WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY 2020

UBA Appoints Deputy Managing Directors for Nigeria, Africa Okeke, Executive Director, retires August 1 Dike Onwuamaeze The United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), the leading panAfrican financial services group, yesterday announced the appointments of Mr. Ayoku

Liadi and Mr. Oliver Alawuba as Deputy Managing Directors in charge of UBA’s Nigeria and Africa businesses, respectively.

The bank, in a statement, said the creation of the new positions, reporting to the

Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, represents further strategic recognition of the growth of UBA’s pan-African business, now representing in excess of 40 per cent of the group's revenue,

and the critical importance of Nigeria, the group’s largest market.

Combined with UBA’s unique international business, operating from New York, London and Paris, UBA

Africa and Nigeria, offer an unparalleled service offering to clients across Africa and globally, it added.

Commenting on the appointments, UBA Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu,

said: “In 2005, we set out our pan-African vision. Fifteen years later, we are present in 20 African countries, serving over 20 million clients, leveraging Continued on page 9

With N381/$1 Exchange Rate Adjustment, FG, States Get More Cash... Page 8 Wednesday 8 July, 2020 Vol 25. No 9221. Price: N250

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Magu’s Travail Persists as Presidential Investigation Enters Fourth Week Panel recommends his suspension Security agents search residence, detain him at FCID Presidency says EFCC boss not above probe Iyobosa Uwugiaren and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The travail of Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, persisted yesterday as the presidential investigation of his alleged wrongdoing entered the fourth week with widespread speculation that he

might have been suspended

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Although there was no official confirmation of the speculated suspension, a reliable presidency source told THISDAY last night that the presidential panel has recommended that the Continued on page 9

Your Dollar Will Fail in Edo, Wike Tells Ganduje Ize-Iyamu will win, Kano gov insists Chuks Okocha in Abuja Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday took on his Kano State counterpart, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, telling him that he would not be able to sway the voters in Edo State with his famed “illicit” access to the dollar in

the September 19 governorship election.

Wike and Ganduje are heading the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign councils respectively.

Continued on page 9

RUMINATING ON THE ECONOMY… Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN during the virtual meeting of the Economic Sustainability Committee in Abuja…yesterday

Ondo Assembly Begins Removal of Deputy Gov... Page 5

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

Ondo Assembly Begins Removal of Deputy Gov I'm unruffled, says Ajayi, heads to court

James Sowole in Akure The Ondo State House of Assembly yesterday commenced the process of removing the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi,

from office, amidst tight security at the legislative complex.

However, nine lawmakers, including the majority leader and the deputy speaker, have dissociated themselves from

Anti-corruption Group Asks Presidency, APC to Stop Harassing Atiku, Saraki Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja A civil society group, Anti Corruption Network, has implored the presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cease the attack on the former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and some stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the alleged backers of the cyber scammer, Mr. Ramon Abbas, with the moniker, Hushpuppi, who was recently arrested in Dubai.

The group carried out a protest march which lasted for over an hour yesterday at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

The protest was on the heel of the statement issued over the weekend by the former deputy national publicity secretary of the APC, Mr. Yekini Nabena, alleging that Hushpuppi's affinity with the PDP leadership was not a mere coincidence.

Nabena also implied that the link with Hushpuppi was why PDP stalwarts turned Dubai into a hub for their strategic meeting ahead of 2019 general election.

But the convener of yesterday's protest, Mr. Roland Afeodih, fiercely condemned the attack on Atiku, describing it as unwarranted.

He said the group resolved to embark on the protest as the trial by the social media was politically orchestrated by the ruling party to impugn on the character of Atiku and Saraki.

He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the people backing Hushpuppi and prosecute them if necessary instead of allowing the victimisation via

social media to thrive.

The protesters chanted various solidarity songs and carried several banners that bore inscriptions like: ''Atiku is Innocent. He is a Democrat;” ''Saraki Never Supported Criminality;” Hushpuppi is a Criminal;'' ''APC Should Be Independently Investigated'' and ''Leave PDP Alone and Focus on the Economy.''

Afeodih described Atiku as a successful businessman, who should not be vilified as the sponsor and godfather of Hushpuppi, simply because the latter snapped a picture with the former vice president. ''We are giving the president the go-ahead to investigate Hushpuppi.

We just discovered that some people in government are the ones backing Hushpuppi, not Atiku, Saraki, Hon Yakubu Dogara, and Senator Dino Melaye. These are successful people and role models we cannot rationalise why they are damaging their reputation,'' Afeodih said.

He said the PDP will not accept the intimidation and subtle move by the ruling party to rope some of its stalwarts into the Hushpuppi scam. ''APC should not drag Atiku's name into Hushpuppi's mess because we will not accept it. Hushpuppi is a criminal and Nigerian youths are not part of his schemes. Atiku and Saraki are democrats. We say no to intimidation and the trial by social media. We insist nobody should insult and drag the names of our leaders into this mess for the youths are ready to rise up and resist them. They should focus on the economy and salvage Nigeria,'' Afeodih remarked.

the process.

But 14 out of the 26-member legislature voted in favour of the process, while three others, including the Speaker, Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, were yet to make a decision.

In a swift reaction, Ajayi said he was yet to be notified of any action, adding that he remains unruffled by various political games as his focus was how to win the July 22 primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which he recently defected to.

The motion to serve the removal notice on the deputy governor was read at the plenary by the Clerk of the House, Mr. Bode Adeyelu.

While speaking on the matter, the speaker said he personally received the allegation against Ajayi but failed to mention the source of the allegation.

Oleyelogun noted that the constitution empowers the assembly to investigate allegations against the executive and proceed on removal if necessary and when necessary constitutional requirements are met.

He, therefore, directed the House's Clerk to immediately serve the deputy governor the notice of removal having been signed by 14 members

of the assembly.

However, attempts by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Iroju Ogundeji, as well as others that wanted to oppose the move were shouted down by the speaker, who immediately ordered that the motion should be put into voice vote.

Speaking with journalists after the plenary, Hon. Festus Akingbaso representing Idanre Constituency said the removal notice was unconstitutional and it would not stand because it did not meet the two-thirds majority requirement of lawmakers as required by law.

Similarly, Hon. Samuel Edamisan representing Irele Constituency stated that the move by the assembly was unconstitutional, adding that it would not work.

However, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Olugbenga Omole, said the protest from some lawmakers was needless, noting that the notice is a process, which does not require two-thirds of the members of the assembly.

"In fact only nine members of the 26 members are needed to sign the process," Omole said.

All members of the assembly were present except, Hon. Favour

Tomomewo representing Ilaje Constituency 2, who is also a female lawmaker.

Reacting to the bid to sack him, Ajayi said he was yet to be notified by the House of any action.

Speaking to journalists, he noted that he remained unruffled by the various political games.

The deputy governor said his main focus now was how to win the July 22 primary of the PDP. Ajayi said the PDP delegates would decide who would be the candidate of the party and who would be supported by the people of the state in the main election.

He promised to abide by the outcome of the primary of the party even if he does not win.

"I will abide by the outcome of the PDP primary even if I do not win. Whoever wins the ticket of the party is my candidate and I will support the person," Ajayi said.

Nine Lawmakers Oppose Removal Process However, nine lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Iroju Ogundeji, yesterday dissociated themselves from the moves

to remove Ajayi.

The lawmakers notified the Clerk of the House of their objection to the removal in a letter which they all signed and addressed to him.

The letter was entitled “Dissociation from the [Removal] Plan of the Deputy Governor."

Other members who signed the letter against the removal of the deputy governor are the Majority Leader, Hon. Sulaiman Maito; Hon. Favour Tomomowo; Hon. Rasheed Elegbeleye; Hon. Festus Akingbaso; Hon. Adewale Adewinle; Hon. Samuel Demola Edamisan; Hon. Tomide Akinribido and Hon. Success Torhukerijor.

Of the nine lawmakers that opposed the removal move, two are members of the PDP while one was elected on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Meanwhile, the deputy governor has approached the Federal High Court, Abuja for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, which he said the removal process seeks to breach.

In a suit filed on his behalf

by Dr. Olatoke (SAN) at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Ajayi is asking the court to halt the attempt to remove him and enforce his rights to freedom of association.

STILL ON THE JOBS MATTER… L-R: Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige (left), and the Minister of State, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), during an appearance at the National Assembly on the 774, 000 public works programme recruitment in Abuja…yesterday julius atoi

NERC Reviews Discos’ Responses to Queries on Estimated Billings Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said yesterday it was reviewing the responses of some power distribution companies (Discos), to its queries on the flouting of capping order on estimated billings, which was issued by the commission.

NERC had given the Discos 14 days to explain why they should not be punished for breaching the capping order on the estimated billing of customers without meters.

NERC's Order 197/2020 had placed limits on estimated

bills that can be issued by Discos to unmetered electricity customers of residential (R2) and commercial (C1).

The regulatory commission listed the defaulting Discos as Benin, Enugu, Eko, Ikeja, Kano, Kaduna and Port Harcourt, stressing that if after the 14day deadline the Discos were unable to give any tenable reasons for their action, they would be sanctioned.

While the deadline given the power distributors lapsed on June 18, NERC has, however, declined to make public the details of the sanctions, if any or whether the agency was satisfied with the alleged errant

Discos’ explanations.

However, a top source in the commission told THISDAY that the Discos had responded within the deadline given to them, noting that NERC is currently studying the reasons that were given by the power distributors on why they should not be sanctioned.

The source added that though the deadline given the Discos had expired, there are also, timelines within which the NERC could review the responses and either apply sanctions or allow the matter to die if the commission was convinced by the reasons given by the Discos.

“It’s a process to find justice.

So, we had actually given them deadlines on the decision to enforce compliance. So, some of them have responded and then those who have responded; it’s the duty of the commission to analyse and review and there are timelines for all the actions.

“So, it’s not immediate or spontaneous as some people are envisaging. It’s not like that. The process is ongoing and as soon as we are done, we will make our findings public,” the source said.

He said the commission would not hesitate to wield its power if the seven power

distributors were found guilty of flouting the order.

In February, NERC issued an Order No/NERC/197/2020 on capping of estimated billings in Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), placing a cap on estimated bill to unmetered customers.

It added that the order was to protect unmetered R2 (Residential-single and threephase meters, who consume more than 50kWh per month) and C1 (Commercial-single and three-phase meters, small businesses) customers from arbitrary billing and expedite their metering process.

The organisation stressed

that all unmetered R2 and C1 customers shall not be invoiced for the consumption of energy beyond the price capped in the schedule, which was N1,872.00 for R2, where consumption is capped at 78-kilowatt hour per month at a tariff of N24 per kilowatt.

According to the order, any customer whose current estimated bill is below the capped price shall remain so without upward review until the installation of a meter by the power distributors.

The regulator noted that any customer who rejects the installation of a meter should be disconnected.

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With N381/$1 Exchange Rate Adjustment, FG, States Get More Cash AfDB pushes for rates' cut to stimulate growth Projects $189.7bn GDP losses for Africa Obinna Chima and Dike Onwuamaeze The adjustment of the official naira exchange rate from N361/$ to N381/$ by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) means that the three tiers of government will have more naira to share during their monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings.

The new rate was posted yesterday on the website of FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, the Lagos-based platform that oversees foreignexchange trading.

Revenue from Petroleum exports accounts for about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s earnings and makes up a significant portion of the amount that is shared monthly by the federal, state and local governments.

According to analysts, the exchange rate adjustment would benefit the three tiers

of government as the new naira exchange rate at the official market means that they would get more naira to.

Others that are expected to benefit from the development according to analysts are the Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) who invest in the Nigerian market as well as institutional investors with a huge dollar position.

However, the downside of the development according to analysts is that prices of goods and services are likely to rise as well as the landing cost of petrol.

The official exchange rate adjustment comes less than one week after the central bank adjusted the naira exchange rate at the Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) to N380/$1, which also used to be N360/$1.

A top central bank official had told THISDAY at the weekend that from time

NCAA Suspends Private Jet Operators for Regulatory Infraction Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations Specs Part G of the Air Operator’s Certificate of Sky Power Express Airways Nigeria Limited and some private charter aircraft due to non-compliance and or violations of the provision of NCARS (Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations) Part 9.2.3.4(b).

The regulatory authority had threatened to suspend airlines operating charter service with aircraft not registered for commercial service.

THISDAY learnt that an aircraft under Sky Power Express Airways was grounded in Dubai due to non-compliance with the regulations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regulatory authorities and NCAA. NCAA in a letter dated June 30, 2020, with reference number NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/129 signed by the Director-General, Captain Musa Nuhu, and entitled: Suspension of the Ops Specs Part G (Aircraft Leasing Operations) of your organisation’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), issued the suspension, which was addressed to the Managing Director of Sky Power Express.

The letter read in part: “NCARS Part 9.2.3.4(b) refers to Wet Leasing aircraft and states: (b) No holder of an AOC issued under this Part 9 may allow another entity or air operator to conduct wetlease operations on its behalf (a wet lease in) unless “(1) That air operator holds an AOC or its equivalent from a contracting state that authorises those operations;(2) The AOC holder advises the authority of such operations and provides a copy of the AOC under which the operation was conducted;(3) Such operation does not exceed a period of 12 months and(4) The authority approves the operations.

“Be informed that by this

action, your organisation ceases to exercise all the privileges associated with Part G authorisation.

“Furthermore, the operations of the following aircraft listed on the Part G of your organisation’s operations specifications are hereby suspended pending a full audit of your organisation and compliance with all the relevant Nig. CARS: Hawker 800XP: N838B, Hawker 800XP: N552ME, Hawker 800XP: N749WW, Hawker 800XP: ZSEXG, CL604-D-ANGB, CL604T7-NMN, CL601-N580KR, Gulfstream 200-N100EK. Other aircraft affected by the audit include: CL604-N605JA operated by Jedidiah Air, CL604-N880ET operated by OmniBlu, CL604-N604WL operated by West Link Airlines, G.IV-N990EA operated by NestOi, CL601-N253LA operated by West Link Airlines, G1159A-N313MS operated by Izy Air and and CL604-G-FABO operated by Jet Support Services."

THISDAY also learnt that many aircraft are also operated under Sky Power Express Airways because the company has AOC, so those aircraft operate under its core sign.

The Managing Director of Sky Power Express Airways, Capt. Mohammed Joji, did not respond to calls made

by THISDAY. However, NCAA has released one of the two aircraft belonging to West Link Airlines currently grounded, having erroneously added it to the grounded list.

The aircraft, a Challenger CL604-N604WL operated by West Link Airlines, was released having not fallen under the category of Part G category as it is said to be owned solely by the airline and not leased.

The other aircraft, the CL601N253LA, however, falls under the category and will still have to undergo a full audit and compliance with all the relevant Nig. CARS.

to time, the exchange rate adjustment would continue to happen, either upward or downward in line with market fundamentals.

“Certainly, no single rate can be achieved, but we would keep moving towards I&E rate,” the source had said.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, recently assured investors that the desire of the central bank was to achieve exchange rate unification” around the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX)/ I&E rate.

Emefiele had explained thus: “What we mean by exchange rate unification is moving towards the 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 businessman, 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 outside the NAFEX were substantially close

to each other. So, the CBN will continue to pursue unification around the NAFEX.” Members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have commended the move by the CBN, saying the development would allow the exchange rate to reflect the market fundamentals and avoid distortions in the economy.

The Director-General of the (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf, described the unification of the rates as an important move to stem the looming liquidity crisis in the foreign exchange market.

Yusuf stated that multiple exchange rates were a major source of distortion in the foreign exchange market as the system complicated the management of the foreign exchange market and perpetuated a rent economy that created opportunities for arbitrage, which engendered resource misallocation.

“It is imperative for the exchange rate to reflect the market fundamentals in order to ensure sustainability and promote efficiency in allocation mechanism. This is also critical for investors’ confidence. This should, however, be complemented with appropriate trade policy regime, fiscal policy measures and institutional strengthening to achieve the objective of heightening self-reliance and

economic diversification,” Yusuf said.

He added that the disadvantages of the multiple exchange rate system are the impediments it posed “to the attraction of investment as well as inhibiting the inflow of foreign exchange and creation of transparency issues in the allocation of foreign exchange.”

AfDB Pushes for Rates' Cut to Stimulate Growth The African Development Bank (AfDB) has advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other central banks on the continent to quickly ease financial conditions by cutting interest rates in their respective economies.

The multilateral institution also advised central banks to apply a combination of macroprudential and unconventional monetary policy tools to support the vulnerable sectors of the economy, just as it recommended that targeted interventions should be implemented for affected firms and sectors.

The AfDB gave the advice yesterday when it launched its African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2020 Supplement, which was presented by its Director of Macroeconomic Policy, Forecasting and Research,

Dr. Hanan Morsy, during an event, held online.

Morsy said: “Central banks could resort to their own forms of quantitative easing, targeted at funding the most affected sectors such as firms in the hospitality and entertainment industry like airlines, hotel chains, logistics and sports by temporarily re-profiling or restructuring their debts.

“To support vulnerable groups, a programme could be targeted to micro-enterprises and the unbanked in the informal sector, financed by the government and potentially run by other agencies closer to the ground.”

The AEO report projected that the real GDP in Africa would contract by 1.7 per cent in 2020, dropping by 5.6 percentage points from January 2020 pre-COVID –19 projection if the virus has a substantial impact over a short period.

However, the report stated that there could be a deeper GDP contraction in 2020 of 3.4 per cent, down by 7.3 percentage points from the growth projected before the outbreak of COVID–19 if the pandemic continues beyond the first half of 2020.

“Cumulatively, GDP losses could range between $173.1 billion and $236.7 billion in 2020–2021.

Continued on page 30

CONDOLENCE VISIT… L-R: Oloriomokewu of Lagos, Mr. Affininh Ibraheem; Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; and the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Mr. Sulaimon Abu, during a condolence visit to the pastor on the death of his wife, Ibidunni, in Lagos…yesterday sunday adigun

Closure of Churches No Longer Tenable, Says CAN Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on states, particularly Lagos and Ogun, to reopen churches and kicked against their continued closure.

CAN, in a statement yesterday by the Special Assistant, (Media and Communications), to its president, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, said the continued closure of the worship centres was against the new relaxed lockdown protocol given by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

“The continued lockdown order on the places of worship

is no longer acceptable and reasonably justified,” it added.

The federal government had in March directed the closure of religious centres as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

But CAN has said despite the directive on the reopening of religious centres by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the states were yet to comply.

CAN said: “Despite the directive given by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 with regards to the re-opening of places of worship nationwide, some states like Lagos and Ogun are yet to allow worship places, especially

churches, to be reopened. What sin have the places of worship committed?

“With the sudden emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria at all levels agreed with the government on the need to close down the places of worship, economy, schools and every other facet of life.

“But with the reopening of the economy, especially the markets (both organised and the unorganised markets) along with the plan to reopen airports and schools, the closure of churches anywhere in the country is no longer

tenable and acceptable. In what way are the opened and roadside markets more organised than the church, which warranted their opening?

“Is it not our members in the places of worship that do go to markets and other sectors opened? Why are they allowed to go to markets and disallowed from going to places of worship? Is it because the marketers cannot contract the virus in the markets and airports?”

The association said while scientists and researchers were working to produce a vaccine for the COVID-19, the church had a spiritual role to play in the fight against the pandemic.

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PAGE NINE YOUR DOLLAR WILL FAIL IN EDO, WIKE TELLS GANDUJE “So, Ganduje, your dollar will not work in Edo State, we have integrity in our party,” he said in Abuja after he was inaugurated along with other members of the campaign council.

Wike was replying to the threat by Ganduje, that he would be isolated at an isolation centre for the APC to win the impending poll.

He said he was not the target of the isolation plan but the people whose votes the APC intended to manipulate with the help of the security agencies.

