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My Relationship with Tinubu Strong, Unbreakable, Says President National leader speaks on party crisis, admits APC heading in wrong direction Says Comrade Oshiomhole tried his best Tobi Soniyi in Lagos, Omololu Ogunmade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, described his relationship with the

national leader of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, as strong, enviable and unbreakable, saying he has resisted various ploys by the opposition to break the

bond. Buhari stated this in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu. It was in reaction to insinuations about an alleged exclusion of Tinubu from last

Thursday's emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC. There were suggestions that Tinubu might have lost out in the party’s power tussle after the dissolution of the National

Working Committee (NWC), which he had backed, and its subsequent replacement with a caretaker committee. The committee was to pilot the party's affairs and organise a convention within six months.

The latest outcomes were also rumoured to indicate a rift between Buhari and Tinubu, with some saying it signalled the end of the latter’s alleged Continued on page 8

World Bank: 96 Million Nigerians Will Be Living in Poverty by 2022…Page 12 Sunday 28 June, 2020 Vol 25. No 9211

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Covid-19: Airports 90% Ready for Reopening, Says FG As Sirika, Lai Muhammed, others assess readiness FAAN conducts simulation exercises in Abuja, Lagos

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The federal government on Saturday hinted that airports in the country were about 90% ready to restart

operation, going by measures already in place. Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, disclosed this during flight simulations organised to test the preparedness of the

airports.

The airports had been closed in March as part of measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic. But following dry run simulation

exercises conducted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday at the domestic terminals of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Murtala

Muhammed Airport, Lagos, ahead of flight resumption, the government said the airports were almost ready to reopen.

The exercise was meant to test all protocols designed

to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the airports as the authorities assessed their readiness for resumption of Continued on page 10

In Loyalty to Buhari, Oshiomhole Won’t Question Legality of Removal Bows out gracefully, withdraws suit against party Caretaker committee begins reconciliation moves PDP ought to have been our first party, says Obaseki, describes his emergence as party’s candidate a miracle Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday, said he nursed no regrets over the recent fate that befell him in the party.

He stated that in loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari, who hired him to reform the party he would not question the legality or illegality of his removal.

Oshiomhole, stated that he has accepted all the decisions taken by the party at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which amongst

other things, dissolved the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and also set up a convention and caretaker committee, however, announced the withdrawal of his suit challenging his suspension as APC national chairman, which is due for hearing soon at the Supreme Court.

In the same breath, the Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State-led caretaker committee of the party has begun moves to reconcile all the aggrieved members of the APC in order to ensure that everyone not happy with some of the recent developments in Continued on page 5

Wike on ARISE News Channel: I Didn't Plot Against Obaseki... Page 5

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, during an interview with ARISETV News... yesterday

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Wike: I Didn’t Plot Against Obaseki I want APC to fail, I'm praying for more confusion, division in the party Tobi Soniyi and Bayo Akinloye Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike yesterday said that he had nothing against the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Arise Television News Channel, Wike said that his position on Edo State was that everyone must be carried along so that the PDP would not fall into the same problem the APC had in the state.

Wike said that people must realise that there were people in Edo State PDP who have been making sacrifices for the party when Obaseki was in APC and that such people must be heard and persuaded about Obaseki's entry into the party so that everybody would work together for the interest of the party.

He said that but for his insistence on following due process and carrying everyone along, Obaseki would not have emerged as the party's candidate in Edo. "Carrying people along does not mean giving money. That is the mistake people make.

It means listening to them, appealing to them and making them recognise the greater interest of the party", he said.

Wike said that multiple lawsuits would have been flying around if the issues were not amicably resolved and that the governor would not have been able to concentrate on

campaign.

He advised political parties to keep their houses in order and stop giving judiciary problems.

The governor said that for PDP to take back Edo State, members of the party must be united and that that was his position.

He said that as a South-south governor, he wanted the whole zone to be controlled by one political party.

The governor said he was happy with the circumstances that brought Obaseki to the PDP. "I am happy that APC is in crisis. It is not my business to help APC to be united.

Remember that we also had our own crisis under Ali Modu Sheriff and APC jubilated about it then. It is my prayer that they should continue to be in crisis. We have taken another state. Unfortunately, APC isn't really a political party. They came together just to take over power. I want my party to be in power and therefore, I cannot be praying for APC not to have crisis. I hope they continue to make mistakes everyday and my party will continue to grow."

He however, said that it was wrong to blame him for APC's crisis in Rivers State saying that he has nothing to do with it.

According to him, the APC is having crisis because members of the party are not united and that it is wrong to blame outsiders like him for the party's crisis.

Reacting to the threat by a group loyal to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi to destabilise Rivers State, Wike said that it was unfortunate that the APC-led government had not done anything about the threat.

"I watched the video of one of the minister's supporters threatening to burn down institutions in Nigeria. In fact, he is said to be a cousin of the minister. Yet Amaechi is claiming to be a non-violent person. Don't forget it was Amaechi who for the first time in the history of the state, shut down the court for nearly two years and now his supporters are threatening to burn down the state. No security agency has arrested or cautioned them.

"Amaechi is claiming that he is not a man of violence but we are not children. We know what's going on. He's in charge of the police, army, and the other security agency. His cousin threatening a unit of the federation and the president did not say anything."

Taking a swipe at President Buhari's inaction, the governor added, "President Buhari came for a campaign here and the minister who says he doesn't believe in violence sang a war song in Igbo land, saying in that election there would be war. What happened? Nobody cautioned him. Security agencies didn't caution him."

Speaking on the initial crisis that rocked the PDP over the waiver to Obaseki,

Wike explained, If there's one man who loves PDP, who has stood by PDP, who continues to stand by PDP, I am such a man. What I have always said is that politics is a game you must play with everybody; sometimes there'll be disagreements.

In his reaction to a deputy commissioner for police who flouted the executive order of the state on COVID-19, Wike accused the federal government and security agencies of playing double standard following the recent transfer of the state's commissioner of police and other top security officials.

He said there had been attempts to put Rivers State in bad light because it is an opposition state adding that the people of the state understood the politics and remained supportive of the state government.

Wike said that Amaechi was not telling the truth when he claimed that the last time he visited Rivers State was January 2019.

He said Amaechi was in Rivers during the election, and that he came after the election and was also there before the outbreak of COVID-19.

"There is no way he will come to Rivers and I will not know. It is part of the campaign to blackmail the state. He wants to paint the state black. It is not true", he said.

Wike also defended his handling of the novel Coronavirus in Rivers saying

that he had done very well.

He defended the arrest of two pilots of Caverton Helicopters saying that 70 per cent of Covid-19 were brought into the state by oil workers. He dismissed the claim that the pilots were on essential service.

The governor said that he insisted that whoever was being flown into the state should report to the state for testing before they move to their various working places.

"I told them that they could not just bring in people and requested that they let the state know whoever they are bringing into the state so that our health officials can check them. What is wrong with that? Shell complied, NLNG complied. Are those ones not on essential services?"

He also defended the demolition of the hotel that opened while the state had ordered all hotels be shut, saying that he did it to save lives.

Wike also dismissed the claim that he planned to run for the presidency in 2023 saying, "for now, am not going to run for the presidency of Nigeria.

My job for now is to develop Rivers State. 2023 may be the problem in APC because it is the ruling party. The president is going so someone wants to take over. But as PDP who are you taking over from? I just took over one year ago. If I start to think of presidency I will not be able to deliver dividends of democracy. That is

the problem you see in APC." Wike also said that it was not for him to decide which zone the PDP should zone the presidency to, saying that the party's National Executive Committee will decide at the appropriate time.

He said some members of the party had said that the presidency should be zoned to the North while a host of others disagreed.

"What we are seeing today is how APC that has failed Nigerians and that should not continue. How we can come out of this calamity we have found ourselves. We are in a serious crisis. Our concern is how our party will take over and move Nigeria forward.

At the appropriate time, we will meet and decide."

On the possibility that Atiku will run in 2023, he said that it is Atiku Abubakar's fundamental human right to run for the presidency.

Wike said his concern for now is to get the PDP more organised, "get more states and when the time comes members will sit down to determine who should run."

The governor further said that if PDP zones the presidency to the south and Chibuike Amaechi is running under the PDP, he would back him.

But he said that if Amaechi was to run under APC, it would amount to anti-party activity for him (Wike) to support him.

right. The law is meant for the people, people are not meant for the law.

"As far as I am concerned, the fundamental thing is how do we solve the problem of the party at this point in time? What do we do? Yes, democracy is about the rule of law, but it’s all based on consensus. Every law is based on consensus. If the consensus of the family is, let us move forward by doing this, then so be it," he said.

He therefore hinted that, "We have started calling our brothers and sisters in the dissolved National Working Committee and we have also started talking to people who have gone to court and those who feel aggrieved. Like I said, it is a family thing. We will sit down and sort it out."

On the reported plan by the sacked NWC members to seek legal redress, Yusuf stated that the committee would continue to engage the former NWC members on the need to dialogue rather than going to court.

"They are our brothers and sisters and we will talk to them. It is one house. It is like a brother suing a sister and a brother suing a brother.

You will go and stand in court facing your brother? No. There must be something that was wrong. Exhaust everything before you go to the court. “That is why the Constitution of the party is saying that consensus is the primary thing to do before you even go to other things. So, if you can have consensus, you solve the problem politically and you will solve it forever. If you say legally, the Supreme

Court can give a judgment, and you will say, well I have been cheated, because there is nothing I can do maybe you go underground. But if you have a political solution, you will not go underground".

Consequently, he proposed a political solution to the current crisis rocking the ruling party, including visits to homes of aggrieved members.

His words: "Of course, we will meet our brothers and talk to them. We will go to their houses, we will drink tea and then sit down and talk. Let us be very frank and honest with ourselves. You are aggrieved, yes. “But this is the way we can solve the problem or do you have a better way? Maybe some of them will still participate in the convention. But if they go to court they are creating more bad blood. But if they don’t go to the court, then they will consider them and say these are good family members, come back and contest again".

He also spoke glowingly about Oshiomhole, whom he described as a committed and passionate party leader, "who came and tried to solve the problem but then certain problems cropped up.

"He is an activist, you will not take that away from him.

He has passion. Whatever he is doing, he is passionate about it. But probably the advisers around him did not advise him well. I don’t know, but we will look into it and see how we are going to solve the problem".

Yusuf explained that the committee members were

IN LOYALTY TO BUHARI, OSHIOMHOLE WON’T QUESTION LEGALITY OF REMOVAL the party, including those who had left were brought back within the six months time frame given the committee.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Saturday, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ought to have been his first party of choice, because of its values of justice, fairness and good governance, adding that his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate was a miracle from God. However, speaking for the first time since the dissolution of the NWC at a press conference on Saturday in Abuja, Oshiomhole said without questioning the legality or illegality of the actions of the party, he believed that the NWC under his leadership had done its best.

President Buhari had on Thursday during an emergency NEC meeting of the APC dissolved the NWC after a protracted leadership crisis.

In its place, the NEC, which ratified the president’s proposal dissolving the NWC as well as the candidacy of the party’s choice in the Edo State governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, also accepted the president’s suggestion to raise a 13-member caretaker committee, headed by Yobe Buni, a former national secretary of the party.

But Oshiomhole, further stated that he had moved on from the development, saying there was no brooding over his ouster as chairman of the APC, because President Buhari, who hired him to re-organise the party, also fired him, when he thought it was time to go.

"I'm not going into the

question of legality or illegality.

The bottom line is that the President, who invited me to lead the party and who mobilised all the support for my emergence as chairman also presided over the meeting, where the NWC has now been dissolved," he explained.

To that extent, the former APC chairman said he had directed his lawyers to withdraw his case that is currently pending at the Supreme Court, challenging his suspension.

"As a demonstration of that loyalty to Mr. President, loyalty to our party and loyalty to the Nigerian nation, accordingly, I have instructed my lawyer to withdraw my case that is currently pending at the Supreme Court, which has to do with my suspension Establishing in details the rationale behind the press conference, Oshiomhole posited: "I thought that it is important that I formally react to the recent event as it affects our party. We are all aware that on Thursday, a special NEC meeting was called and was attended by Mr. President, governors, APC leadership of the two chambers of the national assembly and some other leaders of our party.

"At the end of the meeting as you all know, the National Working Committee was dissolved and accordingly, I ceased to be the chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

"Mr. President graciously invited me to run for the office of chairmanship of the party in 2018 precisely about two years ago. The president told me then that if we do not reform the APC, we can as

well forget about the party.

"You know that reforms are challenging and it will entail taking difficult decisions. Mine has been a life of trouble and I accepted this and I believe I did my best. I'm happy that at the end of the day, 2019 elections have come and gone – thanks to Nigerian people. Our president had more votes in 2019 than we had in 2015. We have more members in the senate and house of representatives," he explained.

Oshiomhole contended that unlike the situation in 2015, when the APC was not able to manage its victory, the party had an APC President in the senate and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy Senate President, but noted that having worked hard with his colleagues in the NWC and in consultation with leaders of the party across board, the party has a kind of unity expected in the governing party in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

The former APC chairman however noted that he was happy that the current leadership of the National Assembly is now working harmoniously with Mr. President.

"The APC under my chairmanship has done its best and the results are there.

Of course, we have now been dissolved and I have accepted that dissolution in good faith and to maintain my loyalty,� he reiterated, adding that he had no regrets about the decisions he took, when he was the chairman of APC. Owing to the state of the party, however, a member of the 13-man National Caretaker

Committee, Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, has hinted that the committee would do everything possible to reconcile all the aggrieved members.

He said the committee has already opened discussions with members of the dissolved NWC on how to move the party forward.

Yusuf, a ranking Senator from Taraba Central senatorial district, said in Abuja at the weekend, that the committee was reaching out to all aggrieved members on how to resolve all contentious issues as one united political family, stressing also that the dissolution of the NWC was not targeted at punishing anybody but aimed at moving the party to greater heights.

"The dissolution of the National Working Committee is not to punish anybody. This is not to say, there’s a victor and a vanquished, no. It is just a way of making things move forward, so that we can all sit together in one house, reconcile with one another and then carry everybody along.

"Even some of our brothers and sisters that are standing, some are on the fence and some have gone to the other side.

We will go and meet them and ask them to come back to their house. It is the house they have built. It is everybody’s house and I will add: nobody’s house, too".

He further stressed the need for the committee to solve the myriad of problems facing the party at the centre saying, "You see, when you are working to solve problems, things that are legally right may be politically wrong and there are things that are politically right and legally

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NEWS IN LOYALTY TO BUHARI, OSHIOMHOLE WON’T QUESTION LEGALITY OF REMOVAL chosen based on their antecedents and the fact that they were not controversial members of the party. “The party was looking for people, who will come and solve the problem; people who are not controversial in themselves. Assess that interim management and tell me who is controversial?

Who has taken sides? Is it me? Is it the Governor of Yobe State, Niger or Osun?

Are we controversial? Which side do we belong?

"We are coming to find the solution and nobody, like I said, is a victim and nobody is going to be destroyed by this arrangement. Everybody will have participation. In the next six months, every part and parcel of every APC person will be in it. Nobody will be excluded, because that has been the major problem."

The committee, which is also the one to drive an extraordinary convention for the party by December, according to him, will be inaugurated on Monday in Abuja.

The committee members are Governor Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) as Chairman; Governor Isiaka Oyebola to represent Southwest; Ken Nnamani to

represent Southeast; Stella Okorete to represent Women; Governor Sani Bello of Niger State to represent North Central; Dr. James Lalu for the physically challenged and Senatir Abubakar Yusuf to represent Senate.

Others are Hon. Akinyemi Olaide for Representatives; David Leon for South-south; Abba Ari for North West; Prof.

Tahir Mamman for North East; Ismail Ahmed to represent the Youth, while Senator Akpan Udoedehe will serve as Secretary.

From the PDP, Obaseki, who spoke yesterday about his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate after receiving his certificate of primary governorship election, also named his deputy governor, Philip Shuibu as his running mate, saying, "You change a winning team" In his acceptance speech, the Edo Governor said, "My emergence as the governorship candidate of the PDP in the just concluded primary election is just the hand of God. It is miraculous. My deputy and I are grateful to this great party.

"In hours of tribulation in our political storm, PDP gave us a huge umbrella. This ought to be our first party,

because of the values of Justice, fairness. We found out that transparency and quality of governance reigns in this party," Obaseki said.

He took time to commend the responsiveness of the National Organising Secretary, Austin Akobundu, the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan and the National Legal Adviser for their promptness and response to issues regarding his waiver and eventual nomination.

Obaseki the people of Edo State were consulted before he and his deputy defected to the PDP, explaining that, "The people of Edo State said, where you go, we will go. We came from a politic: “We are certain that victory is ours."

He also recognised his fellow aspirants saying, "Help me thank our co-aspirants that stepped down for us, despite all expenses. They stepped down not on personal ego but for the good of Edo people".

Obaseki then announced, "The deputy governor, Philip Shaibu is my running mate as you don't change a winning team."

He commended the governors of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambawul; Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa; Oyo

State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the governors of PDP in the Southeast for their efforts in seeing him emerge as the governorship candidate.

The governor was accompanied to the PDP National Secretariat by his running mate, Shuibu, Senator Clifford Ordia (Edo central), Godwin Ikhine and Kenneth Imasuagbon, among others.

On his part, National Chairman of PDP and head, the Governorship Appeal Panel, Uche Secondus, said there was nothing to appeal as the primary election was transparently done.

Speaking earlier before handing over the certificate of return to Obaseki, Secondus said, "The just conclude governorship election in Benin, Edo State was an improvement on Port Harcourt convention of 2018.

"By making sure that one man, one vote counts in a transparent manner. Nigerians say that what happened in Benin was the best seen so far.

We will do more by conducting a free and fair election by giving confidence to Nigerians on election issues. We shall ensure that the PDP practises an all-inclusive system."

Welcoming Obaseki to the

party, Secondus described the governors elected on the PDP platform as performing exceedingly well.

"In the same way, the PDP governors are the best in all states that PDP governs. You are welcome. This is a party of fairness and justice as power belongs to the people. We have learnt from our mistakes. Let the people judge us. Nigerian people believe in PDP. “What happened in Edo State in terms of free and fair election is what will happen in Ondo State. There would be no imposition of any candidate. By our processes and standards, we shall continue to deepen democracy in the party and Nigeria as a whole."

The PDP chair described the emergence of Obaseki as act of God and miracle, explaining that Nigerians will see how a miracle governor will win election in Edo State.

"If you have the support of the people, war is not an alternative. We accepted Obaseki, because he has performed. Everyone believes that he has performed. He has provided infrastructure and good governance to the people. But only one person or a few are against him. We must ensure that the interest

of the people comes first.

"In the PDP, we are guided by the rule of law and process.

The process of your adoption and waiver was transparently done and in line with the rule of law.

"Today's ceremony is a confirmation of your election as the election that took place at the Ogbemudia stadium in Benin was fair and transparently done. We are a people that fear God and we put the interest of the people first in whatever we do. In the name of God almighty, we present the certificate of return to you, Godwin Obaseki.

"We now present to you the INEC nomination form and it is this form that you will use to nominate your running mate,", Secondus stated.

Also speaking, Akobundu, said the essence of the certificate of return was to tell the world who the governorship candidate of the party for the September 19 governorship candidate was.

In a brief commentary, the chairman, Edo State PDP Governorship Primary Election, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said with the transparent nature of the election, the party was ready to capture Edo State.

fact. “Given these antecedents, he cares about the condition of the party as any parent would care for his offspring.

President Buhari has done what any parent in his position and with his authority would do. The more troubling consideration is that so many trusted people acted in such a way as to force the president to put aside the issues of statecraft in order to address these problems. “It is now beholden on all of us, as members of the APC, to recommit ourselves to the ideals and principles on which our party was founded."

Commending Oshiomhole, Tinubu urged him to return to Edo State to energise the campaign for the election of the party's governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. He called on other members to work for the party's success in Edo and Ondo. “In Ondo, we must set the procedures for primaries and conduct that exercise in a fair, transparent manner that shows the Nigerian people the party has left turmoil behind,� he stated.

Tinubu used the opportunity to respond to those who claimed that his ambition to become president in 2023 had been dashed by the dissolution of the NWC. According to him, “To those who have been actively bleating how the president’s actions and the NEC meeting have ended my purported 2023 ambitions, I seek your pity. I am but a mere mortal, who does not enjoy the length of foresight or political wisdom you profess to have.

Already, you have assigned colourful epitaphs to the 2023 death of an alleged political ambition that is not yet even born.�

He said at this time when COVID-19 and its economic fallout had continued to ravage the country, he could not see as far into 2023, because the concerns of “this hour are momentous enough�. He reiterated that he

had yet to make any decision regarding 2023.

Tinubu said, “During this period, I have not busied myself with politicking regarding 2023. I find that a bit distasteful and somewhat uncaring particularly, when so many of our people have been unbalanced by the twin public health and economic crises we face. “I have devoted these last few months to thinking of policies that may help the nation in the here and now.

What I may or may not do three years hence seems too remote given present exigencies. “Those who seek to cast themselves as political Nostradamus’ are free to so engage their energies. I trust the discerning public will give the views of such eager seers the scant weight such divinations warrant.

"Personally, I find greater merit trying to help in the present by offering policy ideas, both privately and publicly, where I think they might help. I will continue in this same mode for the immediate future. 2023 will answer its own questions in due time.

"I have toiled for this party as much as any other person and, perhaps, more than most.

Despite this investment or perhaps due to it, I have no problem with making personal sacrifices (and none of us should have such a problem) as long as the party remains true to its progressive, democratic creed. “Politics is but a vehicle to arrive at governance. Good politics promotes good governance. Yet, politics is also an uncertain venture.

No one gets all they want all the time. In even a tightly woven family, differences and competing interests must be balanced and accommodated.

"My fellow party members, who now feel aggrieved by the NEC meeting, I urge you to accept the sacrifice you have been asked to make so

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH TINUBU STRONG, UNBREAKABLE, SAYS PRESIDENT 2023 presidential ambition.

In response to the speculations, Tinubu had issued a lengthy statement last night, where he spoke extensively on the state of the party, admitting unequivocally that the ruling party headed in the wrong direction before Buhari’s intervention last Thursday.

But in the statement by the presidential spokesman, Buhari dismissed the insinuations that the decision not to invite Tinubu to the NEC meeting implied a "showdown" between the two leaders. The statement said the relationship between the president and the former Lagos State governor was inspired by democratic norms and national interest, and that both men were constantly in touch with each other.

According to the statement, "To put the records straight: In the formation of this great party and giving it leadership, President Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who are reckoned as the founding fathers of the APC, are both inspired by democratic norms, national interest and not at all by partisan motivations.

These are the qualities that have made them move past cynical distractions.

"They are in touch with one another. Their relationship remains as strong as ever and between the two of them, only they know how they manage their enviable relationship.�

The statement said the NEC meeting had been called to save the party from collapse.

It said those insinuating a face-off between Buhari and Tinubu were merely engaging in "political vulturism."

The statement added, "The very essence of the requests put to the Emergency National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by President Muhammadu Buhari, which were unanimously approved, aimed to pull back the party, faced with an existential crisis, from the brink of collapse, follow the constitution and take everyone along.

"While this action has been widely accepted with great relief by lovers of democracy and the rank and file of the membership, we are concerned that political vulturism masquerading as ‘smart analysis’ is selling the commentary that this is a Buhari-Tinubu ‘showdown.’ Nothing can be farther from the truth."

The presidency accused the opposition parties of sponsoring a campaign of falsehood, saying Buhari would never habour bad intentions towards Tinubu or engage in any pursuit out of selfish motives.

The presidency stated, “Try as hard as they could, the opposition parties have used all their intellectuals and their supporters in the media to break this relationship and have failed.

"For President Buhari, who has received much of the cynical commentary, Nigerians know him as someone, who will not do anything with bad intentions. Neither will he do anything out of partisan motivations or for himself.

"This whole exercise, that should lead to massive reform and overhaul of the leadership of the party, as he said in that brilliant speech, was 'to save the APC from the imminent self-destruction.

We have to move ahead.

We have to take everyone with us and ensure that the party is run in accordance with democratic norms and with consensus. We have to work for the benefit of the country.’�

It said both leaders who had received mandates to serve at different levels in the country would only be judged by the outcome of the decisions taken at the NEC meeting.

"The leaders of the party, who have received two successive massive mandates to govern the country and a majority of the states should be judged by how this exercise turns out in achieving these objectives, not cursed at the mere commencement

of the process," the statement added.

In his own statement, where he tried to address of the recent issues in APC, Tinubu admitted that his party made some mistakes and was heading in the wrong direction. But he insisted that Buhari was right in his intervention. Tinubu, in the statement, which he personally signed, appealed to aggrieved members of the dissolved NWC of the party to sheathe their swords and embrace the larger picture of strengthening the party. He said the dissolution did not preclude the former NWC members from seeking reelection to the body. “Yet, we must acknowledge that something important has gone off track,� Tinubu stated, explaining, “For some months, we have experienced growing disagreement within the leadership of the party.

This unfortunate competition had grown so intense as to impair the performance of the NWC, thus, undermining the internal cohesion and discipline vital to success.�

Tinubu regretted that at a time, when the country was confronted with many challenges and required politicians to be focused on fixing those challenges, “intramural fighting has come to occupy the attention of many high ranking party officials and members. The NWC itself became riven by unnecessary conflict. Those who disagreed with one another stopped trying to find common ground. “Attempts were made to use the power of executive authority to bury each other.

I must be blunt here. This is the behaviour of a fight club not the culture of a progressive political party.

Some members went against their chairman in a bid to forcefully oust him. “In hindsight, his fencemending attempts were, perhaps, too little too late.

I believed and continue to believe that Comrade Oshiomhole tried his best.

Mistakes were made and he must own them. Yet, we must remember also that he was an able and enthusiastic campaigner during the 2019 election. He is a man of considerable ability as are the rest of you who constituted the NWC.�

Tinubu said even though predictions of APC's imminent demise were premature and mostly mean-spirited, "an honest person must admit the party had entered a space where it had no good reason to be."

According to him, a political party that has lost sight of its reason for existence would become the vehicle of blind and clashing ambitions. This, he said, was not the reason that drove the creation of APC. He said those who came together to form APC believed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was leading the country into a pit and that the country had to be rescued.

"Those most intimately involved in founding the party remain faithful to this benign, timely assignment.

Sadly, many members have lost their balance. Their personal ambition apparently came to greatly outweigh the obvious national imperatives," Tinubu stated.

He said with several lawsuits as well as lack of order, party discipline, mutual respect, and consensus by members of the defunct NWC, Buhari had reasonably intervened to save the party.

"I do not lament his intervention or its outcome.

I lament that the situation degenerated to the point, where he felt compelled to intervene," Tinubu said, adding that the president has spoken and his decision has been accepted.

The former governor said, “President Buhari is much more than a mere beneficiary of the party. He is one of its founding fathers. The APC does not exist in its current form without his singular contributions. That is not an opinion; it is an undisputed

Continued on page 10

SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS REVIEW

Why Planned Electricity Tariff Hike Won’t Cure Power Sector Challenges Considering current realities and many unresolved issues in the Nigerian electricity market, there is need to delay the proposed cost-reflective electricity tariff billed for July 1, writes Peter Uzoho There has been apprehension lately among electricity consumers over the take-off of the proposed tariff increase, which is billed to commence July 1, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

First scheduled to take effect on April 1 following the review of the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) by NERC in line with the power sector privatisation in 2013, the date was shifted to July 1, to enable the power investors, especially the distribution companies (Discos), improve on their performance.

The postponement was also in consideration of the scotching economic effect of COVID-19 on electricity consumers. No doubt, the pandemic has had excruciating effect on the income of households as well as businesses. Even the World Bank last week predicted that this year, the slump in oil prices, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, was expected to plunge the Nigerian economy into a severe recession, the worst since the 1980s.

The International Monetary Fund, African Development Bank, some global rating organisations, and the Nigerian government have predicted negative Gross Domestic Product growth for the economy.

This is why as good as the cost-reflective tariff appears, it cannot solve the problems of the power sector all alone at this time.

It is just one part of many issues militating against efficiency in the sector, which the Discos, generation companies (Gencos), and other stakeholders have been talking about.

For over six years since the privatisation of the power sector, which paved the way for private entities to take over the distribution and generation arms of the sector, there has been little or no improvement in the sector.

Failure to resolve fundamental issues and the inconsistency of the federal government in terms of fulfilling its part of the contract have immensely contributed to the crisis in the sector. As part of solutions to the problems and in consideration of the plight of investors, NERC came up with the cost-reflective tariff.

The new date for the take-off of the costreflective tariff was, however, given with certain conditions that should be met by the Discos before its commencement. The federal government, through NERC, had directed the Discos to, within the window provided by the postponement, ensure that they fix their distribution infrastructure, provide electricity

to Discos, Gencos, and gas suppliers, which is included in electricity retail tariffs from 2015 to cover tariff shortfalls calculated based on established baseline ATC&C losses, and legacy gas debts of about N14 billion. This is now on Discos balance sheet.

However, since then, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has snow-balled into a liquidity crisis that has necessitated a total government intervention of N1.3 trillion to the Gencos that was not allowed go through to retail tariffs process, this still sits on Discos balance sheet as liability yet to be cleared to enable them access finance for investment.

Cause of Liquidity Crisis

Minister of Power, Engr Sale Mamman meters to customers, and improve power supply.

The government said the Discos would be sanctioned if they failed meet the conditions.

But the Discos are also telling the government to look into other fundamental issues consistently raised by the operators in order to solve the problems once and for all. For instance, issues around exchange rate, inflation rate, and lending rates set at the time of the privatisation agreement (which are not in conformity with the present market realities), liquidity crisis arising from mismatched tariff, huge debts by government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), Aggregate Commercial and Technical (ATC&C) Losses, among others, have remained a major clog in the wheel of progress of the power sector.

The primary performance measure for Discos is the ATC&C losses, which is higher (48 per cent as at 2019) than the provisions used in calculating retail tariffs and the minimum remittance levels (28 per cent in 2019). A component of the ATC&C losses is the MDAs of government (Federal, State and Local governments), which NERC removed from ATC&C losses in 2016, and non-payment has continued, leading to a total of N98 billion MDAs debts estimate covering 2016 to date.

The federal government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), advanced N214 billion

Essentially, factors responsible for the liquidity crisis in the NESI, which Discos want resolved, include the mismatch in ATC&C losses, as the one used in determining retail tariffs is much lower than Discos reality of about 48 per cent due largely to wrong application of parameters and indices over the years There is also the MDA losses removed from ATC&C losses, which were not in line with market process, and this continues with no payments done even for historical debts of N25 billion verified by the Office of the Vice President in 2015. Mismatch in forex used for energy bills (N305/$) versus those charged in retail tariffs (N198/$) and applied in discos operational costs (N360/$) is another factor.

Others include the bills being given to Discos by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET), including capacity charges that do not generate energy and are not passed to retail tariffs. Fixed charges that would have contributed to the payment of capacity charges have been removed from tariffs since 2015.

Another problem is the delayed minor tariff reviews in line with economic indices, such as forex, inflation, generation, etc. This was not done by NERC for three and a half years (June 2016 – June 2019), though, one was eventually done in June 2019 (covering 2016-2018) and in December 2019.

NERC, in its last two minor reviews, had calculated tariff shortfalls, which created a net negative position for Discos of about N198.2 billion as at December 2019. However, based on Discos’ estimation, the net position should be a positive one estimated at N52 billion.

Collection losses have been exacerbated by

the COVID-19 pandemic and the order NERC released to cap estimated bills.

Discos collect over 75 per cent of bills issued to metered customers and 25 per cent from unmetered customers. This is an indication that Discos suffer more losses from estimated billing. Therefore, metering is the only means of revenue assurance. With the capping of estimated bills order the financial impact is an average loss of N13.9 billion, which will materially reduce the 25 per cent collection efficiency for unmetered customers.

Additional issues of significance in the power crisis have to do with the operating expense payment, which is far off from Discos’ real monthly OPEX requirements to maintain the network at optimal level and drive the required collection efficiency. The historic level submitted is based on the available collections.

Discos have had to support cash payment with vendor-financed arrangements, which they often have to renegotiate to accommodate payments to NESI. Discos have huge unsettled liabilities to vendors that they keep rolling forward. Discos’ CAPEX expenditure is almost insignificant and they cannot access external funding because of the position of their books. With further devaluations in Naira, Discos’ OPEX is increased compared to their budgets for the period.

Other Prayers In addition to guaranteeing payment discipline, the Discos are saying that NERC needs to adjust their remittance levels set with MDA debts, including historical MDA debt. They say the revised remittance should be against NBET bills, as the only energy is that which is generated to them.

According to the Discos, the historical MDA debts of N98 billion should be validated and net-off Discos market liabilities with NBET. They want a mechanism to ensure timely payment of bills issued.

The distribution firms have further suggested that the government should take on the forex risk, pointing out that any forex-related cost not allowed to pass through to customers in tariffs should be borne by government.

It is essential for the federal government to address these challenges and also allow the effect of COVID-19 to simmer down before implementing the proposed tariff hike.

COVID-19: AIRPORTS 90% READY FOR REOPENING, SAYS FG commercial flight operations.

The simulation of flight operations was witnessed by Sirika; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora; Minister of State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; and National Coordinator, Presidential Task Force, Dr. Aliyu Sanni.

Others were Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu; Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu; and Chairman, Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, among other stakeholders.

The exercise began in Abuja, as passengers were taken through the post-COVID-19 departure protocols en route Lagos on a Boeing 737 Aero Contractors flight. The team from Abuja arrived the General Aviation Terminal, Lagos, about 1200hours. Passengers on board the flight were facilitated in line with the normal procedural

order of arrival facilitation.

Sirika expressed his delight at the facilities on ground, and said going by the measures that had been put in place, the airports were about 90 per cent ready to reopen. He said domestic passengers would now have to get to the airports three hours before departure, while international passengers would be expected to get to the airports five hours before their flight. “This is to ensure that all protocols, including safety markings, social distancing, hand sanitising, baggage decontamination, scanning of personal items, etc. are complied with forthwith,� the minister stated.

The other officials also expressed satisfaction with the measures put in place to facilitate the reopening of the airports.

Sirika explained that the flight simulation was intended to achieve five things: adherence to physical distancing

rules, wearing of protective materials, such as facemask and face shield, compliance with hygiene guidelines, cleanliness of surfaces, and proper identification of passengers. “So we can board the aircraft decontaminated so we don't contaminate others. All of the things that have happened here are to ensure we don't spread COVID-19,� he said. “The experience is quite nice, but it takes a bit of time, which is why you will need to be at the airport three hours before your local flight. For international flight, we may do five hours,� he added.

The minister explained further, “We have demonstrated here in a mock manner a sick person. You saw how the area was cordoned off, the sick taken away to safe area, and the scene disinfected. You saw the health workers in their PPEs come around to evacuate the sick person. All these are to adhere to the new normal.

“You also saw that if you are served tea or beverages, you pick it yourself in a disposable cup. Everything for me in this demo exercise worked very well. We came and began maintaining physical distance right from the outside. “All the markings are there, and we respected that. During the checking procedure, we were shielded from the check-in officials, we got our boarding passes and during boarding, we detached our boarding passes and dropped the other end without physical contact.

Contacts with people have been

reduced so we can remain safe.�

On the inflight protocol, Sirika stated, “There will also be social distancing in the aircraft.

But new ideas are coming on board on how to remain seated to make the cabin economically okay and to ensure we don't infect each other. “Those new norms are coming and we will implement them in such a way that flights are profitable. WHO (World Health Organisation) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) have developed protocols of the sitting.�

The team from Abuja also

went through the departure protocols, marking the end of the exercise.

The Aero Contractors plane, marked NG110, had 51 passengers on board.

THISDAY observed during the simulation exercise in Abuja 1.5 metres physical distance markings, two hand wash areas, and bags disinfecting area. Hand sanitisers were placed in strategic locations, as Port Health workers were seen taking temperature levels of intending passengers.

Passengers were directed to follow all protocols at all times.

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH TINUBU STRONG, UNBREAKABLE, SAYS PRESIDENT that the air can be cleared, the party can assume its proper role of helping this government lead the nation toward enlightened improvement, and the party itself can grow and firmly establish itself as the best, most democratic party in the land.�

Tinubu called on members to support for the caretaker committee to fulfil this assignment in an impartial manner.

"As I understand it, no one has been precluded from seeking any party office to which he is otherwise eligible,� he stated. He added, “Former

NWC members are free to seek re-election to the NWC. Provided they have the support of party members, they will have an opportunity to return to serve the party in a leadership capacity. This reflects our overriding desire to restore and maintain internal democracy, not subvert it."

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 28, 2020

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EDITORIAL

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

COVID-19 AND 39 MILLION JOBS Government must do more to revive the ailing economy

F

or many Nigerians, it may be increasingly difficult to live the good life. As bad and frustrating as the unemployment situation may seem, it will most likely get worse. And so will the standard of living for millions of our people. Last week, a leading humanitarian organisation, the World Food Programme (WFP), said the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to the loss of about 13 million jobs in Nigeria in the next six months. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo painted a scarier picture while presenting the report of the Economic Sustainability Plan recently. He said about 39.4 million Nigerians - almost the combined population of Ghana and Senegal - may be jobless by the end of the year because of the pandemic.

