FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST 2020

President Intensifies Efforts to Pass Petroleum Industry Bill Lobbies National Assembly to suspend recess to consider proposed law Peter Uzoho President Muhammadu Buhari has intensified efforts to ensure the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said yesterday, explaining that there are ongoing talks with the National Assembly for the federal lawmakers to consider

suspending their annual recess to expedite the passage of the bill.

Sylva said his ministry, headed by Buhari, had finished the drafting work

while the Ministry of Justice had also finished aligning the bill with the existing laws in the industry.

The minister stated this yesterday at a webinar

organised by the Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), with the theme: “Fiscal Regime Design, Government Revenue and Investors Interest in

Nigeria Oil and Gas Sector.”

According to him, what is left now is for the lawmakers to receive the draft and move Continued on page 10

Nigeria’s Electricity Transmission Peaks at 5,420mw... Page 8 Friday 21 August, 2020 Vol 25. No 9265. Price: N250

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Coup in Mali Threatens Peace, Security of W’Africa, Says Buhari Seeks unconditional release of Keita Calls for stricter sanctions against coupists Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday called for the unconditional release of ousted President Ibrahim Keita of Mali, saying the development in the Sahelian nation, which led to the toppling of the government poses grave consequences for peace and security in West Africa, adding that it is a setback for regional diplomacy.

He condemned what he described as the unconstitutional change of government in Mali and called on the military that unseated the civilian government to act responsibly and ensure restoration of constitutional order, peace and stability.

Buhari, who yesterday joined his colleagues from West Africa to discuss the Continued on page 10

Christian Leaders Weigh Options on CAMA Calls on Buhari to suspend implementation

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commenced consultations with Christian leaders to determine the next action to take in order to get the federal government to reverse the provision of

new Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020 signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari recently, which empowers the federal government to appoint acting trustees for non-profit and nongovernmental organisations in the event of a complaint of Continued on page 10

LEADING CHARGE AGAINST COUP… President Muhammadu Buhari during a virtual extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on Mali’s socio-political situation in Abuja…yesterday

Akpabio Fights Back, Seeks Probe of NDDC’s N15tn Allocations... Page 5

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NEWS Akpabio Fights Back, Seeks Probe of NDDC’s N15tn Allocations

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday fought back the push against him, criticising the limited scope of the National Assembly's inquest into the financial activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

According to him, the probe should not be restricted to between February and July 2020 that’s currently the mandate of the National Assembly, but should be a comprehensive probe of the interventionist agency's 19 years of existence.

The NDDC, he said, received over N15 trillion in the last 19 years, with nothing to justify the huge funds, wondering why the lawmakers decided

to probe five months' activities in the commission.

Speaking when members of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) visited him in Abuja, yesterday, Akpabio noted that discretionary probe would not address the problem of the commission, which he described as a cesspit of corruption.

He, however, assured Niger Delta residents and the country that the outcome of the ongoing forensic audit would expose the magnitude of the rot in the commission.

The minister said: “In the quest to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission, and bring development and succour to the Niger Delta region, you will never walk alone. That is what I think out of

NDDC. And I am very excited about it.

“Things have started so fast that I have started wondering that is it that the voices have been drawn? Is it that the voices of the masses are wearing now?

Is it because of the mask we are wearing now Nigerians and Niger Deltans can no longer talk? Or is it that I am a mad man, who has seen the reason to move the region forward.

Is it that people are not aware that NDDC for instance has existed for the past 20 years?

“Why can’t people ask questions? How come it is only now that the noise is louder? How come it is only now that even our parliament

has found it necessary to conduct a selective probe of NDDC? Instead of beginning from the inception, year 2001, they are now doing five months probe out of almost 20 years of existence.

“Why? NDDC has been in existence since 1999. What is really happening now? How is it all petitions on earth are happening? When the wind blows, it blows along with answer.

“But I had an interview with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and that was sometime in October /November 2019.

Shortly after Mr. President ordered forensic audit of NDDC, I was on NTA and

I pointed out that as soon as this forensic audit commences, that hell would be let loose."

According to him, during the interview, he predicted petitions would be filed against the activities of NDDC while its officials would be accused of various wrongdoings.

"You will hear shout, you will hear accusations and you will hear false accusations. In fact, they would start campaign of calumny, not just against the minister, not just against the ministry, even against Mr. President himself for daring to ask for forensic audit.

“To have received this commendations and confidence vote from the leadership of the

IPMAN, we are not working alone. That in spite the noise and false accusations and all that, the Niger Deltans are with me and the Ministry of Niger Delta. We give God glory," he stated.

He said the orchestration against him and the NDDC Interim Management Committee (IMC) was so organised and well-funded “that you hardly open a newspaper and you don’t see a screaming headline, and all they are talking now is corruption in five months; not corruption in 19 years and seven months. Those ones were period of bliss and period of success in the NDDC.”

Finally, Senate Begins Constitution Review Draft revised constitution to be ready 2021

Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja Six months after its inauguration, the Senate’s Constitution Review Committee held its inaugural meeting yesterday with a pledge that the draft of the revised 1999 Constitution will be ready in 2021.

However, the House of Representatives said it would soon constitute its constitution review committee.

The 58-member Senate committee, headed by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, was inaugurated on February 12, 2020, by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan.

Speaking at the first meeting of the Ad hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution yesterday in Abuja, Omo-Agege said the committee would work towards presenting its report to the Senate plenary at the end of the first quarter of 2021.

According to him, the assignment is one that must be carried out jointly with the House of Representatives, apart from other stakeholders in the various Houses of Assembly and members of the public.

He added that he's in touch with his counterpart in the House to work out the modalities for a harmonious working relationship.

He said the secretariat had identified many areas that needed review in the 1999 Constitution from the engagements in the past.

He listed key areas to include "the need to make the constitution more gender-friendly and affirm equal rights to women and girls, the need to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Federal Character Commission (FCC) and other oversight agencies, the need to address the challenges of residency and indigeneship.''

Others, he said, are, "the need to address the federal structure of the country to be in tandem with our history and modern realities, the need to revisit socioeconomic and cultural rights as entrenched in Chapter 2 of the constitution as fundamental principles of state policy, electoral reforms to make our electoral system credible, free and fair; fiscal federalism and revenue allocation and comprehensive

judicial reforms.''

Omo-Agege added that the compilations of all the constitution alteration bills referred to them and gazetted are being collated for consideration.

He said: ''As you all know, we are on recess but the fact that we are here today to deliberate on the assignment of the constitutional review underscores the importance that we attach to this responsibility.

The steering committee of the Ad hoc committee comprising all principal officers of the Senate held two meetings on the 26th of February, 2020 and on the 3rd of June 2020, respectively to work out the modalities for carrying out this very important national assignment.' ''Among the major fallout or outcome of the meetings were that the el-Rufai report on restructuring and 2014 Constitutional Conference report were recommended to be part of the committee’s working documents, which have been obtained by the secretariat of the committee for duplication and circulation to members.' ''In pursuant of this, our secretariat has obtained all the bills for the alteration of the constitution referred so far to our counterparts in the House of Representatives and we have transmitted ours to them for further legislative activities. Over the years, the National Assembly had identified a piecemeal approach to the alteration of the 1999 Constitution. This constitution review process presents another opportunity for Nigerians to look at these issues again.''

The House of Representatives is, however, yet to constitute its committee on constitution review.

The House, however, gave an assurance that the committee, which will be chaired by the House Deputy Speaker, Hon Idris Wase, will soon commence work.

The Press Secretary to the deputy speaker, Mr. Mohammed Umar-Puma, told THISDAY that the committee would soon be inaugurated.

"The House and the Senate are always doing the same thing, so anytime soon we will start.

There’s no problem; we are just taking our time, we will definitely commence soon,'' he said.

WORKING ON FISCAL STRATEGY… Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola (left), and President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, during the public hearing on 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework And Fiscal Strategy Paper in Abuja...yesterday

Edo Poll: PDP Urges UN, EU, to Sanction Gambari, Oshiomhole Deplores alleged plot to clamp down on opposition leaders Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday charged the United Nation (UN), the European Union (EU) and other international bodies to place visa restriction on the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, and other individuals as punishment for allegedly plotting to truncate democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, at a press conference in Abuja also accused APC leaders of plots to use fake police and army to rig the September 19 governorship election in Edo State.

Secondus described Nigeria as a police state, saying that the federal government has put in place measures to muzzle free press and freedom of speech.

He also called on the National Assembly to probe how and why the presidential villa has become a place where plots to destroy democracy is being hatched.

The PDP's position was informed by the ongoing controversy over a video that has gone viral in which Gambari and Oshiomhole were allegedly plotting how to rig the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.

In the video, which the presidency has dismissed as fake, Oshiomhole was allegedly telling Gambari to arrest top PDP leaders in Edo State to facilitate APC being victorious in the election.

However, despite the presidency's clarification and assurances by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair poll in the state, the PDP called on the international community to deny visas to members of the APC for plotting to endanger democracy and enthrone bad governance.

At the press conference, Secondus, surrounded by all members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, said: "We wish to also, draw the attention of the international community to this gross abuse of power

to undermine the democratic process by critical staff that should defend it. We demand appropriate sanction of the individuals involved in this anti-democratic act; they should be given visa restrictions to any democratic countries.

"The interest and will of the people of Edo State should be paramount in all decisions and that should guide any action either by the INEC or the government. PDP remains vehemently opposed to any postponement of Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

September 19 and October 10 should be sacrosanct."

He appealed to Nigerians to declare anybody or group working to truncate the ongoing electoral processes in Edo and Ondo States as enemies of democracy.

According to him, notwithstanding any plot to rig the Edo election, the PDP and its leaders will not allow the Kogi, Kano, Ekiti or Osun scenarios to play out in Edo State.

He said: "Let it be known, and clearly too, that the PDP is standing shoulder-to-shoulder

with the people of Edo State to resist Oshiomhole's fake police and other fake security operatives they are planning to import into Edo for the September 19 election.

“Nothing, and indeed, nothing will by any means whatsoever, be allowed to bend the will of the people in this Edo governorship election.

"We are deeply saddened that under the watch of an elected President Muhammadu Buhari who is a huge beneficiary of democracy, the nation's highest seat of power is being used for the hatching of plans to undermine democracy.

"The Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, is such a strategic staff that when he is involved in any underhand thing, the president cannot free himself from it. The PDP is, therefore, calling on the National Assembly to call for the tape of the video and examine thoroughly its content with a view to acting appropriately."

Secondus stated that the constitution and the Electoral Act are against any bid to undermine democracy by clamping down on the opposition.

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Nigeria’s Electricity Transmission Peaks at 5,420mw Buhari approves fresh tenure for NDPH boss Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos The Nigeria’s power sector has recorded another milestone in improving the supply chain as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday announced another improved all-time national peak of 5,420.30 megawatts.

The company in a statement by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, said the entire power was transmitted through the national grid at a frequency of 50.10Hz at 9:15 pm on August 18, 2020.

“This is the highest ever recorded in the nation’s power sector to-date, surpassing the previous peak of 5,377.80MW recorded on August 1, 2020, by 42.50MW,” the company said.

However, despite the feat,

load-shedding, a way of ensuring that the available generation is equitably allocated to distribution companies nationwide to create a balance and avert grid instability has remained a norm in the power supply system.

Nigeria, with an estimated population of 200 million, has continued to generate only a fraction of its electricity needs, thus weakening major its economic development efforts.

To ameliorate the agelong problem, the federal government recently signed an agreement with Germany, represented by Siemens AG, to overhaul the three power value chains in order to deliver stable, reliable and quality power to the people. It has paid over N8 billion as its initial counterpart financing for the five-year project.

Although the TCN did not specifically mention how the new peak was attained, it noted it was upbeat about the new development, attributing it to the '’efforts” of the current administration.

“The gradual but steady improvement in electricity delivery in the nation’s power sector is attributable to the keen interest of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in piloting programmes and projects geared towards growing the power sector as well as the collective effort

of all power sector players in the value chain.

“TCN is committed to working assiduously to further stabilise, rehabilitate and expand the grid and urges Nigerians to lend their support by safeguarding electricity installations nationwide,” Mbah added.

Commenting on the feat, the chief executive officer of one of the distribution companies told THISDAY off the record that the Discos could distribute over 6,000MW. “Go and read the

Siemens’ report. The report acknowledged that the Discos have the potentials to attain 11,000MW capacity. In 2015, the System Operator of the TCN also carried out a stress test of the Discos and noted that the Discos have over 6,000MW capacity. So, we have the capacity but the problem is that we don’t have enough to distribute,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the president has approved the renewal of the appointment of Mr. Joseph Ugbo as the Managing Director of Niger Delta Power

Holding Company (NDPH) as well as Babayo Shehu and Ifeoluwa Oyedele as executive directors respectively.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, said that the renewal would take effect from August 25 for a period of four years.

“The appointment of three additional directors has also been approved for more effective and efficient coverage of the company’s areas of activity” it stated.

FG Approves N13.3bn for Community Policing Take-off Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The federal government yesterday announced the approval of N13.3 billion for the take-off of community policing nationwide.

The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, rising from a virtual meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja, mandated the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and two of his colleagues to meet with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha; the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to coordinate the proper utilisation of the fund.

A statement by Osinbajo's spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, said the NEC resolution was the outcome of the presentation of its ad-hoc committee's report on security and policing chaired by Fayemi.

He said the committee reported that engagement with key stakeholders on the actualisation of community policing in different parts of the country was ongoing.

The council, Akande said, deliberated on persistent security crisis ravaging the country, especially the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-east, which he said had remained a major challenge.

The statement added: "Accordingly, the committee would be meeting further as the need arises to update the council on the progress being made to address insecurity and criminality in the country.

"Council was informed that the president has approved a sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of community policing in the country.

"The VP then asked that a small team comprising the NGF chair, two additional governors, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Finance Minister and the Inspector General of Police should meet to ensure that the federal government's funding

is well utilised," the statement stated.

Akande said the council also received reports on COVID-19 situation in the country; flood disaster risk management and reimbursement of state governments on funds spent on rehabilitation of federal highways.

The statement added: "Responding to two presentations on the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: one by NEC’s ad hoc committee interfacing with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, and the other by Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, the state governors commended the efforts and commitment of the federal government in containing the spread of the pandemic and supporting states’ response capacity through various interventions.

"The NCDC report indicates that the positivity rate has fallen from 19.7 per cent in June to 13.7 per cent in August 2020, while a number of states with testing laboratories increased from 2 to 32, including the FCT." The statement quoted the report presented to the council as saying, “the average tests per day have risen from 500 at the onset of the outbreak to 3,500 today, while the daily laboratory testing capacity increased to 10,000."

The statement said among the recommendations made to the council was "that states and FCT should engage the services of the respected community influencers such as the heads of 'area boys,' market women, and villagers in disseminating the same message to the grassroots using different modes/ media that are common to such people and could easily attract their attention."

Ahmed also reported to NEC balances in the federation accounts as of August 18.

According to him, the balances are: $72,408,119.44 in excess crude account (ECA); N44, 207, 377,11 0.34 in stabilisation account and N144, 047, 195, 020.54 in natural resources account."

HOUSING FOR THE PEOPLE… L-R: Managing Director, Family House Fund, Mr. Femi Adewole; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; and Commissioner for Housing, Chief Jamiu Omoniyi, during the real estate company’s courtesy visit to the governor in Abeokuta…yesterday

FG, States, LGs Share N676.40bn FAAC Allocation N1tn released for capital expenditure Deji Elumoye and Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed a total of N676.407 billion revenue for July to the federal, state and local governments as well as relevant agencies.

Besides, the federal government, in the first seven months of the year, has released N1 trillion for the execution of capital projects.

The FAAC allocation committee, at a virtual meeting chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Mahmud Isa-Dutse, said in a communiqué that the gross statutory revenue of N543.788 billion was received for July.

This was higher than the N524.526 billion received in the previous month by N19.262 billion.

The gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N132.619 billion as against N128.826 billion in the preceding month, resulting in an increase of N3.793 billion.

From the total distributable revenue of N676.407 billion; the federal government received N273.189 billion, states got N190.849 billion while the local government councils received N142.761

billion.

Similarly, oil-producing states received N42.851 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue while two sub-heads, including the cost of collection and transfers to relevant agencies got N26.757 billion.

From the gross statutory revenue of N543.788 billion, the federal government received N254.688 billion; state governments, N129.181 billion and the local government councils, N99.593 billion.

The sum of N42.851 billion was given to the relevant states as 13 per cent derivation revenue and N17.474 billion was the collective total for the cost of revenue collection by revenue agencies.

The federal government also received N18.500 billion from VAT revenue of N132.619 billion, state governments received N61.668 billion, local government councils got N43.168 billion, while the cost of revenue collection and transfers collectively got an allocation of N9.283 billion.

Further details of the reference month showed that oil and gas royalty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and VAT increased considerably while Companies Income Tax (CIT), Import and Excise Duty recorded decreases.

The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) as at August 19, stood $72.408 million, the communiqué said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has said the federal government has evolved fiscal measures aimed at improving the nation's revenue base following the financial crisis occasioned by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Agba, who represented the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, at the public hearing organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning on the 2021-2023 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), added that the federal government in the first seven months of this year released N1 trillion for the execution of capital projects.

He said government was also improving the tax administration framework to optimise government revenue, adding that this has been a major thrust of the administration’s Strategic Revenue Growth Initiative (SRGI).

According to him, “We have included in the 2021 – 23 MTEF/FSP, a Tax Expenditure

Statement (TES) overview which seeks to dimension the cost of tax waivers/ concessions, and evaluate their policy effectiveness.”

He said in order to enhance independent revenue generation and collection, the government will optimise the potential, operational and collection efficiency of Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) with a view to generating higher revenues required to fund the federal government budget.

“Current sub-optimal revenue performance of GOEs will be addressed through the effective implementation of the enhanced performance management framework.

“The key elements of the reform initiative include performance contracts for chief executive officers (CEOs) and key management staff members, which will set financial indicators and targets for each GOE. “The cost-to-revenue ratio of GOEs has, by a presidential directive, been limited to a maximum of 60 per cent-70 per cent while regular monitoring and reporting of revenue and expenditure performance of GOEs will be undertaken by both the Budget Office of the Federation and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation."

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PAGE TEN COUP IN MALI THREATENS PEACE, SECURITY OF W’AFRICA, SAYS BUHARI military coup in Mali called for tougher sanctions against Mali as measures to force the military to restore the country to democratic rule.

Some soldiers had rebelled on Tuesday and staged a coup, arresting Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse.

Keita announced his resignation in a live broadcast on Wednesday.

Earlier in his official twitter handle, @MBUHARI, the president had condemned the action of the coupists.

“The events in Mali are great setbacks for regional diplomacy, with grave consequences for the peace and security of West Africa. It is time for the unconstitutional ‘authority’ in Mali to act responsibly and ensure restoration of constitutional order, peace and stability.

“A politically stable Mali is paramount and crucial to the stability of the sub-region. We must all join efforts, ECOWAS, the AU, the UN and other stakeholders, and work together until sanity returns to Mali with the restoration of civil administration,” he tweeted.

Also, while addressing the virtual extraordinary session of ECOWAS leaders to discuss

the ouster of a democratic government in Mali, Buhari described the military rule as an aberration, which must not be allowed to stand.

Buhari said he was saddened by the coup, which he described as a setback "for regional diplomacy, which has grave consequences for the peace and security of West Africa."

According to him, the military has no place in governance and military rule runs contrary to the protocol of ECOWAS on democracy and good governance.

He implored ECOWAS leaders to ensure that "this dastardly act" does not stand, adding that Nigeria upholds the principles of ECOWAS protocol on good governance and democracy.

He said: "Indeed, it saddens me greatly as we meet today to discuss the turn of events in Mali, which commenced on Tuesday this week, where President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, his prime minister and senior members of his government were arrested, resulting in the forcible resignation of the president as well as the dissolution of the parliament. Both acts are illegal and stand condemned.

"The action of the military runs counter to the letter and spirit of ECOWAS protocol on good governance and democracy in which unconstitutional change of governments is prohibited.

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government should not allow this dastardly act to stand. Nigeria stands by the provisions of the protocol on good governance and democracy.

"Mali has been in political turmoil since the results of the parliamentary elections were announced in March this year.

ECOWAS interventions, through a series of efforts by ministers, the special envoy and chief mediator and a group of heads of state of our organisation as well as an extraordinary summit did not yield positive results. Today, Mali has not only descended into political chaos but also socio-economic and security disaster with potentially tragic consequences to Mali and the sub-region.

"I am pleased that ECOWAS, EU, UN and France issued strongly-worded statements against the action of the Malian military. The events in Mali are great setbacks for regional diplomacy, which have grave

consequences for the peace and security of West Africa.

I am pleased, therefore, that this extraordinary summit, holding to discuss pathways to the debacle we face today in Mali, is most timely and appropriate."

According to him, aside from the closure of ECOWAS borders with Mali, a series of regime of sanctions should be imposed on the country to heighten pressure on the military to restore democracy.

The president lamented that coup d’état was staged in Mali despite a series of efforts made

by ECOWAS, the special envoy of the sub-regional body and Nigeria's former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, foreign groups and individuals to resolve the impasse.

He said if all parties to the crisis had abided by recommendations made to resolve the imbroglio, the country would not have been driven to the level it is today.

He called for the release of the ousted president and his allies who have been detained since their ouster.

Buhari advocated support for all consultations being made by the Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Niger Republic,

Mr. Mahamadou Issoufou, with ECOWAS, African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), noting that the AU and UN had subscribed to ECOWAS protocol on good governance.

He said: "The closure of borders already called for by ECOWAS should be our first line of action. We need to isolate a series of sanction regimes that can create and sustain sufficient pressures on the military to force a return to constitutional governance.

"The critical issues for resolution in the Malian crisis had been aptly captured as the four-point pathways to peace.

Within that context, and if all parties to the crisis were to abide by those recommendations, the developments now on the ground would have been avoided.

"The action of the military in Mali has regrettably hoisted on us as a sub-region, the need to decide the options that will be consistent with the provisions of the protocol on good governance and democracy, which ECOWAS, AU and the UN subscribe to. In this context, therefore, Nigeria believes that President Keita and other detainees should be released unconditionally and

with immediate effect.

"Furthermore, we strongly support the efforts of our chairman, President Mahamadou Issoufou, for wider, regional and continental consultations with ECOWAS, AU and UN in adopting strong measures to promoting the early restoration of constitutional order, peace and stability in Mali.

"Military involvement in governance, in whatever guise, is an aberration that has no place in managing the business of government that suspends the constitution and with it, democratic institutions. It is time for the unconstitutional 'authority' in Mali to act responsibly and do the needful by heeding to the above recommendations."

Buhari said the political stability of Mali was paramount to the stability of the entire West African sub-region, adding that hence, ECOWAS, AU and the UN could not afford to fold their arms while the situation worsens.

He also said the condemnations of the three groups were well appreciated and called for sustainable resistance to force the military to relinquish power.

“Investors in existing assets will be able to sign conversion contracts to obtain better terms for existing production, and to be able to explore and produce part of the existing blocks under the new block terms.”

Sylva decried the poor investment and development in the midstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and urged investors to invest in the sector.

On whether the government will continue to encourage investment and remove monopoly in the gas sub-sector, he explained that the PIB when passed will make it impossible to encourage monopoly in the sub-sector.

“Though only a few operators are existing in the gas subsector, we will not promote monopoly,” Sylva said, adding that the ministry is receiving enquiries from investors eyeing opportunities in the pipeline business.

“The PIB will provide a framework for increased petroleum industry activities in terms of developing gas for the domestic market and increasing oil production under competitive terms and support the goal of a stronger non-oil economy for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Sylva stated.

On his mandate to increase the nation’s production capacity to three million barrels per day,

the minister said he was looking forward to ramping up the nation’s production volume.

He, however, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with oil production cuts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), have restrained Nigeria's desire to hit the production target.

Sylva expressed optimism that with the expectation from Bonga South and West, coupled with the plan to embark on another major bid round after the marginal field bid round, Nigeria will be able to attain the target of producing three million barrels per day, particularly when the PIB has been passed into law.

"If you cannot give us good amenities of life, we would not allow you to take away our liberty to worship our maker.

"What good thing again will you not take away from the people in the name of being in power? Are we not running a democracy which is a government of the people by the people and for the people?

Is this not gradually becoming a dictatorship or what was the essence of the public hearing you called us to when you had made up your mind not to consider the position of Christians at all which we presented during the public hearing?”

CAN called on well-meaning Nigerians to ask the federal government to suspend the law “because we do not need it in this nation."

always heed to the lawmakers’ invitations to public hearings and as well as monitor any sector they are involved in.

He said: ''The Companies Allied Matters Act didn’t start with this 9th Assembly, it started with the 8th Assembly and it’s being on for about two years; there was enough time for recommendations to be made for the bill before it became an Act. “There was public hearing; the process of lawmaking includes public hearing so that there can be an opportunity for interested parties to express themselves on what they don’t like about a particular bill to be considered before its passage and no law is a perfect law, neither are they cast on stones.

There’s always a provision in the constitution for amendment of laws made by the parliament.

