TUESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2024

UBA Surpasses N1tn Market Capitalisation on NGX, Share Price Hits N29.90 Emerges best performing banking stock in 2023

James Emejo in Abuja The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc yesterday, joined the elite group of companies with market capitalisa-

tion of over N1 trillion as its share price also hit N29.90 per share.

At the close of trading yesterday, the bank’s market capitalisation hit N1.02 trillion, making it the third

most capitalised financial institution in the country - a remarkable boost from N283.8 billion at the beginning of 2023. The bank has 34.19 billion shares in issue.

The N1 trillion market capitalisation feat comes amid the bank’s share being named as the highest performing stock in the banking sector in 2023, which underscored

Elumelu hails feat

its robust growth trajectory and unwavering market confidence.

Specifically, between the start of January 2023 and yesterday, the price of UBA shares had appreciated by

over 250 per cent from N7.60 per share, the bank noted in a statement.

Commenting on the bank's imContinued on page 12

Tuesday 9 January, 2024 Vol 28. No 10499. Price: N400

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Obi: Tinubu’s Securitisation of N7.3tn Debt Owed CBN Illegal... Page 25

Court Orders EFCC to Pay Emefiele N100m for Unlawful Detention

Says former CBN boss cannot be re-arrested, detained without order of court Decries security agencies' acts of arrest before investigation Anti-graft agency appeals fine

Kingsley Nwezeh and Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday, slammed

the sum of N100 million against the federal government and the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC) as fine for unlawfully detaining former Governor of the Central Bank

of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

But EFCC, yesterday, expressed

dissatisfaction with the judgement.

Continued on page 12

Contagion as Tunji-Ojo Distances Self from Payments by Humanitarian Ministry

Edu suspended, Umar-Farouq detained Tinubu directs EFCC to thoroughly scan all financial transactions in ministry Charges Edun-led panel to carry out detailed financial architecture of social investment programmes Minister denied access to villa, pass seized Uzodimma: we can’t query president’s wisdom Ndume, others commend development Story on page 12

MINISTER OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT VISITS DANGOTE SUGAR...

L-R: Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Ifeanyi Okeke; Director Industrial Development, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Bala Mohammed; Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Group Managing Director/CEO, Ravindra Singhvi; Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Executive Director Operations, Mariya Aliko Dangote; Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin; and immediate past Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, during the honourable minister's PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN visit to Dangote Sugar Refinery Apapa Lagos as part of the rollout of the Strategic Roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), held in Lagos…yesterday

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

EXPLORING THE SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT...

L-R: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; the Saudi Arabia Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar AlKhorayef; the Vice-Minister, Mining Affairs, Eng. Khaled AlMudifer and another member of the Saudi delegation on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia... yesterday

Finally, NERC Sacks Kaduna Disco’s Board over Failure to Settle N110bn Debt Appoints Hashidu to temporarily oversee KAEDC pending sale TCN serves disconnection notice on Ajaokuta Steel, Aba Power for N33bn, N10bn debts

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the dissolution of the board of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company plc (KAEDC) over its failure to offset a debt of N110 billion owed the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the Market Operator (MO).

The final sack of the KAEDC board is coming about nine months after the electricity sector regulator notified the company of its intention to “cancel its licence” after 60 days, at the time, over its growing liabilities.

NERC stated that after a performance review, the Disco only achieved a combined average of 13.85 per cent of its minimum payment obligation to NBET and the MO and recorded an average monthly market shortfall of N4.33 billion.

“As at October 1, 2023, KAEDC owed NBET and MO over N110 billion and stands in the risk of direct receivership if the utility’s continued participation in the electricity market as presently constituted at management, board and shareholder level is allowed to continue without urgent regulatory intervention,” it stated.

With the order which took effect from January 1, 2024, NERC disclosed that Dr. Umar Hashidu has now been appointed as the administrator of the company further to section

75 of the Electricity Act (EA).

The new administrator, it said , shall be the de facto chief executive officer of KAEDC and shall be responsible for the management of the day-to-day affairs of the utility pending the finalisation of the sale of the undertaking to a new core investor.

According to the NERC order signed by its Chairman, Sanusi Garba, the newly appointed administrator shall work with a team of special directors that shall constitute non-executive directors of the board for governance purposes.

It listed the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alex Okoh as Chairman, while Kabir Adamu, Sharfuddeen Mahmoud, John Ayodele and Rahila Thomas are to serve as members.

“The executive management team that shall work with the administrator shall be constituted by the commission and announced in due course.

The commission shall administer the sale of the undertaking in accordance with the provisions of the EA on the basis of the highest and best price offered for the undertaking,” NERC added.

The power sector regulator also chronicled how the company failed several times to up its game despite several pledges to that effect.

In January 2023, the commission said it conducted a detailed review

of the performance of the Disco for the period January to December 2022, confirming that KAEDC only achieved an abysmally low payment obligation.

The commission further noted that the evaluated level of underperformance indicated that the company had been unable to recover the additional liquidity required by KAEDC to optimally function as a utility as provided in its approved revenue requirement.

“Based on the commission's approved revenue requirement for KAEDC, the utility under-recovered its revenues to the tune of N88.75 billion, being the sum of its market shortfall, capital investment allowance of N25.33 billion and allowed

operating expense of N11 .6 billion.

“The analysis indicates that KAEDC is currently experiencing challenges and its commercial viability and continuation is in doubt.

KAEDC's management has not been able to develop a clear pathway toward recapitalisation, improvement of operational efficiency, sustainability of the utility; and they were unable to present a credible plan that would yield the desired results,” it added.

KAEDCO’s core investors include: Africa Export Import Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc and BPE. NERC stated that the commission resolved to extend the earlier licence cancellation notice issued on May 15, 2023 for a final period of 30-days with effect from July 20, 2023, noting

At least one person was feared dead yesterday following an explosion at an illegal facility refining used engine oil exploded at Katango area of Wailari, located along Ring Road in Kano.

The explosion occurred at about 09:50 am, affecting five residential houses within the vicinity in the outskirts of the metropolis.

The operators were alleged to have employed hazardous processes to refine the used engine oil which

caught fire, before concerned persons from one petrol station, Kano State Fire Service and officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attempted to quench it after hours.

The dead body recovered from the debris of the illegal refinery by the emergency workers was identified as that of one Aminu. It was burnt beyond recognition.

Another eyewitness, a personnel of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) said he was on duty along Zaria-Kaduna road when he heard

taken over the reins as the new head of Kaduna Electric, succeeding Yusuf Yahaya who exited last week.

A statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, yesterday, said a brief handover ceremony presided over by the NERC Commissioner for Legal Licensing and Compliance, Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, was conducted at the company's corporate headquarters in Kaduna.

Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) through its market operator has formally served a suspension notice on the Ajoakuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) due to what it described as non-compliance with provisions of the market rules.

Halilu: Human Capital Development Critical to Repositioning of NASENI The Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu has stated that investing in human capital development and staff motivation remain the best ways of repositioning the agency into a power-house of

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at the global scene.

In his keynote address, at the opening ceremony of a five-day training for information, new media and protocol staff of the agency in Abuja, Halilu said that investing in staff training and development

Explosion at Illegal Refining Facility Kills One, Destroys Houses in Kano

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

that further to the issuance of the final extension that there had been neither any change in KAEDC's financial standing nor improvements in its payment obligation to the market.

It stated that the management, board and shareholders of KAEDC had been granted ample opportunities to address the utility's failing performance at meetings with the commission and they had been unable to cure the utility's failure.

“All directors of KAEDC are hereby removed from office and the board of directors stands dissolved in the exercise of powers vested in the commission by section 75 of the EA,” NERC ordered.

In the meantime, Hashidu has

an explosion, which razed down houses close to the location.

"I immediately called the attention of the Kano Fire Service and directed them to the location. The place, which is located in the midst of residential houses at Katango in Wailari, is used to stock scraps of trucks and trailers and also to refine used engine oil for other purposes.

"No one can tell what exactly happened that led to the explosion.

The trailer carrying drums of the used engine oil was gutted by the fire in which the driver was trapped

and burned beyond recognition.

"Close to the location were residential houses with women and children, and about five house were gutted by the inferno. However, it is not clear whether there is any death or injury as a result as people were rescued through humanitarian efforts.

"An old lady who could not walk was rescued from one of the houses and two kids were also rescued from another house when their mother ran out and left them inside, all through humanitarian efforts by good Samaritans," he explained.

was vital for the success of any organisation.

“We are building a new NASENI where one of the overarching goals is to have well trained employees with knowledge and requisite technical, vocational and management skills required for the Agency’s growth and technology advancement,” he stated.

Buttressing the mandate of the agency, the NASENI boss noted that the agency’s mission was to drive Nigeria’s rapid industrialisation through the new three Cs of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialisation.

He added that in the past four months since he took over the leadership of NASENI, the agency had embarked on new partnerships and collaborations aimed at turning NASENI’s over 150 scientific and technological prototypes, products and intellectual properties rights (IPR) into finished products.

“We have signed multibillion dollars, new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and revived old ones with international technical partners to establish coal-based fertiliser plant, Lithium processing and Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing

plant, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agric afforestation, smart solar irrigation, tractor repairs and crop traceability for food security,” he further explained.

The Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure, Prof. Bagudu Gwadangaji, who was represented

by Dr. Olayode Olasupo urged the information staff to adapt to new media and protocol strategies to ensure the continued success and relevance of NASENI. Also, the Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure, Prof Umar Gaya, stated that the theme of the training was timely as it will equip participants with necessary skills and tools to combat fake news which can affect organizations negatively.

In his welcome address, the Director of Information, Protocol and New Media Unit, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan, commended Halilu for making staff motivation, development and productivity top priorities in his agenda since he assumed the position as CEO barely four months ago.

He said in an era defined by rapid advancement, the training was a crucial step towards navigating the complexities of digital age.

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NEWS

Laying foundation for rehabilitation of Hospital...

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal (middle); and others at the laying of foundation for the rehabilitation and renovation of the General Hospital in Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara State… recently

MAN Berates EFCC over Raid on Dangote’s Head Office Describes invasion as sheer brigandage on display

Dike Onwuamaeze The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has described the invasion of the corporate headquarters of the Dangote Industries Limited by dozens of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives as a Gestapo styled exercise and sheer brigandage on display.

MAN also expressed concern that the invasion would hurt the corporate reputation of the industrial giant and could scare away would be foreign investors intending to do business in Nigeria.

It expressed these views yesterday in a statement titled, “MAN Calls for Civility in Operations by Government Agencies,” in which it stated that the outcome of the, rather unfortunate incident may have great impact on how Nigeria would be perceived as respecter of the right of business entities because of the status of the Dangote Industries within the Nigerian economy, Africa and the world.

The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who issued the statement wondered: “Why hurt the corporate image and disrupt the

business operations of the company?

The fact that the administration is currently actively engaged in activities aimed at attracting foreign investors should dictate a more circumspect and civil way to make enquiries and secure documents from existing/ domestic operators.

“There is no doubt that this news has gone around the world and many, including would be investors, would be taken aback and anxiously awaiting how the story will end. This may not be the best way to show that Nigeria is committed to good corporate governance.”

NCC Approves Partial Disconnection of Glo Subscribers over Interconnect Debt Industry source says outstanding debt already paid

Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday, gave approval to MTN to disconnect all Glo subscribers from its network with effect from January 18, 2024.

According to the NCC, MTN would partially disconnect all Glo subscribers and restrict them from making calls to MTN network, but they can receive in-coming calls generated from the MTN network, with effect from January 18, 2024.

The NCC which gave the order in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, said the decision became necessary, following the refusal of Globacom to pay interconnection fees owed to MTN. Although the NCC did not disclose the amount owed by Globacom, it however said it had investigated the matter and decided that Glo subscribers be partially disconnected after 10 days from yesterday.

The statement explained: "The Commission hereby notify the public and subscribers of Globacom that approval has been granted for the partial disconnection of Globacom

from MTN Nigeria, due to nonsettlement of interconnect charges.

"Globacom was notified of the application made by MTN and was given opportunity to comment and state its case. NCC, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Globacom does not have sufficient or justifiable reasons for non-payment of the interconnect charges.

“All subscribers are therefore requested to take note that NCC has approved the partial disconnection of Globacom to MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Commission Act 2003 and Paragraph 9 of the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators 2012.

"At the expiration of 10 days from the date of the notice, subscribers of Globacom will no longer be able to make calls to MTN, but will be able to receive calls. The partial disconnection, however will allow in-bound calls to Globacom network.

The disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the NCC," the statement added.

Meanwhile, industry sources

disclosed that what was due for payment was N1.6 billion, and that the amount had been paid without any controversy.

"It is either the act is deliberate or gross ineptitude on the part of the detractors, who find it difficult to do ordinary cross checking of facts. Glo does not owe MTN, not anybody," the source said.

Ajayi-Kadir, said MAN received the news of the invasion of the Dangote Industries by dozens of EFCC operatives with great shock and expressed concern that the same ill treatment might be meted on about 50 other companies also being investigated by the agency.

He said: “Not that any company is above investigation, but it is about the appropriateness of the method and the sheer brigandage we saw on display. It is whether it will take an armed invasion by dozens of security operatives to get documents from a well-structured and clearly identifiable company like the Dangote Industries.

“What we understand is that it is part of EFCC’s ongoing investigation into foreign exchange allocations in the country. We believe it is within the remit of EFCC to do so.

“But the question is: what is the wisdom in security operatives swooping on the headquarters of a leading African conglomerates only to demand for documents relating to allocation of foreign exchange to the Group in the last 10 years?

“Is it that the company refused to respond to a request to present those documents? Are those documents only available with DIL and not in the Central Bank of Nigeria or the relevant commercial banks?

“Was there a possibility of armed resistance, if the EFCC operatives had come unarmed and devoid of the gestapo style invasion?

“Because of the status of DIL within the Nigerian economy, Africa and the world, the outcome of this rather unfortunate incident may have great impact on how we are perceived as respecters of the right of business entities.”

Ajayi-Kadir, therefore, advised

government’s agencies to exercise restraints and be mindful of the wider implications of their actions on the country’s fragile business environment.

“I think it is important for the EFCC to take steps to clear the air on the negative interpretation being adduced to this action. This is necessary to reassure existing business concerns and encourage would be investors,” he said.

Tinubu Sacks BPE Boss, Okoh, FCCPC’s Irukera Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday ordered the immediate dismissal of chief executive officers of two federal government agencies in the country.

The sacked officers are Mr. Babatunde Irukera, Chief Executive, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Mr. Alexander Okoh, Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

The dismissal of the two CEOs, according to a release issued yesterday by the presidential

spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, was in conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the federal government.

He noted that this was towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation's economy by key growth-enabling institutions.

The two sacked chief executives, the president said, were directed to hand over to the next most senior officers in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new heads.

Security: Obaseki to Make Installation of CCTVs Compulsory for Designated Premises The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the State has recorded huge improvements in public safety and security over the past seven years, owing to an innovative and pragmatic approach adopted by his government to tackle crime and criminality in the State.

While speaking to journalists in Benin City, the governor said as part of efforts to sustain the gains recorded in tackling insecurity in the state, his government plans to make the installation of surveillance

cameras compulsory for businesses and designated premises in the state.

“We shall shortly be bringing a bill to the House of Assembly for a law to make it mandatory for businesses and designated premises to install surveillance cameras.

“We have made huge improvements in public safety and security, owing to an innovative and pragmatic approach to tackling crime and criminality in the State.

“We have trained not less than 5000 community police personnel un-

der the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) in the last one year through investment in training facilities within the State. These personnel have been instrumental in our community-led intelligence-gathering mechanism.

“In collaboration with the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), we have set up emergency short codes - 112 and 739. These codes serve as a direct and efficient link for citizens to access emergency services promptly,” he stated.

He further noted that a ground-

breaking partnership with the ministry of health has been solidified, ensuring the seamless integration of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with the state and a fleet of ambulances.

“Concurrently, efforts are underway to fortify our surveillance infrastructure. The ongoing installation of street-wide cameras and lights represents a pivotal stride in bolstering our security apparatus and enhancing data collection capabilities,” the governor added.

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Opening of a 5-Day training for Information, Protocol and New Media Officers...

L-R: PA to EVC/CEO of NASENI, Sufyan Baffa: SA to EVC of NASENI on Intergovernmental Relations and Partnerships, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; CEO, Cerca Africa, Sam Obafemi; the Executive Vice Chairman /CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Director of Information, Protocol and New Media, NASENI, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan; Director of Manufacturing Services, NASENI, Dr Olayode Olasupo; Deputy Director Information, NASENI, Mr. Chima Akwaja at the opening of a five-day training for Information, Protocol and New Media Officers of the agency at the Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja... yesterday

ICAN Tasks FG on Challenges Constraining Businesses in Nigeria Says Nigeria is a high-risk environment for sustainable business operations Dike Onwuamaeze Concerned by the steep decline in foreign investment inflows into Nigeria and the surge in the number of multinationals closing their operations in the country, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has called on the federal government to address challenges constraining businesses in order to create an environment that would attract and retain Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

ICAN noted that it had become a matter of concern that despite the launch of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in 2016 and numerous presidential globetrotting in the name of searching for FDIs, Nigeria still recorded steep declines in FDIs inflow of 69 per cent and 44 per cent in the first and third quarters of 2023 respectively.

The 59th President of ICAN, Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa, in a recent publication titled “ICAN Position Paper: Attracting Foreign Direct Investment,” pointed out that data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that, “on a year-on-year comparison, there was a substantial 69 per cent decrease, as FDI fell from $155 million in Q1 2022 to a paltry $48 million in Q1 2023. In Q3, 2023, it was US$654.65 million, compared to US$1,159.67 million recorded in Q3, 2022, indicating a decline of about 44 per cent.

“The downward trend in FDI inflows highlighted above reflects the reality of the challenges that businesses face, which we suggest should be addressed by the present government if it will attract FDIs. To this end we are of the view that these foreign trips will yield fruit if these challenges which are discussed below are first addressed.”

Okwuosa further stated that the spate of exits in the country’s industrial sector that was becoming a trend since August 2023, when GSK announced its departure, the

cessation of daily trip to Nigeria by some notable airlines and disinvestments by Truworths, Etisalat, ExxonMobil, Tiger Brands, HSBC, Woolworths, Shoprite, InterCon¬tinental Hotel Group, and many more companies were clear indications, “that initiatives (like) PEBEC may not have created the ease of doing business that can attract and retain FDI, after all.”

He pointed out that the challenges in Nigeria's business environment were multifaceted and included security concerns, infrastructural decay, regulatory constraints and policy inconsistency.

These factors amongst others, according to him, have created a high-risk environment for sustainable business operations in Nigeria.

A notable gap in infrastructure, particularly in critical areas such as power, transportation, human capital including technical human resources, and technology amplify operational challenges for businesses.

He noted that, “the lack of reliable power is a significant constraint for citizens and businesses, resulting on annual economic losses estimated at $26.2 billion (N10.1 trillion).

“According to the 2020 World Bank Doing Business report, Nigeria ranks 171 out of 190 countries in getting electricity and electricity access is seen as one of the major constraints for the private sector, it is doubtful that FDI will be attractive under this situation. This is despite the introduction of PEBEC in 2016.

“Additionally, the specter of corruption and transparency issues looms large, potentially eroding investor confidence, especially if a foreign investor will have to pay his way through in order to be granted access to do business in the country.

“Foreign exchange volatility, marked by fluctuations in the value of the naira, introduces financial uncertainty, while limited access to finance, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises, restricts economic growth,” he said.

The institute also made some recommendations that would woo the foreign investors into the country.

It stated that government should be more proactive in addressing the security challenges facing the country, including identifying and visiting the full weight of the law

on individuals and institutions involved in and sponsoring oil theft, illegal mining and insurgency in order to “create an atmosphere of peace and order that will attract both local and foreign investors.”

It also recommended that government should create an enabling environment that could attract private sector investment in infrastructural development.

Therefore, “the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigeria's main Public Private Partnership (PPP) unit with a key objective of fostering investment in the country's national infrastructure through private sector funding should

be made more active. While we welcome the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, which is a form of PPP, we call for better accountability and transparency in project execution. This is where the skills of chartered accountants are required.”

Other policy initiatives that were recommended by ICAN included legal, regulatory, tax and port reforms, transparency in foreign exchange market management, zero tolerance for bribery and corruption, the establishment of anti-corruption courts in all states of the federation to expeditiously try cases of bribery and corruption, the re-organisation of the major

NCDC: Nigeria Recorded 219 Deaths from Lassa Fever in 2023

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said the country recorded 1,227 confirmed cases and 219 deaths of Lassa Fever in 28 states last year.

The data contained in the latest report by the disease control centre, stated that there was an increase of 172 confirmed cases and 30 fatalities recorded in 2023 when compared to 1,055 cases and 189 deaths recorded within the same

Zulum Shares N221.7 Million Cash, Food Items to 67,454 Households in Borno LG

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has supervised the distribution of N221,760,000 in cash, food items and wrappers to over 67,454 vulnerable residents of Ngala Local Government Area.

Zulum was in Ngala l where he spent two nights coordinating humanitarian and developmental activities in the local government area.

The distribution took place at five centres in Gamboru, Wulgo and Ngala, the major communities

housing thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from two local government areas that fled due to activities of Boko Haram insurgents.

The exercise started on Sunday with 44,352 women beneficiaries each receiving N5,000 in cash and a wrapper, while 23,102 male heads of households each got one bag of rice and one bag of maize grain on Monday.

A statement on Monday by the spokesman of the governor, Isa Gusau, quoted his boss as saying: “Yesterday (Sunday),

anticorruption institutions such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission-(EFCC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to make them more relevant in modern Nigerian business environment.

“An investment-friendly environment leads to increased FDI, bringing capital, technology, and expertise that spur economic development. It fosters job creation by expanding businesses and reducing unemployment,” Okwuosa said.

we distributed non-food items to about 44,352 women in Ngala Local Government Area. “ Each of them received N5,000 and a wrapper. This morning (Monday), we are distributing food items to 23,103 male heads of households. Each of them will receive one bag of rice and one bag of maize to cushion their hardship.”

The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting Borno state government with donation of about 10,000 bags of rice

through the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

The governor was accompanied by the senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Lawan, a member of House of Representatives, Bukar Talba and a member of the House of Assembly representing Ngala constituency, Bukar Abatcha.

Others on the governor's entourage included: Commissioners, special advisers and special advisers designates, heads of agencies in charge of humanitarian activities and some top officials of the government.

period in 2022.

Cumulatively from week one to week 51, 2023, NCDC noted that 216 deaths were reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.5 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (17.9 per cent).

According to the report, the number of new confirmed cases in week 51 spanning 18 to 24 December, Lassa fever cases increased from 10 in the previous week to 26 cases.

The report also noted that the number of suspected cases in 2023 (8,978) increased compared to 2022 (8,130), adding that two health workers were affected in week 51.

The NCDC said that on the whole, 28 states recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever across the 121 Local Government Areas .

Out of the total confirmed Lassa fever cases, three states - Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 77 per cent, while Ondo state accounted for 35 per cent and Edo as well as Bauchi recorded 28 and 14 per cent respectively.

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Dangote Refinery Receives Sixth One Million Barrels Crude Shipment from NNPC 6m barrels now in stock as 650,000bpd oil facility sets to start production

Peter Uzoho

World's largest single-train oil refinery, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, yesterday, achieved what may be described as final proof of its readiness to commence production of refined petroleum products with the receipt of the sixth batch of one million barrels of crude supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The fresh one million barrels of Agbami crude grade delivered through MT ALMI SUN, was the sixth to complete the six million barrels consignment scheduled for delivered to the Dangote facility, which are needed to commence operations at the $20 billion facility.

The Dangote Group announced

the delivery of the last batch of crude supply in a statement made available to THISDAY, yesterday.

With this latest consignment delivered, the Lekki Free Trade Zone-housed refinery effectively has a total of six million barrels of crude now in stock as the 650,000 barrels per day oil facility sets to roar into production white petroleum products in the shortest possible time.

Exactly a month ago, Dangote Refinery had received the first one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), one of the largest trading companies in Nigeria as well as globally, trading over eight million barrels of crude oil per day. Since then, the Aliko Dangote-owned

refinery has been receiving in batches, one million barrels of crude oil with the lastest batch of the six million already being discharged at the Single Point Mooring (SPM-C2) at the Dangote Offshore Oil Terminal (DOOT), according to the statement.

Speaking during the maiden one million barrels of oil delivery then, Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Mr. Akin Omole, had told journalists at the Dangote Quay, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos that the refinery would collect all the six million barrels of crude before the end of January 2024 to put the refinery in good stead to commence operation.

“Once the six million barrels are fully delivered, it will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel,

aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

"This latest development will play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries", Omole had stated.

Designed for 100 per cent Nigerian crude with the flexibility to process other crudes, the promoters of the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery said the facility could process most African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US Light tight oil as well as crude from other countries.

In addition, they said the refinery could meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s

requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and also have surplus of each of these products for export.

The refinery was built to take crude through its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore and to discharge petroleum products through three separate SPMs. In addition, the refinery, according to the company, has the capacity to load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck loading gantries, even as it has a self-sufficient marine facility with the ability to handle the largest vessel globally available.

Moreover, all products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

"The refinery is also designed to comply with US EPA, European

Dangote emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms as well as African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards", the company added.

Contagion as Tunji-Ojo Distances Self from Payments by Humanitarian Ministry

Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, Alex Enumah, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi TunjiOjo, yesterday, denied personally benefitting through his company, New Planet Project Limited, from the sum of N438.1 million from the alleged fake N3 billion social register contract by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, hitherto headed by Dr.

Betta Edu. Even as more revelations emerged about who got what from the controversial contracts, the scandal showed no sign of abating. Instead, it spread like wildfire in the harmattan, with more people getting sucked in.

But President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, yielded to the recommendations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and suspended Edu with immediate effect, following alleged financial impropriety in her ministry.

Edu’s predecessor in office, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, was yesterday detained by EFCC over an alleged N37.1 billion fraud while she held sway as minister.

The presidency said Tinubu’s directive was in line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians.

According to a statement by Tinubu’s media adviser, Ajuri

Ngelale, the president further directed the chairman of EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into all financial transactions involving Edu’s ministry as well as agencies under it.

Tinubu also tasked the investigating panel headed by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes.

Court Orders EFCC to Pay Emefiele N100m for Unlawful Detention A statement by the commission said the decision failed to take cognisance of the fact that the former CBN boss was held with a valid order of court.

"Consequently, the commission will approach the Court of Appeal to set it aside," it stated.

In its judgement, Adeniyi barred the federal government or any of its agencies, notwithstanding Emefiele's current trial, from re-arresting, detaining and harassing him over any alleged offence without first obtaining a warrant of arrest from a court of competent jurisdiction.

The judge made the order after declaring the detention of Emefiele for over five months by the Department of State Services (DSS) and EFCC as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

Adeniyi said the federal government’s excuse that Emefiele was being investigated for other alleged infractions was not tenable, adding that the order of detention obtained from a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse, Abuja, to keep Emefiele in custody for a period of 14 days pending the conclusion of investigation lacked probative value.

The judge, while calling to question the credibility of the remand order, pointed out that the said order was not certified and carried two different dates – October 27, 2023 as date of issue, whereas a careful look at the document read in part, "given under the hand of.... on April 26, 2023."

Besides, the court described EFCC’s action of going to obtain a detention order when it had already filed charges before the high court as an abuse of court process and a breach of the defendant's rights.

The judge berated the security agencies for arresting and detaining suspects before investigation, stressing that such act runs contrary to the law and should not be condoned by the court.

In addition, the court held that mere suspicion of the committal of an offence should not be a basis for infringing on the rights of citizens, as in the instant case.

According to Adeniyi, "Between June 13 and November 8, 2023, when the court ordered the release of Emefiele to his lawyers, was nearly five months."

The court held that the period was well beyond the reasonable time for a citizen to be arrested and detained without trial. It held that rather than keeping Emefiele in custody, the federal government ought to have

granted him administrative bail, when it withdrew the charge of alleged illegal possession of firearms filed against him before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Adeniyi held that the court viewed the continued incarceration of the defendant without an order of court or further arraignment as a violation of the defendant's fundamental rights to liberty, especially when the government claimed that it had intelligence on alleged infractions committed by Emefiele but refused to file further charges.

"They were only interested in the further incarceration of the defendant while searching for evidence to prosecute the defendant," he added.

According to the judgement, Emefiele was suspended as CBN governor on June 9, 2023, arrested and detained the following day. "This presupposes that the respondents need not incarcerate the defendant to investigate, as the federal government did not produce any evidence to show Emefiele will interfere with investigation, more so, when he was said to have resigned as CBN governor while in custody,” the court held.

Having held that the federal government, through the DSS and EFCC, unlawfully violated the rights of the applicant to personal liberty, the court held that it was necessary to make an injunction order against the respondents so as to prevent further violation.

