TUESDAY 12TH JANUARY 2021

FIRS: Nigeria Lost N5.4tn to Tax Evasion by Multinationals Floats new audit units to stem leakages James

Emejo

in

Abuja

The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, yesterday said the country lost

over $178 billion (about N5.4 trillion) through tax evasion by multinationals doing business in the country between 2007 and 2017.

Nami, at a workshop on

effective audit of multinational corporations for domestic revenue mobilisation in Nigeria, which was organised by the service in partnership with the Tax Justice Network,

also said the service has created 35 additional tax audit units over the last one year to stem illicit financial outflows as well as improve tax compliance rate among

corporations.

He said many "rich multinational corporations do not pay the right taxes due from them, let alone pay their taxes voluntarily.”

He, however, stated that some of the companies were “leading in tax compliance in various sectors."

Continued on page 8

Dangote Cement Buys Back N9.8bn Worth of Shares... Page 6 Tuesday 12 January, 2021 Vol 26. No 9410. Price: N250

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Arrest Suspected Plotters of Religious Violence, ACF, Afenifere, CAN, Tell DSS Secret police allege plot to incite crisis in Kano, Rivers, Lagos, others PANDEF cautions against unnecessary alarm Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, Olawale Ajimotokan, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Afenifere and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to go after those it alleged were plotting

to incite religious violence in some states.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) also condemned the alleged plot, stressing that it has always been in the forefront of the advocacy for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, especially Christians and Muslims.

Continued on page 10

FG to Review January 18 School Resumption Date Holds talks with govs on curfew hours Olawale Ajimotokan and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has said it will review the January 18 date earlier fixed for resumption of schools.

It has also begun talks with state governors on the review of curfew hours in different parts of the country

as a curb to nightly activities and entertainment, which are considered to be driving the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country.

This is coming as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has cautioned Nigerians against allowing Continued on page 8

CELEBRATING BRILLIANCE...

L-R: Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri and a First Class Law graduate, Miss Ebizi Blessing Eradiri, when the governor hosted her, in Yenagoa... yesterday

Buhari, Atiku, Ngige, PDP Charge New Ohanaeze President, Obiozor, to Foster Unity...Page 5

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

Buhari, Atiku, Ngige, PDP Charge New Ohanaeze President, Obiozor, to Foster Unity

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday felicitated with the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor, with a call on him to promote unity between Ndigbo and other ethnic nationalities.

Obiozor, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Israel and Cyprus, became leader of the Igbo socio-cultural group after an election held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Sunday.

Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, urged Obiozor to deploy his immense experience within and outside government to forge greater unity in the country.

“Given Prof. Obiozor’s rich background, especially, in international affairs and pan-Nigerian commitment, I have little doubt that his election is well-deserved and will serve not only the interest of Ndigbo, but also that of his fatherland.

“We need all hands to be on deck for this country to move forward in peace and unity,” he added.

Wishing Obiozor a successful tenure, Buhari enjoined him to be a “unifying force beyond his immediate constituency.”

In his congratulations, Atiku, in a statement he signed, said: "By electing such a tried, tested and reliable figure, Ndigbo has

demonstrated their readiness to play the frontline role expected of them in Nigeria."

Ngige, on his part, described the election of Obiozor as a new dawn for Ndigbo in the Nigerian project.

While congratulating Obiozor on his election, Ngige urged him to apply his administrative and managerial abilities to reposition the fortunes of Ndigbo.

According to him, Ndigbo could not have made a better choice than “a diplomat of very high pedigree and intellectual background, who is imbued with vast experience in the public service.”

A statement from the minister’s media office in Abuja yesterday, described Obiozor’s election as a new dawn for Ndigbo in the Nigerian project.

Extolling the administrative and managerial abilities of the new Ohanaeze helmsman, Ngige recalled that Obiozor at different times in the past distinguished himself as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Cyprus and ambassador to Israel from 1999 to 2003, ambassador to the United States from 2004 to 2008 and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), among others.

“It is our hope that his huge knowledge and wealth of experience, garnered from both the academia and public service, will be brought to bear on the affairs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and by extension, the Nigerian nation in general,” Ngige said.

The PDP, in congratulating Obiozor on his election, also extolled the leaders and the people of the South-east for their democratic credentials

demonstrated in the successful election of a new leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said: “Prof. Obiozor is a seasoned administrator, excellent diplomat, courageous nationalist and a firm voice in the fight for the entrenchment of democratic tenets of the rule of law, social justice, equity, fairness, mutual respect, true federalism and

a credible electoral process in our country."

The PDP praised the choice of Obiozor to lead the Ohanaeze Ndigbo at this critical time in the history of the nation, particularly given his doggedness in fighting for constitutional all-inclusiveness as well as elimination of social injustice, divisiveness and nepotism.

"Our party therefore urges Prof. Obiozor to use his new assignment to further rally compatriots in our collective

determination to rescue our nation from misrule and return her to the path of peace, national cohesion, mutual respect, adherence to the rule of law, social justice credible elections, economic prosperity and political stability," Ologbondiyan said.

Also, the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, applauded the emergence of Obiozor as the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

In a statement by his Media

Adviser, Uchenna Awom , Abaribe described the choice of Obiozor as heart-warming, saying that it will sustain the progressive trajectory, which the immediate past executive built.

He expressed optimism that Obiozor, who is widely acknowledged for his track record of excellence, honour, intellectual capacity and courage in public service, will inject such attributes to further reinvigorate and build an activist-driven Ohanaeze in the face of current realities in Nigeria.

MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR IDPS...

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, at the enrolment of 1,163 children of Internally Displaced Persons, during his visit to a former Boko Haram stronghold on the shores of Lake Chad, Damasak...yesterday

FG Mulls NIN Enrolment Suspension over COVID-19 Risks Threatens to stop Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna train services Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government has said that it may suspend the ongoing enrolment for National Identification Number (NIN) in view of the large crowds at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) offices in many states.

It stated the decision is necessary to protect Nigerians from COVID-19 pandemic.

The federal government has also threatened to shut down the Lagos-Ibadan and the Abuja-Kaduna train services if any case of the pandemic is detected among passengers.

However, it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mota-Engil Group on the construction of $1.959 billion Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway lines.

This is coming as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has suspended the ongoing screening of applicants for recruitment due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NIN registration resumed nationwide yesterday after NIMC workers suspended the strike they commenced on Thursday over poor welfare package, lack of tools and risk of exposure to COVID-19.

But speaking on a live TV programme yesterday, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, said the ongoing NIN enrolment may be suspended over COVID-19 risks.

He also charged the NIMC to go back to the drawing board and re-order the enrolment process to avoid large crowds at its centres nationwide.

The minister, who is also a member of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, led by the Secretary to the Government to the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said the government has a duty to protect Nigerians.

“I don’t feel good looking at the picture where people are gathered in multitude; it’s like a super-spreader event, which we don’t like. But I’m also aware that the relevant ministry, which is the communications and digital economy, is looking at this.

“My understanding is that the whole process may be suspended so as to reorder the whole process in terms of management of the crowd because it was never intended that it would become a rowdy process like that.

“We have a duty as government to ensure that people are protected; we also

have a duty to ensure people comply within the limit of what is good for the society at large,” he added.

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) had ordered telecommunications companies to deactivate telephone lines of subscribers who failed to link their phones to their NINs. It also gave subscribers with NINs till January 19 to link their NINs with their SIM cards while subscribers without NINs have February 9 deadline.

Besides the federal government has threatened to shut down the Lagos-Ibadan and the Abuja-Kaduna train services if any case of the pandemic is detected among passengers.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had in December 2020 commenced operations of the 156km LagosIbadan railway, a standard gauge rail.

Speaking on a separate live television programme yesterday, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, said train passengers must comply with all COVID-19 protocols during their trip.

“If we see that we are conveying passengers who have COVID-19 from Lagos to Ibadan and Ibadan to Lagos,

Signs MoU on $1.959bn Kano-Maradi rail project

we will stop it just like we are threatened to stop the one from Kaduna to Abuja if people don’t comply with the COVID-19 protocols.

“Don’t forget that on Kaduna-Abuja, we convey 4,000 passengers in a day.

Imagine that about 20 per cent have COVID-19, they can transmit COVID-19 to the entire passengers. The rate of transmission will be high. The same is applicable to Lagos.

Everybody must comply with the COVID-19 protocols, wear your masks till the end of the journey,” he said.

The minister added that the Lagos-Ibadan railway project, which will be completed this month, will be inaugurated virtually by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Scare over the pandemic has also prompted the NDLEA to suspend the ongoing screening of applicants for recruitment.

NDLEA’s spokesman, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Jonah Achema, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, said the screening suspension was based on strict compliance with the directive of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN).

NDLEA had on January 8 released the list of shortlisted

candidates.

The candidates, numbering 5,000, were due to appear at the agency’s academy, in Jos for screening and documentation between January 10 and January 23.

According to Achema, the minister ordered the suspension of the exercise given the current and alarming second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

“The agency is prepared to seek advice from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on the public health implications of such an exercise, especially as it relates to the adequacy and possibility of strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

“The screening team had been directed to suspend all actions and return to the National Headquarters, Abuja, immediately for further briefing.

“There shall be no prejudice against any candidate that turned up for the screening or that failed to do so,’’ he said.

FG Signs MoU on $1.959bn KanoMaradi Rail Project The federal government yesterday signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mota-Engil Group

for the construction of $1.959 billion Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway lines.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, signed on behalf of the federal government while the Managing Director of Mota- Engil, Mr. Antonio Gvoea, signed on behalf of the contracting firm.

Amaechi, in statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the Director of Press of the ministry, Mr. Eric Ejiekwe, noted that the new railway corridor, will run through three states: Kano, Jigawa and Katsina and through Niger territory as far as Maradi.

Other cities that will be affected by the rail line in Nigeria are Danbatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina and Jibiya.

"The 283,750 kilometre rail line besides developing freight and passenger transport, will be integrated with road transport and will make a great contribution to the local economy as well as an important development in the social sector," the minister explained.

He added that the project duration is for 36 months and the contract type is Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC).

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Dangote Cement Buys Back N9.8bn Worth of Shares

Goddy Egene

Dangote Cement Plc has bought back 40.2 million shares for N9.77 billion during the first tranche of its share buyback programme. The company said in a statement that the first tranche of the share buyback programme commenced on December 30, 2020 and ended on December 31, 2020, on the open market of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

According to the company, it purchased 40,200,000 ordinary shares of the company at an average price of N243.02, representing 0.24 per cent of the issued and fully paid ordinary shares.

When the company last December announced the commencement of the programme, it had targeted to buy 85.203 million shares under the tranche 1.

However, only 40.2 million was purchased.

“Following the conclusion of Tranche I, the total number of residual issued and fully paid outstanding shares of DCP amounts to 17,000,307,404.

However, the completion of

the share buyback programme of the company does not portend any material impact on the company’s financial position, and the operation of the company as a going concern,” it said.

Dangote Cement had explained that the share buyback programme was intended to increase long-term shareholder value, improve its balance sheet efficiency and enhance earnings and yields to its various shareholders.

Market analyst said with a reduced shares of 17,000,307,404 and expected improved earnings, shareholders would receive higher dividend per share going forward.

The Chief Financial Officer of Dangote Cement, Mr. Guillaume Moyen, had last year said the company had grown the wealth of its shareholders by paying over N1 trillion as dividends in the past seven years.

According to him, the company paid N51.1 billion in 2013; N119.3 billion in 2014, N102.2 billion in 2015, N136.3 billion in 2016, N144.8 billion in 2017, N178.9 billion in 2018

and N272.6 billion in 2019.

He said: “We have paid over N1 trillion in dividends to shareholders in the last seven years. As Africa’s largest cement manufacturer, we will continue to prioritise giving value to investors and other stakeholders.”

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Cement, Michel Puchercos, had explained that with the world facing economic recession and downturn, Dangote Cement

was fortunate enough to have had a decent start to 2020 year as reflected in its financial results “We are fortunate to have resilient first half (H1) 2020 results amidst impact of COVID-19. Cement is an essential building material with no viable substitutes and the global cement industry continues to grow, driven by urbanisation, population growth, housing growth, industrialisation, and

infrastructure development, especially in emerging economies such as Africa, where we operate,” he said.

He noted that the company has been presented with an opportunity and is strategically positioned to take advantage of it with its operational efficiency, product quality, modern facilities, and technology to leverage our unique economies of scale and know-how.”

Apparently to buttress the

claims of the GCEO, Dangote Cement Plc reported an impressive nine months result ended September 30, 2020, with a revenue of N761.4 billion, showing an increase of 12 per cent compared with N679.8 billion in the corresponding period of 2019.

Profit before tax rose 37.6 per cent to N271.96 billion in 2020, from N197.68 billion, just as profit after tax grew by 35.2 per cent from N154.35 billion to N208.69 billion.

Marketers Blame DPR, PPPRA for Rising Cooking Gas Price Accuse NLNG of inadequate product supply Peter Uzoho Excessive administrative and other sundry charges by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), among others, have caused an astronomical rise in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commonly known cooking gas, THISDAY's investigation has revealed.

Also, insufficient supply of LPG to local marketers by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, which is the major supplier of the product in-country, has also contributed to the scarcity of the product and the resultant increase in price lately.

The numerous charges by the regulators have forced the marketers of the product to hike the price at their stations, resulting in consumers having to pay more for cooking gas, which the federal government is projecting as the preferable cooking fuel.

Some of the marketers and LPG terminal operators, who spoke to THISDAY, equally attributed the sharp rise in the price of LPG to the difficulty in accessing foreign exchange at the official Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rate, adding that they could not access forex at the parallel market due to its exorbitant rate.

Lately, the price of LPG has gone up that many Nigerians now find it difficult to continue using the fuel.

For instance, in some gas stations in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial nerve centre, to fill a 12.5kg cylinder costs about N4,200, which is about N1,000

higher than the price before November last year.

The situation, according to the investigation, has forced some low-income Nigerians, especially the local food vendors, to resort to using firewood and sawdust to cook.

One of the marketers, who pleaded to remain anonymous, said new charges by the PPPRA, DPR and other agencies were part of the reasons for the high cost of LPG in the country.

"Some of the reasons why gas price is going up are, one, new charges by government agencies -the PPPRA, DPR, etc.

"Also, you know that the product is in dollar and with the fall in naira value, the cost of importing the product is going up.

"Again, you know that during winter period, there is always an increase in the use of gas, especially in Europe where most imports are coming from, thus making the product to be in high demand and costly.

"Another major factor is the fact that local supply is still less than 40 per cent of total local consumption, thus making most depot owners to do more of imports with attendant effect on cost. So, it is not our fault, there is nothing we can do," he stated.

According to him, rather than give more attention to export to the detriment of the country, the NLNG should ensure that it makes more products available to marketers to boost supply and force down the high price.

The Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association Continued on page 8

THANKS FOR COMING...

L-R: Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas and Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, during the governor's visit to the Naval Headquarters, in Abuja...yesterday

Moghalu Urges FG to Improve Internal Revenue Mobilisation Warns against rising budget deficit

Dike Onwuamaeze A former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, yesterday called on the federal government to maximise the benefits of Nigeria being a $400 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) economy by broadening its internal revenue generation efforts rather than relying on public borrowings to finance its budget deficits.

Moghalu, during an interview monitored on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said Nigeria’s current national budget of N13 trillion has a N5 trillion deficit component, adding that the huge deficit would not have existed if the government had deepened its internal revenue mobilisation in the first place.

He said: “The budget, yes, is N13 trillion and N5 trillion of it is deficit. And the problem is how do you finance the fiscal responsibilities of the government?

“I have a problem with the way it is currently being managed. There is

an overarching reliance on borrowing, borrowing and borrowing as a way to finance Nigeria’s budget deficit. Those deficits do not even need to exist in the first place, at least to a significant extent, if the government of Nigeria were to pursue effective revenue mobilisation from within its own economy.

“Nigeria has a good fortune of being a $400 billion GDP economy. The only problem we have is that all that is a fact but the lives of the poor Nigerians are not impacted in any positive way.”

He also highlighted the need to hinge Nigeria’s economy on a sound economic philosophical foundation to create a level playing field and work for the good of the markets and other economic actors.

Moghalu, who was the presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party in the 2019 presidential election, stated that there is insufficient clear thinking going into the country’s economic policies decision making.

He said: “Economics of countries are built first of all

on a strong philosophical foundation that guides the market place. We have not done this in Nigeria. We are not very sure of what Nigeria’s economic philosophy is.

“There is a very strong statist instinct in the current government since 2015 and that interferes with the efficiency of the market place. The government has a role, but the question is what that role is? In my view, that role should be to create enabling environment through effective regulation and policies. Then you let the market flow. But instead the government wants to determine many things, including the price of the naira to the dollar.

“And because of insufficient understanding of economics among the populace, many people feel that if the naira is one-to-one with the dollar then that is a wonderful thing.

“The naira can be one-toone with the dollar. There is nothing wrong about that but on what basis? You have to be a productive economy and exporting finished goods with value to underpin the value of your currency. Right now, the

value of the naira is determined only by the price of the oil, which as you and I know is a volatile affair. So, it is a no win-win situation for us.”

He also explained that the existing multiple exchange rates of the naira to the dollar was made possible by the rent-seeking appetite of the powers that be in the country’s politics.

“Nigeria’s politics is driven by a greed for power at the centre for the purposes of rent seeking. There is a lot of rent seeking that is going on concerning the naira. If you keep the naira subsidies and create different kinds of exchange rates for different kind of businesses, you are not creating level playing field in the financial market.

“And there are people who profit from these arbitrage opportunities and many of them are powerful politically, connected people who have a very important influence on political decision making, which of course influences economic decision making.

Our economy is suffering because of our politics,” Moghalu added.

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PAGE EIGHT FIRS: NIGERIA LOST N5.4TN TO TAX EVASION BY MULTINATIONALS Citing a 2014 report by the High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa, the FIRS boss stated that “Nigeria accounted for 30.5 per cent of money lost by the continent through illicit

financial flows.”

“At the FIRS, we are paying greater attention to tax audit in general and transfer pricing audit in particular in order to improve the level of tax compliance in the country.

"As a result, in the last one year, we have created more than 35 additional tax audit units and deployed experienced and capable staff to take charge of these offices,” he added.

Nami, in a statement by the Director, Communications and Liaison Department, Dr. Abdullahi Ahmad, said with the signing of the 2021 budget of N13.58 trillion by President Muhammadu Buhari and

given the recent decline in oil resources, the major revenue earner for the country, taxation is expected to continue to shoulder the government’s budget performance the way it did in 2020.

This, he said, underscored the importance of the workshop, particularly as tax audit of multinational corporations remained crucial in the country's domestic revenue mobilisation efforts.

to select their preferred laboratory/sample collection centre based on where they will be self-isolating at Day-7 of arrival in Nigeria. A list of accredited private laboratory providers/sample collection centres across the country are available on the payment platform.

“Diplomats and children less than 10 years old are exempted from payment for the repeat COVID-19 test,” the statement added.

The statement said following successful payment, passengers should download the permit to travel certificate/ QR Code using the “Get Permit to Travel” button visible at the top right corner of the portal, save and print the form for presentation at the point of boarding.

The permit to travel certificate/QR code will have a “PAID” label if payment is successful and “UNPAID” label if payment has not gone through yet or is unsuccessful. A copy of the permit to travel certificate/ QR Code will also be sent to the email address provided by the passenger.

Before boarding for Nigeria, passengers are required to present two documents at their point of departure to be allowed to board; a. A negative COVID-19 PCR test administered within four days (96 hours) of departure, while airlines have been directed not to board passengers with nonPCR COVID-19 tests (such as antigen/or antibody tests), a positive COVID-19 PCR test result or tests performed beyond 96 hours of boarding.

Passengers failing to show a permit to travel certificate/ QR Code will not be allowed to board while passengers departing from the United Kingdom and Republic of South Africa must show evidence of having paid

for their post-arrival Day-7 COVID-19 PCR test prior to boarding.

Also airlines that board passengers without any of the two documents (a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken not more than 96 hours prior to boarding and a permit to travel certificate/ QR code), shall be sanctioned.

Mustapha also said Nigeria has crossed the 100,000 cases mark and now ranked second in the number of new cases, the fourth in cumulative cases in Africa and fifth in cumulative deaths.

He explained that the country last week recorded over 9,000 cases, attributing the factors that have contributed to the rise in numbers from late November 2020 to include increased local and international travels, business and religious activities and reopening of schools without strict compliance with COIVID-19 safety measures.

of COVID-19," he stated.

According to him, the average number of daily confirmed cases recorded in the first week of January 2021, is higher than the cumulative cases recorded in the last week of December 2020.

He said that following the festive season, and in view of the increase in the number of confirmed cases in Nigeria, the NCDC and partners, with leadership from the Federal Ministry of Health and Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, are putting in place measures to strengthen the public health response to the pandemic.

"While the public may be tired of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, the virus is taking advantage of the fatigue and complacency, instead gaining momentum and taking advantage of lapses in the adherence to the public health measures.

To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the public is reminded to wear a face mask properly, wash hands with soap and water, and physically distance from others.

"This is not the time to let down our guard. The virus that causes COVID-19 never went away and is still very much with us, as evidenced by the rising cases in Nigeria and globally.

"COVID-19 can affect all age groups with severe outcomes in the elderly (50 years and above), and in persons with co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer etc. Recently there has been increased infection among the younger age groups, therefore, NCDC urges all persons to take responsibility and adhere to the non-pharmaceutical interventions (regular hand washing, maintaining physical distance and proper use of face mask)," he said.

FG TO REVIEW JANUARY 18 SCHOOL RESUMPTION DATE COVID-19 infections to escalate to a level that it will stretch health facilities to their limits.

Speaking yesterday while answering questions during a press briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, attributed the decision to review the resumption date to the second wave of COVID-19 currently ravaging the country.

Adamu said: “It (January 18 date of school reopening) is not sacrosanct. When we decided on that date, it was just a target towards what we were working on. Of course, we are keeping it in view and looking at what is happening in society and then it is supposed to be subject to constant review.

“Even today (Monday) at the PTF meeting, we looked at the rising figures and thought about if we should probably take another look at it. On the January 18 resumption, we are reviewing it, we are going to review it.

At the PTF meeting today (Monday) we considered it and tomorrow (today), the ministry is going to take it up.”

The PTF has also said travels, reopening of schools, businesses and religious centres contributed to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria.

Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, during the media briefing in Abuja, said: “It is, however, very instructive to stress that factors that have contributed to rise in numbers from late November 2020 included increased local and international travels, business and religious activities, reopening of schools without strict compliance with COIVID-19

safety measures.

“The full import of the foregoing is to press further on the need for us all to elevate the level of our vigilance and compliance with the recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions.”

The National Coordinator of the PTF, Dr. Sani Aliyu, also said the PTF and the governors met last week to review the COVID-19 protocol and deepen the community engagement and enforcement of protocols.

He added that the talks also included reviewing curfew hours put in place as a curb to nightly activities and entertainment, which are considered to be driving the upsurge in COVID-19 cases nationwide.

The federal government last June had reduced the curfew introduced at the onset of the pandemic from 8pm to 6am to 10pm to 4am.

It had also relaxed the restrictions placed on religious gatherings and gatherings with more than 20 people, among others.

Already, some of the states have come up with new curfew period with the Ekiti State Government on Sunday imposing an indefinite night curfew and a ban on large crowds in the state to check the spread of COVID-19.

The government said the curfew, to take effect from yesterday, would be from 8pm to 6am.

Aliyu also said the federal government has changed the validity of the COVID-19 PCR test for international passengers outside the country.

The federal government on Sunday had issued a new provisional quarantine protocol for passengers arriving in the country.

The COVID-19 response protocol, which came into effect from yesterday, was

signed by Mustapha.

While shedding light on the new protocol, Aliyu said incoming passengers are now required to present PCR negative certificate that are valid within the country for 96 hours or four days and not 120 hours.

Airlines have also been duly informed to from yesterday note that PCR tests done more than 96 hours before departure are no longer valid and persons that do not have it should not be allowed to board flights to Nigeria.

Aliyu added that it will also be necessary for inbound travellers to access the travel portal, fill in the health questionnaire, upload the PCR result and print out the permit to travel or the PR Code.

“If you don’t have your permit to travel, you would be denied boarding. And this especially so for passengers just coming from South Africa and the UK. You have to pay before you board to Nigeria. If you don’t, the airlines won’t allow you to board,” Aliyu stated.

The statement signed by Mustapha had listed some steps which a passenger from a country of exit must fulfill before he could be allowed to board a flight to Nigeria.

The passengers must inform Port Health officials on the arrival of any change in their health circumstances since completion of the health declaration/self-reporting form.

“Passengers who falsify their status as diplomats will face prosecution," the statement said.

It urged travellers to still bring along an electronic or hard copy of their COVID-19 PCR test for presentation at the airport.

“On reaching the payment section of the portal, passengers will be requested

NCDC Warns against Overstretching Medical Facilities The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has cautioned Nigerians not to allow COVID-19 Infections to escalate to a level that it will stretch health facilities.

NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said yesterday at the PTF briefing that Nigeria has recorded a consistent increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the Yuletide season till date.

"The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is issuing this public health advisory to alert the public that the non-adherence to public health and social measures is exacerbating the public health response efforts to limit the continued spread

MARKETERS BLAME DPR, PPPRA FOR RISING COOKING GAS PRICE (NALPGA) has also cited charges by the regulators as one of the causes of the high price, saying the current levies on a 20MT LPG truck has exceeded N120,000.

The Executive Secretary of NLPGA, Mr. Olakunle Oyebanjo, said the levies included NUPENG levy - N23,000; DPR’s Off-Take Permit – N50,000; and PPPRA’s Administrative Fee – N49,200, all totaling N122,200.

He said the levies were just a few of the many rates being paid by the marketers, which are passed to consumers.

Also, marketers under the auspices of Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), attributed the rise in the product's price to the vagaries of the international market.

According to the Executive Secretary of the association, Mr. Bassey Essien, the cost of importing 20MT truck of LPG has gone up from the previous price of between N4 million to N5 million to

N5.3 million within a month.

“We have watched the continuous spike in the price of cooking gas, moving from N4 million to N5 million for a 20MT truck to the current price of N5.3m within a month interval.

"It is thus disheartening that at a time that people were yet to recover from the negative economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has virtually crippled the people’s purchasing power, coupled with the economic backlash of the #EndSARS protests, and the attendant recession in the country, the hike in the price of a vital cooking commodity in homes would come up to further add woes to an already despondent populace.

"We have watched the continuous spike in the price of cooking gas, moving from N4 million to N5 million for a 20MT truck to the current price of N5.3million within a month interval," Essien added.

However, the LPG Manager at Rainoil Limited, Mr. Jude

Nwaulune, also attributed the hike in cooking gas price to the vagaries of the international market, difficulty in accessing dollars for importation and insufficient supply by the NLNG. He said marketers have to sell according to the price they bought at the international market.

He added that only the NLNG supplies the product locally and that the company has not been meeting local demands.

He explained that NLNG supplies a paltry 40 per cent of the total LPG needed for local consumption while 60 per cent is imported.

He, however, said neither the marketers nor the government should be blamed for the rise in price of LPG as it has been deregulated like other products like kerosene and diesel, and therefore, government does not have a hand in the rise and fall of the LPG price.

Nwaulune said: "I understand there is a drop in American oil supply

which played a major role.

I think as at yesterday, (last Wednesday) we are watching it going from $388 per metric tonnes to about over $400.

"We see this international prices going up. So it’s clearly a function of the international price, that’s one. Two, locally here, at the forex market, the dollar is not even available for traders for import.

"Locally, the cost of importation has gone up. So, these are factors that affect this rise in price. We have watched it move up and from my point, I do not expect a drop in price soon."

"And for your information, the LPG is deregulated like other deregulated products –AGO and ATK. So, government do not have hand in it. It is sell as you buy.

"What we should have done as a country is to put our house in order. Nigeria is a big producer of these products we import but we cannot foot our bills locally.

So that’s exactly what you are seeing happening".

According to him, an NLNG

vessel comes into Lagos once in a month and supplies the likes of NIPCO, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), an arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a few others only.

"I am not too sure whether the NLNG has even visited this January. The last expectation was in December.

I didn’t follow up with that vessel to know whether the vessel came as planned towards late December. So these are the challenges," he added.

However, in its reaction to the allegation of excessive charges, the DPR said it has not introduced any new charges including the alleged "off-takers permit" since five years.

The Head of Public Affairs, DPR, Mr. Paul Osu, told THISDAY that "DPR in the last five years has not introduced any new charges to LPG operations in Nigeria, including the off-takers permit.

"As earlier advised, please check with other agencies in

the gas/LPG value chain."

However, NLNG and PPPRA declined to respond to the allegations.

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FG Threatens Varsity Workers with No-work, No-pay Rule Says demands have been addressed Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja As members of the nonteaching staff of universities, under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), begin a three-day nationwide protest with effect from today, the federal government has said that it has addressed most of the issues raised by the university workers.

It also warned that it will enforce the no-work, no-pay rule if they embarked on the industrial action.

Reacting to the threat by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior

Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) to embark on the three-day protest, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, told THISDAY yesterday that all the demands of the workers are currently being addressed.

He added that if the workers embark on their planned “forcible holiday” their employers might be right to deduct their salaries.

NASU and SSANU had said their protest was to express their displeasure over the refusal of the federal government to address their grievances.

In a statement at the

weekend by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU, and signed by NASU General Secretary, Peter Adeyemi and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions said they had resolved to embark on the protest to be held simultaneously at all the branches nationwide from today to Thursday.

Among the grievances listed by the unions are the non- payment of arrears of their earned allowances, non- payment of arrears of minimum wage, non-payment of arrears of pension and gratuities.

Others include inconsistencies in the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and delays in renegotiation of the agreement reached between the federal government and the unions in 2009.

But Ngige told THISDAY that there is no reason for the workers' protest as virtually all their demands have either been addressed or are being addressed.

"I see no reason for the workers' protest. A lot of things they are talking about have been taken care of," he said.

Ngige said for instance, the federal government has inaugurated the committee on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with the university staff, which has commenced work.

On the issue of earned allowances, Ngige said N40 billion has been paid into the account of the National Universities Commission (NUC) for onward disbursement to the institutions after verification of claims.

He added that the workers’ complaints on the inconsistencies in the implementation of the IPPIS were being addressed.

According to him, nobody in the university system has been paid consequential adjustment, adding that even ASUU’s case is still being handled.

"The workers' complaint with regards to the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage is being attended to and they are doing that through the bursar's office of the respective universities.

I do not see any reason for the three-day protest by the workers, may be they want to take a forcible holiday and if they do take a forcible holiday, their employers might be right to deduct it from their salaries," Ngige stated.

FG Rolls Out Provisional Quarantine Protocol for Incoming Passengers Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The new provisional quarantine protocol for passengers arriving Nigeria introduced by the federal government has come into effect from Monday, January 11, 2021, being yesterday.

The COVID-19 response protocol was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation/ Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

It listed some steps, which a passenger from a country of exit must fulfill before he could be allowed to board a flight to Nigeria.

One of the requirements is

that traveller is required to perform a COVID-19 PCR test not more than four days (96 hours) before boarding.

The PTF also noted that PCR tests done more than 96 hours before departure are not valid and persons will not be allowed to board.

Also all intending passengers, including diplomats and children less than 10 years old, are to register via an online national travel portal (Nigeria International Travel Portal and proceed to fill in the online Health Declaration/ Self-Reporting form located on the portal. They should ensure that the information/ contact details provided on the form are correct and verifiable.

Passengers must also inform port health officials on the arrival of any change in their health circumstances since completion of the Health Declaration/Self-Reporting Form.

Passengers who falsify their status as diplomats will face prosecution.

Also travellers are advised to still bring along an electronic or hard copy of their COVID-19 PCR test for presentation at the airport.

On reaching the payment section of the portal, passengers will be requested to select their preferred Laboratory/Sample Collection Centre based on where they will be self-isolating at Day-7 of arrival in Nigeria.

A list of accredited private laboratory providers/Sample Collection Centres across the country are available on the payment platform.

Diplomats and children less than 10 years old are exempted from payment for the repeat COVID-19 test.

Following successful payment, passengers should download the Permit to Travel Certificate/ QR Code using the “Get Permit to Travel” button visible at the top right corner of the portal, save and print the form for presentation at the point of boarding.

The Permit to Travel Certificate/QR code will have a “PAID” label if payment is successful and “UNPAID” label if payment has not gone

through yet or is unsuccessful.

A copy of the Permit to Travel Certificate/ QR Code will also be sent to the email address provided by the passenger.

Before boarding for Nigeria, passengers are required to present two documents at their point of departure to be allowed to board.

Passengers failing to show a Permit to Travel Certificate/ QR Code will not be allowed to board while passengers departing from the United Kingdom and Republic of South Africa must show evidence of having paid for their post-arrival Day-7 COVID-19 PCR test prior to boarding.

Also airlines that board

passengers without any of the two documents (a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken not more than 96 hours prior to boarding and a Permit to Travel Certificate/ QR code), shall be sanctioned.

Passengers, who are nonNigerians, will be refused entry and returned to the point of embarkation at a cost to the airline, while passengers who are Nigerians and holders of permanent resident permit will be allowed entry, but subjected to a mandatory quarantine of 8-14 days (depending on results of COVID-19 PCR test done from Day-7 of arrival) at a facility approved by the government and at a cost to the passenger(s)/airline.

ARREST SUSPECTED PLOTTERS OF RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE, ACF, AFENIFERE, CAN, TELL DSS However, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) accused the DSS of raising unnecessary alarm, warning that the nation's worsening security situation should not be given religious colouration.

They spoke against the backdrop of a statement earlier yesterday by the DSS in which it alleged that there was a plot to incite religious violence in Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Oyo, Lagos and some states in the South-east.

The statement by Head, Public Relations Officer, DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, also warned that some worship centres and religious leaders may be attacked.

It accused some people of working with external forces to incite religious violence in the country.

“Part of the plans is to cause inter-religious conflicts as well as use their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.

“Consequently, Nigerians are advised to be wary of these antics and shun all divisive tendencies aimed at inciting or setting them against one another.

“While the service pledges to collaborate with sister agencies to ensure that public order is maintained, those hatching these plots are warned to desist from

such in the interest of peace, security and development of the country," it added.

But reacting to the allegations, the ACF urged the secret police to act swiftly by arresting and prosecuting those behind the “satanic plans.”

The spokesman of the forum, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, told THISDAY that Nigeria already has too many problems and urged the secret police to abort the plan before it is too late.

“Since the DSS is claiming they are aware of the plan, we expect them to act swiftly and arrest and prosecute the people behind the satanic plans.

“Nigeria already has too many problems. They should help the country and abort this one before it is too late,” Yawe said.

The CAN also asked the DSS to arrest those behind the alleged plot.

It urged it not to create fear among the people in the guise of security alert.

CAN’s General Secretary, Rev. Joseph Daramola, told THISDAY that "though we welcome the security alert as a means of informing the public of dangers that lies ahead, we still maintain that DSS should move to arrest those behind the plot. " If they have uncovered such plot, why can't they report those behind the plan to the police to prosecute them?

If they have such a dangerous information, they should be able to nab those behind it.

They have capacity to effect their arrest. For instance, if they get information about plan for a demonstration at the National Assembly, would they not move swiftly to fortify the place? If they have uncovered plot to organise riot and attack religious leaders, they should have spread their dragnet to arrest these people, they shouldn't have issued a statement," he said.

Also the Vice Chairman of the Northern CAN and Chairman of Kaduna State chapter of the association, Rev. John Hayab, told THISDAY that such an alarm will only further create panic among the people already traumatised by insecurity.

"It has become a weekly or monthly practice for our dear security agency to make statements that only help to create fear and pave the way for evil people to cause citizens harm.

“If you truly have security report about anyone or any group trying to instigate violence, just do to them what the law says but coming out to create panic every time is not good for the people who are already living in self-pity and have lost hope due to the high level of insecurity in the nation.

"Sometimes these statements

are seen as a strategy to stop people from expressing their views. “Whenever a strong view has been made and others are saying theirs too that is when you will hear security alert.

“As a leader of the church in Kaduna State, I know my people have been attacked, killed and have their homes and places of worship destroyed or vandalised when there was no quarrel between them and anyone. And in all these pains, security agencies did not show serious concern or go after the arsonist or criminals.

"We therefore do not understand why they should be making statements that will only create panic when no arrest has been made and no good steps is taken to show or teach law breakers lessons.

"We want our security agencies to just go after those planning evil against Nigeria if they have any credible intelligence about their evil intention.

“Coming out always to make statements that will only create more fear in the minds of citizens at a time they are already in fear at home, on the road and everywhere in the country is not a good way to secure us," he said.

Also reacting, the pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, cautioned the DSS against raising unnecessary

security alarm.

