TUESDAY 11TH MAY 2021

Electronic Call-Up System Sabotage Worsens Apapa Gridlock Customs agents decry policy failure, extortion Eromosele Abiodun Traffic has worsened in Apapa and its environs following the disruption of the electronic call-up system

(ETO) introduced about two months ago by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) with the support of the Lagos State Government to ensure free flow of vehicular movements.

THISDAY’s investigation showed that security agents, who were said to have frustrated all efforts to restore sanity to the port city, have cashed in on the situation to

extort articulated vehicles' drivers.

Even the efforts of a presidential task team failed with tales of corruption trailing its assignment.

However, following the return of sanity to the roads in Apapa last month as a result of the Electronic Call-up System, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had

vowed to expose the cabal behind the Apapa gridlock if they did not desist from sabotaging the government’s Continued on page 10

Analysts Back Presidential Economic Council’s Call for Subsidy Removal... Page 8 Tuesday 11 May, 2021 Vol 26. No 9528. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

FG Reintroduces COVID-19 Restrictions, Closes Bars, Recreational Centres... Page 12

How $1.5bn Channel Management, INTELS Contracts Pitted Amaechi against Bala-Usman Eromosele Abiodun Last week's suspension of Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza BalaUsman, at the request of the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, was the culmination of a two-year war of attrition between the duo, triggered by disagreement in 2019 over whether or not to renew the channel management contracts, THISDAY findings have

shown.

It was learnt that the NPA had in 2019 placed advertisement in newspapers calling for expression of interest and bids.

Sources said three bid rounds were cancelled on the orders of the minister over disagreements on the selective bids and open bids.

The process was suspended till May 11, 2020, when the NPA placed advertisements Continued on page 10

Police Say 35 Rescued as Bandits Abduct 45 from Katsina Mosque Abdulsalami debunks alleged link with terrorists Francis Sardauna in Katsina and Dipo Laleye in Minna There was outrage among residents of Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State yesterday as bandits abducted 45 worshippers observing the midnight prayer for Ramadan at Angwan Kwata Mosque in the area.

The marauding bandits, according to residents, stormed the mosque at 1 am and whisked away the victims

to an unknown destination.

But the police said they had rescued 35 of the victims while 10 were still with the bandits.

The incidence occurred as a former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, debunked alleged link with terrorists and bandits.

When THISDAY visited Angwan Kwata yesterday, it was gathered that the bandits, during the raid on the Continued on page 11

REACHING OUT TO BUA...

Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu (left), and Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Dr. Jyrki Pulkkinen, during the envoy's courtesy call on Rabiu to discuss potential areas of collaboration and opportunities within Nigeria, in Lagos... yesterday

INEC Plans Online Voter Registration for 2023 Elections...Page 6

2

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 •T H I S D AY

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

3

4

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 •T H I S D AY

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

5

6

TUESDAY, ͹͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

INEC Plans Online Voter Registration for 2023 Elections Hoodlums set ablaze commission’s office in Abia

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday unfolded plans to allow online filing during the continuous voter registration for the 2023 general election.

The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, however, said only the biometric would be captured physically by INEC officials.

But the commission suffered another setback yesterday as arsonists torched its office in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

Okoye, during a stakeholders’ meeting on expanding voter access to polling units in Kano yesterday, said: “On June 28, the voter registration exercise for those above 18 years and those who have not registered before will commence with two new innovations. Those versatile with computer can register online and only visit a registration centre to capture their biometrics.”

Okoye stated that the online registration would be introduced to reduce crowd at registration centres in line with COVID-19 protocols.

The commission called on citizens, especially those willing to contest elections, whose voter cards have been defaced, whose names were wrongly spelt or addresses and locations wrongly captured to present themselves for authentication

or correction.

INEC also called for valid data of all those with disabilities or physical challenges to be captured during the continuous registration for proper projections ahead of the 2023 general election.

INEC also warned political parties and politicians who have started campaigning to desist from doing so.

Okoye said: “There is a ban on political campaigns which has not been lifted yet. And I find it necessary to draw your attention for you to understand the legal implication of violating this ban.

“I have listened to comments on radio stations, which are capable of heating the polity. Media organisations should avoid providing platforms for such comments.

The media should try to curtail such tensions.

“Political parties, politicians and their supporters should understand there is a legal framework for campaigns and it has not commenced yet.”

not the first the commission had suffered in the state in recent times.

“There are no casualties on the part of our staff on guard duty but the building was virtually destroyed.

“Apart from furniture items, all electoral materials and office equipment were destroyed.

“The matter has been reported to the police for

investigation.

“It will be recalled that only last week, the commission reported an attack on its office in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and expressed anxiety about the impact of such attacks on electoral activities, including the ongoing expansion of voter access to Polling Units, resumption of the Continuous

Voter Registration (CVR), pending bye-elections, end-of tenure elections and ultimately the 2023 general election.

“The latest incident in Abia State is one too many.

This is not the first attack on the commission’s facilities in the state in recent times.

Five months ago on 13th December 2020, the INEC LGA office in Aba South was completely burnt down while

that of Arochukwu LGA was vandalised and ransacked in October 2020.

“These facilities are national assets, which must be protected. Accordingly, the commission is convening an emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) next week to discuss this disturbing trend,” the statement said.

Hoodlums Set INEC Office Ablaze in Abia Meanwhile, the office of INEC in Ohafia LGA of Abia State was on Sunday night set ablaze by unknown men.

The incident was confirmed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Dr. Joseph Iloh.

A statement yesterday by Okoye said the attack was

SONGS FOR THE DEPARTED...

L-R: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) (left), and his wife, Dolapo, during the service of songs for Pastor Dare Adeboye, the son of the General Overseer of Redeemed Christians Church of Christ, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, at the RCCG Redemption Camp in Ogun State...yesterday

Kwara Earmarks N900m as Interest-free Loans for Young Entrepreneurs Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Kwara State Government said yesterday that it had rolled out plans to support young entrepreneurs in the state with interest-free loans, valued at about N900 million in the first phase of the programme.

The scheme, the government said, is being coordinated by the State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) office and is part of the plan

by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to invest in and raise a new generation of successful entrepreneurs.

A statement by the KWASSIP Acting General Manager, Mr. Mohammed Brimah, stated that the first tranche of the programme was targeting at least 300 youngsters with viable business proposals, who could get up to N3 million each.

The statement said that at least 1,200 young people would benefit from the initiative over the next four years, describing it as one of Nigeria’s biggest investment in businesses owned by young people.

According to Brimah, “Kwapreneur” is open to Kwara youths with viable and scalable

business ideas and not more than 35 years old, adding that registration is open through http://www.Kwapreneurs. com and runs from May 10 to May 18, 2021.

“Successful applicants will be trained and supported with interest-free loans ranging from N350,000 to N3,000,000 each, depending on the scale of their proposed businesses,” the statement noted.

Brimah noted that the scheme has been designed to harness the potential of enterprising youths and raise a new generation of leaders through sustainable

empowerment, thereby spurring socio-economic growth and job creation in the state.

He added: “ Kwara under this administration believes in the talent and industry of her youths. To hasten economic development, we need them to become employers of labour.

“This is why we are set to support young people with visionary ideas with interestfree loans for their businesses.”

According to the government, the application process will be in stages, including idea pitching and presentations as well as training on business

development before the release of funds.

“The youth-oriented programmes under KWASSIP are numerous. We have previously organised training for about 15,000 youths in basic digital skills, while we are looking to hit the 30, 000 mark in the next two years.

“Kwapreneur is also a subprogramme under K-power — a component for youths engagement and development,” Brimah said, adding that young people involved in high-potential business areas like agro-processing, logistics,

transportation, among others, should apply.

According to the state government, no one covered in the age bracket is excluded, noting that all entries will be judged by experts and professionals on their economic value. “The most viable ideas will find their way through. We have put in place a free, fair and credible process to make it work. It is a non-interest loan.

The icing on the cake is that beneficiaries have three months moratorium on the loans before they start refunding in tranches,” Brimah stated.

Dangote Maintains Ranking as Forbes’ Africa’s Richest Man Adenuga, Rabiu ranked 5th, 6th Peter Uzoho For the tenth time, Nigeria’s entrepreneurial giant and richest black man on earth, Mr. Aliko Dangote, has retained his position as the richest man in Africa with a net worth of $12.1 billion, according to the 2021 edition of the Forbes’ Top 10 Africa’s Billionaires List.

Dangote’s current net worth is higher than his 2020 $10.1 billion net worth by $2 billion.

In the list seen by THISDAY, two other Nigerian business gurus– the Founder of Globacom, Chief Mike Adenuga, and Chairman of BUA Group, Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu, emerged the fifth and sixth on the list, with $6.3 billion and $5.5

billion net worth, respectively.

Dangote, whose business interest cuts across cement and sugar manufacturing, as well as petroleum refining, surpassed the second-placed Sawiris in net worth by $3.6 billion according to THISDAY’s analysis of the rankings.

Also, the analysis showed that Dangote’s net worth is

higher than that of Adenuga and Rabiu by $5.8 billion and $6.6 billion respectively.

However, Egyptian investor, Nassef Sawiris, ranked second with a net worth of $8.5 billion, while two South African business moguls, Nicky Oppenheimer and Johann Rupert, emerged third and fourth respectively on the list with $8 billion and

$7.2 billion net worth.

Algerian billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cevital Industrial Group, Issad Rebrab, is the seventh on the list with a net worth of $3.2 billion, while, another Egyptian (Nassef Sawiris’ brother), Naguib Sawiris, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of

Orascom Telecom Media and Technology Holding was ranked eighth with a net worth of $3.2 billion.

Two other South Africans, Patrice Motsepe of African Rainbow Minerals and the Chairman of Media Group Naspers, Koos Bekker, emerged ninth and tenth with $3 billion and $2.8 billion respectively.

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

7

8

TUESDAY, ͹͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Analysts Back Presidential Economic Council’s Call for Subsidy Removal James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos Analysts yesterday threw their weights behind the recent recommendation by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) to President Muhammadu Buhari for an end to fuel subsidy.

They said in separate interviews with THISDAY that petrol subsidy removal was long overdue.

The analysts described the state of the Nigerian economy as currently weak, adding that this could be worsened by payment of subsidy claims, especially given the malpractices surrounding previous disbursements.

The analysts added that subsidy created a distortion in the economy, leading to "spurious payments or in the current situation, so-called under-recovery."

They stated that the current fiscal crisis has also demonstrated that a subsidy regime in fuel is not sustainable as funds used to maintain the subsidy regime could be utilised in other critical areas of the economy.

According to them, a situation whereby the government spends about N1 trillion to subsidise fuel consumption is particularly counter-productive.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said the price of petroleum products should be determined by forces of demand and supply.

He said that this would increase the inflation rate "but this will be corrected when we start refining our petroleum products again soon."

He said: "I didn't expect the federal government to give further consideration to the subsidy of fuel again because I thought it was already concluded that fuel subsidy was gone for good.

"The advice of the EAC, therefore, should be implemented without delay.

"The economy is weak and cannot be further worsened by payment of subsidy claims, more so, considering the level of malpractices surrounding previous payments."

An economist, Dr. Muhammad

Rislanuddeen, said the increase in the price of crude oil was no longer good news to an average Nigerian due to the fear of potential increase in the price of petrol.

He said the importation of petroleum products facilitated job export off shore, adding that the current subsidy regime implemented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) also implied a reduction in funds to be shared by the federation account.

This, he said, reduced the capacity of sub-nationals to implement critical projects as well as pay salaries to public servants.

Rislanuddeen said: "I support a complete withdrawal of subsidy but the government should collaborate with the private sector and ramp-up efforts towards eliminating petroleum products importation by making our local refineries work and also supporting modular refineries.

"This will also help in avoiding job export while reducing unemployment, especially youth unemployment from its current unprecedented worrying level."

On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Credent Investment Managers Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, stated that the removal of fuel subsidy was overdue and remained a strain on national coffers.

He added the removal was overdue and "savings from subsidy must be used to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians."

He, however, said the timing of its removal should be weighed against the impact on Nigerians whose purchasing power would be weakened by massive inflation and the after-effects of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The current fiscal crisis means that a subsidy regime in fuel is simply not sustainable as funds used to maintain the subsidy could be utilised in other critical areas of the economy.

"The country spends around N120 billion ($300 million approx.) monthly on fuel subsidy.

This amounts to N1.4 trillion annually.

"But on another hand, it could be argued that at least the subsidy is enjoyed by all

SECURITY ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; state Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba; Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Ikeja, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Makinde; and Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 2 Command, Mr. Ahmed Illiyasu, during the Security Stakeholders Town Hall meeting in Ikeja…yesterday Nigerians and if removed it is most likely going to be used to fund recurrent expenditure that may not necessarily benefit the populace," he said.

Also commenting on the development, Chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Abuja Branch, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said while subsidy removal would result in some hardship for Nigerians by worsening inflation, it would, nonetheless, benefit them later, as more resources would be available to fund critical sectors of the economy.

Uwaleke, a former Imo State Commissioner for Finance, said: "I am in support of the advice to remove fuel subsidy. It is causing incalculable damage to the economy. A situation where the government spends close to N1 trillion subsidising fuel consumption is counterproductive."

He said the fiscal situation of the government could no longer support it given the rising fiscal deficit, adding that the subsidy regime has been one "fraught with corruption given the fact

that there is no accurate figure of the volume of domestic fuel consumption."

"More importantly, fuel subsidy is regressive in the sense that it benefits the rich more than the poor. It also crowds out developmental funds which benefit the poor.

"In order to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the ordinary Nigerian, the government should quickly roll out compensation schemes in the area of health, such as by expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme, education and mass transportation," he added.

Also, Chief Executive, Eczellon Capital, Mr. Diekola Onaolapo, said there was no justification for the payment of subsidy by any government globally.

Onaolapo added: "We have been paying fuel subsidy for the past few months because oil has increased and landing cost of refined petroleum products and PMS has rocketed and since they are still regulating the price, there is always that shortfall

which they need to pay as fuel subsidy.

"It should be taken off, but all this while, a forward-thinking government should know that it is always cyclical, it goes up and comes down, yet there are structural things that are changing around oil, and in the near future, you would see the reliance on carbon-based fuel coming down, which would lessen demand for oil and prices may start coming come.

"When prices were low, we should have been planning for when oil prices go up. Also, on the refineries we have, there is still a subsidy in the system.

So, the subsidies to importers can be deployed in improving the country’s production of this product as well."

Also, speaking with THISDAY, Head of Consulting, Agusto Consulting Limited, Mr. Jimi Ogbobine, said the new pricing policy, involving monthly review of pump prices had already outlived its usefulness.

He stated that it was supposed to be a stop-gap measure between subsidy and

deregulation.

He said the firm had aligned with the position of PEAC on the removal of subsidy.

"What we should be talking about is deregulation and liberalisation of the downstream petroleum sector. Just as we have other products in this country, where the government is not involved in the pricing of this product and the government becomes just a regulator and not an active participant. A deregulated sector will stimulate competition and innovation," he said.

But, Head of Research, United Capital, Mr. Wale Olusi, stated that while removing subsidy remained a prudent economic decision, the economy is in bad shape, especially for the ordinary Nigerian.

Olusi said: "For us, the timing and the current realities in the economy is the issue. Again, this is more of a political decision rather than an economic one and the political class will be mindful of the implications of this decision on their chances in the next election."

NNPC, Agip Lose 400,000 Barrels of Oil to COVID-19 Pandemic Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its partner, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) lost 400,000 barrels of crude oil in February due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic at Abo terminal, an offshore oil facility in the country.

The facility is operated by the Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd., an Eni subsidiary, and has a production capacity of 44,000 barrels of oil per day (b/d), water injection capacity of 33,000 b/d, gas compression capacity of 48.4 mmscf/d (million standard cubic feet) and storage capacity of 930,000 barrels.

In a document, it presented to the Federation Account

Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting for last month, which held between April 20 and 21, under the subheading: "Report of Events that Affected Production in February 2021), the NNPC stated that the workers abandoned the terminal for 20 days due to the pandemic.

With 20,000 barrels of crude oil lost per day, the corporation stated that at least 400,000 barrels were lost cumulatively within the period the facility was inoperative.

Aside from the 400,000 barrels lost to the virus, 17 of the country's terminals had one issue or the other leading to shut-ins that cost Nigeria 4.105 million barrels of crude oil in February.

In Forcados, the injection

into the facility was curtailed due to repairs at Otegbele, Eresigbere and Chanomi between February 2 and 7, wherein 360,000 barrels of oil were lost.

Also, receipts were curtailed at the same terminal due to leaks observed along with the system and subsequent repairs of the Trans Forcados pipeline in which another 360,000 barrels were shut in between February 18 and 23.

Also, at the Akpo facility, there was a production confinement of 60,000 barrels on the 25th of the same month, while at the Bonga oil facility, power outage resulted in a shutdown on February 1 to 8, leading to a loss of one million barrels during the period.

The Amenam terminal was

shut down from 25 to 28 of February, to rev up compliance with the production quota imposed on members by the Organisation of the Exporting Countries (OPEC), and 56,000 barrels were lost cumulatively.

The NNPC document indicated that Erha experienced deferred production and later complete shutdown for the repair of an epoxy (coated) pipe between February 26 and 28, causing a loss of 210, 000 barrels.

Escravos suffered a 252,000 barrels’ loss as a result of routine maintenance shutdown, while Addax Petroleum’s production into Brass and Seplat's 28,000 barrels, as well as 15,000 barrels, were curtailed due to a strike embarked upon by workers

of the NAOC in Ebocha and what the corporation described as a third party interference, respectively.

According to the NNPC, Egina came second in the month's losses with a princely 600,000 barrels between February 1 and 6 due to pigging (use of pipeline maintenance gauges) activities, while Aiteo closed some wells due to flowline leak, resulting in the loss of 560,000 barrels of the commodity.

In Bonny, Ohaji was shut down due to a leak on Egbema/Asa trunkline between February 20th and 22nd of the same month and 30,000 barrels were lost to the development.

While Pennington lost 50,000 barrels cumulatively due to vessel swap and chain

adjustment, Ebok had 69,000 barrels of its productive shut in also due to pigging activities.

The story was not different for Tulja which had its production disrupted for maintenance purposes, leading to a loss of 27,000 barrels, while Ima experienced a controlled shutdown for maintenance, losing 28, 000 barrels in 28 days in the process.

For a summary of receipts due in March, the NNPC document, which was signed by the corporation's Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Bello Abdullahi, noted that gross revenue for Joint Venture (JV) crude was N178.3 billion, while JV gas stood at N35.8 billion and the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) was N2.45 billion.

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

9

10

TUESDAY, ͹͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

PAGE TEN HOW $1.5BN CHANNEL MANAGEMENT, INTELS CONTRACTS PITTED AMAECHI AGAINST BALA-USMAN calling for expression of interest, which was again moved to October 2020 because participants protested that they could not participate because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The channels in contention are: Lagos, Port Harcourt (Bonny) and Warri while Calabar is under litigation.

Each channel management contract is valued at $100 million a year for five years making it $1.5 billion (N600 billion) for the three channels for the five years.

THISDAY learnt that Amaechi had requested that two Chinese companies are selected to manage Bonny and Warri Channels, a request the NPA rejected because it violated due process.

THISDAY checks revealed that 12 companies submitted technical bids for Lagos Channel, 25 companies for Warri while 18 companies bid for Bonny.

At the end of the technical bid process, three companies were shortlisted for Bonny and Warri while two were selected for Lagos.

For the Warri Channel, Pelfaco Construction Nigeria Limited, Redstar and China Harbour (JV) and A.A Ranno were prequalified.

For Bonny, Bellsea Limited, CRBC and CDBHC Limited (JV) and Borno Energy Limited/Dact Energy (JV) were prequalified.

Jandnul Limited and Hankuff Services Nigeria Limited were prequalified for the Lagos Channel.

The companies prequalified submitted their commercial bids between January and February.

Competent sources at the Bureau of Public Procurement told THISDAY that three

company’s commercial bids were accepted as winners.

They are: Redstar Limited for Warri, Bellsea Limited for Bonny and Hancuff Services Limited for Lagos.

The battle between Amaechi and Bala-Usman further heightened this year when Amaechi wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari requesting that INTELS Pilotage contract, which expired last year, be restored.

In a letter to Buhari in January 2021, Amaechi requested the restoration of all contracts between NPA and INTELS, which according to him, are now subject to legal disputes between the parties.

The minister also requested the withdrawal of all matters currently in court or at arbitration by both parties in order to enable him to resolve all pending issues ‘administratively,” a request that was granted by the president on January 22, 2021.

However, following a request by the presidency, Bala-Usman, in a letter to the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari dated January 25, 2021, explained that the INTELS pilotage contract was not cancelled but had expired.

She also clarified that the NPA, contrary to claims, still have three contracts with INTELS, which include, the concession agreement for Onne Terminal A and B in Rivers State-commenced in 2005 and ending in 2030; the concession agreement for Calabar Terminal A in Calabar Port, Rivers State and concession for Warri New and Old Terminal, Delta Port, Delta State.

Bala-Usman, in the letter, stated: “The Service Boat Operation Management

Agent contract commenced in June 2007 with a review of an extension of 10 years in 2011 to culminate in August 2020. The authority had in 2017 served INTELS with a notice of termination for its refusal to comply with the TSA policy of the federal government.

"Following the receipt of the notice, the company complied with the policy and a supplemental agreement was signed to recognise the compliance to TSA and the notice of termination was accordingly withdrawn.

“It is important to note that the agreement with INTELS on this service was not terminated but it reached the end of its contractual period in August 2020. In compliance with the Public Procurement Act (PPA), the authority in December 2019 initiated a public tender process in anticipation of the expiration of the contract for the appointment of a contractor to provide the authority with that service.”

She added that INTELS along with other bidders submitted their bids to qualify for the tender but that INTELS violated one of the criteria advertised for the tender and was disqualified.

While this was ongoing, Amaechi wrote another letter to Buhari alleging a shortfall in operating surpluses by the NPA requesting that she be suspended.

This move, THISDAY learnt, was against the advice of the Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF) who warned against the request in a letter to Amaechi.

The AuGF, in a letter dated April 16, 2021, had pointed out that NPA’s account for the period, except 2019, which is awaiting NPA’s board

approval, had been audited and available.

The AuGF, Mr. Aghughu Adolphus, in the letter personally signed, said: “I write to respond to your letter reference number FMOT/ F&A/ AuGF/2017/4/T dated April 6, 2021, especially with particular reference to paragraph two of the letter and wish to state the position of the AuGF with regards to your request. With particular reference to paragraph 20, “Annual Estimates and audit,” the Act number 38 of 1999 establishing the NPA and Sec. 85 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I humbly advise as follows: “The board shall cause to be kept proper accounts of the authority and proper records, in relation thereto and when certified by the board, the accounts shall be audited by auditors appointed by the authority from the list and in accordance with the guidelines supplied by the AuGF. “Nothing in sub-sec, two of this section shall be construed as authorising the AuGF to audit the accounts of or appoint auditors for government statutory corporations, commissions, authorities, agencies, including all persons and bodies established by an act of the National Assembly, but the Auditor General shall: A. provide such bodies with: 1.

A list of auditors qualified to be appointed by them as external auditors and from which the bodies shall appoint their external auditors, and 2. Guidelines on the level of fees to be paid to external auditors and B. Comment on their accounts and auditors reports thereon.

“In line with I and 2 above,

I wish to state that: The NPA board has duly engaged the external audit firms- Messrs Muhtari Dangama & Co (Chartered Accountants) and SIAO Chartered Accountants.

The said audit firms audited and published the audited accounts of NPA duly approved by the board for the years ended: December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2018, respectively.”

The AuGF added that the audit of 2019 by Messrs Muhtari Dangama & Co and SIAO Chartered Accountants was ongoing and awaiting NPA board’s approval to be published.

He added: “Also, my office has conducted periodic checks for the years 2016-2018, and issued periodic checks reports along with comments on their annual accounts and auditor’s reports thereon, and reputable professional audit firms are already being engaged by the NPA board in line with the enabling Act - hence no justification for the Ministry “to advertise and select qualified Audit firms to conduct the exercise. Please be guided by the quoted provisions and accept the assurance of my warm regards.”

THISDAY also learnt that Amaechi’s desire to have HLS International Limited, an Israeli handling the $195 million maritime security contract, take over the disputed Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) that was turned down was another bone of contention.

The federal government had in 2017 approved a $195 million maritime security contract with an Israeli firm, HLS International Limited under the Integrated National Security and Waterways

Protection Infrastructure also called the Deep Blue Project.

But in a move that negates the anti-corruption posture of the Buhari administration, Amaechi wrote to the government to ask for another $22.99 million to hire fast intervention vessels to check insecurity in Nigeria’s waters.

In a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) dated July 22, 2020, Amaechi sought the government’s approval for the renewal of lease of fast intervention security vessels for a period of one year, claiming the $195 million already approved for the same purpose had been put on hold due to COVID-19.

The memo reads in part, “The purpose of this memorandum is to seek the consideration of the FEC for the extension of the contract for the lease of 6 no. units of fast intervention security vessels (FISV) on the same terms and conditions as earlier approved by the FEC in 2018 in favour of the following 6 no. service provider: Pearl HPW Limited, Thamson Energy services Limited, Fairway Offshore Limited, Aquashiled Oil & Marine Services Limited, XPO Marine Services Limited and Peace Marine and Energy Limited.

“Council is invited to recall that at its EC(2018)40 meeting held on Wednesday, 5 December 2018, it considered and granted approval for the renewal of the contract for the lease of six fast intervention security vessels for a period of one year, at the reviewed daily rate of $10,500 per vessel-making a total sum of $22.995, 000.00 on an annual basis which is equivalent to N7,013,475, 000.00, at the exchange rate of $1.00 to N305.00, inclusive of all taxes.”

He said: “What is happening is that at night, the road construction company will use heavy blocks to barricade the road and will only open it for any truck who gives N20,000 to the security agencies. From Tincan Island Port to Mile 2 along Apapa Oshodi road they are there extorting truckers. They constitute a nuisance along that corridor and if they are taken out, it will solve the problem to some extent.

“The government has to relocate all the tank farms in Apapa; if that is not done, there is no miracle that we can have. We will continue to have gridlock in Apapa.

The residents of Apapa are crying daily.”

Farinto added that the only solution to the crisis was for the government to embrace the intermodal port system.

He said the barges that were only recently introduced to reduce the pressure on the road have been balkanised by entrenched interests.

“If you want to move cargo via barges now, it is expensive and frustrating. If you bring in the best experts in the whole world to come and manage Apapa traffic, that expert will be disgraced in under one week. Look at the beautiful idea brought in by NPA to solve the problem. The electronic call-up would have worked if not for the human factor. There are people who believe it is their right to make money from the chaos. We have officers in Area B who claimed to have been posted directly from the Office of the

Inspector-General of Police and there is a specific amount they collect from each truck each day. And they collect the money openly before everybody - very glaring,” he stated.

The National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), the umbrella body of customs agents in Nigeria, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, blamed the Apapa congestion on the wrong concession that was done by the federal

ELECTRONIC CALL-UP SYSTEM SABOTAGE WORSENS APAPA GRIDLOCK efforts at ensuring a free flow of traffic.

He had said: “What we are doing now is taking away unscrupulous persons benefiting from the gridlock.

Whatever they are earning, whatever they are taking, whatever they are gaining, we are taking it away from them. We know they will fight back, but I am saying it clearly that we are ready for them.

We will fight anyone who tries to return us to the past experience in Apapa. We will name and shame them, and bring them to the public court to show our seriousness. We will no longer condone the recklessness and impunity that our people have experienced before now.”

But barely four weeks after the Electronic Call-up system cleared the gridlock the chaos has returned as truckers who park indiscriminately along the port access roads, impede the free flow of traffic.

Experts and stakeholders told THISDAY that the failure of government policies, entrenched interest and security agencies, who have made an industry out of the crisis will never allow any effort to solve the crisis work.

THISDAY gathered that some NPA security personnel, LASTMA operatives, and policemen have spent over five years in Apapa, as the gridlock has made the Apapa area the most lucrative beat.

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have also aggravated the traffic crisis by blocking the roads to inspect consignments that

have been cleared at the port by their colleagues.

The NCS operatives are permanently stationed at Area B and Mile 2 where they carry out an inspection on the highways.

The Chief Operating Officer of Trucks Transit Park (TTP) Limited, vendors of the ETO, Mr. Dayo Adeboye, told THISDAY yesterday that security agents and those profiting from the crisis were the major challenge to the electronic call-up system.

According to him, they decided to sabotage the process because the electronic call-up system did not allow them to extort money from the transporters.

He said: “So, what they have resolved to do is that they will make life difficult during the day and extort money at night when there is nobody to stop them from extorting drivers. We also blame the truck drivers because they offer bribes because they want to beat the system.

"They cannot continue to accuse the security agencies because there has to be a willing giver for there to be a receiver. The transporters too are not helping matters they should stop offering bribes to beat the system.”

On the decision to exclude factory-bound trucks and petroleum takers from inception, he said the decision was a strategy to avoid gangup against the initiative.

“It was a strategy; when we started, we knew that we could not take the entire

traffic in Apapa at once. We also had the extortion cartel in mind. We knew that if we tried to stop all the money these people were collecting, they would make sure nothing ever worked for us. So, we decided to start with portbound trucks, which are 50 per cent of the traffic. Our plan was to move to oil and gas drivers after that and then factory-bound truckers.

“The oil and gas are in two divisions, you have the major marketers and the independent marketers.

The major marketers are six and they control half of the volume of petroleum tankers.

Now, the major marketers if you look at the way they are structured, they came onboard onto ETO very easily because they have truck parks and electronic gating system in their premises,” he added.

But the independent marketers have tank farms all over the place without facilities and parking space.

He said, independent marketers were to be integrated after they put in place their facilities and structured plan.

He said many manufacturers within the Apapa zone had approached him to join the platform so they could have a legal way to enter Apapa.

On the way forward, he said the NPA should discuss with the Lagos State Government to onboard other trailer drivers.

“We have cleared the road in Apapa and the tankers have now taken over and they are not structured. So, you find out that many more vessels

are coming to the area like Aiteo and NIPCO to come and deliver their cargo and leaving the Tincan Island area and that has pushed oil and gas traffic. Government has to do two things: Decongest Mile 2 to Sunrise along Apapa- Oshodi; dislodge the activities of area boys on that road and dislodge tanker drivers that use the road for parking.

“Secondly, they have to have the tanker drivers start with a structured approach into Apapa as well. NPA cannot clear the road for tanker drivers to start doing unstructured business there.

“The challenge now is the road construction going on has eliminated one-half of the bridge, so, we are only using one-half of the bridge to work now. The ongoing road construction and the activities of the tanker drivers make the road impassable. All the traffic is now diverted to the Apapa side and you have the pressure of traffic on that side.

Right now, Apapa is taking more than the traffic it can handle,” he stated.

Vice President of the National Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANALCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto, also told THISDAY that the security agencies would never allow any effort to solve the Apapa gridlock to work and urged the government to adopt the intermodal port system.

He also called on the federal government to open up the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway that is 80 per cent completed.

Continued on page 11

TOP GAINERS ABCTRANS REGENCY UNIONBANK LINKASSURE MBENEFITS TOP LOSERS UNITYBANK JAPAULGOLD NEIMETH

NGN NGN 0.03 0.34 0.03 0.34 0.50 5.90 0.06 0.75 0.03 0.40 NGN 0.05 0.55 0.02 0.56 0.11 1.71 FLOUR MILLS 1.50 29.50 CHAMS PLC 0.01 0.21 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,420.00 Volume: 324.19 million shares Value: N3.28 billion Deals: 4,867 As at yesterday 10/5/2021 See details on Page 29

% 9.6 9.6 9.2 8.7 8.1 % 8.3 6.6 6.0 4.8 4.5

TUESDAY, ͹͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

11

NEWS

Sanwo-Olu Gets Lagos Residents’ Backing to Tackle Security Challenges Segun James The residents of Lagos State have asked the state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to take decisive actions on some security issues to rein in what they describe as a disturbing trend.

Among others, the residents of the state demanded action against what many described as the menace of commercial motorcycles, otherwise known as Okada, kidnapping, armed robbery, cult clashes, and violent assaults.

In a stakeholders’ meeting on security held yesterday at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu and leading lights in security circles listened to a group of panelists who highlighted the state’s security challenges.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, military chiefs, traditional leaders, community leaders, students, unionists and members of the State Executive Council also attended the meeting.

Sanwo-Olu used the opportunity to list his administration’s efforts in security and assured his audience that a decisive

action would be taken on commercial motorcycles, which speakers described as a means for criminals.

The participants accused the commercial motorcycle operators of being unruly, uncouth, rude, and brutal.

However, the state government promised that those who patronise them and the motorcyclists will not be left in the cold.

Sanwo-Olu revealed that he would inaugurate the First and Last Mile buses next week, which will ply the routes the motorcycles are plying.

He advised those who have taken up Okada riding due to lack of jobs to grab the opportunities in agriculture, wealth creation, poverty alleviation and other government programmes.

Sanwo-Olu said the meeting was convened in response to the growing threat posed by some lawless activities to the safety and security of lives in the state.

