TUESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2025

NNPC’s Ojulari says syndicates exploit security gaps to steal

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said that

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At Maiden African CDS Summit, Tinubu Pushes for New African Defence Doctrine

Canvasses permanent CDS forum to tackle terrorism, cybercrime, transnational crimes Explains why African nations must invest in cyber defence, AI

President Bola Tinubu has canvassed the need for a regime of collective action and cooperation among African nations to effectively combat terrorism, cybercrime, transnational crimes, and other forms of insecurity on the continent.

Jonathan, Obi Eye PDP as Party’s NEC Zones Presidency to South

Wike has been vindicated, says media aide Damagum confirmed substantive national chair

Chuks Okocha and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The coast appears clear for for- mer President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to contest the 2027 presidential race as the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its presidential ticket to the southern part of theThecountry. duo of Jonathan and Obi had been under pressure from their supporters to contest the presidential election in 2023, a

development that has propelled both of them to start eyeing the PDP as their potential platform.

While Jonathan has yet to formally and openly yield to pressure, many of his supporters recently went to town to say he had consented to run in 2027 and on the platform of the opposition PDP.

The preference for Jonathan is ensconced in the belief that he is the most suitable candidate for north’s buy-in, since he is constitutionally constrained to

Continued on page 9

TINUBU IN BRAZIL...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (L) with the President of Brazil, Luiz Lula da Silva, during the president’s official State Visit to Brazil, yesterday

Emmanuel in Addeh Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

Tinubu charged the conti-

Deji Elumoye and Linus Aleke in Abuja

ENGAGEMENT SESSION WITH POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION...

Commissioner 11, Taiwo Lakunu (rtd); Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination & Head, Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman; Chairman, Police Service Commission, D.I.G. Hasima Salihu Argungu (rtd); and Commissioner I, Hon. Justice Paul Adama Galumite, at the engagement session between the Special Adviser to the President and the Police Service Commission in Abuja

MAN: Re-introduction of 4% FOB Charge Will Escalate Cost of Raw Material Importation Above

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed grave concerns over the apparent reintroduction of the 4.0 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which became effective on August 4, 2025.

MAN also stated that “for high-value imports such as raw materials and machinery, this will result in a significant net increase in cost and exacerbates the financial burden on manufacturers,” adding that “costs associated with the 4.0 per cent FOB charge will generally increase the import cost of raw materials not available locally above the N6.6 trillion recorded in 2024.

“Clearly the cost will be passed on to consumers and this will fuel inflation, which already stands at 21.88 per cent as at July 2025, and undermine the prevailing struggle with high inflation.”

It said that reports have showed that the regime of 1.0 per cent Comprehensive Import

Supervision Scheme (CISS) and the 7.0 per cent cost of collection fee ended with the introduction of a single 4.0 per cent FOB charge.These views were contained in press statement titled the “Position of MAN on the Re-introduction of the 4% Freeon-Board Charge by the NCS,” which was issued yesterday by the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir.

Ajayi-Kadir said re- introduction of the FOB came as a surprise to the association, as the charge was commendably suspended by the federal govern- ment following the overwhelming condemnation of the charge by virtually all stakeholders, who rightly opined that it was ill-timed and would certainly lead to an instant escalation of the cost of imports.

He said: “Manufacturers were genuinely concerned that it would lead to a significant increase in the cost of raw materials, machine and spare parts that are not available locally and therefore have to be imported.

“Equally concerning is the prolonged glitch with the B’Odogwu platform of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which has rendered the process of clearing goods at the ports comatose, with our members incurring demurrage and suffering stock-out in their factories.

“We deeply appreciate the assurance of the leadership

of NCS that efforts are being intensified to restore effective operation of the platform.

“However, the problem persists and the attendant hardship for manufacturers and other users continues to mount.”

He stated emphatically that MAN is in support of the efforts of the government to streamline

trade processes, reduce the cost of doing business at the port and enhance fiscal transparency, which resonated with the kernel of the association’s advocacy for a transparent, efficient and friendlier trade facilitation ecosystem that is more service-centric than revenue driven.

However, “we are, however, concerned that the prevailing

situation is achieving the exact opposite of these progressive ideals,” Ajayi-Kadir said. He said that the sudden recommencement of the 4.0 per cent FOB charge made MAN to conduct a rapid technical assessment to reconfirm the concerns of manufacturers and ascertain the implications of the charge on the sector.

FRC: FG Posted Consistent 43% Average Revenue Shortfall in 10 Years

Laments persistent inefficiencies in public finance management

Francis in Abuja

The Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, has underscored the urgent need for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s revenue strategy, stressing that fiscal efficiency and plugging financial leakages were critical to national economic stability. Muruako lamented the persistent inefficiencies in Nigeria’s

Makinde: We’re Revolutionising Agric Sector with Modern Technologies

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday reiter- ated the commitment of his administration to exploring modern technologies to improve and transform agricultural practices in the state.

Makinde, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, stated this while receiving, on courtesy visit, Chinese investors from China Overseas Engineering Group Co.

Limited at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

He noted that investments in agriculture development and value chain are part of the visions of the present administration to expand the economy of the state and attract more investors.

The Governor added that the state has a comparative advantage in agriculture and has also invested in enablers such as infrastructure and security. Owing to this, he called on the Chinese investors to partner with the State Gov-

ernment to guarantee food security, boost agricultural productivity, and make the State a hub for agro-industrial processing, which he noted, would generate thousands of employment opportunities and improve revenue drive.

He assured that the government would provide an enabling environment to support the investors’ vision of partnering with the state.

Lawal said, “On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, let me formally welcome you to Oyo State.

public finance management system, citing FRC’s analysis of federal budgets from 2011 to 2021.

Muruako spoke in Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, yesterday, at the opening ceremony of a high-level training programme which focused on “Strategies for Increased Fiscal Efficiency, En- hanced Government Revenue, and Plugging Leakages in the Nigerian Financial System.”

Represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Chris Uwadoka, at the event which was jointly organised by the FRC, National Institute for Policy and Strategic

Studies (NIPSS), and ThinkBig Consulting Ltd. for GovernmentOwned Enterprises (GOEs) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Muruako stated that the federal government had consistently realised far less revenue than projected, with an average shortfall of 43 per cent over the decade.

The FRC chief executive highlighted striking examples in 2017 where the government projected N5.084 trillion revenue, but realised only N2.658 trillion, representing a 91.3 per cent shortfall.

Also in 2018, a projected

N7.166 trillion revenue yielded N3.866 trillion or 85.3 per cent variance.

Such wide discrepancies, he lamented, had entrenched a cycle of missed targets, rising debt, and diminished public trust.

“This workshop is not just a gathering but a strategic intervention. Our mission is to strengthen fiscal operations, maximise every naira, and ensure that government-owned enterprises and key agencies contribute effectively to Nigeria’s revenue mobilisation efforts,” he stated.

PSC to Presidency: We Are Grossly Underfunded

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday raised concerns to the Presidency, stating it is grossly underfunded and incapable of effectively and efficiently executing its constitutional mandate of police recruitment, promotion, and discipline. The Commission also revealed that divergent

interests are attempting to hijack its mandate, thereby diluting its efficiency and effectiveness.

The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), expressed his frustration during a visit by a Presidential delegation led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Results

Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, to the Commission’s headquarters for an engagement meeting with its leadership.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Com- mission, Ikechukwu Ani, stated that the Presidential delegation was at the Commission to identify areas of support required for effective service delivery.

Ndubuisi

SIGNING CEREMONY OF BASA AGREEMENT...

Tinubu Wants Brazil’s Oil Giant, Petrobras to Return to Nigeria for Active Role in Unlocking Vast Gas Resources

Witnesses historic signing of MOUs with Brazil

Launch

of direct flights

between

Lagos and São Paulo will deepen people-to-people

Speaking after being received by Brazilian President Luiz Iná- cio Lula da Silva at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, the President tied the invitation to the oil giant at the heart of revived Nigeria-Brazil cooperation.

“We have the largest de-

President Bola Tinubu on Monday made a strong case for Brazilian oil giant, Petrobras, to return to Nigeria, stressing the vital role the company can play in unlocking Nigeria’s vast gas resources and supporting the country’s economic growth.

posit of gas. I don’t see why Petrobras will not be back in Nigeria as soon as possible. And I appreciate President Lula promising that that will be done as soon as possible,”

President Tinubu stated clearly, signaling a hopeful and timely revival of Petrobras’s operations

in the foremost West African nation.

ties, says Brazilian president the past to deter a progress and a promise. But today we say that is the end of that,” he declared as he underscored a new era of partnership between the two nations.

Reflecting on the historical relationship between Nigeria and Brazil, the President acknowledged past challenges that had slowed progress.

“We’ve allowed some problems, inactivities and

Rabiu Olowo: Sustainability Reporting Has Propelled Renewed Confidence in Capital, Bond Markets

Rallies regulators to harmonise changing global standards

The Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive, Financial Reporting Council Of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, has declared that the phased implementation of the sustainability reporting standards was impacting on renewed confidence in the capital and bond markets - which are crucial indicators of economic growth.

Emphasising that this was his third visit to Brazil—previously engaging on G20 partnership and climate change—President Tinubu de- scribed the current discussions as both “emotionally laden and fact-based,” expressing gratitude to President Lula for the invitation and the opportunity to deepen ties despite language barriers.

The FRC boss spoke at the opening of the 2nd Regulatory Roundtable on Sustainability Reporting in Nigeria, which was organised by the council in Abuja.

He noted that the country had taken a bold step by adopting the International

He said over the last decade, the world has witnessed a profound transformation in corporate reporting, with sustainability disclosures now standing shoulder to shoulder with financial reporting as a driver of investor confidence, market stability, and long-term growth.

Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards, beginning with IFRS S1 and S2., adding that “Our leadership in this regard signals not only alignment with global best practice but also our determination to shape Africa’s sustainability journey.”

He said the roundtable with regulators came at a crucial time, particularly with the recent amendments to IFRS S2 and the emerging adoption challenges faced by preparers.

Ohanaeze Opposes Proposed Increase in Salaries for President, Other Public Officials

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to immediately suspend any proposed salary increases for political office holders, including the President, Vice

President, Governors, Deputy Governors, and lawmakers.

In a statement by the Deputy President General of the organization, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze urged Tinubu to comply with the 2021 Federal High Court ruling delivered by Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor, which explicitly mandated the Revenue Mobilisation

and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review and reduce lawmakers’ salaries to reflect Nigeria’s economic realities.

According to Isiguzoro, “The Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds itself compelled to issue a resolute and unvarnished message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said, “We have convened you, our sister regulators, market operators, and reporting entities here today, to exchange perspectives, foster mutual understanding, and build the necessary cooperation for seamless implementation. For sustainability reporting to succeed, it must be embraced as a shared responsibility.

“We’re fighting and working hard to bring our sovereignty to the level of expectation that we as a nation, an African nation, the most populous country, the most dynamic country, Nigeria, to share with Brazil what we need to share with each other,” he said, emphasising Nigeria’s ambitions for technological and economic renewal.

The discussion went beyond

energy, embracing technology transfer and economic coopera- tion as key elements for mutual progress.According to President Tinubu, “Let Brazil continue to widen the opportunity for us to embrace Africa. Africa is a new frontier. There’s no other way to do it, but to embrace both the technology, science development, research and development, food sovereignty, and manufacturing techniques.” He assured Nigerians that these commitments are turning into reality, noting “the various MOUs are already signed.” On manufacturing, the President highlighted Brazil’s expertise in pharmaceuticals, saying “I don’t see why manufacturing of generic drugs, which Brazil has gone very, very deep for, cannot be happening in Nigeria. We assure each other that it is only us that can really develop our economies to help our sovereignty.”

Cleric Charges President, Govs, Others to Lead with Empathy

Decries corruption, pursuit of materialism

The leader of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Worldwide, David Bob-Manuel, has charged President Bola Tinubu, governors and other elected public officials to rule with empathy and the fear of God.

Bob-Manuel made the call in Abuja, shortly be- fore the commencement

of a special Thanksgiving Service, to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the first indigenous church inTheNigeria. Baba Aladura decried a situation where politicians turn themselves to lords over the people after being voted into power.

He stressed that as leaders freely elected by the people for the purpose of enhancing their welfare, political leaders must do everything within

their powers to ameliorate the suffering of the people they govern, adding that if they must succeed, they must rule with the fear of God.

“When you are elected, when you are in position, lead with the fear of God. You have to know that those who elected you are human beings, when they are suffering you have to suffer with them as done by Jesus Christ.

L-R: Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; and Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, at the signing ceremony of BASA Agreement in Brasilia, yesterday

Alex Enumah in Abuja

James Emejo in Abuja

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

NPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS VISITS DELTA STATE GOVERNOR...

Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori (6th left); Chairman, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (6th right); Eric Igwe (5th left); Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu (4th left); and members of the Board of Directors and Management of NPA, during a courtesy visit to the Delta State Governor in Asaba, yesterday

Lawyers Hail Mbah’s Transformative Leadership, Giant Strides in Two Years

Enugu Gov: We’ve reduced violent crimes by 80%, invested in infrastructure, education

Ozekhome: To deny your transformative leadership will be sinful

Gideon Arinze in Enugu Lawyers and participants at the ongoing Annual General Conference (AGC), of the Nige- rian Bar Association (NBA), in Enugu have commended the Governor of the State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for what they described as his transformative leadership in the past two years.

They gave the commendations during Mbah’s presentation on “Leadership and Transformation,” where he showcased Enugu State, sharing practical strategies he was applying in overcoming barriers and unlocking Enugu’s opportunities.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome, said he was familiar with the state over the years, and it would be evil for anyone to deny the obvious transformations under Mbah.

“I come to Enugu every time. So, I am not a stranger

at all to Enugu State. It will be difficult for me to deny that I have not seen some groundbreaking projects.

“To deny your transformative leadership will be sinful, and I do not want to be a sinner,” he said.

Ozekhome wondered how Mbah was able to “do these great things in a highly politicised environment infested by political buccaneers, and in an environment where there is more politicking than governance.”

Another lawyer, Senator Dino Melaye, commended Mbah for emerging as a pacesetter in good governance in two years.

“I am particularly and personally impressed with the Governor of Enugu State because all these things have been done in two years. I only can see that you think out of the box,” he said.

He commended Mbah for

putting competence above political considerations in the recruitment of his team.

“Also, I am impressed with your expertise in the recruitment process, in appointing your political appointees. The intellectual sagacity displayed by them is too much. It gives

hope that Nigeria can be fine again. It contributes a lot to the progress you are achieving and have achieved,” he added.

In his presentation, Mbah observed that transformational leadership demanded the audacity to envision something beyond low expectations,

insisting that such leaders must ground their work in vision, values, and a disruptive strategy to achieve the desired results.

“Our vision was to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, to reduce the poverty headcount to

zero, and to make Enugu the preferred destination in Nigeria for business, for tourism, and for living.

“We imagined a state that, within eight years, would be completely unrecognisable from the one we inherited,” he said.

Recapitalisation: PremiumTrust Scales CBN’s N200 Billion Minimum Capital Threshold for National Commercial Banks

Milestone reaffirms it as fastest-growing bank

James Emejo in Abuja

In a major milestone, PremiumTrust Bank said it has met the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s N200 billion minimum capital requirement for National Commercial Banks in the country.

The feat came well ahead of the March 2026 deadline set by

NERC Transfers Electricity Regulatory Oversight to Bayelsa State

N’Delta state is 15th sub-national to apply for independent control

Emmanuel Addeh

In compliance with the amended Electricity Act (EA) 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an order to transfer regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Bayelsa state to the Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency (BYERA).

Recall that with the EA 2023, the commission retains the role as a central regulator with

regulatory oversight on the inter-state/international generation, transmission, supply, trading, and system operations.

The EA also mandates any state that intends to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets to deliver a formal notification of its processes and request NERC to transfer regulatory authority over electricity operations in the state to the state regulator.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday confirming the

development, NERC said Bayelsa had fulfilled the legal and procedural requirements needed to take charge of its intrastate electricity market up until this point.

These included the enactment of a state electricity law, a clear roadmap for establishing a functioning regulatory agency, and evidence of readiness to implement sectoral oversight in accordance with national standards.

the the apex bank, following a successful capital raise of rights issue and private placement offerings, as part of the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation exercise.

The achievement, which has received CBN’s approval, not only underscored the Premium Trust’s exceptional financial strength but also positions it as a dominant player in the Nigerian banking industry.

The milestone further solidifies its place as the fastest-growing bank in Nigeria.

Commenting on the achievement, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, described the development as a watershed for the bank.

In a statement, he said, “Exceeding the N200 billion capital requirement is a defining moment in the bank’s journey.

“As Nigeria’s fastest-growing bank, we are uniquely positioned to not only lead the sector but to continue delivering outstanding value and growth for our stakeholders.”

Since its inception in 2022, PremiumTrust Bank has consistently broken records, thus setting new benchmarks in financial performance and customer satisfaction.

“This achievement coming in just three years of the bank’s existence is a reflection of our superior financial performance since inception, unwavering commitment to operational excellence, and the trust reposed in us by our shareholders, customers, and regulators.

AbdulRazaq: Kwara in Constant Alliance with NSA’s Office to Eliminate Criminals

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has disclosed that his administration has been in constant collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies to eliminate all threats in Ifelodun, Patigi, and Edu Local Government Councils Areas of the state Speaking in Ilorin during the

stakeholders meeting with leaders of Ifelodun local government council, the governor pledged the commitment of his administration to keep the people of the state safe for shared prosperity and scale up infrastructure development of the state.

The meeting, according to THIS- DAY checks, was not unconnected with the recent bandits attacks in some communities in Ifelodun Local Government Council.

The development, it was learnt, has led to the flee of some residents of the affected communities to saferTheplaces.Ifelodun local government council stakeholders was led by the chairman of the council, Hon. Femi Yusuf, and the stakeholders were drawn from various layers of the local government, including serving and former public officers, monarchs, clerics, politicians, youth and other community leaders.

in Abuja

Israel Strikes Kill Reuters, AP, Al-Jazeera, Other Journalists in Gaza

IDF says it regrets any harm to ‘uninvolved’ individuals, pledges probe Trump expresses his displeasure over killings Syndicate reveals over 240 Palestinian journalists murdered since 2023

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Israel struck Nasser hospital in the South of the Gaza Strip yesterday, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists who worked for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and others.

Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, was killed near a live broadcasting position operated by Reuters on an upper floor just below the roof of the hospital in Khan Younis in an initial strike, Palestinian health

officials said.

Officials at the hospital and witnesses said Israel then struck the site a second time, killing other journalists as well as rescue workers and medics who had rushed to the scene to help, Reuters said in a report.

The journalists killed included Mariam Abu Dagga, who free- lanced for the Associated Press and other outlets, Mohammed Salama, who worked for Qatarbased broadcaster Al Jazeera, Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist who worked with

several news organisations including occasionally contributing to Reuters, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Photographer Hatem Khaled, also a Reuters contractor, was wounded.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel deeply regretted what he called a “tragic mishap”. Israel valued the work of journalists and medical staff, he said, adding that Israel’s war was with Hamas.

Israel’s military, the Israel Defense Forces, acknowledged striking the area of Nasser

hospital and said the chief of the general staff had ordered an inquiry.

The IDF “regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such. The IDF acts to mitigate harm to uninvolved individuals as much as possible while maintaining the safety of IDF troops,” it said.

A Reuters spokesperson said in a statement: “We are devastated to learn that cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a contractor for Reuters, was killed this morning in Israeli strikes on Nasser hospital in

Jon ATHA n, o b I eY e PDP AS PA r TY ’ S nec Zone S Pre SID enc Y T o Sou TH a term of sour years.

But Obi, on his part, had though joined the coalition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a foundation member, while at the same time maintaining a faction of the Labour Party, some tendencies in the PDP had also considered him a good choice for presidency given his staggering support, both online and offline.

This is in addition to the fact that Obi had openly indicated interest in the 2027 presidential bout without saying on which political party he would run.

Part of his concern and that

of his supporters stemmed from alleged signs that the ADC might leave the ticket open, a decision that could make the ticket an easy take for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a veteran northern presidential hopeful.

Thus, if it was looking like the ADC might play into the hands of Atiku, supporters of Obi, who had insisted he must be on the ballot believed the PDP offers a stronger and better platform, compared to the Labour Party, which has been badly balkanised from internal disagreements.

However, the PDP at its NEC, yesterday, made the path to 2027

smoother for Jonathan and Obi, when it ratified the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to the south of Nigeria.

The NEC also meeting ap- proved that the office of the national chairman be zoned to the North.

Chairman of the Zoning committee, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, presented the committee’s report to NEC.

The NEC further approved the retention of other national offices of the National Working Committee (NWC) to the zones of the outgoing members, but said the micro-zoning would be

done by the respective zones to determine which state gets what.

National Publicity Secretary of party, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the NEC meeting.

Reading the communiqué, Debo Ologunagba, said the zoning committee recommended that all elective positions currently held in the north and south should be retained.

He explained that with the north retaining the position of national chairman, the party’s presidential ticket would go to the south, while other offices of the NWC would be decided in

M AID en Afr I c A n c DS Su MMIT, T I nubu Pu SH e S for n ew Afr I c A n Defence Doc T r I ne

nent’s defence chiefs to come up with a fresh doctrine of continental defence built on trust, shared intelligence and coordinated strategy.

He spoke on Monday while declaring open the maiden edition of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025 in Abuja.

The president said there must be a framework for African defence institutions to “speak with one voice and act with one purpose”.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shet- tima, said the extreme scale of threats across Africa has made it a must for nations to pause and reflect.

He stated, “From the deserts where insurgency festers, to the high seas where piracy prowls, from the silent corridors of cyber- crime to the ruthless networks of transnational criminals, none of these tragedies respects borders, and neither should our response.

“What is true of our challenges must also be true of our resolve: we cannot neutralise these threats in isolation. This is the moment to reassess our military objectives in the collective aspiration to make Africa safe.

“It is time to forge a new doctrine of continental defence, one rooted in trust, shared intelligence, and coordinated strategy.”

The president drew the at- tention of the defence chiefs

to a stark reality about Africa, saying the continent is bound as a family, interwoven not just by borders, but destiny.

He that the geographical configuration of the continent had made its nations more than kith and kin.

“And, in this family, defence is the first expression of love each member can promise the other,” Tinubu said. He maintained that the maiden summit was “not just a convergence of uniforms and titles” but a convocation “of Africa’s guardians to the village square of ideas”.

Tinubu stated, “There has never been a time when our collective defence invited us so urgently to sit together, to reason together. This summit, the first of its kind, could not have come at a better time.

“I am, therefore, deeply honoured to welcome each of you to Abuja, the heart of Nigeria and the home of Africa’s endlessTinubupossibilities.” called for establishment of a permanent African Chiefs of Defence Staff Forum, a platform he said would avail the military chiefs the opportunity to keep dialoguing, strategising, and coordinating their operations.

He explained, “I propose the establishment of a permanent African Chiefs of Defence Staff Forum, a platform for continuous dialogue, strategic foresight, and operational coordination.

“Let us institutionalise this

spirit of unity and make it a cornerstone of Africa’s security architecture.”

The president urged the defence chiefs to ensure the summit did not end with just a standing ovation and accolade.

For Nigeria, the president said the position of the most popu- lous nation on the continent had always been straightforward: “to be a good neighbour and a brother’s keeper in the struggle for peace.”

He said the country’s armed forces had always stood in concert with its neighbours, and even beyond “in peacekeeping missions, counterterrorism operations, and humanitarian endeavours”.

million bpd of crude oil and 204,864 bpd of condensates.

“This reflects a 9.9 per cent year-on-year surge from the 1.56 million bpd produced in July 2024, which included 1.33 million bpd of crude oil and 226,866 bpd of condensates”, the organisation said in the statement posted on its website.

On a month-on-month basis, output rose by 0.89 per cent compared to the 1.69 million bpd recorded in June 2025, which comprised 1.505 million bpd of crude oil and 191,572 bpd of condensates, the commission added.

On the monthly performance of Nigeria’s crude oil terminals, Forcados recorded the highest

He stated, “We hold no illusion: security is the foundation upon which the edifice of progress must stand. That is why we must use this Summit not merely as a meeting but as a covenant to deepen cooperation, through joint training, harmonised doctrines, and interoperable systems.

“For this to endure, we must build a framework where our defence institutions speak with one voice and act with one purpose.”

Observing that modern day threats “are asymmetric, digital, and often invisible”, Tinubu implored African nations to

Continued on page 28

output in July 2025 with 9.04 million barrels, representing a 2.1 per cent increase from 8.85 million barrels in June.

At the Bonny terminal, production rose to 8.07 million barrels in July, a 12.7 per cent increase compared to 7.16 million barrels recorded in the previous month, the document added, while the Qua Iboe terminal pumped 4.55 million barrels in July, lower than the 5.08 million barrels produced in June.

The NUPRC noted that output from the Escravos terminal climbed by 7.1 per cent to 4.47 million barrels in July, up from 4.17 million barrels in June, while Bonga terminal

Khan Younis in Gaza. Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist whose work had been occasionally published by Reuters, was also killed, and photographer Hatem Khaled, a Reuters contractor, was wounded.

“We are urgently seeking more information and have asked authorities in Gaza and Israel to help us get urgent medical assistance for Hatem,” the spokesperson added.

US President Donald Trump expressed his displeasure when asked for a reaction. “When did

their respective states.

‘’NEC expressed satisfaction over the level of preparedness of the party at its various organs, chapters and structures for the 2025 elective national convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital on Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th November 2025.

‘’NEC acknowledged with satisfaction the efforts and commitment of PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Assembly Caucus and other rel- evant bodies of the party towards the success of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention at Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

‘’NEC received and after extensive deliberation approved the report of the National Convention Zoning Committee, which recommended as follows:

‘’That all PDP National Office positions currently in the Northern Region of the country remain in the Northern Region. That all PDP National Office posi- tions currently in the Southern Region of the country remain in the Southern Region.

‘’That having retained the position of the National Chair- man in the Northern Region of the country, the Presidential Candidate of the Party for the 2027 General Election is hereby zoned to the Southern Region.

‘’That the Regions should immediately micro-zone

delivered 3.68 million barrels during the month, reflecting a 4.2 per cent rise from the 3.53 million barrels recorded in June.

The Odudu (Amenam Blend) terminal posted a 2.9 per cent growth, producing 2.12 million barrels in July compared to 2.06 million barrels the month before. Production output at the Tulja-Okwuibome terminal rose by 2.8 per cent, from 2.02 million barrels in June to 2.08 million barrels in July.

Similarly, production at the Brass terminal, the statement said, surged by 27 per cent during the month under consideration, increasing from 877,975 barrels in June 2024

this happen?” he asked a reporter in the White House. “I didn’t know that. Well, I’m not happy about it. I don’t want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare,” he stressed. Netanyahu

positions within its Region for implementation.

‘’NEC also received update from the PDP Constitution Amendment Committee and directed the Committee to circulate the Draft Constitution Amendment to various Organs and Chapters of the party for further inputs.

‘’In recognition of the ef- forts of the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum in stabilising the Party, NEC hereby ratifies and confirms the appointment of Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the Party with effect from today, Monday, 25th August, 2025 until the National Convention holding at Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital on 15th to 16th November, 2025.

