SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2021

CSOs Back NNPC on Petrol Price Deregulation Say labour's resistance could cripple NNPC, cause shortage Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the country yesterday endorsed the current deregulation of

petrol prices by the federal government, saying the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) risks bankruptcy if it continues to pay the difference between

the product’s landing cost and pump price. In a press briefing in Abuja, the Coalition of Nigerian Civil Society for Petroleum and Energy Security maintained that the

deregulation of the petroleum downstream would liberalise the sector and allow petroleum products marketers to source their supplies from anywhere and sell at prices dictated by

prevailing market forces.

The group stated that the current agitation of labour that government should withdraw the deregulation policy meant that NNPC would continue to

absorb the cost differentials, stressing that this will not do Nigeria any good.

Convener of the coalition, Continued on page 10

Nigeria Takes Delivery of About 4m COVID-19 Vaccines on Monday… Page 10 Sunday 28 February, 2021 Vol 26. No 9457

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FG No Longer Able to Protect Nigerians, Says Northern Elders Forum Advises Citizens to organise themselves, raise vigilance Worries banditry, kidnapping may damage region’s poor education Contends it’s time for governors to seek more powers Kano shuts down tertiary institutions John Shiklam in Kaduna, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Northern Elders Forum

(NEF), yesterday, in a strongly worded statement, concluded that the federal government was no longer able to protect her citizens against

the marauding criminals in different parts of the country.

The prominent northern group, however, called on the Nigerian citizens to

organise themselves better and raise their level of vigilance against the criminals, even as it worried that the current level of insecurity in the region

might affect its already poor education especially, for the girl-child.

Against this backdrop, the NEF has called on the

governors particularly, those from its region, to explore avenues that could give them Continued on page 8

Buhari to School Owners: Scale Up Security in Your Environments Says govt won’t condone further attacks Kagara students, others regain freedom Bello: They went through hell PDP demands explanation for alleged military complicity Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah in Abuja, Laleye Dipo in Minna and Francis Sardauna in Katsina President Muhammadu Buhari has advised school owners across the country as well as religious organisations, to scale up security in their environments, saying this was in keeping faith with the standards laid down by the United Nations-backed Safe School Programme of his administration.

This followed the release of the kidnapped students of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, their teachers and some of their relations, who would soon be reunited with their families.

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, who spoke after meeting with the victims yesterday evening Continued on page 9

FERTILISING AND REFINING HOPE FOR NIGERIA...

L.R: Executive Chairman Geregu Power Plc, Mr Femi Otedola, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, and President, Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during a working tour of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd, which is about 90 per cent completed... yesterday

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Some of the released Kagara students at the Government House in Minna... yesterday

How Kagara School Boys, Others were Released Laleye Dipo in Minna

N E W S A N A LY S I S

About 48 hours after the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, alleged that the federal government had abandoned the state in the plan to secure the release of the abducted students and others from the Government Science College, Kagara, the boys have now regained their freedom.

Although the circumstances surrounding their release are still unclear, THISDAY however learnt that serious dialogue between the bandits and government took place for almost six days.

It could not however be confirmed if ransom was paid to the bandits to facilitate their release.

THISDAY also learnt that the release of the victims was made possible, because government team was able to reach out to the kingpins of all the bandits in the Allawa forests.

A top government official involved in the negotiations who pleaded not to be named, said government agreed that the bandits would drive the agreement reached while the administration would provide all the enablement.

"We are still working on the trajectory. They agreed they would drive the agreement reached as long as government will continue to assure them. It is an element of trust on

both sides," the source said.

Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, when contacted also said it was through dialogue that the release of the victims was secured.

"We believe that the best thing is this dialogue. It is more cost effective and hopefully, it is sustainable," Matane said, expressing hope that all the parties would keep to their part of the agreement.

The schoolboys and others would have been released on Thursday night but one of the kingpins reportedly put a call to the government team that the release would not be possible, because they (bandits) were invited for another job, which turned out to be the kidnap of the Girls from the Government Girls Secondary School Jangebe in Zamfara State.

The source said the release would have been frustrated as another set of bandits reportedly waylaid the victims on their way to Kagara.

According to the source, the new bandits said they would not release the victims until they got their share of the ransom, an indication that government must have released some money before the victims gained freedom in the first instance.

It however was the intervention of a senior government

official and one of the kingpins of the bandits that eventually paved the way for the release of the schoolboys and others.

THISDAY learnt that the victims were made to trek from 8pm to 5am from the part of Allawa forest, where they were released to the point where the police took over.

They first made a stop over at the Muhammadu Attaihiru Senior Secondary School, Kagara at about 7.35am according to a source, where they took some rest, because of the fatigue they experienced as a result of the long trek.

From there and under heavy security, they were brought to Minna and lodged at the Niger State Development Company NSDC hotel opposite Government House, where they were profiled and made to undergo medical checks, feeding and debriefing.

THISDAY gleaned that only 38 abductees regained their freedom as against the 42 said to have been kidnapped.

When confronted with this information, the Matane said, "There was a mistake in the first figure given out," adding that two of the kidnapped persons escaped from the bandits and had since reunited with their parents. You people did not report this".

Matane explained that the Kagara incident has taught the government a lesson to have a database for all students in public schools.

CAN Advises Buhari to Declare Emergency in Security Begs for Pastor Yakuru’s release from Boko Haram Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency in the security sector of the country as a result of the deteriorating security situation in the country.

Consequently, CAN has also asked the president to immediately order the military to rescue Pastor Bulud Yakuru of EYN Church of the Brethren from the Boko Haram terrorists before it is too late.

Pastor Yakuru was reportedly abducted on December 24, 2020, when the terrorists attacked Pemi Village in Borno State and

killed no fewer than seven people.

The Pastor, who has been in the custody of the Abubakar Shekau-led faction of Boko Haram since December last year was on Wednesday, February 24, reportedly given a one-week ultimatum for their demands to be met by government or Pastor Yakuru will be killed.

This, however, forced CAN to conclude that it was high time the Buhari-led government declared a state of emergency in the security sector of the country due to the raging security crisis.

A statement by CAN President, Rev Dr. Samson Ayokunle, stated that

although it was not aware of the demand placed for the pastor’s release, it appealed to the President, the military and the Borno State government to ensure that Pastor Yakuru was not murdered like the district chairman of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) and CAN Chairman of Michika Local Government in Adamawa State, Rev Lawan Andimi.

"The leadership of CAN believes that the freedom of Pastor Yakuru is a litmus test for the new Service Chiefs and the whole world is watching whether they will live up to the expectations of or not.

“If the then American President, Donald Trump

could put his acts together from far away America and ordered his military to rescue one kidnapped American in Nigeria, then our President has no excuse or whatsoever not to act decisively and rescue Pastor Yakuru," it said.

CAN also the reason the government would leave the citizens of this country at the mercy of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers, saying: "What then is the essence of having a government in place?

“The most recent case of kidnapping is that of about three hundred schoolgirls in Kangere, Zamfara State.

This serial incident of mass abduction of our school children and citizens is

shocking beyond words and must be stopped by this government immediately.

"The ease with which the bandits and insurgents are carrying out their nefarious activities is totally embarrassing and a cause for concern. When will this government give the citizens of this country cause to breathe a sigh of relief with assurance that their lives and property are safe and secured?

"Mr. President, where shall we go from here? Have the criminals taken over where there is legitimate government?

Though we are praying earnestly continuously, we know faith without hard work from the side of government is

vain,” said CAN, who added that although the president might be doing his best, it was not enough going by the current negative outcomes.

"The bitter truth is that, no place is presently safe in this country. We, once again, advise that all public secondary schools – boarding or otherwise – in the Northern part of the country should be closed henceforth until the security situation improves.

"The Police should be directed to recruit more personnel with a view to assigning effective and well armed standby force to every secondary school in the North and other parts of the country," it said.

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Saraki: North-central Crucial to Winning Presidential Polls PDP reconciliation team engages Ayu, Mark Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, Senator Bukola Saraki has emphasised the importance of the north central geopolitical zone in the country, noting that no political party could win an election at the centre without first winning the zone.

This is as Saraki and his team visited former senate president and an erstwhile Minister of Industry, Senator David Mark and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as part of the engagement of the founding members of the party and how to move the party forward.

Saraki in his verified tweeter handle wrote: "As we continue our engagements with influential leaders in our party, this afternoon, the #PDPReconciliation & Strategy Committee is meeting with the former Senate President, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, at his home in Abuja."

Though details of the meeting was not known at press time, it was not unconnected to bringing founding members of the party that had kept off its affairs for a while.

However, when the team left Ayu’s place, it headed straight to Mark’s, also for the same reasons and engagements, details of which had been kept away from the public, allegedly for strategic reasons.

In another tweet, he stated: "As we continue to engage with leaders across our great party, earlier today, the #PDPReconciliation and Strategy Committee met with key stakeholders

SANWO-OLU'S AGENDA TO REBUILD LAGOS...

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, exchanging greetings with Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo and Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II during Day-2 of the Executive/Legislative parley themed: A Consensus Agenda for Rebuilding Lagos in Victoria Island... yesterday from Niger State. At the meeting, we discussed solutions to the issues that have fostered disunity in the party at the state level."

Saraki, while speaking with PDP members from Niger State, said the north central zone of the country held the key to winning any central elections in the country.

"The facts are there for any one to check. You cannot win any central

election in Nigeria without winning the elections in the North Central geopolitical zone.

"Also, you cannot win the north central zone elections, without winning the election in Niger State,” Saraki said, explaining that it was for the reason that his committee commenced its engagements and reconciliations with Niger State.

He continued, "I stand for truth and justice. Those

who think that we cannot reconcile should go out and see those who we have reconciled in real terms."

Late yesterday, Saraki also met with a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, after which he tweeted, saying, “As part of our ongoing efforts to reconcile the leaders and members of our great, last week, I had a meeting with the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.

“As a follow-up to that engagement and consultation, this evening, I just wrapped up an extensive but fruitful meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

“As we continue to listen to and learn about the concerns of stakeholders of our party, it is great to observe their willingness to work towards forging a stronger and more united Peoples Democratic Party”.

He, therefore, called for

real term reconciliation based on justice, as this was the only way the PDP could speak with one voice and fight for the return of the party to leadership at the centre.

Last week, the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee met former President Goodluck Jonathan and some former governors elected on the platform of the party as well as members of the PDP Board of Trustees.

and cessation of criminal activities should be treated in accordance with the laws of the country.”

It also appealed to parents not be discouraged from sending children to school, even as it called on governments at all levels to take firmer measures in securing schools.

Speaking on the closure of some tertiary institutions in Kano State, Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, listed the schools to include PMK College of Advance and Remedial Studies Tudun Wada, School of Environmental Studies Gwarzo, School of Rural Technology and Entrepreneurship Development (SORTED) Rano and Audu Bako College of Agriculture Development (ABCOAD), Dambatta.

According to the statement reads, "With this instruction, all students of the affected schools are advised to vacate the campuses as soon as possible”.

The state government had on Friday ordered the closure of 12 boarding secondary schools on the outskirts of the metropolis over increasing abduction of students in some parts of the northern states by bandits.

Mr. Muhammad Sunusi Kiru disclosed this in a short audio message announced on radio stations in the state, saying the closure became necessary due to the rising number of abduction of school children in neighboring states.

The closed schools are located in Ajingi, Sumaila, Jogana, Kafin Maiyaki and Gaya, among others.

FG NO LONGER ABLE TO PROTECT NIGERIANS, SAYS NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM more powers to be able to secure citizens within the confines of the constitution of the land.

Relatedly, the Kano State government has directed the immediate closure of some tertiary institutions in the state in view of the current security situation in the state.

Condemning the recent abduction of 317 school children in Zamfara State, NEF in a statement in Kaduna by its Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said, Nigerians had “lost faith that government will reverse the successes of criminals against defenceless citizens.”

According to NEF, “It has become painfully obvious that the federal government is unable to muster the will or the capacity to limit exposure of Nigerians to violent criminals.”

It noted that the “Northern Elders Forum shares the profound shock and outrage of Nigerians at the spate of kidnappings of boarding school children in different parts of the North.

“Apart from the likelihood of similar abductions re-occurring as bandits engage in copy cat crimes in a region that is basically unprotected, these abductions will severely damage the poor state of education in the North, particularly girl-child education.”

Urging the citizens to organise themselves and raise their levels of vigilance, NEF pleaded with them to resist the temptation to take laws into their hands but improve the manner they work with security agencies.

Unfortunately, NEF held the view that the

development had left the governors to quarrel over causes and strategies to adopt in tackling the bandits, claiming that many of them were “taking steps that have dubious legal foundations, most of which merely compound the security situation.

“In spite of assurances from the federal government that it will end banditry and kidnappings, the life of the Nigerian is becoming more endangered by the day, and citizens have lost faith that governments will reverse the successes of the criminal against defenceless citizens.

“The forum advises particularly Northern governors to explore all lawful avenues to improve the security of citizens.

While they should improve their support to the military, the police and security agencies, they should also

explore avenues, which give them more powers to secure citizens within the confines of the constitution, which gives states powers to establish policing structures, including those with specialisation such as forest rangers should now be pursued as a matter of national priority.”

Specifically, NEF called on the governors to explore issues that aid the spread of banditry at local and community levels and resolve them, urging them to also “intensify multi-pronged approaches to ending banditry and kidnappings, including measures, which prevent the continuation of these criminal activities by those who show a genuine willingness to stop.”

However, NEF maintained that, “Bandits, who refuse to submit to mediation

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Apapa Gridlock: Sanity Returns with Commencement of Electronic Call-up Importers, clearing agents optimistic Apapa residents wants effort sustained Eromosele Abiodun After years of untold hardship and deaths, sanity yesterday returned to Apapa, a once thriving port city brought to its knees by protracted traffic gridlock. This followed the take off of the electronic call-up system (ETO) introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Apapa had in the past several years defied effort to solve its traffic problem. The efforts, including a presidential task team, were blighted by corruption.

However, normalcy returned to Apapa following the removal of trucks that littered the port access roads – Apapa Oshodi Express Way and Western Avenue leading to Ijora.

When THISDAY visited both ends of the port access roads

yesterday, officials of the Lagos State government and NPA taskforce teams were seen with tow vehicles well positioned to remove erring trucks.

This is the first time that electronic call-up would be deployed to direct truck movement into ports in Lagos.

This automated process, known as Eto App, is expected to permanently restore sanity within the Apapa port corridor by removing the daily traffic congestion, if properly managed.

Meanwhile, port users, operators and Apapa residents were elated by the development.

They called on NPA to ensure that the effort was sustained.

A resident, Mr. Chukwuma Vincent, said, “If you have been to Apapa in the past you will know what I am talking about.

Our businesses went down,

property lost value and people were dying.

“We call on NPA to sustain this. I drove through to my house for the first time in many years and I cried. I thought we had no government in Nigeria again.

This is worth celebrating and I can only hope it lasts.”

Importers, clearing agents and truck owners also expressed optimism as the electronic call-up system began yesterday. They called for a functional holding bay by shipping companies for return of empty containers.

NPA had late last year announced the launch of Eto, an Electronic Truck call-up system designed for the management of truck movement and access to and from the Lagos Ports Complex and the Tin Can Island Ports, Apapa, Lagos. The authority said all trucks doing

business at the ports would be required to park at the approved truck parks until they were called up into the port through the Eto app. NPA explained that the Eto app will be responsible for the scheduling, entry and exit of all trucks from the ports with effect from February 27.

It also stated that about 7,000 trucks had been certified fit for the digitalised call up system, revealing that effective February 27, trucks must approach the ports from a holding bay or truck parks with a bar code to access the ports.

Stakeholders were optimistic that the electronic call-up system would end corruption in the port access management system.

Vice Chairman, National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Dry Cargo section, Alhaji Abdullahi Inuwa,

said the call-up system would end artificial bottlenecks on the port access roads. However, National Vice President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Kayode Farinto, said unless the port access roads were fixed it might not yet be uhuru.

According to Inuwa, “I call on all stakeholders to cooperate and allow it work.

If that happens, then we will get good result. Actually, if it takes off successfully, it will eradicate corruption, no human contact and other artificial bottleneck.

NARTO wishes the authority a successful take-off.

“The motive is to take trucks off the roads, but NPA should involve other garages where trucks are parked in order to successfully decongest the roads.”

Farinto urged the NPA

management to be steadfast in enforcing the call-up system. He said the on-going construction of the Oshodi-Apapa expressway must also be completed in good time because there cannot be an effective call-up system without a good road.

“The road should be put in adequate place because there is nothing the call-up can achieve without a proper port access road, ” he said.

Farinto, a former chairman, Tin-Can Island chapter of ANLCA, said shipping companies must be compelled to have functional holding bay for return of empty containers.

According to him, “Shipping companies should put up a holding bay for empty containers because without an efficient holding bay, is there a way the policy can be achieved?

explanations to reports that soldiers stormed the community two hours earlier and ordered residents to clear the streets and retire to their houses, only for the bandits to invade the town, assaulted the school and carted away 300 innocent girls without any impediments."

Moreover, the PDP said there were already insinuations in the public space that the abduction was plotted by unscrupulous high-level officials of the Buhari Presidency, who were allegedly benefitting from the insurgency, terrorism and banditry going on in the country.

In tasking the Buhari Presidency, the PDP demanded that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Babagana Mongunu, should come clean on the allegations that the escalation of acts of terrorism including the rampant kidnapping of students, were masterminded to heat up the situation and justify the demand for huge allocations for the anti-terrorism effort.

"Our party and indeed, all well-meaning Nigerians, insist that the Buhari Presidency must not keep quiet in the face of these huge allegations but immediately clear the air and restore confidence in the hearts of Nigerians, before it is too late," the PDP spokesperson said.

Girls Science Secondary School Janjebe, Zamfara State.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, NHRC, Fatima Agwai Mohammed, stated that Ojukwu described the incident as another wake up call for the law enforcement agencies to up their game in protecting people's lives and properties.

"The level of insecurity in Nigeria is getting worse by the day and as such poses additional challenge to all the security agencies, particularly the Police, Department of State Service (DSS) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to do the needful to restore citizens' confidence in government to protect them", the statement said.

Ojukwu urged security agencies to do all in their capacity to rescue the innocent school children so as not to adversely affect school enrollment in the state, thereby jeopardising their right to education.

"The Commission is also using this opportunity to call on the Zamfara State government to reconsider its concept of repentant bandits so that the state government does not elevate criminality to a level, where bandits will be dictating conditions for negotiations with government," the statement added.

Also, Ojukwu appealed to the abductors to remember that the schoolgirls in their custody were innocent and therefore do not deserve any form of violations or mistreatment, imploring them to ensure their immediate and unconditional release.

The NHRC boss also appealed to the parents and guardians of the distressed schoolgirls not to lose hope in reuniting with their children and wards, as the relevant agencies of government both at the federal and state level are expectedly doing the needful to address the unfortunate incident.

The NHRC however reiterated the need for all the stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the Child's Rights Act 2003, particularly, rights to free and compulsory education at least up to Senior Secondary School level.

"This cannot be realised where the school environment is not safe and secure for a continuous learning", the Executive Secretary added.

BUHARI TO SCHOOL OWNERS: SCALE UP SECURITY IN YOUR ENVIRONMENTS said, the victims went through tremendous Torture in the hands of their abductors.

But in spite of these developments, Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has insisted that he would continue to dialogue with the criminals as part of his commitment to the ongoing disarmament process.

In another breath, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the President Buhari presidency to speak out on the alleged complicity of the military and certain officials of the presidency in the abduction of the 300 in Jangebe, Zamfara.

That nonetheless, the president has warned that the nation would not continue to suffer any more attacks that threaten the growth of education, the security and lives of the future leaders at the same time putting the nation in a negative light.

The kidnapped victims were brought into Minna, the state capital in three buses at about 9.06am and accompanied by heavily armed policemen.

Reacting to the news of their freedom, Buhari, in a release Saturday morning by his Media Assistant, Garba Shehu, admonished school owners to also brace up the security of their environments.

“The President reiterated his earlier advice to school owners particularly, the state and local governments as well as religious organisations to scale up security around their schools in line with the standards laid down by the UN-backed Safe School Programme of the administration.

“He once again condemned the school abductions, with latest one at the Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara State, and directed all security and intelligence agencies in the country to hunt down the culprits and bring them to justice,” the statement stated.

Buhari, who welcomed the release of the abducted students and expressed happiness over the development, also lauded the nation’s security and intelligence agencies, as well as the Niger State government for their roles in the release of the students and others.

“We are happy they have been released”, said President Buhari, who also greatly sympathised with the staff, students, their parents and friends over this

ordeal.

Upon their release, the victims were, on the orders of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, taken to the Niger State Development Company Hotel opposite the Government House for profiling, medical attention and feeding.

One of the female abductees was rushed to the general hospital for treatment because her health condition was critical.

A source said she was very fatigued and had swollen legs probably as a result of long trek from where they were kept before their release.

Pressmen and relations of the victims were however not allowed into the NSDC hotel, where they were kept but one of the parents, Mr. John Paiko, who gave his son's name as Emma, gave glory to God for the release of his son.

"The principal called me to come to Minna that my son has been released", Paiko, a father of three said, adding that Emma was the only child that has gone to school among his children.

He however vowed that the development would not deter him from returning his son, Emma to the same school to continue his education. Emma, a 19-year-old, is in SS2.

Another parent, Alhaji Aliyu Isah, said his wife and five children were among the victims, who regained freedom.

"I just want to thank God for the safe return of my wife and children. I went through sleepless nights, because I didn't know the condition they were in," said.

Alhaji Abubakar Musa, also a parent, whose six children were among the released, was happy, stressing that, "Six of my children are among the victims, even though I am yet to meet with them. I am optimistic that I will meet them in good health.

"I want to thank God for the safe return of the children. I am happy and glad that they have been released," he said.

Bello: Victims Went Through Tremendous Torture Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has said the rescued kidnapped victims of the Government Science College Kagara went through tremendous Torture in the hands of their abductors.

Bello stated this when he

received the victims at the Government House Minna, at about 4 am Saturday, saying they would undergo series of medical checks before they would be reunited with their family members.

"All the rescued victims are here with us, however, one of them is in the hospital for excessive exhaustion. Thank God they are back here with us peacefully. They have been medically checked and I believe the medical team will monitor them for a few more days," Bello said.

He explained that the rescue operation was a joint effort of "the government, security agencies, traditional rulers and other major stakeholders" saying "There is still a lot of work before us.

"Going forward, we are putting in place a system to look at the causes of these events" Bello said, pointing out that the solutions to the "dastardly acts" would be found in " the next few days".

Thirty-eight persons were rescued from the kidnappers according to Governor Bello though earlier figure released by government put the number of those abducted at 42.

During the early morning raid on February 17, one of the students Benjamin B Habila was killed while trying to escape from the bandits.

Matawalle Reiterates Commitment to Disarmament Meanwhile, Matawalle, in a statewide broadcast on Friday evening, described the abduction of the schoolgirls as a setback but assured the people that his administration would remained determined and committed to the ongoing disarmament process in the state.

The governor reiterated that the state government remained wholly committed to ensuring a speedy rescue of the teenage captives and reuniting them with their families.

"I wish to assure everyone that we are wholly committed to ensuring a speedy rescue of our dear schoolgirls and reuniting them with their families. Since when I received the sad news, I have been making contacts with the security agencies and other relevant individuals and groups towards rescuing these girls.

"Despite this seeming setback,

my administration will ever remain focused on its strategy of disarmament. A single bullet in the hands of the non-state rogue elements could result in severe harm to the innocent.

"I am of the conviction that the large cache of assorted weapons recovered through the disarmament process has made Zamfara State safer despite the recent unfortunate incidents. The type of dangerous weapons recovered through the disarmament process would make the heart of any person of conscience to cringe," he stated.

While calling for the adoption of a uniform strategy across all the states facing security challenges orchestrated by bandits and insurgents, the governor said only united response devoid of political differences would ward off insecurity bedeviling the country.

He, therefore, admonished residents of the state to remain calm and resist what he termed the evil machinations of those, who would want to exploit the current situation to achieve political ends.

His words: "I also call on people to be more security conscious and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the relevant authorities.

"As we are making efforts to strengthen security around our schools, I have directed the immediate closure of all boarding secondary schools across the State".

PDP Demands Explanation for Alleged Military Complicity The PDP has asked President Muhammadu Buhari presidency to speak out on the alleged complicity of the military and certain officials of the government in the abduction of 300 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara State by terrorists.

The party described as alarming, the allegations in the public space especially, by the Northern Youth Movement (NYM), of compromises by the military, which paved the way for the invasion of the school reportedly located less than 100 meters to a military check point to abduct over 300 schoolgirls.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated: "Our party demands

NHRC Worries over Kidnapping of School Children The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of kidnapping particularly, in boarding schools in the northern part of Nigeria, where young boys and girls have unfortunately been abused and violated by some unscrupulous elements in the society with a high level of impunity.

The Commission, while expressing worry over the development, also charged the Nigeria Police Force and its sister security agency, the Department of State Service (DSS) to evolve new tactics and strategy to immediately reduce the menace of kidnapping.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu gave the charge in Abuja over the weekend, while reacting to recent reports of abduction of over 300 students at Government

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NEWS

Nigeria Takes Delivery of About 4m COVID-19 Vaccines on Monday Second batch arrives Tuesday Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has disclosed that it will receive the first batch of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from India on Tuesday March 2 provided that there is no change of plan.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chairman Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19, Mr Boss Mustapha made this disclosure yesterday.

He said the supply of vaccines is through the delivery plan released by UNICEF in charge of the logistics for the supply of the vaccine meant for Nigeria through the COVAX facility that is bringing four million doses in the first batch of the shipment to the country.

“I can assure you that the vaccines are coming and coming very quickly barring any change in the delivery plan released to us by UNICEF. The logistics and

other things are in the hands of UNICEF. "First batch of COVAX shipment will be arriving 11.10am Monday 01st March 2021 are 124 pkgs comprising 2,508,000 syringes and 25,100 safety boxes Second batch will be arriving 11.10am Tuesday March 2. with about 3,924,000 doses COVAX in 211 pkgs/7,848 cartons.

He said by the time they supply all the range of the

vaccines, about 84 million doses are expected from COVAX to be supplied to cover 20 percent of the Nigerian population.

In addition, he said that the federal government also has another source from the Harvard facility, which is the African Vaccine Action Team, a combination of Oxford AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

The SGF disclosed that no fewer than 41 million doses

“are expected from the second source.”

He said that AstraZeneca “has a good range in terms of storage which does not come with any complications because it can be stored in +2 to +8 Degree Celsius and in cold chain facilities that are available in all local governments and wards in the country.”

He, however, cautioned the public that protection from COVID-19 requires a combination of vaccines and

by strictly abiding by Non Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) that are in place, as well as need for personal hygiene and not congregating in a large gathering of people.

He said the country would ultimately arrive at a herd immunity by the time it gets 40 percent of the population vaccinated by 2021 and another 30 percent by 2022, which is a cumulative of 70 per cent of the population.

Agba: Obaseki Misleading Edo People on Benin Storm Water Project Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clem Agba, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo of deliberately spreading falsehood on the Benin Storm Water Project in order to mislead the people.

The Minister's accusation was contained in a response to the

allegation by Governor Obaseki that the N30 billion storm water project was conceived by his predecessor to defraud the people.

Obaseki, last Tuesday, while inspecting the project, vowed to probe his predecessor for embarking on the project conceived to defraud the state.

The governor specifically fingered former governor

Adams Oshiomhole and Agba, who supervised the project as the then Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability in the state.

In the letter, the minister said he was taken aback by the N30 billion that the governor peddled as expenditure on the project.

He said not only was the figure false, Obaseki who

was then the Chairman of the Economic team, was privy to the conception, planning, execution and expenditure on the project, adding that the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development as well as the Ministry of works, manned by the present SSG, Mr. Osarodion Ogie, played supervised the project.

“I dare say without any fear

of contradiction, that this is not only false, but also outlandishly erroneous, misleading and patently mischievous.

"As the then Chairman of the Edo State Economic Team, you were privy to the conception, planning, execution and expenditure on the project,” the minister said.

He also said Obaseki could not claim to not know that only

the sum of N22 billion had been paid to the contractor for seventy per cent of the project delivered before he took over as governor in November 2016.

“By virtue of a resolution by the State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Finance was mandated to make payments directly to contractors for all projects of the government," he said.

RITES OF PASSAGE...

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle) with the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (right) and Senator Ayogu Eze, during the funeral rites of an academic and a member of Governing Council, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, late Prof. Nicholas Okonkwo Idoko, at Umuida, Enugu Ezike, IgboEze North Local Government Area... yesterday

CSOS BACK NNPC ON PETROL PRICE DEREGULATION Mr Timothy Ademola, advised the labour leaders spearheading the resistance to deregulation to realise that it had largely stabilised petroleum products supply in the last one year.

Ademola urged Nigerians to be patient with the policy, explaining that once foreign exchange is stabilised, everyone would begin to see the fruits of deregulation and a free downstream market.

The coalition stated, “The competition arising from that (deregulation) would have helped to force pump prices down to the benefit of the citizens. But the scarcity of foreign exchange has made it difficult for the marketers to import products, thereby making NNPC the

sole importer in keeping with its statutory role as marketer of last resort.

“This would most likely put NNPC in a very bad spot financially and eventually lead to a situation where it would be difficult to further import products. The obvious implication of that is fuel scarcity and the return of fuel queues.

“If this happens, organised labour that is presently resisting deregulation would be forced to castigate NNPC for not supplying enough fuel to guarantee zero fuel queues and for not making a profit at the end of its financial year.”

It said instead of a stance of outright opposition to

deregulation, labour should partner government to explore how to achieve patriotic, peoplecentred deregulation. The coalition also advised labour to leverage the new government policy for the expected resumption of Nigerian refineries, approval of modular refineries, and Dangote refinery.

The group explained that once the foreign exchange issue that made it difficult for major and independent marketers to engage in importation of petroleum products was resolved, the gains of deregulation would kick in and Nigerians will be better for it.

“The market stabilisation that has been brought about by the

past one year of deregulation is strong assurance that full deregulation is the way to go if Nigerians are to enjoy the full benefits of their hydrocarbon wealth,” the group said.

“Resisting deregulation may only slow down our national progress in this regard,” it added.

It maintained that the current rise in the price of crude oil in the international market would inevitably cause the price of petrol to go up in the local market.

An energy expert and member of the coalition, Mr Henry Adigun, said the impact of the Dangote refinery would remain marginal under the current price regime since the company will be buying crude at the international

prices.

Adigun explained, “Dangote refinery is export-based. He has taken loans. Those loans will be paid back. Imagine him selling your petrol at the current exchange rate in the country today. So, all that expectation is a no-brainer.

“The difference would only be in freight cost and that is if we link it with the already supplied depots in Lagos. We have four modular refineries in the country right now and none of them is producing petrol. Why don’t they?

“Nobody would produce a product in a market where they are not able to control the price at the point they can make a

profit. One of the mistakes we make about deregulation is that it means the absence of government. There will always be consumer protection in deregulation.

“The problem is that we can’t afford subsidies on petrol. We spend N2.1 billion as of today weekly in a country where we are borrowing N37.4 trillion to support our budget and it won’t work. The refineries may work but the difference will be marginal because the refineries will not buy crude using naira.

“This is because crude is an internationally priced product.

We are a member of OPEC. So, even the local refineries will buy crude at $61 as it is today.”

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FEBRUARY 28, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

EDITORIAL

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

BANDITS AND NORTHERN SCHOOLS The authorities must do more to strengthen security in our schools

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ith Zamfara, Kano and some other northern states ordering the closure of boarding schools following the spike in kidnapping of students by bandits, it's clear that the future of millions of Nigerian children is in jeopardy. Barely a week after 27 students and 15 others were abducted from Government Science College, Kagara in Niger State, bandits struck again in Zamfara State, carting away 317 female students from Government Secondary School, Jangebe.

Although we may never know how much was paid for their freedom, we are nonetheless gratified that the Niger State abductees were released yesterday.

When a school But questions is under attack continue to be asked about why in and students age of drones, become targets, this google maps and not only are their aerial surveillance, lives shattered, dozens of students the future of the can be taken away from single locations nation is stolen without their abductors being confronted by the authorities. Besides, why were there such security lapses around soft and obviously vulnerable targets, especially in states where bandits operate almost unchallenged?

In a strong statement to express both anger and sadness over latest developments, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) harped on the long-lasting effects the abduction from schools of innocent children could have on their mental health and well-being. The trauma is worse in this case that the victims are female students in the hands of bandits who behave like animals.

So, every additional day that the girls remain in the custody of their captors is one day too many.

“Children should feel safe at home and at school at all times – and parents should not need to worry for the safety of their children when they send them off to school in the morning,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF country representative

Letters to the Editor

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in Nigeria.

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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 HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

e agree. The challenge of insecurity becomes more perplexing when criminals make an industry of abducting children from schools as the bandits in many of the northern states now do so easily. The challenge is even increasingly being complicated. With Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and others acting as negotiators for bandits, criminals are being treated like celebrities. Some state governments even treat them with kid’s gloves, paying them undisclosed sums of money after some phony agreements.While we hope for the safe return of all the Kagara and Jangebe school children (as well as Leah Sharibu) who are still in captivity, President Muhammadu Buhari must go beyond preachments on Twitter to impress it on Northern governors that negotiating with bandits cannot be a solution to a serious security challenge. As we have repeatedly warned, doing under-the-table deals with criminals cannot be a sustainable approach to handling a challenge that borders on law and order.

From Chibok to Dapchi to Kankara, Kagara and now Jangabe, criminal cartels have decided to make the education space in the north very dangerous. Sadly, there are no indications that anything is being done to tackle the problem. In the wake of the kidnap of female students at Government Secondary School, Chibok in 2014, the Safe Schools Initiative was launched in collaboration with some international development partners. The idea was meant to counter the growing attacks on the right to education and to build community security groups to promote safe zones for education, consisting of teachers, parents, police and community leaders.

Unfortunately, the idea was abandoned by the current administration, in spite of increased attacks on schools which have created fear in many communities. While we draw attention to the serial failure of defence, intelligence and security that has enabled the abductions, it is also important for President Buhari to appreciate the dismal statistics of poverty and illiteracy in the north and the damage that the setback in education will do in the future of the region and the future of the nation. When a school is under attack and students become targets, according to Manuel Fotaine, UNICEF West Africa Regional Director, “not only are their lives shattered, the future of the nation is stolen.”

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.

NIGERIA : BEYOND E THNIC P ROFILING

sa Yuguda, Bauchi State’s former governor is the latest Northern political elite to condemn the rise in ethnic profiling in the land. Following the footsteps of other prominent Northern leaders, the two-term governor decried the persecution of his ethnic group over the past few weeks as insecurity rips the country apart.

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar in his strongly worded statement also warned of the danger that may accompany ethnic profiling if the media continues to play it up. Kadaria Ahmed wrote her own jaundiced story of how the country treads on the cusp of destruction. She speaks the mind of Northern hegemons but couldn't escape the knocks that followed her

plea. For Atiku Abubakar, Bello Mutawalle, Bala Mohammad and Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Gumi, the message is the same: stop profiling Fulani as the country's trouble makers and rabble rousers.

Ethnic profiling, they seem to chorus, is dangerously deadly if allowed to fester.

Nigeria is yet to move past stupidities that had shaken confidence and dampened hope. The country's foundation, strained and stretched, is yet to guarantee safety, stability and security - and importantly, prosperity - as the nation juggles various existential challenges with each and every part of the country at loggerheads. The country seems caught in the scary crossroads of existence slipping through deep and

cataclysmal division along ethnic and fault lines. Facing imminent and existential threats, the country’s leadership appears unprepared with each unit firing salvo across cylinders.

The 1994 Rwanda genocide may readily come to mind but history revealed the war and the death tolls were not as a of reckless ethnic profiling.

That pogrom, various sources showed, didn't emanate from neither ethnic profiling nor campaign of mudslinging.

What indeed triggered that extermination between the Hutsi and Tutsi and which claimed up to a million lives was partly the nonchalant leadership and the widespread ethnic superiority that pervaded the country. The result of that was ethnic cleansing.

These leadership failure and ethnic superiority are manifestations of differences and diversity badly managed and used for personal gains. This further explained why no statement, no matter how strongly worded, will douse simmering tension or restore hope, faith and confidence in the entity called Nigeria. What ails us must be addressed same as where the shoe pinches us.

Wikipedia says racial or ethnic profiling is the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of assumed characteristics or behavior of a racial or ethnic group, rather than on individual suspicion.

While this definition gives simple meaning to this word, the constant reference to it has added twists to the country's quest for stability.

This we versus them syndrome is the first problem the country is yet to resolve, this dichotomy has cre-

ated in Nigeria a country of two entities - the North and South.

With this division comes mutual suspicion and distrust. While this may be deeply rooted in both pre and early independence, the crux of this is that the crop of leaders after the first republic abruptly ended have not shown commitment to cast net of safety across the country's nooks and crannies. This, experts agreed, is the root cause of tensions coursing through the country now.

There is no-one-size fits solution to our myriads of challenges but we can start by healing our past trauma especially the aftermath of that civil war and build a country on equal opportunity, where every components part will feel the touch and presence of government.

––Muftau Gbadegesin, muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com

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OPINION

POLITICIANS VERSUS THE PEOPLE

Tola Adeniyi writes that politicians are insensitive to the plight of the people

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henever the history of the eventual collapse of this country is written Nigeria’s commercial/mercenary politicians will surely take a lion share of the blame. It is just unimaginable that any crop of human beings anywhere on earth could be as insensitive, as unfeeling, as wrongheaded, as selfish and self centred as the politicians who the ordinary people of Nigeria had/have been unlucky to share space with.

As we speak, hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children have been brutally displaced, houses burnt, means of livelihood destroyed, life and living virtually paralyzed, and yet the Nigerian politicians are carrying on as if nothing is amiss.

They are behaving as if they are in a movie theatre savouring the humour-soaked antics of actor/producer Mr. Latin.

If not because our politicians are wicked and selfish how can anybody in his or her right senses be talking of elections or preparing for elections or piling up palliatives meant for the poor in this time and clime when people are in unprecedented pain and state of haplessness and helplessness? How can any rational person be talking of Nigeria’s endless identification programme, a notorious cash-cow, in this period of insecurity and Covid-19 pandemic?

How can any sensible person be considering re-introduction of Toll Gates when our slaughter-highways are awash with sundry kidnappers and herdsmen murderers? Didn’t it ever occur to whoever woke up from the wrong side of the bed to suggest toll gates that vehicles that would be in queue will be sure soft target for marauding killers and abductors...whether in day time or at night?

Rather than compel those in position to come together and find solution to the nagging issue of National Question, politicians are more concerned about going for 2nd Term, 3rdTerm, securing a seat in the Senate - now a Retirement Home of failed governors, or running for governorship in a country where over 99% of states cannot pay workers’ salaries and unemployment is over 60%? All that the politicians are interested in is the avenue for stealing and plundering of the commonwealth. No more no less!

This writer would like to go on record as putting all the causes and the pathway leading to Nigeria being a notoriously failed state on the greedy shoulders of the politicians. Even the so-called banditry, the terrorist herdsmen, kidnapping, mindless murders, serial looting of the national and state treasuries and mind- boggling nepotism and crass impunity are all due to the actions or inaction of the politicians. A simple example is the most dreaded Boko Haram which was created by politicians in Borno and whose activities have drenched Nigerians in blood and humongous agony. Another politician claimed that his political party brought in militia men from Chad, Niger, Mali for the Presidential

Elections in 2015. And those recently theatrically kidnapped in Niger State said their heavily armed abductors claimed their sect was created by politicians.

We have politicians who are on record as saying that the Nigerian state should not fight Boko Haram insurgents and that any attack on Boko Haram was ‘an attack on the North’ and same politicians are those in control of our treasury and who decide on what to do with the terrorists.

Nigeria did not create Islam or Christianity, so it is balderdash to blame any bogus cultural or traditional aberration of any community in Nigeria on religion. The Almajiri, a system that cruelly and deliberately deprives and impoverishes innocent children cannot be blamed on any religion. The reckless act of breeding children like pigs and throwing such unkempt children out into inclement elements cannot be blamed on any religion. Only those who believe they can benefit politically and sociologically by making majority poor and malleable will encourage such inhuman system.

Nigerian politicians keep criminally mute when all sorts of inanities are being heaped on the citizens they are meant to serve and whose collective interests they were elected to protect. And this is the root cause of all our tragedies as a people and as a country. Nigerian politicians are collaborators in crime, in perfidy, in inefficiency, in incompetence, in glamorization of intolerable impunity and irritating nepotism. Whether you are a president, a governor, a senator, a member of the House of Representatives/Assembly, or Chairman of local government or even a councilor, a politician is a politician! And whether you are in uniform as a member of the armed and security forces, for as long as you are discharging a political function/role, you are a politician!

By way of digression, let me quickly admit that at least four politicians who currently serve as ministers are my close Aburos, in fact one is a distant blood relation. And by the nature of my calling a good number of politicians are well known to me and some in the Houses can rightly be regarded as my children.

We have blamed the 1999 ‘Constitution’ enough. It is dubbed Military constitution whereas when it was crafted, it was crafted

The greatest disservice politicians have done and continue to harm Nigerians with is their unequalled timidity and connivance with evil; and for as long as they can keep their transient, but very lucrative position and post; the entire country can go hungry and burn

by politicians in military uniform! Be that as it may, no amount of tinkering and tampering with that document can serve the purpose of a People’s Constitution. Politicians are a CREATION of a Constitution. It should not and cannot be the other way round. A knife does not carve its own handle. A child cannot birth his own father! It is the constitution that dictates how society and its constituents should behave. Politicians and political office holders who are direct beneficiaries of a constitution cannot be the framers and writers of the constitution. Parliamentarians make laws in accordance with the dictates of an existing constitution handed down by the unambiguous collective Will of the People.

The greatest disservice politicians have done and continue to harm Nigerians with is their unequalled timidity and connivance with evil; and for as long as they can keep their transient, but very lucrative position and post; the entire country can go hungry and burn. Everybody in the country, including virtually all the politicians up to the level of the Vice President, is crying for solution to choking insecurity, everybody says state and local police will solve at least 60% percent of the security challenges, and yet the same politicians cannot compel the Politician-in-chief to use his executive order to make it happen. It is bizarre! The same politicians kept mute when the president opened the Nigerian borders to Fulani from all over Africa to pour into the country… sans Visas, sans passports!

Politicians have succeeded in creating an Assemblage of Politicians, a Political Arena without Government. Imagine the recklessness of a Senate president blaming governors for insecurity knowing fully well that the governors are mere decoration posters as far as security architecture of the country is concerned. Or a minister, of Defence for that matter, inciting the unarmed civilians to defend themselves against the ferocious monstrosity of AK-47 wielding marauders. Can politicians be more anti-people and anti-commonsense?

The current Senate is by far the worst, the most self-serving, the most partisan, and the most docile in all of the history of Nigeria.

They have been cowed down by the equally incompetent and nepotic Presidency which in itself has been cowed down by the Cow Constituency.

At close to 80 and in the same age bracket with our dear President Buhari. I cannot afford to be seen as provoking the populace as the Senate President and the Minister of defence and other ‘Open-Mouth-and-Spew-Garbage threats dishers have been doing. All we can do is to beg the people not to resort to stoning their career politicians. They have been burning down properties whenever they are pushed to the wall, they should never resort to burning the politicians perceived as oppressors.

––Chief Adeniyi, former Chairman/MD of Daily Times conglomerate is the Chairman of The Knowledge Plaza, a firm of Ghost Writers, biographers and Speech Writers.

In Defence of Governor Bala Mohammed

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Fulani herdsmen deserve better treatment, argues Isa Yuguda

ow that the cacophonous responses to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s comments on the Fulani herdsmen and AK-47 controversy have subsided, we must revisit and interrogate his statement especially as many now know that he has been grossly misunderstood and misrepresented.

Bala Mohammed that I know will never support criminality having served as Senator and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Besides, Bauchi people are synonymous with good conduct. In my six years as a federal minister representing the state and another eight years as governor, I make bold to say that criminality is strange, very strange, to our culture and tradition.

In any case, Governor Bala has since clarified and defended himself, explaining that he used AK-47 as a figure of speech for protection. Hear him: ‘’It is a figure of speech to show the despondency, the desperation and frustration and the agony that this particular person (Fulani pastoralist) is exposed to by his own people, by his own tribe and by other tribes who have all seen him as a criminal and therefore, he has the inalienable right to protect himself’’. ‘’The Fulani man is so exposed, dehumanized, demonized in fact, because he is being seen as a bandit and so, anywhere he goes, he is being pursued. Not only in the southwest or the southeast, even in the north because he is in the cattle route, his commonwealth which I call his cows, are being taken and rustled and of course, sometimes, they are fined beyond your imagination’’.

It is clear from the above that his critics, spear-headed by Governor Sam Ortom of Benue conveniently edited out his reasons and instead pushed their toxic narrative to the public opinion space to create the false impression that Bala Mohammed supported Fulani herdsmen carrying AK-47 assault rifles to defend themselves and their cattle.

This media characterization of my governor-brother is odd and totally unacceptable.

Several people in this country who own unlicensed rifles have asked other helpless Nigerians to defend themselves against armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, etc. Since these other eminent Nigerians publicly made such calls in the past, no eye brows were raised.

I had expected that the appalling condition of the Fulani herder

which the governor painted should draw national sympathy. A enforce gun ownership laws and seek justice for the law-abiding situation where their means of livelihood get wiped off overnight herdsmen whose only enterprise as pastoralists is to offer over a by killer-cattle rustlers, their wives raped, children killed and million cattle daily for slaughter for teeming Nigerians in need some abducted without trace should ordinarily worry many. It of protein. This should set the tone for the Nigerian State to should be a wake-up call to all Nigerians because injustice to one treat them better by providing appropriate subsidies such as are is injustice to all. being extended to farmers, bankers and the Niger Delta region, To be sure, I will never defend illegal carrying of AK-47 to kill to mention a few. for whatever reason because our laws clearly forbid it. As former Mere stigmatization, castigation and denunciation of Bala governor of Bauchi State, I ensured that lives and property were Mohammed serves no useful purpose other than escalate adequately protected including cancelling the non-indigene policy. national tension. It is however not too late for eminent leaders to Every Nigerian whose parents had settled in Bauchi State had intervene and urge Governor Ortom to stop denying the Fulani automatic free access to land, jobs, schools, hospitals and other their constitutional right to live, trade and prosper in his state as available services for unity, equity, justice and nationhood. I’m other Nigerians. happy that Governor Bala has retained the policy. In Benue, the It will be recalled that after Northern Nigeria’s conquest in Fulani tribe is outlawed. So who is more nationalistic between 1907, the Jangali tax, a levy imposed on the Fulani by the Lord Ortom and Bala? The difference is clear. Posterity will surely Lugard-led colonial government, became the economic mainstay judge. which provided funds to build legacy projects including those In Bauchi State today, we still open our arms to embrace all in today’s Benue State where the Fulani are now being chased ethnic groups. This is why the state is progressing. The point must away and killed along with their cattle, courtesy of Governor be made that carrying an assault rifle illegally is a criminal offence Ortom’s dubious anti-grazing law. punishable under our laws.

This obnoxious law has led to the Fulani being allegedly The menace of unlicensed guns and weapons such as AK-47 is raided, arrested and their cattle killed as several are feared a reason why there are armed conflicts in parts of the country that murdered. What impunity! Ortom has brazenly destroyed the have become a huge challenge to security agencies. over 100-year old bond of brotherhood between the Fulani and I find it worrisome when ignorant commentators imply that the Tiv which may never be the same again. the Fulani kill with AK-47 while the non-Fulani gun owners are Governor Bala’s affirmation that the Tiv, like the Fulani, are innocent forgetting that a million Fulani across the country have migrants is tenable. As the second largest population after the co-habited peacefully with other ethnic groups for hundreds of Fulani in the North, they are spread across four out of the six years yet had never carried AK-47 but are today slaughtered and North East states including Nasarawa and Kogi States. profiled along with the criminal elements.

