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Insecurity, Incompetence Threaten 2023 Election •Terrorists Daring Authorities •Emergency Rule Long Overdue In Kaduna •INEC Expresses Concern •Nigerians Frustrated Over Killings, Attacks

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Insecurity, Incompetence Threaten 2023 General Election •Terrorists Daring Authorities •Emergency Rule Long Overdue In Kaduna • INEC Expresses Concern •Nigerians Frustrated Over Killings, Attacks

BY AMOS ESELE AND MIKE JIMOH n early March, Nigerians got a cheery piece of news from Global Terrorism Index based in London, a monitoring team on the impact of terrorism in 164 countries. Previous ratings of Nigeria by GTI were decidedly dismal, maintaining the number six position with a red arrow facing upward signifying “negative increase.” Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Mali have occupied the top five unenviable positions along with Nigeria for years.

have a government in place, the major responsibility of that government, especially one that was democratically elected by the people, is to ensure the safety of the lives and properties of its innocent citizens.

But then, the good news came last March that Nigeria had dropped to sixth place with a green arrow pointing downward showing “positive decrease.” By end of March, though, it did not seem to be so any more as a daring terror squad blew up a Kaduna-bound train from Abuja, killed eight people, wounded many and kidnapped scores more. The attack took place at night and it just seemed as if the attackers were giving the lie to GTI’s recent rating of the impact of terrorism in the country.

“This is an elected government under a popular democracy, but we continue, day in day out…killings, massacre, banditry, armed robbery left, right, and centre. This is just a report of one local government area out of the 774 of the federation,” Ado Doguwa stated in an emotion-laden voice.

Everyone from market women to students, sundry professionals were enraged. It was worse with politicians, particularly those in the House of Representatives in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Not for the first time, the attack raised the hackles of the legislators, prompting some of them into making emotion-laden speeches. Understandably, the mood inside the House of Representatives was tense when they hastily convened an ad hoc session to discuss the latest tragedy on Thursday, March 31, 2022. The agenda of the day had been stepped down deliberately to ponder on the burning issue in the country and it was not time for any politicking. A member of the House, Shehu Balarabe, fired the first salvo with a motion of urgent public importance on the recent killings in Kaduna and supported by the Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa. “You can see how this chamber is thrown into disquiet and into an emotionally-disturbed manner. When you THEWILLNIGERIA

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“When things like this continue on a daily basis, those of us who are representatives of the government will become speechless. I have to repeat: we become speechless in the discharge of our duties here to defend actions by the government.

Lamenting that several parts of Kaduna State had been under attack despite the existence of several military and paramilitary institutions and bases in the state, he said: “The government, in this case, has to rise up to its responsibility and call a spade a spade.” Describing the situation at hand as an “institutional failure” and “regimented failure” on the part of the security agencies, Ado- Doguwa maintained: “We are here for the people; we must speak for the people. We cannot sit down here, fold our arms and watch the electorate – people who elected us into our respective offices – being killed by the day.” As if that was not enough, another member, Aminu Suleiman, warned that the situation “is going beyond the control of our security agencies,” adding, “This (is a) clear case of what I will call ineptitude – absolute ineptitude.” Nowhere is safe anymore because of the worsening insecurity, Suleiman insinuated: “I am beginning to interrogate the power of our resolutions here. We have passed several resolutions and we have lamented. Is there any way now that we can ensure enforcement of our resolutions? Can’t we as a House take more drastic actions?

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“If our resolutions cannot work, is it not possible to close this chamber and join ASUU and say we are not resuming here until the Commander-in-Chief (of the Armed Forces) performs his duty? I am not directly accusing him, but the buck stops at the table of the Commander-in-Chief. If there is success, he will be the first to take the glory. Now that there is complete failure, the Commander-in-Chief must take responsibility. “And we have powers to drive this process to ensure that Mr. President takes responsibility, otherwise it will be difficult for us to go back and speak to our people that we have debated on the floor of the House and we have passed resolutions. These are academics; our people are not used to these. You have passed resolutions; you have debated, what is the effect? Have these issues been arrested? Have they been overcome? “We must do something practical, dramatic and serious to show the government and the people that we are doing our best, otherwise when resolution starts some of the innocents may be the victims.” The situation was not in any way different at the Senate. THEWILL recalls that about a year ago, right on the floor of the Senate, the member representing Kogi West, Smart Adeyemi, could not hide his feelings as he spoke expressly about the worsening insecurity across the country in what he called a situation worse than a civil war. Asking the President to be honest enough to accept that he could no longer handle the situation, Adeyemi said that, as a matter of urgency, Nigeria should seek foreign assistance in tackling insecurity in the country. One year after his call, there is still no respite. The terrorists, which the federal government has consistently refused to treat as such, preferring to call them bandits and treating them with kid gloves, are becoming more daring. They have continued to unleash terror on innocent Nigerians, both the low and the mighty, leaving in their trail blood, sorrow and tears.

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COVER

Insecurity, Incompetence Threaten 2023 General Election REACTIONS TO ABUJA-KADUNA TRAIN ATTACK The Abuja – Kaduna train attack is the worst in the history of Nigeria less because of the number of those killed but more because of the sheer audacity of the criminals and the way it was carried out before the terrorists melted into the dark of night. Before then, there was a daring raid on Kaduna International Airport during which time they had a free run of the tarmac for well over 30 minutes and, in the process, detained an Azman aircraft readying for a flight to Lagos. As a coup de grace, they shot and killed a security guard as they were being repelled by the military. The attack on the Abuja - Kaduna railway line and the extent of the damage to public infrastructure has once again deepened the threat posed by insecurity to the 2023 general election. Apart from the late night bombing of the Abuja-Kaduna train last Monday, terrorists also surprised some communities in Kaduna and Abuja where a royal father was abducted. According to reports, the terrorists have since established control over seven out of 25 local government areas in Niger State, as well as many communities in the northwestern states of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara. North Central states of Benue and Plateau are still theatres of terrorist attacks. Surprisingly, there is some quiet in the long drawn insurgency in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, but sporadic attacks by ISWAP and Boko Haram still keep those states under tension. Tension mounts regularly in the southeastern states, with Imo as the epicenter of ‘unknown gunmen’ attacks, causing havoc and mayhem on an unprecedented scale. “The situation is quite appalling. It is pathetic that Nigeria has gradually become a country where human lives and properties are no longer secure. The situation has not been this bad. Nigerians can no longer move about freely due to the activities of terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, who have taken over the space and now making life uncomfortable and harsh for law abiding citizens. Nobody is safe. With what is happening in the country, ordinary Nigerians are getting scared. Nobody is sure what will happen in 2023 or before we get there,” said Chief Ebenezer Babatope, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in an interview with THEWILL. Besides the fear and uncertainty terrorism exacts on the people, it also shapes their opinions and trust for others, particularly those connected or identified with the terrorists in any way. AN INTERESTING STUDY In a 10-year study, entitled, ‘Democracy at Risk: How Terrorist Threats Affect the Public,’ two American professors of Political Science, Jennifer L. Merolla of the University of California, Riverside, and Elizabeth J. Zechmeister of Vanderbilt University, established the link between terrorism and elections. They identified at least three politically relevant ways terrorist threats are more prominent in the news. Two are relevant to the Nigerian context, since the third, which is that preference for “public opinion shifts in response to terrorism” is toward support for more hawkish policies in foreign affairs and homeland security, “even at the expense of civil liberties,” is less pronounced in the country’s politics. “First, when terrorists’ threats are pronounced, individuals become less trusting of others, even their own neighbours,” they said about their findings. In the Nigerian contest, this would play out with the association of the Fulani with terrorism. This has been increasing since the strong public opposition to the RUGA policy of the Federal Government in 2018, the farmer/herdsmen conflicts that have affected farming in many parts of the country and the threatening statements by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in support of herders, even though President Buhari, in an interview with Arise TV on June 9, 2021 disabused Nigerians of the view by stating, “Those with

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sophisticated weapons, with AK-47 rifles, are from the Sahel area. They are Fulani people from Mauritania and Central Africa Republic. They look the same, so they think they are Nigerians.” In spite of that Presidential clarification, the view has remained, reinforced by violent events, such as the last Abuja- Kaduna train attack, in which the attackers were mostly youths speaking Fulani and Hausa, according to accounts by some survivors. The second finding of the study is that, “terrorist threats help increase the public’s support for certain political leaders.” Again in the Nigerian context, the agitation for self-determination in the South-West and secession in the South-East led by Sunday Adeyemo, alias Sunday Igboho, and the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), respectively, is also anchored on the perception that the Fulani have monopolised the commanding heights of the country at the expense of other nationalities. Igboho has been declared wanted by the government, while the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has been arrested and is currently being prosecuted by the government for alleged acts of terrorism. They concluded: “Some of these reactions are natural reactions to concerns about terrorism, but our research suggests that some of the reactions may be driven more by fear than by reason.” While these fear-induced perceptions persist and pose a potential threat to the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general election, they are being fueled by the incompetence and inability of the Federal Government to tackle insecurity. INCOMPETENCE, INEPTITUDE FUELING INSECURITY The failure of the government to effectively tackle the worsening insecurity in the country was the import of the lamentation of the lawmakers in the lower chamber of the National Assembly last week. Added to that was the admission by the Nigeria Governors Forum that they have all failed Nigerians to whom they apologised profusely last week. “If you dissect Governor Nasri el-Rufai’s statement on the lack of action on the part of the country’s security outfits from the Army to the Police and the DSS, you will understand that he was indicting the Presidency. “The President is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and Section 281 (1) of the Constitution confers the appointment of the various heads of the armed forces, as well as the command and operational use of the same on the President. “Section 215 (1a) confers on the President the powers to appoint the Inspector- General of Police with advice of the Nigeria Police Council, whose role is advisory and can be jettisoned by the President. “Section 215 (2) gives control of the operational use of the police to the Federal Government. These provisions in the Constitution are similar to those in the Police Act, 2020. El-

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If you dissect Governor Nasri el-Rufai’s statement on the lack of action on the part of the country’s security outfits from the Army to the Police and the DSS, you will understand that he was indicting the Presidency

Rufai is a law graduate, even though he is yet to attend law school. So he knows what he was saying,” said Mr Mack Ogbamosa, a constitutional lawyer. INEC RAISES THE ALARM OVER WORSENING INSECURITY Only three weeks ago, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raised the alarm over the worsening insecurity in the country and its implications for the 2023 general election. Addressing a Town Hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, who was represented by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, noted that the increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country as a result of the growing insecurity will definitely pose a challenge to INEC in the conduct of the 2023 general election. KADUNA RIPE FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY For over four years now, Kaduna State has been a killing field, with violent attacks by terrorists claiming thousands of lives, particularly in Southern Kaduna where sectarian violence has deepened. Almost on a daily basis, reports of attacks in the state make newspaper headlines. Killing has become the norm, such that declaring a state of emergency in Kaduna may be the most feasible step to restore sanity and peace. Ironically, Kaduna is host to multiple elite military institutions - 1st Division of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Nigerian Defense Industry, Nigerian Airforce Training School, Nigerian Police College, Nigerian Navy School of Armament, Kachia, Nigerian Army School of Legal Services, Bassawa Zaria, the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia, the Nigerian Army School of Military Police, Army Operation Base, Southern Kaduna and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry. While reacting to the recent train attack, el-Rufai did, among other things, hint at the underlying Constitutional provision for the declaration of a state of emergency anywhere in the country. He said: “We are in a state of war. This place should be declared a war zone. The Army, Air Force, and the Police should go in there and kill them. Will there be innocent casualties? Yes! In every war situation, there are casualties.” He went on to express his frustration and helplessness, saying, “I’m angry, frustrated and feel totally helpless.” Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution permits the declaration of a state of emergency when it is evident that the country is in a state of war or in danger of invasion, provided that the intention to declare a state of emergency should first be published in a Federal Government Gazette. According to Ogbamosa, there is no doubt that Kaduna State, as the governor said, is in a state of war and therefore ripe for the declaration of a state of emergency. “But look at the political angle. We always politicise things in this country. If the government in power is of the same political party as the Federal Government, it will have the sympathy of the centre. If it is the opposition, it will say that it is being victimised. Yet, killings are going on everyday there and there is a breakdown of law and order. So what we are doing is more political than constitutional.” The President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, is however optimistic that if the Federal Government rises to the occasion, elections would be held. He told THEWILL: “We have never had any election without security challenges. The election must take place. Government must do everything possible security wise to ensure that the general election is successfully conducted.’’ THEWILLNIGERIA

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NEWS Benue PDP Zones 2023 Governorship Ticket To Vandeikya, Oturkpo FROM KAJO MARTINS, MAKURDI

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Temi Popoola; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Lamido Yuguda; Executive Commissioner, Operations, SEC, Mr. Dayo Obisan and Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities Clearing System Plc, Mr. Haruna JaloWaziri, at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), themed "Investments in Sustainable Innovation for a Thriving Future", in Dubai on March 30, 2022.