Adeniyi, subsequently, made an order restraining the respondents from "further re-arresting, detaining or harassing the defendant without an order of a competent court”.

The court ordered both the federal government, first and fourth respondents in the suit, to pay Emefiele N100 million compensation for damages suffered from his illegal detention.

The immediate past CBN governor had sued the federal government, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Executive Chairman, EFCC, and the commission over alleged breach of his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of movement.

Emefiele's lawyer, Mr. Mathew Burkaa, in the suit, marked: FCT/ HC/CV/040/2023, had told the court that the applicant was detained for 151 days contrary to the law stipulating 48 hours and had urged the court to enter judgement and award damages in favour of

Emefiele.

He had argued that the assertion of the first and second respondents challenging the authority of the deponent to Emefiele's affidavit in support of the originating summons, claiming that the deponent, Dr. Okanta Emefiele, never had any meeting with the applicant to make the deposition showed that the federal government held him incommunicado.

Burkaa argued further that the action of the respondents was enough ground for the court to enter judgement in Emefiele's favour, adding that every Nigerian deserves the court's protection.

He further told the court that Emefiele's rights had been violated and the former CBN governor was apprehensive of being further arrested, going by the activities of the respondents after the applicant filed the enforcement suit and his arraignment before Justice Hamza Muazu, also of the FCT High Court.

The applicant's further harassment by agents of the respondents, Burkaa submitted, might eventually affect Emefiele's life.

On his part, counsel to the first and second respondents, Oyin Koleosho, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit. Koleosho submitted that the government's opposition to the suit was based on the authority and

the source of information of the deponent to the affidavit in support of the originating summons.

He said Emefiele was transferred to the custody of EFCC on October 26, while the application was filed on October 31. He said between that period there was no contact or communication between Emefiele and the deponent.

He added that in Emefiele's further and better affidavit, there was nowhere reference was made to the time, date and venue where the applicant and the deponent met, submitting that this rendered the deposition incompetent.

Counsel for the third and fourth respondents, Farouk Abdullah, while praying the court to dismiss the suit for being misconceived and brought in bad fate, stated that Emefiele was brought to EFCC custody on October 26 and the commission obtained a remand order on October 27 to remand the applicant for 14 days.

He said while he would not trivialise the activities of the federal government, there were different ministries, departments and agencies with different mandates.

According to him, Emefiele, in his originating summons, made certain allegations in which he alleged some infractions were made by the DSS, adding that the DSS ought to have been brought into the suit.

The president said this was to conclusively reform the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.

While the directives by the president took immediate effect, Edu was denied access to Tinubu at State House, Abuja, yesterday afternoon, and her access pass taken back from her by State House security.

However, contrary to reports that Tunji-Ojo benefited from Edu's alleged fake N3 billion social register contract, documents showed that the interior minister resigned as a director at the company nearly five years ago.

New Planet Project Limited, with registration number 804833, was said to have been registered on March 3, 2009.

A Certified True Copy of the Corporate Affairs Commission dated August 8, revealed that the minister had alongside four others resigned as directors on February 1, 2019.

The document titled Form CAC 7A, contained the names and addresses of the old directors as well as the new ones.

Section A contained names of "directors ceasing to hold office" from February 1, 2019. They included Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Abimbola TunjiOjo, Okpanachi George Echiye, Idris Shuaibu, and Hassan Suleiman.

Section B, on the other hand, contained names of newly appointed directors, which included Otegbeye Olabanji Oladapo and Anne Adeiza Bello.

The column for directors of the company from the date of the notice showed Akinmulewo Amos Oladapo, Otegbeye Olabanji Oladapo, and Anne Adeiza Bello, as directors.

The document was signed by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Akinmulewo Amos Oladapo as Director and Director/Secretary/Authorised officer, respectively.

The document was further

presented for filing at the CAC by one Abu Dennis, on February 6, 2019.

Nonetheless, Edu was directed to hand over to Permanent Secretary in the humanitarian affairs ministry, and further directed by the president to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities in their investigation.

The embattled minister, who was denied access to Tinubu at State House, Abuja, had arrived the seat of government with the intention of having a personal discussion with the president.

While she succeeded in clearing all security checks up to the president’s office, she was not lucky enough to see him in his office.

Apart from her inability to have audience with Tinubu, it was also gathered that her access tag to State House was immediately withdrawn from her by the president’s security.

Edu was ferried out of the president’s office in a Toyota Hilux truck belonging to State House security.

It was not immediately clear whether she was later allowed to use her official vehicle out of the premises of the Presidential Villa.

Hours after her suspension, EFCC invited Edu to its headquarters to answer questions over an alleged attempt to move N585 million to a private account.

Chairman of Progressive Governors' Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, reacted to Edu’s suspension, saying it is difficult to question the wisdom of the president.

Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, and other interest groups, described Edu’s suspension as part of Tinubu's determination to fight corruption in the country.

Meanwhile, Edu was expected to appear before interrogators at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency today. Her invitation followed the directive of the president to the anti-graft agency to probe the Continued on page 28

UBA Surpasses N1tn Market Capitalisation on NGX, Share Price Hits N29.90 pressive performance, the Chairman, UBA Group, Tony Elumelu, said the bank’s remarkable journey in 2023, culminated in its shares being acclaimed as the highest performing stock within the banking sector.

He pointed out that this not only highlighted the bank's strategic prowess but also reflected its commitment to delivering unparalleled value to shareholders and stakeholders alike.

Elumelu said, “As UBA celebrates these significant milestones, we will like all our stakeholders to know that we remain steadfast in our mission to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and create value for its diverse clientele across Africa.

“We are witnessing the impact of the business transformation drive UBA embarked on years ago and executed well. Naturally, the market has taken note of and is duly rewarding our efforts.

"To our stakeholders, our promise is that we will continue to work harder, deliver on what we know

how to do well and create impacts across geographies where we currently operate."

Also, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who expressed delight at the bank’s performance in the past few months, said with its unwavering commitment to excellence and execution, the bank continues to set benchmarks in the banking sector, reinforcing its position as Africa's global bank of choice.

He said, “Market participants have begun to appreciate the latent capacity in UBA’s business model as the bank unlocks enormous potentials in its pan African and international operations.

"The bank's unique competitive advantage lies in people, processes, and technology. With Operations and offices in 24 countries and on four continents, UBA is the only African bank with deposit-taking license in the USA." Alawuba added," The bank’s

fundamentals remain strong with impressive financial results that have continued to deliver sustainable value for its shareholders.

"At current price, UBA trades at price-to-earning (P/E) and price-tobook (P/B) multiples of 2.27 and 0.59 which are a reflection of the market’s expectations of the Bank’s future growth potentials."

UBA is listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in recognition of the Bank’s strong adherence to international best practices on corporate governance and remains committed to creating value for its over 275,000 esteemed shareholders spread across the globe.

The outgone year, 2023, was been a splendid year for the bank, becoming the most profitable bank in Nigeria in 2023, with a shareholders’ fund that has grown from N992 billion in 2022 to N1.8 trillion as of September 2023.

UBA was also appointed as the Local Arranger and Local Depository Bank for the $3.3 billion FX

Liquidity support facility for Nigeria in partnership with Africa Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank), providing solutions to economic solutions in Nigeria characterised by shortage of FX liquidity.

Likewise, in 2023, UBA won the 2023 FMDQ Gold Awards in three Categories including the Best FX Liquidity Provider; Dealing Institution of the Year and Best Money Market Liquidity Provider. This recognition is a testament to UBA’s impressive capital strength.

UBA is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to over 25 million customers across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries.

With presence in New York, London, Paris, and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.

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Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY)

Much Ado About Sharing of Tinubu’s Christmas Rice By N’Assembly Members

Despite enough proof indicating that each federal lawmaker had since last October got approval to distribute grains worth between N100m and N200m as palliatives to their constituents, many members of the National Assembly are still living in denial as majority of their people celebrated Christmas and the New Year in hunger. Sunday Aborisade reports.

Tinubu

T

he NationalAssembly in July last year, approved a request by President Bola Tinubu to appropriate N500 billion for palliatives to cushion the effects of the removal of the petrol subsidy on Nigerians.

The Federal Parliament on July 13, 2023, passed a bill seeking to amend the 2022 Supplementary budget of N819 billion, out of which N500 billion would be used as palliatives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

The 2022 supplementary Appropriation Bill was earlier passed by the Ninth Assembly and assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari for the purpose of addressing flooding that affected parts of the country in 2022.

The Money Bill was however amended by the 10th Assembly so that the Presidency could access N500 billion in view of the exigency of the subsidy removal palliatives.

Investigations by THISDAY revealed that members of the National Assembly before the Bill was passed, expressed serious concerns over the transparency and effectiveness that would be deployed in the distribution of the items to vulnerable Nigerians.

They were said to have allegedly struck a deal with the executive arm of government that they had to be involved in the distribution since they represented their various constituencies.

It was gathered that a gentleman agreement was reached that would enable each member of the House of Representatives to distribute grains worth N100m while their colleagues in the Senate would distribute N200m grains and other food items each.

Further checks revealed that the parliamentarians got presidential approval in October, 2023 when each of the 469 members of the National Assembly were said to have been directed to procure the grains through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Lawmakers who confirmed the development to our Correspondent explained that many of them agreed to delay the sharing of the grains till December so that their constituents would not disturb them again for Christmas Rice during the Yuletide.

The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, officially confirmed the development last Thursday.

Dada, on his official X handle, said his principal approved the distribution of palliative items worth N200 million to senators and palliative items worth N100 million to House of Representatives members.

According to him, “After initial logistics delay, I can now confirm that Senators and members of the House of Representatives have started taking stock of the Federal Government’s palliative items for their constituents as part of efforts to ease life for all Nigerians.

“Each HoR member received items worth N100m while Senatorial constituencies got

Akpabio palliative items worth N200m”.

Flowing from this information, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, according to a statement by his media office during the yuletide, celebrated the season with his constituents in Ekiti Central Senatorial District when he distributed 3,000 bags of rice to them.

Similarly, the lawmaker representing Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa Federal constituency, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman (L&K) on December 29, 2023, distributed 1,500 bags of rice as palliative to his constituents.

Speaking during the distribution exercise which took place at Iwo City Hall, the lawmaker said the rice would be distributed to the 35 electoral wards in the three local governments, adding that some non-political groups would also benefit from the foodstuff.

Both lawmakers were silent on the source of the food items.

However, the Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu on Saturday distributed 5,000 bags of rice to his Igbere constituents in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

He said the gesture which he initiated in 1986, was his philanthropic endeavour being funded by him.

Among the communities who benefited from Kalu’s largesse were; Agbo, Eziama, Amakpo, Amaorji, Okafia, Ohumola, Amaiyi,Ibina-ukwu, Amaukwu, Ama-ofufe, Amankalu, Ibinanta, Umuisi,, all in Igbere, Bende LGA of Abia State Meanwhile, in a viral video during the festive season, Hon. Dekeri Anamero, who represents the Etsako

Abass

Bamidele

federal constituency of Edo state in the National Assembly, said he got six trailer load of rice for distribution to his constituents from the Federal Government.

Anamero, who is also a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, said the N100 million worth of rice was supplied through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Anamero said, “President Bola Tinubu ordered the Ministry of Agriculture to allocate N100 million worth of rice and other grains to each of the 360 House of Representatives members to share to their constituents in December.

“For the 109 senators, the allocation was N200m worth of rice palliatives for each of them to share. Please my people, did your honourable members or senators share Tinubu’s rice in your constituency this Christmas? Don’t mind if they branded it with their pictures,” he said.

The lawmaker said he got 2,400 25kg bags of rice for distribution.

The revelation by Anamero did not go down well with many of his colleagues who did not share any paliative to their people who celebrated the Yuletide in hunger.

Many of them either granted press interviews or issued press statements to debunk the claims

by Anamero but it was too late.

For instance, Hon. Dennis Idahosa who represents Ovia federal constituency, denied that rice allocation was made available to lawmakers and even called for a probe.

He specifically said it was not true that fourtrailer loads of rice gifted to federal lawmakers had been supplied and shared to the various constituencies.

Already, idahosa’s denial was already generating uproar and tension in Edo State as residents demanded investigation into

the whereabouts of the rice allocated to them through their lawmakers.

Obviously uncomfortable by the development, Idahosa, in a statement he personally signed, described the allegations by his colleague as spurious, misleading and capable of inciting constituents against lawmakers.

In his statement titled “Notice of disclaimer,” Idahosa said no bag of rice had been supplied from the federal government for distributions to the people of his constituency – Ovia Federal Constituency.

He said, “Federal Government in its wisdom made provisions for a N100 million towards providing palliatives and development, the award letter for this purpose was released on the 15th of December, 2023, with the analysis of N50 million for provision of Rice and the other N50m for solar street lights.

“The procurement process which includes the BOQ to ascertain the number of bags of rice and solar street lights poles has not been issued to the contractor who won the bid for supply to the Federal Constituency, as at today this has not been concluded by the awarding ministry.

“I will also in the spirit of transparency and forthright service, call on the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Civil Society Organizations, Concerned Citizens of Edo and the Inspector General of Police to investigate the purported supplies of 2,400 bags of rice to me for distributions to my constituents”.

However, Anamero, in his reaction insisted that his initial disclosure was driven by accountability to his constituents and not in any way to malign anybody.

He said, “I know that some of my colleagues have been calling that your video is putting us in trouble. Let me say very clearly that it is not my intention to put anybody in trouble or set the constituency against any member nor is it for me to profit out of it.

“I will at this time appeal to members of different constituencies that if they have not reached out to them, that they will reach out to them. Most of the contractors are still doing their documentation and I am sure that as soon as they are done, they are going to reach out to the constituents.

“The palliative to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy was given to members and I am sure they have all shared. I have also seen videos where members were sharing some of these rice,” he maintained.

Similarly, another member of the House of Representatives representing Esan North East/ Esan South East, Henry Okojie, through his office, had described reports of the rice allocation and distribution as “highly distasteful and offensive.”

The 10th National Assembly in 2023 was able to avert an industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress following the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu The nation’s apex legislative institution also prevented a 40 per cent increment in the electricity tariff. Apart from this, the 10th Assembly through the Senate in 2023 apart from screening and confirming the appointment of ministerial and other board nominees of President Bola Tinubu also dropped some of them with controversial credentials.

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

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Tuesday January 9, 2024 Vol 27. No 10497

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

THE EMERGING JUDICIARY The judiciary is increasingly usurping the right of the people, contends JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN

See page 17

HOPE BASKET TO CARRY PEPERSOUP

OKELLO OCULI lists many of the challenges in the system

See page 18

EDITORIAL

GETTING HIGH ON LIZARD DUNG

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Those who are running fertility clinics should not raise false hopes, advises COSMAS ODOEMENA

HAWKING THE FERTILITY DREAM A national newspaper once had a publication on IVF Clinics in Nigeria. It "advertised" fertility centres in Nigeria and those behind them. There were also telephone numbers where other clinics could get in touch with it so that they could also be "advertised."

One of the clinics in selling itself over its "competitors" said, "Some clinics claim to do IVF whereas they only do the conventional IVF." Another clinic touted "In our ten years of existence, we have been able to assist in the conception of hundreds of babies and we are still counting." Still, another said, "We are committed to deliver [sic] optimum customer satisfaction beyond expectations."

It's not lost on me that among the owners of the mentioned fertility centres is a renowned professor in the field of fertility in Nigeria. But as the article itself said there are still quacks in the field.

Every time you read anything on fertility centres they mostly create an impression that it is a one-stop shop for "all" problems concerning infertility.

Medical science has done great things for humans, but with assisted reproductive technologies, medical science fails far more often than is generally believed.

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reports that averagely, out of the 1.5 million assisted reproductive cycles done worldwide, only 350,000 resulted in the couple having a child. That puts it, at a 77 percent worldwide failure rate. Even in the United States, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention gave the failure rate as nearing 70 percent.

As Miriam Zoll and Pamela Tsigdinos put it, "Behind those failed cycles are millions of women and men who have engaged in a debilitating, Sisyphuslike battle with themselves and their infertility, involving daily injections, drugs, hormones, countless blood tests and other procedures."

Almost 37 years after scientists in Britain gave the world its first "test-tube baby," assisted reproduction is now worth about four billion dollars a year.

But the story is different in Israel where it costs almost nothing. There, until recently when a cap was fixed on the number of cycles a woman could have, it was limitless.

Yet, you can't miss the marketing aspect of fertility clinics that reminds you it is still a business venture. IVF costs a fortune in Nigeria and many

parts of the world.

Fertility centres deal with customers who are desperate and vulnerable.

"Once inside the surreal world of reproductive medicine, there is no obvious off-ramp; you keep at it as long as your bank account, health insurance or sanity holds out."

Many couples are in debt because of fertility clinics, and despite many failures are still hoping for the elusive breakthrough. With the journey of infertility, anyone who stops is regarded as a failure in the race. To a childless couple, one out of a million chances means "I still have a chance."

Even up till today, no one can say for sure the long-term risks of all the invasive procedures and experimental interventions.

Zoll and Tsigdinos said, "Ending our treatments was one of the bravest decisions we ever made, and we did it to preserve what little remained of our shattered selves, our strained relationships, and our depleted bank accounts. No longer under the spell of the industry’s seductive powers, we study its marketing tactics with eagle eyes, and understand how, like McDonald’s, the fertility industry works to keep people coming back for more."

Of course, there will be lucky couples.

But no one hears the other side of the story, where clients who refused to give up became addictive, with cycles of debilitating trauma.

Even with all this, in an unfair world like ours, every year it is estimated that 42 million women with unintended pregnancies abort those pregnancies.

That is why a little girl who hawks

oranges gets pregnant and gets beaten by her parents, while those who want it don't get it.

Much as science can claim to aid conception, ultimately children are from God. He gives them out how He so chooses. We cannot query Him. If He says He created you to be barren, in that situation, as in all situations, give Him thanks.

It does not help that our culture sees having children as the purpose of marriage. But God ordained marriage for companionship, and not mainly to have children. Children are only additions to it. You might get them. You might not get them. It does not mean God loves you any less.

Nevertheless, for childless couples seeking God's mercy helps. it is not a time to ask God "Why me?" As a couple, say prayers of agreement, telling God you accept His will, with or without a child. That way, the anxiety is removed.

For some women, it is just the stress of childlessness that perpetuates their infertility. Babies will not want to live in a body in constant agitation. They want a peaceful abode. As a corollary, if you want children, don't be "crazy about kids." It is an ironic world where what we don't want is what we get!

I have encountered couples with many years of infertility, who after counselling get their mind off children and put their minds and trust in God, for good or for bad, coming back to tell me the "good news."

Of course with infertility, there will be those couples whose infertility has clear causes, who will need medical intervention. But for a good number, you cannot find any clear cause.

Even for women who have delivered a child before, it does not mean the second child will come automatically.

As a woman ages, her fertility reduces.

There could still be other factors. Many, without any medical intervention, but with a large dose of patience, will still conceive.

Those who are running fertility clinics must not raise false hopes. Their clients have a right to know about the risks to their health, the social downsides, and the documented high failure rates even in the best of centres. Clients should be given proper and unbiased advice without thinking about the money to be raked in.

Dr Odoemena, Consultant Family Physician, writes from Lagos

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The judiciary is increasingly usurping the right of the people, contends JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN

OKELLO OCULI lists many of the challenges in the system

HOPE BASKET TO CARRY PEPERSOUP On 27th August, 2023 a total of 17,000 lawyers registered to physically participate in a conference for ‘’charting the Course of Nigeria’s Nation Building’’. It was said to be the “largest gathering of lawyers in the world’’.

In 2021, South Korea had a total of 12,000 lawyers but a total of 61,000 engineers. Korea’s universities had awarded engineering degrees to a total of 89.000 graduates.

While Nigeria evolved under British colonial political engineering, Korea had suffered under Japanese domination. Despite Britain’s leadership of Europe’s industrial revolution, Nigerians who studied there during the 1900s studied Law; not engineering and experiences inside foundries of manufacturing industries.

Nigeria’s 2023 elections dramatised the economic power of lawyers’ Wigs and gowns, while Korea’s brands of vehicles dominated Nigeria’s roads. Since that divergence is neglected in Nigeria’s debt, it must affect the balance of education against engineering.

The ‘HOPE BASKET’ was preceded by a season of awarding contracts for building ‘’Overhead Bridges’’; purchasing scores of vehicles for Police Units, ‘’Traditional Rulers’’ and legislators; constructing flood control infrastructure, etc., were linked to benefiting foreign workers and contractors NOT the ever-rising flood by the river of ‘’Youth Unemployment’’.

Bulldozers uprooted trees, scooped high mounds of soil and were paid for in billions of American Dollars to foreign contractors while power in minds and muscles of local youth fermented in poverty and rage.

China and South Korea experienced both brutal and positive values from Japanese colonialism, notably vital pride in Oriental identity, and injecting Euro-American industrialisation with Buddhism.

An Asian race building economic and military power to defeat feudal Russia, and driving Dutch, British, French, and Spanish colonialists out of Asia, was lesson in reliance on SELF. Japan’s ‘’cutting off’’ heads of brutal and greedy Tokugawa aristocrats as parasites on peasant farmers left a legacy of anti-corruption as vital for urgent progress and industrial progress.

France, Britain, Communist Russia and the United States were clear models.

The ‘HOPE BASKET’ inherited a criminal trick by departing British colonialists of rigging elections to block Mallam Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and his allies in Bornu Youth Movement; bashing the Zikist Movement and Awolowo’s socialist impulses. Its creeping and stubborn grip has, since the January 1966 military coup, been called ‘’CORRUPTION’’.

The ‘HOPE BASKET’ could borrow Paul KAGAME’s strategy of using education for POLITICAL ENGINEERING to reverse what Belgian colonialists and their Catholic Clergy used to entrench conflict between those who owned more than THREE COWS, and others, among a people who owned a common language and ancestry. The Japanese, British, French, Americans and Germans also use INTENSIVE education to invent promoters of social progress and industrial productivity.

A senior American diplomat told research staff at Ahmadu Bello University that Nigeria’s education would collapsed following the 1986 devaluation of the Naira. The ‘HOPE BASKET’ caught Canada, Britain and the United States of America cynically ‘kidnappings’ brilliant secondary school victims of that collapse.

The massive volume of narcotic drugs regularly intercepted by official agencies suggests a plot to degrade the quality of Nigeria’s human resources with drug addiction; while drug induced atavistic violence ruins trust in government’s capacity for protecting peaceful community productivity and living. During the pre-election period the ploy seemed to be to deny votes to the governing party. The ‘HOPE BASKET’ must resist global biochemical invasion of sovereignty.

Reports about academic grades traded for sex are destructive for the economy. An essay in THE HAVARD BUSINESS REVIEW asserted that American multinationals moved their businesses to China to benefit from high quality learning under a Buddhist cultural environment which indoctrinates workers to deliver high quality products, while their lower wages are supplements by government providing cheap housing and healthcare.

Practices of parents funding fraud in examination scores fuel negative reports by foreign diplomats about the quality of degrees and diplomas awarded by Nigeria’s educational institutions, thereby, repelling investors from the economy.

A NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL BROADCAST to combat intellectual laziness which inhibits uses of Nigeria’s diverse languages for university lectures, publication of textbooks and research reports is overdue for fertilising original creativity. India’s universities conduct academic lectures in major languages of their regions. By 2023 India’s scientists were the first to land a satellite on the southern sector of the MOON. The HOPE BASKET must evolve beyond hawking Kolanuts and Fried Plantain.

The Media in Africa must avoid the plot of mobilising talents of youth into pop music, sports, modelling, fashion and pornography.

African Americans have been victims of such ‘’mind-bending’’ diversion of talents. The Nigerian Diaspora in Euro-America are putting up a good fight. Barack Obama’s presidency was a valuable moment for high status racial symbolism.

There are challenges here for a Nigeria ‘Season of Hope’ to carry Palm Wine.

Prof Oculi writes from Abuja

THE EMERGING JUDICIARY The Nigerian judiciary is today at a crossroads but even when comments on the Nigerian judiciary are far from salutary, we shall resist rushing to the conclusion that all judges are bad. All one might say is that times are hard and the bad eggs in the judiciary must have increased commensurately.

From ages past and up till today, there have been judges in Nigeria who, no matter how hard times have been, would never be corrupted. At the same time, there have been judges who, in the midst of abundance, would put themselves on display, in the fashion of cash and carry.

We remember the late Justice Oyemade of the Old Western Region. This was one incorruptible judge who, in the face of the hardest of times; and the greatest of pressure from all quarters – even with the lure of the ‘Cocoa Pound’; could not bow to any intimidation. He maintained that the judiciary was the last hope of the common man; and that when that was gone, everything else was gone. He would not be intimidated to send innocent people to prison, even if the Heavens fell Today, there is the argument in some quarters

that the corruption we see in some judges in Nigeria flows from their poor remuneration and unfavourable conditions of service. We totally agree that judges are human and must be paid wages that are commensurate with the services they render. Such wages must be decent enough to enable them to compete with other members of society.

Beyond that point, the argument falls flat.

It presupposes that the Oyemades of the past were well remunerated, and the salaries of current judges have suddenly been reduced, and their conditions of serve made worse.

It is also not true that if we suddenly increased the salary of the average Nigerian policeman or the average judge, he would no longer accept bribe.

On the contrary, it might also be argued that when the salary is increased, the bribe power also increases. The policeman who once accepted N20 at the checkpoint would up his bribe to N200; and the tribunal judge who once accepted a million Naira would up his game to billions and he might even demand that the new bribe should be paid in hard currency.

There is a disturbing trend in the emerging Nigerian judiciary. It is the total usurpation of the role of the electorate by the judiciary. A situation in which at every election, millions of Nigerians would come out in the rain and under the scotching sun to vote for their representatives in government, only to be vetoed later by seven odd people sitting in the comfort of their airconditioned courtrooms, is unacceptable.

Unacceptable as this is, it has totally consumed our electoral system. It started slowly but gradually assumed a dangerous proportion. We shall only examine a few examples here; By the 2007 general elections, President Olusegun Obasanjo was already becoming over-bearing. He was all over the place, looking for whom to devour. He needed to be checked.

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi had clearly won the PDP primaries for the Rivers State gubernatorial election before Obasanjo stepped in to declare that Amaechi’s case had “K-leg”. Amaechi was pushed away and Obasanjo’s favoured candidate – Celestine Omehia - who had lost at the primary, was used to replace him.

Amaechi went into hiding to quietly lick his wounds. He did not participate further in the electioneering process. Finally, Omehia was declared winner by INEC. Eventually, the Supreme Court intervened, as it were, to clip Obasanjo’s wings. To the Supreme Court, that victory was for the PDP and since Amaechi was the duly nominated candidate, even if his name was not on the ballot, he was the rightful winner of the election.

Evidently, that was one correct step but wrongly directed. It was a case of displaced aggression. That was justice carried too far that it became gross injustice. The Supreme Court had justly cut Obasanjo to size, but in the process, the same court had unjustly stolen the role reserved exclusively for the electorate. Here, the court should have simply annulled that election, restored Amaechi’s candidacy, and asked the people to go back and elect their governor. Instead, the court assumed that candidates don’t count but parties do. This is a fallacy that has no basis whatsoever in political science.

This was the beginning of the disaster that has completely enveloped our nation.

Whether it is a national or sub-national election, no one now rejoices over what looks like an election victory until the Supreme Court pronounces.

The only role originally reserved for the electorate in our Constitution is now totally usurped by the judiciary.

See what Imo State has suddenly become? This was one state that was known for peace until January 2020 when the Supreme Court, by its magical logic, turned the Fourth to the First. Whether by accident or by design, since then, peace has eluded that state. The end is not in sight.

In the just concluded off-season election, the state improved on its 2020 records.

We hear there was no election and that in virtually all parts of Orlu and Okigwe axis of the state, votes were simply allotted. That explains the miracle of the low turnout we heard of on election day, but at result time, the scores were humongous – very close to 100% level and in some instances, they had figures higher than the number of collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). We cannot speak too loud here as the process has not yet been rubber-stamped by the Supreme Court.

Omorotionmwan writes from Canada

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T H I S D AY

TUESDAY JANUARY 9, 2024

EDITORIAL

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

I

GETTING HIGH ON LIZARD DUNG All critical stakeholders must do more to stem the drug scourge

n a shocking revelation about the nature of social problems in Nigeria today, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disclosed last week that many young people in Borno State have resorted to drinking fermented human urine, preserved over 10 days, as an alternative to hard drugs. According to the NDLEA Commander for the state, Iliyasu Mani, these deviants also mix other unconventional substances such as lizard dung, camel urine, and methylated spirit with soft drinks in a bid to be ‘high.’

Mani added, however, that “we must not lose hope as the agency has strengthened its efforts towards prevention strategy through the establishment of remodeled counselling/rehab centre within the premises of Borno State Command.”