They are predominantly farmers, not pastoralists and their The bitter truth is that most lawless Nigerians in unauthorized numbers in some of the states had compromised peace especially custody of assault weapons are walking freely. It does appear, as in Taraba State arising from their bloody conflicts with the native is being allegedly whispered, that after successfully chasing and Jukun over farmland. Nasarawa is not spared. killing the Fulani and their cattle in the rural settlements, the ––Malam Yuguda, former minister of aviation and next targets are the aristocratic, urban and elite Fulani. Real or governor of Bauchi State, wrote from Abuja. imagined, this is our fear.

(See concluding part of the article on www.thisdaylive.com) It is high time peace-loving Nigerians engaged the authorities to

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LETTERS

VALUES REORIENTATION - THE RESTRUCTURING WE NEED

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or as long as we can all remember there have been incessant calls for the restructuring of Nigeria along geo-political, socio-economic and fiscal lines, but very little is said about the restructuring that is actually required - a restructuring of the hearts and minds of Nigerians that can only be achieved by a massive investment in values reorientation.

It is no surprise - changing the geo-political configuration, revenue sharing, and the powers of the various federating units seem like easy solutions to what is a much more complex problem. Most analysts, commentators and intellectuals over-simplify the issues by pointing out these overly simplistic solutions - and I will explain.

Are the real issues about the relative powers of the state and local governments to the federal government? So, we are complaining that power is over-centralized in the federal government, yet with the “little” powers available to state governments have they done anything valuable with these powers?

Isn’t the real issue the quality of people at the helm of affairs in our various states?

Why do we think that by giving some of our corrupt and ineffective state governors more powers for example, they will suddenly become more competent and honest? I think proponents of such are only being delusional!

Am I saying that we shouldn’t devolve more powers to states? No, I am fully in support of devolution of powers, but I am certain that with the current state of mind of the people at the helm of affairs in most of our states and the general rent-seeking

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Buhari

behaviour of most Nigerians, devolution of powers to states will only make governors more feudalistic, and despotic.

Again, what have they done with the “limited” powers they have now? Did someone not once say that power corrupts and ultimate power corrupts absolutely?

How does the creation of state police for example enhance security in a country where some power-drunk governors use the might of the federal police and security agents to propagate their selfish political agendas? With the “regional” security groups that have emerged recently, you can already hear the language of hate and division as fellow Nigerians are increasingly referred to as “foreigners” by ethnic and religious bigots that occupy high office in our states. Again, am I in support of the police being closer and more connected to the people, Yes! But not because they

are indigenes of that place, but because they are better equipped, better paid and more competent.

Proponents of state and local government policing reference the United States a lot in their arguments in favour of this model, but fail to recognize that the ethnic antipathies that exist in Nigeria are very different from what exists in the US and that the definition of State of Origin in the US (based on where you live and pay taxes) is significantly different from our definition in Nigeria (the ancestral home of your ethnic group).

Without a massive investment in values reorientation especially around our common humanity - the fact that we are all human beings created

by God with equal abilities and aspirations, state and local government policing in Nigeria will only lead to ethnic cleansing and genocide propagated by hateful populist bigots that often find their way to the seats of power.

For the many proponents of fiscal restructuring, I certainly agree that we should get our

from their dormitory at Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State.

The kids have been in the dragon’s lair for more than a week now, before their rescue. Abubakar Bello, Niger state governor, accused the government of inertia.

In fact, he said the Buhari administration abandoned the state to its fate. The governor’s words: “At the moment we have not seen any federal support here since this incident occurred.

Yes, we had a delegation that came to commiserate with us, but we are left to ourselves.’’

Tragic!

What makes the present situation very depressing is that it appears we learnt nothing from previous incidents. From the Chibok girls’ abduction, Dapchi girls’ kidnapping, Kankara schoolboys snatching, and now to Kagara and Jangebe schoolchildren capture.

Nothing learnt. This sangui-

regardless of the source of their revenue.

By now, I am sure you will observe the trend in all of my thoughts - yes, fiscal, geopolitical and socio-economic reforms and restructuring will be useful, but only when we have restructured the hearts and minds of Nigerians.

Should we and can we wait for these values reorientation program first before embarking on structural reforms? Or should we run both at the same time? To be honest, I am not sure - it’s like flying an airplane and repairing it at the same.

But I believe that without a massive sustained program to restructure the hearts and minds of Nigerians, whatever physical, fiscal, geo-political or socio-economic reforms and restructuring we put in place will fall flat. Let’s get involved.

––Omagbitse Barrow is the Director of the Abujabased #LetsGetInvolved Program.

DOUYE DIRI: ONE YEAR OF PROSPERITY

I

n a Democracy, the interest of the people is preeminent. It superintends over every other interest and that is the character and traits I have noted prominently displayed so far by the miracle Governor of Bayelsa State, my quintessential boss, Senator Douye Diri for the first one year in office.

The expected in an ideal democratic setting – government of the people, by the people and for the people - is thus for the interest of the people to resonate with the leader, since the ultimate goal is the promotion of the common good. It has been my great satisfaction to witness the calm

and steady manner Sen. Douye Diri has converted Bayelsa State into a humongous construction space, beginning the building of legacy physical infrastructure that will stand the test of time.

Some of the ongoing projects include, but is not limited to the expansion and beautification of Edepie/Etegwe Roundabout (to ease the flow of traffic and also tackle security challenge around the place), rehabilitation of the Sabagreia/Opokuma Road destroyed by flood, completion and commissioning of the reconstructed Imiringe bridge, completion, equipping and commissioning of Kaiama Referral Hospital. This Referral Hospital is to be replicated

NIGERIA, KAGARA AND JANGEBE SCHOOLCHILDREN

see the vapid and tepid response of the administration to the slew of juvenile abductions as the prodrome of elite bias. Yes, the proportion of response a challenge receives is metered by the social estate of those affected. This is how best I can conceptualise the impotence of the government in the face of the criminal harvesting of children for merchandise by bandits.

The situation has never been this parlous, sickening, helpless, and hopeless. Nigeria has organically evolved into a Hobessian society. Everyone has become a potential victim. Every day, news of kidnapping, mass killings, and sacking of villages hit national consciousness. No end in sight. We are all like sitting ducks waiting for our turn at inevitable torment.

Just a few days ago, 27 schoolboys were kidnapped

states to be more autonomous and less dependent on the federal government and its monthly FAAC allocations.

Some argue that doing so will ensure that our governors become more innovative in terms of their internal revenue generation efforts.

The flip side of fiscal restructuring is that in reality, more revenue will accrue to the states only that it will not pass through the center.

So, at the end you will still have some state governments collecting significant VAT and other revenue directly, and this may still cause high levels of corruption and complacency.

Again, while I agree that fiscal restructuring is good, I am not exactly sold on the premise that our states will be more prudent or innovative just because of such restructuring, except of course the people at the helm of affairs in the states have a mindset of frugality, innovation and service - which they could have had already

nary wheel keeps spinning, plucking schoolchildren, but the government seems to have lost the spanner to stop it. Who is the next victim? Where next? Is this what we have to live through? Is this what we have to endure?

Over 300 kids who elect to get an education in a region where there are over 10 million out- of- school children abducted in the dead of night. Sad! Sad! Sad! I am pained. Depressed.

Confused and listless.

Those kids living through ephialtes could be of any of us. The school, which should be a safe haven for children, has become a sanctuary of horror. How much traumatic can it get?

Have we not failed as a people if we cannot secure our children?

Perhaps, President Buhari has not received the memo.

Perhaps, he is walled off by the fortress and ramparts of Aso Villa. Or maybe, he

is fiddling while Nigeria is taken over by bandits. Just maybe. Nowhere is safe.

The country is under siege.

From the Federal Capital Territory to Kaduna, Niger State, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Abia, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Kogi, Katsina and Sokoto, bandits reign unchecked.

If the president really takes the present security challenge with gravitas, then he will spare no effort to declare a state of emergency on security; suspend what needs to be suspended and mobilise all resources to take back the country from these freebooters.

We cannot ride on the train, if we get killed. We cannot even drive on the roads being constructed and rehabilitated because bandits are laying siege on them.

Security comes first.

I hope the president acts now.

––Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist.

in the remaining seven local government headquarters. The governor has also awarded the contract and flag-off of construction of the collapsed Elebele bridge, 4.5km Igbedi road and Phase 2 of the Glory Drive.

In just one year in office, despite the distractions of twin pandemics of Covid -19 and a plethora of fatally jaundiced court cases, the miracle governor has re-mobilized contractors back to site for the construction of the YenagoaOporoma road, construction of the Sagbama-Ekeremor road, Igbogene-AIT outer ring road and completion of the Isaac Boro Expressway, commencement of repairs/rehabilitation of damaged internal roads in Yenagoa metropolis.

These projects are exclusive of funds released to the state Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs for rural projects across the eight local government areas. The governor has also released funds to ensure final completion and issuance of operating licence to the Bayelsa State Cargo International Airport, while preliminary works had been concluded on plans to build eight new technical and vocational secondary Schools in the eight local government areas of the state.

Massive investments in Agriculture with allocation of

land and provision of seedings to about 3,500 selected farmers in the eight local government areas of the state and commitment of peace, unity and reconciliation in the state, hence, the current political stability spearheaded by Sen. Douye Diri. I am also proud of the fact that he is accomplishing all these tasks, without neglecting the wellbeing of the people and continues to prioritise human capital development. He has invested in people -oriented policies and programmes to ensure that sustainable prosperity and happiness come to the people. Some of the milestone impact of this prosperity government in one year include regular and prompt payment of salaries to civil servants, release of N200 million monthly for the payment of long-outstanding pensions, gratuities and death benefits of retirees, setting up a fully equipped molecular laboratory in Yenagoa for improved Covid testing, introduction of Diri-Boost initiative to empower young Bayelsans interested in small and medium scale enterprises.

Indeed, the Bible declares that “when the righteous rule, the people rejoice”. The people of Bayelsa are in a season of happiness, by the sovereign will of the Almighty.

––Chief Benson Agadaga, Chief of Staff, Bayelsa State.

Good Thing They Didn't Come Second

T

here was great celebration in the Australian news that Brisbane was named as the preferred 2032 Olympic Games host. This was well received except that it was a fairly easy achievement given that they were the only real bidders.

I know that if you are the only contestant then you are the winner but surely the gold medal would feel better if you beat somebody as technically you also came last.

Have the Olympics lost their purpose now?

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia.

16

˜ ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

MARKET NEWS

Pathak Resigns from Dangote Cement as Director Goddy Egene

resigned as a director of 2021. In a notification to Dangote Cement said it had express its appreciation to Mr. Dangote Cement Plc with the Nigerian Stock Exchange accepted the resignation.

Pathak for his commitment “The board would like to and contributions to the Mr. Arvind Pathak has effect from February 25, (NSE) and other stakeholders, A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors.

Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 25- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Feb-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

board, and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” the company said.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 158.75 160.34 -1.87% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.21% Nigeria International Debt Fund 351.96 351.96 -11.77% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 113.77 113.77 -0.30% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.05 1.06 16.48% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 -13.33% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.65% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.38 3.54 -4.74% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.69 19.25 3.03% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 410.66 423.04 2.57% ARM Ethical Fund 35.17 36.23 4.32% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.20 1.20 -2.08% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.05 -6.80% ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 102.76 102.76 1.03% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.07 2.07 -26.43% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.20 2.25 -12.09% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.87% Paramount Equity Fund 16.01 16.32 0.15% Women's Investment Fund 134.61 135.13 0.76% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.51% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 129.85 130.73 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 110.10 110.10 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.29% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.18 1.19 -2.09% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.49 1.49 -5.97% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 1.53% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.55% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,154.78 1,157.44 -3.78% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,345.66 1,345.66 5.72% FBN Balanced Fund 184.81 186.14 -1.53% FBN Halal Fund 109.99 109.99 4.27% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.64% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 123.57 123.57 2.99% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.70 123.70 2.99% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 150.72 152.64 -0.30% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.15% Legacy Debt Fund 3.89 3.89 0.62% Legacy Equity Fund 1.58 1.62 4.03% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.14 1.14 0.75% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.00% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 127.81 128.34 19.07% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.36 1.36 58.14% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.71 2.77 18.11% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 154.40 154.84 -0.66% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 5.09% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.61 1.64 7.37% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.21 12.33 -0.23% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.25% PACAM Equity Fund 1.59 1.61 0.55% PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.31 111.96 -0.11% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 127.89 130.61 6.50% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 1.00% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,157.76 3,184.84 -1.78% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 226.52 226.52 0.74% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.17 1.18 -0.42% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 296.73 296.73 0.70% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 215.48 218.14 -1.39% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.66% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,972.74 10,106.11 -5.01% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.24 1.24 0.92% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.70 111.70 0.56% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.35 1.37 -1.06% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 0.88% United Capital Equity Fund 0.90 0.92 4.35% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.20% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.12 118.12 0.88% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.10 0.07% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 2.11% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.22 12.33 3.00% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.50 13.61 10.50% Zenith Income Fund 24.16 24.16 0.77% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.54%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.58 52.64

0.70% 0.46%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.96 120.88 95.91

13.06 120.88 97.72

-1.94% -0.71% -3.47%

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.97 5.62 17.28 1.00 18.92 176.25

4.01 5.70 17.38 1.00 19.12 178.25

4.73% -1.20% 5.62% 0.40% -7.77% -20.15%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.05

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

BUSINESS

Emefiele

Osinbajo

17

Editor: Kunle Aderinokun 08033204315, 08111813084 Email:kunle.aderinoku@thisdaylive.com

Yellen

Debate over Cryptocurrency Rages on Obinna Chima writes on the on-going debate over recent decision by the regulators to prohibit transactions on cryptocurrency in Nigeria’s Ànancial system

F

or close to one month after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) prohibited the use of cryptocurrency in the country’s banking and financial systems, the dust generated by the policy is yet to settle.

While the CBN and other proponents of the policy have continued to highlight risks in transacting in cryptocurrencies as well as its potential dangers on the economy, those who oppose the apex bank’s policy believe a better means of managing the digital currency ought to have been adopted.

For instance, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the banking regulatory authority acted in the nation’s best interest by ordering banks, non-banking and other financial institutions not to facilitate trading and dealings in cryptocurrencies.

Emefiele, during a recent Senate briefing, described the operations of cryptocurrencies as dangerous and opaque.

In the same vein, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligent Unit (NFIU), which also addressed the joint commit-

tee, said cryptocurrency was being used as a channel for funding violence and terrorism in Nigeria.

Emefiele said the use of cryptocurrency contravened the law, adding that the fact that cryptocurrencies are issued by unregulated and unlicensed entities, made it contrary to the mandate of the CBN, as enshrined in the CBN Act (2007) that empowers it as the issuer of legal tender in Nigeria.

Emefiele, who also differentiated between digital currencies, which apex banks can issue, and cryptocurrencies issued by unknown and unregulated entities, stated that the anonymity, obscurity, and concealment of cryptocurrencies made them suitable for those who indulge in illegal activities such as money laundering, terrorism financing, purchase of small arms and light weapons and tax evasion.

Citing instances of investigated criminal activities that had been linked to cryptocurrencies, he stated that the legitimacy of money and the safety of Nigeria’s financial system were central to the mandate of the CBN. “Cryptocurrency is not legitimate money because it is not created or backed by any central bank.

“Cryptocurrency has no place in

our monetary system at this time and cryptocurrency transactions should not be carried out through the Nigerian banking system,” he said.

Emefiele faulted arguments that the CBN’s actions were inimical to the development of FinTech or a technology-driven payment system.

On the contrary, he noted that the Nigerian payment system, boosted by reforms driven by the CBN has evolved over the past decade, surpassing those of many of its counterparts in emerging frontier and advanced economies.

In his presentation, the DirectorGeneral of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Lamido Yuguda, said there was no policy contradiction between the CBN directive and the pronouncements by the SEC on cryptocurrencies dealings in Nigeria.

He said the SEC made its pronouncement at the time to provide regulatory certainty within the digital asset space due to the growing volume of reported flaws.

Prior to the CBN directive, he said the SEC, in 2017, had cautioned the public on the risks involved in investing in digital and cryptocurrency.

He added that the CBN, Nigeria

Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the SEC between 2018 and 2020 had also warned on the lack of protection in investments in cryptocurrency.

Yuguda said following the CBN directive, the SEC had suspended the admittance of all persons affected by CBN circular into its proposed regulatory incubatory framework in order to ensure that only operators in full compliance with extant laws and regulations were admitted into the framework for regulating digital assets.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye highlighted the risks inherent in investing in virtual assets and cryptocurrencies in Nigeria.

He explained that cryptocurrencies posed serious legal and law enforcement risks for Nigeria due to its opaque nature and illicit financial flows.

But despite these concerns, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at the weekend, argued that the regulators ought to have considered regulating the digital currency instead of prohibiting it. He, however, said the federal government would not allow anyone to commit crimes in the country through the use of cryptocurrency.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

18

ECONOMY Debate over Cryptocurrency Rages on …

According to Osinbajo, “I fully appreciate the strong position of the CBN, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and some of the anti-corruption agencies on the possible abuses of cryptocurrencies and their other wellarticulated concerns. But I believe that their position should be the subject of further reflection.”

He said rather than adopt a policy that prohibits cryptocurrency operations in the Nigerian banking sector, “we must act with knowledge and not fear” and develop a robust regulatory regime that is thoughtful and knowledge-based.

“There is a role for regulation here. And it is in the place of both our monetary authorities and SEC to provide a robust regulatory regime that addresses these serious concerns without killing the goose that might lay the golden eggs.

Responding to the position of the Vice President, Emefiele explained that the CBN’s position was, “that we decided to tarry a while and understudy how it works and then begin to think about how we move forward.”

But, the Chief Executive Officer, Global Analytics Derivatives Ltd, Mr. Tope Fasua, maintained that with the global concerns in cryptocurrency transactions, it was right for any regulator to be worried He also revealed that presently, 60 per cent of central banks across the globe are under pressure to issue sovereign digital currency.

Fasua, also said although no banker to the government would support cryptocurrency, they have no option than to begin to issue their own Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDCs).

Fasua said: “The anonymity of cryptocurrencies means it is a haven for criminality. You would see that a lot of criminals went into it and a majorly also steal people’s wallet. There is an enormous amount of stealing in the crypto world compared to stealing in the fiat currency world and they try to move into cryptocurrencies to try and obliterated their trail.

“About 78 per cent of issued bitcoin are either lost, hoarded leaving less than four million bitcoin to be shared amongst future market and possess a lot of risks also.”

According to him, about five countries, namely -China, Ecuador, Senegal, Tunisia and Singapore – have issued digital currencies in a bid to give alternatives to their citizens who seek easier currency conversion.

Concerns of Global Institutions From all indications, the CBN is not alone in its concerns about the dangers posed by cryptocurrency.

For instance, the European Central Bank’s President, Christine Lagarde, recently said the digital currency had been used for money laundering activities in some instances, adding that any loopholes needed to be closed. According to her, its largely anonymous nature has raised concerns that it could be used for money laundering and other illegal activities. “(Bitcoin) is a highly speculative asset, which has conducted some funny business and some interesting and totally reprehensible money laundering activity,” Lagarde said.

“There has to be regulation. This has to be applied and agreed upon ... at a global level because if there

is an escape that escape will be used,” Lagarde said.

Also, Janet Yellen recently highlighted the abuse of cryptocurrency. The Treasury secretary said the digital coins have been used to fund terrorism and launder money.

She added: “I see the promise of these new technologies, but I also see the reality: cryptocurrencies have been used to launder the profits of online drug traffickers; they’ve been a tool to finance terrorism.”

Similarly, Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder argued that: “The way cryptocurrency works today allows for certain criminal activities. It’d be good to get rid of that,” he quickly added: “I probably should have said bio weapons.

That’s a really bad thing.”

The comments from Gates implied that the billionaire technologists is no bitcoin enthusiast, but his remarks may simply suggest that he feels that cryptocurrencies are prone to abuse by swindlers and in money-laundering schemes—a common criticism of the decentralised digital asset that was created in 2009.

Also, recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautioned against transacting in cryptocurrency, saying regulating the digital currency remains a concern not just to the CBN, but to other regulators across the world.

The IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria, Mr. Ari Aisen, noted that a lot has been changing regarding the payment system, saying, “The issue with some of these cryptocurrencies is that perhaps some care should be taken about their activities and the use of cryptocurrencies.”

He added: “Actually, central banks, not only in Nigeria have this concern about what kind of activities that cryptocurrencies might be supporting and how best to monitor those activities.

“Some of them are involved in illegal activities; some may be related to money laundering, even drugs and other initiatives and it is natural that the authorities would be extremely concerned about how best to supervise, improve and supervise the use of cryptocurrencies,” he added.

He pointed out that there remained a dilemma around how best to regulate the digital currency.

“We know that the Central Bank of Nigeria is concerned about it and trying to decide the best policy around this for the benefit of the payment system and the sustainability of the financial system,” he added.

Even Warren Buffett has been a vocal critic of the digital currency, dismissing cryptocurrency as worthless and a risky, speculative asset.

“Cryptocurrencies basically have no value and they don’t produce anything. They don’t reproduce, they can’t mail you a check, they can’t do anything, and what you hope is that somebody else comes along and pays you more money for them later on, but then that person’s got the problem. In terms of value: zero,” Buffet added.

From the foregoing, it is clear that globally central bankers remain cautious about how to deal with this form of digital currency and would in the future have to fashion out how best to regulate it.

Gates

Lagarde

Aisen

Fasua

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

19

BUSINESS OUTSIDER

A spare parts shop in Ladipo market

Appraising the Igbo Apprenticeship System Tunji Adegbite

A

s Chukwuemekaopened up his new shop for its Àrst day of business, his face lit up with a smile as bright as the lights on a football Àeld during a Champion’s League Ànals match. An energetic young man, Chukwuemeka, just completed his Imu-Ahia apprenticeship after spending 7 years learning the trade of buying and selling cars under the tutelage of his master, Mr. Chikodi Odilli. Established with his Oga’s cash gift received at his graduation, Chukwuemeka beamed with pride at his accomplishment and newly elevated status as a businessman. Chukwuemeka’s story is not uncommon. Many young men like him from South-Eastern Nigeria enter the informal Igbo apprenticeship system, also called Imu-Ahia, annually.

Imu-Ahia, the Igbo apprenticeship system is an informal system where established business owners take in young boys and train them in their line of business while they serve as apprentices. Imu-Ahia literally translated as ¶to learn marketing’ is an integral part of Igbo culture. The Imu-Ahia process in some Igbo villages begins with a formal traditional handing over ceremony between the young boy’s family, the ¶Oga’ and respected elders as witnesses. Here, the Oga states his expectations and assures the family of the boy’s welfare, while the family admonish the boy to remain faithful, honest and hardworking to his Oga. This apprenticeship is unpaid, although the Oga typically provides housing, food and clothing. The training period is usually about 6- 8years, after which a graduation

ceremony would be held for the apprentice during which the ¶Oga’ gifts the young man a sizeable sum of money and sometimes even extends a line of credit for the purchase of goods required to set up a new business. This training system evolved from the long-standing practice of sending younger family members to live with older relatives in other towns who supervised or provided education, whether formal or informal (trade). It gained prominence at the end of the Nigerian-Biafran civil war in 1970 which left many Igbo people impoverished, unable to recover pre-war assets, especially those located in other parts of Nigeria. Built on the Igbo principle of lek̹ta nwanne g̷ nwoke- meaning ¶take care of your brother’, the system sought to restore and develop Igbo wealth.

The Igbo apprenticeship system has been referred to as the secret of Igbo commercialism and success in trade. This community partnership ensures the training of new generations of successful business people.

This training system has oͿered many a path out of poverty and created a large number of millionaires and billionaires.

Imu-Ahia is now one of the critical training phases most young Igbo boys must pass through before becoming independent.

Some even prefer this route to formal education or combine their service period with formal education.

The training system is not faultless.

One of its key issues is when some Ogas falsely claim a trainee has stolen money or goods towards the end of the agreed apprenticeship period as a sly means of wriggling out of their commitment to the apprentice. In addition, there has been no record of an Igbo girl lady passing through same system. However, the pros of the system supersede the cons and is

conÀrmed to be of immense beneÀts in the long run. BeneÀciaries of this Imu-Ahia training have gone on to establish several well-known enterprises. Supermarkets like popular Prince Ebeano chain of stores, Blenco Supermarket; Car outlets like Coscharis Motors, God is Good motors; many industrial and trading companies in Lagos State and beyond.

The Igbo apprenticeship system is one of the many untapped blessings the Nigerian Culture possesses. The widespread success of Imu-Ahia has drawn people from other parts of Nigeria and foreign nationals to study its model in the hopes of recreating a similar system. The advantages of the Igbo apprenticeship system are numerous, some of which include: Helps build business ecosystems using cultural models: as a cultural nation, many long-standing businesses were built through cultural beliefs centred on alignment of values.

A form of startup incubator: This model can be compared to the now common modern-day incubator program. It gives practical business knowledge and insight. Some have likened the kind of business skills acquired during this training to those obtained in a more traditional business school.

The Imu-Ahia model is an excellent example of mentorship; in other words, “catch them young” mindset. The training is usually done on a more personal level compared to formal education, and so incorporates social grooming, values and ethics development. The boys go through this training at a young age and become young experts on both the hard and soft skills required to run a successful business.

Opportunity for Entrepreneurship mindset: The Igbo apprenticeship sys-

tem builds an entrepreneurship mindset regardless of the mentee continuing in that same business line or setting up a new one entirely. It helps Àne-tunes business ideas and skills that build expertise even at the startup stage, thereby eliminating the startup error syndrome. Graduates of this system are usually good sales and marketing experts. Perhaps, this is as a result of the reinforcements usually attached to how well they perform while looking after the trainer’s store.

Opportunity for securing Angel investment to run a business: At the end of the Imu-Ahia training, the trainee receives funds to jump-start his own business, at little or no interest rate.

It reduces the rate of unemployability and poverty. The purpose of the Imu-Ahia training is to ensure that clansmen overcame poverty and establish a pathway for generational success. Apprentices receive on-the-job train, which oͿers the opportunity to acquire applicable skills.

As Nigeria continues to face economic instability and a decline in public education quality due to poor infrastructure and funding, many youths are undertrained and Ànd it di΀cult to secure jobs. The Igbo apprenticeship model, an eͿective pipeline of training and developing entrepreneurial skills in the face of repeated obstacles oͿers a guide for an adaptable training system that equips young people with the requisite skill to succeed.

Tunji Adegbite is a thought leader in Strategy and Supply Chain, who is also the founder of Naspire, a business research platform using business insights to help entrepreneurs and professionals in Africa succeed. He can be reached via tunji@naspire.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

MONEY

Marina, Lagos

5HGHÀQLQJ 'LJLWDO $VVHWV LQ 1LJHULD Recently, the Ànancial market was rattled to its core, when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) banned the cryptocurrency and shut down all its exchanges. Prohibiting its use in banks and other Ànancial institutions, the apex bank eͿectively shut the door against access to the digital currency in Nigeria.

However, coming at a point when so much pressure is on the country currently, in terms of insecurity and citizens cry against bad governance, some conspiracy theorists believe the decision may have some political undertone. But then, the anonymity value of the digital asset, may actually be the Achilles heel of the cryptocurrency, because that is a major minus the CBN holds on to in defence of its decision. Following interventions by the National Assembly and other voices of reason, discussions and consultations are ongoing to Ànd ways to stir a middle course on the matter. Like a cherry on the cake of support for the blockchain business, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s statement two days ago Ànally made the point for a guided cryptocurrency regulation in the country rather than an outright ban. &KULV 3DXO reports

O

n 5th February, 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sent a memo to banks and other Ànancial institutions to notify them of the prohibition of any dealing in cryptocurrencies and payment facilitation for cryptocurrency exchanges. The CBN further instructed all banks and other Ànancial institutions to identify individuals or entities, who transact in cryptocurrency or operate cryptocurrency exchanges and close the accounts of such persons or entities.

Predictably, the letter caused a major stir amongst experts and in the court of public opinion with many concerned about the negative impact it could have on Nigeria’s growing cryptocurrency market and innovation in the Àntech industry.

Responding to these concerns, the CBN it seemed, was able to put its thoughts together to modify its earlier memo to the banks, giving reasons, explaining the rationale, for its decision.

It issued a press release, two days later, on 7th February 2021, explaining its earlier directive and providing reasons for its prohibition of cryptocurrency transactions by banks and other Ànancial institutions.

The CBN’s decision on cryptocurrency had also attracted attention from the highest levels of government.

During its deliberation on the CBN’s directive on February 11, the Nigerian Senate resolved to invite the CBN Governor to brief them on the actions of the apex bank.

The meeting was further necessitated by some senators, who expressed reservations about the ban on cryptocurrency transactions.

One other excuse the apex bank advanced as reasons for shutting down cryptocurrency exchanges, is the unregulated nature of and unlicensed entities running the digital currency

sector.

For the bank, the use of cryptocurrencies in Nigeria contravenes existing laws as they are not legal tender.

It also identiÀed the anonymity of cryptocurrency as an issue; stating that anonymity and the lack of .now Your Customer (.YC) made it vulnerable to illegal use such as money laundering and the Ànancing of terrorism. Another justiÀcation for slamming the hammer on the virtual Ànancial subsector, was the volatility of cryptocurrencies, which it maintains, threatens the stability of Ànancial systems in other countries.

With over 500 million worth of Bitcoin traded over the last Àve years, Nigeria has the second largest Bitcoin market in the world. So, a total shut down may not be in the interest of a weak economy as Nigeria’s.

This consideration might be what informed the cautious approach adopted by the capital markets regulatory.

On September 1 , 2020, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a statement announcing its intention to regulate “digital assets” which includes cryptocurrencies.

In the light of CBN’s directive, SEC faced calls to clarify whether there was a contradiction in the policies of the two regulators.

But in what industry analysts regard as a face-saving policy moderation, ¶double-speak,’ to cover CBN’s perceived Áawed reactionary policy, SEC subsequently issued a statement on February 11, 2021, stating that it would partner the CBN to analyse and better understand the identiÀed risks of cryptocurrency to ensure that appropriate regulations are put in place if cryptocurrency transactions are to be allowed in future.

So, CBN’s directive on cryptocurrency transactions understandably has an eͿect on the cryptocurrency market in Nigeria, because it means those trading in the digital asset will be essentially prevented from buying cryptocurrencies with

their credit debit cards issued by Nigerian banks or receiving proceeds of cryptocurrency sales from exchanges which facilitate the buying and selling of cryptocurrency.

In compliance to the CBN’s directive, banks begun to identify and deactivate the account of individuals with inÁows outÁows from to cryptocurrency exchanges. It is unclear if aͿected individuals would be able to reopen accounts with these banks in future.

Fortunately, for the crypto community, however, some of their members have come up with ideas that have outsmarted the new, but hostile system; as some exchanges may have found a way around the restriction; by switching to peer-to-peer trading; which enables individuals to buy or sell crypto currency, from individual traders as opposed to the exchanges.

In other words, this does away with the need for exchanges to operate settlement accounts in Nigerian banks.

This anti-CBN Àx is a graphic demonstration of the very essence and spirit of the cryptocurrency initiative which was berthed during the global economic meltdown of 2008.

The idea of the digital asset is to decentralize central banking system. The state of aͿairs in the global Ànancial market today, is that 60 per cent of central banks are under pressure to create digital money.

This development is consequent upon the sudden rise in value and acceptability of cryptocurrencies and the search by investors for alternative places to put their money.

At the February edition of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria, (FICAN), monthly forum in Lagos, held on Tuesday, 2 February 2021, an Economist and Chief Executive O΀cer, Global Analytics Derivatives Ltd, Mr. Tope Fasua, said, though no banker to the government will support cryptocurrency; “They have no option than to begin to issue their own Central

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

21

MONEY 5HGHÀQLQJ 'LJLWDO $VVHWV LQ 1LJHULD Bank Digital Currency (CBDCs).”

China, Ecuador, Senegal, Tunisia and Singapore, according to him, are the Àve countries that have issued digital currencies, not Cryptocurency, adding that “bankers know that they are done, if cryptocurrencies really take oͿ and replaces traditional currencies.”

Fasua said a number of bankers have invested in cryptos just to hedge their bets; but explained that “the traditional Ànancial system is deeply rooted, organised and backed by government, unlike the cryptocurrency mining space.”

Fasua further made the point that the days of cryptocurrency are here and cannot be ignored.

Speaking on the topic: “Ban on Cryptocurrency-related Accounts in Nigeria and Concerns of Global Central Banking,” Fasua stated that the proponents of the cryptocurrency believe there is a need to push back and do something diͿerent, that will mimic the attributes of a gold-backed currency in view of durability and scarcity, but better than the current system by being smart, secure and not possible for central banks to issue at will.

“If it started as a rebellion (which is the case), then you must think of the incentive for the global economy to sign on to that rebellion with you against the devil they know. This then means that until there is global acceptance of the currencies, it will continue to be easy to create panic in the crypto world and big players can dump the currency when they have achieved gains. It then becomes worse than the stock market because, for cryptocurrencies, the fundamentals are non-existent apart from an analysis of how many are adopting the currency and who is winning between an established traditional banking system and the new kids on the block,” Fasua posited.

Cryptocurrency, according to him, is heading to global single currency, but one major challenge, he said, “is that there is a lot of losses in it and that when most coiners die, no one is able to access their investments which ab initio are encrypted with passwords, passphrases and whatnot. People don’t usually plan to die. Now, this is where regulation helps in the Ànancial markets. Apart from deposit insurance, which kicks in, in the event of the collapse of an insured and regulated Ànancial institution, the relations of a dead account holder in a traditional bank could still have access to their balances.”

Unfortunately in the case of cryptocurrency, however, once the currency owner dies without transferring the codes to any trusted aid or relative, that money is gone; with him or her.

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Deputy Governor, Prof. .ingsley Moghalu, faulted CBN’s action on the cryptocurrency transactions.

For him, the ban on cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria’s banking sector could have been handled in a diͿerent manner.

Admitting the threat cryptocurrency poses to Ànancial stability, Moghalu said a risk management approach should have been adopted in tackling the issue.

In an interview on a national television recently, Moghalu said: “When I saw news of this directive, I was a bit concerned but I was not surprised. I was not surprised because you have to Àrst of all understand that there are many dimensions to the question of cryptocurrencies.

There are Ànancial stability issues and concerns.

There is the question of whether or not it is a legal tender in Nigeria because it is not; the central bank had, in 2017, put out that regulation.

But now that the apex bank has put out a new directive, basically banning all deposit money banks, from transacting in cryptocurrencies, the former deputy Governor acknowledged SEC’s recognition of cryptocurrencies, as a Ànancial asset. He recalled that in September, the Capital markets regulatory agency had said they were going to put out a regulatory framework.

“And we know that bitcoin and other kinds of cryptocurrencies have now become known as ¶freedom money. We have to go back to understand what cryptocurrencies actually are, which are virtual currencies that can be exchanged online to purchase goods and services and the value is not determined by the value of legal tender currencies,” he said.

Clarifying that legal tender currencies have to be used to purchase those cryptocurrencies, he said: “The most popular of cryptocurrencies is bitcoin. Also, they don’t have an underlining value, so many people would say it is speculative; because unlike a normal currency, that currency is backed up by either foreign reserves, the productive nature of the economy of the

Emefiele

country that owns the currency and various other elements.”

Aformer presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party in the 2019 election, Moghalu noted that, “We live in a world of innovation.

Cryptocurrencies bypass central banks globally.

So, there is the Ànancial stability aspect, there is political aspect, there is the private and economic investment aspect of it and there is the aspect of the business opportunities of the incomes and earnings of many young Nigerians who trade in this instrument. So, it is a very complex issue.”

The directive by CBN, according to him, was aimed at making the space di΀cult for people who deal in the virtual currency, adding that, “The CBN directive is legal, but was it the wisest way to approach either the risks of cryptocurrencies or any other consideration that it might have had" I am not sure about that and that is why I was worried on this response by the CBN.” He interprets the hurried memo as a directive to Ànancial institutions under the control and supervisory remit of the central bank, not to deal with these digital assets, saying, “The directive is targeted at exchanges of cryptocurrencies. It makes it di΀cult, but it does not criminalise it.”

As deputy governor in charge of Ànancial stability, Moghalu was the head of the directorate that controls the Ànancial system and so, as one with an authoritative understanding of the global Ànancial system, he believes the move by the CBN was deÀnitely, not the best way to handle the situation.

“And if I was in the CBN today in that role, it is one of the departments under me that would have issued this directive. But my response as someone, who is versed in risk management will be that there is a reality today that the world in going digital and there is a lot of innovation in the world and cryptocurrency are part of it,” said Moghalu.

His attitude, therefore, would have been how the nation’s banking regulatory authority would have best managed the risks of cryptocurrencies to ensure that they do not aͿect the stability of the Ànancial system.

Considering the fact that the country is just recuperating from the groundswell impact of the EndSARS Protest which, greatly, exploited the crypto window to fund its agitation coupled with the current Sunday Igboho Southwest’s anti-Fulani domination resistance, conspiracy

theorists are wont to aver that the ban may be politically motivated.

For them, the only means known to killerbandits and kidnappers, (who are largely dominated by Northern elements of the Fulani ethnic stock), is ransom collected from victims’ relatives to fund their operations.

While, on the other hand, the largely welleducated and sophisticated Southern youths found expression for their funding needs via the cryptocurrency.

That is why many believe the CBN action, considering the haste with which it came, is targeted at disrupting the growing agitations by youths from the South; in their battle against the onslaught by Boko Haram terrorists posing as killer-herdsmen to capture and destroy the Southern part of the country.

In his interaction with members of the Senate Joint Committee on Banking Insurance and other Ànancial institutions, (including ICT and cybercrime), who had summoned him to explain his actions, CBN Governor, Godwin EmeÀele stood his ground; although he enlightened the legislators on the security implication of allowing cryptocurrency a free reign on the nation’s Ànancial sector.

BrieÀng the men of the upper legislative chamber, on February 2 , 2021, EmeÀele spoke on the opportunities and threats of cryptocurrency on the nation’s economy.

The CBN Governor told the Senators that the bank is not in a popularity contest, saying its actions are applauded by all Nigerians with nothing to hide.

A΀rming the banks’ commitment to protecting all actors in the Ànancial space especially the uninformed; EmeÀele disclosed that money laundering, terrorism Ànancing, and other nefarious activities are being carried out using cryptocurrencies and the opacity of Ànancial dealings using cryptocurrencies to threaten the soundness of Nigeria’s Ànancial institutions.

The decision by the Senate to invite the CBN governor was sequel to a motion by a federal lawmaker, Senator Istifanus Gyang during plenary on February 11, on the CBN’s directive to stop Ànancial institutions from transactions in cryptocurrencies and matters arising from them.

Calling for caution, the federal lawmakers pointed out that while cryptocurrency has its negative sides, it has become the fastest-growing form of transaction all over the world.

They argued that technology has changed the way business is conducted in Nigeria and the country cannot run away from cryptocurrency.

The cryptocurrency issue is a money matter and policies that have to do with Ànancial transactions, systems and processes that are very sensitive, and which could be susceptible to varied interpretations.

Sifting through the maze of perspectives against the backdrop of the directive, it is obvious that the CBN could and can still explore other less volatile options to address the cryptocurrency challenge.

Otherwise, under the tense atmosphere Nigeria has found herself, currently, such a directive has the potential of further fanning the embers of division, simmering in her underbelly, today.

It is in the light of this, that Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s statement, last Friday, hit the bull’s eye.

Laying his premise on two solid points, he said “First is that there is no question that blockchain technology generally and cryptocurrencies, in particular, will in the coming years challenge traditional banking, including reserve banking, in ways that we cannot yet imagine. So we need to be prepared for that seismic shift. And it may come sooner than later.”

Already, according to him, remittance systems are being challenged. Blockchain technology, he a΀rmed, will provide far cheaper options to the kind of fees being paid today for cross-border transfers by banks.

“I am sure you are all aware of the challenge that the traditional SWIFT system is facing from new systems like Ripple which is based on the blockchain distributed ledger technology with its own crypto tokens.

There is of course a whole range of digital assets spawned daily from blockchain technology,” he said.

Thankfully, the Vice President knows that decentralised Ànance, using smart contracts to create Ànancial instruments, in place of central Ànancial intermediaries such as banks or brokerages, is set to challenge traditional Ànance.

The likes of Nexo Finance oͿer instant loans using cryptocurrency as collateral. Some reserve banks are investigating issuing their own digital currencies.

“Clearly, the future of money and Ànance, especially for traditional banking, must be as exciting as it is frightening. But as we have seen in many other sectors, disruption makes room for e΀ciency and progress,” the Vice President enlightened.

On his second point, Prof. Osinbajo made known that he fully appreciates the strong position of the CBN, SEC and some of the anticorruption agencies on the possible abuses of cryptocurrencies and their other well-articulated concerns. But he believes that their position should be the subject of further reÁection.

There is a role for regulation here, he pointed out, adding that, “It is in the place of both our monetary authorities and SEC to provide a robust regulatory regime that addresses these serious concerns without killing the goose that might lay the golden eggs.”

The vice president believes the interventions of the relevant government agencies should be thoughtful and knowledge-based regulation, not prohibition.

“The point I am making is that some of the exciting developments we see, call for prudence and care in adopting them and this has been very well articulated by our regulatory authorities, but we must act with knowledge and not fear.

We must ensure that we are in a position to beneÀt and in a position to prevent any of the adverse side eͿects or even possible criminal acts that may arise as a consequence of adopting any of these options,” he concluded.

An erudite scholar and respected law professor, himself, Osinbajo clearly aligns with the views of the former CBN deputy Governor and other voices of reason on this cryptocurrency conversation.

So, there is nothing more to add; other than to advise the current leadership of the nation’s apex bank to toe the line the vice president has drawn in his intervention.

Besides the fact that he spoke truth to power, placed the issue in its proper perspective.

What is gratifying is that his statement as the vice president, would not be taken as mere advocacy, but a public repair of the initially policy of the central bank on the matter concerning the Ànancial regulator’s management of cryptocurrency and the growing blockchain business.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

22

ECONOMY

ICPC’s Anti-Graft Battle in MDAs Kingsley Nwezeh writes that the Prof. Bolaji Owasanonye-led Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related OͿences Commission (ICPC) is engaged in a gritty battle of wits with corrupt personnel of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs)

I

t is a known fact that in spite of the avowed anti-graft drive of government, corruption, a hydra-headed monster, has continued to mutate in the country.

Anti-graft agencies have battled top o΀cials of government and ministries, some of whom were jailed while others are still standing trial even as others are under investigation.

The diͿerent corruption schemes in the MDAs have been variously called ghost workers syndrome, padding, diversion of public funds, bribery and corruption and looting, even some recovered loot were re-looted.

The diversion and looting of public funds have continued unabated while several counter strategies deployed by government have not eͿectively tackled Ànancial crimes in Ministries Departments and Agencies. (MDAs).

Even the Treasury Single Account (TSA) introduced by government to curb wastage and stealing in public service has been breached by corrupt public servants and rendered partially ineͿective.

Nigeria was recently rated the second most corrupt country in West Africa with GuineaBissau being the only country more corrupt than Nigeria in the region. The federal government has, however, disputed the rating as being incongruent with the anti-graft policy of government which it said had yielded results.

The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2020 report published by Transparency International (TI) showed that Nigeria occupied the 1 9th position out of the 180 countries surveyed and scored 25 out of 100 points. The rating was one point lower than the 2019 position as Nigeria was ranked 1 6th out of the 180 countries surveyed, scoring 26 points out of 100 points.

In a bid to curtail graft in public service, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related OͿences Commission (ICPC) recently had a virtual conference with directors of Ànance and accounts and of internal audit of some agencies of the federal government among other stakeholders to discuss transparency and Àscal discipline in implementation of government budgets.

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owasanonye, said the gathering was for those whom government has given responsibility for managing public Ànance and assets, on whom lies the responsibility for transparency and integrity of our public resources, but under whose watch and active collaboration the anomalies and distortions that result in the corruption of our public Ànance takes place.

“The failure of integrity on the part of these critical watchdogs of public Ànance is what accounts for the under development of Nigeria, the absence of infrastructure the fragility of the economy and the near collapse of the nation state. Within this room are those who make or mar the future of Nigeria”, he said.

The systems study and review conducted by the agency focused on Personnel Cost Allocation and Capital Development Fund for 2017 – 2020.

Owasanonye said Àndings by the agency showed that there was budget manipulation by most MDAs, which resulted in MDAs receiving both appropriation and releases beyond their actual needs. While these surpluses were open to the risk of being misappropriated as is tradition sometime at the end of the year, the funds tied down for non-existent personnel deprived government and indeed needy MDAs of much needed funds to apply to other critical, but underfunded areas, especially overhead and capital development.

This, he said, tended to make budget execution problematic for government at harsh

economic times.

“While our review and the IPPIS takeover of the salary payment has helped to reduce these incidents, the mop up of balances immediately after the payment of salary at the end of every month had to be activated with the cooperation of the Ministry of Finance and O΀ce ofAccountant General of the Federation.

Funds Mop-up The ICPC also initiated through its 2019 system study and review the mopping-up of corruptly-activated Áoating funds.

“Part of the outcome from 2019 System Study and Review of the Commission is the mopping up of N 2billion (Personnel Cost) in 2019 and N1 7 billion in 2020 respectively. The Hon. Minister of Finance through Àndings of the commission of the wrong application of personnel cost on overhead and capital item issued a negative warrant to mop up excess cash available in the personnel cost of the MDAs to forestall further misapplication of funds.

“Similar warrant was issued in 2020 totaling N1 7 billion, which was a huge savings to government. The year 2020 has been a challenging year with the devastating eͿect of COVID-19 leading to low revenue, low crude sales, low economic activities and recession among others, hence the importance of blocking leakages and wastages within the system,” he said.

ICPC Systems Study Review of Budget Implementation The ICPC chair said the commission as part of its statutory mandate had, in the past few years been conducting systems study and review of ministries and organisations in the federal public service (MDAs).

He said the overall objective of a system review is reform of the systems and procedures of public agencies with a view to identifying and eliminating, preventing, blocking and obstructing opportunities for corruption.

To achieve this, the ongoing exercise targets detecting areas of vulnerabilities, actual weaknesses, leakages and corruption risks and to recommend ways of strengthening these systems and removing the discretionary gaps and such opportunities for both individual and institutional malfeasance on our public resources.

In addition, he said, the review also targeted shoring up public resources for government and make them available for utilisation in delivering good governance and the dividends of the nation’s democratic processes.

Often, these system study review leads to full blown investigation of egregious anomalies or enforcement measures like asset recovery and prosecution.

Owasanonye noted that in 2019, ICPC reviewed 208 agencies of government that are funded from the federal treasury and came up with outstanding results, which included discovery of N 1.8billion personnel cost surpluses for 2017 and 2018, and misapplication of N19.8billion and N9.2billion from personnel cost and capital fund respectively. “Consequent on these Àndings, N 2billion unspent surplus allocations for personnel cost for 2019 alone was blocked from possible abuse and pilfering mostly from health and some educational institutions.

“This implies that if we had covered the entire civil service structure of all MDAs the Àgures would be staggering. In 2020, we extended the review with more focus on health and education sectors, which touch the lives of ordinary citizens and are critical to meeting any of the internationally recognised development goals but is a major headache to budget execution,” he said.

Bolaji-Owasanoye.jpg

The agency also uncovered the scam in the controversial school feeding programme and the billions feeding imaginary students when the nation was on a lockdown.

“We commenced a review of educational institutions indicted in the 2017 AuditorGeneral’s Annual Audit Report for a wider range of Ànancial infractions. A number of investigations are on-going on this as we have instituted a mechanism for continuous review of current and subsequent annual audit reports.