But Ganduje yesterday restated that the APC would win the forthcoming governorship election.

He said Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who is the PDP's candidate in the election would lose to his APC's rival, Mr. Osagie IzeIyamu, because the governor had not done much to deserve a second term.

Speaking yesterday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja Wike replied Ganduje: "But let us understand the statement made by Ganduje; don't look at it ordinarily.

What Ganduje said is that they have concluded with security agencies to make sure that the people of Edo State do not protect and defend their votes; that they will not allow them to come out and before you know it, they will announce the result. So, he just used me to say that they

will isolate me; no I am not at his level.

"What he was telling Nigerians is look in this election, we shall make sure that Edo people do not come out to vote; even if they vote, we will not allow them to protect and defend their votes.

"Edo people - now they have told you that they will not allow you to vote and even if you vote, they will not allow you to protect and defend your votes. It is a direct challenge to all of you leaders here from Edo State, because we members of the campaign council, we cannot vote because we did not register to vote in Edo State."

Wike also warned security agencies not to take sides during the election.

He warned: "Any attempt to rig this election in Edo State, then we will all know whether it is better for us to remain here or not because Edo people have spoken and it is very clear. Let nobody make any attempt, Edo State has come back to the PDP. "This election, we will win it and win it very well. Nobody can intimidate us.”

Wike said if anyone should be isolated; it must be Ganduje for his lack of moral integrity.

According to him, "A man who pockets dollar in babarriga from contractors is not isolated and you say that I should be isolated. In this country, where are we

heading to?

"Let me tell you why they made Ganduje the chairman of the campaign council, it is because of the dollar they saw. But for dollar, Ganduje could not have been made the chairman of the campaign council. But what he doesn't understand is that we from the Niger Delta, we shall chop his dollar and we will chop him into a comma.

“So, Ganduje, your dollar will not work in Edo State, we have integrity in our party.

"How do you think we shall lose the election in Edo State? In 2016, we never knew the candidate had a lot of problems and that was why the people of Edo State listened to Oshiomhole at that time - you can see a party that has no principle.

"A man that they said poured acid on another person’s manhood. I didn't say so - it was Oshiomhole that said so. And to tell you that you can never trust this government, and they said that the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Anti -Corruption was the chairman of the panel that indicted their so-called candidate now. Prof. Itse Sagay, speak up now, tell Nigerians whether you are the one that indicted him or not.

"Oshiomhole said that this man that called himself a pastor is a terrible liar; so,

they know that they have no candidate."

He said he accepted to head the campaign council to ensure PDP's victory in the election.

"Let me state that the terms of reference are very clear that we should make sure that the result is according to the will of Edo people, I want to assure you that by the grace of God nothing will stop us from victory," he stated.

He commended the governorship aspirants for accepting to work together, explaining that is why Obaseki is not having a sleepless night, he can now rest well, no litigation and that is what is expected of an opposition party.

"I urge the leadership of the party to make sure that we have the same thing in Ondo State so that Ondo will be in the kitty of PDP come October," Wike said.

Earlier in his speech, the National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said: "For us in PDP, the Edo election has been made easy going by the records of achievements of our flag bearers, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his running mate, Philip Shaibu. What we seek, therefore, is a level-playing field where the peoples’ votes will count."

He added the PDP is demanding a free and fair election as was the case when Oshiomhole won the election

twice from an opposition party.

"Let me warn that APC might be standing on the excitement of its previous rigged elections in Osun, Ekiti, Kano, and Kogi States in the past and think that their victory at the tribunal legitimises their underhand act but they forget to put into consideration the anger of God and the people to evildoers who refuse to change," he said.

He called on Nigerians to rise and defend their votes.

He commended Oshiomhole for making the work of the PDP campaign committee easier having supplied the party with all the information needed to establish to the people of Edo State that Ize-Iyamu is not a suitable material for the position and that the PDP candidate is the one fit for the job.

Ize-Iyamu will Win Edo Governorship Poll, Says Ganduje Ganduje yesterday said the APC would win the forthcoming governorship election as Obaseki has not done much to deserve a second term.

Ganduje, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Abba Anwar, said the APC would play the electoral game in Edo in total compliance with the Electoral Act.

He urged Edo people to vote for Ize-Iyamu for the state to develop.

Ganduje said Obaseki had too many hurdles that would inhibit his victory.

He said: “Obaseki has failed to deliver to his people.

He would be shocked at the polls.

“The art of governance is to provide social and economic development, infrastructural facilities, peace, and stability.

“But all of these are lacking in Edo State under Obaseki.

“What has he put on the ground to show to Edo people that he deserves re-election?

“He has 53 cases in court and is busy fighting with his people. Apart from these litigations, he just crosscarpeted to another political party and abandoned the governance of his people.

How can he be returned?”

Ganduje described IzeIyamu as a man of God whose commitment to the service of his people made it deserving for all his people to follow him to APC. “Osagie Ize-Iyamu has his people at heart. Obaseki does not. When Ize-Iyamu joined our party he came with all his people.

“But when Governor Obaseki crossed over to PDP, he was followed only by his cabinet members. This is because the people did not see any reason why they would follow him,” he said.

MAGU’S TRAVAIL PERSISTS AS PRESIDENTIAL INVESTIGATION ENTERS FOURTH WEEK anti-graft boss stands down pending the outcome of the investigation.

That Magu is on his way out was given credence by an off-the-record briefing yesterday by a top presidential official who said the ongoing investigation of Magu was a bold statement that nobody under the Buhari administration is above the law.

Magu, who was flagged down on Monday in traffic by senior security agents and whisked to the Villa to appear before the presidential panel investigating allegations of corrupt practices levelled against him by the AttorneyGeneral of Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN, was brought before the panel led

by Justice Ayo Salami again on Tuesday.

However, the panel was said to have recommended the suspension of the EFCC chairman to pave the way for his unhindered investigation.

THISDAY had reported exclusively in its June 19 edition of the newspaper that Malami had in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari detailed alleged cases of malfeasance against Magu, and sought his removal

for alleged corruption and insubordination.

Malami anchored his recommendation on several grounds “raging from diversion of recovered loot to insubordination and misconduct” by Magu; while including a shortlist of three candidates for consideration to replace the anti-corruption agency’s boss.

The president subsequently constituted the Justice Salami panel to investigate the allegations with a clear mandate to ensure fairness for Magu.

THISDAY learnt that the panel went to work four weeks ago taking evidence on the allegations, and in keeping with the presidential mandate on fairness invited Magu on Monday to confront the weight of evidence against him.

A senior EFCC operative told THISDAY in Abuja that the suspension of Magu had been communicated to the anti-corruption agency’s headquarters.

However, the source stated that the next most senior EFCC official next to Magu had been asked to take charge.

But another source said the ongoing investigation of

Magu had created a lull in the activities of the agency as no one is currently in charge.

He explained that the seeming leadership vacuum triggered speculations yesterday that Buhari had suspended Magu.

THISDAY learnt that the story might have been conceived by some staff of the commission who thought that its publication would force the hand of the president to do so.

It was also learnt yesterday that the staff of the commission were at a loss on what to do about matters which can only be handled by the acting chairman.

“If he has been officially suspended over the allegations, the officer in charge of operations at the commission would have acted in his place.

"As it is now, that cannot happen and everyone appears to be playing safe,” a source close to the EFCC said.

The norm in public service is to suspend an officer that is being investigated and appoint the next most senior officer to act, but THISDAY learnt yesterday that the president is awaiting the report of the probe panel before making his next move

on Magu.

However, a top presidential source told State House reporters that the interrogation of the embattled anti-graft boss was meant to accord him a fair hearing by presenting him the platform to defend himself against allegations levelled against him.

According to him, the probe is an expression of the administration’s commitment to the principle of transparency and accountability, adding that anyone who occupies an office of that magnitude must live above suspicion.

He said the Buhari administration would continue to operate in the spirit of justice and fairness.

He said: "The panel investigating allegations against acting EFCC chairman had been sitting for some weeks now. In consonance with the principle of fairness and justice, it was needful that the acting chairman be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations, which are weighty in nature.

“Under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, nobody is above scrutiny. Repeat: nobody. The investigation is to reinforce transparency and

accountability, rather than to vitiate it.

“Accountability for our actions or inactions is an inalienable part of democracy.

In such an elevated position as that of EFCC chairman, the holder of the position must be above suspicion.

“There’s no prejudgment; absolutely none. The Buhari administration can be counted on to uphold fairness and justice at all times."

Magu, who has been in police custody since Monday, returned to the Presidential Villa, Abuja to continue his defence yesterday.

The panel had quizzed Magu for six hours on Monday after he was accosted by security agents while driving out of the EFCC annex headquarters in Abuja and made to appear before the presidential panel.

At noon yesterday, members of the panel were noticed at the old banquet hall of the Presidential Villa venue of the investigation after which a convoy of three cars that was obviously conveying some notable personalities drove into the premises at 12.37 pm.

THISDAY could not ascertain if Magu, who was reportedly detained

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throughout the night, was in the convoy which consisted of two Toyota Hilux vans conveying some security personnel who provided cover for the car.

Some personnel of the DSS at the gate gave the convoy free access to the venue but denied "unauthorised" persons, including journalists, from gaining entry into the venue.

They turned back journalists, who tried to access the venue, saying: "There’s is restriction. Where exactly are you going?"

Reliable security sources told THISDAY that Magu’s Karu house was searched last night by security agents and was returned to the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja where he had been detained since Monday.

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WEDNESDAY JULY 8, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

WTO: Okonjo-Iweala Invites Volunteers for Her Campaign Insists she’s the best for the job Peter Uzoho Nigeria’s candidate for the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said she is looking for volunteers to assist her campaign for the high-profile position in public relations and other areas.

The two-time Nigerian Minister

of Finance stated this during an interview on Arise Television’s prime news programme, News Night Nigeria, which was monitored in Abuja last night.

According to Okonjo-Iweala, whose campaign has electrified the race and attracted the endorsement of the West Africa bloc, the practical support of volunteers was necessary because she lacks

Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Rise By 503 to 29,879 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria yesterday recorded 503 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 29,879 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

It has also recorded 15 deaths in a single day, raising the tally from 654 to 669.

Announcing this yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 153

new cases; Ondo, 76; Edo, 54; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 41; Rivers, 30; Benue, 24; Osun, 20; Kaduna, 15; Kwara, 13; Abia, nine; Borno, eight; Plateau, six; Taraba, five; Ogun and Kano, three each; Nasarawa, two; while Bayelsa and Gombe recorded one each.

It said: “Nigeria has recorded 29,879 cases of COVID-19. 12,108 patients have recovered and discharged, while 669 have died.”

the resources to engage public relations firms and lobbyists that other candidates might be using.

“So far, things are going well and I’m grateful for the support of the government and Nigerians. I don’t have any PR firm working for me. I have some friends who are helping with media work probono because I cannot afford to pay them. It would be nice to have some volunteers,” she added.

She described the claim by Egypt’s candidate for the WTO that her nomination was outside the rules of the African Union as absolutely not true, pointing out that the WTO has formally accepted her nomination because

the position of the Egyptian candidate is faulty.

She expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as other agencies for their strong support.

On her qualification for the coveted job, Okonjo-Iweala declared “I am the best woman for the job”, citing her decadeslong expertise as a development economist with extensive hands-on expertise in trade, her leadership skills as a pragmatic consensus builder and her global network of associates, partners and friends, which would stand her in good stead on the job.

Okonjo Iweala described WTO as a critical global organisation that needs to be reformed in key areas like dispute resolution, adding that its effectiveness will be enhanced if it becomes more inclusive by supporting women, MSMEs etc.

On the US-China disagreements that have paralysed the organisation, Okonjo-Iweala stated that she has the experience to find areas of unanimity and mutual benefit and using them as a foundation to tackle more serious challenges.

Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned global finance expert, an economist and international development professional with over 30 years

of experience, having worked in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America.

She is presently the Chair of the Board of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. Since its creation in 2000, GAVI has immunised over 760 million children across the globe. She also sits on the boards of Standard Chartered Plc and Twitter Inc. She was recently appointed African Union Special Envoy to mobilise international financial support in the fight against COVID-19, as well as Envoy for the World Health Organisation’s access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator.

Soyinka Rejects New NBC Code on Arts Peter Uzoho Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has kicked against the sixth National BroadcastCode recently released by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), saying the codewill strangulate the producers of artworks.

Soyinka, in a statement yesterday entitled “That NBC Regulatory Code!” accused the federal government of declaring war against the arts and producers of art works.

“I think it is about time the government comes out openly and admit that it has declared war against the arts and its producers, instead of its present tactics of piecemeal attrition.

“Just when we were reeling from the action of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports in joining hands with book pirates by providing a free-loading portal for the works of Nigerian authors, among others, along comes a new regulatory hit against the cinema and video enterprise, and its operators,” he said.

He commended the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Copyright Commission for promptly

responding to complaints by Nigerian authors on the threat to their copyright.

While noting that some of the amendments are well-intentioned, Soyinka stated the codeis the equivalent of a knee to the neck of the creative industry and carries the potential of economic sabotage.

Soyinka said: “And now it is the turn of a sister industry to be placed under siege! I have just read excerpts of the newly proposed NBC broadcasting code and become aware of some potentially dangerous aspects of the code.

“Whilst one concedes that, I shudder to imagine unintended consequences such as backhanded censorship in the age of digital media. These restrict intellectual property rights and their scope of exploitation with whomsoever one chooses to collaborate.

“It is economic sabotage writ large, directed against thousands of practitioners.

Regulatory?

This is strangulatory in effect!”

He noted that many players in the creative sector have voiced their concerns over the amendments.

US Formally Withdraws from WHO Martins Ifijeh The United States Government has told Congress that it has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organisation (WHO), citing mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic as reason.

This has in turn drawn condemnation from the Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee of Congress, Senator Robert Mendendez, who said the move will leave America sick and lonely.

President Donald Trump had in May announced the withdrawal after repeatedly accusing the international health group of protecting China and failing to protect the US from the outbreak.

Senator Mendendez, who

announced the notification of the US government on Twitter, said the decision was shortsighted and risky.

He said: ‘‘Congress received notification that the President of the United States has officially withdrawn the US from WHO in the midst of a pandemic. To call Trump’s response to COVID-19 chaotic and incoherent doesn’t do it justice. This won’t protect American lives or interests—it leaves Americans sick and alone,’’ he wrote.

The withdrawal would take effect from July 2021 – which in theory would give Trump or Democrat Presidential Candidate, Joe Biden, who is leading in the polls, the chance to roll it back.

CAPACITY BUILDING...

L-R: Commander, Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State, Maj. Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo; Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Ali; and Commandant of NDA, Maj. Gen. Jamil Sarham, during the NDA’s final outdoor training exercise for Army cadets of 67 regular course and short service course 46 at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre in Jos ... yesterday

774,000 Jobs: Keyamo Adamant as Ngige Apologises to N’Assembly Deji Elumoye in Abuja A week after the shouting match between the members of the National Assembly Joint Committees on Employment, Labour and Productivity and the Minister of State for Labour, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the substantive Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige yesterday tendered a formal apology to the lawmakers over the incident.

This is just as Keyamo has insisted that he will still superintend over the recruitment

of the 774,000 personnel for special public works programme which was the source of the disagreement between him and the legislators .

Ngige, who was a Senator in the Seventh Senate, tendered the unreserved apology during a visit to the leadership of the Senate and members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Labour.

He told the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, and the federal lawmakers to discountenance whatever position earlier taken by Keyamo on the implementation of the special public works project.

According to him, the position of Keyamo on modalities for implementation of the project , written or verbal , is not sacrosanct as the National Assembly has the power of approval on any proposal made by the executive.

“We deeply regret the incident that happened at the last visit, the altercations that followed it between my Minister of State and members of the joint committees.

“Therefore, we decided that as a team, we will come in force and give you the necessary information that you will need so that we can fasttrack this programme.

“My minister of state has put

out a position paper, that position paper - nothing is sacrosanct there.

We can still discuss and agree after disagreeing.

“We must work hand-in-hand without acrimony or even drawing a very rigid line of who has this power and who doesn’t. That is the only way the programmes of government can be made sustainable and executed for the benefit of our people.

“In the Seventh Senate, the National Assembly didn’t have a rancorous relationship with the Executive of Dr. Ebele Jonathan, even though some of us were in the opposition parties.

House Faults Suspension of NSITF Executives, Others Faleke’s motion mischievous, Ngige replies lawmakers Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives at the plenary yesterday faulted the suspension of the top management and executive committee members of the Nigeria Social insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, saying it is a breach of presidential directives.

This is coming as Ngige responded to issues raised by the member representing Ikeja federal constituency, Lagos State,

Hon. James Faleke, in a motion on the floor of the House, describing it as an abuse of parliamentary process.

The House thereby resolved that an ad hoc committee be constituted to investigate the procedural breaches of the presidential directives by both the Ministers of Labour and Employment and his counterpart in Power ministry on the alleged breach in procurement procedures by these agencies and report back to the House within one week.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent

public importance titled: ‘The incessant and arbitral breach of presidential directives on the suspension of top management and executive committee members of NSITF and other government agencies by the ministers’, which was sponsored by Hon. Leke Abejide.

Moving the motion, Abejide said the House is aware that the said members of the NSlTF were variously and collectively appointed into the position at the pleasure of the president, who has approved a laid down procedure for removal of executives of

government parastatals.

Faleke in his contribution said the suspension of the management was to allow the minister have access to the budget of the agency in which he inserted about N2 billion projects and single handedly got his wife, who work in the office of the Head of Service, to sign a letter granting him permission to hire insurance brokers for the fund.

Meanwhile, Ngige has responded to issues raised by Faleke, describing it as an abuse of parliamentary process.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JULY 8, 2020

MIDWEEKPOLITICS Moghalu’s Quest to Move Anambra to the Centre

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that Chief George Moghalu, a leading candidate in next year’s Anambra State governorship race wants the conversation to go beyond good governance to include what part of national politics Anambra should occupy: Centre or the periphery?

Moghalu

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learly, the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State is an opportunity for politicians and political parties to achieve a political goal. To be sure, those aspiring to succeed the incumbent Governor of the State Chief Willie Obiano are already making moves and strategizing towards the election. For their part, the leading political parties, which must field credible candidates if they hope to win the Anambra governorship election come next year, are already playing hosts to a number of aspirants desirous to take over from Obiano.

For the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the ruling party in Anambra, for instance, next year’s governorship election in the State presents a golden opportunity for it to consolidate its grip on power in a State where it has been ruling since 2006. For the All Progressives Congress (APC) the national ruling party, the 2021 poll is an opportunity to move Anambra to the centre and grab a greater share of the political power equation in the South East where it already controls one State (Imo) to PDP’s three (Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu) and APGA’s one (Anambra). As for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the poll is an opportunity to regain the State it lost in 2006 and consolidate its grip on the South East, where, as already pointed out, it controls three of the five States in the zone. And, for all the other parties, including Young People’s Party (YPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Accord Party (AP) and Labour Party (LP), amongst others, the election offers an opportunity for them to test their power and might. However, unless the expected happens, the election is a three-horse race among APGA, APC and PDP. Yet, even for these three, success in any electoral contest would also depend, to a large extent, on the quality of candidates chosen to fly their flags in the polls. But not to worry because each of the big three could boast aspirants with the level of popularity and acceptability needed to win an election in the State The Light Of The Nation.

Consider APC. With Imo State firmly in its grip, the ruling party at the national level is looking to add Anambra to its haul in order to expand its power base in the South East.

And to be able to do that effectively, the party is lining up a number of heavy weights from among whom it hopes to choose the best to fly its flag in Anambra 2021. One of such aspirants with his eyes on the Government House at Agu Awka, is the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief George Moghalu.