But critical stakeholders must be concerned.

Reports abound of frustrated and unemployed young people resorting to many of these street habits for their momentary relaxing and euphoric effects. Some put their heads on toilets to inhale the smell which is said to have the same effect. But besides these weird and unhealthy methods of getting the brain excited, the country has an exceptionally high prevalence of substance abuse.

Hard drugs, ranging from cannabis – often called Indian Hemp – to cocaine, heroin and amphetamines – are increasingly available on the street and abused by both the young and the old in the country.

Only recently, the NDLEA Tincan Island chapter revealed it intercepted 876 kilograms of various illicit drugs and controlled substances between January and December 2023. The illicit drugs included cocaine, tramadol, and cannabis, the most widely used drug in the country. It is so pervasive that three blind men operating a drug trafficking ring between Lagos and Kano were arrested lately at different locations across the country.

Indeed, the World Drug Reports has identified

cannabis as the most abused drug, corroborated by National Drug Use Survey in 2019 which revealed that over 11 million Nigerians abused it. Only last week, the NDLEA intercepted a consignment of ‘Colorado’, a very strong strain of cannabis, concealed in boxing kits imported from the United States of Africa. A 38-year-old lady was arrested for distributing the substances to dealers in Lagos.

Drug use prevalence for people aged between 15 and 64 is put at 14.4, almost three times the global drug prevalence of 5.5 per cent. According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crimes (UNODC) representative in Nigeria, Oliver Stolpe, 27.7 per cent of the14.4 per cent of those concerned were youths who ordinarily should be in school and called for change in the narrative to secure their future. “One in every 10 drug users is a woman; this has affected women and girls proportionately,” said Stolpe. “Data collected around the globe suggest that this has elevated cases of gender-based violence.”

Unfortunately, the number of women abusing drugs is surging. Latest records show that one in four drug abusers in the country is a woman. Yet, the consequences of drug abuse are steep, both to the individual and the nation. While available statistics may not be reliable, there is no doubt that drug abuse has been linked to the continued upsurge in criminal activities across the country.

Many cases of rape, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, banditry and even car crashes feed on this dangerous habit. Besides, it is destroying our education system.

There is no doubt that the NDLEA under Mohammed Marwa has strengthened the capacity and capability of his officers with good operational tools which has earned the trust and confidence of Nigerians and international partners. A well-armed and trained strike force is on ground to beef up the agency’s enforcement capabilities. But as the figures suggest, there is more work to be done.

The consequences of drug abuse are steep, both to the individual and the nation. While available statistics may not be reliable, there is no doubt that drug abuse has been linked to the continued upsurge in criminal activities across the country T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 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 (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS BETWEEN SANWO-OLU AND UNRULY SOLDIERS Can any person out there explain with any level of substantial analysis and compelling articulateness why Nigerian soldiers are not obliged to have respect for the law and constituted authority?

Can there also be any enlightenment as to why soldiers should be very quick at calling their fellow citizens banza, bastards, bloody civilians, and other vulgar names? Or why for a little infraction, it is okay for soldiers to order fellow citizens to start rolling inside a dirty gutter?

Could the young people of our beloved country be advised on how a Governor of a state should have responded to the man in a mufti driving a motorcycle against traffic by merely saying, “I am a soldier, Oga sir”?

The order by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the arrest of a man who identified himself as a soldier for driving against the traffic and the kind of words some purported soldiers use in a viral video to respond to the governor in video clips raised so many questions.

The governor was on his way to the Ojo campus of the Lagos State University (LASU), for the inauguration of the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre, when the incident occurred. While passing through the Lagos-Badagry expressway in a convoy,

Sanwo-Olu encountered the motorcyclists, from which one of the arrested identified himself as a soldier, and immediately ordered their arrest.

The video showed many of the riders and passengers abandoning their motorcycles and fleeing as the governor’s security operatives gave them a chase. A few escaped while a handful were apprehended. While being arrested and taken away by security operatives, one of the offenders said, “I am a soldier Oga sir”.

The incident has attracted several news stories and social media comments, but these have more than anything raised so many questions. Everywhere, the military is a bastion of discipline and leadership training. In developed countries, having a military background is an advantage when contesting a political office.

Here in Nigeria, we equally have several military men, serving and retired, that we are proud of.

But it is an error of judgment for many of our soldiers to believe that they are supreme to the law and constituted authority in the State they reside. Being a good and responsible citizen of any state requires the inhabitants, including military personnel and visitors to have different degrees of respect. The different dimensions of respect include, but are not limited to respect for oneself, respect

for others, respect for the law, respect for the environment, and respect for authority.

A Yoruba proverb says, Ilu ti ko si ofin, ko sese (any society without laws ceases to have the notion of sin). The obvious lack of respect for the law and constituted authority by some soldiers in Nigeria is shattering.

It is funny how military men think they are superior to everyone in the country. This notion is the source of arrogance by the “I am a soldier Oga sir,” and a yet-to-be-identified soldier, who appeared to be defending his supposed colleague in a viral video, who faulted Sanwo-Olu for the arrest of the soldier.

Reacting to the arrest, the soldier, who believed that his colleague had done nothing to deserve an arrest, said the governor had no right to arrest a soldier, especially in front of his barracks.

He claimed that soldiers are not under the control of any governor, but their senior officers.

Indeed, the logic of the soldier in the viral video and his fans is not only weird, but explains the extent of reorientation needed to restore or reset thinking of a lot in the country.

Samuel Omojoye, Palmgroove, Lagos

LAWYER TUeSday, jANUARY 9, 2024

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Whether Mandatory Provisions of a Statute Can be Waived

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Illegal Detention: Lawyers Petition AGF, IG

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OyeTOla i Mai Mala BUN

Quotable ‘I must tell you unequivocally that, the Military is up to the task on the Plateau. What happened was a political conflict wrongly managed that snowballed on Christmas Day, and we are working to address it.’ - Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Court Restrains Police from Interfering in PTDA Affairs Page V

Permanent Public Office Holding Bar on Pauline Tallen: Was the Court Right?

Page Vi

lawyer

onikepo braithwaite: editor, jude igbanoI: deputy editor, peter taiwo, steve aya: reporters

III The advocate

T H I S D AY • TueSday, JANUARY 9, 2024

Nigeria: From Separation to Unification of Powers?

Y

Separation of Powers orubas have a saying that if a number of us go into a room and we all emerge laughing, we certainly have not told ourselves the truth. Baron de Montesquieu recognised this as far back as 1748 in his book, The Spirit of Law, when he coined the theory of Separation of Powers, in which, for optimal performance, the three co-equal arms of government, the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary were to operate independently without undue influence on each other, acting as checks and balances on themselves, instead of backing each other in everything, whether right or wrong, and constantly emerging with laughter amongst themselves, as we are seeing today. This is not to say the three arms of government must always be in conflict, No. But, the one that is in a position to stop the other who has done wrong, must do everything in its power permitted by law to stop the wrong in the interest of the people and the country, because the main intersection of the three arms of government is that they are all there to represent the interest of Nigerians and Nigeria. Nigerians hope the fairly new Tinubu administration will recognise this fact, so that we can start to build strong institutions and a better nation.

Baron de Montesquieu’s theory is enunciated in Sections 4-6 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution), where the various mandates of our Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are clearly stated therein. It is time to remind the three arms of the Nigerian Government and tell them the truth, because they seem to have lost their understanding of their roles. It appears that in Nigeria, in this Fourth Republic, over the years, we have decided to turn Baron de Montesquieu’s theory and Sections 4-6 of the Constitution on their head, and instead, we want to join the three arms of government and roll them into one, of course, with the Executive being the ‘numero uno’, as opposed to being co-equal with the other two arms!

On Tinubu’s Mandate We Stand!

During the Buhari administration, people referred to the Senator Ahmad Lawan-led Senate as a ‘rubber stamp’ Senate. Today, we are hearing Senators singing that they are standing on President Tinubu’s mandate!

The Senators pledged allegiance to President Tinubu in song, when he came to their Chamber to present the 2024 budget to them! This is not the constitutional role of the Legislature. Even if President Tinubu’s mandate is perfect, the mandate of the Legislature is contained principally in Section 4 of the Constitution (to make laws for the order, peace and good governance of the country), and its other sections which give them oversight functions. This system of allegiance to the Executive, is replicated by most State Houses of Assembly to their Governors. The truth is that, if any arm at all, it is the Executive that should be standing on President Tinubu’s, or on the State level, their Governor’s mandate, while the Judiciary’s mandate is to remain independent, and interpret and dispense justice without fear or favour.

Arms of Government Not Playing their Constitutional Roles Recall when Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen was chased out of office unceremoniously, the dictates of the law obviously not followed, I don’t remember the Legislature complaining that the Constitution and laws they had enacted in that regard had been breached

by President Buhari’s administration, nor did even the Judiciary, CJN Onnoghen’s constituency or the National Judicial Council (NJC), particularly put their foot down at the time, to show their disapproval and displeasure that the procedure for the removal of a Chief Justice had been turned on its head, and he had even been docked before a Magistrate (Code of Conduct Tribunal) instead of answering to the NJC. Au contraire, the Executive got away with desecrating the Judiciary, without much opposition from the other two arms of government.

Even within the arms of government, the key officers also fail to play their roles. Throughout his tenure, Attorney-General Malami who should have given President Buhari sound legal advice, whether or not it suited the President’s purpose, more or less seemed to act as President Buhari’s Personal Lawyer, forgetting his role as Nigeria and the people’s Lawyer, except when it came to the recovery of Nigeria’s stolen loot abroad. Mr Malami, SAN, even fought in court to support the disastrous Naira redesign policy, even in the face of injustice and the untold hardship Nigerians were experiencing, forgetting his role as the people’s Lawyer. I guess all’s well that ends well - at least, his efforts in the P & ID case paid off for Nigeria!

There are so many examples of the arms of government backing each other instead of being a check, and many a time, this attitude of ‘sleeping facing the same direction’ can only worsen Nigeria’s situation, in situations where there’s agreement between the arms of government, when there should be checking and balancing instead.

During the Buhari administration, Section 38 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (CBN Act) was incessantly breached by the Executive with the

extension should come after the improved system is seen to be functioning properly, and the natural progression is an irresistible urge to extend the service of those who have made the system work better, for a little while longer.

onikepo braithwaite onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

The

Advocate “It appears that in Nigeria, in this Fourth Republic, over the years, we have decided to turn Baron de Montesquieu’s theory and Sections 4-6 of the Constitution on their head, and instead, we want to join the three arms of government and roll them into one….” connivance of CBN. Instead of denouncing the Executive, the National Assembly, added insult to injury, by supporting the unlawful acts of the Executive - breaching its own law and approving the securitisation of the Ways & Means advances contrary to Section 38(3)(b) of the CBN Act. Again, we have evolved a system where the arms of government are prepared to look the other way, when their self-interest is involved. The Ways & Means Advances may have been the only way for the National Assembly to be able to secure their severance packages at the end of the 9th National Assembly, since Nigeria isn’t particularly economically buoyant at the moment, and if it meant breaking their own law to get their money instead of calling out the Executive for this wrongdoing concerning Ways & Means, so be it.

Another example of the arms of government failing to check and balance each other, is with the purported law concerning the extension of the retirement age of Judges from 65 to 70. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong in increasing the retirement age of Judges so that it is in concert with that of the Appellate Court Justices, Section 58(4) of the Constitution provides that when a Bill is presented to the President for assent, he has 30 days to either assent or withhold his assent. The only way a Bill can be passed when the President withholds his assent like President Buhari did, is for the Bill to be passed again by two-thirds majority each of the House of Representatives and the Senate with the National Assembly overriding the President and doing away with his assent, in accordance to Section 58(5) of the Constitution.

In the case of the Retirement Age Bill, there’s no record to show that even if the Bill was re-presented to President Tinubu for his assent after President Buhari failed to signify his assent to it, the Bill was first re-passed as a fresh Bill by both Houses before its re-presentation to him.

There is no provision in the Constitution, for the President assenting to a Bill after 30 days - even if we could plead that it isn’t the personality that counts, but the office of the President, so it doesn’t

matter if it was assented to by President Buhari or Tinubu, the action of assent would have been completed within 30 days. Therefore, the only options available would have been either to restart the process set out in Section 58(2)-(4) or override using Section 58(5) of the Constitution.

See the case of Ogboru & Anor v Uduaghan & Ors (2011) LPELR-8236(SC) per Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, JSC (later CJN).

Since this age extension is to the benefit of many Judges who were or are close to retirement age, and now seem to have been granted a new lease of life, no one seems to care that the law may not have been properly enacted. Though there was no Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) in office at the time the President gave his assent, if we had had a strong Justice Ministry, the office of the Solicitor General could have given legal advice on the propriety or otherwise of President Tinubu assenting to the Bill, without an AGF. The three arms of government seem to have backed each other in this venture, leaving no one with any say in governance to insist on the right procedure being followed.

In the Naira redesign case, the Supreme Court dispensed justice judiciously and judicially, and played its constitutional role as a check and balance on the Executive and its disastrous policy, bringing the draconian policy to a well-deserved end, also playing its role as the last hope of the common man.

This is not to say that some have not criticised the Judiciary, and accused them of being found wanting. And, that is why there’s a school of thought that believes that the time for the reform of the Judiciary is now, with the Chief Justice obviously spearheading it, and that this is not an appropriate time for the extension of the retirement age of Judges. There are some even spreading rumours, that the retirement age of the Appellate Justices may be increased from 70 to 75. When a system requires reformation, its transformation for the better should be the priority, not retirement age extension. Age

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Kenyan Example Since Lawyers were quick to use Kenya as the example for election petitions being concluded in record time before the swearing in of elected officials, I decided to also use their Judiciary as a brief example of the reformation of a Judiciary, to make it fit for purpose.

Professor Willy Mutunga, a Lawyer and civil society activist, was appointed as Chief Justice of Kenya in 2011, and he undertook radical reforms to transform the Kenyan Judiciary. Before the transformation, the Chief Justice and all the members of the Judicial Service Commission (KJSC) were appointed unilaterally by the President. The Kenyan Judicial Service Commission was responsible for the appointment and disciplining of Judges, like our NJC (National Judicial Council). This arrangement, if anything, was definitely not geared towards an independent Judiciary, but a Judiciary that was at the beck and call of the Kenyan President, since he was the one that appointed them unilaterally, and of course, one of the complaints of Kenyans then was that the Judiciary was politically biased, obviously in favour of the President who appointed them. Of course, in such circumstances, the Kenyan Judiciary was anything but a check and balance on the Executive and the Legislature, at least not the part of the Legislature that belonged to the same party as the President.

While a number of Judges weren’t well qualified for their jobs, the Kenyans also complained that the system was rife with corruption, as for one, bribing court staff to get hearing dates was the order of the day. The Judiciary also had a huge backlog of cases. Some of these complaints, sound familiar. In 2012, after extensive consultation with stakeholders, Prof Mutunga’s team came up with the ‘Judiciary Transformation Framework’. Bad judicial officers were weeded out and sacked, 200 new Judges and Magistrates were appointed through a competitive process. There had been constitutional reform in Kenya, and for instance, under Article 166(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, the appointment of the Chief Justice (and Deputy Chief Justice) was no longer a unilateral decision of the President, but one done on the recommendation of the KJSC, subject to the approval of the National Assembly.

The measures that were taken to transform the Kenyan Judiciary, are an interesting story for another day; suffice to say that, a judicial system which Prof Mutunga had once referred to as ‘being designed to fail’, was transformed into one that now plays its constitutional role, acting as a check and balance, dispensing justice appropriately, so much so that, in 2017, the Kenyan Supreme Court nullified the Presidential election that gave Uhuru Kenyatta victory, citing irregularities as the reason for the nullification, and it ordered that a new election be conducted within 60 days.

Conclusion It didn’t matter to the Kenyan Supreme Court that, if Uhuru Kenyatta won the fresh election, he may take out his anger on them - having been made to participate in a fresh election, and run the risk of losing.

And, while I didn’t find our Judiciary wanting in the outcome of our 2023 Presidential Election Petitions, the Kenyan Judiciary’s experience is an example of how to set about to build the strong institutions that Nigeria so desperately needs, and not the arms of government conniving amongst themselves to create strong men instead, with emphasis on self-interest or group interests. It all boils down to the three arms of government, deciding that it is time to give Nigerians a progressive, improved, developing Nigeria that works better, and to do this, they must make a conscious effort to play their roles come what may - the doctrine of separation of powers must be practiced to the hilt.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola

IV law report

TueSday, JANUARY 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

Whether Mandatory Provisions of a Statute Can be Waived Facts The Appellant, the 1st Respondent, and others participated in the 2nd Respondent's primary election conducted on 22nd May, 2022 for the selection of a candidate for the seat in the House of Representatives for Askira/Uba and Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State. The election was conducted in Biu Local Government, which was outside the Federal Constituency, on alleged grounds of security threat. The Appellant had 36 votes, while the 1st Respondent had 35 votes at the said election. Other aspirants scored four and one vote, respectively.

Dissatisfied with the outcome, the 1st Respondent filed a suit before the Federal High Court, Maiduguri, via an Originating Summons dated 2nd June, 2022, seeking declarations, inter alia, that the election was null and void, on the ground that it was conducted in violation of the Electoral Act and the 2nd Respondent’s Constitution and Guidelines for Primary Elections. He also sought orders for the 2nd Respondent to conduct a fresh primary election, and for the 3rd Respondent to accept whoever emerges as the winner of the fresh election.

After hearing the parties and considering the cases presented by them, the trial court, in a judgement delivered on 30th August, 2022, nullified the primary election on the grounds that it was not conducted at the Constituency Headquarters and that the 2nd Respondent did not give the requisite seven days notice to the 3rd Respondent regarding the change of date and venue for the fresh election, as stipulated in Section 84(1)(5) and (b), (c)(i) of the Electoral Act and Regulation 17(c) of the 3rd Respondent’s Regulations for the Conduct of Political Parties Primaries, 2014, as well as Section 50(2)(d) of the 2nd Respondent’s Constitution. The trial court relied on the case of MATO v HEMBER (2018) 5 NWLR (PT. 1612) 258, amongst others, for its position and granted the two reliefs sought by the 1st Respondent for conduct of fresh election within 14 days, and that the 3rd Respondent accepts the winner thereof.

The Appellant appealed against this decision, on the sole ground that the judgement was against the weight of evidence. The Appellate court, however, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgement of the trial court. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 6th day of January, 2023 Before Their Lordships Mohammed Lawal Garba Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Adamu Jauro Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/1401/2022 Between

Issue for Determination The sole issue adopted by the Apex Court in its determination of the appeal is: Whether the lower court was right to have dismissed the Appellants appeal without considering the affidavit evidence before the trial court which was not properly evaluated, and ascribed probative value to in arriving at the judgement.

MUKTARI ADAMU YERIMA APPELLANT And

Arguments On the sole issue, Counsel for the Appellant relied on the Appellant’s and 2nd Respondent’s joint Counter-Affidavit to the 1st Respondent’s Affidavit before the trial court, to the effect that the venue of the primary election was peaceful and sanctioned by the 3rd Respondent and the officials of the 3rd Respondent monitored the election, and the change in venue was due to security concerns. It is asserted that the 3rd Respondent did not challenge or controvert this averment, and thus, remained credible and admitted by the 3rd Respondent. Counsel cited MABOMIJE v OTTO (2016) ALL FWLR (PT. 828) 883. Furthermore, counsel contended that in the given circumstances of insecurity in Borno State, especially the close proximity of Azare Hawul with Sambisa Forest, the evidence that the change in venue was sanctioned by the 3rd Respondent due to security threats was natural, reasonable, and probable, which the lower court overlooked. Counsel submitted that since the change in venue was sanctioned by the 3rd Respondent, the requirement of notice to it did not arise because the change was not at the instance of the 2nd Respondent. He argued further that, in the alternative, the lower court ought to have allowed the appeal since the

trial court did not resolve the irreconcilable conflict between the Appellant and 2nd Respondent, on the one hand, and the 1st Respondent’s Counter-Affidavit on the fact that the 3rd Respondent sanctioned the change in venue and also monitored the primary election in question by way of oral evidence. He relied on the case of CHUKWU v ONWUKA (2016) 5 NWLR (PT. 1506) 529 at 552 and prayed the Apex Court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgement of the lower court.

In response, Counsel for the 1st Respondent asserted that the decision of the trial court was based on proper evaluation of the affidavit evidence before it. Counsel argued that the primary election in question was conducted in breach of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, the 3rd Respondent’s Guidelines for Political Party Primaries, and the 2nd Respondent’s Constitution. He maintained that there was no evidence before the trial court that the requisite seven days’ notice was issued to the 3rd Respondent for the change in venue of the election, and even if there was notice, the election was still void,

1. DR MIDALA USMAN BALAMI 2. PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) 3. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC)

RESPONDENTS

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC)

“…. where the provisions of a statute are mandatory or obligatory, a court of law cannot legitimately brush the provisions aside, just because it wants to do justice in the matter”

since it was not conducted within the Federal Constituency as prescribed by the provisions of Section 84(a), (5)(1)(c) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Section 50(2)(d) of the 2nd Respondent’s Constitution. Counsel maintained that there was no security threat at the Constituency Headquarters at Azare, and the 3rd Respondent did not monitor the election at Biu, which was conducted in violation of the law. He argued further that there was no conflict in the affidavit evidence of the Appellant and the 2nd Respondent on the one hand, and that of the 1st Respondent on the other hand, in respect of the fact that the venue of the election was changed without due notice to the 3rd Respondent, and, as such, there was no need to call for oral evidence by the trial court in the absence of such conflict.

The case of MATO v HEMBER (Supra) amongst others, was relied on. He posited that the Appellant failed to demonstrate any legal or factual errors in the judgement of the lower court justifying intervention, and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal in its entirety.

Counsel for the 2nd Respondent aligned his arguments with the 1st Respondent, asserting that the primary election conducted at Biu was in contravention of the law and therefore, not valid. He cited JEGEDE v INEC (2021) LPELR – 55481 (SC), amongst others.

Similar to other Respondents, Counsel for the 3rd Respondent submitted that the primary election in question was void since it was not conducted in accordance with the law, and the 3rd Respondent could not have sanctioned an act contrary to the law, as it could not be waived. Additionally, Counsel argued that the role of the 3rd Respondent at primary elections

of political parties is to merely monitor, and not to sanction an act that is in sharp conflict with the Electoral Act - UBA v MOGHALU (2022) LPELR-57876 (SC).

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding the sole issue, the Supreme Court held that when a trial court dutifully, fully, and properly evaluated the totality of the relevant evidence adduced before it by the parties in a case in line with the prescription of the law, an appellate court lacks the requisite power to embark on the re-evaluation of such evidence on the ground only that it would have reached a different conclusion on all, or even some of the facts in the case. Furthermore, the law also allows and recognises the power of the appellate court, where an issue or evaluation of evidence arises, to where a trial court fails to either properly or at all, evaluate the evidence placed before it in arriving at a decision in a case, re-evaluate such evidence and reach the right or considered decision in the case.

The Supreme Court noted that the suit was initiated by the 1st Respondent by way of Originating Summons, and the suit was entirely predicated and determined on affidavit evidence filed by the parties in support and defence of their case. The court held that when evaluation of evidence involves documentary evidence, of which Affidavit evidence is a species, the law is that the Appellate court is, as in as good a position as the trial court to fully and properly evaluate or re-evaluate same, as the case may be, in order to arrive at a deserving decision in a case – SPDCN LTD v PETELALE (1978) 2 SC 183.

Upon consideration of the affidavit evidence in the record of appeal, the Apex Court found that the findings of the trial court and the lower court were based on the admitted fact that the primary election was conducted in an unmitigated violation and contravention of the express provisions of Section 84 (5) (c) (1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Section 50(2) (d) of the 2nd Respondent's Constitution on the conduct of political party primary elections for the purpose of selection/nomination of candidates for elections.

Regarding the issue of threat alleged as reason for the sudden change in venue by the Appellant, Their Lordships noted that 2nd Respondent’s Constitution stipulated and commands that the primary election shall be held or conducted at the Federal Constituency Headquarters, not just anywhere in the Constituency, and the current subject election was not only conducted or held at a place other than and outside the Headquarters of the Federal Constituency but completely outside the Constituency. The Supreme Court held that the Electoral Act did not provide for holding or conduct of primary election by political parties outside the constituency for which the elective office was to be held, and such a situation or provisions cannot properly be imported into the express, unambiguous, clear and mandatory provisions of Section 84(5)(c) (i) of the Electoral Act, even in the name of doing justice, for whatever reason. In other words, where the provisions of a statute are mandatory or obligatory, a court of law cannot legitimately brush the provisions aside, just because it wants to do justice in the matter – CALABAR CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE THRIFT & CREDIT SOCIETY LTD v EKPO (2008) 6 NWLR (PT. 1083) 362 On the whole, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the lower court in this appeal, on the grounds that the Appellant failed to effectively demonstrate that the concurrent decisions of the lower courts was unsupported by evidence, or resulted from a misevaluation of the facts – LAWAL v APC (2019) 3 NWLR (PT. 1658) 86. The appeal was thereby dismissed, as lacking in merit.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Al-Bashir Lawal Likko,with Isyaku Saleh, Ibrahim Abdullahi Tanko, and Muhammad Muheeb Ohidaji for the Appellant.

Gbenga A. Ashaolu, with B.C. Ashaolu, C.O. Richard, and A.A. Ighodalo for the 1st Respondent.

Abdulaziz Ibrahim, with A.I. Muhammad, M.U. Bunza, and Chief Samson Okpetu for the 2nd Respondent.

M.A. Attah, with J.W. Nifas and Olawale Olatunde for the 3rd Respondent.

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

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NEWS

Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN

Illegal Detention: Lawyers Petition AGF, IG Stories by Steve Aya Two legal practitioners have written to the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police, over what they describe as the brazen disobedience to a valid court order by the officers and men of the Intelligence Response Team Unit (IRT) of Nigeria Police Force, warning that the Police cannot continue to disobey court orders.

The two Lawyers, Samuel C Noah and Ugwemogak Fingesi, in their petitions stated that they had approached the Court with the process of commencement of Application for Committal for Contempt against Officers of the Intelligence Response Team Unit (IRT), on the ground of disobedience of a Court Order.

The Petitioners expressed disgust over the continued detention of their clients Macpherson Olimini, Chime Ezebalike, and Prince Lukman Oladele by the Officers attached to the IRT in Abuja, in flagrant disobedience of the Court Order. They warned that the dignity and honour of the court could not be maintained, if its orders were treated disdainfully and scornfully without due respect.

In the Petition titled “Brazen Disobedience to a Valid Court Order: A threat to Our Constitutional Democracy and a Call for Your Urgent Intervention”, the Lawyers urged the AGF to compel the Nigeria Police Force to obey court orders.

According to the Petitioners, the three men

were arrested at different dates and different locations in Rivers State last year, and subsequently, brought and detained at IRT, Abuja on the 20th of December, 2023, and have remained in continued detention since the said date. The Petitioners stated that since the arrest and detention of the three men, they made elaborate efforts to secure their administrative bail in line with the extant provisions of Sections 30 and 31 of the Administrative of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, but to no avail.

Consequently, the petitioners said they approached the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and commenced three different suits for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights of their Clients as guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As altered).

The Petitioners said “On the hearing of our Motion dated 27th December, 2023, the Court ordered that our Clients should be granted administrative bail within 48 hours of the service of the Order of Court on Nigeria Police in whose custody our clients are kept.

“The Order of Court was served on the office of the Inspector General of Police and DCP Muhammed Sanusi Ahmed (Commander Intelligence Response Team URI) Guzape, Abuja on 28th December 2023.

“In a total and ignominious disobedience to the Order of a Court of competent jurisdiction, DCP Muhammad Sanusi (Commander IRT) bluntly refused to grant any of the

Applicants bail, and this, to say the least, is the height of official recklessness, an affront to our judicial system and inimical to the revered principle of the Rule of Law. “In line with Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, Cap. S6 LFN 2004, we have approached the Court with the commencement of application for committal for contempt on the grounds of disobedience of the Court Order.

“Sir, we wish to state with emphasis that an Order of Court, whether right or wrong must be obeyed, unless set aside by the same Court or on appeal. See the cases of Babatunde v Olatunji (2000) 2 NWLR (Pt. 646) 557, }.B. Estate Dev. & Prop. Ltd. v Nzegwu (No.1) (2016) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1507) at page 133, para G. “It is contempt of court to refuse to do an act required by a judgement

or order of court within the time specified therein, or to disobey a judgement or an order restraining a person from doing a specified act.

The dignity and honour of the court cannot be maintained, if its orders are treated disdainfully and scornfully without due respect.