‘’NEC condemns the resort by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to State Capture through state-backed intimidation, manipulation, inducement, coercion and violence against Nigerians as witnessed in APC’s muzzling of the recent bye-elections in parts of the

‘’NECcountry.particularly expressed dismay and condemned the militarisation of the recent bye-elections especially in Kaduna and Taraba States as

Continued on page 27

to 1.12 million barrels in July. THISDAY recalls that Nigeria’s 2025 federal budget is built on an oil benchmark price of about $75 per barrel and a production target of 2.06 million, a target the federal government is yet to meet this year.

Meanwhile, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, yesterday argued that specialised international and continental gangs take advantage of security gaps to steal the crude from Nigeria and across Africa.

Continued on page 28

PARTNERSHIP SIGNING TOWARDS BOOSTING AGRICULTURE VALUE CHAINS...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, First Owat Group of Companies (FOAC), Mr. Oluwole Obataye; Secretary, OLSMO Investment Limited, Mrs. Safiat Usman; Lead Strategist, OLSMO Investment Limited, Mr. Samuel Omoniyi; Chairman, First Owat Group of Companies (FOAC), Mr. Adeniyi Jones; and Vice Chairman, FOAC, Mr. Samuel Oluwatobi, at the partnership signing between First Owat Group of Companies and OLSMO Investment Limited towards boosting the agriculture value chains, held in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday

Africa Renews Call for Seat in UN Security Council, Demands Global Finance Reform at TICAD9

Sierra Leone: Africa’s demand now a matter of justice, not charity

Sunday Ehigiator

Africa’s long-standing demand for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) took centre stage at the just-concluded ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), with leaders insisting

the continent must no longer be excluded from the world’s most powerful decision-making bodies.

Speaking at the close of the event, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, said Africa’s demand for permanent seats in UNSC and greater influence within

International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank was now a matter of justice, not charity.

“The world is much more united in advocacy to give Africa its rightful place at global multilateral institutions starting at the UN Security Council, which must now be matched

with action,” Sengeh said in a statement titled, “The Chief’s Diary: From Tokyo with Much More Than Love: The Promises of TICAD9.”

He stressed that unless multilateral institutions became “radically inclusive,” global justice will remain elusive. “Until we make these

New Awujale: Abiodun Tasks Kingmakers to Ensure Level Playing Field for Contestants

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has told the Awujale Chiefs-in-Council to ensure a fair process that gives all contenders equal chance of emergence in the choice of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

The stool of the Awujale became vacant when Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after reigning for over 65 years.

Speaking after a meeting with members of the Awujale Chiefsin-Council at Iperu, Abiodun said it was imperative for the

people of Ijebuland to have a new Awujale as soon as possible, as “nature abhors a vacuum”.

He assured the people of Ijebuland that his administration would support any candidate presented by the kingmakers at the end of the nomination process.

He stated, “Nature abhors a vacuum, and the process of installing another Awujale has started. That was also what we discussed.

“The pathway to having in place a regency is the pathway to ensuring that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and to ensure that all the processes

which are enshrined in the Laws of Ijebuland are strictly followed.

“I must say that all of us agreed that we are on the same page, and I think this will put paid to all the rumours that have been agog about one thing or another.”

Abiodun expressed the hope that the process would be rancour-free, as those who would be lining up for the exalted position would be given equal opportunity.

He described members of the Awujale council as respectable personalities who contributed to the successful reign of the

Lagos State, China to Strengthen Ties, Showcase Rich Cultural Heritage

The Lagos State Government and China have restated their commitment to a strategic partnership on the promotion of their rich cultural heritage.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, spoke on the partnership during a courtesy visit by senior officials of the People’s Republic of China to the Ministry of Tourism,

Arts and Culture in Alausa, Lagos yesterday. A statement quoted him to have said the partnership would strengthen the bond between Lagos and China to showcase rich cultural heritage, adding that his ministry was “passionate about the develop- ment and implementation of strategic plans to drive cultural growth, foster artistic and creative development, and

showcase the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions unique to Lagos State.”

Aregbe, who highlighted the Lagos Cultural Mission, acknowledged the remarkable contributions of the Chinese community in Lagos and reaffirmed the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to making the State the second home for the Chinese.

late Awujale by maintaining peace in the land.

The governor stated, “I had to first of all wait for the 40 days to come and go before calling this meeting because all of us have been in mourning. I think what is most important is the fact that they are all deeply committed and dedicated chiefs of the Awujale, and I appreciate them.

multilateral institutions more radically inclusive, we will keep moving further away from a just society,” Sengeh stated.

He said the push for reform was expected to intensify at the UN General Assembly HighLevel Week in September 2025.

Another major concern raised at TICAD9 was the imbalance in the global financial system, which African leaders argued consistently trapped poorer nations in cycles of debt.

Sengeh said many African governments wanted to invest in infrastructure, healthcare and security, but the terms of international financing often ignored the continent’s economic realities.

He highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, with nearly 70 per cent of its people under 30, but warned that the continent’s potential remained stifled.

According to Sengeh, “Our young people are coders with-

out devices, farmers without tractors, and researchers without labs.”

He urged governments and partners to provide the resources and policies to unlock Africa’s talent and innovation.

He further stated that the private sector must play a more conscientious role, balancing profit with environmental protection, fair government revenues, and benefits for ordinarySengehcitizens. cited the need for domestic revenue mobilisation, debt restructuring, reallocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and new financing models that supported largescale development projects. Responding to insinuations that “Africa +1” summits, like TICAD, were little more than ceremonial talk-shops, Sengeh insisted that such gatherings remained vital for collective bargaining and agenda-setting.

A civil rights group, the Tap Initiative, has scored Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun low, in its evaluation of her first year in office as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The group in a statement released to journalists in Abuja, observed that the CJN in the last one year have done very little in bringing to reality the much-needed reforms in the judiciary.

A few days before Justice

Kekere-Ekun assumed office in August 2024, civil society groups, senior legal experts, members of academia, and other reform advocates led by Tap Initiative outlined a specific and measurable agenda for her leadership.

“One year later, the verdict is clear: while the rhetoric has been loud, tangible reforms remain elusive”, said the Executive Director of Tap Initiative, Mr. Martin Obono.

The group while com- mending the CJN for

overseeing the retirement of judges found guilty of age falsification, observed that her leadership style appeared “risk-averse, relying on speeches and moral persuasion rather than structural reforms”. Besides, Tap Initiative claimed that while Justice Kekere-Ekun’s first year has been characterized by a clear articulation of the judiciary’s challenges, there was little or no tangible evidence of systematic reform implementation.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

A Testament To Steadfast Leadership @

On this momentous occasion of your 56th birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State. Today, we celebrate not just another year of life but also another year of transformative leadership that continues to shape and reshape our beloved state. You are a man I have watched closely, and I can attest to the fact that you work harder than most people I know.

Prof., your dedication to Borno State is something we are all living witnesses to. You are out there in the villages, personally checking on projects, talking to our people face-to-face. That is tangible leadership, and it is exactly what Borno needs.

In these past years, you have shown us that good governance is not about big promises but about showing up, doing the work, and delivering results. From rebuilding our schools to supporting our farmers, from improving healthcare to creating opportunities for our youth, you have tackled every challenge head-on.

You tell our people the truth, even when it’s difficult. You account for every naira spent, and you make sure projects are completed properly. This is the kind of leadership that builds trust.

As you celebrate today, I pray that Almighty Allah continues to give you strength and good health. Borno State is blessed to have a governor who truly cares about his people and works tirelessly for their welfare and wellbeing.

Once again, I say happy birthday to a shrewd and inspirational Governor! Indeed, you have earned your place in history! Keep up the excellent work; we are all proud of what you are doing.

His Excellency, Prof. BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM , CON mni, FNSE

Executive Governor of Borno State

Signed: SENATOR KASHIM SHETTIMA, GCON Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

LAGOS CULTURAL MISSION AGENDA WITH INDIA...

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe; and Consular General of Indian Embassy, Chandramouli Kern, during a collaboration partnership meeting on Lagos Cultural Mission Agenda with the Consular General, Victoria Island, Lagos... recently

NDLEA Arrests Drug Kingpin, 5 Others for Smuggling Drugs into Bags of 3 Nigerians Facing Charges in Saudi Arabia

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Abubakar, alias Bello Karama, and five members of a syndicate operating at Kano International Airport have been taken into custody by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the discovery that they were behind the ship- ment of illicit substances for which three innocent Nigerians, who went on Lesser Hajj pilgrimage to the holy land, were being detained in Jeddah for alleged drug trafficking.

That was disclosed at a press conference on Monday in Abuja addressed by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, along with Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, and Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo.

Babafemi said following receipt of complaints by NDLEA’s Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), from three Nigerian families over the detention of their family members in Saudi Arabia after the completion of their Lesser Hajj pilgrimage on allegation of trafficking in illicit substances into Saudi Arabia, an investigation was launched to unravel what happened.

The agency said the three Nigerians detained in Saudi Arabia – Mrs. Maryam Abdul- lahi; Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu; and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq – who boarded an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940, which departed Kano on August 6, 2025 to Jed- dah en route Addis-Ababa were unfortunate to be tagged with six additional bags not belonging to them, three of which were found to contain illicit drugs.

The agency said, “Mrs.

Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, while embarking on this flight, only checked in one luggage weighing 9 kilogrammes on the 6th day of August, 2025, which incidentally did not arrive with her to her destination.

“Her husband was only

informed of the arrival of their luggage on 16th August, a day before the date of their departure from Jeddah, which was to be on the 17th day of August, 2025.

“Following this allegation, she was detained in Jeddah and is still in detention till date. The

case of the other two persons followed the same pattern and were reported to the agency shortly after Maryam Hussain’s complaint.”

NDLEA said its swift investigation revealed that “the bags containing illicit drug substances intercepted in Saudi Arabia were checked in against the complainants’ names by members of a criminal syndicate operating in Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport without the knowledge of the three complainants.

ASUU Accuses FG of Delay Tactics over 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, Warns of Strike Action

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), yesterday, accused the federal government of deliberately foot-dragging in handling long-standing issues affecting public universities, which included the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.

ASUU warned that another

round of industrial action might be inevitable if urgent steps were not taken to resolve the issues.

The Ibadan Zonal Coordinator of the union, Professor Biodun Olaniran, while addressing a press conference at the University of Ibadan, ASUU Secretariat, said the relative peace in public universities in the country in recent months was largely due to the union’s patience and expectation that government would honour its promises.

The Ibadan zone of ASUU

comprises the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osun State University, Kwara State University, and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. Olaniran warned that no meaningful progress had been recorded in the agreements with the federal government, stating that the union is compelled to raise an alarm regarding the growing signs of industrial unrest within the university system.

He said, “The relative calm experienced in our universities over the past few months is largely due to our union’s hope that the government would, this time, honour its promises and take decisive steps to resolve the long-standing issues that have plagued the system.

“The Ibadan Zone of ASUU, in particular, is drawing the attention of Nigerians once again to the urgent need to prevent another avoidable round of industrial crisis in public universities.

The Indigenous Urhobo and Ijaw People of Warri Federal Constituency have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the ward delineation exercise embarked upon in the last five months.

The two ethnic groups, at a joint world press conference in Warri, Delta State, yesterday, warned they would not allow any future elections in the constituency until the delineation exercise was carried out.

Olorogun Victor Okumagba,

an Urhobo Chief, who read the press statement on behalf of others, advised INEC not to allow other institutions influence its decision but should stamped its feet on the commission’s independence. They maintained that the Supreme Court Judgement ordering it to delineate fresh wards and units in Warri confirmed the hitherto existing wards were flawed and does not satisfy statutory requirement for credible future elections.

“That in the Supreme Court ordered judgement on INEC,

the operative words are to “conduct fresh delineation” in the eyes of the law, there are no longer in existence electoral wards and units in Warri until the fresh exercise is concluded.

“That it is criminal, illegal and contemptuous of the Supreme Court judgement by INEC, proceeding with the registration of voters in Warri Federal Constituency as there are no longer in existence electoral wards and units upon which the ongoing voter’s registration can stand”, they said.

CCDI, Swiss Embassy Inaugurate Refurbished Toilets, Libraries in Abuja Schools

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

In a significant step towards improving hygiene and learning conditions in public schools, Create That Change Development Initiative (CCDI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland, has commissioned newly refurbished facilities at two schools in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The projects, unveiled at

LEA Pilot Science Primary School and LEA Phase III Primary School, include a reconstructed 12-stall toilet block and two fully refur- bished libraries.

They mark the first phase of CCDI’s Public-School Revival Initiative (PSRI), an intervention designed to restore dignity, enhance sanitation, and provide inclusive learning spaces for Nigerian children.

Speaking at the commis-

sioning, the Executive Director of CCDI, Mrs. Sharon Ayeni, described access to clean toilets as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

“Access to clean toilets is a basic right, not a luxury. We are grateful to our partners at the Swiss Embassy for supporting this project. Together, we are uplifting schools that need it most and investing in the brighter futures of children,” Ayeni said.

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

WE aRE HaPPy TO sEE dEPUTy GOVERNOR…

L-R: Chief Collins Odinjor; Deputy Governor, Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, and the host, Mr. Kingsley Dike, during a reception in honour of the deputy governor by Delta Community in Atlanta, United States...recently

Olawepo Hashim’s Supporters Canvass for His Presidential Bid at PDP NEC Meeting

Chuks Okocha in abuja

Over a thousand supporters of a former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, yesterday stormed the venue of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, demanding that he

declare interest in the 2027 presidential election.

The jubilant crowd, clad in colorful vests and face caps, carried bold banners and sang solidarity songs in support of the business mogul and politician, describing him as “a credible alternative and a unifier the nation urgently needs at this

FCTA Demolishes 1,000 Shacks in Abuja District

Olawale ajimotokan in abuja

A city-wide sanitation exercise carried out yesterday by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) led to the demolition of over 1,000 shacks and illegal shanties blocking the road corridor in Karsana, Bunkoro District in Gwarimpa, Abuja.

The Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, said the operation by the FCTA joint task force targeted squatters and people of questionable character who were squatting in the area.

The exercise was carried out along the proposed Ring Road 3 corridor at the intersection of N16 and RR3, where there is the Map Global Estate.

Galadima noted that the purpose of the exercise was to enhance security in the territory.

1.

2.

According to him, “When you look at these structures, they are mostly made of shacks and temporary materials. So far, so good, we have cleared more than 1,000 around this place, and we are about to continue, because the work is enormous and the stretch of the road is as long as 2 kilometres, all consisting of shacks and shanties.

“We have had a discussion with relevant authorities, which they had said that for now, the RR3 is not yet awarded, but the N16 has been awarded, and the work is in progress. We have been informed by the Department of Resettlement and Compensation that there are some indigenous communities on the corridor. That’s why we tried as much as possible not to interfere with the existence of such communities.”

critical time.”

The rally was coordinated by three major support groups: Hashim Unity Group, led by Hon. Musa

Makanda, former Speaker of Bwari Area Council; The Hashims, led by Mr. Sunday Tsado; and Hashim Advocates led by Mallam

Abba, former PDP youth leader in the FCT in 1999.

Speaking at the gathering, the group leaders said Dr. Hashim embodies the finest

qualities of leadership within the PDP vision, integrity, and a consistent track record of advocacy for democracy and good governance.

Okun Nation Decries Deplorable State of Kabba-Isanlu-Egbe-Ilorin Road

sunday Okobi

The people of Okun in Kogi State have called on President Bola Tinubu and the state Governor, Usman Ododo, to rescue them from the consequences of the deplorable state of the Kabba-Isanlu-Egbe-Ilorin road. In an open letter written

to President Tinubu, and made available to THISDAY yesterday, the people, under the umbrella of Okun Liberty Association (OLA), lamented the negative effects of the deplorable state of the road, calling on the government to urgently commence its rehabilitation in order to save lives and curb insecurity in

the state.

In the letter signed by its President-General, Chief Akere Owoniyi, with the National Assembly and Ministry of Works in copy, the group said: “We, the entire membership of the Okun Liberty Association, a body representing the interests and aspirations of the Okun people of Kogi

State, write to you today not just as an association, but as deeply concerned citizens of our beloved nation, with a heavy heart and a fervent plea for your urgent intervention in a matter of critical national importance: the tragic and continued neglect of the Kabba-Isanlu-Egbe-Ilorin Road.”

Lagos Commends Raji’s Strides in Epe, Inaugurates Three Schools

sunday Ehigiator

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, yesterday commended the member representing Epe federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Wale Raji, for his commitment to grassroots development through the construction of new schools and other constituency projects within his constituency.

‘Tinubu’s

Hamzat, represented by the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, made the remarks yesterday while inaugurating three newly built schools in Oko-Abe (Epe Local Government Area), lege (Lekki Local Council Development Area, and Owu-Ikosi (Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA). Each of the schools consists of 12 fully furnished classrooms and modern toilet facilities. The events were attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders.

Re-election ‘ll Create Opportunities for Osun’

yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 would usher in great opportunities to the people of Osun State after All Progressives Congress (APC) would have won the off-cycle state

gubernatorial election slated for next year, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has assured.

Babayemi, a leading contender for the APC ticket in the 2026 gubernatorial election, maintained that a victory for the party in Osun and the federal level, would engender a synergy that would be beneficial to the state and its people.

He said these during the continuation of his statewide ward-to-ward visits to Ila and Obokun Local Government Areas of the state where he touched 10 wards across the two councils. Aside employment opportunities that would be available to the youth in the state, Babayemi added that the benefits of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would trickle down to the grassroots.

Delta Community in Atlanta Hosts Deputy Governor, Onyeme

sunday Ehigiator

The Delta State community in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America(USA) recently held a reception for the visiting Deputy Governor of Delta

State, Sir Monday Onyeme, in an evening that blended dialogue, cultural pride, and Diaspora engagement.

According to a statement from the group, the event provided an opportunity for

the deputy governor to interact with members of the Nigerian Diaspora, many of whom commended his humility and willingness to exchange ideas openly. Speaking at the event, Onyeme reaffirmed the

Delta State Government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure and human capital development through Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “MORE Agenda.”

Emore Grammar School Old Students Hold Conference Sept.

Emore Grammar School Oleh Old Students Association (OSA) is set to hold its 2025 national conference on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the school premises, Oleh in Isoko South Local Government, Delta State.

According to a release signed by OSA National Secretary Dr. Prosper Ahworegba and National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ekebe Emmanuel, the triennial conference will kick off at 9.00a.m with

6

an address by the OSA National President, Prof. EricThisOghonu. will be followed by various reports and review of past projects as well as the discussion of the president’s address. The conference tagged, “Coming Home to Where it all Began” will also feature the plans for legacy projects which shall be followed by the dissolution of the National Executive Committee and the election of a new one.

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

As Pressure Mounts on Gov Kefas to Drop Taraba’s Ailing Dep Gov...

Wole Ayodele writes that stakeholders in Taraba state especially opposition politicians are mounting pressure on Governor agbu Kefas to set machinery in motion for the replacement of the state Deputy Governor, alhaji aminu alkali, who has been ill since December, 2024.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas did a state broadcast to address the people of the state on the lingering controversy over the prolonged absence of the state deputy governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali from office due to ill health.

The deputy governor has been ill since December, 2024 and was hospitalised at the National Hospital, Abuja before he was flown to Egypt for further treatment. He was eventually discharged and returned to Nigeria in May, 2025 though he is yet to resume office as he’s still recuperating.

The health condition of Alhaji Alkali, who is said to have suffered a stroke, was very severe at earlier stages of the illness. According to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Boma Bondiya, who visited him in Egypt, the ailment affected his mobility and his ability to talk.

But since his discharge and return to the country, his condition is said to have greatly stabilized and recovering much faster than anticipated. According to the Special Adviser to Governor Kefas on Media and Digital Communication, Emmanuel Bello, the deputy governor now called people on phone and he can also be reached on phone and he would have resumed office if not for his Doctors who advised otherwise.

In Bello’s words, “We’re extremely very grateful to God for the life of the deputy governor. His condition has improved significantly and today, unlike before, he can talk very well now and he calls people by himself on phone and he can also be reached except when he’s observing his rest”.

But as the deputy governor’s absence from his official duties prolonged, agitations for his removal from office began especially from opposition political elements who insist that his continuous absence runs foul of the provisions of section 189 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

There have been calls for the Executive

Council of the State to initiate the process of constituting a medical team to ascertain the health status of the deputy governor who is the Vice Chairman of the Executive Council preparatory to his removal from office.

There were also insinuations that the State House of Assembly was making moves to declare Alhaji Alkali incapacitated to pave way for the emergence of one of the principal officers of the House as deputy governor. The Assembly however dismissed the insinuations and expressed its commitment and determination to do it’s best in ensuring Alkali returns to office.

But as days and months passed by without the deputy governor returning to work, the agitations for his removal intensified especially in recent times. Accusing fingers were being pointed at the governor of deliberately blocking the process of removing Alkali from office with the intent to run the office by proxy.

As the controversy rages, the governor was prompted to address the people of Taraba state where he acknowledged the agitations and their concerns that the state has been without a deputy governor for over eight months.

According to the governor: “Fellow citizens of Taraba State, I have heard the discussions going on in the media and among our people about the fact that our state has been without an active Deputy Governor for several months.

“I understand the concerns and questions, and I want to speak to you directly—not just as your Governor, but as a fellow human being guided by faith, morality, and conscience.

“In my years of service in the Nigerian military, I learned the meaning of esprit de corps—the spirit of togetherness, where we stand by one another regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background. In the field, we fight together and, if necessary, we make the ultimate sacrifice together. That spirit has never left me.

“Our Deputy Governor fell ill while serving Taraba State faithfully and on official

But as days and months passed by without the deputy governor returning to work, the agitations for his removal intensified especially in recent times. Accusing fingers were being pointed at the governor of deliberately blocking the process of removing Alkali from office with the intent to run the office by proxy. As the controversy rages, the governor was prompted to address the people of Taraba state where he acknowledged the agitations and their concerns that the state has been without a deputy governor for over eight months.

duty. This is not a political matter—it is a human one. The constitution gives us laws to follow, and we have done everything required of us under the law. But laws alone are not enough; morality and conscience must also guide our decisions.

“Whether you are Christian, Muslim, or of another faith, one truth binds us all: God calls us to care for one another. In the Holy Bible, Galatians 6:2 teaches us to “bear one another’s burdens. In the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32) reminds us that “whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all mankind. These are not just religious words; they are moral duties.

“Our Deputy Governor served this state with loyalty. Now, in his moment of need, it is our turn to stand by him. Let us lift him in prayer, support his family, and show that in Taraba State, leadership is about humanity before politics”.

The governor maintained that he has no hidden agenda in the way the matter is being handled just as he stressed that he would not hesitate to act or trigger the application of the constitution on the matter if the circumstances and the need arises.

“I have no hidden agenda in the way we are handling this matter. If, in the course of time and circumstances, the need arises to act according to the constitution regarding his position, I will not hesitate to do so in the right way. But for now, our duty is clear—to care, to support, and to let compassion lead us. This is not just about politics—it is about humanity”, stated the governor.

But rather than the governor’s address to calm frayed nerves and lay the matter to rest, the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) took a swipe at the governor saying the address was a mere rhetoric and a self arrogation of power which smacks of a maximum ruler.

Kefas

Alkali

RENEWEd HOPE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT iNiTiaTiVE...

L-R: Assistant Director, Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Yayah Umaru; State Coordinator, Renewed Hope Initiative / Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, and one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Adola Ajayi , during the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Empowerment Programme held in Ado-Ekiti... recently

Security Forces Neutralise Dozens of Suspected Bandits in Kwara

Hammed s hittu in Ilorin

Security forces deployed to the communities of Ifelodun local government council area of Kwara state have been reportedly killed dozens of suspected bandits that have been terrorising the people of the area for past few weeks.

THISDAY checks investigations revealed that coordinated security forces were said to have invaded the

Fadaella Foods Unveils Chocolate Brands to Mark Anniversary

Kasim sumaina in abuja

Fadaella Foods Limited, maker of the pioneering Fadaella Oatmilk Biscuits, has unveiled a premium chocolate line, branded Fadaella Best Chocs, to mark the 8th anniversary of its flagship biscuit in Nigeria as well as to deepen its role in the snack market.

The new premium brand, launched in four variants: chocolate, coffee, white chocolate, and strawberry, is already making waves and generating buzz nationwide.

Speaking on this

milestone in an exclusive interview, the Managing Director of Fadaella Foods Limited, Mr. Peter Igboaka, described the move as both exciting and strategic.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to producing and marketing wholesome snack that meets the highest standards of quality, adding that the new variants are “designed to delight Nigerians.

“With the unveiling of this premium chocolate range, the company is not only celebrating eight years of innovation but also reinforcing its dominance in the snack industry.

FRSC Warns Public against Recruitment Scam

Kasim sumaina in abuja

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) yesterday warned the public of the increasing activities of fraudulent individuals, including some posing as staff of the Corps, who extort unsuspecting members of the public with false promises of securing them employment in the Corps.

The scammers, the Corps hinted, go as far as issuing fake call-up letters to training schools and the FRSC Academy in a desperate attempt to deceive innocent

job seekers and defraud them of their hard-earned money.

A statement issued by the Assistant Corps Marshal, Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC headquarters, Abuja, Olusegun Ogungbemide, read: “Consequent upon the foregoing, the Corps wishes to categorically state that FRSC recruitment processes are transparent, merit-based, and strictly communicated through national newspapers, television stations, and our official channels.

hideouts and killed the bandits instantly. Sources said that the security forces with joint efforts of vigilance groups of the area were

said to have launched a renewed attacks against the suspected bandits in their various hideouts around Baba Sango and Oro River, near Babanla

in xIfelodun Local Government Area of the state.Multiple security sources told journalists yesterday that the Operation to flush

out the suspected bandits from the state was said to have started on Sunday night and lasted through to yesterday morning.

Ezekwesili Tasks Lawyers on Integrity, National Development

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has urged lawyers in the country to uphold the integrity of the legal profession and not trade it for financial gains.

Ezekwesili spoke yesterday during a panel session at the ongoing 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference in Enugu.

She lamented the state of the economy and the hardship faced by Nigerians, especially the poor.

She cautioned lawyers against allowing the profession to be “handed over to a bunch of lousy politicians,” warning that such tendencies could destroy future generations. “Lawyers are the best minds any society could have. A profession that rewards pre-examined behaviour cannot be one that truly cares about tomorrow,” she said.

Do Not Use Ganduje’s Name to Cover Your Misdeeds, Kano Govt Told

ahmad sorondinki in Kano

The spokesman to the immediate past National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Muhammad Garba, has strongly condemned

recent allegations leveled against ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, describing them as politically motivated and misleading.

In a press statement last night, Garba, who

is the former Kano State Commissioner for Information , expressed concern over what he termed as “a deliberate attempt by the Kano State Government to link Ganduje to financial misappropriation, corruption, and misconduct,” particularly in relation to alleged overspending through the Protocol Directorate and accusations of land grabbing.

C’ River, Firm Seal Pact to Unlock Gas, Solid Minerals Deposit

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Pana Holdings, aimed at unlocking the state’s vast gas and solid minerals deposit.