2023 Presidency: Northern Youths Endorse Emefiele, Support Power Shift to South BY FELIX IFIJEH coalition of youths under the aegis of the Northern Youth Forum (NYF), has endorsed the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, for the 2023 Presidency. The youths, who gathered in Sokoto for the endorsement, described Emefiele as a symbol of national unity. Addressing newsmen, spokesperson of the Forum, Aliyu Muhammad Sani, said the group was in the state for its continued consultations across the 19 Northern States and Abuja, to call on Emefiele to contest for president in the forthcoming 2023 general election. “The time and energy we are putting into moving from state to state in consulting with relevant stakeholders, who have shown us undiluted support and have voiced their hopes of seeing Dr Godwin Emefiele as President of the Federal Republic on Nigeria, has already reached a point of no return”, said Sani. He said, “Nigeria as a nation is being ruled by two blocks, North and South, for equity, justice, peace, tranquillity and brotherhood. This has kept the spirit of love, political participation and understanding among Nigerians, especially the elite on how power will be rotated evenly among the two blocks and who will get what, where and when. “Fellow compatriots, as the North is about to end its years, let’s continue with the sportsmanship and genuine understanding that comes with a power rotation in our dear county”, said Sani. The Forum also condemned moves by some Northerners to contest the 2023 presidency. According to Sani, such moves negate the patriotism embedded in power rotation between the North and the South. “Let’s be sincere, if we want Nigeria to continue existing as a single entity, all political parties as a matter of national urgency, should zone their presidential tickets to the south, because Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable, after all, what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

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“I called on youths not to allow the greed of the elite of this country prevail over them, and not to be used as political thugs. It’s time for the South to produce the next president, let’s support the best among the best from the southern part of this country, who will bring peace, progress and prosperity, a man who will fix all sectors to boost the economy of this country and compete with other stronger economies of the world such as China and Singapore.” “Dr Godwin Emefiele is credible, competent, and full of integrity, free of corruption scandals and has no dubious characteristics. This is why he worked with the previous government and the present, the first in history.” “As the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he has introduced initiatives targeted at strategically improving our economy. Some of these initiatives are: “Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading-Payment Assurance Facility, the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facility, to directly support enterprises with huge potential for job creation, conservation of foreign exchange. “Others are import substitution as well as ensure financial system stability, the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS); Youth Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (YEDP); The National Collateral Registry (NCR); and lately; The Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI); The Agri-Business/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) and the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP). “If he can introduce these initiatives as a Central Bank Governor, what do you think of him when he becomes president of this country, there will be rapid and constant development in all sectors with new and working ideas that will grow our country richer and economically stronger”, said Sani, adding that if the initiatives are not maintained, they will go down the drain, thus “we thought of him, and want him to contest.” THEWILLNIGERIA

PDP Presidential Primary: Bukola Saraki Engages Cross River Delegates FROM BASSEY ANIEKAN, CALABAR

head of the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, one of the aspirants and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has consulted with delegates of the PDP in Cross River State. The consultation took place under the auspices of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Contact and Advocacy Council led by its chairman, Prof Iyorwuese Hagher and the secretary, Dr Ahmadu Musa. Speaking in Calabar, Prof Hagher said that leadership was Nigeria’s greatest problem and the past seven years had been disastrous for the country. "The past seven years has been the worst disaster this country has gone through. We have been victims of broken promises and we have failed in all the things that would make us a great nation. "The biggest failure of Nigeria is in not providing the correct leadership that will harness the resources of the country for the betterment of the entire country. "Today we have less than 3 million Nigerians consuming 90 per cent of the country's revenue and we are the only country that has managed to waste $500 trillion dollars by successive administrations," he said Noting that the time had come for Nigerians to choose the right leader and Bukola Saraki fit the bill, he added, "Time has come to look among the contestants and pick one person who will pull the nation back from the abyss. "Zoning has been abused in the country and it is time to choose a president who is not a product of zoning. The PDP must get it right and we need someone who is a unifier." Hagher described Saraki as a bridge between the old and young and as president, all the ministries in the country would have a minister of state that will under 35 years. In his remark, the state chairman of the PDP, Venatius Ikem, said he was happy to welcome a team that encompassed knowledge, intelligence and capacity.

he Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has narrowed the race for its 2023 governorship ticket to Vandeikya and Oturkpo Local Government Areas of the state. At a special stakeholders meeting held at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, the party zoned the ticket in the Tiv-speaking areas to Vandaikya Local Government Area, having arrived at a consensus candidate in the Idoma-speaking areas in the person of the incumbent Deputy Governor of the state, Engr. Benson Abounu, from Oturkpo Local Government Area. Discussion at the meeting took place in the presence of Governor Samuel Ortom, the National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, Senator Gabriel Suswam and Board of Trustees member, Chief Margaret Icheen, as well as some members of the House of Representatives. A Special Ad-hoc Committee headed by the Deputy Chairman of the party in Benue, Isaac Mffo, received the mandate to deliberate on the zoning of the governorship ticket between the Kwande and Jechira intermediate areas, following which Jechira was favoured on grounds of equity, inclusiveness and fairness. The committee was also mandated to deliberate on the zoning of the ticket between Vandeikya and Konshisha Local Government Areas comprising the Jechira bloc, following which Vandeikya got the nod for the same reasons of equity, inclusiveness and fairness earlier adduced in favour of Jechira against Kwande. A statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Benue, Bemgba Iortyom, a copy of which was made available to THEWILL in Makurdi, explained that Thursday, April 7, 2022 was then chosen as the date for the adoption of a consensus candidate for the party's governorship ticket in the Tiv-speaking areas.

Kukururku Girl: Tales of my Childhood For Public Presentation

first novel by that title will be publicly presented at The Garden Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos on Saturday April 9, 2022. Onize Edith Aiyede is the author of Kukuruku Girl: Tales of My Childhood, a remarkable collection of stories of her formative years in Igarra in the northern part of Edo state. As the title suggests, the novel is about the author’s younger years in her natal town at the foot of the famous Kukuruku Hills from which the title is derived. A child rights advocate and gender equality campaigner, Ms. Aiyede is also a culture activist. Of course, she serves dollops of the culture of her town in the publication. Writing the Foreword, for instance, Edi Lawani, promoter and special events consultant, insists that “the essence of her cultural heritage pops out very strongly and this makes the collection of stories take on a historical dimension.” High-profile guests from academia, Igarra people in the diaspora and the entertainment industry are expected at the public presentation which will begin at 4pm.

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SHOTS OF THE WEEK Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, CMC Connect, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya; Chief Operating Officer, Soul Communications Limited, Mojisola Saka; Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa, Israel Jaiye Opayemi; Head of Brand and Barketing Communications, Wema Bank, Funmilayo Falola and Creative Director, Chain Reaction of Africa, Mr. Colin Morris at the 15th anniversary of Chain Reaction in Lagos on March 30, 2022.

L-R: Vice President, Konga Pay, Isa Aliyushata; Co- Chief Executive Officer, Konga, Nick Imudia; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Surendran Chemmenkotil and Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Godfrey Efeurhobo during the MoU signing ceremony between Airtel Nigeria and Konga in Lagos on March 31, 2022.

L-R: Rigional Manager, Robert Bosch Limited, Mr. Magdy Shohdy Shenoda; Key Account/ Sales, Robert Bosch L-R: Director General, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun State, Olakunle Amoo; Executive Secretary, Limited, Winifred Odogwu and Technical Sales and Trainer, Robert Bosch Limited, Mr. Vaibhav Sahastrabudhe, (MAN), Ogun State, Motunrayo Elegberun; G/M/D, Sona Group, Ajai Musaddi and Cluster Business Head, Sona, during Robert Bosch workshop, at Marriott Hotel, Lagos on March 28, 2022. Group Kamal Tripathi, at the launching of Sona products, in Sango-Ota, Ogun State. March 28, 2022.

L-R: Chief Strategy and Investment Officer, NowNow, Mr Mathew Francis; Head of Marketing & Communications, Chief Executive Officer, Modion Communications Limited, Mr. Odion Aleoba and Managing Director /Chief NowNow, Tasyana Bouran and Partnership Director, NowNow, Mr Lekan Akinjide, at the NowNow media conference Executive Officer, Branhaus Communications Limited, Mr. Chido Nwakanma, at the 15th anniversary of Chain Reaction in Lagos on March 30, 2022. held in Lagos on March 30, 2022.

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POLITICS

Daunting Task Before APC’s NWC believe the task before the new APC NWC is enormous. It would be recalled that Adamu was the head of a reconciliation committee set up by the former managers of the party to placate members who were aggrieved as a result of what transpired during the ward and state congresses held in the states. The multiple cases arising from the party’s state congresses contributed in no small measure to the uncertainty over the future of the APC. Party members in no fewer than 13 states, where parallel congresses were held, have vowed not to withdraw they court cases they filed to challenge the congresses. The APC had on July 31, 2021 held its ward congresses, followed by local government congresses on September 4 and state congresses on October 16 of the same year. The reconciliation committee headed by Adamu had toured different parts of the country, but failed to achieve meaningful results before his election as the party’s chairman.

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Also the consensus arrangement used in picking the new executive of the APC had also given room for increased animosity among its members, most of who reluctantly accepted what happened at the national convention. Deep in their hearts, they are not happy about it and may decide to leave the party any moment.

BY AYO ESAN

he All Progressives Congress (APC) successfully elected members of its new National Working Committee (NWC) during its National Convention held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, after initial postponements and controversies, penultimate weekend. At the convention, former Governor of Nasarawa State and member of the National Assembly representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, Abdullahi Adamu, emerged as National Chairman of the party. Also, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and former Senator, Iyiola Omisore, was elected National Secretary. The duo and 75 other newly elected NWC members took their oath of office at a ceremony held penultimate Sunday at the same venue in Abuja, with President Muhamadu Buhari and the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in attendance. On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, Adamu and other members of the executive of the APC assumed office. Speaking after he was handed the mantle of leadership by the former Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, Adamu who admitted that he never knew he would occupy the party’s top seat a month before the party’s national convention, said he was ready to do his best for the party and that he was determined to live up to the President Muhammadu Buhari’s trust. “A month ago, I didn’t know I would become the Chairman of APC. Here I am today, receiving the instrument and authority from the outgoing Chairman. Only God can do this. It is not my personal wisdom or my charisma. It is not by my personal doing. There may be elements on the way, but all these were made possible by the endorsement of Almighty God. “Let me thank President Muhammadu Buhari who gave us a lot and so much that happened during the convention. First, my address goes to God Almighty, then to our leader and father of the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari and other eminent leaders of this party that put heads together to make this possible. May God reward them,” he said, THEWILLNIGERIA

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The little I have heard about the President is that he has a complete allergy for failure. So failure will not be in APC from today. We will work for success together. To my colleagues, if there is any issue, don’t begrudge me, let me know Speaking about the enormous task ahead, Adamu urged other members of the NWC not to begrudge him whenever issues come up in the course of working for the collective good of the APC. “We have a major event that is going to test the waters on how stable we are as a party. That is the forthcoming general election. For me, by the time we start working, our main task will be how to handle the election as a party and win it. We will have the honour of the integrity and the legacy of the current President on the ticket. We will work day and night. We have less than 12 months to face the general election. So everybody should buckle up. “The little I have heard about the President is that he has a complete allergy for failure. So failure will not be in APC from today. We will work for success together. To my colleagues, if there is any issue, don’t begrudge me, let me know,” he added. Buni also charged the new NWC on the need for teamwork and encouraged them to build on the gains that his administration has recorded so far. Political analysts and watchers of political developments

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The task before the Adamu-led NWC is therefore how to reconcile the aggrieved groups in about 13 state chapters across the country. The NWC also needs to appease those who are still aggrieved at what happened at the convention, especially aspirants who feel cheated and humiliated by the manner they were eliminated through the consensus arrangement. How soon the new NWC can bring unity and cohesion to the APC in the months ahead depends on its approach to solving the problems afflicting the party. Unfortunately the time for reconciliation is so short because of the new time- table for the 2023 general election recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which stipulates that candidates for the coming election must emerge latest by June 3, 2022. Perhaps, the most daunting challenge facing the NWC is how to successfully organise an acceptable presidential primary. The party, unlike the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is lagging behind and it has to kick- start its programme of action for the coming election without much delay. It looks like this could be hectic because the APC is the governing party and more aspirants will indicate interest in the available elective positions. Speaking with THEWILL, Comrade Sola Olawale of the Campaign for Democracy said the new executive of the ruling party might have to brace themselves for the task ahead. Olawale said that matters might become more complicated because most of the top shots in the APC’s new executive lacked experience in the management of a political party at any level. “The task before the new APC is huge. The 2023 election time table issued recently by the INEC is not helping matters. The Adamu-led NWC has no time on its hand. It must speed up preparation for the coming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, which have been scheduled for June and July, respectively, as well as the general election coming up early next year. “This must be preceded with reconciliation within the party, especially the divisions in its state chapters arising from the conduct of the congresses. I wish the new exco well, but definitely I do not envy its members. They will have sleepless nights in the weeks to come,” Olawale said.

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW

Women Should Be Given More Inclusion in Governance – Adegbenro Chief Adejare Adegbenro is a security expert, politician and businessman. In this interview with AYO ESAN, he speaks on the state of the nation, rotational presidency, zoning system and power shift, among other issues. Excerpts:

hat is your impression of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? There is not much difference between the ruling APC and the main opposition, PDP as both have almost the same ideologies as well as almost identical personalities. It is easy for members of both political parties to defect from one to the other as they find it easy to adapt with their new abode.

Whether we accept it or not, the APC has been focusing on infrastructural development. Although it might be slow, it is steady and sure. APC has been doing a lot in the area of infrastructure development.

What is your take on the zoning system and power rotation between the North and the South? As a Nigerian, I believe that anyone from any part of the country can contest for President, whether male or female, young or old, as long as they have the capacity to run Nigeria well. Also the issue of religion should be out of it. It should not be part of the consideration. There is only one God. And that is why my motto has always been, ‘I am a Nigerian and my tribe comes second.’ Do you have any word for the women and the youth in the country on politics and governance? There is no denying the fact that the women and the youth control the votes in Nigeria. Demographically, the youth are more than the women in the country. This is because the youth are combination of men and women. However, women have some roles to play in guaranteeing good governance in the country. Women have the capacity to mobilise, to sensitise and to raise awareness of the need to do the right things for the people, as required of democracy. And against this background, women should be given more inclusion in governance. Former President Goodluck Jonathan

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The problem is the system of ‘how we do things here.’ And when you insist, they will tell you repeatedly that this is how we do it here. As long as we have the system of ‘how we do it here,’ corruption will continue. Adegbenro

What then is your expectation, with regard to both parties’ candidates in the 2023 general election? The bottom line of all these will depend on the candidates of the parties at the end of the day. What I am trying to say is that whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of all the parties will make a lot of difference. Let the choice among them be decided through robust debates. Let the choices be based on the calibre of candidates, not on the political parties they belong to. So, if the APC and PDP field their candidates, we should encourage a very strong debate between the aspirants to decide who is more capable. The consideration should not be about the political parties. I want the people to focus on each candidate’s unique qualities and personality, not on his or her political party. It is about who can do it better.