“In December 2019, the federal government launched the Open Treasury Portal [OTP] onto which all payments from N5million and above

by MDAs are uploaded for the purpose of transparency and public scrutiny. We immediately began studying payment data on the portal again with focus on educational and health institutions,” he said.

In the process, he noted, “The issue of payments of feeding allowance to federal unity secondary schools was thrown up and we had to carry out further investigations on expenditure on meal subsidy releases that remained constant despite the lockdown during which schools were closed and students away at home.

“In response to our Àndings, government set up the Transparency Portal Quality Assurance and Compliance Committee with ICPC as a member. The committee now scrutinises payments on the portal and periodically sends lists of agencies with serious infraction for further review and sometimes investigation and enforcement action,” Owasanonye said.

He noted further that in the spirit of collaboration ICPC reported back its Àndings on cases of fraud or unaccounted for funds a number of which investigations are ongoing.

He said the review is carried out on month by month transactions and is therefore an ongoing exercise and despite confronting erring ministries and MDAs with federal circulars prohibiting these activities, the infractions continue thus stronger measures on the part of government and anti-corruption agencies are inevitable.

Recommendation/Achievements Based on its Àndings, it also made recommendations which the agency said also formed part of its achievements. The systems study and review focused on personnel cost allocation

and Capital Development Fund for 2017 – 2020.

“In general, our Àndings showed that there was budget manipulation by most MDAs which resulted in MDAs receiving both appropriation and releases beyond their actual needs. While these surpluses were open to the risk of being misappropriated as is tradition sometime at the end of the year, the funds tied down for non-existent personnel deprived government and indeed needy MDAs of much-needed funds to apply to other critical but underfunded areas, especially overhead and capital development.

“This tended to make budget execution problematic for government at harsh economic times. While our review and the IPPIS takeover of the salary payment has helped to reduce these incidents, the mop up of balances immediately after the payment of salary at the end of every month had to be activated with the cooperation of the Ministry of Finance and O΀ce of Accountant General of the Federation”, he said.

“In addition to the above infraction on personnel cost allocation, we found that quite a substantial part of the personnel cost budget was expended on matters not related to personnel cost. These expenditure types included DTA and estacode, electricity, water and sewage bills, procurement of diesel and stationery, payment of transport allowance and Áight fares, payment of wages for outsourced services and ad hoc (locum, visiting and at times illegal employees), as well as illegal allowances.

“For capital development fund, review established huge expenditure on both personnel and overhead related items thus frustrating government’s capacity for infrastructural development.

Again, that the budgeting system for capital fund had shifted heavily to overhead-related activities such as empowerments, sensitisations, trainings, etc, thus reducing the visibility of government assets and infrastructural projects commensurate with the value of capital appropriation”, the ICPC chair, said.

The Àndings further showed that some agencies of government engaged in massive capital project implementation through direct labour with attendant implication for corruption and loss of project quality and tax revenues.

It is hoped that the commendable steps of the agency would be sustained in order to contain public sector corruption.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

23

FOCUS

Okonjo-Iweala

Adesina

As Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala, Adesina, Oramah Lead Global Commerce, Trade Institutions…

Kehinde Olaosebikan

T

omorrow, March 1, 2021, in faraway Geneva, Switzerland, Nigerians will be completing the takeover of the leaderships of trading bureaucracies as they aͿect Africa and the world as a whole. Nigeria-born Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in a historic engagement assumes the position of the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as the Àrst woman, Àrst African, to occupy the coveted global seat this Monday.

She will be joining and leading her fellow Nigerian brothers, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Board Chairman of African Import-Export Bank (Afreximbank), who have been in charge of trade and commerce of the African continent for over Àve years now, in the administration and promotion of trade across the globe.

Essentially, Dr. Okonjo Iweala as the DG of WTO would be administering world trade organisations’ trade agreements, providing for trade negotiations, handling trade disputes, monitoring national trade policies, providing technical assistance and training for developing countries, and ensuring cooperation with other international organizations.

Dr. Adesina blazed the trail on May 28, 2015 when he emerged as the Àrst Nigerian to lead the AfDB charged with the development of trade and commerce in Africa. Erudite, versatile and ever innovative, Adesina served meritoriously in that position for Àve years and the tyranny and bullying of the immediate past President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald Trump, was not potent enough to deny him a second term in o΀ce. He did well as the helmsman of AfDB and the board of the bank, and indeed the entire world appreciated and rewarded him with a second term in o΀ce.

Closely following Adesina’s steps, Professor Oramah was Àrst appointed as the President of Afreximbank on September 21, 2015 and with stellar performance matched with profound and stainless conduct, the University of Ibadan Agricultural Economics graduate was seamlessly appointed to serve for another term of

Àve years unanimously by the Board of the bank last year.

In his Àrst term as the President of Afreximbank, Prof. Oramah transformed the bank beyond the expectations of the board. At all times, in good, bad, progress and adversities, he has eͿectively and positively made the most of the Afreximbank, navigating and advancing African trade through thick and thin.

With profound policies and programmes, Oramah proactively positioned the bank to respond to the challenges of the Africa Free Trade Agreement and resourcefully evolved PATIMFA to mitigate the negative eͿects of

Oramah

COVID 19 on African trade and commerce.

Today, Afreximbank is a major catalyst for trade and commerce in Africa, ditto for the AfDB under the leadership of Adesina.

Overall, both Adesina and Oramah have proved their mettle, adding real values to the AfDB and Afreximbank respectively with the unprecedented transformation of trade, commerce and industry in the last Àve years.

They have done Nigeria, their home country, really proud.

Ascending the WTO highest position with what can correctly be described as the best of credentials, preparedness, support and

conÀdence; Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emerged the 7th President of the 164 nation organisation when the international community was looking for a leader who will not only be able to exercise intellectual leadership and diplomatic skills in advancing the multilateral agenda but who is also a good communicator with strong managerial skills.

More than ready to lead the world, Okonjo Iweala’s immediate response to her selection conÀrmed that she was exactly the most suitable person, the person God has deliberately prepared for the WTO leadership for this very moment. Profusing quality leadership, humility, focus and seriousness, she said: “I am honored to have been selected by WTO members as WTO Director General. A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID 19 pandemic. I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again. Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today.”

As the Amazon at WTO works towards giving the world a stronger, more active and better trading structure and the duo of Adesina and Oramah see to the realization of the much desired an African Integrated market for the greatest beneÀts of Africans and the world, Nigeria will continue to earn greater prestige even more than the bumper one at hand today. It is a moment to be proud of being a Nigerian. It is also a time for all of us to be more dedicated, committed to the cause of our motherland and contribute our best in whatever we are doing and wherever we Ànd ourselves.

It is of importance to note that President Muhammadu Buhari personally nominated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the WTO job and both Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Professor Benedict Okey Oramah also got tremendous support from the president’s decisive actions at various times. These could not be coincidences. The president is methodically pursuing a subtle strategy and state policy aimed at getting Nigerians to be major players in global aͿairs and it is yielding excellent fruits.

– Kehinde Olaosebikan is the CEO of 0LGDV &RPPXQLFDWLRQV D JOREDO 35 ÀUP

24

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

BUSINESS INTERVIEW OBIORA OKONKWO

Why We Established United Nigeria Airlines Obiora Okonkwo is the Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines. He tells Iyobosa Uwugiaren why he established the new airline despite the prevailing challenges in the sector. He also talks about his plans for the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra state

R

ecently United Nigeria Airlines started commercial Áights. This took the aviation industry by surprise because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

What’s the idea behind the airline?

The United Nigeria Airlines goes into the records as the Àrst post-pandemic creation in the aviation industry in Nigeria. It did not come without hard work. But in all, it is simply by God’s grace. No doubt the industry needs more activities because there is a lot of vacuum. We just simply had to step in to see how to Àll the gap, provide service to the nation and also bequeath a legacy. Everything about it is part of our commitment, and zeal, to be part of national development.

Your state governor, Willy Obiano, recently commended you on this initiative. How did you see it?

He did and the words were well chosen.

I thank him for that. I appreciate it. I also welcome his hand of friendship.

As we speak, there are so many challenges within the aviation sector. What is United 1LJHULD $LUOLQHV JRLQJ WR GR GL;HUHQWO\" We are not here to reinvent the wheel. So many people have been in it and they have done it to the best of their ability. But ours is a promise to oͿer a most rewarding customer experience. We are committed to making Áying United Nigeria a most rewarding experience for our customers. And this customer experience comes from the delivery by well-trained staͿ. This is something we had done with plans for further improvement through continuous training and upgrade and exposure. This is an area I have the greatest passion for. With this, we can guarantee safety within human limits, because the ultimate safety provider is the Almighty God. However, our experience getting our operating certiÀcate indicates that we must be at our best. I can tell you that any certiÀcate issued by the current NCAA under Captain Nuhu, is the completion of a very rigorous process that is of world standard.

Every detail had to be crossed to the detail and exactly to the books to ensure the safety of air travellers.

Besides, there are some challenges in the industry that comes not necessarily from what the operators are doing but more from what is in existence like policies of government and support system. Aviation is critical to the economy and that is why before you can be a director in an airline, you have to get a national security clearance. So as important as it is, one will want to see a more government-focused agenda in developing the aviation sector for the right reasons. For instance, 99.5 per cent of all the aircraft parts are imported and you need to keep the aircraft serviceable. This means that foreign exchange is required. If you have a scheduled Áight and you wake up in the morning and there’s a snag in the aircraft, if you don’t have the aircraft spare parts, you have to make a quick arrangement. To achieve this, there must be a window through which you can access forex quicker. But as it is, if you look at the bidding system and you don’t fall within for that week, then you have to wait for the next two weeks, and there’s no guarantee that what you ask for is what you get. And when you miss that, you wait for another two weeks. That is enough to ground an aircraft.

With the insecurity around the country, Áying is no more a luxury. It is an alternative.

So, those are the challenges. So, the aviation business is a money-spinner. The government makes money from every ticket sold. So, any amount of investment the government

Obiora Okonkwo

does to strengthen the industry and help the operators grow will eventually come back to the beneÀt of the government. So it is one industry that government has to reposition in terms of policy thrust. It does not only oͿer service it is also an income-generating industry for the government.

What has been the feedback from your FXVWRPHUV VLQFH WKH LQDXJXUDO ÁLJKW" $UH you impressed?

Yes, we are impressed. The passengers have been amazing. Some of our people and my team members who have been part of start-ups in other airlines have broken every record because on the Àrst day of our Áight, on some of the routes, we had a full load of passengers.

It was amazing. The story has been that some people started with two or three passengers or Áew empty. That did not happen to us thought this is a very low season for air travel. The high

season is usually between December 15 and January 15. So, the feedback has been great. We know that starting in this way will not come without having some little issues here and there and where they apply, we plead with the passengers to be patient as thins shape up. So far, we have not had any negative feedback.

A good percentage of workers have loads of industry experience and they have been handy in ensuring a smooth take oͿ. With them, it was easy to begin operations less than 24 hours after we received the AOC. That shows how prepared we were even before the AOC came. The AOC was signed on a Wednesday; by the time the certiÀed true copy got to us, it was on Thursday. By 7:00 am on Friday, we went into full operation.

That’s to say that we have been ready for a long time. We have kept our schedules and all are running very well.

As it stands today, you have Enugu, Asaba,

Lagos and Abuja. What other routes are we expecting?

We are already activating Owerri and Port Harcourt. Those will come live in the next few days. We have also received a request to open more routes. But we take them on as we progress.

You started with four aircraft. Are you expecting more?

Yes! In the next two months, we should be expecting two aircraft by God’s grace. It is part of our strategic development plan. Also, before the year runs out and even before the next Hajj season, we would have developed some routes and built more manpower. As the industry is, you can plan better when you have your AOC. Before you have your AOC, you have limitations in the number of pilots because nobody will be willing to leave what they are doing and come and wait from morning till night.

25

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

BUSINESSINTERVIEW

My Businesses are Not All Wrapped around Me Away from aviation, you are one of the leading aspirants in the Anambra governorship election. PDP just released its timetable.

Are you further encouraged?

I am more than encouraged. The position we are now is already beyond consideration.

We are in the race with our two hands and two legs. I have seen the timetable and it is good. They have allowed more time for the campaign before the election takes place in November. We have been preparing since 2018. So we are good.

<RX DUH WRR FRQÀGHQW :KR LV \RXU JRGfather in this race?

Unfortunately, I don’t have a godfather. I only have father God -Father God Almighty who ultimately gives power.

Looking at the political calculations in Anambra state, do you think PDP is wellpositioned to win that election?

PDP has a great chance of winning the election not by default, but by deliberate plan and eͿort by committed people. I was a member of the caretaker committee of the PDP in Anambra state at the 2017 governorship election and I know what we went through in the process.

As an outcome, we have studied the situation and traced it to certain factors and we are committed to dealing with those factors. A major part of those factors is the party structure -having a stable, consistent elected executive from the state, local government to ward level.

It might interest you to know that since 2007, PDP has not gone for governorship primaries with statutory delegates. It has been ad-hoc.

At every point in time, there is a battle of who is the authentic exco with diͿerent groups claiming leadership and it ends badly for the party. What we have done, however, is that instead of one person sitting in their room and writing the list of executives, we said that each ward or the local government will be determined by their stakeholders who are PDP members. With that, the party is stable and there are activities and programmes. You can predict that if the PDP remains stable, it will win the election. And there is no reason not to achieve it. We now have a very e΀cient leadership which had made it possible for everyone to see that if you are a PDP member and do not have a stake at the state level, you are a bigger loser. We have lost a lot and everybody has learnt their lesson. However, we still have a few dissidents, but the good thing is that they are Àghting from outside.

But everything is being done to reconcile them and let them see reason.

What’s your motivation for this race?

This is not your typical reason for running for governorship. By qualiÀcation, I am a political scientist. I have been involved in political activities in so many ways. I do not believe that you can only be part of a developmental process when you are in power. So I have been using my knowledge, and my talent, to support the political process believing that it will provide some kind of leadership that will actualise the aspirations of the people.

Having, however, seen what is eluding us, I have asked myself what will I do better?

I have told God, prayed to God that all the things you have done for me, your favour, your blessings, I am grateful for them, but if it pleases you that I should serve you through the leadership of Anambra state, I am making myself available and in the process of doing that, I don’t want that power to be a curse or a reason to keep me away from you. I have prayed and told God that if it is not his will, let it not happen. So, I have oͿered myself to be used by God to change the narrative on Anambra state. If it pleases God, let him use me. So, for me, if it pleases God that I become governor of Anambra state, the o΀ce will only be a larger platform for me to do the things that I have always done for the beneÀt of the people and the glory of God. I say this because one can glorify God through leadership. I get worried sometimes when people categorize every politician as dirty.

The reason can be that when good people are out of politics, bad people will occupy the space. Also, I am encouraged by the fact that the political process has gone through some evolution. Now, we have a greater guarantee that votes will count to a large extent. For instance, nobody has gone to court in Edo state concerning the election count. All I am seeing is pre-election qualiÀcations and litigations.

So, what that means is that over 90 per cent of the votes cast in the election were the ones escalated to the diͿerent levels of collation centres and were counted as Ànal results and all the parties involved were satisÀed. If that is the case, then it is now a better environment where somebody like me can operate.

People believe there is a lot of potential in Anambra that can be harnessed but the problem is about the leadership question.

How do you intend to resolve that?

The potential is enormous and Anambra is a unique state. It can’t boast of oil and a large expanse of agricultural land. As you know, the entire territory of Kogi state is almost larger than the entire southeast. But we have the most valuable resources which

Obiora Okonkwo

are human capital. These are people with special endowments and creativity. That means wealth. Today, the whole world is rotating around creativity and innovation. These things come from inside. We already have an action plan that we are going to unveil soon. And it’s such that will bring economic independence of Anambra state. We need to harness the entrepreneurial skills of our people which are phenomenal. Industrialization is talent and that is the new capital. What brought about industrial development in China is its investment in human capital. I was in China about two decades ago and I found out what they could do with their talents and creativity.

But when the western world discovered the abundance of human capital there, they went in and provided them with all they needed, including modern machinery. They continued to train their people all over the world. Today, it has yielded results. When you have human capital, everything you need will look for you.

With what we have, Anambra will stand on its own. Today, the government talks about being able to pay salaries. How much does it pay compared with the per capita income in that state? With the wealth and number of billionaires in that state, the workforce should be earning a lot more than so many other states. These are the things that can only come from wealth creation. So, we have great plans for this state and we will be unveiling them very soon.

Politics is a very serious business. Taking into consideration your business interests, how do you intend to manage both?

Any modern business today that’s set up not be able to run itself with the right members of management and staͿ will fail from the beginning. The business I do is like that of a venture capitalist who has a passion for one area, develops it, drives the vision and get a group of people who share the vision, pass it on and move on to other ventures. So, my businesses are not all wrapped around me. I can walk away and they will still grow.

Apart from you, there are other governorship aspirants within and outside your party in Anambra. What makes you diͿerent from them?

I hope the delegates will rate what I have that is diͿerent from all the others. Some people see politics and positions as a business. They contest in every election. Such persons have no other address other than a political contest.

Not many of them have had been able to create businesses from scratch, created jobs through them and nurture those businesses to proÀtability. Over-sighting a budget already prepared by the executive does not provide you with leadership credentials for the task of the o΀ce of governor. In most cases, a local government chairman is better suited to execute the task of the o΀ce of governor than a legislator. So, I have looked around those running with me and I don’t think any of them has a track record of having gone through the process of formal education, choosing to go into the private sector, get established, create employment with vision and focus, follow projects from the beginning to the end etc. and remain consistent, not in one year but for over two decades. This is diͿerent from being a perpetual aspirant, who when not contesting any election, or out of political consideration, see themselves as Àsh out of water. On the other hand, some have tried their hands in certain things and said have not been able to get to a certain level of their chosen career, they come out and to gamble, muster some Ànancial support and keep some change for themselves. I don’t fall into any of those categories. I understand the seriousness of being a governor of a state and I see beyond limits. I see an opportunity to re-engineer our processes and change a lot of people’s lives.

That was why in the 2019 general election, for the Àrst time, I was oͿered the senate seat of my senatorial zone by my party PDP, in recognition of my contributions to the party and my ability to sustain the district. I appreciated and thanked them but I had other engagements. Going to the senate is good, but my eyes were on the governorship. I rather some other person from the party goes while I wait. It is part of the diͿerence and that is because I am contented and fulÀlled. I also know what I want and I go for it.

Finally, what are your chances in the upcoming election?

For me, if you ask me I will be like my own teacher and my examiner. If I mark my exam papers you can be sure that I will get 100 per cent. However, one thing is certain in this race and that is that I am the one to beat. If you want to become the governor of Anambra State, you must beat me. And it will be tough to beat me. From all indications, we are in a very good position because we started early and gained a lot of grounds.

What is this controversy about zoning in your state?

There’s really nothing about it. Anybody who is mentioning zoning or propagating it whether internally or externally must be someone who feels that zoning might be his quickest way to win this election against me.

If you look at it, the current governor is from the north senatorial zone, then one might just say by common sense that since he’s just Ànishing, it should go to other senatorial zones.

But that has never been the case because at every time that anybody who wants to run for governorship, we, as Anambra people, have never sat and agreed that it would be based on zoning. But it is becoming so pronounced now and that is because I am in the race. Some aspirants had said to themselves that with me in the race, it might just be better for them to join forces and work with me. They caved in and we have collapsed their structures. Some are also pulling out of the race because they stand no chance against me. As it is, if you look at the Anambra central zone, which has about 60 per cent of the votes, I am about the only visible candidate from there. This is because we have done our politics properly and they people, even other aspirants, appreciate what I stand for and feel we should work together rather than working at cross purposes.

APGA has rotated its ticket to Anambra South. That is understandable. Peter Obi has been APGA governor from the Anambra central. Obiano is APGA governor and he is nor Anambra north. So, the internal policy of APGA which is about rotation favours Anambra south this time. That is an APGA decision. Bear in mind that APGA faces the challenge of an incumbent senator from the south also running in the election. APC, by default, might have their candidate emerge from the south too, because apart from Tony Nwoye who is from the north, Ngige from central, no other person aspires to be governor in APC from either north or central.

From the last APC primary in 2017, Nwoye came Àrst. The second to Àfth persons were from the south, not by design but by default.

So, if Tony Nwoye declines to contest, the other four after him in the last election, from the south, are the only people in the race. So, by default, the APC candidate will emerge from the south. So, the south will be choked while Anambra central where I hold the ace, with between 25 per cent and 30 per cent of the about 60 per cent of vote hauls in the Central coming from my home front of Idemili, will be the zone to beat. So, for APGA and APC, the thinking is that if I pick the ticket, it will be game over. Now, what options do they have? Simple! They had to work with a few aspirants from the south to keep beating the drum of zoning as their only hope of beating me. That was why they planted a fake report in online media that I had been technically disqualiÀed on the grounds of zoning. The fake report exposed them because the guy who shared that has told some persons close to us how much he was paid to put that up.

For these aspirants, the only chance they have in the race is to trade zoning. Unfortunately, for them, the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party had in August 2020 stated unequivocally, that it will not zone the ticket but will rater run with a candidate that has the capacity and competence to win the election.

On the other hand, however, if we are talking of equity in PDP, the zone that deserves the ticket should be Anambra Central. This is because the PDP has, since 1999, given the south three tickets. 1999 was Chinwoke Mbadinuju, 2007 was Andy Uba, and 2010 was Charles Soludo, back to back. It gave the same ticket to Anambra north twice in 2014 through Tony Nwoye and in 2017 through Oseloka Obaze.

The only one time anybody from Anambra central has picked the PDP ticket was through Chris Ngige. Even at that, Ngige was given the ticket by the Anambra/Southeast PDP powerhouse that was domiciled in Anambra South.

However, I believe that the best qualiÀcation to run for election is competence, capacity, merit and ability and not by special consideration. If anybody is demanding special consideration and favour, it should be people from the central because since 1999, they have had PDP ticket only once and other zones have had three and two.

We think that the best thing for Anambra state now is simply going for the best and by the way, we now require a lot of prayers because people should be able to kneel and pray that God will bring a leader to lead us out of this bad situation.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

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4/&#7 '$14#17 Kŝů WƌŝĐĞ ůŝŵď ĂŵŝĚƐƚ tĞĂŬ ĞŵĂŶĚ KƵƚůŽŽŬ͘​͘​͘ /ŵƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ Kŝů WƌŝĐĞ ůŝŵď ĂŵŝĚƐƚ tĞĂŬ ĞͲ ŵĂŶĚ KƵƚůŽŽŬ͘​͘​͘ /ŵƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ ^ŝŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂƌƚ ŽĨ ϮϬϮϭ͕ Žŝů ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ĐŽŶͲ ƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ƐŚŽǁ ŵŽŵĞŶƚƵŵ͕ ƵƉ Ϯϳ͘ϱй LJĞĂƌ ƚŽ ĚĂƚĞ ĂŌĞƌ ŐĂŝŶŝŶŐ ϳ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ ϭϴ͘Ϯй ŝŶ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ĂŶĚ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ ;Dd Ϳ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ tĞ ŶŽƚĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ƌĞͲ ĐŽǀĞƌLJ ŝŶ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ƌĞŵĂŝŶƐ ƐůƵŐŐŝƐŚ ĂŶĚ ƵŶĞǀĞŶ͕ ƚŚĞ KW н ĂŐƌĞĞĚ ĐƵƚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞƐ ƚŽ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƉƌŝĐͲ ĞƐ ĐŽŵďŝŶĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ĐŽŶƐƵŵƉƟŽŶ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐŽůĚ ǁĞĂƚŚĞƌ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƵƌŽƉĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ h^͘ ƚ ƚŚĞ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ KW ŵĞĞƟŶŐ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ZƵƐƐŝĂ ĂŶĚ <ĂnjĂŬŚƐƚĂŶ ƐŽƵŐŚƚ ĂŶ ŝŶͲ ĐƌĞĂƐĞ ŽĨ ϲϱ͕ϬϬϬͬĚ ĂŶĚ ϭϬϬ͕ϬϬϬͬĚ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŝŶ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƟŽŶ͕ ^ĂƵĚŝ ƌĂͲ ďŝĂ ƵŶŝůĂƚĞƌĂůůLJ ĚĞĐŝĚĞĚ ƚŽ ĐƵƚ ŝƚƐ ƉƌŽͲ ĚƵĐƟŽŶ ďLJ ϭŵďͬĚ ŝŶ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ ĂŶĚ DĂƌĐŚ ƚŽ ϴ͘ϭŵďͬĚ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ŐůŽďĂů ƐƵƉƉůLJ ĂĚĚĞĚ Ϭ͘ϲŵďͬĚ ĂƐ ŶŽŶ KW н ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ƉƵŵƉĞĚ͘

DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ ƐŝĂŶ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĞƐ ĐŽŶƟŶͲ ƵĞ ƚŽ ƐŚŽǁ Ă ĨĂƐƚ ƉĂĐĞĚ ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌLJ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŚĞ ƉŝĐŬ ƵƉ ŝŶ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ͘ ŚŝŶĂ ƌĞƉŽƌƚĞĚ Ϯ͘ϯй ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ŝŶ ϮϬϮϬ ĂŶĚ ŝƚ ŝƐ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ŐƌŽǁ Ăƚ ϳ͘ϰй ŝŶ ϮϬϮϭ͘ dŚĂƚ ƐĂŝĚ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ŽƵƚůŽŽŬ ĨŽƌ Žŝů

ƌĞŵĂŝŶƐ ǁĞĂŬ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŶĂŝů ƉĂĐĞĚ ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌLJ ŝŶ ŐůŽďĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉĂŶĚĞŵŝĐ͘ dŚĞ / ŝŶ ŝƚƐ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ ƌĞͲ ƉŽƌƚ ŶŽǁ ĞdžƉĞĐƚƐ Žŝů ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ƚŽ ƌŝƐĞ ďLJ ϱ͘ϰŵďͬĚ ĨƌŽŵ ϱ͘ϱŵďͬĚ ŝŶ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ƚŽ ƌĞĂĐŚ ϵϲ͘ϰŵďͬĚ ĨŽƌ ϮϬϮϭ͘ ůƐŽ͕ KW ĐƵƚ ŝƚƐ ŝŶŝƟĂů ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ĨŽƌĞĐĂƐƚ ďLJ Ϭ͘ϭŵďͬĚ ƚŽ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ϵϲ͘ϭŵďͬĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ LJĞĂƌ͘

&Žƌ ƚŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ ŐŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂĐƚƵĂů ƌĞǀĞŶƵĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ Yϭ͗ϮϬϮϭ ŝƐ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ Ă ďŽŽƐƚ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌLJ ŝŶ Žŝů ƉƌŝĐĞƐ͘ ^Ž ĨĂƌ ŝŶ Yϭ͕ Žŝů ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ŚĂǀĞ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞĚ Ψϱϴ͘ϱͬď͕ ϰϳ͘Ϭй ĂďŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ϮϬϮϭ ďƵĚŐĞƚ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ŽĨ ΨϰϬ͘Ϭͬď ᇚ ŝŵƉůLJŝŶŐ ŝŶŇŽǁƐ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞdžĐĞƐƐ ĐƌƵĚĞ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞ ĐŽĂƐƚ ŝƐ ƵŶĐůĞĂƌ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĨƌĂŐŝůĞ ƌĞͲ ďĂůĂŶĐŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ Žŝů ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ŽŶ ůŽǁĞƌ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ŽƵƚůŽŽŬ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶͲ ƚĂŝŶ ƚŚĞ ǀŝƌƵƐ ǁĞŝŐŚ ŚĞĂǀŝůLJ ŽŶ ƌĞĐŽǀͲ ĞƌLJ ƉƌŽƐƉĞĐƚƐ͘ ĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ƉĂƐƚ ĂĐƚƵĂů ďƵĚŐĞƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͕ ƐŚŽĐŬƐ ƚŽ Žŝů ƉƌŝĐͲ ĞƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚůLJ ĚƌĂŐ ƌĞǀĞŶƵĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ϮϬϮϭ͕ ƌĞƐƵůƟŶŐ ŝŶ ǁŝĚĞƌ ĚĞĮĐŝƚƐ͘

/Ĩ Žŝů ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ƚƌĞŶĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝĐĞ ŵŽĚƵůĂƟŽŶ ƚĞŵͲ ƉůĂƚĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ WWWZ ƚŽ ƌĞŇĞĐƚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ

ůĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĐŽƐƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝŵƉůŝĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ƉĂLJ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƉƵŵƉ ƉƌŝĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ŵĂũŽƌ ŝŶŇĂƟŽŶĂƌLJ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĂƌ ƚĞƌŵ͘ tŝƚŚ ǁĞĂŬ ƌĞǀĞŶƵĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͕ ƚŚĞ &' ůĂĐŬƐ ƚŚĞ ĐĂƉĂĐŝƚLJ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ŽŶ ƐƵďƐŝĚŝĞƐ͘ &ƌŽŵ ĞƐƟŵĂƚĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ůĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĐŽƐƚ Ăƚ ĐƵƌͲ ƌĞŶƚ Žŝů ƉƌŝĐĞ ůĞǀĞů ĂŶĚ ƵƐŝŶŐ ĂŶ ĞdžĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƌĂƚĞ ŽĨ േϯϳϵͬΨϭ ŝƐ ŶŽƌƚŚ ŽĨ േϭϴϬͬůŝƚĞƌ͕ ϵ͘ϭй ĂďŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ EEW ƉƵŵƉ ƉƌŝĐĞ͘

'ůŽďĂů ƋƵŝƟĞƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞŶƟͲ ŵĞŶƚƐ ĚĞƐƉŝƚĞ ZĂƉŝĚ WƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ ŽĨ sĂĐͲ ĐŝŶĂƟŽŶƐ ƚ ƚŚĞ ĐůŽƐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ƚŚĞ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ Ks/ ϭϵ ĐĂƐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ Ϯ͘Ϯй ƚŽ ϭϭϮ͘ϱ ŵŝůͲ ůŝŽŶ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŽƚĂů ĚĞĂƚŚ ƚŽůů ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďLJ Ϯ͘ϱй ƚŽ Ϯ͘ϱ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ŐůŽďĂůůLJ͘ dŚĞ h^ ;Ϯϴ͘Ϭ ŵŝůůŝŽŶͿ͕ /ŶĚŝĂ ;ϭϭ͘Ϭ ŵŝůůŝŽŶͿ ĂŶĚ ƌĂnjŝů ;ϭϬ͘ϯ ŵŝůůŝŽŶͿ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂũŽƌ ĞƉŝĐĞŶͲ ƚĞƌƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǀŝƌƵƐ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ƌĞͲ ŶĞǁĞĚ ŽƉƟŵŝƐŵ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ƐƚĞŵŵŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ŶĞǁƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ǀĂĐĐŝŶĂƟŽŶ ƌŽůů ŽƵƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƐƉĞĐƚ ŽĨ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĞƐ ƌĞŽƉĞŶŝŶŐ ĂƐ ǀĂĐĐŝŶĂƟŽŶ ŝŵͲ ƉƌŽǀĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ĮƐĐĂů ƐƟŵƵůƵƐ͘ KŶ ƚŚŝƐ ďĂĐŬĚƌŽƉ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ Ă ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌŝĐĞ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ŝƐ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĂĐĐĞůĞƌĂƚĞ ĨĂƐƚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ƉŽůŝĐLJŵĂŬĞƌƐ ƐƵŐͲ ŐĞƐƚ͘ dŚŝƐ ůĞĚ ƚŽ ďŽŶĚ LJŝĞůĚƐ ƚƌĞŶĚŝŶŐ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ǁŚŝůĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƚLJ ĨƌŽŶƚ͕ ŝŶǀĞƐͲ ƚŽƌƐ ŚĂǀĞ ƌŽƚĂƚĞĚ ĂǁĂLJ ĨƌŽŵ ůŽĐŬĚŽǁŶ

ǁŝŶŶĞƌƐ ;ƚĞĐŚ ĂŶĚ ĐůĞĂŶ ĞŶĞƌŐLJͿ ƚŽ ĐLJĐůŝͲ ĐĂů ƐƚŽĐŬƐ͘ DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ h^ ĞŵŽĐƌĂƚƐ ĂƌĞ ƐĞƚ ƚŽ ƉĂƐƐ WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ :ŽĞ ŝĚĞŶ͛Ɛ Ψϭ͘ϵƚŶ ƐƟŵƵůƵƐ ƉĂĐŬĂŐĞ ƚŽĚĂLJ͕ ďƌŝŶŐŝŶŐ Ψϭ͕ϰϬϬ ĐŚĞĐŬƐ Ă ƐƚĞƉ ĐůŽƐĞƌ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƐƚ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶƐ͘

dŚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌͲ ĂŐĞ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ Ă ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƐŽƵƚŚǁĂƌĚ͘ dŚĞ h^ ^ΘW ϱϬϬ ĂŶĚ E ^ Y ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ ϭ͘ϳй ĂŶĚ ϱ͘Ϯй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ h^ dƌĞĂƐƵƌLJ LJŝĞůĚ ƐƉŝŬĞĚ ƚŽ Ă ŽŶĞ LJĞĂƌ ŚŝŐŚ ĂŶĚ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐΖ ĨŽĐƵƐ ƐŚŝŌĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ƵƌŽƉĞ͕ h<͛Ɛ &d^ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ͕ &ƌĂŶĐĞ͛Ɛ ϰϬ ĂŶĚ 'ĞƌŵĂŶLJ͛Ɛ y dZ y ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ϭ͘Ϭй͕ Ϭ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ ϭ͘ϭй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ >ŝŬĞǁŝƐĞ͕ ,ŽŶŐ <ŽŶŐ͛Ɛ ,ĂŶŐ ^ĞŶŐ ĂŶĚ :ĂƉĂŶ͛Ɛ EŝŬŬĞŝ ϮϮϱ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĚŝƉƉĞĚ ϱ͘ϰй ĂŶĚ ϯ͘ϱй ǁͬǁ ƌĞͲ ƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

^ŝŵŝůĂƌ ƚŽ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ͕ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƚŚĞ Z/ ^ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ ƉŽƐƚĞĚ Ă ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ͘ ŚŝŶĂ͛Ɛ ^ŚĂŶŐŚĂŝ ŽŵƉŽƐŝƚĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĂnjŝů͛Ɛ /ďŽǀĞƐƉĂ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϱ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ϰ͘ϳй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĂƐ Ă ƌŝƐĞ ŝŶ ďŽŶĚ LJŝĞůĚƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶŇĂƟŽŶ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĂƟŽŶƐ Śŝƚ ƌŝƐŬ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ĂƐƐĞƚƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĞ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ZƵƐƐŝĂ͛Ɛ Zd^ ĂŶĚ /ŶĚŝĂ͛Ɛ ^

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

^ĞŶƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ϰ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ ϯ͘ϱй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ >ĂƐƚůLJ͕ ^ŽƵƚŚ ĨƌŝĐĂ͛Ɛ &d^ ͬ:^ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ůŽƐƚ ϭ͘ϵй ǁͬ ǁ͘

/Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĨƌŝĐĂŶ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ϯ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ϲ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ͘ dŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘Ϭй ǁͬǁ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƚŽĐŬ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌͲ ůLJ͕ DŽƌŽĐĐŽ͛Ɛ ĂƐĂďůĂŶĐĂ D ^/ ĂŶĚ DĂƵƌŝƟƵƐΖ ^ D y ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ Ϭ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϱй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞͲ ůLJ͕ ŐLJƉƚ͛Ɛ 'y ϯϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƵƉ Ϯ͘ϭй ǁͬǁ͘ >ŝŬĞǁŝƐĞ͕ <ĞŶLJĂ͛Ɛ E^ ϮϬ ĂŶĚ 'ŚĂŶĂ͛Ɛ ŽŵƉŽƐŝƚĞ ƌŽƐĞ ϭ͘ϰй ĂŶĚ ϭ͘ϭй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƚŚĞ ƐŝĂŶ ĂŶĚ DŝĚͲ ĚůĞ ĂƐƚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŽĨ ϱ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ dƵƌŬĞLJ͛Ɛ /^d ϭϬϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϱ͘ϵй ǁͬǁ ǁŚŝůĞ YĂƚĂƌ͛Ɛ ^D ϮϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ͕ ƐŚĞĚĚŝŶŐ ϭ͘ϱй ǁͬǁ͘ ^ŝŵͲ ŝůĂƌůLJ͕ dŚĂŝůĂŶĚ͛Ɛ ^ d ĂŶĚ h ͛Ɛ y 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů Ϭ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϯй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŇŝƉ ƐŝĚĞ͕ ^ĂƵĚŝ ƌĂďŝĂ͛Ɛ dĂĚĂǁƵů ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϵй ǁͬǁ͘

ŽŵĞƐƟĐ ƋƵŝƟĞƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ dŚĞ ĞĂƌƐ ZĞŵĂŝŶ ZĞƐŽůƵƚĞ͙ ^/ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘Ϭй ǁͬ ǁ dŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ ŽŶ Ă ĚŽǁŶƚƌĞŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ ǁŝƚŚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĐůŽƐͲ ŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ ŽŶ ϯ ŽĨ ϱ ĚĂLJƐ͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞͲ ƐƵůƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ϭ͘Ϭй ǁͬǁ ƚŽ ϯϵ͕ϳϵϵ͘ϴϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ďƵĐŬŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ϰϬ͕ϬϬϬ ƉƐLJĐŚŽůŽŐŝĐĂů ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ƟŵĞ ƚŚŝƐ LJĞĂƌ͘ DĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝͲ ƐĂƟŽŶ ĨĞůů ďLJ േϮϬϮ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϴƚŶ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϭ͘Ϯй͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĂƐ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ǀŽůͲ ƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ Ϯϱ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ ϭϯ͘ϯй ƚŽ ϯϴϲ͘Ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ േϰ͘ϭďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ E/d, ;Ϯϱϯ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϭϲϯ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ĂŶĚ dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϮϱ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E/d, ;േϲ͘ϲďŶͿ͕ 'h Z Edz ;േϯ͘ϯďŶͿ ĂŶĚ & E, ;േϭ͘ϮďŶͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ůĂĐŬͲ ůƵƐƚƌĞ ĂƐ ϰ ŽĨ ϲ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀͲ ĞƌĂŐĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ǁͬǁ͘ >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ ĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝͲ ĐĞƐ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘Ϭй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϳй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞͲ ůLJ ĂƐ K E K ;нϭϮ͘ϰйͿ͕ ^d E / ;нϯ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ E/d, ;нϯ͘ϬйͿ ƟĐŬĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŚĂŶĚ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌͲ ĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϰ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ ϯ͘Ϯй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƐ ŝŶ > ^ K ; Ϯϲ͘ϴйͿ͕ D E^ Z ; ϭϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ , DW/KE ; ϭϱ͘ϮйͿ ĂŶĚ E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^ ; ϭϭ͘ϵйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ &Z / d ĂŶĚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŽĨ ϭ͘ϳй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϱй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ ŝŶ DdEE ; ϯ͘ϯйͿ ĂŶĚ t W K ; ϳ͘ϲйͿ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌͲ ŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϰdž ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ůĂƐƚ ǁĞĞŬ ĂƐ ϭϳ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ƚŚĞ ϰϯ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞͲ ĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ Dz ;нϭϳ͘ϭйͿ͕ K E K ;нϭϮ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ hW ;нϵ͘ϯйͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ > ^ K ; Ϯϲ͘ϴйͿ͕ &Ͳ Z/WZh ; Ϯϭ͘ϮйͿ ĂŶĚ , DW/KE ; ϭϱ͘ϮйͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ŵŝdž ŽĨ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ͘ dŚĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ LJŝĞůĚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĮdžĞĚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ǁŽƵůĚ ĂůƐŽ ŝŶŇƵĞŶĐĞ ƚƌĂĚĞƐ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůLJ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ŝŶ ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂů ƌĂƚĞƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ KDK ĂƵĐƟŽŶ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ͘

&ŽƌĞŝŐŶ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ EĂŝƌĂ ZĞͲ ŵĂŝŶƐ ^ƚĂďůĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ DĂƌŬĞƚƐ Kŝů ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ŝŶĐŚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ƌĞŶƚ ĐƌƵĚĞ ƵƉ ďLJ ϲ͘ϳй ǁͬǁ ƚŽ Ψϲϲ͘Ϯϴͬďďů͘ ĚĞƐƉŝƚĞ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐŝŶŐ ƐƵƉƉůLJ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐͲ ƟĐ ĨƌŽŶƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ĞdžƚĞƌŶĂů ƌĞƐĞƌǀĞƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂůůLJ ďLJ ϭ͘Ϭй ǁͬǁ ƚŽ Ψϯϱ͘ϮďŶ ;ϬϭͬϬϮͬϮϬϮϭͿ͘

dŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ĐƵƌƌĞŶĐLJ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ŇĂƚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ E ƐƉŽƚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ Ăƚ േϯϳϵ͘ϬϬͬΨϭ͘ϬϬ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌĂůůĞů ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ŶĂŝƌĂ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ േϰ͘ϬϬ ƚŽ േϰϴϮͬΨϭ͘ϬϬ͘ ƚ ƚŚĞ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ͛ Θ džƉŽƌƚĞƌƐ͛ ;/Θ Ϳ tŝŶĚŽǁ͕ ŶĂŝƌĂ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ ϮϱŬŽďŽ ƚŽ േϰϭϬ͘Ϯϱͬ Ψϭ͘ϬϬ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ŝŶ /Θ tŝŶĚŽǁ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ ϵϮ͘ϴй ƚŽ Ψϰϵϴ͘ϴŵ ĨƌŽŵ ΨϮϱϴ͘ϲŵ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ǁĞĞŬ͘

dŚĞ ƚŽƚĂů ǀĂůƵĞ ŽĨ ŽƉĞŶ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŶĂŝƌĂ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ &D Y ^ĞĐƵƌŝƟĞƐ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ

;^ Ϳ &y &ƵƚƵƌĞƐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ DĂƌŬĞƚ ĨĞůů ϮϬ͘Ϭй ;Ψϭ͘ϱďŶͿ ƚŽ Ψϲ͘ϬďŶ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ & ϮϬϮϭ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ ;ǁŝƚŚ Ă ǀĂůƵĞ ŽĨ Ψϭ͘ϲďŶͿ ŵĂƚƵƌĞĚ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͘ dŚĞ & ϮϬϮϮ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ ;ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ ƉƌŝĐĞ͗ േϰϯϱ͘ϱϴͿ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚĞƐƚ ƐƵďƐĐƌŝƉͲ ƟŽŶ ŽĨ Ψϭϳϱ͘ϱŵ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƚŽŽŬ ƚŽƚĂů ǀĂůƵĞ ƚŽ ΨϮϵϮ͘ϵŵ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŚĂŶĚ͕ ƚŚĞ ϮϬϮϭ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ ;ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ ƉƌŝĐĞ͗ േϰϯϮ͘ϱϴͿ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ ƚŽƚĂůŝŶŐ ΨϴϮ͘ϭŵ ĚĞƉůĞƟŶŐ ƚŽƚĂů ǀĂůƵĞ ƚŽ Ψϯϯϯ͘ϯŵ͘ tĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ĞdžĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƌĂƚĞƐ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ƌĂŶŐĞ ďŽƵŶĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ǀĂƌŝŽƵƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬ͘

DŽŶĞLJ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ tĞĂŬ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ^ĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ d ďŝůůƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ dŚĞ K ĂŶĚ KsE ƌĂƚĞƐ ŽƉĞŶĞĚ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ůŽǁĞƌ Ăƚ ϭϱ͘Ϭй ĂŶĚ ϭϱ͘ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐͲ ƟǀĞůLJ ĨƌŽŵ ůĂƐƚ ǁĞĞŬ͛Ɛ ĐůŽƐĞ ŽĨ ϮϬ͘Ϭй ĂŶĚ ϮϬ͘ϱй ĂƐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ůŝƋƵŝĚŝƚLJ ƐĞƩůĞĚ Ăƚ േϴϬ͘ϴďŶ͘ Ɛ Ăƚ dƵĞƐĚĂLJ͕ K ĂŶĚ KsE ƌĂƚĞƐ ĨĞůů ƚŽ ϭ͘ϴй ĂŶĚ Ϯ͘Ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĂƐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ůŝƋƵŝĚŝƚLJ ƌŽƐĞ ƚŽ േϲϱϵ͘ϯďŶ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ KDK ŵĂƚƵƌŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽƵƉŽŶ ƉĂLJŵĞŶƚ ǁŽƌƚŚ േϰϳϲ͘ϰďŶ ĂŶĚ േϰϵ͘ϵďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ LJ ƚŚĞ ĐůŽƐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ƚŚĞ ƌĂƚĞƐ ƐĞƩůĞĚ Ăƚ ϱ͘ϳй ĂŶĚ ϲ͘ϯй ƌĞͲ ƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĂƐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ůŝƋƵŝĚŝƚLJ ƉƌŝŶƚĞĚ Ăƚ േϱϲϱ͘ϴďŶ͘

dŚĞ E ĐŽŶĚƵĐƚĞĚ d ďŝůůƐ ƐĂůĞƐ ǁŽƌƚŚ േϭϮϴ͘ϮďŶ ŽŶ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ͕ ƐĂŵĞ ĂƐ ŵĂͲ ƚƵƌŝŶŐ ĂŵŽƵŶƚ͘ ĞŵĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ϵϭ ĂŶĚ ϯϲϰ ĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ǁĂƐ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ďŝĚ ƚŽ ĐŽǀĞƌ ƌĂƟŽ ŽĨ ϭ͘ϰdž ĂŶĚ Ϯ͘ϰdž ƌĞͲ ƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞ ϭϴϮ ĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵͲ ŵĞŶƚ ƐĂǁ ǁĞĂŬ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ďŝĚ ƚŽ ĐŽǀĞƌ ƌĂƟŽ ŽĨ Ϭ͘ϳdž͘ ^ƚŽƉ ƌĂƚĞƐ ŝŶĐŚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ Ăƚ Ϯ͘Ϭй͕ ϯ͘ϱй ĂŶĚ ϱ͘ϱй ;ǀƐ ϭ͘Ϭй͕

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ŽŶĚ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ ƵůůŝƐŚ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŽŵĞƐƟĐ ŽŶĚ DĂƌŬĞƚ dŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ďŽŶĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƉŽƐƚĞĚ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŽƵƟŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ ĂƐ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ LJŝĞůĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϮϲďƉƐ ǁͬǁ ƚŽ ϵ͘Ϯй͘ zŝĞůĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ŽŶ Ăůů ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ƐĂǀĞ ŽŶ DŽŶĚĂLJ ;ƵƉ ϭϭďƉƐͿ͘ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƚĞŶŽƌƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ƚĞƌŵ ďŽŶĚ ĞŶũŽLJĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĂŶ ϴϭďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϮϱďƉƐ ĨĂůů ŝŶ LJŝĞůĚ ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶŐ ƚĞƌŵ ďŽŶĚƐ ƐĂǁ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ ĂƐ LJŝĞůĚ ƌŽƐĞ ϭϮďƉƐ ǁͬǁ͘

/Ŷ ƚŚĞ ^^ ƵƌŽďŽŶĚƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂƌͲ ŝƐŚ ŽƵƟŶŐ ǁĂƐ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ĂƐ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ LJŝĞůĚ ƌŽƐĞ ϯϴďƉƐ ǁͬǁ ƚŽ ϳ͘ϳй͘ dŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĂƩƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ƚŽ ǁĞĂŬ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽͲ ǁĂƌĚƐ ^^ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ LJŝĞůĚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ h^ ďŽŶĚƐ ;ƚŽ Ă LJĞĂƌ ŚŝŐŚ ŽĨ ϭ͘ϲйͿ͘ ůů ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌͲ ĂŐĞ ƐĂǁ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ ƐĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ <ĞŶLJĂŶ ϮϬϮϰ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ Ă ϭϰďƉƐ LJŝĞůĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ǁͬǁ͘ ^Ğůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ǁĞƌĞ ĚŽŵŝŶĂŶƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ 'ŚĂŶĂŝĂŶ ĂŶĚ ĂŵďŝĂŶ ϮϬϮϮ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ĂƐ LJŝĞůĚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ϯϰϮďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϭϬϱďƉƐ ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƚŚĞ ĨƌŝĐĂŶ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ƵƌŽďŽŶĚƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ǁĂƐ ĂůƐŽ Ă ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂƐ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ LJŝĞůĚ ĐůŝŵďĞĚ ϴďƉƐ ǁͬǁ ƚŽ ϰ͘ϰй͘ dŚĞ ^ W> d ϮϬϮϯ ĂŶĚ ^^ ϮϬϮϭ ŝŶƐƚƌƵͲ ŵĞŶƚƐ ƐĂǁ ŚŝŐŚ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƉƵƐŚĞĚ LJŝĞůĚ ůŽǁĞƌ ďLJ ϭϲďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϭϭďƉƐ ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ǁĞƌĞ ŚƵŐĞ ƐĞůů ŽīƐ ŝŶ ^<KD ϮϬϮϱ ĂŶĚ E Z' E Z'z ϮϬϮϮ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ĂƐ LJŝĞůĚƐ ĐůŝŵďĞĚ ϯϳďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϮϰďƉƐ ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ Ă ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ŽƵƟŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ďŽŶĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐͲ ƚŽƌƐ ƐĞĞŬ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ LJŝĞůĚ͘ DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƵƌŽďŽŶĚ ƐƉĂĐĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ h^ ďŽŶĚ LJŝĞůĚ ƌĞŵĂŝŶƐ ƚŚĞ ĨŽĐĂů ƉŽŝŶƚ ƚŚƵƐ ŐƵŝĚŝŶŐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

28

PERSPECTIVE

Between Debt Recovery and Corporate Bullying Rasheed Adigun

I

n the past few weeks, the management of Seplat Petroleum Development Company has been attempting to twist the narrative in its ongoing suit against Access Bank Plc, in a bid to attract public sympathy.