No one stands a better chance to clinch the APC ticket for Anambra 2021 than Moghalu for

several reasons. According to an Awka-based current affairs analyst, Dr Ejike Nwangwu, Moghalu is ever green and definitely among the political first eleven in Anambra at the moment. Nwangwu opines that from the point of those who have been groomed via the political process to lead Anambra State, Moghalu stands taller than any other aspirant on the APC platform. Moghalu, the current affairs analyst argues, is amongst the few politicians in Anambra State that have been actively involved in politics at the national level since the return of democracy in 1999.

The other reason, which derives from the above, is that Moghalu, who hails from Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, is a man of integrity with a long history of loyalty to party and country.

Starting out in 1999 at the return of democratic governance in the country, Moghalu served as the National Secretary of the defunct All Peoples Party, (APP), which later became All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). He was the governorship candidate of the ANPP in the 2003 governorship election in Anambra State. As governorship candidate of ANPP in 2003, the Nnewi-born politician had the opportunity to work closely with the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo, who was the running mate to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2003 presidential election.

After that, Moghalu remained in ANPP until the party joined forces with other political parties such as Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to form APC in 2015. At the birth of APC, he emerged as the National Auditor of the party, a position to which he was re-elected last year shortly before his appointment as the DG of NIWA by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The truth, according to a political analyst, Professor Joe Nnadirinwa, Moghalu’s political profile depicts consistency and loyalty, which are lacking in the system. In a country where politicians cross from one party to another with effortless ease and few or no legal consequences, Moghalu has distinguished himself from the crowd as a party loyalist without compare. His politics of consistency and loyalty, Professor Nnadirinwa says, is needed in a place like Anambra State.

“Yes, Ndi Anambra need someone like Moghalu who will be consistent in his decisions not the type that will make promises and renege on them almost the next day, not the type that will betray people’s trust in him and not the type that will tell lies when he speaks,” Nnadirinwa stressed. “Again, I am sure he will be loyal to relevant stakeholders. To be loyal means to be available and accessible, to have an open door and listen to someone or the people who want to talk to you, hear them out and do what they ask you to do for them.

That is the kind of a leader the people wish to have at the Government House.”

In addition to consistency and loyalty, Moghalu has also gained the exposure and experience needed to run a State like Anambra.

He is one politician from Anambra who has had the privilege of working with Nigerians from different walks of life and from different parts of the country. The NIWA boss boasts extensive national political contacts and goodwill that would make it easy for him to connect Anambra to the centre if he is given the mandate to be Governor of State. This is an advantage that other aspirants eyeing Agu Awka may not have.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: Deputy Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mrs. Abimbola Owolabi, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and new FRSC Ekiti State Corps Commander, Mrs. Elizabeth Funmilayo Akinlade, when the newly posted FRSC state Corps Commander paid a courtesy visit to the Governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti

From left, Leader of the Team/Director (Tertiary) Ministry of Education, Mr. Samue Ojo; Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola and his deputy, Mr. Benedict Alabi, during a visit to the Governor on an Inspection visit to the Site of the Newly Established Federal College of Education in Iwoland by a team from the Federal Ministry of Education, at the Government House, Osogbo

From Left, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presenting Certificate of Return to the House of Representatives’ Press Corps Chairman,,Grace Ike during the inauguration of the Executives at the National Assembly. With them are the House Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and Deputy Whip,Rep. Onyejeocha Nkiruka

Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo (right), receiving a report on Nung Oku Ekanem and Afaha Ubium border skirmishes from the Paramount Ruler of Onna Local Government Area, Edidem Raymond Inyang at Government, House, Uyo, recently

WEDNESDAY JULY 8, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ 2020

COMMENT

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

AREGBESOLA AND THE CHURCHES

There is no law that empowers the minister to tax every branch of a particular church, writes Sonnie Ekwowusi

D

espite protestations by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and members of the Civil Society, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is still insisting that all Christian churches in Nigeria must comply with his directive and pay the increased marriage tax or licence of N30,000 in order to continue to conduct Christian marriages in their respective churches or worship centres in Nigeria.

This is contained in the circular from the minister’s office currently making the rounds. July 1 2020 was the deadline given by the minister for compliance. As one staff of the Ministry of Interior later clarified, the said tax is not payable by one Christian church as a legal body but also payable by all the branches or parishes of the same church within Nigeria. That is, if, for example, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has 5,500 branches or parishes in Lagos State, each of those branches or parishes will be expected to pay N30,000 to Aregbesola’s Ministry of Interior. In the same vein, all the parishes of the Catholic Church or Anglican Church or Baptist church or Methodist church or other churches are also expected to pay the tax failure which they shall be barred from conducting Christian marriages.

This is quite disturbing. How can the minister expect every branch or parish of a particular church to pay marriage tax or licence? Do the calculation yourself. You can imagine the enormous amount of money the ministry would rake from different branches and parishes of different Christian churches in Nigeria. To begin with, there is no law in Nigeria that empowers the minister to levy the aforesaid marriage tax on every branch or parish of a particular church. Agreed, celebration of marriages in Nigeria is governed by the Marriage Act. Despite the avalanche of conflicting views on the issue, the formation, annulment and dissolution of marriages other than marriages under Islamic law and Customary law in Nigeria, is a matter reserved for the Exclusive Legislative List as contained in the Second schedule, item 61, of our 1999 Constitution. By virtue of this all matters connected with conduct of marriage under the Marriage Act and issuing of marriage certificate are outside the purview of the state and/or local government areas. Specifically, section 7 (5) (under item 1(i) of its fourth schedule) of our 1999 Constitution vests the “registration of all births, death and marriages� solely on the local governments areas in Nigeria. It is not surprising therefore that in the case of Haastrup & others V. Eti-Osa local government & others, and, the popular class case of Olumide Babalola V Ikeja Local Government Area & Others and other cases, the lower courts had relied heavily on the Supreme Court decisions in Anyaegbunam V Anyaegbunam (1973) and Mobil Producing (Nig.) Unlimited. V Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) (2002) in holding that marriages can be contracted under a licence granted by the Director General, Ministry of Internal Affairs (now Ministry of Interior) but that registration of marriages is within the exclusive authority

WE MUST CONSTANTLY REMIND OURSELVES THAT BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 10 OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION NIGERIA IS A SECULAR STATE

of the Local Government Areas in Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of section 30(1) of the Marriage Act and section 7(5) of our 1999 Constitution. But, as I said earlier, there is no law authorizing the Minister of Interior to slam the aforesaid marriage tax on every branch or parish of a particular church.

The great danger in Minister Aregbesola acting ultra vires his powers is that it is a recipe for the emasculation of Christian churches in Nigeria in violation of the right to freedom of religious worship as enshrined in section 38 (1) of our 1999 Constitution. Sincerely speaking, I can’t make any sense any more in many things happening in our country at the moment. Not long ago, an attempt was made to control NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria. Several attempts had been made to control free speech in Nigeria. An attempt is being made to control Social Media. As I have consistently argued on this page and elsewhere, government does not exist in vacuo.

Government drives its origin and survival from mediating structures - civil society, churches, mosques, town union and so forth. In this context, government should see mediating structures as partners in progress not as enemies to be scuttled or destroyed. I may be wrong but this is the first time a minister in Nigeria is fashioning out a policy capable of emasculating the Christian churches. Before Aregbesola was appointed the Minister of Interior, Christian churches in Nigeria had been conducting their respective church marriages upon the payment of the token statutory licence fee without any inhibitions. How come that it is now that churches are having this problem?

In his defence, Aregbesola alleges that he duly consulted stakeholders before taxing the Christian churches. With the greatest respect, this is not true. The leaders of CAN, PFN, other church bodies and the civil society were not consulted prior to slamming the tax on the churches. This is sad. This testifies to the utter contempt for the people of Nigeria by the government. We claim to be practising presidential democracy yet the views of stakeholders are excluded in policymaking processes. You see, life is live and let live. Treat the others as you would want them to treat you. What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. We are all united in the worship of one God. We are all brothers and sisters, members of one household of God. Therefore there is no need to discriminate against any religion.

We must constantly remind ourselves that by virtue of section 10 of the 1999 Constitution Nigeria is a secular state. Consequently, the government of Nigeria must not make a policy perceived by the public as giving one religion an advantage over the other. More importantly, we must be careful with religious issues. Religious issues can be volatile as much as they can be divisive. At this time in the life of our country in which the government claims to be fostering national unity, integration, social justice and social equality anything capable of fanning the embers religious disunity, mutual suspicious and hatred should be avoided.

NIGERIA AND THE ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

Boniface Chizea argues the need to assist the private sector to sustain employment through providing direct support for the payment of their wage bills

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he Federal Executive Council on Wednesday 24th June, 2020 approved for immediate implementation the N2.3 trillion Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan. This is a 12-month transit plan between the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and ERGP successor plan which we understand is currently under consideration. As was reported, this approval was given following thorough deliberation by the ministers. The committee that was charged with the responsibility for the preparation of this plan comprised all the ministers including the Governor of the Central Bank and the Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Therefore, there is something incestuous with regard to the preparation and approval of the plan; those who prepared the plan were those who in turn jointly approved it.

Well I guess in the circumstance there is not much else that could be done as there is hardly any other envisaged option. We commend the Federal Government for the presence of mind to have empaneled the committee. We did not as it were go star gazing or like Nero fiddle while Rome was burning.

It is a relief of sorts that we at least beginning to witness some action with this plan. For the records the committee was constituted on March 30, 2020.

Following the presentation of the report within the stipulated deadline, there was the familiar silence during which there was some concern as there was the need for prompt, determined, focused and concerted action if the country was going to experience a V shaped recession; that is in the sense that the recession in itself will be short lived as the length of time it takes for us to experience an uptick in production has considerable implications for the lasting effect of its impact on the economy and the extent of this impact on the generality of the population. There are some who have argued that we have to wait for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to contract in two successive quarters before we could in keeping received wisdom establish that the economy is truly

in recession. That is esoteric of sorts pushed a bit far.

The reality on ground is that we found ourselves on uncharted waters; an unprecedented situation when because of the pandemic all the economies of the world went into shutdown with massive supply chain disruptions across board as most countries were forced to close their borders and focus inwards and in the process inflicting considerably and may be permanent damage to the concept of globalization as we have hitherto known it to be.

There is no doubt that the new normal when ever it arrives would see considerable change in the way and manner economic relations have hitherto been organized. Nigerians must gird their loins for it is difficult to foretell when the pandemic will come to an end except if a vaccine is discovered. The situation in the country was made even relatively worse because before the pandemic suddenly happened on us, we were already experiencing some economic slowdown due to sharp drop in the price of crude petroleum as a result of disagreement between OPEC and non-OPEC members led by Russia on how urgent production cut backs were to be shared.

The price of crude which was projected in the 2020 Budget at the level of 58 dollars per barrel at some point crashed to as low as 30 dollars and was still falling. Therefor the fiscal challenge that confronted Nigeria could not have been more dire.

The stimulus package as noted above was of a total amount of N2.3 trillion to be sourced from 500 billion stimulus package already included in the 2020 Budget, N1.2 trillion structured loans from the Central Bank and other development partners and the balance from sundry external and bilateral sources. There are loud complaints that relative to its peer countries that Nigeria would seem to be punching below its weight with regard to the amount of the stimulus package, but Nigeria has to be realistic by not announcing a package that is beyond reach. But what remains surprising is that before this formulation and release of this package, that the Central Bank of Nigeria in its proactive

manner had released to the public a stimulus package of a whopping N3.3 trillion which the Bank has already commenced aggressive implementation.

Why has it not occurred to us so far that we are talking of the same economy. And therefore, when we talk of the amount of the stimulus package made available that it should be an aggregation of both the stimulus proposed by the Fiscal authorities as well as that proposed by the Central Bank.

To avoid deep recession the Plan has focused on the need to avoid rabid retrenchment of capacities.

There is the urgent need to keep the economy ticking by assisting private sector operators to sustain operations. In some jurisdictions and as has been proposed in the Plan there is the need to assist the private sector to sustain employment through providing direct support for the payment of the wage bill. In some countries of the world, Britain for instance, it has been reported that support of up to 80 percent of the wage bill is underwritten by the Public Sector. There is the need for urgent action in this regard. It should be obvious to all that it is unconscionable for us to be experiencing mass retrenchment as recently reported to have been undertaken by some dominant companies as we discuss. Government must intervene to ensure that this does not become the vogue. The recent move with all controversies pertaining thereto to hire one thousand persons in each of the 774 local government areas in the Federation is therefore a movement in the right direction and must be commended. It is also not the time for industrial action as was recently contemplated by our health workers.

For shouting out loud the primary challenge of this pandemic is essentially the preservation of lives and thereafter livelihoods and therefore we must all rise to the sacrifice which this realization entails.

It is also the period to pay particular attention to operators in the Micro, Small and Medium Scale sectors of the economy. This category of businesses constitutes the engine room of the economy as they account for over 50 per cent of the country’s GDP

and about 60 per cent of total employment. As has been indicated in the plan one of the major thrust of the strategies the country will adopt is that of looking inwards to consume what we produce contrary to the prevalent practice hitherto whereby we import what we should be able to produce thereby putting considerable pressure on scarce foreign exchange as well as the exchange rate of the Naira. As we discuss could we imagine what could have happened to us if we did not attain local sufficiency in the production of rice! It is now that the Central Bank must be roundly acknowledged as the organization which saw tomorrow as it aggressively championed the local production of rice through its very successful Anchor Borrowers’ program amongst other sundry attempt to deny official foreign exchange for the importation of the now famous 43 items for which it was roundly lambasted and pilloried but stoutly stood its ground.

For SMEs the steady availability of power supply is crucial for their profitable operations. It has been estimated that just by making meters generously available could easily add 20 million customers to the books of the Distribution Companies and if consumers pay an average of five thousand Naira a month, this will add an additional of N1.2 trillion in yearly revenue. And for the viability of operations there is the need to allow cost reflective tariffs. In spite of the multi-year structured tariff Order, tariffs have remained without review since 2015 because of lack of political will. But now that the impending World Bank loan for the sector is tied to freeing up the tariffs, it seems that there is a glimmer of light at the end of this dark tunnel as a review has been programmed to commence in this month of July, 2020.

Nigeria has an informal sector which by many accounts has been estimated as constituting 60 per cent of the economy. There is therefore the need to ensure that all programs aimed at widening the social safety net are accorded deserved attention.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

EDITORIAL THE MENACE OF DRUG ABUSE The authorities could do more to stem the scourge

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erhaps outside suicide, the consumption of illicit drugs is one of the most dangerous voluntary activities in the world.

Sadly, their use is on the rise across the country. At the 2020 commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a fitting theme, “Better Knowledge for Better Care,” the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raised the alarm on the increasing rate of substance abuse and drug trafficking in Nigeria.

According to statistics by the Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Oliver Stolpe, over 20 million Nigerians from age 15 and above admitted to having used drugs at least once between 2018 and 2019. Besides, UNODC estimated that $1.25 billion worth of cocaine passed through the West African sub-region in 2010 alone, adding that recent drug trafficking had witnessed “a massive movement of Cannabis Sativa from Ghana to Nigerian waters at an alarming rate.” The NDLEA noted that trafficking of narcotic drugs by sea has virtually become MANY CASES OF an industry.

RAPE, KIDNAPPING Illegal drugs also FOR RANSOM, ARMED abound inland. The ROBBERY AND BANDITRY commonest of them FEED ON THE READY all in Nigeria and AVAILABILITY OF MANY OF indeed globally is THE HARD DRUGS IN THE Cannabis (Marijuana).

STREET It is easily available as it is cultivated across the country. But Tramadol, a synthetic opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain, is said to be the most abused. Cough syrups like codeine and others are seriously implicated among the abused drugs by both sexes for either as stimulant or depressant purposes.

The Gombe State Command of the NDLEA arrested 87 persons and seized about 89,559 Kilograms of illegal drugs between January and June 2020. The seized drugs comprised of 51 kg of Cannabis, 34 kg of Psychotropic

Letters to the Editor

substance and 37 litres of a dangerous chemical called “suck and die.”

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

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

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

Travails Of A Retired Customs Officer

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o say there are no bad eggs in a particular Nigerian agency is disputable. Over the years, undercover journalists have been sweeping out the rot some of the personnel in our agencies thought they had successfully or perfectly swept under the carpet. Such were the ones the award-winning investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo did and is doing. He had unraveled the rot in our police, prison, hospital, etc. And interestingly, the agencies in question had readjusted in a way or the other.

Mr Olorunoje Lateef Adewale is a ‘retired officer’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, who was served a retirement letter before his supposed year of retirement. Olorunoje had been forced to retire under the pretext of medical grounds, which he denied, saying he was fit as at the time and even now.

He joined the Nigeria Customs on August 1, 1979 with service No. 24053 and was supposed to retire on January 6, 2020 grounds of age and August 1, 2014 by year of service. Instead, he was served a retirement letter on December 20, 2011. Meanwhile, he was confirmed fit by the hospitals he visited few days after. So, why the retirement on medical grounds when he was fit? Is the Customs now a medical center?

The retirement letter reads: “At its 41st Regular Meeting held on 19th December, 2011, the Nigeria Customs Service Board, NCSB, approved that you be and you are hereby retired from Service on Medical Grounds with effect from Monday, 19th December, 2011.

“The Board has further directed that I express its appreciation to you for the services you have rendered to the nation over the years, and to wish you success in your

he prevalence of drug abuse is also high in Sokoto State as shop owners, motorcyclists, young men and married women are reportedly actively involved in the trade. No fewer than 60 drug traffickers were arrested in Sokoto by the NDLEA between January and June 2020. The drugs seized included Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Skunk, Tramadol tablets/capsules, Codeine Syrup and Rophynol tablets. In Abia State, trade in Illicit drug is widespread, as attested to by the governor. In Kogi State, the drug agency also recently intercepted and seized 3,136 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa on the Okene-Lokoja Expressway. Many frustrated and unemployed youths resort to many of these street drugs for their momentary relaxing and euphoric effects.

But the consequences are steep, both to the individual and the nation. While available statistics may not be reliable, there is no doubt that drug abuse has been linked to the continued upsurge in criminal activities across the country. Many cases of rape, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, banditry and even car crashes feed on the ready availability of many of the hard drugs in the street.

According to experts, drug abuse causes insomnia and disrupts normal sleeping patterns, causes obesity, kidney failure and strange cancers. Besides, it is destroying our education system. Many students, buoyed by the false cultures imposed by drugs, enrol themselves in secret cults and regard school work with contempt while teachers are intimidated to award false marks.

It is time we woke up to this challenge that poses danger to the future of the country. More should be done to create awareness on the danger of drug abuse. As the Secretary General of the United Nations Antiono Guterres did while he was Prime Minister of Portugal, the Nigerian authorities must crack down on drug trafficking and those who profit from human misery. And, second, we must establish more counselling and treatment centres for those who need them.

future endeavours.

“You are to hand over all Government property in your possession including (uniforms, accoutrements, identity card, etc) to your immediate superior before you proceed on your retirement.”

The retirement letter with reference NCSB/ABJ/ AP&D/94/S.4/VOL.XXXVIII/79 dated 20, December 2011 was signed by Mohammed M., NCSB Secretary.

Surprisingly, however, on 6th March, 2012, he received transfer Staff Order to Ogun State Customs Command, duly signed by ACG Mohammed M. This was the same person who signed his retirement letter on the 19th of December, 2011. That showed there was discrepancy and foul play somewhere. He would go to the Nigeria Customs to tender what he saw and there would be no one to hear him out. As if that was not enough, NCS has not given Mr Olorunoje the copy of his medical report which is a prerequisite by the Pension Fund Administration, (PFA) to access his retirement’s savings. He had gone to the NCS several times without any result. Had he had dubious records with NCS in his 32 years in service, one would have concluded that it was the reason why he is being tormented. But no, he didn’t.