But it is not as if the unemployment numbers are just becoming critical for the first time.

Majority of unemployed Africans are resident in Nigeria.

Long before the pandemic, the situation was already frightening. Indeed, many of our young graduates have for years been condemned to the market that has no job for them. In the third quarter of 2018, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) put the figure of unemployed Nigerians at more than 23 per cent, a figure contested by many as not reflective of how bad the situation was. The population of unemployed youth was put at about 60 per cent.

While there are few worse things than for a country to keep its youthful population idle, the Covid-19 pandemic has simply aggravated the crisis, reportedly raising the number of the unemployed to more than 40 per cent. According to the Osinbajo committee, the severity of the situation would depend on the length of the lockdown and strength of the country’s economic response. That is a rather bleak picture to paint.

The reasons for the present situation are not

farfetched. The Covid-19 pandemic has shut down the world’s economy, Nigeria’s inclusive. For almost four months now, the invisible virus has crippled governments, businesses, and restricted movements across the world. It has shutdown airlines, railways, malls, restaurants, schools, almost everything in a bid to control the spread of the deadly virus. Many companies had no choice but to throw out their employees into the job market, and thus further worsening the unemployment situation. The informal sector which constitutes a large part of the economy is largely idle. For Nigeria which is almost entirely dependent on oil for foreign exchange, the slash in oil prices as a result of little demand has a massive deleterious toll on the economy, necessitating a downward review of the country’s annual budget.

Unemployment, as we are already witnessing, breeds social, economic and security turbulence

Letters to the Editor

O

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

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

ne of the ways to reignite the economy, and create jobs, according to the Osinbajo committee is hinged on President Muhammadu Buhari’s new mantra: Produce what we eat and consume what we produce. “Nigeria and Nigerians can produce our food, build our houses and construct our roads, using local materials in all cases”, said the committee.

“If we must import, it must be to support local production. We have, therefore, recommended that we must carry out mass programmes that create jobs and utilise local materials.” Besides, the committee also recommended a mass agricultural programme, expected to bring between 20,000 and 100,000 hectares of new farmland under cultivation in every state of the federation.

This has proved to be easier said than done.

Over the years many have drummed the urgent need to diversify the economy. These have been thwarted by ineffective policy measures. Even if the present administration has done a bit more in the area of agriculture and transport infrastructure, it is still not worth crowing about.

With the crisis we are in – from the debt burden to inadequate revenue to unemployment – governments at all level have no choice but to sit up.

More than half the country’s population, by world’s parameters, are already living in extreme poverty. More will slip in due to the prevailing conditions. And unemployment, as we are already witnessing, breeds social, economic and security turbulence.

It is time to halt this dangerous slide.

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

Farewell, Abiola Ajimobi

T

he news of the death of the former Governor of Oyo State, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, came to many as a shock. Nigeria has lost a great man.

Ajimobi was a conciliator and courteous Nigerian.

A few days ago, the fake news of his death was going round in circles, particularly among netizens. They had flooded their timelines with his pictures and scribbled grieving words beneath and atop in mourning him. Some mainstream media also joined the trend.

The earlier misinformation that he had given

up the ghost pointed at a particular phenomenon which I would want us to discern. Why didn't he die the day he was announced dead? It wasn't his time.

We mustn't call his death untimely because he died when his All Progressives Congress (APC) party needed him the most.

Maybe if he was alive and healthy, the imbroglio within his party would've been minimal with him as the acting national chairman. Death from time immemorial is timely. This is where destiny comes to play. You can't leave before your time as you can't live beyond time. Once death opens its book and sees

one as the next, no Oyeku intervention can waive it.

Oyekumeans death waiver.

Whether we like it or not, Senator Ajimobi had gone to his Creator.

He had gone to his new home, where you and I would go someday.

Who's going next? It’s a question no man has answered since Adam.

Inasmuch as we are not the owner of the next seconds of our life, when, where and how death will squeeze life out of every one of us is reserved for God. However, this is a reminder for every one of us, particularly our greedy and fighting

leaders, that life is ephemeral.

None of us owns not the next seconds of his or her life. Let's retrospect our losses with COVID-19 alone. Did Abba Kyari know he would leave so soon? What about Senator Adebayo Osinowo? Senator Osinowo, who was seen in the legislative house on June 12, educating his colleagues how God didn't promise anyone the next seconds of his or her life, and on June 15, three days after, he was reportedly dead of COVID-19 complications.

Senator Ajimobi would soon bow to death 10 days after Osinowo left.

Do I need to tell our political leaders that they are the major stakeholders of Nigeria's backwardness? Their greedi-

ness and corruption are the reasons why development in this part of the world is epileptic. You stash billions of naira which are budgeted for the growth of the country in your coffers at the expense of the masses. Where is the former dictator, General Sani Abacha?

Lastly, it is not too late for every one of us to recognise the lesson in death, and amend our ways to make Nigeria a better place for all.

Whatever we do today would be said after we leave. May God forgive Senator Ajimobi and other Nigerians who gave up the ghost while fighting the novel Coronavirus.

––Aremu Lukman Umor, Lagos.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Í°ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

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NEWS

Acting News Editor ĂŒĂ™ĂŁĂ?Ă‘Ă‹ Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă—Ă“ E-mail: Ă‘ĂŒĂ™ĂŁĂ?Ă‘Ă‹Ë›Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă—Ă“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—ËœÍ¸Î€ÍšÍ˝ÍşÍťÍ˝Î ÍşÍ˝Íť Ě™Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁĚš

World Bank: 96 Million Nigerians Will Be Living in Poverty by 2022 Tobi Soniyi

The COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to drive up the poverty rate in Nigeria, pushing almost 6 million additional people into poverty by 2022, the World Bank has said In a report released last week, the bank predicted that there would be 95.7 million Nigerians living below the poverty line by 2022.

The bank stated that without the virus, 90 million Nigerians were projected to be in poverty by 2022.

However, the virus would add about 6 million to that figure in two years.

The report stated that: “With real per capita GDP growth forecast to be negative in all sectors in 2020, poverty will deepen for the current poor, while those households that were just above the poverty line prior to the COVID-19 crisis will fall into poverty. “Were the crisis not to have hit (the counterfactual scenario), the poverty headcount rate would be forecast to remain virtually unchanged, with the number of poor people set to rise from 82.9 million today to 85.2 million in 2020and 90.0 million in 2022 due to natural population growth. “Given the effects of the crisis,

however, the national poverty headcount rate is instead forecast to jump from 40.1 percent today to 42.5 percent in 2020 and 42.9 percent in 2022, implying that the number of poor people will be 90.2 million in 2020 and 95.7 million in 2022. ‘Thus, taking the difference between these two scenarios, the crisis alone is forecast to drive an additional 4.9 million people into poverty this year, with an additional 5.7 million people living in poverty by 2022.�

The report stated that a disproportionate share of those pushed into poverty by the COVID-19

crisis would likely be those living in urban areas and earning income from services.

The bank further predicted that: “More than one-third of the additional people forecast to be pushed into poverty by the COVID-19 crisis are expected to be in urban areas, while just 15.9 percent of the current poor are urban dwellers. “Only 13.1 percent of the additional poor people in 2022 are predicted to be in households where the head works primarily in agriculture, while, today, 56.0 percent of poor Nigerians live in agricultural households.

NEW AVIATION RULES . . .

L-R: Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnibe Mamora; Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika and Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, addressing newesmen on the new normal and regulations that will guide reopening of the aviation industry, during a dry run test flight at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos... yesterday

‘Many Nigerians who are not poor today are vulnerable to falling below the poverty line during the COVID-19 crisis. People living only just above the poverty line are more susceptible to becoming poor when shocks occur. Those with consumption levels between the poverty line and 1.5 times the poverty line may be defined as ‘vulnerable’�.

According to the bank nationally, 40.1 percent of Nigerians (82.9 million people) live below the poverty line, while another 25.4 percent (52.6 million people) are vulnerable by this definition.

It noted that in rural areas, more than three-quarters of the population were either poor or vulnerable, yet even in urban areas— where the poverty headcount rate was far lower at 18.0 percent—around a quarter of the population would be vulnerable to shocks.

The report noted that most Nigerian workers—especially those in poor households—were employed in agriculture or non-farm enterprises, which might be more susceptible to the COVID-19 crisis.

It stated that just 16.8 percent of working Nigerians (12.9 million workers) were employed primarily in wage jobs, according to the 2018/19 Nigeria Living Standard Survey (NLSS) while around 42.7 percent work primarily in agriculture (32.7 million workers), and 40.6 percent work primarily in non-farm enterprises (31.1 million workers).

The report observed that social distancing measures posed a serious threat to non-farm enterprises that relied on face-to-face interactions with customers, as well as those agricultural workers that needed to buy inputs and sell produce.

It stated that: “Agriculture

is particularly dominant for the poor and vulnerable, and wage-employment is limited: only 7.7 percent of poor Nigerian workers (2.0 million workers) work primarily in wage-employment, while 59.3 percent of poor Nigerian workers are primarily engaged in agriculture (15.5 million workers). “There is also substantial geographical variation in the way that different types of jobs are dispersed across Nigeria, with urban areas in the south of the country having a larger share of wage jobs and agriculture being more concentrated in rural areas and in the north.�

The bank said COVID-19 crisis would threaten Nigerian households’ welfare both through direct health channels—with the illness or death of family members—and at least five economic channels The report read in part: ‘First, households may lose labor income as vulnerable jobs—especially those in non-farm enterprises, selling agricultural produce, and in informal wage work—suffer as demand contracts and work is disrupted by social distancing measures. “Household earnings will also be reduced if income-generating members contract the virus. Second, non-labor income sources may decline.

For example, remittances will fall if sending households have lower income or if the infrastructure for effecting transfers is interrupted. “Third, disruptions to markets could increase the prices of key food items, reducing households’ purchasing power, while also preventing agricultural workers from selling their produce.

Edo, Ondo Polls: NSA, Police, INEC Release ‘Code of Conduct’ for Security Chuks Okocha in Abuja Ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, the National Security Adviser (NSA) Major-General Babagana Munguno, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Manhood Yakubu, yesterday, released a comprehensive code of conduct for all security personnel to be engaged in election duties.

The document signed by the trio of the NSA, the Police IG and the INEC boss, listed procedures for arrests to be made during elections as well as the cautions

to be observed, stating that it would constitute an offence if personnel on election duties did not wear uniform, in addition to being barred from holding arms within polling stations.

According to them, the Code of Conduct is to guide all members of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and their personnel while on electoral duties, is spelt out in this document.

Electoral duties refer to activities related to elections as established by the INEC, including but not limited to voting at elections, collation of results and political party campaigns and rallies.

The code of conduct states that

all security personnel on election duty shall account for personnel and equipment, such as weapons and other related equipment issued to them, adding that duty parade must not disrupt or delay the smooth conduct of elections and other electoral activities.

The code of conduct stated that, “Except for personnel deployed on covert operations, all personnel on electoral assignment will ensure a neat turnout in their prescribed uniform and name tags, which must be identifiable to the public, stating that ICCES may from time to time approve a common means of identification for all security agencies on election duty. “Personnel on covert operations

Masari Accuses Volunteers of Aiding Killings Francis Sardauna in Katsina Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Masari yesterday blamed the spate of insecurity bedeviling the state on volunteers and informants supporting bandits and kidnappers terrorizing communities in the state.

Masari lamented that volunteers and informants had made it cumbersome for security agencies to tackle the wave of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes confronting communities in the state.

He expressed this concern yesterday at a meeting with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Faskari and Dandume Local Government Areas of the state, where he sympathised with the

victims of banditry and armed attacks in the state.

He visited IDPs camps in Faskari Model Primary School and Dandume Primary School alongside his deputy, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa and other top government officials and security chiefs.

He said: “We don’t accept or approve Yan’sakai because in most cases, they are the ones that trigger mass killings. Yan’sakai will travel 20 or 30kms from their place to another place and kill a Fulani or anybody they suspect to be a bandit. “When the Fulani people and bandits in the forest come out, they attack a nearby community that was not involved in the killing of the

person alleged to have been killed by them. “It has happened in Kadisau and many other places that we saw massive killings. We don’t approve the activities of Yan’sakai but the vigilantes working with the police will be properly trained to assist the police before the coming of community policing.�

The governor renewed his pledge to do everything possible to tackle the wave of insecurity bedeviling the state to enable displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.

He said joint security operatives would go after the bandits and assiduously work to put an end to the indiscriminate killings and kidnapping of innocent citizens in the state.

will ensure they turn out in clean outfits, having strict regard for the authorised identification card.

Officers engaged in traffic control will ensure that white gloves and armbands are worn. “No unauthorised item of accoutrement/kits like cudgel, horsewhip, etc. shall be carried by any personnel on election duty. At no time will personnel deployed to Polling Units be allowed to carry firearms. “Prescribed and appropriate weapons and riot equipment are to be issued to personnel, who are entitled to bear them. Clearly marked vehicles are to be used for every election exercise and/or operation. The use of personal

vehicles to convey personnel for duty is highly discouraged. “Pocket notebooks shall be carried, where important incidents encountered during tours of duty can be noted, in view of the fact that all security personnel can be personally summoned to account for their actions/inactions while on election duty,� the document stated.

Also, the code of conduct stipulates that, “At venues of all electoral activities, designated officers will identify areas to be classified inner and outer rings respectively to serve as a guide in deployment.

No Lethal Weapon Except Baton Allowed

“On no account should personnel deployed to the inner ring of the venue of political events or voting centres/polling units be assigned any lethal weapon except baton.

Involvement of the officers at political gatherings shall be limited to the maintenance of peace and order and enforcement of extant laws. “Officers shall at all times exercise maximum restraint while covering political gatherings or deployed at voting/collation centres. Officers shall not at any time turn themselves into spectators but shall at all times be conscious of happenings around them, observe precautionary measures and personal safety while on duty.

Rights Group Laments Illegal Detention of 35 Nigerians in Ghana Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Concerned Citizens Rights (CCR), a human rights organisation, has alleged that no fewer than 35 Nigerians are illegally detained in Ghana This was contained in a letter its National President, Dr. Olusegun Adeola addressed to the Chairman, Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCM), Abike Dabiri on June 26, detailing the plight of Nigerians in Ghana.

The letter, which was copied to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, Ghana High Commission and Consulate-General in Nigeria, said Nigerians were languishing in Aflao, a Ghanaian border with Togo Republic.

It lamented the level of maltreat-

ment being allegedly meted to the victims along the Ghana-Togo border, where many citizens “are currently languishing in detention with no hope of being released despite their pathetic situation.�

The letter urged NiDCM and the Ghana High Commission and Consulate-General in Abuja and Lagos to use their good offices to intervene and secure the immediate release of these hapless Nigerians.

The letter read in part: “Available information corroborated the fact that about 35 Nigerians are currently detained some, for more than 45 days in unsanitary conditions in the arrival hall and other locations, which can better be described as ‘concentration camps.’ They sleep on bare concrete floors without food, and with just one

toilet for all genders. “To make matters worse, both men and women are cramped in one camp, sleeping together in flagrant violation of the detention code and convention. Under the facade of safekeeping, the immigration officers seized huge sums of money from merchants and traders among them. “While being held incommunicado, they were made to pay 300 Cedis each under duress to the immigration officers. Their phones and ECOWAS Passports were seized and without the opportunity of reaching out to members of their family since they left home, who may not even know their whereabouts, situations and circumstances currently.

SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 28, 2020

OPINION A New Budgetary Framework For Nigeria A new framework will help wean the states from ‘feeding bottle’ federalism, argues Ejeviome Eloho Otobo

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igeria needs a new budgetary framework. To appreciate why a new budgetary framework is required, it is important to explain how the current budgetary framework works. Since oil earnings became the dominant source of government revenue, federal budgets have been prepared on the basis of prevailing or projected oil prices. ln other words, the federal budgets were benchmarked to the prevailing or projected oil prices. ln 2004, this approach was modified with the introduction of the "oilbased fiscal rule", under which the estimated earnings from oil were based on a bit less than the prevailing or projected oil prices. This fiscal rule was designed both to avoid wild swings in expenditure but more importantly to save the earnings above the benchmarked oil price. The Excess Crude [oil] Account (ECA) was born out of this approach. The ECAwas meant to serve as a stabilisation fund to be used as a last resort on "rainy days". In practice, the weak fiscal situation of most states meant the ECAhas been used on "partly cloudy days". ECAhas, however, been the most significant innovation to the budgetary framework since Nigeria made the transition from agriculture-led economy in the 1960s to oil-led economy in the early 1970s. Nigeria’s journey to an oil-dominated political economy can be traced to 1974, when oil prices quadrupled in the aftermath of the October,1973 Middle East War. Every budgetary framework aggregates the political decisions on fiscal arrangements. ln Nigeria, these decisions are reflected in the derivation formula and revenue allocation formula. The financial resources allocated for the budgets of governments at the federal and sub-national levels have been based on both the derivation and revenue allocation formulae. From independence till after the civil war, the budgetary framework strictly adhered to section 134(1) of the 1960 Constitution and sections 140 and 141 of the 1963 Constitution which stipulated a derivation formula that allocated 50 percent of revenue from export earnings to the regions/states where the commodity was produced, and 50 percent to the federal government. Amending the derivation formula, through military decrees, began in 1970/1971 fiscal year. By then oil accounted for 48 percent of Nigeria's export income and 26 percent of government revenue. In that year, Decree 13 of 1970 reduced the derivation formula to 45 percent. The process of continually revising downwards the derivation formula, to the disadvantage of oil-producing states, persisted till the end of the first military rule in 1979; when the derivation formula was abolished on the eve of the hand over to the elected leaders of the second Republic. The restoration of derivation formula during the second Republic was the outcome of a Supreme

Court verdict on the basis of a suit filed by some oil producing states during the second Republic. The current 13 percent derivation formula is enshrined in section 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Meanwhile, the revenue allocation formula in force since 2004 shares the revenue in the federation account as follows: 52.68 percent for the federal government; 26.72 percent for the states; and 20.60 percent for the local governments, using a number of criteria.

Three considerations provide the impetus for adopting a new budgetary framework. First, Nigeria needs to anticipate and prepare for its transition to a post-oil economy. This does not mean that Nigeria will no longer produce and export oil. Rather, it is that Nigeria would be less reliant on oil as a source of government revenue and, probably, of foreign exchange. Second, a new budgetary framework would be predicated on, and benefit from, the growing diversification of the economy. Third, a new budgetary framework will help wean the states from "feeding bottle" federalism and move them to fiscal federalism.

Concerning the last point, fiscal federalism will be a mirage, if the federal government does not devolve more sources of revenue to the states. These should be priority issues for political deliberations and constitutional negotiations.

Here is the broad outline of the new budgetary framework. Its most important feature is that it will be driven by overall economic growth rather than high dependence on the oil-sector specific growth. As the diversification of the economy deepens, the sources of government revenue and export earnings would multiply. Consequently, the government will benchmark its revenue stream on the overall growth of the economy. The higher the economic growth, and the greater the share of particular sectors in the growth rate, the more revenue that the government should garner from such sectors. Under this new framework, garnering revenue from non-oil sectors assumes great significance, in asmuch as the government will assign revenue targets

Nigeria has had many warning signs, especially since 2014, to firmly launch itself on path of a post-oil economy

for each sector. This is the approach that prevails in many advanced and emerging economies that are not reliant on one commodity for fiscal revenue and export earnings. An important consequence of the new budgetary framework is that it will compel all tiers of governments to show greater interest in the development and growth of various sectors of the economy.

How will revenue from oil be used during the transition period and how long should the transition last? After the derivation portion has been deducted according to extant constitutional provisions, the earnings from oil should be split into three equal parts. Athird should go to budgetary allocations for economic and social infrastructure development of both the federal and state governments. Another third should be used to tackle Nigeria's environmental challenges: clean-up of oil-related environmental despoilation in the Niger Delta; desertification in the North; erosion in the South-East; and industrial-related pollution and waste in the South-West. The final third will be devoted to debt servicing and to the payment of foreign investors dividends, because an immediate substitute for oil as a major source of foreign exchange is not on the horizon. Under the new budgetary framework, the federal and state governments will meet their recurrent expenditures from the revenue garnered from the relevant taxes, duties, levies and charges, and interests in investments. The transition should last for seven years to allow for significant progress on the environmental issues and enough lead time for adjustment by the federal and states' governments. At the end of the transition period, earnings from oil will be treated like any other revenue, after making allowance for the derivation formula in the constitution.

Many forces are propelling the world towards the transition from fossil fuels to other sources of energy. These include the need to reduce the deleterious impact of fossil fuels on climate change; the production of battery electric vehicles; the use of ethanol in transportation; and the growing adoption of diverse sources of renewable energy for electricity generation in many industrialised countries. These trends call to mind the famous remarks, by Sheik Ahmed Zaki Yamani, during his tenure as the Oil Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the 1970s, that "The Stone Age did not end for lack of stones and the Oil Age will end long before the world runs out of oil". Whether the oil prices recover over the long run, as optimists hope; or remain depressed, as pessimists fear; Nigeria has had many warning signs, especially since 2014, to firmly launch itself on path of a post-oil economy. Anew budgetary framework should be an integral part of that transition.

––Otobo is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Global Governance lnstitute, Brussels, Belgium.

Drug Abuse: Open Letter to Mr. President Chuks Akamadu writes that government could do more to stem the scourge of drug abuse “Our findings have shown that it is more difficult to bring down crime rate to acceptable levels without clearing our country of substances abuse.”

- President Muhammadu Buhari (October 18, 2019)

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bring you very warm felicitations, Mr. President and do trust that you are staying safe for the nation. Let me start by confessing upfront that I was more inclined to tarrying a bit further on writing you publicly regarding this matter of urgent public importance on account of the sudden siege Covid- 19 pandemic has brought upon the entire world – Nigeria inclusive, but the 2020 commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking which came up on June 26 presented me with a most auspicious and I dare say irresistible occasion to communicate my growing apprehension to you vide this medium.

Quickly, please permit me to confess also that this wouldn’t be my first time of calling out your administration over the worsening scourge of drug abuse in Nigeria. In an article titled “Drug Abuse as a National Emergency” published in the April 23, 2017 edition ofTHISDAY, I had laboriously argued the imperative of recognizing drug abuse as debilitating national malaise. It was therefore a great relief to receive, in less than one year, the news of the inauguration of a Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) by Your Excellency. To make my joy full, Brig-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), fit-for-purpose, was named as Committee Chair. For this, I say “Thank You, Mr President”.

Similarly, after PACEDA had completed its assignment and formally submitted the committee’s Report to Your Excellency on October 18, 2019, you made hope come alive afresh by publicly acknowledging that indeed drug abuse and crime have become mutually supportive, mutually reinforcing and substantially inter-dependent. Again after waiting for a quarter for Your Excellency’s administration to translate the Report into actionable plans, I had occasion once more to call out the federal government over the delay in speedy implementation of the PACEDA Report vide another article titled “Waiting for

the PACEDA Report which THISDAY published on January 18, 2020.

Yes, I am aware that the Report was sent to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Gida Mustapha, for review, but given the urgency of the moment, I can assure you, Mr. President, that quite a number of stakeholders are getting increasingly worried about the prolonged delay in the official release and immediate implementation of the Report.

Mr. President Sir, when Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallahi (retd). Leading from the frontlines as Executive Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says “Drug abuse in Nigeria should be declared as emergency in Nigeria, even ahead of terrorism - this is because terrorism is hugely fuelled by drug abuse”, he is not merely concurring with you that we can no longer deny the nexus between drug and crime, but he is, in addition, making a case for action in the immediate.

There is at present a cacophony of voices all over the nation lamenting the surge in rape cases, murder, domestic violence and sundry crimes. Please kindly note, Mr. President, that they are all consequences of government’s failure to prioritize and expedite action on the fight against drug abuse. Mr. President Sir, when Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Kaduna says that six million bottles of codeine expectorant were being sold daily in the north-western part of the country alone in 2016, it didn’t mean to alarm the government, rather it was reporting a verifiable fact, with a view to raising the consciousness of stakeholders and stimulating collaborative efforts for the purpose defeating the menace of drug abuse.

Whilst the 2019 World Drug Report released by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveals that 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders NDLEA Report Drug Report for 2018 indicates that, in one year, over 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 used hard drugs and psychotic substances for non-medical purposes. These are not fictitious figures from rival political parties or detractors conceived to put the government in bad light, far from it; they are, quite frankly,

images of the true state of affairs from credible sources.

Furthermore Mr. President, if it is true, as experts say, that drug abuse leads to stroke, cancer, damage of blood vessels, cardiovascular and terminal diseases as well as overloads the brain, liver, kidney and other vital organs, then who knows, it might actually be taking more lives, directly and indirectly, than the dreaded coronavirus – especially when its role as an aider and abetter of crime is factored in.

Elsewhere, I had argued, on the strength of your demonstrable commitment to the fight against drug abuse, with some compatriots who strongly believe that the government is yet to smell the coffee, but it is all too evident that your administration’s best has not and clearly cannot yield the desired result. You must do more. How I wish you could have a word with the old women from your home state, Katsina, to find out first hand from them the pain in their hearts that led to their hitting the streets with placards protesting the sudden upsurge in drug abuse in the State, you would understand better why the delay in release and implementation of the Marwa Report comes with so much discomfort to some of us. Or you hear from Lagos State how it feels to record over 600 Police arrests, in 2017 alone, for various drug-related offences ranging from armed robbery to cultism and kidnapping.

What is more Mr. President, the NDLEA 2018 survey further revealed that 10.6million Nigerians abuse opioids while 2.4 million youths and adults abuse codeine-based syrup with 92,000 more using cocaine. Looking at it from the lens of a father, you would agree with me on the urgency of the times.

Please make haste to call for that Report because as the hands of the clock ticks away, Nigeria loses inestimable nonrenewable human resources. The PACEDA file should be marked “URGENT” and please do not forget low hanging fruits such as incorporating the three tiers and arms of government respectively into the next phase of action. Ditto the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), religious leaders and traditional institutions.

––Akamadu, M.IoD, President, Centre for Ethical Rebirth Among Nigerian Youths.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 28, 2020

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LETTERS

IZE-IYAMU VS OBASEKI: THE WHEEL COMES FULL CIRCLE

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n 2016, political pundits opined that the successor to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole would be Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God Area Pastor had come a long way in the game called politics. He started it long before Oshiomhole dreamt of becoming the Governor of the state fondly known as the ‘Heartbeat of the Nation.’

As far back as the 1980’s, he was the personal assistant to Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion while the latter was the Chairman of Oredo Local Government when the country operated a zero- party political structure. He later became the Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government between 1999 and 2007 when Igbinedion held sway at the Dennis Osadebay Avenue.

He formed the Grace Group in 2007 as a vehicle to succeed his boss but the fact that he was from Edo South – the same senatorial district as his boss made it impossible to immediately succeed him.

He later used the group as a bargaining chip when he defected to the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to throw his weight behind the ambition of Oshiomhole as nobody from Edo North

INEC Chairman, Yakubu where he hailed from had never been the governor of the state. Despite the fact that he initially lost the election to Professor Oserhimen Osunbor in 2007, the court was able to give him victory the following year.

Ize-Iyamu then became the National Vice Chairman of the ACN South-South with his political clout soaring. He was the Director-General of the

second term campaign team in 2012 for the Comrade Governor and he was viewed by party faithful as the ‘Governor-inwaiting’ due to his relationship with Oshiomhole. He was so influential that he ensured that Oshiomhole won the entire 18 local governments in the state by a landslide.

Oshiomhole shocked his followers by throwing his weight behind Godwin

Obaseki who was in charge of his economic management team. The latter was a political neophyte who had made a name for himself in Lagos as a technocrat of note and was the founder of Afrinvest – a boutique non-bank financial services firm.

Obaseki rarely talked during the ferocious campaign that got the garrulous Ize-Iyamu who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ask whether he was deaf and dumb. Oshiomhole who has the gift of the garb did all the talking while his then protégé followed him meekly like a lamb.

In the end Obaseki won and the embittered Ize-Iyamu went to court where he lost at all levels.

No sooner than Obaseki got sworn in than he began to assert himself as the state’s chief executive who should not just be in office but also in power. Before long, he clashed seriously with Oshiomhole as he wanted to put a stop to his perceived ‘overbearing’ nature.

The State House of Assembly couldn’t be inaugurated as most of the members were Oshiomhole’s loyalists and were seen as threats. There was an order that Oshiomhole had to seek Obaseki’s permission

Anambra and Social Development Agency

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ith access to improved social and natural resource infrastructure as the new community development focus of many a state in Nigeria, the Anambra State government in partnership with the World Bank has seized the initiative to make a lot of positive interventions in communities around the state.

Under the auspice of the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), it was able to determine, using the State Poverty Map, twelve focal local government councils of Awka North, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Orumba North, Dunukofia, Orumba South, Anaocha, Oyi, Ogbaru, Idemili North and Ihiala and positively altered development in 53 communities and among 16 vulnerable groups within them.

Established March 19, 2009, through an enactment by the State House of Assembly, the Agency did not take off immediately until August 1, 2018. It was literally in limbo for nearly almost a decade. But

by March 2019, when it started community implementation, it was able to record breathtaking achievements, paling every other agency in comparison.

In fact, few, if any, can stake greater claims to improved community development than the CSDA. It is right to argue that but for the responsive Willie Obiano administration which rustled up the statute, establishing the agency and empanelled the board, the agency would have come in vain. At best it will still be

existing in outline.

Led by the traditional ruler of Nteje in Oyi local government council Chief Rowland Odegbo and managed by Mr. Chudi Mojekwu, who had had a taste of management at the State FADAMA project, the agency has made appreciable impact in improving development in the focal communities. It has, with its pro-poor intervention projects in the select communities, successfully reduced poverty in those places and empowered the people.

Perhaps the agency is able to navigate the process of community development and achieved as much as it has done because its activities are in sync with the CommunityChoose-Your-Project program of the Obiano administration.

The Obiano’s development model which is novel in concept and unique on impact encourages the work of the agency and allows for ease of intervention. The agency does not have to belabor otherwise excessively complicated administrative procedure that often impedes development at that level.

So far the agency has made far reaching interventions in very many communities within the focal local council areas. It has received expression of interest from well over a hundred communities and about twenty-five vulnerable groups in the state and made interventions in fifty three communities and sixteen vulnerable groups. These interventions are made in about seven key sectors of the economy like education, environment, health, water resources, rural transportation,

rural electrification, and socio-economic activities.

However, no intervention is made without recourse to the communities which reserve the right of choice of projects they host. Interestingly, what the agency does is not any different from what the state is doing with the CommunityChoose-Your-Project initiative of the government. The agency empowers the communities by giving them resources and the authority to use them responsibly. The communities plan, partfinance, implement, monitor, and maintain sustainable and socially inclusive multi-sectoral micro projects.

Apart from its pro-poor intervention projects and the empowerments it has made, the agency has approved forty-one Community Development Plans, sixteen Group Development Plans, containing about two hundred and three micro projects from the seven approved sectors. It is expected that these plans may come in handy for use by the state in her effort to improve lives in the rural communities. The agency has also completed a hundred and sixty-nine micro projects with about two million five hundred and fifty-nine thousand, four hundred and forty beneficiaries. By the same token, about five hundred and forty temporal jobs, direct and indirect, were also created by the agency.

To the credit of the Obiano government, keying into the World Bank assisted projects has redefined development of some critical sectors of the rural economies. It has also given the communities,

hitherto without opportunities, access to improved social and economic infrastructure.

Those without access roads, clean water supply, electricity, skill acquisition centres, health centres, schools, markets, flood control, etc., have since been provided them.

Issue of social responsibility did not receive less attention from the agency. Sensitization on protocols observation for the Covid-19 pandemic was not left out and is being carried on in the communities with as much commitment as the empowerment program.

Ditto for psychosocial support given to care-seekers and victims of various kinds of trauma, including genderbased violence, domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, herdsmen attack etc. None of the victims is left without some succour.

The agency is not without a few challenges. Funding of the projects has slowed down due to the Covid-19 pandemic which compelled a stay-athome regime.

There is also the issue of managing the huge number of expression of interest from the communities without commensurate funding because of budgetary and time constraints. Implementations are also faced with threat of rains and flooding.

Regardless, with what the agency has achieved within its short period of existence it is being positioned to be the consolidation and institutionalization Agency for the Government community and social development interventions.

––Ejike Anyaduba, Abatete.

before visiting the state.

Oshiomhole was suspended by his ward as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The House of Assembly was sworn in with minority members said to be loyal to the governor with a Speaker emerging to the chagrin of democracy lovers.

Political analysts contend that Obaseki failed to make himself available for all the reconciliation efforts that the stakeholders wanted to make to resolve the crisis.

The second-term ambition of Obaseki led to serious cracks within the APC as Ize-Iyamu, his arch nemesis, defected to the party ostensibly with the blessings of Oshiomhole who had apparently ‘forgiven’ him of his numerous ‘sins.’

The APC Screening Committee screened Obaseki out of the race on grounds of certificate discrepancy from the University of Ibadan where he studied Classics and graduated in 1979. He then saw the handwriting on the wall when he resigned his membership of the APC and then moved into the PDP a few days later.

Not surprisingly, Ize-Iyamu won the APC ticket after the former Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu and Osaze Obazee stepped down at the 11thhour.

Obaseki also got the ticket after his main rival, Kenneth Imasuagbon a.k.a The rice man, stepped down at the last minute.

Political ‘Seers’ were right when they predicted the swap of parties between Ize-Iyamu and Obaseki in 2016 and 2020.

Who will carry the day

on September 19, 2020? It promises to be a battle royale.

Obaseki has the advantage of the power of incumbency and the empathy of many Edolites who see him as a liberator from the stranglehold of Oshiomhole’s alleged godfatherism. He has the propaganda machinery at his beck and call which can swing public opinion in his favour.

Ize-Iyamu has the edge of being an old political warhorse who has fought and won many political battles. He has the edge of being a grassroots mobilizer as well as the fact that the APC controls the federal government and their desire to increase the number of states that they control.

The duo hails from Edo South which is the largest voting bloc in the state and the state is traditionally almost equally divided between the APC and PDP. It will be a fight to finish as both men have a lot at stake. Obaseki would love to return for a second term so as to spite Oshiomhole, his friend turned adversary while it will be Ize-Iyamu’s final chance to become the governor since power will leave the south and go to either the north or central as a gentleman’s agreement exists among the stakeholders on power rotation.

Will Obaseki emerge two time lucky with the latter being on his own terms? Will Ize-Iyamu upset the apple cart and humble Obaseki?

September 19 will surely come to pass.

––Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos

Wealthy M en and The Pen

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hy Nigerian rich men don’t write books is still a question begging for answers.

One among notable factors that contributes to the low poverty rate in America is their wealthy men, whom despite their influence still put pen to paper, writing books that that liberate thoughts and promote entrepreneurship skills among Americans.

Bill Gates, despite being the current second richest man in the Universe, still passes vital message across in his telling books; one among which is BUSINESS AT THE SPEED OF THOUGHT. The 105-page book spilled the beans on how best to approach entrepreneurship.

How to Win at The Sport of Business, a best-selling book by billionaire Mark Cuba had arrested and allayed the fears of every intending entrepreneurs among Americans, even nonAmericans. Also, the impacts of Letter to Shareholders by Warrant Buffet on businessmen and shareholders cannot be written off.

A clear message the above-mentioned billionaires had passed across; that being

rich is no obstacle to writing books, especially essential books that will render financial help to average citizens. This is a good message Nigerian rich men should pay attention to.

Imagine if Prince Arthur Eze from the South East writes a book and titled it, ‘My Journey to Stardom’, or Alhaji Aliko Dangote from the North writes a book titled, ‘Crossing the Entrepreneurship Bridge’ or Chief Mike Adenuga from the South West writes a letter to intending (young) businessmen in his book; not only will these books stimulate the entrepreneurial interest of Nigerians, but also they will reduce financial inequalities by liberating the thoughts of Nigerians from the shackles of seeing entrepreneurship as a rocket science.

Many Nigerians will be so eager to buy these books, especially when they know they were written by billionaires and will definitely be of great help. Not only will they (Nigerians) have these books at hand, but also, many copies will be kept in our libraries for book lovers to surf.

––Hashim Yussuf Amao,hashimlegalbard@ gmail.com.

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JU ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERNATIONAL Demolition of Nigeria’s High Commission in Ghana: Diplomatic Obligation versus Diplomatic Rascality

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emolishing the fence surrounding the official residence of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, in order to gain further access to the land behind it and destroying the new residential building under construction by the Nigeria High Commission, which is still within the residential diplomatic premises of Nigeria’s High Commissioner, is not simply a violation of diplomatic convention. It is even more than a crime.

And true enough, it raises the fundamental issue of political governance in Africa, which has to be more constructively addressed if regional and continental integration is to be meaningful.

The mania of political governance in Africa is largely responsible for its development setbacks, and particularly why the quest for both regional and continental integration cannot but remain a recidivist dream in the long run, in spite of the 1991 Abuja Treaty Establishing an African Economic Community. Political governance in Africa cares little about public complaints. In Nigeria, for example, public complaints always fall on the deaf ears of public servants. Public Service is only efficient when instructions are given from above. Civil and public officers, in most cases, do not freely and responsibly work. This situation is what obtains in many African countries.

