SUNDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2018

Buhari Imposes Travel Ban on 50 Unamed High Profile Individuals Orders full implementation of Executive Order 6 Ozekhome: it’s a ‘panicky desperation’

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

The Presidency yesterday announced that the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies had placed about 50 high profile persons suspected of corruption

under the Executive Order 6 on watch-list. A statement

by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media

and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said such individuals had been restricted from leaving the county pending

the determination of their cases.

But the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the travel

PDP calls ban ‘fascism’

restriction and accused the President Muhammadu Buhari government of descending into fascist inclinations.

Obasanjo: Nigeria’ll Soon Have President to Sign AfCFTA ... Page 10

Shehu said in the statement that the financial transactions of the persons of interest were being monitored by relevant agencies with a view to ensuring that the watched assets are not Continued on page 6

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Archbishop of Canterbury, Other Religious Leaders Demand Free, Fair Poll Buhari urges primary election losers to seek redress lawfully Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has urged the Nigerian government and the politicians to do their best to ensure credible elections in 2019, saying it is the wisest course to peace and progress in the country. Welby stated Continued on page 6

THINK-TANK OF 54 COUNTRIES...

L-R: Former South African President and Chairman of The South Centre, Thabo Mbeki; Member of South Centre, Prof. Carlos Correa (Argentina); and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and Chairman, Finance Committee of South Bank, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, at the Board Meeting held in Geneva on Friday of The South Centre, a think-tank of 54 developing countries, including Nigeria, China, India and Brazil

First Look: How Nigeria May Decide THISDAY Editors take a first shot at the emerging trends in 2019 Presidential Election. How states are likely to vote IF ELECTIONS WERE HELD TODAY . The APC candidates are Muhammadu Buhari/ Yemi Osinbajo, while the PDP challengers are Atiku Abubakar/Peter Obi. None of the other candidates has so far shown capacity to win any state. Victory in each state and ultimately the election will depend on turnout, margin and spread.

NOTE: This is not a scientific poll but emerging trends as captured by our reporters in the 36 states. They have never been wrong.

L I K E LY B U H A R I L I K E LY AT I K U State REG Voters State REG Voters Kano 5,149,070 Adamawa 1,741,427 Kastina 2,967,373 Taraba 1,505,902 Jigawa 1,935,799 Benue 2,184,463 Bauchi 2,197,154 Plateau 2,176,023 Zamfara 1,588,563 Kwara 1,219,527 Kebbi 1,603,012 South-east 8,293,093 Yobe 1,214,454 South-south 11,101,093 Borno 2,080632 Sokoto 1,692,930 TOO CLOSE TO CALL State REG Voters State REG Voters Oyo 2,582,756 Kogi 1,501,733 Osun 1,577,822 Nasarawa 1,380,854 Ogun 1,993,583 Ekiti 842,731 Niger 2,124,305 Lagos 6,048,156 Ondo 1,581,752

B U H A R I V S AT I K U

BUHARI ATIKU TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Likely Buhari States Total Registered Voters Likely Atiku States Total Registered Voters South West Too Close to Call As at January 2018

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PAGE SIX BUHARI IMPOSES TRAVEL BAN ON 50 UNAMED HIGH PROFILE INDIVIDUALS dissipated and such persons do not interfere or corrupt the investigation and litigation processes.

Following Thursday’s court judgment, which affirmed the constitutionality and legality of Executive Order 6 (EO6), which provides for interim confiscation of assets linked to criminal prosecution and investigation, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja ordered the full implementation of the order.

Shehu said the president had mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to immediately launch the implementation of the order. He said following the presidential order, a number of enforcement procedures had been put in place.

The statement added, "It is instructive to note that EO6 was specifically directed to relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all assets within a minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or litigation, are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.

"The Buhari administration reassures all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians of its commitment to the fight against corruption, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the general principles of the Rule of Law. "Accordingly, this administration will uphold the rule of law in all its actions and the right of citizens would be protected as guaranteed by the Constitution.

"We, therefore, enjoin all Nigerians to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities

towards ensuring a successful implementation of the Executive Order 6, which is a paradigmchanging policy of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption."

But in a statement yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP condemned the travel ban as an attempt by the Buhari presidency to foist a full-blown fascism on the country. The party said, “’This wicked and draconian step’ is clearly targeted at members of the opposition parties, perceived enemies of President Muhammadu Buhari, well-meaning Nigerians, including members of the business community, religious leaders, former political leaders and traditional rulers, who are perceived to be averse to President Buhari’s re-election bid.”

PDP noted that the order was a direct clampdown on the country’s democratic order and an overthrow of the rights of the citizenry as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended). ‘’We hope this is not a ploy to harm certain eminent Nigerians under the guise of resisting travel restrictions.

The whole world can now see how fascism is fast taking over our democracy and judicial system and how the Buhari administration by fiat, has directly ordered that citizens be secretly trailed, their movements and financial transactions restricted by government agencies, without recourse to due process of the law,’’ PDP stated.

It alleged that the Buhari presidency had gone into panic mode since the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as PDP

presidential candidate and the spontaneous jubilation his emergence had evoked across the country. The statement accused the president of resorting to total clampdown on the opposition and its supporters. ‘’What this means is that all Nigerians, particularly, opposition members and members of the business community and religious leaders, have become endangered and stand the risk of state violence under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration,’’ the PDP stated.

The PDP alerted the international community to hold the Buhari presidency responsible should any harm befall any opposition leader, key members of the business community and religious leaders across the country, as the country marches towards the 2019 general election.

It said APC and Buhari were pushing the country to the brinks, stressing, however, that no amount of intimidation, harassment and fascism will deter Nigerians from their determination to rally on the platform of the PDP to oust the ‘’incompetent, anti-people and repressive’’ APC administration in 2019.

A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, also condemned the travel ban issued by the presidency. FaniKayode stated, “The banning of 50 prominent Nigerians, who are all members of the opposition, from travelling out of the country by Buhari's Executive Order and the power to confiscate their assets, even though they have not been empowered to do so by a court of law or convicted of any offence, is utterly shameful

and condemnable.

“It is nothing less than a descent into fascism and a violation of the fundamental human rights and civil liberties of the individuals that have been directly affected and the Nigerian people. It is also a usurpation of the role of the judiciary. Buhari is so desperate to remain in power that he has now resorted to attempting to muscle and intimidate the opposition. He forgets that he is not God and that he will soon leave power.

“I condemn his lawless and desperate ways in the strongest terms. Only dictators behave in this way and Buhari has proved to be the most brutal and callous of them all in the history of our nation. I challenge him to do his worse and enjoy the short time that he has left in office. Sadists never last. Soon it will all be over and he will account for his evil ways and brought to justice."

Lawyer and human rights activist Mike Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, called the travel restriction “an extreme panicky measure of desperation,” in a statement yesterday.

Ozekhome stated, “The recent announcement of the government's ban on certain Nigerians (yet publicly unnamed) is an extreme panicky measure of desperation and obvious descent into totalitarianism, absolutism and fascism. It is highly condemnable for being absolutely unconstitutional, illegal, wrongful, immoral, vindictive, dictatorial, panicky and presumptuous of the victims' guilt, without any trial or conviction.

“The order shows a government wallowing in

narcissistic self-righteousness, brazen glorification and a false sense of redemptive messianism.

It will surely boomerang on the government in this electioneering campaign period and strip the government bare of any pretensions towards democratic credentials.

“Presumably anchored on Executive Order 6, it made earlier in July 2018, the recent clampdown on opposition elements and persons suspected to be against the desperate attempt by this government to cling to power at all cost is nothing but a draconian Decree, a piece of legislative enactment without a NASS and an unconstitutional judicial pronouncement outside the orbit of a court of competent jurisdiction. It is a vile coup against Nigerians, democracy and constitutionalism. The government by the order turned itself into a court of law to trail citizens, deprive them of their freedom of movement and monitor and seize their accounts by fiat, without a valid court lose.

“The right to freedom of movement is guaranteed by section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, and same is not subject to derogation by any Executive Order outside the pronouncement of a court of law. It dresses the executive branch of government with the despotic garbs of arbitrariness, whimsicality and capriciousness, to determine which citizens should be prevented from traveling, and have their accounts and properties attached.

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in Director of SSS v Olisa Agbakoba (1999) 3 NWLR (or 595) 340, quoted with approval, the Indian

case of Meneka Ghandi v Union of India (1978) AIR 597, (1978) SCC (1) 248, where the Indian Supreme Court held, on Ghandi's passport being seized, and he filing a writ of petition under Articles 21 and 32 of the Indian Constitution, that: ‘The Indian Constitution safeguards the right to go abroad against executive interference which is not supported by law; law here means enacted law or state law. ..thus, no person can be deprived of his right to go abroad unless there is law made by the state prescribing the procedure for so depriving him and the deprivation is effected strictly in accordance with such procedure.’

“Neither the Executive Order no 6, nor the new travel ban and accounts monitoring and property attachment constitute any such law, by any stretch of the imagination, or constitutional imprimatur. In Agbakoba's case, the apex court made it clear that ownership of a travelling passport was part and parcel of and concomitant to the freedom of movement. Thus, Executive Order no 6 cannot even enjoy the derogation qualification granted under section 45 of the Constitution, which permits restriction and derogation from the observance of section 41 under a law ‘reasonably justifiable in a democratic society in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health, or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons.’ This is because it is not a law, but a mere executive order. Nothing more.

“Those affected should head for the courts immediately and get it struck down.”

politics and the rules of the game will have to change, adding that the root of corruption in the country is selfishness.

"We need a concept of politics that is based on the readiness to serve the common good of all Nigerians. The emphasis should be on service, not self-service.

Politics should no longer be a place to make money at the expense of the people," he said.

The representative of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Professor Muhib Oyelope, said religious communities in the country were becoming wiser in their dealings with political gladiators. He said Islamic faithful were ready to ensure peace.

In his opening remarks, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Mohammed Bello expressed the hope that the

forum will help proffer ways of promoting peace in the country ahead of the general elections.

He said the conference was coming at a most appropriate time, as politicians and political parties had just finished their primaries in readiness for the 2019 general elections.

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sampson Ayokunle, identified three things – mutual respect, fairness and justice – as prerequisite for peaceful coexistence.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria Paul Arkwright said the deliberations at the three-day IIP conference had been very fruitful. Arkwright said Britain will support efforts at peaceful elections in Nigeria.

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, OTHER RELIGIOUS LEADERS DEMAND FREE, FAIR POLL this yesterday in Abuja at the closing session of a three-day conference on religious harmony in Nigeria organised by the Interfaith Initiative for Peace (IIP). The Archbishop, who was a special guest at the event, advised Christians in Nigeria to pray fervently for peaceful elections next year.

Speaking in a similar vein at the event, President Muhammadu Buhari, urged politicians who lost the recent primary elections to pursue lawful means of redress. Buhari said asked the politicians to refrain from actions that could create tension in the polity.

Other religious leaders at the occasion, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, and Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, asked the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure fairness and neutrality in their conduct before, during and after the 2019 poll.

Welby noted that though peace was a universal concept, it was conditional and required respect and justice to be effective. He said he had been to almost all corners of Nigeria and advised all Nigerians to get involved in the electoral process either as contestants or voters.

On the issue of holding political leaders accountable, the Archbishop said religious leaders must stand up for truth and be ready to speak truth to power without being contemptuous.

He said, "I would like to enjoin all the Christian leaders and others to ensure, like President Buhari said, a free and fair election.

First, my message to Nigerian

Christians is for them to pray without ceasing, pray for those with whom you agree with and to those with whom you disagree.

Pray that they would behave well and will be safe, and that they would act with integrity.

“The second thing is that you cannot criticise the players on the pitch if you are not ready to go out there and participate.

If you don't vote, you have no right to criticise.

"There will always be complaints, but we have to be careful how we criticise the people in office because they are dealing with hard issues.

When they act with less than integrity, then we speak truth to power, not speaking truth with intent to despising them, but with respect. The Bible teaches us to respect those with secular authority, so we speak truth to power but we do not speak truth to power contemptuously.”

Welby also spoke on violence and killings in Nigeria, saying with regard to tackling insecurity and reconciling affected communities, “The desire for peace may be universal but it not without condition. It requires justice. If people are attacked they will not be satisfied if there is impunity." He said telling the truth in times of conflict meant a lot and helped to heal wounds fast.

Buhari said persons who nursed grievances after the primaries should accept their fate and humbly pursue redress through internal party mechanisms or the courts, alluding to his own experience of contesting and litigating for three consecutive times before winning the presidency.

The president stated, "Our

primary elections are over. It is my hope that all who feel aggrieved would put the stability of our country first before their political ambitions and accept the decision of their political parties or seek resolution through party reconciliation mechanisms or the law courts.

"Very soon, political campaigns will commence, leading to elections in February next year. It is my hope and prayer that we will even perform better at the polling stations and see to a peaceful completion of the entire process without resorting to negative use of religion and ethnicity.

"Having witnessed the roles our religious leaders have been playing so far, I appeal to them to eschew partisan politics and appeal to their respective members to read the manifestos of each political party, discuss and pray for God’s guidance before casting their votes. Religious leaders should not be seen to involve themselves in partisan politics or political controversies.

Otherwise, they risk losing their status and public respect.”

Buhari, who narrated his experiences in the quest for the presidency, stated that the often held belief that religious and ethnic affinity gave one political advantage had never worked for him.

Speaking on the expectations of Nigerians for a free and fair 2019 general elections, Buhari said the era of lack transparency and accountability was over. "I am hopeful that 2019 will move us closer to achieving the goals of a free, fair and peaceful elections," he said.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto said Nigerians were trusting that Buhari would keep to his promise to ensure credible election next year.

He said the religious leaders took the opportunity of the meeting to invite two critical stakeholders in the electoral process, the chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to make a commitment on their readiness to be neutral in the coming polls. He counselled the security agencies and INEC not to compromise their integrity during the election.

On his part, the co-convener of the conference, the Catholic Archibishop of Abuja, spoke on what should form the issues for electoral campaign for 2019 elections. He said the concept

Continued on page 10

...Welby‘s Visit to Atiku Generates Debate Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The age-long friend and admirer of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, yesterday paid an incredible visit to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in his Abuja home.

The visit which took many by surprise was interpreted by many to imply that the former vice-president who emerged as the PDP presidential flag bearer in Port Harcourt last Saturday might be securing international support for his ambition.

Welby who was in Nigeria yesterday for an inter-faith dialogue, was accompanied to the house of Atiku by the outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright.

Both Welby and Arkwright, were received by Atiku and the National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus as well as the DirectorGeneral of Atiku Campaign Organisation, Gbenga Daniel.

Later in the night, Welby along with the Sultan of Sokoto and other religious leaders were hosted to a dinner by Buhari in the Presidential Villa.

Welby's visit to Atiku, Buhari's main challenger at the forthcoming presidential poll, however, generated interest in view of his relationship with latter which spanned decades, beginning from the time the archbishop lived and served in Nigeria as an Executive Director of the French oil corporation, Elf Aquitaine, in the 1970s when the Buhari was Nigeria's Minister of Petroleum.

In continuation of the age-long relationship, Welby has always visited Buhari in the Nigeria House anytime the Nigerian president is in London.

In May 2016, for instance, when the then British Prime Minister, David Cameron, was caught on camera, describing Nigeria as one of the "fantastically corrupt" countries in the presence of the Queen Elizabeth II of England, Welby rose in Buhari's defence, saying, "but this particular president is not corrupt. He's trying very hard."

It was against this background of his expected continuous support for Buhari, that his visit to the president's major opponent at the February 16, 2019 presidential poll was not expected yesterday.

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SUNDAY COMMENT

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

2019 P RESIDEN TI AL E LECTION A ND T HE B AT TLE A HEAD Politicians should ensure that the mould of politics which leaves individuals and the country polarised is broken in electoral politics. He has contested for the presidency three times - 2007, 2011 and 2015- without success. But he is not the type to let go. His chances at the poll was buoyed last week by the endorsement of his former boss for eight years, President Olusegun Obasanjo, and for picking as a running mate, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, who symbolises prudence and accountability. The PDP sees in Atiku a man who could garner votes through his understanding of the economy and liberal stance on restructuring of the federation which will spur competition among the states.

A

fter two days of horse-trading, intrigues and voting in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, former Vice -President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A day earlier, the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) had overwhelming nominated, through affirmation, President Muhammadu Buhari to run for four more years. The stage is thus set for a clearly fierce and competitive election in February next year.

Meanwhile, there are others who have also been cleared and nominated by some of the 91 political parties to challenge Buhari for the plum job. Among them is Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, an activist, former The campaign that vice-president for Africa at the Nigerians yearn for World Bank, is one that will not and a two-time minister. only position the In the same league are Dr. strengths of each Kingsley Moghalu, former candidate against Central Bank of Nigeria the opponent’s (CBN) deputy governor, weaknesses but also and former Cross River what each brings to State Governor, Mr Donald the table to redress Duke. There are yet many others in a crowded field the challenge that includes many first time of poverty and office seekers. underdevelopment However, as illustrious as the credentials of some of these contenders may be, it is obvious that the match-up contest is between the main political divides – the APC and PDP. For the second time in the history of the nation, the ruling party will be challenged by a robust opposition party, in reverse order of what happened four years ago. And like in 2015, the prediction is that the election could go either way.

What makes the contest even more interesting is that the two leading contenders are northerners by geo-politics, Muslim by religion and Fulani by ethnicity. So, neither holds any primordial advantage over the other.

At 71, Atiku is a dogged political war-horse and a veteran

Letters to the Editor

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S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

otwithstanding, Atiku certainly has an uphill task.

This is so because President Buhari, in the last three and half years, has provided leadership and has a followership that is unwavering. Buhari came on board with a reputation as a stern and uncompromising man ready to wrestle corruption, the country’s major malaise, to the ground. He has succeeded to an extent even when many are outraged that the fight is one-sided, directed more at the opposition. He has also succeeded to an extent in securing the Northeast from the vicious hands of the Boko Haram insurgents, though the farmers-herdsmen clashes and the general banditry across the country have dented the campaign.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, the presidential campaigns should begin November 18, a clear month and some days from now.

But the political parties, particularly the APC and PDP, are already throwing muds at each other. Yet, at a time like this, we cannot afford the unguarded utterances and violence of the past which had deepened the fissures in the country. We must set out this time around to break the mould of politics which leaves individuals and indeed the country, polarised.

We are well aware that in a democracy, the virtues and flaws of those who seek the presidency, including experience, integrity, compassion and stability do come into play in the course of electioneering campaigns but so are other more pressing issues that impinge on the lives and livelihoods of citizens. Unfortunately, what we have witnessed so far are name-calling and rehash of what some people had said in the past about certain candidates. The campaign that Nigerians yearn for is one that will not only position the strengths of each candidate against the opponent’s weaknesses but also what each brings to the table to redress the challenge of poverty and underdevelopment.

We therefore call for clean campaigns and healthy debates in the weeks ahead.

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

Government And Human Capital Development

H

uman development is the process of enlarging people's freedoms and opportunities and improving their well-being. Human development is about the real freedom ordinary people have to decide: who to be, what to do, and how to live.

To the UNDP human capital development report 1990, human capital development is 'a process of enlarging people's choices.' The report further emphasised that the most critical of these wideranging choices are to live a long and healthy life, to be educated and to have access to resources needed for a decent standard of living.

Additional choices include political freedom, guaranteed

human rights and personal self-respect.

Recently while reading some online newspapers, I came across a disturbing news: "The World Bank has ranked Nigeria 152nd out 157 countries captured in its maiden Human Development Index (HDI)." It was reported that The President of the World Bank Group, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, disclosed this at the then annual meetings in Bali, Indonesia, which is focused on two key development issues: climate change and human capital development.

And like many other African states, the World Bank boss said Nigeria is in the red zone because the country’s health and education budgets were too low.

Kim was quoted to have said that the education outcomes in Nigeria are very poor and Nigeria is one of the most important countries not only in Africa but the world and should go on a different level altogether in terms of commitment to investment in human capital.

Much later I came across a report which read, "Presidency lists 64 achievements of Buhari." I read through it and I find out that it was Buhari’s aide, Lauretta Onochie that disclosed this in a statement.

To my dismay, after reading the achievements of President Buhari, I did not find anything that has to do with human development. What featured prominently on the list was issue of fertiliser,

livelihood improvement family enterprises (LIFE) Programme, etc.

It is without doubt that this government has misplaced its priorities. This is because human capital development as defined above is a process of enlarging people's choices. And this choice entails healthy life, to be educated, having access to resources needed for a decent standard of living, political freedom, guaranteed human rights and personal self-respect.

These choices are succinctly provided under Chapter 2 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution as amended.Chapter 2 of the constitution which is termed 'Fundamental Objectives and directive principles of state policy' provides that the state shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are adequate medical and health facilities for all persons: government shall strive

to eradicate illiteracy; control the national economy in such manner as to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity; every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law; the sanctity of the human person shall be recognised and human dignity shall be maintained and enhanced, etc.

As one with passion for Nigeria, I couldn't fathom why the present government enjoys misplacing their priorities. It is high time they corrected their mistakes and know that the basic objective of development is to create an enabling environ¬ment for people to enjoy long, healthy and creative lives.

––Ibrahim Muazzam Musa, Abuja

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NEWS

Obasanjo: Nigeria’ll Soon Have President to Sign AfCFTA Says Buhari’s ‘hand too weak’ to sign agreement

Kunle Aderinokun and Obinna Chima in Bali, Indonesia Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday in Bali, Indonesia, criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for his failure to sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA),

describing it as a sign of weakness by the Nigerian president. Obasanjo, however, said, “Hopefully, Nigeria will soon have a president who will be able to sign, because the president that is there now, his hands are too weak to sign,” in apparent reference to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom the

ex-president a few days ago described as the “presidentto-be”.

Obasanjo spoke at the second Babacar Ndiaye lecture series, with the theme: “Global Power Disequilibrium, Trade Wars and Implication for Africa,” organised by Afreximbank, on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank

Shehu explains why president is yet to endorse pact Annual Meetings.

However, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari had yet to sign the AfCFTA because he wanted to consult widely with stakeholders.

Shehu called Obasanjo an “absolutist” who would have readily sidestepped the demo-

TRIUMPHANT ENTRY...

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s triumphant entry into Sokoto today. It took his motorcade four hours to move from the airport to Government House, ordinarily a distance of about 20 minutes drive

cratic procedure the incumbent president was following.

“Just when Nigeria was about to sign the continental free trade agreement, key stakeholders in the country said they were not consulted,” Shehu stated.

He added, “President said hold it, let’s listen to them all.

That process is going very well, so far.

“The difference between President Buhari and the former President is that one is a democrat and the other is an absolutist. President Buhari is democratic. He therefore listens. Former President Obasanjo, given the chance, would have rammed the agreement down the throats of everyone, telling the stakeholders, some of the nervous as they are, to go to hell.”

Nigeria in March this year declined to sign the agreement to create the AfCFTA, which was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.

The deal was expected to improve the economic prosperity of the African nations by removing barriers to trade, like tariffs and import quotas, and allowing the free flow of goods and services between its members.

Obasanjo said, “We now have the continental free trade agreement, which is a good idea and I can assure that Nigeria will soon sign.”

In his presentation,

Obasanjo told his audience that Africa should not be seen as one country, but one market, saying the political will of African leaders was needed to move Africa forward.

According to him, “The future of Africa trade and effectiveness of policies to achieve macroeconomic stability in Africa will largely depend on the strength and resilience of Africa-South trade. Accelerating the process of industrialisation and transformation of African economies, we must add value to our commodities. And it is in adding value to our commodities that our industrialisation begins. This is nicely laid out in the African Union agenda.”

He pointed out that the agreement was essential for Africa’s growth, intra-African trade, and boosting the process of regional integration, especially with the AfCTA. Obasanjo stated, “This is something (the AfCTA) we have all been working on and it came up only last March in Kigali. It is something I believe is good for all African countries, particularly for small countries in the continent who need protection and who also need to enjoy the advantage of economies of scale.

“I believe that if we develop power and I believe we have all it takes, solar, we would be able to stop taking the dangerous (route) across the Sahara and Mediterranean, we would be exporting power to Europe.”

How Severance Allowance, Return Tickets Fuelled Impeachment of Ekiti Speaker, Deputy Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

Some members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday revealed that the assembly’s immediate past Speaker, Hon. Kola Oluwawole and the Deputy, Sina Animasaun were impeached due to the failure to pay some lawmakers their furniture and severance allowances.

Apart from issues around furniture and severance al-

lowances, the members also revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was able to poach 11 lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because they were denied return tickets in the just concluded primary election in the state.

Different lawmakers spoke with THISDAY in confidence yesterday about the impeachment of the state’s speaker and his deputy, noting that the ac-

tion could have been avoided if all lawmakers were paid their furniture and severance allowance.

With the impeachment of Oluwawole and Animasaun, the lawmakers loyal to the APC had elected Hon. Adeniran Alagbada from Ise-Orun constituency as the new speaker and former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Segun Adewumi was reinstated.

After the impeachment,

10 PDP lawmakers, who are still loyal to Fayose, were suspended for 125 legislative days, which would elapse on May 28, 2019.

Providing insight into the assembly’s crisis yesterday, one of the lawmakers disclosed that the APC had to poach 11 members of the PDP that were hitherto loyal to Fayose to carry out the removal of the embattled speaker .

Before the impeachment,

the lawmaker explained that the APC had only three lawmakers namely: Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan, Hon. Adeniran Alagbada and Hon. Sunday Akinniyi in the assembly. All of them defected to the APC due to unresolved disagreement they had with the state governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

According to the lawmaker, Fayose sidelined many of them. Some were denied access to furniture allowance.

Others were not paid severance allowance. So, 5 million furniture and severance allowances unsettled some of us.

The lawmaker, who was once loyal to Fayose, said, “How do you expect me not to join the APC? Ordinarily, I would not have remained in the PDP. But I cannot continue there any longer. My case seems as if I was a stranger in PDP.

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, OTHER RELIGIOUS Oando Foundation – A Lesson in Education In ancient China, and after human character must always lag behind other less endowed LEADERS DEMAND FREE, FAIR POLL several wars, the Chinese supersede the building of any- nations within sub-Saharan Former Head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), expressed worry at the level of tension being generated by preparations for the 2019 general election.

Gowon said based on the experience of the past it was not surprising that citizens were apprehensive about what to expect in the coming elections.

“This should not be so,” he said, stressing that elections should ordinarily be a simple, seamless process that should not create rancour if properly organised.

He commended the coconveners of the interfaith peace initiative for pushing the effort

at lasting religious harmony in Nigeria.

On the activities of armed herdsmen, the former head of state said Nigerians must work together to put an end to the nefarious activities. According to him, real herdsmen carry only sticks and do not carry arms. He said those killing in the name of Islam were giving their religion a bad name.

Another former military Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, advised politicians to halt their desperation for power.

“Peace is important. If we kill ourselves because of elections,

in the end who are we going to lead,” Abdulsalam stated.

He urged the president and other contenders to ensure that the elections were held in a most peaceful and transparent manner. The Chief Justice of the Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, assured that the judiciary was ready to perform its constitutional functions ahead of the 2019 elections.

On the fight against corruption, Onnoghen said emphasis should not only be placed on disgracing the culprits out of office but also making them face the wrath of the law.

decided to live in peace. They built the Great Wall of China, confident that no one could invade them due to its vast width and size. However, during the first 100 year of its existence, the Chinese were invaded at least three times. How? Well, the enemy never attempted to conquer the impenetrable wall, they simply bribed the guards and came through the doors.

The Chinese built the wall but from generation to generation, forgot to build the characters of those who were chosen to guard it till it finally became apparent that the building of

thing else. As character is built upon knowledge, it only takes destroying a country’s educational foundation to bring it to its knees. Sadly, this is a story that can easily be transposed to Nigeria.

Once the giant of Africa, decades of neglect within the educational sector has seen the value of its human capital plummet at an alarming rate; leaving the economy stunted and with little room for improvement. With Nigerian government investment in education at 7.04 per cent in the current budget, we now

Africa.

It is hard to reconcile that Nigeria not so long ago created brilliant minds through its free public school systems.

Now education has become a luxury, with those who can afford it opting for private schooling and those who can’t with little or no choice. With a Government overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of change required to write a different growth story for Nigeria, several private entities are rolling up their sleeves and investing in developing multiple sectors across the economy.

T H I S D AY ˾ SUNDAY OCTOBER 14, 2018

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 14, 2018

NEWSXTRA Walid Jibril: Atiku Didn’t Consult PDP BoT on Choice of Running Mate Umahi insists Atiku must consult S’East leaders Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka, Benjamin Nworie in Ebonyi The Board of Trustees (BoT) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday disclosed that former Vice President and the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar did not consult it before he reportedly nominated former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi as his running mate.

The South East Governor Forum protested the decision of the presidential candidate, revealing that the forum was never consulted the party leaders in the region before coming up with the choice and insisting that Atiku should parley with them over the choice of his deputy.

However, the Forum of PDP Women Leaders supported Atiku’s decision to nominate Obi as his running mate, describing it as a welcome development and citing diverse projects initiated and completed while serving as the governor of Anambra State.

Even though Atiku has not formally announced his running mate, there have been unconfirmed reports that the PDP presidential candidate had already decided to run with Obi, a two-term governor of Anambra State.

Responding to THISDAY inquiries yesterday, the Chairman of PDP BoT, Senator Walid Jibril acknowledged that

the BoT was not consulted on the choice of running mate before the presidential candidate made his decision He stated, “Even though the BoT was not contacted on the issue, I believe Atiku Abubakar must have taken the decision being the presidential candidate and who is the one to directly work with his running mate.

However, Jubril noted that BoT would intervene in this matter “to offer advice and ensure that there is no rift at all in order to give room for full satisfaction by all, especially the zone that the running mate is chosen from, “The BoT will like to advise all members to remain calm and never cause any problem as a result of the selection of running mate,” the BoT chairman said.

Jibril assured that more appointment would be made after the party might have gained power in 2019 with reasonable considerations to hardworking members who had been with the party from the beginning.

After a stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu yesterday, Chairman of the South East Governor Forum and Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi insisted that Atiku should consult with the leaders of the region before announcing his running mate.

Umahi explained that the meeting examined reports on the social media and online

Okotie Calls for Interim Govt, New Political Structure Bennett Oghifo As political activities heighten ahead of the 2019 general elections, Senior Pastor of the Household of God Church, Reverend Chris Okotie yesterday called on Nigerians to shelve whatever plans they have and enthrone an interim government that will pave way for a new system of governance that will be sustainable.

He made the call at a news conference he addressed at the church premises at Oregun, Lagos, noting that no partisan political equilibrium could salvage Nigeria at this juncture in its political evolution Specifically, Okotie said, “Definite signs exist in the nation’s history that makes it imperative for Nigerians to move away from the position of business as usual’ to embrace a nationalistic philosophy that will augur well for the salvation of our nation.

“That is why I have reiterated my call for an interim government because that is the only paradigm that is realistic at this point. I believe that there are patriots within the political parties that will understand the seriousness of what is at stake and I believe that if they consider then they will agree that there has to be a paradigm shift.

“So, I refer to myself as the consensus remedial facilitator, because I recognise that what Nigeria needs now is a symbol of unity; someone who can epitomise the unity of this nation; who is believable, who is credible.”

According to him, it is my considered posture that no partisan political equilibrium can salvage Nigeria at this juncture in our political evolution. The indices indicate that we are on the course of disintegration.

Okotie, who had with him some clergymen who were on courtesy call, said Nigerians must embrace this new reality for the nation to move forward, adding that he had discussed with them and received wise counsel from them, “which were a confirmation of some of the things the Lord has said.”

He said the issue at stake was not about any political party, but that if Nigerians should express the nationalist sentiment that is necessary for the unity of the country, then they will come to recognise that as the only way forward.

He said the Okotie letters were predicated on the realities that Nigerians face, explaining that the solution proffered in those letters were the only way forward and that events of the future would vindicate me clearly.”

news media concerning Atiku’s resolve to nominate Obi as his running mate.

According to him, both PDP governors in the zone and indeed other stakeholders

Anenih, Chikwe back Atiku’s decision were shocked over the news of a vice presidential slot given to Ndigbo whereas no former notice to that effect was given.

Umahi revealed that Atiku sent in message during their

meeting informing them that he was out of Nigeria on a short period and pleaded with them to remain calm that he will be coming down to the zone to dialogue with leaders.

He said, “We saw news flying up and down saying that our presidential candidate has picked a running mate from the zone. We were shocked because we were not consulted.

WALK FOR LIFE...

Founder/CEO, Arise Women, Mrs. Siju Iluyomade (middle) with other members of Arise Group, at the Arise walk for life in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Fresh Crisis Rocks FUOYE ASUU, Rival Union Emerges Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), has split into two as members expressed concern over the union’s attacks on the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Soremekun.

As a result, the aggrieved members, who were displeased with the accusations of corruption and appointment racketeering leveled against Soremekun, had joined a parallel body called Congress of Nigeria Academics (CNA).

ASUU, Akure zone, had addressed a news conference through the Zonal Coordinator and Chairman of the union in Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olu-Olu Olufayo, alleging that there were pervasive pension fraud and irregular recruitment in FUOYE.

Olufayo had also accused the management of promoting academic staff without following due process while failing to remit pension funds to workers, in line with the federal government’s directive.

Soremekun had, however, denied the allegation, saying the council and the Senate were aware of every appointment made and that pensions were deducted directly from the office of the Accountant General of the Federation and not the university.

At a news conference in Oye Ekiti yesterday, those opposed to ASUU’s position, the leader of FUOYE’s Congress of Nigeria Academics (CAN), Dr. A. Akinsoranti and Barrister Ayodeji Ige, described the union’s position as an attempt to smear Soremekun’s reputation.

Akinsoranti explained that FUOYE had been leading and

setting the pace among the 12 universities established in 2010 by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He accused the ASUU Chairman in FUOYE, Dr. Akinyemi Omonijo of running the union like a ‘cult’, noting that members of FUOYE ASUU did not authorise a news conference he addressed recently and the allegations the zonal ASUU brought against the VC were baseless and unfounded.

He said, “We wish to state clearly that the press conference of October 4, purportedly addressed by Zonal ASUU on behalf of our members was not only false but misleading. It is only the congress that can authorise such and thus unfortunately was not the case.

“The smear campaign was a handiwork of an individual backed by a cabal which seeks to mislead the public and cause

disaffection in FUOYE, which is still a young university.

“This press conference showed the failure of ASUU to abide by simple norm of consultation before confrontation. Let me also state that some of the issues raised have been tackled by the management.

“The allegations raised by Zonal ASUU were devoid of facts, lacking in merit and a product of perverted mind. We hereby dissociate ourselves from this attack coming from a minority among us”, he said.

Lending credence to what Akinsoranti said, Barrister Ige added that those opposed to the management “are in the minority group. They knew that the governing council and VC cannot appoint substantive Bursar and Registrar since the former occupant of the seat, Mr. Daniel Adeyemo is in court challenging his removal.

Bajaj Electricals, Distributor Reaffirm Dansadau: I Will Make Zamfara Envy of Other States Commitment to Consumers in a statement he personally Benneth Oghifo Raheem Akingbolu Bajaj Electricals and its main distributor in Nigeria, MACE Nigeria Limited, have announced plans to expand the investment of the Indian manufacturing company in Nigeria by increasing the volume of its investment.

At a meeting held recently in Lagos with some of its major dealers, the company indicated that Nigeria was strategic to its business because of the country’s potentials and promising profile to grow the world economy, hence the for the Bajaj

brand to make its presence felt strongly in the market.

According to the Executive Vice President and Head, Export Division, Bajaj Electricals, Beena Koshy, the firm will continue to deliver quality products to consumers all over the country.

She said, “Nigeria is a very important market for us and that is why we are working tirelessly to come up with products to serve the various needs of its people. Going by the size and strategic nature of the Nigerian market, we knew we had to come make our presence felt.

The Chairman of National Rescue Mission (NRM), Senator Seidu Dansadau, has promised to make Zamfara State Africa’s center of commerce and industry and become model of good governance in Nigeria if elected governor.

Dansadau, a governorship candidate in Zamfara State, said he resolved to contest the governorship due to socioeconomic challenges Zamfara state experienced since 1999 till date.

He expressed these views

signed yesterday, promising to make Zamfara an enviable state in the state if elected in the state.

Dansadau, who served in the Senate between 1999 and 2007 on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria peoples Party (ANPP), was prevailed upon to come on a rescue mission, starting from his state, before going to the centre.

If not because of the socioeconomic challenges Zamfara state experienced since 1999 till date, Dansadau said presidency would have been a preferred option for him.

T H I S D AY ˾ SUNDAY OCTOBER 14, 2018

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ͯͲ˜ ͰͮͯͶ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION Every Person’s Life Matters No one should tamper with the life of another human being, writes Tola Adeniyi

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ave you ever given it a thought? We see little primary school-age children walking bare foot and milling around in the village or some young hawkers in the streets being beaten by burning sun or drenched by heavy down pour or some scavengers in tattered clothes picking up disused items from garbage and you just shrug your shoulders as you consider such persons inconsequential.

Have you ever given it a thought? We all tend to see human beings through the lens of those we consider ‘successful’ and influential. We see those who drive posh cars, fly personal airplanes and helicopters, live in palatial buildings and surrounded by bevy of the most beautiful ladies in town. We consider such people as the most important and the only people whose lives need protection.

Have you ever given it a thought? We see big lawyers with big wigs, see professors dishing out instructions in their big English, see pot-bellied politicians in their lavish lifestyle, see con men prosperity pastors extorting money from gullible victims, see monarchs and chiefs who tend to dominate their environments and consider such people as the only persons whose lives matter.

Have you ever given it a thought? Every child you see in the street, every scavenger you encounter, every struggling prostitute driven to such pitiable calling by cruel fate, every orphan, and every hawker in the street; all such persons have in their bodies the breath of life which is as important as the breath of life that resides in emperors and presidents.

I have given this subject a very serious thought bordering on spirituality and human psychology. Apart from the fact that each person that surfaces on this earth started as a mere human person as defined before growing into whatever he or she becomes, the life of each human person is as important as the life of any other’s.