Therefore, this is an appeal to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali, a man that doesn’t condone corruption, to look into Mr Olorunoje Lateef Adewale’s case so that he could have access to his hard-earned money. A retired officer like Olorunoje, who justly served Nigeria for 32 years shouldn’t be rewarded with the denial to his retirement benefits.

Aremu Lukman Umor, Lagos

Ubulu-Uku And MTN GiveBack Initiative

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bulu-uku is situated in Aniocha South Local Council Area of Delta State.

The community, considering certain factors such as geographical location, population and economic potential, deserves special status among prominent communities in the state. It is however not debatable that Ubulu-uku is far from being considered a thriving community.

The community lacks meaningful modern life-changing amenities. The natives last got potable water, through government-owned water supply facilities, in the late 80s. Inhabitants and visitors to the community, intending to access modern commercial services like banking and large e-documents delivery have no other option than to travel to Asaba, the state capital. The community, previously, hosts four public secondary schools. Two of the schools, however, were recently returned to their original missionary-owners. Regrettably, none of the schools can boast of standard libraries or laboratories. In short, some youths of the community recently intervened by purchasing and distributing

few recommended Mathematics and English textbooks to the secondary schools.

Interestingly, MTN Nigeria, premium telecommunications services provider, has been intervening and making appreciable impacts in some communities across the country. It is clearly demonstrating this through its “What Can We Do Together” initiative. In fact, available records showed that so far, it has, through the scheme executed over 500 projects in more than 400 communities across the country.

It is needful that MTN Nigeria should also consider Ubulu-uku for its give-back initiative, by siting an ICT lab at any of the public secondary schools therein. The project will not just help the benefitting school, it will afford other students and most literate residents of the community the privilege of understanding, appreciating and exploiting the valuable opportunities in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. It is equally possible that the project will position MTN as the first corporate organisation to site an outstanding project in the community.

Sunday Odiaka, shorikwueodiaka@ gmail.com

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Okowa’s Giant Strides in Agriculture Nduka Omodon appraises Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s strides in agriculture in Delta State

Ejeme Unor oil palm nursery

A section of the pig multiplication farm in Ibusa

Governor Okowa handing over oil palm seedling to a beneďŹ ciary

Distribution of new improved TME 419, NR 8202 and NR 8082 cassava cuttings to farmers in Delta State

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igeria's diverse climate, from the tropical areas of the coast to the arid zone of the north, makes the growth and production of virtually all agricultural produce that can be grown in the tropical and semitropical areas of the world very possible.

Although the agricultural holdings are generally small and scattered, farming is often of the subsistence variety characterized by simple tools and shifting cultivation. These small farms produce about 80 per cent of the total food consumed in the country. Farmers in Nigeria engage in crop production, fishery, livestock and poultry.

However, large-scale agriculture is not common.

The economic benefits of large-scale agriculture are recognised and the government favors the formation of cooperative societies and settlements to encourage industrial agriculture.

In spite of an abundant water supply, a favorable climate, and wide areas of arable land, productivity is restricted owing to low soil fertility in many areas and the inefficient methods of cultivation.

In as much as the Nigerian economy is heavily dependent on oil, the agricultural sector contributes significantly to its economy. The National Bureau of Statistics estimates that twenty five percent (25 per cent) of the GDP of the nation’s economy is largely made up of the Agriculture sector (a total value of N4.575 trillion) and Seventy Percent (70 per cent) of its labor force is employed in this sector.

At independence, food export accounted for over Seventy Percent (70 per cent) of Nigeria’s GNP. Forty years later, it is almost a complete reversal with food items accounting for over fifty percent (50 per cent) of imports. The decline in food production can be attributed to Nigeria’s over dependence on oil while largely neglecting the agricultural sector.

Owing to the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia, the price of crude oil crashed drastically. Nigeria did not earn foreign exchange from the sale of Crude oil in the month of April as a result of this. The nation’s crude oil production has been on the decrease since January 2020 with the month of April 2020 recording as low as 1,777,000 barrels a day compared to the 1,844,000 barrels a day for the month of march 2020.

The volatility of the Crude Oil market has necessitated the need for the nation to diversify

into other sectors of the economy especially Agriculture with the sole objective of becoming self-sufficient in food production and a major player in the food/ Agro export business.

Interestingly, Delta State under the visionary leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, through the Ministry of Agriculture in the last five years have undertaken giant strides in achieving Agricultural growth and development thereby, improving the Socio- economic growth and development of the State especially the rural areas.

The aim is to provide excess food for local consumption, employment for the teeming youths of the state, industrial raw materials for agro-industries as well as alleviating poverty in the state.

The state government while encouraging new entrants into Agriculture has empowered a lot of farmers in the state through various programs and projects.

The Palm Oil development scheme was developed to assist oil palm farmers to increase their plantations. Over two hundred and twenty thousand (220,000) oil palm seedlings were raised and distributed to two hundred and fifty (250) farmers to cultivate five hundred (500) hectares of oil palm in the year 2016. This created over four hundred direct and indirect jobs. Mini oil mills were equally fabricated and distributed to the oil palm farmers in the state.

In acceding to the demand of Oil Palm farmers in the State, the Delta State Government established two new oil palm nurseries in oleh in Isoko South LGA and Arhagba Okpe in Okpe LGA in order to bring inputs nearer to the farmers. In each of these new nurseries, One hundred thousand (100,000) Oil Palm seedlings were raised while the nursery in Ejeme-Unor raised five hundred and fifty thousand (550,000) oil palm seedlings.

Four hundred (400) existing and new Oil Palm farmers were assisted to cultivate eight hundred (800) hectares of oil palm in 2018. This equally created four hundred direct and one thousand indirect jobs.

Within the same year, four hundred thousand (400,000) improved oil palm seedlings were also raised at the three nurseries in Ejeme -Unor, Oleh and Aragba-Okpe and distributed to Three hundred and fifty (350) farmers to assist them in cultivating Seven Hundred (700) Hectares of oil palm farm land. The intervention created 2,080

cumulative jobs .

The rice development programe to promote all seasons rice farming was embarked upon by the state government in 2016. Sixty (60) beneficiaries were trained and supported in cash and kind.

Three rice processing mills were purchased and distributed to rice farmers in Obior in Aniocha North, Ikweghwu-Agbarho in Ughelli North and Onicha Ukwani in Ndokwa West LGAs respectively and this created Sixty direct and one hundred and Eighty indirect jobs.

The state government further trained and empowered One Hundred and Ninety eight (198) rice farmers in the rice development project in 2017. Farm inputs consisting of 15,000 kilograms of rice seeds, 900 bags of NPK fertilizers , 600 bags of Urea, 900 litres of glyphosphate and 600 litres of Orizo plus were distributed to rice farmers .Two hundred and forty two (242) hectares of rice farm was cultivated to produce One thousand five hundred (1,500) Metric tons of rice.

Under the Cassava Cuttings Multiplication and Distribution Programme, the State Government trained and sensitised farmers on the new improved TME 419, NR 8202 and NR 8082 cassava cuttings in 2017. A total of One Hundred and Nineteen (119) participants were trained and thereafter, they were empowered with the improved high yielding, disease resistance varieties of Cassava Cuttings. The yield per hectare is between 25 – 35 tons instead of 12 – 15 tons. So far, 176 farmers were empowered with 10,237 cuttings across the three (3) Senatorial Districts of the state to plant about 186.95 hectares of Cassava farms.

In its bid to promote fish farming in the State, 50 persons were trained and engaged. The Delta State Government established two (2) fish farm clusters at Ewulu in Aniocha South and Mbiri in Ika North East Local Government Areas respectively.

A total of Eighty (80) ponds were constructed at the clusters and at the first cycle of production, 60 metric tons of fish were harvested. The project generated 50 direct jobs and 70 indirect jobs.

In order to close the huge gap created by low level of livestock production in the country, the Delta State Government has embarked on various livestock production programs.

The state government through the Ministry of Agriculture established a rapid Goat and Grass Cutter Multiplication unit at Delta State DARDA premises in Ibusa.

In 2019, one hundred and eighty-three (183) Livestock (Goat) farmers were trained on profitable goat farming skills using best practice management systems. Seven hundred and fifteen (715) persons were trained on Goat Fattening(Finishing) Enterprise.

Pig Multiplication and Farmers Support programme was also embarked upon by the State Government in 2018. The beneficiaries were trained and empowered with starters’ pack under a Youth Mentorship Scheme. Fifty Seven (57) direct jobs and many more downstream were created during and after the implementation.

Having considered the lucrative nature of Poultry business, its potential to create jobs through its value chain development and as a source of income to many households/families, the state government undertook the training of Poultry farmers through its Broiler Out- Growers’ Scheme.

Sixty (60) poultry farmers were trained on modern production techniques and supported with loans to expand and improve their enterprises for sustainability at the total sum of Seventy Million, One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (N70,120,000) in year 2019.

To ensure that farmers in the state benefit from the CBN ANCHOR BORROWERS SCHEME (CBN – ABS), over Thirty Thousand (30,000) farmers have been registered across the selected enterprises of Cassava, Rice and Fisheries. However, about Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fourteen (5,814) farmers met that criteria and have been fully accredited and approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to participate in the first phase of the programme. They have equally been trained.

The scheme is a financial model for small holder farmers in Rice, Cassava and Fish. It is designed to increase production and supply of raw materials to food processors. Through this scheme, qualified commodity out growers are assisted to identify an anchor firm (Off taker / processor) and supported with loans at nine per cent interest rate by the CBN to increase their farm holdings. High quality inputs and technical assistance are also provided for them.

CBN has set aside Two Billion Naira to implement this programme in the State in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Agriculture and the Bank of Agriculture. ....Omodon is the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor of Delta State.

WEDNESDAY JULY 8, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY JULY 8, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśËœ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

Íą Ëœ Í° ÍŽ Í° ÍŽ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 23.50 21.50

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

22 25 28

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

568.88% -0.84% 1.04%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

1.04% 18.19%

EXCHANGE RATE ͹ʹͯ˚ͯ ̊ ̊

Quick Takes Chime Appointed Vodacom Nigeria MD

SUPPORTING COVID-19 FIGHT

L-R:DeputyProvost,CollegeofMedicine,UniversityofIbadan,Prof.ObafunkeDenloye;ManagingDirector,NigerianBreweriesPlc,JordiBorrutBel;Provost, CollegeofMedicine,UniversityofIbadan,Prof.OlubunmiOlopade-Olaopa;andBreweryManager,IbadanandIjebuOde,NigerianBreweries,TayoOgundana, duringthedonationofClinicalLaboratorySimulatorstothe CollegeofMedicine,UniversityofIbadanby NigerianBreweriesPlcheldatIbadan‌recently

PwC Foresees Sustained Inflationary Pressure in Nigeria Dike Onwuamaeze PwC Nigeria has predicted that the Nigerian economy will witness a continued rise in inflation due to the demand and supply shocks from the impact of the Covid-19 disease.

The firm also predicted that the rising inflationary trend and shocks emanating from the virus would lower households, businesses and government income.

It further estimated that headline inflation would average at 12.2 per cent in 2020, compared to11.4 per cent in 2019, which could likely impact the monetary policy objective of price stability.

The prediction was contained in the July 2020 edition of PwC Nigeria’s Economic bulletin that was signed by the West Africa Financial Services Leader and Chief Economist, Dr. Andrew Nevin.

It estimated that the base effect and waning disposal income would push prices on both sides. “Barring a second wave of the

ECONOMY pandemic, which could further threaten outlook for global economic growth coupled with the absence of major shocks to food supply in Nigeria, inflation outlook for the rest of the year could be influenced by two factors, the elevated base effect and the waning household income.

The base effect factor is likely to have a greater impact,� the report stated. “In May 2020,� said the PwC, “food inflation rose marginally to 15 per cent year on year.

This does not imply food price tapered in the month under review but the persistent increase in food prices has raised the base factor. “Non-food inflation raise to 10.1 per cent year on year from 9.98. This is because demand for non-food items was mostly subdued as the impact of the lockdown affected most nonessential goods and services.

“For instance, restaurant and hotel inflation feel from 0.9 percent in April to 0.8 in May. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco also dipped from 0.86 per cent to 0.86 per cent while the education, clothing and footwear inflation indices were largely flat.�

The bulletin observed that on a month-by-month basis, the headline inflation rose the farthest since July 2018 by 1.2 in May 2020, due to significant disruption to domestic and global supply chain on account of the lockdown measures brought on by mitigating the pandemic’s spread.

The PwC stated that Nigerian households would experience a lowered real income, private savings and investments due to high cost of living with a telling consequence of “greater risk of poverty.�

Similarly, the report predicted that businesses would witness lower sales especially for nonessential goods, low income

formation, high cost of inputs and contracting profits margin or deeper losses.

In the same vein, the government would be faced with a risk to budget implementation due to high and uncertain input cost as well as low tax revenue generation especially from Company Income Tax and VAT. The report noted that the country’s external trade position would be marked by less competitive domestic products, widened trade deficit and waning foreign investors’ confidence on the Nigerian economy.

The report recommended specific strategic approaches that would put a lid on consistent upward-flexible commodity prices. “We recommend the following to curtail the persistent rise in prices. One, deliberate effort to provide adequate support to the agricultural and food processing sectors. Two, ensure a functional and effective price regulatory system.

FG, States Explore More Options to Boost Growth amidst Covid-19 James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba has tasked state commissioners of economic planning explore additional policy options for a quick recovery of the economy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the focus should be on targeted and integrated policy response as well as dealing decisively with public health safety issues.

The minister said consideration should given to a new 2020 budget across the states to reflect the new realities.

Speaking at the opening of virtual Community of Practice (CoP) meeting of commissioners

ECONOMY of economic planning recently, he further tasked them to develop sectorial responses that addresses immediate needs as well as ensure that households and SMEs are catered for and forestall significant decline in consumer demand and business spending.

Agba stated that the economy is projected to contract by 4.4 per cent and 8.9 per cent in best and worst case scenarios respectively if no form of economic stimulus is introduced by the government However, he noted that the federal government had moved to prevent a potential deep recession and to accelerate quick recovery of the economy

by developing three broad strategies including economic stimulus package, mobilisation of external support and funding for the 2020 budget as well as increase non-oil revenue generation.

He said rather than implement some austerity measures to respond to the challenges posed by the Covi-19 pandemic, the present administration was committed to stimulating the economy to quicken its recovery.

The minister said the current intervention by the government is geared towards retaining and creating jobs, increasing productivity, ensuring social stability and addressing economic vulnerabilities as envisaged in the Economic Recovery and

Growth Plan (ERGP).

He expressed satisfaction at the federal government’s total estimated stimulus package of N2.3 trillion which was recently announced adding that the monetary and fiscal policies will support states, businesses, households and individuals through grants, tax relief ,payroll support, tariff reduction and direct support to the health sector.

In his presentation titled:�Covid-19: Strategies for Quick Recovery of the Economy,� he said feedback from the CoP last engagement showed that its resolutions were receiving attention as a number of states have commenced the review of their respective 2020 budgets to align with present reality.

TheboardofVodacomBusinessAfrica(Nigeria)Limitedhasappointed Valentine Chime as the Managing Director for its operations.

Chime, joins the Company from Aruwa Capital, a private equity company investing across West Africa.

Prior to this, he was at Kaizen Venture Partners, a private equity company focused on distressed assets. He has held various C-suite positions in a number of portfolio companies in dierent sectors.

AsMD,Valentineisexpectedtodrivethecompany’svisionofbecoming Africa’s leading cloud and digital service provider, bringing to market a very relevant suite of next generation technology solutions in the ďŹ elds of Edge AI, SD-WAN/NFVand Cloud.The company would be hosting an ArtiďŹ cial Intelligence Virtual Conference at the end of the month to showcase its innovative solutions. “Vodacom Business Africa (Nigeria) Limited is well-known and very respected in the industry, and I look forward to taking up this mission. Covid-19 has accelerated digital transformation, and we are perfectly positioned to deliver intelligent connectivity through seamless delivery of cloud and digital services and technologies to our clients.We are about simpler, seamless solutions. I look forward to building on this and growing the business,â€? a statement quoted Chime to have said.

LaCasera Celebrates ‘Everyday Heroes’

In appreciation of the frontline workers who have been committed to the overall well-being of Nigerians during the COVID 19 pandemic, TheLaCaseraCompany(TLCC)iscelebratingandrewardingfrontline workers with the “LaCasera Heroes� initiative to celebrate and recognisefrontlineheroesthathasbeenprovidingessentialservices from the inception of Covid-19 in Nigeria.

Speaking at the gift presentation and the unveiling of the LaCasera Heroes,theManagingDirector,TheLaCaseraCompany,Mr.Chinedum Okereke, explained that recognising the contributions of these unusual yet special heroes was important. He also revealed that The LaCasera Heroes initiative is to contribute to the emotional well-being of individuals working at high risk and under intense pressure by recognising, appreciating and celebrating them in an unforgettable way. “These are unusual times and many people are doing incredible work to keep our people and cities and the country running as best as is safely possible. “It is our way of shining the spotlight on them for their self-sacriďŹ cing work as we show our appreciation. It’s times like this that a thank you goes a long way.â€? Okereke added.

Announcing the winners, the Group Marketing Director, LaCasera, Agu Emmanuel said, “We have many individuals who have done well to assist the country during this period and it is important for us to support the communities where we operate. It is wonderful to hear these stories which are great examples of how people are making a real dierence to people’s lives during this uncertain period.â€?

AXA Mansard Posts N21.08bn Premium

AXAMansardInsurancePlcinitsunauditedďŹ nancialreportfor2020 announced a Gross Written Premium of N21.08 billion.

Thisrepresented21percentgrowthfromtheN17.42billionpremium achieved by the company in same period in 2019.

The company’s net premium income also grew to N8.25 billion, showing 39 per cent growth from N5.95 billion achieved in March 2019. Its proďŹ t before tax for the period grew by 96 per cent to N2.01 billion in 2020, compared with N1.02 billion recorded in March 2019, just as proďŹ t after tax moved up by 105 per cent to N1.82 billion in 2020, as against N89 billion in March 2019 .

TheresultsalsoshowedthattotalassetgrewN104.32billion,upby13 per cent when compared with N92.28 billion within the same period.

Commenting on the company’s unaudited result, AXA Mansard’s ChiefExecutiveOďŹƒcer, KunleAhmed,saidthiswasachieveddespite the challenges arising from the pandemic. “Whilst the health business remains the fastest growing and the commercial lines continues to hold its share of the market, our retail business continues to justify the investment in our retail structure with 46 per cent growth over the same period last year,â€? Ahmed said.

“Beneficiation could tranasform Nigeria’s competitive advantage, increase economic growth, industrialisation and create jobs in the country �

CEO, RMB Nigeria/Regional Head,West Africa,

Michael Larbie

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Strengthening Capital Market Regulation Goddy Egene writes on expectations from the new Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Lamido Yuguda and three executive commissioners that assumed office on Monday

G

enerally capital markets enable a country to achieve economic growth as capital formation is promoted for government and corporate institutions to raise funds for economic

growth.

The Nigerian capital market has over the years played this crucial role, providing funding to government to finance infrastructure and to corporate bodies to finance their operations.

The successful recapitalisation of the banking sector in 2005, when the Central Bank of Nigeria raised capital requirement to N25 billion was made possible through the capital market.

However, considering the country’s huge population and the low patronage of the capital market, it is very obvious that the potential are yet to be fully tapped.

It was therefore not surprising when the new Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Lamido Yuguda, on Monday, said the market has a lot of potential for the growth and development of Nigeria post Covid-19 and beyond.

While the capital market has so much potential, one of the reasons that has not been fully tapped is low patronage.

Out of Nigeria’s 200 million population, only about five per cent invest in the market. Given the benefits the market offers, it is expected that more people would be attracted to invest.