Unfortunately, Seplat which has failed to honour its obligation appears not to be bothered about the implication of its bad behaviour on its reputation as a listed company on both the globally-respected London Stock Exchange and one of Africa’s bourse, the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

It is disheartening to note that A.B.C Orjiako, the chairman of Seplat Petroleum Development Company; Seplat as a company; Cardinal Drilling Nigeria Limited, another company associated with the businessman, and Kalu Nwosu, Managing Director of Cardinal Drilling Nigeria Limited, through their sponsored articles now view the move by a commercial bank to recovery its legacy debt that had been put at $85.8 million as corporate bullying and a move for hostile takeover!.

Do these men know the implication of their bad behavior on the systemic health of the Ànancial system? If all banks in the country give out loans to their customers without recouping same, would Nigeria still have a banking system?

Sadly, such bad behavior from this set of recalcitrant debtors and some others was responsible for the near-collapse of the defunct Diamond Bank, before Access Bank intervened and acquired the Ànancial institution.

Access Bank has vowed to recover its debt and it has remained focused on that.

This what prompted the bank’s ongoing legal tussle with Orjiako, Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Cardinal Drilling Nigeria Limited, and Nwosu.

On December 2, 2020, the head o΀ce of Seplat was sealed up following a court order which permitted a receiver/manager, Messrs Kunle Ogunba & Co to enforce an ex parte motion requesting that Access Bank take over the oil and gas company’s head o΀ce, due to the Cardinal Drilling Nigeria loan taken from Diamond Bank.

The genesis of the matter was that in 2012, Cardinal Drilling Services Limited applied for and obtained a credit facility from Diamond Bank to buy CDS Rigs 101, 201, 202 and 203. The loan was secured by a Àxed and Áoating Debenture over Cardinal’s assets and the Cardinal Rigs were allegedly used to provide drilling services to Seplat.

Thereafter, CDS 101 and 201 were used to execute Seplat’s 2019 work programme and all four rigs were allegedly critical to Seplat’s future drilling plans and to shareholder returns by way of improved revenues and possible dividends. But Cardinal Drilling was unable to service the facility, prompting Access Bank to approach the court to enforce its rights.

Seplat in the letter to the NSE had described Cardinal Drilling as a third party providing it with drilling services.

Few weeks later, Seplat won an appeal to unseal its corporate head o΀ce. The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal on Friday, January 22 suspended the interim order issued by a Federal High Court sealing the o΀ce over the matter.

But Access Bank which is bent on recovering its debt, said it had Àled a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the decision by the Lagos Division of Court of Appeal to unseal the o΀ce. The bank maintained that the loan was utilised by Seplat.

Auwalu

The bank, through its solicitors, Mr. Kunle Ogunba and Associates, had argued that the learned justices of the court erred in law when they suspended the interlocutory orders made by the trial judge at the Federal High Court, thereby treating the substantive appeal at an interlocutory stage.

The bank in an a΀davit in support of the application before Supreme Court, stated that, “by discharging the said interlocutory orders, the Appeal Court judges, wittingly (via a motion) determined the main appeal which seeks to also discharge the interlocutory orders made by the trial court”.

The bank also stated that the learned justices of the Court of Appeal erred in law when they failed to dismiss the said application, same being an abuse of court process Àled to interfere with administration of justice.

It is therefore seeking an order setting aside the Appeal Court’s ruling delivered on January 22, 2021, as well as reinstating the interlocutory orders made by Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court on December 24, 2020.

The bank has also Àled a motion on notice for an order of injunction pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, for an order restraining the Seplat and others in the suit, which includes; Cardinal Drilling Services Limited; Orjiako, Nwosu, the baliͿs, sheriͿs and/or any other person acting through them from taking further step towards enforcing, executing or giving any eͿect to the ruling/order of the Court of Appeal delivered on January 22, 2021, pending the hearing and Ànal determination of the appeal it has Àled at the Supreme Court.

The assets aͿected by the Mareva order included; 25, Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, 6, Agodogba Avenue, Parkview, Ikoyi, Lagos and the one at 11, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

This is not the Àrst time Orjiako will be involved in such scandal as in in 2019, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), through its lawyers had written all commercial and merchant banks in the country, directing them to forthwith, stop Sheba Exploration & Production Company and its President, Orjiako and Allenne Limited from withdrawing monies from their accounts domiciled in all the banks.

In addition, the interim order by the court then, had given the Receiver/ Manager the mandate to take over all the assets of Sheba E & P, its subsidiaries and a΀liate companies, the personal assets of Orjiakor (including his homes at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, in London and Maryland in the US), his o΀ces and o΀ces of SEPLAT, a Áoating, production, storage and o΁oading (FPSO), as well as the shares of SEPLAT Petroleum and Development Company Plc and Platform Petroleum, pending the determination of the case.

Lexavier Partners Legal Practitioners, solicitors to AMCON, had disclosed this in a letter dated August 16, 2019.

SpeciÀcally, it disclosed that on August 15, 2019, Justice T.O. Taiwo, had in a ruling at a Federal High Court, at the Abuja, in an interim order against the defendants and in favour of AMCON, had appointed Francis Chuka Agbu, (SAN), as Receiver/Manager.

Lexavier Partners Legal Practioners,

in the letter had stated: “We refer to the above subject matter in which we act as Solicitors to AMCON, which is the plaintiͿ in the suit.

“We wish to inform you that on Thursday, August 15, 2019, the Federal High Court, holden at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, coral, Honourable Justice TO Taiwo, made the attached order against the defendants and in favour of AMCON. “By the said Order, your bank is mandated to henceforth prevent all further withdrawal(s) of funds and other debit transactions from the defendants’ account (s) domiciled with your bank and also furnish the Receiver/Manager within seven days from the date of this notice, with comprehensive statements in respect of each account.”

It had added: “The said account should be forwarded within the stipulated time to an address at Ikoyi.

Please note that the attached order is binding and enforceable against your bank and shall remain so until and unless a subsequent order is made to the contrary.

“Consequently, we expect that your bank will fully comply with the order.

Thus, we shall be constrained to initiate contempt proceedings against the bank and every responsible o΀cer of the bank in the event that the terms of this order are Áouted or in any way undermined by any action or conduct of the bank or any of its o΀cers.”

Meanwhile, the interim court ruling on the matter had stated that the judge had, “granted judicial protection to Francis Chuka Agbu, (SAN), the Receiver/Manager of the Ist defendant applicant herein vide the Deed of Appointment of Receiver of July 30, 2019, to take possession of and preserve the Àrst defendant, Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited and all assets and undertaking wherever they may be found, including but not limited to those assets lying and situate at: 10c Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos; 25a Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos; MT Trinity Spirit, a vessel used as a FPSO facility and located in, around, and or within the Àrst defendant’s Ukpokiti oil Àeld, whether or not under the control of the Àrst defendant and wherever it is, within or outside jurisdiction.”

It had also directed that, “all and any movable and immovable assets of Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited wherever located, in Nigeria or outside of Nigeria, including the production facilities and all other assets belonging to the Àrst defendant and located in and around the Ukpotiki oil Àeld and to take possession of and inventory of all equipment, machinery and any chosen thereon.”

“That interim order is hereby made directing the SheriͿs of this Honourable Court to liaise with Francis Chuka Agbu, (SAN), as the Receiver of the Àrst Defendant to enter upon the following: The 2nd defendant’s property in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos; the 2nd defendant’s property in Maryland, United States of America; the 2nd defendant’s property in London, United Kingdom.

“An interim order directing all the Ànancial institutions listed in the schedule to this motion to disclose to, and or furnish the Receiver with all sums standing to the credit of the defendant in their custody by sending to Francis Chuka Agbu (SAN), as Receiver/Manager, within seven days of receiving this order, a statement showing the outstanding balances of the Defendants.

From the above Orjiako appears to be fast earning a reputation of a notorious bad debtor who would wait to be chased around and dragged to court to force him to live up to his obligation. It is not bullying to apply due process to compel him to pay up. $GLJXQ ZULWHV IURP /DJRV

29

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

As NNPC’s Kyari Navigates on Transparency Ikechukwu Okorafor

N

ational Oil Companies (NOCs) in Africa stand on the brink of signiÀcant disruption as a new era of structurally lower oil prices challenges business models that have long relied largely on exploration and production of hydrocarbons, especially crude oil.

This scenario fundamentally puts Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), on the spot. Especially so, as the unassuming geologist, whose tour of duty has traversed the entire value chain of the petroleum industry, approaches his second year anniversary on the saddle. He was appointed GMD by President Muhammadu Buhari, on 8th July 2019.

Perhaps currently charting his toughest course in the transformation eͿort of an industry where he has spent much of his professional life in, Kyari has since responded to his top-draw responsibility by quickly taking charge and working in close synergy with his corporation’s oversight Ministry, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Within his 19-month trajectory, he has clearly demonstrated a fundamental grasp of what fossil energy means and the imperative of adroit governance of the giant National Oil Company.

He set sail by deÀning a clear vision to transform the NNPC and sending an unequivocal message that the corporation’s lukewarm governance narratives of the past are gone for good. With Kyari’s new vision for the corporation boldly anchored on the principle of Transparency, Accountability, Performance and Excellence (TAPE), he set sail. Rallying both staͿ and critical industry stakeholders to join the common cause, he stressed that going forward - excuses for poor performance were simply unacceptable. According to the new boss, “We either deliver or walk away in shame.” Most importantly, he is walking his talk, hence, the positive impact and changes to the new ways of doing things in the Corporation.

Besides its role as the bedrock of the Nigerian economy, the petroleum industry has been one of the key deÀning phenomena of the country’s post-independence history.

This fact centralizes NNPC in the nation’s political economy, given the corporation’s assigned role in the industry.

Perhaps, this unique centrality of the corporation in the Nigerian state has spawned its fair share of challenges and reproach. A 2010 joint report by Transparency International and Revenue Watch Institute found that NNPC had the poorest transparency record out of 44 national and international energy companies examined.

Beyond TI’s report, today’s disruption is happening at a scale and speed unprecedented in modern history. From the petroleum industry to several critical sectors - business models are supending operations around the globe, and leaders are struggling to cope.

Put simply, to thrive in the murky waters of rapid technology and business model changes, organizations require the right leadership. For any leader, having a clear vision and articulating it well is a core competency.

A powerful vision pulls in ideas, people and other resources. It creates the energy and will to make change happen. It inspires individuals and organizations to commit, to persist and to give their best. This turf incidentally is Mele Kyari’s forte - vision, discipline, persistence, humility and focus.

One of the most important governance initiatives that have dealt a death blow to the corporation’s reputation of extreme operational opacity is “Operation White.”

It is a presidential-mandated collaborative initiative driven by NNPC with the active participation of regulatory and security

agencies as well as other stakeholders in ensuring that all molecules of regulated petroleum products imported by NNPC are well accounted for and utilised in the country. This initiative eͿectively ended the era of lack of transparency in the corporation’s governance style.

According to Kyari, as a control mechanism, the ‘Operation White’ has so far produced signiÀcant results as the corporation now clearly knows the areas of losses as well as reliability and integrity status of each and every facility under its control.

In June 2020, for the Àrst time in 43 years, the Kyari-led NNPC released the 2018 Audited Financial Statements - and subsequently 2019 - to the public for scrutiny, earning plaudits for the corporation from members of the public.

Not surprisingly, on account of this unprecedented governance positive, top industry players, eminent stakeholders and the conservative Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) lauded the decision of NNPC to make public its audited accounts for the Àrst time in its history with the publication of its 2018 and 2019 Audited Financial Statement (AFS) on its website.

Even the ravages and disruptions of the dreaded Novel Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) have not derailed the focus and integrity of service delivery and operational stability and reasoned interventions by Mallam Kyari the earthy, humble leader who has notched 19 eventful months in o΀ce as the Group Managing Director of the NNPC. SigniÀcantly, early in February, the NNPC again expressed its commitment to moving the national oil company from its opaque past towards being a more transparent global organisation. Speaking when he received the “Government Agency of the Year 2020 (Transparency)” from the New Telegraph Newspaper, an elated GMDNNPC Kyari said the company had since realised that it pays to be transparent and accountable at all times.

He reiterated management’s resolve to drive the corporation along the line of Transparency, Accountability & Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda, noting that the media interest in the activities of the corporation and the oil and gas sector was a welcome development. Further, he expressed delight that eͿorts of the management to entrench the culture of transparency in the system have begun to receive recognition within and outside the corporation.

Earlier in January, an appreciative Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State had also felicitated with the GMD-NNPC during his 56th birthday and commended his eͿorts in achieving great reforms at the NNPC. Okowa noted that the Corporation, under the management of the GMD has attained 1.5 billion Standard Cubic Feet production per day and its equity production at 1.38 billion cubic feet of gas per day as at November 2020.

His words: “Malam Kyari’s leadership at the NNPC as its 19th Chief Executive has been largely characterised by outstanding vision in commitment to e΀ciency, openness, transparency and prudence in service delivery geared at attaining the objectives of the corporation and meeting the expectations of shareholders.

“The NNPC and its joint venture partners under his leadership have continued to contribute to poverty reduction, economic and social development, especially in the Àght against COVID-19 pandemic.”

Okowa further noted that the Corporation, with the Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence agenda, as introduced by the GMD has become more proÀtable over the years. According to the Delta governor, “Let me commend Malam Kyari and his team for what they are doing to improve on the operations of the NNPC. Kyari has continued to demonstrate transparency and accountability by publishing the monthly operational report of the

Kyari

NNPC, with a step further of publishing its annual audited Ànancial statement, which had not been done in 43 years of its operations.

“Worthy of commendation is the Final Investment Decision on the four billiondollar NLNG Train 7 and his continued drive towards completing long-standing gas infrastructure projects such as the EscravosLagos Pipeline System Phase 2 and ObiafuObrikom-Oben gas pipeline.”

The public perception of NNPC has clearly changed in recent times. The credit goes to the eͿorts of Mallam Kyari and his management team – especially on the transparency turf.

According to advocates of corporate ethics, one key eͿect of transparency on any organization, besides showcasing its honesty and integrity, is that it helps to scale up performance as well as put managers on their toes to do their best knowing that there is no room to hide their ine΀ciencies.

A scrutiny of the NNPC’s 2019 audited Ànancial account further authenticates of the theory that commitment to transparency leads to achievement of improved performance. For example, the Corporation reported a huge reduction in losses as it posted a loss of N1.7 billion in 2019 as against N803 billion losses reported in 2018.

Although, there remains considerable room for improvement, it is indisputable that the huge cut in losses is indicative of an emerging new era of growth for the Corporation. Further data of how the cost optimisation was achieved in the 2019 AFS revealed that general administrative expenses was trimmed down from N894

billion in 2018 to N696 billion translating into a positive variance of 22 per cent.

More, the majority of NNPC’s subsidiaries posted improved performance namely, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) which recorded N479 billion proÀt in 2019 compared to N179 billion in 2018 representing 167 per cent increase; the Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) recorded N23 billion proÀt in 2019 compared to N154 million in 2018 representing 14,966 per cent increase; the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) recorded N14.2 billion proÀt in 2019 compared to N9.3 billion in 2018 representing 52 per cent increase; while the ReÀneries have maintained the same level of losses as in 2018 but which will reduce signiÀcantly in 2020 due to cost optimisation drive.

These disclosures were made by NNPC’s Chief Financial O΀cer (CFO), Mr. Umar Ajiya. According to him, the 2019 Ànancial year performance was driven mainly by cost optimisation, contracts renegotiation and operational e΀ciency.

According to optimistic analysts, if the current trajectory is followed, it is possible that 2020 will see NNPC on a solid proÀt path since its management has sustained the drive to reduce cost, promote e΀ciency, and rev up proÀts.

Looking at the big picture, Nigerians remain optimistic that the NNPC is indeed on the march to fulÀll its glorious destiny as the biggest and most proÀtable national oil company in Africa. Navigating with transparency is clearly the way to go.

Okorafor writes from Lagos.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Shell engineers at the site of an oil spill in Ogoni land

Shell’s Many Legal Tussles The number of litigation on hanging over Shell Petroleum Development Company and its parent company, Royal Dutch Shell, many fear could threaten its operations in Nigeria, if not properly managed, writes Davidson Iriekpen

T

hese are not the best of times for Nigeria’s leading oil Àrm, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell.

Since it commenced oil exploration in Nigeria 65 years ago, never has it witnessed a barrage of litigations and judgments against it as it has done in the last four years. The oil giant, locally and internationally, faces a litany of suits and compensations that threaten its existence in Nigeria.

Last Thursday, an Upper Area Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Gambo Garba issued a criminal summons against the oil major and seven of its top executives for stealing 16 million barrels of crude oil through the use of a fraudulent and unapproved metering system. The executives summoned are Chibueze Uduanochie, Simon Ruddy, Bashir Bello, Osagie Okunbor, Igo Weli, Toyin Olagunji and Captain Callium Finlayson.

According to the summons dated February 25, the respondents should be in court on March 2 to answer the charge levelled against them by the complainant. The suit, marked DC/CR/200/2021, was Àled by the African Initiative Against Abuse of Public Trust.

According to the suit, the group alleged that as operators of the Bonny Terminal, Shell

installed an unapproved metering system which it claimed was temporary and which it manipulated to deliberately understate the volume of crude oil that was injected into the terminal, thereby, short-changing the local oil companies, owners of the oil and the federal government the revenue due to them.

The oil companies include Belema Oil, Eroton, Aiteo, and Newcross.

Consequently, the group is seeking an order of court convicting the Shell Executives for the criminal acts of conspiracy, theft, and cheating which violate Sections 97, 287, and 323 of the Penal Code Law Cap 89 Law of Northern Nigeria, 1963.

In the court papers, the group alleged that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has investigated the allegations and indicted SPDC. It alleged that Shell admitted cheating the companies of about two million barrels and committed to refund the crude to the companies.

The group said they would press for the maximum punishment, six months in jail for conspiracy, Àve years for theft, and Àve years for cheating. Attached to the summons against top Shell executives is Shell’s letter admitting to using a non-sanctioned metering system and conÀrming the implementation of refund of crude oil from the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) to the Nembe

Creek Trunk Line (NCTL), which proves there was alleged fraud by Shell, and other documents to support the facts of this case.

THISDAY gathered that after the oil major’s initial denial and pushback against the allegation, it admitted to the theft in a letter to the DPR dated February 8, 2021, captioned: ‘Re: Reallocation of Bonny Terminal Gross Volume from June 2016 to July 2018 Based on Comparison Of Metered Gross Volume Between Coriolis Meter and Lact Unit Installed on the NTCL.’ “We refer to your letter Ref: DMR/CTO/ COA/COM/V.5/045 dated January 28, 2021, in respect of the above subject. We note your directives as contained in the abovereferenced letter and wish to conÀrm that The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) will implement the refund of the 2, 081, 678 barrels of crude oil from the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) injectors (SPDC, TEPNG, NDPR, and WSPOL) to the Nembe Crude Trunk Line (NTCL) injectors (Aiteo, Belemaoil, Eroton, and Newcross) over the period from the end of January 2021 till November 2021 in accordance with schedule III as contained in the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) letter Ref: DMR/CTO/COA/COM/V.5/230 dated December 14, 2020«,” the letter said.

Before the summons, sequel to the suit Àled by Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Lim-

ited, a federal high court in Lagos had in January ordered the immediate blockage of its accounts operated in 20 banks over the alleged theft. The presiding judge of the court, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyibo, while giving the order in suit no FHC/L/ CS/52/2021, held that she was making the order pending the hearing of the motion and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction Àled before it by the indigenous company.

Justice Oguntoyibo further restrained SPDC and other defendants, including Royal Dutch Shell, Shell Western and Trading Company Limited, Shell International Trading, and Shipping Company Limited as well as Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited from withdrawing funds standing to their credit without Àrst “ringfencing” them to the value of the 16,050,000 barrels of crude oil.

According to the court, on no account must any transaction be carried out in the listed accounts without Àrst “ring-fencing any cash, bonds, deposits, all forms of negotiable instruments to the value of $2.7 billion and paying all standing credits to the Shell companies up to the value into an interest yielding account in the name of the chief registrar of the court, who is to hold the funds in trust” pending the hearing of the motion.

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SPECIAL REPORT Shell’s Many Legal Tussles The court further noted that pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction, the banks were restrained in the interim from accepting, honouring, or giving eͿect to any mandate, cheque, or instructions presented by the defendants.

In its statement of claim, Aiteo asserted the defendants, SPDC and its sister companies, had a deliberate corporate policy to unjustly enrich themselves at the expense of the plaintiͿ and other local oil companies.

It a΀rmed that with the use of a wrong metering system, SPDC and associated companies understated and retained crude oil volumes due to the detriment of Aiteo.

Aiteo averred that the defendants’ o΀cials and agents were aware of the wrongful appropriation of the plaintiͿ’s crude oil but did nothing to prevent or stop it until the DPR issued directives. It argued that the only means by which the defendants could conveniently appropriate the plaintiͿ’s crude oil illegally was to understate the crude oil volume belonging to Aiteo.

“The monetary beneÀt obtained by the defendants were also retained by the said defendants. The defendants continued to use the understated oil volumes and proceeds for their personal use. The defendants were unjustly enriched by the use of the unapproved meter and continue to unjustly enrich themselves. Their actions were without any concern, consideration, and or regard for the detrimental eͿect same had and would have had on the plaintiͿ,” Aiteo explained further.

According to the indigenous oil company, SPDC and its co-travellers used the Coriolis meter in bad faith to deceive Aiteo regarding the amount of crude oil volumes due to it. It maintained that the Coriolis meter has poor zero stability, which aͿects Áow meter accuracy, cannot be used for Áuids with lower density, and sensitive to external vibration interference, adding that it was a matter of national security.

Besides, the oil company claimed that the action by SPDC deprived Aiteo of refundable crude and adversely aͿected its business, insisting that contrary to the Àgures by the DPR, Aiteo’s experts concluded that 16,050,000 barrels were stolen. Therefore, Aiteo believes it is entitled to $1,275,975,000, a sum the company could have made it sold the over 16 million barrels of crude oil at the rate of $79.50 per barrel being the prevailing price in July 2018.

Alternatively, Aiteo pointed out that if the DPR Àgures were used, then the 1,022,029 barrels would yield about $81.2 million, saying that because of the action of the defendants, it became impossible to meet its repayment obligations to Ànanciers who provided it $1,488,000,000 to acquire assets.

“The plaintiͿ further states that the fraudulent and or wrongful act by the defendants impacted negatively on both the production level and the revenue available to it for debt servicing and operation.

“Furthermore, the constant theft and larceny of the plaintiͿ’s crude by the 1st defendant and the intentional act to understate and deprive the plaintiͿ of its crude as observed by DPR negatively impacted on the plaintiͿ’s ability to properly service the loans and interests thereon,” Aiteo averred.

Before Aiteo approached the court, the DPR had ordered SPDC to refund 2,081,678 barrels of crude oil understated between 2016 and 2018. The DPR, in several o΀cial communications obtained by THISDAY, also sanctioned the International Oil Company (IOC) for the infraction, to which SPDC admitted to in another o΀cial letter to the DPR. As part of the punishment for Áouting the rules, Shell was directed to pay N250,000, agreeing to a 10-month compensation plan to reimburse its Joint Venture (JV) partners short-changed in the course of the infractions.

The DPR accused the oil giant of cheating some of its JV indigenous oil concerns, including Aiteo, Belemaoil, Eroton, and Newcross, through an unapproved metering system used to misappropriate crude oil.

In one of the letters conveying the position of the DPR to SPDC, referenced DMR/CTO/ COA/Com/V.3/102 and signed by U. K. Ndanusa, on behalf of the director of DPR, Sarki Auwalu, the agency quoted part of

Shell engineer by one of its platforms construction

the regulation Áouted by the company to include part 1, section 2(d) of the Mineral Oil Safety Regulation and the Provisions of Section 51 of the Petroleum Act 1969.

In another memo from the DPR, dated July 8, 2020, the agency recalled its earlier rejection of the unapproved Coriolis meter, directing SPDC to begin the process of reimbursing Aiteo of 1,022,029 barrels, Belema Oil’s 39,374, Eroton’s 643,245, and Newcross’ 377,030 barrels of stolen crude.

After its initial denial and pushback against the allegation, Shell, in a letter to the DPR dated February 8, 2021, agreed to the reimbursement In the letter captioned, ‘Re; Reallocation of Bonny Terminal Gross Volume from June 2016 to July 2018 Based on Comparison Of Metered Gross Volume Between Coriolis Meter and Lact Unit Installed on the NTCL,’ and signed by the Business Relations and JV Excellence Manager, Steve Okwuosah, the oil major pledged to implement the refund of the barrels in batches.

The SPDC stated: “We refer to your letter Ref: DMR/CTO/COA/COM/V.5/045 dated January 28, 2021, in respect of the above subject. We note your directives as contained in the above-referenced letter and wish to conÀrm that The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) will implement the refund of the 2,081,678 barrels of crude oil from the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) injectors (SPDC, TEPNG, NDPR, and WSPOL) to the Nembe Crude Trunk Line (NTCL) injectors (Aiteo, Belemaoil, Eroton, and Newcross) over the period from end of January 2021 till November 2021 in accordance with schedule III as contained in the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) letter Ref: DMR/CTO/COA/COM/V.5/230 dated December 14, 2020«.”

While the IOC is confronted with local litigation, it also has other lawsuits to contend with internationally. On January 29, 2021, after 13 years of legal tussle, an appeal court in the Netherlands ruled that Shell was responsible for oil pipeline leaks in three communities in the Niger Delta. The court ordered Shell to pay unspeciÀed damages to four Nigerian farmers likely to run into millions of dollars in compensations.

The case, brought in 2008 by farmers and a campaign group, Friends of the Earth, is

sought reparations for lost income from contaminated land and waterways in the region. In its judgment, the court held, “Shell Nigeria is sentenced to compensate farmers for damages«Shell Nigeria should have shut down oil supplies on the day of the spill in the cases in Goi.” As if that was not enough, on February 12, 2021, a ruling of the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court paved the way for a group of 42,500 Nigerian farmers and Àshermen to sue the IOC in English courts after years of oil spills in the Niger Delta contaminated land and groundwater. In a major decision bound to have far-reaching implications for multinationals’ operations in their host countries, senior judges said UK-domiciled Shell, one of the world’s biggest energy companies, did have a common law duty of care, in the latest case to test whether multinationals can be held to account for the acts of overseas subsidiaries.

The ruling came almost two years after a seminal ruling by the Supreme Court in a case involving a mining company, Vedanta.

The judgment allowed nearly 2,000 =ambian villagers to sue Vedanta in England for alleged pollution in Africa. That move was seen as a victory for rural communities seeking to hold parent companies accountable for environmental disasters. Vedanta ultimately settled out of court in January.

Nigeria’s Ogale and Bille communities of Rivers State had alleged that their lives and health suͿered because repeated oil spills contaminated their lands, swamps, groundwater, and waterways. They were oͿered no adequate cleaning or remediation. Represented by a law Àrm, Leigh Day, the communities argued that Shell owed them a duty of care either because, it had signiÀcant control of and was responsible for its subsidiary SPDC. Shell countered that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain their claims. It was wrong. “(The ruling) also represents a watershed moment in the accountability of multinational companies. Increasingly impoverished communities are seeking to hold powerful corporate actors to account and this judgment will signiÀcantly increase their ability to do so,” Daniel Leader, partner at Leigh Day, said.

After the landmark decision, a Shell

spokesman insisted the decision was disappointing, saying, “Regardless of the cause of a spill, SPDC cleans up and remediates. It also works hard to prevent these sabotage spills, by using technology, increasing surveillance and by promoting alternative livelihoods for those who might damage pipes and equipment.”

The oil giant has blamed sabotage for oil spills. In its annual report published last March, SPDC, which produces around one million barrels of oil per day, saw crude oil spills caused by theft or pipeline sabotage surge by 41 percent in 2019. Shell CEO, Ben van Beurden, said last week that the Àrm would take “another hard look at its onshore oil operations” in the West African country.

In 2015, Shell agreed to pay out 55 million ($83.4 million) to the Bodo community in Nigeria as compensation for two oil spills, the largest ever out-of-court settlement Nigerian oil spills. Perhaps the biggest litigation ever embarked upon by the oil company was the seeking to set aside a N17 billion judgment given against it on January 11, 2019.

The case, which the Supreme Court decided twice, 2019 and 2020, is over a 1970 oil spill in Ejama-Ebubu in Tai Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. In the last judgment delivered in December 2020, a Àve-man panel of the Supreme Court in a unanimous ruling dismissed Shell’s application for lacking merit. Justice Centus Nweze, who wrote the lead ruling in the case marked SC/731/2017, which Justice Samuel Osuji read, agreed with the respondents that Shell’s application was an invitation to the court to overrule itself.

The same court had, in a ruling on January 11, 2019, dismissed the appeal by Shell against an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal on a June 14, 2010 judgment of the Federal High Court, which awarded damages against the oil company in an oil spill in the community. Even though Shell still contends the judgment sum put at N184 billion, the community’s lawyer, Lucius Nwosu (SAN), is doing everything legally possible to get Shell to pay.

With the awareness and consciousness to sue Shell and the number of compensations and damages hanging over its head, not a few fear the oil giant may one day shut down its operations in Nigeria.

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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

28.2.2021

I

LEKAN ‘LAYCON’ AGBELESHE

LEADING LIFE TO HIGHER LEVEL The lines keep falling in pleasant places for Lekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe since he emerged winner of Big Brother Naija Lockdown season. He recently featured in his own reality TV show, ‘I Am Laycon.’ Despite the fame, Laycon’s eyes are peeled to his music goals, writes Vanessa Obioha

t’s been almost five months since Lekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe walked out of the Big Brother Naija house as a millionaire and proud winner of the show’s fifth season. Still, he is yet to come to terms with reality, although not in an oneiric manner. Of course, he is aware of his newfound fame, the responsibilities that go with it, and the inescapable pressure to maintain equipoise.

The latter is paramount to him as his schedules have become overwhelming with shoots, tours, and meetings.

Ever since he emerged as the reality TV show winner, the lines have been falling in pleasant places for him. First, he became the brand ambassador of GOtv, the digital terrestrial platform of MultiChoice Nigeria. He went on a campaign tour with the brand last year, visiting five cities where he met and performed for fans. In-between the tours, he was also shooting his first reality TV show, ‘I Am Laycon,’ for Showmax, a streaming service from MultiChoice. The show is the first original Nigerian series of the streamer. It began airing on February 11 on the platform and is available to over 20 countries, including France, Spain and Indonesia. He was also made the youth ambassador of Ogun State.

Despite the switch in reality, Laycon is not allowing his music to take the backseat. After all, it was the reason he entered the show in the first place. To be sure, his music was relatively faring well before he participated in the competition. But considering the show’s reach, it was a smart move by the artiste to leverage on the platform to promote his music.

“By this time last year, I was having meetings with people on how best to promote my EP, ‘Who is Laycon’,” he said. “Music was the only thing in my head. I had no idea that 365 days later, this is where I will be.”

It paid off for the dreadlocked artiste. While in the house, his music gained prominence, and he followed up the clamour for his art with an EP. His recent feature on DJ Jimmy Jatt’s ‘Jump Off’ show equally fetched him accolades. The video has been viewed more than 190,000 times on YouTube. Interestingly, the rapper rarely had the time to read the feedback because he was engrossed in another music project. His debut album is expected later this year.

Laycon, it seems, has perfected the art of filtering people’s opinions about him. He does

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

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COVER

From Big Brother to Bigger Destiny this well by tuning out social media’s noisy bubble and giving room for inner conversations with himself. He gave a philosophical analysis of his views on social media.

“Every human being should find time to put down their phone and seek inner conversations. It’s very important because it allows you to stay grounded and stick to reality. Sometimes, people write checks online that they can’t cash in real life. They must differentiate between the two. There are a lot of things online that are not real. That’s why I keep telling people to grow in real life. And while it’s fun to be online and enjoy things, they also need to understand that the same way it is in real life is the same way it is online where you have different vibes — good, bad, negative, positive vibes. So you need to be able to filter things and spend some time alone to get into the growth you need.”

He applied the same approach when he left the house. Not a few had different opinions about him, but Laycon refused to allow their views to crawl into his mental space.

“I had lived over 20 years of my life before I came to the show. People only saw a side of me for 70 days and would want to judge me forever for that. But I am who I am, I know who I am, I know what I want to do with my life. I know what I wish for everybody around me. People are allowed to have opinions, but I don’t know if they are valid or invalid.

I try not to react to people’s opinions because they’re just opinions, not facts. So they might be inadmissible to my mental space,” he said matterof-factly.

Laycon is of diminutive stature and wears his locks in different styles. Sometimes it’s packed in a bun. Other times it’s cascading down his face. At the moment, it’s gracing his face.

While in the house, he was the least expected to clinch the title.

But he eventually became the underdog that took home the lion share.

To a large extent, his fans played a vital role in his emergence as BBNaija Lockdown season winner. Aptly named Icons, they ensured that their iconic model clinched the coveted prize of the season.

Laycon is very appreciative of their support. He described the relationship with his fans as wonderful.

“I feel that I got one of the best fanbases in the world,” he momentarily pondered over his choice of words before rephrasing. “No, I think they are the best fanbase in the world.

The best I can ask for.”

“It’s something that’s still new to me,” he continued. “I feel like we’re going to grow together to the extent where it becomes a big new movement. Where we start influencing people positively in society. As an icon, it means you have to spread love and

Agbeleshe

light to people around you and influence people the same way.”

These days, fame and wealth mean different things for the graduate of Philosophy from the University of Lagos. On the one hand, he is not carried away by the spotlight because he is yet to reach the horizon, according to him. On the other hand, wealth is based on different levels.

“There are people who have the kind of money that I have and will be enthusiastic, while there are some who don’t regard it as anything. I’m grateful for where I am, but I don’t consider myself wealthy. I know where I want to get, obviously,” he chuckled. “I want to get to the level where it’s all Gucci on the other side.”

Laycon can convincingly say that he knows what he wants. From an early age, he evinced his interest in music, learning different sounds and techniques to be well-versed in the field.

“I fell in love with the process of making music, not the thing that comes with it. Regardless of whatever stage I am as an artiste, I understand and know that I will continue this process of growing and evolving because that’s what I enjoy doing,” he disclosed.

Famously known as a rapper and TV reality star, when describing himself, the description is expanded. “I’m a rapper, a singer, a songwriter. I’m basically an artiste.”

He offered more explanation.

“The evolution of music has gotten to a point where either as a rapper or singer, whatever you infuse in your music is relatable as long as it is appealing and of good quality.

It’s more about the art; how you let people understand what you are communicating through music and the sound itself.”

Big Brother Naija may have been

Agbeleshe

the springboard that propelled him to stardom, but the 27-year-old rapper has his eyes set for greater things. In fact, he disclosed that he is already on the next level.

“This is not even close to where I want to be. My head is constantly thinking of the next

level. I still need to work harder to get bigger and ensure that this is the least stage I’m ever going to be.”

And by bigger, he means becoming the best artiste in the world and using his music to influence as many lives as possible positively.

“I fell in love with the process of making music, not the thing that comes with it. Regardless of whatever stage I am as an artiste, I understand and know that I will continue this process of growing and evolving because that’s what I enjoy doing”

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GLITZ FOCUS

Everyone is Altered: Why Nigerian Ladies Risk Everything for Breast, Butt Surgeries The craze for boob jobs, butts enlargement, tummy tuck and other vanity magic is understandable. In a world of high-definition everything, the pressure is on for everyone to always look their best. This has given rise to a relentless drive for perfection, and the trend is now trickling down to every Tom, Dick and Harry who feels left behind and challenged by the images they see on Instagram no matter how fake they are. But this also comes at a price, writes Lanre Alfred.

Tonto Dike Princess Shyngle Ehi Ogbebor

F

orget what you see on Instagram.

Ignore the images projected on the screen and other social media platforms. Everyone is altered.

Many a Nigerian lady now wants to have an artificial derriere that would make even a eunuch do the sign of the cross repeatedly, swallow spittle rapidly and feel a stirring in his loins, all in quick succession. As photoshop is to magazine photography, so has a compelling blend of plastic surgery, muscle-sculpting, implants, hair restoration, dental work and other dermatological tweaking been to celebrity images. But this has not always been the case.

In years gone by, the high society always cautiously guarded its vanity magic tricks.

Plastic surgery, botox and diet pills were the high society’s pretty little secrets. Even in the entertainment industry, the latest glamour obsession, otherwise labelled as ‘beauty work,’ has stayed underground for more than a decade before now accepted as the norm. These days, big bums and ‘belfies’ are huge business, and celebrities with extra-large derrieres drive the trend forward.

Some months back, controversy-prone social media influencer cum nite club manager, Pretty Mike, weighed in on the trend.

In a two-part Instagram post, he wrote, “It’s no news that our ladies who aren’t comfortable with their bodies or parts have regained their confidence through plastic surgery from a breast lift to liposuction of the arm, abdomen and fat transfer to the butt known as the BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift). So, don’t think that your neighbour or ex-girlfriend (that) you haven’t seen in a while just added weight in the right areas; she’s definitely gone under the knife.

“We also have centres in Lagos where they do these surgeries. The most common which is Grandville Medlaser in VGC (Victoria

Caroline Danjuma

Garden City, Lagos), he became more popular when he did the free surgery for ladies who had over 11k followers and didn’t mind posting their procedures showing their faces.”

He went on to mention social media handles of some ladies who had their bodies worked on, stating further that with N800,000 to N2 million, “you can get a banging body in Lagos, just get ready not to sit for at least three weeks (you don’t want the fat pumped in getting f..ked up).”

He lamented it is now hard to differentiate between real and fake derriere, “as Lagos has been littered with big bum bums and I can strongly say, I’m a big fan and I love the movement.”

In the second post, he mentioned names such as Oge Okoye, Caroline Danjuma, Princess Shyngle, Chika Ike, Dabota Lawson, Precious

Thelma and Kika Goodhair as some of the ladies who are comfortable talking openly about the procedures.

Tonto Dike not only affirmed that she did a surgery, posting, “Where are the aprokos that said surgery is not good ooo?

May my old body be your portion, rolling eyes…If I slap you, your eyes will shift.”

She captioned a post showing before and after surgery pictures of herself; she also celebrated the doctor who did it thanking him for her bum and hips.

Her Nollywood colleague, Yvonne Jegede, declared emphatically in an interview, “Yes, I did surgery (liposuction) on my stomach after I had my son, so that made me look curvier. I had the surgery here in Nigeria. I don’t have issues with anyone on earth; I do whatever I want with myself and body.”

On-air-personality, Toke Makinwa, makes no pretence about her obsession with looking perfect, which has left many wondering how she juggles her muchvaunted spirituality with her in-your-face type of vanity. Done with completely altering her complexion from dark to very fair, Toke has since graduated to butt enhancement. She flaunts her new bum with reckless abandon. She stated in 2018, “This year, I stopped complaining and changed things. I hated my body. I fixed it (best decision ever). I hated hanging around certain people who made me feel small; I dropped them, learned to forgive (I still struggle but it’s a journey), and learned to be at peace… This year I experienced a dangerous level of freedom. I literally have no fucks to give, no explanation as to how I choose to live my life. I woke up one day and started living for me.”

So obsessed with her new curvy identity was Toke that when legendary

actor Richard Mofe-Damijo stated that plastic surgery could never make one happy because “most of the things we do to show others we are beautiful, made, tough and/or connected are things that magnify our insecurities,” she went ballistic, questioning RMD’s audacity to tell an adult what to do with their body.

The openness with which she talks about it and eagerness to defend plastic surgery underscores the fact that society has come a long way on its views toward cosmetic surgery.

Once a tightly guarded secret among the rich and famous, elective plastic surgery has become so mainstream and almost affordable that it’s easier to count the number of people who haven’t gotten a little work done.’ While insecurity and a warped sense of belonging are immediate causes experts say lead to a reconstruction of their body, other factors include the urge to be more attractive or more appealing to men who are believed to fall over themselves at the sight of a well-shaped butt.

The rush for a new body - breast implants, tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift - has some downsides. Women who cannot afford professional treatments have resorted to deadly and illegal injections with substances found in home-improvement stores. Those who survive are left with debilitating scars and lingering health issues.

In a 2019 interview, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, a neurological surgeon with a private hospital in Abuja, warned Nigerians to avoid unsafe plastic surgery.

“Recently, there has been a rash of complications following plastic surgery in Abuja. Many patients going to have liposuction or indeed fat transfers to have a bigger butt have ended up with massive infections and even a stroke in one case,” he said.

Several women who went to Med-Contour Hospital and Laser Centre run by Dr. Anu Adepoju for cosmetic surgery complained about suffering from post-surgery complications.

A popular social media personality, Omotola Taiwo Temilade, known as Omohtee, called Dr. Adepoju out following a botched surgery that left her with complications. Some of the victims had reportedly approached some government regulatory agencies like the Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) and the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC). While the HEFAMAA in 2019 was forced to seal Dr. Adepoju’s facility in 2019, she, in defiance of the agency, opened in another location in the same vicinity under the name Med-Contour Aesthetics and continued her operations.

Then, when one of her patients Nneka Onwuzuligbo) died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), IdiAraba, following a botched cosmetic surgery, the management petitioned the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Investigation Panel to investigate Dr. Adepoju. The LUTH management accused her of professional misconduct following the patient’s death, who developed complications after cosmetic surgery.

In a petition dated June 11, 2020, and signed

by LUTH’s Director of Legal Services, O. O. Olajide, the hospital she continued to perform surgeries even though her facility was sealed off by the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency. LUTH alleged that Dr. Adepoju referred Nneka to LUTH on January 3, 2019, on the pretext that she was referred from the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, and was brought to her hospital with severe respiratory distress and septicaemia with infected surgical wounds.

The affidavit noted, “The patient was well until she developed a sudden onset of breathlessness within 24 hours after the said surgical procedure. The breathlessness was progressive and necessitated her being taken immediately to the General Hospital, Odan, from the theatre. There was no reference in the referral note from the General Hospital, Odan, about the details of the type of tumescent fluid that was administered; neither was the volume and the type of anaesthetic used provided.

“The breathlessness was said to be progressive. During the said two days, the patient received oxygen and intravenous fluids at Med Contour Hospital. The patient was

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GLITZ FOCUS

Everyone is Altered: Why Nigerian Ladies Risk Everything for Breast, Butt Surgeries

Dr Anu and Akunna Nwala

Dr. Anu and her clients

referred to (LUTH) without an informative referral letter. The accompanying note from the General Hospital, Odan, stated that the patient developed orthopnoea 16 hours after the surgical procedure. The informative referral letter from Dr Adepoju, who performed the surgery, was provided on the fourth day of presentation at LUTH upon my insistence and persistent request. The said referral letter dated, January 7, 2019, is attached herewith and marked as ‘Exhibit A.’ The petition added, “She was noted to have significant deterioration of the vital signs before referral to LUTH for intensive care management on account of progressively worsening symptoms. Details of the surgical intervention subsequently received from Dr Adepoju (Exhibit A) showed that she had liposuction of the anterior abdomen, back, flanks, and arms with fat transfer to the buttocks and hips. The surgery was done under spinal anaesthesia.

The tumescent technique was used where three litres of fluid were infused into the patient and five litres of fluid were aspirated. She had two pints of blood transfused before presentation on account of anaemia.

“The account given about the patient further had it that there was no previous history of similar presentation in past surgery of myomectomy done three years before the liposuction and fat grafting. It was revealed that on the second day after the surgery, she was noticed to have persistent foul-smelling discharge from all the surgical sites.”

The hospital added that upon admission into LUTH, the first surgical debridement performed on the deceased on January 10, 2019, revealed extensive sloughing, with foulsmelling discharge from Nneka’s debrided hips and purulent discharges from puncture wounds on the anterior abdominal wall. It added that after the surgery, there was no improvement in the patient’s clinical state, hence, the need to perform a second surgery on her and that after the second surgery, the clinical state of the victim improved till the 28th day of admission when her vital signs deteriorated.

The LUTH petition posited that the victim developed multiple organ failure of cardiac, respiratory (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome), and renal failures and had a cardiac arrest on the 31st day of admission. The victim was certified dead around 9 am on February 3, 2019, after cardio-pulmonary resuscitation was unsuccessful.

However, LUTH decided to take the position claiming Dr. Adepoju had in a series of misleading and incorrect public statements on social media absolved herself from liability in the management of the patient and put the blame on LUTH and its personnel, adding, “She (Adepoju) accused the medical team at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital of being responsible for the death of Miss Nneka Onwuzuligbo.

“She claimed this was due to wrongful positioning of the patient, stopping all antibiotics resulting in mortality. She stated in her video that liposuction and fat grafting is a new area of surgery, and doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital are ignorant of post-operative management of the condition.

“Dr. Adepoju instigated the relations of the patient and the public against the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and its doctors by saying that the plastic surgeons and doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital should be asked about the death of Miss Onwuzuligbo Nneka.”

LUTH also alleged that Dr. Adepoju performed the surgery on Onwuzuligbo in December 2018, four months before she was fully registered as a medical practitioner. While insisting that she’s a qualified cosmetic surgeon and had undergone the necessary training, LUTH claimed that she didn’t undergo a residency training programme. Neither is she registered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

Consequently, the FCCPC arraigned Dr. Adepoju before Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court, Lagos, and was subsequently suspended from the medical profession in Nigeria following multiple malpractices and botched surgeries in her clinic.

Quackery is still a major bane of the medical profession, and Dr. Adepoju may have been debarred from practising. Still, it would not stop many young ladies aspiring and angling for plastic surgeons’ services, whether qualified or not. Where and how does the government wade in to nip this fatal practice in the bud?