“Therefore, if the people the law is made for have any complaints, though they were supposed to be vigilant enough to raise it at the appropriate time, it’s better late than never. ''So, the opportunity that the constitution has allowed for those who are not happy with a piece of legislation is to come via way of amendment to the law. I am aware that lot professionals are happy with most provisions of the CAMA bill, but there are some who considered few provisions offensive and against their expectations, there’s still an allowance for an amendment to be made to it. All they have to do is to present it through the proper channels and that will be presented before the House and Senate and be considered.

''We have amended so many laws in Nigeria this will not be first or last. All the nongovernmental agencies should have legal departments to know what to do and approach their various representatives to make a presentation before the House on the areas they are not happy with then go by way of amendment to the Act. “So, this should not cause a problem in society at the moment. They should make use of the available opportunity created by the constitution to amend any legislation that they are not happy with. However, it’s important that people are vigilant, monitoring what is happening in a particular sector they are involved in.

PRESIDENT INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO PASS PETROLEUM INDUSTRY BILL ahead to pass the bill.

The minister added that he has been in touch with the lawmakers who had assured him that the bill will not stay in the National Assembly more than six months from the time they receive the draft before its passage into law.

Sylva said: “I cannot give a specific timeline on the passage of the PIB because it involves the National Assembly.

“I can only give you our own timeline and what we have been doing. For us, I will tell you that we have finished our job.

The drafting process has been concluded and we have also discussed with the relevant stakeholders in the industry.

“The Ministry of Justice has also looked at the draft to ensure that there are no issues and that has been concluded.

“In the coming few days, we will be requesting the National Assembly to specially reconvene to look at the PIB, which may as well take some weeks before its passage.”

The minister expressed optimism that the bill would be expeditiously processed, given that it has taken the country years to get it to this stage.

He said the government needed maximum fiscal environment to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, adding that for this reason, they are proposing grand fathering in

the new PIB. The minister said: “This, I believe will preserve current government take, while also guaranteeing investors’ returns.

It also guarantees that investors can continue with the existing operations while earning favourable returns.

“The proposed PIB framework shall be based on the core principles of clarity, dynamism, neutrality, open access and fiscal rules of general application.

“At the same time, investments in new acreages will be encouraged with attractive competitive terms in order to achieve an economic growth.

CHRISTIAN LEADERS WEIGH OPTIONS ON CAMA misconduct.

CAN said the provision and others in the new CAMA contains obnoxious provisions inimical to church administration.

However, the House of Representatives has called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and religious institutions opposed to the new CAMA to seek an amendment to the law.

The Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, told THISDAY yesterday that the association would not put all its eggs in one basket.

"We don't want to put all our eggs in one basket; we just issued a statement rejecting the CAMA law. CAN has started consultations with Christian leaders on what our next move will be," he said.

CAN, in a statement issued earlier yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently return the law to the National Assembly for immediate amendment.

It said the law, which repealed the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 (1), was assented to despite its rejection at the public hearing stage.

In the statement by Oladeji, CAN said if the federal government insisted on retaining the legislation, it would be seen as a declaration of war on Christianity and an agenda to destroy the church.

"The law, to say the least, is unacceptable, ungodly, reprehensible and an ill-wind that blows no one any good.

It is a time bomb waiting to explode," it added.

CAN said during the first term of the president, there was a public hearing conducted by the National Assembly on the "Non- Governmental Organisations Bill tagged ‘Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the NonGovernmental Organisations Regulatory Commission for the Supervision, Co-ordination And Monitoring of NonGovernmental Organisations,’ which was attended by CAN and many NGOs. It said at the public hearing, the bill that sought to bring the religious organisations and NGOs under the control and influence of the government was rejected because it would kill the church.

It said: "We thought it was all over until we heard of the CAMA that was assented to by the president, making the rejected bill a law.

"The satanic section of the controversial and ungodly law is Section 839 (1) &(2), which empowers the commission (Corporate Affairs Commission) to suspend trustees of an association (in this case, the church) and appoint the interim managers to manage the affairs of the association for some given reasons.

"While we are not against the government fighting corruption wherever it may be found, yet we completely reject the idea of bringing the church, which is technically grouped among the NGOs, under control of the government. The church cannot be controlled by the government because of its spiritual responsibilities and obligations.

"This is why we are calling on the federal government to stop the implementation of the obnoxious and ungodly law until the religious institutions are exempted from it.

"Nigeria should not be compared with any other nation when it comes to the relationship between the religious institutions and the government. In Nigeria, people’s religions are tied to their humanity and of course, their life.

"How can the government sack the trustees of a church which it contributed no dime to establish?

"How can a secular and political minister be the final authority on the affairs and management of another institution which is not political?”

CAN wondered how a nonChristian head of government ministry could be empowered to determine the running of the church as envisaged by the law.

It described such powers conferred on political appointees as an invitation to the trouble that the government does not have the power to manage.

It said the federal government did not have the technical expertise to run the church because of its spiritual nature.

It added: "If the government is bent on imposing a law on us which the entire church in Nigeria is against, then, they have declared war on Christianity and the agenda to destroy the church, which we have spoken against before now is coming to the open more clearly.

House Urges Aggrieved Nigerians to Seek Amendment Reacting to CAN’s position, the House of Representatives has called on NGOs and religious bodies that have reservations about CAMA to push for the amendment to the law.

House spokesperson, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, told THISDAY that those who are not happy with some provisions of CAMA should approach the parliament and present their complaints through the proper channels, which will be considered by the legislature.

Kalu, however, berated the concerned parties for not airing their views during the public hearing stage of the bill.

He appealed to Nigerians to

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

COMMENT

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

THE CHARM OF BEING RICH

I.E. Ogheneakpobo writes that Kenneth Gbagi, businessman and industrialist, is fit and proper to lead Delta State

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olitics is looked at in a broad sense as the struggle to secure the power of governance, while those who converge to form political parties with manifestos are politicians.

Politicians while in government are expected to deliver on the dividends of democracy to the electorate. However, it is noteworthy to mention that the aspect of delivering on good governance has become a tall order for many Nigerian politicians who have continued to fail the electorate. The trend has become a cause for concern that has awakened Nigerians, particularly Deltans, to the reality of looking out for persons whose main source of earnings cannot be linked to politics alone. It is believed that this category of persons, if elected into office, will work in the interest of the electorate.

The rationale behind this thinking is that people who became rich before joining politics are seen to have more interest in the care and welfare of Nigerians than politicians without any source of income, whose sole aim is to acquire wealth through politics.

Also, it is believed that politicians who are businessmen with streams of resources from investments are versed and experienced in wealth creation needed to turn around the economic fortunes of their immediate environment.

In the past, there were wealthy men and women who made their mark as successful industrialists such as Chief Alfred Rewane, Chief Micheal Ibru, Chief James Edewor, Chief E. Esiso, Chief T. J. Sokoh, Chief Governor Uloho, Chief Madam Alice Obahor, Chief Sunny Odogun, Senator David Dafinone, Chief Wilson Odibo, Chief P.B. Djebah, Chief Gamaliel Onosode, Chief Harrison Jefia, and even those in the military such as Major Generals David Ejoor, Patrick Aziza, O.E. Obada, amongst others.

These distinguished individuals of Delta origin focused on the development of their locality as against amassing stupendous wealth for the purpose of establishing businesses overseas or laundering money abroad to be deposited in banks for future generations unborn.

At that time, money was not much and the reliance of the electorate on government for the provision of infrastructure was not the case. This was largely responsible for the slow pace of development in our communities.

The few infrastructure available in most communities of Delta today is from the efforts of these past industrialists, before the subsequent intervention by government to improve on them through various schemes.

Among politicians and industrialists of the present age with the ideologies of these class of reputable individuals are Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and Chief Austine Oghenejobor (Alias felong) of Samagidi-kokori.

For instance, they have both small and large investments that cut across various sectors of the economy, ranging from agriculture, construction, to the hospitality industry.

These industrialists have also been involved in charity work and donated huge sums for developmental programs, cleared bills of patients in hospitals, sponsored several medical and surgical programmes, and given

PEOPLE WHO BECAME RICH BEFORE JOINING POLITICS ARE SEEN TO HAVE MORE INTEREST IN THE CARE AND WELFARE OF NIGERIANS THAN POLITICIANS WITHOUT ANY SOURCE OF INCOME

palliatives across the state during the lock-down as well as paid the WAEC/NECO enrollment fees for students in their areas.

For one, Kenneth Gbagi influenced the establishment of the Federal University of Petroleum at Ogbomro-Effurun.

He also provided a good number of social amenities to most of the Urhobo towns through personal effort.

It is on record that he also kicked against the re-location of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun to Kaduna. He helped to put pressure on the federal government for the completion of the East-West road in Niger Delta.

Also instrumental to the development of Delta State are the giant strides of Chief James Ibori; the incumbent Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Ighoyota Amori, whose achievements are numerous. They will forever be remembered and praised for their good works.

As 2023 inches closer, feelers show that Deltans are desirous of a leader that would build on the legacies of the Ibori and Okowa administrations by prioritizing the welfare of the people and taking seriously the aspect of infrastructural development that is critical for employment creation.

Prominently touted is Kenneth Gbagi, who some opponents consider as too strict and prudent, an opinion which largely is responsible for the misappropriation of public funds by some government officials.

Anyone who knows Gbagi well enough can attest that he is not the type who will lavish or extravagantly spend government resources, especially as one who appears contented with what he has.

Evident patterns from the lives of successful people show that they thrive from adhering to principles which foster discipline and prudence in the application of resources at their disposal.

Sadly, in Nigeria today, every prudent, disciplined, strict and corrupt-free person is usually tagged with the name “wicked” and “tribalised”. However, no one is a saint.

After all, Jesus Christ cursed the sycamore tree to die because of its inability to produce food for the children of God. He also whipped those who traded at the temple.

Can one now say that Jesus Christ is wicked? How then is it wrong to query an undisciplined employee who shows an act that is likely to lead to the collapsed of a business?

Can disciplinary action make someone say that the employer is wicked and does not show love?

For as long as indiscipline is encouraged and accepted as a norm in the Nigerian society, government officials will remain incapable of the prudent management of resources to the benefit of the people. In whatever way Kenneth Gbagi may have wronged or stepped on some people’s toes, he should be forgiven, as his vision for Delta State and his ability to realize same far outweighs such petty sentiments. r0HIFOFBLQPCP 1%1 4UBMXBSU JO %FMUB 4UBUF XSPUF GSPN 8BSSJ

MORE PAIN, LESS GAIN

The Edo State governor’s campaigns in Okpella is more of a reality check, writes Kassim Afegbua

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oo many lies make the politician’s pot of soup to swell. Too many lies swell their pockets especially when grabbed by bloated, pot-bellied men, struggling to fetch from the pot of soup. The Obaseki Campaign Team visited my community of Okpella on Sunday, 16th August, and made me the issue in their campaign. I felt so honoured that they consistently referenced the bad roads that are yet to be attended to.

They said I served Oshiomhole for four years and I could not fix the roads. They wouldn’t complete the narrative that Oshiomhole started the roads, completed one part, and all we desire is a completion of the other part.

Okpella people are becoming wiser. In Ward six, rather than host Governor Obaseki in Ogute with fairly smooth road, they hosted him at Imiekuri which represents the sordid reality of Okpella bad roads. With his 42 vehicles campaign train, they struggled to climb the mountainous road covered with red dust and smoky atmosphere. Getting there, he said, “within 24 months, if I don’t fix this 12.7km, don’t call me a governor again”. Of course he won’t be governor again after September 19 election.

His journey to Okpella was good. He has added to his list of failed promises. He had promised on four occasions to fix our roads, the declaration on Sunday, 16th August, was the fifth promise. He had failed in those four occasions. If it was not for campaigns, he

probably would not have known that there is a community called Imiekuri-Okpella.

Re-election fever has its own punishment for Governor Obaseki, who is now forced to traverse communities and villages he had hitherto forgotten. You could see him sweating profusely like a man who had just completed a marathon race. Some members of Obaseki campaign train sent me pictures of their imported crowd and left a cliche: “yeah, we are right now in Kassim Afegbua’s Ward five”. When the people that rode with them from Benin in their 42 vehicles convoy were emptied into Ikpomaza Grammar School’s sporting field, they were like oasis in the desert. They quickly called out to other wards to flesh up the scanty arena. That school has only four teachers in an era of Obaseki’s touted EdoBest education initiative.

When they left Okpella with their noisy train, Okpella people were happy that they made him travelled through the bumpy ride. Some even teased that his vehicle almost skidded off the road on his way to Imiekuri-Okpella.

I am happy that I have made a loud statement about the plight of Okpella people in the hands of Governor Obaseki despite the huge internally generated revenue that accrues to the state on a monthly basis from the companies operating in Okpella.

It is because of the abandonment and lack of performance of Governor Obaseki that made Chief Dan Orbih to score Obaseki F9 in all the critical sectors of the Edo economy.

It is the reason why Orbih lambasted the governor for failed promises especially not being able to meet up the 200,000 jobs he earlier promised. Dan Orbih was unsparing of Governor Obaseki’s failed leadership and poor performance. But once the pot of soup of Nigerian politicians gets swollen, through pocket investment, they can choose to answer another name, reason why the PDP gifted Obaseki its ticket. Rather than tell Okpella people what he has done, he ended up making promise of 24 months before he could attend to our decrepit roads. The IGR that the government is enjoying today is a function of the intervention that Oshiomhole made to ensure that the companies took off.

Too many lies wear a surreal garb. I also read Senator Uzamere saying Governor Obaseki did not collect salaries in his eight years with Oshiomhole. What he got from the recurrent budget of the economic team was more than what the commissioners collected put together in a year and it is often drawn to the last kobo. What was paid as commission for the Benin City Storm Water Master plan loan to AfriInvest was mind-blowing and more than all the salaries of all. With such perks, does he have to still collect additional salary?

He also collected sitting allowance in the Tax Assessment Review Committee (TARC) at every of such meetings. Most of the travelling expenses of Obaseki especially out of the country were paid for from the

governor’s office, in the name of estacode.

How many commissioners had such benefit travelling outside the country? In 2016 budget, the commissioner for budget and planning, Lawrence Aghedo, almost engaged in a fisticuff with Obaseki over reduction of the budget of the economic team to N10m. Dr Aghedo, an economist, and such a cerebral mind, is still very much alive to contradict this narrative.

Talking about the Edo State Assembly that has produced a new Speaker in Hon Victor Edoror, I saw a petition written by one old man, Osaro Onaiwu, against our own cerebral, brilliant, rugged and fecund legal mind, Dr. West Idahosa, who served in the lower house for 12 unbroken years. Osaro, an old boy of Ikpomaza Grammar School, Okpella, suddenly remembered the school when he tried to raise dust over the location of my country home. Instead of investing his precious time on ways to improve his alma mater, he was busy shouting over nothing.

It was not an accident of history for the highly respected Otaru of Auchi to have openly endorsed the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu by according him a title that conveys that “this is our own”. When next the government apologists tell us bogus lies, we know how to respond to them. r"GFHCVB XBT B DPNNJTTJPOFS GPS *OGPSNBUJPO JO &EP 4UBUF

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°ÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

EDITORIAL

OFFICIAL ATTITUDE TO COVID-19 Politicians may do well by obeying Covid-19 safety protocols

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he level of adherence to health protocols by public office holders and politicians is a template for the majority of Nigerians when it comes to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. That our politicians and public officials have not placed any value on how they are perceived by the average Nigerian has led to a situation in which they have openly and repeatedly flouted COVID-19 protocols established by health authorities to reduce the spread of the virus. With the assumption that these classes of Nigerians should know better about the pandemic, many have since concluded that the virus that has killed hundreds of thousands of people across the world cannot be a serious affliction.

On the political front, the Edo State gubernatorial election billed for 19th September has exposed the hypocrisy of those who should ordinarily lead the efforts to combat Covid-19.

THE LACKADAISICAL Politicians from ATTITUDE OF LEADERS both the Peoples IN THE MIDDLE OF A Democratic Party PANDEMIC WILL NOT ONLY (PDP) and the INCREASE THE SPREAD OF All Progressives Congress (APC) – THE DISEASE, IT COULD the two frontline ALSO GIVE NIGERIANS parties contesting THE FALSE BELIEF THAT the elections THE OUTBREAK IS NOT AS – have thrown caution to the SERIOUS AS REPORTED wind. On the altar of seeking votes from the electorate, their standard-bearers and supporters have jettisoned the importance of social and physical distancing, wearing of face masks and other Covid-19 preventive protocols.

A recent report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) showed that while a level of adherence is observed during campaigns in Benin, rallies done in rural areas had no semblance of health protocols attached. The fact that politicians and their supporters do not wear face masks or maintain physical distancing during rallies in Edo

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State, according to the report “cast doubt on the existence of coronavirus among voters. It remains to be seen whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will have the authority to insist that political actors, who are known for routinely disregarding election rules, should adhere strictly to the guidelines as conceived.�

Both the PDP standard-bearers, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his APC challenger, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and other politicians are giving Edo people reasons to doubt the community spread of the virus. But the challenge is not restricted to Edo State. At social gatherings involving politicians across the country, all the protocols are often abandoned as witnessed during the burial ceremony of late Senator Buruju Kashamu in IjebuOde recently. It did not matter to the mourners, including his close associates and kinsmen, that Kashamu died of COVID-19 related complications.

That ordinarily should signify that the disease is a serious one. But it was not an issue as several people were pushing and shoving one another in a congested space.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has put the blame of what happened in Edo and at Kashumu’s burial at the doorsteps of governors, traditional and religious leaders. The National Coordinator of the PTF, Dr Sani Aliyu attributed the challenge to the fact that COVID-19 does not act like a proper pandemic. “If you have a proper pandemic like Ebola, you will have dead bodies on the streets, people bleeding to death. We do not need to do anything further to convince people to protect themselves and to do the right thing.

We are faced with a pandemic that is an invisible enemy. We have a duty to ensure health protocols are strictly adhered to. This way we can defeat the outbreak in Nigeria,� said Aliyu.

We agree with him but his message should be for the people in authority who are flouting the guidelines. The lackadaisical attitude of leaders in the middle of a pandemic will not only increase the spread of the disease, it could also give Nigerians the false belief that it is either the outbreak is not as serious as reported or the whole pandemic is a hoax.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c 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.

RE-INVESTORS DUMP LAGOS AS OGUN BECOMES INDUSTRIAL HUB

he above story, published in a national daily, purportedly based on a study done in the last five years, made certain allusions that need prompt clarifications.

It was alleged in the report, though with no empirical rationalisation, that local governments touts terrorise corporate organisations to collect multiple taxes and levies in Lagos State.

Since the above allegation is rather weighty, one would have anticipated the writers to come up with factual cases of such harassment, stating where, when and how it happened. Until such issues are properly addressed, the claim would remain nothing but a spurious and baseless assumption.

Not only that, it is equally pejorative because it gives potential investors the false impression that the state is a lawless jungle where touting reigns supreme. Is this really the true picture of Lagos? No! Lagos is run on law and order. Any study giving the impression that Lagos is a place where corporate organisations are attacked at will is at best spurious and at most dubious.

In the last 12 years, through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the Organized Private Sector (OPS) and the state government have been battling to put in place a seamless security plan with the aim of creating a conducive environment for economic undertakings. The success of this novel model has made other states replicate the same. Now, how could such a model state suddenly become a pariah for investors?

The imbalance in the said story is quite obvious in many other perspectives. For instance, the writers stated that Lagos and Kano are responsible for Nigeria’s jump to 131 from 146 in the 2020 World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report. True, Lagos

was presented with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Award on Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in recognition of the state’s performance at the 2018 EODB Sub-National Ranking, in Abuja by the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The question, however, is how a state with such a prospect could abruptly become unsuitable for business?

Another issue raised in the write-up is that of traffic and Apapa port congestion. But then, this did not just start five years ago. The port question has always been recurring, since the days of military rule. Trucks come from across the country to the port for obvious reasons. Though the port is the sole responsibility of the federal government, the Lagos State government has always been working closely with the federal authorities to ensure business interests are protected.

The report leaves no room for all the measures taken to address the congestion. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently spent over five hours on a working tour of the Apapa axis, inspecting projects being developed by both the federal and state governments to improve traffic around Costain, Iganmu, Apapa and Mile-2 areas.

The state government has also donated 30 hectares of land in Ijora for a trailer park as part of the enduring solution initiated to address the traffic situation.

These, no doubt, are clear indications that the government is creatively and passionately working to enhance business opportunities. To further underscore this, it recently signed the $629 million financing facility aimed at completing the Lekki Deep Sea Port with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). This is a reflection of the state government’s plan to

explore investments and partnerships that would accelerate growth and benefit residents of the state.

It is also a reflection of the state government’s resolute commitment to a private sector driven economy where the OPS sets the agenda, makes things happen and probably drives the public sector. It is this strong belief in the private sector that propels the government’s collaboration with the OPS in various vital areas of the THEMES Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu Administration’s development strategy.

It is this same firm conviction that informed the regular meetings with the business community to discuss issues of mutual interest. The meetings, which began about 18 years ago, have provided an avenue for the public and private sectors to discuss quite a number of issues.

The latest in the edition was held last month. This clearly shows that there is never a communication breakdown between the state and the OPS, as being insinuated in the report. Hence, saying that investors are unhappy with Lagos could only, at best, be in the imagination of the writers.

With regard to multiple taxation and levies, the government has always affirmed that there is nothing of such in the state.

Indeed, the government has commenced the implementation of additional reliefs and measures to further ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on taxpayers and businesses.

These additional measures and incentives are sequel to the initial three-month extension of the deadline for filing of annual returns (from March 31 to June 30, 2020). r5BZP 0HVOCJZJ %FQVUZ %JSFDUPS 1VCMJD "GGBJST .JOJTUSZ PG *OGPSNBUJPO 4USBUFHZ *LFKB

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2020

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POLITICS

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

Ogun and Its Political Vagaries Sunday Ilori, a public commentator lambasts opposition within the ruling All Progressives Congress against Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State

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ometimes in politics, losers find it hard to accept defeat and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, but not to the extent of resorting to fighting dirty, after having exhausted all legal options through various courts of competent jurisdiction.

However, narrowing down the harrowing experiences the incumbent Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been made to go through, shortly after his emergence as the fifth democratically elected helmsman on May 29, 2019, are nothing, but a dance of shame from the socalled detractors who have seen nothing good in the administration. With Governor Abiodun’s lofty programmes and policies to rescue and reposition the Gateway state from the slumber and deceit, it is worrisome that the stock-in-trade of the opposition camp that plunged the state to its present economic dire strait is the same that has taken up the gauntlet and brought the current administration under scathing attacks. The political vagaries are so dicey in such a way that the opposition is not sparing the rod, despite, both belonging to the same political family, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in waging a war of attrition.

Likening the scenario to a popular Yoruba wise saying, “Eni ti won ba na ni ara nta” (meaning, “He who is beaten is the one that feels the pain”), the opposition camp seems unsettled for reconciliation.

Despite several entreaties from wellmeaning monarchs, political leaders and associates, opinion moulders and prominent leaders on the opposition to thaw the frosty relationship occasioned by the aftermath of the March 9, 2019 governorship electoral defeat, the crisis is still far from being over.

As Governor Abiodun settled down for the real business of governance, he inherited a near empty treasury. His first major pre-occupation in office was the welfare of the workforce. He entered into a social contract with the hitherto demoralised personnel who form the bulk of the motivating force for an effective and efficient day-to-day running of the business of governance. Till date, he has kept faith with his promise and also ensures that workers are paid their salaries on/or before the last working day of the month.

Thereafter, he intervened in the rehabilitation of the inherited bad roads that dotted every nook and cranny of the state; the restoration of peace in virtually all the state-owned tertiary institutions, like Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, and Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Omu-Ijebu, with the consequent resumption of uninterrupted academic activities; the renovation of dilapidated classroom buildings across the 236 wards in the state; and also the intervention in the health sector, especially in saving the collapse of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, State Hospitals located at Ijaiye-Abeokuta, Ilaro, Ota and Ijebu-Ode. Others include the creation of an enabling environment for potential business operators to open shops through the re-launch of the Ogun State Security Trust Fund (OGSSTF) for the procurement of crime-fighting equipment, like patrol vehicles, motorcycles and other kits for the police, the Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other sister agencies; the setting up of an out-sourcing employment agency, job portals; investment in agricultural business; restoration of the status of the traditional institution, among others.

The list is endless.

By and large, it should be noted that

the bulk of the ‘slow pace’, as adduced by the opposition camp itself in fast-tracking growth and development in the state, in the last 14 months, can be described as a scenario whereby “a pot is calling kettle

black”. Thus, the opposition has stopped at nothing to make the state ungovernable through various dirty tricks employed to get back at the present administration.

In the first place, the handover notes

Sadiya Umar Farouq and the Primacy of Proof Dapo Bruce,ateacher,commendsthe self-scrutinymethodadoptedby SadiyaUmar Farouq,Minister ofHumanitarianAffairs,DisasterManagement and SocialDevelopmentto addressallegationsagainsther

T

here is a latin maxim which every lawyer worth his salt must be familiar with. It goes thus – “semper necessitas probandi incumbit ei qui agit” and when translated to English would approximate to “the necessity of proof always lies with the person who lays charges.”

To use the more common and clichéd term: “he who alleges must show proof.”

This saying came to mind on Monday August 3, 2020 as I watched the proceedings of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

When her turn came to address the media, Sadiya Umar Farouq, Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development did something many government officials never do except compelled to by the EFCC or a parliamentary hearing.