The agreement aimed to drive industrialisation, job creation, sustainable economic growth, position Cross River as a regional hub for energy, mining, and industrial development through public-private partnerships, was signed in Calabar yesterday.

Governor Otu, in

sunday Ehigiator

his remarks, said the partnership reflects his administration’s resolve to harness the state’s abundant natural resources in a sustainable way to close developmental gaps and ensure prosperity for the people. “Government alone cannot deliver development.

“There has to be strong private sector participation, and this pact is one of the bold steps we are taking to ensure energy security, food security, and a more productive economy,” Otu stated.

Nigerian Surgeon Launches 2025 ‘Burn Awareness Campaign’

A Nigerian plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Amaka Patricia Ehighibe, has officially launched the 2025 edition of her Annual Burn Awareness Campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to prevent burn injuries and provide life-changing support to survivors.

In its fifth year, the campaign, pioneered by Dr. Ehighibe, also a

consultant and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, has grown from a modest hospital outreach to a nationally recognised movement. It combines public education, free medical

services, and survivor advocacy to address one of Nigeria’s most neglected public health crises.

Speaking at the launch, Ehighibe said the campaign was “about more than treatment.

Plateau Government Charges Residents on Tax Payment

Plateau Government yesterday enjoined residents to pay their taxes regularly so that the government can embark on projects to make life more comfortable for them.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang gave the advice in Jos, during a summit on the Administration of Property and Land Related Taxes organised by the State’s Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS).

and workers to ensure the payment of their taxes.

Mutfwang, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Samuel Jatau, called on residents

“There is no magic that can be performed; it is the taxes that we pay that will be used to transform the state.

LAWYER

Federal Court of Canada

Federal Court of Canada's Judgement: Dampener for Nigerian Asylum Seekers

Quotables

columnist

‘You can be assured that, Nigeria will meet all your expectations. The changes that we have embarked upon, are all about us as a people and the leadership of Africa.’ - HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

"The theme of the Conference is more than a slogan.... To stand tall is to uphold dignity, integrity and honour, even when the odds are stacked high, and difficult decisions must be made in the best interest of the legal profession and the country....being unbending in our defence of the rule of law, equity and justice...." - Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD 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, Prof 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. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

Page V

onikepo braithwaite: editor, jude igbano

Sharp Practices, DSS and SAN Screening

Responses to my Last Week’s Piece

The responses I got to my last week’s piece, were overwhelming. If I had to publish all the “Dear Editor” responses I received, there wouldn’t be any space to write anything else. People seized the opportunity, to share quite a few stories concerning the unethical behaviour of some senior Lawyers. Consequently, the sum and substance of the responses is that, the NJC, for the Judiciary, LPDC and LPPC, for the Lawyers, must adopt a no-nonsense approach with respect to the discipline of erring Judicial Officers and Lawyers respectively, as the “consequences of no consequences” is more unethical, bad, and maybe even criminal behaviour. A foolproof system must also be put in place, to prevent the suppression of petitions before they reach the disciplinary body. If we want to sanitise our profession, we must expose wrongdoers, name and shame them, and ensure that they are disciplined for bad behaviour. In the last few days, for those who have laid complaints about the inappropriate behaviour of Lawyers to me, actions that have breached the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 (RPC) and therefore, the Legal Practitioners Act LFN 2004 (LPA), some even criminal, direct your complaints to the appropriate quarters, the Police or EFCC where necessary, petition the LPDC and LPPC forthwith, and pursue your petitions to the logical end.

Unfortunately, it is possibly because of sharp practices by some unscrupulous Lawyers, that it appears that outsiders such as the DSS have been invited to screen Candidates shortlisted to be elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) - see Section 23(2) of the 2022 Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of SAN (Guidelines). This started from the 2023 exercise; one wonders why it has just become an issue of contention now.

SSS/DSS

The DSS, though not mentioned therein, we are told is the nickname of the SSS, whose establishment statute is the National Security Agencies Act 2004 (NSA Act)(see Section 1(a)-(c) of the NSA Act). In my humble opinion, the NSA Act should be amended, firstly, to include the DSS in whatever relation it is to the SSS; and secondly, to expressly provide for the different levels of its screening functions, if this is the role that it is also to play, particularly when this screening function is not limited to internal security matters only, and concerns background checks for appointments, and now, SAN Shortlisted Candidates. The scope of the SSS screening function for any position whatsoever, be it for Minister or the Judiciary or wherever, is ultra vires the functions of the SSS set out in Section 2(3)(a)-(c) of the NSA Act, which concerns matters of the internal security of Nigeria only.

The DSS also investigates educational qualifications and credentials, financials, moral character, family, reputation, and does security and regulatory checks. In SSS v Wechie (2021) LPELR-55956 (CA) per Paul Obi Elechi, JCA, the Court of Appeal held that “under the National Security Agencies Act LFN 2004, the law empowers the Respondent (SSS) to detect crimes against the State, and to preserve and protect the internal security of Nigeria with strict adherence to the rule of law”. Also see APC v IGP & Anor (2021) LPELR-54846(CA) per Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, JCA. The mandate of the SSS, is clear and unambiguous.

Akinboro, SAN’s Statement

My attention was drawn to a statement made by Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, a past General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), denouncing the requirement of those to be elevated to the rank of SAN, to go through such DSS screening. The learned Senior Advocate stated inter alia, that the rank of SAN isn’t a political appointment nor an executive privilege, but a professional recognition. This is correct. Moreover, the process of elevation to the rank of SAN is governed by the LPA, which has set out the criteria that candidates must meet in vying for the rank. The learned Senior Advocate is also of the view that: “To subject this process to external security vetting after rigorous scrutiny has already been undertaken by the LPPC, is an intrusion that undermines both the independence of the profession and the sanctity of due process”. This is arguable. He then states thus: “If we allow institutions outside the profession to insert themselves into its core processes without legal basis…”. Section 23(2) of the Guidelines provides for the intervention of the ICPC/EFCC/SSS - to check

onIkepo BraIThwaITe

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

onikepo braithwaite The Advocate

“The scope of the SSS screening function for any position whatsoever …. is ultra vires the functions of the SSS set out in Section 2(3)(a)-(c) of the NSA Act…. how much scrutiny of the shortlisted Candidates does or can the LPPC do, not being an investigative body…..The outsiders didn’t insert themselves into the process, it appears that they were invited by the LPPC/Guidelines….There is a need for the amendment of the NSA Act, the LPA and Guidelines, to properly accommodate this screening issue…..there are arguments for and against the inclusion of these law enforcement agencies, into the SAN Screening exercise”

that none of the candidates has any petition, investigation, prosecution or conviction. The outsiders didn’t insert themselves into the process, it appears that they were invited by the LPPC/Guidelines. If some of the SANs had been rigorously scrutinised, maybe they wouldn’t have been elevated to the rank in the first place, as unethical or criminal tendencies may have been discovered by the SSS or other agencies, and revealed to the LPPC for their attention. While I understand that on the face of it, it looks like an intrusion on the part of the Executive into a strictly legal profession process, as long as the SSS or their agencies’ reports will not be the determinant for elevation, but simply serve as detailed summaries of the candidates’ character and dealings which would assist the LPPC in deciding if a candidate is fit, proper and has the requisite integrity to be elevated, should it be a problem?

The fear expressed by some however, is that 1) SSS reports are not always accurate or unimpeachable; 2) the SSS can be infiltrated by the Executive, as an inroad into having control over who is elevated to the rank of SAN, politicising something that is a professional accolade; and 3) the intrusion of the SSS can lead to an abuse of the SAN Conferment process. This argument is certainly tenable. However, should there be a negative report submitted by the SSS against a Candidate, the LPPC is obliged to give such Candidate fair hearing, by allowing them to defend themselves and responding to any allegations contained in such reports (see Section 36(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution)

Another side of the argument is, how much scrutiny of the shortlisted Candidates does or

can the LPPC do, not being an investigative body in the true sense of the word? Maybe it is in recognition of this limitation, that the LPPC, under the immediate past CJN, called in the ICPC/EFCC/SSS for assistance in this regard. The mandate of these agencies is clear, in relation to SAN screening. Should such checks not be done?

During the SAN selection process, when the Candidates are shortlisted, the shortlist is published in several newspapers with a call to the public for petitions against the shortlisted Candidates, if any. Is this not also the inclusion of outsiders, into the process? It is also a way of gathering the type of information, sought from the SSS-type screening. If there are no petitions, not because the Candidates have no skeletons in their cupboards, but because people may not have read the call for petitions, or are simply afraid to append their names to such petitions for fear of reprisals, this doesn’t mean that all the Candidates have the requisite integrity to be elevated to the rank; it simply means people didn’t come forward, as they should have. If, at this point, the SSS or EFCC also does the background checks and submits the reports on the shortlisted Candidates to the LPPC for their attention, and just like the public petitions, the LPPC has the last word on the reports, not the SSS, should it be a problem, particularly if Candidates are given a right of fair hearing?

A few years ago (before the advent of the ICPC/EFCC/SSS screening), after the shortlisted SAN Candidates were published with a call for petitions in the newspapers, some members of the public that had issues with some of them submitted petitions to the LPPC. Despite the strong and worrying

allegations in some of the petitions, the LPPC of that time, still went ahead to place the Candidates on the final list of successful SAN Applicants. It was only after the Petitioners published their petitions in the newspapers, thereby placing their allegations in the public domain for all to see, that the LPPC considered those petitions and took the appropriate actions. At the time, some people argued that maybe the members didn’t see the petitions; but, with a clearcut security screening process in place, no one can claim ignorance of law enforcement agency reports. Additionally, the LPPC comprises of SANs and Justices who may be adept in assessing the applications of Candidates with regard to their professional qualifications and legal work, but do not have the requisite information gathering tools to obtain details that will assist in the assessment of the honesty, integrity and record of Candidates. This is not to say that it is everybody who isn’t found wanting by the SSS screening, that turns out to be incorruptible and fit for purpose on the job, certainly not; but, the detailed background checks keep the LPPC better informed, about the Applicants they are examining.

The Law

Last year, one of our contributors wrote an article titled “Are the 2022 Guidelines for the Conferment of SAN Valid?”. He said of the Guidelines: “that they bear the imprimatur of the (then) Chief Justice of Nigeria (who is admittedly the Chairman of the Privileges Committee), is problematic…..to the extent that the Committee consists of 15 members…..by virtue of Section 27(2) of the Interpretation Act, they should have been executed under the hand of….at least 2 members of the Committee. This was not the case, as the Guidelines clearly show on its face that only Hon. Chief Justice Ariwoola executed it. I submit that, this suffices to invalidate the Guidelines”. His submission was that the Guidelines are irregular; however, this can be rectified.

But, the LPA which is the enabling legislation for the Guidelines and principal legislation governing the SAN Conferment Process, doesn’t provide for ICPC/EFCC/SSS involvement in it. In Osadebay v AG Bendel State (1991) LPELR-2781(SC) per Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, JSC, the Supreme Court held thus: “The rationale for an enabling or parent legislation, is to give validity to the subsidiary legislation” Also see the case of Odeneye v Efunuga (1990) LPELR-2208(SC) per Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, JSC. Furthermore, in Osadebay v AG Bendel State (Supra) per Philip Nnaemeka-Agu, JSC, the Supreme Court held thus: “So, quite apart from the general principle of law that a dependent or subordinate legislation can have no wider binding or effective force than the paramount law which gives it force….”. In Famfa Oil v AGF & Anor (2007) LPELR-9023(CA) per Umaru Abdullahi, JCA, the Court of Appeal held that "It is the law that subsidiary legislations must conform with the principal law, which provided the source of their existence". The Guidelines, whether regular or not, at best, is a subsidiary legislation which derives its powers from the LPA; can such provision for external screening of SAN Candidates outside or not in conformity to the provisions of the LPA, the principal legislation, stand?

Conclusion

It appears that there are arguments for and against the inclusion of these law enforcement agencies, into the SAN Screening exercise. Presently, the governing legislation doesn’t appear to support it, as it isn’t provided for in the LPA; the Guidelines is subsidiary, and cannot supersede or overrule the LPA.

There is a need for the amendment of the NSA Act, the LPA and Guidelines, to properly accommodate this screening issue, if it should stand properly. It is important to note that, it was the LPPC under the former CJN that invited these law enforcement agencies into the SAN Conferment process, and so, though Lawyers have argued that the LPPC can be strengthened to perform background checks more effectively, maybe the LPPC who are in a better position to make this call since they are responsible for the process, realise their limitations in this regard. For one, the law may allow these law enforcement agencies to have access to certain information that the LPPC cannot; they are also well trained to keep such information confidential since this is part of their job description, while the LPPC isn’t - membership of the LPPC is even tenured, meaning it changes from time to time. My dear colleagues, kindly, share your thoughts on this.

Cessation of Federal High Court’s Admiralty Jurisdiction Over Carriage of Goods on Land

Facts

In 1993, the 1st Appellant imported among others, a large 12RK Ruston Diesel Power Engine from the United Kingdom to Port Harcourt and contracted the Respondent to handle customs clearance of the goods, their transfer to the customs warehouse at the Seaport in Port Harcourt upon their discharge, and transportation of the engine by road to their project site in Calabar. The Respondent subcontracted the transport to a third party. In breach of the Respondent’s contractual duty to carry the goods carefully, safely and securely, the engine was negligently handled and delivered badly damaged to the 1st Appellant’s project site at EPZ, Calabar. The 1st Appellant engaged the manufacturer’s engineers from UK to examine and assess the damage, which was submitted to its Insurer – the 2nd Appellant. In settlement of the claim and in line with standard practice, the 2nd Appellant engaged other professionals for adjustment of the claims and settled them.

The Respondent on its part denied liability for the damage to the engine, and refused to pay and indemnify the Appellants for the damage to the engine. The Appellants therefore, instituted an action against the Respondent at the High Court of Lagos State. The Respondent raised a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the High Court to determine the suit on the ground that the Appellants’ claims are admiraltyrelated, and within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. In its ruling on the objection, the High Court of Lagos State held that the subject of the suit is a simple contract of bailment and negligence, which did not relate to ship and maritime claims. That it is not an admiralty matter, and is therefore, within the jurisdiction of the trial court.

Dissatisfied, the Respondent successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal set aside the ruling of the lower court, holding that Appellants’ claims are admiralty matters which are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. The Appellants consequently, appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Supreme Court adopted the issues raised by the Appellants, which it considered together in the determination of the appeal, thus:

i. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in holding that the Appellant’s claim for damages for breach of contract and for negligence was an admiralty matter, thereby vesting jurisdiction in the Federal High Court in spite of Section 230(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1979 (now Section 251(1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the decision of this court in ADELEKAN v ECU-LINE NV (2005) 12 NWLR (PT 993) 33.

ii. Whether the facts of this case as pleaded constitute cause of action in admiralty by virtue of Section 1(1)(g) and (2) of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Decree No. 59 of 1991 so as to make the further transportation of goods already discharged from ship and delivered to customs warehouse an extension of the shipping of the goods by sea. iii. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in holding that the decision in the case of ALUMINUM MANUFACTURING CO. NIG. LTD v NIGERIA PORTS AUTHORITY (1987) 18 NSCC (PT. 1) 224 and P.E LID & ANORS v LEVENTIS TECHNICAL LTD (1992) 23 NSCC (PT. 2) 228 was no longer authority on the interpretation of the provisions of Section 1 (1) (g) and (2) of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act, No. 59 of 1991.

Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja

On Friday, the 21st day of February, 2025

Before their lordships

Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju emmanuel akomaye agim Haruna Simon Tsammani Obande Festus Ogbuinya Mohammed Baba Idris Justices, Supreme Court SC/34/2008

Between

1. GLeNyORK NIGeRIa LIMITed

2. ROyaL Re-INSuRaNCe CO. LTd (SuING By aNd THROuGH THeIR aTTORNey) And

PaNaLPINa WORLd TRaNSPORT NIG. LIMITed

aPPeLLaNTS

ReSPONdeNT (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC)

Arguments

Counsel for the Appellants argued that the Court of Appeal erred in holding that under Sections 1(1) and (2) of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act 1991, maritime claims for loss or damage to imported goods extend beyond the offloading of the ship to include customs clearance and land transportation to the consignee’s premises. They contended that the admiralty jurisdiction under Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Act is strictly limited to claims related to ships and maritime matters. The trial court rightly relied on the decision of the Supreme Court in P.E. LTD & ANOR v LEVENTIS TECHNICAL LTD, which was determined further to the decision on ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURERS CO. NIG. LTD v NPA (1987) 18 NSCC (PT. I) 224, where it was held that admiralty jurisdiction ends when goods are unloaded from the ship. Counsel contended that the sea carriage contract ended at unloading, the Respondent was only involved afterward in customs clearance and land delivery

“Once the cargo reaches the agreed port of delivery, it is customary practice that the goods are considered delivered to the consignee, at which point the admiralty jurisdiction of the Federal High Court ceases. The Admiralty jurisdiction therefore, came to an end when the goods were off-loaded from the ship and into the warehouse“

copiously relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act, 1991 relating to scope of the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court on admiralty matters. The Supreme Court maintained that the Federal High Court has exclusive jurisdiction on admiralty matters. The court expounded the objectives of Sections 1(1) and (2) of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act, and noted that Section 1(2) of the Act applies to contract of carriage and delivery of goods from overseas to the importer or consignee that involves transportation by sea and land. Under such a contract, the carrier or shipper has the contractual duty to carry and deliver the goods to the importer from the time the goods are placed on board a ship for the purpose of shipping to the time the goods are delivered to the consignee or whoever is to receive them whether the goods were transported on land during the process or not. The duty does not end or cease at the end of the sea part of the carriage and continues after the goods are unloaded from the ship at the port of disembarkation, carried by land and finally delivered to the consignee. The land carriage is a continuation of the sea carriage.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court noted that where the carriage of goods by land is a continuation of carriage by sea, any claims for loss or damage to the goods by negligence during transportation by land are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, as an admiralty matter.

The jurisdiction of the Admiralty proceedings covers the carriage by sea, its discharge from the ship, its carriage by road to the consignee on land who is to receive the container at the wet or dry dock. After its receipt by the consignee, the further transportation of the goods by the consignee, cannot be an admiralty matter. Once the cargo reaches the agreed port of delivery, it is customary practice that the goods are considered delivered to the consignee, at which point the admiralty jurisdiction of the Federal High Court ceases. The Admiralty jurisdiction therefore, came to an end when the goods were off-loaded from the ship and into the warehouse – TSKJ (NIG.) LTD v OTOCHEM (NIG.) LTD (2018) 11 NWLR (PT. 1630) 330.

to Calabar, which is a separate contract. Therefore, the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act applies only up to delivery of goods into the customs warehouse, and the present claim for breach of contract of bailment and negligence rightly falls within the trial court’s jurisdiction, not admiralty jurisdiction. Responding to the submissions above, it was contended on behalf of the Respondent that pursuant to Section 251(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 1(1) and (2) of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act 1991, the Federal High Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over the claim. This is on the basis that admiralty jurisdiction encompasses the entire process, from the initial loading of goods onto the vessel through to their final delivery to the consignee or designated recipient. The respondent cited SPDC NIG. LTD v ABEL ISAIAH & ORS (2001) 5 SC (PT. II) 1 AT 6-7, where he argued that a similar claim was held to be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. Counsel posited further that decisions relied on by the trial court (PE LTD & ANOR v LEVENTIS TECHNICAL LTD, SPDC NIG. LTD v ABEL ISAIAH, AND ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURING CO. LTD) are not apposite on the facts of this case; and therefore, the trial court lacked jurisdiction to entertain and determine the Appellant’s claim.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale In its decision, the Supreme Court quoted

In the circumstances of this case, Their Lordships held that the Carrier’s Contract of Carriage by Sea from UK to Port Harcourt Sea Port completely ended with the off-loading of the goods from the ship and delivery of the goods to the Custom Warehouse in Port Harcourt and thereafter, the importer or consignee (1st Appellant herein) engaged another carrier in Nigeria (Respondent herein) to carry the goods from the Custom Warehouse in the Seaport at Port Harcourt by land to the consignee under a separate contract not connected with the contract of carriage of the goods by sea from UK, the court’s admiralty jurisdiction would not extend to the contract to carry the goods by land from the custom warehouse to the consignee’s project site at EPZ in Calabar.

Consequent upon the foregoing, the Supreme Could concluded that the Court of Appeal was wrong in holding that the Appellant’s claim for damages for breach of contract and for negligence for the damage of 1st Appellant's generator during carriage by land from Port Harcourt Sea Port to Calabar, was an admiralty matter within the admiralty jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. The court set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal and restored the decision of the High Court of Lagos State.

Appeal Allowed.

Representation

Mbanefo Ikwegbue for the Appellant. Ayodeji Ademola with Austine Ogezi for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

Lagos Judiciary Unveils Programme for 2025/2026 Legal Year

Stories by Steve Aya

The Lagos State Judiciary has released the line-up of events to mark the start of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba.

According to the announcement, the celebrations will kick off on Monday, September 22, 2025, with simultaneous thanksgiving services at the Lagos Central Mosque, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, and the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, both starting at 10 a.m. The thanksgiving, according to the Judiciary, is meant to offer gratitude for past achievements, and to seek divine guidance as the courts begin a new legal year.

Activities will continue on Tuesday, September 23,

with the 2025/2026 Legal Year Summit at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The Summit will gather Judges, Lawyers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss pressing issues in

justice delivery.

The annual Summit has, in the past, provided a platform for reforms and dialogue, addressing concerns ranging from case backlog to technology adoption in courtrooms. This year’s

edition is expected to focus on emerging challenges in the legal system, and ways to improve access to justice.

The Judiciary described the legal year celebration as more than a tradition, stressing that it reinforces

Lagos State’s role as a model of judicial excellence in Nigeria.

Justice Alogba noted that the events are designed not only to celebrate milestones, but also to recommit the Judiciary to fairness, efficiency, and the rule of law.

Legal practitioners, invited stakeholders, and members of the public, have been encouraged to attend and participate actively in the week’s activities.

Three Nigerians Jailed in U.S. for Covid-19 Fraud

Three young Nigerians have been jailed in the United States for stealing over $520,000 from Covid-19 unemployment programmes, in a case that once again casts a shadow on Nigeria’s global image. Those convicted are 24-yearold Kamaldeen Karaole and 24-year-old Johnson Omodusonu, both based in Indianapolis, and 23-year-old Stephen Olamigoke from Nigeria. Working with accomplices overseas, the trio stole unemployment

debit cards and cashed them in across Indiana. Karaole, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for identity theft and fraud, while Olamigoke received two and a half years. Omodusonu got two years. Each will serve two years of supervised release, after prison. Olamigoke is to be deported at the end of his term.

The court ordered them to refund the full $520,910 stolen. Investigators said the men obtained 168

unemployment debit cards issued in California, Arizona, and Nevada, using 98 of them to make more than 500 ATM withdrawals in Indianapolis.

Officials said the cash was meant for workers, who lost their jobs during the pandemic. “They shamelessly exploited a national crisis”, FBI Special Agent Timothy O’Malley said. Other officials described the crime as “heartless”, and vowed to protect public benefits from fraud.

AGF Defends Dropping of High-Profile Cases, Says No Political Influence

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has dismissed claims that politics played a role in the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw charges against some prominent Nigerians.

Speaking at a management retreat of the Ministry of Justice in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Prince Fagbemi, SAN, said the decisions were guided strictly by the facts of each case, not political connections. He cited recent examples involving Honeywell Group Chairman, Dr Oba Otudeko, and former AMCON Managing Director, Ahmed Kuru. Otudeko and three others had been facing a 13-count charge over a N12.3 billion First

Bank loan. But, the AGF explained that since First Bank had fully recovered the funds and withdrawn its complaint, there was no basis for prosecution.

“Once the complainant

has no grievance, the law does not encourage needless trials”, he said.

In Kuru's case, Prince Fagbemi noted that one of the disputed transactions involved an AMCON investment of

about N20 million, which the EFCC had already recovered. Since the investment was not in Kuru’s personal name, the AGF argued that no crime could be linked to him directly.

NBA Electoral Reform Committee Submits Expanded Proposals to NBA President

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Electoral Reform Committee, chaired by Dr Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, on Monday, 18th August, 2025, formally presented its expanded electoral reform recommendations to the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, at the Association’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

The delegation included the Committee Secretary, Mr Lawrence Ebewele, alongside members Victor Giwa, Mojirayo Ogunlana, and Christopher Areghan.

The Co-Chairman of the Committee, Mr Sam Itodo, was unavoidably absent due to another national assignment.

In his remarks, Dr Ubani explained that the proposals were developed in response to long-standing concerns among members about the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of NBA elections. He stressed that the reforms are designed to rebuild trust, enhance participation, and set a new democratic standard for the Association.

Key highlights of the

reform package include: Strengthening the independence of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).

Establishing a reliable and auditable digital voter register. Deployment of secure, audited electronic voting infrastructure.

Early publication of timelines and consistent electoral guidelines.

Equal access to NBAowned platforms for campaigns.

Creation of an independent Electoral Offences and Petitions Body.

The case has sparked concern in Nigeria, where incidents of cybercrime and fraud abroad continue to tarnish the country’s reputation. Analysts warn that while only a few individuals are involved in such crimes; their actions reinforce damaging stereotypes about Nigerians overseas. The FBI, the Department of Labour’s Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the fraud. U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon delivered the sentences, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, prosecuted the case.

Nigeria Deports 51 Foreigners Over Cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deported another batch of foreign nationals convicted for cybercrime and internet fraud, in a move the Agency says is aimed at protecting Nigeria’s digital space from international syndicates. According to a statement on Thursday, the EFCC confirmed that 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, were repatriated in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service.

The latest action brings the total number of deported convicts to 102, since the exercise began on August 15, 2025. Authorities say the repatriations will continue, in the coming days. The convicts were among 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos, during a sting operation based on intelligence reports. The syndicate they allegedly belong to, is described as one of the largest foreignled cybercrime networks operating in Nigeria.

The EFCC said the deportations underline its determination, to ensure Nigeria does not become a

safe haven for international criminals. “The successful conviction and repatriation of these individuals, sends a clear message: We will not tolerate the use of our nation’s digital space, for illicit activities that undermine our economy and national security”, the statement read.

Nigeria has been under global scrutiny for its battle against internet fraud, often linked to the infamous “Yahoo Yahoo” networks. Security experts say the involvement of foreign nationals shows how cybercrime in Nigeria has become increasingly transnational, requiring stronger border controls and intelligence sharing. The Commission gave assurance that more deportations are expected, as soon as investigations into other suspects conclude. Officials added that the crackdown will not only protect Nigeria’s image, but also d safeguard millions of young people whose online activities could be exploited by global criminal networks.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN

Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba

Federal Court of Canada's Judgement: Dampener for Nigerian Asylum Seekers

The furore created by the judgement of the Federal Court of Canada, labelling one of Nigeria’s main political parties, PdP, as an organisation whose members engage in subversive activities, will likely persist for a while. This is also because asylum seeking Nigerian, douglas egharevba, is one in thousands of Nigerian citizens that may be facing difficult circumstances such as deportation, as his application for asylum was denied simply based on his one-time membership of the PdP. did the Canadian Court go too far in characterising the PdP this way? Is it fair to render an individual who played no part in their political party’s violence or anti-democratic activities as inadmissible for asylum, when they weren’t directly involved in such activities? Is the Canadian judicial system inherently unfair and discriminatory, against Nigerian citizens? This and other related topics, are the focus of this edition as Ebunolu Adegboruwa, SAN; chukwuemeka Eze and Kingsley Jeruorobo critically examine the issues and likely implication for both countries

The Canadian Judgement and Lessons for Nigeria

Ebunolu Adegboruwa, SAN

- “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 2 Corinthians 13:8

- “Conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it.” Uthman dan Fodio

Introduction

In the infamous years of military rule in Nigeria, the best mode of receiving news about the true state of affairs in Nigeria was to tune to the British Broadcasting Service, Voice of America, or any other foreign media. There was a massive crackdown on the media in Nigeria, and it was no use listening to Government-owned media outlets. In many States of the Federation presently, litigants prefer to take their cases to Courts established by the Constitution for the Federal Government, where they have a choice between those courts and the ones established for the States. There is a reasonable link between these two experiences.