Rather, it urged all security agencies to investigate the allegations.

Its spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, told THISDAY that "the security forces should get to the root of this and go after the perpetrators instead of raising unnecessary alarm like part of the pathetic public."

They also condemned the alleged plot, saying that it has always been in the forefront when it comes to advocacy for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, especially Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

“Therefore, council is totally against any plot by yet-to-be identified faceless individuals aimed at fomenting religious trouble in some states of the federation.

“We hereby align our views with the views of the DSS in calling on Nigerians to be vigilant. We equally call on those intending to incite religious violence to have a rethink for the sake of our collective existence,” the NSCIA spokesperson, Aselimi Ibrahim, said in a statement made available to THISDAY. On its part,the PANDEF accused the DSS of raising unnecessary alarm, warning that the nation's worsening security situation should not be given religious colouration.

The group described the alarm as unnecessary as it

is capable of exacerbating anxiety and apprehension in the country.

Its spokesman, Hon. Ken Robinson, told THISDAY that the security agency should not attempt to give the country's worsening state of insecurity a religious tag.

He said: "Criminals, bandits and terrorists have continued to perpetrate violent and horrible crimes against innocent citizens across the country. These undesirable elements have been emboldened by the inefficiency, and in some cases, the inactions of the government and security agencies.

"While the nation continues to talk about the awful situation in the North-east, North-west and even parts of North-central, the waterways in parts of the Niger Delta region are also, increasingly, becoming unsafe for travel, local business and tourism.

"The nation's security architecture is apparently overwhelmed.

Nigerians expect Mr. President to effect a complete overhaul of the nation's security structure, starting with the replacement of the service chiefs. Instead, unfortunately, the latest from the presidency is that President Muhammadu Buhari sees what Nigerians do not see in the underperforming service chiefs."

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Falana-led Coalition Blames FG, States for COVID-19 Surge Peter Uzoho A leading coalition, Alliance for the Survival of COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), led by a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has held the federal and state governments responsible for the rise in COVID-19 in the country.

Last week, Nigeria recorded more than 1,500 new cases amidst fears of shortages in oxygen and spilling over of the few isolation centres in Africa’s most populous country.

In a statement issued yesterday, ASCAB faulted government’s lukewarm attitude to the rising tide of the global plague warning

that the country faces more deaths unless radical steps are taken to reverse the trend.

Since last year February, Nigeria has recorded some 99,063 cases with 79,417 recovered and 1,350 deaths. As at last week, Lagos leads with 220 deaths followed by 82 in Abuja but the digits change every day.

ASCAB said responses to COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria have been largely elite driven. It expressed fears that the 100,000 doses the federal government plans to import in January 2021 are likely to be preserved for the rich and the wealthy in the society leaving the poor out of the scheme.

“Nigerians are faced with more

deaths in the face of the rising casualties of people dying from COVID-19 across the country.

While the second wave hit Europe and Asia in late October, the Nigerians authorizes had a window opportunity to make preparations for the inevitable second wave hitting Nigeria, but

as usual, nothing was done” the statement signed by Falana, stated.

The coalition said even in the face of incompetence in handling the pandemic, the federal government has claimed that it has spent N31billion in four months.

ASCAB said the country is currently faced with diminishing

test kits, lack of essential dedicated medicine, weak campaign strategy, bad leadership examples through the breaking of COVID-19 protocols by officials, denials by state governors and complete lack of a short and long term strategic National Action Plan to respond to the global scourge.

“Adherence to strict COVID-19 protocols has broken down due to a weak enforcement regime, poor leadership examples, disobedience of protocol by security officials and devotion of available health facilities to the service of the elite and their family members” ASCAB said.

Miyetti Allah Kicks against Arrest of 46 Armed Men in Oyo Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Oyo State, Alhaji Ibrahim Jiji, yesterday kicked against the arrest of 46 Fulani men since Saturday by those he described as soldiers, insisting that those arrested are not criminals but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), who were helping in securing the people of Ibarapaland.

He also condemned the alleged killing last Saturday of a 75-yearold man and his two children at Aiyete in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state.

Some men armed with guns and other dangerous weapons were arrested in Igangan, Oyo State by men of Operation Burst, which is a joint security team, involving soldiers and policemen.

The suspected armed hoodlums were arrested in the early hours of Sunday at Ofiki River along Tapa/Igangan road in the Ibarapa North LGA of the state.

The armed Fulani were allegedly invited by their kinsmen in the area following the raid carried out by the men of the Oyo State Security Network Agency known as Operation Amotekun in the axis on Saturday.

Amotekun said it raided hideouts of kidnappers in the area on Saturday leading to the death of three persons while one of its men was also injured.

The security outfit said the raid was carried out in collaboration with Miyetti Allah, hunters, and others.

The Coordinator of Odua People’s Congress (OPC) in Oyo State, Rotimi Olumo, confirmed the incident.

The OPC coordinator in Ibarapa Zone, Olanrewaju Ogedengbe, when contacted said the armed men were loaded in three buses.

He said, “47 of them were arrested at Ofiki River. They were caught with Dane guns and after their buses were searched; sophisticated guns, bows, and arrows, charms, catapults, and bullets were also found.

But Jiji while addressing journalists alongside other leaders of the Miyetti Allah group, at the palace of the Seriki Sasa, in Ibadan, yesterday, called on Governor Seyi Makinde, to help in securing the release of the arrested men.

He insisted that the suspects

were among the people invited to rescue some kidnap victims in Ibarapaland.

He disclosed that the arrested men were part of the team that was to assist the Amotekun corps to wage war against kidnappers on the day they were arrested.

“They invited us to a meeting in Ibadan where they told us that they needed our support to fight insecurity in Ibarapa area. We told them that we are going to give them 50 among our vigilantes who are Fulanis.

“They have been doing the Vigilante job for a very long time; therefore, they know how to arrest criminals. When the Amotekun were about to leave for the operation, we were still in Eruwa with some of our men who are vigilantes when we heard they have attacked the village.

That was when those of us who are leaders stood up and went to the village. When we got there, we saw that three people have already been killed. When I saw the incident, I approached the commandant of Amotekun to know his view on the incident.

“I asked why they didn’t wait for us but he didn’t answer me.

We called our men who are waiting for us in Eruwa to leave the venue of our meeting that they should return to their homes because Amotekun have done another thing. Our plan was not to kill anybody. In the evening of the same day (Saturday) one of the Vigilantes called us that two people were kidnapped in Igangan area of the state, we called the Vigilantes and told them that they should go and search for the criminals that kidnapped those children but they must inform police before going. While going, they were arrested in Igangan.

“They called us that Soldiers have arrested them. They told us that the commandant of the soldiers has left for palace of Seriki Igangan. Returning from the palace, the commandant just arrested them and took them to police station. Those who were going to fight criminals are the set of the people they are parading as criminals. Those people are not criminals but they are the people securing us. They are registered Vigilantes and they are working with police and other security agencies.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT…

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (left), and the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Dr. Ugbala Igwe, during the kick-off of the Extended Special Public Works Programme of the federal government in Abakaliki…yesterday

Court Orders Emirates Airline to Pay Nigerian $1.630m, N50m over Missing Luggage Davidson Iriekpen A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered Emirates Airlines to pay $1.630million to a businessman, Mr. Orji Prince Ikem, being the amount contained in his hand luggage, which went missing in the airline’s custody during a 2007 China trip.

Justice Muslim Hassan also ordered Emirates Airlines to pay Ikem N50million as damages for the “untold hardship and loss of earning” he suffered by the deprivation of use of his money

from 2007 till date.

The judgment followed the plaintiff’s nearly 12 years battle to recover two hand luggage containing his personal effects and $700,000, as well as $930,000 in 18 bundles of $50,000 wraps each and $30,000 cash not in wrap.

The court heard that the $930,000 belonged to another businessman, Olisaemeka Ugwunze, who wanted it delivered in China for purchases.

The plaintiff told the court through his counsel, Chris Ekemezie, that at the departure

lounge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, Emirates Airlines staff requested that he handed the luggage to them for safe keeping in the cockpit, but he refused and insisted on keeping them himself.

They insisted on keeping the luggage for him considering the huge amount of money contained therein and that on arrival destination, the two bags would be handed over to him.

After a prolonged argument and in order not to miss his flight, he yielded and handed over the

two hand carry-on bags to them, and they were tagged with tag numbers EK428682 and EK428683, respectively.

That was the last time he saw the bags and the money. On his arrival in Guangzhou, the airline could not account for his four luggage.

Ruling on the plaintiff’s prayers for the return of his $1.630million and N100million general damages, Justice Hassan observed that the airline, through its counsel, Prof.

Awah Kalu (SAN), failed to refute Ikem’s claims.

NBS: Active Data Subscription Hits 151.51m James Emejo in Abuja The total number of active internet subscribers increased to 151.51 million in the third quarter of last year (Q3 2020) compared to 143.63 million subscribers in the preceding quarter and 136.20 million in Q1, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Quarter-on-quarter, this represented a 5.48 per cent growth in internet subscriptions in the country.

Similarly, total active voice subscription increased to 205.25 million subscribers in Q3, compared to 196.24 million in Q2 and 189.28 million subscribers on Q1, representing a 4.59 per cent increase quarter- on-quarter.

According to the Telecoms Data: Active Voice and Internet per State, Porting and Tariff Information (Q2 & Q3 2020) report, which was released yesterday by the statistical agency, MTN recorded the highest share of subscriptions,

closely followed by Glo, Airtel, and EMTS, respectively.

Also, 19,412 subscribers ported into other networks in Q3, while 18,990 subscribers ported out.

Similarly, Lagos State has the highest number of subscribers in terms of active internet per state in Q3 with 19 million subscribers followed closely by Kano 10.26 million and Ogun 8.82 million.

Bayelsa and Ebonyi states

recorded the least number of subscribers with 1.09 million and 1.28 million subscribers.

For voice, Lagos also recorded the highest number of active voice subscribers per state in Q3 with 25.25 million followed by Kano 14.24 million and Ogun 11.82 million subscribers.

Also Bayelsa and Ekiti states recorded the least number of subscriber with 1.49 million and 1.82 million, respectively.

CAC Asks Customers to Revalidate Accounts before April 1 James Emejo in Abuja The Registrar-General/Chief Executive, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Alhaji Garba Abubakar, yesterday said all accredited customers must revalidate their accreditation with the commission before the end of March or have their respective accounts suspended.

He also said the commission had introduced an accreditation system for insolvency practitioners, adding that necessary guidelines

were current being developed to cover the process of the new insolvency framework as enshrined in the amended Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists, he said though the revalidation programme is strictly for accredited customers, other registered entities are equally encouraged to update their accounts going forward.

Abubakar said: “This is

necessary because we recognised the fact that some of our customers have died, some have changed their details, some have changed their locations without updating the database, some have even given their accounts for other people to manage it on their behalf.

“So to be sure of the integrity of the information we are going to be receiving from these accredited customers, all existing accounts must be revalidated before the end of March.”

He said: “And by April 1, any account not revalidated will cease to have effect until the customer comes forward to revalidate. And the process of revalidation has been simplified as everything is done electronically and they don’t have to visit our office.”

On the proposed framework for insolvency practice, he said the new regulation has given the commission the power to accredit the insolvency profession which hitherto lacked any accreditation authority or oversight.

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

TACKLING THE RESURGENCE OF COVID-19 It is in our interest to take responsibility by containing the virus, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi

T

he World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that countries in Europe and America are already experiencing the second wave of the COVOD-19 pandemic and urged governments of different countries to put structures in place to curb the virus.

In Nigeria, the country is beginning to experience a surge in COVID-19 cases. More than 2,000 cases have been recorded between November and mid-December. This, experts said, might require an enforcement of citizen’s compliance to COVID-19 protocols.

The federal government has warned that the country stands the risk of not just losing the gains from the hard work of the last nine months, but also not losing the precious lives of her citizens.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha gave the warning during a recent COVID-19 briefing in Abuja.

He said that COVID-19 is threatening humanity and the progress made in the global health sector in the last five decades or more, especially with the resurgence of the disease and the spikes in the number of global infections.

Represented by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, Mustapha noted that current realities point to the fact that the course of further opening up of the economy may have to be reviewed.

Consequently, health experts said further negligence to COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, regular hand washing with soap, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding large gatherings may spell doom for the health sector in the country.

In a recent statement he personally signed, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos State is recording an increase in COVID-19 cases in all local governments. According to him, this is not peculiar to Lagos alone, as he said the entire country is also seeing an uptick in the numbers of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus disease.

He said: “Of every 100 tests that we now perform, an average of 10 turn out to be positive. This is an increase from the 5 per hundred recorded in September, 2020, but lower than our peak in August of the same year which was between 20 and 30 per hundred. This suggests the existence of active community transmission, and represents the very likely possibility of the emergence of a second wave in Lagos State”.

Similarly, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, in a recent statement had raised the alarm about recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in the country, urging residents to be cautious. “We are seeing a slightly increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases in clusters in Lagos and all Lagosians should adhere to the prescribed advisories of safe distancing, good hand and respiratory hygiene and avoidance of unnecessary gatherings”, Abayomi noted.

Also, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, brought the matter before the House during plenary on Tuesday, December 15, urging Lagosians to abide by all COVID-19 precautionary protocols. He said: “There is a current surge in global cases of COVID-19. We urge our people to be careful. This is not the time to throw caution to the wind.

From every indication, we are yet to get out of the woods”.

Similarly, the Team Lead, Infection Prevention Control Pillar (IPCP), Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Ijimakinwa, has identified Nigeria as one of the countries that stands

WEAR YOUR FACEMASK APPROPRIATELY. IT IS NOT A CHIN MASK! ADHERE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES, WASH HANDS REGULARLY AND KEEP TO ALL SAFETY GUIDELINES

a high risk of experiencing a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic if standard precautionary measures are not put in place. Dr. Ijimakinwa, who made this assertion at a training organised for clinical staff at the General Hospital, Ijede, Lagos, urged health workers to get ready for a tough battle ahead.

Logically, the steady rise in cases of COVID-19 in the country should give everyone a cause for worry. The need to put up a common front against the spread of deadly virus can, thus, not be over-emphasised.

It is quite ironic that many still regard the evil virus a hoax, claiming it is not a black man’s ailment. Ignorantly, many have equally labelled it a rich man’s pandemic. In some parts of the country, people still congregate without regard to the social distancing rule. Even in places where sufficient enlightenment campaigns are ongoing, many still carry on with business as usual.

This is the time for our compatriots to take personal responsibility. The virus is real and it is no respecter of persons.

Therefore, folks must shun all forms of large gathering, and even stay at home, where necessary. This is the most effective way to break the circle of transmission, as it has worked very well in other places.

Similarly, all states in the country must effectively collaborate with the federal government in the fight against this lethal but invincible adversary. As it has been observed in a few cases, this is not the time for needless politicking. The enemy we are up against does not recognise partisan gulf or any such divisive platforms.

Choosing to play politics at this crucial time would be highly insensitive and counterproductive. Therefore, we must set aside every discordant tendency, no matter how cogent, and stand together in this hour of crisis.

If we can stick together against the noisome pestilence, with a common vision and goal, victory is surely in sight. The enemy that confronts us knows no language. It knows no tribe.

It knows no political affiliation. Neither does religion mean anything to it. It has no respect for neither the rich nor the poor.

More technologically and economically advanced nations of the world are cringing under the lethal blows of this unseen foe.

Government will continue to do its best, but the ultimate responsibility for our safety lies in our hands. We are still in the middle of a pandemic, if we continue with this ‘I don’t care’ attitude, we will not only hurt our nation, but our families too.

Taking personal responsibility is our duty; we have to change our orientation. The time to take responsibility is now! Wear your facemask appropriately. It is not a chin mask! Adhere to social distancing rules, wash hands regularly and keep to all safety guidelines.

According to history, the Spanish flu of 1918 claimed many lives in the first wave, but as soon as the lockdown was relaxed people began to gather again, hug, shake hands and before they realised the second wave claimed 10 times more people.

To prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases and forestall our healthcare system being overwhelmed, we all need to take responsibility and follow strictly hygiene practices. We should not frustrate the government’s effort in containing the virus. Let us all take responsibility for keeping everyone safe. r0HVOCJZJ JT %FQVUZ %JSFDUPS 1VCMJD "GGBJST .JOJTUSZ PG *OGPSNBUJPO 4USBUFHZ "MBVTB *LFKB

IT’S TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Adewale Kupoluyi argues the need for Nigerians to dictate the change the country needs

O

rdinarily, I do not like making resolutions. The reason is simple. I hate to make promises that I cannot keep. Why do I need to deceive myself that I would either do something or desist from doing a thing when I am not sure of adhering to the vows? This is the dilemma that I find myself in. To be free from the troubles, I would rather avoid listing out a set of do’s and don’ts that I cannot honour.

Perhaps, by divine providence, I am now getting somewhere for I have been able to break the yoke and opt to make a difference given the way and manner that things are going awry in our nation.

We do not need a soothsayer to tell anyone of us that all is not well with our dear country. Everything seems to be upside down. Security apparatus is in a mess, the unemployment level is intolerably high, our roads are death-traps, schools are in a shambles with unstable academic calendars, hospitals are in bad shape, corruption stinks everywhere, hunger is written on the faces of people, bad governance, ethno-religious crises, and lack patriotism have become common features in our daily lives. Is this the way things would continue? No. What then can we do as individuals and groups to bring about the change that we badly need?

To continue to keep silent and doing nothing is to say everything is fine and postulate that we should maintain the status quo and continue with the rot.

The truth is that the situation of things has become so bad now and I doubt if any mortal person can single-handedly transform our nation from this quagmire into a sane society, but at least, we can each do our bits. This is my turning point that I should

become this change agent. To start with, I would begin to drive with caution. No more over-speeding, excessive honking, driving with invalid documents and against the traffic; whether on busy roads or deserted ones. No more joining of reckless security and patrol convoys to evade hold-ups. To keep doing this is like taking an advantage of my fellow citizens in trying times. Why not wait until the traffic is clear and drive alongside other motorists rather than driving carelessly? To continue behaving this way is akin to road terrorism and partaking in the same lawlessness that we blame our leaders for. How then am I different from them?

The only difference is that I am yet to assume such a leadership position and trample upon the common man. It is high time I started asking after my neighbours, family members, friends, and colleagues that once needed my attention, but I chose to neglect them in the past. At times, what these people require from me may not be money or material needs. Words of encouragement, visitation, or telephone call can save lives and make someone happy amid their trying moments. I would turn a new leaf in the New Year and become more responsive, caring and give listening ear to anyone that approaches me for assistance. I would never wait for them before doing so. Anyone that I feel requires my attention would be touched before they start begging. What do I stand to gain by being aloof when my neighbours are depressed?

My participation in future electoral process would be better than before. Without further delay, I would obtain my voter’s card that I have refused to collect due to my apathy to the exercise. With my reorientation and new disposition, there is no need to sit

on the fence any longer. With my strong conviction, things would begin to change for the better when credible, competent and capable candidates are elected into public office. I must be active in realising this desire for my dear country. My docility reminds me of the danger of sitting on the fence, as depicted in The Fence by The Gambian poet, Lenrie Leopold Wilfred Peters, who uses the proverbial ‘fence-sitting’ as a yardstick to allude the poet’s inability to cross the fence or take decision by being in a state of dilemma and confusion for ‘sitting on the fence’.

In the poem, 1FUFST TUBUFT UIBU 5IFSF XIFSF UIF EJN QBTU BOE GVUVSF NJOHMF UIFJS OFCVMPVT IPQFT BOE BTQJSBUJPOT UIFSF * MJF 5IFSF XIFSF USVUI BOE VOUSVUI TUSVHHMF JO FOEMFTT BOE CMPPEZ DPNCBU UIFSF * MJF 5IFSF XIFSF UJNF NPWFT GPSXBSET BOE CBDLXBSET XJUI OPU POF NPNFOU T QBVTF GPS TJHIUJOH UIFSF * MJF 5IFSF XIFSF UIF CPEZ BHFT SFMFOUMFTTMZ BOE POMZ UIF GFFCMF NJOE DBO XBOEFS CBDL UIFSF * MJF JO PQFO TPVMFE BNB[FNFOU 5IFSF XIFSF BMM UIF PQQPTJUFT BSSJWF UP QMBRVF UIF JOOFS TFOTFT CVU EP OPU GVTF * IPME NZ IFBE BOE UIFO DPOUSJWF UP TUPQ UIF DPOTUBOU NPUJPO .Z IFBE HPFT SPVOE BOE SPVOE CVU * IBWF OPU CFFO ESJOLJOH * GFFM UIF CVPZBOU XBWFT * TUBHHFS *U TFFNT UIF XPSME IBT DIBOHFE IFS HBSNFOU CVU JU JT * XIP IBWF OPU DSPTTFE UIF GFODF TP UIFSF * MJF 5IFSF XIFSF UIF OFFE GPS HPPE BOE iUIF EPJOH HPPEu DPOáJDU UIFSF * MJF The poet’s dilemma is further reflected in the constant use of opposites ageing body and active truth, mind, and trust in backward and forward forms as well as the good, bad, past and future with several images to illustrate the weakness, indecision and the attendant effects of such moves. Borrowing from Peters’ counsel, I would never partake

or abet rigging, electoral malpractice, or fraud. Hopefully, more fellow men and women would join me and be equally passionate at enthroning quality leadership at all levels for our nation. I would discourage people from littering the environment with waste, especially at the night. We got to stop the spread of the ravaging Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) together. Certainly, there are other things that I hope to do towards making a difference in this New Year that are too numerous for me to reel out. Notwithstanding, I would be wary of my actions and inactions to avoid shedding of innocent blood under any guise.

Rather than seeing law enforcement agents as enemies and bad people, I would cooperate with them to stamp out cultism, senseless killings and other crimes from the land.

Adequate attention should be devoted to bringing up cultured and disciplined citizens.

There is no room for procrastination. The time to act is now. Beyond fulfilling the New Year mandate, my pledge would transcend this month, but continues thereafter, as long as one lives. I would be constantly reminded to be firm and take a decision between need for good and ‘the doing good’ conflict, as Lenrie Peters suggests. Just like managing success, I would struggle not to waver in this arduous task of pursuing a noble cause conscious that the unforeseen and pull-forces that drive us away from doing the right things are more formidable and compelling than the push-forces that lead man into the path of honour, dignity, progress, and life.

For me, it is really time to build courage, take the gauntlet and make a difference. r,VQPMVZJ XSPUF GSPN 'FEFSBM 6OJWFSTJUZ PG "HSJDVMUVSF "CFPLVUB 0HVO 4UBUF

15

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

EDITORIAL

CRADLE WIVES AND VOTING PROPOSAL It is an attempt to legalise child marriage in Nigeria

D

espite the misgivings strongly expressed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu in his session with the lawmakers, the Joint National Assembly Committee on INEC recently presented a proposal seeking voting power for underage married girls. This not-so-clever attempt to legalise child marriage in Nigeria is a double travesty which smacks of cheap blackmail. For the lawmakers to contemplate creating a separate age parameter for FOR THE LAWMAKERS TO girls conscripted into abusive CONTEMPLATE CREATING A early marriages SEPARATE AGE PARAMETER is a betrayal of FOR GIRLS CONSCRIPTED INTO trust.

ABUSIVE EARLY MARRIAGES Pushing female children IS A BETRAYAL OF TRUST into becoming mothers at unimaginable tender ages remains legally indefensible and culturally reprehensible.

Child abuse as a social crime cannot find vindication through culture or faith. It is a manifestation of gender inequality, reflecting social norms that perpetuate discrimination against girls. It is also a violation of human rights and young girls who marry as children are more likely to drop out of school and have limited independence. Sadly, many underage female children have husbands who are 10 or more years older than them. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said two years ago that 30 per cent of Nigerian girls between the ages of 15 and 19, who should still be in school, are currently married. UNESCO added that only 14 per cent of girls from low-class families in the country complete primary school.

Many of the minors given out in early marriages are of poor background where the parents struggle to provide the basic needs of the family. Among other factors responsible for child marriage are ancient cultural traditions, bride price, religious and social pressures and illiteracy. The implica-

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tion of a child engaging in early marriage is that she is conferred with responsibilities of an adult which she is not prepared for. A bride child may experience complications from pregnancy and child birth, attributed as the major causes of death among adolescent girls below the age of 19 in Nigeria. Bride children are also susceptible to HIV infections, cervical cancer and obstetric fistulas while their offspring are at increased risk for premature birth and death as neonates, infants, or children. They are also prone to domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse and are at risk of death due to early childbirth.

Given the foregoing, we must dismiss the idea to confer legality of child marriage through voting.

A fundamental ground rule of democracy is fair and equal opportunity to exercise the mandate to vote. A democracy that erects selective criteria for citizens on the basis of differential cultural exceptions is one that will run into ruins. It is worse when such exceptions amount to legitimising practices that ordinarily qualify as crimes in our justice system. We may need to remind the advocates of this proposal that Arab countries most of whom have opted for rapid modernisation have used legislation to escape from backward cultural practices. We cannot pretend to be advancing democracy by regressing into backward cultural practices.

Last year, Saudi Arabia officially banned all marriages under the age of 18. With that, nobody should be able to hide under any religion to be committing the most atrocious practice of abusing underage girls in the guise of marriage. It is a paradox that lawmakers who supposed to be enacting good laws for Nigeria are indulging in child marriage and in most cases forcibly marrying underage girls who are as young as their granddaughters. In every democracy, extreme care needs to be taken in making decisions with demographic consequences as they tend to have a bearing on electoral outcomes. One of the key aims of democracy is the advancement of fairness and equality of access to choice. This aim cannot be achieved through the promotion of discriminatory cultural practices.

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

IN PRAISE OF UBA SANI

enator Uba Sani, representing Kaduna Central lives his life for the most part as an activist. For his love for good of all, he has a history of legendary generosity to many people, notably the less-privileged.

He has the tendency to win any race because no matter how tough the odds, Uba Sani never quits. This has generally been the driving force behind his successful foray into politics.

He has continued to confound his critics, while leaving his rivals at sea regarding his next deft moves. It is no secret that even some of his worst critics see him as the game-changer of modern Nigeria’s democratic space, especially among those who hail from the North.

While his political rivals look forward to the day his impact on the lives of the less privileged would be wiped clean or blacked out, the deluge of commendations keep increasing by the hour.

Either as a philanthropist or a lawmaker, he represents the new face of tireless societal service. As a lawmaker, he has very important bills and acts to his credit, making him one of the most visible on the

floor of Nigeria’s ninth Senate.

Notable among such milestones is the BOFIA Act assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari towards the end of the year 2020. This bill, coming after 34 years of waiting, is set to modernize and revolutionize the sector, covering halfforgotten area of insurance and other financial institutions.

His inauguration as senator has surprisingly brought him closer to his constituents as he broke the record of establishing constituency offices in the seven local governments that make up the Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

He moves so many motions, initiated so many bills that he got a deluge of merit awards from various groups like the Nigerian Bar Association, Kaduna Chapter to other professional bodies across Nigeria.

These followed his active participation in the nation’s lawmaking business, free training and cash-backing in his constituency, which empowered thousands. And this is not counting the scholarship he provided for indigent students in his constituency and occasional visits to IDP camps with foodstuff and cash.

On this occasion of his birthday, one can only look back at the man’s lifestyle of helping others without chest-beating.

He is one man who would help you quietly without expecting anything in return and the secret behind this is that he prefers divine reward for his unbeatable kindness. No television cameras.

What makes Sani’s birthday unique is the number of wonderful testimonials one gets from the increasing number of the beneficiaries of his milk of human kindness. The aged, weak and lessprivileged people in general, would wish that the lawmaker lives long enough to continue with his sacrifice for their wellbeing.

Even before his foray into politics, he was known for his generosity. Talk of scholarships for the poor in our midst and you get a long list of university graduates, some already doing their masters degrees at the moment.

You may disagree with his unique style of political conquest, but certainly not with the enormous goodwill he has built for decades along the line. r/BTJS %BNCBUUB ,BEVOB

THE NIGHTMARE IS ENDING SOON

T

he latest news from the White House and the Trump administration is that a number of restrictions on Taiwan are being lifted which pleases Taiwan and annoys China. Although the Trump administration has only a few days to go the concern is that they will be going out in a burning disaster of pardons, offences and diplomatic disasters.

When Trump won the election, I thought it had to be ‘fake news’ but it has continued as a nightmare although most of the world is soon going to wake to a saner world and a happier one! r%FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME .FMCPVSOF "VTUSBMJB

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TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021 •T H I S D AY

TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021 • T H I S D AY

17

T H I S D AY ˾ UESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021

18

POLITICS

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

Okalakwu Igbariam’s Death and the Ill-fated Abuja Trip Last week, the monarch of Igbariam community in Anambra North senatorial District bowed to death, eight days after his suspension by the Anambra State Government was lifted. David-Chyddy Eleke examines the incidents that preceded his demise

Obiano

O

n January 4th, the people of Igbariam community in Anambra East local government area of the state converged on the royal square of the monarch of the community, Igwe Kelly Nkeli Nzekwe for his traditional Ofala ceremony. It was a happy moment for the monarch and also for his subjects who converged to celebrate him. The moment was particularly unique for them because the monarch was just coming out of over three months suspension slammed on him by the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano. But unknown to them, that at a time when they thought the monarch has regained control of his throne, he would suddenly bow out. He died just three days after the Ofala festival.

In August 2020, Igwe Nzekwe was among 13 traditional rulers who joined billionaire oil mogul, Prince Arthur Eze to Abuja on a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari. The journey was ill-timed as it came at a time when Eze already had a misunderstanding with Obiano, and openly hobnobbing with Eze, to Obiano meant that the traditional rulers had rejected him for Eze. Eze had then first accused Obiano of shortchanging traditional rulers the state by not remitting five percent of the state’s revenue to them as stipulated by law. Eze insisted that governors in the north, including those of Enugu and Ebonyi were doing it and wondered why Obiano should not. He accused Obiano of impoverishing the monarchs, while boasting that henceforth, he was taking over the responsibility of catering for the monarchs.

In another meeting with the monarchs, Eze disclosed that he was taking some of the monarchs with him to Abuja on a courtesy call to the President. Though Eze is considered too big for anyone to fight because of his deep pockets, Obiano had to act fast to avoid being ridiculed before the President as it was then perceived that the courtesy call on Buhari may afford the group the opportunity to de-market him.

First, Obiano slammed a one year suspension on Igwe Peter Uyanwa, the traditional ruler of Ukwulu community, in whose palace the monarchs hosted Eze. Later in the week, when the monarchs joined the oil magnate to Abuja, Obiano fully bared his fangs, suspending the 12 monarchs (aside Uyanwa who had already been suspended). He accused them of breaching the Anambra State traditional rulers law, where he said it was stated that no traditional ruler can travel out of their domain without first notifying the local government chairman or the governor.

A video of the monarchs which was circulated on the internet before they embarked on their trip showed the monarchs sharing money among themselves. The money was alleged to be bribe money given to them by Prince Arthur Eze as inducement for them to join him on the trip to Abuja. This too was seen as an untoward attitude by monarchs, which led first to their suspension, and later calls by members of the community of some of the monarchs for their

Eze

removal.

The suspension caused a lot of confusion in most communities of Anambra State. Even now, the rage is still on in many communities. In some of the communities, rival groups saw the opportunity of the suspension of the monarchs as a good reason to depose them, on the ground that nature abhors a vacuum, while others cited that the monarchs had brought their communities to public odium and therefore needed to be replaced immediately, but in the case of Igwe Nkeli, he was not removed by his community, nor was it clear that anyone contested his stool.

On the eve of the New Year however, reprieve came the way of three of the traditional rulers as Obiano decided to pardon and reinstate them.

In a press statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Greg Obi dated 31st December, 2020, Governor Willie Obiano lifted the one year suspension slammed on three of the traditional rulers involved. Commissioner Obi wrote, “His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano in a New Year act of magnanimity has decided to lift the suspension of three traditional rulers. The affected Igwes are: Igwe NN. Kelly Nkeli - Igbariam, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno - Ifitedunu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa - Ukwulu.”

Barely four days After, Igwe Nkeli, one of the pardoned monarch held a colourful Ofala festival in his community, and another four days after the festival, his death was announced. The incident of his death has set many thinking what could be the problem, or the connection with last year’s trip to Abuja. For a man who held a colourful Ofala festival within four days of lifting his suspension, some people believe he may have gotten wind of the fact that he was going to be pardoned, and had started early

Nzekwe

enough to plan the festival, while others believe that Nkeli who was most popularly known as Okalakwu Igbarriam and prided himself to be half man, half spirit, may have been planning the festival after looking into his crystal balls and was convinced that the suspension on him would be lifted.

Though some other monarchs who joined the trip to Abuja had been pardoned earlier, others have been out rightly deposed either by the state government or by their subjects. In the case of Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo, the monarch of Alor community where the Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige hails from, even though he was pardoned by the state government, the minister working with the President General of the community and other wealthy individuals elected a new monarch over Okonkwo.

Another monarch who was also not lucky is the monarch of Nawfia community, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo who was deposed by the state government. Nwankwo who the state government recently announced the withdrawal of his certificate told THISDAY in an interview that he was going to court to challenge the withdrawal of his certificate, as he believes that he still has the backing of his people. He said, “They have done everything, including trying to summon the villages in Nawfia to elect a replacement for me, but the people have told him they are with me.

“The 2017 law governing traditional institution is very clear. It says before you can do anything to the Igwe (monarch), he must have done something wrong to the town or custom of the community, and not to government. My travelling with Prince Arthur Eze to Abuja to see President Buhari has nothing to do with

Igwe Nzekwe was among 13 traditional rulers who joined billionaire oil mogul, Prince Arthur Eze to Abuja on a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu ßÒËÜÓ˛ ÒÏ ÔÙßÜØÏã áËÝ ÓÖÖ̋ÞÓ×ÏÎ ËÝ ÓÞ ÍË×Ï ËÞ Ë time when Eze already had a misunderstanding with Obiano, and openly hobnobbing with Eze, to Obiano meant that the traditional rulers had rejected him for Eze. Eze had then first accused Obiano of shortchanging traditional rulers the state by not remitting five percent of the state’s revenue to them as stipulated by law. Eze insisted that governors in the north, including those of Enugu and Ebonyi were doing it and wondered why Obiano should not.

He accused Obiano of impoverishing the monarchs, while boasting that henceforth, he was taking over the responsibility of catering for the monarchs

offending the community or custom. We are not in a dictatorship. I still have freedom of movement, which is a fundamental right.

They are purporting to have withdrawn my certificate, but as I speak to you, I have not gotten any notice about that. What that means is that I am still the Igwe. Even if I go out now to the town square on an unscheduled visit, you will see the people’s support. My crime is my outspokenness. They want to gag me.

They are unhappy with me. They want to keep being on top. Anambra governor feels he can do this because he is already leaving office, but he is tactically destroying the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), but he does not know.”

Nwankwo Insisted that , “Right now, I fear for my life. They have caused chaos in my community. The world should know now that if anything happens to me, it is the work of government. The problems in Nawfia are not natural, they are man-made and targeted at me.

If anything happens to me, hold the Anambra State government responsible.”

In Ukwulu too, Igwe Peter Uyanwa who was among the suspended monarchs has also been pardoned. Like Igwe Nkeli, he returned from his suspension back to his throne without opposition, just as Chief Walter Okafor , President- General of Ukwulu Town Union has called for a peaceful co-existence amongst the people for development of the town. Expressing happiness that the monarch was back on his throne, Okafor said, “Peaceful resolutions would make people to achieve impossible things, it is only time consuming but very effective in result actualization, we are happy for the end result over what could have torn the community apart.”

Speaking further, Okafor said, “I can tell you that since that suspension Ukwulu has not been peaceful, our Igwe has been in the throne for 15 years and he earned our respects and confidence.

During the trial times lots of issues broke out on how to resist the decision but we applied peaceful resolution, now we are happy today,” he said. Okafor on behalf of the entire Ukwulu community thanked Anambra Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for the “uncommon magnanimity shown in recalling our traditional Ruler on December 31, 2020.”

Meanwhile, Igwe Nkeli who died seven after the state government had lifted his suspension as the traditional ruler of the community and three days after he held his Ofala festival was buried on the same day of his death. He died of an undisclosed ailment after what many described as a colourful 30 years on the throne as monarch of Igbariam community. Before his death, he was the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the splinter Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide General Assembly. His faction of the Pan Igbo Socio-cultural organization last Sunday elected a parallel executive to run the group. Okalakwu was also the chairman of all traditional rulers in the state from the northern senatorial zone.

His death at a time when his throne had been successfully handed back to him, and troubles around his reign resolved, many say, is still a mystery.

