SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 2020 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

FIRS: Tax Now Accounts for 70% of Nigeria’s Revenue Wants tax laws amended, as most date back to pre-independence period Obinna Chima The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has disclosed that receipts from tax, which were previously

supplementary, now account for about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s total revenue. FIRS said other revenue lines, including oil, accounted for just 30 per cent of the

country’s revenue. Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mr. Muhammad Nami, disclosed this recently in Abuja when he made a presentation titled, “Weathering Economic

Turbulence,” at an interactive session with stakeholders. Nami called for the amendment of the country’s tax laws, saying most of them date back to pre-independence

times. He stressed that the country’s revenue situation was very dire, explaining that Nigeria has always relied on oil revenue for its budgetary needs, with little regard for

revenue from tax. He said the fall in oil prices, reduction of production quota, and oil theft had reduced the country’s Continued on page 8

#EndSARS: Only Buhari Can Order Military Deployment, Says Army General… Page 5 Sunday 15 November, 2020 Vol 25. No 9351

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Average Nigerian Police Officers Unaware of Standard Operating Procedures Reason many officers are crude, unprofessional Bayo Akinloye Apart from rudimentary policing skills, average police officers in Nigeria lack the requisite knowledge and

T H I S DAY S P E C I A L R E P O RT capacity to enhance their professionalism, because they are unaware of the force’s standard operating procedures

(SOP), THISDAY has learnt. But the knowledge and capacity required to effectively police the society can only

be attained through training and re-training, THISDAY new findings have shown while seeking holistic police reforms. The Police Act 2020 recognises this and provides

in Section 2(g) that, “Develop professionalism in the Police Force by providing the relevant training in all police formations in Nigeria for enhanced performance.”

Unfortunately, this is hardly the case in reality, thus denying the police officers new skills and techniques Continued on page 5

ONSA: Nigeria, US to Lead Global Coalition against, ISWAP, B’Haram Discussions centred on how to apply lessons learnt from the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, in West Africa and the Sahel Tobi Soniyi The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), yesterday, disclosed that Nigeria and the United States of America have agreed to lead a global coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and other terrorist groups around the world. A statement by ONSA Saturday in Abuja, said the decision was reached at a virtual meeting of the 82-member global coalition drawn from Africa, America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East on Tuesday. The meeting, according to the statement, noted that the challenges of global terrorism had negatively impacted on the economy, polity and

livelihoods of people. ONSA said the virtual meeting, which was co-chaired by the coordinators of the National Counter Terrorism of Nigeria and US also had the Africa Union, European Union, ECOWAS and G5 Sahel represented among other international and regional organisations. According to agency report, the coordinator of the Nigerian Counter Terrorism Centre, Yaminu Musa, represented Nigeria’s delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno. ONSA noted that the challenges of global terrorism had negatively impacted on the economy, polity and Continued on page 5

PDP to Hold Emergency NEC Thursday over Planned Defection of Umahi... Page8

TAMBUWAL SON’S WEDDING FATIHA... R-L: Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; and former Adamawa APC governorship candidate and Aisha Buhari's brother, Dr Mahmood Halilu Ahmed Modi, at the wedding fathia (solemnisation) of Tambuwal's son, Najib Aminu Waziri, at a well-attended ceremony in Argungu, Kebbi State… yesterday

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#EndSARS: Only Buhari Can Order Military Deployment, Says Army General Insists Lagos govt didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t communicate change in curfew time Segun James Only President Muhammadu Buhari, in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, could have authorised the deployment of soldiers to maintain law and order in Lagos following the escalation of violence that erupted during the #EndSARS protests in October. Brigadier General Ahmed Ibrahim Taiwo of the 81 Division, Intelligence Brigade, gave this revelation yesterday during crossexamination by Counsel to the Lagos State Government, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) before the Justice Doris Okuwobi Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution on the alleged atrocities of the now disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS). But Taiwo, who claimed the deployment of soldiers followed a request for help by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, to quell the #EndSARS riot, however, noted that the state failed to alert them about the change in curfew time. Owonikoko had asked Taiwo about the chain of command in the military and specifically wanted to know if Sanwo-Olu had the powers to deploy troops to maintain law and order, he however responded, saying the Governor could only have made a request but only the President and Commander-in-Chief could authorise the deployment of soldiers. This disclosure, many believed, automatically brought to rest weeks of accusations by the #EndSARS protesters that Sanwo-Olu ordered soldiers to disperse protesters at the Lekki Tollgate. Taiwo, who said he was

ready to show videos capturing the activities of his men at the tollgate on the night of October 20, however, noted that the #EndSARS protest plunged Lagos State into anarchy, adding that his assertion was based on the killing of policemen, burning of police stations and looting of arms and ammunition. He said with the blockage of roads and extortion of money from innocent citizens by hoodlums, inviting the military was the best decision Governor Sanwo-Olu could have taken at that point. Taiwo, who showed the panel the footage of a scene, where a mob killed someone, set the body ablaze, before they started discussing about sharing body parts, said it was reminiscent of what happened during the Liberian war. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These scenes are reminiscent of the Liberian Civil War when the fighters believed that once they consume human body, they would be fortified, they will be strong. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was these incidents that made the Governor of Lagos State ask for military intervention and in my opinion, that was the correct thing to do since the police had been overrun and policemen were fighting for their dear lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a shame that the Lagos crisis has been reduced to what happened at the Lagos Toll Gate. Little mention has been made of the wanton destruction that happened prior to that occurrence,â&#x20AC;? citing the policemen, who were lynched by mobs in some parts of the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is worse is that the families of the Police that were killed will not get closure, because of the way their bodies were disposed. The world over, it

is the custom that the army intervenes when a situation overcomes the police and paramilitary services,â&#x20AC;? he said. Quoting Section 217 2C to corroborate his assertions, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The occurrences that took place from October 18 were nothing short of lawlessness and violence. This was what prompted Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to request the intervention of the army. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contrary to what is out there, it was done throughout Lagos State upon receipt of Stage 4 of IS Security. Phase 4 is

immediate deployment of soldiers outside the barracks to intervene. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To show how dire the situation was, the fire alarm beagle was sounded. When this is done, you report immediately to the parade ground or the armoury. Troops were deployed from Badagry, Ikrodu, Epe, Apapa, Ikeja, Alimosho and even Lagos Island to restore order. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rules of engagement for internal security were strictly followed. It is inexcusable for troops to stand aside and watch the situation deteriorate. The use of lethal force can only be used when all other

measures fail to workâ&#x20AC;?, he said. He explained that the use of force must be limited intensity and duration and commensurate to the situation, noting that the Oriental Hotel in Lekki was under threat of being set on fire while protesters pelted soldiers with stones and bottles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The soldiers fired in the air and fired blank bullets to disperse hoodlums,â&#x20AC;? he added. The retired Justice Doris Okuwobi-led panel was forced to suspend sittings last Saturday due to the boycott by the two youth

representatives on the panel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oluwarinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodunmi. The youths had boycotted the panel sitting in protest against the freezing of the bank accounts of 20 #EndSARS promoters by the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria. One of the frozen accounts belongs to Oduala. Commenting on the boycott, Justice Okuwobi, said without the youths, the panel could not form a quorum and had no option but to adjourn. The panel however resumed sitting when the two youth members returned.

FCT BUDGET DEFENCE... R-L: Minister of FCT, Muhammed Bello; Minister of State FCT, Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu, and Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, during the budget defence of the FCT before the House Committee on FCT at National Assembly

AVERAGE NIGERIAN POLICE OFFICERS UNAWARE OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES in day-to-day policing with respect to the evolution of societies. A professional police force, apart from being up to date in the skills of policing a modern society, must be well informed about its Rules of Engagement (ROE) and the standard operating procedures. These rules of engagement, for instance, are in the constitution, legislations, guidelines and Standard

Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the police. For the average police officer to update his professional law enforcement capabilities, he must be well informed in the key components of the ROEs of the Police Force in Nigeria. Some of the components of the ROE are: (a) Fundamental Rights Provisions of the 1999 Constitution (Chapter 4); (b) The Police Act 2020

(A revolutionary piece of legislature); (c) Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and (d) The Anti-Torture Act, 2017 among others. According to THISDAY investigation, many police officers are not even aware of the existence of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, a legislation that was passed by the National Assembly to criminalise all acts of torture by law enforcement personnel

in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the police, because of their ignorance of the law are still embracing torturing as the surest pathway to extracting confessions from suspects. Thus, the easy recourse to torture is largely, because up till now the government has not enforced the provisions of the Act by putting any law enforcement personnel on trial.

However, while the society has steadily evolved over time to meet universal standards of engagement and compliance, the Police have painfully lagged behind, with operating standards and tools nearly out of fashion. THISDAY checks also reveal several police officers across all ranks and formations in the country, apart from the few weeks entry training they received following their

recruitment, never re-train to keep abreast with a fast evolving world. The question many are therefore asking is, how does a police force that does not know its own Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), effectively police a society without running foul of the law?

and marginalisation among other local grievances to penetrate the local population. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The meeting called for more measures to counter radicalisation, recruitment of gullible individuals and concerted global efforts to defeat ISIS.â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of the meeting, the co-host, Nigeria and USA, as well as the 82-member global coalition, reaffirmed full commitment to defeating

ISIS and other terror groups including ISWAP and Boko Haram in Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigeria also expressed her readiness to seek more support and partnership within the activities and mandates of the Global Coalition against ISIS to enhance its ongoing operations against terrorism in the North East and efforts in preventing and countering violent extremism in the country,â&#x20AC;? it added.

See Full Special Report pages 13 - 27

ONSA: NIGERIA, US TO LEAD GLOBAL COALITION AGAINST, ISWAP, Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;HARAM livelihoods of people as apparent in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin and parts of North-eastern Nigeria. It said the meeting deliberated on key issues including sessions on understanding and countering the ISIS threat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The session, moderated by U.S. Special Envoy for the Sahel, Ambassador J. Peter Pham, had panelists from Global Coalition members Cameroon, Chad, Guinea,

Niger, and co-host Nigeria providing key perspectives on evolution of ISIS affiliates and their troubling activities in West Africa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The panelists also provided useful ways the Global Coalition could enhance efforts to curb the expanding influence of ISIS in West Africa and the Sahel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discussions also centred on lessons learnt from the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria and reviewing

of potential lines of efforts, including the use of battlefield evidence and border security measures and how these lessons and lines of efforts could be applied in West Africa and the Sahel,â&#x20AC;? it stated. ONSA said Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roles in the fight against terrorism in the sub-region was acknowledged and applauded during the meeting, adding that the leading role of Nigeria under President

Muhammadu Buhari towards defeating terrorism in West Africa was commended. The meeting, the statement claimed, noted that ISIS was undermining state authorities and peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; means of livelihood across the globe, particularly in Africa, where more affiliates were springing up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was stressed that terrorists across the globe exploit some drivers, including economic imbalance

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PDP to Hold Emergency NEC Thursday over Planned Defection of Umahi Board of Trustees meets Wednesday Umahi moves to woo Ikpeazu to APC South-west PDP repositions, endorses Makinde as zonal leader Chuks Okocha in Abuja Against the purported defection plans of Governor Umahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has allegedly summoned an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The meeting, THISDAY gathered has been slated for Thursday, November 19 at the National Secretariat of the party, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. But, preparatory to the Thursday emergency NEC, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the highest advisory organ of the party, is also scheduled to meet on Wednesday at 2pm. Consequently, the governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, who last Tuesday told a delegation of the PDP NWC led by the National Chairman, Uche Secondus, that he had made up his mind to leave the PDP, is believed to have been making overtures to his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, to go with him to the APC. Meanwhile, in its bid to reposition ahead of next elections, the South-west leadership of the PDP has acknowledged the roles of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in the region and agreed to work with him to move the party forward. Umahi was reported to have hinged his planned defection to the agreement with the APC that the presidential candidate of the party would be zoned to the South-east. He claimed that the PDP had been unfair to the South-east since 1999, as it has deliberately refused to zone the presidential ticket of the party to the zone. Besides, the zone was said not to be happy with the appointment of Peter Obi as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP in the last general election. A source in the PDP said Obi was an imposition as there were politicians in the South-east that could have given more credibility and weight to

the zone in terms of attracting more votes. THISDAY was however informed that aside his decision to defect to the APC, Umahi has also been making efforts to woo other PDP governors in the zone to go with him to the APC, with Ikpeazu being the first on his list. According to a source that was privy to some of the undercurrents, "The move is to have at least three APC governors in the South-east and use it as a canvassing opportunity to convince the APC leadership to give the APC presidential ticket to the zone.â&#x20AC;? Inside sources also claimed this was with the consent of the leadership of the pan Igbo socio-cultural group, the Ohaneze Ndigbo. "Election is like warfare and all is good in any war. Since the PDP has deliberately refused to zone its presidential ticket to the zone, the Igbo will go with any political party that panders to its interest. Check out since 1999, the Southeast has been a backbone of the PDP and nothing to show for it. "South-south has produced the President of Nigeria in the person of Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo from the Ssouthwest was president on the platform of the PDP for eight years. The northwest has had it in late Umaru Yar'Adua and though, he did not win, the Northeast produced the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 general election. Something has to be done to the Southeast for its massive support to the PDP", the source said. It was for this reason that the PDP has summoned an emergency NEC meeting to address this concern of the PDP in the Southeast. A chieftain of the party and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, last week, described the report of the planned defection of Umahi as â&#x20AC;&#x153;troublingâ&#x20AC;?. Fani-Kayode therefore urged the PDP national leadership to pacify Umahi as more governors in the party might

follow the Ebonyi governor to the APC. He tweeted thus: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I urge the leadership of the PDP to do all they can to ensure that he stays. Not only is he a profoundly good man and an excellent governor, his contributions to the success of the PDP over the last 20 years at various levels are immeasurable and simply extraordinary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What makes the matter worse is that other governors may also contemplate leaving if he does because he has a lot of friends and goodwill amongst them. If that happens, it will affect our partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances in the 2023 presidential election in a very significant way. Again, I call on the National Chairman and the NWC of our great party to do all they can to keep Umahi on board.â&#x20AC;? In another development, the PDP in Southwest has begun to take steps to solidify the party in the zone. A statement by Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, PDP Caretaker Chairman in the zone said Governor Makindeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership

was sacrosanct and leaders of the party in all the six states of the region had agreed to work with him to move the party forward. According to the statement, all the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Southwest geopolitical zone had agreed that there was evidence of division among individual states, which was making it difficult for them to come out victorious in recent elections in the region with specific reference to the Ondo State governorship election, despite the rejection of the APC in the region by the electorate. Other resolutions of the meeting included, "That all leaders agreed that a concrete and positive steps be taken on the need for unity and cohesion in the partyâ&#x20AC;?, stating that the zone remained strategic to the PDP if it must win presidential and other national elections in the country. "That a 5-man committee be set up to be known as the South-West PDP Reconciliation Committee to be headed by

former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola with the following people as members: (a) Chief Saka Balogun; (b) Chief (Mrs.) Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, (c) Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru and (d) Barr. Olayinka Kukoyi. "That the leadership of the party in the Southwest led by Oyo State Governor, HE, Engr. Seyi Makinde should call on the national leadership of the party to bring all aggrieved factions in the party together by ensuring that whatever we agreed upon at the zonal level should be the final decision that will be approved by the national leadership of the party without any interference whatsoever from any individual or group of people. "That the leadership of the party decided on the zoning of the Zonal Offices of the party to various states, which was democratically debated and agreed upon as follow: (a) Zonal Chairman - Oyo State (b) Zonal Secretary - Lagos State, (c) Zonal Publicity Secretary -

Ekiti State, (d) Zonal Organising Secretary - Ondo State, (e) Zonal Financial Secretary Osun State, (f) Zonal Youth Leader - Osun State, (g) Zonal Legal Adviser - Ogun State, (h) Zonal Treasurer - Ogun State, (i) Zonal Women Leader - Oyo State and (j) Zonal Auditor Lagos State. (k)â&#x20AC;? The meeting also resolved that, in the spirit of fairness and equity, additional slots of ex-officio members be given to Ekiti and Ondo States in view of the fact that they would occupy only one office each in the zone. The PDP leaders also used the occasion to call on the federal government and the National Assembly not to go ahead with the proposed regulation of the social media, saying the move would infringe on Nigerians' freedom of expression. Instead it was agreed at the meeting that they should call on the federal government to strengthen existing laws to prevent the abuse of the freedom of expression.

TOURING ROAD PROJECTS... Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (middle); his Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr Ade Akinsanya (left) and Engr Amin Eawk of Craneberg Construction Company during the inspection of new road projects in Ogun East Senatorial District of the state on Saturday

FIRS: TAX NOW ACCOUNTS FOR 70% OF NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INCOME revenue to critical levels. The FIRS head revealed that the total Federation Account revenue for June 2020 was just N696 billion (about $2 billion), â&#x20AC;&#x153;which is equivalent to what a county in the United States spends.â&#x20AC;? According to him, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigerian economy is projected to contract by over five per cent in 2020 due to COVID-19 and other disruptions. Oil prices have plummeted (from $97.98 in 2012 to below $50 in 2020).â&#x20AC;? He said despite efforts by the FIRS and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to drive up Value Added Tax (VAT) collection, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Collection has indeed gone up, but Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VAT gap remained at a pitiable 70 per cent, compared with South Africa at 12 per cent,

Morocco at 28 per cent, and Zimbabwe at 38 per cent.â&#x20AC;? Nami reiterated that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio was currently about six per cent, compared to Egypt at 15 per cent, Ghana and Kenya at 17 per cent, and South Africa at 28 per cent. The World Bank recommends a minimum of 15 per cent Tax to GDP ratio for economic growth and poverty reduction, he stated. Nami stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Debt Management Office (DMO) report indicates that about N1.21 trillion was used to service debt from January to June 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over N3 trillion is proposed for debt servicing in 2021. The report further projects that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debt

stock will grow significantly by end of 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;God forbid that Nigeria should default in debt repayment obligations. Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debt to revenue ratio is worsening â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is estimated at 538 per cent at the end of the fourth quarter, that is 190 per cent increase from 2019 figure (348%).â&#x20AC;? Nami identified the problems of tax administration in the country to include the false belief that Nigeria is rich and does not require tax money, resistance to tax payment and tax being seen as an unnecessary burden, and lack of political action to tackle low level of tax payment. He lamented that Nigeria was a mono-product economy and the whole economy revolved around crude oil. Thus, a slight

change in oil price shakes the whole economy and jeopardises welfare, he said. Nami stated that the widespread destructions that took place when the recent #ENDSARS protests were hijacked by hoodlums, would have negative consequences for the country. He said every effort should be made to improve domestic revenue mobilisation in view of the dwindling oil prices to prevent the country from falling into a debt crisis. The FIRS boss said a debt crisis would exacerbate insecurity and political unrest in the country, and might also derail the programmes of the federal government. In order to raise the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revenue performance, Nami charged

all stakeholders with a clear political mandate to tackle low levels of tax payment and ensure simpler tax systems with limited number of rates and exemptions. He suggested a reform of indirect taxes on goods and services, and called for the deployment of new technology and large data capabilities, and adoption of risk-based tax audits and examinations. According to him, in response to the present revenue crunch, the FIRS has improved its administrative processes, carried out proper staff placement, restored staff-management relations, embarked on strategic capacity building for enhanced performance, and employed technology for improved service delivery

Similarly, the agency, Nami said, has disengaged its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tax Audit Contractors,â&#x20AC;? decentralised tax audit and tax investigation functions, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration. He said FIRS had also improved communication with taxpayers, made strategic moves to enhance revenue from indirect taxes, harmonised all tax provisions scattered in different laws, and restructured tax incentives for maximum benefit. He said the agency treated the issue of low tax payment as a national emergency deserving support from all stakeholders through political and legislative interventions. Nami said FIRS had blocked tax loopholes and made more money available to the government.

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Gov Zulum Unveils 25-year Development Plan for Borno Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum on Saturday unveiled a 25-year strategic plan with immediate, medium and long implementation phases, through which Borno targets to become world class after fully recovering from the impacts of more than $6 billion worth of destructions caused by the Boko Haram terrorist group. Zulum announced that all activities of government would henceforth be executed according to the development plan. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, did the formal launch at an event hosted by Zulum in Maiduguri, the state capital. The gathering was also attended by the Minister of

Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami; former Governors of Borno State, Kashim Shettima and Ali Modu Sheriff, serving and former National Assembly members, traditional rulers led by the Shehu of Borno, representatives from the international community, members of Borno assembly and executives, party leaders and diverse stakeholders, some of whom joined through the webinar. Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and NNPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GMD, Mele Kyari were among the high profile persons, who joined via a zoom link that was publicised ahead of the event held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri. Zulum, a University professor, had directed a team, led by

his Adviser on Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Responses, Dr. Mairo Mandara, to interact with all stakeholders. This included the grassroots, ministries and agencies of government to collate views on immediate, medium, and long term needs of communities in all the 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as how the state could speed up its recovery from destructions caused by Boko Haram, and explore its full potentials to become world class in years to come. The team, using an inclusive and participatory approach that included a consultative workshop to define the

objectives and priorities, came up with a strategic development plan. Mandara, in her remarks, gave an overview of the plan, which has the slogan: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;our Borno, our Successâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a document preceded by thorough planning and analysis, with a vision to ensuring that in the next ten years, that is by 2030, Borno transforms the insurgency ravaged society into a peaceful, stable and self-reliant society with over 70% productive population. However, by 2045, the State hopes to deliver a prosperous society that is a leading regional agri-business and commercial hub that connects and supplies the markets of Central Africa

and Northern Africa, reclaiming the glory of Old Borno Empire as the stabilising power in tropical Africa. The plan is anchored on five critical pillars of Human Capital Development, Leadership in Agriculture, Healthy Citizenry, Sustainable Environment, and Regional Trade Hub for Commerce that will provide jobs and prosperity to the citizens. Speakers at the launch of the plan, amongst them Ministers of Communication - Pantami, Finance - Zainab, and former Governor Kashim Shettima, took turns to pay glowing tributes to Governor Zulum, recognising his bold vision for Borno. Shettima asked participants

to rise and give Zulum a standing ovation, which was happily done. Secretary to Borno Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa, and Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Hussaini Marte, in their separate remarks to welcome, and thank guests, affirmed the commitment of stakeholders at the executive level, to actualising Zulumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lofty goals for Borno. The highpoint of the occasion was, however, the unveiling and display of copies of the development plan by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, who represented Minister Zainab while she joined via zoom.

FG Sets First Class, Second Class Upper Degrees as Benchmark for Teaching Kuni Tyessi in Abuja For quality teaching in the nations basic education, the Federal Government has revealed that starting from next year, 2021, only candidates with first class and second class upper will be considered for teaching employment. It said migrating teachers without foundation in education will be required to sit for conversion programmes in order to learn pedagogy and the other ways of communicating and managing students. The Permanent Secretary to the Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Echonu, who disclosed this, Saturday in Abuja, during the professional qualifying examinations for teachers which was organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), said better remuneration has been concluded towards upgrading the level of teachers. He added that already, a national implementation committee will be inaugurated next week to cover all the teachers registration and revitalisation plan and one of which is the issue of entry. According to him: "With effect from next year we will not admit or engage people as teachers if they don't meet a particular threshold. We are now limiting entry to only the best, you must have a first class or a 2/1 as minimum. "If you have qualification in other subjects that is not in education, we arrange for a conversion programme to be administered by NTI, TRCN and any university that has faculties of education that has this programme because you have to learn pedagogy and the other ways of communicating and managing students. "We are migrating teachers who are not qualified or do not have the requisite qualifications, competency or not licensed or

registered to practice we are migrating them out of our classrooms to make way for qualified personnel because we want to achieve learning and teaching and learning occurs in our schools. "The examination itself is going very smoothly, the feedback we get is very good. We will continue to do this and we encourage others to get in touch with NTI, TRCN. "We are finalising the figures with national salaries and wages commission and in talks with unions, views of state government, private school owners so that we can all work together and decide on when implementation will take off." On his part, the Executive Secretary of TRCN, Prof. Ajiboye, while stressing the importance of the qualifying exams, said questions have been placed online for candidate's in the diaspora who cannot have permits to teach without the the certificates. He said the Council has begun registration for the next diet which is come up around February or March 2021 and the figures are rising as a result of knowledge about its importance. He said: "We are not perturbed. We have promised Nigerians we will have the examination minimum of twice in a year that's why we have to go ahead. We have begun registration for the next diet which is going to come up around February or March next year and the figure we are getting is rising. The pandemic had largely caused this. "There are Nigerians in diaspora and before they can get any teaching position where ever they are, they must show evidence they are professional teachers and that they are registered with their teaching regulatory authority before they leave the country."

A PLAN TO DEVELOP BORNO... L-R: Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, former Governor Kashim Shetima, and representative of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Aliyu ShinkaďŹ , during the unveiling of 25-year Borno Development Plan in Maiduguri... yesterday

FG Spends $6bn on Wheat Importation in 4 Years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Agric Minister Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, has disclosed that Nigeria spent about $6 billion on importation of wheat from 2016 to June 2020. Nanono disclosed this at the weekend in Kano during a wheat stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; workshop, with the theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transforming Wheat Production in Nigeria through Increasing Synergies and Adopting New Technologies.â&#x20AC;? The minister said the wheat import bill, gleaned from statistics from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was unsustainable. He explained that national production of wheat stood at 420,000 metric tons annually, while national consumption was 5.26 million metric tons, leaving a deficit

of about 4.5 million tons. Nanono said, to bridge the gap, there was need for massive investment in the wheat value chain, backed by the right policies to protect the sector. The minster, who was represented by Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Hajiya Karima Babangida, stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The huge bill is unsustainable and underscores the need to develop the value chain in order to reduce its importation, enhance food security, create jobs, reduce poverty and conserve scarce foreign exchange. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ministry, through the Wheat Value Chain, has put in place various measures to increase wheat production and productivity as well as reduce the import bill. These include making available

various classes of seeds to wheat farmers.â&#x20AC;? Nanono urged participants at the workshop to come up with strategies for meeting the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wheat demand. He said the objective of the workshop was to review the current status of the subsector, identify the challenges and opportunities, proffer solutions to these challenges, as well as chart a roadmap for the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making agriculture the centre of his administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic diversification agenda. Nanono also commended CBN, Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN), and Transformation for Africa Agricultural Technologies (TAAT) for transforming

Nigeria`s wheat sector and boosting local production. Speaking earlier, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Mr Nasiru Gawuna, commended the federal government for prioritising agriculture. Gawuna, who is also the Commissioner for Agriculture, restated the state government's commitment to agricultural transformation. He charged the participants to discover a robust method for boosting food production in the country. The president of Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Salim Ahmad, urged the federal government to give priority attention to wheat, like it did to rice. Ahmad appealed to the government to fund research institutes in the country to enable them provide high yielding seeds for the farmers.

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Acting News Editor Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C; E-mail: Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x203A;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;ĚśĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ë&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x153;Í¸Î&#x20AC;ÍšÍ˝ÍşÍťÍ˝Î ÍşÍ˝Íť Ě&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁĚ&#x161;

Afenifere, Odinkalu, Ozekhome Say FG Should Allow Niger Delta Access to Oil Â&#x2021; As SDP Endorses Ceding Gold Mining Right to Zamfara Â&#x2021; Says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s panacea to socio-political challenges Gboyega Akinsanmi A socio-cultural organization for the Yoruba, Afenifere, a former Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Chidi Odinkalu and a constitutional lawyer, Dr. Mike

Ozekhome, (SAN) have called on the federal government to allow the south south region access to their oil now that it has allowed Zamfara State to assume exclusive right to solid minerals in the state, particularly the gold deposits.

In separate interviews with THISDAY yesterday, they all agreed that the federal government should extend the same artisanal mining rights to other states of the federation in the spirit of equity and justice. Odinkalu and Ozekhome argued that such rights â&#x20AC;&#x153;are

within the Federal Exclusive List,â&#x20AC;? which according to them, could only be exercised by the federal government. Under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the federal government had endorsed artisanal mining of gold with the

IN SUPPORT OF ICAN . . L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; President, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Joy Adewuyi, Chairman, Ibadan District of ICAN, Mr Biodun Adedeji and Past President of the institute, Mallam Ismaila Zakari, during Makindeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation of symbolic cheque donation to ICAN team in ibadan...Friday

inauguration of the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI). PAGM is a comprehensive artisanal and small-scale gold mining development programme, launched in 2019 to foster the formalisation and integration of artisanal gold mining activities into Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal, economic, and institutional framework. The federal government, in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government, had also inaugurated the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining and Biometric Data Capture and Enrolment Exercise in Yauri Local Government Area. The programme, in partnership with the Kebbi State Government, will formalise the artisanal mining groups for the much-needed support and capacity building aimed at upscaling their processes, creating more jobs and enhancing incomes. However, the decision to allow Zamfara State assume exclusive right to solid minerals in the state, has continued to generate controversies. Leaders from the oil rich south south region were irked by the decision as they wondered why such gesture was not extended to the region. As a result of this, the Forum of South-South Governors will hold a meeting on the need to address the constitutionality of the alleged Zamfara governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action.

Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin acknowledged that what happened in Zamfara â&#x20AC;&#x153;is good for federalism. Federalism is about productivity. Every part of Nigeria should become productive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Criminals and bandits have been mining gold all along. Now, the state wants to use it to contribute to the economy. I do not think it is right for us to fight.â&#x20AC;? He, however, explained why some people â&#x20AC;&#x153;are angry. People are angry because we do not have access to our oil. As Zamfara should have access to its gold, oil producing states nationwide should have access to its crude oil. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and other states in the Niger Delta want to operate modular refineries. Nobody should stop them. That is what we are talking about. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instead of our governors referring to federal exclusive list, we need to take some moves like Zamfara. Is there no gold in Osun? What stops Osun from doing what Zamfara is doing? That is how we can push this federalism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our governors should be able to take initiatives that deepen this federalism. They should not sit down and watch. I think Zamfara has given a leeway about deepening our federalism. This federal allocation culture has spoilt us.â&#x20AC;?

#EndSARS: Court Orders Probe of Adeyemi, Tuface, Davido, 47 Others

Alex Enumah

A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory to start an investigation into 50 notable persons who promoted the #EndSARS movement. The order was given by a Magistrate, Omolola Akindele, following the criminal complaint filed by an activist, Kenechukwu Okeke. Okeke claimed that during the demonstration, his properties were

destroyed and the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice. The magistrate gave the police two weeks to investigate the matter and send a report for proper resolution. A letter written by the court registrar which was addressed to the CP read in part, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am directed by the Presiding Chief Magistrate II, his worship, Hon. Omolola Tolulope Akindele, sitting at Chief Magistrate Court 2, Wuse Zone 6, FCT Abuja, to write to your office to investigate

the above-mentioned case and report back within two weeks for proper adjudication of the case.â&#x20AC;? Those listed as defendants include the Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi; Musician Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy, David Adeleke otherwise known as Davido, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz; and social media comedians, Debo Adebayo aka Mr Macaroni and Maryam Apaokagi aka Taoma Other musicians sued include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent

Idibia aka Tuface, Bankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh aka Don Jazzy; Ayo Balogun aka Wizkid; and Yemi Alade. Apart from musicians, others listed as defendants includeActivist, Aisha Yesufu; ex-Super Eagles star, Kanu Nwankwo; a former Director-General, Bureau for Public Sector Reform, Dr. Joe Abah; journalist, Kiki Mordi, and actors, Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo Social media influencers â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro and Deji Adeyanju were also joined in the suit as well as activist, Tope Akinyode. The case was instituted on Monday pursuant to sections 88, 109(a), 110(1)(c) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. In his supporting affidavit, Okeke said the defendants played active roles in the #EndSARS protest which later became violent. It read in part, â&#x20AC;&#x153;That the 1st to 50th accused persons between the

3rd day of October 2020 and the 28th day of October 2020, using Twitter, an Internet web source with URL https://www.twitter. com within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire amongst themselves to commit misdemeanour, to wit, promoting and acting in such a manner, with intent to assist in the promotion of #EndSARS and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97(2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004

I Support Justice for Victims of Lekki Incidents, Says Abiru

Fayose Clocks 60, Indicates Intention to Be Pastor or President

Gboyega Akinsanmi

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru yesterday said he supported the decision of the Lagos State government and the federal government to investigate attacks on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate on October 20 and get justice for the victims. Abiru, a former Executive Director in First Bank Plc and immediate past CEO of Polaris Bank Limited, assured youths that the agenda presented during the #EndSARS protest would be a major part of his legislative priorities. He expressed support for the victims of Lekki incidents in a statement he issued yesterday to the

youths of Lagos East, noting that the #EndSARS protesters remained peaceful and responsible throughout their protests. In his statement titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Message to Lagos East Youths,â&#x20AC;? Abiru said it was sad that forces other than the peaceful #EndSARS protesters turned a potential moment of hope, inspiration and transformation into a tragedy. He added that the peaceful protests were undercut by â&#x20AC;&#x153;seemingly orchestrated sporadic attacksâ&#x20AC;? on demonstrators in the state and across the country, followed by â&#x20AC;&#x153;the tragic events at the Lekki tollgate on October 20.â&#x20AC;? Abiru, an accomplished economist and chartered accountant, observed that it â&#x20AC;&#x153;is not yet fully clear the precise events of that evening or the source

of orders, if any, received by the security agencies at the location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I support state and federal investigations to establish the sequence of events and establish culpability and accountability for all actions, as well as justice for all victims and their families, with the active participation of civil society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the aftermath, we experienced another tragedy as Lagos witnessed an unprecedented orgy of violence including looting of stores and supermarkets; severe damage to government and private property including several businesses; and the desecration of our culture and traditions by persons who invaded the palaces of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; and the Onitedo of Iwerekun, Oba T.A. Elemoro.â&#x20AC;?

A former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose yesterday marked his 60th birthday, disclosing that his next target in life â&#x20AC;&#x153;is to become Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president or a cleric.â&#x20AC;? However, the former governor did not mention when he planned to pursue such ambition, saying Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time â&#x20AC;&#x153;does not always agree with the calculation of human beings.â&#x20AC;? He made these remarks in Ado Ekiti Saturday night while featuring on a live programme aired on a private radio station, Our Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FM 104.1. While addressing the state on the live programme, Fayose noted that God had been so kind to

him in his journeys through life, saying the best way to appreciate him is to work for him. According to him, whichever comes first out of the two ambitions will be his ultimate choice. He said he had also forgiven all persons that offended him, in and outside of office. He noted that a good number of his most dependable and trusted followers who he lifted up from nothing had either deserted him or teamed up with his political foes, moments after realizing he was no longer in power. Specifically, Fayose reeled out names of some of his former trusted aides, who according to him, let him down after leaving office to team up with his perceived political foes.

He, however, said he never nursed ambition to become a senator, saying he hated being a senator who would be making laws that the executive would not have the courage of implementing. Fayose said he was eminently qualified to become Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president if people like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari could be so graced to be presidents. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My popularity, courageous spirit, unique contributions to the uplift of Ekiti state and other remarkable contributions to lifting different categories of people with no hope of becoming anything in life across the country were enough credentials to make me become Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŻÍłË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

NEWS Ojikutu: Only Post-1999 Govs, Deputies Benefitted from Pension Package Â&#x2021; Jakande, Otedola, their deputies were excluded Â&#x2021; )DVKROD GHQLHV EHLQJ EHQHĂ&#x20AC;FLDU\ RI SHQVLRQ ODZ

Segun James A former Deputy Governor in Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu has disclosed that only former governors and deputies, who served from 1999, were beneficiaries of the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension Law 2007). However, the Minister of Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has denied being a beneficiary of the controversial pension package, disclosing that he did not accept the offer. Ojikutu made the disclosure in a telephone conversation with THISDAY at the weekend, noting that the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Sir Michael Otedola and their deputies were not beneficiaries of the controversial pension package. Ojikutu was deputy governor to Sir Michael Otedola in the

aborted Third Republic. Both were elected on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). Sir Otedola who died in 2014 was also denied the pension package. During the conversation, Ojikutu noted that she spoke to the Fashola administration on the issue, but was specifically told that she and other legitimately elected governors and their deputies, including Alhaji Lateef Jakande, were not eligible for the pension. Ojikutu, deputy governor to Otedola between January 1992 and November 1993, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pa Lateef Jakande was not bothered. But both myself and Chief Rafiu Jafojo fought for our rights. We were not successful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fashola told us that only governors and deputies from 1999 were eligible to benefit from the pension package when she inquired soon after the gazette

on the pension was released.â&#x20AC;? She, however, said a former deputy governor under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor- Akerele successfully had her name included in the pension scheme after a protracted legal battle. Ojikutu said it was necessary to make this known so that the

wrong impression created that all former elected governors and deputy governors in Lagos State were beneficiaries of the controversial pension package. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They cut off Jakande and Otedola. Can you imagine that? All efforts by Jakandeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputy, Chief Jafojo to be included failed until the old man died,â&#x20AC;? the

former deputy governor said. She lamented that her own case was worse because she had not been earning pension from anywhere even after years of public service. She said although she worked for the Lagos state civil service for years, she was specifically told that despite this, she was

not entitled to both gratuity and pension from the state government. Ojikutu said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started working with the system in 1966, soon after secondary school, but because I moved from one service to the other, the years were never accumulated. So, I have not gotten anything from the system.â&#x20AC;?

Fire Guts Jos Disco Head OfďŹ ce Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Fire broke out at the head office of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (Jos Disco) located along Ahmadu Bello Way Friday evening, destroying a section of the company. However, the operatives of the Plateau State Fire Service promptly put out what most eyewitness accounts claimed could have resulted in a serious damage. Despite the intervention of the fire service, many parts of the city was thrown into darkness after the firemen put out the fire on the top of the four-storey building A statement by the Head, Corporate Communications of the company, Dr. Elisha Adakole described it as a minor fire incident. The statement said that there was a minor fire incident at the corporate Headquarters of Jos Electricity Distribution PLC this evening. According to it, though the cause of the fire incident was

yet to be known, the fire out break sprouted from one of the offices on the last floor. The spokesperson said that apart from the affected office, where some items like papers, chairs, laptops were destroyed nothing else was destroyed in the four storey building. He debunked the claim that the entire building was affected, adding that â&#x20AC;&#x153;men from the Plateau State Fire Service and staff of the company rushed to the rescue of the corporate headquarters.â&#x20AC;? He added that the damages, though yet to be ascertained, should be minimal. Plateau State Director of Fire, Sam Mzwak, when contacted, said an investigation into the incident had commenced. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I can tell you for now is that our men have been deployed in the JEDC office. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know for now what caused the fire but we have commenced an investigation into the matter and as soon as we are done, we will let you know.â&#x20AC;?

PENGASSAN Suspends Strike Action Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its industrial action five days after the association kicked off the action over the implementation of Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). PENGASSANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GeneralSecretary, Mr. Lumumba Okugbawa announced the cessation in a statement he issued yesterday on behalf of the association. The association had on November 2 issued a seven-day ultimatum and a further extension to the relevant government agencies and institutions on IPPIS. In its statement, the association said upon the expiration of the ultimatum, nothing concrete was done with regards to the outstanding issues as enumerated in the letter. It said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In view of the above and with expiration of the ultimatum and subsequent extension, you are hereby advised to withdraw your services effective 12 midnight on Sunday, November 8.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please ensure that your branch members fully comply with this directive while you await further directives,â&#x20AC;? the statement said. But in another terse statement Thursday, PENGASSAN directed its members to suspend the strike in response to the intervention of the federal government over their demands. The statement read in part: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comrades , please be informed that based on the intervention of the FML&E and the GMD NNPC, the current industrial action is hereby suspended from midnight today (Thursday November 12). A formal letter on the subject will be sent soon. Your support, understanding and solidarity is highly appreciated.â&#x20AC;? The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), PENGASSAN as well as the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Workers Union (NUPENG) and the federal government have been at loggerheads over the IPPIS. Consequently, the senior oil workers body had last Sunday night directed its members to proceed on a nationwide indefinite strike.

NOWWORKING FOR PEACE . . . Ebikabowei Victor-Ben a.k.a Boyloaf, Interim Administrator, PAP, Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (Rtd), King Ateke Tom, Bibrope Ajube aka shoot-at-sight and Amb. Mamman Yusuf after a meeting with key ex-Niger Delta agitators at the palace of the Amayanabo of Okochri in Okrika, Rivers State on Saturday

Prison Escapees Send Threat Message to Police Investigators

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Security situation in Benin City has deteriorated with cult related killings and the shooting of a medical doctor attached to the Central Hospital, Benin City. Amid these deteriorating security challenges, prison inmates, who escaped from two correctional centres in Benin City, have sent threat messages to policemen that investigated and prosecuted the offences that led to their convictions. The Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo disclosed this yesterday at a session with journalists, saying police investigators â&#x20AC;&#x153;are now receiving messages of threats from those who escaped from the correctional centres during #EndSARS protest. He, however, assured the people of Edo that the police

officers â&#x20AC;&#x153;are working within existing limitations to restore normalcy to the state,â&#x20AC;? noting that the three policemen shot on Friday by hoodlums were recuperating. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three police stations along Sokponba road were destroyed and burnt, patrol vehicles destroyed in several other parts of the state capital, all the officers in these stations now operated from the headquarters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hoodlums hijacked the EndSARS protest in the state. The protest took a violent turn in Edo state and prisoners were set free, what do you expect? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of these escapees have been sending threat messages to policemen who investigated and prosecuted them. One of the escapees who was convicted for murder went that same day to kill the prosecution witness in

his village but he was rearrested immediately. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody must be part of the restoration of sanity. People who know these escapees should avail us information about them. We are not sleeping. But with what has happened to the police in Edo, some of these hitches are expected. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am on my way to visit three of our personnel, an Assistant Commissioner of Police and two Inspectors who were shot. They are recuperating,â&#x20AC;? the police chief said. Meanwhile, three persons were yesterday shot dead along Evidence Street by Isior while two dead bodies were discovered near Uselu along Ugbowo road. A medical doctor identified as Maxwell Oronsanye though alive was shot by Mobil filling station along Siluko road and

his Toyota Corolla car snatched from him. Bodies of victims of the renewed bloody rival secret cult war now littered various major roads and streets of Benin City, an ugly situation that has thrown most families and homes into mourning. Between Friday and Saturday alone, 10 more victims have been mowed down in the wake of the reprisal attacks between members of rival cult groups. While about 18 persons have been gunned down at different locations of Benin City and adjoining towns from Monday to Thursday, a development that led to closure of business premises, markets, schools and banks along the Upper Sakponba, Ugbekun, Murtala Mohammed Way and Idogbo areas of the capital town.

FG Grants Ubah Approval to Construct Nnewi Roads David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The federal government has finally approved the request of the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Ifeanyi Ubah to reconstruct some federal roads within his senatorial district. The approval was contained in a letter the Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Mr. Adeyemo Ajani addressed to Toshel Construction Company (TCC), the construction firm handling the project on Friday. The Federal Ministry of Works & Housing had in a letter issued a stop-work order on the construction firm the senator engaged to undertake the reconstruction of some federal roads in Anambra South senatorial district.

Since the order was issued on November 4, the construction company had stopped construction work on old Oba-NnewiOzubulu-Okija road, insisting that permission was not sought before the commencement of work. In his response to the order, Ubah had accused the state government of thwarting his efforts to provide roads for his constituents. In its letter dated November 13, the federal government apologised for stopping the construction previously, blaming it on poor communication between the parties. The letter read in part: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The initial letter was written as a result of non-communication between the contractor and the office of

the controller of works in Awka, in line with the consultation with our head office and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, you may wish to continue with the palliative works.â&#x20AC;? The letter, however, urged the senator â&#x20AC;&#x153;to ensure that all necessary safety and traffic control measures are followed, and not to obstruct drainage structures with construction materials, while following the standard specification of the ministry.â&#x20AC;? Ubah who spoke about the receipt of the latter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have officially re-commenced palliative repairs and internal maintenance of federal roads in Anambra South Senatorial District in view of the fast approaching yuletide season.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Presently, all relevant ministries and authorities have been notified about our road repair projects and due approvals have been obtained to mobilize our contractors back to the project sites as opposed to the sinister agenda and antics of state agents who tried to truncate/stop the ongoing federal roads rehabilitation for selfish political gains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In line with my campaign promises, I wish to reassure my constituents of my resolve to run an all inclusive and equitable road rehabilitation process which will ensure that an internal federal road maintenance project is executed in every Local Government within my Senatorial District; Anambra South.â&#x20AC;?

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SPECIALREPORT

Mobile Policemen

The Police We Love to Hate Notwithstanding their excesses, the police are an indispensable part of the society, writes Olawale Olaleye

ven in dictatorship, the place of the police is not subject to a debate neither can it be traded for anything, however big the offer is. As the first line of defence in any given social unit, the general roles, functions, powers and duties of the police remain immutable. Much as they remain obligatory in any society, their brutalities are not peculiar to race, colour or region. What differs from country to country, however, is the propensity for their excesses as condonable by the respective societies. But the police, anywhere in the world, are naturally inclined to brutalities, when no one is watching. Therefore, the disposition of the Nigerian police is not an exception or without parallels. More often than not, if not a reflection of the society, their choices are evidently the byproducts of the society and her leadership preference. Sloganeering that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;police is your friendâ&#x20AC;? has always meant a different thing to the average Nigerian, who shares the belief that if anything constitutes threat to his or her existence, then, it is the police constitutionally obligated to protect him or her from dangers and keep them safe. That the police in Nigeria have turned out a monster with a notoriety that astounds even those who live in Banana Republic didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just start today. More worrisome is that the people have never considered the police their friend and this mindset had taken root ages ago. Yet, no one paid attention to the dangers such portended. Unfortunately, interrogating how the police became a direct opposite of what they were designed to be has never yielded a desired result. But once it instantly inflamed passion, triggered reaction both for and against, the cycle regains momentum. Nonetheless, the police are much more important for the sanity of any society than they are recognised or credited for. With a multiplicity of functions roles and duties far below the reward and recognition they get, it was not surprising that the police in Nigerian have not been able to live above the society that produced them in the first place. The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier police modernising agency, did a noteworthy dissection of the police â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their roles, functions and duties â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in a manner that situated their importance on the one hand and on the other, suggested why the police in Nigeria might continue to under-perform. In one of the research papers, BPRD described the Police as one of the most ubiquitous organisations of the society, and as such, the most visible representatives of the government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In an hour of need, danger, crisis and difficulty, when a citizen

Prologue does not know, what to do and whom to approach, the police station and a policeman happen to be the most appropriate and approachable unit and person for him. The police are expected to be the most accessible, interactive and dynamic organisation of any society,â&#x20AC;? BPRD noted. But their roles, functions and duties in the society, it claimed, are natural to be varied, and multifarious on the one hand; and complicated, knotty and complex on the other. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Broadly speaking, the twin roles, which the police are expected to play in a society are maintenance of law and maintenance of order. However, the ramifications of these two duties are numerous, which result in making a large inventory of duties, functions, powers, roles and responsibilities of the police organisation,â&#x20AC;? it added. From upholding and enforcing the law impartially, and protecting life, liberty, property, human rights, and dignity of the members of the public; the police promote and preserve public order; protect internal security, prevent and control terrorist activities, breaches of communal harmony, militant activities and other situations affecting internal security. Also, apart from protecting public properties, which include roads, railways, bridges, vital installations and other establishments against acts of vandalism, violence or any kind of attack; they equally prevent crimes, and reduce the opportunities for the commission of crimes. These, they get done through their own preventive action and measures as well as by aiding and cooperating with other relevant agencies in implementing due measures for prevention of crimes. But these are largely not feasible with an underfunded and poorly motivated police. However, a quick run of these roles, functions and duties, encapsulates the place of the Nigerian police as exemplified through the events of the last few weeks. Whilst the excesses of the police recently stoked a major protest that held the country hostage for nearly three weeks by youths, who sought an end to police brutality, the insecurity it left on its trail has also lent credence or reaffirmed the place of the police in the artery of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body polity. Their brutality, in every sense of the word, is not defensible or excusable, but the roles they play in keeping the society safe is not debatable either. What the country needs, therefore, is a middle ground that firmly establishes the place of the police and ensures

their men act with decency, self-esteem and within the dictates of their powers. Given a better-motivated police force with deserving remuneration, good reward system, solid insurance, befitting housing scheme and constant training and retraining, the story of the Nigerian police is certain to change for the better. Above all and the most important in keeping a decent police force, is paying attention to the recruitment process. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no debating the fact that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often not enough background checks on new recruits, the reason a majority of those who elect to serve in that capacity are no better than the dregs of the society, whose capacity for crime and mischief is not stifled by the long arm of the law, not even with complicit police leadership. But where serious checks are situated at this stage, with other actions activated to improve their wellbeing, the Nigerian police can actually be a model force, beyond the current allegations of brutalities that seem to overwhelm their otherwise commendable feats.