I look at the little children we encounter every now and again in every village, town and city and realise that each of such children in whatever state and condition he or she might be means something to their parents, their siblings, their relations and their neighbours. The struggling carpenter or vulcaniser, the poor labourer on construction sites or the okada rider would be

missed if per chance such a person does not return home to his or her place of abode. As the life of the billionaire business mogul or the Naira-chewing politician is important to those who feed from their table so does the life of the less privileged matter to his or her people.

Apart from the fact that nobody knows what tomorrow holds for each and every one of us, and apart from what most religions teach and preach that we should not terminate the life of fellow human beings, it is a natural order that we treat human life as sacred. The creator of this Universe must have a reason why He or She or It chose human beings the most important of creations/creatures. While there is Breath of Life in every living being, the Creator deliberately made the human life the most sacred and important.

And in doing so the Creator ensured commonality in the process of birth. We may not be born equal, but there is incontrovertible commonality of the process of birth.

We are all aware of the care which animals and birds give to their offspring. We see the attachment of dogs to their puppies. We see how protective lions are of their cubs. We see mother hen and her chickens. It is in this regard that all reasonable and humane human beings should know that no one should tamper with the life of another human being. It does not matter which state or condition a fellow human being may be, each and every life matters. And this is confirmed by the fact that whoever you are and whatever state fate has placed you in, at death you are as equal to a King as you are to a pauper.

Every child you see in the street, every scavenger you encounter, every struggling prostitute driven to such pitiable calling by cruel fate, every orphan, all such persons have in their bodies the breath of life which is as important as the breath of life that resides in emperors and presidents

It is therefore distressing and depressing that any human being, if the being is truly human, could and would take hold of a fellow human being and butcher him or her. Some times one is left to wonder if barbarians slaughtering human persons are truly human beings. Are the brutish beastly monsters rampaging villages and towns and leaving behind horrendous tales of woes and blood-letting qualified to be called human beings?

Are such murderers bereft of human feelings conscious of the sacredness of human life? Do they know that each human life matters?

It is worrisome that some people who appear to be human beings could tear open the stomach of a pregnant woman and inflict machete on both the mother and her unborn child.

And more worrisome is the unfortunate allegation that people who are entrusted with security and protection of lives would actually be party to such gruesome murders. We are made to wonder how far we have descended in depravity that human lives are rated lower than the life of cows and goats!

When we put dagger to the throat of a human being, do we see in such human beings that we belong to the same human species? And do those who sponsor and encourage mass murderers realise that there is law of Karma?

It is imperative that we continue to preach to all the unfortunate beings who are being used to inflict pain and suffering on others. I am persuaded that most of the people who actually carry out gruesome murders of fellow human beings are being manipulated and used. Otherwise how do we explain a situation where one would engage in slaughtering innocent people with whom there was no previous animosity or encounter?

All those who plunder other people’s lands, maim and kill the owners of such lands and forcibly take over their lands should bear in mind that some day they would pay for their cruel transgressions. And let us not be deluded that people who take other people’s lives shall be rewarded by any heavenly comfort. Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword.

Every life matters. Every soul matters. That is the final message ––Chief Adeniyi is a former Managing Director of Daily Times

Election 2019: The Atiku Advantage Magnus Onyibe thinks labelling the PDP Presidential candidate as corrupt is absurd

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ollowing the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the presidential standard bearer of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party at the party primaries conducted over the weekend under the chairmanship of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, a lot has popped in the media alleging that the former Vice-President of Nigeria (1999-2007) who is currently running for the office of president for the third time is

corrupt.

The simple truth is that Atiku is like the US President Donald Trump, a wealthy business man determined to help turn around the present misfortune that has befallen our country, relying on his proven business acumen.

And he has unequivocally stated repeatedly that no court of law has convicted him in Nigeria or in the USA for corruption. .

The label of corruption on Atiku is therefore borne out of mob mentality and purely character assassination by his adversaries.

The universal rule of law and natural justice stipulates that an accused is innocent until proven guilty.

The record is there for all to see that Atiku was once investigated for movement of large sums of money into the USA through Intels, an oil service firm of which he owns 16% equity.

Intels is a legitimate business in Nigeria like Exxon Mobil, SHELL, TRAFIGURA or Halliburton.

The USA is very sensitive to funds movement into the country, particularly as an aftermath of the 9/11 Al-Queida terrorist attack in New York which was funded with money from abroad.

Please note that Atiku moved funds from Intels, not from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to Jenifer his wife in the USA to purchase equipment and other stuff for Atiku Abubakar University (AAU) his university in Yola which is noble.

Law enforcement agencies needed to do their work of identifying and authenticating the source of the money that Atiku has been spending to fund his university which is a mandatory action usually carried out by regulatory authorities in the financial services sector all over the world.

Besides, there is also the penchant for foreign countries to seize funds from developing countries on flimsy excuses expecting that it might have been acquired through sleaze and thus the owner may not speak out. In the case of Atiku, since his source of income is open, he went through the drill successfully. Thereafter, he had visited the USA several times. As most of us can confirm, visa issuance is a private matter and only the consular officer can decide to issue based on discretion. People have been known

to have Dennis dyed visa but turned back at the border post indiscriminately.

We are all aware of the ordeal our country is currently going through in the bid to repatriate the infamous Abacha loot. They have mounted all sorts of hurdles to make the return of the money to the source of origin very difficult, if not impossible.

Little wonder, President Muhammadu Buhari made the issue of repatriation of Abacha loot by host countries, the fulcrum of his speech during the recently held United Nations General Assembly meeting, in New York. ln my view the West applies their standards to us in the so- called developing world when it suits them. Hence we are referred to as third world and Dark Continent when it comes to infrastructure and investments. But they hold us up to first world standards when it comes to financial/business standards which in my view is double standards. During the industrial revolution (1760-1840), the atmosphere was polluted by the Western world resulting in the threat of climate change calamities to mankind. Today, it is the turn of China and India to undergo industrial revolution and they are polluting the atmosphere as the Western countries did a century ago. The West is holding them to same standards of environmental pollution permitted in the West which is not fair, hence it is being resisted.

The depletion of the ozone layer and other consequences of degradation of the environment are dangerous and climate change arising from unmitigated abuse can be apocalyptic.

But the West has to make more sacrifice to inspire compliance by the Asian world. Africa is yet to witness its own industrial quantum leap. If and when it does, and the environment is threatened, l would imagine that being a weak continent, the West may dispatch an army of occupation to police and enforce the associated atmospheric pollution.

Furthermore, if the anti-corruption rhetoric in the Western world is altruistic, why don’t they unveil the seal on all the ownership of choice properties in Chelsea area in London, UK and the Potomac neighborhood in Washington, USA? Global corruption tracking institutions have been making the case that the oft-referenced laundered funds from the developing world like India, Pakistan, former Soviet Union countries and Africa were used in purchasing the luxury real estates in the exclusive billionaire residential counties earlier highlighted.

Exposing the ownership and the consequential filing of charges against owners by their home countries would disrupt the real estate sectors of those Western countries and by extension hurt their economies. That’s why they have been dithering in

implementing the required policies that would unravel the ownership of the assets suspected to have been acquired with illicit funds.

Such attitude of partiality by the moralistic West is sheer hypocrisy, pure and simple.

In the Western World, the maximum profit margin in contracts or business is 15%. We all know that in Nigeria, mark up or profit margin can be as high as 100%.

That’s simply due to extraneous factors such as country risk which denies Nigerian dealers in some foreign made and imported goods and services credit lines which are extended to their counter parts in the West; high interest rates charged by banks in Nigeria, complex logistics issues, etc.

Even Royal Dutch/SHELL and other International Oil Companies, IOCs recognise such existential challenges and offer 30% margin to contractors in Nigeria. That’s far more than the standard in the West. But they had to adjust to the dynamics of the local operating environment.

Some commentators have dared the PDP presidential candidate to visit the United States of America to prove that he is not a fugitive. Atiku does not need to visit the USA now to prove any point when his lawyers have been given a mandate to sort the matter out.

Understandably, it takes a while to go through the rigours of complex legal entanglements anywhere in the world, more so in the USA where the rule of law is highly respected. In any case, l can attest to the fact that there is no active investigation currently ongoing in the USA with Atiku’s source of wealth as the subject. In these days of US Trump’s ‘America First’ ideology, aid funds to the world have dried up. So if Atiku’s visit to the USA would be to facilitate aid, that door is foreclosed.

Meanwhile, we need progress and unity in Nigeria. Such liberties have taken flight from our country in the past three and half years of governance under the current leadership.

The policy of fighting corruption by hook or crook which has rendered our economy puerile and citizens prostrate is a sort of Taliban mentality which promotes poverty as the ideal way of life.

Our country has become a laughing stock in the comity of nations because our president labels us generically as corrupt, which is ridiculous, outrageous and unprecedented.

––––Onyibe is a development strategist and alumnus of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 14, 2018

LETTERS Nigeria And Its 13.2m Out-of-School Children Education is our passport to the future, for, tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today ––-Malcolm X

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ormer President Goodluck Jonathan, while addressing the audience at the Peace Summitorganised by the Junior Chamber International, in Malaysia in September, 2017 disclosed that his administration built 165 model Almajiri Integrated Model Schools in the northern part of the country to tackle the high rate of illiteracy in the region.

There is little doubt that he knows, just as the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo did, the noble role that sound and quality education delivery plays in transforming a nation from one of mass illiteracy and ignorance to that of a technologically advanced industrial hub. Countries such as India, Cuba and the Asian Tigers, especially China which currently rubs shoulders with the United States as an emerging economic giant attest to this assertion.

It would be recalled that Jonathan, who never sent any children to study outside our shores, launched the programme on April 10, 2012 at Gagi in Sokoto State, where he registered 25 pupils in the new model boarding

Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education

school. It was the first of 400 such schools to be built in the northern states for which the government had planned to spend about N15 billion. Each of the schools was built with facilities such as language laboratory, recitation hall, classrooms, dormitories, clinic, vocational workshop, dining hall and quarters for teachers.

But sad to note that in November, 2017 barely a month after his speech in Malaysia, the media revealed that many pupils in the Almajiri schools had returned to the streets to seek for alms and food as a

means of survival! That was the situation in Kebbi State.

And in Kano, investigations revealed that though no school fee is being charged, pupils in the school sleep on mattresses and mats bought by their parents!

Methinks that the current President Buhari-led administration ought to have consolidated on the worthy legacies on education that the Jonathan-led government left behind. Though the School Feeding Programme is partly aimed at attracting children to school it has not achieved

the desired results, sentiments aside.

Fast forward to October 2018 and it is most disheartening to note the claim made by Dr Hammid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC) that the population of Nigeria’s school-aged, out-of-school children has increased from 10.5 million to at 13.2 million and again the highest in the world!

This scandalous figure, according to him is traceable to the number of helpless children that have been put out of school by the Boko Haram insurgency. The other factor is the high birth rate. Unfortunately, this sad situation is equally affecting the implementation of some education treaties that Nigeria is a signatory to. UNICEF said the reason why more children were out of school in the North was “rooted in socio-cultural and economic environment barriers, cost of education, poverty and negative perceptions to formal education.”

Apart from the North, several children of school age are forced into street trading even in the cities, exposing them to dangers of child-abuse, drug abuse, sexual harassment and early death by road accidents.

As a way out of the woods, UNICEF said it was partner-

Nigeria’s Definition of Democracy

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fter 20 years, some believe our “democratic” experience is nascent.

I prefer to call it a fledging democracy. It is thriving in its own way and at its own speed. It does not recognise the values of the Americancrafted democratic practice.

It is indigenous and very exclusive to us; that is a reality we must all accept.

Perhaps, it is about time to redefine or rename our own democratic system of government. Nigeria’sdemocratic practice is indeed defined by the sum total of all the factors within which it operates.

Nigeria’s democracy can be defined as “a system of government where a group of political business men and women specialised in using tokens and beautiful promises to promote ambition of selected business managers to preside over affairs of the country or state government.

These individuals execute their game of deception by hiring thugs specially recommended for rigging, wrangling electorate in elections.

Security operatives in this system of government become observers in the rigging process. The rich cabals after declaring themselves or stooges winners sit back and feast on the commonwealth of the people. If the people dare

protest bad governance, they will be treated as criminals.

From the somber definition of democratic practice above, it is valid to include; none payment of salaries for civil servants as a norm, only personal projects of those elected get completed, public projects exist on paper or abandoned. Voices of decent are crushed, the constitution is mostly jettisoned. A true picture of Nigeria’s specially tailored democratic practice is superintendent by the ruling cabals – a group of special deities who once ruled Nigeria under themilitary or civilians who once participated in pro democratic protests under military rule. These special power blocs choose a preferred candidate, who could be one of them or a mentee often known as “anointed candidate”. After their choice is debriefed, the cabalsidentify with a political party of choice and the rest is history.

During the process of election or “selection”, money is injected into an identified party to be used to induce hungry electorate.

Once the electorate or the “ordinary” Nigerian does not appear very loyal andmay collect money and yet vote against the cabals or godfathers either at federal or state levels, thugs who are now part of our own democratic system

will be unleashed. Security operatives paid by tax payers’ labour operating under some “celestial” instructions mostly unwritten and undocumented abdicate their responsibility to the thugs who run berserk to the see that rigging – a very important aspect of our democratic process prevails.

In Nigeria, a person seeking election does not need to be qualified, experienced or educated for the position. The person must be ready to satisfy godfathers who sponsored the entire election. Half of the money spent in politicking in Nigeria is borrowed from political Shylocks – they will come for their pound of flesh even after receiving the full payment of money invested, get all the contracts, put stooges in powerful positions – however inept they are. These shylocks have left most politicians elected into government at all levels spend their entire tenure paying “protection fee” from public funds. The system is looted dry before they leave, when they do, they handover to a political son to continue the process of looting all over again.

Our home grown democracy is not without supporters. These supporters could be anybody but the interesting group, are educated individuals who

have conscripted themselves to certified hypocrites, sycophants or blackmailers. Some are paid, others just join the bandwagon. The country can burn for all they care.

These platoons of goons are specialists in making bad leaders look good. They are always ready to sell alternative views anywhere policies of their liege draw flaks from right thinking people. They are the fuel that keeps empty, inept leaders locomotive train running.

It is also democratically correct in Nigeria to see same faces of supporters in different rallies for different candidates under different political parties. In civilised climes like America, people are asked to get tickets – free or paid for before getting into the venue of the rally. These tickets are purchased with verified identity cards. A data base is created at all the rallies the presidential candidate travels to. That way, his or her state of strength is easily identified. In Nigeria, governors will shuffle paid supporters to traverse every state for a preferred presidential candidate during rallies. That way politics of crowds can justify rigged votes.

–––Israel A. Ebije,ebijeisrael@yahoo. com

ing with over 200 traditional rulers from 19 Northern states to deliberate on handling Nigeria’s out-of-school children, noting that they were mainly from the Northern region.

One persisting challenge however, is the absence of credible data to plan with.

For instance, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, during the annual gathering of state commissioners for education, permanent secretaries, directors and other relevant education stakeholders, lamented that absence of reliable and realistic data has continued to affect the implementation of education policies in Nigeria.

He was hopeful that the National Enrolment Drive Campaign that was launched in January would address the huge number of out-ofschool children in Nigeria especially in northern Nigeria.

The objective is to encourage states and all stakeholders to appreciate the magnitude of the challenge and possibly develop effective strategies for significant reduction.

Truth be told, a holistic approach will do the magic.

Concerned Nigerians from both the public and private sectors, as well as NGOs should be ready to bring in their wealth of experience and

expertise, funds, time and energy to reverse the drift to ignorance. The first step is to accept the fact that the debacle of ignorance is unacceptable anywhere in Nigeria, a country richly blessed with abundant natural and human resources.

For instance, Natasha Akpoti is doing this effectively in Kogi State by sponsoring as many as 600 children to school and 100 others up to university level. Little wonder that she has attracted huge following; of not only her people canvassing for her to get into the Senate come 2019 but the international community is interested in her philanthropic gesture and her patriotic fervor. Nigeria needs more of her.

Perhaps, the policy makers should have listened to the earlier warning signal given by former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa that the North was some 40 years behind the South in terms of educational development. And also that from the revered Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who, last year canvassed for some urgent steps to be taken by the policymakers to do the needful.

––Ayo Oyoze Baje, Lagos

Is The Aviation Industry Rudderless?

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inally, the aviation unions carried out their threat to disrupt activities at MMA2 terminal not minding the implication to airlines, banks, shop owners, and passengers flying from the terminal.

I had earlier in my many articles warned that we should try as much as possible to avoid anything that would further de-market an industry that has suffered more than enough in the last few years.

I understand the issue is because the terminal managers disengaged their redundant staff and they decided to join the unions to fight the owners of the terminal back. In all of these, what role has the NCAA played in ensuring a peaceful resolution? Do passengers have to suffer because two elephants are fighting?

A stakeholder had earlier advised the unions to think out of the box in carrying out their activities.

While acknowledging the rights of the unions to embark on a peaceful protest to push their claims, he said “we cannot talk about government impunity and disobedience to court orders when we are governed by same. Leadership is at every level and not only government. Many travellers rights are being infringed upon; many man hours are lost; the financial losses are more to airlines and passengers who have business appointments to keep.’’

Some few weeks back, Nigeria Air was suspended.

Not many were surprised as we already knew it was a joke of a project. The federal government needs to do a lot to get investors in the sector and this will start with respecting concessions. The case of Babalakin and Richard Branson in the sector are still recent and the government thinks the international community is not watching?

Sometimes I am forced to believe that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is the biggest problem of the industry.

This is not the first time passengers’ rights are infringed and the NCAA folds its arms and watches. Is the NCAA really in charge of the aviation industry? Do they just regulate some aspect and leave the others? Why can’t these unions be called to order? Is there any law that prohibits an employer from disengaging redundant staff?

It is a known fact that some of these employers of labour are known shylocks, but the industry comes first. If there are no passengers, there won’t be any regulator or airline or industry. We should be more patriotic than parochial in our approach to solving these issues which ordinarily shouldn’t attract negativity to the industry or the country.

We are witnesses to how the issues affect our image and how the international community rates us. The government needs to take urgent steps to correct the anomalies before we witness a total collapse.

––Emeka Gbulie, Abuja

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T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 14, 2018

THISDAY WEEKLY GUIDE TO 2019

Amosun

Yari

Okorocha

Fayose

The Road to 2019: Flashpoints to Watch (V) Fallouts from last week’s primary elections have left many of the political parties in critical conditions and also changing the permutations, writes Olawale Olaleye

I

t was not unexpected that the outcome of the political parties’ primaries would end in utter stir, save for the presidential conventions.

And as it was projected to happen, the two leading parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered the hardest being the two most viable platforms any intending aspirant could approach for ease of realising their ambitions.

From the North to the South of the country, staggering tales of confusion had fraught many of the exercises in different states. Compounding this, however, was the leadership disposition of these parties especially, in the APC, where its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, had stoked more crises than they would have sprung up on their own.

This got so bad to the point that the wife of the president, Aisha Buhari took the party to the cleaners over their inability to uphold democratic ethos. Also following in many states were protests over one issue or the other, some of them violent.

However, while battling internal contradictions and avoidable discontent arising from the outcome of the primaries on the one hand, the parties also had to race against time on the other hand with stipulated deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the exercise and also submit names of the successful candidates.

But since the dust raised by these developments is yet to settle, it has been difficult for the parties and their candidates to really move, even though self-inflicted discomfort is unlikely to alter the time-table guiding the elections of next year. Even then, what is the state of the states?

ZAMFARA No Retreat, No Surrender The situation in Zamfara is one of the very pathetic cases for which the leadership of the APC has not been able to find solution, except, of course it does

so today and now. The primary, which saw the candidates of Governor AbdulAziz Yari emerge, had pitted the governor against the leadership of the APC, which cancelled the exercise and fired the panel, because a group in the party led by Senator Kabiru Marafa is not happy with the outcome. But the governor did not take that kindly and had threatened fire and brimstone.

Efforts by the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole to have his way were rebuffed by the state executive, which threatened to bring down the roof.

Unfortunately, the state had been notified

by INEC that it had missed the deadline for primaries and therefore not qualified to present candidates for elections in the state.

Quite naturally, PDP had quickly moved in and warned INEC not to bend the rules for Zamfara State. INEC too had come out to say it would not change its position while the APC in the state had said it would be part of the election. It was said that efforts were being put in place to rectify the crises in some of the identified states; that could not be said to have been done as at the time of going to bed, except it just happened.

OGUN Still Not at Ease As it is in Zamfara State, the situation in Ogun State is equally not encouraging for all the contending parties. The stalemate which arose from the emergence of two candidates – Adekunle Akinlade and Dapo Abiodun has left the state in serious political crisis, a situation that the leadership of the party is still looking at.

Although there was jubilation in the camp of Governor Ibikunle Amosun at the weekend following speculations that Akinlade had been eventually confirmed as candidate of the party in the state, that has yet to be done officially, therefore, Abiodun is still the one on the card as you read this.

The Ogun case is even as messy, because President Muhammadu Buhari was said to have intervened about five times by asking Oshiomhole to do the needful especially after Amosun was able

to prove that he was effectively in charge with the rerun primary for the state and national assembly elections but Oshiomhole allegedly ignored the president.

Truth is that the last has not been heard of the Ogun APC matter as it is in other states and a final action is being awaited. In the same breath, the PDP in the state is still grappling with its own challenge, which has been exacerbated by some court rulings, which favoured Senator Buruji Kashamu.

IMO Okorocha’s Last Survival Moves The Imo case has not abated either.

But it appears the move by Governor Rochas Okorocha to install his sonin-law has been completely blocked by other stakeholders. In fact, a recent report that Senator Hope Uzodinma might have emerged the APC candidate in the state is an indication that the matter is far from being resolved.

But PDP’s Emeka Ihedioha appears to be consolidating his governorship bid by subtly exploiting the seemingly intractable contradictions in the APC. Imo election would be interesting as APC might vote against APC if the contradictions are not contained.

KADUNA Between the el-Rufai and the Presidency Not very happy presently is the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, who has pushed endlessly to truncate the ambition of Senator Sheu Sani for Kaduna Central. It is public knowledge that there is no-love-lost between Sani and el-Rufai and the governor sees the election as an opportunity to finally settle scores.

Unfortunately, for the governor, the presidency is interested in Sani’s matter and that has made it difficult for elRufai to deal with Sani. It is not clear yet whether or not the governor would still find a way to get at Sani, the issue of

his election might have been settled. But there is more to come the ways of both men soon in terms of their disagreement.

EKITI It’s Consolidation Tussle Reminiscent of the situation that heralded the coming into office of outgoing Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State in 2014, Ekiti is again replaying a similar script, ultimately of consolidation ahead of the new regime.

Recently, the state House of Assembly removed the Speaker, Kola Oluwawole and his deputy, Sina Animasaun, a move that was spearheaded by the three APC lawmakers in the Assembly, alongside some aggrieved PDP members, 11 of them.

The removal came a few days to the end of the tenure of Governor Fayose tomorrow, October 15. The assembly however reinstated the former Deputy Speaker, Segun Adewumi, who was recently removed by the lawmakers. At the same time, a member of the APC, Gboyega Aribisogan, was elected the new Leader of Business.

The session suspended the two impeached principal officers and 10 others loyal to Fayose for 125 legislative days. That this plays closely to 2014 proves it is about positioning and consolidation.

ENUGU Basking in Ugwuanyi’s Euphoria Enugu State was recently thrown into celebration when the non-Igbo in the state endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for another term in office. The governor, who has been holding his ground since the journey for re-election began with many endorsements, sees the development as a huge plus and which he cannot afford to take for granted.

And either by accident or design, APC has not been able to pull any weight in the state with its candidate, Senator Ayogu Eze, because the governor is not only popular with his people, he is confident about running on his stellar

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OCTOBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

THISDAY WEEKLY GUIDE TO 2019

Abdulrazaq

Ikpeazu

Sanwo-Olu

Oshiomhole

The Road to 2019: Flashpoints to Watch (V) record.

KWARA A Test of Strength What the 2019 election would bring out of Kwara is an opportunity by the two leading parties to test their strengths for yet another time. Although the PDP appears very confortable, having effectively managed its primaries, APC had a rough path to that station despite having reportedly elected as its candidate, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

But in contending with the PDP, the APC must know that it has a political giant in the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who is equally war tested. At least, this experience would provide yet another opportunity to tell of their strengths.

LAGOS Hovering Fear of the Unknown Since Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was ousted in a primary election that denied him a second term ticket, stakeholders have been worried about what plans he has up his sleeves.

Although he had since given a concession speech and promised to work with the APC candidate, Babajide Sanow-Olu, political actors in the state are worried stiff that he might play the spoiler in the election and are therefore said to be monitoring every move of his.

But this situation in the APC appears to have gingered other candidates in the state like PDP’s Jimi Agbaje and AD’s Owolabi Salis, who are running a redemption campaign for the state. Truth is, Lagos will always offer an interest show each election and this one would not be different.

ABIA Between Immovable PDP and Determined Others Governor Okezie Ikpeazu does not appear perturbed as far as next election is concerned. He believes his work would speak for him and also shares the understanding that Abia is purely a PDP state. But the opposition – the APC, which is fielding Uche Ogah and APGA, which now has Alex Otti as candidate has dismissed Ikpeazu’s confidence.

In fact, while Ogah is determined to continue where he stopped the last time, when he gave Ikpeazu a good run, Otti too claims is more determined to get the governor out and redeem the state.

Perhaps, Ikpeazu would have been more worried if the two others had combined effort to fight him but because they would be fighting their individual battle, he appears confident it is difficult to unseat him. Abia would have a good time in this election.

NIGER Combating Electoral Impunity There has been tension in Niger State following alleged substitution of the names of people, who won the senate election in the three districts in the state.

The three senators in the state were said to have lost their elections but when they went to Abuja, it was changed. This development sparked spontaneous protest from the youth, who demanded justice.

In the primary election for Niger East, Mohammed Sani Musa was declared the winner in the result announced by the Returning Officer, Alhaji Saidu Akawu, at the party’s secretariat last Thursday.

In Niger south, the incumbent Mustapha Sani came forth by polling only 1,824 to the winner, Alhaji Mohammed Bima Enagi’s 24,415, while in Niger North, the Senate Spokesman, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, came third with 3,481 to the victor, Alhaji Haliru Zakari Jikantoro, who polled 23,618 votes. Niger is also still battling the crisis. It is however interesting because the governor, Abubakar Bello is aligned.

AKWA IBOM A Dose of What to Come Although Governor Udom Emmanuel is currently gasping for breath as the election approaches especially that his aides are defecting in droves, the fact that

all is also not well in the APC makes the both of them of the same flock.

Recently, some youth, who protested allegation of criminal interference in the APC primary burnt down a Divisional Police Station in Okobo Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom State, and other property worth millions of naira in the locality, were destroyed.

The protesters alleged imposition of candidate and hijacking of materials by the party officials in connivance with security agents. They actually identified Senator Godswill Akpabio as one of the problems. This is one clear example or indicator of what to expect next year.

RIVERS The Battle Has Just Begun When a high court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently sacked the Ojukaye Flag-Amachree-led executive of the APC in the state, it was clear that the ruling would have far-reaching implications. But the court had quickly given a dose of what to expect when it also voided the primary election conducted by the faction recognised by the party’s national leadership and which produced Mr. Tonye Cole as governorship candidate.

Rivers has two factions of APC. While one is loyal to Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, the other has the backing of Senator Magnus

…Unforced Political and Economic Errors

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few months to the general election, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered full implementation of Executive Order 6 (EO6), a directive that has placed 50 unnamed high-profile persons on watch-list and restricted same from travelling out of the country.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, did not disclose the identities of the affected person but said President Buhari’s directive was sequel to the judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of EO6.

Also, the statement said apart from the travel ban, a number of enforcement procedures were currently in place, including monitoring of the financial transactions of these persons of interest.

It was not surprising, therefore that the PDP and the Coalition of

United Political Parties (CUPP) had immediately rejected the order in its entirety, saying it was an attempt by Buhari to foist a full-blown fascism on the country, beginning with the placement of illegal travel restrictions on Nigerians.

In separate statements by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, and National Spokesperson of CUPP, Ikenga Ugochinyere, the two parties condemned in the strongest of tersm, the development.

Well, that the president has come out with such an order on the eve of a major election cannot be divorced from political connotations. Indeed, opposition largely views this as another move by Buhari to tighten the noose of finance against the opposition, which they had always alleged. In fact, Buhari was merely waiting on the order to unleash. What this presupposes is that there are interesting days ahead.

Abe representing Rivers South-east.

Incidentally, the two factions conducted parallel governorship primaries, with Cole and Abe emerging separate winners.

The situation has since left the state in an utter state of confusion as protest after protest has become the new fad in the state. Many are waiting to see how the APC would resolve the Rivers crisis.

EDO A Verdict on Oshiomhole The APC primary for the Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency in Edo State, which held last Sunday evening and ended in violence is believed to have passed a damning verdict on the leadership of the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, whose style is believed to have caused the party more pains.

The election was between the incumbent, Mr. Peter Akpatason, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto. But it was inconclusive because of conflicting interests. Even the first time that primary elections were held in the state, it was cancelled over what the party leadership described as malpractices.

Edo is and will always be in focus, it is the home state of APC’s national chairman.

Situating the Presidential Run The outcome of nearly all the political parties’ conventions, which produced different presidential candidates has finally set the tone for what to come and soon.

While the affirmation of the Muhammadu Buhari ticket was not unexpected, the acceptance of the emergence of PDP’s Atiku Abubakar by a majority of the people has thrown the Buhari camp into serious confusion and panic mode.

And to give life to this spontaneous reaction, Atiku has continued to consolidate. First, he reconciled with his former boss, Olusegun Obasanjo, who not only forgave and supported him, but described Atiku as the president-to-be.

That statement had further aggravated the panic in the presidency.

Even more interesting is the speculation that Obasanjo might have begun to lobby for Atiku’s international acceptance, including helping him to lift his US visa ban. Thus, the PDP and APC have had an interesting rat race in the last few days on account of the emergence of Atiku as Buhari’s main challenger next year.

In other news, Professor Jerry Gana has rejected the emergence of Mr, Donal Duke as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on account of the fact that the party zoned the office to the north. But it does not appear anyone is listening to him yet.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͲ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ SUNDAY OCTOBER 14, 2018

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ͯͲ˜ ͰͮͯͶ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERNATIONAL Beyond the Olusegun Obasanjo-Atiku Abubakar Entente on the 2019 Elections: Dynamics and

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he standard bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, paid a special reconciliatory visit to the Abeokuta home of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, October 11, 2018, in company of some Nigerians with nationally- acknowledged integrity, thus giving Atiku Abubakar’s entourage a very powerful character and importance.

The visit is special in design and reconciliatory in outcome. In design, the relationship between Atiku Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo became frosty as from the time Atiku Abubakar, in his capacity as Vice President, began to engage in what Olusegun Obasanjo, in his capacity as the President, disloyalty either to him, the PDP, or to the Nigerian nation. It has been generally argued that Chief Obasanjo wanted to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow for his third term in office while Alhaji Abubakar was reportedly opposed to this and he took advantage of this situation to campaign against Chief Obasanjo.

Even though it was also argued that an understanding already existed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was to succeed Obasanjo, the Atiku Abubakar school of thought either did not know that succeeding Obasanjo did not mean it should be at the end of his second term, or Atiku Abubakar knew but preferred to succeed him at the end of his second term. In doing so, he opted to work against Obasanjo’s interest by seeking to succeed him at the end of the second term in 2007. Most unfortunately for Alhaji Abubakar, Chief Obasanjo did not take kindly to the development. This was the basis for the mésentente between the former president and his former vice president who now desperately needs the support of his former boss to unseat the incumbent President, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari.

Chief Obasanjo once promised never to support Atiku Abubakar for his presidential ambition. He even told the world that God is most likely not to forgive him if he ever accepts to support him. In this regard, how do we explain the visit and the eventual reconciliation that prompted the détente between them? What are the dynamics of Obasanjo’s change of heart? Is the change of heart really complete or full? What impact has the reconciliation on the forthcoming 2019 general elections in Nigeria? Perhaps more interestingly, what is the implication for Nigeria’s foreign policy? What also is the implication for the person of Olusegun Obasanjo, particularly within the context of his Christian framework, national, regional and African leadership?

Dynamics of Obasanjo’s Reconciliatory Attitude In understanding Chief Obasanjo’s reconciliatory attitude, an analysis of the visit within the framework of Obasanjo’s remarks is necessary. First is the adoption of Atiku Abubakar by the PDP as its presidential candidate. The adoption is significant in implication: the adoption was the fourth attempt to be the bearer of the flag of the party before eventually succeeding. This suggests courage, perseverance and doggedness. This type of personality cannot but be appealing to Chief Obasanjo, who also is on record to be an unrelenting fighter and a hardcore nationalist.

Secondly, Obasanjo is strongly opposed to the mania of administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB). He appears to be ready to support any measure that has the potential to assist in the defeat of PMB in the 2019 presidential election. As it is now, it is the incumbent All Peoples Congress (APC) and the PDP that are not only the two leading parties, but also one of whom is most likely to be next ruling party. Since Chief Obasanjo does not want PMB to remain in power, the only alternative option left for him is to tolerate the standard bearer of the PDP. This is precisely the case of one Yoruba proverbial saying that ‘if you do not because of yam take oil, you must because of oil take yam.’ Thus, it is not that

Atiku visit to Obasanjo and PDP National Chairman, Secondus

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

the bad blood in the relationship has been completely cleansed of its impurities but, for reasons of necessity, there has to be manageable accommodation of the differences.

Thirdly, the members of the delegation to Obasanjo have an appealing dimension, especially in light of the membership of Bishop Mathew Kukah. Kukah is an embodiment of Godliness in various ramifications. Very scholarly, objective and nationalist he is. Obasanjo admires his type of person. For Atiku to have had him on his entourage cannot but be a critical pole of attraction in whatever reconciliatory talks that might have taken place, more so that Obasanjo himself is another bishop in his own right. He is preaching Godliness and humility within the context of political governance of Nigeria.

Fourthly, Obasanjo appears to be happy about the nomination acceptance speech of Atiku Abubakar following his election. In the speech, Abubakar traced the genesis of his presidential ambition and anointment to the long-time meeting held in Obasanjo’s place. This is why Obasanjo could say in his welcoming remarks at the closed-door meeting that he ‘took note of his (Atiku Abubakar) gracious remarks in his acceptance speech that it all started here (Abeokuta). Yes, when it started, it was meant for Atiku to succeed Obasanjo.’ It is the mere public acknowledgment of this factor that largely enthused Obasanjo and that has had influence on his change of heart.

Fifthly, there is also the factor of remorsefulness of Atiku Abubakar which Obasanjo considered. As put by Obasanjo, ‘it is not so much what you (Abubakar) did against me (Obasanjo) that was the issue but what you did against the Party, the Government and the country.’ However, ‘from what transpired in the last couple of hours or so, you (Abubakar) have asked for forgiveness and you have indicated that you have learnt some good lessons and you will mend fences and make amends as necessary and as desirable,’ Obasanjo further said This factor of remorsefulness and the reaction of Obasanjo to it is quite noteworthy for many reasons. Abubakar offended and he recognised his fault, and therefore did not waste time in asking for forgiveness. This is commendable. A good leader must learn to recognise and admit his or her shortcomings. And perhaps more important is Obasanjo’s own attitude. He is the author of ‘this animal called man.’ Even though it is implied here that a man is still an animal, Obasanjo has clearly shown that a man is still better than an ordinary animal. He had very serious disagreement with his former vice and told the world about it. The world believed that reconciliation with Atiku Abubakar can only be a dream. In fact, it should be recalled that Obasanjo tore his PDP identity card in demonstration of his permanent delinking with the political party. Today, the story is different. Obasanjo is not as hardened as being presented to the public. He is simply guided by self-conviction, objectivity of purpose and national instincts.

Obasanjo’s statement in this regard is very encouraging and

should be taken as a special source of sweet inspirations. He told Abubakar thus: ‘whenever or wherever you might have offended me, as a Christian who asks for God’s forgiveness of my sins and inadequacies on daily basis, I forgive and I sincerely advise you to learn from the past and do what is right and it will be well with you.’ Obasanjo’s forgiveness is apparently very Christianly and charismatic.

And perhaps most interestingly, Obasanjo advised Abubakar further that if he continues with the attitude that brought him to Abeokuta with the ‘distinguished leaders of goodwill’, with remorse and contrite heart, the rest of the coast within and outside the country can be cleared. And if there is anything I can do and you want me to do in that respect, I will do.’ Obasanjo is therefore much convinced that, ‘with the right attitude for change where necessary, and by putting lessons learned... to work, (he) will get the understanding, cooperation, support and mandate.’

The foregoing clearly shows the extent of openness of Obasanjo towards Atiku Abubakar in his presidential ambition.

What should also be borne in mind by observers is that Obasanjo floated a political association and has special sympathy for other political parties. Yet, his own selfish interests have not been allowed to prevail over national objectivity of purpose.

Consequently, it can be rightly posited that Obasanjo is a PDP sympathiser in spite of the tearing of his membership card. And true, the tearing of the card does not mean cancellation on the PDP’s list of registered members. Another element of truth is that Obasanjo is living above parties. He is behaving as a king maker and would-be kings have not stopped seeking his support. Some Nigerians have argued that it was because of the fear of Obasanjo that there is the likelihood of Atiku Abubakar winning the 2019 elections that he needed to quickly reconcile with him. The public declaration of unrepentant hostility towards Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition was also given as another rationale for his quick reconciliatory attitude. These observations may be valid but they do not reflect the situational reality of the visit of goodwill to Obasanjo in Abeokuta.

It is important to note that Obasanjo’s reconciliatory attitude is in response to Atiku’s initial plea for reconciliation. If this observation is not tenable, how do we explain the plain truth that it was an Atiku Abubakar-delegation that opted to go and meet Obasanjo?

If Obasanjo did not object to reconciliation, it is partly because of the foregoing dynamics. It is also partly because of the expectation that Atiku Abubakar would do or not do certain things and also because Obasanjo strongly believes that change is part of man.

In the eyes of Obasanjo, ‘after all, change and conversion (Paul on the Road to Damascus Conversion) are of man. I believe that with a contrite heart, change is possible in everybody’s life and situation.’ Put differently, Obasanjo’s support for Alhaji Abubakar is still made subject to some conditions to which attention will be paid hereunder.