Chika Ike

Toke Makinwa

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HighLife Burna Boy’s Sister, Nissi, Shows It Runs in the Family

Nissi

Y

s. You know Burna Boy. Everyone knows him.

But if you haven’t heard of Nissi Ogulu, listen up.

Nissi’s name may just be the next big thing you hear across the globe. You guessed right: Nissi is Burna Boy’s sister, not girlfriend.

And the groove, the grace and the glamour all seem to run in the family.

Well, don’t think Nissi is a new kid on the block, though. She’s been grooving like forever.

Nissi began displaying her musical talent almost at the same as the selfacclaimed African Giant, Burna Boy. She shed light on that, saying, “I think in different ways we both started doing music around the same time because I started with piano and stuff, he started with Tupac, and I tried to copy the flows of those guys.

That was his beginning, and my beginning was with the piano.”

So, what’s she been up to lately?

As a London-based singer, Nissi’s music is a blend of genres, including funk. She’s Spaceship Records’ first signing and currently the only female artiste. The video of her newest song, ‘Move X 2,’ is already turning heads, intriguing in concept and gamechanging in artistry. If you’re still dulling, Nissi’s groovy sound may help you to get your groove back.

Her cultural expressions, drawn from a wealth of traditional folklore heightened by gravity-defying choreography, are intriguing. But, this is all deliberate.

“I want to break a lot of boxes and the limitations that African women have, and I definitely want to do it for as long as humanly possible,” she confessed.

What’s her driving force, then?

She explained, “But contemporarily driven and globally positioned is a blend of my foundation, stemming from the highlife days of Fela Kuti and my granddad, having to learn jazz and blues from him (granddad) as well and then experimenting with all kinds of music, from reggae to funk to RnB. I think it is generally described these days as Afro-jazz or Afro-funk.”

It indeed runs in the family. A groovy girl is up to the game.

with KAYODE ALFRED ͮͶͯ​ͯʹ͵ͳͷͶͮ͵˜ ̋×ËÓÖ: ÕËãʮÏâ̶͓ãËÒÙÙ˛ÍÙ×

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

Billionaire Kunle Soname Multimillionnaira Sports Stadium Almost Ready Judging from the intentions and investments of renowned businessman and sports enthusiast Kunle Soname, Ikenne will in no time accommodate a multimillion-naira stadium, the likes of which are notably scarce in the Gateway State.

Very seldom is a successful businessman overly taken with sports and community building ideals unless they benefit him. On this wise, Kunle Soname is an orthodox businessman and a diehard proponent of sports, and a man who pursues the growth and development of his roots and the welfare of the common man.

The latest testaments of Soname’s three-way regard—for business, sports, and community—are the preparations underway for marking the completion of the million-naira sports stadium in Ikenne. According to the buzz on the airwaves, it is only a matter of time before the last block is laid on the magnificent edifice. The stadium stands as one of the hallmarks of excellence and good taste for the residents of Ikenne—and the natives of Ogun State.

To those reasonably familiar with Kunle Soname and his pursuits, this multimillion-Naira stadium at Ikenne is only the most recent of his many

Soname

endeavours in promoting sports and grassroots development. Not to mention his founding of Bet9ja (which Soname has explained as a strategic move to stave off youth crime and violence), even his 2003-2011 foray into local government politics proved to be well-intentioned.

Currently, his Bet9ja company hasn’t only availed a source of employment for Nigeria youths. Still, Soname has provided avenues for such welcome developments as amputee football, female marathon, open marathon, and indoor sports.

The underlying moral of Kunle Soname’s endeavours is live and help live, grow and help grow. Even now, Soname is renowned for being Africa’s most successful sports business entrepreneur, the only one to own both an indigenous football league club (Remo Stars FC) and a 70 percent stake in a European football club (Clube Desportivo Feirense, a Portuguese football club).

Considering the number of strongrooms that he has reportedly emptied in the construction of the soon-to-be-completed Ikenne stadium, Kunle Soname is going to be more of a household name than he already is. At completion, Soname stands the chance of adding a new description to his person: community-builder.

Eyes on the Ball:Tonye Cole Goes to School In an age where young people are dropping out of universities and colleges to chase after dreams and fantasies, former Rivers gubernatorial candidate (under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress), Tonye Patrick Cole, has decided to improve himself and further his education. A brave decision for someone well into his fifties, with deep pockets and deeper associations.

Tonye Cole made some impression on folks’ minds in 2018 when he retired from his executive positions on conglomerate boards to pursue a career in politics.

Although it did not pan out (he won the primaries, but his party lost their ballot rights), Cole did not fall apart. And now, his march of progress is raising dust everywhere.

One might be tempted to question the motives of the Abonnema native, but that would be futile. Tonye Cole is not the typical middle-aged man who is anxious and in desperate need of a livelihood; this man is the co-founder of West Africa’s most successful energy conglomerates. What inspires such a man to drink from ivory

tower waters? That remains a mystery.

According to his tweet on February 19, Cole had begun to prepare his school bags for a session at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State. This is the well-known centre of learning for older folks looking to enrich their prospects—senior civil servants, military personnel, the likes.

Now, with Tonye Cole, a former Group Executive Director of Sahara Group (a business empire with limbs in over 35 countries around the world), as a collegian, the renown of NIPSS has crossed the horizons. This is no easy feat, considering that NIPSS boasts an alumni list including former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and prominent anticorruption figure, Nuhu Ribadu.

A bit of research would reveal that Cole is no semi-literate but an honours graduate (of Architecture) from the University of Lagos and the Universidade de Brasília. So Cole’s going back to school is not without consideration.

Perhaps a return to the Rivers guber is in view for Tonye Cole—or perhaps, not.

Cole

Fight to Finish: Aregbesola Battles Oyetola over Fresh Alignment with Omisore

Aregbesola

The alleged feud between the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and his successor, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun, has been fuelled by recent migrations across Nigeria’s apex political party. Reported to throw jabs at each other every time an opportunity presents itself, the AregbesolaOyetola duo might be preparing for a new exchange over former Osun Deputy Governor, Iyiola Omisore Senator Iyiola Omisore did not make much of a splash when he recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—at least, not at the national level. In Osun State, however, it was a big, big deal.

According to witnesses, Omisore’s formal registration with the APC (at his polling ward in Moore, Ile-Ife) was met and accompanied by chants of “Oyetola for second term,” which ruffled many minds. Considering Omisore’s attempt—not so long ago—to snatch the Osun State governorship from underneath Aregbesola, folks looked in the minister’s general direction. And he did not disappoint.

Ogbeni Aregbesola expressed his worries over the many defections to APC in recent weeks, especially in his own Osun. He said, “There must be a clear distinction between jolly good fellows and fair-weather friends who will still leave our party when they sense a better opportunity elsewhere...we must honour the memory of our father, Chief Bola Ige, and what he stands for…”

Folks will recall that Senator Omisore was one of those accused and tried for the murder of former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige. Although the court acquitted Omisore, folks allegedly still throw an accusatory glance or remark his way.

Whether Ogbeni Aregbesola’s comment was a coincidence or a swipe at Omisore, the fact is that the latter might not find a friend in the former. After all, it is evident that Omisore is in Oyetola’s camp. Thus, as long as Aregbesola and Oyetola continue to compete against each other for command and control of Osun and APC, as the rumours suggest, Omisore has only Oyetola’s shoulders to lean on.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͰͶ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

HIGHLIFE

Seriki

Things are still looking up and yummy for former Minister of State for Defence, Ademola Seriki. Not long after fortune smiled on him (in the form of his appointment to represent Nigeria as an envoy in Spain), AMCON has also loosened him and let him go. Good things really do come to those who wait and in pairs too.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the organisation responsible for overseeing non-performing loans and assets, has taken the chains off Demola Seriki, former Minister of State for Defence, Otun Aare of Lagos, and Nigeria’s non-career ambassador to Spain. This is after almost two years of Seriki’s properties (for debts allegedly valued at over 1 billion).

AMCON announced the good news on February 23, 2021. According to them, Seriki has satisfied his debt charges, collected his letter of indebtedness, and is completely free of his liability with them.

The story is that Seriki got together with

AMCON and negotiated with them. This reportedly ended with both sides agreeing on a settlement term, and the brand of indebtedness and insolvency immediately separated from him. And Seriki recovered his reputation undermined in the last two years and can now rest easy.

Seriki was berated by Nigerians on social media in 2019 after it was announced he owed AMCON over N1 billion. Shortly after, the agency had gone after his properties (including some located at Jalupon Close, Surulere, Lagos, and another at Djibouti Crescent, in Wuse 2, Abuja) and seized them.

Until 2021, the politician, teacher, businessman, and public administrator had begun operating under the radar, out of sight and out of mind. He then struck gold with the ambassadorial appointment to Spain, and ever since, life has been nothing but super.

These are happy times for Demola Seriki— happy times indeed.

Champagne Conversation: Between Smart Adeyemi and Ikpeazu

A

The upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly have always been a space for debates, disagreements, even the occasional punch. Some lawmakers have come to be associated with such combative tendencies, but never some others. If it takes a single incident for a legislator of the latter class to join the former, Senator Smart Adeyemi just made himself the punchers’ leader.

This is the conclusion that folks might have come to on Tuesday, February 23, when the senator representing Kogi West unleashed a furry of insults against Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Going on and on even while Senate President Ahmad Lawan advised him otherwise, it was clear that Adeyemi had come for business.

It started with Senator Odey Stephen (of Cross River North) and his motion to restore the ‘Safe School Initiative in Nigeria.’ While supporting the motion, Senator Adeyemi had

suddenly turned the spear against the Abian governor, saluting his own Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi.

Adeyemi said, “In some states of Nigeria today, where we have highly intelligent people, highly educated people, very enterprising people…like Abia, but they are governed by drunkards. The governor of Abia is a champagne-drinking man. Abia people are impoverished more than ever before. Abia people are unfortunate.” And on and on.

When eventually Adeyemi grew calm enough to disclose the motivation behind his prolonged outburst, the senator revealed that the House Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (of Abia-South), had cast aspersions on Governor Yahaya Bello. Correspondingly, Adeyemi was only returning the favour.

Although Abaribe denied the accusation and asked Adeyemi to apologise (which the latter turned a deaf ear to), social media is

The fashion industry is a colourful place for sure: with intellects that will turn the banking sector on its head and cheerfulness that belies the hard work that goes into style and success.

Even as a top clothier, Azu Francis (alias Zuka), prepares to storm the Federal Capital Territory with his flagship store, folks are shining their shoes and checking their purses in advance.

There is a charm to style lords and ladies and clothiers: those folks are accomplished in the most unexpected things, from design to marketing and promotion. For Azu Francis, the gifts come in a single package, which would explain why his new store is the talk of the FCT. According to reports, Francis has already made arrangements to move his flagship store, Phenomenon, to Abuja. This was one of the most common tidbits of the year, especially because Azu Francis does not hold back.

In a matter of weeks, Francis is reportedly going to commission Phenomenon within the premises of one of the most renowned and palatial hotels in the country, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. In other words, residents of the FCT

Fashion Forward as Azu Francis Takes Phenomenon to Abuja

Francis

shall enjoy access to Francis’ deluxe and—at

Adeyemi

buzzing. Apparently, Governor Ikpeazu enjoys a glass or two of the French sparkling wine. Or, as others have suggested, maybe Adeyemi’s vexation coloured his mind and made him misidentify (or slander) a sitting governor?

the same time—simple wear and shoes. This is a privilege that other Nigerian cities, Lagos and Port Harcourt especially, are relishing.

From every indication, if Francis delivers his mind-blowing brand of clothes and shoes, Transcorp is going to get very crowded. A welcoming party is reportedly already underway to officially get Phenomenon rolling, and those characteristic delights in the form of clothing and footwear are almost at the open shelf for ordering and purchases.

Saving cost, the average style-conscious household can vacation at ‘Phenomenon,’ rather than travel the length of Europe or Asia searching for fine wears. After all, only a handful are on equal footing with Francis in Nigeria, not in matters of clothing.

Gbenga Ashafa: Quiet Revolution Making Loud Impact

Ashafa

While some Nigerian government agencies are still deciding what the agenda for the year 2021 is, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has stepped out of the shadows with blazing accomplishments. Certainly, the handiwork of its MD, Senator Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa, the agency is raising Nigerians’ hopes and giving settling their minds on better prospects than the present.

Under the directions of Senator Ashafa, the federal government just opened up its first estate and delivered the ownership of the three- and four-bedroom apartments to the beneficiaries of the National Housing Fund (NHF) Loan Scheme in Lekki, Lagos. This, according to Ashafa, is the first of its kind in Lagos and the maiden step in a plan consisting of many others.

Senator Ashafa announced and celebrated the development on February 19, during the estate’s launching, the Silvercrest Oakwood Estate. Ashafa reminded the public that this was only part of the National Housing Fund (NHF)

New Drama Series, Elenini, to Launch on Africa Magic Yoruba

scheme to build and deliver 300,000 affordable housing units to Nigerians everywhere.

While the beneficiaries of the 38 apartments in Silvercrest Oakwood were rejoicing at their fortune, Ashafa called on Nigerians on a steady income to invest in the programme and qualify for a mortgage worth 15 million (at six percent interest rate). He also noted that most folks are ignorant of such schemes as the NHF, which are only generally obtainable in Europe.

But Ashafa and his people are dream makers through and through. In about six months, Ashafa has polished the FHA’s reputation, stealing the people’s hearts and earning himself respectful nods. Wisdom, indeed, is judged by her works.

Ashafa is not blowing his trumpets on top of these accomplishments but has his eyes fixed on greater heights. First 300,000 affordable housing units across the State capitals of Nigeria—then something even more mindblowing. That is Gbenga Ashafa for you.

frica Magic is set to air a brand-new local drama series, Elenini, to viewers on DStv and GOtv from Monday, 1 st March on Africa Magic Yoruba (DStv channel 157 and GOtv channel 5) at 6pm WAT. Elenini joins Africa Magic’s great collection of drama series and will tell an intriguing story of a man, Uzoma Asinobu (played

by Oriyomi Joseph), who runs a thriving business with the support of his wife, Bisola Asinobu (played

by Adetoun Adeyiga), until his past re- emerges and causes things to escalate which threatens the foundation of his happy life.

Speaking on the launch of this new series, Channel Director, Africa Magic, Wangi MbaUzoukwu said: “We are delighted to present our viewers and lovers of great African storytelling with this new Yoruba series. Elenini explores a captivating storyline delivered by a great ensemble cast and crew that will keep viewers glued to their screens and on the edge of their seats. We are excited to deliver yet another local production and we can’t wait for our viewers from all over Africa to tune in.”

The new TV series promises to be an amusing and addictive show with 20 captivating episodes as well as a great showcasing of Nigerian actors and actresses who will grace your screens, such as; Adamson Ali, Ola Ola-williams, Olaronke Oladele, Bamidele Idowu, Samuel Olasehinde, Adebimpe Olaitan, Adeyemi Adeosun, Oghenekaro Wisdom Phillips, Alexander Ogunniyi, Sarah Olaomo, Obaloluwa Otitoola, Oreoluwa Afolabi, Adebimpe Cole, Omobolanle Onifade, Olayemi Oshodi and Kazeem Oluseye.

Elenini is set to premiere on Monday, 1 st March 2021 on Africa Magic Yoruba (DStv Channel 157 and GOtv Channel 5). The TV series will air weekdays at 6pm WAT. DStv viewers can watch via the DStv app on multiple devices at no additional cost.

The app is available for download from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

Elenini will also be available on online streaming service, Showmax.

DStv Premium customers get Showmax at no extra cost whilst DStv Compact Plus, Compact, Confam and Yanga customers get it at half the price.

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LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

When Rochas Okorocha Met His Match You know to protect yourself as a main busybody, you go around the issues, have fun, and move away. So for this story, I will not involve myself with the details.

Whether the man used public funds to acquire all those properties that the Imo State Government has been publishing or not is not my business. I don’t even think the list is exhaustive because I no see any statue on the list. Anyways, my own is to use the video that I have seen to yab the great Owelle.

Please, if you have not seen the video, go and find it and watch the great demystification of the great man who goes around with a towel around his neck. The whole thing started from ‘who are you’ uttered with the boldness and entitlement of a lord who has supervised the continuous penury of his people as a governor straight to a meek and conquered black someborri inside a Hilux

truck. Laugh almost kill me. You know in Nigeria the first point of aggression is when you bark complete with spittle at an adversary, “Who do you think you are?

Do you know who I am?” The recipient is expected to cringe and scuttle away.

But this person, I don’t know who he is, gave back as good as he got. He shouted back at Owelle, ‘who do you think you are’, and added for weight, ‘go and get the Hilux’ then another one shouted, nobody is above the law. By this time, Owelle would have realized that his dibia had sold to him fake corona drug. The lady with him, I think they say his wife, just use style back down by that time the Owelle had been humbled.

He started walking like he had a small boil in his bottom and finally he saw himself at the back of the truck like a man they had just caught with his housemaid.

The last clip I saw was the great statue

builder of Africa seated on a bench in front of the station looking forlorn and most likely asking himself wetin bring am come here. I hear he was released and then he made the statement that he doesn’t think the governor will win this war and that he should not take his peaceful mien for granted. That he was lethal. By this time, I was rolling on the floor farting and shouting. Why didn’t he show his power in the station na, make we really see just how lethal he is? I like the demystification of the Owelle, and I must say at this point I stand with whatever force that will work with the people to reclaim their legacy. If this list of properties we are seeing is true and not just another part of politics being played by the incumbent, then the chicken of Imo really has a lot of questions to answer. Let’s do this.

ROTIMI AKEREDOLU – KINDLY STAY FOCUSED This one carry him white bear bear go inauguration. The election was really fought and the people listened to see if things would be different this time around, na Obaseki coming back to APC be him agenda for second term. I just tire.

Yesterday as I was doing my work, all the office I went to including my sister Chioma Okigbo’s, na the inauguration dem they show. I did not bother to watch as the whole thing looked so tacky and unorganized. You know how our things dey be. Common sweet ceremony, we cannot organize. Did you guys see the Biden inauguration, abeg that one is still far but the organization, the discipline, the grace and elegance? This one, people are running around shouting Yoruba, not caring that they are on live TV. That is how the man of the moment is talking about Obaseki amongst other things that did not even begin to resonate in my ears. How Obaseki coming back to APC help you to deliver the dividends you have promised your people? Abeg come and do and go. Good thing is that four years is not long o, before you realize it, it is over and na ex we go dey see before him name. It’s good. We really do need visionary leaders, these ones we are seeing for this our country na journeymen. I just tire.

Have you seen Orman, everybody asked?

He is the man. He is the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Akwa Ibom but he is more than that. Finally, the meeting was set in his Mobil Estate in Uyo and I went with my brother Eteka for it. He came down in white singlet and joggers tired from the previous day’s journey to see his mum.

She was bereaved, and she is Yoruba but has lived over 60 years in Calabar.

Orman didn’t wait for me. He flew in straight into his pet project IFLEX. I was amazed. It is an app that carried stuff like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and other services like food vendor, real estate, entertainment etc.

This was mad. I sat glued and listened to how he came about the vision and the multiple streams of income that the app will generate. The figures were humongous, leading to direct impact on wealth and job creation, reflating the economy nationally and empowering youths. Even without publicity and with it still being work in progress, over 30,000 people had already subscribed. I was staring at a soon-to-be tech billionaire.

My mouth was open in amazement as I sat on his dining table listening to him speak with the passion and vigour of a dreamer who was pushing his dream to a realization. He is smart, young and gregarious. When he said, I am not talking to you as a politician but as a

dreamer and a businessman, I believed. I wanted to just kneel and say to him, ‘Lord take me and do whatever you need.’

Orman’s vision will crystalize and rapidly open up the markets if the figures I saw that day are anything to go by. Well done, my Akwa Ibom brother from a Yoruba mother, the sky is yours. Mbok.

Esin

Akanni

ORMAN ESIN – THE DREAMER COMMISSIONER This one is different o. As I made my move into Uyo in Akwa Ibom on the back of my new production, one name kept coming up on everybody’s lips.

Akeredolu

ZENITH BANK – THE OUTPERFORMER-INCHIEF Today, I want to celebrate the whole Zenith Bank. They have just released a wonderful result, posting profits in excess of N200 billion. They even went ahead to declare a dividend of about N3 per share. You see even though I am not a shareholder, the result still amazes me and makes me feel really giddy in my heart. Zenith Bank is a true Nigerian story.

A wholly indigenous mega institution that has grown from the vision of a then young man into what it is today. I have met the MD, that Ebenezer man before.

It was during my production of Aremu. I had gone on an appointment to his office and he took me to his waiting room.

He had a nice smile and was very neat.

We talked about this and that and then I asked for a picture and he obliged me.

On my way downstairs, I branched to see my brother Dr. Fasoranti. He is the executive director, he was busy as usual but still gave me some minutes. Dennis Olisa is the only one out of the three

Okorocha

of them that has come to see my play.

During Emotan, he walked up to me and introduced himself and said, ‘Duke I am Dennis from Zenith’. His people had said he was coming and I was expecting. I said welcome bro, let’s do this. After the play, he looked for me, but I had gone to piss, and he waited and he said, “Duke, I enjoyed this, well done.” and I said, “Sir, thanks for coming.” I have never really said thank you to these wonderful guys who have stood by this Shomolu boy as he struggles to build an institution that will be as enduring as their own. This is why I am seizing the opportunity of this their ‘fantabulous’ result to say a big thank you to them and welldone.

My greetings also go to the entire staff, well done, you guys, did this. Weldone.

Let’s see more results like this because it signposts the economic emancipation of our people. Nice.

IBUKUN AKANNI – A PEACOCK CELEBRATES Ibukun is as beautiful as they come.

She is as proud as a peacock, that ultrabeautiful creature but in a very positive manner. She has hot smoldering looks and a gait that is reserved for only heavenly princess. Married to my brother Waidi Akanni , former Super Eagles star, she has built an international PR structure that is an envy internationally.

She has gone from hosting pre- and postGrammy parties where she counts some of the biggest Hollywood heavyweights in attendance to building enduring business relationships with big stars like Spike Lee, Tyler Perry and Tyrese to

Ogbechie

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͰͶ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

LOUD WHISPERS mention a few. She recently celebrated her 52nd birthday in a small but her usual elegant manner, hence all these effusive praises. She deserves it but then again, make I hail am, you never can tell. The woman can carry me go chop Afang with Spike Lee, who knows?

drama. Shey we are seeing daily how these prostitutes are jumping into APC, tilting the boat dangerously to one side.

We need balance so that competition and debate will be robust —enough of that.

Stand up, make we clap for you — well done, Oloye.

GABRIEL OGBECHIE’S CELESTIAL CALMNESS IN THE FACE OF PROVOCATION Yes, o bro. Just fly away like a dove.

Don’t even look back and do not be distracted by the warmongering of the petulant Pharisees who stoke war.

Gabriel has in the last few weeks been stoked, prodded, chided and goaded to war. In his usual soft-spoken manner, he would say, “Edgar, me I no get time. I have a business to run and society to support.” I go just look am and marvel at his calmness in the face of massive provocation. Me I no sabi hold back o. If you yab me, we go there. Mud every o, at the end of the day na two of us dem go dey call mad men. But Gabriel, I think deserves a Nobel peace prize.

He has been called a murderer, maligned on social media and pushed to limits that even the Dalai Lama would have at least reacted.

But what did he do? He released a statement stating his own side of the story and asking the courts to intervene. I will say no bro, let’s go there. You know how we used to jump into fights in Shomolu.

But Gabriel would say, “Duke you need to calm down o. We are trying to build a sustainable institution that will create jobs, support the system and attempt at bringing development not only to my people but to the nation. This is but a mild distraction. We never reach to go for ventilator, na mild symptoms. Leave am.”

I praise am because it is not easy to see your hard-earned reputation muddied. But I think what consoles him is the fact that no matter how hard you try, truth always stands vindicated. If na to marry your own Nollywood starlet go bring this peace, no worry, me The Duke of Shomolu go marry on your behalf. Kai. Na wetin? Keep being strong bro. well done.

NIGERIAN AIR FORCE – KINDLY ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES Let me send my deepest condolences through the new Chief of Air Staff - I know him name - to the entire men and officers of the Nigerian Air Force on the recent crash that took their personnel’s lives. My condolences also go to the families of the men who lost their lives gallantly in the crash. God will give them the fortitude to bear this loss. We have heard of stories of how the pilots steered the plane away from densely populated areas, thereby avoiding so many deaths. Brave people. God will really stand by their families. Sad still.

COVID-19 REPORT – TRYING TO JUSTIFY THE VACCINE BUDGET These mumu people have started again. They have come with a report that about 23 percent of Lagosians already have had COVID-19 last October. You see how God want to punish people in this country?

Just to justify an erratic attempt at purchasing vaccine? This report is plain dumb. Trying to play games with people’s lives for any reason can be very annoying. So, according to some very young sharp boys on WhatsApp, the figures don’t add up because if you use a base, 16 million people in Lagos, that means that about 3.68 million people have had it. Now with a mortality figure of less than 1,500 as at that time, what does that tell you? So out of 3.68 million people, 1,500 die, and we want to spend N400 billion on vaccines?

Is this not madness when we have one Nigerian mother die every nine minutes, for example, from childbirth, making us the world leader in that space, and no emergency has been declared.

What is even wrong with these people?

We have 818 Nigerian mothers out of 1000 die during childbirth, 300 percent higher than the average world rate. We have only 134,000 hospital beds and only 40,000 doctors for all 200 million of us, and all we are hearing is measly daily reports of 1000 Nigerians catching coronavirus out of which 85 percent will survive.

Saraki

My people, because the figures cannot justify the huge money they want to spend on vaccines, they have to start throwing up dubious figures. So if 23 percent of us already had COVID-19, did we die? Did we die oh? Have we even looked at the 1,800 that have passed?

Have we looked at their medical history?

I can swear that the incompetence and inefficiency of handling their matter caused their death; over 50 percent of them. Our problem is not COVID-19, I swear — our problem na greed. Yes, I don talk am, come and beat me: twenty-three ko, 23 percent ni. People have moved on. Bring another pandemic. For me, start publishing daily reports for malaria, TB, and Lassa fever and let’s start looking for their vaccines.

Those ones are the real pandemic.

SARAKI - THE REBUILDER STATESMAN Shebi when I said that this man should run for the Presidency and that I will support him, all those guys in the Duke Summit started abusing me. With the

Gumi

way these politicians are cross carpeting, we will soon get president wey go dey seek asylum or change of citizenship to migrate from this country. Today, his quiet resolve to rebuild the PDP, reposition it and make it a strong bulwark against the tyranny that is the ruling party mark him out for stardom. When his colleagues are busy doing abutata, jumping up and down and confusing themselves, he is slowly but surely carrying out methodological reconciliation that should give them a fighting chance in the coming elections.

Saraki, since losing the elections with all that came with that in our country, has remained very calm and strategic. He has not made all that noise others in his shoes would have made, but instead, he has been on the low, pursuing an interest that is close to his heart and rebuilding the PDP. The system needs a strong PDP for there lies the redemption of our democracy; otherwise, we will slip into a one party state, and we don’t need that

BANKY AND ETOMI – CONGRATS! The news of your new bundle of joy has reached the honourable Duke of Shomolu with glee. Congratulations to my favourite couple. Please, as soon as the baby is 30 days you bring him here. Let me give him his Shomolu names – Akanimo,

Mr. Bankole and Mrs. Adesuwa Wellington.

Ndifreka, Oluwatobilola. These names you will put in his birth certificate with the names you will give him. I will pay you N2,000 and give you a bottle of Schnapps and six kola nuts.

Congratulations, once again. He will be king.

SHEIKH GUMI – DEODORISING BANDITS Our world-renowned scholar has given us a word of advice that we should not call bandits criminals again o. Me I support abi what else can we do in this situation? This thing reminds me of the time I wanted to beat my mother’s house girl, Kokoma. She was always so stubborn and did not respect me as the firstborn and heir to the throne. So I will be warning her, “Kokoma, I will beat you o,” and she will say, “I dare you.” “Look, this girl, I will just kick you back into your dense forest that you call village.” She will say 30 of my type cannot try it. That is how we will be sparing. So, one day, I let out a volley of blows. I circulated her and delivered punches on her head with the accuracy of a Nigerian Air Force bomb in Sambisa. Then I started dancing around.

This was the time Mohammed Ali had just beaten George Foreman, so I had the moves. I danced like a butterfly and stung like a bee. My prey was messed up.

She crouched and was holding her head, and I stood above her and shouted to the world, “I am king. I am your lord. I have conquered you.” The next minute I felt it. My testicles were on fire. Kokoma had grabbed them and was squeezing with all the power in her hands. I felt the kind of pain I had not felt to date. She squeezed, I could not talk again. My Adam apple disappeared, my male member shrunk and disappeared, and I started crying. Shomolu came out. My mother was at work.

Everybody begged her, but she said no.

By this time, I had started hallucinating, and the people said, “Beg am. No be una house girl?” Others said, “How you go beg house girl?” Another person said, “If you no beg am you go die.” So as a man, I looked into her lovely eyes and said, “Adiagha!”

Adiagha in Ibibio is ‘first daughter.’

“Please, don be annoyed, leave my balls.”

She said no. People said beg her well. I bent down with her hand still squeezing my balls and said, “Adiagha, I am very sorry. You have been so kind to me, and I should never have beaten you. Please, forgive me, my pretty damsel. Your eyes are so beautiful that you always entice me.”

The mumu start to smile, and I continue – “Sweet, no vex. I swear I will never in my life lay a finger on you again. You will be my dear sister, and I will love you.”

She now released my balls, and I ran into the toilet to inspect the damage. Na the thing wey Gumi say make we do be that because these ones don hold our balls o. But na Buhari go call them those beautiful names, na him balls dem they squeeze. My balls dey with me for this Shomolu, and I dey use am daily for wetin they are meant for. Na Buhari balls dem dey squeeze because na him legacy dem dey destroy. So, Mr. Gumi, redirect your advice: let Buhari go and perfume dem. We are too bloodied and wounded to even have that strength.

Thank you, sir.

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

Billionaire Princess Folashade Odumosu Adds Another Feather to Her Cap

Obafemi

Peter Obafemi Plans Befitting Burial for Mother

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any who attended her 90th birthday celebrations five years ago would attest that it was a grand party.

For Madam Patience Olutayo Obafemi, Otunba Peter Obafemi’s mother, her 95th birthday celebrations in August would have been grander.

But sadly, the grim reaper struck, and the nonagenarian succumbed to the cold hands of death in February, a few months to her 95th birthday.

A source revealed to Society Watch that since the death of the Abeokuta, Ogun Stateborn trader, her son, Otunba Obafemi, has been grieving, especially because of the strong bond between him and his late mum. But the former Ekiti State governorship aspirant has no reason to question God, as his mother was said to have lived a fulfilled life.

He has every reason to thank God for many things. Not too many are as lucky as he is in life. If there is anything that he is thankful to God for, it is the fact that He kept his mother for that long.

Consequently, Obafemi is not leaving any stone unturned towards giving his late mum a befitting burial. It was gathered that the funeral programme would kick off on April 12, 2021, with a service of songs and wake. She will be buried on April 16, 2021, at the Ebony Vault, Ikoyi Lagos.

“Remember Dr. Obafemi doesn’t do his things in half measures; he is working round the clock to give his mother a befitting burial she deserves.

However, this will be carried out in full compliance with COVID-19 protocols,” a source disclosed.

Obafemi started his first business enterprise in 1985, named Budget TV and Appliances Rental Service Store on Central Avenue in East Orange, New Jersey.

He was a consultant in the opening of Heritage Spas on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, which became the place of choice for discerning customers.

Is anyone writing a book about women who have excelled in Nigeria’s business climate?

The book wouldn’t be complete without the mention of Princess Abiodun Folashade Odumosu, a businesswoman, socialite, and wife of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.

She is not your run-of-the-mill businesswoman and has remained an inspiration to many, as she has her fingers in many sectors of the economy.

The Ogun State-born, highly connected woman of means oozes style and class. She is also one of the country’s nouveau riche, with big wallets, high net-worth, and an even bigger social reputation.

The Lagos Police chief’s wife is one of the top players in the oil and gas sector, and her exciting journey would undoubtedly inspire anyone who wants to succeed in the industry.

The high-flying business magnate is also into manufacturing and shipping. She got

her shipping licence in 1994 and has an office in Apapa. She also has a bag-weaving factory in Sango Ota. A source revealed that the Abeokuta, Ogun State-born princess, has other companies with hundreds of staff on her payroll.

Odumosu has successfully etched her name in the sands of time, but she is the kind of woman who makes no noise about her success. Her Maitama and sprawling Banana Island homes are usually a mecca for those seeking favours.

Though not many people gave her any chance of survival when she started, she confronted the challenge with a resolve to succeed with the courage of a lioness.

Despite her unmatched accomplishments, she remains humble and never makes unnecessary noise to herself. Interestingly, she has once again recorded another feat worth celebrating. She was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Akogun of Lagos.

“Yes, Princess Folashade is indeed a warrior. She has fought many battles for

Odumosu

herself and the womenfolk, so the chieftaincy is an honour well deserved.

But because of the pandemic, she can’t roll out the drums to celebrate it at the moment,” a source added.

Zinox Group Chairman Leo Stan Ekeh’s Low-key 65th Birthday Ekeh

While many in his class would travel around the world and spend several millions of naira celebrating their birthdays, the Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, would instead celebrate his business

achievements.

Though this does not mean that he is not appreciative of God’s blessings in his life, he only detests a carnival-like celebration on such occasions. No wonder, when the billionaire businessman turned 65 on Monday, February 22, 2021, he only spent the day with his children and grandchildren.

Nevertheless, it was another great moment when his friends, business associates, and mentees showed him love with wonderful birthday messages, calls, and gifts.

The Imo State-born entrepreneur, described as a restless spirit, is in a constant

quest to rule his world: the nation’s e-commerce sector.

Society Watch gathered that the highflying billionaire’s net worth is understated in Nigeria, perhaps for his humility and simplicity. Unlike many of his counterparts who flaunt their wealth unnecessarily.

He is not crazy about Forbes rating or recognition.

He flies around the world in one of the most expensive private jets and also has eye-popping buildings in choice areas in London, Paris, New York, and Dubai.

Businessman Oludare Akande’s Debut with Bellagio Airlines At 40, it is evident that debonair businessman and philanthropist Dr. Oludare Akande’s achievements belie his age.

While in his late 30s, this Chicago, USbased financial expert stunned many when he founded a multibillion-naira American Polytechnic of Nigeria (APN) located on 309 acres (1,854 plots) of land in Araromi, of Oyo State.

Apart from his investments in tertiary education, the Oke-Ogun, Oyo State-born Akande, fondly called ‘Obama’ has interests in mortgage and financial services both in the US and Nigeria.

As proof of his rising profile, the young businessman has just added to his growing list of business interests by venturing into the aviation business.

Early this year, Akande announced the birth of Bellagio Airlines. With the

Air Operations Certificate in his kitty, the businessman flew abroad to purchase the initial five aircraft to begin operations.

According to sources, Akande’s investment in the aviation sector was borne out of his decision to fill the yawning gap he has observed in the industry.

With Bellagio Airlines, Akande plans to introduce excellence and class into the aviation sector. He is starting with the acquisition of five aircraft - two cargo and three passenger aircraft to start operations any moment from now.

Just last week, Akande reportedly finalised all arrangements with one of the leading aircraft manufacturers in Europe to fly in those aircraft.

With his foray into the aviation sector, all eyes will further be on this young entrepreneur who has resolved to encourage other Nigerians in the diaspora to come home to invest in the economy of their fatherland.

Messi, Pogba, Beck G and Burna Boy Star in Pepsi’s Bold New Fizz Campaign

Burna Boy

Pepsi, the world’s leading football entertainment brand, has introduced a new bold global campaign celebrating culture with pop and fizz of the irresistible cola. The campaign stars the world’s best across football and music including Leo Messi, Paul Pogba, Shanice Van De Sandem and Jadon Sancho. Global super star Becky G and Pepsi Nigeria ambassador and two-time Grammy nominated Afro-fusion musician Burna Boy completes the cast.

This year’s global football campaign in support of the UEFA Champions League partnership is led by a high-energy film, Fizz to Life, that showcases epic football skills set to a custom music track,Rotate, created for the campaign by Becky G and

Akande

Burna Boy. The Creative fizzes from beginning to the end, quick-fire storytelling style showcasing how Pepsi football breaks the bubble of the 90-minutes game.

Commenting on the new Pepsi campaign, National Marketing Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Mr. Segun Ogunleye said: “The bold new Pepsi Fizz global campaign provides Pepsi Nigeria with a great platform to engage our consumers on two key passion points of music and football. In tandem with our consumercentric policy we will continue to give the Nigerian consumer great experience of enjoying his refreshing Pepsi while watchingthe UEFA Champions League Matches.”

At a time when the world could use a little more fizz, Pepsi delivers in a highly entertaining new campaign that cuts across cultural backgrounds with the uncontainable fizz of the brand.

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

28.02.2021

FOR ARTISTS, A BATTLE CRY IN A TIME OF DISTRESS Cover continued on Page 68 A painting by Ifeoluwa Olukoya

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

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ARTS & REVIEW\\EXHIBITION

FOR ARTISTS, A BATTLE CRY IN A TIME OF DISTRESS A group exhibition at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos unites 18 artists working in different media under a common theme that evokes their defiance in these creativity-stifling times. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

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ore than ever before, these ravaging COVID-19 times have highlighted the creative industry’s vulnerability.

And this could be one good reason why a coterie of artists’ proclamation of their tenacity from the rooftops evokes a chest-thumping act. Thus, it makes sense that a group exhibition, which opened yesterday (Saturday, February 27) at the Victoria Island-based Terra Kulture, holds this word aloft like a banner.

If the initial expectations swirling around this exhibition are high, it is because it features such industry favourites as Lekan Onabanjo, Fidelis Odogwu, Damola Adepoju, Chika Idu, Tayo Olayode and Bolaji Ogunwo among the coterie of 18 artists.

Meanwhile, its curator, Yakubu Yahaya – also among the exhibiting artists – decries the effects of the lockdowns, event postponements and cancellations on his colleagues. “Nonetheless, through inspiration, innovative thinking, collaborations, and sheer persistence, the Nigerian creative industry has not only survived but thrived during these difficult times,” he adds.

Thrived?

Not quite. While some compulsive collectors may indeed have kept the faith, it is doubtful that the art market has, in recent times, witnessed any remarkable growth. This is all the more reason why the exhibition, which ends on Monday, March 8, could not have been held at a more auspicious time.

From beneath its title Tenacity, words like focus, A painting by Bede Umeh courage, resilience, determination and diligence float to the surface. The curator alludes to “insurmountable odds” Take Lekan Onabanjo, for instance. The fact that he is while in the same breath, he crows about what he describes known to have over 25 post-qualification studio practice and as “a thought-provoking collection of art in various media, had his early formal tertiary art education at the renowned on a plethora of subject matters aimed at holding a mirror Auchi Polytechnic puts him in the spotlight of the exhibition to modern-day society in all its chaotic beauty and flawed circuit’s habitués. Even when he is acclaimed for his mastery perfection.” of the watercolour medium, some of his keen devotees Tenacity is, therefore, really an affirmation that, even in remain starry-eyed about his paintings in oil and acrylic. these dire times, the artists are not about to give up any Focusing on the Nigerian society’s fringe-dwellers as well time soon. This fact is corroborated by Yakubu’s assertion: as on topical issues bordering on rural-urban matters have “Through our art, you can see our struggles, our persistence, been the theme song of his studio practice. The Guild of Fine our victories. Our can-do spirit. The inherent conviction to Artists of Nigeria (GFAN) member, who also belongs to the never give up. The Nigerian Tenacity.”

Watercolour Society of Nigeria (WSN) and the Institute of As a rallying cry, the exhibition’s title wrings coherence Contemporary Art, London (ICA), is also renowned for his out of what could have been a Babel of eclectic and imperdeft use of light and reflections, which are dramatic elements sonal offerings. Even so, the fact that most of the works in his compositions. As an alumnus of the Lagos Business groan under the numbing predictability of the traditional School and Pan Atlantic University, his skills on the business media adds to the burden of expectations that already side of his practice are well-honed. weighs on the artists.

Not less reputable are the records of two of his co-

exhibiting artists Suraj Adekola and Ajayi Porter, who preen themselves on their international exposure.

Adekola, for instance, whose five works sold at the Bonhams African art auction in London in 2015, was also listed among the Top 50 Nigerian artists by turnover at African art auctions in 2017. Between 2017 and 2019, the works of the 2007 Auchi Polytechnic graduate made it to other auctions in the French capital, Paris and the Swiss town, Geneva.

Meanwhile, Porter, who graduated from the Yaba College of Technology in 1997, had participated in such international events as the 23rd Pan African Films and Arts Festival in Los Angeles, USA and the 27th Wurzburg African Festival in Germany. “As an abstract expressionist artist, my approach to painting is not to interpret philosophy alone but to answer questions with a better interpretation using bold brushes and palette knives,” he says. “My mixed media approach continues with the use of collage… on the surface of the canvas.”

Another Yaba College of Technology graduate, Bede Ifeanyichukwu Umeh, is reportedly ranked, albeit by unacknowledged sources, among the art world’s Top 1,000,000 globally and the Top 1,000 locally.

Perhaps, the artist, who takes the prize as the exhibition’s oddball, is Alex Peter, whose interesting approach to pyrography leaves a pleasant aftertaste in the viewers’ palate. His works, which reference African contemporary realities, are produced through the use of fire, razorblade and sandpaper. “Working on wood makes me collaborate creatively with nature and [offers me] a sense of connection with life in all wonderful adversity, which adds meaning to my art,” he declares.

Also engaging are the works of the other artists like Raji Mohammed, Yakubu Yahaya, Ifeoluwa Olukoya, Olamilekan Abatan, Robert Oniha, James Amuta, Taiwo George-Taylor and Gabriel Jideonwo, Indeed, Tenacity, as a battle cry for artists in these times of distress, is a must-see exhibition for the Lagos art community.

EXHIBITION

EZEKWESILI NNAM’S ABUNDANT BEAUTY Agwu Enekwachi

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any professionals and young graduates from sundry disciplines are being pulled in by the centripetal forces of imagination, beauty and freedom inherent in art.

Agwu Enekwachi writes about the art practice of Ezekwesili Nnam-an Abuja based self-taught artist, whose journey of self-discovery is taking on new rhythms.

Seven years ago, after a degree in Business Administration and a stint in writing, book publication and media productions, Nnam decided on full-time art practice, drifting back to the profession he had always loved from the depth of his heart. Even when it seemed the artist wandered from creativity, his other activities were nonetheless inclined to innovativeness, except for his tertiary education training, which he acknowledged helps him in dealing with the business aspects of his art. Nnam has a deep passion for creativity. “I have always been an artist as far as I can remember. At age seven, I had started expressing my artistic talent through fashioning of toys for the enjoyment of my friends and me,” the Enugu state born artist says

Consumption Series by Ezekwesili Nnam. Medium, Alininium and enamel paints. 2020 with a measure of satisfaction.

Although peer pressure and the general attitude of society towards career choices may have influenced

Nnam’s career, it did not diminish his passion for creativity. His feverish creative efforts result in high productivity, which has in recent years become thematic. He would pick up a leitmotif and explore it deeply, exposing its various formal, psychological, and social strands. One of such explorations is his recent art exhibition titled “Abundance,” which I attended about a year ago. The show which opened on April 12, 2019, at Ozidu House-one of Abuja’s exclusive art spaces, comprised of 35 large-canvas paintings. Rendered in impressionism, Nnam says the style enables him to passionately express himself while enabling his audience to enjoy the conversations without subjectivity.

According to the artist, the Abundance show was an interrogation of performance and success. Arich variety of dots created shimmering canvases which according to the artist, symbolized the different shades of success. “I found out that “abundance” is not how people make it seem. “Abundance and Success is a story of many struggles, pains and perseverance.” Like life or the beginning of an idea, Nnam starts his paintings with a dot and would increase it to as much as 20,000 dots. These dots symbolize the stories about our existential realities; tiny deposits of experiences which define who we are. “Some of my paintings are not made of dots and blobs of colours but are nonetheless connected to the theme of “Abundance,” as

they tell stories of what we go through to achieve Success and Abundance,” says Nnam. In one of the exhibition pieces titled “Rhapsody of Green,” the artist uses his skilful manipulation of the values of colour to explain what he terms “the negotiation that a successful person makes with life and death, light and darkness.” These, says the artist, “are the painful moments of critical decisions which one must confront at a given point in his life.”

Nnam’s recent studio engagement is focused on the theme of consumption and the environment. Using the caterpillar and leaf metaphors, Nnam creates works of art that speak to the global environmental problems, whereby the world’s flora and fauna are being exceedingly and recklessly consumed. He has been using discarded objects to create wall sculptures and installations in the recent past, but for the Consumption series, he has appropriated the materiality of aluminium-an infinitely recyclable material-as a metaphor for sustainability and the responsible use of and treatment of the world’s environmental resources. Equally symbolical is Nnam’s sourcing of aluminium materials from collapsed or demolished buildings in Abuja to create his works of art. This is creating beauty out of destruction and the transformation of forms into language and action.

–– Agwu Enekwachi is an art critic and culture writer living in Abuja Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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70

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͰͶ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

GLITZ FOCUS

From Banking Hall to The Red Chamber: Tokunbo Abiru Proved Bookmakers Wrong Perhaps because of his squeaky clean image and sterling achievements as a top corporate player, there were concerns and misgivings about the foray of Senator Tokunbo Abiru into politics. He was until last September the Group Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank reputed for stabilising and restoring the bank to the path of profitability. His resignation from banking to vie for a senatorial seat in Lagos State sent shock waves around the industry. Would he perform as a Senator? How would he transition from the corporate world to politics or survive Nigerian politics’ murkiness without losing his marbles? These were some of the genuine agitations of many. Two months into his senatorial odyssey, Abiru has been visible and voluble, initiating bills and lending his voice to debates on the floor of the Red Chamber and proving sceptics wrong by quickly settling into his new role as a Senator of the Federal Republic, writes Lanre Alfred.

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s a young adult, Tokunbo Abiru aspired to greatness and self-actualisation driven by the belief that a man’s reach should always exceed his grasp. He reached for the moon, knowing that if his grasp missed its cusp, his hands might land on the stars.

And, truly, his hands landed on the stars. Last December, Abiru was sworn in as a Senator of the Federal Republic to represent the Lagos East Senatorial District. He continues a legacy left by his illustrious father, two-time Senator Mudashiru Akanbi Abiru, a stalwart of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Abiru has always held that the surest path to improving Nigerians’ living conditions is by achieving economic freedom. So, his life’s struggles were centred on enthroning a sound banking system. But he also believed that to create life-changing opportunities for fellow citizens, and he needed political power.

Therefore, after a lifetime of banking during which he rose to his profession’s acme as the immediate past Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Abiru joined the senatorial race in Lagos East.

He posits that his decision to contest the vacant senatorial seat after the death of Senator Bayo Osinowo was not for self-aggrandisement but a resolve to aggregate all the competencies and skills he had acquired over the years to give quality representation and actualise the special status agitation for Lagos State among other well-articulated intentions.

Abiru said, “Lagos was the federal capital for Nigeria and being the former capital, a lot of infrastructures, assets have been established in Lagos which have brought about a lot of pull factor, that is, urban migration to Lagos.

If you look at Lagos today, it is one of the most populous states and that is taking a serious stretch on the infrastructure that the federal government has left behind.

“Now, the special status is the need to alert the federal government to continue to support the maintenance and enhancement of the infrastructure order to support the growing needs of the state. It is an agenda of the party, even my predecessors, even my current colleagues in the Senate today are still following on that agenda. I will be supporting that clearly.”