Standing tall with a serious mien, the soft spoken public servant said she wanted to address the “rumours and innuendos and speculations around one of our key interventions; the Home Grown School Feeding Programme which was modified and implemented in three states following a March 29th Presidential directive.”

And with that Sadiya Umar Farouq undertook a public audit of one of her ministry’s flagship programmes.

Launched in June 2016 by the Buhari administration and domiciled in the office of the Vice President, the Home Grown School Feeding Programme is one of the Federal Government’s National Social Investment Programmes targeted at providing nutrition for primary school children with the aim of boosting physical and mental health while encouraging attendance and discouraging absenteeism with free meals as incentive to attend class.

Speaking at the launch, VP Yemi Osinbajo noted that “Today we lay an important building block in securing our future by mapping out the implementation plan to ensure that even the most disadvantaged children are free from malnutrition.”

The programme’s target of feeding 24 million school children marked it out as the largest school feeding programme in Africa.

School feeding programmes are globally recognized interventions, promoted and supported across the globe by the United Nation’s World Food Programme and it is not limited to poor or 3rd world countries.

Indigent school children in the United Kingdom receive free school meals and a few months ago, footballer Marcus Rashford was in the news after calling on the Prime Minister to reverse a decision not to extend food vouchers to those school children in the summer period. His campaign garnered wide support and led to the Prime Minister agreeing to provide food vouchers to children on lockdown during school term and also during the summer months.

According to Boris Johnson in a Downing Street briefing – “Clearly free school meals should generally apply in term time…but we have to understand the pressure that families are under right now.”

What Boris Johnson was forced to see

by Marcus Rashford was what President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR saw as far back as March when he directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to evolve strategies for feeding school children while at home during the lockdown.

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

comprised of nothing, but mere papers that gave no policy direction for continuity in governance. In the same vein, a near empty treasury was inherited; the sham 100 percent mobilization of the contractors working on the various self-proclaimed “legacy” projects, including roads, the 250-bedroom State Hospitals, judiciary complex and flyovers-that were either abandoned or uncompleted; collapsed public classroom structures; and chiefly, the inherited financial liability amounting to N221.55 billion, excluding contractors’ liabilities worth over N200 billion.

Reminiscent of the perfidy that characterised the past administration, not minding whose ox that was gored, governance was taking to its lowest ebb, just as the day-to-day business was run like a ‘family personal estate’.

In a bid to stir the hornet’s nest, the first antic was to sell a dummy to the people of Yewa-Awori who had been in the vanguard and clamour for the shift of baton to their zone, Ogun West, in the last 2019 governorship election in the state. Surprisingly, the last straw that broke the camel’s back, in a state that is proud of great icons and pioneers (both dead and alive), a single man decided, without recourse to the party’s machinery (both command and control structure), to unilaterally appoint his anointed godson as his successor. Like claiming to be more Catholic than the Pope, the Ogun West people voted wisely in the March 9, 2019 governorship election, without let or hinderance. They demonstrated their readiness and commitment for a good governance and rebuffed every attempt to be used to hide the truth. They resisted deceit and empty promises. They made a clear choice and cast their votes for Prince Dapo Abiodun as governor.

If truly they are concerned and also empathised with the plight of the YewaAwori people over several years of neglect and marginalisation in the number one plum seat in the state, why has it taken them so long, not to have lobbied for federal appointments for, at least, a single Ogun Westerner, to have benefitted from their ‘Aso Rock’ scheming? Are there no qualified and competent Ogun Westerners for federal appointments?

Another joker was to get back at the current administration. Despite claiming to belong to the same family party, Amosun and his loyalists are scheming to create a parallel and shadow government. Shortly after he exited from office, he embarked on-the-spot inspection tour of many of his uncompleted roads and fly-over projects across the Abeokuta metropolis, a flagrant abuse of office of the sitting governor and an unsavoury development that was in contravention of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It would be recalled thar shortly after he assumed the mantle of leadership in May 29, 2011, Amosun de-marketed his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD, and labelled him as the greatest enemy of the state. OGD who was once prided as “ogidi omo” (meaning, responsible and reliable son) found it difficult to walk freely on the streets of Ogun State he once governed for eight year, without being pelted with stones and became an outcast.

Also, he did everything humanly possible to remove the last vestiges of the OGD administration. The erstwhile governor (OGD) was kept busy, while running from pillar to post, including being grilled by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and also taken to courts on phantom charges of corruption.

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2020

17

PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM

AMERICA

chido@usafricaonline.com@Chido247

Why Obama is Taking on Trump Chido Nwangwu, Founder of USAfrica Multimedia Networks explains why former American President Barack Obama launched a verbal attack on President Donald Trump

O

nly a few hours ago, from the great city of Philadelphia, in a personal, passionate and pointed critique of his coarse successor Donald Trump, Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States and the first African-American to be so elected said what needed to be said. ”I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president.

I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies. I did hope, for the sake of our country, that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously, that he might come to feel the weight of the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care. But he never did.”

Remarkably, beyond his usual carriage as a man of calm and calibrated persona, Obama told a bewildering and traumatized America (under Trump) that “For close to four years now, he’s shown no interest in putting in the work; no interest in finding common ground; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves. Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t.

And the consequences of that failure are severe: 170,000 Americans dead, millions of jobs gone while those at the top take in more than ever. Our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished and our democratic institutions threatened like never before.”

Even as he blasted Trump, Obama, looking dapper in a fitting, contempo dark blue suit with matching, light blue shirt and dimpled, finely knotted tie had his engaging, self-confident attitude about him. He holds his head high, literally. And, a handful of right-wing Republicans scream, ‘you see… it is a signification of the arrogance of Obama!’

Pray, with a belief in divine ordination and education and hard work, the promise of tomorrow make most things possible! Including what I will simply call the seasonal miracles of democracy — whereby in his own case, the transnational decency of Americans who voted him in to office. That is, with little regard to the fact that he is the son of an immigrant Kenyan, African student to become the President of these United States.

I was at the inauguration events for his presidency, January 20, 2009, in Washing-

ton DC. By the way, he served two terms.

Therefore he understands the contours and precious attributes necessary to be a better president.

Consequently, in his speech, he compared Donald Trump to the man who served effectively as his Vice President Joseph Biden and Biden’s running mate Senator Kamala Harris. “They understand that in this democracy, the Commander-in-Chief doesn’t use the men and women of our military, who are willing to risk everything to protect our nation, as political props to deploy against peaceful protesters on our own soil. They understand that political opponents aren’t “un-American” just because they disagree with you; that a free press isn’t the “enemy” but the way we hold officials accountable; that our ability to work together to solve big problems like a pandemic depends on a fidelity to facts and science and logic and not just making stuff up. None of this should be controversial. These shouldn’t be Republican principles or Democratic principles. They’re American principles.

But at this moment, this president and those who enable him, have shown they don’t believe in these things.”

Without any doubts, those are major indictments of the President Trump.

You can accuse Barack Obama of everything except being nasty or hasty. He’s a very deliberate human being; measured in his comments. Comments which are philosophical and reasonable.

His public life in politics and community service have shown him to be a man who prefers to lean on the weight of logical persuasion and scientific evidence rather than insults and useless, malicious and infantile attacks on those who disagree with him on any issue. Yes; it is never his style or approach the giddy, predictable disposition toward divisiveness and demeaning instincts of Donald Trump.

God bless America, where disagreements have their resolutions through the ballot boxes.

I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies.

I did hope, for the sake of our country, that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously, that he might come to feel the weight of the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care.

But he never did

Why should a Restructured Nigeria Be so Choleric to the North?

Ignatius’Nat Muotoh argues that the only guarantee for peace and development in Nigeria is to restructure the country

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o some Nigerians, the word Restructure is so scary a word that they’ll rather plunge the nation to ruination, than jettison this unworkable, and warped system that has been the bane of this nation for far too long. This selfish and irrational choice is inexplicable, and a case of “No turkey ever votes for Christmas.” On the other hand, I’ll add that, “No ram ever votes for Sallah.”

But peace, development and growth can only be achieved when both the turkey or the ram have that notion of freedom and independence. That freedom to decide how to live and interact with each other.

Nigeria, being a creation of the British in January 1914 under the tutelage of Sir Frederick Lugard, was not really designed to be a successful nation as some of us were made to believe. The amalgamation of the Northern and the Southern Protectorate was simply for commercial purposes rather than creating a nation in the true sense of the word. This was simply the aim of British ‘ab initio’, in order to keep and maintain her influence post independence. Nigeria was not designed to work as a peaceful nation for the benefit of the people of Nigeria.

The European Experience Events in Europe following the end of the 2nd World War in 1945, triggered the collapse of numerous multi-ethnic states in both Eastern and Western Europe.

Multi-ethnic European nations that were once held together by powerful dictators, disintegrated along ethnic lines. A closer look at European nations today, show very clearly that there’s no single multi-ethnic state where one group is positioned to dominate the other that have not disintegrated or broken into pieces. Not one.

They’ve all broken up along ethnic lines.

The German attempt to dominate the rest of Europe, led to the 2nd World War. While Europe was the main theatre of the war, one will not be wrong to refer to that war as the 2nd European Ethnic War. Colonies of Africa and Asia were virtually sucked into that war by virtue of being the colonies of either Britain, France,or Italy.

East and West Germans that are ethnically of the same people and share the same language; were split along the lines of communism and capitalism by the victorious Russian and the Western Alliance at the end of WW II. These two German nations, eventually reunited into one Federal Republic of Germany in 1990. Such is the power of an ethnic identity. It is interesting to note that prior to the 1st and 2nd World Wars, the Roman Empire dominated Europe until its eventual collapse which historians have agreed, was also as a result of ethnic resistances against the Romans domination.

Communist Russia experimented on uniting multi-ethnic nations by dividing societies into capitalists and the proletariats.

Thus deluding themselves that ethnicity can effectively be swept under the carpet.

But this is what followed later?

The Communist edifices in Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and the big brother USSR, eventually collapsed as a result of the same multi-ethnic frictions that reared its ugly heads in 1993.

The nation state of Czechoslovakia was originally made up of two ethnic groupsthe Czech and the Slovaks. These two ethnic groups, separated peacefully on the 1st January 1993. The former, is comprised of 10.6 million people and the latter 5.4 million people. Added together, they’re not up to the total population of Lagos State. Yet, as a result of the powers of ethnic nationalism, they split for peace since there can not be two masters in the same house.

Yugoslavia with a population of 23.2 million in 1991, and barely more than the population of Lagos today, eventually broke

up into six countries the same year, and all along ethnic lines, namely: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Between June 1991 and April 1992, four of the republics declared independence (only Serbia and Montenegro remained federated), but the status of ethnic Serbs outside Serbia and Montenegro, and that of ethnic Croats outside Croatia, remained unsolved as we speak.

This again, show the problems encountered in multi-ethnic nations with different languages and cultures.

The USSR has since been broken along ethnic lines identified by their respective languages. In the decades after it was established, the Russian- dominated Soviet Union grew into one of the world’s most powerful and influential states and eventually encompassed into 15 republics namelyRussia, Ukraine, Georgia, Belorussia, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Latvia, Chechen, Lithuania.

The dissolution of the Soviet Union was the process of internal disintegration within the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). It began in the late 1980s with growing unrest within the various constituent republics, and ended under the rule of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev on December 26, 1991, when the Supreme Soviet voted the USSR (itself) out of existence.

In Europe; the two best examples of fairly stable multi-ethnic states, are the United Kingdom and Switzerland. The former is led by reasonable men and women, who permitted regional autonomy to the other ethnic groups comprising the Irish, Scots and the Welsh. The English only dominate Westminster, while giving the other ethnic groups complete regional autonomies. They know that the consequences of dominating the others through centralising the powers of the British regions to London, will lead to a demand from the Wales , Scotland and the Northern Ireland for a full independence.

The latter country Switzerland, has four ethnic groups. Each of them rotates the presidency annually through seven cantons that constitute the federating units. All the four languages (German, French, Italian and Romansh) of the four ethnic groups are recognized as official languages. Now, let’s turn our attention to Canada to see how that country manages her ethnic nationalities.

Quebec is the only full French-speaking province, aside from a little section of New Brunswick, while the other seven provinces in Canada are English-speaking. Yet, Canada maintains a bilingual status for the sake of Quebec. Furthermore, each of the provinces is largely self-governing.

It is therefore remarkable to state that what we call ethnic groups in Nigeria, are actually known and treated as independent ethnic nations in Europe.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2020 •T H I S D AY

19

T H I S D AY ˾ AUGUST 21, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 17.60 % 19.80 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

18 % 20 % 22 %

A U G U S T S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

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

1 4 , 2 0 2 0

589.88 % -0.16 % -3.95 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 4.81 % YEAR TO DATE 22.60 %

EXCHANGE RATE N381/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes Qatar Targets 550 Weekly Flights

SAFETY ON THEIR MINDS

Commissioner/CEO, Accident Investigation Bureau, Mr. Akin Olateru (left) and Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Musa Nuhu, during the inauguration of an 11-man committee to increase air safety in the aviation industry in Abuja...recently

NCAA to Certify International Airlines Before Resumption Chinedu Eze Contrary to the reports that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved some international carriers for the resumption flights expected to commence on August 29, the regulatory authority has said foreign airlines must abide by certain Covid-19 protocols.

The agency said international airlines flying into the country are expected to show evidence of compliance with health, safety and security protocols as spelt out in the All Operators Letter (AOL) already issued.

According to the authority, when the terms are met, NCAA would clear them as they attain compliance levels; only then can they have restart dates.

The NCAA further said it

AVIATION was revising Foreign Airlines Operational Procedures (FAOP) as spelt out in the 2015 NigCARs (Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations) to ensure compliance, adding that it had communicated to the airlines on these conditions in a Zoom meeting held on Wednesday night.

The Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, who said this explained: “As regards to international flights, it is a different scenario because we have several agencies that handle international flights. We have agencies like the immigrations, customs, Port Health Authorities, and you have foreign airlines coming into the country.

“Although there are significant

experiences and lessons learnt from the domestic flights; the issues of the non-pharmaceutical interventions, wearing of face masks, social distancing, the cleaning of hands amongst others are some of the things we will also apply to the international flights.

“For international flights, we don’t want people flooding the country bringing the infection.

We already have a significant community spread of this disease so we don’t want to large inflow without having some checks to ensure that people that come, we have some kind of guarantee that the majority of them are not infected by the disease. This is the major difference between domestic and international flights.”

The Director General ex-

plained that the authority was following detailed protocol as enunciated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for international passengers.

He said departing passengers must abide by the regulation of the country they are travelling to because different countries have different requirements.

Also each airline has its regulation on Covid-19, as some insist that passengers must have Covid-19 test certificate within 72 hours before the flight.

“Those NCDC certified centres are to conduct those checks. People could go to those areas to do their checks before they go to the airport.

If it is a centre certified by the NCDC, then passengers can go in and check and depart without much delay.”

FG Tackles Shipping Companies over Outrageous Surcharges Eromosele Abiodun The federal government has concluded arrangements to tackle shipping lines following the continued increase in surcharges on Nigeria bound cargo, particularly Peak Season Surcharge (PSS).

To this end, the nation’s port economic regulator, the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), has on behalf of the Nigerian government, written to the European Community Shippers Association (ECSA) describing the surcharges as economic sabotage.

The Executive Secretary, NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, in a letter seen

by THISDAY, pointed out that the current surcharge for year 2020 was 100 per cent higher than it was in 2018.

He stressed that the various trade routes to Nigeria, unlike other countries in the sub-region, have not only an exorbitant rate

MARITIME structure but the highest number of multiple surcharges in the seaborne freight.

THISDAY checks revealed that one of the shipping lines, Hapag-Lloyd, had recently introduced PSS on all containers coming through Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

Freight forwarders told THISDAY that the surcharge is $1,025 for 20 and 40ft containers coming from the United States, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and $1,025 or EUR 930 for containers coming from other countries.

Bello, in the strongly worded letter, stressed that Nigeria cannot afford the frequent increases in surcharges adding that the country will protest against it.

He described the surcharges as insensitive and discriminatory since such surcharges are not

imposed on shippers in other neighbouring countries of Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic.

He added that it was wrong to have introduced such surcharges at a time the economy is just trying to recover from the effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said that already the Council has written a letter to the Shipping Lines Association in Nigeria to protest against the surcharges.

THISDAY learnt that notable freight forwarders associations were planning on how to mobilise members to protest the surcharges by the shipping lines.

The NSC had last year identified about eight surcharges being imposed on shippers in Nigeria and other neighbouring countries with negative impact on the economies.

The surcharges include:PSS; extra risk insurance (ERI)/carrier security fee (CSF) surcharge;

congestion surcharge (CS); freight tax surcharge (FTS); operations cost recovery (OCR); low sulphur surcharge (LSS); Bunker adjustment surcharge(B.A.F) and C.A.F. (currency adjustment surcharge).

Participants from 16 countries, who attended a conference organised by the NSC in collaboration with the Union of African Shippers Council Councils and Global Shippers Forum (GSF) in August last year in Abuja, had condemned the surcharges and high local shipping charges by international shipping lines.

The 16 countries said they cannot afford to fold their hands while foreign shipowners and their agents continue to rip-off shippers through arbitrary charges.

Part of the consensus agreement was to take up the matter with foreign shipowners at a meeting of GSF, which held London in September.

QatarAirwaysGroupChiefExecutive,Mr.AkbarAlBaker,saidtheairline isrebuildingitsnetworkstoover550weeklyflights.

“SincetheonsetofthepandemicQatarAirwaysnetworkhasneverfallen below30destinationswithcontinuousservicestofivecontinents.

“Ourairlinehasleadtheindustryinofferingpassengersmorechoicesand greater flexibility so they can plan and book travel with confidence. “We havealsoimplementedthemostadvancedsafetyandhygienemeasures onboardincludingbecomingthefirstairlinetorequirepassengerstowear faceshieldsinadditiontofacecoverings.

“Withourinvestmentinoneoftheyoungest,mostfuel-efficientlonghaul fleets,strategicnetworkmanagementandtheBestAirportintheMiddle East,wehavebeenabletoquicklyandeffectivelyrebuildournetworkto morethan550weeklyflightstoover85destinationsacrosssixcontinents.

“As the global recovery continues, Qatar Airways will remain focused on its fundamental mission of carrying passengers across the globe safely andreliably,”hesaid.

Qatar said in order to ensure travellers plan with peace of mind, the airline has also extended its booking policies to offer even more choice toitspassengers,addingthatitwouldallowunlimiteddatechanges,and passengerscanchangetheirdestinationasoftenastheyneedifitiswithin 5,000milesoftheoriginaldestination.

Qataralsosaiditwouldnotchargeanyfaredifferencesfortravelcompleted before31December2020,afterwhichfareruleswillapply.Allticketsbooked fortravelupto31December2020willbevalidfortwoyearsfromthedate ofissuance.

Airlines Push for COVID-19 Testing

AirlinesandairportswillaskaUnitedNations-ledtaskforcemeetingnext weektorecommendcountriesacceptanegativeCOVID-19testwithin48 hoursoftravelasanalternativetoquarantinethathavedecimateddemand for travel, according to a document seen by Reuters. Reuters reported thattheindustrywantsthetaskforcetomaketherecommendationfor passengerstravelingfromcountrieswithhighCOVID-19infectionrateswhen itmeetstoreviewguidelinesforinternationaltravelamidthepandemic.

“A test prior to departure could reduce the risk of importation by up to 90 per cent, enabling air travel to be opened up between a large number of countries without a quarantine requirement,” said the proposal from AirportsCouncilInternational(ACI)andairlinetradegroupInternational AirTransportAssociation(IATA).

The push for testing comes as the industry’s hopes for a recovery were dealtablowlastweekwhenBritainreintroducedquarantinesontravelers fromFranceandtheNetherlands.

Airlinesareforecastinga55percentdeclinein2020airtraffic,accordingto IATA,whichreported85percentofsurveyedtravelers,expressedconcerns aboutquarantine.

“We don’t support across-the-board mandatory testing,” IATA medical adviserDr.DavidPowelltoldReuters.

“But if there are situations where there is a higher risk in the country of originanditcanavoidtheneedforquarantine,thenwecertainlysupport thatandadvocateforthatconcept.”

Delta, CVS Health Seal Deal

Delta said it is partnering with CVS Health to accelerate employee COVID-19 testing with a rapid-response option for flight crews, a move thatwouldbuildconfidenceabouttravelingwithDeltaamongourpeople andcustomersalike.

The CVS Health Return Ready SM testing would be overseen by a CVS HealthclinicianatDeltahubcrewloungesandtakesfewerthan15minutes todiagnosewhethertheactiveCOVID-19virusisdetected.

“Justlikethere’snosinglemethodtoreducingthetransmissionofthevirus, there’s no one solution to testing our global workforce that is always on themove,”saidJoanneSmith,Delta’sExecutiveVicePresidentandChief PeopleOfficer.

“That’s why we’re excited to be partnering with CVS Health and their clinicianstoofferanadditionalconvenientandreliableoptiontoourpeople.”

The rapid-response nasal-swab test is the newest testing option Delta isprovidingemployeessoabaselinejunderstandingoftheinfectioncan beestablishedacrossDelta.

“It’snotfeasiblerightnowforeveryonetotakeatesteverytimetheywalk outthedoor,”Smithsaid.

“oncession is a logical way from my perspective but the big challenge is to do it transparently and do it well” Chief Executive Officer, African Aviation Services Limited,

Nick Fadugba

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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Exports to West Coast Estimated at N41bn Stories by Chinedu Eze The Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Exports Promotion Council (NEPC), Segun Awolowo has said that Nigeria informal sector records annual exports of about N41 billion across the West African States.

These include perishables like agriculture produce, animal skin and locally manufactured goods, which are largely not captured by government agencies like the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics.

Speaking in Lagos, during a recent event organised by the Free On Board (FOB) Global Logistics in collaboration with NEPC and assisted by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Awolowo said that Nigerian products are exported across the West African countries.

He specifically said that agricultural products are taken out of the country by different business organisations, but regretted that most of these were informal.

He, however, said the government was aware of this movement, but liberalised the market to allow Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.

According to Awolowo, NEPC evolve a programme, ‘one state, one product; in which no fewer than 22 products from the country had been identified for exportation.

He explained that the agency was collaborating with state governments to develop at least one agricultural produce in every state for exportation purpose.

He lamented that many of the cargo aircraft that import goods into the country return empty, but said the government was ready to change the situation by partnering with private investors to develop the economy.

Some of the 22 products the agency was working on to export to Europe, Asia, America, Middle East and Africa include cocoa, cashew, plantain, cassava, orange, leather, banana, garment, ginger, shea butter, sesame seed, cow pea and spices among others. “Many of the cargo aircraft that come into Nigeria have nothing to take out of the country, yet, there are lots of cargo opportunities in Nigeria especially in the area of agricultural produce. Nigeria is an elephant among the Economic and West African

States (ECOWAS) and a lion in Africa with our population of over 200 million people. “All across ECOWAS, we see our products going out of the country, even though, in informal ways. This is worth about N41 billion annually. The government is aware of this, but decided to look the other way around in order to allow indigenous business to thrive.�

Also the Managing Director FOB, Mr. Oluwajimi Adebakin said the company was willing to collaborate with private organisations in order to develop export out of the country.

Adebakin, appealed to NAHCO and its foreign countries to provide adequate warehousing facilities to accommodate cargo from Nigeria.

He pointed out that the company had the capacity to export 100,000 cargo out of Nigeria regularly and hoped its partners across the world had the facilities to accommodate such huge amount of cargo. “We seek government support to export agricultural produce out of the country. Government has no need in business, but should just provide the enabling environment for private investors to grow.�

AIB, NCAA Inaugurate Committee on Safety The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have jointly inaugurated an 11-man committee to review the NCAA’s response to safety recommendations.

The recommendations were issued by the AIB on accidents, serious incidents and continuous operation of the State Safety Programmes (SSP) and to ensure that the agency’s recommendations are implemented.

A statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi quoted the Commissioner of the Bureau, Akin Olateru who said that the committee would also consider any other areas of cooperation that would improve safety of aircraft operations in Nigeria.

He emphasised that the committee would also coordinate activities with regards to avia-

tion occurrences, respect for the mandate and responsibilities of each organisation, effective and efficient exchange of information and data amongst others.

Olateru explained that both government agencies nominated five representatives each to the committee, while one representative was nominated by the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

The AIB Boss stated that the two agencies had worked together to ensure effective discharge of their duties in establishing and promoting higher levels of safety. “These 11 Joint Committee members will collaborate in the review of NCAA’s responses to safety recommendations issued by AIB on accidents and serious incidents. “The committee will see to the implementation and continuous operation of the State Safety Programmes in

Nigeria and any other areas of cooperation that will enhance safety of aircraft operations in Nigeria.�

He emphasised that NCAA was in charge of regulating the industry, while AIB focused on investigating serious incidents and accidents to promote safety of the sector.

Olateru reiterated the readiness of AIB to cooperate and collaborate with other agencies and organisations, both in Nigeria and abroad, in ways that would ensure continuous safe skies in Nigeria, West Africa and the world.