Sixthly, Obasanjo recognises that Atiku Abubakar was truly the best PDP candidate for the presidency. He sees him as having a better national and international outreach than all the other candidates, an outreach which ‘can translate to better management of foreign affairs.’ In fact, Obasanjo believes that he is ‘more accessible and less inflexible and more open to all parts of the country in many ways.’ Besides, he believes that Atiku Abubakar’s Wazobia character will help ‘in confronting the confrontable and shunning nepotism.’

Seventhly and above all, Obasanjo is more than convinced that the next President of Nigeria is going to be Atiku Abubakar.

Whether this conviction has reckoned with the possible rigging of the election is not known. However, Obasanjo not only congratulated and described in his welcoming remarks Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as ‘president-to-be,’ but also made his recommendations on the basis that Abubakar is already elected or that he is already in power.

This is why, for example, Obasanjo could tell Abubakar to remember what both of them did together in government which was the running ‘an administration by Nigerians for all Nigerians where merit and performance count more than blood relationship, friendship or kith and kin. Although some time and ground have been lost,’ Obasanjo asked Abubakar to ‘endeavour to start from where we (Obasanjo-Abubakar) stopped and recover some lost ground, if not time.’ This statement is an illustration of a presidential election fait accompli.

It is not only Chief Obasanjo that believes that the chances of electoral victory of PMB are remote, most Nigerians appear to have come to that conclusion as well. PMB has not been able to differentiate between what he believes in and what he wants to do, on the one hand, and what his appointees and government agencies do, on the other hand. PMB’s public admittance that the rule of law comes after the national interest does not help the matter. The PMB administration cares less about court rulings.

For instance, a court convicted Dr. Efem Ubi, a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs more than seven months ago for physical assault. As provided in Section 030412, ‘an officer convicted of criminal offence (other than a minor traffic or sanitary offence and the like) shall be suspended with effect from the date of conviction, pending determination of his/her case by the Commission’, that is, Federal Civil Service Commission.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

21

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BUSINESS

08033204315, 08111813084

ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ Kunle Aderinokun ×ËÓÖ˝ ÕßØÖÏ˛ËÎÏÜÓØÙÕßØ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

Oil Palm Plantation

Is Government Really Sincere in Diversifying the Economy?

Diversification of the economy from oil to non-oil is an age-old cliché in Nigeria. Despite the efforts federal government claims to be committing, the economy continues to be largely dependent on oil revenue, which is unsustainable.

Kunle Aderinokun wonders if the government is actually sincere in running the economy with non-oil revenue

N

igeria is naturally endowed with oil resources to the extent that it ranks amongst the biggest producers of the crude in the world. Ordinarily, with its position in the comity of oil exporting nations, no one expect the country to have any issue generating revenue from the black gold to sustain the economy. In fact, for a very long time, oil revenue has been the mainstay of the economy and the situation is still the same. However, the vagaries in the prices of crude oil at the international market and the attendant control by the Oil Production Exporting Countries (OPEC), the global oil cartel, which regulates oil production, make it necessary to diversify the revenue base of the economy away from oil.

Given the topsy-turvy nature of oil revenue, experts have proffered that the non-oil sector should be reformed, better funded and be made more viable to generate more revenue to run the economy without depending heavily on earnings from oil.

Over the years, the federal government, through many administrations, has made economic diversification more of an issue of discussion or more of a catchphrase than making a genuine effort to actualise it. This is because the government has found the temptation to jettison such efforts to enjoy the temporary succor provided by windfall accruable from oil, irresistible.

While the previous administration made serious effort to institute reforms in the agriculture supported by interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which paid off, the momentum could not be matched by the current administration. The little effort made by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in the agriculture, which was beginning to show promise, as seen in the sector contributing significantly to the growth of the GDP, has been overshadowed by the incessant clashes between the herdsmen and farmers across the country. Other non-oil export products have not received enough grace from the government to push up their contribution to non-oil revenue and economic growth in general.

With the activities in the lead-up to the 2019 elections, which has made government relegate the economy to the background and especially, with continued rising prices of oil at the international market, the government’s

efforts to diversify the economy, has waned. This is notwithstanding crisis –ridden agriculture sector, which deserves immediate attention and priority.

Besides, the manufacturing sector, which is a subsector in the real sector of the economy, through which the revenue base could be diversified, has been performing sub-optimally. The sector has perennially craved attention from the federal government. In fact, the manufacturers have allegedly blamed their inactivity on faulty government policies.

Only recently, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) posited that despite recent economy growth, the challenges were not yet over as the sector was still on the brink of recession. The association called on the government to take urgent steps to address the challenges facing the sector, to enable it make impact to the macroeconomic development of the country.

Realising that the federal government was not up and doing in its so-called moves to reform and diversify the economy, especially now that the oil prices are rising, the International Monetary Fund made a wake-up call on the Nigerian authorities. Specifically, IMF warned Nigeria and other oil exporting nations in dire need of structural reforms not to be tempted to delay the exercise due to the current higher oil prices.

The Counsellor and Director of the Research Department, IMF, Maurice Obstfeld, who gave the warning last Tuesday at the unveiling of the IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO), at the annual meetings of the IMF-World Bank in Bali, Indonesia, emphasised the need for Nigeria to enhance its non-oil revenue mobilisation.

Oil prices have been on the upswing in the past few weeks as more evidence emerged that crude exports from Iran, OPEC’s third-largest producer, are declining in the run-up to the re-imposition of United States sanctions and as a hurricane moved across the Gulf of Mexico.

Precisely, Brent crude closed at $84.17 a barrel last Tuesday.

But Obstfeld advised that strengthening of fiscal positions was necessary to reduce debt vulnerabilities in Nigeria and other countries.

“Fuel exporters should guard against the temptation to let higher oil prices delay reforms. Despite their recent recovery, oil prices are projected to remain below the 2013 peak. Boosting non-oil revenues and continuing fiscal consolidation plans remain key goals for oil exporters.

“The focus should be on growth-friendly fiscal adjustment, with a shift in spending toward productive and social outlays accompanied by frontloaded domestic revenue mobilisation, through for example, broadening the tax base and strengthening revenue administration.

“Moreover, enhancing financial resilience through proactive banking supervision, ensuring adequate provisioning for losses by banks, and improving resolution frameworks to keep expensive public bailouts at bay can help foster a financial system supportive of growth,” he said.

Could it be said that the Nigerian government is paying lip-service to the diversification of the economy ?

Director General, West African Institute of Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Prof. Akpan Ekpo, lamented that it was worrisome that when oil prices maintained the upward streak, Nigeria forgot about economic planning.

Ekpo, who pointed out that this has been a recurrent decimal in the economy, advised the government to be focused and ensure judicious implementation of reforms of the economy.

“When the oil prices are up, we forget what we’re planning. So, it is worrisome. I believe we should stay on course; whether oil prices are going up or not, we should keep our reforms going, in terms of change in the structure of the economy. This is not the first time.

We’ve seen that scenario a number of times, because when the oil prices go up, we have more reserves, we go back to what we’re doing earlier that wasn’t good enough. We should stick to our reforms, change the structure of the economy and diversify the economy.”

The professor of economics, who stated that, “For the first and second quarters, non-oil revenue increased,”, however, told the relevant authorities “to pay attention to it, so that it keeps increasing.”

“Developing the agriculture sector and other value added sectors is the way to go—for us to export, otherwise, there is going to be a problem. Nobody depends on this oil to build an economy, because the revenue is exogenous—it’s outside your control, you can’t depend on that to build your economy.

“The best for us is to stick to our reforms, diversify the economy and just see the oil as a windfall; don’t see it as what you would use to plan your economy,

because we all know it is not renewable. So, in that sense, the IMF was right,” he said, “What I don’t agree with them is the forecast—they lower the forecast for growth. That has a problem, because if we stay focused on diversifying the economy and the non-oil sector is growing, the economic growth may be more than what they predicated. The forecast we did in our office is about 2.2 per cent for 2018,” Ekpo, however, argued.

In his own analysis, Director, Union Capital Ltd, Egie Akpata, who stated that, the Nigerian economy was well diversified, however, confirmed that, “Federal government revenues are not diversified and heavily reliant on the oil industry.”

“Even though exports earnings are listed as mainly from oil, we cannot ignore increasing size of Diaspora remittances which are a source of foreign exchange for the country.”

According to him, the federal government always seems to miss the opportunity to diversify their income base due to the huge amount of work and reforms needed to get tax revenues up.

“Yes, there are several individuals and companies that are not paying their fair share of taxes. However, the reality is that a significant portion of the economy is in the informal sector which would always be very difficult to tax. The kind of incentives, programmes, infrastructure and government support needed to formalise majority of the economy and get the participants paying tax could take years to achieve.

“Given our four year election cycle, any administration might not focus on doing all this hard work only for another government to reap the benefits,” he added.

Akpata decried the rapid rate at which the government has been borrowing both locally and internationally.

According to him, it means that actual new revenues to fund the budget have not had to be raised. “Rather than do the heavy lifting needed to significantly grow government revenues and drive exports, money was simply borrowed to fund the deficit. Eventually, those debts would have to be serviced or repaid. It is looking increasingly unlikely that there will be a material improvement in FGN finances in the near term for these new debts not to eventually become a problem, “ he posited.

22

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Ëš

Poor Records in Manufacturing, Necessitate Revisit of Industrial Revolution Plan Following the latest report of under-performance by the nation’s manufacturing sector, Olaseni Durojaiye writes on possible lasting solutions to the perennial crisis

T

he lacklustre performance of the nation’s manufacturing sector has again attracted headline news, necessitating a review of activities in the sector with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problems that has caused the sector to underperform, even as some analysts argued that the time to revisit the nation’s National Industrial Regulation Plan (NIRP) may just be now.

Besides the perennial challenge of high cost of capital, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had listed other factors hobbling the sector to include, weak infrastructure and harsh socio-economic and political environment. The report appeared at variance with the claims by the federal government that the on-going economic diversification efforts were bearing positive fruits.

Though MAN had highlighted a huge leap in its inventory of unsold goods produced by its member, a THISDAY source insisted the actual figure would be higher. The analysts argued that the MAN figure covered data from its members adding that there are other businesses, particularly in the small and medium enterprise (SME) segment, that their data could not be captured because they are not MAN members.

The manufacturing sector is seen as very critical sector of the economy largely due to its capacity to generate employment, economic empowerment and wealth creation. However, the implication of its continued underperformance was that rather than contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic growth and development, it is on the verge of recession, and a scenario that many insisted could further worsen the unemployment rate in the country.

MAN had raised the alarm a fortnight ago that the nation’s manufacturing was on the verge of recession, and expressed the dismay that despite the government’s position that the country’s economy had exited recession, the manufacturing sector has been recording zero growth.

MAN report In the MAN report, which was released at the just-concluded 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association in Lagos recently, the sector did not record any growth in the 2017 business year, despite the current efforts to position the sector for Africa and global competitiveness.

According to the report, “high lending rate remained a major challenge to the manufacturing sector in the period under review.� A survey by the association showed that the cost of lending to the manufacturing sector stood at 23.05 per cent in the second half of 2017, which was almost the same figure with 23.3 per cent recorded in 2016. This showed about 0.4 per cent improvement when compared with 22.65 per cent in the preceding half of the year. Overall, the report showed that the cost of fund to the manufacturing sector, averaged 24.1 per cent in 2017, showing 1.4 per cent point increase over 22.7 per cent recorded in 2016.

MAN also noted that unsold inventory of finished goods produced by its members rose to N161.53 billion in the second half of 2017 from N35.42 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2017, indicating N126.11 billion increases over the period. It also showed an increase of N1.94 billion or 1.2 per cent when compared with N159.59 billion recorded in the preceding half.

According to the report, over all, unsold inventory of manufactured goods in Nigeria totalled N321.12 billion in 2017 when compared with N90.43 billion in 2016, representing an increase of N230.77 billion or 255.19 percentage point. The report also recorded a decline in manufacturing investment at the end of 2017 with estimated cumulative manufacturing investments from 2013-2017 at N4.63 trillion based on data generated from a survey conducted by the association.

In the second half of the year, investment declined to N176.69 billion from N448 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2016, showing a decline of N272.25 billion or 60.6 per cent over the period.

According to MAN, it also declined further by N152.59 billion or 46.3 per cent when compared to N329.28 billion achieved in the preceding half of the year.

Overall, manufacturing investment recorded during the year under review totalled N508.98 billion compared with N614.55 billion achieved in 2016; an indication of N105.57 billion or 17.2 per cent decrease over the period. MAN also decried the continued existence of multiple taxation, saying that it is one of the factors against the industrialisation of the country and called for the commencement of the implementation of the harmonised taxes and levies even as it called for a strict monitoring by the Joint Tax Board (JTB). This is with a view to enforcing compliance by states and local governments.

On power, MAN said electricity supply to the manufacturing sector averaged nine hours per day in the second half of 2017

A production line in textile factory

against eight hours and five averages of the corresponding half of 2016 and the preceding half respectively. It, however, noted that power outage in the sector had remained consistently at four times since the second half of 2016, adding that the manufacturing sector alternative energy utilisation in the second half of 2017 declined to N51.35 billion from N66.96 billion expended in the corresponding period in 2016, representing N15 61 billion decline over the period.

MAN added that there was also decline of N14.17 billion, when compared with the N66.03 billion recorded in the preceding half. Also, expenditure on alternative energy utilisation in the sector totalled N117.38 billion in 2017 as against N129.95 billion recorded in the previous year-2016, indicating a decline over the period. According to MAN, the decline in the expenditure of alternative was a result of the slight improvement Analysts Some of the analysts who spoke to THISDAY on the challenges facing the sub sector insisted that the time was right to revisit the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) even as they argued that there may be need to review some aspect of the plan which was initiated in 2014, given the dynamic nature of the economy. According to them, the plan was robust as it is to run with, while the needed adjustment can be worked out along the way.

According to the Director General of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Lawal, the solution to the issue of high cost of funding is long term, even as he added that the sector could do with more access to developmental finance. He also noted that the efforts of developmental banks, particularly the Bank of Industry and the CBN deserved commendation. “The solution is long-term, even though the sector needs to have more access to developmental finance and that is not to say the developmental finance institution like the Bank of Industry is not trying. The CBN is also trying especially with the differential funding facilities, commercial papers and the likes. “The solution is to look at all the variables, take them one by one and begin to address them,� he stated.

Continuing on the high-volume inventory of unsold products, Yusuf explained that there are two sides to the cost, “demand and supply,� he stated.

According to him, “The high inventory of unsold products is a function of the price environment. The cost of everything is high, from getting foreign exchange to importation of raw materials, cost of clearing goods at the ports, distribution logistic and cost of alternative source of power; all of it are factored into price of the price of the finished product to be high.

On the demand side, there is weak purchasing power.

The minimum wage is just about $50, yet there is issue of staff being owed salaries added to that is the huge

unemployment in the country; weak purchasing power leads to low consumption rate.�

In his own analysis, a research and economic policy analyst with the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Rotimi Oyelere, argued that the manufacturers would continue to face funding challenges unless a preferential lending rate of not more than nine per cent is worked out for operators in the sector. He added that, “Even though they produce locally, they compete globally given that other competing products from economies, where funding is far cheaper, find their way into the Nigerian market to compete with locally produced goods. “The performance of the sector as reeled out by the MAN report is a reflection of the economy. As a matter of fact, the inventory of unsold goods may be higher; MAN can only compute data from its members whereas it cannot gather data of unsold products, especially among SMEs that are not members of the association,� he stated.

Explaining the cause of the high volume of unsold products, Oyelere stressed that, “This is caused by the slow growth in the economy, which in turns translates to slow down in consumption, of course this is bound to lead to unsold good pilling up.� He added that one of the possible causes of this scenario was government indebtedness to contractors particularly in the construction sector. For example, if government owes contractors in construction industry, this will pile up unsold products by manufacturers of products required for construction,� he pointed out.

Addressing the perennial complaints bordering on high cost of fund plaguing the sector, a senior banker with one of the top banks in Nigeria, who craved anonymity, posited that the solutions to the problem are short-term to long-term. According to him the short-term measure would be preferential lending rate for the sector, while medium term and long-term solutions are MAN having to work out “factor intensity� approach and “macroeconomic issue� respectively.

Expatiating, he said, “In the short term, government through the Central Bank of Nigeria needs to come up with a preferential lending rate of not more than nine per cent for the manufacturers. This will help them on the short term because while they produce locally, they compete globally. Many products from markets where cost of funding is far lower, make their ways into the Nigeria market and this places the local manufacturers at a disadvantage competition-wise. “In the medium term, manufacturers need to evolve a factor intensity approach. They need to work out a balance between labour and efficiency using technology. This could be through investments in more efficient factors of production and distribution to cut operation cost and boost margins approach and distribution in efficient distribution,� the banker posited.

23

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BUSINESS/ PROFILE BENEDICT PETERS

Africa’s Sheik of Oil and Gas Industry Prestige, he exudes with royalty. Prosperity, he achieves with class. Passion, he embodies with simplicity. With a big appetite for the best, his superlative feats in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, Africa and across the globe have become a class act. And, it is official that Benedict Peters, the billionaire international businessman, founder and the Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo is Forbes’ ‘Oil and Gas Leader of the Year 2018’ Bayo Akinloye reports

I

t is evening. He has just struck a mouth-watering deal. He looks at his watch; another deal can still be struck in Geneva before going to bed. His glistening countenance is silhouetted by the dim light in his expansive sitting room. He lounges into his couch. All alone, reflecting. His phone rings. He does not hesitate to pick it. The conversation ends briefly. But the telephone call leaves a lingering smile on his effervescent face – some apparent good news has been broken. He calls his pilot.

Within few hours his jet touches down in Geneva: the eagle has landed.

In another couple of hours, he is soaring in the air, sidestepping borders with classy ease. By the time he arrives in New York, some other good news awaits him. His style is understated. As one of world’s best entrepreneurs, he deserves more accolades.

As a progressive ambitious businessman, he merits one the nation’s highest honours.

‘Congratulations sir! Congratulations sir! Congratulations sir!’ goes the refrain as he steps into the world-acclaimed Forbes Headquarters in New York, United States of America last September. He shakes some hands and gives a nod to acknowledge others as he beams with a shrewd smile.

The ceremony is simple and without fanfare but the award carries its weight in diamond.

Again, there is the chorus of ‘Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations!’ as billionaire, international business leader and founder of Aiteo Group, Benedict Peters, is awarded the ‘Africa’s Oil and Gas Leader of the Year’.

He was given thr award at Forbes’ Best of Africa Gala in the US penultimate Thursday.

The award signposts Peters’ significant contribution to oil and gas development in Africa through his visionary leadership, distinguished service and transformational realignment of a sector dominated by international oil companies.

The shrewd and systematic oil mogul’s investment interests in oil, gas, mining, power and agriculture know no bounds.

The Site founder runs a one-of-its-kind conglomerate with the vision of delivering Africa’s energy future and fast-tracking its self-sufficiency.

Since 1999, Peters has been exhibiting his pan-African approach in his various fields of enterprise. Before then, he had held various senior management roles in banking, commodity trading and the oil and gas industry. When he founded Aiteo, the company’s main focus was in the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

However, Peters had other plans.

“I pushed my group to start thinking outside the box and told them that it was time to develop more capacity across the entire value chain and that it was time to now play in the exploration and producing sector and not just be leaders in the downstream sector,” the Aiteo boss recalls with fulfilment.

Peters moved upstream.

In 2015, his oil and gas subsidiary, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited (AEEPCo), won the bid for the largest onshore block in sub-Saharan Africa (OML 29) at USD2.85 billion from Oil Major, Shell following divestment of some of its onshore assets. The company also got the operatorship of a major crude evacuation pipeline.

In the same year, Aiteo was able to leverage on local content capacity to ramp up production from 23,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 70,000 barrels per day. Three years after,

I pushed my group to start thinking outside the box and told them that it was time to develop more capacity across the entire value chain and that it was time to now play in the exploration and producing sector and not just be leaders in the downstream sector the company is set to hit a peak production of 100,000 bpd as the largest indigenous producer.

At the moment, Peters has plans to inject $4.3 billion into the acquisition of additional offshore assets and a projection to increase oil production capacity to 250,000 barrels per day in the short term. He is not stopping there; he has expanded his businesses, extending transformational operations to different countries across Africa and beyond. This includes existing and prospective business operations in Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and offices in Geneva, London and Paris.

With the aim to provide African industries with raw materials to advance cleaner energy sources, technology and innovation, the Aiteo boss is involved in copper and cobalt production in some parts of Africa.

He has also invested heavily in floating solar energy power projects within the sub-Saharan region.

Owing to his business acumen, Aiteo’s downstream business – which is the pioneer subsidiary in the group – is also still very active. Its services across borders include bulk petroleum products storage and the trading, marketing and distribution of refined products.

Peters, a man of many parts, is also through one of his many companies, exploring the gas-to-power technology, to develop a pipeline of power generation projects, leveraging on the available gas resources from his upstream business. The cheery news is that he has made some progress – emerging as the preferred bidder for some power generation plants.

Peters excels in making mega money. Yet, he triumphs even more in charity as he chairs the Joseph Agro Foundation, which he founded in 2014 to support agriculture in Nigeria. The foundation has invested over $150 million in the large-scale cultivation of Africa’s most consumed staple food, rice. It is also addressing social and environmental issues such as unemployment and water shortage in the sector.

Peters

The Aiteo founder has played a significant role in enhancing Africa’s ability to take charge of its natural resources and independently develop its energy infrastructure. In honour of his contribution, he was awarded the Marquee Award for Global Business Excellence at the Africa-US Leadership Awards in 2014.

In the same year, he won the ‘Leadership CEO of the Year’. In 2015, Peters received the ‘Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards’ in the ‘Economic Empowerment’ category. He was listed as one of the ‘50 Most Influential Nigerians in 2017’ by BusinessDay. Just before the Forbes’ ‘Oil and Gas Leader of the Year 2018 Award’, he had won the ‘Oil and Gas Man of the Year’ at the 2018 Guardian Awards.

Through his companies and foundations,

Peters provides grants, donations and seed capital to local individuals and groups.

He has also committed huge funds into the promotion of football on the African continent with his sponsorship of the Nigerian Football Federation, Aiteo Cup (Nigeria’s Federation Cup), CAF African Footballer of the Year Award and Aiteo-NFF Awards.

As one of the richest men, – he was named the seventh riches person in Nigeria and 17th richest in Africa by Ventures Africa in 2014 – Peters is a global player with local roots.

It is 3:00am and Peters is up again – to explore new frontiers, expand new business borders and climb new heights. The Aiteo boss does not rest on his laurels since he discovered there is no mountain too high for him to climb.

24

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TUNDE MACAULAY

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Y

ou have been a major player in the real estate sector for over two decades. What is your assessment of the industry?

In my 21 years of dealing with people in the finance and mortgage units of a commercial bank, I have come to realise that even to date, a lot of people see owning a home as a daunting task. Some people still believe that they can only own a house towards the end of their working life chiefly because of finance and capital investment involved. Yet, the mortgage system that could have been the saving option is not helping the issue especially for the middle and low income earners as it was very difficult for them to get qualified because of the high interest rates.

Today, we are looking at a mortgage of maybe an average 10 years for 28 per cent whereas in other climes, mortgage is accessible at a single digit for as much as 30 years. The issue of quality is also another factor of concern. While all these challenges exists, I will like to state that the industry has evolved to overcome these traditional drawbacks as government and private investors launch new initiative to make ownership flexible for all.

Despite efforts by the government and private investors, Nigeria remains the lowest in Africa in terms of home ownership at 25 per cent, with the sector performance in the ďŹ rst quarter at its worst in over ďŹ ve years. What’s your thought on that?

Let me first of all state here that housing deficit in Nigeria is beyond 17 million as it stands today. The United Nations arrived at this figure sometimes ago but since then, the population has continued to grow with a lot of rural urban migration. This simply means that the deficit has also grown. To bridge this gap, Nigeria needs to produce one million housing units per annum.

Although we are talking of 740,000, this is indeed far behind the reality. While the real estate has emerged lately with more investors exploring the market as well as government interventions in the sector, it is quite worrisome that home ownership in the country is still very thin.

Quite a lot of factors such as foreign exchange, lack of access to land and institutional bottle neck amongst others could have contributed to the situation but majorly, I will like to say that high concentration on the high end of the market has continued to mar the joint effort of stakeholders.Majority of those affected by this deficit are the middle and low income earners, yet, not too much are looking at this market. Once efforts are directed to the middle and low income earners including getting necessary support from government, we will then see the expected changes.

But lately, a lot of developers and real estate consultants are moving to the low-end market.

Most of the homes out there are not affordable or within the reach of the larger segment of the populace which are the middle and low income earners and access to fund for these categories of people is pretty difficult. Another issue is that as much as developers and agents are now trying to save the situation with cheap landed properties, the issue of lack of trust and confidence are there on the part of the people. A lot of people are afraid of taking advantages of this offer either because of past ill experience or experiences of others. This factor alone continues to abort development in the sector.

As an investor in this division, what strategies are you deploying to address these challenges you have identiďŹ ed?

Having understood the nitty-gritty of the business and the gaps, there is no better way for us to confront these issues than bringing innovations to the sector. For us, we try to change the usual story and the landscape, using our background to restore integrity in the sector, manage cost, ease accessibility and conditions of funding with an assurance of quality and safety as we are ISO certified.

How realistic are these strategies, especially in terms of accessibility to funds?

Macaulay

Like I said earlier, majority of the people affected by deficit are the middle and low income earners who are constrained by finance and this is where our strength lies. We have come up with products and solutions both in the home and land ownership categories whereby buyers can take possession of a property even before making full payment,albeit, we hold the documents untill full payment is made. For instance, one of our products, ‘Own a Home Scheme’ enables that one selects a house of choice and spread payment for 36 months and moves into the house even before making total payment, while we handover the house document to such person after full payment might have been made. We have also established a partnership with the National Housing Fund, NHF, such that for anyone that buy into any of our schemes, we apply for fund on his behalf and by the time the fund come say around month 24; we add it to whatever contribution such customer has made and hand over the house to the customer while he pays the balance within speculated time. Most people are not even aware that they can get NHF fund to the tune of N50 million for as low as six per cent. There is no other mortgage that is as low as this in this environment.

We also have an arrangement where subscriber can pay half of the amount of a property and take possession while he spreads the balance over a specified time and for those who have a land but doesn’t have the where withal to build, we also come to the aid of such people by assisting to build on their land on agreed conditions. We are saying with as low as N9 million, you can own a quality and bespoke house in a choiced area in Lagos and pay with convenience. This is our own quota of simplifying home ownership for Nigerians. In our drive to change building landscape in the country, we have come up with lighter conditions that has taken care of the issue of trust, access to fund, affordability and quality. This model however does not come without its challenges but we believe we will outgrow them as more people embrace this.

What challenges do you face?

A major challenge thwarting development in this regard is the issue of integration. By this, I mean getting people to embrace this innovations is pretty difficult. Quite a lot of people out there are used to the traditional way of building and would not want to embrace the direct delivery of home to end users from manufacturers, thus limiting the role of the middle men.

Others are what we are already familiar with like the issue of documentation and delay in approval processes. This is why for us, we don’t compromise quality to gain public confidence in the soonest time. We have an academy where we recruit professionals to train artisans working on our projects, we are driving at professionalism and no less.

In bridging the deďŹ cit gap, how many housing units can your company provide on a yearly basis?

Since we are relatively new in the market, we are looking at 250 units for now and as we grow, we improve on our delivery.

Where and how do you think the government can support an housing innovation like this to address homelessness?

The government can come in by making human and financial resources available to investors. It has to be diligent in policy formulation by adopting strategies that have practical applications in the immediate environment. Of most important is coming up with friendly policies for local manufacturers of building materials and offering tax rebate for importers who then can sell at a much competitive price for builders. With this, housing can come cheaper and attractive to buyers. In addition to harmonising taxes, the government can also take a cue from Singapore where housing comes at a subsidised rate, leaving home ownership at almost 90 per cent. The government can also divert the pension fund into mortgage by collaborating with reputable developers and giving them guidelines. Above all, there is room for innovation which will definitely cut down cost and increase access to home ownership .

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͼ˜ ͺ͸͹΀

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Jalo-Waziri

HARUNA JALO-WAZIRI

For Nigeria’s Capital Market Growth to Deepen, Banks Must Be Involved, Stockbroking Firms Need to Consolidate Mr΂–ørànø‚˜øÛ›Íòø¢ØrØ‚Øs‚ßhe‚Mønø»Øn»‚ÕØreúß›r‚›º‚ßhe‚ÔenßrøÛ‚|eúàrØßØes‚ÔÛeørØn»‚|¡sßeÜ‚{üÔ‚ …Ô|Ô|†‰‚ßhe‚nøßØ›n s‚œreÜØer‚seúàrØßØes‚¸eœ›sØß›r¡‚øn¸‚úÛeørØn»‚s¡sßeÜ΂˜øÛ›Íòø¢Ør؉‚âh›‚âøs‚ œreáØ›àsÛ¡‚ßhe‚‚e~eúàßØáe‚¸Øreúß›r‰‚ÔøœØßøÛ‚MørÚeß‚ÕØáØsØ›n‚›º‚ßhe‚NØ»erØøn‚|ß›úÚ‚Ö~úhøn»e‚øn¸‚ º›rÜer‚Üønø»Øn»‚¸Øreúß›r‚›º‚‚UÓÒ‚Òsseß‚Mønø»eÜenß‚ü߸‰‚høs‚‚ßhe‚Üøn¸øße‚ß›‚¸rØáe‚ßhe‚sßrøße»Øú‚ »›øÛs‚›º‚¸ØáersغØúøßØ›n‚›º‚reáenàe‰‚sßrøße»Øú‚øÛÛØønúe‚âØßh‚œeer‚¸eœ›sØß›rØes‚øn¸‚ºØnønúØøÛ‚ÜørÚeß‚ enßØßØes‚øúr›ss‚ÒºrØúø‚øn¸‚ùe¡›n¸Î‚–e‚sœeøÚs‚âØßh‚Kunle Aderinokun‚øn¸‚Bamidele Famoofo‚ ›n‚ßhe‚sßrøße»Øú‚œÛøn‚º›r‚ßhe‚Ô|Ô|‰‚¸ØáersغØúøßØ›n‚›º‚ßhe‚¸eœ›sØß›r¡ s‚reáenàe‚ùøse‚øn¸‚seßßÛeÜenß‚ ú¡úÛe‚øn¸‚ø¸¸resses‚›ßher‚úøœØßøÛ‚ÜørÚeß‚Øssàes‚øn¸‚œr›œ›sØßØ›ns‚ß›‚¸eeœen‚»r›âßh‚ØnúÛà¸Øn»‚ ú›ns›ÛظøßØ›n‚›º‚ßhe‚ÜørÚeß‚øn¸‚ùønÚs ‚œørßØúØœøßØ›n‚Øn‚Øß΂Ö~úerœßsË

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͼ˜ ͺ͸͹΀

One-day Trade Settlement is Possible in Nigeria

W

hat is it about the three-year strategic plan for CSCS?

This is a threeyear strategic plan that commenced technically in 2018.

It started with the board of directors sitting down to define the objectives of the strategy. We arrived at 13 objectives; we started with much more than that, but we decided to compress and bring out the things we can do within the three-year period. Management took the 13 objectives and distilled them into 84 initiatives, all tied to the 13 objectives. In that context, we defined some of the initiatives into projects. Having looked at all of these things, understanding what our key mission and vision are, we define the pillars of the 13 objectives and those pillars are five.

One is for us to optimise our operations; two is to focus on our customers; three is to improve on our technology and technology use, both internally and externally used internally; and the fourth one is to ensure that we are in touch and connected to our stakeholders and, in this case, the regulators, the market, investors, registrars, custodians and all; and the fifth one, since we are a PLC, we have to look after our shareholders.

Those five things I mentioned are the pillars of our strategic objectives. It says everything on how we are going to do everything in the next three years.

What are the targets or goals?

In trying to be specific, for example, we want to ensure that we reduce our turnaround time for generating report to our stockbrokers. It’s typically end of day; we want to reduce that to half a day and in many cases, turn them in real time, that’s on demand. If you look at how we also service the registrars in terms of requests, its 24 hours, we want to reduce it to 12 hours, we want to possibly reduce it to one. Investors when they come or contact us, what’s the turnaround time in responding to them? In many cases, its 48 hours, we want to reduce it to 24 hours. When we trade, when do you get the alert? For example, it is the end of the day and that has already been achieved. So, trade alerts are real time, within 3, 4 minutes, depending on the gateway or if there is any congestion. When a trader trades your shares whether buy and sell, you get your instant SMS alert and if you subscribed for email, you also get that instantly and that has already been achieved.

These are some of the things that we are building around optimizing operations. That is from external perspective. From internal perspective also, we want to make sure that the handshakes that occur within the institution itself is improved significantly to deliver the services as required.

So, when you come to our customer care centre for example, we would want to see that if the average time you spent is 30 minutes, we want to reduce it to 15 minutes in the first year. We want to reduce it to 5 minutes also. To that extent, those are the things we want to improve internally to give all our stakeholders a better experience than you currently have.

Two is the customer focus. We want to ensure that we go out there and talk to our customers in this case, exchanges, registrars, custodians and others. One of the things we are doing is a regular meeting with custodians, regular meeting with registrars, a regular meeting with brokers and those decisions that are taken, we come back and operationalise them in order to improve their experiences to us. Before now, you come to us but now, we go out there and meet with you including the issuances because we service them. We ask them, how do you want it to be done? Is there any improvement that you want?

We documented all that and come and put it in place and we put a roadmap on how we want to achieve all of these things. That is currently happening.

Technology. We want to launch an App. We have deployed the process, hopefully within 10 to 12 weeks, we shall have the CSCS App up and running. So, we give the investors total control over viewing their positions, notify when it changes and even add valuation unto it. At a glance, you can see what you are worth within the context of what is inside the CSCS. Stage two is to begin to build other enhancements into the App, including may be, if we have partnership with the banks. You have a bank account in the bank and you can draw information from your bank, whether it is Treasury bill, whether it is bank deposit. You have clear perspective. That

Jalo-Waziri

is phase two of three. That is where we are going, empowering the investors to have as much information as they can, within the context of the CSCS. The other thing is to ensure that we have true STP with the registrars. We are working on that and I believe that project is ongoing. Right now they put in the data exchange, we collect it, process it and give it back to them in that order.

The custodians also. There are discussions and workaround that we are building whereby we empower the custodians to actually have the capacity to log into a portal, authenticate two levels and can move their security from custody account to trading account without us interfering.

Those are the things we are working towards to achieve from a technology and experience perspective.

And, of course stakeholder engagement. We have already started. Like I told you, we have regular meetings with the custodians including regulators now through many channels to ensure that we are in partnership in ensuring that what the CSCS should do is doing and is doing more than the expectation is.

Of course, the shareholders. We have a target in terms of returns for investors and we are working to achieve those targets this year, next year and the third year.

I know when CSCS started in 1997, the transaction/settlement cycle was T+5, but

prior to that, it usually took a long time before a transaction could be settled. When a customer wants to transfer shares, he would fill the form, the stockbroker would submit the form to the registrar and wait.

But later, when CSCS came, the settlement was reduced. How as the reduction in settlement period impacted on the volume of shares traded and processed?

In terms of trade and settlement, today we still operate a T+3 system. I believe when the CSCS started, it was T+5 and we reduced it to T+3.

Now, can the CSCS do T+1 or T+2? The answer is yes, but this is a market decision that we have to take. It has to have impact on end results, both the brokers and banks and the way they take money on security and do. But as to whether the CSCS can do it, certainly we can do it. Our systems are equipped to do it. But the issue is when you move your settlement date from T+3 to T+2 or T+1, what is the impact, in terms of liquidity?

There are two schools of thought: one says it will constrict liquidity, the other says it will not, and this is what they meant. Our market is supposed to be pre-funded which means before you buy you put your cash down. If our market is truly prefunded, then you can do T+1, with no effect, because there is liquidity already established. But I think there is an arrangement with the banks, the custodians and all that that trade for me, show me evidence of trade then I will pay you which

But now, the banks are absent, they have to come back. If you go to London Stock Exchange, the banks are the biggest traders in the market.

If you go to New York Stock Exchange, the banks are the biggest traders in the market. Why should it be different in Nigeria?

means somebody is sitting in between the trade and the settlement and ensuring or guaranteeing that something will happen. If you take away one day from that trade settlement, does it mean that somebody is not performing that role and what is the impact of removing that one day to overall liquidity of the market? However, I think we can try and move from T+2 and this is the reason why I said so. Today with your mobile phone using your banking App, 24 hours a day, you transfer money, do you wait till tomorrow or when the business has closed? It’s in seconds.

We have to start thinking like that in the capital market for us to improve the liquidity because the more you have the opportunity to settle, the more you are likely to have more trade being done. I am an advocate of that, but the market decides what to do, but that is the way things should be done.

So, what are other things CSCS has put in place to drive capital market growth?

One thing we want to continue to do is to encourage new product. When you bring a product, no matter how complex it, we will design an architecture that will be able to make sure that there is no risk in delivering of the instrument and settling the cash components. Continuously, we have a development team, we have software providers, who constantly sit with us and define or design architecture for new products.

The second part is that, we try as much as possible to be involved in financial literacy in the context of capital market and in the context of the overall financial market. We believe that financial literacy is important, people must know what market all about, people must know how to trade and people must know the benefits and in that way, you are attracting more investors into the market and as such increasing liquidity.

The other thing we are doing is supporting the exchanges whenever they go on roadshows, whether it is a listing drive with the brokers to ensure that we all have a bigger market or others. The third part is about leadership from policy and policy making. We will continue to support what laws are trying to be put in place to facilitate market through our contributions in terms of our expertise and what we think we

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͼ˜ ͺ͸͹΀

Nigeria Doesn’t Need Multiple Exchanges for Equities Trading can add to the value of the laws being created or the rules being created. So, in essence, apart from the physical infrastructure function that we do, we are also supporting from the other side of what we think market should do.

What are the strategic partnerships CSCS have to grow the market?