The governor said the string of lawlessness daily witnessed from the confrontation between commercial motorcyclists

and law enforcement agencies required urgent action, stressing that the government would be announcing reforms in transportation, which will further make changes to the parameters of motorcycle and tricycle operations.

He said: “We have noted with dismay the fact that Okada riders are disregarding and flouting the restrictions we imposed on their activities in certain areas of the metropolis. We have also observed with dismay, the ongoing violent confrontation by commercial motorcyclists against our law enforcement agencies.

“Based on all that we have seen and experienced in the past couple of weeks, as well as the increasing threat posed by the activities of commercial motorcycle operators to the safety and security of lives, we will be announcing further changes to the parameters of motorcycle and tricycle operations in the State in the coming days. No society can make progress amid such haughty display of lawlessness and criminality.”

Sanwo-Olu made it known that the government would

fully implement the State’s Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019 as amended, which will enable the government to take over and demolish abandoned buildings and construction sites turned into safe haven for hoodlums and miscreants.

He added that the state would strengthen its clean-up exercise of shanties and spots unapproved for settlement, but which had turned to hideouts for criminals.

The state government, Sanwo-Olu said, would be recruiting more personnel into the Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps (LSNC) to boost intelligence gathering at the community level.

The governor said the consultative meeting with the stakeholders was necessary to make the State’s security strategy effective and sustainable, noting that all hands must be on deck to work with the Government in collecting, sharing, and evaluating credible intelligence that would strengthen the security of lives and property in Lagos.

He said: “Lagos must continue to enjoy an

atmosphere of peace, safety, and all-encompassing security. We are determined to arrest the current security challenges being faced in the State, and we will take every step necessary to deliver on our promises in a safe, secure and livable state. We will also continue to communicate regularly with key stakeholders, and all the residents for updates on the progress we are making.”

Appraising security situation in Lagos, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, raised alarm over rising security breaches resulting from the menace of Okada operations in the State.

Between January and early this month, Odumosu disclosed, 320 commercial motorcycles were arrested in 218 cases of criminal incidents in which 78 suspects were detained and 480 ammunition recovered.

In the same period, the Lagos police boss said Okada accounted for 83 per cent of 385 cases of avoidable fatal vehicular accidents in Lagos.

He said: “The menace of Okada operators does

not end with avoidable accidents. Crime reports from the field have shown that a greater percentage of crimes, ranging from armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, murder, burglary and stealing, traffic robbery to carjacking and cash snatching from bank customers, are attributable to armed hoodlums who operate on Okada.

“The nuisance constituted by the Okada operators on Lagos roads has become a danger to law-abiding citizens. Sections of Lagos populace have come to regard commercial motorcycles as a necessary evil, it has become imperative for the Government to take more drastic measures against their notoriety.”

“The State Police Command strongly advises the State Government to immediately review the current guidelines guiding the operation of Okada as a means of commercial transportation in the State and take decisive legal and administrative steps and policies that will curb their traffic, criminal and other nefarious activities in the State.”

cent is made up of factory trucks and petroleum tankers or tank farm-bound trucks.

"When the electronic call-up system was created, it meant to provide call up for portbound trucks.”

The electronic call-up, he added, did not factor in the trucks doing business at the factories, which are over 1,000 trucks per day and also the tankers that go to the tank farms and jetties to pick up products.

He put the number of petroleum tankers going to the port daily at over 2,000.

He described the security agents who made the crisis a cash cow as opportunists, saying that it is the failure of the system that gave them the opportunity.

He called for more truck parks to be created, adding

that the eight created by the NPA are not enough for even the port trucks.

“They must create sufficient truck parks that will hold a minimum of 7,000 trucks. That will handle the port, factory, and petroleum trucks coming to Apapa. And all of them must be on the electronic call-up platform and go to the port when it is their turn to do so. However, that will be the short-term approach.

“Another approach will be to constantly shuffle the security agents and port officials that control traffic in Apapa. When you leave these officials there for too long, they understand the system and how lucrative their posting can be and then deliberately create problems to bring back chaos to make money,” he stated.

Abdulsalami Debunks Alleged Link with Terrorists, Bandits

such "a heinous crime that is unbecoming of any patriotic citizen," saying he would have ignored such spurious reports but had to set the record straight.

"This kind of fake news has the potential of aggravating the already tensed security situation in the country and should not be condoned," he said.

He regretted that individuals could be so "callous to peddle such news and smear the image and character of people.”

"I urge Nigerians to ignore such treacherous acts and be careful with the kind of information being dished out and shared on the social media,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to continue to work and pray for enduring peace in Nigeria, stressing that no nation can attain greatness without peace and security of lives and property of its citizens.

ELECTRONIC CALL-UP SYSTEM SABOTAGE WORSENS APAPA GRIDLOCK government and the sighting of tank farms around the port.

He said before the concession, there were holding bays inside the ports for trucks to park, adding that those holding bays have now been converted to private use.

“Before the concession there were holding bays and truck parks inside the port.

In Apapa port, the holding bays are inside the port; at Lilly Pond, the holding bay is under the bridge; at Tincan Island Port, the holding bay is at the front of the port; at Kirikiri jetty, the holding bay is at the front of the jetty but all these were later converted to terminals.

“In the entire holding bay, the importers and customs agents pay the fees. The ports were concessioned without a law backing them. That was

where the problem started.

As a member of several government committees and I warned this would happen. By law government warehouses are supposed to be inside all the ports but where are the warehouses? The government hurriedly gave out the place without law. What they did was lease agreement and not concession and by the provisions of the NPA Act, they only had five years for the lease not the 30 years in the concession,” he added.

According to him, the situation in Apapa is a disorganised system without any law and procedure.

He stated that the essence of having a port regulator was to guide against the chaos in Apapa, adding that this is not provided for in the concession.

He advocated a separate access road or exit for factorybound trucks and relocation of petroleum tank farms from Apapa.

He said the absence of law backing the concession made it impossible to regulate the terminal operators and shipping companies whom he alleged played a major role in the crisis.

A maritime analyst, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, told THISDAY that the solution to the Apapa conundrum is to take cargo off the road and embrace the intermodal port system.

He said: “The trucks that go to Apapa are not only port-bound trucks and I think this is where the electronic call-up system arrangement missed it because the focus of the electronic call-up was on the port-bound trucks,

especially container trucks that were going to drop empties, export containers, or pick up imports. There are three distinct categories of trucks that go into Apapa every day.

“You have the port-bound trucks; you also have the factories’ trucks, which are a sizeable number. They are the trucks that go to the factories located around Apapa-Dangote Sugar, Flower Mills, Honey Well, and BUA, and many more. And we have the petroleum tankers that go to load petroleum products. Don’t forget almost the totalities of the petroleum products consumed in Nigeria today are imported. Based on the recent research, the port-bound trucks constitute only about 60 per cent of the total, and the other 40 per

POLICE SAY 35 RESCUED AS BANDITS ABDUCT 45 FROM KATSINA MOSQUE mosque, directed the Imam to end the prayer session before kidnapping the people.

However, residents slammed security agencies and the state government, saying the abduction of the congregants raised questions about the capacity of the government and security agents to tackle banditry and other forms of insecurity.

The residents, in separate interviews with THISDAY, accused the security agencies of culpability in the unending banditry and kidnapping in the area, saying security agencies don't respond to distress calls.

A community leader in the area, who craved anonymity, said: "The bandits abducted 45 worshippers and injured many others. Some of the victims are in Jibia General Hospital now receiving treatment."

He accused the state government and security agencies of failing to secure the lives and property of the

people.

Zaharadeen Umar, whose younger sister, Halimatu, was among those kidnapped, told THISDAY that the bandits kidnapped no fewer than 45 worshippers and injured two others who were trying to escape.

Umar said: "This morning (Monday) at 1 am, we were praying inside the mosque when bandits came and started shouting that 'every everybody should stand, whoever runs will be killed.'

I saw a young boy that is not up to my younger brother's age with AK-47.

"They kidnapped our brothers, wives, and younger ones, including my 20-yearold younger sister, Halimatu.

From our findings, the bandits kidnapped 45 people in the mosque. None of the security personnel came to our rescue during the attack till after one hour before they came."

He debunked the police

report that they rescued some of the kidnapped victims, saying all the victims are still in captivity.

He, however, said efforts were being made by some residents in synergy with a vigilante group to rescue the abductees.

He added: "The police did not come to this place until 2 am when all the bandits had left with our people. When they came, they entered the mosque and packed the shoes of those kidnapped, and took them to their office. So, they did not even rescue a chicken from this place."

Another worshipper, who survived the attack but sustained injuries on his head and left hand, Muhammadu Bello, said the bandits operated for more than two hours.

He, however, could not ascertain the number of kidnapped victims because he fled the scene.

He said: "The bandits met

us in the mosque and asked us to follow them but I told them I will not follow them.

So, one of them hit me with his gun on my head. One of them also injured me with something on my left hand; so, I started running to town."

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gambo Isah, a superintendent of police, confirmed the abduction of the 45 worshippers in a telephone interview with THISDAY. But he said the police, in synergy with other security agencies, had rescued 35 of them.

According to him, efforts are being made to rescue the remaining victims.

He said: "Yes, there was an attack on a Jibia mosque this morning (Monday) and 45 worshippers were kidnapped, but we have rescued 35 of the kidnapped victims. Efforts are also on to rescue the remaining people."

Meanwhile, a former Head of State, Gen. Abubakar Abdulsalami, has denied any link with any terrorist or bandit group.

Abubakar, in a statement made available yesterday to journalists in Minna, Niger State, by his media aide, Dr. Yakubu Sulaiman, described the claim of his having such link as: "false unfounded and fake news."

His clarification came against the backdrop of a report on the alleged arrest of a helicopter allegedly belonging to him for supplying food and weapons to terrorists and bandits in parts of the country.

Abdulsalami said he did not own such a helicopter.

He disassociated himself from what he described as

12

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FG Reintroduces COVID-19 Restrictions, Closes Bars, Recreational Centres Olawale Ajimotokan and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has reintroduced COVID-19 restrictions across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with effect from the midnight of today (Tuesday).

Under the new restrictions, the federal government has shut bars, recreational centres, set limits to public gatherings and also introduced the nationwide curfew from 12 a.m to 4 a.m. with effect from the midnight of May 11, 2021.

The National Incident Manager of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), Dr. Mukhtar Muhammed announced the new measures as contained in the new guidelines on Phase Four of Ease of Lockdown.

Speaking at the PSC media briefing in Abuja yesterday, he said the federal government embarked on the new measures as a response to the concern about the non-compliance to public health and social measures contained in the Health Protection Regulation of 2021.

He said further to the recommendation and effective

from 0001 hours of Tuesday, May 11, 2021, this phase four of the eased on restrictions on movement shall come into effect.

He urged citizens to refrain from non-essential movement and comply with NPIs and guidance.

The PSC also advised that only essential travels are encouraged on most international and domestic travels, while travellers are to abide by all existing protocols.

Also, security agencies are to enforce the use of NPIs in the transport sector, including the use of face masks, temperature checks and hand sanitisers.

He stressed that each state government had been advised to set up a mobile tribunal for the prosecution of violators while security agents were empowered to make arrest for violations under the Health Protection Regulations.

Under the new guidelines, the PSC said it would maintain restriction on mass gathering outside work settings with no more than 50 people allowed in any enclosed place.

In addition, there would be the enforcement of the mandatory requirement of seven-day quarantine for all international passengers arriving from foreign

destinations , while institutional quarantine will apply for in-bound passengers from Brazil, Turkey and India.

He added that access to government and commercial premises would be denied to any person not wearing face mask. , while government said it would continue to maintain restriction on the resumption of work for the government staff on GL 12 and below.

“These safety protocols only provide a baseline from which state government may further build on to strengthen their responses based on their local circumstances. States should continue to consider the minimum guidelines required to ensure an acceptable level of epidemic control.

“State governments have been asked to institute mobile court to help enforce or impose fines and close premises that violate these provisions. These measures are to enable government to prevent the acute cycle of the resurgence of the pandemic,” Muhammed said.

He added that the PSC made

the latest recommendations in line with established thematic areas of movement, industry, labour and community activities, saying they will help consolidate the gains made so far and position the country to effectively overcome the pandemic going forward.

The guidelines will also limit government meetings to virtual platform as much as possible while maintaining restrictions on physical meetings including official trips, oversight visits and board meetings.

Event centres, bars and night clubs shall remain closed until further notice, while all recreational facilities, gyms and indoor facilities are to close until June 11 when the situation would be reviewed.

Also, hotels are to remain open but must ensure NPIs, while schools must consider Antigenbased Rapid Diagnostic Tests as recommended in the guidelines.

Religious gatherings should be limited to less than 50 per cent capacity to ensure physical distancing and use of face masks is mandatory for all worshippers.

Gatherings like weddings, parties and meetings should also

comply with the not more than 50 persons provided.

However, Muhammed said that non-contact outdoor sports like golf, polo and lawn tennis are not affected by the guideline.

Meanwhile, the PSC Chairman, Mr. Boss Mustapha has noted that the new restrictions were taken as pre-emptive measures to mitigate the likely impact of the new but deadly COVID-19 variants from being imported into Nigeria in view of the fragile state of the country’s health systems, the disruption to the vaccines delivery and the lack of compliance with the extant public health measures and social measures.

He noted that as a result of the challenge of vaccine nationalism compounded by the production situation in India, the PSC was already exploring other options to get Nigerians vaccinated.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation revealed that 1,690,719 persons have received their first dose of the vaccine in Nigeria representing 84 per cent of the targeted persons.

Mustapha also stated that authority of ECOWAS Heads

of State and government has fixed the cost of COVID-19 testing at $50 at all points of entry with effect from May 17, 2021 in order to facilitate travel and trade among citizens of ECOWAS states traveling within the region.

Also the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib has said that the PSC has approved the commencement of the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccination in all states of the federation, including the FCT. In a related development, the federal government has said that its ambitious plan to set up a COVID-19 vaccine production company was being hampered by failure to acquire the necessary technology for its take-off.

The execution of the project, which was being facilitated through a public-private sector joint venture outfit known as Bio-Vaccine Nigeria Limited is said to have been delayed due to the inability to secure the needed technology from the foreign partners.

Attempt to Burgle President’s Chief of Staff’s Residence Foiled Deji Elumoye in Abuja Security agents yesterday foiled an attempt by suspected armed men to invade the residence of the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari within the precincts of Aso Rock in Abuja, yesterday morning.

This is just as the CoS said the attempt to burgle his residence was nothing to worry about, describing it as foolish.

The armed robbers were said to have invaded the residence of the CoS, whose house is on the street next to the Presidential Villa, as early as 3 am but they were said to have been repelled by security men on duty.

It was not immediately clear whether or not valuable documents were carted away by the intruders before being chased away by security agents.

Although Gambari was given an official residence at the highly fortified Defence House in Abuja, he has

not been living there since his appointment last year.

He was said to have preferred to live around Aso Rock and be close to his principal, the President.

Attempts to speak with the CoS on the issue did not materialise as he neither picked calls nor respond to text messages as at press time yesterday night.

The presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, when also contacted on the issue, however, confirmed that there was actually an attempt to burgle Gambari’s official quarters.

His words: “The Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari has confirmed that there ‘was a foolish attempt’ to burgle his residence at 3:00 am this morning but it turned out to be unsuccessful.

“Prof. Gambari, whose house is on a street next to the Villa has assured that there is nothing to worry about from the incident”

Amaechi Charges Panel of Inquiry on NPA to be Diligent Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday charged the members of the panel set up to investigate the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 2016 to date to be transparent and diligent in carrying out the assignment.

Amaechi who disclosed this in Abuja, pointed out that there is nothing wrong in setting up a panel of inquiry, and that it does not mean that anyone is indicted, rather it is a management tool used to inquire about procurement processes, budgetary procedures, how

money is spent and how much revenue has been generated for the government.

He, therefore, pleaded with the public to allow the panel do the job assigned to them by the president, adding that they should feel free to invite anyone in the course of the investigation, even himself if need be.

In her contribution, the Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, stated that it is part of the purview of the Ministry of Transportation to supervise any agency under it, and these supervisory roles include: “Looking, asking and ensuring that things follow due process.”

GETTING POLITICAL SUPPORT...

L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao; President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, after a meeting with the Senate president in Abuja...yesterday

Sanusi Appointed Leader of Tijjaniyya Islamic Movement, Turbaned in Senegal A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and immediate past Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has been turbaned as the leader of Tijaniyya Islamic sect in Nigeria.

Sanusi was on Sunday, in Senegal, turbaned as the Khalifa of Tijaniyya sect in Nigeria by Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim Inyass, the Grand Khalifa of Tijaniyya Movement.

In March, the former emir was announced as the leader of the Tijaniyya sect at its annual

gathering in Sokoto.

The two factions of the sect appointed the former CBN governor as their leader during the Maulud celebration of Inyass.

Secretary-general of the Tijaniyya Movement of Nigeria, Auwal Shuaib confirmed the development in a statement.

“The Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyya Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim Inyass, officially makes announcement of appointing former Emir of Kano, Alh Muhammad Sanusi II, as Grand Khalifa in Nigeria.

“We pray Almighty Allah to guide him towards discharging his duties and make it beneficial to mankind, Amin.”

Sanusi’s confirmation as the Grand Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order took place at the grand Mosque in Kaolack, Senegal.

The former Kano Emir was present at the occasion.

THISDAY gathered that the confirmation followed full consultation with the scholars and leaders of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria, who chose him as

their preferred leader.

This puts to rest any speculation as to the validity or otherwise of the announcement made by his brother, Sheikh Makki Niasse in Sokoto in March.

With this confirmation, Sanusi’s position has been confirmed a successor to his late grandfather, the 11th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi I , who was the first Khalifa of Sheikh Ibrahim in Nigeria.

Transcorp Boss Calls for Sustainable Power Generation Funmi Ogundare The President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Transnational Corporation Plc, Ms. Owen Omogiafo, has stressed the need for all stakeholders in the power sector to ensure that the sustainability of power generation.

Owen, who was a guest on ‘The Morning Show,’ a programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said yesterday

that there had been a renewed investment in the power sector, adding that experts are being invited to look at ways of resolving the challenges in the country.

She said: “This period, we have seen a renewed investment and experts are being invited to the table. “We also have the NEC (National Economic Council), which is working. Last week, we had a meeting with CEOs of generating and distribution companies. We all recognise that we need to sit around

the table to solve these problems.

It’s not about pointing fingers, but we are working together to see how we will resolve the issues. We have seen some interesting regulations that have come up this year. It’s tripartite that is coming closer together and we all need to be around the table if we must successfully and sustainably make the power sector itself a sustaining one in other to deliver power.”

She said her organisation was confronted with the challenges of

infrastructure, transmission and gas, especially at its Ughelli and Afam Power Plants, adding that Transcorp has already made efforts in firming up its gas supply agreements.

AskedaboutTranscorp’sparticipation in the transaction with Heirs Holdings Oil and Gas, Omogiafo said the gas from that asset was already servicing Afam Power PLC in addition to that which it would be producing within the next few years to drive its integrated power strategy and control input and output.

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

13

14

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

COMMENT

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

TOWARDS QUICKER DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE

The move to increase the number of judges at the Court of Appeal is commendable, writes Cyril Ebikome

H

arrowing tales abound on how many waste away behind bars without hope of getting adequate opportunities to test their case to the fullest in the nation’s judicial system.

Nigeria’s legal jurisprudence provides rights for parties to a case to seek redress from superior court of competent jurisdiction if they feel that lower court had not served the best judgment.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s overburdened courts and the bureaucratic hindrances often make the process of appealing a matter a nightmare.

A popular legal maxim says, ‘’Justice delayed is Justice denied.”

According to Wikipedia, it implies ‘’that if legal redress or equitable relief to an injured party is available, but not forthcoming in a timely fashion, it is effectively the same as having no remedy at all.’’

The above aptly depicts the unfortunate fate of many seeking redress in courts in Nigeria. In many cases, effluxion of time would have overtaken the event of action; those eventual judgments become useless as they cannot be enforced because of the number of cases that few judges on the bench would have to meticulously dispense.

Therefore, the move by the Federal House of Representatives under the dynamic and responsive leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila to swell the number of judges at the Court of Appeal from 90 to 150 is highly commendable.

On Tuesday, a bill seeking each division of the Court of Appeal to have a minimum of six justices per prompt justice delivery passed second reading in the House.

The bill titled, ‘A Bill to Amend the Court of Appeal Act, Cap. C36, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to increase the number of Justices of the Court and Provide for Appointment of a minimum of six Justices in every Judicial Division of the Court for speedy and efficient justice delivery and to improve citizens’ access to justice’, sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Mr Onofiok Luke seeks to uncluttered the nation’s judicial process.

Judges from Federal High Courts, State High Courts, Customary Court of Appeal who are eminently due for elevation can now move higher to occupy Court of Appeal in various states to ease the burden of existing, overworked judges.

The Gbajabiamila House by this singular gesture has given a strong voice to the clamoured judicial reforms and better welfare for judges. The elevation of their Lordships to Appeal Courts comes with improved pay and other pecks. Moreso, it will serve as career fulfilment for many who were seemingly stuck at State High Courts.

The law will also strengthen the belief of Nigerian people in the nation’s judicial system rather than resorting to self-help because of the encumbrances of getting justice.

Findings reveal that there are pending cases at the appeal courts dated as far back as 2010. The Gbajabiamila House has offered the society a greatest service by facilitating a system that encourages quick dispensation of justice.

International business deals will boom and capital inflows in the

THE LAW WILL STRENGTHEN THE BELIEF OF NIGERIAN PEOPLE IN THE NATION’S JUDICIAL SYSTEM RATHER THAN RESORTING TO SELFHELP BECAUSE OF THE ENCUMBRANCES OF GETTING JUSTICE

form of direct foreign investment will further stimulate the depressing nation’s economy because foreigners and other parties in a business deal will know that the judicial system is strong, virile and dispense justice in record time if there are violations or breach of trade agreements.

The resultant benefits are in legion. Local hospitality and real estate sector will grab their shares of revenues accruable from lodging and real estate developments by foreigners and other local entrepreneurs.

Socio-economic impacts of the laws are better imagined.

Gbajabiamila has never left anyone in doubt of his sincerity of purpose as a leader. Perhaps, his pedigree and exposure as a successful lawyer who plied his trade in the United States contributed to the finesse and responsiveness he brought aboard his public service duty.

He has always been a stabilizing force for the government. His quality leadership transcends the hallowed green chamber of the House of Representatives. Gbajabiamila has always been a reliable voice of reasoning in critical moments of national dilemma.

The Speaker has resolved looming and actual industrial tensions between workers and government even more than the ministry of Labour and Productivity. In an unprecedented display of servantleadership, Gbajabiamila volunteered to visit resident doctors under the aegis of NARD who downed tools over poor welfare and other concerns.

He knew doctors are life savers. Though not an executive, he believes he holds Nigerians the duty of advocating and ensuring their welfare and wellbeing as a leader.

He was in Ghana to wade into the diplomatic row between the country and Nigeria over a worried trade policy that affected substantial numbers of Nigerian traders in Ghana.

Gbajabiamila’s rising profile as a pan-African leader must have necessitated the visit paid to him by the President of the Parliament of Sao Tome and Principe, Hon. Delfim Santiago Das Neves. The speaker called for stronger political and socio-economic ties between Nigeria and Sao Tome & Principe in the spirit of African brotherhood.

He sought collaborations in areas of common interests like agriculture, tourism and commerce.

Gbajabiamila cited an example with the 9th Assembly, which he said had deliberately embarked on parliamentary diplomacy since 2019 to help build friendship between Nigeria and other countries, especially on the African continent.

He said, ”I am excited because this meeting will strengthen and deepen economic and socio-political ties between Nigeria and your country. Sao Tome and Principe is rich in agriculture and tourism. This is an area Nigeria can tap into. In our house here, we have, since 2019, embarked on parliamentary diplomacy. We have established friendship groups with many countries and I use this opportunity to invite Sao Tome and Principe to be part of this process.”

The law that seeks to increase the number of judges on the bench of the Appeal Court is the latest in the Gbajabiamila-led House peopleoriented interventions.

IN THE NAME OF HONOUR

Nosike Ogbuenyi urges the Nigeria Governors Forum to abide by the terms through which Paris Club refunds were secured

A

n African proverb says that character is a god which supports you according to your conduct or behavior. Candidly, integrity, honour, truthfulness, uprightness, honesty and rectitude are closely related sublime qualities. Sadly, they are in short supply among many leaders today especially in Nigeria.

On the contrary, dishonesty, duplicity, fraud, rascality and cheating appear to have become the order of the day.

Otherwise, how would one explain the move of John Kayode Fayemi-led Governors Forum to plot to renege on the terms and conditions through which the life-saving Paris Club refunds were secured for Nigerian states and local governments at a time when they were in dire straits? Now the Ekiti governor-led forum wants to ‘chop’ both the principal payments accruing to them and the commission that belongs to the consultants who risked their lives to secure the life-saving refunds.

How come the governors, many of whom joined in lauding the patriotic consultants for their heroics, have forgotten so soon that it was the refunds that bailed Nigeria from recession barely two years ago?

Men and women with honour refuse to cheat or attempt to take what does not belong to them.

They religiously keep to the terms and conditions of agreements entered into by them or by their predecessors. However, the Governors Forum appears to lack these precious qualities – honour and integrity. They have resorted to goal post shifting in the middle of action which is disgraceful.

The Governors’ forum has thrown honour and conscientiousness to the winds by resorting to plots and chicaneries in order to flout the terms and conditions of the Paris Club payments which were secured at grave risks to the lives and businesses of those who successfully fought for it.

While the federal government is said to be dis-

posed to honouring the agreements, the governors are mounting pressure on it not to comply. But the governors can only delay and cannot escape compliance with the terms and conditions upon which the verdicts of the competent courts of jurisdiction were predicated. They have no choice but to meet up with the financial obligations owed the courageous consultants such as Linas International Ltd which belongs to renowned Nigerian international attorney and philanthropist, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.

The British-trained attorney was central to the decision of the Paris Club to refund Nigerian states and local councils the excess charges they paid under the guise of ‘endless’ debts payment, servicing and rescheduling. It took the eagle eyes of Ned Nwoko and other consultants to discover that in the process of servicing and repaying the loans, Nigeria was heavily cheated by those superintending the affairs of the international debt handling club.

For several years, Ned Nwoko and other consultants, at great personal risk, pursued and battled the powerful London/Paris creditor club from diverse fronts filing legal proceedings in London, Paris, New York, Switzerland, Abuja and other places. At the end they triumphed over them and the dividend is the multi-trillion Naira Paris Club refund earnings which the Nigerian states and local governments have been reaping in tranches.

These judgments secured by Prince Nwoko and others opened the eyes of Nigeria on how to safely and efficiently manage her foreign debts thereby helping to secure the country’s economy.

In the 2019 National Public Service Lecture of the University of Ibadan delivered by Prince Nwoko on, “Towards Efficient Management of Nigeria’s Foreign Loans”, the Delta State-born advocate of malaria eradication in Africa proffered 10 steps or measures which should be taken to ensure that the country’s debts are effectively managed to avoid

falling into bigger economic problems. Among the steps are thorough negotiation, careful signing, documentation, cataloguing and preservation of all the agreements for future references. That is just one of the many efforts of this consummate patriot to ensure that his country is never short-changed again by both foreign and local creditors. One wonders why such a great Nigerian and other like-minds who have been giving their best to their fatherland including securing the London/Paris Club excess payment refunds should be subjected to stress over payment of their accrued fees for services successfully rendered.

It is hard to contemplate that the same governors, many of whom fought through the Court system to validate their electoral victories, could be linked to any form of rebellion or sabotage against binding decisions of relevant Courts of Law to settle liabilities owed to lawfully engaged consultants who are Nigerians of high repute and standing.

A pertinent question begging for answer concerns whether the incumbent governors presently threatening the consultants with lawsuits are unaware that government is a continuum? Are they oblivious of the fact that agreements duly entered into by their predecessors are legally binding on them? It is ungentlemanly for them to try to change binding agreements, terms and conditions in the middle of the process. Why have they suddenly woken up to their unfounded claim that the agreements were reprehensible and unacceptable? Have they forgotten that it was on the basis of the agreements, terms and conditions that the London/Paris Club refunds they have been collecting in tranches were secured by the consultants?

Like Pontius Pilate, the federal government has washed its hands clean off the ignoble plots of the Governors’ forum. Worthy of mention is the clarity provided by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed on why the federal government

is obliged to abide by the binding decisions of the competent courts of law to effect the payments to consultants who carried out the spade works that were instrumental to the multibillion dollar settlement made to Nigeria by the Paris Club.

The Minister articulated the federal government’s position in her letter to the Chief of Staff to the President dated October 6th 2020 in response to an earlier letter by the Kayode Fayemi led Governors’ Forum giving unconvincing reasons to delay or truncate the payments by attempting to renege on binding agreements.

As stated, the federal government, on its part, is disposed to amicably paying the parties involved for sundry services rendered to it, the states and local governments to avoid possible penalties and embarrassment that may accompany enforcement actions and Garnishee Orders. The option entails the federal government settling the consultants in whole through issuance of Promissory Notes.

Thereafter, a sinking fund would be established by equal monthly deductions from the statutory allocation due to the states and local government councils over a period of 10 years to help defray the expenses incurred by the federal government on behalf of the states and local governments in paying off the judgment debts.

This is a neat and seamless arrangement but an avaricious clique within the governors believes it can deny the parties that rendered successful services their legitimate commission and agency charges. One is deeply pained that the patriotic Nigerians who staked all they have to free their country from the yoke of unjustified foreign debt deductions are now being subjected to litigations and torture by the same people they sacrificed so much to defend and liberate.

Ogbuenyi is a public affairs analyst and the executive director Centre for Unity, Tolerance and Equity (CUTE), Abuja

15

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

EDITORIAL THE MILITARY AND INTERNAL SECURITY There is urgent need to strengthen the Nigeria police for effectiveness and efficiency

F

ollowing the controversial statement by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria that the current political leadership should hand over power to the military for the purpose of restructuring the country, there has been a strong pushback from critical stakeholders. The military has dissociated itself from such anti-democratic utterance and position. “Let it be stated categorically that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to the present administration and all associated democratic institutions”, the army said, while affirming: “The military high command wishes to use this opportunity to warn misguided politicians who nurse the inordinate ambition to rule this country outside the ballot box to banish such thoughts as the military under the current leadership remains resolute in the defence of Nigeria’s democracy and its growth.”

With Nigeria gradually descending to the Hobbesian state of nature where life is “nasty, brutish and short”, it is little surprise that many otherwise respected citizens are getting so desperate as to be calling for military intervention. While we condemn such unhelpful utterances, it should also not be lost on the current administration that Nigerians are THERE IS NO BETTER TIME becoming so helpless TO STRENGTHEN THE that democracy is POLICE BOTH IN TERMS looking less and less OF PROFESSIONALISM attractive. The ecoAND STRUCTURE, SO THAT nomic challenges keep multiplying with no THEY CAN SUSTAIN THE solution in sight while CAPACITY TO CARRY OUT the general climate of THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL insecurity has led to a RESPONSIBILITY OF situation in which at MAINTAINING LAW AND least 34 of the 36 states ORDER are under one form of military ‘occupation’ or another. This bodes ill for our democracy.

To be sure, several recent studies by respected institutions over public confidence in the Nigeria police and satisfaction with their service have made damning conclusions. The findings have always revealed a general

Letters to the Editor

lack of confidence in the capability of the police to prevent and contain insecurity in the country. Therefore, the ‘militarisation’ of the country becomes a ready option, especially when armed robbers, kidnappers and terrorists choose when, where and how to carry out their nefarious activities. However, what drafting soldiers to the streets for law enforcement--a duty for which they are ill-equipped--has done is to reinforce the knee-jerk approach to fighting crimes which, more than anything else, defines our lack of serious approach to basic issues.

It also exposes soldiers to unnecessary politics, which is rather dangerous, especially in times like this as we once saw in Cote d’Ivoire.

W

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

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

hile we must demilitarise the civic space in Nigeria, we are also aware that what the polity can boast of presently is a police force that is easy game for a more sophisticated world of crime. For several reasons, majorly because of corruption, the Nigeria Police Force has abdicated its vital role in the society. But the blame goes round because when someone commits an offence in Nigeria today, there is no certainty of punishment, and this encourages the impunity that now pervades the land. To readdress the threat posed by the swelling militarisation of the country and the long-term effects, we need to strengthen the Nigeria police to be effective and efficient.

Therefore, even at the risk of sounding repetitive, we state that the best approach to fighting crimes remains effective intelligence gathering that not only helps in pre-empting and disrupting criminal activity but is also indispensable for the investigations of crimes. Only well-equipped and professional police can gather the close-to-the-ground information. But more worrisome is the over-exposure of soldiers to the civil space and the implications for our democracy. That becomes more dangerous at a period the security situation is almost getting out of hand. There is no better time than now to strengthen the police both in terms of professionalism and structure, so that they can sustain the capacity to carry out their constitutional responsibility of maintaining law and order.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

NIGERIA AND TIDE OF INSECURITY

I

n 2015, the then All Progressives Congress Candidate, Muhammadu Buhari promised to make the Boko Haram insurgency history. Though he didn’t state how he intended to do that as he shied away from participating in the presidential debates, Nigerians believed him as his antecedent while in the army spoke volumes. In the Second Republic while he was a GOC, he was beckoned upon by a distraught Shehu Shagari to deal with the Chadian rebels who had berthed on Nigerian soil. He rose to the occasion and chased them back to Chad. The APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu sold him to the electorate like a modern day reincarnation of the French war hero, General Charles De Gaulle.