“In light of the above, we humbly call on you, as the Head of the Nigeria Police Force, who also has a supervisory role over the Intelligence

Response Team Unit, to direct the Commander, DCP Muhammed Sanusi Ahmed, to release the applicants, Chime Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele and Macpherson Olimini as ordered by the Court as the continued disobedience of a valid Court Order by your officers is capable of eroding, the confidence of our citizenry in Nigerian Police and may undermine our constitutional democracy.”

Court Restrains Police from Interfering in PTDA Affairs

Justice Akintayo Aluko, of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has ordered the Police to stay all action and maintain the status quo in the matter brought by members of the Ejigbo Branch of the Petroleum Tankers Drivers Association (PTDA), who accused the Police of breaching their fundamental rights.

Justice Aluko made the order while ruling on an Ex-parte application, brought by the members of the Ejigbo, Lagos Branch of the Association.

The Judge also ordered the Police not to do anything that would breach the Applicants’ fundamental rights, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit, or pending further order from the court.

The Applicants in the matter who include, Ganiyu Oyebola, Adebola Alani Akala, Basiru Adebayo Akangbe, Jimoh

Abdulrahman Danlori, Wasiu Ankelo, Bolaji Babalola among others, have sued the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police (FCID), the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 2, CP Emmanuel Ade-Aina, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Saheed Adigun Omogbolahan, Augustine Egbon, Williams Akporeha and Olawale Afolabi, who were listed as Respondents in the suit marked FHC/L/ CS/2661/2023.

The Applicants, through their Lawyer, Olumide Oyewole, have asked the court for the following reliefs; “an order for an interim injunction restraining the first, second, third and fourth Respondent, either by themselves, agents, servants and privies, from taking any further steps or actions on matters pertaining to and or relating to the leadership

disputes and or succession into political offices of the Petroleum Tankers Drivers Association, Ejigbo Unit, Lagos State, pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons in these proceedings.

“An order of interim injection restraining the first, second, third and fourth Respondent either by themselves, agents, servants and privies, from engaging in any further acts of harassment and intimidation of the Applicants by way of issuance of any invitation letter, issuance of threat of arrest and detention, and the actual arrest and detention of the Applicants upon the allegations of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth Respondent, pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons in these proceedings.

“An order restraining the first, second, third and fourth Respondent either

by themselves, agents, servants and privies, from engaging in any further acts of harassment and intimidation of the Applicants by way of arrest and detention on matters pertaining to and or connected with leadership and or political tussle within the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons in these proceedings.”

Amongst others, the Applicants therefore, urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.

After listening to the Applicants’ Counsel, Justice Aluko in his ruling, ordered that the status quo be maintained and that the Defendant stop all action on the matter until the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The Judge thereafter adjourned the matter till February 8, 2024, for hearing of the substantive suit.

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O

Background of the Case n December 14, 2022, the NBA filed a lawsuit against Dame Pauline Tallen, reacting to her comments criticising a Federal High Court judgement as a "kangaroo judgement." The NBA's contention was that such comments were not only derogatory, but also undermined the authority and sanctity of the Judiciary. This lawsuit resulted in a High Court ruling on December 18, 2023, barring Dame Tallen from holding public office unless she retracts her statement and publicly apologises.

To properly analyse the subject of this piece, which refers to whether the court was right in its judgement to permanently bar Dame Pauline Tallen from holding a public office, certain questions must find their answers, some of which are: 1. In what capacity was Dame Pauline Tallen sued?

2. The Nature of Tallen’s Statement?

3. Is the court a legal person (strictu sensu or figuratively) capable of being hurt by such remarks?

4. The locus of the NBA to institute an action.

5. The propriety and effect of the consequential order made by the court.

In What Capacity was Dame Pauline Tallen Sued?

In determining the capacity in which Dame Pauline Tallen was sued, it is important to mention briefly that, she was a Minister serving in the Government at the time the cause of action arose, and thus, the primary question is as to whether that made her a public officer within the context of Nigerian law. To fully appreciate the status of Dame Pauline Tallen as a public officer, it is pivotal to reference the legal framework that circumscribes the term 'public officer' in Nigeria.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, provides a broad definition of public officers, inclusive of individuals occupying official positions within the government, either by election or appointment. This definition aligns with the principles set forth in Stitch v AG Fed & Ors, where a Minister, akin to the role held by Dame Pauline Tallen as the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, is unequivocally deemed a public officer. This designation arises from the legislative mandate bestowed upon such individuals, to exercise public discretion impacting citizens. As a support to the assertion, the court in Obot v Aondoakaa held that the Constitution explicitly categorises the Attorney-General of the Federation as a public officer. By analogy, this categorisation extends to other ministerial positions, thereby encompassing Dame Pauline Tallen within its ambit.

Having laid the foundation for our analogy by clarifying the status of Dame Pauline Tallen, it is then incumbent on us to determine the legal nomenclature to be given to her remarks.

The Nature of Tallen’s Statement Dame Pauline Tallen's characterisation of the court's judgement as a "kangaroo judgement", stands at a complex intersection of defamation law and the principle of freedom of expression. Under Nigerian law, defamation involves a statement that unjustly harms the reputation of another. The pivotal legal framework can be understood through the lens of the case Sketch & Anor v Ajagbemokeferi (1989) LPELR-3207(SC), which established three tests for determining defamation: 1) exposure of a person to hatred, ridicule, or contempt; 2) causing a person to be shunned or avoided; and 3) having a tendency to injure a person in their office, profession, or trade.

Applying these principles, Tallen's statement could be construed as defamatory if interpreted as such (as it was) to the court's standing in the eyes of the public, thereby exposing it to ridicule or contempt. As courts are integral to the administration of justice, disparaging comments aimed at undermining their authority could potentially injure their reputation and integrity, fulfilling the third criterion of defamation as outlined in Sketch & Anor v Ajagbemokeferi (Supra).

However, assessing the defamatory nature of Tallen's statement also necessitates considering the scope of freedom of expression. In Nigeria, this freedom is constitutionally protected, but not absolute, especially when it impinges upon the reputation and functioning of critical institutions like the Judiciary (see Section 45 of the Constitution).

The balance between freedom of expression and protection against defamation is delicate; while individuals have the right to express dissent or criticism, this right does not extend to making unfounded and damaging allegations, especially against a judicial entity.

Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Pauline Tallen

Adeniji Kazeem, SAN

Permanent Public Office Holding Bar on Pauline Tallen: Was the Court Right?

This interesting article by Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, examines the matters arising, following the High Court judgement delivered in NBA v Pauline Tallen barring her from holding public office, unless she tenders a public apology and retracts her statement in which she referred to the judgement of the Federal High Court as a “Kangaroo Judgement” In the context of defamation law, the statement in question must meet the criteria of being false, published by a third party, and causing damage to the Plaintiff’s reputation. In Tallen's case, her statement was publicly disseminated, and could be argued to have damaged the reputation of the court. Whether the statement is false or not would depend on a thorough legal analysis and the context in which it was made, which certainly is not the intent of this piece.

In essence, while Tallen's freedom of expression allows her to criticise the court's decisions, labelling the judgement of the court as a "kangaroo judgement" on the surface of it potentially crosses into the realm of defamation, by possibly failing the tests established in Sketch & Anor v Ajagbemokeferi (Supra).

It then becomes essential to determine if a court is a legal person, in the strict or figurative sense of being capable of being hurt or defamed.

Is the Court a Legal Person (strictu sensu or figuratively) capable of being hurt by such remarks?

Determining whether a court of law can be considered a legal person capable of being defamed, is a nuanced legal question that varies across jurisdictions. Generally, courts, as institutions, are not regarded as legal persons in the same way individuals or corporations are.

However, this does not mean they are beyond the reach of legal protections, including those related to reputation and integrity.

In many legal systems, courts themselves cannot be Plaintiffs in defamation cases, because they are not considered "persons" in the legal sense. However, individual Judges or officers of the court can be subjects of defamation, if statements are made against them personally.

“There is no doubt that the court has inherent powers to assert its moral and constitutional burden to reprimand unscrupulous conduct….however, such orders must be made within the bounds of constitutionality, without giving off the stench of having personal vendetta against political litigants”

The reputation and integrity of the judicial system are typically protected by other legal mechanisms, such as laws against contempt of court, which safeguard the authority and functioning of the judicial system.

For instance, in the UK, the case of Derbyshire County Council v Times Newspapers Ltd (1993) established that government entities, including local authorities, cannot sue for defamation because it would be an infringement on free speech, a principle likely applicable to courts as well. This ruling emphasises the importance of open criticism and discussion of public institutions, as a facet of a democratic society. Likewise, in the United States, while individual Judges can sue for defamation, courts, as institutions, are generally not seen as having the standing to do so.

The emphasis is on protecting the individual reputations of judicial officers, rather than the court as an entity.

In Nigeria, while the courts themselves may not be seen as legal persons who can be defamed, there are provisions for protecting the dignity of the court, such as the offence of contempt of court. Criticising a court's decision is permissible within the bounds of free speech, but making unfounded allegations that undermine the court's integrity, may be seen as contemptuous in cases where the Defendant is a party to a matter before it, and in other cases, it may be seen simply as defamatory.

Pointedly, while courts are typically not considered legal persons that can be directly defamed, legal systems have established mechanisms to protect their integrity and authority, mainly through contempt of court laws and regulations governing the conduct of legal practitioners and public officers. These provisions ensure that while constructive criticism of court decisions is allowed, actions or statements that undermine the judiciary's authority or impugn its integrity are not permissible.

As it is the pattern of this piece, it therefore depends on this piece to determine if the NBA has locus to institute the action on behalf of the court against Dame Pauline Tallen.

The Locus of the NBA to Institute an Action The Legal Practitioners Act serves as a crucial statutory framework, within which the conduct

of legal practitioners in Nigeria is governed. This Act lays the foundation for disciplinary actions against Lawyers who fail to uphold the ethical standards of the profession. The NBA, through its disciplinary committees, wields the power granted by this Act to enforce these standards, ensuring that the legal profession maintains its integrity and public trust.

The role of the NBA in maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession, is further supported by Nigerian case law. Significant precedents, such as the ruling in UBari v National Assembly (2015), have recognised and reinforced the NBA's authority in disciplining its members, even in matters related to public statements. This case law solidifies the NBA's position as a guardian of legal and judicial integrity, enabling it to take the necessary actions to uphold these values.

Moreover, the NBA's initiation of legal action can be viewed through the prism of public interest litigation.

Nigerian courts have increasingly acknowledged the role of legal bodies and non-governmental organisations in pursuing lawsuits that protect the public interest. This is particularly pertinent, in cases that involve the rule of law and the integrity of judicial processes. Such actions by the NBA demonstrate its commitment to not only serving its members, but also to advocating for the broader public good, especially in matters that concern the administration of justice and legal standards.

Hence, the NBA's recent action against Dame Pauline Tallen can be seen as a form of judicial review. In this capacity, the NBA seeks to enforce legal and ethical standards within the Judiciary and among public officials. This approach is in line with the NBA's overarching role in promoting the rule of law, and ensuring that public officers adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct. By doing so, the NBA plays a crucial role in reinforcing the rule of law and maintaining the sanctity of judicial processes in Nigeria.

The Propriety and Effect of the Consequential Order Made by the Court One of the decisions of the court, among other reliefs, is “an injunction restraining Dame Pauline Tallen from holding any public office in Nigeria, unless she purges herself of the ignoble conduct by publishing a personally signed apology letter to Nigerians and the Judiciary”.

The statement: ‘an injunction restraining Dame Pauline cont'd on page VII

VII

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insight abubakar d. sani

xL4sure@yahoo.com

08034533892

Are the Supreme Court Election Practice Directions Valid?

E

Introduction ver since their enactment by the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the 1st day of February, 2023, the Supreme Court Pre-Election and Election Appeals Directions 2023, have been the extant rules guiding the practice and procedure in respect of election petitions and pre-election matters on appeal to that court. Few have questioned their status - let alone validity - as the prevailing wisdom (or assumption) is that they are, ex facie, valid, given the status of their author, the highest judicial official in the country - the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The Directions themselves bear this out, as they proclaim that they were enacted pursuant to Sections 233(2)(e) and 236 of the 1999 Constitution (along with Order 10 Rule 2 of the Supreme Court Rules). So, what is the problem? Don’t those provisions support the power which the Hon. CJN purported to exercise, or do the relevant statutory provisions detract from those and impinge on the validity of the Directions? Let us find out, but, first, an examination of the enabling provisions under which the Directions were enacted.

Relevant provisions • Starting with Section 233(2)(e) of the Constitution, it provides as follows: “An appeal shall lie from the decisions of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court as of right in the following cases: “decisions on any question:i. Whether any person has been validly elected to the office of President or Vice - President under this Constitution; ii. Whether the term of office of President or VicePresident has ceased; iii.Whether the office of President or Vice-President has become vacant; iv. Whether any person has been validly elected to the office of Governor or Deputy-Governor under this Constitution; v. Whether the term of office of Governor or DeputyGovernor has ceased; vi.

Whether the term of office Governor or Deputy Governor has become vacant’’ Section 236: “subject to the provisions of any Act of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice of Nigeria may make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court” The reference to “any Act of the National Assembly” in the foregoing provision necessarily invites attention to the Electoral Act, 2022, Section 140 of which provides as follows: 1.“The rules of procedure to be adopted for election

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola petitions and appeals arising therefrom shall be as set out in the First Schedule to this Act; 2. “The President of the Court of Appeal may issue Practice Directions to the:a)nCourt of Appeal, in respect of pre-election and post-election appeals; and b)Election Tribunal, in respect of post-election matters” Paragraph 55 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that: “Subject to the provisions of this Act an appeal to the Court shall be determined in accordance with the practice and procedure relating to civil appeals in the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, as the case may be, regard being had to the need for urgency in electoral matters”.

It can be seen that the phrase “subject to” is common to both of these provisions. It is settled that, whenever that phrase is used in a statutory provision: “The intention, purpose and legal effect is to make the provisions of the section inferior, dependent on, or limited or restricted in application to the section to which they are made subject to. In other words, the provisions of the latter section shall govern, control and prevail over the provisions of the section made subject to it. It renders the provisions of the subject

“….Section 140(2) of the Electoral Act 2022….empowers the President of the Court of Appeal to issue Practice Directions applicable in that court, pertaining to pre-election matters, post-election appeals, as well as in election tribunals, in postelection matters…no such power is conferred on the Chief Justice of Nigeria by the National Assembly”

section subservient”: see OLORUNTOBA-OJU v ABDULRAHEEM (2009) 13 NWLR Pt.1157 Pg. 83 at 138G, per Adekeye, JSC. TheApex Court further held in N.D.I.C. v OKEM ENT. LTD (2004) 10 NWLR Pt. 880 Pg.107 @183B (per Uwaifo, JSC), that: “(the phrase) ‘subject to’ introduces a condition, a restriction, a limitation, a proviso . . . It subordinates the provisions of the subject section to the section empowered by reference thereto and which is intended to be diminished by the subject section”.

The foregoing are buttressed by the provisions of Items 22 and 68 of the Exclusive Legislative List in Part 1, as well as Paragraph 2(b) of Part III, both of the Second Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which confer exclusive power on the National Assembly to enact rules of practice and procedure of courts of law in proceedings pertaining to or connected with elections to the offices of President, Vice-President, Governor, Deputy-Governor, Senators, etc.

Juxtaposing them with those of Section 140 of the Electoral Act, 2022 (which, as it would be recalled, stipulate that the rules of procedure to be adopted in election petitions and appeals therefrom, shall be as set out in the First Schedule thereto). I submit that the inescapable conclusion is that, unless otherwise expressly stated (as in Section 140(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 which I shall presently address), the National Assembly has reserved for itself the power to enact rules of practice and procedure applicable in election-related proceedings.

I believe the sole exception to the foregoing is Section 140(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, which, it can be recalled, empowers the President of the Court of Appeal to issue Practice Directions applicable in that court, pertaining to pre-election matters, postelection appeals, as well as in election tribunals, in post-election matters. It is instructive that, no such power is conferred on the Chief Justice of Nigeria by the National Assembly: the maxim is: expressio unius est exclusio alterius (the express mention of a thing in a statute implies the exclusion of others

which otherwise might be included: See OKOROAFOR v EMEKA (2015) 34 WRN Pg. 45 at 129, C.A).

Furthermore, even though the subject Directions expressly provide (in Paragraph 1 thereof) that they are applicable to election-related appeals in the Supreme Court, it is, however, settled that, a subsidiary legislation cannot contradict or override a principal statute: AKANNI v ODEJIDE (2004) All FWLR Pt. 218 Pg. 827 at 853E and KENNEDY v INEC (2009) 1 NWLR Pt. 1123 Pg. 614 at 642D. Does that mean that there is a lacuna in the applicable law, in terms of the practice and procedure in appeals in electoral matters at the Supreme Court? Far from it.

This is because, as it can be recalled, Paragraph 55 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2022 has taken care of the situation, by categorically stating that such appeals are to be determined in accordance with the practice and procedure relating to civil appeals in that court. The only qualification to this provision is that, regard should be had to the need for urgency in such matters. Other than that, the normal rules applicable to ordinary civil appeals in the Supreme Court, are also applicable to electoral appeals.

This view might appear to fly in the face of the received wisdom that, electoral proceedings are sui generis. Well, I believe, as they say, that, it is what it is. We cannot change the language of the law, when its intention is clear and unambiguously expressed.

In such a case, the task of the interpreter is simply to give effect to the law, even if it leads to uncomfortable results or consequences. As was held in ST. JOHN SHIPPING CORP v J. RANK LTD (1975) 1 Q.B. 267 at 282 (referred to, with approval in IFEZUE v MBADUGHA (1984) 1 SCNLR 427): “One must not be deterred from enunciating the correct principle of law because it may have startling, or even calamitous results”.

Conclusion The upshot of the foregoing is, with the utmost respect and diffidence, that the Supreme Court Pre-Election and Election Appeals Practice Directions 2023 are inconsistent, not only with the Electoral Act 2022, but, more importantly, with the 1999 Constitution. In making this startling submission, I concede (as before), that Section 236 of the Constitution empowers the CJN to make rules of practice and procedure applicable in the Supreme Court. I, however, hasten to add – again, as previously submitted - that that power is not at large, but is to be exercised “in accordance with any Act of the National Assembly”. The National Assembly has enacted such a law. That law is the Electoral Act, 2022, the relevant provisions have been discussed above. None of them empowers the Hon. CJN to make the subject Directions. Rather, it is the President of the Court of Appeal who is conferred with such power (albeit, in relation to appeals in that Court and in election tribunals) This situation is clearly anomalous and, as I stated before, discloses a yawning lacuna in the law which is yearning to be filled. The competent body or authority to do so, is the National Assembly. Until that is done, election-related appeals at the Supreme Court ought to be determined in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules applicable to ordinary civil proceedings, vide Paragraph 55 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022 as aforesaid.

Permanent Public Office Holding Bar on Pauline Tallen: Was the Court Right?

Cont'd from page VI

Tallen from holding any public office in Nigeria’ is what is often referred to as a consequential order.

The concept of consequential orders by a court is a fundamental aspect of judicial power, and is crucial in ensuring that judgements are effective and serve justice. Consequential orders are remedies or directions issued by a court, that arise naturally and logically from the rights and obligations determined in a judgement. These orders are essential for giving practical effect to the court’s decisions, and ensuring that justice is not merely symbolic but effective and enforceable. In Nigeria, the power of the courts to issue consequential orders is rooted in the Constitution, as well as various statutory provisions.

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria grants the Judiciary the power to decide cases and controversies. Specifically, Section 251(1) empowers the Federal High Court to adjudicate matters connected with or pertaining to any act of the Federal Government.

This constitutional mandate, inherently includes the power to issue orders necessary to enforce its judgements.

The scope of consequential orders must be directly related to, and flow from the main judgement. As established in Dahiru v Ahmed

& Ors (2013) and Stitch v AG Fed & Ors, a court is authorised to issue orders that give full effect to its judgements. However, these orders must not be extraneous to the matters decided in the case. The principle of 'dominus litus', as noted in Gabdo v Usman, affirms that a Judge is in full control of their court, and can make necessary orders if they do not lead to a miscarriage of justice.

However, one must note that the principle of proportionality is crucial in issuing consequential orders. A court must ensure that such orders are not excessively punitive, or beyond the scope of the legal framework. This principle is particularly relevant in cases where the court imposes restrictions or penalties, as in the case involving Dame Pauline Tallen.

In Amaechi v INEC, it was emphasised that courts have a duty to ensure justice is served. However, this duty must be balanced with the need to respect the separation of powers and the limits of judicial authority.

The Nigerian Judiciary is no stranger to issuing consequential orders that have implications, like that which was given in Tallen's case. One case that rings a bell is the case of Obot v Aondoakaa, where the erstwhile Minister of Justice and AGF was permanently barred from holding

public office, based on damaging ‘advisories’ he issued to litigants of a particular matter.

Extensively, consequential orders have been utilised in various contexts, from electoral disputes to administrative actions. In each scenario, the courts have endeavoured to tailor their orders to the specific circumstances of the case, ensuring that justice is not only pronounced, but effectively implemented.

In the context of public office and the conduct of public officers, the courts have often had to grapple with the appropriate extent of their orders. While the courts are empowered to enforce ethical and legal standards, they must also respect the constitutional and statutory requirements and limits on disqualification from office. Applying this statement to the decision of the court in Tallen’s case, it may seem that there is a disconnect between the consequential order for permanent bar should the former Minister fail to tender apologies in two national dailies, on her statement, which appears to be one made by an average judicial critic. Tallen’s defamatory statement had no connection to her acting in her official capacity as Minister when compared to Mr Aondoakaa, who had used his office at AGF to downplay the integrity of the court system.

Tallen simply made the statement as a political actor, and nowhere within the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, is a derogatory statement of a court’s judgement sufficient

grounds for disqualification from public office.

This may be a classic case of judicial overreach.

There is no doubt that the court has inherent powers to assert its moral and constitutional burden to reprimand unscrupulous conduct, as it did in Governor, Ekiti State v Olubunmi (2017); however, such orders must be made within the bounds of constitutionality, without giving off the stench of having personal vendetta against political litigants.

Conclusion The attitude of the Judiciary on an average day is to withstand all sorts of missiles in the form of criticism, opinions, and publications, to mention a few; hence, it, by principle and custom, rarely speaks out on issues nor defends itself. However, the power of courts to make consequential orders is a vital tool in the administration of justice. It ensures that court judgements are not merely theoretical declarations, but have practical impact.

This power must be exercised with caution, respecting the principles of proportionality, due process, and the constitutional limits of judicial authority. The Nigerian Judiciary, through various case laws, has demonstrated an understanding of the delicate balance required in exercising this power, ensuring that justice is both effective and fair.

Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State (2015-2019)

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Olawale Fapohunda, SAN

‘Government Must Publish Clear Policy Statement on Justice Sector Reform’

The Nigerian Judiciary is, sadly, the most neglected and most underfunded of the three arms of government. The crucial constitutional role this arm of government plays in the nation, is basically taken for granted and the least appreciated, despite the Judiciary being the stabilising factor in any constitutional democracy. Last week, the immediate past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ekiti State, Olawale Fapohunda, SAN took up critical issues about the justice sector in a chat with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi in an invigorating interview, discussing possible and workable solutions from his wealth of experience as an administration of justice sector reform guru

T

he Judiciary has been a subject of public discussion this year, specifically as it relates to decisions from the superior courts in election matters. Some senior Lawyers have ben quite scathing in their assessment of the judiciary some describing the Supreme Court in unprintable words. Do you think these largely negative comments are justified?

I think it is a good development that there is public interest in the workings of the Judiciary.

It is of course, important, if not necessary, that our citizens be well informed about the workings of the three arms of government.

Indeed, we cannot hope to sustain and strengthen our democracy if our citizens are

in the dark about how the pillars of our democracy work. Having said this, it is also important that the public discussion about the Judiciary or indeed, any other institution of government, is not based on misinformation. If you ask me, much of the debate about the decisions on election petition matters have been based on misinformation. This misinformation is fuelled by a combination of limited public understanding about procedure and practice directions on election matters, as well as the inability of a sizeable number of our people to accept the outcome of the recently concluded elections, particularly the Presidential election. I shudder when I see or hear non-Lawyers debating court decisions in print and electronic media. By

“I understand the general frustration about our inability to make progress on reforms in the Judiciary specifically, and the justice sector in general….I also agree that we cannot achieve the justice system of our dreams, if we continue on this current path….The current system is opaque, and is neither in the interest of the country, nor justice sector stakeholders”

the way, Lawyers have also not helped matters. You may have noticed that when Lawyers are on the wining team they describe the Judiciary in flowery words, but once they lose, they chorus negative comments about the Judiciary. I think the unprofessional conduct of Lawyers, is where the problem lies. Our rules are very clear about what to do, when we do not agree with court decisions. Nowhere in those rules, to the best of my knowledge, are provisions for any form of media attack on the Judiciary, or in many cases, the person of the Judges or Justices, as the case may be. I think our colleagues should realise that, we owe the judicial system a duty of care. It is in our collective interest that we stop giving legitimacy to the ‘Judiciary mob’. By all means, let’s hold the Judiciary accountable. But, surely, we can do this decently in manner prescribed by our rules, that affirms the ‘learned’ that we so proudly call each other.

In your opinion, what justification is there, if any, for the conduct of Lawyers who have made unsalutary comments about the Judiciary in the media space?

I understand the general frustration about our inability to make progress on reforms in the Judiciary specifically, and the justice sector in general. We are all victims of this lack of progress. Every

aspect of our justice system needs review, in fundamental ways. I also agree that we cannot achieve the justice system of our dreams, if we continue on this current path. I have said elsewhere that the challenge before us, is to take our justice system in a different direction.

The current system is opaque, and is neither in the interest of the country nor justice sector stakeholders.

However, in my view, the solution cannot be to throw away our professional standing and join the fray of name calling and in many cases, hurling insults. I am more interested in finding solutions. In any case, it is not as if some of us are also not part of the problem. It may be useful to identify the strands of these unsalutary comments, that have dominated public discussion. First, there is the category of those Lawyers who have turned the media into the weapon for attacking the Judiciary, especially on matters of election petitions.

Secondly, there are those who frequently make allegations of Judges collecting bribes or other forms of misconduct.

I think the first category of Lawyers may require continuous education, about the important role of the legal profession in safeguarding our legal system. They need to know that by their actions, they are undermining the justice system. We simply cannot have this. The political season will come and go, what is constant is the justice system. The second category of Lawyers, should be made to provide concrete

TueSday, JANUARY 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

‘Government Must Publish Clear Policy Statement on Justice Sector Reform’ evidence in support of their allegations. It is simply not enough to make allegations of the sort, that we have seen being made in recent times. These Lawyers should do the country a favour, and come forward with specific details including names.

While we have a responsibility to rid the Judiciary of those who misconduct themselves, I think the legal profession also has a a greater responsibility to rid the profession of those who make unsubstantiated allegations against the Judiciary. Indeed, it is part of our professional calling to speak up and speak out against all forms of misconduct in the justice system.

Allegations without evidence, will not cure the system.

You have been in the forefront of the advocacy for the upward review of judicial salaries and allowances, which has remained static for close to two decades. It has been a year since the NBA Committee which you are the Alternate Chairman, made a wide range of proposals to the Government/RMAFC. Your Committee proposed a 200% increase in their basic salaries across board, why has the Federal Government not responded appropriately up till now, as judicial officers are still on the same salary scale? It is common knowledge that Magistrates are even in a worse condition.

To be honest, the advocacy for the review of judicial remuneration has been a long and tortious one. It is simply frustrating that successive governments at both levels, pay lip service to this issue of poor remuneration.

Thankfully, the NBA President has made this issue a priority and has brought a much needed reinvigoration to the exercise. Yes, the NBA Committee on judicial remuneration, proposed an upward review of 200% of the basic salary across board for all judicial officers.

We also proposed several new allowances, in recognition of workload and lifestyle of judicial officers. For example, we proposed a Lifestyle Allowance in response to the limitations on the lifestyle of judicial officers imposed by the Judicial Code of Conduct. By their code of conduct, Judges who are in need of loans can only borrow money from recognised financial institutions. They are prohibited from taking friendly loans or accepting gifts, including those of a monetary nature. Furthermore, Judicial Officers are encouraged to lead isolated lives with few friends and acquaintances. This has implications on the Judges’ support network. It is unethical for a serving Judge, to be involved in any business venture. A Judge therefore, is fully dependent on Government for sustenance.

These limitations impose real financial burdens, not borne by other public officers.

We continue to engage the National Judicial Council on these proposals, and I am confident that we are on the same page. We have had formal meetings with President Tinubu, and the leadership of the National Assembly. We have met with the Attorney-General of the Federation, in the hope that he will adopt our proposals as that of the Federal Government.

