecy of the oracle, is already coming to pass)! Last Wednesday, I heard on the news that, Nigeria is to borrow the whopping sum of N1.7 trillion, to finance the 2020 budget. The Finance Minister also announced that, the cost of debt servicing will rise from N2.44 trillion in 2019 to N2.45 trillion by 2020. Additionally, Government announced its intention to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5% to 7.2% (a-sorrowing). Thankfully, Baba (President Muhammadu Buhari), does not seem to have given approbation, to this egregious increase in VAT. Why is it that, successive governments, including this one, believe that the ideal way to ease the terrible burden caused by their being temerarious with the country’s finances, is by unleashing more suffering on the generality of innocent Nigerians, making us pay for their financial recklessness, which has not only been detrimental to our interests, but which we had no part in?

It is no longer, at the risk of sounding like a broken record – I am a broken record in this regard – in stating incessantly that, Nigeria is not a “State based on the principles of democracy and social justice” – the security and welfare of the people, is not the primary purpose of Government (contrary to Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution)). Government has also violated the provisions of Section 16(1) (a),(b), (2)(a-d) of the Constitution, as economically, it has failed to promote national prosperity and secure the maximum welfare and happiness of Nigerian citizens. This is not just the doing of Baba’s administration, as most, if not all past administrations, are also guilty of this. Their cumulative actions and inactions, have resulted in the horrible situation we find ourselves, obviously compounded by Baba’s ‘change’ and ‘next level’ administration, and the previous Jonathan administration.

The essence of the Government of a country borrowing money, is to develop and grow the economy, provide infrastructure, improve the balance of trade and so on, and not to finance a reckless and lavish lifestyle for government officials, majority of whom, hitherto their election and appointments into government positions, could not dream of/ afford that type of lifestyle, with their own money.

Dissatisfaction and Frustration The physical manifestation of the dissatisfaction and frustration of the Nigerian people, has begun, both at home and abroad, and if Government does not forthwith retrace some of its steps, I fear that what we are seeing, is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’, just the beginning. Recently, social media was awash with the video of Senator Ike Ekweremadu being attacked and physically assaulted, by Nigerians in Germany. Likewise, the videoclip of Senator Buruji Kashamu being slapped by a fellow Nigerian while he was riding on the Tube in London, was circulated. Last week, I also saw a video of a lady alleged to be the girlfriend of a former Governor, who was beaten up and stripped naked in public.

Her crime? Driving what was described as an ‘exotic’

President Muhammadu Buhari

car, allegedly purchased for her by her boyfriend, with what the small crowd obviously concluded, was stolen State funds.

I have said it before, and I restate it again – this disgusting and despicable habit of stripping people naked in public, especially women, should be criminalised. Section 34(1) of the Constitution guarantees the right of every individual to respect for the dignity of his/her person, and prohibits the subjection of anyone to inhuman or degrading treatment. Surely, such acts qualify as degrading, and must be punished and discouraged.

More worrisome is the fact that, today it is the ex-Governor’s consort that was assaulted and stripped naked, tomorrow it could be just anybody, because they are seen driving a nice vehicle.

This shameful behaviour is becoming a regular occurrence, and Government must do everything to put an end to it, before it becomes the order of the day, and escalates and metamorphoses into violent mob action activity against those whom the public perceives to be ‘rich’ (I don’t want to use the R.....v word, before I’m accused of incitement!).

Atiku v Buhari: The ‘Almighty’ Judgement: Finally, the ‘almighty’ judgement which Nigerians have been waiting for, in Alhaji Atiku Abubakar & Ors v General Muhammadu Buhari & Ors CA/PEPC/002/2019, was handed down last Wednesday by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. The fact that the Petition was dismissed, and that all the issues for determination were resolved in favour of Baba, could not have come as a surprise or shock to anyone – not to me anyway.

No Presidential petition against an incumbent, has ever been allowed in the history of Nigeria, not in the Second Republic (Awolowo v Shagari), and certainly not in this one, so why would this case be any different? Or did people imagine that what occurred in Kenya in 2017 (Raila Odinga & Anor v Uhuru Kenyatta & Ors), in which the Supreme Court of Kenya ordered for a fresh presidential election, having cancelled the results in the previous election, declaring it invalid, would be replicated in Nigeria?

So what, if it took nine hours for the ‘almighty’ judgement to be read? Is the length of time it takes to write or deliver a judgement, the determinant of whether it is a well considered decision? No. I received a copy of the 295 paged judgement on Friday; I haven’t read it thoroughly yet. However, when I scanned through, I saw that one of the first issues which was addressed, was that of Baba’s qualifications. Why do we love to nitpick and quibble over the obvious truth, misinterpret and go against the laws of interpretation which we were taught in Law School, simply to suit the outcomes we desire? Action Congress v INEC 2007 12 NWLR Part 1048 at Page 222.

The Constitution: The Choices Correct me if I’m wrong, my dear colleagues.

First, it is trite law that, he who alleges must prove.

Second, for the purposes of this limited discussion, Section 131(d) of the Constitution provides that “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of President, if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.

Third, Section 318(1) “School Certificate or it’s equivalent means” (a)-(d) of the Constitution, interprets School Certificate or its equivalent, and depending on which of the qualifications the candidate decides to go by, he/she must have proof of same. If I choose to go by Section 318(1)(a), then I must possess a Secondary School Certificate or it’s equivalent, or a Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, the City and Guilds Certificate; or......

It is not enough for Yemisi, Larai and Evelyn, to

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

say that I was in Form 5V with them at Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos (QC). The literal interpretation of this sub-section, is that I must have my WASC (West African School Certificate). How do I prove that I have WASC? Isn’t it with the certificate/statement of results or a certified true copy of same?

Whether by virtue of Section 31 of Electoral Act 2010, you can simply list your qualifications without attaching proof of same to your INEC form, and instead, depose to an affidavit to confirm the facts stated in your form, or not, I submit that, these are not acceptable standards of proof, that should be able to fly in a court of law, or on such an important INEC form. It seems that, however, the Supreme Court may have a different view of this, as in the case of Trevor Kakih v PDP & Ors 2014 15 NWLR Part 1430 Page 374 per Galadima JSC inter alia: “......It is not a requirement of Section 177(d) of the Constitution for a candidate to necessarily present the certificate to qualify for election.....” (this was the case of a Gubernatorial candidate - but this principle can also be applied in the case of any other type of candidacy). With all due respect, I beg to differ from this point of view. In my opinion, it will be setting yet another dangerous precedent, that any rascal can make assertions on his/ her INEC Form, whether true or false, as he/she is not obligated to produce any credible proof in support of the assertion, aside from deposing to an affidavit, which may be full of falsehood. Someone on a television interview programme I watched last week, used an amusing illustration to buttress this point - he said if he suddenly decides to tell everyone that he is a Professor, and he deposes to an affidavit stating same, does that make him a Professor?

The lines of the provision of Section 318(1)(b), are however, blurred - education up to Secondary School Certificate level; or......The question which arises here, is that, is it enough for Yemisi, Larai and Evelyn, to attest to the fact that I studied up to Form 5V with them, or must QC give me a testimonial to that effect? Going by the decision in Trevor Kakih v PDP & Ors (Supra), it seems that a deposition from me suffices, maybe without even Yemisi, Larai and Evelyn, to back me up. Though common sense is not common, common sense and equity, say that, though Yemisi, Larai and Evelyn’s attestation can lend credence to my claim to have attended QC up to Form 5V, there should be proof from QC herself, that confirms my position.

In the case of going by Section 318(1)(c), it must be read together with 318(1)(d), as all the provisions included therein are connected by the word ‘and’, unlike that of Section 318(1)(a) and (b) which provides for alternatives, by virtue of the appearance of the word ‘or’. Therefore, any other qualification acceptable by INEC in Section 318(1)(d), is additional to the Primary School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent, the minimum of 10 years work experience, literacy to the satisfaction of INEC - as if INEC is an institution, with the requisite certification to be able to decide on the English Language prowess of anyone! - Section 318(1)(c)(i)-(iii), and cannot stand alone, without the requirements of Section 318(1)(c). If Baba chose to come under Section 318(1)(c-d), then the Petitioners’ weighty allegations, that even the Primary and Middle Schools which Baba averred that he attended, are alleged not to have been in existence at the time, become very relevant, as the Primary School Leaving Certificate, is required for these provisions to avail a candidate.

Burden of Proof I believe that these provisions of the Constitution, are unambiguous enough. I have not fully ascertained the contents of the proof of evidence/ exhibits, as to Baba’s qualifications which were tendered at the Tribunal, though I believe Baba came under Section 318(1)(a), but my intention, is just to give a general overview of the law. I am certain that, in law, it certainly cannot be enough for your word to be taken as the gospel truth, with no evidence to support same, especially when your word is being controverted.

On the other hand, those who may align with the decision of the Tribunal on the issue of Baba’s qualifications, could argue that, unlike criminal cases in which proof must be beyond reasonable doubt, civil cases require a lower standard of proof - preponderance of the evidence, or clear and convincing evidence, that is, evidence that is ‘highly and substantially more probable to be true than not’.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

THE ADVOCATE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com onikepob@yahoo.com Twitter: @TheAdvocateTD

“WHILE IT IS NOT ENTIRELY IMPOSSIBLE FOR BABA’S CREDENTIALS TO HAVE BEEN STOLEN WHEN HE BOARDED A ‘ONE-CHANCE’ BUS FROM DAURA TO KATSINA, AND ALL THE SCHOOLS HE ATTENDED, PLUS THE NIGERIAN ARMY RECORDS OFFICE, WAEC (GHANA AND YABA), AND EVERY INSTITUTION INVOLVED IN HAVING ANY OF BABA’S CERTIFICATES OR STATEMENT OF RESULTS, BURNT DOWN TO ASHES WITH NO TRACE.....”

The Tribunal obviously decided that, to be able to join the Army, which requires WASC, for Baba to have been accepted in the Nigerian Army, even rising to the position of a General, it is more probable to be true that, Baba has WASC (and the Primary School Leaving Certificate etc) which he claims he has. Should the Tribunal have given Baba the benefit of the doubt?

While it is not entirely impossible for Baba’s credentials to have been stolen when he boarded a ‘one-chance’ bus from Daura to Katsina, and all the schools he attended, plus the Nigerian Army Records Office, WAEC (Ghana and Yaba), and every institution involved in having any of Baba’s certificates or statement of results, burnt down to ashes with no trace, and he does have his WAEC results, the Petitioners in Baba’s election petition case, could also argue on the other hand, that, Baba’s scenario could bear some similarity to that of Okoi Obono Obla (OOO), the former Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, who stands accused of using fake results to gain admission to the University of Jos, where he studied law. The fact is that, OOO did study law, and was called to the Bar, but now, the allegation that he did not actually possess the pre- qualification to study law, has arisen. Likewise, the Petitioners could argue that Baba indeed, joined the Army and so on, but did not actually possess the pre-qualification to join. ‘O jo ga te, ko jo ga te!’ (It’s confusing).

Of course, there are several other matters arising on this issue, which I have not addressed - allegations against Baba, of providing false information under oath and presenting false documentation to INEC, amongst others. Perhaps, it could be a topic for another day, or even a book, where I would thoroughly analyse every aspect of the judgement.

The bottom line is that, for now, the Tribunal has resolved this issue in favour of Baba. Let’s wait and see what happens within 60 days from last Wednesday, by which the Supreme Court must deliver its own judgement in this matter (Section 285(7) of the Constitution). Call me cynical or sceptical, but I certainly do not believe that the outcome will be different - I expect that the Apex Court will uphold the Tribunal’s decision, whether rightly or wrongly!

4/LAW REPORT

17.09.2019

Requirements for a Successful Defence of Alibi

T Facts

he Appellant was arraigned with two other co-accused persons before the High Court of Ondo State, on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ondo State. It was the case of the Respondent that, the Appellant and the two other accused persons, conspired to kill and indeed, killed a certain Silifatu Rahman. During the trial, the 3rd accused person later died, and the charges against him were accordingly struck out. At the conclusion of the trial, the trial court delivered its judgement in which it found the Appellant guilty as charged, and sentenced him to death. Aggrieved, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal which dismissed his appeal and affirmed the judgement of the trial court. Further aggrieved, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court. The parties filed and exchanged their respective briefs of argument, in which they distilled their respective issues for determination.

Hon. Amiru Sanusi, JSC

Issues for Determination After a consideration of their respective issues, the Apex Court determined the appeal on the basis of the following issues: 1. Whether the Court of Appeal was right, in rejecting the defence of alibi raised by the Appellant.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right, in holding that the trial court rightly relied and acted on the alleged confessional statements of the Appellant and the co-accused persons, in convicting the Appellant.

3. Whether the Court of Appeal was right, when it held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

4. Whether the Court of Appeal was correct, in holding that the refusal of the trial court to wait indefinitely for the Appellant’s address, did not amount to denial of fair hearing.

Arguments On the 1st issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that, the Appellant raised the defence of alibi at the earliest opportunity, and also furnished evidence and sufficient particulars of his whereabouts on the day the deceased was murdered. He submitted that, the two lower courts were wrong to discountenance the Appellant’s defence of alibi.

On the other hand, counsel for the Respondent submitted that, the alibi set up by the Appellant was devoid of sufficient particulars to warrant investigation, hence, the defence cannot avail him. He cited the case of NJOVENS v THE STATE (1973) 1 NWLR 331.

He contended that, the Appellant failed to mention the specific time he left the locality where the said crimes in question were committed, in the statement the Appellant made in which he set up the defence.

On the 2nd issue, counsel for the Appellant submitted that, the confessional statements of the 2nd and 3rd accused persons relied upon by the trial court, are mere extra-judicial statements of co-accused persons charged along with the Appellant, which cannot be used in law to convict another person charged with the same offence. He submitted that, the Court of Appeal was wrong to have upheld the conviction of the Appellant by the trial court, on the basis of the statements.

Counsel for the Respondent argued conversely that, an accused person can be convicted on his true and positive confession alone, even where he has retracted it, as in the instant case. He further argued that, where there is a nexus between the contents of the statement of a co-accused with other independent evidence, it can be admissible against other accused persons. He contended that, the trial court was convinced that Exhibits 5, 6 and 7 passed the test of admissibility, and the Court of Appeal rightly affirmed this finding.

On the 3rd issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that, the prosecution had not been able to establish that the Appellant caused the death of the deceased. He submitted that, the prosecution, having failed to prove this essential ingredient of the offence of murder, had therefore, failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Counsel for the Respondent argued that the extra judicial statements of the Appellant and the other co-accused persons, show a conspiracy to rape the deceased by luring the deceased to the 3rd accused person’s farm where they raped the deceased. He argued that, the medical report tendered by the Respondent established that the deceased died from the combined effect of injuries inflicted on her by the

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 10th day of May, 2019 Before Their Lordships Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Amiru Sanusi Ejembi Eko Sidi Dauda Bage Justices, Supreme Court SC.586/2014 Between Segun Akinsuwa.........Appellant And The State ...........Respondent (Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. Amiru Sanusi, JSC)

Appellant and his accomplices in the process of raping her, and the Appellant also admitted it in his confessional statement.

On the 4th issue, counsel for the Appellant submitted that, the trial court’s judgement, delivered without giving the Appellant the opportunity to deliver his final address through his counsel, was a denial of his right to fair hearing which vitiated the entire proceedings. He urged the court to resolve the issues in favour of the Appellant, and allow the appeal.

Counsel for the Respondent submitted that, the Appellant’s trial was conducted within the tenets of fair hearing, and sufficient opportunity was given to the Appellant for his defence and counsel’s address.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale On the 1st issue, the Court held that, whenever alibi is raised a defence by an accused person, it becomes incumbent on him to adequately furnish detailed information of his whereabouts at the

“.....WHENEVER ALIBI IS RAISED A DEFENCE BY AN ACCUSED PERSON, IT BECOMES INCUMBENT ON HIM TO ADEQUATELY FURNISH DETAILED INFORMATION OF HIS WHEREABOUTS AT THE TIME THE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED...... A DEFENCE OF ALIBI WITHOUT PROVIDING SUFFICIENT FACTS TO CALL FOR VERIFICATION, IS NEBULOUS AND POROUS.....”

time the offence was committed, or the conspiracy was perpetrated. The court held that, such information must also be unquestionable and capable of being verified when investigated by the Police, and must be raised at the earliest possible time.

Where he fails to provide detailed information, the Police have no obligation to investigate the claim, and a defence of alibi without providing sufficient facts to call for verification, is nebulous and porous, and it cannot avail the accused person or defendant. The court held that, the Appellant failed to give the specific time he left the locality where the offence was committed, and also failed to state the particulars of his so-called brother’s wife who he said was about to give birth, or where she was living at Omituntun where he said he was at the time of the commission of the offence, in his statement in which he raised the defence of alibi.

The court held that, the Appellant did not also provide some facts timeously, but gave them during his testimony for his defence, when it was impracticable for the police to investigate. The Court of Appeal was therefore right, to have endorsed the discountenancing of the defence of alibi raised by the Appellant at the trial court.

On the second issue, the court held that, a confessional statement, so long as it is free, direct, positive and voluntary, is enough to ground a conviction. The court relied on R v OMOKARO (1941) WACA 146. It also held that, where there is a nexus between the contents of a statement of a co-accused with other independent evidence, such corroborative evidence is relevant and admissible, and will be regarded to have supported or confirmed the evidence in question, and can be acted upon by the trial court to convict as in the instant case. The court held that, the Appellant unequivocally admitted conniving with the 2nd and 3rd accused persons to rape and kill the deceased in Exhibit 5, and he did not object to his confessional statement when it was tendered by the prosecution. The court further held that, his confessional statement was also corroborated by the confessional statements of the 2nd and 3rd accused persons, wherein they clearly owned up to the commission of the crime with the Appellant.

On the 3rd issue, the court held that in order to obtain a conviction for the offence of murder, the prosecution could adduce evidence through an eyewitness or the voluntary confessional statement of the accused person, or through circumstantial evidence to prove the ingredients of the offence which are: (a) The death of a human being; (b) That the death was caused by the act of the accused person (c) That the act of the accused was done intentionally, or with the knowledge that death or grievous bodily harm would be the probable consequence. The court relied on OKEKE v THE STATE (1999) 2 NWLR (PT. 590) 246 AT 273. The Court held that, adequate evidence was adduced by the Respondent,, showing that the deceased died and the dastardly acts of the Appellant and his accomplices resulted in her death, and the extent of the injuries inflicted on the deceased, showed that the offenders had the knowledge that death could be the probable consequence of their actions.

On the 4th issue, the court held that, when the opportunity is given to a party to make his case heard and he fails to utilise it, he cannot hold the other side or the court to ransom, and cannot be heard afterwards that his right to fair hearing was violated. The court held that, after the Respondent closed its case, the Appellant was granted adjournments to enable him bring his last witness, but was unable to, after which the court granted the last adjournment for conclusion and address of counsel.

The Appellant still did not do anything, and judgement was subsequently delivered. Relying on EFFIOM v THE STATE (1995) 1 NWLR Part 379 at 507, the Court held that, the Appellant having failed to take advantage of all the opportunities generously given him by the trial court for his defence and counsel’s address, cannot be heard to complain that his right to fair hearing was violated.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Oliyade Olanrewaju Ismaila with Adeolu Salako for the Appellant Prof. J. N. Mbadugha with Rita Campbell for the Respondent Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited (Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR))

17.09.2019

NEWS/5

2019 FOUNDER'S DAY L R; Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN, Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, Chief Phoebe Ajayi-Obe, SAN, Chief Connit Jean Aremu, SAN, Chairman Development Policy Centre, Professor Bimpe Aboyade and Ms Funke Aboyade, SAN at the 2019 Founder’s Day Celebration of Development Policy Centre in Ibadan Photo: Felix Ademola

NBA PRESIDENT’S DINNER Mrs. Adejoke Layi-Babatunde of Lawbreed Ltd with the IBA President, Horacio Bernades Neto, at the NBA President’s Dinner, 2019 NBA Annual General Conference

BOSAN Set to Induct New Members The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), is set to hold the 2nd annual pre-swearing-in induction programme, for the new appointees to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The theme of the Induction Programme is titled: “Legal Ethics and Professionalism in the Practice of Law�.

The purpose of the Induction Programme, is to provide a forum for the distinguished members of the Inner Bar and the Bench, to interact with the new appointees to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, on their leadership role in the profession, professional ethics and conduct, expected of them in the discharge of their duties to the Clients, the Court and the Society.

The Induction Programme will commence at 9:00am on Thursday, September 19, 2019 and will end at 5:00pm. There will be four sessions, and each session will have facilitators to discuss on significant topics, on Ethics and Professionalism in the practice of law.

The Facilitators to lead the discussions at various sessions

include: r )PO +VTUJDF 0MVLBZPEF "SJXPPMB +4$ r )PO +VTUJDF .VTB %BUUJKP .VIBNNBE 0'3 +4$ r )PO +VTUJDF &KFNCJ &LP +4$ r )PO +VTUJDF .PKFFE "EFLVOMF 0XPBEF +$" r $IJFG A'PMBLF 4PMBOLF CON, SAN r $IJFG 0 $ + 0LPDIB .'3 +1 4"/ r $IJFG "XB ,BMV 4"/ r .S 1BVM 6TPSP 4"/ r .ST .JBOOBZB &TTJFO SAN r 1SPGFTTPS 'BCJBO Ajogwu, SAN BOSAN will also provide information to the new appointees to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, on the Decorum and Code PG %SFTTJOH GPS .FNCFST of the Inner Bar; the History of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria; the activities of the Body including: quarterly meetings, annual lecture and dinner, mandate of committees and sub-committees of the Body, and other relevant information about the BOSAN. 6OJWFSTJUZ PG -BHPT BOE 6OJWFSTJUZ PG %VOEFF UP hold International Oil & Gas Conference The Faculty of Law,

6OJWFSTJUZ PG -BHPT JO DPMlaboration with the Centre for Energy, Petroleum, and .JOFSBM -BX BOE 1PMJDZ $&1.-1 6OJWFSTJUZ PG %VOEFF 6, JT PSHBOJTJOH an Oil and Gas Conference for industry experts and stakeholders.

The one-day Conference which holds on October 17, 2019 at the Envoy Hotel Abuja, will bring together international oil and gas experts, industry regulators, relevant Senate CommitUFFT PUIFS 1PMJDZ .BLFST IOCs and indigenous Oil Companies, Oil and Gas Lawyers, and members of the academic community.

The Conference will discuss critical issues relevant to Nigeria’s oil and gas future and its sustainable growth, including issues on oil and gas investment, taxation and resource management, and a roundtable session on environment and ethics.

The Conference is designed for in-House Lawyers; Senior Finance and Account Personnel; Budgetary and Planning Officers; as well as staff JO 4FOJPS BOE .BOBHFrial roles involving commercialisation, taxation,

planning, strategy and budget management; resource management; and governance and ethics.

Expected at the Conference are Edo State Attorney-General and $PNNJTTJPOFS GPS +VTUJDF Professor Yinka Omorogbe, 7JDF $IBODFMMPS 6OJWFSTJUZ of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice Chancellor, Lagos State 6OJWFSTJUZ 1SPGFTTPS 0MBOrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, .S "INFE 3VGBJ 4IBLVS Ag. Director of Petroleum Resources, Department of Petroleum Resources, Professor Volker Roeben, $&1.-1 6OJWFSTJUZ PG Dundee, Professor Raphael )FGGSPO $&1.-1 6OJWFSsity of Dundee, Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, Dean 'BDVMUZ PG -BX 6OJWFSTJUZ of Port Harcourt, Professor Abiola Sanni, Faculty of -BX 6OJWFSTJUZ PG -BHPT Professor Dayo Amokaye, 'BDVMUZ PG -BX 6OJWFSTJUZ PG -BHPT %S .JSJBO ,FOF ,BDIJLXV (FOFSBM $PVOTFM & Company Secretary, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc., Dr. Bayo Adaralegbe, #BCBMBLJO $P BOE .S Azeez Alatoye, Ascension Consulting Services.

Lagos DPP to Issue Legal Advice within Two Weeks, Says AG Akinwale Akintunde Lagos State Attorney-General BOE $PNNJTTJPOFS GPS +VTUJDF .S .PZPTPSF 0OJHCBOKP SAN, has reiterated that the time line for the issuance of Legal Advice in criminal cases by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), will no longer exceed two weeks from the receipt of a duplicate case file from the Police.

According to a statement CZ ,BZPEF 0ZFLBONJ Deputy Director, Public "GGBJST .JOJTUSZ PG +VTUJDF Onigbanjo stated this in his office last week, while reacting to complaints by members of the public that, legal advice to the Nigeria Police Force on criminal matters are unduly delayed by the DPPs’ office, .JOJTUSZ PG +VTUJDF CFGPSF issuance.

The Commissioner noted that, “It is necessary to inform the general public that, the DPP has policies in place for ensuring speedy issuance of well-considered Legal Advice. “However, in exceptional cases where the case is com-

plex, Legal Advice will be issued within three weeks�, he said.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria revealed that, in a situation whereby the Police forward the duplicate case file, but Counsel makes a request for further information or investigation; the time line for delivery of the legal advice starts to run when the additional information is received. “For the avoidance of doubt, the time lines are strictly adhered to by the DPPs’ office�, he stated.

The Attorney-General stressed that, in the event that any member of the public has a case in which there is non-adherence to the timeliness already stated, complaints should be forwarded to the following: Honourable Attorney-General BOE $PNNJTTJPOFS GPS +VTUJDF Email: mj@onigbanjo.com Telephone: 08033243869 Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary: Email: tsbkadija@yahoo.com Telephone: 08023034729 “On this note, the general public are therefore, assured that such matters will be taken up and resolved accordingly�, stated the Commissioner.

Group Trains Lawyers on Technical Skills in the Provision of Legal Assistance

Magu: 167 Arrested, $169,850, N92m Recovered from Nigerian Fraudsters in EFCC, FBI Collaboration

Akinwale Akintunde

Akinwale Akintunde

,BEVOB BOE -BHPT 4UBUFT UP the SAFE project (StrengthIn order to enhance best ening the National Actors’ practices in the monitoring Capacities and Advocating and documentation of HR for Ending Severe Human violations by security agencies Rights Violations in Nigeria).

In her opening remarks, and the provision of legal aid for victims of human rights "OHFMB 6XBOEV XIP IFBET violations respectively, the ASF Office in Nigeria said, Avocats Sans Frontières France “The project aims to address (ASF France) also known as serious human rights violaLawyers Without Borders, last tions of extra-judicial execuweek held a three-day training tions, torture, ill treatment and arbitrary detention by for its support Lawyers.

The training with the theme security agencies in Nigeria. “We are poised to engage A3FJOGPSDFNFOU PG -BXZFST Technical Skills in the Provision and train media, security of Legal Assistance’, which held agencies, CSOs and Lawyers, between September 4 and 6, in order to enhance best 2019 at the Top Rank Hotels practices in the monitorGalaxy in Abuja introduced ing and documentation of 13 Lawyers comprising of the HR violations by security project support Lawyers and agencies and the provision the Nigerian Bar Association of legal aid for victims of nominee Lawyers from Enugu, human rights violations

respectively. “On the 30th of August, 2019, the world marked the international day of the victims of enforced disappearances. Family members deserve to know the truth and seek justice for their loved ones who disappeared, or were treated unfairly. “ASF France believes the training is the first step in ensuring that support Lawyers and NBA pro bono legal aid Lawyers are equipped to handle cases of serious HR violations by security agencies, and obtaining justice for victims and family members of victims. “The interactive training which had the participants engaged in group works, covered technical sessions

which focused on the three thematic areas of SAFE (extra judicial executions, torture and ill treatments and arbitrary detention) and the SAFE Legal Aid .FUIPEPMPHZu 6XBOEV stated.

According to her, the SAFE project in Nigeria, is currently implemented

by Avocats Sans Frontières France in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association and the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO), to address core human rights violations of extra- judicial killings, torture, ill treatment and arbitrary detention by security agencies in Nigeria.

She noted that, the project is funded by the European 6OJPO

the sum of N92 million recovered from the arrested fraudsters from August 12, 2019 to date.

Abba said the collaboration, which also aimed at disrupting Business Email Compromise and Email Account Compromise (BEC/EAC) in both countries, has resulted in the recovery of four exotic cars, plots of land in choice areas in Lagos, and a property in Abuja. “Being an international model operation targeted at the varied forms of computer-related frauds, the EFCC/FBI collaborative operations spanning three weeks, was designed to intercept and interrupt the global network of the internet fraudsters. “However, before now, as you are all aware, we had relentlessly launched intensive investigative

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said its collaboration with America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against Internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo boys, is yielding results.

The Acting Chairman PG UIF &'$$ .S *CSBIJN .BHV NBEF UIF EJTDMPTVSF at a joint media briefing by the Commission held with the FBI in Lagos, last Tuesday. .BHV XIP TQPLF UISPVHI the Commission’s Director PG 0QFSBUJPOT .PIBNNFE Abba, said as a result of the collaboration tagged “Operation Rewired�, it has arrested 167 Nigerians for alleged computer-related frauds and the sum of $169,850, as well as CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

6/

17.09.2019

Tribunal Upholds Jibrin’s Victory as Winner of Kano Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency Akinwale Akintunde The National and State Legislative Houses Elections Petition Tribunal in Kano, has affirmed the election of Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency of Kano State in the February 23, 2019 elections.

In a unanimous judgement, the tribunal chaired by Hon Justice Nayai Aganaba with Hon. Justice Ashu Augustine Ewah and Hon Justice Mustapha Tijjani as members, dismissed the petition filed by Aliyu Datti Yako and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the victory of Jibrin as the winner of the said election.

The Tribunal held that, the Petitioners failed to prove the allegations as contained in their petitions against the Respondents.