On June 17, 2025, a Federal Court in Canada delivered its decision in the case of Douglas Egharevba v The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

The Facts of the Case

The facts of the case as narrated in the said decision are that:

“The Applicant, Douglas Egharevba [Applicant], seeks judicial review of a decision by the Immigration Appeal Division [IAD] dated March 25, 2024 [Decision]. The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness [Minister] appealed the decision by the Immigration Division [ID] dated September 23,

“There is no greater terrorist, than the one who deliberately subverts the will of the people to impose his own will through violence, intimidation, subterfuge and thuggery. That is the crux of the decision of the Canadian court”

2020, which determined that the Applicant was not subject to inadmissibility under paragraphs 34(1)(b.1), 34(1)(c), and 34(1)(f) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, SC 2001, c 27 [IRPA]. The IAD reversed the ID’s decision and found that the evidence was established on reasonable grounds to believe that, pursuant to paragraph 34(1)(f) of the IRPA, the Applicant was a member of an organisation that engages, has engaged, or will engage in acts of subversion against a democratic government, institution or process as they are understood in Canada [subversion] as contemplated by paragraph 34(1)(b.1), and terrorism under paragraph 34(1)(c) of the IRPA. As a result, the Applicant was found to be inadmissible to Canada pursuant to Section 34 of the IRPA. For the reasons that follow, this application for judicial review is dismissed. I cannot conclude that the Decision is unreasonable.”

Failure of Governance

There are many issues thrown up by this case, ranging from failure of leadership, failure of governance and failure of citizenship. Today, many of our citizens are exiting their fatherland in droves, opting for menial jobs in foreign destinations, as a desperate means of survival. Under and by virtue of Section 14 of the Constitution, the priority of the Government should be the security and welfare of the people. Thus, the focal point of governance should be the safety, happiness and general well-being of the people. This will translate to the provision of durable infrastructure, initiating

policies that encourage direct foreign investments, and creating the enabling environment for local investors to thrive. In this regard, stable power supply is key to catapulting national economic growth, especially through the small-scale businesses, the production sector and indeed, the service providers. Anticipating commercial disputes resulting from the investments attracted, a judicial system that is independent and well funded, is instituted to resolve such disputes within a reasonable time. Public schools and hospitals are well funded, to render quality services to the general populace that may not have the financial muscle to attend the exclusive private entities established for profit. This is what is done, in the jurisdictions where Citizen Douglas Egharevba and many other Nigerians are trooping to. However, these countries are now initiating more restrictive policies and legislations to discourage the influx of Nigerians, and this will also reflect in the decisions handed down by their courts. For Nigeria, it is a case of failure of governance.

Failure of Leadership

The concept of democracy developed from the jurisdictions where Citizen Egharevba ran to, revolved around the people. From the period of independence till now, those who wield political power in Nigeria have not embraced the true tenets of democracy, in allowing the will of the people to prevail. The process of leadership recruitment, both internally within the political parties, and externally during the general elections, have all been about imposition. There is a godfather somewhere, whose wish and

Federal court of canada

Federal court of canada's Judgement: Dampener for Nigerian Asylum Seekers

will, must prevail over those of the people. Those in power exercise maximum control over the institution created to organise the election and through sheer manipulation, unbridled violence, intimidation, thuggery and vote-buying, it becomes impossible to determine the real winner of elections. They then dare you to go to court, knowing that the onus on the loser of any election is one of the most difficult ones to discharge in Nigeria. Citizen Egharevba inadvertently exposed the failure of leadership in Nigeria to the whole world, as captured in the Canadian Court judgement.

‘In the Decision, the IAD noted that there was no evidence or allegations that the Applicant had personally engaged in terrorism or subversion. However, the IAD found that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the PDP engaged in terrorism and subversion of democratic institutions. The IAD concluded that the PDP engaged in political violence and subversion, including ballot stuffing, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, violence, and murder of opposition supporters and candidates in the 2003 State elections and 2004 local elections [Elections]. The conduct of individuals who are members of the PDP, including high-ranking officials, and those who committed political violence and intimidation on their behalf, is too widespread and persistent over too great a period of time to dissociate the leadership of the party from their actions. The Applicant’s membership to the PDP was sufficient to link him to these acts for the purpose of inadmissibility under paragraph 34(1)(f) of the IRPA. The IAD also found that the leadership had a high degree of control over its members, as evidenced by the Applicant’s testimony before the IAD, that he left the PDP because the leadership imposed their own candidate overriding the decision of the Applicant’s local ward. The IAD declined to make a finding on whether the Applicant is also inadmissible for his membership in the APC, as the evidence on the PDP was sufficient and determinative.’

This case started in 2017, and dragged on till the final verdict was handed down in 2025. The jurisprudence of elections in Nigeria revolves around ‘substantial compliance’, focusing mostly on victory through majority of lawful votes secured at any electoral contest. Perhaps, the Canadian Court should have extended an invitation to the political parties concerned or representatives of the Nigerian Government, even as amicus, being part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The discretion is however, that of the presiding Judge and it will all depend on the facts and circumstances. The truth however, is that the facts presented before the court are those that we are all familiar with in Nigeria, but perhaps, not on such scale as to justify a blanket generalisation. The reports from some of the latest bye-elections conducted on August 16, 2025, all corroborate those alluded to in the Canadian Court case. It is a failure of leadership.

Failure of Citizenship

In many respects, Citizen Egharevba represents the failure of citizenship. It may be true that there is some degree of frustration in the land due to failure of governance and failure of leadership, but that cannot justify the desperation of many of our citizens. In this case, citizen Egharevba was an active member of the People’s Democratic Party from 1999 to 2006, when that party held sway in Nigeria. He most probably did not join that political party because of any ideology, but rather, to capture power and for as long as the PDP was in power, he remained with the party with all its atrocities and vices as reflected in the findings of the Court. As soon as PDP lost power to the APC, he jumped ship and joined the APC, which is not really a different entity from the PDP. “The Applicant submitted a Background Declaration Form stating that he was a member of the People's Democratic Party [PDP] of Nigeria from December 1999 until December 2007, and a member of the All People's Congress [APC] party of Nigeria from December 2007 until May 2017.” In the mind of Citizen Egharevba, as with many other Nigerians, the primary goal of these declarations was that it would help facilitate the process of seeking asylum, and run away from the crisis created by the failure of governance and of leadership. Here is a politician, who remained in politics for as long

as it favoured his political party, crossed over to another political party as soon as his party lost power, and when there was no other party to cross to, he decided to cross to another country, using his membership of these organisations, as the basis of his escape. The message from the Canadian Court to Citizen Egharevba is to join forces with other Nigerians, to hold our leaders accountable to our people. It is not so rosy for those who have decided to remain in Nigeria, but out of a sense of patriotism, knowing that they have no other country, they resolved to stand up to make it work for all.

Lessons for Nigeria and Political Leaders

From the responses of politicians to this judgement, many feel a sense of outrage that membership of a political party could turn them into terrorists, especially when they were not parties to the case. That is the law in Canada, just as there is a law in Nigeria that permits the Government to proscribe IPOB, the Shiites and other organisations that they deem as terrorists. There is no greater terrorist, than the one who deliberately subverts the will of the people to impose his own will through violence, intimidation, subterfuge and thuggery. That is the crux of the decision of the Canadian court. The important thing is to get the message from the foreign Court that our leaders should develop Nigeria, make the land conducive for all, and stop the mass exodus of our people to other nations. This message sank in very well, because it is coming from Canada. The Judge who decided this case will have no reason to fear, did not solicit or receive any gratification and will not be subject to any harassment or intimidation, by reason of the exercise of judicial authority. We all must continue to tell our leaders the bitter truth, even from the homeland. If we mean to practice democracy, then let us embrace the universal tenets of that laudable concept, including free, fair and credible elections.

Conclusion

Many months after the Canadian court judgement that was delivered in June 2025, Nigerian politicians were alleged to have still practised their ‘terrorism’ during the bye-elections that took place across the nation on August 16, 2025, which was characterised by widespread violence, death, ballot snatching and such other egregious electoral malpractices. There is need for proper orientation for all who aspire to positions of leadership through the ballot process, to follow the law, the guidelines developed by the electoral umpire and the rules and regulations of their political parties. After all, power belongs to

“Many PEPs, in their asylum applications, consider it beneficial to embellish their applications with a litany of their previous "enviable" positions, and linking their perceived persecution to their decision to seek an asylum. The current development demonstrates that, the approach is suffering a boomerang. The Canadian court’s approach emphasises that affiliation alone, may suffice to deny refugee status….. even without demonstrated personal involvement in the wrongdoing”

God, and no one should attain it through the blood of another.

Ebunolu Adegboruwa, SAN, Human Rights Advocate, Lagos

Declaration of PDP as Subversive Organisation by Canadian Federal Court

Legal and Political Implications

Chukwuemeka Eze

Introduction

link violent electoral practices to terrorism.

Antecedents of PDP and APC: Political Violence and Democratic Subversion in Nigeria

In a landmark decision delivered on June 17, 2025, the Federal Court of Canada upheld the Immigration Appeal Division's ruling that classified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a terrorist organisation. This ruling emerged from the asylum application of Douglas Egharevba, a former member of both parties, whose connection to the two political parties led to its denial, and imminent deportation from Canada.

The judgement marks a precedent, not only because it references political parties as terrorist entities, but also because it highlights the intersection between political violence in Nigeria and Canadian immigration law. This piece examines the background of the PDP and APC, the legal framework governing asylum and refugee status in Canada, and judicial precedents, such as Suresh v Canada [2002] SCC 1, and the broader implications for Nigeria and international refugee law.

Defining Terrorism: Legal and Contextual Perspectives

The term “terrorism” lacks a universally fixed definition, but generally encapsulates acts intended to intimidate populations for political purposes through violence or threats. The Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, 2001 ("IRPA") provides specific grounds for inadmissibility of asylum applications, on the grounds of terrorism in sections such as:

•Section 34(1)(b): Defines inadmissibility for engaging in the subversion by force of any government (including political violence or undemocratic interference); and

•Section 34(1)(f): Bars individuals affiliated with an organisation engaged in terrorist or subversive activity from entering or remaining in Canada.

Under Canada’s IRPA, “terrorist activity” includes violence or threats intended to intimidate the public or compel a government, aligning with internationally recognised definitions. Similarly, the Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention) Act, No. 10, 2011 (as amended), in its definition, sees terrorist acts as those intended to seriously intimidate a population with malice aforethought. This definition, from another perspective, can be extrapolated to

The PDP and APC have dominated Nigeria’s political landscape, since the end of military rule in 1999. Both parties have been repeatedly implicated in electoral manipulation, violent voter suppression, ballot stuffing, intimidation, and politically motivated killings, according to multiple reports documented by the Canadian court and global observers. The Canadian court’s ruling focused particularly on the PDP’s conduct during the 2003 State elections and 2004 local government polls, when the party allegedly orchestrated widespread voter intimidation and violence while benefiting from such tactics at the leadership level. The APC, the ruling party since 2015, is likewise noted for connections with violent actors.

International and Canadian Legal Framework Governing Asylum and Refugee Status

Canada is a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, which define who qualifies as a refugee and outline protections against persecution on grounds including political opinion. An applicant for refugee status starts his journey as an asylum seeker, upon entry into Canada. He might have entered through sponsorship by a group or self, or by referral by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Whichever way, the asylum seeker has to pass through procedures, to attain a refugee status.

Key provisions of the Refugee Convention include Article 2, which provides that refugees must abide by the laws of the host country; and Article 9, which allows State parties to the Convention to take provisional measures against asylum seekers or refugees, if essential national security interests are threatened. Canada’s IRPA incorporates these principles, setting out grounds for admissibility and exclusion, especially concerning individuals linked to terrorism or serious crimes.

Qualifications and Conditions for Asylum and Refugee Status in Canada

To qualify for asylum in Canada, applicants must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, beyond mere membership in a political party. With regard to Section 34(1)(f) of the IRPA, individuals affiliated with organisations engaged in terrorism or subversion of democratic processes can be deemed inadmissible, regardless of their personal involvement.

This approach reflects Canada’s commitment to national security, and its obligations under international law to exclude those who pose threats, as further reinforced by Supreme Court decision in Suresh v Canada (Supra).

Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and Asylum Applications

Politically exposed persons (PEPs), are individuals who have held prominent political positions or affiliations. They oftentimes face heightened scrutiny during asylum processes, especially where credible evidence links their parties or organisations to violence or terrorism. Many PEPs, in their asylum applications, consider it beneficial to embellish their applications with a litany of their previous "enviable" positions, and linking

Federal Court of Canada's Judgement: Dampener for Nigerian Asylum Seekers

their perceived persecution to their decision to seek an asylum. The current development demonstrates that, the approach is suffering a boomerang.

The Canadian court’s approach emphasises that affiliation alone may suffice to deny refugee status, if the party himself is directly or indirectly engaged in 'terrorism' or subversion activities, even without demonstrated personal involvement in the wrongdoing.

Judicial Precedent: Suresh v Canada [2002] SCC 1

In Suresh v Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada, considered the constitutional limits on deportation, where an individual’s risk of torture exists. The Appellant was a Sri Lankan who sought refugee status in Canada. In 1995, the Canadian government detained him and commenced deportation proceedings pursuant to Section 53(1) of the Immigration Act of Canada, 1985 on security grounds, based on the opinion of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service that he was a member and fundraiser for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, an organisation alleged to be engaged in terrorist activity in Sri Lanka, and whose members were also subject to torture in Sri Lanka.

The Federal Court, Trial Division, upheld as reasonable, the deportation certificate under Section 40.1 of the Immigration Act and, following a deportation hearing, an adjudicator held that the Appellant should be deported.

The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, after notifying the Appellant that she was considering issuing an opinion, declared him to be a danger to the security of Canada, issued such an opinion on the basis of an immigration officer’s memorandum and concluded that he should be deported.

The Appellant applied for judicial review, alleging that the Minister’s decision was unreasonable, and that the procedures under the Act were unfair. The Supreme Court held that the Act was constitutional.

While the case centred on human rights protections, it established that Canada could deny asylum to individuals associated with terrorist groups, balancing refugee protection with national security. Suresh affirmed that deportation or exclusion decisions must be reasonable, fair, and weigh individual risks carefully, but do not override security interests.

Case

Studies: Canada Federal Court’s Recent Decisions Involving Nigerian Politicians

The Case of Douglas Egharevba Egharevba, a long-standing member of the PDP (1999-2007) and later the APC (until 2017), arrived in Canada seeking asylum on grounds of political persecution. Canadian immigration officials rejected his claim, citing intelligence and international reports linking the PDP to widespread electoral violence, intimidation, and killings.

The Immigration Appeal Division found Egharevba inadmissible under IRPA Section 34(1)(f), given his party membership. Justice Phuong Ngo upheld this decision, emphasising that the structural violence of some political parties constituted terrorism. The court reasoned that Nigeria’s flawed elections still fall under democratic processes, and that subverting them through violence meets the legal threshold of terrorism and democratic subversion.

The court rejected Egharevba’s defence that political violence was endemic to all parties as “circular” and untenable, solidifying the decision to deny asylum and initiate deportation proceedings.

The Case of Adams O. Ayonote v Canada

Another case worthy of mention is that of Adams Omozakari Ayonote, a Nigerian politician affiliated with the PDP, whose asylum application was rejected in Canada in 2024. He claimed threats to his life from the ruling APC party, but the Refugee Protection Division found his evidence lacking in credibility and dismissed his claim.

Nigeria’s Response to the Canadian Court Decision

Nigeria hasissued a public notice, that lampoons the description of Nigeria’s political parties as ter-

rorist organisations. In the said public notice, Nigeria raised the issue of interference with its sovereignty. It is trite that customary international law recognises the doctrine of par in parem non habet imperium (meaning: a sovereign cannot exercise imperial rights over another sovereign). This doctrine has been codified under Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, which deals with non-interference in the affairs of a State party by another. Canada operates separation of powers. The decision was judicial, and not an executive decision of the Government of Canada. Thus, the decision ought to be understood within the context of immigration law, although there is a risk of escalation to other jurisdictions if not overturned.

Reactions in Nigeria, have been swift and polarised. The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised the judgement as unjustified and overly broad, arguing that political party membership should not equate to terrorism.

The APC’s National Secretary labelled the court “ignorant”, and dismissed the ruling as devoid of credibility or legal basis.

Media strategists and legal commentators have warned that the decision risks labelling mainstream political opposition as terrorists, blurring lines between legitimate political disagreement and criminal terrorism. Such a precedent threatens Nigeria’s democratic pluralism, and could chill political engagement domestically and among the diaspora.

At the diplomatic level, experts caution that the ruling may strain Canada-Nigeria relations, especially as it compounds other international criticisms over Nigeria’s electoral and human rights record.

Conclusion

The Canadian Federal Court’s decision represents a remarkable judicial acknowledgement of the systemic electoral violence and democratic subversion linked to Nigeria’s political parties, framed within Canada’s stringent immigration and refugee protection laws. By deeming the PDP a subversive organisation, the ruling asserts that political violence undermining democratic institutions equates to terrorism under Canadian law.

While this judicial stance aligns with international principles on asylum and national security, it inevitably raises concerns about collective guilt, the breadth of “terrorism” definitions, and the political ramifications internationally and domesti-

“Applying this standard means that, ordinary political participation could become a basis for Canadian inadmissibility….Nigeria is a country emerging from decades of military rule. Participation in major parties, is often the only route to political engagement or influence. If the Canadian inadmissibility regime effectively penalises such membership, it indirectly delegitimises political participation in Nigeria, with a potential to stunt democratic maturation, since majority of the populace hardly has meaningful alternative choices”

cally. Nigeria faces an urgent opportunity to address electoral violence substantively, to avoid diplomatic isolation and safeguard democratic norms.

Recommendations

Nigeria should begin to punish alleged offenders, for their election malfeasance. As long as we continue to bury election violence under the carpet, the international community will eventually teach us what we have refused to teach ourselves. When such happens, it will be preposterous for us to cry foul, and anchor our arguments on sovereignty. The following recommendations are suggested:

• Legal Appeals and Dialogue: Nigeria should consider filing an interested-party appeal in Canada’s Court of Appeal to clarify and contest the ruling’s scope, ensuring balanced judicial consideration.

• Electoral Reforms: Nigerian political parties and institutions must pursue deep reforms to eliminate violence, voter suppression, and intimidation to rebuild democratic legitimacy domestically and abroad.

• International Cooperation: Both Canada and Nigeria should engage diplomatically to bridge misunderstandings, and develop frameworks for managing political asylum cases involving complex political violence backgrounds.

• Clear Guidance on PEPs: Canada may refine policies distinguishing personal culpability from organisational association, to avoid broad blanket designations that could silence legitimate political dissenters.

• Public Awareness: Nigerians at home and abroad should be educated on the international implications of political affiliations related to violence, and the necessity of peaceful democratic participation.

Chukwuemeka Eze, former Lecturer on Diplomatic and Consular Relations Law, Nasarawa State University, Keffi

A Comparative Analysis of Egharevba v Canada (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness)

Kingsley Jesuorobo

Factual Background

According to Canadian court records, the Applicant, Douglas Egharevba, is a citizen of Nigeria. He entered Canada in September 2017 and made an inland refugee claim. He declared political party membership in Nigeria’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 1999–2007 and in the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2007–2017. He confirmed

these memberships, during an interview with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in September 2018. Initial Inadmissibility Finding (2019): A Canadian Immigration Officer found Egharevba inadmissible under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) Section 34(1)(f), linked to Section 34(1)(b.1) (subversion of a democratic institution) and Section 34(1)(c) (terrorism). The Officer’s reasoning was that his party membership linked him to organisations alleged to have engaged in political violence and electoral subversion. The Immigration Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (ID) (2020) disagreed, finding insufficient evidence that PDP or APC leadership intended or directed such acts, or that leadership had meaningful control over members. The ID concluded that, the Minister had not established inadmissibility. The Minister appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and provided additional evidence (2024). The IAD reversed the ID decision, holding that:

The PDP had long engaged in violence and subversion during Nigerian elections (2003 State elections, 2004 local elections).

• Impugned acts included ballot stuffing, box snatching, voter intimidation, and even murder of opponents.

• Such acts were widespread and persistent, making it impossible to dissociate the PDP leadership from them.

• Mr Egharevba’s membership in the PDP alone, was sufficient to trigger inadmissibility under Section 34(1)(f).

The IAD did not rule on APC membership, since the PDP finding was determinative. Mr Egharevba challenged the IAD decision at the Federal Court of Canada (Judicial Review) and the Court gave its decision in June 2025. Before the Federal Court, Mr Egharevba argued that he was only a low-level member with no personal involvement in violence. Justice Ngo held that membership itself is enough under the broad test in Canadian jurisprudence, and dismissed the application.

Contextual Analysis

Preamble

First off, there needs to be clinical contextualisation of the issues thrown up by the Egharevba case. From a Canadian jurisprudential perspective and its global impact premise, the ramifications of the case are seismic. It is a decision whose consequences are quite potentially expansive. In other words, by way of impact, at least within the Canadian legal landscape, the decision can ensnare all individuals with past or present connections to the PDP as being “inadmissible” to Canada. Globally, its ramifications cannot be underestimated either; given the tendencies of Western countries to draw from one another’s jurisprudence with respect to matters of this sort.

Porous Jurisprudential Regime and Democratic Impact in Nigeria

The Canadian Federal Court’s endorsement of the IAD’s approach under IRPA Section 34(1)(f), interpreted broadly to encompass mere membership in a political party alleged to have engaged in acts of subversion or terrorism, concretises a prejudicially

Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney

Federal court of canada's Judgement: Dampener for Nigerian Asylum Seekers

porous legal standard.

Low Threshold

The Canadian jurisprudence makes clear that no personal involvement, knowledge, or significant integration is required - the “membership” net is cast deliberately wide. The low threshold issue, is not new to the Canadian law. The Canadian Federal Court of Appeal (FCA) / Federal Court (FC) have dealt with the breadth of “membership” issues severally:

In Poshteh v Canada (MCI), 2005 FCA 85, [2005] 3 F.C.R. 487, the Federal Court of Appeal held that “membership” in an inadmissible organisation must receive a broad and unrestricted interpretation. According to the court, “Parliament intended the term "member", to be given an unrestricted and broad interpretation”.

In Kanagendren v Canada, 2015 FCA 86, [2016] 1 F.C.R. 401, the Federal Court of Appeal reaffirmed the wide net of Section 34(1)(f). In the words of the court “… nothing in paragraph 34(1) (f) requires or contemplates a complicity analysis in the context of membership. Nor does the text of this provision require a “member” to be a “true” member, who contributed significantly to the wrongful actions of the group. These concepts cannot be read into the language used by Parliament”.

In Lapaix v Canada, 2025 FC 111, the Federal Court emphasised that, even informal participation or support may suffice. The court cited a few authorities thus:

[55] In Mahjoub at paragraphs 92, 96–97, the FCA suggests that passive membership in a group could be insufficient to find someone inadmissible under paragraph 34(1)(f), but that participating in certain activities that support the objectives of the group could be enough (even if these acts are not violent in themselves), even without requiring evidence of an intention to contribute to the group or satisfying a specific mental element (Mahjoub at paras 93–94). Informal participation or support may therefore suffice, to support a finding of membership (Kanapathy v Canada (Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness), 2012 FC 459 at para 34).

[56] There is nothing in paragraph 34(1)(f) of the IRPA that requires “a ‘member’ to be a ‘true’ member who contributed significantly to the wrongful actions of the group” (Kanagendren at para 22). On the contrary, the requirements for finding membership in an organisation that engages in subversion within the meaning of paragraph 34(1)(f) are not stringent (Kanagendren at para 22; Mirmahaleh v Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2015 FC 1085 at para 10; Haqi v Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2014 FC 1167 at paras 36–37). There is no requirement for genuine or formal membership in an organisation, or a genuine or active participation in the acts of subversion committed by that organisation (Opu v Canada (Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness), 2022 FC 650 at para 100). Moreover, there is no requirement regarding the significance of one’s integration within the organisation (Poshteh at paras 30–31).

Indeed, in the Egharevba case, the court made it clear that at no stage was Mr Egharevba personally alleged to have committed violence. His inadmissibility rested entirely on his past membership in the PDP, which the IAD and Federal Court concluded was sufficient because of the evidence of the party’s violent history.

All of the foregoing shows how the mechanism of overbreadth operates: membership is interpreted in such a way that, it sweeps in ordinary and lowlevel members with no personal culpability. This jurisprudence reinforces a problematic precedent: a finding of “reasonable grounds” against a party’s conduct could place every member — past or present — in the same inadmissible category, regardless of whether they engaged in or condoned the acts, thereby, weaponising immigration law against mass segments of a democratic polity.

Democratic Chilling Effect

In Nigeria’s political reality, where the PDP and APC dominate political life, millions of citizens — from grassroots members to occasional volunteers — are technically “members” of these organisations.

Applying this standard means that, ordinary political participation could become a basis for Canadian inadmissibility. This calls for more clinical contextualisation of cases. Nigeria is a country emerging from decades of military rule. Participation in major parties, is often the only route to political engagement or influence. If the Canadian inadmissibility regime effectively penalises such membership, it indirectly delegitimises political participation in Nigeria, with a potential to stunt democratic maturation, since majority of the populace hardly has meaningful alternative choices. This may be risky to democratic consolidation, even as it tries to discourage acts that undermine democracy and democratic structures.

Scholars have argued that the exclusionary provisions contained in the Article 1F of the 1951 Refugee Convention ought to suffice, but Canada has consciously and deliberately cast a wider net of inadmissibility so as to have broader control of its immigration system:

International Journal of Refugee Law (2023) – Didem Dogar, The Inadmissibility Scheme

Replacing Article 1F Decisions in Canada, critiques how Canada’s inadmissibility regime has evolved to catch individuals without individualised culpability, replacing classic exclusion tests under the 1951 Refugee Convention with broad organisational bars.

Inconsistency in Canadian Application of Law

The decision exposes a policy contradiction.

On the exclusionary side, the IAD and the Federal Court accept that PDP’s alleged historical misconduct, makes all members potentially inadmissible.

On the inclusionary side, Canada routinely grants visas, study permits, and conference invitations to leaders and senior officers of these same parties — the very individuals with the greatest capacity to authorise or direct the misconduct cited.