The elections were won by the opposition for the first time in 2015 and expectations were high for Buhari to stem the tide of the ravaging insurgency. Tragically, he has failed to rise to the occasion as the insurgents have grown bolder and increased their territorial foothold in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa with their flags being hoisted in a similar manner to how Sir Francis Drake hoisted the English flag all over the world after he and his band of merriment raided, maimed, pillaged and killed the hapless locals. What was his reward? He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I. Buhari seems to be repeating history as he seems to be pampering the terrorists and is not known to have spoken tough against their sinister activities. His silence is alarming and divergent interpretations are being given to it. Is this the same Buhari who once fought rebels? Is this the same man who once talked tough on terrorism? How come he has no sturdy counter

terrorism strategy in nearly six years of being in office and 12 years of electoral contests before he assumed office in 2015? Did he just want power for its mere sake?

The Tamil Tigers founded in 1976 in Sri Lanka had the aim of creating a Tamil State with the aid of terrorism. Successive administrations tried to unsuccessfully crush the group until Mahinda Rajapaksa came to power in 2005. He addressed his countrymen almost on a daily basis as well as the troops and in some instances visited the troops and greatly increased their morale. This led to their final defeat in 2009 after a 33-year siege and its now the subject of study for thesis and doctoral dissertations in universities around the world. That is the ethos of a firm leadership which Buhari lacks as his silence is traumatic on the psyche of Nigerians.

As if the activity of Boko Haram is not enough, bandits who kidnap for ransom and in some cases kill their victims after the ransoms must have been paid have sprung up all over the country. Nowhere is safe as they unleash terror everywhere most especially in educational institutions where their sinister activities have constituted a gargantuan rape on the quest for knowledge by the students.

Five students of Greenfield University located in Kaduna were killed with 16 more still in captivity and the bandits have given an ultimatum for the provision of the whopping sum of a N100 million after N55 million had been earlier paid which they claimed was used to feed the beleaguered students. Many more students especially in the northern part of the nation have

gone through gory times and it’s so bad now that schools have been shut down in Abuja due to a rumour of a plan to bomb the city. This is an assault on learning and it is disturbing that in a country where there are about 12 million out of school children, learning has now become a surreptitious crime no thanks to the bandits who have now discovered their new oil in hostage taking.

Buhari has shown utter disdain for the press by refusing to address his emotionally battered countrymen leaving his communication solely to his aides – Garba Shehu and Femi Adesina who do nothing but stoke the embers of anger in the blood-soaked land through their insensitive and unguarded statements.

George Bush waged war against terror through the bombing of Afghanistan and Iraq. Despite his oratorical deficiency, he spoke forcefully against it to his countrymen and assured the world that America was still the leader of the world despite the World Trade Centre Bombing in New York on September 11, 2001.

Barack Obama ensured that Osama Bin Laden was brutally annihilated through the Seals and spoke eloquently against terrorism.

Buhari on the other hand has been quiet and aloof to the plight of his countrymen – millions of whom are now internally displaced in their so-called motherland with no end in sight to their misery. What happened to his military prowess that was the major selling point in the 2015 campaign?

Tony Ademiluyi, Co Founder of The Vent Republic Media, Lagos

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

16

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 07May-2021, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 152.15 153.64 -5.96% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.52% Nigeria International Debt Fund 298.97 298.97 -24.71% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 110.76 110.76 -1.18% 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 N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A 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 5.16% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.32 3.49 -6.29% 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 100.00 100.00 1.21% Anchoria Equity Fund 126.84 128.31 -4.64% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 -20.99% 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 18.92 19.49 4.30% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 412.98 425.44 3.15% ARM Ethical Fund 36.85 37.96 9.31% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.93% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 103.98 103.98 2.23% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.96 1.96 -27.71% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.17 2.21 -9.49% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 0.74% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.36% Paramount Equity Fund 15.65 15.93 -2.17% Women's Investment Fund 130.56 131.92 -1.95% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.85% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 113.58 114.28 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.32 106.32 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 1.62% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.15 1.17 -3.83% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.35 1.35 -14.83% 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 3.16% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.51% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,161.77 1,168.11 -3.04% 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 1,363.32 1,363.32 8.59% FBN Balanced Fund 184.39 185.65 -1.75% FBN Halal Fund 109.24 109.24 3.99% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.67% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 124.57 124.57 3.32% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 150.72 152.84 -0.31% 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 2.50% Legacy Debt Fund 3.93 3.93 1.57% Legacy Equity Fund 1.57 1.60 2.83% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.16 1.16 1.72% 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 N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 100.00 100.00 3.80% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.73 2.79 18.93% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 148.09 148.52 -4.71% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.20 1.24 27.06% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 5.88% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.36 1.38 0.00% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,133.02 1,133.02 2.61% 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 10.66 10.73 1.86% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.89% 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 1.62 1.64 7.36% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.38 12.44 2.05% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 2.38% PACAM Equity Fund 1.56 1.57 -1.23% PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.45 111.94 0.40% 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 129.31 131.51 5.43% 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 2.49% 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 3,113.91 3,138.37 -3.18% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 228.98 228.98 1.84% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.16 1.18 -0.85% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 300.14 300.14 1.86% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 214.70 217.30 -1.76% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.29% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,141.19 10,269.11 -3.44% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.25 1.25 1.97% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.44 113.44 2.12% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 100.83 100.83 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 1.33 1.35 -2.63% United Capital Bond Fund 1.93 1.93 2.19% United Capital Equity Fund 0.88 0.91 1.92% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.90% United Capital Eurobond Fund 120.09 120.09 2.56% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.07 1.09 -1.27% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.04 1.04 4.17% 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 N/A N/A N/A Zenith Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.84 53.12

1.74% 1.37%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.49 122.42 96.50

12.59 122.42 98.25

-5.49% 0.56% -2.92%

Fund Name SFS REIT 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

3.66 5.58 16.87 1.00 19.07 158.72

3.70 5.66 16.97 1.00 19.27 160.72

-2.98% -1.95% 3.22% 2.66% -7.05% -27.37%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.52

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.

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 • T H I S D AY

17

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021

18

POLITICS

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

Examining the Chances of APC Governorship Aspirants in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke scrutinises the electoral prospects of aspirants seeking the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Anambra State

Moghalu

Uba

Orajiako

Nwankwo

T

Nigeria (CITN) and member of a Chartered institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb), Nwokafor even with his zeal to serve the state has been described as a green horn politician.

Though a perfect gentleman, he is a naïve politician, who may be swallowed in the horse-trading and high power maneuvers that come with politics Hon Azuka Okwuosa, an Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA born engineer, he is among the few in the race who can be described as thorough grassroot politician. He advanced in politics through the ranks and was thought by some of the best politicians, including late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Okwuosa, popularly called ‘Zukky’ by his supporters has been a local government chairman, a commissioner and has worked as Director General of campaign organizations for governorship candidates. He is very experienced, and regarded by many as the man for APC. Beyond his experience in politics, his major selling points are his acceptability at the grassroot, his ability to finance his own election without waiting for fundraisers and his consistency in APC. He has received several endorsements from groups and individuals.

Dr George Moghalu: He is currently the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). A perfect gentleman, and very experienced in Anambra politics. He made previous attempts to govern the state but failed. He hails from Nnewi in the southern part of the state and his biggest advantage is his consistency in party politics.

Moghalu is a foundation member of APC, and has since remained in the party, after joining the party from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He is said to have a close relationship with President Muhammadu

Buhari, especially after working with him in his previous party, before the formation of APC, and may use his relationship with the president in the election.

Paul Orajiaka: An entrepreneur and a self made man, Orajiaka is one of the men who will be slugging it out with others in June for the APC ticket. He is highly rated among the aspirants, and believed to be sincere and straightforward. His education is an advantage to his aspiration. He is young and rich, but he can be considered to be an unknown in the state, especially in the area of politics.

Dr Chidozie Nwankwo is a businessman who has business interest in many countries across the world. He hails from Oko in Orumba North LGA, and can best be described as a rookie politician. He is known to be very rich, and in a state like Anambra where the power of money cannot be ruled out, Nwankwo is considered to be a top contender in the primary election. He is the Chairman CEO of Witchtech Industries, makers of a range of building materials, and also known to be a preacher of the gospel.

He told THISDAY in an interview that his choice of party was based on a revelation he had, which shows that the APC would form the next government in Anambra State. He added, “I have chains of businesses across the world, and I know my businesses will suffer when I become the governor, but I don’t mind, if only we fix Anambra first.”

It was gathered that some aspirants were already fidgety about his entry into the race, and had made accusations about billionaires joining the race, with intention to buy the ticket of the party. He will rely on his wealth in the election.

Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo: Young, suave,

showy and debonair Anambra politician. Even though he is still in his early 40s, Onunkwo has made several attempts to govern Anambra State, and his many attempts have qualified him as a veteran contender. Once an election is around the corner, his supporters do not need to be told that he will vie as they simply begin to canvass support for him. He is a politician that cannot be underrated, but many insist that his attempt to govern the state may be a demonstration of over-ambition, especially as he is not known to have held any public office, or had experience in that area. It is for this reason that many consider him a pretender, rather than a contender.

Senator Andy Uba’s name rings a bell, not only in Anambra State, but in the entire country. He was presidential aide, two term senator and has garnered enough experience on the running of government. In 2007, Uba was governor for 17 days, after he won the governorship election of that year overwhelmingly. He was however removed by the court to allow Mr Peter Obi complete his tenure.

While many believe that the ticket of the APC cannot go to anyone else, considering the fact that he is a dogged fighter, others have said that there is already an agreement that Uba should fly the ticket of the APC for the election. Those who hold the later view, say the party considered many factors before settling for Uba, including looking out for a candidate that will be able to match both the PDP which has an overwhelming popularity in the state, and the APGA, which is the ruling party. For many reasons, the odds favour Uba for the ticket, including his very deep pocket, his connection in the corridors of power and his popularity among the people, most of who he is said to have touched through his philanthropy.

He is the only aspirant who showed proof of having purchased the party’s forms, at a time when the party was lamenting that no aspirant was forthcoming. He is coming to the race very equipped.

Geoff Onyejekwe: Onyejegbu is from Ichi in Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

He was acting GOC 2nd Mechanised Division of Nigeria Army. He was a Military Diplomat Attachee to Washington DC. He was a governorship aspirant in 2010, and also contested for a seat in the senate in 2019. He is said to have made contributions in sustaining APC in Anambra State, but his popularity among members of the party is in doubt.

Edozie Madu: is the former National Chairman of Independent Democrats (ID), and presidential candidate of the same party.

He joined APC in 2020. He is known to be a thoroughbred politician. Although he is not popular in the party, owing to his recent entry, some political analyst believe that he is in the race with new tactics, which may include getting endorsement from the party at the national level.

he November governorship election in Anambra State will be unique for many reasons, but for the All Progressives Congress?APC), the uniqueness would be perhaps the number of quality aspirants that have crowded the party to run on its ticket this time. Anambra is one state that is known to have tagged the APC, since its formation, as a Northern party, thereby making an average indigene of the state distance himself from the party. Only a few with personal conviction, and others who are diehard supporters of some bigwigs in the party remained with the party all through. Also, it was rare to find an array of fine gentlemen, running for governorship position on the APC platform in Anambra. The seeming unpopularity of the party then made it open to its leader in the state, Dr Chris Ngige to run on the platform unchallenged in every election. Today, the story has changed as quality aspirants rooting to govern the state are seeking the ticket of the party for the election.

The Aspirants A reliable member of the party, Mr Arinze Igboeli, who is a zonal publicity secretary of APC in Anambra State told THISDAY that so far, there are 14 governorship aspirants jostling to win the ticket of the party for the November election. Arinze said that what was fascinating is that all the aspirants are good materials for the election, adding that the number was a clear testimony of the level of acceptance the party has attained in the state.

Barr Ben Etiaba, a lawyer and son of Anambra’s former Deputy Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, who later acted as governor for three months in 2006, after the governor, Mr Peter Obi was impeached. Etiaba is not known to be so much of a politician, at least in the context of Nigerian politics where many take it to be an occupation. He is however known to be brainy and full of ideas , which is his major advantage in the race, but sources say he lacks the financial muscle to execute the primary election, not to talk of the main election. A party source who spoke to THISDAY on condition of anonymity said, “Not all our aspirants are serious. Some of them are contesting on the internet, and Etiaba is one of them.”

The lawyer is running for the governorship seat, alongside two of his younger brothers, Emeka Etiaba; a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant and Echezona Etiaba in All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Dr Amobi Nwokafor is an indigene of Awka in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. A seasoned accountant with over 31 years work experience in the accounting profession. A member of the Institute of Directors, Fellow of the Institute of chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), fellow of chartered of institute of Taxation of

Anambra is one state that is known to have tagged the APC, since its formation, as a Northern party, thereby making an average indigene of the state distance himself from the party. Only a few with personal conviction, and others who are diehard supporters of some bigwigs in the party remained with the party all through. Also, it was rare to find an array of fine gentlemen, running for governorship position on the APC platform in Anambra. The seeming unpopularity of the party then made it open to its leader in the state, Dr Chris Ngige to run unchallenged on the platform in every election. Today, the story has changed

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021

19

POLITICS

From Learning Field to Killing Field The recent capture and murder of some students of Greenfield University in Kaduna State highlights the increasing tragedy of more than 600 students reportedly kidnapped in Nigeria since last December, writes Vanessa Obioha

Buhari

el-Rufai

Gumi

Obasanjo

F

before they made their latest request.

Kaduna, known as the Centre of Learning due to the number of institutions of Higher learning in the state is gradually becoming a centre for banditry. In the past, the region was known mainly for religious violence, particularly in Southern Kaduna. Nowadays, kidnapping for ransom has taken over as the new phase of infamy, happening mostly along Kaduna and Abuja Expressway.

million was paid. Twenty-seven students regained freedom last week.

The rising incidents of student abduction in Nigeria seemingly carries a political tone. When the Chibok girls incident happened, it was mainly seen as politically motivated to destabilise the administration of the then-president Goodluck Jonathan. Critics pilloried him for his slow response to the situation.

Kidnapping of foreigners or elites in Nigeria is not entirely new. In a 2018 report on kidnap for ransom by a global organisation on risk management, Nigeria ranked highest in Africa. There are still pockets of abductions of expatriates and elites in the South-east and South-west regions, aided by the current insecurity ravaging the country.

There is a widespread believe that the insecurity is caused by weak infrastructure and with many of the security agents controlled by the federal government, the states are often left handicapped. Also, the palatable financial offers made to the kidnappers by state governors instead of lawful punishment is considered one of the reasons the crime is seen as a lucrative business, an act that the presidency has condemned. More so, kidnapping the vulnerable in society guarantees a higher ransom compared to other individuals.

More than 600 students have reportedly been kidnapped in Nigeria since last December.

While the presidency frowns at some governors who reward bandits, it has not however put in place a concrete plan to curtail the prevalence of kidnapping in the country. Rather, individuals such as the Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakar Gumi become negotiators to secure the release of victims. According to Gumi, a great number of bandits will be willing to surrender if assured of amnesty. However, not a few Nigerians

are comfortable with his proposal.

He reportedly said that terrorists are infiltrating the bandit herders, and are responsible for the Greenfield kidnap.

He called on the Kaduna state government to pay the ransom to spare the lives of the students. He argued that the government should pay the ransom to get the students freed and later go after the kidnappers to retrieve their money.

Recently, he assured that the Greenfield University students will soon regain their freedom following the release of the 27 Afaka students. He disclosed that the kidnappers will no longer carry out their threat to kill the remaining students because of the ongoing negotiations.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly working with the Sheikh for the release of the students, though his role is not clear.

“What we understand is that these people are trying to attack the government by attacking government institutions and taking innocent children. Having understood that, we came to the conclusion that this is not a hopeless situation and that we can really go in and negotiate for the release of these children, which we did after so many ups and downs,” said Gumi in an interview.

Meanwhile, there is no end to the sleepless nights and torment of the parents. On May 4 when the bandits threatened to kill the students, they marched to the National Assembly to plead with the government to come to their aid. Some of them expressed anger at the Kaduna State Governor who has remained adamant against negotiating with the bandits. Not a few consider the governor ’s stance hypocritical since he once condemned the previous administration for not negotiating with kidnappers. His opinion then was that the government could afford to be indifferent to the plight of the students because their ward was not among the kidnapped. Now, people are repeating the same words to him.

or parents of the kidnapped Greenfield University students, April 20 brings frightful memories. The day marked the beginning of a traumatic experience that conjures images of gruesome murder and death. On that fateful day, these parents learnt about the abduction of their children from Greenfield University, a private university in Kaduna State. Gunmen were said to have invaded the school premises in the evening and carried out the abduction. It was the first known tragedy experienced by the university which began operations barely two years ago. It is the only private university in Kaduna State located at Kasarami, off the Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun LGA. On its website, the university advertised that it currently has two faculties: Science and Technology and Social and Management Sciences with an Engineering faculty in the works.

Unaware of the fate of their children at the time, the parents would later receive calls from unknown bandits, demanding the sum of N800 million for the release of the students.

On receiving the news, their word fell apart. They were devastated.

“On April 20, a strange call entered my phone and I heard my son’s voice saying ‘we have been kidnapped.’ Shortly after, someone with an ugly voice from the background snatched the phone from him and asked that we the parents should pay a ransom of N800 million to secure the release of our children,” a parent of one of the kidnapped students Muazu Yusuf told CNN. While they were still deliberating on how to meet the demands, the kidnappers killed three students on April 23.

The swiftness of their action conveyed a strong message to the parents and of course to Governor, Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State who has kicked against negotiating with bandits. The students killed included Dorathy Tirnom Yohanna, Precious Nwakacha and Sadiq Muazu, the son of Yusuf. Their corpses were found in a nearby village, Kwanar Bature.

One day later, the management of the school released a statement through its Registrar Muhammad Bashir seeking the intervention of the government in the situation.

Two days later, two students were killed again, bringing the number of students killed within six days to five.

The bandits further threatened to kill the remaining students if their demands were not met. They requested N100 million and 10 brand new motorcycles.

However, on May 4, one of the students regained freedom after the mother Lauritta Attahiru privately met the ransom of the abductors. She is the wife of a retired Army officer from Plateau State.

The unidentified kidnappers reportedly demanded N20 million from the parents

Rising Cases of Abduction In recent times, the kidnapping of secondary school students has become rife in northern parts of Nigeria. The most notorious among them was the kidnapping of 276 female students of the Government Secondary School for Girls in Borno State in 2014 by insurgents. Their abduction sparked a nationwide protest and drew the attention of international bodies. To date, a handful of the girls are yet to return to their families. Again, in 2018, Boko Haram struck at Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe state, kidnapping more than 100 female students. While most of the girls were returned, a young student by nake, Leah Sharibu who reportedly resisted the kidnappers and refused to renounce her faith is yet to regain freedom. In what many have described as staged, abduction, a group of boys were kidnapped in Katsina state last December but were swiftly rescued by the government one week later.

Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna states are among the recent states that have recorded mass kidnapping of students.

One month before the Greenfield University incident, 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna were kidnapped by bandits. Ten of the students were initially released after a ransom of N17

While they were still deliberating on how to meet the demands, the kidnappers killed three students on April 23. The swiftness of their action conveyed a strong message to the parents and of course to Governor, Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State who has kicked against negotiating with bandits.

The students killed included Dorathy Tirnom Yohanna, Precious Nwakacha and Sadiq Muazu, the son of Yusuf. Their corpses were found in a nearby village, Kwanar Bature. One day later, the management of the school released a statement through its Registrar Muhammad Bashir seeking the intervention of the government in the situation

When Condolences Are Not Enough Following the killing of the first three students of the university, El-Rufai through the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan sent “deep condolences and empathy to the students’ families and the university community, as he prayed for the repose of their souls.”

“My thoughts are with their families in this time of grief. May their souls rest in peace,” said President Muhammadu Buhari of the killings while describing the situation as a barbaric terror attack.

But these condolences do little to alleviate the pains of the parents. Nigerians are agitating and demanding that the government take critical steps to secure their freedom and ensure that the learning field does not become a killing field.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ, ͰͮͰͯ

20

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430

Intensifying Advocacy for a Noiseless Lagos Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the recently commemorated annual International Noise Awareness Day provided an avenue for the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency to intensify its advocacy for a noiseless environment through the implementation of the relevant laws against noise polluters, while charging concerned sectors to critically appraise their activities and develop noise management strategies

N

oise or sound, as the case may be, is all around us. It’s everywhere we go. And in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos, the noise decibel rings louder.

From the blaring of horns by impatient drivers to mounted speakers of religious houses, music CD sellers, clubs and bars, as well as noise from generating sets, the cacaphony of noise is often overwhelming especially when such occurs in residential areas. But trust Lagosians, like the typical Nigerians, have adapted to the noise and accepted it as usual, an anomaly experts seek to correct.

Undoubtedly, being around too much loud noise, can make one lose their hearing, and often times, once it’s gone, it can’t be regained.

According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Health), every five in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly while every four in 10 young people are around dangerously loud noises during events like concerts and sports games, the end result being that they often have trouble hearing with one (or both) of their ears.

Health Implications Although most people are not aware, over time, any sound that’s 85 decibels or higher can cause hearing loss — or other hearing problems, like tinnitus (a ringing sound in your ears that won’t go away). The louder a sound is, and the longer you listen to it, the more it can damage your hearing, the CDC postulated.

"Inside your ear, there are lots of tiny fibers that help you hear. Over time, loud noise can damage these fibers — and once they’re damaged, they can’t ever be fixed. That’s why it’s so important to start protecting your ears now, while you’re young.

"Most people don’t feel any warning signs (like pain or ringing in your ears) until their hearing is already damaged. And if you think your ears can just get used to the noise, think again. If loud noises don’t bother you as much as they used to, that means you’ve already lost some of your hearing.

"So how can you tell when a noise is hurting your hearing? If there’s so much noise around you that you need to talk extra loud when your friends are only a few feet away, it’s probably hurting your hearing. Time to bring out the earplugs — or go somewhere quieter! Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start protecting your hearing now," they added.

Int'l Noise Awareness Day To raise awareness about the menace of noise, every April 28th was designated for it.

This year marked the 26th annual International Noise Awareness Day (INAD). For this year, it was themed “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health”.

Objectives The day is often marked to help raise awareness of the harmful effects of noise on hearing, health and quality of life, and inspire positive action in your community. Although there are so many reasons to be passionate about turning down the volume on noise, but it all comes down to this: one needs to protect his/her hearing, which essentially boils down to protecting their health.

LASEPA'S Advocacy Joining the advocacy campaign, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in line with its “Less Noise, More Sense” advocacy campaign, noted that the yearly event is to sensitise and encourage people to initiate action on bothersome noise at work, home and social circles to promote healthy living and a peaceful environment.

According to LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, the theme for the Y2021 International Noise Day “Protect Your Hearing,

Panelists at the International Noise Awareness Day hosted by LASEPA

LASEPA MD, Dr. Fasawe Protect Your Health”, is a true manifestation of the concerns and resolve of the agency to ensure a peaceful, ambient and sustainable environment.

As part of its duties, the agency has received and treated over 912 complaints on noise pollution across the state and to act as a deterrent, it might begin to impose as much as N5000 and N1 million on those who defy noise regulation.

Thus to commemorate the day, the agency held a webinar which was attended by relevant stakeholders and victims of noise pollution, who shared their personal experiences while positing the way forward.

While declaring the summit open, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Aderonke Odeneye, commended LASEPA for not resting on its oars to bequeath a friendly and conducive environment devoid of environmental hazards to residents.

She, therefore, called for the cooperation and support of all citizens in the fight against noise pollution, declaring that government cannot do it alone.

The panelists, who were drawn from

various interest sectors such as religion, entertainment, industrial and hospitality, unanimously agreed that their practices should be guided by the doctrine of good neighbourliness with due consideration for the host community. They also expressed their readiness to support the government in achieving its objective by complying with laid down rules and regulations of the state.

Campaign for a Noiseless Lagos While reiterating its determination at ensuring a noiseless environment through the implementation of the relevant laws of the agency against noise polluters, LASEPA charged concerned sectors to critically appraise their activities and develop noise management strategies.

The GM, Dr. Fasawe gave the advice during the webinar session held to mark INAD. According to her, the webinar was also organised with the intent of addressing the negative impact of noise on hearing, health and quality of life of citizens, while promoting a peaceful environment in tandem with the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of the state government.

“All over the world, the last Wednesday of April is celebrated annually as the International Noise Awareness Day to sensitise the public on the importance of noise pollution control, its implication on human health and to serve as a call for action and collaboration between regulators and stakeholders against the menace and to promote a healthy culture for a serene environment that is synonymous with a smart city like Lagos."

Fasawe maintained that it is understandable that noise is an essential component of urban development that cannot be eliminated but can be controlled to an acceptable level, adding that the government is disposed to the fundamental rights of individuals to the religion of choice, right to fellowship, entrepreneur drives but with total consideration and respect for the right of others to a reasonably quiet environment and peaceful living, stressing that all activities that tend to promote disunity, disaffection and chaos amongst residents must be shunned.

The general manager also attributed the high rate of noise pollution in Lagos to the upsurge of illegal buildings and indiscriminate conversion of residential property to religious/leisure use, adding that the new urban development plan for the state is embedded with practical and recommended strategies to keep noise pollution within an acceptable level and protect innocent citizens from dangers inherent in constant exposure to noise pollution.

Policies and Regulation To achieve the necessary result, she revealed that the agency has increased its advocacy to encourage self-regulation and voluntary compliance, while failures to abide shall be met with strict consequences.

She said policies and regulations to be implemented include restriction on the use of noisy generators, indiscriminate use of sirens, non-use of vehicle horns in certain places and restriction of loudspeakers in public places as part of measures to reduce noise in the state.

Fasawe reiterated that LASEPA would ensure that new entertainment and religious facilities are soundproofed before granting approvals, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be conducted on existing buildings to ensure structural capability while failure to abide by the set standards will attract strict consequences.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ, ͰͮͰͯ

21

FEATURES

It’s a Year Since my Earthly Angel Answered the Call Andrew Okeleke

H

ow time flies!

My dear wife, it is already one year since you exited this wicked world through the reckless driver of BRT bus No. 314 at a spot near Agric bus stop, Ikorodu road, Ikorodu, Lagos.

We spoke last at 7.14pm on that fateful day. And ten minutes later, you had been knocked down while attempting to cross over to the other side of the road to wait for me.

Since that day, life has never been the same. The occurrence momentarily brought my world to a close.

Darkness took over my space. For days, I was unable to comprehend what hit me that less than 10mins after we spoke, you were gone. We were going to meet at a hospital across the road to run a medical check on a new house help. Then suddenly you were no more.

Even when I drove past the accident scene to meet you at the hospital as scheduled, little did I know that the gathering I saw around the accident scene was about you. I got to the hospital to ask after you, but no one seemed to give me an answer about your presence at the hospital.

But when I called our daughter to confirm whether you changed your mind and returned home, she broke the saddest news ever to me.

I found it difficult to believe that you were the victim, just 10 minutes after we spoke. I raced to the scene only to see your lifeless body in a pool of your own blood. BRT bus driver had murdered my dear wife!

I must confess that my life without you in the last one year has been thorny. To say the least, it was a mystery that I could survive the spate of incidence that happened to my existence as a widower. The vacuum your absence created in the home is real. The thoughts that you will forever be missing from the home kept going through our minds - your children and I. But it is stronger on me as the relationship of over 30 years cannot be wished away easily.

What about the love we shared together; the good times we had even when the resources were scarce?

What about the strong support you gave me to climb from the zero rung of the ladder to the point where we would have settled for a glorious evening?

What about the peace, love and joy you brought to the entire family, and by extension, to our acquaintances and church members? What about your major role of ensuring smooth running of the home to the delight and progress of the family? That you were in charge of the home, like any other virtuous woman, was not in doubt. You conceptualised; you directed; you executed plans that stimulated our progress within the over 30 years we lived together.

Talking about spate of occurrences after your death, they came in a staccato form, to the extent that I likened my life to the life of a man born without luck. Worse still, the events seemed to be happening on the same date of 11 of subsequent months.

Since you have been gone, I have become particularly suspicious of the 11th of every month. It is for good reason. You left this world on that date; every other month since then, some unsalutary events tried to arrange themselves for that date.

It is as if I should “beware of the ides" of 11 of any month. But God has reasons for the occurrences. He is the One that controls the time and our lives.

Indeed, my trip home penultimate Thursday, the first since your departure, was dry, just as our country

Late Mrs. Okeleke

home we built together was empty.

It was devoid of the bustling of my kinsmen and your relations as well as old friends within the village

Late Okeleke

who hitherto would troop into the house for the usual felicitations. It used to be rendezvous of some sort.

You would cook almost endlessly to

ensure our guests were entertained.

We would have them come at different times; sometimes late.

But none of these happened this time round. It was as if they held a meeting to promulgate an unwritten rule that none should visit simply because the “chief entertainer” is gone. They may have imagined who would warmly welcome them with that wifely disposition. I sat in the large living room alone with a reflection of how your gregarious presence attracted them. I recall the financial and material support that we pass on to all.

With a feeling of nostalgia, I reminisced on how the warmth of your presence in the village attracted our acquaintances. Only then did I realise that your presence at home was like the honey-comb that constantly attracted the bees.

My dear Nkem, as we fondly called each other, your untimely exit is difficult to forget even when people around encouraged me to do so. As the legendary reggae musician, late Bob Marley sang, "he who feels it knows it much". I feel it; I know how it pains; but only God, the Owner of the whole earth will help the family to cope. Driving past the spot of the tragic accident, constantly throws up some chilling feelings in me. It reminds me of that terrible moment when I felt my world was finished and completely collapsed.

We had our evening full of hope; hope of retiring into a quiet life of full-time ministry; hope of helping our children to nurture our grand children; hope of working for humanity. Indeed, the hope of enjoying the home we built together. But that hope was dashed by a careless, reckless and wicked BRT driver exactly one year ago.

As I mark the first year of your exit, I pray the Almighty God to grant you eternal rest in His bosom.

I pray and believe that we shall be together some day, to part no more.

Adieu, my Love!

22

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 •T H I S D AY

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

11.05.2021

AMBASSADOR CHRISTOPHER NONYELUM OKEKE

THE VINDICATION OF A LAWYER AND PUBLIC SERVANT

2/DASHBOARD

11.05.2021

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

11.05.2021

AMBASSADOR CHRISTOPHER NONYELUM OKEKE

THE VINDICATION OF A LAWYER AND PUBLIC SERVANT QUOTABLES ‘It is very evident that this is just not an attack, when you attack institutions of law and order, of law enforcement.

It is an attack on the welfare and the wellbeing of the people.’ - Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Professor of Law, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria ‘....From the wider covert investigation that has been conducted in Nigeria, a number of people.....were found to be culpable......reasonable grounds for suspicion of terrorist financing have been established......in respect of transactions of certain higher profile individuals and business men, across the country.’ - Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Applying the Doctrine of Recent Possession to Dislodge the Defence of Alibi PAGE 4

NBA-SBL Unveils 2021 Conference Itinerary PAGE 5

/3

11.05.2021

Judges’ Welfare, Boko Haram and Bar Exams The Judge and his N10 million Loan Two weeks ago, I was talking to a friend of mine - a Judge, and I felt so embarrassed and ashamed of Nigeria. He told me that he had applied to the Bank where his salary is domiciled for a N10 million loan a few years ago, to complete the construction of a house on a piece of land which his father bequeathed to him, so that he could earn some extra income to augment his salary and give his children a decent education, and also not end up being homeless on his retirement. The Bank flatly turned him down and refused to grant the loan, because they said his salary was too paltry to support a N10 million loan.

When I then read the illuminating article authored

by Ahuraka Yusuf Isah which we featured last week, titled ‘The Sorry State of Judiciary Budgets and Judges' Salaries’, I realised why the Bank refused to lend the Judge the money.

Mr Isah’s article revealed that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) earns less than N300,000 per month as his basic salary, and the other Justices of the Supreme Court (JSCs), about N206,000. With other allowances, the CJN's monthly take home pay amounts to N480,000, while that of his brother JSCs, N751,000. If the CJN and JSCs can be paid such peanuts, the High Court Judges would be getting less. As for the Magistrates, I believe they earn less than N200,000 per month. Worse still, Judicial officers have not had a salary increase since 2008! God knows how many years it would have taken the Bank to recover their N10 million plus interest from the Judge, if they had granted him the loan. In Banking parlance, if there’s anything longer than a long term loan, that is what the Judge’s N10 million loan would have qualified as - ‘Eternity or Infinity’ loan! According to Mr Isah, while our CJN does not go home with up to N10 million per annum in salary and allowances, a High Court Judge in South Africa earns about N47 million per annum.