Nigerian Police Woman Wins UN Award Despite numerous tales of woes against the men and women of the Nigerian police, there have been few whose exemplary service has been acknowledged internationally. One of such stars is a Nigerian policewoman on foreign mission in Mali, Chief Superintendent of Police, Catherine Ugorji was recently honoured by the United Nations in recognition of her selďŹ&#x201A;ess service. Ugorji Ugorji, serving with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), was selected by the United Nations as one of two runners-up for the prestigious UN Woman Police OďŹ&#x192;cer of the Year award for 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through both her words and actions, United Nations Police OďŹ&#x192;cer Ugorji exempliďŹ es the best of United Nations policing,â&#x20AC;? said Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

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What Manner of Police? Eniola Bello â&#x20AC;&#x153;The police is (sic) your friend.â&#x20AC;?

s you enter any police station in any part of Nigeria, the first thing that would likely catch your attention is the above quote pasted or scrawled on the wall in bold prints. But then that is as far as it goes. The reality of the complainant becoming the victim, the arbitrary arrest and detention without investigation, the beatings and inhuman treatment of crime suspects, the limitless demand for money the police need to carry out investigations from complainants and suspects, and the extra-judicial killings bely the slogan the police have so popularised. Even for those who have no reason to visit the police station, the sight of badly dressed and badly behaved policemen constantly begging, or demanding, for money from motorists in what is no more than stop-and-ask-for-bribe operation on Nigerian roads buries the idea of friendship with this specie of people. To borrow a popular local parlance, with police as your friend, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an enemy. However, the idea captured in that quote is not so frivolous as the behaviour and conduct of policemen in this country has reduced it to. It came out of a policing ideology on which the London Metropolitan Police have been operating since the 19thCentury. In what has come to be known as the PeelianPrinciples, Sir Michael Peel, appointed British Home Secretary in 1822, developed the ethical principles of policing in what has come to be known as policing by consent. Peelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theory of policing by consent places priority on legitimacy of policing in the eyes of the public, a legitimacy hung on general consensus of support from the public, and the application of transparency, integrity and accountability in the policeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recognition, knowledge and exercise of their powers. In summarising this line of argument, Peel avers: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The police are the public and the public are the policeâ&#x20AC;?. He thereafter identifies nine principles of friendly policing; for the purpose of this essay, I will, in summary, limit myself to four: r 5P FYFSDJTF JUT QPXFST UIF QPMJDF EFQFOE PO QVCMJD BQQSPWBM of their existence, actions and behaviour, and on their ability to secure and maintain public respect; r 5P TFDVSF SFTQFDU BOE BQQSPWBM UIF QPMJDF NVTU IBWF UIF public willingly co-operate in observing the laws; r 1VCMJD DP PQFSBUJPO HSFBUMZ SFEVDFT UIF OFDFTTJUZ GPS UIF VTF PG excessive force; and r 1VCMJD TVQQPSU DPNFT GSPN TFSWJDF BOE GSJFOETIJQ DPVSUFTZ and friendly good humour, and sacrifice in protecting and preserving life. Peel concludes his argument by asserting that effective policing is not the number of arrests but the lack of crime.Therefore, developing a peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s police, one the public will trust and see as a friend goes beyond mere sloganeering. It is for the police to initiate and sustain the environment for friendship with the public. And this can only come from hard work, one akin to seeking the love of a woman, requiring care and attention and service and patience and friendship and good humour. Unfortunately, the Nigeria police are not equipped to create that friendly environment, to make the people as partners, to be at one with the public. The reason for this is simple. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing in the history of its establishment in 1820 and its evolution over the years in which there has been any attempt to build a peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s police. The British colonial authorities, neither in their establishment of 1200 men Hausa Constabulary in 1879, the Royal Niger Company Constabulary in 1888 and the transformation of both to Northern Nigeria Police in the 1900s; nor in their creation of the Niger Coast Constabulary, Calabar in 1894, the Lagos Police in 1896 and the fusion of the two as Southern Nigeria Police also in the 1900s, was the interests of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;nativesâ&#x20AC;? any of their concern. Even when the Northern Nigeria Police and Southern Nigeria Police were merged to become the Nigeria Police Force in 1930, shortly after the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates, the colonial authorities were more concerned with their economic interests. Their policing ideology was not about friendship with the public, nor about detecting, preventing and investigating crime. Theirs was a policing ideology of occupation, safeguarding their economic interests, harassing, arresting and detaining labour leaders, farmers and women protesting unfavourable trade practices and excessive taxation, or clamping in jail early nationalists demanding freedom, social justice, greater political inclusion, and self-government. The colonial authorities, with their Indirect Rule system, left social crimes for traditional rulers to handle. Sixty years after independence, and despite several structural changes, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policing ideology has not changed. It is still an ideology of occupation and exploitation. The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, website has in its Vision Statement the first sentence, â&#x20AC;&#x153;To make Nigeria safer and more secure for economic development and growthâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? Although the Vision Statement carries an addendum of creating â&#x20AC;&#x153;a safe and secure environment for everyone living in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;?, one could safely deduce that the first sentence is the most important and therefore that the policing ideology is more about the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic interests than the people. To advance this thesis, the NPF in its code of conduct identifies the primary responsibility of a police officer thus: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A police officer acts as an official representative of government who is required and trusted to work within the law. â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? The phrase, â&#x20AC;&#x153;official representative of governmentâ&#x20AC;?, rather than that of the people,already creates a disconnect, it makes the setting up of a people friendly police, in line with Peelian principles almost impossible.

I.G. Mohammed Adamu Then Section 4 of the Police Act and Regulations 2020 list the functions of the police as prevention and detection of crime; apprehension of offenders; preservation of law and order; protection of life and property; and enforcement of laws and regulations. These are no more than primary policing duties. Bereft of any ideological underpinning to mould the officers, shape the Forceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction and guide its leadership, it ends up being mechanical, a machine without a soul. In more ways than one, the Nigeria police have, over the years, grown to become an organisation without a soul. In police colleges, maltreatment, abuse and poor menu are mistaken for training. Officers are poorly paid, poorly kitted, poorly equipped and poorly housed in barracks that are no better than pigsty. Police stations lack minimum comfort. Patrol vehicles are mostly run down and battered. Merit and performance count for little in promotions and postings; godfatherism and ethnicity count for more. Officers pay for uniforms, for appointments, and for promotion. Police welfare is next to nil; officers on transfer have no boarding allowance and many are forced to sleep at police stations. There is no insurance, and no provision for housing loan. So lousy are the conditions of service that a great number of those who get recruited into the police did not make the choice for love of the uniform or as a matter of duty or service, but because it was something of a last resort. The system inevitably transforms some of its officers into monsters contemptuous of the people, whom they abuse, defraud, profile, frame, illegally imprison and extra-judicially kill. What then is the way forward? Should policing in Nigeria still remain national, or should state police be allowed? Centralised policing, some scholars have argued, allows for efficiency arising from co-ordination and savings in training, organisation and service delivery. Those scholars have obviously not extended their study to Nigeria Police. Western democracies, particularly the United States, and to a lesser extent, the United Kingdom, have for centuries championed decentralisation because of the believe that the centralised policing system concentrates too much power in the hands of the political authority and a few police chiefs, power that is easily susceptible to abuse. Indeed, Nigerians would easily relate with that, particularly with the way the ruling PDP (Peoples

Democratic Party) from 1999 to 2015, and the ruling APC (All Progressives Congress) from 2015 till date have used the police for electoral fraud, and to harass and intimidate critics and political opponents. This has led to the growing clamour for decentralization of policing in Nigeria. States, particularly those in the south, have long been agitating for a restructuring of the federation to allow for state policing. Since political culture to a large extent determines if the system of policing should be national or zonal, there seems to be a general consensus that countries like Nigeria, whose diversity makes them to settle for federation, are better off with decentralised policing. The US policing system is so decentralised that it has a combination of federal, state, municipal and county police, resulting most times in contest for jurisdiction, and at other times conflict in exchange of intelligence. The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan and Brazil equally run decentralized policing with different degree of power relations between the central police and the regional police. However, most countries in central Europe like France, which developed the original model of centralized policing, Italy and Sweden, and Eastern European countries typified by Russia, prefer national police. In any case, the system in itself does not an efficient policing make. Serious countries decide on a system or mix of systems well suited to their political culture, the needs of their people, and that would serve the country well. There is a general consensus that the Nigeria Police, as presently constituted, have failed the country. Whether it is a modification of the centralized system in operation, or decentralization, or a mix of different systems, accountability should be an irreducible minimum. This is because there is a likelihood of abuse since the law empowers the police to compel action. It is for this reason that some scholars have argued that to ensure accountability, the police should be subordinate to civil authority, courts must guarantee due process, and a public audit through the Police Complaints Commission must be institutionalised. But first, a policing ideology, and one that is people friendly. That is the only way the police slogan at the beginning of this essay can have purpose.

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History of Policing in Nigeria To understand why the Nigeria Police Force behaves the way it does, looks no further than the history of its creation, writes Tobi Soniyi

ome researchers have argued that the British colonialists bequeathed on us a police force that is not fit for purpose. To understand why members of the Nigeria Police Force behave the way they do, a brief history of how the police came into being in Nigeria is instructive. According to Prof. Etannibi Alemika, an expert in police reform, studies on the evolution and the role of colonial police in the country found that the police forces established by the colonialists in various parts of the country at different times between 1861 and 1960 were organized and deployed as occupation force to suppress the indigenous Nigerian peoples as the colonizers exploited their resources to develop their own countries.

Police in the Colonial Era A report jointly authored by the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria and Open Society Justice Initiative, states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Colonial authorities used the police principally to control local communities and tamp down any challenges to colonialism. Colonial police earned a reputation for the brutal subjugation of communities and suppression of resistance to colonial rule.The foundations of the NPFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brutality were laid during the colonial era.â&#x20AC;? This view is corroborated by Alemika who contended that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;An adequate analysis of the problems and challenges of any police force should start with the appreciation of the history and dynamics of its development. History of the police forces in the country indicates that the various forces were established, organized and maintained by colonial and post-colonial governments primarily for order maintenance that engenders repression, a culture of impunity: corruption, incivility, brutality, lack of transparency and accountability.â&#x20AC;? The country known as Nigeria is made up of different ethnic nationalities (more than a hundred of them). These ethnic nationalities were conquered by the British at different times and over a long period of time (1861-1903). Alemika said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The colonizers executed the colonial project employing violence and fraud or deceits. Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constituent nationalities were conquered at different periods. As a nationality is conquered British colonial presence is established by establishing a police force for the territory. Second, violence and fraud were employed in the conquest of the nationalities. Consequently, the colonizer feared resistance and police forces under various names were established and employed as an instrument of violence and oppression against the indigenous population. Third, given the character of colonial rule, police forces were the instrument used to sustain alien domination. The colonial police were not accountable to the colonized but to the colonizers.â&#x20AC;? At the inception, the NPF was formed to oppress the people and violate their rights. It was not formed to protect the people. Little wonder, the police as today find it difficult to protect the people. According to the NPF, Nigeria Police was first established in 1820. In 1879, a 1200 member armed paramilitary Hausa Constabulary was formed. In 1896, the Lagos Police was established. A similar Force, the Niger Coast Constabulary was formed in Calabar in 1894 under the newly proclaimed Niger Coast Protectorate. In the north, the Royal Niger Company set up the Royal Niger Company Constabulary in 1888. When the protectorate of Northern and Southern Nigeria were proclaimed in the early 1900s, part of the Royal Niger Company Constabulary became the Northern Nigeria Police and part of the Niger Coast Constabulary became the Southern Nigeria Police. During the colonial period, most police were associated with local governments (native authorities). In the 1960s, under the First Republic, these forces were first regionalized and then nationalized. The British merged Lagos colony and the southern and northern protectorates in 1913 and named the new colony Nigeria. The northern and southern regional police forces were later merged, in 1930, to form the colonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first national police â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Another author, O.F. Onoge, states that the police in the consciousness of the people became the symbol of the dictatorial establishment rather than the protector of the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the people had no checks over the arbitrariness of the police, they either avoided police trouble or mediated inevitable contacts with bribe offerings. During the colonial period, police fright was a feature of popular consciousness.

Post Colonial After the colonialists left, there was no attempt by the military to redirect and refocus the police. When the country adopted a regional system of government, the local police existed side by side with the federal police. This stopped in 1966 when the local forces were disbanded as recommended by a panel set up in 1966 by the military regime of Aguiyi Ironsi. The Committee or Working Party (also referred to as Gobir Panel, so named after its chairman) was requested to consider the desirability of dual (local and National) or centralized (unified) police and prisons service. The Committee submitted its report to the military regime led by General Yakubu Gowon (that succeeded Ironsi regime overthrown in July 1966) and recommended the abolition of local police forces and prison services. According to the Federal Government of Nigeria (1967) Working

Colonial origin of Nigeria Police

Nigeria Police 65 years ago Party Report, the local police forces were poorly trained, corrupt and used for partisan political purposes, including the repression of opponents, by traditional rulers and politicians in Northern Nigeria as well as by political parties and governments in power in the Northern and Western Regions.â&#x20AC;? During the military regime, the police were suppressed. However, the police enjoyed a good relationship with the military under General Gowon (1967-1975). During that period the police were co-opted into governance by the military as state governors and members of the national ruling council. More importantly, the police were respected as partners by the military rulers. However, the police were not so lucky under the military during the 1983-1999 era. The police lost its high profile and prominence in government, although it continued to be incorporated as junior partner as state governors. However, the force as an organization was neglected in terms of funding and equipping. The military feared that a strong police force might constitute a threat to the Armed Forces, especially by acting as a counterforce during military coups. Rather than equipping the police to serve as the primary tool for promoting and protecting internal security, the military governments resorted to establishing special task forces with army and police personnel. Each unit of such was led by a soldier, often junior in rank to the police on the task force. This demonstrated the subordinate role assigned to the police. It should also be noted that recruitment and promotion in the police force were largely suspended by the military government. This resulted in shortage of personnel. The return to democracy in 1999 opened a new vista for the police. The new Constitution creates the NPF as a federal institution and prohibits the existence of state or other police bodies. The constitution contains provisions on the Nigeria Police Force, the

Police Council and the Police Service Commission. Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution provided that: There shall be a Police Force for Nigeria, which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section, no other police force shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof. The functions of the Nigeria Police Force were specified in section 4 of the Police Act (Laws of the Federation 1990)13 as: 1. Prevention and detection of crime. 2. Apprehension of offenders. 3. Preservation of law and order. 4. Protection of life and property. 5. Enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are charged. 6. Military duties within or without Nigeria as may be required of them. In addition to the constitution, the principal legislation in Nigeria governing the operations and functions of the police includes the following: r UIF 1PMJDF "DU BOE TVCTJEJBSZ MFHJTMBUJPO NBEF VOEFS JU r UIF "GSJDBO $IBSUFS PO )VNBO BOE 1FPQMFT 3JHIUT 3BUJGJDBUJPO and Enforce- ment) Act151 r UIF $SJNJOBM 1SPDFEVSF "DU BQQMJDBCMF UP UIF TUBUFT JO TPVUIFSO Nigeria152 r UIF $SJNJOBM 1SPDFEVSF $PEF BQQMJDBCMF UP UIF TUBUFT JO northern Nigeria and to the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja153 r UIF 1PMJDF 4FSWJDF $PNNJTTJPO &TUBCMJTINFOU "DU PG r UIF DPSPOFST MBXT PG UIF SFTQFDUJWF TUBUFT PG /JHFSJB First enacted in 1943 as the Police Ordinance and last updated by military decree in 1967, the Police Act is the principal instrument that establishes and regulates the structures, functions, and powers of the Continued on Page 23

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This epitomises the deplorable state of Police Barracks across the country. How can those who live here police society?

“If You Pay Peanuts, You Get Monkeys” Kayode Komolafe

he mood became sombre on a television programme recently when two retired police officers said it would be embarrassing for them to state the values of their monthly pensions. The two, who retired as assistant inspector-general and commissioner of police respectively, were in a panel discussing the proposed reform of the Nigeria Police in the aftermath of the #ENDSARS protests. Among other elements considered for the sorely needed reform, the panellists agreed that the present wage structure of the police could not boost the morale of the officers and men of the force. Neither are the conditions of service generally attractive enough to many smart young men and women seeking professional careers. While the statements of the two retired officers actually animated the discussions because they were directly affected by the poor wage structure, the sordid state of service in the police is widely known to the public. A police officer said that given their ranks at retirement neither of the two former officers could earn a pension of N150, 000 a month. The salaries earned by the police are relatively poor especially the remuneration at the lowerranks. Given the rising cost of living, it doesn’t make any socio-economic sense that those entrusted with the protection of lives and property within the political economy are so miserably rewarded. Take a sample! A constable on Grade Level 3 receives a monthly salary of N41, 000 while a corporal on Grade Level 4 Step 1 earns N44,000 and a cadet inspector on Level 7 Step 1 earns N73,000 a month. Now, these are the representatives of the police with whom members of the public interact mostly on the roads and other theatres of operations. A retired police officer puts it this way: “if you don’t feed your dog well, it would one day bite you instead of keeping watch.” A superintendent of police on Grade Level 12Step 1, who could be posted as a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), earns on the averageN161, 000 a month while a commissioner of police, who could be given the task of being in charge of state command, could earn as low as N302,000 a month as salary. Even the inspector-general doesn’t earn a million in a month. In fact , the patently inadequate wage structure of the police is reminiscent of the famous admonition of James Goldsmith: “if you pay peanuts, you have monkeys.” It is, of course, inevitable that policemen who earned poor salaries would correspondingly retire on miserable pensions. This is simply the logic behind the post-service material vulnerabilities of even very senior officers of the Nigeria Police. For most members of the Nigeria police the wage structure remains inadequate despite efforts to mitigate the effects such as the formation of police cooperatives and other interventions. To be sure, salary is only a factor of the unacceptable working conditions of the police. The other factors include underdevelopment of the manpower, outdated tools of work, sordid housing, non-conducive conditions of the stations, improper kitting, lack of social protection, diminished job satisfaction and vanishing career fulfilment. For the purpose of quality service, all these challenges of the police must be overcome. Policemen are expected to go on transfers without the organisation making provisions for their requisite allowances. So a poor sergeant is given the order to proceed from Yola to Lagos on duty. And that’s all. No arrangement is made for his accommodation. It doesn’t matter to the dysfunctional system that the poor man sleeps in an uncompleted building or inside a van. Yet he is expected to perform to the optimum on the field. The system that dehumanises him also expects a humanised conduct on his part. What a contradiction! The conditions of the barracks are appalling.Some of the barracks built decades ago have not been repainted. Neither are the taps running. The buildings lie derelict in various parts of the country. They are monuments of the neglect of the police. New barracks are not built

to ensure decent accommodation for the police. A suggestion has cropped up in the conversations about community policing: perhaps policemen should be paid adequate housing allowances to secure comfortable accommodation in their respective communities so as to be more familiar with the terrain. Housing is one area in which the humanity of the police is grossly assaulted. It was a pathetic scene recently when tearful widows of policemen killed in the operations against Boko Haram protested against their eviction from the barracks shortly after they lost their husbands. It was from this poor housing condition that a police man leaves to report at the station which is also not conducive for work because it is ill-equipped for productivity purpose.From proper kitting to fuelling the operational vehicles, the police are expected to be “creative” in making things happen for the job to be done. According to a senior police officer, there should be no puzzle about why men and women posted by the Nigeria Police for assignments outside the country often excel and are readily recognised for their brilliant performances. He attributed the feats abroad to the enabling environment of work. According to a police officer, a member of his unit, who was recognised for distinguished performance in Namibia, came back to tell sweet stories of his experience. While in that country, which is less endowed than Nigeria, the police officer lived in a decent house with all the basic facilities and had a vehicle apart from being exposed to weapons and modern technology of policing. The police not only lack sophisticated gadgets and weapons for modern policing, they also lack routine items such as teargas, water cannons and rubber bullets. During the mayhem that tragically followed the hijacking of the #ENDSARS, the police were largely helpless because they lack these basic tools to deal with rioters. Police sources have confirmed that the basic tools are not available for those operating in the field. Asked to name three things that should be sine qua non to the proposed police reform, a retired deputy inspector-general of police pointed to three areas : training , welfare and funding. The three factors are really intertwined. The quality of the manpower of the police would be enhanced by “training and retraining,” according to retired police officer.The police must be exposed to modern technology and methods that would make operations smarter and more efficient. The doctrine of the training institutions should be reviewed. Even the concept of training institutions themselves should be critically re-examined. Officers are posted to the training institutions more or less as “punitive” measures as such assignments are considered “non-juicy,” compared to postings to the portsand taskforces. Those in the training hardly receive salary increments. Those who have the privilege to go abroad for courses are again posted to the “juicy “ posts instead of sendingthem to the training schools so that they could spread the knowledge. In effect, the output of the investment in overseas training isunderutilised. The conditions of the training institutions are in turn less than human. The trainees are accommodated in squalid conditions and poorly fed. Imagine a budget of N50 for a meal in a police college. Incredible! The nucleus of any efficacious police reform must be the whole gamut of the welfare of the police including remuneration and the broader conditions of service. Incidentally, the #ENDSARS campaigners commendably listed increase in police salaries as one of their demands. Sustainable internal security is a condition for socio-economic, civic and even cultural activities of citizens. Perhaps, many members of the #EBDSARS movement would not have the memory of the Nigeria of even 40 yearsago in which a lawyer resident in Lagos would jump into his car at 8 p.m. to drive to Beninfor a case in court the following morning. It was a Nigeria in which a lecturer would drive all night his Volkswagen Beetle from Calabarto attend

a conference in Kano. Such adventures would be considered suicidal today given the virtual collapse of internal security with terrorists, bandits, armed robbers and kidnappers on the prowl. Security, as experts would say, is not cheap. To improve the working conditions of the police, the organisation should be well funded. The usual retort to that irrefutable proposition is that government’s funding is limited in the face of competing priorities. By the way, this factor of adequate funding of the police is not thoroughly considered in the debate over the constitutional creation of state police. It’s unimaginable that a state government that cannot pay primary school teachers and basic healthcare workers would be able to pay adequate and regular salaries to the police. The funding outlook for the police is not as hopeless as it is often presented. The important thing is for the Nigerian state to get its priority right in respect of policing and internal security in general. If security is made a primary purpose of government as defined by the 1999 Constitution, then the government, private sector and the society in general ought to approach the question of funding the police more productively so that policemen are decently remunerated. First, the police should be better treated in the budgetary process. The police cannot respond sufficiently to welfare demands of policemen when barely 20% of the yearly allocation to the police is eventually made available. If the IG doesn’t receive allocation in Abuja, the DPO in Yenagoa will have to improvise so as to fund the fuelling of patrol vehicles. Well, the implication of the improvisation may be organisationally injurious in the long run. Secondly, the Police Trust Fund should be firmly institutionalised so as to operationally serve the defined purpose. President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill into law on June 24, 2019. The Act provides that the Fund would be derived from the 0.5% of the total revenues accruing to the Federation Account, a levy of 0.005% of the net profits of companies doing business in the country, aids from international agencies, assistance by non-governmental organisations, donations, grants and other sources. According to the law, the Fund would provide resources for the welfare and training of the police. The Fund is certainly an idea whose time should have come decades before now. According to sources, the Board of Trustees of the Fund chaired by former Inspector-General Suleiman Abba enjoys the confidence of the police across the ranks. Having been in the saddle before, Abba is believed to know the areas of financial wounds to heal in the police. If policing is made a budgetary priority and the Police Trust Fund is competently operated while other interventions are honestly managed, it should be possible to evolve a special wage structure for the police. It should be a wage structure that would enable members of the police organisation to have job satisfaction while in service as well as social security in retirement. In the proposed reform, the wage structure of the police should be such that young men and women would elect to make careers in the police even when they have options in other fields. Fourthly, to sustain decent wages and the broad conditions of service, the police need a union especially for the lower ranks. It is time the police embraced the principles of modern industrial relations. The poor conditions of the lower ranks are such that they require a legal organisation to negotiate on their behalf. The welfare issues are matters for collective bargaining. As isolated individuals, there is little or nothing they could do by merely mobilising pockets of discontents in the underground. For clarity, the formation of a police union is not synonymous with organising strikes as many commentators fear. With civilised approaches on the part of the authorities and the union alike, issues could be resolved on the bargaining table without any strike whatsoever. Countries having different forms of police unions include the United States, Canada, Norway, Finland, Australia, Netherland, Sweden, Britain etc. The police certainly need a union to defend the welfare of the members especially those inthe weaker positions.

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

NOVEMBER 15, 2020

SPECIALREPORT

“Happy Weekend Sir” Whyy is p police corrupt p from bottom up? p And whyy does the Nigerian g p police on dutyy abroad excel as a good ambassador of his countryy but fail at home? It does seem the p g police is a reﬂection of the Nigerian g society and until corruption is cleaned oﬀ our moral fabric, no one should expect p so much. Having g tried all the rules in the playbook p y to re-create the p police system y mayy be, jjust maybe, a decentralised police would serve the people better and curb corruption, argues Nduka Nwosu

“H

appy weekend Sir” is the title of an unfinn ishedessaybyamemberofaprotestgroup campaigningagainstgenderdiscrimination andpolicebrutality.Happyweekendsiris anappealbythepoliceonduty,tohelpmake the week pleasant, to be part of millions of families looking forward to a memorable and eventful week end. That explains why improved conditions of service in terms of wages, allowances and housing are central in dealing with the psychology of the policeman and his incessant desire for money, across the counter deals and all that back hand business. The nature of the job and the tendency for corruption is probably worldwide. In New York, corruption was fought hands down by ensuring the grass eaters or low cadre policemen were put in check by their bosses and if they wore the corruption tag as a norm, the meat eaters or high level policemen among them were held responsible and punished. In Nigeria, this may prove difficult to adopt because corruption starts from the topmost rank down to the lowest, the leadership problem or the trouble with Nigeria as Chinua Achebe postulated. In one of his appearances on Arise television Professor Chidi Odinkalu re-emphasised the fact that there is a culture in the police rank and file encouraging corruption from the bottom to the top, more precisely from the top down. This institutionalized trend is called making returns from the loot garnered from victims for various offences, extortion not excluded. It puts a strain on the policeman on the road and leads to all manner of criminal acts. Returns are also done in a similar fashion in the Immigration and Customs departments. Ministers supervising revenue generating departments of government receive returns by way of rent. The list goes on and on. So why should an inspector general of police for example, not expect returns which do not include the budget he manages and the billions of contracts that come under his purview? The system is ridden with institutionalised corruption which a policeman tries to exploit to help himself when the victim is caught with his hands deep in the cookie jar. Oftentimes attempts to plug these corruption leakages fail because systemic corruption is bottom up. Victims of police in the cell contribute money to buy candles, match boxes, mosquito coils et al. If you have a case with police, you have to pay money to fuel the car that will drive the accused to the station and if you have to bail yourself as an accused, there is an unofficial fee attached the same way old NEPA officials would need a transportation fee and an additional reconnection fee to fix a disconnected line. That is what makes the job exciting, the unofficial sources of income that come with the territory. The police can hide your iniquities once money exchanges hands just as a smart accountant does window dressing to secure a bank loan for a fledgling company that may collapse shortly after picking up the loan. Don’t forget the bank manager gets factored into the deal and his DPO friend gets regularly ‘greased ‘to protect him In the event of trouble. If you want police to guard your estate, you will have to pay for every bullet fired into the air warning potential bandits to keep off. The shopping list of a corrupt police officer is humongous but as in all cases only the big boys go to the bush on a hunting exercise, kill their loot and bring it home. The rest make do with the sprinkles down the road. Someone once had his car impounded by the police and was advised if he wanted the assistance of a top police officer to secure the car, he must part with a certain amount of money. His boys would make photocopies for needed documents and his contact would have to be settled for a consultancy fee. That moment the top officer who was always in the news was demystified in his consciousness. In all of these, the gun with its bullet is the intimidating weapon used to terrorise the public it is meant to protect. Sadly the police have become the Roman sentinel who guards the gate to the city but prefers to turn the gun on those he is meant to protect. Of course when the executive sends in a bogus budget with several question marks, two things are possible; either the executive agrees to a deal when the budget is revised upwards by the National Assembly which expectedly will factor its demands such as constituency projects, renovations, travels, furniture and other allowances or the executive would have the budget revised downwards. Since the police know it operates in a corrupt system, it expects society to bear its burden. When it does, it amounts to nothing just as minimum wage solves no problem for the beneficiaries. The policeman knows what to do to settle himself. This is summed up as corruption. How about revising extant laws for positive results? Before we crucify the police, his problem and the way he approaches it is the problem of the average Nigerian, how to short change the system and live like others in the rat race. How much does the police man take home for a salary? A misery index wage that is below two square meals tells it all. He lives in a barracks that at best approximates to a zoo. Worse of all his kinsmen have minimum regard for him and this lowers his self-esteem. The reason is not too far-fetched. The police mentality scorns the Biblical

Police taken bribe from motorist injunction, which says it is better to give than to receive. During the book launch of Ikedi Ohakim while in office, a popular comedian said the only reason he has issues visiting a certain Oba in Lagos is that you end up giving and if he were to visit you or attend your event, you would also be the one giving. This is the way of the policeman; he receives from both hands and does not give. In the church while offerings and donations are being made, he goes into hiding and it is probably not difficult to hazard a guess if the policeman pays his tithe since cheating rules his soul. The problem of a typical policeman summarises the problem of the average Nigerian, how to secure today against tomorrow. In spite of all this, some of the finest breed have made their impact and left. Inspector General Etim Inyang comes to mind followed by a host of others probably unsung. What about the dancing traffic officers who transform traffic control to high art, making the soul of workers rushing to work glow? The reason for corruption in the Nigerian police is not different from why the average Nigerian is corrupt, one is to meet the demands of everyday living, putting food on the table for the family and then going the extra mile to seek for self-actualisation even if it means to kill and loot. The summary is that like most Nigerians, the policeman on the road has been largely marginalised and no matter the efforts made in the past, his characterisation approximates that of a hungry man, an endangered species in search of a game for feast. Marvellous Iheukwumere, a Harvard Law student did her research and concluded there was need for a legal reform governing the police and these extant laws have been there since 1943 without much revision. Training and retraining of police has been a recurring mantra needed to elevate the standards and quality of the Nigerian policeman. Has it made any difference? May be it has made some minimum difference. The Esprit de Corps approach of the French Civil Service remains a global reference point that could help in the total reform of the police. That means a whole generation of new police men and women recruited with a high level of expectation and new vision statement should be the ideal for our future police recruitments. Everything about him should be one of a new age of great possibilities. While doing that, ethical reforms which Iheukwumere advocated, should be pursued vigorously. Again this is not new. All the propositions in the play book of police reformation have been tested and tried. Many who became radicals seeking to play the role of the new kid on the block collapsed like a pack of cards early in the day. Alozie Ogugbuaja, a Mass Communications graduate from the University of Lagos, who made a name as a police PRO is a good example. No one remembers and talks about him any longer for his gallantry in exposing police exploits against armed robbers. Ogugbuaja in his days made a hero out of devoted police men and women working daily to rid Lagos of crime. His pepper soup narrative against soldiers became his undoing. How do we call the riot act if we add an integrity code of conduct and disciplinary measures such as bribe taking, bullets that cannot be accounted for through an audit check et al? Will CCTVs installed in critical points in and outside the place of work help to check corrupt practices

and who then will be the chief security officer patrolling in and out to keep the police in check? All these could come under an internal audit check system, which again is there as part of the police system of checks and regulations. The police through its community relations system have tried to recreate its image but how far has it gone? May be, just maybe, it calls for greater sophistication in human relations management. What manner of policemen kill and sell human parts? Some #Endsars protesters had talked of how the SARS police in Anambra State led by a certain DSP James Nwafor and his kind for many years eliminated his victims whose body parts got missing. James Nwafor trended for a long time on Twitter and other social media platforms before the #Endsars protests began. Surprisingly, the Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano only hurriedly disengaged him as his staff when the protests gathered momentum. In an explosive interview granted to Leadership newspaper which this reporter managed at the time, the Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun State, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi claimed without equivocation that he has been fighting a war against his fellow Obas in the Southwest for their unbridled consumption of human parts for sacrificial purposes. The human parts industry in the country, it is claimed, is a multi-billion naira business. These body parts missing when a policeman carries out an extra judicial killing and secret burial are often needed by ambitious politicians, businessmen, obas, ezes and other forms of traditional rulers and their associates, for their regular propitiations and esoteric rituals to the gods they serve. They make the industry a money spinner for the foot soldiers. These things once thought to belong in the realm of conspiracy theories have acquired protean imageries actualised as truth. The human parts business was one sore point of the #Endsars protest that no one is talking about. Why are we even now as a people so rooted in the worship of Baal and Molech, something our forefathers robustly practiced? What the police authority or government needs to largely curb or stem corruption, not to totally halt it, is to create an El Dorado, a pampered paradise for the emerging cadre of policemen and women both at work and on retirement, a satellite environment containing all the good things of life, a constant training and retraining at home and abroad and a code of conduct that will instill best practices and sanctions when profaned. That our policemen earn laurels when they travel to other countries means our environment has been harsh to them. The minimum luxury and return given to them abroad should not be anything less in their country. The same expectations we demand from the other ranks of the police on the streets and elsewhere, should be extended to the Inspector General and his deputies whose loyalty would be to the nation, not to any president or the ruling party when it matters. His mode of recruitment through a board set up by law would go a long way to achieve this. More importantly, the police outside the barracks, should be made to live among the people they serve and protect to earn their love and appreciation, which is also saying a decentralised police would serve the people better than a centralized one.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

SPECIALREPORT

T HE R OAD A HEAD

10 Steps to Reform Nigeria Police Tokunbo Adedoja

t no time in Nigeria’s history was the call for poo lice reform more deafening than now - thanks to #EndSARS protests. Since early October when the agitation for the reform of the police came to the front burner of national discourse following spontaneous protests by youths against police brutality, several impulsive actions had been taken by police authorities to address the issue. From the disbandment of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) and the promise to sanction indicted offi fficers to the creation of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the subsequent approval of new salaries for police personnel, government’s response had been more of policies of appeasement rather than an articulated programme of action to reposition the police. Many are however not oblivious of the fact that the nation has travelled through this same road in the past when similar calls led to popular pronouncements by authorities, including setting up of panels on police reform. But as soon as the agitations subsided, the reports of the panels were flung into government shelves where they gathered dust and were never implemented. The most plausible explanation for this could be that rather than a genuine need for effective policing, most of the past attempts to reform the police were mostly inspired by the need for regime survival and protection. No wonder the police grew rapidly from a relatively effective and efficient force inherited from the colonial era to a brutal, grossly inefficient, ridiculously ineffective and deeply corrupt state institution. Like in all nations, the role of the police in maintaining internal peace and security cannot be overemphasized. Section 4 of the Nigeria Police Act saddles the police with the responsibility of detection and prevention of crime, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, protection of life and property, enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged, and performance of such military duties as may be required of them. How well the police have performed these statutory functions is an open report card that neither the police nor the nation is proud of. Apart from the worsening security situation in all parts of the country due largely to structural deficiency, inadequate funding, poor intelligence gathering, lack of modern policing equipment, low morale of officers and corruption, cases of human rights violations by policemen are rising with the affected officers rarely held accountable. With the renewed call for an efficient, effective, responsive and accountable police, here are ten (10) steps to take in reforming the police.

1. Rebranding g and Community y Engagement gg

Despite the age-long mantra – Police is Your Friend – public trust in this vital state institution for the maintenance of law and order is almost nil. This is because the Nigeria police have a notorious reputation for inefficiency, bribery, brutality and rights abuses. In other climes, police stations are havens of safety and the go-to institution when citizens face security challenges. In fact, police are part of the emergency responders. That is not the case in Nigeria where citizens avoid police stations like plague and some would even seek help from non-state actors like thugs rather than seek help from the police, all because of their notorious reputation. One of the key steps to reform the police is to rebrand the institution. Attempts had been made in the past to achieve this, as seen in the change of uniform and mantra. But rebranding goes beyond changing uniform and police mantra, it is about rebuilding their reputation by changing the perception of the citizens about the police. It’s about rebuilding citizens’ trust in the police, making them see the police as their friend. This can be done through proper engagement with the communities, by building a civil police which respect the rights of the citizens, including suspects, and by ensuring that the police perform their statutory functions efficiently, effectively and with dignity. How successful the rebranding of the police would be is a function of other steps listed below.

2. Funding g

A major problem of the Nigeria police is inadequate funding. This has been the bane of policing in Nigeria. The poor funding of such a critical state institution saddled with maintaining law and order, which is a precondition for internal peace and security, has contributed hugely to the notorious reputation of the police. Due to inadequate funding, police are grossly ill-equipped to carry out their statutory functions, they are inadequately remunerated for the hazardous duties they perform and poorly trained for modern policing. Even with a proposed 2021 budget of N447.6 billion and a progressive increase in budgetary allocation in the past four years, it is still not adequate for a key institution with almost 400,000 workforce, as about 96.4 per cent of the budget goes to recurrent expenditure, while 3.6 per cent is for capital expenditure. That explains the parlous state of police infrastructure and logistics like stations, barracks, training schools; equipment and operation vehicles. To address this funding deficit a special intervention fund should be created to urgently tackle the challenges of infrastructure and logistics. Alternative source of funding by the private sector and

The Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi

Buhari

communities should also be encouraged. Adequate checks that will ensure transparency and accountability in the application of funds should be put in place.

it shouldn’t be a one-off exercise. The existing internal disciplinary processes in the force should be strengthened in all commands and divisions for thorough and prompt delivery of justice.

3. Recruitment & Promotion

7. Performance Evaluation

Recruitment into the police and subsequent promotion should be based on merit rather than extraneous considerations. There should be a minimum standard for recruitment of police constable which should be a minimum of O’Level certificate, including credit passes in English and Mathematics. In addition, prospective recruits must also be computer literate. For recruitment of police inspector and cadet ASP, the minimum qualification should be national diploma with lower credit and first degree with a minimum of second class lower respectively. Both categories must also satisfy the computer literacy criteria. Promotion should also be based on merit, training attended, performance and track record. The application of quota system for promotion should be jettisoned, as it has succeeded in dampening the morale of officers and creating bad blood within the force.

4. Training g and Reorientation

Police authorities should come up with a comprehensive training and reorientation package for their personnel so that they can be in tune with modern policing. Training curricula should be reviewed and syllabus that will focus on police ethics and conduct, human rights, gender issues, intelligence-driven policing, community policing and difference between civil and criminal laws should be designed. Also, the various training colleges should be rehabilitated and properly equipped, while the teaching staff should be drawn from experienced and qualified police officers and from university faculties.

5. Welfare and Condition of Service

Police welfare and condition of service are major issues that successive governments have not been able to sufficiently address. Not only are the salaries of police personnel not commensurate with the hazardous duties they perform, they also work and live in structures that are not fit for decent human beings. Widows of fallen police officers also spend months demanding for their husbands’ entitlements, while police officers injured in the line of duty are often left to their fate. As part of the reform, police salaries scale should be reviewed to be proportional to the risk they take to keep other citizens safe and life insurance packages should be purchased for all personnel. Urgent steps should be taken to rehabilitate all police barracks to a standard that will be fit for human habitation. New barracks should also be built to address the accommodation challenges faced by personnel, especially in major cities. Widows or next of kin of fallen officers should be paid their entitlements and promptly, while medical bills of officers injured in the line of duty should be paid by the police.

6. Strengthening of Internal Disciplinary Processes Ordinarily, the police should be a disciplined institution, but Nigerians were enraged when they learnt that police operatives indicted for various human rights abuses, including extra judicial killings, were still serving in the force several months after a presidential panel submitted the report that indicted them. This was brought to the fore during #EndSARS protests, prompting governn ment to order states to set up judicial panels of inquiry to look into rights abuses by the police. Nothing emboldens anyone that wields power more than when there are no consequences for actions or inactions. One of the key steps that must be taken to reform the police is to hold to account indicted officers for their actions. But

This is another key step to reposition the Nigeria police. Any institution, which does not evaluate the performance of its personnel regularly, will continue to degenerate in all key performance indices. The reward and sanction system of any organization should be based on performance evaluation. For the police, the performance evaluation should target the personnel, as well as the commands, divisions and posts. For example, why should a commissioner of police whose command witnessed a rise in crime rate and unresolved murder or robbery cases be promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police? Or why should a Divisional Police Officer whose division has become a den of criminals in the state be retained in that position or made an Area Commander? Or why should the head of a Criminal Investigation Department who has not been able to resolve any major kidnap, rape or robbery case continue to head that department?

8. Insulation from Partisan Control

For the police to serve citizens effectively and without bias, there is an urgent need to insulate the institution from partisan control. As it is now, the Inspector General of Police is appointed by the president and serves at his pleasure. All police commands are also under the control of the Inspector General. If there is an overbearing president who places partisan interest above security consideration, then the impact would be felt, especially during electioneering. This would further have negative impact on the reputation of the police. This could be checked by a review of the provision for the appointment of IG in such a way that it would be the police service commission that would screen and nominate five officers of the rank of AIG or DIG to the president who will then pick a nominee among the recommended five officers and send to the National Assembly for confirmation by two-thirds of members. The office of the Inspector General should also be tenured just like those of anti corruption agencies, but in this case a maximum of three years to enable junior personnel to have the prospect of reaching the peak of their career.

9. Structure

The Nigeria police operates a centralised command structure whereby all state commands take directives from the Inspector General of Police. Even, though the constitution makes state governors Chief Security Officers of their respective states, the comm missioner of police are however not answerable to them. They are answerable to the Inspector General of Police, who is answerable to the president. Ironically, an IG who may not have visited the state in his career as police officer gives directives on security strategies for remote communities that are hundreds of kilometres away from his office in Abuja.

10. Equipment q p

Another factor militating against effective policing in Nigeria is the lack of modern equipment such as well equipped operation vehicles, inadequate and outdated weaponry, lack of body armour, lack of modern communication devices, lack of central registry for criminals that can be accessed realtime from all state commands, modern finger print detecting devices and biometric database of suspects and criminals. Reforming the police to make it effective and efficient will require addressing all these inadequacies.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

SPECIALREPORT

Suleiman Abba: Nigeria Police Must Change Her Colonial Mentality Mr. Suleiman Abba is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigerian g Police Trust Fund (NPTF) and also a former Inspector-General of Police. He spoke p to THISDAY Y on the challenges facing the force, his experience while in oﬃce and the way forward. Excerpts:

perform as expected for the graduates. So, I think it’s a combination of the paper quality of what they came out with from secondary school and their behaviour. Maybe they have learned bad habits since they left. So, a combination of the two has always been problematic.

an you introduce yourself, sir? My name is Suleiman Abba, a former Inspector-General of Police. I have become a businessman. At least, since I left service, I have gone into the business of practicing as a lawyer and also acquiring the franchise of an IT international firm, an India-based firm. So far, I have four centers of the firm in Nigeria. One at Allen Avenue; one at Festac town; one in Abuja here, in the city center, and I also have one in Kano, in Dutse, my home state. I am also into estate management and development. I’m also a farmer. I have my farm in Keffi Road and a few other businesses. So, I must say I’m a lucky man. A former Inspector-General of Police found me worthy of becomm ing the chairman of the NPF Pensions Limited. That’s about four years ago. He proposed me at an annual general meeting that I didn’t even attend and I was voted in as the director and chairman. This was in 2017. And I have remained the Chairman. I believe I am serving my last time. Annually, it gets renewed. Now, I have been given another bigger responsibility as chairr man of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Board of Trustees. So, that is, Suleiman Abba, you are welcome to the offices or the headquarters of the law firm, the IT outfit and business activities. Let’s start by having your perspective on the challenges that are confronting the police force, which you served for years. Thank you very much. I think the challenges of the police have been there for a very long time. We inherited them, I would say, I inherited those challenges. And looking at the set of the policies today, I can also say that the challenges are the same. Mainly, there are three or four challenges for the police. That is why even the reform committees that have looked into the problems of police and medical conditions, if you look at the recomm mendations, believe you me, they can be summed up into four mainly the problems of funding, inadequate funding, the problem of inadequate manpower, the problem of lack of, you know, special care about the welfare of the police. That’s why I say three or four, maybe if we reflect more, we’ll get the fourth one. But these are the main problems. Then, of course, the training, the quality of the training, I believe that is the fourth one – the quality of the recruitment and the training. So, those are the challenges. But then, if you look at it in the discharge of duties, we also come across other challenges. Like you don’t get the needed cooperation from or the maximum cooperation you need from other services. Rather, there you see competition, repetition and stuff like that. For example, if any of the services has information that is purely criminal in nature and you that you know that you should report that to the police or most of the services would like to go in to investigate without your own qualitative training in that aspect, will go in to investigate, perhaps spoil the case before informing the police or before handing over even the suspects. They can successs fully address this as well but in the process, could have destroyed a lot of evidences. Another thing that I said is duplication. You will see a lot of duplications. Now, for goodness sake, who will ever convince me that it is not an aspect of duplication for civil defence to be opening police stations? I don’t know what to call them whether civil stations. Now, what I don’t know is the name they give them in all the local governments repeating what is in existence? Confusing members of the public on which one to go to or allowing members of the public to take advantage. You are a suspect here; you are a complainant on the other side. So, these are part of the other challenges that may not be in-house the ones that are highlighted earlier on. And, of course, the biggest one to me, the lack of trust from members of the public, who ought to be the number one partners in the fight against crime. Let’s look at the challenges one after the other. We talked about the quality of manpower. Is it because competent or qualified people are not in the police force? Yes, I’m a product of the graduate scheme. We joined as graduates and we were trained for complete one year. We were exposed to a lot of trainings – police duties below operations. We went for mobile police training. We went for leadership, training and quite a detailed training. But before I come to that, let me start from the recruitment. Believe me, nobody intervened for me to get admitted. But nowadays, you can see clearly. I can see almost 95% of those recruited. If ever, anyway, the graduate scheme does not exist much anymore, but now we’ll be talking about, maybe 50% of those who did come in through ‘I know somebody’ and you cannot run away from it. Politicians are many in that regard. So, it is no more about adequate qualifications. And these qualifications do not end at paper qualifications. Physique is there;

You also spoke about funding, which has always been there. In any case, you are now heading the Police Trust Fund, which should address the problems. There still has to be a budget line. What kind of funding do you think should be adequate? There has to be a budget line. I mean, everybody in every department of government is not getting enough and still wants more. Now, what kind of budget funding are you looking at apart from the ones that are coming from the Police Trust Fund? Unfortunately, you know, there is no any other law that gives the police another source of funding other than the normal statutory – what they call the statutory funding. This is budget, you know, doing a budget, defending it and getting it appropriated and approved by the National Assembly, there is no any other way. Unfortunately, even though what could have been approved for you as a project if you are lucky to get one third of it released, you should count yourself lucky, so it’s not just what is quoted that is released. But I think the Nigeria police are lucky at this time. We all IGPs had been praying that this Trust Fund happens during their period. I think Adamu Mohammed is lucky. It has happened in his time. And I think I’m also humbled by the fact that I am the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees, of course, the highest decision making body of the trust. So, I would say that, with that intervention, the police now have another source. In summary, the objective of the trust fund is mainly to improve on the budgets of the Nigeria police.