This dichotomy suggests an incoherent enforcement pattern — a “reverse pyramid” of accountability — where the most powerful actors avoid inadmissibility findings, while lowlevel or peripheral members face the harshest consequences.

Such inconsistency undermines the principle of equal application of the law, and erodes the credibility of Canada’s security-based inadmissibility determinations. If leaders (arguably more complicit) are not targeted, the blanket application to mere members appears arbitrary and selectively enforced.

Discriminatory Application Against Nigerian

“If applied uniformly, the Court’s logic could bar large portions of citizenries in multiple countries. The selective operationalisation against Nigerians suggests either an unacknowledged policy bias, or a gap in consistent enforcement standards…. This makes the Egharevba decision a candidate for policy reconsideration, or for the articulation of clearer safeguards — such as requiring a demonstrable nexus between the individual’s membership role and the impugned acts….”

Nationals

While IRPA Section 34(1)(f) is facially neutral, in practice this jurisprudence risks operating in a disparate and discriminatory fashion. Many countries — including some close Canadian allies — have experienced electoral violence, voter intimidation, or irregularities (e.g. in parts of South Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe). Yet, citizens of those States are rarely subjected to such collective-membership inadmissibility findings, for belonging to a dominant political party.

The PDP/APC context is treated in a way that amplifies Nigeria’s political instability as a trigger for mass inadmissibility, but similar factual patterns elsewhere do not appear to yield equally sweeping consequences.

This produces a de facto nationality-based disproportionality — Nigerian nationals are more likely to be caught in the inadmissibility net for political membership, than similarly situated nationals from other jurisdictions.

If applied uniformly, the Court’s logic could bar large portions of citizenries in multiple countries. The selective operationalisation against Nigerians suggests either an unacknowledged policy bias, or a gap in consistent enforcement standards.

Compelling Insights

“Section 34(1)(f) – Gateway to Discrimination”

An advocacy site, Stop CBSA Egyptian Deportations, discusses Section 34(1)(f) as a pathway to systemic discrimination. In its analysis, it argues that the provision has been implemented without national and consistent oversight and functions as a gateway to discrimination—particularly against nationals of specific countries, including Egyptians, who may be disproportionately affected. Though this source does not mention Nigerians directly, it underscores how the regime risks arbitrarily targeting citizens of certain nations.

Broader Evidence of Discrimination in Canadian Immigration Policy

Other sources reveal national-origin-based disparities, in the Canadian immigration system. For instance, the Canadian Charter Rights Coalition (CCR) raised concerns that security certificate and interdiction policies have had a disproportionately adverse impact on Arabs and Muslims, including delays and outright denials of processing for people from these groups.

Likewise, a government report examining temporary migrant worker programmes acknowledged that certain immigration streams have historical roots in racist and discriminatory foundations, with lasting repercussions for migrants from the Global South. These programmes, the report suggests, continue to embody institutionalised biases—even if unintentional in present form.

Mechanisms of Disparate Impact: If IRPA’s membership-based inadmissibility is broadly applied, individuals from countries where dominant political parties are caught in the mix of the impugned acts may be disproportionately impacted. While defenders of such applications argue the law is neutral, these decisions may nonetheless result in disparate outcomes, especially when certain nationalities are more likely to belong to politically dominant parties involved in electoral violence or subversion.

There have also been Canadian Government

& Parliamentary Acknowledgements of Differential National Outcomes, with respect to the administration of Canada’s Immigration laws.

The Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, Report No. 8 (2022), reveals evidence that racial bias may affect visa officer decisions. The report cited concerns that racial bias influences immigration determinations, particularly affecting applicants from Africa.

The Briefings of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to Canadian Parliament (2022–23) documents that study-permit approval rates for African students, were significantly lower than for other regions. This demonstrates how immigration decision-making processes—even when facially neutral—produce disparate outcomes by nationality.

The IRCC Anti-Racism Strategy 2.0 (2021–24) contains acknowledgement that racism exists within IRCC operations; and agrees that reforms are needed. This shows the Federal Government itself, recognises that neutral systems can yield discriminatory outcomes.

The Supreme Court of Canada has also addressed issues of adverse-effects discrimination in the leading case of Fraser v Canada (Attorney General), 2020 SCC 28, [2020] 3 S.C.R. 282, where it ventilated the principle that a law that is facially neutral can violate Section 15 of the Charter if it has a disproportionate impact on a protected group, including national or ethnic origin. This case provides doctrinal foundation for the argument that a neutral IRPA provision (Section 34(1)(f)) can still operate in a discriminatory fashion, if its practical impact is disproportionately borne by Nigerians (or similarly situated nationals).

Conclusion

These authorities and references, when read together, establish that:

1. Canadian law recognises that facially neutral rules can have discriminatory effects (Fraser).

2. Section 34(1)(f) is interpreted broadly, catching low-level members with no culpability.

3. Civil-society and academic critiques, describe the provision as a gateway to discrimination.

4. Government and Parliamentary evidence, show real disparities in immigration outcomes for African nationals.

5. The Egharevba case exemplifies how this logic uniquely disadvantages Nigerians, given the structure of Nigeria’s political system.

6.Overbreadth in Canada’s “membership” jurisprudence, that risks chilling democratic participation in fragile democracies.

7.Policy inconsistency where leaders avoid sanction, while low-level members are excluded.

8.Potential nationality-based discrimination, as Nigerian political realities are treated more harshly than comparable situations elsewhere.

This makes the Egharevba decision a candidate for policy reconsideration, or for the articulation of clearer safeguards — such as requiring a demonstrable nexus between the individual’s membership role and the impugned acts — to prevent the law from functioning as an instrument of indiscriminate political disenfranchisement on the global stage.

Kingsley Jesuorobo, Principal Counsel , Kingsley Jesuorobo & Associates, Toronto, Canada

PDP National chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum

APc National chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda

Talking ConsTiTuTional demoCraCy

mike O zekh O me, san 0809 889 8888 sms

DSS Screening of SAN Applicants: An Egregious Overreach

Introduction

News that the Department of State Services (DSS) has recently become involved in determining the suitability or applicants for the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has been met with disbelief verging on horror - justifiably so. Yes, disbelief, because the eligibility criteria for the award of the rank and the rules for its actual conferment are clear and unambiguous: none of them even remotely suggests that applicants might constitute a security risk as to warrant the scrutiny of the Secret Police (which is what the DSS really is).

This is because the agency’s mandate, as spelt out in its enabling law (Section 3 of the National Security Agencies Act) is as brief as it is straightforward, and it is simply this:

“(a) The prevention and detection within Nigeria of any crime against the internal security of Nigeria and

“(b) The protection and preservation of all non-military classified matters concerning the internal security of Nigeria”.

Legal Practitioners Act

As for the Legal Practitioners Act, the relevant provision dealing with the award of ‘Silk’ (Section 5(2)) simply states that “a person shall not be conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria unless he has been qualified to practice as a legal practitioner for not less than ten years and has achieved distinction in the legal profession in such manner as the (Legal Practitioners Privileges) Committee may, from time to time, determine”.

This stipulation is backed by the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Award, (the latest iteration of which was released by the LPPC in 2022), simply states that, apart from being 10 years post-call, an applicant or candidate must provide and possess the following (as the case may be):

i. Evidence of judgements which he or she played a significant role as an advocate consisting of twenty final judgements of the high court, five in the Court of Appeal and four in the Supreme Court;

ii. He or she must be of good character and have no pending disciplinary complaint against him/her;

Additionally, he or she must possess:

a. High professional and personal integrity;

b. Sound knowledge of the law and excellent advocacy skills;

c. Demonstrate:

i. tangible contribution to the development of the law through written works, and/or lectures at national or international conferences;

ii. leadership qualities and loyalty to the legal profession including payment of practising fees and undertaking pro bono cases.

This is also applicable to Lawyers in the academia.

“….in

2022 Guidelines

Given the absence of the controversial provision in the LPA, the question is whether the 2022 Guidelines issued under the hand of the Chief Justice of Nigeria makes such a stipulation. The answer appears to be in the affirmative, as Section 23(2) thereof provides as follows:

“The list of candidates will also be sent to the ICPC, the EFCC and SSS for a confidential report to be issued within 21 days as to whether any of the shortlisted candidates is or has been the subject of any petition, investigation, prosecution or conviction”.

I believe that this is curious, if not outrightly problematic, because, to the extent that the Guidelines are in the nature of subsidiary legislation (or instruments), it is clear that they derive their validity from the main or principal statute. See GOVT. OF OYO STATE v FOLAYAN (1995) 8 NWLR Pt. 413 Pg. 292 @ 327; ISHOLA v AJIBOYE (1994) 6 NWLR Pt. 352 Pg. 506 @ 621.

Accordingly, the latter cannot be at odds with the former, and it must be in accordance with the authority or mandate conferred by the principal statute: OLANREWAJU v OYEYEMI (2001) 2 NWLR Pt. 699 Pg. 229 @ 255. In other words, a subsidiary legislation cannot contradict or over-ride the principal legislation: KENNEDY v INEC (2009) 1 NWLR Pt. 1123 Pg. 614 @ 64(CA).

It is also the law that, for a subsidiary legislation enacted by a multi-member body (such as the LPPC) to be validly

my humble view, the reported involvement of DSS in the SAN screening process is ultra vires that agency and is an erosion (if not quite abdication) of that function, which is statutorily the exclusive preserve or the LPPC”

enacted, it must be authenticated or bear the imprimatur of at least 2 members of such a body. See Section 27(2) of the Interpretation Act. That is the situation in this case - where the LPPC consists of 15 members (vide Section 5(3) of the LPA).

However, contrary to this provision, the 2022 Guidelines were endorsed by only the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria. This defect may, therefore, undermine its legitimacy and impinge on the validity of provisions of Section 23(2) of the Guidelines which contain the controversial prescription. I submit that this is all the more so because, given that they encroach on the presumption of innocence under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, they are required to be given “a strict construction in the same way as Penal Acts (and therefore) interpreted so as to respect such rights, and if there is any ambiguity, the construction which is in favour of the freedom of the individual should be adopted”: per Aniagolu, JSC, in AFOLABI v GOV. OF OYO STATE (1985) 2 NWLR Pt. 9 Pg. 734 @ 752H.

Since the principal object of statutory interpretation is to discover the intention of the law-maker, would it not be a stretch to presume that, in enacting Section 5(3) of the LPA, the National Assembly intended to share (or even outrightly cede) the vetting or screening process of candidates for SAN between the LPA and the three law enforcement agencies stipulated in Section 23(2) of the 2022 Guidelines as aforesaid. I humbly submit in the affirmative.

I believe that if that was the intention of the National Assembly, it would have expressly stated so. Accordingly, to the extent that the LPA is silent on what role, if any, which the said agencies (not just the SSS) should play in the process, the expresso unius est exclusio alterius principle of statutory interpretation applies

to negate any such presumptions. It may be observed, in passing, that even the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners is doubtful, given its flawed execution by only the former Attorney-General of the Federation, instead of at least two members of the General Council of the Bar as required by a community reading of Section 27(2) of the Interpretation Act and Section 1(2) of the Legal Practitioner’s Act. But, as I said, this is by the way.

Conclusion

A candidate or applicant for ‘Silk,’ in the absence of any credible or formal complaint against him or her (the provision for which exists in the Guidelines aforesaid), is presumed to be of good character. Even where such a complaint is made, once the candidate is able to defend his or her integrity to satisfaction of the LPPC, he or she is deemed to be a fit and proper person to be conferred with the rank - all other things being equal, of course.

Any other view would be an invitation to extend such scrutiny to every student for admission to Law School - if not the university itself, as, otherwise, what would be the basis or reason for restricting it to only SAN applicants? What is good for the Goose, should be sauce for the Gander.

It follows that, in my humble view, the reported involvement of DSS in the SAN screening process is ultra vires that agency and is an erosion (if not quite abdication) of that function, which is statutorily the exclusive preserve or the LPPC. This is unfortunate because, it is simply uncalled for, unjustifiable and cannot be rationalised by any standard or yardstick whatsoever. Suffice it to say that, the LPPC should scrap that practice forthwith, as it is an ill-wind that blows no one any good.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“We have to start grounding our policies in facts and recognise that, a strong economy is critical for funding progressive priorities.” (John Delaney)

PROF

L-R: Head of Technical Services Department, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), DCC Edith N. Eluka; Managing Director, Axxela Gas Distribution, Kehinde Alabi; Lagos Sector Commander, FRSC, Corps Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat; and Group Chief Executive Officer, Axxela, Timothy Ononiwu, during a courtesy visit by the Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC to Axxela’s head office in Lagos… recently

L-R: Convention Committee Secretary of the 29th edition of the 7 Day and Night Prayer Convention, Ori Oke Imuse lieri Olorun, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Imole Ayo Modern Church Circuit, Bariga, Lagos State, Pastor Adewale Giwa; member, Propher Seye Oyerale; Laader in Chare, Dr. Tolani Adewale; members, Convention Committee, Pastor Elijah Ajayi and Prophet, Segun Ayodele, at the 29th edition of the prayer convention in Ogun State... recently

L-R: New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Port Harcourt, Professor Chukwudi Onyeasor; Vice Chancellor, Uniport. Prof Owunari Georgewill; new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Uniport, Professor Rosemary Obaze Ogu; and new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), Uniport, Prof. Angela Frank Briggs, during the University of Port Harcourt Senate 488th Extraordinary Meeting, held on the university campus in Port Harcourt, River State… recently

L-R: Executive Director, African Centre, Juliet Ibakaku-Nwagwu; Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Ojai Ogbonnaya Orji;  Executive Director, African Network Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), David Ugolor; and Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Osasah Monday,  during the inception meeting on ‘Tracking Illicit Financial Flows in Nigeria Through Asset Recovery and Management’, in Abuja… recently

ADEBOYE

The Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Prof. Akanbi Mudashiru (middle) with camera flanked by photographers during the flag-off ceremony of activities carried out during the Lagos Street Photo Walk Nigeria, to celebrate the 2025 World Photography Day in Lagos… recently

The General Overseer of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor Elijah Oludele Abina, ministering to a crowd of participants during the 69th anniversary and 59th annual international convention of GOFAMINT at the International Gospel City on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogunmakin, Ogun State… recently

PHOTO: KINGSLEY

FEaturEs Lois Andrew Ihwo: Setting New Standards as Bold Entrepreneur, Passionate Humanitarian

From luxury kitchenware to elegant fragrances, Mrs. Lois Andrew Ihwo has carved a powerful space for herself as an entrepreneur and humanitarian. As the founder of Deeutensils and Deescent Global, Uzoma Mba writes that she has set new standards in Nigeria’s lifestyle sector while using her foundation to empower women, support widows, and transform lives across communities.

Mrs. Lois Andrew Ihwo, popularly known as Lola Andy, is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and the powerhouse behind two premium lifestyle brands, Deeutensils and Deescent Global.

Born in Bassa, Plateau State, the founder and CEO of Deeutensils & Deescent Global has become a trailblazer in Nigeria’s kitchenware and fragrance industries, setting new standards in luxury, functionality, and innovation.

With a background in Business Administration, Computer Science, and French, Mrs. Andrew blends business intelligence with creative flair. Her journey began with over a decade of public service at the Federal Ministry of Environment. In a bold move, she voluntarily retired to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship, launching Deeutensils more than 15 years ago.

Today, Deeutensils is one of Nigeria’s leading luxury kitchenware brands, with six vibrant branches in Abuja and a clientele that spans celebrities, chefs, and discerning homeowners. Known for exceptional quality and stylish design, the brand also provides professional training for both private and public kitchen managers, contributing to growth in the hospitality and culinary sectors.

She has also forged direct partnerships with reputable factories across Turkey, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Dubai, and India, sourcing her goods directly from the manufacturers. This strategy not only ensures the authenticity and exclusivity of Deeutensils’ product line but also allows for uniqueness and high-quality designs that cater to the discerning tastes of her clients.

Beyond sourcing, Lois Andrew Ihwo is deeply involved in product development, often conceptualising and producing her own designs to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of luxury and utility that define her brand.

Her meticulous attention to detail extends to marketing and customer service, fostering a strong, loyal customer base largely built on referrals, a testament to her commitment to satisfaction.

Deeutensils has also gone ahead to establish robust logistics networks within Nigeria, guaranteeing 24hour delivery, and offers efficient international shipping within five to seven working days, catering to a diverse global market. She is unwavering in her commitment

to maintaining high standards, consistently providing products of undeniable value and quality, even amidst dynamic market conditions.

In 2024, Mrs. Lois Andrew Ihwo expanded her vision with Deescent Global, a fragrance brand dedicated to enriching living and working spaces. From homes to hotels, offices to vehicles, Deescent Global offers elegant scents that transform everyday environments into memorable experiences.

Her work has earned widespread recognition, including the Abuja Female Entrepreneur of the Year (2024) and a spot among Nigeria’s Top 10 Female CEOs. With hundreds of thousands of followers across social media, Mrs. Andrew is not just building businesses, she’s inspiring a movement of excellence, creativity, and local pride with global appeal.

In the world of philanthropy, she has, through her non-

governmental organisation, Dee Ihwo Foundation, touched hundreds of lives in her home state of Plateau and the North Central region of the country.

The foundation has walked the talk in its advocacy for the improved welfare of women and children across communities in Nigeria by training women on how to start and grow their own businesses, in addition to giving them funding to commence the process.

Also, it is lending a hand to widows who are on its payroll as a means of supporting them to live a meaningful life. The organisation has also introduced a scholarship scheme, targeting young but vibrant schoolchildren from poor backgrounds.

In the course of its outreach, the foundation has also paid hospital bills for people, clothed others, visited orphanage homes, and visited persons living with disabilities with some relief materials. It has also supported

its long-serving staff with various incentives including cash rewards to boost their morale.

Mrs. Ihwo is indeed the embodiment of a woman with a heart of gold who has passionately impacted the lives of fellow women and children through different programmes of her organisation.

The young giant, whose height is yet to be determined in the kitchen utensils industry, has bagged national and international awards, some of which are: West African Youth Parliament (WAYP) Award as Icon of Youth Empowerment, The Top 10 Magazine Man of the Year and Excellence Awards 2024 as Abuja Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Plateau Man of the Year Awards as Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2024, 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa 2025 Edition as Most Notable Woman in Africa, AsianAfrican Chamber of Commerce & Industry Medal of Honor, African Brands Award 2024 as the Leading Most Trusted & Innovative Luxury Kitchen Utensils Sales Brand of the Year, National Youth for Women Empowerment and Education in Nigeria Resilience in Service Platinum Leadership Award of Excellence 2023 as “Icon of Women Development”, Northern Youth Initiative for Peace and Good Governance (NYIPGG) 2024 Arewa Kitchen Mastery Award as Best Provider of Superior Kitchen Utensils, and African Media Recognition as Trailblazer in Luxury Brand Entrepreneurship Award, Association of Nigerian Female Students Association (ANFS).

Others are: The Alpha Woman Conference 2024 “Empowerment Champion Award” as the Matron of ANFS FCT Chapter, Faculty of Management Sciences Students Association (FOMSSA) Jos Award of Excellence as the Business Brand of the Year 2024, Dominate Sales & Influence Program with Naija Brand Chick Business Growth Award for Consistent Growth in Business 2024, Rotary Club of Jos Central Award of Recognition 2022, Good UN International Organisation of UN Volunteers Medal Award as Global Peace Diplomat, Holy Kings Impacts Summit 2024 for Excellence Impact Service Award in Innovative Kitchen Utensils, and National Board of All State Choice Awards (NBASSCA) in Collaboration with (ASCA) for Entrepreneurs Award. She is happily married to her lovely husband, Mr. Andrew, a marriage blessed with two beautiful kids.

Ihwo

The Definition: Abuja’s Game-changer in Urban Living

Kofo Joseph

Anew icon now adorns the skyline of Abuja — and it isn’t just another high-rise. It’s a symbol of architectural ambition, lifestyle elevation, and cultural refinement. Welcome to The Definition — a premium serviced apartment complex that redefines what it means to live, work, and thrive in Africa’s fastest growing capital city.

Located in the highbrow heart of Abuja’s Central Business District, The Definition isn’t merely a structure. It’s an experience. A statement. A destination where luxury, productivity, wellness, and entertainment converge to offer a contemporary lifestyle that meets the needs of the world’s most discerning urbanites.

Where Form Meets Function

From the moment you set eyes on its forming elegant silhouette, it’s clear The Definition, is in a league of its own. The imposing façade reflects a fusion of global design influence and African modernism, while the interior spaces — curated with bespoke tasteful opulence — capture the soul of a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Every square metre has been purposefully designed for comfort and expression. Lavishly decorated living spaces flow into expansive and cultured walkways, inviting residents to soak in Abuja’s scenic cityscape or entertain guests in refined elegance.

As a flagship development by Gidanka, Nigeria's most trusted hospitality brand, The Definition builds on a legacy of excellence. Gidanka has long been synonymous with curated urban living, bringing together style, culture, and the intimacy of home. But with The Definition, the brand boldly steps into a new frontier — one that prioritises experience as much as aesthetics.

Beyond Residential: A Lifestyle Ecosystem

The Definition is more than a

premium address. It is a selfcontained world — a lifestyle hub meticulously designed to balance productivity with leisure, and indulgence with intentional wellness. What sets it apart is not just the quality of its apartments, but the sophistication of its shared spaces and amenities.

Seamlessly integrated with the pioneering The Uptown mall — Abuja’s first fully 24-hour lifestyle and shopping centre — residents enjoy direct access to premium conveniences around the clock. Whether it’s grabbing gourmet groceries at midnight, catching a movie in the in-house cinema, or hosting a business brunch at one of the fine dining outlets, the possibilities are curated for flexibility.

The onsite state-of-the-art fitness centre is a destination in itself. Outfitted with cutting-edge health and wellness equipment, the gym caters to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts — from cardio kings to yoga lovers — ensuring that no resident is left behind in their wellness journey.

There is also a full fledged health boulevard with nurses to attend to any emergencies; so also the biggest pharmacy in town and other lifestyle hubs encounsed within The Uptown, a co-located premium facility.

Spaces That Work For You

In an era where remote work and hybrid living dominate professional life, The Definition leads with vision. Its smart, fully-equipped co-working spaces offer more than just desks and sockets — they are productivity sanctuaries. With ergonomic design, ambient lighting, and next-gen connectivity, these workspaces are being built to inspire focus, foster creativity, and enhance digital collaboration. Need to meet, brainstorm, or

pitch? The complex features multiple sleek, high-tech meeting rooms, perfect for boardroom-level conversations or more intimate strategic sessions. Outfitted with modern audio-visual infrastructure, they serve as think tanks for business leaders, startups, and consultants.

Events, Elevated

Hosting an event at The Definition isn’t just about space — it’s about spectacle. The 800-seat ballroom co-located at The Uptown will be one of Abuja’s most sought-after event venues, perfect for weddings, corporate galas, and milestone celebrations. Its ultra-modern fittings and flexible configuration make it a blank canvas for dream occasions.

And then there’s the rooftop — the largest rooftop event space in Nigeria — offering breathtaking panoramic views of Abuja’s cityscape. Whether it’s an exclusive concert, a sundown wedding, or a private cocktail soirée, this openair venue combines elegance with edge, and provides unparalleled Instagrammable moments.

For the Body, Mind and Soul

Luxury without wellness is indulgence; The Definition chooses harmony. Residents enjoy access to indoor recreational sports — including a swimming pool, a professional-grade table tennis room sheltered from the elements — along with open-air jogging paths and relaxation zones that encourage mindfulness. Rest and entertainment are baked into the experience. With the cinema, entertainment lounges, and quiet zones within The Uptown mall, residents can switch off from work and switch into leisure without stepping outside their comfort zone. This attention to emotional and mental well-being reflects a lifestyle philosophy rooted

in balance.

Culinary Delights, Gourmet Moments

No premium lifestyle is complete without a taste for the exquisite. At The Definition, food is an art form. Residents will enjoy gourmet kitchens within their apartments or take a few steps to indulge in world-class culinary experiences — from continental brunches to intercontinental fine dining crafted by master chefs. Whether you’re a home cook or a food connoisseur, every bite is a celebration of flavour and finesse. There are seven restaurants, including the outdoor bukka where the best of amala and pounded yam will be served.

Why It Matters

Abuja is evolving. As the city grows into a pan-African capital of diplomacy, commerce, and culture, its spaces must reflect its ambition. The Definition isn’t just keeping up — it’s setting the pace.

For diplomats, business moguls, digital nomads, and families who demand nothing short of excellence, The Definition offers an urban lifestyle that is as dynamic as it is luxurious. It is a vision of the future, rooted in present-day sophistication.

Final Word

At The Definition, which is about 40 minutes to the airport and less than five minutes to the city centre, you're not just leasing a space. You're buying into an ecosystem of possibilities. You’re choosing a way of life where every detail — from the walls to the wellness — is designed to elevate. It is Abuja’s boldest reimagination of premium living, and for those ready to embrace a new age of home, work, and play — the future is already here in Wuye.

•Joseph is a media executive at Gidanka

www.thisdaylive.com

OLUKOYEDE’S FIGHT AGAINST ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES

LEWIS CHUKWUMA argues that the EFCC under Olukoyede is not a tool deployed by the government against its opponents

See page 21

HOW TO STAND TALL FOR AN INDEPENDENT BAR

A Bar and a legal profession that lacks independence cannot stand out nor stand tall, contends CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

See page 21

EDITORIAL

page 22

opinion@thisdaylive.com

The war in Ukraine is a cautionary tale about the fragility of global order and the danger of silencing dissent, argues PAT ONUKWULI

UKRAINE, RUSSIA, AND THE NEED FOR MULTIPOLARITY

War has always carried a strange allure for some confident leaders, a theatre of power where blood is the currency and glory the prize. From the annals of history, emperors and generals have often imagined war as the crucible through which their names are forged into immortality. Yet, as Walter Benjamin once warned, “There is no document of civilisation that is not at the same time a document of barbarism.”

From Thucydides’ chronicles of Athens to Hobbes’ warning in Leviathan that life in war is “nasty, brutish, and short,” war has been one of humanity’s most destructive equalisers, levelling societies by fire and ash. The tragedy unfolding in the Russia-Ukraine war fits into this paradox. A conflict that might have been avoided at the beginning, yet now consumes hundreds of thousands of lives and has destroyed billions in wealth and infrastructure.

It is not simply a European war, but a mirror of the world’s fragile order, an order fraying under the illusion of unipolar dominance. The Cold War’s bipolar balance, for all its flaws, provided checks that prevented the unrestrained absolutism now witnessed. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the West’s divided responses, and Donald Trump’s new attempts to broker peace all remind us of a simple but uncomfortable truth: the world is always safer when power is balanced between at least two poles, not hoarded in the hands of one.

At the heart of this war lies a geopolitical miscalculation. When Russia demanded binding guarantees that Ukraine would not be admitted into NATO, Western capitals refused. The demand was portrayed as blackmail rather than an existential security concern. Today, as former President Donald Trump openly declares that he does not envisage Ukraine ever becoming a NATO member, one wonders whether history might have unfolded differently had this assurance been given earlier. The absence of such guarantees not only deepened mistrust but also provided Moscow with the narrative of encirclement that justified its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Again, Trump’s recent attempts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine underscore the irony. He has positioned himself as a mediator, working toward a direct meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. Reports from his summit with Putin in Alaska suggest that Trump carried proposals which

favoured Russia’s insistence on territorial concessions. At the same time, the European Union raised concerns that such moves could entrench aggression rather than resolve it. It is the quintessential theatre of power politics: the strong dictating the terms, while smaller nations struggle for survival within frameworks designed by others.