T H I S D AY ˾ UESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021

19

POLITICS

Lawan As New Face of Nigeria’s Unity As he celebrates his 62nd birthday today, Mon-Charles Egbo, Print Media Aide to Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, highlights some of the achievements of his principal

Q

uite frankly, Nigeria is in short supply of leaders who demonstrate that public office is basically an avenue for selfless service to humanity.

The country is lacking in public officials who seek only things that have direct bearings on the welfare and security of the people, through good governance.

There is an acute dearth of minds and hearts that support the ideology that true leadership is about serving others. The great leader of the black race unfortunately, is bereft of great humanists who do not see whatever differences in tongue, culture, class, religion and political inclinations as challenges, but rather, as opportunities to elevate and deploy those core values that deepen our common humanity.

Again, Nigeria is in dire need of leaders who are largely pedigreed, having been already accomplished in their various fields of endeavor, and whose attractions to public office do not in any way include self-aggrandizement. We lack office holders who are conscious of legacies through life-touching ventures, and also driven by passion for benchmarked services to the people and above all, defined by profound sense of nationalism, inclusiveness, objectivity and strategic thinking.

The foregoing cumulatively is the bane of national development. Availability of change-agents and transformational leaders who are also selfless and committed to national unity, is what Nigeria desperately needs now to move forward speedily. It is even more rewarding when these public officials serve as legislators. In such capacities, they stand out as true advocates of their constituents, progressive-minded, detribalized and serving with dignity and honour.

As legislative activists, they are visionary, empathetic and always inspiring hope. All their programmes and activities are aimed at connecting the people to good governance.

They find fulfilments in mentoring others and in their politics, there is always a place for morality.

Yet lamentably once again, such servantleaders are in the minority.

Nevertheless and among those rare few, as purposeful research reveals, there is Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, representing the Yobe North Senatorial District and by the special grace of the Almighty, President of the 9th Senate. By every standard of objective assessment, he is an embodiment of a true leader.

From the classrooms where he moulded many lives he moved to political leadership where he is creatively inspiring and mentoring future great leaders.

And so for the fair-minded who are also guided by thoughtful examination of his leadership trajectory and service credentials, the emergence of Lawan as Chairman of the National Assembly is invariably one of the best things that Nigeria has witnessed in the recent times. Going by his published blueprint prior to election and then performance records so far, he is not only full of ideas for a much better Nigeria, he is vastly knowledgeable on how the country can surmount her numerous challenges. His pan-Nigeria dispositions are quite compelling. His beliefs and activities towards nation building are contagious and cherished by the unbiased public and fellow progressive-minded. He is an exemplary democrat. He is a man of uncommon courage with proven passion to offer leadership that is capable of changing the fortune of Nigeria and rewriting her story.

As the head of Nigeria’s highest legislative body, he has a way of seamlessly making his colleagues understand the purposes for which they are entrusted with people’s mandate. This he achieves by his near-collegial style of leadership.

He believes that Nigerians have a right to raise legitimate questions and are also entitled to good governance and quality service delivery. He advocates that it is only by close collaborations among arms and tiers of government, supported by effective

Lawan

communications, that good governance is optimally delivered to the people. And then probably due to his pedigree, he is always seeking to deepen the knowledge and perspective of others. This is reason today there is a senate bound by unity of purpose and diligent commitment to national interest, which Lawan has since proudly christened the “Senate That Works For The People. ” Despite his influence and exalted position, Lawan has not departed from who he truly is. He remains a man of remarkable simplicity whose understanding of public affairs is unimpeachable.

A social survey of his constituency presents one with a people’s advocate and representative par excellence. In Nigeria’s history, Lawan is the first and still the only presiding officer of the legislature whose imprints are conspicuous across the length and breadth of his constituency, despite the understandable distractions that such office comes with. Households feel the impacts and due dividends of his representation. No wonder he has being in the legislature since 1999, uninterruptedly through the ballots.

His words mirror his thoughts the way his deeds are consistent with his words. His guiding philosophy is that an enlightened, healthy and economically-empowered people translates to a viable, virile and developed polity. And in this wise, farmers, including cattle breeders, petty traders, market people, the aged, the vulnerable and the youth are unanimous that his instituted annual free medical outreach and education support programmes, as well as periodic family support and economic empowerment interventions, are progressively-lifting people out of poverty. This is as undisputable as

it is verifiable.

Lawan has been tagged with all sorts of labels since he became Senate President.

But he creditably justifies his actions and defends his choice to collaborate with the other arms. Particularly, he is always mindful that Nigeria is still bearing the brunt of missed opportunities and that we cannot afford to miss yet another opportunity to get it right. He knows history, understands the moods of the public and is a visionary on matters of public policy. The manner he spearheaded Nigeria’s budget reforms and fight against the coronavirus pandemic are enough illustrations. The same is also said about his vocal and principled stance on the nagging issue of insecurity. Certainly, he has a relative solution but his powers to act are limited by the constitutions, otherwise the national assembly has since churned out pragmatic legislations for statutory executive actions. Lawan plays his roles with an uncommon intensity and attention to details.

In addition to being a good party man who believes in strengthened political processes such as internal democracy and supremacy of the party, Lawan pursues and dispenses bi-partisan political leadership. Of course, the ballots that made him Senate President cut across religious, regional and partisan lines. Again, his swift intervention through President Muhammadu Buhari, saved the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, from near implosion. Though this is common knowledge as well, four days before the emergency national executive committee, NEC, meeting, Lawan had met PMB on APC’s imminent disintegration where he hinted that “I had the opportunity to discuss that with the President who is the leader

As the head of Nigeria’s highest legislative body, he has a way of seamlessly making his colleagues understand the purposes for which ÞÒÏã ËÜÏ ÏØÞÜßÝÞÏÎ áÓÞÒ ÚÏÙÚÖÏ˪Ý ×ËØÎËÞÏ˛ ÒÓÝ ÒÏ achieves by his near-collegial style of leadership.

He believes that Nigerians have a right to raise legitimate questions and are also entitled to good governance and quality service delivery. He advocates that it is only by close collaborations among arms and tiers of government, supported by effective communications, that good governance is optimally delivered to the people

of the party in Nigeria and by the grace of God in the next few days we will see certain actions will be taken. ” Senator Lawan thinks Nigeria first. He recognizes and respects the distinction between politics and governance. He is inherently dispassionate on issues of governance and national interest. His dreams and visions are for a Nigeria where peace and unity reign supreme.

There abound factual information about Ahmad Lawan’s unquestionable determination and dedication to revamping the economy. And by the same token, he is evidently committed to all other sociopolitical and economic readjustments that would give the common man a new lease of hope, notably constitution amendments as well as electoral system and petroleum industry reforms. He is a bridge-builder and supporter of good and progressive ideas. There are veritable evidences that Lawan is a unifier who demonstrates that we have to firstly understand our strengths and weaknesses, in order to come to middle ground for progress and prosperity. In the best tradition of public service he discharges his duties and constantly preoccupies himself with how to make Nigeria work.

Driven by his astute understanding of Nigeria and her many problems as highlighted on his agenda for the national assembly, he canvasses that it is only by unity that progress can be made towards surmounting those challenges.

As just a singular testament to his pan-Nigeria outlook, he was in Abia State recently where he reiterated his position and proclaimed that “today and indeed even tomorrow and forever, we can achieve better. We can achieve more when we are united. Nigeria is designed by the Grace of God to be a nation of many people of different orientation, different sentiments but we must be a people with common purpose and common destiny and this is what we are trying to achieve. It doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter what you believe in. What matters is that you are a Nigerian and the other person next to you is a Nigerian too”.

And in furtherance of his politics of inclusion for national integration and apparently a veiled reference to the regional clamours for rotational presidency, Lawan had a word for Ndigbo: “let’s unite ourselves in this state and indeed in the South-east. Let’s face common agenda of being in the centre of Nigeria. In fact let’s even attempt to be the leaders of Nigeria because it’s a valid aspiration. Let’s not stay away from being part of the real centre of action in Nigeria. That we can achieve when we sit together and talk among ourselves. Time is of essence. Nigeria needs all of us to be united. Nigeria needs all hands to be on deck. Nigeria needs the effort of each and every part to make it work and we can make it work”.

Similarly, the headships and compositions of the senate standing committees and also the national spread reflected on his appointed aides, are quite indicative of his bi-partisan, detribalized and accomodating dispositions, towards national unity.

So empirically, there can be no better a valid evidence that Lawan is truly a dedicated public-spirited servant-leader and a patriot who wants the best for the country. He delights himself with intellectual and higher pursuits and also things that bear relevance to the public, principally, the unity of Nigeria.

Therefore it is only fairly inevitable that Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan is encouraged to do more for this country that he has demonstrated more than adequate passion to serve. As indeed the new face of Nigeria’s unity, he is eminently-qualified and deserves a higher place where he continues to have roles in policy and governance, for the overall good of the people, unity and prosperity of the country and of course, to the glory of God. After all, it is an African tradition that whoever performs well at the ground floor is called to serve upstairs.

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TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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FEATURES

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

Sensitising Youths against Drug Abuse, Cultism Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that given the great danger posed by drug abuse, cultism and getrich-quick syndrome, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation recently held a cultural and moral sensitisation workshop for youths of Oredo area of Edo State

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of becoming a successful person in the future. And, please note that the future we talk about is now and not tomorrow. Because if you to fail to plan today by shunning all immoral lifestyle by embracing good productive ventures, you may not have a desired future.”

rug abuse in Nigeria is a major cause for concern, especially since children as young as eleven years old, are now abusing drugs. To many youths, drugs provide an elixir, an escape into the world of dreams which often starts from experimentation to addiction.

Undoubtedly, there is need to reduce substance abuse to protect the health, safety, and quality of life for all, especially children. This is because millions of Nigerians struggle with a drug or alcohol problem.

Substance abuse has a major impact on individuals, families, and communities. The effects of substance abuse are cumulative, significantly contributing to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems while cultism on the other hand is another social challenge that has crippled the society, along the getrich-quick syndrome.

CBAAC Steps In Drug abuse is a fundamental public health problem that aggravates economic crises that lead the youths into cultism, gangsterism and other vices with its huge unpleasant consequences.

It was to tackle these anomalies that the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), under the leadership of Director-General, Mrs. Oluwabunmi Ayobami Amao, organised a workshop on ‘Cultural and Moral Sensitisation of Youths against Drug Abuse, Cultism and Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome’ for youths in Oredo area of Edo State.

The event which was held at St. Paul Youth Centre, Benin City, Edo State, was conceived to educate the youths on the dangers posed by drug abuse, cultism and the quest to get rich quick.

The workshop, which was chaired by Hon Obadegie also had in attendance, the representatives of Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama (House Committee Chairman on Culture and Tourism), and the DG CBAAC, among many other dignitaries.

Guests were entertained to a dance drama on the Bini culture. At the end of the workshop which recorded a resounding success, certificates were issued to participants. In all, more than 20 secondary schools with over 300 youths attended this intellectually rewarding workshop.

Youth-centered Sensitisation The event, which is one of CBAAC’s outreach programmes, was designed to educate the youths on contemporary issues of Drug Abuse, Cultism and the quest to get rich either by hook or by crook.

In her welcome address, CBAAC DG, Hon Oluwabunmi Ayobami Amao (FITP), who was ably represented by the Assistant Director Research and Publications Department of CBAAC, Mr Adesegun Dosumu, expressed delight and thanked the youths for their large turnout. He said the centre thought it wise to organise the workshop in Edo State because the youths as future leaders doesn’t start from tomorrow but today, adding that the essence of the event was for cultural and moral re-generation of the Nigerian youth.

While expressing the centre’s revolve to organise an event of this magnitude to inculcate sound moral and cultural values that would make

Interweaving Drug Abuse, Cultism The first speaker, Mr Kingsley Ogbeide, interwove drug abuse and cultism. According to him, although drug abuse is a fundamental public health problem, it aggravates economic crises that lead the youths into cultism, gangsterism and other vices with its huge unpleasant consequences.

“As such, the able bodied youth who is expected to channel his or her youthful energy to productive venture is rendered useless by the use of hard drugs. He thereafter encouraged the youths to pursue their dreams with vigour and tenacity because at the end of every dark tunnel is a glorious dawn,” he added.

On the other hand, one of the guest lecturers Hon Oghosa Edobor, also pointed out that drug abuse is one of the factors that fuel cultism and get-rich-quick syndrome. He admonished the youths to imbibe the virtue of patience in their daily activities.

DG CBAAC, Hon. Oluwabunmi Amao

Nigerian youths better persons, he said that drug abuse, cultism and other cult-related activities would retard their progress in life.

“That morally upright youths are the ones who will become future leaders,” Amao explained, and thereafter encouraged them to see the event as a unique opportunity for attitudinal change and desist from bad company and embrace good and sound attitudes towards life.

She said: “My joy stems from the fact that the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), under my leadership has continued to make tremendous progress in the discharge of its statutory mandate. I made this assertion bearing in mind the centre’s numerous programmes of activities; one of which we are all gathered here today.

“As someone who is very much concerned and holds the matters of arts and culture very dear to heart, and particularly as it involves our youths, I must commend the youths in Edo State for coming out in their numbers to attend this event.

Therefore, CBAAC will continue to organise events of this nature that seek to bring youths from different schools and cultural backgrounds together in order to channel their skills and potentials to positive use.

“Distinguished guests, you will agree with me that our youths hold the future of this great nation. What

becomes of our country tomorrow depends on how intellectually and morally sound the youths of today are?

If the youths of today are mentally sound, psychologically balanced and enriched with good moral values, then our country is blessed. Because any nation whose youthful population is morally awkward, misfits and societal degenerates, that nation is already in deep crises. “ It was the urgent need to arrest the growing tide of cultism, drug abuse and the quest to get-rich quick among our youths that necessitated this sensitisation workshop to enlighten the youths on the dangers of these societal ills and also have them bear their minds on issues of national concern.

“Therefore, it is very important that as youths you combine your creative talent with education. As education holds the key to a glorious future.

Combining education with creativity will make you not only academically equipped but also socially relevant.

“Finally, it is necessary to also stress that youths who are involved in the ignoble issues of drug abuse, cultism and the unsavoury appetite to get-rich-quick and other immoral behaviours would amount to little or nothing in life. I encourage you to take your education seriously and undertake other noble activities like skill acquisition training programmes that would enhance your chances

Tackling Internet Fraud The Chairman House Committee on Culture & Tourism, Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama who was represented at the workshop, tackled internet fraud.

Expressing profound appreciation to the Director-General of CBAAC, Hon Oluwabunmi Ayobami Amao (FITP) for bringing the sensitisation workshop to Edo State, Hon OgbeideIhama who was represented by Hon Oduwa Igbinason, said that he was particularly elated by the theme of the workshop Cultural and Moral Sensitisation of Youths against Drug Abuse, Cultism and Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome also commended the youths for coming out in large number.

He informed the audience that the workshop was organised to have a robust discussion with the youths on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and unnecessary urge to get rich at all cost by whichever means necessary.

While expressing sadness in what he called the modern trend of internet fraud popularly known as ‘yahoo yahoo’, he said that immoral behaviour can only lead one to a disastrous end.

He encouraged the youths to shun all social vices and embrace good moral behaviour that will take them to a brighter and glorious future.

Peer Pressure Earlier, the keynote lecture, delivered

by Dr Ebima Ogbeide a consultant on Alcohol and Drug Addiction, attributed drug abuse and cultism to peer pressure.

He said “drug abuse and cultism are very dangerous vices which come as a result of peer pressure.

People hardly get drunk on the drinks they buy for themselves but on the ones given to them freely. Given the peculiar nature of drugs, to take any drug no matter how small without prescription is abuse of drugs.”

He further warned the youth, particularly students, who take drugs in order read at night to abstain from such dangerous behaviour.

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FEATURES

X-raying Successes of Operation Sahel Sanity in North-west Francis Sardauna chronicles the successes recorded by troops of Operation Sahel Sanity in tackling banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the North-west in the last six months

Nigerien notorious gun-runners nabbed at Dantutu, Milailai village in Sabon Birni LG of Sokoto State

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he Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai on July 6, 2020 flagged off another military operation codenamed, Exercise Sahel Sanity, to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other wave of nefarious activities in Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Niger States.

Buratai, also launched newly acquired 10 Mines Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (M-RAP) which were part of the military hardwares for Operation Sahel Sanity. The M-RAP vehicles were conceptualised, designed and fabricated in Nigeria by the 107 Division Equipment Support of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Borno State.

The aim of the exercise which subsequently dovetailed into a real time operation, is to support Operation Hadarin Daji in eliminating bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers in the region for peace and normalcy to be restored in communities hitherto captured by the mercenaries.

The anti-banditry operation was launched as part of activities commemorating the 2020 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, during which the Nigerian Army Super Camp IV was established in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The military operation, headquartered at the Special Army Super Camp IV, is comprehensively stemming the wave of insecurity orchestrated by marauding bandits in affected States of Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto and Kebbi.

Prior to the commencement of the operation, killings, kidnappings and rape of innocent citizens, particularly farmers by the hoodlums had crippled both economic and social activities of the region as many lives and property were equally destroyed.

But six months into the operation, residents of the zone, especially those living in rural communities have witnessed significant improvement in terms of security due to the tremendous achievements recorded by the gallant troops of the operation.

The brave soldiers, within the period under review, carried out series of successful clearance operations, ambushes and other aggressive and confidence building patrols

within the North-west region.

These multiple and coordinated operations led to the killing of 220 bandits and rescuing of 642 kidnapped victims from captivity. The troops also destroyed 197 bandits enclaves, including the notorious Katsina Dangote triangle and nabbed 335 suspected bandits, 326 illegal miners in Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and Katsina States.

Consequently, 73 AK-47 rifles, one GPMG and 194 dane guns were captured from the bandits, while 5,032 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 568 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 156 live cartridges were recovered from the marauders by the gallant troops during firefight in the zone.

Interestingly,147 bandits informants and collaborators, 14 bandits arms suppliers, 24 rustled cattle marketers and 46 bandits logistics suppliers were arrested and a total of 7,761 cows, 1,867 sheep, rams and 4 Camels were recovered and given back to the owners by the troops within the period.

Sadly, two officers and four brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of safeguarding the lives and property of the citizenry in North-west.

Giving a breakdown of the successes recorded by the troops of Operation Sahel Sanity at the end-of-the-year press conference at the headquarters of the operation in Faskari, the acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.General Benard Onyeuko, added that 165 bandits’ attacks and 81 kidnap attempts were successfully foiled by the troops.

Onyeuko, represented by the Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, said: "In all the operations conducted from 1 July to 31 December 2020, a total of 220 armed bandits were neutralized during combat with the gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY. "Additionally, 73 AK 47 Rifles, one GPMG and 194 Dane guns were captured from the criminals. Equally, 5,032 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 568 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition and 156 live cartridges were also captured by the troops.

"Furthermore, 197 bandit’s camps and hideouts including the notorious Dangote Triangle and several bandits’ logistics bases

were destroyed by troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY. Also, 335 suspected bandits, 326 illegal miners, 147 bandits informants and collaborators, 14 bandits arms suppliers, 24 rustled cattle marketers and 46 bandits logistics suppliers were arrested".

He added, "Similarly, a total of 7,761 cows, 1,867 sheep, rams and 4 Camels were recovered and given back to the owners by troops within the period. It is also heartwarming to note that, a total of 642 kidnapped victims were rescued by the valiant troops, and this include the rescued 344 students of Government Science Secondary School Kankara".

According to him, "It is pertinent to note that few setbacks were recorded as a result of engagements with bandits during the conduct of operations within the period under review.

Such are the regrettable loss of 2 Officers and 4 brave soldiers who paid the supreme price in the course of defending the dignity of our people".

He said since the flag off of the operation, significant improvements have been made in bringing peace and stability in the North West west region as evidenced in the massive resumption of socio-economic activities with little or no threats to lives and property.

The successes achieved wouldn't have been possible without the cooperation of the people of the zone, which in most times sacrificed their lives in providing timely information to security personnel. This perhaps prompted Brig-General Onyeuko to applaud their resilience in the ongoing war against banditry.

He, therefore, encouraged residents to continue to avail the troops with actionable information that would aid the desired goal of the operation, assuring of the Nigerian Army's commitment to restore sustainable peace in North-west.

Accordingly, after thorough review of the numerous achievements recorded and the need to completely ward off recalcitrant bandits in North-west, Lt-General Buratai graciously extended the duration of Operation Sahel Sanity to March 2021.

The extention of the operation's timeframe pave the way for the Nigerians soldiers to

consolidate on the gains so far achieved through confidence building patrols, ambushes and clearance operations until the bandits and other criminal elements are completely flush out of the region and the country in general.

However, some residents of Faskari and Batsari Local Government Areas, which have been described by pundits as epicentres of bandits and kidnappers, are of the view that more need to be done in curtailing banditry in the state.

The residents who spoke in a telephone interview, called on the military to sustain aggressive confidence building patrols in communities and villages across the state in a bid to effectively address the threats posed by bandits and other criminal elements.

One of the residents, Usman Kabiru, said: "We have indeed felt the immediate impact of Operation Sahel Sanity with the tremendous successes achieved within the short period but these bandits are still roaming around our communities. So, the military should sustain regular patrols in villages, especially those in Batsari".

Muhammed Dan-malam, a resident of Jibia, noted that there is urgent need for the military and other security agencies to sustain the current tempo to ensure that the bandits displaced do not regroup in other parts of the state from where they would carry on with their nefarious activities.

"We leant that the military have dislodged bandits' camps in the state and most of them who survived the military’s battle are moving in our villages. There is tendency of them regrouping in some parts of the state, so we are calling for regular patrols in flashpoints", he said.

He, however, called on well-spirited individuals, groups and NGOs to support families of those displaced as a result of the activities of bandits and other criminal elements before the formation of Operation Sahel Sanity in the state.

Therefore, troops should not rest on their oars but continue to sustain the tempo of the operation and dominate the entire region with confidence building clearance operations until these criminal elements are eliminated.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Ardova, May & Baker Lead Gainers as Market Opens on Positive Note Goddy Egene

Baker Nigeria Plc led the trading opened for the week Gold Ventures Plc chalked the market closed with price gainers with 9.7 per at the stock market. Berger up 9.5 per cent and 9.2 per an appreciation of 0.08 Ardova Plc and May & cent apiece yesterday when Paints Nigeria Plc and Japaul cent respectively. In all, per cent as the Nigerian A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 08- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jan-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

Stock Exchange (NSE) AllShare Index (ASI) higher at 40,150.78.

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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.07 17.05% ACAP Income Funds 0.86 0.86 11.56% 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 1.50% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.56 3.70 -0.15% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.84% Anchoria Equity Fund 133.82 134.30 0.06% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.34 1.34 0.75% 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 17.58 18.11 14.78% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 407.77 420.06 18.05% ARM Ethical Fund 33.98 35.01 16.85% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.23 1.24 23.37% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.11 1.12 11.48% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.45% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.16 2.16 5.09% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.22 2.26 -50.94% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.02 0.00 2.18% Paramount Equity Fund 16.22 16.53 1.46% Women's Investment Fund 134.03 135.58 0.71% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.82% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 130.40 131.28 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.89 108.89 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 1.30% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.17 0.16% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.60 1.60 1.12% 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 N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 187.93 189.34 0.13% FBN Halal Fund 111.64 111.68 0.10% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.02% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 122.78 123.24 0.98% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 122.93 123.38 0.98% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 153.80 156.14 1.73% 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 1.44% Legacy Debt Fund 3.87 3.87 5.99% Legacy Equity Fund 1.52 1.56 34.77% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.14 1.14 5.15% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,791.60 3,838.87 0.92% Coral Income Fund 3,312.96 3,312.96 1.44% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 1.81% 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 1.18% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 127.72 128.26 18.37%

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 1.08% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.90 2.96 32.49% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 157.02 157.98 9.61% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.43 1.45 -0.69% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,156.07 1,156.07 0.23% 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 6.99% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.21 12.32 8.75% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.55 1.57 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.46 110.93 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 132.31 134.60 8.40% 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 1.00 1.00 0.14% 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 0.50% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.09% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 0.00% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 0.09% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -0.54% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.28% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -0.98% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.23 1.23 0.12% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.18 111.18 0.09% 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 1.39 1.41 1.57% United Capital Bond Fund 1.89 1.89 0.08% United Capital Equity Fund 0.88 0.91 1.87% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.45% United Capital Eurobond Fund 117.24 117.24 0.13% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.09 0.30% 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 12.39 12.52 4.52% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.69 13.81 12.08% Zenith Income Fund 25.02 25.02 0.80% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.95%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

120.74

0.00%

52.40

0.00%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.98 123.67 97.83

13.08 123.67 99.66

-1.78% 1.59% -1.55%

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

4.18

4.22

10.06%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

5.84

5.92

2.65%

Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

17.61 1.00 19.95

17.71 1.00 20.15

7.59% 1.00% -2.75%

199.84

201.84

-10.43%

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 manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

12.01.2021

HONOURABLE JUSTICE OLUSOLA AJIBIKE WILLIAMS

Paralegalism: Essential for Administration of Justice Reform

2/DASHBOARD

12.01.2021

Declaration of Title to Land: Effect of Failure to Identify Land PAGE 4 Etomi Emerges as Chairman of Stock Exchange Review Panel PAGE 5

Kogi CJ takes Justice to Grassroot Level PAGE 5

QUOTABLES

‘When Protesters break into a Nation’s Capital, attempt to disrupt a constitutional process and speak of revolution; it is something you see in a Banana Republic, not the United States of America!’ - Senator Bill Cassidy, United States Republican Senator from Louisiana ‘If Nigeria was not a Failing State when a large slice of its territory was under the occupation of Boko Haram who collected taxes, installed and disposed Emirs, is it now that no territory is under the Terrorists, that Nigeria will be a Failing State?’ - Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Lawyer, Minister of Information and Culture, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Ziggy Azike: ‘An Iroko has Fallen in Lagos NBA’ PAGE 5

Emerging Issues in Constitutional and Electoral Reforms PAGE 7

/3

12.01.2021

The Trump Meltdown I was quite amused that, for once, it is the United States of America that has been in the eye of the storm and global limelight, and extremely negatively so I might add, instead of Nigeria or some other African country! I was even more amused when I was watching an interview of Senator Bill Cassidy on CNN last Thursday night, and he stated that what happened on Capitol Hill last week, happens in Third World Countries, and not in the USA! “Well, Senator Cassidy, sorry to disappoint you; it happened in your own country, America, the hitherto ‘Bastion of Democracy’, the Inspector-General of Democracy Worldwide! And, you, like your fellow colleagues, had to run for dear life and be ferried away to safety, to avoid the wrath of the violent Demonstrators, who PresidentElect Joe Biden referred to as, ‘Insurrectionists, White Supremacists and Thugs’, as they placed your Congress under siege.” I don’t remember that kind of violence ever being unleashed in Nigeria’s National Assembly, at least not in the last 22 years.

Who would have imagined that the President of the United States of America, a First World country and the ‘Number One Democracy’ in the World, would need to take lessons from the President of a third World country, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, on how to concede defeat graciously, and how to take the sanctity of lives of the people as sacrosanct and non-negotiable over and above self-interest, instead of hanging on to what has already been lost at all cost, based on a false premise - even at the cost of shedding the blood of others.

Invasion of Capitol Hill President Donald Trump, in the Oath of Office which he took on January 20, 2017, swore inter alia, to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. The US Presidential Election, is covered by the 12th Amendment to that same Constitution. While I will not bother to regurgitate the entire process of the American Presidential Election, that which concerns us for the purpose of this discourse is that, after the election, Electors meet to vote for the President and Vice President in their respective States in December, a few weeks after the November election. They seal their Certificates of Vote which are forwarded to Congress, to certify the election of the President and Vice President in a joint session in January, a few days to the swearing in of the incoming President and Vice President.

Having failed to prove his wild allegations of election malpractice in any court of law, in a last ditch attempt to remain in office as President of USA 'by fire or by force' (as the Pentecostals like to pray), on his not-so-subtle instigation, some Pro-Trump supporters violently stormed Congress to disrupt the joint session on January 6, in order to disrupt the certification of the election of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect, Kamala Harris. This invasion and desecration of Capitol Hill not only resulted in the death of five persons including a Policeman, but caused Vice President Pence who also doubles as the President of the Senate, and all the members of Congress, to have to scuttle away to safety.

Eventually, the session was held late that night,

US President, Donald Trump

and Vice President Pence declared Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 Presidential Election, and similarly, announced Senator Kamala Harris as the winner of the Vice Presidency.

A Failed Coup Attempt?

I was disgusted when I heard President Trump's address, following his failure to have his way, condemning the actions of the violent Demonstrators as heinous and a defilement of the seat of democracy. Naturally, he shamelessly tried to distance himself from the unfortunate incident, claiming that he deployed the National Guard and Federal Law Enforcement, to ‘secure the building and expel the intruders’. He did not protect or defend the American Constitution, he only protected and defended himself in his bid to retain his position as President by all means. In fact, he only half-heartedly asked the Demonstrators to go home after a flurry of condemnation; and even as he did so, he still continued to incite his supporters by saying that the election had been stolen from them.

A blatant falsehood! Totally delusional. Many described it as a failed coup attempt, against the incoming administration.

The 25th Amendment of the American Constitution and Mental Incapacity But, Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was having none of Donald Trump's barefaced hypocrisy, lies and attempt to white-wash and redeem his image, which is already extremely battered. As it turns out, the same Trump who was calling for reconciliation, has stated that he will not attend Joe Biden’s inauguration - sour grapes of the highest order!

Nancy Pelosi called on Vice President Pence to immediately remove Donald Trump for his seditious behaviour and attack on America’s Democracy, by invoking the 25th Amendment to the American Constitution against him, failing which they would weigh their options for impeachment in Congress. Many, including fellow Republicans, have accused Trump of wickedness, sedition, the desecration of American democracy and other similar offences.

The 25th Amendment covers Presidential Succession, as do Sections 143-145 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Nigerian Constitution). Section 4 of the 25th Amendment provides inter alia, that the Vice President and majority of certain cabinet members (eight of them or so) may jointly declare that the President is unable to carry out his duties, and consequently, the Vice President will assume the position of President, immediately. However, Section 4 of the Amendment has never been used before, and just as a 2018 article by Elaine Kamarck said, “short of watching Donald Trump run naked and screaming down Pennsylvania Avenue on prime-time television, Mike Pence (or any Vice President) would never begin such proceedings” (that is, Section 4 25th Amendment proceedings).

We do not have a provision that is like that of Section 4 of the 25th Amendment in our Constitution, as the procedure for removal provided for in Sections 143 and 144 of the Nigerian Constitution for gross misconduct or inability to discharge functions for medical reasons respectively, are long and convoluted,

and require the input of various people/groups.

They are not as straightforward, as that of Section 4 of the 25th Amendment.

Following the January 6 incident, Vice President Pence refused to invoke Section 4 against President Trump for his removal, and consequently, Congress has set the wheels in motion for the impeachment of President Trump, the second time in his tenure. Since Article II Section 4 of the American Constitution does not clearly define the grounds for impeachment and conviction, but just leaves it at ‘treason, bribery, other high crimes and misdemeanours’, and Congress is not a court of law, the criminal burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt is inapplicable, as it is left to Congress to decide what constitutes these grounds. Can the accusations of sedition, coup plotting and incitement of insurrection which several high ranking Politicians and members of Congress have levelled against President Trump, amount to Treason or other high crimes? These accusations certainly qualify as more than ‘other misdemeanours’, since five precious lives were lost during the fracas. Let us wait and see the outcome.

Such comments like that of Kamarck, as far back as 2018, show that the issue of President Trump’s mental health is not new, but somehow it didn’t seem to be much of an issue until now.

In the past few days, we have seen Politicians questioning his mental capacity and stability, on television. I still wonder how such a ‘loose canon’ as many refer to him, could have secured the Republican nomination. Unlike the Nigerian Constitution, the American Constitution does not seem to disqualify candidates from running on the basis of mental incapacity (correct me if I’m wrong). However, Section 137(1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution disqualifies a person who has been adjudged to be a lunatic or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind, from vying for the office of President, though an appeal may be lodged in a court of law against such a decision.

And, even if the American Constitution had that provision, it would probably not suffice for people to feel that a candidate is unhinged; there would probably have to be an accompanying declaration to that effect, as in the case of the Nigerian Constitution.

Concerns One of the concerns that has been raised about Trump, is that it is dangerous for the nuclear codes to remain in the hands of someone so mentally unstable as Trump, especially as he is in a such a bitter mood. In fact, the President-Elect didn’t mince words when he said in an interview last Friday, that he had been saying for over a year that President Trump is not fit to serve.

Even though anyone can take ill at anytime, as one’s state of health is mostly in the hands of God, should it be a prerequisite for all candidates, especially those running for the most important office of President of a country, to be medically certified as physically and mentally fit? Before Trump even secured the Republican nomination, it was evident during his campaign that he was a narcissist, unstable and prone to falsehood. How was something that was so obvious to the world, not obvious to the Republicans? Even though it may be that it was over the past four years that President Trump’s mental health deteriorated to this extent, the signs were definitely there; and results of the elections evince the fact that he didn’t strike majority of Americans who voted in either of the two elections in which he participated, as the best candidate for President, as it was Senator Clinton and subsequently, Joe Biden who won the popular votes, and not President Trump.

Conclusion What can be more embarrassing and shameful, than the President of one of the most important countries in the world being barred from his Twitter account (social media), in order to stop him from spreading his vicious poison all over the place? As it is, many are speculating that because President Trump really has no boundaries, it would not be surprising if he tries to pardon himself for all his atrocities before he leaves office! However, an American President can only pardon Federal Crimes, and therefore, any of the Attorney-Generals of the 50 States where he may have issues pending like tax fraud, can still go after him. In any event, a pardon must be presented before a court of law to decide whether it will be accepted or not. I do not think

“ONE OF THE CONCERNS THAT HAS BEEN RAISED ABOUT TRUMP, IS THAT IT IS DANGEROUS FOR THE NUCLEAR CODES TO REMAIN IN THE HANDS OF SOMEONE SO MENTALLY UNSTABLE AS TRUMP, ESPECIALLY AS HE IS IN A SUCH A BITTER MOOD”

that the issue of a President trying to pardon himself, has ever been tested in court before, as no President has ever tried to do so before in the history of America. Even President Nixon was pardoned by President Ford who succeeded him upon his resignation in 1974.

However, if President Trump is impeached for the second time, this may disqualify him from running for President in 2024, as some have speculated that he may want to do. If this is so, impeaching him even one day to the end of his tenure, would be worth it!

It will certainly take some time for America to redeem her image, which Trump has damaged to such a great extent. The incoming administration has its work cut out for it, in that regard. Do you remember Trump’s campaign slogan? “We’re Gonna Make America Great Again”. He has managed to do quite the opposite! Again, we congratulate President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris, on their well-deserved victory. We wish them a successful tenure.

4/LAW REPORT

Declaration of Title to Land: Effect of Failure to Identify Land Facts The Appellants commenced an action at the High Court of Ogun State against the Respondents claiming inter alia, a declaration that they are entitled to the Statutory Right of Occupancy in respect of a parcel of land lying and situate at Ilemu/Ifako village via Ado-Odo, Ogun State. The Appellants described the land as being bound at the southern part by Ifio land, northern part by Ifighe farmland, left hand side by Idomiorin farmland and on the right hand side by Odu, Ati-Kekure Idojuna farmland. The Appellants relied on a previous decision from an arbitration relating to the land, Exhibit A. The Respondents denied the Appellants’ claim, in their defence. In addition, the 4th Respondent counterclaimed for declaration of Customary/Statutory Right of Occupancy in respect of the parcel of land, which he described as lying on Alapati Magban Road via Ado-Odo, Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

He described the land as being bound on the first side

by Olayiwola family, second side by Amore family, third side by Ifio family and fourth side by Idobarun family. Also, the 5th Respondent filed a Counter-claim and sought a declaration that his family is entitled to the Customary/Statutory Right of Occupancy over the parcel of land lying at Alapati Magban Road via Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

He described the land to be bound on the first side

by Ijigbe family, second side by Idamarien, third side

by Ifio family and fourth side by Ore River.

At the conclusion of trial, the court held that the Appellants were entitled to the Statutory Right of Occupancy in respect of the land. The court however, refused the Appellants’ prayer for forfeiture of the Respondents’ customary tenancy, but granted an order of perpetual injunction against them. Dissatisfied with the decision of the trial court, the Respondents successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal, which informed the Appellants’ appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination The following were the issues considered by the Apex Court for determination of the appeal 1. Whether by the pleading and evidence adduced, the Appellants established the identity of the land in dispute.

2. Whether in view of the applicable laws, the Court of Appeal was in error to have set aside the Order of Injunction made by the trial court in favour of the Appellants.