There is lot of great women out there. There are many programmes in the country today that beckon on women. In terms of technology, we expect more women to be involved. The role of women is already there in the economy. It is only left to the women to motivate and organise themselves, just as the youth should also be doing. They should organise themselves and find a place to fit in because these men will not invite their wives to be their bosses voluntarily. It is not possible. However, if they have the competence and capability, the men will not be able to deny them the opportunity to come in. I think that has thrown more light on that path. Corruption is still endemic in the Nigerian society. How can we effectively tackle this monster? Former President Goodluck Jonathan said stealing is not corruption and we laughed at him. But with the recent happenings in Nigeria today, you cannot differentiate between how to be a thief and how to be corrupt. Corruption is actually a systemic thing. Being a thief is a personality. What do I mean by this? If somebody is not interested in stealing before, but when he gets into government and you get to resume as Commissioner for Environment, and they tell him the United Nation Environmental Protection Agency is sending in 150, 000 equipment for a pilot programme and he says, ‘Fine, where is the equipment?’ They say there is none. He says, ‘Let us set up the structure’ and they say no. Then they say, ‘Oga, that is not how we do things here.’ That is the problem with Nigeria.

So, it is not surprising the way both parties go about their politicking. A big difference is just the way of infusion of former members of the ACN and the CPC whereby they lean backward to relate with themselves even in the new arrangement called APC. If you look closely at those who defected from PDP to APC, you will find that they still carry about the PDP mind-set in the APC, which is sharing the booties and moving on.

Politicking is not about what you have done, but how you can push your agenda to the minds of the people in a way that they will accept you. Sadly, what you read in the media nowadays is about rancour, such as APC accusing the PDP of one thing or the PDP accusing the APC of another thing. Whatever the case, both of them are aiming at 2023.

Constitution review that women are not getting affirmative action on a particular percentage in government. If the Senate and the House of Representatives approve such affirmative action, how do they now make the selection? Which constituency would you tell the contestants to step down for a woman? The women have to do more for themselves. They have to promote, they have to go out there to identify, appraise, elect and promote women that can deliver on result.

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The women have to do more for themselves. They have to promote, they have to go out there to identify, appraise, elect and promote women that can deliver on result

promised the women 25 per cent in government and he went ahead to make that happen. Although the Muhammadu Buhari administration did not make a policy, from the look of things however, the President has promoted women in his government. We expect those women to encourage other women. Women are also playing key roles in the financial sector. Women are heading about four big banks in the country today. A similar thing is happening in the Niger Delta Development Commission. In fact, the Buhari administration has looked into promotion of women in governance. But in politics, we have to understand something. You don’t sit down at home and expect Manna from heaven. So women should do more for themselves. Part of the problems women have is that they always feel relaxed waiting for men to do it for them. There has been a form of agitation recently concerning the

I tell everybody that corruption cannot be stopped because it is systemic. It happens in the Principal’s office according to a story. The Principal told his student I am selling this book to you at N1,000. The student goes home to tell his parents that the book is N1, 500. The father now thinks of how he can increase the price to N3, 500. It goes on and on like that in a cycle. Corruption is systemic and we have to look for a way to curb it at the systemic level. If you ask me which department in the government has been mostly influenced by corruption? I will say it is the civil service. From the local government to the state government down to the Federal Government, corruption is flowing like a river through their systems! Most civil servants do not go to work with the intent of serving the country whole heartedly. They go with the notion that, ‘is it my father’s work or if I die today will somebody else not come to replace me?’ If there is training for example in Dubai, they will rush to Dubai and come back as the same people. So, there is a need for civil service reform so it could be managed like a private sector. And to do that, it will depend on the quality of the ministers or commissioners in charge. For corruption to stop, the highest office holders like the President and Governors must sit down to select the people that will focus on achieving results. Once there is result measurement in place, it will now be difficult to bypass the structures and the system. The security challenges are still here. Is there any solution in sight? Security of this country was stable till a lot of interests came in. Some people want to hold some parts of the country to ransom. However, the way it is now, the best way to solve the security problems in the country, we have the right training and capable hands. If you go to the military, they are more organised than any other sector in this country. Yet, why are they failing? They are failing because there is internal sabotage. The day internal sabotage stops in the military, that is the day all the security challenges, such as kidnapping and banditry will stop. THEWILLNIGERIA

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POLITICS

2023: Lalong And Injustice Against Taroh People Goshwe, who has been deceived into a utopian venture, as he runs in an uphill governorship race in Plateau State in 2023 against Lalong’s interest. The decimation of the Taroh political army side by side with the Goemainizatoon of the political economy of Plateau South is a deliberate lethal departing policy of Lalong to ensure that, as a rival in number and size as an ethnic group, the Taroh threat in the zone is subjugated and put at bay for a long time - if not permanently.

Lalong

Part of the design of the Langtang ‘Northing’ mantra is to apply the logic of ‘using a Nigger to catch a Nigger’, as it is happening in Langtang North local government council presently. While some of the Taroh elite, who are supposed to rise and talk against the impunity and injustice that Lalong is using his Taroh apostle in the APC to deprive the people of a government of their choice and mandate are looking the other way, saying the Lalong stooge masquerading as chairman of the council against constitutionality and court order is also their own, Lalong will be winning his war against the Taroh ahead of 2023.

BY UKANDI ODEY he year 2022 is proving to be a bad season for Governor Simon Bako Lalong. From leaked Government House memos and the Governor’s Office being in a state of disrepair, to an underfunded Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), internal political alliances, a group of conspirators, percolating clouds of labour crises and daily defections of APC renegades to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 2023 is presenting the Plateau State Governor with a turbulent pre-season.

It is even more unfortunate that Lalong himself appears benumbed and overcome by a fit of political miscalculations and social amnesia. After a grueling manhaunt that culminated in the exit of Letep Dabang as State Chairman of the APC, internal processes in the Plateau APC have been getting worse, especially after Governor Lalong handpicked members of the State Working Committee, got them inaugurated before they filled the necessary and enabling forms for the positions and bungled the congresses throughout the state. Lalong’s stranglehold on the APC was consolidated in the nomination of candidates for local government councils elections, when he single handedly determined the candidates for councilors and the 17 chairmanship positions, who emerged ‘victorious’ in a most controversial local government council election ever conducted in Plateau. Lalong’s also used the occasion of the APC National Convention to exhibit the impunity capable only of the head of a manor and effectively impugned on the tribal and ethnic pride and integrity of the Taroh people of Langtang. The national leadership of the APC had zoned the positions of deputy national secretary and National Youth Leader in the National Working Committee to Plateau State ahead of its national convention. Well received by the state chapter of the party, the position of Deputy National Secretary of the party was further zoned to the Taroh people of Langtang North. In a sudden twist, however, and acting the humiliating ridicule in political circles known as Langtang ‘Northing’, which translates simply as a politically conquered lot, a delegation of Goemai, the tribe of Governor Lalong and the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, met with Governor Lalong in Abuja and told him why the position of THEWILLNIGERIA

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Lalong’s also used the occasion of the APC National Convention to exhibit the impunity capable only of the head of a manor and effectively impugned on the tribal and ethnic pride and integrity of the Taroh people of Langtang deputy national secretary of the APC must be occupied by a Goemai - an ethnic group found in Shendam and Qua’an Pan local government areas of Plateau South. Lalong complied and factored into the Langtang ‘Northing’ callous joke, and substituted the positions, leaving Langtang North with the less fancied position of National Youth Leader and went ahead to make his choice and imposed him on the Taroh people. In the circumstances, Lalong picked his estranged former Commissioner for Lands, a Goemai, Festus Fuanter, the same person he earlier discarded and rejected for a second term, and he was sworn in last week as the deputy national secretary of the APC as ‘consensus’ candidate. While Langtang ‘Northing’ subsists as a doctrine of political weakening and oppression of the Taroh, especially in Plateau South which senatorial representation Lalong is coveting in his post 2023 calculations, the Goemai superiority and gallantry in the state’s political outlook is unmistakable: the governor, minister and APC’s national deputy secretary are all Goemai. Last week, the same Goemai won another uncommon one as Governor Lalong’s nominee, Prof Hale Gabriel Longpet, was named as the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner representing Plateau State, to replace the former Resident Commissioner in charge of Benue State, Nentawe Yilwarda

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The Taroh, who have realised the real and present danger of the Langtang’Northing’ script, have been very reactionary and assertive. The All Progressives Congress in Langtang North and Langtang South has depleted precipitately. The most recurrent social event in Taroh land in recent times hold in the opposition PDP strongholds as defectors are received from the APC with tales of political emasculation, Lalong’s tyranny and a desire for hope and direction. In two major events held separately in Langtang North and Langtang South, at least 24, 000 people left for the PDP, including two former local government chairmen. While Lalong battles the Taroh and orchestrate strategies to deepen the Langtang’Northing’ as an instrument of political and economic subjugation, he has been unable to resolve the power struggle between the starving and under-funded state secretariat of the APC and the office of the Secretary to the Government of the State. As at press time, sources within APC confirmed that the state APC chairman, Rufus Bature, and the Secretary to the Government of the State, Professor Danladi Abok Atu, are not on speaking terms, no thanks to a bitter power feud. Bature, himself a former SGS to Lalong before he was misguided into a senatorial race, which he lost expectedly, is not happy that the SGS, Atu, is interfering in the administration of the party’s secretariat, including holding onto unspent funds for last February 26 by-election, in which the party performed woefully. Incumbency advantage does not really look promising to boost the party’s chances in the next general elections; and the Governor lacks the political charisma and brinkmanship to rejig its fortunes before the crucial time. Many view the abysmal showing of the APC in the recent Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency by-election as a forebear and foretaste of a cataclysmic disaster that awaits the APC in Plateau in 2023. Factions and intense infighting with disillusionment are dominating the body chemistry of the party presently, forcing at least two former Speakers of the State House of Assembly to abandon the party for the opposition. Reports also say Lalong is ambushed by possible betrayals and sabotage by some of his appointees who are still holding on in government and pretending to be with him. The party is feared to be threatened more by fake membership and potential of antiparty activities during elections to protest and revenge the Governor’s high-handedness and impunity. With a seething political war against his deputy, Prof Sonni Gwanle Tyoden who is in the crowded governorhip race on the APC platform, Langtang ‘Northing’ may yet become a suicidal medicine for the owner for at least two reasons: history could be afoot again because since 2007, no incumbent has been able to determine and install his successor. As it was for Joshua Dariye, so was it for Jonah Jang and it is looking palpable for Lalong with robust enemies within and without. Secondly, as it is, even his senatorial ambition needs prayers.

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EDITORIAL

Nigeria Air: Distilling Hope From Despair

efore President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in May 2015, he had mooted the idea of floating a new national airline as a replacement for the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited – 12 years after it was liquidated by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 2004. During his election campaign, Buhari had also promised to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of air travellers in the country, who were feeling the devastating impact of the absence of a national carrier in a rapidly developing world. With his appointment in 2015 as Minister of State for Transport, with specific responsibility for Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika soon hit the ground running. But his efforts have remained an endless length of resource-gulping pipe with little to show that the dream of a national carrier will materialise any time soon. This perception was reinforced by a series of activities that followed the grandiose unveiling of a ‘Comprehensive Aviation Roadmap’ at the Shehu Yar’adua Conference Centre, Abuja in 2016. The event, which was packed-full of stakeholders, including airline operators, aviation unions, service providers, bankers regulators, travel agencies, serving and retired professionals in all facets of the aviation sector, was not seen as a mere jamboree at the time. Furthermore, in April, 2018, Sirika, at the newly built Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja, unveiled the six Transaction Advisers approved and appointed in all the areas of the Roadmap, following an advertised call for Expression of Interest and competitive bid. The minister promised to hold another stakeholders’ forum when Transaction Advisers’ report would be ready.