Yako and his party, PDP, had dragged Hon. Jibrin, his party, APC and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before

the Tribunal, challenging the result of the Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency of Kano State election, over alleged irregularities.

The APC and INEC were the second and third Respondents, respectively.

Yako had alleged that INEC wrongly declared Hon. Jibrin as the winner of the polls with 41,700 votes, while he was said to have scored 40,385 votes.

In the petition filed before the tribunal on his behalf by his counsel, Chief M. N Duru, KSM, the PDP Candidate for Bebeji/ Kiru Federal Constituency of Kano in the February 23 elections, alleged that the results declared by INEC was fraught with votebuying, violence, over-voting, inducement of voters with monetary and material gains, campaigning and lobbying voters on the day of election.

He claimed that, INEC ought to have declared him (Yako), the winner of the election instead of Jibrin, claiming that he scored the highest lawful votes cast at the election.

Yako alleged that the election and return of Hon. Jibrin was invalid, by reason of substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the conduct of the 2019 General Elections.

According to him, the election and return of Jibrin was invalid by reason of corrupt practices, which vitiated the election in the Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency of Kano State.

The Petitioner stated that, contrary to the result declared by INEC, he (Yako) won majority of lawful votes cast, and ought to have been declared winner and returned as the duly elected Member for the House of Representatives for Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency of Kano State for the February 23, 2019 elections.

Other irregularities he stated in his petition, include: non-accreditation and/or improper accreditation of voters by INEC officials, intimidation and arrest of his supporters and

MAGU: 167 ARRESTED, $169,850, N92M RECOVERED FROM NIGERIAN FRAUDSTERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 actions against the infamous Yahoo Yahoo boys, culminating into various strategic raids, onslaught on criminals’ hideouts, prosecutions and convictions.

“I am happy to inform you that, our efforts in coordinating the EFCC/FBI joint operations in Nigeria recorded tremendous successes, leading to a number of arrests, seizures and recoveries.

The suspected fraudsters arrested in the course of this operation, will be persecuted accordingly.

“It is instructive to note that, from August 12, 2019 to date, the collaborative Operation Rewired coordinated by the EFCC in Nigeria, as an impetus to our sustained operations on perpetrators of various computer-related frauds, have resulted in the arrest 167 Nigerians for alleged computer-related frauds.

“We have also recovered from the arrested fraudsters the sum of $169,850, as well as the

sum of N92 million.

“Also, four exotic cars, plots of land in choice areas in Lagos and a property in Abuja were also recovered, during the EFCC-FBI collaborative operations.

“Before I conclude, I will like to reiterate that, the imperative of our coming together regularly to bridge any information gap about the progress of the anti-graft war and to enhance your capacities to report the Commission from the position of facts and figures, cannot be over-emphasised.

“I, therefore, urge you to continue to help us mobilise and educate all the critical stakeholders, to continue to support the fight against economic and financial crimes. We must collectively strive to achieve the Nigeria of our dream.

“While thanking you for your unwavering support, it is very critical for you to understand that, you owe the youth of this country that social

responsibility of awakening their consciousness to the importance of a noble life devoid of crimes.

“I wish to state, with a high sense of responsibility, that there is no short cut to success, other than hard work. The youth, therefore, must shun crimes and its alluring temptation, because it will always end in sorrow and regrets.

“Now that the infamous internet crimes have received a global attention and concern, there will be no hiding place for fraudsters.

The EFCC will continue to partner with the FBI and other international law enforcement agencies, especially in the area of exchange of information and actionable intelligence, towards bringing to the barest minimum the menace of cybercrimes and other computer-based fraud in the country”, he stated.

poll agents, as well as instigation of electoral violence by the agents of 1st Respondent.

The Petitioners claimed that, apart from the listed irregularities, there were irreconcilable entries in the result declared and the number of votes recorded in favour of Hon. Jibrin by INEC in forms EC8A and EC8B respectively.

He also alleged non-use of accredited card readers, in line with the 3rd Respondent’s (INEC’s) guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the election.

But, in his defence, Hon. Jibrin, through his lead counsel, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, debunked all the allegations contained in the petition, adding that, not only is the petition an incompetent one, but that same is replete with errors, mistakes, misconceptions and misrepresentations, all of which were individually and collectively fatal to the Petitioners’ claim.

Jibrin along with APC and INEC, insisted that Jibrin scored the highest lawful votes cast at the election, and urged the tribunal to dismiss Yako’s petition with substantial costs.

They also submitted that during crossexamination, Yako admitted that the election process he personally witnessed was free and fair, and that all incidences of malpractices complained about were reported to him by others.

According to Jibrin and the other Respondents, the Petitioners have not made any case whatsoever for the grant of the reliefs sought by them, and urged the Tribunal to dismiss the petition.

In their judgement, the Tribunal came to various findings in favour of the Respondents and against the Petitioners, ultimately reaching a conclusion that the allegations against the election and return of the 1st Respondent, Hon. Jibrin were unproven.

The Tribunal held that, the Petitioner failed to substantiate and give particulars of all allegations raised against the election of Hon. Jibrin, and declared that the National Assembly elections from which Hon. Jibrin emerged winner, was held in accordance with the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.

Legal Personality of the Week Ike Augustine Osondu, Esq.

‘Humility and Diligence Make a Good Lawyer’ Please, give a brief introduction of yourself My name is Ike Augustine Osondu, Esq. I am from Imo State. I am a graduate of the University of Uyo. I attended the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, FCT (Abuja Campus) and was called to the Nigerian Bar. I thereafter, proceeded to Minna , Niger State where I was posted for the compulsory National Youth Service Corps Scheme in the same year. During NYSC, I worked with Summit Chambers, Minna, and joined the Nigerian Bar Association, Minna Branch. I took active part in Bar activities. I was the President of the Corps Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), which is also known as Corps Legal Aid Group (CLAG) in some States. I was retained in Summit Chambers after NYSC, and I worked there until I relocated Port Harcourt, where I joined the office of Fatai Aremu Oso, SAN and Associates. I am now based in Owerri.

I am a general legal practitioner with special interest in Civil and Criminal Litigation, Election matters, Corporate Law Practice, Petroleum and Environmental Law matters.

Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?

Yes, I encountered a few challenges at the beginning of my legal career, but I thank God for bringing mentors and good colleagues around me, who helped me surmount those challenges.

First, it was the challenge of getting a good and busy law office, where I could start my legal career. I had always wished to work in a Law firm where I can be tutored, and at the same time, be given the platform to build my advocacy skills. At the time I was posted to Niger State for NYSC, I did not know anyone

every other young lawyer. I was given the file to study, and then we had a case conference in the office, and I was asked to go alone and conduct the case. At first, I was nervous, but having become abreast with the facts of the case through adequate preparation and also fortified with legal authorities, I had to summon the courage. One thing I liked about Summit Chambers, is this policy of giving young Lawyers the platform to grow. I conducted the matter successfully, with a senior Lawyer appearing for the opposing party.

The third challenge, was the having to cope with a meagre earning as a young Lawyer, in the midst of enormous needs and responsibilities.

I thank God for his sustenance and favour, to be able to surmount this challenge.

Ike Augustine Osondu, Esq.

there, neither did I have relatives in Minna. I was lucky to meet two Senior Lawyers - A.A. Umar, Esq who was the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Minna Branch at that time, and Leri Otahagwa, Esq. It was the day my friend, Aliyu Imuekheme and I, were going round Minna to inquire of good law offices. I thank the management of Summit Chambers, ably led by Musa Suleiman Esq. and Gimba Mohammed, Esq. for accepting me as a Pupil Counsel. I want to thank my senior, Yusuf Koroka, Esq., and others in Minna, for allowing me the privilege of drawing from their reservoir of wisdom and knowledge as a young Lawyer.

The second challenge, was appearing in court alone in a matter; this challenge is peculiar to

What was your worst day as a Lawyer?

Well, I must say God has been faithful to me in the course of my legal practice. It is not too series a worst moment but I must say my worst day as a lawyer was the day I had to travel a very far distance to a Court in Gulu, Niger State only to be told that the Court will not sit for unavoidable reasons.

This was a case I had to set out as early as 5:30 am. It is one of those experiences one faces in the course of legal practice.

What is your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?

My most memorable experience as a Lawyer, was the day I appeared in a matter being led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Pa Ayodele, SAN. It was very memorable because, other Senior Advocates appeared for other parties. I used to describe it as a case of harvest of legal titans. I really learnt a lot, observing the legal titans exchange legal fireworks and vibrant

advocacy.

Who has been most influential in your life?

I have had and still have many eminent personalities influence my life, but I must say that my mother is the most influential in my life, though she is now of blessed memory. Her life of hard work, diligence and penchant for honesty, has helped me a lot in my career as a Lawyer. I was also influenced by the life and legacies of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAM, SAN. It is quite disheartening that, no one has been able to fill his position in Nigeria: he was indeed, a colossus, and a true human rights crusader.

Why did you become a Lawyer?

I became a lawyer first to earn a living, and also to use the instrument of law to positively impact on humanity - to be a voice to the voiceless in the society, especially the indigents who cannot afford the services of a Lawyer, through providing pro bono legal services.

What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?

I would advice anyone wanting a career in law, to first have the passion for the profession, then he/she must possess good character, integrity, in addition to being humble and diligent.

If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?

I would have become an Accountant, if I had not become a Lawyer. Maybe because I love Arithmetic.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope to see myself become a Judge in the next ten years, by the grace of God.

17.09.2019

/7

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

SMS only to 08098898888

The $9 Billion Judgement Debt Rumbling: Legal Issues Arising (Part 2)

I

Introduction t was Dwight D. Eisenhower who once said in the Councils of Government that, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, through the military-industrial complex. He theorised that the potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power, exists and will persist. On this note, we shall, today, continue our discourse on the $9 billion judgement vexed issue.

Legal Issues Arising from the $9 billion Judgement Debt Discovery of “Silver Bullet” to shoot down $9.6 billion P & ID Claim and Private International Law (Continues) Proponents and supporters of this Government, claimed to have discovered a “silver bullet” to shut down the $9 billion judgement debt. They rely on “Section 13(2) of the Act which provides that:(a) relief shall not be given against a State by way of injunction or order for specific performance or for the recovery of land or other property; and (b) the property of a State shall not be subject to any process for the enforcement of a judgement or arbitration award or, in an action in rem, for its arrest, detention or sale”.

They argue: “Pursuant to Section 13 of the Act, State assets ‘shall not be subject to any process for the enforcement of a judgement or arbitration award or, in an action in rem, for [their] arrest, detention or sale’, unless the State has provided its written consent. For example, Gold Reserve Inc v Venezuela [2016] EWHC 153 (Comm), finding that Venezuela had submitted to arbitration in writing by entering into a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) with Canada or the assets in question are ‘in use or intended for use for commercial purposes’ (Section 13(2)-(4)).

These provisions apply in respect to States alone, as defined in Section 14 of the Act, and do not therefore, extend to separate entities (see question 8).

“This provision is subject to Sections 13(3) and 13(4) of the Act. Pursuant to section 13(3), a State may provide written consent to the grant of any relief against it. It follows that, a State may consent to the grant of interim or injunctive relief against it; however, the mere submission to the jurisdiction of the UK courts does not constitute such consent.”

“Taking a close look at the Gas Supply and Processing Agreement (GSPA), which the two parties to the contract entered into, it will be deduced that some foreign elements were introduced into the contract, thereby, bringing in elements of Private International Law into the contract, aside the fact that parties in the contract already introduced the foreign element into the contract by their involvement. Clause 20 of the GSPA provided (a) the agreement to be construed in accordance with the laws of Nigeria (b) in the event of a dispute over the interpretation or performance of the agreement, which cannot be resolved amicably, either party will serve on the other a notice of arbitration (c) the Arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the parties and (d) the venue of the arbitration shall be London, England or otherwise as agreed by the parties.”

From the above clause, it is crystal clear that the GSPA only stated that London, England should serve as the forum convenience for resolving disputes amicably, but never stated that UK laws should apply in interpreting the agreement; rather it went further to state that, the agreement is to be construed in accordance with the laws of Nigeria. Consequently, the applicable law in the circumstances, is Nigerian Law, not the UK law.”. This is the “silver bullet” the protagonists are claiming. But, is that the law?

Let us take a look at certain concepts to arrive at a just opinion.

Nullus Commodum Capere Potest de Injuria sua Propria (No one should be permitted to profit by his own Wrong

“IT IS CRYSTAL CLEAR THAT THE GSPA ONLY STATED THAT LONDON, ENGLAND SHOULD SERVE AS THE FORUM CONVENIENCE FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES AMICABLY, BUT NEVER STATED THAT UK LAWS SHOULD APPLY IN INTERPRETING THE AGREEMENT; RATHER IT WENT FURTHER TO STATE THAT, THE AGREEMENT IS TO BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF NIGERIA”

President Muhammadu Buhari

or Default) The above maxim is applicable, in this particular case. The proposition is that, a man will not be allowed to take advantage of his own wrong. This is no doubt a very salutary one and one which the court would wish to endorse. Most prominent people in Government have argued that, the agreement between the two parties was fraudulent, and that the contract did not follow the right approval channels. Question: can the Federal Government of Nigeria be allowed to benefit from its own wrong or default, or disobey an arbitral award on grounds of fraud or illegal approval of contract, when it consented to the jurisdiction of the court and did not challenge the notice of arbitration, but, instead commenced negotiation on the quantum of damages to be paid?

In F.B.N. Plc v Songonuga (2007) 3 NWLR (Part 1021) 230 at 280 paras. B - D; 266 paras. B - E (CA), the Court of Appeal, Per. Garba J.C.A., succinctly put the position as follows: ".....Be that it may, it would be quite inequitable for the Respondent, a Lawyer conscious and fully aware or presumed to be, of provisions of the Act and its legal implications, willingly and willfully, eyes wide opened, to be allowed now to claim that what he did and caused the Appellant to rely and act upon, was void. More inequitable for him, is to claim any benefit from his own failure to discharge an obligation imposed by Section 22 (1) of the Act on him, yet to seek and obtain the consent of the Governor in his relationship with the Appellant. The courts have consistently refused to allow people like the Respondent to claim any benefits from their own deliberate acts of unfairness, by trying to exploit or hide under any absurd technicalities there may be in the law. The senses and sensibilities of equity, fair play and fairness are always protected and enforced by the courts in all legal agreements or relationships freely entered into or created by the parties themselves. The duty to do so in this appeal, could not be more compulsive."

Similarly, in STANBIC IBTC BANK v LONGTERM GLOBAL CAPITAL LTD & ORS (2018) LPELR-44053(CA), the intermediate court further held that: “.....The Appellants cannot in good conscience, equity and even in law, be allowed to take advantage of their own wrong. I deprecate it, as morally despicable. They cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. See Sosan v H.F.P. Eng. (Nig.) (2003) LPELR-7232 (CA). See also Kentus Chemical and Allied Products Ltd v UBA Plc (2012) LPELR-9836 (CA); Buswell v Goodwin (1971) 1 All ER 418.” Per GEORGEWILL, J.C.A. (Pp. 35-36, Paras. E-E)”.

Question: Can the Nigerian Government take advantage of its wrong, to repudiate a contract in which an arbitral award has been made, with the Government already negotiating the quantum of damages? I think not.

Setting Aside an Arbitral Award Authorities no doubt abound, in which Nigerian courts have pronounced that, acts of misconduct could lead to the setting aside of an arbitral award. In the case of TRIANA LIMITED v UNIVERSAL TRUST BANK PLC (2009) LPELR-8922(CA),

the intermediate court imprimatured as follows: "The word "misconduct" has not been defined in the Act or what would amount to misconduct on the part of an arbitrator, to necessitate the setting aside of his award. But, the Court is not without guidance. The Apex Court in Taylor Woodrow Nigeria Limited v S.E.G.M.B.H. (Supra) having had recourse to the common law, has determined what constitutes misconduct.

Several instances have been listed, though it cannot be said to be exhaustive. I think each case should be treated based on its peculiar facts, to determine whether or not an arbitrator has misconducted himself. Where an arbitrator had done anything either expressly or impliedly, for which a reasonable by-stander would conclude that he was not fair to both parties, I think such act of the Arbitrator would qualify as a misconduct.

For the avoidance of doubt, the following instances enunciated in the above case will certainly constitute acts of misconduct, that is to say:(i) where the Arbitrator fails to comply with the terms, express or implied, of the arbitration agreement; (ii) where, even if the Arbitrator complies with the terms of the arbitration agreement, the Arbitrator makes an award, which on grounds of public policy ought not to be enforced; (iii )where the Arbitrator has been bribed or corrupted; (iv) technical misconduct, such as where the Arbitrator makes a mistake as to the scope of the authority conferred by the agreement of reference. This however, does not mean that every irregularity of procedure, amounts to misconduct; (v) where the Arbitrator or umpire fails to decide all the matters which were referred to him; (vi) where, by his award, the Arbitrator or umpire purports to decide matters which have not, in fact, been included in the agreement or reference, for example:- (a) where the award contains unauthorised directions to the parties; or (b) where the Arbitrator has power to direct what shall be done, but his directions affect the interests of 3rd parties; or (c) where the arbitrator decided as to the parties' rights, not under the contract upon which the arbitration had proceeded, but under another contract; (vii) if the award is inconsistent, or is ambiguous or there is some mistake of fact which mistake must be either admitted or at least clear beyond any reasonable doubt; (viii) where the umpire or Arbitrator refuses to state a special case for himself or allow an opportunity of applying to the court for an order directing the statement of a special case; (ix) where the Arbitrator or umpire delegates any part of his authority, whether to a stranger or to one of the parties, or even to a co-arbitrator; (x) where the Arbitrator or umpire accepts the hospitality offered with the intention of influencing his decision; (xi) where the Arbitrator or umpire acquires an interest in the subject-matter of the reference, or is otherwise an interested party; (xii) where the Arbitrator or umpire takes a bribe from either party; (xiii) where the Arbitrator or umpire has breached the rules of natural justice; (xiv) if there has been irregularity in the proceedings as, for instance:- (a) where the Arbitrator failed to give the parties notice of the time and place of meeting; or (b) where the agreement required the evidence to be taken orally and the Arbitrator received affidavits; or (c) where the Arbitrator refused to hear the evidence of a material witness; or (d) where the examination of witnesses is taken out of the parties' hands; or (e) where the Arbitrator failed to have foreign documents translated; or (f) where, the reference being to two or more Arbitrators, they did not act together; or (g) where the umpire, after hearing evidence from both parties, received further evidence from one without informing or hearing the other; or (h) where the umpire attended the deliberations of the appeal board reviewing his award; (xv) if the Arbitrator or umpire has failed to act fairly towards both parties, as for example:- (a) by hearing one party but refusing to hear the other; or (b) by deciding in default of defence, without clear warning; or (c) by taking instructions from or talking with one party in the absence of the other; or (d) by taking evidence in the absence of one party or both parties; or (e) by failing to give a party the opportunity of considering the other party's evidence; or (f) by using knowledge he has acquired in a different capacity, in such a way as to influence his decision or the course of the proceedings; or (g) by making his award without hearing witnesses whom he had promised to hear; or (h) by deciding the case on a point not put by the parties. See Taylor Woodrow Nig Ltd v S.E.G.M.B.H (Supra). Kano State Urban Development Board v Fanz Construction Company Ltd (1986) 5 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 39) 77 “Per Okoro, J.C.A (Pp. 12-13, paras. A-B)”. (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Real patriotism is a willingness to challenge the government, when it's wrong.” (Ron Paul).

8/COVER

17.09.2019

D

I

S

C

17.09.2019

O

COVER/9

U

R

S

E

ATIKU v BUHARI: Is the Judiciary on Trial?

Most Nigerians, did not expect anything different from the decision of the Presidential Election Tribunal, which delivered its nine-hour judgement in the Atiku v Buhari matter, to a bored and flummoxed group of Lawyers last week. As the Atiku team of Lawyers head to the Apex Court, Dr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Mike Aduegbona, Chuks Nwana and Jide Ojo examine some of the weighty issues raised by the judgement, including the position of their Lordships on the elusive INEC Server, the President’s educational qualifications, and the failure or otherwise of INEC’s Electronic Voting Machines. They also postulated on Atiku’s chances of victory, at the Supreme Court

Atiku v Buhari: When the Judiciary is on Trial Mike Ozekhome, SAN

I

Introduction have always been a staunch defender of the Judiciary. In my 38 years in the legal profession, I have been at the forefront of defending the judiciary against executive lawlessness, legislative rascality and public denigration. The reasons are simple: First, the Judiciary is the weakest of the three arms of government.

It was Alexander Hamilton in his famous Federalists Papers (Essay No. 78), who underlined this truism, by arguing that the judicial branch does not have the power to act , but only to judge , leaving the executive branch with the choice of whether or not to carry out such judgement or decisions.

Second, Judges cannot defend themselves against public vilification, opprobrium, insults, calumny or abuses. They are expected to be reticent, restrained, dignified and impervious to public criticism, however unfair, immoral, devious or dubious. They cannot even hold press conferences to defend themselves, or even make public statements. They are left to their fate, very vulnerable. That leaves some of us, with the sacred (even if unsolicited) duty of being unelected sentinels at the doorsteps of this vulnerable species of Nigerians.

However, the Judiciary must help itself to win and deserve its independence. It must save itself from itself. It is in this light that I firmly believe that, the recent judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (“PEPC”) neither helped itself, the Judiciary, nor the cause of justice and democracy. By a shocking unanimous decision, five Justices, dismissed the ATIKU/PDP Petition against BUHARI/ INEC/APC. Not a few Nigerians were taken aback by the lack of coherence, the litany of contradictions, the yawning gaps in evaluation of evidence, and even in some instances, when the court donned the garb of becoming a “Father Christmas”, giving freely to the Respondents more than they even asked for.

One of such clear examples, is that President Muhammadu Buhari in his defence to the Petition only asked the PEPC to declare him “qualified” to contest the February 23 Presidential/NASS elections.

The PEPC went further, gratuitously, to declare Buhari as “not only qualified”, but “eminently qualified” in contesting same. Let us take up some of the troubling issues that will be-plague our Nation and

Why the Tribunal’s Judgement on the Presidential Election Petition, Cannot Stand Mike Aduegbona

F

rom the highlights in the judgement, it is clear that if it is allowed to stand, it would be tantamount to a miscarriage of justice in the face of very clear gaps that beg for answers.

nationhood for a very long time to come, if not rectified by the Supreme Court in the foreseeable future.

The Issues of Buhari’s Non-Qualification and False Declaration in Aid of his Qualification Qualification for the office of President is fundamental, having been clearly provided for by the Constitution itself. Section 131 (d) of the Constitution which President Buhari relied on, states: “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of President if he has been educated up to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent.” There are other qualifications in Section 131 (a) (c) which President Buhari did not rely on.

Section 318(1) of the Constitution leaves no room for ambiguity as to the meaning of “School Certificate or its equivalent”.

The phrase is defined to mean: (a) Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent, or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, the City and Guilds Certificate; or (b) education up to Secondary School Certificate level; or (c) Primary Six School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent; and (i) service in the public or private sector in the Federation in any capacity acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for a minimum of ten years, and (ii) attendance at courses and training in such institutions as may be acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for periods totalling up to a minimum of one year, and (iii) the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English language to the satisfaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission; and (d) any other qualification acceptable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The import of the conjunctive word “and” which appears at the end of Section 318(1)(c) (ii) and (iii), before the introduction of Section 318(1)(d), must be noted. It clearly shows that “attendance at courses and training” and “any other qualification acceptable by the Independent National Electoral Commission” are required only IN ADDITION (and not as an alternative) to any of the three aforementioned educational qualifications set out in Section 318(a), (b) and (c).

Similarly, it is not enough for a candidate to simply state, without more, that he has satisfied the constitutional requirements for election to the office of President: he must provide and attach to Form CF 001, the exact educational credentials which

On Qualification The Judges agreed that the Petitioners had a burden of proving that Buhari is not qualified, and did not discharge that burden.

President Muhammadu Buhari

he claims to possess and upon which he relies, as the basis of his qualification for election. If this were not so, a person could simply declare, “I have been educated up to at least the Secondary School Certificate”, and such bare declaration would serve as his qualification. That would be outrageously ridiculous!. A candidate must choose, which constitutional qualifying credentials he desires to rely on. He cannot simply rely, on all of them.

Consequently, the issue of whether a candidate was at the time of election actually qualified to contest same, inevitably calls for a calm analysis of the credentials which the candidate himself has provided.

No extraneous consideration or inference, is permitted here. The candidate choosing his qualifications, is strictly bound by such materials as he has personally provided for assessment. He must ‘swim or sink’ with these qualifying materials for INEC’s assessment of his eligibility as attached to Form CF001.

Now, at the time of election, Buhari asserted that he had attended Primary

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

School and was issued a Primary School Certificate in 1952 (Section 318 (1) (c).

He claimed he obtained his Secondary School Certificate and “WASC” in 1961. This is the minimum constitutional requirement. Buhari elected to rely solely on; that is, the purported Secondary School Certificate by which he is qualified for election as President of Nigeria.

Buhari, never claimed that his qualification was one of being educated up to Secondary School level (Section 318 (1) (b)) as the PEPC laboured very hard to hold.

“THE CANDIDATE CHOOSING HIS QUALIFICATIONS, IS STRICTLY BOUND BY SUCH MATERIALS AS HE HAS PERSONALLY PROVIDED FOR ASSESSMENT. HE MUST ‘SWIM OR SINK’ WITH THESE QUALIFYING MATERIALS, FOR INEC’S ASSESSMENT OF HIS ELIGIBILITY AS ATTACHED TO FORM CF001”

He claimed emphatically that he obtained Secondary School Certificate, not its equivalent, or Grade II Teachers Certificate or City and Guilds. He never relied on his ability to understand, speak or write English language as his qualification (Section 318(c) (i) (iii). Buhari never relied on any ground, other than his Secondary School Certificate.

It therefore, accords with common sense, logic and justice, that he must be assessed on the basis of his self-declared Secondary School Certificate alone. Nothing more. It cannot be otherwise, for that would amount to making a claim, which Buhari himself had not made. The PEPC wrongfully enlarged Buhari’s grounds of qualification, beyond those he personally claimed to possess in Form CF 001. This form is potent and has the force of law, having been made pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended, and thus, forming part of the Act itself.

It is a trite principle of law that, one who asserts, like the Petitioner, must prove his

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Analysis: Issue of qualification is a constitutional requirement, and the grounds for qualification are many. A person desirous of standing for election must identify the best constitutional provision that best suits him/her and use as qualification.

A person is not allowed to simply fall back on all the list of qualifications upon a challenge on his/her qualification, by relying on all of the Constitutional provisions. You must choose your qualification, and swim or sink with it.

Buhari did not say that his qualification was an equivalent of Secondary School Certificate, he didn’t state that his qualification was his ability to read, write and speak English Language, he didn’t say that he was relying on his public service as his qualifying factor. He clearly and unequivocally stated his qualification to be that, he obtained a Primary School Certificate, a Secondary School Certificate (WASC) and Officer Cadet (which was never explained by any of the Respondents), and by virtue of the clear provision contained on the INEC Form CF001, which is made pursuant to the Electoral Act and therefore, forms part of the Electoral Act, he ought to attach all the certificates he obtained from the three institutions (this cannot be waived by the Tribunal or INEC). Knowing that he didn’t have these certificates to attach as evidence of his academic qualification, Buhari deposed to an affidavit, wherein he claimed that these certificates were with the Secretary of the Military Board.

The Military, in a press briefing which took place in 2015, denied having any of Buhari’s certificates as claimed by him. They mentioned that, he had only indicated that he scored certain grades in WASC on his forms that he submitted during his recruitment.

The Judgement The Tribunal insisted that the Petitioners ought to have called General Laleye,

who is now retired and cannot speak for the military any longer, in order to establish their case that the Military does not have these Certificates. It is important to state here that, both the Petitioners and Buhari (2nd Respondent), tendered Newspaper publications duly certified by the National Library of Nigeria, which agreed on the denial of the Military. Still the Tribunal ignored these pieces of evidence placed before it, and then imported another one which also agrees with what was already before the Tribunal in reaching the conclusion that the same Gen. Laleye (whom was not invited and whose evidence of denial is not believed) stated in the press briefing that Buhari listed his WASC grades on a form and that is evidence of his certificate being with the Army. The Court relied on this to refuse granting the Petitioners’ prayer on this ground.

Mohamed and Muhammadu On this point, Justice Ikyegh asked, what is in a name? Clearly, this question was never placed before the Tribunal and how the Tribunal reached a conclusion that Mohammed and Muhammadu are one and the same name, belonging and referring to the same person. Unlike the case of Livy and Livinus, which the lead judgement used as the basis for reaching this conclusion, is a case of an abbreviation of a complete name.

Livy took out an affidavit wherein he explained that Livy is the abbreviation of Livinus, and both referred to him. There was no affidavit before the Tribunal deposed to by Buhari wherein he stated that, both Mohamed and Muhammadu both referred to him. Yet, the Tribunal reached that conclusion. Mohamed is not an abbreviation of Muhammadu, and the fact the Buhari is a common denomination in both names does not mean that they referred to the same person.

Conclusion The Tribunal is manifestly wrong, to have enlarged Buhari's grounds of qualification by ascribing to him, qualifications that he never claimed to rely on in his form CF001. The burden of proof, is on the party who alleges. However, the burden shifts to the Respondent, the moment the Petitioner showed that Buhari did not meet the requirement of qualification as required in form CF001, (which is a form made pursuant to the Electoral Act and therefore, part of the Act) to attach all evidence of educational qualifications. a. The Petitioners showed the Tribunal that, the 2nd Respondent did not attach the certificates he relied on for his qualification as a mandatory requirement

“KNOWING THAT HE DIDN’T HAVE THESE CERTIFICATES TO ATTACH AS EVIDENCE OF HIS ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION, BUHARI DEPOSED TO AN AFFIDAVIT WHEREIN HE CLAIMED THAT THESE CERTIFICATES WERE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE MILITARY BOARD. THE MILITARY...... DENIED HAVING ANY OF BUHARI’S CERTIFICATES, AS CLAIMED

BY HIM...”

of the Electoral Act vide the Form CF001.