We have MoUs across the world with other CSCS.WehavewithMorocco,SouthAfrica,weare signatorytotheMoUsignedwith WACMIC,West African Capital Markets Integration Council. We also signed up with the CSD committee working on distributed ledger technology, that is commonly called block chain technology adoption in Nigeria so long as it fit into what will help drop cost for transaction and also improve security and as well as integrity of the market. So, we are partners in the global context. We are affiliate member in IOSCO; we have just applied to be affiliate member in ASEAand a host lot of others across the board, all because we want to ensure that we have best practices and ensure that we have proper working market infrastructure that will service our investors.

What is the impact of the market lull on your revenue? What plans do you have to diversify CSCS revenue base?

That is the common question across market infrastructures and markets, generally. Should we keep relying on fees? And in own case, we have nice balance sheet on interest income or investment income. No, we shouldn’t, because when market change, it affect, whether in terms of volume value or interest rate. In our case, we have regularised that and it is part of our fifth pillar and one of the initiatives we have taken to diversity our revenue, but this is one key way we are doing it. An average stockbroker may be have 5 kilogrammes of papers; where do you think that 5 kilogrammes of papers end up in a week? It ends up at the CSCS. How do you sort it? How do you archive it, if I have come to ask you for my position you are able to do it? So, we have mastered the act of document management to the extent that we have become very efficient in it and we have partnered an OEM software provider to be able to make sure that we do this very effectively. Doing it effectively mean that we can actually take this our strength and apply it into the market, currently one of the things we are doing to many of these big manufacturers and banks in Nigeria is document management system. So, we are out there and helping banks and manufacturers to manage their documents.

Do you have subsidiary for that?

It is not a subsidiary, it is the same CSCS, it is just that we have developed a new division that will focus on the new product and sell this product outside the settlement and clearing we actually do. Another product we have out there is the pension management, which we have developed to ourselves and have beginning to sell to the market across board. There are two or three other products that are being built that I might not be able to say to you until we go to the market so that my competitors will not start looking at where we are going.

Can you let us into the pension product, and how it works?

We built a system where one of the key issues you have is reconciliation, when you send out your pension contribution, sometimes in an Excel sheet, you forward to them and then you send the money. Now, if there is an error in RSA number, or mistake in your name or the amount or something, it will end up in reconciliation and they will have to come back and reconcile before they applied. This system was built in such a way that there is no reconciliation, there is zero possibility of error and it has no duplication and also makes life easier for both the PFC and the PFA. We have tested it on ourselves and it is what we use, we decided to sell it to others. That also is a working tools that we have diversified.

We are seeing interest in that particular system.

As a central security clearing system, is Abuja Commodities Exchange part of your clients?

Yes, we have signed MoU with them to actually clear their securities for them.

This has been somehow controversial- I mean the issue of multiple stock exchanges and capital trade points. This issue has been on since the times of the late Dr. Dennis Odife, who was a proponent of multiple exchanges and capital trade points.

Will you support capital trade points? Do you believe that a country like Nigeria, should have other major exchanges, apart from the Nigerian

Jalo-Waziri

Stock Exchange?

I think what I have seen in our market today, is not necessarily a duplication of role, it is more of other people exploring new spaces and creating exchanges to help facilitate that and I start with Nigerian stock exchange was trading equities over the years even though it started with the fixed income instruments.

Thefixedinstrumentsweretradedbythebanks, it is inter-bank, bilateral and FMDA, which is the Financial Market Dealer Association, saw the gap, and say look, we are not trading much on the stock exchange, even though the listing was on the stock exchange, but the trading was OTC and decided let us build an OTC market that will facilitate us to have a more transparent market than we have which is bilateral and the stock exchange is an investor at the FMDQ. So, there was a space, FMD created it and the exchange was built.

The other side is the OTC market for equities.

NASD was formed by the brokers, because after the advent of private placements, there were a lot of companies that were not listed on the exchange, who were looking for platform for shareholders to actually trade instruments and NASD was born and today the NASD trades OTC equity securities in the market. The Abuja Commodities Exchange has AFEX now, which is another commodities exchange built in Abuja as well and looking to develop the market in the commodities space. So, the Nigerian Stock Exchange is equities base even though they trade ETFs and retail bond, but they don’t trade commodities.

So, theAbuja Commodities Exchange is trying to enter that market significantly and there is also AFEX, who is also trying to enter the market, but I think the approach of the two are separate and their products will most likely be different.

In essence, we have trade points, if you like, we have FMDQ, which is OTC driven, NASD which is equities, but not listed on OTC, you haveAbuja Commodities Exchange, which is focusing on certain product in the commodities market and we have AFEX. So, in essence every one of those exchanges actually attacking a particular space and as you have seen all over the world, there will be mergers and acquisition, and Nigeria will not be different.

If you could recall, during that time, the late Dennis Odife was really moving for the capital trade points, multiple stock exchanges, the idea was vehemently opposed by some people. I remember when Dr. Ndi

Okereke-Onyuike was DG, in fact, Dennis and Okereke-Onyuike were not friendly because of this issue, to the extent that Abuja Commodities and Exchange, which was supposed to be Abuja Stock Exchange, trading in equities and not commodities, had its operation shut down. The conflict was so fierce that that the NSE appeared to be pushing for a monopoly. My question is: Do you think we should have multiple stock exchanges and capital trade points, trading in equities in Nigeria?

My take is that, like somebody said at the World Federation of Exchanges Congress about two or three years ago, he says a country must have three things; you must have a flag, an army and a stock exchange. Why do you want to have multiple exchanges that trade the same thing in a market that is very small? Why don’t you build it first, have a liquid market and thereafter develop others. Once you fragment, you reduce the concentration and capacity to actually grow it first.

What is your value proposition for deepening the Nigerian capital market?

There are two things that have to happen: One is to have banks’ balance sheet back to the market.

We have to have that liquidity back; we have to have credit flowing into the propriety traders, which is what drove our market, without that particular credit to propriety traders, not necessarily brokers, but institutions that do propriety trading whether dealers, brokers, margin loans.

We have to come back to that structure.

You can restructure it in a way that there is better controll than it used to be. But now, the banks are absent, they have to come back. If you go to London Stock Exchange, the banks are the biggest traders in the market. If you go to New York Stock Exchange, the banks are the biggest traders in the market. Why should it be different in Nigeria? Look at the regulatory capital of the brokers. With N300 million, N500 million, what can you do? Not much. So, the issue is that at the time we had daily trading of about N100 million back in the day, the banks were effectively lending to individuals and brokers to trade.

There is always credit in the capital market, without that credit, you won’t see the liquidity and that is what we need to bring back into the market and the regulators have to collaborate and bring particular structure in such a way that it will bring back the banks into the capital market.

Are you advocating increase in capitalisation?

I am not advocating increase in capitalisation, but we cannot have a market that is trading at its best let us say N5 billion and you have 220 active broking firms. If we want our market to grow, we have to consolidate and be able to have big, strong, well equipped brokerage firms that will drive efficiency in this market. 220 is way out of range.

Recently,CSCS won an award organized by CFi.co, a UK-based international magazine.

How did CSCS make it? How were you chosen?

CFI.co is online and print magazine, which focuses on financial market as a whole. They have focus also on emerging markets and Nigeria being a frontier market they tend to cover, from time to time, contributors to the development of markets and what efforts are you making to change the market.

Having been appointed CEO last year, I guess they tend to track, especially when you have market infrastructure like we have, to see what is the impact the new CEO is going make? And, if there is a board change, what is the new board going to do? About two or three months to tell us that we had been nominated for this award, having seen what we’ve done in the last seven, eight ,nine months o f the year. And we went through a panel of judges and interviews to determine how far we’ve gone; how we are doing and whether what they’re seeing is really what is happening. Fortunately the panel of judges felt that we are contributing significantly to the market and there is a significant improvement in what this financial infrastructure, in this case, CSCS is doing and decided to give us the award. I’m pleasantly happy that we won the award, considering what CFI.co is and the fact that it’s unsolicited makes us very proud.

How many institutions were considered for the award?

Actually, what CFI.co doesn’t do is to disclose who the participants are. It’s not a fashion parade for them; it’s looking at multiple institutions and from the panel of judges selecting, so that it would encourage others to participate next time. Sometimes when institutions participate, they don’t win. Next time, when they want to do interview with them, they probably would not participate. I guess that’s what CFI.co is doing and we are very proud of ourselves, we are glad that we won the award.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 14, 2018

28

FEATURES

Polaris Bank: Entrenching a Culture of Continuous Learning Ademola Babalola, Ibadan

T

he glint of ecstasy in their eyes, laughter, happiness, joy, backslapping and posing for individual and group ‘selfies’ were in open display on the cool and breezy morning in the premises of the business school tucked in the serene Jericho neighborhood of the ancient city of Ibadan.

All the 61 freshly-baked bankers, gaily dressed in matching black suit, contrasted with immaculate white shirts/top wear matched with ties and pashmina littered the premises of the fully residential business school. These, indeed, were ‘the chosen few’ who just came out of the human capital production line of the Polaris Business School.

This was the atmosphere last Friday in Ibadan when Polaris Business School graduated its fresh set of management trainees who underwent a grueling nine weeks intensive training. The Bank which places premium on human capital management, had recently advertised via several media to the general public, her intention to strengthen its workforce via the management trainee programme.

The deluge of applications according to information from the human capital management far above 20,000 were filtered through a Computer Based Test (CBT), an Aptitude model handled by an external consultant to engender transparency. The 100 candidates who were declared successful were further pruned to 70 after post CBT interview sessions. In the end, 61 out of the 70 that got into the nine weeks intensive Graduate Training, were adjudged good enough to work in Polaris Bank.

The new hands; youthful, vibrant and energetic Nigerians from diverse academic background and disciplines were tutored for nine week, the Bank’s Business School, Polaris Business School enjoys the full accreditation of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) as a banking/finance, business and continuous human capital training academy.

The fully residential Business School referred to as one of the best in Nigeria’s banking industry runs two campuses in Ilupeju, Lagos and Eleyele, Ibadan both with state-of-the-art facilities and conducive learning environment running professional programs not limited to; Polaris Graduate Intensive Program (PGIT). They also offer: Onboarding Program for Experienced Hires; Banking Operations Course; Sales, Marketing and Relationship Management Course; BDM/BSM Leadership Course; Polaris Credit Academy; Executive Education; Specialized Programs (Specific to Job functions) and Open Enrollment Programs (External). The school has graduated over 1,294 Graduates from 37 streams of its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) program since its inception in 2006.

The objective of the business school is to familiarize participants with Polaris Bank; give a firm background to the culture and expectations of the Bank from its staff; equip participants with the knowledge, skills and information needed to deliver excellent service to the Bank’s customers as well as provide a conducive environment for knowledge transfer, which positively impacts and improves the service delivery of participants.

The recently graduated recruits, all numbering 61 attested to the state-of-the-art facilities and conducive learning environment which the training afforded them.

While sharing their experiences at the intensive 9 weeks training at the business school, the two best graduating students made glowing submissions about the school and its faculty.

Chinonso Nwakaudu, a graduate of Pure and Industrial Chemistry from University of Nigeria, Nsukka and best student of stream 43 admitted that although the training was intensive, it was worth the rigours considering that she did not have a background in banking and finance.

According to Chinonso, “I can now boldly say that I know the rudiments of banking. The facilitators actually made it easy. They came down to our level since we had people from different backgrounds in the programme.”

“In the next ten years I see myself in a position of influence in the bank,” She declared On the other hand, Sandra Onachukwu, a graduate of English and Literature from the University of Benin, who came tops in stream 44 found the nine weeks intensive training both interesting and challenging. In spite of the fact that they had to rise up early and close late, they still had to maintain a balanced life.

According to Sandra, “I met a lot of people here— with different characters and different attributes. This has taught me the spirit of tolerance, resilience and how to manage people altogether. Also, the academic aspect was not left out, as we learnt a lot—ranging from accounting to risk management to operations. For me, it was been a total experience.”

“In the next ten years, I should have grown on the job,” she affirmed.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the new bankers, the Group Managing Director, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru who exhibited infectious humility and camaraderie with the new staff, expressed optimism that the bank would transform into one of the best five in the industry within the next five years.

Mr. Abiru praised the regulatory authorities for their support to the Bank so far and reminded the grandaunts that Polaris Bank offers them a bold new beginning in their careers. He premised his resolve on the bank’s

Polaris MD commitment to continued implementation of sound corporate governance and risk management practices which will aid the bank’s transformation into a full-fledged retail and commercial bank with strong digital play.

He added that the Polaris bank boasted of a strong market share going by several transformative business initiatives and remained one of the most liquid and most capitalized banks in Nigeria.

“We are a systemically important bank and we also currently rank number nine in the banking industry, so our emphasis will be on all the improvements we have achieved in terms of corporate governance which has laid a very strong foundation for us.

“What we see in the future is a bank that in the next three to five years is one of the first in Nigeria; a fully-fledged retail bank which is digitally enabled. So our stakeholders will enjoy values different from what obtained in the past.”

He also tasked the graduating students on commit-

ment to service, problem solving, economic development of the country and on the need to place premium on ethics and corporate governance.

“We are building the foundation of our financial institution and the bedrock has to be training. We must let them know the values they should stand for and the kind of understanding that they must bring to bear when they are coming into the real world which is about inculcating our values in the new set of staff members,” the GMD added.

Speaking on the recruitment exercise, the Group Head, Human Capital Management of the bank, Taiwo Olupeka, disclosed that Polaris Bank remains an employer of choice “and as a responsible corporate citizen, we are poised to create fair opportunities for young Nigerians to attain their career aspirations in one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. This step, he added “also enables us address in some measure, the menace of youth unemployment in Nigeria”.

T H I S D AY ˾ SUNDAY OCTOBER 14, 2018

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

14.10.2018

Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli On His Flute, Family Future

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ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

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COVER

Tee Mac with Marlon Jackson in Dubai

On Music, Momentum and Mission His sweet, manly lips rest on the object – momentarily – with his warm, soft hands holding its midriff. He holds it off his lips slightly like a shy lover. Then, he grabs it – firmly but gently –, first to his bosom. He brings it up slowly, sexily – face to face – to caress it again. He takes a long breath and lounges, not full-mouth, with those sweet, manly lips lingering on its holes – flirting with them with his stately fingers – as they produce varied moans. The ecstasy fills the air with a mellifluous note, producing various cadences – it is an orchestral harmony of symphony. Enraptured, the ecstatic audience in unison roared in a standing ovation. For Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, life is music, writes Funke Olaode

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here is that invisible silhouette of sound engraved in his home.

Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli’s countenance reminds you of music – the type that caresses the soul and enchants the heart. An enchanting persona with a trademark beard that divides his ebullient chin and a moustache that straddles his upper lip, Tee Mac glows in every sense of the word. His bespectacled visage reminds you of an intellectual morphed into a musical genius. Unpretentious, mesmerizing and ingenious, with his flute he dazzles like billion stars in a galaxy.

Legendary as a flutist and extraordinary as an entertainer, Tee Mac is a superstar often described in understatement. In performance and on stage and in person, he cuts the figure of an illustrious giant with the embodiment of childlike innocence though with his imperfections. In Nigeria, on the continent, across Asia, Arabia, Europe and the Americas, there is often one footprint of a flutist – Tee Mac’s. At 70, following a life of musical revolution,

Tee Mac is an eclectic mode of evolution – indefatigable and always conquering new grounds – as he is set to storm China for a concert later this year.

Tee Mac’s road to stardom, though from a wealthy family of Swiss and Itsekiri roots, was not paved with gold. He was only three years old when he lost his father.

“My father was a Swiss ambassador to Nigeria when he was murdered in Lagos in 1951. I was barely three years. I loved my father. He would take me on his back and swim with me out into the sea. I was not afraid because I knew he would bring me back safely to the shores. When he was murdered I remember the people crying at the funeral – and my mother taking me and my two sisters to the airport, saying to me: ‘You’re in charge now!’ I left for my second home in Switzerland and did not return until I was 22 after I had finished my education in music and economics,” he recalls that bloodstained moment in his life.

His ‘romance’ with the flute began when he was seven. Yet, it took one moment of his life to forge ahead and never look back. He recalls with nostalgia: “I have always had passion for music.

I remember the day my uncle, Mr. J.J. Derendinger, took me and my sisters to a classical concert. I sat there spellbound.

It was like sitting in heaven and listening to heavenly music. Closing my eyes I could see in my inner self a ballet of angels dancing to this heavenly music. That’s where I decided to study the flute and learnt how to compose for a philharmonic orchestra.”

That decision would later require many years of hard work, studying, playing difficult and boring etudes, repeating scales and technical flute works – countless times.

Matching inspiration with perspiration, every year he was getting better. “I started to look forward to those improvements,” he narrates with pride. “My music is primarily classical. But I knew to be successful financially I had to play also commercial music in the 1970s composing some of the world’s most famous disco hits – they made me wealthy.”

It’s all too easy to conclude that his genre of music is restricted. It must have cost Tee Mac an arm and a leg to survive to date without joining the bandwagon to play ‘loud’ music that often inspires adoring fans to gyrate without inhibitions.

He feels otherwise.

“I have to correct that impression;

there is no such thing like genre of music which is restricted. It’s either good or bad music. In the 1970s and 1980s I wrote and performed commercial music which even in Nigeria was loved. My night club in Surulere was packed full every time I performed. In the late 80s and 90s I decided to go back more to what I love, classical music and I stopped performing.

I preferred to sit in my studio and compose symphonies and film music. I did not need to make more money,” he explains courteously.

“I did not need the adulations of big crowds anymore. I did not need more publicity. I wanted to create good music for prosperity. I invested in solid minerals. I am also the Nigerian director and shareholder of HEMLA Gas and Oil; brought James Bay Energy from Canada to Nigeria. So I do not need to break even. I can rehearse and play with my fabulous 13-piece band – Tee Mac Gold Convention whenever I want and where ever want.”

In his musical exploits, Tee Mac has traversed the globe performing for world leaders, emperors and empresses making fame and fortune.

“I was blessed that from President Yakubu Gowon to Goodluck Jonathan

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Tee Mac’s Gold Convention at the Presidential Villa in Abuja

My Childhood Dream is to be the Best everyone loved my music and flute – except between 1983 and 1985. They hired me for state banquets or other important events. I have also performed internationally for kings – King of Thailand, Queen of Holland – and presidents. I don’t want to show off in naming all,” he simply says with that childlike innocence that appeals to everyone who knows him.

Tee Mac has had many breakthroughs. He, however, noted that when the “first of my songs reached the number one position in the US and 11 other countries – Fly Robin Fly, I have 50 per cent of the rights – my life changed financially.”

Every concert is important to him.

He wants to walk off the stage knowing that he and eclectic band have done their absolute best.

He adds: “Again, I have stayed committed to my dreams and my prayers to God to make me famous.

I released my first album in 1970. But I remember as a small boy I used to put into my nightly prayers: ‘Dear God, please give me the strength and intelligence to become the best flute player on this earth!’”

Tee Mac feels that he has been that for many years – and the ratings show that he is one of the best flute players.

“But my commercial – financial – success,” he discloses, “surprised me when I wrote some of the songs, which went into the hit parade and sold out in millions.”

Throwing light on how travels and interaction with other cultures across the globe have added values to his trade and personality, he says listening to Chinese, Indian and Latin American music gives him great ideas, mostly for his classical compositions.

What does it take to achieve all that he has achieved?

“Well, to be a professional musician

I have stayed committed to my dreams and my prayers to God to make me famous. I released my first album in 1970. But I remember as a small boy I used to put into my nightly prayers: ‘Dear God, please give me the strength and intelligence to become the best flute player on this earth! one has to be totally dedicated. Your life will change. Your family will suffer because you are travelling constantly and one has to maintain good health to survive the stress of the profession,” Tee Mac answers matter-of-factly. It’s not easy to face a crowd of ten thousand or more every night on tour and always be good. They do not want to know if you are fine; if you are sick, etc. I have learned to maintain a good died, sleep enough and exercise daily, to meditate, pray and maintain a good social relationship with my family, friends, neighbours and friends on the social media.”

According to the flutist extraordinaire, what makes a nation like Nigeria different is its arts and culture. “The history of development cannot be better showcased than through music. Nigeria has one of the most diverse cultures in the world,” he explains as his eyes light up with

pride. He says further: “An unbelievable treasure is hidden in the folklore of every tribe, the native instruments, the dressing, the sculptures, paintings and folksongs.

Our grandchildren should still be able to enjoy it.”

For the first time in the interview, he moans with angst as his brow furrows slightly. His passion for Nigerian traditions and cultures boils over as he laments: “This is even the first time we have no Minister of Culture! The arts and culture sector drives tourism; can whitewash negative publicity and is an important foreign exchange earner.”

Not done, Tee Mac says: “(Former) President Goodluck Jonathan knew and insisted that the arts and entertainment industry should be supported. He asked me to put a structure in place and with my own resources I registered the Entertainment Foundation – no money has come in from any sources since –, the Entertainment Data Base Nig. Ltd and the Entertainment Cooperative Multi-purpose Society of Nigeria and the Entertainment Products Distribution Network of Nigeria.

Money approved shortly before the last election was not given and nothing has come in from this (current) government.”

Undaunted, Tee Mac is pushing the envelope to promote the history and culture of the Nigerian people. He has been working with the Motherland Group – as co-founder – initiated by Michael Jackson’s brother, Marlon, which is getting support for the Lagos State government to build a historical museum in Badagry.

“I am a joint founder and the managing director of the Motherland Group. We changed the name for legal reasons to ‘EKABO Resources Ltd’. The project is on; but the terrible state of the road to Badagry is making it impossible at the moment to do anything there. My path with the Jacksons’ crossed in 1974. I am a friend and partner and we had the same management company,” says Tee Mac. And if he could turn back the hands

of clock, were there things he would have loved to do differently?

Unapologetically, the flutist confesses: “If I could change things I would have spent less time of my life in Nigeria. I often feel like I wasted my time here in believing I could change things. There was very little I could actually change because it is hard to change people. The masses still listen and love trash music. Governments do not listen to advice of those who know better and try to advise them. Negativity and Jealousy rule the life of most people and when you try to live an exemplary and honest life they think you are a fool.”

In a couple of weeks, Tee Mac will storm China to stage a fund-raising concert. Even at 70, he keeps on keeping on; pushing his talents beyond borders.

“I am excited about it. I was asked by my friend, Marlon Jackson, to assist in raising funds for their 50th anniversary TV special show and got the CEO Club Worldwide involved,” he enthuses. “China signed a great agreement with us and by the end of October/November we will go to the Hainan Island to launch the duty-free/taxfree zone with concerts, then Beijing and Macau.”

That will not be his first performance in China. He had performed many shows in China. Just that this time it will be at a higher level with other international artists joining him. Been there, done that – for him there is no slowing down after almost five decades of caressing the flute.

“I have had many times during my life glimpses back to those days,” the 70-yearold notes. “I had great successes and great disappointments. From a young age I decided to take life day by day; waking up in the morning, thanking God for being alive and trying to make the best of everyday.”

Tee Mac is mortal. The harmony of his symphony is eternal – unlike the superficial texture of what he describes as ‘trash’ music tearing apart the collective tympanum of a nation.

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GLITZ FOCUS

Nasser Abubakar Ahmed

I Want to Build a Million Homes Before I Die At 15, he dreamt of owning a bank, the biggest hotel in northern Nigeria and an airline. At 57, his influence straddles the nation’s economy – from the legal to hospitality sector and real estate.

Yet, Naseer Abubakar Ahmed is not slowing down. With a heart heaving with dreams and ideas, he speaks with Adedayo Adejobi on his drive to serve among other things

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aseer Abubakar was born in Kano, on the 29th of March 1961, he schooled in Kano. His secondary school education was at Federal Government College in Kano, after which he studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and graduated in 1982. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in August 1983, he immediately worked with J. B. Majiyagbe & Co., a frontline legal firm from 1983 till 1988.

In January, 1989, he was made Technical Legal Solicitor/ Advisor in the new Technical Committee on Privatization and Commercialization (TCPC) of the Presidency from January 1989 to September 1992.

Thereafter, he moved to National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON) as the Deputy Corporation Secretary. He eventually became full Legal Adviser/ Corporation.

He served in that position for 13 years. He still holds the record of the longest serving Secretary and retired in 2005 December after reaching the position of General Manager.

He joined the team of developers and using his entrepreneurial drive led them to join the Protea Hotel Group. Having signed with Protea Abuja saw its first Protea Hotel at Apo. In his words, ‘‘We started the Protea Hotel Apo Apartments in Abuja in 2006 and the within 14 months, we won the bid for Central Hotel, the oldest hotel in Northern Nigeria. Based on the Share Purchase Agreement a total redevelopment was achieved with local and international partners; amongst them Nexim Bank and Afrexim Bank Cairo.

The Hotel was initially a Holiday Inn( IHG) then to a Protea then eventually under full local Management with a versatile Briton Mr David Cook as the Chief Operating Officer of the brand now called Grand Central Hotels. Key to its success is the franchises being signed with both Best Western(International) and BON (West Africa). We would soon launch our brand into Lagos, Benin, Ghana, and eventually Egypt. Thereafter the sky would be the limit. Discussions are ongoing with other local brands like Azalai Hotels that have tremendous reach in the francophone areas of West Africa.

From an ancestral passion to a futuristic mission With his late Great Grandfather as the first Chief Imam of Lokoja sent there by the Etsu from Bida as Lokoja was just being made the first capital of a modern Nigeria and a safe haven for freed slaves. His family history is full of Islamic Law Jurisprudence and it has continued to this day.

Subsequently by 1903 about 13 northern Emirs were deposed by the British,

imprisoned in Lokoja and died and buried thereat. Each deposed Emir came with his large family some from Kano, Zaria, Gwandu, Katsina, Bauchi and Bida.

‘As the Dan Darma of Lokoja, it is my responsibility to restore and realign with our family history old and the new, far and the near to bring progress peace and modern development worthy of the first capital of a modern Nigeria. I am humbled by the vision of the Lokoja Emirates Council, for their wisdom and prudence to give me this princely title. My father who is still alive and in his late 80’s , is the Sarkin Yaki of Lokoja, Meaning “the protector of Lokoja’’ He narrates further: “When my greatgrandfather was brought to Lokoja in 1903, he came with his own team of mallams. That is how he became the Chief Imam of Lokoja.

Taking on the mantle as Dandarman Lokoja, is a responsibility to restore and realign with our family history – that is why I believe the Lokoja Emirates found it in their wisdom to give me a title.‘’ Continuing, he notes: “The unique essence of my title is to be the developer and driver of progress of the city. One of my plans is to create a new wonderful Lokoja town. My most immediate task is to restore the respect due to the grave sites of the emirs and famous warriors who stood up against colonial rule.

I’m also in discussion with development banks to have a rail line from Lokoja to Abuja.

I also intend to create an annual durbar in which representatives of all the emirates that have their emirs buried there will participate.

Hopefully it will be another reason for Lokoja to have tourism as its a gateway.”

A childhood in Kano Ahmed recalls the Kano of his youth with nostalgia: “Kano is one of the most beautiful cities one was lucky to be at because that was one of the centres of commerce and integration. Until politics became very heavy, most people did not even know they were not from Kano. Kano was a big cosmopolitan city. Lots of my friends who are today captains of industry and banks grew up in Kano. I can remember three owners of banks they were all born in Kano. Kano is still one of the largest cities in Nigeria. I got my commerce and entrepreneurial instincts from Kano.”

Challenge of knowledge transfer gap To Ahmed, Nigeria faces an enormous situation as regards its economy and technology. He points that out saying: “Unfortunately, the biggest challenge is not only entrepreneurial skills; our children, we and our parents didn’t go to the same school.

This is what happens overseas where you find six generations go to the same school.

Where my dad, myself, my kids attend

Pursuing his dreams, he won the franchise of one of South Africa’s biggest hotel brands. “I started the Protea Apartments in Abuja in 2006. That year, we won the bid for Central Hotel – the oldest hotel in northern Nigeria.

Key to the restoration of the 90-year-old hotel’s legacy and brand survival, we’ve done financing with local banks like Guaranty Trust, while we’ve received the support from Bank of Industry. We’ve also partnered Best Western and BON Hotels to increase presence in Lagos, Benin, Ghana, and Egypt

Ahmed

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Ahmed and family

On Law, Hospitality and Real Estate different schools, it’s almost impossible to transfer certain skills.”

Ahmed thinks youths do not have conducive environments to develop in. “Children develop in a more hostile environment where you have kidnapping, cultism and robbery. In the 1970s, you could put a 12-year-old heading to school in a train from Calabar to Kano and go to sleep that the child is safe. But now, it’s different and kids have become cocooned.”

For the shrewd entrepreneur, life as a youth was enchanting. As a child, he was driven by logic. “So when I was filling my JAMB form, I didn’t know whether to fill law or medicine. I had to fill two forms, one for law and another for medicine. I read nine subjects to ensure I had the requisite in science and arts. It’s the last moment I turned one of the forms going for law instead of medicine.

Until my final year, I was going to medical classes until I almost failed in my second year so I had to stop attending medical classes because I was still a bit confused. I thought medicine was better for me but later I faced law,” he recalls.

Enter the lawyer “As a lawyer, you must understand the reason for a rule. If you understand what the rule was for, you can apply it in any scenario. Over the years, I’ve noticed that unfortunately, the understanding is missing in a lot of practitioners and judges. So people argue endlessly about their perception of a rule. That’s why our trials and litigation drag on endlessly because somebody picks a rule and argues on. But if it is well understood, there’ll be speed, consistency and full disclosure and disputes would be quickly resolved, seeing clients or litigants best of it,” says Ahmed.

Between lawyers and liars “If I blindfold five people and put them around an elephant and ask them to describe it, I believe you’ll get different results for the same animal. So what lawyers do, they see the view from their clients perspective because your duty is not to protect your client. Your duty is to disclose favourable information of your client because you’re an officer to the court not necessarily a servant of your client. Our duty to the court is to bring the best out of our client or hide the worst to shield him from his worst. That is why you see in some trials some accused people,

As a lawyer, you must understand the reason for a rule. If you understand what the rule was for, you can apply it in any scenario. Over the years, I’ve noticed that unfortunately, the understanding is missing in a lot of practitioners and judges. So people argue endlessly about their perception of a rule their lawyers would ask them not to give evidences because if they do, they may say more than what they ought to have said,” the experienced adds.

Assessing Nigeria’s legal system “The system definitely needs a lot of overhaul. We need to fast-track administration of justice. I have not been in active legal practice nor appeared in court for over 15 years. However, I’ve seen a lot of criminal administration act that are intended to fast track administration of justice. I think we still have a chance. One of the things we must reintroduce is tutelage and mentorship.

Today, any graduate from a law school can open a law firm and if he’s lucky to make money and rent an office, his ignorance can be perpetrated for years and in ignorance feels his ways are the right ways. But if for years, he has worked under somebody for a minimum of three or four years, his knowledge base and horizon would be widened and expanded.

“Another issue to address is the creation of a dichotomy between barristers and solicitors so that those who have advocacy skills will advocate and those who have cerebral skills in writing, reading and researching would do theirs,” Ahmed explains.

The lawyer’s launch into business Being on the board of the Hilton and hearing reports and turnover figures made great sense, but little did Ahmed know that running a hotel profitably was not a child’s play. He admits: “I thought hotel business was one of the easiest businesses in the world until I plunged into it. It is one of the most challenging businesses. It is so intensive. When a guest checks in at 12pm till the 24 hours, his cooling, cleanliness, TV channels, water, welfare, security and all that multiplied by 300 rooms in the hotel are a huge responsibility. With 320 workers in both hotels in the last 10 years the bigger reward is that we are giving comfort to visitors. The government needs to support in single-digit funding in hotels, otherwise they’ll see more and more properties collapsing.

Local versus international hotel brands “The influx of big foreign hotels is not a threat. It is a business of observation. If an American brand treats their guest and are making more money than you, you need to adjust. The entry of the big foreign hotel brands is a wakeup call for all of us to know and they have been in it for decades. Marriot has about 6000 hotels; Best Western has about 3000 hotels, whilst Protea, an African brand has about 250 and a few in Europe,” Ahmed says amidst optimism.

Real estate and following the money To Ahmed, there is money to be made dealing in properties. “Property business is capital-intensive. But it’s the single important step to breaking the poverty trap. If Lagos has all the roads, 24-hour electricity, water, security and everybody is poor, in 10 years, the government needs to raise a lot of money to clean those roads again and there will still be poverty. China in1980s found out that most of their people wanted to go to communism, so it was through housing made as low as $5,000. A man buys a property for three million. In 10 years, that property is about 40 million. So he retires out of that with a profit of about 27 million. If I’m going to Calabar to re-settle, I could buy a property in Calabar for nine million and I’ll still have about 15 million.

The money has taken you out of the poverty gap,” he argues.

Property market projections for 2019 The businessman adds: “Life is a

continuum and life can be as easy and as difficult as you understand it. Some people don’t understand that a door will lead you out and a key would open the door. So if you don’t understand some of those basic dynamics. We’ve not had a holistic policy on how to make housing affordable. It must be a deliberate policy. The ripple effect is going to be so big that we’re going to have an economy on itself. That’s why I said housing would solve the poverty trap not infrastructure. I believe it can only get better especially after the elections would have been settled.

A life on tripod of law, hotels and properties “I think one complements the other. As an hotelier, I’m not involved in the dayto-day running. But my legal training and knowledge comes to play when we fall into deep financial bubbles,” Ahmed says ruefully.

Ahmed’s passion, vision, recreation “I’m always working. I meet with my friends from school because those are the best friends you can have and you know your back is covered so that’s how I unwind. I’ve been a golf member since 1995 even though I’ve never played one round of golf – maybe I’ll start that one. I’ll learn now,” he explains.

“If my life were a book, it would have a lot to do with my dreams; my visions and whether I’ve achieved those dreams. At 15, I believed I was going to own central hotel but I didn’t know how. I knew at 17 that I was going to own a bank and by 20, I knew I was going to own an airline. But I did not know how. Some of my visions are frightening.

“Some I have succeeded in achieving while some I do not have the money or time to pursue. But what interests me is to ask why not? If I see somebody owning virgin Atlantic, I say why can’t I own it and what does it take? So I think it will be whether those audacious visions have materialized. As long as I’m alive I want to build a million homes before I die. I’ve done about 120 but I want to do a million before I die. That’s my next vision and hopefully it comes through.”

Leaving a memorial What will he like to be known for?

Ahmed’s response is simple: “I want to be remembered as one who made things happen.

I will like to be remembered as a catalyst that has brought change and financial wealth to people in a hopeless situation.”

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OCTOBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

High Life

61 with LANRE ALFRED 08076885752

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

How Billionaire Businessman, Dipo Eludoyin Got His Groove Back, Thanks To Tinubu

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here is no union of hearts that does not meet its end; friend after friend departs, but comrades in true spirit, stay. With them, the deep, tightly woven fabric of affection glistens even with wear and the inescapable vicissitudes of companionship and emotional life. This much is exemplified in the enviable reunion of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, with his one-time pal, Prince Dipo Eludoyin.

The duo have buried the hatchet after an acrimonious war that was widely celebrated in mainstream and soft sell-news media.

Now they have agreed to pick the pieces of their shredded comradeship. For those wondering at the reappearance of Dr. Dipo Eludoyin, the billionaire businessman, on the social scene, they need to save their breath. It is all thanks to his friend of many years, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s avuncular beneficence.

As relationships go, however, the flames of mutual respect or so we gathered, soon petered out and everything cooled to a lull

between the former brothers. According to the story then, the age-long aspiration, nursed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to install his close friend and business associate, Prince Eludoyin, as the Ooni of Ife , was deflated. Tinubu’s candidate, Eludoyin, bluntly refused to be drawn into the racy race for the Ooni’s throne.

When the quiet and self-effacing billionaire was buffeted by pressure from all angles by his friends, he left Nigeria. It would be recalled that Eludoyin, a bedroomsharing confidant of Asiwaju Tinubu, was mentioned as a likely successor to Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II. Eludoyin, a holder of the Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, MFR, is the Chairman of Paragon Group.

His company allegedly owns the popular Ikeja Mall. However, most of his business ventures are also domiciled in China, which is like his second country.

So influential is he that he created and funded the platform, on which Akinwunmi Ambode’s aspiration to become

governor of Lagos State was actualised.

Sources disclosed that Eludoyin become disenchanted with the notion of contesting for the Ooni’s stool, when it dawned on him that his multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar business empire could crumble, since he hasn’t prepared anyone to run it for him.

Besides, Eludoyin was said to have nursed the reservation that the Ile-Ife kingmakers and most prominent Ife indigenes might not be enthusiastic about supporting his intention, for reasons, which are not unconnected with his ties with Tinubu.

It was gathered then that Eludoyin’s refusal to contest for the Ooni of Ife’s throne, really rattled Asiwaju Tinubu’s camp, since they had reposed so much confidence in his candidature. Consequently, Dipo took a wide berth from social scenes in undisguised deference to Tinubu who, in spite of his conservative outlook, rules the roost. That subsisted for several months until recently when peace was brokered by some of their mutual friends.

Oba Akiolu Plans 75th Birthday

No Worries For Debbie Oghene As She Celebrated Birthday Age may have added a few wrinkles to the visage of Debbie Oghene, it has not taken away her winsome beauty and happy outlook on life. She appreciates this priceless fact hence, her predilection for unabashed modesty and moderation in her life.

Knowing that there is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and that worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow rather, it empties today of its strength, a redoubtable diva on the social scene, the deep-pocket lady, Debbie, the producer of TheDiscussionNg, is not given to any worry at the moment. With accounts brimming with enough to make the world go round, a son that has completed his post-graduate degree in Business Administration, and contacts in high places, the highflying lady is enjoying her life to the

fullest.

Wherever you see her, she wears a permanent smile that knocks many years off her 50-something age, and she rocks the best accessories life has on offer. She has also put behind her the relationship with Demola, a rich silver spoon Lagosian. So into each other were the lovers that they were a constant fixture on the social scene. Though the relationship has hit the rock, Debbie’s happy-go-lucky disposition hasn’t. Rather, being single has helped to amplify that, it seems. However, last Thursday, she celebrated her birthday during which she was buffeted by a blizzard of well wishes especially on social media. A few friends even gathered at her house to felicitate with her. They merried and wished her long life before disappearing into the night.

High society salivates for Lagos monarch’s forthcoming anniversary

T Debbie Oghene

The Return of Titi and Jennifer Atiku…

Titi Atiku

Jennifer Atiku

The emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, brought to an end a cliffhanging chapter in Nigeria’s political odyssey.