When in August 2018, Sirika, unveiled the logo, livery, ownership structure and funding requirement of Nigeria Air at the 2018 Farnborough Air Show in Hampshire, United Kingdom, with a retinue of Nigerians invited from home and the Diaspora to witness the event, it became clear that the Buhari-led government was championing the course in an opposite direction. Yet many Nigerians remained optimistic that the nightmare would eventually be over. About five months after the Farnborough show, Sirika released a public statement announcing that the Federal Government had suspended the Nigeria Air project. This was after he had claimed that at least six potential investors, including two reputable airlines, three reputable financial institutions and the two leading global aircraft manufacturers, had not only expressed interest in Nigeria Air, but also offered incentives.

extension of the take-off date. The aviation minister had at several fora announced that Nigeria Air would begin to fly in April 2022. That, again, failed to happen. There are indications that the new national carrier will eventually take to the sky in July 2022, after the first out of the three wet-leased aircraft for the airline may have arrived in the country in June. It was also gathered that the airline’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), which would enable it to commence as a scheduled operator from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), may be granted in June or earlier than that. The transaction team for the project is reportedly on ground to ensure the issuance of Request for Proposal (RFP) for the establishment of the national carrier. It is commendable that the Federal Government has adopted the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach to the

In what seemed like an embarrassing twist, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed that the Nigeria Air was stepped down because there were no investors. With the separation of the aviation schedule from transport and Sirika’s return to Buhari’s cabinet as Minister of Aviation in 2019, Nigerians were optimistic that Nigeria Air would begin to fly very soon, given the enormous resources that were committed to the project – all at the “preparation” level. Sadly, since it was launched several years ago, different dates have been given for the take-off of the airline, but none of these dates has been feasible. Nigeria Air, which was originally scheduled to commence operations in December 2018, could not start as preparations for the 2019 general election caught up with it. The outbreak of COVID-19 and its effects further led to the

There are indications that the new national carrier will eventually take to the sky in July 2022, after the first out of the three wet-leased aircraft for the airline may have arrived in the country in June

project, with the government owning a maximum of five per cent stake. The proposed shareholding structure allows a maximum of 49 per cent to foreign investors, minimum of 46 per cent to Nigerian investors and five per cent non-interactive shares to be retained by the Federal Government as a prerequisite stipulated by international laws for the establishment of a national carrier. With this ownership structure, the national carrier will turn out the pride of Nigeria and the training of technical personnel in the industry will be easier. Also, this will enable Nigeria to take full advantage of the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM), reduce air rates through competitive pricing and improve the country’s position with Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with other nations, in terms of access to funds and reciprocity. That way, billions of dollars lost annually from non-payment of royalty by foreign carriers will be reversed. However, local airline operators, last week, expressed some reservations about the proposed National Carrier. The operators under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) are not entirely against the establishment but are opposed to the process which they described as non-transparent. One of their arguments, which is also the view of most Nigerians, is that there is no way an enterprise where the Federal Government is said to hold 5% equity can be called a National Carrier, insisting that private people should not use the commonwealth of Nigeria for their private business. A lot of Nigerians are also against a situation where foreign airlines are allowed to dump idle assets in Nigeria as equity in Nigeria by way of either dry or wet lease which will amount to a further drain on our scarce foreign exchange. Their reservations must be looked into by the appropriate authorities

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Austyn Ogannah Editor – Olaolu Olusina Deputy Editor – Amos Esele Politics Editor – Ayo Esan Business Editor – Sam Diala Copy Editor – Chux Ohai Cartoon Editor – Victor Asowata Entertainment/Society Editor – Ivory Ukonu Photo Editor – Peace Udugba Head, Graphics – Tosin Yusuph Circulation Manager – Victor Nwokoh Nigeria Bureau: 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. info@thewillnigeria.com / @ THEWILLNG, +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888. EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA [Letters/Opinions: opinion.letters@thewillnigeria.com]

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OPI N ION

Nigerian Politicians And The Masses’ Unfulfilled Dreams BY BLESSED ADJEKPAGBON

he need to impact positively on the lives of the people is the major reason why many countries in the world started embracing democracy after centuries of the feudal, totalitarian and authoritarian systems of government. Here in Nigeria, after several years of military rule, many were hopeful that a civilian government would yield positive results, in terms of respect for human rights, economic and educational development, as well as a higher standard of living. Many Nigerians had different opinions about politicians. While some looked up to them and had faith in their capability to transform the country, many others did not. The latter saw the country’s political elite as incapable of impacting the people in a positive way. They claimed that the only politician who ever made an impact on the lives of the people was the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Awolowo introduced free education in the old Western Region at a time politicians in other parts of the country were too busy pursuing their selfish ambitions. Another notable politician, they pointed out, whose educational and housing policies were of great benefit to the masses, was late Chief Lateef Jakande, a former governor of Lagos State. Jakande built many schools and housing estates over three decades ago. Many of these structures are still relevant, especially to those living in Lagos. Babatunde Raji Fashola, a former Governor of Lagos State and Godswill Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State were also hailed by some Nigerians for raising the infrastructural, environmental and educational standards of both states. There is no notable development by other states governors in the present dispensation. All that we hear nowadays are reports of fantastical acts of corruption and defections from one party to another. Aside the few aforementioned politicians that put smiles on the faces of the people at different times, Nigerians

have been waking from one nightmare to another since democracy was fully restored in 1999. According to Matthias Pantaleon, poet and playwright, Nigerian politicians are actually making life unbearable for the average citizen. Members of the executive and legislative arms of government have failed the nation. The judiciary, which used to be the last hope of the common man, has become the worst thing to happen to the poor. The way and manner politicians are toying with the lives of Nigerians is heartbreaking. “There is untold hardship in the country. As if that is not enough they failed to call SARS operatives to order or checkmate their excesses which eventually birthed the #EndSars protest. Politicians can deny all they want, but we know the truth and it stares at us in the face like life and death; a reminder of our own mortality. “Politicians should know that people are listening to what they are not saying, people are talking to families that have lost their loved ones to bad governance, and some days to come,, people will actually act. It is left to them to do right and heal the nation or be prepared for the inevitable,” Pantaleon said recently. Nonetheless, going down memory lane, one could recall a similar maltreatment of the people by a previous civilian administration. For instance, Obasanjo’s civilian rule was characterised by blatant disregard for human rights in the Niger Delta where he ordered soldiers to wipe out two communities known as Choba and Odi due to a fracas some Niger Delta “resources control” agitators had with some soldiers there. Yearly increase in fuel pump price was another bitter hallmark of Obasanjo’s tenure as president. The Goodluck Jonathan administration was characterised by massive corruption, particularly in official circles. It was as if honesty was the exclusive preserve of fools during the tenure of that administration. Jonathan unwittingly increased the pump price of petrol on January 1, 2012

after he had promised Nigerians a better standard of living in 2011. The then opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, capitalised on that blunder to rubbish his administration and went on to campaign vigorously for a change of government. The citizenry swallowed the bait, hook, line and sinker. The rest is now history. Since the advent of the current government led by Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, Nigerians have tasted real hell. Never before in the history of the country’s democracy have things been this bad. The hardship and suffering experienced by the people is quite phenomenal, to say the least. As captured in a few words by the late legendary afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who was himself a thorn in the flesh of corrupt government officials, Nigerians were literally suffering and smiling. At this point, it is imperative to look at the yardstick for measuring positive impact. It is measured by the actions of the members of the political class toward rapid economic, educational, infrastructural and social development. How many tourists have been visiting the country and how many foreign investors have invested in Nigeria since 2015 till date? Unable to cope with an unfavourable economic climate, many indigenous and foreign companies have folded up. The result has been massive unemployment nationwide. More university graduates have taken up menial jobs, some of them working as bus conductors and commercial motorcycle operators, to survive. Those were the kinds of jobs usually handled by school drop-outs and illiterates. There could have been better roads all over Nigeria, constant electric power supply and adequate security of lives and property if politicians had the interest of the citizenry at heart. The current state of affairs in Nigeria is that of total despair everywhere. Many are suffering and they have no hope or belief in the people at the helm of government anymore.

Preventing Political Conflict in Imo BY SAMPSON UHUEGBU

overnor Hope Uzodimma announced in 2021 that he would publicise the names of those alleged to have been funding insecurity in Imo State. That pronouncement triggered unimaginable anxiety among some prominent people in the state. Stakeholders were accused of chasing shadows and not making efforts to tackle the security challenge facing the state.

and other political and religious leaders, as well as people from all walks of life were also present at the event.

Uzodimma to unite and lift Imo to enviable heights politically.

The governor reeled out his achievements within the last two years in various sectors, such as agriculture, health, transportation, tourism, housing, education and others, to mention but a few.

A date, January 4, 2022, was fixed for the much-anticipated revelation. It would happen during a meeting scheduled to take place at the Sam Mbakwe Extended Exco Chambers of Government House, House, so it was said. Before then, the social media had already been awash with the news that the governor was going to mention names of his political enemies behind the insecurity in the state. As a result, there was palpable tension in the state capital.

Uzodimma also said that he had repeatedly maintained that some of the security breaches were politically motivated, pointing out that it was based on intelligence information at his disposal.

The political elites in Imo are in support of Uzodimma’s policy of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery. Apparently he has done well in certain areas and attracted criticism from the general public in areas where he has failed to perform satisfactorily.

Suddenly Governor Uzodimma changed his mind. He did not make the revelation as promised. Viewers who watched the event live on television were dismayed. But the governor’s action did douse the tension that had built up around Owerri. Apparently Uzodimma chewed his words to avoid casting aspersions on other Imo politicians, an act that could haunt him in the near future. He exonerated former Governors Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim and Emeka Ihedioha of any misdeed, but urged Owelle Rochas Okorocha to leave his administration alone now that he (Uzodimma) had taken charge. Uzodimma’s supporters and representatives of the governing All Progressives Congress( APC ) were in attendance. Also Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; former Deputy Governors of the state, Chief Douglas Acholonu, Ebere Udeagu, Prince Eze Madumere and Chief Tony Chukwu; former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Acho Ihim; Imo APC State Chairman, Leo Stan Eke; McDonald Ebere THEWILLNIGERIA

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Meanwhile, Okorocha and his supporters are yet to settle for any political party for the forthcoming election. The former governor’s feud with Uzodimma is not supposed to linger unnecessarily, considering the fact that they are both from Orlu Senatorial Zone. While Okorocha, now a senator, is a former governor, Uzodimma was once a lawmaker that represented the district in the upper Legislative Chambers of the National Assembly. Peace and unity should be fostered for the sake of posterity. One of the greatest challenges facing Imo, which should be tackled before the forthcoming general election, is insecurity. The staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (including newly recruited Ad-hoc workers at the commission), the electorate and aspirants might be living in fear and this may slightly paralyse activities during the period, if this is not properly handled now. Governor Uzodimma was very careful with his choice of his words, perhaps to avoid being misquoted or escape litigation by anyone. There is an indication that he may decide to plant his men in strategic positions at the state and federal levels in order to deliver a second term for him in the next election. It is now beholden on Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his son in-law, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, as well as Governor

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It is expedient that the Imo APC should reconcile with its aggrieved members that had formed a coalition group and forge ahead for political progress. They should reach out to those who they deem to have gone astray politically and extend a hand of fellowship to them for the purpose of attaining excellence in the forthcoming polls. The Daniel Nwafor-led group in the Imo APC should also reunite with other factions to ensure that the party emerges victorious in the state over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other political parties that will field in candidates for any elective position in 2023. Whosoever that emerges next Governor of Imo should not fail to gear his policies towards the overall transformation of the state. Imo is a state that belongs to everyone. It is advisable to make it the state conducive for all and sundry, especially for the purpose of development. Being security conscious is everybody’s business and it should not be left in the hands of the security agencies, who are only working according to architecture, alone. The pull-him-down syndrome, illegal dismantling of political campaign billboards and related acts could be interpreted as symbols of hatred. They should therefore be jettisoned by any visionary, resourceful, focused and purposeful politician that is coming to render selfless service rather than to amass illicit wealth at the expense of the people of the state.

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A PR I L O 3 - A PR I L 09, 2022 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R

•

www.t hew i llni g eri a. c om VOL .2 N O.1 4

UBA UBA DEPOSITS LOANS FROM & ADVANCES TO CUSTOMERS CUSTOMERS 2017-2021

(N’trn)

UBA ASSET GROWTH

2017-2021

(N’trn)

500TRN

8.52 trn 6.37 trn 2.69 trn

2018

7.70 trn 5.67 trn 2.56 trn

4.87 trn 3.49 trn 1.72 trn

2017

5.63 trn 3.84 trn 2.06 trn

4.07 trn 2.74 trn 1.65 trn

1TRN 500BN

1BN

Uzoka

0 2019 2020

2021

Source; Bank’s Annual Reports.

UBA’s Credit Expansion to Boost Agriculture, Stimulate Economy BY SAM DIALA

he aggressive lending posture of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc to the real sector holds prospects for boosting agriculture and stimulating the economy towards diversification. The Pan African financial institution has sustained the expansion of its loans and advances to customers in the past five years, as seen in its 2021 audited report. Analysts say it is a clear indication of its commitment to the support of businesses and financial inclusion in Africa through its array of consumer lending products, leveraging on technology. The bank’s loans and advances to customers, a critical component of the balance sheet, recorded a tremendous growth both in 2021 FY and in the past five years. From N1.66 trillion in 2017, loans and advances to customers rose to N1.72 trillion in 2018 reflecting 4.3 percent. It thereafter climbed to N2.062 trillion and N2.56 trillion in 2019 and 2020 representing 20 percent and 24 percent respectively. The 2021 figure shows an increase of 5 percent to N2.69 trillion compared with the preceding year. Effectively, the bank’s loans and advances to customers expanded by 62.5 percent in five years. This contributed to the all-time high jump in assets. For the first time, the lender’s total assets crossed the N8 trillion mark to hit N8.54 trillion in 2021 against N7.7 trillion in the preceding year, representing 11 percent increase. UBA’s total assets rose from N4.1 trillion in 2017 to N8.54 trillion in 2021 – a significant growth of 108.3 percent. A demonstration of the bank’s rising popularity showed in the

Technology Bridging Society’s Most Divisive Gaps – Ola Williams BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

he Country Manager for Microsoft Nigeria, Ola Williams, has observed that technology, as an enabler of remote and hybrid working, is proving a useful tool in bridging some of the society’s most divisive gaps. Although the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is stronger than ever, Ola

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is of the view that, as a driver for social improvement, technology should be embraced and applied thoughtfully to shape the kind of diverse and flexible workplace environment that will not only boost morale and improve company culture but also increase the bottom line. Continues on page 31

noted rise in deposits from customers, which recorded a 133 percent growth in five years: from N2.74 trillion in 2017 to N6.37 trillion in 2021. The amount for 2021 was 12.2 percent compared with the preceding year’s N5.66 trillion, which was also an improvement on the N3.84 trillion in 2019, reflecting 48 percent. Commenting on the bank’s 2021 result, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Kennedy Uzoka, expressed delight that the lender recorded the performance amid the prevailing tight environment. “The year 2021 can best be described as a year of global recovery; economies around the world began to witness early-stage recoveries, as supply chains recover from the devastating disruptions suffered in 2020. Consequently, UBA recorded a remarkable 7% growth in top line to N660 billion (USD1.56bn), and profit before tax (PBT) of N153.1 billion, up 20.3% from the prior year. Net Loans and advances grew by 7.7% to N2.8 trillion with exposure mostly to resilient economic sectors including oil & gas, agriculture and manufacturing. Deposit from customers grew 12.2%, crossing the N6 trillion mark, to N6.4trillion.” The Tier-1 lender embarked on aggressive loan expansion since 2017 which has created robust lending portfolio for the real sector, especially agriculture. At a dinner session with the board of UBA in Abuja in February 2022, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, hinted at plans to increase credit to the agricultural sector. Continues on page 31