Our desire is that these efforts will be reflected in the 2024 Appropriations. This is why we presented a comprehensive briefing note on the subject-matter, to each member of the National Assembly. I am pleased to note that the right questions on judicial remuneration are being asked by members of the National Assembly, in the ongoing budget consideration process. We hope the National Assembly will go further, and enact the appropriate legislation that will lead to the upward review of judicial remuneration.

Some of our proposals will require constitutional amendment. For example, in recognition of the independence and uniqueness of the Judiciary, we recommended that Judicial officers

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Olawale Fapohunda, SAN

should be remunerated according to an independent salary scale to be known as the Judicial Service Pay Scale (JSPS). This will further enable judicial salaries to be subject to regular reviews, that are distinct from those carried out in respect of the civil service. In our view, this should be achieved through a separate legislative scheme for salaries, allowances, conditions of service and retirement benefits for judicial officers. To achieve this in concrete terms, we proposed a ‘Judicial Office Holders Entitlements Bill’ to create a Judicial Office Holders Entitlements Panel, to replace the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission as it relates to the Judiciary.

We will continue to engage the Presidency and the National Assembly.

Our approach to the Magistracy and other lower courts, is different. We recognise that Magistrates suffer some of the worst conditions of judicial service. It is true that some progress has been made in some States and the FCT, on this issue. However, the picture across the States is not a pleasant one. Our Committee is currently putting together a facts and figures briefing note on the remuneration of lower courts, in aid of our discussion with State Governors.

Thank you for this clarification, but, I am sure that you are aware that some Lawyers have said that your Committee is only focused on judicial remuneration and not judicial accountability. They mention for example, the issue of appointment of Judges, the need to reform the National Judicial Council, among others.

It is simply not true, that we have focused solely on judicial remuneration. Our position is that, there is no justification for judicial officers to be on the same salary for up to 20 years. This, in our respectful view, must be the starting point for any conversation on judicial reform. Judicial remuneration today is no longer at a respectful level in

“Our position is that, there is no justification for judicial officers to be on the same salary for up to 20 years. This, in our respectful view, must be the starting point for any conversation on judicial reform. Judicial remuneration today is no longer at a respectful level, in comparison to other public and political office holders”

comparison to other public and political office holders. I know as a fact, speaking with several judicial officers, that the inability of successive governments to make progress on the issue of fair and reasonable judicial salaries has damaged the morale of the Judiciary. It should be said that the guarantee of a minimum reasonable pay package, is not meant for the benefit of the Judiciary. Rather, financial security is a means to the end of judicial independence, and is therefore, for the benefit of our country.

There are a number of issues, which go hand in glove with our judicial remuneration agenda. You mentioned the issue of judicial appointments. Certainly, there is the need for an urgent review of how our Judges are appointed. I am particularly concerned about the invisible wall that seems to have been placed in the path of senior Lawyers in private practice, who aspire to sit on the Bench in the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal. These courts should be the place where our brightest and best sit.

I cannot understand why deliberate effort is not being made to attract the best from the array of brilliant senior Lawyers from private legal practice.

Our judicial reform agenda also includes a call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, to be more visible in administration of justice in the States. There is nothing wrong with the Chief Justice paying unscheduled spot visits to courts across Nigeria. This, is in addition to visits to Correctional Centres and other places of detention. We have also suggested that the Judiciary gives consideration to the publication of an annual report. This will assist justice sector stakeholders and indeed, citizens alike, to better understand the achievements and challenges facing the Judiciary .

You said that the Chief Justice of Nigeria should visit State courts and places of detention. In your view, should the Chief Justice play any role in Police and Correctional Services reforms?

Absolutely, the Chief Justice should play a leading role, not just any role, in reforms that will lead to Police and Correctional Service reforms. The reason why we seem to have made limited progress with justice sector reform broadly, is that no one is leading the process. What we have had over the years is ad-hoc, disjointed and uncoordinated approach to reforms in the justice sector of which the Police and Correctional Services are important institutions. There has been a suggestion for the establishment of a National Council on Administration of Justice chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, with the mandate to provide a platform for Government and

non- government interests to meet, agree and implement concrete interventions that will lead to sustainable reforms of our justice system. In my respectful view, the Chief Justice should be leading reforms in the sector.

But, we have had developments in the areas of Police and Correctional Service reforms. The laws establishing both institutions have been improved in significant ways. Are you saying that law reform is not enough?

Yes, I am saying that the reform of the Nigeria Police Force, for example, will require a wide range of reforms over and above enacting a new Police Act. It is obvious that despite the new Police legislation, public perception of corruption, impunity and failure to control the law and order situation continue to plague the Police Force. Few will disagree that the present challenge is how to reverse this perception and transform the Nigeria Police into a true public servant, capable of elevating the sense of security of Nigerians. All that needs to be done in the area of Police reform can be found in the reports of the several high level committees established by successive governments since 1999. Regrettably, the findings and recommendations from these initiatives have largely gone unimplemented.

I thought that if there is one lesson to be taken away from our ‘#EndSARS’ experience, it is that Nigerians are considerably unhappy with the Police, especially its system of inquiring into complaints against Police abuse. Investigation of Police officers by their own is widely regarded as unjust, and understandably does not inspire public confidence. No Police accountability mechanism can be considered fair if it fails to inspire public confidence. Among other recommendations, it has been suggested that President Tinubu considers appointing an independent Police ombudsman with strong authority to receive complaints from the public on matters of Police corruption, including delay in investigation of crimes, abuse of power and extra-judicial killings Concerning the Correctional Services like the Police, there has been a new legal framework.

This by itself, has not achieved the desired reforms that will lead to better treatment of inmates and staff alike. The problem of the unacceptably high number of persons waiting endlessly for their trial, has not been solved. I am a strong advocate of removing the Correctional Services from the oversight of the Ministry of Interior, and placing it in the Ministry of Justice.

The reason for this is simple. The Ministry of Interior jointly supervises the Correctional Service and other paramilitary services like the Fire Service, The Immigration Service and the Civil Defence Corps. The duties of the Correctional Services are fundamentally different cont'd on page X

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‘Government Must Publish Clear Policy Statement on Justice Sector Reform’ cont'd from page IX

from that of the Fire Service, Immigration and Civil Defence Corps. Therefore, a situation where they are treated in the same way and administered by one administrative body, will continue to militate against the efficiency and effectiveness.

The other issue is with the inspection of our Correctional Centres. I recall that as a Commissioner with the National Human Rights Commission, I was a Visitor to our Correctional Centres under the Correctional Services Visitors scheme. I quickly realised that an important weakness of the Visitors regime, was that there was no formal process for me to report on my findings, either to the management of the Correctional Services, the relevant Ministries, the National Assembly or the President. In addition, none of the external agencies or individuals identified for conducting visits can do so on a full time basis. This all meant that the process, while extremely useful and important, is relatively ad-hoc.

There is also the knotty matter of improving the salaries and conditions of service, of the men and women who work in the Police and Correctional Centres.

Still talking about the Chief Justice of Nigeria, in the last quarter of the year, the baton at the Supreme Court will change hands. What are the main issues which you believe that the incoming Chief Justice should tackle first?

I think the mission as often stated by His Lordship, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, must continue to be the building of a judicial system which is efficient, independent, transparent, professional and accountable to Nigerians, one that ensures the rule of law and the observance of human rights and contributes to reclaiming the trust of Nigerians in the Justice system. Promoting and implementing the zero tolerance principle with respect to corruption within the justice system, as well as improving the justice delivery in a manner that contributes to the creation of a climate that is favourable for economic growth and job creation are important deliverables.

Talking specifics, a first consideration should be to build on positive development in the judiciary in 2023. The most important, in my view, is the attainment of the full complement of Justices of the Supreme Court. It is noteworthy, that we have finally broken that jinx. The immediate issue now is how to make the numbers count. I am under no illusion that the full complement of the Supreme Court, will automatically result in a drastic reduction of the cases before the court. Making numbers count, must not be left to the Supreme Court. I am aware that one of the proposals being put forward by the Nigerian Bar Association on the review of the Supreme Court Rules, is a provision that ensures that only cases of constitutional significance or that deal with life and liberty are heard in the Supreme Court, as of right.

I agree that the time is right for the Chief Justice to be more visible in the administration of justice, specifically across the States.

I look forward to that time when the Chief Justice will undertake unscheduled visits to State High Courts and lower courts, to get a first hand appreciation of how justice is being delivered across Nigeria. It would also be a thing of joy, to see the Chief Justice visiting Correctional Centres and other places of detention, with a view to ensuring that persons are not wrongfully detained.

The office of the Chief Justice should be deliberate in enlightening Nigerians, that the Judiciary is not solely preoccupied with election petitions. That the fundamental human rights of Nigerians, including access to justice especially for the indigent, should be top on the priority concerns of the Judiciary.

Olawale Fapohunda, SAN

You earlier spoke about a proposed National Council on the Administration of Justice to be Chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Can you provide more information on this?

In broad terms, we are today struggling with enabling reforms in our justice system largely because of fragmented institutional structures and the resulting lack of co-ordination among the numerous levels of government and relevant justice institutions. The idea of a single forum in which the three arms of government, agencies with a justice sector mandates and civil society organisations, meet to discuss and agree on concrete interventions for the justice sector has long been proposed.

The need to ensure the reinforcement of recent reforms in the justice sector and the prompt follow-up of outstanding reforms, requires an implementation and monitoring body. The proposed Council will provide high level policy making, implementation and oversight of interventions in the Justice Sector. Its membership should include State and Non-State Actors from the justice sector. Its mandate will be to ensure a coordinated, efficient, effective and consultative approach in the administration of justice and reform of the justice system.

Its deliverables will include ensuring that the independence of the Judiciary is fully respected; the Defendant’s right to a fair trial is respected; vulnerable individuals in the justice system, whether as Defendants or victims, are treated with full respect for their rights and granted adequate protection; and all Nigerians have equal access to the justice system.

Administratively, the Council will, among others, formulate policies relating to the administration of justice; implement, monitor, evaluate and review strategies for the administration of justice; facilitate the establishment of Court Users Committees at the States level; and mobilise resources for purposes of the efficient administration of justice.

As we start a new year, what are your expectations from the administration of President Tinubu? Do you think

“The proposed budget for justice sector institutions, does not show the desire of the administration to urgently take our justice system in a different direction. Rather, the justice sector budget reads like one aimed at maintaining the justice system in its current form. If that is the aim, it would be truly depressing”

that the administration is ready for the type of far-reaching reforms required to reposition the justice sector, specifically the Judiciary, Police and Correctional Services?

I will be the first to admit that, progress in the justice sector has been painfully slow.

From 1999 to date, our experience has been a tragic case of one step forward many jumps backward. To be fair, we have had laudable developments in the sector, some of which I have spoken about. The problem is that these interventions, either in the area of law reform or institutional strengthening, have proved too insignificant to achieve a radical change in the way we administer justice. The reason why we seem to be crawling our way to reforms is that, over the years, the Presidency has not seen the justice sector has a key governance priority. To be blunt, the rhetoric has simply not matched the delivery.

President Tinubu has stated his commitment to reforms in the justice sector. His track record of reforms in Lagos state speaks volumes, at least, about his appreciation of the issues and what needs to be done.

Repeating the Lagos success story on a national level, will not happen overnight.

The multiple and many times overlapping institutions at the Federal and State levels, the need for consensus on the importance of the justice sector, the necessity of shared appreciation and joint action in responding to emerging crime and security concerns, and the adoption of practical steps, going forward, require strong leadership and commitment from the President.

My worry is that, given the gamut of what needs to be done, the administration seems to have adopted ‘a softly softly’ approach, contrary to the radical hit the ground running alternative which, in my view, is what the justice sector requires at this time. The budgetary proposals currently being considered by the National Assembly, is evidence of this softly softly approach. The proposed budget for justice sector institutions, does not show the desire of the administration to urgently take our justice system in a different direction.

Rather, the justice sector budget reads like one aimed at maintaining the justice system in its current form. If that is the aim, it would be truly depressing.

In 2024, I will expect that the administration publishes a clear policy statement on justice sector reform. Justice sector reforms stand a better chance of success, when the government has a clearly stated policy. There is the need for a clear national policy on justice sector reforms, setting out the official vision of the reform objectives, and committing government to specific reforms necessary to realise that vision. This is an important reference point, for any strategic approach to justice sector development. In addition to the need for a policy commitment to reform, government intervention in the

justice sector is more likely to be effective and coherent, if detailed plans for reform have been prepared. Ideally, such plans should be developed nationally, in a participatory way that involves public consultation, including consultation with institutions active in the justice sector at the Federal and State level.

Such plans should set clear benchmarks, and frame reform as a process rather than a single event. The good news is that, we do not need to go through this process. Everything that needs to be said and done, can be found in the existing reports put together by the previous Presidential Committees on justice sector reform.

The key intervention areas for me include, the upward review of judicial salaries and allowances. The Presidency should also support existing constitutional reform proposals, aimed at enabling an independent salaries and review entity for the Judiciary. Reforming the process of appointing judicial officers, including removing institutional obstacles that prevent the best and brightest Lawyers in private practice from being appointed to the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal, are important areas for consideration.

Concerning the Police, the Tinubu administration should respond to citizens concern about the Police and policing in Nigeria. I am not aware of any Presidential initiative that is working on putting together reports of the various #EndSARS Panels, with a view to drawing lessons and putting in place specific interventions to ensure that the horrors of that episode do not happen again. We seem to be complacent that we have turned that page. I have seen nothing on ground, that gives such assurance. The idea of a independent Police ombudsman should be given consideration.

There is also the need for clarity, with respect to the salaries and allowances of Police officers.

I want to know if the review approved by President Buhari, was approved.

With respect to the Correctional Services, we need to do a lot more than paying the fines of inmates. We now know that the issues bedevilling our Correctional Centres, including the large awaiting trial population is simply no longer an issue of law and justice, but of national security. This national security component challenges us to adopt a different approach, to the way we manage our correctional facilities.

If this large awaiting trial population is the main impediment towards achieving reforms in our Correctional Centres, it goes without saying that we need to decide whether the Ministry of Interior or that of Justice is more suitable to oversee the Correctional Services.

I do not imagine that the administration will solve all the problems in the justice sector that have accumulated since 1999 and beyond, in one year. I believe what is to place the sector on the path that will invariably lead to sustainable reforms.

Thank you Learned Silk.

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FEatures

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email: chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430

Hopes, Aspirations, Dreams and Expectations for 2024

As we ring in the year 2024, Sunday Ehigiator samples the hopes, dreams, aspirations and expectations of several Nigerians, civil society organisations and including that of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election

Ndabai Chinedu Christopher

Dr Malachi Ezegbogu

Joshua Maradesa

T

he year 2024 which is just beginning can be best described as a womb of hopes, dreams, and aspirations of over 200 million people or more.

From the new administration, there lies the promises of better days, of silver linings, and of blue skies that inspire hope, excite essence, rally confidence, and stoke anticipation.

Like a womb which brings forth to earth a life filled with expectations, aspirations, successes, accomplishments, glory, and others, many Nigerians are filled with hopes, just the way parturition is literarily expected.

Just as it is with reproducing life, after months in the throes of contractions, life comes with a bubbling of joy and happiness.

In 2024, many Nigerians believe that the seeds of possibilities and change that have been planted by the Tinubu administration will begin to gestate and sprout.

Aside from the common Nigerians, across several sectors, stakeholders, including the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Medical Association, Association of Small Business Owners, National Association of Nigerian Students, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, and All Farmers Association of Nigeria, among others, have made their demands for 2024 known to President Bola Tinubu.

As one put it, “If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by few individuals and private interests. This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation.”

They also asked the government to stabilise the falling naira, make the economy attractive to foreign investors and friendly to small businesses, and improve the living conditions of citizens, among other demands.

Sadly, 2023, for most people, is on record as the year Nigerians suffered the most because of the incredible level of hardship the people passed through.

From the unimaginable and continued hikes in prices across transportation, food items, rent, tuition fees, and even common sachet water, which is no longer affordable, the passing year 2023 is unprecedented.

However, and as usual of a new year, anticipations and hope are high for possible respite in 2024. The majority of the citizenry sampled look to 2024 with hope and to the government to ameliorate their sufferings.

Obi

Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi: My Fellow Compatriots, As we thank God and enter a new year, 2024, I send my heartfelt and warmest greetings to all Nigerians: from my family and me to you and yours. May the Almighty God bless you all richly and grant your good heart desires in the New Year and beyond.

The events of the past year are now part of our national history. As we trudge on, we remain mindful of the State of our Nation, and that our best hopes and aspirations remain largely unfulfilled.

Peace and security continue to elude us with the rising level of bloodletting deeply troubling and sometimes beyond a war situation. A situation where hundreds of Nigerians are violently killed

in December alone is deeply sad and unacceptable.

While we pray for the repose of the souls departed, we demand that the Federal Government do whatever is required to bring the perpetrators to justice and permanently stop a re-occurrence in any part of Nigeria.

In addition to the lamentable security situation, our economy remains confusing and depressing with unemployment, inflation, poverty, inequality and other key socio-economic variables all negative and worsening. As Nigeria is the only country we have, deeply endowed but lacking in good leadership, we will continue to seek a new Nigeria that we know is possible.

Nigerians are now very aware and convinced that good governance, inclusive development, and accountable leadership expected in a functional democracy, continue to elude us. Still, we must be consistent and resolute in our demand for the rule of law, regulatory quality and government

Nigeria is our God-given country. The business of Nigeria is far too important to be left to those involved in transactional politics. I am involved in the struggle for a New Nigeria that is Possible and works for all and will remain passionately committed to the crusade

David Owoyele

effectiveness for transformative solutions to a litany of our social problems.

If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by a few individuals and private interests.

This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation.

In a democratic and secular country like ours, there must be full respect for the separation of powers between the three independent arms of government, as well as between the federating units.

For instance, the National Assembly should devote time and commit themselves to diligent performance of their functions like the 2024 budget that requires their prudent examination and subsequent patriotic-oriented approval or rejection.

We must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state, or a situation, where the Federal government intervenes unduly in the internal affairs of the states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened.

We in the Labour Party have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a New Nigeria that is Possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward.

Our collective role in nation-building remains fundamental and obligatory.

Again, let me use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians who supported our campaign during the 2023 elections and voted for us because they believed in the quest for a New Nigeria. The outcome of the 2023 presidential elections was contested and remains so, on record. But the Courts of law have spoken; so be it.

I wish to thank members of the Labour Party, the Obedient Family, friends and well-wishers of Nigeria for their loyalty, resilience, tenacity and commitment to true democracy.

We will continue ongoing discussions and efforts for the Labour Party to adjust to our new role as Nigeria’s main opposition party. We will continue to constructively engage all Nigerians and our friends, who have now realized the vast implications of the road not taken; and the folly of national interest decisions predicated on sentiments and primordial interests.

Nigeria is our God-given country. The business of Nigeria is far too important to be left to those involved in transactional politics. I am involved in the struggle for a Continued on page XV

XV

T H I S D AY • TUESday JANUARY 9, 2024

features

Hopes, Aspirations, Dreams and Expectations for 2024

Ogabi Susan Medeyonmi

New Nigeria that is Possible and works for all and will remain passionately committed to the crusade.

I therefore implore you all who strive for a New Nigeria to remain fully engaged, committed and resilient as it is and will be possible. God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, happy and prosperous 2024.

Designation Consultant at PWC, Wisdom Peter Ebor: 2024 will be a year of healing, love and goodness. I believe that considering what we all collectively went through in 2023, there will be more closure in 2024.

We would begin to have more hope in the new administration and more love would begin to spread among every tribe in Nigeria. This is what I expect to see in the year 2024 and I also look forward to more family time for myself, upliftment and fulfilment.

On Air Personality (OAP), Joshua Maradesa: 2024! 2024 should be a year of rewards!

Yes, that's my only expectation for Nigerians.

Year 2023 was that year of assiduous toiling, people came out en masse to vote in the General elections and the candidates who had the trust of the people emerged victorious, but how many of those candidates have been compensated by the People for their trust?

So, I expect that 2024 will be the year when all Public officeholders finally get intentional about policies and governance processes and do things that will reward the people who have so much trusted.

Medical Doctor at Regions Healthcare, Owerri, Dr Malachi Ezegbogu: Given a global perspective, in 2024, I expect advancements in technology, shifts in global politics, and developments in science and medicine. I also expect attention to be on areas of renewable energy, AI, space exploration, and potential geopolitical changes.

As a Nigerian residing in the land of the renewed hope agenda, I expect to witness continued growth and progress.

I look forward to more deliverables of the dividends of democracy especially in the areas of positive infrastructure, advancements in technology, and an improved economic landscape.

In 2024, as a medical doctor, I look forward to contributing my quota to the advancements in medical research, and technology and fostering community health initiatives, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals in Nigeria.

I look forward to a better 2024 for everyone. God bless you all.

Otue Priscilla Oseahumen

Kafilat Ogbara, David Owoyele: As the curtain falls on 2023, anticipation builds for the canvas of possibilities that the New Year holds.

As a creative producer and director, I envision groundbreaking projects and storytelling that captivate hearts. In my political journey, I aspire to make meaningful strides, fostering positive change.

As a family man, I want to capture and cherish moments of love and growth. Also, embrace the evolving landscape of communication scholarship, staying at the forefront of knowledge.

May 2024 become a tapestry of creativity, progress, familial bliss, and scholarly enlightenment across every facet of my dynamic life, amen!

Youth Corper, Ogabi Susan Medeyonmi In 2024, I hope for connections for bigger and better jobs, just as I hope to embrace more achievements in good health and wealth with happiness.

I also hope for a Nigeria for all where I don’t need to know anybody before I get a Job on merit, where I can go to any part of the country and wouldn’t be scared of being profiled as an outsider. And also a Nigeria where everything you dream of about yourself can be possible to achieve.

Nigerian, Ileaboya Samuel David My wishes for 2024 are very simple, first I pray that in 2024, God intervenes in my life so I can settle down with my fiancé.

I also pray for God to keep me in good health and peace of mind, give me a good job that will help me to provide food for my family to live a good life, and lastly God’s blessings in all of my Endeavors.

Operations, Behavioural and Life Coach, Toluse Francis For 2024, I hope to enjoy myself and make more impact in my mental

Toluse Francis

Wisdom Peter Ebor

health work, and more studies as well. I want a peaceful 2024 in summary

Wale Lasisi, urged the Federal Government to improve the health infrastructure across the country and end the exodus of doctors from the country in droves.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors revealed that no fewer than 1,417 doctors had left the country in 2023, compounding the doctor shortage.

Lasisi said, “We expect the government to invest more in the health sector and see to the proper implementation of the health sector policies.

“The government should also improve the primary healthcare centres and infrastructure across the country. Also, new teaching hospitals being proposed should be cited in places with wide coverage and population.

“We also expect the government to improve the remuneration of healthcare workers in a bid to retain the manpower and make available necessary equipment and gadgets that will make work easy.

“Health is wealth, so the government at all levels must prioritise delivering quality healthcare. Considering that most of the populace cannot afford the exorbitant cost of healthcare, and most cannot afford medical tourism.

“For a government that has the agenda of renewed hope, we expect that the renewed hope will also affect health and should be as quick and effective as they can do it.”

Optometrist, Otue Priscilla Oseahumen I know 2024 will be a very spectacular year for me and my family. I would be breaking bigger boundaries in the health sector, opening up myself more to be loved, and giving my son the best life he deserves Banker and Customer Service Officer, Ndabai Chinedu Christopher Life can be quite challenging when your expectations are not met, but I expect 2024 to be a year of my, personal growth, and travel, while I also expect surprises either good or bad.

I also expect challenges as it is part of life, and I also hope to overcome any challenges that come my way. And last, I Expect God's blessings, guidance and favour.

Nigerian, Okeke Samuel My expectations for 2024 are two, praying for marital settlement and a federal government job. Amen!

Nigerian Labour Congress The Head of Information, NLC, Benson Upah, in an interview with a media organisation, (Not THISDAY), said the congress was expecting the dividends of good governance from the Tinubu administration in the New Year.

“Our expectations are good governance, strong institutions, more accountability, less corruption, respect for law and order by the government, more citizen participation in governance, lower exchange and inflation rates, higher standard of living for the citizens, and renewed hope in the country,” Upah said.

He noted that the government must resist the urge to make Nigeria a one-party state, adding that such would have dire consequences for the country.

“Government should resist the urge to make Nigeria a one-party state. Our history teaches us that there are usually dire consequences for such political greed or inordinate political ambition,” Upah added.

Nigerian Medical Association In his submission, the Oyo State Chairman of, the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr

Health is wealth, so the government at all levels must prioritise delivering quality healthcare...

For a government that has the agenda of renewed hope, we expect that the renewed hope will also affect health and should be as quick and effective Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Member, House of Representative, as they can do it

National Association of Nigerian Students In his submission, the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Mr Afeez Babatunde, said students did not need any episode of strike in the New Year.

He said, “We are not expecting any strike in 2024 as we are on our toes to make sure the government fulfils all its promises and do more.

“However, we are expecting the government loan promised to students and also the buses promised to all tertiary institutions in the country starting from January.

Moreover, we want a year that will be full of activities on our campuses where students will go to school and perform their activities comfortably.”

Babatunde added that the students were still expecting the promised bursary scheme and the increment of government subvention to universities.

He noted, “We were present during the budget public hearing, and we told the lawmakers to increase the allocation to education to raise the standard of education in the country.

“So, we are expecting them to adjust the budget, and also deliver on the promise of the student loan scheme. The welfare of students and all academic and nonacademic staff of varsities, polytechnics and colleges of education must be a major priority so that there will be a peaceful academic calendar.”

XVI

09.1.2024

19

THI S DAY • Tuesday, January 9, 2024

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

J a n u ar y v 8 , 2 0 2 4

S & P INDEX

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

19.12%

INDEX LEVEL

611.31%

1/4 to daTE

-0.07%

N795.28/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

16.25%

1-DAY

0.03%

YEAR TO DATE

0.48%

*AS AT Monday, July 24, 2023

3-MONTH

15.75%

MONTH-TO-DATE

-0.7%

Report: Amid Low Production, Oil Revenues Dropped 66% in Q3, 2023

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Amid Nigeria’s continuing low crude oil production, expected revenues from the sector slumped by 66.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Economic Report has indicated.

Whereas N2.4 trillion of inflows was supposed to come in, according to the report, N814 billion was eventually received as revenues from the sector from which Nigeria earns over 90 per cent of its foreign exchange.

However, the inflow from the oil sector was a 0.6 per cent increment compared to the previous Q2, the

report stated.

Nigeria has been unable to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota since at least the last three years, a development it blames on crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and outright sabotage of critical assets in the Niger Delta.

Besides, as countries find alternative sources to fossil fuels and the race for NetZero begins in earnest, investment in the oil and gas sector has continued to wane, with powerful countries and civil society organisations piling pressure on investors to refrain from enabling more carbon emissions.

Despite government’s efforts

over the years to end the menace, including the collaboration with local security groups, a whistle-blower policy, destruction of so-called illegal refineries, among others, they have tended to defy all kinds of solutions.

But the report noted that the muffled receipts were made worse

by Nigeria’s oil production deficit, which it disclosed hit as much as 532,000 barrels per day during the quarter under review.

A further breakdown of the data

by THISDAY showed that with the 532,000 bpd under-production spanning 92 days in July, August and September, the country lost as much as 48.9 million barrels in Q3.

“Non-oil revenue continued to dominate federation revenue, accounting for 83.0 per cent, while oil revenue made up the balance of 17.0 per cent. Driven by receipts from Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and dividends from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), oil revenue, at N814.23 billion, rose by 0.6 per cent above the level in the preceding quarter, but was below the target of N2.410 trillion by 66.2 per cent,” the report said.

But despite the low crude oil output, compared with previous quarters, domestic crude oil production rose following the

resumption of on loadings from the Forcados export terminal, and improved surveillance of oil infrastructure in the oil producing regions, the report stated.

Nigeria’s average crude oil production rose by 5.23 per cent to 1.21 million bpd from 1.15 million bpd in the preceding quarter, the CBN report added.

“The rise was due, mainly, to the improved surveillance of oil infrastructure which helped to increase production from Bonny, Erha, Okoro, Otakikpo, Yoho, Sea Eagle and Nembe streams. Nigeria’s production level, however, was lower than its OPEC quota of 1.742 million

bpd, by 532,000 bpd in Q32023,” the CBN data added.

Although at N4.791 trillion, Federation Account receipt exceeded the level in Q2, 2023 by 50.1 per cent, but the CBN document stated it was still below the benchmark by 9.5 per cent.

“The improved performance reflected higher receipts from Company Income Tax (CIT), Customs & Excise Duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT), Production Sharing Contract (PSC), and the 2023 interim dividend declaration by the NNPC. NOTE: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

‘Nigeria Pays More for Petrol Than S’Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Others’ Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A new report has shown that despite the country’s struggling economy, Nigerians are currently paying more at the pumps for petrol than some other more developed oil-producing nations of the world.