This war connects with other flashpoints in the global order. The violence in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinians, and the shadow conflict between Israel and Iran, echo the same grammar of absolutism, the insistence of one party to impose a single narrative at the expense of others. Whether in international politics, national governance, or even local family meetings, authoritarianism breeds only resistance and bitterness. A one-party state that vilifies the opposition, or a community leader who brooks no dissent, mirrors the same instinct that drives nations to war: the refusal to accommodate plural voices. History consistently shows that peace built on domination is no peace at all, only the silence of the graveyard.

For Nigeria and West Africa, this conflict is not a distant theatre. The war has shaken global food supply chains, particularly the export of wheat and fertilisers that African economies depend on. Rising fuel prices and disrupted logistics have led to food inflation in Nigerian markets and increased insecurity in rural communities. Nigeria, already wrestling with insurgency and separatist tensions, has learned that in a world where great powers make transactional bargains, smaller states cannot rely solely on distant allies. Nigeria’s peace and survival depend on building resilient local economies, strengthening ECOWAS partnerships, and advancing inclusive governance at home.

Philosophically, the Russia–Ukraine

conflict resonates with Walter Scheidel’s concept in The Great Leveller, where he identifies war as one of the “four horsemen” that level societies through destruction and redistribution. The levelling power of war is never benign; it flattens not only inequality but also communities, livelihoods, and hope itself.

The lessons are profound. In a multipolar or even bipolar world, there exists a measure of checks and balances, where no single power can impose its diktat unchallenged. But in a unipolar environment, whether global or domestic, the temptation to impose harsh settlements becomes irresistible. That is why Nigeria must resist the drift toward absolutism in its own politics, where opposition voices are easily branded enemies of the state. Nigeria’s democracy, fragile as it is, can only mature if there is a conscious maintenance of the plural voices that make dialogue possible.

In the end, the war in Ukraine is not just about territory in Eastern Europe. It is a cautionary tale about the fragility of global order and the danger of silencing dissent. As Trump attempts to script himself into the role of peacemaker, the hope now is that lasting peace returns to Ukraine, not the brittle silence of surrender, but a settlement that recognises mutual security and spares further bloodshed; otherwise, humanity risks returning again and again to war, chasing illusions of glory but constantly dissolving into smouldering ruins and the haunting calm of emptiness. And as Europe grapples with its own anxieties about appeasement, the rest of the world must take stock.

Dr. Onukwuli, a legal scholar and public affairs analyst, writes from Bolton, UK. patonukwuli2003@yahoo.co.uk

LEWIS CHUKWUMA argues that the EFCC under Olukoyede is not a tool deployed by the

government against its opponents

OLUKOYEDE’S FIGHT AGAINST ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES

Clearly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pick, the fifth Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, whose appointment was subsequently confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on October 18, 2023, knew he wasn’t headed to a tea party as arrowhead of the nation’s lead anti-corruption agency. His compelling managerial and professional background essentially denied him any illusions as to what the appointment meant, assuming he nursed any. Succinctly stated, the Commission’s mission is “To eradicate economic and financial crimes through prevention, enforcement and coordination.” In appointing Olukoyede, Mr. President of course did not take the decision lightly given the overarching vision he had enunciated for a new Nigerian state.

Towards achieving the Commissions crucial mandate, President Tinubu gave Olukoyede the requisite free hand to do his job, the best way he understands it. The EFCC Czar who hit the ground running has brought an evangelical fervour to the fight against economic and financial crimes. Many may not know that he is, by the way, is a Pastor in a Pentecostal Church.

But then, it was Nuhu Ribadu, first head of EFCC and currently the National Security Adviser (NSA), who gave an inkling into what tackling corruption in Nigeria really meant when he famously said that, “When you Fight Corruption, it Fights Back.” Ribadu was absolutely correct.

Recently, it has been observed with great concern, the malicious attacks and deliberate efforts to blackmail the lead anti-corruption agency, EFCC, through sponsored influencers, incentivised opinion publications in some national dailies, online and electronic platforms, all targeted at discouraging anti-corruption efforts and shielding kleptocrats from thorough investigation. The pattern is clear: there is an unfolding plot of surreptitious moves to backpedal on the progress made by the EFCC, especially under the leadership of Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede.

It could be recalled that some reports had recently suggested that Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was allegedly pressured into signing a resignation letter by EFCC and DSS operatives. But the EFCC stated clearly that if there was such a development, it was not part of it. The presidency had also denied the allegations and affirmed that Ojulari, appointed in April 2025 to lead reforms within the organization remains the organization’s substantive head.

The controversy flowed from allegations surrounding a $21 million (N34.65 billion) corruption scandal. Civil society groups, including OilWatch Nigeria and

the Workers’ Rights Alliance, have called for Ojulari’s arrest and prosecution.

These groups referenced claims that Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a detained associate, allegedly confessed to holding the funds on Ojulari’s behalf. At a press conference on 31 July at EFCC headquarters, the coalition accused Ojulari of economic sabotage, citing the prolonged shutdown of Nigeria’s refineries and alleged plans to privatise NNPCL assets.

The coalition has launched a three-day protest, beginning 1 August, at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and EFCC offices, to press their demands. Additional allegations centre on a $21 million kickback scheme involving oil traders and pipeline contractors, reportedly uncovered after Ojulari reassigned fund collection responsibilities. This prompted a whistleblower to alert the EFCC, which subsequently froze the implicated account.

In May 2025, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had urged both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate claims that N500 billion was not remitted by NNPCL to the Federation Account between October and December 2024.

Of course, if there are established grounds to go after the head of any governmental organization, it is within the mandated purview of the EFCC to act. The current leadership of the Commission under Olukoyede brooks no breaches of its clearly stated mandate, no matter whose ox is gored.

So, it is with great concern that the increasing attacks and deliberate efforts to blackmail the lead anti-corruption agency, EFCC, should be resisted. If mere speculations that the EFCC is after its NNPCL top hierarchy had sparked a ridiculous, groundless fightback, endangering the extensive gains recorded by the EFCC in recent times, this must be appropriately countered and neutralised.

Today, the nation’s refineries are in tatters despite tales of multi-billion dollars TAMs. That should grip the attention of the top hierarchy of NNPCL, and certainly not spending energy funding ridiculous witch hunts.

Chukwuma writes from Abuja

A Bar and a legal profession that lacks independence cannot stand out nor stand tall, contends CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU

HOW TO STAND TALL FOR AN INDEPENDENT BAR

In 1981, Chief Gani Fawehinmi was already 16 years at the Nigerian Bar and one of its brightest stars. Already a breakout litigator, Gani had also become a pioneer in the enterprise of legal publishing. One decade earlier, he had served the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as its national publicity secretary. Among the lawyers of his or, in fact, any other generation active at the Bar, there were few who could claim to be more accomplished.

The hallmark of excellence in legal practice in Nigeria, the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was a mere six years old at the time. Then – as now – the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) was the statutory body established to consider and determine eligible applicants for the rank. As always, it was chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). By any measure, Gani Fawehinmi was more than eligible to take the rank in 1981.

Instead of sending him to the LPPC, however, then Attorney-General of the Federation, Richard Akinjide, a SAN since 1978 and eighth on the all-time list of SANs, sent Gani to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for the supposedly high professional crime daring to announce the existence of a path-breaking law reporting enterprise in which he was engaged. As the Attorney-General of the Federation, Akinjide happened to sit on the LPPC and was also the chair of the LPDC. Vocational or institutional independence for the legal profession was alien to this design.

The complaint against Gani seemed pre-determined. So, he sued. When Candide Ademola Johnson, Chief Judge of Lagos State, ruled in Gani’s favour at the first instance, Akinjide’s LPDC was unhappy. They appealed to the Federal Court of Appeal (as it was called then) and lost. An implacable LPDC appealed to the Supreme Court. Four years after Gani first sued, in July 1985, the Supreme Court tossed the appeal of Akinjide’s LPDC with a unanimous judgment in his favour.

With a case pending before the courts over the lawfulness of the plan by the legal establishment to throw the kitchen sink at him, Gani was frozen out of consideration for elevation to the rank of SAN. His credentials were irrelevant. Indeed, it was rumoured with more than a modest whiff of credibility that they did approach him with an offer to concede the legal proceedings in return for a favorable consideration for elevation to the rank. He reportedly declined. By the time the Supreme Court decided the case in July 1985, the cast of actors was different and the issues were about to get even more interesting. At the end of September 1983, Akinjide ceased to be Attorney-General of the Federation and, with that, also departed as the

chair of the LPDC. When the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in July 1985, the chair was Chike Offodile, then Attorney-General to military ruler, Muhammadu Buhari.

By then, Gani was already deep in another battle with the legal profession as to how to approach Gen. Buhari’s military and anti-corruption tribunals. The NBA asked lawyers to boycott them; Gani refused. The month after the Supreme Court rendered its judgment in his favour in 1985, the Buhari regime was overthrown.

Bola Ajibola, the new Attorney-General of the Federation, was the president of the Bar whose call on lawyers to boycott the military tribunals went unheeded by Gani. When Gani’s name came up the following year for consideration for the rank of SAN, it ended up in the bin. In September 2001, more than two decades after he emerged as perhaps the most eligible to take the rank, Nigeria’s legal and political establishments yielded ground and finally conceded the rank of SAN to Gani Fawehinmi.

Gani’s is the most obvious and most willful exclusion from the rank and for political reasons. He is by no means the only one. Former president of the NBA, Alao Aka Basorun and late lawyer to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Kanmi Isola Osobu, were two others probably passed over because of their ideological leanings. Political reasons similarly explain the reason why former Attorney-General of the Federation, Olu Onagoruwa, was passed over for the rank until 2014 when he was too unwell to attend the investiture.

Among the living, former AttorneyGeneral of Lagos and former Chair of the Body of Benchers, Hairat Balogun; Ayo Obe; and Jide Ogundipe are three examples of outstanding litigators whose exclusion from the rank casts aspersions on any claims to objectivity in the decision making process for its conferment.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu

Editor,

Editorial Page PETER

ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

UNLOCKING NIGERIA’S LAND POTENTIAL

An efficient land administration system will boost economic activities

Last week, the federal government vowed to unlock over $150 billion in dormant land capital nationwide to boost economic growth and improve living standards. Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa noted that billions of naira in potential internally generated revenue are untapped for state governments, and an estimated $300 billion in “dead capital” for the federal government, a term often used for property which is informally held, but not legally recognised, and cannot be exchanged for financial capital.

Undoubtedly, Nigeria has large stock of dormant assets which cannot be converted to economic capital. Some reports have estimated dead assets in trillions of dollars, especially residential real estate and agricultural land. A few years ago, PwC, one of the leading global professional services firms, estimated that Nigeria’s high value real estate market segment holds between $230 billion and $750 billions of value, while the middle market carries between $60 billion and $170 billion in value. But the current land administration system, according to the minister, is inefficient, with less than five per cent of land formally titled. The lack of recognition constraints economic activity, and limits access to credit for individuals and businesses. He said the government is committed to deploying standardised, interoperable Land Information Systems and Geographic Information Systems, strengthening state land agencies and registries, and increasing formal registration of land titles by at least 50 per cent within 10 years.

the country. Issues around proper land registration are complicated, making it difficult to ascertain proper land ownership. All these, according to PwC, “makes it difficult for banks to validate claims to land or for land occupants to use their land to create wealth.”

A digitised and efficient land administration systems, including comprehensive land titling and registration will increase transparency, and make it easier to formalise property rights

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

Beyond the foregoing, thousands of government-owned buildings across the country continue to lay waste even when they could be converted to profitable economic assets. The Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Ikoyi, Lagos recently expressed concerns about the deteriorating state of some national monuments and federal government’s property within the area, arguing that the lack of occupancy and regular maintenance are contributing to their rapid dilapidation. The guild cited the abandoned multi-storey Federal Secretariat Complex, Ikoyi, and the Ikoyi Towers, as public investments that are wasting. The Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers also estimates that there are at least 50,000 abandoned government projects, valued at N9.5 trillion. In Lagos alone, there are an estimated 2,000 abandoned buildings.

The country's informal economy, which accounts for about 65 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), poses some constraints. The land tenure system is still largely communal, and land ownership is still a stressful process. The Land Use Act, created to support fair access to land by establishing a certificate of occupancy system, has failed to establish a uniform land tenure system that governs ownership in

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

Many of these edifices, built over several decades are currently in disuse. Some of the buildings include the old National Assembly Complex at Tafawa Balewa Square, Independent Building, which housed the Defence Ministry and former Federal Ministry of Commerce at Tinubu Square, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Ministry of Education Building and the NITEL Building. Others are the former Supreme Court Building, former Navy Headquarters on the Marina, the NNPC Complex in Ikoyi, and the NITEL offices at Falomo and Iponri. Many of these buildings, which can be repurposed for other uses, are lying fallow, and have become more or less ‘dead capital’. But there is much to gain if the administration is committed to its avowal. A digitised and efficient land administration systems, including comprehensive land titling and registration will increase transparency, and make it easier to formalise property rights. These certainly will unlock significant capital and boost overall economic activity.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 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 (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

CURBING INCESSANT ROAD ACCIDENTS

Road traffic accidents have become one of the foremost public health and developmental challenges confronting Nigeria today. Statistics consistently show that road crashes remain among the leading causes of death in the country, particularly affecting citizens within the most productive age bracket. Yet, despite the magnitude of the problem and the heavy toll on lives and livelihoods, the issue has not been accorded the seriousness it deserves.

The causes of these incessant tragedies are well known. Nigeria’s deplorable road infrastructure, coupled with reckless driving behaviour, deliberate disobedience of traffic laws, poor vehicle maintenance, and the rising menace of heavy-duty trucks and petroleum tankers, has turned our highways into death traps. The repeated incidents of truck crashes and fuel tanker explosions, often resulting in scores of fatalities, underline the scale of the national tragedy. Sad-

ly, these losses are treated as routine occurrences rather than preventable disasters demanding urgent action.

It must be stated unequivocally that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as currently constituted, cannot shoulder this burden alone. The Corps is underfunded, underpowered, and overstretched. Most troubling is the fact that the FRSC does not have offices in all 774 Local Government Areas of the federation, a structural deficiency that severely limits its enforcement and response capacity. Without a deliberate effort to strengthen the Corps, the scourge of road crashes will persist unchecked.

What is required is a comprehensive reform that expands the FRSC’s presence to every local government, enhances its funding and logistics, and crucially, empowers it with the political and legal authority to decisively arrest and prosecute reckless drivers. These measures must be taken irrespective

of the influence of those involved, for the law must serve as a shield for the innocent and a deterrent to would-be offenders.

It is perplexing that while the aviation sector enjoys robust attention and stringent safety oversight, the road transport sector used daily by millions of Nigerians remains dangerously neglected. Aviation safety is essential, but it must be recognised that road accidents claim far more lives annually. The same rigor, investment, and seriousness devoted to air safety must be extended to our roads, for road accidents, like air crashes, are no respecter of persons.

Furthermore, state governments must not abdicate responsibility. States yet to establish road traffic management agencies should do so without delay, thereby complementing the efforts of the FRSC.

Tochukwu Obi, jimobi83@gmail.com

BUSINESS WORLD

RATES AS AT Augu ST 25, 2025

Discos Collect N182bn Revenue, Record

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) collected N182.11 billion in June 2025, out of the N237.85 billion billed to customers during the month, according to new performance data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory

Commission (NERC).

The figure translated to a collection efficiency of 76.57 per cent, a 3.40 percentage point improvement compared to May. However, the Discos recorded a revenue shortfall of N55.74 billion for the month under consideration.

The regulator’s fact sheet indicated that

while the companies made modest progress in billing and recovery efficiency, they continued to grapple with persistent revenue gaps that weakened the liquidity of the entire electricity market. While total revenue collected dipped by 4.94 per cent, total billings slumped by 9.16 per cent.

Benin Disco recorded

the highest billing efficiency at 96.46 per cent, while Ibadan and Eko followed with 88.41 and 87.93 per cent respectively. Yola, however, remained at the bottom with 60.86 per cent, underscoring the metering and operational challenges facing the company.

But in all, Eko emerged the top performer with

a collection efficiency of 87.40 per cent, with the Disco able to garner N33.18 billion out of the N37.97 billion it billed to customers. This was followed by Ikeja at 84.86 per cent. The firm collected 32.66 billion from the 40.70 billion it billed during the period.

In the same vein, Abuja with a collection efficiency of 83.06 per

cent, raked in N30.12 billion from the N36.27 billion it billed to its customers.

At the other end of the scale, Kano, Jos, and Kaduna struggled badly, with collection efficiencies of 54.66 per cent, 53.99 per cent, and 44.77 per cent respectively.

FG Suspends Issuance of Approvals for Shorelines Devt, Others

The federal government has suspended the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) and has placed a moratorium on all requests for the documentation on shorelines, coastal roads, island and lagoon developments.

A statement signed by the SurveyorGeneral of the

Federation, Abduganiyu Abdebomehin, noted that these actions followed the directive issued by President Bola Tinubu on July 30, 2025, regarding issues and approvals on all federal highways, shorelines, coastal roads, island and lagoon developments and federal legacy infrastructure.

“Henceforth, the federal government will enforce a moratorium on all requests for issuance

of documentation on shorelines, coastal roads, island and lagoon developments.

All approved, pending and intended requests for issuance of allocations and certificate of occupancy on Island and lagoon developments are hereby suspended, and must be submitted for proper survey coordination to the presidency, Office of the Surveyor General of the

Federation (OSGOF)”, it added.

In the same vein, it said that all developments encroaching on Right of Way (RoW) and developments conceived without proper survey coordination will be demolished to prevent distortion of the federal infrastructural master plan as determined by the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure Policy (NGDI).

“Henceforth, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is hereby advised to collate and submit all approvals granted to any individuals or corporate business entities to the Presidency, Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, and desist from issuing same subsequently,” the statement said.

Besides, the organisation advised

the general public to note that as the legally designated institution under the Survey Coordination Act, Cap S13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, OSGOF is responsible for the regulation, standardisation, and harmonisation of all survey activities across the country.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Ojulari: NNPC’s New Business Model Hinged on Value Creation, Efficiency

Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed the company’s strategic direction towards value creation, competitiveness and efficiency as the foundation of its new business model.

Ojulari made this

Operators Express Divergent Views on New Capital Base for Insurance Industry

Insurance sector operators have continued to express their divergent views on the recapitalisation effort which the industry regulator the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM) announced penultimate week.

While some see the capital increase as the ultimate solution to the industry’s problem, others said proper management of the huge capital by the operators was the key to

known while delivering a keynote address themed: “Building a Resilient Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria: Advancing HSE, ESG, Investors and Incremental Production,” at the just concluded 2025 Petroleum & Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS 2025) held in Abuja.

Speaking on NNPC’s transformation, Ojulari

underscored the company’s renewed focus on operational excellence and investor confidence, driven by the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and global market dynamics.

He explained that resilience for the Nigerian oil and gas sector must translate into concrete reforms across operations, governance, and partnerships, the

company said in a statement.

“With the PIA, we now have a framework to transform our investment climate. NNPC Limited is now operating under a new business model, focused on value creation, competitiveness, and efficiency. This includes restructuring joint ventures, monetising assets, and investing in critical infrastructure across the value chain,”

Ojulari reiterated.

The GCEO emphasised that beyond production volumes, the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry rests on strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, adding that global investors and communities alike now judge energy companies not only by what they produce but how responsibly they produce it. solving various problems of the industry.

The Executive Secretary the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr Tope Adaramola in an exclusive interview with THISDAY said the industry operators including NCRIB were very delighted that the key pillar of the Nigeria Insurance Industry Act2025 (NIIRA) has been endorsed and implemented adding that it would ensure financial soundness of the operators.

Renaissance Africa Energy Joins

International Oil, Gas Producers’ Body

Peter Uzoho

Independent petroleum producer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has become the third Nigerian company and the fourth in Africa to be welcomed into the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP).

Chief Executive Officer of

IOGP, Mr. Graham Henley announced this in London, according to a statement by the spokesperson of Renaissance, Mr. Michael Adande.

The global organisation of oil and gas companies and associations is engaged in sharing best practices and data on health, safety, environment and operations.

“I am delighted to

welcome Renaissance Africa Energy Company to IOGP. Having worked in Nigeria some years ago, I understand both their challenges but also the tremendous expertise and insights that they have to share. I look forward to welcoming Renaissance Africa Energy Company to our committees and subcommittees soon,”

Henley said. Speaking on Renaissance’s membership of the IOGP, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Tony Attah, said: “We are very glad to have become a member company of the IOGP, barely five months since we completed the acquisition of Shell shares in the defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Leasing in Nigeria: How LECON is Powering Business Growth through Asset Acquisition

The Business Financing Dilemma

In today’s Nigeria, businesses must constantly adapt to economic uncertainty, high inflation, and fluctuating interest rates. For many, the greatest hurdle is not vision or market opportunity but access to productive assets—the tools that drive growth.

Traditional asset acquisition, whether through outright purchase or costly bank loans, is increasingly out of reach. With lending rates ranging between 25 per cent and 35 per cent, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in particular are locked out of conventional financing.

This is why leasing has emerged as a game-changer. Rather than straining balance sheets with large upfront capital expenditure (CapEx), companies can now shift toward operational expenditure (OpEx), gaining the assets they need while conserving liquidity.

As the Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) notes, leasing has contributed an estimated N20.4 trillion to Nigeria’s economy over the last decade. In 2023 alone, lease volumes rose to N4.19 trillion, representing a nearly 29 per cent growth from the previous year. Globally, the industry is valued at $1.55 trillion, underscoring a universal shift: it’s no longer about owning everything—it’s about accessing what matters, when it matters.

UNDERstANDING LEAsING – BEyOND OwNERsHIP

At its core, leasing is a contractual agreement where a lessor provides an asset to a lessee for use over an agreed period, in exchange for periodic rental payments. Unlike traditional loans, leasing doesn’t burden companies with debt; instead, it transforms high upfront costs into predictable, manageable installments.

There are two main types:

1. Finance Lease – often used by companies that intend to acquire ownership eventually. Rentals are structured to cover the full value of the asset, and the lessee assumes maintenance responsibilities. At the end of the term, ownership typically transfers to the lessee.

2. Operating Lease – best suited for short-to-medium-term needs. Ownership remains with the lessor, who also manages maintenance, while the lessee enjoys full use of the asset without long-term obligations. For businesses, both options deliver the same core advantages:

a) Conservation of working capital

b) Flexible payment structures

c) Tax efficiency

d) Operational agility and easier technology upgrades For SMEs and startups, these benefits can mean the difference between stagnation and scaling.

LEAsING AND tHE NIGERIAN ECONOMy

The significance of leasing goes far beyond individual businesses. By unlocking access to productive assets, the sector is directly supporting national output, job creation, and industrial capacity.

Agriculture cooperatives use leased storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Manufacturers expand production lines without draining cash reserves. Hospitals acquire diagnostic equipment to improve service delivery. Logistics operators lease fleets to strengthen supply chains.

Every transaction fuels growth, strengthens the tax base, and supports Nigeria’s push for diversification away from oil dependence. In fact, international comparisons show that countries with thriving leasing sectors achieve faster capital formation and stronger enterprise resilience.

tHE LECON ADVANtAGE

At the forefront of Nigeria’s leasing revolution is LECON Finance Company Limited. Established in 1977 under the indigenization policy, LECON evolved from the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) into Nigeria’s premier leasing institution. It became the Leasing Company of Nigeria (LECON) in 1989, and in

2022, rebranded as LECON Finance Company Limited to reflect a broader mandate.

Today, as a subsidiary of the Bank of Industry (BOI), LECON combines decades of experience with developmental financing credibility. It is registered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a finance company and is a proud member of ELAN.

LECON stands out not just as a financier, but as a strategic partner to businesses. Its solutions are tailored to client realities, structured around cash-flow cycles, and supported by robust risk assessment frameworks.

The company’s sectoral priorities align with Nigeria’s growth agenda:

1. Mining & Solid Minerals

2. Food, Beverage & Agro-Processing

3. Climate & Renewable Energy

4. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

5. Telecommunications & ICT

6. Gender-Focused Enterprises

By concentrating on these areas, LECON ensures that leasing contributes to industrial development, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

wHy BUsINEssEs CHOOsE LECON

LECON’s reputation is built on four pillars:

NOTe: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Ebere Nwoji

Oluchi Chibuzor

Oyerinde: FG Should Create a System in Power Sector that Prioritise Industrial, Productive Sectors

The Director General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, in this interview speaks on Nigeria’s business environment and its impact on the economy. Dike Onwuamaeze presents the excerpts:

Three years have come and gone since you were appointed the director general of NECA. So far, what has your experience been like?

Imust say that it has been very challenging considering the kind of business that we do, which is advocating for enterprise sustainability in an environment with multi-dimensional challenges. It has been challenging in the context of the challenges orginised businesses are facing, which include seeing businesses closed down. It has been challenging advocating to those that have decided that they are not going to understand. It has been challenging trying to explain the nexus between sustainable enterprises and national growth to those that ordinarily should understand. It has been challenging but also rewarding in the context of the relationships we have built; the outcomes our team has been able to achieve for the organised private sector and also the leverage and impact we have made at the international level. So, it has been a mixed bag of positives and not so much of negatives.

What do you consider to be your most challenging exercise in these three years?

One of the most difficult ones was the negotiation of the national minimum national wage in 2023. The negotiation started at a time the economy was not in a very good state following the removal of petrol subsidy. In addition, workers’ disposable income has experienced a big dip while organised businesses were facing multi-dimensional challenges following the escalation in energy prices and other inputs. Well it was a difficult conversation but eventually we were able to come out with the new national minimum wage.

What is your view about the recently rebased economy by the National

Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which reported 18.3% GDP growth?

There will always be two contexts to statistics. The first context is what the real figures are saying, which to a large extent you cannot really contest. You will remember when the statistical model for calculating the unemployment rate was changed, there was an outcry but the reality is that the world has moved to that model of calculation. Has the NBS done its own work? Yes, it has done its work based on the parameters it used to do the calculations.

The reality for many households may be a different thing but the NBS is justified within the context of the parameters it needed to its own calculations. The average Nigerian and businessman are also justified to react within the context of their own realities. But the rebasing has helped us to put the economy in its proper perspective. From the rebasing we have come to realise that the service and retail sectors are actually playing very critical roles and that it is not all about oil and gas anymore.

The statistics also showed that the manufacturing sector has continued to shrink, which gives government the information it needs to know the sector to give more attention to. It gave us the opportunity to reassess the contributing capacity and potentials of various sectors of the economy to the GDP.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration started with the mantra that “subsidy is gone” and unification of foreign exchange. With benefit of hindsight what is your view about these decisions?