MORE INSIDE NAMB Gives Out N900m Loan to Boost MSMEs PAGE 32

Veritasi Homes Registers 10bn CP on FMDQ Exchange PAGE 32

ABCON Seeks CBN’s Support for BDCs on Retail-end FX Demand

..Advocates BDCs’ Inclusion in Dollar Supply Mechanisms

he Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has solicited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) support in ensuring that Bureaux De Change (BDCs) continue to sell dollars to retail-end forex buyers. In a notice to its members, ABCON’s National Executive Council (NEC) Continues on page 32

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ICT/BANKING Technology Bridging Society’s Most Divisive Gaps – Ola Williams UBA’s Credit Expansion to Boost Agriculture, Stimulate Economy

Continued from page 30

With flexible hybrid workplaces, the IT expert also hinted that there is possibility of a surge in innovation arising from increase in diversity, adding that one thing that remote and hybrid workplaces have enabled is more diverse hiring. Insisting that flexible, hybrid work is here to stay, Ola informed that her position was the prevailing sentiment from Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index (WTI). According to her, the WTI notes that remotework opportunities were found to be more attractive to diverse applicants: women, Gen Z jobseekers (those currently aged 18 to 25), and those without a graduate degree were more likely to apply for remote positions on LinkedIn. For gendered diversity in the workplace, the Country Manager equally stated that remote work is driving much-needed improvement. In a statement issued recently, Ola pointed out that successful businesses are at the heart of any economy, but it’s the people working in these businesses that make the magic happen. “Businesses would be wise to build innovative workforces of the future; workforces where gender diversity is upheld”, she said. “Global statistics on gender equality in employment reveal a deeply entrenched disparity, with men participating more in the labour force and advancing more within it than their female counterparts. Alarmingly, if we remain on the current hiring and promoting trajectory, it will take just over 135 years to close the gender gap worldwide. This was the finding of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its latest 2021 Global Gender Gap Report.” “The pandemic has served to widen this gap, with WEF sharing early projections that show five percent of all employed women lost their jobs in the resulting economic disruption, compared with 3.9 percent of employed men. Women are also poorly represented in the ‘jobs of the future’ sector. Such roles arose alongside digital transformation, which accelerated rapidly in response to the pandemic with businesses being forced to operate online during lockdown closures of physical spaces. WEF found that only two of the eight jobs of the future that they tracked had reached gender equality. For example, there are only 32.4 percent of women in Data and AIfocused roles across the world”. Employment Gender Parity In Nigeria Looking at the category of Economic Participation and Opportunity, WEF reported favourable results for sub-Saharan Africa, with the region having closed just over 66 percent of the gender gap, outperforming the global average of 58.3 percent. However, homing in on a per-country view shows this progress varies wildly. Out of the 156 countries surveyed globally, Nigeria comes in at 139 on the list for overall gender parity, placing it at number 32 out of the 35 countries surveyed across sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria fares far better, looking at gender hiring and promoting, ranking 78 globally in the Economic Participation and Opportunity category. While participation between men and women in the country’s labour force shows THEWILLNIGERIA

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Being able to work remotely has opened many new career opportunities for workers across the globe. Not being confined to one geographical area means the ability to accept jobs based anywhere. As the WTI notes, ‘this fundamental shift expands economic opportunity for individuals and enables organisations to build highperforming, diverse teams from a near-limitless talent pool

slight disparity (19.9 million women versus 22.9 million men), senior roles are largely gendered in favour of men. Just under 14 percent of Nigeria’s firms have women in top management positions. Clearly, more work must be done to bridge the employment gender divide in Nigeria. Remote Work Bridging The Gender Gap Being able to work remotely has opened many new career opportunities for workers across the globe. Not being confined to one geographical area means the ability to accept jobs based anywhere. As the WTI notes, ‘this fundamental shift expands economic opportunity for individuals and enables organisations to build high-performing, diverse teams from a nearlimitless talent pool.’ The index found that the number of women applying for remote work over locally based jobs on LinkedIn increased by six percent. This growing trend presents an opportunity for business leaders to hire a more diverse team where women are equally represented. On how employers can help nurture this trend for a more representative workforce, the WTI asked LinkedIn Chief Economist Karen Kimbrough for her expert advice: “Employers can help by actively seeking female talent, removing bias from job descriptions, and offering more flexibility to allow for a better work-life balance.” In attracting the right talent from a diverse group of applicants, businesses will be setting themselves up for the kind of innovative thinking required for the future of work. In fact, diverse businesses are more profitable, too, according to a McKinsey and Company study published in 2020. The study found that companies whose executive teams were gender diverse were 25 percent more likely to have above-average profitability than less-diverse businesses. This underscores the importance of not only hiring women, but of promoting them into senior roles. THEWILLNIGERIA

In his remarks on, “Food Security, Job Creation and the Role of the Central Bank,” the CBN governor, stressed the critical role of banks and financial institutions in enabling more inclusive growth of the economy following the series of external shocks that had confronted economies globally. Emefiele, who noted the impact of access to credit on the productive capacity of the country, said that under the Anchors Borrowers’ Programme, about $2 billion out of about $2.5 billion earmarked for key initiatives in the manufacturing, mining, and agriculture, services sectors had been disbursed to over three million farmers cultivating over 4.7 million hectares of arable land in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He pointed out that the agricultural sector received almost 80 percent of the fund. He said, “We were aware that if the necessary support was provided to households and business such as improved access to finance, and better infrastructure, these measures would boost productivity, and help in enabling greater direct investment flows into our economy. “As a result, there was a growing recognition on the need to refine our monetary policy tools and regulatory framework in order to ensure that it was more responsive to the needs of the Nigerian populace.It was important that this new framework enabled the flow of credit by financial institutions to critical sectors in order to aid our efforts at driving productive activities and creating job opportunities for our growing population.” Emefiele stated that the recovery of the economy has been supported by the expansion of over four million farmers, SMEs, and manufacturers who are building and growing enterprises that are enabling growth in manufacturing and ICT due to increased credit access. He added that credit to industry increased from 10 percent in 2014 to 16 percent in 2021, while credit to agriculture increased from 3 percent in 2013 to 6 percent in 2022. It is on record that UBA was honoured with an award as Nigeria’s biggest lender to agriculture. by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in September 2015. The Chamber of Commerce noted that UBA, as far back as 2009, floated the largest private sector funding scheme of N50 billion to support agriculture and agro-processing industries in Nigeria. It commended the bank for sustaining its commitment to the agricultural sector by committing an average of 7 per cent of its loan book to agricultural financing, well above the banking industry average of 4 percent. The UBA was also one of the two banks selected in 2010 to administer the N200 billion agriculture fund set up by the CBN because of the bank’s commitment to agricultural financing as well as its spread across the country. It was reported in February 2020 that UBA led other banks in the repayment of N387.2 billion loan as part of the total N622 billion disbursed by the CBN to commercial banks under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS). The N622 billion fund was disbursed to participating banks to enable them to finance commercial agricultural enterprises by giving farmers loans at

“

The UBA has deepened its consumer product offerings with the aim to deliver services that will empower the customers, thus stimulating economic growth on the continent, emphasizing that it takes consumer lending very important because of the active role it plays in economic development

a maximum interest rate of 9 percent. Out of the N83.5 billion disbursed by the CBN to UBA for 52 projects, about N53 billion was repaid. Zenith Bank and First Bank of Nigeria repaid the sum of N83.3 billion and N44.8 billion out of the N126.94 billion and N52.99 billion respectively. The UBA has deepened its consumer product offerings with the aim to deliver services that will empower the customers, thus stimulating economic growth on the continent. The bank takes consumer lending very important because of the active role it plays in economic development. It said that consumer lending is very essential to it as it is the category of financing centred on individual and household consumers, which includes personal loans extended to people who use the funds for individual or family purposes as well as home and auto loans. UBA achieved an impressive performance in key financial parameters of its 2021 full year report for the period ended December 31, 2021. Listed in the prestigious Premium Platform of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the bank’s profit before tax (PBT) rose 20.3 percent to N153.1 billion, compared to N127.3 billion at the end of the preceding year. Similarly, profit after tax (PAT) grew by 8.7 percent to N118.7 billion in 2021, compared to N109.2 billion recorded in 2020. The GMD explained that the quality of UBA’s portfolio, as well as the strength of the bank’s credit risk management frameworks and policies, remain the bedrock of the positive results that the bank has been recording over the years, adding that the current performance highlights UBA’s relentless customer focus, and leverage on its key strategic levers – People, Process and Technology. “Looking forward, I am particularly excited about our ongoing Enterprise Transformation Program which is designed to enhance the bank’s process agility, service delivery and customer experience. We are also making sizeable investments in cutting-edge technology and cyber security, to keep our innovative digital banking offerings above the curve, as we tool and re-tool our human resources to compete and win in a rapidly changing and evolving landscape. This will ensure the bank continues to achieve respectable top and bottom-line growth through the medium to long term,” the GMD stated

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BUSINESS NEWS Veritasi Homes Registers N10bn CP On FMDQ Exchange

L-R: Brand, Ambassador Diageo Reserve, Tinya Alonge; Brand Ambassador Diageo Reserve, Moni Osibodu; Head of Customer Marketing, IPS Reserve and Modern Trade, Sammy Okwandu and Brand Ambassador Diageo Reserve and Mixologist, Berg Baboyan at the press launch of the 2022 edition of World Class Nigeria, held Victoria Island, Lagos on March 31, 2022. Photo: Peace Udugba.

ABCON Seeks CBN’s Support For BDCs on Retail-end FX Demand

NAMB Gives Out N900m Loan To Boost MSMEs

..Advocates BDCs’ Inclusion in Bollar Supply Mechanisms

he National Association of Microfinance Bank (NAMB) has made available a special loan of N900 million to boost the operations of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ogun State. Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, who disclosed this during a virtual quarterly stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta, the state capital, said that the credit facility could be accessed in any micro finance bank across the state.

Continued from page 30

appealed to the regulator to revisit the stoppage of dollar sales to BDCs, to bring lasting stability to the naira. The group disagreed with claims that the naira has remained largely stable and converging, following the stoppage of dollar allocations to BDCs. According to ABCON NEC, BDCs remain the most potent tool for the CBN to achieve its foreign exchange rate management. “Our position to CBN is that our members should be considered in whatever mechanism of dollar supply to the end users as it is done in other countries instead of a total blanket removal from the market. We therefore reject the statements claiming that the naira exchange rate has improved, following the stoppage of dollar sales to BDCs and urge our members to ignore those pronouncements,” it said. The ABCON NEC said it would continue to take steps to ensure that of its members’ businesses are restored and operators continue their legitimate operations as is done in other parts of the world. “We the EXCOS are not sleeping on our responsibility to ensure that our members’ businesses are sustained. We therefore call on all our members to continue to ignore statements against the BDCs and continue to give us the necessary supports in ensuring normalcy is restored to the market,” the statement said.

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It added that the ABCON management will continue in its collaboration, lobbying, media campaign and stakeholders’ engagements to ensure that BDC operators are given the right support and opportunity to thrive as is done in several other economies in the world. ABCON NEC said the BDC subsector is not responsible for naira exchange rate volatility. “The naira exchanges at N416.25/$ at the official market. However, at the parallel market, where the majority of forex is sourced by manufacturers and retail end users, the naira exchanges at N587/$, representing over N170 premium between both markets,” the statement said.

FROM SEGUN AYINDE, ABEOKUTA

Longe said that the N900 million loan was made possible through the Ogun State Government by partnering with NAMB in order to build on the achievement of the MSMEs business clinic recently held in the state. She noted that the loan was in addition to the funding opportunities, such as the N1 billion Ogun State-Bank of Industry (OGSG-BOI) loan and the Ogun State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA) credit facility, which were available to entrepreneurs in the state.

ABCON NEC said: “It is on record that the stoppage of FX sales to BDCs did not only create higher demand pressure but also made the value of our national currency useless”.

“I am happy to inform you that the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) has made the sum of N900 million available in the form of a special lending product to entrepreneurs operating in Ogun State,” she stated.

“It is also a reality that the majority of Foreign Exchange Retail EndUsers cannot meet their demands from the preferred professional banks,” the statement said.

The commissioner stressed that the ministry through its partnership with financial institutions had commenced MSMEs Business Clinics’ follow-up programme tagged ‘Access to funding’ to proffer solutions to the financial limitations facing entrepreneurs.

It said inclusion of BDCs in dollar supply mechanisms will help reduce the challenges faced by Forex end users and support naira stability. It said that continued operation of BDCs will help secure over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs provided by the sector and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Longe said that the state was deploying various strategies towards building the capacity of entrepreneurs, fostering linkages between industries and entrepreneurs, enhancing the export capacity of entrepreneurs and facilitating export for improved foreign exchange earnings.

MDQ Securities Exchange Limited through its Board Listings and Markets Committee has approved the registration of the Veritasi Homes and Properties Limited N10 billion Commercial Paper (CP) Programme on its platform. Veritasi Homes & Properties is a premium real estate company providing marketing, advisory and developmental services across the real estate value chain in Nigeria.. The CP Programme positions the Issuer to raise finance for a tenor up to two-hundred and seventy (270) days from the debt market at a time in the future it deems suitable. The registration of this CP Programme on the Exchange endorses FMDQ Exchange’s role as a market organiser and lends credence to its reputation of pioneering innovation within the Nigerian financial markets. Speaking on the successful CP Programme registration, the Managing Director, Veritasi Homes & Properties Limited, Mr. Nola Adetola, stated “Veritasi Homes & Properties Limited is delighted with the successful registration by FMDQ Exchange of our N10 billion CP Programme. The approval of this CP Programme represents a significant milestone in our short term growth aspirations. “We are delighted that the proceeds from the issuance of the CP will be applied to develop superior real estate projects designed for clients at home and in the diaspora. We want to thank Mega Capital Financial Services Limited, the transaction sponsor, and Pathway Advisors Limited, our financial adviser, for their efforts and professionalism in getting this programme approved. Our commitment as a brand to building a trustworthy business remains, and we look forward to other future engagements with the capital market”. Also, the sponsor of the CP Programme and a Registration Member (Quotations) of FMDQ Exchange, Mega Capital Financial Services Limited, through the Managing Director, Mr. Emmanuel Egbumokei, mentioned that “Mega Capital Financial Services Limited is pleased about its role as Sponsor of the registration of the Veritasi Homes and Properties Limited’s N10.00 billion CP Programme and its plans on the subsequent issues under the Programme. Veritasi Homes & Properties Limited is a real estate development company with focus on creating homes for both the low and middle-income earners in Nigeria. This approved CP Programme will enable Veritasi Homes aand Properties Limited access funding from the debt capital markets to actualise its strategic objectives”. The vision of Veritasi Homes and Properties is to be a world-class real estate development company driven by value innovation and optimum service to deliver affordable homes. In accordance with its strategic objectives to provide credible market structures to corporate and commercial businesses with the opportunities to meet their shortterm funding requirements, FMDQ has continued to demonstrate its commitment by championing key market development initiatives to ensure that growth and development opportunities abound for the markets under its purview.