Abba background is there. That’s the most important one to me. These are now thrown to the dustbin, particularly the issue of background. The moment it is said that the so, so politician or so, so person in so, so high place recommended him, that aspect is never looked at, at all. And even the physique unless it is very, very serious, it is ignored. And that is why I support the importance of the police and the Police Service Commission coming together to do the recruitment. The police should solely be responsible for certain aspects of recruitment, including these checks of background physique and so on, and in any case, even the papers, because the Police Service Commission do not have the capacity to check the tens of thousands of recruits. So, they still need to come together. And in our recent intervention, that is what we have succeeded in reaching. So, I think maybe that is where the problem is: the recruitt ment level. Well, the quality of the training, I don’t think the syllabus has changed. No. I can agree that maybe the quality of life of the trainees might have changed either because the accommodations are not as clean and comfortable as perhaps they used to be. Maybe the quality of the food they eat, you know, be as good as it used to be during our time. But I want to believe that even the trainers are qualitative ones. Now, let’s talk about the quality of the recruits. What will you be looking out for? Is it the physique or paper qualificaa tion? Yes, that’s a very important question. And believe me, I have learnt something from that question And I think maybe from the onset, let me let you know that it may not be a policy but I need to find out. But the recruitment of graduates OND, HND and NCE holders, who come in as cadet inspectors seem to have been degraded and that is because the Police Academy has come into place and has gone far really. There’s no way perhaps they can have graduates coming in from the academy and then continuing to employ graduates. So, I think that’s part of the reasons. So, I think for about five years now, they have not recruited graduates like when we came in. So, that will tell you the level of understanding you will get from a graduate police officer will certainly not be the same from what you will get from perhaps a secondary school leaver, who is not just coming in from secondary school. Perhaps, he has been wandering, without job for about three to five years, and perhaps has learnt all the vices. They seem to have, you know, become escalated in the society. What I’m talking about, of course, issues of drugs and so on. So, the behavior will not be the same. Unfortunately, if for whatever reason, we agree that the quality of the education in our secondary schools has dropped, then, it then means also that those secondary school leavers may not be able to

The Nigeria Police Force was created with the ideology of the colonialists as an oppressive agency and it appears the curriculum has not changed. Don’t you think it’s time to change it to fit into the current challenges of the society? I don’t think the problem is from the curriculum. And even the colonialists, I don’t think they go into the formality of training for this man to be suppressed. They didn’t do that. Those guys are very wise. Perhaps the suppressive activities will only be taught in the field so that the records will not be there that they had been taught to be suppressive. I think what you’re trying to say is that the police are a creation of a suppressive regime, which was the colonial era. No doubt about that. Are those tendencies still with the Nigeria Police? I will say yes, some of them are still there. And I’m happy to say that I’m one of those who made a sacrifice that seemed to be putting a stop to one of the tendencies, one of the biggest tendencies, that is the tendency of supporting the party in power, and protecting it by all means, even at elections. So, we are making progress. But then, when it comes to the attitude, the suppressive attitude, and this is where I will say it anywhere. What happened recently, the outbursts, the rejection of some of the methods of policing the community, by the police was rejected by the youths, when they went against SARS. If I tell you that I didn’t foresee it, I will be telling you lies, because in 2009, I was in NIPPS. That’s to say a participant in National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies course, at NIPPS, the highest policy research institute in Nigeria. Normally, you choose a topic for such, but in my own case, I was assigned a topic. I was assigned to do a research and they titled it, “The State of Discipline in the Nigeria Police: An Assesss ment”. I said Why are you giving me a topic? They said since they started only one commissioner of police or participant had done a research. I found myself lucky, because I got exposed to this state of discipline in the Nigeria Police, believe me. I’m a lucky man in every aspect, because while the research was going on, someone gave me the hint that retired police officers would hold their annual general meeting. And believe you me, almost all the DIGs were there and they turned it into a kind of fiesta. They gathered from DIG to ASP mainly. When I got there, the likes of Damadami was there, Oyakhilome was there, Ali Jos was there, name them and I gave them my questionnaire. They gladly responded. So, I had a good response. And then I had the opportunity to also go down into some police stations in Jos and Kano to also get my questionnaire filled by junior officers and it was so good such that I became and external examiner. I saw the need to look at the attitude of the police. Certainly, it can’t go on. If the society is changing like we are saying from colonial era, independence to post-independence, the police attitude should change from colonial mentality to post colonial era. And, unfortunately, some of those tendencies especially, the high-handedness to some extent, and in some offices, they are still there.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

SPECIALREPORT

P OLICING

O THER C LIMES :

A Comparative Analysis Yemi Ajayi

he ENDSARS campaign, thrusted into global consciousness by last month’s protests by activists demanding police reform, has rekindled conversation about policing Nigeria. Youths, drawn from across the various socioeconomic strata of the nation’s population, massed on the streets to protest police brutality, as typified by the activities of a special anti-crime outfit of the Nigeria Police Force, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The SARS is notorious for framing people, exploiting suspects and for wanton human rights abuses. The social unrest, which was executed through social media mobilisation, unsettled the government given the fact that the youths adopted a system alien to Nigeria’s protest culture. The amorphous leadership structure of the protesters confounded the government and its security agencies as they scrambled to address the protests that further threatened the national economy just struggling to recover from the double whammy of the COVID-19 pandemic and the price fall in the global oil market. However, two weeks into the protests, the negative auguries of the nation’s protest culture started manifesting with thugs attacking the peaceful protesers. There are disputatious claims over whether or not the thugs were sponsored by government supporters or those disenchanted with the protests. The attacks on the protesters, especially in Lagos and Abuja, where videos emerged on the social media on the alleged involvement of government in recruiting and mobilising thugs to attack the protesters, worsened the tension caused by the social unrest. While the government, which had initially agreed to the demands of the protesters, including the scrapping of SARS, was still finding a way to pacify the protesters, hoodlums seized the protest and unleashed an orgy of violence on police personnel and assets. They also attacked, looted and torched many public and private assets. The degeneration of the protest prompted some state governments to declare curfew as a step towards restoring public order. The imposition of the curfew marked another turning point in the campaign as soldiers were deployed in Lekki Tollgate, one of the epicentres of the protest, to disperse the demonstrators two hours before the commencement of the curfew. The deployment of the soldiers spawned recriminations over whether or not they shot the protesters. While the military initially denied soldiers’ presence at the Lekki Tollgate and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, claimed ignorance about their presence, both parties have had to walk bac their positions as the protesters and their allies, who alleged the soldiers killed many and wounded some, mounted campaign on the social media to disprove their claims. But how did Nigeria arrive at the sorry pass to witness one of the most effective and innovative protests to be organised by its youths? The answers can be found in the nature of the policing system in the country where the federal government controls the law enforcement agency that acts more as the enemy of the people it was set up to protect, rather than as a friend, despite their claim to that effect.

Policing g by y Consent or by y Force?

The Nigeria Police Force, unlike its counterparts in some other countries, really live up to its appellation by the way it deploys brutal and lethal force in the discharge of its responsibility. This operational system has created a trust gap between the police and the same people it is supposed to be protecting and has often pitted them against each other. Although successive administrations and police leaderships have tried to correct the anomalies through various reforms, the results have not been in tandem with the efforts, especially given the half-hearted ways some of the reforms were carried out. While many have excused the lapses in the police on the grounds of their historical antecedents, others have blamed the poor vision of the nation’s leaders on their inability to give the country a police force that operates what British Home Secretary in 1822, Sir Robert Peel, called policing by consent. Sir Robert’s theory, called the Peelian principles, describes a policeman as a citizen in uniform who exercises his powers over fellow citizens with their implicit consent. According to advocates of the Peelian principles, policing by consent” is anchored on the idea that

Commissioner Cressida Dick, Head of UK Metropolitan Police

Christopher A. Wray, Director of FBI, US

“the legitimacy of policing in the eyes of the public is based upon a general consensus of support that follows from transparency about their powers, their integrity in exercising those powers and their accountability for doing so.” The Peelian principles undergird the policing system in such nations as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. However, it should be noted that the greatest hindrances to Nigeria having a police force that reflects the Peelian principles lay in both the structure of the Nigerian nation and the centrally-controlled agency. Since the federal government is responsible for the recruitment, deployment and management of the police force, many of the personnel are deployed in communities outside their nativity and this neither engenders nor fosters a sense of belonging, especially in a nation wracked with ethno-religious rivalry among its constituent parts. But if policing in Nigeria is such a tough job, how is it done in other countries with some semblance of similarity with Nigeria either in terms of political structure of ethno-religious diversity? In finding answers to this, we shall look at the policing systems in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and India.

for the passage of the Metropolitan Police Act 1829 that established a full-time, professional and centrally-organised police force for the greater London area known as the Metropolitan Police. Subsequent] legiislations in the 1830s and 1850s birthed policing in boroughs and many counties as well as nationally respectively. The UK recruited its first women police offi f cers during the First World War. And since the 1940s, police forces in the United Kingdom have been merged and modernised. Now, the UK policing system is a three-layered structure comprising the territorial police services, which carry out the majority of policing. There are 45 territorial police services as of 2013 that cover a police area (a particular region) and have an independent police authority (England and Wales) The second is the national law enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency and British Transport Police (the latter only operates in Great Britain). The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 refers to these as “special police forces.” Lastly, there is the miscellaneous police services, mostly having their foundations in older legislation or common law. These have a responsibility to police specific local areas or activities, such as ports and parks. Despite the classification, some of these arms of the police have cross-jurisdictional powers. For example, territorial police constables have certain powers of arrest in another one of the UK’s three legal jurisdictions than they were attested in. The Bitish police have passed through various evolutions since formation. As at 2013 there were 45 territorial police forces in the UK. The territorial English and Welsh police forces were created in their current form by amalgamations made by either the Police Act 1964 or the Local Government Act 1972. Scotland has since merged its eight territorial forces into one. Northern Ireland has always had a single police force since the Partition of Ireland in 1922. A unique feature of the British policing is that unlike in many other comparable nations, their offi f cers do not carry firearms on standard patrol. They are equipped with ASP batons and CS gas or PAVA spray, among other non-lethal tools. The police are funded both by the central government and the local government. The central government funding is calculated by a formula based on population and socio-economic factors used to determine the expected cost of policing an area.

United Kingdom g

Unlike Nigeria that has a centralised police force, the policing of the United Kingdom, which as the colonial government created the Nigeria Police Force, structured its police to reflect the legal systems of the kingdom: England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Police personnel, serving in regional police services, known as territorial police forces, within one of those jurisdictions are tasked with the responsibility of law enforcement. The police personnel carry out the regular police duties of protecting life and property, sustaining peace and public order as well as preventing and detecting crimes. Till today, the Peelian principles, discussed earlier, still impinge on the policing process in the UK. The UK Home Offi f ce, in 2011, explained the Peelian principles as “the power of the police coming from the common consent of the public, as opposed to the power of the state. It does not mean the consent of an individual.” It, however, added that “no individual can choose to withdraw his or her consent from the police, or from a law.”

A Brief Overview of the UK Police

The British police evolved from a 18th century practice whereby local communities recruit watchmen and constables to guard the people and their property. At this period, the government wasn’t directly involved in policing affairs until later when, following an Act of Parliament, the City of Glasgow set up the first professional police force in the UK. However, the first centrally-controlled police force in the world was set up in Ireland, then a part of the United Kingdom, following the Peace Preservation Act in 1814 for which Peel was largely responsible. Peel expanded his idea in 1822 when he became the Home Secretary by pushing

Policing g in the US

There is a semblance in the evolution of the police in the United States, just as we have in the United Kingdom. This is understandable given the historical ties between the two world powers. The modern police in 4he US evolved from the activities of watchmen, who were organised around 1630s to protect colonies from deviants. One of their cardinal duties was to prevent slaves from escaping from their masters. However, the first form of policing in the South was known as slave patrol, which began in the colonies of Carolina in 1704. The patrolmen were focused on

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

SPECIALREPORT POLICING IN OTHER CLIMES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Continued from Page 20 public or private property. Some hospitals, universities, transit commissions, power authorities and other agencies employ special constables or in other provinces known as peace offi f cers.

Evolution of the Police in Canada

Chief Constable Adam Palmer, President of the CACP, Canada

Rajiv Gauba, IAS, Head of India Police

keeping the slaves in check. This system, however, lasted till the outbreak of the Civil War and was replaced by the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan. On the other hand, the emergence of a policing system in the North arose from the need to keep crimes such as mobs, public lewdness, disorderly conduct, and prostitution in check in the wake of the influx of immigrantsto the cities by 1800s. The influx precipitated clashes between the immigrants and original settlers from England and The Netherlands, who accused the former of destroying the society. With the night watchmen unable to effectively secure the communities, Boston set up a better organised agency in1838 to check crimes. New York followed suit in 1845 with Chicago, New Orleans and Cincinnati doing same subsequently. By the 1880s, almost every major city in the country had a police force. Almost all of the police forces were structured similarly, and their main duty was to prevent crime and keep order. But in 1850s, the cities began the establishment of detective units to investigate crimes. However, police reforms began in the US in the 1900s through the efforts of August Vollmer, the first police chief of Berkeley, California, regarded as “the father of modern policing.” He created a system whereby offi f cers patrolled the neighborhoods they lived in on foot and anothervsystem for juveniles to be tried and punished instead of trying them as adults. Later, federal and state police forces emerged. The state governments started creating their own police forces in the early 1900s to stop the spread of crime in cities. J. Edgar Hoover further built on Vollmer’s pioneering work with the establishment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the 1920s. Unlike the Vollmer’s model, which concentrated on social work and psychology, Hoover deployed FBI agents to fight organised crimes. His police offi f cers were less connected to the neighborhoods they worked in as offi f cers patrolled neighborhoods by car. Later, county police emerged. County police exist only in metropolitan counties and have countywide jurisdiction. For places that have both county police and county sheriff, responsibilities are given to each: The county police are in charge of typical police duties such as patrol and investigations whereas the sheriffs’ department takes care of serving papers and providing security to the courts.

forces across the US implemented community policing policies. In the 1990s, crime rates in the US started to decline, so that it had roughly halved by 2015. While the exact cause is not known, research cited by the Brennan Centre for Justice found that hiring more police offi f cers helped decrease crime — in fact, according to the research, up to 10 per cent of the decrease in crime in the 1990s was due to hiring more police. Another theory is that technology used by police, such as their crime tracking system, improved in the 1990s, helping them to recognise and address trends more effectively. But the US underwent a transformational rebirth in 1999 following the police’s response to the Columbine school shooting. On April 20, 1999, two students opened fire at Columbine High School, killing 13 people. At the time, police responded by setting up a perimeter before going after the suspects. The response was widely criticised because of the amount of time the police took before moving into the school. Since then, the police have listened to the critiques and transformed their response to mass shootings. Now, one to four offi f cers rush into a mass shooting site and follow the sound of the gun to confront the shooter. In 2001, after 9/11, policing changed yet again as departments shifted their focus to counterterrorism. The National Criminal Justice Reference Service found that departments “have evolved to include not only counterterrorism but also the adoption of an all-crimes approach, with the goal of striking a balance between criminal intelligence and intelligence related to terrorist threats.” These forces created counterterrorism units that worked directly with state and federal agencies. Some incidences such as maltreatment of Black and minority suspects that have elicited local and global outrage coupled with the condoning of the lapses by police authorities and governmentoffi f cialswho failed to ensure justice for the victims, have further helped in carrying out police reforms in the US. Now, police personnel wear body cameras. By 2016, almost half of the police forces in the US had implemented policies that required body cameras for police offi f cers. Only Nevada and South Carolina require all offi f cers to wear the equipment. However, studies show that wearing a body camera does not significantly change an offi f cer’s behavior, according to Pew.

Modern US Police Force

Tensions, caused by racial discriminations that spawned riots and violence, such as the killing of George Floyd, have helped to drive police reforms in the US. By 1960s, African-Americans had begun to challenge the way police were treating their communities. They protested poor treatment and racial profiling, leading to the outbreak of riots, boycotts and peaceful protests, especially in the South. Studies carried out in the 1970s also showed that the current policing system was ineffective. This led to the return of community policing, which placed minority offi f cers in minority neighborhoods. This model also incorporated the community in helping police the neighborhood. The police offi f cers were meant to become close and familiar with the residents in the community. This became increasingly popular in the ‘90s. By the early 2000s, two-thirds of police

Policing g in Canada

Like other developed countries, Canada operates a decentralised policing system at the three levels of government: municipal (both lower and upper-tier), provincial, and federal. Also, many First Nations Reserves have their own police forces established through agreements between the governing native band, province and the federal government. However, seven of Canada’s provinces and all three territories, have contracted out their provincial/ territorial law-enforcement responsibilities to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the national police force, controlled by the federal government. The other three maintain provincial police forces, although one also partially contracts out to the RCMP. Canada also has some private police forces with some of the powers usually reserved for governmental forces, especially on company property. Despite the delineation, the regular public police maintain authority and jurisdiction for all criminal offences, regardless of whether the offence occurs on

The policing system in Canada is greatly influenced by the country’s historical ties with England and France. For example, Quebec city followed the early models of French cities and created a watchman system in 1651. Upper Canada, later renamed Ontario, adopted the English traditions and established both a constabulary and a watch-and-ward system. The English system was imposed on French areas after 1759. Using England’s Metropolitan Police Act as a model, Toronto created a police department in 1835, and Quebec city and Montreal followed suit in 1838 and 1840, respectively. In 1867 provincial police forces were established for the vast rural areas in eastern Canada. However, the precursor to the RCMP, the North West Mounted Police, was created in 1873 to police the western plains. The original 300 offi f cers initially were assigned the task of eliminating incursions by whiskeytrading Americans who were inciting Canadian Indians to acts of violence, and later the force spearheaded attempts to make the Canadian frontier an integral part of Canada. It protected immigrants and fought prairie fires, disease, and destitution in the new settlements. But the Canadian mounted police represented a departure from Anglo-Saxon policing traditions. Although, similar in organisation, style, and method to the models of France and Ireland, they operated more like a military organisation than a traditional police force. Strong leadership ensured that they operated with restraint and within Canadian political traditions.

Policing g In India

The modern police structure in India evolved from a 1861by the British Government that introduced the Indian Councils Act, 1861. The law laid the foundation of a modern and professionalised police bureaucracy in India. It introduced, a new cadre of police, called Superior Police Services, later known as the Indian Imperial Police. In the early 1900s, a police commission, led by Sir Andrew Fraser and Lord Curzon, was established to reform the police. The implementation of the commission’s report led to the indigenisation of the Indian Imperial Police, with the first local intakes coming in in 1920. With independence in 1948, the Imperial Police was scrapped and the Indian Police Service (IPS) was born a year later. The modern Indian Police Force is structured along two-tiers: federal and states. Each state/union territory has its separate police force while the Indian Police Service (IPS) is national in operations and command and managed by the central government. It also provides the bulk of senior offi f cers to the state police forces. The Indian Constitution empowers each of the 29 states to have their own police forces. The centre is also allowed to maintain its own police forces to assist the states with ensuring law and order. Therefore, India maintains seven central police forces and some other police organisations for specialised tasks such as intelligence gathering, investigation, research and record-keeping, and training.

Reforms

For about 30 years, the Indians have stirring conversations around the need for police reforms. The government set up committees and commissions on how to achieve the target; but unfortunately, India remains saddled with an outdated and old-fashioned law, while report after report gathers dust on government bookshelves without implementation. Many committees on police reforms have recommended major reforms in the police system coupled with systematic accountability. This is because the India police are being governed by a colonial police law passed in 1861. Although the Indian Constitution makes policing a state subject and therefore the state governments have the responsibility to provide their communities with a police service, after independence, many states have adopted the 1861 Act without change, while others have passed laws heavily based on the 1861 Act.

United Arab Emirates The UAE, a federation of seven emirates, each with its own ruler, operates a decentralised policing system. Each emirate’s police force is responsible for matters within its borders, but all of them share information among one another on various areas. Each of the forces also has units to deal with protests, riot control or heavily armed suspects. The police forces of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the biggest in the country, as these two emirates are the ones with most people and visitors..

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž NOVEMBER 15, 2020

SPECIALREPORT Ëž ËŞ Ëž Continued from Page 22 Mike Mbama Okiro (2007 - 2009)

He joined the Force on August 1, 1977 and he retired in July 2009 at the age 60 years

HaďŹ z Ringim (2010 - 2012)

Suleiman Abba (2014 - 2015)

HaďŹ z Ringim joined the police as a cadet inspector on March 1, 1977 and his tenure witnessed the bombing of a section of the Force Headquarters by the Boko Haram terrorists. He is from Jigawa State

Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo (2009 - 2010)

Mohammed Dikko Abubakar (2012 - 2014)

He is the ďŹ rst and only Inspector General of Police of Igbo extraction.

He was once a commissioner of police in Lagos and later the AIG in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi. He eventually mounted the saddle in an acting capacity on January 25, 2012.Mohammed Abubakar brought about some reforms in ofďŹ ce and during his tenure a new uniform was introduced

He is from Jigawa State .He was appointed as acting IGP on 1 August 2014 b by President Goodluck Jonathan and ďŹ red on Tuesday, April 21 2015 because of noticeable indiscipline in the Nigerian Police Force in the buildup to the 2015 general election

Ibrahim Kpotun Idris (2016-2019)

Before his appointment, he was an Assistant Inspector General of Police (Operations). He also led the Police Mobile Force. He retired in 1999

Solomon Arase (2015-2016)

Mohammed Adamu (2019- till date)

The Edo State born ex-police officer has Bachelors and Masters Degrees in law and political science and strategic studies. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College

He was born on 17 September 1961 and enlisted in the Police force 1986. The oďŹ&#x192;cer replaced Nasarawa State born Ibrahim Kpotun Idris of Niger State on January 15 2019

Ëž

Ë&#x153; Ëž Continued from Page 25 Secondly is that in this political system, one should have the federal government at the central control. If it is owned by one party, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have issues in some states. One of the states, I think Rivers State, got six commissioners of police within one year. That shows you that there are some crises. It happens in several other states like that, so you need a secondary police, you need the state government to put their money for security into the policing system. Look at the anomaly of the federal government starting what they call community police, where they recruit but say that state government would pay. That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make sense. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an anomalous situation. You are recruiting people for your police force and you want the state government to pay? Right now, the state governments support the federal police. They spend a lot of money buying equipment, give them allowances and fuel their vehicles. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voluntary and fine. But you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recruit your own police and say state governments pay. State police is needed and if you read the El-Rufai Committee report, which is an APC report, they went round the country talked to Nigerian citizens. The same APC government has not looked at that paper; it has not implemented it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gathering

dust somewhere. Look at what is happening now, the government says to the #EndSARS people, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard you loud and clear, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve accepted your five demands, we will implement themâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Then riots occurred, they now said okay you are criminals and terrorists, we block your account; you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t travel or do this. Come on, is that sensible? Is that reasonable? Is that how democracy ought to be run? If there are people among them, who committed crimes, take them to court. If the court convicts them, fine, but you become the accuser, prosecutor and the judge all at once? You go to a court and tell them these people did this, court says okay, without hearing from those people. You think that is fair? You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t influence society to be like that. Nobody wants anarchy. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want anarchy, but we will have to have due process, fair hearing, and have things done properly the way itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done in democracy. How should the police rebuild public trust since years of police brutality have eroded that? We must start from the training. They must be trained to be civil and use arms properly. I think that Constables should

Ëž Ëž NPF. However, the Police Act was recently amended and replaced by the Police Act 2020 which introduces some new features that promise to revolutionise policing in the country. However, the Court of Appeal has voided some of its provisions.

Command of the Nigeria Police Force

Section 215 of the 1999 Constitution provided that: (1) There shall beâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; (a) an Inspector-General of Police who, subject to section 216(2) of this Constitution shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council from among serving members of the Nigeria Police Force; (b) a Commissioner of Police for each State of the Federation who shall be appointed by the Police Service Council.

Continued from Pg. 15

(2) The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector-General of the Police, and any contingents of the Nigeria Police Force stationed in a State shall, subject to the authority of the Inspector-General of the Police, be under the command of the Commissioner of Police; (3) The President or such other Minister of the Government of the Federation as he may be authorized in that behalf may give to the Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police such lawful directions with respect to the maintaining and securing of public safety and public order as he may consider necessary, and the Inspector-General shall comply with those directions or cause them to be complied with. Organisation of the Nigeria Police Force

Administration

not be given arms, because they are too low in class and too immature. Arms are to be used sparingly and wisely. The fact that you have a gun doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you cock the gun and kill him. It happens all the time. We keep hearing accidental discharge. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not that, you will hear â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;we will waste your life and nothing will happenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. That has happened to me even though I conducted myself properly. In some countries, they are opposed to the death penalty and there are reasons for that. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the death penalty is an effective deterrent to crime. Secondly, they think death penalty reduces the state to the cruel nature of the criminal, when the state should be better than the criminal. Thirdly, when you kill someone, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replace. When you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the power to create life, you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the power to take it. Fourthly, there might be a mistake in the criminal and judicial system, and an innocent person is killed, can he be brought back to life? No. We need to be careful that people are not killed aimlessly, whether you are trying to prevent or solve a crime and that is at the core of policing and administration of justice. If they bear in mind that human life is irreplaceable, they have to be a lot more careful in taking lives.

The Nigeria Police Force has staff deployment across the 36 states

of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The command and control of the Nigeria Police Force is under the Inspector General of Police. For administrative ease, the Force is divided into seven (7) administrative departments, viz. Finance and Administration; Operations; Logistics; Force Criminal Investigation Department; Training; Research and Planning; and Information and Communication Technology, each headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police. The Force is further divided into 12 operational Zonal Commands (usually comprising between two and four State Commands) and 37 State Commands including the FCT (usually comprising Area Commands which further comprises Divisions). While the zone is headed by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, the State Command is headed by a Commissioner of Police, the Area Command by an Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Division by any officer in the Superintendent cadre.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

SPECIALREPORT

Ray Ekpu

Ekpu

How to Address the Anomalies in Nigeria Police Entrapped pp byy decades of corruption p and human rights g abuses, the trajectory j y of the Nigeria g Police Force is not enviable, to sayy the least, obnoxious. But a former member of the Police Service Commission and Cofounder, Newswatch Publications, Mr. Rayy Ekpu, p sheds more light g on the various challenges g besetting g the Police and the way forward for the force to rebuild public trust. He spoke to Chiemelie Ezeobi. Excerpts:

hat is the purpose of government? There are two purposes and mandates of government – protection of lives and property of the people and welfare of the people. There are others, but those are the two principal purposes.

What are some of the anomalies that have dogged the police? If you talk to some of the younger policemen, they’ll tell you that their seniors tell them to share their salaries with them, tell them to go and buy their uniform and their boots. In those days, they used to have police tailors and then of course, police shops, warehouses, where you’ll be issued uniforms, boots, belts, raincoats and sweaters and so on. But I think things have deteriorated and those things are done differently now and then a lot of lobbying. That is why the IG doesn’t want to yield powers to the police service commission. You can see them tussling over the recruitment of 10,000 people. But it’s something the IG can agree and have a certain number given to the top hierarchy of police. You say okay we give you five per cent or two per cent of the vacancies to fill. So the police feel that they’re taking from them the job they used to do from which they’ll benefit and then given to the police commission that wants to do things properly and rectify the process. Why does the police still exhibit colonial tendencies? Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, the committee on Police Service Commission (PSC), of which I was adopted as a member, was charged to reform the police holistically. They wanted us to turn the police into a civil force so that they can best take care of policing in a manner that is civil, merciful, tolerable and acceptable in a democratic setting. It was

a very tall order and we tried to set standards for the police, because we discovered that they didn’t have order that respects merit. There wasn’t sufficient interest in meritocracy and not much respect for human lives and civil policing. I attribute this to a long era of military rule whereby force was the determining factor of everything in Nigeria. The police also became militarised and lost its ability to be a civil organisation and the human rights committee thought part of the problem was because it was called Nigeria Police Force and every attempt to amend the constitution to remove the word force didn’t work and it’s still Nigeria Police Force. Secondly, they are trained to act like soldiers. They are trained for few weeks and given arms. That’s not the role of the police. They are trained like they are going for military operations. Yes, the police use arms to go after criminals but they ought to be trained to use arms differently in a civil manner and manner that respects human rights. At that time, there were no human rights desks in the police and we set that up. Till now, they are still making that transition from a military-minded to a civil-minded police force. That transition is not easy to make and because the police enjoy the power they have had over the years, they don’t want to come under the civil authority of the PSC. There is a struggle between the Inspector General of Police (IG) and the PSC and it has reached a point of the abnormal that made them go to court, which the PSC has won against the recruitment of policemen. The IG said it’s his duty but the PSC said it’s theirs. The PSC won but the IG appealed whereas the constitution is explicit on this – it gives the PSC powers to appoint, discipline and dismiss all policemen (from constable to the deputy inspector general of police) in Nigeria except the IG. It goes back to the era before the Shagari government – the police and military were competing. The discussion among the NPN people then was that they would arm the police well

under Chief Adewusi to ensure the police can withstand the military if it wants to take over the government. And when Buhari and his group took over on December 31, 1983, the first thing was to deal with the police and Adewusi was removed. The military that took over from Shagari disciplined the police. But that is part of the failure by the police to accept their position as a police system that ought to operate in a civilian democracy. They are pretending to be military and the military are acting as if they are policemen with force. It’s an anomalous situation. You have the regular and mobile police. Regular police is for regular duties while mobile police are for quelling riots and similar situations. They even have women in the mobile police. During our time, we suggested to Tafa Balogun, who was the IG then to recruit women so that if women are coming out for protests and the regular police cannot handle them, we will send out the female mobile police to handle with them with decency and compassion. But now, everyone wants mobile policemen as protection and that has depleted the ranks of the policemen that were trained specifically to deal with riot system. The army has been misused in Nigeria. They are the last line of defence. The army can be used internally when there are issues beyond police capability. What are your thoughts on the militarisation of internal security? You are not expected to see the military doing Crocodile Smile. It’s entirely outside their normal and regular setting. The police are responsible for cyber crimes and other crimes. You find the anomaly is that the army gets involved in ways it shouldn’t and it arrests people and hands over to the police. It means it recognises that what they are doing is police duty. Why don’t we allow the army do army duties and deal with terrorism and banditry? It’s a misconception of roles and

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SPECIALREPORT Ëž

Ë&#x153; Ëž Continued from Page 24 to substantially improve the welfare of the policemen. Right now we have the constables, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay them as university graduates but if you have OND as your minimum level, you can pay them as HND people or university graduates and it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make substantial difference for the risk that they are taking. People will accept it. In a society, where there should be some level of comparability, even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing a risky job like that of the police, there are other people, who are doing risky jobs, so, there must not be too wide a gap. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about N30,000 minimum wage thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very low and that defines the level of economy that we are operating. The economy is not strong. I know the private sector of Nigeria depends largely on the government. Everybody gets something from the oil money. We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been able to stimulate the private sector. Most private sector organisations still have a relationship with the government. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They chop from there, they chop from thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and because everybody looks for government contracts, the bank puts the governors on their payroll. When the federal government started this TSA, there was a lot of gnashing of teeth for the banks that have had all kinds of contracts lined up. They now run to state governments. Nobody says state government should not patronise banks or other institutions but if we stimulate the economy and it grows, people will not be depending entirely and solely on federal government. The federal government itself depends almost entirely and solely on oil money. This is the only country that I know, where oil money determines the budget. That shows you that we really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a budget, depending on the volatile industry like the oil industry that the President of America can make one statement and the price of oil falls, because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a powerful man or there can be a little riot in Saudi Arabia and the price of oil falls. So, you depend on that to take decision for your country? That is wrong.

misuse of the army, thereby competing with the police. That is the dilemma that Nigeria has and that has complicated our democracy. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t militarise the entire country and call it a democracy. Why they do that is because Nigeria has no respect for huu man life. Human life is very cheap in Nigeria. The Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu have been in captivity for how many years now? The government and society have forgotten about them. Those are Nigerians. You saw what American did to rescue one American recently. They moved forces to Nigeria and Niger Republic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hardware and software â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to rescue one American. If you were an American you would be very proud but if you are a Nigerian, you will be sad, because your country canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that and we are talking about hundreds in captivity and instead of tackling that, the army is busy with Crocodile Smile in a society, where we have regular and mobile policemen. We have bandits in some states and governors are negotiating with bandits and giving them money to leave them alone. In Sokoto, citizens called Niger Republic soldiers to come rescue them. Niger is the handkerchief size of Nigeria. It should be the other way round. Niger should be calling Nigeria for help. That says something about our security architecture. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why people like Ministers of Information, Defence and National Security Adviser said they should ban social media, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happens in China. My answer to that is, are we a democracy? The irony of it is that the president has an official twitter account, even governors have social media practitioners working for them, which means they understand the benefits of having social media in the communication mix and not depending on regular mainstream media like newspaa per, television and radio. Do you think that the training and re-training of policemen are central to their reform? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just taking school certificate holders as policemen and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not training them just to carry arms and shoot people, you need a higher level of education to use the computer and internet for better training for today. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need school certificate holders except you train them and my minimum qualification will be OND (Ordinary National Diploma). And then the orientation itself, the philosophy of policing must be policing for a better society, policing for a sane society, policing for a Democratic society. So, they can build trust in government not just trust in the police but build trust in the government. Some of the policemen are rude. The training has to change. They are to be civil, polite, well behaved and treat people as decent human beings until they prove otherwise but now, they treat people as criminals until you prove otherwise, which is against our legal system that says everyone is innocent even if you are caught in a crime scene until you are proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. But by the way they treat Nigerians they have reversed them.

that list to be sure that you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t skipped some people, who should be promoted and have no disciplinary case. In the process we discovered so many discrepancies, which means that is how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing it. They pick and choose whomever they wanted and then when we did the first promotion, we had some policemen assigned to work with us in commission and they were angry that we promoted people without collecting Ghana must go (kickbacks). It was a big shock to those of us, who are not used to such stories. We tried to rectify things in the police so that all can enjoy and have the benefit of being treated properly, equally and fairly. Are corruption and bribery endemic in the police? Yes there is corruption but on bribery, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have information but I mean Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve told you my personal experience. If a policeman can come and try to give me money, because he was promoted, you can imagine and he knows Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a journalist, not just a member of the police force. I was shocked.

Is funding a crucial factor? The Police Trust Fund must be pushed through so that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be enough to fund the police. The Nigerian Police is not modern. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what equipment they have today, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have equipment today you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t function properly. Modern technology has reformed the way security is done. Look at how that guy was killed by drones sent by the Amerii cans in this country, who was killed last year. In a car, he was just arriving from somewhere in a car and the Americans sent drones to him and they dealt with him. You must use drones to gather information. Two American Universities are now teaching Drone Journall ism, so journalist can use drones to gather information. How much more security. Security has to be moved forward. All these we have not completed the process of having National Identity Card. Everybody must have it, everybody must be in the system and the database is wired to your PVC and every other bit of information. If you do that, you will get it right. To your telephone, the telephone must be used properly, the registration, people are still selling unregistered sim card and that is wrong. That cannot help our security and the people, who should be taking charge, are not taking charge. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing other things. Yes MTN was fined, what has happened to other people after that? People are using unregistered sim card, if all of these are put in a database, you will have a way of identifying criminals. See the way criminals are caught in America within hours or days. They are punching the computer and getting information.

In the police, cases of extra-judicial killings are rife, how best can this be tackled? Arms are for very severe situations, when other alternative means didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a philosophy that has not been driven into our security forces. The fact you have a gun doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you can just shoot and kill, even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an armed robber at the scene of armed robbery. Instead of exchanging gunfire, the first thing is to get him down and shoot where he wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to run. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just to shoot and kill but if in an exchange of gunfire he does, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine. But the normal thing is to wound him, and get him to extract information instead of shooting to kill. Why they do that is because Nigeria has no respect for human life. Human life is very cheap in Nigeria. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s there in the papers everyday. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the mentality of the police. They have the arms and the power; the power is in the arms. If you take the arms from a soldier or policeman, he is as cowardly as the rest of us. So, that is why I was saying earlier that arms should be given only to more senior people to hold, not constables, because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand that when you pull the trigger youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to kill somebody and that life youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking is irreplaceable. So, you have to give it to somebody, who is senior, mature; has a family, worries about the prospect of killing somebody, what that would mean to the family and what that would mean to the police in terms of reputation and laws. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not everybody in the police force, who should carry arms. In other countries, they give the younger people batons, tear gas, non-harmful equipment. The gun should be held by senior, responsible and well trained people, who are civilised and know the meaning of what a gun can do.

How do we tackle the lopsided promotions? When we were in the Police Service Commission, we did the first promotion and we had criteria â&#x20AC;&#x201C; three years appraisal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such that if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re through with three years appraisal and no complaints, you pass the first test. Also, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have disciplinary complaints against you, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number two in the criteria and finally, if there are positions in the next post, you can get promoted. The police promote in batches and before, they just put names and approve it. What we did was to be sure that there was fairness, merit and equity in it. We said give us the master list of everybody in the police force, indicate the name, the year of recruitment, the last promotion and other details. So, when you send a list for promotion we get people to check through

There is urgent need to tackle police welfare in order to boost the morale of the officers. What are the steps to be taken? The police must be well taken care of. Police welfare is absolutely important. But the police are not well taken care of, sometimes they are not paid their salaries in time and the police salaries, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whether they have improved them now. But in our time, Obasanjo set up a committee for us to look at police welfare amongst others. We visited one or two countries to see what happens, how they treat their police and we came back and wrote a report. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what happened to that report whether they ever implemented those things we suggested. But, you see, you have to raise the entry qualification of people into the force to be able

You are an unapologetic advocate of state policing, why is that? We need to have state police. I was a member of the 2014 National Conference and I was a member of the committee that proposed state police. I was the chief proponent of state police and I did my own homework. The day I made a presentation, there were two opponents of state police in our committee, one was a governor and senator from the North, while the other was a military governor from the South. When I made the presentation, it was an issue, because these two people said we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have state police. When I finished making the presentation Professor Jerry Gana, who was the chairman that day, asked for their counter presentation next week since he was convinced from my presentation. So, I went back that weekend, I did some more research and I made my presentation pushing for state police even before they had chance to make their own statement. At the end, I was able to convince them all and that was how state police came into being and was adopted. Even the committee set up specifically for security did not recommend state police but when we submitted our own report first at the plenary and state police was approved even when the other report came from the security did not advocate for state police. Even though APC people said they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to look at it, their own committee headed by El-Rufai recommended state police. Do you think #EndSARS protest was a legitimate demand? The protest was fair, orderly and the president even said he heard them loud and clear and that he has approved all of their five demands. That is evidence that there was nothing untoward about the protest. But the escalation came when those soldiers went to the tollgate and started shooting innocent people, who were sitting on the floor; holding Nigerian flag; sitting; singing the National Anthem. You couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold yourself back. You know some days before then, I argued with some young people who said they read something on the internet, a senior officer said that once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re holding the Nigerian flag no soldier or policeman will shoot you. I said to him, are you kidding me? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about Nigeria. Do they respect such things? And it happened exactly the way I said it, because those people have no interest or respect for flag or anthem. What flag? What anthem? So in the escalation, they decided to burn police stations and kill some policemen. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that should never have happened, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go burning police stations, as they are for the public good. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re quarreling with the government, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not quarreling with the police, even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re quarreling with the police, you go to the police. I hope government would find the money to build new police stations but the police stations ought to be better protected now. If they are not protected, they showed the fragility of the police in terms of organisation. It shows the police are not well prepared for such eventualities, why are they running around pursuing innocent people they should take care of. But you see, I think the federal government is stretched beyond its own financial limits. This is why a secondary police force is important: state police. The government may be dribbling, dodging but state police is a viable answer to our situation now. Why do I say so? Firstly, the federal government would never have enough money to recruit the number of policemen that you need to police this big country. Continued on Page 23

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SPECIALREPORT

Frank Mba: Funding of Nigerian Police Grossly Inadequate In this interview with Kingsley g y Nwezeh, Force Public Relations Officer and Deputy p y Commissioner of Police, Mr Frank Mba discusses the challenges facing the Police. Excerpts

s the Police comfortable f with the level of funding by y the g government? The funding g of the Nigeria g Police Force over the years has no doubt been grossly y g y inadequate. q This has impacted p negatively g y on the overall efficiency y and effectiveness of the Force. By y the very y nature of its functions, there are enormous logistics g demands and other running g costs required q for effective discharge g of its core mandate. I must however appreciate pp the present p police leadership p p for being g able to optimally p y put p to use the available lean resources to police p the nation. The federal government must also be commended for the establishment g of the Police Trust Fund which certainly y will create alternate funding g options p to meet the funding deficiencies presently being experienced. With the establishment off the Nigerian g Police Trust Fund, what areas off intervention are urgent g to you? y As earlier mentioned, there are several areas of interest and funding gg gaps. p Of course, there are core areas for immediate intervention – training g and re-training g and human capital p development p is the bedrock of productivity p y and should take pride p of place. p Commensurate logistics g provisions p including g technologically-driven g y tools should also follow and most importantly, p y the welfare of officers in terms of decent accommodations and allowances. With the Police Reform f Act in place, what is the future outlook off the fforce? The future outlook is certainly y bright. g With community y policing p g now having g legal g backing g in the new Police Act, 2020, we envisage g a force that is accountable, more reliable, transparent, p citizen-driven and human rights/rule g of law compliant. p The Act is certainly y a tool for driving g holistic reforms within the force and has surely set the stage for improved service delivery.

There are still no p policemen on the highways g y and states except p Abuja j in spite p off the IGP’s orders. Let me affirm categorically g y that p policemen are back to their beats. However, it must be clear that as human beings, g naturally, y in the aftermath of the ENDSARs protests p which turned violent and left scores of p policemen dead, many y injured j and p police stations/houses of p policemen destroyed, y etc there was need to take stock and evaluate the situation. Needless to state that those who died will certainly y not come back to police p the streets again. g The injured j also are certainly y not going g g to be on duty y and those whose police p offices and p personal residences were razed or damaged g or whose work tools were looted would need some form of rehabilitation, resettlement and restocking g in order to be able to function optimally p y while on their beats. We commend some state governors g for their intervention and donations so far. Equally, q y the recent tour by y the IGP to states affected during g the p protests has helped p in boosting the confidence and morale of police personnel. When will the committee set-up p by y the IGP to assess damages g to police p infrastructure f during the #EndSARS protests submit its report? p Tentatively, y the committee has three weeks with effect from Friday, y 30th October, 2020. The setting g up p of the Asssessment Committee was informed by y the need to p properly p document the losses suffered by y the force for the p purposes p of strategic g planning, p g re-construction and re-equipment q p as well as for future reference. I might g as well add that the terms of reference of the committee include amongst g others that the delegation g should physically p y y visit the scenes of the incident and capture p the p pictorials of all damages g done to police infrastructure and p p personnel; establish the weapons p holdings g that were lost during g the incidents; verify y the fatalities suffered by the police, etc. They were also charged

Mba to visit families of deceased p police officers and the injured j on behalf of the force. The committee is currently and actively in the field carrying out this assignment.

Who Will Win Lagos East Senatorial Race? Although g the Independent p National Electoral Commission has screened12 candidates for election into the Lagos g East Senatorial seat, it is a two-horse-race between Mr.Tokunbo Abiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Babatunde Gbadamosi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) writesTobi Soniyi

ntil June 15, Sen. Adebayo Osinowo was the representative of Lagos East in the Senate. Consistent with constitutional provisions, Osinowo’s passage necessitated the need for a bye-election to choose a new senator for Lagos East, a senatorial district that comprises five local government areas (LGAs) and 11 local council development areas (LCDAs).

The death of Adebayo y Osinowo has re-ignited the old rivalry between the APC and the PDP as each party perfects its strategies to win the bye-elections. Since the parties kicked off their campaigns last September, diverse issues have come to the fore, which analysts believe, would largely determine who wins the contest at last. For some, the youth agitation for better Nigeria would determine the outcome of the process. For others, there would be apathy due to what they ascribed to failed electoral promises in the past. There are also those who believe that the APC has let the country down and should be punished at any given election. As true as these standpoints may be, they may not be sufficient enough to determine the outcome of the forthcoming bye-election in the senatorial district. With the changing political environment and electoral demography across the federation, what then are the considerations that will determine who wins the next by-election in the senatorial district? The candidates’ record of service will obviously play a major role in determining who wins the contest. Whether in Lagos East or elsewhere, Nigerians, especially youths, are now clamouring for a new crop of political leaders with robust records of service and capacity to make meaningful change in leadership. Reasons for such clamour are evident in what an anti-graft advocate, Mr. Auwal Rafsanjani, described as the absence of accountable and transparent governments in the country.

Amid this reawakening, the electoral umpire has screened 12 candidates for the senatorial contest. While the APC nominated the immediate past Group Managing Director of Polaris Bank Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, the PDP put forward the 2019 governorship candidate of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi. As shown in INEC’s records, Abiru is an economist by trainn ing and a chartered accountant with about 32-year experience in both public and private sectors. In 2013, Abiru resigned as the Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State. As a member of the State Executive Council, he was reputed for raising N80 billion bond to develop strategic infrastructure in the state. Subsequently, Abiru was appointed an Executive Director in First Bank Plc, where he was entrusted with managing the institution’s corporate banking. In 2016, as revealed in Abiru’s records of service, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) appointed him the Group Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc. Successfully, he implemented the CBN’s transformation plan that pulled back the bank from the brink of collapse. Under four years, Abiru rescued Skye Bank Plc from the abyss of its 80% non-performing loans, a disturbing rating far above the regulatory standard. Also, Abiru supervised its metamorphosis to Polaris Bank. As shown in the bank’s audited reports, Abiru transformed the bank from liability to profitability, rounding up the 2019 financial year with a profit of N27.35 billion. Unlike Abiru, according to INEC’s records, Gbadamosi finished from Government College, Ikorodu in 1985. While other documents revealed that the PDP candidate attended the Lagos State University (LASU) between 1986 and 1989, it was not clear if he completed his university degree at LASU. Nevertheless, he is eminently qualified to seek election as a senator. After working as mailman, train station assistant and cab driver in the United Kingdom for years, Gbadamosi returned to Nigeria. He set up Redbrick Homes International Limited,

the developers of the iconic Amen Estate, Ibeju Lekki, where an ace actress, Funke Akindele, organised a birthday bash for her husband in breach of COVID-19 regulations. Both Abiru and Gbadamosi have rolled out their campaign agenda. In his campaign agenda, Abiru promised people-orii ented representation within the statutory mandate of a senator. In this context, he pledged to promote bills and motions that would improve the quality of life; create an enabling environn ment for businesses to thrive and provide fair opportunities for all Nigerians irrespective of where they come. Abiru equally promised to leverage the instruments of legislation and lawmaking to systematically empower youths; combat extreme poverty; improve ease of doing business; work with other senators to actualise special status for Lagos, as well as lobby federal and state governments to fully execute all uncompleted projects in Lagos East and promote financial inclusion across irrespective of the status of Nigerians. Like Abiru, the PDP candidate promised quality representaa tion, which according to him, would give the people of Lagos East the opportunity to aspire to bigger things. Much unlike Abiru, Gbadamosi has not empirically spelt out his campaign agenda. Rather, he has sustained attacking the APC, describing it as an empty political party. Apart from the campaign agenda, the party structure will also determine the senatorial contest in Lagos East. First, Abiru was born to the family of progressives. His father, Justice Mubashiru A.O. Abiru was a loyalist of the Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. In 1979, he was elected senator on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Second, Abiru has been a longtime adherent of progressivv ism, which he inherited from his father. That perhaps might be a reason he has been supporting the Alliance for Democracy (AD), defunct Action Congress (AC) and its successor, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Abiru’s progressive persuasion never changed, even after the ACN devolved into the APC in February 2013.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

EDITORIAL

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

THE IMPERATIVE OF POLICE REFORMS Police reform is possible if government is willing to rekindle its sense of purpose

or several years, members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) were law unto themselves. They were unprofessional, rough and brutal. They kille d. They raped. They maimed. And they were masters of extortion. Amid rising tensions occasioned by the recent protests by angry youths across the country, the federal government disbanded the unit, and replaced it with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT). The federal government also promised to overhaul the entire police for effective performance. The challenge, however, is that while the promise of reform is loud, there is no indication that it is being seriously pursued even amid the growing violence and insecurity across the country. From extortion of money from hapless citizens at illegal checkpoints to brutality through extra-judicial killings to the scam derogatorily called ‘charge and bail', an institution that ought to be a friend is perceived more as a foe and treated with suspicion, and sometimes derision, by most Nigerians. As President Muhammadu Buhari remarked in a recent interview, soldiers who are principally trained to defend the territorial integrity of the country are now being compelled to assume the role of protecting lives and property within towns and villages because of the failure and ineffectiveness of the police. For this to change, the entire police must be restructured and restored to its original mandate in a way that soldiers do not have to be pulled out of their duty posts to protect the ordinary man on the street. Over the years, the federal government had established several panels and presidential committees to address areas of police reforms, including efficiency, accountability and responsiveness. Ironically, many of

the reports and recommendations are still gathering dust on the shelves. That is why many take the recent promise by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that the proposed reform of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will be a game-changer with a pinch of salt. But it will be a shame if at the end of the day nothing changes. The primary role of the police force is to uphold and enforce laws, investigate crimes and ensure security for people in the country. In many ways, the police are grossly incapacitated from playing that role. Most of the police stations across the country are in deplorable conditions. They lack basically everything. Yet if the police must live up to its responsibilities, it must be adequately equipped. A force entrusted to secure the nation cannot perform in the face of antiquated equipment and low morale.