It then becomes the duty of Buhari, to show why he did not attach evidence of his qualification to the said form. b. In his bid to justify his failure to comply with the law as required in form CF001, to attach evidence of his educational qualifications, Buhari deposed to a separate Affidavit (not the verifying affidavit that forms part of the form CF001) at the FCT High Court in 2014, wherein he claimed that, his certificates as listed in the form CF001 are currently with the Secretary of Army Board. c. The Petitioners showed the Tribunal that, the Army denied the claims in that Affidavit. At this point, it became the duty of Buhari to produce the Certificate from the Army, and he failed to do so. In fact, Buhari never testified at the Tribunal. Instead, his own witness testified against his interest, upon their own questions. The Petitioners discharged their burden of proof, even beyond the threshold of the criminal law standard.

But, the Tribunal refused to rely on the testimony of Buhari’s witness, whom he had called to establish his claim that his certificates were given to the Military.

The Court carefully classified him as incapable of reaching such a conclusion.

His testimony was against his caller’s interest, and must be resolved in the Petitioners’ favour, but the law changed in this case.

False Declaration CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

10/COVER

17.09.2019

ATIKU V BUHARI: WHEN THE JUDICIARY IS ON TRIAL assertion. However, this burden immediately shifts to the Respondents when the Petitioner has shown the Respondent’s non-qualification. Thus, where a candidate’s election is being questioned on the grounds of his non-qualification to contest as provided for in Section 138(1)(a) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, and the Petitioner has presented minimal evidence of such non-qualification (as in the present case), the burden immediately and automatically shifts squarely on the Respondent to prove that he, is indeed, qualified.

In the case under analysis, the Petitioners clearly proved that at the time of the election, Buhari did not possess the Secondary School Certificate he claimed as his qualification in FORM CF001, which he submitted to INEC. There was no scintilla of evidence that the said academic qualification, existed at all. Buhari failed to attach his alleged academic qualifications “school certificate” to Form CF001, as mandatorily demanded by the Electoral Act. The PEPC however, carefully ignored the Apex Court decision in EKAGBARA & ANOR v IKPEAZU & ORS (2016) LPELR – @ 19-21, paras. E – B, where the Supreme Court, per Muntaka-Coomassie, JSC, held, with great lucidity, as follows: “However, where a candidate is alleged to provide false information in FORM CF001 and which is being challenged, INEC has definitely become a necessary party, and the burden or onus is on the candidate to prove that his information was genuine and not false.” What has changed since this decision? Nothing!

Rather than follow the above clear judicial precedent of the Apex Court, the PEPC allowed itself to be influenced and guided by extraneous matters not placed before it.

It consequently, ascribed to Buhari, qualifications which Buhari himself had not even claimed in his personal filling of FORM CF001 which he submitted INEC himself.

In a vain attempt to justify his failure to comply with the Electoral Act as required in Form CF001 (attach evidence of his educational qualifications), Buhari merely deposed to a separate affidavit (not the verifying affidavit that forms part of the form CF001), at the FCT High Court, Abuja, in 2014, wherein he claimed that his certificates as listed in Form CF001 were currently then with the Secretary of Army Board. But, the Army roundly denied this claim sworn to affidavit, as found by the PEPC. At this point, it became incumbent on Buhari to produce the School Certificate from the Army, and this he never did.

Buhari never personally testified in court, in support of his case. Rather, General Paul Tarfa, his own classmate and witness, testified against his (Buhari’s) interest upon INEC’s cross-examination. He said he and Buhari never submitted their certificates to the Secretary of Army Board, as claimed

by Buhari. This piece of evidence tallies with the position earlier affirmed by General Olajide Olaleye, the Army spokesman. The Petitioners had thus, discharged their burden of proof, even beyond the boundary and expectations of the standard of criminal law proof.

The PEPC went out of its way, to search for a defence for Buhari. It personally designed beautiful explanations for these glaring gaps. One of the Judges in the PEPC even surprisingly, termed this ground, an allegation of perjury.

No. The Petitioners did not accuse Buhari of perjury.

The Yawning Gaps and Inconsistencies in the PEPC Judgement The school result of Katsina Provincial School (not certificate) only shows that, the Principal of Katsina Provincial Secondary School merely wrote a letter to the Army authorities, stating that Buhari was fit to join the Nigerian Army and that “he would pass English and mathematics” (not that he had sat for them and passed). It was this letter of recommendation, that Buhari used to join the Nigerian Army (not a certificate, as he had not sat for, nor passed any WAEC examination).

In the video exhibited by the Petitioners, BrigadierGeneral Olajide Olaleye stated clearly that, neither the originals, photocopies, or certified true copies of Buhari’s WAEC educational qualification was found in his file with the Army Board. The PEPC discountenanced this concrete piece of evidence, holding instead that, the Petitioners should have called the said General Olaleye (who is no longer in the Army anyway) to come and testify and be cross-examined. This is curious, because no amount of oral evidence by General Olaleye, could have changed or varied the video evidence. See the cases of ANYANWU & ORS v UZOWUAKA & ORS (2009) LPELR – 515(SC); ORIJI & ANOR v UFE & ORS (2017) LPELR-43072 (CA); and EZENWA v K.SH.S.M.B. (2011) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1251) 89 at 118 paras B-C. The PEPC easily forgot that, it is the same Buhari who ought to have called the present Secretary of the Army Board to come forward and produce his WAEC Certificate, if he actually had one. He did not. The PEPC saw nothing wrong with this.

Rather, most curiously, the same PEPC decided to rely on the newspaper publication of the video evidence, to justify that Buhari indeed, possessed WAEC School Certificate and passed five subjects.

Among the witnesses called by President Buhari, one was a WAEC Official who presented a statement of result of one MOHAMMED BUHARI (not Muhammadu Buhari, the President’s name). This statement had seven subjects.

Another document was tendered from the Bar and which was later identified by Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari as a Cambridge statement of result of one MUHAMMED

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole

PDP Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus

BUHARI (not Muhammadu Buhari, the President’s name).

This new statement of result, (unlike the WAEC’s own that had seven subjects) claimed Buhari sat for only five subjects.

The reasonable inference and deduction from all these conflicts, is that Buhari could not produce any WAEC School Certificate because he never sat for any (as his Principal’s letter clearly indicated). It is to be noted that, in any event, none of the two contradictory documents from WAEC and Cambridge University constituted a certificate as required by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and Form CF001. They were mere statements of results, and not certificates.

This was confirmed by Buhari’s witnesses, Abba Kyari and WAEC Deputy Registrar, Henry Adewunmi.

The PEPC abandoned and completely jettisoned the recent Supreme Court decision in ABDULRAUF ABDULKADIR MODIBBO v MUSTAPHA USMAN & 2 ORS, delivered on 30th July, 2019, wherein the meaning of False Declaration of a Fundamental Nature (as complained of by the Petitioners) was defined, and the consequences and standard of proving same, were established. This case, is clearly in favour of the Petitioners. The PEPC embarked upon a voyage of discovery, and held that, Buhari truly submitted his certificates to the Army in 1961, even when his Course mate and witness, General Paul Tarfa, testified in open court that, none of them gave their certificates to the Army. The learned trial Justices ignored this vital piece of evidence, by holding that the witness was not in any position to give that testimony. Yet, it was Buhari himself who had brought the witness to testify to the effect that, they both submitted their certificates to the Army!

The PEPC thus, descended into the arena of the conflict to make a case for Buhari, and against his witness’s own testimony. It is apposite to state here that, Buhari never claimed that his certificates were missing. He never claimed ignorance of their whereabouts. He was very categorical in his declaration in his affidavit attached to Form CF001, that his certificates were with the Army Board. The Petitioners clearly demonstrated that, the Army had denied being in possession of the said certificates. At this point, it became incumbent on Buhari to ensure that the Army produced his School Certificates (if any existed). Buhari failed to do this and the PEPC turned its eyes away from this burden that was never discharged.

INEC ad-hoc staff, who had participated in the 2019 Presidential elections. These persons (including PW2, PW3, PW4, PW12, PW16, PW17 & PW36), all confirmed to the PEPC that, they were fully trained by INEC to transmit the election results electronically, using Smart Card Readers (SCRs) to a central server. A video of Channels television was tendered. It showed Mr Mike Igini, INEC Commissioner, demonstrate the existence of a central server and electronic transmission of results, which he said would be deployed for the elections. This was after the presidential election had been postponed, from 16th to 23rd February, 2019.

These witnesses were all cross-examined on the basis of the Petition, and not the Statements on Oath to which they had deposed. Curiously, none of the witnesses was cross-examined by the Respondents on the contents of their (Respondents’) Reply to the Petition, which had denied the existence of INEC’s Central Server, or the fact that election results were electronically transmitted. INEC itself did not produce any evidence or call any witness howsoever, to support its weak defence and disprove the Petitioner’s water-tight case, that an INEC Server existed and that the presidential election results had been transmitted thereto, electronically. INEC thus, dangerously abandoned its own defence after the burden of minimal proof placed on the Petitioners had been discharged. Neither INEC, Buhari, nor APC, could rely solely on mere answers elicited solely from these ad-hoc staff as their defence, without discharging the burden now shifted on it to prove the non-existence of a Central Server.

A part of the concurring judgement (which forms part of the judgement of the PEPC), is very interesting here.

Samuel Oseji, JCA, stated thus: “The bottom line here is that, neither the 1st Respondent specifically nor the 2nd and 3rd Respondents called any evidence to add life or flesh to their facts in denial as averred in their pleadings with regard to the use or non-use of the Smart Card Reader or server.

The law is long settled that, where issues are joined on any averments but no evidence is led to support such, the end result is that such averments are deemed abandoned and prone to be struck out... See OMOBOROWO v AJASIN (1984) LPELR2643(SC)...”

Wading through a sea of numerous judicial authorities on this point, His Lordship continued: “In the instant case, the Respondents (particularly the 1st Respondent) refused or neglected to adduce evidence on the vexed issue of whether or not Smart Card Readers were used during the 2019 elections, or that there exists a central server but, opts to rest their case on the evidence as adduced by the Petitioners. The consequence is that, there is no other evidence to put on the other side of the imaginary scale to judiciously weigh the evidence on both sides of the divide. It follows therefore, that the evidence as adduced by the Petitioners in support of their pleadings as earlier detailed, will be taken as sufficient proof that Smart Card Readers were used during the Presidential election which held on 23/2/2019.”

Surprisingly however, the learned Justice made a curious u-turn after agreeing that the Petitioners had proved their case conclusively. He departed from all his legally grounded reasoning above, by relying on the case of NYESOM WIKE v PETERSIDE & ORS. (2016) 7 NWLR (PT. 1512) 452 or (2016) LPLER (40036) (SC), to hold otherwise. See pages 159, 166 – 167 of the judgement.

The Troubling Issues of the Existence of an INEC Central Server and whether Election Results were actually transmitted electronically The Server Case, was built on INEC having a Central Server. INEC denied having any server at all, let alone a central one. A server simply means no more than a computer programme, which manages access to a centralised service in a network. Is INEC actually saying it did not use computers, where it transmitted results to during the election? To prove that INEC intended to, and did in fact make use of a Central Server and electronic transmission of election results, the Petitioners called as witnesses, various

“ONE OF THE JUSTICES EVEN SAID A WITNESS COULD NOT LIE BECAUSE HE WAS OVER 70 YEARS, WHEREAS THIS SAME WITNESS HAD SAID BUHARI JOINED THE ARMY IN 1962, RATHER THAN 1961. WHEN DID A WITNESS’S OLD AGE, BECOME A BAROMETER TO MEASURE HIS HONESTY OR INTEGRITY”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

17.09.2019

COVER/11

WHY THE TRIBUNAL’S JUDGEMENT ON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PETITION, CANNOT STAND

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Cross-section of Lawyers in the courtroom during the delivery of the judgement

The Tribunal agreed that, the Petitioners failed to prove that Buhari lied in aid of his qualification.

Analysis: This angle of the decision, is the most mind boggling of all. The Court went out to shop for a defence for Buhari, and thereby, fabricated an explanation for his lies. The point is very simple, and was easily proved beyond reasonable doubt (if that is even the required standard). The moment Buhari deposed to an Affidavit, wherein he claimed that his certificates as listed in the form CF001 were with the Secretary of the Military Board, it became incumbent on him to defend any contrary claim, by ensuring that the Military produce the certificates for the inspection of the Court. Justice Ikyegh, in his judgement, claimed and quoted a provision of the Penal Code on the element required to prove perjury. He reproduced the provision, and on that provision, the law is clear that, no corroboration was needed to prove perjury, if it is done in an affidavit. Yet, the Justice contradicted the law and himself, by insisting that corroboration was required.

This is shameful.

The most ridiculous aspect is that, the lead judgement simply stated that the Petitioners could not prove that Buhari lied on oath, and thereby, refused the grant of that prayer. They all insisted that the Petitioners ought to prove the nonexistence of certificates. This is the most ridiculous expectation of the Justices.

How does one prove the existence of a non-existing fact? The Petitioners have alleged that a certificate does not exist, and if no evidence is led in these respect, it is Buhari who stands to lose. Therefore, it is Buhari who the law placed the burden of showing that, indeed, these certificates exist, as not doing so will leave our claim as valid. He did not lead any evidence in this regard. He did not even come to court to testify in this regard. How the Tribunal arrived at their conclusion, is still a puzzle.

Conclusion Interestingly, the Tribunal totally decided to be ignorant of the decision of the Supreme Court in ABDULRAUF ABDULKADIR MODIBBO v MUSTAPHA USMAN & 2 ORS delivered on 30th July, 2019, wherein the meaning of False Declaration was defined, and the consequences/standard of proving same, were established.

They went on a voyage of inferences, and imagined that Buhari truly submitted his certificates to the Army in 1961 (and 1963 according to Justice Ikyegh), even when his course mate clearly stated in open court that, none of them gave any

certificate to the Army, and that they were enlisted into the Army in 1962. The Justices chose to disregard this testimony, by saying that the witness was not in the position of making that determination.

Remember, Buhari brought him, in order to make the point that they submitted their certificate to the Army. So, this is the Tribunal, making overt efforts to defend Buhari.

Note that, Buhari never claimed that his certificates were missing, or that he is unaware of their whereabouts. He made a clear declaration in an affidavit, that his certificates were with the Army. The Petitioners demonstrated that, the Army have denied being in possession of the certificates. At this point, it became the duty of Buhari, to make sure that the Army produces his certificates. He is making a positive assertion that a certificate exists, while the Petitioners asserted that it doesn't. So, a negative assertion cannot be proved, it only needs to be stated. It is the duty of the person who asserts the positive, to prove its existence. Buhari failed to do this, and the Tribunal applauded him, for him for failing to produce his certificates from the Army for the inspection of the Tribunal.

Server The Tribunal, except Justice Oseji, agreed that the Petitioners did not prove the existence of a server, and the transmission of Election results to the INEC server.

Analysis: The entire case of server, was built and centred on INEC. INEC denied having any server, in their Reply to the Petition. During the trial, the Petitioners called many INEC Ad-Hoc staff, who participated in the 2019 Presidential Election. They all confirmed in their testimonies before the Tribunal, that they were trained by INEC to transmit the results of the election electronically, using the Smart Card Reader. INEC Cross-examined them using the content of the Petition and the Statement on Oaths deposed to by the Ad-Hoc staff. INEC. Buhari and APC never asked any of the Ad-Hoc staff any questions from the content of their own (INEC, Buhari and APC) Replies to the Petition, wherein their denial of Server and transmission were contained.

Therefore, neither INEC, Buhari nor APC can rely solely on answers obtained from these Ad-Hoc staff, as their defence in this case.

As stated above, Justice Oseji agreed that INEC abandoned their defence, and that the Petitioners proved the existence of a Server and the transmission of

result. He stated that, since none of the Respondents led any evidence on the issue, having adequately joined issues with the Petitioners, what was expected of the Petitioners was a minimal proof of their claim, in respect of server and the transmission of results. But, the lead judgement was conclusive that INEC and APC did not abandon their defence, and that they were even right to rely on the evidence extracted from the crossexamination which did not emanate from their pleadings - what a court!

Justice Oseji observed that, INEC failed to call any witness to contradict the witnesses of the Petitioners, and that by so doing, INEC had abandoned their defence, having not extracted the evidence they relied on from their own pleadings. This is the correct law.

This admonition only reveals that, the Tribunal knew the truth, but went on to please the powers that be. He also defined a server and concluded that, a website is also a server and that the Electoral Act requires INEC to publish results on its website (See Section 71, Electoral Act). He agreed that the Electoral Act gave INEC the latitude of conducting election, in any manner determined by them. What is more, he used the same decided case relied on by the Presiding Judge, to reach a conclusion that the Respondents didn’t abandon their cases, in holding that they all abandoned their cases. What this reveals, is that the Presiding Judge was manifestly untruthful and intently misapplied the law and decided cases.

Justice Ikyegh, in his judgement, insisted that the Petitioners recklessly hacked into the INEC server and stole documents which it shamelessly relied on at the Tribunal. He struggled to explain that, since the evidence were fraudulently obtained, no probative value should be placed on them. He went on to state that, the Petitioners ought to have applied under Section 151 of the Electoral Act, for inspection of the server. It seems that the Justice was not part of the entire proceedings, as he exhibited total ignorance of the fact that the Petitioners applied for inspection, and the Tribunal refused to grant same.

He also would have noticed that, even the 3rd Respondent who raised the issue of hacking, never called any witness to establish same. However, in his bid to be mischievous, he created a case, built it, and gave a judgement on same.

Still, one thing can be deduced from his reasoning, and that is the fact that, he admitted to the existence of a server and also that the result the Petitioners tendered, was from the server, but according to him, were not certified as public documents and were also stolen.

“SO, WERE THE JUDGES ACTUALLY THE 4TH RESPONDENTS? YES, THEY WERE, AND THAT WAS THE REASON FOR THEIR UNANIMITY OF DECISION. THEY GAVE A JUDGEMENT THAT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FACTS AND LAWS, PLACED BEFORE THEM”

Conclusion It is a sad day for any nation, for Judges to constitute themselves as businessmen ready to hand judgement to the most powerful. The judgement of the 9/11/19, was anything but a decision based on the evidence before the Court.

The Judges never made any reference to the defence of any of the Respondents, in their judgement. They went on to obtain evidence that were never before the Tribunal, and relied on same to dismiss the Petition. They inferred that Buhari must have got a certificate before the Army recruited him in 1961 (1962 or 1963), in spite of conflicting evidence of when exactly Buhari even joined the Army. One of the Judges told Nigeria that, an old witness cannot lie, but forgot that the same witness had said Buhari was recruited into the Army in 1962.

So, were the Judges actually the 4th Respondents? Yes, they were, and that was the reason for their unanimity of decision. They gave a judgement that is disconnected from the facts and laws, placed before them. The reasoning of Justices Ikyegh and Oseji, did not align with their conclusions.

Nigerians are not surprised at all.

Nigerians had already forecast that, the Tribunal is weak and helpless. The Court of Appeal only confirmed this belief. It is now left for the Supreme Court, to decide if Nigerians can look to the Judiciary for any hope of justice.

The Supreme Court will have to decide, if Nigerians need to determine what qualification they intend to rely on for contesting election, and how they are to show that they posses the qualification they've chosen to rely on.

Mike Aduegbona, Legal Practitioner, Abuja

12/COVER

17.09.2019

Presidential Election Tribunal Judgement: Far from being Perfect Chuks Nwana

E

lectoral laws and reforms, are at the heart of our electoral jurisprudence. It was the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who lamented that the election that brought him into office, was seriously flawed. He subsequently, set up the Justice Uwais Committee, which made far-reaching recommendations for the improvement of our electoral laws, which led to the subsequent amendment to the Electoral Law which formed the framework for the 2015 elections, and introduced technology driven processes, like biometrics and electronic voting .

The introduction of these innovations was effected as a matter of policy rather than law, by the INEC Chairman. Curiously electronic collation of results was excluded and many cases wound up in court. The subsequent amendment of 2015, sought to take into account the electoral morass of 2007 and 2011 which unfortunately was not assented to by the President. In the light of the fact that the President remarked at several fora, that his ascension to office in 2015 was buoyed by some technological innovations in the conduct of the elections, these changes were not codified in a law, and it is therefore, a matter of some regret, that he failed to assent to that bill which would have codified the innovations introduced by INEC only as a matter of policy. The argument could also be made that, the amendment came too close to the election, and could have led to chaos in its implementation.

It is obvious that, politics plays a very dominant role when amendments are made too close to a general election, particularly as players are willing to sacrifice credibility of the elections for expedient purposes .

Contesting Election Results It has become the norm for the outcome of elections to be contested, and this is a direct consequence of the fact that loopholes in the legal framework for elections are ruthlessly exploited by parties and their candidates. For instance, most election petition cases would never have been filed, if the electronic compilation of results had been enacted. It would, at least, ease a lot of burden on the electoral umpire, of having to defend allegations of over or under age voting.

Attitude of the Courts Generally, the facts suggest that, losers will always contest the outcome of an election, either for ego or genuine reasons. Indeed, the court is normally seen to be an extension of the elections.

In 1979, the outcome of the presidential election was contested in the case of AWOLOWO v SHAGARI, and the infamous 12/2/3 decision of the Supreme Court has become one of notorious reference, but also indicates a judicial attitude of restraint, once results have been declared in favour of a particular candidate.

The statistics suggest that the courts are always loath to nullify elections, because for such a nullification the Petitioner must prove substantial noncompliance with the Electoral Act, and the records show that, this is a very tall order, indeed. It is even more so, for an election in 37 States, proving substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act can be daunting and challenging.

Even in the Atiku and Buhari petitions against

“THE LAW IS WHAT THE COURT SAYS IT IS, AND WHILE ARGUMENTS ON BOTH SIDES MAY BE VERY PERSUASIVE, THE TRIBUNALS ARE GENERALLY INCLINED TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO, ONCE A RESULT HAS BEEN DECLARED”

APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, other APC chieftains, Babatunde Fashola, SAN and Dr. Chris Ngige in the courtroom during the judgement

the election of President Yar’Adua in 2007, which was generally acknowledged by all, as failing to meet some minimum standards of a free and fair contest, the attitude of the court has always been to assume that the election is in substantial compl iancewiththeAct,unlessrebuttedwith overwhelming evidence. It is to be noted that, substantial or nonsubstantial compliances with the Electoral Act, are indeed, subjective standards. The non-compliance with the Act, it has been held, must be substantial enough to sway the outcome of the elections.

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its decision on the Atiku petition and several others in the 2019 election, and it was never in doubt that, it would require more compelling reasons pleaded by the Petitioners, particularly widespread violence and over-voting, to annul an election that took place in 37 States. It is generally acknowledged through the cases that, it is not the duty of the courts to choose for the electorate and the court will only interfere in the case of direct and wanton violation of the Electoral law, and it will always be very difficult to upturn an outcome of an election that the law leaves too much discretion in the hands of the umpire.

In Nigeria, it should be accepted that we cannot conduct an election better than the legal framework permits, and the Judiciary cannot legitimise or invalidate an election outside the legal framework established by the Legislature. In respect of the just concluded elections, INEC was under no obligation to collate results electronically, since the law did not mandate it. The pretence at some form of electronic compliance by INEC during the 2019 elections, is purely discretionary. The law is what the court says it is, and while arguments on both sides may be very persuasive, the Tribunals are generally inclined to maintain the status quo, once a result has been declared.

Odinga v Kenyatta I hold the strong opinion that, under the prevailing circumstances, it was naïve for anyone to assume that a candidate who has been declared winner by the umpire will be ousted by the courts, and another declared winner. It happened in Kenya in ODINGA v KENYATTA, but it was for an entirely different reason. The court ordered a fresh election, and refrained from imposing a candidate on the people. The decision was not unanimous, and was premised on the fact that the electronic collation of results muddled up the results, and in their view, this represented substantial violation of the enabling law. Indeed, it held that the results were announced before the votes were counted and collated. It was a momentous decision, as the court claimed that the failure of the umpire to open its servers, led to serious irregularities.

I must say that, the Kenyan Judiciary asserted unusual independence, but it only ordered a fresh election and never declared the Petitioner the

winner.

In Nigeria, the amendments in respect of electronic collation of results that may have led to a similar outcome as in Kenya, did not become law. The Petitioners’ case did not have sufficient gravitas, when the umpire declared that it collated the results manually in accordance with the state of the law. Decisions at the level of presidential elections are not taken lightly, because of embedded structural factors, national stability, security and finance. The bulk of financing for elections in Africa, are through grants and subsidies from bilateral and multilateral institutions who crave for smarter outcomes.

The general judicial attitude, is also evident in the way and manner the issues played out in the Florida chad ballots in GORE v BUSH . Ultimately, the US Supreme Court declined to interfere in the process, and only validated the outcome of the recount. The winner was pronounced by the umpire, and not the court.

The Way Forward It will be interesting to witness the Supreme Court’s view on the constitutional qualification for election into the office of President, when the matter ultimately reaches their docket. It will be an invitation to the Justices, to set some fundamental ground rules, but it is unlikely to change the outcome.

We can only have better elections in Nigeria, if the law and institutions are strengthened, and the courts do not have to be elections by other means.

As a matter of fact, the health of our electoral processes should be measured by the amount of litigation it generates. Either way, the Judiciary gets pilloried, and there is a compelling need to insulate the Judiciary from venomous struggle for power, by politicians and law makers who have failed in enacting electoral laws that will withstand scrutiny and reduce the recourse to the courts.

No election can be perfect, as illustrated in the American debacle in 2000. It is however, incumbent upon the President to sustain the legacy of credible elections that ensured his victory in 2015 against an incumbent, and to also take our elections and processes to a higher level. That would indeed, be his legacy, and the logical first step, will be to assent to the Electoral bill amendments, with further amendments in the light of the experience in 2019. The President says that Nigerians must be respected, and we will not get that adulation, if we continue with primitive manuals in the face of significant technological changes that would ensure fair and smarter outcomes in our elections.

Electoral reforms is a work in progress, and the National Assembly has a significant role to play, and should avoid amendments too close to elections.

Chuks Nwana B.sc , LL.M, FCiarb UK, Public Affairs Stakeholder

17.09.2019

COVER/13

Controversial Nigeria’s 9/11 Presidential Election Tribunal Verdict Jide Ojo

knowing that there is no way the verdicts can stand the scrutiny of the Supreme Court.”

S Introduction

eptember 11, 2001 popularly called ‘9/11’, was a red-letter day in the United States of America.

On that day, Al-Qaeda terrorist group led by Osama Bin Laden, masterminded attacks on the US. The September 11 assaults, were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group. The attacks killed 2,977 people (not counting the 19 hijackers who also died), injured over 6,000 others, and caused at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage, according to Wikipedia.

Nigeria’s own 9/1, was last Wednesday when a five-man panel of jurists led by Justice Garba Mohammed Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, gave judgement in a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, against the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who organised the February 23, 2019 presidential election, was joined as a Respondent in the matter.

Nigeria’s 9/11, 2019, was an epochal day in the political history of Nigeria. The judgement was delivered in a historic nine hours, which is unprecedented. It was also epochal in the sense that, the tribunal allowed a live telecast and general media coverage of the judgement. The coverage cut across print and electronic, as well as public and private media. Recall also that on May 22, President Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa who chaired the initial five- member panel, was pressured to recuse herself from handling the case, due to the presumed likelihood of bias as a result of her husband, Adamu Bulkachuwa being an elected APC Senator from Bauchi State. Even the number of legal luminaries that were involved in the six month legal fireworks, was very intimidating.

Summary of the 9/11 Judicial Verdict on 2019 Presidential Election After about 177 days of legal fireworks, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in its over 290-page judgement, dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar , challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the February 23, 2019 poll. The Justice Mohammed Garba-led tribunal, unanimously dismissed the case for lacking in merit, after resolving all the five issues raised in the case against the Petitioners.

The tribunal held that, the Petitioners merely dumped documents particularly electoral materials, including result sheets, used for the election on the tribunal, without demonstrating them by tying the evidence of any of their 62 witnesses to the documents, in their bid to prove the allegations in their petition.

The tribunal held that, none of the documents tendered by the Petitioners was utilised to prove the allegations, such as over- voting. It added that, contrary to the claim by the Petitioners, President Buhari was eminently qualified educationally, to contest the election. It added that, Buhari did not give false information to the INEC to aid his educational qualification to contest the poll, as alleged by the Petitioner. Justice Garba also held that, the Petitioners failed to prove that the results were transmitted electronically by card reader.

The Controversies Election petition has always been an emotive exercise, as everything, both legal and illegal, are done by Petitioner and the Respondent, to ensure favourable judgement of the courts.

This is because, apart from the Electoral Management Bodies vis INEC and the State INEC, only the Judiciary, according to Section 68 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, can review whatever the Returning Officer has declared. That being the case, it is often not surprising that losers usually call out the Judges who ruled against them, as having been compromised by the winner.

The first pointer that the presidential election petition of this year will be combustive and exciting, was when President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on the strength of a petition by a civil society organisation headed by a former aide of the President. Onnoghen was sacked, on an order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal dated January 23, 2019. The new CJN, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, was promptly sworn in. In the eye of a section of the public, though it may be a right action, but it was wrongly timed. The former CJN who voluntarily resigned in April after his indictment by investigative panel of National Judicial Council (NJC), was alleged to have been suspended a day to the inauguration of the 250-member panel of Judges to hear election petition matters, so that he would not be the one to swear them in. Onnoghen’s suspension generated tension and division among the political class, Lawyers and ethnic jingoists, who felt that he was being witch hunted, being from the South-South geo- political zone, in order to pave way for a Northerner to take over his position; a seat that has reportedly not been occupied by a Southerner in over 30 years. Indeed, five of the six Governors from his

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu

geo-political zone, met on Saturday, January 26, 2019, and issued a statement condemning his removal.