In a keenly contested primary election, Atiku clinched the coveted PDP presidential ticket ahead of other political heavyweights.

Titi, the first wife of Atiku is upbeat and back on her grind, as you read. Her newfound vivacity stems from her dreams of a second chance in Nigeria’s power corridors as the race for the 2019 presidential elections hots up. At the backdrop of her husband’s emergence, Titi reportedly mobilizes her crew of friends, powerbrokers and political associates for moral and physical support in respect of her husband’s political future.

While her husband enjoyed his time as the nation’s number two citizen, Hajia Amina Titi Abubakar was one of the women who dazzled the social scene with their presence.The aura of power followed her wherever she went, attracting a bevy of admirers desirous of getting

the good graces of the stylish woman of means.

But then, the life of influence and power came to a halt, and the fair-complexioned matriarch of the Atiku family took a break from the public eye following her husband’s exit from office.

The pet project she founded as wife of the Vice President was also put on the back burner.

The Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), today, Titi has been going around giving motivational talks and people believe that Titi is trying to come back into the happening crowd.

However, but there is also someone who has been the deity behind Atiku. We are talking about Jennifer Atiku! She is one of the propelling forces behind Atiku’s presidential ambition Arguably the most popular of the Waziri of Adamawa’s wives, Jennifer has consequently come under a lot of scrutiny for staying the course with a man she had vowed to ride or die with. The highly cerebral woman of Igbo extraction has had to sacrifice a lot to

Eludoyin

protect her man.

Many had expressed pessimism about the former NTA newscaster’s marriage to Atiku, presuming that she would dump the union when the strokes of her husband’s political persecution were extended to her.

She has disappointed them all. A lawyer and Ph.D holder from the American University in Washington, the beautiful mother of three is a combination of beauty and brains, the latter which she has extensively deployed into making the Atiku brand very formidable.

Rechristened Jemila to signpost her marriage to Atiku, she is described as bold and fierce and repudiates being called an Igbo woman, preferring instead to be known as a Nigerian. She effortlessly combines motherhood and wifehood in the same girth.

Like a nurturer of life and builder of joy, Jennifer understands the challenges of raising another woman’s children as one’s kids hence she devotes herself fully and without restraint, to fostering children her husband had with another woman.

Very few women indeed, could navigate the terrain of step-motherhood without resorting to violence, deviousness, duplicity and other extreme measures but Jennifer, unlike most women, has learnt to treat her stepchildren as her own. She wouldn’t ever maltreat them thus she commits to their development the way real mothers devote their time and their hearts to raising their eternal sweethearts.

Due to her unrelenting affection and care, her step-kids equally endeavour to do her proud. They respond to her love with even greater love and enthusiasm thus it is always difficult for anyone to know that she isn’t their real mother. The quality of friendship, affection and care shared by his wife and her stepchildren reportedly gladdens Atiku’s heart thus he is always eager to celebrate her as the best wife and mother ever.

he frills of fortune, treats of conceit and the law of power may be accumulated without end in royal circuits. A taste for them increases as it they are gratified, particularly within the domain of a covetous monarch.

More than a decade after he became the Paramount Ruler of Lagos and the chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas, the activism and vociferous streak of Oba Rilwan Akiolu bristles.

Brutally frank, he is not a king known to speak tongue-in-cheek. Not for him is the political correctness embraced by fellow kings; for Oba Akiolu, what you see is what you get. Over the past couple of years, some of his public statements like the choice of Akinwunmi Ambode as the next governor of Lagos State; and the tirade about the Igbo in Lagos, among others, have been topical issues across the nation.

Neither has tempered his vivacious volubility. “If something is against me, I will talk, and there is nobody I cannot tell the truth. Nobody. By the grace of Almighty Allah and my ancestors in this palace, nobody can get to the position of authority in Lagos without the approval and consent of the Almighty Allah, the ancestors and the Oba of Lagos and I mean it; either now or in the future...”However, the stylish king would be 75 in the next few days and promises to be a celebration galore. Oba Akiolu was born October 29, 1943. A University of Lagos-trained lawyer, he joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1970 and rose to the position of Assistant Inspector General of Police in 1999. He retired after 32 years to serve the people of Lagos in a traditional capacity.

However, like clams and corals gravitating in the deep, towards the tide without a storm, the crème of Nigeria’s high society would be trooping out to party with Oba of Lagos in few days despite his established distaste for grand festivities. He is not one to indulge in extravagant activities, as confirmed by him years ago. Akiolu also confirmed that he is not given to celebrating his birthdays since any of his birthdays is just like any other day of his life.

Oba Akiolu

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HIGHLIFE

Kola Aluko Covers Body With Punny Tattoos Less than two years ago, uberwealthy oil and gas magnate, Kola Aluko, was the cock of the walk, the guy every prosperous guy wanted to be like; who once dazed Hollywood royalties and billionaires by splurging £1.5million on champagnes at Oscar winner, Leonardo Di Caprio’s 39th birthday; famously dated international model, Naomi Campbell, and was known to live la vida loca like a Brunei Sheikh.

His home in the sedate, upper crust area of Ticino, southern Switzerland, used to draw gawks and drools. He had many of such across the world.

In 2013, the billionaire businessman who loves race cars reportedly bought the limited edition Ferrari Pininfarina Sergio speedster said to be worth a whooping £2million. He wasn’t arrogant but whenever he got tired of riding around in his array of Ferraris and other vintage cars, Kola would hop on his 200-foot yacht - nicknamed Galactica Star, and enjoy the cool breeze and slow pace of life on the oceans.

So beautiful is the Galactica Star that anytime vacation beckoned, Hip Hop royalties, Jay Z and Beyonce, favour the luxury yacht originally purchased for more than $80 million. Kola was a

Aluko

made man and he lived like one. But all these seem like eons ago.

Now a virtual fugitive, Kola has been running from the long arm of the law over allegations of money laundering.

The US Department of Justice declared

him as a person of interest in a civil complaint filed at a District Court in Houston Texas against a former petroleum minister detailing how he laundered millions of dollars which were used to buy properties in the U.S. and the UK on her behalf. The US District Court Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, on July 14, 2017, ordered the seizure of Aluko’s assets worth $144 million. All his Ferrari and vintage cars have been seized. There are no traces either of his expensive wrist watches. Kola no longer commands the awe and attention of the past years. Gone also is the throng of hangers on and heroworshippers around him. Neither does he roll in the circle of the rich and famous as was the case a few years ago. In fact, as the days roll by, the chickens may finally be coming home to roost as pictures of him exclusively obtained by HighLife show a gaunt and pale Kola. Hitherto chubby and bubbly, now sunken are his rosy cheeks while his visage has gone from merry to morose. Not just that, Kola is now heavily tattooed as the pictures show. And many are wondering why he suddenly started having tattoos when he is just a year shy of 50.

Bittersweet Wedding: Chris Oyakhilome’s Ex-Wife, Anita Absent at Daughter’s Wedding While tragedy booms at deafening decibels, cluttering Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s household with sniveling and sobs, joy blares a steady tune, drowning out the melody of pain.

Finally, the flamboyant man of God is enjoying a reprieve of some sort from the grating agony of his failed marriage to Anita. As he endures the heartache of his calamitous marriage, glad tidings pervade his home as his daughter, Carrissa Sharon married her lover, Phillip Frimpong, the Netherlands-born Ghanaian, last weekend. It was a classy and well-attended party. But the bride’s mother was conspicuously absent!

You couldn’t have forgotten so soon how her marriage to Pastor Chris crashed and was well celebrated in the media. Few years ago, in 2014 to be precise, the traditional and new media portals ran amok with news of the celebrity couple and pastors marital crisis. Anita filed for divorce at Central Family Court, High Holborn, London, UK, citing her husband’s “unreasonable behaviour” and inappropriate relationships with members of staff, an intonation of “adultery.”

Miracles were unable to save her marriage from the ravages of betrayal and an unfair world. Like a sea-worn vessel crashing against the trunk of an iceberg, Pastor Anita’s marriage to Oyakhilome, steadily disintegrated to her dismay and to the consternation of church members. But through her sadness, Anita has seen a rare opportunity, a second chance to make her personal and romantic life more worthwhile.

She understands that second chances

Sharon Oyakhilome wedding

are rarely given thus her eagerness to take it before time runs out. As you read, Anita has changed her name to Ebhodaghe-Schafer thus exciting speculations that she probably got married to a German. However, her absence at the wedding ceremony has generated a lot of snide remarks from family and friends. A Lagos-based pastor, Igwe Ogbonnaya said:

“My challenge here is not the dressing, for I respect people’s decision so far as you are an adult. My concern is the absence of the wife or mother in this lifetime event. Charlie Boy the unbeliever is still living with his wife after so many years, but some pastors are separating from their wives.

What are we teaching then? Odikwa egwoooo........” he wrote.

Otubu

A Dere Otubu Strikes Gold

I

n business world, the name Dere Otubu resonates like a soothing whirr of fresh breeze; many would compare him to the fresh verdure of the field that leads the dancing Naiads through the dewy meads.

Dere’s meteoric rise, according to his friends and business associates, is actually worthy of his exertions and diligence in his patient, steady march along the path of ambition and entrepreneurship.

The insurance guru is so influential in the affairs of some states in Nigeria that the incumbent governors and prominent officers eagerly do his bidding. Perhaps it’s because he is very close to the governors or simply because his profits from his father’s enviable and formidable social and political capital, but he has attained the status of a social and political doll that every politician and public officer seeks to do business with.

Simply put, Dere has a reputation for good judgment, fair dealing, exactness, and rectitude - which jointly constitute the essence of his good fortune. Dere Otubu, the Chairman of Staco Insurance, SIC Property & Investment Company Limited, Staco Prime Capital Limited and Senforce Insurance Brokers and astute businessman, is no doubt one of the few courageous men in this country.

He nestles on top of the most coveted list as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest men.

Dere has massive group of companies with mammoth turnover and thousands of employees. Directly employing thousands people, and putting joy, happiness and smiles on the faces of millions who benefit from his endeavours.

Just recently, he landed a hot deal with the Lagos State government and Dere is cleaning out big time with his Planet Projects Limited to build all the terminals in Lagos. You couldn’t have forgotten so soon, that after decades of decay and abuse, the popular Oshodi is to be transformed into multistorey bus terminal by the state authorities under a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Lagos State Government, represented by Ibile Holdings, Translink Capital Development Limited and Planet Projects Limited.

In the new plan, the government would see the consolidation of all 13 city and interstate parks in the area into three multi-storey bus terminals to cater for parking and passenger demand. Dere has hit jackpot!

Despite his unassuming nature, Dere who is also one of the rich men behind Eko Electricity Distribution Company, is a closet billionaire who away from unnecessary attention. Also, Dere has a rich pedigree.

His father is the late Baba Aladura, Humphrey Otubu, a hugely popular and revered spiritual leader in the state and beyond. The suave gentleman obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Houston Baptist University, Texas, USA. He would later bag a master’s Degree in Accounting in 1985. Since then, he has forayed into business and he has made an astounding success of it. He is a director in Daar Communications (owners of Africa Independent Television, AIT) and Chairman of the Delta State Football Association among other high profile positions in the public and private sectors.

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HIGHLIFE

When Dangote, Tinubu, Wigwe Stormed Sam Iwuajoku’s Legend Dr. Sam Iwuajoku is a businessman with a clear-cut vision, boundary-shoving commitment to birthing novel and noble ideas and passionate belief in the Nigerian dream. These are the ideals that have kept the chairman of Quits Aviation Services Nigeria, alive and awake to the power and plausibility of his beliefs. No doubt, his ascent the steep slope of entrepreneurial success and acclaim was pockmarked with challenges.

It was replete with rigours and disappointments. But he towered above all odds to become successful magnate in Nigeria. Today, he is celebrated at home and abroad as one of the Nigeria’s league of extraordinary entrepreneurs. He is energetic and enthusiastic, uncompromising, yet realistic; impossibility has no space in Sam’s lexicon.

However, Dr. Sam is simply blessed with bliss and sweet delight because he has added yet another remarkable feather in his cap. His joy is contagious and profound; it stems from the attainment of his latest exploit: the completion and grand opening of his much-talked about hotel, called Legend...

Curio by Hilton. The edifice which is situated around the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, is the first of its kind and it threw its doors open for business at the prestigious ExecuJet, the private jet lounge of Lagos International Airport, Lagos, some days ago. The hotel which features a private jet hangar and an exclusive immigrations and customs desk for private jet customers, joins the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton, a collection of more than 60 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts celebrated for their individuality and appeal to travellers seeking local and authentic experiences.

The Legend not only emerged as the first in its class in the Mainland and beyond, the owners truly went off the beaten track to give patrons a memorable time. The hospitality complex is beautiful with a great view, good food and excellent facilities for connoisseurs of luxury and elegance. First of its kind in Nigeria, the hotel features a flight support lounge that delivers the ultimate VIP welcome experience for the arrival of passengers and hotel guests.

The lounge provides quick grab and go style catering, clean and fresh changing facilities and is perfect for high-profile meetings. All of this combines to revolutionize travelling from the often stressful experience it is, to a stress-free, upscale experience for the hotel’s patrons: picture stepping out of a jet and a few steps later you’re in the restaurant or straight to your room. The hotel indeed lives up to its legendary name; moving about its picturesque expanse, you just might get lost in its dazzle of decor and tasteful ornamentation.

One influential patron of the hotel noted that he expected nothing less from its founder; Sam, a highly successful magnate with the Midas touch, who has been around for some time. He’s an authority in the aviation sector and a very close friend of Africa’s richest billionaire, Aliko Dangote.

VIPs at the opening included Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Nigeria’s Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu; CEO, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe; Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu among others came to celebrate with Chris Nassetta (Chief Executive Officer of Hilton) and Sam Iwuajoku (Director of Quits Hospitality Limited, the owners of the property).

Iwuajoku

Agony Of Ibadan Industrialist: Kola Daisi Loses Wife, Sherifat Nobody ever makes a lovely corpse but when she was alive, Sherifat Daisi, the wife of Chief Kola Daisi, characterized the essence of loveliness and more.

Now that she has passed on, the Ibadan-based businessman, would fight the battle of his life never to let go, the wonderful, sweet memories bequeathed to him by Sherifat. These are harrowing times in the household of the Daisi. She reportedly suffered a brief illness

until death sneaked in some days ago, thereby leaving him a broken and dejected man. Now, Sherifat is gone, leaving him a loner in the drudgery of life. Her immediate families are down and out; their souls are vexed about the incident.

Even from the look of things, it may take more than a passage of time for the wound to heal. Friends, relatives and associates have been thronging his home to pay him condolence visits.

Daisi

Oil Businessman, Joshua Akinbo, Goes Into Music There’s something captivating about Joshua Olusegun Oshea Akinbo aka Jace. His genius defies stereotype.

Unlike many artistes whose music resonates as trite rehash of other people’s contemporary drivel, Jace’s artistry is evident in his style. His feral creativity, mastery of form and profound individuality are deeply rooted in his earliest influences and music role models.

These include the late Luther Vandross, Jaheim, Boys II Men, Daniel Caesar, Alexander O’neal and Peabo Bryson, among others. The “grown and sexy” vibes are definitely not lost on the 6 ft 7’ tall crooner. Jace is a creative genius of the old school and iPhone era, an enthusiast of evergreen oldies and contemporary Nigerian music, intent on using his creative and expressive gifts to articulate the yearnings and titillate them. His music career started in a church choir and later saw him move to Abuja, after his

formative years, where he was signed to Impact Records under which he released his first ever single titled “I’m Hot” featuring K Dubb.

The song ripped the airwaves in the north from Jos, Abuja to Kano, introducing Jace to the music industry.

After a long hiatus that saw him return to school and acquire degrees from Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State to professional certifications from Oxford Princeton University, England and Harvard University, USA, Jace returned to his first love, music. Then he reignited his music career which took him around the world. Jace announced his return to music with the release of the smash hit single “Tsunami” which debuted on iTunes on September 23, 2017.

He subsequently released the video for the single on January 28, (2018 Grammy Awards night) which is available on YouTube and other online

streaming platforms. Born and raised in Jos, Plateau State, Jace parades a talent that several of his peers would kill to possess. His creative flair is rare to the point of being eccentric. It is not so often that you would find so many astounding variables in one artiste, including features which ought to be incompatible: vulnerability, a sense of menace, sterling and comprehensible intellect, candour, audacity — and a rather startling energy.

As he revs on his music career, “Tsunami” continues to garner great reviews ahead of his plans to release an album. In his words, “ The field is big enough for all talented artists to prosper.

Just stay in your lane and be original.

Don’t try to sound like someone because they are getting fame.” And we are indeed glad he is choosing his own lane and giving a much-needed refreshing sound to the evolving Nigerian music industry scene.

Akinbo

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Ibidunni Ighodalo’s High Spirits

Elumelu

Tope Agbeyo

Tony Elumelu, Tope Agbeyo to be honoured at AHBE Awards

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wo of Africa’s prominent businessmen and philanthropists Tony Elumelu and Dr. Babatope Agbeyo would be celebrated at this year Edition of Africa Heritage Broadcasting & Entertainment Awards (AHBE Awards) holding next weekend in Houston, Texas, United States.

Elumelu, the UBA Plc Chairman and Agbeyo, Chairman, Cornfield Group, will be honoured alongside some iconic African entertainers including Lenny Juma (Kenya), Kofi Adjorlolo (Ghana), Hilda Dokubo, Fathia Balogun, Ali Nuhu and Segun Arinze (Nigeria) at the fourth edition of the awards holding on October 20 at the Expo Event Centre in Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas, United States.

Others from across the continent expected to be garlanded are Lydia Forson, Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Zeb Ejiro, Toyin Adegbola, Adewale Ayuba, Adewale Rasaq(Sokoti), Georgina Onuoha, Aralola Olamuyiwa (the female talking drummer) and Solomon Abiodun Majekodunmi.

Speaking on the upcoming event, prolific actor and Nigerian coordinator of the awards, Yomi Fash-Lanso, said the awards was established in 2015 to celebrate and honour eminent Africans who have contributed to the development of the race through their crafts and talents, especially in the entertainment and the broadcasting industries.

He added that this year’s edition will stretch to accommodate established African entrepreneurs and sports people. “We believe in pushing Africa further through those who are really and truly making Africa proud so that young Africans would see the need to believe and excel in their own way without being intimidated or run down,” he said. Among top African stars that have been honoured in the past are Adebayo Salami, Fabian Olojede, Ella Mensa, Kunle Afolayan, Sadiq Daba, Pete Edochie, Dayo Adeneye, Ini Edo, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola and Liz Benson.

Ace standup comedian, Okey Bakassi, will be hosting this year’s edition

She is strikingly beautiful and blessed with graceful steps. Her smile is also infectious.

You would have thought that she did not have any worries in life. But the former beauty queen and high-flying event planner, Ibidunni Ighodalo, has only chosen to be happy, in spite of what life has thrown at her.

She recently gave a peep into her life when she said that having prayed and sought different avenues for a medical solution to her inability to conceive, she took a step an average African woman in her shoes would not fancy.

According to the light-skinned model, who runs Elizabeth R, an upscale events planning company, and her husband, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House Church, Lagos, have adopted two kids: a girl and a boy.

Ighodalo, who announced the first birthday of her son, Ezizenam recently on Instagram, also revealed the reason for the move, saying adoption doesn’t mean any couple without kids has failed.

While sharing a family portrait, many were surprised that there is an addition to the Ighodalo’s home after the little girl called Keke.

Unlike when she showed Keke during her husband’s birthday in 2017, the cute-looking baby boy also had his announcement on his own birthday. It was obvious the birthday celebrations served as an avenue for Ighodalo to announce she had adopted another child.

Narrating this, she wrote: “Dear God, Where do I start? You are such a loving and kind Father.

It’s incomparable. Your wisdom and might is unrivaled as is your knowledge. You know the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end because time truly exists in you.

“You knew me before you formed me and you knew my life’s journey and you prepared for me every step of the way…. My choice of a life partner though questioned by many was a divine masterpiece by you…

You already saw the struggles and you knew the perfect fit for me… you knew who could handle the storms of life with me and you blessed me with a wonderful husband, friend and lover. Ever so supportive and loving… Supportive through almost a dozen episodes of IVF, never wavering, there for every test and

Ibidunni Ighodalo

doctor’s appointment…. With all the societal pressures and shaming you held me and comforted me in my low times. Even when that did not work out, you were already planning something mind blowing. How else could I explain the burden you laid on my husband’s heart to establish an orphanage even before our marriage? This same orphanage gave me my beautiful daughter who again has your hand in her life. Born on the same day as myself and named by her dad after me (such prophecy) and brought to the orphanage.

“Even when I did not recognize your hand, it was there till our eyes saw that which was always in front of us. Again ever supportive, my husband was in support of our choice to go in that direction. The way you piece our lives’ jigsaw puzzles astounds me continually papa. Out of the blue a call comes to my phone and my darling aunt says I’ve seen your son. Come and pick him…. Not a clue to the process

I started in faith and you made a way and Zenan became ours….

Even when I’m not thinking about myself you are thinking about me and putting my thoughts in the hearts of people. Seeing my son is a moment I would never forget.

The bond was instant, and love was in full flow. How could I ever have orchestrated my life as perfectly as you have done? I’m so glad I have you papa because your ways are not my ways and your hand is evident in my life….”

Recently, the wife of the stylish pastor put smiles on the faces of 28 couples, who were recipients of her Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation’s grant for infertility treatment.

It was gathered that the couples were selected in line with the Foundation’s objectives of raising awareness about infertility, preventing discrimination against couples having difficulty to conceive naturally and providing financial aid to couples who require treatment.

Kingsley Kuku Now a Yesterday’s Man? In his heyday as aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Kingsley Kuku came across as an interesting personality.

He was loved by many and had a large following, especially because he had so much money to throw around.

However, immediately after his principal lost the 2015 presidential election, his life came crashing and was no longer the jolly good fellow he used to be.

Shortly after the new government of President Mohammadu Buhari came on board, the Ondo State-born former activist scampered abroad for fear of being arrested by the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, claiming that he was going for a knee surgery at the Andrews Sports, Medicine and Orthopaedic Centre in Birmingham, Alabama, US. But this, it was gathered, was a dummy

to escape being interrogated for his role in some corruption- related offences.

Society Watch gathered that some of his friends and loyalists, shortly before the Ondo State election, were said to have mobilized people to campaign for his political ambition for the number one job in Ondo.

His posters had flooded major cities in the state then. They were purportedly pasted overnight by his supporters to ostensibly create awareness for his political ambition.

But as revealed by a source, it was simply to test his popularity in the scheme of things in the state.

In view of the current realities, it appears his past is catching up with him so fast; and he is no longer to be reckoned with in the scheme of things in the state and many people are wondering if he has become a yesterday’s man so soon.

Kuku

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SOCIETY WATCH

Bianca Ojukwu’s Pains “Life has taught me that you cannot control someone’s loyalty. No matter how good you are to them, it doesn’t mean that they will treat you the same. No matter how much they mean to you, it doesn’t mean that they’ll value you the same. Sometimes, the people you love the most turn out to be the people you can trust the least,” says Trent Shelton.

If Bianca Ojukwu, widow of the late Dim Emeka Ojukwu, knew the import of this quote, maybe she would have been more careful dealing with those who urged her to move on with her political ambition.

Sadly the beautiful model and former Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain has been forced to taste the bitter side of life, thereby making her political ambition flying in the air.

Though the former beauty queen is not totally a tyro in politics, her little knowledge of the murky waters of Nigeria’s political system is not enough to secure her the ticket of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, a political party founded by her late husband, for the Anambra South Senatorial District.

It was gathered that when her close rival, billionaire and boss of Capital Oil, Ifeanyi Ubah, was disqualified from contesting, she heaved a sigh of relief, assured that her dream had finally come true. But subsequent developments have proven her wrong!

The daughter of former governor of Old Anambra State, the late C.C.Onoh, was thoroughly beaten in the party’s primary by a rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, whom she had taken as a small fry.

Ukachukwu won the APGA primary election by polling 211 votes to defeat Bianca who scored 177 votes.

The late Ojukwu’s widow, who many had seen as the anointed candidate of Governor Willie Obiano, had got the assurances of some top-notch politicians in the state, especially a former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, who vowed that 15 Igbo billionaires had been mobilized to fund her aspiration.

Since she lost out in the primaries, her critics are quick to allude to the alleged threats by her late husband’s families who were said to have vowed to be a clog in the wheel of her aspiration.

Abdulrazaq

Bianca Ojukwu

Ehi Ogbehor’s Venom

It is no longer news that the marriage between Ehi Ogbehor and her billionaire husband, Ken Bramor, has finally hit the rock.

But if you think that the brouhaha generated by the break-up is over, you are wrong.

Also, if you think Ehi has moved on, you are equally in error, as she is said to be nursing a pain in her heart, following the separation.

The beautiful lady, last week, ventilated her pain via her Instagram account, where she said: “Our relationship went from happiness, to love, to doubt, to fights, to stress, to pain, to hate, to regrets, to memories that won’t go away…”

She also described the Warri, Delta State-born businessman as Occultic beast, devil incarnate…Pretending to help the world. Yet, his immediate family lives in penury.”

Even when a friend suggested to her that her account might have been hacked, the mother of three responded, saying, “Sweety, I wasn’t hacked.”

Many were shocked beyond description when the news of the separation broke barely a year after they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony that shut down Warri in November 2017. During the wedding ceremonies, expensive cars were given to guests as souvenirs.

The oil magnate is said to have now crawled back to the arms of his first wife and mother of his four children, who is based in the United Kingdom. It was also gathered that she bought her a Rolls Royce for betraying her and causing her unnecessary heart trouble.

Ehi Ogbehor and Ken Bramor

Gtext Group Boss, Bisi Akintayo’s Inspiring Move Bisi Akintayo means different things to different people. To some, she is a motivational speaker and serial entrepreneur; and to some others, she is a business coach and author.

But the director of Gtext Group, a multimillion-dollar conglomerate, whose services cut across digital marketing and real estate, is today living her childhood dream of being one of Nigeria’s philanthropists.

She is committed to impacting positively the lives of children of the poor.

Through her Infinity Foundation, she has impacted the lives of over 5000 children across

the country.

Apart from educational assistance, Akinwale, popularly known as Amazon of Minimum Importation, is also a global coach via her website.

Explaining her peculiar kind of business, she said: “It is a form of empowerment for stay-at-home mothers and those who want to earn more incomes from their comfort zones. This includes making money online through mini importation, Digital Currency, Drop Shipping and e-commerce.”

The mother of three currently has a global mentorship programme with over 70 people on Mini Importation globally.

Akintayo

Hope Rising For Oil Magnate, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq

His story, on the surface, may read like a fable. But if you take the pains to read it with undivided attention, you will find out that it is most compelling and engaging.

For Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CEO, First Fuels Limited, the journey to fame actually started when he ventured into the importation of petroleum products at a relatively young age.

It will be recalled that Abdulrazaq, son of the first Northern lawyer in Nigeria, Alhaji AGF Abdulrazaq, was in the news sometime ago when his company had several million litres of petroleum products stored in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s tanks in Ejigbo depot as well as Mosimi depot in Ogun State, serving the needs of independent marketers in the South-west.

Again, eyes turned on him when Mobil Oil wanted to export its first batch of condensate out of Nigeria, as he succeeded in getting the best international prices and buyers for the product.

It will also be recalled that with the active support of Ronke OnadekoOsayande, they executed a lot of oil-related transactions that launched the firm into the big league and fetched them billions of Naira as reward for their sweats.

For obvious reasons, many had expected him to own a private depot or refinery in Nigeria.

But for Abdulrazaq, who is said to have made positive impacts on the lives of many younger businessmen like Tonye Cole, Ade Shonubi, Ade Odunsi, Adewale Tinubu, Omamofe Boye and Onajite Okoloko, that was not the case, as First Fuels was hit by a few bad investments.

At the height of this challenge, his former partner, Onadeko-Osayande, left the company to become the Country Director of Bank Paribas (BNP) offices in Lagos.

Subsequently, Abdulrazaq dumped the oil business for politics, and even floated a football club known as FC Abuja, which recorded some modest success.

Since then, he has been an active player in politics. At the outset, when he contested the Kwara Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic, PDP, in 2011, he failed to make any significant impact and many people scorned him. In view of this, some of his concerned friends were said to have advised him to face the business that launched him into affluence and fame.

But the billionaire, did not despair.

Today, Society Watch gathered that his perseverance is paying off, as he has just won a ticket to fly the flag of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the 2019 governorship election in Kwara State.

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OCTOBER 14, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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IS NIGERIA A DUMPING GROUND?

ss¡ ƥĺƑūƭijĺ î ČūŕŕūČîƥĿūŠ îijƑĚĚŞĚŠƥ DžĿƥĺ ƎƑĿDŽîƥĚ ƙĚČƥūƑ ƎîƑƥŠĚƑƙ ƎŕîŠƙ ƥū ĿŞƎūƑƥ î ȆȇɠNjĚîƑ ūŕēɈ ȂȁȁɈȁȁȁ ċƎē ƑĚǶŠĚƑNj IJƑūŞ ¹ƭƑŒĚNj ƥū ċūūƙƥ ƥĺĚ ƑĚǶŠĿŠij ČîƎîČĿƥNj ūIJ ¡ūƑƥ OîƑČūƭƑƥ ¤ĚǶŠĚƑNjɍ ¹ĺĚ ƑĚǶŠĚƑNj ċĚĿŠij ĿŞƎūƑƥĚē Džîƙ îċîŠēūŠĚē ĿŠ ȃȁȁȅ ēƭĚ ƥū Ŀƥƙ ĿŠîċĿŕĿƥNj ƥū ƎƑūēƭČĚ ƐƭîŕĿƥNjɈ ƭŠŕĚîēĚē ƎĚƥƑūŕ ƑĚƐƭĿƑĚē ċNj /À ŕîDžƙ îƥ ƥĺĚ ƥĿŞĚɍ ¹ĺĚ ČîƎîČĿƥNj ƭƥĿŕĿǕîƥĿūŠ ūIJ ƥĺĚ IJîĿƑŕNjɠƭƙĚē ƑĚǶŠĚƑNj Džîƙ ċîƑĚŕNj ȆȈʣ îƙ îƥ ȃȁȁȅ ƎŕîČĿŠij Ŀƥ ĿŠ ƥĺĚ ƙîŞĚ ŕĚîijƭĚ îƙ sĿijĚƑĿîɑƙ Ȅ ĚƎĿŕĚƎƥĿČ ƑĚǶŠĚƑĿĚƙɍ Øĺîƥ Ŀƙ ƥĺĚ ijƭîƑîŠƥĚĚ ƥĺîƥ ¹ƭƑŠ ƑūƭŠē qîĿŠƥĚŠîŠČĚ DžĿŕŕ ĿŠČƑĚîƙĚ ƥĺĚ ČîƎîČĿƥNj ūIJ ƥĺĿƙ ĿŞƎūƑƥĚē ƑĚǶŠĚƑNj ƥū ČūŞŞĚƑČĿîŕŕNj DŽĿîċŕĚ ŕĚDŽĚŕƙ ɠ ĚDŽĚŠ ĿIJ ĺîŠēŕĚē ċNj ƎƑĿDŽîƥĚ ĿŠDŽĚƙƥūƑƙɎ Tƙ ƥĺĿƙ ƥĺĚ ċĚƙƥ ēĚîŕ sĿijĚƑĿîŠƙ ēĚƙĚƑDŽĚ IJūƑ ČūŕŕūČîƥĿūŠ DžĿƥĺ ¡ūƑƥ OîƑČūƭƑƥ ¤ĚǶŠĚƑNjɎ

HOW OLD IS EACH REFINERY?

56 YEARS

WHAT'S THEIR CAPACITY UTILIZATION? 100,000 bpd REFINERY BEING IMPORTED FROM TURKEY

53 40 38

PORTHARCOURT REFINERY

YEARS

WARRI REFINERY

YEARS

KADUNA REFINERY

YEARS

57%** 34.2%* 51.3%* * 31.3%

** last known capacity utilization before it was abandoned by BP in 2004 * highest capacity utilization in the last one year for which data is available from NNPC's Monthly Financial and Operations Report (March 2017 - March 2018)

#AskQuestions FG has spent over

ØĺNj îƑĚ HƑĚĚŠǶĚŕē projects abandoned? ØĺNj ēĿē ss¡ îċîŠēūŠ ƥĺĚ ŠĚDž ȂȁȁɈȁȁȁċƎē ijƑĚĚŠǶĚŕē ƑĚǶŠĚƑNj project proposed for Bayelsa and Kogi states for which feasibility studies had already been completed since 2011? Why did they opt ƥū ĿŞƎūƑƥ î ȆȇɠNjĚîƑ ūŕē ƑĚǶŠĚƑNj IJƑūŞ ¹ƭƑŒĚNj ĿŠƙƥĚîē

N10.4tn

ūŠ ƙƭċƙĿēNj ƙĿŠČĚ ȃȁȁȇɍ ¬îċūƥîijĿŠij ƎƑūijƑĚƙƙ ūŠ HƑĚĚŠǶĚŕē ¤ĚǶŠĚƑNj ƎƑūŏĚČƥƙ IJūƑ ƙƭċūƎƥĿŞîŕ ƑūDžŠǶĚŕē ɚIJîĿƑŕNjɠƭƙĚēɛ ūŠĚƙ ŞĚîŠƙ GH Čūƭŕē waste N5trillion+ of Nigeria's oil revenue on subsidy in the next decade instead of spending on development projects for citizens.

Call to Action We call on the Minister of State for Petroleum and the National Assembly to: TŠDŽĚƙƥĿijîƥĚ DžĺNj ss¡ ɑƙ HƑĚĚŠǶĚŕē ¤ĚǶŠĚƑNj ¡ƑūŏĚČƥƙ DžĚƑĚ ĚĿƥĺĚƑ îċîŠēūŠĚē ūƑ ƙŕūDžĚē ēūDžŠ ĿŠ IJîDŽūƭƑ ūIJ î ƙƭċɠūƎƥĿŞîŕ ċƑūDžŠǶĚŕē ūŠĚɍ ¬Ěƥ ƭƎ î ƎîŠĚŕ ƥū ĿŠDŽĚƙƥĿijîƥĚ ƥĺĚƙĚ ĿƙƙƭĚƙ ƥĺîƥ ƭŕƥĿŞîƥĚŕNj ƙîċūƥîijĚ sĿijĚƑĿîɫƙ îċĿŕĿƥNj ƥū ċĚ ƙĚŕIJɠƙƭIJǶČĿĚŠƥ ĿŠ ƎĚƥƑūŕ ƎƑūēƭČƥĿūŠ ƥĺƭƙ ƎĚƑƎĚƥƭîƥĿŠij ƥĺĚ ĿŠIJîŞūƭƙ ĿŞƎūƑƥ ƙƭċƙĿēNj ƑĚijĿŞĚɍ

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

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14.10.2018

THE OTHER ZARIA

‘REBEL’S’ HOMECOMING Prof. Oseloka Osadebe 2018 by Sandra Mbanefo Obiago

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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OCTO ͯͲ˜ ͰͮͯͶ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

ARTS & REVIEW\\EXHIBITION

THE OTHER ZARIA

‘REBEL’S’ HOMECOMING

Oseloka Osadebe, a lesser-known member of the legendary Zaria Art Society, returns to Nigeria for a retrospective solo exhibition at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos.The exhibition’s offerings, which are engaging, are signposts to the artist’s dialectical orbit, Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

F

or decades now, the Zaria Art Society still lingers tenaciously to the industry’s consciousness.

Indeed, the exploits of this now-defunct group – whose members were once curiously tagged “rebels” by a Ghanaianborn critic – still sustains the spotlight in the contemporary Nigerian art scene. This explains why the aura of masterhood still surrounds its surviving members like Yusuf Grillo, Bruce Onobrakpeya and Demas Nwoko almost six decades after. And it is one good reason why Oseloka Osadebe deserves a seat of honour among his former schoolmates despite his long absence from the scene.

But for a freak ghastly train accident in Lokoja, Osadebe would not have been a year behind Demas Nwoko, Yusuf Grillo, and Uche Okeke, who were pioneer members of the Zaria Art Society. Indeed, he was believed to have died in that accident, in which so many young people lost their lives. Also, his church minister father had begun to hope that his Bible-reading son was divinely-ordained to replace him after his retirement. But, his hopes were soon dashed when it dawned on him that his son was intent on studying art.

Thus, the younger Osadebe arrived the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria the following year, which was 1958 and graduated in 1962. Now based in Jackson, Mississippi (US), this lesser-known “rebel” is in Nigeria for the first time in over 50 years for a four-month-long retrospective exhibition, titled Inner Light. The exhibition, which is named after one of his series of works, features 85 rare works – consisting of paintings, sketches, drawings and a sculpture he produced from 1960 to 2014 – and opens on Saturday, October 20 at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos.

If Inner Light is a journey, it responds more thematic impulses rather than follows a linear progression. This is evidenced by the fact that it first reaches out into the reminiscences of the artist’s early years in his native Onitsha in the 1930s and 1940s before on to moving on to his student years in the northern Nigerian town of Zaria from 1958 to 1962 and, finally, concluding with his years in the US. This explains the exhibition’s fluid segmentation into periods and thematic signposts in the octogenarian’s creative paths.

Thus, the viewer is first acquainted with a set of works Osadebe produced while he was a student at the Nigerian College of Art, Science and Technology in Zaria as well as works produced while he was studying painting and sculpture at the Art Institute in Chicago, where he eventually graduated with an MFAin 1967.

The exhibition experience kicks in with a teaser: a display of the exhibition’s only sculpture, titled “Father & Son”. This work, created by the artist while he was in Chicago, lifts a corner of the veil on his large bronze sculptures, which like his drawings reference the uli linear aesthetics.

In the same segment, the viewer is enthralled

by Osadebe’s depictions of the famed mother and child line drawings and sketches of the Nsukka and Zaria landscapes. Then, there are the drawings of traditional Igbo dance and headdress and his master’s thesis work on “Iba”, which in traditional Igbo architecture alludes to a family home’s innermost recess.