This, without any jot of doubt, appears to be one of the reasons for the very reckless destruction of Nigeria’s High Commissioner’s residence in Accra, Ghana, on Friday, 19th June, 2020 at about 10.45pm. The destruction was very reckless because it was consciously carried out. Besides the Government of Ghana cannot rightly claim not to know about the construction and existence of the mission house. It cannot also claim not to know about complaints by one Ghanaian businessman who is also laying claim to the ownership of the land on which the Nigerian Mission residence is being constructed.

Put differently, there is a public complaint to the Government of Ghana. The Government has not promptly responded. The complainant simply took the law into his hand by simply taking a bulldozer to the Nigerian Mission in desperate anger and in violation of the diplomatic obligations prohibiting the violation of any diplomatic premise in whatever circumstance.

It is important to have a clear understanding of what is meant by a diplomatic mission at this juncture. A diplomatic mission answers different names in different settings. Missions exchanged between and among Commonwealth countries are called High Commissions and their Principal Representatives are addressed as High Commissioners. In the Francophone setting, they are called Hauts ReprÊsentants (High Representatives). In the context of the Vatican or the Holy See, they are referred to as Apostolic Nuncio or Papal Nuncio, in short, as Nuncios. But, in general diplomatic tradition, they are all ambassadors, but naming also varies according to ranking. If Nigeria exchanges a diplomatic mission with a non-Commonwealth country, Nigeria’s Principal Representative is called an Ambassador.

More important, in the context of the current demolition of Nigeria’s Mission in Accra, it is also useful not to confuse the international meaning of a Diplomatic Mission which is also popularly called an embassy. A normal embassy is composed of three structures: the Chancery, the Residence, and all the operational instruments or means at the disposal of the Mission to function.’ The Chancery is the office for general administration. the Residence refers to the quarters officially recognised by the receiving State as living place of accredited diplomats. Operational means and instruments include vehicles, communications equipment, furnishing, etc.

What is particularly noteworthy here is that they are all subsumed under the designation of an embassy to which the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations applies.

Consequently, when we talk about demolition of Nigeria’s Embassy in Accra, it is not the chancery that is affected, but the Residence. With this clarification, we can now discuss the very reckless destruction of Nigeria’s diplomatic residence within the general context of Nigeria-Ghana relations to begin with.

UnfriendlyTies as Background

Nigeria’s relationship with Ghana is defined by bilateral

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Onyeama, Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister constraints, plurilateral obligations and multilateral suspicions.

At the bilateral level, the constraints are largely derived from their common colonial inheritance: English as common lingua franca, common educational system, some common cultural affinities, etc. The factor of common lingua franca and educational backgrounds make it possible for Ghanaians to teach in many schools in Nigeria which used to have more and better employment opportunities.

Besides, there are the factors of highlife music and football competition matches for which both countries were and are still well known. They are factors for improving ties and also straining the relationship. However, rivalry, though a healthy one, has not prevented the many strains and constraints in the relationship, especially under the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1983 when the ‘Ghana Must Go’ saga was in vogue. By that time, Ghanaians residing in Nigeria were held responsible for Nigeria’s societal ills, particularly armed robberies and they were declared persona non grata.

Perhaps more interestingly at the bilateral level is the issue of assaults on commercial shops owned by Nigerians in Ghana.

In August 2018 and June 2019, shops belonging to Nigerian businessmen were attacked and destructively looted. In every attack and looting, the Government of Ghana never failed to announce that the culprits would be brought to justice, but such announcement or punishment, if any, has not in any way prevented subsequent attacks and reckless looting.

In fact, the Inter-governmental Task Force, comprising representatives from the National Security, Immigration, the Ministry for Interior, Ghana’s Standard Authority, Ministry for Trade and Industry, Ghana Police Service and Ghana Union of Traders Association, arrested 37 Nigerians and closed down ten shops allegedly for paper irregularities in the Tip-Toe Lane, which is the biggest sales point for telephones and computer accessories in Ghana. As reported in The Punch of July 18, 2019, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa had it that 994 Nigerians had been deported from Ghana to Nigeria in the previous eighteen months, that is, between January 2018 and June 2019.

Without any whiff of doubt, the demolition of the fence of the diplomatic residence of Nigeria’s High Commissioner in Ghana is not a crime per se, but a derelict, for which the state and international responsibility of the Ghanaian government cannot but be raised. Destroying the fence to gain access to the backyard and also demolishing another residential building under construction raises the issue of Ghana’s administrative lapses, remissness and irresponsibility.

And most unfortunately too, it points to Nigeria’s diplomatic myopia and rascality: how can a piece of land be purchased in 2000, well receipted for, and in 2020, more than 19 years after, no title has been given? What prevented a reminder from the Mission? When the High Commission was informed that the land already paid for would be resold to a third party and the High Commission was required to present the documents at its disposal, what prevented a response? And true enough, what civil servants do in Nigeria is what they export to Ghana: diplomatic rascality and braggadocio, always rhetorically reacting to foreign threats without a programmatic foreign policy in place. Most unfortunate! Lessons from the Ghana saga must be learnt, especially in terms of foreign policy making and implementation.The culture of prompt response to public enquiry must be developed

And most importantly, there is the 1994 Ghanaian law enacted to protect Ghanaian traders to the detriment of foreigners. The law provides that only capital-intensive foreign businesses, with the minimum of $300,000 capital outlay and having the capacity to employ not less than ten Ghanaians, should be allowed to open shops or remain in business. In light of this law, several Ghanaians have been pressurising their Government to implement the law. In fact, Ghanaians want the shops of all foreign petty traders completely shut. This clearly shows that the relationship at the bilateral level has been frosty in various ways.

At the plurilateral level, the ECOWAS, there is the influence rivalry. Ghana acceded to national sovereignty on March 6, 1957, at least, three years before Nigeria did on October 1, 1960.

As such, Ghana had been playing active parts, and well known, in international relations before Nigeria began to do so. When Nigeria began to engage in influence politics, the foreign policy interests of the two countries also began to conflict. The first case in point was the Casablanca school of thought, which was championed by Ghana and which advocated a political approach to the making of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in the early 1960s.

In opposition to this Casablanca school of thought is that of the Nigeria-led functionalist school, which underscored the need to have African leaders, first of all, lay the foundations for political unity. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana argued that there should be political unity first, that is, United States of Africa, and all other things shall follow. The Nigerian school, also referred to as the Monrovia school, did consider that many African countries had just gained their flag independence and therefore needed time to, first of all, stabilise before anything else. In all, the Monrovia school eventually prevailed, but the underlying animosity between Nigeria and Ghana has not been easily thrown away into the dustbin of history.

At the multilateral level, the nature of the relationship is not farfetched to understand. It is predicated largely on suspicions and friendly enmity. We can conveniently discuss the current saga of demolition of Nigeria’s Mission in Accra from the perspective of the multilateral diplomatic agreement done in Vienna, Austria in 1961.

Vienna Convention’s Obligations

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations was adopted on 14 April 1961 by the United Nations Conference on Diplomatic Intercourse and Immunities which took place at the Neue Hofburg in Vienna, Austria. The Convention entered into force on 24 April 1964. The quick ratifications and entry into force of the agreement are explainable by the importance attached to the Convention and the need to quickly have it in operation.

Currently, not less than 192 countries are party to the Convention.

Ghana signed the Convention on 18 April 1961 and ratified it on 28 June 1962. Nigeria signed the agreement on 31 March 1962 and ratified it on 19 June, 1967.

The immediate implication of the foregoing is that the Vienna agreement creates obligations for all its adherents. But what are these obligations in the context of the reckless destruction of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Accra? It is against these obligations that the international responsibility of Ghana shall be explicated hereafter.

Article 21 paragraph 1 requires Ghana to ‘either facilitate the acquisition on its territory, in accordance with its laws, by the sending State, of premises necessary for its mission or assist the latter in obtaining accommodation in some other way.’ Paragraph 2 of the same article requires Ghana to ‘also, where necessary, assist missions in obtaining suitable accommodation for their members.’ What should be noted here is the need to differentiate between an existing and yet-to- exist accommodation. Article 21 is about a yet-to-exist accommodation in which case the Government of Ghana is still obligated to facilitate the acquisition of it and also ensure its protection.

The protection is more emphatic in Article 22 of the Convention. As noted in its paragraph 1, ‘the premises of the mission shall be inviolable. The agents of the receiving State may not enter them, except with the consent of the Head of the Mission.’ A receiving State is one that hosts an accredited mission from a sending State. In this regard, Nigeria is the sending State while Ghana is the receiving State. Thus, Ghana is prohibited from entering Nigeria’s mission unless with the express permission of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Accra. And perhaps more interestingly, if the agents of the Ghanaian authority are not enabled by international law to enter into Nigeria’s diplomatic mission without express permission, therefore forcefully entering it and engaging in the destruction of an internationally protected premise cannot but be very bizarre.

According to paragraph 2 of the Article, ‘the receiving State is under a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the Mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the Mission or impairment of its dignity.’ What is again noteworthy here is the ‘special duty’ of Ghana to protect Nigeria’s Mission against any intrusion, prevent its damage and disturbance of it.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ 2020

BUSINESS

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

Amid Vulnerability, Nigeria’s Economy Musters Resilience Amidst the growing pessimism from eternal agents that the Nigerian economy may not escape another recession following the impact of COVID-19, there’s been counter and strong postulations by domestic actors who believe the economy will soon be out of the woods going by the aggressive policy interventions by both monetary and fiscal authorities. James Emejo writes

N

igeria has a compelling case why to slide into another recession going by key macroeconomic indicators which are not impressive at this time in particular.

It happens that the government depends on over 80 per cent of oil revenue to meet its obligations amidst efforts to diversify the economy into agriculture.

But the outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic had caused significant distortion to the domestic economy as global oil price averaged below $20 for the first time in decades as patronage dwindled drastically while the virus continued to wreak havoc worldwide.

In fact, the impact of the virus necessitated the revision of the country’s benchmark oil price for 2020 budget to $25 per barrel from previously $57 per barrel and oil production to 1.9mbpd from 2.18mbpd.

Speaking on the impact of the pandemic on the economy at a global investor call organised by Citibank, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said the federal government had reduced its revenue available for budget (including government owned enterprises (GOEs) from N8.4 trillion to N5.6 trillion while COVID-19-related fiscal expenditure gulped N500 billion.

Also, the country’s growth forecast of 2.9 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for pre-COVID-19 period had witnessed a contraction to 4.4 per cent post COVID-19.

GDP managed to grow by 1.87 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms in the first quarter of 2020 (Q1 2020).

One of the major concerns for the economy was the rising public debt and the huge amount required for debt service amidst the drastic dwindling in revenue.

Only recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its forecast for the Nigerian economy, predicting a contraction by 5.4 per cent in 2020, lower than the 3.4 per cent negative growth it had estimated for the country in April.

This is as a director at Fitch Ratings further warned that a sharp rise in Nigeria’s sovereign debt and a ballooning financing gap could trigger a rating downgrade.

The country is also weighed down by other economic indices including rising inflation, unemployment, foreign exchange pressure among others.

However, amidst the seeming bleak economic future for the country, economic managers have not relented in ensuring the negative predictions about the country do not happen.

Evidently, both monetary and fiscal authorities have rolled out unprecedented interventions towards ameliorating the impact of COVID-19 on Nigerians in general since the outbreak and in desperate efforts to prove book makers wrong.

According to the finance minister, at the global investor call, which was designed towards wooing foreign capital into the economy, some of the fiscal measures taken to respond adequately to COVID-19 was the establishment of a N500 billion COVID-19 Crisis.

Others include the allocation of N102.5 billion ($335 million) in resources to be available for direct interventions in the healthcare sector, of which the sum, N6.5 billion had already been made available to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for critical expenditure .

The federal government, among other things, also approved the withdrawal of $150 million from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Stabilisation Fund to augment the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements.

Also, to cushion the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, the government introduced significant tax relief for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and approved extension of time for filing value added tax (VAT) and withholding tax from 21st to the last working day of the month, following the month of deduction.

According to Ahmed, the federal government had swiftly introduced fiscal measures to protect people, jobs and the economy, a development that could further stimulate the economy and ultimately avoid a recession.

On the monetary front, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had initiated the established N1.1 trillion intervention fund to cushion the adverse effects of the pandemic as well as disbursed N107.25 billion to boost local manufacturing and production across critical sectors.

The apex bank further earmarked the sum of N100 billion for the health services sector through the provision of loans to industry operators.

Also, in a bold initiative which is unprecedented, the CBN established a N50 billion fund to support households and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) affected by COVID-19 among other measures.

However, several analysts believe the measures already taken by the government are modest enough to avoid a recession.

Emefiele had noted that there were robust buffers prior to the COVID-19 crisis and additional measures introduced by the CBN will help maintain the resilience of Nigerian banks .

Ahmed

EmeďŹ ele

Accordingtohim,non-performingloan(NPL)ratioshavedeclined significantly since September 2018 while regulatory forbearance had been granted to banks in assessing loans to firms significantly impacted by the virus in order to deal with the impact of COVID-19.

He added that such firms might be granted a moratorium on loan repayments as well as restructuring of existing loans.

The CBN governor said total credit increased by N3.16 trillion ( US$8 billion ) or 20.45 per cent between April 2019 and April 2020 , attributing it largely to the CBN’s directive to banks on Loan Deposit Ratios, which encouraged increased lending.

The CBN governor noted that COVID-19 had impact on external position as foreign reserves had lost $8.5 billion decline due to $21 billion increase in imports in 2019 as well as offshore investors exiting OMO bills market in Q2 2019 and Q1 2020 among other adverse effects on the economy.

Nonetheless,theFederalExecutiveCouncil(FEC)lastWednesday approved N2.3 trillion sustainability package, recommended by the Economic Sustainability Committee chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, to revamp the economy.

The FEC also approved N122.280billion billion to build seven roads in different parts of the country and another N14.90 billion for the award of contracts for 11 ecological projects in the six geopolitical zones in a measured effort to stimulate economic growth amidst COVID-19.

Emefiele, recently reiterated his commitment to steer the Nigerian economy away from the looming recession due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of the push by some vested interests to impugn the integrity of the bank.

Speaking in an interview with THISDAY however, Professor of Finance and Capital Markets at Nasarawa State University, Prof.

Uche Uwaleke, said going by massive intervention programmes by both monetary and fiscal authorities, the IMF and other ratings institutions who had predicted that the country will fall into recession may eat their words eventually.

He said: “This IMF report is only a forecast based on some assumptions which may or may not crystallise. In it, the Fund is projecting that the Nigerian economy will tank by -5,4 per cent this year. Recall that the previous forecast was -3.4% worse down global average of 3 per cent. All things considered, I do not think the Nigerian economy will contract by as much as -5.4 per cent this year as this revised forecast indicates given that Q1 of 2020 was able to eke out a positive growth of 1.87 per cent. “Also, the government and the CBN have pumped and are still pumping money into the economy to contain the negative impact of COVID’19 on the economy. By the same token, much

of the external loans already secured for either BOP support or for infrastructure have moratorium periods effectively postponing repayment obligations. Moreover, oil price is beginning to climb following OPECs compliance to production cut agreement with OPEC+ coupled with the fact that the economy is gradually being restarted.�

TheformerImoStateCommissionerforFinance,said:“Iexpectthe tempo of economic activities to pick up as soon as flight operations resume and the ban on inter-state travel is lifted. All these factors will combine to ensure that any economic recession recorded will not be as severe as the IMF is projecting. “I am optimistic that in the near future, IMF will be revising its forecasts confirming only a tepid recession for Nigeria. It’s important that the government continues to ramp up the level of support especially to agric and SMEs. “The CBN should continue on its new found path of monetary accommodation while on the fiscal side, efforts should be made to ensure that stimulus packages as well as existing government Social Intervention Schemes are closely monitored for efficiency and effectiveness.�

Also, speaking with THISDAY, economist and former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, predicted a possible growth by the end of the second quarter going by the economic stimulus by government.

He said: “Recession is not a wish, it is an economic situation that is clearly defined. When there is a decline in economic growth for two consistent quarters, it becomes automatically a recession. “I do believe that with the easing of the lockdown and attendant increase in economic activities, the projected stimulus of N500 billion in the 2020 budget, there is a likelihood of a possible marginal growth at the end of the Q2 which ends on the 30th of June. “Even if the economic decline is sustained because of the short period of ease of lockdown, the possible recession will be shortlived and may not last as long as the 2016 to 2017 recession.

This is so as OPEC has been able to reverse the global steep oil price crash.�

Further relying on the deep domestic debt market which will adequately provide the balance required to plug the gap without crowding out the private sector as well as adequate reserves buffer to weather external shocks , it becomes reassuring that a recession may as well be avoided.

This is even as the government further assured that, “The Nigerian economy is ultimately resilient due to favourable demographics and a diversified real economy in which government’s share of economic activity is relatively small.�

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ 2020

18

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Will Nigeria’s Economy )XlÀll ,0)’s 3roSKesy" The economic situation appears to be growing worse than earlier expected in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. If the projection of the International Monetary Fund is anything to reckon with, the country will experience its deepest recession in decades as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is tipped to fall by 5.4 percent. The ordinary Nigerians, however, will be at the receiving end as cost of living continues to aggravate with an ever rising inflation, Bamidele Famoofo reports

N

igeria’s economic woes will deepen in 2020 according to reports from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Bretton Woods Institution, which oversees the world’s monetary system’s stability, reversed its projections on Nigeria’s economy recently, when it says GDP will drop by 5.4 percent contrary to earlier target of 3.4 percent.

IMF’s Chief Economist, Gita Gopinath, said last month that the global outlooks are worse than previously expected and the fund may downgrade its April forecasts based on data its computing.

Fiscal Monetary Policies seem to have eased in first world nations and emerging economies.

But the downturn in economic performance is not peculiar to Nigeria’s economy as it is a global phenomenon. For instance, the IMF has said Sub-Saharan Africa’s gross domestic product is expected to shrink by 3.2 per cent in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sub-Saharan Africa was previous estimated contract 1.6 per cent.

In its World Economic Outlook update, the IMF projected that GDP in South Africa, the continent’s most advanced economy, would shrink by 8 percent in 2020, a bigger contraction than the 5.8 percent forecast in April.

South Africa’s strict nationwide lockdown, imposed in late March to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, sharply curtailed production across key sectors such as mining and retail, further hobbling an economy already in recession.

The downturn is not a trouble for only developing economies as the GDP of United States is set to take an 8 percent hit in 2020, compared to 5.9 percent earlier predicted, 2021 growth forecast is pegged at 4.5 percent.

The Euro Area is expected to shrink by 10.2 percent in 2020 and grow 6 percent in 2021.

Emerging Markets are expected to shrink by 3% while advanced economies by 8%, compared to 6.1% previously predicted.

China will see a little growth as it’s expected to grow by just 1%. Brazil is expected to shrink 9.1%, Mexico by 10.5% and India by 4.5%.

IMF warns that the reductions in GDP due to COVID-19 will widen inequality, with over 90% of emerging market economies expected to have per capita income declines.

Global trade for goods and services will also shrink by 11.9% this year.

The group expects 2 possible scenarios, first a possible second virus outbreak next year which will disrupt economic activity to about half the value expected for this year, emerging economies are expected to feel the heat more and global outlook will be 4.9% lower than 2021 forecasts.

The other scenario predicts a faster than expected economic rebound with global forecasts 3% higher than 2021 expectations.

Meanwhile Nigeria faces economic distress not only from the coronavirus outbreak but also from a sharp fall in crude prices.

Nigeria’s finance minister, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed Nigeria’s said the economy could shrink by as much as 8.9 percent in 2020 in a worst-case scenario. But the global lender expects Nigeria’s economy to rebound by 2.6 percent in 2021.

Ahmed

Meanwhile, the cost of living in Nigeria has risen steadily as annual inflation rose for the ninth straight month in May, to a two-year high of 12.4 percent.

IMF says the higher than expected GDP decline is a sign that poorer economies are being hit harder because, “for many countries that are staring out at lower per capita income levels when you have a growth hit of 3 percentage points, the distress that it causes in people’s lives is in a bigger magnitude than a similar decline for an advanced economy so these are very difficult times.� “With the relentless spread of the pandemic, prospects of long-lasting negative consequences for livelihoods, job security and inequality have grown more daunting,�

IMF said in its revised World Economic Outlook.

Stimulus Globally, Central Banks have announced stimulus plans up to $11 trillion, which is $3 trillion higher than April estimates. These plans are expected to soften the effects on the declining economic activity and limited the rising borrowing costs; also emerging markets portfolios have seen a recovery from earlier withdrawals.

The fund says the reduced global GDP could “tip some economies into debt crises and slow activity further�.

In Nigeria, government has approved N2.3 trillion (about $6bn) stimulus plan for Nigerians. “The total package that we presented today is in the sum of N2.3 trillion. N500 billion of this is a stimulus package that is already provided for in the amended 2020 Appropriations Act. These are funds that we have sourced from special accounts. We also have N1.2 trillion of these funds to be sourced as structured low-cost loans which are interventionary from the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as other development partners and institutions,� Ahmed said. “We have N344 billion that will be sourced from bilateral and external sources and also additional funds that we can source locally,� she added.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) also approved the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) as recommended by the economic sustainability committee led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a means to distribute the stimulus to help the dwindling economy.

The goals of the NESP are to create jobs, pump money into the economy and hope-

fully stop it slipping into recession, support small businesses and prioritise local content (Made-in-Nigeria).

The NESP is a 12-month ‘Transit’ Plan between the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the ERGP-successor-plan currently being worked upon. “There is a strategy that has been adopted and this whole plan is to enable us respond to the triple problem of low exchange rate, youth unemployment as well as negative growth which is facing us now,â€? Mrs. Ahmed said. “The plan has to also support small businesses that have suffered severe impact of COVID-19 as a result of lockdowns, especially, the hotel industry; private schools, restaurants as well as the transport sector have been very well impacted by this. “We have also seen a significant impact on the poor and the vulnerable and even people that were okay as small traders, have been hard hit ‌,â€? she said.

The minister also said the council noted interventions in the plan that would prevent businesses from collapsing and also infuse liquidity into the Nigerian economy. “These will create jobs using labour-intensive methods such as agriculture, facility management, housing, construction, direct labour interventions that will create a lot of jobs very quickly. We had also proposed in the plan to undertake growth-enhancing jobs, creating infrastructure investments in roads, bridges, solar power, communications technology and several others. “We have promoted in the plan, manufacturing and local production at all levels.

We are advocating for the use of made in Nigeria in all of these public works that we will be doing as a way of creating jobs opportunities to enhance jobs sufficiency. “So we expect – for road construction, for instance – we expect the minister of works not to buy bitumen but to consider the use of gemstones and cement or other materials that can be used here. That way we conserve our resources and will also be able to ignite other sectors within the economy,� she explained.

The official also spoke on specific interventions in the construction and housing sector. “The same thing for housing as well. The design is to have 300,000 houses built using standard designs that will be done by the ministry of works and housing but using strictly low-cost materials. “On the building sites, the plan is to have carpenters and others that will have multiplier effect on the economy,� she said.

She said “the third pillar for us is to ensure rigorous implementation and this is important because this is a 12-month plan that is meant to pull our economy from sliding into a deep recession.� “It will also be a plan that will anchor to the successor period that we have already started working on,� she said. “It is a 12-month plan, a transit plan meant to be implemented quickly.� “To that effect, the federal executive council has agreed that the procurement processes become relaxed in a manner that we are adopting a faster mood as opposed to using the longer procurement process. “With the National Assembly passing the budget, we have funding ready to go but we need procurement to be done quickly so that this money can be put to immediate use,� she added.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ 2020

BUSINESS / ECONOMY

A textile retail outlet in Lagos

Cost of Living Rises as ,nĂ ation Worsens There seems to be no end in sight to the rising cost of living in Nigeria as headline inflation for the month of May expanded by 6 basis points to sustain its two-digit stance at 12.40 per cent. The figure in May, according to analysts, was the steepest price growth the country has recorded since July 2017. Bamidele Famoofo reports

T

hese are not good times for Nigerians as the rising cost of daily needs especially foods continue to rise. The figure of headline inflation released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in May, the most recent of such, increased to 12.40 percent, expanding 6 basis points from 12.34 percent recorded in April.

According to analysts at Cordros Research, the growth in May was the sharpest recorded since July 2017 month- on- month. “From a month ago, the headline inflation increased by 15bps to 1.17 per cent, steepest pace of price growth since July 2017,� Cordros noted.

Food inflation rose to 15.04 per cent year on year in May compared to 15.03 per cent year-on-year in the preceding month. According to the NBS, the rise was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, oils and fats, fruits, fish and meat. Compared toApril 2020, food inflation expanded by 24 basis points, to 1.42 per cent month-on-month. “Core inflation posted a similar outturn, as the basket was up by 14bps to 10.12 per cent. Most of the pressures in the month were recorded in the prices of pharmaceutical products, medical services, repair of furniture, hospital services, passenger transport by road, motor car, bicycles, maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by sea and inland waterways, paramedical services, motorcycles,

and hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment. On a month-on-month basis, the core index was down by 5bps 0.88 percent,� NBS disclosed.

IncreaseswererecordedinallCOICOPdivisions that yielded the headline index.

On month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 1.17 per cent in May 2020, this is 0.15 per cent rate higher than the rate recorded in April 2020 (1.02) per cent.

The urban inflation rate increased by 13.03 per cent (year-on-year) in May 2020 from 13.01 per cent recorded in April 2020, while the rural inflation rate increased by 11.83 percent in May 2020 from 11.73 per cent in April 2020.

On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.18 per cent in May 2020, up by 0.12 points from 1.06 percent recorded in April 2020, while the rural index also rose by 1.16 percent in May 2020, up by 0.18 points from the rate recorded in April 2020 (0.90 percent).

The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 12.36 percent in May 2020. This is higher than 12.26 per cent reported in April 2020, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in May 2020 is 11.26 per cent compared to 11.20 per cent recorded in April 2020.

Thepercentagechangeintheaveragecomposite CPI for the twelve months period ending May 2020 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 11.79 per cent, showing 0.08 per cent point from 11.71 per cent recorded

in April 2020.

The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 12.40 per cent (year-on-year) in May 2020. This is 0.06 per cent points higher than the rate recorded inApril 2020 (12.34) per cent.

The composite food index rose by 15.04 per cent year-on-year in May 2020 compared to 15.03 per cent in April 2020.

This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, Potatoes, Yam and other tubers, oils and fats, fruits, fish and meat.

The average annual rate of change of the food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending May2020overtheprevioustwelve-monthaverage was 14.33 per cent, 0.11 points from the average annual rate of change recorded in April 2020 (14.22 per cent).

On month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 1.42 percent in May 2020, up by 0.24 percent points from 1.18 per cent recorded in April 2020.

On month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 0.88 percent in May 2020. This was down by0.05 per cent when compared with 0.93 per cent recorded in April 2020.

The ‘’All items less farm produce’’ or core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 10.12 percent in May 2020, up by 0.14 per cent when compared with 9.98 per cent recorded in April 2020.

The average 12-month annual rate of change of

the index was 9.27 per cent for the twelve-month period ending May 2020; this is 0.1 per cent points higher than 9.17 per cent recorded in April 2020.

ALL ITEMS LESS FARM PRODUCE In May 2020, all items inflation on year on year basis was highest in Rivers (14.91per cent), Bauchi (14.46 per cent) and Ebonyi, Kogi and Plateau (13.87 per cent), while Benue (11.13 per cent),Adamawa (11.10 per cent) and Kwara (10.58 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in headline Year on Year inflation.

On month on month basis however, May 2020 all items inflation was highest in Bayelsa (2.33 per cent), Delta (2.03 per cent) and Ebonyi (2.00 per cent), while Oyo (0.48 per cent), Akwa Ibom (0.47 per cent) and Zamfara (0.35 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in headline month on month inflation.

In May 2020, food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Abuja (18.13 per cent), Osun (17.40 per cent) and Imo (17.13 per cent), while Abia (13.46 per cent), Bauchi (12.97 per cent) and Kaduna (12.97 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

On month-on-month basis, however, May 2020 food inflation was highest in Ebonyi (3.43 per cent), Bayelsa (3.21 per cent) and Edo (2.74 per cent), while Zamfara (0.22) and Abia (0.21 per cent) recorded the slowest rise with Akwa Ibom recording price deflation or negative inflation (general decrease in the general price level of food or a negative food inflation rate).

20

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ 2020

BUSINESS INTERVIEW GODWIN EMEFIELE

Parallel Market Can’t Be Used to Determine Naira Exchange Rate Citibank, last week, organised an investor conference call titled: “COVID-19 Economic and Budgetary Update�, which featured four top government officials. During the event that lasted for an hour and 15 minutes, the Nigerian officials spoke about fiscal and monetary policy responses since the outbreak of the virus in the country as well as efforts to reflate the economy. They also expressed optimism that with the right dose of measures, the damaging impact of the deadly virus on the economy and livelihoods would not be severe. Obinna Chima, who monitored the event brings excerpts from the presentations as well as responses to questions by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product ikesomeofyoualreadyknow, during the first quarter of this year, GDP was at 1.87 per cent as against what most people had predicted.

So, for us, it was a pleasant one because if you imagine what happened in other economies, whether developing or developed, most of them suffered contraction in output growth, but we were lucky that we saw a positive growth. Of course, the reason it was positive was because we had actually gained some momentum in growth into the fourth quarter of 2019, and that momentum had continued into January and February.Also, in March when COVID-19 started, the impact didn’t come quite fast as some would have thought it would be.

So, that was the reason why we saw a positive growth during the first quarter. So, because of the adverse consequence of the COVID-19, we do not agree with analysts and those who are looking at Nigeria’s GDP. Yes, second quarter would be bad in terms of growth. So, we do expect that there would be negative growth during the second quarter of 2020, but for third quarter, some have also projected that it would be negative and that, that would unfortunately take us into technical recession. But some of you that listened to our last Monetary Policy Committee press conference after the meeting or read the communique, would have known that some of us at the Monetary Policy Committee feel that if all hands are on the deck and we all work together as we have been doing on the monetary and fiscal policy side, we might be possible for us to escape a contraction during the quarter of 2020, which would make the economy not to go into a recession. But, even if those who are pessimistic win in their prediction, we feel that the contraction would be somewhat minimised.

But we are very positive that even if it happens, by the first quarter of 2021, we would reverse the situation to positive growth. Whereas those who are forecasting for 2021 have predicted a contraction by four per cent for 2021, we are not that pessimistic and we think that if we get aggressive on our job and what we are doing in terms of policies that are being put in place to grow the economy, we might be lucky not to have a negative growth. Let me say that this positive expectation is anchored on the proactive policies of government in response to Covid-19, including the combined N3.3 trillion stimulus that have been put together by the CBN to support the Nigerian economy and all sectors. Now, we are taking about the healthcare, pharmaceutical, agriculture, SMEs, household loans and manufacturing sector, where we have put different policies or stimulus packages that would help turn the situation around for the economy.

Balance of Payment Also, as a result of weakened global activities and significant compression in export earnings, our Balance of Payment (BoP) went into negative territory. But we still believe that with all the policies being put in place by both the monetary and fiscal side, to reduce imports and also encourage exports, we believe that BoP would return to positive numbers in the course of 2020.

L

Ination Expectation We saw a remarkably stable inflation rate in the last one year, having hovered around a one per cent point variation, from 11.37 per cent in

EmeďŹ ele

April 2019, to 12.34 per cent inApril 2020. Despite supply shocks as a result of COVID-19, price increases have been recorded in 2020. Our outlook on inflation is for a backward trend during the third and fourth quarter as we see improvement in productivity in the course of the year.

Exchange Rate We saw significant drop in crude oil prices and everybody panicked as it got to as low as $12 per barrel during the bad days. So, with the significant drop in crude oil, forex inflow as well pressure, particularly from our foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to safe haven, which led to a sizable currency depreciation. So, there was movement by about 15 per cent, from about N305 to a dollar, to an official rate of about N360 to a dollar.And the more market determined rate, which is the Investors and Exporters’ window has stabilised at about N388 to a dollar since the last two months. The expectation is that liquidity would continue as forex inflows resume with

the recovery in the price of crude oil and capital flows. Now, even if you take that aside, you will all see that we have been able to access $3.4 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but we are expecting about $3 billion from different development partners and that is expected to shore up our reserves.As we speak, our reserves is slightly above $36 billion, which is a comfortable level to support the economy and all obligations that would come that requires forex.

External Reserves Spillover from global shocks implied that reserves have also been under pressure.Although it reduced from about $44 billion in June 2019, to about $36 billion as of today, it is more than adequate to cover imports. The outlook is that as oil prices recovers and inflows improve and of course, whether we like it or not, we have to consider inflows from our development partners, we believe that our reserves accretion would commence.

Health of Banking Sector The banking sector remains strong and resilient as indicated by financial sector indicators. For instance, capital adequacy ratio of the industry stood at 14.9 per cent as at April 2020, from about 14.5 per cent at the end of December 2019. The minimumexpectedis10percent.Non-performing loans (NPLs) is slightly above five per cent, with minimum threshold standing at about 6.6 per cent as atApril 2020. But, compared to 11 per cent as at April 2019, we think that is a very good position and we are determined to ensure that everything is done to continue bringing down the NPLs. Liquidity ratio of the industry was about 38.4 per cent as at April 2020, from about 45 per cent as at December 2019. With the expected minimum being 30 per cent, then we think 38.4 per cent is good enough, given the fact that we are putting in place policies that would encourage banks to lend. The sector is showing strong growth. Total assets of the banking industry as at April 2020 stood at N46 trillion, which was an increase of about 18 per cent between April 2019 and April 2020. We see ample liquidity buffers for the sector, even with the over N10 trillion maintained today in the cash reserve balances of the CBN. There has been strong growth in the sector as a result of central bank’s policy. Under our loan to deposit ratio (LDR) policy, total gross credit increased over N3 trillion to about N15.5 trillion at the end of May 2019, to about N18.6 trillion as at the end April 2020. The credit growth was largely recorded in manufacturing, consumer credit, general commerce, information and communication and agriculture. And of course, we also saw interest coming from borrowers because of reduced lending rate. On the issue of open market operation (OMO) bills, the policy has improved banks’ funding level, which is our view, some may disagree. That is because monies that ordinarily ought to have been invested in OMO bills, as a result of the LDR policy, we have seen over N5 trillion on the balance sheet of our banks.

Complementary measures are also being taken to ensure that NPLs are managed through our global standing instruction policy. Some of you would know what this means. In order to reduce the number of NPLs in the industry, we came up with the policy that if you are a borrower of a prospective borrower who intends to access a loan in a bank, you would sign an agreement guaranteeing that you would pay your loan and that if for any reason you want to abandon the loan and go to another bank and you are reported to the Credit Management System, the CBN would have the mandate to go round and scan our name using your Bank Verification Number and wherever you are having credit balances,

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ 2020

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Zainab Ahmed: Fuel Subsidy Removal Not Temporary State of the Economy: Fuel Subsidy Removal Not Temporary

rather than by government, because they are the owners of the network and all they have to do is to defend their service before the regulators.

The entire global economy is facing difficult times and Nigeria is not insulated from that.

But we can say that ours is not as bad as other countries. Nigeria faced two shocks simultaneously. First of all, there was the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and then the crash in crude oil price and all of these were happening together. The crash in crude oil price meant that our revenue declined by more than 20 per cent. Oil export has remained Nigeria’s single source of revenue. However, the broader economy is fairly diversified. We have 91 per cent of the Nigerian economy that is non-oil sector and 35 per cent of our labour force are in agriculture. Agriculture contributes 22 per cent of our GDP, trade contributes 25 per cent, while oil and gas contributes just nine per cent.

We have an Information Technology sector that continues to grow and today contributes 11 per cent to the GDP. So, if you look at the Nigerian economy, you will see that oil and gas is just nine per cent, while the rest of the economy and various sector makes up 91 per cent. The real GDP growth by sector also shows significant stability in ICT, transport, water, science as well as the arts.

GDP Growth Projection The GDP growth that we attained in 2019 was 2.9 per cent. We were projecting 2020 to be much better than 2019, unfortunately we had the pandemic and the crash in crude oil price and from our projection we are seeing a negative GDP growth of 4.4 per cent. But if we are able to implement the economic stimulus that government had planned, you can moderate the contraction to as low as one per cent. But even looking at the movement from 2.9per cent to a negative growth of 4.4 per cent, it is a very wide gap. We have seen federal government’s revenue from N8.4 trillion down to N5.6 trillion. We are also incurring Covid-19 related expenditure which is a minimum of N500 million.

Revised Budget We have tried to amend our Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy paper, just to bring it up to current reality. We have a funding gap which was previously planned for $7.1 billion, now this has been increased to $13.3 billion. We had to change our crude oil benchmark price from N57 to a barrel to $28 per barrel. Also, we had to revise downward our oil production volume 2.1 million barrels per day to 1.9 million barrels per day. We also had to revise downward some of our non-oil revenue, specifically some taxes and customs receipts that are driven by trade. For the privatisation exercise, due to the current realities, most of the assets that we were trying to sell would not

Health Sector Intervention The response has been very swift. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Federal Ministry of Health acted very quickly. The cases we have are still very low for Nigeria, compared to what has happened in some of our African countries, especially like South Africa and also compared to the United Kingdom and America. So, we are fortunate that the cases are still low. Nevertheless, it is still a case of concern to us and we continue to work to make sure that we are able to contain the spread of the virus. Our response have been people-oriented and our target is to protect our citizens’ lives, create jobs and improve growth in the economy.