Many local and international accredited election observer groups, equally expressed deep concern over Onnoghen’s removal.

For instance, in a January 26, 2019 statement, the EU Election Observation Mission said it is very concerned about the process and timing of the suspension of the CJN, Walter Onnoghen, on 25 January. According to the EU-EOM, “With 20 days until the Presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties, candidates and voters must be able to have confidence in the impartiality and independence of the judicial system. With Atiku Abubakar and PDP losing at the tribunal last Wednesday, many of their loyalists are alleging bias.

Another major controversy around this 9/11 judgement, was the initial involvement of the President, Court of Appeal, who empaneled the 250-member Election Petition Tribunals. As earlier said, she was pressured to recuse herself, which she did on May 22. Even thereafter, she was accused of deliberately delaying naming her replacement. When she eventually named Justice Mohammed Garba as her replacement on June 10, the legal team of Atiku Abubakar and PDP, in the course of the tribunal sitting, accused INEC and APC of working in cahoots to frustrate their petitions. The PDP accused INEC of disobeying a court order, to allow its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, inspect election materials. In a statement on Saturday, March 16, 2019, the opposition party said that INEC was in the ploy with the ruling APC that won the 2019 presidential election, describing the act as, deliberate and wicked.

The PDP legal team also lamented the tribunal’s rejection of its request to inspect INEC’s purported server, which it claimed contained information to the effect that it defeated President Buhari by 1.6 million votes.

Another controversy that dogged the hearing of the petition of Atiku and PDP came to fore on Friday, July 12, 2019, when their Lawyers claimed that, some of their witnesses were waylaid by “armed men” on their way from Zamfara State.

Even after the 9/11 judgement by the Justice Mohammad Garba panel, the legal team of Atiku and PDP has also accused their Lordships of not promptly making available the judgement, to enable them proceed on appeal to Supreme Court, which they have to do within 14 days of the judgement of the tribunal. In a statement issued on Friday, September 13, 2019, the Peoples Democratic Party raised an alarm over what it called, the “undue delay” by the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal to release the record of its judgement. It alleged in the press release that: “Our party fears that, this development is lending credence to suspicion in the public space, that the judgement is being tampered with and altered, in the name of correcting errors,

“IT IS ALSO DESIRABLE TO REVIEW SECTION 318 OF THE CONSTITUTION, WHICH HAS A RIDICULOUS DEFINITION, AS TO WHAT CONSTITUTES SCHOOL CERTIFICATE OR ITS EQUIVALENT. IT HAS TO BE STREAMLINED..... IT SHOULD ALSO BE A REQUIREMENT FOR ELECTORAL CONTESTANTS, TO ATTACH CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF THEIR RESULTS, TO THEIR NOMINATION FORMS”

My Prediction Came True In my commentary published on Wednesday, April 16, 2019 entitled “Will Nigerian Judiciary Deliver Electoral Justice?” I had observed inter alia as follows:” it is quite amusing how the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party and their presidential candidates, are going about their cases at the election tribunal. First, Atiku Abubakar and PDP challenged the qualification of President Muhammadu Buhari, on the basis of not possessing the minimum academic qualification. PDP and Atiku went ahead to claim victory via a purported result obtained from INEC’s server by an organisation called factsdontlie.com. PDP and its presidential candidate, is claiming to have won the 2019 presidential election by over 1.6 million votes.

These two grounds of the petition, among others, seem to me as straw-grabbing. INEC has rightfully claimed not to have officially transmitted results of elections in 2019 electronically. APC is also alleging hacking of INEC’s website, and has asked security agents to arrest the presidential candidate of PDP. Truly, I doubt if any tribunal or court will admit such nebulous exhibit that is not a certified true copy, from the election management body.

However, I wait to see how the tribunal will rule on that exhibit.

On the other count of academic qualification of the President, did PDP and its presidential candidate read Section 131 and 318 of the Nigerian Constitution?

Let me be more specific. The Interpretation of School Certificate as given in Section 318 of the Constitution is this: "School Certificate or its equivalent" means (a) a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent, or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, the City and Guilds Certificate; or (b) education up to Secondary School Certificate level; or (c) Primary Six School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent and (i) service in the public or private sector in the Federation in any capacity acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for a minimum of ten years, and (ii) attendance at courses and training in such institutions as may be acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for periods totalling up to a minimum of one year, and (iii) the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English language to the satisfaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and (d) any other qualification acceptable by the Independent National Electoral Commission; On the other hand, news report has it that APC too, has claimed that Atiku Abubakar was not qualified to contest as the President of Nigeria, being that Jada, his hometown in Adamawa was under Northern Cameroon as at the time of his birth in 1946. Really?

Anyway, what does the Constitution say about qualification for election? Section 131 again spells it out. A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if - (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth.

However, the same Constitution in Section 25 says in subsection (1) as follows: “The following persons are citizens of Nigeria by birth-namely- (a) every person born in Nigeria before the date of independence; either of whose parents or any of whose grandparents belongs or belonged to a community indigenous to Nigeria.” On page one of his autobiography published in 2013 entitled “My Life”, Atiku Abubakar claimed that his grandfather is from Worgu in Sokoto State, and his mother was born of a father from Dutse, capital of Jigawa State. His averments have not been controverted. Can APC prove Atiku Abubakar is a foreigner with the above stated facts? I doubt it!”

Imperative of Electoral Reform Atiku and PDP have made known, their desire to appeal the 9/11 judgement. They have every right to do so, and I wish them well at the Apex Court. Nonetheless, the judgement of the Justice Garba judicial panel, has thrown up a number of issues which has made it imperative to have electoral reform. Some of them include, the desire to upwardly review the number of days for presidential election petition. It is unfortunate that the judicial panel accused PDP of dumping exhibits on it, without witnesses to prove their case. In a July 1, 2019 proceedings at the tribunal, PDP had said it planned to call 400 witnesses to prove its case. However, in the 14 days’ period it had to do so, the Petitioners could only call 62 witnesses. I hereby, propose a constitutional amendment, to increase the number of days to be given for presidential election petition, considering that presidential candidates have the entire country as a constituency.

It is also desirable to review Section 318 of the Constitution, which has a ridiculous definition, as to what constitutes School Certificate or its equivalent. It has to be streamlined. Even minimum academic qualification for political office in Nigeria, should be raised to University First Degree or Polytechnic HND. It should also be a requirement for electoral contestants, to attach Certified True Copy of their results, to their nomination forms.

Lastly, Nigeria electoral law should be amended, to allow for electronic transmission of results, in order to enhance electoral integrity. When approved, INEC should mandatorily test-run it in a bye-election or one of the off-cycle governorship elections, before deploying it wholesale in a general election.

Jide Ojo, Executive Director of OJA Development Consult, Abuja

14/THE LIGHTER SIDE

17.09.2019

LEGAL HUMOUR

We Hold Your Brief JUDE IGBANOI jude.igbanoi@thisdaylive.com Dear Counsel, I am in a dilemma.

I went for a training programme in Abuja, and came back to discover that my landlord had double-locked and placed extra locks on the door to my apartment. I have not been able to gain access to my flat. As a law-abiding citizen, I went to lodge a complaint at the Police Station. The Police subsequently, came with me to inspect my apartment and confirmed what I reported to them.

We made several calls to the landlord, but he failed to answer the calls.

How can I enter my apartment? It’s affecting my work, and my life.

J.E., Ikotun, Lagos.

Dear J.E., I will advice that, you also inform your Lawyer about this development. You, however, have a right to remove the extra lock your landlord placed on your door. If you have paid your

rent up to date, you are lawfully entitled to access your apartment at any time.

Besides, having made a complaint to the Police without any results, they have shirked their responsibilities, and you have a right to break open the locks placed by your landlord.

But, before taking this action, ensure that you write a statement to this effect, at the Police Station.

Because, what has happened amounts to trespass on your apartment by the landlord.

If you have the patience, you could get your Lawyer to approach the court, for an order to remove the landlord’s extra lock, and to stop him from further trespass. This process however, may take some time. If you have lodged a report at the Police Station, and the landlord reports to the Police that you broke the lock to gain entry into your apartment, your earlier complaint and statement will already be on record, and it could be your landlord who would be get into trouble, instead.

ATIKU V BUHARI: WHEN THE JUDICIARY IS ON TRIAL We must note that, the said decision in the case of WIKE v PETERSIDE (Supra), was based solely on the express prohibition of Electronic Voting in the old Electoral Act of 2010, before its amendment in 2015. But, the Petitioners had successfully brought to the Tribunal’s attention, the 2015 Electoral Act amendment wherein this Prohibition was deleted. The PEPC clearly erred when it held that, electronic voting was still prohibited during the 2019 presidential election. The original Act of 2010 had Section 52 (1), (2), (3) and (4). However, Section 52 (2) of the original 2010 Electoral Act which had prohibited electronic voting was deleted by Section 9 of the 2015 amendment to the Electoral Act. This means that the decision in WIKE v PETERSIDE is obsolete, and no longer represents the current position of the law. However, just like the lead judgement which was clearly based on the repealed Electoral Act, Justice Oseji relied on a non-existing law and a stale case law as precedent, to retreat from his trite and well-reasoned rendition of the law. It must be noted that, the PEPC obviously used a wrong Electoral Act, perhaps one of the many unfortunately pirated ones in circulation. All the cases therefore, relied upon by the PEPC were cases decided Post–2015 amendment. In fact, the PEPC in its judgement, was asking for amendment to this Section, an act already duly carried out by the NASS through Section 9 of the 2015 amendment. This is serious enough, to engage the attention of the Apex Court.

Apparently sensing the future damage this judicial somersault could cause, the learned Justice again returned to the correct legal path, thus: “Albeit and for the purposes of posterity, I will emphasise again that, to all intents and purposes, the law requires or mandates the 1st Respondent to operate a website under Section 71 of the Electoral Act which provides thus:” “'Section 71. The Commission shall cause to be posted on its notice board and website, a notice showing the candidates at the election and their scores; and the person declared as elected or returned at the election.”

“The above set out provisions used the word shall which connotes mandatoriness or command. See SHETTIMA v GONI (2011) 18 NWLR (PT. 1279) 413; UGBA & ORS v SUSWAM & ORS (2012) LPELR -

The First Case An investment banker decides she needs in-house counsel, so she interviews a young Lawyer. “Mr. Peterson,” she says. “Would you say you’re honest?”

“Honest?” replies Peterson. “Let me tell you something about honesty. My father lent me $85,000 for my education, and I paid back every penny the minute I tried my first case.” “Impressive.

And what sort of case was that?”

“Dad sued me for the money.” ˾˾˾ Court of Less Appeal Justice isn’t just blind—it’s snickering at these real courtroom give-and-takes: Judge (to young Witness): Do you know what would happen to you if you told a lie?

Witness: Yes. I would go to hell.

Judge: Is that all?

Witness: Isn’t that enough?

Q: Isn’t it a fact that you have been running around with another woman?

A: Yes, it is, but you can’t prove it!

Q: Have you ever heard about taking the Fifth?

A: A fifth of wine?

Q: No, the Fifth Amendment.

Q: What did your sister die of?

A: You would have to ask her. I would be speculating if I told you. ˾˾˾ Frame of Reference When my 88-year-old mother was called for jury duty, she had to submit to questioning by the opposing Lawyers.

“Have you ever dealt with an Attorney?” asked the Plaintiff’s Lawyer.

“Yes. I had an Attorney write my living trust,” she responded. “And how did that turn out?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “Ask me when I’m dead.” ˾˾˾ The Judgement After I prosecuted a man for killing a bird out of season with his slingshot, the court clerk suggested setting up a date for him to return with both the money for the fine and proof of community service.

“That way,” she said innocently, “you can kill two birds with one stone.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

9726 (SC); ONOCHIE v ODOGWU (2006) 6 NWLR (PT. 975) 65 at 89.”

“Furthermore, the posting of the results must be on the notice board, but also on the website. A website is defined by the English Dictionary as "a computer connected to the internet, that maintains a series of webpages on the world wide web". It also defines a server as "a digital computer that provides workstations on a network with controlled access to shared resources.”

“In the light of the above clarifications, it will not be out of place to emphasise that, as a fact duly proved as earlier indicated and by law as per the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), there exists a website managed and controlled by the 1st Respondent.”

This is the correct legal position. But, we saw a final judicial somersault, when he surprisingly concluded (against his own analysis) thus: “The above clarifications notwithstanding, I also hold that the Petitioners did not adduce sufficient evidence to justify the grant of the reliefs sought. The said petition is hereby dismissed...” how? Why?.

Conclusion Serious Areas of Concern The Petitioners, having thus, sufficiently proved the existence of a Central Server to which results were electronically transmitted, they sought to rely on it in proof of non-voting, over voting and electronic transmission of result. This is in tandem with extant laws and judicial precedents, that the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) merely complement, but do not necessarily replace voters’ manual register and statement of result (see WIKE v PETERSIDE, (supra)).

The PEPC refused to follow, this correct legal position. Most surprisingly, the PEPC completely ignored the fact that the Respondents offered no defence at all. The PEPC sought for evidence not placed before it. It inferred (without any evidence to that effect), that Buhari must have obtained a certificate before he was recruited by the Army in 1961, notwithstanding the glaring conflicting evidence as to when Buhari even joined the Army (1961 or 1962)! One of the Justices even said a witness could not lie because he was over 70 years, whereas this same witness had said Buhari joined the Army in 1962, rather than 1961. When did a

witness’s old age, become a barometer to measure his honesty or integrity?

Some Nigerians have pointedly accused the PEPC, of being the 4th Respondent in the Petition. Whether they are right or wrong will be decided by history, not poor me. A seasoned commentator, Osaze Jesuorobo, has made a poignant analogy of the dangers ahead concerning certificates. Hear him.

First, I have a sworn affidavit stating that I have the required qualifications to enable me be admitted into the Law School and that my credentials are with the Director of Administration of NTA, the establishment I retired from.

Secondly, I have a recommendation from the Vice Chancellor of the University I attended, the University of Benin, that I WILL PASS the final Bachelor of Law degree with a Second Class Upper.

Thirdly, since my records at NTA show that I have a Bachelor of Law degree, I will present a statement from NTA Director of Corporate Affairs to the effect that, from their records, I have a Bachelor of Law degree and was educated to university level even though the original, CTC or photocopies of my credentials are not in their possession.

If the Law School requests for the originals and copies of my credentials, I will tell them that there is nowhere in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that says I must accompany my admission forms with copies of my credentials. I will also tell them that their condition that I should attach copies of my credentials, is a subsidiary condition inferior to the Nigerian Constitution.

If the Nigerian Law School denies me admission for not producing the credentials to back up my qualifications claim, I will sue the Law School, relying on the Atiku/PDP v INEC & Others case (2019) per Garba Mohammed (or is it Muhammad or Muhammadu), JCA. I am waiting for the Nigerian Law School to dare me by refusing me admission.”

This is the clear and present danger that the Apex Court is expected to cure, in the ensuing weeks. Otherwise, mere affidavits would replace verifiable and concrete certificates.

Dr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN

17.09.2019

/15

FinTech, Funding and the Capital Market This article by Chuma Akana, examines the issue of funding for Nigerian FinTech companies, providing an insight into the challenges involved in raising funds, and an overview of some of the types of funding that are available to such companies

I

Growth of FinTech Companies n recent times, the Nigerian FinTech ecosystem has witnessed strong drive and campaign across various frontiers including payments, personal savings, financial services, financial inclusion and mobile lending. This has precipitated the attention on FinTech companies, and led to unprecedented growth in the industry in a short period. According to the Nigerian Start Up Funding Report, in 2018, Nigerian technology companies attracted investments of over N42 billion, and 73% of this sum was invested in FinTech Companies. Also in 2018, wallet. ng, a Nigerian FinTech company was listed among the Top 100 FinTech companies in the world, in a report published

by KPMG and H2 Ventures- the 2018 FinTech 100.

According to the Nigerian Startup Funding Report by Techpoint, Nigerian startups raised $17.6 million in Q1 2019, 8.5% higher than they did in Q1 2018.

With the likes of Microsoft setting up digital villages in Nigeria, more Nigerian FinTech startups are leading the drive for financial inclusion in the continent.

Possibly, a large part of the industry growth is directly related to the amount of funding being pumped in by investors in the Nigerian FinTech ecosystem, vis-avis the expected returns. Consequently, it can be agreed that funding is important for FinTech companies to thrive.

Funding: Challenges FinTech companies, like other companies in Nigeria, can have various sources of funding, including debt or equity.

With respect to debt, most startups may be permitted by their Articles of Association, to raise capital through debt from banks, financial institutions and the capital market, subject to regulatory requirement.

For a lot of tech companies, funding can be a major challenge at the onset, particularly when the product/concept is novel and innovative. Typically, the founders would raise the initial capital from individuals/family for the first few months or years of the business, before they are able to access external funds through seed funding or series round, to scale their business. This lack of funds

or access to credit, has resulted in the exit of some promising tech companies in recent years. As mentioned above, equity, debt and mezzanine financing are available funding options for new and growing tech companies; however, what we see, is that most FinTech companies raise equity instead of debt, as investments have mainly come from venture capitalists and private equity firms.

Venture Capital These venture capitalists are incentivised to provide this funding, by the provisions of the Venture Capital (Incentives) Act LFN 2004, which provides some tax benefits for the Venture Capital Firms including; accelerated capital allowance for equity investment by a venture company in a venture project, for the first five years of the investment; reduction of withholding of tax on dividends declared by venture projects to venture companies, for the first five years from 10% to 5%; export incentives, such as export expansion grants, if the venture project exports its product; exemption of payment of capital gains tax from gains realised by venture companies for a disposal of equity interest in the venture project; and exemption from companies income tax for a period of three years, which

“FINTECH COMPANIES, LIKE OTHER COMPANIES IN NIGERIA, CAN HAVE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDING, INCLUDING DEBT OR EQUITY.....FOR A LOT OF TECH COMPANIES, FUNDING CAN BE A MAJOR CHALLENGE AT THE ONSET, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE PRODUCT/CONCEPT IS NOVEL AND INNOVATIVE......THIS LACK OF FUNDS OR ACCESS TO CREDIT, HAS RESULTED IN THE EXIT OF SOME PROMISING TECH COMPANIES IN RECENT YEARS”

may be extended for an additional final period of two years.

Capital Market Most startups would go through a Series A, B and C round, and believe they have gained sufficient funding to grow and scale their business, add new products to their portfolio, and return good profit to investors. Still, there is the option of listing in the capital market and conducting an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to offer shares to the public, and this is not uncommon in international markets. In 2002, Paypal which was founded in 1998, raised the sum of $70.2 billion via IPO, and is presently listed as a Forbes Fortune 500 company. Also, Facebook raised $16 billion via Initial Public Offering in 2012, and has become one of the biggest companies in the world. However, raising fund from the capital market, seems not to be a popular option for most tech companies, as a result of the perceived difficulties in managing a public company and the stringent reporting requirements.

Growth Board In recent times, the Nigerian Stock Exchange has indicated that it is planning to reposition the Alternative Securities Market “ASEM”, which is the NSE initiative for SMEs as a “Growth Board” that will provide listing opportunities and capital formation for Startups, SMEs and Venture Capital/ Seed companies with a keen focus on startups creating value with transformational impact on the market. Basically, the initiative allows the target companies, to float shares with a more flexible regulatory system than is applicable to the main board or premium board.

The Growth board has an entry stage which is primarily targeted at startups, tech companies and venture businesses.

It is imperative that the company is a public limited company in legal form i.e as prescribed by Section 24 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Other requirements include that, the company shall have a market capitalisa-

tion of N50m – N500m and a public float/minimum shareholders of 10% and 25 shareholders, respectively. Continuing obligations and reporting include semi- annual and annual company’s statements, while the Nigerian Stock Exchange will provide strong support structures for the company ,including accounting, audit and legal services at a pre-agreed and prepaid rate with the startup.

For these companies, the benefits of listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange above other funding options include the highly liquid nature of the market, value creation and corporate governance. There is also the issue of optimal price discovery, greater brand profile and visibility for investors, customers and consumers.

Through listing, these start ups are also sure of business continuity, recognition in global markets, transparency/credibility and an exit route for private equity and strategic core investors.

The companies listed on the growth board are supported by the three pillars of designated advisers, growth ambassador and NSEs institutional services.

While the regulatory and governance pillars are designed to facilitate the growth and institutionalisation of these companies, the institutional services relate to the NSE’s initiative via partnership with strategic providers, to offer companies access to expert services such as leadership development, succession planning and formalisation of business processes. This enhances the company’s capacity to define its business model and integrate it with its structures, systems processes, and people. Some proponents also opine that, accessing funding through the capital market would give these tech companies an easier capital flow, while reducing the cost of funding.

It is believed that, this option of capital market should be considered by FinTech companies, as it will boost global recognition, ensure customer confidence and good corporate governance, which is the hallmark of stable and successful companies.

Chuma Akana, FinTech Lawyer, Lagos Quote

16/

17.09.2019

WORDS OF WISDOM

(Culled from the Internet)

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

22

23

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ 2019

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T S E T E M B E R

REPO 24.71 22.43

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

25 21 23

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

408.86% - 0.07% -0.29%

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

1 3 , S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

2 0 1 9 2.15% 14.53%

EXCHANGE RATE N306.90/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes La Casera Participates in Udiroko Festival

STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT

L-R: Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. ‘Seye Awojobi; President/Chairman of Council, Dr. Uche Olowu, and Registrar, JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Olarewaju Oloyede, during the CIBN stakeholders’ engagement, held in Abuja‌recently

NERC: Niger, Benin Republic Owe Nigeria N15.5bn in Electricity Debt Stories by Chineme Okafor in Abuja Niger and Benin Republics – two of the international customers Nigeria supply electricity to are yet to pay the country about N15.5 billion for electricity supplied to them between the fourth quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed.

The NERC said in its first quarter (Q1) – 2019 report of operations in Nigeria’s electricity industry which was recently released, that both countries owed N12.8 billion to Nigeria for power supplied to them in January, February and March 2019; as well as a balance of N2.784 billion for their October, November and December 2018 supplies. This is just as the NERC also stated in another document containing the outcome of a meeting it recently held with operators in the power industry that the Central Bank of Nigeria

ENERGY (CBN) has indicated the terms and conditions under which it would disburse a N600 billion intervention facility it freshly initiated for power distribution companies (Discos).

Historically, Niger and Benin Republics which get at least 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Nigeria everyday have defaulted in prompt payments for such supplies. Nigeria in 2018, reportedly threatened to disconnect both countries from its supply for their rising debts to her power sector. It had also indicated it would negotiate fresh supply terms with them to reflect the operational realities in her privatised power market.

According to the NERC in the Q1-2019 report, the total billing to electricity consumers by the 11 Discos rose to N182.8 billion in the first quarter of 2019, but only an aggregate of N116.9 billion was collected by the Discos.

It explained that the figure represented a 64.1 per cent

collection efficiency by the Discos, and a 4.1 percentage points decrease from the last quarter of 2018.

NERC equally stated that the level of collection efficiency during the quarter under review indicated that a sum of N3.6 out of every N10 worth of energy sold during the first quarter of 2019 remained uncollected as and when due. It thus noted that the severity of the liquidity challenge in the sector was further reflected in the settlement rate of energy invoices issued by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and Market Operations (MO) department of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to Discos, as well as the payment by special and international customers. “During the first quarter of 2019, the 11 Discos were issued a total invoice of N190.1 billion for energy received from NBET and for service charge by the MO, but only a sum of N52.8 billion (~28 per cent) of the total invoice was settled, indicating

a significant deficit of N137.3 billion,� said the NERC. It also noted that whereas the collection efficiency of the Discos ranged from 40 per cent as it was the case with Kaduna Disco to 84 per cent for Ikeja Disco, remittance performance however ranged from 10 per cent in Jos Disco to 43 per cent in Ikeja as well. “During the same period, the invoices issued to Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd (designated as special customer) and international customers (i.e., Societe Nigerienne d’electricite – NIGELEC and Communaute Electrique du Benin–CEB) were N0.3 billion and N12.8 billion respectively. “However, neither NBET nor MO received payments from the special and international customers during the period under review. The Nigerian government has continued to engage governments of neighbouring countries benefitting from the export supply to ensure timely Continued on page 24

‌GivesReasonsforPowerSectorContinuedCashCrunch The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has highlighted the four major reasons why Nigeria’s power market has remained financially broke and unable to fully meet the settlement demands of its operators.

According to the regulatory agency, the financial viability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has remained the most significant challenge threatening the sustainability of the electricity industry.

NERC said: “As reported in the preceding quarterly reports, the liquidity challenge is partly due to the non-implementation of cost- reflective tariffs, high technical and commercial losses exacerbated by energy theft, and consumers’ apathy to payments

ENERGY under the widely prevailing practice of estimated billing.�

It explained in its first quarter (Q1) 2019 report on the operations of the electricity industry that the total billing to electricity consumers by the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) rose to N182.8 billion in the period but only an aggregate collection of N116.9 billion, representing 64.1 per cent collection efficiency was achieved.

The commission equally noted that the figure represented a 4.1 percentage point decrease from the collection level in the last quarter of 2018.

It explained that: “The level of collection efficiency during the

quarter under review indicates that a sum of N3.6 out of every N10 worth of energy sold during the first quarter of 2019 remains uncollected as and when due.�

It stated that the severity of the liquidity challenge in power market was further reflected in the settlement rate of energy invoices issued by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and Market Operator (MO) department of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to Discos, as well as the payment by special and international customers. “During the first quarter of 2019, the 11 Discos were issued a total invoice of N190.1 billion for energy received from NBET and for service charge by the MO, but only a sum of N52.8

billion (~28 per cent) of the total invoice was settled, indicating a significant deficit of N137.3 billion,� it added.

NERC said it was working on measures to improve the revenue collection and remittances of the Discos, adding that the provision of meters to all registered end-use consumers of electricity was one of such measures. “To this end, the commission had continued to monitor Discos’ process of procuring Meter Asset Providers (MAP) in compliance with the provisions of the MAP regulations. The MAP regulations issued by the commission in March 2018 aims to fast-track the roll-out of end-use meters Continued on page 24

La Casera, a soft drink in PET bottle, has partnered the people of Ado Ekiti, to host the 2019 Udiroko Festival.

The Udiroko Festival, an age long tradition of the Ado- Ekiti citizens, is celebrated only once a year, precisely in the month of August, which is known as the climax of the New Yam celebration. It is an auspicious occasion that allows the subjects to have an audience with their monarch who by tradition, is restricted from regular public appearance, as the exalted oďŹƒce demands that he lives in ceremonial seclusion for most part of the year. The 709-year-old edition took place recently.The La Casera team had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the paramount ruler of Ado Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III (CON, JP), the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, to felicitate with him and the Ado-Ekiti People. Kolanuts were broken and prayers said for the peace and prosperity of the community. The next stop for La Casera was the brand sponsored Ewi Cup Football Final, followed by the Udiroko Street Activation and Sampling Day, which took place before the festival’s grand ďŹ nale. The La Casera train toured the beautiful city of Ado-Ekiti, leaving behind a trail of merriment, dance and invigorating apple goodness. Ruth Ode, Senior Brand Manager, La Casera, said the brand would remain at the forefront of promoting culture and tradition in Nigeria, hence its continued participation in the Udiroko Festival and other cultural festivals in the country.

Business Journal Holds Lecture

Issues bothering on the impact, opportunities and challenges of digital disruption on various sectors of the Nigerian economy, insurance industry inclusive, will form the thrust of discussion at Business Journal 2nd Annual Lecture and Awards 2019 to be held in Lagos.

The lecture, scheduled for Friday, September 20,2019, in Lagos, has the theme: “Digital Nigeria: The path to Sustainable Economic Growth�. A statement from the organisers and Publisher BusinessJournal Magazine Prince Cookey, said this year’s edition of the lecture would be chaired by the Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Mr Tope Smart. Smart, is also the Group Managing Director/ CEO, NEM Insurance Plc. The keynote speech would be delivered

by Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The panel includes Executive Director, Leadway Assurance Company Limited; Ms Tola Adegbayi; former Head of Research & Development, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS); Mrs. Aituaz Kola-Oladejo; Immediate past President/Chairman of Council, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria; Aare Ganiyu Koledoye; Managing Director/CEO, Compact Communications Limited Mr Chuddy Oduenyi and Publisher, Financial Nigeria,Mr Jude Akintunde Commenting the event, Cookey, said: “The Business Journal 2nd Annual Lecture 2019 is indeed a rare opportunity for stakeholders and professionals to critically evaluate the opportunities and challenges of digital disruption on the various segments of the Nigerian economy ranging from banking, aviation, insurance and on such professions as marketing, PR and media.

Trophy, Hero Recieve Recognition

In recognition of International Breweries Plc’s reputation for quality and excellence, two of its leading beer brands and national treasures, Trophy lager and Hero lager, have been awarded Gold Quality Awards in the Beers, Waters and Soft Drinks category by the Monde Selection, 2019 edition.

The Monde Selection is an international body that evaluates, tests and awards a large number of consumer products with its unique quality label. Monde Selection is one of the oldest quality institute in the world and aims to deliver the most impartial and independent evaluation.

According to the award organisers, every year, 70 international experts are selected to taste test products from all over the world. “After which products that meet the quality standards set by Monde Selection are granted the Quality Award that certiďŹ es their quality.

For the 2019 awards, 2,948 products, including Trophy and Hero, from 90 countries were featured.