Another segment offers glimpses of Osadebe’s sanguine experimentations with forms. First, there are his “piggly-wigglies”, which are hybrid figures with pig snouts depicting his family, apparently influenced Pablo Picasso’s line drawings. And talking about Picasso, the viewer draws parallels between his

Ikemefuna,Charcoal and conte crayon,2014,102x68cm-1

Inner Light,Conte crayon on board, 2013, 123 x 80.5cm

strokes.

It is a known fact that Osadebe extended his creative passions beyond the realms of the visual arts soon after his MFAdegree. Hence, his enrolment for another master’s degree in theatre from 1968 to 1973 at the Goodman School of Drama, in Chicago. This, he followed up with a doctoral programme at Northwestern University on West African Theatre, which ended successfully in 1981.

So, the segment of the exhibition featuring both his Fallen From Grace,Watercolour on canvas,1972-1976,93.5x93.5cm African- and western-inspired set designs were fallouts of his five small experimental paintings of a coffee pot with years of studying and teaching theatre. His sketches infuses non-physical aspects of the cubism. “On the surface there is a caricature of the pig’s face which is used, but it is also a mask for every drama into the physical stage movement. member of the family,” Osadebe tells the exhibition’s The posters on display – created while he was teaching theatre at the historic Atlanta-based curator , Sandra Mbanefo Obiago. “They all have black university for women, Spelman College a long snout. So there is a full family just as Picasso – reflect his interpretations of the Africanhad a family of hybrids. You have a son, daughter, American experience. grandfather and grandmother. I came across this The exhibition’s fourth and final segment idea and it was so good. It was as if something was beams the spotlight on the artist’s core philomoving my hand. I have never done anything in all sophical works like “Inner Light”, “Tree of my artistic life which was so quick and so good and Life”, “Fallen from Grace” and “Ikemefuna”. all about the same size.”

Through them, the artist, who believes himself Then, a glance at his realistic depictions of human Divinely-instructed to practise art, explores the forms first leads the viewer back to the early 1960s, eternal conflict between man’s higher spiritual then on to his drawing classes studio sketches aspirations and his baser instincts in his quest under the tutelage of Mr Keane, who was one of the for his higher calling. teachers at the Chicago Art Institute. Subsequently, Take the pencil and conte works on paper the viewer begins to savour his masterly abstract

and board, titled “Inner Light”, for instance.

Osadebe in the series tries to capture a flurry of movements, which suggest the inner man’s struggles against earthly temptations seeking to draw him downwards into the clutches of the darkness. In the drawings, dated from 1965 to 2013, the viewer discerns two multi-faceted entities – one lighter, the other dark – entangled in their fight for supremacy. In the 2013 version of the work, a face peers out from beneath the peeledback layers of forms while clawing hands and feet seem to suggest a fierce combat between the two figures, one seeking to edge out the other.

Then, there is “Ikemefuna”, the pencil drawing of a blind minstrel strumming away on a local Sahelian-type thumb piano. The topless man, whose head tilts backwards as he belts out a song, sports a cross round his neck and a modest loincloth. Behind him, a hooded figure and a woman look on in admiration. His physical challenges are obviously no hindrances to fulfilling his life’s purpose.

For this work, the artist draws his inspiration from the two renowned blind African-American singers, Ray Charles Jr and Stevie Wonder. Thus, Osadebe urges the viewer to remain steadfast in his quest for perfection and never give up.

This exhibition, it is hoped, will not only engrave the artist’s name in the local aficionado’s consciousness, but will also reunite him with Bruce Onobrakpeya, Demas Nwoko and Yusuf Grillo, among others. For the artist, it is a platform to share his opinions on the concept of reincarnation, “fact that God created humans, however we have to learn to perfect ourselves.” Hence, it can be called the legacy he wishes to bequeath on posterity.

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OCTO ͯͲ˜ ͰͮͯͶ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

with RenoOmokri THE ALTERNATIVE Festus Keyamo Would Win The Election for Atiku

E

ver since President Buhari was unfortunate enough to have appointed Festus Keyamo as the spokesman for his fledgling reelection campaign, the latter has acted as if his job was to be the chief alienator for the President. The man is uncouth, abrasive and does not understand the power of words.

Like very many supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari, Keyamo is a victim of insular thinking. It is strange that a man who was tutored at the feet of the legendary human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi of very blessed memory, refuses to understand the power of logic and instead emotes. Like a character from George Orwell’s 1984, Keyamo is so tunnel visioned that he has hypnotised himself to think of reality as false and his fancies as real.

As the spokesman for a campaign, you are not meant to be an attack dog. You could have a sidekick to whom you give that role, but you are meant to be a diplomat who should use a charm offensive on those opposed to your principal. You are not meant to huff and puff and dismiss them with acid laced words. The job of a spokesman is to build relationships, not destroy them. A spokesman for an unpopular President must at the very minimum learn to master the art of communication. He ought not to speak just to express himself, but rather to persuade others. When the critical mass are speaking, you ought to listen to them as if they were the most important person on earth. They in turn will help you achieve your purpose-reelecting your candidate.

What a spokesman should never do is lecture people as Keyamo does. Once the public senses you are lecturing them, it does not take long for them to tune out. If you want to influence people, learn to listen to them. Everyone likes to be listened to. If you learn to listen to people, they will love you and see to it that they always defend your interests. But unfortunately, neither Keyamo nor his principal listen. They do not even talk to Nigerians. They lecture us.

Festus Keyamo has failed in all these areas and the latest example of this is the immensely distasteful statement he released insulting former President Obasanjo and revered religious figures including Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Sheikh Abubakar Gumi.

Nigeria is still a patriarchal society and not a few people will take offence at a young upstart like Keyamo raining invective on a man of historical significance as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Chief Obasanjo has done so much for Nigeria in peacetime and war such that if even you have cause to disagree with him, which will happen, you must use measured and civilised language.

But perhaps the unkindest cut was Keyamo’s suggestion that the religious leaders who attended the event where Chief Obasanjo

Keyamo endorsed His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, did so for gain. It is silly of Festus Keyamo to insult Bishop Oyedepo as someone who endorsed Atiku because of gain. David Oyedepo is probably richer than HE Atiku Abubakar. He is a man that has applied Godly principles and succeeded.

Covenant University is one of the most successful, if not the most successful universities in Nigeria, whether private or public. Bishop Oyedepo is not interested in what he will gain. He is interested in what Nigeria will gain.

Just last week, one of President Buhari’s social media aide wrote a letter insulting the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria and now this. Can Keyamo or any of his fellow co travelers insult Islamic leaders this flippantly? President Buhari may want to caution Keyamo and his media aides.

But look at me asking President Buhari to caution his media aides. Has the President not said worse things himself? The more I think about it, asking the President to caution Festus Keyamo on this issue is like asking a dustbin to caution a toilet for its dirty habit.

The funniest thing is that Festus Keyamo and other Buharists celebrated Pastor Kumuyi for hanging out with President Buhari.

They saw nothing wrong with it. Only to turn round and insult Bishops Oyedepo and Matthew Kukah for doing same with Alhaji

Atiku. Hypocrisy at its peak!

Come to think of it, isn’t Vice President Osinbajo a pastor? By the puerile logic Festus Keyamo has applied, Pastor Osinbajo deserves knocks for fraternising with President Buhari too.

Keyamo has become predictable and in battle (politics is war by other means) predictable people are not reliable people because they can easily be preempted. One hour after the rapprochement between Chief Obasanjo and Alhaji Abubakar, I tweeted the following: “Let me make a prediction. Within the next 24 hours, Lai Mohammed, @GarShehu and @FKeyamo will start attacking, insulting and slandering former President Obasanjo. They have no record of achievement to run on which is why they run on a record of abasement” And boy was I right. It took only four hours and not the 24 hours I thought it would take.

President Buhari may not know the damage that characters like Festus Keyamo, a man who is capable of almost anything, good or evil, havwe done to him. Unfortunately, he is not as social media savvy as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who goes on Twitter and Facebook himself to see what the public are saying.

If only President Buhari did that, he would find the responses to ALL of Keyamo’s posts, most alarming. Between Keyamo and the shameless woman who reps Buhari on social media, I do not know who is worse. So bad is the situation, that one of their colleagues, a special assistant to the governor of Kano state, openly insulted one of them and accused them of destroying the President’s image.

Perhaps they have destroyed it beyond repair.

If I were President Buhari, I would have left Keyamo to his ambulance chasing work of representing girls who make false claims of sexual assault against internationally respected men of God. But then again, we are dealing with a man President Donald Trump called ‘lifeless’. What else could one have expected from him?

Reno’s Nuggets It is unscriptural to get pastoral consent for marriage before parental consent. God invented marriage in Genesis 2:24. Those He included in the marriage initiation were the couple and their parents. No mention of pastor or priest.

Don’t let ANY pastor put a burden on you that God DID NOT put. From Genesis to Revelation, biblical marriage has ALWAYS been a family affair, not a church issue. Do not be deceived by any pastor, no matter how highly placed. Take your guidance from the Bible, not man. Get parental consent, not pastoral consent #RenosNuggets

INTRIQUES

Obi: Why the South East Leaders Are Angry Bayo Akinloye

S

outh East leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have nothing against the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, this paper has reliably gathered.

They are said to be peeved, instead, by the role of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, in Obi’s emergence.

The Governor was alleged to have insulted the South East and threatened to deal with the party leaders in the region for allegedly betraying an understanding he allegedly reached with them to vote for the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, and voting for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar en block instead.

An impeccable source close to one of the prominent South East leaders said: “Recall that Wike was virtually dragged by Senator Dino Melaye to where Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was seated at the stadium to congratulate him after he was announced the winner of the PDP presidential primary in Port Harcourt.

“Then later in the evening, when Alhaji Atiku Abubakar departed after paying a “Thank you” visit to Wike at the Government House, the Rivers Governor was now left with some PDP leaders, including the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and some serving Senators, such as Senator Obinna Ogba and Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

“Wike, who was still fuming over the outcome of the convention, said he was disappointed with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and would make sure he sponsored his impeachment. One of the Senators, however, countered him, saying that it was not possible. Wike told him to wait and see.

“He also spoke angrily about the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr.

Dave Umahi for also allegedly betraying him, saying he regretted giving him some financial support in the past and also flying him in Rivers State jet on several occasions that the Ebonyi Governor needed to travel”.

The insider source explained that Ekweremadu, Obi, Dr. Okonjo Iweala, Chief Osita Chidoka, and the National Organsing Secretary of the PDP, Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd.) were shortlisted for the consideration.

“There was a meeting last Thursday night between Alhaji Atiku and the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus;

Umahi Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Governor Tambuwal, and hosted by Alhaji Abubakar, the vice presidential candidate.

“Of course, Wike never liked Akobundu. He also believes Okonjo-Iweala is an outsider. And he never really knew Chidoka very well. So, Ekweremadu and Obi were the last two standing.

“Wike was vehemently against Ekweremadu’s candidature, insisting that it must be Obi. He also kept reminding them that former President Olusegun Obasanjo preferred a technocrat or somebody who understood the economy. A suggestion that the South East leaders should be consulted since the position was now going to their region was also fervently resisted by Wike.

“Unfortunately, neither Atiku nor the others had the slightest idea that Governor Wike was on a ‘vengeance mission’ to not only ensure that the party leaders in the South East did not have a say in the emergence of the vice presidential candidate from their region, but also that Ekweremadu since he did not honour an understanding he felt he had with him on Tambuwal.

“Even today’s (yesterday) meeting of the South East PDP leaders and stakeholders, Governor Umahi explained that he confronted Wike for meddling in South East affair without consulting the South East leaders. He said Wike told him that he did not draw up the list of five names. And when it was presented to him, he didn’t like any of them, but nevertheless had to settle for Peter Obi, whom he described as a ‘lesser evil’.

“He said he would rather have Obi, who had been with Atiku

all the while and he, therefore, never approached or expected to support Tambuwal than Ekweremadu, whom he expected to support Tambuwal, but worked for Atiku.

“Also, remember that he worked with Peter Obi to ensure the emergence of Mr. Oseloka Obaze as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in the last Anambra election, but the project failed at the governorship poll”.

Meanwhile, the source denied that Wike reached any understanding with the South East to vote for Governor Tambuwal.

“How could Wike say that we betrayed him when there was no accord? We agreed that the South East and south South would meet in Port Harcourt on Friday to take a common stand. Unfortunately, when we got there, Wike was no longer interested in the meeting because he felt Tambuwal’s candidature was a done deal and he could bankroll it. He forgot that this is not Rivers State politics. This is national politics for crying out loud. So, we let him go it alone.

“But the truth is that the South East had no problem with Tambuwal. The South East leaders were only interested in ensuring that the emergence of someone, who had what it takes to dislodge the current government, which has brought so much suffering on the South East people and treated them like aliens in their own country.

“So, the implication of what has happened is that Wike has succeeded in making good his threat by indirectly filling the South East slot for the vice presidential ticket to get back at those he felt did not support Tambuwal’s ticket. The South East leaders were disregarded in making that choice as a way of paying for what Wike consider their ‘sin’. Ironically, that ‘sin’ is their support for Atiku in Port Harcourt.

“So, nobody has anything against Peter Obi. In fact, we are most grateful to Atiku for considering our own. It could have gone elsewhere”.

Meanwhile, a reliable source at the meeting held by the South East leaders in Enugu on Saturday said although tempers were high over what the leaders considered a slight as both the South East PDP governors, National Assembly Caucus, Board of Trustee members and other party leaders heard the news of Obi’s nomination through the media like every other person, Ekweremadu was able to calm frayed nerves and prevail on them to let the sleeping dog lie.

The South East PDP leaders have thanked Atiku Abubakar for picking someone from the region as his running mate and are billed to meet with the former Vice President on his return to the country shortly.

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CICERO

Editor:Olawale Olaleye Email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

Atiku and Panic Button in the Presidency Suddenly, and to the awe of the public, the name Atiku Abubakar appears to be causing panic in the presidency, writes Olawale Olaleye

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he successful outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary of October 6 is definitely changing certain permutations ahead of the 2019 general election and at the same time, compelling bookmakers exercise restraint in their many projections.

Perhaps, it was not in the calculations of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that the Turaki Adamawa, former Vice-President Atiu Abubakar would fight harder than he did in 2014 when he struggled for the party’s ticket with the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari at their Lagos convention.

The APC, which clearly has lost every ground of sympathy and support in its three and a half years of assuming power, was rather hoping a different candidate would emerge, a development that they thought would have eased the election of Buhari to the office a second term. Although it would have been a miscalculation on their part, because the preponderance of views shows that any of the PDP candidates were better than Buhari, ultimately.

THISDAY had reported in a few times in some of its analyses many months back that the APC was working on some prominent members of the PDP with an understanding that the party would field a weak candidate that would make Buhari’s re-election a walkover. But the question is: who is weak in the PDP? Perhaps none!

Whilst THISDAY did not mention names in some of those analyses, inner caucus members of the ruling party had confided in the newspaper that the APC was actually in talks with the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, being the architect of the new PDP and some of his close allies.

The essence of the understanding, THISDAY learnt then was to field such a candidate that would enhance Buhari’s chances in 2019, while in turn, the APC would steer clear of such states by not doing anything that would stand in the way of the PDP governors from returning.

Unfortunately, whether or not the story of the understanding was true, Atiku, a foremost presidential frontrunner emerged and naturally, APC and its entire band of supporters immediately hit the panic button.

It was also not surprising that the outgoing Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who would have benefited from the understanding by way of yielding some soft-landing to him especially in the area of his pending corruption cases at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently threatened to quit the party, because “their chosen candidate and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal” did not emerge.

As it is, there is no undoing the Atiku candidacy.

Not only did he emerge through a decent primary conducted by the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, he is about the most experienced and prepared for the job, having been vice-president for eight years under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who finally recently supported his aspiration, when he referred to him as the ‘president-to-be’.

Given that Atiku’s popularity cuts across the length and breadth of the country, with a disposition that depicts a liberal Muslim, non-sectional leader, economically savvy, futuristic, progressive, openminded and hands-on, there is no debating the fact that there had never been any time in history that his chances at the presidency are as reassuring as they are now.

Atiku...the man of the moment It was no wonder, therefore, that the APC and their supporters had since gone on the overdrive to de-market Atiku and further hang on his neck, the corruption cloak they always wear for him each time he seeks the nation’s plum job.

This, of course, is the second time that Atiku would be on the ballot as a presidential candidate, the first being when he ran under Action Congress (AC) in 2007, having been endorsed by a forum of Northern elite then led by Adamu Ciroma, he had always aspired to be Nigeria’s president without really coming any close.

Besides, one of the elements standing in his way has always been Obasanjo, his former principal who dread to see him become president. Whilst Obasanjo had always hinged his reasons on Atiku’s alleged corrupt tendencies, analysts feel otherwise.

What a majority of the close observers of the polity feel is that Obasanjo has continually opposed Atiku’s presidential bid, because of the humiliation he made him go through in 2003 when he dared to challenge him before eventually letting go for him to return to the office for a second term in office.

But Obasanjo would have been in an even bigger fix as to who to support for the president in 2019. In 2014, he was caught between Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he helped to power.

Whilst he had reservations about Buhari’s capacity, he could no longer stand Jonathan.

Thus, in next year’s election, he had openly

disparaged Buhari and told him off as incapable of continuing in office. This, he even put on record through a letter he wrote to the president, advising him to dismount from his high horse. But there were initial doubts on whether or not he would support Atiku whom he had disparaged time and time again or if he would go outside of the two men and go for another in a different party?

Those permutations would have been entirely Obasanjo’s personal concerns had he not endorse him last Thursday at the Abeokuta home. What is however evident in all of this is that the emergence of Atiku is already a huge concern for the occupants of Aso Rock and their fears are not a façade.

Atiku has been long in coming and this time, he appears even more determined to go the whole hog.

What also appears to be enhancing his chances is the growing discontent against the incumbent, whose mystique has literally vanished in three years of assuming office.

As bookmakers are currently saying, the election of next year might just be Atiku’s to lose and the indications are not difficult to spot. With an APC leadership that has gone totally nuts; a presidency that has lost palpable control of state; a largely disappointed membership and a support base that is nursing the shame of being letdown and gradually depleting, 2019 seeks to provide yet another shocker as did the 2015 general election in the annals of the nation’s body polity.

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

Where’s the $322m Recovered Abacha Loot?

S Buhari

ince the Muhammadu Buhari administration began the drive for recovering stolen funds across the world, the one area it has recorded progress was the recovering of the $322m loot stashed in Switzerland by the late former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

Unfortunately, despite such money in the coffer, government has been somewhat clueless on how to make effective and judicious use of it except the talk about conditional grants to the indigent in the society.

At some point,Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo explained how beneficiaries of the direct cash transfer would

benefit from the initiative.

Since then, not much has been heard about the money.

The silence by government is not golden at the very least. Insinuations that part of the money might be deployed to prosecute the 2019 election had better be jokes.

Like it or not, Nigerians will always demand accountability as far as that money and many others are concerned. Buhari’s government cannot continue to mouth anti-graft crusade and put up a body language that says otherwise. Even if government ignores the people’s right to know now, there will always be a day of reckoning.

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BRIEFINGNOTES For APC, the Signs Are Still Ominous With the riotous outcome of its primaries in practically all the states of the federation, definitely, all is not well with the ruling All Progressives Congress and this is not a good sign, writes Onyebuchi Ezigbo

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ith the kinds of reverberations coming out of the recent primary elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party does not need a clairvoyant to be able to paint a gloomy picture of the things to expect in the coming days ahead of the 2019 general election.

First, the party runs the risk of having the top echelon of its membership working at cross purposes. Second, with the level of distrust building up within its ranks, APC might need to do more than political gymnastics in order to recover lost grounds as the nation goes into the last stages of preparation for next year’s general election.

As of today, the ruling party is faced with several disputes arising from the primaries held across the federation. This is in addition to the ones it inherited from the rancorous state congresses earlier organised by the immediate-past leadership of Chief John Odigie Oyegun.

Perhaps, the problems are as a result of the crisis that arose from the parallel L-R: Osinbajo, Buhari and Oshiomhole at APC NEC meeting...recently congresses in 24 states. The manner in which some of the issues arising from the disputed state congresses were handled by the of the party expelled the entire party executives in the new National Working Committee led by the National state. The sacked executives were accused of doing Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole also set the stage for the bidding of the governor and interfering with the further crisis. primaries.

Although Oshiomhole in his wisdom felt that there

By Friday October 5, the NWC had set up a new was a need to sanitise the processes that led to the panel to conduct fresh primaries in the state. In a emergence of party executives in the states, the approach statement issued by the acting National Publicity adopted seemed to have aggravated the crisis in some Secretary, Yekini Nabena, he claimed the party said it states. For instance, the decision to order fresh congress had inaugurated another committee to conduct fresh in Imo State without first resolving the differences of the governorship and legislative primaries in the state. factions further polarised the party in the state.

The party said all factions in the state stand dissolved Similarly, by choosing to recognise one of the factions and directed that governorship and legislative primaries of the state executives in Rivers State, loyal to the would hold from Saturday, October 6, and Sunday, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi against the October 7. other group led by Senator Magnus Abe led to a repeat However, the action of the leadership of the party of factional party primaries in the state. The same thing created more problems than it was out to solve, because happened in Delta and other states like Taraba, Oyo the governor felt his interest and influence were being and Cross River states, but for the measure taken to undermined and then decided that such would not disqualify some of the troublesome aspirants. happen.

In the case of Zamfara State, for instance, the party It was not surprising that the APC panel sent to allowed the interest of powerful forces to overwhelm its organise fresh primaries in Zamfara could not perform capacity to hold credible party primaries. For instance, the task as it failed to get the cooperation of the stakewhile the state governor, Abdulaziz Yari is said to be inholders in the state. terested in sponsoring someone to replace him and also For those who are wondering why the Independent to secure a senate ticket for himself, another contender, National Electoral Commission (INEC) wrote to Senator Kabir Marafa is said to be backed by a powerful disqualify the APC from contesting in the state, it is national leader of APC from the South-west, who is bent an open secret that legitimate primary elections did on installing him as Zamfara governor in order to have not hold within the time frame set for it, adding that a foothold in the north for his 2023 presidential interest. mismanaged interests by the stakeholders were the All of these are legitimate interests even if one thinks cause. they are self-serving. But in all of these, the party’s Similar intriguing power struggle is playing out in interest is the main deciding factor and thus, the leadermost of the states where the APC is currently having ship ought to have known how to manage the various problems. tendencies to ensure a balance and to maintain its In Ogun State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun is strugelectoral interest in the state. gling against the group led by Vice President Yemi Following the crisis that trailed the first attempt to Osibajo and Chief Olusegun Osoba. hold governorship primary in Zamfara State, the NWC Amosun’s anointed aspirant, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade

was pitted against Dapo Abiodun in the gubernatorial primary. It was also an intriguing power play in Rivers State by two prominent party leaders, Amaechi and Abe. Both men enjoy the support of rival factions of the state party executives in the state and during the primary election, the factions held parallel elections.

While Amaechi-led group worked the party to approve the panel to organise a primary election using indirect mode, the Abe faction decided to use direct primaries with each producing candidates. Although the APC NWC recognized the Amaechi faction and upheld the outcome of its primaries, recent court ruling which nullified all the elections of state party executives has further compounded the situation.

From all indications, it is obvious that the new national leadership led by Adams Oshiomhole may not have learnt any lessons from what happened during the state congresses organised by the Oyegun-led NWC. Managing the interests of various tendencies in APC has always posed a problem to the leadership and this was what played out during the immediate past NWC and it is now repeating itself.

Achieving perfect situation is not possible, however, listening to all interests groups and working through the party mechanism to find a common ground is all it takes to build a harmonious and virile party structure.

The current crisis arising from the party primaries has serious implications for the APC as it prepares for the 2019 general election.

It is more so when compared to a much peaceful primary elections held by the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). If the party does not move quickly to address the issues and to also try and manage the situation carefully, it might lead to further defections. It means that the aspiration of the ruling party to go into the general election as a united family may not be realised after all.

NOTES FOR FILE

A Penny for Aisha Buhari’s Thoughts

Aisha Buhari...assuming her place in a changing world

Wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari, for a noteworthy second time, threw shades at the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the manner it conducted its primaries in many parts of the country, saying the APC leadership had deviated completely from the ideals of democracy it claims to project.

Aisha’s brother, Mahmud Halilu Ahmed, was one of those who failed to clinch the governorship ticket of the APC in Adamawa State after an initial report that he had defeated the incumbent governor, Mohammed Bindow.

Believed to have spurred Aisha into spewing venom, this development provided grounds for her to unguardedly demystify her husband’s

party.

Sometime back, Aisha had alleged a brazen hijack of the government by people she claimed could not even account for how the party won the election and warned that if the tide did not change, she might not waste her time campaigning for Buhari’s re-election.

Truth is, whatever Aisha is saying is not different from what an average person can relate to in the country.

But coming from her, it not only carries weight, it tells of the truth of what is happening in Aso Rock. Aisha might just be the prophet God has sent to intimate the people with facts on the state of the nation. Pay attention, don’t vilify her.

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Ashafa and Hypocrisy of the Progressives Lagos East Senator, Gbenga Ashafa, recently lost his reelection ticket to a name of zero comparisons in a manner that amplifies the hypocrisy of the Bola Tinubu leadership in the state. Olaseni Durojaiye reports

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he silhouette of the look and the feel of the next Senate have begun to emerge on the nation’s democratic walls. A look at the outcomes of the senatorial primaries in the two leading parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reveal just that.

When the next Senate resumes in June of next year, some prominent senators from the current assembly would be missing, having lost out in the intrigues and shenanigans that trailed the sham called primaries in their respective parties.

Among the lawmakers that will not be returning are Ben Murray Bruce of Bayelsa East Senatorial District - who pulled out of the race - and Senator Gbenga Ashafa, a twotime senator, who is representing Lagos East Senatorial District. While Bruce’s case has not really being played up because he probably saw the writing and pulled out, Ashafa took his chances and to the awe of many, got a shocking treatment.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee for the Lagos primaries, Mr. Lucky Imasuen announced that Mr. Bayo Osinowo, a relatively unknown character, although a member of the Lagos House of Assembly (LSHA) representing Kosofe 1 State Constituency, scored 247,743 to Ashafa’s 20,385. He was thus declared duly elected.

Ashafa had initially rejected the result, but in his eventual acceptance speech, he stated that “Over the past seven and a half years, I have enjoyed the mandate and support of both the leadership and members of our party to serve as the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District.

“This is a mandate that I have held with utmost responsibility, which the high office entails. In the light of the foregoing, and upon due consultation with party leaders and relevant stakeholders, I believe that the time has come for me to sacrifice my ambition for the unity and continuity of our party Ashafa...another material forced out at the senatorial level and across all elective reason the Lagos State House of Assembly embraced offices.”

Yoruba as official communication language since he was The intrigues, tradeoffs and betrayal that marked alleged to have been unable to effectively contribute to Ashafa’s rejection at the primary poll bore familiar the rich debate on account of his language limitation. handprints. His supposed defeat, similar to the rejection Prior the primaries, many respected party elders in of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, typifies Lagos East Senatorial district had openly endorsed the Biblical ‘voice of Jacob and the hands of Esau’ story.

Ashafa and openly rejected Osinowo’s bid, basing their Incidentally, they are both from Lagos East Findings stance on his inexperience and reiterated the need for revealed that Ashafa was rejected at the primary on Ashafa to continue in the Senate and deploy his vast the instructions of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has again demonstrated his suffocating hold legislative experience to the benefit of the Legislature and the district. One of them was Chief Olorunfunmi Bashoon Lagos Politics. run, a well-respected party elder from Ikorodu, Lagos.

Ashafa’s loss at the polls, at Tinubu’s insistence, calls But the music soon changed when Local Government to question the latter’s claim to progressive politics and and Local Council Chairmen in the state openly endorsed reveal his penchant for the Darwinian style of dispensing Babajide Sanwo-Olu against the incumbent Governor political goodwill in a manner that pretend to favour jusAmbode. The same script was enacted to outfox Ashafa’s tice but which in truth reeks of political tradeoffs weaved bid for a second term. in the garb of deft intrigues calculated at consolidating THISDAY gathered from some party members in self-preservation and to corner plum political perks. the zone that denying Ashafa a third term bid was to Tinubu’s dumping of Ashafa is a repeat of history. It is position Senator Remi Tinubu as the highest ranking reminiscent of manner Tinubu dumped his predecessor, senator from the state and, perchance, the whole of the Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora. The former two-time senator South-west. Those pushing this theory argued that it was one of the fall guys in the disagreement between would strengthen her negotiating power and make her Babatunde Fashola, former governor of the state, which position unassailable when the time to share positions in bordered on Fashola’s bid for a second term in office as the imminent ninth senate comes. governor of Lagos State. Mamora had made a passionate The two other senators from the state, if elected, plea to allow Fashola to continue in office on account of Senator Solomon Adeola and Osinowo would be doing his stellar performance. their second and first time respectively and would follow Legislative sources both in Lagos and Abuja continue to extol Mamora’s contributions to rich legislative debates behind Tinubu.

Interestingly, many political commentators have over and functions throughout his stay in both the Lagos State the years lamented capacity shortfall in the red chamber House of Assembly (LSHA), where he was Speaker and and traced the cause to the high turnover of senators. the senator.

Oftentimes senators are done away with by their parties Ashafa, like Mamora, is generally said to have done for mundane, particularly pecuniary reasons. At such well in terms of quality representation and being a loyal times, the valuable experiences that the senators had party man. Those in the know insisted that he has been garnered over the years count for nothing even when a core loyalist of Tinubu dating back to when the APC such could be deployed for the growth and the developNational leader was governor of Lagos State. Other ment of the legislature. sources said he has always been a true party man and Political watchers noted that it is increasingly becoming were thus shocked at Tinubu’s decision to dump him. worrisome how experience is jettisoned on the altar of Even more shocking is the man he was dropped for self-interest, even among the self-styled progressive polition account of insensate loyalty. Osinowo, who lived and cians. It is against this premise that many APC members studied in Italy is said can hardly string good sentences in the Lagos East Senatorial district queried why Ashafa in the English language. In fact, his like is said to be the

was dumped by Tinubu.

Analysts insisted dumping Ashafa for Osinowo is a glaring disservice to both Lagos politics and growth of the nation’s legislature. Party sources who are displeased with the emergence of Osinowo argued that stepping up to the House of Representatives presented a far better legislative growth trajectory for him and the nation’s Legislature.

There is the temptation to compare Osinowo’s political growth trajectory to that of Mamora though. However, a couple of factors make the argument lame and unconvincing when held up to critical analysis.

Mamora remains a professional in politics – a trained medical practitioner with a thriving practice before he joined politics. Besides, he was Speaker of the LSHA and presided over the assembly with admirable maturity and candour, the type some of his predecessors have not come close to.

On the other hand, Osinowo does not compare with Mamora’s experience and political maturity. A product of an Italian institution which explains his fluency in the Italian language than in the English, the four-time lawmaker has never been a principal officer of the LSHA even with his ranking. At best, he was Chairman of a House committee.

One legislative worker, who has been in the House since 2000 and familiar with the goings-on in there claimed that “Peperito (his alias) still has so much to learn in legislative conduct. He lacks the political clout, experience and appeal that Ashafa wields. This will pose a big problem for his ability to offer quality representation in the Senate if he wins at the general election.”

Party sources swore the fate of Ashafa and Mamora before him was because the APC National leader was no longer comfortable with their growing stature, not due to poor performance at the red chambers.

Instructively, Osinowo’s emergence is another manifestation of Tinubu’s overbearing influence on the APC in Lagos. It is a further demonstration of his new preference for political weaklings to consolidate personal gains at the expense of entrenching democracy and the development of the nation’s development, which many of his followers continue to ascribe to him.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 14, 2018

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Okorocha and Madumere’s Lesson in Loyalty The case of Eze Madumere, embattled ex-deputy governor of Imo State, holds a classical lesson for all in loyalty, writes Tobi Soniyi

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he judgment of the Imo State High Court delivered last Tuesday by Justice Benjamin Iheka, quashing the purported impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, was another confirmation that Nigerian politicians have no respect for rule of law.

Justice Iheka had held that “the appointment of the seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct made by the 9th and 10th defendants (Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly and Imo State House of Assembly), against the plaintiff is invalid, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect.”

The case is also an affirmation that the judiciary remains the last hope of the oppressed. The judicial system may be slow, but the long hand of the law eventually prevails.

But how did Madumere, an extremely loyal follower of Governor Rochas Okorocha suddenly fall out of favour with his boss? For those who have been following the duo, Madumere was submissive to Okorocha even to the point of ‘foolishness’. As it is said in Nigeria, it is politics stupid!

On the eve of the 2011 governorship election, there was a plot to detain Okorocha by the then governor, Ikedi Ohakim and his men. Madumere rather asked them to take him instead of Rochas. When asked for Okorocha’s whereabouts, he refused to give information that would lead to the arrest of his boss. Knowing his strategic importance in the campaign, he was arrested and detained on phoney charges. How could Rochas have forgotten? Without that courageous Madumere move by Madumere, Okorocha’s plan to become the governor could have ended up a pipe dream.

Madumere, son of the traditional ruler of Achi Mbieri, Eze Henry Madumere in Imo State, until recently considered himself a helper. His job, he once shared, was to help his boss succeed.

Together they had come a long way. In business, Madumere assisted his boss to succeed. That was why Okorocha had no qualms picking him as his chief of staff when he was elected governor.

In 2013, due to political differences, Okorocha eased out his first deputy governor, Jude Agbaso and against political permutations in Imo, chose Madumere as a replacement for Agbaso. Not many queried the decision, as it was considered a reward for commitment and loyalty to the Rescue Mission project.

Until the rift between Okorocha and Madumere, many saw the latter as too submissive even to the point of ridicule. In street language, Madumere was Okorocha’s errand boy. But

there lies the difference. Whereas Okorocha considered Madumere as someone to be ‘used and dumped’ like a chattel, Madumere considered the relationship as that of service that should be rewarded, probably with the governorship seat.

Hoping that he would one day reap the harvest of his loyalty, Madumere blindly followed his boss. Uche Nwosu, who would later become Okorocha’s son-in-law and now a threat to Madumere was said to have been introduced to the governor by Madumere himself.

In fairness to Okorocha, he is not under any legal obligation to anoint his deputy as his successor. More so, there has not been a time when he promised to make his estranged deputy his successor. But many reckoned he ought not to have humiliated him.

One year into Okorocha’s second term in office, the handwriting became clearer that Madumere was no longer wanted in Okorocha’s government. He had become an unwanted luggage. He was kept outside critical meetings and was no longer privy to critical and sensitive information. The less, he knew the better.

Call Madumere Okorocha’s ‘Man Friday’ and you won’t be totally wrong. When appeals and negotiations were to be made, the former number two was always sent to make peace but during the signing ceremony, he would be sent outside the state. Perhaps to erase the efforts he played to maintain peace.

But one may ask, so what has changed? Why did Madumere change? Why did he suddenly decide to be his own man? Pundits argued that after enduring Okorocha’s humiliating servitude for over six years, why the sudden turnaround when everybody thought he had accepted it as a norm?

Perhaps, Okorocha has failed to understand that every man, no matter how highly or lowly placed has an ego and would do everything to protect it.

For Madumere, these are trying times and a great test of his popularity. But time will tell if he would survive what appears to be his greatest political battle yet.

Although the judgment of the state’s high court was in his favour, no one is under the illusion that the state government would obey the judgment. One thing that is sure, however, is that even if he was not reinstated, posterity most certainly has a good place for him.

Jay Osi Samuels: I Single-handedly Built ANN to Where It is Today Dr. Jay Osi Samuels recently returned as the National Chairman of the Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN. With recent moves by some forces to hijack the party and the controversy surrounding the party’s presidential nomination, he speaks on how the party got to where it is today and moves by some people to reap where they did not sow.

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here has been a lot of controversy regarding the formation of your party, Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN). Please, can you tell us a little bit about how and who are those people who founded the party?

Well, ANN came about with the meeting of young and patriotic Nigerians, professionals, Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, etc, who were been concerned about the state of decadence of governance in Nigeria and we felt it was right for us to play our role, hitherto even though most of us have not been involved in politics. We felt that we can’t just sit on the side line and be complaining instead of being part of the process. So, a group of us started coming together.

We were initially 10 in number, but with time, we expanded with the original founding members of ANN, we are 10 and we cut across all professions and age. I happen to be one of the oldest among our group at that time.

the financial resources that have been put in place, my time, my everything was involved. I am like a one man battalion running ANN. So, in the lead up to the convention, I was tired, weary and I didn’t think I was ready to continue as chairman. That was why in the build up to the convention, when a certain gentleman called Emmanuel Dania came forward and said he wanted to be chairman, even though I had some misgivings in the back of my head, in terms of, are you sure this guy is not coming from that same source of the wahala that we have been having, I was kind of happy that at least somebody was coming on board to take over from me. That’s why I gladly stepped down. But subsequent events after that have come clear to me that he was actually planted in the party by those same forces with the aim of hijacking the party and that’s what led to the crisis, or controversial issues of whether or not we had our primaries, but by the special grace of God, we have intervened and those things have been arrested and we are moving forward as a party.

This 10 people who founded ANN, can you mention their names?

The 10 founding members of ANN are myself, Dr Jay Osi Samuels, Dr Dale Ogunbayo, Dr Nkatachukwu, Victor Odoeme, Aesosa Osaghae, Thompson Nsima, Sunny Famojuro, Adebola Adekoya, Amos Musa and Steven Odesomi.

Osi Samuels

Those forces you are talking about, why do you think, right from the onset, they want to hijack or take control of the party?

Because they have their own agenda and even though I have an idea of what the agenda is, I don’t think I am ready to go public with it at this point.

I read the piece you published and a lot of people are asking questions about what led to the current crisis in the party, starting from the August convention. If you recall, it was since that August convention that we have been hearing a whole lot of complaints. Please, can you tell us what led to that controversy?

The crisis or the controversy that we are witnessing in the party right now actually predates the August convention. It actually started last year. The gentleman that I just mentioned his name, Adebola Adekoya sometime last year, without my knowledge have been making some underground moves, which actually came to the open in January this year. And it all boils down to the fact that, he has been laying claims to be the owner and founder of ANN, which was against the tenents and purpose of the party.