Arguments On the first issue, counsel for the Appellants argued that the Court of Appeal was wrong when it held that the description of the land in dispute contained in the relief was insufficient to identify the land, as the relief was different from the pleading. Counsel stated that the omission of the name of the land in dispute from the body of the Statement of Claim and the incorporation of same in the relief may have been inelegant, but did not detract from the need to do substantial justice. He also contended that the relief is part of the pleading, and the Respondents joined issues with the Appellants on the location of the land in dispute. He relied on the case of ALHAJI SAFIANU AMINU & ORS. v ISIAKA HASSAN & ORS. (2014) 1 SCNJ Page 163 at 181. He submitted further that given the state of pleadings, the Respondents cannot be presumed to be in the dark as to the identity of the land in dispute. Countering the submission of the Appellant, counsel for the Respondents reiterated the decision of the Court of Appeal that the identity of the land in dispute was in issue, and same was not established.

He stated that the Court of Appeal considered Exhibit A, which the trial court relied on for the identity of the land, and concluded that same was not helpful, as the 5th Respondent who was the overlord of the other Respondents was not a party to the arbitration.

Counsel argued that since the identity of the land in dispute could not be settled and the Appellants failed to file a Survey Plan, the Court of Appeal was right to hold that the identity of the land was not established.

Regarding the second issue, counsel for the Appellants argued that, in view of the Declaration of Title granted to the Appellants, the order of injunction as a consequential Order was rightly granted. He cited

the case of OKOYA v SANTILI (1990) ALL NLR 250 at 280-281 and other cases. Further, counsel submitted that the order of perpetual injunction was in tandem with the legal principles in cases where title has been granted, and where there is evidence that the Respondents have been putting tenants on the land and selling same. Responding, counsel for the Respondents posited that the order of injunction granted by the trial court was unjust, in that the court had held that grantees of land under Customary Law enjoy their interest in the land in perpetuity subject to good behaviour, and the interest has now in practice been regarded as practically indefeasible. He contended further that the order of injunction granted by the trial court, was in conflict with the finding that grantees under customary tenor enjoy the interest in perpetuity.

He cited the case of JOSIAH AGHEHEN v MAKUKA WAGHOREGHOR (1974) 1 SC, and urged the Court to endorse the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Honourable Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 5th day of June, 2020 Before Their Lordships

Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta Olukayode Ariwoola John Inyang Okoro Amina Adamu Augie Uwani Musa Abba Aji Justices, Supreme Court SC.662/2015 Between 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Mr. Saibu Adekunjo Mr. Jimoh Adekunjo Mr. Taiwo Odunlami Mr. Tajudeen Adekunjo Mr. Akimu M. Adeoye

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Chief Salami Hussain Saibu Ilo Mustapha Ganiyu Ajogbede Peter Babatunde Hussain Amore

And

Appellants

Respondents

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, JSC)

“THE EASIEST WAY TO IDENTIFY THE LAND IN DISPUTE IS BY FILING A SURVEY PLAN, AND SINCE NO SURVEY PLAN WAS FILED, THE IDENTITY OF THE LAND WILL DEPEND ON PLEADINGS AND EVIDENCE.....THE CLAIMANTS HAVE A DUTY TO IDENTIFY THE EXISTING BOUNDARIES OF THE LAND, AND WHERE THEY FAIL TO DO SO, THE COURT HAS NO POWER TO DEMARCATE ONE FOR THEM”

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding the first issue, the Supreme Court referred to a book by Fidelis Nwadialo titled “Civil Procedure in Nigeria”, second edition p. 147, where the learned author reckoned with a pattern which evolved by practice on the form a Statement of Claim should take.

A Statement of Claim was described as composing of three parts, namely – (i) The introductory averments; (ii) The body of the statement; and (iii) The prayer for relief. The Supreme Court held that, without the relief portion in a pleading, the pleading properly so called is incomplete, and to say a claim for title to land is defeated merely because the location of the land is inserted only in the relief section of the Statement of Claim, amounts to stretching the evolved patterns of pleading to absurdity.

However, the court held that the easiest way to identify the land in dispute is by filing a survey plan, and since no survey plan was filed, the identity of the land will depend on pleadings and evidence. Although, the Appellants led evidence in proof of their averments in the Statement of Claim, the said averments fall short of what is required to prove the identity of land. The directions – “Southern part, Northern part, left hand side and right hand side stated in the Statement of Claim, cannot be determined without a fixed point from which the direction can be ascertained, and the right or left side depends on the cardinal point the observer is facing.

The court held that the Claimants have a duty to identify the existing boundaries of the land, and where they fail to do so, the court has no power to demarcate one for them. The court cited on AWERE v LASOJU (1975) NWLR 29 at 82 and held that natural marks such as road, river, stream or a tree can constitute good boundary marks, but none was pleaded in this case. Further, the court found that Exhibit A, the previous decision relating to an arbitration in respect of the land, cannot be relied on by the Appellants, as same does not bind the 5th Respondent, who was not a party to the said arbitration.

The Supreme Court concluded that the Appellants failed to establish the identity and boundaries of the land to which they claim a declaration of title, and the evidence adduced before the trial court did not ground a declaration of title in their favour.

With respect to the second issue, the Supreme Court held that since the Appellants’ claim for declaration of title failed because the Appellants were unable to establish the identity and/or boundaries of the land, there was no defined area of land to which an order of perpetual injunction could be tied. Also, the court found that the Appellants had not established a right, legal or equitable, for which protection could be granted.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Olumide Fidelis Akinbinu, Esq. with Femi Sylvester Akinbinu Esq. for the Appellants.

Adewale Adegoke Esq. for the Respondents.

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

12.01.2021

NEWS/5

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Five Supportive Workplace Strategies for Mental Health Introduction We held our breath, as we watched the really amazing year 2020 expire. We welcomed 2021 with great hope mixed with uncertainty as the Covid-19 pandemic mutates into new strains, and countries get into a second or third wave of the disease. This preceding week, we received the news of more and more people contacting the disease - The United Kingdom, Germany and the United States all recorded their highest daily death tolls from the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. recorded more than 4,000 daily Covid-19 deaths on Thursday, 7th January 2021 - the highest one-day total since the pandemic began. On Friday 9th January, the UK, who were first to detect new mutant variant of the disease, recorded 1,325 deaths of people who had tested positive for Covid-19. Also on Friday, 9th January, Germany reported a record 1,188 daily Covid-19 deaths, outstripping a previous record of 1,129 registered on December 30, 2020. Indeed, a focus on supportive workplace strategies for Mental Health is proper at this time. Work has been significantly impacted, by the pandemic. Ordinarily our workplaces can contribute immensely to our mental wellbeing, and also to our mental illness – hence, it is important that workplaces continue to pursue the mental health agenda.

While we like to romanticise about the few who are born into a trust fund that assures them of a work-free life - spending inherited money jetting off to Aspen in the middle of the week on a private plane, those rare privileged few with trust funds - that we all love to hate - are very rare to come by these days. It was reported that less than 2% of the U.S. population receives a trust fund – Life is expensive and even people with inherited money - see the numbers decrease considerably over time, if they do not work at it. Besides, “good” work is good for mental health.

So, for several of us, work is a key part of our lives. It is argued that, about a third of our lives is spent at work.

Employers and employees alike bend over their desks daily, sweating for a steady pay cheque. Some Lawyers work up to 50 hours per week to meet their billable hour minimums, which can range between 1700 and 2300 hours a year. Many are working harder in these times. A focus on mental health, is very appropriate at this time. And building an enjoyable workplace, is essential for our mental health and general wellbeing. Good management and good mental health at work, have a close connection. More so, in these days of remote working with less and less physical human contact, leaving many vulnerable and at risk of mental health issues.

What is Mental health?

The events of the past 14 months, have turned most of us to wannabe mental health experts. Our mental health is the way we think and feel, and our ability to deal with ups and downs.

The World Health Organisation superbly articulates, “There is no health without mental health.” When we talk about mental health, we are talking about our mental well-being: our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us. In the course of a lifetime, not all people will experience a mental illness, but everyone will struggle or have a challenge with their mental well-being (i.e., their mental health), just like we all have challenges from time to time with our physical health – the issue could be as small as a cold, sore throat or indigestion, or it could be grave.

Health sometimes, isn’t always black and white. There are several grey areas and different degrees of health. People can move on a spectrum or a trajectory ranging from great or good health, to average or poor health, to illness or infirmity. Mental health issue is comparable. Our mental health, does not always stay the same. It can vacillate as circumstances change, and as we move through different stages in our lives and careers. When we feel troubled, we need a compassionate, human response. The earlier we are able to recognise when something is not quite right, the earlier we can get support. It has been suggested that one in six people experience the symptoms of a mental health problem, in any given week. We all have times when we feel down, stressed or frightened. Most of the time the feelings pass, but sometimes, they can develop into a mental health problem like anxiety, aggression or depression, which can impact our daily lives and may require treatment. Concerns like work-related deadlines, health scare, quarantine, financial threats, can be threatening to our mental health if not well managed. When we enjoy good mental health, we have a sense of purpose and direction, the energy to do the things we want to do, and the ability to deal with the challenges that happen in our lives.

whim, have heightened insecurity, or taking on more work than you can manage; increased apathy or absence from work, sleeping less or perhaps drinking more, etc. In our society, we rarely link these signs to our mental health, and we usually underestimate or completely ignore these warning signs.

Employer Checklist for Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces In Nigeria, we do not have ready access to data. However, in the UK it is reported that having a long-term mental health problem may reduce life expectancy by 21 years, due to related physical health problems. And that about 6,000 people a year, die by suicide. The decision to divulge mental or emotional troubles at work, does not come easy. We must therefore, commit to reviewing the way we do business to ensure our everyday working culture is as mentally healthy as possible.

Promote a Culture of Openess – Encourage Staff to Speak Out A culture of silence, is a good breeding ground for mental health issues. It can be hard to talk about feelings at work. If you are open about your feelings at work as a leader, it might encourage others to do the same. When we create workplace cultures where people are encouraged to express themselves, it becomes easier for people to speak about mental health concerns without fear, and to reach out for help when required.

It is vital that workplaces become environments, where people feel safe to be themselves.

How do we Recognise Mental Health Issues?

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health awareness is increasing and the stigma around it is reducing. However, people still fear discrimination and keep their feelings hidden and well protected. Many work places still do not address the subject, nor provide the professional help that employees may need in this regard. There are countless signs of mental health problems in the workplace, and they may affect people in different ways; some are quite buried and difficult to detect, other signs have been accepted as normal - e.g. you might notice that you are more tired than usual - often feel drained, or you make unusual mistakes repeatedly, you find yourself procrastinating more than usual, find it hard to concentrate or motivate yourself, become easily temperamental – outbursts of anger or emotion; wanting to always separate yourself - avoiding colleagues or appear always preoccupied, have become untidy, or are not looking after your appearance as you normally would; intruding into others’ conversations and work, getting suspicious on a

“......ONE IN SIX PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE SYMPTOMS OF A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM, IN ANY GIVEN WEEK.......MOST OF THE TIME THE FEELINGS PASS, BUT SOMETIMES, THEY CAN DEVELOP INTO A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM LIKE ANXIETY, AGGRESSION OR DEPRESSION, WHICH CAN IMPACT OUR DAILY LIVES AND MAY REQUIRE TREATMENT”

Keep Workforce Physically Active Research has settled that regular exercise can boost your selfesteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, and look and feel better. Experts say that most people should do about 30 minutes’ exercise, at least five days a week. Exercising doesn’t just mean doing sports or going to the gym. Workplaces can creatively incorporate easy and enjoyable physical activities, as part of the workday. Encourage staff to get out for a walk around the block, take a compulsory lunch break. Make mental health and wellbeing core assets of your firm, and ensure mid and senior leaders are responsible for implementing these ancillary mental health programs.

Promote the Buddy System Relationships are key to our mental health. Workplaces can promote the buddy system, by encouraging mentorships or small groups of trusted colleagues. Support the development of compassionate and effective line management relationships.

Working in a supportive team, is hugely important for our mental health at work. We don’t always have a choice about who we work with, and if we don’t get on with managers, colleagues or clients, it can create tension. Work politics can be a real challenge, when we have mental health problems.

There is a need for employers to address relationship difficulties – whether with clients or colleagues. Investing in good relationships among your employees, is a good investment.

Experts say that loneliness may be as bad for our health, as smoking or obesity.

Promote Healthy Eating Food is known to create bonding and wellbeing. What we eat can affect how we feel, both immediately and in the longer term. It can be hard to keep up a healthy pattern of eating at work. Workplaces can contribute immensely to an healthy eating agenda for employees – by creating awareness – bring in the experts, plan for mealtimes at work - choosing healthy options, plus providing more water spots within the office is ideal. Encourage staff to try and get away from their desk to eat. Try reducing caffeine and refined sugar in the office. Make sure there is a ready supply of fruit/vegetables and snacks like nuts or trail mix, that provide ready nutrients within budget.

Some organisations have lunch clubs at work – where staff club together to share meals and try new things.

Promote Clean Leave Breaks A change of scene or a change of pace, is essential for mental health. Workplaces should promote policies that ensure employees take clean breaks. It can be hard to take holidays and time off from work, because of workload. When we are stressed, it can seem even harder to take the break we are entitled to – when we need it most. Try and plan periods of leave for the year, so that your staff always have a break to look forward to. When employees are on leave or at home, resist the temptation to call them and encourage them not to check in. Rest is essential to our mental health. Without good breaks, mental health suffers, and concentration goes downhill. A good vacation is enough to de-stress anyone - Encourage employees to take clean breaks, and to ensure they use them well.

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Emerging Issues in Constitutional and Electoral Reforms

This article by Festus Okoye discusses the amendments which have been made to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act over the years, in a bid to improve the electoral process. He however, concludes that while holistic constitutional and electoral reforms are required to make the process even better, this feat cannot be achieved in one fell swoop; and therefore, suggests that those amendments, some of which he mentions, which have a direct impact on the electoral process should be implemented first, before the 2023 elections are upon us within a period of 30 days, rather than 60 days.

Introduction All pre-election matters should terminate at the The renewed effort by the National Assembly (NASS), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other critical stakeholders at constitutional and electoral reforms is timely, and must be sustained and approached with a sense of history and urgency. The reform efforts must be imbued with clearly defined timelines, priority interventions, strategic thinking and assemblage, inclusiveness and consultation. More fundamentally, the reforms must be impactful, approached from a bipartisan angle, shorn of divisive issues and concluded at least one year before the onset of “real” jostling for positions, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

It must be acknowledged that since the coming into force of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) (‘the Constitution’) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) (Electoral Act), a lot of progress has been made in constitutional and electoral reforms. This has been driven, facilitated and robustly canvassed by the electoral management body, the political parties, the Judiciary, Civil Society Groups and Organisations and Domestic and International Election Observers. Above all, the electorate has played crucial roles in driving some of these changes.

Amendments to the Constitution The fourth Alteration to the Constitution introduced timelines for the resolution of pre- and postelection disputes, and this reversed the obscene and unacceptable situation where both pre- and post-elections disputes sometimes last for more than one electoral cycle. NASS also altered, and the President assented to the alteration of the Constitution that disqualifies a person who was sworn in as President or Governor to complete the term of the elected President or Governor from being elected to the same office for more than a single term, and for related matters. Section 225 of the Constitution was also altered to vest the Commission with the power to deregister a political party that breaches the requirements for registration, and or fails to meet certain thresholds in terms of winning elections and securing votes.

NASS also altered the Constitution to reduce the age for qualification for the office of the President, membership of the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly, and related matters.

Amendments to the Electoral Act At the level of the Electoral Act, NASS carried out three amendments to the Act, informed by the reality of elections and the need for internal democracy in the political process. NASS created the INEC Fund, and placed the Commission on the First Line Charge. It amended the days of election, and the Commission was given the discretion to appoint days for the different strands of elections.

Section 26 of the Act was amended to give the Commission the mandate to ensure that persons displaced as a result of an emergency, are not disenfranchised. Section 52 of the Act was amended to give the Commission the power to determine the voting procedure in elections, while, Section 87 of the Act was amended to guarantee more openness and transparency in party nomination processes, amongst other amendments.

Sad Reality Unfortunately, alterations to the provisions of the Constitution with a bearing on the electoral process and amendments to the Electoral Act have all been incremental, episodic and miserly. Far-reaching recommendations of the Electoral Reform Committee (the Uwais Committee, 2007-2008); the Federal Government Investigation Panel on the 2011 Election Violence and Civil Disturbances (otherwise known as the Lemu Report); the Belgore Committee on the harmonisation of previous recommendations (2011); the National Conference (2014) and the Senator Nnamani Committee on Constitutional and Electoral Reform (2016), have not been given due consideration and attention.

With the time available to the current National Assembly, is it possible to carry out wholesale reforms of the constitutional and legal framework for the conduct of elections, before the onset of campaigns and positioning for the 2023 elections?

The answer is no. This is because the processes and procedure for constitutional alteration as set out

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan

in Section 9 of the Constitution are cumbersome, and laced with political undercurrents. Consensus for the alteration of certain provisions with direct bearing on the electoral process have crystallised, and lumping such issues together with slightly or wholly contentious issues, may submerge them in a maze of controversy. The same thing applies to a few proposals on the table, for the amendment of the Electoral Act. This presupposes that the practical and rational approach is to pursue and effect alterations and amendments that are less contentious and enjoy some level of consensus, and they must be ones that are germane and fundamental to the success of the 2023 general election.

It must be borne in mind that, altering the provisions of the Constitution and amending the electoral legal framework will not automatically and without more, lead to improvement in the electoral process. The Constitution and the Electoral Act are not self-executory, and both operate through the actions and inactions of persons and institutions in the society. The Constitution and the Electoral Act will aid and ground our electoral process more firmly if the operators develop the democratic spirit grounded firmly on respect and fidelity to the

“.....ALTERING THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND AMENDING THE ELECTORAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY AND WITHOUT MORE, LEAD TO IMPROVEMENT IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS. THE CONSTITUTION AND THE ELECTORAL ACT ARE NOT SELF-EXECUTORY, AND BOTH OPERATE THROUGH THE ACTIONS AND INACTIONS OF PERSONS AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE SOCIETY”

National Commissioner & Chairman Information & Voter Education, INEC, Festus Okoye

constitution and the laws.

Meaningful, impactful, sustainable and enduring reforms at this point, must be informed by some fundamentals. These fundamental principles may not guarantee holistic reforms, but will give hope of a more credible electoral process. Purposeful, sustainable and impactful reforms must assist in deepening and entrenching internal democracy in political parties, and reduce the spate of pre-election litigation associated with internal wrangling and disagreements. It must promote inclusivity, deepen access to electoral services and expand participation especially of marginalised and excluded groups. It must strive to break the cycle of electoral impunity, by sanctioning violators and reducing electoral violence. It must deepen and hasten the deployment of technology in the electoral process, to reduce human interference and protect the health and safety of the people in the face of the current global pandemic.

Areas in Need of Constitutional amendments Altering the provisions of the Constitution with a bearing on the electoral process, must be pursued simultaneously with amending the Electoral Act. It is axiomatic that the Constitution is the fundamental law of the land, and all other laws draw their energy, oxygen, potency and efficacy from the Constitution.

From the reports and recommendations of INEC as well as that of domestic and international election observers, urgent action is needed in relation to provisions of the Constitution that are unclear, subject to multiple interpretations, and or have become an impediment to the administration and conduct of elections.

NASS, through the 4th Alteration to the Constitution, altered Section 285 of the Constitution and provided timelines for the filing and determination of pre and post-election disputes. This, no doubt was a progressive move borne out of experience from election petitions that sometimes drag on for periods ranging between four and ten years, to the embarrassment of the Bar, the Bench and the Nigerian people. Sometimes, the voters do not know the validly nominated candidate, even after the disposal of post-election litigations. The overlapping of pre-election matters into post-election period also poses planning, logistics and security challenges for the Commission. Sometimes multiple Court Orders and Judgements from Courts of coordinate jurisdiction are delivered and served on the Commission on the eve of elections, and this muddles up the Commission’s planning and deployment, just as it confuses the electorate.

NASS must therefore, in line with recommendations of previous Commissions and Panels, make it possible for all pre-election disputes to be concluded before the conduct of elections. This can be achieved by the reduction of the period for the determination of pre-election matters, in the Court of first instance. The Court of first instance can conclude all pre-election matters within a period of 60 days rather than 180 days, while the Court of Appeal can hear and deliver its judgement

Court of Appeal.

NASS must also give due attention to the alteration of Sections 68, 109 and 117 of the Constitution relating to the resignation of members of the State and National Assembly, either to take up other assignments and/or to contest for other positions or on personal grounds. On resignation of membership, the seat of the member should automatically devolve to the candidate and political party that came second in the election, while the political party that sponsored a deceased candidate should replace him through their own internal party mechanisms. This will engender more respect for the sovereign right of the voters, make elected representatives more responsive and reduce the spate of bye-elections in Nigeria, thereby saving the taxpayers money.

It is also important for NASS to take a second look at the provisions of Section 225A of the Constitution, relating to the conditions for the deregistration of political parties. It is not right to make winning of the Chairmanship or Councillorship one of the criteria for deregistration of political parties, when the Commission does not conduct Local Government elections. The nexus between the Commission and State Independent Electoral Commissions is that the Commission is the only entity vested with the power to register political parties and conduct the Registration of Voters, and these are made available to the State Independent Electoral Commissions when they are conducting their elections. Section 78(7a) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) (which for all practical purposes is redundant) is better worded, and should be imported to replace Section 225A of the Constitution. It provides that “The Commission shall have power to deregister political parties on the following grounds - (I) breach of any of the provisions for registration, and (ii) failure to win Presidential or Governorship election or a seat in the National or State Assembly election”.

Amendment of the Electoral Act NASS has proposed far reaching amendments, to the Electoral Act. Some of the proposals relate to the timelines for the release of funds to INEC; making Resident Electoral Commissioners answerable to the Commission; increasing the timeline for the nomination of candidates, substitution of dead candidates; the use of modern technological devices; determination of over voting, using the number of accredited voters; power of the Commission to review declarations and returns made by Returning Officers; restriction on the use of symbols and logos of deregistered political parties, and power to delimit electoral wards among other proposals.

In addition, there are other provisions of the Act that should be amended. Section 75 of the Act should be amended to provide that when the Commission issues a new Certificate based on a Court Order, any other Certificate previously issued shall be deemed withdrawn. This will obviate the present confusion where it is difficult to withdraw Certificates already issued, as some of the persons concerned wield it as a trophy.

It is also important for NASS to realise that, certain issues must be left to the domestic realm of political parties. Some of the proposed amendments to Section 87, must be left to the Constitution and Guidelines of political parties for the nomination of candidates. Issues around the election of ad-hoc delegates and the delegates that will nominate the various strands of candidates, must be left to political parties. Some of the parties do not have Boards of Trustees or Zonal Executive Committees, and it amounts to an imposition to statutorily determine every issue around party organisation. It is also not tidy to dictate to parties, how many delegates should be involved in the nomination of their Presidential and Governorship candidates.

While the proposed amendments to sections 48, 49, 50 and 52 of the Act relating to the introduction and use of technology in the electoral process are welcomed, the Commission must be given the discretion to introduce relevant, cost effective and modern technology in the electoral process. Technology is dynamic and the Commission should be in a position to determine the relevant technology at any point in time. The National Assembly must therefore resist the temptation of writing into the cont'd on page 12

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Paralegalism: Essential for For a majority of Nigerian Lawyers, the Bench or the Inner Bar are the ultimate career destinations, and the attainment of either is the climax. It is however, a rarity in Nigeria, to find a Judge opting out of the Judiciary at a relatively young age, with many more years left to retirement. That is what Honourable Justice Olusola Ajibike Williams did when she honourably bowed out of the Lagos State Judiciary, to pursue her laudable vision of setting up Nigeria’s first Paralegal Training Institute, Institute of Paralegal Services (IOPS), a non-profit making Institute. In a chat with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi last Friday, she explained what motivated her bold and courageous move to step down from the Bench after 18 years, and her ambitious plans to entrench paralegal training, standardisation and practice in Nigeria, through her Institute of Paralegal Services located in Lagos

I

t is unusual in our country for anybody to step down from an established role, especially one which many crave like that of a High Court Judge which you were, to wade into fairly uncharted waters. What informed your decision to leave the Judiciary to found the Institute of Paralegal Services (IOPS)? As a Judge, did you observe any gaps that require filling through the creation of such an establishment? If so, what were these gaps? What benefit will the services and training at IOPS be to the administration of justice sector in general?

I am grateful for this opportunity and very happy to discuss The Institute of Paralegal Services (IOPS).

Yes it is unusual, but it has been done before. People crave for the position, without knowing what it entails. They see the glory and the prestige. They do not know the discipline, hard work and constraints of that path of honour. Indeed, being an entrepreneur is uncharted waters for me, but I discovered that it is in my DNA and history! You are also quite right that founding an Institute of this nature, is uncharted territory in Nigeria.

I am blessed to have been elevated rather early, so I have actually been on the Bench for 18 years. My decision to leave was informed by many things, but I had never intended that I would work as a High Court Judge till retirement age. Indeed, I started out aiming to be in the appellate court after 10 years. That proved unrealistic for many reasons. However, I even lost interest in going to the Court of Appeal within five years. My stint as a Judge in an election tribunal in 2011, sealed the issue for me!

I thoroughly enjoyed being a High Court Judge and formed the view that, next to the Magistrates Court, it is there, deep down in the trenches, that the work of dispensing justice to the people is done.

I identified lapses, and that gave me the vision to incorporate the Institute.

I caught the vision in 2007. But, the Institute of Paralegal Services (IOPS) Ltd/ Gte was finally incorporated in 2013. It is a company limited by guarantee, so it is not a commercial enterprise. It is a not-for-profit organisation. Any profits made by the Institute from training will be ploughed right back into the Institute,

Honourable Justice Olusola Ajibike Williams

“HOWEVER, I EVEN LOST INTEREST IN GOING TO THE COURT OF APPEAL WITHIN FIVE YEARS. MY STINT AS A JUDGE IN AN ELECTION TRIBUNAL IN 2011, SEALED THE ISSUE FOR ME!”

so there cannot be any sharing of its profits.

After the incorporation of the Institute, I realised that in this environment, I could not run the Institute while being on the Bench. So, I just had the incorporation certificate and did nothing to pursue my dream, in spite of my passion for it.

I had been totally dissatisfied with the work on the Bench by that time anyway, and had meant to leave immediately I qualified for judicial pension after 15 years of service, but had to wait for some reasons.

The gaps I identified in our justice delivery industry, informed my decision to found the Institute ever before I left the Bench. As a matter of fact, I left the Bench in order to accomplish a mission that had been burning in my heart for over 10 years.

The gaps include the void between Lawyers and their clients; the Bench and Lawyers and the public; the lack of professionalism or proper training of support staff of the Bar and Bench which puts tremendous pressure on

the Bar and Bench; and the fact that there is no regulation of those who assist in the dispensation of justice, which results in misconduct and no sense of responsibility or belonging, no dignity of labour for such workers who really are in a sensitive position.

Paralegals are the first responders, that the public, clients and non-Lawyers interact with. They can make or mar the experience a person has the first time they get to a court or a Lawyer’s office or have anything to do with legal matters, yet, they are not properly trained and most of them lack understanding of this key role; so, it is handled very badly. Thus, we ended up for instance, with the unfortunate narrative that you should never have anything to do in court because it is a place of doom.

If the populace had any iota of belief that the High Court is a temple of justice, it would not have suffered the defilement it did when the #EndSARS Protest was hijacked. Lawyers have suffered too, as they are seen as people who milk the populace, hide the truth

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Administration of Justice Reform and are ready to bend the law and to perpetrate and perpetuate injustice.

Incidentally, other people have identified this need and have also tried to run training programmes for paralegals. Sadly, they did not get the necessary encouragement and were forced to become lethargic about their projects, and abandon or suspend them.

However, I believe Nigeria is ready for paralegalism now, after a steady decline that has created a dire need for the reformation of our administration of justice. These gaps affect the quality of legal service, as well as access to justice.

More recently, in a webinar organised by the Institute with George Etomi & Partners (law firm), an accomplished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Wemimo Ogunde articulated a unique gap, which arises from the fact that our inherited English legal system is foreign, which has resulted in a distrust and misunderstanding of the system by the populace; so we need paralegals as a buffer between the populace and practitioners, to ensure understanding and create confidence. A skilled paralegal would know how to interview an illiterate or people generally, to ensure that the person feels confident enough to divulge all relevant information that will assist the cause of justice.

IOPS will benefit the administration of justice in many ways; principally, there will be better service delivery and client satisfaction with professionally trained paralegals, the burden on practitioners and Judges will be eased, and there will be better access to justice. Trained paralegals raise the level of efficiency in law offices and in the Judiciary, so they will be run more effectively. With better efficacy, there will be less congestion in the courts and less delay, which also translates to better access to justice.

Apart from working in law firms, legal departments, and courts, paralegals work in all walks of life. Our lawmakers need paralegals. Our local government representatives, need paralegal training.

Members of tribunals and customary courts are involved in paralegal work, and must be trained. Our chiefs and community leaders dispense justice, so they will benefit from paralegal training. Even the general populace, need education on the rule of law and the administration of justice.

There will be job creation for the teeming unemployed youths and even middle-aged people, some who retired early; also for a lot of people who do not know what to do, and go about amassing irrelevant/impractical degrees and certifications.

With proper training, a foundation in ethics, enrolment of paralegals and regulation of the profession as advocated

by IOPS, corruption in that space will be greatly reduced, if not eradicated.

Who exactly is a Paralegal and what is their core function within a Law Firm? Does their role extend beyond the Law office? The concept of a Paralegal has existed for decades in USA. Is IOPS the first of its kind in Nigeria? Are you affiliated with

“FOR OUR PURPOSES IN NIGERIA, I WOULD SAY THAT A PARALEGAL IS ANY PERSON, TRAINED THROUGH EXPERIENCE AND OR EDUCATION, WHO SUPPORTS OR ASSISTS A JUDGE, LAWYER, THE COURT SYSTEM, A LAW OFFICE OR LEGAL DEPARTMENT, IN DELIVERY OF LEGAL SERVICES AND THE DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE”

Honourable Justice Olusola Ajibike Williams

any American or foreign Institutes?

The definition of paralegal is: “A person with legal skills, but who is not an Attorney, and who works under the supervision of Lawyer, or who is otherwise authorised by law to use those legal skills” For our purposes in Nigeria, I would say that a paralegal is any person, trained through experience and or education, who supports or assists a Judge, Lawyer, the court system, a law office or legal department, in delivery of legal services and the dispensation of justice. It includes all persons carrying out administrative, clerical, procedural and/or substantive legal work, under the supervision of a judicial officer or a barrister and solicitor enrolled in the Supreme Court.

America in particular, recognised the fact that Attorneys are actually overtrained for many of the tasks they traditionally perform and this challenged their efficiency, and the creation of the paralegal role was a big step in reforming legal service delivery. On the other hand, Lawyers are analytical by training; they are not trained in administration, they know little or nothing about accounting. The core function of paralegals is that they assist with non-legal administrative work, as well as mundane legal work that do not necessarily require legal skills but require legal knowledge.

IOPS is the first of its kind in a sense, though there are other training establishments for paralegals in Nigeria. It is the first of its kind, in two specific ways. Firstly it is an Institute totally about paralegalism; it is not a faculty in a training establishment or just part of an organisation. Secondly, it aims not only to train, but it will develop the profession to ensure that paralegals are regulated and become

stakeholders in justice delivery, and develop a roll of paralegals.

Our vision is to become the authority in paralegal education, as well as the arbiter of standards and professionalism in paralegal services.

Paralegalism is an evolving profession. I have always believed that many failures of our systems, come from our inability to develop home grown solutions. Paralegals in Nigeria must be paralegals in the Nigerian system meeting the needs of justice delivery in the Nigerian environment, so we do not strictly need affiliation. However, affiliation is desirable for exposure, networking and collaboration as the world is now a global village. So, we are in the process of affiliation with a body in the UK. We are starting there because, that is the mother of our legal system.

What are the academic requirements to qualify for training to be a Paralegal? Hitherto, Paralegals were basically unskilled School Certificate holders who were employed to perform sundry duties in Law Offices. But, for the first time we are seeing a concerted effort at training at retraining these vital cadre of staff. How long is the training? What curriculum does your Institute offer and what qualifications/certification do your graduates leave the Institution with on completion of their training?

Is there a set curriculum that the training must take, or do you just provide ad-hoc training on different aspects? Can Legal Practitioners partake in some of the training at the Institute?

The beauty of paralegalism is that it is practical, not academic. It is more of professional training. Anyone can be a paralegal, with any level of educa-

tion, but the minimum will be school certificate. School certificate holders will first be trained to obtain a diploma, thereafter, they will be trained professionally. For now, the Diploma will take nine to twelve months, unless we find that it will need two years as they have in some jurisdictions. Others with prior experience or university degrees/ diploma will take 1 to 3 months if they are able to pass their exams the first time they take it; there is also a six-week accelerated programme.

The curriculum of paralegal training, is informed by the legal and administrative tasks they perform. Paralegals must grasp fundamental legal tenets and have a full understanding of their roles, as well as that of Lawyers. Our curriculum offers training in legal concepts, ethics and soft skills.

Graduates may have basic certifications for trainings, or graduate as qualified paralegals. They can then apply for membership of the Institute, and become Certified Paralegals. There is a set curriculum, and we also offer ad hoc trainings.

Lawyers can partake in the trainings.

We actually have Lawyer paralegals in almost all jurisdictions; also usually when Lawyers relocate to other jurisdictions, they often find that it is easier to work as paralegals to get them integrated into the legal profession, and this training will give such a Lawyer an edge.

Also, there are many Lawyers who do not practice as Lawyers per se, but actually operate as paralegals in legal departments, corporate organisations, public offices, in Ministries, Parastatals, Administrative Tribunals, Associations, NGOs and other establishments (perform functions, legal or legal related tasks, administrative duties and even quasicont'd on page 10

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Paralegalism: Essential for Administration of Justice Reform cont'd from page 9

judicial functions). Such Lawyers will benefit from the Institute’s training.

The Institute recommends that Lawyers attend certain standard ad hoc trainings, because they will be supervising paralegals and they need to understand the paralegals’ roles, the limit of their functions, and how much help they can expect. The soft skills that are taught at these ad hoc trainings held at the beginning of each certification course, are also beneficial to them.

How does an Applicant go about gaining admission to IOPS? Our website is www.iopls.com Our Physical address is No. 36B Adekunle Fajuyi Way, G.R.A. Ikeja, Lagos Enquiries and registration can be done at either address.

We have free webinars periodically.

We had one in partnership with George Etomi & Partners on the 15th of December, 2020; and just had one on 8th of January, 2021. Intending trainees register and attend these webinars, so they can find out more about the training.

In the past, we have witnessed many Paralegals like litigation clerks proceed to the University to study law and later go into legal practice.

Should this be a natural progression?

Should every Paralegal go through this route?

It is true that some paralegals end up as Lawyers because the legal profession Honourable Justice Olusola Ajibike Williams is very interesting and attractive, but that is not a “natural progression” nor chain. Each participant is essential to should it be the aim of every or any the administration of justice. Staff of paralegal. Some people may actually the judiciary must not only understand aspire to be Lawyers, and find this route basic legal principles and the framework more convenient. Especially people of justice; they must also see the big funding their own education, or who picture and their role in it. need to make money while getting They were also trained in soft skills educated. The fact is that a paralegal like time management, customer is a legal professional though not a legal service, self- development to enhance practitioner, and that is a profession in their performance. We trained the staff its own right. A paralegal must have generally on heathy living, CPR and dignity of labour, and not be seen as First Aid as well. This is the kind of inferior to legal practitioner. If there service we offer. Staff must be trained is dignity of labour, the paralegal sees himself as a professional and has no need to aspire to be a Lawyer.

Nurses and medical technicians assist doctors, still members of nursing or other medical professions are seen as professionals in their own right; they are not en-route to becoming doctors.

Aviation technicians and flight attendants do not see their jobs as a way “THERE ARE BUREAUCRATIC to become pilots, nor do survey drafts men mandatorily graduate as surveyors. BOTTLENECKS There are so many other examples.

As a matter of fact, in jurisdictions like EVERYWHERE, ILLITERACY the United States, you have independent IS PREVALENT, WE HAVE paralegals who open their own office and work from there on contract basis BAD TO NO WORK ETHICS, for Lawyers. I know we will get there in Nigeria.

CORRUPTION IS RIFE, What type of services does the Institute render to the Judiciary, if WE HAVE INADEQUATE any?