He is also committed to implementing his five-point agenda: Peace, by ensuring that residents of his senatorial district have a safe environment to live and work; Prosperity, by enabling his people to achieve financial freedom through encouraging entrepreneurship; Empowerment, by equipping the youths with the survival knowledge for the 21st Century while helping to nurture their innate talents; Employment, by using his vast corporate experience to create job opportunities; and Healthcare, by committing to pass a quality

Senator Abiru

insurance bill for people living less than 2kilometres of a health centre.

But, of course, there were concerns and misgivings about his foray into politics because of his squeaky clean image and sterling achievements as a top corporate player. Softspoken and unobtrusive, many wondered whether he would perform or survive as a Senator. How would he endure the murkiness of Nigerian politics without losing his marbles?

These were some of the genuine agitations on the

minds of his associates.

About two months into his senatorial odyssey, Abiru has been visible and voluble, initiating bills and lending his voice to debates on the floor of the Red Chamber.

Recently, when the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, banned financial institutions from transacting in cryptocurrencies, Abiru, who should know, said, “In the last five years, we have had people changing

cryptocurrencies to over $500 million. It is good to ban because of the challenges it has presented; in reality, banning it doesn’t take it away. Even our Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) also recognised cryptocurrency as a financial asset they need to regulate. What we should do is to invite the major stakeholders to a public hearing.”

Born on March 25, 1964, Abiru attended the Lagos State University, where he earned a B.Sc in Economics. He started his banking career at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB). He was there for 10 years before proceeding to First Bank Plc. He worked for 14 years in the bank as the relationship team lead, retail banking and business development manager, and group head, corporate banking. Abiru also served as a one-time non-executive director, Airtel Mobile Networks Limited, FBN Capital Limited (now FBN Merchant Bank Limited), and FBN Bank Sierra Leone Limited.

Former Governor Babatunde Fashola appointed him in 2011 as Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, and Lagos successfully floated an N80 billion bond, earning it the EMEA Finance’s Best Local Currency Bond Award for 2012. He further instigated discussions on taxation in Lagos after discovering over 5.5 million tax evaders in 2013. His painstaking efforts also led to increased Land Use Charge revenue generations.

A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Honorary Senior Member of The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Abiru resigned as a commissioner in 2013 to take up the role of the Executive Director, Corporate Banking, First Bank Nigeria Ltd and later retired from the role in 2016.

He was appointed as the CEO of the defunct Skye Bank in July 2016 by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to salvage the bank in critical condition then. With Skye Bank’s liquidation, Abiru was retained as the CEO of Polaris Bank, the bridge bank created by the CBN. On assumption of office in 2016, Abiru drew up a holistic and integrated approach to business modernisation, which elevated the bank to deliver a superior customer-centric experience.

One of the reforms he initiated was to upgrade all the bank’s digital channels like mobile banking, internet banking, USSD, POS, ATMs and agency banking, e.t.c, while investing heavily in its information technology infrastructure.

In line with its digital transformation plan to ensure a future-determining bank aligned with global intelligent automation trends, Polaris unveiled its new Mobile Banking App available to users on both Google Play for Android devices and the Apple App Store for iOS devices.

Other initiatives he introduced included branch rationalisation and review of service contracts and cash management operations, which resulted in hundreds of millions of financial savings. Through some of his initiatives, the bank successfully settled many matured trade and bilateral obligations and restructured outstanding balances with the relevant institutions and counterparts.

Today, Polaris Bank can boast of a strong market share due to Abiru’s implementation of cost-management and aggressive recovery initiatives, which have enhanced liquidity and efficient service delivery to the bank’s customers.

These have also helped the bank recover over N200 billion of outstanding bad loans within a short period while concurrently reaching a settlement and restructuring agreements with many chronic bad debtors, resulting in substantially improved payments and prospects of future recoveries.

As with every other sector globally, the COVID-19 pandemic had a disruptive effect on the banking industry. Those who came prepared for the job dug deep into their experience and expertise to mitigate the pandemic’s consequences while also-rans fidgeted and fluffed their lines. But as the helmsman of Polaris Bank, Abiru leveraged the bank’s investments in cutting-edge information technology to harness emerging opportunities and mitigate the pandemic’s disruptive effect on its business.

He enthused then that the bank’s investment in technology infrastructure, comprehensive corporate transformation, and a keen focus on customer experience would continue to give Polaris a comparative advantage in the Nigerian financial services sector. In retrospect, this kind of positive outlook amid a global economic gloom that Abiru was appointed to steer Polaris to stable and sustained profitability.

Before the end of his tenure, Abiru was optimistic that with all the fundamentals competing well with its industry peers and above the regulatory minimum, Polaris Bank now stands on firmer ground with better margins and lower cost of operations for good returns to stakeholders. It would, therefore, not be farfetched to envision that with Abiru in the Senate, Lagos State would be standing on firmer grounds with the achievement of a special status for Nigeria’s most important state in due course.

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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 ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

CICERO

Editor:Olawale Olaleye mail:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

What Gumi Is Saying, But...

Perhaps buoyed by a weakened sovereignty, Sunni Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, canvasses amnesty for the bloodthirsty horde involved in the thriving, risk-free, inhuman banditry. Louis Achi situates the emerging chaos

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ccording Professor Aliyu Mohammed, bandits feed their dogs with dead humans. Mohammed, of the Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, should know.

Snatched from his residence at Wusasa area of Zaria, over a month ago, he was recently released from the den of bandits and kidnappers after ransom payment. Tragically, his son Abdulaziz Aliyu was killed during the raid.

Mohammed’s shocking revelation was contained in a recent social media post by Senator Shehu Sani: “Prof. Aliyu Muhammed spent 25 days with bandits before ransom was paid in Zaria. He revealed how the bandits grisly fed human corpses to their dogs & other horrors.

“Those who want to defend these atrocities should please reserve a space in their hearts for the victims & their families.”

Senator Sani further tweeted: “Those who are spraying fragrances on the faeces of these bandits can now see the futility of their action.”

There is more.

In the early hours of Friday, gunmen kidnapped over 300 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The latest abduction came less than two weeks after armed men broke into Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State and kidnapped many students and staff.

The audacious Jangebe kidnap marked the first time in Nigeria that gunmen would stage large-scale abduction of students from different schools in less than two weeks.

The first major attack on a school by an armed gang happened in Borno State, where over 300 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, were abducted on April 14, 2014.

Four years after, gunmen hit Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, and abducted 119 students. In December 2020, over 300 male students were abducted at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.

Willy-nilly, banditry and the concomitant kidnappings have become a new quirky normal in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, an angry President Muhammadu Buhari’s warning to the bandits that kidnapped the 300 schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara State, was on Friday dismissed as empty words that would yield nothing concrete by activist and co-founder of #BringBackOurGirls, Aisha Yesufu.

Proclaimed a miffed Yesufu: “We are used to a president whose words mean nothing. He says one thing and the opposite happens.

Part of the things we should be demanding as Nigerians is that the president should come out and tell us what is going on… The body language of Muhammadu Buhari enables the terrorists, they know that we have an ineffective president as commander-in-chief.”

Similarly, Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education has also accused President Buhari-led government of enabling kidnapping in Nigeria. Ezekwesili while lamenting the strange incestuous relationship that now exists between the government and bandits, claimed that the “friendship has enabled the industry of abduction to flourish in Nigeria on basic market principles of demand and supply.”

Sheikh Gumi, in several interviews, had called on the federal government to grant the bandits blanket amnesty, insisting that the bandits were also victims of injustices brought about by the Nigerian state.

According to him, the armed bandits were responding to the killings of their people by the military and rustling of their cattle by rustlers, without protection from the government. This, he contended, has also affected their economy, thus prompting their resort to crimes. Gumi argued that if the bandits must stop kidnappings then

Gumi...man of the moment government must provide alternative means of livelihood for them.

But significantly, in a move against Sheikh Gumi’s preachments and blanket amnesty campaign, President Buhari, a fellow Sunni, last Thursday, declared war on bandits and other criminals, who have deepened the security crisis in a nation that’s still battling recalcitrant Boko Haram terrorists.

Buhari, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari at the meeting of Nineteen Northern Governors in Kaduna, Thursday, hinted that his government was not ready to give amnesty to bandits as suggested and vehemently canvassed by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.

According to Buhari, “Government will and continue to deal with insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminals, who constitute threat to innocent citizens across the country. Criminals are criminals and should be dealt with accordingly without resulting to ethnic profiling.” In his current campaign for blanket amnesty for bandits and kidnappers, Sheikh Gumi probably might have forgotten that Zamfara was the first northern state to introduce Islamic law after Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

In 2000, Buba Jangebe made history as the first Nigerian to have an amputation carried out after the re-introduction of Islamic law after being found guilty of stealing a cow.

Gumi, a former soldier of the Nigerian Army and erudite Islamic scholar is expected to appreciate more than most, that to protect the weak and innocent is an honourable moral and religious imperative.

By all metrics, even including esoteric knowledge, it would appear he is crossing the line.

By insinuating to Muslim bandits he has been meeting recently with that their enemies are Christian military officers “outsiders,” is transmitting a highly divisive message, which his authority as a respected cleric amplifies to no end. That’s not nation building or statesmanship.

Significantly, at press time, the nation’s security agencies have not countered Gumi. By even blaming the Niger Delta militants for allegedly tutoring Fulani herdsmen on the fine art of criminality, which the latter has deployed with telling effect across Nigeria, is Gumi genuinely bent on healing the polity? It may then be asked – what really is the Gumi Agenda?

Bloody banditry and kidnapping which are species of terrorism play on fear and terror. The nation simply has to be determined.

If Nigeria pulls back by a thumb, she would hand them victory.

Beyond Gumi’s curious preachments, the emerging consensus is that there should be no discussion or negotiations. The nation must not yield to blackmail.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

S

Lawan, Senate President

Lawan’s Poor Prognosis

enate President Ahmad Lawan, last week, courted a needless and avoidable controversy, when he chided the Southwest governors, accusing them of instigating ethnic violence in their states through their utterances.

Although the governors had immediately responded, saying they would not dignify ‘crisis entrepreneurs’ with a response, Lawan’s position, however, exposed bias with a tinge of ethnocentric mindset in a matter that’s as delicate and disturbing as the growing insecurity in many parts of the country, largely

instigated by criminal herders.

For the president of the senate, who supposedly has intelligence report and aware of the state of the nation to bluntly come out in that manner and pointed fingers at the Southwest governors, raised serious concerns about his thought-process. Indeed, that was a letdown.

The ongoing attempt by a section of the north to refuse to see the aggressors as terrorists and not bandits is the reason other parts of the country must start pondering their options.

There’s serious cause for concern and a need to be more reflective. Lawan can actually do better.

His Ph.D can’t be for nothing!

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

72

BRIEFINGNOTES With Bawa’s Finesse, a New EFCC Beckons Perhaps,itissafetopresumethatwithamuchcosmopolitan,youngerandeducatedAbdulrasheedBawa,anewEconomic andFinancialCrimesCommissionmightberthsoon.Butnotbeforesatisfyingcertaintasks,writesKingsley Nwezeh

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inally, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa has emerged the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with his screening and confirmation by the Senate, last week. He is now faced with the arduous task of repositioning and recalibrating the agency’s fledgling anti-graft war.

Imaging the Issues Since inception, the agency has been beset with issues bordering on poor perception. While it claimed to battle individuals and organisations perpetrating financial crimes, the actions of the former heads of the agency were not so different from those being prosecuted as many of them left office, tarred with the brush of corruption, having been accused of financial crimes while in office.

However, the new helmsman, being a thoroughbred EFCC product and a beneficiary of substantial local and foreign training needs to be above board by proving that he could be different from the rest. He needs not scream, as had been heard in the past, that corruption is fighting back while he’s mired in corruption.

Fixing the Mode of Operation Bawa’s predecessors especially, the immediate past leadership, was variously accused of engaging in media trial of suspects before the actual court trial.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja had once berated the commission for engaging in two trials in one, media trial and actual court trial in a case involving some aides of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki.

The judge had suspended the trial of one of the aides, Mr. Nicholas Ashinze, until the commission had put its house in order. This followed reports of the indictment of the accused via a statement issued by the agency. Counsel to Mr. Ashinze, Ernest Nwoye, had protested a press statement issued by the EFCC, in which the defendant was alleged to have been indicted by the court for diverting and misappropriating N36 billion.

Justice Kolawole, in his ruling said, it was unfair for the EFCC, as a complainant in the trial to resort to self-help by engaging the defendant in a media trial and at the same time in a court trial.

“If you want to try the defendant in the media, you have to limit yourself to the media. You have to stop misleading the public in the facts of this trial. “Let me say it for the sake of emphasis that EFCC must stop the use of journalists to distort proceedings in my court. You cannot be engaging in two trials, one in the court and one in the media, at the same time”, he said.

He added: “If you are not satisfied with my decision to stop this trial pending the time the EFCC retracts this offending press statement of my court proceeding, then, you can take your case to another court”.

It had also been alleged that some operatives of the commission sought gratification from suspects involved in high profile cases, failing which a media trial was initiated with statements announcing a future date for the commencement of their trial even when the cases were already long-running cases. Such plans to arraign the suspects suddenly die down and vanish from the media space when the suspects had allegedly “cooperated”.

But the new EFCC chair should be diligent in the conduct of investigation and prosecution of suspects.

Unearthing Terrorism Financing At a meeting in Maiduguri with bank executives, a former Acting Chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu, had lamented the suspected involvement of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in terror financing. He wondered why one NGO would have 40 bank accounts. Speaking at a meeting with banks’ compliance officers in Maiduguri, Magu queried the rationale behind a single NGO keeping 40 bank accounts.

“Nobody should carry cash above the threshold of N10 million for corporate organisations and N5 million for individuals.

Anything above the threshold must be routed through financial institutions,” he said.

Magu further stated that, “We must profile all the NGOs in the

Bawa meets with Buhari North East. I don’t know why an NGO will open more than 40 bank accounts. We are going to ask your various banks to give us statements of accounts for each and every NGO. “The issue of money laundering, terrorist financing and leakage of information will be eliminated by the commission with the help of bankers across the country.”

Curiously, no further step had since been taken after the meeting and no official position established by the agency on the matter. With the devastating impact of terrorism and armed banditry sustained through illicit financing channels in the country, the new EFCC chair would need to move fast in this regard.

The Police Staffing Debate With about 2,196 staff out of which 850 are policemen, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa would have to determine the fate of police personnel deployed to the agency.

Will his emergence as a non-police officer mean that he would dispense with the services of the officers? Will he raise a new set of personnel that are solely products of the EFCC academy by embarking on fresh recruitment and the attendant funding challenges? A senior police source that spoke to THISDAY, last week, said Bawa would determine the fate of the police personnel in the agency and other personnel decisions.

Funding and Salary Matters The anti-graft agency has, like most federal agencies, faced the challenge of poor funding and a remuneration package that might not discourage detectives from seeking alternative source of funding in view of the entrenched corrupt forces they contend with daily.

There were allegations in the past that when banks report illicit payments into bank accounts with a request for the agency to look into it, some operatives requested for illicit percentage payment/ deductions before evacuating the funds.

THISDAY Checks have shown that the salary scale of an entry-level staff with the EFCC is about N158,000 while the average salary of EFCC workers is N201,000 monthly. The salary of a Deputy Detective is put at N245,000.

But the salary scale depicts a wide gap with what the commission budgets and the releases acknowledged by the commission during its 2021 budget defence presentation at the National Assembly.

EFCC’s 2021 Budget At its budget defence at the National Assembly on November 4, 2020, the agency presented a budget of N29,861,694,947 billion to the National Assembly for its operations in 2021.

A breakdown of the estimate indicates that N24,407,559,975 was earmarked as personnel cost, N3,600,773,354 as overhead, while N1, 853, 361, 618 was projected for capital expenditure.

Presenting the budget to Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes, headed by Senator Abdul Kwari, the then Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mohammed Umar Abba, gave an overview of the performance of the Commission’s 2020 budget. He disclosed that of the total of N32.694 billion, appropriated for the commission in the current year, N25.136billion, representing 76.88 per cent had so far been released.

A breakdown of the figure shows that N21.398 billion was released as personnel cost, N2.100 billion for overhead and N1.638 billion for capital projects.

Abba further disclosed that N18.823 billion, representing 74.88 per cent of the N25.136 billion released was fully utilised.

The Abdulrasheed Bawa-led agency should find it necessary to brief the nation on the full details of its budget implementation as a mark of transparency for an anti-graft agency.

That Malami-Bawa Connection Beyond the allegation of sales of 224 forfeited trucks to proxies in Port Harcourt to which the EFCC vigorously defended him, Bawa Abdulrasheed would need to prove to Nigerians that the position of the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay, that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), having influenced his appointment, being from the same state and a relation, that he would not operate under his wings.

NOTES FOR FILE

Not So Smart Afterall!

Senator Smart Adeyemi, in the week that just ended, stirred a reprehensible disagreement, when he called the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu a drunkard.

According to the Kogi Senator, he was fighting his governor, Yahaya Bello’s battle, because a senator from Abia, Eyinnaya Abaribe, had first taken a swipe at his governor.

Turning an otherwise hallowed chamber into a circus is the signature of an average Nigerian lawmaker and Adeyemi didn’t fall far from the lot. Of all the issues affecting the nation at this time, picking up his governor’s fight and uttering outright twaddle was what caught his fancy.

Although Abaribe had come out to deny the statement

that prompted Adeyemi’s venom, describing as social media manipulation, point is, even if he had said so, the opportunity of a response should have made Adeyemi appear different and more honourable.

But because he was unable to give what he didn’t have especially, when the need to play to the gallery was more pressing, he lost it all and shamefully so.

That show of dishonour by Adeyemi on the floor of the senate was condemnable to say the least and rather spoke to the reign of a small mind inspired by the inability to live above board. Just maybe that was the best he could Adeyemi offer!

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

73

CICERO/REPORT

Akeredolu’s Second Stanza Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, last week, took the oath of office for a second term. He, however, comes into office with staggering expectations from the people. James Sowole writes

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major area of disagreement between citizens and politicians in Nigeria during election is the issue of second term for the Chief Executive of a state or the president and multiple tenure of office, for holders of legislative

positions.

For politicians and holders of offices, second term, is meant to consolidate on the achievements recorded in the first four years of their service particularly, implementation of certain policy programmes and projects to complete or getting them to appreciable level.

To this school of thought, second term is necessary, to avoid cases of abandoned projects and programmes, due to lack of continuity by successive administrations, that are usually caused by different political ideologies and visions, among political parties and chief executives.

Also, some people are of the belief that seeking re-election provides an opportunity for the electorate to assess the performances of a particular administration in relation to promises made during campaigns. It is, therefore, seen as a pay back time in line with a popular saying, “One good term deserves another.”

Experiences during campaigns for re-election have shown that disagreement arises, because most people don’t believe that second term could bring out better part of holder of an executive position, but an opportunity for such a person to amass more wealth for personal use.

This is one of the reasons for agitation by the people that a term of four years should be enough for one person while another person from another area should be given the opportunity to govern.

Since the return to civil rule in 1999, politicians rarely consider performances as condition for seeking re-election. It has almost become a matter of right for a particular geographical area, where the office holder hailed from in the spirit of unwritten zonal arrangement both at the state and federal level.

Preparatory to the October 2020 Governorship Election in Ondo State, all these issues, actually Akeredolu, accompanied by his wife, undertakes constitutional oath for a second term played out. However, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was re-elected to steer the ship of state for Adeleye, who commended the administration for the various fund for maintenance of streetlights in the state capital in the another four years. second term of the administration. workers welfare packages like prioritising payment of salaries, Sequel to the victory, Akeredolu was on Wednesday, February promotion of public servants as and when due, said the governAdegbola, expressed dismay that streetlights are put on only 24, sworn in, along with his new deputy, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, ment had chewed more than it could bite. He flayed the situation when government is expecting guests into the state. By this who replaced Hon Agboola Ajayi, who contested against his practice, Adegbola said government was only receiving people, that led to the reduction in revenue, which lately resulted in boss, during election. because the government wanted visitors to believe that things percentage payment of workers salaries.

Considering events that preceded the emergence of were going on well.

“I want to blame the government of Ondo State (both the Akeredolu as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress Adegbola posited that the people of the state were looking previous and the current) for the reduction in what actually (APC) in 2020 and his eventual victory, during gubernatorial forward to resumption of free school shuttle buses, to cushion comes to the state after releasing Federal Allocation on monthly election, peoples’ expectations in various sectors were very high basis. The former administration (Mimiko’s administratiin) took the effect of high cost of taxi fare. as he began the second and final stanza, as the sixth governor Another major expectation of the people particularly, of us to the Stock Exchange market and borrowed N27.5 billion. of Ondo State. To political jobbers, the first expectation from the the Ondo South origin, is contained in the governor’s speech, “As I am talking, the government is still paying that Bond Akeredolu administration is personal patronage in terms of whereby he promised that bitumen exploration and exploitaand this current government (Akeredolu’s) also went for N30 appointments and contracts as payback for the roles they played billion bond. So, these debts are being deducted at source from tion were at advanced stage. during his election.

The people, therefore, are looking forward to more governthe Federation Account and it has made full salary payment On the other hand, expectations of residents of the state ment commitments, to the bitumen and Deep Seaport project. difficult. include but not limited to programmes, policies and projects that Reacting to some aspects of Akeredolu’s inauguration “For us workers, we are looking forward to a situation, would enhance their socio-economic lives in terms of infrastruc- whereby workers, will be able to get their salary in full and the speech, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State ture, public utilities, security and general welfare.

Chapter, expressed disappointment over what it described as gross salary for that matter.

Presenting his inaugural address, Akeredolu, who highlight“In the area of appointment, my advice is very simple. This ad- the barefaced and unthinkable lies contained in the speech. ed some achievements of his administration in various sectors The PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, in a ministration should run a very compact government. If possible, in the first four years, noted that there were lots of grounds to be statement, faulted the government for not addressing some it should merge the ministries and agencies for effectiveness covered. He, therefore, promised not to rest on his oars, contrary and save money. We have seen a situation where the late former salient issues. to the stereotypical notion that second term, is not for serious He said, “The Governor did not offer any explanations to the Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, reduced ministries from 21 to 13 work. people on the sudden disappearance of the Free School Shuttle and they were effective.”

He said: “Though we are yet to reach the set goal, we are buses that operated seamlessly for more than six years under the Adeleye also said the labour was looking forward to employconfident that the administration is on the right path. We will not ment of primary school teachers, to replace those that have previous administration. depart from the trodden path, which has earned us affection and retired.

“He offered no explanation on how the Mother and Child deep reference from the citizenry.

Hospitals have become mere Consulting Clinics. How health“During the celebration of the last Workers’ Day, the govern“We shall continue, with more vigour, to justify the trust care has been pushed beyond the reach of common people. ment approved that 2,000 teachers should be recruited and earned by our administration. The second term, for us, is not “The boasting of regular payment of salaries is at variance the reason they have not started, is finance. We hope that in the a time for relaxation. We are not under any illusion that it will with serial workers’ strike over welfare matters in the State. next one or two weeks, the government will start to inject 1,000 be easy. We are, however, ready to proceed on the journey with Lawyers in the Ministry of Justice, for the first time in the history teachers into primary schools while agitation is in for secondary renewed enthusiasm and vigour.” of the State went on strike under the present administration. schools too.

Reeling off the expectations of the people from the govern“Even now medical doctors are on strike. If the workers were “The government has done well repairing and renovating the ment in the next four years, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour primary schools building and building of toilets. We want the to conduct a referendum, Akeredolu will be amazed at his level Congress (NLC), Comrade Oluwole Adeleye, in an interview, of unacceptability.” government to continue rebuilding of schools in both primary said government should concentrate on completion of ongoing With these mixed feelings, the only expectation of the people and secondary levels.” projects rather than embarking on new ones excepts when of the state is that the administration would address the issue of Another respondent and resident of Akure, the state capital, extremely necessary. healthcare, amongst other concerns in the state.

Mr. Adewunmi Adegbola, wants the government, to release

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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 ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

CICERO/REPORT

Oyetola commissioning the flyover

Waiting on Oyetola’s Iconic Flyover Recently, the Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, commissioned the construction of a signature flyover with pomp and celebration, amongst other efforts to keep good governance going in the state, writes Yinka Kolawole

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sun State especially, its capital, Osogbo was suddenly in the news, when Governor Adegboyega Oyetola announced the readiness of his administration to construct an iconic flyover across the popular FakunleOlaiya, Odiolowo-Olaiya, AKindeko-Olaiya and MDS Olaiya interactions – all in Osogbo, the state capital.

Many questions were asked and still being asked by residents and non-residents alike about the wisdom or otherwise of having a flyover in the place.

Aflyover is a road constructively created with an elevation at a given junction or intersection. It could be with or without any subsidiary principally aimed at controlling traffic conflicts at any given road intersection.

Therefore, a flyover is designed to lessen traffic jam by allowing smooth flow of vehicles. In addition, road crashes are reduced if not completely curbed to the barest minimum, where it is constructed.

Therefore, it can be confidently stated that a flyover is a modern traffic decongestion construction aesthetically put in place to reduce traffic bottlenecks and attendant accidents that usually occur, where such is not in place.

Thus, Oyetola contended that when viewed against the daily growing population of the state especially, Osogbo, the state capital and the need to reduce accidents occasioned by enormous traffic congestions, which over the years had become the lot of the motoring and non-motoring public plying that axis, nothing can be more succinct than a flyover at such a busy and accident-prone axis like Olaiya Junction.

Olaiya Junction, where the project is to be sited, unarguably qualifies to be described as the nerve centre of Osogbo. In fact, a visit to Osogbo by any first termer without having a feel of how or what Olaiya junction looks like, can be likened to a visit to Lagos without getting to the popular Broad Street at Marina, Lagos.

To situate his readiness for the multi-million Naira project as encapsulated in the 2021 budget earlier presented before the state parliament, Oyetola did say that when completed, the over 3 billion naira project was going to be an iconic flyover embedded with beauty and ostentations that would be at par with any modern state capital anywhere in Nigeria.

With a conservative completion period of between 9 and 10 months, Oyetola while further justifying the need and importance, remarked that the proposed flyover, which is 500 metres long would be funded through the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA) The governor had earlier during the demonstration closure of The Axis of the proposed flyover on January 29, 2021 between 2pm and 5pm, said his action in this regard was a product of wide consultations earlier made and aimed at ensuring that the project would be acceptable to the people of the state.

This explained the support and enthusiasm visibly displayed on the faces of people before, during and after the commissioning ceremony some days ago.

With alternative routes already provided, the situation in

the interim seems to be a bit hard to contend with, although not unexpected in the alternative routes.

Of course, businesses and other routine activities along that axis have been largely affected. This should be taken in good faith with the belief that it is a temporary situation that would soon blow away.

It’s true with every venture that no pain, no gain, but the gains accruable to residents and non-residents alike after the completion of the project are best experienced than imagined. The current extrapolations showed they are enormous.

Whilst the pains of the waiting period might be excruciating, the need for support, cooperation and total understanding of the people cannot be over-emphasised.

Speaking at the ceremony in Osogbo, Oyetola said the project was targeted at securing Osun’s future population explosion and meet traffic needs.

He reiterated that the project was a swift response to the need to secure the projected population explosion, meet traffic needs, eradicate needless auto crashes and enhance the quality of lives of the people through timely and prompt infrastructure development.

The project to be handled by Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited is a 4-span of 15m each, with two Underpass bays for U-turning to Fakunle/Justrite and MDS/Post Office. It is a 295.95m length of Bridge Approach Ramp, 196m long Fakunle Ramp and 99.95m long MDS Ramp with slope of Ramp being 3 per cent.

The project is also designed to accommodate articulated vehicles with intelligent lightening devices and smart traffic control devices.

Costing the state a total sum of Three Billion, One Hundred and Eight Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Naira, Seventy-Six Kobo (N 3,108,379,829.76), the governor said the expenses comprised the net sum of N 2,688,748,552.74 and a 13.5 per cent statutory deductions which include the percentage withholding tax, 7.5 percent Value Added Tax and 1 percent stamp duty deduction.

Stating that the project would be funded through the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA), he explained that APFA entailed the contractor would fund the project, while the State repays the contractor over a period of time so as to enable government free up resources for other important obligations.

He was quick to add that the construction would not in any way stop the government from delivering on other dividends of good governance, including citizens’ welfare, regular payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, completion of ongoing projects and initiation of more.

“Indeed, the adoption of Alternative Project Funding Approach is another leg in our model of creative funding of projects in a depressed economy and an assurance that we shall always keep our pact with our people.

“The Olaiya Flyover project is in response to the need to enhance the quality of lives of our people and improve the infrastructure in our city, which in recent years is becoming more populated and boisterous on account of increasing business activities.

“The implication of this is the growing traffic around major routes in the state and specifically, the Olaiya axis, leading to waste

of man hours by residents. Sadly too, there have been countless cases of accidents by commuters. I have personally witnessed a few of these unfortunate incidents. We cannot afford to waste more lives.

“Besides, response to the infrastructure needs and demands of a growing city is a proactive exercise. Therefore, this flyover is a project for today and the future, because, when the project is completed, we are assured that it will significantly eradicate traffic hassles and make the lives of our valued citizens more secured.

“Just as I promised in my inauguration speech, our Administration is committed to providing relevant infrastructure that supports the prosperity of our people. With this project and many more across our State, we are keeping faith with that promise,” he added.

Governor Oyetola, who assured the people, particularly business owners around the site, of government’s consciousness to their livelihood said, “we are therefore appealing to owners of businesses around the project site to bear with us, as we will try as much as possible to minimise inconvenience.

“Realising that the closure of this road will bring some temporary difficulties, we have made enough provision for alternative routes to serve vehicular needs. The demonstration we carried out a few weeks ago has provided us relevant information with which to plan and make life easier for you all.

“I urge you all to bear with us as we strive to improve the socioeconomic status of our State, and I assure you all that this project will be completed in record time,” Oyetola added.

Earlier, the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, lauded Governor Oyetola for giving Osun, particularly Osogbo, facelift of her socioeconomic and infrastructure development.

Commissioner for Works and Transport, Remi Omowaye, said the idea to construct the flyover was conceptualised as part of efforts to reduce traffic, lessen accident rates and advance the infrastructure development in the State.

He said the project would go a long way to complement some of the new roads approved for construction and rehabilitation by the Oyetola administration.

Chairman/CEO Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Mr. Abel Adeleke, assured the government and residents of quality and standard service that could stand the test of time.

Adeleke, who promised to bring his experience in civil engineering to bear on the construction of the flyover, reiterated that the project would be delivered in record time.

“What we are operating in Osun is based on integrity and this project will be done in such a way that will not impact negatively on the debt profile of the State. We are glad to have this opportunity and I assure you that we will deliver the project within the stipulated time,” he stressed.

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, applauded Oyetola for taking the welfare and wellbeing of the people as priority just as he commended the government for deeming it fit to build the flyover as part of efforts to complement the existing road infrastructure.

Afrontline Osogbo indigene and business mogul, Chief Olatunde Badmus, said the project was a confirmation of the fact that Osun has always been blessed with good leadership.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

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CICERO/INTERVIEW

Kayode Adeniji

Nigeria is Backward Talking about Cows in the Age of Artificial Intelligence In this interview, Senior Partner at the law firm, Lawracles LP, Kayode Adeniji, discusses good governance in Nigeria, and his article on The Cable that exposed the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s smuggling of the NGO and religious bill into the controversial Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) of 2020. Ojo Maduekwe presents the excerpts:

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the articles and the webinars. Now, compare those engagements with the ones that were said to have occurred during the public hearings. Or we can call for the record of the public hearings if you don’t mind?

ometimes last year, the NBA was thrust into a dilemma when it invited and had to dis-invite the Kaduna state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, from attending its event. There were arguments not to give El-Rufai a platform to push some of his policies deemed controversial and a counterargument that argued the usefulness of using the platform to question him on those policies. In retrospect, how do you see the NBA’s decision?

I am too impatient to talk about any political figure in Nigeria. Ask me questions bordering on national issues and solutions. I stopped listening to what most politicians have to say about anything. For example, if you stopped listening to news and political programmes in 1999, you wouldn’t have missed anything. It is the same drama, the same issues of bloodshed, violence, incompetence, looting, political scheming, yet no outstanding personality and development.

Our leaders pride themselves as political strategists, yet they can’t use that skill to transform anything. If Kaduna or Kano cannot be talking about competing with Dubai, Oman, Abu Dhabi, and Lagos competing with Singapore or Hong Kong and Anambra with China or Taiwan, we should not waste our time and lives listening to any governor or politician.

You will just be watching people explaining failure. Life is too short to be listening to most Nigerian leaders. If you are doing a good job, it will show. You don’t need to talk about it.

It is a shame that we are not talking about development but blood-letting and murder; and anarchy.

The Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), is one of the most controversial bills to have ever been passed into law by Adeniji President Muhammadu Buhari. What part of the act will you say remains the most contentious?

Part F of CAMA 2020 remains the most controversial. I was so excited to read about the act’s reforms until I saw Part F, which contains provisions for regulating NGOs. Initially, I was sceptical about whether I was reading the correct copy. I double-checked before writing the legal opinion that set the media on fire. It is controversial because religion was muddled up with business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry. It is my view that if all Nigerian professionals and consultants to the government have that sense of urgency to see the emergence of Nigeria as a developed nation in our lifetime, our approach to law and regulation will be different. It is controversial because CAC, as a regulatory body, lacks the capacity and leadership required to implement the law in line with global standards efficiently.

Mistrust based on religion appears to be why there are supporters and opposition to the CAMA. What would you say informed your opposition to the law?

What informed my position was, and is, that CAC as a body lacks the capacity to implement the law excellently.

Regulation of companies is already cumbersome; to add NGOs and religious organisations in line with Sec 839 will create anarchy. Those who oppose my position are of the view that I am an advocate of the church. I agree there are bad eggs within the church and various NGOs, but you will agree that people find solace in the spiritual when the government fails. A government that is unaccountable to its citizens has no moral authority to regulate acts of kindness.

Also, the best private universities in this nation are leading in various national and international rankings.

They are far ahead of most government universities established pre-independence. Private organisations are

Regulating NGOs remains a growing concern. Some individuals continue to profit off an organisational structure that is supposed to be non-profit. Agreed, the CAMA is full of discrepancies; how best do we regulate NGOs without infringing on their rights?

I had always maintained that you don’t need corporate sponsorship to touch one life. I founded an NGO at the age of 15, which has touched hundreds of lives. We registered it recently. Any government interested in regulating NGOs must lead by example. When there is accountability in government, it would be so easy for people to submit to regulation. The best way is to limit regulation to financial reporting for now. With the passage of time and hope that public governance improves, we can drill down to finer details of NGOs’ regulation.

doing better than government organisations. If the government is passionate about developing Nigeria, it should seek mentorship from the church.

The fact speaks for itself, and only fools doubt proofs.

Government officials are looting taxpayers’ monies without any consequences. The government is now seeking to regulate free-will offerings. This will generate unnecessary tension. I have been justified.

In your opinion piece published on TheCable, you wrote that the NGOs and religious organisations bill was smuggled into CAMA. A contrary argument is that how could there have been smuggling since there was a public hearing for CAMA? I agreed that the church in Nigeria lacks foresight and is always reactive. Most of the lawyers in their legal departments do nothing but draft real estate agreements and look for ways to collect their cuts from property transactions. So I agree the oblivion of the church to legislative processes is not the fault of the government.

However, the intendment of Section 839 is similar to what the Financial Reporting Council was going to implement in 2017. There were far-reaching provisions in Part F that required wide consultation beyond the mundane public hearings organised. It is a major boiling point, with the effect of triggering religious tension.

Most of the reviews by professionals, immediately after the law was passed on 7 August, touched all the parts in the law except Part F. It was our legal review that opened the eyes of Nigerians to the enormity of that provision. I believe Nigeria was rescued from the brink of anarchy by various ambiguities in Part F of CAMA 2020. The internet never forgets. Go back and check the robust and deep engagements Nigerians had on social media on Section 839 of the CAMA law. Check

The religiously tense atmosphere that Nigeria finds itself makes it difficult for anyone not to see national issues from the prism of religion and ethnicity. As a lawyer whose stock in trade is facts, how do you stick to the facts during an argument?

I only argue in court. Outside the court, I embark on a mental reorientation of my listeners.

Quote me anywhere: about 95 percent of Nigerians need mental reorientation, including professionals and political leaders. So who will you argue with?

What will I argue about? On personality or on developmental issues?

For example, look at Bishop Oyedepo. He is one of the few people in Africa who is on top of the world in his chosen field. That is not religion but a fact. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is on top of the world in her chosen field. That is not tribal or political, but a fact. Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson is on top of the world in his business. That is not tribal; that is a fact. Christianity has contributed to the development of Nigeria more than any other religion. Most private universities are church-based, and the founders of some of the startups in Nigeria are products of these universities. That is not religious; that is a fact.

We are talking about cows in this age of artificial intelligence. Nigeria is backward. That is not unpatriotic; that is a fact. In 2015, Nigerians were tired of corruption; after 2019, Nigerians have been reduced to people who just want to live and not die. That is not political; that is a fact.

You were lead counsel in the landmark case between Megawatts vs Gbagada Phase II Residents Association. This case affects community development associations across Lagos. What is the status of the case? Did the Gbagada CDA obey the court judgment, or are they still taxing Megawatts tolls each time the company’s truck enters the community?

Where there is a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, no one is permitted to disobey the orders. Prominent people are living in the estate, who are illustrious citizens of Lagos state. I cannot imagine the residents disobeying a court order. That would be an abomination and anarchy. One thing is very clear, and that is the fact that it is no more business as usual. Residents should pay for services they enjoy, not paying estimated billing from the excos of residents’ association. The middle class is stretched and stressed; we shouldn’t crush them. It is my considered view that the cost of living in an estate should have arithmetical justification, and if a service is not enjoyed, a resident is not bound to pay for it.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2021 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

Gumi: The Apple Did Not Fall Far From The Anti-Christ Tree

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heikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi was well known to Nigerians in the 70s and 80s as an extremist Izala Islamic cleric, who had attracted controversy for his views that only Muslims could best rule Nigeria, amongst other sectional views.

It might shock some Nigerians to note that that Sheikh Gumi once publicly called for Muslims to accept only Muslim political leaders (a view once publicly shared by President Muhammadu Buhari).

Sheikh Gumi was a strong Wahabbist and never hid the influence that Saudi Arabia had over him. I would not want to go too much into detail about some of the more outrageous and alarming views held by Sheikh Gumi, in order not to speak ill of the dead.

However, many Nigerian Christians thought that his son, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, was cut from a different cloth, especially after his recent supposed peace ambassadorship.

However, our bubble has been burst, as it is now crystal clear, and an undisputed fact, that the son is just as extreme and radical as the father, if not more so.

His recent utterances, while meeting with bandits (he does not want us to call them bandits), where he was surreptitiously recorded, were as follows: “What I want you people (bandits) to understand is, soldiers that are involved in most of the criminalities are not Muslims.

You know, soldiers have Muslims and non-Muslims. The nonMuslims are the ones causing confusion just to ignite a crisis.”

He never expected the video to leak, but it did. I reached Sheikh Gumi, through a prominent Northerner, to ask him why he made the statement he did and if he had any proof to substantiate his claims and Gumi sent me, through this same high-profile Northerner, an audio, from 2014, where an unnamed man made some wild and unproven claims in a conversation he had with Gumi. And it was based on that that Gumi made his outlandish accusations in 2021.

How can Sheikh Gumi rely on gossip to make such a weighty allegation, when Quran 104:1 condemns gossip and backbiters?

Now, I watched Gumi’s damage control interview on Channels Television on Monday, February 22, 2021, and you could see him struggling to spin what he said.

If anyone is tempted to give Gumi the benefit of the doubt, based off of that interview, I will urge them to note that Sheikh Gumi was practicing Taqiyya.

If you do not know what Taqiyya is, then you can never understand Gumi and his ilk.

Basically, Taqiyya is an Islamic principle which gives those Muslims who believe in it license to lie, without it being considered a sin. Taqiyya was the reason why Sheikh Gumi told Seun Okinbaloye, in the said interview, as follows: “You call them killer herdsmen, how many people do they kill? Sometimes, they are on drugs. They want the money. When they kill, it is mostly accidental, maybe somebody they took who is sick. But tell me who they have killed? How many? Few.”

Sheikh Gumi Even Sheikhh Gumi knows that he is lying when he says that killer herdsmen kill accidentally. It is Taqiyya in action.

Herdsmen, according to the Global Terror Index, are the world’s fourth most deadly terrorists. The GTI lists thousands of individual attacks that occur in Nigeria, where herdsmen deliberately kill or maim, or rape Nigerians.

To claim that these killings are accidental is nothing short of the type of ‘big lie’ propounded by Adolf Hitler, wherein you deceive the public by telling ‘a lie so “colossal” that no one would believe that someone “could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously.”

In truth, Sheikh Gumi is not a peace negotiator. He is rather a facilitator of terror, because by telling armed Muslim herdsmen and bandits that Christian soldiers are behind the killing of their kith and kin to ignite a crisis, Sheikh Gumi is feeding their bigotry and warming them up to kill Christians in revenge.

That is the plain, undiluted, and point blank truth.

Now, we heard what he said this time around. What worse things has Sheikh Gumi been saying behind closed doors? Your guess is as good as mine. But whatever it is, it is unlikely to be complimentary towards Christians.

Nigerians famously have a short memory, and would have forgotten that this same Sheikh Gumi wrote a letter in 2014 accusing then President Jonathan of being biased against Islam.

This is despite the fact that Jonathan had built 165 almajiri schools.

By 2021, after 5 years in power, Buhari has not built even one secondary school, whether almajiri or conventional. But Gumi has not accused him of being biased against Islam.

I guess in Gumi’s eyes, your bias against Islam only arises when you build schools to try to educate some of the 13.5 million out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria so they can think for themselves rather than be led by the nose by the likes of Gumi.

To me, the real news is why Sheikh Gumi has not been invited by the authorities to substantiate his allegations that Christian soldiers kill Muslims to ignite a crisis. That type of talk will affect cohesion and morale in the military, as well as breed mutual suspicion.

THE PUBLIC SPHERE with Chido Nwakanma

In 2017, DSS summoned Apostle Suleman for asking Nigerians to defend themselves against killer herdsmen. In 2020 the same DSS summoned Obadiah Mailafia for exposing a Boko Haram governor. Now, DSS is SILENT as Gumi claims Christian soldiers kill Muslim herdsmen and bandits. And 96 hours after Sheikh Gumi’s lie that Christian soldiers are killing Fulani Muslims, the Presidency has said nothing. Let us not forget that it took Garba Shehu less than 24 hours to shout loudly when Rotimi Akeredolu gave killer herdsmen (not registered herdsmen) quit notice. Sadly, Buhari has turned FGN from the Federal Government of Nigeria, to Fulani Government of Nigeria!

To those who think Muhammadu Buhari is better than Sheikh Gumi, I am sorry for you. Consider the following: NNPC NPA INEC Executive, Legislature and Judiciary Army, Navy, MOD, Police, DSS, DMI, DIA, NIA, EFCC. All headed by Northern Muslim males, appointed by Buhari against the Federal Character Principle. We have never had nepotism at this level. Buhari and Gumi are birds of a feather!

I am just imagining what will be going on in the minds of Christian soldiers of the Nigerian Army after watching what Sheikh Gumi said about them killing Muslims to ignite a crisis.

These are people dying for Nigeria in Borno, Yobe and Kaduna, yet their sacrifices are spat on by a beneficiary of their sacrificed blood! Christian soldiers are in the bush with their Muslim colleagues. They are underpaid, underfed, and underarmed.

They are fighting radical Islamic terrorists that are better armed than them. Yet, Sheikh Gumi is accusing those Christian patriots of killing Muslims!

We must not sweep this under the carpet. Gumi must be made to answer for his bigotry, and if he is not brought to book, then we must accept that Nigeria is only one in name, but not in practice!

Reno’sNuggets:

If she has: Acar Ahouse Bone-straight hair iPhone Jewellery Designer wear Expensive shoes But, no rich family, high-paying job, or business commensurate to her lavish lifestyle, she can never be the one, except satan wants to destroy you. Many husbands who complain that their wives cheat are actually to blame. You meet a high-maintenance girl with no known source of income and marry her. Of course, when you can’t maintain her lifestyle, the outcome will be cheating with men who can! #FreeLeahSharibu #RenosNuggets

@ChidoNigeria https://www.facebook.com/chido.nwakanma

The High Cost of Federal Procurement

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irms and individuals seeking to do business with Ministries Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government must scale a high barrier. The Government requires that they secure a “certificate of compliance” from no fewer than seven government agencies. Without those certificates, they cannot offer services.

The mandatories are CAC certificate of business registration, registration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service for VAT, withholding tax and corporate tax and registration and payments with the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund. The firm or consultant should also have three years’ tax clearance certificate, PENCOM registration certifying a minimum of three staff and pension payment for those minimum three staff for at least three years at a minimum of N180, 000 per head.

The rule is that “All organisations must provide proof of compliance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act, 2014 (PRA 2014) by obtaining the compliance certificate”.

An “authorised official” of the applicant organisation must provide a certified list of employees dated the last fiscal year.

She should also provide a certified rate of monthly pension contributions specifying employer and employee rates. The rates are ten (10) per cent by the employer and a minimum of eight per cent by the employee.

If an organisation has existed for five years, it must show pension contributions for all employees for at least three fiscal years. Organisations of less than three years in existence would

show evidence of payments from the date of incorporation, registration and license with PENCOM. PENCOM or its agent would have to review the contribution and certify it. Then the organisation must have a Group Life Insurance Policy for staff specifying the number of lives and sum assured.

There is more. Each firm must get a certificate from the Industrial Training Fund. It will show that it has paid one per cent of the total staff compensation for one year and do so every year. The count is from 30 June 2011, the commencement of the scheme. The older the company, the more the back payments it would make.

Note also that if it is for a consultancy pitch, the firm would need proof f membership of the relevant professional body.

Then the firm would procure a Contractor Certificate from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The Bureau of Public Procurement introduced this barrier to entry to minimise incidents of unregistered and incompetent firms seeking and getting jobs and then disappearing. It is thus a Nigerian corporate governance remedy to a Nigerian malady.

It appears all well-intentioned, as most policies in Nigeria often seem.

There are many benefits. The Federal Procurement Requirements are compelling many firms to pay closer attention to statutory requirements and corporate governance. Small and medium scale enterprises, in particular, are finding that they need to do the needful in compliance. Such firms have a predisposition to ignore these requirements ostensibly or actually because of the more pressing demands of survival.

The requirements also help to strengthen some government organisations and policies. For instance, how many firms ever bother about the Industrial Training Fund unless they are in training, human resource management, or technical trades?

Many firms ignore the Pension Act 2014. Their observance is more in the breach until they see a tempting federal RFP or get an invitation to render service at that level. It also strengthens our professional bodies, as it compels members at the business end to do the needful by their associations.

The “demands of survival”. That is the rub. For many SMEs, the Federal Procurement Requirements are a tall order. There are many not-so-pleasant stories about the route to meeting these requirements for many such firms. The negative side of the equation is creating an opening for corruption.

Many states have joined in rolling out tall requirements for doing business with them or even doing business at all in the state. These are happening even as the federal and state governments speak loudly about the “ease of doing business”.

Note that these are legal barriers. When you consider the many other human factors that surface, you wonder about the “ease of doing business”.