“Government has done a great deal by removing all sorts of taxation like import duties and all that. Without that, Air Peace would have not have been able to own the size of fleet we own today�

Chairman/CEO of Air Peace,

Allen Onyema

24

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

BUSINESSWORLD NERC: NIGER, BENIN REPUBLIC OWE NIGERIA N15.5BN IN ELECTRICITY DEBT

payments for the electricity purchased from Nigeria.,� said the NERC. The regulatory agency added that in the last quarter of 2018, CEB/SAKETE and NIGELEC were issued a supply bill of N12.402 billion out of which they paid N9.618 billion as part payment of their total outstanding debts, thus leaving out N2.784 billion debt which the NERC new report did not state if they had paid off.

On why the Discos’ remittance to the market has remained low, the NERC said it was partly attributable to the prevailing tariff shortfall. It however insisted that the Discos must improve on their efforts to reduce technical, commercial and collection losses to consequently improve sector Disclosing the conditions the CBN had insisted would guide its disbursement of the N600 billion intervention fund to the Discos, the NERC stated: “The CBN cautioned that the disbursement of the NGN600 billion intervention fund is premised on an accountability framework which hinges heavily on the performance of Discos and should be reflected in improved collection efficiency and revenue remittance. The CBN also reaffirmed its support to the commission that enforcement action be taken against defaulting operators.â€? ‌GIVES REASONS FOR POWER SECTOR CONTINUED CASH CRUNCH

through the engagement of third-party investors for the financing, procurement, supply, installation and maintenance of electricity meters,� NERC stated.

Turning to the level and nature of service complaints lodged by power customer to the Discos within the period, the NERC explained that a total of 151,938 complaints from consumers was received and resolved by the Discos.

It noted that level of complaints in Q1 2019 were 11 per cent more than complaints received during the fourth quarter of 2018 and resolved.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

NEWS

Future of Oil Industry Bright, OPEC Insists Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said it does not believe in repeated predictions that the end was near for oil as a major energy source of the world, stating that contrarily oil has a bright future.

OPEC’s Secretary General, Dr. Mohammad Barkindo, said at a recent meeting of the group in Baghdad – Iraq, that predictions of the end of oil have significantly impacted the global financial markets, as well as investment decisions.

Barkindo, also said such prediction had caused policy makers to become anxious, claiming that it showed that sentiment, speculation and rumours have played important roles as market drivers in this regard, often causing a disconnect between prices and market fundamentals.

He further noted that despite technological innovation, the idea of peak oil supply has not materialised, and that at the beginning of the 2010s, reports of peak supply were almost omnipresent, but the industry was about to conclude the decade and the worry has shifted to concerns about peak demand. “Pick up a newspaper today or read an article online and one of the most common refrains is that demand for oil is about to plateau or decline. “Such thinking has been heavily influenced by advocates of renewable energy and the electric-car lobby, who champion the idea that hydrocarbons are on the verge of being replaced by renewable forms of energy,� said Barkindo.

Barkindo, said he would not diminish some of the important arguments and valid points which both

proponents of peak supply and peak demand have made.

According to him: “They both contain a degree of what Blake Clayton described as ‘irrational anxiety.’ Peak demand fears do not necessarily reflect market fundamentals or the overwhelming majority of long-term forecasts of most reporting agencies. “So, to all stakeholders in the oil industry, particularly the investment community and policy makers; I wish to make an appeal: do not let your views on the oil industry be determined by the loudest voices; the overreactions or the excessively bullish or bearish. “Instead, look at the facts; focus on the fundamentals.

And when looking at the

fundamentals, in both the short-term and long-term, it is clear that the future of this industry is bright,� he added.

Providing the specifics on oil industry fundamentals, Barkindo said in the long term, OPEC’s World Oil Outlook (WOO) had shown that world oil demand would grow considerably in the future. “Long-term oil demand is expected to rise to almost 112 mbd by 2040. This will be primarily driven by developing countries: their expanding middle class, high population growth rates and strong economic potential. “Looking at the road transportation sector and the idea that electric vehicles are about to replace conventional

vehicles; it should be noted, that according to our WOO, although the rate for new sales of electric vehicles is very high, the share in total stock in 2017 was just 0.3 per cent and 1.3 per cent of total vehicle sales,� he explained.

He further stated that the long-term share of electric vehicles in the total fleet has been projected to expand and reach a level of around 13 per cent by 2040, while conventional vehicles will constitute the majority of growth of the total vehicle fleet. “For example, ICE vehicles are expected to maintain their dominant share of new commercial vehicle sales over the forecast period. Although their share declines from 96

per cent in 2017 to 81 per cent by 2040, this still constitutes an overwhelming majority,� he added.

Barkindo stated that while people talked about energy transition with emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental consideration amongst others, unfortunately, energy poverty remained a scourge to the world.

He said: “The total number of people with access to electricity is just below one billion. Three billion people still lack access to clean fuels for cooking.

An energy transition should not forget these realities and we should strive for a more inclusive world - where every person has access to energy.�

MEDIA BRIEFING

L-R: Head, Strategic Marketing & Communications, AIICO Insurance Plc, Segun Olalandu; Head, Shared Services Olusanjo Shodimu; Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Babatunde Fajemirokun; Executive Director,Technical/Head, Corporate & Institutional Business, Adewale Kadri, and Chief Financial Officer, Oladeji Oluwatola, at the quarterly press briefing organised by the company in Lagos ‌recently

Obasanjo Advocates Collaboration to Improve Engineering Profession Peter Uzoho and Oluchi Chibuzo Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has stressed the need for collaboration between the government, the industry, and practitioners of engineering to improve the standards of the profession in the country.

Obasanjo, stated this in Lagos, in his keynote address at a special induction lecture organised by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, in honour of Prof. J.A. Obafemi Onipade, recently.

The theme of the lecture was: “Engineering Education

for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.�

The lecture was delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, Prof. F.A. Falade.

According to the expresident, if there was going to be economic growth, the field of engineering must be effective and implemented at its full capacity and the industry must have its own input in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In addition, he said the financing of engineering academies and faculties must be adequate and properly used.

He added: “I listened attentively and read as much as I could. I want to emphasise one of the points he (guest lecturer) brought out from that lecture without meaning to denigrate any other profession. “The point is that whatever a pharmacist would use to produce a medicine has to be made by an engineer. It is right to say that without engineers there would no development. “There should be collaboration particularly between the government, industry and the profession of engineering. Here in Nigeria, that

has always been a lapse that we have to do something about. “It is a gap that we have to bridge if we are going to make progress. The training of engineers must be right.

The industry must have its own inputs on the training.

The financing and facilities must be adequate. “And government must wash its hands out of that.

The practice of engineering must be made available. If foreigners have to bring in engineering experts, we also must train our own engineers to do for us what we need to do for ourselves.

“Members of the profession, the engineers, technologists, craftsmen and technicians, must be taken together as one member of the family.�

The elder statesman, however, thanked the academy for honouring Olopade, who he said, deserves to be honoured, adding: “One thing you note about him is that he has taken the profession very serious in practice, promotion and encouragement.�

On his part, Olopade stressed the need for companies to train technicians in the country, pointing out that this would help to reduce unemployment.

Comms/e-Business Editor

PPPRA: Nigerians Increasingly Switching from Kerosene to LPG

Senior Correspondent

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

Correspondents

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has disclosed that Nigerians are increasingly moving away from using household kerosene for domestic chores such as cooking to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or cooking gas.

It said in a statement from its Executive Secretary, Mr.

Goddy Egene Emma Okonji

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor ((Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

Abdulkadir Saidu, that it observed a steady increase in LPG utilisation in the country, adding that while domestic utilisation of LPG ranged between 40,000 metric tons (MT) and 54,000MT from January to April 2018, July 2019 monthly utilisation however rose to 78,000MT. Saidu stated: “It is gratifying to note that the efforts of government, industry

operators and regulators in deepening LPG penetration is paying off as the nation continues to record rapid growth in the utilisation of LPG in the country.�

According to him, the new LPG utilisation figure was expected equally to increase in the months ahead as some of government and industry initiatives take root.

He further stated: “Cor-

respondingly, there has been a steady decrease in kerosene utilisation within the same period indicating that Nigerians are increasingly finding value in the switch to LPG from household kerosene for cooking and other domestic purposes.�

He explained that the rapid growth in LPG utilisation was in fulfillment of the vision of the government on deepening

LPG utilisation in the country as encapsulated in the National Gas Policy 2017.

Saidu, thus assured Nigerians that government, regulators, operators and other stakeholders would remain focused on the formulation and implementation of a stream of policies that would see to the actualisation of a five million metric tons cumulative usage target by the 2022.

25

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

As NLNG Prepares for Train-7 Chineme Okafor writes on the planned expansion of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas production capacity by eight metric tons per annum After about 12 years of delay in deciding on its planned capacity expansion, the NLNG recently in Abuja, disclosed it would finally start the push to expand its production level from 22mtpa to 30mtpa, with the construction of an additional 8mtpa train.

The NLNG which is owned by four shareholders, namely: the federal government of Nigeria, represented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with 49 per cent interest; Shell Gas B.V. which has 25.6 per cent; Total Gaz Electricite Holdings France with 15 per cent; as well as Eni International N.A. N. V. S.Ă r. l - 10.4 per cent, said it would by the end of October 2019, take a much-awaited final investment decision (FID) on the ‘Train-7’ expansion drive.

Before he signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with a consortium comprising Italian firm, Saipem; South Korean Daewoo Engineering; and Japanese Chiyoda, competitively chosen by the NLNG as its Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) contractor to build the Train-7 LNG expansion plant which would cost $7 billion, the Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Tony Attah, had said the next step in the Train-7 expansion project would be to sign the FID by the end of October 2019.

Attah, explained that the Train-7 project would take at least five years after the FID, and as well increase NLNG’s market share in the global LNG industry.

He also noted that it would raise the global profile of Nigeria as the fourth largest exporter of LNG in the world. “Today, we are here to progress another milestone by issuing a Letter of Intent to award the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contract for Train 7 project to the preferred bidder SCD JV Consortium. As we issue this Letter of Intent today, we will be even closer to signing of the FID,� said Attah.

From Attah’s disclosure, the Train-7 FID looks certain to happen as scheduled. He backed this up with his affirmation that the company’s shareholders – NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni, were ready and willing to go on with it.

According to him: “Train 7 is our sure way to attaining that ambition with 35 per cent increase in our production capacity, from 22mtpa to 30mtpa. We are working to achieve this project within four to five years after we sign the FID if we must stay competitive and profitable in the global market.�

The Fundamentals To ensure the planned FID for Train-7 happens seamlessly, the NLNG which has paid as much as $36 billion to its shareholders as dividends over the years, in addition to paying joint venture (JV) gas suppliers $28 billion for feed gas supplies while helping Nigeria cut about 6.3 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of associated gas from been flared, said it has done what were needed in this regard.

Attah, noted that the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) work for the expansion has been concluded, just at the same time the company paid off the loan and interests it took to build its existing six trains, to amongst other things clearly signpost its commitment to financial responsibility which potential investors in the Train-7 project would look out for.

He equally noted that the selection of EPC contractors and signing of LoI with them were signs of its commitment to doing the right

SEALED DEAL

L-R: MD, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Walter Peviani; NLNG MD, Tony Attah; and Chairman, Board of Directors, Chief Osobonye LongJohn, at the signing of the Letter of Intent for NLNG Train 7 EPC Contract with SCD JV, held in Abuja‌recently things for the FID to happen.

According to him, the LoI was one of the key milestones to be achieved on the road to FID by its shareholders, and that it showed commitment to realise the Train-7 project.

Attah, equally assured that the contracting process for the EPC contractor was transparent in full compliance with all applicable laws and good industry practices.

BeneďŹ ts to Nigeria Speaking further, Attah, explained that the expected FID for NLNG’s Train-7 would be a win-win for Nigeria.

He noted that in addition to attracting up to $10 billion worth of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow into Nigeria in the next five years, the capacity expansion would give Nigeria and its shareholders more returns from the monetisation of its natural gas.

He said the expected FDI would come in the form of $7 billion which would be spent to build the Train-7 LNG plant, and an additional $3 billion worth of investment on upstream gas development to meet the expected demands of the new capacity.

According to him: “Our greater joy is that Train 7 at construction phase will attract an investment of over US$7 billion, boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) profile of the country, and provide about 10,000 jobs during the construction stage.�

His sentiments on the expected benefits from the expansion drive were equally shared by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, who stated at the Abuja meeting that the project would bring to Nigeria a lot more especially in the application of the local content regulation in the construction of the plant.

“Permit me to share with you some of the opportunities to be provided by the Train-7 project development to the local businesses and investments. “The NLNG Train-7 will deliver 100 per cent engineering of all non-cryogenic areas in-country. The total in-country engineering manhours is set at 55 per cent which exceeds the minimum level stipulated in the NOGICD Act in line with our resolve to push beyond the boundary of limitations,� said Wabote.

He indicated that the fabrication scope will bring many of Nigeria’s fabrication yards into operation with over 70,000 tons of in-country fabrication covering condensate stabilisation units, tanks, pipe-racks, flare system, noncryogenic vessels, and many other spools and fittings. “The benefits extend to site civil works on roads, piling, and jetties, 100 per cent local procurement of all LV and HV cables, non-cryogenic valves, protective paints and coatings, sacrificial anodes and many other direct procurements from our local manufacturing plants. “Those in the service industry are not left out with the target to assemble over 70 per cent of all non-cryogenic pumps and control valves in-country. Other spin-off opportunities include logistics, equipment leasing, insurance, hotels, office supplies, aviation, haulage, and many more. The target job numbers are very exciting. At its peak, the project will provide over 40,000 direct jobs and over 100,000 indirect and induced employment of over 100,000 workers,� he added.

Support The Chairman of the NLNG board, Mr. Osobonye LongJohn, said at the meeting that the board was fully in support of the

project, and had approved the selection of the EPC contractor which it would also lend its support to.

LongJohn, indicated that the board was delighted to see the Train-7 expansion drive finally come through and explained: “Our determination to achieve Train-7 has been sustained and we can only continue to work towards actualising that objective. That is why we have gathered here to issue the Letter of Intent for the EPC contract.�

He equally stated: “I commend the management and staff of Nigeria LNG for showing such resilience that has brought us all to this point in the planning towards realizing Train 7. I assure every party involved in this project, especially the preferred consortium of the unalloyed commitment of NLNG board of directors and the shareholders towards achieving Train 7 seamlessly as we live our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria.�

Talks with Lenders With regards to getting the funds needed for Train-7, Attah further confirmed to Bloomberg, that talks with lenders to finance the expansion was progressing seamlessly.

He indicated NLNG was discussing with Nigeria’s top-10 lenders including Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc, to raise as much as $2 billion, as well as with foreign lenders and export-credit agencies for the balance. “We have done the financial market pitch to know who has capacity,� Attah said, while reportedly noting that Guaranty Trust and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation have been appointed by the NLNG as financial advisers for the fund raising that will be a combination of debt and equity.

Minister Harps on Job Creation, Malaysian Firm Plans $100m Investment James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo has urged foreign firms seeking to invest in the country to make job creation one of their key focus.

This is as Datasonic Group Berhard, a technology coy from Malaysia, said it planned to invest $100 million in ICT

solution services in the country.

Adeniyi, at separate meetings with top management of Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), Korea and Datasonic expressed his excitement that foreign firms were seeking investment opportunities in the country. He, however, said he expected the prospective firms to have an investment plans that gives top priority to

job opportunities for Nigerians, especially the youths.

He also expressed the government’s readiness to create enabling environment for businesses as long as they would create jobs.

On it part, Samsung had indicated its resolve for business expansion and vessel fabrication in Nigeria.

The minister said:�As a

government, we are excited that you are here seeking investment opportunities in our country. The fact is that it is the priority of President Mohammadu Buhari to create jobs for our youths through direct foreign investments. “It is also exciting that you are coming now at the beginning when we are trying to settle down in office so that

you can be part of our plans.

Our mandate is to give support whoever wants to come and provide these job opportunities as private investors. “I can assure you that as you progress with your project, we have people in the ministry who will listen and see your areas of needs and how to work with you.

We will ensure that we create

an enabling environment for your businesses to thrive.�

Meanwhile, Managing Director of SHI, Mr. Jejin Jeon had said the firm was proposing to site a factory in the country, thereby making it vessel fabrication hub in Africa. He disclosed that it had invested about $500 million in the country in the last six years.

26

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Creating Interpersonal Influence Hamid Ayodeji Do you understand the daily impact of your influence on the people around you?

Are you looking to learn how to develop interpersonal influence when relating with your stakeholders and how to achieve authenticity for sustainable value creation?

This excellent programme designed by TEXEM, UK, will help. “When I became a Director 12 years ago, my focus was mainly to deliver a compelling service to my various stakeholders. Two years later, I was tasked to actively engage stakeholders to fulfil my purpose, processes and people needs. This tickled my brains, as I tried to figure out how to act like an impactful leader. I had to figure out how to act as a strategic leader by influencing my peers, subordinates customers, regulators and the board to deliver superior performance,� said a bank CEO in Nigeria.

He added that; “What I needed then, was the skills to provide exceptional and effective leadership and positively influence my internal and external stakeholders. This learning opportunity was not easy to come by, but TEXEM was my silver bullet ten years ago. “Like ten years ago, Texem still designs relevant, insightful and beneficial programmes for African executives and organisation to succeed. TEXEM has a fantastic suite of programmes and highly insightful team of faculties.

Through their value-adding programmes they increase executive’s knowledge and skills on how to build enduring organisations that aptly addresses their stakeholders’ competing needs�.

The operating context of Nigeria is currently characterised by turbulent, ambiguous and complex socio-economic landscape. Thus, visionary leaders in organisations must develop competence in influencing, achieving authenticity and addressing vulnerability for effective and sustainable success.

To this end, TEXEM UK expressed its delighted in inviting organisations to join world-renowned Professor Graham Wilson, University of Oxford’s Senior Tutor in Psychology and Counselling.

Since 2012, Wilson has developed and led

authenticity for value creation,’ programme revolves around the notion that, “it is critical for visionary leaders in organisations to develop competence in influencing, promoting authenticity and addressing vulnerability for effective and sustainable success.�

The bottom line is that everyone can be a visionary leader if you know how to; r 1SPNPUF B NPSF USVTUJOH SFMBUJPOTIJQ with your stakeholders. r 4UJNVMBUF TVQFSJPS QFSGPSNBODF r "DIJFWF PSHBOJTBUJPOBM HPBMT FGGFDUJWFMZ and efficiently.

The programme can be attended by anyone seeking to extend their leadership and interpersonal influence; current team leaders and managers; new and experienced managers and directors forming and leading new teams as well as engaging a diverse stakeholder group “This programme matters because as a participant, you will develop actionable insights required to apply programme learnings to your specific work situation.

You will develop your interpersonal influencing skill, learn to build enduring organisations that meet the needs of stakeholders, and how to promote a trusting relationship in their organisation. “You will also commit to a set of concrete implementation goals for enduring enhanced; individual, team, organisational and industry-wide performance and leverage social capital for lasting success,� the organisers explained.

Wilson the leadership strand of the GCAP/Smith School (University of Oxford) ‘Adaptation Academy’.

During these programmes, Graham helped senior leaders to hone their abilities to influence in highly complex political landscapes.

Also, in 2015, Professor Graham Wilson established an Advanced Coaching course for the University of Oxford. His work at Oxford was very successful, and as a result, he is now responsible for devising, supervis-

ing, and sharing the delivery of, all coaching programmes – Introductory, Advanced, Group, and Supervision, on an annual basis for the University of Oxford.

The two-day programme would hold between October 16th and 17th, 2019, at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Programme description “Developing Interpersonal Influence, addressing the vulnerability, and achieving

Key themes The main themes that will be addressed in this programme include: r -FBEFS T JOUFSQFSTPOBM JOUFSBDUJPOT UIBU impact their ability to influence others r 5IF SFMBUJPOTIJQ CFUXFFO WVMOFSBCJMJUZ authenticity, and influence and you will learn how this could unlock organisational value r -FBE BOE JOTQJSF WJB IJHI FNPUJPOBM quotient: lessons from case studies r .BOBHJOH *OUFSQFSTPOBM %ZOBNJDT GPS High-Performance r %FWFMPQJOH HSFBUFS TFMG BXBSFOFTT UP become a more effective and authentic leader r 4PVSDFT BOE VTFT PG QPXFS GPS UIF JNQBDU that lasts.

Ibom Air Delivers 50,000th Passengers Chinedu Eze Three months after Ibom Air started operation, the airline has reported that it has airlifted 50,000 passengers.

The Akwa Ibom state owned airline, which started service in June currently operates between Lagos to Uyo and Uyo to Abuja, but hopes to add more routes in no distant time.

By recording the aforementioned number of passengers in few months, it indicated that the airline, which operates three Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft, commands high load

factor in its operations. “On Tuesday 10th September 2019, exactly three months and a day since we began commercial flight operations, Ibom Air carried our 50,000th passenger. And what a pleasant surprise it was when at the ‘count up’ during the boarding of flight Z4100 from Uyo to Lagos, passenger number 50,000 turned out to be first time Ibom Air traveler, Ms Ruth Nsaka. “Nsaka was ‘ambushed’ by an excited team of Ibom Air Executives led by Chief Operating Officer Mr George Uriesi.

She was handed a ’50,000th

Passenger Certificate’, which entitles her to a free return ticket on any of Ibom Air’s routes. She was also upgraded to our Premium Economy cabin for her flight and treated with lots of Ibom Air goodies,� the management of the airline said in a statement.

Completely surprised by the gesture, Nsaka said, “I can’t believe this. This is my first flight on Ibom Air. I have heard so much about the airline and it’s services and looked forward to this first experience. And now this! I’m calling my Mom�.

Nsaka called her Mom who

spoke to the crew at the end of the flight and thanked them for the recognition of her daughter.

On his part, Ibom Air Chief Operating Officer, Mr George Uriesi said, “This is one of the ways in which Ibom Air will be giving back to our customers and the communities in which we operate. “We are excited to carry our 50,000th passenger within three months of operations and heartily congratulate Ms Nsaka for being ‘the one’! We are thankful for the support of our passengers and thoroughly excited about the future�.

The success of Ibom Air has elated the Akwa Ibom government, which said that it would use its new airline, as vehicle to promote and grow tourism in the state.

This was disclosed by the state Commissioner of Information, Charles Udoh, who said the state has tourism potential by its location, culture and development.

Udoh, said the plan would be galvanised, stressing that creating the needed synergy to develop the tourism potential of the state would be easily achieved.

Udoh, acknowledged that

by her geographical location, Akwa Ibom State was an end point, which must attract visitors, as people rarely pass in transit.

Explaining that tourism flies on the wings of aviation, the Commissioner said, “The rising economic and tourism strength of Ethiopia, UAE, etc were driven largely by their airlines, which have massive government interest. “Ibom Air hopes to extend its efficient service by operating to more destinations and it is expected that it would soon start operating the lucrative Lagos-Abuja route.�

the links between the region’s maritime elements. Also, the Africa Maritime Award, which recognises an organisation that has made a significant positive impact on the maritime industry within Africa and Education and Training Award, which recognises an educational institution, commercial organisation or an individual that has made a major contribution to maritime education and training in the region, were other awards.

Commenting on the nomi-

nations, Managing Director of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria, Mr. Jejin Jeon, said “When we conceived the idea of building a maritime construction facility in Nigeria, we aimed to fuse the technical know-how of Korea with the human power of Nigeria. “The award nominations not only recognise the hard work of our employees but also the trust of our local suppliers, the Nigerian government and our clients in having the courage to partner with us to create the

Egina FPSO. “This recognises that Nigeria is at the forefront of industrial development in West Africa and a sign that the whole region is ready for the next step in the development of the maritime construction industry. “The high profile of these awards will certainly bring more international attention to our shores with an eagerness to learn more about doing business in this region for the benefit of all stakeholders,� he explained.

Samsung Nominated for Dubai Awards Peter Uzoho Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), the leading operator of the SHI-MCI fabrication and integration yard, has been nominated for an impressive count of four awards at the prestigious Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa. SHIN was the only nominee to be listed for four individual awards as an entrant from Africa, underlining the breadth of its recent achieve-

ments in successfully fabricating and integrating the Egina FPSO, the largest FPSO in the world.

The Seatrade Maritime Awards are recognised internationally as the gold standard in the industry and will drive increased interest among the maritime industry into what Nigeria and the whole West African region has to offer.

The Seatrade Maritime Awards would be held in Dubai on September 22, and is the most influential awards in the maritime and shipping

industry.

Samsung was nominated for the following categories: Shipyard of the Year Award, which recognises excellence in newbuilding and/or repair yards in the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. Others include its Contribution to Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster Award which recognises a company, association, individual or system that has made a substantial contribution to strengthening

27

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Firm to Boost Commerce with Corporate Brands

NASC Unveils Mechanism to Tackle Seed Adulteration

Emma Okonji

James Emejo in Abuja

With statistics of more than 5.13 billion people with mobile devices worldwide, coupled with the 174.95 million telecoms subscribers in Nigeria as at July 2019, Clickatell, a B2B mobile technology market leader that enables enterprises to connect, engage and transact with their customers, has said it is ready promote chat commerce in Nigeria, using the WhatsApp platform as a channel.

Addressing a gathering of corporate brands in Lagos, the Chief Commercial Officer, Clickatell, Mr. Hannes Van Rensburg, said its mobile technology solution driving chat commerce would streamline customers’ experience, enhance tighter control on finances, promote alerts, commerce and prevent fraud.

Van Rensburg promised the audience that Clickatell’s platforms and solutions would help brands reach over 85 per cent of the world’s population, across more than 1,000 mobile network providers and multiple mobile channels. “Clickatell continues to pave the way for customer experiences in chat. We are powering chat commerce by enabling brands to offer product and service purchases within chat,� Van Rensburg said.

Assuring Nigerians that Clickatell would enable chat banking on WhatsApp, Van Rensburg said: “We are already doing business with banks, and most of the major banks are using our solution.�

According to him, e-commerce platform providers rushed to the Nigerian market to provide solutions, but now they are struggling in that space. He however said the chat commerce revolution would go places in Nigeria and make the business of buying and selling a lot easier on the WhatsApp platform, using chat commerce. “The reason why e-commerce companies in Nigeria are struggling, is because the population of Nigerians that browse the internet on their laptop and PC is very small. “But the number of people that have a cell phone and interact with users is almost everybody and so the market for chat commerce in Nigeria is significantly bigger than the market for e-commerce. “I don’t think e-commerce will fail in Nigeria, but I think chat commerce will be significantly more successful,� Van Rensburg further said.

Speaking on the issue of security, he said: “The chat application is developed so well to meet international standard in order to maintain the trust of customers while chatting. It is encrypted, just like WhatsApp is encrypted end to end.�

Explaining the company’s interest to invest in Nigeria, Van Rensburg said Nigeria remained a vibrant country with huge economy and many consumers that like to try out things, do new things and if it doesn’t work, they try out something else.

The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has launched a seed verification mechanism to guarantee farmers access to quality seeds for improved productivity going forward.

The Director General, NASC, Dr. Olusegun Ojo, said the Seed Codex represented an important milestone in the history of the seed industry in the country as it aims to ensure accountability, quality control and, “ensure that farmers are no longer short-changed by producers.�

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, he said the solution remained one of the global best practices in the seed industry- representing the mark of accountability and transparency which will be on every seed container to be

sold henceforth.

He added: “The unveiling today is going to be a gamechanger, it’s going to show a lot of transparency in the process: quality control is going to actually be introduced and the integrity of whatever is in the container is being assured today. “So, farmers will now have access to better quality seeds and it’s going to lead to increased productivity and income and at the end of the day- there’s going to be plenty food for Nigerians.�

Ojo said further: “Our responsibility is to make this is available and ensure the information is spread widely and that’s exactly why everybody is actually on board. This is a very good technology that has to be taken to the grassroots and to the farmers.�

The initiative has been commended by stakeholders.

Also, the National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr. Kabiru Ibrahim, said seed codex provides additional protection for the farmer.

He said the solution would not only enrich the farmers but also help the country achieve food security through improved productivity.

He explained; “The seed is the beginning of agriculture. We are here today because this is an epoch making event unveiling further protection of the farmer. “We embrace it as I said. This is the game-changer we have been waiting for.

The farmers in Nigeria want to be taken out of poverty. Nigeria wants to have food sufficiency and ultimately food security.

Anything that will make that happen is a very welcome development.

There is nothing in the agricultural space that is more important than seed. Today we have unveiled the seed codex.

It will ensure that our farmers get veritable seeds, good seeds that will enhance productivity.

Farmers will get out of poverty and in fact, they will get into prosperity and so we welcome it.�

Also, the Technical Adviser to the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), Prof. Johnson Onyibe, described the launch as a great day for farmers and the seed industry.

He said: “We have been working to find solutions to faking of seeds to ensure the quality of seeds that we make available to farmers is the best.

LagosTasks Operators on Opportunities in Agric Sector Oluchi Chibuzor The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, has called on stakeholders in the agriculture sector to see agriculture as a combination of business and development platform by concentrating on value chains where the state has comparative advantage.

This, according to him, would enable them develop strategic partnership that would stimulate investment in the state.

Lawal, who stated this at an ‘Agricultural Stakeholders Engagement,’ meeting in Lagos recently, said the state government was committed to ensuring the attainment of food sufficiency.

He said that the stakeholders’ engagement was convened in order to, “provide syndrome in policy decision making in governance,� adding that the contributions and inputs of major stakeholders were important towards the attainment of the state’s THEME agenda for the agricultural sector.

The commissioner noted that the goal was to train 15,000 people with the expected outcome of creating capacity to serve consumer demands and with an expected output of large scale dissemination of productivity-increasing capacity program and increase investment into enabling infrastructure and capacity building.