Last year the Honourable Chief Judge INFRASTRUCTURE…. THE who has training of staff as one of his plans for the judiciary engaged the Insti- LIST OF CHALLENGES CAN tute, and IOPS held a capacity building workshop for staff of the Lagos State BE ENDLESS. FOR OUR High Court. Registrars, court clerks, JUSTICE SYSTEM TO PICK bailiffs, secretaries, clerks and office attendants were trained. Every one UP, NIGERIA AS A WHOLE of them is a role player, and needs to understand his role in the value MUST WORK”

and re-trained, if we truly want to reform the justice system. Our services will benefit the judiciary across the nation, and we are engaging them. The National Judicial Institute in Abuja is overwhelmed, and it is impracticable and an unnecessary expense to send all manner of judicial staff all the way to Abuja; furthermore their curriculum and focus is different from that of the Institute of Paralegal Services (IOPS).

Our services will also be of great benefit the Ministry of Justice (in this and other States), Office of the Public Defender, Citizens Mediation Centre, and a lot of other public offices.

Having been on the inside of the Judiciary, can you give us an inkling into why the wheels of justice are said to be too slow in Nigeria, and what can be done to hasten them? Is the remuneration for judicial officers and their conditions of service adequate? If you had the opportunity to reform the Judiciary, what would be the major steps that you would take to achieve this goal?

Basically, we must understand that by its very nature, “the wheels of justice” must be slow. There are many stakeholders and role players, and this intertwining naturally consumes time. In all climes, justice through the legal system is considered slow, but then that is relative. For instance, in the USA where public administration and every other system in the country works efficiently, a citizen complains about the court taking one year to settle his case. In England, considering that society and the workings of their own system, an individual whose case is concluded in two years, is dissatisfied with the pace or length of time it took.

Unfortunately, Nigeria as a whole hardly works! There are bureaucratic bottlenecks everywhere, illiteracy is prevalent, we have bad to no work ethics, corruption is rife, we have inadequate infrastructure…. The list of challenges can be endless. For our justice system to pick up, Nigeria as a whole must work.

Another cause of delay that must be addressed is the skewed, uninformed, unrealistic, impractical and even unfair standards of evaluation that have been adopted in Nigeria. For Judges, the standard is how many “contentious cases” they have decided, and no attention is paid to all other work they do.

With the effect that a lot of judges focus on contentious trials which are often long drawn out, instead of summary disposal of cases or alternative dispute resolution.

For Lawyers, most of them aspire to be awarded the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Unfortunately one of the requirements for the conferment of this highly desired honour and recognition, is how many appeals the aspirant has argued. Two things result from that requirement. Lawyers concentrate on appeals and do not pay attention to the trials and other cases they have, and end up asking for endless adjournments so they can attend to their matters in the appellate courts; and because of the hierarchy of courts, a lower court cannot refuse applications for adjournment sought on the basis of having to appear in a higher court.

The other thing is that Lawyers, in their bid to meet the requirement, file all manner of appeals and then ask for stay of execution which in most cases are granted because of the strictures and cont'd on page 11

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Paralegalism: Essential for Administration of Justice Reform cont'd from page 10

stance of the Court of Appeal, their protection of their hierarchy etc, leading to the stagnation of the trial.

Having said this, the Judiciary too has to pull up its bootstraps. The Nigerian Bar Association, also has a role to play.

The executive has to really be serious with, and ensure independence of the Judiciary. The legislature is not left out, because our courts are faced with having to interpret and apply archaic laws, technical and unrealistic provisions, or laws that cannot be implemented due to lack of framework or infrastructure. On the part of the Judiciary, case management must be done effectively, there must be continuing legal education and capacity building for judicial officers.

Disposition of cases without trial must be seriously practiced, a tough regime of costs must be instituted, and our backlog must be addressed. Adjournments must be rare.

Certainly the remuneration of judicial officers is grossly inadequate, and their conditions of service are hardly bearable.

But, is that not the situation of every public worker, except our legislators and politicians? There has been much outcry and debate on the issue, so I am hopeful it will be redressed soon.

Reform of the Judiciary, must involve all stakeholders. I would say, elimination of backlog must be done immediately.

Alternative dispute resolution must be primary, and a solid framework for it must be provided. Training and retraining of staff must be embarked upon, and rigorous discipline of errant Judges, Lawyers and staff must be enshrined.

We must set up time lines and follow them strictly. Trial courts do a lot, but the spate and length of time of appeals is horrific. Nigeria must go back to limiting appeals. Somehow we have misconstrued fair hearing, and it has resulted in ridiculous decisions and technicality. Justice must be according to law, so we must make laws that will aid speedy dispensation of justice.

Law making must involve Judges and Lawyers. It goes without saying, that there must be better infrastructure.

One thing that is lacking and must be done, is public enlightenment and engagement. Non-custodial sentencing must be practiced.

The retirement age of Judges was recently increased slightly. Would you say that is a desirable thing for Nigeria? Many have complained that Judicial Officers are made to retire too early, especially those of the High Courts and below. Even the Supreme Court, that maybe our system should be fashioned on the American system where the Justices hold the position until they cannot function anymore, or they resign or die. Would that system work in Nigeria?

My answer is an emphatic NO! I just catalogued the challenges of the Judiciary . I deliberately left out the woes of a Judge, so as not to be plaintive. Nigeria being what it is, with all its stress, it is unhealthy for Judges to stay as long as 70 years on the Bench. 60 years for the lower Bench, and 65 for the High Court is not too early at all. It is kind. The problem is that, we have not learnt to

“CERTAINLY THE REMUNERATION OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS IS GROSSLY INADEQUATE, AND THEIR CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ARE HARDLY BEARABLE. BUT, IS THAT NOT THE SITUATION OF EVERY PUBLIC WORKER, EXCEPT OUR LEGISLATORS AND POLITICIANS?”

Honourable Justice Olusola Ajibike Williams

invest in and properly investigate life after retirement. Generally, in Nigeria, people find it difficult to leave public service. Retired Judges are such a rich resource for administrative tribunals, the academia and training. They have to be young and agile enough, to be effective in that regard.

Over the years, it has been suggested that Judges, especially in the appellate courts should have Research Assistants, like is obtainable in the USA. Welltrained Lawyers helping Judges research cases and principles of law. Why does there appear to be a reluctance by Nigerian Judges to accept research assistants?

It is not true at all that Judges are reluctant to use research assistants; I have not come across any such resistance. Judges need them and are grateful for research assistants, because they make the work easier and free up the Judge to attend to more cases and judicial functions.

In the Lagos State High Court, we have judicial assistants and Registrars (Legal) who are qualified Lawyers that assist Judges in research, support and administrative tasks. However, due to poor remuneration and lack of proper professional recognition, most of them leave or aspire to be Magistrates.

Again, as usual we are faced with the “Nigerian” issue. My emphasis would be on your definition of “well-trained Lawyers”. Do we have them, and how many, to meet the needs of all judicial officers?

Sadly, I have found employability rather than unemployment, to be the bane of our society. So, if a Judge finds that the assistant is “not assisting” but adding to his burden would he be happy? I, for one, know the frustration and pain of working hard,

only to have an uninformed supposed assistant spoil all my good work by some avoidable error. These things get Judges in trouble many times.

Actually, the need for professional and properly trained assistants for judicial officers ignited my desire to do something about it, and that need is part of what IOPS seeks to address.

We have trainings on research, and other courses for judicial assistants.

Another unfortunate issue here, is the endemic corruption. We have found that people who work closely with Judges often abuse the position, fraudulently profiteering from it to the detriment of the Judge. So, some Judges may be wary of having Research Assistants, but I have not found that to be the case here in Lagos State.

You are raising the bar for paralegals. With the efforts you have made so far, what in your opinion should be the minimum qualification law firms should require for employing a paralegal personnel?

I have found that we pay undue attention to academic qualifications in Nigeria. Nigeria being what it is, the populace has responded with willy nilly obtaining a proliferation of certificates that are sadly not worth the paper they are written on, because their holders turn out to be barely literate and totally uneducated! So, the issue is not a minimum qualification, but acquisition of skills. If we get disciplined and well trained people with diplomas or even school certificate, law firms will run efficiently and effectively. A paralegal must be professionally trained for the job, whether he has a diploma or a doctorate degree.

The mission of the Institute of Paralegal Services is: Pursuing the cause of justice by promoting excellence in the support services of the legal profession and

the administration of justice.

What is the content of this training programme? Which core areas are paralegals trained in?

Our paralegals must and do receive training on what their profession is, fundamental principles of law and the administration of justice, skills like legal writing, office administration, legal research, interview skills, taking instructions, reporting and feedback, basic accounting, law office administration, ethics etc.

Those are general. The field is so wide that, trainings will be also tailored to the area of practice of the paralegal. For instance, there are core concepts that a paralegal in a firm that specialises in family law must be trained on, that are irrelevant to the paralegal employed by an entertainment law Lawyer. A paralegal that works in the Judiciary or the House of Assembly, in a commercial law practice or even the legal department of a company, will receive some training that is particularly relevant to that field of endeavour. We also have electives that the trainees can choose from.

My last words would be that this vision to improve the administration of justice by recognising the paralegal profession and ensuring its excellence, is a huge one. It is bigger than a single individual, or any organisation. I welcome all good-intentioned partners who will work with us in good faith, because the vision can only be accomplished by community effort. I foresee a situation where all paralegal training establishments collaborate and come together under the umbrella of an association of trainers, while an Association of Paralegals is also formed. That really, is the way forward, if we are serious about reforming our justice system.

Thank you very much.

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Is NASS Constitutionally Competent to Summon President Buhari (Part 2) “THE SULTAN OF SOKOTO.....

DESCRIBED THE INSECURITYRAVAGED NORTH, AS THE WORST PLACE TO LIVE IN NIGERIA.....HE NOTED THAT BANDITS NOW RULE SOME COMMUNITIES, AND SET RULES THAT MUST BE OBEYED”

Introduction Recently, I took a look into this vexed issue and I want to reiterate again and again that within the precincts of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as altered, it is an expensive tale for the Attorney- General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami to assume that the National Assembly cannot summon the President. Not only can the National Assembly summon the President, an ordinary committee of either the Senate or House of Representatives is empowered by law to summon the President.

Today, we shall conclude same, in our discourse.

The Challenge Continues The Senate Wades In Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, had contributed to a debate of the NASS at plenary session on insecurity, by saying troops lack modern arms and were hardly provided with support. He said people in Borno State were paying ransom to Boko Haram before being allowed to go to their farms, or move around in their villages. Indeed, Boko Haram are said to have audaciously mounted checkpoints and road blocks in most LGAs, collecting tolls and levies. Can you believe that? Trust Ndume. He shot from all cylinders, when he called for the hiring of mercenaries.

Even President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, was blunt for once, even against his appointers. He shocked them by warning that, excesses will no longer be tolerated. He said the resolutions of the Senate must be implemented by the Executive.

The Church Two clerics, Adewale Giwa and Pastor Ebenezer Ologunowa told President Buhari point blank to resign, if he cannot guarantee security of lives of Nigerians.

The Mosque The Sultan of Sokoto, tested General (rtd.), His Eminience Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, twice within one week, lamented, the dire insecurity situation of the country, and warned the government to stop paying lip service to it. He described the insecurity-ravaged North as the worst place to live in Nigeria. He even called for specialist prayers, five times daily. He noted that bandits now rule some communities, and set rules that must be obeyed. The Sultan noted the paradox of the common man is “now caught in between two contending phenomena.

When he goes to the farm, he gets killed, and when he stays at home, he dies of hunger”. He urged the Buhari government to go beyond mere lip service and the traditional condemnation, and do something concrete. The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) obviously alarmed, later resolved to meet Buhari, contending that the military is overstretched.

The Government – As Usual But, trust the Buhari government. Ever incorrigible; it sets its exams, marks them, and awards marks to itself. It blames everyone and everything, but itself.

Thus, in a swift reaction on Arise TV, Presidency spokesman, Garba Shehu, said sacking the Service Chiefs was not the solution to the security challenges. Oh, really? Even after they have since outlived their welcome and usefulness?

Northern Elders Garba Shehu must be alone, on a frolic of his own. This is because concerned stakeholders from the Northern States have warned that there may not be an end in sight, if the current Service Chiefs remained in the saddle.

Specifically, they called on President Buhari to replace all of them without further delay, to remediate the worsening security situation in the country, especially in the North.

But, who is to blame, when Muhammadu Buhari cannot see beyond his nepotistic enclave to rejig his security architecture? Now, read the following by an avid reader who exposed the dangers of nepotism, sectionalism, favouritism and tribalism in appointing people from only ones section of the country, a most horrific scenario in a pluralistic, multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic and multi-religious country like Nigeria.

This is how he put it.

“Insecurity in Nigeria: Who is to Blame?

President Muhammadu Buhari (Katsina); Senate President: Ahmad Lawan (Yobe); Deputy Speaker: Ahmed Idris (Plateau); Defence Minister: Bashir Salihi Magashi (Kano); Chief of Army Staff: Major-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Borno); Chief of Air Staff: Sadique Abubakar (Bauchi); National Security Adviser: Babagana Monguno (rtd.) (Borno); Director-General of DSS: Yusuf Magaji Bichi (Kano); Minister of Police

cont'd from page 7

President Muhammadu Buhari

Affairs: Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi (Sokoto); IGP: Mohammed Adamu (Nasarawa); Controller-General of Customs: Hamid Ali (Bauchi); Commandant-General NSCDC: Abdullahi Gana Muhammad (Niger); Director NIA: Ahmad Rufa’I Abubakar (Katsina); Controller-General of Prisons: Aloh Ja’afaru Ahmed (Katsina), SGF: Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha (Adamawa); Chief of Staff: Ibrahim Agboola Gambari (Kwara)”.

“Chairmen of Senate Committees Army: Ali Ndume, (Borno); Air Force: Bala Ibn Na’Allah, (Kebbi); Defence: Aliyu Wamakko, (Sokoto); National Security and Intelligence: Abdullahi Gobir, (Sokoto); Police Affairs: Dauda Jika, Abubakar Tambuwal (Bauchi).

Chairmen of House of Representatives Committees Army: Hon. Abdurazak Namdas (Adamawa); National Security and Intelligence: Hon. Sha’aban Sharada, (Kano); Navy: Hon Gagdi Yusuf (Plateau); Police Affairs: Hon. Kumo Bello (Gombe)”.

So, who is to blame? That is the big question. Nigerians, do you know?

Democracy and the Spectre Poor Elections in Nigeria (Part 1) Introduction Democracy was once defined by Abraham Lincoln in his 19th November, 1863, Gettysburg speech as “government of the people, for the people and by the people”.

The Introduction paragraph of the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee Report set up in 2007 by late President Musa Yar’Adua, Umaru resolved as follows: “Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of every democracy, and the primary mechanism for exercising the principle of sovereignty of the people.Through such elections, citizens participate in the governance of their country by choosing those who govern, in the quest for development. By their choices, the citizens confer legitimacy and authority on those who govern, making it easier for them to mobilise public support and cooperation, for the implementation of development programmes. Free, fair and credible elections are therefore, a crucial requirement for good governance in any democracy.”

Nigeria has a corrupt, fraudulent and bloody electioneering history.

As a matter of fact, successive Nigerian elections from pre- independence days, have been characterised by one form of malpractice or the other. While a flawless electioneering process is almost impossible in Nigeria, it is important to note that elections should at least, conform to minimum standards of global best practices. To this end, elections should be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of the usual violence that has come to characterise elections in Nigeria. Elections should also be conducted, in a manner that reflects the wishes and choices of the electorate. Voters must not only must be counted; they must be allowed to count.

History of Poor Conduct of Elections in Nigeria

The 2003 Presidential Elections These basic standards of a proper electioneering process are sadly missing in the Nigerian electoral process. For example, the conduct of the 2003 general elections was marred by irregularities, intimidation by the military, ballot box snatching, as well as other grievous malpractices.

This led Justice Pats-Acholonu, JSC, to condemn the lack of transparency and credibility which was characteristic in the conduct of the 2003 general elections, in the celebrated case of Buhari v Obasanjo (2005) 13 NWLR (Pt 941) 1. His Lordship, highlighted the brazen irregularities, in the following ageless words: “While though the main appeal has failed due to what I ascribe as to the impossibility of satisfactorily proving nationwide spread of ineptitude, violence, intimidation and other acts of terrorisation as well as other barefaced acts that literally chill the bones and would as William Shakespeare said in Macbeth ("make the sitteth heart knock at my ribs against the use of nature ") some of the revelations, that is, where the few evidence was led and proved, are blood cuddling. That in this day and age, in this country that has been independent for 45 years, we can still witness horrendous acts by security officers who ought to dutifully ensure peace and tranquility in the election process suddenly turning themselves into agents of destruction, and introduced, mayhem to what ordinarily would have been a civilised way of exercising franchise by the people who are sovereign, is regrettable. I ascribe the nefarious activities of thugs and the few security officers and party men to lack of understanding of the philosophy and ethics behind election in a democratic State, and lack of understanding of the dynamics of election processes. It is scary to send policemen to election places when they have not been properly tutored, that in the exercise of their duty to maintain law and order in election areas, their allegiance is to the Constitution. Some of the evidence elicited are so disquieting, that one would wonder whether we have learnt, or in fact, can learn a lesson. Such inordinate and impetuous acts, are despicable. Such mania to traduce all known civilised practices by the supporters of the parties, is reprehensible and condemnable. Some of the things that happened in the 2003 election, can be likened to what Macduff the Thane of Fife said when he saw the bloodied murdered King Duncan in Macbeth by William E. Shakespeare.”

However, despite the widespread condemnation of the conduct of the 2003 general elections in Nigeria, there was no attempt at electoral reforms, and as a result of this, four years later, Nigeria still conducted what was regarded as a most fraudulent election, As a matter of fact, the European Union described the 2007 general elections as a sham: “The elections were marred by very poor organisation; lack of essential transparency; widespread and procedural irregularities; substantial evidence of fraud; widespread voter disenfranchisement; lack of equal conditions for political parties and candidates; and numerous incidents of violence.” They described the election as "the worst they had ever seen anywhere in the world”, with “rampant vote rigging, violence, theft of ballot boxes and intimidation”.

(To be continued) THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “In situations of military conflict, civil strife, lawlessness, bad governance, and human rights violations, terrorists find it easier to hide, train and prepare their attacks”.

(Gijs de Vries).

EMERGING ISSUES IN CONSTITUTIONAL AND ELECTORAL REFORMS

law a particular form of technological solution.

It is embarrassing that the country is still debating the propriety or otherwise of creating an Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunal to handle matters relating to the arrest, investigation and prosecution of electoral offenders. The Electoral Reform Committee recommended it. The National Conference recommended a Political Parties and Electoral Offences Commission. The Senator Nnamani Committee on Constitutional and Electoral Reform recommended it.

This National Assembly should break the cycle of electoral impunity, and prevent political parties and their candidates from benefiting

from electoral violence.

If for any reason the National Assembly is unable to effect further alteration of Section 285 of the Constitution relating to the conclusion of all pre-election matters before swearing in, then Section 143 of the Electoral Act relating to persons remaining in office pending determination of post-election appeal, should be imported and replicated in pre-election appeals. This is an alternative solution to pre-election matters, dovetailing to post-election period. If the elected candidate gives notice of appeal within the constitutional period, the person should remain in office pending the determination of the appeal.

Conclusion In the final analysis, Nigerian democracy and electoral process will become more robust and resilient, if the political elite resolve to return sovereignty to the Nigerian people as the sole determinants of regime affirmation and change. Nigerian democracy will be solidified, if the political elite change their attitudes to the electoral process, agree to play by the rules of the game. Only then, can electoral reforms deepen and help to cement the process.

Festus Okoye, Lawyer, National Commissioner & Chairman Information & Voter Education, INEC

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TUESDAY, ͹ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

15

TRIBUTE

Lawan at 62: A Man of Candour and Focus Ola Awoniyi High political office is surrounded on all sides by distractions. Experience best teaches this. It is not enough to take into the office a vision and a mission, you will find once there, enough to take you off track, to test your character and agenda. Many failed not because they were not prepared or well-meaning. They did because they no longer saw the goalpost once they found themselves on the playing field.

Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan is apparently conscious of that reality. He believes a political leader must stand for something, to guide and focus their time and energy. A leader who does not stand for something falls for anything. And such is easily distracted. Because Lawan stands for something, he has resolutely focused on what took him from the ivory tower into politics and on all that he believes in as a public servant.

Since his emergence as the 14th President of the Nigerian Senate in June 2019, Senator Lawan’s stand on any issue is an open book.

His candour means that he takes a firm position even on controversial issues. And he defends his positions without playing to the gallery or fear of a backlash. Such is called courage of conviction.

Take the proposition in Nigeria for a part-time or unicameral Legislature at the national level.

The proponents were often led to it by what they hear about the "jumbo pay" of federal lawmakers and the ‘generous’ funding of the National Assembly. Lawan, not too long ago, challenged them to a public debate.

"I am not here to defend the National Assembly but I'm here to encourage a debate on what the National Assembly means to us as a country or what our legislature means to us as a country and as a people. If you don't like the set of members in the Ninth National Assembly, change all of us in 2023. Get better people but help support the system to function because that is your protection," Lawan said at an in-house event in Abuja. Unfortunately, no one has picked up the gauntlet for a healthy national conversation on the issue.

In the Senate, Lawan's leadership style projects him as only the first among equals.

He always assert that he owes his emergence as the President of the Ninth Senate to the Grace of God and the votes of his colleagues across party lines. And that has been his strength and guiding principle in his roles as the presiding officer in the Senate. His focus has been to foster harmony among his distinguished colleagues in the Upper Chamber so that they can deploy their time and energies to working together for Nigerians and the good of their country.

This is evident in the seamless passage of bills and adoption of resolutions on critical national issues. In the Ninth Senate, every member knows they have the liberty to express their views but also a responsibility to respect the views of others. That has created for them a nice work environment where respect begets respect.

Lawan is also a firm believer in the imperative

Lawan of inter-chamber cooperation. Even as the Chairman of the National Assembly, Lawan refers to the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as his "brother and

friend." That must explain why they often find a common ground on key national issues.

And that also accounts for the smooth passage of critical bills through their two chambers.

He owes his emergence as the President of the Ninth Senate to the Grace of God and the votes of his colleagues across party lines.

And that has been his strength and guiding principle in his roles as the presiding officer in the Senate. His focus has been to foster harmony among his distinguished colleagues in the Upper Chamber so that they can deploy their time and energies to working together for Nigerians and the good of their country

Lawan is also convinced of the merit of a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive. This has drawn him sometimes caustic criticisms but he has stood his ground and is unapologetic.

The benefits of harmony between the two elected arms of government are there for objective eyes to see from the past one and a half years. It has bred mutual respect among the arms and reciprocity in the way each treats submissions from the other. Executive proposals are now treated without undue delay while Bills passed by the National Assembly are receiving prompt presidential assent. That wasn't the story before the ninth Assembly.

Signing the 2021 Appropriation Bill into an Act on the eve of the New Year, President Muhammadu Buhari revealed that the 2020 budget achieved 97.7 performance, despite the unforeseen havoc of Covid-19. This unprecedented success was facilitated by the early passage of the appropriation bill by parliament and the prompt assent given it by the President. There is reasonable expectation that the 2021 budget will perform even better, having become law before the start of the year.

In the past, budgets drag into the middle of the year and routinely recorded low performance.

Lawan will not deviate from a path that has led to obvious progress. Having gained much experience in the parliament, he does not want the threat to governance posed by needless confrontation between the legislature and the executive. He has opted to promote harmony in governance for the good of the people.

And he has taken his message of harmony beyond the gates of parliament and government and out to the larger political field. Only last month, he appealed to the Southeast geopolitical zone to continue to work with the other zones towards and beyond 2023 in building the Nigeria of our common dreams.

The Senate President canvassed national unity at Igbere in Abia State where he was honoured with a chieftaincy title. Lawan made it clear at the event that every part of Nigeria is needed to make the country work.

Hear him: "Let's unite ourselves in this state and indeed in the South-east. Let's face common agenda of being in the center of Nigeria. In fact, let's even attempt to be the leaders of Nigeria because it is a valid aspiration.

“Let's not stay away from being part of the real center of action in Nigeria. That we can achieve when we sit together and talk among ourselves. Time is of essence. Nigeria needs all of us to be united. Nigeria needs all hands to be on the deck. Nigeria needs the effort of each and every part to make it work and we can make it work."

The Yobe State-born politician is providing purposeful leadership at the National Assembly and helping in building an environment conducive for national development. This is just a tribute to wish him a happy 62nd birthday. rAwoniyi is Special Adviser on Media to the Senate President

NEWS

Insecurity: Bandits Gradually Taking Otedola, Dantata, Other Nigerians over Ekiti, PDP Warns Fayemi Pre-order Dakuku’s Book

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

Due to the rising cases of insecurity in Ekiti State, further fuelled by the kidnap of a popular petrol dealer in state, Alhaji Suleiman Akinbami, last Sunday by gunmen, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over the alleged gradual takeover of the state by bandits.

The party accused the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, of surrendering the state for bandits to take over.

The PDP, which described the kidnapping of Akinbami at his petrol station in Ado Ekiti as a major danger signal, said it was getting to a level where residents of the state would not even be safe in their bedrooms.

According to a statement issued by the state Publicity

Secretary of the PDP, Raphael Adeyanju, yesterday, “It is sad and shameful that while Akinbami was being kidnapped right at his business premises yesterday, Fayemi, who he laboured and funded to power as the state governor, was nowhere to be found in the state.”

The party said: “That Akinbami could be kidnapped right in the heart of Ado Ekiti, the state capital, is a clear indication that security of lives and property of the Ekiti people is no longer guaranteed even in their bedrooms.

“It should be recalled that even on December 25, 2020, on Christmas day, the bandits operated unhindered in Isan Ekiti, Fayemi’s hometown, where one Ajayi Happy Okunola was abducted.

“It is also more worrisome that all these are happening

under a governor who claimed to hold a doctorate in War Studies, and we begin to wonder what manner of PhD holder in War Studies will be a governor of a state where people are kidnapped often.

“It is either the governor is grossly incompetent or he is simply looking the other way while the Ekiti people are being kidnapped by bandits so that those he believed can make him either president or vice president in 2023 can adjudge him as being politically correct.”

The opposition party pointed out that rather than jumping from one place to the another struggling to be the presidential or vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, Fayemi should face governance in Ekiti State and make the state safe for residents and visitors.

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola and Founder of MRS Group, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata are some of the first set of Nigerian business leaders to pre-order the yet-to-be released book on management and leadership, Strategic Turnaround.

The book, which chronicles the transformation of a strategic government agency is authored by the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the official marketing Partner of Strategic Turnaround, LASIKO, Damilare Ogunleye, Otedola who preordered 1,000 copies at cover price for distribution to selected institutions across the country, expressed his belief in the reformation of public sector

institutions as an enabler for private sector performance.

In his words, “I believe in the reforms of public sector institutions for greater efficiency and effectiveness. If our public sector institutions are functioning well like their counterparts in other parts of the globe, it will lead to improvement in quality of services rendered and will strengthen the private sector to create jobs. Job creation will address poverty and accelerate development.

"I believe that what happened in NIMASA in the past four years is a success story of institutional reform which can be replicated in other agencies of government which is why I am preordering this book so that more persons can read about it and be inspired to also reform whatever government institutions they

find themselves."

On his part, founding Chairman of MRS Group, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, who has pre-ordered 500 copies of the book, wants as many aspiring leaders as possible to read the story of the transformation of NIMASA through committed and visionary leadership.

According to him, “I want as many persons as possible to read about the success story of how one of the most important agencies of government in Nigeria was transformed under a period of four years.

If NIMASA can be effectively reformed then all other agencies can be reformed. All we need is visionary and focused leadership which Dr Peterside gave while at NIMASA".

He said that the preordered copies would be distributed to selected public universities and libraries accross Nigeria.

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

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REPO 9.33 8

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

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Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

J A N U A R Y

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

671.24% -0.00% 0.14%

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

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2 0 2 1

0.14% 0.141%

EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes IFAD, GCF to Restore Ecosystems in Africa

FINANCIAL INCLUSION

L-R: Retail Cluster Head, Ikeja, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Henry Oke; Head, Channels Management, Mr. Muyideen Apena; Zonal Service Manager, Ikeja, Mrs. Chinyelu Samuel-Johnson; Regional Service Head, Lagos, Mr. Patrick Akpareva, and Manager, Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Kayode Adetola, during the opening ceremony of an ultra-modern cash centre of the bank at Owutu-Ikorodu, Lagos…recently

Analyst Advocates Scrapping of NDDC, Discretionary Allocation of Oil Blocks Stories by Peter Uzoho On the heels of the proposed establishment of Petroleum Host Community Fund in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently at the National Assembly, the Partner, Tax, Regulatory and People’s Services, KPMG, Mr. Wale Ajayi, has called for the scrapping of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Ajayi also canvassed for an end to the discretionary allocation of oil blocks by the President of the country as empowered by the extant petroleum law of the country, saying the PIB has made provision for a competitive bidding process for the allocation of oil blocks.

The KPMG partner made the interventions recently when he featured on Global Business Report, a programme of Arise News Channel, THISDAY’s sister broadcast station.

He, however, advised the lawmakers and the federal

ENERGY government against producing a new petroleum law in form of the PIB that will further stifle investments in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

He said since the PIB has made provision for the establishment of host community fund, the relevance and continued stay of the NDDC had been generating questions among the stakeholders.

Ajayi said: “That’s the question everybody has been asking -what’s the continued relevance of the NDDC? Every operator in the sector contributes three per cent of their budget to NDDC and unfortunately for NDDC, they have been in the news in recent time for the wrong reasons.

“And then, we then have the Petroleum Host Community Fund in the PIB where oil companies are meant to contribute 2.5 per cent of their OPEX to the Petroleum Host Community.

“The question is: why do we still have to keep NDDC? And that’s the question that people are going to be asking at the public hearing.

“Because as far as I am concerned, it is better to leave the Petroleum Host Community Fund to actually cater for the interest of people in those communities and transform them to what they should be.”

On the need for the abolition of discretionary allocation of oil blocks by the president, he said the competitive bidding provision proposed in the PIB was supposed to end that.

He argued that one of the problems that stopped the implementation or delayed implementation of PIB had always been powers of the minister and the powers of the president.

“And one of the issues has always been the power of the president to give discretionary blocks to people, like we did

in the early 90s. So we have a provision in the PIB that says no, it has to be competitive.

“But you know, at the end of the day, it’s not so much about what the law says, it’s what we do that really matters. There are provisions that are supposed to govern how things are supposed to be done and the process that you need to go through.

“So, I wish I could say that we see an end to this discretionary allocation of oil blocks,” Ajayi explained.

Also on the proposition in the PIB for the Petroleum Mining Lease to be converted and for the underdeveloped acreages to be developed through competitive bidding, Ajayi argued that there was nothing new in that provision.

He observed that that provision was a mere repetition of what is already in the Petroleum Act, adding that the problem with Continued on page 26

‘Insecurity of Oil Assets May Hinder Nigeria’s Market Share’ With the easing of production cut by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), experts have warned that insecurity in the oil-bearing Niger Delta might hinder Nigeria’s market share in 2021.

They said if the vulnerable oil assets in the Niger Delta are left unprotected, the situation might lead to the shutdown of assets with attendant drop in production, thereby depriving the nation the benefits of the production cut easing.

In their separate chats with THISDAY, some of the oil and gas experts, stressed the need for

ENERGY both the government and the oil companies to work together to ensure adequate protection of the assets this year.

In his intervention, an Emeritus Professor of Petroleum economics and Policy Research, Prof. Wumi Iledare, said: “For Nigeria, insecurity of assets in the Niger Delta may continue to hinder its ability to meet market share. And as evident in the 2021 budget, government is banking on finding alternative sources to fun its budget.”

He, however, cautioned the

federal government, “on pegging output at 1.6 - 1.8 million barrel per day at perhaps not more than 45 dollars per barrel, looking at OPEC+ demand projections for 2020.”

In addition, Iledare posited that government must think outside the box on how to generate more revenue outside oil development, saying, gas development must be in the forefront of government’s agenda this year.

“If that is the case, gas policy development as gazetted gives a clue on the way forward. Gas development for industrial grow must be in the fore front.

“Without necessarily sacrificing oil revenue for gas development, but government must surrendered any idea of replacing diminished oil revenue with revenue from gas for the next 10 years at least,” he said.

He said for Nigeria, passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) 2020 into law was critical to remove political uncertainty, adding that the energy transition dynamics as being conceived in the PIB called for Nigeria to rethink its oil development for revenue obsessions.

He explained: “So the PIB 2020 Continued on page 26

Millions of poor farmers living in the world’s most climate-impacted parts of the Sahel have cause for hope because of their governments’ support for accelerating Africa’s Great Green Wall (GGW), an area covering 11 countries from Senegal and Mali in the West to Ethiopia and Djibouti in the East.

AnewinvestmentprogrammeisplannedtosupportSaheliangovernments through a partnership between the Green Climate Fund (GCF) andtheInternationalFundforAgriculturalDevelopment(IFAD)inorder to boost climate finance for these rural populations.

At the request of Sahelian Ministers in September 2020, IFAD and other GCF accredited entities will submit projects for funding consideration by the GCF’s Board, under this new Great Green Wall Umbrella Programme (GGW Up).

Accordingtoastatement,IFADwillleadtheset-upoftheprogramme and ensure its coordination with other partners. Project activities will aim to restore ecosystems and tackle the interlinked issues of climate change,jobcreation,povertyalleviation,foodsecurityandpeacebuilding.

TheExecutiveDirectoroftheGreenClimateFund,YannickGlemarec, pointedoutthat,“GCFiscommittedtoscalinguptheeffortsofSahelian countriestoestablishanddeveloptheGreatGreenWall,combatingthe effectsofdrought,deforestationandclimatechange.Withanexpanded focus on strengthening sustainable agricultural value chains across the region and increased private sector investment in decentralised renewable energies, this innovative programme will boost climate adaptation and resilience of millions of people, as well as supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.”

“IFADisdeterminedtohelpruralpopulationsintheSahelbuilddignified lives. Stronger resilience to climate change, more biodiversity, greener pastoral and arable land means better food security, higher incomes, less migration and more stability,” President of IFAD, the UN agency dedicatedtoeradicatingruralpovertyandhunger, GilbertHoungbosaid.

Bitcoin Hits One-week Low

Crypto-currencies plunged on Monday, with bitcoin dropping more than 12 per cent to a one-week low as rising United States bond yields lifted the dollar broadly and hurt other safe assets that pay no income.

Bitcoin fell as far as $33,447, its lowest since January 6. According to Reuters, Ethereum which often moves in tandem with bitcoin, fell as much as 20 per cent to a one-week low of $1,007.51.

The falls were much larger than the one per cent drop that sent gold pricestoaone-monthlow,butreflectawiderdollarbounceagainstmajor fiat currencies as the prospect of higher US interest rates tempers popular bets against the dollar. “It’s just another way of expressing a dollarview,”HeadofResearchatBrokeragePepperstoneinMelbourne, Chris Weston said. “I know it’s a macro play as well, but I do think that gold and bitcoin have been used in a fairly similar capacity,” he said.

Losses pared a little by lunchtime in Asia to put bitcoin at $35,192 - about 16 per cent below a record peak of $42,000 which the world’s most popular crypto-currency hit last week.

Apple, Hyundai Seal Deal

Hyundai Motor and Apple Inc. plan to sign a partnership deal on autonomouselectriccarsbyMarchandstartproductionaround2024in the United States, local newspaper Korea ITNews reported on Sunday.

The report, according to Reuters, followed a statement on Friday from Hyundai Motor that it was in early talks with Apple after another local media outlet said the companies aimed to launch a self-driving electric car in 2027, sending Hyundai shares up nearly 20 per cent.

Hyundai Motor declined to comment on the report on Sunday, and reiteratedFriday’scommentsthatithasreceivedrequestsforpotential cooperation from various companies on developing autonomous EVs. Applehadnoimmediatecomment.AnupdatedversionoftheITnews report removed details, including production location and capacity and the timeframe for signing the agreement and launching the pilot vehicles.The previous version said the companies planned to build the cars at Kia Motors’ factory in Georgia, or invest jointly in a new factory in the United States to produce 100,000 vehicles around 2024. The full annual capacity of the proposed plant would be 400,000 vehicles.

Kia Motors is an affiliate of Hyundai Motor.

“You need to treat your domestic businesses well and large owners of businesses should not feel that they live in an environment where the government is against them and does not want them to prosper“ CEO, Chapel Hill Denham, Bolaji Balogun

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BUSINESSWORLD ANALYST ADVOCATES SCRAPPING OF NDDC, DISCRETIONARY ALLOCATION OF OIL BLOCKS Nigeria is not the law itself but about the wool power to implement it.

He said: “It is the will power to implement the laws to the letter. Because currently, there is a provision in the Petroleum Act that requires that when companies are converting their petroleum prospecting lease to oil mining lease, that 50 per cent of it must be relinquished.