However, this has not been so due to fear of loss of investment as a result of weak regulation and lack of adequate protection.

But it is believed that if Yuguda walks his talk, the market will witness more patronage.

Speaking on assumption of office, the DG said: “We want to assure investors that this market is for them and we are ready to do everything to ensure that we increase investor enlightenment through education, robust regulation and fair dealing. “For those that want to defraud investors, there would be no respite because we are ready to fight market manipulation to the last, anyone that flouts our rules will be made to face the consequences of their actions.�

He stressed that investor protection would be at the centre of the initiatives of the new management, warning that any operator that short-changes investors would not go scot-free.

The above are soothing words capable of encouraging investors to take advantage of current low prices of equities in the market. The DG has also assured that the new management will work to the best of their abilities to uphold things on ground and consciously seek ways to improve them to the benefit of all stakeholders. “Together we must set our sights on achieving those milestones that are capable of making the capital market a powerful engine of growth for the Nigerian economy, with God’s help and our collective resolve and dedication, we shall

Yuguda succeed,� he added.

Yuguda said the capital market master plan launched in 2014, has the objective of positioning the capital market for an accelerated development of the national economy. “Many of the plan’s initiatives have been successfully implemented while many others are work in progress in line with its objectives.

Therefore, the continued implementation of the plan will be one of the major focus of the incoming management, while we also seek possible ways of strengthening it for enhanced impact. We would equally work towards improved market regulation, surveillance and general development,� he said.

Yuguda emphasised that in order to do this effectively, they would need to develop relevant capacities and foster collaboration in achieving their mandates.

Many operators have said while Ms. Mary Uduk, who acted as DG of SEC for over two years and her team strived to improve the regulation of the market , their efforts were hindered because they were in acting capacities.

However, stakeholders are confident that the coming in of Yuguda and the three executive commissioners, who are seasoned professionals, is good development capable of improving the

Royal Exchange Creates Awareness on Agric Insurance Ebere Nwoji Royal Exchange General Insurance Company (REGIC) recently held series of agriculture insurance Webinar aimed at increasing the awareness and perception of agriculture insurance in Nigeria.

The underwriting firm, used the forum to educate members of the public on how agriculture insurance could impact positively on the business of farmers, agroprocessors, agro-preneurs and other stakeholders in the value chain.

The four-part webinar anchored by the Head, Agribusiness and Business Development of REGIC, Mr. Chukwuma Kanu, looked at the various aspects of the

agriculture industry in Nigeria and the role insurance plays in developing and deepening access to financial services to operators in the agricultural sector.

The first in the virtual agric insurance seminar series titled, “How Farmers can leverage on Agriculture Insurance to de-risk their business during COVID19 Pandemic Times,� witnessed paper presentation by Kalu and Royal Exchange’s Agric Insurance technical consultant, Mr. Agrotosh Mookeej, a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, UK and Managing Director, Risk Shield Consulting Actuary, Zimbabwe.

The second edition looked at agriculture insurance as a key driver of inclusive finance for

farmers, agribusiness SMEs and agro-processors in Nigeria.

This, looked at the concept of inclusive finance to farmers and the role of insurance in supporting farming operations, as well as crowd-funding requirements in raising capital for farming in Nigeria. The third webinar was on the Ginger value-chain and explained how weather index insurance (WII) could be used to protect businesses and livelihoods.

The company, held the third edition of the seminar in conjunction with the GIZ Nigerian Competitiveness Project (NICOP), a partnership between the German Government, the European Union and the federal government.

fortunes of the market in particular and economy in general. The new management team has been advised what to do in order to ensure successful running of the commission and efficient regulation of the market.

For instance, the Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu said: “There is a compelling need for the SEC’s new DG and the management team to engage all stakeholders and build consensus. They should revisit and rejig the capital market master plan and be focused on the mandate to make the Nigerian capital market to be best in class, deep, resilient and capable of inspiring and sustaining confidence among all investors both locally and internationally.�

On his part, the President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Tunde Amolegbe, said Yuguda is clearly a consummate professional with outstanding pedigree and will be overseeing an industry that has been in transition, essentially, since the global financial crisis in 2008. “It will be useful for him to engage with relevant stakeholders to come up with suggestions and plausible solutions that can see the industry play its expected critical role in the economic revival of the nation as had happened in other jurisdictions.

“And with Covid-19 pandemic re-defining the way business is done, the financial market should be more innovative in outlook. We at the CIS are looking forward to working with him and his team to achieve this and other laudable objectives,� Amolegbe said.

Also speaking, a Professor of Finance and Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Uche Uwaleke, said Yuguda should ensure effective implementation of the master plan.

According to Uwaleke, the SEC DG should continue from where his predecessor stopped in the implementation of the master plan.

In the opinion of Mr. Ambrose Omordion of InvestData Limited, Yuguda and SEC board members should solidify plans already put in place to drive transparency and effective regulatory agenda aimed at deepening the market.

He said Yuguda should increase participation of Nigerians in the market to reduce dependency on foreign investors that made the market unstable and volatile.

He noted that the commission should decentralise its investment education programme to attract new entrants to the market and educate those scared to return to the market as a result of past bad experiences in the market.

An investor, Mr. Moses Igbrude of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said investor protection should be Yuguda’s priority.

According to Igbrude, he should be ready to work with all the stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market, by adopting a collaborative approach in handling investor-related matters. “The SEC’s major role is to protect investors. That should be his focus, especially this period of the coronavirus pandemic. Yuguda should make economic managers of the country to understand the importance of the capital market to the growth and development of the economy,� Igbrude explained, saying that proper understanding of the capital market would propel the federal government to formulate policies that would enhance the growth of the market. “His strategies should be on how to assist companies to improve their performances. The capital market as of today is grossly undervalued. “One of his objectives should be how to reverse this trend. The issue of unclaimed dividends in the capital market should be tackled vigorously by him and he should make sure the demutualisation of exchange is complete in a transparent way for the good of the market in particular and Nigerian economy in general,�

Igbrude said.

Some operators said as countries begin to open up their economies, post lockdown, the new SEC boss and his team should clean up past messes and ensure that avoid victimisation of companies or players in the market.

Yuguda should make that SEC adopt structures that resolve issues amiably and privately, without eroding shareholder value and confidence.

WAICA Re Announces $70m Premium in 2019 Ebere Nwoji WAICA Reinsurance Corporation (WAICA Re) said it closed its 2019 financial year with a gross written Premium (GWP) of $70 million, showing 21 per cent growth from 2018 figures.

The reinsurance firm, also achieved a profitability of $9.5 million, which represented a profit growth of 38 per cent, even as its Total Assets remained strong at $137 million and a shareholders fund of $89 million.

The Group Managing Director of the company, Mr. Abiola Ekundayo, in a recent statement on the company’s business outing in 2019, said of all the classes of insurances written by the

company during the period, the accident class generated the highest net income for the group with over $4 million.

He said the firm, has expanded its operations across West Africa, East Africa, North Africa and Southern Africa, whilst writing reinsurance businesses from Africa and beyond.

The company, he added, has grown from a zero gross premium to $70million in 2019 and still continues to grow.

He added that WAICA Re, has during the period also submitted itself to credit rating with both AM Best and GCR Ltd, while currently having an AM Best FSR rating of B+(Good) and an ICR of bbb-, with stable outlook for

the ratings.

On Covid-19 and its impact on insurance and reinsurance business, he said, WAICA Re’s operations have been limited in terms of physically connecting with its clients, due to the travel ban and restrictions, as well as social distancing and other preventative measures.

He, however, stressed that technology has enabled the firm interact effectively with existing and potential clients virtually online, adding, “we are also able to work 100 percent remotely from home (activated as part of our business continuity plans) and we are certain that these measures have forestalled any stiffening of our operations.�

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Examining Impact of Covid-19 on Corporate Finance Activities Dike Onwuamaeze The global economy is presently facing extreme headwinds due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unfortunate situation has led to a health crisis of unprecedented proportion as well as economic crisis as never seen before, even worse than the Great Depression of 1929.

Already, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, as well as other notable institutions have predicted that the global economy would slip into recession.

The United States, Europe, developed economies, developing economies and frontier markets, are all affected by the pandemic, to the extent that in some economies, such as the United States, first quarter growth was negative by almost 4.9 per cent even as China suffered massive drop from double-digit growth to very low single-digit growth.

Nigeria is not exempted as the IMF, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other notable institutions have predicted that the economy would slip into a severe economic recession.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had modelled macro scenarios which showed that economic growth could contract as much 4.40 per cent to 8.91 per cent depending on the severity of the outbreak of the pandemic and the quantum of stimulus deployed by government.

In an optimistic scenario, with an average price of $30 per barrel of crude oil in 2020 and a stimulus of up to N3.6 trillion, growth would still contract by 0.42 per cent in 2020, possibly rising to 3.03 per cent in 2021 and 5.17 per cent by 2025, the statistics body was quoted to have estimated in the Economic Sustainability Plan released recently.

Crude oil revenue forms a significant portion of the country’s export revenue and a downturn in the market for the commodity always has a ripple effect on the economy.

Businesses in the country are already feeling the impact of the virus as the Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Aisha Ahmad, recently revealed that 17 commercial banks had submitted requests, as at May, to restructure over 32,000 loans for individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. The 32,000 loans for individuals and businesses represent 32.94 per cent of total industry loan portfolio, with the manufacturing and general commerce sectors constituting the bulk of the restructured facilities. “The coronavirus-induced global economic crisis is pervasive, with heightened uncertainty for the medium-term economic outlook. “In Nigeria, early effects of the crisis and containment measures have reflected in modest decline in output growth, exchange rate depreciation, rising public debts and domestic prices amidst existing structural challenges. “While these impacts on the Nigerian economy continue to evolve, even as some resilience is ac-

Opubor knowledged, particularly in healthier than expected first quarter 2020 Gross Domestic Product numbers, there is urgent need to maintain this trajectory to prevent a recession,� she stated.

The pandemic, according to the World Bank, has become a threat to stability in the banking sector and could push another five million Nigerians into the poverty bracket.

Therefore, to navigate out of this situation, one of the leading private equity firms in Nigeria, Coronation Capital, is set to host the second edition of its Corporate Finance and Business Valuation online training (Valuation Master Class).

Scheduled for the 2oth, 21st, 27th and 28th of July, 2020, the four-day event is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of corporate finance, valuation methodology and financial statement analysis with a key focus on appraising the business impact of financial decisions on the organisational performance.

The Master Class will be headlined by the globally renowned Professor Aswath Damodaran: a Professor of Finance at New York University’s

Stern School of Business.

Over the years, he has been referred to as Wall Street’s “Dean of Valuation� and is widely respected as one of the foremost experts on corporate valuation.

Damodaran has published several books and articles on equity valuation and corporate finance and has been featured in the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial Economics, and the Review of Financial Studies.

The Valuation Master Class, is a thought leadership and capacity building initiative of Coronation Capital.

Lecture sessions will be hosted virtually and will also feature an engaging one-on-one fire side chat with Damodaran on various topics including his views on the current global business environment and the Nigerian economy - opportunities for growth and investment.

He is also expected to train employees of Coronation Capital as well as related companies in the Coronation ecosystem which covers insurance, investment banking, asset management, technology and venture capital. Given that there is limited space, participation will be extended, by invitation only,

to finance practitioners in the media and public sector as well as Coronation counterparties.

Commenting on the event, Managing Partner of Coronation Capital, John Opubor said: “The world has entered uncharted territory. History teaches that a return to fundamentals espoused

by Professor Aswath Damodaran is crucial to thriving in times like this.�

He further stated that, “Participants will, over four-days, benefit from a deep dive into corporate finance and valuation and how investments are impacted during these unprecedented times.�

Juan MartĂ­n Monge, of Socio de Finanzas Corporativas, Argentina, in a recent article, noted that given the huge impact of the abrupt and unforeseen demand shock, there have been tremendous market volatility and uncertainties in the global financial market.

According to Monge, the global COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented stress on the ability of businesses to service their debt and obligations, including paying salaries, rents and taxes. He noted that although governments, especially those in developed countries, have granted some flexibility through aid packages, this may not prove to be enough. “Moreover, certain businesses—such as oil and gas, airlines, cruise lines, hospitality, brick-and-mortar retailers, and small businesses generally—are being hit harder by the pandemic than others. Although most businesses are expected to return to a normal pace once the uncertainty of this pandemic has subsided, many others will not make it. “Nevertheless, many of these surviving businesses need some form of relief on their debt obligations in order to avoid triggering defaults, foreclosures and collection activity during this extraordinary period of economic inactivity. “This is even more problematic in countries with underdeveloped capital markets where companies have most of their debt maturities concentrated in the short term. Thus, debt renegotiations are inevitable and may not only include forbearance periods or maturity extensions, but haircuts as well,� he added.

Therefore, he stressed the need for banks to be willing to work with borrowers to avoid foreclosures as they rarely want to take over businesses. It is also worth mentioning the role that private debt funds could play in this crisis, especially in developed markets. “They may seek out opportunities to provide bridge financing with an attractive risk/return profile (more costly for companies), and may also engage in convertible loans, which seek control over companies in distress. These funds have deep experience in dealing with distressed debt and special situations. “A basic condition for a successful debt restructuring is to have a sound business proposition that should generate enough resources to pay down debt,� he added.

Imperatives of Handbook for Financial Market Operators and Practitioners Seye Adetunmbi I started my working career in the capital market as Deputy Manager, Corporate Finance in 1990 after leaving MBA School in 1989, and my first assignment was the private placement of the divesture of the controlling holdings of Ondo-State Government in Araromi/Aiyesan Oil Palm Plc. I was privileged to have two brilliant and experienced chartered accountant bosses as my Chairman/Managing Director and General Manager respectively. However, the financial intermediary service firm I worked for had not handled such a capital market issue before. In fact, there were very few investment banking mandates that had been consummated in the Nigerian capital market in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

This was coupled with the fact that some of the regulatory policies were just evolving and they changed at short notices. This meant that there was no precedent for me to follow with respect to procedure in-house to see my assignment through in a regulated capital market setting. The implication of this was that I took it upon myself to develop my knowledge on capital market issue process through papers presented at seminars and workshops. It was imperative for me to be on top of how best to go about the private placement procedure in line with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The private placement brief, I must admit

challenged me a great deal from the beginning to the end. In the process of seeing through the brief, I developed passion for investment banking and lasting career in the capital market. There and then, I found the need for a standard pragmatic manual for capital market operators and corporate finance operatives.

Naturally by instinct, I started taking notes on financial market operations and practice within and outside Nigeria which culminated into a textbook.

The initial manuscript was first concluded as far back as 1992 which I updated for this edition.

I received inquiries from people who read my research work on Real Estate Investment Trust, Debt Securitisation and Asset Backed Securities which also prompted me to see this book through.

Contemporarily, the financial market sector of most developing economies in the recent past recorded a remarkable development and growth as a result of embarking on strategic economic liberalisation schemes. Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was one of such schemes. This is evident in the increasing numbers of operators in the financial intermediary services in the economy of these nations. In Africa for an example, there were more financial market operators in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe in their SAP era than it used to be in the pre-SAP days.

With the increase in the monetization of these developing economies, commerce and industry have been developing side-by-side with their financial

system respectively. However, one area that is yet to come of age in spite of the imponderable potentials in the sector is the capital market of most these developing economies which still leaves so much to be explored. Financial market professionals may agree with me that the strength of the financial sector cannot be divorced from a developed, functional and vibrant capital market.

The essence of knowledge and information cannot be overemphasized because they are keys to any edge. It is an apparent fact that, lack of adequate business information on developing nations is one of the major barriers to their economic development and growth. It is also becoming very evident that economic reforms and liberalisation programs being adopted by some of these developing countries, are not yielding the desired results fully for diverse reasons.

Poor implementation is perhaps one of the key causes, and this is due to lack of credible and available information on contemporary environments with similar peculiarities. On the other hand, the sudden surge in the financial market activities in the world emerging markets did not match with the available expertise. The implication of this dearth in resource persons and relevant procedural information is trial and error approach to the professional needs of the financial market resulting to an inefficient market.

Nigeria is the case study in the book because activities in the money and capital market between 1980 and 2020 had been quite remarkable and should be documented, such that, it will serve as a guide for other emerging markets, government technocrats, intending practitioners, existing financial market operators and individuals who wish to know how the financial market operates and works. In January 1995 for instance, the federal government of Nigeria revoked the Exchange Control Act of 1962 and the Nigerian Enterprise Promotion Decree of 1989, as a bold move to integrate further, its economy into the global economic system.

I have read a number of publications on financial intermediation and its practice in developing economies which I found very informative on the activities in the sector. However, I deem it necessary to put a textbook together which will not only review the activities of the Nigerian financial market to date, but to serve as a practical guidebook for intending operators and participants who have been eager to be involved but have been constrained by lack of information and the technical knowhow.

The book should also clear misconceptions on the operational procedure in the financial market, particularly the mix-up of the identities and the respective functions of the various registered financial market operators and players.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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Africapitalism: Elumelu and Prospects of African Economic Community Chukwuemeka Uwanaka

A

fricapitalism. An ingenious word that can rub differently depending on one’s individual orientation, especially with the economic outcomes in many African countries after the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the 1980’s, which sought to promote greater involvement of the private sector in Africa’s economy.

More appropriately, Africapitalism is a rather novel economic philosophy attributed to Mr. Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian economist and Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), that has the promotion of private sector and entrepreneurial led approaches to resolving the economic development challenges of Africa.

Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi defines Africapitalism as, “the private sector’s commitment to African development through long-term investments in strategic sectors of the economy that create both economic prosperity and social wealth.�

Providing key sectors that influence African businesses with long term investment, for sustainable economic and social good is at the heart of the economic philosophy.

The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is praxis for Africapitalism. The programme which commenced in 2015, is a US$100million commitment from Tony Elumelu to provide mentorship, training and seed capital to 1,000 African entrepreneurs from every African region for 10 years. The halfway mark for every programme provides an opportunity to do some assessment, and potentially recommend approaches that can not only guarantee sustainability, but possibly provide strategic fit to similar multilateral objectives.

Part of the reasons why Africapitalism requires some assessment and pointers for sustainability is because Africa has not been in lack of such philosophies. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa) was known for ‘Zikism’, a philosophy that itemized principles for Africa’s liberation and development. Kwame Nkrumah with ‘Consciencism’ that emphasises self-reliance by Africans, and Gamal Nasser with ‘Nasserism’, are other socio-economic and philosophical examples from African leaders in time past, which may not be very pronounced in contemporary times.

For Azikiwe, spiritual balance, social regeneration, economic determinism, mental emancipation and political resurgence are required to liberate Africa from bondage and underdevelopment. Economic determinism, which is the third principle of Zikism, identifies economic self-sufficiency as the basis for liberating the Renascent African. Stretching the argument, Africapitalism may be seen as an offshoot or idea with ideological similarity to economic determinism.

In more contemporary times, the Abuja Treaty 1991 of the Organisation for African Union (OAU), now African Union (AU) that creates the African Economic Community (AEC), has as its primary objective, “to promote economic, social and cultural development and the integration of African economies in order to increase economic self-reliance and promote and endogenous and self-sustained development.� Africapitalism can therefore be seen to be closely aligned with the objective of the African Economic Community.

Elumelu The Abuja Treaty recognised Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as the building blocks of the AEC. A report by United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in 2018 however shows that most of the eight RECs are not on course for the attainment of set goals, which are required for a successful economic community.

Therefore, is there a possible role for Africapitalism and the Africapitalism Institute in resolving these REC shortcomings?

Nominally, TEEP has been a success, as the addition of the TEF-UNDP Entrepreneurship Programme has increased the 1,000 annual commitment of TEF to 3,050 in 2019, while the programme aims to empower 100,000 African entrepreneurs in the next 10 years.