He listed some of the current initiatives of the state government in the sector to include the establishment of 32 tonnes per hour rice mill at Imota; the Lagos –Kebbi states collaboration on rice value chain development; Agricultural Based Youth Empowerment Scheme (Agric-YES ); Agric-YES Songhai Model ; Farm Estates Initiative – Fishery, Poultry, Piggery and Vegetables; Quality Input Supply with Robust Business Model and the collaboration with Development Partners such as World Bank assisted Project (APPEALS), DAWN Commission and CBN among others. “A state with food security and improved nutrition will no doubt achieve sufficiency in comparative advantage of food staples and sufficient market infrastructure that will also ensure competitiveness thereby being the catalyse flows of agricultural finance through increased partnerships with multilateral and donor agencies.� he noted. “I have no doubt in my mind that this will lead to increased IGR for the state government on one hand as well as leverage potential of other states and access to the Lagos markets. A well-funded private sector capable of scaling emergent agri-business successes will lead to increased inclusivity and sustainable practices,� the Commissioner noted.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

L-R: Sales Manager, Inlak, Emmanuel Orororo; Technical Head, Financial Business, Adewale Babayemi; Group Head, Human Resources, Adetokunbo Ayo-Ogunsanya; Publisher, Businessday Media Limited, Frank Aigbogun; Brand and Marketing Communications Manager, Inlaks, Chioma Iloeje, and Executive Assistant to the MD/CEO , Olusegun Ajakaiye, receiving the award for Technology Solutions Company of the Year at the inaugural Business Leadership Awards by Businessday, held in Lagos‌recently ETOP UKUTT

Group Urges FG to Block Financial Leakages, Opposes PlanedVAT Hike Okon Bassey in Uyo The federal government has been advised to block leakages, illicit financial flows, and capital flight in all sectors, alongside, stimulating citizens-ownership of anti-corruption crusade rather than the proposed increased in the Value Added Tax (VAT).

The call made by participants at a-2day workshop on, “Impact Harvesting and Co-learning- Through Shared Experience Gathering,� held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

They stressed that increasing VAT would discourage investment and further worsen poverty.

The workshop which drew over 90 participants was focused on fiscal policies, especially, budget and taxation, and was sponsored by Niger Delta Budget Monitor-

ing Group (NDEBUMOG) with the support from Oxfam, Nigeria.

A communiquÊ issued at the end of the gathering, also urged various state government to domesticate and simplify Nigeria’s tax laws, encourage implementation through service delivery and make public, such tax laws and policies to help fair tax education.

The communiquĂŠ which was signed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDEBUMOG, Dr George-Hill Anthony and six others, also implored states to launch and support Open Governance Partnership, to fast track development, through participatory democratic accountability.

It was further resolved that all governmental transactions in Nigeria

should follow due process, accountability, transparency and value for money. “Government should invite (fiscal governance) NGOs/ CSOs/Community Based Organisations into the fiscal circle with the National and State Assemblies, through formal processes. “Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) should be focused on budget tracking and monitoring, as a tool for ensuring good governance.�

The body further added that “Federal government should step up effective security apparatuses, which will provide enabling environment for a thriving economy.�

It posited that the rising insecurity in the country was a serious concern and a wakeup call for citizens to be involved in budget

monitoring.

CSOs were urged to build capacity on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) for better understanding of budget processes and real-time monitoring and evaluation service delivery indicators.

The need for citizens to participate in all strata of fiscal governance, from tax, budget and audits, among others was stressed. “Failure of government to address infrastructural shortcomings, was noted to become a morale burden at mobilizing the taxpayers towards their civic responsibilities,� they added.

Also, participants at the workshop regretted that, “There is no enabling environment and motivations for informal sector to be encouraged to pay their taxes.�

28

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT UNCCD COP14: World Leaders Call for Global Action to Restore Degraded Land Bennett Oghifo

D

eputy SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed has urged global leaders to aggregate and move their common plans in the right direction towards combating climate change, which scientists say is responsible for land degradation.

The Deputy Secretary-General, while welcoming Heads of Governments and other dignitaries to the ministerial segment of the 14th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCDCOP14) that held in New Delhi, India, recently, said “We no longer have the luxury of spending the next 10 years meeting and preparing the targets. We have two weeks to move our common agenda in the right direction to bend the curve on a planet of less than 2 degrees, towards action and impact.”

Over 8,000 delegates, including ministers, heads of United

Nations and intergovernmental bodies, youth, local governments, business leaders and representatives of non-governmental organisations attended the Conference, whose theme is “Investing in Restoration to Unlock Opportunities.”

Participants at COP14 were expected to adopt over 30 decisions and a few country-led initiatives on the actions governments will take to reverse land degradation especially over the next two years, and also beyond.

Mohammed, former Minister of Environment of Nigeria, stated that 800 million people are still going hungry and that crop yields are dropping, and demand for food is set to increase by 50 per cent in the coming decades. Restoring 150 million hectares of farmland could feed 200 million more people every year. At the same time, it would provide greater resilience and over 30 billion a year in increased income for small stakeholders and sink an additional 2 gigatones of carbon dioxide per year.

It is in these critical times where our individual and collective responsibilities will be needed, even more than they ever have been. It is a massive effort but together we can lift and achieve the aspirations of the climate agenda,” she added.

According to her, “The [Climate Action] Summit “is not the first and last stop. It is the first step towards concrete actions and we are asking commitments from our member states. I will say considerable engagement with financial sector is really important, since there is a barrier, if we don’t have resources. So, we are saying public funds, must move. We are not correct in saying the Green Climate Fund doesn’t have money on the table, they do, and the states do make contributions that is a good signal towards the climate action summit in the next two weeks. It is continuous engagement that is what it is about.”

Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, highlighted the present and inter-generational impacts of land degradation

L-R: Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed; and India’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the current COP14 President, Prakash Javadekar, during the UN conference on desertification in New Delhi, India… recently globally and underlined the plight of the children being born “whose future is not in the hands of the parents alone, but of humanity at large.”

He drew attention to recent scientific assessments that revealed the harm caused by land degradation, stressed importance

of the current COP in laying “the groundwork for change” for the five United Nations Summits to be held in New York soon, and said “combining our land with three little concepts of equality, partnerships and scale could take us a very long way towards our common goals.”

Thiaw also concurred with Mohammed regarding the role of the private sector in ramping up land restoration particularly for vulnerable, rural and smallholder farmers, and clarified that the engagement with the private sector is not the same as privatizing land.

We Must Protect Our Environment, Says Modupe Garland, Miss Earth Nigeria 2019 Bennett Oghifo There is need for Nigerians to make conscious efforts to protect the nation’s environment not only for enhanced carrying capacity of life but also because of the crucial role it plays in developing tourism.

According to Miss Earth Nigeria 2019, Miss Modupe Garland a clean environment is crucial to building our tourism attraction.

Speaking at a dinner event held recently by INCEL Tourism at the Clear Essence California Spa in Ikoyi, Garland explained some of the factors mitigating against realising the full potential of tourism assets in Nigeria.

She said, “We need to develop the consciousness that we must protect our environment, she says.

There is so much beauty in our natural space, however the dirt and disorderliness in our streets and neighborhoods is actually a disincentive to many holiday goers and vacationers coming into Africa. Recently Rwanda has outpaced many nations in its health and environmental policy positions, Kigali becoming one of the cleanest capitals in the world.

“Nigeria has a lot of beautiful

Garland

cities that have become unattractive due to indiscriminate disposal of wastes and the sheer chaos on our streets. It is imperative that we begin to take real care of our environments if we want to turn tourism to a big earner of Foreign Direct Investments.”

She said, “Whilst government needs to invest more on roads and public infrastructure, it is still up to us to keep our environs clean and beautiful. Gardens are a simple way of beautifying the environment and planting trees is a crucial way of protecting the environment.”

She commended the Lagos State Government and especially the Lagos State Parks & Garden Agency (LASPARK) for their commitment to building and maintaining gardens all across the metropolis. Modupe recently signed a partnership with LASPARK to plant 1,000 trees across Lagos during her reign as Miss Earth Nigeria.

“Trees are the lungs of the earth,” she said. “We need Clean Air to attract tourists,” noting that a lot of her foreign friends complained about the humidly in the air whenever they visited Nigeria and also

complained about the smoke and dust. “We can get cleaner air simply by planting trees.” She stated that most people did not realise that trees consume the carbon dioxide in the air that humans produce and then give us Oxygen in return, which is the air that we breathe. “Hence, the more trees in our environment the better and cleaner the Oxygen we breathe.”

She is also advocating for schools to include studies of the environment and climate change in their curriculum so children become environmentally aware from an early age. To this end, she wants to get an approval from the Ministry of Education, so that the next generation should be fully aware of human activities causing climate change.

Modupe urged all Nigerians to join in her quest “to make our Environment cleaner and more beautiful for all of us to live in,” stating that she is taking her advocacy to Abuja to meet with the Federal Ministry of the Environment and to help “to raise the awareness of how crucial everyone’s involvement is to making a safe, clean environment for us and for the tourists.”

Modupe said she will be taking her Advocacy on Clean Air, Planting Trees to the Philippines later this September, as she competes with beautiful women around the globe for the coveted crown of Miss Earth at the Miss Earth International Beauty Pageant.

The Miss Earth Nigeria 2019, Modupe Susan Garland is a 22 year old Lagosian, born into the family of Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Garland in Lagos State. She is a graduate of Environmental Biology from the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, Nigeria and works with OLAM Nigeria Limited.

She is also an A-List model.

Her interests include fashion modelling, entrepreneurship,

writing and advocacy.

She said as a newly crowned representative of Nigeria to the Miss Earth International Beauty Pageant, she hopes to use the platform “to promote awareness of our responsibility towards our environment, as an ardent advocate of clean air, and is passionate against air borne pollution.” She believes strongly in the use of alternatives to fossil fuels for a healthier environment.

She signed a partnership with Lagos State Parks & Garden Agency LASPARK to plant 1000 trees first in Lagos State and then proceed to each state of Nigeria to do same where she will champion for the protection of same trees. She is also going

to partner with RecyclePoints Nigeria to educate people and effect the proper recycling of plastics and further embark on a campaign for a waste to electricity project. She also intends to speak out against open grazing of cattle and publicly lecture for the erection of ranches to restrict same.

Modupe Garland was the face of the GtBank Fashion Weekend 2017 & 2018, and has worked with various designers across Africa including Taibor Barca, Lanre Da Silva. She has also modelled for Palmers Body Lotion, TVC, JUMIA and MTN. Modupe said she enjoys watching movies, hanging out with friends and being with her family.

UNCCD’s New Delhi Declaration Dilutes Role of International Funding Bodies, Tenurial Issues, Says CSE Bennett Oghifo Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has said the finalised Declaration – ‘Investing in Land and Unlocking Opportunities’ -- agreed to by the Member Parties has removed the mention of international financial institutions like Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Adaptation Fund. These institutions had been specifically named in the draft which was being discussed among the Parties.

A statement by CSE said, “The New Delhi Declaration, signed today (last week) in Greater Noida at the 14th Conference of Parties (CoP) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), has turned out to be a damp squib. It has diluted the role of international funding bodies in

combating desertification. It has also sidestepped the contentious issue of tenurial rights to land.”

The Declaration has also removed the mention of “legal recognition” of tenurial rights.

The issue of these rights was one of the most contentious ones being discussed at the Convention.

The Declaration also dilutes the importance of land tenure and user rights of indigenous communities, youth and women.

A paragraph in the draft which talked about these concerns has been deleted from the final document. India’s minister for environment, forest and climate change and the CoP14 president, Prakash Javadekar, however, announced that the Indian government was committed to giving land titles to all eligible forest dwellers.

CSE researchers point out

that “the Declaration does not mention any specific measures that can be used for adaptation.

In fact, it does not use the word “adaptation” even once. A paragraph in the draft document which talked about adaptation as well as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Intergovernmental SciencePolicy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reports and their relation to adaptation, has been removed.”

When the CoP14 had begun a week ago, CSE director general Sunita Narain had written: “This Convention is not about desertification. It is about fighting desertification. The fact is that every way in which we choose to fight desertification or land degradation or water scarcity, we will end up improving livelihoods and mitigating climate change.”

29

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Lagos Constitutes Physical Planning, Building Control Appeals Committee Fadekemi Ajakaiye

T

he Lagos State Government has approved the constitution of the Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee as an effective feedback mechanism.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako during the opening ceremony of the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) in Ikeja, recently.

According to him, the Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee would redress reported grievances, serve

as checks and balances on both public and private Town Planners, restore public confidence in the administration and practice of Town Planning in Lagos State and enhance transparency, justice and fairness.

The Commissioner, who is the outgoing President of the Association, stated that ensuring fair play and the culture of building right by adhering to the laid down procedures and regulations would not only secure the physical environment but improve the standing of professionals in the built industry.

He explained that Lagos State Government was determined to further ease the process of approvals and enhance the ease of doing business to stem

the incidence of illegal developments and protect the development plans of the State.

He said that as a bridge between the Government and the people, Town Planners collaboration with the government would go a long way to maintain sanity in the built environment, stressing that they should always uphold standards in their practice.

He reiterated that the support of Town Planners and other professionals for Government policies was a sine qua non for effective monitoring of the Physical Environment of the State, in order to achieve the livable, organised and prosperous megacity goal of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos State.

L-R: Managing Director, Merald, Mr Yogendra Singh; Chief Executive Officer, Blue Star, Mr. Dawood Bin Ozair; and Chief Executive Officer, Merald, Mr. Sudhans Hu Gaurav, during Blue Star press conference in Lagos... recently

Court Declines Jurisdiction, Strikes out Injunction Order, Suit, Says ARCON Bennett Oghifo Architects’ Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has said that a Federal Capital Territory, Abuja High Court struck out a suit challenging its authority to conduct any scrutiny of those seeking to become registered architects.

A statement by ARCON said the court took the action after concluding that the plaintiffs

approached the wrong court to seek legal redress.

It said Justice Muawiyah Baba Idris, which also declined jurisdiction over the matter, vacated an injunction order, he had made on 30th July 2019, restraining ARCON from carrying out any process that would have led to registration of new architects.

The statement said the judge specifically said the proper place to file such suit was a Federal

High Court, because ARCON was an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“After analysing the arguments for and against the order and the court’s jurisdiction, the judge struck out the suit, saying only the Federal High Court, has the jurisdiction to entertain such suit.”

The statement said efforts by ARCON’s lawyer to move the court to award cost against the

Vultures in Nigeria: The Imperative of a Better Image and Protection Paddy Ezeala Humans would always pretend to have more important issues to talk about than the natural environment and its components.

In some cultures, the lowest in the rung to talk about or take seriously would be vultures; a handy creature in painting the imagery of ugliness and filth.

The vulture has a horrible reputation as squabbling scavengers with no sense of smell. Some species even have a devious and duplicitous appearance that has enriched our folklores from the negative standpoint.

But, if anything, man is just a strand in the web of the global ecosystem and therefore lacks the justification to judge. The truth is that the global environment is imperilled today largely owing to man’s activities and/ or inactivity. Nigeria continues to lose its biological diversity because we have not matched words, policies and laws with action. Multiple distractions in the country have also not helped matters.

This article is a contribution to the International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) 2019 and is aimed at seizing the momentum to wake us up to our responsibilities to the environment, in which we have steadily been failing woefully.

Environmental issues have been relegated to the background as a result of reasons ranging from ignorance, socio-political and economic exigencies and also sheer disinterest. IVAD is

marked in the first Saturday in September each year. This event in itself is reflective of the seriousness with which the current threat to global vulture populations is regarded. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) should be highly commended for leading the charge in Nigeria. This foremost environmental organisation in Nigeria has been drawing the attention of Nigerians to the dangers that are already with us as a result of our collective environmental improvidence.

They have been campaigning that vultures and other avian fauna be protected in the interest of human and environmental wellbeing.

Vultures are a group of birds that are ecologically vital, but as it stands today, are facing a range of severe threats in many places where they occur. As a result, many species are under pressure while some are facing extinction.

This trend should be halted as vultures have been scientifically established to be very important to the environment. All over the world, vultures clean up the environment, resist tough bacteria and viruses and prevent spread of epidemics caused by animal corpses and other organic waste. As a vital part of the ecosystem, they provide ecosystem services that contribute to human health and wellbeing in many ways including prevention of water contamination.

There are twenty-six species of vultures worldwide.

Sixteen of the species are in developed countries while the remaining seven are in developing countries. All the seven species are found in Nigeria among the 940 species of birds in the country. They are Egyptian Vulture- Neophronpercnopterus (Endangered), Hooded Vulture – Necrosyrtes monachus (Endangered), Whitebacked vulture Gyps africanus (Endangered), White-headed vulture - Trigonocepsoccipitalis (Vulnerable), Ruppell’s Griffon -Gyps rueppellii (Endangered), Palm-nut Vulture - Gypohieraxangolensis (Least Concern) and Lappet-faced Vulture -Torgos tracheliotus. The extent of endangerment and vulnerability of these species in Nigeria is of serious concern to conservationists and well-meaning people.

“Nigerians have been most unkind to the environment”, said Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, the Director-General of NCF. “The current massive onslaught on vultures across the country is fraught with untoward consequences for the environment and humans.” Aminu-Kano who is an experienced biologist and a prominent conservationist pointed out that this development goes to show that the environmental campaigns over the years in Nigeria have not yielded much fruit. “Many people are still ignorant of the biological interplay in our ecosystems and the need to protect the various threatened and endangered species in the country” he said.

plaintiffs in favour of the Council did not succeed, as Justice Idris said there was no evidence of cost incurred before him and therefore declined to make any order on cost in favour of ARCON. The statement said piqued by ARCON’s planned programme towards registration of new architects, some persons, including other plaintiffs, who sat for the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) qualifying exams but are yet to be registered architects, approached the court.

They sued ARCON, NIA, Arc. (Sir) Dipo Ajayi, ARCON President and Arc. Njoku Adibe, President, NIA, as first to fourth defendants, respectively.

According to the statement, Justice Idris, who first reviewed the case and submissions of counsel, said, “Having taken cognisance of the facts of this case and argument of counsels for both sides, and citing section 251 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, only the Federal High Court can adjudicate upon this matter. Therefore, this court lacks jurisdiction, and so, I decline jurisdiction.”

Justice Idris added: ‘’And for want of jurisdiction, this case is accordingly struck out and the order of this court made on 30th July, 2019, is accordingly struck out.’’

In the final analysis, the court

struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction and discharged the order of injunction made on 30th July 2019.

The statement said two weeks ago, the same judge had refuted an interlocutory order purportedly claimed by the plaintiffs that the court had made against ARCON restraining it from registering new architects pending the determination of a matter before it.

“The Judge, in the open court, had said he never granted such order and expressed surprise where the purported order emanated from.

“Although, the judge had denied the interlocutory order, however, in his judgment on Monday, the judge said: The order made by this court on 30th July, 2019, against the defendants, was hereby struck.”

Justice Idris had issued the order following an ex-parte application moved by the plaintiffs’ lawyer.

Addressing the court then, ARCON’s lawyer, Nnabuike Edechime, had said that, it appeared the plaintiffs misled the court in granting such order, the statement said.

Responding, the Judge said: “I never grant such order. I don’t have such order before me,” the judge insisted.

Moving the substantive matter, Nnabuike Edechime, ARCON’s lawyer had said the court could

not grant interlocutory injunction during vacation but an interim injunction.

Besides, he said that proper parties have not been brought to the court, as both the third and fourth defendants were yet to be served.

Barrister Nnabuike said being a Federal Government agency, such matter was on exclusive legislative list of the Constitution and within exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and therefore, FCT High court could not hear such matter.

To them, the claimant’s suit was brought in bad faith, just to waste the precious time of the court and as a ploy to distract the first defendant from discharging its statutory duties.

He then urged the court to dismiss the suit, adding that it is vexatious, and an attempt to waste the precious time of the court.

The statement said counsel to the applicants, S.N Mbaezike, who contended that all the processes filed by ARCON were done out of time, could not be attended to by the court.

Responding to the issue of ex parte application upon which the purported interlocutory order was granted, plaintiffs’ counsel said he never moved motion ex parte but motion on notice. He added that the error must have been committed by the registry, the statement said.

Lagos to Address Road Failure Scientifically, Says Adeyoye The incessant failure of newly constructed and rehabilitated roads before their expected lifespan will soon become a thing of the past in Lagos State.

Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure, Engr Aramide Adeyoye who made this known at a stakeholders meeting held to brainstorm on the way to reduce if not eliminate resource wastage occasioned by having to rework projects already completed, said such practice was impacting negatively on the purse of the state government.

She said the road failures

are largely the effect of using materials which fell short of standard thereby resulting in speedy disintegration. The quality of materials especially those procured from third parties can only be determined through laboratory test and calibration.

Adeyoye stated that moving forward; Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be spelt out in all construction projects in the State whether it is being undertaken by an Agency of government like the Public Works Corporation or Contractors.

The Standard Operating Pro-

cedure she noted would ensure that necessary test and calibration of materials to be deployed at every stage of construction such as soil-cement, concrete mixtures, interlocking pavement blocks and asphalt were conducted in world class laboratories and properly signed off as having satisfied the international best practices bench mark.

The Special Adviser said “we want to go out and fix failed roads but we must ensure that we get it right, so that funds hitherto channeled at reworking roads can be deployed to other projects”

30

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍľËœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Declare Emergency in Financial Reporting, ObazeeTells FG Obinna Chima A former Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Mr. Jim Obazee, has advised the federal government to declare emergency in financial reporting in the country.

Obazee, gave the advice while speaking at the 13th edition of the Nigeria Media Nite-out 2019 (NMNA), that took place in Lagos, where he was recognised as the ‘Icon of Financial Reporting.’ He said the advice emanated from a newspapers article whereby the Auditor General for the Federation, Mr. Anthony Mkpe Ayine, was lamenting the state of financial reporting in public sector. The former FRC boss cited the report to have quoted Ayine, to have said: “As at April 2018, 109 agencies have not submitted their financial statements beyond 2013; 76 agencies last submitted their financial statements for the 2010 financial year; while 65 agencies have never submitted any account since inception.

“An analysis of the report showed that government agencies, despite the anti-corruption campaign, have increasingly become more reckless with public finance, with 323 agencies failing to submit reports in 2016. In 2015 and 2014 however defaulters numbered 215 and 148.�

Owing to the statement by the Auditor-General, Obazee said, what frightened him was that as of 19th August 2019, “we are supposed to be talking about audited financial statements for 2018 financial reporting year... not 2016!�

To this end, he wondered, “If this is the situation with those managing governmental, proprietal and fiduciary public funds, what should we now be expecting from private sector entities especially many of the listed companies with shareholding structures that are diabolically skewed, a situation where less than 50 persons own controlling shares (51%) despite carrying minority shareholding of well over 500,000 persons? “I dare say that although the listed entities may have 2018

financial statements, but how reliable the figures are, when tested against international accepted benchmarks?�

Therefore, he called on the federal government to, “declare emergency in financial Reporting and direct cabinet ministers to write to MDAs, under their supervision, to submit their audited financial statements for 2016 to 2018.�

According to the former FRC boss, treating accountability and financial reporting with levity was a recipe for disaster. “That there is still calm after this report of the Auditor General, I dare say that the agencies have been emboldened to ignore financial reporting regulators who are supposedly gatekeepers in this entire compose. “The Nigerian public should not sit and watch by the sidelines, we should write to our representatives in the National Assembly, drawing their attention to this damming report from the Auditor General for the Federation and requesting that the entire report be made public and investigated.

Broad Street

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

NOVEMBER 2018

US Consulate Empowers Female Entrepreneurs

Money Supply (M3)

31,794,803.44

Nume Ekeghe

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

6,333,064.28

Money Supply (M2)

25,461,739.17

-- Quasi Money

14,773,076.98

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,688,662.18

The United State-led initiative which aims to empower 50 million female entrepreneurs worldwide has commenced the inaugural Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program by empowering 100 women.

The applicants which were selected from over 6,000 applications would be taken on a 5-day course which consists of networking and intensive workshop, with an array of facilitators. Speaking at the inauguration, US Consul General, Mrs. Claire Pierangelo said initiative aims to reach 50 million women by 2025.

It also aims at promoting an enabling environment that reduces barriers and facilitates women participation in the economy. She said: “These 100 women were chosen out

of 6,000 applicants. That is to show how competitive it was and amazing these women are. We are looking forward to training them and they would become part of a network of mentors and instructors to train other Nigerian women. “So it doesn’t always have to be US government, it is going to be women themselves. “This is just a start and this is part of that 50 million women and these women would go and become trainers. “We have decided to work in Nigeria because it is such an entrepreneurial country and there is so much entrepreneurial energy here.�

She also thanked the Lagos State government for its pledge to support women in the program.

On her part, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employ-

ment Trust Fund, Mrs. Teju Abisoye, said Lagos would support women participating in the scheme if they are residents of Lagos and are tax payers.

She said: “The LSETF would key into the initiative to support women who are resident in Lagos, have a tax identification number, pay taxes and have business which cash flow. “The fact that it is directed specifically at women entrepreneurship tell me that we are no longer paying lip service to gender equality especially with entrepreneurship. “We recently launched our fund which is N4 billion and you can look at it as a portfolio size of N10 billion which is around $27 million and this would act as pipeline for us to find qualified beneficiary that can qualify to build sustainable businesses.�

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,711,763.59

---- Demand Deposits

8,976,898.59

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

18,990,400.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,804,402.66

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,062,986.22

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,980,229.66

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

7,093,619.43

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-4,144,571.43

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

23,082,756.56

--Other Assets Net

13,258,583.57

Reserve Money (Base Money

6,811,192.37

--Currency in Circulation

2,100,129.91

--Banks Reserves

4,366,259.05

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

FBNQuestTrustees Records N6trnTransactions Nume Ekeghe FBNQuest Trustees has disclosed that its liquid trust assets under management (AUM) is in the excess of N40 billion and has recorded transactions in exceeding N6 trillion. The Chief Executive Officer of FBNQuest Trustees, Mr. Adekunle Awojobi, revealed this at the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations in Lagos at the weekend.

Speaking about the firm’s milestone, Awojobi, said: “In terms of growth and financial performance, the company has continuously delivered shareholder value in alignment with the mandate of the Group. “From a share capital of about N30 million, the company has increased to a share capital of N3billion in 2019; and has grown its profit after tax (PAT) yearon-year consistently, with liquid trust assets under management in excess of N40 billion as at June 30 2019. “We currently have our fingerprints in transactions in excess of N6 trillion.�

While emphasising the firm’s impact on trusteeship business in Nigeria and the economy, he

said: “From when we began our journey in 1979, FBNQuest Trustees has delivered impeccable solutions for the safekeeping of our clients’ assets, the transfer of generational wealth, and the preservation of their legacies. “We are extremely proud to be a part of the 125-year old legacy of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, and the rich heritage of FBN Holdings as we celebrate a 40-year track record of distinction, dependability and professionalism in the trustee business. “We want to thank everyone who has contributed to the growth of the company over the years, as we continue to provide excellent services to our clients. “We also take this opportunity to recommit to excellently sewing our clients across diverse sectors to ensure that their legacies are preserved,� he added.

Also, the Group Chairman, FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Oba Otudeko, while alluding to the importance of leaving a lasting legacy urged companies and individuals that attended the ceremony to plan early to leave a lasting legacies in wherever they find themselves.

He said: “FBN trustees has grown to not just a notable company, but also as an industry leader. Indeed, it has been 40years of innovation and remarkable success. “The desire to leave a heritage for your children and the society a better way from where you met it is usually a motivation for many people particularly of people with great soundness of mind. “Studies have showed that without strategic management legacies can easily be eroded. So the significance of FBN quest limited is very apparent.�

Also, in her keynote address, the Senior Partner, TLcom Capital LLP and former Minister for Communications, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, who also alluded to the importance of leaving an important legacy for individuals and businesses, said: “Be purposeful about defining your legacy and be very deliberate about your actions and behaviours and in the case of institution, put process and systems, be employed to achieve this purpose and may we also as individuals and employers of institutions live to leave good and lasting legacies.�

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ÍŻÍą Ͱ͎ͯ͡

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $60.02 a barrel on Friday, compared with $60.51 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

31

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

MARKET NEWS

Lawmakers, IST to Partner on Capital Market Disputes Resolution Chinazor Megbolu The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, Mr. Anayo Edwin, yesterday pledged the readiness of the lawmakers to partner the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST) on resolution of disputes in the nation’s capital market.

Edwin, stated this during the opening of the 2019/2020 New Legal year of IST in Lagos.

He disclosed that the House

of Representatives was going to consider the request by IST for expansion of its jurisdiction to cover other financial sector related cases. “Let me say that upon the inauguration of the Committee by the Speaker, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, we have resolved to consider your request for expansion of IST jurisdiction to cover other financial sector related cases and for more funding,� he said.

Edwin noted that they would

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

help towards sustainable growth of the financial sector through a harmonious and investment friendly way.

He enjoined IST to continue doing its job of settling disputes in a professional and efficient manner in a bid to attract investors into the capital market. “If you continue to do dispute resolution in a more professional and efficient manner, it will attract investors who would want to do business in the sector knowing very well you will do

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

justice in case of any dispute,�

Edwin added. In his speech, the Chairman of IST, Mr. Isiaka Isaiah Idoko- said establishment of IST was to develop jurisdiction in matters of dispute resolution in the capital market.

According to him, so far, the agency has been receiving commendations for well thought out rulings and judgments in the capital market.

Idoko-Akoh maintained that since establishment of IST, it had always done its duties in

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

a more speedy way to determine disputes arising from transactions in the Nigerian capital market. “One of the notable innovations of the Decree which transmuted to ISA (1999) was the establishment of an independent, specialised, fast-track court known as the IST to hear and determine disputes arising from transactions in the Nigerian capital market,�he said.