It is preposterous that a country of about 200 million is policed by less than 400,000 oﬃcers and men, many of whom are seconded to protect the country’s rich at the expense of communities

Letters to the Editor

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

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

s we have said repeatedly the challenges hampering the police from effectively discharging its constitutional responsibility to the public will continue to inhibit it until they are addressed. A key consideration is mode of recruitment. There must be proper vetting of prospective recruits just as the training must be adequate, comprehensive and tactical. In addition, there is urgent need to strengthen the capacity of the police. It is preposterous that a country of about 200 million is policed by less than 400,000 officers and men, many of whom are seconded to protect the country’s rich at the expense of communities. It is important that the government has pledged serious attention to the welfare of police officers and men in response to the anti-SARS protests. This requires adequate funding as well as improving the living condition of police personnel. The security of the nation cannot be entrusted in the hands of hungry and depressed officers and men. But of no less importance is the urgent need to restructure the entire security apparatus. Government must have the courage to decentralise security and law enforcement from the federal to state down to the community. The police must be integrated into communities to solve local problems and improve community relations. Besides, any reform of the police force will be incomplete without corresponding reform of the weak criminal justice system. As noted by Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the prosecutors, the judiciary and the correctional institutions are strategic partners with the police in law enforcement and security architecture. Police reform is possible if the authorities can summon the political will. But we will have to pay for it.

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

WTO DG AND NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA

he waters of participation in leadership is fast washing away the shores of past narratives. In recent years, we have seen a swelling tide of women emerging to top leadership positions in the sea of various countries and organizations across the world. De facto, there is an impressively growing female representation in leadership and governance. In Rwanda, for example, women occupy over 60% of the parliament — making it the most gender-inclusive government in the world. All of whom are performing their functions with utmost efficiency, competence, purpose and results. Also, at the senior executive and board level of companies and non-profit organisations, women are increasingly securing spaces in various key capacities, and contributing meaningfully in scaling organisational growth. It's no longer breaking news

that in the 25-year history of the prestigious and leading World Trade Organisation (WTO), a woman is set to hold its highest office for the first time. Another indication of the ever-evolving narrative of women in leadership. However, amongst the two candidates who were shortlisted as finalists to bid for the post of WTO's Director-General, Nigeria's two-time finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, popularly referred to as NOI, predictably stands the best chance to win due to strong recommendation of the General Council and Troika, and as well endorsements drawn from most of its 164 member-countries. Albeit with seemingly intricacies in the process, it's a sure way to go! While NOI has been adjudged to most likely attract consensus by the WTO members, South Korea's candidate, Yoo Myung-hee, is an equally strong contender. And inter-

estingly, the United States government through its trade representative at WTO has pitched a tent with her candidacy. From all indications, this unilateral objection seems to largely favour the country's interests and foreign trade policies under President Trump-led administration. And particularly underpinning on the government's emerging rivalry with China against its unfair trade practices. All these pose an obstacle in the ratification of the consensus, as the U.S. has veto power on the selection process — engendering a threat on NOI's candidacy. But now that the United States has elected Joe Biden as President, his government is projected to restore equity and fairness in the lame duck WTO with America's world trade power and strong diplomatic strengths. Meanwhile, since Ngozi OkonjoIweala's nomination for the top and much-coveted job, she has enjoyed

immense support from various multilateral organizations including the European Union (EU) and various governments. And of course, the African Union (AU) being Africa's candidate — and the first African set to clinch the post. Apart from the achievement of free global trade in a critical time when the world is facing a post-pandemic economic recession, this will also facilitate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA). Also, Africa will have an opportunity to strengthen its trade relations and agreements with the rest of the world. NOI has a strong track record of leadership experience and professional expertise — having served in public service, co-ordinating Nigeria's finances and helping to mitigate a major economic meltdown during fuel subsidy. Amongst other things, she is the former Managing Director of the World Bank and also serves on the board of reputable organizations. And now, she is set to reach what appears to be the blue apogee of her successful

career as a financial expert and development economist. She is indeed a force of remarkable reckoning and professional of international repute. Sequel to the postponement of the in-person meeting of the General Council earlier scheduled for November 9 to announce the new DG, one can only hope the best candidate wins — who, in any case, would be the very first woman to head the WTO in history. And whatever the outcome of the consultations leading up to the selection and announcement is, a message is passed and clear to the world already: women have the enormous ability to lead in high places, and also rise above boxed socio-cultural barriers to own their leadership journeys. And if nothing else, it is a reminder to the world — yet again or perhaps afresh — that we must champion inclusive spaces at all levels for women to thrive and have equal opportunity to lead. ––Agbaje Ayomide is the Cofounder of Upskill Writing.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

OPINION

NIGERIA’S FAULTY FOUNDATION

It is time to review the foundation of the nation by strengthening its structure, argues O. Jason Osai

he founding fathers of this nation built a strong foundation on which they erected three floors. Given the economic enablement of that substructure, the nation thrived and achieved landmarks that put the French behind us in television broadcasting and we led Africa in other areas of human development; we were the reference point for African development. It was such that, at independence, the colonial masters adjudged Nigeria as one of the developing economies the world should watch. They rated Nigeria at par with India in terms of development capacities and prospects of emerging as a great nation. Then the founding fathers put one more floor and it was okay because the foundation was strong and had the load-bearing capacity to carry such superstructure. In 1966, a group of misguided and ill-informed men in uniform took over the reins of state and, in response to centrifugal forces, they extended the floors to 12 and, rather unfortunately, they dealt the nation a mortal blow by weakening the foundation; that singular act added the concepts of “commonwealth” and “national cake” to the lexicon of Nigerian politics and heralded the slide down a slippery economic scope. Thus, Nigeria degenerated into a “baaabiyalla” (beggarly) federation. Consequently, heightened disintegrative nationalism took the center-stage of our national discourse all in the quest for a share of the national cake and in response to this, we further increased the structure bit-by-bit to 36 floors and a penthouse on the same faulty foundation; and that is why we are where we are today. At a point, we even toyed with the idea of furthering the floors to 54. This was a product of having idiots and tribesmen instead of citizens (in the Greek sense of these words) at the helm of affairs. Departing from the metaphor of an engineering structure, the truth remains that Nigerians were systematically dispossessed of their land through a string of ill-conceived land use acts. Having been so dispossessed of their basic capital and therefore incapacitated, the people streamed in their droves into government, which became the highest employer of labor and the only thriving subsector of the national economy. Resultantly, the private sector became comatose and the nation degenerated into a governmentdriven economy. It was only a matter of time before Nigeria acquired the ignominious status of poverty capital of the world. Now that the youths who are the major stakeholders in Nigeria’s future have woken up from their slumber and docility, it is time to review the foundation of this nation. Decisive and progressive steps must be taken to burrow beneath the faulty

foundation and strengthen it such that it is able to carry the humongous superstructure we hoisted on it as a result of disarticulated and narrow-minded leadership that yielded to unremitting disintegrative nationalism. As a Niger Deltan, I feel pained to the marrows by the double standards of vesting the rights to the gold in Zamfara State in the state while the oil in the Niger Delta is vested in the federal government; this is an insult and assault on the psyche of the oil bearing communities. However, as a patriotic citizen (in the Greek tradition) of Nigeria, I think that that is a step in the right direction though it stopped short of hitting the necessary target; it is, therefore, a half measure. Unbridled kleptomania and squandermania coupled with government’s obvious inability to punish culprits since they all live in glass houses indicates that vesting the resources in the state (federal, state or local government) is modus vivendi; that would simply move the point of profligate pilfering from the national treasury to the state treasury. The French economist, statesman and author, Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850), averred thus: “When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men in a society, over the course of time, they create for themselves a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it.” The above statement is a very apt assessment of contemporary Nigeria; it is as relevant to the recent show of shame in NDDC as it is to every sector of the Nigerian economy. Malfeasance and maladministration are entrenched in every sector and segment of our national life; nepotism, cronyism and the resultant mediocrity have become the order of the day; the new norm. Go to NNPC, the four refineries, Ajaokuta Steel Company, you name it, the story is the same if not more mind-boggling. At the risk of being repetitive, I shall paraphrase Batiste thus: plunder has become a way of life for a micro-mini minority group of men in Nigeria and over the years, they have created for themselves a malleable system that tolerates it

Zamfara State should be empowered to mine their gold; the people of Igbeti should harness their marble; the people of the Niger Delta should extract their oil and the peoples of various communities in this prodigiously endowed nation should be allowed to harness the resources of their land and pay tax to the various levels of government

and a base moral code that glorifies it. Government should give back the people their land, which it stole through dispossesional laws. The land owners in Zamfara State should be empowered to mine their gold; the people of Igbeti should harness their marble; the people of the Niger Delta should extract their oil and the peoples of various communities in this prodigiously endowed nation should be allowed to harness the resources of their land and pay tax to the various levels of government, which should concentrate on its regulatory role. At this, government will become lean and unattractive for bounty hunters while attracting only those who desire to serve their community and the nation; do-or-die politics will be a thing of the past and the political firmament will become cool. Granted that this thesis has the propensity of creating systemic imbalances and socioeconomic disparities, these can be ameliorated through instituting a discriminatory tax regime such that the agricultural sector pays minimally while the other sectors pay carefully and objectively determined and graded percentages. I travelled to every continent of the world except Australia before I turned 28 years. Coming home in 1980, I travelled by road and low-altitude aircraft throughout Nigeria. What I saw was (as it still is) a massive mosaic so richly endowed that it has no business with poverty; it was that I averred that no nation on earth is more endowed than Nigeria. This nation is so amazingly gifted it can be what London and Rome are for Caucasians, what Mecca and Medina are for Moslems, what Jerusalem is for the Jew and much more. Nigeria has abundance of natural and human resources to lead Black Africa if only it hadcitizens at the helm of its affairs. In his 1776 economic classic titled Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith offered that the wealth of the nations lies in building the capacities of the people and positively engaging them in economic activities; this is the kernel of this thesis. With an economy that is driven by a robust private sector, productive employment will be ensured for the people, business will flourish, tax payers will acquire the capacity to demand accountability from authority figures and government will, inevitably, jettison its iguana syndrome and acquire functional ears. This foundation is the elixir for unbridled kleptomania, illiteracy, mass unemployment, poverty, social unrest and the innumerable malaises that bedevil the Nigerian economy and society; its essence is the capacity to give the private sector a shot in the arm, empower the people and ditch the ignominious status of poverty capital of the world. ––Osai wrote from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

Prospects For Free And Fair Elections Otive Igbuzor lists ways and means to attaining credible elections

t has been recognized all over the world that democracy is the best form of government. Democracy is so important in the world today that it has become the driving force of development making many scholars to draw a nexus between democracy and development. Although different people put emphasis on different issues which they consider to be crucial to democracy, majority of people agree that liberal democracy contains some basic principles which include citizen participation; equality; political tolerance; accountability; transparency; regular, free and fair elections, economic freedom; control of the abuse of power; bill of rights; accepting the result of elections; human rights; multi-party system and the rule of law. However, it has been recognized that liberal democracy is facing a crisis of legitimacy and declining confidence in political leaders and institutions necessitating the need for democratic renewal through increasing citizen participation.[i] There is no doubt that elections play a vital role in a system of representative democracy. They are the primary mechanism with which to implement the principle of popular sovereignty. Ultimate authority rests with the people and the people delegate this authority to their elected representatives through the electoral process. It is through the exercise of franchise or the right to vote that citizens can perform this role. Unfortunately, from the history of elections in Nigeria from the colonial era till date, there are challenges for free, fair and credible elections and citizens are losing the right to vote or the vote counting towards the final electoral outcome. In many instances, candidates were declared winners without voting through judicialization of the electoral process. In other cases, people who did not stand for elections were declared winners. In the particular case of the 2007 elections in Nigeria, the loss of franchise by citizens was very widespread leading to what has been termed “Direct capture of the peoples’ mandate.”[ii] In this piece, we examine the prospects for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria through constitutional alteration. But first, we look at the concepts of constitution, constitutionalism and constitution making. The concepts of constitution, constitutionalism and constitution making have attracted the attention of scholars over the years. Constitution has been defined in various ways. A constitution has been defined as the embodiment of all the political, economic, social, cultural, religious and even historical forces conditioning the perception of a people at any given time and powerful enough

to be isolated and accepted as a guide for future action. The constitution is a collection of norms and standards according to which a country is governed. A Constitution has also been defined as the totality of the rules and regulations, both legal and non-legal, which ordain, order, regulate and sustain the government of a given country. Others define a constitution as a set of principles, fundamental rules and practices of government, written and unwritten, which establishes the major organs of government, allocates to them their powers, defines the rights of the citizens and the relations between them and the state. Another popular definition is that which defines a constitution as the basic or fundamental law of the land, which contains the rules, conventions, and other practices by which a society governs itself. According to Justice Albie Sachs of South Africa, a constitution is the autobiography of a nation. A constitution has also been described as a contract, which describes the conditions under which the peoples of a nation co-exist. From the above definitions, it is clear that a constitution may contain rules about how those who govern are to be selected or changed, how they are to behave in office and the relationship between the organs of government. It also shows the relationship between the government and the citizens and even amongst the citizens. The importance of constitution in a country cannot be overemphasized. As one scholar once noted, the good or bad fortune of a nation depends on three factors: Its constitution, the way the constitution is made to work and the respect it inspires. Like constitution, constitutionalism has been defined in different ways by different people. According to Ojwang, constitutionalism means government that is subject to restraint, in the interest of the ordinary members of the community; government that is not arbitrary or totalitarian. But to S. A. De Smith, constitutionalism is: the principle that the exercise of political power shall be bound by rules, rules which determine the validity of legislative and executive action by prescribing the procedure according to which it must be performed or by delimiting its permissible content …Constitutionalism becomes a living reality to the extent that these rules curb the arbitrariness of discretion and are in fact observed by the wielders of political power, and to the extent that within the forbidden zones upon

which authority may not trespass, there is significant room for the enjoyment of individual liberty. Constitutionalism has also been defined as adherence to the letter and spirit of the constitution. It upholds the supremacy of the constitution and requires that government officials must obey and operate within the framework of the law. It is important that a country should not only have a good constitution, but that the principles of constitutionalism are adhered to. As Okoth-Ogendo has argued, in Africa, there appears to be a commitment to the idea of constitution, yet at the same time, there is a rejection of the classical notion of constitutionalism. In any case, constitutionalism has to be understood in the context of power relations. Scholars have argued that the pursuit of constitutionalism goes beyond mere constitutional formalities to embrace such aspects as the acceptance, especially by the leaders to be bound by both the letter and spirit of the constitution; consistent constitutional practices especially with regard to the acquisition and retention of state power, and constitutional change; constitutional stability; as well as the substance of respect of human rights and the rule of law- and generally building a constitutional ethic or culture. It has been posited that there is a new concept of constitutionalism, which should rest on the degree of accountability/ responsiveness of the State and the collective rights and freedoms that it guarantees. It has been argued that this new constitutionalism has become an integral part of the African political reform process. According to Ihonvbere, this new trend in constitutionalism has been encouraged by several factors. First, there is an increased support for democratisation and civil society by sub-regional, continental and international organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS), the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union(AU), the Commonwealth, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations. ––Excerpts from Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, Dr. Igbuzor’s presentation at a symposium organised by NILDS (See concluding part of the article on www.thisdaylive.com)

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

LETTERS

LAGOS REBUILDING PROJECT AND THE SPECIAL STATUS QUESTION

hough the #EndSARS protest has come and gone, its calamitous effects on the country have continued to reverberate. The protest, which started as a peaceful demonstration, degenerated into chaos after it was hijacked by hoodlums. The distasteful actions of the mobsters led to vandalism of properties worth billions of naira. In Lagos State, especially, the ruinous outcome of the protest cannot be forgotten in a hurry, and reasonably so. No thanks to its destructive aftermath, many public and private assets in the state were left in ruin. It is in the light of the sheer magnitude of the destruction that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently disclosed that the state will need about N1 trillion for the reconstruction and repair of the properties and infrastructure that was vandalized or destroyed by hoodlums. In its characteristic forward looking style, the Lagos State Government has put the ugly episode behind it, as it now focuses on rebuilding the state with a view to making it stronger and greater, in spite of the debilitating effects of the protest. Consequently, Mr. Governor signed an Executive Order for the formation of an eight-man Lagos Rebuild Trust Fund Committee to coordinate the rebuilding efforts. However, as the government begins the challenging move to rebuild the state, it has become pertinent to, once again, bring to the front burner the contentious Lagos’ Special status question. Within one year, Lagos has been the epic centre of

Sanwo-Olu two defining happenings: the COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS protest. In view of its status as the country’s economic, commercial and industrial nerve centre, Lagos would always experience strain on its infrastructure. It is on this premise that the the need to accord a special status to Lagos has become essential. There is hardly any Nigerian that doesn’t have a stake in Lagos. A special federal grant for Lagos is, therefore, a necessary blueprint for the development of the country. Being the pane through which the whole world views the country, granting a special status to Lagos remains the best possible way to drive Nigeria's development as Lagos is the country's most industrialized city with needs that align with national growth and development.

In spite of its small landmass, Lagos is presently experiencing such phenomenal population explosion that it is being projected to be the largest megacity in the world by 2022. Many are of the view that the city’s best possible population is 40 million. Whereas the annual population growth in the developing world is 3% and Nigeria’s is 2.7%, that of Lagos stands at a stunning 8%. The state’s landmass is rather small by Nigerian standard (Kano State which officially has about the same population with Lagos is about four times in landmass). As if to aggravate the situation, a considerable part of the metropolis is covered by water, a situation that complicates infrastructure development. The Lagos transformation project requires an enormous financial requirement, far

beyond the capacity of the state government. Former Governor of the State Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) once revealed that a sum of N6.14 trillion is needed to build and upgrade infrastructural facilities in the state in the next 15 years. And that was about eight years ago! In the last 20 years, the state government has invested huge resources on infrastructure development. However, these efforts are not enough for obvious reasons. Today, Lagos does about 15,000 metric tons of refuse daily, more than what the whole of Ghana generates. The branch networks that some banks have in Lagos outstrip what they have in the whole country. The number of heavy duty trucks and other vehicles that daily ply Lagos roads is quite alarming. Same goes for the number of pupils in its public schools as well as those that daily visit its public hospitals. Consequently, the state spends more on infrastructure upgrade and provision of other basic life necessities than any state in the country. Lagos, with about 150,000 workforce, apart from the federal government, remains the greatest employer of labour in the country. Aside the pressure on its infrastructure, there is a crucial moral angle to the quest to accord Lagos a special status. When the FCT was moved from Lagos to Abuja, there was a subsisting agreement that the city would not be abandoned. Indeed, the late General Murtala Mohammed acknowledged the onerous nature of the responsibility of leaving Lagos alone to deal with the burden of infrastructure the FG were leaving

THE NIGERIAN BOOK PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

he quality, quantity and diversity of books produced by a society are important indicators of that society's level of development - Valdehusa (1985). The book publishing industry has a tremendous impact on the society. Book publishing is an effective vehicle for development and positive change in the behavioural attitude of the people. It is the nerve centre of education and it helps people to gain full control of their environment. In a strict sense, book publishing starts from the point of conceptualisation of the ideas for the book by the author, to the very last stage of the end-user (reader). A book is inescapably a compilation of sheets of paper. It comprises the right-hand page (recto) and the left-hand page (verso), without a standardized size or shape. But one of the most observable appearance is its shape - it is upright rectangular. A book is a complete product of art and as such sustains a comprehensive aesthetical structure of graphics.

The history of book publishing in Nigeria can be traced to the establishment of the very first publishing press in Calabar, in 1846, by Rev. Hope Waddel of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland Mission. The Press was used to print Bible lessons and later arithmetic books for schools. In 1854 another missionary based in Abeokuta, Rev. Henry Townsend of the Church Missionary Society (CMS), established a Press. Five years later (1859), he used it to print the very first newspaper in Nigeria, Iwe Irohin. Thereafter, notable Nigerians like Herbert Macaulay established the first indigenous newspaper in 1926, called Lagos Daily News. Also in the same year, Daily Times made its debut. In 1949, Oxford University Press (OUP) floated a sales outlet in Nigeria. This action attracted many foreign-based publishing firms to Nigeria, such as Macmillan, Longman and others. The first published book in Nigeria by Oxford University Press (OUP) was in 1963, when its local branch published Ijala Ere Ode, a Yoruba poetry genre by Yemitan. Aside from the foreign companies, many

other home-based publishing houses were architected by indigenous entrepreneurs. The book publishing industry has continued to enjoy drastic growth ever since. In the last two decades however, our indigenous publishing industry has experienced a downturn due to numerous challenges. Nigeria now shares with other developing countries a variety of problems bedeviling the book publishing industry, including: inability to provide adequate numbers of highquality books, book piracy, proliferation of unqualified author-publishers, lack of capital, and so forth. Nevertheless, some of the significant impacts of the industry on the society, according to Lai Oso (2000) are: one, book publishing is an important business venture: It contributes to the nation's economic growth. Two, book publishing acts as a tool for development: It facilitates literacy, which in turn fasttracks development. Three, it enhances cultural heritage and values. Four, book publishing is a source of employment: The industry provides job opportunities for many young

graduates and professionals who studied related courses. There are opportunities such as: publishers, manuscript acquisition personnel, literary agent editors, designers, artists, typographers, printers, binders, marketers, sales representatives, promotion officers, public relations officers and a host of others. One misconception is that book publishing will die in the face of the ongoing development in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). However, according to Oso et al (2009): "Globally, traditional books will still be in use. In fact electronic innovations will aid book publishing, it cannot kill it. It is therefore reasonable for publishers to think of how to apply the new technology to enhance book publishing." What are some of the challenges of Book Publishing in Nigeria? They include: Finance: Book publishing is adjudged a capital intensive venture. ––––Daniel Ighakpe, FESTAC Town, Lagos. Read the full article online www.thisdaylive.com

behind then, bearing in mind that if Lagos hadn’t been the federal capital, it probably would not have been having these problems. However, successive federal governments have refused to take a cue from countries such as Germany, Brazil, Malaysia, Australia and Tanzania, which, after relocating their capitals, did not hold back development in the former capitals. No nation grows by treating the needs of its golden geese with discomfiture. The future growth of Nigeria is partly tied to the development of Lagos which generates the bulk of the VAT accruable to the country, hosts over 85 per cent

of Nigeria's industrial hub and over 65 per cent of its financial nucleus as well as over 75 per cent of its active workforce. One hopes that the current Senate, under the leadership of Senator Ahmad Lawan will dispassionately look into the subject and do the right thing. Given the centrality of Lagos to the overall social-economic aspiration of Nigeria, the upper chamber and other critical stakeholders should rise above primordial considerations and treat the Lagos special question issue more impassively. ––Tayo Ogunbiyi, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

Farewell, Okechukwu Maduekwe

kechinyere was the pet name our mother would often call him. He came into the family of Rev & Mrs . U .U . Maduekwe at time in history miscarriage of pregnancy spelt doom to those aspiring to become parents. Unlike the earlier ones he arrived on the due date and six of us followed thereafter. Hence, this pet name by our mother. I recall with nostalgia the care and mentorship of my late brother and the patriarch of the Maduekwe family of Asaga Ohafia, Abia state, late Chief Okechukwu Maduekwe whose death occurred on September 9, 2020. He played a major role in my quest to acquire the coveted Golden Fleece in one of Nigeria’s leading universities – University of Ibadan. Born on 26th October, 1931 to the family of late Reverend Uma Ukiwe Maduekwe, Chief Maduekwe valued education so much that he extended his philanthropy beyond his immediate family hence many indigent students and needy ones around him benefitted. I must say that his impact on my educational pursuit was phenomenal as he ensured that I did not lack any prerequisites as a student. As a father figure he always bridged the gaps when the need arose. As a toddler my Christmas celebration happened only in December that saw his arrival from Lagos. I recall with lovely memories how the Aba Bata shoe company office and other ready made shops will witness brother‘s shopping spree for Chidinma as I was then called. As a brother I will always treasure and recollect the moral and financial support he provided during my course of study even before becoming a medical student at the University of Ibadan in the seventies. As a matter of fact while studying medicine at Ibadan I enjoyed the privilege of an affluent student due to his unrelenting care and financial support. He made it possible for me to own an exciting sports car as a medical student. He introduced me into the audiovisuals world way back in the seventies through my ownership of an Asahi Pentax camera with 300

mm zoom lens. He actually groomed me for rural medical healthcare program through his inadvertent discussions on breakfast table about the Chinese foot doctors and exploits of Dr Akanu Ibiam, Governor of the former Eastern Region . My Asahi Pentax camera provided the fulcrum for my interest and understanding of the workings of the media even as a medical doctor. Little did I realize that he was laying the foundation for my current headship of a federal government agency today with a mandate centered around the exponential use of camera and lenses. His own personal knowledge of the media industry was also vast considering his huge investments in the printing and publishing industry and book writing. His exposure to other sectors of life and business is legendary having being a policeman, teacher, farmer and community leader famous for selfless service and youth mentoring. As a son of a headmaster, his education was sometimes interrupted whenever the father had to move to his new place of posting but this also came with invaluable life experiences which helped to mould him into a consummate personality that felt the pains of his fellow human beings. As a policeman he dedicated his life to the service of his fatherland and was passionate for the rapid growth and development of the country. It is needless to say that during their days in the police force, discipline and honesty were the hallmark of the profession. He would however leave the force to choose a career in the insurance industry where he also carved a niche for himself. Perhaps one great attribute of my late brother was his innate ability in generating business ideas which also propelled him to venture into different areas of business spanning printing and publishing, transportation and agriculture.

––Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director/CEO Nigerian Film Corporation Read the full article online www.thisdaylive.com

Ë&#x153; Ëž NOVEMBER 15, 2020

MARKET NEWS

Access Bank Appoints Kumapayi as Executive Director Goddy Egene Access Bank Plc has appointed Mr. Seyi

Kumapayi and Mrs. Omosalewa Fajobi as executive director (ED) and non-executive director (NED) respectively following the

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the

approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Kumapayi is now ED, African Subsidiaries. Prior to this appointment, Kumapayi has

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 12Nov-2020, unless otherwise stated.

been the Group Chief Financial Officer of Access Bank Plc since 2008. He is a highly accomplished and result-driven professional.

He has over 20 years of progressive banking experience spanning across finance, strategy, risk management, and

treasury. He joined Access Bank in 2002 as the Head of Financial Control and Credit Risk Management.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 169.94 171.64 31.67% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 1.17% Nigeria International Debt Fund 441.70 441.70 47.03% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 105.32 105.32 0.47% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.05 1.03 14.94% ACAP Income Funds 0.85 0.85 11.22% 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 3.49% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.70 3.82 51.20% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.31 2.31 23.00% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.29 2.33 63.21% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.61% Paramount Equity Fund 16.60 16.91 32.66% Women's Investment Fund 136.84 138.38 24.08% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.12% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 129.24 129.89 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 147.19 148.43 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.10 107.10 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.78% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.13 1.14 21.60% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.74 1.74 31.30% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 1.62% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.31% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,189.29 1,205.75 7.35% 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 N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund 185.00 186.65 26.00% FBN Halal Fund 110.60 110.63 10.60% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.76% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 118.73 119.11 5.28% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 118.71 119.09 4.74% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 157.56 160.06 21.08% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.33% Legacy Debt Fund 3.85 3.85 5.36% Legacy Equity Fund 1.53 1.57 35.69% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.13 1.13 4.37% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.61% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 129.90 130.43 18.14%

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 2.19% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.91 2.98 33.40% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 156.96 157.93 9.57% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.65 1.68 33.25% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.04 12.13 6.92% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 2.36% PACAM Equity Fund 1.41 1.42 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.98 111.31 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 133.89 136.59 8.32% 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 8.28% 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 32.52% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 6.01% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 33.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 7.16% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 35.16% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.63% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 30.23% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.22 1.22 4.85% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 110.42 110.42 5.96% 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 1.44 1.4648Â 20.65% United Capital Bond Fund 1.8729Â 1.8729Â 8.28% United Capital Equity Fund 0.9100Â 0.9376Â 29.26% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.28% United Capital Eurobond Fund 115.85 115.85 6.01% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.10 3.79% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.13 12.28 18.07% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.46 13.60 15.93% Zenith Income Fund 24.83 24.83 9.28% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.24%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

119.50

6.47%

53.51

2.80%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

11.23 128.79 93.73

11.33 128.79 95.46

33.44% 34.89% 24.76%

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.72

4.76

36.70%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

6.07

6.15

2.70%

Vetiva GrifďŹ n 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

16.56 1.00 15.78

16.66 1.00 15.98

35.62% 1.93% 51.37%

230.90

232.90

20.93%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.71

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

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 managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and FMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝Ë&#x153; 2020

BUSINESS

Buhari

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

EmeďŹ ele

BOFIA and Sanity of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial System James Emejo writes that the amended Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) ushers a new era of banking and financial industry regulation that could be a game-changer in efforts to sanitise and achieve sound financial system

n Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari finally signed the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 into law, marking a watershed in financial system regulation in the country. The new Act, which repealed the extant BOFIA 1991 (as amended) had been in operation for about 16 years without an amendment, particularly in the face of increasing complexities emerging from disruptive technologies and associated risks and instances lax corporate governance that had given room for insider abuse and corruption, leading to increase in non-performing loans (NPLs) in the banking system. Stakeholders had long canvassed for the review of the banking and financial sector framework especially following the 2004 and 2008 financial crises that almost eroded confidence in the system as a result of revelation that banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; assets quality had significantly deteriorated as a result of excessive risk taking, reckless credit facilities, and other unethical practices. Banking officials had taken advantage of some limitations in the extant BOFIA including absence of stringent financial sanctions to deter infractions, lack of specialised courts to prosecute financial crimes, as well as absence of a clause that prevents bank officials from giving indiscriminate credit facilities to staff and family members among others. But according to Buhari, the BOFIA 2020 represented, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;monumental piece of legislationâ&#x20AC;? that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;expected to enhance the soundness and resilience of the financial system

for sustainable growth and development of the Nigerian economy.â&#x20AC;? In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, the Buhari added that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The BOFI Act 2020 updates the enabling law in response to developments and significant evolution in the financial sector over the last two decades. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will increase the appetite of banks and other financial institutions to channel much needed credit to the real sector to support economic recovery and promote sustainable growth.â&#x20AC;? Essentially, one of merits of the new legislation is the introduction â&#x20AC;&#x153;a credit tribunal to improve loan recovery and address the incidence of high non-performing loans within the financial system, which has been a key deterrent to lending by financial institutions.â&#x20AC;? Buhari further stated that the law will strengthen the â&#x20AC;&#x153;regulatory and supervisory framework for the financial industry and provides additional tools for managing failing institutions and systemic distress to preserve financial stability amongst others.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This enactment of the BOFI Act 2020 is a historic and significant achievement, which is indicative of effective and productive collaboration between the executive and legislature arms of government,â&#x20AC;? the president added. Essentially, some of the salient alterations to the BOFIA was the inclusion of Financial Technology (Fintech) companies and microfinance banks in the regulatory framework. The amendment could be a litmus test with far-reaching implications for banking administration in the country, targeting individuals including chief executive officers,

managers and directors of banks, rather than the institutions in arguably one of the stiffest sanction regimes to hit the financial sector. However, there had been efforts over the years towards amendment of the Act without success. During the Senate public hearing on amendment bill in July, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), had among other things sought to limit litigation over failed banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resolution. The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had also proposed the amendment of Subsection 12 of BOFIA 2004 to restrict remedy for successful action against revocation of license to monetary compensation in line with international best practice adding that this will ensure prompt payment of insured depositors without added complexities from litigations. He also recommended that compensation be aligned to the value of paid- up share capital of the bank to prevent cases of award of excessive monetary compensation to persons under whose corporate control the bank was run aground. Emefiele also called for provisions to enhance failed bank recovery and resolution tool kit to give more options for managing failing institutions and systemic crisis without recourse to public treasury. The apex bank boss further urged the National Assembly to introduce a new subsection that will invalidate any transaction, which results in the transfer of significant ownership or control of a bank without the approval of the CBN as well as void any transfer of interest there under.

He said this might forestall any change in structure that might compromise corporate governance principles and endanger the interest of depositors. The CBN governor had further proposed the creation of a Credit Tribunal to strengthen credit recovery processes and enforcement of collateral rights He explained that such tribunal will boost measures to address the problem of nonpreforming loans (NPLs) and create an efficient regime for the recovery of eligible loans of banks and other financial institutions (OFIs). Among other recommendations to the committee, chaired by Senator Uba Sani, Emefiele called for the strengthening of the framework for reporting insider transactions as part of measures to boost credit administration processes in banks and sought for enhancements to regulatory measures for single obligor limits, transfer of significant holdings as well as strengthening the sanctions regime to make it more deterrent. The apex bank boss also said there was the need for review of provisions to recognise the unique business models of new entrants into the financial services sector including non-interest banks and payment system service providers. Represented by CBN Director, Legal Services Department, Kofo Salam-Alada, Emefiele, also urged the legislature for amendment to allow for effective management of dormant accounts to ensure efficient administration for ultimate benefit of the owners of the funds and/or their beneficiaries as well as enhanced requirements for payments, settlement and clearing activities to address unfolding developments.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝Ë&#x153; 2020

BUSINESS BOFIA and Sanity of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial System He, specifically, asked for provisions to empower the CBN governor to designate systemically important banks based on clear parameters and prescribe additional supervisory requirements given the risk that their activities pose to the financial system. The CBN also sought for a provision in the bill to empower legal practitioners employed by the bank to appear in court to prosecute and defend the bank in relations to matters under the BOFIA and other relevant laws without prejudice to the right of the CBN to engage external solicitors for the same purpose. On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive, NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, agreed to the need to review the BOFIA, adding that insider NPLs are major cause of bank failure and should be addressed. He said while existing penalties for infractions were laughable, fines should be increased and recovery mechanism equally enhanced by going after culpable directors of failed banks. Ibrahim said directors of banks should be held personally liable without any limitation for the causes of the failure of their banks where they have been found to be negligent in managing the institutions. He said the imposition of penalties and prosecution of various offences would serve as a deterrent to officers and directors of banks as well as ensure that the banking industry ensures compliance with available laws and regulation in order to avoid paying stiff penalties He further asked the Senate to make provision for an express prohibition and criminalisation of insider loans by making it an offence punishable with imprisonment and fine for directors of licensed banks to obtain credit facilities from their own banks, whether such credit facilities are secured or not. The NDIC boss made the recommendation as part of the corporationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, during the public hearing for the Amendment of the BOFIA 2004 towards the repeal and re-enactment of the Bill to BOFIA 2020. The NDIC boss further canvassed the need to clarify overlapping mandates between NDIC and CBN in order to avoid any ambiguity in the laws governing their operations. He added that the need for clarity was specifically critical in the area of the resolution of failing banks where the NDIC should be recognised as the primary actor in the resolution process while the CBN can intervene in the event of systemic crisis. He expressed the need for the corporation to be involved in the process of licensing banks in collaboration with the CBN in order to ensure the necessary fit and proper checks and to establish clearer assessment of the status of financial institutions before licensing. The NDIC boss further noted that the bill seems to suggest the option of the appointment of other entities in the liquidation of failed banks adding that the bill should be amended to reflect the NDIC as the sole liquidator of failed banks based on the corporationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core mandate of bank liquidation. He said the clear delineation of roles between the NDIC and CBN would strengthen the legal framework and contribute towards effective and efficient collaboration in the supervision and regulation of the banking sector. Ibrahim further argued that there was no

Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN, Kingsley Obiora

need to seek the approval of the CBN in the implementation of supervision, control, management and distress resolution of banks as reflected in the bill as this constitutes the core mandates of the corporation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Corporation should therefore carry out these functions in consultation with the CBN not with the consent of CBN as both institutions are independent and compliment the functions.â&#x20AC;? Nonetheless, analysts have commended the passage of the new bill into law, believing that it will sanitise the industry and restore confidence of all stakeholders. Professor of Capital Market and President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said the new Act was a welcome development for the financial sector as it is consistent with modern banking practices. In an interview with THISDAY, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is cheering news for the financial sector in Nigeria. BOFIA 2020 is consistent with modern banking legislation that recognises the need to improve and strengthen regulation given recent developments in the banking and financial sector space. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unlike its predecessor, BOFIA 2020 has now adequately captured microfinance banks and Fintech companies engaged in money market activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stiffer penalties for infractions by bank directors and other insiders will enhance financial systems stability if enforced. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has also clearly delineated the roles of CBN and NDIC especially with respect to issues of bank distress which is superintended by the NDIC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The establishment of Credit Tribunals will go a long way in ensuring speedy resolution of credit disputes as well as reducing the non-performing loans of deposit money banks. Also, former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, commended the amendment which he said was long overdue.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a welcome development that gives authority to the Act. The establishment of a tribunal for speedy hearing of cases of default and bank fraud as contained in the amended BOFIA is long overdue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am concerned, however, on how banks have been completely denied the privilege of giving unsecured loans above N1million. Many credit facilities are self-liquidating and may not need collateral. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some other ones may be secured using the stock of goods being financed. It is really not all the time that all credit facilities be secured. Banks should be given some leeway in this area.â&#x20AC;? According to the former banker: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The amended BOFIA has, however, given CBN more teeth to bite and extended their supervisory frontiers to Fintech. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Above all, the overall purpose is to protect the Banking and Other Financial institutions Sector more, and to forestall frequency of bank failures.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, after several attempts, the eventual journey leading to the emergence of the BOFIA 2020 started in December 2017 when the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency indicated that it will move for an amendment of the BOFIA on the House floor. The bill, which was introduced for the first reading sought to among other things, curtail current excesses and insider abuses, which had led to increased portfolio of non-performing loans (NPLs) in banks. The then Chairman of the committee, Hon. Jones Chukwu Onyereri, had told THISDAY he believed the bill would be a game-changer that will sanitise the industry. He said even though the banks were said to be healthy, the ratio of non-performing loans were higher and unprecedented. He said the amendment will forbid anyone including a director or managing director from borrowing â&#x20AC;&#x153;a koboâ&#x20AC;? from any bank without paying back as thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also be a limit to which â&#x20AC;&#x153;you can borrow from a bank that you are also part of the ownership.â&#x20AC;? Onyereri said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If in 2009, we had a banking crisis due to the high level of non-performing loans, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also worrisome that at this point in time, even after the intervention, we still have the non-performing loans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why as a committee, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken it upon ourselves and as a matter of fact, the Speaker, I believe will be signing on our amendment of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), which will come up as first reading on the floor of the House. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I believe thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll change everything in the banking sector because it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make sense when you have insider abuse because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the crux of why we have this high non-performing loans in the banks and we need to put a stop to that.â&#x20AC;? However, in February 2018, during the public hearing on the bill by the House committee, the lawmakers argued that it was meant to instill discipline in the banking and other financial services sector to protect public deposits, particularly against the backdrop of banking failures occasioned by insider abuses, corporate governance breaches and other unethical practices. Also, the amendments seek to, among other things, prohibit the operation of unlicensed banks- Shell Banks- and significantly increased the amount of fines paid for infractions of the Act. During the House hearing, Emefiele and

the NDIC Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, both described the proposed amendments to BOFIA as apt and long overdue, particularly in the incremental sanctions directed mainly at individuals rather than the institutions. Emefiele said operators are often ahead of operators because of the sheer financial power at their disposal and had often exploited loopholes in the BOFIA to perpetrate unwholesome activities. He said penalties no longer served as deterrence to banks- knowing they could break laws and get away with payment of fines which are nothing compared to what they stand to achieve by refusing to comply with established rules. While cautioning, however, that increases in fines may not necessarily deter the banks from breaching regulatory guidelines, he expressed hope that the monumental increment in money penalties in the proposed alteration would ameliorate the situation. Emefiele had further asked that the apex bank be granted reserved powers in the amendments to be able to take decisions to manage banks in times of crisis. He said the reserve power would further enable the CBN powers to revoke licences of non-compliant financial institutions where necessary, while any challenge of such powers by affected banks, in a law court will be penalised. He said even if affected banks go to court, it claims should be limited to damages, if it felt the revocation was done in bad faithand not ask for reversal or restoration of the revoked licence. But, lawmakers feared that granting such express powers to the CBN could lead to abuses- a claim which Emefiele strongly denied, giving practical examples where though it could have taken harsh measures against some banks- but restrained itself in order not to send the wrong signal to bank customers. The governor said there were currently legislative brick walls, which bank operators capitalised on to perpetrate breaches. However, the NDIC boss, who was represented by NDIC Director, Legal Services, Mr. Belema Taribo, further said the power of banks to reverse revoked licenses should be removed from the Act as the case is in other jurisdictions. He said the banks could, however, challenge the revocation if done in bad faith- where only damages could be sought. The emergence of the new BOFIA could as well assuage the recent concern expressed by the NDIC boss that increase in banking industry non-performing loans (NPLs) portfolio had put financial regulators under pressure. Speaking in Lagos at the opening of the 2020 Workshop for Business Editors and the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), themed:â&#x20AC;&#x153;COVID-19 and Fintech Disruption: Opportunities and Challenges for Banking System Stability and Deposit Insurance,â&#x20AC;? he added that the threat of a pending economic recession and a potential financial crisis had further put regulators on their toes. Ibrahim added that though the emergence of digital financial services enabled by financial technology (Fintech) had enhanced efficiency in the financial sector, it had also posed new challenges to financial regulators and consumers.

NDDC: Govt. Should Complement Forensic Audit with Project Audit Sowunmi Williams

ollowing persistent criticisms of the operations of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), President Muhammadu Buhari recently ordered a forensic audit of the operations of the Commission from 2001 to 2019. The President said what was presently on ground in the South- South region did not justify the huge resources that had been made available to the agency. Considering the statement of Mr. President, there is urgent need for a project audit (which focuses on financial and performance) should also be carried out to complement the forensic audit (which focuses more on financials). While the objective of forensic audit is to obtain evidence that can be used in legal proceedings to resolve a dispute or prove innocence /guilt in a criminal case, such as providing evidence of money laundering; the objective of project

audit is to reach a conclusion whether the Niger Deltans have obtained value for money in terms of economy, efficiency and effectiveness from the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations. NDDC carries out several projects in the region in line with NDDC Act for the development of the region. The project audit approach requires an audit of each phase of the project life cycle from conceptualization and design, through tendering and to construction /execution. At the conceptualization phase, Cost â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Benefit Analysis of projects done (completed and ongoing) prior to commencement should be audited for value for money. Location of projects in the region should also be reviewed for appropriateness, equity distribution within the region, people / communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirement inter alia. At the design phase; selection of consultants, basis and computation of professional fees paid, community needs assessment, designs inter alia should be audited for due process compliance, economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Any overpayment of fees based on arbitrary basis should be refunded to the commission.