It can however be argued that TEEP and other activities associated with Tony Elumelu should be more focused on West Africa, if it is to have more impact and better chances of sustainability.

Its current approach may mean that the programme stretches itself too thin across Africa, by trying to engage 1,000 people annually in a continent of 1.2 billion people. A lot more can therefore be achieved in engaging the same number of entrepreneurs across the 15 West African countries, that have a combined population of 390 million people.

This proposed approach strategically aligns with the Abuja Treaty of 1991 that establishes the African Economic Community (AEC). The AEC has the African Union recognized RECs as the building blocks of the AEC, as previously mentioned.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is the REC for West Africa, where it is expected that TEEP be more concentrated. ECOWAS has entrepreneurship supporting programmes and policies such as single currency; Quality Management Training for production processes; ECOWAS Common Investment Coode (ECOWIC); ECOWAS Investment Policy (ECOWIP); West Africa Common Industrial Policy (WACIP); ECOWAS Investment Climate Scorecard; and ECOWAS Business Incubator for African Women Entrepreneurs (BIAWE) for just 300 women, in first phase and 200 in second phase; which needs to be

scaled up for entrepreneurship, industrialization and investment to thrive in the region.

Revamping the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) to increase its ability to train more west African youths, as centre has trained less than 1,000 youths; capitalization and strengthening of ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID)- which has the promotion of privates sector activities as part of its core mandate through the financing of projects and programs of ECOWAS that are related to transport, energy, telecommunications, industry, poverty alleviation, the environment and natural resources; and enhancing the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme and Nnamdi Azikiwe Academic Mobility Scheme are required.

West Africa is a largely young population with 64 percent of population under the age of 24, and the ECOWAS Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme (EYEP) should and can be consolidated with TEEP, as EYEP has capacity for only 20 youths in the first year.

Same consolidation and strengthening should be done for ECOWAS Youth Policy and Strategic Plan of Action, with improved implementation fervor. Why these have not been achieved under the two year MOU signed between ECOWAS Commission and TEF in September 2016 to promote small businesses, entrepreneurship and wealth creation is up for conjecture, but it can be mentioned that new and more effective approaches are required to deliver the desired results.

In particular, some of the objectives of the collaboration with ECOWAS Commission such as the spreading and strengthening of the philosophy of Africapitalism by socialising it with key stakeholders; and the teaching of entrepreneurship in the ECOWAS region, including Africapitalism as a study in the national education curriculum (starting from primary school) of ECOWAS member states, seems not to have been very successful. Whatever the reasons may be, the lessons learnt from the two year collaboration should provide TEF with the experience of working with African multilateral organizations, and also enable successful collaboration with the AU in attaining the AEC. In providing more vigour to ECOWAS as a REC, Africapitalism can therefore be strategically aligned with the success of a true African Economic Community, driven by African entrepreneurs.

If some of the issues prove too political, TEF and the Africapitalism Institute can provide conditional funding and technical support to organizations such as the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA) to promote the desired objectives. In the US, Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, Carnegie Corporation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provide support to think-tanks and organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations and Brookings Institution for the promotion of defined international objectives. It can also be stressed that the agenda these groups promote are primarily for US and North American benefits, before the Americas and the rest of the Western world. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace actually has Democracy and Rule of Law, as one of its eight programs.

Economic activities can provide sustainable

forms of international cooperation and integration.

Trade within West Africa in the formal sector stands at 12 percent, and financial institutions can help facilitate trade as well as formalize the informal sector. The United Bank for Africa where Tony Elumelu has been Managing Director and currently the Chairman, has operational presence in 10 out of the 15 ECOWAS member countries.

UBA owns majority stake in the biggest bank in Burkina Faso, and is one of the four Tier 1 banks in Nigeria. This therefore positions the promoter of Africapitalism as a principal enabler in enhancing not only economic integration, but also the opportunities available to entrepreneurs across West Africa. Adopting this regional approach will to some extent, align with the concentric approach of Nigeria’s foreign policy, thereby securing the support of the Nigerian government.

What then happens to the rest of ‘Africa’ in Africapitalism? Using the geographical framework of the continent and the AEC, other philanthropists and people of means should be involved in a commitment towards the principles and philosophy of Africapitalism, but with concentration in their regions of Africa. For example, Mo Ibrahim through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation could be encouraged to contribute similar investment in North Africa; the Oppenheimers through their Brenthurst Foundation in Southern Africa; Vimal Shah, who as Chairman of BIDCO Africa has been providing mentorship to entrepreneurs in especially East Africa; and Paul Fokam in Central Africa. In Southern Africa, the ‘Oppenheimer Elumelu Research Series’ which is an African development collaborative attempt between TEF and Brenthurst Foundation, provides a good footing for this AEC driven role. The Giving Pledge created by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett is a demonstration of how people of means can be mobilized towards a noble cause, albeit in this case, towards providing private sector and entrepreneurial solutions to developmental challenges in Africa. It is a responsibility that Tony Elumelu should take, if Africapitalism and the practice of it are to be sustained. Africa beckons on Elumelu to play similar role that the Gates and Buffet have played with the Giving Pledge, but this time with emphasis in Africa, and in alignment with the continental ambitions of the people of Africa towards the successful attainment of the AEC. Managed properly, Africapitalism could therefore be the major catalyst that leads to the attainment of the goals of the Abuja Treaty and AEC. The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) which is the REC for North Africa, has had it operations stalled since 2008. Mo Ibrahim’s Africapitalism activities could potentially provide the impetus for renewed cooperation in AMU and North Africa at large.

The Africapitalism Institute already established by TEF, can provide the structural and institutional framework for this approach that aligns with the goals of the African Union and the AEC. Uwanaka, a policy and management analyst writes from Abuja and can be reached through chukweks@yahoo.com NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Aligning Rent Seeking with Growth of MSMEs Reuben Umunna “The barbarous gold barons – they did not find the gold, they did not mine the gold, they did not mill the gold, but by some weird alchemy all the gold belonged to them.�

This quote helps bring sharp focus to the dichotomy between makers and takers in an economy.

Along similar lines, the colloquial expression “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop,� signals discontent from a party who believes he has earned much lower wage relative to another despite contributing more mentally and physically to a transaction.

Debates on who should be working and who should be receiving the benefit for that work are alternative ways of discussing the protection of intellectual property right from rent seekers.

In basic terms, makers are producers and manufacturers that create value, while takers are persons or institutions who take, for personal use,

far more than they bring to the economy. Takers are rent seekers who use bribes to influence public officials or public officials who demand rents. A key function of government is to efficiently provide public goods such as roads, law & order and protection of property rights including intellectual property.

However, takers corrupt government and gets it to fail in its functions. Through rents, takers are able to obtain payments that far exceed the cost of whatever value they are delivering – in short, takers distort the market.

The private sector thrives on the foundations of the innovative solutions they bring to consumers.

Failure to protect these innovative values using intellectual property right curbs the overall growth potential of the private sector. Rent seeking attacks private property right from two flanks.

First flank: illegitimate public rent seeking transfers funds from the private sector to government bureaucrats in form of kickbacks or bribes. Private sector innovators who would need government services such as licenses, permits, and forex are

often forced to pay rents to government bureaucrats.

According to a World Bank report, between 2008 and 2014, rent seeking activities increased 27 per cent points to occupy the second position on the list of various obstacles in doing business in Nigeria only coming behind electricity.

Second flank: private rent seekers attack existing wealth such as land, capital, and intellectual property within the private sector. Rent seeking behavior disincentivizes the pain-stricken research and development (R&D) process that creates intellectual property. Addressing rent seeking requires appropriate policy regimes that must be designed to align the mission of MDAs, government bureaucrats, and private sector innovators.

The role of Research & Development (R&D) in creating the knowledge required to drive innovation within the private sector is well understood. Protecting applied research outcomes using intellectual property right is the mainstay of developed economies.

However, bespoke strategies to implement functional and effective regimes where R&D

and Intellectual Property Right become tools for national wealth creation and development remains a challenge for emerging economies such as Nigeria.

According to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a one per cent increase in the strength of patent protection, a form of intellectual property right protection, correlates to nearly 1 per cent increase in domestic R&D in developing countries and similar increase in trademark and copyright protection correlates to 1.4 per cent and 3.3 per cent increase in domestic R&D respectively.

Umunna (Ph.D) is an expert on science, technology and international affairs policy and he writes from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Washington DC NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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EDUCATION School Proprietors Boost Teachers’ Morale amidst COVID-19

Teachers are any school’s best asset, as proprietors who spoke to Funmi Ogundare explained the efforts they took to empower their teachers so that they can continue to give their best despite the extended closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic

P

roprietors of private schools have devised about five measures to ensure that their teachers feel appreciated and can commit to their duties, despite the challenges COVID-19 poses.

The measures included constant communication on how the teachers are faring, adequate training on the use of technology and provision of resources that they would need to enhance their teaching.

Ms. Oyindamola Egbeyemi is the Director of The Foreshore School, Ikoyi. She said her school is not laying off anyone now (including administrative staff who are virtually not working), despite the financial constraint, but ensures that it gives palliatives to them from time to time.

Aside palliatives, communication with the staff is vital, as the school ensures that it communicates with them to be sure that they are well and okay. “It is a difficult time for everyone financially.

Many businesses are constrained, so there is only so much that we can do with regards to compensation, but we are doing our best within our means,� Egbeyemi stated.

The Principal and Chief Operating Officer of Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesha, Osun State, Mr. John Toscano said his school recognises the importance of maintaining strong morale among staff during the extended closure.

He noted that it is essential not just for the teachers, but for all the staff, including hostel parents, administrators and the large team of facility support staff. “We took an early decision that all staff would continue to be paid at a reduced rate for the duration of the extended closure.�

The school has also been able to capitalise on its existing blend of learning and technology programmes as the success of the online application has helped teachers maintain an excellent positive spirit with the members of the online team.

Toscano said it also brought together a pastoral team made up of its hostel parents to provide support to a group of students receiving online teaching from a team of teachers. The involvement of different staff in the programme has further helped to strengthen the morale among staff as a whole.

Throughout the extended closure, the principal said the school doctor had been coordinating online COVID-19 awareness sessions with all staff members to build their understanding of how to keep themselves and the school site safe and at low risk for when the students return.

The school also organised online training for staff through the Mentally Aware Nigeria initiative. “We recognise the importance of good physical health as a means of reducing the risks posed by COVID-19 and we are holding a weekly online fitness session for staff which we also invite parents and students to join. “As the extended closure goes into its third month, we are proud of the positive contribution made by all the Olashore staff in keeping the online programme functioning and the school facilities up and running,� Toscano stressed.

The Chief Executive Officer of Global International College (GCI), Mrs. Bolaji Osime said her school ensured that the teachers get paid, so they are motivated to continue teaching online which is more demanding than classroom teaching.

They were trained and equipped to know how to use technology effectively to teach students online. As she said: “We have trained our teachers to use several online tools like Zoom Teams, Edmondo, Google Classrooms, among others. Aside from teaching online, they also trained to record, upload documents and hold virtual classes effectively with students.�

She added that they are also encouraged to collaborate and share ideas in a community of learning; check on their students periodically to make sure they are happy and engaged.

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu “We trained them in identifying challenges students have so that we can address them quickly,� Osime said.

Global International also emphasises safety.

The teachers are encouraged to stay safe to avoid contracting the dreaded COVID-19. “We ensure they take care of their health by washing their hands with soap and water, wearing a mask if they leave the house and avoiding crowds.�

The Administrator of Greenwood House School, Ikoyi, Dr. Ekua Abudu said the school had to keep its lines of discussion open to teachers for frank and truthful talks about expectations regarding salaries and job security so they can plan accordingly.

Establishing their mental health and wellness is also essential, as she stated that the management made out time to listen and allow the teachers to discuss personal issues or any other challenges they may be going through. “Teachers at this time have had to embrace a new way of teaching as we have transited online even though they would always prefer seeing the children face-to-face in the classroom.

They are under the scrutiny of parents who sometimes interfere and sometimes criticise what they do, leading to demoralisation. “They are facing pay-cuts and uncertainty.

They are also coping with working at home, which means looking after their own families and homes at the same time. It has been necessary to empower them through training, provide every resource they need and then, constantly

encourage them,� Abudu stressed.

Emphasising on the training, the director said: “We have taken them through special training on how to use our preferred e-learning platforms: Google Classroom, from joining and setting up the classroom, to posting assignments, uploading videos and communicating with students and parents. We also offered training in Purple Mash, effective use of Zoom interactive video for face-to-face lessons using the whiteboard, sharing screens and most importantly, all the security measures to ensure the teachers have effective control of the class.�

The teachers were also exposed to in-house training where they shared best practices, as well as different ways to make e-learning more fun for the children. “It was nice to see different strengths and hidden abilities emerge,� Abudu stated. Many teachers who had been in the background have risen to the occasion and flown with online teaching and finding innovative new ways to keep the children interested. “A few, though, have found it difficult to adjust. It was nice to see both our older and younger teachers learn from each other, and there is a new bonding amongst teachers as they all embark on this journey together, “ she said.

The Founder of Abolarin College, Oke-Ila Orangun, Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, said the school pays teachers as and when due. The college also gives palliatives to them. “What we are doing is missionary work.

Some of our teachers are in school, and even for those who are not, we are still paying them.

It may be meagre because ours is missionary work. In terms of health, there is a Seventh Day Hospital where we registered the school, and there are doctors who counsel us from time to time during this pandemic on the best way to stay safe. We also motivate ourselves, work together, and we enjoy what we are doing to create a new set of leaders for the future,� he said.

The Proprietor of De Joyland School, Yaba, Mrs Abimbola Osagie said: “For us, we are doing our best to give necessary support within our reach. Our teaching and non-teaching staff got a pay cut, and the school had to source for fund to make sure we were able to pay salary and we hope this will be consistent going forward. “Every month, we also give our teachers data to enable them to carry out the online classes.�

The Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo confirmed to THISDAY that the state trained about 18,000 of its secondary school teachers for four weeks

on digital literacy in partnership with Microsoft Nigeria. The aim was mentoring, creating, and sharing subject-specific content with them.

She said the teachers were able to access interactive classes from mobile phones and devices, diagnosing and understanding learning needs and challenges, assigning homework, give feedbacks and auto-grade quizzes/tests remotely.

There was also internal stakeholders’ engagement within the four weeks. Lagos State has even been paying their salaries fully and gave palliatives, especially to those who live in rural communities.

The commissioner said the state is also making efforts towards helping the private schools by getting loans from banks to assist them through the pandemic. “There are over 18,000 private schools in Lagos. We cannot assist all of them, but we are trying to help them with loans from banks.�

This reporter visited the homes of some teachers to find out how they are faring during this period.

Mrs. Rosemary Nwaogu is a teacher at a low-cost private school in Lagos. She told THISDAY that she last received her salary in March before the lockdown and she has been using her data to conduct online lessons for pupils in her class without support from her school.

She said she complained once to the management of the school, but the administration department only gave her N500 to buy data.

Her husband has been assisting her with a monthly data of N2,000. “As it is, the admin of the school asked for permission to include the other arm of the class to mine. The teacher declined to carry on with the class for lack of data which she also has been funding from her purse. We asked the school to support us with data, but they said they would reward us when the school opens,� she lamented.

As it is, some of her friends have advised her to disengage from such unrewarding enterprise.

Ms. Moyosore Lasisi teaches in a public school. She was among the 18,000 teachers that underwent the digital training which involved the use of Microsoft team application for teaching.

She said she is happy about the training and grateful that the government has paid her salary fully to date. “I feel fulfilled. The training involved two parts which were instructor-led and self-path learning. They awarded us several online certificates after the training.�

Nwajiuba Commends Edo Varsity lyamho on Digital Virtual Learning Sunday Ehigiator The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba has commended the management of Edo University Iyamho for the effective use of Learning Management System in commencing its second semester 2019/2020 academic session, even as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Betcher Ekhosuhun, said the minister expressed the ministry’s joy that while tertiary institutions across the country were shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lecturers from Edo University Iyamho are using the CANVAS Learning Management System from their various homes and offices via CANVAS video conferencing facility to deliver quality education

to students of the university The feat, the minister noted “allows the students to access a comprehensive collection of course materials, ranging from course lecture notes, presentation slides- textbooks, pictures, charts and illustrative diagrams, video links, video and audio materials and all these materials have enhanced the students’ learning while at home.�

The university management in its commitment to graduate students in line with the institution’s academic calendar had resumed academic activities online on the CANVAS Learning Management System (LMS) due to the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CANVAS Learning Management System is a digital learning platform where both staff and

students can interact same way they do in their conventional classrooms.

It provides a computerised learning platform which enables students perform interactive academic activities online.

Staff and students have access to the CANVAS Learning Management System either on their laptops or using their android phones with their login details from anywhere in the world.

The CANVAS Learning Management System has capacity to accommodate 100 video conferencing/lectures.

Edo University Iyamho is the first university in the West African Sub Region to acquire this Ivy League Learning Management System which is in use by 70 per cent of the best universities in the world today.

Acquired in the first semester of the 2018/2019 academic session and launched in January, 2019 by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who was represented by Prof. (Mrs.) Ifeoma Isiugbo-Abanihe, the CANVAS Learning Management System has been in use in the university for more than a year, with both lecturers and students enrolled fully on the platform.

For its innovation, academic excellence and high standard, the ivory tower has continued to attract good commendations. Recently, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki commended the university for the brilliant performance recorded in the October/November 2019 programme accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Vetiva Predicts Stability for Naira in Near Term Goddy Egene Analysts at Vetiva Research have predicted that despite the downside risks affecting the exchange rate, various policy measures introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will support the naira in the near term.

Presenting its 2020 second half (H1) Foreign Exchange outlook for the Nigerian economy, Vetiva stated that the pandemicinduced slump in international oil prices has put pressure on petro-currencies.

According to the Lagos-based firm, while petro-economies with flexible exchange rates have already seen significant decline in the value of their currencies,

pressure was also mounting on a range of currency pegs–especially those whose reserves asset were perceived by investors not to be sufficient to sustain the quasipegs.

Adding to the problem of declining currencies from oil exporters is the fact that emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) have lost their luster as the most attractive investment vehicles for global capital, they noted. “These dual risks to Nigeria’s external sector compelled the CBN to respond to the daunting situation -by embracing some pending foreign exchange (FX) reforms-in a bid to ease pressure on reserves asset, limit the adverse movement in the naira exchange

rate and restore confidence in the apex bank’s ability to respond promptly to economic shocks,� the firm added.

Commenting on the development, Vetiva’s Chief Economist, Mosope Arubayi, said downside risks still exists in respect of the naira as external sector factors are currently not favorable and could result in speculation-driven demand for foreign currency.

This, according to her, could contribute to existing pressure in the FX market.

Arubayi said: “A sharp drop in resource earnings, cross-border flows and limited global official development assistance (ODA) capacity lends credence to their expectation of further pressure on the Naira in the near term.�

Prestige Assurance to Raise N6.8bn via Rights Issue Nume Ekeghe Prestige Assurance is set to raise N6, 817,898,003 through the issuance of 13,635,796,006 shares at N.50 kobo per share.

The firm disclosed this at the signing ceremony of the proposed rights issue yesterday.

The exercise is part of the company’s recapitalisation strategy in response to the regulatory directive from NAICOM and also path towards the implementation of the company’s medium term strategy. Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday, the Chairman Prestige Assurance, Dr. Doyin Salami said: “We are inviting investors to our business and

at the very least, we are able to say that not only have we been around for the entirety of Nigeria’s post independent bit we are also able to say that at even in the worst time, this company not only have we weathered it, we have come out much stronger. “As far as Prestige is concerned, the future is very bright. Prestige has already started the process even ahead of planning for the future. The intension over the next five to seven years is to be one of the top five insurance companies operating in general insurance business in Nigeria. “We are not unmindful of the nature of that challenge, but the board and management and the

entire Prestige family are eager to meet that challenge. “As we open our rights issue, inviting subscription to 13,635,796,006 our intension is to raise additional capital to grow our business. Although regulatory inspired, but we intend to make the best of this inspiration. “For us at Prestige, these resources would provide us with capital to do a number of things within the business.