The IST boss stated that all members and staff had been receiving capacity building

O F

geared towards enriching judgments in the capital market. “We are doing everything to in enriching judgments in the capital market matters and building capacity for all categories of staff for a better work output,� he said.

According to him, lack of well developed stock market will scare away investors, hence the need to do justice in resolving every dispute brought before IST for a better stock market that will thrive and attract investors.

1 2 / 0 9 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Take Ownership of Your Investments, SEC Boss Urges Investors Goddy Egene The acting Director General (DG) of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Mary Uduk has urged investors in the nation’s capital market to take ownership of their investments by attending annual general meetings and reading annual

reports so as to make necessary contributions. She also advised investors to invest in collective investment schemes (CIS) because they are managed by independent professionals.

Speaking in Lagos, the SEC boss said the commission would keep working on its rules and the possibility of amending them

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

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

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

when the need arises. She noted that the commission wanted more transparency in the market so that investors would feel comfortable and the market could be better.

“In doing all these, we advise retail investors to invest in CIS and mutual funds because those are managed independently by professionals and they are

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 13Sep-2019, unless otherwise stated.

diversified thereby reducing risks.

We also implore investors to take ownership of their investments.

They have to be able to monitor their investments, attend annual general meetings as well as read the annual reports sent out to them,” he said.

Uduk added that SEC was committed to ensuring that

suspicious transactions were not allowed in the capital market, urging market operators to make use of the commission’s whistle blowing policy and report any such infractions for immediate actions.

“Insider trading is what we have to prove. A lot of us are in the market and we have

whistle blowing mechanism.

It is the operators who will be in a better position to know and report such infractions. For those that have been reported to us, we have been carrying out investigations and once we have evidence we will invite them and also refer them to the relevant authorities.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.87 0.88 4.04% ACAP Income Funds 0.77 0.77 34.71% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.26% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.36 2.39 6.19% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 92.22 92.87 -8.86% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.22% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.97% Paramount Equity Fund 12.07 12.18 2.23% Women's Investment Fund 107.61 108.33 3.94% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.65% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 94.42 95.10 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 95.69 96.43 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,238.15 1,238.93 10.66% FBN BALANCED FUND 139.78 140.71 -2.10% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.34% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 119.76 120.06 8.33% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 120.00 120.30 8.81% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 121.43 123.21 -19.05% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.65% Legacy Debt Fund 3.53 3.53 8.71% Legacy Equity Fund 1.05 1.07 -13.60% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.07 1.07 3.63% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.10% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 110.08 111.05 2.06% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.50%

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.50% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.16 2.19 0.27% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.77% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 132.97 132.95 6.35% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.16 1.18 5.32% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,116.88 1,116.88 9.47% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.60 9.69 -10.02% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.38% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.27 1.30 3.81% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.95 12.05 7.15% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.33% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 122.61 122.67 1.35% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.03 1.03 10.17% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,350.99 2,362.26 1.54% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 203.93 203.93 7.25% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.83 0.84 -12.11% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 265.48 265.58 9.45% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 142.84 144.37 -12.46% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.07% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,520.18 7,601.20 -11.47% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.14 1.14 5.41% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 100.45 100.45 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 9.85 10.01 -6.91% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.01 11.18 -8.44% Zenith Income Fund 22.24 22.24 9.97% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.85%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A 117.00 53.10

N/A 5.33% 2.63%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.19 86.15 69.14

8.29 88.02 70.46

-17.55% -26.54% -22.00%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.36 5.18 11.72 10.83 147.13

3.40 5.26 11.82 11.03 149.13

-15.89% -31.86% -19.71% -12.27% 11.48%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.34

17.40%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

33

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

US Accuses Iran of Attacking Saudi Oil Facilities The United States has issued satellite images and cited intelligence to back its allegation Iran was behind attacks on major Saudi oil facilities.

Iran denies involvement in Saturday’s air attacks, which were claimed by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen.

But unnamed US officials speaking to US and international media say the direction and extent of the attacks cast doubt on Houthi involvement.

The incident has cut global oil supplies by 5% and prices have soared.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran at the

weekend, without providing any evidence, prompting Tehran to accuse Washington of deceit.

Tweeting on Sunday, President Donald Trump stopped short of directly accusing Iran, but suggested possible military action once the perpetrator was known.

One official said there were 19 points of impact on the targets and the attacks had come from a west-north-west direction - not Houthicontrolled territory in Yemen, which lies to the south-west of the Saudi oil facilities.

The officials said that could suggest launch sites in the

northern Gulf, Iran or Iraq.

A Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen has accused Iran of providing the weapons.

A close-up image of damaged tanks at the Abqaiq processing plant (included above) appeared to show impact points on the western side.

Other images seem to show damage at the Khurais oilfield, which is located further west.

Iraq denied at the weekend that the attacks were launched from its territory. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said Mr Pompeo had assured

him in a phone call on Monday that the US backed Iraq’s position.

Officials quoted by the New York Times said a mix of drones and cruise missiles might have been deployed, but that not all had hit their targets at Abqaiq and Khurais.

China and the European Union have, separately, urged restraint.

UN Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths told the Security Council on Monday it was “not entirely clear” who was behind the strike but he said it had increased the chances

of a regional conflict.

In the UK, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also said it was not yet clear who was responsible, but called the act a “wanton violation of international law”.

The oil price has seen the biggest one-day rise since the 1991 Gulf War, rising 20% but falling back later.

The international benchmark used by traders, Brent crude, jumped to $71.95 (£57.53) a barrel at one point.

Prices eased after President Trump authorised a possible release of US reserves.

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry told business channel CNBC that it was too early to tell if this would be necessary.

He also blamed Iran for the attack.

There are concerns that higher prices could continue if tensions worsen further.

Earlier Mr Perry insisted the oil market “is resilient and will respond positively”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted on Sunday to deride Mr Pompeo, saying that “having failed at max pressure, Sec Pompeo’s turning to max deceit”.

ICC Prosecutor Appeals Acquittal of Cote D’Ivore’s Ex-President, Gbagbo The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court appealed on Monday against the shock acquittal of former Ivory Coast leader Laurent Gbagbo over post-electoral violence that killed around 3,000 people.

Gbagbo, the first head of state to stand trial in The Hague, and his deputy Charles Ble Goude, were both cleared of crimes against humanity in January and released the following month.

“The appeal will demonstrate that the trial chamber committed legal and procedural errors which led to the acquittals of Mr Gbagbo and Mr Ble Goude on all counts,” Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda’s office said.

Judges had cleared the pair “without properly articulating and consistently applying a clearly defined standard of proof,” said Bensouda.

Belgium agreed to host Gbagbo, 73, after he was released in February under conditions

including that he would return to court for any prosecution appeal against his acquittal.

Ble Goude is meanwhile living in the Netherlands under similar conditions.

Gbagbo faced charges of crimes against humanity over the 2010-2011 bloodshed following a disputed vote the West African nation.

Prosecutors said Gbagbo clung to power “by all means” after he was narrowly defeated by his bitter rival — now president — Alassane Ouattara in elections in the world’s largest cocoa producer.

However judges dismissed the charges, saying that the prosecution “failed to satisfy the burden of proof to the requisite standard.”

The prosecutor had previously indicated in January that she intended in appeal but had to wait until the court’s full written reasons for the decision came out in July.

Unions, CSOs Maintain Nationwide Street Action in Burkina Faso Many trade union groups and civil society organisations on Monday maintained a nationwide street demonstration against the government, despite the government’s prohibition of the demonstration in the capital Ouagadougou.

Demonstrators have defied Burkina authorities that prohibited the demonstration based on security issues in the terrorist attack-prone country and on non-compliance with procedures.

The demonstrators have been

heading to the gathering point Bourse du Travail from where the demonstration started.

The organisers said they are demanding the government to take measures to ensure its citizen’s security.

“We want the government to immediately stop mass and targeted assassinations, to dismantle death squads, to bring justice to victims of the assassinations, and also to demand the withdrawal of foreign military forces from our territory.’’

Rwanda, Uganda Commit to Implementing Agreement on Ending Hostilities Government officials from Rwanda and Uganda on Monday reiterated their commitment to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August to cease hostilities between the two sides.

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, signed the MoU during a quadripartite summit which was also attended by the host, Angolan President, Joao Lourenco.

Democratic Republic of Congo

(DRC) leader, Felix Tshisekedi, in Luanda also attended.

“Rwanda is fully committed to the realisation of the provisions of the MoU. “We will not be found to be wanting,” Rwandan Minister of State in Charge of East African Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, told the opening ceremony of the first meeting of the ad hoc commission of the MoU. He said the MoU is a major milestone toward resolving the issues affecting the two countries.

RESOURCE PERSONS...

L-R: Charge d’Affaires, United States Embassy, Abuja, Kathleen A. FitzGibbon, and Regional Director, (Africa) US Department of Justice/ OPDAT, Robert Bowman at the Intellectual Property Symposium organised by the Embassy of the United States of America with the Department of Justice, in Lagos... yesterday Kunle Ogunfuyi

France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron to Return to Teaching Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday said she would be returning to the classroom.

The former teacher would give regular French lessons at a school in a Parisian suburb.

Macron told newsmen she

would be a bit nervous in comments at the opening of the school in Clichy-sous-Bois, adding that it will be good to be in action once more.

Her students would be job seekers and those who did not finish their high school education and were trying to find a way

into the world of work.

The new education centre was targeted at adults between 25 and 48 years old and is in a suburb North-East of Paris which is one of the city’s poorer neighbourhoods.

The 66-year-old Macron said the programme was very

important, and that she wanted to make clear that it was possible to start again at any age.

Macron gave up teaching four years ago to support her husband Emmanuel’s political career.

Her last job as a teacher was at a prestigious private school in Paris.

Mugabe’s Body to Be Taken to Rural Home for More Farewell Proceedings The body of former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, who died in Singapore on Sept. 6 is expected to arrive at his rural home in Zvimba on Monday.

It had earlier been planned that the body would be taken to Zvimba on Sunday to allow the people there bid him farewell.

Family spokesperson Leo Mugabe told reporters at Mugabe’s rural homestead that the programme had changed and

the body was now expected to leave Harare on Monday.

“However, we were not informed of the reasons for the postponement. The body was supposed to be here today. As you can see, thousands of people have already gathered here to bid farewell to their own son.

“I am not sure what caused the postponement. I heard the former First Lady Grace Mugabe wanted to rest. Like any other

human being she needs a rest,” he said.

Mugabe said the body might go to Zvimba by road as requested by Norton residents and people from other surrounding areas.

“We will inform those leading the proceedings on the latest development.

“Our plan was to have his body come by road to enable people from Norton and other

surrounding areas to pay last respects to their former President.

“Some might not get transport to ferry them to Zvimba, so we are organising that the body passes through by road,” he said.

Mugabe said after the rural proceedings, the body would be taken to a mortuary on Tuesday, where it would lie in state for about 30 days while a mausoleum was being built at the National Heroes Acre.

Supreme Court Orders India to Restore Normalcy in Kashmir India’s Supreme Court on Monday directed the federal government to make efforts to restore normal life in India-administered Kashmir which has seen a security lockdown and communications blackout in recent weeks.

India last month stripped the Muslim-majority region of

a special autonomous status as well as imposing restrictions on the movement and gathering of people.

Thousands of troops were deployed to prevent any backlash.

The clampdown has been lifted in most regions but is still in place in many areas of the Kashmir

valley which has a population of 7 million.

“We direct the Jammu and Kashmir region to make every endeavour to make sure normal life returns,” a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, according to broadcaster NDTV.

“We ask for restoration to be on a selective basis keeping in mind national interest,” the judges added.

The judges were hearing petitions filed by Kashmir Times newspaper editor Anuradha Bhasin and political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla challenging the lockdown.

34

IMAGES

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R: South West Coordinator, Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria(GOGAN), Alhaja Bisi Eletu; Minister of State for Works & Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu; and Minister of Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, during a courtesy visit by GOGAN to the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja‌recently

R-L: President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio; President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo; President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari; President of Senegal, Macky Sall; and Chairperson AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat; during the Extra Ordinary ECOWAS Summit on Counter Terrorism in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso‌recently PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

L-R: Chairman of the Occasion, Senator Gbolahan Dada; Group Managing Director, Union Diagnostics Plc, Dr. Ambrose Akiniyi; General Overseer/Celebrant, Pavilion of Faith Global Church, Apostle Anthony Fasipe and Wife, Zainab, during the 1st Colloquium Lecture Marking 65th Birthday of Apostle Fasipe, in Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Deputy Vice President,The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Mrs Comfort Eyitayo; Vice President, Nigeria Agribusiness Group, Emmanuel Ijewere; ICAN President, Nnamdi Okwuadigbo and Michael Armstrong of ICAEW Middle East; at a dinner to mark the 49th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja... recently PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

L-R: President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya; Newly Elected President, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), Israel Jaiye Opayemi; CEO, NECCI Consulting, Nkechi Ali-Balogun and Immediate Past President, PRCAN, John Ehiguese, at the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the association, in Lagos...recently

L-R: District Overseer, Four Square Gospel Church, Oshodi, Rev. Ben Taiwo; awardees, Rev. Omozele Ofuya; Ajao Estate Zonal Superintendent, Rev. Dom Ofuya; Immediate General Overseer, Rev. (Dr.) Wilson Badejo; Ag District Secretary, Pastor Olayemi Kolawole; and Foreign and Home Mission, Rev. Deji Oluwafemi, at the 16th District Convocation of Four Square Gospel Church, Oshodi District, Lagos...recently PHOTO: AKINYELE ABAYOMI

L-R: Zonal Controller, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Henry Ojiokpota; Director, Middle East Africa, Media Tek, Rami Osmani; Brand Manager, Tecno Nigeria, Luke Pan; Marketing Manager, Tecno Nigeria, Je Tang; General manager, Tecno Nigeria, Mr. Chidi Okonwo; Acting Director, Investor Relations, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC),Mr Mutawalli Kukawa; and Representative of Director General, SON , Eugenia Ilozor, at the oďŹƒcial launch of TECNO CAMON 12 series in Lagos...recently

L-R: Chairman, Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; Niger State Governor, Sani Bello; and Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar, during NGF emergency meeting in Kaduna... recently PHOTO: IDRIS EGAJI

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

35

L-R: Executive Director, Technical, Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Babajide Arowosafe; Managing Director/CEO, Jaiz Bank Plc, Hassan Usman; Managing Director/ CEO, NIRSAL, Aliyu Abdulhameed; and Deputy Managing Director, Jaiz Bank Plc, Mahe Abubakar, during a strategic Agric-business ďŹ nancing meeting between the two institutions in Abuja...recently

L-R: Acting Managing Director, 9mobile, Stephane Beuvelet; Deputy Managing Director, Vatebra Tech Hub, Mike Aigbe; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Olukayode Pitan and Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm; representing the Lagos State Governor at the commissioning of Vatebra Tech Hub, Ajah, Lagos... recently

L-R: Chief Digital and Innovation OďŹƒcer, Union Bank, Lola Cardoso; Head, Strategic Communications, Union Bank, Kemi Ogunleye; Founder, Leading Ladies Africa, Francesca Uriri; and Head, Alpher, Union Bank, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, during a press conference on the Enterprise and Leadership Programme of Leading Ladies Africa supported by Union Bank in Lagos‌recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: South-East, Regional Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Bankole George; Marketing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Funmi Sanni; Star prize winner, Onyeka Okpara; and Independent Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Dorothy Ufot, SAN; during the star prize presentation in the ongoing Dangote Cement Bag of Goodies National Consumer Promo in Owerri, Imo State‌recently

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Bride mother/wife of Ondo state Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, newly wed, Tunde Oyeyiola,his wife Teni (nee Akeredolu) and wife of Nsarawa state governor, Mrs. Silifat Sule at Teni and Tunde traditional wedding reception in Owo, Ondo State‌recently PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI

L-R; Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia; Mr. Ayokunle Akinyelure; Groom’s father, Chief Pius Akinyelure and wife Esther at the traditional wedding of Femi Akinyelure and Chasha Momoh in Lagos...recently PHOTO:ABIODUN AJALA

L- R - Client Service Director, Culture Communications Ltd, Dare Okuntilu; Managing Director, Yomi Benson and Group Account Director, Nathaniel Ogbu at the media launch of For FeedTonight Entrepreneurship Program in Lagos..yesterday

L-R: Member, Cuban Institute for Friendship with the people, Yalumi Rodriguet; Cuba ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Trejo; Coordinator, Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC), Comrade Abiodun Aremu and Member of the movement, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, during the NMSC press conference on the 6th African Conference of Solidarity with Cuba in Abuja yesterday‌..

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

36

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Gbajabiamila Pledges Support against Banditry, Kidnappings in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday pledged to support the Katsina State Government to end banditry, kidnappings and other nefarious crimes orchestrated by bandits in the state.

He said the dialogue and peace initiative of the state Governor, Aminu Bello Masariled administration, which brought together the two warring groups to a round table, were great feats that would lead to everlasting peace in the state.

This is coming as repentant bandits in the state released 10 more kidnapped victims, bringing the number of those who regained freedom from the abductors to 61.

The Speaker stated this at the Government House in Katsina while on a one-day working visit to ascertain the security problems in the state in order to seek lasting solutions to the ugly threat bedeviling the state.

Gbajabiamila said the National

Assembly would ensure that the federal government develops a workable plan that would end banditry and kidnapping in the state as well as other states facing the same impediment.

According to him, “A state cannot deal with issue like this on its own. Issues like this are complicated, and we believe that the federal government must do something to assist the state in ending this nagging problem.

“As a National Assembly, beyond all the motions that we move on the floor of the House when these issues happened, we will support you and federal government to put an end to this problem.

“Your members who represent Katsina in the House have being so proactive and passionate about what is going on here.

“We pray and hope that we will be able to complement what you are doing to find a lasting solution to these nagging security challenges.”

While responding, the governor said the peace initiative of his

administration was yielding fruitful results as 61 kidnapped victims have being released by their abductors without collecting a dime as ransom.

He said: “Even yesterday (Sunday), 11 people were brought back from their abductors from Batsari Local Government Area, and this morning (Monday), we also took five people. We are following events in Batsari, and

we are able to locate where the problem is coming from.

Masari lamented that herdsmen were being neglected by the government at all levels, hence the reoccurring of herdersfarmers clashes and other forms of criminalities facing the country.

According to the governor, “This has been systematic. There have been supports for farmers

and other professions, but there was never a single programme designed to address the issue of Fulani herdsmen.

“They were left in the forest uneducated both in Islam and Western education. And the grazing reserved areas are being abandoned and overtaken over by farmers. By 1987 when the state was created, the population was about 3.7 million, but today,

we are talking about either between 7 and 7.5 million.

“We must have a rehabilitation programme on how to make the forests conducive for people who live in it. What we are trying to do now is to normalise the situation, and start addressing the fundamentals because unless you normalise the issue, the area will not be peaceful enough for any development.”

Abiodun: We Shall Uphold Rule of Law in Ogun Akinlade applies for tribunal judgment Idowu Sowunmi Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, yesterday assured that his administration would uphold the rule of law and cooperate with other arms of government in moving the state forward, just as the guber candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, said he had applied for a copy of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal judgement with a view to knowing the next line of action.

Abiodun, who gave the assurance at a special church service to mark the 2019 Legal Year held at the Cathedral of St Peter, Ake in Abeokuta, noted that the judiciary has been a pillar for the survival of democratic principles and preservation of the people’s right, which is the essence of government.

He also assured that the state judiciary complex along Kobape Road in Abeokuta would soon be completed.

The governor said his government would protect the rights of the people of the state and uphold the principles of the rule of law, by providing a just, free and egalitarian society, which guarantees continued development and abundant life for the people, irrespective of their gender, geographical location, economic, political or religious affiliations.

He explained that the new legal year was another opportunity to reaffirm individual and collective commitment to the course of justice and improvement on the administration of justice in the state.

Calling on the people to join hands with him to build the state for the benefit of all, Abiodun also assured that the judiciary would benefit from his administration’s digitalisation process to enable judges use

information technology to ease their cumbersome tasks, thereby significantly improving administration of justice.

“I assure all members of the Bar and Bench that we will be according the completion of the Judiciary Complex and its furnishing the necessary attention within available means so that we move the judiciary to its permanent location soonest.

“The administration of justice will also benefit from our administration’s wave of effective and efficient adoption of Information and Communication Technology to ease the cumbersome tasks of the judges and significantly improve the administration of justice,” Abiodun assured.

The governor added that the state was blessed with array of some of the best professionals that have rendered services to humanity around the world.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Egba West, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Ogundeji, urged judges to be impartial and unbiased in the discharge of their duties, but examine all facts before them in order to deliver sound judgment.

While admonishing them to judge with the fear of God, Ogundeji described excellent judge as one who accept his mistakes and work towards correcting them, adding that all, irrespective of status would be judged according to the their works base on God’s standard.

Meanwhile, the APM governorship candidate during a press conference held yesterday at the party Secretariat along Abiola Way in Abeokuta applied for a Certified True Copy of the tribunal judgement, explaining that the application for a copy of the judgement was to enable his lawyers to study the content of the judgement and advise him appropriately.

PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY…

L-R: Legal Practitioner, Christian Financial Accountability Association, Dayo Adebayo; Legal Advisor, Tomi Vincent; Pastor/Leadership Consultant, Dr. Sam Adeyemi; Finance Expert/ Economist, Yinka Ogunnubi; and Finance/Business Executive, Blessing Ayemhere, at a press conference on Fostering Accountability and Governance among Churches and Christian Faith-based Organisations in Lagos...yesterday

I was Never Jailed for Fraud, Lagos Lawyer Cries out Sunday Okobi and Ugo Aliogo A Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Morah, has refuted all allegations of fraud and jail term leveled against her on social and other media platform, saying the allegations were not only injurious to her person, but to her profession, family and business relations.

Morah, who is also a businesswoman, narrated to THISDAY recently that her business partners in New York, United States of America, called her attention to some publications online (which she described as junks) that she was jailed for defrauding her business partners.

Morah, who lamented the impression such allegations have left on her personality,

told THISDAY in an interview recently that although the matter had been settled out of court by a highly respected cleric, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, it was necessary for her to clear her name and put the records straight.

While narrating her own side of the saga, the oil and gas magnet explained that: “We owned a licenced company called IT Bureau De Change INT’L as directors, and we were trading on Forex.

As an Executive director who was running the daily transaction of the company, after a period of eight months, I asked for the account department to compute the account state of the company, but it was obvious that other directors were reluctant or negligent in trying to call up for the Annual General Meetings (AGM) which

we usually have, so I asked the account department to compute what was my commission, not salary because I was not paid salary, and that how N50 million from our profit was transferred to my name.

“It was transferred in escrow; it was supposed to be for me to hold it in escrow pending when the final determination of the accounting system was done. But the other boardroom members who were unfortunately a couple ganged up against me and said I stole the money from the company.”

Morah, who contested for the House of Representatives in her constituency in Anambra State, added that “my partners began the use of negative publications against me. But then when I saw

the publication in some junk and prominent newspapers back then in 2015, I decided to put a rejoinder in THISDAY over the matter, and when there was no response from them, I went to court, but the matter was settled out of court in my favour and we had a consent judgment. I didn’t defraud my company and I was never jailed by any court.”

She condemned the injury the fraud allegations caused to her person and business, adding that “being a legal practitioner, you know that credibility is everything in my profession. If I was a fraudulent person as they captioned in most of the junk publications, I would have been summoned before the disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

Settle Gratuities, Review Pension, NUP Appeals to Govs Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has appealed to state governors to improve their fortunes by settling outstanding gratuities owed to its members and reviewing pension benefits after every five years or each time there was an increase in the salaries of civil servants.

The union’s National Vice President for North east zone, Muhammad Inuwa Ahmad, who made the appeal in a press release issued to journalists yesterday in Bauchi, said that pensioners who rendered selfless services to their states and country need to be well treated by the government.

According to the press release: “The issue of gratuity and pension arrears has started to move a step forward in many of the north eastern states, as the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Mohammed has placed his positive giant strides on the Bauchi State pensioners when N100 million was duly paid in August and another N200 million was also paid in September 2019 to both local government and state pensioners.”

The statement also added that: Borno State Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum, has also made good attempt by paying N1 billion in July/ August to the Borno State pensioners.

“In the same vein, Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has paid N1.1billion to state pensioners, which we hope will extend to the local government pensioners.

There is a reliable hope that more will be paid in subsequent months which we find embraced and thankful.”

“In another development, Yobe State Governor, MaiMala Buni, has paid sN600 million to settle the backlog of gratuity.”

While thanking the aforementioned governors for reducing gratuity debts in their state, Ahmad, however, lamented that Adamawa and Taraba States’ pensioners were

still not paid their gratuities.

“Lastly, we are calling on government at all levels to frame a reliable blueprint for the development of the teeming Nigerian pensioners.

This will be done by upward review of monthly pension as many pensioners in Nigeria receive as low as N3,000.

“We will remain on our toes until section 173(3) and section 210 of the 1999 constitution as amended, which state that “pension must be reviewed every five years or together with any increase in civil servants salary, whichever comes earlier” is implemented,” he said.

37

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Again, Minimum Wage Adjustment Talks Ends in Deadlock Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The meeting between the Federal Government’s negotiating team and representatives of the Joint

Public Service Unions (JPSUs) on consequential adjustment for the N30,000 new minimum wage has again ended in deadlock.

The negotiating team, which

Minister Accepts Onigbinde’s Resignation National Planning, I humbly resign James Emejo in Abuja Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clem Agba, has reviewed and accepted the resignation of the Co-founder of BudgIT, Mr. Seun Onigbinde, who was recently appointed as Technical Adviser.

A source close to the ministry told THISDAY yesterday that Onigbinde’s decision to quit as technical adviser had been accepted.

He said the minister had thanked and “wished him well in his future endeavours.’’

The Director at BudgIT had relinquished his position following public backlash over his acceptance to serve in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He had been a fierce critic of the administration, calling government’s accumulation of both local and foreign debt to question.

There had been an increasing condemnation of his appointment as a result of his hard stance against the management of public finances by the present government.

While caving in to pressure yesterday, Onigbinde, in his letter of resignation, said: “Upon further reflections on the furore that has been generated by my new role as the Technical Adviser to the Minister of State for Budget and

the appointment.”

He added: “It is clear that recent media reports about my appointment have created a complex narrative, which I believe would engender an atmosphere of mistrust, as I planned to proceed.”

According to him, “I am very grateful to the Honourable Minister, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, for believing in my expertise and I also thank everyone who sent his or her congratulations to me in the short period. I have also been humbled by the faith and belief that numerous persons have expressed in me.

“My sincere interest is to see a Nigeria that grows and optimises resources for the benefits of all Nigerians.

“My loyalty to the good cause of our nation, Nigeria compelled me to accept the call to provide technical skills and this experience has more than strengthened it.

“I also want to wish the Nigerian Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, well. I will always be of help to the federal government in my capacity as the Director of BudgIT, a critical fiscal transparency group, as I have been to several agencies.

“I would also work to ensure that BudgIT continues to build civic awareness on the right of every Nigerian to know how public resources are managed.”

failed to reach an agreement during previous talks, met again yesterday’s evening without making any progress.

One of the representatives of the unions, who spoke to THISDAY after the meeting, said the engagement ended without any resolution.

The source, who did not want his name to be mentioned, said the labour negotiating team were angry that government officials failed to act in line with the resolution reached at their last meeting, which stipulated that the positions of both sides should be taken to President Muhammadu Buhari to enable him decide on the way forward.

“We discovered that they are not serious at all. The mandate given to the government’s side

was to take the position of labour and the government’s team to Mr. President and report at this meeting. But we discovered that they didn’t do it. They are just taking us for a ride.

“So we are reporting that the meeting was deadlocked and our next line of action will be to report to our parent unions,” the source said, adding that “labour’s position is that salaries of workers on grade levels 7 to14 should be raised by 29 percent while those on level 15 to 17 should have an increment of 24 percent.”

However, the government’s side recommended 10 percent salary increase for workers on grade levels seven to 14 and five percent for those between 15 and 17.

The source also said the labour

negotiating team walked out of the meeting because there was nothing new on the table.

“We are going to report to our labour centres on the outcome so that they will let Nigerians know what transpired and what our next move will be,” he said.

THISDAY could not get anyone from the government’s negotiating team to comment on the latest development before going to the press.

Last week, President Buhari had asked the Joint Committee on Consequential Adjustments of the new minimum wage to move swiftly with talks in order to reach an agreement without further delay.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, expressed the view that President

Buhari was very worried about the delay in the commencement of payment of the N30,000 new minimum wage.

Ngige said the President had instructed, through his Chief of Staff, that a deadline be set to end negotiations.

“It is the determination of the President and this administration to fast track the negotiation on consequential adjustment. I have just received a correspondence from the Chief of Staff to the President and we are putting a deadline to this negotiation. We are fast tracking it because the government will also want to put in place a Presidential Committee on Salaries and Allowances that will be able to take requests after this consequential adjustment,” he said.

Amnesty Programme Empowers OPENING UP RURAL AREAS… L-R: Chairman, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr. Benjamin Edeoga; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Edward 100 Persons in Rivers Ubosi; Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine No fewer than 100 already trained beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in Rivers State were yesterday given starter packs to set up businesses in their various trade areas as part of efforts to reintegrate them back to society.

Items distributed to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held in Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area of the state, included deep freezers, electric sewing machines and generators, among others.

Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof.

Charles Dokubo while addressing the beneficiaries, said they were empowered with starter packs to enable the engage in productive ventures and be self-reliant.

He noted that the Amnesty Programme was set up to train and empower youths in the Niger Delta who are enlisted towards building human capital development for the maintenance of peace and security in the region.

“This occasion is very significant for those of us in the Niger Delta.