Although the country ranks 22nd in the cheapest petrol price category globally, however citizens of Nigeria pay more for fuel than Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Qatar and Omar, the survey showed.

The report by globalpetrolprices. com, also revealed that Nigerians currently pay an average of $0.722 (N660.25) as against for instance Iran which has the world’s cheapest fuel at just $0.029 (N26.52) per litre as of January this year.

Also, the data showed that Libya, Venezuela, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, enjoy very low domestic fuel costs, with Libya selling for as low as $0.031, that is roughly N28.35 while Venezuela sells a litre for $0.035 or N32.01.

However, Hong Kong emerged the highest, with a price per litre of petrol of $3.101 or N2,835.77.

Succeeding Nigerian governments have since the return of democracy in Nigeria argued that payment of subsidy on petrol prices remains a heavy burden on government finances.

Before the Bola Tinubu administration removed petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, the product was selling for about N195 per litre in several parts of Nigeria.

However, with the withdrawal of

Food

subsidy, the price of the product now sells for between N600 to N700 in several parts of the country.

Other countries which pay less for petrol aside Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and Libya, according to the report, are: Algeria with $0.342; Kuwait which sells for the same price; Angola ($0.362); Egypt ($0.403) and Turkmenistan (($0.428).

Also selling below Nigeria’s price are: Malaysia, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Azerbaijan, Ecuador, Sudan and Belarus.

Commodities

name of commodity

Size

State

Price

name of commodity

Rice

100kg

Abuja

N65,000 – N70,000

Sorghum

50kg

oyo

50kg

Plateau (Jos)

Price

“The average price of gasoline around the world is 1.29 US Dollars per litre. However, there is a substantial difference in these prices among countries.

“The average price of gasoline around the world is $1.30 per litre.

However, there is substantial difference in these prices among countries. As a general rule, richer countries have higher prices while poorer countries and the countries that produce and export oil have significantly lower prices.

“One notable exception is the US

which is an economically advanced country but has low gas prices.

The differences in prices across countries are due to the various taxes and subsidies for gasoline (petrol).

“All countries have access to the same petroleum prices of international markets but then decide to impose different taxes. As a result, the retail price of gasoline is different,” it added.

NOTE: The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

T o d ay

State

Price

name of commodity

Size

State

Price

100kg JIGAWA

N30,000

B EAN S

N50,000 – N60,000

Benue

N32,000

Maidu guri

N22,000 – N30,000

100kg

50kg bag

N50,500 – N60,000

100kg

Kaduna

N32,000

100kg Lagos

N36,000

50kg

kwara N24,000–N27,000

50kg

Enugu

N24,000

100kg

Kano

N35,000

50kg

Lagos

N60,000 – N70,000

50kg

Lagos

N26,000

50kg

rivers N50,500 – N60,500

Delta

N36,000

Delta

N35,000

100kg

100kg

50kg

sokoto

N60,000 – N70,000

100kg

Abia

N36,000

100kg

Abia

N35,700

Size

20

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

OIL & GAS

2024: Examining Nigeria’s Unfinished Business in Energy Sector 2023 was a particularly difficult year for the oil, gas and power sectors in the country. But with the hope of Nigerians now raised by the operators and regulators in the two sectors, 2024 would probably turn out to be a turning point, writes Emmanuel Addeh

I

f Nigeria was a woman, then 2023 would probably be termed the year of pregnancy for the oil, gas and power sectors. None of the promises made by the authorities, whether in the oil, gas or power sectors manifested in full, whether in the downstream and upstream of the oil sector or even in the power sector.

In addition, many issues in the sectors remained unresolved last year. In 2024, Nigeria’s longsuffering citizens expect that the promises will materialise.

Smoothing PIA’s Rough Edges

To be fair, never had the kind of massive consultation and stakeholders’ buy-in that led to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 gone into the process during past attempts at pushing the bill to become law.

However, despite that, many stakeholders still seem dissatisfied with the framework.

There are still overlapping functions of the major regulatory agencies in the sector, leading to incessant friction. Added to that, the host oil communities are still complaining. In 2024, the authorities must move to smoothen the rough edges in that very important law.

Proceeds of Petrol Subsidy Removal

For at least seven months, Nigerians have waited for the federal government to announce how much has been saved from the removal of petrol subsidy by the Bola Tinubu administration.

But it would appear that the government has not been forthcoming on its promise to be open and accountable in ensuring that every kobo raked in from the removal of subsidy is accounted for.

On August 1, 2023, Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, revealed that the federal government had saved N1 trillion in the two months (June and July) since the removal of the petrol subsidy. Nothing more has been heard on the matter since then.

Ironically, Tinubu said the monies that would have been otherwise squandered by those he called “smugglers and fraudsters” will now be channelled into intervention programmes, targeting families nationwide.

He stated: “In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters.” But since then, there has been no update.

This had aroused the curiosity of several Nigerians, including organised labour. For instance, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo recently asked where the money saved since subsidies were removed was channelled.

Speaking on the matter during an interview on Arise TV, Osifo said since the government announced that N1 trillion had been saved, there was no reason to continue borrowing. He argued that the government should simply deploy part of the funds to settle some of the problems bedevilling the country.

Osifo said: “The president and commander-in-chief on his own came and said the country had saved N1 trillion. The federal government went everywhere to announce that if the subsidy is removed, it’s going to save substantial money.

“And so, we don’t expect them to go everywhere and start borrowing money. They told us they were going to save money. So where is the money that you have saved and how have they deployed this money?,” he asked.

To restore confidence in government, every dime that is saved from the subsidy removal initiative should be accounted for in 2024.

Meeting OPEC’s New Quota

After much back and forth, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), agreed to raise Nigeria’s oil production quota from 1.38 million barrels per day to 1.5 million bpd this year.

For over three years, the country had not been able to meet its allocation, resulting in the slashing of its quota from 1.742 million bpd to 1.38 million bpd in the first instance and then 1.5 million bpd after consultations.

With production still at 1.25 million bpd as of November 2023, according to the December data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), it remains to be seen how Nigeria will hit 1.5 million bpd which had been elusive for over three years or even the 1.78 million bpd budget benchmark for 2024.

Despite the many odds, the authorities insist that 2024 will present better opportunities in the oil sector, including meeting and surpassing OPEC’s expectations.

“It is not an easy task, but we know we had the challenge of oil stealing and vandalism of our pipelines.

Our commitment is to produce at the rate of 2 million

Time to Halt Oil Theft

Palm oiL

Decade of Gas: Beyond Rhetoric

The often repeated saying that “Nigeria is a gas country with a little oil” by industry players cannot be truer, given that the country has over 208 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of natural gas still buried under the ground.

Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” now appears to be a mere slogan, three years after its launch, even though there are a handful of gas-related projects ongoing. But these projects are either too slow, have severally missed timelines, or have stopped altogether.

In March 2021, former president Muhammadu Buhari declared that year to 2030 as the decade of gas, signalling the government’s renewed focus on gas as the fuel of choice for powering Nigeria’s industrial ambitions.

Nigeria has about the ninth largest gas reserves globally. But despite this huge potential, gas production remains relatively low.

The $20 billion dollar initiative (as then valued) was centred on four key pillars: increasing domestic gas utilisation, expanding gas infrastructure, growing gas exports, and attracting foreign direct investment into the gas sector.

It is not a lack of gas that is hampering NNPC, Kyari recently noted, but pinned it at “It’s a lack of will.”

Nigeria has changed, he continued, noting that, “very global partners are talking to us today about how do we work with you, how do we build the gas.”

A number of countries are talking to NNPC, he said. “In three, four years to come, Nigeria will be a hub of gas in West Africa,” he assured.

In 2024, the Nigerian government and its partners in the oil and gas sector must make hay while the sun appears to still be shining on the gas sector.

Making the Refineries Work

Of Nigeria’s multiplicity of problems in the oil sector, this probably takes the cake. For years, Nigeria has not refined a single litre of petrol in-country due to its badly managed refining infrastructure.

But now that the completion of the rehabilitation of the old Port Harcourt refinery and Dangote petrochemical refinery have been completed, maybe it’s time to look forward to something better.

According to a report by Dataphyte, the lack of functional refineries has meant continuous importation of refined petroleum for Nigeria, with Nigeria spending as much as $37.9 billion to import refined petrol between 2015 and 2019.

In 2022 alone, the country spent over $10 billion importing fuel.

But as the 60,000 bpd part of the Port Harcourt refinery is expected to come on stream this quarter, and the second one which has 150,000 bpd capacity, later, plus the Dangote refinery expected to start with 350,000 bpd, Nigeria’s haemorrhaging FX situation could be curtailed.

In addition, a number of jobs will be created, while the price of the various petroleum products are expected to reduce, even if not significantly.

Taking NNPC Public

Since the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) was declared a commercial entity, its leadership has at various times pledged to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

In the first instance, the NNPC said it would be ready for an IPO by mid-2023, as it sought to sell shares to the public.

Food name of commodity

“We will go to the market and this is going to happen soon. This is the new direction, and I can confirm to you that Mr President is completely committed,” the NNPC boss, Mele Kyari said at an energy conference in the capital, Abuja recently.

In October, speakings to an Adipec audience, Kyari stated that the NNPC was “80 per cent ready for the IPO”. Hopefully, 2024 may just be the year the much criticised national oil company goes public.

barrels bpd anytime from next year (2024).

“But to do this, we have to overhaul our security architecture, so that the incidences of stealing and vandalism of pipelines can be reduced,” Chair of the newly inaugurated NNPC’s board, Pius Akinyelure, stated recently.

Also, on December 12, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, pledged that Nigeria will achieve its 2024 crude oil production benchmark of 1.78 million bpd.

Lokpobiri reiterated that Nigeria can increase crude oil production to 2 million bpd, stressing that issues hindering it were being worked on.

It however remains to be seen how this will be achieved.

C o m m o diti e s

P r ic e

The single most critical reason why Nigeria has not been able to meet its oil production target, according to the government and indeed industry players, is oil theft.

Everyday, massive volumes of Nigeria’s crude oil is stolen, even despite the several measures put in place to curb the menace by the authorities. In 2024, Nigeria must move beyond rhetoric and the usual methods that have not worked in the past.

The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) describes crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism as a national emergency challenge. The problem is so huge that for instance, Nigeria has been unable to meet its OPEC quota for over three years.

“With a loss of 619.7 million barrels of crude oil valued at $46.16 billion, or N16.25 trillion between 2009 and 2020, curbing the twin menace of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism has become a national emergency challenge,” Head of NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, recently said.

Orji said solutions must be found for the challenge if investors’ confidence in the country’s oil and gas industry is to be restored and trust rebuilt, towards boosting national economic growth.

This year, the constant damage done to the country’s economy by oil theft must be minimised to have any headway, going forward.

Making CNG Count

Talking seriously, the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) adoption programme, which seeks to ameliorate the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy, has been mostly talk and little action.

The current government had sought to revive the CNG programme floated by the Buhari administration to encourage cleaner energy adoption and embracing gas as a cheaper form of transportation for the citizens.

But it’s still a long a way ahead before the initiative gains traction.

Tinubu, in his nationwide address on July 31 last year, announced that the federal government will invest N100 billion between that time and March 2024 to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.

Subsequently, during his Independence Day speech on October 1, the president assured that efforts were in top gear to make available the new CNG conversion kits. Efforts aside, Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of that programme. If anything, it’s still like a drop in the ocean.

To make matters worse, the gas that’s being touted as an alternative fuel has had its price skyrocket in recent months, while the cost of converting a petrol-powered vehicle to a CNG vehicle remains prohibitive.

Operationalising the Siemens Deal

There’s really nothing about the power sector that has not been written or said. All the problems are in the public space. But for Nigeria to improve its power supply in the short term, it must take the Siemens deal with the German government very seriously in 2024.

Thankfully, the Tinubu administration recently sought to revive the agreement which if implemented would have seen Nigeria ramp up supply to 25,000mw by 2025. Although deadlines and timelines have been missed, it’s not too late to revamp the Siemens contract.

T o day

name of commodity

Size

State

Price

name of commodity

Size

State

Price

name of commodity

Size

Location

Price

Groundnut

100KG Kano

N20,500

ONIONS

100kg

Ibadan

N60,000

MAIZE

100kg

Oyo

N10,000

N24,000 – N35,000

100KG Benue

N27,000

100kg KANO

N30,000

100kg Enugu

N16,500

25cl Ibadan N22,000 — N35,000

100KG Lagos

N32,000

100kg BENUE

N65,000

100kg delta

N14,000

100kg Plateau

N45,000

100kg

Abia

N11,000

100kg DELTA

N50,000

50kg

Lagos

N9,000

Size

State

Price

25cl Lagos N20,000-N35000 25cl

PH

25cl

IMO

N24,000 – N36,500

25cl

Edo

N20,000 – N35,000

25cl Abuja N25,500 – N35,000

100KG Delta

N34,000

100KG

Abia

N27,000

100kg LAGOS

N60,000

100kg Kano

N9,400

100KG Enugu

N23 000

100kg ENUGU

N45,000

50kg

N6,000

Benue

21

T H I S D AY • Tuesday, January 9, 2024

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Subtle Recovery for Nigerian Industrialists As the Nigerian economy reels under the impact of economic reforms, stakeholders in the country’s industrial sector expect a subtle recovery in the second half of 2024, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

W

ill the fortunes of operators in the Nigerian industrial sector improve in 2024?

The answer to this questions, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other stakeholders and commentators in the sector, is that 2024 would start on a tough note for manufacturing businesses in the country, but might end with some measured improvements because of the envisaged policy reforms, improved commitment to domestic production and general positive outlook that seemingly looked favourable to the sector.

The MAN surmised in its “Manufacturing Sector Outlook for 2024,” that, “judging from the observed trend, it is obvious that the outlook for the manufacturing sector in 2024 may not be a positive one, at least in the first half of the year.

“The period will be challenging, with a subtle possibility of recovery from the third quarter.

The envisaged recovery is highly dependent on the deployment of policy stimulus supported with a synthesis of domestic growth driven, export focused and offensive trade strategies.

This will promote resilience, steady growth and ensure that the sector gains meaningful traction in the later part of the year.”

The MAN’s outlook projected that, “in 2024, the manufacturing sector’s real growth is expected to hit about 3.2 per cent; its contribution to the economy will most likely exceed 10 per cent and the Manufacturers’ CEOs Confidence Index is predicted to rise above 55 points thresholds by the end of Q4 2023.”

“In addition, average capacity utilisation will still hover around the 50 percent threshold as the forex-related challenges and high inflation rate limiting manufacturing performance may linger until mid-year.

“The sector may experience a meagre improvement in manufacturing output as forex and interest rates-related challenges are expected to subside from the third quarter,” MAN projected.

Macroeconomic Challenges The 2024 outlook, which was issued last week by the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, observed that a quick examination of the trajectory of manufacturing globally portrayed a struggling sector that is now more than ever challenged by key macroeconomic variables and externalities, leading to dwindling growth.

Ajayi-Kadir cited China, USA, and South Africa among the countries where manufacturing growth rates had been on a decline. The World Bank reported that the manufacturing sector in China declined from 8.7 per cent in 2021 to 4.8 per cent in Q3 2023; in USA, the sector performance dwindled to -0.9 per cent in Q3 2023 from the 6.8 per cent recorded in 2021 while South Africa also recorded a decline to -0.17 in Q3 2023 from 6.7 per cent of 2021.

He averred that Nigeria would not be exempted from this decline as the manufacturing growth rate nosedived to 0.48 per cent in Q3 2023 as against 2.4 per cent it recorded in 2021.

Ajayi-Kadir also unveiled the projections of the MAN for the manufacturing sector in 2024. Some of these projections stated that, “there will be clarity on the actual and specific policy direction and priority areas of the current administration, especially around deepening industrialisation.

“Hopefully, the Government will see the manufacturing sector as the key driver of sustained economic growth and will give the sector the priority that it deserves.

“Higher manufacturing output is envisaged from the beginning of the third quarter of the year as the government disburses capital provisions of the budget to abandoned, ongoing and new capital projects with expected special preference for locally made products.

“The ongoing concessions of seaports, airports and roads may also provide opportunities for the cement sub-sector and contribute to infrastructure upgrade needed to enhance manufacturing productivity.”

Monetary Policy Stability The MAN’s 2024 outlook also projected reasonable stability in the monetary policy ambience as the apex bank reverts to playing its conventional roles and deliberately improve

forex supply to the productive sector for import of inputs not available locally.

It projected further that the emerging upward surge in global oil prices, domestic oil and gas production, local refining of petroleum products and envisaged gains of exchange rate unification would promote stability in the forex market and impact manufacturing positively from the second half of the year.

This would lead to reduction in the pressure on demand for forex and improve the inflow of export proceeds from oil and gas.

Moreover, the ongoing tax reforms and the envisaged bank recapitalisation would frontally address the challenges of multiple taxation and poor access to credits that have continued to limit manufacturing sector performance, if successfully implemented.

Improved electricity supply In addition, MAN projected that electricity supply would be improved in 2024, which would be driven by dynamic implementation of the Electricity Act 2023.

This would increase private investment in renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency and improve electricity supply to the manufacturing sector.

“The improved electricity supply will ameliorate the issue of inadequacy, reduce the disruptions occasioned by frequent outages and in turn improve energy security.”

It also advised the federal government to deploy a bouquet of production focused policies that were backed with more structural measures to combat the peculiar inflationary pressures from insecurity, energy and transport cost.

It also recommended that the government should overhaul the power sector and incentive investment in renewables to boost electricity generation and promote energycost efficiency. Also sub-national governments and private investors should be encouraged to leverage the opportunities provided by the Electricity Act 2023 to improve energy security in Nigeria.

It said: “Government should lead by example and give priority to patronage of made-in-Nigeria product in all its purchases and for all government contracts and projects. Government should mandatorily upscale patronage of made in Nigeria products by deliberately reducing the excessive reliance of the country on imported products. The three tiers of Government should enforce the implementation of the Executive Order 003 in same for their ministries, departments and agencies.

“Government should encourage local sourcing of raw materials through comprehensive and integrated incentives to address the challenges of low productivity and imported inflation.

“Utilise the 2024 Budget to sustain effort at improving infrastructural developments, especially in strategic industrial hubs to

reduce operation and logistics cost and promote competitiveness.”

Managed float exchange rate The MAN also recommended to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to revert to managed float exchange rate system within an acceptable lower and upper bound, pending the actualisation of a net-exporting economy aspirations while maintaining all measures that would boost the level of liquidity and degree of transparency in the official foreign exchange window even as the backlog of $7 billion foreign exchange obligations is being cleared.

“Prioritise foreign exchange and credit allocation to the manufacturers and reduce the number of BDCs into large and wellestablished operators to curb their excesses and untoward operations through effective management and supervision.

“Encourage inflow of foreign direct investment into pre-determined and domestic production-enhancing businesses.

Should intentionally guide diaspora remittances into non-oil sectors, especially manufacturing to aid foreign exchange inflows and curb rising inflation.

“The CBN should intensify its collaboration with the fiscal authority; Federal Ministry of Finance and by extension the Tariff Technical Committee (TTC) for proper policy alignment on the appropriate HS Codes for items that Nigeria has sufficient capacity to discourage importation and save scarce foreign exchange.

“The apex bank should allow forex access for importation of vital industrial inputs that are currently not available locally and subject them to backward integration policy that gives priority to a predictable sunset clause. MAN offers to be part of a monitoring and evaluation team to ensure that government gets value for incentives offered to achieve this objective.”

MAN also called on the CBN to develop a sustainable framework that would channel credit interventions into the manufacturing sector, apart from its direct intervention. Additionally, the central bank should mobilise commercial banks to intentionally provide long term single digit interest loans to the manufacturing sector to fast-track the actualization of a $1 trillion dollar economy.” laudable policies Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, hoped that 2024

would be a better year as the gains of the laudable policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would begin to impact the economy from the second half of the year.

Oyerinde also pointed out that innovation would take the centrespace in 2024 within the context of how businesses would generate their own forex revenue or how they would you reduce their exposure to the fluctuations in the forex market.

He noted that one of the ways this innovation would take place is to deeply explore the concept of backward integration. “We have many of our members that have started that process now and have started local sourcing of raw materials that they were previously importing from abroad. Some of them have started to develop raw materials locally and export them to earn forex they will use to import their inputs,” Oyerinde said, emphasising that this is one of the key lessons that employers have taken from the preceding year.

Another key lesson is the need to contain cost as production and labour costs continue to escalate. He said: “It becomes imperative to start asking where we cut costs. Or where do we minimise waste so that the business will continue to be sustainable and move to the context of competitiveness? These are the critical two lessons that employers have learnt.”

Oyerinde, on the other hand, hoped that the current administration has learnt some lessons on fiscal discipline and the need to set its priorities right in line with the country’s development plan. One of the ways to express fiscal discipline is by letting the budget speak to the development plan.

“The budget as a developmental document should speak to the government’s seven point agenda. The government mentioned employment, infrastructure, food security, security, etc. So, the expectation is that the budget shall speak to these areas the government has marked out as its priorities,” he said.

22

TUESday, JANUARY 9, 2024 T H I S D AY

business/MOnEYGUIDE

Muslims Task FG on Moral Ethos for Economic Prosperity

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the federal government to embark on a massive inculcation of moral ethos to achieve accelerated economic prosperity.

In a statement issued by the General Secretary, MAN, Mr. Bolaji Odekunle, the move would also go a long way to restore social order in different parts of the country.

MAN also called on the Muslim families to rise up to their responsibilities of building a decent society.

Meanwhile, MAN has held its 36 national conference themed, “Nigeria and the Prospects of Socioeconomic

Stability,” Islamic Perspectives.

According to MAN, the country is visibly confronted by the problems of high level of poverty, crimes and criminality.

“In this light, it is a paradox of being rich yet being poor as a country. The problems were mostly traced to greediness, impunity and lack of institutional capacity to sanction offenders,” the statement read.

Speaking on the theme, Dr. Saheed Timehin, Department of Foreign Languages, Lagos State University, stated that Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and material resources, acknowledging experts efforts to help in

fashioning socioeconomic theories and development plans.

The conference also featured the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, who delivered a keynote speech as Special Guest of Honour.

The Conference called on Muslims and other believers in the existence of God and in the reality of the day of judgment to return to the path of rectitude, in which one wants for himself what he wants for fellow human beings.

The Association also elected Dhikrullah Adewale Yagboyaju, Professor of Political Science, as its president at the end of the conference.

L-R: Senior Public Affairs Officer, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Ugwuja Johnson Udoka; Chairman, League of Airports Aviation Correspondent (LAAC), Mr. Segun Koiki; Acting.

General Manager Public Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo; Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Mrs. Obiageli Orah; and Assistant General Manager Public Affairs, Mr. Ekpe Nta Bassey, during the familiarization Visit by the new Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN to LAAC Secretariat at Muratala Muhammed Airport Ikeja, Lagos. ..on Monday. kolawole alli

LASTCOC Express Concern over Incessant Attack onTruck Drivers Gilbert Ekugbe The Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC) has condemned the unjustified and unwarranted extortion and assault of truck drivers in Lagos State by hoodlums.

The call is coming in the wake of an attack on a truck driver by hoodlums along the Mile 2 - Oshodi express road at the weekend, which has left the driver hospitalised.

The Chairman, LASTOC, Lukman Shittu, while addressing the media on the incident, said some toll collecting thugs at Berger bus stop outwards Mile 2-Oshodi express road on Saturday morning, flagged down a loaded containerised truck to extort the driver.

He said when the driver refused to stop, one of the thugs jumped onto the driver’s side

and started dragging the steering with him, which made the truck swerve to the other side of the road and crashed into some tokunbo vehicles parked along the road.

Shittu said as the driver made attempt to grab one of the hoodlums, he was stabbed from behind and rushed to hospital.

Shittu further stated that on December 5, 2023, at the exact spot, the same extortion hoodlums dragged steering with a driver leading to the falling of a truck and its loaded container, causing huge financial loss to the importer and the truck owner.

He said the activities of these destructive and lawless hoodlums is killing transportation business in Lagos State and discouraging foreign investors from investing in the transportation business.

According to him, these hoodlums damage trucks,

burgle containers in transit, collect money and assault the drivers, causing road accidents and traffic gridlock thereby making life unbearable for members of the public.

He said these hoodlums who are not adding any value to our economy apart from destruction have made the transport business environment in Lagos State so hostile for truckers to operate with their illegal multiple checkpoints in Mile 2, Lagos Badagry express road, Ikorodu and other parts of the state.

Shittu said the marauding hoodlums on roads in Lagos State are potential threat to the domestication and deriving benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as well as achieving the T.H.E.M.E agenda plus policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government in the area of transportation.

Abbey Welcomes New Board Member Nume Ekeghe Abbey Mortgage Bank, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Adenike Kuti as a new Independent Non-Executive Director to the Board.

The Bank in a statement noted this appointment is set to pave the way for new opportunities and exciting directions for Abbey Mortgage Bank.

Mrs. Adenike Kuti is a Chartered Accountant and Corporate Finance Professional, with a background in business development, mergers & acquisitions, and investment banking. She obtained her first degree

in accounting from the University of Lagos and a master’s degree in Finance and Investment with First Class Honors from the Nottingham University Business School. She also holds an MBA from the University of Oxford.

Kuti has worked for Leapfrog Investments Limited, Africa Finance Corporation, KPMG, and Vetiva Capital Limited.

As an Associate Director of Leapfrog Investments, she structured, executed, and managed its investment portfolio of 350m USD in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. She is the founder of Oakheirs Limited, which

played a pivotal role in the merger of CAP Plc and Portland Paints Plc. She also sits on the Board of E-finance Limited as a Non-Executive Director.

The Board is of the firm belief that this appointment would further promote diversity and inclusion in the Board structure.

Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, of Abbey Mortgage Bank, Mobolaji Adewumi said: “We welcome Mrs. Adenike Kuti with great enthusiasm. Her wealth of experience in financial management, strategic leadership, and corporate finance will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success.”

NIPR to Crack Down on Quackery in PR Practice

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has said it will soon crack down on quacks in public relations practice in Nigeria.

The organisation stated that the decision followed interventions from various stakeholders across the country.

However , it stated that the governing council of the NIPR has now approved a slight adjustment in its approach to enforce strict compliance of

professionalism and excellence in public relations practice in Nigeria.

“The council at its 106th meeting considered the presentation by the NIPR Act Compliance and Enforcement Committee headed by Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd), and the submissions of some State Chapter Chairmen on the subject. “(It has decided ) to use the period of January 1March 31, 2024, to intensify public enlightenment and

awareness before commencement of full crackdown on April 1, 2024,” a statement signed by its Director, Public Relations, Stanley Ogadigo stated.

The press release added: “All concerned are by this communication strongly encouraged to take advantage of this new window to conclude their membership processes to avoid prosecution of individual culprits and their employers, in accordance with the provisions of the NIPR Act.”

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) August, 2023

Money Supply (M3)

65,445,154.2

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

552,553.58

Money Supply (M2)

64,892,600.61

-- Quasi Money

40,870,301.28

-- Narrow Money (M1)

24,022,299.33

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,295,309.10

---- Demand Deposits

21,726,990.23

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,144,158.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

58,300,995.27

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

87,273,966.81

---- Credit to Government (Net)

32,511,333.17

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

54,762,633.63

--Other Assets Net

13,347,376.27

Reserve Money (Base Money

19,429,603.25

--Currency in Circulation

2,660,138.92

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

16,769,464.34 428,519.21

• Source - CBN

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

August 2023

Inter-Bank Call Rate

3.89

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

18.75

Treasury Bill Rate

5.13

Savings Deposit Rate

5.26

1 Month Deposit Rate

7.31

3 Months Deposit Rate

7.55

6 Months Deposit Rate

8.30

12 Months Deposit Rate

8.13

Prime Lending rate

13.99

Maximum Lending Rate

27.59

• Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At 29th September , 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $97.48 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $97.08 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), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

T H I S D AY •TUESday, JANUARY 9, 2024

23

mARKET NEWS

NGX All-Share Index Crosses Historic 80,000 Basis Points Mark Kayode Tokede The Nigerian equities market opened the second week of January 2024 on a positive note yesterday as it crossed the 80,000 basis point historic mark amid gain recorded by 54 stocks.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) gained 663.92 basis points or 0.83 per cent to close

at 80,328.58 basis points from 79,664.66 basis points.

Also, market capitalisation rose by N363 billion to close at N43.957 trillion from N43.594 trillion the stock market closed for trading last week.

Accordingly, the stock market investors Year-to-Date (YtD) return increased to 7.4per cent.