I invite the relevant agencies to take another look at these requirements. The BPP should also expand its list of professional associations. Many bodies with charter status are yet to get on that list. It presents challenges to professionals in those groups. BPP should pay attention to the increasing fragmentation and atomisation of professional associations. It may need a desk to watch the trends to keep pace and not unduly delay the listing of such bodies.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

ENGAGEMENTS

Reflections of a Former Optimist (Excerpts from my forthcoming memoir- “A Life in Pieces- (In Lieu of a Biography)”. I share them here as an abbreviated comment on today’s reality)

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was born a British subject. As a child, I became a citizen of an independent nation, Nigeria. In late teenage, I suddenly became a citizen of Republic of Biafra. On attaining adulthood, I reverted to citizen of Federal Republic of Nigeria. Taken together, living in Nigeria’s 60 years in the rain has been a split experience between freedom, exile and autocracy. One step into freedom, two steps backwards into the dungeon of fear under jackboots. Now as a senior citizen, I carry the passport of a Nigerian nation that has turned into a nightmare for its citizens. I am thoroughly frightened to live in today’s Nigeria let alone own it or dare to call it home. Yet wherever else I go in the world, this green passport is the only identity I have. When your identity becomes a burden, it is time to rethink your optimism and begin to doubt the future of your nation and that of your children…

On a number of occasions in recent months, I have stared at my green passport in unbelief, not knowing whether to justify the optimism of years gone by or to embrace the tragic lure of pessimism. Only one voice keeps returning to me with a constant numbing refrain: “Despair… Despair and forget… Despair and let the younger generation face the challenge of their age…Every generation defines its challenge, confronts it or betrays its mission… Sorry Mr. Frantz Fanon, I am lost in your words… Despair and forget it all!”

Perhaps there are not too many people living in today’s Nigeria that carry the burden of my generation. For those who have experienced Nigeria in the same circumstances and from the same corner as me, the Nigerian journey has been an undulating march.

We have wandered through moments of wild optimism and long stretches of unhappy disillusionment. Once in a while, we rode the wild wave of euphoria only to end up in a valley of our own broken shadows, the shadow of many near deaths.

We have anticipated freedom, mistaking it for the brief promise of democratic rule. At such moments, we trooped out to welcome something new and fresh only to hear the same empty words and promises repeated by soldiers and civilians, the same tribe wearing different costumes. Repeatedly, the frontiers of freedom have constantly receded while the progress we earnestly yearned and hoped for has turned to a shadow of ashes, a fractured dream that has turned into a series of nightmare that will not go away…

At first, the grounds of optimism were abundant. There was the ceremony of independence. The tiny flags and the plastic cups given to every school child to welcome the new nation. We queued endlessly at the roadside in the sun, waiting for the drive past of the new messiahs. They came late and stood in open- top limousines and waved at us just like the white colonialists had done every year when we trooped out to greet them in loyalty to the Queen of England on Empire Day. But this was not Empire Day. It was Freedom Day. After the long wait in the sun and the march past, we returned home with hunger in our stomach to wait for the sweetness that that teacher said will follow with independence. As children, we recited the new anthem and memorized the symbolism of the flag.

All peace and no war. All food and no hunger. We clutched the tiny flags and the cups as our perennial reminders that something new and good was about to happen to us. No one told us that the flags would soon become things of mockery for fanning ourselves when the heat became unbearable after the harmatan.

The cups were something different. They were initially a civilized departure from the calabash bowls that we were used to drinking water from. The grey plastic cups would soon become vessels of suffering and receptacles of sorrow about a promise forever betrayed. The village priest had unknowingly repeatedly dwelt on the cup of sorrow every Easter while recalling that climactic moment when the betrayed Christ was weary of suffering at the garden of Gethsemane in the hour of passion before the crucifixion : “Father, let this cup pass me by…”

Our illiterate mothers had learnt freedom songs as well. Adorned in ankara wrappers emblazoned with the portraits of the new leaders, our mothers and grand mothers sang and danced at the square. Long after the ceremonies, the once ceremonial wrappers became worn out, only fit to be worn to the farm. Their lives refused to change except at election seasons when big men seeking big positions and fat money came by to canvas for votes. In their seasonal generosity, the big politicians used to bring loaves of bread, cups of rice and, later, small packs of noodles from Indonesia and just enough cash for one pot of soup. Just one pot of goodness to punctuate a life of the unbroken monotony of the soup of poverty.

Aday in paradise, a foretaste of goodness, the sweetness of the promised land. Thereafter, they would disappear, never to reappear till another season of votes and foolish promises…

Come to think of it. The white men did not leave us empty handed. It is part of the idiom of politics; every past ugliness decorates the depravity of the present. Every calamity that our own kith and kin have since unleashed on us used to be blamed on the whites. The whites did not leave us hospitals where there are hardly drugs. They did not divert the patients from public hospitals to their private clinics. The whites did not convert every patch of green to an unsightly monstrosity by land grabbers. They did not leave us a police force that demands bribes as of right in the openness of street corners and highways. They did not leave an absentee pubic service either. The schools left behind by the whites were manned

Sani-Bello, Governor of Niger State by qualified teachers, not armies of illiterates teaching illiterates. Fine, they made the system work ultimately for the good of their home country and the comfort of the woman and her family who wore their national crown…Sixty years after their exit, our rich still troop to the land of the whites when we have a tooth ache, head ache or bowel disorder or crave some escape from the hell we have chained our people to…

These days, whenever I can manage to get the attention of my adult children, I tell them stories of a different country, the country immediately after the whites left. One of them got curious after reading Chinua Achebe’s valedictory war memoir, There Was a Country. I took the opportunity to relate my experiences of that former country…

I told her of a time when growing up in the village, we told the time by the regular schedule of the trains. Unfailingly, the morning train came roaring past at 7 am. The policemen carried only batons and wore well -ironed shorts. The two sentries that stood guard in front of the residence of the first President on Marina, Lagos carried no guns, neither pistol nor rifle. Soldiers were a rare sight and whenever they appeared in public, they were civil in behavior, barely uttering a word except in courteous greetings. Their bearing and carriage spoke of a training that could be felt. They did not fight in beer pub or drive on the wrong side of the road. They carried no guns to frighten the very people they were paid to protect. They paid for bus and train tickets and were polite to civilians…

There was something called PWD, Public Works Department.

You could find them fixing bad roads, drains and renovating public buildings. They were on the high ways too with their Road Camps located at sensible intervals. They mended every damaged section of the highways as soon as there was the least sign of failure. The other one was called ECN, Electricity Corporation of Nigeria. It saw to the regular supply of electricity and warned people in advance if there would be interruption in power supply in any part of the town… They did not knock on doors to let Oga know they are around!....

The streets were clean and tidy. There were even public parks where innocent people could relax with no fear of Area Boys, kidnappers or hoodlums. Public buildings were well kept. Civil servants did their job effectively and delivered service without waiting for instant gratification. People of learning and character were revered. Those with wealth left you in no doubt as to where they got all that money from…

After a while spent in these reflections, I noticed that my daughter was losing interest in my tale. Out of courtesy, she ended her part of the session with a question:” Daddy, are you just making all this up to make your early days appear rosy? Was that in this country or somewhere else?” My son, who had just returned from studies in the United Kingdom, had been listening in while catching up on local news on some local television channel. His attention was caught by some ceremony where a governor was commissioning a water borehole. Having been away from the country for some years, he was right to think that things must have changed for the better in his absence. He innocently threw in a question directed at me: “Sorry Dad, Are they still commissioning these small water boreholes like you guys used to do when you were heading some rural development thing and I was 5 years old?’ Between the shame of being part of something that has refused to change and the guilt of being part of the elite of a nation that has been utterly vandalized, I watched this family dialogue go up in smoke…

Fast forward to 1970…

After the devastation of war, the soldiers who brought war upon us ended it after subduing their colleagues and friends on the Biafran side. Forget about all the slogans: No Victor, No Vanquished! Really?

The African political soldier is a true offspring of the politician ‘big man’ he toppled…

The hurt in our hearts, the repressed agony of the unmourned dead buried in open graves, the silent tragedy of burnt out homesteads left tales that no one had the tongue to tell. Broken homes, bridges and roads were easy to fix. But the hurt in our hearts was harder to mend. Some lives were broken into pieces forever. The

shocks of war drove many over the edge. Some took to violent robbery. Others muttered incoherent things to themselves. Some others were permanently shell-shocked and went raving mad, endlessly repeating the very last command they heard before Armageddon shattered their sanity. One mad former soldier went around stark naked, with a permanent erection, bragging that his rocket was forever ready to fire!…

In the larger reunited Nigerian canvas, suspicion among neighbours was harder even to right. Yet we forged new hopes and renewed our optimism about Nigeria even as we strove to catch up with our lives after the wasted years... There were the federal soldiers and the countless checkpoints on major highways. There was the rampant commandeering of pretty girls returning from refugee camps in the lands of conquest…There were a few girls impregnated by soldiers standing up in makeshift shelters erected as checkpoints. Reminders of an adage in my nativity that says: ‘a child that results from love hurriedly made standing up always ends up an itinerant mad man!” Perhaps a few from this generation of mad children have since grown up to multiply the insanity that we see all around us these days…

The reality of a new Nigeria and an almighty Federal Might was a basis for hope and optimism. The black race placed hope in Nigeria to lead the march to liberate the rest of the continent from the last vestiges of colonialism and apartheid racism. Free Mandela! Free Namibia! Zimbabwe must be free! Namibia, Angola and Mozambique looked forward to days of some sweetness. The black majority in South Africa saw hope in an activist Nigeria dripping in oil money and not certain how best to deploy it. The fool and his money…!

At home, quarrels among our ambitious soldiers gave birth to an unexpected beam of light. Murtala Mohammed stepped forward to cleanse his own bloody past. Every successful general is a murderer who survived with a story the day after. The young soldier began healing a nation in post war despair and trauma . As undergraduates, we saw hope in the stern voice and steady gaze of this soldier nationalist. We trooped to the streets in solidarity with the mission of this uncommon soldier. Awave of optimism swept through the land and generations of Nigerians were united in their welcome of something different and full of light. But there was something unreal, even surreal in this sudden awakening…..

The Nigerian ideal is not hard to figure out. It is not hidden or far to see. The Nigerian soil is not averse to the germination of goodness.

Chinua Achebe once opined that there is nothing wrong with the Nigeria air, environment or soil that makes it a perennial bad place.

It is a want of good leadership. Nigerians know good leadership when they see it. Our people recognize it instinctively whenever something happens that approximates it.

But ill luck has trailed us in matters of leadership. Our brief encounters have never endured. Aray of light beams. Then it flickers. And darkness returns in a “coming and going that goes on forever”. Apologies to Christopher Okigbo. After all he, too, flickered and went home prematurely, a world class poet felled in battle by an illiterate recruit in a place called Akwebe, near Nsukka, that was not even on the map until Google came along!...

Fast even further forward to Nigeria in 2021...

Take just this past one week only. Every passing day is a pageant of of blood, fearsome violence or incendiary words of hate. In the past week alone, see a quick sampling: On Friday morning, an estimated 300 girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara state abducted by the usual armed gang. Over 40 abducted students and teachers of Kagara government school, Niger State, still in captivity. Another dozen or so killed in Kaduna. A traditional ruler abducted. Avillage church set ablaze. Seven air force personnel on their way to Minna presumably on a terrorism related assignment die in a plane crash in Abuja. Governor of Zamfara justifies the exploits of bandits and pleads for amnesty and rehabilitation for them. Another governor (Bauchi state) supports herdsmen and roving criminals carrying AK-47 rifles.

Anotable Islamic cleric pleads the cause of bandits. Governor of Niger State cries out that herdsmen and bandits have been treated unjustly by the Nigerian state over the years. Soldiers bombard the sleepy small town of Orlu in full battle formation complete with helicopter gunships overhead and shells raining hell and death on unclear targets. Aformer governor and thugs of state sent by the incumbent governor engage in open street brawls in Owerri over allegedly stolen mega properties. Niger Delta militants in full battle fatigue threaten to bomb Lagos, Abuja and oil installations to protest bad governance and injustice. Association of Nigerian governors –all 36 of them-endorse the growing trend of governors negotiating with bandits. Governor of Jigawa state signs a law making rape punishable by death. Sheikh Gumi has ordered Nigerians to stop calling bandits criminals but heroes of circumstance! Bandits can only listen to Gumi, not Buhari or his agents…news!

We now live in a republic of countless questions. Whose nation is this anyway? Who is in charge in this place? What is going on here, anyone? A presumptive full blown democracy of 200 million Africans with an army, air force, navy, state security, police force, civil defence and vigilantes and bush hunters with amulets and juju… The formal forces, headed by people parading fancy titles and ranks, their chests and shoulders weighed down by countless shiny medals and epaulets, now taking orders from bands of bandits and roving freelance killers operating from forests all over the country?

For former die hard optimists like me, our spirits, like that of Hamlet’s father, will find no rest until someone finds answers to the myriad questions that now haunt this place and these times.

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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 ˾ BRUARY 28, 2021

POLITY

Gambari As Correctional Adviser Anietie Effiong

P

rofessor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari is not just the closest person to President Muhammadu Buhari, he is the only one in the present administration who served as Minister when the general first ruled the country as Military Head of State.

Gambari assumed office as Buhari’s Chief of Staff on May 13, 2020. A seasoned scholar, diplomat and administrator, he is Fulani, bears a Yoruba name and studied overseas. He is not in any way one of the noise making ethnic jingoists who go about polluting the polity.

However, there seems to be a disconnect somewhere. And this should bother the erudite professor of Political Science. All the paramilitary agencies in the country are headed by officers from the upper divide, the North.

This is a far cry from the balance in the appointment of Service Chiefs. Two are from the North, two from the South. The Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Air Staff are Southerners. The Army and Navy are commanded by Northerners. This is fair enough.

What appears to be the height of injustice is that in the appointment of Service Chiefs and Heads of the Paramilitary agencies, the South -East is the only Geo-political zone that is not represented. I am not sure Prof. Gambari has taken a critical look at this imbalance.

A break down of the leadership of the Paramilitary organisations shows that the North - Central, Gambari’s zone, is highly favoured, with four of the big jobs. The North-West has three while the remaining two are from the North -East.

Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu hails from the Nasarawa just like the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi. The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Liman Alhaji Ibrahim is from Niger State. Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Boboye Olayemi Oyeyemi is a Kwaran.

The North-West has Mohammed Babandede, from Jigawa as head of the Nigerian Immigration Service. Similar position has been reserved for Abdulrasheed Bawa, from Kebbi in the

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Haliru Nababa, from Sokoto in the Nigerian Correctional Service.

For the North-East, the Nigerian Customs Service is headed by retired soldier from Bauchi, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali. The National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency is under the leadership of Mohammed Buba Marwa, another ex-soldier.

To be fair to Gambari, some of the appointments were made before he became Chief of Staff in May 2020. And some of the appointments made in his time are awaiting confirmation by the Senate. Herein lies the opportunity to make amends.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) formerly known as the Prisons Service should be the place to work things out.

Nababa can only assume duty formally, subject to confirmation by the Senate, in line with the provisions of the New Act which set up the NCoS in 2019.

It could help to douse tension if Nababa were given an appointment outside the NCoS. I am sure there are officers of South-East extraction still serving and who if properly assessed are also qualified to be so elevated. It is a Nigerian thing.

In 1976, following the assassination of Gen.Murtala Mohammed, Lt.Col Shehu Yar’adua was made Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters and promoted to the rank of Brigadier. It was to balance the equation since Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, from the South had assumed office as Head of State.

Nababa could be picked as an Ambassador just like the immediate past Service Chiefs. In that case he loses nothing.

And it should be pointed out that Fidelis Oyakhilome became governor of Rivers State after someone was announced and dropped.

When Gen. Buhari assumed office in 1983, there was no Igbo military officer in his Supreme Military Council. It took some reminding to add Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe. The import here is that under Buhari certain decisions are reversible for good.

And I know that Gambari, the longest serving Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, former President of UNICEF, ex-United Nations Under Secretary General and Peace Envoy can also make peace at home by telling Mr. President that the South -East deserves attention. Now. ––Effiong, a Public Affairs analyst wrote in from Abuja.

Gambari

Terrorism and Its Mutation: Calling a Spade a Hoe What gale of insecurity being currently experienced across country is a systematic and well-orchestrated spread of terrorism, writes Yusuph Olaniyonu

B

etween July 2011 and May 2015, when I served as Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State, the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun made it a practice that most Sundays were devoted to traveling into the hinterland.

The objective was to either identify areas that could be earmarked for one development project or the other or to inspect on-going projects.

For those of us in the small group, who usually formed part of the traveling team, it was a mixed grill of varied experience. While we got to know more about the state and plans of the government than our other colleagues, one also went through harrowing experiences.

We would leave so early and return to the state capital very late.

We fed on bread, bean cake (akara), biscuit, soft drinks and water purchased by the roadside. The bad roads also made the trips very uncomfortable.

On one of such trips in the inner part of Ogun West Senatorial district, which the indigenes generally describe as Yewa, I believe it should be along Ilara-Ijoun area in Imeko Aron Local Government Area, our party ran into a Fulani boy in the middle of a long stretch of bush, herding many cows. The boy had on his head a colorful woven cap. He was definitely well dressed, smart looking and all by himself with the well-fed cows. He could not have been more than ten years old.

The boy’s outfit, and his courage in handling the animals with ease, obviously, impressed Governor Amosun. So, he tried to strike a conversation with the boy. The Governor then asked if any of us could communicate in Hausa.

None of us had the dexterity. As the Governor was lamenting in Yoruba how eight of us would gather and none could speak Hausa, Umar (if I remember very well, that is the boy’s name) heard and responded: “Mo gbo Yoruba (I can speak Yoruba)”, he said to the relief of all of us.

The governor had a chat and posed for a picture with him. In fact, we sent the beautiful pictures of the herd boy and the Governor to national newspapers and they were published. The young man got some naira notes as part of the exchange that evening.

After that day, those of us in the traveling party with Governor Amosun usually exchanged jokes among ourselves that if any top official of the state misbehaved, we would advise the governor to replace him or her with ‘Umar, the competent herd boy who had capacity’. It was our own way of demonstrating how fascinated the Governor was with the herd boy’s turnout that day in the Ijoun forest.

Fast track to February 2021, the same Amosun who is now a senator representing Ogun Central sat in the Senate chambers and listened to lamentations by his colleague, Tolu Odebiyi represent-

ing Ogun West, the area where we met Umar some eight years ago.

Odebiyi was sad, angry and exasperated as he narrated the criminal activities of the herdsmen in the various communities in his Senatorial District. Odebiyi recounted cases of rape, murder, arson and mindless violence unleashed on the host communities by the supposed herdsmen such that farmers could not go to their farms.

Also, in the night, residents sleep with one eye closed as they expect the invasion of their homes by the criminal elements that are believed to be cattle rearers.

Odebiyi was not alone in the outcry about the heinous crimes, which are being attributed to herdsmen across Ogun State and many parts of the country. The situation has degenerated to such level that state governors turned on each other and traded harsh words on the pages of newspapers over claims and counterclaims on the activities of the herdsmen.

Today, the security of our country is discussed and defined largely on the activities of the so-called herdsmen and their cows.

Each time I play in my mind the video of Odebiyi’s vituperation on the floor of the Senate over the activities of the so-called herdsmen and the reports of violence they have unleashed across the country, my mind simply makes a flashback to that encounter we had with the pleasant herd boy, Umar.

Now, Umar must be a teenager or a young man. Can that friendly, confident, good mannered and soft-spoken boy truly have grown to become the monster that is being painted about herdsmen in Yewa and other places? From our short encounter, I could deduce that boy had never travelled out of the Imeko Afon LGAwhere we met him.

That area is his home. His neighbors are the people of that area. He speaks the language of the people and if he understands Fulfude or Hausa, it will be a second language. His first language is Yoruba. The women in that area know him and he probably once in a while plays with the Yoruba boys of his age around his abode.

How will Umar, eight years after our encounter with him, become so hateful of the only environment he has known all his life as his home and be ready to decapitate or violate the people among whom he has lived all his life?

What transformation will make that boy to rape women, set fire to homes, destroy food crop on the farms, kill or maim farmers and want to destroy the villages that he and his parents, perhaps, grandparents too, have all settled in and do their cattle rearing business without any disturbance over the years? What could have radicalised him to plot violence against his own community?

The hypothesis I am building here is that I do not believe

Umar who is my typical Fulani man or herdsman, who has lived among the people of his host community for many decades, is responsible for the new wave of violence in our communities.

For decades, herdsmen, who migrated from other parts of the country have lived peacefully with their host communities and become a part of the communities. Along the line, there have been disagreements over destruction of farm crops by straying cows. That is not unexpected as many other professions or vocation would create clash of interests in their bid to survive.

For example, hunters and farmers also disagree as the hooting and noise by farmers on the farm could chase away the targeted game of a hunter. Even doctors and other para-medical staff fight over control of dominance of the hospital environment. And each community has also devised peaceful means of resolving the clash of interests.

However, this sudden wave of high criminality being attributed to herdsmen is unprecedented. And it is for this reason that I believe we are all being lazy crediting the invasion of the farms and violence against our farming communities as the mischief of some herdsmen.

What we are seeing is the systematic and well planned, orchestrated and articulated spread of terrorism across the country. And the earlier our security agencies see this new wave of herdsmen violence as the mutation of the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), the better for their strategic planning to counter and defeat these evil forces.

The men who rape, rob, set fire on villages, destroy farms, kidnap and demand ransom and decapitate farmers in our food growing communities are not the herdsmen of Umar’s ilk.

Umar that I saw eight years ago or his older brothers and parents remain the jolly good fellows that are Yoruba or whatever is the tribe of the area they reside.

They are just mere victims of a grand plan by terrorists to spread violence, raise money for their destabilising activities, distract security agencies and further sow discord in our country.

It is wrong for security agencies and our political leaders to keep on separating Boko Haram insurgents in the North East from the terrorists, who were wrongly termed bandits but specialise in kidnap and cattle-rustling operations in the North West and North Central or engage in kidnap, robbery, rape, arson and murder in the Southwest and South-south.

They are all specialised units of the same group. They are merchants of terrorism. Their objective is the same: to destabilise Nigeria and wipe it out of existence. Their sponsors are the same.

What we are witnessing is a product of some sophisticated ––Olaniyonu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja Read the full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2021 • T H I S D AY

ADVERTORIAL

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 28, 2021

GAVEL

Editor: Olawale Olaleye SMS:08116759819 email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com

When Bawa Stood Tall Before the Senate

Last week, at his screening by the Senate as the new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa unfolded his plans for the antigraft agency. Udora Orizu writes

I

t appears a new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is in the o΀ng, as its Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, during his pre-conÀrmation screening by the Senate last Wednesday promised to turn the agency around for the better moments before the upper legislative chamber ratiÀed his nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari to head the nation’s foremost anti-graft agency.

The Senate had at plenary after over two hours of grilling, conÀrmed Bawa as the substantive chairman of the EFCC. Bawa’s conÀrmation ended the six-year absence of a substantive chairman for the anti-graft agency as the Eighth Senate thrice failed to conÀrm the former acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, for the job.

The 40-year-old Economics graduate, who hails from Kebbi state, took turns to answer questions from senators with the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, moderating the screening. He answered questions bordering on economic and Ànancial crimes, among other issues, and laid out his plans for the Commission.

A Stellar Presentation When Bawa took the stage, shortly after he was welcomed to the chamber by the President of the Senate, he wowed the lawmakers with his educational qualiÀcations and achievements during his 16 years work experience as an EFCC o΀cer and the conÀdence he exuded while making his presentation.

Bawa introduced himself and read his biodata, bragging to have been trained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Crime Agency of the United States and the United Kingdom respectively. ‘’I hold a B.Sc and M.Sc from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. I am a CertiÀed Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.

I have also been trained by the FBI and the National Crime Agency of the United States and United Kingdom, respectively. I joined the EFCC in 2004, and was trained in the Act of Law Enforcement and Financial Crimes Investigation. I happen to be the only EFCC o΀cer that has headed three diͿerent zones of the agency”.

A New Plan for EFCC Bawa, in the course of the presentation, pledged to rebrand the agency and run an open door policy. He assured the Senators that the anti-graft agency under his watch would be transparent and accountable.

He promised to work closely with other strategic partners around the world particularly, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa and others, sharing information and intelligence with them in order to attain the mutual objectives as well as independent objectives, particularly recovering assets and ensuring the country gets rid of Ànancial crimes.

The EFCC under his watch, he said, would work on a proactive approach and not retroactive, adding that there was a need to adequately equip the EFCC Academy in line with modern-day realities of Àghting Ànancial crimes. ‘’The rules of the country and that of the EFCC have always and will always guide my actions if conÀrmed by the Senate as the next executive chairman of EFCC.’’ 6LJQLÀFDQFH RI %DZD·V &KRLFH Bawa stated that his nomination signiÀed hope for the youth across the country, and

Bawa during screening at the Senate

promised to be a good representative.

He said, ‘’I’m not unaware of the fact that my nomination caused a lot of hope for the teeming youth around the country.

I want to state that I will give the youth a very good representation so that at the end of the day more youths will be given huge responsibility in the country. ‘’The fear of God, national interest and the fact that we are young men and future of this country are the driving force to ensure that come what may till the end of my tenure, I will leave the EFCC in a better place.’’

An Impressed Senate Shortly after his presentation, some senators took turns to shower encomium on him. Senators like the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-agege, Senator Adamu Aliero and Senate Majority Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi all expressed satisfaction with Bawa’s presentation.

Omo-Agege in particular opined that since the inception of the agency and screening of the nominees by the Senate, he has never seen a nominee as eloquent as Bawa.

His words, ‘’Since inception, from Nihu Ribadu to the present acting chairman, I have seen so many nominees come and go, none was as eloquent in his presentation as Bawa. I commend President Buhari for this nomination; it’s unique. We are proud of you and your achievements.’’

7LQXEX·V 0RWKHUO\ $GYLFH Ranking Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central senatorial district, who congratulated Bawa for being eminently qualiÀed, oͿered what she called motherly advice. The 60 year old appealed to Bawa to resist any form of temptation, which she said, would deÀnitely come.

She said: ‘’You are going to wear big shoes, temptations will come, I urge your

wife to pray for you just as I would for you too.’’

1RZ WKH 6FUHHQLQJ 3URSHU Though the Senate President and his deputy were seemingly mesmerized by Bawa’s presentation and held the view that ordinarily, he would have been asked to take a bow and go, the lawmakers however said he needed to provide answers to pertinent questions for Nigerians, which was also required for his conÀrmation.

First to ask was the Majority Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi followed by Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe. The duo asked Bawa his plan to reposition the agency and ensure that the controversies that trailed his predecessors were not repeated.

Responding, Bawa said he would work on the agency’s standard operating procedure with a view to improving on it. He also said he would curtail the usage of discretion from the o΀ce of the executive chairman down to the ordinary person in the EFCC. Responding to question on access to EFCC information, Bawa said he would embark on the digitalisation of the agency so as to keep proper records as well as allow Nigerians to have access to information on EFCC operations. He however dismissed claims that he was once arrested by Magu, for undisclosed reasons, saying he had a good working relationship with him.

On the reported sales of recovered assets, Bawa, also denied allegations that he sold some seized assets, when he was at the Port Harcourt zonal o΀ce of the agency saying, the EFCC Secretary is the only person authorised to dispose of recovered assets.

Addressing claims that the commission only probed members of the opposition party, Bawa faulted the notion, saying regardless of the party in power, the EFCC probed all while those found culpable were taken to court for trial.

Asked if all recovered assets were being remitted to the government or not, he explained that recoveries were made for the public or government and also individuals in the private sector. These recoveries, he said, erre shared among those concerned and not just the federal government.

Responding to a question asked by former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume on how he intended to contend with the absence of “Unexplained Wealth Order/ Act”, without which Àghting corruption is like scratching the surface, Bawa said the EFCC Act (2003) has given the agency enough powers to investigate any property which, in the opinion of EFCC is beyond the income of the owner, even when there is no petition from any quarters.

Asked whether or not he was going to retain police o΀cers or return all of them, he said, ‘’the issue of secondment or desecondment of personnel in public service from one agency to another is an issue of need, if the need arises we will, if it doesn’t arise you second or desecond to your organization.

“We are looking at a situation where we have a very robust and articulated establishment. If the need arises for us to retain some of the police o΀cers we will retain them, if the need arises to return them, we will return them. ‘’After all, we are all serving the same government and we all desire to have a better Nigeria. We are the EFCC. We are very grateful with the foundation laid by the police authority at the EFCC. “We are not unmindful of the fact that they were all serving or retired police o΀cers. From the pioneer chairman, Nihu Bibadu to the current acting chairman, we’ve had a very good cordial relationship with them.’’

As it is, it appears all eyes are on Bawa to see how he goes about the changes he promised in the operations of the anti-graft agency. Time will deÀnitely tell!

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

PERSPECTIVE The Need for National Resilience Policy and Standard Tunji Olaopa

W

e live in a VUCA world—vulnerable, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. And it takes little reflection for anyone to see how this is immediately so. While the idea of a VUCA world was introduced into the lexicon by reflection on strategy and leadership, the COVID-19 pandemic has added an aggravated dimension to how vulnerable, uncertain, complex and ambiguous the world is. Everything that constitutes axioms that define our normality has been upturned and shattered. Each region of the world is then left to come to terms with the uncertainty and to address it in its own way.

While wrapping my head again around the idea of VUCA, I could not but be drawn into the philosophical idea of existentialism, and the historical exigencies that brought it into existence.

The Second World War contributed in no small measure into shaping the philosophical framework of existentialism. Contrary to the rationalist’s perception of the world as being grounded on the infallibility of reason, the existentialists learnt from historical circumstances to adumbrate a view of reality founded on instability. To borrow Heidegger’s graphic statement, we are “thrown into the world” where our fundamental freedom is curtailed by meaninglessness and uncertainty. Existence—in the throes of frustration, dread, anxiety, sickness, and finally death—therefore defeats our most optimistic human aspirations. COVID-19 could only happen in such a VUCA world the existentialists foresaw.

And nowhere is this VUCA reality more distinct and brutal than in the third world—Latin America, Asia, Africa. One of the fundamental ideas behind the concept of “development” and “underdevelopment” is the extent to which the developed countries, compared with the underdeveloped ones, have been able to reduce the VUCA reality in their institutional and governance dynamics. A country could be considered underdeveloped because it has no structural and procedural means by which it could preempt adverse circumstances and disasters, like the COVID-19. I can immediately anticipate the spate of objections that will point at the relative ease with which the pandemic undermined the stable institutions and developmental assurances of Europe and North America. This is demonstrated fact. And I agree. But something is still off about underdevelopment.

This is where I bring in the subject matter of this piece—the idea of resilience as a governance and development concept. This is a concept that has made its way from self-help discourse to national characterization. For instance, the resilience of Nigerians has been widely celebrated. In 2018, the World Happiness Report (WHR) ranked Nigeria as the 5th happiest country in Africa, and the 91st in the world. The 2020 Report drops Nigeria to 115th place in the world, and the 17th in Africa. Despite falling in the ranking, one still wonders what about Nigeria’s postcolonial and post-independence development predicament could make Nigerians one of the happiest people in the world. Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s famous song, “Shuffering and Shmiling,” best captures the situation in which Nigerians resiliently keep moving forward beyond every development obstacle that make their lives a living hell.

But the plunge in the WHR tells more than a statistical story. It speaks to something more fundamental about our state of existence as a nation, as well as our governance dynamics, and its capacity to achieve well-being. The rate at which otherwise successful people have been committing suicide suggests that the famed resilience of Nigerians has been overstretched and their legendary coping mechanisms are beginning to wane. And this is precisely a tragic example that teaches a significant development lesson—the need for a national resilience benchmarking in Nigeria. One brutal fact of Nigeria’s underdevelopment is that it is missing out on many significant institutional correlates of development and good governance. For instance, there is no national integrity system, just as there is no national resilience policy and standard.

What is resilience, in developmental and governance terms? The Committee on Increasing National Resilience to Hazards and Disasters, in Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative, defines resilience as “the ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, recover from, and more successfully adapt to adverse events. Enhanced resilience allows better anticipation of disasters and better planning to

Buhari reduce disaster losses—rather than waiting for an event to occur and paying for it afterward.” This definition makes resilience the existentialist idea par excellence! Resilience enables a state to build into her development framework institutions, dynamics and structures that both anticipate and preempt disasters.

And it is the presence of these resilience standards and systems that defines the difference, for instance, in the way the COVID-19 pandemic has been handled in, say, the United States and Nigeria. In this context, it will be too trite to complacently point at how the pandemic has ravaged Europe and North America, or how Nigeria—as well as many other African countries—have been able to fare better than the so-called developed countries. First, no one has an explanation yet as to why the virus has not been as devastating as it was projected to be, given Nigeria’s poor healthcare and socioeconomic realities. But second, and more fundamentally, Europe and North America have in place anticipatory institutional and governance mechanisms that kicked in to alleviate even the enormous weight of the pandemic on their citizens. Long and short: Nigeria, like most other African countries, do not have systemic strategies in place to confront and alleviate the consequences of systemic threats.

In the United Kingdom, the National Resilience Standards for Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) was crafted in consonance with the Civil Contingencies Act to achieve a high level of success in “emergency preparedness, response and recovery,” as well as establish the capacity readiness of the LRFs to preempt and handle such extreme contingencies. The UK National Resilience Standards has fifteen items: (i) LRF Governance and Support Arrangements, (ii) Local Risk Assessment, (iii) communicating risks to the public, (iv) emergency planning, (v) community resilience development, (vi) interoperability, (vii) training, (viii) exercising, (ix) business continuity management, (x) business continuity promotion, (xi) strategic coordination center (SCC): preparation and operation, (xii) strategic coordination groups (SCG): preparation and activation, (xiii) local recovery management, (xiv) cyber incident preparedness, and (xv) pandemic influenza preparedness.

Establishing a national resilience system in Nigeria is a singular development imperative that must be facilitated if the development vision and strategies of the Nigerian state would no longer be subject to occasional and regular disasters over which we have no immunity. However, the emergence of such a resilience system will be conditional on so many other variables defined by Nigeria’s national integration dynamics. In other words, to be able to achieve resilience as a state, we need to first learn, unlearn and relearn so many other things that will enable us to live and develop together. In my little book,

The Joy of Learning (2009), I outlined a learning imperative that I consider to be critical to both a national value reorientation and cultural adjustment programme that will assist Nigerians in coming to terms with our plural situation, and learn from it.

One critical pillar in learning throughout life is what has been called “learning to live together.” This requires not only developing an understanding of other people and their differences, but also coming to a deep knowledge and appreciation of how these different people are also so much like us, and how we can only function by being interdependent. Thus, to be able to stand together in the face of disaster and other systemic threats to our development, we need to first stand together and appreciate our plural relationship.

This is where the Nigerian educational system becomes a critical component in the need for a national value reorientation and cultural adjustment programmes, two fundamental prerequisites to achieving the institution of a national resilience system. Nigeria’s educational system must be capable of generating curricula, syllabuses and other orientation schemes that will not only educate on the imperative of the reevaluation of values that have weaken our unity and those that can sustain it. They also can be imbued with contents that speaks to resilience as an alternative philosophical and methodological framework that can complement conventional risk assessment methodologies to enable us develop an adaptive mentality and systems that can combat systemic threats. And one will be surprised at some of the academic texts that can generate insights about resilience.

An instance will suffice. As a literature student in those days, reading Jane Austen’s novels, and especially the most famous one, Pride and Prejudice, was no joy for me. And that could have been because her context did not resonate so much as, say, Things Fall Apart. But I have come to realize what I had missed in not taking the time to be patient with Jane Austen. Her novels offer precious insights on resilience. In Jane Austen’s novels, her life trajectory blurs into those of her heroines as a study in perseverance and resilience against the instability of a society that hardly thinks the woman is human. And yet she survived and became sturdy. Reading any of Jane Austen’s novel, together with, say Chinua Achebe’s or Wole Soyinka, could serve a syllabus meant to transform our mentality about resilience and its fundamental role in injecting strength into Nigeria’s governance and developmental framework and dynamics.

––– Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Retired Federal Permanent Secretary & Directing Staff, National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos tolaopa2003@gmail.com

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FE ͺ΀˜ ͺ͸Ͱͯ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERNATIONAL ECOWAS Protocols and Regional Insecurity: Right of Establishment Versus Armed Banditry in Nigeria

T

he Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was initially established as a sub-regional economic cooperation outfit in 1975.

Seven complementary factors were considered in establishing the economic community: need for economic and social development of all the Member States; that economico-social development requires cooperation through concerted policy of self-reliance; that sub-regional economic integration progress requires assessment of economic interests of Member States; the need for a fair and equitable distribution of the benefits of cooperation; that bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation will enable wider cooperation; that efforts at sub-regional cooperation should not conflict with similar efforts at wider level of cooperation in Africa; and most importantly, the need to eliminate all types of obstacles to the free movement of goods, capital and persons.

The Treaty establishing the ECOWAS was done in Lagos, Nigeria on May 28,1975.It was revised and signed in Cotonou on 24th July,1993. It entered into force on 23rd August, 1995. Three types of agreement are done within the framework of the 1975 ECOWAS Treaty as Revised: Conventions, Protocols, and Acts.

Although there are nuances in their conception, they all create obligations for all the Member Signatories. We are more concerned here with protocols. Cognitively put, a protocol is either a summary of a treaty, or an agreement itself, or a treaty that amends or supplements another treaty. It is a procès-verbal, that is, a formal record of proceedings of a conference or of a congress.

The notion of a conference refers to the outcome of serious intellectual meetings while that of a congress refers to outcomes of political meetings. In the context of ECOWAS, the Protocols are largely a resultant from political meetings. Commitment to the obligations created by the Protocols cannot be said to be total: in the period from 1978 through October 2010, the number of Protocols and Conventions signed was 53 (fifty-three). Ghana and Togo topped the list with 43 ratifications each, followed by Sierra Leone, Mali and Senegal with 42 ratifications each. The Gambia had 41 ratifications while Nigeria and Burkina Faso were placed in the fourth group with 40.

What is noteworthy again is that the Lusophone countries had the least number of ratifications. Guinea Bissau, for instance, ratified 24 out of 51 agreements which it had signed or to which it had acceded. Guinea Bissau did not sign or accede to the Conventions on Extradition. In the same vein, the Republic of Cape Verde ratified 24 agreements out of 50 of which it is part. It should be noted that Cape Verde neither signed nor acceded to the Protocol Relating to Mutual Assistance on Defence; the Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management Resolution, Peace-keeping and Security; and the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance Supplementary to the Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peace-keeping and Security. This lack of total commitment to the Protocols relating to national and sub-regional insecurity largely explains why armed banditry and insurgency is thriving in Nigeria and West Africa.

ECOWAS Protocols and Regional Insecurity The lack of total commitment to ECOWAS Protocols can be explained by the factor of tardiness in ratifying them and by refusal to even accede to some of them. In terms of number of agreements yet to be ratified as at the end of March 2009, Ghana and Togo had 10 each. Senegal, Sierra Leone and Mali had 11 each. Nigeria had 13, Liberia and Guinea Bissau had 28 while Cape Verde had 26.

The implications of non-entry into force and lack of total commitment include non-creation of obligations, especially in the context of conflict prevention and management, as well as the need for mutual assistance. Apart from intra-Community assistance, some of the protocols constitute a major source of political instability as it is in Nigeria with Boko Haramism and armed banditry. Vie Internationale strongly believes that the relevant Protocols relating to regional insecurity should be revisited in order to contain the deepening level of insecurity in the ECOWAS region.

Of the many Protocols done, two categories of them deal directly and indirectly with regional security (African Union’s definition of a region as per AEC Treaty, Article 1(d) and (e). The direct Protocols

VIE INTERNATIONALE

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Buhari are the Protocols on Non-aggression, the Protocol Relating to Mutual Assistance on Defence, and the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. The issues of Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment, from which complaints about armed banditry and insurgency, as well as terrorism are derived from in Nigeria, are the indirect agreements.

They include the Protocol Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment; Supplementary Protocol on the Code of Conduct for the Implementation of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence and Establishment; Supplementary Protocol on the Second Phase (Right of Residence) of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence and Establishment; Supplementary Protocol on the Implementation of the Third Phase (Right of Establishment of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment; and Supplementary Act A/SA.3/07/10 Defining the Role of Permanent Representatives of Member States to ECOWAS. Explained differently, ECOWAS Protocols encourage free movement of persons, goods, their right to settle down and reside in any Member State, and more importantly, what the roles of the Permanent Representatives should be. In Nigeria, the situation of insecurity has become very critical and embarrassing to the extent that questions are now being raised on the aforementioned protocols. What have the Protocols provided for? In which way do they constitute public threats to regional and sub-regional security?

What role has the ECOWAS been playing in Nigeria’s crisis of insecurity?

In the strong belief that the ECOWAS could not ‘attain its objectives save in an atmosphere of peace and harmonious understanding among the Member States of the Community and in compliance with Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits threats or use of force against the territorial integrity or independence of any State, as well as in compliance with Article 3(3)of the OAU Charter, which required the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each State, the ECOWAS

In fact, President Buhari, rather than raise questions on foreigners living irregularly in Nigeria, simply gave six months to them to regularise their stay. For not applying for extension of stay, the illegal residents committed a criminal offence. Such regularisation completely ignored whether the visitor was eligible for admission into Nigeria in the first instance. On the basis of PMB’s directive, Nigeria undoubtedly attracted more bandits into Nigeria, a situation that now raises how to reconcile the contradiction between the Right of freedom to reside and establish in Nigeria, and preventing resident foreigners from engaging in armed banditry and insurrectional activities in Nigeria. Thus ECOWAS Protocols are not the problems per se, but the corruption-driven refusal of Government to truly control the inflow of bandits. ECOWAS Protocols can be revisited and strengthened. However, the Nigerian truth was already told by Babington Macaulay in a House of Commons speech in 1842: ‘’Timid and interested politicians think much more about the security of their seats than about the security of their country.’’This is why Nigeria under PMB has become the terra cognita of armed banditry and boko haramism

Authority signed the Protocol on Non-aggression in Lagos on 22nd April, 1978.

Even though the Protocol is, in design, meant to prevent any threat or use of force against one another, or encouraging or condoning acts of subversion, the provisions of Article 2 and 3 are quite relevant and interesting to the Nigerian situation. Article 2 says that ‘each Member State shall refrain from committing, encouraging or condoning acts of subversion, hostility, or aggression against the territorial integrity or political independence of the other Member States.’ In this regard, how do we interpret ‘shall refrain from... condoning acts of subversion...? An act of condoning is necessarily an act of acquiescence. Not condoning simply implies coming into the open to condemn, to join hands with the victim states to fight all manifestations of subversion. It is a truism to say that the Boko Haram insurrection has the objective of subversion of the Government of Nigeria, and in fact, an objective to create an Islamic State in Nigeria. And where an Islamic State is impossible, to have Nigeria partitioned into Muslim North and Christian South.

The apparent inadequate silence or inaction of the ECOWAS Member States on the matter of subversion is a breach of Article 2 of the Non-aggression Protocol. Perhaps more interestingly, according to Article 3 of the Protocol, ‘each Member State shall undertake to prevent Foreigners resident on its territory from committing the acts referred to in Article 2 above against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other Member States.’ The immediate implication of this Article is that, while the Protocols on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment are there for Community Citizens to take advantage of, it is still the responsibility of their host States to control and prevent the resident Foreigners from engaging in any act of subversion. Thus whether the Fulani herders creating problems in different parts of Nigeria are Nigerians or foreigners, President Muhammadu Buhari cannot have any good excuse for his inability to ensure national security in Nigeria. He is internationally liable for his inability.

Again, from the perspective of Protocol A/SP.3/5/81 Relating to Mutual Assistance on Defence, done on the 29th May, 1981 the ECOWAS Authority considered that Member States belong to the same geographical area and that there were ‘serious continuous threats of aggression on the African continent’ that may ‘constitute support forces to external aggression,’ and therefore resolved to ‘safeguard and consolidate the independence and the sovereignty of Member States against foreign intervention.’ It is against this background that the Protocol on the need for mutual assistance was done.

Article 2 of the Protocol provides that ‘Member States declare and accept that any armed threat or aggression directed against any Member State shall constitute a threat or aggression against the entire Community. And more interestingly, Article 3 of the same Protocol stipulates that ‘Member States resolve to give mutual aid and assistance for defence against any armed threat or aggression.’

Additionally, Article 4 requires all Member States to also take appropriate measures in the event of an armed conflict between or among Member States in which peaceful means of settlement becomes difficult, and particularly ‘in case of internal armed conflict within any Member State, engineered and supported actively from outside likely to endanger the security and peace in the entire community. In this case, the Authority shall appreciate and decide on this situation in full collaboration with the Authority of the Member State or states concerned.’

Acursory look at the foregoing protocolar provisions clearly shows that the Boko Haram insurgency is not simply an insurgency against the Government and People of Nigeria but also against the entire peoples in the ECOWAS region. Consequently, all the Member States of the ECOWAS have the responsibility to provide assistance to the Government of Nigeria by obligation. The insurgency has a foreign support element. Both the United Nations and the African Union also frown at domestic insurrection. And most unfortunately too, it is precisely these ECOWAS Protocols that are aimed to promote regional unity and economic integration that have been a major dynamic of insecurity in Nigeria, hence Government has been fraught with challenges that Member States have not been able to contain. In this regard, what are the relevant ECOWAS Protocols on the matter?

Right of Establishment versus Armed Banditry Protocol A/P.1/5/79 Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment, in consonance with paragraph 1 of Article 27 of ECOWAS Treaty that confers the status of Community citizenship on the citizens of Member States and which also enjoins Member States to abolish all obstacles to freedom of movement and residence within the Community, has it in its Article 2 that ‘the Community citizens have the right to enter, reside and establish in the territory of Member States.’

For the purposes of this right, a maximum transitional period of 15 years from the definitive date of entry into force was provided for in the Protocol, which entered into force on April 8, 1980, meaning that the transitional period should end in the first week of April 1995. More important, whatever may be the obstacles to the enablement of the Right of Entry, Residence and Establishment, the obligation is that the obstacles must have been removed within the 15-year period of transition provided for in Article 3. The article delineated a 3-phase period for the attainment of the objective.

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NEWS Piracy Worsens Despite 120% Surge in Naval Budget

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: ÑÌÙãÏÑ˲ËÕÓØÝËØ×Ó̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͸΀͹ͽͺͻͽ΁ͺͽͻ

Nigeria records 250 attacks in eight years Gulf of Guinea accounted for 95% kidnapping cases in 2020 Gboyega Akinsanmi

With its 17.95% share of 195 piracy and armed robbery attacks against ships in 2020, Nigeria’s maritime environment is adjudged the world’s most turbulent waters worldwide, according to an International Maritime Bureau (IMB) report analysed

by THISDAY. IMB, a specialised division of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), also revealed in its report that with 35 actual and attempted attacks in 2020, Nigeria precisely had a 39.97% share of 88 cases reported in Africa’s waters.

These cases were revealed in ICC-IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report (01 January – 31 December 2020), indicating that there was no improvement in Nigeria’s fight against piracy and armed robbery at seas in the year under review.

This is despite a 121% increase in budgetary allocation between 2011 and 2020 to the Nigerian Navy, an arm of the Nigeria Armed Forces, mandated under Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution to protect and secure Nigeria’s territorial and international waters.

Since piracy and armed robbery against ships have been on the increase in Nigeria’s waters a decade ago, a survey of Appropriation Acts between 2011 and 2020 revealed that over N856.29 billion, which represented about 24.21% of total defence budget, had been allocated to the Nigerian Navy.

From N59.02 billion budgetary allocation in 2011, THISDAY’s survey revealed that the navy’s share of the

defence budget increased to N130.81 billion, which translated to 121% budget increase, perhaps the second highest percentage increase in the history of defence budgeting.

In 2011, as shown in Appropriation Acts, N59.02 billion was budgeted for the Nigerian Navy; N74.14 billion in 2012; N73.39 billion in 2013; N70.11 billion in 2014; N74.99 billion in 2015; N85.88 billion in 2016; N89.58 billion in 2017; N97.13 billion in 2018; N101.24 billion in 2019 and N130.81 billion in 2020.

The allocations, according to THISDAY’s survey, did not include what the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) paid private maritime security companies (PMSCs) within the same period under maritime security and surveillance contracts.