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APRIL O3 - APRIL 09, 2022 APRIL O3 - APRIL 09, 2022 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnigeria.com THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnigeria.com

ERELU PEARL

OGBULU My Life, My Story

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The Erelu Okin of Orile Okemta, Pearl Chidinma Ogbulu, talks about the truth behind her involvement in the petrol souvenir saga, her chieftaincy title and other matters, in this interview with IVORY UKONU. Excerpts:

Ogbulu

MY MISSION AS ERELU OKIN IS TO BEAUTIFY LIVES – PEARL OGBULU F

or giving out petrol as souvenir to guests at your party, people now call you ‘Erelu Petrol.’ What is your reaction to this? When something happens without a prior plan or arrangement, you have no choice other than to align with it. People catch a lot of fun by calling me that. I am not going to tell them not to call me by that alias. After all, I did give out petrol as souvenir at my chieftaincy installation party. But I didn’t bring it into the hall where the party took place. I was at a party recently and the music artist on the bandstand was hailing me ‘Erelu petrol’ and I was spraying him money and laughing. There is nothing I can do about it. If that is how they want to know me, all is well and good. But it would be better if I am known more for my philanthropic deeds. From videos and photos shared on social media, the petrol was obviously inside the hall. Wasn’t it? I didn’t bring it into the hall. That is the truth. Some people probably got excited about the whole thing, took photographs and made videos of the petrol in jerry cans that were in the hall. It was a new phenomenon and that gained traction in the media. But we were in a crisis. There was scarcity of fuel and many of the prominent people I had invited to the party told me they wouldn’t be able to make it because they were unable to get petrol. I had to do something about it. I wasn’t going to let fuel scarcity deny me the company of my invited guests at my own party. In fact, it was almost beginning to look like a norm that each time I decide to have a party, something always happens that nearly ruins everything. For example, the #EndSARS protests started on the day I held the dedication party for my daughter, Jasmine. More than half of the people that bought the aso ebi for my party were stuck in traffic for hours. By the time the party was ending at past 10pm, people were just getting to a junction where they could turn back to their houses. So when it seemed like there was going to be a repeat of what happened before, I had to think out of the box. I realised that people

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Ogbulu

won’t come if I don’t give them an incentive. So I told those who couldn’t get petrol to find any means possible to be at the party. I promised to give them something to at least power their cars back home or for their electricity generators. Besides, people were really going through a lot staying on the queue for hours to buy petrol. From the bottom of my heart, I decided to share the few litres of petrol I had in my house with my guests. I was going to travel immediately after my party and I knew I wasn’t going to leave fuel in the house. So I decided to give it out. How many litres of petrol did each jerry can contain? I had 50 and 20 litres of petrol brought separately to the event. I don’t know how many jerry cans had petrol dispensed in them. I wasn’t there but I had given instructions that fuel be despensed in the jerry cans. About four or five litres of petrol was poured into several 10-litre jerry cans. The initial plan was to give it to the selected guests as they were leaving the hall at the end of the party. How the petrol was brought into the hall is something I do not know about. From what I gathered, the security men at the venue of the party had stolen some of the fuel when it was placed outside the hall. The people that I put in charge of it challenged the security men and an argument ensued. A member of the music band that I hired to entertain my guests at the party tried to intervene in the matter and they said they were taking the fuel for themselves. Despite informing them that it was a souvenir for some selected guests, they remained adamant. In the resulting confusion, the fuel, already dispensed into jerry cans, were taken into the hall and kept beside the stage where the band was playing. His Royal Majesty, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, who conferred the title on me, drew my attention to this. He asked me what the musician was singing. The musician was praising me in Yoruba language for sharing petrol. I went to the stage and whispered to the musician to instruct his boys to take the fuel out of the hall. And he

said and I quote, ‘Erelu, if you want me to love you for ever, you have to give us our own fuel because my boys didn’t have petrol to come here.’ I promised to sort him and his boys out and that was how they were taken out. Don’t you think that with a highly inflammable liquid like petrol, safety should have been top priority? If you ask me what my first instinct was regarding this, safety didn’t come to me initially. I didn’t think that anything could happen. It didn’t even cross my mind. I just didn’t want the prominent people I had invited to go into a chaotic situation. I didn’t want people leaving and sulking that they didn’t get petrol, you know people can be quite funny with retaliations. Besides I didn’t even have a lot to give out, maybe like 22 jerry cans at the end of the day. I don’t know how many were stolen and unaccounted for. My only concern was how to avoid a chaotic situation and that was why I said it should be taken out of the hall. Thank God nothing negative happened. A few people are of the opinion that sharing petrol at your party was to ridicule the government for not making fuel available in the first place. Is it true? It doesn’t make any sense for anyone to think that I did it to ridicule the government. Why would I do that? A lot of people are running power generators in their homes half of the time. If you came to a party and enjoyed yourself in an air-conditioned hall and when you are about to leave, you think of the last drops of petrol in your car, not knowing where to get at least five litres to power your generators at home for at least three or four hours, you will be grateful if you get a jerry can of fuel as souvenir. Don’t forget that most petrol stations selling fuel were not dispensing in jerry cans. The few that were willing to do so were charging extra money. To buy fuel at the black market, you had to cough out more money. Surely, one will be grateful for the little they got at the party. So I had no reason to ridicule the government with my kind gesture. THEWILLNIGERIA

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You were reported to have been arrested, charged to court and granted bail. How did you resolve the matter? No I wasn’t arrested. I thank Governor Babajide SanwoOlu of Lagos State, the Attorney-General of the state, Moyosore Onigbanjo and the people that were involved in the matter. The matter was settled amicably. I am happy that I was used as a deterrent to others so they can understand the implication of things like this. When I was invited, I wasn’t in Lagos, but the Commissioner of Police called me and said he wanted to see me. I obliged him when I got back and he asked me to go make a statement at the jurisdiction where the party took place. This I did. I also wrote and personally delivered letters of apology to the governor, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho and the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola. The venue of the party, an events centre, had been sealed and the owners were agitated. So I had to take full responsibility for what happened because both the owner of the events centre and the people who took the fuel into the hall did not do what they did with safety at the back of their minds. There was no way I could start pointing fingers. I had to bear the brunt alone. What lessons did you learn from this? That no one is above the law and one should bear the consequences of one’s actions, regardless of who you are. I am now all about preaching safety to people. Looking back, I should actually have thought safety first because if something negative had happened, I won’t be pointing fingers at people or shy away from the problem. I thank God that nothing happened. As an indigene of Abia State, how did you manage to bag a core Yoruba title, Erelu Okin? I want people to understand that everything I have ever gotten in life is by merit. My Erelu title, the Queen Mother, is by merit. It is based on what I have done for the Orile Okemta community in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. By virtue of what I have done for the children in that community, I became their Queen Mother, the goddess of beauty. Okin in Yoruba means peacock and peacock blooms with so much beauty. I brought beauty into that community. My mission as Erelu Okin is to beautify lives. What exactly did you do for the community that earned you the chieftaincy title? I have positively affected the lives of most communities and people around me. During one of my visits to Orile Okemta to get forensic data, I came across some children who would walk 10 kilometres to school. Some of them walked to school barefoot on a road that had just been graded. So I bought shoes for some of them, distributed about 5,000 exercise books to them over a period of time. I was passing one day and discovered that they didn’t have clean water. There is a stream where they get water to bathe, drink, swim and wash their clothes. They don’t even have a local hospital and have to walk a long distance to neighbouring communities to get medical treatment. I feel the government can only do enough. We as humans should be able to distribute our milk of kindness. I dug a borehole for these people so they can have clean and potable water. The king of the community learnt of what I had done for the people and he started searching for me. When I went to answer his call, he asked if I had any ties with Orile Okemta, which I didn’t have and even if I had any roots in Yoruba land, it would probably be Osun State. After the borehole was completed, the king sent for me again, prayed with me for over three hours and finally pronounced me the Erelu Okin, the Queen Mother of Orile Okemta. We held an installation ceremony at the palace with my parents in attendance and thereafter, I decided to hold an installation party with my friends who couldn’t make it to the ceremony. That was how everyone got to know about me, courtesy of the petrol I shared as souvenir. What did your parents think of you being made a chief in another land? They were excited. At least, they have a daughter who has everything going well for her. However, my mum, who is a pastor, by the way kept saying I have to be prayerful about me being a chief. THEWILLNIGERIA

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You run a fashion outfit. With your new position as the Erelu Okin, will it still be operational? Yes, my bridal atelier, La Pearl’s Bridal, is still very much operational. It is in the heart of the Lekki area of Lagos. We are the best bridal makers in Africa, no cap. I still have time to run it, I go there all the time to oversee the business. I have to create the time even though I have workers who run it, bridal experts particularly. It is my source of income. When I was a decade old in the fashion business, I switched to making wedding dresses. I got tired of making traditional clothes, ready-to-wear and all that. I can’t exactly tell what gave me the courage to start doing bridals. I just wanted to have something to do with white and I started doing bridals. But I do know that when I get into the building that houses my fashion business, it is all white; the dresses, the furniture, interior décor, etc. They are all white and it makes me excited. I didn’t know something else that involved white was coming. You also run an oil and gas firm, Pearl Hydro. Does this explain why it was easy for you to distribute fuel at your party during the scarcity? Not really. I got into the oil and gas business because it was the in-thing at the time. I had no idea how it worked. I tried to be subtle at first with my first Department of Petroleum permit, concentrating on the logistics and hospitality aspect of it. But I later got the hang of it after learning from veterans. Oil and gas is a very lucrative and interesting venture, no doubt.

Ogbulu

Was there any ritual involved? No, it was just the pouring of libation with dry gin and kolanut shared among the chiefs. Each chief individually prayed for me as the new chief. The title is an honorary one. I am not a community chief, but I am required to attend every chieftaincy meeting at the palace. I can also be sent as a palace delegate anywhere. I guess you are now stuck with the Orile Okemta community as you will be expected to now play a real motherly role to them Yes. Royalty is a lifetime thing. This propelled me to set up the Erelu Okin Foundation and I am going to do a proper homecoming in my father’s state, Abia, my mum’s state, Akwa Ibom and even as far as Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, America, etc. My mission is to impact as many lives as I can. That is what a Queen mother does. I do the same charitable work as I did in Orile Okemta in Lagos. Lagos has something called Project Zero Initiative, which symbolises Zero Tolerance for Out-Of-SchoolChildren project. They pick up children from the streets, trenches, slums, who are of school age and put them in school. I support in my own way by going to these schools, finding the zero-project people and empowering them with school supplies like bags, shoes, exercise books, writing materials, toiletries and snacks, etc. The government can’t do it all alone. But I am not doing this in conjunction with them. I do not know if they are aware of what I do but I do not need validation from them to help those who need it. How do you plan to get funding for your numerous charitable works? God will provide the funds. As I make money, I give 10 percent to God, 10 percent to charity, 15/20 percent to my parents and I keep the rest. Have you always been this charitable? Yes, this is who I am. I have always impacted on people around me, but now I have a bigger platform to do it and to touch more lives. I want to live a life where when I am gone to be with my maker, they would say, ‘if Pearl was here, things would have been different.’ I want my presence and absence to always make a difference. Does the Erelu Okin title necessarily require you to always wear white clothes? The Queen Mother title connotes that you should always wear white clothes. But I think wearing white now has always been a long time coming for me. I just never understood the intricacies of it or how it would eventually manifest. I like it because white signifies purity.

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You studied Petrochemical Engineering, so I guess it isn’t out of place that you are into oil and gas Well, it would have been out of place because it was by chance that I went to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, to study Petrochemical Engineering. Unfortunately, I never finished. I left. I wanted to study

Ogbulu

theatre arts, but my father was against it. He wanted me to become a lawyer. I started considering it because I love to engage in conversation with people, but I hated the fact that I had to finish school and still go to law school. I was afraid I would never pass the examination. So I chose to study Petrochemical Engineering, started, left it midway and went to study Economics. I made a First Class in Economics. I obtained other degrees thereafter, including an honorary doctorate from the European American University. I’m going to be honoured with another one soon. Do you have any political ambition? Yes, I plan to go into politics soon. What would you say must have significantly shaped you to be who you are today? Love has shaped me. I fell in love with the father of my children. He made me a better person. I don’t take that love for granted.