Firstly, we have to ensure that our clients continue to enjoy global standard service. We must develop products that are in tune with the aspirations of Nigeria especially in changing environment in which our clients face.�

ICC Elects First Black Global Board Executive Abiodun Eromosele Information technology guru and founder of West Blue Consulting, Ms. Valentina Mintah, has been elected to the Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), at the recently held virtual 2020 World Council Meeting of the organisation.

Mintah, internationally recognised for her expertise in trade facilitation and business process automation, would be the first black woman to hold the position. Having established West Blue Consulting in 2012, Mintah led her company to successfully develop and deliver a national single window platform for

Nigeria, significantly optimising and improving trade facilitation in the country, leading to savings of $25 million per month for the government of Nigeria.

In 2014, West Blue Consulting further harnessed its customs modernisation expertise to develop and implement a national single window platform for Ghana. Within two years of implementation at ports across Ghana, the platform had saved the Government of Ghana about USD 500 million. This resulted in Ghana rising through the ranks of the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business� index, becoming a vibrant hub for continental trade.

Speaking about her election, Mintah, who serves as Vice Chair

of ICC Ghana said: “Despite the current global health and economic crisis, Africa cannot and should not be overwhelmed. It is therefore vital that intra- African trade is strengthened in line with the goal of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). “Therefore, leveraging on the growth opportunities for sustainable intra-African trade is an objective that should be supported for the benefit of the African economy. In addition, focus should be on ways to empower and support small business owners to survive and thrive in the era of covid-19 and beyond, using digital technology and innovative business practices.�

Group to Organise Forum on Non-oil Export The PDF Bridge programme is set to hold its first on-line non-oil exporters dialogue with a focus on addressing barriers to foreign market access.

With the theme: ‘Addressing Barriers to Foreign Market Access – An analysis of Spices & Herbs, Textiles & Garments, and Leather Products’, the dialogue is expected to be evidence-based with conversations bordering on key findings and recommendations from the recently concluded Market Access (MA) study. A statement disclosed that the MA study analysed both tariff and non-tariff barriers to market access with specific focus on spices and herbs, textiles and garments and leather products.

The event scheduled to hold on Thursday, July 9, 2020, is expected to have participants from all over the globe, especially key stakeholders in the Nigerian export market led by the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Olusegun Awolowo as one of the lead panelists, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Director General, National Agriculture Quarantine Services, NAQS and Prince Ajibola Oluyede, Chairman, NICERT Limited.

The objectives of the dialogue are to facilitate policy discourse on market access challenges and recommendations for improvement using evidence from the MA study;

create a platform for non-oil exporters, MDAs of government with regulatory functions for non-oil exports, international certifications bodies to have conversations on how to improve access to markets; and equip MSMEs with the necessary knowledge to enhance their ability to gain initial access or increase their access to some selected international markets using Spices & Herbs, Textiles & Garments, and Leather Products as case studies.

Awolowo said: “I look forward to the upcoming PDF non-oil exporters’ dialogue. The PDF programme has supported us tremendously in championing the potentials of Nigeria’s non-oil sector.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

11,007,422.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

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Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ʹ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $43.54 a barrel on Monday, compared with $42.93 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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MARKET NEWS

NSE All-Share Index Rises 0.3% as Stock Market Rebounds Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.3 per cent to close at 24,097.48 yesterday, following the return of the bulls to the stock market.

After depreciating by 1.99 per cent last week, the market remained bearish on Monday when trading resumed this week. However, bargain hunting by some investors led to a

rebound in the market to close in the positive territory.

Although a total of 17 stocks appreciated as against 18 that depreciated, gains recorded

by Airtel Africa Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Zenith Bank Plc propelled the growth.

Market operators said the news of plan by BUA Cement to establish three million metric tonnes cement plant and 50 megawatts power plant in Guyuk and Lamurde local

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

governments of Adamawa State in the North-eastern region of Nigeria.

The Chairman of BUA, Abdul Samad Rabiu, had recently disclosed preliminary findings show that the two local governments are reputed to have good quality of limestone deposits, stating that BUA Cement was ready to begin the investment in the state. He added that the BUA will use new technologies to

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

supply power to the proposed cement plant and communities of Guyuk and Lamurde in addition to providing three thousand direct and five thousand indirect jobs. The chairman stressed that the Guyuk Cement Plant will be the major investment in the North East by BUA. The shares of the cement firm went up by 2.5 per cent, while Airtel Africa Plc Zenith Bank Plc appreciated by 3.7 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively. But

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

the overall price gainers’ chart was led by Redstar Express Plc with 9.7 per cent. WAPIC Insurance Plc trailed with 6.0 per cent, while C & I Leasing Plc appreciated by 5.2 per cent.

PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc gained 5.0 per cent.

Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc garnered 4.7 per cent, just as Sterling Bank Plc and FCMB Group Plc chalked up 4.2 per cent and 4.0 per cent respectively.

O F

Conversely, Okomu Oil Palm Plc led the price losers with 9.9 per cent, trailed by Unilever Nigeria Plc and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc with 9.7 per cent apiece.

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc and Custodian Investment Plc dipped by 9.6 per cent and 9.0 per cent respectively. However, activity level fell as volume and value traded decreased by 18.0 per cent and 7.1 per cent to 155.5 million shares and N2.6 billion respectively.

0 7 / 0 7 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

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WEDNESDAY JULY 8, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Military Kills 50 Bandits in Sokoto, Katsina Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Army has killed 46 armed bandits in Katsina State during a clash in Batsari Local Government Area of the State.

The fierce encounter followed a distress call from Yar Gamji town in the local council that armed bandits had invaded the area.

This is coming as air strikes killed many armed bandits in

Sokoto State and destroyed many of their camps in the Kagara Forest of the state even as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had deployed air assets in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states in a renewed bid to contain armed banditry.

“The troops of Nigerian Army Super Camp 4 Faskari Operation Sahel Sanity on July 6, 2020

received a distress call of the invasion of armed bandits in Yar Gamji town in Batsari LGA. “The gallant troops who were just inducted into operation responded swiftly to the call.

The troops engaged the criminals and neutralised 46 bandits in the

encounter while others escaped with gunshot wounds” a military high command said.

It said troops had begun an exploitation phase and have dominated the general area with aggressive patrols.

Meanwhile, NAF said the air

component of Operation Hadarin Daji destroyed some armed bandits’ camps and neutralised several bandits in a fresh air interdiction operation launched yesterday, July 6, 2020, in Sokoto State.

It said the subsidiary

air interdiction operation conducted as part of efforts to rid the North-west of armed bandits, cattle rustlers, kidnappers and other criminal elements under the Defence Headquarters-led Operation Accord.

Kwara Chief of Staff Dies of COVID-19 Complications Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara State Government has confirmed that the late Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Mr. Adisa Aminu Logun, died of COVID-19 complications.

In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, said: “Late Loogun died of the complications from COVID-19, only a few hours after the test of his result returned positive” The statement also said that the governor has declared seven-day mourning in honour of the late Chief of Staff.

The statement reads: “With total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah, we wish

to announce the passing of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kwara State, Aminu Adisa Logun (mni).

“Logun, an industrialist, a public intellectual and an elder statesman, died yesterday’s evening of complications from COVID-19. He died only a few hours after the test of his result returned positive.

“The entire government and the people of Kwara State have lost an outstanding public servant who diligently served the state at various times, including as Chief of Staff to the Governor from June 7, 2019 until he returned to his Lord.

“The governor has declared seven-day mourning in honour of the late Chief of Staff.

WAEC Releases Guidelines for 2020 WASSCE The West African Examination Council (WAEC) yesterday released the guidelines for the conduct of the examination amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was contained in a statement by the Head, WAEC Public Affairs, Mr. Damian Ojijeogu The statement quoted the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Mr. Patrick Areghan, as saying the examination would hold for five weeks.

Areghan, who spoke at a press briefing in Lagos State yesterday said, “in conducting the examination, we have taken due cognisance of the various measures/protocols rolled out by the Federal and State governments of Nigeria, aimed at checking the spread of the pandemic.

“Schools must provide washhand buckets with running water, soaps, hand sanitizers and thermometer hand-gun to check the temperature of all concerned.

“All examination functionaries,

including the Council’s staff on distribution; Supervisors; Invigilators, Inspectors; candidates and school officials will be required to wear face masks, wash and sanitize their hands daily and throughout the duration of the examination.

Let me assure you and the general public that we shall adhere strictly to social/physical distancing in the examination halls by making sure that candidates sit two (2) metres apart. This means that many more classrooms will be used and many more supervisors and invigilators will be required to conduct the examination.

“This has certainly raised the supervision fee to be paid to supervisors as well as the provision of Personal Protective Equipment to staff, Supervisors and other examination officials.

No doubt, all these measures have financial implications which were not contemplated at the time of drawing up the budget for the conduct of the examination.”

UK Bars 49 Individuals, Organisations from Entering the Country Adedayo Akinwale inAbuja The United Kingdom has barred 49 individuals and organisations involved in some of the most notorious human rights violations and abuses in recent years from entering the country.

The UK underthenew‘Magnitsky’style sanctions regime will target those who have been involved in some of the gravest human rights violations and abuses around the world The UK Mission in Abuja disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, where it explained that the individuals and organisations are the first wave of designations under the new regime, with further sanctions expected in the coming

months.

It added that the measures would target individuals and organisations, rather than nations.

It stated: “Forty-nine individuals and organisations involved in some of the most notorious human rights violations and abuses in recent years have been designated for sanctions under a powerful new regime established today by the UK, the Foreign Secretary has announced.

“From today, the ground-breaking global regime means the UK has new powers to stop those involved in serious human rights abuses and violations from entering the country, channelling money through UK banks, or profiting from our economy.”

GIVING ACCOUNT OF STEWARDSHIP...

L-R: Controller of Operations, Nigeria Correctional Service, Mr. Oguejiofor Emmanuel: Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami; Senior Human Rights Adviser, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Martin Ejidike; and Chief Judge of FCT High Court and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Correctional Service Reform and Decongestion, Justice Ishaq Bello, during a press conference on the achievement of the committee in Abuja...yesterday

House Investigates Alleged Illegal Withdrawal of $1.05bn from NLNG Account by NNPC Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into the alleged illegal withdrawal of $1.05 billion from the account of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The House directed the investigation following the

adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu at the plenary yesterday.

The House therefore mandated, “its committee on public accounts to invite the managements of the NNPC as well as that of the NLNG to conduct a thorough investigation on activities that has taken place on the dividends account and report back to the

house in four weeks.”

Moving the motion, Elumelu said NLNG was incorporated as a limited liability company in 1989 with the aim of producing liquefied natural gas and natural gas liquids for export purposes and its production kickstarted in 1999.

He stressed that NLNG is jointly owned by the federal government with a shareholding

of 49 per cent, shell gas B.V 25.6 per cent, Total LNG Nigeria LTD 15% and ENI international 10.4per cent.

The minority leader noted that the dividends from the NLNG are supposed to be paid into the consolidated revenue funds account of the federal government and to be shared amongst the three tiers of government.

FG Frees 3,789 Inmates to Curb COVID-19 Spread Presidential committee releases 7,713 in three years The federal government has facilitated the release of 3,789 inmates in prisons nationwide as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus since the discovery of COVID-19 in the country.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malamimade this public yesterday while speaking

at an event meant to highlight the achievements of the Presidential Committee on Correctional Service Reform and Decongestion (formerly, Presidential Committee on Prisons Reform and Decongestion).

“As part of measures to decongest the custodial centres nationwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dangers posed to the centres, my

office, the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with Presidential Committee on Correctional Service and Decongestion, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy and State Executives and other relevant stakeholders were galvanised to develop measures to overcome the challenges. ”The initiatives adopted have so far led to the release of about

3,789 inmates, while simultaneously reducing the instances of unnecessary test and we intend to sustain this momentum.”

Malami noted that the Presidential Committee has since its establishment in October 2017 aided the release of a total of 7,713 from 39 prisons in 18 states that it has visited and appraised.

Buhari Seeks Senate’s Confirmation of 11 Judges for FCT Wants re-appointment of Danbatta as EVC of NCC Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has written formally to the Senate for the confirmation of 11 judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The request was contained in a letter read at plenary yesterday by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan.

The President’s letter reads:

“In accordance to Section 256(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under-listed names of eleven nominees as Judges of the High Court of the FCT, Abuja.

The nominees include: Abubakar Husseini Musa (Adamawa State); Edward Okpe (Benue State); Babashani

Abubakar (Borno State); Emuesiri Francis (Delta State); Jude Ogho (Delta State) and Josephine Enobi (Edo State).

Others are Christopher Opeyemi Oba (Ekiti State); Mohammed Idris (Kano State); Hassan Maryam Aliyu (Kebbi State); Fashola Akeem Adebowale (Lagos State); and Hamza Muazu (Niger State).

Senate Minority Whip, Senator Philip Aduda, while

relying on Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, however, objected to the absence of a nominee from the FCT. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, while coming under the same point of order, explained that the FCT already has Judges on the bench of the FCT High Court.

Lawan: Why We Declined to Declare Orji Kalu’s SeatVacant President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan yesterday explained why the Senate refused to yield to pressure to declare Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s s seat and position vacant during the period of his incarceration.

Lawan told leaders of thought from Abia State that what Senate did by preserving Kalu’s seat and his position was not extra-ordinary

but the right and just thing to do.

The delegation of the leaders of thought was at the National Assembly in Abuja to appreciate the Senate and its leadership for showing their concerns for Kalu during his incarceration.

Kalu was the Senate Chief Whip when a court in Lagos sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment in December 2019 for fraud

committed while he was Abia State Governor between 1999 and 2007.

Kalu spent six months in prison before he eventually regained his freedom and returned to the Senate following the Supreme Court’s judgment which nullified his conviction on grounds of lack of jurisdiction by the trial judge.

Lawan told his guests that “there was no way anybody could convince us in the Senate that somebody should take the Abia North seat because it wasn’t vacant.

“He (Kalu) was on several appeals and until he exhausted all the opportunities available to him, that seat remained his seat.

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NEWSEXTRA

Magu’s Arrest, Detention Reminder of the Vanity of Power, Says Ozekhome Alex Enumah in Abuja Human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has described the arrest, detention and alleged suspension of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, as a subtle reminder of the vanity of power.

Ozekhome who chronicled the ‘sins’ of Magu in the last five years as acting chairman of the anti-graft agency, emphasised the need for public officers and those in power to be cautious and always act within the bound of the law, adding that what goes around comes around.

“Last night, Magu was given his usual dolled-out treatment.

He was detained at a cold Police cell at the Police Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja. He

was even accosted on the way from his EFCC’s Formella Street office, Abuja, and driven away to Aso Villa, to face the presidential panel probing him on his alleged corruption infractions. The erstwhile roaring lion could not believe it. The chicken has finally come home to roost. The proud pursuer is now being pursued.

The assumed victor has become the victim”, Ozekhome said.

“This is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for temporary power wielders to act with moderation, modesty, circumspection and humility.

“This shows the transience and ephemerality of raw might and strength! The vanity and vain gloriousness of the illusion and delusion of grandeur of power and influence”, he added.

Ozekhome however pleaded

Ghana Reopens over 600 Nigerian Shops Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The President of National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Dr. Ken Ukaoha, has said thatover600shopsbelongingtoNigerian tradersinGhanahavebeenreopenedfor business by the Ghanaian government.

Nigerian traders in Ghana came under attack in that country and their shops had been under lock and key for over six months.

Ukaoha disclosed the reopening of the shops yesterday during his visit to the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.

A statement issued yesterday

by Mr. Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the commission, said Ukaoha’s visit to NIDCOM was to commend and appreciate Dabiri-Erewa for her untiring and unrelenting efforts in resolving the lockdown of Nigerian shops in Ghana for over six months.

On her part, Dabiri-Erewa commended President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that the intervention was multi-level especially at the highest level of diplomacy and bilateral relations between Ghana and Nigeria.

She urged Nigerian traders in Ghana to always obey the laws of their host country and conduct themselves with respect and dignity.

Executive Order 10 Tops Agenda as Govs Meet Today Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) will today hold their 12th teleconference since the outbreak of the COVID-19 to deliberate on issues of common concern.

Items top on the agenda include: Executive Order 10 which grants financial autonomy to the legislature and the judiciary in states as well as Nigeria’s economic sustainability, post-COVID-19, with special attention to the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), among others.

An invitation to the meeting

which was signed by the Director General of the NGF, Mr. Asishana Bayo Okauru to the governors lists the issues to be discussed at the meeting to include an update from the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his committee’s interface with the Presidential Task Force, on COVID-19, and its new emphasis on community spread, particularly regarding how best to mitigate the development.

This was contained in a statement signed by the NGFs Head, Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, in Abuja, yesterday.

ASCAB Backs Striking Doctors, Health Workers Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, (ASCAB) has thrown its weight behind the striking doctors and health workers across the country.

Health workers in Kaduna, Cross Rivers, Ekiti and Bayelsa states have embarked on industrial action to press home better conditions of service amidst rising cases of Coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of ASCAB, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), the body said the political leadership in the affected states should be held responsible for the consequences of the strike.

“We fully support the Doctors and health workers in the affected states. We stand with them hand-inhand. We oppose the unfortunate introduction of politics into public health. The State Governors and the ruling parties in the affected states have woefully failed to live up to public expectations” ASCAB said.

The group which is made up of some 80 civil society groups and labour, including the Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, (TUC) said it may be compelled to mobilise other health workers to join the striking Doctors in the states.

with Nigerians and those in authority, not to accord Magu the same shameless media trial as he did with most public officers accused of corruption.

He urged that Magu be presumed innocent until he has

been subjected to the due process of law, through a free and fair public trial.

“The fact that he did it to others did not and does not mean it was right. Two wrongs can never make a right. As I argued again and

again, like a broken record, the anti- corruption ‘war ‘ was never a regenerative and ethics-defining resurgimento war. It was purely a score -settler against rights activists, the opposition, public critics, plural voices and dissenters.

“The breeze has finally blown and the smelly backside of the fowl has been exposed. The following days and weeks will open up new vistas, the Pandora boxes and closed cupboards of decaying skeletons”, he added.

FIGHTING PANDEMIC...

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku (left), and Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Imo State, Hon. Willie Okolieogwo, during the handover of 27 ambulances donated by the state government to the 27 LGAs in the state, at Government House, Owerri...yesterday

Senate Passes Sexual Harassment, Police Act 2004 Bills Seeks single four- year term for IG

Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday passed the sexual harassment bill which stipulates a 14-year jail term for those found guilty of sexually harassing students in higher institutions and other related schools.

The upper legislative chamber also passed the Police Act 2004 Repeal bill, which provides for a single term of four years for

future Inspector-General of Police.

The passage of the bill for an Act to prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment of students in tertiary educational institutions was sequel to the consideration of the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters as presented by its Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

Bamidele in his presentation had said the piece of legislation

“attracted unprecedented support from not only distinguished senators as demonstrated by the 106 Senators that co-sponsored the bill but an overwhelming number of Nigerians who see the bill as a necessary legislative intervention that will bring sanity and good order to the educator-student relationship in our tertiary institutions.”

According to him, “the bill is not targeted at a particular community – the educators and that it does not

interfere with the autonomy of the universities – rather, it is intended to reposition and strengthen our tertiary educational institutions to maintain the core values of etiquette and excellence.”