“What did we do? Even if there is supposed to be mandatory relinquishment for that, what we simply did is to say to them, you know what, you can actually apply to retain that 50 per cent.

“All you need to do is to pay $500,000 and then pay your signature bonus that you paid when you initially got the lease. So really, the provision doesn’t really mean anything to me.

“The question is: are we going to be able to implement it this time around? And if we can’t, then, we will just be where we are and nothing will really change.”

‘INSECURITY OF OIL ASSETS MAY HINDER NIGERIA’S MARKET SHARE’ must bring a new mentality anchors on fiscal designs for investments competitiveness for economic output in the long run.

“So, the 2020 outlook is highly dependent on PIB 2020 becoming law and a low COVID-19 impact on global economic activity. One can only speculate with the hope that the Covid-19 pandemic will be arrested or put under control from a global perspective.

“Oil demand is driven mostly by economic activities across the globe. COVID-19 limited that growth significantly in 2020, hence the low demand despite low oil prices.

“If not curbed, oil demand may still stall but with vaccines available, there is optimism.

Secondly, the speed at which the globe pursues the zero-emission is critical to E&P investments.

“There can be double whamming in terms of oil capacity expansion necessitating higher than normal oil price growth in near term.”

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ß×Ï ÕÏÑÒÏ (Money Market) ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

NEWS

FG to Complete Reconstruction of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Before 2023 Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has said that a lot of progress is being made on the ongoing reconstruction work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project, assuring that it would be completed before 2023, during the life of the current administration.

Director, Highways Construction and Rehabilitation in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Funso Adebiyi, stated this during a visit to the project site to assess the level of work.

He said the ministry was satisfied with the quality of work going on the road and was working to increase the pace of the work, which has a dual carriage 375km-long road from Abuja through Kaduna to Kano.

Adebiyi, explained that the work was initially for rehabilitation, but is now undergoing full reconstruction work and appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government in its commitment to deliver a qualitative work that would stand the test of time.

Similarly, he appealed to the road users to bear the discomfort being experienced everyday as a result of blockages and diver-

sions, pointing out that it was a necessary action in a construction work of such magnitude.

Adebiyi said: “We have made a lot of progress. You can see that over 100km, though not at a stretch, have been completed under section one to three (AbujaKano), 40km completed under section two (Kaduna-Zaria), and 70km completed under section

three (Zaria-Kano).”

He pointed out that while some sections of the road are also at different levels of completion, palliative/remedial work are being carried out on the sections that are critically bad to facilitate ease of passage for motorists.

“It is important that I correct the wrong impression by the people that work is not moving.

We are working to meet up with the deadline and at the same time subjecting all the work to quality assurance test to deliver a good job.

“Government is desirous of completing this project and as such is not leaving anything to chance, that is why we are here regularly tracking the progress of work with a view to sorting

out any identified challenges,” he stated.

The director added that the leadership of the ministry had demonstrated strong commitment to the project and others across the country in order to ensure the fulfillment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise of bridging infrastructure gap in the country.

PROJECT INSPECTION

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive, Federal Housing Authority(FHA), Senator Gbenga Ashafa, a resident , Mr. Olamilekan Soyeye and Senior Special Assistant to the MD on General Duties, Mr Mustapha Oseifa, during Ashafa’s inspection of FHA Low Cost Housing Estate at Obada - Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun state..recently

Oil Emerges Least Performing Commodity in 2020 Oil suffered the worst commodity price performance in 2020 among a horde of 14 other products, occupying the bottom table with about -20.5 per cent returns.

For the first time in history, oil prices went negative as demand plummeted, while producers closed wells, turned off valves and shrunk investment to limit oversupply.

A new report by the United States Global Research (USGR), noted that, unfortunately, many companies faced bankruptcies due to the crisis in the market.

“By November, 45 oil producers

had proceeded with bankruptcy filings year-to-date. This stood in stark contrast to 2019, when prices soared 34.5 per cent,” the body said.

Tracking the trend of oil returns between 2011 and 2020, the organisation noted that in 2016 and 2019, oil witnessed gains of over 30 per cent, adding however that like 2020, in 2014 it saw huge losses due to an oversupply of global petroleum.

“In 2020, total production cuts hit 7.2 million barrels a day in December, equal to 7 per cent of global demand, in response to Covid-19,” it stated.

Last year, the oil industry suffered huge shocks due to lockdowns occasioned by the spread of the coronavirus as well the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia although it was later resolved.

But by contrast, silver jumped over 47 per cent in 2020, tripling its returns year-over-year, climbing 47.9 per cent in 2020 and experiencing the strongest month since 1979.

Along with silver, at least seven other commodities had stronger returns than the S&P 500 in 2020, which closed off the year with 16.3 per cent gains.

This included copper (26.0 per cent), palladium (25.9 per cent) and gold (25.1 per cent).

Interestingly, copper prices moved in an unconventional pattern compared to gold in 2020.

“Often, investors rush to gold in uncertain economic climates, while sectors such as construction and manufacturing—which both rely heavily on copper—tend to decline. Instead, both copper and gold saw their prices rise in conjunction.

“Nowadays, copper is also a vital material in electric vehicles (EVs), with recent

demand for EVs also influencing the price of copper,” the report stated.

It said that as investors flocked to safety, silver price reached heights not seen since 2010.

“The massive scale of monetary and fiscal stimulus led to inflationary fears, also boosting the price of silver.

“In 2013, silver crashed over 35 per cent as confidence grew in global markets. By contrast, in 2016, the Brexit referendum stirred uncertainty in global markets. Investors allocated money in silver, and prices shifted upwards,” the USGR noted.

Total: New Deepwater Royalties, Finance Act Eroded Value of Oil Assets Peter Uzoho Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited has said the deepwater royalties stipulated in the amended Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act (DOIBPSCA) 2019 and related provisions in the Finance Act 2020, has led to significant value erosion of oil and gas assets and a slowdown in investment in the Nigeria oil and gas industry.

Aside the concerns on the new fiscal provisions introduced into the two Acts, the international oil company (IOC) also said the uncertainty coming from the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which it noted does not appear to improve Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination, would continue to stifle investment in the country.

The Country Chair and Managing Director of Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike Sangster, stated this in response to THISDAY’s

questions on industry issues.

Sangster, also disclosed that the company would restart its suspended Preowei Deepwater development project this year if conditions, including a favourable PIB, allowed them to.

He further said the company would also continue delivering on its offshore Ikike Project this year.

“New Deep-Water royalties implemented by the Federal Government in November 2019 and the New Finance Act, which was signed into law in February 2020, led to significant value erosion of oil and gas assets and a slowdown in investment.

“In addition, the uncertainty coming from the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which does not appear to improve Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination, will continue to stifle investment in the country,” Sangster said.

The Total Country Chair said that such fiscal provisions contribute to Nigeria’s unattrac-

tiveness to investors, pointing out that Nigeria had attracted only four per cent of the $70 billion committed to new upstream projects in Africa from 2015 to 2019, despite having the largest reserves on the continent.

“That is why the industry is working hard with the relevant authorities and lawmakers to make the case for a win-win Petroleum Industry Bill that will attract new investment and jobs to Nigeria,” he said.

However, the Total Managing Director reveled the plan of the company to recommence the development of its suspended Preowei field, a deepwater hydrocarbon pool located north of the Egina field in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 130, off Nigeria.

Preowei is expected to produce 50,000 barrels of oil per day, at peak, when completed and it starts producing.

The company had, during the lockdown last year, also suspended its planned Ocean

Bottom Node (OBN) seismic survey on both Preowei and Egina fields.

It had anchored the suspension of the project on COVID-19 pandemic, the new fiscal regime in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and the dip in oil prices, which it said, constituted a perfect storm of sorts to push such a development project to the back burner at the time.

A sub-sea tank with over 150 million barrels of oil and gas equivalent, Preowei was discovered in 2003. The field development plan calls for a subsea tie back to the Egina field FPSO. The Final Investment Decision (FID) for Preowei was scheduled to take place at the fourth quarter of 2020 but could not happen.

“In 2021, the focus will remain on managing our costs and delivering on our ongoing investments, such as the offshore Ikike Project - which is progressing well. We did suspend some projects in 2020,

such as the Deepwater Preowei field development, we hope to restart this in 2021 if conditions allow, including a win-win PIB. “In addition, we continue to look at ways of reducing our carbon footprint as Nigeria and the rest of the world continues to demand more reliable, affordable and cleaner energy”, Sangster said. On the oil and gas industry performance in the pandemicravaged 2020, Sangster said the Russia/Saudi price war, followed by the pandemic-induced collapse in demand caused dramatic falls in oil and gas prices to as low as $15 per barrel and even briefly negative in the United States.

He said: “Companies all over the world, and in Nigeria, had to reduce spend quickly to cope with much lower revenues. In addition, we had to put in place a large-scale quarantine system to protect our operational sites from the virus in order to be able to continue to produce and keep our people healthy.

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Promoting Steel Drum Technology Oluchi Chibuzor, in this report writes that the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute’s free distribution of 100 hermetic drums will significantly reduce post-harvest losses in the country

W

ith post-harvest losses in the country currently estimated at about N3.4 trillion based on the statistic released by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Nigeria’s drive at meeting key international treaties like Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and 3 across the country is hinged on efforts directly aimed at tackling food security.

Post-harvest loss, which is seriously affected by climate change and other associated factors, contributes to food insecurity and reduces the income of smallholder farmers and processors as for about 20 per cent loss for grain, 20 per cent for fish and 50 to 60 per cent for vegetable, fruits, tuber respectively.

Factors such as, but not limited to lack of access to basic logistics facilities or services, such as transport, packing materials, storage solutions, access to markets particularly during wet and dry seasons as well as limited knowledge around post-harvest loss reduction practices, experts have identified as the main reasons why rural farmers in Nigeria suffer from low outputs.

In an attempt to preserve their agro-produce or household items, smallholder farmers often times result in unwholesome methods like using dangerous chemicals that are life threatening with further enhanced possibility of food poisoning within households.

Disturbed by the enormous difficulties faced by households in the country and the challenge in reducing post-harvest losses at a sustainable cost for smallholder farmers, NSPRI commenced the research about the use of hermetic steel drums for storage of dried food.

According to FAO, a reduction of food losses will not only benefit farmers’ income and improve food security, it will also lead to strong environmental benefits on various national levels and various impact areas.

Along with improving environmental performance, investing in getting more of the final product in better quality to the consumer is vital to ensure a higher food and nutrition security.

The UN body also stated that in terms of improving food security and nutrition, loss and waste reduction can have the greatest impact if done at early stages in the supply chain, especially on the farm.

By reducing on-farm losses, farmers could improve their diets due to increased food availability and higher incomes from increased sales.

This can also boost supplies, reduce food prices throughout the supply chain and improve access to food among vulnerable population groups.

Such strategies are likely to be particularly effective in lower-income countries with high rates of food insecurity and levels of food loss, especially at the farm stage.

The result of this hard work and the zeal of its management led it to substantially collaborate with the private sector to help mitigate the losses incurred by households across the country and thereby helping to further reduce poverty and food wastage.

With many of Nigerian small holders watching their hard earned produce depreciate or rot in value due to lack of adequate technology to enhance the economic value of the produce, has over the time caused the country to constantly depend on importing food from other nations to augment the deficit in food production.

the United Kingdom. It became Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute after independence in 1960. Since the inception of the Institute, it has been supervised by different Ministries.

The mandate of the Institute stipulates that it shall carry out research into bulk storage problems of export commodities and local food crops and in particular it shall conduct research into: improvement and maintenance of the quality of bulk commodity crops including cocoa, groundnuts, and palm produce.

Also, improvement and maintenance of the quality of local food crops including cereals, grains, pulses, tubers and any other local commodity under bulk storage; special studies such as stored products pests, pesticide formulations and residue and mycotoxin surveys; provision of advice and training of extension workers in problems associated with stored products and materials in storage structures, new insecticides, new items of equipment and techniques; and any other related matters as may be determined from time to time by the Institute.

In a bid to reduce postharvest losses and improve the quality of food across the country, the NSPRI has commenced the use of hermetic steel drums for the storage of dried durable products.

The agency which aims to reduce postharvest losses by ensuring quality, safety and availability of agricultural produce rolled out the first batch of steel drums to farmers across Nigeria recently.

Meeting National Strategic Mandates Public strategies to reduce food loss and waste must be carefully designed in order to effectively provide benefits such as improving food security and environmental sustainability experts have proffered as the best way to go.

Recognising this, the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, one of the Research Institutes under the supervision of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has recognised its strategic position in the entire agro-value chain in Nigeria.

The Institute was established in 1948 as West African Stored Products Research Unit (WASPRU) during the colonial era of the country to assess the quality of exportable crops from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia to

Hermetic Steel Drum Technology Hermetic Storage is a method of using sealed, airtight units to control moisture and insects in the storage of dried agricultural commodities.

The hermetic storage restricts gas exchanges between the internal and external environments and the stored commodity, maintaining the initial levels of moisture and controlling pests by the lack of oxygen.

The available oxygen in the internal ecosystem is reduced to lethal or limiting the respiration of any living organism within the system.

The hermetic steel drums which were sourced from the first and only UN Certified steel drum factory in Nigeria, Pacegate Limited - a subsidiary of Hana Group and Manufacturer of steel drums, have been built tested and certified to carry agricultural produce with

no leakages.

In addition, the drums are environmentally friendly and have been incorporated with antirust and coated with food grade lacquer which protects it from rust and enhances food safety.

Speaking at the official launch of the drum and donation to selected recipients in the various geopolitical zones through State’s Agricultural Development Programmes (ADP), the Executive Director NSPRI, Dr. Patricia Pessu said, “post-harvest value chain is important in ensuring food safety and security in Nigeria, especially with respect to properly dried staple agricultural commodities.”

She also said that, “preservation of these commodities like grains, dried products from yam, cassava, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, fishery, meat, etc, from season of surplus using appropriate and safe storage practice will benefit all actors along the value chain (farmers, processors, marketers, traders, transporters, consumers) in terms of monetary, health and protect agricultural economic values of the country.

“One of the technologies developed and popularised by NSPRI for non-chemical preservation and safe handling of these durable products is the NSPRI Hermetic Steel Drum produced by Pacegate Limited.”

Also commenting, Managing Director, Pacegate Limited, Mr. Umesh Amarnani said, “players in the agricultural industry should adopt modern techniques and take advantage of local technology in line with global standards that will not only increase yield but also protect our health and environment.

“Our steel drums are safe, reliable, costeffective and sustainable and designed to provide efficient storage of dried agricultural produce. I commend the NSPRI for taking the initiative to sensitise stakeholders in the agricultural value chain on the immense benefits of steel drums.”

With the use of hermetic steel drums, dried agricultural commodities such as grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables, fisheries and livestock can be effectively stored while reducing the impact of pesticides and aflatoxin contaminations.

Other benefits of using hermetic steel drums for storage includes eliminating the fear of damage by stored product pests like insects and rodents thereby assuring food safety and protecting economic value of the products and

no requirement of the use of chemicals, thereby eliminating the possibility of food poisoning and additional costs that may have been incurred as a result of use chemicals.

Other benefits the drum would bring local users includes the ability to use it to store multiple crops at the same time and stored products can be consumed whenever the need arises, as the hermetic drum has a lifespan of over 30 years with a payback period of less than three years.

The technology is fire and waterproof, gender friendly and easy to use with relatively low maintenance. The drum is robust and can be transported with no damage, retaining their airtightness Private Partnership Model Pacegate Limited a Pan-African B2B distributor of Specialty Chemicals as well as a manufacturer of steel drums is based in Lagos.

Pacegate as part of the Hana Group with interests across diverse industry sectors such as plastics manufacturing, household products and construction material trading.

The group which has been operating in Nigeria since 1979 with its steel drum factory located in its 20,000sqm premises is one of Africa’s largest fully automated plant with a capacity to produce 5000 steel drums per a day.

With the initiative, post-harvest losses at households would be reduced by five to 10 per cent, while 25 per cent of the 40 per cent recorded in the agricultural value chain.

Meanwhile, giving an overview of the partnership that lead to the technological breakthrough, Director, Research Operations, NSPRI, Dr. Folorunsho Olayemi revealed that as part of the launch of the product, the institute was giving out 100 to selected recipients to encourage the easy adoption of the technology in the country.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, ARCN, Garba Sharubutu, welcomed the initiative, while appreciating the management of NSPRI, “Our farmers, traders and those that want to store their product will do so with confidence now.” he stated.

Similarly, the President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Ibrahim, who pledged to work with the team, called for more cost-effective pricing modalities.

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Expectations from Marketing Communications Sector Asplayersintheintegratedmarketingcommunicationsindustryreminiscentoverthechangingbusiness landscape in the year 2020, Raheem Akingbolu foresees a near-turbulent business environment in 2021

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usiness owners and custodian of brands in the Nigerian marketing environment entered the year 2020 with enormous hope that fortune would smile on them in the year.

The previous year -2019, was characterised by apprehension and fear of the likely negative fallouts from the general elections.

By January 2020, investors who were in doubt in 2019 had started readjusting and setting for business.

In the same manner, government as the custodian of public enterprise and executor of the national budget had also assured the business community of enviable environment that would enhance growth.

As a result of this, the integrated marketing communications (IMC) community, whose success naturally depends on the success of other sectors, set for business. But in February, a negative signal surfaced in the mood of the global pandemic that later crippled the world economy.

The ‘new normal’

By March 2020, the COVID-19 wave had blown across the nations and compelled countries including Nigeria to lockdown cities and businesses. This development instantly threw players in the marketing communications industry off-balance because most of them relied on outdoor structures and crowd to ply their trade.

To worsen the situation, brand owners, who are the major clients, indicated the decision to rejig their marketing spending in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to THISDAY checks, not a few banks and multinationals in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector of the economy reached out to their agencies on the need to review business relationships.

To connect with their target audience, companies quickly readjusted by leveraging on new platforms, such as digital marketing, radio, and television, to reach consumers who were then staying at home.

At the peak of the lockdown, a major economic backlash was recorded when Coca–Cola Company, a major multinational beverage producer, suspended indefinitely all commercial advertising of its brands.

The company said the initiative became necessary in view of the exigencies and expediencies of the time, adding that it wants to stay focused in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its people and communities.

Loss of jobs, businesses While the lockdown continued, panic gripped employees of major outdoor companies and experiential agencies over insecurity of their jobs. In a jiffy, scores of agencies closed shops with many of their employees back in the labour market.

Speaking on the development, the President, Experiential Marketing Agencies of Nigeria (EXMAN), Tade Adekunle, admitted that the industry experienced hardship because clients suspended most of their projects. He however kept silent over the number of people that lost their jobs during the interregnum.

He said: “Unfortunately, the lockdown, as a resort of the global pandemic, had effect on our businesses because almost all projects were suspended. The fact that the year was just about to kick off for most of us when the pandemic started made things worrisome,” While calling on all to still keep safe and keep hope alive due to the second wave of the pandemic, the EXMAN boss admitted that post COVID-19 would bring its own challenges and that it would certainly not be business as usual.

“No doubt, there are still challenges ahead, especially in our own area of business be it activation or event aspect of it.

“No doubt there will be drastic loss in consumer spending which will affect revenue of most of our clients. To survive in 2021, we need to retool our thinking caps and come up with ingenious ideas for consumers to still experience the brands irrespective of cultural nuances. And the time to start thinking about it is now,” he added.

Another practitioner and the chief executive officer of GDM Experiential Company Limited,

Victor Afolabi, expressed fear that if the crisis persists, it may lead to budget spending on marketing being frozen because of the business rejig that would be necessitated by both the pandemic and the recession.

“However, budget spend on marketing as a whole may be frozen as companies are currently struggling with lack of raw materials. Besides, there is slow consumer spend and weak demand.

As things are, the problem is not only about experiential agencies but the entire marketing industry, including advertising.

“All the sub-sectors of the marketing communication industry will heavily be impacted at the end if the global problem continues.

“But for experiential, this will be more imparted except agency Managers come up with creative and innovative ways to engage consumers without direct contact,” he stated.

Speaking further, Afolabi predicted that digital would no doubt be a leading channel of engagement in the year 2021, adding that consumers will naturally spend more time consuming social media.

General overview By and large, the general feeling among practitioners is that the year 2020 was peculiar in the life of many marketing communication agencies and traditional media as many of them reeled under the tough operating environment which saw them redefining their strategies and operating models. The ugly experience also compelled many business owners to place their workers on half salaries.

Akonte Ekine, CEO of Absolute PR, described 2020 as the year of the unexpected.

“Everything that happened in 2020 was not scripted and it went against the norm or the normal”, he said.

Within the year, “the idea of people moving about became dangerous, we adapted to working from remote locations even parties turned to digital activities. It is the year that put the seal on technology as the ultimate need for our collective existence to interact with each other from business to social”.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the EndSARS affected the economy and the fact that marketing communication is a part of the economy; it also determines the level of impact on the subsector, Akonte further said.

“How many companies actively campaigned or engaged with consumers within the year?

Aside the techs, financial/banking, most of the companies were very low on marketing activities. COVID-19 shaped and directed behaviour and behavioural conversation in 2020”, said Akonte.

The effects of Covid-19 pandemic and other negative factors such as the EndSARS that defined 2020 changed the earlier optimism curve.

Nigerians entered the year 2020 with great optimism. This was informed by 2.55 per cent

growth in GDP in fourth quarter (Q4) of 2019 after sluggish performance of 2.10 per cent, 1.94 per cent and 2.28 per cent growth in the first, second and third quarters of 2019 respectively.

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the growth in Q4 2019 was highest quarterly growth performance since the 2016 recession.

The growth was projected to be on upward trend after Nigeria exited economic recession in the second quarter of 2017.

While government and businesses were adjusting, ready to reap from the expected boom in the economy, as 2020 budget was based on ambitious $57 bpd, then came in March 2020 oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia over the production, exportation and price of crude oil.

Experts explained that price war is a competitive tactic of purposefully lowering prices with a view to undercutting rival businesses. When this happens, other producers will be forced to lower prices to remain competitive “and the cycle typically continues until the price across the board drops so low as to be unsustainable, thus causing logistical unease to one or more parties,” KVB Prime said.

The price war exacerbated by Covid-19 pandemic saw Nigeria’s oil selling below $30 bp against the projected $57 bpd. This development began to have its negative impact on revenue and the operation of the economy.

Businesses that were heavily affected began to cut marketing communication budgets by almost 50 per cent and this had a reverberating effect on marketing agencies who subsequently either trimmed their workforce or placed some of them on half salaries.

The President of Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, OAAN, Emma Ajufo, earlier in the year admitted that many of the workers in the industry were placed on half salaries which he said was better than throwing the workers in to the labour market especially this difficult economic time. Nigeria’s unemployment rate is about 27.1 percent of the population and there are speculations that this will worsen to 33.5 percent.

Many of the marketing communication agencies, including Public Relations, creative advertising agencies, below the line operators and event planners also witnessed low patronage from clients.

During the months of lockdown, many companies also suspended programmes and product launches in compliance with the rules to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Ajufo, further said outdoor clients, “who rely on eye-balls to place advert materials had to cancel exposures and contracts due to the lockdown occasioned by the Covid-19”.

He said the industry lost multi-million naira businesses this year.

2021 and expectations Though now at crossroads over what the future holds for the industry in 2021 as the

nation’s economy falls into a second round of recession in five years, top industry leaders who spoke to THISDAY have cautioned brand owners from doing away with advertising other marketing support services.

Besides, some practitioners have predicted that political activities ahead gubernatorial elections in Anambra 2021, Ekiti, Osun 2022 and 2023 general elections will begin this year to stimulate the market.

“Except that revenues from political activations could go to unregistered agencies, a lot of business will come from that area this year.

By March, politicians who will be jostling for governorship slot in Osun, Ekiti and Anambra would have started political marketing. By the last quarter, preparation for 2023 presidential contest would have started also and this will also attract advertising,” Bayo Adeosun, a practitioner stated.

Meanwhile, as practitioners approach 2021, the President Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Steve Babaeko, has urged Marketing Communications practitioners to henceforth adopt the Scout Motto ‘Be Prepared’ in approaching the New Year.

The AAAN President though admitted that navigating through business environment at a time like this may be tough, he is optimistic that brand owners would still work closely with the marketing communications agencies to sustain their businesses.

Registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, also agreed that the recession may compel some businesses to cut expenditures, including research and advertising in 2021, but he was quick to add that some smart businesses will leverage on the period to give their brands visibility through advertising, Public Relations and other legs of marketing.

“During an economic downturn, it may seem logical for organisations to cut off expenses because in those times, saving is much more important than spending. But on the other hand, when the companies cut back advertising expenditures, they become less visible to public. Businesses should be aware of the opportunities that a recession can provide.

“Since the rivals reduce marketing efforts, there may be an opportunity for the businesses to come clear on the eyes of its target market by maintaining a strong advertising campaign during a recession. There may not be a better time to advertise than this, since many others’ tendency is to reduce advertising spending. Thus, when advertising aggressively in the economic downturn, an organization might drive and maintain awareness, build a greater market share, with a more solid brand image,” Fadolapo stated.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

29

IMAGES

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Indigenes and non-indigenes of Osun State boarding the free train ride provided by the State Government to their various destinations after the New Year 2020 celebration, at Osogbo Terminus of the Railway Corporation...recently

L-R: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma receiving a document from the officials of Chinese Hybrid Rice team during a visit to Government House, Owerri...recently

Governor. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right) and members of the state executive council, during the signing of the 2021 budget of N169.85 billion into law in Enugu...recently

FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello; Chief Security Officer to the Minister, Ahmed Rasheed and Commissioner of Police, FCT, Bala Ciroma during the decoration of Rasheed with his new rank of chief Superintendent of Police in Abuja...recently

L-R; Rt Rev. Mgsr Ralph Madu, Wife of the Governor at Barr Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, Governor Hope Uzodimma, Bishop of Okigwe, Most Rev Solomon Amatu and Prof Maurice Iwu at a Launcheon helh at Immaculate Conception Cathedral Okigwe, Imo State...recently

Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Mr Umar Muri and his men inspecting some of the arms recovered from 82 Suspects apprehended by the Command in connection with armed Robbery, rape, kidnapping, culpable homicide, shop breaking, and other heinous related crimes, in Kaduna...recently

Princess Soliat Elegushi and Princess Sofiat Elegsuhi flanked by their parents, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi and Olori Sekinat, at the Quranic graduation of the Elegushi’s daughters, in Lagos...recently

L-R: Elder brother, Olabode Olufemi; aged mother, Kikelomo Olufemi; father, Yavinaku Olufemi; brother, Soton Olufemi; Seyi Olufemi; NIDCOM Chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and other family members, during their visit to Lagos office of NIDCOM to plead for the release of their son, Sulaimon, the youngest and the only one remained on death roll of Saudi Arabia Kingdom out of 13 Nigerians arrested during a raid by Police since September, 29, 2002 in the Kingdom held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021

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PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Climate Change Threatens Socio-Economic Development in Africa, Says Report Bennett Oghifo

I

ncreasing temperatures and sea levels, changing precipitation patterns and more extreme weather are threatening human health and safety, food and water security and socio-economic development in Africa, says a new report devoted exclusively to the continent.

The State of the Climate in Africa 2019 report, a multiagency publication coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), provides a snapshot of current and future climate trends and associated impacts on the economy and sensitive sectors like agriculture.

It highlights lessons for climate action in Africa and identifies pathways for addressing critical gaps and challenges.

The report was released on October 26 at a ministerial-level launch to highlight the urgency of climate action in Africa and the current state of capacity.

The risks are becoming more severe.

“Climate change is having a growing impact on the African continent, hitting the

most vulnerable hardest, and contributing to food insecurity, population displacement and stress on water resources. “In recent months we have seen devastating floods, an invasion of desert locusts and now face the looming spectre of drought because of a La Niña event.

The human and economic toll has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said WMO Secretary-General, Petteri Taalas.

“Science-based climate information is the foundation of resilience building, a cornerstone of climate change adaptation, as well as an oasis for sustainable livelihoods and development. The State of Climate Report for Africa has, therefore, a critical role to play in this respect, including in informing our actions for achieving the goals of the Africa Agenda 2063,” said H.E. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission.

“The limited uptake and use of climate information services in development planning and practice in Africa is due in part

to the paucity of reliable and timely climate information. This report, focusing on Africa, will go a long way towards addressing this gap. The contribution of the Economic Commission for Africa to the production of this report, through the African Climate Policy Centre, seeks to highlight the nexus between climate change and development, and to emphasise that building forward better from the Covid-19 pandemic requires a development approach that is green, sustainable and climate resilient, informed by the best available science. The participation of multiple institutions and agencies in producing the report reinforces our principles and approaches of working as one,” said H.E. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Rising temperatures and sea levels The year 2019 was among the three warmest years on record for the continent. That trend is expected to continue. African temperatures in recent decades have been warming at a rate

comparable to that of most other continents, and thus somewhat faster than global mean surface temperature.

The latest decadal predictions, covering the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, shows continued warming and decreasing rainfall especially over North and Southern

Africa, and increased rainfall over the Sahel.

Extensive areas of Africa will exceed 2 °C of warming above pre-industrial levels by the last two decades of this century under medium scenarios as reported in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assess-

ment Report. Much of Africa has already warmed by more than 1 °C since 1901, with an increase in heatwaves and hot days. A reduction in precipitation is likely over North Africa and the southwestern parts of South Africa by the end of the century, according to the IPCC.

L-R: General Secretary, IFMA, Sherif Daramola; Executive Secretary, IFMA, Dele Chinedu; President, IFMA, Segun Adebayo; and Vice President: IFMA, Lekan Akinwunmi, during the inauguration of the new IFMA Council team at the Secretariat in Lagos… recently

Structural Engineers to Launch Advocacy Project on Building Collapse Fadekemi Ajakaiye The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers will be

launching an advocacy project on structural failures/collapses.

This was stated by the institution’s President Engr.

Dr, Kehinde Osifala at the Pre-Investiture press briefing held in Lagos, recently.

Osifala stated that the Advo-

NAE Advocates Technology Application as Panacea to Economic Development Fadekemi Ajakaiye The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), the highest echelon of the nation’s engineering profession, has advocated the use of technology as panacea to economic development in Nigeria.

This was a major outcome at the Academy’s investiture of new fellows, and annual lecture tagged, “the Nigerian infrastructure Conundrumthe Missing Links”; held in Lagos recently.

The Guest Speaker, Chairman Amana Consortium Ltd, Engr. (Dr.) Edet Amana stated that technology and its application is the missing link in Nigeria’s infrastructure conundrum.

“As a result of failed infrastructure, the economic development of our country has suffered major setbacks and what is potentially a rich and great country has failed to develop her enormous potential over the years,” he said.

He stated that the World Economic Forum’s 2016-2017 Global Competitiveness Index ranked Nigeria’s Infrastructure at the bottom - 132 out of 138 countries. According to that organization’s 2016 Executive Opinion Survey, the poor infrastructure is the largest constraint on doing business in the country, he said.

National, human, and economic development, require extensive interplay of the nation’s physical, social, organisational and knowledge infrastructures. The quantum

and quality of development depend on the effectiveness of this interplay, he said.

“Hard data is replacing decision making based on observation, intuition, or experience in many areas of human endeavour. We saw this play out during the Covid-19 pandemic when, in the highly organised economies, the vast amount of data generated from GSM usage was used to predict the spread and therefore management of the Covid-19 disease,” he stated.

“An effective educational system will produce people who will effectively man the political system, the knowledge generation and application systems, the systems responsible for the provision of water, roads, etc. Similarly, a failed political system cannot provide the organizational framework necessary for the development of power supply, education, healthcare delivery or knowledge generation and application systems,” he said.

“Innovation is the process of making an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value and brings about positive change. The National Innovation System, NIS, is the flow of technology and information among people, enterprises, and institutions in a nation. This is key to the innovative process at the national and sub-national levels. Put simply NIS includes all the economic, political, and social factors which sustain the national development process,” he said.

“The National Bureau

of Statistics publication of August 21, 2017 revealed that “on average, about one bribe is paid by every adult citizen of Nigeria to a public official and that the average amount paid in cash for a bribe is equivalent to a fourth of the average monthly salary.” The other form of corruption, which may be called non-financial corruption include, cronyism, nepotism, parochialism, etc.

These destroy confidence in the system and dull the competitive edge. The damage to the national ethos caused by non-financial corruption is as worse than that caused by financial corruption due to the absence of the legal framework to apprehend and punish those guilty of those forms of corruption,” he stated.

He stated that with effective application of technology, corruption can be curbed by extensive deployment of technology in all areas of our activities.

The out-going President, Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Engr. Prof Fola Lasisi stated that it was the responsibility of the Academy to ensure the advancement of the engineering education and practice through continuous learning, advocacy and strategic collaboration with relevant professional associations, government and industry.

Engineering and technology are known to help and enhance development in every aspect of human activities, he said.

cacy Project will be launched during his investiture as the 20th President of the Institution on the 14th of January 2021, at the College Hall of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

“There is no doubt that if the project is well executed, it would definitely create the much desired awareness and once this is created the public would be on the alert and selfmonitor sharp practices in the construction industry,” he said.

He stated that the Advocacy Project is about the enlightenment of the people on structural/building collapse and it would be targeted to; members of the public

(who build or engage others particularly artisans to build houses); construction industry professionals; engineering family members and other professionals; as well government arms and regulatory agencies.

The mode of advocacy to be employed include; social media (videos), radio jingles, radio and television interviews and discussions. Others are; print media campaign, cartoons, adverts; Town hall meetings of stakeholders in the built environment and sponsored programmes on radio, TV etc., he said.

The focus is preventing building collapse by looking

at; causes of building collapse; prevention of building collapse; remedial actions necessary. Others are, signs to watch out for on distressed structures/buildings; who to talk to/consult with respect to distressed buildings; and, what the government is expected to do when there is a structural collapse, he said.

He stated that the Institution was not under any government subvention, and therefore rely on collective self-effort (contribution from members), support from government, corporate bodies, and members of the public, as contribution towards their social responsibility programme.

Lafarge Africa Extends Deadline for National Essay Competition Entries Lafarge Africa Plc., the Nigerian operations of the world’s leading building materials company, LafargeHolcim, has extended the registration deadline for its National Essay Competition in Nigeria to 15th of January, 2021 to give more interested children the opportunity to participate.

This is in response to calls by parents and guardians of pupils in public schools requesting for more time to allow their children and wards to participate in the competition.

Themed “Building the Nigeria of my dreams”, the contest which is in two categories: the Junior category, for pupils aged 7-10 years in public primary schools and the Intermediate category, for pupils aged 1114 in public junior secondary schools, will help improve literacy amongst young adults and also engender loyalty to the nation as they will write about their hopes and aspirations of the

Nigerian nation they desire.

Following the call for the extension, Lafarge Africa’s Country Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khaled El-Dokani, encouraged eligible pupils who are within the age bracket and in public schools to visit www.learnwithlafarge.com to take advantage of the opportunity to further develop their literacy skills even as they stand a chance to win cash prizes of 1.5m in the Diamond category; N1m and N750,000 in the Gold and Silver categories respectively as well as other exciting educational consolation prizes.

He said: “One of our key sustainability priorities at Lafarge Africa is our commitment to our communities through education and we are actively collaborating with the government and the private sector to improve the country’s literacy ratio towards making an impact in reducing the World Bank estimate which states that

over 80 percent of Nigerian primary school-leavers cannot read.”

The www.learnwithlafarge.com portal which hitherto opened for entries on the 4th of December 2020 will now close on the 15th of January, 2021 while shortlisting of successful entries will hold on 28th February, 2021 and overall winners in the different categories will emerge on the 15th of March 2020 after their individual presentations to the reviewing panel.

The virtual National essay competition is built on the recognition that the depth and quality of the country’s human capital are as important as its physical infrastructure. The essay competition which is aimed at bridging the literacy gap and developing human capital in the country is being held virtually in strict adherence to safety guidelines and protocols amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021

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PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

NIOB Condemns Hike in Cement Price

T

he Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), has said the astronomical rise in the price of cement in Nigeria and the low purchasing power of Nigerians promote temptations to tamper with quality in construction work.

The National President, Nigerian Institute of Building, Bldr. Kunle Awobodu, FNIOB, said this in a statement, urging the government to “step in quickly and save the nation from imminent danger of substandard building construction.”

The body of builders said Nigeria is a country that is blessed with population, intellect and resources. The population can be a strength or a liability depending on how resources are managed. For investors and manufacturers, the population presents a large market for their products.

For citizens, the population presents a raison d’etre for crash in prices because of the law of large numbers.

The recent increase in the price of a 50 kilogram bag of cement from around N2,600 to N3,500 and beyond portends a bad omen for the construction industry and the nation at large. Whatever the

underlying reasons given for the hike in price, the NIOB is actuated by altruism to bring the attendant or unintended consequences to the limelight so that stakeholders can appreciate and respond to the emergency that the nation is confronted with.