Nigeria is responding to this twin shock and the Economic Management team recognises the impact of this pandemic that we are faced with and we have just launched the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan, which was designed to provide immediate response to this double whammy that we are facing. There is a strong collaboration between the fiscal and monetary authorities. The healthcare system has a lot of shortfalls and we are working together to make sure that it is upgraded. We have set up a number of isolation centres and they are being managed very well. We are not overwhelmed by the number of people that are affected. The Nigerian economy is resilient and it is working very well in our favour because of our demography.

The informal sector itself has proven resilient and the private sector has continued to cooperate with government to anchor the stabilisation of the economy.

Ahmed

find good value or would not be able to find good market. We had prepared the 2020 budget using an exchange rate of N305 to a dollar, we since have changed that to N360 to the dollar.

Fuel Subsidy Removal We also took advantage of the opportunity in the crash in crude oil prices to remove fuel subsidy. This would be saving us, in the first instance, N457 billion, which was provided for in the 2020 budget, before the amendment. Now, it is zero that is provided for. But what is not provided for in the budget perhaps also is the exchange rate differential, which is also another saving that we have. So, for fuel subsidy, the removal for us is not temporary. We used this

opportunity to remove the fuel subsidy because the time was right and we don’t have plan to continue with fuel subsidy even when crude oil price changes to a point where subsidy is required. We are conscious of the fact that it had been a huge fiscal burden on us and we had been looking at a way out, we found a way and we have exited fuel subsidy. We are now allowing the market to determine the price.

Cost-reective Tariff for Power Sector We are working together with the distribution networks within the country to attain a full cost-reflective tariff for the power sector by 2021. This would be a gradual process and it is largely driven by the distribution networks

External Borrowing We also have access to external concessional funding which are low cost and longer tenor.

We have a domestic market that is deep and we invite investors to consider investing in the Nigerian domestic market. The returns are good and attractive. We also have at this time, reasonably adequate reserves to weather external shocks. We have the World Bank negotiation on course. We are looking at the World Bank going for its board meeting on August 6th, for Nigeria’s approval. We have met largely all the conditions for the facility. We missed getting ready for the July board meeting, so we are now getting reading for the August board. We are on course and the amount that we are raising in the first instance is $1.5 billion for the federal government and around September or October, we are hoping to get the facility that is meant to support the state and the amount is between $1 billion and $1.5 billion.

Parallel Market Can’t Be Used to Determine Naira Exchange Rate we would set off the credit balance against the loan that you took from the bank. That is what we call a global standing instruction policy and this has been working very well.

of their loans or to grant them moratorium, so that they can be alive to continue to service their facilities. Based on this, we believe that NPLs would remain moderately under control.

COVID-19 Interventions Regarding what we have done since the COVID-19, immediately the virus set in sometime around March, we unveiled a package of facilities for the industry to support the SMEs and household businesses that were adversely impacted.

We put in place a N50 billion intervention fund and those loans are being reasonably drawn at this time because who are affected have been able to attract fund. We also unveiled a N100 billion facility for the pharmaceutical and health practitioners and companies for them to re-tool or set up new lines where drugs can be produced and our hospitals can be in a position to take care of the health needs of our people. After that, we also unveiled a N1 trillion facility to support companies in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. We also have other policies we have in place to help meet some of our interventions to support under a PPP arrangement, under some structured financial packages to support infrastructural development in the country. Under that we have about N1.5 trillion to N2 trillion available. From April 2019 into March 2020, all intervention facilities are to be accessed at five per cent rather than nine per cent, just to give borrowers some lease of life. We have also been able to engage the banks to grant some form of forbearance to those companies that are adversely impacted by COVID-19, for the restructuring

Exchange Rate UniďŹ cation What we mean by exchange rate unification is moving towards the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX). NAFEX is our dominant market for the purchase and sale of forex and it is a free market where everybody is free to sell their dollars and those who want to buy are free to buy dollars. That means that whether you are a business man, a bank, CBN, and you have dollars, you can bring it to the market to sell and if you want to buy dollars you can come to the market. Like some of you must have seen, three years before 2019, we saw a relatively stable forex market because the NAFEX rate and even the rate at which the central bank transacts business does outside the NAFEX were substantially close to each other. So, the CBN will continue to pursue unification around the NAFEX. Now, talking about the parallel market, we have always said that the parallel market, or what people always refer to as the black market, is a market for people who want to do dealings that are not recognised by the authorities. Unfortunately, you find out that some people who do not want to procure the type of documentations that are required would sometimes rush to that market.

But we have used the period of this pandemic to prove that anybody dealing in that market today is dealing in an illegal business. I give you

an example: there is a global lockdown right now, particularly on travels and airlines are not flying. So, there shouldn’t be any demand for forex in that market. Notwithstanding the fact that airlines are not flying and there is lockdown, you still find that some people are dealing in that market. So, we are not going to be talking about the unification of our exchange rate around rates for people who are dealing in corrupt practices.

Everybody who wants to buy or sell forex is allowed to deal through our NAFEX market.

That is the market that is recognised and that is why we are saying unification is going to be around the NAFEX. Talks of Forex Scarcity As a result of the pandemic and the drop in crude prices, naturally we have been under pressure. But the fact that reserves still remains above $36 billion, I would imagine it is enough to make somebody feel comfortable and want to do business in Nigeria. You all know that as a result of the pandemic, all manufacturing supply chains have been shut down; and if manufacturing chains have been shut down, we wonder why people would still be talking about opening fresh LCs at this period. So, when anybody comes today and tells us they want to open fresh LCs, we begin to wonder the motives behind that. However, we do recognise that there are some maturing obligations either for LCs or for bills and we have said that notwithstanding that the LCs and bills of transactions are bilateral contract between the exporter and importer, that the CBN and federal government stand ready to

ensure that where there are forex shortages, that we would come in to support the market. So, when somebody says he can’t get dollars to meet maturing obligations or matured obligations, I would want that person to come out. Again, I must recognise that as a result of the pressure where you find people trying to front-load their obligations or the foreign portfolio investors who just want to go out, we are saying we would appreciate if people go out in an orderly manner. When we had similar crisis in 2016, I told everybody to be patient and they were patient and everybody was paid. There is nobody who would say he lost any amount from Nigeria. I am saying same thing now. There is no need for anybody to worry and I can guarantee that everybody would pay.

Import Bill Reduction In the last four years, the government has been doing everything possible to reduce the size of its import. And even now, we are doing more to ensure that we reduce the size of our import and encourage export of our goods. I am sure in the next few weeks or more you would hear more about what we shall be unfolding to make sure we reduce import. We are making intervention funds available for people who want to go into large scale agriculture. We do know that food importation makes up a sizable chunk of our forex and we believe that if we encourage people to go more into agriculture, large scale agriculture, we would achieve a reduction in import and we might even be lucky to see exports that would improve our balance of payment.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ 2020

BUSINESS INTERVIEW GBENGA OKEJIMI Nigeria Needs to Embrace Digital Money Service to further Tackle Poverty Country Manager of WorldRemit at Nigeria and Ghana, Gbenga Okejimi, in this interview speaks on how inbound remittances is helping to shape Nigerian economy, supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that Nigeria recently signed onto. Omolabake Fasogbon brings the excerpts:

N

igeria has recorded a steady increase in remittances since 2010, what do you think is responsible for this?

It is a known fact that Nigerians are well travelled. The increasing migration of Nigerians to other countries for education, better economic life, tourism, trade among others has played a huge role in the size of remittances recorded over the years. Due to the increase in trade activities between Nigeria and her neighbours, expansion of Nigerian banks to other African jurisdictions, remittances have also been on the increase. We should expect further increase in size with the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) which is designed to aid seamless trade among African countries. This will reduce the barriers to trade and migration within the African continent as more countries review their Visa requirements.

With over $17 billion received from direct diaspora remittances between January and November 2019, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, what does Nigerian economy stand to gain from this development?

The World Bank estimates that remittances are becoming a source of external financing for developing countries as global remittances in 2018 was over $600billion in 2018. Locally, it has been estimated that remittances are about two times the size of receipts from crude oil sales, tax and custom collections. In 2018, remittances to Nigeria was $24billion while receipts from crude oil sales, tax and custom collections was about $10.8billion. This shows that the greatest export of Nigeria is actually Human Capital and not oil. With these huge remittance flows, the government has been able to build its foreign exchange reserves and finance public spending and trade opportunities for individuals and corporates. Remittances have also unlocked education opportunities for many disadvantaged Nigerians. With an active diaspora base and proper harnessing of these resources, developmental initiatives of the government can be adequately financed. No doubt, remittances have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has served as a source of income for many to support household and health bills amongst others. It is therefore important that this flow is not disrupted, hence the need to increase awareness on digital transfer which has made remittances much easier.

How has digitisation impacted diaspora remittances?

Before now, both senders and receivers were at the mercy of agents of traditional players.

Senders would usually spend almost the entire day to send funds to recipients who in turn spent additional hours to receive such funds in the bank especially in Africa where bank branches are concentrated in the urban centres. The advent of digitisation has greatly impacted the growth of remittances, we have seen an upsurge in the volumes as recorded by the World Bank yearly.

It is estimated that digital remittance will grow from USD 183 billion in 2017 to USD 314 billion by 2021 according to Business Insider Intelligence.

Globally, there is a shift in remittances from traditional to digital practice. How has Nigeria been responding to this trend?

Traditional means of remittances involve visits

building trust in the concept of digital transfers and its security.

Nigeria happens to be WorldRemit second biggest market in the world. What is the attraction in Nigeria?

Nigeria remains a major market for WorldRemit. Nigerians are known globally in major economies of the World in the areas of education, entertainment, sports and economy etc. Nigeria has exported its trade to other parts of the world and most Nigerians are doing quite well. The continuing migration of Nigerians to other parts of the world will continue to be an attraction for remittance players. It is key to note that Nigerians not only receive from other countries. Outbound transfers are also large considering transfers sent from Nigeria are to 198 of the 200 countries that remittance players operate from.

What is WorldRemit’s strength over other international money transfer operators?

WorldRemit is a company founded firm the experience of our chairman, Mr. IsmailAhmed, a Somali migrant. The service was established based on Ismail’s experience while sending transfers to family members back home. It is a company with so much diversity and cultural values targeting Africans with the intention to make transfers seamless, flexible and cost-effective. We pride ourselves as a digital disruptor which is 100 per cent digital on the send side yet offering multiple options on the receive side; this differentiates us from other players in the market. We are also a low cost player ensuring that transfers are sent at the most convenient and flexible rate.

Okejimi

to a brick and mortar store to send transfers.

This is the practice of the traditional players and brings along with it challenges such as high costs, operational inefficiencies, inconvenience with travel and access etc. These are part of the reasons remittance costs by some competing services are higher. The technological advancement through Artificial Intelligence, APIs etc. has not only assisted in reducing operational inefficiencies and brick and mortar costs, it has greatly impacted the cost of remittances in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty. To this end, technology has played a huge role in the expansion of digital transactions.

In Nigeria, even though remittances through electronic channels are showing encouraging signs, Cash Pick Up is still the dominant means of receiving transfers. It is trite to note that the Nigerian economy is largely cash-based as commerce is basically done with cash.

Taking most attention this period is the Coronavirus pandemic which has affected all sectors of the economy. How has this impacted diaspora remittances?

The Coronavirus pandemic is a scourge that has changed and still changing the way we do a lot of things. It is an emergency situation that has compelled governments across the world to become creative in its thinking and approach to governance. Governments have had to balance keeping the people safe from the plague and sustaining their economies. Covid-19 has definitely impacted diaspora remittances as we have seen an uptick in the use of digital channels like mobile money and bank transfers while the Cash Pick Up service has been challenged due to social distancing measures put in place by

governments. At WorldRemit, we pioneered digital Money Transfer and the pandemic has assisted in driving home the message we have been preaching over the last 10 years. In some of the corridors where we operate, we have seen a complete shift to digital means of transfer.

However, it is too early to say what this means as cash is still king in many markets.

How realistic is it that physical cash might go into extinction due to exposure to COVID-19 and other bacterial infections?

The journey to 100 per cent use of e-money is a marathon and not a sprint. We have seen some deliberate actions by the CBN to reduce the use of cash. An example is the Cashless Policy which aims to discourage the use of cash by charging customers for cash deposit or withdrawal at a certain threshold. Policies like this along with others like TSA, IPPIS has assisted to manage government spending more efficiently and plug leakages. In terms of remittances, cash is prevalent and the most acceptable means of receiving transfers especially in corridors like the Philippines, Zimbabwe etc.

Can you mention some of the challenges facing digital money transfer service in Nigeria?

Digital Money Transfer has been able to mitigate some of the operational inefficiencies of non-digital means. There are always continuous improvements in terms of development and investment into technology. We keep working to improve the systems and meet the growing demands of our customers. We continue to educate our customers on the benefits of digital remittances. There is much work to do with

Being WorldRemit’s ďŹ rst Nigeria Country Director, what are you bringing in board to Nigerians?

With an average of $25billion in remittance flows annually, Nigeria remains a key country and one of the biggest corridors for WorldRemit not only in Africa but globally. We have expanded our network with an additional 12 agents covering 3500 locations. We have both bank and non-bank agents to deepen penetration and customer reach. To provide a variety of choices for our customers and meet their growing demand, we commenced our Cash Pick up Service in 2019. This is in addition to our Bank Transfer, Airtime top-up and Mobile Money services. We are encouraged by the Financial Inclusion Policy of the CBN and are finalising a partnership with a major Mobile Money Operator to further deepen mobile money business. In the area of CSR, in conjunction with our partner Arsenal Football club and one of our local partners, we have invested in grassroots football through the Future Stars programme where a local Nigerian coach won the 2019 edition. The winner won the opportunity to fly to London and experience a week-long developmental coaching clinic at Arsenal Football Club.

The World Bank estimated that the total value of international remittances was $689bn in 2018. Research compiled in 2019

by Dr. Gregory Thwaites, Research Director at WorldRemit, showed that the $689 billion in remittances that migrants send back home every year, keeps 3.5 million children in school worldwide. Twaites used a combination of UNESCO education statistics, World Bank remittance statistics, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania and Uganda Living Standards Measurements Surveys and WorldRemit indicators. We continue to support education for our customers and families around the world.

SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ 2020

24

BUSINESS INTERVIEW AHMED SALAWUDEEN Post-COVID-19, the Future is Bright for Nigeria’s Insurance Industry Dr. Ahmed Olaniyi Salawudeen is one of Nigeria’s most respected insurance icons. Salawudeen, who is the president and chief executive officer of Standard Insurance Consultants Limited (SICL), founded the company some 40 years ago and has, against all odds, built it into a world recognised company. Standard Insurance Consultants Limited, an insurance broker, based in Lagos, took the name of Nigeria to the highest level when it was awarded with one of the world most important business award called, “The Bizz Awards�, in an annual recognition awards organised by the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB) in 2017. Speaking on the 40th anniversary of SICL, Salawudeen tells Bamidele Famoofo that most companies in the industry must begin to think about mergers, if they must build the required capacity to perform as he says, the future of the industry is bright post-Covid-19 era. Excerpts:

H

ow will you assess the business of insurance brokerage in Nigeria?

Generally to my assessment, the provision of using the services of insurance brokers as intermediaries by the public in Nigeriaisstillveryfarbehind.Theservices being provided by the brokers are still not wellknownprobablybecauseofperception or misinformation. Therefore, I believe that the Insurance brokerage fraternity will have to do a lot more with the present awareness of the benefits associated with the usage of professional brokers’ services in the Industry.

Simply put, by practice, insurance brokers will not take fees from their clients; rather brokerage commission is paid by the risk carriers/ underwriters with whom insurance business is placed. This doctrine has been in practice over centuries and I feel the brokers’ fraternity need to make this well known to the generality of the public in Nigeria.

We should let them know that the insured is not losing anything by going through the medium of an insurance broker.

In reality, the benefits to be derived by the public in arranging their insurance requirements through a qualified professional insurance broker are enormous. For example, the public will benefit from paying equitable premiums for the risks being carried by underwriters, and not only that, the responsibility of collecting claims from the underwriters lies largely with a professional insurance broker. In the circumstances, I think the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), the umbrella of Insurance Brokers Association should continue on a positive note to explain this to the general public, particularly moving forward in the area of life insurance cover which is very important to the economy of Nigeria. The brokers are friends of the insuring public and their role should be seen as a symbiotic relationship between the insured and the intermediary.

How ready are the players in the industry to recapitalise?

This is a very topical issue in the insurance marketplace and surely, all the players in the insurance business in Nigeria must be ready to shore up their capital base. Therefore, the idea of recapitalisation will help the Nigerian Insurance Industry. As at the moment, some of the insurance companies are not adequately capitalised and in the circumstances, there is a need for many insurance companies to be thinking of mergers. That is to say, all the small-sized companies should come together and form a united front to be better capitalised.

For your information, in the early days of insurance in Nigeria, the Insurance companies are at the forefront of investing their insurance funds with the banks. Simply put, the banks rely so much on the investment being provided by the insurance companies.

First and foremost, the premium being generated countrywide needs to be invested in one form of investment or the other, and this is done through the banks. The idea is if the fund is provided to the banks, they will be able to lend the fund at a reasonable interest rate to the public i.e. those who are in the communication, housing, industries, and other various infrastructural developments.

Nigeria government and others had been talking about the “housing for all� scheme by the year 2000. The idea is that if the insurance companies provide funds to the banks, they in turn will provide these funds with reasonable interest particularly to the mortgage banks.

Therefore, the recapitalisation of insurance companies appears to be very important and in the right direction. It will be beneficial if the insurance companies and the banks play their role as it is being done in other civilised societies around the globe. Nigerians will be better off if things are done properly.

What’s your plan to recapitalise SICL? For your information, the brokers’ fraternity provides insurance professional services and they do not require high capital base as brokers are not carrying any risks. What is very important in brokerage business is the employment of qualified professional insurance personnel that will be a good technician in the interpretation of policy terms and conditions. From our Company’s point of view; what we have put in place is adequate professional insurance indemnity (error and omission). This means that we have sufficient insurance cover

it is a yardstick for us to move forward in the insurance industry.

Salawudeen

in place so that in case we provide wrongful advice to our mutual client whereby they suffer losses and they are unable to collect their legitimate claims, we can be sued for professional negligence. But as far as SICL is concerned, we are having over N1billion insurance protection from a very strong, reliable, and highly capitalised financial risk carrier/underwriter. That is all we need as a professional broker

Going by your 40-year experience in the industry, how will you describe the attitude of Nigerians to insurance?

My honest assessment and opinion as an independent gladiator is that there is not much improvement in the acceptability of insurance in Nigeria’s insurance marketplace. The reason is very glaring; the public perception towards the way insurance business is done in Nigeria is such that the people do not have confidence in the system to warrant them taking a cover. The perception of Nigerians (with respect) is that insurance business in this country is a “legalised robbery�. Incidentally, this is not so.

As I said earlier, the insurance business is an intangible product based on trust. Therefore, when a client who has paid his or her legitimate premium, is unable to get compensation when he files a claim, such a person becomes dejected and disgruntled. From my point of view, insurance image generally has not helped matters, especially as it pertains to the development of life insurance policies in Nigeria. From my experience over the last 40 years, the public appears not to trust insurance companies because of the happenings in the insurance marketplace. I believe many are perceptions, and some are real. However, this can be avoided by going through the channel of a professional insurance broker that can read the “small print� of the insurance policies so that it can be interpreted logically in the best interest of the assured.

In addition, if effort is geared to improve the image of Nigeria insurer, I strongly believe that there will be a lot of Nigerians who will agree that insurance is a better solution to the inherent risks that abound everywhere. My advice as always is that all the arms of the insurance industry in the country, starting from the regulator, the risk carrier, the intermediary fraternity, the education sector, and others should come together as a block to put in place a blueprint that will ensure the improvement of insurance Image in Nigeria. I believe the issue of image is very important and critical. Certainly,

What are the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigeria’s insurance business?

Unfortunately, the emergence of COVID-19 has affected all insurance businesses dramatically around the globe, including Nigeria to which you referred. The COVID-19 epidemic has opened a lot of Pandora boxes that are going to affect the insurance businesses generally not only in Nigeria but globally.

However, with what is in place at the moment, the insurance Industry needs to be proactive and take decisive actions to ensure that financially, insurance cover is provided for those affected or will be affected by Coronavirus. For example, insurance companies are known to provide medical checkups for their teeming clients when they are taking life insurance cover or some other contingencies. By these tests, it is apparent that the virus can be detected to save the lives of billions of people in the world.

Again, insurance cover can be provided either for an individual, group, professional bodies, or otherwise, and if this could be done proactively, it means a lot of business generation for the insurance industry as a whole. The most important thing is to be proactive, think positively, and determine how this will be done to ensure that lives are protected and that financial benefits are provided in time for those who have taken the insurance to cover death, burial, medical expenses, and others. Finally, technology has assisted in no small measure. Insurance business transactions can be done online, through video conferencing and others. Therefore business-wise, I believe the insurance industry will not be affected seriously because insurance cover needs to be provided on a worldwide basis. For every stage of our life, we need insurance.

What’s the future of insurance business post-COVID-19?

The way I see it, the future of insurance business post-COVID-19 in Nigeria and globally, looks bright. The issue at stake is that the insurance companies are providing insurance cover for the contingencies known and unknown and for the future. Therefore, with COVID-19 now, a lot of insurance covers are being developed to cater for Coronavirus and other viruses unknown to ensure that adequate insurance cover is provided. For example, if there is an insurance cover in place against COVID-19. If the breadwinner of a family dies due to Coronavirus, and the deceased is having an insurance cover in place, the insurance company will be able to provide financial backing to the family left behind to ensure that the family will not disintegrate even though the breadwinner of the family is no more.

Another example of this can be drawn from mortgage protection insurance cover; i.e. insurance protection can be arranged for an individualorgroupofpeoplethroughabank,amortgageorganisation, or from his employer for building or purchasing a private dwelling by using the medium of a loan from these sources. In case of his/ her untimely death, the mortgage protection insurance cover will be made available to liquidate the loan so that the family is not put in a precarious situation. Therefore, for insurance companies providing cover, they are getting more businesses. Also, insurance is basic whether we like it or not. Insurance cover will continue to be offered to all assets, liabilities, traveling, etc. With or without COVID-19, insurance businesses continue Therefore as I said earlier, the future of the insurance industry is still bright post-COVID-19. The most important thing is for the insurance industry to be proactive and let the public put trust in the business.

Will you share your experience in the last 40 years in this industry?

From the above, I have been able to portray my experience in the last 40 years. The good experience I have had and which is very important is for organising insurance programme for individuals, corporate bodies, etc. and that claims are paid as and when due. This is very good and I am so happy about this that Standard Insurance Consultants Limited ab-initio has made this as a foundation and we pay attention to the administration of claims settlement from time to time. This aspect of honouring our obligations has been very good and productive and I am happy about that.

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

28.6.2020

DR. ISA ALI IBRAHIM (PANTAMI) AS FATHER OF SIX GIRLS, I’M A CHAMPION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS One of Nigeria’s finest technocrats, he’s a poster boy for Africa’s most populous nation. Studious and systematic, he drives Nigeria’s digital ecosystems. With professional training at Harvard and MIT in the US, IMD in Loussaune, Switzerland, and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen in Scotland, he underlines perseverance and perspicacity. As a member (first Nigerian) of faculty at Madinah University in Saudi Arabia, he was a professor and head of Technical Writing. Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, is a man of many parts. Patriotic, passionate, patient, pragmatic, and pious, that’s Pantami, writes Funke Olaode ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

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COVER

I Have a Willingness to Serve Humanity

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is six daughters sit around him as he shares an interesting narrative with them. ‘Grrrnnnng!’ his cellphone chimes on a coffee table some meters away. He hops out of the midst of the girls like a fleet-footed footballer. They giggle.

As he picks the call, he tells his daughters to “shush!� putting a finger playfully to his lips. “Good morning, His Excellency!� he bellows. “Yes, His Excellency. OK sir, Mr. President. Thank you, sir! I’m always ready to serve. It’s an honour, His Excellency!�

That is all that filters into the girls’ ears. They have never seen their father’s face so animated.

The glint in his eyes at that moment is different.

That was last year.

At less than 50 years old, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, brings with him panache, precision, and purposefulness to the service of his fatherland.

His countenance exudes the perspicacity with which he has settled down to work since he assumed office in 2019.

His demeanour offers hope and commitment with a friendly gaze that shimmers behind the spectacles. He offers a warm smile and his happy to talk about his life, family and fixation.

If you’re meeting him for the first time, a knowledge of five famous personalities in the world will offer you a glimpse of his persona. “I would like to be a player with the characteristics of a minimum of five players combined: a goal-machine like Cristiano Ronaldo, as skillful as Lionel Messi, as intelligent as Mohamed Salah, a dribbler like Neymar Jr., and very active like Sadio ManĂŠ,â€? Dr. Ibrahim, fondly called Pantami, beams with a smile as he responds to the question what player he would want to be if he were a footballer. “Those five players describe the footballer I would like to be!â€?

Pantami embodies humanity and that’s reflected in his worldview whether it’s about racism or gender equality. As a champion of women’s rights, he has helped not a few women to break the glass ceiling. “Women have a lot to offer to society.

They are our mothers and they train us,� the communications minister intones with respect.

His conviction is not unexpected as he discloses that “my first teacher was my mother.�

He gives her significant credit for who he has become today. There’s more to that. “I am also a father of six daughters,�

Pantami acknowledges. “It is important to ensure that they are given the support that they require to succeed. Some are already studying sciences at the university and one is studying medicine. We try to inspire them to contribute to society.�

The minister breaks the mould of stereotypical northerners even further. “I also use the opportunity I have to support women to succeed in their chosen careers,� he modestly admits when asked for he’s done to promote Nigerian women.

To his credit, Pantami was the one who appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Main One, Funke Opeke, as the chair of the committee that developed the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).

Also, as the director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Pantami appointed Dr. Amina Sambo Magaji as the National Coordinator of the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE).

A handsome man, suave and shrewd, Pantami will pass for a model; he’s always spick and span, dressed to the nines. Even marriage hasn’t changed that about him. The minister, however, says marriage has made him a better man.

Pantami proudly says, “It has made me a complete man. It has taught me sacrifice, patience, kindness, and generosity and enabled me to be more accommodating.�

Few men are poster boys for fatherhood but Pantami stands out. He relishes being a father because fatherhood has enabled him to be an excellent observer, including discerning what has not been said. He admits also that he’s become more sensitive. “Children are the leaders of tomorrow and they determine our Human Capital Index (HCI). I really want my children to achieve more than I have achieved,� says the minister.

At 40-something, Pantami’s life is panning out beautifully. His life’s episodes have been filled with intriguing and interesting moments.

He sums that up in a few words: “The most beneficial of mankind are those who want to be beneficial to others. My primary aspiration is a

Ibrahim

willingness to serve humanity.�

It’s that strong desire to make a positive difference in Nigeria and also ensure that “my Lord is pleased with me� that keeps him awake sometimes at night. It’s Pantami’s belief that every Nigerian has a role to play in nationbuilding. “There’s strength,� he notes, “in unity, justice and fairness.�

For those who know Pantami well, they’ll admit that he’s both cerebral and conscientious.

Born in Gombe State on October 20, 1972, he spent at least four years at Tsangaya School, where he memorized the Qur’an. Thereafter, he attended a primary school in Pantami, and from there went to Government Science Secondary School in Gombe. At Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, he obtained a Btech and Msc in 2003 and 2008, respectively.

He had further professional training at Harvard, MIT in the US, and at the Institute of Management Development in Loussaune, Switzerland. He also spent some time at Cambridge University.

The Nigerian minister was also at Madinah University, Saudi Arabia following an invitation by the institution, shortly after obtaining a PhD in Computer Information Systems and Post Graduate Certificate in Research Methods from the prestigious Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Besides being the first Nigerian to work as a member of faculty at Madinah, he was a professor and head of Technical Writing. He was the secretary and member of the University Accreditation Committee, Staff Training and Development Committee, and the Information Technology Committee.

Last August, he was appointed, as illustrated at the outset, by President Muhammadu Buhari as a minister. Since becoming the communications minister, Pantami has never looked back.

Explaining the reason, he says: “My target is to ensure that the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy plays a key role in the implementation of the policies of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. We will do this by focusing on the vision of NDEPS which is ‘to transform Nigeria into a leading digital economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.’�

Since August 21, 2019, Pantami has found superintending over the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy challenging and rewarding. He was faced with a plethora of challenges militating against the development of the ICT sector. “I was really concerned about these challenges and was determined to reverse the trend,� admits Pantami.

However, in less than one year, the technocrat’s “modest efforts� have yielded

“remarkable results.� For instance, the recent Q1 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that ICT contributed an unprecedented 14.07% to Nigeria’s total real GDP. It’s also to Pantami’s credit that a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) (2020-2030) for a Digital Nigeria and a National Broadband Plan (NBP) (2020-2025) was developed to give policy backing to efforts geared at developing the sector.

The perennial issue of Right of Way (RoW), was resolved under his watch following a meeting with the governors in January. Today, several governors have pegged RoW fees at a maximum of N145/linear metre.

Pantami explains, “Some now collect just N1 per kilometre of fibre and others have waived the fee altogether. Examples of amounts charged per linear metre in the past include N4,500 and N5,500. To give a better illustration, for a particular state, the estimated cost of connecting two local government areas was a staggering N650m before the implementation of the resolution and now it costs just N150,000!�

Following his request, President Buhari identified telecommunications equipment as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

A delighted Pantami says his ministry is in the process of creating three NIPOST subsidiaries that will improve its efficiency, namely NIPOST Microfinance Bank, NIPOST Transport & Logistics Services Ltd and NIPOST Property & Development Company Ltd. “We have promoted synergy amongst government institutions responsible for ICT and improved collaboration with the industry stakeholders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown everyone how important digital technologies are to the sustainability of the economy,� he explains.

As part of the implementation of the NDEPS and the NBP, Pantami and his team encouraged all sectors of the economy to integrate ICT into their operations.

He adds, “For instance, during the recent lockdown period, we have taken advantage of digital platforms to train around 30,000 Nigerians so far on ICT and emerging technologies.�

Has he always prepared himself to serve his fatherland? His answer isn’t far-fetched. “Yes,� Pantami states matter-of-factly. “However,� he admits, “I really did not expect to serve in this capacity. Nigeria is my only country and I am passionate about my commitment to the development of my country regardless of whatever level of sacrifice that may entail. I have had opportunities in the past to serve my country and I always see it as a privilege and I put in my best.

“As a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a member of the Federal Executive Council, I am leveraging my previous experiences in the business environment, academia, private sector, government and in other spheres to contribute towards the success of my current assignment.�

Little wonder, he wasn’t hesitant to incur the wrath of a terror group.

Recalling what happened, he says “Let me start by saying that technology is an enabler. It can enable things that support the development of the economy as well as things that seek to have a negative impact on the economy.

Terrorism falls under the latter. “We formulated policies to checkmate criminals, bandits and kidnappers in order to bring about stability through technology. I believe that this is one of the factors that led to the threats.�

Upon realizing that criminals and bandits used SIM cards to commit a crime and that SIM cards were not properly registered (about 9.4 million), and in less than 40 days in office, Pantami ensured that the SIM cards were either properly registered or blocked.

The narrative of the North is that of abject poverty and extremism. But that’s not the primary trajectory of the region. History speaks of a thriving northern region and Pantami personifies that.

Speaking on the issue, the communications minister says, “There are positive and negative stories from the North, like any other community and section of the country. I am deeply concerned about issues like poverty, instability and moral decadence.�

Pantami further says, “I believe that the North has a lot to offer the country in every sphere and I do not subscribe to the negative labels that you just mentioned because there are many positive stories to counter the negative news. “I agree with you that there is a renaissance championed by the younger generation to change the narrative. Efforts like those of my good friend, the Executive Governor of Borno State (Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum) and many other young northerners in the academia, private and NGOs are very commendable.�

Those are facts and Pantami is more than happy to serve as a mentor and role model to the younger generation from the North. He wants them to know that if he could rise to a top level in his career, they can do it too.

He has a beautiful dream for the North. “My picture of northern Nigeria,� he intones, “is a region that takes advantage of technology to significantly improve all facets of society and one whose indigenous content is a leading contributor to the economy of the country.�

His ministry, along with its parastatals, are actively promoting the development of ICT in the entire country, including the northern part, deploying ICT hubs, digital job creation centres, digital capacity building centres. A number of these centres are in the North. “Our Digital Nigeria programme targets the entire country and a good proportion of the 30,000 beneficiaries are also from the North. The whole idea is to prepare the youth to be leading players in the Nigerian tech ecosystem. This is in tandem with NDEPS,� says the minister.

A recent study shows that 92% of the broadband and network connectivity access gaps are located in the North but Pantami discloses that the issue will be addressed through the National Broadband Plan.

Considered a bookworm by friends and admirers, Pantami has worn his intellect and academic exploits as a badge of honour, thanks to his dad and mom. “The upbringing that I received from my late father and late mother, along with the sacrifices they made, created the right platform for my academic success,� says the minister with a glint in his eyes.

Pantami loves to push himself, challenge his own success by striving to do more. “I treasure hard work and always seek to be proactive. As a student of Islam and an academic, I realize that I am a role model and a mentor. As a result, I push myself to raise the bar of success. From experience, this serves as an inspiration to others, and it motivates me to do more,� Pantami.

His personal experience confirms that Islamic education and Western knowledge complement each other and he believes both shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. “I am an avid reader and I place a premium on time management. These have helped me in a great way,� says the minister, who has authored more than three books.

And like a compelling book, the episodes of Pantami’s life remain unputdownable. The world is watching him.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Inside The ‘Freaky’ Mind of an Animator

With many people turning to social media for entertainment as coronavirus continues to halt social gatherings, creative designer, architect and animator, Kanso Ogbolu, is keeping Nigerians glued to his pages with animated series that entertain, enlighten and leave them freaked out, writes Vanessa Obioha

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n April 10, Kanso Ogbolu woke up confused. His phone was buzzing continuously with notifications on his social media pages.

People were liking and sharing his post. With each like, he gains a new follower. Still puzzled, he decided to find out the reason for the frenzied interest in him.

It turned out that the South African comedian and host of the American television show, The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, had shared one of his animated clips on Twitter. Apparently, Noah stumbled on his clip which was shared by an American academician and TV personality, Marc Lamont Hill.

Hill described the short animation as the film of the year while Noah had tweeted that the clip scared him more than it should.

That animated video which is a horrifying tale of a young girl who was replaced by an evil doppelganger finally achieved one of Ogbolu’s dreams: to bring back horror films.

Growing up, the creative artist and animator was fascinated by the horror stories that abound in films and fables.

Back then, horror was a major genre in filmmaking. However, with the cinema boom in the 2000s, the genre faded and the romance and comedy genres took centre stage.

In his quest to bring back his beloved genre to the screen, Ogbolu created an animated series known as ‘FreaktheFxxkout’ (FTFO), a compilation of creepy animated stories that leave one’s hair standing at the back of the neck. “FTFO was born out of my desire to revive the horror genre. Since I could animate but don’t have the budget for a full feature. I decided to bring the stories I have in my head or the ones other people have to life using the little talent I possess.�

The stories in the series are a horrifying mix. From myths to everyday events but with a dose of gruesomeness. For instance, one of the episodes, ‘Pepper Dem’, tells the story of a young man who ordered a spicy meal in a restaurant and ended up having a burning throat that exploded in a bloody mess.

In another episode, the animator played on the popular myth that if a child swallows an orange seed, he or she will end up having an orange tree in his head. In the animation titled ‘Citrus,’ Ogbolu had the lad’s stomach exploding into a big orange tree. “Most of my stories come from urban legends we were told as kids,� he explained. “Tales such as if you cross a pregnant woman, the child will come out looking like you; whistle

at night and a snake will bite you; bend and look through your legs in a market square and you’ll see ghosts. We believed these stories at the time.�

Apart from his passion to resuscitate the horror genre in the Nigerian film industry, the graduate of Architecture from Kwame Nkrumah University and Technology, Ghana, is keen on promoting animation in the country.

He came across animation during his practice in architecture and a five-year stint in advertising when he worked with advertising agency Noah’s Ark. During that period, he disclosed that he “dabbled and messed around with various forms of motion design: 3D, 2D, visual effects, everything. So when I landed in advertising, I decided to streamline the kinds of animation I’d offer.�

In the business of influencing consumers’ buying behaviours with persuasive selling messages about a product or service, Ogbolu discovered that the size of the advertisement market that is responsive to proposals for animation is not that encouraging. “Most of the advertising agencies clients are yet to be thoroughly educated on the many benefits of using animation for various other things than the basics they currently use them for.�

These benefits according to the Creative Director of O.B.K. studios include a lower cost, ability to bring even the most outrageous stories to life, less manpower to perform the tasks, a wider audience and more appeal.