Bamidele stated that contrary to ASUU’s claim that there are extant laws that can sufficiently address sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, the committee found that there are no such laws.

WITH N381/$1 EXCHANGE RATE ADJUSTMENT, FG, STATES GET MORE CASH “With the projected contraction of growth, Africa could suffer GDP losses in 2020 between $145.5 billion (baseline) and $189.7 billion (worst case), from the pre-COVID–19 estimated GDP of $2.59 trillion for 2020,” the AEO said.

Moreover, some losses could be carried over to 2021 as the projected recovery would be partial.

It said: “For 2021, the projected GDP losses could be from $27.6 billion (baseline) up to $47 billion (worst case) from the potential GDP of $2.76 trillion without the pandemic.”

The bank projected that the most affected economies would come from those with poor healthcare systems as well as those that relied heavily on tourism, international trade, commodity exports, those with high debt burdens and high dependence on volatile international financial flows.

The AEO also observed that the pandemic has already triggered an increase in inflation on the continent and in some cases by more than five per cent in the first quarter of 2020.

It attributed the rising inflation to the disruptions in the supply of food and energy, the bulk of which are imported. “Overall, although headline inflation, which includes food and basic energy

prices, would be expected to rise, core inflation might remain stable until demand picks up after the pandemic.

“The pandemic and its economic consequences are expected to trigger expansionary fiscal policy responses across all categories of economies in Africa.

The implied expansionary fiscal stance would further widen fiscal deficits in the continent.

“This worsening fiscal position would be the result of abovethe-line increases in budgetary outlay on COVID–19 related health spending, unemployment benefits, targeted wage subsidies and direct transfers, and tax cuts and deferrals,” it stated.

The AEO also showed that countries in Africa would witness higher debt-to-GDP ratios, which are projected to increase further by up to 10 percentage points beyond the pre-COVID trajectory in 2020 and 202.

It also predicted that remittances and foreign direct investment could plunge due to job losses abroad and wane in investors’ confidence.

The AfDB also advised African governments with fiscal space to help businesses and households to stay afloat through targeted temporary tax relief, cash transfers, and hardship allowances.

“Governments can support those who have been laid off

from their jobs or lost their livelihoods with measures such as cash transfers, an extension of the period for filing taxes for affected businesses or temporary subsidies to affected industries,” the bank said.

It noted that given the global scale of the pandemic and its repercussions, “governments and development partners must respond in a coordinated, targeted and rapid manner to be effective in limiting its impacts.”

It said: “Across Africa, the response must be well-sequenced and multipronged, involving a public health response to contain the spread of the virus and minimise fatalities and fiscal response to cushion the economic impacts of the pandemic on livelihoods and to assist businesses,” adding that “labour market policies to protect workers and their jobs, and structural policies to enable African economies to rebuild and enhance their resilience to future shocks” are needed.

It also recommended that African governments should address the structural bottlenecks that would make the continent more vulnerable to future shocks in order to prepare the continent for a post-COVID–19 world and enhance its resilience.

Morsy stated that the focus of the restructuring would be to

accelerate structural reforms that would rebuild Africa’s productive base and increase its productivity by addressing obstacles in the business environment.

This, according to her would require, “investing in human capital to build a workforce with the skills for engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

Sectors such as agro-processing, digital technologies, ICT-based services, and trade logistics require government intervention to improve their competitiveness.”

The AfDB also recommended that the government should address obstacles that have hindered the widening of the formal sector of the economy by easing business registration and adapting tax regimes that would encourage informal businesses, which could not join the formal sector due to the fear of being overwhelmed by administrative requirements and large tax bills.

It said: “Aggressive information campaigns can highlight the benefits of formalisation, such as access to capital and greater opportunity to expand operations and boost profits. Moreover, reform requires innovative approaches that are flexible and adapted to the needs of informal workers, such as allowing workers to contribute voluntarily to a retirement fund.”

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Federal Ministry of Sports Issues Disclaimer on Gusau’s DG The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (FMY&SD) has issued a disclaimer on one Mr. S.Y. Pepple who has allegedly been parading himself as the Director General of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

A statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, described the said Pepple as an impostor for parading himself as DG of the AFN, a nomenclature not recognised by the extant law setting up sports federations in Nigeria.

Mr. Pepple was appointed as Director General by the suspended President of AFN, Ibrahim Shehu Gusau to run his faction of the track and field body. Gusau also declared autonomy of the federation from the FMY&SD. But to put the record straight, the ministry decided to issue a disclaimer on the so-called DG yesterday. “This is to bring to the notice of the sporting public, MDAs and security agencies the impersonation of the office of the Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) by one Mr. Pepple SY who claims to be its Director General . “Nigeria has 38 national sporting federations under the supervision of the Ministry established under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Each federation is run by its elected Board members in accordance with its constitution without interference from the Ministry. In each national sports federation, the President is the head of and presides over its meetings and oversees the implementation of the policies and the directive of the board,� observed the statement issued by the FMY&SD. It further clarifies that the General Secretary is the chief administrative and chief accounting officer of the national sports federations. “There is no nomenclature as the Director General of a national sports federation. Mr. Pepple SY who is laying fraudulent claim to the Director General of the AFN was never seconded to the Ministry as required by law. “He has never worked in any sports federation nor seconded as Secretary General.

According to the national sports federation code of governance of 2017, Secretary General of the federations must be a civil servant and a graduate of Physical and Health Education, sports administrator or its equivalent before he/ she can be seconded by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in accordance with the National Sports Federation code of governance 2017 and AFN constitution of 2017.

The Statement further said:

Ikpeba Urges Man Utd to Sign Ndidi to Fortify Defence Duro Ikhazuagbe Former Nigeria and Monaco forward, Victor Nosa Ikpeba, believes Wilfred Ndidi’s switch from Leicester City to Manchester United will strengthen the Red Devils’ desire to compete favourably with champions Liverpool and Manchester City next season.

Ikpeba who since retiring from the game has become a regular pundit for pay tv channels, SuperSport, said during Monday Night Football programme that for Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to strengthen his backline, United needs a player in the mould of Ndidi. “They still need a central defender, Harry Maguire is good enough but he’s not a (Virgil) van Dijk. He needs someone to pair with him.

In front of the defence, they still need someone like Rodri, Fernandinho or Ndidi. You need someone there to support the defence,� observed the former Nigerian star fondly called Prince of Monaco.

The 1997 African Footballer of the Year is excited that after a tepid start to the season

Wilfred Ndidi

disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, United is getting back into the groove of chasing a UEFA Champions League spot.

He commended Solskjaer for fortifying the team’s strike force with Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo from Sporting CP and Shanghai Shenhua respectively in the January transfer window. Now, the Red Devils are unbeaten in 16 games since January.

He admitted that his problem with United was too much expectations from their fans. “The problem I have with Manchester United is that there was so much expectation at the beginning of the season but they were not able to cope with the pressure. “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is getting to know the squad, he’s getting better. “Up front, Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Martial - these are technically brilliant players,� concludes Ikpeba who helped Monaco win the league title, and also finished as the second-top goal-scorer in the 1996–97 UEFA Cup season.

To underline Manchester United’s attacking prowess, the Red Devils have scored five times or more on four occasions in their past 16 games. They only did that three times in the first 367 matches after Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

United with a game at hand are five points behind Chelsea who defeated Crystal Palace 3-2 last night in the race for the top four but they are fifth, which will be enough for a Champions League place if Manchester City’s European ban is upheld.

They are also still in the Europa League and FA Cup.

“The sporting public, MDAs, the International federations and agencies and security agencies should note that Mr. Pepple SY is not the Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. Mr.

Pepple SY is an impostor not known to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and by extension the Federal Government of Nigeria and the statutory extant law setting up the AFN. “He is hereby declared

persona non grata by the law setting up the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports,� the statement stressed.

It warned that: “anybody doing business with him on behalf of AFN does so at his

or her own risk. We are putting the security agencies on notice and specifically requesting the Inspector General of Police to immediately invite the said Mr. Pepple for questioning without further delay.�

Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal against Arsenal was disallowed as the Foxes held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium... yesterday

Tammy Abraham Pushes for Chelsea Pay Rise Nigerian-born British footballer, Tammy Abraham, is reported to be asking Chelsea for a new contract worth ÂŁ130,000-a-week to match that of his fellow academy graduate, Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Abraham, 22, who has scored 15 goals during a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge, has two years remaining on his current ÂŁ50,000-a-week deal.

According to UK’s The Times, Abraham has been waiting for Chelsea’s moves in the summer transfer market before deciding his future.

But if he is to remain at the club, Abraham has reportedly

been using Hudson-Odoi’s £120,000-a-week plus bonuses contract as a yardstick for his own salary.

New signing Timo Werner, the Germany international striker, agreed a five-year contract worth ÂŁ170,000-a-week ahead of next season.

Academy graduate Abraham enjoyed a fine start to the season but suffered a couple of minor injury setbacks before football shut down in March and the goals have dried up.

His last Chelsea goal came against Burnley on January 11 and Abraham was dropped by manager Frank Lampard

for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Watford.

Lampard isn’t yet concerned about Abraham’s contract situation, saying: ‘Tammy’s contract is not at a critical level and I will leave it to him and the club to discuss. “He has had a really good season. He needs to focus on giving us the Tammy we had earlier in the season when he was scoring regularly. “You could see it in his demeanour through the week, that is what he needs to sustain all the time,� stressed Lampard.

Abraham will face strong competition for this place from

ÂŁ47.5million signing Werner next season.

Tammy Abraham

Kamaru Usman Insists Two UFC Belts on the Line against Masvidal Nigeria-born Kamaru Usman is considering the ‘BMF Belt’ on the line this Saturday night in his fight with Jorge Masvidal, after he feels the contender has portrayed the one-off title as a legitimate trophy.

Usman meets Masvidal in the main event of UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi, and already it’s shaping up to be an incredibly anticipated encounter.

Despite the well-known grudge between the pair, the

Auchi-Edo State born champion Usman is maintaining his calm ahead of the fight and claiming Masvidal’s late introduction doesn’t shake him. “At the end of the day, when you’re in training camp, the way that I train, you see no face,� Usman said, speaking to TMZ Sports. “At the end you see no face. I have to be ready that when I cross into that Octagon, I have to turn on the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ and leave Kamaru Usman on the outside. And, so I see no

face by the time I’m in there anyway. “Now it’s a little extra push to go in there and really do some damage. It didn’t make no difference. “The fight will go a specific way and that’s the way I want it to go. I’m dominant from start to finish in each and every one of my fights and I say that. “Even in that last Covington fight, yeah, I took some licks but I was still dominant in every way. I controlled the fight until I put him out. That’s how I

fight,� boasts the prized fighter.

As for the BMF belt, Usman said they should bring it because he thinks Masvidal and his team have done talking about it. “They’re saying it’s a BMF — they’re really considering this a real title. Kind of like an interim thing, they’re really considering this a title. So you know what?

After I go out there and beat his a-s and ragdoll him, that sh-t is coming home with me so I can throw it in my closet,� concludes champion Usman.

Twists in Napoli’s Chase of Osimhen Lille star eyeing move to either Man Utd or Arsenal

There appears to be a twist in Napoli’s quests to sign Nigeria and Lille scoring sensation Victor Osimhen as reports have emerged in Italy that the youngster has his eyes elsewhere.

According to Football Italia, Osimhen is set to reject Napoli’s mega offer in preference of a move to either Manchester

United or Arsenal.

The 21 years old Lille forward has been pursued by Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli for months now.

Osimhen met boss Gattuso and was even invited to club President Aurelio De Laurentiis’ home on the island of Capri.

On leaving, the striker asked for a few days to think about his

next move.

But after weeks of being charmed by Napoli, Osimhen is on the verge of knocking them back in order to try to force a move to the Premier League.

Napoli had agreed to a ÂŁ46million fee to sign Osimhen.

The Serie A giants, who’ve endured a horror season by their

high standards, were also said to have offered him a monster salary.

Osimhen has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s top prospects.

The eight-cap Nigeria international has scored 18 goals in just 38 games for Lille this season while laying on six assists.

Wednesday July 8, 2020

TR

UT H

& RE A SO

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Wike to Ganduje “If Nigeria is supposed to be a country, who is supposed to be isolated? A man who pockets dollar in babariga from contractors is not isolated and you say that me should be isolated. In this country where are we heading to?” – Governor Nyesom Wike hitting back at Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, for saying that he would isolate him during the Edo governorship election.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

COVID-19 Drama in Cross River and Kogi

T

he public health essence of the precautions taken against coronavirus is, perhaps, most exemplified by the wearing of masks.

This has been well stressed in the sensitisation carried out by public and private bodies about the spread of novel virus.

The campaign goes like this: you should wear the mask not only for your own personal protection, but also for the protection of people around you.

In other words, what is really involved is not only the personal health of the individual , but also, on a larger note, the health of all members of the community. Many lives are put at risk when an infectious disease ravages the land. That’s why it is expected of governments at all levels to take public health administration seriously with a focus on the whole community.

This is even more so in a period of emergency of the magnitude brought about by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, eight months ago.

In this light, it might be unpardonable to simply dismiss as absurd the public health administration turned drama in Cross River and Kogi states because many lives are at stake.

Instead, what is taking place in the two states should be viewed as a national tragedy precisely because of the public health emergency.

Without any scientific proof, Governors Yahaya Bello and Ben Ayade of Kogi and Cross River respectively declared their states “coronavirus -free.”

The two governors have elected not to follow science on this issue.

They rather prefer to politicise public health in their states. Incidentally, Bello is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) while Ayade belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

So, there is no partisan streak to this denial of coronavirus.

This drama is being staged without due sensitivity to the implications for the well-being of the people.

In making their queer declarations the governors have invoked federalist principles to rebuff legitimate interventions from federal agencies.

On Monday, the minister of health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, made a national appeal that “politics and religion” should be taken out of the fight against the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

The events in Cross River and Kogi states shouldn’t be viewed merely as tragicomedy because these events are taking place at a time the nation is witnessing a spike in the spread of the disease. Three months ago, fewer than 2,000 cases of coronavirus infection were reported in Nigeria. Today, more than 29, 000 have been reported as testing positive for the virus with about 654 deaths.

This was the basis of the 17-man team of the federal ministry of health that left for Calabar two days ago to have an “appropriate technical handshake” with their state counterparts, according to the health minister. The delegation comprised experts from the departments of the ministry of health including hospital services and family health as well as the NCDC. The minister also commendably called on

Ayade

Bello

doctors in Cross Rivers to suspend their strike. Earlier the doctors had addressed a petition to the minister. According to the doctors, the public health implications of the crisis caused by coronavirus are hardly grasped with the response of the Cross River state government. The Cross River state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) protested the non-reflection of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state in the daily figures released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The doctors insist that some patients have tested positive for coronavirus in the state.

Specifically, the state NMA chairman, Dr. Agam Ayuk, has accused the NCDC of withholding the reports of five cases of COVID-19 from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). The test was allegedly conducted at a molecular laboratory at the Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The reports were reportedly transmitted to the UCTH. It was only on Monday that the NCDC confirmed these five cases of coronavirus in Cross River.

Besides, the doctors have also a queried the seeming clumsiness in the testing process.

The current procedure is to first have epidemiological code numbers generated by the Cross River State Ministry of Health.

The samples are forwarded by UCTH to a molecular laboratory approved by the NCDC. The Cross River doctors also want isolation centres established as well as the activation of the one in Adiabo.

However, by the proclamation of Governor Ayade, no one has tested positive for coronavirus in his state.

In fact, the state health commissioner, Dr. Betta Edu, once alleged on television that officials of NCDC bribed some patients in the state to claim that they had tested positive for coronavirus. According to her, the agency wanted to generate figures by all means for its daily updates on the pandemic. You wonder what purpose exactly would be served by asking patients to make false claims of infection!

To be fair to Ayade, he is encouraging mass production of masks which are made compulsory for residents to wear in the state. The degree of compliance is yet to be

determined. So enthusiastic was Ayade about masks that he once said that “with masks, you don’t need social distancing.” Yet, this is a negation of the universal protocol on mask as precaution. Ayade, a Ph.D holder in environmental microbiology, even claimed some expertise in making such a statement.

The governor once kept vigil at the border in the bid to prevent coronavirus slipping into his state.

Now, he has requested for the services of the immigration from Abuja for border patrol in the marine area.

It is difficult to decipher any coherent public health administration in all the theatrics being staged in Cross River.

Before the mission to Calabar on Monday, there was one to Lokoja, Kogi State, in May that failed woefully.

Like Governor Ayade, Governor Bello has also insisted that Kogi Sate, as a geo-political unit, is immune to coronavirus. He once threatened to quarantine NCDC officials visiting the state for testing and contact-tracing purposes.

At least on one occasion, the events turned violent in Kogi. The security of the staff at a federal medical centre in the state is reportedly being beefed up after attacks.

Even when prominent personalities in the state were reported to have died of COVID-19, Bello has insisted that the novel virus is barred from Kogi state.

Although Bello is an accountant, he has been making authoritative statements on coronavirus as if he is a virologist or an epidemiologist. The other day he declared the pandemic a “hoax” like President Donald Trump would say in the United States.

Perhaps the most outrageous moment was on March 25, when Yahaya Bello puts the matter in a video on his Facebook page like this: “The 90% of the noise about COVID-19 is for political, economic , financial (and) material gain. The other 10% (has to do with), ordinary flu like common colds … generally.”

Yet, this is no time for shenanigans. A period of public health emergency of this nature should logically compel studious coordination among different tiers of government. After all, it is the same public that the respective governments serve with varying jurisdictions.

By the way, the NMA ought to sanction

doctors holding political offices who join their governors to rubbish scientific positions.

To be sure, apart from the two state governments, the federal government is also responsible for the unacceptable state of affairs.

It is inexplicable that Abuja seems helpless as the health of the people of Kogi and Cross River are put at risk by some state governments.

Perhaps, the federal government too is shy to intervene decisively because of the material implications of such interventions.

The federal government should be prepared to adequately fund its interventions in the public interest.

For clarity, the seeming lack of effective coordination of things is not for lack of enabling laws.

It is simply due to governance limitations.

Following the 1918 Flu Pandemic, the colonial government came up with the Quarantine Act of 1926. So, barely 12 years after the amalgamation, even the colonial government showed some consideration for the public health of Nigeria. The 1926 law was incorporated into the laws of Nigeria after independence in 1960.

Although the NCDC was established in 2011, it was only in 2018 that the NCDC Act came into effect with enormous responsibilities given to the agency to coordinate activities relating to the control of infectious diseases.

As a matter fact, one of most informed criticisms of the controversial Infectious Disease Bill before the National Assembly is that with the NCDC Act of 2018, there is practically enough legal basis already for a government that is serious about infectious control to act appropriately. In effect, there is no justification for the uncreative importation of a 37-year old law from Singapore.

The federal government has enough powers to mount an effective control of the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria.

In the !999 Constitution, quarantine is the 54th item on th exclusive legislative list.

When President Muhammadu Buhari issued executive orders to impose lockdowns in parts of the country, it was on the basis of the existing laws.

On the basis of the same existing laws the President could also put a stop to the drama going on Cross River and Kogi to ensure that the national public health protocols are enforced.

At least, the federal government should protect its agencies carrying out legitimate duties in states during this emergency. No one should have the right to endanger the lives of others by spreading the disease in the community. And no sub-national government should be permitted to create the atmosphere for such anarchy.

The President should muster the political will to act on the basis of the law and protect the people of Kogi and Cross River states.

The responses of Governors Bello and Ayade to this pandemic are putting the health of not only the people in their states at risk, but also the rest of the country if not humanity.

The governors should be frankly told that coronavirus is ravaging the whole world in a chilling reminder of our common humanity.

The virus doesn’t even respect the sovereignty of nations, much less the autonomy of subnational units in a federalist arrangement.

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