At the tendering phase; selection of consultants, interested party relationship, contract documents inter alia should also be audited for transparency, completeness in scope and quality At the construction /execution phase where the majority of project fund is expended and likely mismanaged, audit of payment certificates (interim /final ) issued by the supervising consultants should be carried out. An independent expert opinion should be obtained on the value of work done considering the scope and quality of work (materials and workmanship) deployed on the project. The third party opinion will also give information on the project status and deviation (if any) from the payment certificates. Where the value of work done is less than payment made, the contractor should refund the excess. Variation and fluctuation on projects should be audited for requisite approvals, scope and quality. For example a contract for the construction of 30 km double lane road (7.5m width) with 75mm thick asphalt wearing course can actually

be commissioned as a 30 km double lane road (7m width) with 50mm thick asphalt wearing course. This reduction in the width and thickness of asphalt (which is not visible to the naked eye) of the road can result to loss of several millions of naira which can be corruptly shared among the stakeholders. One can only challenge what one is informed about. This reduction will affect the lifespan of the road as well as the safety of the road users. Finally, contracts and procurement processes should be audited for compliance with the Public Procurement Act (PPA) of 2007. Actual project scope, cost, quality, time etc. should be compared with contractual requirements for possible deviations. Where deviations are unfavourable or alarming, it should be investigated. Erring Officers should be identified and punished in line with relevant laws to serve as deterrence to others. Project /financial controls should also be reviewed for effectiveness.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Williams, a real estate and infrastructure consultant writes from Abuja.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

BUSINESS/LABOUR

IPPIS and the Looming Labour Crisis Onyebuchi Ezigbo

he Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) has since its introduction generated a lot concerns among various labour unions in the federal public service. As at last count, unions in the education, health, and oil and gas sectors have either embarked on strike or threatened to do so. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike for a record nine months now and there are no signs of an end to its face-off with the federal government. Perhaps, the one that is giving the biggest worry is the strike action by employees in the oil and gas sector. The Petroleum and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) recently commenced an indefinite strike to protest what it claims were various anomalies in the payment of workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; salaries brought about by IPPIS. The payment platform was introduced by the federal government with support from the World Bank as one of the measures of Public Service Reform. Before the introduction of this scheme, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were given allocation for their recurrent costs on monthly basis as subvention. Under the arrangement, the MDAs had freedom to disburse money allocated to them whenever and however it pleases them. From federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reckoning, such practice normally lead to financial misconduct in the Nigerian civil service. The thinking of government was that the huge amount spent on recurrent expenditure, will be better monitored and cut down through appropriate government policy, thereby reducing cases of corruption in the civil service. Added to the issue of curtailing corruption, the need for government to provide accurate and correct number of civil servants under her payroll and to an extent minimise budget estimate through IPPIS platform However, despite its good intentions and purposes, IPPIS has been faulted by various unions representing key sections of the public sector workers in the country. It has become a source of dispute between federal government and the workers. Perhaps, it is the faulty implementation that has resulted in series of complaints by the unions. But whatever the reasons, IPPIS and the way it is being managed by its handlers is provoking a labour crisis that may be difficult to contain under the present circumstances the country has found itself. ASUU was the first union to kick against the application of the salary payment portal to its members, saying that it was not structured to cater for the peculiar needs and operations of the university with autonomous status. ASUU said IPPIS did not have what it takes to accommodate the some peculiarities in the university system including payment for those on sabbatical as well as various allowances and therefore vowed to resist its implementation in the university.FollowingASUUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;svehementrefusalto register in IPPIS, federal government ordered the stoppage of salaries ofASUU members.Although the president later instructed that withholding the salary was only temporary. Government had subsequently gone ahead to seize the lecturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pay on grounds that they have refused to comply with directives. As expected, ASUU responded with a full-blown national strike. As at the time the directive to ASUU to register in IPPIS, they were on negotiating table trying trash out their demands on the non-implementation of some key aspects of the February 7 2019 FGN-ASUU MemorandumofAction(MoA)andimpositionof the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information (IPPIS) on Nigerian academics. ASUU president, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said the union was shocked at the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It withheld payment of salaries and allowances of ASUU members and seized the check-off dues, cooperative society contributions and other third-party deductions made on behalf of the union and its members. ASUU president said the union had no regrets for rejecting IPPIS, adding that apart from its erosion of University autonomy, the fears that the platform lead to possible distortion, manipulation and amputation of salaries and allowances fully came to light with

Ogunyemi

the forceful application of IPPIS to the payroll system in the universities in February 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If anyone is still in doubt, a chat with the victims, many of whom have regrettably confessed to being deceived into enrolling in IPPIS, would certainly convince you.â&#x20AC;? For several months now, ASUU had remained on strike while federal government continues its insistence that its members must register on IPPIS before salaries and other disbursements to them will be made. In a statement issued by Ogunyemi, the union said the federal government should release all what is due ASUU members and the union without the conditionality of IPPIS. The union said that government is punishing university teachers because they rejected IPPIS, which was imposed on the universities against the provisions of the law on autonomy and universal practices. He also accused the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) of illegally withholding all the deducted union check-off dues of ASUU members in the last nine months. Several talks have been held to between federal government side and ASUU with no significant progress ASUU said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What has stalled meaningful dialogue was governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insistence that payment of the withheld salaries and other entitlements of our members would only be effected through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS)â&#x20AC;?. But the government side, seesASUUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rejection of IPPIS as unnecessary and largely unwarranted. Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said that IPPIS is a product of federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy aimed instilling greater transparency in the payment of all public sector personnel. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;IPPIS has blocked all leakages and exposed those who are not paying taxes, as well as those who underpay.â&#x20AC;? The minister said that the University Transparency andAccountability Solutions (UTAS), which ASUU brought as an alternative has been sent to the National Information Technology DevelopmentAgency (NITDA) for assessment. Ngige has however faulted the claim byASUU that IPPIS would erode university autonomy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They said that university autonomy is being eroded. Autonomy cannot work when government is paying the lecturers. It can work

only when the governing council generates its own resources to pay workersâ&#x20AC;?. Other unions in the university system, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) are equally at loggerhead with the federal government over IPPIS. The immediate past president of SSANU, Comrade Samson Chijioke Ugwoke, while speaking at 2nd biannual delegates conference recently held in Abuja, said SSANU and NASU members were enrolled into IPPIS on the understanding that the seeming anomalies of shortfalls in salaries previously experienced would be resolved. However, he said that it was unfortunate that the experience has been a case of from â&#x20AC;&#x153;frying pan to fireâ&#x20AC;?. He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never in the history of the University system, have salary payments been so disorganised, distorted and mangled! â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a shame that despite our outcry, having supported government through collective bargaining by enlisting our members into the platform on the understanding that our peculiarities would be captured on the system, we wrote several letters and communication to both the Ministries of Education and Labour and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, highlighting all the distortions to salary payments experienced under IPPIS to no avail. He said that it is only a matter of days before the JAC of NASU and SSANU will take decision on a full blown, total and indefinite strike in the University system. Ugwuoke said SSANU was forced to embark on a warning strike on the matter which ended last week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We seize the Opportunity of this National Delegates Conference to inform that the last has not been heard on the issue and it is only a matter of days before the JAC of NASU and SSANU will take decision on a full blown, total and indefinite strike in the University system. It is sad that we have to go through this route but we are left with no choice given the insensitivity and neglect which our previous agreements have received. Just like ASUU which has developed its own alternative payment platform, SSANU also said that it has along with NASU developed an alternative salary payment platform solution to IPPIS, which is the University General and Peculiar Personnel and Payrol1 System (UG3PS),

with all the characteristics of ensuring probity and efficiency in salary payments in the university system. SSANU and NASU claimed that their alternative payment platform captures the peculiarities of all categories of staff, teaching and non-teaching, a strength which IPPIS does not have and which has been its bane all along. Ugwuoke said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wish to inform that the UG3PS is ready and awaiting presentation and test run to the federal government with the conviction that IPPIS or any alternative being suggested by any group either within or outside the system, cannot be as efficient as that being presented by the two non-teaching staff unions members of whose primary functions include personnel issues and salary payments. We say confidently and without prejudice, that no group can understand the intricacies, challenges and maneuverings of salary payments as much as SSANU and NASU in the University system and we have applied this knowledge which is a functionofourprimarydutiesinthedevelopment of the UG3PS solution.â&#x20AC;? Speaking on the charged labour atmosphere in the country, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penchant for reneging on agreements reached through collective bargaining with labour unions was responsible for frequent industrial action being witnessed in our educational institutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign agreement for the sake of it. You signed so that it can be implemented. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign an agreement and then wait till it is due for implementation before raising issues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that has been the problem if collective bargaining administration in this country. It is so elsewhere and we do not have to celebrate a Nigerian standard. Are we looking for a global standard or Nigerian standard? We should be aiming at a global standard not Nigerian standard and the global standard is enshrined in convention 198 of International Labour Organisation (ILO). Wabba said the unions in the education sector have always committed themselves to a diligent process of collective bargaining but that the problem had always been from the government side. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The important one which had constantly referred to is the collective bargaining agreement of 2009 between federal government and ASUU. If that agreement was signed in good faith and was implemented, I am not sure we will be where we are today.â&#x20AC;? Wabba lamented that while the unions go to the bargaining table with open mind and clear mandate to sign an agreement, in most cases the default is from employers and government. On its part, PENGASSAN has declared an indefinite strike to protest flaws in the implementation of IPPIS. The association said that aside the seizure of their two-month salaries, the strike was also informed by the clumsy manner in which members were enrolled on the IPPIS. The PENGASSAN leadership vowed that the industrial action would continue until their grievances were addressed. PENGASSAN chairman, Oshiokhamele urged relevant government officials to address their issues as a matter of priority. He listed their grievances to include â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bastardisation of our salaries by IPPIS and nonrelease of personnel cost for PPPRA and PTI for August 2020, salaries arrears from March 2015 to December 2016 are also outstandingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. From all indications, the federal government and the unions appeared not ready to stand down on IPPIS. On its part, the federal government has argued that the payment platform is one of the innovative policies put in place by the administration to check corruption and enthrone transparency in financial dealings by public sector entities. Regarding the flaws, Ngige, said a committee would be set up to examine holistically the complaints of the unions on inconsistencies in their payments by IPPIS. But the unions have equally drawn a red line that unless their demands are met, they will not go back to work. In fact, for ASUU and PENGASSAN that are already on strike, the fear is that, if the matter is not carefully handled, it might snow-ball into a conflagration in which case, other unions in critical sectors of economy may join them in solidarity.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝Ë&#x153; 2020

BUSINESS INTERVIEW KEN ETETE Local Content Act Has Helped Oil Servicing Industry in Capacity Building Ken Etete is Group Chief Executive Officer of Century Group, which describes itself as â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost indigenous industrial groups operating in the energy and non-energy sectors through seven main subsidiaries.â&#x20AC;? In this interview with Kunle Aderinokun, Etete provides a historical background, highlighting the Centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industry bonafides, gains from the Local Content Act, role in Lagos stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergence as an oil producing state as well as the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity building to play in the same space as the big oil servicing firms. Excerpts

an you take us on a short excursion around the Century Group from its beginning with a summary of its operations? Century Group is a passion that reflects the environment of today. A group of young people saw that there were a lot of gaps in supporting oil & gas projects; especially skillset gaps and we also identified the struggles international companies face in executing projects and how they were finding it difficult to execute projects due to lack of local skillset. My journey in Century began after supporting the company more like an investor. Quite early into the 2000s, I had gained experience in executing and selling projects for field development with FPSO Concept while working for Bluewater. It became obvious that for policy reasons, Bluewater was not too keen on taking on some of the risky projects as it were, and this triggered my creative ability. I realised that, like today, there were numerous opportunities, but a number of struggling entrepreneurs who needed support. With my knowledge gained from trying to sell to the major companies, I found a reason to look for a platform and could not think of any other than Century. In the past, I had provided them with professional advice pro bono and also supported them with a bit of investment. I took up the role of CEO by the end of 2007, and this gave me the ability to take on the risky projects often avoided by international service providers. For a Nigerian company involved in the oil & gas industry, Century seems to have joined the premier league. What three factors would you say are responsible for the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success? The environment is mature and rich with unlimited skills, opportunities, and emulation of international best practices. We are an indigenous company with an outstanding business model which is our cost-effective advantage and ability to take on unusual risks. We have also been fortunate to have some of the best international partnerships and complimentary support. The local content laws have also supported, and we have taken full advantage of their policies as well. Best believe, we are supported by well-trained and highly skilled pool of oil & gas manpower. As a corollary to the above, Century supports both IOCs and NOCs. How did Century manage to gain the conďŹ dence of both big and small players? The international companies have arbitrage opportunities and huge investment capabilities to support their project. It is less risky to work for the IOCs due to various advantages rather than NOCs, and we have no problem with that. For Century Group, we believe that to put our skills in check in areas of financial capability and ability to execute projects, we must work strategi-

Etete

cally without much hand-holding from international companies. Working for local companies is more than earning money from them, but building a partnership and strengthening our skill set. Delivering effective service to local companies means you are qualified to work in rough terrains. Local companies are the diamonds in the rough and international companies are the already refined diamonds. So, for us it is easy to work for international companies and give them the value they want while working for local companies as well. It is tougher to work for local companies because the risk profile is higher, and we might not get a lot. We are configured and rigged up for both. Century seems synonymous with

the Yinka Folawiyo Petroleumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aje ďŹ eld and the success it has achieved by putting Lagos on the oil producing states table. Can you speak to the relationship? The Yinka Folawiyo project is one of those very exciting projects in the sense that it is a frontier. Lagos is now an oil producer because of this project, and we have known Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum for an extended period. We have also seen that because it is a frontier area, when oil prices are not in the right region, not many investors are willing to take risks in that sense. However, we have continued to follow through, and our focus has been that whenever Yinka Folawiyo decides to make the final investment decision to go,

we will like to provide the infrastructure needed to produce the oil; and this is what we have done. So, it is not a relationship that started yesterday, but a relationship of almost 15 years. We have also seen more than two to three sets of investors on that project come and go, but of course, the operator of Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum has remained, and we have continued to maintain our relationship with all the other investors. We have enjoyed that, and so the moment the final decisions were made (FPSO decision), it was a sweet spot for us. As the head hits deep and with all the challenges that came with Coronavirus and the drop in oil price, we realised that the whole business was more than spending money. We also have an obligation to

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝Ë&#x153; 2020

Margins are Thin, But We Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Compromise on Safety work with Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum to keep our operating cost below oil selling price such that they can overcome the head winds that currently face the oil industry; and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a frontier area in the sense of a stand-alone project where you have minimal aggregation of services so you cannot share too many services, you have to rely on creativity. This is the beauty of the project. We like the Yinka Folawiyo project because it strengthens us much more and it has given us a lot of advantage over lots of companies because we have to be very precise with our costing. The margins are thin, yet we cannot compromise on safety and all the technical areas. We will rather take a loss and build capacity, gain technical knowledge, or build experience, than to make profit and get into HSE and technical crises.

Your operating model with regard to YFP is a master class in corporate collaboration and risk taking. We understand you operate on a â&#x20AC;&#x153;risk serviceâ&#x20AC;? basis, meaning you do not get paid until oil is exported. This is a bespoke arrangement. Can you explain why you are taking such a risk and what are the upsides to the arrangement? Like I said earlier on, we have a longstanding relationship with Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum, with the family in general, and the fantastic people doing a great job. The project itself is in a frontier area where we have been privileged to be a pioneer on the field and in that area. Lagos is by all standards the biggest brand in the African continent; we cannot take that away. Hence, to be associating with a project that puts Lagos on the map is much more than the revenue for us. Looking at the nature of the field in its current state means that we must become a little more than just a typical contractor to our client, but a major risk-taker. We have taken that risk and we have not regretted it because it gives us a refreshing profile as a company. It uniquely positions us as a company that works closely with producers and field operators to share the risk incurred. Our existence is evident that service providers can also share a lot of risk incurred on the above mentioned. The upside to taking on this risk leads to increase in our technical skill and knowledge in managing this kind of project. No other company has this sort of model currently, especially when you are not the owner of the field. This gives us a unique advantage and identity as a company that takes risks even if we are not shareholders in that field. Another upside is the success that follows the completion of the project, which results in victory for all parties involved. From one FPSO to two and with what we now know of Century, another may be coming. What drives Centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appetite for such big-ticket endeavours? We pride ourselves in knowledge and having knowledge is having power. We know this business; we have done this business and we know we can effectively run FPSOs much lower than our international competitors. It is also about capacity because as long as you do not have capacity you will always be on the menu and not the table. Having capacity gives us negotiating power to acquire more and build our skillset. We know that there is a huge opportunity in acquiring oil infrastructure, and to demonstrate that to our lenders, shareholders, stakeholders, and our clients, is to show that we can own and operate FPSOs. Indeed, we will like to be the number one in terms of capacity, ownership â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in terms of FPSOs across the African continent and beyond. Deep water offshore productions are tricky and capital intensive, yet Century makes it look easy with almost zero Lost Time Injury. How do you keep your operations, safe, proďŹ table and efďŹ cient? As I have said before, when you are talking business, FPSOs, offshore operations, etcetera, the first thing on that scale is always HSE. And as you can see, we are

Etete

promoting HSE big time. We want HSE to become a lifestyle for our industry and much more as part of a corporate social responsibility to see that more and more sectors around the world and the country understand its importance. By the very nature of that, we are able to push our HSE culture very deeply into our operations. Rather than have an HSE challenge, we would prefer a profit challenge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is fundamental. We can see clearly that goodwill earned is building up on our balance sheet; the fact that we are able to operate in a safe manner. So, we are not necessarily performing any magic, it is all about discipline, following through processes, compliance, etc., and we do not compromise our profit and HSE requirement. HSE first, then other things follow. If it is not safe, then we do not do it. We would rather not be on a project, than be on a project where the executions have red flags.

Century seems to have its ďŹ ngers in many pies from training to servicing, drilling to storage. Where do you ďŹ nd the manpower and how do you manage to juggle all these balls at the same time? Nigeria is a mature oil-producing region and what we have also found out is that over the years, we have seen a huge build-up of skill sets. And we have also seen a generation of oil and gas workforce that it is easy to say that we are on the fourth generation of oil and gas technical manpower in Nigeria. Be that as it may, we already have two generations that are actively providing some kind of training/ coaching services to a younger generation. As a philosophy and a policy, we put manning/providing job opportunities first. And to do that, we have to go back to the diamond in the rough. For us, this means that while members of those local communities where oil is found may not

have the skills, we make deliberate effort to train them. We have the capacity today that can man up to five projects simultaneously because of our history and all the work we have done before â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we have this in our database. So, within a period of a month, we can easily run up more than four projects the same size of projects we are doing. As far as drilling and all that, they are all much related projects and we are able to support; it helps that we have an integrated operation from the shore base all the way to offloading the barrel. The most important thing is the quality of the manpower we have. The skill set quality and compensation skill we have to keep people motivated without compromising the HSE process. From our structure, there are asset managers who are directly responsible. It makes it easy that there is a responsible party. Every business has its independent CEO, who has the power to undertake executive decisions. It makes the responsibility on ground more effective. I do not necessarily have to be present on a daily basis to tell them what to do on ongoing projects.

How did an accountant end up leading one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest oil servicing companies and a bonaďŹ de local content champion? Like everything, leadership is partly innate, partly determination and vision. I have been involved in oil and gas activities straight from university and over time, I have been involved with the commercial side of the oil and gas play. Of course, with a decent understanding of the technicalities involved. It is a passion, and I am also fortunate I got early exposure to this. I have had several tutors who taught me, and I have made myself available to be taught. It is an on-going process and my education was really to prepare me to understand how to make decisions and how to analyse

things. I had the opportunity to work straight from school with WILLBROS on some major projects and I had bosses whose roles cannot be under estimated in my life. Those people mentored, supervised, and took me under their wings. They saw my passionate energy and picked me up and corrected me every time I made a mistake. Some of them are Paul Nova and Charles Oseizua, the first corporate chairman of the company I worked for, who gave me absolute free hand. Of course, my American boss, who is today, also my friend. These men actually moulded me.

First we had the Cabotage Act then the Local Content Act and now the PIB is heating up. What does it portend for O&G players like Century? Basically, this just means that the industry is becoming more private and efficient. So for oil and gas players, it goes back to capacity and efficiency; less government involvement and more opportunities will be out for privately owned businesses. It is a win-win situation for the tax-man and the citizens because they both get more money. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project into the future; next marginal ďŹ eld round, will we be seeing the emergence of Century Petroleum Development Company or is Century content just playing in the service end of things? Not at all. Already, we have Century Exploration and Production Limited (CEPL), which is actively involved in marginal field development and we are not just a service provider; we have equity stakes in that. That is, financial and technical services on that. So, our goal is to see that we can provide support for more marginal fields and indigenous players, really. It is as simple as that.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝Ë&#x153; 2020

BUSINESS OUTSIDER

A Case Study on Nairaland, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Information Ecosystem â&#x20AC;&#x153;Complexity is one of the great evils, good men seek to slay it whenever they canâ&#x20AC;?- Seun Osewa, Founder, Nairaland Tunji Adegbite

ince it was founded in 2005, Nairaland, arguably Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Number 1 online forum has grown to over 2.5million members and 26 million unique visitors. This community created by Seun Osewa and targeted at Nigerians looking to read and chat about contemporary issues in Nigeria has enjoyed consistency more than relevance, even as it has barely changed its mode of engagement. In November 2020, Alexa.com ranked Nairaland as 806th most visited website globally, and 6th in Nigeria ahead of Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Nairaland has an average visit duration of 9mins 46secs, 60% of its reach is from Direct traffic while 34% is from Search engines. Besides the statistics, the standout impact of Nairaland is its influence in nurturing Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online information ecosystem and its continued relevance is driven by the ever-growing need to share and receive information, increasing internet penetration, and sadly, the unemployment rate in the country. A Voice of the People for the People In 2005, Seun converted one of the three online discussion forums he founded, Mobile Nigeria, into Nairaland. He noticed it was the only Nigerian forum that gave a voice to Nigerians at home as others were focused on Nigerians in the diaspora. This prompted him to pivot it to a general-purpose discussion forum with a strong bias towards issues of interest to Nigerians in Nigeria. Nairalandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary audience is the average Nigerian middle-class adult, aged 30-45years. This demography is more familiar with it because it was created around the time they were adopting the internet - just as Gen Zs prefer Snapchat and Tik-Tok. Its structure allows users to follow sections they are interested in making it easier to find topics that interest them. Users can teach, learn, and engage in conversations revolving around contemporary issues without a limit on the number of characters in a post, as seen with Twitter. This allows many helpful conversations to thrive on the platform, giving it the title of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top information plug. A goldmine on information, Nairalandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued prominence is inextricably linked to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture where unsolicited advice thrives; people flock there to get and give advice on a myriad of topics, and interestingly, to confirm certain informationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authenticity. Nairaland is arguably the most optimised Nigerian website, accessible to any mobile phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s browser irrespective of how poor internet connectivity is, even as basic as EDGE or GPRS. The simplicity of the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interface makes the website lightweight, ensuring load time is as fast as possible for its millions of users despite varying internet connection speeds. However, some see the bland User Interface and Experience (UI/UX) as a weakness, desiring a change because new users and younger Nigerians may find it challenging to engage with and trust the information from the platform.

Source: Google trends

Its Naira and Nairalanders Nairaland has the potential to become bigger than it currently is. However, over the years, the founder has maintained the platform with little changes that could generate higher revenues. Seun prefers to keep it as an information plug such that the forum hosts virtually all kind of topics from different sectors with a remarkably interesting Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). A repository of information, it is a company Social network giants and Search engines would want to acquire because of the information and reviews its users share, and the exceptionally high customer retention rates. There are rumours that the founder had refused offers from Google

and Nairabetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Akin Alabi in the past. Although it is mostly compared to Quora in terms of the operating model, Nairaland is more like Reddit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is to Nigeria what Reddit is to the USA. However, while Reddit has been able to leverage its diverse audience for growth and currently valued at over $4billion, Nairaland is still struggling with the right revenue model and playing too smallâ&#x20AC;?- Research Analyst, Samed Olukoya. Data from worthofweb.com estimates Nairalandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value at $295million and Redditâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at $4.56billion. It also estimates the daily revenue for both platforms at $55,408 and $1,381,318 respectively. Currently, Nairalandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary source of revenue

Source: worthofweb.com

Figure 1:https://www.worthofweb.com/website-value/nairaland.com/

difficult to replicate.

is advertisements. It runs a Targeted Ad Platform where members can place adverts on sections where their target market can be most likely found. As an information ecosystem, some members have become household names on the forum based on value-added. This helped them make money and become famous. One of such people is Suraj Oyewale a.k.a Jarus Hub. The need for career-related information led to Jarus Hub becoming a big business venture that sprung from Nairaland. Other individuals who made fortunes from Nairaland include Bimbo Akin-Emmanuel (Inspired Autos) and Akin Alabi, founder of Nairabet. This is a strength its competitors have found

What does the future hold? There have been complaints about the need for the founder to improve Nairalandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UI/UX urgently. Although an excellent platform for Nigerians to hear from and speak about the streets, Twitter now helps with that albeit not as in-depth. The force that is Nairaland is not the content or the UX; it is the audience. If they are not given a reason to stay, and a new demography of users are not acquired, its growth may be hampered. Nairaland needs to adapt to the changing times. In conclusion, Nairalandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web statistics makes it an excellent platform for Corporates and Government to partner. It could serve as a hub with regards to sharing information or discussing policies or research. Nairaland has had a huge impact on employment in Nigeria; it has also been particularly useful in building awareness for many micro-businesses. The applications of the trove of information Nairaland possesses is invaluable. While the opportunities are huge, it is up to the founder to decide to look at the bigger picture, make improvements or still stick with the mantra - if it is not broken, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fix it. About the Author Tunji Adegbite (MBA, FCCA, MCIPS) is a thought leader in Strategy and Supply Chain and has worked with leading organisations like PwC and an IOC. He is also the founder of Naspire, a research and business strategy platform using contextual knowledge to help entrepreneurs and professionals in Africa succeed. He can be reached via tunji@naspire.com. Views expressed in this article are personal and do not represent the views of any institution he is affiliated with.

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

15.11.2020

TOLA AKERELE

Tola, Afang, Okra, Edikaikong...Oh La La!

y a stroke of luck, famous interior designer, Tola Akerele, held the sixth edition of her iDESIGN Art, a platform that offers affordable art to clients. Three weeks after she showcased artworks of established and up-and-coming artists, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the lockdown of the country due to COVID-19. Like all of us, Akerele who is the Co-Founder of Bogobiri House, the vibrant art and culture scene tucked in Ikoyi, Lagos, found herself locked in but not locked out of ideas. While still carrying out her designing job for clients remotely, she hatched the idea to write a cookbook. “I work in an environment that is very Nigerian focused. Bogobiri is very Afrocentric. It’s a place where we promote music and culture. And then in the Orishirishi Kitchen, we have people coming to ask for local dishes. All of that was impactful in putting this book together,” she explains during an afternoon interaction with her. The new cookbook, ‘Orishirishi,’ is a colourful detail of her discovery of sumptuous Nigerian meals. Orishirishi in Yoruba means an assortment of different things. Akerele does justice to the name by offering a myriad of traditional food and ingredients used in making them in the cookbook. It is a totality of the Nigerian cuisine, though soups from the south-south and south-east are more prominent. The meals contained in the cookbook are based on the menu of her Orishirishi Kitchen, a restaurant that offers the best of Nigerian cuisine. Opened in 2017, the restaurant parades traditional Nigerian food. Think of the seafood okra soup, popular in the riverine areas, or edikaikong, the leafy soup from the Efik and Ibibio tribes (Akerele confessed it’s one of her best soups), all of these are contained in her cookbook. “My work at iDESIGN takes me to many parts of the country. I travel a lot to the east. And as I was thinking about opening up the Orishirishi Kitchen, it just makes so much sense to have all these amazing soups from the east. Growing up, I didn’t really have an appreciation of them as I have for the south-west soups, egusi and efo-

An accountant, interior designer, arts and culture connoisseur, now a cookbook author? Vanessa Obioha writes about the Co-Founder of Bogobiri House, Tola Akerele, a woman of many aspirations that celebrates African arts and culture ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

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COVER

TOLA AKERELE

Tolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Cookbook as a Gift to Nigerians

Akerele

riro. But this really caught my eye. It opened up a whole new world of amazing soups from the east. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really how the kitchen began. It was drawn from the desire to extend the menu and showcase Nigerian food in totality, not from the south-west region only.â&#x20AC;? The diverse soups featured in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Orishirishiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; also alludes to the setting of the kitchen: Bogobiri. A common saying about the Afrocentric venue is that there is no stranger in Bogobiri. With â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Orishirishiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, one can enjoy any Nigerian meal regardless of their race or tribe. But, the cooking guide is not all

about the recipes. Each featured food tells a story about Akereleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discovery of the menu. For instance, her discovery of edikaikong was when a chef from that region prepared it for her. Native soup, a popular delicacy in Rivers State is now on her favourite soup list after a trip to Port Harcourt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was in Port Harcourt and someone told me about native soup. What is native soup? What do they mean by native soup? I asked but they told me that is the name of the soup. I tried it and I can tell you itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my favourite soup now,â&#x20AC;? she enthuses. As someone with an eye for

beauty and intricate details, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Orishirishiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comes with eyepleasing texts and photos. One of the astonishing elements is the food map which details the origin of the food. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is something I added later on,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really plan to have the food map but I thought it would be nice to have a map to show where each food is from.â&#x20AC;? There is also a section dedicated to African stockist. What the graduate of Economics and Politics did was to research where ingredients of the meals can be sourced from in different parts of the world.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;So you can have someone in Canada who wants to make this soup. Where do they get their ingredients from? I have to research to find out where they can get them. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t planning on doing that but I really wanted to share our food with other people in other parts of the world. Our food is very rich and because we have a strong cultural heritage, it unites us as a country. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from southwest or south-south. We are one Nigeria. I just want people to go on an adventure with the book,â&#x20AC;? she admits. Akereleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for food is ingrained even though she left Nigeria when she was eight to study in the UK. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People thought it was scary. I was leaving my family, my country behind but for me I was excited. It was like an adventure. I enjoyed every bit of it. It gave me a sense of independence,â&#x20AC;? narrates the Ondo State indigene. She only visited Nigeria for holidays back then, limiting her appreciation of Nigerian soups to the south-west region. She would return to the country in 2003 after working a few years in investment banking. However, her adventurous trips broke whatever barriers that existed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always love food. My family loves food. So I have always enjoyed eating, not only in Nigeria but food from different parts of the world. I travel a lot so I just like that new experience of meeting people, eating something new. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to me and feels like education.â&#x20AC;? Quite a few will be surprised by her new adventure as she is different things to many people. Some know her as the award-winning interior designer who is the brains behind the architecture firm, iDESIGN. Others will recall her as the convener of iDESIGN Art Festival where anyone can purchase an artwork without planning a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Money Heist.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; There are those in the interior designing team who recognise her as the woman who sits on the board of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN). In other quarters, she is known as the co-founder of Bogobiri. Others simply know her as the woman who runs the Orishirishi Kitchen. In the Christian circle, she is famous for running the Christian charity programme, Alpha Nigeria. Now, she will be known as the author of a new cookbook. Is there an end to her aspirations? She laughs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fortunate to do things that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m passionate about. All the things I do, I like doing. I feel very fortunate.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My work is in finance,â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something I did earlier on when I got a degree in Economics and Politics from Bristol University. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that makes sense to go into and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful for that initial training, I think it probably sets me up for this. So Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful for that training but this is definitely what I feel Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m meant to be doing. Everything is related to what I like, culture and lifestyle. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all sort of related.â&#x20AC;? Though she has her finger in every cultural pie, Akerele grasps for words when describing herself. Energetic? She wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too sure. She asked her PR Officer, Reni Sota-Matanmi, to help her out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Culturally-inclined,â&#x20AC;? Reni says. Akerele nods in agreement. It suits her!

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FEATURE

Faces of the Seventh Next Titan: Who is going to be the winner?

AS THE BATTLE FOR THE NEXT TITAN BEGINS For the next 10 weeks, Nigerians will witness the battle for the seventh Next Titan among sixteen contestants with the aim of being the sole winner of the coveted crown. Funke Olaode writes about this TV reality show which has become a platform that showcases the best talents

ne could feel both the expectations and anxiety amongst the contestantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penultimate Sunday as the panel of judges were reeling out names of the qualified contestants who will slug it out to win the coveted crown. At the end, 16 lucky ones were selected for the competition. It was an emotional moment filled with excitement and happiness. The Next Titan is Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost entrepreneurial reality TV Show; and the show has been influencing the minds of young people in Nigeria to see entrepreneurship a viable career option considering the rate of unemployment. The past winners of the show have created jobs while many other participants who did not win the prizes have turned their lessons on the show into sustainable businesses. Aside from the entertainment aspect of the 10-week competition show, its main importance lies

in igniting entrepreneurial spirit and showcasing the possibility of entrepreneurship in transforming lives with just an idea that can be scaled to greatness with a market and with Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population. The show, by scouting for young talented people who have entrepreneurial acumen, grooming them through rigorous tasks, boardroom process, mentorship, and eventually funding winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea leading to an opportunity to create jobs for themselves and others is indeed a big contributor to the socio-economic development of our country, Nigeria. Apart from the success stories of the previous winners of the show which have been phenomenal, the Next Titan being on national television has on yearly basis impacted on the generality of other young people and viewers who have shared their testimonies regarding the programme causing a shift in their mind-sets to moving from jobs -seekers to jobs-providers. It has been a challenging year with the COVID-19 outbreak and with a lockdown that has affected the economy, businesses, and individuals, and which suddenly threw up a new

normal. In abiding with the new normal, the audition and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Top 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122; boot camp were held online before inviting the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Top 25â&#x20AC;&#x2122; physically who first went on isolation and with covid19 test run on them. The results of the whole contestants came out negative. And in furtherance of the organiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adherence to the new normal, the format of the show this year will be altered for the first time as most of the tasks of the contestants will be executed within the Titan House. However, all the tasks will remain practical and exciting despite being carried out within the House. Due to this COVID-19 pandemic, it will be making some other changes on the format of The Next Titan Nigeria, and the Season 7 will be treated as special edition. According to the Executive Producer of the show, Mide Akinlaja, this new season is holding based on the belief that a peculiar time like this requires a new breed of entrepreneurs, and it is only unstoppable entrepreneurs that can bring the world back to its place. Akinlaja said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This evening we shall be unveiling the top 26 of the new season after successful online auditions which followed thousands of entries received from young aspiring entrepreneurs across Nigeria. The new season again gives these young ambitious entrepreneurs another opportunity to showcase their business ideas and battle one another for a cash prize of 10m to start their dream business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 16 finalists will live together to compete by carrying out weekly business tasks and challenges, and with weekly evictions in the boardroom by the judges. The contestants will prove their

entrepreneurial flair through various business challenges on the 10-week show, but the effects of educating and involving Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budding entrepreneurs who will be watching the show will hopefully be far reaching. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are glad that our esteemed judges will again take advantage of their positions to mentor the contestants and millions of viewers. Though The Next Titan Show is delivered through an exciting entertainment vehicle but its primary purpose is to change the mindset of the people and by awakening the entrepreneurial spirits of audacity and creativity of young Nigerians thereby accepting responsibility of being masters of their own destiny. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In conclusion, we are excited about the new season of THE NEXT TITAN; and will like to appreciate our sponsors and partners who have made this possible and who share in our belief that this period is not a time for Nigerian entrepreneurs to give in and bury their vision, but a time to be more innovative and build new businesses.â&#x20AC;? Akinlaja expressed his appreciation to the sponsors who believed in his vision which include Heritage Bank Plc, and its CEO, Dr. Ifie Sekibo, Haven Homes and its management headed by Mr. Tayo Sonuga, Sifax Group and Dr. Afolabi, Rite Food Ltd and its management Eternal Plc, Nikky Taurus Ltd, Master Furniture, HOG Furniture, Arinka Collections and Modish formal. He added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;And to the judges who have been equally instrumental to our success over the years, he also thanked Mr. Kyari Bukar, Founder, Trans Sahara Investment; Mr. Tonye Cole, Founder, Sahara Energy, Mr. Chris Parkes, Chairman CPMS Africa, and Mrs. Lilian Olubi CEO EFG Hermes Ltd. And guest judges and Mrs. Olatorera Oniru, Remi Dairo, Chike Allisson, and Busolami Tunwase. The TV reality show is being aired every Sunday on Africa Magic Family DSTV 154 between the hours of 4pm and 5pm and also Sunday on TVC on DSTV 418: 8pm and 9pm.

NOVEMBER ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͰͮ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

High Life Political Amazon, Mulikat Adeola, Joins The 60th Gang

t 60 years of age, Hon. Mulikat Adeola brims with the energies of a 30-year-old. When there is an enduring dream, the years are nothing but polishing pads. Hon. Adeola’s long line of dreams and aspirations have done exactly this and cast her image as a bronze, solid and sparkling political Amazon, forerunner of accomplished women in politics, and darling of folks, noble and humble folks. November 11, 2020 was the day that Rt. Honourable Mulikat Amope Akande-Adeola (Hon. Mulikat Adeola, for short) clocked the diamond age of 60 years. Even with the regard of the menfolk, the love of womenfolk, and the adoration of children as her halo, this sharp native of Ogbomoso remains her very charming self. Even Princess Aderonke Adedoja (founder and CEO of ARA Foundation, National Coordinator of Nigeria Women in Politics, and a leading character of Oyo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)) referred to her as an “iconic, delectable, doggedness, vibrant and enigmatic achiever…”in her congratulatory message. For someone who has been in the political spotlight for remarkably less time than her peers, Hon. Mulikat Adeola packs a lot of weight. There are numerous reasons for this inscrutable influence, but two immediately spring to mind: her contributions to the increasing precedence of women in Nigerian politics, and her unswerving fidelity to her principles, party, and people. During the time she was to represent the Ogbomoso North, South and Oriire Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives (in 2007 and 2011), Hon. Mulikat Adeola was vocal about her belief in a balanced parliament, with women taking responsibility in the three tiers of government. It was the strength of her conviction that tipped the scales in her favour and enabled her to win the position of House Majority Leader in 2011. The same strength of conviction led to her writing and publishing her book, A Woman in Parliament, which fanned the flames of the Nigerian womenfolk and encouraged them to stop pulling their political punches. On the front of fidelity, only a handful are qualified to pair with Hon. Mulikat Adeola. She made her political debut in 1999 under the aegis of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and she has remained there ever since. She recognised a kindred spirit, Afiz Omoleader, a few months ago, and gifted him a car for his faithfulness and fidelity.

Adeola

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayﬂex2@yahoo.com

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

Ayo Fayose : The History Maker Hits 60 in Style Ekiti State has produced quite a number of frontline commandos in various aspects of Nigeria. From senior advocates to legislators, educationists, forerunners of the arts and sports, et cetera, the prestige of Ekiti is born on grand characters with grand ambitions like these. And who is the most talked about of them all but Fayose—Peter Ayodele Fayose. Former Governor Ayo Fayose is whirring up the motors of public gabfest and excitement as he hits the age of 60 running. The man is three full scores today, November 15, 2020, to the mixed reactions from all and sundry. For cardinal political characters at Fayose’s level, birthday celebrations draw more power from plans and machinations still in the pipelines than what has come before. Regardless of this (and completely ignoring his arrangements to mark the day in quietness and calm), the relatives, friends and associates of Fayose are reportedly bent on throwing a fest in his honour. King Solomon of old said that wisdom and wealth can grant protection from almost anything, but it is knowledge that saves lives. This observation has been given life by Dr. Babatunde Okewale in his newly published book, The Art of Making Babies. Already on its way to being a global bestseller and favourite among the married and baby-desiring, Dr. Okewale’s new book is not one to be cast aside after a shallow plunge. The Art of Making Babies is Dr. Okewale’s response to infertility after over 25 years of clinical practice and interaction with couples trying to get pregnant. The book details much of what he has found to be truth and what is merely propaganda in the area of conception, pregnancy and parturition; and practical solutions to impotence and barrenness. Dr. Leke Badmos (renowned obstetrician and gynecologist Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, Canada; and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) said as much in his foreword. He stated: “[The Art of Making Babies] is a must read for every woman

Fayose

To the average Nigerian, Ayo Fayose is an outspoken politician, critic and revolutionary. This

fearsome reputation of Fayose has been built over a long life of blood and sweat and tears—most of which he has forced out from detractors and opponents. Although Ayo Fayose established his political career on his Ekiti State gubernatorial mantle, the man has gone on to be more than a former governor. History books figure Fayose for a number of reasons, but most notably for the fact that he is the first—and currently only—Nigerian to push out an incumbent governor twice (Governor Niyi Adebayo in 2003 and Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2014). Indomitable is the word for him. Indomitable Ayo Fayose! At 60, the native of Afao Ekiti and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain remains his very progressive self. Challenges abound (recently, the death of his elder sister and the allegation of 2.2 billion fraud) but these have served—and are serving—to polish his journey. All things being equal, a stopover at the presidential level is not out of the question.

Babatunde Okewale Releases New Book and man who desires to have babies, or has already done so...it is an exquisite combination of natural and artificial reproduction techniques.” For someone who has pursued the subject of fruitfulness without relenting, Dr. Babatunde Okewale is qualified to promote his knowledge as something of an art and a guarantee. First, Dr. Okewale is a seasoned and senior consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, as well as a fertility expert. Although well-known for his position as the medical director of St. Ives Clinic and chairman of WFM radio station, Dr. Okewale is better renowned for his strong advocacy for women healthcare and health education. In the course of Dr. Okewale’s practice and interests in fertility matters, he has been instrumental in the delivery of over two thousand babies via in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Thus, the claims of his newly-released book are very well founded.

Okewale

New Lease of Life for Dame Patience Jonathan Shakespeare said that the world is a stage with players running up and down. Someone else added that the stage is set in a gambling den, so change and chance are the actual motivators for the helter-skelters. This is truer for former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, and her friends. With rumours of honey in Goodluck Jonathan’s beehive, folks have started to buzz around Dame Patience after five long years of unbroken intermission. Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan vacated Aso Rock Villa with his wife and family in 2015. The man lost the election, but his gentlemanly conduct won the approval of world leaders and various humanistic organisations. It has been five years, and the complaints levelled against Jonathan’s administration allegedly pale in comparison to his successor’s. This is reportedly the origin of the reports of a return, with Jonathan introducing a host of welcome reforms and policies. One spinoff of these rumours that has left jaws dropping is the sudden revitalisation of Dame Patience’s formerly wilted camp of friends and fans.

Medayese

Jonathan

Dame Patience Jonathan was First Lady for four years, and for four years, she was a celebrated darling. Power and position have their charm, but Dame Patience’s charm extended beyond these. For all intents and purposes, she was a lady of the people, admired for her simplicity, praised for her frank personality, and idolised for her motherly sentiments. Even some of the most influential Nigerian business and political characters touted Dame Patience to no end. All of that vanished after the 2015 presidential election. Dame Patience was no longer a Queen Bee, no longer invited to soirées and galas. Everything vanished, and the old Dame Patience Camp dissolved into nothing. Not anymore! The tales of Goodluck Jonathan returning to power have reminded all and sundry of the charm, simplicity and motherly sentiments of Dame Patience. According to reports, the old friends of the former First Lady have begun to congregate around her—hats off to short tenures and shorter memories.

NOVEMBER ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͰͮ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Tongues Wag as Late Lulu Briggs’ Family Refuse to Sheathe Swords

Odiakose

PR Guru, Philips Odiakose Making Waves with P+ Five years ago, Philip Odiakose, with unbent determination, resolved to fill a lacuna in the Public Relations (PR) practice in the country. Goaded by this burning desire, he launched P+ Measurement Services, which was described at inception as a good addition by the leading lights in the industry. In the past years, P+, which is reputed as one of Nigeria’s foremost independent Public Relations (PR) measurement and evaluation agencies in the country, services over 45 brands and 15 Public Relations agencies. As the only AMEC member in Nigeria, P+ has strong partnerships with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and ReelForge Media Monitoring, the biggest media monitoring agency in the East African region covering more than five countries. Speaking on its business portfolio, Odiakose, who is the Chief Insights Officer of P+, said every client media data has a story to tell “and it depends on how strategic you are in flogging the data to yield meaningful results. Odiakose disclosed that the agency boasts state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled media analysts, a situation that has greatly enhanced its clients’ businesses. “Our measurement and evaluation reports are in-depth, robust and flexible to accommodate valid metrics that brands desire to see reflected in their reports. “It is also based on the AMEC standard in accordance with the Barcelona Principle 3.0. “We deploy the P+MCA (media content analysis) methodology for media evaluation and analysis based on qualitative and quantitative metrics in analysing media exposure,” Odiakose affirmed,” he added. When asked to further comment on the agency’s portfolio, the Chief Operating Officer, Olufunke Mohammed, stated that the agency understands the value of valid PR metrics to its clients’ media performance audit report. Interestingly, in his testimonial, the Regional Executive Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Standard Bank Group, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, said Odiakose and his team had been very strategic in their inputs and futuristic in their outlook, adding that “the agency is an amazing partner on managing upheavals in the media management value chain.” In the same vein, the Principal Lead/ Chief Executive Officer, BudgIT Foundation, Gabriel Okeowo, stated that the agency had been of great support to the Foundation, “as it serves as a media crawler and auditor for its PR activities.”

Among his several heart’s desires, the late High Chief Lulu Briggs must have prayed to be survived by children who would give him a befitting burial when he breathed his last. But that prayer has yet to be answered, as the founder of Moni Pulo Limited is yet to be buried by his family, since he passed on, in a very controversial circumstance, in Ghana at the age of 89 in December 2018. Instead of coming together to carry out his most cherished wish, the once happy family has been bogged down by an unresolved disagreement, which has so far made a big mess of the burial plans at different times. At the onset of the crisis, which began shortly after the death of the Rivers State-born oil magnate and politician, not many thought it would drag this long. But trouble started for the dead when the Oruwari Briggs House of Abonnema had sponsored an advertorial published on May 23, 2019, where it said, among other disquieting claims, that “we do not know if High Chief O.B Lulu Briggs is dead or alive.” In the said advertorial, it was pointed out that since his wife, Chief Seinye Lulu Briggs travelled

with him to Ghana five months before his death, they did not set their eyes on him. So, they poohpoohed the reports of his death. To them, there is no concrete proof that the patriarch of the Lulu family is truly dead. The sponsors of the advertorial, unapologetically, also premised their claim on the fact that the rumours of his death amount to a violation of the Kalabari culture and tradition. Also, the rift between one of the sons of the deceased, Dumo, and his stepmom, Seinye Lulu Briggs, is also allegedly responsible for the delay in the burial of the patriarch of the family. But a source revealed to Society Watch that the war tearing the family apart is not unconnected to the assets left behind by the deceased, which are allegedly in the hand of his widow. It will be recalled that his wife, Seinye, had also filed a certiorari application before the Supreme Court in Accra, but the apex court declined her application for an injunction to stop the Ghana Police and the Transition Funeral Home from releasing the remains of her husband to the family. In the judgment delivered by Justice Daniel Mensah, the court declined Seinye’s application, and also ordered the family led by Dumo to take

Amni Petroleum Boss, Chief Tunde Afolabi, Celebrates at 70 The Managing Director of Amni Petroleum, Chief (Dr.)Tunde Afolabi, MFR, is definitely not one of your run-off-the mill businessmen. The oil tycoon has glided from the lowest rung of the lather to the limelight; and this is evident in the phenomenal growth of the business that he started 36 years ago. In reminiscence, Afolabi had graciously grabbed the singular opportunity that came his way with both hands at a time when many of his peers lacked the ability to see beyond their noses. And for his inspiring efforts, his company is one of the most successful indigenous oil production companies in Nigeria today. Always driven by passion, his entrepreneurship skill, without exaggeration, is legendary. Interestingly, unlike many who successful men whom have reportedly allowed fame, success and sometime stardom to turn their heads, Afolabi has rather focused on charity simply because he recognises that only God is the unseen hand behind his success story. No wonder, his success story is a lesson to many, especially youngsters whom he has mentored. In appreciation of his avuncular roles in their lives, his staff organised a remarkable 70th

Afolabi

birthday celebration for him last weekend in Lagos. It was gathered that the man, who many love to call a mentor, icon and benefactor, was

Lulu-Briggs

custody of the corpse to transport it to his hometown. With the judgment, many had thought the family would come together to bury him without any further delay, but the story seems not to have changed in any way, almost 24 months after. presented with an art work from a renowned painter, Jimoh Buraimoh. He joined the oil and gas industry 46 years ago (1974), having worked for two oil giants Texaco and Mobil in America; and later set up his own business in 1984. He obtained his first license in 1993, had his first cargo around 1996, and got a second licence in 1994. The professional geologist with years of experienced in oil and gas exploration and production from international and independent oil and gas companies is also a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), a past President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) and a council member of the Nigerian Association of Indigenous Production and Exploration Companies (NAIPEC). He was conferred with Doctor of Technology (Honoris Causa) by Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Osun State Nigeria in 2009. The billionaire has lifted a number of less privileged members of the society; his philanthropy beggars description. He is also known as an ardent supporter of churches within the Anglican denomination.

Olumide Aderinokun’s Heart’s Desire

Aderinnokun

To those who do not share in his beautiful dream, affable Olumide Aderinokun’s might have taken a presumptuous selfserving move, when he recently declared his intention to run for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. But no, well-travelled Aderinokun , whose profile is on the rise in the scheme of things in Ogun political landscape, sees the move as a way of appealing to the conscience of forwarding-looking sons and daughters of the state to rally round him to checkmate the fraud hitherto perpetrated by some persons holding elective positions in the state. Described as a grassroots man, Aderinokun is said to be committed to the development of his senatorial district and its inhabitants.

No wonder, his fans are always quick to refer to his humane gestures during the lockdown imposed on the state owing to the outbreak of Covid-19 inspired lockdown. According to his supporters, he not only helped with cash donations, he also reached out to over six thousand households within his senatorial district with relief packages running into millions of Naira. Olumide, who is revered as a great mentor, is also said to have vowed to finance any well-meaning young person or persons seeking electoral office in his constituency. A man of many parts ,Olumide has his hands in quite a number of juicy pies ranging from real estate, commercial farming and so much more.

Ooni Of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, others Honoured Last week Thursday November 12, 2020, a social cultural group led by respected Chief Akin Williams honoured deserving traditional rulers as well as iconic figures in the Yorubaland, who have done the country proud at an awards ceremony tagged “ Yoruba Creative Legends Awards.” Speaking at the event that was held inside the popular Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State, Williams said he conceived the idea about eight months ago with the sole aim of appreciating

these great individuals while they are still around. To ensure that the event lived up to its billing, he and his team visited prominent Yoruba Obas, leaders, media houses and some great minds to discuss this initiative and seek their support. Among the royal fathers were honoured are: the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

Oba Ogunwusi

NOVEMBER 15, 2020 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

#EndSars – We’re Not Listening Shebi we don’t like to hear word? We will be running around like headless chickens in a rabid bid for childish revenge. Me, I have turned my back, I no dey even read anything concerning the matter again. From labelling them terrorists, freezing accounts, taking the people to court up to the ICC. One lawyer don even carry Femi Falana go ICC. My own is simple: since we are freezing accounts, please there is one bank that say I am owing them o. I have paid principal and the original interest finish but the account is still reading interest upon interest, who can I contact in charge of freezing accounts so they can add that my own make dem freeze am too, since they don’t want to have common sense? I have said there should be no

victor or vanquished in this matter. Police brutality was a real fact of life in this country. No real adult including the writer that has not had an encounter, so up to that point the protest was legitimate. But the inexperience of the promoters was obvious when some of us called for a détente. I even shot a video when they blocked the road to Shomolu, that the whole thing was losing direction. Come and see abuse. They abused me o, calling me a mad man. But that is the exuberance of youths. They did not reckon with the teeming 40m jobless youths, the vast army of hoodlums and political thugs who litter the vast plains that is our country waiting to be hired and much more important, they also did not take into consideration the fault lines that align our country.

Ethnic, economic and political fault lines and all these came into play unleashing the kind of mayhem we have possibly not seen since the civil war. Now instead of the government to rise above and call for healing, they are standing by and watching this primitive attempted culling of some of our brightest minds. What we are playing with is the decimation of the only vibrant sector in the economy – the entertainment industry that has been valued at N3tn single-handedly built by these youths. Technology, services that continue to create jobs leveraging on innovation and driven by these minds. This draconian approach to issues is so outdated that is annoying. Mbok, let’s stop all these agbaya things and call for a détente so that we can all put heads together and seek solutions. I know they will not hear now o.