He also bemoaned the dearth of skilled visual effects (VFX) artists in Nollywood. “The immediate issue is the lack of skilled manpower. We don’t have enough people doing the VFX to begin with. The second most important issue is finance. VFX is expensive and Nollywood does not have the capacity to spend on a VFX heavy feature. The cost estimate is between $80 to $200 million.�

However, he is confident that with the growing technology that has sparked an interest in the format, that animation will soon become mainstream in advertising and other media platforms. “I don’t think it will be too long.

Technology is moving very fast and with this new disease and everything changing, a new narrative has been formed suddenly. For instance, since productions have halted, organizations are turning to animation to tell their stories since it can be produced with the current rules of the lockdown still being adhered to. With this sudden shift, I believe the acceptance of animation as a proper means of storytelling and execution will even be more widely accepted.�

During the lockdown period

KANSO OGBOLU in Lagos state, the Delta state indigene and twin to former Big Brother Naija reality TV show, Elozonam, entertained and enlightened fans on the need to obey the lockdown order and practice social distancing.

For instance, one of his clips highlighted the dangers of going out during the lockdown, you may walk into a monster’s trap.

Since Noah tweeted his FTFO clip, Ogbolu’s followers on

Instagram have increased tremendously. “My followers increased from 5,600 to 51,000 and are still rising. I had been doing this since 2017, trying to get my followers and audience up ever so slowly. Everything changed this year with the explosion of that single clip. A lot of people wondered where I had been, a lot more were scared, and even more, wanted to see a concluding part of the story. I’m happy my work has been noticed now,� enthused the 34-year-old artist.

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GLITZ TRIBUTE

Ibidun Ighodalo: When The Saints Go Marching in ‌Beyond the Pretty Face In the past weeks, stories of Ibidunni Ighodalo’s virtues have outsold her pretty face. Many have come to know she was much more than a pretty face, or, a strapping on her husband’s arm

By AďŹƒa Grillo

Charm is deceitful Beauty is vain But a women who honours the Lord Will be Praise‌Prv 31: 30

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o some she was a pretty face, an exbeauty queen married to a celebrated Pastor. To others, she was a virtuous woman worthy of praises.

In the past weeks, stories of Ibidunni Ighodalo’s virtues have outsold her pretty face. Many have come to know she was much more than a pretty face, or, a strapping on her husband’s arm‌ She was a woman described as having a golden heart. To leverage on Barbara Taylor’s Blockbuster novel title – A Woman of Substance, it is easy to sum her up as that- A woman of Substance! Family, friends and colleagues have described her in a consistent way-purpose driven, passionate and a perfectionist� She is greatly admired for turning her pains into another woman’s gain.

On her Nights of Tributes a fortnight ago, she was recognized and honoured not only by the underdogs, but also by the highest office in the country- The Presidency!

The common themes that resonated all through that evening were; her uncanny knack for excellence, humility, her heart of gold, her Sainthood, generosity, kind, fearless, and her great attention to details.

Her humility! It was a key theme. The top on all the tributes that came pouring out. It is no wonder that the Bible cites riches and honour as a reward for humility (Prv 22; 4) these two attributes were not in doubt were Ibidun was concerned.

Pastor Femi Atoyebi described her humility and respectful nature as second to none, with great admiration- “It didn’t matter where she saw you, she will go down on her knees to greet you,� he said this with a note of deep sadness- “Heaven has indeed gained a saint� he added.

Former Lagos State Governor -Babatunde Fashola used the illustration of a butterfly to describe her- with a note of nostalgia, he goes down memory lane to his childhood, “ as children we try to catch a butterfly because of how

Ibidunni Ighodalo celebrating the birth of ďŹ rst set of twin, Oluwatomini and Oluwatonimi by her Foundation

beautiful they are‌â€? but butterflies are not meant to be caught we soon learnt. “They come to beautify a place and move onâ€? he remembered the role she played in the “beautification of Lagosâ€? and how, many children basked in the beauty she created around the city of Lagos during the Christmas festive periods. He concluded by saying, “she was a woman with great attention to details.â€?

Another attribute worthy of mentioning was her fearless nature. She was described as being fearlessunfazed by many things, with an undisputable believe in God’s ability. Many said, “She loved and gave without expecting anything in return. Ensuring she did everything to the highest standard, adding more value than your money’s worth.� “Everything she does, she wants it to be perfect� Lawal, an employee of her company reported. � What a Soul!

Mrs Adenuga described her as someone who “gave the best hugs� The description reminds me of the kind of hug you get that lingers long after the embrace is over. A hug that assures you that, you are loved.

However, it was Tope Shonubi’s confession that struck a chord in my heart. Amidst struggle with

his tears and a voice deeply laden with pain, he confessed to not knowing many people who will use their own “Pain as a blessing to others.� He went on to admit that “if those of us who had only been a “secondary� part of her life can feel such sense of loss,� it leaves little imagination to the sense of loss being felt by those who were a “Primary part of her life.�

It was indeed a very emotional evening.

My encounter with Ibidunni dates back to 2004. I was working with a foremost PR firm then, we had our choice of clients. On their list of clientele, was the second largest Mobile telecom company back then in Nigeria. We were responsible for their PR and events planning. On this particular day, our client notified us, howbeit last minute, not to bother with the Event planning. According to our Client contact - “we are giving the event to one small girl that just started her own Event Company; you guys are already big‌â€? He said casually. After the trial with her company Elizabeth R, we never got the

brief to manage their Events anymore. I still recall the moment we walked into the venue for the occasion- our first though (My boss and I) was that, there had been a change in the venue. The venue we had become familiar with had been transformed!

Beyond any doubt, she did have a way of turning an ordinary room into a Spectacular one! We would later meet at the Commissioning of the Dangote Obajana Cement factory and later at Christ Church, RCCG Gbagada- all three encounters left very lasting impressions-Poise, Soft spoken and Serene.

Whilst most people’s demise is mainly felt by their nuclear family, Ibidun’s death has had a farreaching effect beyond her immediate family. Her foundation- (The Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation. IIF) remains her greatest Legacy. Through the medium, she put’s smiles on many women’s faces, providing solutions to many fertility issues and care to less privilege children.

The foundation raises awareness on fertility issues and helps provide financial support to couples that struggle with the high costs associated with fertility treatments.

The foundation is at the forefront of helping couples fulfil their desires to become parents regardless of their financial situation. Even in death, her golden heart still beats on. Ibidun died leaving her upcoming fortieth birthday wish behind – her wish is to put smiles on the faces of forty couples facing fertility issues but are unable to finance their fertility treatments. Ahead of this, family, friends and Well-wishers are going all out to ensure that this is one Wish “death would not hold captive. “

Don Lulu @39: A Life of Service to Humanity

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he drums will roll out this month in Abia state, as dignitaries and the best of Nigerian entertainment stars will once again honour Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, aka Don Lulu, who is one of Nigeria’s leading entertainment entrepreneurs in a fun-filled festivity that will reverberate across the Nigerian entertainment space.

Don Lulu’s 2Flame Entertainment Limited has today grown to huge success and a leading record label in Nigeria which has to its credit a lot of well-known and successful artistes in its label and has encouraged up and coming artistes into realizing their talents. He is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Lucion Towers Constructions Limited a firm that is into big-time real estate and property development.

Lulu was in 2013 appointed the United Nations Mayor of Peace, making him the youngest MoP in South-eastern Nigeria in recognition of his efforts towards lasting regional and global peace initiatives.

The festivity will not only be about the entertainment mogul but will also seek to empower the lowly and needy in the society. Lulu ahead of this event told journalists, “We cannot stand by and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.

This is our world and our opportunity to change it. We only get one life to make a difference. We either leave this world better, unchanged, or worse off than when we arrived and as for me, I have chosen to make a difference.�

In his July 27, 2018 birthday which was elaborately celebrated in his hometown, Umuawa Alaocha in Ohuhu Umuahia North LGA, which had the crème of the Nigerian entertainment industry in attendance, the entertainment guru officially launched his foundation, the Don Lulu foundation with the senator representing

Abia Central Senatorial Zone, Senator T. A Orji, (Ochendo) as the chairman of the occasion.

Sen. Orji during the occasion promised to build a block of classrooms and donate a transformer to the community under the Don Lulu Foundation in line with the vision upon which the foundation was instituted focusing on education, housing, health care delivery, and poverty alleviation.

He is promoting access to quality education through a back-to-school campaign and establishment of a scholarship endowment fund.

Another scheme is the housing scheme in which shelter was provided to the less privileged.

In addition, there is the widow/widower empowerment which involves a N40-million interest-free revolving loan facility to artisans, traders among other indigent members of the community.

The good news is that Senator Orji in keeping to his words had completed the block of classrooms in Umuawa Alaocha Primary School and had also delivered and installed the transformer as promised, he also used the occasion to commission three bungalows and donated to the less privileged by the foundation as well as the start-up of the N40 million revolving loan facility for empowerment and entrepreneurial training for the youths, the unemployed class, the widows and the widowers.

That time of the year is here again and despite the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic with its attendant economic crunch, Igbokwe had outlined a number of humanitarian activities to be undertaken through his foundation.

And having placed a premium on quality education and human capital development he chose to equip the building donated by Ochendo in Umuawa Alaocha Primary School with modern computers in his foundation’s digital inclusion efforts and as a part of the organization’s strategy

Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central at the Senate ,T.A Orji and Lucky Igbokwe (aka Don Lulu) at the laying of the foundation for the now completed block of classrooms at the Central School, Umuawa Alaocha, Ohuhu Umuahia North LGA.

L-R: Senator T.A Orji and Lucky Igbokwe

at closing the existing performance gaps between the poor and the rich in the society.

This year’s birthday will also witness the energizing of the transformer donated by

Ochendo through his foundation and will also assist those who are classified as unemployable to get meaningfully engaged through skills acquisition.

June 27 is Don Lulu’s Day to remember.

Í°ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ Ëž THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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High Life Gilbert Chagoury Goes Low ProďŹ le

E

very knowing and motivated individual understands that everything does not happen at once; there is a time for everything. Hence, time is revered as the umpire of pursuit and rest, war and peace, closed-eye overambition and assenting humility. As a businessman who has walked the length and breadth of industry in Nigeria, Gilbert Chagoury understands these things very well. Like a Polar Bear in hibernation, Chagoury has embraced a low-proďŹ le life and only ventures out for the bare necessities.

The Chagoury family, although of Lebanese descent, occupy a long and rich chapter in the Nigerian book of power and politics. The sire of the family, RenÊ Chagoury, bundled his family to Nigeria early on in the Abacha regime. They quickly ourished, having established our mills and invested in the construction business. However, it was RenÊ Chagoury’s eldest son, Gilbert Chagoury, that skyrocketed the family’s prestige and fortunes by befriending General Sani Abacha.

With a foundation ďŹ rmly established, Gilbert was joined by his brother, Ronald Chagoury, and the two founded the Chagoury Group. At the time, it was an industrial conglomerate that had interests in multiple industries and businesses, including construction, real estate and property development, our mills, water bottling and puriďŹ cation, glass manufacturing, insurance, hotels, furniture manufacturing, telecommunications, IT, catering and international ďŹ nancing.

Since then, Gilbert Chagoury has thrived impressively, even earning an ambassadorial and advisory position from Nigeria to other African and American governments.

However, Providence reportedly kissed Gilbert Chagoury during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, and his fortunes swelled beyond limit.

The best example of Gilbert Chagoury’s stroke of luck during President Jonathan’s government was the establishment of Eko Atlantic, the giant real estate project which was inaugurated in the presence of President Jonathan and Bill Clinton. Till date, Eko Atlantic remains a mini-city in Lagos, with luxury apartments, shopping malls and offices—all of which benefit from the city’s private water turbines, electric power and private security.

Since the Buhari-led administration took over, however, there are relatively fewer mentions of Gilbert Chagoury.

The most recent reference to the family itself, in fact, is their 1 billion donation to Lagos State for managing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. But even that wasn’t enough to restore the public eminence of Gilbert Chagoury.

At the moment, the 74-year old has embraced the low-proďŹ le, fully engrossed in domestic activities and maintaining his reputation of a deeply committed family man.

Chagoury

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayex2@yahoo.com

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

Toyin Subair Plots Return to Pay TV via New Broadcast Code Businessman and promoter of defunct HiTV, Toyin Subair, seeks a return to the pay television industry by free-riding on the 6th National Broadcasting Commission Code which, among other controversial provisions, aims to end exclusivity. Back in 2014, Toyin Subair, founder of the defunct pay television platform, HiTV, launched an ambitious move to return as a major player in Nigeria’s pay television market.

Subair, whose HiTV, crashed in 2011 after four years, launched PlayTV six years ago, hoping that it would rise to prominence from the rubble of HiTV. The foundation for PlayTV was Continental Satellite Television (Consat), the failed pay television platform of former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu.

PlayTV currently operates from the old Consat office located within the premises of the Tinubu-owned Television Continental (TVC) at CMD Road, Ikosi-Ketu in Lagos.

At launch, PlayTV promised subscribers that it would not be business as usual “as we will be rolling out with lots of interesting channels you’ve always loved and new channels you’d love to watch�. It also claimed to have the potential to “be available to over 20 million homes and 150 million individuals�.

Six years after, it has failed to go anywhere near Subair’s projections and is remembered only by decoders bought for N15,000 by subscribers.

Consat never got off the ground, a development that did not deter Subair, with the businessman now planning to bring it back

as well in addition to an Over-the-Top (OTT) platform that will be a hybrid of Ad-based Videoon-Demand (AVOD) and Subscription-backed Video-on-Demand (SVOD) services. Subair, who still bears the scars of the failure of HiTV, is determined to do everything to ensure the success of the new venture and he’s tapping into political connections.

Multiple sources told this paper that Subair is heavily dependent on his political connections, which have become stronger since 2015 when the Buhari administration came to office. Subair, who is close to Tinubu, is unsurprisingly also close to Information Minister, Lai Muhammed.

Muhammed, whose ministry supervises the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is said to have Subair as his unofficial adviser.

Subair is said to be the brain behind the 6th NBC Code, the subsidiary legislation guiding broadcasting in Nigeria, which was released to the public on 27 May. Before the release of the NBC Code, the Information Minister, had announced the Federal Government was planning to prohibit exclusive ownership of broadcast rights to foreign football content in the country. Such rights were held by Subair’s HiTV between 2006 and 2011 when they were wrested from the MultiChoice-owned SuperSport platform.

He argued that HiTV slipped into coma from which it never recovered because it could not raise capital as a result of an unfavourable shareholder agreement.

Survival of the Fittest: Between Akeredolu and Ajayi

Akeredolu

Is it still redundant to point out that an empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers? Sometimes, the oldest and simplest truths are also the most profound. This definitively holds true for Elder Ekeoma Eme Ekeoma, the Chairman of Nepal Oil and Gas Limited. He has an established custom of lowprofile birthday ceremonies, and this year’s was no different. Clocking 60, Elder Ekeoma is still as silent and sharp as the blade of King Arthur’s legendary Excalibur.

The 60th birthday celebration of Elder Eme Ekeoma was marked with the same quiet and conviviality with which his 50th to 59th Birthdays were marked. This time, however, the invited crowd was deliberately thinned out to include his stately and affable wife, Ngozi, and their children. The man, even leading a low-profile life, continues to inspire those of his—and even the younger—generation to temperate and cultivated living.

Elder Ekeoma’s adventures and exploits in the Nigerian oil and gas industry have incised his name in the marble walls of indigenous business genius and enterprise. While his brilliance has brought no less than stellar acclaim to his company, Nepal Oil and Gas, it is how he operates that has endeared him to his clients and colleagues.

Nepal Oil and Gas borrows from Elder Ekeoma’s firm disposition for integrity,

Ahead of the October 10 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has decided to clip the wings of every rival within his reach, especially the ones he evaluates to be turncoats and backstabbers.

In other words, Akeredolu has advanced the conflict between himself and his deputy, Mr. Agboola Ajayi by sacking every one of his latter’s aides. (This is what it means to clear the cupboard of cobwebs and skeletons).

Every aide attached to Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi has allegedly been sent packing

by Governor Akeredolu. These include Samuel Ogunmusi (the Deputy Governor’s Special Assistant), Babatope Okeowo (the Chief Press Secretary), Olomu Bayo (Special Assistant, Special Duties), Allen Sowore (Special Assistant, Media), Olawale Mukaila (Special Assistant, Photography),

Subair

Subair’s gunsight is trained on MultiChoice, which currently holds the rights to broadcast the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Spanish La Liga, other premium sporting content and a variety of popular programmes as well as shows.

Subair’s objective, they said, is to use the force of regulation to hoover up sporting and general entertainment content to PlayTV to ensure it does not choke like HiTV, which was solely reliant on the EPL, and break or at least water down MultiChoice’s influence in the pay television market.

Omotunmise Tokunbo (Special Assistant to the wife of the Deputy Governor), and Erifeyiwa Akinnugba (aide in charge of Photography for the wife of the Deputy Governor).

Akeredolu’s move is a follow-up on Ajayi’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. The rumoured rationale behind Ajayi’s defection is a grab at Akeredolu’s seat. This means that it is Ajayi’s desire to be on equal footing with Akeredolu come October 10. If Akeredolu’s response of firing Ajayi’s aides is anything to go by, then Akeredolu isn’t interested in being on any equal footing.

This is essentially Akeredolu’s second move against Ajayi. The first one involved barring Ajayi from leaving the Government House in his official car. In response, Ajayi stated that the car was bought with his own money, and not the funds of the state.

Moreover, Ajayi has also told whoever wants to listen that he isn’t resigning until the end of their tenure. However, he has allegedly moved out of the State House.

Akeredolu and Ajayi are thus currently engaged in a long-range battle.

No loud Noise for Nepal Oil and Gas Chairman at 60

Medayese

Ekeoma

excellence and innovation. In addition, although the company is firmly rooted in the downstream oil and gas industry, its objectives are far from exhausted or accomplished. This was realised by its many competitors and the entire Corporate village when it introduced a subsidiary—the Nepal Fly Limited—and ventured into the Aviation business.

Beyond business, Elder Ekeoma is a professed and practicing Christian. This core aspect of him is responsible for his donating millions of naira annually in education, rehabilitation of prisoners, employment, and several other aspects of the disadvantaged or underprivileged society.

Elder Ekeoma’s good fortunes also extend to his clan of top-grade human resources.

This clan includes his wife, the lovely MD and CEO of Nepal Oil and Gas, Barrister Ngozi Ekeoma; and his son, Alex Ekeoma, the handsome Executive at Geo Travel and Tours.

If you see a man and aren’t sure he’s blessed, compare him with Elder Eme Ekeoma.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

Biola Okoya’s Heavy Heart Until recently, Biola Okoya, daughter of billionaire businessman, Alhaji Razak Okoya, had watched her handsome son, Ayodeji ModupeJohnson, grow as a reasonably ambitious man.

She had also been praying God to grant her beloved son the best out of life.

But the grim reaper struck, thereby shattering her dreams and leaving her inconsolable.

The young lad had passed away on Friday, June 12 after a brief illness.

Following his death, family members and friends have continued to condole with her.

It will be recalled that a funeral service had been held at the Trinity House Church, Lagos- his mother is a staunch member of the church after she embraced Christianity years back Unfortunately, the task of conducting young Ayodeji’s funeral service had fallen on Pastor Ituah Ighodalo who unfortunately lost his wife, Ibidunni in the early hours of that day, Sunday.

Showing unbelievable strength in the face of all, the Pastor, in his sermon at that funeral service, had said in an emotion-laden voice, that “Everywhere is tense, confused, frightening and disturbing, but we are here today. “If they had told us last Sunday, that we would be here celebrating Ayodeji’s life, we would say it is impossible. He was ill, no doubt, but we were believing God that he would be well. “A lot of you would know that I really shouldn’t be here today, but that is how life is. About 2 o’clock this morning, I received a call that shattered my life. But life must go on‌Life is a deep mystery.â€?

The late Ayodeji, one of Biola’s three children (others are Ayomide and Ayobola) lived the best life with people who knew him.

The deceased was said to be nursing the dream of owning a food truck business as a way of putting his love for cooking to good use. He was also an aspiring rapper and voiceover artiste.

Meanwhile, since she separated from her hubby, Akinwande, Biola has not even come close to contemplating marriage.

For reasons best known to her, the 53-year-old has shunned the allure of matrimony.

She used to be a hot item on the social scene. But she recoiled into a quiet life, setting adrift the rumour that all is not rosy with her.

Sadly, the passage of her beloved son has further dampened her bubbly nature.

The Other side of HighFlying Banker, Tony Elumelu

Elumelu and his wife, Adele

No doubt, Tony Elumelu, Chairman, United Bank for Africa, UBA, is one of the most successful bankers in the country. This boardroom guru and compulsive humanitarian behind Heirs Holding, unknown to many,

has so many sides to him. One of these usually unreported sides of him is the fact that he is as romantic as they come. If you are in doubt, you will sure have a rethink when you read about how he celebrated his loving wife, Adele, when she turned 50 last Tuesday.

With a deep sense of appreciation and love, the Forbes listed billionaire was quoted to have described his wife as a queen. Our source revealed that, but for the COVID-19 pandemic, an elaborate shindig would have been organised.

Nevertheless, he took to his Twitter handle to celebrate his wife, whom he is fond of describing as a strong pillar of support to him. It was gathered that the woman, a medical doctor, has maintained a low profile since she got married to the respected banker in 1993.

However, those who have encountered her

at social events attest to the fact that she is not a snub.

Besides, it is said that this amicable woman, who cherishes her privacy greatly, usually makes lasting statements with her dress sense whenever she steps out with her husband.

In other words, she catches the attention of celebrity reporters as well paparazzi with her fashion sense.

Well educated and brainy, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Avon Medical Services Limited and oversees the healthcare investments of the Group.

She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Benin. She had worked at Grantham and District Hospital, Grantham, United Kingdom and at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.

Little-Known Ehi Ogbebor Gifts Herself a 7-Bedroom Mansion on Her 35th Birthday In some very old Chinese scrolls, the Dao (the Path) teaches that the Heavens are fair; that while human life is extremely short, there are certain loops that allow supreme enjoyment and fulfilment. One of those Daos to true accomplishment and pleasure is work. And so as the news of Ehi Ogbebor’s 35th Birthday and 7-bedroom mansion is making the rounds, we would do well to contemplate the wisdom of work and diligence.

Some people, upon clocking the age of 40, begin to assemble their resources to start life. Upon clocking 35, Ehizojie (Ehi, for short) Ogbebor gifted herself a solid 7-bedroom apartment in the city of Lagos.

Who is this woman, and how dare she ignore the common narrative by nurturing wealth, luxury and class at a young age?

Ehi Ogbebor is a sharp and successful businesswoman, an entrepreneur and practising personality in the Interior Decorations industry. As the CEO of Sayaveth Interiors, Ehi is a growing influence in the industry. With her latest

possession, the 7-bedroom mansion she gifted to herself on her 35th Birthday, this influence is set to explode hundredfolds.

Ehi Ogbebor is a native of Imo State, born on June the 14th of 1985. Very little is as yet known of her early years, but that will doubtless be remedied in a short while. Her foray into the corporate world is where the hammer of the gist is, and why there are so many Google searches prefixing her name.

Ehi Ogbebor reportedly tried her hands at the insurance marketing industry. In less than a decade, this industry—very lucrative and engaging—had lost its spark to Ehi. Thus, she pursued her real dreams of beautifying domestic and work environments with enhanced but appropriate interior finishing.

That was the beginning of Sayaveth. If present conditions are anything to go by, Ehi Ogbebor is good at what she does.

Ehi Ogbebor grew Sayaveth Interiors until she delved into the Hospitality Industry of hotels and suites. That’s how she established Sayaveth Hotels in 2016.

Onto her personal life. Ehi Ogbebor was

Ogbebor

married to billionaire businessman, Chief Ken Braimoh. However, after about a year of marriage, they separated; their daughter, Ibuere, is about 2 years old now.

Oando Boss, Adewale Tinubu, Counts Blessings at 53 For Wale Tinubu, GCEO, Oando Plc, every day is considered special.

In fact, he never takes for granted the grace of enjoying a good sleep at night and waking up, hale and hearty, in the morning.

So, the dawn of every new day draws him closer to God, spiritually. But last Friday, June 26, may be said to have come with a bigger and special package of sorts for him. It was the day he turned 53; so, he reportedly devoted the greater part of the day in prayers and special worship of his Creator. In addition, it was gathered that he used the occasion to gladden the hearts of several needy ones in the society as he is wont to do.

However, the celebration, it was gathered, was devoid of any fanfare for two good reasons: the restriction on loud parties owing to the outbreak of the deadly COVID -19 as well as his personal philosophy that frowns on frivolous spending.

His abiding belief seems to rest on the deathless words of Andrew Carnegie that “Wealth is not to feed our egos but to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves.’ As a businessman, he is respected for his wizardry so much so that investors have continued to

Tinubu

repose great confidence in him. Interestingly, the Oando Plc head honcho has achieved the feat not by mere words of mouth, but with sheer dint of hard work.

He belongs to that rare breed of men who possess the ability to consistently do more than they say. If he promises you a hill, better be sure

you’re getting a mountain. For years, he’s sailed untroubled in the entrepreneurial ocean, navigating numerous business boats with grace and nous of veteran captain.

A man of no mean repute whose achievements can be c ompo sed i n t o a pl a t i n um a l bum, h e bea ms w i t h t h e gl o w of perpet ua l i n v est o rs’ c o n f i d en c e i n a c l i me n o t ori o us f o r i t s h erc ul ea n busi n ess c l i ma t e. H e perc h es a t o p oi l a n d ga s gi a n t O a n d o l i ke a ma j est i c ea gl e. Vi gi l a n t - eyed a n d sh a rpn osed , w h o h a s a mon g t h e f ew N i geri a ’ s busi n essmen t h a t c a n rub sh o ul d ers w i t h o t h er t op busi n essmen a roun d t h e gl o be a s h e c o mma n d s respec t i n t h e w orl d busi n ess sec t o r. H e h a s suc c eed ed i n en gra v i n g h i s n a me in the hearts of the generality of his compatriots.

The husky voiced entrepreneur loves to pull people around him up, believing that “the amount of wealth you gather in life does not make you a successful man but the amount of people you have pulled up from poverty and render selfless assistance to.’’

Again, the Late Arisekola’s Memories Come Alive Okoya

The late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Alao Arisekola, who passed on at 69 in June, 2014, didn’t gain prominence in life solely because of his stupendous wealth.

In many ways, he was loved by all because he didn’t relate to anyone who came his way based on tribe, religious belief or ethnic background.

Besides, his business acumen has endeared him to many.

But when death snatched him away from his

loved ones six years ago, they felt nothing could have been crueller than that.

No wonder, in appreciation of his impactful lifestyle, family, friends and business associates, penultimate week, remembered the man who was a global citizen during his lifetime.

Though his family has accepted their fate in good faith, they have continued to remember his memories in a loving manner so faithfully.

In commemoration of his passing, the family,

on June 18, 2020 placed adverts in some national newspapers, where they paid glowing tributes to him, saying, “It is six years since you left us, it has been impossible to fill the void you left. “Your good works remain a reference and a guide for us and many lives that you’ve touched. “We pray that Allah be kind to you and grant you Aljanah Fidaus. We fondly remember you today and always.�

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Í°ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

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with JOSEPH EDGAR ̥͸Π͸Πͽ͝ͺͽͿΠ̢͚

APC – I’m Confused Now I am as confused as the next person. I don’t even understand this APC construct again o and if you consider the fact that I have a Master’s Degree in Political Science and trained by the legendary Professor Kunle Amoo, you will see that it is not my fault but the fault of all these ‘ojuju’ people who carry their potbelly and be saying they are politicians. Please I will need someone who truly understands this structure to kindly call me and help me with my dilemma. Please what is the meaning of National Leader, is it a constitutional

office, ok next who is Giadom and why is the NWC fighting him? Wetin concern Wike in all of these? Who is suspending the National Chairman-is it the ward or the party itself? So the Appeal Court affirmed his suspension and he is choosing who should replace him?

What is Amaechi’s role in all of this?

What is the nexus between Tinubu and Oshiomhole? What is Fayemi’s position- why is he spiritedly trying to get Giadom to see Buhari? What of this scraggy bearded one, the one that could not pay salaries in

Osun forever- Aregbesola? What is his position? Why are they saying he is fighting his oga? Why was the late Senator Pepper frozen out, finally why is Buhari being reported as to attending the Virtual NWC called by Giadom? Mbok, I don check all my political Science text books in an attempt to unravel all of these and I am getting as confused as ever. You see the people that we call our leaders? Mbok anybody that has clarity please call me and assist me, cos this level of confusion only reminds me of the song the great Fela did on Ojuelegba – total confusion.

Ikuforiji

D’Banj

Ajimobi

Imohimi

ADEYEMI IKUFORIJI – LET’S CONSIDER HIM Not that it concerns me sha. But when there is so much confusion what can we do but to try to make some sense out of it all. The late Senator Pepper took that position away from the then incumbent and my brother Senator Ashafa – he was the one I was sitting in front of when I took a glean at Seye Kehinde’s City People when I suddenly saw a full page story on ‘me’. Me o. How I became a subject for that paper till today still amazes me. Well back to the gist.

That position is vacant now and unfortunately so and since they say it has been ceded to Epe, let me recommend this my brother and former Speaker of the Lagos state House of Assembly. Me, just dey talk my own on the back of the fact that he is the longest serving Speaker of the Lagos State House. The banker, economist and lawyer who just bagged a Doctor of Business Administration from the famed Liverpool Business School meaning that with his long experience, reach and now academic qualifications he could just bring some sanity into the disheveled system. But wetin concern me? If them like, let them go and put El- Chapo what else could be worse? It’s just sad. These people.

with the mob lynching. Once an accusation has been levelled, social media will start churning all sorts and lynching the person without even giving a chance for a breather.

It is now so scary that the rule of law and processes are not given the opportunity to take its course.

Please before they start coming at me, kindly note that RAPE is heinous and I will never support, condone or tolerate it. It is a crazy thing to do. But that said, we must always use every incident to strengthen our institutions and processes. With this kind of high profile case, the searchlight would be on the authorities making sure they do the right thing ensuring that everybody’s rights are preserved – both accusers and accused.

Thousands signing a funny petition asking for the man’s head is just a vacuous act of the ignorance who do not understand that you are innocent until convicted. Jumping up and down and shouting behead him is just pure noise. Let investigation take its true course while we use the power of the media to watch very closely with hawkeye the processes making sure that everything is done correctly and after the investigations, he will be charged to court and if and when he is convicted, I will be the first to smash his balls with my latest Gucci shoes. Till then, please let’s calm down. Oya make una start to yab me, wetin concern me? I don go chop Afang. Na wa.

I know. I had prayed earnestly for his urgent recovery believing very strongly that he would make it. I submitted the story and hours after the news came that he had sadly passed. Who are we to question Almighty Allah for his acts. Only him knows best. My Friend Anne also lost her dad same day probably from the same cause. We can only just say thank You God. Abi?

THE LYNCHING OF D’BANJ D’banj is my friend and he is not a rapist. Even though the mumu has stopped taking my calls for two years does not mean that I will not stand with him at least until when a court of competent jurisdiction convicts him. Until then, I think we should ease out

AJIMOBI - ON WINGS OF LOVE You know I had to recall this page to do this. Something had struck me while writing on Wednesday - my deadline to do a strong prayer for this statesman and I had written some very powerful prayer points for the only ‘Constituted Authority’

away o. Let him kuku thief the car instead of giving me Corona. As he drove off I started working the phone from my hiding place inside gutter beside Marwa Gardens. The only person I did not call was IG. I called AIG, lawyers, sportsmen, wresters, traditional rulers, APC, PDP, Road Safety, Fire Brigade. They all said, we know her- the DPO. Go and give her the phone and tell her it is Kabiyesi. As I approached, I knew I was in trouble. She was no nonsense with low cut and big bum.

Holding a walkie-talkie, swinging, trying to control traffic and save lives. I admired her and liked the way she took control of the situation.

She was in charge. I liked her. But as I approached, she screamed, ‘Common get out of here, do you want to die’. That was exactly what I was trying to do before your man ‘thief’ my car. She screamed again, ‘If you don’t leave here I will arrest you.

I said, I am Duke of Shomolu- she almost kicked me. Do you want to die? So they said I should go wait for her at the station. I went there and saw my beautiful BMW parked beside some ‘Tokunbo’ cars, I almost cried. Well by the time over 10,000 Nigerians had called her, she came back to the station by 6pm after ‘arresting’ me since 10am.

She explained to me why they did what they did was to save lives. I was not even listening by this time hungry don kill me, boredom don kill me and I was sex starved. I was not myself, I just said thank you, ‘Can I go now?’ She said yes with a smile. So she can smile? As I drove off, it dawned on me that I cannot be a Sowore o talk less of Mandela. Nobody should come and arrest me for anything o, I will just die for their head. Kai!

THE DAY DUKE OF SHOMOLU WAS ARRESTED The DPO at Alausa is a strange woman o. That is how she ‘caught’ me and kept me in her custody for over six hours. This is not me reporting her o because I saw that she is a very hard-working and dutiful officer. So no be report, na just gist. That is how last Sunday after meeting with iconic actor Yemi Shodimu and on my way to one of my ‘holes’ I came upon a major traffic caused by the burning of petrol tankers on the Kara Bridge.

The traffic was standstill and other petrol tankers were stuck. That was how I remembered how the tankers used to explode and fry people and since I was not prepared to be roasted, I with many other motorists decided to take the FRSC Travel Advisory to drive counter traffic and escape with our lives and decongest the road. Instead of the police to detour traffic back to Alausa, they just stood there shouting and pouring spit on everybody, risking Covid with their maskless faces. That was how one red-eyed bully of a policeman came upon me as I was reversing. ‘Give me your key’ he shouted. As he shouted, the spit was flying around like bullets. Me, I did not argue o, I threw the key at him and ran

Oshiomhole

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SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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JUNE 28, 20Ͱͮ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

THEALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

B a r a c k O b a m a L o ve s T h e G a y C o m m u n i t y M o r e T h a n H e L o ve s T h e B l a c k C o m m u n i t y

I

have to be careful with what I am going to say because it borders on the fringe of the Official Secrets Act. Nigeria has had Boko Haram (AKA Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad) as a largely peaceful and some times reactionary Islamic fundamentalist group.

The group was founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, a charismatic leader, who feared God and was pious. He was not the fiend that he has now been made out to be. Boko Haram did not believe in violence pre-2009. Their main aim was to purify Islam and bring back the days of old when the Kanem Bornu (not Borno) empire was a bastion of Islamic scholarship and brotherhood.

It was not until the Nigerian state unwisely murdered Mohammed Yusuf on July 2009, that Boko Haram began to metamorphose into a violent movement under the leadership of the mad man called Abubakar Shekau.

Now, between 2009 and 2011, Boko Haram was more of a nuisance, but they did not have the capacity to wage the insurgency they are now waging. However, all of that changed in 2011. For years, Muammar Gaddafi maintained a covert foreign legion of mercenaries from many parts ofAfrica. People like Charles Taylor (former President of Liberia) and Foday Sankoh (a Sierra Leonean rebel leader), were once part of that force and had received military training in Libya.

Gadaffi hired mercenaries from the Northeast of Nigeria, as well as from Chad, Niger, Mali and other Sub SaharanAfrican nations. They were camped in forbidden cities in Libya’s desert and given professional military training.

When the Barack Obama administration decided to move against Gaddafi, they did do selfishly. They did not care about the destabilising effect it would have on the rest ofAfrica.And so, when they stage-managed the overthrow and killing of Gadaffi, Libya became a swamp, and all of a sudden, tens of thousands of trained mercenaries, with sophisticated weapons and lots of money started fleeing Libya.

My readers will recall that it was after Gaddafi’s death that Mali, Nigeria, Chad and Niger began experiencing an upsurge in Islamic terrorism.

For instance, between July 30, 2009, when Mohammed Yusuf was summarily executed, and December 31, 2010, there were a total of only two major Boko Haram terrorists attacks. The September 7, 2010, Bauchi prison break and the December 31, 2010,Abuja barrack attack.

However, beginning in 2011, Boko Haram’s attacks grew in tempo and fury. There were more than 20 incidents of Boko Haram terror including the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Christmas Day bombing, the multiple coordinated bombings on May 29, 2011, as then President Jonathan was being sworn in, the June 16,Abuja Police Headquarters bombing, theAugust 26, United Nations building bombing, the

November 4 Damaturu attacks and bombings, and the December 22-23 bombings and attacks in Maiduguri.

This escalation was a direct result of the Obama administration’s meddling in Libya. Nigeria and other WestAfrican nations bore the brunt of the deadly effects of that intervention.

Yet, this same Barack Obama, who caused these problems, refused to sell weapons to Nigeria so that we could battle these terrorists. He cited the Leahy law, but that was a ruse.And when Nigeria attempted to buy the weapons we needed from Israel stealthily, Obama warned Israel that he would stop selling arms to Israel, if Israel sold weapons to Nigeria.

And so, faced with an insurgency that was so well disciplined, well funded and well inspired, Nigeria had no choice but to hire mercenaries and to buy weapons on the black market.

Now, I said that Obama cited the Leahy law as a ruse. Why do I say so? Because I know directly from the horse’s mouth that the real reason Obama would not sell weapons to Nigeria is that then President Jonathan has rejected his subtle pressure to legalise gay marriage and homosexuality in Nigeria.