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STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

Meet Controversial APC Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu

JULIUS AGWU WALKS OUT OF HIS 14-YEAR-OLD MARRIAGE S tand-up comedian, Julius Agwu has broken up with his wife, Ibiere. THEWILL exclusively gathered that the humour merchant walked out

The Agwus

of his marriage, contrary to a widespread rumour that Ibiere packed her bags and left her matrimonial home, having been overwhelmed by Julius’ illness. Before then, sources claimed, Ibiere was very loyal to her husband and she continued to fulfill her marital obligations even as the comedian’s travail started in 2015. Julius gave up on his marriage and stopped fulfilling his marital obligations. He also moved out of his matrimonial home, leaving his wife and children. The reason for his action is still unknown and all efforts to get him to rescind his decision has proved abortive. Julius, who recently made a public appearance at an

event, did so without his wife accompanying him. This aroused suspicion among some of the guests at the event, who hoped that all was well with the couple. Also, when Ibiere clocked 40 on March 30, he didn’t acknowledge it, let alone send her birthday wishes, despite goodwill messages from their mutual friends and members of their family. Julius ignored her. After he moved out of his matrimonial home, Ibiere also decided to move on. She packed her things and relocated abroad with her children. She also reverted to her maiden name, Maclayton. All attempts to speak with the comedian about this development proved abortive as he didn’t respond to a text message and calls to him as of the time of filing this report. THEWILL recalls that the couple got married in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on May 31, 2008. Their union was blessed with two children, Zahra and Zadok before it packed up.

the reputation of her family as she didn’t enjoy a blissful union herself. The couple’s estrangement started when Mohammed went back to his old flame, Umma Wali, who eventually had to move out of her matrimonial home when the rivalry and war of supremacy between her and her co-wife was too much to bear. Feeling slighted, Rahma also moved out, taking their four children with her, a development that didn’t go down well with Mohammed and thus began a long custody battle in 2016. The court case dragged on for about five years as they were moving from one court to the other. Indimi took her estranged husband to seven courts and wrote petitions to the Presidency, Inspector General of Police, National Human Rights Commission, Sultan of Sokoto, where she alleged numerous acts

of abuse of power and privileges by her ex-husband. However, in 2021, Indimi won the court case and custody of her children. The estranged lovers who were not on talking terms as a result of the custody battle squashed their beef and started coparenting their children in 2021. To prove that she no longer holds any grudge against him, she wished him a happy birthday on her social media when he clocked 48. Many who saw her post thought the two had gotten back together as husband and wife. But that wasn’t the case at that time. Rahma was even rumoured to be in another relationship then but nothing much was heard about her mystery man. Recall that Rahma and Mohammed had their elaborate wedding in 2004.

Mohammed Babangida Reunites With Estranged Wife

ohammed Babangida, the first son of former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Rahma Indimi, his estranged wife are back together as husband and wife after many years of separation. The beautiful mother of four posted a recent picture of herself, her husband and grown up children on social media and appreciated the fact that she has reconciled with her family after so many years apart. Rahma thanked her husband for the efforts he made at ensuring they were re-united and for making himself available to listen to her demands as he caters for her needs. Sources disclosed that Mohammed’s elder sister, Aisha, who has suffered two failed marriages brokered peace between her brother and his estranged wife. She was determined to save

The Babangidas

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Modupe

TOKUNBO MODUPE EYES ONDO STATE SENATORIAL TICKET A SECOND TIME

okunbo Modupe, the founder and head honcho of leading public relation firm, TPT International Limited, may have to relax from the administrative duties of the company he laboured to build for over a decade for an elective position. Despite being a leading light in Nigeria’s public relations practice, Tokunbo has indicated interest in representing Ondo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2023. He even went as far as obtaining a nomination form to contest under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He obtained the form at the National headquarters of the People’s Democratic Party in Abuja a few weeks ago. This was done after weeks of consultation with critical stakeholders and party stalwarts across the state. This development is coming four years after some political leaders and youths within the senatorial district held a major meeting which resulted in a consensus that Modupe was fit to represent them at the senatorial district. However, the dream was aborted after he lost at the party’s primary in 2018 to his opponent, Olusegun Alonge who scored 339 while he scored a total of 280 votes. After his defeat at the PDP primary, he took a back seat in politics and went back to his business. He also embraced philanthropic acts to worm his way into the hearts of Ondo North indigenes and pave the way for his future political ambition. He invested a lot in his home town and district, touching lives with his resources from donations to skills acquisition for the youths.

etta Edu, the National Women leader of the All Progressive Congress, is not a novice in politics. Her political journey started when she was a student at the University of Calabar. She was the Vice President of the Student Union Government at the university in 2007-2008. She also served as the president of the female leadership forum, University of Calabar and so her emergence as the National Women Leader of the party did not come as a surprise to many. She is the youngest Women leader to ever occupy the position at 35 years-old. Before her emergence, she was a special adviser to Governor Benedict Ayade on community and primary health care in 2015 and she rose to become the Director General of Cross River State Primary Health Care Agency and eventually became the Commissioner for Health in the State. She was also the chairman of the National Chairman of Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum. Edu was a card carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP before her defection in 2021, following her principal, Ayade’s defection to APC in May 2021, in apparent solidarity and loyalty to him. Her tenure as the Commissioner of Health in the state was riddled with controversy. She was involved in a photo scam as alleged by a human right lawyer, James Ibor who accused her of presenting fake ventilator images, which were not visible at the state isolation centre. She was also criticised for erecting an isolation hall which

Edu

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could only accommodate five beds at the heat of the pandemic in Nigeria. As a result of the controversy the isolation centre generated, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) later vowed to sanction her for unethical handling of COVID-19 related issues in the state. She was accused of meddling in COVID-19 testing, surveillance, treatment and information which could jeopardize the lives of people in the State. Even before her emergence as the Women leader of her party, many were apprehensive that her involvement in the #EndSARS protest of 2020 while she was still in PDP would be revisited. Edu had tweeted back in 2020 that the Lekki tollgate be taken down permanently and thus lent her voice to the movement. But a group known as “The Buharists Hang Out” (BHO) opposed her emergence as the Women leader because of those tweets. They requested the convention planning committee to disqualify her due to her unpatriotic disposition to APC and for endorsing violence as a way of expressing grievances. The medical practitioner, who had deleted the tweets when it became apparent that she would be occupying the position of Women leader, denied she ever made them, but when it was culled, she apologised for the lies, saying she made the tweets out of ignorance and pledged absolute loyalty to her new party. Edu also faced more opposition before being fully accepted to her new position. Ahead of the convention, President Muhammadu Buhari had stated that consensus candidates be adopted before the convention. Of the other two women who signified their interest to occupy the position, Helen Boco Effiong and Mary Ekpere, the latter offered to step down, but not Effiong who insisted on slugging it out for the position. Edu eventually emerged victorious. Beyond the controversies, Edu has contributed her quota to the indigenes of her local government area through her philanthropic acts. Edu grew up in a strict Christian background. She is married and has two children but she has kept her family away from the prying eye of the media.

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APRIL O3 - APRIL 09, 2022 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnigeria.com

STORIES BY SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN

Gospel Singer, Sinach Marks 50th Birthday in Dominican Republic

WHY BETTY AKEREDOLU’S SENATORIAL AMBITION MAY BE DEAD ON ARRIVAL

etty Akeredolu may be wielding political power behind the scene as the first lady of Ondo State, but the breast cancer survivor is now ready to boldly step into the limelight. Having worked closely with her husband and Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, she is ready to prove that she is truly worth her onions in terms of political activity. She has indicated interest in representing the Imo East Senatorial District at the National Assembly. Although she has always been passionate about the rights of the girl-child, gender equality and women inclusion in governance, her desire to venture fully into the realm of politics has been a huge surprise

to many Nigerians. Yet pundits have predicted that her ambition may just be dead on arrival. More so, some people have argued that she is not fit to occupy the position. Mrs Akeredolu’s political opponents insist that a first lady in Ondo State cannot become a senator in Imo State. Having aligned with the people of Ondo for almost five years, they argue, she cannot just wake up and claim that she is ready to serve her kith and kin in Imo State. Although the first lady is a native of Emebiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State and she has been visiting the state to inspect projects, such

Akeredolu as the ongoing reconstruction of Emebiam-Okolasi Road as part of her plan to encourage her constituents to support her senatorial ambition, naysayers believe that her emergence is coming at a time when the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) is making efforts to produce a senator from the zone for the first time. Her critics insist that she needs to step down for other prominent sons of the land to occupy the position.

ospel music artiste, Osinachi Okoro Egbu, otherwise known as Sinach, turned 50 on March 30, 2022. To celebrate it, the award winning music act travelled to the Dominican Republic in company with her husband and daughter. On arrival in that country, Sinach was received by the Deputy Prime Minister, Reginald Austrie and the first lady, Raquel Arbaje. Some of the musician’s fans and friends resident in the country, which is well known for its beautiful beaches and tourist resorts, threw her a small birthday party and accompanied her on visits to interesting tourist sites, such as the Indian River Dominica and other fascinating places. Sinach started her musical journey as a child after joining her church choir. She is currently a senior lead worship singer at the Believers Love World, also known as Christ Embassy. Some of her songs, such as Way Maker, He did it Again, Know Who I am, Precious Jesus have become anthems in most churches and Christian gatherings. The talented music act has won numerous awards and headlined concerts in over 50 countries of the world. Egbu

Chioma Dumps Davido For Another Lover

Ayo Aranmolate Resumes Practice C After Suspension by Medical Tribunal

Aranmolate

he Chief Executive Officer of Grandville Medical Group, Dr Ayo Aranmolate, is back in operation. The plastic surgeon was suspended from practicing medicine by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal in December 2021. Aranmolate was suspended after allegations of disregard for the laws that govern the medical profession were made against him. He was accused of supporting companies to infringe on patient’s confidentiality, thereby violating sections 14.1b, 14.1c, 14.1e and 27 of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria punishable under Section 16(1) (a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act CAP.M8,LFN 2004. Aranmolate was also accused of conducting several cosmetic THEWILLNIGERIA

operations without registering plastic surgery as an additional qualification with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, (MDCN). He was arraigned for using a television programme to unlawfully expose his patient’s information to the general public, thereby violating Rule 44 of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria. Via the TV programme, Dr Laser, his alias, he self-advertises contrary to the law that governs medical practice in Nigeria. The allegations were made against him in 2020, but he was arraigned in August 2021 during the 8th session of the Tribunal. He pleaded not guilty at first, but later changed his mind and pleaded guilty to all the charges. Abba Waziri Hassan, Chairman of the tribunal, suspended Aranmolate from medical practice after he was found guilty of all the charges made against him. He was suspended for three months for each offense, and his sentence was to run concurrently. The duration of his suspension started after his conviction. The suspension which spanned three months started in December, 2021 and ended in February 2022. THEWILLNG

Aranmolate resumed operation in March 2022 after his period of suspension had elapsed. While on suspension, his team went on a health awareness programme while he jetted out of the country to cool off and attend medical conferences that would further enhance his professional services. The plastic surgeon, who usually updates his fans about the latest procedure carried out at his medical facility, ensured that he captioned each post with a date so as not to be penalised by the association for the second time. Following his resumption, he recruited more professionals in his hospital and is strictly abiding by the codes of the tribunal as revealed during his trial. He has also reduced the rate at which he advertises himself as accused by the tribunal. His reality TV show Dr Laser has also been suspended. However, the suspension affected his medical facilities as patients requiring plastic surgery has greatly reduced. The doctor is also struggling to stay afloat as he had to engage a marketing team who could help in convincing A-list clients about his facilities. Dr Aranmolate came into the limelight after Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh attributed her perfect surgical enhanced body to him in January 2018. He has enjoyed patronage from many female socialites and celebrities seeking Brazilian butt lift, breast enhancement, liposuction and other cosmetic surgery from him.

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hioma Avril Rowland aka Chef Chi, the third baby mama of David Adeleke otherwise known as Davido, seems to have moved on from her celebrated relationship with the singer and found love in the arms of another man, Kelvin Adesina Akinjola also known as King carter. Many were happy and thought that Davido had reconciled with Chioma, especially after the singer flew her and their son, Ifeanyi, in a private jet to attend his concert at the 02 Arena in London, a few weeks ago. The two were even spotted clubbing together after the concert. Many are now surprised with Kelvin now in the picture. She first unveiled him last week in a video that surfaced on the Internet. In the video, she showcased her new tattoo, ‘king’ which was inscribed on one of her arms. It was gathered that King Carter requested that his lover inscribe ‘king’ on one of her arms to show how much she loves him. Chioma’s alleged new lover is a 35 year-old drug kingpin and fraudster. He shuttles between Nigeria and Dubai. Due to his

Rowland

notorious activities and fraudulent lifestyle, he was banned from entering Dubai, the United Arabs Empire for a period of 10 years and from Kenya as well. He is a well-known figure in the entertainment joints where he hangs out with influential figures and dishes out wads of cash. He reportedly moves around with armed bodyguards who carry his money for him and he drives the latest automobile in town. In 2018, he was deported from Nairobi, Kenya because of drug related offences. But he managed to sneak back the following year. He was deported again in 2019 and arrested upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. After his arrest in Nigeria, his highly influential friends in the police influenced his release. King Carter lives life to the fullest and he rolls with the rich and affluent big boys in town. His love for designer clothes and accessories is second to none. He has been the one responsible for Chioma’s luxurious lifestyle since she dumped Davido. And he has been fingered to be one of the

reasons for the breakdown of her relationship with Davido. King Carter is said to be a cultist and he was one of the most feared kingpins in the neighbourhood he lived in when he was in Nigeria. He is known as one of the most dangerous street boys that dares anyone who bears grudges against him. He is currently at loggerheads with Davido because of Ifeanyi, his son. Chioma allegedly attended King Carter’s birthday last week in Dubai with her son and decided to stay back for a while. He had to restrict their movement because he is on the watch list of the police in Dubai. Davido, who went to Dubai for a performance at the Jubilee Stage Festival which took place on March 19, requested to see his son before leaving Dubai, but King Carter blocked all access to the singer’s son. He also threatened to deal with Davido if he continues to pester his lover and step son. Since Chioma started dating her new beau, she and the father of her son, Davido have both unfollowed each other on social media.

Akinjola

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APRIL O3 - APRIL 09, 2022 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnigeria.com

TRIBUTE

Iron Lady of UNIBEN Alele-Williams

BY MICHAEL JIMOH

She also reached for a Coke which she sipped straight from the bottle. “I am tired and I need to replenish my energy.”

hat was the soubriquet by which she was known for much of her time as vice chancellor of University of Benin for seven years from 1985. It was borrowed not by her but by those who saw similarities between her uncompromising leadership style and another tough-fighting, fiercely independent-minded former PM of the UK Margret Thatcher.