Trump

Bakasi

Azike

US ELECTIONS – LIKE JUNE 12 This thing is making me laugh. It is just like June 12 annulment saga. The man did not annul but instead he say he no gree. This fundamental error is where he should have come here to learn the tricks. As you see the vote counting dey go one side, you immediately dissolve the electoral committee, give the chairman chieftaincy title and send am to Obudu Cattle Ranch for vacation and set up a transition committee, extend your tenure till when you are sure the environment is favourable. From what I am seeing it’s like one retired election official for Nigeria that win visa lottery is advising him and he is not advising him well. The format is eerily alike o. First the Supreme Court for their side has a supportive nominee appointed months before election, then he don sack Defense Secretary and put cronies in strategic places in the Pentagon and then move in with major PR offensive on voter fraud trying to taint the process. He has also issued instructions to agencies not to cooperate with the transition team and to immediately commence work on next year’s budget. This man don read some Nigerian politician’s biography. Crazily funny. Please Mr. Trump kindly just, ‘get the hell out of the place’ that is how you people say it abi? The people have spoken and that is all that matters. Just go.

mention its name but let me just say that programme is a masterpiece. The delivery, the logic and the fun banter just make for good listening. Taking your mind away from the dreary bore that is Lagos traffic. But the one for last Wednesday evening was off the hook. Okey was livid. Be like say they have ‘freezed’ his account too and he could not reach his N30,000 chop money. He went overboard. There was nothing he did not say, mixing it with his natural comedic anecdotes and delivering punchlines that made me squirm. Then one man with a northern accent called in from Obalende and I thought that – yes they have come but the man come worse pass Okey o. He say if Oga die, him sorry, he will not cry o. Kai. What is this country turning to? No respect? Well, my own is that we should not be driven by emotions especially when we have a platform. The rant missed its mark because it turned logic on its head and just fell into the abyss of market and beer parlour gossip. Okey mbok next time be better composed, be sure of your facts and deliver your positions without that vitriol so that your point is not lost. We are all in this together, he no fit pain you pass the rest of us. God is in control.

day and people have turned their masks to condoms and moving around in a devil-may-care fashion. The average man will say there is no COVID-19 and even if there is COVID-19, na malaria and the extreme people will say ‘na something go kill person na’. Only God knows the true situation of Covid in this country. The other day, I went to do father-in-law duties for my sister who was getting married to one short fine Ibibio man at the Ikoyi Registry. Na only me wear mask out of the over 1,000 people there. The few wey even come with mask na under the chin he dey, the rest over 90% of that crowd, no mask. After sometime I begin to look foolish. The people around me no wear mask so what am I wearing mask for? The people who will cook for me, hug me, grace my bed are exposed, so suffocating myself only to be infected on top bend-bend sleep na just act of stupidity. So I removed the mask. Please, can we go and join the queue for that vaccine very quickly because apart from other things, the socio-economic devastation of this virus is terrible. Please, whither the vaccine?

OKEY BAKASSI – THAT RADIO RANT One of my favourite programmes on radio is the one anchored by this veteran comedian with other comedians and some professional radio presenters. I no want give the station unnecessary publicity so I will not

COVID-19 – WHITHER THE VACCINE? At a time like this, you thank God that the world today is a global village and that trade and communications are no longer restricted by boundaries. Otherwise, where we for run go for this covid matter? When we were having 10, 20 people infected, we shut down o. Even Duchess lock bedroom. Fear paralyze the nation. Today we are recording 300 in a

BEN AYADE’S BUDGET OF BLUSH AND BLISS This paddy na actor. Shebi me I am always on the lookout for cheap talents to use for my productions? The other day, he was crying that he cannot believe that after five years, that Cross Riverians will still remain poor. He cry o. The next day, he jump on power bike go appoint one very beautiful girl to front one utopian city he dey build. No wonder daddy call am ‘imuk’. The Obong was reported not to have minced words, anyways today we are hearing of ‘Budget of Blush

Buhari

Ayade

and Bliss’ after last year’s ‘Budget of Olymptomatic’ something. Very colourful and dramatic. You see why Chief Ayade should come to be cast in one of my plays? In fact, the delivery of the budget was so perfect that the finest stage actor would struggle to meet up. The way he explained the blush and the bliss, I had to check again to make sure I wasn’t watching an episode of the Village Headmaster. I hear that one will soon be brought back by mercurial Wale Adenuga. Anyways my lord, it is not blush or bliss. It’s delivery of very fundamental dividends of democracy to a much-harassed people. Thanks. AMAKA ANDY-AZIKE – PENSION ON HER MIND I got a call from this elegant lady one night and pension was on her mind. Edgar, do you know that the transfer window will soon be opened and that people can now ‘port’ from one pension fund administrator to the other from Monday? Amaka is my friend and we were in class at LBS together. She used to be very quiet and patient and her smile was ever present. She grew to lead Fidelity Pensions and I am sure it is her passion for people’s future and their rest of mind that have propelled such a wonderful career. She said, “The Duke, you have a lot of influence, can you kindly send out this message because the efficiency of the pension industry in respect of returns and payments is very critical to a fulfilled life after service.” I couldn’t agree more. So, I have agreed to have her on Zoom to discuss this matter squarely o. Me, I am keen because I am a pensioner too.

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

15.11.2020

THE LITERARY LIVES AND TIMESOFKENSARO-WIWA Cover continued on Page 68

Saro-Wiwa...

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

ARTS & REVIEW\\TRIBUTE

THE LITERARY LIVES AND TIMES OF KEN SARO-WIWA Though Ken Saro-Wiwa is best remembered as the leader of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), it washisworkasawriterthatgavehimtheinternationalgravitasthatpropelledthecause,writesUzor Maxim Uzoatu

here is no escaping the fact that Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa, famously known as Ken Saro-Wiwa, packed too many lifetimes into one life. His hanging by the General Sani Abacha regime on November 10, 1995 was a universal cause célèbre. It can be all too easy for many to give Ogoni activism the greater parameter in any discussion of the mourned one, but make no mistake about it: it was literature that offered Ken Saro-Wiwa the needed pedestal to bestride the globe. Ken Saro-Wiwa understood the power of the written word from very early in his educational attainments. By the time he got admitted to the famous Government College, Umuahia, his embrace of the liberal arts was total. At the University of Ibadan, he upped the ante with service as the president of the Dramatic Society, and he equally weighed in as a redoubtable performer with the University Travelling Theatre. It was indeed a problematic world that Ken Saro-Wiwa grew up into, needing to break from Biafra during the civil war into the larger Nigerian nation. The politics of the time is not my forte here. It suffices to stress that beyond the politics of the war and the aftermath, Ken Saro-Wiwa was poised on a literary upswing when he was among the over 600 wannabes who entered for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), London playwriting competition in October 1971 tagged “Write A Play For Africa”. Ken Saro-Wiwa’s entry entitled “The Transistor Radio” won the “Joint Fourth Prize” alongside fellow Nigerian Charles C. Umeh’s “Double Attack” and Ghanaian Derlene Clems’ “Scholarship Woman”. The First Prize was won by the South African Richard Rive for his two-actor play “Make Like Slaves”. The three judges for the contest were Wole Soyinka, Martin Esslin and Lewis Nkosi. Soyinka’s statement on “The Transistor Radio” reads thus: “It is really well shaped. We get a sense of literally the whole city being fake and phoney, and in the end you wonder if such a town exists. But in spite of that the characters are there, their vitality, their will to live. Their means are discreditable but the author achieves this difficult task of arousing condemnation and at the same time admiration for the individuals.” According to Lewis Nkosi, “Transistor Radio really captured my heart. The quality of the dialogue really gave me the feeling of real people talking. I’m very partial to comedy when it is well done, and really one must prize comedy because these problems are so crucial that often there is a tendency to be very weighty, morally weighty, about them.” It is indeed interesting that the celebrated Jimi Solanke played the lead role of Basi in the BBC recording of the play on July 23, 1972. “The Transistor Radio” is a very funny comedy about the young unemployed Lagos man Basi who devises many tricks for

Saro-Wiwa not paying his rent to the landlady and generally surviving on the edge in the big city with bright lights. It can be argued that the entire theatrical output of Ken Saro-Wiwa via the television series “Basi and Company” emanated from the 30-minute radio play “The Transistor Radio”. Ken Saro-Wiwa spelt his name back then as Ken Tsaro-Wiwa. Writing also as Ken Tsaro-Wiwa, he first got published in 1973 by the Lagos-based Longmans Publishers with two children’s books: Tambari and Tambari in Dukana. The eponymous hero’s adventures in the rural beach town of Dukana are captured within the ambit of childlike innocence and magic. The half-human, half-fish Mami-water rules the waves. There is the arresting story of the happy-go-lucky man Kaiza who threw his fishing net into the waters and came up with “a bag of money” which he eventually lost. Like Basi in “The Transistor Radio” the thematic thread reads: “Come easy, go easy.” Nothing much issued from Ken Saro-Wiwa’s pen after the initial promise of the early 1970s. He had to wait till 1985 to

publish a collection of poems Songs in a Time of War through his newly-established publishing company Saros, based in Port Harcourt. The verses are in fine a meditation on the NigeriaBiafra war though the longest piece in the collection, a pidgin poem “Dis Nigeria Sef” was written in 1977, seven years after the war had ended. Poetry, it has to be stated, is not Ken Saro-Wiwa’s strongest forte. Ken Saro-Wiwa raised not a little controversy upon the publishing in 1985 of Sozaboy: A Novel in Rotten English. The book based on the meaninglessness of war can be said to be Ken Saro-Wiwa’s magnum opus. His use of language, which he calls “rotten English”, has been acclaimed by some critics. The title character Sozaboy is a naïve young recruit in the war who lacks any understanding of what he is in the war for, and ends up broken. The critic Pita Okute, writing in Vanguard newspaper, dismissed Sozaboy for having a “silly plot”. This criticism drew the ire of Ken Saro-Wiwa who had to depict the critic Pita Okute as Pita Dumbrok in his novel-in-progress being published in the Nigerian newspapers. The novel was eventually published as Prisoners of Jebs with Pita Dumbrok mouthing “silly plot” at every turn. He first wrote about the novel-in-progress in his 1977 column in The Punch newspaper. The column eventually resurrected in Vanguard newspaper in 1985. Jebs Prison was set up by the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on an artificial island in the Atlantic Ocean off the Nigerian coast. Ken Saro-Wiwa penned a sequel to the novel entitled Pita Dumbrok’s Prison. Building on the early gravitas of “The Transistor Radio” and the hit television series he created, Ken Saro-Wiwa published Basi and Company: A Modern African Folktale in 1987. Basi deploys the trickster motif of the tortoise in African fables to survive all obstacles. It is within this domain that Saro-Wiwa in the selfsame 1987 published Basi and Company: Four Television Plays. Ken Saro-Wiwa’s collection of short stories, A Forest of Flowers, was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize in 1987. Graham Hough, writing in London Review of Books, stressed: “Ken Saro-Wiwa’s extremely accomplished collection of short stories stands to Nigeria in something of the same relation as Joyce’s Dubliners to Ireland… There is great variety… and immense satisfaction for the reader in the adroitness and variety of the presentation.” In 1989 Ken Saro-Wiwa published another collection of short stories Adaku & Other Stories via his overseas publishing company, Saros International, London. The 176-page-book contains 18 short stories. Twelve of the stories deal subtly with man-woman relations in a manner ahead of its time. ––Uzoatu writes from Awka, Anambra State Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

ART X

December to Remember with ART X LAGOS 2020 Yinka Olatunbosun

est Africa's largest premier art fair, Art X Lagos is breaking its tradition in more ways than one this year. First, the fair for this season is set to be an all-virtual experience for its large audience instead of the usual art pilgrimage at its physical venue, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. Secondly, it would run from December 2 to 9 with a huge parade of galleries, artists and other creatives to relive the spirit of shared humanity. Originally scheduled for November 6 to 15, the fair has been stalled by the EndSARS protests and the state of unrest that ensued afterwards. Organised by ART X Collective, with Access Bank has its lead sponsor, the fair excludes the Art X Prize with Access segment as the raging pandemic had interfered with the art calendar in general this year. Still, the fair promises to be lively as it features interactive pieces that make navigating online a delight. The Founder and CEO, ART X Collective, Ms.Tokini Peterside spoke on why the fair is important even at this crucial

time in global history. “Although we have taken the decision to postpone this year’s fair for a few weeks, our dedication to championing the excellence, creativity and resilience of artists from Africa and the Diaspora remains unchanged,” she explained. “2020 has been a year of awakening - from the turmoil of the #EndSARS protests sweeping across Nigeria, the ongoing pandemic being experienced around the world, and the global reckoning with centuries of inequality and violence against black bodies.” ART X Collective is an organisation run by young people hence it is no surprise that many participating artists would be sourced from the photographers and filmmakers who had documented the socio-political climate of this period. “We will work to amplify their voices in the coming weeks, and champion the art and creativity that can contribute tangibly to the movement for a New Nigeria,” she continued. “We share a vision for Nigeria’s future in which everyone can realise their fullest potential, and remain committed to providing platforms for expression, upliftment and inspiration. We look forward to staging our fifth edition fair and creating a space where we can come together to contemplate society’s shared demands and expectations for tomorrow, and to meditate on new ideas for how our global community might move forward as one.”

On what motivated her to tap into her inner resilience to ensure that the Art X 2020 takes place despite all odds, Peterside revealed that it is a combination of many factors. “This year has tested the very essence of our humanity, and has brought upheaval to us all, with unique challenges to artists and entrepreneurs in the culture sector. The 5th Edition of ART X Lagos will be the culmination of creativity, grit and purpose, in spite of adversity. Our previous editions have shown ourselves, and the world, what is possible within the African imagination, when we come together, united by our passion and enthusiasm for our continent’s creators. Our belief remains, that the future is bright for Africa and its creative talent, and we are thankful to our community for joining us to make this a reality.” ART X Collective’s flagship platform, ART X Lagos, has become a firm cornerstone of the African art calendar. Since its debut in 2016, the art fair (which is the first of its kind in West Africa) has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors, including international and regional art collectors, patrons of the arts, scholars, critics and more. The fair has also hosted delegations from leading global art institutions who have experienced the cutting edge of African contemporary

Peterside and modern art at ART X Lagos - these attendees and the satellite exhibitions that have emerged in response to the fair, are undoubtedly indicators of Lagos’ position as a fast-emerging and exciting cultural hub. ART X Collective also includes an advisory arm which since its founding in 2012 has developed businesses and projects in the culture and luxury sector.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

CICERO

Editor:Olawale Olaleye Email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

Paying Attention to Covid-19 Resurgence With sundry governance challenges, socio-economic and political distractions dominating the centre stage, the reality of a vicious second wave of COVID-19 pandemic deceptively seems a distant event, writes Louis Achi, who looks at the big picture

oday, there are now vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases on the planet. Unfortunately, the coronavirus disease is not yet a human vaccine-preventable disease. But happily, work is going on at unprecedented speed to alter that status and make COVID-19 a vaccine-preventable malady. According to the World health Organisation (WHO), there are more than 100 COVID-19 vaccine candidates under development, with a number of these in the human trial phase and several may report results later this year. WHO is working in collaboration with scientists, business, and global health organisations to accelerate the pandemic response. On Monday, Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE announced that a vaccine candidate against COVID-19 achieved success in its first interim analysis from a Phase-3 Study. “Today is a great day for science and humanity. The first set of results from our Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial provides the initial evidence of our vaccine’s ability to prevent COVID-19,” crooned Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and CEO. “We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development programme at a time when the world needs it most with infection rates setting new records, hospitals nearing over-capacity and economies struggling to reopen,” he said. Significantly, the breakthrough proclaimed by Pfizer’s enthusiastic chairman has not yet received critical, scientific validation from WHO. While this may not diminish the essence of the touted breakthrough, the crucial green light by the world organisation is not there yet. The newness of the Coronavirus makes this affirmation from WHO imperative. For Africa, Nigeria and the rest of the world, this fundamentally means that all the precautions, however boorish, must still be tightly maintained as tested first lines of preventive defence against the COVID-19 pandemic. But clearly, perceptions of the high danger the Coronavirus disease poses strongly appear to have waned. Even before the approaching Christmas and New Year seasons, folks are beginning to feel it is safe to let down their guards. Several indicators confirm this worrying footing. Wearing of facemasks have largely been thrown to the dogs, the hand-washing protocol has been abandoned, mass gatherings, weddings, parties, clubbing, and wait for it – protests are back plus enthusiastic mass lootings of palliative warehouses. Health experts are shouting themselves hoarse in warnings that these trends portend danger but pretty few are listening. Now, across Europe and North America, the feared second wave of coronavirus is on. But a quirky dimension to the global ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic may explain the laissez-faire attitude of many Nigerians. At the onset of the Coronavirus outbreak, public health experts warned of the shattering effect it would have on Nigeria and the African continent. Significantly, that dour forecast has not occurred in sharp contrast with the devastation the viral malady has wreaked in the West. Not surprisingly, many scientists are still struggling to unravel the underlying factors. But beyond the puzzling contrast, as the numbers gradually scale-up in Nigeria, legitimate fears are widespread that

Boss Mustapha with President Muhammadu Buhari perhaps a more vicious and deadly second wave may soon hit landfall, catching Nigerians pants-down. This is even more so with sundry governance challenges, socio-economic and political distractions taking centre stage, stoking the deceptive impression that a second wave of COVID-19 pandemic seems a distant call. Even the central and state governments seem hardly to be bothered with close adherence and enforcement of COVID-19 safety protocols. Most basic safety protocols are now ditched in the public space and even in government establishments. The Ondo and Edo States where governorship elections were recently held with large active gatherings participating without the requisite social distancing and use of facemasks come to mind. Some specific indicators point to the worrying fact that the danger of a second wave may be making the shore already. A fortnight ago, Nigeria recorded 937 new cases, a two per cent increase from the previous week’s record of 923 cases, which was a 32 per cent increase from the preceding week. The nation recorded its highest daily figure of confirmed infections in three months with the 300 reported cases last Sunday, raising the total count to over 64, 000. According to Mr. Ihekweazu, an NCDC Director, the health agency has also carried out its own survey. “In the survey we carried out, most people believe that although COVID-19 poses a significant national challenge, their perception of their own risk of catching it is much lower. “We must remain cognisant of the fact that we are dealing with a pandemic caused by a new virus. We still do not have all the answers we need including information on long-term

effects of the disease. “We appeal to Nigerians to adhere to all public health and safety measures. COVID-19 is real. The statistics we receive daily on the number of deaths are people with families, friends and loved ones,” he said. Further, according NCDC, till date, over 64,000 cases have been confirmed in Nigeria, 58,249 cases have been discharged and 1,141 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. With over 21,000 infections, Lagos remained the nation’s worst hit city, followed by the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with more than 6,000 cases, and Plateau State, where more than 3,600 cases have been confirmed. Amid fears of a second wave of the pandemic, President Muhammadu Buhari stressed the need to avoid a new spike in the country as its economy “is too fragile “to endure a new lockdown. “Looking at the trends in the other countries, we must do all we can to avert a second wave of COVID-19 in Nigeria. We must make sure that our cases, which have gone down, do not rise again. Our economy is too fragile to bear another round of lockdown,” Buhari tweeted. Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country, is among the five hardest-hit countries in Africa, along with South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Ethiopia. Ever since first reported in Wuhan City of China last December, COVID-19 has affected over 45 million people across the globe with over 1.18 million people dying from coronavirus infection. It also became a factor in deciding the outcome of the recent US presidential election.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

Lest Hoodlums Reign Supreme

S Adamu, Police IGP

ince the morning after the #EndSARS protests, which left many police officers dead and a few of their stations razed by hoodlums, who hijacked an otherwise peaceful movement, the police, perhaps, out of sheer intimidation or the trauma of the attacks on their men, had left their duty posts unmanned. With the space now left ungoverned, initial reports of attacks by hoodlums and petty thieves from the streets targeting motorists and unsuspecting commuters, often in traffic, seemed like no bid deal or something that would fizzle out in no time. But, as it is, their “senior colleagues”, believed to have looted police armoury in different places are gradually

taking over the streets. Given a recent attack on a Bullion Van, which left two dead in Ajah part of Lagos, the stories from the streets are even the more niggling! They hold something more ominous and disturbing for the ember months, particularly, December, which entertains a lot of festivities. In a nutshell, it is not looking good out there for the law-abiding citizens. Although the police are gradually returning to duty, even though they choose the places they now go, the truth is they have to be everywhere and fast too, before the degeneration into anarchy goes beyond them. Above all, the police need the support of the people to get round the current ugly situation and vice versa, before the streets are deserted and left at the mercy of men of the underworld.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

BRIEFINGNOTES Dismantling a Rogue Pension Regime In the days ahead, there might be agitations for other governors to emulate their counterpart in Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to dismantle their pension laws for ex-governors and their deputies in view of the economic realities in the country, writes Davidson Iriekpen

agos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lastTuesday unfolded plans to repeal the public officials’ pension law, which grants certain benefits to former elected governors and deputy governors. The governor, who gave the hint during his 2021 budget presentation to the House of Assembly, said he would send an Executive Bill to scrap the law, because the entitlements were not sustainable due to financial constraints. He said the repeal of the law would reduce the cost of governance and foster the spirit of selfless service. According to him,“In the light of keeping the costs of governance low and to signal selflessness in public service, we will be sending a draft Executive Bill to the House immediately for the repeal of the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension Law, 2007), which provides for payment of pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies. “It is our firm belief that with dwindling revenues and the apparent inflationary rates, we need to come up with innovative ways of keeping the cost of governance at a minimum while engineer- Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu ing a spirit of selflessness in public service.” Lagos State blazed the trail in 2007, when its then equivalent to the salary he was receiving while in office.” Governor, Senator BolaTinubu, at the twilight of his tenure, This had triggered a reaction that he never could imagine, signed into law a bill earlier passed to provide pension and besides creating a devastating ripple effect on the undeserved other welfare benefits to former governors and their deputies earnings of other holders of high office. He saidYari, paid beyond the package outlined for former political officeholders himself N300 million as severance while the state owed N10 nationwide by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal billion in pensions. Commission (RMAFC). Moment after, the state House of Assembly swung into Soon after, other governors including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, action by revoking the law on which authorityYari made his Kwara, started replicating the law in their states. Despite strong demand. They said the over N700million the state would save opposition from rights group, the states and ex-governors have from the repealed pension law for ex-governors would be used continued to benefit from the humongous allowances. for youth empowerment and the development of infrastructure According to the Lagos Public Office Holder (Payment of in the state. Pension) Law, which most of the states copied verbatim, former A recent report indicated that states paying former governors governors of the state, who completed two terms consecutively, and their deputies jumbo pensions and other juicy perks, top are entitled to a house each in any location of their choice in the list of states with the highest domestic and external debts in Lagos and Abuja. the country. Also, a former governor is entitled to six new cars every three The report said the states owe a total of N4,920,194,580,284.72 years, 100 per cent of the basic salary of the serving governor (about N4.4trillion), comprising N2,906,789,725,341.46 domestic (N7.7million per annum), free health care for himself and debt and $3,311,780,571.71 (N1,013,404,854,943.26) foreign debts members of his family as well as furniture allowance, which is as of June 30, 2019. 300 per cent of their annual basic salary (N23.3million). The debt being owed by such states, according to some As at last count, the former governors, who were entitled to analysts, is a clear indication that the jumbo pensions for former the benefits under the law were, Alhaji Lateef Jakande (1979governors are not sustainable, especially, with the low level of 1983), Senator BolaTinubu (1999-2007), Mr. Babatunde Fashola development in the states and the struggle by most of them to (2007-2015), and Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2015-2019). implement the new N30,000 minimum wage. The ex-deputy governors included Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu Due to the economic crises, many of the states and some (1991-1993), Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele (1999-2002), others have had to rely on bailouts from the federal government Mr. Olufemi Pedro (2002-2007), Prince Abiodun Ogunleye to pay salaries and pensions. (2007), Princess Sarah Sosan (2007-2011), Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeIn the foreign debt category, the states, with the pension laws, Adefulire (2011-2015), and Dr. Idiat Adebule (2015-2019). leading the debtors’list, in the order of their liability, include To many analysts, maintaining these ex-officials is certainly Lagos, Edo, Oyo, Bauchi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Osun, Rivers, at a huge cost to the state, which is becoming unsustainable. It is Ebonyi and Imo states. Others include Niger, Nasarawa, Delta, not only Governor Sanwo-Olu that is unhappy with the law. In Kano, Katsina, Bayelsa, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Gombe, November 2019, the Governor of Zamfara State, Governor Bello Zamfara, Jigawa, Kogi,Yobe, and Borno states. Matawalle, was alarmed when his predecessor, Abdul’azizYari Among the states, Lagos State, which owes N479bn domestic wrote a letter to him requesting the payment of his“monthly and $1.4bn foreign debts, and tops the two debtors’lists, has upkeep allowance of N10 million naira only…and a pension the first pension law for former governors in the history of the

country. Even when most Nigerians had condemned the laws against the backdrop of the fact that the ex-officials only served between four and eight years as against many other public officers, who served 30 to 35 years without such pecks, their greed and avarice became even more apparent, when many of them were either appointed ministers or were elected senators where they still take jumbo salaries, allowances and other pecks. When the agitations to repeal the laws fell on deaf ears, sequel to a suit filed by a civil society organisation, Social and Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP), a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the stoppage of pensions to ex-governors and their deputies nationwide. The court consequently also directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN to challenge the legality of states’pension laws permitting former governors and other ex-public officials to collect such pensions. While the AGF was examining how to handle the issue in view of the argument that states have the powers to make their own laws, the National Industrial Court in January this year, while ruling in a suit brought against theTaraba State Government by a former acting Governor of the state, Mr. Garba Umar, declared as null and void, payment of pensions and gratuities to former governors and deputy governors that are not in harmony with what is fixed by the RMAFC. The court held that it appeared that there was a“contradiction by the provision of section 124(5)‘of the 1999 Constitution’, which enabled the House of Assembly of a state to provide for pension or gratuity to governors and deputy governors which items are also placed under the exclusive legislative list under Part 1, of the Second Schedule to the 1999 Constitution.” “The question then is how to reconcile these two provisions of the constitution.The answer is by adopting a purposeful approach by which the court is required to look at the constitution as a whole and construe its provisions in such a way as to give effect to the general and specific purposes for which it was enacted; that is good governance and the welfare of all Nigerians based on the principles of equality and justice,”it held. The court went further to hold that the state Houses of Assembly in Nigeria lacked the power to fix any amount in remuneration to its past governors and deputy governors as pension or gratuity unless the RMAFC first of all determined an amount as pension and gratuity to past governors and deputy governors in which case such amount, so fixed, shall not exceed the amount as have been determined by the commission. It said since the commission had not fixed any amount as pension and gratuity to past governors and deputy governors in Nigeria, any law made by any state House of Assembly granting pension and gratuity to its past governors and deputy governors was therefore null and void.

NOTES FOR FILE

Trump’s Shithole Mentality

Trump

It appears the talks about strong institutions are being over-emphasised. And this is because the issues are not being properly situated. Can there be strong institutions without people of good character, integrity pedigree and the fear of God? Maybe not! Interestingly, whenever strong institutions are being debated, especially, in climes considered sane, the place of good men of character, integrity pedigree and the fear of God as a precondition are usually being relegated, making it seem as though the institutions are run by

machines, and not humans. Even where machines are deployed to use, humans programmed them. Not surprisingly, this debate is being brought forward again for a review by no other person than the president of the United States of America, Donald Trump. With his attitude reminiscent of a third world president in a first world country, the talk about strong institutions must always be situated in context. Trump has shown and proven without equivocation that it takes just one “contrarian” to expose the fallacy about strong

institutions. Not only has he demystified the American electoral system; he has also opened a system that availed him a rare opportunity of being president to international ridicule and embarrassment. That he even prides in his “shithole mentality” is a proof that no country is immune from such individuals, who can change the tide for the ugly. Trump has put the US in such a place it would take a long time to recover from, not even the Joe Biden presidency can ascertain the extent of the damage.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

CICERO/ONTHEWATCH

Umahi

UndercurrentsofUmahi’sDefectionMoves Save for the unintended, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, is already out of the Peoples Democratic Party, writes Benjamin Nworie

t appears shocking and incredible but a fact that must be accepted. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might have lost one of its prominent members to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Only time is being awaited for the big catch to be unveiled officially. The rumour of the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, from the PDP to the APC is already gathering momentum. Though Umahi has not officially declared his intention to leave the PDP, his decision to join the APC seems irreversible and irrevocable. The political environment in Ebonyi is quite confusing for members of the PDP, who believe that the governor’s planned defection offers no clout to them in the new party. However, with the expiration of the one week ultimatum issued to the National Working Committee of the PDP by members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and the State chapter of the PDP led by Barrister Onyekachi Nwebonyi, for the presidential position of the party to be zoned to the Southeast, it appears that the defection plan has been stamped and sealed. Many people feel that the PDP has not been fair to the people of the South East zone and Umahi wants to use himself as a sacrificial lamb to score a patriotic point to Ndigbo. Since 1999, PPP has not considered the Southeast region for the presidential position and this development might have angered Umahi on his courageous decision to abandon the party. But, whether there’s another agreement anywhere that might have necessitated Umahi’s defection, it has set a new agenda that would correct some imbalances meted out against the Ndigbo in Nigeria’s politics. More so, the interest of the Southeast would not be relegated to the background again in the scheme of things or national politics. Observers see it as a starting point for the emancipation of the Igbo race if stakeholders and personalities could subdue their personal interests to set a new course for their people. Indeed, Umahi’s position was considered as a courageous and patriotic adventure. They hinted that though Umahi might have presidential ambition, his defection to the national ruling party would position him and the Southeast region for more chances and opportunities in national affairs. As a good

advocate for equity and fairness to Ndigbo, the decision to join the APC might be condemnable but good for the overall interest of the Southeast zone. Ndigbo has been complaining of criminal marginalisation and neglect, but it seems that personalities from the region have no clout to protest or obviously self-centered. Perhaps, this may not be unconnected to why some members of the APC from the region are restless over Umahi’s defection to the party. The fear is that with the leadership credentials and impressive performance of Umahi, he might become a beautiful bride in the zone if APC decided to zone the presidential ticket to the region. But this development is not palatable with a few people, including the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnay Onu. Umahi and Onu hail from the same Uhuru community in Ohaozara Local Government. So, the defection was naturally a nightmare for Onu, who feels that Umahi might force his national relevance to extinction. But Onu is like a proverbial prophet not known in his hometown. The Minister may have national recognition but politically irrelevant in his home state. This is why some of his APC members often chastise him that he can’t win any electoral booth in the state. Though there were reported moves by some bigwigs in the PDP to prevent Umahi from leaving the party, some analysts contended that it was safer for the governor to join the APC than reverse his decision. Already, the 24 members of the House of Assembly, the 13 council chairmen, 64 Development Center Coordinators might have also made up their minds to go to the APC with him. It’s still not clear whether the Nine members of the National Assembly would be convinced on the need to join the new party but it was said that the governor had briefed them on the development. Expectedly, some PDP members, who may refuse to defect to the APC, might form alliances to fight Umahi. These alliances might have started to emerge. The likes of Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator Sam Egwu and others may also draw a battle line if they were not convinced about joining APC with the governor. But Ogba is a number one person that would not join the APC. He feels that the vacancy that may be created if the governor exits would automatically make him the leader and strong voice of PDP everywhere. Ogba also stands a better chance of “hijacking” the PDP structure in the

state, which he might use to prosecute his rumoured governorship ambition. But if that happens, there might not be hope of reclaiming the State by the PDP. The reason is not farfetched. Ogba is from a minority clan. But if Ogba can sacrifice his governorship ambition and support the populous Ezza clan for the governorship seat whereas he secures his return ticket, the APC would have to fight hard to retain the seat.

Ucha’s Hope of Redeeming Ebonyi APC The chief protagonist of the new political movement in Ebonyi is Senator Julius Ucha. Ucha is a chieftain of the APC in Ebonyi state. He is the initiator and convener of the Southeast Mandate, a political movement for Igbo Presidency in 2023. He was a two-term Senator and pioneer Speaker of Ebonyi State house of Assembly. Since 2014 after the merger that birthed the APC, Ebonyi State chapter of the party had known no peace. The APC was fractionalised. One faction was loyal to Onu and the other was loyal to Ucha. This development has dealt a big blow to the fortunes of the party in the State. With Ucha’s high political relevance in the state, the defection of the governor seems to be his pet project and mission that must be accomplished. Unlike Onu, Ucha is highly working hard to drag a sitting governor to APC. At a stakeholders meeting held at Salt Spring Hotels in Abakaliki, the state capital, Ucha urged members of the APC to go into fervent prayers as he announced that the Party has made a big catch in the Southeast with the imminent defection of Umahi. Ucha said: “For the first time, APC will be in control of governance in the state and will make governors of other south east states declare for the party. I told President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to the state in 2017 that governors are very powerful individuals, who could not be ignored in any way. “We should continue praying that nothing stops this move, because the world’s greatest wireless connection is prayer. The struggle for party leadership does not make sense as I have been struggling since I left the PDP for the defunct ANPP. The struggle in most cases has been in vain and I will not continue to struggle or be interested in factions. Party faithful should also ensure they register in the forthcoming party’s registration exercise, because overtaking is allowed in party

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

CICERO/ONTHEWATCH

Unsavoury State of APC In the ruling All Progressives Congress, the centre appears shaky, writes Chuks Okocha

t was foretold that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not hold the planned national convention in December this year. Only political neophyte would believe that Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State would keep to the December national convention date. The planned national convention is the soul of the party to determine the political permutations of 2023. To hold the national convention as planned in December 2020 is to weed out several interest groups that are central to the 2023 political calculations. For instance, it was gathered that the emergence of the new national chairman and other officers of the party would decide where the presidential candidate and the running mate would come from. The December convention would have wittingly decided the fate of many political stakeholders angling for the presidential ticket of the party. A stakeholder, who is equally a Senator told THISDAY that if the party went ahead to conduct the national convention in December, and the National Chairman of the party is from the Southeast, it would have been a death sentence to the presidential aspiration of some interests, who are willing to join the party. Clearly speaking, the senator said the planned defection of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, into the APC would been stopped with the national chairman coming from the south. It was gathered, therefore, that the national convention was tactically put off till 2021 to accommodate some other interests from the Southeast. Also, another governor from the Southeast may soon declare for the APC. The question, therefor, is: what becomes the fate of these governors, who are itching to join the APC with the anticipation that the presidency of the party would be zoned to the Southeast? Once there is a new registration of new members across the 119,000 wards, then, there must be the emergence of new wards executives and this will follow down to the local governments level and the states. So, under the circumstance, the putting off the national is aimed at addressing some of the issues that will address where the presidential candidates will emerge. It is also, a plot for the soul of the party. This is because the President Muhammadu Buhari political camp, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) are in battle for the soul of the party. In the ensuing battle, the tendency that the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) might join forces with the CPC to overcome the ACN led by Tinubu is high. For instance, the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu, Ogbonnaya Onu and Roachas Okorocha might pitch tent with Buhari’s CPC, leaving behind the ACN alone. It is even believed that when the push comes to shove, the Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi might also pitch tent with Buhari against Tinubu. But as the permutations continue, the ACN might resist the CPC, presenting another presidential candidate since Buhari’s camp might have taken effective charge. For fairness and the continued survival and relevance of the APC, it is expected that the Southwest would battle for the presidential ticket. In this emerging scenario, the national chairman of the APC may come from the north. Whichever side produces the presidential ticket, then, the other side will come up with the National chairman. This is between North and South The Southwest is not sleeping in all these political calculations, because there are known members in the zone with unbridled presidential ambition. Will they sacrifice it to the Southeast? But time will tell on how this battle of the Titans will pan out. However, with the registration of new members, it is expected that new entrants would demand a change in the various states structures and this could warrant state congresses to accommodate their interests. Moreover, by the time and dates of the national convention, some states chapters of the party would be due for new headship. The idea is to retrieve the party completely from the strong hold of ACN, which Tinubu represents. According to some stakeholders in APC, “You cannot be planning to reform the party, when most of the various states’ chairmen have their loyalty to some camps”. It is expected that the removing the clogs from the old camps is not allowed to affect the

Buhari and Buni new order that is being envisaged. Or, put simply, you don’t put old wine in a new bottle. Though the Buni leadership is hinging the need to shift the convention, so as to ensure reconciliations and unity within the party. As the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu once said, there are several crises in the party that are yet to be addressed. “I personally can’t factor the true reason behind Alhaji Abdullahi Dauda’s concern about APC members’ preference for a December, 2020 National Convention election to genuine reconciliation of gravely fractured party before convention? “Truly, methinks we should all support the M.M.Buni (MMB) led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee to diligently fix and reposition our great party before any convention. “A cursory glance at the damage done to the soul of our great party, beginning from our victory in 2015; to regrettably the culture of impunity, which bedeviled our 2018 primaries to say the least, is deep and unprecedented. “Accordingly, the MMB’s Committee requires deep introspection to gather the pieces, reconcile the various warlords and tendencies. If it takes six or twelve months, one may not mind so as to achieve substantial cohesion before the crucial 2023 general election. The Committee represents most tendencies,” he said. Yet, the matter remains how the APC caretaker committee would weather the storm that might follow the postponement? It is a done deal that there would be no convention for the APC this December as President Buhari has bought into the idea. However, there would be a National Executive Committee (NEC). A member of the caretaker committee said Buni and his members might have succumb to pressure and now plan the party’s NEC before the end of December in order to seek extension of their tenure to enable them finish their task, especially, the membership registration exercise. Different sources told THISDAY that the Buni-led group within the party would be strongly resisted at the NEC meeting over their plot. The source said there were considerations before some interest groups in the party on how to tackle the CTC led by the Yobe governor. According to the source, who pleaded anonymity, because of fear of victory, the options include, “It is either we push for total dissolution of the national caretaker committee or one-month timetable will be designed – within which a national convention will be organised for us to elect new members of the National Working Committee of the party. “Buni and his cronies have proved to us that they have a different agenda outside the assignment that was given to the committee a few months ago. Many of our leaders and members no longer have confidence in Buni-led committee,” the member of

the committee said. The source added that Buni was until recently acting like a sole administrator of APC until it became clear to him that he could not go far with such a tendency. Also, another source within the party, suspected to be loyal to Tinubu, and some APC governors, said the committee had outlived its usefulness and should go after its tenure by December. He said they might canvass for this option and the setting up of a convention committee at the NEC meeting in December. The spokesperson for Concerned APC Members, a pressure group in the party, Mr. Abdullahi Dauda, told THISDAY that the duration given for the committee was six months while the two major assignment given to them were to reconcile aggrieved members and organise a convention by December. “There is nobody, again, I repeat it, nobody has the power or mandate to extend their tenure. Even the mandate given to them was a violation of Article 17(4) of our party’s constitution. There is no way Mai Mala Buni should be the chairman, because he is already the Governor of Yobe State. But we respect Mr. President, who appointed the 13-man committee,” Dauda stated. Also, former local government chairmen on the platform of the APC have asked the party members to resist the tenure elongation bid of the committee. The group, under the aegis of the National Association of the former Elected Local Government Chairmen, made the request recently at a news conference in Sokoto. Led by its National President, Alhaji Ibrahim Haske, the group said it was forced at this time to express the fears of members about what he described as the unfortunate state of affairs of the party. “We have no doubt that you would all agree with us that the ruling APC currently tethers on the precipice of disintegration if urgent care and caution are not taken. The bitter truth and reality in APC now is while President Muhammadu Buhari is busy working for change, fifth columnists are busy working for their selfish ends. They do not care whether the APC disintegrates or not as long as their gluttonous nests are feathered,” he said. The group explained that when the caretaker committee assumed office on June 25, party members accepted the strange arrangement as a result of respect for the president, adding that, “But unfortunately to our amazement, it began to play the script of the so-called cabal in the party, instead of uniting various entities in the party, the committee is doing the opposite.” As things are at the moment, only the NEC meeting of the APC will salvage the soul of the party. The NEC meeting could be rowdy, as all contending forces in the party would attend to protect their interests. Besides, the venue of the NEC meeting would determine attendance.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

CICERO/TRIBUTE

Balarabe Musa’s Power of Example A former governor of the old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, who passed on last week, led a life worthy of emulation, both in public service and his private life, writes John Shiklam

alarabeAbdulkadir Musa, the radical third republic governor of old Kaduna State, before Katsina was chiseled out, took the final bow on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Born on October 24, in Kaya town, Giwa Local GovernmentArea of Kaduna, Musa was an apostle of good governance and the emancipation of the “Talakawa” (masses). Musa attended Elementary School in Kaya from 1943 to 1947, and went to Middle School from 1947 to 1952 after which he joined the civil service as a third class clerk. He attended the Institute ofAdministration, Zaria (nowAhmadu Bello University) for a year course and taught at the institute from 1956 to 1960. In 1960, he got a scholarship to study accounting and chattered company administrator in London. He returned home and was posted to the Defence Industry Corporation (DIC), Kaduna, as accountant. He was later moved to Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria as the company secretary and chief accountant. In 1974, he was transferred to the North Central Corporative Board, Jos. Musa left the civil service in 1975 and went into commercial farming. Farming was his means of livelihood till he died. He was a true and committed progressive in the real sense of the word. He was the last man standing as a leftist politician. He was a unique politician, who held tenaciously to his political beliefs and principles. He lived a simple life and frowned at “stealing and primitive acquisition of wealth” by those in public offices. His Malali GRAresidence is very simple. It had no form of barrier and anyone, who wanted to see him, was free to walk in without any hindrance. He was the defender of the poor, the oppressed and downtrodden – always confronting the establishment and their oppressive tendencies. Throughout his lifetime, Musa was opposed to the class system and the ostentatious lifestyle of the ruling elites. For him, democracy was about justice, fairness, equity and welfare of the people. He shaped his political views early in life while in elementary school. In an interview he granted THISDAY in October 9, 2004, he said newspapers of that time, shaped his ideas and thoughts about democracy and governance. The “The WestAfrican Pilot” newspaper in particular, he claimed, had great influence on his Marxist ideology. “The first and the strongest influence that introduced political ideas in me was an incident that took place around 1949. I was trying to improve my knowledge of English language, because we were being taught in Hausa andArabic. So, I began to read the newspapers – the Nigerian Student and ‘The WestAfrican Pilot’, which was a radical newspaper, which advocated radical ideas,” he said. The newspaper, according to him, was regarded by the British colonial administration as a ‘communist newspaper’. “I was able to get a copy of the newspaper through an Igbo friend of mine in Sabon Gari, Zaria, and I took it to school. When the school authority found me in possession of the newspaper, I was brought before the school authorities and I was almost expelled for being in possession of a ‘communist literature’. “In those days, it was a criminal offence to be in possession of communist literature. I think somebody must have reasoned that it was unreasonable to expel me from school, because of reading that newspaper”, Musa narrated in the interview. But that action made him “curious and determined to find out what communism was all about”.And as far as his understanding was concerned at that time, “communism meant equality of mankind.” The formation of Northern Elements Progressives Union (NEPU) onAugust 8, 1950 in Kano also had great influence on him. As an avid newspaper reader, he got news of the formation of NEPU in the newspapers and according to him, “the objective of the party was the liberation of the common people, the Talakawa. So, he was very much impressed by that, because as he put it, “I learned quite a lot about political systems and systems of government from my religious education and also through the reading of newspapers”. For him, NEPU was the party to belong after reading its manifesto, which was called “Sawaba declaration” showing the character of party. In 1953, Musa, who was transferred from Kaduna to Jos to replace an Igboman, who “was jailed, because he was found in possession of communist literature”, was shocked over the incident, but that didn’t discouraged him from holding such views in his mind. While in Jos, he secretly obtained the membership card of NEPU, but associated freely with supporters of the party.Although he knew what he did was criminal and could be dismissed from work, he was more interested in joining a movement that would liberate the masses than keeping his job. What mattered most to him was the fact he was in a team committed to changing the Nigerian society.And so, after he left the civil service in 1975, Musa was elected councillor in Zaria Local Government Council of the state. He later emerged chairman of the council but was denied by certain forces. He was a founding member of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in 1978 and 1979, and was elected governor of Kaduna state on the platform of the party in a keenly contested election with the

Musa candidate of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN),Alhaji Lawal Kaita. The NPN was the one of the dominant parties in the Second Republic, especially, in the north. Musa polled 560,605 votes defeating Kaita, who scored 551,252 votes. His election as the governor of Kaduna State, provided him the opportunity to do what he believed in, and that was changing the society. He brought his team from the Marxist school of thought on board – people like the late Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman, a radical university teacher from theABU, Zaria, who served as the secretary to his government. To Musa, “Nigeria’s neo-colonial system was as an edifice that must be destroyed to build anew. Unfortunately, for him, the conservative NPN dominated the state assembly with more than two-third majority. Somewhat humiliated that the NPN did not win the governorship election, the lawmakers refused to approve the list of commissioners and raised other legislative obstacles to paralyse Musa’s pro-people administration. Nonetheless, he went ahead to implement the policies of his party. He abolished poll and cattle taxes paid by peasants. He refused to compromise his standards and principles to satisfy the selfish demands of the lawmakers. In May 1981, he was removed from office by impeachment. For him, his removal was part of the price for the struggle for the redemption of the common man. But the few years he served as governor was recorded as impactful. According to Mr. Tom Mataimaki Maiyashi, who served under Musa as the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs, the administration recorded tremendous achievements. He said Musa embarked on massive educational reforms and established industries in all the 14 Local GovernmentAreas in the state. Maiyashi described Musa as “a man of principle; a man, who believed in the emancipation of the poor and made sacrifices for the emancipation of the downtrodden.” He said Musa was a detribalised leader, who believed in a united Nigeria. “He believed in human dignity, happiness of the people and he could go to any length to ensure that happens. When he came into office, the Universal Primary Education (UPE), was just maturing at that time and there was no preparations to absorb the graduates of the UPE. “He established 100 schools in one year. Nobody has done that since he left office. He improved the teaching and learning of Science. He provided equipment for the teaching of science. Teachers salaries and allowances were paid as and when due. “Communities were mobilised to support their local schools. He respected and dignified teachers. Teachers had unlimited access to him. Since he left office that has never happened,” Maiyashi said, adding that Musa also established agro-based industries in each of the 14 local governments areas in the old Kaduna State. “In the Southern part of the state, he established Ginger factory and Plywood factory. In the northern part of the state, he established oil mills. In Ikara, he established Tomato Processing Company, Ternary Factory, Sugar Company in Makarfi and Zarinject, a syringe

manufacturing company based in Zaria among others. “The raw materials for the industries were sourced from the local communities, where the industries were located. Musa fought against the system, which was primitive accumulation of wealth by public officials. He was opposed to that and was concerned about the welfare of the masses.” Also, Mr. Richard Umaru, former editor of the Jos based Nigeria Standard newspapers, who served under Musa as Permanent Secretary in the ministry of InternalAffairs and Information, said Nigeria had lost a colossus, who struggled for the emancipation of the Nigerian masses. “I have been privileged to work under him. I served under him as the permanent Secretary in the ministry of InternalAffairs and information up to the time he was impeached. I have been close to him for 40 years. Nigeria has loss a colossus in the struggle for the emancipation of the Nigerian masses,” he said. Umaru said the NPN dominated House ofAssembly was opposed to the changes. “Musa was committed to bringing about change in Kaduna State and they used all kinds of excuses and trumped up charges to remove him from power. Musa was not willing to compromise his principles and the programmes that he laid down for the state. That is primarily the reason they impeached him,” he said. Musa also had his share of the Buhari military coup in December 31, 1983. Buhari arrested many politicians including Musa for allegations of corruption. He, however, emerged as a man of unimpeachable integrity after investigations cleared him of any wrongdoing. During the military administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Musa was among the few politicians that were not exempted by the ban by the administration. He was also arrested for allegedly floating a political party when the ban on politics imposed by Babangida was still in force. Upon lifting the ban, Musa floated a successor party to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), which was banned by the military regime. He launched the Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) in Lagos and was immediately arrested by Babangida. Musa played active role in the present democratic dispensation, challenging the undemocratic tendencies of the ruling political parties and advocating for a coalition of progressive politicians to join hands in taking power and providing credible democracy and good governance. Throughout his lifetime, farming was his means of livelihood even though he was a chattered accountant of repute. According to him, he couldn’t establish a private accounting firm, “because no body would be willing to “patronise me, because I will not agree to cook the books. So, I decided to go into commercial farming”. Perhaps, Senator Shehu Sani, a close associate of the late politician, summed up his exit saying, “Balarabe Musa represents an emblem of conviction, principle of patriotism and nationalism, an exemplar for an honest, sincere, just and accomplish life. “We have lost a mentor, and leader, who inspired a generation of people. He was a man, who lived a life of service, dignity and patriotism. There can never be a Balarabe Musa again”, Sani maintained.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

CICERO/INTERVIEW

Onwunali: I Regret Emeke Ihedioha’s Sack A former Executive Chairman of Imo Internal Revenue Service (IIRS), Mr. Charles Onwunali, spoke to Amby Uneze about how the Supreme Court judgment had stalled crucial development projects in Imo State under the sacked Governor Emeka Ihedioha’s administration. Excerpts:

ou were a banker, local government chairman and executive chairman of Imo State Internal Revenue Service, how did you get to those heights? It’ll be foolhardy for any reasonable person to arrogate any modest achievements or attainments made by him to state of preparedness or his intrinsic qualities to the exclusion of the role of providence. I went through National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme from September 1985 to July 1986 after which I sought and secured employment in the banking industry despite the contractionary effect on employment in the country of the economic stabilization measures in place at the period, occasioned by the General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida foisted Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). I survived the high staff turnover rate of the banking industry of that era (1980s to about 2000) that was characterised by poor capitalisation and still held out strongly to 2008, for a cumulative period of over 21 years. That, indeed, was significant. I had the desire to serve my state in whatever capacity possible that could avail me the opportunity to showcase service and character and leave legacy, after I had quit the banking industry. Resolute to learn the ropes of nuances of politics, I set out to consult with all notable political chieftains in my Local Government Area. Consequently, I aspired and successfully too, to be the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer and eventually contested the general Local Government Council election that held in 2010. I emerged eventually as the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA. The tenure was short-lived but as daunting as my experiences were then, I wasn’t deterred. I remained tenacious as a faithful party member for the 8 years PDP was in opposition in the state. It is, perhaps, the show of character and consistency coupled with background in finance that might have helped my appointment by His Excellency, Rt. Hon Chukwuemeka Ihedioha as the Executive Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service. Your last appointment was brief, but what were the imprints you consider novel at IIRS? On assumption of office as the Executive chairman on 8th July, 2019, I met a nascent Revenue law No. 23 of the state, which needed to be interpreted to guide studied implementation of processes and procedures that would firmly establish the independence or autonomy of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from the Ministry of Finance, essentially from the civil service structure as was envisioned by the enactors of the law. The Rebuild Imo administration of HE Chukwuemeka Ihedioha was in a hurry to deliver phenomenal democracy dividends (benefits) to the Imo populace hence there was no time to waste. Having to successfully effect name change from Imo Board of Internal Revenue (IBIR) to Imo Internal Revenue Service IIRS was reflective of the shift in orientation from the Public Sector bureaucracy to private sector best-known practices to boost efficiency. Second, automating the gamut of revenue generation processes from data collection, processing, assessment, Demand Notice, collection and Compliance through an Integrated Tax Management System (ITMS) with full automation – the Central Billing System – was such a remarkable milestone. The name change was critical to underscore the importance of attitudinal change and orientation in the way business need to be conducted henceforth. The bottlenecks experienced in revenue generation in the state were largely traceable to structural rigidity or inflexibility, which inevitably compromised efficiency. I had to take the bull by the horns to steadily implement necessary steps towards autonomy of operations of the State Internal Revenue Service away from the hitherto public service structure. The Pay direct platform is not an alternative to integrated revenue management system and cannot possibly vitiate the later in any state that is serious about harnessing her revenue potentials optimally. From BIR to IIRS, what did the change in name portend? The name change was inevitable, as I had earlier said to align with the imperatives of the autonomy granted by the nascent revenue administration law No. 23 of 2019, being implemented. The objective of the autonomy is to foster efficiency in the way and manner the business of revenue generation and collection are being handled as opposed to the bureaucratic processes involved in assessment and collection under the civil service structure. The emphasis now is on service and efficiency. The name Imo Internal Revenue Services (IIRS) underscores the shift in orientation of the State Internal Revenue Office in dealing with revenue assessment and collection in the state. The Imo Board of Internal Revenue (IBIR) was associated with civil service rules and practices, which tended to sacrifice speed of delivery on the altar

State at the same time. Latching on the availability of International Cargo Airport, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA) Owerri, Afreximbank was successfully approached by Governor Ihedioha’s government to establish presence in Imo to promote industrialisation in Southeast and South-south regions. Five hectares of land was allocated to Afreximbank along the SMICA road and CofO granted early January 2020 for construction of about N18 billion ($50 million) Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), for certification services of various locally manufactured products for export. This was to be a huge boost to industrialisation as manufacturing plants. The two geo-political zones would have been encouraged to step up for their products to pass international standard test and earn much needed foreign exchange at the twilight of dwindling foreign reserve. Did the administration have the inclination that it was to be cut short by the Supreme Court judgment? There was nothing to suggest that we had the predisposition that we might leave office premature and actually by my own conservative estimation, the most unfavorable ruling to be expected was a re-run against the other candidates of other parties in contention. We were still engrossed with the challenges of the plethora of reforms on-going at IIRS then, coupled with the implicit confidence of a re-run, worst case scenario. It was such that the arrears of emoluments due to the professional team I assembled at IIRS and I were still not paid even when I could have secured the payment if I had the inclination of any danger lurking. Very unfortunate!