The Judge went on to inform me that, if not that the Lagos State Government augments their salaries monthly to increase it to about N500,000, they would go home with something in the region of a little more than N200,000. For goodness sake, are our judicial officers clerks? Yet, Lagos State High Courts for example, have one of the busiest dockets in the world.

We talk about the Doctrine of Separation of Powers - that is, the three co-equal arms of Government, the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary, as espoused by Baron de Montesquieu and enshrined in Sections 4- 6 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2018)(the Constitution), but it is obvious that it remains a theoretical doctrine only, and not one that is practiced in Nigeria. As I have always maintained, the Judiciary comes a distant third vis-a-vis the Executive and the Legislature in terms of everything, including remuneration.

When the Judge went on to tell me how he and his colleagues jostle to be included on official trips, in order to be able to receive esta code to boost their meagre incomes, it just sounded so tragicomic. I couldn't however hide my amusement or suppress my laughter, when the Judge concluded by telling me about one of the other Judges who is so stingy, that while on trips, he would not even buy a colleague a cup of tea. Can you blame M’Lord?!

Holistic Review of Judiciary Funding and Salary Structure If the Judges could go on strike, I would have advised them to do so. In 2008, a JSC's N750,000 monthly take home pay was about $6,2000, today, it is approximately $1,500. A Lagos High Court Judge's N500,000 salary would have been about $4,100 or so in 2008; today it is about $1,000! And prices of all commodities, including the basics like food and fuel, have been on a steady increase.

And, while I’m not saying all Judges are corrupt, I can say without equivocation that our judicial officers are grossly underpaid, and by virtue of this fact, the Government is creating an enabling environment for judicial corruption. See Section 17 of the Constitution, particularly 17(2)(c), (e) and (3)(b).

With the JUSUN Strike still on, this is as good a time as any to review the issue of the funding of the Judiciary and salary structure of judicial officers holistically. Some have advocated that the salaries of High court Judges should be categorised in accordance to their years of service; that a Judge of 10 years standing should not be earning the same salary as a newly appointed Judge. that is, the salaries should be staggered into maybe 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-19, 20 years and above. In the

Civil Service, a person on Grade Level 8 does not earn the same as a Grade Level 14 worker.

Likewise, in the Police Force and practically every other institution, seniority is not only reflected by rank, but also in salary and allowances. For the High Court Judge, why should it be different? It is bizarre that seniority is only reflected by court numbers and not in terms of salary, as I believe it is done in England on which we base our legal system on.

It is time to increase the remuneration of all judicial officers. Where will the money come from?

For starters, a part of the allowances and running costs paid to NASS members can be reduced and diverted to the Judiciary. I saw a headline of a report that BudgIT released, claiming that there are 316 duplicated capital projects in the 2021 budget to the tune of N39.5 billion. All this wastage can be put to better use, like funding the Judiciary.

Boko Haram Violence Nigeria is plagued with insecurity, due to the various types of violence we are presently grappling with.

Though I can never absolve this administration and its predecessor for what Nigeria is going through today, I must say that apart from Boko Haram (BH), Farmer/Herdsmen crisis, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism etc, there seems to be a concerted effort by some unknown persons to instil fear into Nigerians and make the country ungovernable.

There are just too many attacks, the latest being on law enforcement facilities in different States.

As for Lawyer Lai Mohammed and his absurd cockeyed statement that kidnapping and banditry are not Federal Offences, I implore him to peruse the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (and the Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act 2013), particularly Section 1(2) which more or less covers most of the different types of insecurity we are experiencing, including GBH and Murder - Section 1(2)(c)(i), Kidnapping - Section 1(2)(c)(ii), Destruction of Government or Public Facility - Section 1(2)(c) (iii), amongst several others.

For the past few years, BH insurgency was topmost on the list of our security concerns. In my humble opinion, in order to be able to resolve a problem, you have to understand it! The BH ideology is as unclear as that of the political parties in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, let us examine a couple of their core beliefs or rather, core misconceptions. One of them is that it is ideal that an Islamic State be established, and all Nigerians must be converted to Islam. The Shahada, the profession of faith, which is the first pillar of Islam, is a testimony borne out of true belief and conviction, and does not support their mandate of forcible conversion - “La Ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadan rasulu llah (There is no deity except God, Muhammad is the messenger of God)”. The Shahada cannot be obtained by compulsion/force. Therefore, keeping Leah Sharibu in prolonged captivity because of her refusal to renounce her Christian faith for Islam, is contrary to the Shahada and un-Islamic. Furthermore, Sections 10 & 38(1) of the Constitution provide that neither Nigeria nor any of her States shall adopt a State religion, and we enjoy freedom of religion and propagation of same. Additionally, BH’s indiscriminate attacks on innocent towns and villages, and killing of people, including Muslims, also goes against the tenets of Islam and Section 33(1) of the Constitution.

Hyacinth Bucket (Culled from the Internet)

Again, BH’s erroneous belief that Western education is forbidden when in fact, Islam encourages the quest for knowledge, is baseless and contrary to Section 18 of the Constitution. The sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Hadith, do not support this assertion. For example, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whosoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, God will make easy for him a path to Paradise"; "Education is not only the right, but the duty of every Muslim male or female". These sayings do not limit the quest for knowledge, to Islamic knowledge only. If it did, how, for instance, would the sick be healed if nobody studied medicine? It seems as if there is no middle ground between BH’s beliefs and the Constitution of the Nigerian State, and the only solution available to Government may be to annihilate the sect. And, even if BH members decide to shift ground and reverse their beliefs, those who have committed heinous crimes in the name of their beliefs, must be brought to book.

BH popularised the kidnapping of students, starting with their kidnap of the 276 Chibok girls in 2014. Thereafter, we have had numerous other student kidnappings, and we no longer know whether BH is responsible for them all, or other criminals who have decided to join the kidnapping bandwagon, not by reason of any warped ideology, but as a lucrative business enterprise. What we do know however, is that institutions with boarding facilities, especially those in the North are not safe, and Government cannot guarantee the security of any child. The Parents of the Kaduna Forestry students clearly stated that, anybody who claims that they did not negotiate and pay a ransom to the Kidnappers to secure the release of their children, is a liar. The Kidnappers have become even more vicious, killing five innocent children of Greenfield University, Kaduna to show that if their demands are not met, they are extremely capable of murdering the rest of the abductees.

Law School and Bar Exams I therefore, appeal to all who may be involved in making the decision, be it the AGF, the Body of Benchers, the Council of Legal Education, or the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, to decentralise the Bar Part 1 Examination which will begin on May 17, and let the students sit for the examination in the other Law School campuses closer to their homes, since their safety cannot be guaranteed in Bwari on the outskirts of Abuja, FCT. Should students be constrained to continue to stay in Bwari, in order to prove to the world that Nigeria is safe, when we all know that the level of insecurity we are facing today is unprecedented, and students in boarding facilities are the primary targets of Kidnappers? Should we wait until the criminals/Kidnappers abduct Bwari students, before we take precautionary measures to secure their lives? Should we not be proactive, since it is better to be safe than sorry? Should we play Russian Roulette with the lives of our children? Leave them vulnerable and open to attack, and then rush to the scene after the worst has happened, as has been the case in the various incidents we have witnessed so far? I think not. #EndSARS Update I watched a videoclip of the evidence given by Ms Sarah Ibrahim, one of the #EndSARS co-ordinators at the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry for Victims of SARS, and I was shocked at what I saw. Ms Ibrahim was led in her evidence-in-chief by her counsel, Yinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN. The videos which Ms Ibrahim took with her iPhone, leaves us in no doubt that truly, soldiers shot at innocent unarmed Protesters at the Lekki Tollgate that evening of October 20th, 2020. Undoubtedly, there is also a conspiracy of silence and concealment involving the Lekki Concession Company and the Government, with the former conniving with the latter, by refusing to make the video footages of the incident available for viewing by the Panel or the public. Ms Ibrahim in her testimony, confirmed the allegation that the soldiers spirited away dead bodies in their trucks, when she told the Panel that one Lekan Sanusi who was presumed dead by the soldiers, was also loaded up into their truck with other corpses. The young man apparently counted 11 corpses in the truck which allegedly conveyed them to Bonny Camp, Victoria Island.

My next point? A Government whose Army has been indicted in the killing of innocent youngsters because they had become a thorn in their flesh, and goes to such copious extents to cover up their misdeeds, including attempting to bring international organisations like CNN and Amnesty International into disrepute to achieve

“I THEREFORE, APPEAL TO ALL WHO MAY BE INVOLVED IN MAKING THE DECISION, BE IT THE AGF, THE BODY OF BENCHERS, THE COUNCIL OF LEGAL EDUCATION, OR THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL, TO DECENTRALISE THE BAR PART 1 EXAMINATION WHICH WILL BEGIN ON MAY 17, AND LET THE STUDENTS SIT FOR THE EXAMINATION IN THE OTHER LAW SCHOOL CAMPUSES CLOSER TO THEIR HOMES.....”

their goals, with all due respect, is a Government that is more interested in keeping up appearances (like Hyacinth Bucket in the British sitcom ‘Keeping Up Appearances’), than ensuring the safety of their students in boarding facilities.

To right thinking people, it seems that the lives of these children are dispensable in the view of the Government. As a mother and a human being, I do not share these sentiments, and therefore, join my voice to that of those calling on the management of the Law School, to not only decentralise the upcoming Bar Part 1 examination, but, going forward, to make better arrangements for the students so that they can carry on with their studies in peace, without the fear of attack from bandits, which will obviously prevent them from concentrating on their studies and giving their best.

My dear colleagues, kindly share your opinion on this matter. Thank you. I will certainly keep you informed, as to whether this appeal fell on deaf ears or on fertile ground.

P.S. Hearty congratulations to Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu, two of the Chibok Girls who were able to escape from BH. They both recently graduated from Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida, USA, exactly seven years and sixteen days after their escape.

4/LAW REPORT

Applying the Doctrine of Recent Possession to Dislodge the Defence of Alibi Facts The Appellant was charged before the High Court of Lagos State on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery, contrary to Sections 402(2)(a) and 403(a) of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State. It was alleged that on 22nd May, 2009, the Appellant and others at large conspired to commit armed robbery and did rob one Michael George (PW3) of a Honda Accord Salon Car. In proof of its case, the Respondent called three witnesses including PW3, who all testified that the Appellant and the two others were found in possession of the car shortly after the robbery. PW3 also identified the Appellant, as one of the people who robbed him.

After the Respondent had closed its case and at the resumed hearing for the defence, the Appellant filed an application seeking to re-call PW3 for further crossexamination. The trial court refused the application, and called on the Appellant to proceed with his defence. The Appellant raised the defence of alibi. He stated that he was at a wake-keeping ceremony and left the venue to ease himself, when he saw two men pushing a vehicle. He stated that he went to assist them in moving the vehicle off the road, when he was arrested. At the conclusion of trial, the court found the Appellant guilty of the lesser offences of conspiracy to rob and robbery. He was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal which dismissed his appeal, and upheld the judgement of the trial court. The Appellant filed a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination In deciding the appeal, the Supreme Court considered the following issues: 1.Whether the Court of Appeal was right in upholding the conviction of the Appellant, when the evidence adduced at the trial did not show that the Police investigated or verified the Appellant’s defence of alibi.

2.Whether the Court of Appeal was right in its decision to uphold the trial court’s acceptance of the evidence of PW3 identifying the Appellant as one of those who robbed him, in spite of the improper conduct of the identification parade carried out by the Police.

3.Whether the Court of Appeal was right to uphold the trial court’s decision, not to recall PW3 for further crossexamination.

Arguments On the first issue, counsel for the Appellant submitted that where the defence of alibi is raised by an accused person, the investigating authority has the duty to investigate and verify the alibi, and failure to investigate an alibi would lead to the acquittal of the accused. He cited MOHAMMED v THE STATE (2014) 2 NWLR (Pt. 1421) 387. He submitted that the Court of Appeal erred when it upheld the trial court’s conviction of the Appellant, where there was no evidence on record showing that the alibi was investigated by the Police even though it was raised timeously in his extra-judicial statement. In response, counsel for the Respondent argued that where a defence of alibi is relied upon, the accused person must give sufficient particulars of his whereabouts and who he was with to corroborate the alibi. He referred to the decision in OLAIYA v THE STATE (2010) 3 NWLR (Pt. 1181) 423 in support of his position. He argued further that where there is evidence fixing the accused person at the scene of the crime, the defence of alibi cannot avail him, and the Police is not obliged to investigate the said alibi. He cited AIGUOBARUEGHIAN & ANOR. v THE STATE (2004) LPELR–270 (SC). Counsel argued further that the Appellant did not furnish any particulars of the alibi upon which the Prosecution could effect an investigation to either support or debunk it, and having been caught in possession of the stolen vehicle soon after it was stolen, the doctrine of recent possession as contained in Section 167(a) of the Evidence Act would apply.

On the second issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that the Court of Appeal erred in affirming the trial court’s rejection of the evidence of the Appellant and his witness, DW2, regarding the improper conduct of the identification parade carried out by the Police. Responding to the Appellant’s submission, counsel for the Respondent argued that the testimony of the Appellant and his witness on the identification parade were at variance, and this brought to the fore the lack of credibility of the witnesses. He argued further that there was no difficulty around the identification of the Appellant who was found in possession of the stolen vehicle the same night of the robbery, and whom PW3 identified as one of those who robbed him; hence, making the identification parade unnecessary.

judicially, by not allowing the recall of PW3 in the prevailing circumstances.

Honourable Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 18th day of December, 2020 Before Their Lordships

Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Olukayode Ariwoola Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun John Inyang Okoro Ejembi Eko Justices, Supreme Court SC.797/2016 Between CHIDIEBERE IGWE THE PEOPLE OF LAGOS STATE

And

APPELLANT RESPONDENT

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC)

Regarding the third issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that the recall of PW3 was necessary and in the interest of justice, in view of the questions intended to be put to him which were vital. He submitted that the Court of Appeal wrongly upheld the trial court’s refusal to recall him for further cross-examination, and this occasioned a miscarriage of justice to the Appellant.

Conversely, counsel for the Respondent argued that the trial court exercised its discretion judiciously and

“BY THE DOCTRINE OF RECENT POSSESSION UNDER SECTION 167(A) OF THE EVIDENCE ACT, A MAN WHO IS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF STOLEN GOODS SOON AFTER THE THEFT IS EITHER THE THIEF, OR HAS RECEIVED

Court’s Judgement and Rationale In its determination of the first issue argued by parties, the court held that a defence of alibi must be raised at the earliest opportunity to enable the Police investigate it and rebut it, in order to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Defendant must also give sufficient particulars of his whereabouts, and the persons he was with. On the other hand, the defence of alibi would crumble, where there is stronger evidence against it.

Where the evidence of the Prosecution places him at the scene of a crime or positively, unequivocally and irresistibly points to the guilt of the accused, the defence of alibi becomes of no moment. Reference was made to EBENEHI & ANOR. v THE STATE (2009) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1138) 431 at 448A. The court held that apart from the Appellant’s oral evidence during the trial, there was no evidence before the trial court to prove that the defence was raised at the earliest opportunity. The extra-judicial statement to the Police in which the Appellant purported to have raised the defence of alibi at the earliest opportunity, was not tendered in evidence. Furthermore, he did not supply sufficient particulars of whom he was with at the said wake-keeping ceremony, to assist the investigating officer in authenticating the alibi. By the doctrine of recent possession under Section 167(a) of the Evidence Act, a man who is found in possession of stolen goods soon after the theft is either the thief, or has received the goods knowing them to be stolen, unless he can account for his possession. The Appellant’s possession of the stolen vehicle shortly after the robbery incident, fixed him to the scene of the crime at the material time.

This dislodged the alibi, and discharged the Police of its obligation to investigate the alibi.

On the 2nd issue, the court held that the factors the court must bear in mind in ascribing evidential value to eyewitness identification are: (a) The circumstances in which the eyewitness saw the suspect; (b) The length of time the witness saw the suspect – was it in difficult conditions?; (c) The opportunity of close observation; (d) Previous contact between the two parties; and (e) The lighting conditions - ADESINA & ANOR. v THE STATE (2012) 14 NWLR (Pt. 1321) 429; IKEMSON v THE STATE (1989) 3 NWLR (Pt. 110) 455. The graphic evidence of PW3 as to how he was robbed and identifying the Appellant as one of the robbers, was credible and unimpeached. PW3 testified that after he was robbed, he was driven by the Appellant and his accomplices for a considerable distance with several stops along the way, and the inner light of the car was switched on to enable the robbers search for valuables. He also testified that he was searched by the Appellant who dispossessed him of certain personal items, and also sat beside him in the back seat of the car when the light was switched on. Since the Appellant was the one found in possession of the remotely demobilised car soon after it was stolen, and the Appellant was in his company for a considerable time with an opportunity of close observation, PW3’s identification of the Appellant as one of those who robbed him could not be faulted, and the trial court which had the opportunity of observing him first-hand in the witness box believed him after proper evaluation.

Deciding the 3rd issue, the court held that it is the duty of a party who seeks the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favour, to place sufficient materials before the court to justify the grant of the relief he is seeking. In the instant case, the Appellant in his application to recall PW3, did not state the vital aspect of his case that the recall of PW3 was meant to clarify or assist. The trial court, in refusing the application, gave a dispassionate consideration to the circumstances of the case, and was satisfied that the Appellant had been given ample opportunity to cross examine PW3 and had utilised same. The Appellant did not show any special circumstance to warrant the activation of the trial court’s discretionary power in his favour, and the Court of Appeal rightly found that the trial court exercised its discretion in refusing his application, judiciously and judicially.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Ehis Agboga Esq. for the Appellant.

Oladapo Akinosun Esq. with L. Okocha Esq. and J. Ojelabi Esq. for the Respondent.

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

11.05.2021

NEWS/5

NBA-SBL Unveils 2021 Conference Itinerary The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) on Monday unveiled plans for its 15th Annual Business Law Conference themed, “Re-tooling Business for Change: Leveraging the Tech Explosion”.

Speaking about the conference, the Chairman of the Section and Lead Partner, Detail Solicitors, Ayuli Jemide disclosed that the conference this year will be a hybrid of virtual and inperson attendance, with Chairman NBA-SBL, Ayuli Jemide a remarkable line-up of knowledgeable speakers around the exponential growth of amongst other things, spotlight vital and panelists, who will technology across the world. topics such as, tech innovation and interrogate critical issues He said, “The conference will, e-governance; the future of digital

financial services; alternative currencies in the digital age; global tech trends in law practice management; the role and impact of technology and innovation in bridging the health care deficit in Nigeria, amongst other vital discourse”.

Leveraging technology, the conference organisers will offer participants and guests a virtual and physical venue for the conference; multiple interactive virtual rooms, physical and virtual speed networking, virtual trade shows, amongst other exciting digital experiences.

NMLA Proposes Reforms to Aid Judiciary, Practitioners in Admiralty Matters The Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) has proposed certain reforms to the Federal High Court, in a bid to aid the Judiciary and practitioners in handling Admiralty matters.

This proposal was made last Wednesday, as the Association welcomed its new EXCO at an exclusive event at Foundation Chambers.

The event which ended with a Cocktail Party at the W-Bar, 5 Cowries Jetty, Falomo Ikoyi also marked the induction of a new member Kashimana Tsumba.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN, L-R –Mr. Chidi Ilogu SAN, Senior Partner Foundation Chambers and immediate past President of the NMLA, Kashimana the newly inducted Presi- Tsumba, and Mrs. Helen Ilogu during the cocktail party hosted by Foundation Chambers, to welcome the new Executive dent of the NMLA said Committee Members of the NMLA that NMLA is proposing certain reforms that it our work has to do are very expensive. So, in the Admiralty prac- lot of continuing profesthinks would aid the with training and jurisdiction of the court tice, adding that some sional development. We younger in arresting vessels all make mistakes and do are keen to train more Judiciary, the practitioners educating over the world, is done not protect the interest of talents in Shipping law, Lawyers.

Admiralty and the general people WKHLU FOLHQWV DV HͿHFWLYHO\ and expand the frontiers very speedily. law is quite technical, handling Admitalty of Transport Law as a as they should.

Also speaking at the and people could also matters in the law court. whole. Currently, I am “We take time to take event, Chidi Ilogu, SAN, learn on the job.

People Agbor gave assurances quite involved in partpart in the maritime senior Partner, Foundacan also go for further that these reforms will nerships, and I’m also seminar for Judges, tion Chambers and imtraining, to solidify help stakeholders inVHUYLQJ DV DQ R΀FHU LQ to help them improve mediate past President their knowledge”, the volved in maritime such relevant institutions that the quality of delivery of the Nigerian Maritime President said. as freight forwarders, relate to that. in admiralty matters.

Law Association (NMLA) She explained that ship owners, people who “I am a member of the This is very fundamental, said NMLA tries to do Admiralty Court is the make supply to vessels Young Nigerian Maritime because Admiralty is more of continuing Federal High Court, and in Nigeria and people Lawyers Association, and not a common area in education, which means they have a very big juwho deal with the sea I often present papers Nigeria.

Many Judges having interaction with risdiction in terms of the farers, amongst others. there and also do some did not study Admiralty, the younger ones to help subject-matters that they “We are proposing teaching and webinars. and many Judges know them understand the deal with, and admiralty some reforms which have been submitted to is just one of them; so fundamental principles little about laws guiding I am also serving as the the Federal High Court, they are overburdened of Admiralty practice. carrying of goods by Secretary of the Maritime Ilogu disclosed that sea. So, we have tried Committee Section of and we intend to make with the work. one of the problems in to improve on these Business Law. We have “Admiralty matters some submissions to had two Webinars this the industry is that, a areas”, he added. are very expensive and the National Assembly year; one on Marine InSpeaking shortly good number of times, capital intensive, in the as well. As things arise, surance and the other on after her induction Lawyers do not quite sense that the vessels that we try to deal with them.

Ship Building”, Tsumba Kashimana Tsumba said have a good understandply the waters in which “We are maritime said.

“We would like to see a ing of what is involved the Court has jurisdiction Lawyers, and a lot of

Speaking about sponsorship benefits, the 2021 Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, also revealed that the conference will offer several business benefits to sponsors in various categories. These he said, will include, Virtual trade show booths; Check-in branding; Sessions background branding; Branded pages between sessions; Branded breakout and virtual meeting rooms; Splash pages; Banner ads; Sponsored listings, highlighted exhibitors, and highlights on the agenda; Sponsored virtual happy hours; Branded Surveys and interactive polling; Branded Gamification; and Virtual office or drop-in hours with sales reps, amongst other exciting offerings.

“In all, the conference will leverage our new digital business environment, to give our virtual and in-person attendees a truly digital conference experience”, Alex-Adedipe said.

NBA-SBL Conferences Traditionally a convergence of the legal and business community, the NBA-SBL conferences present an opportunity for Lawyers, policy makers, regulators and investors to engage, discuss, network and unwind in a convivial atmosphere. This year will be no different, as the conference will have key stakeholders from the digital ecosystem fairly represented at the conference.

At the end of the last e-conference, panellists and delegates agreed that businesses need to review their corporate governance policies, rules, and regulations in the context of Covid-19 and other potential disruptions; that the “new norm” requires the enthusiastic embrace of technology, to promptly and efficiently deliver qualitative services and solutions for clients and other stakeholders

6/

11.05.2021

Breaking the Shackles Off Lady Justice

S

ome of the most challenging yet vital skills of a leader, is the ability to read signs, see ahead and to influence others to follow. Leaders take risks, followers maintain the status quo. Leaders seize the moment; followers clutch tight to their seats. Leaders are “first movers,” followers “play catch up.” Followers ask, “why?” Leaders ask, “why not?” Whether it is in dealing with non-performance, getting a buy-in to a new strategy, negotiating a contract, or changing the direction of an otherwise conservative profession, etc. In having these influence-based conversations, the question, “why?”, is important but if we do not tackle the question “WHY NOT?”, it will be tougher to exact change. “Why not” gets us to push the envelope. Rather than staying with the “why”, the “Why Not” – may unblock barriers to progress and may influence positive change quicker.

My aim with this piece, is to unblock barriers to perceived progress in a beloved profession. My mantra has always been to seek to understand, before you seek to be understood. To listen well and gain the perspective of the other, is key to influencing change. So, for almost 25 years, I had sought to understand several perspectives of management in the legal profession. In this piece, I hope to paint an idealistic picture of the law profession, as I arrange a number of anecdotal stories of its persistent restrictions.

To my mind, what the Law needs now is a dose of freedom. What I themed, “Breaking the Shackles off Lady Justice.”

The Scales It is common to find the image of a blindfolded lady, with a sword in one hand and scales in another, in most law firms and courthouses. This imagery clept the “Lady Justice”, is the symbol of the law profession.

This powerful imagery of Lady Justice, is reminiscent of the power of reason and fairness upon which law thrives. From the literature, the Scales of Justice represents the balance of the individual against the needs of the general; and a fair balance between the interests of one individual and those of another. The blindfold, the scales, the sword are all symbolic of the concepts of neutrality, impartiality, equity and equality in law.

Lady Justice, a blindfolded woman carrying a sword and a set of scales, symbolises the fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, favour, greed, or bias.

Blindfolded, she regally holds the scales, assessing evidence on its own merit, blind to wealth, power, gender and race.

This personification of justice, reminds me of the concept of the persona in law. It is used in the sense of a living person – having the rational quality of a human being, capable of having rights and duties, worthy of protection and also of legal responsibility. The persona is extended – to not just humans, but to a body of persons, institutions, corporations, associations, unborn children, animals and even inanimate objects. – In law, arguably, all these and probably more, can be treated as a legal person. Every time I see Lady Justice, I also see her chains, invisible chains. I see her need of freedom. Freedom from rigid and closely guarded dogmatic systems that impedes her growth potentials. The term is liberalisation.

Freedom Liberalisation is a broad term used to denote the removal or loosening of restrictions. It is essential, in the transformation of any sector. Liberalisation is the precondition for globalisation and it refers usually to economic activities aimed at increased international competitiveness, wider collaboration and of course cutting edge technology. For some sectors, like the Telecoms sector, it implies a

firms and lawyers are often at the forefront of several commercial transaction, mergers & acquisitions, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, etc. Typically, markets with a positive FDI also see significant economic activity generated by law firms and lawyers.

Not for the scale of their capital investments, but for what they represent. Law epitomises open markets.

Nigeria is considered as one of the Frontier Markets countries. As a growing number of companies around the globe decides to shift focus here, lawyers have always and will continue to play an important role in the planning and execution of these multimillion dollar decisions. Ensuring that these businesses can access their preferred lawyers is critical in moving investment forward when legal issues arise.

reduction of direct government interference, i.e. a shift from hands-on control to provision of market infrastructure. Regulators take on an umpire position – an innovative role of creating a stable and enabling environment in which players play according to the rules – rights are protected and rules enforced.

All players have a degree of freedom to respond to price signals and to settle prices.

Liberalisation is certainly one of the major trends, in the Legal Market today - This subject has long been contentious – partly for lack of understanding and agreement over what is meant by the term, and differences over the merits and consequences of the subject. Some critics take issue with the idea of the opening of the legal space to global markets, viewing it as an excessive focus on strengthening the influence of outside market forces, at the expense of arguably a domestic market that is not prepared Which begs the question - after 58 years why is Nigeria not ripe enough to open its doors to foreign lawyers and law firms?

That is actually a wrong question; it is a question with an answer already – they are here – Nigeria is not impervious to foreign Lawyers or firms. A market of almost 60 years should be ready to compete globally. If not at 60, when? In recent years, the Nigerian IBA representation at the international conferences are about the largest compared to other regions – we are global in this sense. So,

“TO MY MIND, WHAT THE LAW NEEDS NOW IS A DOSE OF FREEDOM”

global best practices should not remain a nice to have, but a must have. Firms lukewarm about upscaling their service delivery and staff welfare, need to consider restructuring.

Lawyers are key players in facilitating crossborder trade, capital inflows and investments that are helpful for economic growth. They are advocates for proper regulatory standards, for global investors and financial institutions coming into new jurisdictions. Law cannot play these roles adequately, if it remains in shackles.

In line with international best practices and in collaboration with the foreign and domestic players, there is a need for a freer profession –. what the amiable Managing Partner of Dentons ACAS-Law, Felicia Kemi Segun, phrased “the end of legal protectionism, taking extra jurisdictional steps out of a closed mindset to go where the clients want to go” – Indeed the Protectionism crafted into the Nigerian Legal System keeps it in shackles. In 2015 it was reported that about 70,000 students had graduated from the Nigerian Law School(s) since its inception 1962. The number is rising yearly – presently it is estimated that the Nigeria law Schools had produced over 102,000 Lawyers.

Breaking the shackles off Lady Justice may expedite the mergers of indigenous law firm and foreign law firms with indigenous firms and targeted efforts to improve opportunities for all. And why not? Historically, the legal professionals in Nigeria have advocated and managed the liberalisation of several sectors of the Nigerian economy – Telecommunication, Power, Transport and Aviation, etc. Why is law exempt? The fear that liberalisation will lead to an invasion of our space and unfair competition, diminishing the legal pie is untenable – Rather freeing Lady Justice will allow for fairer competition and for opportunities especially for the huge number of upcoming lawyers. Good competition does improve the field of play, and creates choices. One of World Bank’s parameters on the “Ease of Doing Business” is directly tied to accessibility of a global pool of legal counsel, which goes hand-in-hand with legal services sector liberalisation. Breaking the Shackles off Lady Justice will contribute immensely to improving Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria.

Traditionally, the legal services industry is not viewed as a significant driver of foreign direct investment (FDI), but it should be. Law

To be or Not to be?

About 14 years ago the UK enacted the UK Legal Services Act; giving law firms in the UK the option of registering as Alternative Business Structures (ABSs). Amongst other things, an ABS is a law firm that can be led, co-owned and managed by non-Lawyers.

These firms are multidisciplinary in nature and can be quoted on the stock exchange, conquering the challenge of underfunding and placing the profession in a better position to compete and participate meaningfully in global growth. While others struggle to protect the sanctimonious monopoly of Lawyers, frowning at the thought of injecting the capital of the “gentiles” into the revered industry.

I imagine a big scowl on the forehead of some protectionist, at the contemplation of the sacrilege of a co-ownership of law firms by non-Lawyers . The vital question however, is whether in the long term, the protectionism of the law profession will be advantageous or damaging. Data shows over 700 law firms registered as ABSs, including the “legal arms” of the big4 accounting firms.

Typically most ABSs are firms known to be innovative, make huge investments in technology and show pricing transparency and flexibility which appeals to most clients.

Liberalisation advocates are well aware of the safety that wholesome boundaries provide in any given profession or jurisdiction, and they are certainly not saying “throw caution to the wind.” The call is to step out of the boat, leave your comfort zone – there is a raging global storm that could sink that comfort zone. Like the Biblical Saint Peter, if you do not push your boat a little away from the shore and launch into the deep – you may catch little or nothing.

There is a sense in which protectionism produces fat cats. The argument is that only a free market will provide the conditions in which suppliers (Lawyers, paralegals, Legal BSPs) in this market are adaptive and innovative and are able to proactively respond to the continuously changing market dynamism. Ultimately, the umpire of this argument will be the question of what is more beneficial – for the majority of both lawyers, their clients and the global community? What will ensure the continuous independence of the lawyers’ role and the protection of clients’ need. Again, I will quote Felicia Kemi Segun on ACAS-Law’s recent combination with Dentons, "Our combination with Dentons means that our clients benefit from continuing to be served by Lawyers that they know and trust, while also having access to an unrivalled talent pool around the globe".

Breaking the shackles off lady justice, is an interrogation of a framework to provide law firms with adequate freedom to develop in line with market requirements. If that is not guaranteed, law firms may in the end lose out against legal providers that are nimble. Continuous rigidity may lead to stagnation, or slow paced progression of a beloved profession.

11.05.2021

/7

JUSUN Strike: When and Why Lawyers Revolt In this article, Learned Senior Advocate, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, acknowledges the hardship that Lawyers have been facing over the past one month during which the JUSUN Strike has been ongoing, but encourages JUSUN not to back down until Judicial autonomy is achieved. He calls out the Governors who are legal practitioners, and asks what they are doing while Lawyers and Judges are suffering, while he chides those who secured their mandates through the courts, for biting the fingers that fed them Situation Report t is very unusual to see Lawyers down their tools, drop those scary wigs and dreaded gowns and become like the ordinary folks, seeking employment and placement. I have since read very funny articles on social media, about the kind of trade or business that Lawyers can take up during the period the courts are locked up due to the current JUSUN strike action. The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, commenced what initially appeared to be an inconsequential strike action on April 6, 2021, to press home their demand for financial independence and autonomy for the Judiciary, and indeed, the legislative arms of Government across the nation. The thinking of most Lawyers and Judges at the commencement of the strike action was that it would fizzle out in the course of time, given that past attempts by JUSUN did not yield anything meaningful. But, it has been over one month now, and as each day passes by, the strike action seems to be getting stronger and biting harder.