You see, Obama, with an eye to his legacy, had caught a desk with the LGBTQ community inAmerica to support his 2012 re-election, as well as support whoever he wanted to back in 2016, on the condition that Obama would go after any government in the world that was seen to be unfriendly to the LGBTQ community.

The summary of these events is that Barack Obama instigated the killing of Gaddafi, and destabilised Libya. When Gaddafi’s mercenaries fled Libya and converged in Nigeria disguised as Boko Haram, Obama refused to sell us arms to fight them, so that he could help get General Buhari elected! Now he is shouting #BlackLivesMattter. If Obama did for Blacks what he did for gays, there won’t be a need for the Black Lives Matter movement. Barack Obama is a HYPOCRITE! Sadly, Black people show that we do not know our history, hence we keep repeating it and blaming history for repeating itself. #BlackLivesMatter activists are pulling down statues of slave traders, yet promoting the Democratic Party, which was the Party of slavery.

How does that make sense?And Obama is leading them. This was a man who had eight years to make #BlackLivesMatter, but used the eight years to make Gay Lives Matter.And because we Blacks are so detached from history, we applaud his crocodile tears. Obama is one of the worst things to happen to Black people!

Yes. You read me right. It was actually the Republican Party that fought against and defeated slavery inAmerica and that championed and voted for the Civil RightsAct of 1964. Please do not take my word for this. Research it for yourself! When I seeAfricans championing Barack Obama, I salute the power of the media to make you hate those

THE PUBLIC SPHERE

who are fighting for your rights and love those who are trying to destroy your rights. Let me cite just a simple example.

George W Bush paid for HIV drugs for every HIV positive individual in sub-SaharanAfrica for the next 25 years through the Presidential Emergency Plan forAIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Bill Clinton increased US trade inAfrica throughAGOA. Cite one thing Obama did forAfrica besides trying to force gay marriage on us?Aids he did not give. It is what will bringAIDS he wants to give?

When he was President, Obama lit up the White House with the colours of the Gay Rights Movement (LGBQT) on June 27, 2015. If Black Lives Mattered to Obama, why did he not light up the White House with the #BlackLivesMatter colours?

Obama meddled openly in Nigeria’s 2015 elections. He did not even hide it. He felt we were inferior human beings and that he had a right to interfere. Yet, the hypocrite was screaming Russia meddling to his beloved CNN when Russia did exactly what he did in Nigeria.

Nigeria currently has an inept ignoramus, who cannot govern his own home and his party, as President. Courtesy of Barack Obama’s meddling in the 2015 election, because he wanted to oust a President who he felt, was against his beloved gay community.And now this hypocritical crybaby is crying wee, wee, wee, all the way to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Only weak-minded people, with no sense of history, will be deceived by Obama’s posturing. Obama is actually more racist than those he is accusing today. Look at the disdain with which he treated African nations while he was in power. He never talked to our leaders.

He spoke at them.

Obama is institutionally racist. He believes that he is always the smartest guy in the room and that it is his way or the highway. That is why he destabilised Libya, despite the pleas fromAfrican leaders of the contagious effect it would cause.

If you put Barack Obama side by side the Muammar Gaddafi that he killed,Africa benefited more from Gaddafi than Obama. Gaddafi supported theANC against apartheid and was an anti-imperialist. I ask you-what has Obama ever done forAfrica?

Reno’s Nuggets * Wedding dress * Cake * Wedding ring * Bridesmaids * Groomsmen * Bouquet * Confetti

@ChidoNigeria https://www.facebook.com/chido.nwakanma

Block the Open Manhole of the Cybercrimes Act 2015

T

he number of victims and near-victims grows daily.

They include Emperor Ogbonna, Musa Babale Azare, Abubakar Sidiq Usman, Kemi Olunloyo, Chris Kehinde Nwandu, and Seun Oloketuyi. The last two escaped as the petitioner heeded wise counsel and withdrew the case. The above are all persons touched by the infected hands of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.

Just in the last two weeks there was Ugochinyere Ikenga of the Conference of United Political Parties. The case of Ikenga versus House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has all the issues in contention concerning the CybercrimesAct, 2015.

The CybercrimesAct 2015 is a utility hole in the middle of an expressway.Anyone can drive into it, even in broad daylight. It is one of the ill-prepared legislations in our statute books that commenced with good intentions but missed its way and became a clear and present danger to citizens in our democracy. It is time to repeal the offensive aspects of that legislation.

State Governors and many highly placed citizens are deploying the CybercrimesAct, 2015 and other similar laws to nefarious purposes other than the intendment of the legislation. The cases are multiplying daily, and some of the affected still languish in prisons without the benefit of trials.

Barrister Emperor Ogbonna ofAba is still in prison. Ogbonna fell foul of the authorities inAbia State. He libelled Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in a Facebook post. TheAbia State government did what similar powers have done since the inclusion in the CybercrimesAct 2015 of a section on reputation. They petitioned the police against Ogbonna. In return, the police arrested the lawyer and then procured a detention order from a magistrate’s court.

TheAba chapter of the Nigerian BarAssociation fought and secured liberal bail terms for him. Just as he perfected his papers, the Chief of Staff to Governor Ikpeazu got the DSS to detain Ogbonna.

They transferred him toAbuja. This time the charge is defaming President Muhammadu Buhari. SinceApril, DSS has yet to file any charge against Ogbonna.

Many are familiar with the case of Ms Kemi Olunloyo, who spent 18 months in prison in Port Harcourt for vending libel against a pastor in that city. She spent that time in jail without trial. Why? Cybercrimes Act of 2015.

Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila fluffed the chance to test our laws on

defamation. Mr Ikenga charged publicly that Gbajabiamila collected $10m from Bill Gates and his team to push the Infectious Diseases Bill through Nigeria’s parliament.

Rather than sue in the best traditions of civil liberty and jurisprudence, Gbajabiamila took advantage of his office. He got the House to speak against Ikenga and then petitioned the Police to do the rest through the CybercrimesAct. The courts stopped them. We hope they will do the needful.

It negatively is the new normal. Officials deploy the CybercrimesAct to hound persons. Nigeria’s CybercrimesAct seeks to contain abuse of the cyberspace, following efforts in several other countries. Nigeria’s version of the law against violations of the cyberspace is peculiar for the criminalisation of defamation and the double jeopardy that poses for journalists and citizens alike.

In Part Three, Section 24, the CybercrimesAct steps into the territory of libel, otherwise captured in existing laws. It criminalises “message or other matter” sent using computer systems or networks by anyone.

The offence happens when “he knows to be false”. It also qualifies the motive as to cause “annoyance, inconvenience, danger, destruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill-will or needless anxiety to another.”

The CybercrimesAct makes defamation a criminal offence. Ordinarily, defamation is a civil offence. It is one of damage to the reputation of someone through messaging in any medium to other persons.

Offended parties sue and seek redress through litigation. Because of the CybercrimesAct, 2015, there are now two laws in the Statute books on defamation, one civil and the other criminal.

The danger is that influential people can turn civil matters into criminal ones by influencing the police to do so. Not surprisingly, offended parties are no longer taking the civil remedies route of libel suits but are now using the Nigerian Police Force and the Cybercrimes Act. Moreover, the law is loose and ropes in so much of what citizens engage in on “computer networks.”

The authorities have yet to convict anyone based on the section on reputation in the CybercrimesAct. It merely is a gifted noose to public officials to punish critics while pretending to act within the law. The Abia State Chief of Staff to the governor claimed they had complied with the law as justification for the continued detention without trial of Emperor Ogbonna.

Another growing recourse is to charge critics with terrorism or

treason. Social media influencerAmbrose Nwaogwugwu is in jail courtesy of the Imo State Government on the charge of terrorism.

Terrorism? The State government used the DSS to bring a six-count case against him under the Terrorism PreventionAct, 2011 at the Magistrate Court, Owerri. They deliberately took the matter to the Magistrate Court, whereas the legislation stipulates trial in a High Court. Pettiness using deception and delay because lawyers will argue first on jurisdiction as time goes before then dwelling on the substantive matter.

TheAgba Jalingo matter played out the same way. He spent 170 days in police detention and jail courtesy of Governor BenAyade of Cross River State. The police arrested the publisher of Cross River Watch on 22August 2019, over a report alleging that Cross River State governor, BenAyade, diverted N500 million belonging to the state.

The Cross River State Government took over prosecution of the case from the Nigerian Police to underline the fact that it is personal to the governor. Jalingo is temporarily free on bail.

In many instances, these cases are the fallouts of quarrels among friends. They should settle them in the best traditions of civil liberty, which is to sue for libel. The current aggressive approach is akin to military rule.

It is sad, on the other hand, to note that many of the persons failed the test of truth and best practice in the reports for which the governments are pillorying them. Even so, two wrongs do not make a right.

Properly pursue your matter and avoid the deception of obnoxious legislation.

Governors pretending to be emperors must realise that citizens and the media ensured the realisation of this Fought Republic. The goal was to have a democratic space since all evidence showed that Nigeria performed better on all indices under democratic governance. The recourse to a monarchical rule where the king does no wrong through the enablement of loopholes in legislation would not serve them well.

Nor would it further our democracy.

The NationalAssembly should please review the Cybercrimes Act and remove the section on reputation and defamation. There are existing laws. They should do so bearing in mind that anyone can fall into this utility hole on the highway.

––Nwakanma is a consultant and public affairs analyst as well as on the Adjunct Faculty of the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University.

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

28.06.2020

DREDGING UP MEMORIES OF A RACISTPAST

A recent apology, tendered by the highbrow British public school Eton College to one of its former students, Nigerian author and book publisher Dilibe Onyeama, has caused a full-scale media storm and brought back his 1972 memoir Nigger at Eton to the public’s consciousness. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

A

n interesting dividend of the recent wave of Black Lives Matter protests is the fact that it is making political-correctness trend again. So, Eton College’s formal mea culpa to Nigerian author, Dilibe Onyeama, which has generated a lot of media buzz, should be seen as a nod to the prevailing mood. That the prestigious British public school’s current headmaster, Simon Henderson, was even quoted by the BBC as saying that he was “appalled” when condemning “the racism Mr Onyeama experienced at Eton” highlights how much it wants to exorcise the ghost from its past.

This gesture, albeit belated, might just as well have been an attempt to add a new sheen to the school's halo of respectability and political-correctness. On the apology itself, Onyeama assured THISDAY in an interview that it “was neither solicited, nor desired, nor expected, nor anticipated; in effect, it was wholly unnecessary.” This was notwithstanding the fact that he had duly acknowledged it as “touching and much appreciated.”

With characteristic magnanimity, he added: “We have all done enough to be ashamed of, and nobody – of whatever race or hue – has a monopoly of righteousness. An apology might have been overdue had the ban, which was slammed on me in 1972 over the publication of my book Nigger at Eton, remained in force till this day. But it was revoked in 2008 by the late Provost of the school Sir Eric Anderson when I was invited to participate in an Old Boys' get-together (which I was unable to attend). Had it not been, one could then draw a clear inference that the writing of 'adventure' stories was a monopoly of white supremacists. Was a black author debarred from endorsing in book form outlandish real-life experiences of adventure, which was the spirit in which Nigger at Eton was written?”

Eton, which currently charges fees of more than £40,000 (N 19,382,656) a year, was founded by King Henry VI in 1440 and is acknowledged worldwide for its high educational standards.

Onyeama believes that, because it was created primarily to produce pillars of the British ruling class and leaders of the establishment, it was never designed with an African background in mind. “Hence an African pupil would be something of an eccentric choice for such a breeding ground whose ancestors hoisted the flag in those backward lands in which the crown had established acquisitive occupancy,” he mused.

Dilibe Onyeama with a copy of Nigger at Eton “I was one such eccentric choice. And after four electrifying years in its rarified atmosphere, I find myself some half-century later a sudden 'celebrated' beneficiary of an apology – offered on a platter of gold– by no less a personality as the exalted headmaster, Mr Simon Henderson. That was ostensibly to soothe away the pains of whatever indignities I might have endured at the hands of my privileged white contemporaries all those years ago.”

So, what if the “whirlwind of outrage” – as Onyema described the protests trailing the recent brutal killing of African-American George Floyd by a white policeman– had not “extended its dragnet to address the matter of racial injustice in a historical context”? Or, precisely, what road-to-Damascus experience could have forced Eton to recant its obnoxious ban on the author?

“Racism has no place in civilised society, then or now,”

Henderson was also quoted by the BBC as arguing, as he promised to invite Onyeama “so as to apologise to him in person, on behalf of the school, and to make clear that he will always be welcome at Eton.”

But, suddenly the book, Nigger at Eton, is dredged up in the readers’ consciousness from blurry recesses of memories and the issues that it raised are back on the front-burner. “'Elephantine' memories in the mass media recalled that my book 'Nigger at Eton', published under a welter of press coverage worldwide, fitted the bill for extensive analysis vis-à-vis the prevailing 'Black Lives Matter' indictment of perceived anti-black animosity,” Onyeama explained. “The subsequent extensive question-and-answer probing by the BBC resulted in a challenge to Eton's headmaster to throw light on the matter. Hence the aforesaid apology in profuse terms, spiced with an assurance that I would be personagrata any time I chose to visit Eton.”

Ultimately, Onyeama shrugs off his “encounters with supremacist attitudes and abuse at the school”, saying that “though unpleasant and provocative”, they “still fell onto the package of 'adventure'.”

The renowned Nigerian author, who currently runs Delta Publications (an Enugu-based book publishing company), still has a lot of good things to say about Eton College. Like his Oxford University-trained father Charles “Dadi” Onyeama who eventually became a judge at the International Court of Justice at The Hague, he has a high opinion of the British education system. Eton, he said, “had its profusion of unique privileges and memorable moments of enjoyment, rooted in traditions of dignity, courtesy and culture – which have bred some of the world's most distinguished men.”

Hence he argued it would be “absurd to suggest that the one indictment of white supremacist attitudes overshadowed the relevance of all those goodies, notwithstanding the many tearful exposés for all sorts of unedifying scandals that have sometimes unbalanced the school's equilibrium. Yet, no ban was placed on any of its white critics.”

Hailing the Black Lives Matter protesters for “forcibly asserting their rights with decisive action”, he added: “It has proved, as nothing else can, that there is nothing unnatural in revenge if it is seen in the light of a warning to the offender not to repeat the offence.”

EXHIBITION

A QUINTET’S PERCEPTIONS OF COLOUR IN LIGHT Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

F

ive Nigerian artists are currently engaging the visual arts audience in the Terra Kulture Gallery’s ongoing online exhibition. The artists – Chigozie Obi, UA.x Seyi, Apreel Geek, Chukwuka Nwobi and Osagie – through such media as painting, photography and video are sharing their perspectives of the exhibition’s title Colour in Light.

This exhibition – apparently the Lagos-based gallery’s first since the COVID-19 pandemicinduced lockdown – was intended to run online from Thursday, June 11 to Tuesday,August 11. But, the organisers have assured the viewing public that

it would remain available online till the gallery reopens, after its closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With their engaging offerings, the artistic quintet guides the viewers on an exploration of the relationship between sight and perception. “We see colour everywhere,” according to a statement in their exhibition catalogue. “We may say we do not see colour, we perceive it. Colour is derived from the perception of wavelengths of light. When white light travels through a prism, it creates the full spectrum because it is a mix of all the electromagnetic wavelengths that create the colours of the spectrum. When it travels through the glass, each wavelength bends at different speeds to spread out into each colour, red travelling the fastest, and violet the slowest. The human eye can distinguish between 8 to 10 million colours, with each tint, shade, tone or combination fulfilling its own experience.”

Through their diverse forms of expression, each of the artists – in his or her unique way – delves into the

relationship between colour and light and “emoting colour through light and shadow”. Expectedly, each impresses its note upon the subject, hence offering the viewer a distinctive world of experiencing, despite the thematic connectedness of the works. Ultimately, the exhibition, through its disparate renditions of the theme, hopes to induce the viewer to not just a more conscious perception of colour, but also “its competence in our vibrations, sensibilities, and environment.”

TakeAnambra State-born Chigozie Obi, who was not only raised but also based in Lagos, for instance. Her epiphany moment with the painting medium was when she became more adept with the use of colours.

This was during her industrial training.

Dilibe Onyeama with a copy of Nigger at Eton Readers should continued online www.thisdaylive.com

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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NEWSXTRA Psquare Peter, Wife, Daughter Recover from COVID-19 ‡ NCDC announces 779 new cases ‡ as Lagos discharges 55 patient Tobi Soniyi Peter Okoye, twin brother of the defunct music group (P-Square) also known as Mr. P yesterday revealed that he, his wife Lola and their daughter Aliona, tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.

He, however, said that they have all recovered from the disease which he said was devastating.

He made this known via his verified Twitter page (@PeterPsquare) on Saturday.

In a series of videos he posted, Peter Okoye urged members of the public to beware of the virus.

He added that his domestic staff also contracted the virus.

He said that it had been hectic for his family in the past few weeks.

He, therefore, urged all his fans to stay safe and adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has announced 779 new cases of COVID-19.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 23,077 with 8,625 discharged and 558 deaths.

Lagos recorded the highest cases with 285, followed by Rivers State with 28 and the Federal Capital Territory with 60 new cases.

Also yesterday, Lagos State

governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state discharged 55 COVID-19 patients.

He said 16 females and 39 males including 16 foreign nationals were discharged from the state’s Isolation facilities to reunite with the society.

According to him, 14 patients from Onikan, 5 from Gbagada, 5 from Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, 8 from Agidingbi, 6 from Lekki, 4 from Eti-Osa (LandMark), 4 from First Cardiology and 9 from LUTH Isolation centres were discharged after full recovery and testing negative to COVID-19.

This brings to 1419, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases that have been successfully managed and discharged in Lagos.

The governor called on residents to continue to adhere strictly to guidelines for the prevention of the virus.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, has corrected the erroneous impression and claims that generous consumption of local gin and herbs cures Coronavirus.

Egbeyemi warned that such an act could only be injurious to health, rather than safeguarding the health of any person.

He urged residents of the state to adhere strictly with COVID-19

Customers Endorse Glo Cloud on Backup of Digital Files Subscribers of Globacom Limited have endorsed Glo Cloud, a personal full quality storage application that enables users to easily back up their digital activities including photos, videos, music and documents.

They shared their testimony at the inauguration of the application recently, citing its utility value especially in the prevailing COVID-19 period.

Globacom, Nigeria’s multinational telecommunications company, introduced the product earlier in the year but it has gained wider popularity and acceptance for its relevance now that people are doing so much online including online lessons for kids, working from home, online worship, generation and sharing of heavy videos and pictures and other online businesses.

The app is provisioned to assist

Glo data users to safely and privately store, back up automatically, retrieve and share their digital content from their cloud accounts.

Glo Cloud users can store their digital contents to the size of their subscriptions. ‘For instance, if a customer subscribed for 50GB, he or she will be able to store up to 50GB of content�, Glo explained. “We are in a digital age where people develop loads of personal, social and business content which they wish to store and retrieve whenever and wherever they want. Glo Cloud provides a safe and secure place to store such content. “Apart from the problem of having enough storage space on phones or laptops, the Glo Cloud customer is assured of the safety of his documents or contents if he loses his phone or computer�, the company said.

Balogun, Renowned Social Worker, Dies at 81 The family of Prof. Ekundayo Balogun has announced the passing away of its matriarch, Mrs. Ebunoluwa Kofoworola Balogun, on the June 24 in Houston, Texas, at the age of 81.

Announcing on behalf of the family is her son-in-law, Prof. Oluyinka Olutoye, who was widely celebrated in 2016 for successfully leading a team of 21 doctors to conduct a surgery on a 23-week-old foetus and returning it to its mother’s womb in Texas, USA. Balogun is fondly remembered by all for her compassionate and selfless nature. She ensured that people enjoyed fair treatment by all ramifications and was unwavering in her commitment to positively influence lives in

both her community and across the nation.

Balogun was a social worker who dedicated her to life to defending the marginalised and supporting anti-racism causes.

She completed her formative education in Nigeria before progressing to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, USA to obtain her undergraduate degree.

Her passion for social justice occasioned her enrolment at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin, to earn her post-graduate degree in Social Works. The depth of her dedication to humanity is keenly felt in the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and other schools across Nigeria where she impacted lives.

protocols, personal hygiene and always clean their environment so as not to fall victims to diseases.

He gave the warning on Saturday while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Ido/Osi Local Government He frowned against abandonment of face masks by many residents since the lockdown was relaxed in the state The state’s number two man,

who stopped over at Ayetoro, Usi and Ido to enlighten residents on COVID-19, enjoined them to always wear their face masks, wash their hands regularly, avoid crowded areas and observe social distancing so as not to fall victims of the disease.

He said it was curious and unfortunate for some individuals, especially the youths, to believe that drinking alcohol could prevent COVID-19 maintaining that only

obedience to the guidelines could do it.

Describing the belief that alcohol could prevent COVID-19 as a fallacy, Egbeyemi urged residents to cooperate with the Dr. Kayode Fayemi administration to defeat the disease and ensure a healthy populace in Ekiti.

Egbeyemi, who advised youths against indulging in drug abuse also charged them to always deploy their energy to participation in the

monthly environmental sanitation as a form of community service.

He said: “COVID-19 is real and we have heard about many people it has killed including very distinguished and prominent Nigerians who contracted the disease but didn’t survive it. “Let’s follow COVID-19 rules and protocols of regular hand washing, wearing of face masks, avoiding crowds and observance of physical and social distancing.

CHARTING A NEW PATH Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, May & Baker Nigeria Plc , Mr. Nnamdi Okafor; Chairman, May & Baker Board of Directors, Senator Daisy Danjuma and Company Secretary, Mrs. Adetoun Abiru at the 69th Annual General Meeting of the company

NEDC: Boko Haram Destroyed 80% of Borno Houses Michael Olugbode In Maiduguri The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has revealed that Borno State lost 80 percent of its houses to the Boko Haram insurgency, thereby culminating in an acute deficit of decent, safe and secure houses in the state.

Consequently, the NEDC disclosed that it had begun the construction of 10,000 housing units spread across 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) for the resettlement of the state’s internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Managing Director of NEDC, Dr. Mohammed Alkali gave the statistics at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 10,000

housing units in Ngwom, in Mafa Local Government Area, Borno State on Friday.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Ms. Sadiya Farouk performed the groundbreaking ceremony alongside the state governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, among others.

The project, which falls within the purview of the NEDC, is President Muhammadu Buhari’s special intervention for Borno State, being the epicentre of Boko Haram insurgency. The crisis has displaced over 1.5 million people in the troubled state.

At the ceremony, Alkali said Borno lost 80 percent of its houses “to the Boko Haram insurgency.

If the number of people in the IDPs camps is put together, there will be definitely the need for more houses.�

He said in tackling the housing deficit as a result of the insurgency, the president approved the 10,000 housing units to fill in the gap.

Alkali said: “Here, in Ngwom, the first 1000 houses will be built and work has started in reality with 100 already built.

Similarly, the commission has handed over two health facilities to the Borno State Government, which included a 30-bed centre at Muna IDPs Camp and another 20-bed centre at Mohammed Goni Stadium IDP Camp.�

He said the facilities would

assist the state government and camp managers in providing basic healthcare services to internally displaced persons at the camps.

He said NEDC handed over 120 operational vehicles “to the various security agencies as well as ambulances and medical equipment to all federal tertiary institutions in the Northeast.�

In her remarks, the minister explained that the housing units, which are being handled by NEDC, would be spread across the ten most affected local government areas of the state.

She added that 1000 of the houses would be in Ngwom while the remaining 9,000 houses would be constructed across the other nine selected local governments.

Makinde Denies Delaying Approval for Ajimobi’s Burial Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde yesterday disputed reports that the state government was responsible for the delay in burying his immediate predecessor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who died of COVID-19 on Thursday.

Makinde’s denial was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, describing the insinuation as a wicked lie.

As a Muslim, he was supposed to be buried the following day. A family source had claimed that an arrangement had been made for Ajimobi’s burial the following day after he passed away, but could not secure government approval.

But the family source had claimed that the burial had not taken place due to the

impediments placed by the state government to the burial plans by the family.

He said: “The government official that the family got in touch with said they could not take action on the matter without approval from the governor. Also, the official also informed us that it has been difficult to pin down the governor for the approval.�

In response to the claims of Ajimobi’s family, the statement said there was no truth in the rumour making the rounds that the burial was delayed by the state government.

The statement said the report, being spread to give the state government a bad name and to play undue politics with the dead, initially came by the way of social media gossip, which gained traction to attract the attention of traditional media outfits.

It added that several media outfits

reached out to the Media Office of the Governor of Oyo State to make enquiries on this barefaced lie on Saturday. “Let it be stated clearly that Makinde, has played no role at all in causing any delay whatsoever regarding the burial of his immediate predecessor, Ajimobi. “The truth of the matter is that the family, through a proxy, approached the state government and sought approval to bury the late governor on a plot of land at Agodi GRA, which is currently under litigation. “Incidentally, it was the same former Governor Ajimobi who instituted the legal action. Makinde had no choice than to state the facts as they are to the emissaries and turn down the request. “Makinde, however, against the established land use rule in

Oyo State, gave approval that the family can bury the late governor in his Oluyole Estate residence. “It is to be noted that the rules guiding land use in Government Reservation Areas (GRA) forbid the burial of bodies in such locations as Oluyole Estate and Agodi GRA. “Let us also put on record that whereas the family did not follow the laid down protocols in passing information on the sickness and eventual demise of Ajimobi, Governor Makinde overlooked all that and directed the full cooperation of the government with the family on this matter. “It can only amount to a wicked lie to insinuate that the incumbent government in Oyo State attempted to obstruct the burial of the immediate past governor.�

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 28, 2020

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INTERVIEW

COVID-19 Lockdown Has Brought The Best Out of Our Students In this interview with Arise Television, monitored by Vanessa Obioha, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Akan–Bassey Williams, says that the protracted COVID-19 pandemics has produced many positive results in the academic community including getting a set of Covenant University students to produce outstanding solutions to global climatic issues. Excerpts:

F

rom your experience at CU how would you describe the impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on the country’s education sector?

The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown have further exposed the inadequacies in our fragile education sector in Nigeria. To properly situate this standpoint, how many of our universities are engaged in online teaching and learning? Currently, there are 170 universities in Nigeria, 79 of which are private universities.

Yes! The COVID-19 lockdown has impacted our operations. But for this pandemic, Covenant University has always had an uninterrupted academic calendar from inception in 2002. You can predict us from resumption to convocation. Our students were on holidays after the Alpha (First) Semester examination for the 2019/2020 academic session and were about to resume for the Omega (Second) Semester when a few days to resumption institutions of learning were shutdown.

The lockdown has had impact on the following in many universities:Academic calendar;Face-to-face lectures;For us in Covenant, hosting of our International Visiting Professors has been affected;Inaugural lecture series;Convocation Ceremony and a lot more We have missed the Covenant students. Recently, we sent a well- packaged video tagged ‘just checking on you’ to our esteemed students. We got very emotional feedbacks from them.

Our faculty and staff are working. A faculty is Akan–Bassey Williams normally engaged for lectures, research and community service. Our students are engaged in our Moodle Other nations refine and sell the processed oil to us at a higher Learning Management System (LMS). Arrangements are at price. We do not tend our garden even when we know that fossil advanced stage to ensure that every student has internet access fuel is a finite resource. from home. Students have access to lectures, powerpoints, From some of the narratives we have had, it is clear that man assignments etc. We had an online meeting with the faculty is wicked. recently, and we got confirmations that many lecturers have We have the human resources in Nigeria but the environcovered about 70% of the course contents. Our students are also ment is not empowering. engaged in the Coursera COVID-19 Initiative where Coursera has unusually given Covenant 10,000 licences for online learnWhat would you have suggested the government did ing and certification. Our PG students are having their online differently? lectures via Zoom on our Moodle LMS. We are having virtual Our COVID-19 regulations appear not to apply to everybody Thesis/Dissertation defence and seminars. the same way. That should change.

Research is ongoing in Covenant. There is a research team put Churches are closed but our help is only in God. You do in place to seek solution to COVID-19. Most of our faculty and not shut the doors against God, your Helper. In Living Faith staff stay on campus. We are publishing. God has helped us in Church, for example, we have more than 100 testimonies from Covenant. We do not have any COVID-19 case here.

COVID-19 infected persons testifying to their cure after engagWe are ready to resume academic activities. We have had ing in our Online services. atleast 3 Senate meetings virtually. We have been having regular Believe in Nigerian researchers and fund researches. virtual Management meetings, committee meetings, faculty/ staff meetings. We have a resumption committee in place. We How would you describe the state of education in the know the expectations and will do the needful. We have hand country generally? wash facilities manufactured by our Engineering faculty and Not empowering enough! Not impressive. technologists. We have distributed sanitizers and facemasks to From the 2020 University ranking announced by Times our faculty and staff.

Higher Education (THE), only 4 universities from Nigeria are ranked. Namely, Covenant, UI, Unilag and UNN in that order.

How would you describe the interventions of the FG Thank God for Covenant, we are ranked 400 – 500 bracket, working with the organised private sector on the panbeing the best in Nigeria and West Africa and jointly ranked No demic? Adequate or inadequate?

4 in Africa.

While appreciating the interventions of the FG, the Central We are developing other nations with our human resources Bank and the organized private sector, I sincerely consider these A state of emergency should be declared for education: now interventions inadequate. We do not have reliable database in public primary and secondary schools are meant for the poor; Nigeria. We do not know how many we are in Nigeria. We do we have decayed infrastructure. I went to a public primary not have the basic demography. Palliatives are not distributed school. based on statistical analysis. However, I see a beacon of hope in I recall discussing with Prof. Wole Soyinka a few months the initiative of CBN to SMEs. ago and noted on a lighter mood that he needs to give Nigeria another Nobel Laureate. He is the only Nobel Laureate we have What are the major takeaways from the episode so far? since 1986.

The takeaways are many: Man is limited. God is supreme and the end is close. We need If you were the minister of education what would be to seek God with our hearts not with our face. your winning strategy?

Health is, indeed, wealth. We need to be alive to do anything.

I will provide leadership by example. Leadership is a serious The Nigerian government did not invest appreciably in the business because I know as John Maxwell would say that healthcare of its citizens. We need to build our healthcare system ‘everything rises and falls on leadership’. Our Chancellor, Dr. and reward healthcare workers appropriately.

David Oyedepo says ‘it does not have to be white to be right’.

Students’ learning experience needs to be streamlined.

Blended learning is required in our learning experience. The Blended learning (i.e a combination of face-to-face and Open ODL modalities should be changed. I do not expect NUC to still Distance Learning) is the way forward. require a university interested in commencing ODL to start with Our dependence on crude oil is not self-sustaining; we need just a course as provided in the guideline. to diversify the economy. God has blessed this country with 2007 BMAS (Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard) is resources and the Raw Materials Development Council has the still being used for accreditation. The updated version should be dossier. We operate the Esau way. We sale our raw crude oil. published. The world is moving at a fast pace, we should not be

left behind.

There is need to invest heavily in postgraduate studies including regular accreditation of PG courses.

I would build research labs across the geopolitical zones of this country and fund research. We need to change the narrative.

I advocate a lasting town-gown relationship. There are many researches that have been carried out in the universities with the findings on the shelves. Some industries would require the findings for development if there were strong town-gown relationship. In Covenant, town-gown relationship is cultivated.

Indeed, a minimum of three town-gown lectures are expected in a semester from each of the academic departments in the university.

TETFUND should be made available to all researchers in public and private universities. The private universities have been driving this for years now. I recall I raised this issue in the meeting of Association of West African Universities in Ghana some years ago and our then Minister of Education was uncomfortable.

TETFUND is contributed by the organized private sector. We work in the same country, we eat from the same market.

Public universities are ranked together with the private universities. We have money unutilized because people are not taking advantage of the fund. Truth be told, we are comfortable in Covenant. We have funds for research but I am saying this on principle.

Tell us more about SOLUTION 17 project? What motivated it?

Solution 17 for climate action in Covenant University is an initiative of Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) powered by one of our ambassadors. The project was designed to engage young people to produce Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based solutions that can be implemented locally and are relevant to tackling problems that will clearly accelerate the achievement of the Global Goals by 2030. The project outcome has led to the birth of the “Global Movement Against Climate Crisis”; an initiative that will cause paradigm shift through the development of solutions to human-centered problems in Africa and the world at large.

We like to acknowledge the support of THISDAY Group, which will go a long way to boost youth development and the actualization of SDGs The motivation comes from the challenges the world is facing from climate change. People are suffering from the catastrophic effects of extreme disasters exacerbated by climate change. The earth’s climate has constantly been changing over geological time, with significant fluctuations of global average temperatures. It has become clear that humanity has caused most of the global warming by releasing greenhouse gases via the burning fossil fuels, agriculture and land-use and other activities that drive climate change. Climate change involves not only rising temperatures, but also extreme weather events, rising sea levels, etc. The major driver of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels which has increased the concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.

There are many strategies to be adopted, including awareness, to mitigate the effect of climate hence Solution 17 is tailored towards addressing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Incidentally, Covenant is highly ranked in Times Higher Education (THE) Impact ranking focusing on the SDGs. At the commencement of the project, hundreds of Covenant University students and alumni in May submitted essays on ‘Climate Crisis; A Race We Must Win!’, a topic was later expanded to ‘Lesson Learnt from COVID19 to Fight Climate Crisis” as the outbreak of Covid-19 47 Covenant University qualifiers presented climate action social impact projects and enterprises to a global audience in a virtual live event which began on June 2, 2020. There were screened by Refiners, a team of Judges and mentors. The event ended on June 3, 2020 with the presentation of the 17 Finalists with 17 Ideas, 17 Social Impact Projects, 17 Climate Action Enterprises and 17 SDGs.

(See concluding Interview on www.thisdaylive.com)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 28, 2020

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

ENGAGEMENTS

Taming the Rowdiness

T

he ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may have paused on its way to compulsive self –liquidation and timed unraveling. In the interim, a direct intervention by President Buhari may have only put the crisis in the party on slow motion while driving the cross currents underground to rehearse for the foretold future night of jagged long knives.

In less than a fortnight, the party has experienced half a dozen acting Chairmen and has become the subject of nearly the same number of litigations in various courts. Claims and counter claims of ownership and leadership of the rowdy party have acquired an entertainment value for hapless Nigerians. The leadership crisis in degenerated to the possibility of open fracas by unruly contenders and their thugs. The police moved in to occupy the party’s Abuja headquarters with obvious instructions not to allow some party leaders especially members of Mr. Oshiomole’s dissolved Central Working Committee (CWC) and their followers access to the premises.

President Buhari has intervened ostensibly to stem what is a growing embarrassment for his presidency and the party in power. The president first called a hurried meeting of party leaders and state governors and ended up endorsing the interim leadership of Mr. Victor Giadom, one of the contenders for the troubled soul of the party for the purpose of convening a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party at the end of which a caretaker committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mr. Mai Mala Buni and populated by an assortment of illustrious political citizens was set up to oversee the affairs of the party pending a future convention.

The Adams Oshiomole –led Central Working Committee of the party was summarily sacked.

Quite significantly, for the first time in our national history, the National Executive Committee of a political party took place in the council chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Also, the hurriedly assembled Caretaker Committee of the party was sworn in by the Attorney General of the federation.

It is safe to assume that a presidential intervention would be on the side of fairness and order. It should whip the party leadership and members into line and ensure the restoration of some sanity. But I am afraid that Mr. Buhari’s intervention may hasten the demise of the beleaguered party unless sanity and common sense prevails. At best, the intervention of the president could slow down the haste of the ambitious contenders who may have forgotten that we still have three years before Mr. Buhari’s tenancy of Aso Rock Villa expires.

It is however convenient to hinge his decisive intervention on adherence to internal party democracy, with an implicit indication that as president he can only be on the side of the party constitution. The trouble with that position is of course that in a political contest among partisans, even a pretension to non- partisanship is itself a form of partisanship. Mr. Buhari can hardly be a disinterested party in a contest, legal or otherwise, involving factions of a political party that he leads and on whose ticket he holds office as president. And yet he can ill afford to be indifferent while his house of cards is on fire.

Opposition to the president’s present stance may not be as muffled as some might think. Some party leaders are already crying wolf. The dissolved Oshiomole led Central Working Committee has served notice that it might challenge its dissolution in court. Some other party leaders have charged that Buhari merely handed down ready made decisions to the National Executive Committee without any democratic debate. Some others have pointed to the incongruity of the venue and the role of the Attorney General of the federation in swearing in a Caretaker committee of a party. These cries are likely to increase and get so noisy as to disturb the peace of the party in the months ahead.

I am not so sure how effective the president’s power and influence will be in containing the impending blaze in the party. Mr. Buhari has not quite been the most ebullient political leader so far. In Africa, a political leader ensures compliance to his diktat either by the fear he inspires or the deftness of his political moves to rein in deviant forces. Neither of these factors is applicable to Buhari so far. So, the possibility that he could be defied by some elements in the party without dire consequences is clear and present.

The major reason why Buhari may not be able to resolve the crisis in his political household is that he and his political career are an interested party. Let us not equivocate about it. The crisis in the APC is not about legality or party constitutionality.