Also commenting, DirectorGeneral, NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, said the primary objective of establishing the committee was to ensure the enhancement of thorough coordination, collaboration and cooperation processes and public safety in aviation industry.

NANTA Distributes Face Masks to Aviation Workers The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Lagos Zone has commenced the distribution of face-masks to aviation frontline workers and passengers as part of its contribution to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the frontline workers include those in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the Nigerian Immigrations Service, airport/airline check-

in personnel, and travelling passengers.

Speaking during the distribution of the facemasks to passengers and the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, Yinka Folami, Vice President, NANTA, Lagos, said: “We all know how COVID-19 has impacted us. It has challenged us medically, socially and commercially. It is also a time for compassion and a time we all have to hold hands. It is a time to encourage the federal government and agency protocols

regarding safety.� “We have made provisions for at least 250 families within the vicinity of our head office.

We thought that we should strategically encourage travel protocols and safety. One of the things we said we should do is to give out facemasks.

This will be for frontline staff of every agency that is involved in aviation,� Folami added.

He acknowledged the role Bi-Courtney has played in the restart of domestic operations, adding that the association was starting the initiative from Bi-Courtney to other agencies.

Brickbat over Airport Concession Chinedu Eze While the federal government insists that Nigerian airport terminals must be given out to the private sector for development, labour and the concessionaire, Dr. Wale Babalakin have called for circumspection.

While labour has expressed fear that government would not protect the welfare of the workers, Babalakin insists that without the disposition to abide by agreement, government may not successfully concession the airport facilities.

In a recent webinar organised by the Aviation Round Table, a think-tank group in the industry, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika clarified that the federal government never intended to concession the airports, but the airport terminals, just as it concessioned the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).

In a communiquĂŠ issued after the conference and signed by Olumide Ohunayo, the spokesman of the body, the stakeholders enjoined the Ministry of Aviation to ensure that the terminal concession process was transparently conducted in compliance with the extant laws and due process to avoid post-agreement controversies and rancor as previously experienced.

In addition, they asked the government to consider the totality of all the 22 airport terminals in its current concession plan.

The communiquĂŠ also stated, “The session acknowledged the necessity for government to concession airport terminals in order to reduce financial burden on the federal government for airports infrastructure development management. “The concession of the terminals should not just be a departure from the status quo but with an objective to deliberately drive regional competitive hubs as well as mega carriers that will operate in those hubs. “The session was informed of the recruitment of a strategic Communication Consultant who is expected to disseminate important information on the concession process for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Therefore, the government should define and clarify what is to be concessioned within the airport.�

Ohunayo further stated in the communiquĂŠ that all existing legal, labour, and other complications arising from previous experiments (Nigeria Airways (WT), Nigerian Aviation Handling Company NAHCO, etc.) should be conclusively resolved.

He stated that there was a need for government to allay the fears of the unions and employees of FAAN with regards to the planned concession, adding that the process must be fair and transparent.

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika at the session stressed that government realised that the airports remain, “national assets� and as such they cannot be sold.

Concession is a logical way from my perspective but the big challenge is to do it transparently and do it well

Sirika Sirika said for the airports to develop in terms of infrastructure, they have to be given to private investors because government has no money to continue to pump into the airports.

The airports slated for concession according to the government include the Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano airports.

Sirika added: “In our wisdom, we feel that the assets (airports) belong to 200 million people and they cannot be sold.

However, for it to be improved upon and for the good service to be delivered to people, certainly it has to be that it is given to private hands to improve upon it at a predetermined number of years. “Concessioning is controversial. Doing it badly is worse than not doing it at all.

Transparency is critical in ensuring the success,� Nick Fadugba, former Secretary General of African Airlines Association, and one of the panelists at the webinar said.

Fadugba, stressed the need for the concession to be done the right way, taking into cognisance what obtains in other parts of the world, noting that the federal government cannot continue to fund airport development. “Concession is a logical way from my perspective but the big challenge is to do it transparently and do it well,� he said.

President of ART, Gbenga Olowo, said there should be a deliberate plan to make each of the airports to be concessioned a regional hub with each hub having a mega carrier with a minimum of 50 aircraft. “In Miami, there is a mega player; in Atlanta, there is a mega player, in Chicago, the same thing. I recommend four mega carriers by 2025,� he said.

The CEO of Aglow Aviation, Tayo Ojuri, recently told THISDAY that concession is the only way to solve the infrastructural challenges facing Nigerian airports as government does not have business in managing airports; so what is key is the way forward and the transparency of the concession process.

Ojuri, however said the current efforts to concession the four major airports in the country need to have global competitiveness. “So what is key is the way forward and transparency. The process has been wobbling from the beginning. The Transaction Adviser process lacks global competitiveness and this fact challenges the process. “What is key is transparency but you don’t necessarily have to agree with all the stakeholders, but if the process is clear it will be a successful concession. Also, the legal outstanding issues need to be tackled.�

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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Eastern Ports as New Bride Eromosele Abiodun writes that the berthing of the biggest gearless Maerskline vessel at Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne in Rivers State, shows that with the right policies, things can turn out differently for sectors that had hitherto remained moribund

S

even days ago, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Onne Port complex successfully berthed one of the biggest gearless Maerskline vessel at Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne in Rivers State, Nigeria.

The Maerskline Stardelhorn vessel with Length overall of 300 metres, width of 48 metres is the biggest ever Container Vessel to arrive at any Nigerian ports.

The vessel, which has a capacity of 9,971 (TEUs), is a flagship from Singapore.

Speaking, while receiving the vessel, the Managing Director NPA, Hadiza Bala- Usman, said the NPA was determined to ensure that eastern ports remain attractive to shippers.

Represented by the Assistant General Manager Harbours, Captain Uduiguomen Eboreime, Bala- Usman said she was excited about the safe arrival of the ‘Maersk Stadelhorn Vessel’ at Onne Port.

Continuing the MD said that NPA was equal to the task, noting that the successful berthing is as a result of five day preparation for the arrival of this vessel from Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Giving details of the vessel, Maesrkline Port Captain Kikelomo Abiola Cudjoe, said the length of the vessel is 300 metres (length overall) and the Width is 48 metres and a total draught of 11.2 metres, while the vessel capacity stood at 9,971(TEUs).

The Port Manager, Alhasssan Ismaila Abubakar said the arrival of the vessel is a milestone attained by NPA. He expressed appreciation to Bala-Usman for all the support and assistance given to Onne port Complex in making the arrival of the vessel possible. “I give kudos to NPA MD. She made this landmark/achievement today possible. This is the first time such a gigantic Container vessel is calling at any Nigerian ports,� the Port Manager stated.

The Port Manager added that the arrival of the vessel is a trial, observing that the port is well equipped with all facilities and equipment to receive the vessel.

He informed that the vessel was brought in from Fairway Bouy, Bonny by NPA’s three pilots who are well trained on pilotage of such vessel. “We deployed three TUG Boats with three pilots from Onne Port Complex, and for us, the successful arrival of this vessel showcase the expertise of NPA’s ports operations. An Assistant Harbour Master Onne Port, Captain Marvin Omovbude, who led other pilots – Ezra Yashiyi Yakubu and Abdulahi Sarki piloted the vessel to Onne Port Complex. “The Vessel arrived safely without any Security Challenges of any type, indicating that Security status of Onne Channel has improved tremendously and the channel depth has also been improved and maintained to receive such large modern vessels,�the port manager stated.

Clever policy direction The latest achievement did not happen by accident, it happened as a result of cleaver policy direction by the NPA. With the Apapa ports clearly congested and traffic gridlock forcing transporters to stay on the road for days, the MD of the Nigerian NPA came up with an idea to attract vessels to eastern ports.

As part of efforts to increase patronage at the eastern ports, and decongest Apapa port, the NPA approved a 10 per cent discount on harbour dues in all concession terminals early 2018. The ports that were affected by this initiative are those in Cross River, Rivers and Delta States. “The authority, however, wishes to clarify that this discount will only apply to harbour dues payable by the following types of vessels/ cargoes: Container vessels with at least 250 TEUs, (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) general Cargo vessels with at least 16,000 MT, combo vessels with at least 16,000 metric tonnes and RORO vessels with at least 250 units of vehicles. These discounts shall not apply to: vessels coming INBALLAST, vessels calling at private jetties and vessels calling carrying liquid bulk. The application of these discounts will take immediately effect.�

The NPA had, as part of the effort to attract vessels to the eastern ports, commenced the dredging of Warri port at the cost of $44.861million (N16.150 billion). The dredging has since been completed and vessels have started calling at the port.

Aware of the perennial gridlock in Apapa as a result of the activity at the Lagos port, the NPA had late 2018 announced that it was

working with professionals in the maritime sector to make the eastern ports attractive for business. As part of the effort, the NPA deployed equipment worth over $30 million in Onne Port, Rivers State.

The measure, according to the NPA, was to boost efficiency, security and make the port attractive for business.

Onne Port Complex as one of the key ports under the NPA also got several equipment to boost activity at the port. It was also gathered that six pilot cutters, tug boats and 17-meter offshore patrol boats, have been deployed in the port to make the port attractive and stem the cycle of criminalities within and around the port. The effort started yielding results when in December 2019, a containership measuring 265 metres in length called at the Onne Port Complex, Rivers State.

The ship, named JPO Volans, was the first gearless vessel and the largest containership ever to visit a seaport outside the Lagos area.

Revival of Calabar Port On the long abandoned Calabar Ports, the MD of NPA in 2017, approached shipping companies to see the possibility of deploying flat bottom vessels built to navigate shallow draughts like that of the Calabar Ports. A month after, two vessels namely: MV Desert Ranger and MV Desert Harrier laden with wheat made maiden calls to Calabar Port.

Again, in 2019, three container ships called at the Calabar Ports, the first time in 11 years. MV Boreas made a maiden voyage (in September 2019), MV Zea Walawe called at the Calabar Ports (in November 2019) and MV MCP Adamax also called at the Ports (in November 2019). Rivers Ports were not left out as for the first time ever, an NNLG vessel, with length overall of 160m and gross tonnage of 18311, NRT 5493 DW 233333 laden with BRUTANE berthed at any of the Eastern Ports. Until October 30, 2019 when the vessel, NAVIGATOR CAPRICON berthed at Stockgap Terminal, the product was only shipped to Lagos.

In all, nine new vessels called at the Rivers Ports. Some of the vessels which called at Port Harcourt for the first thereby increasing throughput and revenue include: MV Zafer, which came in on September 8, 2019, MV Northern Dance, which came in on May 22, 2019 and MV Kota Bakti, which came in on February 18, 2019. Onne Ports received MSC GRACE at berth on August 1, 2019.

It was the first time the port would receive a container vessel in 12 years. The vessel made a total of five voyages before it was substituted with MSC MARIA, which made a total of Nine Voyages in 2019. The Port also received JPO VOLANS, the first gearless and largest container vessel (LOA of 265.07 metres) to call any Eastern Port on December 8, 2019.

Bala-Usman Reacts Speaking exclusively to THISDAY, BalaUsman said it was gratifying that the various efforts her management have been making to encourage traffic at and patronage of the eastern ports are beginning to manifest. “Alhough we are really excited at the successful berthing of gearless Maerskline

Stardelhorn, which is the biggest container vessel to ever call at any of our ports, I should remind you that this is not the first of such milestones at Onne and the entire eastern ports lately. “You will recall that Onne Ports received MSC GRACE, its first container vessel in 12 years in August last year. The Port also received JPO VOLANS,the first gearless and largest container vessel (LOA of 265.07 metres) to call any Eastern Port on December 8, 2019. “In April 2020, the Rivers Ports in Port Harcourt received its first Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) while the Calabar Ports has received flat bottom vessels for the first time in years since 2017. So, we are happy that things are working. We determined to ensure that all our ports operate at maximum capacity even as we move towards the establishment of the more globally acceptable Deep-Sea Ports, “she said.

On what specific steps she took to make the laudable achievement possible, she said: “Let me start by reiterating my often-stated point that the ports consignees have the right of choice for the destination of their cargoes. This choice is usually determined by the location of final use, which is one of the reasons why Lagos could be more appealing. “Having said that, however, we tried to look at the most common disincentives for shipping companies to patronise the eastern ports. Top of this is the issue of security and the additional cost of war insurance that is mandatory for them to take if they plan to call at eastern ports. This is because of the risk of attacks. There is also the issue of the lack of adequate equipment, shallow draught and access roads to some of the ports. “So, the first thing we did was to start a quarterly stakeholders meeting where we could feel the pulse of operators and come up with an assessment of the needs of the ports. These meetings also gave us the opportunity to meet with traditional and communities’ leaders to discuss the importance of working together to secure vessels and their personnel. We were able to convey the message that the more we make these ports insecure the more shipping companies will stay away.�

The NPA, she added, tried to make everyone understand that peace and security in these areas would ultimately increase traffic at the points. “I think this has built a lot of confidence in stakeholders. The constant engagement with stakeholders helped achieve industrial harmony and peaceful co-existence, Most importantly, we are working with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) and the Port Police Command to combat crimes on the nation’s waterways. “We have also ensured the deployment of equipment and personnel to the eastern ports. The ports now have the compliment of well-trained pilots and equipment and machinery like Tugboats and Pilot cutters and everything that is needed to berth such model vessels. To improve operational efficiency.

In addition to this, we have continued to engage our terminal operators on the need

to improve their capacity to handle cargo.

And I must commend terminal operators for the increasing investments we now see.

An evidence of this is the reason the West African Container Terminal (WACT) is able to receive this vessel, “she said.

Improvement of Infrastructure She added that the NPA knew that improvement of infrastructure at the eastern ports was necessary to attract vessels, hence the massive investment in dredging. “You will recall that the federal Government approved the contract for remedial works and dredging of the Escravos Channel in Warri in 2018. And for a place like Calabar Ports, where we are reviewing the economic wisdom of dredging, we had conversations with shipping companies, which saw the deployment of flat bottom vessels, which do not need as much depths as Onne and Rivers Ports. “We also identified the state of some roads that lead into our ports. We made a list of such roads across the country and sat down with them at the Federal Ministry of Works on the need to prioritise these roads. Some of these roads, including the Ikom Bridge, which is a major thoroughfare from the Calabar Port is now under construction, Bala-Usman said.

On the future possibilities in the eastern port, she begged for the cooperation of the residents of the region. “I thank them for the cooperation that we have continued to receive from them. I also want to plead that we continue to keep the peace, so that business can come to our communities and the economy can improve. “On our part, we are committed to doing everything to make all our ports functional.

We will continue to improve the quality and quantity of our infrastructure, ensure that terminal operators increase their capacity and train and retrain our personnel for more efficiency. It can only get better, “She stated.

Residents Applaud NPA Meanwhile, residents of Onne have expressed gratitude to the federal government and the NPA for increased activities at the Onne Port.

The paramount ruler of Onne, J.D. Osaronu, said the development shows the federal government has not forgotten the community. “I wish to convey to the management of NPA, the profound gratitude of Onne community for the berthing of the biggest (Maersk) vessel to ever berth in the port of Africa.With this development, we believe that the federal government has not abandoned the Onne seaport and its general cargo status, �he said.

One of the leaders of shippers at Onne Port, Theo Adoki, described the feat as a welcome development. “I want to give kudos to the management of Nigerian Ports Authority, the port manager, the harbour master and the entire pilots in Onne Port for this great news,� he said.

General Manager, Husbanding Maersk-APS Onne, Joseph Isang, said the development will chart a new course and bolster the maritime industry in the east and Nigeria as a whole.

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Sola Sobowale: Staying on Top of Her Game

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COVER

Sola Sobowale: Staying on Top of Her Game Sola Sobowale is a veteran talented actress, influencer, ambassador, a mother and homemaker all rolled into one. With an acting career that has spanned decades, she has continuously stayed on top of her game by being consistent at her craft and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, bagging awards to show for it. In this interview, she shares tips on her lifestyle and what has helped in maintaining her current physical fitness, enviable look and active performance over the years, Chiamaka Ozulumba reports

Y

ou have been in the Nollywood industry for decades and still on top of your game, how have you been able to achieve this?

It’s not by power but by the grace of God and nothing can be done without Him. Secondly, it’s by hard work and you know it pays, you have to believe in yourself, be very focused and ready to learn, and be corrected. Have the desire to conquer whatever challenges that come your way and finally be ready to carry everybody along as a team player.

We spot you wearing heels and keeping up with the latest style trends, what is your secret, how do you remain so agile?

Eat well, exercise and quality sleep. I don’t eat processed food; I only go with natural food that contains fibre and a lot of vegetables. Try as much as you can to avoid processed carbohydrate since it contains a lot of sugar, it’s not good for the system as one grows older. And most importantly, God factor in my life made a lot of difference.

You have been talking about eating well to stay fit and to enhance your wellbeing, what food do you like best?

I eat a lot of fibre, vegetables and oats.

For swallow, I eat black plantain flour.

They are naturally good for the body.

Most importantly, l rest and sleep well on a good mattress which is no other than Mouka. When I sleep on Mouka mattresses, I sleep well, my spine, muscles and joints are well-rested. It enhances your posture, the next morning and you wake up very active and ready to perform your daily activities.

You mentioned that Mouka is a brand that has grown with you for decades, can you shed more light on this?

At a very tender age, I met my parents using Mouka mattresses and that is what I use till date, even in my school days it was the same Mouka mattress. Mouka mattresses have been in Nigeria for decades, and their products are of a very high standard. And ever since I have come of age till now, Mouka’s quality has not changed and what can be used to describe the brand, is a heritage of unrivaled quality.

Mouka doesn’t just throw products out there, they interact with their consumers to know what they want and how they like it, and the feedback determines what would be manufactured and sold, hence there are various Mouka mattresses for different ages, body builds, lifestyles and budget. Yet they still retain the same quality they are known for and its quality products are quite affordable.

When I was called to be Mouka ambassador, I laughed, because l have been using the company’s products over the years. Then l told them to visit my house, that I have over 100 pieces of Mouka mattresses, they didn’t believe until they came.

You know as an actress and producer when I am on a film location, l always

Sobowale

rent an entire building, furnish it with Mouka mattresses for my shootings, and we have been able to attain the muchdesired comfort, for all members of my crew. Today as it stands, my parents are not with me anymore, but they used Mouka mattresses till their last days. I am currently using Mouka mattresses, likewise my children and it will pass on to the next generation.

You have to believe in yourself, be very focused and ready to learn, and be corrected. Have the desire to conquer whatever challenges that come your way and finally be ready to carry everybody along as a team player

You becoming the face of their wellbeing range is indeed a perfect fit, seeing you have such a long history with the brand. Please tell us about the new wellbeing range of Orthopaedic mattresses?

Recently, Mouka launched a new range of products called Wellbeing which is endorsed by the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) and the Nigeria Association of Orthopaedic and Manual Therapists. It is recommended for those advanced in age especially for people ages 40 upwards. The first mattress is called Wellbeing Regal Orthopaedic mattress which is very good for the elderly and those with back issues. It helps support their lower back, hips and other pressure points thereby preventing aches and pains.

The second mattress is called Wellbeing Regina Semi Orthopaedic mattress which is ideal for those weighing up to 150kg.

It is Semi Orthopaedic which means it

is still supportive but not as firm as a full orthopaedic mattress.

With what you have said about Mouka, has the company added comfort to life?

They have achieved more than that.

Like I said earlier, l met my parents using Mouka mattresses, so you can see what l am talking about. I will continue to tell the Mouka story to everyone and won’t get tired of doing that.

What advice do you have for those who want to be fit, active and be on top of their game, just like you?

Be prayerful and be very optimistic and remain focused. Eat well, sleep well, engage in exercise regularly and be ready to give your best in whatever you do in life, as my motto in life is, do unto others what you want others to do unto you, always be optimistic and believe in yourself.

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POLSCOPE

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Babalakin, The Pharoah of UNILAG

ormorethanoneweek,thesuddensack of the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has been on the front burner of public discourse. It will be for even more weeks and months ahead. The governing Council of the university, headed by the Pro-chancellor, Dr Wale Babalakin, a lawyer and businessman had announced the sack and replacement of Ogundipe, after the Council met in Abuja.

Controversy and condemnation have trailed the action of the council. Although a vote was said to have been taken at the council meeting wherein six members voted for the removal of the VC and four voted against, the crux of the condemnation of the act is that it has completely violated the provisions of the Act on how to remove a Vice Chancellor. Babalakin has thus been in the eye of the storm as he is being accused of being dictatorial and seeking to run the University like his law firm: unilaterally.

Many had argued that Ogundipe was not given fair hearing. They point out that the said Abuja meeting was tagged an emergency meeting which was supposed to be discussing the budget of the university. But that Babalakin suddenly introduced the subject of the sack of the Vice Chancellor and demanded that Prof Ogundipe left the meeting so his fate could be decided.

Babalakin has however argued that a committee which was constituted by Council to look into the allegations of gross misconduct and financial recklessness against Ogundipe had submitted a report to Council, which in turn forwarded same to Ogundipe for a response. Babalakin pointed out that Ogundipe, last May, not only wrote to defend himself against the allegations, he stood for an hour to verbally argue his case at the full meeting of the council. Therefore the demand of fair hearing has been fulfilled.

The pro-Chancellor who described Ogundipe as a “serial offender” claimed that universities are now being run by a revised law and not the provisions of the 2003 Act. He said there is a new law: Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 2009 which precludes the consent of the Visitor (Mr President) to the university in the sacking of a Vice Chancellor.

Quoting section 3 (8) of the said Act, Babalakin said the Vice Chancellor may be removed on the initiative of the Governing Council, senate or the congregation, “after due process”.

But thus far, it appears only Babalakin and his split Council is the initiator, sponsor and executor of the removal of Ogundipe. Neither the senate of the University nor the Congregation has agreed with Babalakin on the removal of the VC. He cannot thus act unilaterally. He cannot be the accuser, the judge and even the jury in his own case. It is not for nothing that the Act prescribes Due Process. It cannot be breached without attendant consequences.

Some have thus described him as the Pharoah of the University of Lagos, behaving like a fierce village headmaster. Indeed, every other body of association in the University including the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Committee of Vice Chancel-

Canticles….

Mr IG, Who Released the Ibadan Serial Killer? o you see why our national institutions will continue to be weak? You see why we would remain an underdeveloped nation for a long time

to come?

What has happened again? Did the police collect another N100 bribe at checkpoint?

This is not matter of checkpoint bribe.

It is about compromising human lives. It is a serious matter. And that is why the Police will continue to have bad image Stop whining! You have not said anything.

What did the police do again?

Did you not hear of how some ‘bad eggs’ in a police station in the Akinyele area of Ibadan released a serial killer? You didn’t hear that one Sunday Shodipe, a 19-year old serial killer, who confessed to have killed over six persons was secretly released by some crooks in uniform?

Babalakin

lors, UNILAG Alumni Association etc, have all risen to condemn the action of the Babalakin-led council. But he remains adamant.

It is unlikely that they are all wrong and only Babalakin is right.

He claims that Ogundipe as an employee of the Council has no right to take the university to court over his sack. Really? It is ironic that this verbiage is coming from one described as a learned citizen, a supposedly revered fellow in the temple of justice.

Is the court no longer the final arbiter in disputes?

No doubt, the Pro-Chancellor sees the University of Lagos as an extension of his private home. But even there, his house boy has some rights which he can demand if it is infringed upon. How can you beat a child and forbid him from crying?

Babalakin argues that if a Vice Chancellor is sacked, all he can do is to “write to council to appeal the decision of the sack”. He cleverly dodges the more crucial question of how a vice chancellor is sacked.

Babalakin, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria should know better: that the ‘howness’ of the sack is more important than ‘whyness’ or aftermath for/of the act. Even from his own narrative, the provisions of the Act on how to sack a VC and appoint a new one have not been followed.

Why is Babalakin in such an ungodly haste to see Ogundipe out?

Yes, if the many allegations of financial recklessness, forgery, concealment of information etc., against the VC are proven, then Prof Ogundipe does not deserve to remain in office. But, in law it is trite to say he who alleges, proves. Has Babalakin and his Council proven the allegations against Ogundipe? Until that is done, Babalakin should calm down and let due process take its full and slalom course, if nothing else, for the sake of the students and the ethos of order and propriety

by the Supreme Court on account of the defective credentials of his running mate.

It was thus high keeled drama that brought Diri to office, at a time he had even forgotten the contest. But his has pretty been a troubled governorship. He had fought many judicial battles both from within and outside

Gov Diri

ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

D

Bayelsa’s Endless Circus Yet again, Bayelsa State is in the news barely six months after Gov Duoye Diri was installed by the Supreme Court. Last Monday, the Election Petition Tribunal, in Abuja, sacked the Bayelsa governor and ordered a fresh election within 90 days. The sack was sequel to the petition filed by the little known Advanced Nigerian Democratic Party (ANDP) which said it was unlawfully excluded from participating in the election.

The sacked governor has filed a 12-ground appeal of the judgement. But it is remarkable that the news of the attack triggered a wild jubilation in the state as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trooped out in their thousands rejoicing over the sack. This is understandable.

They were given the Moses treatment by seeing Creek Haven (the Government House) but not allowed to go in, as its candidate, David Lyon who had won the election and was rehearsing the swearing-in protocol was sacked

áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ

his party. He has managed to emerge victorious.