There are reports of overcrowded Police cells, agitated inmates awaiting trial in the Correctional Centres and indeed, a general collapse of law and order in the entire body polity. Coming in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the #EndSARS protests and the desecration of the courts, the JUSUN strike action has totally paralysed all judicial activities nationwide. It has never lasted this long, for all courts across the nation to be locked up at the same time. The question then is this: how did we get here? Over the years, Lawyers and Judges have paid lip service to the issue of financial autonomy and independence for the Judiciary. This was left for individual activists and non-governmental organisations, to take up on behalf of the legal community. To make matters worse, it would seem that these selfless entities did not get the desired cooperation from the Judiciary, when it mattered most. It is surprising indeed, that the issue of locus standi is still a major setback for the battle against dictatorship and impunity in Nigeria, after the landmark decision of the Supreme Court in the celebrated case of Fawehinmi v Akilu. It says a lot about our commitment to the rule of law and good governance, when judicial workers take up what ordinarily should be the struggle of Lawyers. Thank God that this particular NBA leadership has taken up the challenge, with all the actions that the Executive has taken since the strike action began.

Having gone this far and so good, JUSUN should be encouraged to continue the strike action until concrete actions are taken to end the captivity of the Judiciary by the Executive.

At its last Executive Council meeting, JUSUN directed all its branches to take up peaceful street protests all over Nigeria, as a way of drawing public attention to the issues that led to the strike action. Lawyers have shown tremendous support, for the JUSUN strike action. For instance, the NBA National, Ikeja, Bayelsa, Ota and other branches of the NBA, have staged peaceful protests in solidarity with JUSUN. This should continue, until the Judiciary is free indeed.

There were high hopes initially that the issues would be resolved, but the meeting slated with the Governors for Wednesday, April 14, 2021 did not hold, as there was no feedback from the Governors’ Forum. It just simply shows that the Governors have their own priorities, election related cases having been concluded and decided. It was in the light of this stalemate, that the NBA President declared as follows: “… the Chairmen of all the branches of NBA are hereby requested to effectively mobilise their members and pay visits to their respective State Governors at the Government Houses on Monday, 19th April, 2021 to press

I

“FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO GET THE COURTS WORKING, SO LONG THE JUSUN STRIKE SHOULD CONTINUE, EVEN TILL YEAR 2023 AND BEYOND. THERE IS NOTHING WE GAIN, FROM A JUDICIARY THAT IS GROANING Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad home the demand for implementation of financial autonomy for the Judiciary. At the visit, NBA Branches in each State are to present a joint written demand to their State Governors, requesting full compliance with existing legislative instruments and court judgements on the financial autonomy of the Judiciary.

The Chairmen of the NBA Branches are further requested to ensure that these visits are embarked upon, every subsequent Monday, until there is full compliance with this demand that is aimed at strengthening democracy and the dispensation of justice.

We trust that our members will give the leadership of their respective branches all the support that they require to achieve this much needed victory for our justice system”.

Lawyer Governors From all the foregoing, it would appear that the Governors hold the key to ending this strike action, one way or the other. The Federal Government has substantially complied with the requirements of the Constitution, in making payments directly to the heads of the Courts. This much has been confirmed

by JUSUN itself, which is why some have called on JUSUN to unlock all Federal courts, but for the issue of collective solidarity. The other question is this: who are the Governors?

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is one of them. He is a Bar leader par excellence, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

He is the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, and a member of the ruling All Progressive Congress. He has influence, access to power and commands great respect amongst his colleagues, being the only SAN, in their midst. How can we have Governor Akeredolu in the midst of Governors, and the Courts are locked up in order to get them to obey the Constitution?

The same man who has advocated for the rule of law all his life, as a legal practitioner?

Wonders shall never end.

What of Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike?

A senior Lawyer, married to a Judge, and himself a member of the very influential Body of Benchers. How can we have Governor Wike in power in Nigeria and judges are suffering? He is a leading figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, so he is not suffering from power fatigue or intimidation. What of Governor Aminu Tambuwal, a senior Lawyer and a one-time Speaker of the House of Representatives? How

can Governor Tambuwal be amongst the set of people who are caging the Judiciary?

What has His Excellency got to hide?

Beneficiary Governors Do I mention Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo State, who was restored to his exalted position by the Courts? How can this same man, turn around to bite the fingers that fed him so sumptuously? What about Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State? Is he also among the lot? The man who was rejected flatly at the polls, but still managed to climb to power through the Judiciary? Is he also among those holding the courts captive?

What else does His Excellency want?

Wait a minute! Is Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State also among the Governors holding Lawyers and Judges to ransom?

Does anyone still remember the history of His Excellency’s ascension to power? As a beneficiary of the internal crisis within the APC in Zamfara State, the Governor did not so much as campaign or spend money on electioneering activities, but he still got all the votes that he did not labour for, all through the courts. He has turned out to be amongst the lords that we have to plead with to obey the same Constitution that brought him into power.

I can go on and on, as there is hardly any Governor in Nigeria today, who has not benefited from the judicial system. As we say it within the Bar, if you fight for the rule of law, the rule of law will fight for you too. Not long ago, a Governor of a State was the subject of a probe panel by the powers that be, through the House of Assembly of that State. You could predict where the game would end; a final report that would indict him for corruption and a ban on him from active participation in politics for a number of years and to stop him from holding public office. He ran to the Courts, seeking for an order of injunction to stop the probe. That is how it works, as the Governor today may turn out to be a Plaintiff or a Defendant tomorrow.

Solutions What then is the solution? Very simple indeed.

The Constitution in Section 1, says that it is supreme and every other law, action or policy should be subordinate to the authority of the Constitution. If we want peace, justice and progress in our land, then we must all join hands to persuade the Governors to do the needful. They all swore to defend the Constitution, on the day they were taking the

UNDER CAPTIVITY”

mantle of leadership. It is not fair to us all, that after they have climbed upon the ladder of the Constitution to attain power, they should turn around to violate the same document.

The President and the National Assembly have set the good example, to follow through the 4th Alteration to the Constitution. This document went through all the Houses of Assembly of all the States of the Federation, which means the Governors were well aware of it before it was passed into law. They should allow the full implementation of the 4th Alteration, by granting total autonomy to the Courts and the legislative Houses of the States. We cannot get the country moving, if the Judiciary is perpetually under the influence and control of the executive arm of Government, as then it will cease to be the last hope of the common man and woman.

I therefore, suggest that the NBA should spearhead the efforts towards getting all relevant parties to the roundtable to discuss and to agree. It is an urgent matter that should concern all of us, because one way or the other, we all have common issues to deal with in the courts. So, we should make the judiciary work, so that the Courts will become functional and effective, to deliver justice to all manner of people, without ill will, favour or affection. This was the dream of our founding fathers, which should not be aborted by those who claim to be running with their visions, but are daily working to distort them. For as long as it takes to get the courts working, so long the JUSUN strike should continue, even till year 2023 and beyond. There is nothing we gain from a Judiciary that is groaning under captivity.

Lawyers must go beyond rhetorics, and match their words with actions that can end impunity in our national life once and for all. Enough is enough.

Life without Christ, is Crisis Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

8/COVER

11.05.2021

The Vindication of a On February 26, 2013, This Day Lawyer ran a story, ‘My Ordeal with SEC’, detailing the ongoing saga between respected Lawyer and Diplomat, Christopher Okeke and the Securities Exchange Commission of Nigeria. Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi bring you a follow-up interview with Ambassador Christopher Nonyelum Okeke, founding Partner of Ajumogobia & Okeke, Honorary Legal Adviser to successive British High Commissioners since 1989, one of just two Lawyers in Nigeria’s history who have held that prestigious honorific title, having been selected to provide counsel to Her Majesty the Queen of England’s Government in Nigeria. This interview explores the importance of digital identity, and how a careless error by a public authority can have dire implications on the reputation and good standing of even those Nigerians, who by training and experience are familiar with the law, and who have the power and resources to challenge impunity and fight back against oppression Background n April 2008, the Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria, conducted an investigation into the malfeasance of certain Executives at Cadbury Nigeria Plc. The SEC issued a ruling containing an erroneous finding, that Christopher Okeke was an Executive Director on the Board of Cadbury. In fact, Christopher Okeke was a Non-Executive Director. The treatment of and sanctions imposed on Company directors for any established malfeasance in the Company were under extant regulations, determined by whether they were one or the other.

As a result of the SEC’s error, Christopher Okeke, whose very livelihood depends on his integrity and good standing in the community, was mistakenly treated by the SEC as an Executive Director and consequently, banned from serving on Boards of publicly traded companies. He was also barred from being employed in the financial services sector for five years, and was referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

In 2009, immediately following this decision of the APC, Mr. Okeke launched a civil appeal against the SEC and others. The Appeal No. CA/L/13/2009 was successful in annulling SEC’s decision, and what follows is a discussion with Christopher Okeke in the wake of the earlier Court of Appeal decision and the most recent judgement of the High Court of Lagos, and what has been over a decade-long saga involving the SEC and Cadbury, and his unrelenting efforts to clear his name and set the record straight.

After a long and bitter contest with the SEC, Mr Okeke you won. Do you feel vindicated?

What do you plan to do next?

I won a legal victory, which has failed to give me the justice I sought. Let me explain. As I’d indicated back in 2013 when I gave my first interview about this legal

I

Ambassador Christopher Nonyelum Okeke

battle, the SEC’s error in finding that I was an Executive Director of Cadbury when in fact I was not, has been a source of great angst

“THIS ERRONEOUS SEC RULING WILL FOLLOW ME FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, IF I AM UNABLE TO GET THEM TO CORRECT THEIR MIS-STATEMENTS THAT ARE NOW IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.....THEY, SEC, MADE THE MISTAKE. THEY SHOULD HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT IT. THAT’S WHAT I MEANT, WHEN I SAID THE LEGAL VICTORY HAS NOT GIVEN ME JUSTICE!”

and emotional distress, not just for me, but also for my family, friends and associates. I built a successful legal and business career on my integrity and relationships.

With that one ruling, SEC threatened to destroy a lifetime of hard work. I am extremely grateful for the Court of Appeal decision, setting aside the decision of SEC. However, it could not reverse the enormous damage the SEC decision had inflicted. That would at the barest minimum, have required a retraction and an apology. I managed to stay positive and focused because in fact, I was (and I still am) angry over SEC’s refusal to issue a public retraction and apology.

This refusal is notwithstanding my writing to them, and giving them ample opportunity to do so.

That to my mind constitutes an abuse of power, and I believe that it’s both my right, as well as my responsibility to speak up about it. I think this is especially true in the digital age, when so much of our personal information is online.

This erroneous SEC Ruling will follow me for the rest of my life, if I am unable to get them to correct their mis-statements that are now in the public domain. This shift of responsibility to the accused, is

unfair and unjust. They, SEC, made the mistake. They should have the responsibility to correct it. That’s what I meant, when I said the legal victory has not given me justice!

During the interview in 2013, you talked about clearing your name. Even if you never felt completely vindicated as you said, wouldn’t you say that the decision of the Court of Appeal setting aside SECs decisions effectively cleared your name, notwithstanding SEC’s refusal to admit their error?

The essence of the Court of Appeal’s decision, was that the SEC had no authority to make the decision it made blacklisting me in the first place. So, it was really about SEC overstepping its bounds or jurisdiction. I therefore, always felt that the only way that my name would be cleared, would be through an admission of error by SEC itself or by a pronouncement by a court that I was not in fact culpable for the egregious breaches that took place in Cadbury Nigeria Plc between 2003 and 2006, when I served as one of its non-Executive Directors.

The nature of the fraudulent activities that took place and

COVER/9

11.05.2021

Lawyer and Public Servant the degree of sophistication that required a deep dive forensic audit to uncover, made it unreasonable in my view, to hold a non-Executive Director like myself responsible.

Referring to me as an Executive Director, and indicting me on that basis was a glaring error, for which SEC still ought to apologise. Before the erroneous SEC Ruling, I served on the Boards of a number of public and private companies. When you make your living from advising others on legal matters, as I did as a full time legal practitioner, a mistake like the one SEC made can have disastrous effects on your reputation and practice, and on the willingness of companies to trust your judgement, and to have you advise them or sit on their boards.

I was blacklisted by SEC, and its decision was widely publicised. The fact that the Appeal Court held that SEC had no authority to make that decision, did not ameliorate the injury done to my reputation and law practice. Putting my life back together after that, has been a long and painful process. We live in a digital age. What’s reported about you online is seen all over the world, and remains on the internet indefinitely. So, “No”, I don’t feel that the court decision throwing out SEC’s appeal cleared my name, despite the appearance of vindication. SEC made a grievous mistake. Cadbury too was in error, in removing me as a Director without due process on account of SEC’s error. They should both have done the honourable thing by admitting their mistake, and issuing appropriate apologies. Only then,would l have felt that my name had been cleared.

Is that why you filed a lawsuit against Cadbury seeking to clear your name?

Yes. I resolved in consultation with my Lawyers to take all measures that are legally at my disposal, in order to protect my integrity and reputation; I, having built my practice and career on hard, honest professional work.

Furthermore, I believed that my case would have considerable implications for Nigerians who do not have the power and knowledge I have gleaned over decades of practicing law. If this could happen to an experienced professional like me, what hope does an ordinary person who is not a Lawyer have to stand up to such abuse of power? Yes, so I sued Cadbury. In the suit I sought a declaration that I had not in fact breached my duties as a Director

“IN THE AREA OF CULTURE, THERE IS A STRONG NIGERIAN INFLUENCE ON BRAZILIAN CULTURAL AND SOCIAL FORMATIONS THAT CAN BE FURTHER ENHANCED IN OUR BILATERAL ENGAGEMENTS. THE FAMOUS BRAZILIAN QUARTERS IN CENTRAL LAGOS, IS PART OF OUR HISTORICAL TIES AND CULTURAL AFFINITIES. OTHER AREAS OF

Ambassador Christopher Nonyelum Okeke

of the Company during my tenure, and for damages with regard to the Company’s own role in the entire saga that caused me considerable distress. I’m delighted that only last week, the High Court of Lagos finally found in my favour and awarded damages against Cadbury. I now feel somewhat vindicated with respect to Cadbury, even though the quantum of the award did not come close to compensating me in real financial terms for even the loss of income that I suffered as a result.

Looking back at the whole saga, did you see the entire incident as malicious prosecution or persecution? Are there any reasons to believe that there could have been errors or inadvertence in the incident? Having been absolved of all culpability, what is the next step?

I think it is difficult to attempt to ascribe motivation without bias to a series of occurrences, especially after a painful and protracted experience such as the one I went through without bias, and so I will avoid comment. I do see the entire series of events the upended my life as a combination of malicious intent from Cadbury, and a legal system that still has extensive teething problems because jurisdiction has been inadequately worked out through litigation in the past. If I didn’t have the means to litigate this as comprehensively as I did, I would have been unable to get to the outcome I received. I will retain my own counsel on whether or not further legal recourse is to be sought, because I have yet to

be made whole.

Back in 2013, you spoke about regulatory reforms and rescue strategies that would help bring the Commission to a place of better standing. Do you see that any such reforms have been made in the intervening years?

Unfortunately, I do not believe that regulatory reforms have gone far enough, and that the notion that all directors of companies are strictly liable for the fraud or misbehaviour of the executive directors regardless of the circumstances, must be addressed. I am gratified by the intervention of the Judiciary in curbing SEC’s impunity in this particular case, and for now, properly interpreting the legal standard regarding the liability of directors of Companies registered under CAMA. If it were not for the Court of Appeal Ruling, the SEC ruling would have remained the official and legal position, despite the fact that I brought to their notice the fact that they had made a mistake in describing me as an Executive Director. My hope remains that decisions like decision of the Court of Appeal, would put the SEC (and other regulatory bodies) on notice of the need to review and reform its processes. However, I think that this reform begins with raising the level of awareness amongst persons who serve on Boards, to better understand their rights and responsibilities as Board members and to challenge impunity and unfairness.

There is a big difference between the practical role of Executives and Non-Executives, though the law seems to make no distinction.

CONTEMPORARY INTEREST WORTH PURSUING INCLUDE FILM, ART, MUSIC AND FOOD”

Understanding this balance, is key to proper functioning of companies in our country. When Board members are educated about their fiduciary responsibilities and power that they delegate to Executives, then we can not only better hold those Executives accountable, but we can also hold our regulators accountable.

I believe that, too often, ordinary citizens underestimate the power that they have to create meaningful change in our society.

Earlier, you mentioned the importance of digital identity and the abuse of power of public bodies. Do you believe that public bodies like the SEC should have a heightened responsibility to Nigerian citizens, in light of digitisation of our identities?

That is an interesting question.

One that I believe requires a lot more time for discussion and debate. Globally, we’re beginning to understand how technology companies like Google and Facebook can change lives for the better or the worse.

We’re seeing how social media can even impact the outcomes of cont'd on page 10

10/COVER

11.05.2021

The Vindication of a Lawyer and Public Servant cont'd from page 9

elections. So, whilst we’re figuring out how we best regulate in this 4th Industrial Revolution, I think the very least we can do, is to ask of our public bodies to retract and correct the mistakes that they make which can have enormous implications for people’s lives.

The information contained on the Internet can live forever. The average person may not read an entire article explaining the outcomes; they may not read the Court of Appeal’s ruling annulling the SEC ruling. They do a search under my name, and they make snap decisions about my character based on a SEC Ruling which has been overturned.

So, yes in light of the fact that negative information can live for a long time in the digital media space, I think the very least public bodies can do, is to retract misinformation and correct their mistakes, especially that which is in the public domain.

And I do think that they need to be held accountable to do this minimum, and suffer penalties for deliberately failing to perform theses minimum acts of fair reporting. Digital identities are becoming increasingly important, in terms of how we define ourselves or are perceived.

Ambassador Christopher Nonyelum Okeke

we don’t just have rights, we also have responsibilities. I believed that it was my responsibility to use the knowledge and the power at my disposal, to hold the SEC and others who infringe my rights accountable.

I am encouraged by the outcome of this case, to advocate for the rights of any who have been victims of impunity and to speak my truth We know that there are laws to power.

My hope is that others will follow. requiring the fair reporting of Together, we can change Nigeria a person’s credit for example. for the better.

Should we extend this requirement of fair reporting to other public You just ended your ‘ambasbodies? Do you have any advice for ordinary Nigerians who may sadorial tour of duty’ as Nigeria’s find themselves in a similar situ- envoy to Brazil. What lessons ation, with a public body refusing did you learn from that crucial to correct misinformation that international assignment? There are many complaints about our it’s reporting about a person?

I think the point you’re raising, is missions abroad. Can you give an excellent one. We can start with the media. When they utter or print injurious falsehoods and the falsity comes to your attention, you’re under an ethical and legal obligation to print a retraction and to issue an apology. To fail to do so, could open the door to a defamation lawsuit.

We also have laws that protect us from unfair credit reporting. Indeed, if you look at the rationale of the National Assembly in 2017 when they promulgated the Credit Reporting Act, it’s in large part a response to the need for access to accurate, fair and reliable credit information. The protections are for both consumers, as well as a credit providers.

I also believe that the Freedom of Information Act of 2011 is another piece of important legislation, that implies a responsibility on the part of public bodies to accurately report “FOOD SECURITY IS AFTER information.

ALL, SECURITY. IF FOOD My advice for ordinary Nigerian citizens would be that, “knowledge IS NOT ACCESSIBLE OR IS is power”. You don’t have to be a Lawyer, to educate yourselves UNCERTAIN, INSECURITY IS about your rights. But, I think it’s also important to remember that GUARANTEED”

us an insight as to what may be responsible for some of the lapses? Looking at the Brazilian legal system, democracy, culture and economy, what were your takeaways? Can any parallels be drawn between Nigeria and Brazil?

This is a rich and interesting sequence of questions, which probably warrant a separate session. Briefly though, there is huge potential for our Missions to influence policy at home, and help negate the unfortunate stereotypes. Through for example, greater effectiveness and efficiency in our consular role towards our citizens including, Embassy staff welfare.

In the area of culture, there is a strong Nigerian influence on Brazilian cultural and social formations that can be further enhanced in our bilateral engagements. The famous Brazilian Quarters in central Lagos, is part of our historical ties and cultural affinities. Other areas of contemporary interest worth pursuing include Film, Art, Music and Food.

Much of what happens in our Missions abroad, is a reflection of lapses and inefficiencies at home that envoys are hard put to defend.

Institutions at home - whether the Executive arm of Government, the Legislature or the Judiciary must build credibility. It is that credibility that we as envoys, build upon in projecting our Nation. Many of the challenges in our Missions are therefore, a reflection of our society at home. Government Institutions must learn to acknowledge lapses, and correct them. That, always enhances their credibility.

You have recommended the Brazilian agricultural model for Nigeria, given our similarities in climate, vegetation and popula-

tion. Kindly, expatiate on that.

What in the Brazilian agricultural model, would you say can work in and for Nigeria?

For clarity, I have recommended the adoption of tropical region agricultural technologies by Nigeria. As you noted, Brazil and Nigeria share fauna and flora, and the Brazilian approach to farm development and agricultural practice is more applicable to Nigeria, than the temperate or pseudo temperate region agricultural technologies that are typically professed here, a legacy of our colonial heritage.

Brazil was import dependent for food, as recently as the late 1960s. Today, it is the third largest producer of food in the world, and the second largest exporter of food in the world. Brazilians are able to feed 208 million citizens, and a further 1.2 billion people in the world. Brazil is a prime example of the adoption of the concept of combining land management and science to achieve agricultural objectives such as food surpluses, ensuring self sufficiency and retaining the ability to export.

The most transferable part of what Brazilians have, is the determination to achieve self sufficiency and be in a position to export. I firmly believe that, Nigeria could be the fourth largest producer of food in the world. My beliefs in this regard hold firm notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic which has seriously impacted all countries.

You are one of the big farmers in Nigeria, and today the Nigerian Government is calling on all of us to engage in food production.

How do you intend to engage in this process, especially at this critical time when there is the huge challenge in the agricultural sector, with the marauding Herdsmen and alarming increase in insecurity, which has reduced agricultural output to almost zero?

I continue to invest in agriculture, especially at the primary production stage where I am developing farming operations. I am not sure that it is all Nigerians that should try to produce food, given the challenging nature and skillsets required, including infrastructure, financing, human capital needs, logistics, research and development and so many others. enterprise. At the same time our agricultural sector needs private investment and engagement, as it is currently under-capitalised due to our legacy focus on oil and imports. Better food access and more engagement in agriculture as opposed to farming, could address some of the social unrest in the country and mitigate the security issues we face.

Food security is after all, Security. If food is not accessible or is uncertain, Insecurity is guaranteed.

11.05.2021

/11

Striking Judicial Workers? Ban them, Mr. President, You Can! Introduction he on-going industrial action embarked upon by the Judicial Staff Union (JUSUN), is somewhat controversial.

Some have opined that it is ill-timed, given our fragile recovery from the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic . Given the strategic position of the justice delivery sector, the strike has affected virtually all other parts of the economy, and its final cost is probably unquantifiable. The grouse of JUSUN is well-documented: the alleged unwillingness of the Executive - particularly State Governments - to grant financial autonomy to the Judiciary. This demand might seem reasonable, given that the Court of Appeal and at least two High Courts have affirmed the relevant constitutional provisions on the issue - in favour of the Judiciary.

Regardless of the reasonableness of JUSUN’s demands, however, a note or two, of caution: it appears that the President possesses absolute power to determine the legitimacy, or otherwise, of any trade union. This prerogative is conferred on Mr. President by the Trade Disputes (Essential Services) Act, Cap. T 9, LFN 2010. I believe that this law is clearly anomalous, as it is not only open to abuse, it is also unconstitutional. I will explain anon, but, first, . . .

T

An Overview of the Act Section 1 of the Act provides that: “(1) If the President is satisfied that any trade union or association any of the members of which are employed in any essential service (a) is or has been engaged in acts calculated to disrupt the economy or acts calculated to obstruct or disrupt the smooth running of any essential service or (b) has, where applicable, wilfully failed to comply with the procedure specified in the Trade Disputes Act in relation to reporting and settlement of trade disputes, he may, by order published in the Federal Gazette, proscribe the trade union or association and the proscribed organisation shall, as from the date of the order, cease to exist” Section 7 of the Act defines “essential service”, inter alia, as: “(a) The public service of the Federation or of a State; (b) any service established, provided or maintained by the Government of the Federation or of a State, by a local government council or any municipal or statutory authority, or by private enterprise; i. for or in connection with the supply of electricity power or water, or of fuel of any kind; ii. for or in connection with sound broadcasting or postal, telegraphic, cable, wireless or telephonic communications; iii. for maintaining ports, harbours, docks or aerodromes, or for or in connection with, transportation of persons, goods or livestock by road, rail, sea, river or air; iv. for, or in connection with the burial of the dead, hospitals, the treatment of the sick, the prevention of disease, sanitation, road-cleaning and the disposal of rubbish; v. for dealing with outbreaks of fire; vi. for or in connection with teaching or the provision of educational services at primary, secondary or tertiary institutions; (c) Service in any capacity in any of the following organisations (i) the Central Bank of Nigeria; (ii) the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company; (iii)anybody corporate licensed to carry on banking business under the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act” It is obvious that the Act is very sweeping, as it captures virtually all trade unions (and, therefore, worker or employer) in every segment of the economy. The only exceptions are members of the Armed Forces and the Police, who have historically been prohibited from unionising (in the interest of national security). It is clear that, to the extent that JUSUN's membership consists of staff of all

“..... NOT ONLY IS THE PRESIDENTIAL DISCRETION TO PROSCRIBE TRADE UNIONS UNDER THE ACT ABSOLUTE, THAT BAN IS FINAL AND CONCLUSIVE ONCE IT IS GAZETTED..... IS THE POWER WHICH THE ACT GIVES TO THE PRESIDENT President Muhammadu Buhari

courts - both Federal and State - they render an "essential service" within the meaning of that phrase under the Act, and, are, therefore, subject to the Presidential 'hammer" (i.e., peremptory proscription) under the Act. This is because, by virtue of Section 18(1) of the Interpretation Act, a "public officer" means "a member of the public service of the Federation or of a State as defined in the (1999) Constitution". Section 318(1) of the Constitution defines "public service of the Federation" as, inter alia, "a member of staff of courts established for the Federation under the Constitution, or by an Act of the National Assembly". A similar definition applies to "public service of a State": it includes "staff of courts established for a State under the Constitution, or by a law made by the House of Assembly of the State". It is obvious that both definitions capture all JUSUN members - as well as of other trade unions, such as the Nigerian Civil Service Union, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Union of Road Transport Workers, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), National Union of Teachers, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU), Science and Engineering Workers Union, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees, National Union of Electricity Workers, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Maritime Workers Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union of Nigeria, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical Employees, National Union of Air Transport Employees, National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, etc.

Is the Act Valid?

I believe that the provisions of the Act are problematic, even on secular, non-legal levels.

This is because, as previously stated, the power which it confers on the President is open to abuse, as it is entirely discretionary. Power, it is said, corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Beyond this, to the extent that the Act pre-dates the 1999 Constitution, (it was enacted as a decree in 1976 by the then Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo), it can only take effect as an existing law by virtue of Section 315 of

the 1999 Constitution if it is not inconsistent with it. Is it? If it is, then it has to be modified by the appropriate authority in order to bring it into conformity with the Constitution, failing which it will be invalid and void to the extent of the inconsistency. See TOGUN v OPUTA (2001) 16 NWLR pt. 140 pg. 579 @ 644.

I humbly posit that the Act is inconsistent with the provisions of Section 36(1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution which state, inter alia, that “in the determination of his civil rights and obligation, a person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time. . . ” And, that, “(2) without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Section, a law shall not be invalidated by reason only that it confers on any government or authority power to determine questions arising in the administration of a law that affects or may affect the civil rights and obligations of any person if such law – (a) provides for an opportunity for the person whose rights and obligations may be affected to make representations to the administering authority before that authority makes the decision affecting that person; and (b) contains no provision making the determination of the administering authority final and conclusive” In BAKARE v L.S.C.S.C (1992) 8 NWLR pt. 202 pg. 641, the Supreme Court held that, both provisos in identical provisions in the 1979 Constitution were in the alternative, and not cumulative. In other words, any law which contains either proviso would be valid. I submit that the Trade Disputes Essential Services Act fails this test, because it empowers the President to deprive members of a trade union (such as JUSUN) of their right to freedom of association under Section 40 of the Constitution, without due process. In my opinion, this denial is implicit in the fact that Section 1(1) of the Act confers on the President the absolute discretion to ban a trade union simply “by order published in the Federal Gazette”, and, pronto,“the proscribed organisation shall as from the date of the order, cease to exist”.

The upshot of the foregoing, in my view, is that, not only is the Presidential discretion to proscribe trade unions under the Act absolute, that ban is final and conclusive once it is gazetted, as, from that date, the affected trade union ceases to exist. This submission is without prejudice to the fact that, the right to freedom association is not absolute, as it can admittedly be derogated from under Section 45 of the Constitution, “by any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society in the interest of defence, public safety, public

TO BAN TRADE UNIONS REASONABLY JUSTIFIABLE IN THE INTEREST OF DEFENCE, PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC ORDER, PUBLIC MORALITY OR PUBLIC HEALTH? I DOUBT IT”

order, public morality or public health”. Is the power which the Act gives to the President to ban trade unions reasonably justifiable in the interest of defence, public safety public order, public morality or public health? That is the question. I doubt it. However, assuming it is, that power ought to be subject to checks and balances, by either the National Assembly or by way of judicial review before it becomes final - something it presently lacks.

Conclusion The on-going judicial strike ought to focus attention on certain aspects of trade union law, which if not reviewed, could be potent weapons of abuse, oppression and violation of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of association. None of those provisions is more so, than the Trade Disputes (Essential Service) Act. While the Act might have been expedient in a by-gone era (military rule), it is clearly anomalous under our present constitutional democracy, as it is simply wrong for an elected President to have the prerogative of deciding which trade union exists and which does not.

That notion negates the ethos of the Constitution which its preamble declares to be freedom, equality and justice.

12/

11.05.2021

Can Dr Isa Pantami be Prosecuted for Acts of Terrorism? (Part 1) Introduction

However, under what law should he be tried?

There are two Acts mentioned above. The first is the EFCC Act, 2004. The second is the Terrorism Act, 2013 (as amended).

Section 46 of the EFCC Act made reference to the Penal Code and the Criminal Code. These Acts shall now be considered.

Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, is the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. He is also known as Sheikh Pantami. He was born on the 20th day of October, 1972, in Pantami Ward, Gombe State, Nigeria.

Many Nigerians (including my humble self) have since called for Pantami’s resignation or his removal as a Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari, based on some of his incendiary religious statements made sometime between 2000 and 2006, as an Islamic scholar. In the highly inflammatory speeches, he had expressed allegiance to and support for (including sympathy with) the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram terrorist groups.

These are three of the world’s deadliest terrorist groups. Dr Pantami, on the other hand, has since acknowledged that he made those statements. In his words, pleading adolescence and transfiguration: "Some of the comments I made some years ago that are generating controversies now were based on my understanding of religious issues at the time, and I have changed several positions taken in the past based on new evidence and maturity".

Do Pantami’s statements constitute terrorist acts?

Meaning of Terrorism Terrorism is commonly understood to refer to acts of violence that target civilians in the pursuit of political or ideological aims.

The crucial aspect of the offence of terrorism is the creation of intense fear and anxiety, both physical and psychological, in the minds of members of the public, which have the effect of coercing, forcing or intimidating them to do, or abstain from doing, any act, or to adopt or abandon a particular view, policy or position to act according to certain principles (Abdulmumini v FRN (2017) LPELR-43726 (SC) 29).

In the case of KARUMI v FRN (2016) LPELR-40473(CA), the Court of Appeal, Per JOSEPH SHAGBAOR IKYEGH, JCA (Pp 25 - 25 Paras A - D) noted that: "… The gravity of the offence of terrorism which involves the use of violence or force to achieve something, be it political or religious, is a grave affront to the peace of society with attendant unsalutary psychological effect on innocent and peaceful members of the society who may be forced to live in perpetual fear. It is an offence that may even threaten the stability of the State."

Section 46 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004 (EFCC Act), is much wider in scope in the definition of terrorism, far beyond its narrow definition in Abdulmumini’s case (supra). There, the term “Terrorism” is defined to mean: a) “any act which is a violation of the Criminal Code or the Penal Code and which may endanger the life, physical integrity or freedom of, or cause serious injury or death to, any person, any number or group of persons or causes or may cause damage to public property, natural resources, environmental or cultural heritage and is calculated or intended to (i) intimidate, put in fear, force, coerce, or induce any government, body, institution, the general public or any segment thereof, to do or abstain from doing any act or to adopt or abandon a particular standpoint, or to act according to certain principles, or (ii) disrupt any public service, the delivery of any essential service to the public or to create a public emergency, or (iii) create general insurrection in a state; b) any promotion, sponsorship of, contribution to, command, aid incitement, encouragement, attempt threat, conspiracy, organisation or procurement of any person, with the intent to commit any act referred to in paragraph (a) (i), (ii) and (iii).”