Even at previous prices, before the hike, Nigerians were confronted with the challenge of owning their homes and developing other infrastructure.

Reports of ‘cutting corners’ due to compromised material inputs abound. Sandcrete blocks, concrete and mortar are products in which cement is part of the inputs for their production. These products also play a major role in the cost and strength of structures built with them.

While we are not sanctioning ‘cutting corners,’ that is, compromise on standard, the present price increase will only exacerbate an already volatile and precarious situation. It will increase the need for more vigilance and policing of the construction processes. As an analogy, a country with sub normal conditions of living will battle with more crimes with the implications of spending more to police the society. It thus pays more to invest in

improving the quality of living to reduce predisposition to crime. Price increases in the inputs of construction without corresponding increase in citizens’ purchasing power will reduce activities in the construction sector that are meant to rejuvenate the economy. This will translate to loss of jobs and its inter linkages. Where there is even activity, especially in the informal sector, risks are multiplied.

Construction contracts in a regime of skyrocketing and unstable prices will witness many fluctuation claims with the potential for disputes and project abandonment. A cycle of project failures may start when prices are beyond the reach of clients and developers.

While it may be rationalised that the Covid-19 induced lockdown did not make the manufacturing sector produce (partly or fully) for some time and that increased construction demand after the lockdown has contributed to hike in cement prices, the argument cannot be a justification for such price increases. Virtually all the material inputs for cement production are available locally. All the cement manufacturing plant have been existing in Nigeria before the

lockdown. We acknowledge that there may be need to maintain and repair, it is our view that this, however, is not enough justification for the astronomical increase in cement prices.

We acknowledge that cement manufacturers operate in the Nigerian economy. Nigerians, who use cement products also are in the same setting where

macroeconomic variables of interest rate, exchange rate and inflation have diminished purchasing power. The onus, therefore, lies on the government to urgently address these macroeconomic issues to favour the overall economy and, especially the construction industry that has the potentials to stimulate growth.

The cement manufacturers

too should take advantage of population to crash costs while government should further address transportation and energy concerns.

If these price increases and other macroeconomic variables are not addressed, the vision of housing many homeless Nigerians and the nation’s infrastructural revival will remain a mirage.

L-R: General Secretary, IFMA, Sherif Daramola; Executive Secretary, IFMA, Dele Chinedu; President, IFMA, Segun Adebayo; and Vice President: IFMA, Lekan Akinwunmi, during the inauguration of the new IFMA Council team at the Secretariat in Lagos… recently

FG to Complete Kano-Maiduguri Road in June Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Federal Government has assured that the ongoing reconstruction of Kano-Maiduguri road will be completed and inaugurated in June, 2021.

Engineer Funso Adebiyi, the Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing revealed this while inspecting the project on Friday in Kano, said the

project which divided into five sections has so far reached 75 per cent completion, adding that work at all sites are still going on.

According to him, one of the major factors delaying the completion of the project was insecurity, saying that some of the workers working at some of the sections were kidnapped and have not been released yet.

“The phase one of the project has started from

Hotoro NNPC roundabout to Shuwarin, in Jigawa State. It has 101 kilometres, and so far we have completed 63 per cent.

“The second section, we have completed 86 per cent, the third section 90 per cent, and the fourth section we have achieved over 80 per cent while the last section that will enter Maiduguri we have completed 60 per cent.

Funsho added that the contractor handling the sec-

tion five of the project had to vacate the site due to the issue of insecurity. “we are working towards collaborating with the Borno government to see how to ensure the completion of the project.

“And on the Kano Western bypass, which was awarded since 2007, we have so far completed 56 percent of the 26.6 kilometer dual carriage road, hoping to complete the

project by the end of 2021.”

Engineer Funsho further revealed that the Federal government has awarded the construction of some road networks in the Bichi Local Government Area of the state, and all in all, the Federal Government is constructing over 31 road networks in Kano.

“I want to inform you that the road from Yakasai to Saye community, all the

houses to be affected by the road construction, we are not giving any compensation because they are illegal”.

The Manager, Dantata and Sawoe construction company, Engineer Roy Hunggushi assured the completion of the Kano Western bypass project within the stipulated period.

The company is handling both the section one of the Kano-Maiduguri and the Western bypass project.

Kogi Hands Over CUSTECH Projects to Contractors Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Kogi State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, has formally handed over projects’ work at the newly established Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, for rehabilitation, renovation and supply of materials in preparation for the commencement of academic activities at the institution before the end February 2021.

The Commissioner for Education, Mr..Wemi Jones while officially handing over

the projects to Contractors on Friday in Osara, expressed his excitement while thanking the Almighty God for being part of the history making event.

He acknowledged and appreciated governor Yahaya Bello for his vision and leadership in initiating the monumental idea of establishing the CUSTECH. He said he was highly impressed by the level of work done at the university site within the few days of commencing the project.

The Commissioner thanked the consultant for

his resilience and hard work in ensuring that the dream and vision of His Excellency was being materialise within the shortest possible time.

Jones further congratulated the contractors for being among the few selected ones, saying they got the job based on their track records and antecedents.

He appealed to the contractors to ensure that the projects were completed and delivered within the specified time, saying academic activities would commence on the campus before the end of February 2021.

He, however emphasised that government would not comprise on the job standard as specified in their Award letters, saying everything stated in the letter must be strictly adhered to. ‘’Our governor believes so much in quality, and that is exactly what we want you to deliver to us. ‘’We are going to be here to give you all the support you will require to deliver on time, and to give us quality’’, Jones said.

Also speaking, the Project Consultant, Builder Islameen Etudaiye, said the mandate

was to complete the projects in less than one month, saying, ‘’we have ensured that all contractors are working within the timeline and duration. ‘’Hopefully we should be able to complete the project within the time frame’,’ Etudaiye said.

Etudaiye, who is the Managing Director of Techbuildaz Services Ltd, added that there had been no challenge of any kind, saying that was why the government had ensured that reputable contractors were selected to handle the projects.

One of the Contractors, Mr.

Musa Zakari, who spoke on behalf of other contractors, assured the Commissioner that quality work would be done according to the standard specifications and delivered within the time frame.

Zakari, who is the CEO of Dynamic Centre Limited, noted that the contractors had been working very hard to complete all the projects within the cycle of time given. ‘’We have been strictly adhering to all the specifications given and we promise to do our best and work hard as much as possible

N3bn Transport Technology Institute Ready for Commissioning in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Director General for Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Dr Bayero Sallh Farah has disclosed that the newly constructed Kano annex Office of the Institute has been completed and ready for commissioning.

He also disclosed that the federal government spent

about three billion naira on the project at Dawakin Kudu town of Kano metropolitan.

Dr Salih-Farah told reporters on Friday in Kano after the inspection visit at the Institute to ensure that all facilities are installed and ready for commissioning.

The Director General also added that the wisdom for the establishment of the annex Office in Kano State was

to bring skills acquisition training to the people at the grassroots.

He added that the institute was mandated to provide skills acquisition training to Nigerians youths working in transport and logistic industries, saying it is a strategic development to establish the centre in the area.

The Director General

also said , people from neighbouring states can come to Kano to learn basic skills of maintenance of transport infrastructure and equipment.

According to him, all the necessary facilities have been installed in the institute which was initiated four years ago, adding that, “we have eight classes, and each would contain

50 students”.

“Our staff are well trained so that they can handle the equipment very well. As you have seen, we have provided technical departments and administrative blocks.

“The annex was provided with simulator rooms, classes, clinic and cafeteria.

Also, we have female and male hostels each with 20

self-contained apartments.

“We also have a staff chalet with mine rooms, sporting centre and also a block of flats for the facilitators.” He said.

According to him, most of the staff on ground are from the immediate environment, and soon other staff will be posted from their headquarters to operate the facilities.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ JANUARY 12, 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Coca-Cola Nigeria Appoints Olajide MD Raheem Akingbolu The Coca-Cola Company has appointed Alfred Olajide as its new Vice President and Managing Director for its Nigeria Operations, following a re-organisation of The Coca-Cola Company’s global leadership structure.

According to a statement, Olajide brings several years of experience to bear in his new role, nine of which were at The CocaCola Company having served in different capacities across the African continent including Franchise Director for Cluster Markets in the Southern and Eastern Africa Region, Director of Revenue Growth Management

in the East and Central Africa Region, and Strategy Head for Nigeria Franchise.

In August 2020, The Coca-Cola Company, announced a global restructuring aimed at furthering the leading beverage company’s aspiration to emerge stronger amidst a fast-changing global business environment.

The new structure sees its erstwhile 17 business units compressed into nine operating units focused on strategic local and regional business objectives supported by the company’s newly created platform Services.

Announcing the change in structure, Company Chairman and CEO James Quincey, noted

that the changes in the company’s operating model will shift marketing to drive more growth and, “put execution closer to customers and consumers while prioritising a portfolio of strong brands.”

Speaking about his appointment as VP, Operations and Managing Director of the CocaCola business in Nigeria, Alfred said; “These are very exciting times for the global Coca-Cola business, and I look forward to contributing my own quota to a business I love so much, especially at such an interesting time as this. Nigeria is a huge market, and I am optimistic about the growth we can achieve together with our bottling partners”.

Asharami Energy Appoints Menkiti COO Peter Uzoho Asharami Energy, a Sahara Group upstream company has appointed Mr. Henry Menkiti as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) to boost ongoing expansion projects aimed at delivering the company’s ambitious production target over the next few years.

The Executive Director, Sahara Group and supervising Director of Sahara’s Upstream Division, Ade Odunsi, in a statement, said that Menkiti’s appointment took effect on December 8, 2020.

Odunsi said Menkiti’s global expertise of over 30 years would transform business operations at Asharami Energy and position the company for its next phase of “competitive and sustainable growth.”

“Sahara Group is delighted to have Henry join the Sahara Family as we continue to seek

innovative ways of bringing energy to life across the entire energy value chain. Henry shares our aspiration of transforming the upstream sector in Africa through investment in technology, human capital and emphasis on sustainability,” Odunsi added.

Menkiti who will oversee Asharami Energy’s Operations, Corporate Development, Mergers and Acquisitions, Research and Development as well as External Technology Engagement, said he considered the opportunity to work with Asharami as “refreshing and historic”.

“Joining the Sahara Group to oversee the upstream operations is a project I am excited about having worked at different locations across the globe.

“We have a vision to birth something new in the African upstream sector and the team at Asharami Energy is set to deliver

this with a distinctive mark of excellence,” he added.

Prior to joining Sahara, Henry spent 27 years at Schlumberger Limited in a succession of senior leadership positions in exploration and production - including Vice President of Schlumberger Interpretation Services and world-wide Vice President of Schlumberger’s Reservoir Characterization Group.

He was also part of the core management team for Schlumberger E&P initiative (SPM).

Earlier in his career at Schlumberger, he held various field and management positions including Domain Manager at Wireline Headquarters, and roles in Seismic Operations. More recently, he was VP, Business Development for LYTT, an Upstream subsidiary of BP. He has also been involved in Business Consulting across North America, Latin America, Europe and West Africa.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

JA Nigeria Appoints New Executive Director Ugo Aliogo The Board of Junior Achievement Nigeria has appointed Foluso Gbadamosi as the new Executive Director of the organisation effective from January, 2021.

A statement by the organisation said Gbadamosi joins JA Nigeria bringing on board many years of technology experience spanning across various sectors to accelerate JAN’s impact. According to the statement, the appointment came at a time when leveraging digital strategy to advance JA Nigeria’s cause had become inevitable.

JAN had hit the one million reach milestone this year and the organisation was determined to reach the next million in five years.

The statement explained that Gbadamosi would be responsible for providing the strategic direction and leadership necessary to drive developmental change and building on existing successes in furtherance of the mission and vision of JA Nigeria.

It added that she would be at the helm of executing JA Nigeria’s transformational programmes.

In addition, she would be responsible for charting a course for preserving existing partnerships and breaking new grounds, “all in a bid to raise more conscientious business leaders capable of leading a vibrant economy.”

According to Gbadamosi, “I am excited to join JA Nigeria in this new role where I will be responsible for expanding the

organisations’ impact by leveraging technology to empower and improve the lives of young people across the country, preparing them to own their economic future.

“With a focus on digital transformation, my objective is to build on existing successes, using technology to provide solutions to impending challenges, particularly that of youth unemployment.

“In line with JAN’s goal of reaching our next One Million students over the next five years, we also hope to raise 10,000 digital entrepreneurs my attention will be focused on devising strategic methods and partnerships through which JAN can significantly support young people to become conscientious business leaders”

Joop & Meadows CEO Wins Award The Chief Executive Officer, Joop & Meadows, Mathew Ajah, has been announced as the “Agripreneur of the year” 2020, at the recent success achievers award organised by Success Insight Network.

In a statement by the group, the annual award ceremony which was created to honour business excellence while exemplifying game-changing vision that has helped in solving real problems recognised Joop & Meadows CEO’s for his dedication and commitment to changing lives.

It also stated that Ajah who was nominated alongside other entrepreneurs started the company Joop Concept in 2012

as a property brokerage firm.

It noted that in 2019 the company was upgraded to Joop & Meadows Investment Limited as not only a property investment company, but also a company dedicated to agribusiness investment.

“We have investor, who trust and knows how much we are committed to ensure we keep to our promises. With the support of a great team and the belief of our investors, we have created a business model that is not only for profit making but also contribute largely to food security and provide employment for Nigerians,” the statement said.

In his acceptance speech, the

Joop & Meadows CEO expressed delight that the award is a call to do more in serving their clients and investors.

According to him, “As a company understand the responsibility that such an award comes with. We are a young company but the successes, and impact recorded in our short time in the business, is a clear indication of where we are going as a business.

“With the recent opening of our office in Ogun, we are poised to touching lives, making profits for our investors and ultimately help achieve food security for the country and end hunger.”

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ Ͷ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $54.39 a barrel on Friday, compared with $53.84 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

33

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Cordros Securities Projects another Bullish Year for Stock Market Goddy Egene The Nigerian equities market will still close on positive note in 2021, analysts at Cordros Securities Research, have said.

The local bourse recorded an impressive performance in 2020, soaring by 50.03 per cent after declining in 2018 and 2019.

Presenting their outlook for 2021, Head, Research & Strategy, Cordros Securities, Mr. Jolomi

Odonghanro, expressed optimism that the market would still close on bullish note, projecting a gain of 27.2 per cent. According to him, the growth recorded in 2020 was fuelled by the segregation of the Treasury bills market that ignited investors’ interest in equities at the start of the year.

“Thus, the market kicked off the year on a strong note, as it gained +10.7 per cent by 10th of January 2020. COVID-19 induced macroeconomic fragilities saw the

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

market nosedive in March, leading to foreign and domestic investors scaling down their investments.

The N3.57 trillion worth of maturities entered the financial system with limited attractive re-investible fixed (FI) income instruments amid double-digit inflation, a development that further favoured the equities market. At its September meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reiterated the theme for fixed income yields was lower for

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

longer. Consequently, domestic investors participation increased significantly,” he said.

Looking into 2021, Odonghanro said the market performance would be primarily determined by domestic participation which will be supported by the low FI yield environment, liquidity surfeit, investors positioning for dividends and stronger corporate earnings growth (mostly on the low base in 2020). “We expect the Nigerian Stock Exchange

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

(NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) to record a positive performance in 2021, albeit substantially lower when compare to 2020. ASI currently trades at a P/E (x) of 12.5x, making it just about fairly valued compared with its seven years average of 12.2x, but still cheaper compared to frontier market peers of 15.1x,”he said.

He explained that the market is not over-valued yet, with some major bank stocks trading at close to long term average price.

O F

“The index of the most capitalised stocks in the market, the NSE 30, is also trading at a slight discount to its 7-yr average.

Many investors still do not see the market as a viable long-term play (due to the weak macros),” he said. However, he said the key downside risks to their outlook include:a reversal in FI yield direction, significantly lower earnings and dividend payouts, surge in COVID cases and further decline oil prices.

1 1 / 0 1 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Olanipekun Writes INEC Chairman over Cross River Senatorial By-election Alex EnumahinAbuja A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun, has written the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged mischief of INEC in court cases on

the just concluded by- election for Cross River North senatorial district.

INEC had declared Senator Stephen Odeh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the December 5 senatorial byelection after winning majority of lawful votes cast by the electorate in the district.

Police Arrest Female NYSC Member for Alleged Murder of Boyfriend Okon Bassey in Uyo The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has arrested one lady, Chidinma Oduma Pascaline, a serving female youth corps member who allegedly killed a man suspected to be her boyfriend.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, who confirmed the arrest yesterday, said the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered a discreet investigation into the matter.

“The lady has been arrested by the police and she is already in our custody. The Police Commissioner has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter and as soon as the investigation is over the matter will be charged to court,” Macdon said Macdon explained that the command had on Sunday received a distress call from the control room and immediately dispatched some officers to No 219 Abak road where the offence was committed.

He said the police officers were able to rescue the lady who was at the verge of being lynched by an angry mob “When we carried out preliminary investigation, she

informed us that one Akwaowo Japhet of No 219 Abak road, Uyo took her to his house.

“She said while in the house, Akwaowo Japhet picked up a machete and attempted to kill her but she was able to dispossess him and used the same machete on him which led to his death.

“We had to recover the corpse and rescued the lady corper who should be about 25 or 26 years old”.

The Coordinator of NYSC Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Julius Amusan, who also confirmed the incident, said he was shocked at the development.

“We depend on police report because we are not eye witnesses.

The information on the matter did not get to me until 5pm on Sunday evening when somebody called to inform that a female corps member killed her lover.

“When the report came, I doubted it because it sounds strange that a female corps member will kill a man. It sounded unbelievable, it is something very unusual.

“I made a call to the police headquarters and at that time they were unable to give me details of the incident.

Court Grants Sowore N20m Bail Alex Enumah in Abuja Magistrate Mabel Segun-Bello of Wuse Zone 2 Magistrate Court, Abuja, yesterday admitted the Convener of #RevolutionNow Protest, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, to bail in the sum of N20 million.

Sowore, and four others were arrested on New Year’s eve over their involvement in a protest over ban on crossover night activities.

Sowore and four others - Peter Williams, Sanyaolu Juwon, Emmanuel Bulus and Damilare Adenola were then arraigned on January 4, 2021 on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and incitement.

Following their plea of not guilty, Magistrate Segun-Bello, ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.

However, the defendants were last Tuesday, transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) after Sowore reported that they were denied access to healthcare, food, and water.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Marshal Abubakar, in arguing bail applications had asked

the court to release his clients “on self recognisance or in the alternative, grant bail in the most liberal terms”.

After arguments were taken, Magistrate Segun-Bello adjourned till last Friday for ruling.

However, the Magistrate had to adjourned to yesterday due to the failure of the police to produce the defendants in court.

Delivering ruling yesterday, the Magistrate while holding that the defendants were entitled to bail, said the defendants did not resist arrest while being apprehended.

She accordingly admitted the second, third, fourth and fifth defendants to bail in liberal terms with a bond of one million each.

In addition, she ordered them to produce one surety in like sum who “must be resident in Abuja with an identifiable workplace and residential address”.

“The first defendant however, Omoyele Sowore is also admitted to bail in the sum of N20 million and two sureties in like sum,” the magistrate ordered.

She held that one of the sureties must be a civil servant not below grade level 12 in the federal civil service.

Consequently, the electoral umpire issued him Certificate of Return and Odeh was accordingly sworn in as senator representing Cross River North senatorial district at the National Assembly.

However, INEC based on a court judgment which purportedly declare Hon. Jarigbe Jarigbe as the lawful candidate, issued another Certificate of Return to Jarigbe.

Prior to the delivery of the judgment late December, Olanipekun had in the letter dated December 21 and addressed to the INEC boss, “Protest the way and manner INEC attended to suit CV/77/2020”, which involved one Chief John Alaga and Jarigbe and INEC.

According to him, the suit filed before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was a deliberate attempt to “scheme out Odeh and the PDP by not joining them as parties in the suit”.

He explained that INEC who was a defendant in the suit acted mischievously when it failed to draw the attention of Odeh and PDP to the suit knowing fully well that Jarigbe and Odeh have filed several suits on the authentic candidate of the party, wherein judgment was in the favour of Odeh.

He specifically berated INEC for concealing from the FCT High Court other cases relating to the one before the court wherein they are a party.

He also accused INEC of not

disclosing to the FCT Court that Odeh’s nomination form was duly signed by the National Chairman and Secretary respectively of the PDP. Olanipekun further argued that the suit was faulty abi nitio as it was filed more than 14 days after the PDP held its primary election to select its candidate for the election, adding that Jarigbe did not participate in the said primary election and as such cannot challenge its outcome.

“Constitutional provision is binding on INEC and all other authorities in Nigeria; and it disqualifies, automatically and/or ab initio, irrespective of any other situation, circumstance or development,

Honourable Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe from laying any claim to or wanting to usurp the seat or position of our client as the Senator representing the Cross River North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. By the same token, the said constitutional provision prevents, restrains and forbids INEC from transferring, or attempting to transfer, exchanging or attempting to exchange our client’s certificate of return to any pretender or usurper, including, but not limited to Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe”, he said.

“The declaration and return of our client as the winner of the by-election conducted by INEC on 5th December, 2020, has not been challenged in any tribunal.

BREACHING THE PROTOCOL...

People breaching the COVID-19 protocol on social distancing as they queue to register for the National Identification Number, at the National Identification Management Commission office along Adebayo Road, Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

Court Adjourns Alleged Money Laundering Trial of Adoke to March 1 Alex Enumah in Abuja The trial of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN) over alleged money laundering was yesterday adjourned till March 1, 2021.

The adjournment was sequel to a formal application by Adoke’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for more time to enable Adoke return to the country to continue

his trial.

The former AGF and a businessman, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations bordering on money laundering.

At the last proceedings, the trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo had granted Adoke permission to travel abroad for medical examination.

According to the judge, Adoke was permitted to travel on

December 15, 2020 and return on January 10, 2021, a day before the scheduled resumption of trial.

However, at the resumed trial, Adoke was not in court prompting the senior lawyer to apologise to the court for the absence.

Explaining his client’s absence, Agabi disclosed that Adoke tested positive to the COVID-19 at the point of his return to Nigeria, and was subsequently held back by the authorities.

The lawyer further told the court that Adoke later tested negative to the virus after his treatment but was unable to get flight to the country as ordered by the court.

“My Lord, let me apologise to you that the 1st defendant in this matter, Mohammed Bello Adoke, is not in court today due to circumstances beyond his control.

“I thank this court for granting him permission to travel abroad for medical examination.

Lagos Closes Airport Bridge over Fuel Tanker Fire Segun James Following recent fire incident involving fuel tanker, the Lagos State Government has shut down Airport Bridge at Toyota on the Oshodi-Isolo Expressway.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, in a statement issued yesterday, said the closure of the bridge to vehicular movement was to enable the government

to conduct structural tests on the bridge.

According to him, the state road management authorities have therefore created alternative routes for motorists pending the outcome of the tests.

Oladeinde stated that motorists are therefore advised to make use of the alternative routes.

The commissioner disclosed that motorists going from Mile 2 to Cele on Apapa-Oshodi

Expressway will make use of Aiye and Osolo Way to Asa Afariogun through 7&8 to access International Airport Road.

The commissioner explained that motorists from Toyota would use the service lanes

by Armed Forces Resettlement Centre to BOC Gases on old NAFDAC Headquarters.

“In the light of this development, the state traffic management officials

shall be deployed to the aforementioned corridors to control and manage traffic flow along the axis during the course of the diversions.

“The Lagos State Government is assuring the motoring public that the Airport Bridge shall be opened for use as soon as the tests or requisite intervention makes it safe and secure to do so,” he added.

Fresh Attack in Plateau Claims Two Lives Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Two persons were shot dead on Sunday evening in an ambush by gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

The victims - Joseph Davou and Jeremiah Bitrus were returning from a sendforth prayers for a pastor in Rim when they were attacked along Hoss-Rim road.

The gunmen allegedly laid ambush and opened fire killing

the two on the spot.

A source in the community disclosed that the gunmen who had laid siege, opened fire at two of them on a motorcycle, killing them instantly while other road users scampered for safety to avoid being killed.

The father of one of the deceased, Davou Dantyang, who confirmed the attack, said that his son Joseph Davou, who was 28 years old and his friend Jeremiah Bitrus, aged 32, were

on their motorcycle when the gunmen shot them.

“Though, I was not at the scene, those who were there told me that they were on a motorcycle returning from an event when there was a sporadic gunshots along Rim - Hoss road. The two of them were gunned down and they died instantly.

“But what surprised me was that those at the scene said patrol vehicle belonging to

Operation Safe Haven (military taskforce) was on the road when the incident happened but the military men did not stop to attend to my son and his friend.”

Dantyang appealed to both the government and security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the attack.

The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Gabriel Ubah could not be reached for confirmation.

TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

35

NEWSXTRA

NAPTIP: We Have Rescued 15,000 Victims of Human Trafficking Olawale AjimotokaninAbuja The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) yesterday said it had rescued over 15,000 victims of human trafficking.

NAPTIP’s Director-General, Mr. Imaan Ibrahim, disclosed this during a courtesy visit on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, in Abuja.

She said, “From inception till date, the agency has investigated over 10,000 cases of human trafficking, rescued over 15,000 victims of human trafficking and

prosecuted close to 500 perpetrators of the crime.”

Ibrahim said the agency had through its operational activities done arrests, investigations and prosecution of perpetrators of human trafficking, counseling, rehabilitation, repatriation, as well as the reintegration of victims into the society.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the media aide to the humanitarian minister, NnekaAnibeze, the NAPTIP boss said the agency would ensure that vulnerable persons across the country were given renewed hope for a sane and secured society.

On her part, Farouq tasked NAPTIP to focus on the domestication of Trafficking in

Borno Enrols 1,163 Children of IDPs in Primary School Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has supervised the enrollment of 1,163 children of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into primary school in one of the insurgency ravaged towns in the state.

The governor, as part of his visit to Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, where he boosted dry season farming with provision of equipment to farmers and distribution of relief materials to over 10,000 IDPs, yesterday, personally supervised the enrollment of the pupils in the town along the shores of Lake Chad.

The governor, who was on the third day of his visit to Mobbar LGA, enrolled the pupils, who are mostly hailed from Guzamala and Abadam LGA in the northern part of Borno State.

The pupils had been out of school since the displacement of their parents and guardians by Boko Haram insurgents, following attacks on their communities.

During the exercise, Zulum appealed to parents to allow their children enroll in schools, stressing that where functional schools are provided by government, social welfare assistance from government will eventually be restricted to parents who

allow their children and wards to attend schools whether western or combined curriculum of Islamic and western education.

The governor also addressed secondary school students in Damasak and those who have written their senior schools certificate examinations in preparation for higher institution.

He promised them government’s support to help them actualise their dreams in life.

The governor had traveled to Damasak last Saturday morning, during which he launched the distribution of water pumps, fertilizer, seeds, chemicals and N5,000 cash to each of the 1,200 irrigation farmers embarking on farming this dry season.

The following day, the governor also supervised the distribution of food combination to 10,000 internally displaced families in need of support.

The governor had visited the area with Senator Abubakar Kyari, the senator representing Borno North, who is also an indigene of Damasak. Also in the trip was the state Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ali Bukar Dalori; Commissioner for Agriculture, Bukar Talba, and other stakeholders from the area.

UNILORIN Commences Virtual Classes for Students Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The authorities of University of Ilorin yesterday directed the students of the institution to commence online lectures with immediate effect.

Already, various faculties in the institution have grouped the students for the easy conduct of online lectures in the university This was contained in a statement issued in Ilorin and signed by the institution’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Ilorin.

The statement read, “This is to inform all students of the

University of Ilorin that online lectures have commenced today, Monday, January 11, as scheduled.

“Students are therefore enjoined to disregard a misinformation currently trending on social media that the arrangement had been put off.

“Management wishes to assure all our students that we are fully committed to covering all lost grounds as a result of the long break occasioned

by COVID-19.

“Also, all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure hitch-free online classes pending the time when it will be safe to conduct normal physical lectures”.

Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015, as well as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 in all states of the federation.

She said focusing on the domestication of these Acts would ease some of the problems currently faced by NAPTIP in the implementation of key interventions

and programmes.

“I implore you to utilise data and evidence-based systems to improve or create programmes and align these programmes

with the policies of the ministry for effective multi-sectoral participation in the realisation of the core mandate of NAPTIP,” Farouq stated.

APC Felicitates with Lawan At 62 Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, as he celebrated his 62nd birthday.

The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement issued yesterday described Lawan as a valuable partner-in-progress who is

supporting the Committee in its quest to reposition the party.

He said, “The APC family celebrates an experienced, cerebral, dexterous and patriotic federal lawmaker who as Chairman of the 9th National Assembly is enshrining a best practice, particularly in legislative-executive relations in Nigeria. In partnering with the executive, the 9th National Assembly under the watch of Dr. Ahmed Lawan has chosen

to work for public good and national interest.”

Akpanudoedehe noted that Lawan’s collaborative leadership of the 9th National Assembly has achieved and sustained the long-eluded December-January budget cycle in an equally multipartisan National Assembly, which he said has ensured better national planning.

He added, “At party level, Ahmed Lawan is a valuable partner-in-progress who is

supporting the Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) mandate to reposition our great party and ensure peace, unity and true reconciliation across party ranks. H.E. Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan inputs as member of the tripartite executive/ legislative/APC consultative committee has ensured good governance and accelerated implementation of the Next Level Agenda.”

Oba of Benin Cautions against Reconstituting Banned Community Devt Associations Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has cautioned Enigies (Dukes), who are allegedly collaborating with youths in their communities to resuscitate the activities of banned Community Development Associations (CDAs), to desist from such plan.

Oba Ewuare II warned that those trying to do so in different guises, if found flouting the ban on the activities of CDAs, would be made to face the wrath of the law and ancestral consequences.

Upon ascending to the thrown of his forebears, one of the actions

the Oba took was to ban activities of CDAs, which constituted obstacles to land developers, who were being extorted by community youths.

The pronouncement by the Oba was backed with a law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly banning activities of CDAs across the state.

Reacting to some issues raised by the Benin Christian community led by Rev Godspower Ogbomwan when they visited the Oba after a weeklong New Year prayer, the Benin monarch said the “resurging CDAs across the various communities in the Benin kingdom through different means will never see the light of the day.”

He attributed the worsening security situation and other social vices in the country to deviation from family values, as well as traditional and cultural norms of the land, insisting that religious leaders must desist from practices which are inimical to societal growth.

Commending the efforts of the Benin Christian community, the monarch posited that the palace would not renege in its prayers and other spiritual exercises for the good of the state.

Noting that the achievements recorded so far in the Benin kingdom was due to the power of God and the ancestors, the Oba pointed out that he recognised the important

role of prayers in ruling a kingdom.

He urged the Christian community in the state not to relent in prayer to God to grant the country’s leaders at all levels wisdom and the ability to lead the people on the path of peace, unity and progress, adding that “the prevailing casesofcultism,kidnapping, armrobberyandinsecurityaretemptations to test our faith,” and admonished the people to be closer to God. Earlier, Ogbonmwan lauded the Benin monarch for his performances which he described as excellent within the short period he has been on the throne, noting that “the Oba’s reign has restored peace and tranquility in all the communities in the Benin kingdom.”

Keyamo: Why FG Didn’t Share Expensive Equipment for 774,000 Jobs The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) yesterday explained that expensive equipment were not distributed for the Special Public Works Programme because of the short term nature of the scheme.

Keyamo had come under fire when viral photos show him sharing wheelbarrows and cutlasses to beneficiaries of the Special Public Works Programme.

But reacting, the minister said the government would have to spend extra funds to train the beneficiaries should it distribute expensive modern-day tools.

The minister tweeted, “The 774,000 jobs are basically for our everyday labourers to carry out community services. “It would not be financially prudent if government were to spend billions for expensive equipment for three-month jobs, then spend millions again training our labourers on how to use these equipment.”

Keyamo had also said President Muhammadu Buhari approved the commencement of the initiative.

The programme, which would engage 774,000 unemployed Nigerians, kicked off last week after several postponements.

The programme was designed to employ 1,000 Nigerians from each of the

774 local government areas in the country.

Each of the 774,000

workers will earn N20,000 monthly for three months duration of the job.

36

TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Poor Funding Stalling Local Research on COVID-19 Vaccines, Says NIPRD Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has attributed the seeming slow rate of progress in the local research effort aimed at developing anti COVID-19 vaccines on poor funding.

As the country finalises plans to purchase vaccines for the treatment of the pandemic, the agency has advised the federal government to exercise caution and weigh all options before accepting any of the vaccines.

The Institute’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, lamented

that lack of adequate finding is robbing the agency of opportunity to showcase the abundant capacity of the array of professionals at NIPRD. Adigwe, who addressed journalists at the headquarters of the research agency in Abuja yesterday, said that none of the organisations or philanthropists in the country he approached for

funding assistance responded.

“We are proposing Niprimune capsule with Andrographis Paniculata ingredient for the treatment of COVID-19. We projected it for COVID-19 but it needs to pass through those processes before it would be approved. We (NIPRD) were the first to discover that this particular process has effect on the immune

system and since it has effect on the immune system, we ran it through the artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities we had, and realised that this would be good for COVID-19 since it affects people whose immune system are compromised.

We have done all the pre-clinical tests that show us that this will be very good, and we now need to

move to the clinical stage which is expensive, and this is what we need funding for, but nobody is coming forward for assistance,” he said.

Adigwe said researchers at NIPRD had to use machine learning and artificial intelligence capacity to identify that Niprimune may have activities in the management of COVID-19.

Seven Kidnapped Kano Children Found in Anambra, Enugu Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Government yesterday disclosed that it has discovered seven more children allegedly stolen from the state and transferred to Anambra and Enugu States.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, told journalists yesterday, saying the state government has already identified the kids, and that they will be reunited soon.

The police had in 2019 declared that nine children were kidnapped in Kano in separate incidents, and were allegedly renamed and sold off in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The commissioner said

pictures and video footage of the missing-but-found children were taken and disseminated, which prompted five parents to identify their children.

Garba said the children would soon be reunited with their parents after scrutiny.

It was also learnt that some of the parents, whose children were abducted earlier, formed a group to pressure the government with protest and consultation to expedite action towards securing the release of their children.

Mr. Ibrahim Ismail, the leader of the group, expressed delight over the latest development leading to the discovery of seven more stolen children.

FIRE DISASTER...

Confusion as Kwara Director Firefighters battling the fire outbreak at Kugbo furniture market razed down at Kugbo, Abuja... yesterday Found Dead in Office Kwara APC Elders Rally Support for AbdulRazaq‘s Second Term Hammed Shittu in Ilorin It was a palpable confusion at the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Jebba Road in Ilorin, when a Director in the ministry, Dr. Khalid Ibrahim Ndaman, was found dead in his office.

THISDAY checks revealed that Ndaman, who until his death was a director at the Veterinary department in the ministry, was sighted coming to office yesteday morning hale and hearty.

Further checks revealed that it was when one of the staff members went to see him about an hour after his arrival, to discuss a pending official matter with him, that he discovered him dead.

It was further learnt that Ndaman was resting his head on the table, but already dead.

One of the staff members, who craved anonymity, told THISDAY in an interview yesterday that

“the worker knocked his (director) door, but there was no response so, after sometime he went inside the office. There was a pending official matter since last Friday that he needed to conclude with him (director) so he needed to see him.

“Having waited outside and no response after knocking, the staff member went inside the office and met him resting his head on the table. He greeted him but there was no response until he moved closer and touched him to realise that he’s already dead.”

When contacted, the Spokesman of state police command, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident.

He said: “I’m aware of the incident. For now, it’s a case of sudden natural death until we complete investigation. We will brief journalists depending on the outcome of our findings.”

On whether there has been any arrest over the incident, he said there was none.

It’s Criminal Offence to Build Poor Quality Projects, Says Ikpeazu Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday inaugurated multiple road projects in the commercial city of Aba, warning that it’s a crime against the people in the state for his government to build low quality roads that would not be durable.

Speaking at the inauguration of Osusu Road in Aba, Ikpeazu noted that he had made it a point of duty to build high quality roads with minimum life span of 30 years.

He stated that most of the roads in Aba had been abandoned for more than 25 years, hence, it was imperative to employ rigid

and appropriate technology in the rehabilitation of the roads that would benefit next generations.

“It is criminal offence on our part if we fail to deliver infrastructure that will not outlive our tenure,” he said.

Ikpeazu stated that the reasonAba has suffered massive infrastructural decay over the years was that the roads were in the past built without regard to high standard.

The governor declared that the era of poor road projects was gone in Aba and the state in general, adding that he would continue to ensure that all the projects he would leave behind would last long after his tenure.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Less than two years to the general election in the country, some elders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have vowed to challenge any opposition to the second term bid of the state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in 2023.