From a sectoral perspective, gains in the NGX Insurance gained 6.3 per cent, NGX

P R I C E S MaiN Board

Banking added 2.2 per cent, NGX Industrial Goods rose by 0.7 per cent, NGX Oil & Gas appreciated by 0.6per cent), and NGX Consumer Goods grew by 0.1 per cent to reflect the overall market performance.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 54 stocks gained relative to 18 losers.

Cornerstone Insurance, Cutix,

F O R

S E C U R I T I E S

DEALS

Market Price

quantity traded

Julius Berger, Lasaco Assurance, Omatek Ventures and Jaiz Bank emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent each to close at N1.87, N2.75, N46.75, N2.42, 99 kobo and N2.53 respectively, per share.

Wema Bank followed with a gain of 9.89 per cent to close at N8.11, while BUA Foods advanced by 9.29 per cent to close at N152.90, per share.

AXA Mansard Insurance

T R A D E D

value traded ( N )

MaiN Board

A S O F

rose by 6.85 per cent to close at N3.90, while Sterling Financial Holdings Company and Royal Exchange appreciated by 9.88 per cent each to close at N6.34 and 89 kobo respectively, per share.

On the other side, DAAR Communications led others on the losers’ chart with 9.30 per cent to close at N1.17, per share. Eterna followed with a decline of 9.30 per cent to

J A N UA RY DEALS

close at N15.05, while CWG shed 7.05 per cent to close at N8.30, per share.

PZ Cussons Nigeria lost 6.90 per cent to close at N27.00, while Fidelity Bank depreciated by 5.99 per cent to close at N13.35, per share.

The total volume traded increased by 33.3 per cent to 1.19 billion units, valued at N15.26 billion, and exchanged in 16,081 deals.

/ 8 / 2 4 Market Price

quantity traded

value traded ( N)

24

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 05Jan-2024, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS

AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 330.58 330.58 6.68% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 10.28% Nigeria International Debt Fund 341.11 341.11 11.08% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 110.31 110.31 0.08% 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 13.81% AIICO Balanced Fund 5.29 5.40 5.03% 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 0.00% Anchoria Equity Fund 209.68 212.45 8.39% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.32 1.32 2.94% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Short Term Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 106.62 106.62 7.43 AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,170.54 1,170.54 9.85 AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.05 1.05 9.63% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CHD Nigeria Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.20% Cordros Milestone Fund 178.63 179.97 3.30% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 107.68 107.68 1.22% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund 109.53 109.53 11.59% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 114.48 114.48 6.71% CORONATION ASSETS 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 12.87% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.60 1.62 4.67% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.43 1.43 25.50% 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 EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Specialized Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 7.97% Legacy Debt Fund 3.58 3.58 23.49% Legacy Equity Fund 2.92 2.98 47.65% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.32 1.32 0.00% 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 Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A

GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Guaranty Trust Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Guaranty Trust Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Guaranty Trust Equity Income Fund (VEIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 19.87 20.04 8.18% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 N/A NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Dollar Fund (NDF) ($) 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 2.43 2.48 4.68% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.01 12.25 19.92% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 0.00% PACAM Equity Fund 2.29 2.32 6.22% PACAM EuroBond Fund 132.11 135.28 0.13% SCM CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT 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 The Frontier Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A 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 5,208.21 5,254.81 4.62% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 256.00 256.00 4.01% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 2.17 2.20 5.56% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 355.22 355.40 0.56% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 395.75 400.71 4.92% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.22% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 19,928.63 20,185.15 9.90% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.47 1.47 9.49% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 128.47 128.47 8.56% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 126.15 126.15 11.04% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 5,021.93 5,021.93 12.83% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 5,949.42 6,022.64 10.57% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 5,497.76 5,526.86 4.05% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.52 1.54 12.08% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.98 2.00 7.14% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.51 1.52 6.16% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.18 1.18 6.65% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 5.36% United Capital Eurobond Fund 124.42 124.42 3.78% United Capital Global Fixed Income Fund 1.09 1.09 7.23% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.60% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith ESG Impact Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 9.81 9.91 136.17% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 11.66 11.76 98.84% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 29.22 29.42 56.25% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.75% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 28.00 28.20 16.93% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 147.83 149.83 3.05%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A 59.38 101.79 10.06

N/A 12.00%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A 500.00 586.00 24.63 38.69

N/A 500.00 586.00 25.01 39.15

N/A 0.00% -18.27% 4.81% 2.75%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A

N/A

Fund Name

SFS REIT Union Homes REIT Nigeria Real Estate Investment Trust UPDC REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

I N F R AST R U CT U R E F U N D

Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

9.10%

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.

25

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024

NEWS

Anglican Communion annual retreat for Bishops and their Wives...

L-R: Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Layode; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev'd Henry Ndukuba and his wife, Mrs. Angela, during the Anglican Communion annual retreat for Bishops and their Wives at the Archbishop Adebola and Oluranti Ademowo Christian Resource Centre (Faith Plaza), Bariga, Lagos... yesterday

Obi: Tinubu’s Securitisation of N7.3tn Debt Owed CBN Illegal Flays National Assembly for not asking probing questions Says receipts from borrowings not being transparently managed Insists bad leadership hindering Africa's growth

Emmanuel Addeh and Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former Anambra State Governor and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, yesterday took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu over his recent securitisation of the N7.3 trillion ‘ways and means’ facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), describing it as illegal.

Obi recalled that barely 26 days to the end of its eight-year tenure, the Buhari administration got the Senate to approve a N22.7 trillion ways and means borrowing from the CBN. He lamented that in seven years, CBN lending to the Buhari government had climbed 2700 per cent in flagrant violation of the CBN Act. Indifferent to the illegality of the excessive ways and means borrowing, Obi stated that the National Assembly still approved the new Tinubu administration’s request for a N7.3 trillion securitisation of the existing ways and means facility just before considering the 2024

budget proposals.

Even more shockingly, Obi stated that on December 30, 2023, the last working day of the year 2023, Tinubu requested the National Assembly to approve the securitisation of the N7.3 trillion being the outstanding debt owed to the CBN. Almost at the same time as the “illegal” securitisation was approved by parliament, the president, Obi said, also sought and secured National Assembly approval to borrow another $7.8 billion and €100 million.

“No questions asked. No explanations were sought as to the precise purpose of these borrowings all within the seven-month tenure of this government.

“Ordinarily, minimum public accountability should require that the president and his administration offer more specific explanations about the purpose of these borrowings.

But so far, all we have been told is that these borrowings are meant to fund ‘capital’ expenditure.

“Specifically, the continuous securitisation of ways and means

borrowing from the CBN is against the law and against the CBN act which stipulates the limit of the federal government's borrowing from the CBN not to exceed 5 per cent of the previous year's revenue. The law also requires the liquidation of the outstanding borrowing before any new advancement can be made,” he stated.

The businessman cum politician said the CBN Act expressly states that all borrowings under ways and means cannot be converted to debt or securitised if the CBN is the underwriter.

He pointed out that the idea of securitisation of illegal borrowings from the CBN and transferring the same into Nigeria’s debt stock portends danger to the future of the Nigerian economy and increases the debt burden of the nation. “ It is even more worrisome because these accumulations of debts are not being transparently and productively utilised or accounted for.

“While this new debt of N7.3 trillion has been hurriedly approved without scrutiny by the National Assembly, the immediate public accountability question is: can the federal government, which holds the trust of the people, tell us what they used the N7.3 trillion to do?

“We have always been told that all borrowings are for ‘capital’ projects, can we know the capital or productive projects this huge borrowing is being applied to? “ he queried.

Obi explained that what is emerging is a disturbing pattern of huge borrowing and profligate spending on nonessential procurements which are being termed ‘capital’ expenditure and are being funded with an accumulation of debts. “ For instance, a good number of these so-called ‘capital’ expenditure items as contained in the 2024 budget are more procurement and luxury projects. This trend of lavish spending backed only by equally lavish borrowing is unsustainable and would wreck the economy in due course. It needs to be halted.

“Unless this trend is halted, the nation runs the greater risk of running into more turbulent economic waters in the near future. This is to add my concerned voice to those of many other troubled Nigerians,” Obi added.

The former governor advised that it was time to go beyond politics and partisan grandstanding to address the fundamental issues of what he described as rational economic management.

“I am afraid that the current administration is not paying sufficient attention to issues of rational economic management.

"Instead, an unsustainable level of debt is being piled upon the economy thereby further burdening our already distressed populace who are bearing the burden of harsh economic policies not backed by compassionate cushioning policies,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Obi has said that Africa’s growth and development would continue to be hampered unless the leaders on the continent get things done the right way.

He insisted that if the continent does not deal with its only challenge, which he claimed is leadership failure, achieving the needed development and growth may be difficult.

Obi who expressed the views through his X account, said Africa’s growth and development will continue to appear as an impossible dream if it does not deal with leadership failure, the only challenge he said is facing the continent.

The former Anambra state governor explained that while the continent is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, leadership failure had been its albatross.

“Africa, as the second largest and second most populous continent in the world, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, is home to a youthful and dynamic workforce with the largest concentration of working age population of about 1.1 billion people.

"When combined with the abundance of huge natural resources, ranging from minerals to over 874 million hectares of arable land for agricultural revolution, this positions Africa as a key player in the global economy,” he stated.

He also described government and governance in Africa as a “gigantic criminal enterprise.”

"Yesterday, I joined other notable and respected African voices like Prof P. L. O Lumumba from Kenya, Dr. Arikana from Zimbabwe, and a host of others, at the convention tagged: 'Igniting the Voices of Africa,' organised by New Africa Foundation in Accra, Ghana.

"The fate of Africa is in our hands; especially in the hands of our youths. We can ignite the long overdue emancipation of the African continent by adding our voices to the need for change, but more importantly, by committing to ending Africa’s leadership morass," he argued.

FCTA to Introduce Unified Standard Transportation System in Abuja Accountant General Did Not Contradict Makinde Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed plans to launch Unified Standard Transportation System in the nation's capital.

The Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr Abdulateef Bello revealed this yesterday at a stakeholders' engagement meeting.

He said that the need to standardise the transportation system in Abuja had become very expedient given the rate at which the city was growing.

Bello said that Abuja cannot be left without an organised transportation system that will meet the needs of all citizens.

He equally stated that the recovery of taxi racks earlier issued quit notice within the capital city,

would soon commence, with the aim of reorganising it for licensed operators.

Bello also said that the administration had perfected plans with consultants to bring in buses that use Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG), to solve the problems of mass transit in Abuja.

According to him, the buses when acquired and deployed to different routes, will take care of the rickety vehicles and taxis that have been constituting nuisances on Abuja roads.

The Chairman of RTEIN Mass Transit, Dr Abubakar Sadiq, a major stakeholder, described the new policies by the administration as a welcome development.

He, however, said that critical players in the transportation sector must be given adequate consideration.

on ex-LG Chairs’ Debt, Says Oyo Government Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Oyo State government yesterday said the Accountant General of the State, Mrs. Kikelomo Adegoke, did not contradict the position of Governor Seyi Makinde on the payment of judgment debt to former local government chairmen and councillors.

A section of the media had claimed that the contents of a letter sent to some banks by the accountant general contradicted the governor’s stance that the state had no money to defray the judgment debt.

But the state government in a statement by the Special Adviser, Media, to Governor Makinde, Mr.

Sulaimon Olanrewaju, clarified that the letter, which was sent to the banks in respect of the garnishee order placed on the state’s account in 10 commercial banks by the High Court was consistent with Makinde's position.

“In the letter, the Accountant General informed the affected banks that the Oyo State Joint Local Government Allocation Account domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria, had already been put on lien to the tune of N3,425,300,000, being the total amount of the judgment debt.

"Having adequately provisioned for the debt, it is therefore both unconscionable and inequitable for nine other banks to do the

same in the circumstances. This is in fact, consistent with Makinde’s position.

"While speaking on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) on 23 December 2023, Makinde said although the state had already made provision for the judgment debt, the money would not be paid until the Supreme Court responded on the clarification, which the Oyo State Government had sought from the apex court.

"It is unfortunate that some misguided individuals intent on creating an imaginary division within the Oyo state government have coloured the contents of the letter to make it seem like Makinde lied,” it stated.

It added that the governor had neither said the state will not pay the debt nor that the state had no money to pay, but that the process of the law would be followed to a logical conclusion to avoid paying Oyo State's money to wrong people.

"For the avoidance of doubt, Makinde has not said that the state will not pay the judgment debt nor did he say the state does not have the funds to pay.

"Rather, the position of the governor is that the whole process of the law must be pursued to a logical conclusion before the money is paid to avoid the state’s fund getting into the wrong hands," the statement added.

26

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Donation of Dufil products to the Real Woman Foundation...

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Real Woman Foundation Love Home Orphanage Magodo Lagos, Mrs Temitope Ogunleye; Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, Mr Tope Ashiwaju; Caregiver, Real Woman Foundation Love Home Orphanage Magodo Lagos, Mrs Joseph Eneh, and Dufil Brand Convener, Mr Bakare Olayemi, during the donation of Dufil products to the orphanage home in Magodo, Lagos...recently

Bello Appoints New Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Deposes Ohimegye-Igu Koton-Karfe, 3 Others Dissolves state executive council, retains some commissioners till Jan 27

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has approved the appointment new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ahmed Tijani Anaje, formerly the Ohi of OKengwe with immediate effect.

The governor also announced the deposition of Ohimegye of Koto Karfi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

At the same time, the governor has dissolved the State Executive Council, signifing the initiation of the comprehensive transition process as the 'New Direction Administration' concluded its tenure.

Governor Bello made this known during the weekly State Executive Council at Government House in Lokoja, yesterday.

He said, “Having followed through our Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules and Regulations and all the due processes, we have come to the following resolutions.

"His Royal Highness, Al-

haji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who is also the Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council is hereby removed and to be deposed to, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

"His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo is removed and to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

"His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, is removed and to be deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

"That Similarly, on decision No. 3, the title ‘Obabanyi of Ihima’ which reads on the promotion letter, upgrading the stool to first class status, was done without cognisance to the fact that the title, ‘Obabanyi of Ihima’ is a subject of litigation and the court of law is yet to arrive at the possible final decision, as such, the government has however received several petitions, calling attention to the need to revert and maintain status quo, until the court of law decides.

"To this end, the stool is hereby reverted to "Obabanyi of Eman" as the present occupant remains

deposed. His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government is to be suspended, indefinitely.

"On the following stools, after due intervention by the government to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterised the selection process, the government hereby, come up with the following appointments of the next occupants.

“That Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who is the Ohi of Okengwe is herby appointed as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo

Kabir is hereby appointed as the Maigari of Lokoja. Alhaji Dauda Isah, is hereby appointed the Maiyaki of Kupa.

"Similarly, going by the selection decision of the Odaki Ruling House DakiI dated 27/4/2012 and endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, dated 14/5/2012, Mallam Saidu Akawo Salihu, is hereby appointed as the Ohimegeye Igu of Koton Karfe," Bello posited.

Meanwhile, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the

An online coalition of Muslim Professionals, the No Dull Moment in Islam World wide (NDMIWW), has advised President Bola Tinubu to convoke another national conference where Nigerians across all sentiments will discuss the state of the nation.

The group stated this after a oneday discourse on issues affecting the polity and resolved to advice the federal government to put together the committee.

A communique signed by its

spokesperson, Hassan Sulayman, a pharmacist, stated that the committee should consist of representatives of all ethnic, political and religious groups in the country.

According to the communique, such conference will have only one agenda, “Nigeria: To Live or To Leave".

Apparently disturbed by the situation in the country, the group noted with concern that the level of conflicts, insecurity and general confusion had reached an all-time peak.

The group said a situation

ment, diligence, and unwavering patriotism throughout their tenure.

The government officials affected by this announcement were instructed to ensure a thorough and proper handover process, transferring all pertinent government documents, properties, and materials to the permanent secretary of their ministries or senior government officials stationed in their respective offices.

The governor, however, retained some members of the council till the 27th of January.

Sanwo-Olu Charges Anglican Bishops to Always Pray for Public Officials Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged religious leaders and Anglican Bishops, in particular, to continuously encourage and pray for public office holders.

He also implored the church leaders at various levels to bring succour to the people by encouraging them to be hopeful despite the current challenges facing the country.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday while welcoming the Primate, Archbishops, Bishops and their wives to the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2024 Annual Retreat for Bishops and their wives themed “Shepherding God’s Family” held at the Archbishop Adebola and Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo Christian Resource Centre (Faith Plaza), Bariga,

State of the Nation: Group Calls on FG to Convene National Conference

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

governor, Muhammed Onogwu, confirming the dissolution of the state executive council, also indicated that some commissioners were retained till the 27th of this month.

The heads of agencies, parastatals and other appointees were also affected by the announcement.

While making the announcement at the end of the State Executive Council Meeting at the EXCO Hall of the governor’s office, Bello commended affected officials for exemplifying unparalleled commit-

where the country continues to be milked dry as resources grow with unacceptable commensurate poverty of the majority should not be tolerated.

"It is our strong view that if religious groups are allowed to rule themselves according to the tenets of their religion, penalties for crimes, especially corruption and brigandage would deter potential criminals.

“The consequent competition for sanity in either the neighbouring nations or federating units would not only produce peaceful progress

and development but also deter potential criminals from vying for political offices," it added.

The group, however, added that the conference being advocated for will not in any way obstruct the parliamentary processes of the National Assembly nor will be another jamboree national political reform conference of 2005/2006 nor that of 2014 national conference whose reports have now been dumped.

"Ours is focused and resultoriented with only one agenda and with time frame of not more than three to six months," It stressed.

Lagos.

The Governor was received with funfair by the Metropolitan and Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Dr. Henry Ndukuba, his wife, Angela, as well as bishops and their wives.

He said: “Our prayer is that God will use His church as a major intervention to bring succour to His people. We pray that God will use 2024 to be the beginning for things to relax, peaceful and calm in our country.

“You (religious leaders) are the ones that God speaks to; once you stand on your pulpit, you have all of what it takes to admonish us who are in public office; to encourage us, criticise us and tell us how and what people feel; to let us know what are the views of the people because they come to you and you see them.

“We want to urge you to continue to encourage us, pray for us and lead us so that we also can help and govern our people well. It is not an easy task but with your prayer, encouragement, admonition, and criticism, we believe we will stay on the right track.

“You should not take a back seat because you have a role to play. You are our leaders in your

individual rights and you have the responsibility to speak and to encourage all of our parishioners that indeed as long as we are living, there is hope; we cannot give up now.”

In his address, the Primate commended Sanwo-Olu for his “remarkable” achievements in different sectors, saying the Anglican Church appreciates the good work he was doing in Lagos State.

“We are proud of you seeing what God is using you to do in Lagos State. We thank you for your support for the Church and for creating an enabling environment where Christians, Muslims, commercial men and women and industry feel at home to thrive," he said.

Also speaking the Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Rt. Rev Ifedola Okupevi, said Sanwo-Olu had decided not to amplify obstacles but rather confront and tackle them headlong, saying his action has accounted for the giant strides recorded so far in Lagos State.

"We can only call and charge you to continue the good works and raise the bar. Be assured that posterity shall not forget your good works and your impactful leadership. We assure you of our continuous prayer support," he said.

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024

NEWS

Mourning Amid Peace Walk in Plateau...

Plateau mourns; Catholic Arch-Bishop of Jos Diocese, Most Rev. Ishaya Yakubu (3rd L), leading other religious leaders, during the Plateau Mourns and Peace Walk to the Government House over the recent attack on some local governments in the state in Jos....yesterday

Church Leaders, CAN Want Tinubu to Proscribe Armed Fulani Militias Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Heads of all Churches in Plateau State and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have called on President Bola Tinubu, to proscribe

armed Fulani militias as part of initiatives to stem the tide of killings and insecurity.

They however, condemned the mindless killings in Plateau State on the eve of the recent Christmas

celebration, describing it as “unprovoked, wicked, satanic, genocidal, horrific, and reprehensible”, adding that the attacks were about the “deadliest and most devastating on the Plateau.”

The Church Leaders, among other demands, called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to as a matter of urgency, “initiate the process of officially proscribing armed Fulani

S'Court Dismisses PDP's Appeal against Election of Alia as Benue Governor Reserves judgment in Ebonyi guber

Alex Enumah in Abuja The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed against the election of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The dismissal was sequel to an oral withdrawal of the appeal by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Mr Titus Uba, upon being confronted by the apex court that the matter was a pre-election matter and as such outside the jurisdiction of the court.

Uba and PDP had last month approached the apex court to challenge the declaration of Alia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the March 18 governorship election in Benue State.

Aside from claiming that the governor and his party did not

win majority of lawful votes cast at the election, they submitted that Alia and the APC were not qualified to contest the election on account of alleged certificate forgery and providing of false information by the Deputy Governor, Sam Odeh, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, when the matter came up yesterday for hearing, a five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice John Okoro, pointed out that the major ground of non-qualification upon which the appellants rested their appeal was a pre-election matter, which the apex court had held over time to be an incompetent case before it in a post-election matter.

Justice Okoro harped on the fact that it would be needless to proceed with the matter knowing

the outcome, adding that the court should not be overburdened with such issues considering the magnitude of cases on the docket of the apex court.

Lead lawyer to the appellants, Chief Sebastine Hon, SAN, had moved an oral application for the withdrawal of the appeal.

The application for withdrawal was not objected to by counsel representing INEC, Alia, Odeh and APC, following which Justice Okoro, announced the dismissal of the case.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, yesterday, reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by Chuwkuma Odii and his party, the PDP, challenging the concurrent judgments of the Court of Appeal and the

Ebonyi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed the election of Francis Nwifuru as Governor of Ebonyi State.

Justice Okoro announced that judgment was reserved to a date that would be communicated to parties shortly after lawyers representing all parties adopted and argued their written briefs for and against the appeal.

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, had upheld the election that declared Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the March 18 governorship election in Ebonyi State.

The appellate court had upheld Nwifuru's election shortly after it dismissed Odii's appeal for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

militias.”

They added that, “They should be officially designated as terrorists.

This will give the military the power to fully engage them as provided in the Terrorism Act of 2022. It is on record that in 2015, the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) named the armed Fulani militias as the fourth deadliest terror group in the world.

“Nigeria must urgently act and treat them as such while also engaging other West African countries, through ECOWAS, to do the same thing. A regional approach, consensus and action have become extremely imperative to deal with the menace of the Fulani militias.”

Addressing a mammoth crowd of Christians during a solemn Peace Walk in Jos, Chairman Denominational Leaders, Rev (Dr.) Stephen Baba Panya and state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Father Polycarp Lubo said, “The total number of people massacred in cold blood so far is about 160 and still counting, while internally displaced persons (IDPs) are estimated now to be about 15,000, eight Churches burnt, and several persons still missing.”

Painting a horrific picture of the mindless manner in which the victims were massacred, Panya added that the timing of the killings on Christmas Eve and during Christmas celebrations had shown that the attackers had clear intentions

and objectives, which were to target Christian communities, take them unawares, and inflict maximum casualty on them.

Commending President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang for their timely intervention in condemning the attacks in totality and directing security agencies to go after the culprits and bring them to justice, the church leaders noted “with great encouragement and hope that this is a marked departure from the lacklustre response of the presidency and the federal government during similar attacks in the past,” calling on security agencies to align with this new mindset and ensure that the criminals responsible for the heinous attacks were apprehended, prosecuted and brought to justice.

“We call for timely intervention in the provision of emergency relief in terms of food, water, toiletries, sleeping materials and other such necessities. We appreciate the directive given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relevant federal government agencies such as NEMA to mobilise and provide succour to the victims.

“We also commend the great effort of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in not only outrightly condemning the attack, but also taking urgent concrete steps in providing food and other necessities to the displaced survivors in the IDP camps.”

Okupe Resigns from LP, Says He’s Rightist, Liberal Democrat

Huriwa: DSS, EFCC Should We wish you well, party leadership reacts Investigate CBN on Naira Scarcity Chuks Okocha inAbuja difficult for me to continue to whatsoever and for which we were who accepted the resignation and stay in the Labour Party, which extremely grateful. wished him well, said Okupe should Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a joint covert operations between the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria over suspected economic sabotage leading to the prolonged artificial scarcity of the Naira notes which has adversely affected businesses all around the country.

HURIWA in a statement by it's national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said since the scarcity of the National currency of Nigeria resurfaced around the last quarter of last year, the CBN has failed to

resolve this absurdity even when it was statutorily responsible for the smooth circulation of the naira notes by virtue of her legal functions to issue legal tender currency in Nigeria.

This, he said, included to maintain external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency; promote a sound financial system in Nigeria; and act as banker and provide economic and financial advice to the federal government.

HURIWA recalled that as cash scarcity occasioned by the redesign of three naira notes continued to bite Nigerians about a year after the implementation of the policy, the CBN had in December last year warned against collusion between Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Point-Of- Sale (PoS) operators

Former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Doyin Okupe, has resigned his membership of the party, saying he was a rightist and liberal democrat.

But the party leadership, while reacting and wishing him well, said it was okay for the former presidential spokesperson not to be where his ideology would be confused.

Okupe’s letter dated January 8, 2023, was directed to the attention of the national chairman, Julius Abure.

Giving reasons for his resignation, he said he could not continue with the Labour Party because the party was ideologically a leftist party.

“We did contest the election on the platform of the Labour Party and lost. This makes it exceedingly

is ideologically rooted in the left of the center.

“I have been a rightist and a Liberal Democrat all my entire life. It is, therefore, this ideological conflict that makes me seek an exit so that I may continue my political activities with liberalism, sincerity and freedom.

“I submit herewith my letter of resignation from the Labour Party with effect from today. You will recall that our flagbearer, Mr Peter Obi, myself and others left the PDP abruptly and had to look for a Special Purpose Vehicle in which to contest the 2023 Presidential Elections.

“The Labour Party, your good self, and other members of your executives provided us with this veritable platform with no burdensomeness

“I wish to thank you in particular and other members of the leadership of the party for the cordiality and respect accorded to me as the Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation.

“I wish you and the party success in your future endeavours. Long live the Labour Party. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Your brother, friend and compatriot, Omooba (Dr Doyin Okupe, Former Director General Obi-Datti Campaign Organization.”

Okupe had in 2023, announced his withdrawal from the campaign of Peter Obi, when he was accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for financial crimes Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Mr Obiora Ifoh,

not be where his ideology would be confused.

“Yes, we received the letter from Dr. Doyin Okupe, tendering his resignation as a member of the Labour Party. We want to say that we wish him very well in his pursuit of his political career.

We in the Labour Party cherish the moment we had with him.

“After a short time, December 2022, when he had cause to leave the campaign based on some legal issues, we thank him for the contributions he made when he was the chairman of the DG of the campaign.

“We wish him very well. We want to say that he is saying that he is leaving because he is a Liberal Democrat, while the Labour Party is a Social Democrat.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Schools resume for Second Term after the Christmas and New Year Holidays...

Principal, Basorun Ogunmola High School, Ibadan, Mrs Abosede Oluokun, addressing students at the Assembly Ground, during their resumption for Second Term after the Christmas and New Year Holidays in Ibadan...yesterday

Rivers Assembly Crisis: Wike's Faction Knows Fate January 22 As Amaewhule denies withdrawal of suit

Alex Enumah in Abuja Barring any last minute changes the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, would on January 22, know if they can continue to operate as lawmakers of Rivers State.

This is sequel to the decision of a Federal High Court, Abuja, to deliver its judgment on the said day, in the suit filed by the Rivers House of Assembly's Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, National Assembly (NASS) and others.

Justice James Omotosho on yesterday announced that he will give his verdict in the matter, shortly after counsel to all parties adopted and argued their written addresses for and against the suit.

The Rivers House of Assembly and Amaewhule are 1st and 2nd plaintiffs in the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/1613/2023, while the National Assembly, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader are 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

Other respondents include House of Representatives Speaker, House Deputy Speaker, House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, Clerk to NASS as 6th to 10th defendants.

The Governor of Rivers, AttorneyGeneral of Rivers, Commissioner of Finance, Accountant-General of Rivers, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie, who is also listed as Rivers Assembly's Speaker in the suit, are 11th to 17th respondents respectively.

The plaintiffs in the amended originating summons dated December 7, 2023 but filed December 11, 2023 by their team of lawyers led by Ken Njemanze, SAN, are asking the court for an order of injunction restraining the 1st to 10th defendants (NASS) from entertaining any request from the 11th defendant (Fubara) to take over the performance of the functions of Rivers Assembly, including its role to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Rivers in respect of matters that are within its constitutional and legislative competence.

Besides, they are also demanding from the court an order of mandatory injunction compelling the Inspector General of Police (whether by himself or by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force under his command) to provide and continue to provide adequate Security and protection for

the 1st Plaintiff under the leadership of the 2nd Plaintiff as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the purpose of transacting the business of the 1st Plaintiff.

In addition, they want the court to restrain the governor from impeding or frustrating the assembly under Amaewhule's leadership as its speaker.