In 2011, the Terrorism (Prevention) Act No.10, 2011, came into force to deal with offences relating to conducts carried out, or purposes connected with terrorism. The Act was subsequently amended in 2013 by the Terrorsim (Prevention Amendment) Act 2013. By virtue of Section 4(1) (b) of the Amendment Act, a person who knowingly, in any manner, solicits or renders support for a proscribed organisation or an internationally suspected terrorist group, an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 20 years. Though, Buhari has unsurprisingly refused to formally proscribe Boko Haram, the terrorist group has, with its sisters, Al-Qaeda and Taliban, been proscribed internationally.

Under subsection 3 of the Section 4, the term “support” is defined to include: 1. Incitement to commit a terrorist act; 2. Offer of material assistance, weapons, including biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, explosives, training, transportation,

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami

false documentation or identification; 3. Offer or provision of moral assistance, including invitation to adhere to a proscribed organisation; and 4. The provision of, or making available, such financial or other related services as may be prescribed in this act.

It is under these two Acts, that Pantami’s inflammatory speeches may be analysed and viewed.

The Extant Legal Position Dr. Pantami, as stated above, is not denying making those statements. It is not in doubt, that he made those dangerous statements when he was already an adult (about 33 years and 11 months old). He was not a minor. So, his mind was not impressionable. His lame defence that he has since renounced those views, does not rule out the fact that he had committed a crime by supporting or sympathising with terrorist organisations.

“IN THE HIGHLY INFLAMMATORY SPEECHES, HE HAD EXPRESSED ALLEGIANCE TO AND SUPPORT FOR......THE TALIBAN, AL-QAEDA AND BOKO HARAM TERRORIST GROUPS. THESE ARE THREE OF THE WORLD’S DEADLIEST TERRORIST GROUPS”

Terrorism Act The statements made by Dr. Pantami, pledging allegiance to Al-Qaeda, Taliban and Boko Haram, were made sometime in 2000-2006, while the Terrorism Act came into force on 3rd June, 2011. It is enshrined in Section 36(8) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), that: “No person shall be held to be guilty of a criminal offence on account of any act or omission that did not, at the time it took place, constitute such an offence, and no penalty shall be imposed for any criminal offence heavier than the penalty in force at the time the offence was committed.”

In the case of OGBOMOR v STATE (1985) LPELR2286(SC), the Supreme Court, Per ADOLPHUS GODWIN KARIBI-WHYTE, J.S.C., had cause to interpret Section 4 of the Criminal Code Act, Sections 33(8) and (12) of the 1979 Constitution, which are similar to Sections 36(8) and (9) of the 1999 Constitution. He noted at pages 14 - 17 that: “… Section 4 of the Criminal Code Act which is similar and identical in effect, provides - "No person shall be liable to be tried or punished in any Court in Nigeria for an offence except under the express provisions of the code, or some other Act, or some Law, (or of some Order in Council made by her Majesty for Nigeria) or under the express provisions of some statute of the Imperial Parliament which is in force, in, or forms part of the law of Nigeria; Provided that in the case of an offence committed before the commencement of this Act, the offender may be tried and punished either under the law in force when the offence was committed or under the code, provided that the offender shall not be punished to any greater extent than was authorised by the former law. "Section 11 also provides that -"A person cannot be punished for doing or omitting to do an act unless the act or omission constituted an offence under the law in force when it occurred"… These two provisions relate to the immunity from trial and conviction of a person with respect to an act or omission which at the time of its commission or omission did not constitute any offence under the law. - See Aoko v Fagbemi (1961) 1 All N.L.R.15 400. It does not cover the trial and conviction of any person for any criminal offence which is defined, and the penalty thereof is prescribed in a written law. It cannot seriously be contested that, on the facts, the acts alleged to have been committed by the Appellant did not constitute an offence at the time of their commission.

Section 33(12) of the Constitution 1979 provides for such cases. For the sake of completeness, I reproduce S.33(12) which is as follows- "Subject as otherwise provided in this Constitution a person shall not be convicted of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the penalty therefore, is prescribed in a written law; and in this sub-section, a written law refers to an Act of the National Assembly or a Law of a State, any subsidiary legislation or instrument under the provisions of a law."

A combined reading of the provisions of S. 33(8) and S. 33(12) of the Constitution 1979 suggest that whereas, no person can be tried and convicted of an offence which did not exist at the time of its commission, or which is not contained in an existing law, there is no constitutional or other prohibition against trial and conviction of a person for an offence, which is known to the law and is in existence at the time of its commission but the relevant statute of which has been incorrectly stated. Thus, it is clear that a mere misdescription of the law under which a charge has been brought, does not necessarily render the offence charged one not known to the law at the time of its commission. Hence, as long as the offence charged discloses an offence in a written law and such law is in existence at the time of the commission or omission of the act alleged in the charge was done, the information is valid, and is merely defective if there is any misdescription of the law under which the charge was laid”.

Dr. Pantami cannot therefore, be prosecuted under the Terrorism Act, because his alleged terrorist acts occurred prior to the enactment of the Terrorism Act. The Terrorism Act does not have a retroactive or retrospective Act. (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Anyone who supports terrorism, anyone who sees terrorism as a legitimate means, anyone who uses terrorism to cause the death of innocent people is a terrorist in my eyes”. (Milos Zeman)

11.5.2021

/13

14

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

11.05.2021

We are Determined to Change Africa’s Luxury Real Estate Landscape, Says Turjman The Group Chief Operating Officer of Palton Morgan Holdings, Nidal Turjman, is a thoroughbred professional and transformational leader who worked in the UAE and Pakistan before coming to Nigeria. Turjman speaks about living and working in Nigeria, Palton Morgan’s vision of becoming the preferred real estate brand in Africa and beyond, and how government can boost the real estate industry with policies and incentives

W

ith your professional background in the Middle East, particularly the UAE and Pakistan, what attracted you to Nigeria in general and Palton Morgan in particular?

My optimism brought me to this continent, especially Nigeria, the greatest economy of Africa. Although there is global economic downturn, but there is growth potential in this market. The imagination to see the country’s unmet needs as opportunities will take her to greater heights.

The business communities are committed to building and taking their businesses to the next level. Africa, in general, will come out of this crisis faster than any other continent, and this is what I believe. I am responsible for creating systematic processes and durable culture to breed more leaders for the company.

There are only three things that have more power than

you to make your company successful: your God, your customers and your Employees. The rest is a distraction. I must say that Palton Morgan is among the most dynamic holding companies with a clear vision and active leadership, which is determined to change the landscape of Luxury Real Estate in Africa and beyond.

Did you experience any culture shock with the Nigerian business environment? If yes, in what ways? And how has the adaptation process been for you?

I would not say it was a culture shock, as I have lived and worked in different countries, and I did my research and planning before coming.

So, I have had to adapt and adjust to the Nigerian way of living. I have adapted well to Lagos’ culture.

Given your diverse and rich international experience, what’s your assessment of Nigeria’s business

environment and the real estate sector?

The real estate development industry needs to adopt international best practices in eco-friendly development; technology and innovation would take the lead in shaping the product that copes with the demanding lifestyle of the youth population. The mortgage and banking industry has to be developed because the current interest rate does not help build all industries.

Also, lowering interest rates by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will improve investment in all sectors, including the real estate industry.

The construction industry in Nigeria, with a few exceptions, would require significant improvement in technology that may achieve cost saving in the workmanship and materials used. This industry has been developed to great levels worldwide, and in some countries, you can construct over 30 story towers in few months. I believe that we

can add immense value to the industry that will impact the economy and improve Nigerians’ lifestyle.

You are renowned as a transformational leader that helps achieve the best business objectives through re-structuring, high profile sales and project management, amongst others. How are you bringing this to bear on Palton Morgan’s operations?

Many factors will play a vital role in bringing Palton Morgan and the Nigerian real estate segment to new heights.

This is our common objective.

I have seen and experienced many booms and recessions in the past. There is always a dawn after the dark. My role would be to minimise the effect of recession and introduce strategic plans to welcome the good time, which is not far off. The foreign markets see a bright future in Nigeria; they expect a boost in Nigeria when the electricity issue is resolved and

Turjman

security gets better. Dubai is an example; it isn’t the same as it was in the early ‘90s. Today, Nigeria is on the same track to attract and encourage foreign investors to come and invest in Nigeria. This country has all

the capabilities and resources available. The rebranding drive, ‘Good People Great Nation’, is focused on changing perceptions about Nigeria. Now it’s the time to prove it.

Abiodun Begins Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road Reconstruction, Commissions Others Bennett Oghifo Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has turned the sod for the reconstruction of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road, with a promise that the road will not be abandoned.

The governor also commissioned the 10.25km Lusada Junction-Igbesa-Ogun Guangdong FTZ Road, a project

undertaken via a Public-Private Partnership.

At the twin-event, Chairman Senate Committee on Works, Adamu Ailero, assured the Ogun State Government that the committee would ensure that the reconstruction work on Atan -Lusada-Agbara road be included in the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

Flagging off the 19km Atan-

Lusada-Agbara Road, Abiodun said the commencement of rehabilitation work on the road would impact positively on the ease of doing business along the industrial corridor Both events were attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Works and former governor of Kebbi State,

Senator Adamu Aliero; Senator representing Lagos West and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Senator Ayo Akinyelure, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Micheal Nnachi, among other dignitaries.

While saying the road will be completed in 15 months, the governor said though the road, which is part of the Sokoto-

Badagry Expressway, belonged to the Federal Government, his administration decided to embark on the reconstruction of the road in order to give succour to the residents and industries along the axis.

Abiodun, who reiterated that his government would not develop any part of the state at the expense of another, disclosed that over 172 kilometres of

road had been constructed, while 120 kilometres had also been rehabilitated across the length and breadth of Ogun State within two years of his administration.

The governor assured that all roads leading to industrial areas and farm settlements in the state will be prioritised to boost economic growth and development.

Oluwayomi: Affordability-based Pricing Key to Bridging Nigerian Housing Gap As the housing deficit in Nigerian major cities continues to widen, government and private real estate firms are revving up strategies to bridge the gap. Mr. Triumph-Abatan Oluwayomi, the Managing Director of ATCO Homes, a fast-growing indigenous real estate firm, dissects the real estate sector and shares insights that would serve as timely solution for the nation’s worsening housing situation Nigerian major cities continue to witness increased urbanisation and more people are leaving the rural areas to settle in the cities. What do these

Oluwayomi

situations portend for the housing sector?

Well, this has both positive and negative side effects.

Let us look at the positive first; it means more revenue for the sector because more persons will need good and affordable houses. Secondly, more jobs will be created to solve more challenges rising from the increase. Another is that when people are moving this way, it tends to equally improve the literacy level of those who are relocating.

Urbanisation brings with it increases of everything one could imagine. The negative side is so numerous that we might not be able to exhaust this here. First is the underdevelopment of the rural areas they are migrating

from. Second is that there will be increase in crime rates in the cities, especially where security personals are under employed, empowered and deployed.

What are the roles of the government and players in the real estate sector in meeting the growing housing shortages in Nigerian cities?

Well, for me no person can give what they don’t have.

Likewise, no government can do beyond what they don’t have. The government for me is everyone of us. The government should create more enabling environs for young entrepreneurs like us to be able to do well. They could provide better access to

financial supports, especially for entrepreneurs who are doing very well. Government could get like 100 young real estate companies that are between three and four years with track records to work with to solve the problems with housing in Nigeria.

For players in the industry, especially the up and coming like us, should not be interested in doing business as usual for the betterment of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Listen, no one will come and help us develop our nation, we must get the job done.

Selflessness is needed more in the sector and every other sector in this country. Players should always put the people and clients first. We need to break the chain of hardship

in this country. We need to build great and affordable houses for Nigerians, not only the elites but also the low earners.

Considering the growing socioeconomic challenges such as price inflation and poverty, do you consider affordability-based pricing as a critical solution to helping the masses and middle-income earners who currently are challenged by the high cost of living in the cities, own a home?

Yes, affordability-based houses are very possible.

Well, there are no impossibilities in my dictionary anyway. We should not be in the culture of valuing everything in terms of dol-

lars. We should leverage on materials that could be sourced for locally.

What is ATCO Homes doing in that regard?

Wow! ATCOHOMES is already doing too much in this area, for a young company of just three years.

We have consistently done our business with the desire to help low earners own a land or a house in Nigeria.

ATCOHOMES is the only real estate company in Nigeria that I know of that has consistently gifted his clients’ Toyota Corolla cars (please note I am not talking about raffle draws!) as a tool for their extra earnings. Also, our flexible payment plan has no equal.

15

11.05.2021

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Infrastructure Investment is Critical Development Driver of Lagos Economy, Says Adeyoye Fadekemi Ajakaiye

T

he Lagos State Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure, Engr.

Aramide Adeyoye has stated that the state government through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has continued to deliberately invest in infrastructure as a critical development driver of the state’s economy and the Greater Lagos Vision.

Adeyoye stated this during her presentation of the twoyear scorecard of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the state’s works and infrastructure sector, recently.

According to the special adviser, ensuring provision of jobs for hundreds of people, as well as bringing immediate impactful succour to commuters in the state is giving a positive feedback from the digital cabinet.

She stated that the Ministry developed a work culture which involves being S.M.A.R.T, that is; Strategic in Orientation; Maintenance Culture; Account-

able & Open in all Activities; Responsive to the Environment, and Technologically Driven.

“This ministry is made up of four main agencies; Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC); Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA); Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), and Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance And Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA),” she said.

“The Ministry has been able to achieve the delivery of these infrastructure through its Capex of N104, 978,596,251.00 in Y2020 with an increase of the Capex to N125,963,903,754.00 in Y2021,” she said.

The roads selected for design, award, construction, and execution are on the basis of improved connectivity, in sync with intermodal transport system and urban regeneration plans of the administration, and the infrastructure roadmap for Lagos would be presented to the public before the end of this year, according to her.

“In achieving all of the suc-

cess recorded by the ministry, we must not fail to emphasize the difficulties sometimes encountered in not getting the buy-in of some of the critical stakeholders. A typical project that comes to mind is that of Ije Ododo road project. This is in addition to the issues posed by the acquisition of the right of way as well as drainage outfalls,” she said.

This is aside the continual intervention on road repairs and maintenance of over 632 inner roads covering approximately 192km across the State by our Agency, the Public Works Corporation.

“The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has also completed the construction of 51 road projects since the advent of this administration and with 43 more ongoing across the three Senatorial Districts. This is in addition to over 23 Public building infrastructure that the office of works is providing for the good people of Lagos State,” she said.

She stated that the Ministry currently has a total of 140

active projects, of which 117, are road projects, while 23 are building projects.

“The Lagos State Public Works Corporation since inception of this Administration from June 2019 till date, has intervened on a total of 632 Roads, covering approximately 192km, assuming an average carriageway width of 7.3m and total asphalt premix of 178,300 tons. The intervention varies from, rehabilitation of strategic roads, that is, the overlay; routine maintenance of potholes patching / sectional overlay, as well as palliatives works,” she said.

“The essence of embarking on some of these projects is to reduce travel time and man-hour loss in traffic gridlock, improve individual economy through increase in value of properties, improve socio-economic activities and commercial activities,” she stated.

“Our core values remain, professionalism, teamwork, transparency & accountability, fairness, responsiveness, and

excellence,” she said.

“With careful thinking, planning, and dedicated team of MOWI, and its agencies, we have a firm foothold on our way to achieving the goal. Our policies have shown what is possible with critical sectors

recording growth, what remains is time that it takes for the full harvest of the fruits in plenitude and prosperity of the citizenry of Lagos state. We cannot go back to the bottom of the mountain when the plateau is now within reach,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu

Prospects, Challenges of Developing Sustainable Communities in Nigeria Noah Ibrahim In Nigeria, like in many other developing countries, accommodation forms one of the biggest challenges, particularly in growing urban centers.

According to the UN Population Fund data, more people in the world live in urban than in rural settings since 2010.

In 2020, 56.2 percent of the world population was urban.

However, they also account for about 70 percent of global carbon emissions and over 60 percent of resource use.

Sustainable development cannot be achieved with this number without significantly transforming how we build and manage our urban spaces.

In Nigeria, citizens want the same thing regarding where they reside, including access to clean air and water, a safe and healthy environment, and the ability to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

The bedrock of community development is sustainability. In Nigeria, there should be a no-

table level of development; but these efforts can be rendered futile or short-lived without a sustainability plan. Achieving sustainable community development lies heavily on various projects carried out in the community.

The world today is heavily dependent on fossil energy, which can harm the environment. These impacts are a result of global warming and have demanded that researchers seek a solution. One of these solutions proffered is the usage of Low Carbon in the Economy. This concept aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere while combining better and cleaner energy sources with the proficient use of already existing energy sources.

According to the environmental and energy study institute, paying particular attention to the real estate, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in the USA are responsible for 40 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

These buildings are sources of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions due to the vast amount of natural resources they consume and their waste. Real estate consumes over 40 percent of global energy annually, 30 percent of raw materials, and 12 percent of drinking water.

According to a 2016 report by the World Economic Forum, emissions caused by buildings and new construction are expected to grow. By 2030, the projected global population growth is expected to generate demand for 260 million new residential properties and 540 million square meters of office space in the world’s largest cities. The Oxford Economics’ Global Cities 2030 report also shows that Lagos will become Africa’s largest city by GDP and 114 in terms of the global ranking.

However, there is a need to make our cities sustainable by creating career and business opportunities, safe and affordable housing, and

Estate Landlords Protest Activities of Land Speculators in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Landlords and residents of Egwuatu Estate, Abata Nsugbe, Anambra State have staged a peaceful protest over the invasion of their area by land speculators.

The protesters who spoke to THISDAY during the protest accused land speculators of destroying their properties and inflicting injuries on some residents.

Chairman of Egwuatu Landlords Association, Mr. Emeka Ojukwu who addressed journalists said, “We acquired legitimate properties from the Egwuatu family over 15 years ago and have all lived peacefully in the area without any dispute from any quarter until the latest invasion from strange people.”

The residents bore placards with various inscriptions like: “Governor Obiano, IGP, save us from our oppressors”, Right to ownership of properties is our fundamental right”, “Our lives and that of our family members are in great dangers, save our souls”, “We don’t want violence and bloodshed.”

Other inscriptions on their placards read: “Nigeria Police, rise up to your duty please”, “Cost of living is very hard in Nigeria today, stop destroying our properties and building materials”, among others.

Ojukwu while giving further insight into their predicament said the attackers also invaded his compound and ransacked his properties while most of the residents of the estate cannot enter their homes presently for fear of their lives.

“We have restrained ourselves from resorting to self-help or bringing thugs to fight for our rights too, rather a petition has been caused to the police authorities in Abuja, Zone 13 Ukpo and the Command Headquarters, Anambra State.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga confirmed that a petition from the group has reached the CP, and that preliminary investigation has begun.

“It is a case of encroachment and boundary dispute. Police has waded into the matter to forestall crisis while some people have been invited for questioning. We advised parties involved to maintain peace and explore legal options when necessary,” Ikenga said.

building resilient societies and economies. It involves investment in creating green public spaces and improving urban planning and management in participatory and inclusive ways. This depends heavily on the real estate industry.

In Nigeria, adopting sustainable, eco-friendly substitutes in terms of raw materials for real estate development requires significant motivation and an organized platform to foster discussions on the subject matter.

Achieving the development needs and improving the

standard of living of communities is also dependent on the real estate industry.

Simultaneously, the quality of community development has since moved from the size, shape, and edification of the buildings. It is now based on the degree of sustainability of structures related to the social, economic, and environmental contexts in which they are built.

Prospects Embracing sustainability in the real estate sector will, to a large extent, reduce the carbon footprint in urban communi-

ties. Therefore, it should be treated as a necessity rather than a luxury. Among other things, sustainability in the real estate sector involves concerted efforts towards limiting waste generation from the design stage down to the development of the buildings. Adequate consideration must be given to the long-term socio-economic and environmental impacts in providing products and services within the real estate space.

-Ibrahim is Chief Executive Officer, Novarick Homes and Properties

Ogun Reinvigorates Transportation System with new Model Femi Ezekiel In a democratic setting, a responsible and responsive government has the interest of its citizens at heart. It cares and makes provision of basic necessities of life for the common good of the people.

By and large, vision drives mission. The applicable deployment of resources retools the unlock potentials for meaningful development.

Suffice to say that, the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun in Ogun State has lived up to expectation. It has exploited the advantages of the proximity of Ogun State to Lagos State for its maximal use. Therefore, the interplay of the pull and push factors make Ogun to stand out on a better chance to cash in on the opportunities that are abound.

The two states share things in common.

There is no gain saying the fact, that the January 2020 foreign trip to the United Kingdom (UK) embarked upon by Governor Abiodun and his crack economic team, comprising Mr. Dapo Okubadejo (Commissioner for Finance and who also

doubles as Chief Economic Adviser), Mrs Kikelomo Longe (Commissioner for Trade and Investment), Mr Gbenga Dairo (Commissioner for Transportation), amongst others, to woo potential foreign investors and seize the available enabling business environment already put in place, has begun to yield fruitful results.

The transportation sector has taken the lead as an opener to grow the local economy.

Unlike the defunct Bureau of Transportation that was inherited, the upgrade into a full-fledged Ministry by the current administration underscores the premium placed on the sector by the current administration, especially replicating such at home through a well-articulated master plan for an efficient and effective transportation system to fast-track the socio-economic development of the state.

However, the fortunes of a ray of hope appear to be in the horizon, with an expression of interest by a United Kingdombased development agency to invest in the transportation sector of Ogun State. A week ago, the UK development Agency, ‘Prosperity Fund’, has

indicated its readiness to offer technical assistance in a bid to put in place an efficient and sustainable transportation system in the state.

True to type, head, ‘Prosperity Fund’ in Nigeria, Foreign and Commonwealth Development Agency, Mrs. Martha Bostock, during a visit to the office of the governor, Okemosan, Abeokuta, had assured that the fund would go a long way to help the state in capacity building in the transportation sector for its sustainability.

She said: “The Fund is about helping to build capacity within the state government’s departments, like the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant agencies about what a good transportation policy should look like.

“I will like to see the policy put in place, with necessary legislation. This policy would be used to advertise the state to attract more investments which I hope would help the state government and its continued transformation.”

-Ezekiel wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital

16/

11.5.2021

23

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

͵ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͯ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 15.25 14.75

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

14.75 16.50 17.50

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

506.41% -0.15 -1.16%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

-9.37% -24.45%

EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes itel, Others Distribute Relief Materials

PROMOTING AGRICULTURE

L-R: Katsina State Governor, Bello Masari; Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and President, Maize Farmers Association, Bello Abubakar Annur, at the flag- off of the National maize harvest and loan recovery and launch of 2020/2021 dry season maize farming in Katsina ...recently

FG: Presidential Power Initiative Will Unlock 25GW in Five Years Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

ECONOMY

The federal government has reiterated that the current moves to revamp the power sector using the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), Nigerians will have access to about 25GW of electricity in the next five years.

Speaking during a webinar with the Energy Transition Council, a body under the United Nations, Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, who presented the keynote address at the council’s country dialogue conference, reassured that the government has the political will to make sure the goal is achieved.

Jedy-Agba explained that the country was experiencing a turning point in the power sector, noting that the ministry was exploring ways of localising the energy value chain in Nigeria and giving priority to technology transfer and capacity building.

“The Presidential Power

Initiative (PPI) is a comprehensive programme targeted at the grid, transmission, distribution and grid communications projects that will modernise the grid and unlock 25GW of stable operable capacity over the next five years,” Jedy-Agba stated.

He stressed that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has been undertaking reforms that will make the power market very attractive and competitive for investors.

The minister maintained that government’s investment in alternative energy was not only aimed at providing improved power supply, but to create direct and indirect jobs for teeming Nigerian youths, stressing that the federal government recognises the need to embrace renewable sources of energy.

“I am saying all of this to show that we are prioritising private investments and committed

to create an environment that allows the private sector to invest and achieve commercial returns, while the government will focus on implementing plans and reforms that accelerate the pace of electrification and economic growth.

“We recognise the need to have a broader energy transmission roadmap that is based on data to align efforts across the energy and other heavily emitting sectors onto a path for achieving SDG7 by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

“I will like to thank the energy transition council for helping us secure support to develop Nigeria’s own energy transition plan,” he noted.

In his comments, the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Infrastructure, Ahmad Zakari, explained that the current administration has invested in many areas like gas supplies, hydro and solar power to stimulate reforms in the power sector.

According to him, the Pow-

erNaija initiative is a scheme aimed at providing access to clean, affordable and sustainable power to 6 million homes and will serve as a catalyst for power transformation in the country.

He assured that the country was working to improve power generation to at least, 7,000MW before the end of the quarter four of 2021.

Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr. Ahmad Salihijo, in his comments, noted that apart from government’s investment in the solar energy sector, there’s an ongoing research into biomass energy solution as an alternative source of energy.

Salihijo added that the government had identified renewable and alternative energy sources as solution to power problems in the country, noting that the REA has been actively involved in the process.

Also, the Deputy High ComContinued on page 24

ECOWAS Backs Regional Electricity Market, Laments Security Threats The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Mr. Kassi Brou, has described the regional electricity market, under construction, as fundamental to the development of West Africa.

Brou spoke when he visited the Accra-based ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), where he reiterated that energy production is vital to the viability of the market, adding that the regional organisation is already formulating policies that will attract investments.

He said ECOWAS’ focus was looking forward to the needed funding in the production of electricity, ensuring transmission and distribution lines for cross-border power exchange and

ENERGY access to the local population.

According to him, the body was also interested in having a good legal environment “so that private investors can know exactly, in a very predictable and transparent way, what the rules are and so can invest in the sector”.

The first phase of the Regional Electricity Market was launched in June 2018 in Cotonou, Benin Republic, while the second phase, he said, will introduce a competitive market and help promote efficiency.

Brou said the electricity market will ensure an increase in investment, considering the existence of a free trade area and the free

circulation of persons, goods and services in the region.

“We are trying to make energy available at a competitive cost to every country, and at the lowest cost possible for community citizens,” a statement quoted him to have said.

He stated that ECOWAS was preoccupied with achieving the objective that has been set for energy, including increasing the availability of energy to the people, as well as costeffectiveness and efficiency in energy production and gradually transform the whole mix to renewable energy.

Brou listed other challenges by the organisation as security issues, especially in the Sahel, the Lake Chad region and the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that

the decisions of two ECOWAS extra-ordinary summits are being implemented to address the security challenges.

He also identified the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant consequences, including the lockdown last year in the region and globally, as a major challenge and expressed the hope that the production of vaccines and their administration would help bring a solution to the pandemic.

“ECOWAS countries are on course in the vaccination programme, and with support from ECOWAS through the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), we are helping to procure more vaccines”, he stated.

Continued on page 24

To commemorate this year’s World Malaria Day, itel recently partnered with Amatem Softgel, an anti-malaria drug in Nigeria, and Drug-AidAfrica,anon-governmentalorganisation(NGO)thatprovides medical drug supplies and support to low-income patients in Nigeria and across Africa.

Astatementbyitelexplainedthatintandemwiththemeofthisyear’s WorldMalariaDay,‘ZeroMalariaStartswithMe’,thethreebrandsjoined theglobalfightagainstmalariabydonatingtreatedmosquitonets,free medicaltests,mosquitorepellentcreamandfreeanti-malariadrugsto over 1,500 households in Isale-Akoka Community, Bariga, Lagos state.

Itexplainedthatmalariaisaprevalentdiseaseinsub-SaharanAfrica, and was responsible for thousands of deaths yearly, adding that as socially responsible organisations, itel, Amatem Softgel, and DrugAid Africa, “believe that they have a quota to contribute in ensuring a relatively healthier society.”

The Marketing Manager for West Africa and Nigeria, itel, Oke Umurhohwo,expressedcommitmentinbridgingthegapinlow-income communities through its ‘Love Always On CSR initiative.’

He added that the brand was partnering with Amatem Softgel and Drug Aid Africa to provide these communities, “with an even greater fighting chance against malaria is a part of our commitment to them.”

The General Manager, Elbe Pharma, Shivakumar, said: “Malaria is a life-threatening disease, but it is preventable and curable. We at Elbe continue to find a better way to combat this disease, support the vulnerable ones especially the young children. Hence, the introduction of this innovative anti-malaria brands AMATEM SOFTGEL and this CSR partnership.”

Xpress Payment Wins Awards

Xpress Payment Solutions Limited has won the ‘Next Bull’ award at the 2021 Nigeria Investor Value Awards.

Astatementfromthecompanysaidtheawardcameontheheelsofa commendablerecordincorporateexcellence,outstandingachievements, and remarkable performance from the company’s commitment to economic development, financial inclusion, and growth as a company.

It noted that the award recognises the company’s ingenuity in revolutionising the payment industry through a system that provides easy, fast, and secured transaction always.

“The Nigeria Investor Value (NIVA) awards hosted by BusinessDay also known as theTop CEO’s and Next Bulls Awards, celebrates CEOs of companies who have created sustainable alpha-generating value throughstrategicintelligence,operatingefficiencies,marketleadership and organisational values.

“TheNextBullAwardcategorycelebratesprivatecompaniesthatare actively creating value within their niche markets. Informed investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange usually express a strong interest in investing or acquiring shares from these companies if their boards ever decide to take them public.

“Winners are usually selected by a proprietary survey carried out by the BusinessDay research and intelligence unit.”

Speaking at the event, Managing Director, Xpress Payments, Dr. Markie Idowu, stated that the awards confirmed the organisation’s strongmanagementandun-matchedcommitmenttoserviceexcellence.

Sovereign Trust to Hold AGM

SovereignTrust Insurance Plc has disclosed that following approval given to its 2020 annual report and account by the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM)andtheNGXRegulationLimited,ithasscheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting Thursday, May 27,2021, in Lagos.

Sovereign Trust Insurance spokesperson and Brands and Communications Manager, Mr. Segun Bankole, however said in line with the federal government and Lagos State directives on restriction of gatherings of large number in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, majority of the shareholders would participate at this year’s meeting online via link on the company’s website, with the exception of the approved Proxies of the shareholders. He said the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has approved the company’s application to conduct the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by proxy.

“We are living in an age of disruption. The insurance sector is facing significant waves of disruption and important decisions about market positioning, ecosystem relationship, technology, investments in skills requirements need to be taken” Commissioner of Insurance, Mr. Sunday Thomas

24

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD FG: PRESIDENTIAL POWER INITIATIVE WILL UNLOCK 25GW IN FIVE YEARS missioner, United Kingdom, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, in his remarks, commended the federal government for the initiatives towards reforming the power sector in the country and pledged his country’s support.

The Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, recently dismissed rumours of a major hike in electricity tariff. In a statement, the minister had said instead of significant hike in electricity tariff, Nigerians should expect an increase efficiency in the sector to reduce tariffs while managing headwinds from foreign exchange and inflation. The clarification had come amidst reports of possible major increase in the price of electricity that has dominated the public space.

Mamman, had explained that the order issued by NERC on the 26th of April 2021 titled, “Notice of Minor and Extraordinary Review of Tariffs for Electricity Transmission and Distribution Companies” was a routine procedure.

He said the review planned

by NERC is in accordance with Section 76 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005.

ECOWAS BACKS REGIONAL ELECTRICITY MARKET, LAMENTS SECURITY THREATS He said the pandemic has had a strong impact on the economy, noting that COVID-19 arrested the average annual growth rate of 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent in member states.

“Now we are not talking about growth; we are talking about recession of about 2 per cent,” he lamented.

He maintained that there are lessons ECOWAS needs to learn and steps to take so that the economies of member states can be rapidly re-launched.

“We need to strengthen our health systems, to train more people, to be able to put mechanisms to identify threats before they develop, reinforce the capacities of various institutions and also reinforce their capabilities in terms of equipment to be able to respond when we have those threats,” he said.

NEWS

DPR, RMAFC Seek Collaboration on FG’s Gas Revenue Drive Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) have met to seek ways to boost revenues from the country’s gas resources, following the federal government’s renewed interest in the sector.

Members of the gas monitoring committee of the RMAFC who paid a courtesy visit to the Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the DPR, Mr. Sarki Auwalu, noted that the partnership would assist in refocusing both organisations on areas they can work together.

The team led by its Chairman, Mrs. Maria Aniobi, informed the director that the visit was to complement government’s revenue generation efforts in the area of gas utilisation.

The delegation reiterated its commitment to collaborate

with DPR to achieve the president’s policy aspiration to take over 100 million Nigerians out of poverty using gas resources as a framework to leverage for actualisation of the promise to Nigerians.

Auwalu, on his part, explained DPR’s processes and procedures from well-head to consumers and how gas is produced, metered, transported and eventually sold to consumers creating revenue for government and stakeholders

alike.

He outlined how the gas expansion programme of government has impacted in enabling business and creating opportunities for investments and facilities development in the gas

value chain.