There was never a time that we said ANN belongs to anybody

and if at all, ANN was to belong to anybody, I should be the one to be laying claim to own ANN, but ANN belong to nobody and he has no right to claim ownership of ANN. Along the line, we found out that he was being pushed by some people in the background. They are sponsoring him and making him cause all those troubles. He tried to divide the party, but by the special grace of God, we manage to arrest that process at that time. However, some of these things were still lingering by the time we did our convention last August, but one thing that we didn’t reckon with is that the people, the powerful forces that were behind him were not relenting, because what became very obvious was that his own style or the way he went about executing the mission that he was sent was very crude and brash and maybe they decided to re-strategize and use a more subtle way. But without bragging, I have been responsible for 90% of the funding of ANN. Apart from

Coming to the issue of Fela Durotoye, they have been laying claim to the party now and claiming to be the presidential candidate of the party. We also saw some press releases that they claim that some Board of Trustee (BOT) members are upholding their primary. Who are these BOT members and are they really BOT members?

Well, we have members of Board of Trustees (BOT), but why I don’t want to join issues is that these are my colleagues and friends, some of them are fellow founders that we started the party together, but why I don’t join issues with the board of trustees members that have been supporting or issuing press releases in support of Fela Durotoye is because, apart from the fact that some of them are supporting FD, some of them are acting in ignorance, half of the things I know, they don’t know. So, if they know, they won’t be acting that way.

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ÞÓÕß Vs ÝÓØÌËÔÙ˝ Restructuring Is the Solution Odilim Enwegbara

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here is no other place in the world our kind of unitary federalism is being practised: where all the presumed federating units (the states) and the non-federating units (the local governments) are mandated to send all their revenues (tax revenues and natural resource revenues) to a special account known as “the Federation Account”.

This is with the exception of proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the armed forces of the federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the ministry or department responsible for foreign affairs, along with residents of the Federal Capital Territory. Then, every month members of the Federation Account Allocation Committee sit to allocate the gathered revenues on the basis of population, equality of states, internal revenue generation, land mass, terrain and population density.

In creating states, the military, starting with the General Gowon government, did so without due consultation and fairness to the four federating regions existing before the 1966 coups that led to the dissolution of the regional federal system in 1967 and its replacement with the unitary federal system made up of 12 states on May 27, 1967, which were subsequently further subdivided into 19 states (and a federal capital territory) in February 1976, and later into 21 states in September 1987, and into 30 states in August 1991, and finally the present 36 states in October 1996.

To see how unfair and unjust the state creation has been, let us take a look at Sokoto and Lagos states. In 1976 both Lagos and Sokoto were among the 19 federating states. But by 1996 the 1976 Sokoto had been broken into four states of Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi, and Zamfara, while Lagos of 1976 remained the same in 1996.

What this means is that when it comes to revenue allocation during a FAAC meeting, based on the equality of states, one of principles of revenue allocation, Sokoto having been broken into four states gets four times whereas Lagos gets only once. Also, during allocation to the 774 local governments in the country, the old Sokoto from 20 local governments in 1976 to now 83 local governments will get allocations for 83, while Lagos still with only 20 local governments will get allocation for only 20.

This demonstrates how unfair and unjust our so-called unitary federalism has been. Also bleeding anger is the fact that with more local governments unjustifiably created in some states and unjustifiably fewer in some other states, some states have unjustifiably more representatives at the Federal House of Representatives than other states, notwithstanding their population densities. And it is these representatives that have, since the return of democracy in 1999, been making laws on how the federal revenues should be allocated, how the overall annual federal budgetary allocations should be apportioned as well as projections to be allocated and funded across the nation.

Not only that this has made Nigeria ungovernable, it has also made it corrupt like no other nation. It is also this unitary federalism that has caused the country’s economic stagnation, since it doesn’t matter whether a state or a local government generates revenue or not (or how viable a state or a local government is):

Osinbajo

Atiku

all the 36 states and the 774 LGs will always get their monthly revenue allocation from the federation account. Since our unitary federalism pays states and local governments whether they work or not, understandably, in this feeding bottle monthly allocation arrangement, there is no incentive to work hard to generate revenues that after all will end up in the federation account.

It is as a result of these distortions that there is an unending battle over which ethnic group or region will produce the president of Nigeria, since it means that during the period of that presidency, the ethnic region or group will be more favoured with federal projects and appointments, especially given the kind of monarchical president our constitution has given birth to.

This is breeding corruption, since the primary goal of capturing federal government is to be able to hijack the centre and the portion of the revenue accruing to it. And since more than a half of the entire revenue in the federation account goes to the federal government, plus the federal government’s ability to borrow both externally and locally, and spend it as and where it likes, the battle to occupy the federal government has become ferocious among the old federating regions.

Those who are fiercely opposed to the restructuring of Nigeria are not actually those in charge of our present big and inefficient bureaucracy that is only kept as alive as it feeds fat on our national patrimony.

So Buhari and Osinbajo are only fighting for their political lives. Unknown to most Nigerians, actually, it is the overbearing international oil companies (IOCs) and their big-time gold, diamond, uranium and other precious metal mining counterparts in Nigeria that are fiercely opposed to restructuring. It is our unitary federalism that hands them the weapon with which they steal the country blind, sometimes with the help of those in charge of the centre, so they don’t want to be dismantled and replaced.

They can’t be more opposed to restructuring because if we restructure and hand over the ownership of oil and precious

minerals to their rightful regional and state owners, then, it will be difficult, if not impossible, for these foreign imperialists to continue stealing and exploiting our vast natural resource wealth.

This is because once the resources are in their rightful owners’ hands; these owners will definitely take full charge of protecting what belongs to them.

And by fully controlling what belongs to them and monitoring how they are explored and exploited, these foreign thieves will lose, since they can no longer connive with some politicians and top security men and women in faraway Abuja to steal these resources; these new owners will be the ones calling the shots by making sure that they maximise the benefit from the resources that are in their backyard. In addition, they will also ensure that it is the best environment-friendly processes that are adopted during exploration and mining of these resources of theirs.

Understandably, these foreign imperialists cannot tolerate presidential candidates like Atiku Abubakar who are patriotically advocating for the restructuring of the country so that Nigerians and their politicians will get back to work, as is the case in all federal systems around the world. But no matter how powerful they are, it is in our power – using our PVC – to remove their agents in government by electing patriotic leaders like Atiku, the champion of restructuring. This way, he could begin the process of dismantling this imperialist system that has been used to fully exploit our vast natural wealth, thanks to their cleverness in plotting the 1966 coups.

Our philosopher-king Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who should know better and who should be bold to speak in favour of restructuring against unitary federalism, has become an advocate of anti-restructuring because of political exigency.

–––Enwegbara, an Abuja based development economist, can be reached at basil_enwegbara@yahoo.com or 07038501486 (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

ͺ͸͹΁˝ ÒÏ ÏÙÚÖÏÝ˪ ËÖÓÎ ÜßÝÞ ÓØ ÑáßËØãÓ Louis Amoke

I

n what could be described as a revalidation of their earlier endorsement of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for a second term in office, the state’s workers and youths had while felicitating with the governor on Nigeria’s 58th IndependenceAnniversary, reiterated their firm support for his re-election, declaring that they were solidly behind him.

The enthusiastic workers and youths, who spoke separately through the state chairmen of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Paschal Ugwu, respectively, said the decision was based on their conviction that the governor has continued to entrench good governance, cater to their welfare and promote peaceful co-existence and national unity among residents of the state and beyond.

They described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a God-fearing, peace-loving, visionary, hardworking, unassuming, pragmatic and high-performing leader, whose style of governance is uncommon and remarkable in the annals of the state.

While labour applauded the governor’s giant developmental strides and his prompt payment of salaries on the 23rd of every month, “whether it falls on a Saturday or Sunday”, the youth stated that “our youth-friendly governor has actually delivered on his promises to the youth in particular and the people of the state in general”.

Reaffirming their valid trust in Gov. Ugwuanyi, the future leaders largely made up of students, reiterated that “with our 60% voting strength of the youth out of the number of eligible voters in Enugu State, we firmly re-assure you that your re-election is 100% guaranteed

by God’s grace”.

On the part of the workers, they maintained that Ugwuanyi “is a governor who has made workers’ welfare his first priority”, disclosing

that “he paid June and July salaries even when FAAC did not sit for two months”, which they noted “is not obtainable anywhere”.

According to them, “we are supporting his second term bid, and every other endeavor beyond his 2nd term, we will always stand by him. We have never had it so good before. For the first time we are having a governor who has a listening ear. He has compassion for workers and carries labour along in taking decisions that affect them. “So, we are delighted to say that in the three and half years of Ugwuanyi’s administration, the labour has fared very, very well in Enugu State. The workers are happy”.

It is therefore, noteworthy that the reassurance from the workers and youths, which came on the eve of the colourful and hitch-free governorship primary election of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, was a morale booster to Gov. Ugwuanyi, whose emergence as the party’s flag bearer made history, being the first governor of the state to contest in the gubernatorial primary election of a political party as a sole aspirant.

The outcome of the primary election was a revalidation of the earlier endorsements by every organ of the party in the state, which consequently culminated in the gale of endorsements from virtually all spheres of the society, including leaders of religious and traditional institutions as well as opposition political parties.

The overwhelming support accorded the governor by his party men and women during the primaries, was also a confirmation of the confidence they repose in him as a great achiever who has made peace, good governance and participatory democracy the hallmark of his administration.

One remarkable aspect of the just concluded PDP primaries in Enugu State is that this was the first time the people (party members) were allowed to elect those who will fly the party’s flags in all the elective positions at the general election. Kudos must therefore go to Gov. Ugwuanyi for deepening the tentacles of

internal democracy in the party.

Prior to the said primary election, the ward chairmen of the PDP from Enugu West Senatorial Zone, during their solidarity visit to the governor at the Government House to reaffirm their support for his re-election, applauded him for entrenching participatory democracy in the state. They said that the governor’s leadership style has rejuvenated the party’s organs at the grassroots, according them their rightful place in the scheme of things as “proud ward leaders”.

They therefore aligned themselves with the eight years rotational agreement among the three senatorial districts of the state for the office of the governor, stressing that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the governor completes the remaining four-year tenure of the Enugu North Senatorial Zone for the position to rotate to the next zone.

Addressing delegates at the primaries, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, expressed delight that it was the first time in the past 21 years of his active participation in politics, that the PDP would be having a sole aspirant as well as a non-contentious governorship primary election.

He therefore commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for holding the forte for the party and state, saying: “Today we have not only a governor who has performed very well, he has also entrenched peace in Enugu State”.

Declaring Gov. Ugwuanyi as the party’s governorship candidate after polling 2,782 valid votes out of total votes cast of 2,859, by the delegates, the Chairman of the 5-man State Electoral Committee that conducted the primaries, Senator Ambuno Zik, commended the peaceful atmosphere in the state, describing the governor as “a humble, indefatigable and amiable” leader, who is so much loved by his people.

–Amoke writes from Enugu State (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Buhari vs Atiku: Rumble in the Jungle Mbok, how I wish this was a physical fight. It would have been so exciting.

Lanky Buhari versus thick, black with big baldhead Atiku. Your guess is as good as mine as to how the fight would have gone. With people like Osho, Tinubu and El- Rufai on lanky Buhari’s corner, he would continually be made to believe that despite the weight difference, he would beat the mincemeat out of Atiku. They will be telling him to dance like a butterfly and sting like a bee. They will advise that the fight be staged directly in front of the US Embassy for psychological advantage.

They will tell Buhari to suspend ‘other room’ activities untill further notice and go for a kunu diet weeks before the fight.

CHIKE’S RICHARD QUEST’ OGEAH This is my oga and chairman o, so all those like Lami who will be saying oya yab Chike, yab Chike not knowing that I can never yab the man who remains an enigma in my life. So the other day, he invited me over to the set of his new TV talk show anchored by the cerebral, Dr. Rueben Abati with such giants like Professor Akinterinwa and Professor Kila as co panelists. You see, watching some of these so-called political talk shows that litter our media space is usually a risk because some of those analysts can give you Ebola. I kid you not. But as I watched this eminent panel at the ARISE TV studio, I felt at peace.

The deep and incisive analysis, the clarity of thought and the confidence in stressing positions all were a delight to watch. Uncle Chike held his own o, he spoke very creatively and when discussions got to the aviation sector where as MD of Sahcol he birthed a major miracle with the very successful privatization of the parastatal, he was simply marvelous to behold. His position on the recent payment of benefits to Nigerian Airways staff was simply magic. For me, that Arise TV programme anchored by uncle Abati is a must-watch and I strongly recommend it too. The only problem is the make-up.

You should see uncle Chike when they are putting on the make-up, he would just be smiling as they dab the thing. Na only lipstick them no dey put.

OBJ – STAND DOWN My lord, this is one fight I will need for you to stay clear. We all know of your legendary dislike for this your boy Atiku, and the fact that you will not only tear your passport but also your birth certificate if you still have it rather than have Atiku sit on that seat. Daddy, it is now time for you to calm down and

Ogeah

On the other hand, Atiku’s handlers would be telling him to be calm and that this skinny opponent is not infallible.

That he should just not worry himself and look towards his weak point which is his long nose. A punch to that nose and Buhari is on the canvas. No training required, just focus and determination to land that sucker punch. But alas, no be Oshodi fight, this is a serious contest between these two old and tired guards for the future of our country. Nigeria has once again been presented with recycled and nothing-new-to-offer old guards to choose from. What we are voting for is a lesser of two evils as against the possible

fresh vision and ideas of new candidates.

These two have been within the corridors of power since I was born in the dense jungle of Shomolu. Remember the matter of the 53 suitcases? They have been fed and pampered by the Nigerian state and have gained tremendously from the inefficiency and dislocation that is the bane and once again, this generation has been presented with these two again to choose from. Well, I know the lesser evil, I am standing with you and I will surely cast my vote when the time comes for the thick lesser evil with the hope that at least we can experience some real change if at all. Mbok, shouldn’t I be migrating?

Atiku, Kindly Consider The Duke of Shomolu My lord, you see in your search for a running mate, you should not go further than the Duke of Shomolu. I am telling you, I come well regarded by all the vendors south of the River Benue. You just go and ask them and they will tell you how pure my analysis of current affairs is. I hear the choice of a running mate after your seismic victory at the primary is now becoming very herculean because of its potential of damaging or increasing your chances at the polls. I have heard so many names being bandied from Obi, through to the former Agric Minister and even Charly Boy. In the event that you would not consider my candidacy, permit me to proffer some advice: In choosing a running mate, kindly look at capacity. Look at ability to understand the problems of this country and choose a candidate that better understands these issues and will work strenuously to alleviate these issues. If you fall to the temptation of choosing a candidate for selfish and pecuniary reasons, you will have yourself to blame because you will still fail at the polls. You know this is your last chance at this your age, so you must calm down, drink kunu and consult widely before making this strategic appointment. I have said my own, if you like listen, if you like don’t listen, no problem. I wish you well sir.

Oshiomole

that wahala so that we would not be distracted with this Atiku and Buhari matter. We really see reasons with your position but my lord this is a fight of a lesser evil and this fight must be won by the lesser evil with or without your support. So sir let’s think of how we will get Prof. to shave his beard or even cut that his grey hair, that should keep us busy until after the elections; thank you.

PS: Thank you Baba Iyabo as you have thrown your weight behind Atiku.

GBENGA ASHAFA – TILL WE MEET AGAIN

Atiku

just watch what is about to unfold. In my books, you remain one of the most enigmatic Nigerians, the greatest living Nigerian and a living legend and as such

your weight and positions on national issues carry a lot of followership. My prayer is for you to kindly concentrate on Prof. Soyinka, you can continue with

Obasanjjo

Ashafa

You know I was so upset about the APC structure that I almost laughed at Gbenga Ashafa for this ‘misfortune’.

This is a fine gentleman who has carried himself with dignity and honour. I once sat across him in his office long time ago to discuss issues in Magodo. He came across as humble and deep, so the news of his not going back to the Senate did not get to me very well. But like I said, I was so disgusted - Editor don’t vex- with the whole APC wahala that I am almost not seeing any angel in that place. Gbenga really does not belong in that hood but then again, the structure made him and it has now consumed him, no problem there is more to life. Come and be chairman at Magodo Residence Association. Come and see the number of female joggers in that place, they need some kind of regulation sir, kai. Your poster kuku litter the whole place so there will be no need to print new ones, but please remove the APC logo abeg if not you may just lose that one sef. Pele, Egbon God knows better.

DAYO BUSH: A BATTLE WELL FOUGHT This man is my friend o. I swear I met him through Richard Edet, the head

Bush

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George Ekpungu

honcho at Nokia. He was in the House of Representatives at that time and I spent a wonderful time in his Mende house. I even met the madam who although did not give me food to eat that morning, still left an impression. When he lost his seat, I tried to reach him to console him, but the bobo no take my calls so I leave am alone o. However, when I started seeing him on social media asking for support for a comeback, I was initially worried because I know for a fact that elections are not won on social media pages, that na Dele Momodu turf. But I should not have worried, the man had done his homework and surely emerged victorious. Well done, bro. I reached out last weekend and congratulated him, people like these are what we require in the system if we have any hope. Bro, when and where is the party?

Duke

Melaye

Chief Remi Tinubu: Three Times a Lady Mummy has been returned unopposed to the Senate. For those of you who do not know, she represents a neighbouring constituency to Shomolu and as such has continued to gain my interest and attention. Mummy would be doing a third term and from what we are seeing, be like say there would be no tenor limit for this one o. This na senator for life I am telling you. But no problem, we are not complaining.

The only issue is that I have never seen the constituency office opened all the five times I have gone there to discuss issues of mutual interest. All attempts to meet mummy both in my capacity as

the Duke of Shomolu and a concerned neighbouring citizen has fallen to naught but no problem, we will continue to support her representation as we believe that Yaba and the zone she is representing cannot have the kind of representation they are having today. So mummy, well done and congrats and let’s keep the flag flying, hope you have memorized the blueprint o, because if not, no matter the dexterity in the other room, or culinary skills, you will not escape the wrath of the lion. You remain three times a lady. God bless you.

GEORGE EKPUNGU – IT IS WELL George is the immediate-past commissioner of something in Cross river state. He resigned to throw his hat into the ring in his bid to represent Ikom federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. George does not come finer than this. A well trained and exposed lawyer and advocate, having worked at the CBN, EFCC and held trainings with the FBI amongst such other strong institutions. He ran a very cognitive campaign and would have surely emerged victorious if not for the PDP caveat which is returning incumbents back to their seats. George my brother, no worry, no cry; you have age on your side, that is if na your real age we dey see, you know it is very difficult to know the real age of short people. But anyways, the future is bright and we will reemerge someday. Well done my brother.

DONALD DUKE – A FINE BOY You people will not know just how good-looking this dude is until you get close. He came to see my play, Isale Eko, at the Muson in the company of Femi Adeshina the Presidential spokesman who has been really quiet these days.

The way I was just staring at this bobo, you would think I was a lonely spinster.

His charisma is infectious and his sense of humor is just something else. But you see, my lord can miscalculate. Defecting from the PDP and joining this party, can’t even remember the name and emerging their presidential candidate would only just guarantee him votes from his church, street and account officer in whatever bank he is banking with. If he had remained in PDP today, we would be shouting for him to be the

Remi Tinubu

running mate of lesser evil Atiku with a sure chance at the presidency. Now, we are in one no-name party and will be wallowing in obscurity with them Sowore and Fela Durotoye. Kai, who is his pastor o?

DINO MELAYE – WHAT CAN WE DO? What can we do with this one? He is just an enigma. I simply love the bobo.

As I write I am watching a video of the great senator wiping the chair of the Senate President with his handkerchief.

He carried out this task with glee and then went on to salute ‘the chair of The Senate President of the Federal republic of Nigeria’. I love Dino and simply believe that this system needs people with his level of boldness, fearlessness and deep loyalty. You know where he stands, who he stands with on any issue.

You can predict him and as such you

can rely on him. He is a politician that would make my hall of fame any day.

Well done bro, na you biko. Just avoid moving vehicles. Lol.

EMIR SANUSI – ARE YOU SERIOUS? Mbok, the report of your speech at the University of Ibadan has scared me o. They say you said that Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world and will be so in the forseeable future. Kai, fear is catching me o. So are you saying till I die and my great grandchildren die we will still be wallowing in this suffering?

What can we do o, should we run away or should we invite the colonialist to come and recolonize us because it is looking like we just may not be able to come out of this wahala even if we carry Tinubu’s blueprint and pour holy water all over it? My Lord, you are not lying, things are really dire in this country.

Emir Sanusi

Infrastructural collapse, inflation on the rise again, mono-dependence on oil, visionless leadership, sit tight and brainless elites controlling state power, my brother please do you have vacancy in that your emirate so that I can come and be insulated from all this wahala?

It’s all just so tiring. Even the candidates are not talking seriously about issues but instead are talking about US visa and all what not. Mbok, kindly advise what we can do or should we all just run away?

EL RUFAI AND THE MEMO You see, me I can fear to write anything about this fellow. My very good friend at Chocolate City readily comes to mind each time I think of writing something about this my little friend. But you see his penchant for writing memos and the controversies they provoke make him very attractive to a trouble maker like me. I have just seen a statement from the Presidency denying that they received any memo from oga asking him to initiate the recall of Senator Sani. Well, it is not today that we have been hearing about memos from Kaduna both leaked and unleaked so we have our position despite the presidential statement. All I would say to all of you who are waiting for me to say something about El- Rufai that would lead me to be travelling to Kaduna every week to go and answer question is to go and buy OBJ’s book and read what he said about this subject. No be me talk am o. If he want to fight, let him go try himself for Ota, then we go know who be who for this country. As for me, I dey for Blue spot for Morocco Road Shomolu dey wait for my drink.

AL-MUSTAPHA FOR PRESIDENT Laugh wan kill me o. Even this one has jumped into the fray. He wants to be president mbok of which country if I may ask? That is the problem with democracy, it gives everyone including smurfs’ the right to aspire. He is daring sha, I must give it to him. He has gone to join one party like that and I am sure muscled his way to emerge as their presidential candidate. I sincerely hope he has not disbanded his notorious presidential guards for he would need them if he tries to come to Shomolu to campaign. What effrontery!

ADIEU FUNKE ADEDOYIN The news of her passing had hit Nigerians like a thunderbolt. She was said to have passed on after a gallant fight with cancer. May God give not only her family but Nigerians the strength to bear this loss. Sleep well my darling.

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SOCIALMEDIABITS Last week on social media, Obasanjo associated with Atiku, Aisha Buhari dissociated from the APC and the Nigerian passport took a knock...

I

t’s safe to say last week wasn’t a good one for President Buhari and the APC on social media. The week started with the opposition PDP choosing his erstwhile ally and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its flag-bearer for the 2019 presidential elections. Thus, the trends on social media during the week centred on Atiku and new words derived from his name like ‘Atikulate’.

When the name ‘Buhari’ and the APC trended, it wasn’t for good. The week started with the president’s wife - not for the first time – throwing his associates under the bus, going as far as to DISSOCIATE (emphasis hers) from the party in a lengthy twitter thread condemning the APC’s primaries, with special mention reserved for the party

chairman, Adams Oshiomole.

Meanwhile, Atiku was the subject of timelines throughout the week; from his emergence as the PDP’s presidential candidate, to his mid-week make-up meeting with former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, to the announcement of his running mate later in the week, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi. In the midst of all these, both parties traded barbs and framed the choice as incompetence versus corruption, which left many Twitter commentators frustrated that despite an array of contestants for the country’s top job, the options have been narrowed down to two septuagenarians who were in the Cont’d on pg 81

with DEMOLA OJO demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

OCTOBER 14, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

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SOCIALMEDIABITS same camp this time last year.

With the excitement following what many think will be a closely-contested presidential race, it almost went unnoticed that the National Assembly reconvened after more than two months of recess.

If this escaped your attention, it’s because it was anti-climatic, as senators on both sides of the political divide sheathed swords rather than battle it out over the planned impeachment of principal officers.

To find news unrelated to politics on social media this past week was a herculean task. Even more difficult was to find an event worth celebrating. There was the strike by airport workers at the MMIA in Lagos. Then the Overland plane that went up in flames during what should have been a routine inspection.

Sticking with aviation, the suspended Nigeria Air project has refused to stay out of the news, with Twitter keeping the story alive. The latest; the purported partners listed by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, dissociated

themselves from the project. A lot of money has surely gone up in smoke.

Staying on the theme of dissociation, Tanzania withdrew visa-on-arrival status from Nigerian citizens, along with those from Mali, Somalia, Niger and Yemen (imagine the association). Now, Nigerians with plans to visit the East African country and its popular vacation spot, Zanzibar, will need to go through a process that could take from two weeks to a month.

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, needs 38 visas to travel within the continent because the Nigerian passport is one of the most difficult to travel the world with. This is one more reason why the political class needs to get its act together and help bolster the country’s image.

Dangote’s fellow business magnate, Tony Elumelu, started the week lending support to the creative industry at the premiere of The Men’s Club, a new web series launched on UBA’s online TV channel, Red TV. At the moment, Nigerian creatives are the ones boosting the country’s image.

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NEWSXTRA Court Orders Shebah, Orjiako to Pay Three Banks $144m Debt Akinwale Akintunde A Federal High Court sitting Ikoyi has certified judgment delivered by the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division and upheld by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, directing Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd, Allenne Ltd and its president, Dr. Ambrosie Orjiako to pay African Export-Import Bank, Diamond Bank Plc and Skye Bank Plc a sum of $144.2 million being the outstanding and accrued interest of a facility granted to the defendants in 2011.

Orjiako, one of the founders of Seplat Petroleum Development Company (SEPLAT) and currently its Chairman, is also listed as the President of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd. The court gave this certification following two decisions from both the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division and the Supreme Court.

Certifying the court judgments on March 28, the court ordered the defendants to comply with the judgment and denied the defendants permission to appeal it.

The first defendant, Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd is a Nigerian company engaged in oil exploration and production while the second defendant, Allenne Ltd is the guarantor of the borrowed loan.

The third defendant, Dr. Ambrosie Orjiako, is the President of Shebah and a personal guarantor of the liabilities of Shebah and Allenne pursuant to a Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity dated July 1, 2011.

The claimants had dragged the defendants before the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division in order to be able to recover an outstanding of the facility loan granted to them.

The claimants had apply for a summary judgment against the defendants for sums outstanding under a syndicated loan facility agreement totaling over $144.2m, together with interest on those sums.

They had prayed the court

to determine whether it is stance, the defendants now inferring that the claimants, transactions. It is impossible Agreement is on the claimarguable that, in entering the contended that no sums or any of them, habitually to draw any inferences as ants’ written standard terms Facility Agreement, the par- whatsoever are due to the put forward the LMA form to what starting points may of business. The suggestion ties were contracting on the claimants, adding that they (or a tailored version of it) as a have been taken in other that the disclosure might claimants’ written standard (the defendants) have argu- basis for their syndicated loan transactions, involving other alter the position is a clasterms of business so as to able defence to the claim. transactions. permutations of lenders and sic example of hoping that engage section 3 of the Unfair The judge however ruled “The most likely scenario is other lawyers. something may turn up, in Contract Terms Act 1997 that there is no merit in the that it was chosen or selected “I therefore satisfied that this case a forlorn hope given (‘UCTA’). defendants’ contention on by the claimants’ lawyer and the defendants do not have a the evidence that there was in In a judgment delivered the issues on the ground that that they will have adapted it realistic prospect of establish- fact a degree of real negotiaby Mr. Justice Phillips of the there is simply no basis for to reflect the specifics of the ing at trial that the Facilities tion of the final terms.”

High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division on February 19, 2016, the court said Shebah had taken the loan for purpose of discharging certain of its existing borrowing and to provide working capital for its operations, including funding for a work-over programme to stimulate production at oil wells in the Ukpokiti oil field.

According to the court, the defendants never denied that the claimants advanced $150 million to Shebah pursuant to the Facility Agreement, nor dispute that, apart from paying one instalment of $6,111,111.11 in June 2012 but Shebah has failed to meet any further repayment instalment, despite the claimants agreeing to the deferral of several instalments.

The judge said in a previous proceeding, which commenced on March 11, 2014, the defendants agreed that, in exchange for the claimants’ discontinuing the proceedings, Shebah would repay all sums outstanding under the L - R: Executive Director, Administration, Ibru Organisation, Sir Henry Muogho; his wife, Lady Jacklyn; Officiating Priest, Sacred Heart Catholic Facility Agreement in two Church, Apapa, Rev. Fr. Osbert Egbe; and Managing Director, Fundsworth Limited, Sir Sami Omai, during the 2018 Cultural Day of the church in tranches: $49.999,999.86 (with Apapa ... recently accrued interest) by April 30, 2014 and the balance of the loans and interest by July 1, 2014.

He added that Shebah failed South/Ipokia Federal ConstituGovernment Areas (LGAs). ing. to pay any part of the sum Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta Alhaji Muhammad Indabawa, ency, as its standard bearer.

He gave insight into his goverdue on April 30, 2014. “The The Chairman of Ogun State claimants were therefore en- The governorship candidate nance blueprint during an exclu- who chaired the electoral panel, titled, under the terms of the of All Progressives Congress sive interview with THISDAY in noted that the five governor- APC, Chief Derin Adebiyi Discontinuance Agreement, (APC) in Ogun State, Mr. Dapo his Iperu-Remo residence, noting ship aspirants namely; Mr. Jimi claimed that Akinlade polled to commence fresh proceed- Abiodun yesterday disclosed that he would run a government Lawal polled 51, 153 votes; Mr. 190,987 votes to defeat five other ings in respect of their claims. that if elected, he would run a that would focus on the masses Abimbola Ashiru polled 29, 764; governorship aspirants, though Sen. Gbenga Kaka 17,771; Mr. the NWC rejected the outcome of These proceedings were government with focus on the of the state and not on the elite.

An eight-man electoral panel Abayomi Hunye 9,110 and Hon. the parallel primary election. commenced on June 2014, re- masses and rural communities But speaking on his govset up by the National Working Adekunle Akinlade 23, 443. peating the claims previously in the state.

Abiodun’s declaration did not ernance blueprint yesterday, Abiodun, Chief Executive Committee (NWC) had penmade and adding a claim against Shebah in respect of Officer of Heyden Petroleum ultimate Wednesday declared go down well with the camp Abiodun pledged to focus on the $49.999,999.86 due under Limited and First Independent Abiodun winner having polled of the governor which held pro-people programmes, which the Discontinuance Agree- Power Limited, promised to 102,305 votes to defeat five other its parallel congress earlier on according to him, would be bring the state’s internally gener- aspirants in a governorship pri- Tuesday and declared Hon Ad- geared towards ameliorating the ment”, the judge said.

Phillips stated that not- ated revenue (IGR) close to what mary election conducted in the ekunle Akinlade, the incumbent living conditions of the people of withstanding their previous Lagos State is currently generat- state’s 236 wards and 20 Local lawmaker representing Yewa the state.

CULTURAL PROMOTION...

Dapo Abiodun: I’ll Never Run Elitist Govt if Elected

British High Commissioner, Deputy Mark Girl Child Day Ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos recently organised a competition for young boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18.

The competition was structured deliberately to include both genders in order to engage them in the all-important conversation about how to reduce the disparity in the number of girls who receive education.

The boys were asked their views on why girls’ education was important, and what they could do to help, while the girls were asked to share their dreams and how they intended to impact their communities with education.

Out of over 150 video entries,

six boys and girls from across different schools and social strata in Lagos were invited to the British Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Laure Beaufils’ residence, on Thursday, October 11, where the High Commissioner Paul Arkwright, coincidentally on his farewell visit to Lagos, was also present to host the children to tea and conversation.

The chosen were Great Ebeke of Kuramo Junior Secondary School; Mensah Christiana Gbemisola of Kuramo Senior Secondary School; Vihaan Nagarkar of British International School; Aqeel Bello and Mahaprabha Sapre of Children International School; Mafeni Praise of Deeper Life High School;

John Onuigbo, Moyosore Atteh of Corona Schools; Mololuwa Faithfulness Adeleke of Livingspring School; Feyisikemi Okunrinboye of Oxbridge College; Audrey Ekpeyoung of Vivian Fowler Memorial Girls College; and Erere Daniel of Eko Boys Grammar School.

The 12 shared their experiences and views on the education of girl children. They proposed solutions and potential avenues through which the British government, but also themselves in their individual capacities, could further help. They also discussed other societal issues facing girl children, and the educational sector, in general, as well as the importance of male allies in the fight for equality.

Obasanjo, Jeffrey Sachs Propose African Education Fund Bayo Akinloye Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and development economist, Jeffrey Sacks yesterday called for the establishment of an African fund for education as they delivered the second Babacar Ndiaye Lecture in Bali, Indonesia.

The two personalities, who were the guest speakers at the international lecture series introduced by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in 2017 to honour the late Dr. Babacar Ndiaye, said such a fund would ensure that every child in Africa got a full high-quality education in this generation.

They also called on African leaders to support the fund and to make a commitment that

every African child should be empowered and financed to stay in school until completing his or her secondary education.

Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, New York, noted that Africa should support every child to stay in school through age 18 and to achieve 100 per cent secondary school completion.

He noted that three quarters of African children were currently not completing secondary education and said that with an African fund for education and commitment by African leaders, the continent will be transformed into a middle income to high income economy.

Sachs argued that the current global disequilibrium was

working to Africa’s benefit as it presented the African Union (AU) with the opportunity to fully realise its potential as a great unifier, saying that Africa should be a politically and economically unified region.

He said, “The AU is the right vision and the right instrument for Africa’s unity. A unified Africa will be largest region in the world and can become a global leader by taking advantage of the most recent technological advances and with the introduction of open boarders of trade. Sachs said that the current disruption of technology had brought about dramatic technological revolution in a way that worked to Africa’s advantage as the continent could leapfrog development through the adoption of digital technologies.

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OCTOBER 14, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

THE COVER

Atiku

Buhari

BUHARI VS ATIKU

HowTwo Northerners Will Divide the North in 2019

NIGERIA

Not a few supporters and those who are fed up with President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership style believed Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, remain the only person capable of dislodging the incumbent president. With Atiku now the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Samuel Ajayi looks at Atiku’s presidential quest since 1993, his rapprochement with his estranged former boss, Olusegun Obasanjo, Buhari’s dwindling political fortunes in the North and and why the Presidency is in panic mode

2019

attributes you exhibited in the position you found yourself. I strongly believe that I was right. It was in the overall interest of everyone and everything to take such a position.”

Obasanjo said further that from what had transpired “in the last couple of hours” or so, yo Adebanjo, the leader of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Atiku has shown remorse.

Afenifere, had gone to meet former President Olusegun Obasanjo “You have asked for forgiveness and you have indicated that you have learnt some at his Otta Farm. His mission was simple: Obasanjo must forgive good lessons and you will mend fences and make amends as necessary and as desirable.

Abubakar Atiku, his estranged former deputy, who had just picked Whenever or wherever you might have offended me, as a Christian who asks for God’s the presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Obasanjo forgiveness of my sins and inadequacies on daily basis, I forgive and I sincerely advise had remained adamant but the octogenarian reminded him that if he (Obasanjo) truly wanted President Muhammadu Buhari out of power in you to learn from the past and do what is right and it will be well with you.”

Obasanjo said Atiku, of all the PDP presidential aspirants, had “the widest and greatest 2019, the only person that stood any chance of defeating him was Atiku.

Still, Obasanjo was adamant but it was only on the surface. He eventually softened exposure, experience, outreach and possibly the best machinery and preparation for seeand the historic meeting of October 11, 2018 took place when Atiku led PDP leaders ing the tough and likely dirty campaign ahead through. From what I personally know of that included the national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, to Otta and also in you, you have the capacity to perform better than the incumbent. You surely understand attendance were Catholic Bishop, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, founder of the economy better; you have business experience, which can make your administration Living Faith Ministries, David Oyedepo, and Islamic cleric and preacher, Shehu Gumi. business-friendly and boost the economy and provide jobs.”

Trust Obasanjo and self-adulation, he did not miss the opportunity to take a jibe at He also said Atiku had a “better outreach nationally and internationally and that can Atiku on how he missed out in succeeding him in 2007. translate to better management of foreign affairs. You are more accessible and less inflexHe said: “When it started, it was meant for Atiku to succeed Obasanjo. In the presence ible and more open to all parts of the country in many ways. As Pastor Bakare, one-time of these distinguished leaders of goodwill today, let me say it openly that we have running mate of the incumbent President said, ‘You are a wazobia man.’ And that should reviewed what went wrong on the side of Atiku. And in all honesty, my former Vicehelp you in confronting the confrontable and shunning nepotism.”

President has re-discovered and re-positioned himself. As I have repeatedly said, it is not In fact, Obasanjo actually referred to Atiku as president in waiting. This showed the so much what you did against me that was the issue but what you did against the party, extent Obasanjo had actually forgiven his former deputy and is ready to work for him to the government and the country. I took the stand I had taken based on the character and dislodge the incumbent.

Continued on Pg.84-86

Mending a Broken Political Fence

A

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 14, 2018

SUNDAYCOVER Buhari vs. Atiku: The Battle for the Soul of the North

President Muhammadu Buhari declare winner at 2018 APC Covention nomination Eagle Square, Abuja

Will Atiku be Fourth Time Lucky?

The first time Atiku made attempt to become president was 1993; though he quickly dropped his ambition in deference to the man who brought him to politics and his late mentor, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. Yar’Adua was later banned by the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida from participating in the presidential primaries of the National Republican Convention, NRC, and Social Democratic Party, SDP, of April 1993.

Atiku quickly threw his hat into the ring but he was defeated by the late MKO Abiola.

In fact, Atiku came third behind Babagana Kingibe who was to later become the running mate of Abiola. The Third Republic was stillborn. Abiola won but he never exercised his mandate. In 1999, Atiku wanted to run for president but the mood in the country would not allow that. After the death of the late General Sani Abacha, the democratic space which had hitherto been ominously stifled became open again, but it was mutually agreed that the presidency should be zoned to the South, South-west specifically, to appease the pains of June 12 presumed to have been won by MKO Abiola, a Yoruba man.