The first question is whether it was necessary for us to remove fuel subsidy? My answer is yes. Someone has to take the difficult

decision. So, President Tinubu’s administration did what a rational government should have done. We have printed money to defend the Naira but Tinubu said let the Naira finds its value. We were not producing anything. Manufacturing was almost in comatose. We are importing even the most ridiculous of things. So, it is not possible for the Naira to be N450/$. It was a false impression because we were not exporting. And we had the evil merchants that were round tripping the dollar. They will get the dollar at N450 from the central bank and cross the street to sell it at N700 to the BDCs. For now, we are allowing the Naira to find its true value and since April the Naira has been hovering around N1,500 to the dollar. It means that the Naira is finding its balance in the market. So, was it necessary to remove fuel subsidy at that point in time? Yes, it was absolutely necessary. Was it necessary to libralise the foreign exchange market so that market forces will determine the value of the Naira? Again, I think that it was necessary.

What is your view about the recently concluded tax reform exercise that led to the enactment of new tax laws?

The organised private sector (OPS) is still a member of the presidential committee on fiscal reform. And from our experience and cries over many years over multiplicity of taxes, we know that there are lots of positives from the exercise. The tax laws have been passed into law and the next thing is to step up awareness about these laws.

The OPS is open to that engagement and will help to drive the awareness across to the SMEs, organised businesses and workers to ensure that everyone is aligned with the scope of

these laws so that when the implementation starts in January the teething problems will be less. We are open to engage with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) so that the maximum benefits of these laws can be felt by the organised businesses and Nigerians as well.

There are claims that the tax laws did not grant exemptions to minimum wage earners. What is your view on this?

I think that it is not true. We must say that we have seen a lot of mischievous information regarding the tax reform laws. Before now there were pre-consultation copies of these laws. But between then and the time the laws were eventually enacted, a lot of concessions were given to an average worker, SMEs and businesses.

Everyone should take time to go through the gazette copies of these laws before commenting on them. You can hardly find a perfect law, which is why we have provisions for amendments. We will take a second look and make recommendations if there are needs to amend any part of the laws. But is it a good start? Yes, it is.

Anyone that is earning N840,000 per annum is already in the negative financially and coming to take income tax will be an overkill?

We should know that the minimum wage is the lowest wage below which no one should earn. The idea is to exempt everyone earning minimum wage and until we have a good grasp of the content of the tax laws, our comments can be mere conjectures. But we know definitely that there are a lot of relieves for low income earners and to a certain level even for high income earners. So it is not as bad as it used to be.

Oyerinde

Stockbrokers Advocate Urgent Reforms to Grow Nigeria’s $1trn Economy

Kayode Tokede

Stockbrokers, under the banner of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), have called on the federal government to initiate urgent economic reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian capital market as a key driver in achieving the country’s $1 trillion economy target.

In the communique after a one day workshop at the State House Conference Centre, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, themed: “Capital Formation in Nigeria: Empowering Industry, Institutions, and Markets to Drive a $1 Trillion Economy,” the Institute affirmed that while Nigeria’s ambition is achievable, it hinges on deliberate, coordinated actions to deepen capital

formation across sectors.

The workshop, which brought together, key policymakers, industry leaders, financial experts, and market stakeholders to chart a practical course toward achieving Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic aspiration, highlighted both the notable progress made by the Federal Government and the critical structural challenges that persist, including weak institutions, inconsistent policy frameworks, and underdeveloped financial markets remain major impediments to capital mobilisation.

The communique, jointly signed by the Institute’s 13th President and Chairman of the Council and Registrar and Chief Executive, Oluropo Dada and Ayorinde Adeonipekun respectively,

stated that: “The Federal Government must lead strategic coordination among market stakeholders to harmonise fiscal, trade, and monetary policies aimed at boosting investor confidence and attracting long-term capital.

“Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows remain volatile and below potential due to concerns around currency risk, regulatory unpredictability, and infrastructure gaps. Domestic capital mobilisation through pensions, insurance, and retail investor engagement remains underutilised for industrial financing. A vibrant capital market is essential to support industrialisation, infrastructure development, and inclusive economic growth.

FG Approves N1.5bn Support Fund for Ginger Farmers Across Nigeria

Arthur Eriye

The federal government has approved a N1.5 billion support initiative for ginger farmers nationwide, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving food security, and generating economic opportunities for the youth. This announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, during a televised

interview in Abuja. He clarified that this initiative is set to directly benefit approximately 500,000 young farmers, many of whom are already involved in ginger cultivation and agribusiness activities. He stated that this financial intervention is part of the administration’s comprehensive strategy to fortify Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, especially in crops where the nation holds a comparative advantage. Ginger, a significant export commodity for Nigeria, has received international acclaim for its quality and demand in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Nevertheless, farmers continue to face challenges such as limited access to financing, low yields, and insufficient processing infrastructure. The newly approved fund is anticipated to bridge these gaps by offering targeted financial assistance, enhancing farmers’ access to necessary inputs, and encouraging agribusiness investments.

GCS Launches Innovative Crypto Solution for Nigerians

Kayode Tokede

GCS, a revolutionising company transforming coal ash to high-quality products, have announced AshToken, a cryptocurrency ecosystem dedicated to supporting businesses, users across Nigeria and beyond.

The unveiling of this digital asset coincides with promising market trends.

According to May 2025 data from Statista Market Insights, Nigeria’s cryptocurrency user base

is projected to reach 28.69 million by 2026.

Speaking at the official launching ceremony in Lagos, CEO of ASH Token and GCS Fiber, Ato Andoh said that the traditional way of project financing has not been helpful to many, and his quest to find alternative solutions led him to crypto.

The ASH Token ecosystem, according to him, can be very helpful, not just to individuals and businesses but to Nations, to help them raise the capital

they need to carry out operations.

He added that crypto is a part of society’s fabric now, “Whether we choose to participate or not, it is not going anywhere and its going to impact us either as a bystander or an active participant and the earlier we get curious and do some research about it and get ourselves plugged into some worthwhile crypto projects like ASH Token, the better it will be for all of us,” Andoh stated.

MAGGI Celebrates Women, Culture, Community at August Meeting

MAGGI, the iconic seasoning brand from Nestlé, has once again reinforced its commitment to women and communities in Nigeria by sponsoring the 2025 August Meeting across five South-Eastern states. This year’s edition reached more than 8,100 women across 18 locations throughout August, providing nutrition education, culinary demonstrations, and engaging conversations on family well-being and economic empowerment.

Speaking at the event, MAGGI Category Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Funmi Osineye, said: “MAGGI has supported the August Meeting for several years, but this celebration comes at a time when women empowerment, food security, and community resilience

are more critical than ever. Beyond our products, this partnership allows us to provide women with fresh nutrition insights, new skills, and entrepreneurial support that strengthen families and uplift communities. This edition is not just about continuity, it is about honoring heritage and recognizing the women who shape our society every day.”

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic

Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Coronation Lists N8.79bn Series I Infrastructure Fund on NGX at N100

Kayode Tokede

The Coronation Infrastructure Fund (CIF), which made headlines earlier in 2024 for achieving the largest capital raise in a Series I issuance for an infrastructure fund in Nigeria, has officially

listed on the Main Board of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The N8.79 billion listing comprising 87.9 million units at N100 per unit positions the Coronation Infrastructure Fund (CIF) as a categorydefining product in Nigeria’s capital market.

For investors seeking long-term exposure to infrastructure-led growth, CIF offers a compelling and professionally managed platform.

Managed by Coronation Asset Management Ltd, a subsidiary of Coronation Group, the listing marks a significant product milestone in the evolution

of Nigeria’s alternative investment landscape.

With 87.9 million units listed at N100 per unit, CIF becomes an accessible, liquid product for investors eager to participate in Nigeria’s infrastructure revolution delivered through a platform that prioritises risk-

managed growth and real economic impact.

The Fund builds on Coronation’s product ethos: delivering solutions that are not just investable, but transformational.

The Chief Executive Officer, Coronation Asset Management, Mr. Aigbovbioise

Aig-Imoukhuede in a statement stated that, “At Coronation, our belief is simple—great products can shape economies. The Coronation Infrastructure Fund is one such product: rooted in deep market insight, backed by strong governance, and built to generate wealth sustainably.

QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF VOLUNTARY LOCAL REVIEW OF SDG...

L-R: Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs,) Mrs. Olusola Oyebode; Vice Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Olayinka Ogunleye; Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs, Mrs Kaphayeh Olayemi Sarumi; Executive Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Princess Samiat Abiola-Bada; and Alhaja Modupe Ogunbo-Alimi during the Qualitative Assessment of Voluntary Local Review of Sustainable Development Goal held at the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA in Lagos State ....weekend

Ex-AGF Aondoakaa Faults Supreme Court, Insists Cross River Remains Littoral State

Cites naval data confirming Cross River’s seaward access Says Tinubu can govern from anywhere Declares readiness for Benue governorship

Wale Igbintade

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has faulted the Supreme Court judgement that stripped Cross River State of oil-producing status after the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon.

Aondoakaa, who supervised the handover of Bakassi on August 14, 2008, argued that technical evidence available at the time showed Calabar retained access to the Atlantic Ocean.

He said the Umaru Yar’Adua administration relied on reports from the Navy, Surveyor- General, and international experts, which confirmed Cross River was not landlocked.

He explained, “The Navy strongly objected during the handover process, warning

that shutting Calabar off from the sea would cripple national security. Based on technical reports, we ensured Calabar remained a littoral state. That was why the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar was never relocated.”

Aondoakaa expressed shock

Oborevwori Receives NPA Board, Advises Resuscitation of Delta Ports

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has said the four Delta ports can contribute significantly to the local and national economies if they were resuscitated and made more viable by the federal government which has statutory rights to the nation’s seaports development.

The revitalization and dredging of the Warri, Koko, Sapele and Burutu ports will create jobs, develop

infrastructure, attract local and foreign investments, and boost national revenue and the economy generally, the governor said while pledging his administration’s willing- ness to collaborate with the federal government in that direction.

The governor, who spoke on Monday in Asaba when the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) led by its Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, paid him a courtesy call, stressed the seaports’ revival will surely unlock

the full economic potentials of Delta State as Nigeria’s maritime hub especially as the country strove to strengthen its economy beyond

Governoroil.Oborevwori said, “Delta State is strategically blessed with four ports. If these ports are revived, they will create massive employ- ment, stimulate trade, and strengthen the economy of Delta and Nigeria.

“It is often more impactful to modernize existing ports than to build new ones.”

While appreciating the

Ondo Inaugurates Committee on EU Deforestation-free Regulation Compliance

David in Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday inaugurated the Ondo State Strategic Committee for European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) Compliance, with a charge to stakeholders to work towards aligning the state’s cocoa sector with emerging global standards.

The ceremony in Akure, brought together stakeholders across the cocoa value chain, including farmers, exporters, processors, and commodity associations.

In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the inauguration as a milestone in ensuring that the state’s cocoa industry complies with the European Union’s regula-

tion, which prohibits the sale of cocoa, coffee, oil palm and other agricultural products linked to deforestation in its market.

The law is expected to come into force on December 30, 2025.

“Nigeria is the fourth-largest cocoa exporter in Africa, while Ondo State, the largest cocoaproducing state in Nigeria, accounts for about 40 percent of the national output.

modernization efforts of the NPA, the governor appealed for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and the rehabilitation of Warri and Koko port facilities, saying that such intervention needed to be prioritized.

Delta State was working in close collaboration with the federal government in tackling critical infrastructural challenges, he revealed.

that a later Supreme Court ruling in 2012 concluded otherwise, cutting Cross River off from the sea and ending its oil-producing status.

He stated, “If, indeed, Cross River had no access to the Atlantic, then the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar should have been shut down. But it remains there, operating as Nigeria’s frontline defence in the Gulf of Guinea. That tells you something is wrong with the basis of that decision.”

Aondoakaa maintained that Cross River, having borne the brunt of the Bakassi handover, was entitled to retain oil-producing recognition. He recalled that seabed minerals, hydrocarbons, and fisheries resources from the northern part of Bakassi were originally earmarked for the state.

Aondoakaa said, “Cross River ought to be an oil- producing state based on the demarcation we resolved. That was the equity we sought to achieve to mitigate their loss.

I don’t know what data was

National Assembly Clerk

Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, yesterday declared that Nigeria’s democracy has become firmly entrenched, noting the legislature has continued to grow stronger and more professional over the last 26 years.

Ogunlana, represented by Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Engineer Bashir Yero, made the remark at the induction ceremony of

785 newly recruited staff, held at the A-Class Event Centre in Abuja.

The new employees were recruited last December into Grade Levels 8 to 12.

According to him, the uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999 has not only erased the spectre of military intervention but has also provided the enabling environment for the legislature to consolidate its role as the bedrock of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said, “Our democracy

later presented to the Supreme Court, but it clearly was not the same as what guided our decision at the time.”

While stressing that he would not directly challenge the apex court, Aondoakaa insisted the issue should be revisited.

He said, “I cannot fault the Supreme Court in law, but I know the facts we had do not tally with the outcome. The issue should be revisited both to restore fairness to Cross River and to secure our maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Guinea.”

He disclosed that after the Bakassi handover, the govern- ment sought to compensate Cross River by expanding Nigeria’s continental shelf to 350 nautical miles.

As head of Nigeria’s del- egation to the UN in 2009, he said the country secured approval in principle from the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) after obtaining “no objection” assurances from neighbours.

has continued to stabilise, with no threat of military intervention, and the National Assembly as an institution has grown stronger, more profes- sional, and more responsive to the needs of the Nigerian people.”

He told the new staff that their entry into the service of the National Assembly came at an auspicious time when the legislature demands deep commitment, professionalism, and productivity from its workforce.

Fidelis

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

COURTESY VISIT TO UZODIMMA...

L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; and Sen. Jack Tilly-Gyado, when Akume and Tilly-Gyado paid a visit to the Governor at the Government House, Owerri, yesterday

ADC is ‘One Chance’ Party, Say PDP Govs

Dub it prodigal son Opposition party in comatose, declares APC

Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Governors of the Peoples Demo- cratic Party (PDP), yesterday, described the African Democratic Congress(ADC) as a one chance political vehicle.

The PDP governors further said as a prodigal child, that the ADC members were forgiven. Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the PDP as a party deeply in comatose and crippled by intractable crisis of its own making, fallen into ruins, and stood rejected by Nigerians.

The PDP governors had replied to the comments by the ADC that they were dancing on the graves of Nigerians killed due to high level insecurity in Zamfara State.

In a statement by the Director General of the PDP governors, Emmanuel Agbo, ‘’The ADC, having made a decision akin to entering a ‘One Chance vehicle’ is again reminded that, like the proverbial forgiving father to the prodigal son, the PDP still has our arms and doors widely open to them if they genuinely act remorsefully in repentance.’’

The PDP governors said it was

piqued by the attack by ADC with reference to its 2027/7th Meeting on Saturday, August 23 in Gusau, capital of Zamfara State.

‘’Ordinarily, we would not grant them the rare privilege of joining issues, but it is our sense of responsibility to correct the erroneous impression being forced down the sensibilities of the innocent Nigerian public that necessitates this response.

‘’Playing politics and trying to gain political capital with human lives isn’t our stock in trade as is characteristic of the ADC.

‘’The Zamfara Meeting was scheduled and not a spur of the moment thing. ADC should have done better by empathising through a visit to the affected states than playing to the gallery,’’ the PDP governors stated.

According to the PDP gover- nors, ‘’The meeting extensively deliberated on the state of the nation, the security situation amongst other critical issues of national interest and at the end of the day issued a communique’ that created time and space to comment on the state of insecurity and security reforms as follows;

“The Forum, particularly commends initiatives by the government of Zamfara State

Army Chief, Oluyede, Visits

Katsina over Recent Killings, Vows to Flush out Bandits

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has visited Katsina State over the recent killings and vowed to flush out bandits and other criminal elements terrorising the farming communities in the state.

Oluyede, who was in Katsina on operational visit, said the Nigerian Army was committed to ending banditry, insurgency and other criminalities bedevilling Katsina and other states in the North-west region.

In an audience with the acting Governor of the state, Hon. Faruk Lawal and top government officials at the Government House, yesterday, the army chief said he would end the security challenges “as soon as possible.”

He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to identifying and neutralising bandit kingpins responsible for widespread violence across Katsina and other Northern states for peace and development to thrive.

in significantly curbing insecurity within the state, but condemns the continued monstrous killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue States and other parts of the country and calls on the federal government to be more responsive to the lives and properties of the citizenry.”

The governors said, ‘’Since

their exit, the PDP has become much more formidable, and focused with clear determination to have our eyes on the ball.

‘’The ADC before now, with their inordinate sense of entitlement, constituted a huge clog to the wheel of national unity and‘’Theharmony.security situation in the

country was of grave concern to the PDP Governors that it took center stage in our deliberation and resolution as contained in the‘’Thatcommunique. the ADC couldn’t see that much, isn’t surprising as the prodigal son wasn’t known to have any pity on his father’s fortune.”

APC: PDP in Deep Comatose

In a related development, the APC has described the PDP as a party deeply in comatose and crippled by intractable crisis of its own making, fallen into ruins, and stood rejected by Nigerians.

Jon ATHA n, o b I E YE PDP AS PA r TY ’ S n EC Zon ES Pr ESIDE n CY T o Sou TH

well as Zamfara State, where excessive security agencies were deployed in the conduct of run-off election in only five Polling Units in Kaura Namoda South State Constituency.

‘’NEC declares that this action by the APC is a confirmation of APC’s desire to turn our country into a totalitarian One-Party State which is a clear and present danger to democracy and the corporate existence of our country.

“NEC reassures Nigerians of PDP’s commitment to Democracy and the defence of the interest and wellbeing of all citizens as we work hard to further reposition our Party to regain power in 2027.

‘’NEC adjourned and fixed its next (103rd) meeting to hold on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025’’, the communique stated Meanwhile, the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has raised the alarm that some of the aggrieved members of the party were trying to use some security officials to penetrate the leaders of the party for the purpose of stopping the national convention expected to hold on November 16.

Mohammed called on leaders of the party to be vigilant as some aggrieved members of the party are working desperately to scuttle the planned November 16 national convention in Ibadan.

According to him, ‘’Intelligence report says some aggrieved members of the party are working desperately working to penetrate the leadership of the party to scuttle the planned national convention ‘’.

He, however, assured them that the PDP would surmount all odds and navigate the party to a successful national convention and ensure Nigeria was rescued from grips of the APC.

‘’We are working very hard, to ensure that we make our party the darling of Nigerians, where we have shown resilience, capacity and, of course, unity between us.

‘’We are really navigating the temptations and also some of the challenges that most of you are aware, the challenges even within the National Working Committee, so that we can cautiously and cleverly navigate to convention.

‘’All the remaining issues of the various congresses have been resolved by the Working Committee with the help of the governors and other elders.

‘’Today, I would say that all the communication to INEC have been signed by our National Working Committee and that we don’t have any determining issue. So, we are navigating and we are working very well, and of course, we’ll do our best to ensure that this party remains united.”

Also, Damagum warned for the umpteenth time, that the party was bigger than any individual or individuals or factions plotting against the party. Damagum was confirmed as the substantive national chairman of the PDP. He replaced former national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who was suspended in May 2023. But a Benue High Court eventually sacked him in June 2023.

Accepting his new position,

he pledged to work honestly to improve and lift the party throughout his remaining tenure.

Damagum in an earlier ad- dress, said, ‘’No individual or individuals or faction is bigger than the party.”

In the same vein, the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees(BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, represented by the sec- retary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, called on the NEC meeting to tamper justice with mercy and accept defecting members back to the Almostparty. all the PDP governors were in attendance except governors of Plateau State who was in Brazil with President Bola Tinubu on a state visit, and the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, who hosted the meeting of the Nigeria Bar Association.

The next NEC meeting has been slated for October 15.

Wike Has Been Vindicated, Declares Aide

In a related development, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the FCT, Lere Olayinka, has said his principal, Nyesom Wike, has been vindicated by the decision of the PDP NEC to zone the presidency to the South, while retaining the National Chairman of the party in the North.

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister, Lere Olayinka, in a statement, described the party’s position as another clear vindication of the G-5’s position in 2022. Olayinka said: “Now, that the

party has realised its mistake of not listening to Wike and the G-5 in 2022, and have chosen to do what they said, three years after, have they not been vindicated now?

“Recall that the FCT Minister and the G-5 had insisted that the presidential candidate of the PDP and its National Chairman must not remain in the same zone, insisting that since Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, from the North had emerged as the presidential candidate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, also from the North must resign to pave the way for a National Chairman from the South.

“Ayu, however, insisted on not resigning, with Atiku and his group backing him. Aftermath of this was the electoral misfortune the party suffered in 2023, fol- lowed by instability after the elections.

“But today, the NEC resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket be zoned to the South. Has PDP not come back to eat its own vomit?”

He blasted PDP for refusing to abide by the truth, saying, “Wike simply said, take the chairmanship to the South if you want to gain the presidency, but they said no, they must take the two, and the PDP lost!

“They have realised the mistake they made in 2022 and are correcting it in 2025. But is it not too late already, bearing in mind that the only way the zoning can be justified is for the South to conclude its eight years, while the presidency returns to the North in 2031?”

In One Week, INEC’s Online Pre-registration Hits 1,379,342

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that the nationwide online pre-registration of voters, which commenced on Monday had hit 1,379 342 within one week. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam

“invest in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military innovation.” He called for collaboration with the private sector to achieve the goal.

According to the president, “Africa cannot remain merely a consumer of technology; we must be creators, innovators, and owners of the tools that secure our tomorrow.

“I, therefore, urge this summit to explore avenues for defence- industrial collaboration, research partnerships, and African-led solutions to African security challenges.

“In this journey, I call upon the organised private sector to be our ally, to invest in the future of defence as an investment in the survival of nations.”

He also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, stating that they must be honoured by “ensuring their legacy is enshrined in the institutions we build, the values we uphold, and the partnerships weEarlier,forge”.Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, who was represented by Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, said the summit hosted by Nigeria was historic and a bold statement of collective commitment of African nations towards ensuring a safer continent.

Abubakar acknowledged challenges across the world and emphasised the need for African-driven solutions. He also advocated strong partnerships in order to address the security challenges bedevilling the continent.

On his part, Deputy Secretary- General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, Amina Mohammed, stated that the gathering marked the birth of a new era in African security cooperation, necessitating a united approach to tackle emerging threats. She stated, “We cannot afford to be bystanders,” she stressed, while calling on military authorities to be proactive in view of new technologies explored by terrorPresidentgroups.” of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, represented by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador AbdelFatau Musah, said the inaugural defence summit aligned with the Nigeria-led continental initiative borne out of Tinubu’s security vision targeted at empowering the peace and security establishments in Nigeria for the benefit of the entire continent.

Mohammed said ECOWAS was delighted with the summit as stakeholders would examine the cardinal importance of regional cooperation in tackling insecurity, saying, “No region in Africa is spared from the scourge of insecurity.”

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, charged fellow chiefs of defence staff and heads of the armed forces of allied countries to lead the charge in organising forces and investing in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military technology.

Musa explained that without the aforementioned, it would

Ojulari stated this at the opening of the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference held in Abuja, where he main- tained that crude oil theft has continental and international dimensions and should be tackled holistically through collaboration and synergy among various military forma- tions across Africa.

He said: “Crude theft and its attendant illegal activities are by no means a purely localised occurrence; rather, these operations involve specialised international syndicates

Olumekun, in a statement,said physical registration kicked off today in 811 state and local government offices nationwide.

be difficult to achieve security.

“As host nation, Nigeria is deeply committed to the ideals of regional stability and continental defence integration,” Musa pledged.

In a goodwill message, former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, applauded Tinubu for facilitating the crucial summit, which, according to him, was connected to the positive impact of the Nigerian Armed Forces across the continent.

Gambari called for synergy in military coordination and intelligence sharing across

that take advantage of gaps within the state, national and continental security architecture to conduct illegal activities,” he said.

Ojulari, however, declared that crude theft and pipeline vandalism, especially within the oil-rich Niger Delta area of Nigeria, have been largely resolved because of the efforts of security agencies.

“Security forms a key pillar of the energy business and therefore plays a very important and strategic role in achieving national, regional

“As promised, the Commission is glad to publish the first weekly update of the exercise by providing details of the

the continent, maintaining that Africa must own and build its security architecture, to guarantee human and territorial security.

Group Chief Executive Of- ficer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Ojulari, said through coordinated efforts by security agencies, crude theft and pipeline vandalism, especially within the Niger Delta, had become old occurrences.

“We have seen the benefit of collaboration within the energy space, with significant improvement in our operating environment,” he added.

and continental energy security goals,” he said, noting that as head of the largest national oil company on the continent, “we have seen the benefit of the collaboration within the energy space, with significant improvement in our operating environment”.

The NNPC GCEO added: “The dilapidating impact of crude theft, low pipeline availability and attacks are issues that have become stories of the past for us. These have come from the immense and intentional efforts of our

registration by state, gender, age, occupation and disability.

“The breakdown of the online pre-registrations shows that 661,846 (47.96 per cent) are male and 717,856 (52.04 per cent) are female.”

Olumekun added that young people between the ages of 18 and 34 constitute the majority of the registrants with 860,286 (62.37 per cent).

He noted that in terms of occupation, 374,534 (27.15 per cent) were students while the figure for persons with disability was 27,089 (1.96 per cent).

Olumekun said the full details had been published on its website and other official platforms for public information.

“Meanwhile, physical registration kicks off today in our 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide.

government agencies across the nation and, in particular, within the Niger Delta.

“Today, I can proudly report to you all that our pipelines and terminals’ receipt of crude oil, which was somewhere as low as 20 per cent to 30 per cent, that we are attaining close to 100 per cent due to the support of the security forces and the intelligence agencies.”

Besides, Ojulari said con- tinental forums such as the gathering should be encouraged to strengthen strategic activities within the continent of Africa.

A plAque for MbAh...

President, Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN (left), presents a plaque to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the ongoing NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu, Thursday.

AT mAID e N Af RICAN CDS S U mm IT, T INUBU P USH e S f OR New Af RICAN Defe NC e D OCTRIN e

Right of R eply

KEPCO Vs. Ecobank & Ors: Onikepo Braithwaite Missed the Point

By ehimen oriaifo

In an article by Onikepo Braithwaite published in THISDAY newspaper on 19th August 2025 entitled, ‘KEPCO, Ogunba and Jankara Tactics’, the learned author pretended to have set out to wage a war against what she called ‘jankara tactics,’ but she ended up engaging in high level ‘jankara’ journalism.

In summary, Onikepo Braithwaite argued that Kunle Ogunba SAN “misrepresented” the judgement of a trial court in Suit No FHC/L/CS/1242/2025, Kepco vs Ecobank & 9 Ors, delivered by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, on 5/8/2025.

Making reference to some concerns expressed by one Mr Ola-Daniels, who wondered in a broadcast interview why Kunle Ogunba SAN would put up an advertisement as a Receiver Manager after a trial court’s “judgement”, Onikepo Braithwaite wrote: “This is a serious allegation against a Senior Advocate, that is, misrepresentation of facts in order to deceive the general public, and to possibly secure benefits for his clients and himself.”

She wrote further, “I was disappointed to discover that Ogunba, SAN, appears to have engaged in what we lawyers call ‘jankara tactics’ (in his advertisements) which simply means unethical or sharp practices.”