The DPR boss further informed the delegation that collaborative efforts were underway with other agencies of government and critical stakeholders to improve domestic gas supply obligation.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

L-R: Senior Pastor, Capstone Church, Tokunbo Johnson; Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Kayode Adejare Omiyale; Chief Executive Officer, Whitefield Foundation, Mrs. Funmi Johnson; Vice Chairman, Yaba LCDA, Bola Aileru; Director, Public Affairs Communication and Sustainability, Coca-cola Nigeria Ltd, Mrs. Amaka Onyemelukwe; and Senior Manager, Social Impact Strategy, Africa, Coca-cola, Mr. Uche Ogbonna, at the closing ceremony of special intervention business programme for Women empowerment organised by Whitefield Foundation and Cocacola Foundation in Lagos...recently ETOP UKUTT

Nigeria, Others Accounted for 43% of Regional Piracy Incidents in Q1 Gulf of Guinea, of which Nigeria is major part, accounted for nearly half of all reported piracy incidents in the region in the first three months of 2021, latest figures from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), have indicated.

According to the IMB’s latest global piracy report, 38 incidents were recorded since the start of 2021 – compared with 47 incidents during the same period last year.

The Gulf of Guinea is found within the West and Central African coastlines, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and aside

Nigeria, comprises shores of other countries, including Ghana, Togo, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo and Angola.

“In the first three months of 2021, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) reported 33 vessels boarded, two attempted attacks, two vessels fired upon, and one vessel hijacked,” the report noted.

It stated that despite a drop in the number of reported piracy incidents for Q1 2021, violence against crew was on the rise in

comparison to previous years.

“Since the start of 2021, 40 crew have been kidnapped compared to 22 crew in Q1 2020. A crew member was also killed in Q1 2021,” the IMB document stated.

The report stated that the gulf remains particularly dangerous for seafarers with 43 per cent of all reported piracy incidents occurring in the region, adding that the region accounted for all 40 kidnapped crew incidents, as well as the sole crew fatality, according to IMB. “Pirates operating within the Gulf of Guinea are well-equipped to attack further

away from shorelines and are unafraid to take violent action against innocent crews.

“It’s critical that seafarers remain cautious and vigilant when travelling in nearby waters and report all incidents to the regional authorities and the IMB PRC. “Only improved knowledge sharing channels and increased collaboration between maritime response authorities will reduce the risk to seafarers in the region,” IMB Director, Michael Howlett, stressed. The furthest recorded kidnapping, according to the document, occurred on March

11, 2021, when pirates kidnapped 15 crew from a Maltese flagged Chemical Tanker, 212nm south of Cotonou, Benin.

It noted that in another incident, a fishing vessel hijacked on February 8, 2021, was used by pirates as a mother vessel to facilitate other attacks.

However, the IMB commended the coastal response agencies and independent international navies tasked in the region for actively responding to reported incidents and encouraged their continued efforts in making the waters safer for the seafarers.

UNHCR: 2.9m Persons Displaced by Violence in Northern Nigeria The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nigeria has disclosed that 2.9 million Nigerians are currently being displaced by violent crises in northern part of the country.

Assistant Private Sector Partnership Officer, UNHCR, Mr. Lanre Odunlami, who spoke on Arise News Channel, a THISDAY sister broadcast station, noted that the huge number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were still facing several threats, including the incessant movement from one location to another.

He stated that the organisation has faced multiple crises in several

countries which have displaced people, noting that the UNHCR has been striving to provide basic amenities like healthcare, support provision of education and non-food items.

With presence in over 135 countries, Odunlami stated that 90 per cent of the UN body’s workforce is in conflict areas to ensure that refugees have dignified lives.

He stated that in Nigeria, the UNHCR has 16 offices and most of them are in the conflict areas in Borno state, Bama, Ngala, Maiduguri, Monguno, Damasak, Yobe, where the organisation is providing the necessary assistance

to refugees, IDPs, asylum seekers and stateless people.

Odunlami stated that as at today, there are close to 80 million refugees globally, adding that of this number, almost 26 million people are refugees who are actually displaced.

“Half of these 26 million people are under 18 years, meaning that half of displaced population are children. In Africa, there are over 33 million Africans who are actually displaced.

“Coming back to Nigeria, the crisis which started about 2009, now in its 12th year, has led to loss of livelihoods, wreaked

havoc on people’s lives and since these displacements, government is continuing its efforts, humanitarian organisations are also making sure these efforts lead to the needed assistance.

“Currently there are 2.9 million people that are displaced in Nigeria. These are just the figures from the northeast, northwest and north central.

So putting the whole region together about 2.9 people are currently displaced,” he stated.

In his comments, Regional Representative, UNHCR, Mr. Khaled Khalifa, who spoke on the humanitarian relief organisation’s Zakat Fund,

noted that more than 50 per cent of displaced persons come from Muslim countries and communities.

He stated that UNHCR was bridging the gap between the rich and those who do not have, explaining that that informed the floating of the zakat programme which has been expanded to benefit 2.1 million persons in the last few years.

UNHCR’s zakat fund, he said, was set up to provide emergency relief items and does not charge any administrative fees on collection and implementation of Zakat activities as 100 per cent of contribution goes to those in need.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Banks Urged to Reduce Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Financing The United Nations SecretaryGeneral, António Guterres, has urged banks to finance lowcarbon climate-resilient projects, not big fossil fuel infrastructure that are no longer cost-effective.

Speaking during a climate meeting, while praising the major economies that have committed to net-zero emission targets, Guterres stressed that under current commitments, the world was still headed to, “a disastrous temperature rise of 2.4 degrees by the end of

the century.”

“We can no longer afford big fossil fuel infrastructure anywhere. Such investments simply deepen our predicament. They are not even costeffective,” Guterres said in his speech at the 2021 Petersberg Climate Dialogue.

Fossil fuels have already become more expensive than renewable energy projects, the UN Secretary-General said.

“So we need the shareholders of multilateral development

banks and development financial institutions to work with the management of these banks on funding a low-carbon, climate-resilient development that is aligned with the 1.5-degree goal,” he noted.

According to the UN chief, “We stand indeed at the edge of the abyss. But if we work together, we can avert the worst impacts of climate disruption and use the recovery from the COVID-19

pandemic to steer us on a cleaner, greener path.”

Meanwhile, the global banking industry has started heeding the call for a low-carbon energy sources funding.

Australia’s bank Macquarie said at the weekend that it had reduced its limited remaining equity and lending exposures to the coal sector, and all exposure to coal is expected to run off by 2024, in the latest pledge from a bank to stop financing certain fossil fuels.

Deutsche Bank said last year it was ending financing for new oil and gas projects in the oil sands and the Arctic region effective immediately.

In the United States, Goldman Sachs has said that it would decline to finance new Arctic oil exploration and production and new thermal coal mine development or strip mining.

In the same vein, Wells Fargo and JPMorgan have also said they would stop financing new oil and gas projects in the Arctic.

25

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

As Economy Bleeds on Sustained Fuel Subsidy As the federal government and the organised labour continue to dilly-dally over ending the huge amount being paid as subsidy on imported petrol, Peter Uzoho writes on the adverse impact of such indecision on the Nigerian economy.

R

ecently,the organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) which have been in an endless meeting with the federal government and other stakeholders, has insisted on their position of no increase in petrol price until refineries are fixed and working.

In its position paper issued penultimate week, labour said it would resist any attempt to remove petrol subsidy. It also demanded the adoption of production-cost pricing method for petrol imported from other countries into Nigeria as against the current import-parity pricing model.

This labour’s position has been described by economic policy experts and industry watchers as unrealistic at the moment.

The federal government on its part, has not formally responded to the conditions put forward by labour, however, its body language is showing that it is aligning with the position of the organised labour. This is because the federal government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has continued to rule out any increase in petrol ex-depot price, and by extension, the pump price of petrol, an indication that subsidy will remain for a long time to come.

The government continues telling the Nigerian public that it is still engaging with labour and other stakeholders and has not finalised on how best to approach the subsidy removal issue.

This frequent response from the government, according to analysts, is just a way of avoiding further questions regarding why the delay in such critical economic decision at a time the country is bleeding economically.

NNPC had declared recently that it would not be remitting money into the Federation Account in May (and probably the following few months) as it would be deducting N112 billion subsidy fund from its April revenues.

In a letter served the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Ahmed Idris, the NNPC said the shortfall was due to the rising average landing cost of fuel, which it said, jumped to N184 per litre in March, as opposed to the existing N128 ex-coastal price.

This, analysts believe, would impact negatively on the revenues of the states as most of the states depend heavily on the money they receive from the monthly Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements to run their states.

Earlier in March, NNPC had disclosed that Nigeria currently spends about N120 billion every month to subside petrol imported from abroad and consumed by Nigerians and, even neighbouring African countries. The corporation put Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption volume at 60 million litres a day.

Although, the actual volume of petrol consumed in the country, whether on a daily or monthly basis, has remained an object of controversy as different figures are being bandied around. Even the figure that comes out from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) many times contradicts that of the NNPC. Some schools of thought believe that the country consumes well over 60 million litres a day, some opine that the figure is below 60 million, while others, even from the government, suspect that the volume is even over 90 million and that, a huge chunk of that is being smuggled out of the country for fatter profit.

Whichever figure is accurate, the fact is that Nigeria spends well over N50 on each litre of petrol bought at the filling stations as subsidy and this is being borne by the NNPC, the sole-importer of petrol, to fulfil its vaunted mandate of ensuring energy security for the nation.

The inability of government to come to terms with the nation’s current economic reality where government’s revenue has depleted and the debt burden continues to balloon, even as hundreds of billions of naira is still being wasted on fuel subsidy, is baffling.

As at December 31, 2020, Nigeria’s total public debt portfolio stood at N32.92 trillion, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had disclosed in March, in its Nigerian Domestic and Foreign Debt report for Quarter Four, 2020. As worrying as such high debt profile should be, there is no sign that the debt will ease any time soon as government

Sylva continues borrowing while the flittering away of the nation’s resources on petrol subsidy persists.

Labour’s Condition Impossible Although, the organised labour believe it is doing the Nigerian workers and masses good by insisting that subsidy should remain and that there should be no increase in fuel price until all the refineries are fixed and functional, analysts say that such condition was impossible in the current Nigerian situation.

According to them, while such proposition might be popular, considering the unrest in the country, it should not be lost on labour that building or rehabilitating a refinery takes no less than two to three years to be completed. That implies that subsidy will continue for the next two to three years while the nation’s economy continues suffering.

To this end, analysts advised labour to understand that the situation on ground does not warrant such impossible condition for the subsidy to be removed.

Weighing in on the issue, an economic policy expert and Arise News’ Analyst, Mr. Chika Mbonu, in an interview with THISDAY, advised labour and the federal government to find a middle ground that will help the country to stop wasting money on petrol subsidy.

Mbonu said Nigeria is currently bleeding and cannot be able to sustain subsidy. He acknowledged that labour’s hard position was informed by the lack of trust between Nigerians represented by labour and the government as shown by the failure of successive governments to fulfill their promises to the people.

He, therefore, suggested that the middle ground should be for government to remove the petrol subsidy and at the same time, increase workers’ salary as compensation for the attendant rise in the cost of living of the workers.

Mbonu said: “Even before NNPC came out to speak, I’ve always said consistently that Nigeria cannot sustain this level of subsidy and I’ve always said also that the government’s side and labour which represents Nigerians must find a middle ground on how to deal with this subsidy issue because we can’t sustain it, we can’t carry it.

“But the problem there is the fact that there is massive trust gap between government, labour and Nigerians on basically, if you take away this subsidy, what are you going to do with it? Because the import of taking out subsidy is basically, that the cost of living of Nigerians will rise with the increase in fuel pump price.

“So, we know that if that happens, it will lead to increase in the cost of living in every sense.

But the issue is that government will have a lot of revenue to save. But what will it do with that revenue? And that has been the issue.

“So, the middle ground for me is that the subsidy that is withdrawn should be used to increase the salary of workers especially the lower level workers to compensate them for the increase in the cost of living.”

According to him, Nigeria can’t survive waiting

Kyari for 18 to 24 or 36 months, as the case may be, for the refineries to be fixed before subsidy will be removed.

Another economic policy exert and strong advocate of good management of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, Mr. Michael Faniran, concurred on the fact that there was need to bring subsidy to an end so as to save the economy of the country.

“We can’t sustain fuel subsidy and it’s a known fact,” he told THISDAY exclusively.

Like Mbonu and others who commented on the difficulty the country has found itself in, due to reckless spending, Faniran also referred to the recent NNPC declaration of non-remittance in May, saying such declaration should have told the government and labour that subsidy was no longer sustainable.

“Why won’t they be remitting money? It’s because of the subsidy; the money they are supposed to remit to FAAC has been depleted by subsidy that they need to pay. So, that’s one example.

“And NNPC’s remittance constitutes about 12 per cent of what goes to FAAC, that means 12 per cent of what goes to FAAC is gone, which means the ability of the states to run their states is in jeopardy,” Faniran noted.

He said labour cannot say the refineries must work before subsidy could be removed, adding that there was need for the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry to be liberalised, noting that if the environment is not liberalised, investors will not come.

Faniran said the country cannot depend on the government refineries that are consuming huge amount of money through turnaround maintenance every time.

“We have been spending on the refineries but no money is coming out. So we are always in red if you look at NNPC account. So what we can do is to deregulate and liberalise the sector, then we allow investors to come in, and allow people to build modular refineries, we even allow people to partner with the NNPC to upgrade or rehabilitate the current refineries,” he submitted.

He advised that for the subsidy to be removed, Nigeria should try and endure the short-term pain for the long-term gain, warning that if that did not happen, the country would be doomed economically as the nation’s economy is not strong to withstand further shock.

He said labour should have a re-think as to who it is actually fighting for in the subsidy saga, arguing that subsidy only serves the rich in the Nigerian society and not the workers and poor people as it claimed.

Faniran said: “Who is subsidising who? The people they are fighting for are they even enjoying the subsidy? The common man on the street who belongs to the NLC, how many cars does he have?

“Meanwhile, the people who are in government have about four cars; they are going in a convoy of five cars. So imagine the volume of fuel they consume daily and they enjoy subsidy on each

litre. Meanwhile, the person you say you are fighting for probably has only one car.

“That means the poor are actually subsidising the rich. So why don’t you make the money available so that at least they can build hospitals, they can build other things. If anything happens to the rich now, they fly to UK, they fly to London or to US to go and take care of themselves.

“The people you said you are fighting for cannot do that because they don’t have the money to do all those things. So the NLC people need to put all these things into context. We need to look at the impacts.”

He added that the government lost the opportunity to deregulate the downstream sector when it first came into power in 2015 when crude oil price was down and also lost the same opportunity last year when the oil price collapsed to about $15 per barrel.

Marketers Kick Also faulting the organised labour’s insistence on subsidy and no increase in petrol price and the call for the adoption of production-cost pricing model for petrol marketing in the country, petroleum products marketers described such condition as unrealistic.

According to some of them who spoke to THISDAY anonymously, production cost model cannot be used in a country that is not producing locally.

One of the marketers said: “I really don’t understand what they (labour) are saying, because today, we are just bleeding. It’s like somebody who is losing blood, you now say let’s go and look for another solution to the man’s problem, meanwhile the man is bleeding away gradually.

“As you heard, NNPC said they are not going to be able to fund FAAC for the next few months. I think people’s suggestion needs to be realistic. Based on the reality on ground, for me, I don’t understand how that is workable.

“Are you now going to use the production cost from Rotterdam or Saudi Arabia or wherever we are importing from, as our production cost? When you bring in products from abroad, it becomes the import cost because that is production cost in another economy.

“So, if you want a production cost that will at the end of the day determine your price, it has to be production cost locally”.

He, however, accused the organised labour of being part of the problem Nigeria is having, saying labour resisted every attempt made by government to salvage the economy.

According to him, “And they shouldn’t forget, all the attempts made to sell the refineries to private investors which may have led to the refurbishment of the refineries, it was the same labour that kicked against it.

“So, when you have a policy that is always against every move –if we go this way, you say no; if government goes this way, you say no –how will things work well in the country?

26

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Bobboi: PEF Helping to Stabilise Petrol Prices, Stem Inflation Inthisinteractivesession,theExecutiveSecretaryofthePetroleumEqualisationFundManagementBoard, Mr. Ahmed Bobboi, spoke about how the fund works and how its activities are assisting in stemming the rising cost of goods and services in the country. Emmanuel Addeh presents the excerpts: Not many people have a deep knowledge of what Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) does. Can you explain what the functions of the board are?

Some people call it equalisation, some people call it subsidy, but the basic thing to note is that this subsidy, if we may call it so, is not paid by the government, it is borne by the consumer himself. So, if government is talking about maybe reducing cost of governance because of subsidy, government is not talking about the one that PEF manages because government does not subsidise to the consumer. It is the consumer, you and I, which pay for what you may call the subsidy. How does it work? The thing is that we discovered that the only variable element in the business between the seller and the buyer is the transportation cost. If you can deliver the products at the pump station of all marketers because they’re bought at the same price at the depot, the only thing is that there are differences between the distances between petrol stations and the source of the order.

PEF now takes up the transportation cost to the outlet of the marketer wherever they are in this country. And the way it is done is that we have three different schemes, we call one equalisation, the district movement and the third is the bridging. Equalisation is the number of ...within a particular depot.

These are divided based on the location of the PPMC depots, but that was before the advent of private depots because government liberalised the business and private individuals were allowed to build their storage facilities.

The original one was designed around 21 or 22 depots. Movement within the depot location at 50 kilometres is called zone 1, 51-100 is zone 2, 101-150 is zone three until it gets to zone 9 which makes up 450 kilometres from the depot. Any movement beyond 450 kilometres is regarded as bridging because the distance is beyond the original nine zones that as designed because in the beginning it was expected that each depot will be able to service the immediate surroundings. That was when products were available in all the depots.

So, what changed?

After some time, things changed and it required that marketers needed to move distances beyond their depot zones to avoid scarcity. That is how bridging emerged. Bridging was designed to cover movement of product during periods of turn-around-maintenance of the refineries or when there are issues with the pipelines. But the pipelines were supposed to transport these products around the country. That was the designed network.

But after some time, the depots have not been functioning properly, the pipelines have been vandalised, now instead of 30 per cent maximum bridging, it is now about 100 per cent. The cheapest we can have is 98 to 99 per cent because the movement through the pipelines is very low. In the past, because they were registered under respective districts that I mentioned, before movement, they needed approval from the NNPC because they are moving outside their depots. Marketers were divided into primary and secondary depot.

If you are under Suleja, that’s your primary depot, while Minna is secondary depot. If Suleja does not have products, marketers will move to Minna and buy. But if you are going beyond Suleja and Minna as a Suleja marketer, you needed approval. But that was before the government liberalised the industry where private depots came in. Because of this, we introduced the movement between one depot and another. You move from one depot district to another depot district.

In the past, we have had complaints that if we do not bridge, we will not get money.

Between zone one and two , it is assumed that the cost of transportation that the marketer must have paid is not up to the amount on the template. So, he’s expected to return the difference if he’s in zone 1 and 2. So, the difference comes back to the fund which is

Some people call it equalisation, some people call it subsidy, but the basic thing to note is that this subsidy, if we may call it so, is not paid by the government, it is borne by the consumer himself national assembly which is considering most of the issues and whatever comes out from that deliberation will be the guiding point for all of us because we want to know the fate of PEF itself and then look at the mandate of the new or additional mandate. Once we have the legal and legislative backing, then we will come with a clear framework.

Bobboi now used to reimburse those within zones 3 to 9.

Can you explain how bridging is done?

For bridging, there’s a separate allowance.

Before the changes that have been on and off, we were collecting N7.20k for bridging and N3.36 for local transportation. These collections are the ones we use in the fund that determine how much the marketer claims. We pay per litre and kilometres covered. So, the more volume you carry and the farther the distance you cover, the more money. That is rate per litre multiplied by the volume multiplied by distance. You as consumer does not feel the N7.20k you are paying. The burden is not much on you because you calculate the amount you would have spent to go to Lagos for instance to buy it yourself.

How do you think this affects government and the general economy?

Government should be happy because we are stabilising the price of PMS (petrol) and other price of products in the market. Because if you tinker with the price of petrol, obviously it will affect the price of other commodities in the market. This the scheme we are trying to replicate in gas supply because government has declared this as the decade of gas and we have seen that this has been working for the economy for over 45 years effectively.

Because things are much better and if you want to see the benefits, then look at it that in the absence of this scheme what happens to other commodities prices, to the economy, to inflation and then many businesses would have been adversely affected. If it’s working well for petrol and government wants to promote the use of gas, if we can take the practice to gas, we believe that it will add value to the economy in so many ways in the value chain. This will help consumers accept usage of gas and age-long use of firewood with its attendant problems and challenges and the health hazards associated as well as deforestation which causes a lot of problems

in the country will stop. This will make the product available because we have a lot of gas in the country , it will make it affordable which will incentivise the marketers to take it to the last mile, the consumer will also be incentivised because the marketer will bring down his price to make it affordable and accessible to the consumer. This will do a lot of good to the economy. This is our view.

How much does it cost to bridge or transport on a monthly basis?

What I keep saying is that it is a moving target. You may not have how much you pay per month because these figures keep changing.

As we speak, many trucks must have loaded and are on their way now to the distributors.

So, the marketer has started counting. The moment we see it, we start computing as a potential claim. The movement is not to one destination. If it’s only from Lagos to Suleja, then you know the distance, but it varies. There are over 100 destinations from the depots in the country. It may be Sokoto, Kaura Namoda, Jega etc. So, it’s difficult for anybody to say this is the cost of bridging in one month. But if you look back, you can say in May two years ago, this is what we paid for petrol because we give them 10 days to deliver the product after loading. If you load on the 28th of April, and has not arrived until 2nd or 4th of May, the loading is April, but the receipt is in May. And it’s not cash and carry, you need to process it and check that it is delivered and also ensure it was sold at approved prices because we also work with the PPPRA. But at the end of the year, we do it for accounting purposes.

How soon are we seeing the deployment of equalisation in the gas supply chain?

We have not started equalising for gas yet because government is still advocating for the acceptability of the use of gas. The decade of gas has been declared and many things are being put in place to have a workable framework.

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is still in the

Transport owners are demanding a new bridging rate. How soon will this happen?

It’s true that NARTO spoke about this at its annual general meeting. At that time, we said it was going to be N9.11k. It was approved after series of negotiations with all stakeholders because the transporters asked for N18 plus. We had to sit down to look at all the parameters. The assent was about to be given when labour came up with some issues because if you remember, a new pump price was announced and they kicked against it. Government came up with new electricity tariff, they kicked against it. So, these two issues became serious for government consideration at the federal level. All the relevant agencies were called together. It was agreed that the technical committee should be set up to revisit that template. Labour’s concern was that the margins were increased which will translate to increase in pump price. Which was why labour cautioned government. The technical committee met and labour said from all indications, pump price will increase, what is government going to do reduce the hardship if it happens? So, government said it will consider it. So, we are at that stage now. We deliberated and we are looking at even if coming out with a temporary arrangement without the template, maybe to move from one place to another.

Are there other issues you want the public to know about your activities Yes, there are some things I didn’t mention.

Apart from gas development, we are also looking at the possibility of making marketers to transport their products by rail because the government is revamping many of the critical rail lines. We think that if marketers will patronise the railway system, that will reduce the pressure on the road and also increase turnaround time because one rail journey can take up to 20 or more vehicles. If we do that, it saves a lot of cost and reduces pressure on the road. Many state governments are complaining that heavy duty vehicles are plying their roads and destroy the road. This will reduce cost of road maintenance by government. You can equate petrol to other commodities in the market like coca cola, water in bottles etc.

It’s the same price of Coca-Cola in Lagos, Enugu, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa etc.

It’s the same thing that is being applied in petrol supply.

We were equalising for all the other products , including diesel, kerosene etc, but marketers started talking about market forces determining prices and that it will eventually go down due to competition. But since the deregulation of these products the prices have never gone down. There’s competition, but it keeps going up. And they are not even as essential as petrol because cost of transportation, cost of running generators etc fall on petrol prices.

Diesel was far lower than petrol, but the moment it was deregulated, instead of the price going down, it keeps going up and the price of other commodities will also go up.

27

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Report: 155mPersonsinNorthernNigeria,Other CountriesFaceAcuteHunger Oluchi Chibuzor A report released by the United Nations has estimated that about 155 million people in 55 countries including Nigeria are facing acute food insecurity and require urgent life and livelihood-saving assistance.

The report noted the situation in northern Nigeria, just as it revealed that acute food insecurity has soared to five-year high, with conflict, economic shocks due to

COVID-19 and extreme weather as factors pushing people into acute food insecurity in 2020.

This was stated in an annual report launched by the Global Network against Food Crises (GNAFC), an international alliance of the UN, the EU, governmental and non-governmental agencies working to tackle food crises together.

Commenting on the report, a Message from the UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres, stated

that, “Conflict and hunger are mutually reinforcing. We need to tackle hunger and conflict together to solve either...We must do everything we can to end this vicious cycle. Addressing hunger is a foundation for stability and peace.”

In a joint statement released with the report by the EU, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and USAID, they noted

Firm Launches HerbaCough Syrup in Nigeria Sunday Ehigiator Dexa Medica, a multinational pharmaceutical company in Nigeria has launched a herbal cough syrup, Herbacough.

At the launch of the product in Lagos, the company’s Country Manager, Nigeria and West Africa, Dhanang Anggoro, revealed that the herbal syrup was an improvement from every other types of syrups which were banned in the country, due to their addictive tendencies, and abuse.

According to him, with the rainy season fast approaching, Nigerians need to have the syrup in their homes to tackle cough which is the common illness suffered by many people during the period.

“Cold air is believed to absorb

extra moisture, making virus and bacterial particles more able to survive in the air.

“Generally, the common illness suffered by many people in the rainy season is cough. If your health and immune system are not properly maintained, coughing can attack you for weeks and interfere with your productivity.

“In fact, apart from interfering with daily activities, if not addressed immediately, coughing can quickly be transmitted to anyone.

“Currently there are many herbal and chemical cough medicines that have been provided in the market. However, the many types of cough medicine actually make it difficult for people to find what cough medicine to

consume.”

Anggoro noted that chemical cough medicines (non-herbal), generally have various side effects, such as causing drowsiness and heart palpitations, hence the herbal syrup is a better option for Nigerians as it has no side effects, nor addictive tendencies.

“Another problem that causes consumers to worry about choosing cough medicine is that they often have difficulty recognising the type of cough they have.

“Therefore, Dexa Medica, which is a leading multinational pharmaceutical company, is continuously committed to conducting research with natural ingredients to produce effective and safe drugs to use, launched its newest product, Herbacough.

Ogun Selected for Three FG’s Agric Pilot Schemes Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta The Ogun State Government has been nominated to benefit from three federal government’s agricultural pilot programmes aimed at further positioning the state as the food basket of the country.

The Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Paul Ikonne, made this known when he led the management of the Authority to the office of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

He noted that the state would benefit from the Integrated Farm Estate, Garri Packaging Plant, a training programme on soil testing and extension services for 200 young graduates with science and agriculture related

degrees.

The Executive Secretary added that the Integrated Farm Estate would be sited in the three senatorial districts of the state, stressing estate would involve everything from production to processing, packaging and marketing.

Ikonne explained that the Garri Processing Plant would give farmers the opportunity of farming with the belief that their efforts will not go to waste.

“We are running programmes and projects which Ogun State has been slated to be one of the pilot states. NALDA’s Integrated Farm Estate is going to be cited in Ogun State in the three senatorial districts of the state.

“The Integrated Farm Estate is a concept that takes in everything from production to processing, packaging and marketing, we

also have residential areas for farmers inside the integrated Farm Estate.

“Knowing that Ogun has the highest capacity in cassava production, our Garri Packaging Plant will be located in the state, thereby NALDA will be the off-taker from the farmers, we process it, package it accordingly and move it into the market.

“We are training young Nigerians based on the President’s directives on soil testing and extension services, so Ogun State is expected to nominate 200 people in the first phase.

“Again, Ogun is one of the states in the pilot stage of this programme, it will nominate young graduates that have agric or science related degrees that will undertake this intensive two week training.

CBN Organises Sensitisation Forum in Awka David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded a two-day fair in Awka, Anambra State to sensitise members of the public on some of its operations.

The banking sector regulator said the fair became inevitable to help small and medium scale industries and farmers in the state to grow, by acquainting them with the bank’s initiatives geared towards strengthening and promoting macroeconomic stability. Controller of CBN branch in Awka, Mr. B.I.C. Maduagwu who addressed farmers and small scale business people in Awka during the opening ceremony of the fair said: “We have come here to teach you how to make money.”

He added: “The Central Bank of Nigeria is organising a two-

day CBN Fair Enlightenment Campaign with the objective of enlightening the general public on the various Central Bank of Nigeria’s Initiatives geared towards strengthening and promoting macroeconomic stability.

“This sensitisation is anchored on the pursuit of sound macroeconomic policies that will ensure economic development.

The successful pursuit of these goals requires policies that will promote openness in trade, efficient financial system and increase capital flows.”

Maduagwu added that initiatives from the central bank have in the past largely contributed to the feat that resulted in turning the fortunes of the economy from negative to positive economic growth thereby ending the recession. He called on all

participants to take advantage of the opportunities by sharing information and experiences such that at the end of the exercise they would have been greatly enriched with the necessary information that would contribute to the growth of the country.

He revealed that Anambra had been participating actively in its intervention programmes, including accessing N2 billion and N1.5billion in 2020, under the CBN Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) and Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) respectively.

“The funds would stimulate the agricultural value chain, which is one of the core pillar of the administration of Governor Willie Obiano.

that if current trends are not reversed, food crises would increase in frequency and severity.

“One year after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlook for 2021 and beyond is grim. Conflict, pandemic-related restrictions fuelling economic hardship and the persistent threat of adverse weather conditions will likely continue driving food crises,” it added.

However, the report noted that the stark warning from its 2021

Global Report on Food Crises revealed that conflict, or economic shocks often related to COVID-19 along with extreme weather, were continuing to push millions of people into acute food insecurity.

According to the report, “155 million people experienced acute food insecurity at crisis or worse levels (IPC/CH Phase 3-5) across 55 countries in 2020 signifying an increase of around 20 million people from the previous year.”

The report warned about a

worrisome trend of acute food insecurity that has kept up its relentless rise since 2017 since its first edition of the report.

Of the 155 million people, around 133 000 people in Burkina Faso, South Sudan and Yemen were classified in the most severe phase of acute food insecurity in 2020 as catastrophe (IPC/CH Phase 5),where urgent action was needed to avert widespread death and a collapse of livelihoods.

Maize Farmers Urge FG to Sustain Ban on Importation of Commodity James Emejo in Abuja The Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), has urged the federal government to maintain the ban on the importation of the commodity into the country.

According to them, the policy would further boost local capacity as well as incentivise farmers.

The National President of the association, Dr. Bello Abubakar, made the call during the inauguration of the first National Maize Pyramids and flag off of the 2021 wet season farming in Katsina State.

The event was organised in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Abubakar stated that maize farmers are currently producing

enough to meet up with the demand gap of the commodity.

He said: “We say no to maize importation into Nigeria and we will always support the Central Bank of Nigeria for denying maize importers forex, because the CBN supports President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda of, “eat what we produce and produce what we eat.”

He said as far as maize is concerned, “we can produce enough for our consumption and industrial use.”

Assessing the impact of the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), he pointed out that the project had assisted smallholder maize farmers to boost quality production as well as lead a sustainable life.

On loan repayment by farmers, Abubakar, appealed to his colleagues to cultivate the habit of repaying their loans in order to ensure the success of the ABP. According to him: “The success of the Anchor Borrower’s Programme lies in our conduct as maize farmers, we therefore, need to be optimistic in our thoughts and in repaying our loans as at when due for the survival of the programme” “Anchor Borrower’s Programme was initiated in the first instance to help link smallholder farmers to processors, thereby creating viable and sustainable money - a word is enough for the wise - please, let us wake up and accept the challenge of repaying our loans.”

28

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NEPZA Partners NBS to Track Contribution of FTZs to Economy James Emejo ËØÎ Folalumi Alaran ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have entered into partnership to share import and export-related data in the country.

The deal will also aid decisionmaking as well as properly measure the contribution of the Free Trade Zone Scheme to national economy.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive, NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba and the StatisticianGeneral/Chief Executive of NBS, Dr Yemi Kale, agreed on the strategic partnership when the former visited the latter in his office. However, Adesugba said the partnership was aimed at assisting the authority to robustly

define both the import and export data points for analysis and for decision making through the free trade zone gateways.

In a statement issued by Head, Corporate Communications, NEPZA, Mr. Martins Odeh, he pointed out that the synergy was directed at sharing relevant data between the two agencies in order to regularly highlight the zone scheme’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and employment generation.

Adesugba, added that the collaboration will also assist in providing training to NEPZA’s staff on high quality data gathering, presentation, analysis and interpretation, adding that the understanding between both parties would also give the authority the leverage to navigate

the NBS data platform without hinderance.

On his part, Kale said the bureau was set up to monitor indices of the productive sector, adding that any contemplated partnership towards that direction was particularly welcoming.

He said NEPZA remained a strategic agency of government established to use the zone scheme to drive industrialisation of the economy.

Kale added: “It is imperative indeed to keep statistical track of the authority’s contribution to the economy.