But unexpectedly, the blow from the ANDP has knocked him off the seat. But with the Appeal ahead, Gov Diri may well have another laughter, otherwise he would have to prepare for another election. And when it gets to that, anything can happen.

Oh, is it that story?

But the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu said the suspect escaped from lawful custody. He sounded pained as he was announcing the incident last Sunday. He even went ahead to release the suspect’s photograph and appealed to the general public to report to the police soon as they sight him.

Mohammed adamu

Bunkum with a capital B! If you believed that commissioner, then believe that the sun rises from the west. Nonsense! How can such a suspect escape? How? Was the cell broken open? Was it de-roofed?

Were the walls of the cell broken? How can such a deadly criminal escape? Where were the policemen on duty? Who opened the cell for such a notorious criminal?

And a Commissioner of Police, worth his rank, strolls out to say the man escaped?

What raw rubbish!

Such a commissioner of police should either resign before dawn or even commit suicide for failing the nation in his duty

It riles me to hear those jaded stereotype statements. What kind of hollow assurance is that? Where were the police when Shodipe mowed down another killer (Funmilayo) in her room, four days after he allegedly escaped?

It was bad enough that the police could not have intelligence enough to prevent the crime, yet it is doubly worse to mishandle an arrested and arraigned prime suspect and got him released . And then true to type, he kills yet another person.

You see why the people don’t trust the police and sometimes resort to jungle justice? Perhaps before this column is published, the Sunday Shodipe would have hacked down yet another victim, and the Oyo command PRO, Olugbenga Fadeyi, is writing that rubbish of “unequivocally committed”. Committed my foot!

Do you know that suicide itself is a crime?

Who cares? Is it not a better crime for one slothful officer to shamefully die, than let loose a serial killer and endanger an entire community? And what is worse?

The Shodipe fellow who was released on August 11, in the name of escape, actually killed another victim, one Funmilayo (Iya Ibeji), four days after, on August 15!

In fact, the commissioner of Police would not have even said anything if the people of Ibadan did not embark on a street protest to condemn the release of such an acidic killer. Or how do you explain that it took Mr Enwonwu five full days before announcing that the so-called suspect has escaped? Can’t you smell the rat in the scheme?

You must always give the police the benefit of doubt. Sometimes they work under very hard and difficult conditions. They are not well paid. There is no motivation. Not enough equipment or modern gadgets. The police is grossly under funded and understaffed.

They are not all terrible. You actually said the error must have been facilitated by some “bad eggs” in the Police force. They actually…. (cuts in) Who is the good egg in the force? From top to bottom! Look, it is a rotten institution. Mark my words, nothing would happen. It is not the first time such a thing would happen? Remember the Apo Six? Remember the case of DSP George Iyamu (of the Lawrence Anini saga) in Benin-city in the 80’s? As they say, Na today?

The worst that could happen now is to transfer that Commissioner of Police to Borno or Yobe State. And life will continue.

That is how it goes in the Nigeria Police Force.

You don’t seem to trust the police at all.

Would you rather turn to your priest or Imam when armed robbers attack you?

Don’t be too hasty in your judgement.

Investigation is still going on to unravel

what actually happened. In his statement, the commissioner of Police has said that he “wishes to unequivocally state that the command is committed to the protection of lives and property of the good people of Oyo State”. So let us hold our peace as the Police strive to do their job.

I can assure you that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu is determined to get to the root of this case. He is a pro-active officer. Nothing gets swept under the carpet. Take my words for it: no stone will be left unturned.

Awwww. They will not even see any stone let alone turning them.

Those are the hackneyed clichés the police often resort to when they want to bury a matter.

Ask the IG who opened the cell for Shodipe to escape? Who? You will be shocked to know that the said Shodipe would be re-arrested . There is a manhunt for him already.

There is no manhunt anywhere. People saw the Shodipe in the area market a day before he killed the last woman.

The powerful forces, on whose behalf Shodipe is on the killing spree, are the same powerful forces that ensured he was allowed to escape. Those same forces will make sure he does not get re-arrested. I can tell you that with these kinds of police, those who come to give information about the whereabouts of the Shodipe could be put on harms way. Trust me!

Well, your pessimism will not stop the police from doing their job. Regardless of what people like you think of the Nigeria police, they still help in making society a livable and bearable space. Imagine if the police were not here, life and living would have been even more brutish , shorter and nastier. Indeed, if fire can burn the tortoise with the iron coat, what will it do to the hen with a feathery gown? Support the police to do better.

Hmmm, Sermon on the Mount!

25

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

TRIBUTE

Uka Eje: Access to Credit Remains Vital Factor for Scaling Agriculture In March 2020 when the government first imposed a total lockdown to minimise the spread of the COVID-19, there was a panic among food growers because it was the start of a new planting season. Even though essential workers were excluded from the directive, Agric-tech entrepreneurs like Uka Eje, Co-Founder & CEO of Thrive Agric, experienced logistical nightmares among others.

In this interview with Chiemelie Ezeobi, he maintains that until smallholder farmers are well funded, Nigeria will not self-actualise

H

ow did you get here?

Give us an insight into the journey so far I come from Benue State. Being an agrarian State a lot of farming activities happen there. While I was young, I noticed that my parents sent a lot of food to their relatives in the villages and for me that was absurd since I expected it to be the other way round. I started asking a number of questions and I noticed the reason was because farmers did not have all that they needed for farming.

A lot of the rural farmers lacked best advisory support, best farming inputs and access to premium markets and this limited their output upon harvest. This situation still prevails till date among a lot of smallholder farmers.

You could have done anything else; why agriculture?

Agriculture has the potential to create immense impact on smallholder farmers and beyond these farmers, agriculture has the ability to transform multiple value chains. For instance, an increased production of paddy rice can lead to an increased entry of rice millers and rice retailers.

This is one way that agriculture,by itself, has the power to open up multiple value chains and transform rural and urban communities.

One of the steps you first took was to build a supply chain for farmers in Northern Nigeria; how did that turn out? How sustainable has it turned Eje out to be?

It turned out pretty well. The outcome of that has helped us to manage distribu- can think of. Farmers need to be able to tion of inputs to smallholder farmers concentrate on their job – farming – in in clusters. On top of this, we have also order to achieve maximum yields, and not been able to build commodity distribution worry about storage or access to market. chains from farmers around various com- By funding the sector via ThriveAgric munities, which have enabled us to build for instance, we are able to provide the firm relationships with food processing farmers with not just expert advisory but companies locally and internationally, also these guarantees, linking them with therebybringing value to these farmers. needed funding. These are people who otherwise aren’t included in the formal You have been able to identify three financial services hence will not qualify major challenges farmers face: finance, for loans. One key thing we have been access to better inputs and low yields able to do is to build a simple technology because of insufficient data and a lack that links bank partners on-lend to smallof access to premium markets - what holder farmers. We also have a platform have you done with that knowledge?

This discovery was what made us embark on the journey as a company. One key thing we have We started working with smallholder been able to do is to build farmers to give them access to finance, technology-enabled advisory and accessto a simple technology premium market. So far, we have provided that links bank partners this service to over 50,000 farmers in on-lend to smallholder Nigeria.

As the Founder and CEO of Thrive Agric, how have you bridged the funding gap since that seems to be at the core of your derivatives?

Funding is a key factor to scaling agriculture whether as individuals - like a smallholder farmer, or collectively - as a corporate entity like Thrive Agric or a whole nation. Access to credit remains fundamental to accessing premium seeds, fertilizer and other farming inputs you

farmers. We also have a platform that connects individuals to farmers for financing. We think it’s still early stage and there are so many opportunities yet to be unlocked... So far, we have provided this service to over 50,000 farmers in Nigeria

that connects individuals to farmers for financing. We think it’s still early stage and there are so many opportunities yet to be unlocked.

Why do you target small holder farmers?

We believe that 80 per cent of food production in Nigeria is largely done by small holder farmers. As a company, we decided to expand the productivity of this 80 per cent population because in doing so we can invariably increase the agriculture potential of Nigerian and Africa. We believe that the smallholder farmer, if properly advised and properly linked with market access, would grow to large scale farmers in the coming years.

What are your high points so far?

The most exciting parts of this journey is in seeing farmers who produced one tonne in a hectare now being able to harvest four tonnes on the same hectare, which represents 4X more value and increased economic prosperity for them and their immediate community. These impacts make us see how our contribution to every individual farmer has an impact on the grand scheme.

Any challenges? How has the pandemic worsened or made the challenges easier?

One massive challenge was the difficulty in moving goods from place to

place. The announcement of the initial lockdown coincided with the start of a planting season when we needed to transport inputs from the manufacturers to farmer locations. There were a number of restrictions moving these goods and what would take two days took a lot more because of road blocks and access issues. We also experienced issues with the closure of some of our primary input producers further complicating our otherwise smooth system. The sum total of these challenges limited the total number of farmers we could reach for the season.

Knowing what you know now, would you still venture down this path again?

Absolutely. Beyond profits, I find venturing into agribusiness very exciting when I consider many factors. Our involvement produces impacts that we can see; impact ranging from higher crop yields for the farmers, better standard of living and economic prosperity for the nation. It’s rewarding.

Where do you see yourself and Thrive Agric in the near future?

In the next two years, 2023 to be exact, we plan to have provided these services to over a million smallholder farmers in Nigeria and steer massive economic prosperity for them. Africa is ripe for an agricultural revolution and I see Thrive Agricleading that revolution through technology.

26

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍŻËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Ondo Receives Outline Business Case on Deep Seaport: Eromosele Abiodun The Ondo State Government has taken a major step towards actualising the dream of establishing a seaport in the state with the presentation of the Outline Business Case (OBC) by the firm handling the project.

OBC is one of the critical requirements preceding port declaration and showcases the project as a multipurpose Deep Sea Port.

The Governor of the State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, while receiving the OBC, expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation by his administration at establishing a port in Ondo, He added that the confidence of the consulting firm on the viability of the project was a pointer to its eventual success.

The governor said the avalanche of resources the state is

blessed with, within its riverine communities coupled with the fact that the state has the longest coastline in Nigeria, would make the proposed port the hub for the West Africa sub-region. “This port is very important to me, to the people of the state, Nigeria and indeed West Africa. We are going to pursue this dream with vigour,� he said.

Describing lack of continuity and abandonment of projects by successive administrations as the greatest problem retarding the development of most states in Nigeria, Akeredolu said if the vision of the Olusegun Agagu’s administration on establishing a seaport for Ondo State had been kept alive by the immediate past administration, Ondo State would by now become a critical player in the maritime sector.

Earlier, the Head of the Consulting Firm, OIM-FBS Consortium, Mr. Ekong Etim,

said the OBC is essentially a confirmation of the governor’s vision that the port is a productive business; worthy of venturing into by both the Public and Private Ownership structure it is designed for. “We are happy that our report confirms that the governor’s vision is viable. It’s viability has been carefully assessed technically, legally, financially, and economically, �he said.

Etim said the OBC has been submitted to the NPA for onward processing through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and will subsequently receive the attention of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, for the issuance of Certificate of Compliance, adding that at the Procurement stage which is the final, prospective investors would be invited to form a consortium to finance the deep seaport project.

MARKET INDICATORS

CBN Revamps Economic Report Format The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has enhanced the reporting format and presentation of its periodic economic reports.

The latest report released by the banking sector regulator, which was its monthly economic report for April 2020, showed a significant improvement

compared with previous editions.

The new economic report captures much more economic activities and better interpretation of situation in the economy.

The tables and graphs are presented in clear and logical format for researchers, policymakers and other users.

In addition, the report provides insights on current economic developments in the real, fiscal, financial, and external sectors of the Nigerian economy, as well as on global issues of interest. It also reflects the policy initiatives of the CBN in pursuit of its mandate.

Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Secures N2.7bn Facility from DBN Adedayo Akinwale Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank has revealed that it was recently on- boarded as a participating financial institution by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to access up to N2.7 billon for on-lending to its customers.

A statement from the bank explained that the feat was in line with the bank’s vision of deepening mortgage penetration and inclusion.

The statement quoted the Managing Director/CEO of the Bank, Dr. Olabanjo Obaleye, to have said that the new partnership with the DBN was one of the key strategic drives of the bank to expand its product offerings to those in the MSMEs sector

particularly as they constitute over 90 per cent of enterprises in the country.

He added that it would also help the bank to reach more customers that are selfemployed and those in the MSME space that want to purchase commercial property like shop and offices, adding that this would also improve financial inclusion for mortgage products.

Obaleye stated: “Shelter is one of the basic human needs, this is why we are passionate about providing needed mortgage loan to deserving Nigerians particularly those in the MSMEs sector to purchase properties, this will further broaden the mortgage penetration depth in the Nigerian market, as we

speak we have simplified our processes in such a way that a mortgage loan can be disbursed within three days to an individual, giving that the applicant meets all the mandatory requirements. “We have streamlined our processes and incorporate the use of technology which has made the disbursement of loan to individuals so fast, making us the leading primary mortgage bank in Nigeria which is reflected in our financial results.�

Obaleye therefore appealed to those in the MSMEs sector and small corporates who are interested in accessing mortgage loans to build and purchase residential or commercial property to visit any of its office locations for thorough guidance and necessary approval.

Sigma Pensions, NANPF Seal Deal Nume Ekeghe Sigma Pensions and the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to offer local and international professional footballers a safety net in their retirement.

The customised scheme is expected to commence from the 2020/2021 Football season.

It was signed by the President and the General Secretary of NANPF on behalf of the union with the management of Sigma Pensions, in Abuja recently.

In a statement, Sigma Pensions said the partnership was borne out of the need to enhance pension coverage across the working population, stating that football has become a major source of employmet

for youths that have over the years not been catered for. On what prompted the partnership, the statement said: “Amongst Sigma Pensions mandate as a Pension Fund Administrator is to assist employed workers plan for their retirement so that they can have financial security in their post service years. In line with that, Sigma Pensions felt the need to collaborate with this important sector that employs a large portion of our youth to provide them a retirement plan, so that they can also benefit from this laudable government programme of financial ssecurity just like employees in other sectors of the economy.�

The MoU is slated to cover local professional footballers playing in the domestic leagues as well as international footballers abroad in foreign leagues.

“This plan is for all professional footballers, be they local or foreign-based. As you may be aware, the Cross-Border Arrangement Guideline of the National Pension Commission has made provision for people living outside Nigeria to have retirement plans at home. “Nigerian professional footballers have never enjoyed any type of social security structure for their post service years such that after their football careers, some fall into penury and cannot afford basics of life let alone healthcare insurance at old age.

This arrangement is an opportunity for them to have a retirement plan such that after their active years, they would have a steady source of income that will guarantee them financial security in their old age�, the statement added.

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

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

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

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ͯ͡ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $45.19 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $45.49 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), 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

27

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

C & I Leasing Eyes Fresh Capital to Sustain Growth Trajectory Goddy Egene C & I Leasing Plc is to raise additional capital of between N10 billion and N13 billion to boost its operations. The company had early this year raised about N2.26 billion equity from existing shareholders via rights issue.

However, speaking at the C & I Leasing first half 2020 investor webinar, Group Managing Director/CEO of the company,

Mr. Andrew Otike-Odibi, said the immediate plan is to raise capital via bond issue. According to him, the company has seen the positive effect of capital injection on its operations. “Gross earnings over the years have seen a steady growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.6 per cent from 2016 – 2019. Despite the pandemic effect in 2020, the H1 2020 is at N15.3 billion and as the economy opens, we hope

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

to finish on a strong position by year end. Total assets have also experienced growth over the last few years with a CAGR of 10.3 per cent from 2016 – 2019. We can see that the gross earnings and total assets CAGR have grown more than the CAGR of 9.6 per cent from 2016 – 2019 for total liabilities. With this we can clearly see the positive effect capital injection has on the company,� he said.

Otike-Odibi said going for-

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

ward, the company will improve on cost optimisation initiatives complemented by new supply chain initiative.

He added that the company will achieve operating expense growth rate below inflation rate, seek opportunities for growth to improve visibility to customers and potential business partners. “C & I Leasing will digitise operations and commercialise some operations, develop human capital in line with the oppor-

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

tunity that came out from the lockdown (working remotely), expand profitable partnerships and joint ventures and create new businesses from the array of opportunities that came out from the pandemic,� he said.

According to him, the board has laid down a solid foundation for growth, expansion and diversification, which is already yielding results, noting that the company remains consistent in improving its overall well-being

O F

of the company with initiatives that makes it leaders within its market space.

Meanwhile, the company has said Neoma Africa Fund (formerly Aureos Africa Fund), intends to commence discussions with potential buyers of its $10 million secured variable coupon redeemable convertible loan stock registered units of N4.75 or United States dollar equivalent units it holds in the company.

1 8 / 0 8 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

28

FRIDAY, ͺ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

NSE Lists Additional Shares of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc Goddy Egene

additional shares arose from share on the basis of one new (NSE) yesterday listed additional (CHI Plc).

In a notification to market the company’s rights issue of share for every four ordinary 2,032,500,000 ordinary shares of The Nigerian Stock Exchange Consolidated Hallmark Insurance stock dealers, the NSE said the the shares done at 52 kobo per shares held. The rights Issue A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: Al fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Aug-2020, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

was 100 per cent subscribed, fetching the company about N1.056 billion.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 123.45 124.60 -16.68% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 1.77% Nigeria International Debt Fund 360.12 360.12 23.64% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.92 0.93 1.89% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 10.14% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.85% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.99 3.07 21.82% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 6.37% Anchoria Equity Fund 98.59 98.92 -3.39% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.28 1.28 10.94% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 14.41 14.85 -5.91% ARM Discovery Fund 340.52 350.79 -1.42% ARM Ethical Fund 30.37 31.29 4.44% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.15 1.15 14.88% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.09 8.47% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.49% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 97.12 97.80 1.08% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.66% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.13 2.13 16.80% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 1.85 1.87 6.00% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.90% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 104.62 104.95 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 108.93 109.23 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 102.46 102.46 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.46% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.96 0.97 2.96% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.56 1.56 17.18% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 4.28% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 4.44% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,181.76 1,192.06 6.44% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,394.99 1,396.53 14.32% FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund 107.14 107.16 7.14% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.58% . . .

FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 119.28 119.75 2.73% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 114.97 116.78 -11.65% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,116.63 3,150.74 2.49% Coral Income Fund 3,184.86 3,184.86 3.55% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 4.39% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.11% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.29 2.33 4.59% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 8.45% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 149.69 150.43 4.43% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.25 1.27 7.08% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,129.37 1,129.37 6.69% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.39 1.41 13.50% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.92 11.99 5.82% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.97% PACAM Equity Fund 1.07 1.08 PACAM EuroBond Fund 107.69 110.20 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 118.00 120.05 -4.59% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 6.08% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 3.11% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.89% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 3.45% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 1.09% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 2.44% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.12% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 0.69% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 0.66% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.15 1.17 -3.57% United Capital Bond Fund 1.84 1.84 6.53% United Capital Equity Fund 0.65 0.67 -7.24% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.95% United Capital Eurobond Fund 114.09 114.09 4.42% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.02 1.03 -2.40% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.32 10.43 0.33% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.66 11.72 0.15% Zenith Income Fund 24.51 24.51 10.10% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.95%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

117.35

4.66%

53.40

2.59%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.03 86.15 66.80

9.13 87.98 66.80

3.74% 1.37% 0.30%

Union Homes REIT

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.07 4.12 11.88 1.00 11.02 183.97

3.11 4.20 11.98 1.00 11.22 185.97

-13.31% -30.13% -2.04% N/A 6.04% -2.24%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.03

15.02%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

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FRIDAY, ÍşÍšËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

TRIBUTE

Wada Maida: Mentorship as a Mantra

By Garba Shehu In his life, the late Malam Wada Maida was synonymous with brilliance, humility, patience, kindness and courage. His thoughts, ideals, views on journalism and in life motivated many of us who came close to him and will continue to inspire us.

Here are my remarks as Â?‘Žȹ Â?›’‹žÂ?ÂŽÂœČą ÄšÂ˜Â Čą ’—ȹ Â™Â›ÂŠÂ’ÂœÂŽČą of a good man that he was.

In my early days as an Editor at the Triumph Publishing Company in Kano, the late Chairman of the Peoples Daily and the News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Wada was in the forefront, along with a handful of other senior journalists in the country to revive the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) that had been moribund for 20 years.

He found me a worthy foot soldier in the mobilisation of the younger generation of editors to support the aspiration of a ticket on which he and the then editor of the Daily Times, Onyeama Ugochukwu ran as Deputy President and President.

They were supported by the more conservative and older membership.

Running against them was a band of radicals led by the enterprising, younger, louder even if brash and calculating owner/publisher of THISDAY Newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena.

Having myself been listed ÂŠÂœČąÂŒÂŠÂ—Â?Â’Â?ŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂŠÂ—ČąÂŽÂĄČŹÂ˜ÄœÂŒÂ’Â˜Čą post in the “National List,â€? I won along Onyeama, Wada and all the names on that list.

Mr. Obaigbena embraced Â?‘Žȹ —Ž ȹ Â?ŽŠ–ȹ Š—Â?Čą ˜ěŽ›ŽÂ?Čą his full support which he gave. Today, Mr Obaigbena presides over one of the largest media empires and as President of the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), he Â’ÂœČą Â?‘Žȹ Â˜ÄœÂŒÂ’ÂŠÂ•Čą ‘ŽŠÂ?Čą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ country’s media establishment.

From then until his death, Malam Wada did to me what the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello charged leaders “on top of the ladderâ€? to do: extend your hand to Â?Â‘Â˜ÂœÂŽČąÂŠÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ‹Â˜Ä´Â˜Â–ČąÂŠÂ—Â?ȹ™ž••ȹ them up.

From that innocuous position in the Guild executive, I rose to become Vice President (North), Deputy President and eventually, President with a gentle push by the late Malam Wada.

The digital newspaper, The Cable, recalled an interview I gave 17 years ago in which I described Malam Wada as my older brother and mentor, and mentioned the fact that he was my link to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

As Political Adviser to the then Vice President, Dr Usman Bugaje ran a quasigovernment organization full of professionals and intellectuals called the National Development Project (NDP). Among its many departments, there was a media arm named the “Just ÂŠÂžÂœÂŽČą Â?Â&#x;Â’ÂœÂ˜Â›Â˘Čą Â˜Â–Â–Â’Ä´ÂŽÂŽÇ°Č„Čą which was chaired by the late Malam Wada.

He co-opted me at a critical juncture when the Vice President ran into trouble with his primary constituency, Northern Nigeria.

In making the provision of Federal Character, the 1999

Late Wada Maida constitution had given the political parties a hint of sorts that when a political party picked a candidate for presidency from any of the southern states, the Vice Presidential Candidate will be chosen from any of the northern states, and vice-versa.

Atiku faced problems at that time because many in the north misperceived him as not being fully representative of their culture and aspirations.

They made issue, for instance of the fact that his loyalty to President Obasanjo went beyond the call of duty.

He was criticized for wearing the Yoruba cap, called at that time “power shift,â€? and the fact that he didn’t regularly speak Hausa, the language of the majority in the region on popular radio channels such the BBC Hausa, issues which many might dismiss as being nothing ‹žÂ?ČąÂ™Â˜Â•Â’Â?Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąÂŠÄ´ÂŠÂŒÂ”ÂœÇŻ But the biggest of the problems of the Vice President was the remark he made, that states in the North that had adopted the Shari’ah legal ÂœÂ˘ÂœÂ?Ž–ȹÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂŒÂ›Â’Â–Â’Â—ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ–ÂŠÄ´ÂŽÂ›ÂœČą should “revert to status quo.â€? Â‘Â’ÂœČą ™žÂ?Čą ‘’–ȹ Â˜Â—Čą Â?‘Žȹ ꛒ—Â?Čą line of the Islamic religious leaders and the Imams preached against him in all their mosques.

As rightly reported by The Cable, Malam Wada brought the Vice President, a very powerful number-two leader at that time, sat him down with us where he made the confession that he had a problem and asked that we help him. That truly had an ŽěŽŒÂ?ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ–ÂŽÇŻ What I then did was to ÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–Â’ÂœÂœÂ’Â˜Â—ČąÂŠČąÂœÂŒÂ’ÂŽÂ—Â?Â’Ä™ÂŒČąÂœÂ?žÂ?¢ǰȹ and I found an excellent friend and scholar, Dr. Nu’uman Habib from the Bayero University, Kano to lead it.

First, we needed to know the Vice President’s communications problems Š—Â?ČąÂ?‘Ž—ȹę—Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–ÂžÂ?ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂœČą solutions to them. We literally held a mirror to the face of

the Vice President in which he saw himself and it was clear that he didn’t like what he saw. In my presentation of that report to him, we informed him that in addition to the changes he needed to make for his own part, he also needed a “Spin Doctor.â€?When Â?‘Ž¢ȹÂ?Â˜Â˜Â”ČąÂ˜ÄœÂŒÂŽČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ?‘Žȹ ŽŒ˜—Â?Čą ÂŽÂ›Â–ČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ˜ÄœÂŒÂŽÇ°Čą ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂ—ÂŠÂ–ÂŽÂ?Čą in television news as a Special œœ’œÂ?Š—Â?ȹǝ ÂŽÂ?’Šǟȹ’—ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ˜ÄœÂŒÂŽČą of the Vice President. Six months thereafter, the TV news announced that the President had accepted my resignation.