Onwunali of conventions – a culture that we set out to correct in the new dispensation and succeeded appreciably, before we were truncated. It was under your purview that the state introduced the TSA system, how did it impact on the IGR? Make no mistake, the political will of the governor of any state, or the lack of it, makes the difference in the direction of revenue generation in the state. HE Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha was deliberate, on assumption of office, to do everything necessary to boost generation and accountability of IGR in the state to complement the dwindling monthly FAAC as his REBUID IMO programme must be funded. Introduction of treasury single account (TSA) regime was one of such measures to ramp up IGR in the state as it surely blocks leakages and curbs existence of idle balances with many different banks in the state. You may recollect that I was a member of the Imo State Government Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) headed by Dr. Abraham Nwankwo and the four months stint I had, prior to being appointed to lead the SIRS afforded me invaluable insight into the IGR of the state. The state was being denied use of her IGR through proliferation of revenue accounts operated by the various MDAs with the banks in the state capital, Owerri. In August 2019, about N775 million was mopped up from the various revenue accounts of MDAs and transferred to the TSA of Imo State Government (IMSG). IGR grew steadily on monthly basis from July 2019 to December 2019. IGR grew from N253.604 Million; June threshold to N369.622 million in July, a month after I took over, about 45.75 per cent (N116.018 Million) increase, then to N1.185 Billion as at December 31st, 2019, which is over N815.378 Million (about 220.59 per cent) growth from July 2019 level. The steady monthly growth, no doubt, was partly attributable to the TSA regime that was in place then. As part of the kitchen cabinet of former governor Ihedioha, how did the Supreme Court judgment scuttle Ihedioha’s Rebuild Imo programme? It is indeed, a no-brainer that the Supreme Court judgment of 14th January 2020 truncated all Governor Ihedioha’s programmes, incidentally. It was self-evident that HE Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha hit the ground running on being sworn-in as the governor. It was on record that he awarded contracts for rehabilitation of 33 state roads and paid initial mobilisation of 10-15 per cent on each for work to commence simultaneously on all. The collaboration with Technical Education Verification Committee (TEVC) to reactivate technical institutions/education in Imo state was promoted as rehabilitation works commenced at all the technical schools in Imo

How did you feel leaving ofﬁce abruptly? I took it with both philosophical and spiritual equanimity. I always believe that, “if it hits you, it couldn’t have missed you” and vice versa. Then whatever happens to a man is for his good. In the same vein, “God gave me the courage to accept that which I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference”. It was the disposition that guided me throughout the trying period of one month of transition. It was about 17.50pm on that fateful day, when I got a call from one of those present at Supreme Court, Abuja, while I was still in the office, that HE Ihedioha had been relieved of his office. Like a bad dream, I had to wish it away, but the import did not quite permeate until the next day. However, being human, it was difficult not to be exasperated occasionally, when I remember the personal sacrifices of daily toiling into midnights, in course of the culture reforms at IIRS then that suddenly became null and void. What did you regret not doing for Imo people that you still wish if the opportunity to achieve it comes your way? The legacy I was determined to leave behind was for the state internal revenue services to be reformed to run efficiently using the best private sector KPI approach under my watch – a clear departure from the bureaucratic structural rigidities that hitherto held down performance. The EXCO of the state graciously approved our request to engage Price Waterhouse & Coopers, PWC to lead our quest to professionalise IIRS. PWC only completed the current state assessment of BIR while still on People and Process transformation programmes, when the bell for sudden exit tolled. The PWC recommendations on the positions required to be filled through advertisement, list of inherited staff; the trainable and untrainable (that were to be sent back to the civil service commission) were sent to the governor for approval on 11th January 2020. The gamut of reforms, which had been initiated under the guidance of PWC never crystallised before we exited, abruptly. The benefit of automated Integrated Tax management system, which we were beginning to see in form of increased monthly IGR has been stopped, the IMSSBN [Imo Social Security Benefit Number], which was launched in December 2019 to capture all individuals, businesses, land and buildings, vehicles etc in the state for easy dispensation of social benefits and tracking of fiscal responsibilities which had commenced stopped. The purpose of all these were to build an increased database to boost revenue and grow the IGR of the state exponentially. I dreamt of being the reform agent under whose watch BIR became IIRS and successfully joined Imo to the league of states, where autonomy of the SIRS like in Kaduna, Edo and Lagos States, etc has exemplified dramatic growth in internally generated revenue.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

ENGAGEMENTS

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

ENDSARS:

Quit the Clampdown, Face the Inequality

n the aftermath of the frightening ENDSARS protests, government seems confronted with a choice of two untidy pathways. Either pursue reprisals against the suspected leaders of the protests or address the pervasive inequality that inspired the spin off anger, rampage, looting and criminal lawlessness. The first option is lazy and untenable because the protests were, even by government’s hesitant admission, in legitimate exercise of citizens democratic rights. The second option is painstaking hard work that requires a higher sense of seriousness than is common with governments in these parts. From what we are witnessing, Abuja has chosen the easier route of seeing and treating the youth protesters as political adversaries that need to be vanquished. Even in the best of times, governments thrive on finding adversaries to deflect attention from their own fumbling. The critical challenge however is in identifying a foe that makes sense. The administration in Abuja has made an unwise choice of adversary in its ongoing serial clampdown of suspected drivers of the recent ENDSARS protests. It is only an unwise nation that declares a war against its own youth population. It is ultimately a foolish choice and promises to be an unwinnable war. To recap, here are the outlines of the minefield that our government is walking us into. Badly rattled by the spontaneity and wild ripples of the protests, the government has been groping for scapegoats and appropriate responses. A faction in government has chosen to go after the assumed leaders of the protests. Bank accounts of suspected youth and their organizations are being frozen. A less than intelligent Central Bank of Nigeria has hurriedly obtained the usual back door court order to back its authoritarian freezing of suspected individual and corporate bank accounts. Commonsense dictates that there are enough rules about suspicious transactions to flag activity on any bank account in Nigeria. The EFCC, NFIU and even the police have enough provisions in the rule books to stop any bank account Emeﬁele, CBN Governor divide between developed and undeveloped worlds, between suspected to aid nefarious activities. urban and rural areas and between the haves and have-nots have Instead, an increasingly politicized Central Bank Governor has stepped beyond his job description into the nasty political terrain by in recent years been reduced by the power of the social media. No sensible government should infringe on a platform with such labeling those whose accounts have been frozen as ‘terrorists’. This immense benefits just to caress the ego of a transient collective of Central Bank and its overzealous governor know something about political animals. terrorist financing as it relates to the financial flows that power Under the canopy of law and order, a badly rattled and selfBoko Haram and other real terrorists in our midst. indicted police force is on a retributive rampage. It is arresting and The CBN’s autocratic move has found ready condemnation detaining people indiscriminately, brandishing wild claims about from most civil and ethnic cultural groups, thereby enlarging the the number of policemen killed by hoodlums, guns seized and coast of regime adversaries. Some political office holders have police stations torched by arsonists etc. The rhetoric of the police found it convenient to support the Central Bank’s infringement high command is nothing but a reinforcement of the adversarial of individual rights by predictably supporting the bank account attitude of the police towards the civil society it is hired to protect. freezes. The Governor of Ondo state, Mr. Akeredolu, has gone as No one can of course deny the primacy of law and order. Nor can far as questioning why the affected youth should have active bank accounts and how they can explain the operations of their accounts. we expect our law enforcement officers to sit idly by while their lives are endangered by irate mobs and squads of criminals and miscreApparently, only governors and their cohorts are allowed to hold ants. The line that needs to be drawn is that between credible threats and operate active bank accounts! to the life of police officers and their obligation to protect the lives It has not occurred to the Central Bank and its supporting politiand liberties of the civil populace, including villains. On the side of cal cast that the world is watching us. A nation that is desperately in maintaining law and order, all responsible citizens are united and need of foreign direct investment and inflow of funds needs to desperately showcase a liberalized business environment. Meanwhile, will defend the police in the lawful discharge of their duties. Taken together, therefore, the actions and reflexes of the governwe are arbitrarily freezing the bank accounts of our own citizens. Worse still, this move is at the instance of some spurious court order ment and its agencies and prime pontiffs point in a dangerous anti and in violation of the legitimate exercise of the democratic rights of democratic direction. When you arrest and detain people indiscriminately or freeze private bank accounts or institute spurious innocent citizens! legal proceedings against innocent people for merely exercising Another faction of the government has insisted that the solution their democratic rights, you directly assault the basic principles of to youth activism lies in censoring the social media. Between the democracy and endanger public peace. Profiling the youth for puniinformation Minister, the governors of the northern and South tive visitation and singling them out for a draconian clampdown Western states and Buhari’s defence and security chiefs, there is is an easy way of inviting a return to the disruptive mayhem of the unanimity on a clampdown on the social media and even the media in general. All manner of uninformed postulations about the recent ENDSARS protests. On this route, the Buhari government has taken a wrong turn and needs to retreat quickly before they get negatives of the social media are being brandished by a mixed cast us all into bigger trouble. of half literate politicians and their handy serfs. Ironically, the same If the hawks around Aso Rock prevail, we may be teetering at the politicians who have in the past relied on the social media to fuel brinks of illiberal democracy. One of the misfortunes of democracy their election campaigns and publicize their dubious achievements in recent times has been the rise of illiberal tendencies. Under the in office are the people now championing an autocratic regulation guise of law and order and the higher interests of neo-nationalism, of the social media. populist autocrats have ridden on the chariot of electoral mandates The central irony of the anti social media campaign is the admisto foist disguised autocracies on hapless peoples. See the roll call: the sion by the government that peaceful protest is a right of citizens Philippines, Russia, Hungary, Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and a bit in a democracy. Communication of such protest using whatever of Mexico. The main features of illiberalism are beginning to creep media current technology makes available is part of that freedom. into the Nigerian landscape. These are: the diminishing of citizens To admit the freedom of protest while restraining the current rights, the undermining of law and order and the hollowing out of medium of social communication is a political prank. In the frenzy to exact a political penalty on the ENDSARS protest- basic institutions. This is an unfortunate direction in which Nigeria does not need to go. ers, our leaders seem to have forgotten that the social media is not Undoubtedly, the infiltration and hijacking of the peaceful simply a platform for mischief or the spreading subversion and ENDSARS protests by street urchins and hoodlums is a sad anti government propaganda. It is first and foremost the current development. In the process, property was destroyed or stolen, dominant stage of human communication driven by the current warehouses were looted, public peace and security was disrupted stage of our collective technological heritage. It unites humanity as partakers in the fruits of knowledge and culture. It is above all else a with a wild and rapid breakdown of law and order. The drift towards anarchy was frightening just as the political consequences vehicle for collective empowerment and wealth creation. of lawlessness stared us in the face. The political leadership of the Through the power of the social media, the sons and daughters country had justifiable cause to panic and fret. of unexpected people have broken free from the anonymity of In all the responses to the aftermath of the ENDSARS protests poverty and ordinary backgrounds to acquire reputation as artists, so far, however, there is a surprising misdirection of official energy. musicians, comedians and celebrities of unimaginable wealth, What frightened government and people in the mayhem that power and influence. Above all, the social media has become a accompanied the protests is perhaps the sheer sense of vengeful global tool for combatting inequality in many respects. The digital

violence, anger and militant aggression with which the hoodlums and street criminals transgressed the bounds of law and order. It was like an invading vandal force in the devastation they unleashed on Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Oshogbo and Benin among other urban centers. The targets of the arson and vandalism were mostly government assets. The looted items were either food supplies or the good things of life in government warehouses or fancy shopping malls where the rich shop. The note of anger and devilish common purpose of these ‘other’ Nigerians was spontaneous and uniform. Notably, prisons were targeted for breaching to release convicts serving assorted terms. Class anger and revolt against the system was everywhere boldly written. A look at the scope of destruction of public and private assets by hoodlums left a landscape that resembles a war zone. The glee of the looters as they invaded government warehouses and super markets to help themselves to goods and supplies hitherto beyond their reach brought home something that the government has not had the courage to name. If anything, this aspect of the protests brought us all face to face with the reality and scope of inequality in our country. This, more than any immediate adversarial political intent by the youth, is the challenge posed by the ENDSARS protests. The hoodlums and miscreants were literally an invading force from another land within. What has all along separated this hostile army of poor and criminal minded citizens from the enclaves of affluence and plenty in our urban centres is merely the restraining presence of security and law enforcement personnel. Arguably, without this army from the underground world of poverty and desperate frustration, the ENDSARS protests would have remained an orderly series of processions of mostly well off youth. Government and public discourse on the bad side of the protests has tended to cast the hoodlums and criminals as strange evil outcasts. Not quite. This army of desperation and hunger, want and deprivation, anger and frustration is the direct reflection of Nigeria’s scandalous mismanagement and frightening inequality. We are the home of over 112 million of the poorest of humanity. An estimated 40% of our population, that is about 80 Million people live on incomes of less than $2 a day. The combined wealth of Nigeria’s five richest people is $30 billion, enough to banish poverty from the country in the shortest possible time. An estimated $20 trillion was stolen from Nigeria’s coffers between 1960 and 2005, a sum that is 95% of the 2012 total GDP of the United States ($18 trillion). The gaps in access to social services are even more disturbing. An average of 29.5% of Nigerian youth are unemployed. Over 65 million Nigerians lack access to good drinking water while 130 million lack adequate sanitation. An estimated 13 million children are out of school. The challenge of the moment is essentially one of minding the widening gap of inequality in the land. The youth bulge is bound to get bigger as Nigerians aged between 1 and 40 now account for over 75% of our demographics. Our schools, colleges and universities continue to churn out droves of half educated youth who are equipped with basic skills but cannot find work. Our urban population continues to grow but most urban dwellers live in slums, shanty towns and ghettoes that can only intensify the bleakness of useless lives. I am yet to see any Nigerian state government with an informed programme of urban renewal. Our unhappy statistics are almost inexhaustible. The result is the existence of an underground republic of extreme poverty and vicious desperation tucked under the armpit of islands of stupendous wealth and affluence.. The army of ravenous looters and determined arsonists that fed off the ENDSARS protests is the product of this cumulative inequality. We cannot wish it away. But we can mute the anger of the encircling mob by reducing the degree of inequality, poverty and marginalization. Not much in this direction has come through in the rhetoric of government people in recent times. The alienation and bitterness are such that this majority hardly see themselves as coequal citizens of the Nigerian federation. They have no sense of ownership or partnership in a commonwealth that has consecrated them and their future generations into perennial poverty. Any breakdown of law and order as we the elite have defined it is an opportunity for them to break out of the ring of fire into which we have condemned them. When they do break loose, they assault our cocoon of privilege and affluence in waves of violence, looting and arson. In their mindset, what they loot from us is their share of the national asset wrongfully appropriated by a locust elite. Too long an embrace with hardship and abject poverty has inured their humanity and lessened their empathy, creating a psychology of spontaneous hostility to symbols of government, wealth and the prevailing order. I agree with the government that we should seek solutions to the kind of mayhem that spilled off the ENDSARS protests but we should not seek solutions that profile our youth and brand them with criminality for exercising the freedom of citizenship. It is good that the government has shown a token recognition of the need to begin addressing our scandalous inequality. But we need to go beyond token gestures to address the structural fundamentals of the central problem of inequality. We need to galvanize our youth energy in this task, not to dissipate it. ENDSARS was perhaps a brief warning skirmish. The fire next time may not be so friendly or brief.

NOVEMBER 15, 202ͮ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

When a Beggar Begs a Beggar

hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Nigeria is broke. This use to be said in whispers. But no more. It is now a case of ‘go tell it on the mountains’! Whereas, in the last few months it was opposition politicians telling it, now, no less an institution but the Central Bank of Nigeria is telling it. On Thursday, November 5, 2020, the CBN, in its half-year 2020 economic report, said “despite the subsisting revenue challenge, which was exacerbated by COVID-19, the larger proportion of FGN revenue was devoted to debt service.” In fact, the CBN was just conservative as usual. The truth is more alarming than the picture the CBN painted. According to the CBN, as at the end of June 2020, Nigeria had spent N1.5 trillion on debt servicing. Let that sink in. That is more than we have spent on capital expenditure and education combined, in the same time frame. And the worst is yet to come because General Buhari’s government is still borrowing at a recordbreaking pace, meaning that debt will keep going up, which will translate in ever-increasing debt servicing (not repayment) figures. When former President Jonathan handed over power to General Buhari on May 29, 2015, Nigeria’s total debt (both foreign and domestic) was $11 billion. It is now $34 billion and rising fast. Where has that money gone? What tangible things does Nigeria have to show for that money? Out of school children have increased in Northern Nigeria since Buhari has not built new Almajiri schools after Jonathan left. New roads have not been constructed. New hospitals have not been built. So, where has the money gone? Other than the N120 billion annual budget for the National Assembly under Buhari, and General Buhari’s own annual N3.2 billion yearly food and travel budget, where is this massive debt being spent? And now, I get to the embarrassing part. The plan to borrow $1.2 billion from Brazil. This administration seems to get its kick from finding new and ingenious ways to make Nigeria look big for nothing in the international community. Brazil is one of the most indebted nations on Earth

ever, with a national debt of $1.45 trillion, representing over 80% of its GDP. How can you get good terms? Brazil has defaulted on their debts three times, and, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, Brazil is at risk of a fourth default due to economic challenges stemming from COVID19. And this is the country Nigeria wants to borrow $1.2 billion from? I never thought Nigeria would stoop so low in my lifetime. But then, I never reckoned with General Buhari. It shows desperation when a beggar begs from another beggar! You see, the reason why they desperately need the money and have to go cap in hand to Brazil of all nations is that Nigeria under General Buhari cannot even pay salaries without borrowing. The Director-General of Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze, said as much to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts last week. Yet, as bad as things are, there have been no costcutting actions on the part of the Buhari government. Their only solution is to take loans until you are alone! Sadly, Nigeria gained her independence from Great Britain 60 years ago, and now, 60 years later, Nigeria is losing her independence to China (and very soon to Brazil), because we have an Almajiri President whose only language is beg, borrow, and give me. Beggarliness is in Buhari’s DNA! I researched Brazil and discovered that the Brazilian Presidency has just two Presidential jets, with one for use mainly for domestic travel and another for international travel. This was done to save costs. If I were the President of Brazil, I would be wondering why a country whose President has ten Presidential jets would want to borrow money from a country whose President has just two Presidential jets. Why not first consider other options of raising funds, like selling nine of the ten jets? Or why not reduce the maintenance cost of Aso Rock Presidential villa? At N4.6 billion per annum ($12 million per annum), that is $1 million per month. I researched, and President Bolsonaro of Brazil does not even spend one-third of that on his residence. Yet, Nigeria wants to borrow $1.2 billion from them to waste! Borrowing continues to be a measure of first resort

THE PUBLIC SPHERE with Chido Nwakanma

by the Buhari government, and that is sad because you cannot be governing with luxuries and not expect your cheques to bounce. Brazilian is the wrong nation to borrow from. This is a bad move. This smacks of desperation, and those in the All Progressive Congress and Northern Nigeria who have the ears of this government should start whispering to them that they are going down a rabbit hole that may well take down this contraption that they inaccurately term a government. In my Reno’s nuggets, I have often taught that if you are broke, it is more important to expand your income than to do anything else. Perhaps this administration read that nugget and misunderstood it or misapplied it. Borrowing does not raise your revenue. Instead, it expands your liabilities. Hopefully, General Buhari has the intellectual capacity to fathom the difference! First, we were borrowing from America. Then we were borrowing from England. Then we were borrowing from China. Then we were borrowing from India. Next, we were borrowing from the Islamic Development Bank. And we woke up one day, only to hear that General Buhari wants to borrow from Brazil. It is a good thing MMM collapsed. At least, we can be safely assured that General Buhari cannot borrow from them.

#Reno’s Nuggets You heard that Apple’s iPhone 12 is coming out, and you are excitedly saving to buy it. But ask yourself these questions: r *T ZPVS PME QIPOF OPU XPSLJOH r %P ZPV IBWF NPSF QSFTTJOH OFFET UIBU ZPV have not met? r )PX XJMM CVZJOH UIJT QIPOF JNQSPWF ZPVS life? r )BWF ZPV TBWFE UP JOWFTU r %P ZPV PXO BOZ JODPNF ZJFMEJOH BTTFU MJLF B house, share, or part ownership of a business? If you buy things that you don’t need, you will soon need things that you can’t buy! Buy on principle, not on impulse. Make wise choices, not nice choices! #RenosNuggets #EndSARS

@ChidoNigeria https://www.facebook.com/chido.nwakanma

Mobilising Ndigbo for Voter Registration

NEC has sounded the bell for the next voter registration exercise. It will commence in February 2021, and that exercise will play a critical role in what happens in 2023. It is time to organise for it. More than any other region, the South-East needs to ensure that its citizens register in the required numbers and at the right places. In the 2019 exercise, the South-East posted the least voter registration of 10.05m or 11.97 per cent. It was lower than even the distressed and war-torn North East that posted 11.2m or 13.4%. The North West posted 20.13m or 24% and the South West 16.29m or 19%. The breakdown for the South East shows Abia, 1, 932, 892; Anambra, 2, 447, 996; Ebonyi, 1, 459, 933; Enugu, 1, 944, 016 and Imo, 2, 272, 293. The states and the entire region can do much better than what these numbers tell. Numbers are a critical index in politics as in business. The South East prides itself on its understanding of numbers in business. However, it fails to do so in the critical arena of the struggle for, acquisition, control and utilisation of state power, otherwise called politics. The region must now understand the numbers game in politics. The South East seeks, deservedly, an opportunity to run the country with one of its own as President come 2023. The ground game is critical for this aspiration to count and for others to take it seriously. The ground game starts now with mobilisation for voter registration. Adequate numbers will serve as a bargaining chip in the hard-nosed negotiations ahead for both the Presidency and reckoning in other areas in the country. Many factors account for the deficient registration of voters in the region, and most of it is self-inflicted. There is the confusion caused by groups who have deceived young people over the past few years, canvassing against registration for the census and voting, and the fact that a large population of the region’s people live outside.

A breakdown of the numbers would probably show a 60-40 or even 50-50 split between those who live at home and citizens outside the homeland. South-Easterners contributed to the numbers in the South West, North Central and the North West as well as the South-South. In 2023, that rationalisation will not count. The region can minimise the numbers outside and create bulk. Then there is the matter of voter apathy by persons from the region. There is much lamentation on the trending village square of the mobile age, WhatsApp, but not much else. Citizens do not register, attend political events or show interest in the citizenship activities that they previously engaged in within their towns unions. They are yet to transfer participation in village developmental activities to the political arena of parties and elected governments of legislature and executive. The elite and the middle class are worse as they represent all bluster and no muster. The call is on the political class of the South East, the immediate beneficiaries of the political permutations if they turn out aright. The various Igbo socio-cultural and political associations should now step up to the plate. They range from Ohanaeze through Aka Ikenga, Nzuko Umunna, Igbo Bu Igbo, the Society of Igbo Professionals and the many others. Mobilise Ndigbo for voter registration. The mobilisation must be total. Mobilise the people emotionally, intellectually, physically and fiscally. Ndigbo must replicate in February 2021 the mass return to the homeland in December and August. They have to move from the major cities outside and return to the motherland to register for voting. These groups can and should organise and sponsor transportation for willing citizens from the major hubs. Consider Lagos and Ibadan as take off for persons in the South West. Abuja would serve persons in the FCT and neighbouring states. The NorthWest should use Kaduna and Sokoto. Then Jos and Maiduguri for the North East. Return to the East for voter registration should be a

central theme of messaging from now, amplified during Christmas and effected in February 2021. Note that INEC says the Continuous Voter Registratio will commence in Qaurter 1 2021 and last for 18 months. The South East should work to get in the majority of its numbers between February and December 2021. After the first wave in Frbruary, the South East should mobilise its people at Easter 2021, August (Iriji and Women’s Meetings), and Christmas Homecoming 2021`. It is time to stop the play-acting by the elite, the middle class and in particular the political class. These groups need to put their money in support of their mouth and ambitions. They should pay for the mass return of our citizens to register for voting. No, it will not suffice to call on citizens to come home. Incentivise them. Leadership involves paying the price on behalf of the many and leading the way. Leaders should earn their pips. The cost should not be a deterrent, and it is not much. We are looking at about 120-150 luxury buses over a month. Others could also sponsor PJs for their demographic as their presence in the homestead registering to vote will bolster the process. A second reason is that February is close to Christmas. Our average citizens would be out of pocket from the sundry expenses of the Yuletide, return to school of the children, and travels. They would need support and encouragement. Citizens should prepare to take a one-week break for this exercise. The calculation takes in two days of travel, and at least two days to ensure that the registration happens. Allow for bureaucratic hiccups or inertia. Then return to your base. The Ohanaeze Strategy Team should link with socio-cultural groups as well as the secretariats of all the political parties in the region. The parties should be at the forefront. Citizen mobilisation for voting is one of the primary functions of political parties. The time is now to do so.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝Ë&#x153; 2020

GAVEL

Editor: Olawale Olaleye SMS:08116759819 email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com

House Members Bicker Over 2021 FERMA Budget Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency, last week, bickered over alleged inflation of the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed 2021 budget for road projects, report Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu

or more than two weeks now, both Chambers of the National Assembly have been working to ensuring that the 2021 budget is passed in record time latest by December. As such, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government have been coming to defend their budgets before the various committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While some MDAs have had a smooth sail in their budget defence, some have not. A lot of padding had also been discovered, while some fictitious plans with outrageous budgetary allocations have also found their way into the budget of some MDAs. So, it was a familiar story, when the Managing Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mr. Nurudeen Rafindadi, last week, informed members of the House Committee on FERMA that the Ministries of Finance and Works and Housing inflated the 2021 budget of the Agency by over N11 billion. The drama ensued at the Budget Defence of the Agency, when a member of the committee, Hon. Yusuf Gadgi, questioned the FERMA boss why the budget had a sudden increase of over N11 billion and wanted him to know if he was in charge or not. Gadgi said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Earlier to this moment, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re privileged to know your budget proposal to the ministry, from the ministry getting to National Assembly, the proposal changed from twentysomething billion to thirty-something billion. I will respectfully want you to address that aspect. Are you in charge of FERMA? How come before the proposal got to National Assembly, it was increased upwards? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it was increased, confirm to us now, if it was not increased confirm to us. And if it was increased, who is responsible for the increment with what you defended during your inter-ministerial defence; coming to National Assembly over N11 billion was increased in the proposal you had earlier submitted. We want that confirmation from you.â&#x20AC;? Answering the question, Rafindadi said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our proposal of the budget as it is today is submitted to the federal ministry of works. The reason is that FERMA is an agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of works. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re represented in the cabinet by the Minister of Works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our budget is in the envelope of the ministry, so, the ministry is asked to submit their budget within that envelope and it includes budgets of agencies under the ministry of which FERMA is one. So, we get instructions to submit our budget through the ministry of Works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And yes it is true, we submit our budget to the ministry, what happens after is between the ministry, then ministry of budget and planning until subsequently it reaches the House of Representatives. We only know what was in our budget after submission. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve since gotten the budget of FERMA as submitted to National Assembly and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been analysing the differences between the two budgets like you said.â&#x20AC;? The committee members had earlier disallowed the Agency from presenting its 2021 budget over lack of execution

Gbajabiamila

of the 2020 budget. The request to allow the presentation of the 2021 budget tore members of the committee apart resulting in a prolonged argument among them. Rafindadi and his management team were ordered out of the session while committee members dissolved to an Executive session and deliberated on salient issues among themselves. While arguing, the members said the agency had been irresponsible and unresponsive to its core mandate. Some of them said they had called FERMA MD to alert him over the sorry state of some roads and he refused to pick their calls. Besides, they said strange items regarding COVID-19 palliatives were seen in the FERMA budget making, wondering what those have to do with road maintenance. Also, the committee members said the relevant budget documents were submitted in the morning, a few hours to the sitting, depriving members the opportunity to review the budget of the agency. Efforts by the Chairman of the committee, Hon Femi Bamisile, to prevail on the members on the excuse that time was short and the budget has to be passed in a timely fashion was rebuffed by members, causing the committee to go into a closed-door session on the next line of action. Eventually, the FERMA boss and his team were called in and the lawmakers agreed that the budget hearing be adjourned so that a thorough consideration could be done.

Thus, when the agency eventually appeared last Wednesday to defend its budget, Gagdi, who questioned the increase in the FERMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s envelope, gave the update on the Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position. According to him, the lawmakers resolved that they would ensure the projects spread across all the six geopolitical zones if at all it would be adopted into the 2021 Appropriation Act. Gagdi stated: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;There was an envelope that was given to FERMA by Ministry of Finance through Ministry of Works, which is the supervising ministry of FERMA and I came to discover that the project was increased not by the National Assembly. Normally Ministry of Finance has enveloped budget, because we operate envelope budget so I was aware of the fact that the envelope that was given to FERMA was not up to 30 billion; it was 20 something billion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And all of a sudden, I just discovered that they have submitted from the Ministry of Finance, to the National Assembly over 30 something billion with an increment of about 11 billion. I raised that issue and I still stand on my feet that how did you increase it? It is even the right of the Budget Office to submit whatever they want to submit to the National Assembly, I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even call it padding because they have increased the money beyond the envelope of their Ministry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But my argument is this, why will you increase about 11 billion to one state? It is not possible. Then the committee on FERMA agreed that the purpose of elective representative is to ensure equity and fairness to all the

geopolitical entities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We now say you have brought this budget, that it is one sided. If you look at my comment very well, I tackle the fact that the budget is not balanced. So, we must balance the budget as the people that have the right to do it in such a way that it resembles the interest of Nigerians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So my position on the N11 billion still stands that from somewhere between the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Finance, 11 billion was increased at inter-ministerial level in the budget of FERMA. And I still stand by it. I will give you the document; you will see it clearly. The predominant state that got that 11 billion that was increased is Imo State without any fear of political contradictions but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know who increased it.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Speaking after the budget defence session, Hon. Bamidele Salam, said there was an attempt to rush the passage of the budget and prevent those of us who had observations from doing so. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Immediately the FERMA boss presented the budget a colleague raised a motion for the adoption of the budget and I raised a point of order. By parliamentary procedure, a point of order should take precedence over every other matter. In the attempt to make my point of order, I saw that the person, who moved the motion was behaving like the spokesperson for FERMA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The observation that I made was very simple: first is the fact that in the 2021 budget proposal analysis that I have before me, out of the 420 projects proposed, the Southwest zone which I am from has the least allocation which is 48, and least allocation which is about N3 billion. That is just a part of it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The larger part of it is that the constituency that I represent, Ede-North/ Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, does not have a single allocation of a project out of the 420 projects. Even the whole of the state where I come from, Osun State, which is represented by nine members in the House, does not have a single project allocated to it, out of a budget of N38.2bn proposed by FERMA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt I should at least have a right of audience but, unfortunately, the person who was preventing that from happening is from Plateau State and I can see in this same budget, Plateau is getting about 18 projects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why should he not want someone, who does not have anything in his own state to raise a point of order and make this observations? This is unfair, unjust and against the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution. That was the point I was trying to make before he came up and the whole session came into a rowdy conclusion.â&#x20AC;? When asked if FERMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposal was eventually passed by the committee, Salam said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No, certainly not, because if the budget would be passed, we would have to vote on the motion that was purportedly moved by him. But like I said, it ended up in a rowdy session.â&#x20AC;? On his part, Bamisile, while reacting to the question on the rowdy session amongst members of the committee, dismissed the allegations bothering on unfavourable allocation of road projects to the Southwest.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

TRIBUTE

Godwin Maduka: Impacting Lives with Philanthropic Gestures Tony Amadi

Maduka

search on Google, Wikipedia or, even the Encyclopaedia Britannica, if you want do an advanced search will tell you that philanthropy “derives from the ancient Greek phrase ‘phylantropia,’ meaning ‘to love people’.

Today, the concept of philanthropy includes the act of voluntary giving by individuals or groups to promote the common good. Sometimes, certain levels of giving is referred to as charity and there is a good number of people everywhere that give a lot of charity to a huge of people around them. A recent study concluded that Microsoft’s Bill Gates was number one on the list of the world’s top philanthropists with $27 billion in lifetime donations, followed by Warren Buffet with $21 billion, George Soros at $8 billion, Azim Premji, the Indian-American of Wipro, $8 billion down to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. In Nigeria, Wealth writers agree that Aliko Dangote. Rochas Okorocha, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Theophilus Danjuma, Emeka Ofor and Oba Otudeko in this particular order are among top philanthropists in Nigeria. How much each of the above Nigerian free givers has given out over time is, however, not known or documented. Yet, there are hundreds more Nigerian philanthropists that remain anonymous and will never reveal the extent of their giving to several causes and charities. For instance, a US-based Nigerian medical practitioner, Dr. Godwin Maduka, who is so passionate about his people and their development has poured in hundreds of millions of US dollars into his community’s development, to the point that his community of Umuchukwu in Orumba south senatorial district of Anambra State has witnessed a huge transformation from a totally inconsequential community to a giant, well-developed town which boasts of a world standard medical research centre that has so far gone up to 70 per cent completion on the main structure while only furnishing and installation of equipment is left in the final completion. That medical centre in Umuchukwu will attract national and international medical

That medical centre in Umuchukwu

experts to study the efficacy of African traditional medicine and come up with different drugs and medical solutions to various medical issues. This level of philanthropy is totally unknown not only in this part of the world but even worldwide. For a man or woman to take up the provision of infrastructure – roads, bridges, primary and secondary schools, churches of different denominations, a world standard police station, magistrate’s court, high court with fitting housing for the judges, policemen, houses for the poor, water and electricity and perhaps most important, a health institution for his own people is probably the height of giving. This has not included the number of people he has sent abroad to study. Notable also is the fact that many of those that have benefited from his largesse are not necessarily his relations. If you discount what he has done for his relations such as building palatial homes for his brothers, one of whom provided the seed money of N5000 to enable him go to America for further studies, you can begin to imagine the level of his philanthropy. That seed money has culminated in a Harvard University School of Medicine degree plus doctor of philosophy degree in Pharmacy from other American institutions. It was afterwards that he moved to the state of Texas to establish a chain of toprated hospitals or Pain Institutes. His success in the United States where he has so far spent 40 years has generated the fortune he is using to finance his huge philanthropy in Nigeria and elsewhere. Dr. Maduka’s huge charitable giving is extraordinary and certainly dwarfs that of other philanthropists in this part of the world. A situation has recently emerged when the Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara Foundation looked at the extent of his philanthropy in the city of Umuchukwu in Anambra, decided to honour him with the ‘Philanthropist of the Millenium’ later this year as they launch the foundation for the former Premier of Eastern Region who did so much to industri-

alize his region when he was in office. Dr. Maduka was born 1959 just when Dr Okpara became the premier of Eastern Nigeria, but according to the philanthropist, the leadership qualities and template he used to govern are admirable and he intends to utilize his industrialization and agricultural strategy when he gets into office. The organizers of the Okpara foundation said that the kind of philanthropy exhibited by Dr. Godwin Maduka has never been witnessed in Nigeria. And when a man or woman shows the kind of generosity that Maduka has done for his people, it is important to recognize it so that others can do the same when they are in the same position. Dr. Maduka said, ‘’The entire cost of what I have built in Umuchukwu so far is in the region of $200 million dollars’’ or N8billion naira in today’s exchange rate of the Central Bank of Nigeria. It was in the course of building the edifices in Umuchukwu that one of his relations asked if he was running for Governor of Anambra state when he noticed the extent of his philanthropy. “I never contemplated this idea of politics when I began caring for my peoples’ welfare, but I was just interested in developing the place and by extension, the whole Anambra state and Nigeria ultimately”, the medical doctor have said. “Some of my friends have wondered why I am venturing into the murky waters of Nigerian politics, but I believe that if good people abstain from the affairs of the land, there will be no future for our children, particularly the unborn who could be left with no meaningful future in the years ahead.” Dr Godwin Maduka feels that he cannot sit idly by when his people are enveloped in misery and severe poverty while God has made the kind of provisions he gave me. He said that he cannot wallow in wealth while the bulk of his people are wallowing in poverty, adding, “For God has given me more than I need for my immediate and extended family members and it was only fair that I distributed the huge extras for the welfare of my people.” He added, “If I get the keys to Anambra government house, what I have done in Umuchukwu will be replicated across the state and within the four years of the mandate, what I hope to put on the ground in terms of development of the state would be such that I will not bother to campaign for a second term as my works will do the talking for me.” From far off Scotland, United Kingdom, the head of Dr. Godwin Maduka Support Group, Dr. Chioma Nwafor, stressed the need for an Anambra statewide support for the success of the Maduka governorship project to win the gubernatorial election next year. She told a Jombo Radio audience in Glasgow that Maduka is a man who is not coming to government to make money for himself, rather to industrialize, create jobs and promote good governance. Dr. Nwafor added that Dr Maduka will not only pull resources from his constituency in the USA to ensure that the Anambra state economy and general wellbeing of the people is advanced, adding that he will ensure judicious use of the state resources for optimal development. A spokesman for the Michael Okpara Foundation, Bruno Uche, said the board of the foundation decided to honour Maduka for the simple reason that what he has done for his people is unprecedented in the philanthropy history of Nigeria. Indeed, it is difficult to believe the tale of the wonders of Umuchukwu until you go there to find out for yourself. And the fact that all the infrastructure you see out there was built by one man is astounding. As a Catholic, Maduka added a monastery in the vicinity of central Umuchukwu where the nuns continuously pray for the people of Nigeria, Anambra and the people of the wonder town. - Tony Amadi writes from Awka, Anambra

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž VEMBER 15, 2020

PERSPECTIVE

EndSARS Protests: Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Debacle or Golden Opportunity to attain Greatness Fabian Chukwuemeka Nworah

here is no doubt that the ENDSARS protests across Nigeria indicated the parlous state of affairs in Nigeria. The wave of the protests and the gruesome revelations further indicated the volatility and weakness of the fabrics of the country and the reasons for foreign investors disinterests in the Nigerian market. Where then can Nigeria go from here? Are there serious lessons to learn from the scenarios that played out vis-Ă -vis current and past events from other climes? Are we going to sit down and think that normalcy has returned once there are no more protests, burning and looting? Or are we going to see the events of dark Tuesday in Lagos as a mere part of the debacle or are we going to seize this as a golden opportunity to attain greatness? Whatever Nigeria decides to do will determine the kind of change we clamour for in this country Nigeria, whether positive or negative. However, change can only come with change. According to President JFK Kennedyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement in 1963, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.â&#x20AC;? Is high time that the government of the day realises that the internet era has given everyone freedom and opportunity for liberation from political bondage. The government must also realise that the era of impunity in governance are over and that people are ready for the optimum sacrifice to achieve their freedom and enjoy liberty. Government must also be aware that no one occupies a position of authority in perpetuity and therefore those saddled with government responsibility today must also be aware that there must be a day of reckoning. A day to account for services provided to the people. Remember the likes of Former president of Sudan, Mr Bashir, former president of Egypt, Mr Mubarak and others. The government of the day must come to the reality of the day. They must realise that the over 200 million Nigerians and their youths are now free and would expect all the things expected in a free and egalitarian society governed by rule of law. The government of the day from the councillor to the chairman of a local government to governors and the president of the country must realise that they have an obligation to the masses and that they must carry out their duties accordingly based on the social contract that put them in the position they occupy. The government of the day must realise that the days of business as usual are now buried with the advent of global interconnectivity. The government must also realise that government whitewash rhetoric alone cannot deal with the multifarious man-made problems facing Nigeria as a country but positive realistic steps and actions. The ENDSARS protests is not all about police brutality so to say but about poor governance, economic and political decadence and abuse of social contract between Nigerian leaders and those governed. It is clear that the incidents of the last few weeks are just a tip of the iceberg of what could happen in the future if situations are not addressed properly. We can see clearly, that the government now has the privileged opportunity, to deal with the problems faced by the Nigerian state, in a carefully monitored and structured manner without allowing impending implosion that would characterise further failures on the part of the government. The government has an opportunity now to put things in other to avoid future avoidable unfortunate incidents. The government and all stakeholders must seize this opportunity to put the country on the part of restructuring as a tool for stabilisation of the country. Mr President, it is obvious that you have an onerous task before you therefore it is time to call on our friends all over the world and men of goodwill to be aware of the need for this exercise and to assist you in finding a lasting solution to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s myriad of problems. Further be aware that if crisis emanate from Nigeria, no country or countries in the world would be able to deal with our influx of refugees. Let the truth be told. Nigeria needs to be restructured urgently. Our research indicated that devolution of powers into six regions with a weak central government will help to bring sanity in the polity and government closer to the people. This will also enable the people to feel the benefits and positive impacts of government across the regions with less attraction to the central government while ensuring accountability in governance. Anything short of this is brewing anarchy and waiting for a day of reckoning. Life is meant to be lived. We have also observed that the current structure of Nigeria has reached its life span of existence. There is no doubt that enormous sacrifices were made in the past to keep Nigeria as a country resulting to loss of lives and properties. However, we have all seen that it was all efforts in vain. Our research indicated that the sacrifices for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;project Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;? has never worked in the past, is not working today and will not work in the future. We cannot continue to delude ourselves and live in vain without vision. Nigeria state cannot continue with this present arrangement. The state and her citizens cannot continue to wallow in abject poverty and frustrations in the midst of plenty.