At this point, it is important to note that the substantive matter in issue here concerns Kepco Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (Kepco), and 10 banks who advanced a syndicated loan to Kepco, leading to ap- pointment of Ogunba SAN as Receiver Manager for the debtor company, Kepco. It is in this substantial matter that the ap- pointment of Ogunba SAN as Receiver Manager is in issue.

So, as Onikepo Braithwaite even admit- ted in her article, the substantial matter is not in issue now as it is still pending in court. What is in issue today seems to be whether the interlocutory ruling stops Ogunba SAN from being the Receiver Manager or whether it should stop him from performing his function as the Receiver Manager of Kepco?

So, anyone that understands this basic difference will appreciate the fact that attempts to lump up the issues in the substantial case with the ruling on the interlocutory matter in order to confuse undiscerning public and give Ogunba SAN a bad name is nothing short of jankara journalism.

Now, without allowing legal technicali- ties to further confuse readers, Ogunba SAN had stated that the court affirmed his appointment as Receiver Manager, but Braithwaite claimed this is deliberate misinterpretation of the judgement.

Onikepo Braithwaite presented a one- sided narrative in her article. This constitutes a significant breach of fundamental jour- nalistic ethics. Global journalistic standards, such as those upheld by organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists, emphasize the crucial principle of fairness and accuracy. A core tenet of this principle is giving subjects of negative or critical stories a chance to respond.

Onikepo Braithwaite had once written extensively on the importance of reliable data and building public trust. In her article titled “When Trust Is Everything,” she argues that a lack of trust in data undermines public

discourse and that credible information is the basis for good policymaking and media dissemination. It is therefore ironic and disappointing that an advocate for such principles would publish a one-sided story without seeking to verify the facts from all parties involved. By not contacting Ogunba SAN for his perspective, she undermined the very principles of accuracy and trust that she has promoted as essential for both the media and public discourse.

Furthermore, Onikepo Braithwaite, who accused Ogunba SAN of ‘jankara tactics’, in the article in question did admit thus: “in actual fact, the court was constrained by established judicial precedent not to be able to set aside his appointment by an interlocutory application in such circumstances, and did the next best thing that the law permits by restraining him from exercising the functions of a Receiver/ Manager, which was admitted by Ogunba, SAN in Ground 10 of his Notice of Appeal.”

Two key things can be taken by all concerned from this statement from Braithwaite:

1) The court acknowledged Ogunba SAN’s appointment as Receiver Manager of Kepco.

2) The court admitted it was constrained by established judicial precedent not to be able to set aside his appointment by an interlocutory application in such circumstances.

Also, as Braithwaite admitted in the same article, “on page 36 of the Composite Ruling, the court held that “Since there is evidence before the court that the Receiver/ Manager has been appointed, that act can no longer be restrained by the court”.

He added: “In Agwu & Ors v Julius Berger (Nig) Plc (2019) LPELR-47625(SC) per John Inyang Okoro, JSC, the Supreme Court held inter alia that “….in determining an interlocutory application pending the trial of the substantive case, care should be taken not to make pronouncements which may prejudice the trial of claims filed and still pending before the court. To do otherwise, is to prejudge the matter in respect of which evidence is yet to be led”. So, I contend herewith that Onikepo Braithwaite and any informed reader should note therefrom that this is the core of the issue under debate here.

The question should be, who is being economical with the truth here: Ogunba SAN or Braithwaite and others?

After a careful consideration of the the issues as provided in the judgement, the appeal processes, the articles amongst others, I am of the opinion that the matters to be determined include:

1. Did the court deny the appointment of Ogunba SAN as a Receiver Manager by the banks and for Kepco? The answer is no! The court in the refered judgment rather acknowledged him as the Receiver Manager of the said company.

2. If the court did not deny the fact of his being the subsisting Receiver Manager, why is Onikepo Braithwaite unfairly accusing the learned Silk of ‘deliberately misinterpreting the ruling of the court?

3. Did Ogunba SAN outreach his pow- ers as a Receiver Manager when he caused advertisement to be published in Thisday newspaper and others for proper recruitment that will lead to effective management of the company?

Again, the answer is no until a competent court says so. Everybody knows that if a competent court formally acknowledges in any ruling that someone is a Receiver Manager of a particular company, both justice and equity expect that person to remain so and to act as the Receiver Manager of the same company pending and until a court of competent jurisdiction gives a contrary ruling.

In the instant case, a contrary ruling has not been given. But according to Onikepo Braithwaite, the trial court’s acknowledge- ment of Ogunba SAN’s due appointment is contained in an interlocutory ruling of the court and not in the judgement of the substantive matter and for that reason, Ogunba SAN should not have acted based on the interlocutory ruling. He should instead wait for the final judgement after the full trial before doing his work.

By this warped argument, the writer insinuated that an interlocutory ruling of a competent court is not a proper ruling to be respected and obeyed.

It is hard to accept that this argument over whether or not Ogunba SAN should act as Receiver Manager is from a learned mind, except if it was just made to ridicule

Nigerian law and to misinform unlearned minds.

I say so because it is settled law that a competent court’s ruling in any matter, be it interlocutory or substantial, is law and must be obeyed. A case like Angelcom Resources Ltd. v. El Kabir Global Business Nigeria Ltd. (2021) for example shows how binding an interlocutory ruling is on parties in a case and on the court itself. In practice, this means that “a party affected by an interlocutory ruling cannot simply ignore it because they disagree with it. If a party believes a ruling is wrong, his avenue for relief is to appeal it to a higher court.” This is even more because the court itself is bound by its own rulings unless they are set aside by a higher court. The general rule here is that interlocutory rulings are “binding on the parties and the court that issued them unless set aside onThisappeal.” being the case, it smacks of mischief to attempt a deliberate mix-up that suggests that obedience of an interlocutory ruling should depend on the final judgement of a substantial matter that is still ongoing. Applied to the instant case, it means that it would be unlawful to suggest that Ogunba SAN should ignore acknowledgement of his appointment as Receiver Manager of Kepco in the interlocutory ruling and that he should wait until the determination of the substantial matter before doing his work. This is where Onikepo Braithwaite seems to have missed it. She possibly does not know how delicate and important the duty of Receiver Manager is for the protection of investors and the entire corporate world. What should interest wise interrogation is what constitutes the legitimate duties of a Receiver Manager and if the instant Receiver Manager is acting within the bounds of law?

Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, a Receiver Manager has the power “to take control of the company’s property, operate its business, sell assets, realize the security, and carry out all necessary actions to discharge their duties” for the benefit of the stakeholders. So, it can be seen that one of the least powers of a Receiver Manager is to exercise the powers needed to turn around a company in the situation Kepco has found itself.

The least the learned Silk should do in his capacity as the Receiver Manager is to begin by shopping for the right people who will assist him to handle the intricate affairs of the company at a time like this. This seems to be the exact thing Ogunba SAN did through the prompt publication of the said advertisement.

My advise therefore to Onikepo Braith- waite is that even the court shows full understanding of the importance and the need to protect a debtor company through appointment of competent Receiver Manager in the interest of investors and therefore said it cannot order in the interlocutory ruling that the learned Silk was not the Receiver Manager of the said company at the material time.

It is hard to understand why a learned author and public commentator will condemn a highly rated professional, in the person of Kunle Ogunba SAN, from diligently doing a job he was engaged to do?

T I nubu’ S Tr Avel S An D PDP b lue S another stop-over. Then he heads towards Brazil. I won’t be surprised if on his way back, he stops over in London and Paris before getting to Nigeria.”

“He is the President. I think we have to learn to stop treating him like the donkey. He means well. He is in Brazil, for example to sign MOUs, and to continue Nigeria-Brazil relations from where Obasanjo started 21 years ago.”

“Memoranda of Understanding. MOUs. I suspect there is no more space for MOUs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, We go about signing these things and when we get back, we just keep them in a wardrobe in the Ministry without anybody looking at them. We certainly need more seriousness in the conduct of foreign affairs. And please, Tinubu’s supporters should keep President Obasanjo’s name out of their mouths. Continue what. Have you not read the story in Leadership newspaper where it was reported that Obasanjo is due to release a book titled Nigeria: Past and Future where he says Buhari is the most incompetent leader to ever rule Nigeria, and that Tinubu is following closely behind?”

“OBJ said that?”

“Yes. The book promises to be a block- buster and a bombshell combined.”

“And who says OBJ is the only one that knows how to abuse Nigerian leaders. He cannot try that letter-writing trick with Jagaban oh. I know you consider him a hero. Please go and advise him. Asiwaju is not a man he can insult. He will write so long a letter and return-to-sender in multiple folds.”

“I think you and I are here. Let us wait for the drama. It is just about to unfold.”

“Asiwaju has enough capacity to stop the book from ever coming out.”

“That is tyranny. Obasanjo has every right under the Constitution to think as

he wishes and express himself freely.”

“This is how President Tinubu will mind his own business, and people will just go and start disturbing him. When he fights back now, people will say he wants to be the only one.”

“The last time I checked this is meant to be a democracy.”

“I know. Democracy. Look at where the same democracy has taken the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a party that ruled this country for 16 years but is now in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“That is very stale information. Have you not heard? PDP just left the ICU, and may well be on its way to full recovery. The party held a successful National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday where NEC approved the

Report of the National Convention Zoning Committee which recommends that the party’s present zoning formula should be retained, and that the Presidential candidate of the party for the 2027 General election should be zoned to the South. Meanwhile, Ambassador Umar Damagum has been confirmed as the substantive National Chairman of the Party.”

“Then, that is the triumph of Wike! Wike has been vindicated. He has always insisted that the Presidency must be zoned to the South and now the PDP has bowed to his will.”

“In your dreams! This is not in any way a triumph for Wike. He has just been outsmarted by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State. Wike does not want the

party’s November Convention. But there is nothing he can do, now that Damagum is a substantive Chairman, and by that fact, he can preside over a Convention of the Party. It is meant to be an elective Convention. Once it ends, Damagum loses his position. The Samuel Anyanwu problem is also resolved. Wike’s hand is removed from the party. And the road is clear for the party to have a strong candidate.”

“So, where will the next Chairman of the party come from?”

“North West, and certainly not anybody close to Wike.”

“I wonder why it is so difficult to run a political party in Nigeria.”

“The same way it is difficult to run anything that involves Nigerians. The Nigerian town in Japan you want to go to, I can bet that it won’t take long before you people take the Nigeria in you to Japan and the Japanese will want you out of their country”.

“Look at our AfroBasket Team, D’Tigers. They crashed out of the FIBA AfroBasketball last Wednesday in the quarter-finals having lost to Senegal, but they had to stay in Luanda till yesterday before they could leave. The players wanted their tickets changed so they could leave, but the Federation officials insisted everyone should stay till the end of the tournament. Two of the players had to buy their own tickets and return to the United States.”

“Estacode. Estacode. But are they back now?”

“I understand the rest of the team returned yesterday. Nicodemously, though.”

“Good for them. At least they saved Nigeria the trouble of having to give them $100, 000, a three-bedroom apartment and a national honour each if they had won.”

“You are not nice at all.”

“The truth is always bitter, my brother.”

Gombe Gov Signs Bill Establishing 13 Local Council Devt Areas

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has signed into law, the Local Council Development Areas (Creation & Administration)

Bill, establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to complement the existing 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

This was as he vowed to revolutionise local governance,

push development to underserved communities while giving six-month performance timeline for Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to deliver results

The newly created LCDAs, modeled after some examples in parts of the country, were drawn from the state constituencies, bringing the number of local administrative units in the state from 11 to 24.

Kano Govt Claims 6.5 Billion Naira Scandal Funds Spent on VIPs, Others; CSOs Under Threat

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano State Government has broken a two-day silence over the ₦6.5 billion allegation leveled against the Director General of Protocol, Government House, Abdullahi Rogo.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, stated that the funds were spent on VIPs for logistics, accommodation, welfare, and management of the governor’s itineraries within and outside the country.

This was as the League of Civil Society Organisations in the state has lamented that its members were under threats, intimidation, and harassment following their recent call for the suspension of those public officials in the Kano government accused

of corruption, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

But Bature has lamented that even though the case was currently under litigation at the High Court, the opposition parties in the state were working hard, to exaggerate the matter by misinforming the general public.

He clarified that the Directorate of Protocol not only handled critical responsibilities in Government House but also coordinated official engagements, state visits, receptions, ceremonial events, and logistics including handling honorariums and other interventions as well as special assignments.

“The Directorate of Protocol is equally entrusted to provide required logistics to VIPs and VVIPs, which include the presidency, ministers, foreign

aides, and other diplomatic visitors on official state visits to the governor.

“Expectedly, over 95 per cent of the responsibility of the Directorate of Protocol involves large volumes of financial transactions and more often than not, settles liabilities incurred on the state at the

instance of His Excellency.” the statement added.

The Director General of Protocol, Abdullahi Rogo, had allegedly returned the sum of N1,109,230,000 to the recovery account of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC).

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House, Governor Yahaya described the development as a bold, constitutional and people-driven reform designed to correct structural imbalances, expand governance frontiers and ensure equitable service delivery across the state.

He cited Section 4 (7) and Section 5 (2b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for the establishment of the LCDAs.

Yahaya emphasised that this landmark law fulfilled the state’s responsibility under Chapter II of the Constitution to promote the security, welfare, and democratic participation of all citizens.

“Our state has one of the smallest numbers of LGAs in the

country, despite our expansive landmass and rapidly growing population,” he said.“

This imbalance, he noted, has hindered development and weakened the presence of government in many rural communities, adding however, that with the new law, “We are correcting that historical anomaly.”

The governor, therefore, instructed all Local Governments and LCDAs to focus their operations on four core areas: security, basic education, primary healthcare and agriculture.

He gave a six-month performance timeline for Local Government Councils and the new LCDAs to begin delivering measurable results in these sectors.

ECOWAS Urged to Use Hausa Language for Commercial Activities

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Global Coordinator of World Hausa Day Celebration, Abdulbaqi Jari, has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to recognise and use Hausa language for commercial activities and social interactions in the region.

At a press conference ahead of the World Hausa Day

celebration, Jari said the use of Hausa language for trade and commerce would enhance the socio-economic activities and communication within the West African countries.

Scheduled for August 26, 2025 at the Emir of Daura Palace, the annual event aimed at promoting Hausa language, heritage and the far-reaching economic contributions of the renowned Hausa-speaking communities

in at least 25 countries.

Jari said the recognition of the African indigenous language for commercial activities in the ECOWAS countries would also boost the region’s social cohesion, promote linguistic and cultural independence for the African people.

He said: “We have seen African countries taking steps to recognize indigenous languages to give them direct support so

that they can use our languages for our self-pride and for our own communication.

“We believe that Hausa has been fit in those right categories for it to serve, not only in Nigeria, but even across ECOWAS countries because it has spread across West Africa for it to serve as a language that can be used between people to people for communication, trade, commerce and social interactions.”

President Bola Tinubu

‘Boniface Knee Injury Made Worse By Personal Training’

After AC Milan pulled out of plans to take Victor Boniface on a one year loan with possibility of making it permanent, top German publication, Kicker, has reported that abnormalities on the right knee of the Super Eagles striker as the major reason the Italian giants dumped the deal.

Boniface underwent series of tests at La Madonnina Clinic and Galeazzi Hospital in Milan last week. There were issues over his right knee (prior ACL injuries).

The publication stressed further that the problems of

Rasheedat Ajibade Switches to PSG

An official announcement of the transfer of Super Falcons and MVP of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Rasheedat Ajibade to PSG women’s team is imminent.

SCORENigeria reported that the Super Falcons Captain has agreed a contract for two years with an option for an additional year. It was further gathered that Ajibade has already started training with the French club. She will have Super Falcons forward Jennifer Echegini as teammate.

She has previously played in Norway and Spain.

the knee were made worse by personal training Boniface underwent during the holidays.

“The attacker’s right knee showed abnormalities during his fitness test in northern Italy. These were likely exacerbated by the individual training

programme the Nigerian international completed with a private trainer in the summer before the start of preseason,” Kickerreported.

It went further to state that Boniface who has already suf- fered two cruciate ligament

tears in his career, “had to repeatedly cut back since the start of training due to strain issues that the club never specified.”

Kickeralso reported that there is a little chance that Milan could still revisit the

transfer issue. “There’s apparently still a small loophole in the deal,” it reported.

“The Italians want to sign two attackers. With the first transfer, they want to play it absolutely certain that the candidate can help them immediately. “However, if other options don’t materialise for the second striker transfer, according to information from Italy, it’s not out of the question that Milan might revisit Boniface,” Kickerconcluded

Is Ademola Lookman Heading for Career Wilderness with Atalanta Stand-off?

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Unless something comes up that may cause Atalanta

to have a change of mind between now and when the summer transfer window will close on September 1, Ademola

Lookman may be heading for the wilderness of his career in TheItaly.Super Eagles forward

South African Envoy Insists World Cup Qualifier with Nigeria Not a ‘Do or Die’ Affair

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria scheduled for September 9, 2025 in Bloemfontein, Minister Plenipotentiary at the South African High Commission to Nigeria, Lindi Mminele, has said that “it is not a do or die affair” as there will be life after the match.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretariat in Abuja yesterday, Mminele said that Nigeria and South Africa share cordial bilateral relationships that extend beyond the round leather game.“Nigeria and South Africa have friendly and cordial relationships bilaterally, it’s also been attested by the bi-national commission we have between the two states. But when it comes

to the sporting world, I’d like to say, indeed it’s not a war, it’s just a friendly

competition that shows our competencies, it’s a win this time and a loss the other

Athletes

to

Arrive

Asaba

time and at the end of the day we’re still brothers and we have a relationship that extends beyond the game. Whether you win today or lose tomorrow, at the end of the day, we’re still going to shake hands,” she noted. Mminele was received by NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi (MON), alongside the Federation’s Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, Head of Protocol, Emmanuel Ayan- bunmi, and Protocol Officer, Prince Bamaiyi Usman.

who returned to Bergamo after weeks of absconding from the start of Atalanta’s preseason, is not part of the senior team and was not listed in Coach Juric’s opening match of the season against Pisa on Sunday. Atalanta drew the game 1-1 at home.

Atalanta Sporting Direftor, Tony D’Amico, has even made matter worse by stating that the UEFA Europa League winners will not evaluate the situation until after the summer transfer window is shut on September 1.

The implications of this is that, should no club outside of Italy is ready to meet up with Atalanta’s asking fee of €55million between now and next Monday, Lookman’s future looks bleak.

D’Amico didn’t mince words that Atalanta chiefs are pissed with how the transfer saga played out before Inter Milan pulled out of signing the 27-year-old Nigerian forward.

Even if Atalanta’s manage- ment accepts Lookman back to the first time, it remains to be seen how the club’s fans will respond to that.

Atalanta fans are so furious at Lookman with some even suggesting that it would be better for their team to be relegated to Serie B than to play the Super Eagles star.

This has led to his new nickname of Guipiman, a street cleaner.

Various banners by the fans have not hidden their disap- pointment towards Lookman for making the attempt to force his exit from Bergamo through this summer transfer.

The fans detest Lookman’s interest to transfer to their local rivals Inter Milan.

“The shirt must be honoured. Another piece of bullshit will not be tolerated,” warned the banner by the Curva Nord 1907fans, clearly referring to the transfer saga involving the Nigerian star.

Hamstring Injury Knocks off Saka for One Month

Bukayo Saka is set to miss Arsenal’s game at Liverpool on Sunday as well as England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia next month.

The 23-year-old went off with a hamstring injury in Saturday’s home 5-0 win against Leeds United and it is estimated the forward will be unavailable for up to four weeks.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is doubtful for the match at Anfield as a result of a shoulder injury suffered

in the victory against Leeds. Odegaard looked in pain as he was replaced in the first half of the 5-0 win and the former Real Madrid attacking midfielder is understood to have left Emirates Stadium with his shoulder in a sling. The Norway playmaker has not yet been ruled out of the game against the Premier League champions and there is optimism at Arsenal that neither the 26-year-old or Saka will be long-term casualties.

Today for 9th National Youth Games

commencement of the Games.

The Delegation Regristration Meetings (DRM) for the Games, which started on August 21 ended on Sunday, August 24 to pave the way for the

Athletes from different parts of the country are expected to arrive in Asaba, Delta State capital today for the 9th edition of the National Youth Games. This is the third consecutive time Delta is hosting the Games, after the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, hosted it five times. Ther maiden edition took place in Abuja.

According to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), today and tomorrow will be observed as arrival date for the event, while the opening ceremony will take place on Friday, August 29.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, is expected to declare the 9th NYG open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

Meanwhile, Team Delta delegation to the 2025 NYG was expected to be announced on Monday evening.

Team Delta, which has maintained its top position on the medals table since the commencent of the Games, went into closed camping since last week.

Ademola Lookman... Atalanta fate to be determined after the closure of summer transfer window

The South African envoy, Lindi Mminele (left) receiving a Super Falcons jersey from NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi in Abuja...yesterday

oLU oF WARRi 4Th CoRonATion AnniVERSARY...

David Lawrence

Managing

and

TUESDAY

WITH REUBEN ABATI

Tinubu’s Travels And PDP Blues

“Bros, how are you preparing for weekend?”

“Which weekend? Today is Tuesday, you are asking me about weekend. Have you taken something today? Weekend? How?”

“Just that in my own thinking, the way the country is today, someone has to always plan ahead. As I am now, I plan ahead. I calculate everything”

“Stop over-calculating. The sun will go down. It will rise tomorrow morning. And all of us will still be here.”

“Speak for yourself sir.”

“What do you mean speak for yourself? You have something against the sun rising and falling, the day going to bed and rising at dawn? Are you alright?”

“You have to speak for yourself, because what is uppermost in my mind right now is how to make the most of President Tinubu’s biggest gain from his trip to Japan to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama known as TIKAD 9.”

“So? He has left Japan. He went to the United States. Los Angeles. He has now been sighted in Brazil where he is said to be on a state visit. We all read that. So?”

“No. You did not read everything. He left something behind in Japan. The Japanese have now said that as part of the Japanese trip there is now a Nigerian city in Japan to which Nigerians can relocate, and live and work. It is called the city of Kisarazu, one hour away from Tokyo where everything is available as in a modern world.”

“What does that mean?”

“It is called cultural diplomacy. And don’t forget that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made the point that Japan is hav- ing population problems and that in the nearest future, Japan’s population may be halved. And now the same Minister gives us a whole city to which Nigerians can relocate. I have been having dreams. What exactly am I doing here? I can go and start afresh in Japan. I believe that nobody will miss me if I leave this country. Who is even aware that I am here? At least in Japan, I will be a celebrity. My colour will advertise me. Who knows? One Japanese girl may get so curious and decide to get

close, and we can start addressing Japan’s population problem together.”

“Please why are Nigerians so dumb? What is wrong with you people?”

“Nothing is wrong with anybody. Nigerians are very adventurous people. This was how one country advertised the other year and said anybody that can come there and marry their girls will receive monetary benefits. I was determined to go. You discouraged me. Why do you always like to kill my dreams?”

“There is a difference between dreams and delusion. You are delusional. Those countries, including Japan, are interested in highly skilled workers, productive human beings who can contribute to their economy, not liabilities who are looking for women to marry.”

“You always like to talk textbook, principles. As far as Japan is concerned right now, the highest skill in the world that can help the Japanese economy is any man who can help reflate the economy by producing children. Look at me. Every part of my body is loaded with children. I am a highly skilled worker, a population expert.”

“You are a highly skilled, unserious Nigerian.”

“Bros, with due respect…”

“Go ahead and insult me. When a Nigerian tells you with due respect, he actually wants to disrespect you, so don’t worry, speak…”

“What I am trying to say now is that someone like you now, you cannot fit into the Japan of the future, you will not survive in Kisarazu, you have been married twice, you have been divorced twice, Japan is looking for skillful Nigerians who will hold down their women and produce equally skillful Nigeria-Japanese children. I want to volunteer as an ambassador. I want to represent Nigeria…”

“I never heard the Japanese talking about all these things you are saying”

“I heard them. Sometimes, silences are better than spoken words. In fact, members of President Tinubu’s delegation reportedly visited Kisarazu to stake out the territory. If any one of them is missing when the President finally returns, we know where the search party should go.”

“You people just think everything is a joke in this country. No Nigerian needs a home town in Japan. That is the truth. You can’t even speak the language.”

“Love does not speak a particular lan- guage. Romance has no specific identity. It simply flows.”

“If the Japanese want to develop bilateral relations with Nigeria, let them come and invest in the Nigerian economy. They are contractors in this economy. Refineries, steel factories, NLNG, but they don’t have a proper factory here. I don’t even know of any Nigerian doing business in Japan. They are trying to cheat us again. What Nigeria needs is investment, jobs, not Japanese babies that will help Japan and put generations of Nigerian men in trouble. If you go to Japan now, what will happen to the young, poor girl who has been with you for the past five years, hoping that some good will come out of her effort.”

“It is all for national good. I am acting in the national interest.”

“In other words, your understanding of President Tinubu’s attendance at TICAD 9 in Japan is that Nigerian men can now go and marry Japanese women in Kisarazu.”

“Nigerian women can go too. But I think our women are too much for Japanese men. They cannot cope. For where? An elephant is not something a child plays with.”

“Your government went to Japan and could not even run a booth at the Trade Expo”

“I thought Mr. Bayo Onanuga already made it clear that we were not there for a Trade Expo. Nigeria went there to strike serious deals, hold serious conversations. Other countries went there to advertise Kente, Nigeria ended up with the citizenship of a whole city! You see the logic?”

“I do not see it. I ask for some seriousness in economic diplomacy. And this whole idea of African leaders rushing to France, Russia, China, Japan and the Middle East for this and that conference whenever they are summoned makes absolutely no sense to me. We do not attend these meetings on African terms. Our leaders lack the mental and technical capability to read the fine, small prints. The Asians, Americans and the Europeans understand this too well. So, their attitude is always patronizing, colonial and condescending. They donate some money and that is it. Japan is coming here to do mining. I am sure as contractors again, and you want to go there and help them build their population.

“PresidentHa!”Tinubu made it clear when he spoke that Africa needs partnership and co-operation, not aid.”

“Japan still offered $5.5 billion as aid. No African leader was bold enough to stand up and say No, Thank you. Are we on the same page?”

“Baba has even left Japan and their katikati. So, we don’t have to worry. He is now in Brazil.”

“After stopping over in Los Angeles. What exactly he went to pick up in Los Angeles, nobody knows”

“I guess he just needed to rest a little.”

“He left Nigeria for a two-nation trip: Japan and Brazil. To get to Japan, he spent time stopping over in Dubai. He leaves Japan, he goes to the United States for

President Bola Tinubu

L-R: Dr. Rex Idaminabo, Head of Strategic Partnership, Elevate Africa;

Rocker,

Partner, Rocker Group LLC; Chairman Robb Pitts, Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Georgia; His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri,

his wife, the Queen Consort of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III; Representative Kim Schofield, Georgia State Representative serving District 63; Council Woman Natasha Williams Brown, District 6 in the City of South Fulton; Andrew Long Ryan, Managing Partner of Ryan Law Partners LLP; and Mr. Daniel Ikuenobe, Chief Executive Officer, Elevate Africa, after His Majesty’s 4th Coronation Anniversary Thanksgiving in Warri, Delta State, yesterday