It is not about internal democracy either. It is not even about the quality of Mr. Oshiomole’s rowdy leadership style either.

The legalistic posturing is a mere disguise for a contest of naked ambitions and plain power struggle for pre-eminence and vantage positioning in a transition season.

At this initial stage, the tribes positioning for ascendancy are the ones that were present at the christening of the party.

While the factions in the original coalition were presumptive political equals, they each brought to table their respective strengths and advantages. Of the collaborating tribes, perhaps the most strategic is that led by former Lagos governor and

Buhari prime political entrepreneur of the South West, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Of all the groups that coalesced to bring about the APC, it was perhaps Mr. Tinubu’s ACN that was most instrumental in realising the Buhari presidency. Mr. Buhari’s cult followership among the mobs of the northern section of the country would have amounted to nothing without the demographic and strategic support of the South West.

To that extent, the biggest political debt that Mr. Buhari incurred on his way to the presidency is owed to Mr. Tinubu.

Forget about the token appointments to South West elements and whatever other chunks of patronage and pork that may have been apportioned to Tinubu surrogates in the last five years. Nothing in all those gestures is sufficient recompense for the original debt. To that extent, Mr. Tinubu is right to feel a sense of political entitlement to the throne in 2023. It is healthy politics and enlightened self interest in any democracy.

In the course of being in power over the last five years, however, Mr. Buhari has vicariously created other factions and power tribes that feel equally entitled to a place of prominence in the coming succession bazaar. First is a disparate crop of highly placed devotees in positions of power at the national level who see their power, authority and implicit wealth as deriving directly from Mr. Buhari’s incumbency. It is only natural for these elements to feel entitled to the Buhari succession bazaar if only to protect, defend and extend their interests which they can conveniently couch as devotion to a Buhari legacy. At least, a certain commitment to that ‘legacy’ can serve as an effective marketing tool to cloak obvious private ambitions and interests.

The next obvious faction is the tribe of APC governors. In our type of presidential arrangement, state governors elected on a common party platform have a natural tendency to see themselves as a natural power block with a common interest to protect. They flock together and quickly form a powerful interest group. This sense of strategic political importance is fed by the nature of our federation.

The governor of a state is the immediate symbol of government in the lives of the people. He is the leader of his party in the state. By that token, he often controls the state house of assembly, decides on who leads each local government as chairman. He decides delegates to national conventions of the party, indirectly controls senators and members of the house of representatives elected on his party’s platform. The governor’s signature controls the flow of state funds in a system that is essentially a feudal oligarchy sanctioned by an absent minded constitution. There is a sense in which Nigerian state governors wield more unchecked powers than even the president of the federation. The checks and balances are there on paper. But in our clime, the governor who controls the treasury is both the check and the balance. So, in the impending stampede about the Buhari succession, it would be foolish to discount the weight of APC state governors. The Obasanjo succession is testimony to this reality.

In the course of being president for the last five years, Mr. Buhari has also deepened the crises that will haunt his retreat from power. We have had easily the most divisive presidency in our national history. The lopsidedness in the leadership of major national institutions is common knowledge. The relative free rein given to Fulani herdsmen turned killers and sundry

criminals is also well known and copiously documented.

A north-south divide has only been complemented by a pervasive perception of a Muslim-Christian divide which has attracted international concern and national nervousness.

Clearly therefore, there is going to be a geo ethnic and religious dimension to the Buhari succession politics both within and outside the APC. There is an undercurrent of opinion in the northern wing of the APC which is pushing the meritocratic argument that what the nation needs is a good president irrespective of geo-political origins. That argument is of course an attempt to repudiate the North-South balance of power on which political leadership succession in the two dominant parties is predicated. As the APC rehearses for its festival of succession politics, the matter of geo political stake will come into play as the northern elements in the party either stake a direct claim to the presidency or jostle to play a decisive role in who from the south succeeds Mr. Buhari.

With all these factions and tribes fully gearing up as active factors in the Buhari succession, the APC crisis has begun where it should, in the party’s national leadership. The quest for control of the party machinery is central to the determination of who succeeds Buhari. As founding Chairman of the party, Mr. John Oyegun’s role was clear. His assignment was to shepherd the party into power after the 2015 elections and guide it with a basic bureaucratic structure up to the eve of the 2019 elections.

In the run up to the second term 2019 elections, the task of party leadership acquired a more militant urgency. The opposition PDP was gathering momentum and could cause Mr. Buhari and the party sleepless nights. The APC needed a fairly activist party leadership to counter the rampaging assault of the PDP. That is the decisive factor behind the emergence of Mr. Adams Oshiomole, a trade union activist who was just concluding a two term governorship of Edo state. Oshiomole was Buhari’s personal choice, to the discomfiture of some of the president’s ambitious staunch loyalists. Once assured that Mr. Bola Tinubu was still on his side, it did not matter to Buhari that Mr. Oshiomole is a known Tinubu political friend.

Ordinarily, Mr. Oshiomole would have held sway till the critical moments of the Buhari succession when a different type of chairman would have been needed by the APC. But Mr. Oshiomole’s fraternity with Tinubu signaled a clear and present danger to his ambitious adversaries in the scramble for the soul of the party and the possibilities in the post Buhari APC. The frequent political fisticuffs with Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, only served to weaken Mr. Oshiomole by distracting him from the more existential battle to retain his APC chairmanship. Now the judiciary has catalyzed the political ferment in the APC and forced the hands of the president to hint at who he does NOT want to succeed him. I recall when in the midst of his own political transition programme my friend, Ibrahim Babangida, was harassed as to his possible choice of successor. He made the memorable statement: ‘We may not know who will succeed us but we know those who WILL NOT succeed us”. By taking a position that seems targeted at Mr. Oshiomole and his factional interests, could Buhari have indicated whom he would rather NOT allow to succeed him?

This backdrop should prepare us for the outcomes that will unfold in the next three years. No matter how the current crisis in the party is resolved, it is clearly irresponsible for the ruling APC to preoccupy the nation with its internal wrangling three years ahead of 2023. More so, it smacks of cynical insensitivity for a ruling party elite to preoccupy itself with a parade of towering ambitions in the midst of very grave existential national problems.

The crisis in the leadership of the APC has raised some rather serious issues and concerns about the plight and future of our democracy. These are questions which touch on the relationship between a party in power, the state apparatus over which it presides and ultimately the people whose expectations of law, order and general well being are contingent on the health of the political infrastructure of parties. What happens when a basically dysfunctional state is presided over by operatives of a party in chaos and perennial crisis? Can a democratic culture be built on the foundation of seasonal parties that come into existence on the eve of elections and then self-destruct when their tenure in power either fizzles out expires by default? Can a ruling party with deficient internal democracy issues be trusted to ensure a credible democratic process for the rest of the polity? I am not so sure that the leadership of the warring APC has the presence of mind to reflect on these larger issues either now or in the future.

In the present circumstances, the urgent imperative is that of how to sustain governance of the country while politicians jostle for power vantage positions. To that extent, President Buhari has taken a reasonable course of action. The hope is that his intervention will restore sanity to the party for long enough to enable him govern the country up to his exit and hopefully ensure a credible transition of power. The hope is that his intervention in the crisis does not prepare the ground for more vicious conflicts that could precede and trail his retreat from power. As a combat general, I presume that president Buhari understands the full implications of retreating from a battle field with your men in stampede.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 28, 2020

CICERO

Editor:Olawale Olaleye Email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

Ghana’s Diplomatic Hara-kiri The main lesson from the recent demolition of a building at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana is that government has to do more to protect the nation’s integrity everywhere. Shola Oyeyipo writes

O

rdinarily, the reaction from the Ghanaian government over the controversial demolition of a building in the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, Ghana, has been largely remorseful, but concerned Nigerians have not stopped talking about how disappointed they’ve been.

Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, apologised to Nigeria, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, assured Nigerians that the government would rebuild the demolished structure. The country’s police, however, capped it up, when they said two persons in connection with the demolition had been arrested and were to be arraigned before a court.

Good as that may sound, the deed had been done and the country’s image, battered as well.

However, one question agitating the minds of Nigerians is that despite claims that the Ghanaian government was not behind the unlawful act under the cover of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Ghanaian counterpart, Nana Akufo-Addo darkness on June 19, why was it done without a formal notice to the occupants in the first informed about the issues.

Agreeably, it’s an international affair and place? Why were Ghana’s police present at Nigeria has had a diplomatic spat with some high-level diplomacy is required, even at the scene but unable to ensure that the buildGhana over the years. Officials from both that, there must be a minimum level of tolering was not pulled down, at least, there was countries’ Immigration Service had been up ance for insults from other nations, especially a diplomatic relationship that ought to have against each other until recently, when there Nigeria’s African neighbours. There must be been respected? were reconciliatory talks. The Nigerian imsanctions against these subtle humiliations Nigeria’s main opposition party, the migration reportedly deported four Ghanaians often targeted at inflicting pains on Nigerians – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had quickly in what was considered a retaliatory action over like the South African xenophobic attacks. pointed fingers at the President Muhammadu the deportation of 723 Nigerians from Ghana Nigeria’s former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) between 2018 and February 2019.

Femi Fani-Kayode, in a tweet that generated a leadership, describing the development as This simply meant there had been a strain in lot of reactions among Nigerians, bemoaned a reflection of government’s incompetence. the relationship between the two countries and that Nigerian traders in Ghana have had their Many commentators did not agree less. this played out in the manner the diplomatic shops forcefully shut for the last eight months The PDP, through its National Publicity residence was demolished. following which the Embassy was demolished Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Buhari About five months ago, there were reports and embassy staff threatened with violence. didn’t explore available diplomatic channels to and denial that the Nigerian High Commission “I assure you that Ghana would not try this save the country the embarrassment that arose in Ghana was evicted. Then the Ministry of if Nigeria had a president or if OBJ (former from the ‘Ghana demolition.’

Foreign Affairs confirmed that its lease of the President Olusegun Obasanjo) or Abacha (forDescribing the development as a “huge con- property had expired and that they were lookmer military leader, late General Sani Abacha) tempt”, the PDP noted: “Attacks on Nigerians ing for ways to renew it. It is not clear whether were in power,” he said. and Nigerian interests in foreign lands had they did or not, but, in an embarrassing fit, the It’s on record that more than any other leadescalated under the Buhari administration, building was pulled down irreverent Ghanaers in history, these two men put Nigeria first with Nigerians being harassed and killed in ians. in their foreign affair policies, notwithstanding various parts of the world by assailants, who Whatever explanations the Nigerian the misgivings about them. take advantage of the incompetence and weak- government may have for this, the Buhari There are so many areas the Buhari adminnesses of the current government in Nigeria.” administration should consider answering istration is expected to bring about the change Though as expected, the government has these questions: could this have happened to it promised but considering the way and manits own side of the story and has made strong the USA, Britain, China, Germany, France and ner the country is being humiliated abroad, it is statements to that effect. Government officials other first world nations? Why is Nigeria and high time the government stepped up its game. had also demanded answers from the GhanaNigerians increasingly becoming target of But more need to be done to show that even if ian authorities but some knotty issues have yet attacks in Africa? This how the country would our citizens traverse the world, they will not be to be explained in a way that Nigerians, especontinue to watch its citizens ridiculed by other abandoned at the mercy of irrational aggrescially, those resident in Ghana, are adequately countries? sors.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

E Fayemi

Fayemi, a Face of the Future!

kiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is currently living each day of his political career to expectations, both as the Ekiti governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), with the way and manner he’s carried on. The roles so far being played by Fayemi is such that at then end of the day, especially, when the chips are down, there’s a likely individual who can represent the different demographics in the artery of the nation’s body polity.

Definitely not desperate for anything, Fayemi’s role in the recent attempt to save the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) from itself was inestimable. The situation was such that the

judiciary had become the pawn of political and power abuse, with all manners of funny orders and injunctions being secured at the snap of the fingers of whoever could pull it off.

Although his traducers do not see his efforts as either progressive or value adding in their reckoning, particularly, a certain category of people otherwise considered unknown quantities in Ekiti State’s political firmament, who had been trying fruitlessly lately to square up with him, Fayemi currently occupies a place in the nation’s political space that clearly defies human comprehension. To challenge him might be to challenge his creator. He represents a future yet unknown.

All eyes on him!

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž JUNE 28, 2020

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BRIEFINGNOTES Ajimobi: His Last Flight to Passage On the summons of the party leadership, former Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Isiaka Ajimobi heeded a sudden call to serve and boarded ‘that ight’ to Abuja, the nation’s capital. It turned out a journey of no return, writes Shola Oyeyipo, who pays tributes to one of the pillars of the ruling All Progressives Congress party

T

hose familiar with how the former Oyo State governor, SenatorAbiola IsiakaAjimobi, allegedly contracted the Covid-19 virus, which eventually claimed his life after triggering his other underlying health conditions, claimed it started with a journey he never knew would be his last on the planet earth.

After he was named theAll Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman, a call came that he had to make a very important journey toAbuja, where a meeting had been slated.Aprominent chieftain of the party from his part of the country would later volunteer his private jet for the emergency trip, since the regular commercial flights were no longer for the asking as a result of the lockdown.

Although unconfirmed reports had it that he might have been infected on that flight, there were however two angles to this narrative.

The first claimed he was infected by one of the crew on the flight, while the other contended he was the one that infected a member of the crew, coming from a state where the number of infected people was on the rise.

But whether the first or the second was the correct version, the summary of this back and forth was that the virus was contracted on that trip, which turned out his last journey on the planet earth, culminating in his passing on Thursday, June 25, 2020 as officially announced.

Until his death,Ajimobi was in the thick of theAPC crisis, albeit reluctantly drafted into it. He was an important part of the plan to counter the anti-Adams Oshiomhole forces in the party and preserve his leadership till 2023, when another presidential election is billed to hold.

But, not only have they eventually undermined his leadership, he too that was prepped as the likely acting National Chairman is no more.

As his famous appellation goes, ‘ConstitutedAuthority’ obviously didn’t see his death coming so soon. No one could have seen it anyway.

Born December 16, 1949, he said during a radio interview marking his 70th birthday celebration that he prayed to live up to 120 years, even though he had earlier requested of God to make him live till 70, so he could break a generation jinx, which didn’t let them turn 70 in their lineage. “When I was 40, I used to tell God that when I am 70, it is enough.

My dad, it was two months before he clocked 70 that he died. So, I used to say if I could attain 70, but after 70 came, I started telling God, this 70 is too small, help me make it 96. Now that you said 100, I didn’t say 90 anymore, I said help me add 50; you know with that it is 120,� he said, joking that the beauty and enjoyment in life made him ask for more years That was however a dream that never saw the light of the day. God seemed to have acknowledged his first request to live up till 70. He only got just a little more days added, because about six months after his 70th birthday,Ajimobi died at a Lagos private hospital, from Coronavirus.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Mr.AkinAbayomi, also disclosed said on his twitter handle on Friday, June 26, hinting that his death was due to multiple organ failures as a result of complications from the Covid-19 infection.

No doubt,Ajimobi came, saw and conquered. He lost some battles in his lifetime, but very importantly, the former governor attained the pinnacle of, even his professional and political careers. He became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil and Chemical Marketing Company, a subsidiary of Shell Petroleum, Nigeria. He was in the oil sector for 26 years.

When he quit the oil sector in 2002, he won an election as senator, who represented Oyo South senatorial district on theAlliance for Democracy (AD) platform in 2003. He ran for Oyo State governorship in 2007 on the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) platform but lost.

He eventually clinched the governorship seat in theApril 2011 election on theAction Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform. He was re-elected governor in 2015, but in 2019, when he attempted to return to the Senate, he lost the election. This, many also attributed to a public speech, where he said he had told God that after the governorship, he didn’t want any more things.

Ajimobi will not only be remembered as the first democratically elected governor of Oyo to have a second term since the state was created in 1976 from the old Western state, his admirers and haters alike

Ajimobi...Adieu! seem to agree on the commitment of his government to changing the face of the state through aggressive infrastructure development and his urban renewal programmes, especially, his beautification of the state capital.

His agricultural revolution, industrialisation drive, job creation and other achievements will immortalise his memory in the artery of the Oyo State politics.

What more? His undue interference in the traditional affair of Ibadan, where he crowned 23 new Obas, in what is believed to be an attempt to undermine the stool of the Olubadan and his earlier demolition of the property of a popular musician, YinkaAyefele’s Music House, will also form part of history.

When his death was announced, he was eulogised for what he stood for across the party lines and was variously described in glowing appellations by notable Nigerians.

President Muhammadu Buhar, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. FemiAdesina, acknowledged that Ajimobi’s absence would be sorely felt by all his associates and theAPC, stressing that, “He left the world at a crucial moment, when the party and the country needed his counsel to heal and grow.�

In a condolence message made by his Chief Press Officer, Bode

Durojaiye, the Paramount Ruler, TheAlaafin of Oyo, Oba LamidiAdeyemi, describedAjimobi as a good leader, who had the courage of not only taking actions but that he was equally ready to face the consequences of his actions.

One of the national leaders of theAPC and political ally of the lateAjimobi,Asiwaju BolaAhmed Tinubu, in a condolence message said Nigeria lost an outstanding statesman and one of its most able politicians, who would be remembered.

The Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said, “We have lost a star – a man of honour and a statesman. But we are consoled that GovernorAjimobi lived a good life, made his mark in his chosen fields, lifted many and left a good name and legacies of honour and industry. We shall surely miss him.�

His predecessor, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, saidAjimobi was a “statesman, brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State.� Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, noted that, “As a two-term governor, SenatorAjimobi redefined governance in Oyo State. His administration embarked on unprecedented infrastructure development in the State and redefined the urban status and development profile of not only the capital city, Ibadan but other major cities in the State.�

Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Simon Lalong, in statement eulogised him, saying he was a man of integrity, who served the people of Oyo State and Nigeria with excellence.

Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), jettisoned party fault lines, when its spokesman, Kola Olognondiyan, expressed shock and commiserated with President Buhari, the APC, and the Oyo State government overAjimobi’s death. “Indeed, our party is still in shock and deeply saddened over the news of the death of Senator Ajimobi, especially at this time, when our nation needed his wealth of experience and statesmanship the most. SenatorAjimobi was an exceptionally brilliant administrator, outstanding legislator and a man of peace, who made immense contributions and sacrifices towards the unity as well as political stability and development of our dear nation, Nigeria,� the PDP acknowledged.

PDP presidential candidate,AlhajiAtikuAbubakar also condoled with theAjimobi family and the Oyo State government. He wrote on his twitter handle, saying, “I condole with the family of SenatorAbiola Ajimobi over the passing away of its patriarch.�

Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana and two times Minister, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro said, “Your departure is a big loss to humanity. I say this with conviction based on our friendship and bond over the past 20 years. I recall when we met at my re relative’s burial in 1999. “I took an unusual liking to you because of your abundant and uncommon jovial manners. We became very close during our four years stint in the senate. You earned my utmost respect and displayed utmost commitment to family, absolute brilliance and wisdom, which I often tapped into. For me, you have departed this sinful world to be with AlmightyAllah, where you will live eternally.�

Since his death, however, there has been a long list of condolences from past and serving governors, friends and associates, and sympathisers, who have continued to throng his family home to condole with them. In all, the consensus is that he was a statesman with purposeful leadership, who positively transformed the state and changed the lives of his people for the better.

NOTES FOR FILE

That Nigeria May be Great Again

Buhari

Everyday, the patriots are constantly pondering the Nigerian future, by seeking answers to some of the issues that seem to confound her leadership as much as the followership. Recently, at some intellectual engagement, one of the questions that came up had simply queried some of the factors believed to have stymied growth, both deliberately and inadvertently.

One of such issue, for instance, queries the kind of system that demands a university degree for the employment of a civil servant or any other regular job, but merely requests a school OHDYLQJ FHUWLĂ€FDWH IRU WKH SUHVLGHQW RI D FRXQWU\

who would in turn dish out orders and formulate policies for the graduates? There’s no way such a system, many reckoned, would do well.

Sadly, this is the paradox of the Nigerian society – a system that relegates its best but elevates the mediocre, including the dregs of the society. The debate on why Nigeria remains where it is now is therefore needless. Although HPSKDVLV RQ FHUWLÀFDWH LV UHODWLYH WKLV DOVR EHOLHV logic. The answer is, of course, in the question. ,W¡V GHÀQLWHO\ D V\VWHP WKDW¡V VWUXFWXUHG WR IDLO DE initio. This is not pessimism; it’s the reality of the Nigerian case!

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Buhari

Tinubu

Gloves off as Buhari’s CPC Seizes Control In several consummate, dodgy moves last week, the conservative Congress for Progressive Change, a block (led by President Muhammadu Buhari) centralised itself as the key power block within the ruling All Progressives Congress out of the party’s four foundational political entities, leaving ambitious heavyweights like Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other tendencies in the lurch. Louis Achi reports

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ast week’s successful meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the appointment of Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State as acting party chairman effectively centralises the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a block belonging to President Muhammadu Buhari out of the four political entities that merged to form the ruling APC, as the main force calling the shots.

At press time, powerful foundational arrowheads of the ruling APC like Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other founding political blocks have apparently been adroitly and effectively swept aside. Although the NWC that was dissolved at the NEC was supposedly dominated by loyalists of Tinubu and the ousted party chair, Adams Oshiomhole. There is more.

With the ruling party in a tail spin amidst crises in many states it controls and at its center, it was perhaps obvious that something needed to be done to restore sanity. The interminable head-on collision in Edo State between former national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole and his erstwhile protégé, Governor Godwin Obaseki was just one of the crisis epicenters.

But apparently restoration of sanity meant different things to different tendencies within the party.

In the thick of the unseemly national chair/acting national chair tsunami, with each tendency striving to gain advantage, erstwhile APC National Deputy Secretary, Victor Giadom seemingly emerged the anointed figure after receiving the blessings of the president. This was against the background of the Oshiomhole choreographing the announcement of ExGovernor Ajimobi (now late) as the acting national chair.

APC was to later haul in Hilliard Eta to stand in for the then sick Ajimobi. However, with Ogiadom’s ‘emergence’ as acting national chair, his next assignment was to convene the party’s NEC meeting. Cut to the bone, it simply turned out that Giadom was used and dumped.

When APC emerged after the historic mergers with CPC, ACN, ANPP, APGA and the nPDP, the ACN and CPC components of the party – behemoths in their rights – supposedly had an understanding. This was that should the new party win, the CPC would concentrate on the presidency while ACN would control the party machinery.

And this had largely remained the operational template until last Thursday’s APC NEC meeting in Aso Villa. The conservative Northern hawks had decided that the best option was to recognise Giadom; give him the impression that they were going to ratify his appointment as acting chairman in the light of the court order, which said he could act. There was also another court order ordering him to stop parading himself a member of

APC and could not act.

Between the two orders, the Buhari tendency was thinking which was the best way forward. They couldn’t get the Oshiomhole faction on board to convene the NEC meeting, because of a subsisting court order. They knew what could happen in the next meeting. The party constitution made it clear that only the national chairman could convene a NEC meeting.

They settled on recognising Giadom, who was desperate to be the acting chair. They capitalised on his desperation and assured him that he was their man. With Garba Shehu’s statement openly conveying President Buhari’s position, Giadom felt bolstered. He went ahead to convene the NEC meeting.

He didn’t understand that a coup was afoot – not so much against Oshiohmole, who had been suspended by a High Court, a ruling later upheld by the Appeal Court - but against him.

After declaring the meeting open, the president’s speech and a brief deliberation, the first item of the meeting was to dissolve the old NWC. After that, Giadom wanted to speak but was told he couldn’t address the NEC again as he was no longer a member of the NWC. It was the House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila that raised the point of order. The point of order was sustained and a shocked Giadom was escorted out of the hall.

And that was how Giadom’s quirky reign ended abruptly.

Subsequently, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, a dyed-in-the-wool CPC member was appointed caretaker party chairman, meaning the presidency and the party machinery is now in the hands of the CPC block. This means the ACN has been left in the lurch – not controlling anything. The APC NEC meeting appointed a 13-member caretaker committee to run the party.

The caretaker committee is to conduct the party National Convention to elect new leadership for the APC within six months. The NEC also ratified the APC governorship primary in Edo State, which produced Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the party’s governorship candidate. Apart from President Buhari, others at the NEC meeting included the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, state governors and some members of the NWC. Tinubu didn’t attend the meeting, because he was not a NEC member. He has been left in the lurch, totally left out of the picture. Yet, Tinubu, seen as the real founder of the APC was the real driver in the formation of APC. His ACN component has lost control of the party machinery, which was what was agreed on, way back.

A faction of the party, which is loyal to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has been engaged in an intense and devastating power-tussle with a faction loyal to the former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, who is regarded as the

national leader of the party. This tendency within the APC, which Giadom was representing and which thought it had matters under wraps has lost out.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Atiku Bagudu, last Friday, said the NEC of APC did no wrong by dissolving the party’s National Working Committee and putting in place a caretaker committee. He said Buhari, who is the leader of the party, would never do anything that is contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution.

But 18 members of the dissolved NWC loyal to Oshiomhole, insisted that the NEC meeting where the decision was taken was illegal. They said they were consulting their lawyers and other stakeholders on the dissolution and other decisions taken at the meeting. They have since kowtowed.

After President Buhari’s controversial dissolution of the NWC of the party last Thursday, he is making moves to break the ranks of the sacked NWC members, who have rejected the party’s action. The Hilliard Eta-led NWC, in a statement on Thursday, said the NEC meeting, where the decision was taken violated the APC constitution.

His words: “Article 25(B) of the Constitution of the APC is explicit that only the National Chairman or the National Working Committee (NWC) is given the prerogative of summoning meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party either for statutory quarterly meetings or for emergency meetings.

“The same provision of the constitution makes it compulsory for a notice of a minimum of 14 days in respect of statutory quarterly meetings and 7 days in respect of an emergency meeting.”

The statement signed by Eta and the party’s acting national secretary, Waziri Bulama, earlier stated they were “studying the unfolding drama” and would be “consulting with stakeholders and a team of lawyers on the next line of action”.

In 2018, the PDP leading lights led by folks like Waziri Adamawa and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and Kwara State governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki; House of Representatives Speaker (now Sokoto Governor) Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Governor, Senator and minister, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Egnr Buba Galadima and Kawu Baraje etc walked away from the 2014 coalition aheasd of the 2019 elections.

The pulling away of nPDP with its savvy heavyweights combined with the recent repositioning in APC squarely hands absolute control of the party to the CPC block.

Thus, the emerging consensus now is that all that is playing out points to a strategic gaming ahead of 2023 presidential election.

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President Buhari and other APC members at a NEC meeting

Plots and Intrigues That Undid Oshiomhole’s NWC Last week’s outcome of the National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress, has put the party on a different road to the 2023 elections, writes Chuks Okocha In the beginning...

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hat happened Thursday, when the emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dissolved the National Working Committee (NWC) was like cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.

This expression aptly described a needlessly self-destructive fight over the leadership of the party. It was a fight between the various groups in the APC over, who controls the party structure ahead of 2023.

For emphasis, the APC is currently and principally made up of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) led by Ahmed Tinubu; the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) led by President Muhammadu Buhari and the breakaways from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) otherwise known as the New PDP (NPDP) here led by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi.

Since 2015, there has been a struggle for supremacy in the affairs of the government among these groups. As Buhari leads the executive arm, former senate president, Bukola Saraki led the nPDP, while the soul of the party was led by Chief John Odegie-Oyegun and such had remained the struggle for supremacy till 2019, till Saraki was eased out of the equation, when he lost his bid to return to the senate.

Under the new dispensation, the battle for 2023 became imminent as Buhari who is expected to conclude his second term in office and hence who will become his successor became a struggle between the NPDP and the ACN for soul of APC. Who will have advantage of the NWC structure?

This is when and where this present power struggle started.

The earlier suspended and now sacked national chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole was seen as the political man Friday of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and therefore would presumably do everything possible to bring his presidential ambition to reality.

Amaechi and the nPDP, on the other hand, do not feel comfortable with the Oshiomhole/Tinubu power equation.

However, within this equation is the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-rufai and the Ekiti State Governor. Kayode

Fayemi as two other power centres.

These power factors used the Edo State governorship election as a testing ground for supremacy and as it is said, when two elephants clash, the grass suffers. The pawn in the power chess game, however, is the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki.

It all started, when Oshiomhole was announced suspended by his Etsako ward 10, and subsequently, a Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the suspension. The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Jabi, Abuja, ordered an interim suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

Delivering a ruling on an application for an interlocutory injunction, Justice Danlami Senchi, ordered Oshiomhole to remain on suspension pending the determination of the main suit. The court held that the party wrongfully continued to retain him as its national chairman while he was under suspension as a member of the party But the crisis entered a new phase, when the APC NEC meeting was scheduled and there was a disagreement over whether Oshiomhole should preside over it or not. The matter boiled over, but with the intervention of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, the Court of Appeal in the evening gave a temporary relief to Oshiomhole to preside over the NEC meeting. But, the NEC never took place Before the order by the Court of Appeal that gave Oshiomhole a relief, agreements were purportedly reached between Obaseki, and the Bourdilon group.

The main point of the agreement was that Obaseki should be allowed to contest as the APC gubernatorial candidate in the September 19 governorship election, while Oshiomhole should continue as chairman. But with the death of Abba Kyari, the agreements were abandoned. This was the last straw that led to the now festering crisis.

At the APC governorship screening committee, Obaseki was disqualified, hence the decision by the chairman of APC Governors Forum, led by the Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu to intervene.

However, when the APC governors’ forum intervened and the crisis was taken to the presidential villa, the response of Oshiomhole was believed to have triggered what led to his suspension by the Court of Appeal.

Little wonder that, when Oshiomhole told State House reporters that the party could not bend its rules to accom-

modate Godwin Obaseki, a Court of Appeal that did not have in its schedule, judgment or ruling on the federal high court suspension, suddenly convened and suspended Oshiomhole.

In a unanimous judgment, the first appeal delivered by Justice Eunice Onyemanam, the court held that the trial court had territorial jurisdiction to have entertained the suit as it did and also withdrew his rights and privileges as national chairman of the party including his security details.

The appellate predicated its decision on the ground that Oshiomole as the first appellant was based in Abuja while the APC also had its national headquarters in Abuja.

In the judgment in the second appeal delivered by Justice Mohammed Lamido, the court further held that there was no basis for the two appellants to hold the view that they were denied fair hearing during proceedings at the trial court.

It therefore upheld that the suspension of Oshiomole from ward 10 in Etsako Local Government Area of Edo State was ratified at the ward, local government and state level as required by law.

Now, the Blame Game Oshiomhole has since blamed some members of the

Rivers State Chapter of the party, as the brain behind the crisis rocking the ruling party.

Oshiomhole, who appeared on a Channels Television programme, Politics Today, alleged that the crisis was instigated by some APC elements in the Arivers State, who were trying to drag the party NWC into their local fight.

A Chieftain of the APC, Daniel Bwala, also appeared on the programme and pointedly accused President Buhari’s minister, of being behind the crisis. He went on to call on the President to fire him, for destabilising the ruling party.

But the minister being insinuated is Rotimi Amaechi, who is in charge of the transportation ministry, and a stalwart of the APC in Rivers State, Magnus Abe, have been at loggerheads over control over the party’s lever in Rivers State.

The crisis, which escalated shortly before the 2019 general election, had forced Amaechi to adopt the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Biokpomabo Awara during the governorship election, after the APC was barred from partaking in the elections in the State.

But before the elections, Abe had in a chat with Journalists, warned that the minister’s alleged dictatorship would hurt the

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Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma at the NEC APC badly in the election.

The Deputy National Secretary of the APC, Victor Giadom, who had laid claims to the party’s Acting National Chairmanship position, following court suspension of Oshiomhole as the APC helmsman, is a close ally of Amaechi, a development that forced many to see the Minister as the unseen hand behind the crisis that since rocked the party to its foundation.

Curiously, President Buhari had last month, appointed Abe into the reconstituted Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), a development that did not go down well with the minister, who was Rivers State governor for eight years. Amaechi, according to inside party sources, believed that the NWC was “pampering” Abe, by refusing to sanction him for the crisis in Rivers State.

The Court of Appeal on Tuesday, upheld the lower court’s suspension of Oshiomhole as the APC National Chairman, a few hours after the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, announced his intention to leave the party, following his disqualification from the party’s governorship primary election.

Concerned Lawmakers Intervene Some members of the party operating under the aegis of

the APC Forum of former members of the House of Representatives said before the NEC meeting that the immediate solution to the crisis was for the President to call for a NEC meeting to uphold constitutionalism in the midst of chaos and deep polarisation of the NWC. The former lawmakers include Hon. Isa Ibrahim Bio, Hon. Usman Balkore Mohammed, Hon. Chidi Duru. Hon. Eng. Janet Adeyemi, Hon. Dr. Shuaibu H. Abdullahi, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Olaifa, Hon. Hassan Jonga, Hon. Lumumba Dah Adeh, Hon. Idris Yahaya Yahuza, Hon. Chidi Nwogu and Hon. Bala Kaoje They said that the NEC meeting would avail the members the missing trust to resolve all pending knotty issues and discuss the way forward for the party. It was recommended that the meeting should discuss the future of the current leadership, which might involve its dissolution and appointment of a caretaker committee to organise a special national convention to elect new national officers within 12 weeks.

The caretaker committee, if appointed, should overhaul, recalibrate and reposition the party to face the challenges of future elections. The committee members must be all-inclusive and reflective of all interests and tendencies within the party as well as possess the desired competence, experience, impartiality and integrity.

On the road towards peace, they suggested should include the composition to consist of all former chairmen of national political parties, who are now members of the APC, and other accomplished and evidently neutral persons. The chairman, who may emerge from the South-south zone, must never be seen to be controversial but enjoy the goodwill of a wide spectrum of all tendencies, amongst others.

The Last Game: With this enters the struggle of who will succeed

Oshiomhole as the national chairman. First, the members

of the APC NWC loyal to Tinubu and Oshiomhole threw up the late governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who in March was appointed the deputy national chairman. But due to ill health, which eventually took his life, the South-south national chairman, Hilary Etta was chosen by the factional NWC that was loyal to Oshiomhole to act as the national chairman.

But the Amaechi group of the nPDP moved against Etta and insisted on Victor Giadom. This resulted in court and counter court actions, threatening the very existence of the APC and even the two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

For instance, the chances of the APC fielding candidate in the October 10 Ondo State governorship election is unlikely as the electoral umpire, last Monday, rejected the party’s notification for its primary.

The APC had in its letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), received on June 18, 2020, fixed July 20 as date for its primary for the election of its candidate for the Ondo governorship. The letter was, however, signed only by the APC Acting National Secretary, Waziri Bulama.

But INEC in the letter by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriarari-Anthony, said the letter did not meet the provisions of its guidelines and regulations. INEC therefore directed APC to ensure that the notification letter be jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.

This is apart from the fact that the election of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was standing on one leg, as his nomination was also backed by the Oshiomhole group and led by Hilary Etta. Fearing therefore that if nothing was done, the party stood the risk of losing the two states, then, the biggest plot was hatched.

The plot was to convince Giadom to convene a NEC meeting, which would take place within the presidential villa. This was to give the impression that the President was backing the Giadom faction to hold NEC. A minister, who should know and a member of the CPC group in the APC, deceived Giadom to agree to call NEC that the President was with him, just to spite the Ajimobi led NWC. He excitedly called NEC without knowing the underplan. The news set the media agog that Buhari had backed Giadom, not knowing that it was a Greek gift.

The intriguing aspect of the plot was that the President and his CPC allies never sought the views of the purported national leader of the party, Tinubu, in the quest for a solution to the crisis and never was invitation extended to him as the national leader, a position not recognised in whatever capacities.

At the NEC meeting, Giadom was seated as the acting Chairman, with the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and other presiding officers of the National Assembly as well as the governors privy to the plot, were also in attendance.

Then, the President read his speech to the shock of all present, including Giadom, who thought that NEC was going to ratify him as substantive chairman. He got the shock of his life. After listening to Mr. President’s speech asking for adoption of his resolutions, amongst which was the dissolution of the NWC, it was then that it dawned on him that power had moved out of his grip.

The President asked that resolution of the NEC meeting be adopted and that the NEC should formally recognise the

outcome of the Edo and Ondo State primaries, affirming that the processes that brought them to office was very credible and transparent following due processes.

The emergency NEC directed that in six months, all interested aspirants including the sacked ones of today could re-contest if they so wished. In six months, precisely in December 2020, the national convention of the party will be held.

Buhari was blunt at the meeting as he charged party faithful to embrace peace and withdraw all pending court matters or face dire consequences.

Like a patient vulture, the CPC in the APC swooped clearly on the ACN and the nPDP caucuses of the party. The membership of the caretaker committee suggested so. Pundits have asked why did the chairman of the caretaker committee come from the north. Why not the South-south from where Oshiomhole hails from?

In the place of the NWC, a caretaker committee to be headed by Governor Mai Buni of Yobe State will administer the party and also organise the national convention. Governor Buni is the immediate past national secretary of the party.

Apart from Governor Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) who will serve as Chairman, other members of the caretaker committee are Isiaka Oyebola, Southwest; Ken Nnamani, Southeast; Stella Okorete, Women Representative; Governor Sani Bello, North Central; Dr. James Lalu, physically challenged; Senator Abubakar Yusuf, representing the senate, and Hon. Akinyemi Olaide representing the House of Representatives.