Atiku quickly went for the governorship of his home state, Adamawa, which he effortlessly won. But fate had other plans for him. The founding chairman of the PDP, the late Solomon Lar, had wanted Obasanjo to pick the late Abubakar Rimi, governor of old Kano State between 1979 and 1983, as his running mate. Apparently, Lar wanted to compensate Rimi for his activities in the G-34 which was one of the component groups that formed PDP. The G-34 was a group of prominent Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides, who wrote a letter to Abacha asking him to resign and even reject the joint nomination of the five political parties then. Apart from this Rimi and Sule Lamido, who later became governor of Jigawa State, were in detention for months between 1997 and 1998.

However, Obasanjo had other plans. Those plans included a certain Atiku who had by then already had the governorship mandate of Adamawa State in his hands. Atiku duly obliged Obasanjo to be his running mate and the rest is history.

Going by his age (he was 53 in 1999 and would have been 61 by 2007) Atiku was primed to succeed Obasanjo by the time the latter finished his term in 2007, assuming he did two terms. But hardly had the duo assumed office than Atiku started scheming against his boss. Many are of the opinion, till today, that the ‘Mandela Option’ campaign was sponsored by Atiku. The ‘Mandela Option’ was a campaign to make Obasanjo do only one term just like the late South African legend, Nelson Mandela, who did only one term between 1994 and 1999 and bowed out for his deputy, Thabo Mbeki, to take over from him.

The campaign did not work and Obasanjo did the second term and ensured that Atiku did not succeed him. In fact, the former vice-president decamped to the Action Congress, AC, and ran on their platform where he was roundly beaten.

During the build-up to the 2011 general elections, Atiku threw his hat into the ring again. He wanted and actually battled the PDP presidential ticket with the then incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan. Atiku ran a rather acrimonious campaign for the ticket but lost and he braced again for 2015.

As the storm started gathering towards 2015, Atiku knew the PDP ticket would be for Jonathan alone. In fact, the party did not even sell nomination form to any other aspirant.

It was only Jonathan that picked the only form and was the party’s presidential candidate. After consultations with his associates across the country, Atiku decamped to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. His aim was to pick the ticket of the party but the powers that be in the party had settled for Buhari. Atiku did some muscling at the party’s nomination convention in Lagos but he lost to Buhari. Atiku, earlier this year, defected back to PDP and has now picked the ticket.

Atiku Abubakar declare winner of Presidential Candidate at 2018 PDP Covention nomination, Port Harcourt name in print told THISDAY that they were aware that there would be some discomfort after Atiku defected to the PDP and that discomfort would become manifest if Atiku was picked by the major opposition party. He was chosen.

“From day one, we knew that the only person that could give Buhari a run for his money in the North is Atiku,” the campaign director, who is poised to play another major role against 2019, told THISDAY last week. “Yes, Buhari has a cult-like following among the poor people in the North but this can be broken and after a thorough analysis, we realised that of all the PDP candidates, only Atiku has the appeal in the North to challenge Buhari.”

He went on to analyse states where Atiku would likely defeat Buhari. These states include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and even Gombe.

“Don’t forget that these are states which the APC won in 2015. We would be living a fool’s paradise if we think it would be a stroll in the part just as it was in 2015. No, it won’t,” he declared.

NIGERIA Between Elites’ Endorsement and Backing of the ‘Talakawas’

In all the three times that Buhari has contested for the presidency before his success of 2015, he had always had a very good showing in the core north. In fact, of the over 11 million plus votes he had in 2011, 80% of it came from the North. Afiz Abolayo, one of his ardent supporters in the South said what has been going for ‘Sai Baba’ is the cult-like followership he enjoys with the poor people of the North who see him the symbol of modesty and Spartan lifestyle.

“I doubt if anyone can break this stranglehold on the poor people of the core north which Buhari currently enjoys,” he told this reporter earlier in the week.

In fact, it was more or less an anathema for anyone to say anything against Buhari in the build-up to the 2015 presidential election. He was seen as a god. Jonathan found it really hard to make any meaningful inroad into the core north in 2015. Even those who supported him dared not come into the open to show their support.

“They could be lynched,” one of his former aides told THISDAY. “When someone said that to even get drivers to help us drive our campaign vans was almost impossible, that person was not lying. It was that bad.”

Conversely, Buhari does not enjoy such or anything close to such with the elites in the North. Though in 2015, even when they were not really keen on a Buhari Presidency, they could not show their disapproval for fear of mob backlash. Retired generals, top businessmen and religious leaders have never seen Buhari as someone who has that national appeal and who can hold the country together even if they saw him as their best chance of getting power back to the North in 2015.

As 2019 approaches and with the emergence of Atiku who “they could do business with”, it remains to be seen if they will come into the open and campaign against Buhari. It must also be noted that there has been a considerable wane in the fanatical support by poor northerners for Buhari. No thanks to the harsh economic situation in the country as most of them have been grappling with trying to eke out a living under an economy that is dwindling every day. It remains to be seen if Atiku would be able to latch on this and deal Buhari a fatal political blow even among his primary constituency: the talakawa.

2019

Running on a ‘Strong Platform’, Riding on National Appeal

For the first time since 1993, Atiku has picked the ticket of a truly national and strong party with a very viable platform to realise his ambition. Before now, he has battled for the ticket of PDP and has failed each time. The only time he strove for the ticket of the now ruling APC, he failed as well. Now, Atiku has picked a ticket of a party that is really strong enough to help him realise his ambition to rule the country in his lifetime.

Beyond this is Atiku’s major strong point: cosmopolitan appeal. If there is one major advantage Atiku has over Buhari, it is the fact that Atiku has a national appeal which can only be bettered by that of Obasanjo, his former boss. Though a Muslim and a Fulani, no one sees Atiku in the light of an ethnic bigot or religious jingoist. He is at home with Muslims as well as Christians. Beyond this is the fact that he is seen as a detribalised Nigerian who is not likely to discriminate against anyone irrespective of where he or she comes from.

In the camp of the incumbent, Buhari, there is the fear that if there is anyone who could give their man a run for his money, it is Atiku. There is a panic in the camp of President Buhari as they see Atiku as a major threat to their principal’s reelection bid.

A director in the presidential campaign organisation of APC who did not want his

Incumbency Factor and Ominous APC Election Bullish Mood

If there was one thing APC made Nigerians realise in the Osun rerun election, it was the fact that it would take more than PVC to defeat it in an election. APC not only displayed a show of shame in the way thugs were used to perpetrate electoral infamy, but the way security agents were also compromised left a sour taste in the mouth. PDP members and persons suspected of being sympathetic to them were physically prevented from accessing polling centres. A reporter with The Cable, an online newspaper who had gone to cover the election, reported on how journalists and observers were harassed and beaten and some nearly killed by thugs while security agents looked the other way.

If Osun and Ekiti were dress rehearsals on how the ruling party would conduct the 2019 general elections, then the likes of Atiku and all those running on the platform of opposition parties already have their jobs cut out for them.

Therefore, it is very obvious that Atiku would have to deal with a massive incumbency advantage which is always deployed into a devastating effect during elections in Africa. “Police, both secret and regular police, are always deployed by the ruling party during elections in Africa,” Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, National Chairman of the Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN, told THISDAY during the week. “And you must not always forget a pliable electoral body that may not want to offend the ruling party. That is why we in the opposition parties must insist on a free and fair election by asking these state agencies to remain neutral and allow the people to decide for themselves.”

Good advice but for now, Atiku can revel in his rapprochement with Obasanjo as he continues on his bid to be the second man to dislodge a sitting president in Nigeria’s political history.

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ͯͲ˜ ͰͮͯͶ ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

SUNDAYCOVER

Osinbajo: The President’s Worthy Ally Signed up already for another term with President Muhammadu Buhari if their re-election bid scales through, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has so far earned his principal’s confidence and loyalty, writes Shola Oyeyipo

I

n Nigeria’s recent political history, the incumbent Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has carved a niche for himself as an academic, who not only attained the pinnacle of the teaching profession, but as a lawyer, who ventured into politics, became the vice-presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) and at every given opportunity, shored up his public acceptance by taking landmark decisions that were hitherto ignored even by his boss.

He was not entirely a political novice anyway. He’s been an Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State. He is an egghead, who contributed in no small way to the policy formulations in Lagos State.

Buhari’s himself has shown a penchant for picking lawyers, eggheads and persons with equal commitment and passion for national development as his running mates. He once selected lawyer-founder of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare as his running mate during one of his many attempts at the presidency.

So, from the onset, it was obvious that the choice of Professor Osinbajo as his deputy was informed by his brilliance and ability to effectively stand in for him at crucial moments. Not only did he prove capable and competent each time the president went on his routine vacations, apparently to attend to his health, Osinbajo showed loyalty at crucial moments.

For those who are familiar with Osinbajo from the beginning, they would simply say he had been prepared for the role he is currently playing, because of the brilliance he has always exemplified.

After his primary education at Corona Primary School, Lagos, he was at Igbobi College Yaba, Lagos between 1969 and 1975. There he won the State Merit Award in 1971; the School Prize for English Oratory (1972); Adeoba Prize for English Oratory (1972-1975); Elias Prize for Best Performance in History (WASC, 1973); School Prize for Literature (HSC, 1975); and African Statesman Intercollegiate Best Speaker’s Prize (1974).

He showed similar excellence when studying for his undergraduate degree at the University of Lagos between 1975 and 1978. He obtained a Second-Class Upper Degree in Law and also won the Graham-Douglas Prize for Commercial Law. He completed the mandatory one-year professional training at the Nigerian Law School and was admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of Nigeria’s Supreme Court in 1979. In 1980, he attended the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he obtained a Master of Law degree.

Apart from starting off with remarkable academic brilliance, Osinbajo’s work experience which spans nearly four decades is quite long and intimidating. This can aptly be captured in his numerous courtroom legal battle successes, series of books he authored, his contributions to state, national and international issues, his contribution at the University of Lagos as a Professor of Law in the Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law. His contributions to jurisprudence in Lagos State as the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice and a member of cabinet in the state are legendary and the records are still on the ground.

Osinbajo is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Olive Tree House of Prayer for All Nations, the Banana Island parish. He is reckoned as a no-nonsense personality, who seldom engages in frivolities.

Putting his training and character at work each time he stands in for President Buhari, Osinbajo always hits the headlines with his landmark decisions. Just recently, striking with an unbelievable blow at a high-ranking government official, who holds a very sensitive office, the Director General of the Department of Secret Service (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, Osinbajo showed he was handson when he sacked him.

His courage at taking the decision to punish the Secret Service boss for not clearing with his office before laying siege on the National Assembly, while Buhari was on a 10-day vacation demonstrated his preparedness to give any challenge confronting him the seriousness it deserves.

He sas been acting president on six different occasions since 2015, when the President Buhari-led administration came on board – about 180 days altogether and during those periods, Osinbajo was firmly in charge to the admiration of many.

First, in consonance with Section 145 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, President Buhari, always transmitted a letter to the National Assembly to state that during his leave, Osinbajo would act as president. That act of the president effectively rests leadership on his shoulders.

Smartly, he always seized the opportunity to exemplify his ability to stand in for his boss. The vice-president represents Buhari perfectly whenever he is away. The last

Osinbajo time Buhari was away for a long stretch, Osinbajo used the period to sign some Executive Orders, particularly the Ease of Doing Business, which was widely commended.

He was at the helm of affairs when crisis struck the All Progressives Congress (APC), which led to the exit of some lawmakers, including Senate President Bukola Saraki, who defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Then the lawmakers alleged that Osinbajo and APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole would be sponsoring some APC senators to cause chaos and instability in the National Assembly.

Contrary to that, Osinbajo lifted the hammer of justice and struck swiftly at Daura, whose action would have been interpreted as a collusion between the security services and the presidency to oppress the opposition, an action for which he attracted local and international accolades.

Record has it that it was when he was acting president that as part of plans to sort out the issue of militant resurgence in the Niger Delta region that has led to dwindling revenue from oil production that he visited Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, home of Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo in Warri South-west Local Government Area of Delta State on a fact-finding mission in January.

The second leg of his peace and dialogue tour of the oil-rich Niger Delta region, which took him to Bayelsa, Rivers and Imo States had far-reaching impacts, because he did not only reaffirm government’s commitment to addressing the sufferings of the people of the Niger Delta, where Nigeria gets its major income, he openly agreed that the region had been largely neglected and promised that the federal government would discontinue the ugly trend.

Later in Bayelsa, he assured the people that the federal government would provide rapid development for oil-producing communities in the region.

In Rivers State, Osinbajo held a town hall meeting with governors, former governors, community leaders, women and various youth groups in the region and he underscored the fact that Rivers was critical to the development and stability of the country. He pleaded with vandals of petroleum infrastructure to desist from the act, assuring them that unlike at any time in the past, the current administration was prepared to ensure that the needs of the region were met.

It was at the Rivers State meeting he hinted that

the federal government had secured funding of over $1billion from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to develop the Niger Delta region, a piece of news well received by the people. He also noted that the template for the ‘Clean up Ogoni’ project of the federal government would be replicated in other oil producing communities affected by oil exploration.

Some other interesting achievements of Osinbajo as acting president at a point included that he enlisted the support of the duo of Saraki and Dogora, to approve the federal government’s $1 billion Eurobond.

Last year, he assented to seven bills passed by the National Assembly. The acts that were mainly amendments to the principal act include Oath (Amendment) Act 2017, Defence Space Administration Act, Veterinary Surgeons (Amendment) Act), National Film and Video Censors Board, Pension Rights of Judges, Nigerian Institute of Social Science Establishment Act and Mortgage Institutions Amendment Act. At any point when the Buhari administration would be mentioned in the future, hardly can Osinbajo’s roles be forgotten, because he headlined the news for many positive presidential initiatives. For instance, despite assumptions that President Buhari was not disposed to the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, Osinbajo forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation as the substantive CJN. In another instance of personal example, the vicepresident rejected the new official residence built for the vice-president by the administration of Goodluck Jonathan. His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo was satisfied with living in Aguda House built in the 1990s by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration While Buhari was still on medical vacation, Osinbajo, in a letter to the Senate re-presented the name of the acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ibrahim Mustapha Magu for screening and subsequent confirmation as the substantive Chairman of the anti-graft agency.

He performed so brilliantly in the estimation of many including an international human rights organisation, Opinion Nigeria (ON), which urged President Buhari to tender his resignation letter and allow Osinbajo come in as substantive president but at the same time, there are those who are uncomfortable with him in acting capacity, but for the fact that his principal trusts him and prefers to be on the right side of the law.

NIGERIA

2019

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ OCTOBER 14, 2018

SUNDAYCOVER

Is Peter Obi the Vice-President-to-Be? The choice of Mr. Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Aubakar may have just sealed a near-perfect ticket, writes Olaseni Durojaiye

W

hen former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently referred to his erstwhile deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the president-to-be during a recent reconciliatory meeting facilitated by some clergies, not many people understood the import of the message, Obasanjo’s mob critics especially.

For the discerning, however, it was a weighty statement that cannot be wished away even in the most insensate moment of criticisms.

This, after crossing the hurdles of securing the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its primary held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State last weekend, the next river to cross for former Abubakar and by extension the party had been the search for a running mate.

The development had automatically thrown up names of different people, a majority of whom were from the Southeast geo-political zone. But the decision to pick a former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi as the choice running mate has been largely applauded as a round peg in a round hole.

The search was timely and decisive too.

It also took care of socio-political considerations and ethno-religious sentiments that are trending in the nation’s political space and which political elites often bandy in a bid to outsmart, arm twist and blackmail one another to feather their nest.

Obi’s pick also aligns with some political calculations and permutations.

This is because before his emergence, the thinking had favoured contenders from the South-south and the South-east zones, since the two zones had over the years been traditional strongholds of conservative politics and the PDP has always held sway in the two regions.

Besides, the APC has never produced more than a governor each in both zones. That itself can be said to be a recent development. It started when the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the parties that coalesced into the All Progressives Party (APC) produced the governor of Edo State in Adams Oshiomhole, the current National Chairman of the party, before the party subsequently consolidated its gains in the state.

The APC has never really got a foothold in the Southeast. At best, it had only produced a few legislators.

This was the case until a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the leading opposition party in the zone coalesced with other parties to form the APC and then secured the control of Imo State.

Given the foregoing, the simple route to go would have been to zone the running mate ticket to the zone.

Besides, that it would be viewed as a compensation for years of steadfast loyalty to the party. The two zones also parade an array of top PDP big wigs to choose from. But politics, particularly in Nigeria, is not that simplistic.

Although there is a school of thought which supports the idea that the choice of PDP’s running mate from the South-west would have been most pragmatic since that is the combination of the current government. But recent dynamics do not support that thinking. Besides, the Muhammadu Buhari administration was said to have also pondered changing the current formation to suit the present reality.

So, what is the current reality? The current reality is that the South-west has begun to look in the direction of the Senate Presidency, given how well and effectively the current occupant of the office, Dr. Bukola Saraki has carried on. That was why speculation was rife at some point that there were plans to change the Buhari/Yemi Osinbajo team in 2019.

But the plan was thwarted when some members of the presidency recently issued a statement saying the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket was still valid till 2023. This, of course, has been taken into account by the PDP, which has zoned running mate to the South-east. Although the senate presidency is not automatic for any zone

structed more than 900 kilometers of roads and at the same time asphalted and reconstructed bridges.

On account of his achievements, he installed a successor. He practically installed one of his bosom friends from their days at Christ THE King Comprehensive College (CKC), Onitsha, and business associate, Willie Obiano. Though they fell apart shortly after, that is not a new trend in the nation’s politics. His shock defection afterwards to the PDP was roundly condemned even as it depleted his political capital.

However, he has continued to be relevant even out of government. Obi has continued to contribute to discourses bordering on nation-building and good governance.

Through speaking engagements and development centric-discourse, both within and outside of the country, he has preached the ideas of good governance and sustainable development. He was one of the speakers at an event that addressed global leadership at the 2018 Commonwealth Business Forum, which held last April in London. So much is the clout that he has built for himself.

Oblivious of what fate had in stock for Obi, he once shared the podium as keynote discussants at The Platform with Osinbajo, a dialogue series hosted annually by Pastor Poju Oyemade. Pundits are also divided over the take-off of Obi’s chummy relationship with Atiku. While some said it actually started at The Platform, others insisted it started long before that, adding that the mutual respect merely grew after their outings at the event.

All the interventions had fetched him huge reputation capital and political goodwill across the nation. Indeed, many particularly among the youth population, see him as Mr. Integrity and concluded that he is imbued with the capacity to rule the country.

Political analysts also posited that his pick could win Igbo votes. With him as Atiku’s running mate, it is believed that the Igbos would have more reason to deliver block votes for the PDP even as they added that his pick can be interpreted as a compensation of some sort.

The South-east has over the years been traditional strongholds of conservative politics and the PDP has always held sway there. Interestingly, Obi was once the leader of the main opposition party in the zone, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before his defection to the PDP. Thus, Obi’s pick was seen by many as a round peg in a round hole.

The APC has never really got a foothold in the Southeast. At best, it has produced a few legislators. This was the case until a faction of APGA coalesced with other parties to form the APC and then secured the control of Imo State.

Some analysts also argued that his pick foretells a robust and exciting presidential debate session. This reasoning was premised on the recent disclosure by President Buhari that he had delegated Osinbajo to hold debates on behalf of the joint ticket.

The thinking was that if Atiku decides to delegate same task to Obi, he will make a tough opponent or do better than the Professor of Law if they squared up at a debate forum. After all, they had shared space at The Platform a couple of time.

Besides, an added value that he brings to the table is huge financial base. Before going into office, Obi had built a successful business, making him one of the richest Nigerians of the South-east extraction and this is certain to excite the business community that has always craved government understanding.

As one analyst puts it, “The decision to pick Obi will sit well with corporate Nigerian. They see him as one of them, because he is both big in business and investments in the Nigerian economy.

Above all, there may not be any basis for comparison between him and Osinbajo placed on a scale. Osinbajo only emerged vice-president after being commissioner for justice and attorney-general in Lagos for eight years.

But Obi became governor, having made a huge success of his businesses. What more, there education is also not debatable. Yes, Osinbajo is a brilliant professor of law; Obi’s education is clearly enviable. The good thing about next year’s election is that there is an improvement in the options before the voting masses.

And like Obasanjo said to Atiku, perhaps, it is fair to also ask: is Obi the vice-president-to-be?

NIGERIA as recent experiences have shown especially that the incumbent might also nurse a comeback, that thinking however changed the entire permutations.

It is for this one reason that many reckon the choice of Obi as Atiku’s running mate was on point. In fact, some recent social media propaganda which flaunted Obi’s resume was shared with the title: “Pter Obi’s profile. Man pass man! Abeg, if you have a politician with a more result-oriented profile/CV than this, please, drop it make we see”.

Indeed, here is a man, who turned the fortunes of Anambra State around and recorded a handful development strides. He paid back public sympathy that trailed his eventual emergence as governor after his mandate was initially sabotaged. Benchmarked against security, infrastructural development, good governance and economic growth, his tenure was profoundly pronounced a success.

As governor, he adopted an action programme of UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with the focus on several target sectors. He succeeded in this and became the best governor in the realisation of the MDGs, and was invited to appear at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Among Obi’s achievements was rejuvenation of the education sector in the state. He reviewed appropriation of funds for education, returned management of former private schools that were appropriated by government to their original owners, while the government withheld the duties of capital spending.

During his tenure, public schools in the state reportedly got over 500 school buses, disbursed several million of naira and over 500 schools each for creation of school testing rooms. He was reputed to have fixed all the secondary schools in the state with computers and internet connection to aid erudition.

The Healthcare sector and capital infrastructure also received boosts from his administration. He built and equipped the state-of-the-art Anambra State University Teaching Hospital at Awka, while government hospitals – Schools of Nursing, Schools of Midwifery and Schools of Health Laboratory Technology were re-equipped. He also impacted the roads sector. Obi’s reportedly con-

2019

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Edited by Demola Ojo Email: demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Super Eagles Thrash Libya 4-0, Ighalo Nets Hat-trick

O

dion Ighalo netted a hat-trick as Nigeria’s Super Eagles claimed an emphatic 4-0 win over Libya in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo yesterday.

Nigeria proved their quality with a commanding victory over a Libyan side rocked by the resignation of their head coach in the build-up to the clash and climb above their opponents, a point behind South Africa’s Bafana Bafana who dispatched the Seychelles 6-0 in Soweto yesterday also.

The Super Eagles went in the front as early as the fourth minute following a goalkeeping howler by Mohamed Abdaula. The Libyan captain coughed up possession before bringing down Ighalo inside the area, leaving the referee with little choice.

Having won the penalty, the former Watford man stepped up and duly converted from the spot; firing home into the left corner of the net to send the home fans into delirium.

The hosts continued to dominate the early proceedings and were only denied a second by the woodwork moments later.

Oghenekaro Etebo fired in a pin-point free-kick which was well met by fellow England-based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, but the latter’s header cannoned off the outside of the frame, with Abduala rooted to his spot.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was then called into action at the other end of the pitch and had to be at his best to keep out the visitors, who threatened to hit the hosts with a sucker punch.

Nigeria suffered an injury blow in the 19th minute as Shehu Abdullahi was forced off the field with an injury - Ola Aina took his place on the park.

The game continued to ebb and flow and having successfully navigated through a spell of pressure from the Mediterranean Knights, Nigeria pushed forward and hit the post once more on the stroke of half time.

Jamilu Collins embarked on a lung-busting run down the left flank and looked sure to score after bypassing a couple of Libyan defenders on his way to bursting into the area, but the woodwork

Ighalo scored a hat-trick yesterday

ultimately denied him what would’ve been a memorable goal.

Ighalo netted a second in the 58th minute following a defencesplitting pass by Alex Iwobi. The China-based forward, though,

Nations League: Netherlands Beat Germany 3-0 Liverpool pair Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum scored as the Netherlands won to send Germany to the bottom of Nations League Group A1.

Van Dijk reacted first to head in from close range after Ryan Babel had headed against the crossbar following Memphis Depay’s right-wing corner. Depay added a second late on from a quick counter-attack after being set up by Quincy Promes. Wijnaldum sealed the win in injury time with a low shot into the bottom corner.

Joachim Low’s Germany, who won the World Cup in 2014, have now only won three of their past 12 matches.

They suffered a shock exit in the group phase of the 2018 tournament in Russia and this loss leaves them with only one point from their opening two Nations League matches.

Since the end of their World Cup qualifying campaign in October 2017, Germany have only won one competitive match - a 2-1 World Cup

win over Sweden - and gained two victories in friendlies - against Saudi Arabia and Peru.

They face a tough task in their next match on Tuesday, as they visit world champions and Nations League Group A1 leaders France.

After van Dijk’s opener, the Dutch had chances to double their lead but Georginio Wijnaldum shot wide and Depay headed off target.

Manchester City forward Leroy Sane, on as a second half substitute, should have equalised but he dragged a shot just wide when unmarked eight yards out.

That miss proved costly, as with Germany pushing for an equaliser, they gave the ball away and Promes set up Depay to score in the 86th minute.

Depay then hit the crossbar, before Wijnaldum added another in the third minute of stoppage time.

The Netherlands, managed by former Everton boss Ronald Koeman, are second in the three-nation group after beginning their campaign with a 2-1 defeat by France in September.

Monaco Appoint Henry as Head Coach Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been appointed as head coach of Monaco until June 2021.

The 41-year-old Frenchman, who had been Belgium’s assistant manager, began his professional career at Monaco and helped them win Ligue 1 in 1997.

The club are third from bottom in Ligue 1 and sacked manager Leonardo Jardim on Thursday.

“It seems like fate that I will begin my managerial career here,” said Henry, who is Arsenal’s record goalscorer. The former Juventus, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls player was linked with Aston Villa in recent weeks and said he received some “very attractive offers” over the last few months.

“Monaco will always be close to my heart,” he added.

“I’m incredibly excited to be given this opportunity but now the hard work must begin.”

Monaco have won just once all season in all competitions. In Ligue 1 they have six points from nine games with five defeats and they have lost both games in the Champions League.

Henry’s first game in charge will be against Strasbourg in the league on October 20, before a Champions League tie with Club Brugge four days later. Portuguese boss Jardim was appointed in 2014 and led the club to the French title in 2017, their

first since 2000.

The 44-year-old also guided Monaco to the Champions League semi-finals in 2016-17 and helped develop players such as Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Lemar, and Manchester City pair Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy. Henry was with Belgium on Friday as they beat Switzerland 2-1 in the Nations League. In July he helped the team finish third at the World Cup. He started his career at Monaco in 1994 under former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, before joining Juventus in 1999. After just one year in Italy, he signed for the Gunners and went on to win two Premier League titles and two FA Cups in eight years in north London.

Then came a move to Barcelona, where he won the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League in 2008-09.

In 2010 he signed for Major League Soccer side Red Bulls, where he spent five seasons and also had a two-month loan spell back at Arsenal in early 2012.

Henry was a World Cup winner with France in 1998 and won the European Championship two years later, scoring 51 goals in 123 appearances for Les Bleus.

still had a lot to do, but showed great composure to round the Libyan shot-stopper before firing home into an empty net.

He then scored a third with 69 minutes on the clock. Ahmed Musa found the goal-poacher in acres of space inside the area and having sorted out his feat, Ighalo bundled home the rebound after Abdaula had denied him at the first time of asking.

Samuel Kalu netted a fourth for the Nigerians in the 90th minute, curling home an unstoppable right-footed shot from the edge of the area to cap a perfect day for the Super Eagles.

Both teams clash again in a Matchday 4 fixture at the 18,000 –capacity Stade Taïeb Mhiri in the city of Sfax, Tunisia on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has dedicated the Eagles’ win to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Yesterday’s match was the first in the fresh tenure of the Amaju Pinnick –led NFF, following the elections in Katsina three weeks ago that handed the board another four –year term. And it was instructive that Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Pinnick’s predecessor and major challenger in the election, was beside the trailblazer and history –maker in the VIP Box at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

“We dedicate this victory to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued massive support to all the National Teams, the NFF and Nigerian Football generally. The President and his wonderful team take the credit for the conducive environment in which Nigerian Football is thriving.

“I also want to appreciate Governor Udom Emmanuel and his Government in Akwa Ibom State. They have remained pillars of support for the Super Eagles for several years now, and the support of the good people of Akwa Ibom State deserves kudos as well.”

Pinnick, who is also the 1st Vice President of CAF, commended NFF’s partners and sponsors, specially praising Official Optimum Partner, AITEO Group for their huge contributions to all facets of the Nigerian game.

“I wish to also thank Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries, Zenith Bank, Nike, Cadbury Nigeria PLC, Emzor, WAPIN Insurance, TGI, 1XBET, Peak Milk, Simba Group and SuperSport for their contributions which we very much appreciate.”

Sunday October 14, 2018

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Buhari Campaign Organisation to Atiku Abubakar ”The desperation to get the endorsement of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo by the PDP and its candidate is a clear sign that they want to return us to our sordid past where a few people decide who should govern us.”

– President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation while reacting to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate of the PDP

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The Good Thing about Buhari vs Atiku

I

n October 1987, the late Sheikh Abubakar Mohammad Gumi, a well-respected Islamic cleric, granted an explosive interview to the now-rested Quality magazine. It was on Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s transition to civil rule programme. Gumi said: “The two-party system of government will not be South against North but Islam against Christianity.

Once you are a Moslem, you cannot accept to choose a non-Moslem to be your leader. If Christians do not accept Moslems as their leader, then we have to divide the country. Nigerian unity is to try to convert Christians and non-Moslems (to Islam) until the other religions become minority and they will not affect our society.”

Who says God does not have a sense of humour? Although Gumi had died before the June 12 election of 1993, the two-party duel was indeed Muslim vs Muslim Chief MKO Abiola vs Alhaji Bashir Tofa. It was not the Islam vs Christianity confrontation that Gumi predicted.

Nigerians voted for Abiola, who chose a fellow Muslim as his running mate. The election was annulled, but the ultimate irony was that the contest that eventually produced a civilian president in 1999 was Christian vs Christian Chief Olusegun Obasanjo vs Chief Olu Falae. And it was Northern Muslims that masterminded it!

There is something about Nigerians that Gumi did not know.

Maybe I shouldn’t be saying this, but I am relieved that the 2019 presidential election is going to be a straight fight between President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. This will be one presidential election that cannot be easily framed along the toxic ethnic and religious lines. By that, I mean the template of Muslim vs Christian and North vs South sentiments. In the 2003, 2011 and 2015 elections, religion and ethnicity were well played up and this severely hurt nation-building. I am particularly of the view that we are yet to recover from the bitter power struggles since 2011. It deeply injured “peace and unity” and we are definitely yet to heal.

Hopefully, the 2019 match-up between Buhari and Atiku will mellow things. They are both northerners, Muslims and Fulani. We can reasonably conclude that the ethno-religious brigade will be idle for the most part. They won’t be completely jobless, of course. There will always be something for them to tweak and manipulate to whip up bigotry and sectionalism, but it will be a tough job for them compared to the easy ride they had in 2011 and 2015 when the battles were between President Goodluck Jonathan, a southern Christian, and President Buhari, a northern Muslim. It is unfortunate we still discuss Nigeria in primordial terms but that is the way we are.

Apart from the 1999 and 2007 elections, ethnoreligious champions have always had a field day during presidential electioneering. There was no job for them in 1999 when it was an all-Christian, all-Yoruba contest between Obasanjo and Falae.

It was easier to manage our fault lines that way, even though the undertone was not completely absent. Obasanjo was vigorously portrayed as the imposed candidate of the northern “oligarchy”; some said the north wanted to keep power by proxy. Falae was, in turn, cast as the “Afenifere candidate”. I can live with that, to be honest. I am not as naïve as to think Nigeria would be free of ethnic prejudice at any point, but it can be managed.

The 2003 election was a different ball game — it was Buhari vs Obasanjo. Muslim vs Christian.

Atiku North vs South. Fulani vs Yoruba. The perfect nightmare scenario. The election itself was preceded by controversies over the introduction of the criminal jurisdiction of Sharia in 12 northern states. Obasanjo kicked against it, saying it was unconstitutional. Buhari supported it, saying it was the right of every Muslim. While Buhari’s stand endeared him to most northern Muslims, Obasanjo lost ground in the north, although this was compounded by the quest for power to return to the region. Obasanjo was accused of not honouring a gentleman’s agreement to do only one term in office.

While Obasanjo lost the core northern states he had won comfortably in 1999 — notably Kano, Bauchi, Borno and Gombe — Buhari did not score 25% in any of the 17 southern states. Buhari was portrayed as an agent of “Islamisation” and stigmatised in the south, especially as he was quoted in 2001 as saying Muslims should not vote for non-Muslims. No matter how many times he denied this, it stuck. The irony, though, is that the more he was hated in the south on the account of his Sharia stand, the more he was loved by the northern masses. He won in 10 of the 12 Sharia states. Meanwhile, up north, Obasanjo was demarketed as an “arne” — an infidel. Things were that bad.

Thankfully, the 2007 election was between two sons of Katsina state, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Buhari, as well as Atiku. Same ethnic group, same religion, same region. There were no divisive sentiments to be summoned for political service. Unfortunately, Yar’Adua, who won the controversial election, died in 2010.

Power was coming back to the south so soon.

Our fault lines were automatically activated both within and without the ruling PDP. There was a movement for “a northern consensus candidate” to displace Jonathan who had stepped up from his position as VP after Yar’Adua’s death. The polity was irrevocably poisoned and has remained so since then.

Although Jonathan won the 2011 election against Buhari (who ran on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change, now part of APC), the aftermath was devastating.

His backers in the north, such as Governors Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa), were dubbed “reverends” and “pastors” for supporting an “arne”. This set the tone for a troubled tenure, not helped in any way by Jonathan’s own failings as a leader. I would not go into the detail of the post-election violence and all the conspiracy theories around Boko Haram

as well as the ensuing weaponisation of religion ahead of 2015. In fact, CAN virtually became a political party.

This explains my relief that in 2019, religious and ethnic politicking would be not be as dominant as it used to be. I still, nonetheless, expect plenty dirty fireworks — there will be a lot of talk about Atiku and corruption as well as Buhari and cronyism. I would prefer this — all day long — to the weaponisation of ethno-religious sentiments. There could be sentiments in the south over where the running mates of the two leading parties come from. But I can live with the Igbo/ Yoruba rivalry. It is usually expressed in words rather than in bloodshed. There would also be arguments that Atiku’s north-east zone has not produced a president since 1966. That’s fine. It’s not an explosive.

If the 2019 presidential election goes well without major sectionalist incidents, it may offer us an insight into another political way of managing our ethnic and religious differences in a less harmful way. It could be that when the two big parties field like-for-like candidates, there would be less ethnic rancour and less of the spill-over effects that often harm “peace and unity”. When Jonathan won the duel with Buhari in 2011, he never knew peace from some parts of the country until he lost power in 2015. And since Buhari won the rematch in 2015, he has not known peace from some parts of the country. I believe this tendency gravely hampers Nigeria’s march to development.

How does this hamper our progress? Many policies, decisions and actions are opposed not on the basis of their merit, or lack of it, but purely out of politically induced ethno-religious resentment. Opponents do and say everything to pull down the government out of resentment.

Jonathan suffered this for five years. Buhari has been suffering it too. It is destabilising. That is why I am thinking that 2019 will offer a clean slate from which we can start to engage more constructively with government across all the fault lines, since neither north nor south, Muslims nor Christians would consider themselves losers this time around. At least until 2023.

My analysis may sound simplistic but it’s an experiment worth observing. It may help us identify a vital strategy for the political management of our diversity. An understanding among the political class that the big parties should be zoning their presidential slots to the same region may remove a major stumbling block to national cohesion.

Sometimes, big problems are solved by small gestures. It is from our history, practice and experience that we can design what works best for us. We cannot even begin to talk about building a virile nation when we live in a perpetual state of mutual suspicion, ethno-religious acrimony and acidic antagonism. I am highly interested in this experiment.

I must emphasise this as I conclude. We can’t always run away from our nightmare. It is practically impossible to get the leading parties to bring their candidates from same zones all the time. I know that. The fact that we have a federal character system should ordinarily banish fears of domination and marginalisation. We must achieve a balance so that nobody feels excluded from the federal table. Most importantly, we ultimately see through the devices of the identity entrepreneurs.

In the end, it is always about class interests, not identity or development. Nevertheless, , I am ready to observe proceedings from 2019 to 2023 and study the impact on our progress as a nation.

And Four Other Things…

OBI OR NOT OBI? The choice of Mr. Peter Obi as the running mate of PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, seems not to have gone down well with some power brokers in his geo-political zone, the south-east. There were reports of bickering on Saturday, with the governor of Ebonyi, Chief Dave Umahi, raising dust. Compare and contrast with 2015 when President Buhari picked Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo as his running mate and the support the professor of law got instantly.

Meanwhile, the south-west is said to be highly interested in the event that the Igbo are unable to support one of their own as Atiku’s running mate. I am watching the unfolding drama with curiosity. Politics.

2019 LOADING… Since Alhaji Atiku Abubakar won the PDP presidential ticket, I can see the excitement in the political space about the upcoming contest with President Muhammadu Buhari.

I have never seen an opposition camp so very positive about displacing a sitting government in Nigeria. That is why I think we need to give credit to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost to Buhari in 2015 and promptly conceded. If he had manipulated the outcome, we would still be having the mindset that it is impossible to vote out an incumbent in Nigeria. I expect a very competitive contest and I believe it is too early to call the election. We have a real contest in our hands. Epic.

POND OF DEATH The most famous, rather infamous, pond in Nigeria today must be the one in the Dura Du District in Plateau state. Major General Idris Alkali went missing recently and his car was found inside the pond, although his whereabouts remain unknown. We presume he was murdered. Many vehicles have been found in the pond, suggesting that something sinister has been going on there. This is stoking ethnic tensions again in the highly volatile state, but there is a question I always ask: what job do the security agencies do when a pond of death was right there under their nose, undetected? Why do we spend billions on security every month yet we are so defenceless? Why? AND FINALLY… I grew up enjoying the glorious comedy of Moses Olaiya aka Baba Sala. I watched his movies, notably Mosebolatan and Orun Mooru. I listened to dozens of his records. I remember the one in which he was learning English. He was so impatient the only words he picked were “O yes”, “It’s OK” and “I’m all right”. He soon got into police trouble when he was found near an abandoned stolen baggage. “Are you the one who stole this?” he was asked, and — without understanding one word of the question — he replied “Oh yes”. He ended up in police custody after answering “it’s OK” and “I’m all right” to the other questions. He died last week at a ripe age of 82. Legend.

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