With these budgetary commitments to fighting criminalities at seas, according to IMB’s report, Nigeria recorded 35 of the 88 attacks in 2020, precisely accounting for 39.97%; Benin Republic 11 (12.5%); Ghana nine (10.22%); Angola six (6.8%); Guinea five (5.68%) and the Congo three (3.4%).

While the actual and attempted attacks did not increase between 2019 and 2020, the report revealed that Nigeria recorded a 45.45%

increase between 2017 and 2018, though declined by 27% between 2018 and 2019.

Across Africa’s maritime environment, IMB’s report showed that Nigeria had 31

(39.24%) of the 79 attacks in 2013; 18 (32.73%) of the 55 attacks in 2014; 14 (40%) of the 35 attacks in 2015; 36 (58.06%) of the 62 attacks in 2016; 33 (57.89%) of the 57 attacks in

!

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2017; 48 (55.17%) of the 87 attacks in 2018; 35 (49.29%) of the 71 attacks in 2019 and 35 (39.77%) in 2020.

Between 2013 and 2020, the report revealed, no fewer than 534 actual and attempted attacks were recorded in Africa’s waters. Of this figure, Nigeria recorded 250 cases, which by implication accounted for about 47%.

Within the timeframe, according to the report, the Congo had 6.36% with 34 cases; Ghana 6.18% with 33 cases; Benin Republic 3.93% with 21 cases; Togo 3.18% with 17 cases and other countries had 33.52% with 197 cases.

In its executive summary by the Director of ICC-IMB, Mr. Michael Howlett, the report revealed that 135 crew members were kidnapped globally from their vessels in 2020, with the Gulf of Guinea accounting for over 95% of crew numbers kidnapped.

Howlett, further, wrote in part: “A record 130 crew members were kidnapped in 22 separate incidents. Since 2019, the Gulf of Guinea has experienced an unprecedented rise in the number of multiple crew kidnappings.

“In the last quarter of 2019 alone, the Gulf of Guinea recorded 39 crew kidnapped in two separate incidents. Incidents in the Gulf of Guinea are particularly dangerous as over 80% of attackers were armed with guns, according to the latest

IMB figures.

“All three vessel hijackings and nine of the 11 vessels fired upon in 2020 related to this region. Crew kidnappings were reported in 25% of vessel attacks in the Gulf of Guinea – more than any other region in the world.

“Once kidnapped, crew members are removed from their vessel and can be held on shore until their release is negotiated. The furthest crew kidnapping in 2020 occurred almost 200 nautical miles from land with the average kidnapping incident taking place over 60nw from land.

“The rise in kidnapping incidents further away from shorelines demonstrates the increasing capabilities of pirates in the Gulf of Guinea,” Howlett said.

Given these developments, ICC-IMB recommended that all vessels in the Gulf of Guinea should remain at least 250nw from the coast at all times, or until the vessel could transit to commence cargo operations at a berth or safe anchorage.

Howlett observed that the latest statistics “confirm the increased capabilities of pirates in the Gulf of Guinea with more and more attacks taking place further from the coast.

“This is a worrying trend that can only be resolved through increased information exchange and coordination between vessels, reporting and response agencies in the Gulf of Guinea Region.

“Despite prompt action by navies in the region, there remains an urgent need to address this crime, which continues to have a direct impact on the safety and security of innocent seafarers.”

Emefiele: Inflation Pushed Dangote Refinery Project Cost to $15bn /LVWV EHQHÀWV RI WKH SURMHFWV WR WKH FRXQWU\ Says agreement sealed with NNPC, oil giants

Peter Uzoho

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele yesterday disclosed that inflation had pushed the cost of building Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant and other projects from $12 billion to $15 billion.

Emefiele, also, revealed that Dangote Group, a Nigerian multinational industrial conglomerate, had sealed agreements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other oil producing multinationals to purchase crude oil locally to feed the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery.

He made this disclosure yesterday at a session with journalists after an inspection of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant and Fertilizer Plant in Lagos alongside the country’s leading captains of industry.

Emefiele inspected the facility in the company of President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko; Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola and Chairman of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, among others.

At the session with journalists, Emefiele said: “As far as I know, as at the last count, in terms of the cost of this project, it may be close to $15 to $16 billion at this time.

“When this project was contemplated, when it was still on the drawing board about six years ago, before it started four years ago, it was meant to be about $7.5 billion.

“That time, $3.75 billion was to be raised by equity himself (Dangote), and then, local banks -$1.75; I think foreign banks -1.75 billion. And like you heard, this project cost has now moved up to over $15 billion.”

The apex bank said Dangote had assured him that the

purchase of Nigerian crude by the refinery would not affect Nigeria’s 1.6 million barrels per day mandatory export volume as allocated to it by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

He disclosed that Dangote Group would actualise upon the discussion and agreement between Dangote and its suppliers, mainly Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and oil producing companies in the country.

CBN’s governor said by buying crude in Naira and selling refined petroleum products in Nigeria in naira, the company would save the country a lot of foreign exchange and help to strengthen the local currency.

“By being a country that is lucky to have a refinery of this size, what you will find is that, I think Nigeria’s production capacity right now by the OPEC arrangement is about 1.6 million

barrels per day.

“Because we are going to be refining locally, Nigeria will continue to export its 1.6 million barrels per day. That is what Dangote said and this 650,000 barrels per day. That is based on agreement and discussion with NNPC or with other oil producing multinationals operating in the country.

“Dangote could buy his crude in naira, anchored in the platts and refine it and produce it for Nigeria’s use in naira. So, that is where the element where FX is saved for the country becomes very clear,” Emefiele said.

He also said he was optimistic that by refining in Nigeria, all the cost associated with demurrage for import as well as the costs associated with freight will be totally eliminated.

According to him, that will make the price of petroleum products cheaper in naira in Nigeria.

He noted the refinery, which will be producing more than the country’s requirement for white products, would equally create opportunities for Nigerian investors to start acquiring small vessels and begin to buy from the refinery in naira to export to other African countries.

While such an arrangement will increase the volume and revenue in Naira for Dangote Refinery, however, Emefiele pointed out: “As a central banker, it means it is helping to push Naira into the ECOWAS subregion as a currency. That is a big matter of interest for me. So, you cannot almost quantify the benefit from having this refinery in Nigeria.”

He said inflation, based on what Dangote told him, had pushed the total cost of the refinery and other projects to over $15 billion at the moment.

CBN’s governor acknowledged that the projects would

save about 41 per cent of foreign exchange spent on importation, noting that the projects were a testament of Dangote’s commitment to save Nigeria.

By this time next year, Emefiele disclosed that Nigeria’s cost of importing petroleum products, polyethylene, polypropylene, fertiliser or other ammonium products, currently being imported, would be saved.

As a result, according to CBN’s governor, Nigeria’s reserve will be saved.

Emefiele said: “It will help us so that we can begin to focus on importing more important items that we cannot produce in Nigeria today. I have always said it and in the last four years I have said it on every trip that this project that Dangote has embarked upon, the Central Bank of Nigeria has over N100 billion commitments in the intervention.

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NEWSXTRA Report: State Govts Now Doubt FG’s Capacity to Provide Security Says COVID-19, #EndSARS push killing up by 43% Recommends 9-point antidote to mass atrocities Gboyega Akinsanmi Nigeria’s sub-national governments have lost confidence in the capacity of the federal government to provide security amid rising cases of mass atrocities that claimed 4,558 lives nationwide in 2020, Global Rights, an international human rights organisation based in Washington D.C., has said.

The organisation claimed that the reported cases of mass atrocities in 2020 represented a 42.9% increase above 3,188 incidents recorded nationwide in 2019, thereby making 2020 a brutal year for most Nigerians amid the outbreaks of COVID-19 and the eruption of #EndSARS protests.

It reeled these figures in a glaringly damning report on mass atrocities across Nigeria released about 24 hours after a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs)

asked President Muhammadu Buhari to step aside provided he could no longer fulfill his constitutional mandate.

In its 24-page report titled “Save the Date: National Day of Mourning,” the organisation revealed that mass atrocities-related killings by region affected no fewer than 1527 (33.5%) in Northwest with Katsina, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari, recording second highest after Kaduna.

In Northeast, the epicentre of Boko Haram insurgencies, the report put mass atrocities-related killings at 1508 (33.08%), Northcentral 685 (15.03%), South-south 443 (9.72%), South-west 231 (5.07%) and South-east 162 (3.55%).

While banditry claimed 1982, which accounted for 44.46%, the report said the insurgencies by Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State in West

Africa Province (ISWAP) cost 1173 representing about 26.30% of the total mass atrocities-related killings.

The report, also, put killings that resulted from communal clashes at 407 (9.13%), extra-judicial killing 271 (6.08%), herdsmen killing 270 (6.06%), cult-gang killings 247 (5.54), isolated killings 185 (4.15), mob action 12 (0.26%), politically motivated killings 7 (0.15%) and pirate attacks 4 (0,09%).

It ranked states of the federation that were adjudged extremely ailing and pathologically fragile to include Borno with 1176 cases

of killings, accounting for 26.8% of the mass atrocities-related killings in 2020.

Also classified with fragile states, the report ranked Kaduna second with 628 cases (13.78%), Katsina third with 501 cases (10.99%), Zamfara fourth with 262 cases (5.75%), Niger fifth with 254 cases (5.57%), Benue sixth with 145 cases (3.18%), Delta seventh with 141 cases (3.09%), Plateau eighth with 139 cases (3.05%), Edo ninth with 118 cases (2.58%) and Adamawa tenth with 111 cases (2.45%).

Apparently judging from these indices of killing resulting from

widespread banditry, insurgency, communal clashes and intractable farmers-herdsmen conflict, the report claimed that the state governments seemed “to have registered their dissonance and lack of faith in the government at the centre to provide security leadership. “ Supported with incontrovertible evidence, the report observed that the decision of the governors of Southwest states to establish the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed Operation Amotekun was, for all intent and purpose, a vote of no confidence in the federal government’s ability to

secure their states.

Also, the report buttressed its claim with nationwide citizens’ frustration with the state of affairs, which it said, was palpable throughout the year and especially in October 2020.

Specifically, it noted that the #EndSARS movement was “not just about police brutality, but about insecurity, and social injustice. It was a cry for good governance starting with one theme. Other citizens led movements on security that elicited viral hashtags included the #NorthernLivesMatter movement, and the #SecureNorth protests.”

Odumakin Cautions FG against Igboho’s Arrest Tobi Soniyi President, Centre for Change, Dr. Joe Okei Odumakin has called on the federal government to thread carefully following alleged plans by security agents to arrest Mr. Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho.

While calling on the government to learn from history, she said that Boko Haram became a big threat because the government failed to handle it properly at the beginning.

She said: “We received with concern the reported attempt by security operatives to whimsically arrest Yoruba rights activists, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho.

“We must learn from history and tread carefully! This was how a little Boko Haram fire was carelessly handled and it became the monster that it is today.

“With crises everywhere - Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, banditry,

kidnappings and the Niger Delta militants joining the fray again - we must not open another theatre of war in the South-west.

“Rather than go for Igboho’s arrest, let the federal government address the vexed issue of Fulani herdsmen’s terrorism in the Southwest and, indeed, in other parts of the country.

“This is what gave rise to the Igboho phenomenon and solving it will be tantamount to uprooting the problem completely and handling the Igboho issue.”

According to her, cutting the branches might turn out an exercise in futility as the tree will sprout again.

“Leaving the substance and chasing shadows is like leaving leprosy and treating skin rashes”, she added.

She contended that addressing the problem of insecurity holistically would be less expensive than opening another front for unrest in the South-west.

Oshiomhole Clarifies Position on APC Revalidation Exercise Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole yesterday clarified his position on the revalidation exercise of the party, noting that his statement was misinterpreted and misunderstood.

Oshiomhole, also, reaffirmed his loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari, dismissing interpretations in some quarters that his comments on the APC registration and revalidation exercise weeks ago amounted to an affront on the President and the leadership of the APC. He made this clarification in a statement he issued yesterday, faulting the interpretation of his position on the revalidation exercise as made-up claims unreflective of his intentions when he made the comments.

He had expressed reservations on the ‘revalidation’ tag of the ongoing APC membership registration drive while

participating in the exercise in his Iyamho country home, Etsako Local Government Area of Edo State.

He had raised also questions on the constitutional soundness of revalidating existing members who had not rescinded their membership and queried whether or not the exercise, for already registered members, did not amount to double registration.

Reflecting on this, a columnist of a prominent newspaper had speculated that Oshiomhole’s comment “is a manifestation of the ‘awakening’ of ‘his crowd’ in a purported challenge to President Buhari and the present leadership of the APC.” In his statement yesterday, however, Oshiomhole said his advice on the usage of the word ‘update’ as a better tag for the membership registration exercise, as opposed to the ‘revalidation’ used, was informed by the dictates of section 9.4 of the APC constitution, which prescribes the process of regular update of the register.

VOTING AMID INSECURITY . . .

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan (middle), casting ballot at Katuzu 001 ward in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State during local government election ... yesterday

Soludo Joins Guber Race, Says It’s Time to Serve Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo yesterday said he was ready to service Anambra State, his home state after serving Nigeria and the world in different capacities for decades.

Likewise, a former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Technical Matters, Mr. Akachukwu Nwankpo also indicated interest in the election scheduled for November 6, tasking the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to conduct a credible primary election.

The two aspirants, who are seeking APGA’s nomination, disclosed their aspiration in separate news conferences yesterday with promises to deploy their competency, experiences and social contacts to

develop and serve Anambra State.

While Soludo addressed journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital with a clear mission statement, Nwankpo unveiled his governorship aspiration in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) expressing confidence he would defeat the CBN’s former governor.

Speaking in Akwa yesterday, Soludo explained his quest to become the governor of Anambra State, noting that he was seeking the office “ not to enrich himself or better his life, as God has blessed him with everything he needs.”

Soludo, a renowned professor of Econometrics, added that he “is in the governorship race because I believe God did not make a mistake by making me an Anambra indigene. I have finished serving with the world.

“I have also done my bit in Nigeria. I now want to help develop my own state. I am not running for this election so that I can make money or so that I can enhance my curriculum vitae. I am in this race to develop my home state.

“In my 30s, I achieved everything that every man wanted to achieve. I have travelled to all continents of the world and consulted for over 20 top financial institutions of the world. I am here to change the state for good.

“If anyone thinks that governance is about going to Abuja to collect money, use part of it to pay workers and use the rest to award contracts, then that person is mistaken. If that is what governance is about, I will not be in the race because that is something

my grandmother can do.

“We are talking about using our contacts all over the world to generate funds that we can use to develop our state at little or no cost to us. It is something I can do, and by the way, I have not seen anyone who is in the race, who has the contacts I have or even the pedigree.

“We have touched many institutions and they changed. It is time to touch Anambra. After all the work I have done in various places, I asked myself what else I can do as a sign of gratitude to God, I said let God use me as a gift to change Anambra State. That is why I am here,” Soludo said.

Also at a session with journalists yesterday, Nwankpo said he would defeat Soludo if the APGA conducted a credible, free and fair primary election.

Obiano, Ukpai, Others Eulogise Bishop Nwachukwu at Burial David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and a Christian leader, Rev Uma Ukpai, among others paid last respect to the Bishop of Rhema Deliverance Ministry Worldwide, Bishop Arthur Nwachukwu during his interment in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State.

While Obiano, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke praised Nwachukwu for his dedication to the work of God, Ukpai, who preached at the interment, called on Nigerians to emulate Nwachukwu’s life.

In a condolence message to the family, Obiano said: “We all mourn his demise, but let us thank God for the worthy life he lived while in our midst.

“His death is an irreparable loss. I have no doubt that Papa has embarked on such a glorious passage, given that he lived a life of service to God and humanity.

Bishops of various denominations attended the burial, which was conducted under the theme, “The Last Crusade.” Some of them include Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Bishop O.C Dominic, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, Bishop Osa Oni and others from

across the world.

Sons of the renowned preacher, Dr Amaechi Nwachukwu and Mr. Ejike Nwachukwu, who spoke with THISDAY after the interment, said the burial was actually planned to be the last crusade of their father.

They both said the bishop spent his entire life winning souls for Christ, and that nothing would excite him more than holding a crusade that could draw souls to Christ.

Ejike said: “The event of the burial of my father would be useless if we do not use it as an

avenue to win souls for Christ.

We know that, that is what would interest our father, instead of just planning a burial for people to come and eat and drink.”

Late Bishop Nwachukwu was a renowned preacher of the gospel and founder of Rhema Deliverance Ministry. He left five sons, who are also preachers of the gospel in various branches of Rhema Deliverance Mission.

He died on December 28, 2020 at the age of 78, just days to his 79th birthday. THISDAY learnt that he died after summoning his sons to a prayer session, where he also anointed them.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

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NEWSXTRA S’Court Refuses to Hear PDP’s Application to Return Ihedioha Tobi Soniyi

Seven months after the Peoples Democratic Party applied to the Supreme Court to give effect to its judgment delivered on December 20, 2019, disqualifying Uche Nwosu from the Imo governorship election on the ground of double nomination, the apex court has refused or neglected to list the application for hearing.

The apex court had in a judgment delivered on December 20, 2019 found that Nwosu was nominated by both Action Alliance

(AA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and consequently nullified his nomination.

In another judgment delivered on January 14, 2020 in SC/462/2019, however, the apex court without making reference to its earlier judgment referred to above declared Hope Uzodinma the winner of the election on the platform of the same APC that had been found to nominate Nwosu.

As shown in the stamped copy of the application, it was duly received by the apex court on July 9, 2020.

Upon enquiry, the court could not give any response as to why it has refused to list the application for hearing.

Legal analysts reason that a political party is not capable of sponsoring two candidates for the same office in the same election.

This informed the decision of the PDP to file an application at the Supreme Court seeking that its candidate, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha be declared the winner of the election since APC is precluded from sponsoring two candidates in the Imo State governorship election.

In an affidavit filed in support of the application which was deposed to by a legal practitioner, Adedamola Farokun, working in the Legal Department of the PDP, he averred thus: “The third Respondent/Applicant (PDP) is neither in any way seeking a review of the valid, subsisting and well considered judgment of this court delivered in this appeal nor seeking a review of the judgment of this court delivered on 14th January 2020 in SC/462/2019 but humbly seeking that this court give effect to its judgment delivered on 20th

Singaporean Giant to Build 200mw Solar Power in Delta Chibuzor Oluchi

B&S Power Holding Pte, a Singapore-based renewable energy corporation, has unveiled a strategic plan to boost electricity supply with the development of the Ashama 200 megawatts solar PV power plant.

The power giant disclosed that it would develop the Ashama solar power project on 304 hectares of land in Aniocha South, Delta State in collaboration with Sunnyfred Global, an indigenous investment entity.

The Vice President of Green Plinth Africa, Prof. Victor Fodeke disclosed this plan at a media chat and project roadmap presentation of the solar power project in Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja

on Thursday.

Fodeke, a co-founder of the power project, noted that the project is timely now that the country needs an urgent boost in its energy supply to sustain industrial and business activities for economic growth.

He said African countries would need “to embrace renewable energy especially solar because while Africa contributes less than 4 percent to emission, it is going to be impacted more by climate change than advanced countries, which have technologies that would reduce the impact.

“The 200mw solar project will reduce about 200 million metric tons of carbon, curbing gas emission, sanitizing the climate and offering healthier

life for Nigerians. The project is expected to be completed between 9 and 15 months.”

Also at the roadmap presentation, Chairman of SunnyFred Global, As Mr. Manfred Osazuwa disclosed that the 200mw solar project is going to lead the renewable energy solution in the country and beyond.

He pointed out that the host community “is going to benefit from job creation, while businesses are going to enjoy sustainable energy supply and high productivity.”

Speaking at the presentation via zoom video conferencing, the Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh said effective power generation and distribution was key to the federal government policy goal to diversify the economy.

He also stated that the adminis-

tration of President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to the nation’s electrification strategy to avail Nigerians reliable, sustainable and affordable power.

Saleh said, “In Nigeria, we are committed to a national development path that is guided by the desire to diversify the economy away from oil with a focus on the agricultural and manufacturing sectors of the economy, this means the power system is central to achieving this desired goal of economic diversification.

“This requires us to develop and implement an overarching unified path to electrification leveraging both grid modernisation and extension; and renewable energy based distributed systems integration in the power system.

December,2019.

“That this court has the constitutional, inherent powers and jurisdiction to grant the reliefs sought and give effects to its judgment.

“That it is in the interest of justice for this court to exercise its wide discretionary powers in favour of granting this application as prayed.”

In the application filed on behalf of the PDP by Philip Umeadi, the party is asking the court to declare that the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma was not the candidate of the APC based on the court’s judgment that Nwosu was nominated by both the APC and the Action Alliance.

PDP is also asking the court for an order enforcing or otherwise directing the enforcement and or giving effect to the judgement of the court in the case delivered on the 20th December 2019 wherein the court held that Nwosu was nominated by both APC and AA and consequently declared his nomination a nullity.

PDP is asking of the Supreme Court to hold that “both the Action Alliance (AA) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) did not sponsor and/or field any candidate for the governorship election held in lmo State on 9th March, 2019 in view of the double nomination of the Appellant/Respondent by the two political parties aforesaid, and his subsequent disqualification as their gubernatorial candidate, as found by this honourable court in the judgment delivered on 20th December, 2019.”

The party asked the court for an order sequel to the above that

Senator Hope Uzodinma was not a candidate by himself or of any party at the Imo State Governorship election held on 9th March, 2019.

PDP also asked the court for an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Senator Hope Uzodinma.

It asked the court “for an order further directing the 4th respondent to issue a certificate of return to the gubernatorial candidate of the 3rd Respondent/Applicant, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ehedioha in the lmo state Governorship election held on 9th March. 20L9 as the duly elected governor of lmo state, having scored the second highest number of votes in the said election sequel to the judgment of this court in Appeal No SC/1462/2019 Hope Uzodinma & Anor vs Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha & Others delivered on 14th January, 2020.”

The party further sought an order sequel to the above, directing that the said gubernatorial candidate of the 3rd Respondent/ Applicant in the lmo state Governorship election held on the 9th March 2019 Rt. Hon. Emeka lhedioha be immediately sworn in as the governor of lmo State.

PDP stated the grounds for the application thus: “The court found that the Appellant/Respondent was nominated by both APC and AA as their gubernatorial candidate for the lmo state governorship election and conclusively held that he was disqualified by the provisions of S. 37 of the Electoral Act (as amended), for double nomination.

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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 ˾ ͺ΀˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWSXTRA Non-state Actors Possess 6.145m Small Arms Nationwide 5HSRUW SXWV ÀUHDUPV ZLWK VHFXULW\ IRUFHV DW 5DQNV 1LJHULD DORQJVLGH $IJKDQLVWDQ 6\ULD Gboyega Akinsanmi The number of small arms in the hands of civilian non-state actors nationwide is estimated at 6,145,000, a new report by SMB Intelligence and Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) has revealed.

As shown in the report, however, the armed forces and law enforcement agencies collectively account for 586,600 firearms, representing about 8.71% of the

total small arms and firearms in circulation.

These figures were revealed in the 2020 SBM-OSIWA report on Small Arms, Mass Atrocities and Migration in Nigeria, supporting their findings with evidence from the Small Arms Survey, a publication of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 73-page report lamented that arms proliferation “is a major problem for governments

and citizens who are concerned about its devastating impact on internal security.”

Globally, the report cited a 2017 research, which estimated that there were at least one billion small arms in circulation.

Out of that number, the report claimed that about 87.5% or 875 million of those arms “are in the hands of civilians, while law enforcement agencies around the world account for a meagre

2% of that total.

“There are over 40,009,000 small arms in the hands of civilians or non-state actors in Africa, with 10,972,000 of that number concentrated in the West African sub region where Nigeria is the dominant power and most populous state,” the report noted.

In Nigeria’s case, specifically, the report put the number of small arms in circulation in Nigeria, in the hands of civilian non-state

actors at 6,145,000, which accounted for about 91.29%.

According to the SBM Intelligence, the armed forces and law enforcement collectively account for 586,600 firearms.

It noted that the worrying trend of arms proliferation in Nigeria “has had an impact on Nigeria’s internal security, with various armed groups using their access to firearms to challenge the state’s monopoly of violence and lead to the deaths and injury of thousands of innocent citizens.

“This has negatively impacted Nigeria’s internal security and international standing, as Nigeria is now designated the third most impacted nation by terrorism, according to recent reports, and in the unenviable company of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria,” the report said.

It explained that the proliferation of small weapons in Southern Nigeria combined with already existing state corruption and mass unemployment “has contributed to the rising criminality and violence in the region.

“Towards the end of the Abacha Regime in 1998, armed robbery had

begun to stifle commercial activities in Aba, a commercial centre in South East Nigeria. This drove some traders to organise vigilante groups to protect themselves and their businesses.

“This initiative which later evolved into the Bakassi Boys eventually spread to other South Eastern states such as Anambra and Imo state which at the time had serious crime problems.

“South Eastern Nigeria is known for entrepreneurship. And the general poor security situation facilitated a trade in small arms in major markets such as the Ariaria Market in Aba and the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State.

“The relative lack of economic activity in South Western Nigeria outside Lagos has resulted in high youth unemployment and resultant violence and arms proliferation,” it explained.

Categorically, the report deduced that arms proliferation “has helped fuel inter-ethnic violence and violent land disputes. Notable examples include Arogbo-Ijaw and Ilaje in Ondo state; Ife and Modakeke in Osun state and Saki-Iseyin and Hausa-Fulani in Oyo State. “

Explosion Rocks Site of Electrical Installations in Borno Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

WE SHARE YOUR GRIEF. . .

L-R: Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saâad Abubakar III; Zamfara State Governot, Alhaji Bello Matawalle and his Sokoto State counterpart, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal at the Government House, Gusau to commiserate with the Zamfara State Government over the abduction of 317 female students .... Friday

124 Ambassadors Lambast Swiss Newspapers for Disparaging Okonjo-Iweala Tobi Soniyi

Not less than 124 ambassadors and heads of international organisations based in Geneva have criticised some Swiss newspapers for describing Ngozi OkonjoIweala as a “66-year-old Nigerian grandmother”.

At least three Swiss newspapers — Luzerner Zeitung, Aargauer Zeitung and St. Galler Tagblatt —described Okonjo-Iweala as a grandmother following her announcement as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

“This Grandmother will become the new boss of WTO,” the headline of a report by Luzerner Zeitung read. The article was

published in the online and print versions of the newspaper.

In a tweet on Friday, permanent representative of Austria to the United Nations, Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, and other international organisations in Geneva said ambassadors and heads of international organisations sent a letter to the editors of the newspapers over the article.

Tichy-Fisslberger shared a copy of the letter, which described the publication as demeaning to Okonjo-Iweala and the WTO. The ambassadors called for a balanced and objective report reflecting the WTO directorgeneral’s qualifications.

The letter read, “The title

you found appropriate to choose for your report on the new Director-General of the World Trade Organisation: ‘This grandmother will head the WTO’ landed you with a wave of outrage in various social media.

“The latter had the merit of spreading a set of information not contained in your article about Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the first woman and first African at the head of the WTO, and the stellar career which had led her from universities like Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute for Technology to the executive floor of the

World Bank.

“She served twice as the Minister of Finance of her country Nigeria and once as the Foreign Minister.

“None of this could be found in your article whose title sounded implicitly demeaning both for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and — in the process – the WTO itself.

“As readers of your article we were wondering what kind of information policy might have inspired this kind of presentation: Is a title qualifying a lady in a somewhat derogatory way as ‘grandmother’ really a better eye-catcher than advertising an exceptional female career?

Community Asks Ogun Assembly to Hands Off Its 4,511 Acres of Land Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta

The Osoedu family in Okerala village, near Simawa, in Sagamu Local Government area of Ogun State, has accused the Ogun State House of Assembly of meddlesomeness in its land affairs.

It also alleged that the community’s traditional ruler, the Oniraniken of Iraniken, Sagamu, Oba Adewale Adeniji, was almost arrested recently, on the orders of some lawmakers.

The family, at a news conference in Iperu-Remo, has urged the Ogun Assembly to stop forthwith, its investigation into

the family’s disputed farmland measuring 4,511 acres.

The family made the appeal through its counsel, Mr. Kole Oyedele, at the conference attended by Oba Adeniji, and other prominent leaders of the clan.

Oyedele said his clients had not only obtained a valid Ogun State High Court judgement dated 18th of April, 2018 affirming their ownership of the family land, but that there were also about six pending court cases on the same subject matter.

He explained that the position of the law is that when matters are before the court of law, such

are not to be adjudicated upon by any party, and that interference by the Ogun Assembly is not only subjudice but also contemptuous and punishable under the law.

“On the 18th day of April, 2018, the state high court, sitting in Sagamu pronounced judgement in a matter between Oba Adewale Adeniyi Adeniji, the Kabiyesi, Oniranikin of Iranikin, Sagamu; Chief Nurudeen Adebayo Sanni, and Prince Adesegun Ogunkoya.

“The judgement was pronounced against the adverse possessors, the trespassers on

their family land. Among other orders of the court, a perpetual injunction was issued against the defendant and the family was given customary right of occupancy of the expanse of farmland.

“Shortly afterwards too, the defendant in the suit filed an application to set aside the judgement and on the 14th day of January, 2020, the Ogun State High Court, sitting in Sagamu, dismissed the application and by so doing, reaffirmed the judgement of the honourable court as pronounced in favour of my client,” Oyedele recalled.

There is no end in sight to power blackout in Maiduguri, the capital of troubled Borno State as explosion yesterday rocked the site of damaged electrical infrastructure currently under repair.

The explosion occurred at about 10:00 a.m. when the technicians were getting ready to commence work severely damaging a Hilux Toyota van while injuring three technicians.

Maiduguri, the epicentre of Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State in West Africa Province, has been in power blackout for a month since members of the terrorist groups damaged power lines along Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

Subsequently, technicians

were deployed to the site and a combined team of soldiers and operatives of the Borno State Rapid Response Team provided security at the site.

Every day before the commencement of repairs by the technicians, soldiers would scan the entire area for any explosive that might have been planted

by Boko Haram.

With the explosion that ripped through the site yesterday, an eyewitness account told THISDAY that two of the three injured had their limbs severed.

The eyewitness said: “Just as we were about to begin the normal daily duty, one of the vehicles stepped on a landmine and was scattered, three people at the back of the Hilux vehicle were seriously injured.”

FG Asks States to Adopt Fiscal Responsibility Act Chibuzor Oluchi

The federal government has urged state governments to domesticate the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) to enhance prudence and eliminate wastes and corruption in public finance management.

Specifically, the apex government called on the Imo State Government to expedite action in enacting the fiscal framework bill, which would improve transparency in government spending and budgetary process.

The Chairman of Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Mr. Victor Muruako made this case while hosting a delegation from Imo State House of Assembly in his office, Abuja on Friday.

The delegation, which was on a solidarity courtesy call, was led by the SpeakeroftheHouse,Mr.PaulEmeziem and comprisedtheDeputySpeaker,Mr. Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, and other principal officers members.

At the session with Imo’s lawmakers, Muruako disclosed that states which are yet to replicate the FRA are missing out on certain incentives and financial grants, adding that efforts made by the Commission to get Imo State in particular to domesticate the act, were not complemented by previous administrations in the State.

He, therefore, expressed the readiness of the Commission to partner with the State lawmakers to pass the bill, noting that Governor Hope Uzodinma has indicated support towards the initiative.

He said: “In September, last year, we invited top members of the administration including the Hon. Speaker, Imo House of Assembly to an important advocacy event in Port Harcourt to address the issue of fiscal responsibility at the sub-national level. I was honestly disappointed to notice the low calibre representation from Imo at the programme.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 28, 2021

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City Beat West Ham to Secure 20th Unbeaten Run Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

M

anchester City extended their winning run to 20 matches and moved 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League as John Stones’ second-half strike was enough to secure victory over a resilient West Ham United.

Stones Àred home his fourth goal of the season from Riyad Mahrez’s neat lay-oͿ to keep Pep Guardiola’s side in control of the title race.

Fourth-placed West Ham gave City a decent game at Etihad Stadium and fought back to level through Michail Antonio before the break, after Stones’ centraldefensive partner Ruben Dias.

After about 20 minutes, City midÀelder Kevin de Bruyne lined up a free-kick, about 40 yards out, to the right of the West Ham box.

The execution was terrible - the ball barely got oͿ the ground and ran straight into the wall, allowing the visitors to clear.

It was a notable moment because it was so unusual.Manchester City extended their winning run to 20 matches and moved 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League as John Stones’ second-half strike

Osimhen Returns to Training at Napoli after Concussion Scare Injured Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen returned to full training at Napoli on Saturday.

The 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets suͿering a head collision injury with an Atalanta defender in Napoli’s 4-2 away defeat last Sunday, Osimhen was knocked unconscious during the Ànal minutes of the Italian Serie A clash following the collision with Atalanta defender Cristian Romero.

The 22-year-old was stretchered oͿ the pitch and rushed to the hospital after the incident. He was diagnosed of suͿering head trauma from the incidence.

Nigeria international was discharged from the hospital the following day and asked to stay home to recuperate.

“Morning session for Napoli at the Training Center, “ reads a statement on the club website.

“The Azzurri prepare for the match against Benevento scheduled for today at the Maradona Stadium at 6 pm.

“The team trained on Àelds 1 and 2 starting the session with a warm-up phase.

“Subsequently tactical work divided by departments. Closing with exercises on set pieces.

“Manolas, Petagna, Lozano and Osimhen carried out personalized work in the gym and on the pitch,” the club statement read on their website yesterday.

The striker has scored twice in 10 league appearances for Napoli this season.

was enough to secure victory over a resilient West Ham United.

Stones Àred home his fourth goal of the season from Riyad Mahrez’s neat lay-oͿ to keep Pep Guardiola’s side in control of the title race.

Fourth-placed West Ham gave City a decent game at Etihad Stadium and fought back to level through Michail Antonio before the break, after Stones’ central-defensive partner Ruben Dias had put the hosts in front.

But Guardiola, likened to celebrity chef Heston Blumenthalby Hammers counterpart David Moyes before Saturday’s Àxture, once again came up with the right ingredients as his side improved following the second-half introductions of Gabriel Jesus and Phil Foden.

City’s unbeaten record now stretches to 27 games and they will equal their longest run without defeat if they do not lose against Wolves on Tuesday.

After about 20 minutes, City midÀelder Kevin de Bruyne lined up a free-kick, about 40 yards out, to the right of the West Ham box.

The execution was terrible - the ball barely got oͿ the ground and ran straight into the wall, allowing the visitors to clear.

It was a notable moment because it was so unusual.

What De Bruyne did with another cross-

Manchester City players celebrating their hard earned victory over West Ham...yesterday

ing opportunity from a similar position not long afterwards was more in keeping with the Belgian’s normal standards.

Delivered with his left foot, the ball

curled towards goal, too far out for standin West Ham keeper Darren Randolph to come for, and begged Dias to head it home.

Oparanozie Misses Penalty against Montpellier Desire Oparanozie missed a penalty in Dijon’s 1-1 draw with Montpellier in a French D1 Arkema game on Saturday.

The centre-forward was handed her ninth league start of the campaign against Fredrick Mendy’s ladies but missed an opportunity to give the Dijonnaise the lead at the Stade Bernard Gasset.

Yannick Chandioux’s side was awarded a penalty in the 19th minute of the encounter after Maelys Mpome brought down Rose Lavaud in the box.

Oparanozie was handed the opportunity to take the penalty but the Nigeria international missed the glorious chance, failing to fire her effort past goalkeeper Lisa Schmitz.

Despite the Nigerian miss, Dijon broke the deadlock a minute from the half time break when Sh’nia Gordon raced into the box from the left before slipping her effort past the goalkeeper into the net.

After the restart, Helene Fercocq’s failure to clear Iva Landeka’s long ball into the area saw a well-positioned Mary Fowler level in the 66th minute after firing past goalkeeper Mylene Chavas.

Oparanozie who lasted the duration of the game still boasts three goals and five assists for Dijon this season.

Desire Oparanozie...misses penalty in France

With the draw, Dijon dropped to eighth on the D1 Arkema table after garnering 17 points from 16 games in the current campaign.

The forward will hope to make amends for the missed penalty when Dijon welcome Bordeaux in their next league game on March 6.

La Liga: Messi Firing Barcelona Back to the Summit Lionel Messi scored and created the other as Barcelona beat in-form Sevilla and went within two points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.

Messi fed Ousmane Dembele to slot home the opener before team-mate Sergino Dest hit the post.

Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet had a header disallowed for oͿside - and then Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri also had one ruled out for oͿside.

Messi scrambled home a late second to clinch the game.

The Barca captain had a shot saved by Sevilla keeper Bono, with a lucky ricochet taking Messi past the keeper to score into an empty net.

That was his 38th goal against Sevilla, six more than he has managed against any other side.

He has now netted in eight La Liga games in a row - 12 goals in total during

those matches - his best streak in two years.

Barca’s winner took them within one result of Atleti, although Diego Simeone’s leaders have two games in hand.

Sevilla’s defeat brings to an end a 10-game winning run in domestic competitions.

Both sides meet again on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey semi-Ànal second leg.

Sevilla won the Àrst leg 2-0.

TR

Sunday February 28, 2021

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“With crises everywhere - Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, banditry, kidnappings and the Niger Delta militants joining the fray again - we must not open another theatre of war in the South-west.”

– Rather than go for Igboho’s arrest, let the Federal Government address the vexed issue of herdsmen’s terrorism in the South-west and, indeed, in other parts of the country.”

‘COVID’ TO 58123

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SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

A Nation Surrounded by Gunmen

C

hilling. I mean very chilling. I felt a shiver down my spine on Tuesday when I saw the video of “new” Niger Delta militants, with war weapons, threatening to bomb Abuja and Lagos because of the “underdevelopment” of the oil-producing region. It brought back sad memories – memories of 2004 when organised lawlessness began to take unimaginable dimensions in Nigeria and we finally lost our “innocence”.

Between then (when the militants started a campaign of kidnapping oil workers as well as bombing pipelines) and now, Nigeria has become a nation encircled by gunmen: terrorists, insurgents, bandits and kidnappers. The latest: 317 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Zamfara on Friday.

In 18 years, Nigeria has virtually gone to seed.

Any Nigerian who died in 2003 and rose in 2021 would be incredulous. Oil workers kidnapped for ransom? Are you joking? Niger Delta activists were only known for media interviews and street protests. They sang solidarity songs and waved fresh leaves. Herders carrying AK-47? Are you sure? They only used to carry sticks and small knives, often clashing with farmers after unleashing their cattle on farmlands. Travellers being kidnapped for ransom on highways? You don’t mean it! Kidnappings were usually for ritual purposes; ransoms were neither demanded nor paid. Armed robbery used to be the biggest headache for travellers.

Secondary school students being abducted en masse in northern schools? Nigerian soldiers being killed heartlessly by their compatriots in their own country – and not by enemy troops?

Bandits invading villages and killing women and children in cold blood for nothing? Traditional rulers being kidnapped? Suicide-bombers attacking motor parks, shopping malls, churches and mosques at will, killing innocent people just like that? You mean Nigerians can strap bombs to themselves?

Are you kidding me? Are you sure you are not talking about Afghanistan or Lebanon? Nigeria?

No, please. Stop spreading fake news. All these things can never happen here! Never, never in Nigeria!

Yes, it may be stranger than fiction, but the Nigeria of today is unrecognisable from what it was 15 years ago, or 30 years ago, or – to make it completely weird – 40 years ago. We have lost our innocence. Before our very eyes, Nigeria has degenerated. Can you imagine Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo rising from the dead today and seeing the “new” Nigeria? They would relocate to Ghana or Senegal instantly. We have moved slowly and steadily from frying pan to fire, and we are now descending dangerously into Armageddon. I get calls from hysterical Nigerians every day asking me what’s happening – as if I had the answers.

We are encircled by gunmen. The security agencies are stretched. Nigeria, our motherland, is resembling a grim gangland: Boko Haram relentlessly terrorising the north-east (they are now said to have the capacity to launch rockets); bandits and kidnappers shooting and looting at will in the north-west and north-central; herders in the forests of the south-west running kidnap and rape rings; separatists setting up a “security” outfit in the south-east; and now, “new” Niger Delta militants threatening to restart from where their pre-amnesty colleagues left off. As if these woes are not grim enough, ethnic nationalism is on the rise again. The tensions are touchable.

As we put out fire in one corner, another starts elsewhere. Take a look at recent weeks. Kidnappers, identified as Fulani herders, struck in Igangan, Oyo state. Sunday Igboho, the “Yoruba rights activist”, gave all Fulani residents seven days to leave town. Their houses and settlements were

President Muhammadu Buhari burnt. Riots broke out in Shasha and dozens got killed. Kagara schoolboys were kidnapped in Niger state. Nigerian troops and separatists clashed in Orlu, Imo state. “New” Niger Delta militants announced their arrival. Boko Haram launched rocket attacks and killed boys playing football in Maiduguri. And now, 317 schoolgirls have been kidnapped in Zamfara. What next?

Where next? Who next?

Although the insecurity is nationwide, I find the current trend in the north gravely disturbing.

I am, unfortunately, not hopeful it would be brought under control soon. There are too many factors at play. The biggest is that the Nigerian state seems incapable of protecting its citizens.

If there is capacity, then we cannot feel much of it. Despite the billions spent on security, the state has consistently and persistently failed to secure its citizens. The average Nigerian would say “God is my security”. As kids, anytime we played football without anyone volunteering to be the goalkeeper, we would leave the posts empty and joke: “God is our goalkeeper!” That is where we are now.

Even though the security agencies are apparently overwhelmed, they need to ask themselves serious questions about their overall operational strategy.

How do these bandits move around? Do they escape all forms of surveillance, even with the use of modern technological tools? All local governments in Nigeria have security attachés. Are they doing their job diligently? What kind of reports are they filing? How are these reports being processed?

What pro-active actions are being taken by their superiors? Are the security agencies lacking in personnel and equipment? Is it that we do not have the funds to recruit, train and equip more personnel? What exactly is the problem?

I understand that several things make policing the north very difficult and complex. I am not totally ignorant of that. Insurgency and banditry thrive where the geography is horrendous. Mountains, caves, forests, mangroves and creeks are easily exploited by insurgents and bandits. The vast lands in the north (many them ungoverned) and the porous borders can really make the job difficult for the security agencies. But these challenges are meant to be confronted and addressed. We cannot throw up our hands in surrender and wave the white flag. I do not want to believe for a minute that the bandits and insurgents have more resources – both human and material – than a whole Nigeria.

That apart, we must also come to terms with the fact that our security is in the hands of some unprofessional people. Brig-Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd), the minister of defence, recently asked hapless Nigerians to defend themselves with bare hands

against bandits bearing war-grade weapons. He said: “I don’t know why people are running from minor things like that. They should stand and let these people know that even the villagers have the competency and capability to defend themselves.”

That is the mentality of the people watching over us. In a saner clime, he would have been fired or forced to resign by now. But that is too much a thing to expect in Nigeria.

It is also very tragic that Nigerians are now relying on Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, an Islamic cleric, to give them daily updates on banditry. He is just a private individual with no official position or title in government. From the way he has been talking, it appears he has some agenda. Gumi has been trying to create a false equivalence between Niger Delta militants (who, at least, officially claimed to be fighting for economic and environmental justice in the region that produces the nation’s biggest source of income) and the bandits, who are mercilessly kidnapping and killing people and extorting ransoms. He says we should not call bandits criminals but “ethnic militants”. God have mercy.

Some of the governors are also not helping matters. Senator Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi state, recently sought to justify the bearing of arms by herders, saying they are only protecting themselves. He tried to amend his statement, but I think this is reckless and devoid of tact. It is only in failed states that individuals carry AK-47 to defend themselves. Even in the US where people have gun rights, individuals are not allowed to carry war weapons. Mallam Bello Mutawalle, governor of Zamfara state, also said “not all bandits are criminals”. He later tried to explain that he didn’t mean what he said, but these tactless remarks are hard to process as mere slips of the tongue.

Security was a major issue ahead of the 2015 elections that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power. He promised to keep us safe and secure, citing his military pedigree. We were frequently reminded of his exploits against Maitatsine and Chadian rebels who trespassed into Nigeria.

It’s now almost six years that Buhari came into office. While we can say Boko Haram no longer bombs Abuja, Kaduna and Kano, that will not tell the whole story. The president cannot look us in the face and say that Nigerians are more secure today than they were in 2015. Certainly not when we are now surrounded on all sides by gunmen – who are asking us to either surrender or be captured!

Meanwhile, why are no bandits on trial? Why are no herders on trial? Could it be that not a single one has ever been arrested? The impression this creates is that some people are above the law or are enjoying the backing of the powers that be.

When Gumi and some governors say that banditry is not a crime and that carrying AK-47 is cool, the security agencies are being undermined. It is like a coded message to them. If they really want to act, they do not think they have the necessary political backing. Nobody wants to be sacked. The incentive for crime is getting really high: hefty payoff and little consequences. The result is an emboldened and incentivised criminal enterprise.

For me, Buhari has to come out forcefully and start firing on all cylinders. To start with, Nigerians need to be assured and re-assured that the government is still in charge of Nigeria. The impression many are getting is that the gunmen are in charge and it is just a matter of time for them to overrun the country. The gunmen have encircled us from all positions. Issuing press statements may serve some purpose but the optics of a commander-in-chief in action will serve us much better. We are talking about a country of 200 million people, not some archipelago! Buhari must do whatever it takes to deal ruthlessly and decisively with the insecurity.

Let us see the general in him. Emergency!

And Four Other Things…

BAWA ON BOARD President Buhari pulled a bit of a surprise on us by nominating Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as the new EFCC chairman. The ouster of Mallam Ibrahim Magu, who held the position in acting capacity for nearly five years, shocked many Nigerians, especially as he was thought to be doing a good job.

Bawa has many unique attributes: at 40, he would be the youngest chairman; he is an economist and financial expert; he is not a police officer, unlike all previous appointees; and he is the first among the EFCC cadets to get the chance to lead the organisation.

My friendly advice to him: do your work diligently and do not engage in media trials – and you will be fine. Professionalism.

ETHNIC PROFILING Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, the Islamic cleric “negotiating” with bandits, engaged in classic profiling at a recent meeting with them. In a viral video, he told the bandits that it is non-Muslim soldiers that are attacking them. Hear him: “What I want you people to understand is soldiers that are involved in most of the criminalities are not Muslims. You know, soldiers have Muslims and non-Muslims. The non-Muslims are the ones causing confusion just to ignite crisis.” The life of every non-Muslim in the security agencies is now at risk. Of course, we know Gumi’s claim is blatantly false, but that is how profiling works: just put a tag on a people on the basis of their race, ethnicity or religion. Jaundiced.

VACCINE VICE Let me take a bet: politicians and other public office holders will be the priority for the COVID vaccine roll-out in Nigeria.

In countries where leadership means service, it is the most vulnerable that will be prioritised. But in my dearly beloved country, to be a leader means to be served first. Others manage the crumbs. I remember when Jack Ma donated test kits to Nigeria last year. Suddenly, ministers and governors started saying “I tested negative”. The people who really needed to be tested, particularly the frontline workers, were left in the lurch. Leadership in Nigeria is all about “I, me and myself”. Until this mentality changes, Nigeria will never change. Selfishness.

JET APOSTLE Apostle Johnson Suleman, the founder of Omega Fire Ministry (OFM) who is always in the news for one outrageous thing or the other, recently said that he was praying that the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed 2.5 million people globally, should not end.

Why? “In COVID, I bought a jet. The third one.

I have three. I was praying for COVID not to end because I was resting. While people were complaining, my wife asked, ‘Can life be this sweet?’” he said. He has tried to withdraw the statement, saying it was a slip of tongue. However, I don’t think he needs to be apologetic. The Bible says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

He should keep having fun. Amen?

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