Published afterwards as Woman of The Sun, Alele-Williams told us about her life’s journey from Warri where she was born the fifth and last child among five sibs, her early education at primary, secondary and university level. And, of course, her personal life with her spouse, Abraham Williams. At the time, they were already divorced but without any bitterness. The man, a political scientist and professor whom she married at UI, died in 2010.

The similarities did not end there. They had the same bouffant hairstyle which stood high on big craniums. They never gave up a fight midway. Thatcher loved her Scotch straight undiluted. Alele-Williams loved her martinis just so. Though it was the Russians who gave Thatcher Iron Lady, students and lecturers of the University of Benin appropriated it to describe a woman they found too hot to handle.

At the time, too, she’d been on the lecture circuit, invited to this and that conference within and outside Nigeria, venerated more than ever before especially by the menfolk even the military who conferred an OON on her in 1987. She was member of board of directors of a half dozen or so companies, ranging from Chevron to Texaco.

At an imposing six feet-plus, the professor of Mathematics looked formidable enough, especially to her male adversaries who were correspondingly shorter. But what they dreaded most was her equally formidable mind. She studied a course (Mathematics) at a time it was unfashionable for women to do so in Nigeria, obtained a first degree in it and then doctoral up to professorship. It was not by chance she was the first woman in Nigeria to bag a doctoral degree. But becoming the first female vice chancellor of a university in Nigeria was serendipitous. Professor of Mathematics Grace Awani Alele-Williams lived in polite obscurity as director of Institute of Education University of Lagos from 1974 to 1985. But everything changed soon after military president Ibrahim Babangida appointed her vice chancellor of University of Benin in 1985. Naturally, the appointment got the women folk happy, herself inclusive. Recalling her appointment as the first female VC, Alele-Williams said: “The excitement I felt on receiving the news from Professor Jibril Aminu [the Nigerian Minister of Education] had more to do with seeing it in terms of opening up the field for women than anything else. I saw it as an opportunity to show that women too could rise up to the occasion. Also, I knew what the weight of the expectations of the women was. “They were eager to see how things would go and I was not going to let them down. Mind you, those who appointed me felt I was qualified for it; so it was not just a case of wanting to satisfy the yearnings of the womenfolk. It wasn’t that simplistic.” Good enough. But her new job also got her into trouble. It was as if the appointment threw her in a ring where she had to face opponents alone to, as it were, fight for survival. They were epic battles, first, with her fellow professors. It was bad enough that, after Professor Adamu Baikie, her predecessor, an out-of-state don from another university was chosen to replace him. Worst of all, a woman! It is enough to make any grown man wince from injured pride. Right from the start, some professors in the institution, especially those of a particular ethnicity, took her head on. A tough nut to crack, she survived it all, reappointed a second time after her first tenure, leaving her tormentors champing at the bit. Round One: Alele-Wiliams 1, Grumpy professors 0. She also recorded many victories over some of her headstrong wards, students under her care. At about the time she was appointed in the mid-eighties, fraternities in some universities were commonplace. Fresh from secondary school or HSC, most male students enjoyed freedoms they never had in grammar schools. With raging hormones for twenty-something year olds, they could smoke, drink, chase girls and party like never before. It was also time to buddy up with ‘special friends’ initiated almost always at night and in peculiar regalia, complete with branded berets. Mind you, the new VC never took exception to students becoming members of fraternities. After all, as a THEWILLNIGERIA

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Alele-Williams

The moniker fitted her snugly, like the pair of grandma glasses she wore most of the time. Most of their opponents were men. And during some of those confrontations – whether with Union leader Arthur Scargill in the case of Thatcher or Festus Iyayi in the case of Alele-Williams – both women never blinked first.

student in two or three universities in the US, she would have known of frats and even sororities. But what Alele-Williams took exception to was the accompanying violence, the needless killings and open chancing of fellow students by the so-called hard men in campus. At the time, cult-related violence was routine in Benin, rivalled and surpassed only by students of Bendel State University, Ekpoma, now Ambrose Alli University. While violence escalated at Ekpoma where students casually gouged out eyes with a pair of compass or acid-bathed others, there was a corresponding decrease in incidents of that kind at UNIBEN thanks to the new sheriff in town. How did she do it? Hand out lengthy suspension terms to students found guilty of cult-related violence, anywhere from four, five, six, seven, eight years, and most often delayed when they are just about graduating. (However hard-eyed students may be, spending eight years in the wilderness on suspension is sure to erode or undermine their confidence. Besides, it isn’t the kind of news you tell your guardians.) If, for instance, you were involved in any cult-related confrontation as a fresher, the suspension won’t come until your third or final year. You will most certainly have forgotten about your crime and carry on like before. Backed by the VC, the school authorities routinely published the names of such errant students in school bulletins – those guilty of exam malpractice, frat boys involved in one form of disturbance or the other and so on. Asked post-VC at UNIBEN how she curtailed cultism in her time, Alele-Williams would only remark that “I dealt with it,” as simple as that, no gloating. Recounting her battles to two journalists in 2007 when she was 75,about the dons who wanted her out by any means she used a word to describe her adversaries many people often mispronounce: “They were sadists,” ‘saydists,’ we heard and not ‘sahdists.’ Patrick Asonye who was Deputy Editor of Sunday Sun then and I had waited for more than an hour in the retired professor’s Victoria Island residence. She’d agreed to meet and speak with the team on her anniversary. By the time she came in, you could see she was tired, held up in a gridlock. “I am sorry,” she said, and then proceeded to look in a moderate-sized mirror, touching a greying strand here, another there. We laughed and she responded, “you know, we women.”

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But it was her contribution as a Mathematics professor that stood her out most. Of her contribution in that regard, a commentator has written: “She had been awarded a Master’s Degree in Education in 1959 having taught mathematics as a Graduate Assistant in the Mathematics Department while studying Mathematical Education. A Graduate Fellowship Award allowed her to go to the University of Chicago Illinois later in 1959 to study for a PhD…After the award of the degree, she returned to Nigeria and spent two years at the University of Ibadan undertaking postdoctoral work as a postdoctoral research fellow in the department and Institute of Education…Between 1962 and 1969, the African Mathematics Programme conducted annual eight-week writing workshops in Entebbe and Mombassa, and produced over 80 volumes of textual materials covering primary school, teacher training, secondary, and sixth-form mathematics.” Her continental involvement with Mathematics will see AleleWilliams chair a Maths project at Entebbe. “The Entebbe Mathematics Series have sometimes been dubbed American but this is to ignore the valuable contribution of the African participants,” Alele-Williams wrote, “who feel keenly the African origin of the series. Moreover the whole exercise has provided an international forum for teaching and learning, unprecedented in the annals of education. Africans, working with Europeans and Americans, have produced mathematics texts good enough for use anywhere in the world. Mutual benefits have been derived by all concerned and the project has clearly contributed to international understanding.” All of her contributions as VC, mother, mathematician and role model to women have not gone unnoticed. Writing on her 80th anniversary in 2012, a former student had this to say. “Today, friends and family are converging in Lagos to celebrate the 80th Birthday of a great African, a quality Nigerian, a super patriot, an indomitable champion of women’s causes, a great educator and educationist, the inimitable Mother of Nigerian academia and an exemplary Amazon, Professor Grace Awani Alele-Williams. I am here celebrating this special woman, not only because she was the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Benin who signed my Degree Certificate (BA History, 1985, as the best graduating student in my class), but also because she was ‘primus inter pares’ amongst those who put the “Great” in Great UNIBEN! Of course, it wasn’t easy to have to step into the shoes of another great Nigerian, Professor Adamu Baikie who held the position of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin before her, but Professor Alele-Williams did it with grace, guts and grit…Mama Grace Alele-Williams opened her doors to everyone, treated students with respect, listened to what they had to say, encouraged academic freedom, victimized no one on account of holding contrary views and made the University of Benin a true place of learning.” Upwardly mobile women in positions of authority, Alele-Williams once observed, “like to be thorough. And many women who go past that stage are very thorough, economical, pointedly vigorous and directed, because they have to do this to move up. Once you’re in that line, you tend to do extremely well and since the men have the common tie, we don’t have that. We have to do extra work to be seen and voted in even at the lower levels. And quite often, many of us are multitasking ourselves to be in such positions and we come out and are noted.” There couldn’t have been a more apt self-analysis.

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www.thewillnigeria.com APRIL 03 - APRIL 09, 2022

Super Eagles, Qatar 2022 And Recurring Nigerian Factor

ike many Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, I am still pained by the Super Eagles’ shocking inability to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, clearly the biggest sporting tournament in the world this year.

The Super Eagles were favourites to defeat the Black Stars of Ghana in the two-legged playoff football match that would guarantee the winner a World Cup ticket. Entering the second leg of the tie after a goalless draw in Ghana, the Super Eagles needed just a goal to beat the Black Stars, but, alas, the match ended in another draw. The Nigerian side only managed to secure a 1-1 draw. The Super Eagles were uninspiring and nonchalant while the match lasted. They lacked leadership on the field and did not appear to understand the importance of this particular game. Having been shocked by Ghana’s early goal, the Super Eagles earned a penalty to equalise and did not score another goal. The away goal rule meant the Ghanaians were headed to Qatar. So what went wrong with this promising team that had Victor Osimhen, the Serie A Player of the Month for March and Napoli FC’s top scorer? The answer is not farfetched. ‘Nigeria happened to the Super Eagles.’ I will explain what I mean below. There is this phrase that appears to be growing in popularity – ‘Don’t let Nigeria happen to you.’ It simply means that the country is synonymous with failure, not because it does not have the capacity to succeed, but it appears to be designed or programmed to fail, courtesy of a couple of self-inflicted actions. How does one explain that a country abundantly blessed with both human and natural resources is on the brink of economic collapse? Nothing appears to be working well as it should in the country. There is the Nigerian factor in almost every facet of our daily lives. A country so rich in everything, yet the majority of its people are hungry, frustrated, poor and struggling to eat a meal a day. A country with abundant crude and gas reserves, yet sabotages its four refineries in order to encourage the importation of refined petroleum products so that billions of naira can be stolen through a fraudulent fuel subsidy scheme. A nation that has ranking medical doctors in every field of medicine globally, yet its leaders and elite have refused to build world class hospitals and instead prefer to travel abroad for medical treatment. The list goes on and on. To get a full grasp of the Super Eagles’ failure to reach Qatar, I will take you back to Sunday, December 12, 2021, when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) fired the Franco-German coach Gernot Rohr, who had managed the first team for the previous 64 months. PAGE 40

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The President of the Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, was specific about the rationale behind the interventionist action. Without mincing words, Pinnick attributed the sacking as a precautionary move to forestall “a disaster waiting to happen.’’ According to Pinnick, the collective decision by the NFF committee that recommended Rohr’s sack was hinged on the basis that in the final two games the coach supervised, the senior men’s national football team were abysmal to the point where it was an act of divine providence that Nigeria even qualified for the playoffs. The NFF therefore believed that to avert a situation where Nigeria will fail to book a spot at the global football tournament, better hands were required to steer the course of the team towards Qatar. After weeks of going back and forth on hiring a foreign coach, it settled to allow Augustine Eguavoen, the Technical Director of Football, a former

There is this phrase that appears to be growing in popularity – ‘Don’t let Nigeria happen to you.’ It simply means that the country is synonymous with failure, not because it does not have the capacity to succeed, but it appears to be designed or programmed to fail, courtesy of a couple of selfinflicted actions player and coach, to manage the side in an ad hoc arrangement. It was obvious that the NFF’s action was a kneejerk approach to solving the symptom without dealing with the core problem – self-serving, lack of government and private sector investment in developing Nigerian football vis-a-vis the local league and football academies. The cause of the country’s continuous decline in African and global football, despite its huge number of talents and millions of football fans, is easily traceable to the Nigerian factor. The truth is that the fortunes of the country’s foot-

ball cannot be divorced from the realities of daily existence in Nigeria because it is not aliens from Mars that are at the helm in football. Germans are not the ones running the country, just as Americans are not hampering steady supply of electricity. Ukrainians are not the ones stealing our oil nor are Russians scamming the country of billions of naira, using one subsidy regime or the other. Rather, the Nigerians charged with the responsibility of service to the country have abdicated this charge and supplanted it with a brazen disposition to self-service. One of the consequences is that Nigeria will not be at the firstever World Cup in the Arab world. Rohr had managed to fulfill one of the core obligations of his contract – qualifying for the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon. He was on the verge of securing the country a ticket to Qatar, even though his team lacked depth, coupled with months of insider wranglings with the top brass of the football Federation on issues that included two months’ unpaid salaries and the charge of the Pinnick-led body that the 68-year-old coach had failed to enforce discipline in the team. Up till this moment, Nigeria has no comprehensive programme to develop its football industry as it is done in the West, Asia and Middle East. There is no system and no one in sports administration seems to care. We just have the inherent Nigerian penchant of carrying on without a plan and dependent on God’s grace and luck. Football is a religion and industry in this country. We cannot keep approaching it the way we do and expect results better than what we got on the field in Abuja last week. If we don’t change our approach, we will continue to witness the same lackadaisical approach that is the standard operating procedure of almost everything Nigerian. There is also a debilitating lack of accountability, unnerving nonchalance, a characteristic absence of commitment, a dearth of leadership and acute paucity of motivation. Last Tuesday, the Ghanaians were the more motivated side and were able to lift themselves up to achieve their target. Anywhere you look in Nigeria today, you will find the exact same malaise. There is a lack of commitment, accountability and nonchalance. From importation of bad petrol without anyone being held accountable till date to the collapse of the national grid to terrorists attacking our trains, airports and highways, yet no one has been held accountable. For Nigeria to dominate soccer and indeed, sports in Africa and the world, we must have a long term plan and funding for sports development. The scheme must include reviving our youth’s sports programmes in secondary schools, colleges and universities. THEWILLNIGERIA

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