David Leon from Bayelsa is to represent the South-south, while Abba Ari, North West. Prof. Tahir Mamman is Northeast, Smail Ahmed, Youth and Senator Akpan Udoedehe will serve as Secretary.

They have moved into the party secretariat and had already written INEC to intimate the commission of developments. A closer perusal of the membership of the caretaker committee shows clearly that the nPDP and the ACN groups have lost out.

But, it is not yet uhuru as some members belonging to the Pro-Oshiomole NWC said that they have concluded to seek a legal redress.

Faulting NEC decision, the sacked NWC member insisted that there was no provision of a caretaker committee in the constitution of the ruling party, insisting that they have many grounds of infractions committed from the resolutions of NEC. “We will soon issue statement but we have resolved to head to court for the legal interpretations of the decision of NEC especially, as it concerns our dissolution. Yes, we know that Oshiomhole has his faults, but with all the positive contributions he has made to reposition the party, won’t he have been given the honours of telling him to resign?” he queried.

The pro Oshiomhole group insisted that the appointment of the Yobe State Governor to serve as caretaker committee chairman was against the APC constitution 18 (iv), which said inter Alia “No officer in any organ of the Party shall hold executive position and office in government concurrently.”

Yet, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation, Abubakar Malami, a former member of the CPC, has offered sound legal advices to the president.

The caretaker committee is unknown to the APC and interestingly the word dissolution is also not in the APC constitution, so the dissolution was unlawful and illegal, many reckoned. But only time would tell who laughs last.

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TRIBUTE/RIGHTOF REPLY

Ekeoma Anyim Eme Ekeoma: A Shining Diamond at 60 Uwakwe Michael Esse

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hen Grace Speaks!

Ode to Okenwa Igbere ‘Eludam M’ We often ask, what’s in a name?

The life and times of Ekeoma Anyim Eme Ekeoma provide an insight. My friend for more than 40 years now and still counting, I testify that nothing but grace has spoken for Elder Ekeoma. Plus, he has manifested the meaning of his names in all areas of his life and living!

Ekeoma wasn’t born with any obvious, special, and specific skills, privileges, or advantages.

Only the grace of God and the deep spiritual identity of his parents, the import and meaning of his names that can explain the extraordinary successes and the meteoric and gargantuan rise of this ordinary, rustic boy.

At birth and by divine revelation, he was christened Ekeoma, meaning, good, extraordinary, fruitful, wealthy, prosperous destiny. His first name is the same as his last name. Meaning double anointing, double blessings, double portions, double honours!

His father’s name is Anyim, meaning, big, deep, expansive sea. An ocean. An eternal, limitless and endless supply of living resources in good health.

All these speak to Ekeoma’s enduring and very

impressive resources. Eme, his middle name, means doer and that’s why Ekeoma ‘is a talk na do!’ He puts his wallet where his voice is.

Time to marry, he married Ngozi, meaning, additional, blessings! And see how far and well they have come and what they have grown and built together!

Grace speaks and is still speaking for this guy.

Ekeoma’s meeting and eventually marrying his wife, Ngozi, was divinely arranged and approved. But that’s a story for another day. And from inception and continuing through the marriage to date. It’s been grace.

Before this eldership reign, Ekeoma and I played hard; we partied hard. We mixed, blended, and trended very well in all social circles. Ekeoma knew the best and trending hangouts, night clubs, casinos. With ears for good music, he knew the best DJs in town. Plus, he considers himself a good stepper (dancer).

Ekeoma taught me a few “social things”. Be it in Igbere through to Owerri, Ile-Ife or Lagos, boy, we sure do have some stories and memories between us. But let’s leave those to where they belong, in the distant past.

My dear friend and brother, I am happy for you and I rejoice and celebrate you and with you on this milestone. Happy 60th birthday Epete gaga!

May the grace of God never cease speaking and manifesting in all you do and all that concerns you.

Happy birthday Elder Ekeoma Anyim Eme Ekeoma!

Ekeoma

Reno Omokri’s Dangerous Obsession with Nasir El-Rufai Danjuma Musa

R

eno Omokri without any doubt played a significant role in creating a very positive image for President Goodluck Jonathan in the run-up to the 2011 presidential election in the various news media platforms and was equally responsible to a very large extent in turning that same president into an object of ridicule well before the 2015 election. Omokri has however escaped scrutiny for this monumental damage because he has clothed himself in the robes of a “Christian activist” waging a frontal war against Muslims and the so-called Fulani hegemonists. So far the trope has worked, as many of his followers who see their prejudices projected through him easily forget that Omokri entered the political space in Nigeria by seeking to serve politicians from Muslim and Fulani ethno/religious backgrounds, and has in fact continued to do so. Between 2010 and 2011, he wasn’t hired, and he ended up with Jonathan in that period, but in 2019, Atiku Abubakar hired him.

For the benefit of those who might have forgotten, Omokri, as an aide to President Jonathan used the pseudonym, Wendell Simlin, to try to smear Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who had just been suspended as CBN governor, with Muslim extremist links. The article by Omokri which he sent out impersonating Wendell Simlin (wendellsimlin@yahoo.com) read “increased tempo of Boko Haram terrorist activity in the wake of the Sanusi saga” was ostensibly to get the outspoken Sanusi arrested for sponsoring terrorism. But in the usual character of the Jonathan government, Omokri escaped sanctions for his egregious misconduct. But from that point on, many Nigerians began to associate Reno Omokri with mockery.

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai refused to be Omokri’s ATM as narrated with email evidence by Mohammed Salihu in a July 2011 article, and since then Omokri has made it a mission to attack and traduce El-Rufai. He has taken on a self-appointed mission of ensuring that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai doesn’t become the president of Nigeria come 2023. This jingoist of region and religion, with a past of forgery and a present of incitement has tried to attribute every failing under the sun to El-Rufai or his family members in bid to get settled.

Omokri’s latest gambit is to allege that ElRufai in an email described southern female corpers in the North as whores. He has often hinted at the existence of this email but has never bothered to release it. Yet when Mohammed Salihu exposed Omokri in 2011, he published the full text of Omokri’s email. If indeed the April 2011 email exists like Omokri claims, he should make it public rather than keep allud-

el-Rufai

RIGHT OF REPLY ing to it. How can Omokri be waging a war with dane guns, when he has the equivalent of an RPG in his mailbox that can finish off El-Rufai?

Reno Omokri will not take the path of simply publishing the email, because it doesn’t exist, but as part of his antics, it is easier to allude to its existence and claim that his possession of it has exposed him to hacking attempts. And very importantly, it gives him the opportunity of insinuating that El-Rufai is behind attempts to destroy the smoking gun by hacking his account.

Anyone who knows Omokri well will be familiar with his tactics. Why show the evidence when he knows that mere allusion is enough to work up the rage of his fellow travellers in ethnic and religious bigotry?

His refusal to release the email is because either it does not exist or that the contents of the full text of the email will reveal context not conducive to Omokri’s divisive aims.

Hear the attention-seeking Omokri: “I relish the

opportunity to be sued by Nasir El-Rufai”. The question that should naturally agitate the minds of his readers is why is Omokri literally begging El-Rufai to sue him! Is it that he needs that badge to further convince his fellow evangelicals of his persecution for defending the “children of God “from Fulani jihadists? Omokri’s seeming eagerness for a lawsuit will not be material if El-Rufai, who has ignored Omokri’s reckless defamation for years, decides to exercise his legal options. Thankfully Omokri has acknowledged that El-Rufai is a law and order man, who never resorts to self-help, which is why Omokri’s claim that there has been a “sophisticated attempt at hacking” his email account is laughable.

The security challenges across much of the north have been in the news. Attacks by bandits in many parts of the Northwest zone are reported for the criminal actions that they are, but Reno’s circle of bigots will report similar attacks in parts of Kaduna State as an ethno-religious issue, once the victims are not Hausa-Fulani or Muslim.

El-Rufai has done everything humanly possible to ensure the security of lives and properties, including creating a Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to coordinate the state government response to the security challenges. If truly Omokri is a man of God, he ought to have acknowledged that the security challenges are not limited to Southern Kaduna, but the entire country unfortunately. And if Omokri has any conscience, he owes the religious right the duty of educating them, rather than solidifying their hate.

Unlike the populists who pander to the bigotry of the Omokris of this world, El-Rufai proclaims his nationalism by treating every constituent part of Nigeria fairly and justly. His records as a detribalized Nigerian from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), as a Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and as the Governor of Kaduna State speak for themselves. The Kaduna State Executive Council boasts of Special Advisers from Anambra, Delta, Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ogun States and commissioners from Ogun and Bauchi States. It is in the El-Rufai tradition to seek for talents from every part of Nigeria that will help in the development of the country.

El-Rufai has proved throughout his professional and public service careers that he is a man that upholds and supports merit, no matter where the bearer hails from.

Nigeria has definitely failed herself and the black race that has continuously looked up to her, so 2023 will be critical for her, hence the hatchet job by Omokri on behalf of his client, who has always seen El-Rufai as a threat. If Nigeria in 2023 gets a capable hand, then we can begin to sing hosanna, but if we fail to, then we will continue to be the mediocre country that the likes of Omokri are apparently comfortable with.

––Musa writes from Kaduna

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JU ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

FOCUS

Blackmailers Can’t Stop us from Reforming LAWMA The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been enmeshed in a controversy lately over alleged non-payment of wages to highway sweepers. In a chat with newsmen in Lagos during the week, the acting Managing Director of the agency, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, offered explanations and clarified other issues. Excerpts by Demola Ojo

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anything that conflicts with our high moral values.

ot many knew you until the recent reports of protest against LAWMA by some highway sweepers claiming to be owed arrears of salaries.

For the beneďŹ t of readers, can you briey tell us who is Ibrahim Adejuwon Odumboni?

Answer: Well, let me begin by thanking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for giving me the opportunity to serve. To answer your question directly, my training was in financial services management. I attended institutions both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Before I was appointed as acting Managing Director last month by Mr. Governor, I was serving as the Executive Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Before then, I had worked with some of the top financial institutions in the U.K including Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC and till date, I continue to cherish those exposures because they provided me a platform to broaden and deepen my hands-on experience at the managerial level. For instance, between 2014 and 2015, the team I led at Halifax Bank was able to grow its baseline revenue performance and over-double that of the preceding year and sustained it. And between 2016 and 2017 came another opportunity to help reform wealth management team synergies with retail banking outlets across the entire West of England & Wales in Lloyds Community Bank & Halifax Community Bank. For me, those experiences were unique because I believe they prepared one for greater responsibility in life.

On allegation that sweepers that they were being owed six-month arrear of salaries.

That is not entirely true. Let us just dismiss that as fake news or exaggerated story. LAWMA was not owing the highway sweepers and supervisors per se.

Our operation is such that we delineate the twenty councils and thirty-seven development areas in Lagos into routes. These routes are in turn contracted out to mangers or contractors if you like. They are the ones who hire the sweepers and the supervisors directly.

Our own role is to pay them and carry out oversight to ensure services we pay for are rendered. In this particular instance, what happened was that reports reaching us indicated that the contractors were not meeting their obligations to those they hired.

Aside that, at our end, we discovered that the bills being submitted by the contractors were shooting up as the months rolled by. I think Mr. Governor was not happy with the situation. I was asked to take over in May. By the time I took over, only two months were being owed the contractors contrary to the stories being peddled around that the government was owing six months or so. As soon as I assumed office, Mr. Governor came to our aid and approved money to clear one of the months pending. We need to appreciate that government operates a budget. So, if specific amount was earmarked to pay salaries for a period of time and it turned out that the figures were unduly overshot, it distorts the budgeting process and creates cash flow problems.

As someone who is committed to judicious use of taxpayers money, Mr. Governor wanted to get to the root of the problem. He wanted to know why the wage bills shot up, to the point that LAWMA was having difficulties offsetting the bills submitted by the highway managers.

On allegation of witch-hunt That is pure blackmail. Of course, upon my assumption of duties, I knew there was no way we could sustain the situation on ground. As a popular saying goes, it is unreasonable to keep doing things the old way and expect different outcome. You have to understand that Mr. Governor is by training and experience a financial guru. He approved that we carried out a forensic audit, to establish the integrity of the figures being claimed by the contractors. That is the only way we can arrive at something that is sustainable on a monthly basis. Of course, the audit carried out revealed a lot of things. We found out that a good number of the contractors were involved in sharp practices by padding up their bills with ghost sweepers and supervisors. Worse still, they were underpaying them. Some contractors were paying the hardworking sweepers N5000, N12000, N15000, N18500 monthly whilst the state approves N25000 for each sweeper and N40000 for supervisor. That has

Odumboni, acting MD of LAWMA vindicated Mr. Governor. So, our task is to ensure that an end is put to such misconduct and ensure more judicious utilization of scarce resources.

So, as you can see, it is those who were benefitting from the malpractices that went about sponsoring stories against us in the media to say they were being witch-hunted. They even went to the ridiculous extent of renting crowd to go and lay siege to the Government House in Marina with a view to blackmailing Mr. Governor to stop the audit.

I must commend the auditors for doing a thorough job.

As a matter of fact, when the auditors got to Ikorodu, they found in many areas that sweepers actually working were less than two-third of the those a particular contractor was making claims for monthly. In one particular location, the contractor had to go and hire people and quickly dress up them in LAWMA aprons to make them look like sweepers. But the secret was revealed when the phone numbers put under their names were found to be either non-existent or duplicated. In one case, when the phones assigned to four different persons were dialed for verification, they were found to be ringing in the pocket of one individual. That is the sort of malpractices auditors discovered.

What the auditors also found are cases of hijack of routes with the use of thugs by some elements from those duly assigned by LAWMA. They carried their impunity to such a ridiculous level. It was like a jungle warfare where survival was for the most powerful or the highest number of thugs. We are resolved to put an end to such unwholesome practices.

Overall, I think every right-thinking person knows that Mr. Governor means well by introducing a number of measures. In principle, the highway jobs are meant to be an inclusive programme for poor widows and other unskilled folks so that they too can earn an income. What what going into the private pockets of the unscrupulous contractors would have covered more widows and youths if honestly applied. So, those who have been pocketing money meant to engage the widows and empower those without skills should be seen as public enemy.

As an agency committed to meeting the vision of Mr. Governor for a more hygienic condition in Lagos, we will not be distracted by such campaign of lies and blackmail. Rather, we will focus on doing our job. Some of us are guided by our conscience and will never do

On “Iron Lady�, Mrs. Wuraola Williams alleging political vendetta Well, it is beneath me to start exchanging words with Madam Wuraola Williams in the public. With due respect to her, she is only one of the several highway managers engaged by LAWMA. There is nothing personal about the audit LAWMA carried out. It was to establish the integrity of bills LAWMA was paying. We are comforted that the audit has been able to establish some basic facts which formed the basis for some actions we have since taken to ensure that we get value for taxpayers’ money.

By the way, it might interest you to hear that one of the young men hired to publish false and wicked stories against what we are doing has since come forward to apologize. I am talking of the guy who was said to be an asthmatic patient. He was not only induced to post videos on the social media maligning me, he went as far as granting interview to a newspaper to cast us in bad lights.

God Knows I don’t know him from Adams. I was then a little surprised few days ago when my secretary announced that this same young man was in our office and wanted to see me. I did not hesitate before telling the secretary to allow him access. Apparently, his conscience had pricked him for all he was made to do against me. He was one of those who had said LAWMA was owing backlog of salaries. He came to confess that he was engaged by one of the contractors to lie against me, in order to intimidate and blackmail me into doing their bidding.

He said he realized that it was not even fair to blame me for the two months they were truly being owed since I only just assumed duties in May. As a Muslim, I told him right there that I bore no grudge against him and had forgiven him for every thing. At the end of our conversation, I only invited him to join us to make LAWMA work better in order to justify the confidence reposed in us by Mr. Governor and, by extension, serve Lagos taxpayers who fulfill their civic obligations to the government.

On new uniform for LAWMA Not at all. As a matter of fact, that is only one of the series of reforms we are planning to implement to reposition LAWMA for better service delivery. When LAWMA started, the uniform was green overall. In my own view, I consider the LAWMA orange colour overall donated to us over the years by Sterling Bank Plc the most appropriate for the sweepers in all weather conditions. We believe the short sleeve uniform now abolished is less appropriate most especially for health reasons as it doesn’t keep them warm.

Also, we want to end a situation whereby the LAWMA apron is abused by miscreants or unauthorized persons who wear them to carry out illegalities.

Part of the reforms we are introducing is to ensure that henceforth, the wearer will have their names embroidered on the uniform for easy identification.

This will help ensure more discipline. Members of the public are encouraged to report anyone found to be engaging in misconduct to our hotlines for investigation and possible sanction.

That is part of the new culture we are seeking to bring on board towards achieving the target given to us by Mr. Governor.

To address some of the anomalies discovered through the forensic audit, we have decided to introduce biometrics to ensure the incidence of ghost workers is effectively a thing of the past.

Reforms With the support of Mr. Governor, we will ensure that the impact of LAWMA is also felt in other equally critical sectors like the management of marine waste, ensuring better sanitation in our markets, public transportation, clearing of silt and disuse tyres from our roads.

LAWMA was not set up by the government only to oversee highway sweepers as being projected lately.

Our core mandate also extends to the sectors I just mentioned. We are reviewing the current operations architecture to ensure that these critical areas receive equal attention to achieve Mr. Governor’s vision of a more robust and sustainable environment for Lagos.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 28, 2020

SUNDAYINTERVIEW Afe Babalola

Babalola

We’ve Been So Careless, Irresponsible As a People Chief Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, believes a great future lies ahead of Nigeria if her handlers look inward and believe in Nigerians by providing the enabling environment for them to excel.

In this interview with Adedayo Adejobi, he also speaks on President Muhammadu Buhari’s government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and what his hospital is doing to find a cure, saying the coronavirus pandemic has exposed how careless and irresponsible Nigerians have been over the years. Excerpts:

W

hat is your assessment of the federal government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic?

Let me tell you straight away, I have written many articles on this matter.

The COVID-19 is a foreign body unless we import it to this country, we wouldn’t have COVID-19 virus. As soon as we learned of the outbreak, we were supposed to have taken preventive measures immediately.

What I did in my university was to quickly shut down and forbid entry by anybody into the institution, because if you do not import beer into a house, you will not have beer there.

As for me, I think all that the federal government needed to do at that time was to close our borders and deny entry into the country and if it was a must that some people should come in, they needed to set them aside in isolation centres. If that had been done from the outset, we wouldn’t have recorded a single case of the virus.

That was what Tanzania did and today, it is the only country that doesn’t have anything called coronavirus on the continent of Africa. The virus is imported but we allow people to come into the country and spread the disease. See now, we are battling with it.

If you have a house where nobody has been infected by the virus and you do not allow anybody to come in you may never have it. If you have a compound where nobody comes in with this imported disease, you wouldn’t have it. My university never had, even until they asked all universities to go on holiday or lockdown.

Analysts say Nigeria shouldn’t have looked the way of Madagascar for herbal solutions, especially for a clountry blessed with herbs that can cure the virus. Any lessons for Nigeria considering the impact of the decision on the health care delivery system?

My simple answer is, Nigeria was not fully prepared for this pandemic. And, in fact, unprepared in many areas including lack of furnishing universities and hospitals in the country with modern equipment, that was why we found ourselves in the helpless situation we are today. As a matter of fact, all that we needed to do long before now was to make sure that our universities are up-to-date.

There are a very few, if there are at all, Nigerian universities that have level four laboratory, which is like the highest, for now, that can be used for investigation and other medical research. It’s so sad that very few universities in this country have decent laboratories that you can carry out reasonable research and of the few I

have mentioned, we are one of them, I mean Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti.

What are your thoughts on the World Health Organisation foisting their decisions, and approach on Africa? Is there a chance that traditional medicine in the near future could put Africa on the world map and when we will have an African health organisation?

I do not believe that it is right for any organisation to foist their position on everybody. In research, in particular, it can’t happen. Every day I keep on addressing my people and they are ready and willing to work in such a way that very soon, you will know that there is an African and a Nigerian university, in particular, that has what it takes to change the world.

We are leaders in reformation; leaders in quality education; leaders in functional education, and this has been recognised all over the world. So, it is just a matter of time and I bet you, give us a little more time, and time will reveal all of these things.

How will you describe the university’s alliance with the Ooni of Ife in trying to get a cure for coronavirus?

The Ooni of Ife is an uncommon man. The Ooni of

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 28, 2020

SUNDAY INTERVIEW

t 8& 7& #&&/ 40 $"3&-&44 *33&410/4*#-& "4 " 1&01-& t Ife is highly innovative and above all, he is a lover of education. He has been here several times, because of the quality that he saw. That is why he has decided to partner our university in a bid to find solutions not only to COVID-19, but also to other diseases that have been humiliating us over the years. He is a philanthropist that has donated so much money not only to this university but many organissations.

You are aware of the motorised modular fumigation machine that his team of researchers and engineers manufactured, which he has donated already to some states in the country. Let me ask you, how many obas and how many non-obas have done or are doing what this great enterprising man has done and is doing? I want to salute him and congratulate him and promise my support.

What really sparked your interest and alliance with the Ooni of Ife in venturing into research for the COVID-19 cure?

My university is founded as a reformist, non-profit institution. I am indeed worried that the university system in this country has not lived up to expectations in many areas and one of those areas of course is medicine and health. So, I started the university, which within two years was recognised by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) as a model, a benchmark, and a reference point.

My belief is that for a university to be properly so-called, as a modern university, it must have modern equipment and indeed it must be a research institution.

Ours is a research institution, a modern university and so we have many arrangements with universities outside Nigeria, including one of the richest universities in the world, Sao Paulo Brazil, in South America, Cologne University in Germany, and of course, the first black African university in America called the Howard University.

One of our objectives is to make use of the numerous herbs we have, which my own grandparents and parents used in those days that cured most of the diseases then.

So, I called my lecturers in medicine and in engineering and the sciences to meet together and form a committee, which will make use of these numerous herbs that we are endowed with in this part of the world to produce drugs that can compete with whatever you have overseas and we are already doing so.

How equipped is the university to carry out such research into the COVID-19 cure?

You see, nothing in this world can be said to be qualitative unless you know the standard agreed upon as qualitative and until you see it yourself. Please go round the university campus and see the aesthetic structures we have put in place and particularly the equipment: most modern, most sophisticated, which we have in the faculty of the natural sciences, in law, faculty of medicine, and the multi-system hospital.

For the avoidance of doubt, I have been described by the former Minister of Health, Sunday Adewole, the former Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital, Ibadan, and of course, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association as the best thing that has happened to medical education in this country.

We have some of the most modern medical equipment you can find anywhere in this country, which proves the people I have mentioned earlier right. The African Development Bank, for instance, has directed its people from the whole of Africa to come to us here at ABUAD for their treatment.

So, I reassure you that we have better equipment than any other health facility in the country. The Society of Nigerian Engineers said 75% of the equipment we have in this university are not available in most universities in the country and they said our faculty is a template for engineering education in this country.

After coronavirus is gone, we must sincerely not to go to sleep again. We must begin to take responsibility for our lives and our society, because honestly as a people, we have been so careless, so irresponsible.

We have wasted resources over the years. Things must change

How long will this research process last and what are the expectations?

All I know is that we have set up a committee of brilliant researchers including renowned professors and other junior lecturers and even students. They are working on so many areas today. I know that they have gone far and we have got in touch with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC) and they are eagerly waiting for the result from us.

You see, it is not an easy thing to make a drug at an acceptable standard not only to NAFDAC, but also to World Health Organisation (WHO). So, it will take time, but I assure you in the next few months, our drugs will be registered by NAFDAC. But it will take more time to get it to the stage, where the World Health Organisation will register it.

How do you preserve and ensure that the legacy of ABUAD is not jeopardised?

If you are asking me how I can preserve the university even when I am no more. I knew real poverty, because I grew up in it. I know what it takes to conquer poverty and education is probably one of the surest ways to conquer poverty and that is why I have and I am still investing in education.

Having invested so much in education, I want to make sure that my institution attains the highest level of achievable standard that is reckoned with globally. It may interest you to know that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) came here and they said our university is a first-class institution but that is not all.

Instead of investing all the money I earned from my practice in other areas, I invested it here because it has a way by which it can perpetuate itself. If you start a company and have your own children be shareholders from experience, most of such hardly lasts. But if you invest in education, there is a way it services itself.

We have a board of trustees that never dies and below that, we have an office of the chancellor, which never dies.

We also have the pro-chancellor’s office that never dies and then you have the vice-chancellor’s office too. So, even if I die today, these bodies and offices remain and I don’t need a will to make them perform their statutory functions.

They can elect anybody from my family or from anywhere as a pro-chancellor. You know also that it is the board that appoints a vice-chancellor. So, Afe Babalola must not be around for the university to have a vicechancellor.

Seeing how the university system works, motivated me to invest in education knowing that when I am no more, my investment to better humanity and all the effort, energy, time, and attention I have put in it will not be in vain. I also want you to know that it was not a small sacrifice I made with my family to invest in education.

I had properties in and outside Nigeria, which I sold – I meant, I sold them all to develop this institution.

What measures should the government put in place in the event of a future pandemic?

The earliest recorded pandemic in the world took place

in 450BC and ever since we’ve had so many. It is not a bad prophecy from me. But let us know that we are still going to have more pandemics in the future. Secondly, I can assure you that COVID-19, which originated from China, may not leave us fully anytime soon.

I guess it will be part of us for many years and I think it may turn out to be something we would have to live with like malaria. However, what we have to do is to begin to devise means of learning to live with it. Look, the presidential task force says we all must wash our hands, cover our nose, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and so on and so forth.

These are issues of hygiene. So many years ago in Nigerian elementary schools, hygiene was a compulsory subject but we threw everything away and today, we are taught how to maintain basic hygiene? It is a shame.

I want to also say that everything in life has its good part and the bad part or side. Coronavirus has dealt with us but it has a good side. It has taught us to review our health programmes, first at the family or household levels.

Secondly, it has exposed the bad state of the health care system in this country and many others.

Therefore, it is important that universities and hospitals be well funded and equipped with modern facilities that are of the highest standard as are available in the facilities of more developed or advanced nations. For individuals like me, the coronavirus pandemic has taught me to ensure that whatever I do must be first class in standards.

Coronavirus has brought hardship but it is in hardship that great ideas are birthed. In fact, nothing teaches and toughens a man better than hardship. I am a beneficiary or better say, a refined product of hardship. When you approached the gate of the university, I am sure you saw those machines put in place for washing hands and sanitizing. We invented them. Hardships bring about innovation.

After coronavirus is gone, we must sincerely not to go to sleep again. We must begin to take responsibility for our lives and our society, because honestly as a people, we have been so careless, so irresponsible. We have wasted resources over the years. Things must change.

I am very optimistic that we are going to have a new Nigeria – a new Nigeria that will be more hygienic, take care of citizens’ welfare, provide a congenial environment for our children, students in schools and that will put them in safe and secure environments.

What is your advice to the government?

The government of Nigeria is under obligation to acknowledge those who are innovative. That’s not been done. In other countries, they don’t take for granted their best brains and innovative fellows. For example, in this country, there are a few Nigerians, who ought to have been honoured or deliberately appreciated by the government of the federation but that’s not been done.

An American came here and after going around this university campus of ours, he said, ‘Is this man,’ referring to me the owner of the university, ‘a Nigerian? If he is, then there is hope for Nigeria.’ That is a foreigner! All I am saying is that Nigeria and Nigerians must learn to value what we have; what is our own and learn also to find local solutions to our local and peculiar problems.

TR

Sunday June 28, 2020

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MISSILE

Tinubu to Critics

“Those who seek to cast themselves as political Nostradamus’ are free to so engage their energies. I trust the discerning public will give the views of such eager seers the scant weight such divinations warrant.”

– National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s to those who claimed the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee had dealt a blow to his alleged presidential ambition.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Playing Politics with Power Sector

I

n 2006, President Olusegun Obasanjo came up with Vision 20:2020 — an audacious dream to make Nigeria one of the 20 biggest economies in the world by 2020. There were plenty projections that were supposed to combine to make Nigeria attain the goal, but the one that always catches my fancy was that we would be generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity by 2007 and 35,000mw by 2020. When President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua launched the blueprint in 2009, the ambitious projections were re-sized and toned down: installed capacity was to grow from 6,000mw in 2009 to 20,000mw by 2015. President Muhammadu Buhari has now promised us 25,000mw by 2025.

Today’s realities are heartbreaking. It’s good that the power generating companies (GenCos) now have the capacity to produce roughly 13,000mw, but they can only churn out about 7,500mw as things stand and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) can take only about 4,000mw of the power produced to deliver to the distribution companies (DisCos). The DisCos, in turn, are hardly able to give industries, offices and households the entire 4,000mw because of all kinds of issues — technical, commercial, and what-not. All said and done, then, Nigeria is nowhere near being one of the world’s top 20 economies. Not surprised: no mega economy runs on generators. Fact.

But why are we still here? We can list a million reasons. When we were awarding contracts for the building of power plants in 2005, we did not think of how gas would get to them. We only remembered we needed to build gas pipelines after the turbines had arrived. Even when the turbines arrived, governors forced work to stop, arguing that the funding of power projects from the excess crude account was illegal. The multi-year tariff order (MYTO), designed to gradually phase out electricity subsidy and make the industry commercially viable, was not implemented for political reasons. The TCN does not have the capacity to “wheel” the power generated by GenCos. And so on.

The buck passing in the power sector, aside the fraud, is too political. The national economic council (NEC) recently announced that it was going to embark on a forensic audit of the DisCos. On the surface, that is fine. Audit by the sector regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC), is legitimate and legal, fully provided for in the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005. If the DisCos are guilty of malpractices, why should we not be happy about that? But the undertone, as I understand it, is that the government wants to reverse the privatisation of DisCos or dilute the ownership and take control of the entities.

It can be good or bad; we can argue over the merits.

However, there is something that doesn’t sit right when the entire Nigeria electricity supply industry is in a mess and the only participants you want to “audit” are the DisCos. The policy making is faulty and rickety; the regulator is politically manipulated and far from independent; some power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the GenCos were designed to bankrupt Nigeria; the transmission company is perpetually stagnant and hurting both GenCos and DisCos and the entire country; and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) — the company that buys power from GenCos and sells to DisCos — has become a study in intrigues. To cap it all, Mr Sale Mamman is the minister of power.

There are plenty questions to ask. Why did we enter into PPAs with GenCos, some of

Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman which obligate us to pay millions of dollars monthly to one company, when we knew very well that the TCN did not, does not, and will not, have the capacity to take power from these companies in the life of the contracts?

Even if we produce 100,000mw today, TCN can only take 4,000mw, otherwise their system will collapse and the entire country will be in darkness. Who authorised this kind of contracts?

How did we box ourselves into this horrible corner that will see us lose money every month while Nigerians continue to groan and moan in darkness? Who will pay for this?

As I write this, the PPA the federal government signed with Azura Power Plant in Edo state is on the verge of getting Nigeria into a serious financial mess. The Jonathan administration was reluctant to grant Azura the sovereign guarantee to secure a $237 million loan for the 450mw plant. According to reports, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke, then the attorney-general of the federation, opposed the guarantee based on a decision by the federal executive council (FEC) that Nigeria must be indemnified in such agreements. All the terms were skewed against the country. We were to pay Azura about $30 million monthly for power generated under the “take-or-pay” condition.

Technically, there was nothing wrong with this. Azura needed super assurance of recouping its investment, and the government gave it.

You cannot accuse Azura of any wrong doing.

However, when the Buhari administration decided to set aside the indemnity clause and go headlong into singing the World Bank partial risk guarantee (PRG) for the loan in 2015, those who pushed the deal knew very well that TCN would not be able to take all the power to be produced by Azura. On top of that, we agreed to pay Azura $1.2 billion as compensation if we decide to terminate the contract. Who authorised this kind of agreement, for goodness sake? Now we are in trouble.

Another sticky deal, from the bunch of suicidal agreements, is the gas supply agreement (GSA) between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Ltd and Accugas Ltd. Under the deal, we must pay Accugas over $10 million monthly for supply gas to the Calabar Electricity Generation Company (CEGC) Ltd, owned by NDPHC. It is a take-or-pay agreement — so we must pay whether or not Calabar takes the gas. Unfortunately, Calabar cannot take all the gas because when it produces power, TCN does not have the capacity to take it on the grid! Those who signed the agreement

knew this lack of capacity before committing Nigeria to it. Who did this to our country?

In 2015, before the Accugas agreement was concluded with the involvement of the World Bank, issues were raised by Dr Marilyn Amobi, the outgoing MD of NBET, and the NDPHC itself. According to media reports, enormous pressure was exerted on Amobi to sign off on the deal but she maintained her ground, stating, in a memo, that the NBET was worried about the “sustainability of the transaction” and pointing out “the near insolvency situation of the electricity market [and] the absent immediate market liquidity solution”. She said the transaction was only sustainable if the DisCos were fully settling their invoices. We went ahead with the deal and here we are.

From 2015 till date, we have paid about N255 billion to five GenCos under the PPAs for power not delivered — principally because TCN does not have the capacity to take it.

Azura alone has received over N42 billion out of this in the last two years. Let me repeat: because of the kind of agreements we signed, we have paid over N255 billion for power that Nigerians DID NOT get. To make it simpler, you have eaten only six plates of rice but you have been made to pay for 10! And you know what? We don’t even have the money. We are borrowing to service these invoices. It is a bottomless pit! The Buhari administration has paid over N1.3 trillion since 2015 to keep the supply industry going.

Let me be clear: I am not saying the GenCos did anything wrong. It is their luck that government entered into agreements that were going to bankrupt Nigeria. I don’t believe it was only after the agreements had been signed that we realised the TCN was incapable of taking the power we agreed to pay for. I also want to be clear on this: I am not saying there should be no audit of DisCos. I am for anything that will clean up the system and take Nigerians out of this darkness. But what I cannot understand is how making the DisCos the scapegoat will address the decay in the power supply industry. It can only mask the choking odour of the buccaneering going on at our expense.

If we are sincere about addressing the power issue and stopping our treasury from continuing to service the pot bellies of the buccaneers, let us conduct a wholesale forensic and technical audit of the entire industry. We need to identify whatever is responsible for this shocking state of the sector, re-negotiate the suicidal deals we signed (the coronavirus pandemic will, hopefully, provide a force majeure), align the necessary elements, and take the critical steps to help Buhari’s renewed power initiative achieve the outlined goals and objectives. Renationalising the DisCos through the backdoor does not look like the magic formula to me. Let us not frog-jump from frying pan to fire.

I’d be honest and confess that I am enjoying stable power supply where I live. Our estate has an agreement with Ikeja Electric which is going very well despite a few hitches — caused mostly by you-know-who: the TCN. We are not under MYTO, so we pay double the regulated tariff, and we are guaranteed at least 20 hours of power supply daily. Faults are attended to as a matter of priority. I only buy diesel once in a long while. The noise pollution is close to zero most of the month. But my joy is not full: this should be the story all over the country, not in my little residential area.

Until this becomes the rule rather than the exception, Nigerians will keep groping in the dark. Literally.

And Four Other Things…

APC ROULETTE President Buhari effectively took charge of the flailing All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, chairing a meeting of the national executive committee (NEC) to dissolve the national working committee (NWC) led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The ruling party was going down the drain on a free fall and the president appeared not concerned about the fortune of the platform that brought him to power. He finally acted.

It would appear the dissolution of NWC would hurt one faction and favour another, but I would rather see this as an opportunity for the party to reconcile and rebuild. How the party handles the next few months and contending forces will determine its future.

Tricky.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF APC Am I the only one wondering why Mallam Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation, would be the one to swear in the APC caretaker chairman?

Is he the attorney-general of APC or the attorney-general of Nigeria? Who swears in the national officers of other political parties? Article 29 of the APC constitution expressly states that every officer elected or appointed as an officer of the party shall subscribe to the oath of office as provided in Schedule II to this constitution “before an appropriate Principal Officer of the Party as may be approved by the National Working Committee”. Malami has been ridiculing the office of the attorney-general since 2015.

Preposterous.

AJIMOBI FABLE Are you one of those who say Senator Abiola Ajimobi died long ago but the news was only broken after the APC leadership tussle was resolved on Thursday? If Ajimobi had died before the APC NEC meeting, what purpose would it have served to delay the announcement? Did Ajimobi have any power to stop President Buhari from convening the NEC meeting? Did he have any power to stop the dissolution of the NWC? What exactly was his being alive or dead going to the APC? Well, since we love conspiracy theories, let me add my own: Ajimobi is actually not dead.

He is somewhere in Jamaica under a new identity. It is a log of wood that will be buried in Ibadan today. Satisfied?

SO TYPICAL The demolition of a building in the compound of the Nigerian high commission in Accra, Ghana, sent shock waves through the diplomatic community, but both countries have managed the aftermath with maturity. Ghana has promised to rebuild the structure as well as punish the culprits.

This is very good and encouraging. But there is something we might have missed: the Nigeria high commission, according to the Ghanaian authorities, did not respond to a request to produce its documents for the land since July 2019! That was how the land was re-allocated to a third party. The demolition was reckless, agreed, but when shall we begin to do things the right way too?

Embarrassing.

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