The Amnesty programme was set up to empower and to maintain security in the region. Today’s empowerment programme is to empower and enhance trained beneficiaries of the Programme, so that they can go back home and setup themselves and do jobs that will benefit them. “’Niger Delta people like I

have always said are hardworking people and once they are given the roadmap, they will do whatever other people in Nigeria will do and even do it better. So, today’s occasion is for me to give trained beneficiaries starter packs to start their lives, to open their shops and start their businesses immediately.

Now that we have set them up, they will earn money, help their families and stabilise from war- torn to a stabilised living”.

Dokubo assured that the empowerment programme will be continuous to actualize the objectives for which the Amnesty Programme was establish. He urged youths in the Niger Delta not to indulge in activities that would hinder the development in the region.

The Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ateke Micheal Tom, commended Dokubo for his commitment to the success of the Amnesty Programme and assured him of his support. “I have seen the difference in your leadership of the Amnesty Programme and I am going to work with you to achieve greater heights. I have heard how you have handled that office forthrightly, with commitment and transparency.

I will support you fully and I pray that God will guide you to pilot the affairs of the Amnesty Programme successfully”, the monarch said.

Nnamani, during the inauguration of the 8.8km Eha Amufu-Nkalagu road…yesterday

Southern States May Experience Heavy Flooding, Agency Warns The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has raised the alarm, urging the southern states to expect more flood incidents due to high rainfall and intensity of long duration.

The Director General of the agency, Clement Nze, gave the warning in Abuja yesterday while updating journalists on 2019 flood early warning information.

Nze also said relevant stakeholders, especially individuals and state governments have failed to heed the warning issued before the onset of flooding season across the country.

“Going by the prediction by Nigerian Meteorological Agency`s (NiMet), during the 2019 seasonal

rainfall prediction, which they said there will be late onset of rainy season in Nigeria this year and early cessation.

“In others words, rainfall will start very late and will end early, it is expected that by 26 of this month, rainfall will cease in Katsina and Sokoto and begin to move down to the south.

“But in the southern parts of Nigeria rainfall will still continue to fall up till November and

even December in places like Bayelsa, Rivers even Delta will be experiencing rainfall up to late November.

“In that case, this is the main reason why we are gathered here today; Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, has been closely monitoring the many flooding incidents taking place across the country with the attendant loss of lives and property.

“This means that relevant stakeholders, especially individuals and state governments, failed to heed our warnings issued before

the onset of flooding season in the country.

“The agency is concerned about the non-adherence to flood predictions for 2019, thereby resulting in avoidable flooding incidents, leading to loss of lives, property, disruption of economic activities and loss of several hectares of agricultural lands.

Nze said as at September 16, the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon is still impounding water, adding that it was not yet certain if there would be release of water from the dam in 2019.

Nigeria, UAE Collaborate on Internal Security KuniTyessi inAbuja As part of the efforts to curb internal security challenges in Nigeria, the federal government and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to continue to work together to build the capacity of the security agencies under the Ministry of Interior.

The two countries renewed this commitment, yesterday in Abuja when the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola received the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Fahad Altaffag.

In his remarks, Aregbesola disclosed that strengthening the relationship between the two countries which has existed for years, will further boost the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhariled administration in ensuring the protection of lives and property of Nigerians.

“Collaboration on security between the Nigerian Ministry of Interior and the UAE Ministry of Interior will strengthen the Government’s capacity to solve internal security challenges in Nigeria,” the minister said.

He assured that Nigeria would continue to collaborate with the UAE in the areas of capacity building, educational development, fire disaster management, intelligence gathering and border security management system, noting that the security system of the UAE was never in doubt and as such, Nigeria can learn a lot from the country.

“When we have intellectual and physical capacities, we will not only overcome security challenges, but also neutralise them,” he reiterated.

Earlier, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador

Fahad Altaffag said his country has had discussions with Nigeria in the past on ways to work together to solve internal security challenges in Nigeria.

He said that his visit was to consolidate on the existing cooperation between the two countries particularly, on security matters with the view to providing necessary support to the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration’s resolve to create conducive environment for foreign investment so as to revitalise the economy.

38

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Sports Minister Intervenes in Dennerby’s Threat to Quit Falcons Job Dare: Will seek a quick resolution to ensure he continues to coach Nigeria Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Sunday Dare has intervened in the threat

by Super Falcons Manager, Thomas Dennerby to quit the Nigerian job.

Dare wants the Swede to continue to coach the Nigerian ladies, with a promise to look into the problems faced by the gaffer.

In his 18-month in charge

of the Falcons, the 60-year-old former Sweden coach led Nigeria to win the 2019 WAFU Women’s Cup in Cote d’Ivoire as well as lifted the 2018 African Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Dennerby also steered the team to the FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 20 years in France earlier this summer.

The coach is believed to have resorted to this threat of quitting

Tammy Opens Door for Future Nigeria Talk

the job due to inability of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretariat to meet up with his demand for a permanent residence in Nigeria as well as proper travel logistics to support his going round the country to monitor league matches.

But in a swift move after it was reported in the local media yesterday that Dennerby was on the verge of dumping the job, the Sports Minister got in touch with the NFF leadership on how to solve the problems.

Dare announced on his Twitter handle on the social

media early yesterday morning that Dennerby was going nowhere.

“I have personally stepped into the matter of Thomas Dennerby, the Coach of Super Falcons. I received a brief this morning and will proceed to seek a quick resolution to ensure he continues to Coach Nigeria’s female team,” the minister announced on his official (@SundayDareSD on Monday morning.

Before the minister’s intervention yesterday, the NFF had drafted the

Under-20 women’s team coach, Christopher Danjuma, to lead the Super Falcons in a stop-gap role ahead of the team’s third round of the African Women’s Olympic qualifiers against Cote d’Ivoire later this month. The team’s camp opened in Abuja yesterday morning.

Falcons defeated Algeria 3-0 aggregate in the early round fixture in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualifying series.

Inside sources at NFF’s Glass House in Abuja had confided in THISDAY at the weekend that Dennerby made his intention

not to return to Nigeria known since last week.

“I learnt last week that he said he was not coming again. I can’t say what he has added to the team or new players he discovered.

I think the federation is just overpaying these foreign coaches,” observed the informed source.

Dennerby who led Sweden to finish third at the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany signed a two-and-ahalf-year contract with Nigeria in January 2018.

Lampard banks on him to deliver on UCL debut for Chelsea tonight The fight for Tammy Abraham’s international future between Nigeria and England is far from over after the player’s decision to leave door open to the three-time African champions.

Abraham, 21, told reporters that he hasn’t closed the door on representing Nigeria despite his two caps for the Three Lions.

According to the youngster after his hat-trick against Wolves on Saturday, there have been much discussions over his international future but he’s currently focusing on his Chelsea career.

“Yes, I have heard the talk.

I have not really been focused on that yet. I think when the time comes, the times comes.

It is about focusing on Chelsea and hopefully scoring goals and getting victories,’’ the Chelsea number nine was quoted as saying by Football.London.

“We never know. You can never say never, whatever comes first really. I just have to keep full focus on Chelsea.’’

This will come as good news to the Nigeria Football Federation who have been trailing the player’s development for a couple of years with the aim of capturing his services ahead of the England.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard has said that Chelsea’s transfer embargo did not force his hand to play young forward, Tammy Abraham, who has surged to

the top of the Premier League goal scoring chart on same seven goals as Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero.

Abraham is set for his Champions League debut against Valencia at Stamford Bridge tonight, while for Lampard it will be a first match in the tournament as manager.

With Chelsea currently banned from bringing in new players, Lampard has relied heavily on Abraham and fellow youngsters Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori.

But the Blues boss said he always believed the time was right for Abraham, who had spells on loan with Bristol City, Swansea and Aston Villa, to be handed his chance with Chelsea this term.

“I never had clear expectations for him, only the fact that I believed in him and trusted in him,” Lampard told reporters yesterday.

“I know a lot has been made about the ban giving young players opportunities but I felt the time was right for Tammy to have his opportunity at this club anyway, because of the quality he has got.

“I’m really delighted that he has got his goals. I think there’s even more to come.

“He’s in a good place, a place that just requires him to sustain and improve even more and I think with his mentality and the way he is every day I hope to see that.”

16 Teams to Battle for N2.2m, Other Prizes at Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the second edition of Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup Tournament 2019, also known as Comrade Mulade Sheriff Peace and Unity Cup, has assured football lovers in Delta State of adequate preparations for the competition expected to hold in November.

According to the LOC, this year’s edition will have a new dimension as two centres; Ugborodo and Benikrukru communities both in Warri Southwest Local Government Area will play host to the competition.

Sixteen teams are expected to feature and battle for honours in the tournament, eight in each centre as forms are already on sale in various locations as

well as the office of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Ugolo which serves as the temporary secretariat of the LOC. The winning team of this year’s tournament will go home with a cash prize of N1million and a Gold Cup, while the runners up will receive N700,000.

The third-placed team will get N500,000.

There will also be other consolation prizes and awards for the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer, Fair Play Award for best behaved team and Best Goal Keeper.

Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha said that this year’s edition will be focused on discovering talented youths who are between 15 and 20 years of age which is an ideal age limit for grassroots competition.

Thomas Dennerby (in front) at training with Super Falcons. Now, Sports Minister Sunday Dare has intervened in his matter with the NFF secretariat

Osimhen Speaks on UCL Debut for Lille Tonight Victor Osimhen has admitted Ajax will be a difficult opponent for Lille but he is optimistic the French team can grab maximum points on the road.

The Ligue 1 outfit will commence their 2019-20 UEFA Champions League campaign against the Dutch champions on Tuesday and the Nigeria international is aiming to make his debut in the competition as well.

Osimhen has enjoyed a fine start to life in the French top-flight since his permanent switch from Sporting Charleroi in July and has scored five goals in his first five outings for Christophe Galtier’s side.

Ahead of tonight’s trip to the Johan Cruyff Arena, the 20-year-old forward said Lille have the qualities to overcome Erik ten Hag’s side, who reached the semi-final of the competition last season.

“We feel good. We have some strong individuals, but

Victor Osimhen is to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League for Lille tonight against Ajax

above all, we have a team,” Osimhen told Ligue 1 website.

“We’re going to play a big club, they’ll be difficult to play, but we have what it takes to win it. We’re going there to win.”

Osimhen was brought to Lille as a direct replacement for Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pepe, who joined the Arsenal for €80 million, and he has justified the move with his goalscoring exploits this term.

The Super Eagles described

his present form as a reward for his hard work in the past years and he singled out two players who have helped him settled in well at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

Elsewhere, Barcelona have been handed a major boost ahead of their Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund with Lionel Messi declared fit to play.

The Argentine star has not featured for the Catalan giants so

far this season due to a niggling calf issue but after missing the 5-2 win over Valencia at the weekend, he has proved his fitness to be included in the club’s 22-man squad.

Messi returned to full training alongside his team-mates on Monday morning and will hope to get his first minutes of the campaign away at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has been keen to avoid rushing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back too soon but it appears he is closing in on full fitness.

TUESDAY FIXTURES Inter v Slavia Prague (5:55pm) Lyon v Zenit (5:55pm) Chelsea v Valencia (8:00pm) Napoli v Liverpool (8:00pm) Salzburg v Genk (8:00pm) Dortmund v Barce (8:00pm) Benfica v Leipzig (8:00pm) Ajax v Lille (8:00pm)

Heineken Launches ‘Better Together’ Campaign as UCL Returns The Heineken House in Ikoyi Lagos and other centres across the country will definitely be a beehive of activities as the UEFA Champions League returns tonight.

Heineken the proud sponsors of the competition, has named its newly launched campaign for the competition ‘Better Together.’

The ‘Better Together’

campaign, another masterpiece from the international Premium Brand highlights the true football spirit where collectivity remains a key factor in producing the best results.

As it has been the case in the past season, the world-class Heineken House Lagos will be open on every UEFA Champions League match night.

This opulent landmark

which has hosted thousands of Heineken fans as well as global celebrities, has gained popularity as the perfect way to enjoy the world’s foremost club football tournament.

While eyes will be on the usual suspects like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah among many others, it is exciting to note that a new breed of Nigerian

youngsters will also be rubbing shoulders with the world’s best.

Every year, Heineken has rewarded Nigerian fans with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to watch the UEFA Champions League finals, live in Europe.

This season, Nigerians are also guaranteed more exciting rewards from their choice international premium beer.

39

Ëœ ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS U E FA C H A M P I O N S L E AG U E

Cavani, Mbappe, Marcelo, Rudiger, Others Knocked out from Opening Round Fixtures Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani have lost the race to be fit for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League visit of Real Madrid, the French champions confirmed on Monday.

Mbappe injured a thigh and Cavani his hip last month, and PSG said the two strikers will resume the full training by the end of the week after revealing they would miss Wednesday’s clash at the Parc des Princes.

PSG will also be without

Neymar, who scored an added time winner against Strasbourg in his first start of the season on Sunday, as he has to serve a three-match suspension in the Champions League for insulting the referee following his side’s elimination by Manchester United last season.

PSG have Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and recently arrived Mauro Icardi as options in the centre of attack.

Similarly, Real Madrid have

De Gea Signs New Man Utd Deal Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has signed a new contract to stay with the club until 2023.

De Gea, 28, has made 367 United appearances since Sir Alex Ferguson brought him to the club from Atletico Madrid in an ÂŁ18.9m deal in June 2011. “Now my future is fixed, all I want is to help this team achieve what I believe we can and win trophies again, together,â€? said the Spaniard. “It has been a privilege to spend eight years at this great club.â€?

De Gea, capped 40 times by Spain, helped United win the Premier League title in 2012-13, the FA Cup three seasons later and both the League Cup and the Europa League in 2016-17.

The Spaniard, who has consistently been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent

seasons, was in the last year of his contract and would have been able to open talks with clubs outside England over a possible move in January.

He came close to joining Real in a ÂŁ29m move in September 2015, but the deal collapsed because the necessary paperwork was not submitted in time on the final day of the transfer window.

United and De Gea were in negotiations for more than two years over the new deal with the club making an improved offer in July. “The opportunity to continue my career at Manchester United is a genuine honour,� said De Gea, who has the option to extend the contract for a further season. “Since I arrived here, I could never have imagined I would play over 350 games for this club.

also ruled out their defender Marcelo from the Group A clash at Paris St. Germain on Wednesday after sustaining a back injury, the club said. “After the tests carried out today (Monday) on our player Marcelo by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a post-traumatic cervicodorsal injury,� Madrid said in a statement on Monday, without specifying how long he would be out.

The Brazilian, set to be replaced at left back by Ferland Mendy as the record 13-time winners’ make their European

bow, joins the long list of injuries suffered by Madrid this season.

Isco, Luka Modric, Marco Asensio and Fede Valverde will all miss the game along with suspended duo Sergio Ramos and Nacho Fernandez.

In London, Frank Lampard will be proud to be leading Chelsea back into the Champions League but will be without defender Antonio Rudiger for Tuesday’s clash with Valencia at Stamford Bridge.

The club’s record scorer is preparing for his first game in the competition as a manager, having replaced Maurizio Sarri.

“Toni is injured. He’s bothered a small groin problem that he’s been carrying for a few weeks and will have a scan later today,� Lampard told a news conference on Monday.

Germany international Rudiger played his first game of the season at the weekend but was forced off at halftime against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a recurrence of the groin injury.

Lampard is also without fellow defender Emerson Palmieri while midfielders N’Golo Kante and Callum Hudson-Odoi are not yet

match-fit despite returning from injuries.

Chelsea did not feature in the Champions League last season but won the Europa League under Italian Sarri before he parted ways with the London club in the close season to join Juventus.

Lampard, scorer of one of the penalties in the shootout against Bayern in Munich in 2012 when Chelsea memorably won the Champions League for the first and so far only time, said he was looking forward to a return to Europe’s elite competition.

Marcelo and Mbappe will not play in the opening round of the group stage due to injuries

AFCON 2021 Qualifiers: Rohr Wants African Friendlies for Eagles David de Gea (right), with Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Wydad Return to CAS over CAF Champions League Wydad’s President Said Naciri confirmed on Monday, as he was re-elected as the president of the Moroccan Football League, that they would go to CAS to contest the decision to award the disputed CAF Champions League to Tunisia’s Esperance.

He insisted CAF’s statutes permits it. “We will defend our rights until the end. For two months we have been fighting this “oppression�. Esperance don’t deserve to win the cup in the way we witnessed in Rades,� he told BBC Sport. “Our next step is to take the case back to CAS to seek fairness.�

The second leg of May’s Champions League final ended in controversy as Wydad Casablanca refused to continue playing after a row over the Video Assisted Referee (VAR) system.

Play was halted when VAR was unavailable to judge a disallowed equaliser.

VAR had been set up on the

side of the pitch, but the players had not been told it was not working, although officials were aware.

The referee then awarded the victory to three-time former champions Esperance.

The Tunisian side were leading 1-0 (2-1 on aggregate) in Saturday’s final, which was played over two legs. VAR had been used in the first leg.

But in the second leg, Walid El Karti’s header for Wydad was disallowed for an infringement.

Both sides then lodged complaints with CAF following an initial ruling from CAF that the second leg should be replayed.

The court’s first ruling in August said that CAF’s executive committee “did not have jurisdiction� to order that the final be replayed.

Following that decision from CAS, the disciplinary committee at CAF ruled Esperance to be the winners of the African Champions League

If Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr had his way, the Super Eagles would not be facing non-African countries in the second international window of the 2019-2020 season.

Ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Super Eagles and Ukraine played out a 2-2 draw while their next opponents in a competitive match Benin locked horns with two African giants in Algeria and Ivory Coast. ‘’I saw the other teams

playing two games, Benin Republic played two games, they won against Ivory Coast, they lost 1-0 in Algeria on penalty,’’ Rohr announced yesterday. ‘’We only had one game, I hope that we can have two games in October to prepare well for the qualifiers against this very good Benin team, who were one of the surprises at the AFCON eliminating Morocco, don’t forget, it won’t be easy to beat them. ‘’But now we have found a

good young team again with four new players. They are all doing very well’’.

On the kind of teams he wants to face next month and the venue of the friendlies, Rohr is advising the Nigeria Football Federation to arrange games with African nations to be played in France or Africa.

He added : ‘’We have to play against African teams because we are playing African teams in the qualifiers.

We have to play Benin first at home and then we go to

Lesotho. We have to be used to the African football. ‘’Today (Sept 10) was European football and high-level football and the players did very well. ‘’Now we have to go back to Africa or perhaps play in Europe against other African teams like Tunisia, Ivory Coast, two games in Paris, other countries are coming to Paris to play, Madagascar and Tunisia, so we need to prepare against African teams’’.

Italian TV Station Bans Pundit for Racists Comment on Lukaku An Italian television station announced yesterday that it will not use one of its pundits again after he made a racist comment about Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku.

Speaking on TopCalcio24, Luciano Passirani said: “If you go one-on-one with him he will murder you. “The only way to come up against him is maybe give him 10 bananas to eat...�

Programme director Fabio Ravezzani said, despite Passirani’s “immediate apologies� that “he could no longer participate in our broadcasts�.

Lukaku, who moved from Manchester United to Inter in

the summer, helped his side to a 1-0 win against Udinese on Saturday. “Mr Passirani is 80 years old and to compliment Lukaku he used a metaphor that turned out to be racist,� added Ravezzani. “I think it was a terrible lack of momentary lucidity. “I cannot tolerate any kind of errors, even if momentary.�

Lukaku was recently subjected to monkey chants by Cagliari fans when he scored a penalty for his side in a 2-1 victory.

Afterwards, the Belgium international said the abuse showed the game was “going backwards�.

Romelu Lukaku was victim of racist comment at the weekend

Tuesday September 17, 2019

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE N’Assembly to Minister

“The ninth National Assembly will not tolerate unauthorised expenditure by the Ministry of Finance or agencies of government not backed by law or the relevant Acts of the National Assembly guiding such expenditure. Every expenditure must henceforth be in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and other applicable laws of the land” – The National Assembly warning the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, and heads of all revenuegenerating agencies against engaging in unauthorised spending of revenues without approval.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Nigeria, Xenophobia and Ramaphosa’s Apology

W

e are told that South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa apologised on Saturday for the xenophobic attacks against foreigners living in South Africa, particularly persons involved in business who are seen by the ordinary South African as enemies.

He reportedly did this in Harare, Zimbabwe, at the funeral ceremony of former President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Most appropriately, the South African President was booed. He was offering too little too late, and other Africans have every reason to think that South Africans having behaved badly deserve to be booed and even shut out of the African Union, or reported to the International Criminal Court (ICC), as has been recommended in certain quarters. More than a week after the attack on foreigners on the streets of Johannesburg and elsewhere, it has now occurred to the South African President to send envoys to Nigeria and six other African countries. Julius Radebe, South Africa’s Minister of Energy has visited Abuja to apologise to the government and people of Nigeria.

It may be in keeping with diplomatic traditions to do this, but Africans in unison must make it clear that the hate-driven attack on immigrants in South Africa is totally unacceptable. What we know is that there is a tacit acceptance and promotion of a culture of hate by the South African authorities. That is precisely why it took so long for the South African President to take the matter seriously. Before now, South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Grace Naledi Pandor told the world that Nigerians in South Africa are criminals, drug dealers and human traffickers.

Deputy Police Minister Bongani Mkongi said no other country would tolerate 80% of its businesses being dominated by foreigners as is the case in South Africa. South African Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula boasted, irresponsibly, that there is nothing South Africa can do about the xenophobic attacks because South Africa is an angry nation.

These were the disturbing messages that came out of South Africa as immigrants were attacked, their shops were pillaged and plundered and Africans from other parts of the continent fled in all directions. Rwanda, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo – government and nationals - expressed their anger in various forms but South Africa was studiously in denial. The only voices of reason in the midst of that crisis, as far as I could see, were Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters who condemned the deplorable conduct of South Africans; Mangozuthu Buthelezi, the Zulu Chief who gave a useful speech in which he reminded his compatriots of the sacrifice made by other Africans to free the black South African from apartheid. Then, of course, there is the testimony by many South African women, on social media – bold women who rose in defence of Nigerian men, who have been accused in this xenophobic crisis that they are taking over South African businesses and also marrying South African women to the discomfiture of the average South African male.

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have been so regular and so persistent since 1994, after apartheid. Objection to white rule and domination has been replaced by resistance to the presence of immigrants on South African soil, and this has played out as black on black violence, the hegemony of hate and intolerance, a kind of reverse, umbilical apartheid with the immigrant as victim. The matter is serious. It is disturbing. It is unacceptable. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s apology does not solve the problem.

His decision to send envoys across Africa is

Buhari belated. Is he sincere? I don’t think so. Has he shown required leadership and sincerity of purpose. No. The South African authorities have a responsibility to protect foreigners on their soil. They have failed woefully. Accusations of xenophobia may be difficult to accept, and indeed embarrassing, and hence all that talk about criminality coming from South African officials, but the truth is that South Africa must see this crisis as an opportunity for reflection, review and penitence, and to ensure that these xenophobic attacks do not happen again.

President Ramaphosa’s apology can only make sense if he goes further to take concrete steps to put an end to the growing culture of hate in South Africa. He must match his apology with action. What programme(s) does he intend to put in place to heal a South African nation whose people appear so alienated, confused and disturbed? Are there any concrete ideas on the table to address an issue that goes straight to the heart of South Africa’s relevance, and may be Ramaphosa’s eventual legacy? I doubt if there are any. It seems to me that the big problem is not necessarily the outsider but the failure of the post-apartheid African National Congress (ANC) leadership in South Africa and the emergent black middle class. The apartheid regime was constructed to dehumanise, de-personalize, and violate the black South African. The end of apartheid in 1994 has not made much difference.

The emergence in power of a black-dominated African National Congress, the ruling party, after apartheid may have given the impression of a power shift, but in real terms, the black South African has not yet seen the dividends of a post-apartheid South Africa. In the last general elections, the African National Congress (ANC) recorded its worst performance since 1994. The party is divided. It is led by corrupt people who cannot agree on ethical standards either within the party or outside of it. Unemployment rate is over 28%. The people who have benefitted from the end of apartheid represent a very small percentage of the black population. Many black and colored South Africans live under conditions worse than what they faced under apartheid.

Nelson Mandela, the first post-apartheid President of South Africa was a universal icon who gave everyone hope. He talked about a rainbow nation and preached unity and reconciliation. Years after Mandela’s death, the average South African can no longer see the rainbow clearly. Most of the young people wielding pangas and sticks and burning down shops belonging to foreigners do not have a sense of history. Many of them were born after the Mandela era. Their hate is borne out of sheer ignorance. Those who know the history have refused to teach them.

They just do not know that once upon a time in that same South Africa, a black man was the equivalent of nothing.

The first task before Cyril Ramaphosa is to build a truly rainbow nation on a foundation of unity, reason, justice and service delivery.

He needs to do this because the inheritors of Mandela’s legacy are clearly running South Africa aground and giving a bad name to the black man in Africa. This is the original source of the bad conduct of those South Africans who are killing their fellow Africans. They are busy blaming outsiders for the problems that have been created by their own leaders who don’t even have the decency to say the right things and who utter nonsense habitually. They have more or less disappointed the Madiba, with perhaps the only exception of Thabo Mbeki, whose Pan-Africanism contrasts sharply with the insularity and clownishness that we have witnessed from Jacob Zuma to Ramaphosa.

South African blacks are complaining that foreigners are taking their jobs and women because post-apartheid, no sustainable, productive effort has been made to enlarge the black middle class in South Africa. Social mobility remains a problem. Educational standards for blacks have not improved significantly. The few who have crossed the social mobility line are selfish. They have imposed on their own kinsmen such terror and wickedness worse than that of the white architects of apartheid. Those young South Africans venting their anger on Africans and other immigrants in their country are nonethe4less picking on the wrong target. Their problem is not the man from Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, India, Italy, Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda, Angola, or Democratic Republic of Congo, let them look for their enemies in the South African parliament, the Presidency and government departments across the country. Those are the real enemies of South Africa not the Mozambican who runs a corner shop in the suburb of Johannesburg; not the Nigerian who believes that a South African woman is the sweetest thing since the apple in the Garden of Eden.

Apologies alone will not be enough. The South African government must embark on a national healing process. The Black South African is not done yet with the anger or the pains of apartheid, and the slowness of post-apartheid recovery.

When he finishes chasing the outsider away, he will turn his gaze and anger on his own compatriots, and the Mandela legacy would have been ruined. President Ramaphosa must take South Africa through a new process of healing and reconciliation, South Africa needs an anger-management programme for its citizens on a very large scale. It is bad enough for an individual to slip into depression; it is worse for an entire country to be depressed. South Africa is in the grips of an obvious clinical depression. History may well help. The young South African who is attacking foreigners needs to be taught the history of his own country and present reality. South Africa is a free country today because liberals and progressives across the world stood up to condemn the evil of apartheid: a system that treated the black South African as a non-person on his own soil. The black man in South Africa today can go to a mall, sit in the same bus with a white person, inter-marry freely, in fact feel like a human being because other Africans supported the liberation heroes of South Africa. Here in Nigeria, civil servants had to surrender part of their salaries to support the anti-apartheid struggle. Many musicians: Fela, Bongos Ikwue, Sonny Okosun, Majek Fashek, Onyeka Onwenu, the Mandators, Ayinla Kollington, Sunny Ade waxed records

to condemn the dehumanization of the black man in South Africa. Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Ugandans decried the maltreatment of our brothers and sisters in South Africa. Today, the same South Africans whose parents and grandparents were saved from the clutches of white oppression are proving to be a generation of ingrates. History saves a nation. South Africa must teach its young population the history of their country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa should not just send envoys to other African countries. He should personally embark on a diplomatic shuttle across Africa. He should also have a national address devoted to the challenge of xenophobia.

He must resist the push by the hawks within his own administration who nurse xenophobic ideas and who in particular convert their sentiments to state policy. His Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Defence Minister, and Deputy Minister of Police should be fired. They may be good people ordinarily, but they have proven to be very bad diplomats and spokespersons. Ramaphosa must make it clear that these persons do not speak on this subject for either the government or the people of South On Monday, September 16, President Cyril Ramaphosa is said to have sent Jeff Radebe, Minister of Energy to apologise to his brother, President Muhammadu Buhari for the attack on Nigerians in South Africa. Radebe reportedly told President Buhari that 50 suspects have so far been apprehended and that the South African government will not tolerate xenophobia.

Radebe is a very experienced politician. I have no doubts that he would manage to convince President Buhari. But as he returns to South Africa, after what is clearly a reciprocal exchange of special envoys, President Buhari must tell him that the matter between Nigerians and South Africans is now beyond the Presidential Villas in Abuja and Pretoria. This is one mismanaged case in which international relations has gone from official corridors to the streets. Mr. Radebe should also tell President Ramaphosa not to listen to those advisers who believe that Nigeria is over-reacting. The only solution is that no Nigerian or Nigerian business should ever be harassed or attacked again in South Africa. It is within South Africa’s rights to determine and enforce its immigration laws but if any foreigner manages to set up home or shop in South Africa, then the country itself has an international responsibility to protect all persons within its territory. President Ramaphosa and his team must take that duty seriously.

I should end this commentary by commending the outflow, in fact the overflow, of patriotism

by Nigerians over the attack on Nigerians in South Africa. This is not the first time the attacks would happen. There were cases of xenophobia in South Africa in 1994, 2008, 2015, and now 2019, but this time Nigerians have set aside political differences, and ethnic and class sentiments and insisted that an attack on one Nigerian is an attack on all Nigerians. If the Nigerian government had declared war and called out volunteers, there would have been a ready army of citizens ready to fight the South Africans. Nigerians don’t always praise their governments. But there seems to be a consensus of opinion that President Muhammadu, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission got it right this time by making it clear that every Nigerian life matters, including the lives of those Naledi Pandor and her likes regard as criminals. The hero in all of this melodrama, however, is Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, which provided aircraft to evacuate Nigerians, free of charge from South Africa. He deserves a Presidential handshake and a national honour.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com