EndSARS ProEndSARS protest in Lagos ...recently It is clear that The ENDSARS protests serves as a great opportunity for restructuring the country in a methodological, fair and equitable manner without leaving the exercise to be done via clandestine forces in our midst. Our team of experts are willing and ready to proffer workable best solutions that would result to a win-win situation to all regions notwithstanding whether a particular region currently lays the golden eggs for Nigeria. The government must bear in mind that the energy and aspirations of our forebearers will soon go with them as soon as the generation that fought for the togetherness of Nigeria elapses. The government needs to seize this golden opportunity to create a workable system to avoid potential calamitous situation that would arise sooner than later. The government must not leave this sensitive exercise for the youths to carry out. It needs to be done now in a clear, transparent and orderly manner for the common good of all Nigerians. According to President JFK Kennedyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement in 1962, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.â&#x20AC;? The elites in Nigeria must not allow this exercise to be carried out by unscrupulous elements in our midst because no one can determine the outcome or who might be affected. Some schools of thought had earlier believed that restructuring would put some regions in a disadvantage position than others but this is far from the truth. Our research indicated that all the six regions of Nigeria are unique and abundantly blessed with human and material resources including oils and gas, gold, diamond, tin and others. All that was required was the political will by each region to develop her resources. In the unlikely event that a region would need help, this must be part of the issues that must be put into consideration during the negotiation of the restructuring process. Our team of experts are willing and ready to deal with issues of these manner. The fact remains that in the modern world we live today, fair competition is the father of creativity and innovation for the common good of all mankind. You cannot continue to drag everybody down because you felt you cannot swim well rather with strategic planning you can create a conducive environment for everyone to swim along. This is the potential we see in a restructured Nigeria where everyone has the opportunity for growth and success. A restructured Nigeria where the youths aspire with vigour, sense of responsibility and optimism for the future to attain the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and not a Nigeria where growth and success are deliberately stunted without any reasonable justification rather than myopic, primordial and ethnic jingoist considerations. We need to learn from the experiences of our colonial masters, the United Kingdom with a population of about 67 million people. However, they realised the issues associated with diverse culture and need for peaceful coexistence. As a result, they decided that the best option for

them lies in having four nations in the United Kingdom for peaceful coexistence and better economic development. As such, the UK is a devolved country made up of four nations with each having a separate government under a central government. England has about 56.6 million people, Scotland about 5.4 million people, Northern Ireland about 1.8 million and Wales about 3.2 million. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we see the wisdom and the progress of these nations in the United Kingdom? In the United States of America, they operate true federalism and not quasi federalism as observed in Nigeria. Today, the United Kingdom and America are among the greatest economies in the world. Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people. It is curious and demoralising that the Nigerian government and the elites have not yet realised or factored in the consequences of a potential implosion in the Nigerian population come 2050 as they country is expected to be about 402 million people at 3.2% growth per annum. One wonders the consequences of 402 million people in an unstructured planned society when the present arrangement cannot handle fairly the basic necessities of life for 200 million people. May God help our leaders to reason and to foresee this lethal ticking bomb! What are we doing to ourselves? Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we see that we are now in a new era driven by science and technology? Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we see that the era of colonialist ideals is over? Is this how we are going to attain the 17 SDG goals? Are we satisfied in allowing our youths to continue to undertake unimaginable risk of stow- away by sea in search of non-existent greener pastures and drowning in the seas as a consequence? Are we satisfied with our daughters living ignoble lives just as a way of survival when Nigeria is abundantly blessed with human and material resources? Are we satisfied with droves of our youths leaving the shores of Nigeria after education in search of non-existent greener pastures overseas with its attendant frustrations and unenviable life styles and dire consequences? Are we satisfied with anarchy, joblessness, hopelessness and frustration in our land or are we now poised to restructure the country into six regions to attain self-sufficiency, global prominence and greatness for our citizens and for our unborn generations? Time is now, Nigeria must wake up from slumber or be awaken. Nigeria cannot afford to continue to celebrate maladministration, naivety and political emptiness. Nigeria must restructure in a way that is workable for all her citizens. A stitch in time saves nine! Long Live the Federal Republic Nigeria., May Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wisdom and vision reign inw Nigeria Yours sincerely â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Fabian Chukwuemeka Nworah (Odum), LL. B, BL, LL.M, BSc, Solicitor England and Wales, Senior Partner at Rockstone Law Solicitors, UK , Executive Director, African Green Foundation International Inc.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž VEMBER 15, 2020

Ideas Rule the World Pat Utomi

f anything defines the challenge of nation-building in Nigeria, it is that in world history ideas have made the difference between poverty and prosperity; peace and progress; and triumph versus tribulation, yet the political power elite of the last 30 years or so, have managed to get popular culture in Nigeria to manifest in the disdain for knowledge and the knowledgeable. One person who has had a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye view observing this decline of Nigeria, in its engagement with ideas, is Dr. Uma Eleazu, institution builder, man of conviction and statesman. As the noted thinker marks his 90th birthday, with the authoring of a book reflecting on leadership in Nigeria, nothing can be more salutary than a colloquium on Ideas, Think Tanks, and Public Intellectuals in Nation-building in Nigeria. Dr. Uma Eleazu in his role in the cabinet office in the mid1970s pioneered the idea of a Think Tank in Government in Nigeria. His work and that of colleagues at the cabinet office (Now Presidency) gave birth to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, among a host of initiatives. Did an Elephant give birth to a mouse? How come after all the work that people like Dr. Uma Eleazu and Dr. Patrick Dele Cole did in the 1970s and a tradition that the politicians of the 1950s and early 1960s had noted intellectuals in their kitchen cabinets todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people of power in Nigeria tend to have toughs, praise singers, Court jesters, relatives and pimps as their closest confidants. Interrogating the emasculating of intellect from the power arena in Nigeria is appropriate enterprise because one can literally find in it the seeds of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decline from respected â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;frontlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; state status in Africa. Years ago, DFID commissioned me to do a research paper on the role of Think Tanks in development in Nigeria. In comparing with the US and European experiences I was fascinated by how Think-Tanks facilitate â&#x20AC;&#x153;rational public conversationâ&#x20AC;? which in Jurgen Habermas speak is what modernity and democracy is about. Sadly, Military rule seems in some ways to have, on the one hand, fought academia, which seemed the only source of opposition, once they dominated the political class, but, somehow, in a clear paradox, they seem to have done more to encourage Thought Leadership in setting the tone of Nation-Building as we see with institutions like NIPPS. This may be because they were amenable to influence by people they admire so that the few intellectuals that enjoyed a good brandy in their company affected policy with ease. Post-military-civilian government in Nigeria since 1999 has not only had the worst carryover of military rule but has been manifestly anti-intellectual. In truth, one can almost witness a hatred for intellect in statements like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;na grammar we go chopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and the general notion that academics talk theory which is somehow far from reality. Lost is the fact that all thoughtful practice begins with the conceptualization of the relationships between phenomena. Think Tanks have been important in the generation and packaging of produced knowledge but the phenomenon of the public intellectual has been quite important in the diffusion of produced knowledge. The path of the public intellectual is an addictive one that comes from the force of conviction about ideas. I have to admit that I hardly thought of myself as one until a day I got a call from Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo who as Managing Director of Daily Times, when I created the TV policy Think Talk Show, Patitoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gang. was one of the Pioneer gang members. He said he had followed my engagements and wondered where the energy came from. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if you know this, he went on, but you are probably the busiest and hardest-working public intellectual on the continent of Africa. I was taken aback by what was obviously meant as a compliment but something I had never given thought to. I actually thought I was working hard at being a citizen and did not realize that had affected the diffusion of knowledge to the point of such a remark by Onukaba. Still, I try not to separate citizenship from public thought leadership. As James McGregor Burns argues in that Grand Tome on Leadership, the intellectual is invested with Moral Authority which makes him a leader. In my mind, if that leadership is engaged in citizenship behavior that spreads useful knowledge from his participation in the affairs of the polis, Citizenship, then much of the knowledge he produces or learns, can shape thought. That influence can therefore be Thought Leadership and his pursuit of it invariably makes him a public intellectual. In effect, the citizen with a mind trained for inquiry, is the quintessence of the phenomenon of the public intellectual. Contemporary phenomenon and issues in extant reality provide, from my own work, ample illustration of the link between knowledge production, diffusion and impact. Influenced significantly by Douglass North who won the Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on Institutions and Economic Performance, and by my own Department Chair (HOD) in graduate school at Indiana, Elinor Lin Ostrom, whose work on Rational Choice Theory would lead her to become the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economics, my academic work has been majorly on Institutions and Economic Performance, and Economic Development and Nation Building. My 1998 book Managing Uncertainty- Competition and Strategy in Emerging Economies sought to produce knowledge about how the state of institutions in a country

Utomi shape the choice of Competitive Strategy by firms and the effects on economic performance. Anxious not to be guilty of fallacy of composition by interpreting macro-economic outcomes from micro-economic thesis around the theory of the firm, using Emerging Economies Environment (3E) Framework model I had proposed in Managing Uncertainty, I would, several years later, in the book Why Nations are Poor, offer, in a macroeconomic level framework, the Growth Driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Framework, for assessing national economic performance in which institutions, in concert with other variables determine Economic and Political outcomes. As a so-called public intellectual, I stomped on these ideas for years. In 2019 I published the book â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Why Notâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on how weak institutions allowed for state capture, creeping fascism, and criminal capture of politics in Nigeria. In that polemic I accuse the educated middle-class, in refusing to be citizens and speak up, of becoming complicit in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drift towards failing state status as politicians pursued plunder which was legal, in the manner the 19th century French thinker Frederic Bastiat describes as legal plunder. I suggested that such plunder, though legal, were moral crimes. I urged the Complicit Middle to wake up and save their dying country. A few weeks ago, part of the middle-found citizenship in the #ENDSARS protests against police brutality and abuse of prosperous looking young people in the excuse of checking internet fraud. When the state introduced hoodlums into the matter, to trigger excuse for breaking up Ghandi style non-violent resistance and followed up with the cowardly shooting of unaggressive peaceful protestors they woke up the simmering anarchy Robert Kaplen had warned of in a book 20 years earlier titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Coming Anarchyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. That book had tracked cleavages in ethnicity, religion and economic inequalities to predict that the region could descend into anarchy. One consequence of that was Lagos State Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu presenting a bill on November 12, 2020 to the Lagos State House of Assembly, to repeal the obnoxious pension law that packaged for Lagos State Governors and the Deputies a retirement chest that was in truth a moral crime even if legal. Most states of the federationhave such benefits for politicians that offend the spirit and add to the desperation for public office by people who have no clue what to do there. We must assault those evil strongholds now. In my view no politician should attract remuneration or compensation higher than the top civil servants. If they reject

this in their naĂŻvetĂŠ, they should prepare for the fire next time and how those they call hoodlums will visit them. But I prefer a more positive motivation for action. They should think of the remarks of the Ghanaian Highlife musician, Brako, whose says that a society where politicians are richer than the business men and women is on the brink of collapse. Surely they do not want to live in a country that collapsed. If they want to understand that phenomenon better they should go and read Jared Diamondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tour de force on how societies have failed through human history in the book appropriately titled Collapse. Should the Nigerian people not punish such crimes. I think politicians who have plundered in ways whose opportunity cost have been pervasive poverty and the deaths of many should be sentenced in the courts of public opinion and practical living to the moral equivalence of ostracism which was a dominant form of punishment in many traditional Nigerian communities. Thieving politicians should be treated as social lepers. New boundaries are being set here. This is the evolution of institutions in the classic sense of Douglass North conceptualization. Ideas, theory, and praxis. This is how nations are built. And the link between public intellectuals and institution building is evident. Dr Uma Eleazu is clear example of that category of Nation builder. In his new book, Nigeria as I see it, Eleazu offers a critical and rigorous reflection on how leadership failure and structure challenges have robbed Nigeria of its promise, a potential African giant. That book will be formally presented at the CVL LWT Tribute Colloquium of November 19 2020. Eleazu deserves our gratitude and celebration as a leader who had no title in the Robin Sharma sense of it. In the joggling of roles between the policy science scholar, the policy Wong, Activist, Entrepreneur and journalist I may seem hard working in the way Onuka characterized it but it is to the steady hammering away of people like Eleazu that the the glory of social change really belong. As we celebrate Dr. Uma Eleazu, a man of ideas, builder of Think Tanks and Public Intellectual, I welcome a robust conversation on this important thing around which we will celebrate nearly seven decades of disciplined leadership in integrity of Elder, Dr. Uma Eleazu, a man of thought and action, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;homme engage. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Patrick Okedinachi Utomi, founder, Centre for Values in Leadership.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž NOVEMBER 15, 2020

IMAGES

n the 7th November 2020, Ahmadu Bello University Alumni, Law Class of 1988 held a dinner at Dunes Continental Maitaima Abuja in honour of Alhaji Garba Abubakar, on his appointment as registrar general Corporate Affairs Commission. Here are some of the personalities at the occasion. Photo: Julius Atoi

Dr Ibrahim Abdu; A U Mustapha (SAN); Justice Hajia Zainab Bilikisu; A K Ajibade (SAN) and Garba Abubakar.

L-R: Hadi Barkun and Dr. Adamu Isakoto

L-R: Bar Haruna Kwetishe and Sir Henry Bello.

Harunna Isa Alabi and wife Mehza

L-R: Tolulope Sonaike and Justine Nidiya

L-R: Rasheed Mahe and Auwal Ibrahim

L-R: Hon Isa Kufai and Mohamed Usman

L-R: Dr. Ibrahim Audu and Baba Birma

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ë¾ NOVEMBER 15, 2020

IMAGES

L-R: Aisha Mohammed and Zainab Zeitoun

L-R: Prof Suleiman Bogoro and A U Mustapha (SAN)

L-R: Hon Ali Ahmed and Ibraham Hassan

Opaluwa Aduku

L-R: Segun Bello and Emmanuel Oluwabiyi

L-R: Gbega Owa and Sunny Akanni

LOC Chairman, A. K. Ajibade (SAN) and R.G, CAC, Garba Abubakar

L-R: A.U. Mustapha (SAN) and Justice Hajia Zainab Bilikisu

NO ÍšÍ˝Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍşÍ¸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERNATIONAL Deepening Problems of Nigerian Traders in Ghana: What Future for Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foreign Policy Remissness?

igerians have problems at home and abroad and the problems are regularly deepening. For instance, at the home level, the problems are those of anti-Boko Haram struggle, Fulaniherdsmen conflict, kidnapping and incessant armed robberies, rape and killing of innocent souls, suppressing IPOB or MASSOB quests for self-determination, fighting the Yoruba struggle for national restructuring, rising armed banditry in the North-West, galloping institutional corruption at the governmental level, and increasing economic poverty, as well as threats of a second wave of COVID-19 within the context of rising arrogance in political governance. Externally, the #EndSARS protests, which began as a domestic saga, now has an international troubling dimension, for which the Government of Nigerian does not appear to have well-prepared. Peaceful protesters have been brutally killed by Nigerian soldiers. The military have denied any killing but the way the military have been going about their self-defence clearly points to future problems that are not far-fetched. There is also the COVID-19 pandemic that started abroad and imported to Nigeria, which is creating problems for Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy and in the political governance of Nigeria. The hoodlums, who hid under the #EndSARS protests to destroy lives and property, operated domestically but created an impact that went beyond the domestic boundaries, especially when considering the extent of destruction of property and foreign investments. The aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, especially in terms of how the Federal Government of Nigeria is managing the protest, only deepens the problems of Nigerians. If truth be told, the youths of the whole world now appear to be seriously agitating for the protection of their fundamental human rights.And the United Nations cannot be said to be unaware. It should be recalled that, onAugust 8-12, 1998, the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, recommended in Lisbon, Portugal, the need to set aside a special day for the youths of the world in order to celebrate them for their critical thinking, innovation efforts, communications initiatives and leadership roles at various local, national and regional levels. The United Nations GeneralAssembly accepted in 1999 the recommendation and set aside everyAugust 12 as International Youth Day. Since then, the youths of the world have been engaged in self-recognition. In various countries, they have become special watchdogs of political governance. Nigerian youth is not an exception. It is within this context that the #EndSARS protests that began on October 8, 2020, culminating into the Black Tuesday or the October 20, 2020 saga, should be explained and understood. While these problems are yet to be constructively given an enduring solution, Nigerians in Ghana are seriously begging the Government of Nigeria to facilitate their return to Nigeria because of the hostility being meted out to them by the Ghanaian government. Do they prefer the problems at home? What should we do about Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy remissness? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;These are major questions for the foreign policy makers and managers.

Ghana, a Problem at Home and Abroad

Africa constitutes not only the main foreign policy concern for manyAfrican countries, but also the major source of controversy and impediments to continental integration. Put differently,Africa, in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ghana, has always been an issue as far back as the 1960s when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was in the making. It should be recalled that Ghana, which acceded to national sovereignty on March 6, 1957, under President Kwame Nkrumah, came up with the doctrine of United States ofAfrica, preaching political unity first. In fact, Kwame Nkrumah led the Casablanca school of thought on this matter. Nigeria, under Prime MinisterAbubakar Tafawa Balewa, was against the prioritisation of political unity. Nigeria opted for the functional economic unity of allAfrican States. Nkrumah argued that with political unity first, all other interests will naturally follow. Nigeria posited, on the contrary, that, with the newness of independence and geo-political diversities, there was the need to, first of all, lay a solid foundation for cooperation. This was the main thrust of the Monrovia school of thought.As such, Ghana and Nigeria appear to have been threading along parallel lines. In terms of foreign policy challenges, Ghana remains an issue to always contend with. Asecond issue is that of mutual deportation of citizens, the origin

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghanian President of which is traceable to the expulsion of Nigerians from Ghana in 1931 and the general attitudinal policy of the Government of Ghana, especially in terms of the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general policy on immigration, thanks to the ImmigrationAct. In this regard, the foundation of Ghana-Nigeria relationship was built on Ghanaian fears of possible domination by Nigerians. The fears were expressed as far back as 1931 when there was the promulgation of an immigration law to enable the repatriation and deportation of Nigerians.As such, the foundation of the bilateral relationship was hostile. In fact, in 1957, there was a fresh deportation order specifically targeted at some Nigerians who were identified as engaging in opposition politics in Ghana to the dislike of the Kwame Nkrumah government. Grosso modo, before 1960, several immigration laws were enacted: Ghana Nationality and CitizenshipAct, 1957; the DeportationAct, 1957 (Act 15); the DeportationAmendmentAct, 1958 (Act 49); the Deportation (AmendmentAct, 1959 (Act 65).In the immediate post-independence era, there were the Employment of VisitorsAct (1968); and the Quit Order of November 18, 1969. The November 18 1969 expulsion of Nigerians by Ghana under Kofi Busia was quite bitter. Most unfortunately, however, the very reasons that prompted the decision to send Nigerians out of Ghana were not different from the dynamics of the expulsion of Ghanaians from Nigeria in 1983. The way Nigerians were degraded and mocked when expelled in Ghana, in 1969, was the same manner Ghanaians were disrespected in 1983. It was mockery and teasing which was considered on both sides to be very annoying. Over 60% of Ghanaians migrating to settle in Nigeria were indeed struggling people. In light of the foregoing, there is no disputing the fact that the people-to-people relationship between Ghana and Nigeria has been largely based on fears of the people and government of Ghana of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible domination of their country. Thus, the relationship is largely driven by mistrust and inability to pave way for an environment of trust to evolve. The lack of trust is largely explainable by inexistence of mutual citizen diplomacy to complement official diplomacy. In fact, the conduct and management of the misunderstanding between the two countries has not been helpful to the attainment of the objectives of regional integration

In speciďŹ cally addressing the mistreatment of Nigerians in Ghana, there is the need to lay a new foundation for the relationship. First, is the need to address the challenge of lack of trust and mistrust. In this regard, both Governments should work towards a reciprocal apology for the various mutual expulsions in order to provide a basis for healing of wounds and reconciliation. Second, the mutual self-mockery and sensationalising of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situation should be stopped on both sides.Third, considering that regional and continental integration will be difďŹ cult to achieve,if Nigeria-Ghana relations continue to be informed byWorldWar II Nazi mentality of reckless deportation policies,rather than by the inheritedAfrican culture of accommodation and tolerance, no ECOWAS Member State should be allowed to promote unilateralism to the detriment of bilateralism and plurilateralism.Above all, there is the need to establish associations of Ghana-Nigeria Citizen Diplomats on both sides to complement ofďŹ cial diplomacy. People-to-people diplomacy has become a desideratum which can be conducted by virtual diplomacy to begin with. Citizen diplomacy and virtual diplomacy have to go pari passu in the making of a new Nigeria-Ghana understanding. It is only on the basis of a new understanding that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy remissness and the deepening of problems of Nigerians will not only be nipped in the bud, but that there can be brighter prospects ahead

and pan-Africanism for which Ghana, under Kwame Nkrumah, is globally well known. The bitter truth remains that, in spite of the hostile dynamics of the relationship, there is nothing to suggest that Ghanaians and Nigerians do not support one another outside of their countries, especially in terms of their cultural values. The problem is not that of the people but essentially that of the Governments. Ghana-Nigeria Diplomacy is conflicting, and many times, it is not mutually benefitting. It is more of unhealthy rivalry as shown by several manifestations of the relationship: leadership rivalry at the level of the Casablanca and Monrovia schools of thought; trade and underground economy; violation of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diplomatic premises inAccra; the controversy surrounding the case of a Nigerian Professor,Augustine Uzoma Nwagbara, who lectured at the Faculty of English at the University of Education, Winneba in the Central Region; factor of Ghanaians being richer than Nigerians in terms of GDP per capita: in 2018, it was $2,202.31 for Ghana and $2,028.18 for Nigeria, meaning that the Ghanaians are richer than Nigerians, etc. Without any shadow of doubt, people-to-people relations used to be good. Recall the case of Mr. Yusuf IteribaAminu, a Nigerian, father of a former Research Fellow with the Nigerian Institute of InternationalAffairs, Mr. Latiff S.Aminu. Mr. IteribaAminu and a personal friend of Kwame Nkrumah, who died in 1979 at the age of 78 and who was arrested and rearrested 69 times in Ghana by Government, helped to remove several irritants in the relationship. He was mining â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Diaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Diamond). He played host to Isah Wali and Hubert Ogunde and received top Nigerian leaders at his private residence in Ghana. He received Chief ObafemiAwolowo, Sadaruna of Sokoto, Kolawole Balogun, as well as Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first High Commissioner toAccra.Apart from his case, Nigerians in Ghana sponsored many sporting activities. For instance, the Yoruba group established the Cornerstone Football Club, Kumasi; Federal United Club, Tamale; and Sunset Club, Ginjini. From the perspective of Religion, the Yoruba, particularly from Ogbomoso, contributed to the spread of Islam and Christianity in Ghana. Branches of the Methodist Church were also established. The Muslims established branches of the Nurudeen Society for the Spread of Islam. They established Mosques in Tamale,Accra, Koforidua, Tarkwa, Tema, Kumasi, etc; What should be noted here, in spite of Kwame Nkrumahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pan-Africanism and quest for continental integration, which enabled political tolerance, but whichAlli Mazrui says â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Africans are better uniting for freedom than uniting for development, is that contemporary bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ghana are unnecessarily being tainted by Ghanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic determinism and self-protectionism to the detriment of the interests of Community Citizens.

Ghana and Nigerian Retail Traders

Of all the irritants in Nigeria-Ghana relations in recent times, it is the policy of Ghana that retail traders in the country should pay one million dollars or provide an investment to the tune of the same amount before they can be legally allowed to settle down to do business, that is currently generating much heated controversy. In a letter, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Save Our Souls,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; sent by the NationalAssociation of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) to the Government of Nigeria, Dr. Ken Ukoaha, President of the association, complained that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nigerian traders in Ghana are being tortured, intimidated, harassed, apart from being subjected to all manners of frustrations by the government and people of Ghana since 2007â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (vide The Nation, Friday, November 13, 2020, p. 5). Three points are noteworthy in this complaint. First is the allegation of torture, intimidation and harassment. Is there any good basis to torture or intimidate Nigerians in their capacity as ECOWAS Community Citizens? They have the right of establishment in Ghana, being citizens of an ECOWAS Member State. True, the right of establishment does not preclude the requirement of respect for municipal law in terms of how to settle down, as distinct from the right to do business. The second point is that the complaint is not limited to torture, intimidation and harassment by the Government of Ghana, but, most unfortunately, also include to the people of Ghana. Why should the whole country, as a government and as a people be against Nigerians? Is this not another expression of xenophobia in another form? Has regional integration any enduring future with this type of development? Thirdly, the origin of the intimidation, harassment and torture dates back to 2007. How do we explain the long period of torture, harassment and intimidation to the extent that the Government of Nigeria has not been able to find a solution to the oppression of Nigerians? The NANTS has it in this case that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;there has been a litany of diplomatic dialogue and several engagements initiated by the Government of Nigeria which had taken place on the same subject matter without any tangible solution.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; How do we explain the failure of more than one decade of diplomatic negotiations with Ghana? How do we explain the intransigence of the Government of Ghana? Why is Ghanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diplomacy succeeding and that of Nigeria is not? The problem of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy remissness has become to the extent that Nigerians in Ghana are now seriously pleading with the Government of Nigeria to assist in their immediate evacuation from Ghana. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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NEWSXTRA ActionAid Faults 100% Hike in Electricity Tariff, Petrol Price Amid Covid-19

Â&#x2021; Says FG has injected N1.5tn over what it sold Â&#x2021;Warns FG, states against looming food crisis Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja ActionAid Nigeria, a global movement of people against poverty, yesterday faulted the federal government for increasing electricity tariffs and pump price of premium motor spirit by almost 100% amid COVID-19. The movement, also, lamented that the privatisation of the electricity sub-sector seven years down the line had not yielded the anticipated positive results, saying the power sector was sold at about N400 billion. In a statement by its Board of Trustees yesterday, ActionAid lamented that within the last four years, the federal government injected N1.5 trillion above the amount that accrued from this important asset. Yet, according to it, Nigerians are still being made to pay more. It said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hike in electric-

ity tariffs by almost 100% as well as the fuel price increase coming amid the COVID-19, is not only ill-timed, but it is also counterproductive.â&#x20AC;? It said the privatisation of the electricity sub-sector seven years down the line â&#x20AC;&#x153;has not yielded the anticipated positive results. The increase in electricity tariff and hike in fuel price have eroded the purchasing power of Nigerians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We recommend the reversal of the fuel price and electricity tariff, and request that meters be provided for all electricity consumers. The gains made on poverty eradication by the President and other stakeholders like ActionAid Nigeria are being eroded drastically because of monumental inflation.â&#x20AC;? ActionAid said while the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had made some strides in terms of combating the dreaded

coronavirus, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limited testing capacity and inconsistent contact tracing remains a major concern. The movement lamented that since the COVID-19 lockdown, rape and other forms of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) have increased. It stressed that since the commencement of lockdowns, reported cases of gender-based

violence have substantially risen with a monthly increase of 149% in 23 out of the 36 states in Nigeria where they could obtain data on SGBV. Despite this, till date, ActionAid said only 17 out of 36 states and the FCT have passed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in Nigeria. The organisation said regardless of claims of increased security

measures by federal authorities, an atmosphere of insecurity persists across Nigeria It stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Increasing attacks are being reported in the northeast including reports of fresh attacks in Chibok, home of the Chibok girls who are yet to fully return home 6 years after their abduction, with 112 girls still missing.â&#x20AC;? It, therefore, urged the federal government to continue to engage

with key international actors including the United Nations, United States and the United Kingdom in providing support for the Nigerian forces and Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) in countering and ending insurgency in the Northeast. ActionAid said Nigeria should also consider looking inwards for its own solution to end the growing insecurity in the country.

Platform Capital Offers N30m in Scholarships As part of our commitment to model institutions of learning for education and capacity development in Nigeria, Platform Capital created the Adopt-a-School programme, aimed at improving education across primary and secondary schools in the country. This is a continuation of the work in the education vertical which began with the refurbishment and donation of 3 ultra-modern lecture halls for the University of Lagos Business Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (ULBS) Executive MBA programme. During the refurbishment, the entire building was renovated, and lecture halls were fully fitted with state-of-the art technology including interactive white boards, sound systems and versatile furniture, to ensure a bestin-class digital learning environment for students. A similar development is currently underway at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State. The thrust of the programme involves identifying, adopting, renovating and rehabilitating schools across the country; and creating

students that provides them with world class facilities and access to best-in-class learning. For the latest phase of this initiative, City of Knowledge Academy in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State was selected as a beneficiary of the Adopt-a-School initiative. As part of the commitment to CKA, Platform Capital will fund the sponsorship of 10 students at N30 million a year, the construction of a world-class swimming pool and multi-purpose sports hall. Platform Capital will also provide internship opportunities for students at Platform Capital and its portfolio companies. In her response, Founder, City of Knowledge Academy, Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was setting up CKA, I wanted to give children an opportunity, who under normal circumstances would not have the chance to be educated in an institution of similar standards as CKA.

Omo-Agege, Others Parley Host Communities Tuesday The Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Mungonu and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Niger Delta, Hon. Henry Nwawuba, are among members of the national assembly and other dignitaries that will parley with host communities of the Niger delta on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The event is a hostcom colloquium conceived and organized by OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative to achieve the objective of harnessing stakeholder positions on the host community provisions of the PIB. A statement by Oke Epia, Executive Director of OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative, said the colloquium is being convened for stakeholders in the Niger Delta to examine and make submissions on the bill that would be forwarded to the legislature. The colloquium is billed to hold on Tuesday at Owerri, Imo State. Speakers billed to drill down on the bill and the issues are Engr. Joe Nwakwue and Prof. Wunmi Iledare, both renowned petroleum industry experts of global repute; as

well as Dr. Otive Igbuzor, acclaimed development expert and Founding Executive Director, Centre LSD. Omo-Agege represents Delta Central senatorial district which has a number of oil producing communities while Hon. Mungonu chairs the House Technical Committee on the PIB. The OrderPaper Colloquium Series are designed to reinforce the current legislative processing of the bill. The first HostCom Colloquium was held in Abuja on July 12, 2018 and was chaired by Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, then Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on PIB. OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative is a non-governmental organization that embarks on policy-related engagements and interventions, especially in the legislative space to expand the frontiers of good governance and deepen democratic practice. Its core aspiration is to expand the space for good governance and amplify the voices and participation of hitherto under-served and under-represented interests in the political process in a manner that makes for inclusiveness.

BUILDING NEW ROADS Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun (middle); Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya (left) and Amin Eawk of Craneberg Construction Company during the inspection of new road projects in Ogun East... yesterday

Gombe Discovers N1.48bn from 860 Dormant, Hidden Accounts Segun Awofadeji in Gombe The Gombe State Government yesterday said it had discovered a sum of N1.48 billion from dormant and hidden accounts in the state. The money was discovered due to strict compliance with the Treasury Single Account (TSA). The state governor, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, explained the decision of his administration to promote sound financial discipline and entrench a culture of accountability and transparency in governance. The state governor gave this figure yesterday at a one-day workshop on cash management strategy for chief accounting officers and heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and higher institutions in the state. At the workshop, the governor said his administration upon assumption of office discovered

N1.48 billion from dormant and hidden accounts in the state. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A sum of N1.48 billion was discovered from 860 accounts that were hitherto dormant or undisclosed. 586 dormant accounts were closed after generating their annual account statements for proper reconciliation and documentation.â&#x20AC;? He told participants at the workshop that when he assumed office, his administration met the state finances in a delicate situation characterised by high debt burden, wasteful spending and lack of accountability. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was why our administration took a bold and calculated decision towards putting the state on the path of financial prudence and accountability. The introduction and enforcement of TSA is one out of the numerous steps.â&#x20AC;? He said in order to ensure the successful implementation

of the TSA, his administration set up a committee under the chairmanship of the deputy governor. The governor explained that this was in addition to the signing of executive order number six to further strengthen the implementation and enforcement of the policy in the state. He said the TSA â&#x20AC;&#x153;has recorded huge success in Gombe state as hundreds of dormant accounts were closed after generating their annual account statements for proper reconciliation and documentation, which goes to show the enormity of financial indiscipline inherited by this administration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is worthy of note that we met the state finances in a delicate situation, characterized by high debt burden, wastefulness and lack of accountability. Since then, our administration has taken bold and calculated decisions

towards putting the state on the path of financial prudence and accountability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The introduction and enforcement of TSA is one of them. In order to ensure successful implementation of the TSA, we set up a standing committee under the chairmanship of the deputy governor. I also signed an Executive Order No. 005 of 2020 to further strengthen the implementation and enforcement of the TSA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The exercise has no doubt recorded tremendous successes as a total of 2,292 accounts linked to the state government were captured by the NIBSS and additional 265 hidden accounts were discovered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sum of N 1.48 billion was discovered from 860 accounts that were hitherto dormant or undisclosed. 586 dormant accounts were closed after generating their annual account statements for proper reconciliation and documentation.

APC Decries Hoodlums Attack on Security Agencies at Ile Arugbo The All Progressive Congress (APC), Kwara State, has cautioned Senator Bukola Saraki against continuation of his trademark involvement of thugs in his political activities, saying that era is gone for good in the state. The party gave the warning yesterday in a statement by the Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Aro, lamenting attacks on security agencies by some hoodlums in the convoy of Saraki. A local news medium has reported one death in the attack on security operatives by hoodlums loyal to Saraki. But in its statement yesterday,

the party said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the first time since Saraki and his minions were overwhelmingly rejected by the people of Kwara State, our state again on Saturday recorded a sad reign of hoodlums at an event organised by the senator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is sad and unacceptable. It is a reminder to the dark days of his inglorious reign in the state when he not only patronised hoodlums but he also placed them on governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s payroll, thereby legitimising thuggery.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have since 2019 put those ugly days of official patronage of hoodlums behind us as a state. While Senator Saraki is welcome

back to Kwara from his self-exile after his crushing defeat, we implore him not to bring back the era of thuggery, which our government has succeeded in stamping out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With his supporters, including the urchins, driving against the traffic, blocking public roads, injuring innocent citizens going about their own businesses, and constituting nuisance to members of the public as was the practice in those ugly years, members of the public have wondered what has changed in the orientation of Saraki, especially his patronage of thugs who had a history of

tormenting members of the public and were indeed among those caught in the unfortunate Offa robbery with Government House vehicles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is of great concern that many people were injured as a result of the lawless conduct of Saraki and his minions. For example, many innocent persons have been rushed to General Hospital after sustaining serious injuries from the reckless behaviour of his followers. We do not want such ugly development again in Kwara. We urge decent members of the society to call Saraki and his followers to order.â&#x20AC;?

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝Ë&#x153; 2020

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Osimhen to Miss Nigeria, Sierra Leone Clash in Freetown Sierra Leone Coach praises his boys for draw with Nigeria

AFCON 2022 QUALIFIER Duro Ikhazuagbe

uper Eagles top striker, Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reverse fixture with Sierra Leone in Freetown on Tuesday evening. The Napoli frontman dislocated his shoulder in last Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Nigeria and the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Osimhen scored Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second goal and provided assist to Alex Iwobi before he was however forced out of the game after he dislocated his shoulder. Eagles were four goals up before they were pecked back 4-4 to the total consternation of football fans in the ancient city. Although he has since been discharged from hospital, Super Eagles Head Coach Gernot but Rohr revealed yesterday that Osimhen will not be available for Tuesday rematch in Sierra Leone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is out of the match after he dislocated his shoulder,â&#x20AC;? Rohr disclosed. Osimhen, 21, has scored four goals in three AFCON qualifiers. Speaking on Super Eagles YouTube channel yesterday afternoon, Rohr however remains optimistic that both Samuel Chukwueze and Leon Balogun who were similarly injured will be fit

for the Match-day four tie in Freetown. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Balogun was replaced after he got injured, he did not train today (Saturday) but he will be okay, while Chukwueze has a little pain around the groin, but we hope to have him back,â&#x20AC;? Rohr assured Nigerian football fans who blamed him for allowing Eagles to squander the four goals advantage with his game plan and poor substitutions The third injured Nigerian player, Emmanuel Dennis of Club Brugge in the Belgian Jupiler league may also make the trip to Freetown. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone Coach, John Keister has praised his players for their famous 4-4 comeback i. Benin City last Friday. In particular, he praised his super substitutes that changed the completion of the match. Unlike in the Super Eagles where irrational substitution ruined the game, all four Keisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changes provided the inspiration for the famous comeback. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re delighted. Playing away in Nigeria as always was going to be difficult,â&#x20AC;? Keister told journalists during his post-match conference in Benin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we showed Nigeria a lot of respect in the first half, but we realised we needed to bring in fresh legs and important players we left out.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The difference was the changes that we made. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not disappointed we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win the match. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too greedy. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take the draw to Freetown. I think it was a game of two halves.â&#x20AC;?

Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Super Eagles trip to Freetown

Benin Squirrels Defeat Lesotho to Close in on Nigeria The Squirrels of Benin Republic defeat Lesotho 1-0 yesterday in Cotonou to reduce Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advantage at the top of the AFCON 2022 Group L table to just one point. Super Eagles remain top of the group with seven points from three matches, while Benin now have six points from same number of games. A win for the Squirrels in Lesotho on Tuesday will shoot them temporarily to top, of the group, waiting for the result of the late fixture between

Sierra Leone and Nigeria in Freetown. After squandering a four-goal advantage in Benin City, Eagles face a tricky return clash with Sierra Leone in Freetown. A loss by Nigeria in Sierra Leone Tuesday will now put the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances of qualifying for the AFCON in 2022 in serious danger. The Super Eagles were coasting towards a third win from three in Group L after racing to a 4-0 lead inside the first half hour of their match at home

to Sierra Leone. Everton forward Alex Iwobi scored twice, with his first goal coming in the fourth minute. Napoliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victor Osimhen found the net after 21 minutes on his return to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team. Osimhen then set up Iwobi who got his second goal six minutes later and Villarealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Samuel Chukwueze added a fourth, with another assist from Osimhen. Sierra Leone began their stunning fightback just before half-time when Kwame Quee grabbed what looked to

be a consolation goal. Alhaji Kamara began to stamp his mark on the match. He added a second for the visitors after 72 minutes to make it 4-2. Mustapha Bundu then added a third for Sierra Leone to make it 4-3 with 10 minutes remaining. Nigeria were left stunned as Alhaji Kamara completed an astonishing performance by his team with an equaliser four minutes from time.

Pinnick Demands â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Massive Winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE from Eagles in Reverse Fixture Southgate Challenges Three Lions to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hunt Downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Belgium

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, has said that the only way the Super Eagles can appease football fans in the country is to go to Freetown and beat Sierra Leone 4-0 in the return leg of the 2021 AFCON qualiďŹ ers on Tuesday. Speaking to the players shortly after they were pecked back by the visitors to claim their famous 4-4 result in Benin City, Pinnick described the draw as the worst result he has experienced as NFF boss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will say it the way it is in my heart and the heart of so many Nigerians. The truth is that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be leading 4-0 against Sierra Leone and concede four goals for no reason,â&#x20AC;? Pinnick told the players inside the dressing room on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must go to Freetown and beat them at least four goals so that they will know truly the Eagles have landed. So we should double our effort and go to Freetown and win that game by 4-0 because it is very symbolic so that they will know that what happened in Nigeria was a ďŹ&#x201A;uke.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since I became the NFF president this is the worst result Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in my life. Next few days I wonder how Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to sleep. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not because of losing or we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t qualify for the Nations Cup, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly because this is towards the end of the year, you know the passion and love Nigerians have for this game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football, it can go either way but what happened to us? Were we complacent? Were we so comfortable that we were leading 4-0 and all of a sudden the goals start coming in? â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of the day nobody is going to call your name, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the coach and Amaju Pinnick. That is the truth. Unfortunately he is not the one on the pitch. I saw the reaction of your captain after they scored the fourth goal and I shed tears for the ďŹ rst time in a long time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That spirit of competition is not there anymore, to me thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the truth. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not the coach but if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the coach there are some people that will not come to the team again and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the truth.

England Head Coach, Gareth Southgate, has challenged the Three Lions toâ&#x20AC;&#x153;hunt downâ&#x20AC;? Belgium in Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nations League match as his side aim to prove they can be the best in the world. Belgium are FIFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top-ranked country at present and their star-studded squad pose a serious threat to Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hopes of reaching the Nations League ďŹ nals. Southgate can take heart from a hard-fought 2-1 win against Belgium at Wembley earlier this season when they came from behind to beat Roberto Martinezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men. Now England travel to Belgium needing a win to keep their hopes of topping Group A2 alive. Southgate believes it is the type of stern test that will show whether England are capable of beating top opponents on a regular basis as he builds towards next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s European Championships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost two games in 28, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a fantastic team and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve proven that over

a long period of time,â&#x20AC;?Southgate told a press conference on Saturday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But our aim is to be the best team in the world and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to hunt these teams down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were able to do it at Wembley. I think we saw what a top side they are there, so we know that we had to be at our very best with and without the ball to get that result. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That will be the same tomorrow but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not fearful. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to go into the game with a very positive mindset. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that we can hurt teams, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got players who can score goals, and we know weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve conceded two in our last nine games so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an improving team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a team that are going to get better over the next few years. The future is so exciting.â&#x20AC;? England, who are fourth in Fifaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world rankings, would have had their work cut out against Belgium even without the key absentees they are dealing with in defence.

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Odinkalu to FG “In Nigeria, the government has unleashed a campaign of intimidation and persecution against the civic space and peaceful protesters unseen since the murderous regime of Gen. Sani Abacha, which ended in June 1998” – A human rights activist and former chairman of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr Chidi Odinkalu speaking on crackdown against peaceful protesters by the federal government.

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The Crackdown on #EndSARS Activists

ny hopes that we are going to quickly move on from the tragic #EndSARS protests and enter into the phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation are disappearing by the day as the federal government closes in on the promoters and supporters of the mass action. A lawyer who actively supported the protests was barred from travelling abroad; bank accounts of many protest promoters have been frozen; a company the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) mistakenly thought was involved in the protest has been deregistered for “deviation” from its objectives; and a lawyer has filed a lawsuit against everybody and anybody who tweeted in support of the protests. Some campaigners have also been picked up and their lawyers are working overtime to secure their release. Mr Femi Falana, the senior lawyer who has been at the centre of the fight for human rights, rule of law and democracy in Nigeria for decades — including under military dictatorships — has been “reported” to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which prosecutes mainly war crimes. He is accused of inciting the rioters and looters. The petitioner wants Falana to pay $2 billion (only) in damages. By and large, there is a flurry of co-ordinated actions targeted at those who endorsed, supported or promoted the mass protests that rocked Nigeria to its very foundations. In a sense, one can argue that the ruin we saw in October 2020 was unprecedented. The Civil War of 1967-70 was, after all, a war — so it belongs in a different category. The scale of the destruction in the wake of the #EndSARS protests in Lagos state alone is heartbreaking. Ambulances and health centres were set on fire — and you just have to question the motive. The DNA and Forensic Laboratory, said to be the only one in Nigeria, was burnt down. Buses that ferry millions of passengers monthly were set ablaze. Private businesses, shops and banks were not spared. The anarchy within such a short time was unrivalled. You don’t want to see anything like that again. The protests started on a benign note: to curtail the excesses of the special anti-armed robbery squad (SARS), a police unit that was created in 1984 when — now this is an irony — President Muhammadu Buhari was the military head of state. Over time, SARS had lacked any respect for human life or dignity. Mr Fulani Kwajafa, a retired police commissioner, recently told the BBC: “SARS of today is not the same SARS I established in 1984… I always tell my wife that I was sad [that] what I created with good purpose and direction has been turned into banditry.” That Buhari would be confronted with casting out the demon 36 years later is something you cannot easily make up. The #EndSARS campaign did not start this year, but the government never took it seriously. Each time there was public outcry, the police would announce a “reform”. The harassments, tortures and extrajudicial killings continued unreformed. All you needed to become a suspect was to wear a tattoo, grow dreadlocks or keep an ATM card in your wallet. You could be dead before you knew it. How an anti-robbery unit went full-time into physically fighting cyber crimes is a good topic for researchers. The long and

IG Mohammed Adamu short of it all is that the failure to rein in SARS eventually landed the country in a horrible place. The cost of recovery is not just heavy, some losses are irreversible. After the protest was hijacked, I was not expecting the government to give the organisers a pat on the back. I doubt any government would do that. But I was not expecting a crackdown either. It would only escalate the situation. However, when the northern governors alleged that this was an attempt at regime change — in simpler words, a plot to remove Buhari as president — I knew this would not go away quickly. But my questions are: do the security agencies have concrete proof that some politicians planned and funded the mayhem in order to forcefully change government outside of constitutional means? Or this is just a knee-jerk reaction? That, to me, is the crux of the matter. If indeed there was a plot to bring down Buhari by extra-constitutional means, how much of it were the #EndSARS organisers privy to? When you embark on a campaign of this nature and get financial support from the public, all kinds of people will come on board. There will definitely be fifthcolumnists and agent provocateurs. It is a fact of life. But the pattern of the crackdown so far shows that among those targeted are many well-meaning Nigerians who only lent their voices to a legitimate campaign against police brutality. The security agencies must separate the wheat from the chaff. This must not become an exercise in trying to stifle voices of dissent in the country. As I have said probably a million times, when you start mass action, you know the beginning but you may not know the end — or the dimensions it would take. All sorts of people with different motives would jump on board and be saying “End SARS” even when their own agenda is different. In this instance, armed robbers evidently joined in. Yahoo guys were there. Nigerians already burning with anger over economic hardship let rip as well. Some politicians were apparently very involved. #EndSARS started morphing into #BuhariMustGo and #EndNigeria. Some developed END SARS into an acronym for “restructuring”. It was so very easy to read politics into the mayhem. I previously wrote that I won’t be surprised if state agents also used the opportunity

to go after perceived political enemies. We saw videos of men who looked like security operatives arranging thugs to attack protesters in Abuja. A former DSS director said the operatives were the security detail of a senator. Nobody has denied it. The targeting of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s assets does not appear to be random to me, based on the reports in the media. There were so many dimensions to the mayhem that will need a comprehensive investigation to unravel. It was more than an #EndSARS campaign or an explosion of public anger. We deserve to know the whole truth. Going after the activists can only come across as a witch-hunt which I believe would further escalate socio-political tension. Before I am misunderstood, though, I am not saying if the government has criminal evidence against some people, they should be left alone just because they are waving the activist flag. I am not saying the government should fold its arms and watch Nigeria burn. I am not, by any means, challenging the powers of the state to enforce the law. But I would rather the focus is on the looters, hoodlums and rapists — not the peaceful campaigners and promoters who, for all you care, were only exercising their constitutional rights. A blanket crackdown is a no-no. For now, I would keep appealing to the activists not to be discouraged. With #EndSARS, they have proved that they can mobilise, organise and solidarise. Part of the benefits, in my view, is that they have learnt the hard way: that protests can be end up being hijacked and polarised. Those with “aluta” experience in Nigeria know this very well. There are always people lurking in the corner waiting to pounce whenever there is public disorder. I would advise those whose accounts have been frozen and those arrested to seek every legal support available to clear their names and get justice. This is another opportunity to test our laws and strengthen this democracy. For the genuine activists, there is always a price to pay. The trick is not to give in or give up. The great Gani Fawehinmi was regularly arrested and detained, usually driven by road at night from Lagos to Gashua prison — a journey of about 1,300km. Gashua, built by the colonial masters, was Nigeria’s most horrible prison. Gani used to sleep on the hot floor inside a mud cell. Mr Abdul Oroh, then executive director of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), was arrested in July 1995 and detained for one year. The wife had just given birth! Nigerian activists saw hell. Now that we have the democracy that they fought for, we have to jealously guard our precious freedoms. Let me repeat myself: if the government has solid evidence that some people planned and funded the mayhem, then it should go after those people. But there should be no blanket arrest of activists, neither should people’s accounts be randomly frozen just because they were involved in organising the protests. The laws of the land give everyone the freedom of expression. Agitating for a better Nigeria should never be treated as a crime. Government should never give the impression it is desperately out to get people because they spoke out. My final word to the government is that we need healing. We need all the peace we can buy to stabilise this country. A crackdown will not cut it.

And Four Other Things… AMAC AMOK I hereby call on the federal government to send a bill to the national assembly designating the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) as a terrorist organisation. The requisite evidence is not going to be difficult to gather — just talk to a few business owners in Abuja and listen to their tales of horror and terror. It appears AMAC officials have been briefed to kill any business that is trying to succeed in FCT. There was the recent case of a woman whose eatery was sealed off by AMAC with customers still inside! Do you have to lock customers inside, no matter the infractions of the eatery? What happened to civilisation? Are we waiting for #EndAMAC riots before we act? Senseless. ‘I’M A LOOTER’ Mr Titus Okunrinboye, a witness in the trial of Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, former minister of special duties and inter-governmental affairs, admitted before a federal high court on Wednesday that he looted contract funds while serving as the head of central pay office in the ministry. In addition to helping divert N200 million to personal accounts, he said he has forfeited N535 million and a house in Abuja to the EFCC. And you know what? He is currently an accountant at the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. And you know what again? We are still asking why Nigeria is like this. One day, we will all come to agree that our problems are worse than we make them look. Depressing. ADIEU, BALARABE MUSA The death of Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former governor of Kaduna state, has depleted the ranks of the very few principled Nigerian politicians who genuinely deserve to be regarded as statesmen. Ironically, it is people like Musa who hardly get celebrated in Nigeria — he had no Phantom, bought no house in UK or Dubai, had no private jet and wore no diamond wristwatch. Rather, he was modest, like the northerners of yore who disdained materialism. Musa was a voice of reason: he spoke forcefully about the state of the nation. He sought nothing but quality lives for the poor and lowly of the Nigerian society. He was 84 when he died on Wednesday. Adieu. GOODBYE, RAWLINGS I’m not a fan of military rule — having tasted both military and democratic dispensations in Nigeria — but two African soldiers caught my fancy. One was Capt Thomas Sankara, the former leader of Burkina Faso who was betrayed and overthrown by his best friend, Capt Blaise Compaoré, in 1987. The other was Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, who led Ghana from military rule to a stable democracy in 1992. Rawlings was not perfect — I still have my reservations about his execution of three former heads of state — but he gave his country a new direction. Ghana is far from being a finished product, but whatever it is today, Rawlings played the key role. He died at 73 on Thursday. Goodbye.

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