For Malam Wada Maida, an unrepentant Buharist, his journey on the side of his good friend, Dr. Bugaje in pursuit of the Atiku Presidential ambition ended the very moment the then General Muhammadu Buhari decided in 2003 to throw his hat in the ring.

I recall that in those early days, Muhammadu Buhari made those infamous remarks in Hausa “Kare jini, Biri jini,â€? meaning “an eye for an eyeâ€? or “do me I do you,â€? in Nigerian parlance but was badly translated by a poor Hausa speaker reporting for ThisDay from Sokoto as a proclamation of bloodshed and it took the political space by storm. ‘Ž—ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŠÄ´ÂŠÂŒÂ”ÂœČąÂ™ÂŽÂ›ÂœÂ’ÂœÂ?ÂŽÂ?Ç°Čą I called Malam Wada who then had just returned from a foreign trip. The late Wada loved to travel and did so much of it in his lifetime.

He accepted my suggestion and went to Kaduna. Over lunch, he raised the issue of the raging controversy with the General who, as the late Wada reported to me, didn’t see anything to it but described it as mischief.

He said that the controversy was unnecessary and should be ignored but told his former Press Secretary if he felt strongly about the need to do something about, he should go and meet Malam Mamman Daura, his nephew

and a former media guru.

What followed is now history. Christian leaders including the now Bishop of Sokoto, the Most Reverend Dr Mathew Hassan Kukah were the ones in the frontlines of those defending General Buhari against the unfair and unfounded allegations of violence. In the Nigerian Press Council under the late Alhaji Alade Odunewu, AllahDe, in which the late Wada and I were members, an investigation was carried out and as an outcome, the reporter was indicted for unprofessional conduct.

In the contest for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the presidential election, the several candidates who ran against Muhammadu Buhari and lost, congratulated the winner and donated all their campaign assets including –ŽÂ?’Šȹ Â?ÂŽÂŠÂ–ÂœČą Â?Â˜Čą Â?‘Žȹ Â˜ÄœÂŒÂ’ÂŠÂ•Čą party candidate.

I, having worked with Atiku as the Director of Media and Publicity, was released to the Buhari campaign and here was I, back with Malam Wada.

Thankfully, we ran very respectful and responsible campaigns without the slightest mudslinging. While we waited for the Candidate to decide on what to do with us, both Wada and I made separate decisions to go for Umrah in Saudi Arabia, so as to thank the Almighty for seeing us through the primaries.

Just as I was ready to go, Dele Alake, a friend and fellow editor called me to say that he had a meeting with the candidate and a good chance was that he was going to lead the media campaign. Dele said he wanted me to work with him and suggested that I delay my departure in case something would come up.

A week and two came with nothing heard from upstairs so I told Dele I was proceeding with my journey.

Two things of interest

happened in the course of the trip. At the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah I saw a group of ladies at the lounge, including an ex-wife of the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

She said let me introduce you to someone you need to know, meet Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, the wife of the presidential candidate.

The would-be First Lady received me warmly and œŠ’Â?ČąÂ Â˜Â›Â?ÂœČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂŽÄ›ÂŽÂŒÂ?Ç°ČąČƒÂŠÂ›ÂŽČą you the Garba Shehu whose Â—ÂŠÂ–ÂŽČąÂ‘ÂŠÂœČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŽÂ—ČąÂ Â›Â’Ä´ÂŽÂ—ČąÂŠÂœČąÂ?‘Žȹ Director of Media Campaign, then removed, back again and then removed, three times?â€?

I said ‘‘Your Excellency, as you can see, I’m just ꗒœ‘’—Â?Čą Â?Â›Â˜Â–Čą –›Š‘ǰȹ totally unaware of all that is happening’’. She wished me best of luck. When we got to Addis Ababa, Mrs Buhari and her group continued to Dubai while those of us continuing to Abuja were joined by passengers from Dubai and Malam Wada was one of them.

It was from him that I learned of the details of the intrigues as well as the struggles by him, Governor Amaechi, the now Governor El-Rufa’i and Honourable Farouk Adamu Aliyu to have me lead the media arm of the Presidential campaign.

In the end, with the support of especially Malam Wada, the running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Senator Mamora as Deputy Director General, Boss Mustapha in Operations and Hadiza Bala Usman as campaign Secretary, enjoying the support of millions of volunteers, we ran a damn good campaign Â Â‘Â’ÂŒÂ‘Čą ›Žœ’œÂ?ÂŽÂ?Čą Š••ȹ ŠĴŽ–™Â?ÂœČą Â?Â˜ČąÂ?›ŠÂ?ČąÂžÂœČąÂ’Â—Â?Â˜ČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?žĴŽ›ȹ‹¢ȹ the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and we won.

The late Wada Maida was equally supportive of me on Â–ÂŠÄ´ÂŽÂ›ÂœČąÂ˜ÂžÂ?œ’Â?ÂŽČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ›ÂŽÂŠÂ•Â–ČąÂ˜Â?Čą the media profession. ÂŽÂŒÂŠÂžÂœÂŽČąÂ‘ÂŽČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂ—ÂŽÂ&#x;ÂŽÂ›ČąÂœÂŽÂ•Ä™ÂœÂ‘Čą or greedy, he invited me

and others that I know to participate in the lucrative consultancies he ran for his never-ending list of clients.

No doubt, this helped me and those others to build economic security for ourselves and as a consequence, you did not enter government as a political appointee a hungry man or on an empty stomach.

In the eighties when the late Malam Wada and Kabiru Yusuf with some of their friends came up with the idea of starting their newspaper, the now Daily Trust, they –ŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂŠÂ—ČąÂ˜Ä›ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ–ÂŽČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ“Â˜Â’Â—Čą which I declined on the fear that I did not want to empty Â?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ•Â’Ä´Â•ÂŽČąÂœÂŠÂ&#x;’—Â?ÂœČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂ˜Â—Čą my bank account.

It is one of those decisions one regrets taking in one’s entire lifetime, especially when you see the success of that venture, with the Trust today as one of the leading newspapers in Africa, printing œ’–ž•Â?ÂŠÂ—ÂŽÂ˜ÂžÂœÂ•Â˘ČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?Â˜ÂžÂ›ČąÂ˜Â›ČąÄ™Â&#x;ÂŽČą Nigerian cities and a multistorey headquarters building serving as operational base.

When four of them, as a core team set out to found the new newspaper called the Peoples Daily, the late Chairman of the paper ŒŠ••ŽÂ?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ˜Ä›ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ–ÂŽČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂŠÂ–ÂŽČą percentage of shares as Š••˜ĴŽÂ?Čą Â?Â˜Čą ‘’–œŽ•Â?Ç°Čą Â?‘Žȹ •ŠÂ?ÂŽČą Rufa’i Ibrahim, the late Hajiya Halita Aliyu and Bilya Bala.

The fact that the paper was launched in the “mushroom season,� that is the season of the 2015 elections and is still up and about is owed largely to the late Malam Wada.

We came together to found a newspaper, then we ran back to our jobs and businesses and left him all by himself and the support of Bilya Bala to carry the burden of the expectations of shareholders and its survival, which must have added further weight to his already overburdened shoulders. žÂ?Čą  ‘ŠÂ?Čą ÂŽÂ&#x;Ž—ȹ –ŠĴŽ›ŽÂ?Čą most was that he bore the responsibility without complaints of whatever nature.

The Peoples Daily is blessed with a crop of dynamic and tireless managers and editors who it is hoped, will not let the paper follow our late Chairman to the grave.

Finally, is to say that the Almighty gave Malam Wada two things any many (A) man or woman would envy.

He had the largest reservoir of patience on account of which I never saw him get Š—Â?›¢ǯȹ Â˜Čą –ŠĴŽ›ȹ Â?Â˜Čą  ‘ŠÂ?Čą extent he was provoked, Malam Wada would shake his head or both legs when seated, smile and then move on. Second, he had a faithful and dutiful wife who cared for him and the family. May Allah increase her health, keep her for a longer lifetime for the family and the nation.

On Malam Wada’s life, many great things can be said and none can be greater or lesser than the other. The media and the nation will ÂŠÂ•Â ÂŠÂ˘ÂœČąÂ›ÂŽÂ–ÂŽÂ–Â‹ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ‘Â’ÂœČąÂŽÄ›Â˜Â›Â?ÂœČą and outstanding contributions to the lives of individuals and communities. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah. r(BSCB 4IFIV JT 4FOJPS 4QFDJBM "TTJTUBOU UP UIF 1SFTJEFOU PO .FEJB BOE 1VCMJDJUZ

FRIDAY JAUGUST 21, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Conference: NBA Bows to Pressure, Withdraws Invitation to el-Rufai Alex Enumah in Abuja The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday bowed to pressure from its members, who are against the inclusion of Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, as a guest speaker at the forthcoming national conference of the association.

Although no reason was given for the withdrawal, it was however not unconnected to the criticism by some members against the decision of the body to allow el-Rufai present a lecture at its annual conference.

Governor el-Rufai was among those billed to speak at the association’s annual general conference to be held virtually by end of August.

Some of those scheduled to speak at the session include; Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, former governor of Anambra State and vicepresidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the 2019 election, Mr. Peter Obi; cleric and chairman, African Advisory Council of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Pastor Tunde Bakare; activist and

former federal minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and the immediate past ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, Salamatu Suleiman.

Other speakers at the conference include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad.

But some lawyers asked the NBA to withdraw its invitation to the Kaduna State governor.

In a petition to the Chairman

of the Technical Committee on the NBA Conference Planning, Mr. Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN), the lawyers under the aegis of Open Bar Initiative described the invitation as a “reward for misrule.”

In the petition, the Convener of the group, Mr. Silas Onu, said the governor “represents the very anti-thesis of what we profess to defend.”

Some of the reasons given to oppose the participation of elRufai include; his alleged lack of “empathy” in the continued spate

of killings in Kaduna State; his alleged controversial statement that any invaders “will go back in body bags” ahead of the 2019 election; the threat by his son, Bello, to support gang-rape of a Twitter user’s mother, which he later apologised for amongst others.

He was also accused of routinely arresting and intimidating his critics.

The decision to withdraw the invitation although taken at an ongoing meeting of the NBA leadership was revealed

on the tweeter handle of the association yesterday.

The message noted that the decision would be communicated to the governor.

“The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association at its ongoing meeting resolves that the invitation to the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai by the 2020 Annual General Conference Planning Committee be withdrawn and decision communicated to the governor,”, the message read.

DHQ: Three Soldiers, Eight Terrorists Killed in Borno

Kingsley Nwezeh inAbuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said yesterday that three soldiers were killed while eight insurgents were decimated during a confrontation with insurgents in Kukawa town in Borno State.

It said two wounded soldiers were receiving medical attention at a military medical facility in the state even as many terrorists escaped with gunshot wound.

The military high command was however silent on the reported abduction of 100 people in the area by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General John Enenche, said troops thwarted Tuesday’s attack on troop locations in Kukawa.

“During the incident, eight Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised and unconfirmed number escaped with gun shots wounds. “Unfortunately, three soldiers were fatally wounded and later gave up the ghost at the military medical reception station at kukawa military location”, he said.

Enenche said two wounded soldiers were receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

He recalled that on July 29, 2020, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, flagged off the re-opening of Munguno-Cross Kauwa-Kukawa Road, which was followed almost immediately with the resettlement of some of the displaced people from Kukawa and life was already picking up in the town.

He said the attack by the terrorists was a deliberate attempt to reverse the milestone achievements recorded regarding IDPs in the areas of peacebuilding, reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement efforts by the government.

Enenche affirmed that the situation in Kukawa was calm with troops in full control.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces wishes

to assure the general public that there is no going back in its struggle to see to the rebuilding and resettlement efforts for the displaced people.

“The futile attempt by the terrorists to thwart it only spurred the gallant troops for more decisive action”, he said.

He urged the people of Kukawa to go about their normal lawful businesses without any hindrance and enjoined them to always avail the troops and other security agencies of credible information about the terrorists and any suspicious persons accordingly.

Reviewing military operations in the past one week in the Niger Delta region, the Coordinator of DDMO said within the period under review, Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder patrol team discovered an illegal refining site at Okorosa Creek.

He said the site had a reservoir laden with an estimated 943.47 barrels of product suspected to be crude oil.

The site was later deactivated.

Similarly, on August 14, 2020, another site was discovered at Yalama community in Akokoturo LGA Rivers State. The site, which had two metal reservoirs laden with an estimated 150,000 litres of illegally refined diesel was deactivated.

A total of 400,000 litres of AGO were recovered within the period under review.

“The military high command commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their steadfastness, doggedness and commitment.

“They are equally encouraged to remain resolute and decisive in curtailing the activities of all criminal elements in the country. Members of the general public are hereby reassured that the Nigerian Military will continue to tackle the security challenges to ensure that normalcy is attained in all the geo political zones of the country”, Enenche said.

Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Rise By 476 to 50,964 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded 476 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 50,964 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

It has also recorded seven COVID-19-related deaths within the last 24 hours, raising the tally from 985 to 992 in a single day.

Announcing this yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 235 new cases;

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 44; Kaduna, 41; Borno, 33; Plateau, 28; Abia and Edo, 13; Rivers, 12; Imo, 11; Oyo, 10; Kano, nine; Kwara, seven; Enugu and Katsina, five each; Gombe and Ogun, four each; while Nasarawa and Zamfara recorded one each.

It said: “Nigeria has so far recorded 50,964 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 37,569 patients have been discharged, while 992 persons have died.”

DEEP SEAPORT IN FOCUS...

L-R: Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu; Consultant to Ondo State Government on Maritime Matters and Managing Director of Amiable Consultancy, Ms. Aina Egharevba; and the Lead Consultant on the Ondo Deep Seaport Project, Mr. Ekong Etim, during the handing over of the Outline Business Case (OBC) of the seaport project by the lead consultant to the governor at the Government House in Akure...recently

Again, Magu Writes Panel, Seeks Copies of Petition, Others Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has again written the Justice Ayo Salami-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry probing allegations of financial impropriety against him, seeking copies of case files, petitions and exhibits.

Magu is also seeking clarifications on the timeline of the sitting of the panel and whether an extension of the duration of the panel was granted by the appointing authority.

The letter dated August 20, 2020 and signed by Magu’s lead Counsel, Mr. Wahab Shittu, drew the attention of the commission to Section 36 (6)

(A)(B) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 which provides that “every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to the following: “(a) be informed promptly in the language that he understands and in details of the nature of the offence (b), be given adequate time and facility for the preparatlon of his defence”.

The letter noted that based on the foregoing and ahead of his defence before the panel, he should be provided with “copies of all presentations/petitions against our client tendered in these proceedings, access to all exhibits tendered in these proceedings; and access to

relevant case files and documents tendered in these proceedings and any other materials that may be relevant for purposes of the defence of our client in these proceedings”.

Magu’s counsel said the request had become urgent and compelling in view of Paragraph 5 of the instrument establishing the judicial commission of inquiry.

He cited President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive on the duration and sitting of the panel.

Shittu quoted Buhari as saying that “And I hereby direct the judicial commission to submit its Interim reports to me from time to time but the judicial commission shaII in any case submit its final report not later than 45 days from the date

of its first public sitting or within such extended period as may be authorised by me in writing”.

Shittu also sought further clarification on the duration and sitting of the commission.

“We humbly request you to note that in view of the timeline stipulated above and the need to clarify the duration of the sittings and whether the appointing authority has extended the period.

“It is of utmost importance that access to the requested documents is granted to our client and his counsel to ensure seamless proceedings and the guarantee of fair hearing as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

Police to Charge Suspected Killer of Arotile for Culpable Homicide John Shiklam in Kaduna Nehemiah Adejor, driver of the car that hit and killed Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, is to be charged for culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy at the Kaduna State High Court.

However, two others- Igbekele Faith and Gbayegun Deji, who were passengers in the car, have been set free by the Magistrate Court 1, Kaduna.

The matter came up yesterday before the magistrate, Mr. Benjamin Hassan.

The prosecution counsel, Martins D. Leo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), prayed the Court to discharge Folorunsho Igbekele Faith and Gbayegun Deji, as they were passengers in the vehicle

that was driven by Adejor when the incident occurred on July 14, 2020 at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Kaduna.

Ruling on the motion by the prosecution counsel, the judge, discharged Igbekele and Deji, listed as the 2nd and 3rd suspects respectively, based on police investigation, which did not find them wanting.

Also, the legal advice from the Kaduna State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Bayero Dari, said Faith and Seji have no case to answer.

He said Arotile, was knocked down and killed by a vehicle driven by her secondary school mate, Nehemiah Adejor on July 14, 2020, adding that Folorunsho Igbekele Faith and Gbayegun Deji

were passengers in the vehicle.

According to the legal advice read in the open court, there was no premeditation in the death of Arotile, but there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the 1st suspect, Nehemiah Adejor for culpable homicide not punishable with death.

Adejo and his brother, David Adejor (the owner of the car), had earlier been arraigned on August 12, 2020, before a Kaduna Magistrate Court, for traffic offences which caused the death of the Arotile.

The legal advice for the prosecution of Adejor for culpable homicide read: “On the 14 day of July, 2020’ the suspect all male of Auta Alkali Farin Gida, Mando Kaduna inside a Kia Sorento with Registration No AZ 478

MKA Kaduna being driven by the 1st suspect sighted the deceased (NAF/4512F Flying officer Tolulope Arotile) at NAF Base Kawo, Kaduna, whom they identified as their school mate at Air force Secondary School, Kaduna.

“The 1st suspect, full of enthusiasm, recklessly reversed the car in order to meet the deceased and in the process ran over her consequent upon which the deceased lay unconsciously on the ground. The deceased was rushed to NAFX64 Base Hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead by the medical doctors at the hospital.

“The suspects were arrested and taken to 461 NAF Hospital Kaduna for toxicology test and results were all negative.

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NEWS XTRA

FG to Enforce Principle of Reciprocity on International Flights Blames Nigerians for not submitting to COVID-19 testing Olawale Ajimotokan and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government has vowed to apply the principle of reciprocity against the nationals of some countries that are imposing stringent traveling conditions on Nigerian citizens on the bases of COVID-19 cases in the country.

It has also flayed the attitude of Nigerians for not submitting themselves for COVID-19 testing.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, issued the threat yesterday during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing.

Nuhu, who stood in for the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, said the civil aviation authority will meet on Monday to determine the countries to be affected by the ban when Nigeria resumes international flights on August 29.

Nuhu, who did not indicate any country, appealed to the countries banning Nigerians from going to their countries to be conscious of level-playing field in reciprocity as the country will also apply the same measure.

‘’The principle of reciprocity would be applied. I bet you the conditions you give Nigerians who travel to your country - we will apply the same thing. ‘’If you ban us from coming to your country, the same will apply the other way; we just hope for a level-playing field on the issue of reciprocity,’’ Nuhu said.

He noted that the federal government held a meeting with the affected countries’ foreign airlines on Wednesday where it gave them its opinion on the resumption of flights for those who will ultimately be allowed to resume flights into Nigeria.

He also said that the numbers of passengers coming to Nigeria through Lagos and Abuja, when the international flights resume, will be initially restricted to 1,280 while the flights to be allowed will be determined today.

On his part, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha has flayed the attitude of Nigerians for not submitting themselves for COVID-19 testing.

Mustapha said that although the country’s testing capacity had been increased to carry out up to 15,000 tests per day,

the country was carrying only between 3,000 to 6,000 tests daily because people were refusing to subject themselves to testing.

He said the country would have flattened the virus curve if the public had heeded all the non- pharmaceutical interventions

prescribed on containment of COVID-19.

He also noted that it was the poor attitude that prompted the PTF to propose the National Policy on Ethics and Integrity, that was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on

Wednesday. ‘’It is hoped that when implementation of the National Policy on Ethics and Integrity, that was approved by the Federal Executive Council yesterday commences, Nigerians would have the necessary incentive

and impetus to always do the appropriate thing in all circumstances. Because if we have relied on our age-old value systems of integrity, adhering to guidelines would be second nature to us as citizens,’’ Mustapha said.

WOMEN BUSINESSES ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Second Deputy President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Hon. Dele Kelvin Oye; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha; and the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pallen Tallen, during the handing over of the report on the impact of COVID-19 on women-owned businesses in Nigeria, by the minister to Mustapha in Abuja...yesterday

UK Offers Free Visa No Going Back on Edo, Ondo Elections, INEC Insists Replacement for Nigerians Adibe Emenyonu in Benin

The British High Commission in Nigeria has said it will replace, for free, the 30-day visa of individuals that were supposed to travel to the UK before the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

It said the free visa replacement, which will be open till December 2020, covers those who will be travelling to the UK for work, study or to join their families.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the commission titled, ‘Update on VAC Services From The BHC Nigeria’ posted on its verified Twitter handle, @ UKinNigeria.

The statement read in part, “as a result of the disruptions to travel caused by COVID-19, we are experiencing high demand for replacement vignettes for 30-day visas to travel to the UK for work, study or to join

family.

“If an individual’s 30-day visa to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family has expired, or is about to expire, they can request a replacement visa with revised validity dates free of charge until the end of this year. This does not apply to other types of visas. This process will be in place until the end of 2020.

The replacement visa will be valid for 90 days.’

“To request a replacement visa, individuals can arrange to return their passport to their Visa Application Centre in Nigeria without an appointment.”

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, had announced that international airports would reopen for commercial flight operations effective August 29 after about five months of closure.

Two Nursing Mothers, Others Abducted in Kaduna Community John Shiklam in Kaduna Three women, including two nursing mothers and a teenage girl have been abducted in Damishi community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident was said to have occurred last Wednesday night when gunmen numbering about 40 invaded the community.

Residents of the community said the hoodlums were armed with AK47 rifles, adding that the village had been under constant attack by gunmen who abduct people for ransom.

One of the residents, who simply identified himself as

Abraham, said in an interview that the bandits came to abduct a Catholic priest in the community, but the clergy man was not at home.

According to him, “When the gunmen did not meet their target, they stormed a hotel in the community, where some residents normally go to sleep at night for fear of the bandits.”

He said those abducted included two nursing mothers with their babies and a teenage girl.

Abraham said: “Because of the incessant abductions in the community, people pay for rooms in the hotel for their families to sleep at night.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voters Education Committee of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Festus Okoye, has said there is no alternative to the peaceful conduct of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

He said failure to do so

will leave both states with constitutional logjam that would be difficult to resolve.

At a sensitisation forum for the media in Benin, Edo State capital, yesterday, Okoye noted that political parties must eschew violence, use of intemperate, inflammatory language designed to incite violence.

He said, “Political parties and all the critical stakeholders in

the electoral process must see the conduct of these elections as a national project that must be executed in strict compliance with all the safety protocols.

“There is no alternative to the peaceful conduct of these elections as the alternative will leave the people of the two states with a constitutional logjam that may be difficult to resolve.

Political parties must eschew

violence. Political parties and their candidates must eschew the use of intemperate, inflammatory and base language designed to inflame passions or incite violence.

“On our part, we are determined and resolved to proceed with the conduct of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections and all the outstanding by-elections.

Customs Condemns Non-payment of Excise Duty By Coca Cola, Others Deji Elumoye in Abuja Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col Hammeed Ali (rtd), yesterday frowned at the exemption of carbonated drinks producers such as Coca Cola and Pepsi cola from paying excise duty.

He, therefore, called on the federal government to terminate

the tax waivers regime granted local companies producing soft drinks in the country.

Ali, who stated this in his submission at the Senate Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning on the projection of the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy paper asked the federal government to broaden

its excise tax net to include carbonated drinks.

According to him, doing so would boost revenue generation since tariff collection on import would drop in 2021 and beyond due to the trade agreement between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

The Customs boss wondered why companies like Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola and other

non-alcoholic beverages firms were not paying tariffs in Nigeria while they do in other countries where they operate.

Ali said it was during the defunct Interim National Government (ING) of Ernest Shonekan that the waivers were granted to the carbonated drinks manufacturers in 1993 to encourage local firms.

FCT Police Arrest Suspected Killer of Abuja Pharmacist Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command yesterday arrested a suspected killer of the Proprietor of Suncell Pharmacy, Gwarinpa, late Sunday Chukwujekwu.

The arrest was sequel to the ongoing investigation into the gruesome murder of the former publicity secretary of

the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) by the command.

A police statement said detectives arrested Tukur Awwal, the principal suspect, who allegedly killed the deceased at his shop on June 19, 2020.

The suspect, who gave details of how he shot the deceased during the robbery operation,

was arrested by operatives of the command’s Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) at his hideout in Suleja, Niger State, on August 7, 2020.

He also confessed to his involvement in some armed robbery operations around Gwarinpa and Gudu Districts of Abuja.

The statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer

(PPRO), Anjuguri Manzah, said one locally made pistol, suspected to have been used to commit the crime, and one live ammunition were recovered from him as exhibits.

Other exhibits earlier recovered from his gang members that were arrested on July 12, 2020, include one Huawei phone and one sky blue Toyota Camry car.

House Suspends Probes, Committee Sittings until Resumption Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has suspended all investigations, public hearings and committee meetings as well as activities of standing and ad hoc committees until the lawmakers are back from recess and resume plenary in September.

This is coming on the

heels of the investigation of the House Committee on Treaties, Agreements and Protocols of the review and implementation programme of all existing bilateral loan agreements between Nigeria and the Chinese Export-Import Bank, among other committee investigations.