The group said the performances of the governor since assumption of office have

qualified him to take another shot at the governor’s seat in the Ahmadu Bello Government House in Ilorin.

The spokesman of the elders’ caucus and party leaders, Senator Suleiman Ajadi, who spoke at a press conference in Ilorin yesterday, however, acknowledged that there is crisis in the party, stressing that it’s normal in any big political party even in developed countries.

The event was attended by delegates from the 16 local

government areas of the state.

It was also attended by elders and party leaders, which included Chief G.G Jaiyeola, Princess Babalola, Senator Suleiman Ajadi, Alhaji Ayinla Folorunsho, Senator Mohammed Ahmed, Kunle Sulyman, Chief JT Ayeni, and Prince Sunday Fagbemi.

Others were Nurudeen Mohammed, Alhaji Iliyassu Ibrahim, Gen. Tunde Bello, Yinusa Yahaya, Gen. Kale Abass, Hajia Taye Omotosho and Salman

Jawondo.

He said: “All series of perceived attacks against the administration of AbdulRazaq would not take any members of the party to anywhere, as the administration has laid a solid foundation since it took over the mantle of leadership of the state.”

Ajadi also said there was room for reconciliation with other aggrieved members of the party.

Police Arrest Clubbers, Strippers over COVID-19 Protocol Violation in Lagos The Lagos State Police Command has said it arrested 43 clubbers including strippers for violating the COVID-19 protocol in the state.

The state police command made the arrests when operatives on a COVID-19 protocol enforcement exercise paid a visit to Eclipse Night Club, Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island on Sunday, January 10, 2021.

This was disclosed in a

statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement said the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, who had already ordered the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Department in the command to be on the prowl of violators of the preventive protocols,

reiterated his zero tolerance for violation of the protocols.

“The Police operatives attached to Maroko Division of the state, on the order of the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, went after the deviant clubbers and got them arrested in the club clustering and clubbing without any regard for the COVID-19 protocols,” the statement said.

It added, saying, Odumosu “has ordered that the suspects be moved to Taskforce office Oshodi for prosecution. The police boss has also ordered that club owners should no longer be spared as they encourage total disregard for the protocols in the state.”

Odumosu, however, admonished the residents of the state to be law-abiding and value their lives as the pandemic is a global reality.

Lagos CDA Petitions Sanwo-Olu over Planned Community Demolition Chinedu Eze The Wasimi Community Development Association at Mile 12 in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area of Lagos State has called on the state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to investigate alleged plans by the officials of the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Lagos State Building Control Agency, to demolish the community.

In a petition titled: ‘Re: Planned

Demolition of Property in Wasimi Community CDA, Maidan, Mile-12, Lagos State’, which was addressed to the governor and signed by the Chairman of the CDA, Apostle Kingsley Afinjuomo, the community alleged that there was a plan by the ministry and the agency in collaboration with property developers to demolish about 90 property in the community, calling on the governor to intervene quickly.

But indications showed that the

Ministry of Physical Planning had earlier indicated that area is being fraught with defective structures, necessitating the decision to review the buildings “because almost all the buildings lacked building plan approvals and have provided safe refuge for criminals.”

However, the community denied the allegation, and urged the governor to carry out investigation before signing the demolition order, adding that the community is populated predominantly by civil

servants and government retirees, who bought land validly since the last 50 years.

Afinjuomo in the petition said men of the state ministry had stormed the area on March 15, 2018, and on July 24, 2020, to paste demolition notices on property within the community, citing lack of evidence of planning permit from the state government and the nullification of the title authority upon which the building and structure were erected.

TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Insecurity: Oyo APC, PDP Groups in Verbal War over Makinde’s Foreign Trip The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State were yesterday engaged in verbal war over the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde to travel abroad in view of the current spate of insecurity in the state.

A group within the APC in the state, The Pacesetter Initiative, said the trip to the United States of America at a time when the state was experiencing security

challenges indicated his level of insensitivity to the welfare of the state.

The group in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Afeez Bolaji Repete, and Director of Organisation, Olawale Sadare, described the decision as a height of insensitivity and ineptitude.

The statement read: “How can a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Security Officer of Oyo State leave his people to the mercy

Otedola, Dantata, Others Pre-order Peterside’s Book Billionaire businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola and Founder of MRS Group, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata are some of the first set of Nigerian business leaders to pre-order the yet to be released book on management and leadership, ‘Strategic Turnaround.’

The book, which chronicles the transformation of a strategic government agency is authored by the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

According to a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of LASIKO, the official marketing partner of Strategic Turnaround, Damilare Ogunleye, Otedola who pre-ordered 1,000 copies at cover price for distribution to selected institutions across the country, expressed his belief In the reformation of public sector institutions as an enabler for private sector performance.

In Otedola’s words, “I believe in the reforms of public sector institutions for greater efficiency and effectiveness. If our public sector institutions are functioning well like their counterparts in other parts of the globe, it will lead to improvement in quality of services rendered and

will strengthen the private sector to create jobs. Job creation will address poverty and accelerate development.

“I believe that what happened in NIMASA in the past four years is a success story of institutional reform which can be replicated in other agencies of government which is why I am preordering this book so that more persons can read about it and be inspired to also reform whatever government institutions they find themselves.”

On his part, Dantata, who has preordered 500 copies of the book wants as many aspiring leaders as possible to read the story of the transformation of NIMASA through committed and visionary leadership.

According to him, “I want as many persons as possible to read about the success story of how one of the most important agencies of government in Nigeria was transformed under a period of four years. If NIMASA can be effectively reformed then all other agencies can be reformed. Alll we need is visionary and focused leadership which Dr Peterside gave while at NIMASA”.

He said that the pre-ordered copies would be distributed to selected public universities and libraries across Nigeria.

Zola Electric Donates Solar Systems to Lagos Dike Onwuamaeze One of Africa’s leading renewable energy providers, Zola Electric, has announced the donation of high-tech solar power systems to selected Lagos State Governmentowned Primary Health Centers (PHCs), as part of its commitment to help fight the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic through the availability of 24-hour electricity supply to Nigerians.

The donations include its flagship product, ZOLA Infinity the first lithium-ion battery-based hybrid power system in Africa, explicitly designed to incorporate solar electricity generation, energy storage, and power from the grid to deliver reliable 24-hour.

Also included are the uniquely packaged ZOLA Flex Power-1 units, containing grid charger/ adapter, DC bulbs/strip lights, Solar Panel, Lithium-Ion battery unit and AC inverter for powering AC appliances.

Commenting on the corporate action, the Acting Managing Director, ZOLA Electric Nigeria, Mr. Olufemi Ashipa, said; “This donation is a gesture that takes into recognition that this pandemic

has hit vulnerable communities disproportionately hard across the world. As proponents of helping Nigeria bridge the huge energy deficit, we understand that inconsistent power delivery to rural communities, especially the primary care clinics, has left them exposed and unable to combat life-threatening diseases, particularly this ravaging virus.

“This action aligns with our mission to ‘deliver Clean 24-Hour Power Anywhere’, and so we are confident that these high-tech solar systems, which have been installed at no cost, will enable the PHCs to stay connected and effectively serve their communities. Thus, we have trained the recipients to optimise the power systems’ output and ensure the community enjoys the ZOLA Electric premium technology’s full benefits.

“We commend the Lagos State Government, led by the Incident Commander and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, for the effective management of the pandemic, as well as our colleagues in the private sector for collaborating with the government to tackle the spread of the deadly virus.”

of hoodlums, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the name of an unofficial foreign trip?

“To make the matter worse, the governor sneaked out without doing all that was necessary as laid down in the constitution.

Governor Makinde’s trip to the United States, this time came at a time his government needed to arrest the surging challenges of insecurity bedevilling virtually every part of the state.

“Residents of Ibadan, OkeOgun, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso and Oyo were gnashing their teeth on account of coordinated hoodlum

attacks, kidnappings, killings and other organized crimes. The situation took a turn for the worse immediately the governor travelled last month and it became known to the perpetrators of crime that nobody was in the saddle again because Governor Makinde did not hand over the baton to his deputy as expected.

In its reaction, the PDP group, The Oyo PDP-Visionaries, described the attack on the governor as unpatriotic and uncharitable.

It added that the APC was obsessed with criticising the

governor because they are jittery of his increasing popularity.

The group in a statement by its visioner, Qudus Olayide, made available to journalists on Monday in Ibadan, read, “We have watched, for some time, the shenanigans of a group within the APC in Oyo State, which is in a hurry to seek undue gains from politicising governance issues in the state.

“We would like to state that the attack on Governor Makinde is unpatriotic and uncharitable.

These elements said in their statement that they did not

have an official confirmation on the governor’s overseas trip but still went ahead to insinuate that the governor sneaked out without following constitutional procedure and that he did so at a time the state is facing insecurity.

“It is important to ask the sponsors of the statement whether or not the governor is allowed by law to travel. If he is, does his travel either within or outside the country affect the efforts of security agencies, who are saddled with maintaining peace and order?

OBSERVING THE PROTOCOL ...

Students of Seed of Life Nursery and Primary School, Eleyele, Ibadan being checked with Thermometer as schools resumed for 2021 academic year in Ibadan... yesterday.

Abiodun,Tinubu Commiserate with Adebutu over Wife’s Demise Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, have commiserated with the Chairman of Premier Lotto, Chief Kessington Adebutu, over the death of his wife, Mrs. Rosemary Adebutu.

Mrs. Adebutu died on Saturday, January 9 in Lagos.

In a passionate letter to the billionaire lotto magnate dated Monday, January 11, and released by his Media Office in Lagos, Tinubu prayed that God grant Papa Adebutu and those left behind by the deceased the strength to live on after her.

The former Lagos governor said: “I’m deeply saddened by the news of the passing of your beloved wife, Mrs. Rosemary Adebutu. By way of this letter,

please accept my heartfelt condolences.

“The passing of our loved ones is always painful and difficult to live with. We must, however, take such developments as the will of God and accept it in good faith.

Governor Abiodun has also commiserated with Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, over the death of his wife.

This is contained in a statement issued by his Chief

Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, in Abeokuta.

“The death of your dear wife is a severe blow on all of us who knew her, and a harder blow on you as her husband, friend and confidant. Words cannot adequately convey my heartfelt sorrow over Mama’s death, for she was a kind and beautiful soul who spread love to all who encountered her,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.

Staff Audit: Ekiti Labour Warns Assembly against Unlawful Sack,Victimisation Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The organised labour in Ekiti State has tackled the state House of Assembly over what it termed as alleged secret attempt to sack some workers under the guise of staff audit.

The organised labour in a letter jointly signed by the Secretaries of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Taiwo Akinyemi; Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lawrence Kuloogun, and Joint Negotiating Council, Gbenga

Olowoyo, said the unions would resist any attempt to sack some workers under the facade of staff audit.

In a letter dated January 11, 2021, and addressed to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, the labour warned that sacking any worker at this point would strain the smooth and robust relationship between the labour and the administration of Fayemi.

The letter entitled: ‘Staff Audit

in Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission: Need for Caution’, expressed disgust over the alleged audit, which it described as not being in tandem with the spirit of trust between the labour and the government.

According to the organised labour, “It is very essential to inform you that the attention of the state leadership of the organised labour has been drawn to the activities of the House of

Assembly Service Commission through a letter dated January, 9, 2021, by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PSSAN) in respect of the staff audit report which is now before the House of Assembly Service Commission.

“As a matter of necessity, the leadership of the organised labour fumed over any action under the guise of staff audit to disrupt the industrial peace in the civil service of the state.

Enugu Farmers Hail Ugwuanyi on Agriculture Farmers in Enugu State under the aegis of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his administration’s giant strides in the agricultural sector especially in ensuring food security in the state in spite of the daunting challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The farmers expressed delight at the support and achievements

of Ugwuanyi’s administration in the sector, such as “the provision of seed inputs, infrastructure and mechanization for over 11,000 farmers under the FADAMA III Additional Finance; provision of basic input empowerment to over 700 commercial farmers and cooperatives all over the State through the Commercial Agricultural Development Programme (CADP) and the

complete profiling and listing of 1700 farmers and farmers’ cooperatives under the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livehood Improvement Support Project (APPEALS), soon to commence Pre-disbursement training,” stressing that they are unparallel and worthy of commendation.

Speaking when they paid a courtesy visit to State

Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Matthew Idu, to felicitate with Ugwuanyi on the New Year, the Chairman of AFAN, Enugu State Chapter, Mr. Romanus .A. Ezeh, also applauded the state government for “the provision of intervention fund in support of Agricultural Development in Rice and Cassava production in 5 Local Government Areas in Enugu State.

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TUESDAYSPORTS

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

C O N F E D E R AT I O N C U P

CAF Reschedules Rivers Utd, Bloemfontein Celtic Clash for Jan 23 The CAF Confederation Cup tie between Nigeria’s Rivers United and South Africa’sBloemfontein Celtic has been rescheduled for the weekend of 22-24 January.

The second leg of the last 32 tie will now be played in a neighbouring country to Nigeria, which has more lenient Covid-19 protocols for travellers arriving from South Africa.

Originally the match should have been played on 6 January in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt but the South African side were not able to travel to Nigeria due to the strict coronavirus regulations by the Nigerian Government.

The regulations meant that Bloemfontein Celtic would have had to quarantine for seven days upon arrival, because South Africa is

designated as one of the high risk countries.

According to the South African Football Federation (SAFA) “the decision to reschedule the match comes after SAFA reached out to CAF to seek guidance on the matter after Celtic’s initial appeal

to the Nigerian FA and Nigerian government was turned down.

“The Nigerian Football Federation to decide and communicate the venue, date, kick-off-time and the approval of the neutral host association by 12 January 2021 at the

latest.

“The additional player registration period starts on the 10th of January 2021, the two teams shall not be allowed to field any of the players registered during this period for this match.”

Rivers United lead the tie 2-0 after the first leg with the overall winners progressing to play Champions League losers Enyimba of Nigeria in the play-offs to qualify for the group stage of the Confederation Cup.

Covid-19: NWFL Shifts Match-day 5 Fixtures Femi Solaja Due to the inability of all the 14 NWFL Premiership clubs to meet up with the directives of the NWFL Secretariat on Covid-19 testing for players and team officials, the board of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) headed by Aisha Falode, has postponed all Week 5 matches in order to accommodate collation and validation of the Covid-19 test being conducted by the Premiership clubs.

According to the Chairperson of the NWFL, Aisha Falode, who spoke from her base in Lagos, “The NWFL do not want to take risk with any of the clubs going by the fresh wave of increased Covid-19 infections due to the new variants of the deadly disease which have left more people dead in Nigeria than before.”

She added: “We are currently verifying and validating results sent in by some of the 14 clubs not up to half of the clubs in the league.

“We are also going to verify the authenticity of the test centres sent in by the clubs from the Federal Ministry of Health and the relevant state’s Ministry of Health, going by the reports that some clubs are going to unapproved centres to conduct the test.

“Tests from unapproved

centres will be rejected after verification and the clubs involved suspended from the league.

“The postponement of the league by one week is due to the tasking process of collation and validation.

Because of this, the board of the NWFL found it imperative to postpone the Week 5 matches to allow the Secretariat complete their jobs on the ongoing Covid-19 test on clubs concerned.”

Falode stressed that: “The board has given enough time to the clubs to complete the test and send results with proof (pictures) from government approved test centres, to the Secretariat by mail and hard copies (original) on or before Friday 15th January 2021.”

Falode, who is also a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, declared that any club found wanting at the end of the exercise will be suspended from the league indefinitely.

And the NWFL may have to take over the testing of all the clubs to avoid any of the clubs putting the league into disrepute.

The NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Faith Ben-Anuge, noted from Abuja, that, that the postponed Week 5 matches will now be played on Wednesday January 20, 2021.

Bloemfontein Celtic’s Justice Chabalala (left) taking on a Rivers United’s defender during the first leg in South Africa a fortnight ago. CAF has now rescheduled the second leg fixture to a neutral venue outside Nigeria

Delta State LG Sports Festival Postponed The Delta State Local Governments Sports Festival earlier scheduled to open on January 14 has been postponed.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and former Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo, explained that the shift became necessary in overriding public interest in consideration of the new wave of COVID-19.

The development arose from a meeting on Monday with the Secretary to the Government of Delta State, Hon Chiedu Ebie who invited the organisers to present their

plans for precaution and prevention of the spread of the disease during the event.

While commending the committee for their detailed strategy, the SSG said, considering the amount of work already done by the committee, deciding for or against going ahead with the event is like a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea. He however pointed out that in situations like this, it is safer to err on the side of caution.

“Your COVID-19 prevention protocol plan is well articulated and I am not surprised considering the calibre of people involved in the organisation. The question however is: Can we continue as though things are normal?

There is growing public health concerns that the COVID-19 case numbers are going up and there is need to take adequate measures against the second wave. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get people to comply 100 percent. If you go ahead to hold the event, nothing may happen but if something happens then it will deemed irresponsible to have held it at this time.”

Responding, the Chairman of the LOC affirmed that no amount of expenses already incurred in the organisation of the event is worth the risk of the exposure.

“We know that sports is still going on in the country and across the world, howbeit with various levels of observation of the COVID

prevention protocols, but the threat of the disease and the second wave is real.

This gives cause for caution.

While preparing for the event, we had been watching developments and we believe that no amount of expenses already incurred is worth the risk of going ahead at this time. Under the circumstance, we can only act on the path of responsibility and that is to postpone the event until the coast is clear. We thank the state government for its support as well as our sponsors, UBA and Levant Construction for their understanding. We urgent the athletes to use this break to prepare harder ahead of a new date.”

APOI UNITY CUP

Egbe Calls on NDDC, Oil and Gas Companies to Support Sports

Manchester United and Liverpool have another date to keep as the top teams of the English topflight have been paired in the fourth round of the FA Cup

Soccer for the first time ever was on the New Year menu of the riverine Apoi communities of Southern Ijaw local government of Bayelsa State, thanks to a son of the soil, Ebi Egbe, who bankrolled a grassroots football tournament that ended on January 2.

Egbe, the CEO of Monimichelle said he decided to sponsor the grassroots football tournament which was won by Ogboin United of Ogboinbiri as a way of getting the youths to say no to militancy and yes to sports.

Egbe promised to make the tournament an annual event that can only get bigger and better.

Speaking on why he decided to sponsor the meet, the

Monimichelle boss said as a major stakeholder in the sports industry, he wants to use football to turn things around in the Southern Ijaw local government which is the heartbeat of militancy in the Niger Delta.

“I am out to change the narrative of Southern Ijaw being the hotbed of militancy. I am confident sports, especially football can be used to redirect the energy of the youths. Rather than engage in militancy, I want them to be engaged in football.

The kind of mammoth crowd that watched the matches, especially the final was a clear indication that with sports the youths of Apoi will become worthy Ambassadors of Nigeria,” Egbe said.

He urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the several oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to key into the sports agenda which he pointed out would be the game changer when it comes to youths restiveness and militancy.

“If the NDDC and the oil companies put just 10 percent of what they are using to fight militancy into sports and the provision of sporting infrastructure in Southern Ijaw, there would be nothing like militancy anymore...I can put my money on this,” Egbe said adding...”We all know the power of football, especially in the Niger Delta region where soccer talents abound.”

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TUESDAYSPORTS

Finidi George Optimistic of Nigerian Coaching Job One Day Former Nigeria international Finidi George has said that he will continue to put himself forward for national coaching roles despite being overlooked twice.

The 49-year-old retired from playing in 2004 after a 15-year career, which included winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations as well as three league titles and the 1995 European Champions League with Dutch giants Ajax.

After concluding his internship at Dutch minnows PEC Zwolle as part of his coaching course, George has been seeking an opportunity to manage at youth level in the West African nation after twice failing to get the nod for the Under-17 job.

“I’m very disappointed but I understand the Nigerian system quite well,” George told BBC

Sport Africa.

“It’s a matter of having the patience. So I’m open and will continue to improve myself with the hope of getting a chance to coach one of the country’s youth teams.

“When you have the right qualifications, attitude and professionalism, you can only aim for the best and it may even be a chance with the senior side, the Super Eagles, we shall see.”

George is not only continuing his search for a coaching role but is also keen to continue improving himself as he splits his time between Nigeria and Spain, where he spent much of his playing career.

His first rejection came in 2018 when Manu Garba was retained as Nigeria’s under-17 coach and then last year Finidi once again applied for the post, this time another ex-

international and veteran local manager Fatai Amoo was chosen by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“I was disappointed to be ignored, but only consoled that at the end of the day this is Nigeria,” he added.

“I understand the challenges, I will just wait for when the time is right and the opportunity present itself again.

“As I continue to look at other options out there, I am open and will not shut the doors to Nigeria.

“I just hope someday that decision will be made and I will be call upon to handle

one of the teams. I can only just keep hoping.”

Since his retirement from football in 2004, he has earned his UEFA A Licence which is one level below the highest qualification, the Pro Licence.

He is currently allowed to be head coach of youth teams up to age 18, reserve teams (also known as ‘B’ teams) for top-flight clubs, and men’s professional second-tier clubs.

His previous coaching roles include director of international football at former club Real Betis and

managed the youth team of his erstwhile Spanish side, Real Mallorca in 2013.

George was part of the “golden generation” of Nigerian football stars, alongside Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh and Daniel Amokachi.

He earned over 60 caps for Nigeria and featured at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.

One moment that caught the attention of many around the world came after he scored a spectacular goal against

Greece at the 1994 World Cup and promptly celebrating by getting on all fours and cocking his leg like a dog.

He represented the country in four Nations Cup tournaments, by achieving success in 1994, finishing runners-up in 2000 and third place in 1992 and 2002.

At club level George played in Nigeria for Calabar Rovers and Iwuanyanwu Nationale before shining at Sharks of Port Harcourt and earning a moving to Ajax in the Netherlands in 1993.

Jones Hit Niculescu in First Round of Aussie Qualifying Open Britain’s Francesca Jones beat Monica Niculescu to reach the second round of qualifying for the Australian Open.

The 20-year-old beat the Romanian 28th seed, who is a former top-30 player, 6-3 6-2 in Dubai.

Jones will play Croatia’s Jana Fett next as she bids to reach a Grand Slam main draw for the first time.

British number three Harriet Dart, 24, who reached

the second round of the Australian Open in 2020, was beaten 7-5 6-2 by American Grace Min. Elsewhere, Britain’s Cameron Norrie, 25, beat third seed Adrian Mannarino to reach the the Delray Beach Open quarter-finals.

Norrie claimed a 6-2 7-5 win over the Frenchman to set up a meeting with Frances Tiafoe of America.

Trump National Stripped of 2022 US PGA Championship Trump National in Bedminster has been stripped of the US PGA Championship in 2022 as its organisers felt using the course as host would be “detrimental”.

The PGA of America voted to terminate the agreement on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump, who owns the course, has been accused by Democrats and some Republicans of encouraging last Wednesday’s riot in Congress.

A representative for the Trump Organization said they were “incredibly disappointed” with the decision.

“It has become clear that conducting the PGA Championship at Trump Bedminster would be detrimental to the PGA of America brand and would put at risk the PGA’s ability to deliver our many programmes and sustain the longevity of our mission,” said PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

“It was a decision made to ensure the PGA of America and PGA professionals can continue to lead and grow our game for decades to come.”

The course in New Jersey, one of 17 courses around the world owned by Trump, was due to host the major in May 2022.

Another of his properties, Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, Scotland, has not been selected to host an Open Championship by the R&A since Trump bought

the resort in 2014 - with the host venues now finalised up to 2024.

Turnberry’s Ailsa course has hosted The Open on four occasions since first staging the championship in 1977, most recently when Stewart Cink won in 2009.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said there were “no plans” to stage any of its championships at Turnberry and that the governing body would “not do so in the foreseeable future”.

“We will not return until we are convinced that the focus will be on the championship, the players and the course itself and we do not believe that is achievable in the current circumstances,” Slumbers said.

The PGA of America is now searching for a replacement host for one of the game’s biggest four men’s individual events.

“We have had a beautiful partnership with the PGA of America,” Trump’s representative added.

“This is a breach of a binding contract and they have no right to terminate the agreement.”

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has shared with lawmakers plans to remove President Trump from office before starting an impeachment process, following the riots in the US Capitol building.

Finidi George...remains hopeful for a Nigerian job

Ronaldo Now World’s Joint Top Scorer of All Time Cristiano Ronaldo is now the joint-top scorer of all time, say many reports, after the 759th goal of his career, scored in Juventus’ 3-1 win over Sassuolo - but is it true?

Ronaldo has scored five goals for Sporting Lisbon, 118 for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid, 84 for Juventus and 102 for Portugal - so there is no doubt about his figure.

But the confusion seems to come from his goalscoring rivals of olden days.

Data from Rec. Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation(RSSSF) says Josef Bican is football’s alltime top scorer (excluding players who have never played at the top level) with 805 career goals (from only 530 games), with Romario on 772 and Pele on 767.

Bican, who died in 2001, played for five clubs including Rapid Vienna and Slavia Prague as well as Austria and Czechoslovakia - in a career which lasted from 1931 to 1955.

But among the 805 goals were 27 for Rapid’s reserve and amateur teams, as well as strikes which were not in official international games.

Remove those and Bican finished his career on 759 goals in 495 games.Well maybe, because RSSSF

says some data is partially missing on the Czech second division in 1952.

So what of Pele and Romario? Again there is some dispute over their goal tallies - with both Brazilian strikers claiming to have netted over 1,000 goals.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi recently broke Pele’s world recordof 643 goals for one club... but Santos then claimed Pele’s friendly goals count and he scored 1,091 for the club.

Pele’s own Instagram bio says he is the “Leading Goal

Scorer of All Time (1,283)”.

But remove friendly and unofficial strikes (including one for a military team in 1959) and Pele’s 757 goals for Santos, Brazil and New York Cosmos seems to be the figure doing the rounds.

Romario celebrated his 1,000th goal in 2007 - but that included youth, friendly and testimonial games.

The Brazilian is credited with 745 goals in a career which took in spells in South America, Europe, Asia and Australia - although that goal

Cristiano Ronaldo...equals all time highest scorer

tally seems to change from report to report.

So to answer the question, maybe Ronaldo is the joint top scorer ever. Maybe. Possibly.

Not sure actually.

We do know Messi is 40 behind after scoring 719 goals for Barcelona and Argentina in an era when stats are recorded more officially.

This week, Ronaldo has a chance to maybe break the maybe-record in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia game with Genoa.

Tuesday January 12, 2021

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Price: N250

MISSILE PDP to Fayemi “We call on well-meaning Ekiti people to beg Fayemi to perform the major function of his office by protecting the lives and property of the people before bandits would begin to abduct the people of the state in their house” – The PDP in Ekiti State accusing Governor Kayode Fayemi of surrendering the state to bandits.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI Effiong Akwa and the NDDC abati1990@gmail.com

“T

he Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was in the news for all the wrong reasons in the year 2020. The agency that was established 20 years ago to bring development to the nine oil-bearing communities of the Niger Delta became an embarrassment to the Nigerian government.

In 2019, President Buhari had ordered a forensic audit of the agency’s accounts, a move that was hailed as long overdue by many Nigerians.

This was also said to be consistent with the administration’s anti-corruption campaign. What should be a smooth administrative process however, became a battle for the soul of the agency itself. The conflict was in the shape of controversies over the appointment of a Board for the NDDC. A Board was constituted only to be suspended and replaced with an Interim Management Committee. While the President opted for Interim Management Committee and urged the team of auditors looking into the books of the NDDC to do a thorough job, the National Assembly also launched an inquiry into the affairs of the NDDC. It was like opening a can of worms.

The drama that unfolded was the stuff of box office hits: from the Minister of Delta State Affairs accusing former NDDC Interim Administrator, Joi Nunieh of being a serial monogamist (four husbands, one woman, he boldly stated on Television). By the time Nunieh hit back, it was as if someone had used a coconut to break the Minister’s head (“He tried to touch me!, Nunieh declared!).

This drama had many episodes including an attempt to abduct Nunieh and Governor Wike of Rivers stepping in chivalrously to protect a daughter of Rivers who was being harassed by powerful forces. Niger Delta Stakeholders and particularly Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) activists took over every available airwave and media space to expose the extent of corruption and abuse of due process in the NDDC. Many Nigerians were so shocked they called for the scrapping of the NDDC or at best an immediate reform of the agency to realign it with its original objectives. Anyone and everyone ever associated with the NDDC became a suspect, because the details were eye-blinding. Those who made the allegations were often armed with tons of documents with confident public affirmation that they had duplicates. Accusations and counter accusations flew all over the place. Opposition parties heaped the blame on the Buhari administration. Which was wrong and unfair because the NDDC had been enmeshed in institutional failures long before President Buhari won election at the fourth attempt in 2015.

The more disturbing part of the drama unfolded at the National Assembly where NDDC IMC members openly accused Chairmen of NDDC Committees in the National Assembly of being the main culprits behind the award of emergency contracts, which were all abandoned after more than half of the contract fees had been collected as mobilization fee. Out of all the projects earmarked for the Niger Delta in the last five years, lawmakers simply used their positions of influence to collect rent, and do nothing. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, speaking on behalf of the IMC on several occasions, provided the names of lawmakers and the companies that they used to cover up their tracks. The lawmakers fought back of course. On one occasion, the House of Representatives had tough questions for Professor Daniel Pondei, the then Head of

Akpabio the IMC and right there on live television, the man fainted. On another occasion, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio whose name had featured prominently in the entire circus made some very hard revelations before the House Committee. He was told “Hon. Minister, off your mic. It’s okay. Off your mic.”

Fainting in the face of serious interrogation and the phrase “Off your Mic” became part of Nigeria’s popular lexicon. Both Chambers of the National Assembly wrote their reports, but as these things go, nobody is sure of the true copy of the reports as there are many versions in circulation.

What we are sure of is that in August 2020, the Federal Government named a group of auditors led by Ernst and Young to do a thorough forensic audit of the NDDC. The expectation was that they would complete the assignment

by December 2020. The public was skeptical.

Many thought no forensic audit would go well, with the Pondei-led IMC still in office. In April 2020, the tenure of that committee had been extended. On December 12, 2020, President Buhari dissolved the Daniel Pondei IMC, in response to a Federal High Court Abuja ruling which declared the Interim Management Committee illegal. He named as sole administrator, Effiong Akwa, a lawyer and accountant, former Special Assistant, Finance at the NDDC, and former Acting Executive Director, Finance. His mandate is to fast-track and facilitate the conclusion of the audit process. Anything NDDC attracts controversy like bees to nectar. In just about 3 weeks in office, Akwa’s appointment has generated a huge volume of smear campaign, name-calling, objections, protests, sponsored content, a series of articles in the newspapers, for and against. President Buhari’s decision must have been borne out of a determination to re-invigorate the NDDC audit. Nigeria has invested so much money in the NDDC over the last 20 years. Nearly all the projects remain abandoned, including the abandoned city roads that are a perennial source of conflict with state governors. Perhaps the only project that the NDDC can point to, with very small fingers, are the roads leading to the Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko. Oil spillage remains an unresolved problem. The people are poor.

The objections to Akwa show just how complex the politics of the Niger Delta and the NDDC is, and why a far-reaching reform is required.

Akwa enjoys the support of an umbrella group

called Niger Delta Change Ambassadors – a coalition of over 50 civil society groups, and especially, the Oron Union who vowed that they would resist any attempt to ridicule Akwa. The Oron people have a long history of nationalism, dating back to the determined struggles of the early 80s led by Professor Okon Edet Uya with the slogan: “Oro-n-phobia! The Oron Union argues that the attack on their kinsman smacks of “Oronphobia”. His main attackers operate under the banner of the Niger Delta Renaissance Coalition, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and Mothers of Oil Producing Communities of Niger Delta (MOPROCOND), who have promised a “grand nude protest” in front of the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt. I will leave out the name-calling and deal with their substantial points.

The first argument is that by appointing a sole administrator, the President has acted in an illegal and unconstitutional manner.

They insist that the NDDC Establishment Act (2000) as amended, does not provide for a sole administrator. It provides instead for an interim management committee whose tenure is defined in law. One of the protesters also claims that the President has broken the law.

I don’t see how the President has broken any law in this instance. The President is sworn to defend the Constitution which is superior to any subsidiary legislation. Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution grants the President executive powers that are personal to him and his office.

He may also delegate authority to Ministers, aides and any person of his choice as he de ems fit. He cannot however exercise powers that are not granted to him under the Constitution. It is as simple as that. Whoever is not pleased has every right to challenge the President’s decision in court, rather than engaging in disruptive manoeuvres with a hidden agenda. Already one K.C. Okpo has filed a suit at a Federal High Court citing breaches of Sections 2, 3, 4 and 12 of the NDDC Establishment Act. No date has been fixed for hearing.

The second argument is that Effiong Akwa is a stooge of the Minister of the Niger Delta.

How does anyone determine that? It is strange that since Senator Godswill Akpabio assumed office as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, he has been fingered as the man calling all the shots at the NDDC, with the sub-text of projecting him as a man who is so powerful that he can dictate to the President of Nigeria. There are too many people who are described as great and powerful Ministers in the media, but who in the corridors of power kneel down like schoolboys in order to keep their jobs. It is delusional to think that an aide of the President can impose on him. Presidents can delegate powers but they do not share it. Akpabio may be the supervising Minister but he cannot, must not and should not be allowed to become a one-man Board of the NDDC. The Federal Government has made it clear that immediately after the completion of the audit, a new NDDC Board will be constituted. But even then, the NDDC forensic audit cannot continue forever. Akwa’s tenure must be properly defined and the team of auditors must be given strict deadlines. Senator Akpabio should be given clear Presidential directives to steer clear of the audit to build trust and confidence in the process.

The third argument pushed by the Ijaw Youth Congress, which I find ridiculous, is the view that Ijaws are the only true Niger Delta people so they should be allowed to lead NDDC. How can an Akwa from Akwa Ibom be less Niger

Delta than an Ijaw person? What determines true Niger Deltan-ness? It is precisely this kind of ethnic in-fighting that makes other Nigerians worry about the politics of the Niger Delta.

Has anybody heard any similar stories since the North East Development Commission was established? Never. But our brothers and sisters in the Niger Delta are busy fighting over appointments, money and contracts. Ijaw Youth cannot claim any extra-ordinary privilege in the Niger Delta. It is true that oil was discovered in commercial quantities in Oloibiri, Bayelsa state.

Ijaws also gave us the hero of the struggle, Isaac Adaka Boro. But so have other parts of the Niger Delta through the years. Akwa Ibom can boast of the likes of Obong Victor Attah, who fell out of favour with the Obasanjo administration because of his insistence on an upward review of derivation and the likes of Udom Inoyo, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, Senator Anietie Okon and many others who fought for justice in the Niger Delta. In terms of crude oil output, Akwa Ibom accounts for over 40% of the total crude oil output in the Niger Delta with 80% of that from Oron, where Akwa hails from.

Akwa Ibom is followed by Delta State, Rivers, while Bayelsa is No. 4 on the list. Ijaws have benefitted more than any other group in the Niger Delta. And yet, I have not seen any record of Akwa Ibom people bombing oil pipelines or kidnapping expatriates for ransom.

The objections are disruptive and distractive.

IYC and other stakeholders should unite with others to confront the major problems of the region instead of fighting over appointments.

There are big problems: pollution, Ogoni clean up, gas flaring, amendment of the NDDC Act, reform of the NDDC itself etc. Those former officials of the NDDC who are having battle with their conscience and are looking for every means possible to cover up their tracks or discredit the audit should be reminded that “catching the thieves” is only an expected derivative of the audit, the bigger picture is how to transform the NDDC from a sinkhole, a leaky bucket, a vehicle of rent distribution into a true development agency with measurable benefits for the people.

Within 3 weeks of assuming office, Effiong Akwa has engaged with the National Assembly to get approval, finally, for NDDC Budget 2020 which will run till June. But he must remain focused and refuse to be dragged into the politics of the job. His assignment is simple: facilitate the completion of the forensic audit.

By now, he should know that all eyes are on him. All the paid agents within the NDDC will monitor everything he does or says, looking for loopholes and omissions with which to nail him when the opportunity arises. He must be firm but sensible. He has already been called Godfrey Akpabio’s stooge. It is important that he does not behave like one. NDDC is not a revenue generating agency. It is a development agency with budgeted outlines. He must put an end to the trend of rent-distribution. Ninety percent of contracts awarded by the NDDC are emergency contracts. These contracts are a conduit for fraud. Every procurement in the public sector is governed by the Public Procurement Act (2007). The Act requires that every contract to be awarded must be backed by Appropriation and “a Certificate of No Objection” from the Bureau of Public Procurement, the violations of which amount to a criminal offence. Effiong Akwa should get a copy of the Procurement Act and commit it to memory. He will be glad he did… When will the Niger Delta rise above atomistic politics?

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