“I would like to particularly thank Prof. Adesoji Adesugba for bringing the desired change and innovation to NEPZA. Using statistical tools to gauge the authority’s mandate remains the best form of monitoring and evaluation.

#EnSars: Insurers Pay N4bn Claims to Hoodlums’Attack Victims Ebere Nwoji Insurance operators, said they have so far paid N4 billion claims to over 2,000 businesses that were affected by the activities of hoodlums during the #EndSARS protest.

The chairman of Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Ganiyu Musa, who disclosed this recently in Lagos, noted that operators are still collating claims.

According to him, every genuine claim would be settled.

He added that the association has secured the commitment of its members that all documented claims would be paid.

“The association is on top of developments on the aftermath of the protests and will continue to encourage members to pay all genuine claims in line with the extant policies,” he added.

The NIA Chairman, who also spoke on other issues in

the insurance sector said the association was happy with the Consolidated Insurance Bill, saying the prevailing insurance legislation was outdated and has made it difficult for the industry to take necessary actions in crucial matters.

“NIA welcomes the review as it will align the Act with global best practice and promote the business of insurance in the country,” he added.

On the African Insurance Organisation Conference, (AIO 2021), to be hosted by Nigeria in September this year, Musa said the annual conference was originally planned to be hosted by Nigeria in 2020, but the COVID-19 was a force that stopped it due to health protocols and travel restrictions.

He however said with availability of vaccines, reduction in infection rate coupled with

relaxation of travel restrictions and other protocols around the coronavirus disease, the AIO Executive Committee and the NIA have agreed to hold it from September 4th to 8th, 2021.

“A hybrid conference has been agreed and we solicit your support in hosting the best conference ever,” he added.

He also spoke on the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database /Nigerian Insurance Industry Portal (NIID/NIIP), saying the Nigerian Insurance Industry database was established to reduce soft market practices and eliminate fake insurance policies.

According to him, the NIA has taken a step further by creating the Nigerian Insurance Industry platform to enable vehicle owners purchase their third-party motor vehicle insurance cover from the comfort of their homes and telephones.

Surveyor General: SDGs Unattainable Without Proper Mapping Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÌßÔË The Surveyor General of the Federation, Mr. Taiwo Adeniran, has maintained that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would be unattainable without proper mapping of the country.

According to Adeniran, such geospatial data would assist government in taking critical decisions that will boost the economy and make it easier to meet set development targets.

Stressing that the services of surveyors affect all human activities, Adeniran argued

that surveying should not be regarded as an all-comers’ affair, stressing that the benchmarks set by the United Nations will be a pipe dream without geospatial information.

“This sustainable development goals that we are expecting the results by 2030, if we don’t have the appropriate geospatial information to make sure that all these can be achieved, it will not get us anywhere by 2030 because survey products will assist you in decision-making and show you where to focus on,” he stated.

The country’s foremost surveyor who spoke on Arise Television, THISDAY’s broadcast arm, noted that the country would need more satellite stations to be able to function effectively in terms of getting geospatial information.

“There’s a particular survey instrument called continuous subway reference information.

We need about 205 of substations which are active pillars to have the kind of infrastructure to map Nigeria and reduce all manners of errors in providing a map of the environment,” he added.

CSOs Honour Late Chukwuma Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and friends of the Late Innocent Chukwuma in Enugu State held a Night of Tributes in honour of their friend and colleague, who passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Lagos.

The event, which was organised by the Centre For Memories (Ncheta Ndigbo), in collaboration with, Society of Igbo Professionals (SIP), South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), DevEast,

Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Peter Mbah Foundation, iServe2050, Nwanyibuife Cooperative, The Imo Economic Summit Group, held in Enugu.

According to a statement, the night of tributes was part of a national funeral programme for the late civil society leader.

“Until January 2021, he was the West Africa representative of the Ford Foundation. He supported and built solid

partnerships with donors, civil society leaders and public and private sector leaders across Nigeria and West Africa.

He was also an inspirateur of the Centre for Memories (Ncheta Ndigbo) and many other organisations.

“The night of tributes featured solo and choir renditions by different individuals and choral groups who serenaded the guests with many hymns and special number songs,” it added.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͵ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $66.57 a barrel on Friday, compared with $67.49 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

29

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ​ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

First Quarter: Dangote Sugar Refinery Posts N12bn Profit Goddy Egene Amidst the economic headwinds, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) Plc has reported improved performance for the first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2021.

The unaudited results showed a revenue of N67.394 billion in 2021, up from N47.643 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2020.

Profit before tax (PBT) printed

at N11.95 billion, indicating a growth of 25 per cent from N9.509 billion. Profit after tax (PAT) grew faster by 30 per cent to N8.302 billion compared with N6.372 billion in 2020 reflecting management’s unrelenting drive to deliver consistent shareholder value.

Group sales volume increased in the quarter by 5.7 percent to 200,510 tonnes. Growth in sales volume was attributable to sustained efforts to drive

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

customer base expansion, several trade initiatives, and investments. Group production volume also increased by 4.3 per cent to 200,783 tonnes compared to 192,584 tonnes in 2020. The increase came from operations optimisation strategy despite the challenges of the Apapa traffic situation.

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director/ CEO of DSR Plc, Ravindra Singhvi, said: “We commenced

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

the year on a fair footing as our Q1 2021 financial results show our commitment to delighting our customers and consumers with high quality products and delivering value for all stakeholders. The health and safety of our people and partners remains our priority. Our refineries in Apapa and Numan continue to operate ensuring the health and safety protocols are upheld and our commitment to the environment is sustained.

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

We have experienced improved yield from our sugar cane plantations and continue to partner with our outgrowers for the supply of sugar cane for production.”

According to him, amidst the protracted socio-economic uncertainties occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic and heightened insecurity during the quarter under review, they have continued on the growth path, as their talented and dedicated team have enabled us

O F

to mitigate some of the adverse impacts of the worsening traffic gridlock in Apapa and other macroeconomic head winds.

“We remain committed to the implementation of the “Dangote Sugar for Nigeria” Master plan as we continue to pursue our Backward Integration Projects.” DSR is Nigeria’s largest producer of household and commercial sugar with 1.44M MT refining capacity at the same location.

1 0 / 0 5 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

TUESDAY MAY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

30

NEWSXTRA

Police Kill Three Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims The Edo State Police Command has killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued seven

abducted victims in the state.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the police spokesman

FG Declares Tomorrow, Thursday Public Holidays to Mark Eidur-Fitr Celebration Michael OlugbodeinAbuja The federal government yesterday declared May 12 and 13, 2021, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eidul- Fitr celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the government inAbuja, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion, and called on all Nigerians at home and abroad to use the period of this year’s Eidul-Fitr celebration to pray for peace, stability and economic transformation in the land.

Aregbesola said he believed that development cannot thrive

The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will embark on a five-day warning strike to protest the sacking of over 4,000 workers by the Kaduna State government.

In a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna, and jointly signed by the state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Suleiman and the Secretary, Comrade Christiana Bawa, the body said the warning strike would commenced by midnight on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

The statement said the decision to embark on the warning strike was taken at an emergency meeting

held in Kaduna with a delegation from the National Secretariat of the NLC. The statement insisted that due process was not followed in the recent disengagement of over 4,000 workers from the Local Government Service, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the State Primary Health Care Agency The statement said the warning strike involved total withdrawal of services, adding that it would be monitored by the National President, Mr. Ayuba Waba and the general secretaries of the NLC of all the unions to ensure enforcement.

Rivers Extends Curfew in 23 LGs over Insecurity Rivers State Government has extended the night curfew across the 23 local government areas of the state from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., with effect from today (Tuesday), in order to stem dastardly attacks on security formations in the State.

Governor Nyesom Wike said yesterday that the decision was taken in the wake of multiple armed ambushes on police checkpoints along the East-West road, which resulted in the coldblooded murder of seven police officers over the weekend.

The governor in a state broadcast yesterday, said the state security council had reviewed the way and manner the recent attacks

were executed and discovered that the perpetrators, who disguised themselves as security officers, moved unhindered from Oyigbo to launch the attack.

The governor’s broadcast was relayed to journalists in Port Harcourt by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri.

The statement read, “However, as a further step towards enhancing our collective safety, we have reviewed the existing nighttime curfew across the 23 Local Government Areas, which will now start from 7 p.m. and end at 6 a.m. until further notice from tomorrow, May 11, 2021.

Kwara Gov Commiserates with ex-Commissioner Kwara State Governor, Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with a former Commissioner for Information, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin over the death of his mum, Madam Awawu Ajibike Adedoyin.

Madam Adedoyin, a princess of Oro Kingdom and former chairperson of the Omonigbehin Women Groups in the kingdom, died on Friday at the age of 90.

In a condolence message to the family, the governor said: “We have

The victims were identified as Daniel Musa, Anslem Obaladike, John Rufus, Best Osarenrere, Okideli Uwachukwu, Unoma John and Festus Francis.

The police spokesman said the victims have been taken to the police cottage hospital for check-up and treatment, adding that police

operatives in collaboration with local vigilante combed the bush until every kidnapper operating within various forests within the state was forced to relocate.

“The combined team encountered the kidnappers at Ahor axis, engaged them in a fierce gun battle killing three of

the kidnappers and rescued seven kidnapped victims,” he said.

While reiterating the commitment of the State Police Command to rid Edo of criminal elements, Bello warned kidnappers and other criminal elements to relocate from the state or risk being arrested.

in a rancorous atmosphere, urging all Nigerians to be law-abiding and embrace the spirit of love, selfdiscipline, kindness and tolerance as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

He also called on all security agencies in the country to be more courageous and patriotic to surmount the ongoing battle against resurging insecurity and activities of criminal elements in Nigeria.

The minister assured Nigerians that the resolve of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to end the scourge of crimes in the country and restore peace is sacrosanct.

Kaduna NLC Gives Notice of Warning Strike over Mass Sack John Shiklam inKaduna

in the state, SP Kontongs Bello, the victims were rescued after security operatives combed the Ahor forest along Benin-Auchi Expressway, Benin City.

The rescued victims were travelling from different parts of the country to Benin City, Delta and Anambra states.

once again lost a great mother and a consummate women community leader whose contributions to humanity were known in the ancient Oro kingdom. Having repeatedly interacted with Mama, including on her 90th birthday, her greatness is seen not only in the clarity of her thought process even at that advanced age but also in the quality of her offsprings who are leaders in their own right,” the governor explained.

DEEPENING COOPERATION…

L-R: Trade Counsellor, European Union (EU) Office, Mr. John Taylor; EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ketil Varlsen; and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo when a delegation of the EU visited the minister in his office, in Abuja…yesterday

IPOB, Oodua’s Threats under Investigation, Say Lagos Police The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, yesterday disclosed that the state Police Command was investigating the separatist group, Oodua Republic, and also the threat by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to attack soft targets in the state.

Odumosu made this known during a security summit

chaired by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. According to the CP, “The Command has taken notice of agitators for Oodua Republic by some Yoruba separatist groups and the threats to disrupt law and order in the state. 24 of these groups have been identified and being closely monitored.

“Similarly, the threat of IPOB

to attack soft targets in Lagos is equally being put on the radar of the command intelligence gathering and other security services in the state. Strategies are being put in place to neutralise their activities.

“The Command is using this medium to solicit for the support of all and sundry to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious person or

movement to security agencies.

Let us adopt the slogan of “when you see something, say something.””

The police commissioner advised the state government to immediately take urgent measures against commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada riders in the state.

Military Kills 48 Bandits, Recovers Rounds of Ammunition Troops of 8 Division, Nigerian Army operating in Zamfara and adjoining states have stated that they made tremendous progress in the ongoing fight against banditry and other violent crimes in the North-west.

The troops in a statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, said they successfully cleared many bandits’ camps in Jaya,

Kadaya, and Bayan Ruwa amongst several others and successfully neutralised 48 bandits.

They added that the bandits’ leader in the area Jummo sustained a gunshot wound on his leg while the troops rescued 18 kidnap victims from the bandits’ enclave.

Moreover, eight AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle, as well as one PKT and a machine gun were

recovered from the bandits.

The division had earlier launched Operation Tsare Mutane following the directives of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru for the division to stabilise the area in order to facilitate the return of socio-economic activities.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Division, Maj. Gen. Usman Yusuf launched the first phase of

Operation Tsare Mutane which lasted from March 23 to April 2, 2021 in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State.

In continuation with the second phase of Operation Tsare Mutane, troops sacked several other bandits’ camps around Gabiya, Bozaya, and Mereri and the adjoining forests in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State from 19 April to 3 May 2021.

COVID-19: Falana Urges African Leaders to Invest in Public Health Alex Enumah in Abuja A senior lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has urged African leaders to increase investment in the area of public health so as to better tackle current and future health challenges in the continent.

He made the call yesterday

in Owerri, Imo State, while delivering a paper on lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Falana who noted that “no one is safe until everyone is safe,” lamented that rich countries of the world were hoarding vaccines to the detriment of the poor countries, stressing that African leaders should

begin to take the issue of health services more seriously.

“But the approach to a global public health emergency is not only selfish, it is also scientifically myopic. As long as the virus exists in any country, it could spread to other countries”, he said.

Speaking on some of the lessons learnt from the pandemic, the

senior lawyer said that public healthcare system cannot be developed by applying the logic of market forces.

“Public health services should be treated as social goods because a pandemic is a challenge to the common good. The implication is that government should invest more in public health.

New Digital Currency Exchange Unveiled in Lagos A new mobile app that allows instant exchange of crypto currency with the naira and other currencies in the globe has debuted in Lagos, courtesy of Tradefada Nigeria Limited.

This, according to Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Seun Dania, would bring the needed change and confidence

to enable individuals to build up their cryptocurrency portfolio.

Dania added that the new app would also ensure “easy crypto-to-crypto trades on the spot on over a 100 trading pairs including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Dogecoin, Chainlink, Polkadot, Unobtanium, Litecoin, Cardano, DASH, AAVE, Maker and so much more.”

He disclosed that the company had partnered with a third-party service provider, Moon Pay, to enable foreign users buy cryptocurrency with other currencies such as the United States Dollar, the United Kingdom Pound Sterling, Australian Dollar, Swiss Franc, Russian Ruble, Japanese Yen, etc.

“This is possible with the use of credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Samsung, and lots more.

It is trading made possible at your convenience on Apple and Play Store, from the different parts of the globe, due to the globalisation of the world, which has been made feasible through up-to-the-minute technology.

31

˜ ͹͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Nigeria, Ghana to Rekindle Rivalry in AWCON 2022 Qualifiers )DOFRQHWV )ODPHQJRV GUDZ E\HV LQ :RUOG &XS TXDOLÀHUV Duro Ikhazuagbe The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ignited the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana by setting the Super Falcons against the Black Queens in the first round of the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In the first round qualifying draw which took place yesterday at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, some of the power houses of the women’s game in the continent are to be eliminated in this new format introduced by the Ahmad administration.

With the host nation Morocco guaranteed automatic place in the biennial competition, the other 44 teams are to slug it out for the 11 places in the qualifying series for the continental showpiece.

The 44-nation entry is 20 more than the women’s teams that were involved in the preliminaries of the last edition in Ghana in 2018.

The draw that pit Super Falcons against the Black Queens will be the second time the two giants in African women’s football will be meeting in the competition history.

Speaking about the draw, Nigeria’s American Coach, Randy Waldrum said: “I think you always embrace the challenge.

“Obviously the draw is difficult. We have a lot of respect for Ghana and we know the strength and power of that team, but as far as the pressure of the job and the task at hand, I think that’s something that any competitor truly embraces and you know I think the biggest thing for me is I’m just ready to get to work,” he told BBC Sports.

Ghana’s Coach, Mercy

Tagoe, is relishing the prospect of facing Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

“When things like this happen, it gives you the strength to work extra hard when Ghana is meeting Nigeria, it is like tug of war,” Tagoe said.

“Nigeria respects Ghana, and Ghana also respects Nigeria so much but we need to put in more effort so that we are able to be abreast with whatever plans that we have.

“For now, we need to go and prepare well to meet Nigeria.

It’s unfortunate that our first game we are meeting Nigeria, but nothing is impossible,” Tagoe added In the other fixtures, South Africa will battle Mozambique, while Kenya will slug it out with South Sudan in the first round and Uganda take on neighbors Ethiopia, while Malawi meet Zambia.

Elsewhere, Tanzania welcome Namibia, Zimbabwe lock horns

the trip to The Gambia.

The first round is scheduled to start in June 2021 and the winners will progress to the second which will come up in October 2021.

Also yesterday, in the draw for the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be hosted by Costa Rica next year, the Falconets were drawn bye

into round two, where they will play the winner of the fixture between Equatorial Guinea and Central Africa Republic.

The second round games will hold 23rd – 25th Septemberand 7th – 9thOctober, with the third round matches in December this year.

In the draw for the U17

FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be hosted

by India, the Flamengos have been drawn to the second round where they await the winner of the first round fixture pitting Democratic Republic of Congo with Rwanda. The second games will take place in March 2022.

AWCON 1ST ROUND (FIXTURES) M1 - Uganda v Ethiopia M2 - Kenya v S’Sudan M3 - Eritrea v Burundi M4 - Djibouti v Rwanda M5 - Malawi v Zambia M6 - Tanzania v Namibia M7 - Zimbabwe v Eswatini M8 - Angola v Botswana M9 - Mozambique v S’Africa M10 - Algeria v Sudan M11 - Egypt v Tunisia M12 - E’Guinea v DR Congo M13 - Sao T&P v Togo M14 - Congo v Gabon M15 - CAR v Cameroon U16 - S’Leone v Gambia U17 - Liberia v Senegal U18 - Mali v Guinea M19 - G’Bissau v Mauritania M20 - B’Faso v Benin U21 - Nigeria v Ghana M22 - Niger v Côte d’Ivoire

Juve May be Kicked out of Serie A over ESL Juventus will be thrown out of Serie A if they don’t officially withdraw from the European Super League project, the head of the Italian Football Federation said on Monday.

“If Juventus don’t respect the rules, they will be out,” Italian media reported FIGC President Gabriele Gravina as saying.

“At the moment of registering for the next Serie A season, they will be out if they have not pulled out from the Super League.”

At the end of April, following the attempt to form the breakaway Super League which included Italy’s three biggest clubs AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juve, the FIGC adopted a rule which would exclude clubs who take part in competitions not sanctioned by governing bodies UEFA or FIFA. Milan and newly-

with Eswatini and Angola engage Botswana while Algeria host Sudan.

Tunisia will face Egypt, Equatorial Guinea are scheduled to visit DR Congo while Sao Tome and Principe will take on Togo.

Congo will do battle with Gabon with Sierra Leone completing the fixtures with

crowned Serie A champions Inter have since distanced themselves from the project, alongside seven other clubs from England and Spain.

On Friday, European authority UEFA announced sanctions, including financial punishments, against those nine clubs after they “apologised” and acknowledged “a mistake”.

However on Saturday Juve, alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid, defended the aborted competition and said they had received “unacceptable” threats from UEFA and FIFA. Speaking to state broadcaster Rai on Monday, Gravina also said that he would be happy to act as a mediator between Juve and the continent’s governing body.

“This showdown between the clubs and Uefa is not good for Italian football nor for Juventus,” he said.

Super Falcons are to renew their rivalry with the Black Queens of Ghana in the AWCON 2022 qualifiers

Para-Athletics President Commends Sports Minister President of the Para-Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Hon Amobi Chikwendu has commended the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare for ensuring that Nigeria Para-Athletes participate at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games qualifiers holding from May 11 and 17, 2021 in Notwil, Switzerland.

Amobi described the minister as a worthy father who provides equal opportunities to all his

children without discrimination and promised that the Team Nigeria’s para-athletes will not let the country down in Switzerland.

The minister who was physically present at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to bid the athletes farewell to the qualifiers however charged the team to be worthy ambassadors of the country as they seek to qualify for the delayed Tokyo 2020

Paralympic Games in Japan.

Dare assured the athletes that the country was solidly behind their bid to qualify for the para-athletic events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The minister also challenged the team not only to be worthy ambassadors of this great nation by excelling at the qualifiers but must make discipline their watch word.

“I charge you to not only be good ambassadors of Nigeria

by winning in Switzerland but must be disciplined all through the duration of the event. we have done our bit by sponsoring you to the event, now the ball is in your court to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that Nigeria’s flag flies high,’’ the minister said.

A total of ten Team Nigeria’s para-athletes are already in Notwill Switzerland seeking qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Cavani Extends Man Utd Deal for Another One Year Edinson Cavani has signed a contract extension at Manchester United that keeps the Uruguay striker at the club until June 2022.

The 34-year-old has had an outstanding finish to the season, scoring eight goals in seven games.

Cavani said: “I have developed a great affection for the club and everything that it represents.

“I feel a deep bond with my team-mates and the staff who work behind the scenes.”

Cavani, who was undecided over whether to stay for a second year, added: “They give me extra motivation every day and I know that together we can achieve special things.”

Since joining on a free transfer in October 2020, Cavani has scored 15 goals in all competitions - his latest coming in Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League win at Aston Villa.

He has been one of the leading strikers in

European football for the past decade, scoring a record 200 goals in 301 appearances for Paris StGermain after joining from Napoli, where he made his name.

Cavani left the French club in June 2020 following a disagreement with Brazil forward Neymar.

Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he always wanted Cavani to stay for a second season.

“I said when Edinson signed that he would bring energy, power and leadership to this group and I haven’t been proved wrong, he has been everything I thought he would be and more,” said the Norwegian.

Meanwhile, Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire is set to miss tonight’s Premier League meeting with his former side Leicester City as he waits to discover the full extent of the ankle injury he suffered at the

weekend, the Old Trafford club said on Monday.

Maguire, who has been ever-present in United’s defence this season starting all 34 of the second-placed outfit’s league matches, sustained the problem after landing awkwardly during Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.

United are grappling with a busy fixture schedule and face Liverpool in a rescheduled match on Thursday.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he would ring in the changes against fourth-placed Leicester with several of the club’s academy players set to feature.

“They’re training with us every day so... some of the young boys will get an appearance,” he said on Monday. “If it’s coming on towards the end or starting I don’t know because I don’t know how the players will be on Tuesday.”

Edinson Cavani...extends deal at Old Trafford

Tuesday May 11, 2021

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Soyinka to TB Joshua

“This is somebody who should have been charged for carelessness, for flouting the laws required for setting up public establishments. The next thing he said is that, oh! It was an air force plane that was hovering around that cracked the walls and buried humanity.

Has he been brought to trial till today?”

– Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, faulting the non- prosecution of the leader of Synagogue Church, TB Joshua, over the hostel collapse that killed 116 people.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Tales The Country Told Me “B

ros, how country?”

“Omo, we live in perilous times.

Ilu le. Country bad.”

“I agree with you absolutely.

It has never been this bad in

peace times” “You think Nigeria is at peace? If you call this peace time, then what exactly does war look like?

For me, the country is at war already. Nigeria is at a tipping point. I visited my Aunty the other day and I was telling her how politicians are already preparing for 2023, her response shocked me, because she is ordinarily an optimist.”

“She said…”

“She said we should pray to get there first as a country before we can begin to talk about elections in 2023.”

“Hmm. Let us pray if that gives us psychological relief, but I know my country. Nigeria will always survive. When the storm rages and it looks like the country is teetering on the brink, and Armageddon looms in the horizon, somehow Nigeria always pulls back, and finds its feet.”

“I hope so. I pray so too. But I assure you this country is at war. War. War can go by any other name but it is still war. Symmetric war. Asymmetric war. You know what Yorubas call it? Ogun abele.

Rogbodiyan. Ruke rudo. Airoju airaye. Ogun gbon misi Omi o to” “That is civil war.”

“Okay. Whatever. Translate it as you wish. What I know is that what is going on in the country today is worse than the civil war of 1967 -1970.

During that period, the war was concentrated in one part of the country. The Nigerian soldiers that fought to defend the country knew the location of the rebels. International diplomacy was involved.

In the end, peace reigned, even if 51 years later the war against Igbos is yet to end.”

“You can say that again. But do you know what my big fear is, following your line of thought? Can you see that the South East is becoming another theatre of war?”

“Yes. I can see that.”

“The government of Nigeria appears to be making the same mistake in the North East about 12 years ago and it got a monster called Boko Haram in return.”

“I can see that” “History is about to repeat itself, this time in the South East. And what do I mean? You will recall that Boko Haram became a problem shortly after the killing of one Mohammed Yusuf. The Police at the time said he was trying to escape from custody and so, they gunned him down. The reprisal attacks by his followers has now turned the battle into an endless war, that has spread from the North East to the Middle Belt, to the North West, the South West and the South East. Now, in the South East, there has been no peace since they killed that guy Ikonne. Abi na Ikonso of Awomama Village? The war commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Deputy to Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB and Commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN. They have have turned him into a hero.”

“I hear they have even named the Imo State Government House after him. Apparently, IPOB now runs an alternative government in the South East. Naming a Government House that they do not control after one of their leaders.”

“IPOB is a proscribed organisation but it remains very active and untouchable. My suspicion is that many leaders of the South East support IPOB and the ESN. Have you seen any prominent Igbo man coming out to condemn IPOB? They all want to retain their positions of privilege inside Nigeria, but they are not ready to condemn those young Igbo boys who are helping them to continue the civil war and keep the Biafra ideology alive.”

“That is what our country has become. Sad. A country of ethnic militias. The Hausa Fulani have

Buhari their herdsmen. The Yorubas have their Amotekun and the Oduduwa Nation gang. The Igbos have IPOB and ESN. The South South is for now, the only peaceful part of the country. But when those ones start and add their trouble to it, that will be the undoing of Nigeria because the South South is where the country’s food basket is.”

“The country’s food basket is in the North.”

“You don’t get the point. Oil is Nigeria’s major revenue earner. If militants in the South South join the madness, nobody will be able to prospect for oil in the South South, not even in the deep offshore.

Nigeria will have no revenue. The oil majors will shut down and run away. Chaos will follow. There will be no Christmas trees.”

“But to go back to the earlier point about another Boko Haram front emerging in the South East.

I noticed that since the murder of Ikonso which the Nigerian Army and Police celebrated, the East has not known peace. There have been attacks on police stations. Attacks on offices of the Electoral Commission. Abduction of students and innocent citizens. Even a prison was attacked in Owerri and the inmates were set free. It looks like there will be no quick end to this. At a point, we were told the Governor of Imo State had to run away to Abuja.”

“Oh, yes. I actually heard from reliable sources that many state Governors no longer stay in their states”.

“But something tells me Igbo militants will not like to turn the East into a theatre of war and get their own people killed.”

“You don ‘t know what you are talking about.

This kind of war does not obey normal logic. Many of the boys involved in it are well educated, exposed and far more ideologically oriented than their fathers and grandfathers. You should not expect them to adopt the tactics of 1967.”

“Are you saying IPOB is behind the mayhem in the South East then? What I hear is that it is the handiwork of unknown gunmen” “Yeah. Unknown gunmen. Just like unknown soldiers. Unknown policemen. Unknown civil servants. In a country of ghosts. You are free to believe the fiction they feed you with. Enjoy the illusion.”

“So what do you think can be done to nip the situation in the bud.”

“What are you nipping in the bud? The security crisis in Nigeria has gone beyond the bud. It has grown flowers and fruits. Nip ke?

“And to think I voted for President Buhari in 2015 and again in 2019. Now I pity the President and I am so sorry for myself. I feel like crying.”

“Omo, wake up! This matter has gone beyond President Buhari.”

“How? The buck stops at his desk. He is

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. He campaigned to address security challenges and we all trusted him to do it given his antecedents.” “Ër bergi. Leave sewage for LAWMA. Kayamata no good for ugly girls. There is a way the buck will stop at a President’s desk and he won’t know what to do. Have you not seen that President Buhari is now appealing to terrorists to calm down? He used to talk tough. “We will crush them. We will deal with them. No stone will be left unturned”. Baba Bubu don change tone oh. Na beg him dey beg now. Last Friday, he even appealed to local leaders to advise their youths not to work against Nigeria.

Before then, he complained that some people are mercilessly sabotaging every government policy.

He even begged the Americans for help.”

“Oh, God. The Nigerian situation has never been so scary as it is today. But the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces cannot become a motivational speaker when the people are dying daily. He should leave motivational speaking to Fela Durotoye and Pastor Paul Enenche. He should not spoil their market.”

“What else do you want him to do? On April 27, he asked for the assistance of the United States.

He told US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken that the US should relocate the African Command in Stuttgart, Germany near the Theatre of Operation in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea, but the US Pentagon has now blinked at that request. They say the US cannot afford it and that Nigeria opposed the idea of AFRICOM in 2007.”

“Well, of course, the US will blink at the idea and that is beyond Secretary Blinken. The US is primarily interested in its own strategic foreign interests. It may have been a good idea in 2007 to locate AFRICOM in Africa. But 24 years later, the world has changed and America’s interests have shifted.”

“But the US European Command is also in Germany. Why take the African Command there?”

“Bros, America will decide what is in its best interest. No country does Father Christmas diplomacy. The only country I know that does Father Christmas International Diplomacy is Nigeria.

To address the challenge of insecurity, Nigeria must help itself, even while foraging for external help.

The government of Nigeria has a responsibility to protect the people. It is the very minimum that any government can do.”

“My view is that the time has come then for President Buhari to set up a War Cabinet.”

“What is that?”

“Simple. I am not saying he should change his Ministers. I know some of them are your friends and you will not like to miss the muna muna you get from them.”

“These ones? Na Araldite government oh. Shishi dem no dey give. Before you ask sef, dem go tell you say nothing dey. Nothing. Nothing. But na dem dey chop pass.”

“Na today? But my point really is that the President should set up a National Defence Council that will meet on a daily basis, do a regular audit of the security situation in the country, and advise government accordingly.”

“You just want to create another problem. Before you know it Femi Falana and co will say the Defence Council is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void and therefore of no effect whatsoever. And they will threaten to go to court. They will say it is a duplication of the functions of the National Security Council.”

“No. I don’t think so. The strategy for security is different from the strategy for war. And a National Defence Council is not illegal. It is not unlawful.

It is in the Constitution. Check Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution. Check the Third Schedule of the same Constitution.”

“What does the Constitution say? Tell me about it.”

“Tell you what? This is the problem with you

Nigerians. You all have Holy Books, the Bible and the Koran which you carry about 24 hours. You have the Bible at home. You have it in the car. You have it in the office. When you return home in the evening, you read the Holy Book, pray with it, and keep it under your pillow to protect you from witches, wizards and village people. Many of you even go about with talismans: a small copy of the Koran, the rosary, and anointing oil. But the Constitution of Nigeria, the same document that elected Nigerian leaders use to cheat and abuse you, a document that spells out your rights, you don’t have it, you don’t read it, you don’t know your own rights and yet you complain. My friend, go and buy a copy of the Constitution.”

“I am not a lawyer. Why should I read the Constitution?”

“You read the Bible. Are you a Pastor? You read the Koran. Are you an alfa or Sheik? The same way every Holy Book is available to everyone: Bible or Quran, it is the same way we all have the right to know the laws that govern us.”

“Do you want to tell me about this your war strategy or not? Don’t let us deceive ourselves, please, there is no difference between the National Security Council and a National Defence Council.

It will still be the same dem dem. These guys have no answer to our problems”.

“I agree. But my other point is that this moment calls for national unity. We all have a role to play.”

“In principle yes, but have you heard that the Federal Government wants to reduce the cost of governance and that the starting point is to cut the salaries of civil servants?”

“What madness is that?”

“The statement was credited to the Minister of Finance and Budget Planning, Zainab Ahmed.”

“Come, do they now add small marijuana to Shisha?”

“I can’t answer that question. I am not in a position to know what combination the Minister of Finance takes and whether or not she even takes Shisha.”

“We are thinking of how to achieve peace and stability and some people want to cut salaries? What do they want to cut? The same minimum wage that many states have refused to pay? The same minimum wage that can not buy a bag of rice? A Kongo of rice is now N1, 000. If government cuts salaries, they should expect that other things may be cut too, along with such a stupid decision.”

“Like what?”

“Like the heads of stupid people. Na so revolution dey start! What happened to Oronsaye Report?

Why not cut all the leaky buckets in government?

Cut the cost of governance. In the midst of this COVID-19, headline inflation is now 18%, food inflation is 23%, unemployment is 33.3%. It will be the height of madness to cut people’s salaries.

Abi I dey craze?”

“Come to think of it, yes. You don kolo. Kolomen- tal. But you mentioned COVID-19. I hear the Federal Government has now imposed new restrictions. The Presidential Steering Committee has decided that effective from Tuesday, May 11, all event centres and night clubs should remain closed till further notice. Weddings and religious gatherings can be held at 50% capacity of the venue.

Meetings should be held virtually.”

“My honest opinion, I think the intervention does not go far enough. They should tell us more about what they know that we do not know. Especially now that we are hear armed robbers are now attacking the Presidential Villa and Pastors are telling the Congregation to have an escape Plan B. Armed robbers don enter Aso Rock oh!”

“Like seriously? No. No. No. Bros, you make it sound like Nigeria is finished. I am done with you. May 11 is the 40th anniversary of the death of that absolute genius, Bob Marley. Can you listen to one of his evergreen songs and calm down?

Good cure for this madness.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com