The suspension of all House activities was contained in a

letter dated August 19, 2020, which was signed by the House Leader, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, and addressed to all committees, ordering a stop to all activities.

In the letter titled: ‘Notice of suspension of activities, meetings, public hearings and all engagements of the standing and ad hoc committees’, with reference number NASS9HR/

OLDR/ADM/Vol. 1. 0031, Doguwa urged the clerk of the House to ensure compliance.

The letter read in part: “The leadership of the House of Representatives has recently met and resolved that henceforth, all activities of standing and ad hoc committees be put on hold while the House is on its annual recess.

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Reddington: Our COVID-19 Treatment Hospital Affordable Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe The first accredited private hospital to treat COVID-19, Armoured Shield Hospital has said they are the best choice for private and corporate patients for the management of the pandemic.

Armoured shield, which is an arm of Reddington Hospital Group, added that their testing facilities is the best available in the country to treat and test for COVID-19, both in terms of efficiency and cost.

The Medical Director of Armoured Shield Medical Centre, Dr. Sola Oluwole, said this yesterday when he appeared on the Morning Show, a breakfast programme on ARISE NEWS channel, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers.

According to him, “we have testing facilities and if someone has a suspicion, they come into our lab and are

tested and if the test return positive, there is no need to start looking for where to receive care. Other laboratories are available and they do a very good job but if you go to a laboratory and you test positive, you are now faced with where you get your care.

So, because of that seamless integration of both testing and treatment, that gives some comfort to people who come to us.”

He added that their facility is well suited to care for COVID-19 patients who have other medical needs.

“If you test positive and you are home, we have an ambulance system that would come fetch you, take you to our facility if you need to be in an isolation centre and of course we have levels of care.

“The other thing that is also important to note is that COVID-19 is not the only disease people have. For example, we have had patients

Ehanire: WHO Targeting 2bn COVID-19 Vaccines for Poor Countries Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire yesterday said that World Health Organisation (WHO) is working on a plan to secure two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are developed.

He said that Nigeria is among the countries partnering the organisation to procure vaccines for the treatment of the virus.

Ehanire who spoke at the media briefing by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 yesterday, disclosed that Nigeria is also working with WHO to finalise enrollment with ACT Accelerator, a global mechanism tracking

and sponsoring research organisations working on COVID-19 vaccine development.

He said the reason for partnering WHO is to ensure equitable access to vaccines when they are ready.

“We are also interested in the COVAX facility, a GAVI supported global initiative to procure and assure equitable access to vaccines, as soon as they are available, especially for Lower and lower middle Income Countries (LMIC).

“This will prioritise Nigeria for allocation of a part of two billion vaccines doses that will be secured, in a special plan to protect the interests of poorer countries,” he said.

who had other conditions like a pregnant woman. So,

we provide all those other extras, meaning we are not

treating for COVID-19 alone as we have an all-compassing

treatment plan, ” Oluwole said.

COURTESY VISIT...

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Private Sector Alliance (NIPSA), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN); General Manager, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Mr. Muazy Muhammed Ruma; Managing Director/CEO of NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba; and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit to the governor by NEPZA at Lagos House, Marina...yesterday

Police to Begin Screening for Recruitment on August 24 Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday stated that the screening of candidates who applied to join the organisation as constables will commence from August 24 to September 16, 2020.

It directed the applicants to appear at the screening centres in clean white T-shirts and shorts for the exercise which would take place at designated locations in each state and the Federal Capital Territory.

The police said specific guidelines for each state would

be announced by the Police Public Relations Officers in the 36 state commands and the FCT, noting that the screening and other aspects of the recruitment would be carried out in strict compliance with the COVID-19 prevention protocols.

According to a statement in Abuja, by the force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, the applicants were expected to come with their National Identity Number; original and duplicate copies of credentials, (O’ Level results); certificate of origin and birth certificate or declaration of age neatly arranged in two white

flat files with recent passport photographs.

They were also directed to come with the printout of application submission confirmation page, and a duly completed guarantor’s form.

The statement cautioned that any candidate who failed to present the requirements will not be considered for the screening.

The statement titled, ‘Recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force (Constables): physical and credential screening to commence from August 24 to September 6, 2020,’ read in part,

“The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, reiterates that the recruitment exercise is absolutely free of charge and without any pecuniary obligation.”

The IG equally assured that the process would be conducted “in the best tradition of transparency and accountability.”

He advised the applicants to be wary of online imposters, scammers and other criminal elements who might want to take advantage of the recruitment process to dupe innocent candidates.

Kano Police Arrest Man Who Stabbed Teenager to Death Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Police Command yesterday disclosed that it has arrested one Haruna Yau, who allegedly stabbed an 18-year-old Sani Ibrahim to death in Tasike area of Tarauni Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesman of the Police Command in the state, Mr. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident to THISDAY yesterday.

Kiyawa, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the arrest was made after the uncle of the deceased, Ibrahim Mohammed, notified

the police authorities of the incident.The police spokesperson said the state Police Commissioner, Habu Sani, had ordered the transfer of Yau to the state police headquarter for further investigation.

According to him, after the conclusion of the

investigation, the suspect will be taken to court for onward prosecution.

Yau allegedly stabbed Ibrahim to death with a scissors on his neck following the inability of the latter to produce the hard drug Aminu Tourist, 23, had earlier asked him to buy, it was learnt.

... Rescue Another Unlawfully Confined for 30 Years Again, Kano State Police Command yesterday disclosed that it has rescued another 55-year-old man unlawfully confined for 30 years in a solitary room by his relatives.

He is alleged to have had a psychiatric problem, and this is presently the third

person the police in the state have freed from unlawful confinement within two weeks.

The man was found to be tied to a wood in a room with no window.

It was also learnt that his relatives allegedly held the

55-year-old man, whose name is not yet known, for having a psychiatric problem.

Spokesman of the state police, Mr Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident to THISDAY yesterday evening.

Kiyawa, a Deputy

Superintendent of Police, said the rescued victim has been admitted in a medical facility in Rogo Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the police command has already begun investigation into the incident.

WAEC Condemns Activities of Invigilators, Students Funmilayo Ogundare The West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) yesterday decried the activities of some ‘unscrupulous’ supervisors/ invigilators, and in some cases, candidates, who took photographs of question papers while the examination was in progress and forwarded them to their external collaborators.

The acting Head of Public Affairs of the council, Mr. Demianus Ojijeogu, in a statement, said the Councils Monitoring/Investigations unit

discovered that collaborators provided solutions to the questions which they sent to their subscribers via criminallyinclined websites, text messages and Whatsapp.

This practice, he noted, is against its regulation as the use of mobile phones in the examination hall is not allowed, adding that some culprits, who were caught in the act in Bauchi, Nasarawa and Rivers States have been arrested and will be prosecuted.

According to the statement, “The attention of the West

African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has been drawn to publications on social and other media alleging the leakage of its question papers in the ongoing WASSCE for school candidates, 2020.

“Some have even gone ahead to (mis)quote the Head of National Office of WAEC, Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Areghan, as confirming same. This is far from the truth, and we take very strong exception to it.”

He advised candidates, invigilators and supervisors to shun every act of examination

malpractice, noting that the supervisors, who are secondary school teachers, should justify the confidence reposed in them by the various state ministries of education that nominated them to supervise the ongoing WASSC examination.

The WAEC chief re-assured its stakeholders that contrary to the misleading impression, which the publications sought to portray, the integrity of the ongoing WASSCE for school candidates has not been compromised, as none of the question papers has leaked.

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NEWSEXTRA

NNPC: We Are Ready for Forensic Audit by N’Assembly Says 48m barrels of crude oil not missing No frivolous N9bn expenditure, NCAAinsists Deji Elumoye in Abuja T The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday dared the National Assembly to carry out forensic audit of the corporation over the frivolous allegation of 48 million barrels of crude said to be missing.

NNPC described the recent

claim by an on-line medium that 48 million barrels of crude oil was missing as unfounded and total falsehood.

This is just as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) claimed there was no frivolous N9 billion spending in the agency.

The issues of the alleged missing barrels of crude oil and unapproved yearly budget of

the corporation came up during an interactive session which officials of NNPC had with the Senate Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning on projected revenues estimated in the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Frame work and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

The Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, had while taking up the oil corporation over the

alleged missing barrels of oil, demanded a proven evidence and not verbal denial by NNPC through media advertorials.

While responding, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mele Kyari, who was represented by the Chief Finance Officer, Umar Ajiya, said the Senate, and by extension, the National Assembly can institute a forensic audit of the corporation so as to know the

truth, “but from all we know, no crude oil is missing from NNPC.” According to him, “There was no evidence in knocking off the claim than the fact that there were no records of ships that sailed out of the Nigerian waters with such contrabands and clearance from the Nigerian Navy and Directorate of Petroleum and Resources (DPR).

“No ship leaves the country

without clearance from the appropriate unit of the Nigerian Navy and there is no way any ship with such alleged stolen crude oil could escape from the Nigerian shore.

“As far as the NNPC is concerned, no barrel of crude oil is missing as falsely alleged, and we are very ready to be investigated over it in the form of commissioning a forensic audit by the National Assembly

Shippers Council Shuts Terminal over Arbitrary Charges Eromosele Abiodun In a simultaneous operation, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has closed down all operations of Tin Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) both at its Polysonic Mall head office in Apapa, as well as its terminal located at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

Nigerian Shippers Council’s enforcement and regulatory team led by the Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Mrs. Celine Ifeora led some fierce-looking policemen to close down the headquarters of TICT at Polysonic Mall, while another team lead by Mr. Adesina Sarumi shut the terminal.

Addressing clearing agents and dockworkers loitering around the terminal, an Assistant Director at the NSC, Mr. Adesina Peter, said the Shippers Council as the

port’s economic regulator, has been inundated with myriads of complaints on alleged transfer of importers containers to off-dock terminals without the consent of the owners.

He also alleged that the terminal was charging clearing agents arbitrary storage charges and fees for other services not rendered.

The TICT staff were given five minutes to clear their table before they were sent out.

Also speaking, Mrs. Ifeora Celine said, “We got information that the terminal operator indiscriminately transfer people’s containers without their consent to the off-dock terminals and make them to pay the storage and transfer charges and this adds to the cost of doing business and this does not augur well for the economy.

600 Flood Victims Get Relief Materials in Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti In a bid to mitigate the effect the loss of valuable assets might have on their lives, the Ekiti State Government has distributed relief materials to 600 residents who lost their homes to flood in 2019.

The state Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, who flagged off the distribution last Wednesday in Ado Ekiti, said the gesture was carried out to cushion the effects of flooding and identify with the victims.

Egbeyemi, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Tade Aluko, lauded the efforts of the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi,

in facilitating the processing and release of the materials through the Presidential Task Force on Flooding.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, the deputy governor urged residents to be at alert to the weather forecast of impending flooding in Ado, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ijero Local Government Areas.

Egbeyemi said the alarm sounded by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on likelihood of floods in September and October with Ekiti as one of the states it would occur in the three council areas, was an early warning signal for adequate preparation.

REMEMBERING FALLEN HEROES...

L-R: Son of one of the fallen heroes; representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Obed Ngalabak; and the Vice President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Abies Oghomwen, during the second phase of the distribution of palliatives to widows and orphans of fallen heroes in Abuja...recently ENOCK REUBEN

Relevant Laws Back Our Collection of Stamp Duties, Says FIRS Senate kicks against projected N500bn revenue for 2021 budget Deji ElumoyeinAbuja The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has justified its collection of stamp duties, saying there are relevant laws to back its action.

The Senate, however, objected to FIRS’s projected revenue of N500billion from the duties collection in 2021 budget.

Right of ownership of stamp duties collection between FIRS and NIPOST and the issue of

two separate stamp duties came up during an interactive session between the Senate Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning and FIRS officials on the agency’s revenues projections for 2021 as contained in the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, had asked

the FIRS Executive Chairman, Muhamnad Nami, on right of collection of the duties and the N500billion projected as revenue for 2021 budget as against N1.5 trillion. Nami, in his response, said there are two types of stamp duties which are the electronically related and the adhesive ones stated in section 5(2) of the Stamp Duty Act. Postage stamp, he added, is different from stamp duties payments, which he said, going

by relevant laws, can be made to FIRS or IRS. According to him, though loopholes in the Stamp Duties Act are urgently needed to be addressed, the right of collection for the electronic related ones has been legally given to FIRS by the National Assembly through the Finance Bill passed last year and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari into an Act of Parliament.

FCT Police Inaugurate Committee on Firearms Prohibition In compliance with the recent order issued by the InspectorGeneral of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, for a nationwide clampdown on the proliferation of prohibited firearms, the Commissioner of Police FCT Command, Mr. Bala Ciroma, yesterday constituted a committee to enforce the directive

in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The FCT committee chaired by the Command’s Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sunday Babaji, was mandated to work with traditional rulers, Area Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to identify, isolate, disarm, arrest and prosecute any person(s) or group(s) in unlawful possession

of prohibited firearms.

The Commissioner of Police also ordered all DPOs in the Federal Capital Territory to convene an enlightenment meeting of all vigilante groups within their respective areas of responsibility in order to ensure their activities are in conformity with the extant laws guiding their establishment and operations.

Similarly, individuals or group in unlawful possession

of prohibited firearms could voluntarily submit such firearms at the nearest police division, a statement by the command said.

While reassuring residents of its commitment to protect lives and property, the command enjoined residents to promptly report or call any of these police emergency numbers in case of distress: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.

African Voices Changemakers, Globacom-sponsored magazine programme on CNN, airs this weekend. It will feature two Nigerians, ace musician Mr. Eazi and an equal-opportunity agent, Orondaam Otto, as well as South African beauty queen, Zozibini Tunzi.

Banku music exponent, songwriter and music star,

known as Mr Eazi, will acquaint viewers with the story of how he pioneered Banku music, a collage of Nigerian rhythms and Ghanaian highlife.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Mr. Eazi started his musical career in 2012 with

titled “Pipi Dance”. He has had collaborations with other A-list acts including Ghanaian R&B star, Sarkodie; Lil Kesh, and Burna Boy who are both successful Nigerian music merchants. His hit singles include “Leg Over” and “Tilapia” The second feature on the programme is 32-year-old

Anatomy graduate of University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria who is committed to seeing an African continent whose potentials are maximized and one which will be celebrated for the innovations and uniqueness of her people.

He is also focused on seeing that every African Child gets good education.

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Landmark Africa Hails Lagos Govt Glo Sponsors Nigerian Musician, Two Activists in African Voices Compilation over Eti-Osa Isolation Centre The compilation edition of Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly his rhythm and blues single Nigerian, Otto, a Human

Following the successful complimentary treatment of over 300 COVID-19 patients at the Eti-Osa Isolation Centre, Lagos State, the Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Africa, Mr. Paul Onwuanibe, has hailed the Lagos State government for the privilege given to the company to support the fight against the virus in the state.

Also, following the expiration of the three-month agreement between the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) and the state, the N1.2 billion facility has therefore been decommissioned.

In a statement issued by the organisation recently, Onwuanibe said: “It is quite an emotional period for us, seeing all the success stories that had come out of the isolation

centre within the Landmark Village. The isolation centre recorded truly remarkable stories of success, like the 98-year-old grandmother who was successfully treated and discharged. We consider it a privilege to have been part of the valiant efforts to curtail the spread of the virus in Lagos State.”

The Eti-Osa Isolation Centre was completed within 19 days in April 2020 to improve the capacity of the state to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 80-bed Isolation Centre was fully equipped with six ventilators, monitors, respirators, mobile X-rays, ultrasound and oxygen piping as well as other auxiliary medical and non-medical facilities.

Johnians Inaugurate New Exco Tomorrow Less than three months after electronic elections produced the new executive committee, old students of St John’s Grammar School, will inaugurate the new team tomorrow at the school’s premises in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Frontline health services

administrator and ophthalmologist, Dr. Festus Oshoba will preside over its affairs for the next two years.

He will work with Dr. Olajide Makinde, Firsr Vice President; Mr. Jibola Awoseyi, Second Vice President; Mr. Ikechi Diaku, Third

Vice President and Mr. Debo Adefisan, Secretary-general.

A former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr.Kehinde Bamigbetan is the incoming publicity secretary and senior member, The Punch’s

editorial board member, Mr. Obafemi Obadare is the assistant secretary -general.

Others are Mr. Tope Eluyemi, social secretary, Dapo Adeyeba, auditor; Olaolu Omifare, Treasurer and Joseph Adedire, financial secretary.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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TUC Begs IG to Release Report of Rape Allegation against Kogi Commissioner Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The Trade Union Congress (TUC), has urged the

Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, not to sweep under the carpet the rape case allegedly leveled against

Bauchi Uncovers 89 ‘Ghost’ Medical Doctors on Payroll Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Bauchi State Government has disclosed that about 89 medical doctors have been discovered to be on the payroll of the state government illegally while they are employed elsewhere.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Works, Mr. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, who briefed newsmen on the outcome of the weekly State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, which was held yesterday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Bauchi.

The illegally employed doctors, according to Ibrahim, were exposed by the verification exercise conducted by the state government to know the actual number of the workers on its payroll.

He added that a cabal has hijacked the payroll of the state government.

“The annoying thing is that these medical doctors were trained with the resources of the government but they chose to work elsewhere, yet, they are illegally taking money that is supposed to be used for others.

“There was a discovery of one person who was drawing salaries from the local government, (LEA) as well as the state government while another person’s account was used by the cabal to take the sum of N2 million monthly without him knowing. No level of intimidation and name-calling will stop the government from implementing the civil service reforms as no one is marked out for victimisation by the exercise,” he said

the Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Abdumumini Danga.

The Kogi State Chairman of the TUC, Comrade Ranti Ojo, made the call yesterday during a peaceful protest in Lokoja that was tagged “Say no to Rape and all Forms of Gender Based Violence.”

Ojo lamented that the Nigerian Police under the leadership of Adamu has failed to tell the country the outcome of their investigation five months after the former Miss Kogi made the allegation, which drew public condemnation from far and near.

He described rape as a

grievous offence, which should be condemned in its entirety no matter how highly placed the culprit might be in the society and noted that the commissioner must be punished in accordance with the law if found guilty of the alleged offence.

“We are here to lend our voices against rape in Kogi State and Nigeria in general.

Collectively, we must stop rape because it is a sin against God and does not speak well of humanity.

“I’m calling on the government, and institutions that are saddled with the responsibility, to implement

stiffer punishment against every culprit that is involved in rape no matter how highly placed he may be.

Ojo said: “In Kogi State, it was alleged that the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Abdumumini Danga, raped a lady. Up till this moment, the public have been kept in the dark. Let me make this passionate appeal to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Muhammed Adamu that this case must not be swept under the carpet.

“The IG must investigate this case and tell Nigerians what the outcome is. If the commissioner is found wanting, he must face

the full wrath of the law.”

Similarly, the Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Idris Miliki, said: “Rape and assault perpetrated by anybody is a criminal offence under the Nigeria Law and should not be accepted.

“It is condemnable irrespective of whoever is involved and wherever it takes place or is carried out under any circumstance. Research has shown clearly that women are the victims of rape while men are the perpetrators. We need to have a collaborative agenda against rape.

66 Students Bag First Class as Babcock Varsity Graduates 2,169 Funmi Ogundare The Babcock University IlisanRemo, Ogun State, recorded 66 First Class graduates in various faculties out of 2,169 students that graduated from the institution.

A breakdown of the graduating students showed that out of the total, 1,686 finished at the undergraduate level while 483 finished at the postgraduate.

The best graduating student was Mr. Olayemi Oluwaseyi Olayinka, of the Department of Christian Religious Studies in the School of Education and Humanities, with a CGPA of 4.92.

Speaking at the virtual 18th and 9th convocation ceremony, the President/Vice Chancellor of the Babcock University, Professor Ademola Tayo, congratulated the grandaunts for their feat.

Tayo said: “The learning that you started will continue throughout your life. At Babcock, we have helped you through with deepest thought.

You are now in the age of new normal but you have a responsibility to Nigeria.”

He also advised them to use their knowledge creatively by focusing on their fellow human beings.

Tayo said: “Seek to selflessly serve than to be served and dedicate yourselves to transformation through spiritual growth and servant leadership.”

In his commencement speech, titled, “Be The Positive Difference,” the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank PLC, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, congratulated the grandaunts and charged them to be ready to adapt and compete effectively in a changing the world by leveraging on digital technology.

Wike Institutes N50m Trust Fund for Nwakaudu’s Children Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has announced a N50 million Trust Fund for the welfare of the children of the late Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu.

Wike made the announcement yesterday the during the burial of Nwakaudu at his home town, Umuanya Ogbodikwu in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

Wike, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, described the demise of his late

media aide as most unfortunate, saying he distinguished himself by serving the state and the government with utmost dedication and loyalty.

He said the late Nwakaudu also sacrificed his time, energy and life to the service of the state.

According to him, Nwakaudu was bold, brilliant and insightful while informing and disseminating government policies and programmes.

The governor added that Nwakaudu did not also forget his colleagues in the journalism profession as he ensured that there was no friction between the government and the media.

HUMANITARIAN GESTURE...

L-R: Representative of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mr. Grema Ali; a beneficiary, Mrs. Hafsat Haman; and Chairman of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Wasa village, Mr. Jeffrey Betrus, during the distribution of palliative by the minister, in commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day in Abuja...yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Oyo Plans Extension of Maternal Leave Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has announced that a bill for the extension of maternity leave for pregnant and nursing mothers from four to six months and paternity leave for men would soon see the light of the day.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Faosat Sanni, made the disclosure yesterday in Ibadan at the opening ceremony

of a two-day workshop on “Safe Motherhood”, which was organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter.

The event, which held at Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Center, Iyaganku, Ibadan, attracted members of the association from the Southwest’s states of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Oyo and Ekiti.

Sanni said the extension of the maternity leave would provide

adequate care to the newborn while the mothers also would have the privilege to take care of themselves.

She added that the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has been supporting every key aspect of motherhood as a way of promoting the well being of women and children in the state.

According to her, the administration has been promoting, educating, empowering and protecting children and women

from all forms of abuse through financial support for those in need of it.

The Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Olawumi Oladeji, said the House of Assembly has been gender-friendly and has enacted laws to take adequate care of the interest of women and children, stating that the house was the first to domesticate the Child Rights Law (2006) in the country.

106 Persons Escape from Boko Haram Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri No fewer than 106 persons who “escaped” from Boko Haram captivity have found their way into the hands of the Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF).

Ninety-four of the escapees, who were Nigerians, were released to the Borno State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr.

Kaka Shehu Lawan at a remote location in the Republic of Chad.

A statement shared on the verified social media handles of the Borno State Government said the MNJTF on Tuesday received 106 civilians who escaped from the Boko Haram terrorists and surrendered to them.

The said that the 94 Nigerians were made up of 37 adult males, 17 adult females and 40 children while the other 12 escapees were

Cameroonians and Chadians.

The Commander of the MNJTF, Major General Ibrahim Yusuf, said that it was interesting that some of the escapees voluntarily surrendered themselves to the Headquarters Sector 1 of the MNJTF in far North Cameroon while the women and children were rescued.

Yusuf said that some of the surrendered persons would be

investigated to ascertain their relationship with the terrorists.

He said: “This is a strong indication of success because success in counter insurgency operations is measured not just by the number of insurgents that were killed, but as well the number of those that are surrendering and reduction in their recruitment base. So, obviously this is a success indicator.

Elumelu: Asaba University will Curb Militancy, Vandalism Udora Orizu in Abuja The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, said yesterday that the bill, which seeks the establishment of a Federal University of Technology in Asaba, Delta State, would provide quality technical education for the youths and help to curb militancy,

vandalisation, thievery and all manner of banditry going on in the South South.

Elumelu stated this at the public hearing on the bill, which was held at the National Assembly complex.

The piece of legislation, which was sponsored by the lawmaker, recently passed for second reading by the House.

He noted that there is no gainsay that education is the bedrock of societal development upon which great nations build their economies.

He explained that the desire to push for the creation of the university is to provide more opportunities and level playing ground for all to gain admission in Nigerian universities and to

specialise in technology related courses.

Elumelu lamented that the failure of the country to heed earlier warnings of investing in technological development have led to the loss of highly gifted citizens who in their quest to seek technological knowledge migrated to other countries at Nigeria’s detriment.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Obiano, Ugwuanyi, Umahi Get Ultimatum to Investigate AfDB’s Abandoned Water Contract David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A group, South East Development Initiative (SEDI), has called on the Governors of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, Chief Willie Obiano, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Dave Umahi respectively, to investigate a rural water project awarded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to two firms in their states.

The group, in a petition to the governors, said it was pained that the water contracts which were awarded in 1991 to be constructed in the three states was abandoned, while the federal government was still making deductions for the project up till date.

The petition, which was signed by the group Chairman, Joseph Onwe, and two other members, Ikem Onwudiwe and Chief Chukwuemeka Nwodo, and made available to THISDAY in Awka, Anambra State, urged the governors to investigate the contract as deductions were still being made from their monthly allocation for the project.

Part of the petition read: “We are referring to the contract awarded in 1991 for rural water supply in old Anambra State, which was financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) based in Cote d’Ivoire.

The AfDB also financed the huge contract for rural water project in many communities

in the old Anambra State.

“You owe the people of Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra States the duty to explain to them what became of the contracts. After all, huge amount of money is deducted monthly from your state entitlements from the Federation Allocation account to pay for the loan plus interest.

And the deductions will go on for 22 and half years.

“There was an initial suspension of five years on the loans. It is remarkable enough that your states have been paying for the loans and interest rates straight from the monthly allocations from the federation account without knowing why.”

CSR: SHIN Partners Nigerian Institute of Welders Peter Uzoho As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), is partnering the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW), to participate in the Worldskills International Welding Olympics 2021, which will be held in Shanghai, China, next year.

This latest initiative is part of the efforts by SHIN to contribute to the development of the welding industry in Nigeria, and to empower Nigerian youth by training them in skills that are high in demand for a rapidly developing country.

According to a statement issued

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as YEKINI OLOLADE AJOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as SHOYOYE OLOLADE AJOKE. All documents bearing my previous name remain valid. The general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNAMHE OMEGIE JENNIFER, now wish to be known and addressed as ISHOLA JENNIFER OMEGIE MARY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and address as ABUBAKAR AHMED now wish to be known and addressed as ABUBAKAR DALHATU TAFOKI. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AFOLARANMI RACHAEL IGWEGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLARANMI RACHAEL AKINWUMI. All documents bearing my previous name remain valid. The general public please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as AWO CHIMA WISDOM now wish to be known and addressed as AWO CHIMOBI WISDOM. All formal documents remain valid. General public please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS This is to inform the general public of the loss of original documents belonging to DR. DON NWOSU of NCCE MGT. Quarters. MABUSHI ABUJA, I discovered that within the above address my original documents: papers relating to initial NCCE Allocation of House DQ1, NCCE QUARTERS, ABUJA, to me, and documents relating to my purchase of the same house from FCDA were missing. All efforts made to trace the missing documents proved abortive. If found, kindly return to the nearest police station. All authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

by CSR, entrants for the Worldskills Olympic will be carefully selected through a National Welding Contest– the first ever in Nigeria.

The event will be organised

by SHIN, in collaboration with NIW. SHIN will also contribute further through donations to the entrants and to the contest itself.

The memorandum of agreement marking this collaboration is to be signed at the end of this month.

This is newest addition to the already existing efforts made

by SHIN to contribute to the development of the welding Industry in Nigeria, and to empower Nigerian youth by training them in skills that are high in demand for a rapidly developing country.

The company stated that it wants to involve young talent in the future of the country and create a window of limitless opportunity for Nigerians.

“Active participation in such events also goes a long way in redirecting focus on the country, allowing Nigeria to compete with other countries in the world. Given the current uncertainties around events, if the National Welding Contest does indeed take place in November as planned, SHIN will also provide the facility at its Welding Qualification Centre as the venue of the contest, free of charge, “ the statement explained.

Thirty six promising participants will first be selected from the tertiary institutions in Nigeria to enter the National Welding Competition 2021.

Winners will receive the NIW Certificate of Participation, National Skills Qualification Certification and IIW certification (International

Welder Diploma) to have the opportunity to enter the Worldskills Olympics in 2021.

In addition to this, as part of their CSR, SHIN is working closely with the Embassy of Republic of Korea to explore a possibility to hold CSR events involving an exclusive hands-on welding training course for Nigerians particularly aimed at low income and vulnerable Nigerians SHIN aims to equip the trainees with skills that would enable them to not only to compete in the future editions of the National Welding Contest/ Worldskills Olympics but also allow them to be employed as welding trainers in the near future.

“SHIN believes in the immense potential of the Nigerian youth and want to grow together with the country,” the Managing Director of SHIN, Jejin Jeon, said.

The skill transfer and welder training School of SHIN has evolved the welding sector in Nigeria today.

The training school has been responsible for hundreds of certified welders working in different fields in Nigeria . Such capacity building initiatives are the stimulus the Nigerian economy needs to get a more improved growth forecast.

Apart from training hundreds of welders, they have also been responsible for the induction of new welding types into Nigeria .

The most common welding type in Nigeria is the Stick also known as shielded Metal Arc Welding but Samsung and its initiative have trained Nigerian with other welding types, including the MIG-Gas Metal Arc welding (GMAW) and Laser Beam welding (LBW) among others.

Nigeria, Russia Inaugurate Chamber of Commerce, Industry Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The federal government and the Russian Federation have established the Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NRCCI) to boost the economic relations between both countries.

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Alexey Shebarshin, said yesterday in Abuja that Russia has very good industrial, agricultural and scientific potentials that would be of interest to local businessmen in Nigeria.

He said the joint work by both countries would be very fruitful because Nigeria and Russia have a lot to offer to each other in the area of industry, mineral resources, modern technologies, etc.

Shebarshin said: “For a long time, we have been interacting with different Russian and Nigerian chambers, But the Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry that was created at the initiative of Mr. Okonkwo is the most important initiative that will unite Nigeria and Russia businessmen.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Muharram: The Start of the Islamic Calendar

By Muhammad Taqi Usmani/IslamiCity

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, “The number of the months according to Allah is twelve months (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified”.

These four months, according to the authentic traditions are the months of Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, has declared: “One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab.”

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah.

In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity, which may be attributed to one of them in comparison to other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, then it acquires sanctity out of His grace.

Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.

In the Shariah of our Holy Prophet (pbuh) the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the “sanctified months”.

The month of Muharram has certain other characteristics peculiar to it, which are specified below.

Fasting during the month The Holy Prophet (pbuh) has said: “The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.”

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty.

The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most reward-able ones among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him.

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit.

Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as we can.

The day of Ashurah Although the month of Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named Ashurah.

According to the Holy companion Ibn Abbas.

The Holy Prophet (pbuh), when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its water.

On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “We are more closely related to Musa than you” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashurah. (Abu Dawood) It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of Ashurah was obligatory for the Muslims.

It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of ‘’Ashurah was made optional. Sayyidah Aishah has said: “When the Holy Prophet (pbuh) came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of Ashurah and directed the people to fast it. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan

and the obligatory nature of the fast of Ashurah was abandoned. One can fast on this day, if he so wills, or can avoid fasting, if he so wills.”

However, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) used to fast on the day of Ashurah even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory.

Abdullah Ibn Masud reports that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) preferred the fast of Ashurah to the fast of other days and preferred the fast of Ramadhan to the fast of Ashurahh. (Bukhari and Muslim) In short, it is established through a number of authentic hadith that fasting on the day of Ashurah is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and makes one entitled to a great reward.

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of Ashurah should either be prefixed or suffixed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th an 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th of it. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is that the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashurah alone, and the Holy Prophet (pbuh) wanted to distinguish the Islamic way of fasting from that of Jews.

Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of Ashurah.

Some traditions signify another feature of the day of Ashurah.

According to these traditions one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith.

Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.

What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashurah.

However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to Ashurah that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: This is the day in which Adam was created.

This is the day in which Ibrahim was born.

This is the day in which Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Ibrahim.

This is the day on which the Qiyamah (dooms-day) will take place.

Whoever takes bath in the day of Ashurah will never get ill.

All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit.

Some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal in the day of Ashurah.

This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.

Some other people attribute the sanctity of Ashurah to the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of Ashurah cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Ashurah was established during the days of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain.

On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain that his martyrdom took place on the day of Ashurah.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain was killed in it.

It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. Such superstitions have been totally negated by the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain.

As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet (pbuh) has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of Jahiliyyah (Ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased relatives or friends through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying “Inna lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji oon”. A number of authentic hadith are available on the subject.

To quote only one of them: “He is not from our group who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah.”

39

˜ ͺ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

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

E U R O PA C U P F I N A L

Moses Set to Join Taribo, Odiah in ‘Hall of Fame’ with Inter Milan Femi Solaja with agency report History beacons on former Super Eagles winger, Victor Moses, as he attempts to become the third Nigerian footballer to win the

Europa Cup, when Inter Milan, the Italian Serie A he is currently on loan file out tonight in the final game of the competition against Spanish side, Sevilla in Cologne.

Buhari Appoints Amokachi as Special Assistant on Sports Egbe Hails FG, calls on the former Super Eagles player to add value Former Super Eagles striker and Nigeria’s Football Ambassador Daniel Amokachi has been appointed as Special Assistant on Sports to President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to his letter of appointment dated August 17th 2020 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Mustapha , stated “ I am pleased to inform you that Muhammadu Buhari , President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved your appointment as Special Assistant on Sports.

As Special Assistant on Sports, Amokachi duty include but not limited to advising the President on all sports matters.

The Former Everton of England player was earlier in the year named Nigeria’s Football Ambassador.

Although a ceremonial role, he is expected to mentor youngsters.

Amokachi fondly called ‘Da Bull’ began his career in Kaduna with Ranchers Bees Football Club. He played for Club Brugge of Belgium,

Besiktas of Turkey, Everton of England and Colorado Rapids in the MLS. He was thrice voted the third best player in Africa.

He played in three World Cup finals, won two AFCON titles as both player and assistant coach to Stephen Keshi, Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Lars Largerback.

He won Gold in the Football event of the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Since his career got truncated by injury, he has coached the U-23 National Team, served as Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles and coached Nasarrawa United.

Meanwhile, CEO of Monimichelle Group, Ebi Egbe , has congratulated Amokachi on his new job as Special on Sports to President Buhari.Egbe in his good will message said Amokachi’s appointment would add value to sports in the country and also make him contribute more positively to the growth of the sector.

Before tonight’s epic fina, only former strongman in defence line, Taribo West, (Inter Milan 1998) and Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow 2005) have won the second tier Europe club tournament as Nigerian internationals.

The trio of Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George (both with Ajax FC) and John Obi Mikel (with FC Chelsea) have won the glamourous UEFA Champions League honour in 1995 and 2012 respectively.

Tonight, Chelsea wingback, Moses, who reunited with his former coach at the London club earlier in the year, Antonio Conte, are set to conquer European football again ever since Jose Mourinho won the

Victor Moses...history beacon

UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich way back

in 2010.

The build up from the semifinal matches of both teams clearly give the Italian side a massive edge but in a one leg final match anything can happen as both sides will parade their best players going into the closing glee.

While Conte will head into the Europa League final aiming to win a major trophy in his first season in charge of Moses and the rest of Inter Milan players, his ambition will naturally translate to his opposite manager, Julien Lopetegui, extending his barren spell since he unceremoniously left La Rojas’ post just few days to the World Cup finals two years ago.

The difference in fortunes could not be starker as Conte

won three successive Serie A titles with Juventus followed by the 2016-17 Premier League title with Chelsea, while Lopetegui has been unable to claim a single honour at senior level as coach.

The former Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper oversaw the longest trophy-less spell at Portuguese side Porto between 2014-2016 before taking charge of Spain, where he was dismissed a week before the 2018 World Cup having steered his country to the finals.

Lopetegui made way for Fernando Hierro after it was announced he’d be taking over at Real Madrid in August 2018.

He only held on to the job until October that year after suffering a 5-1 La Liga thrashing by Barcelona.

L-R Youth and Sports Development Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare, handing over the letter of appointment to Daniel Amokachi who was recently appointed as Special Assistant, Sports to President Muhammadu Buhari

Adama Traore Going... Messi Disrupts His Holiday to Meet New Barca Coach, Koeman Going to Spain Wolves winger Adama Traore has been called up to the Spanish squad for September’s Nations League fixtures against Germany and Ukraine.

The uncapped 24-year-old said in January that he was still undecided whether to play for Spain or Mali at international level.

He was called up by Spain in November, but had to withdraw with injury.

Barcelona’s teenage winger Ansu Fati and Manchester City duo Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres have also been called up.

“In these last two seasons in England he has improved a lot,” Spain manager Luis Enrique said of Traore, who was born in Spain and has represented them at under-21 level.

“He is hungry and eager to continue improving. He can bring us many things.”

The matches, away to Germany and home to Ukraine on 3 and 6

September respectively, will be Spain’s first since a 5-0 win over Romania in November.

Spain squad in full: David de Gea (Manchester United), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao); Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Diego Llorente (Real Sociedad), Jose Gaya (Valencia), Sergio Reguilon (Sevilla), Eric Garcia (Manchester City); Fabian Ruiz (Napoli), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Oscar Rodriguez (Leganes); Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Adama Traore (Wolves), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Manchester City).

Lionel Messi has dramatically cut short his holiday in order to hold urgent talks with new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman about his plans to rebuild the crisis-stricken club.

Messi’s future at the Nou Camp is far from certain after Barcelona were ruthlessly thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week, prompting the departure of Koeman’s predecessor Quique Setien and sporting director Eric Abidal.

And according to Mundo Deportivo, Messi is returning from his family holiday in the La Cerdanya area of the Pyrenees to hear Koeman’s plans for himself.

Upon his unveiling as Barcelona manager, Koeman admitted he could have to convince Messi that his future remains with the club where

has spent his entire career so far.

“I don’t know if I have to convince Messi (to stay),’ he said. ‘He is the best player in the world, and you always want to have him in your team.

“On my part, as a coach, I love working with Messi because he wins games. If he performs, I’ll be happy if he wants to stay.

“Starting today, I’ll talk to him. We are going to work and talk with several players. In the case of Messi, hopefully he will continue here for more years.

“If I say here what I am going to say, it would not be necessary for me to meet with him. I am the coach in order to make decisions.

“Once again, he has a year left on his contract. He is the important player you want in your team as a coach.”

While Koeman clearly sees

Messi as an integral part of Barcelona’s future, there are other mainstays of the current squad who are likely to be told to find a new team.

Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Jordi Alba are all expected to be moved on by Koeman as he plots a dramatic overhaul after inheriting the ruins of one of the most emphatic defeats in the club’s fabled history.

Suarez has been linked with a return to Ajax but it is believed he wants to stay and fight for his place in Spain.

In terms of arrivals, Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek - a player Koeman knows well from his time as Holland manager - has been linked with a switch to the Nou Camp in the summer transfer window.

Reports in Holland yesterday

have also said Koeman is paying attention to Georginio Wijnaldum’s situation at Liverpool.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who also played under Koeman for Holland, has a year to go on his Anfield deal and Dutch outlet AD claim the Barcelona boss has told Wijnaldum not to sign a new contract as he lines up a move.

But for Barcelona supporters, it is the future of Messi that will be considered key. He has cut a frustrated figure for a while now at the Nou Camp, long before Bayern ripped Barca to shreds.

He hit out at ex-boss Setien and the direction he felt the club were drifting in when they surrendered their LaLiga title to fierce rivals Real Madrid this season with a 2-1 defeat at home to Osasuna.

Europa League Final Live on StarTimes Today Inter Milan will face Sevilla in the Europa League final today at the RheinEnergie Stadium in Cologne at 8 pm and will air live on World Football Channel on StarTimes only.

What makes Sevilla’s success

even more remarkable is the fact that today will mark the fifth time since 2014 that they have made it through to the final of the championship.

The La Liga club came from a goal down to qualify for the

final with a 2-1 victory against Manchester United, while Inter Milan trounced Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in their semi-final, in a match in which the result though betrays the possession – most of which the Ukrainian club had throughout.

Playing against a team that boasted an attacking line-up of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial, Sevilla knew that they needed to be at their best in defence to stay in the competition.

TR

Friday August 21, 2020

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MISSILE

Akpabio to N’Assembly

“How come it is only now that even our parliament has found it necessary to conduct a selective probe of NDDC? Instead of beginning from the inception, year 2001, they are now doing five months probe out of almost 20 years of existence” – Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, faulting the National Assembly’s inquest into the financial activities of the NDDC.

SHAKAMOMODU THIS REPUBLIC

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

0811 266 1654

Sordid Tales from NDDC

F

ellow Nigerians, I am at pains to point out that our failing country is a crime scene. I am not kidding. There is no better description for what our beloved fatherland has become. For emphasis, the entire Nigerian landscape of 923,768 km2 (356,669 sq mi), making it the world’s 32nd-largest country is a mammoth crime scene. Some would agree with me this is unarguably the biggest crime scene in the world. There is no denying that what we have on our hands is a country that has receded from those basic values that make other countries tick; that have put them on an enviable pedestal such that they are now reference points for others to emulate.

The country has become the land of gangsters, buccaneers, kidnappers, cultists, devilish terrorists (some of whom have been caught and released by a government too eager to downplay their atrocities), thieving politicians, government officials, security agents and their collaborators who steal without a care in the world; and sadly, we have a totally inept, incompetent and directionless government that indulges their bad behaviour.

Today, Nigeria is in pure confusion and chaos, with mind-boggling revelations of the mess in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). With the complete lack of outrage from a government that has consistently beaten its own worst record of indifference to public anger, it is obvious nothing will come out of the various probes. I dare say, what we know so far is just a tip of the iceberg. The intervention agency is a cesspool of corruption, massively inflated contracts, influence peddling, abuse of the noble objective for which it was established which was to make the impact of the oil revenue felt in the oil-producing areas by way of infrastructure development.

The sons and daughters of the region have sadly in collusion with the power brokers and people from other regions frustrated the realisation of the noble goals for which the commission was created. A few impetuous people have turned the development agency into their ATM. An appointment into the agency is now the equivalent of winning the lottery sweepstakes. NDDC contractors in collaboration with the agency’s officials have perfected the art of getting contracts, collecting huge upfront payments and then abandoning the work without consequences.

You see, cunning comes as second nature to many a Nigerian government official. While the Covid-19 pandemic was sweeping across all nations on earth, NDDC officials saw it as an opportunity to line their pockets in the name of the virus palliatives. They were busy looting, not even thinking whether they would survive the ravaging virus that had already proved to be no respecter of anybody. This is simply a homegrown tragedy in thinking, character, behaviour, orientation and vision.

Prominent sons and daughters of the region have become the greatest threats to the progress and development of that zone. It is one of the most heart-wrenching paradoxes for a region so rich, and yet so poor. It is difficult to understand the leaders of this zone. A commission established to somewhat midwife the rebirth of their zone is being roundly looted?

From the so-called militants who were kidnapping people and breaking oil pipelines to draw attention to the neglect of the region, to the managers of NDDC and its numerous shadowy contractors, political and otherwise, to local representatives, up to leaders of thought from the region, politicians, lawmakers, state governors, right up to the presidency which has failed colossally to take action concerning the large-scale mismanagement of the commission, the tragedy of the Nigerian nation is laid bare

Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio for the world to see.

Angered by rotten revelations from various probes as well as weighty allegations against the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio, I decided to dig deeper into the mess to understand why the commission is failing so badly. Here are the findings from my personal investigation: The rot is not just about naira and kobo as important as that may be. Add to what is already in the public domain is the mess which is yet to filter through.

The NDDC is bedeviled by political and bureaucratic incompetence. Close to half the workforce is redundant and about that same percentage is incompetent. There is a thriving culture of mediocrity where the only exceptional trait is the ability of the civil servants to steal big money from the system. In truth, there were efforts by past managements of the commission, specifically under Mr. Timi Alaibe and Chibuzor Ugwoha, to improve staff welfare and bring conditions at par with what obtains even in the oil and financial sectors. But this has not curbed the huge appetite for big thievery in the commission by civil servants.

At the political level, the National Assembly knows there is big money to be accessed in the commission. That is why the defence of the budget of the commission in the National Assembly is often as crucial as the defence of the national budget itself. It is in the pre-defence preparations that the National Assembly members do a lot of arm-twisting to reorder the commission’s budgets.

In the end, what the lawmakers approve is a world different from the original proposals of the commission.

Clauses and projects as already made public are inserted freely for the benefit of members who insist that the budget to be operated is the one approved by them and which has the signature of the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on NDDC on every page of the document. Is it not puzzling that Nicholas Mutu, representing Bomadi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and James Manager, representing Delta South in the Senate, became permanent chairmen of the Committees on NDDC in the House of Representatives and Senate respectively?

The missing link is provided by the fact that close to 50 per cent of the projects of the commission meant for Delta State usually got shared between the duo when they both held sway.

Now I ask, what kind of system makes it possible for a serving senator to be awarded 300 contracts by an agency of government he has oversight power over? According to the Acting Executive Director of Projects, Cairo Ojougboh, 120 of the contracts awarded to Senator James Manager had

been fully paid for with nothing much to show on the ground. Ditto House of Representatives member, Nicholas Mutu was said to have enjoyed a bazaar of contracts from the same NDDC. Is this not the height of corruption? Senator James Manager, Nicholas Mutu and others have perfected ways of stifling NDDC for their personal benefits and yet claim to be representing their people?

An average director at NDDC is a billionaire.

Go and check them out and see the lifestyle they are living. Compare it with how they lived before they joined NDDC, the difference will be clear to you. The more money they steal, the more they yearn for. They have all mastered the art of creating fraudulent budget subheads to steal monies meant for development of the region and menaced anyone with good intentions into silence.

The astonishing thing about the mess going on in that important intervention agency is that the crime-busting agencies are said to have evidence incriminating many persons in several petitions sent to them but have curiously looked the other way. The same way no heads have rolled at the agency despite the sordid revelations thus far.

Without a doubt, NDDC is only a metaphor for all that is wrong with Nigeria. There is countrywide looting of the commonwealth with no deterrence measures or consequences whatsoever.

Let us now examine how NDDC got to this sorry pass so that we can suggest a pathway to progress. At the root of the problem is the way the commission was structured. It was structured to entrench politics and mediocrity as reward for failed politicians, and ultimately to fail. More could have been done to insulate it from politics to safeguard its goals.

NDDC has three administrative components: First is the board headed by the chairman and a representative from the nine NDDC states, namely Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Abia, Edo, Ondo and Delta. There are also representatives each from the Finance Ministry, Ministry of Environment, the IOCs and the nonoil producing states. The second component is the Executive Management Team comprising the Managing Director and the two Executive Directors in charge of projects and finance. The third is the bureaucracy made up of the directors and other public servants.

The first two components comprise political appointees and that is where the problem begins. The appointments are usually done to distribute political patronage. Even so, the executive management team remains the most crucial yet the most politicised because it is the team that has power over the disbursement of funds. That is why today for instance, a failed medical doctor and politician operates as an Executive Director, Projects of the commission! A personal assistant to the former Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan had also held that office. His only work experience was that he completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to become a personal assistant to Uduaghan from where he was appointed as the Director of Projects of the multi-billion naira agency.

In a normal well-run and structured organisations, can such an anomaly happen? But this is Nigeria where everything is done in reverse to goals and objectives.

Due to politics, this all-important administrative organ of the commission is as mediocre as they come. If President Muhammadu Buhari can muster the political will to professionalise the executive management team, most of the issues would be taken care of.

On why NDDC is plagued by so many abandoned projects, here is my observation from interacting with some former NDDC staff: Except for the political contractors, the real contractors of the

commission do try most times to deliver on agreed terms even though in most cases the contracts are heavily inflated. According to a former staff, “When projects get abandoned by the real contractors, it could be as a result of payment lapses; a situation that arises when the commission is unable to meet its own commitment as a result of plundered finances. The thing to note is that so much cannot leave a system unaccounted for and still hope to get so much that will be accounted for. It is a negation of simple accounting principles.”

Now, what do we do to get NDDC out of the current mess so that it can fulfill its mandate? The government should first and foremost return NDDC back to the presidency, as abuses in the agency have escalated since it was moved to the Ministry of Niger Delta and also remove the appendages of politics in the recruitment process. Subject the recruitment of the managing director and his executive directors to international best practice and let the most qualified persons be appointed to run it. They should be people with a real background in development. All this will unarguably eliminate the propensity for wholesale thievery. The practice of appointing failed politicians to head the place is clearly counterproductive and fuels a culture of impunity and avarice. They see such appointments as compensation and not a call to service. I dare say even the appointing authority actually know this to be true but nevertheless go ahead with appointing such people. Such appointees resume work t with eyes on the purse.

A second proposal is that the oil and gas companies, which are statutorily required to contribute three percent of their annual budgets to the NDCC, should be given representation on the agency’s board, preferably in the capacity of an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED), who has previous board experience, with the wherewithal to champion corporate governance tenets and provide oversight in the way the NDDC is run.

It is rather bewildering that the international oil companies (IOCs), in particular, which have mostly been in compliance with this statutory requirement, have continued to look the other way despite all the looting and corruption that has taken place in the commission. After all, it is in their interest that the NDDC lives up to its mandate as an interventionist agency in the Niger Delta region where they operate – not just from a transparent point of view, but from a security and developmental perspective.

Are these companies saying they have no interest whatsoever in how their contributions are spent?

If I contribute as much as three percent of my annual budget to the development of an area, I will sure take more than a casual interest in how the money is deployed in advancing the development of that region. Why are the IOCs not asking questions considering the huge resources committed to NDDC and with virtually nothing to show for it all these years? This to me shows lack of genuine commitment to the region.

The Media Relations Manager, Shell Nigeria, Bamidele Odugbesan, stated last year that between the inception of NDDC in 2002 and the end of 2018, SPDC JV parties, SNEPCo and its co-venture partners contributed $2 billion to the NDDC. Why is Shell and its partners not outraged by the large-scale mismanagement of their contributions?

There is no doubt that a well-developed Niger Delta is in the interest of the IOCs – in terms of security, operational stability and economic prosperity of both the IOCs and the people of the region. Yet these companies have shown scant interest in how their massive contributions are being deployed or frittered away by unscrupulous management teams at NDDC in cahoots with rapacious bandit politicians.

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