They equally sought an order of injunction restraining Fubara or the executive arm of the government of Rivers, including the 12th, 13th and 14th defendants from withholding any amount standing to the credit of Rivers Assembly in the state's

Consolidated Revenue Fund, including salaries and emoluments due and payable to the speaker, deputy speaker and other members of the house as well as to the clerk, deputy clerk and other members of staff of the assembly.

Alternatively, they sought an order of injunction restraining them from denying the assembly of the due funds for running its affairs including the payment of salaries, allowances, emoluments and meeting its financial obligations no matter how described, among other 11 reliefs.

Upon resumed hearing on Monday,

Justice Omotosho granted the application for joinder filed by Ehie.

Ehie, who also listed himself as speaker of Rivers Assembly, was joined in the suit as 17 defendants and the court made an order deeming all processes filed by him as being properly filed.

Meanwhile, Njemanze told the court that contrary to insinuation, he did not file any motion of discontinuance of the case.

"We are ready to proceed on the substantive matter but we have a motion pending. It is a motion filed on December 15, 2023. We are asking

for the restoration of status quo as at November 29, 2023," he said.

Njemanze also drew the court's attention to a motion filed on December 15, 2023, seeking an order to restrain Fubara, A-G, finance commissioner, and the accountant-general from continuing the demolition and destruction of the House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt.

"We are saying that they want to deter us from performing our constitutional duties despite the order my lord made ex-parte," he said.

He said they ignored the order even after it was extended.

Contagion as Tunji-Ojo Distances Self from Payments by Humanitarian Ministry Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry after he approved her suspension.

Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, was still being questioned by EFCC interrogators as at 6:40 pm yesterday, over allegations that she laundered N37.1 billion while serving as a minister in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.

A competent source at EFCC told THISDAY that the agency had sent out an invitation to Edu and expected her to appear at the EFCC headquarters today.

"We have invited Beta. Sadiya is still with us. Betta Edu has been mandated to report to the commission tomorrow," the source said.

It was further gathered that the anti-graft agency had recommended the immediate suspension of the minister in order to pave way for a thorough investigation.

Following the president's approval of her suspension, the commission swung into action over the minister's alleged payment of N585,189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into a private account.

A source close to the investigation said, “Our investigation into the alleged payment won’t be thorough if we didn’t recommend the minister’s suspension. Her suspension will give us liberty to do our job thoroughly as directed by the president.

“An official invitation by the commission has already been sent to her. We expect her to honour the invitation to give proper insight into the issue at hand. So, we expect her to arrive here anytime soon."

But the commission detained Umar-Farouq, as investigation into her alleged involvement in the laundering of N37.1 billion while she served as minister, continued.

The former minister arrived the headquarters of the commission in Jabi, Abuja, yesterday, about 9:30am.

Competent sources confirmed her arrival at the agency and her subsequent detention.

"She arrived this morning and is facing interrogators," the source said.

Umar-Farouq had written the anti-graft agency to tender her apology for failing to honour a previous invitation by the commission to answer questions on the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion.

Uzodimma: We Can't Question President's Wisdom

Chairman of Progressive Governors' Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, reacted to Edu’s suspension by Tinubu over allegations of financial impropriety, and said it was difficult to question the president’s wisdom.

Speaking with newsmen after meeting with Tinubu at State House, Abuja, Uzodimma said the president in his wisdom took the decision, which could not be questioned by anyone.

He stated, “Like you know, this is very clear. Whether progressive governors' forum, or whether as governor of Imo State, we have only one president whose wisdom we cannot question.

“And what is more, if there are allegations and the president said I want to look into it, I think it’s consistent with the law and the oath of office he swore to.

“So, I don't think it is something that will begin to create a menu now for the media. I think let's allow the sleeping dog to lie.”

The governor commented on the implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act, which he said

would ease off the current economic strains occasioned by the administration’s reform policies.

Uzodimma stated that with only 50 per cent execution of this year's budget, Nigeria would witness much recovery and not be the same again.

He said he visited the president to wish him a Happy New Year and invite him to the swearing-in ceremony for his second term in office on January 15, and update him on developments in Imo State.

Ndume: Edu's Suspension Indicates Tinubu's Determination to Tackle Graft

Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, said the suspension of Edu was part of Tinubu's determination to fight corruption in the country.

Ndume urged the president to urgently curtail the activities of an emerging political cartel in his government. He warned that the cartel could be worse than a cabal if their excesses remained unchecked, saying Edu's alleged fraud case may not be an isolated incident.

The senator, who is currently observing Umran (lesser Hajj) in Saudi Arabia, spoke by telephone with journalists in Abuja, yesterday.

He commended Tinubu for suspending the embattled minister.

Ndume insisted that the emerging political cartel might destabilise the administration of Tinubu if their excesses were not curbed immediately.

The senator for Borno South Senatorial District maintained that in order for Tinubu to succeed and deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda, some tough decisions must be taken and some elements curtailed within the administration.

Edu: Northern Group Commends Tinubu

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) commended Tinubu for the suspension of Edu. AYCF, in a statement in Kaduna by its president, Yarima Shettima, said Edu's suspension was an indication that the Tinubu administration had zero tolerance for corruption.

The statement said the suspension of Edu should serve as a warning to other minsters to shun activities that would tarnish the image of the administration.

Shettima stated, "The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is an indication that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has zero tolerance for any form of corruption.

"We as a youth body are hereby reiterating our support to the Tinubu's administration and urge him to throw more search light on other cabinet members to ensure that they do not engage in any activities that will undermine his administration.

"With the present development, our eyes will be on all the serving ministers with the view to exposing any of them with any corrupt tendencies."

HURIWA: Edu’s Suspension Step in Right Direction

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) commended the suspension of Edu over alleged misconducts, describing it as "a step in the right direction".

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, applauded Tinubu for taking the bull by the horns by his immediate suspension of the minister over alleged.

The rights group said Tinubu’s

"In this situation, you have the power to discipline all the parties," he said.

When Justice Omotosho drew the attention of the senior lawyer to an online publication that the issue had been settled, Njemanze however claimed that "As at the time we came, the House of Assembly was performing its work, but now, they are being interfered with."

The lawyer, who informed the court that only about four members passed the state's budget, urged the court to grant their all the reliefs being sought from the court.

action was a bold step in the fight against corruption, and added that it was unthinkable that such a powerful erstwhile national women leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could have been "suspended under the 8-year treacherous and most corrupt administration of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

"We the people of Nigeria are happy that the president has responded swiftly."

HURIWA urged that "the process of investigation of all the allegations would be painstakingly carried out so we avoid the political situation whereby the entire process will turn out a charade or become a scenario of the 'more you look the less you see'.

"We are watching and hoping that no stone is left unturned to ensure that not a single kobo belonging to the masses of Nigeria is diverted by crooked means. Enough is enough!

We hope that this whole development wouldn't turn as 'government magic' which will become a disastrous betrayal of public trust."

Onwubiko also advised Tinubu to be thorough and transparent in all his appointments, emphasising that Tinubu should prove wrong the impression in the minds of millions of Nigerians that a clear majority of his ministers bought their positions with money.

He said the way to regain public trust was by appointing competent and patriotic Nigerians, who merited whatever position of authority that the government bestowed on them. He stressed that a call to national service was not a self-centred enterprise for pecuniary benefits of the appointees.

Onwubiko also advised the president to dismiss ministers who weren't focused on delivering their mandates.

TUESday january 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

EMPOWERING THE YOUTHS…

L-R: Programmes Officer, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, Adedoyin Shittu; Dean, Students’ Affairs, Yaba College of Technology(YCT), Alaba Olalekan; Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Specialist, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Olukemi Ogunsakin; Sales Academy Manager, NBC and Sub-Dean, Students’ Affairs, YCT, Diana Otisi, during the 2023 campus edition of the NBC Youth Empowered initiative held at YCT in Lagos…recently.

ETOP UKUTT

FG Seeks ASUU’s Support to Ensure Strike-free Education Sector Onyebuchi Ezigbo inAbuja

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, yesterday urged the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) to join forces with the government for national progress.

In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry,

Olajide Oshundun, the minister said it was time every sector of the country, including education, moved on the same pace to achieve the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Onyejeocha made the call during a round table discussion between the federal government and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the way forward to ensure smooth

Gov Aiyedatiwa Accused of Certificate Forgery Fidelis David in Akure

A social-political group, the Ondo State Redemption Initiative (OSRI), yesterday accused the Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of certificate forgery.

The group in a statement issued by its President, Adebayo Ogunsanmi; Secretary, Jide Oriola, and Publicity Secretary, Sunday Ayeni, said Aiyedatiwa’s educational claims have been exposed as a fraud and unworthy to lead the state.

Basically, the group alleged

A group known as Progressives Leadership and Good Governance has declared that the refusal of the Managing Director of the Nigeria Rural Electrification Agency (NREA), Mr. Salihijo Ahmad, to honour the invitation extended to him by the Nigerian Police Force to answer questions regarding allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds, is a matter of grave concern.

The group, which is a consortium, while addressing journalists in Bauchi last weekend, expressed deep concern over the recent developments involving the NREA MD, stressing

and Employment beyond simply mediating disputes during strikes.

According to her, “We should be part of the process to ensure such actions are averted,” she declared, advocating for proactive

problem-solving rather than reactive conflict resolution.”

While craving the indulgence of the leadership of ASUU led by its President, Emmanuel Osodeke, to allow the ministry

to know all the problems of the union, the Minister said she believes that with mutual understanding, they can all moved the country in the same direction.

President Tinubu Must Urgently Unbundle Nigerian Railway, Says Rail Expert

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

A railway policy professional, Mr. Olawale Rasheed, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council to implement urgent reform in the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to

that Aiyedatiwa, in his resume, claimed to have acquired an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan in 2001, AyodejiAke but checks have proved that an advanced diploma in business While Nigerians hailed the activation administration was not available of the automated passports portal as at the University of Ibadan in promised, the federal government, through the office of the Minister of 2001.

“According to his academic Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, records, Aiyedatiwa’s educational noted that the new process would journey began at Saint Peter’s eliminate corrupt practices.

UNA (now FAC) Primary School in Obe Nla/Obe Adun, Ilaje LGA, Ondo State, where he attended from 1970 to 1976.” Alex Enumah in Abuja

solve national transport challenges and jumpstart the country’s economy.

Rasheed, who was the Chief Executive Officer of African Railway Consulting Limited until recently, said solving the transport hiccups occasioned by bad roads demands revitalisation

of the railway system, which presently suffers from outdated laws, structures and equipment.

He noted that professionals in the railway sector are patiently awaiting the agenda of the president in unbundling the monumental benefits that the sector holds for the country,

adding that President Tinubu must embrace critical reforms to turn things around for the better.

According to him in his tweet on X, “Many rail professionals in Nigeria are feverishly awaiting the railway agenda of President Tinubu (@officialABAT).

‘Automated Passports Portal Would Eliminate Corrupt Practices’ While speaking on the successfully launch of the online passports portal, the minister said the process, which would involve uploading passport photos and supporting documents online, would also reduce human interfaces.

He ascribed credit of the project to the visionary leadership and support

given by President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, “This project is a success today because of the vision, support and enabling environment created by the president. I make bold to say that credit of this project should be given to President Tinubu because nothing could have been achieved without his support, encouragement

and visionary leadership.

“I am indeed grateful to the father of our nation for his trust and confidence in my ability.

Notwithstanding the project’s success, we have only been inspired to do more and continually justify the confidence reposed in us by the president.”

Buhari’s Ex-Aide AsksIbomCourt to Throw Out Ex-Gov Udom’s N1bn Defamation Suit State, Mr. Emmanuel Udom. that Enang defamed his character 29, 2018, on the platform of Lagos

Group Criticises NREA Boss for Alleged Evasion of Police Invitation SegunAwofadejiinBauchi

academic session in Nigeria in 2024 and beyond.

She said aside being a product of the university system, she expressed her desire to shift the role of the Ministry of Labour

that it is very unfortunate.

According to the group, “Our investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of criminal conspiracy purportedly orchestrated by Ahmad.

This involves diverting funds earmarked for the critical development of electricity into personal accounts, exploiting the trust of the public and looting the treasury of the agency.”

The group, through its Coordinator, Ibrahim Nuhu, stated that: “Such actions stand in stark contrast to the exemplary leadership style championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has fervently advocated for zero tolerance against corruption in public offices.

Former aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, yesterday asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to dismiss the alleged defamation suit brought against him by the immediate-past Governor of Akwa

Enang, at the hearing of his Notice of Preliminary Objection, told the court that the former governor’s suit is incompetent, and as such, the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain it.

In the suit marked CV/2058/19, and filed by his lawyer, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, the former governor alleged

when he told the media that his (Udom) administration is the worst in the history of Nigeria.

Among the reliefs he sought from the court included: A declaration “that the defendant’s false, malicious and defamatory statements made against the claimant to the public on December

Talks FM (91.3) has gravely damaged the claimant’s reputation and good standing in the eyes of the public, and has further caused continuing and irreparable damage claimant’s personality, professional and political image within Nigeria and in the international community.”

State.

The management also commiserated with family of the victims of the unfortunate incident.

These were contained in statement issued and signed by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the agency, Jibrin

Dada’u, and made available to journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The statement stressed that: “The sad report of a boat mishap at Umumu Anam, Anambra West LGA, Anambra State recently is regrettable.

“The Authority is aware

that the sad incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Idah in Kogi State to Onitsha in Anambra State.

‘Upon the receipt of the sad report, relevant personnel from the marine department were deployed for rescue, recovery, and proper investigation.

Anambra Boat Mishap: NIWA Commiserates with Family of Victims Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed shocks over the boat mishap that occurred at Umumu Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra

Ondo Amotekun Arrests 29 Suspected Kidnappers, Others in One Week

The state Commander of possession of firearms, theft, stealing of motorcycles among David in Akure the agency, Mr. Adetunji among others. others.”

Ebonyi Ex-PDP Chair Emerges Fidelis He said: “In the last one Adeleye said the corps Operatives of the Ondo State Adeleye, while parading the Network Agency, suspects at corps headquarters week, we were able to arrest also arrested a 29 year-old PDP Senatorial Candidate Security codenamed Amotekun, in Akure yesterday, said 29 suspects that were involved Mathew Phillip who left the

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Silas Onu, has won the party’s ticket for forthcoming by-election in the state.

The election was held yesterday at the zonal party secretariat at Afikpo in Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.

Declaring the result by the chairman of electoral panel, Mr. Lekan Rotimi, announced that Onu polled a total of 143 votes

to defeat his only opponent, Senator Amah Nnachi, who scored zero vote.

“Chief Silas Onu, having complied with the relevant electoral law and the PDP primary election guideline and having won the majority of lawful votes, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected as the PDP candidate for the Ebonyi South senatorial district.

“A total of 144 delegates were accredited to vote in the election, with one invalid vote recorded,” he said.

have arrested 29 suspected criminals across the 18 local government areas of the state in the last one week.

the suspects were arrested for various alleged offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful

in different forms of security breaches which ranges from kidnapping, armed robbery, house breaking, shop lifting,

correctional centre on January 1 and got arrested again on January 4 for the same offence he was previously jailed.

APC Drags Aregbesola to Court for Allegedly Causing Faction in the Party Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dragged former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, to a Federal High Court in Osogbo for allegedly causing faction in the party.

The APC, through its counsel, Ayodele Kusamotu, Yemi Akingbade, R.I.O Oloyede and B.J Nwayen, asked the court to declare that Aregbesola cannot validly lead suspended members of the party and other persons associating with them to launch a political faction and

parallel group named Omoluabi Progressives within the party.

APC contended that the said launching of a factional political group or party within the party with the use of the party’s logo, symbol and slogan is considered to have contravened the Constitution

of Nigeria and party’s constitution.

The party said Aregbesola has no constitutional power to launch a factional group within the party, thereby sought an order of the court to proscribe and prohibit the factional group within APC in Osun State.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

TUESdaysports

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Eagles Fall to Syli Nationale in AFCON 2023 Friendly

Femi Solaja

Super Eagles who are due to arrive in Lagos today from their training tour of Abu Dhabi, lost their final friendly game 2-0 to Guinea’s Syli Nationale.

The match was their last preparatory match to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicking off this weekend in Côte d’Ivoire.

After defeating Dubai club Al Gharib in an unofficial fixture on Sunday, Eagles were handed their reality check before heading out to the continental showpiece in the Ivorian capital city.

Coach Jose Peseiro named an unusual starting XI, with regulars Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi starting from the

bench while Victor Boniface was sidelined because of an injury.

The Super Eagles started the fixture well, dominating the play and bossing the possession.

However, they were pegged back in the 14th minute via a goal from Aguibou Camara, which made it 1-0 for Guinea.

Nigeria got a lifeline in the 19th minute after Sadiq Umar

was fouled in the box. Moses Simon was tasked with taking the penalty, but his strike was saved by the Guinean goalkeeper.

Umar and Samuel Chukwueze got chances to equalise for Nigeria before the end of the first half, but they failed to utilise their chances.

The Super Eagles started

the second half well, but they still lacked the cutting edge.

Chances fell to Chukwueze and Awaziem, but they failed to convert. Then, just like the first, Guinea struck again through Facinet Conte to make it 2-0 after 64 minutes.

Coach Peseiro introduced Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, and Iwobi into the game in place

of Raphael Onyedika, Kenneth Omeruo, and Chidozie Awaziem in the 73rd minute, but the score remained the same.

It eventually ended 2-0 to the Guineans in Abu Dhabi.

Peseiro and his lads will look to return to winning ways in their first game against Equatorial Guinea at the Nations Cup a day after the opening game.

Super Eagles lost their final training match before AFCON 2023 against Guinea's Syli Nationale 2-0 in Abu Dhabi... yesterday

Raducanu Reunites with Childhood Aruna Rises to 14th Spot in Latest ITTF Ranking Coach Ahead Australian Open Emma Raducanu has reunited with childhood coach Nick Cavaday in time for the Australian Open where she will play her first Grand Slam for a year.

The 2021 US Open champion, sidelined for much of 2023 after ankle and wrist surgeries, has been working with a series of LTA coaches since returning to the practice courts in October.

The 21-year-old has had a sequence of short-lived coaches since turning professional, but it is understood both she and Cavaday have the desire to work together beyond the Australian Open.

She and Briton Cavaday have begun working together in Melbourne before today’s charity match against

Naomi Osaka.

Raducanu practised for two hours, with the help of a hitting partner, under the roof of the Rod Laver Arena on Monday after a second consecutive day of persistent rain in Melbourne.

Cavaday, who was head coach of the LTA's Loughborough Academy until April of last year, also spent time on court with Raducanu in London before Christmas.

But the decision that the 37-yearold would fly out to Melbourne to coach Raducanu at the Australian Open was only made in the last week.

"I've known Nick since I was 10 years old and he was helping me out the last week at the NTC [National Tennis Centre]. Before that the LTA

helped me a ton," Raducanu said while competing on the WTA Tour in Auckland last week.

Like Jane O'Donoghue, who assisted Raducanu in Auckland last week, Cavaday worked with the former British number one when she was a junior.

A former Futures Tour player, Cavaday coached British players Aljaz Bedene (who later reverted to Slovenian nationality) and Dom Inglot before spending four and a half years at the Loughborough Academy.

Since leaving in April, he has been coaching British 18-year-old Ranah Stoiber.

Cavaday is a big believer in the development of a player, and in

carefully tailored programmes to deliver long-term improvement.

Raducanu, who parted ways with German coach Sebastian Sachs shortly after having three operations on her hands and left ankle in May, only started seriously to consider coaching options in December, once a return to the tour in Australia seemed very likely.

She will not need to qualify for next week's Australian Open, having gained direct entry after the withdrawal of the American Lauren Davis, and so has taken the chance to play two exhibition matches.

Tuesday evening's match with Osaka will be the first of a series of charity matches on the Rod Laver Arena this week.

Quadri Aruna started the New Year with an improvement in his world rating as the African champion gained points in his quarterfinal finish at the WTT Finals which earned him a rise to 14th place in the latest ITTF Ranking.

The Nigerian caused one of the big upsets at the WTT Finals Doha 2023 after coming from 2-0 down to beat world number five Hugo Calderano of Brazil 3-2 to book his place in the quarterfinal of the year-ending tournament held in Qatar.

Aruna who was ranked 16th before the WTT Finals gained 265 points from his quarterfinal finish in Doha to improve his world rating points to 1425 ahead of the 15th placed Darko Jorgic of Slovenia who has 1340 points.

Also, WTT has listed Aruna’s 2023 triumph over former world number five Tomokazu Harimoto among the five biggest upsets of the outgone year after the Nigerian stunned the Japanese 3-0 to reach the quarter final stage of the Singapore Smash in 2023.

“I am working hard this year so that I can achieve more successes and continue to shoot up my ranking to be able to secure my qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Aruna said.

Meanwhile, Aruna has been listed alongside Egypt’s Omar Assar among the top 20 players that will start their campaign from the main draw of the 2024 WTT Star Contender Doha which started on Monday January 8 with the preliminary round.

Dambe: African Warriors Championship German Legend, to Feature First Fighter from Britain Beckenbauer, Dies at 78

Luke Leyland... first Briton to fight in Dambe Championship in Aftica

The African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC), the leading global promoter of Dambe, has announced its next event, ‘King of Dambe’ scheduled to take place on June13, 2024 at the Katsina Open Air Theatre.

The highlight of ‘King of Dambe’ will feature a special exhibition involving Luke Leyland, a professional wrestler and boxer from Liverpool, United Kingdom, competing against Garakuwar Bahagon Yansanda, a dambe champion from Plateau State, Nigeria.

The bout will make Leyland the first European athlete to ever compete in dambe in Africa.

The King of Dambe event will also showcase top fighters from across Nigeria drawn from the three dambe houses of Arewa (Jamus), Kudawa (Kudu) and Gurumada.

The main event will feature Alikawoji of House Gurumada vs Autan Danbunza of House Arewa.

Other matches on the day include: Coronavirus of Kudu vs Sha'ike of Gurumada Dan Yellow of Arewa vs Bahagon Mai Bulala of Gurumada Autan. Shagon Audu of Gurumada vs Dogon Messi of Arewa Shagon . Yellow of Gurumada vs Shagon Na Balbali of Kudu.

The headline sponsor for King of Dambe is cryptocurrency betting company Stake.com. The entire event will also be streamed live on Kick. com via @africanwarriorsfc.

Speaking about his upcoming bout in Nigeria, Luke Leyland, said: “I am thrilled to be in Nigeria, representing the UK in the ancient art of dambe. This marks a historic moment for the sport, and I am honoured to be part of it. I eagerly

anticipate showcasing the skill and determination of UK fighters and proving our ability to compete in this incredible sport. I am coming to win. My goal is to knockout Yan Sanda and take the victory home to British soil. You do not want to miss this!

The Founder of African Warriors Fighting Championship, Maxwell Kalu added: “This marks an exciting chapter in dambe’s history.

Luke’s participation highlights the global growth and recognition of dambe. We are looking forward to witnessing this groundbreaking fight and ready to welcome more international participants. Aside from Luke Leyland vs G.B Yan Sanda, we have an impressive card of fights featuring the very best dambe athletes that Nigeria has to offer,” he concluded.

German legend, Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, has died aged 78 years.

He won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990.

The former defender also played 582 times for Bayern Munich, again winning the German top flight as both as a player and a manager.

Nicknamed Der Kaiser, as a player he also won the European Championship in 1972, as well as the Ballon d'Or twice.

A statement from his family to German news agency DPA read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.

"We ask that you allow us to

grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions."

Franz Beckenbauer... end of an era

TUESDAY JANUARY 9, 2024 • T H I S D AY

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Price: N400

MISSILE

Falana to Betta Edu

“It is interesting to note that the Minister has not denied that she gave approval for the payment of the over half a billion Naira to a private account...Instead of apologising to the FG and people of Nigeria and calling it quits for betraying the confidence reposed in her, the minister has arrogantly said the N585.18m fraud allegation is a mere fabrication by her Detractors...” --Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, calls on the Humanitarian Affairs Minister to resign over the fraud scandal.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

The Call To Arms: A Counterview O

ne of the most concerning subjects in Nigeria today is the renewed call for the liberalization of access to the ownership of guns, in the face of the worsening state of insecurity in the country. This is not the. first time such a call would be made. With insecurity ravaging Nigeria in the last two decades in the form of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, sectarian violence, ethnic strife and religious conflicts resulting in an orgy of killings, and destruction of property, the displacement of persons, and a persistently apparent inability of the Nigerian state to serve its true purpose which is to ensure “the security and welfare of the people”, the despair, angst and bitterness among the people has led not a few to demand that the best option for Nigerians is to allow every citizen to own a gun and defend themselves. The thinking is that the best way to address terror is to counter it with terror in similar or equal proportion.

As recently as 2018, for example, a member of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Kabir Marafa (Zamfara Central) while contributing to a debate on insecurity in the country, told his colleagues matter of factly that “… people cannot be slaughtered in their houses helplessly. Maybe what we need to do is to liberalise gun control. Let everybody own a gun so that when you are coming to my house, you will know that I have my own gun while you are coming with yours”. Marafa’s home state of Zamfara is one of the killing fields in the North West of Nigeria. Six years later, the situation has only worsened. By 2021, the Nigeria Security Tracker created by the US Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) had counted up to 2,700 deaths in less than 10 years due to insecurity in Nigeria – and even that was a modest estimate because for the most part many acts of violence are unreported or underreported. Senator Marafa is not alone. He spoke the mind of many others. Nigeria is a country truly where many people are “slaughtered helplessly”.

By 2021, Darius Ishaku, then Governor of Taraba state (2015-2023), and Bashir Magashi, Minister of Defence as he then was (2019 – 2023), had also suggested that the people should be courageous to carry arms in self-defence.

In 2022, Zamfara state even went a step further when it announced that the governor, Bello Matawalle, had directed the state police commissioner to issue gun licences in each of the 19 emirates in the state to those wishing to defend themselves.

“Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers to secure basic weapons for defending themselves”, the state commissioner of information reportedly said. State Commissioners of Police do not ordinarily take instructions from state Governors but at least that Governor had to be seen to be saying something. Similarly, in Katsina state, then Governor Aminu Masari (2015 – 2023), frustrated with the spate of killings in his state, once told the people of the North West state to “buy guns and defend themselves.” He reportedly added that “it is Islamically allowed for one to defend himself against attack. One must rise to defend himself, his family and assets. If you die while trying to defend yourself, you’d be considered a martyr.

It is surprising how a bandit would own a gun while a good man trying to defend himself and his family doesn’t have one”. Masari had the support of a group called Katsina State Innovative Thinkers Initiative. He was opposed by the Katsina State Chapter of the Coalition of Northern Groups. Other state Governors who at one point or the other called for the right to bear arms include the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN (with regard to Amotekun), and former Zamfara Governor, Bello Matawalle. In May 2023, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa (Doguwa /Tundun Wada Federal Constituency)

President Bola Tinubu made a similar call. Thus, the conversation about the need to liberalize the ownership of guns in Nigeria has been recurrent, and has even become strident as each successive administration fails to improve the people’s conditions. But would the open ownership of guns by Nigerians solve any problem? I don’t think so.

With the mindless killings in three local governments in Plateau state, and in Taraba and Zamfara between Christmas Eve and the end of the year 2023, that question has reared its head again. Over 200 persons were killed, more than 300 injured, about 10, 000 were rendered homeless, in a carnage that went on for more than two days despite over 30 distress calls to the security agencies! More persons are now calling for arms in every possible hand that can pull a trigger, urging the people to resort to self-help and these include Senator Ned Nwoko who has called for the introduction of a bill that allows civilians to own and carry firearms, Mike Ejiofor, a security expert, who says a culture of resistance in the face of mindless attacks should be encouraged, and a group of Kaduna youths who have asked President Tinubu to allow them to carry arms to defend themselves and their communities.

The National President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu has also recently expressed the view that “Nigerians should be allowed to carry at least some arms to defend themselves and to restrain them from doing so would amount to “a conspiracy against the people”. However, the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja objects to all these calls, saying it is a call for anarchy.

What the Army Chief failed to note is that what the people are actually reacting to is the failure of the institutions that he represents, the Nigerian security establishment and the utter failure of the Nigerian state. The state in Nigeria has failed the people so badly that lives have become cheap and worthless, our common humanity has been eroded. In virtually every part of the country, people do not feel safe, farmers in the Middle Belt, the North West and the North Central cannot go to their farms. It is risky to travel by road or trains as the routes have been taken over by bandits and kidnappers. Worse still, the same security agencies that are maintained at tax-payers expense to protect the people are for the most part agents of violence inflicting pain on the people, as has been seen in sundry cases of police brutality, abuse of uniform, accidental killings, and

the professional omissions of the men in uniform.

Having lost faith in the capacity of the state to protect them, if not in the state itself, many Nigerians are compelled to resort to self-help. It has been argued that in fact certain forms of violence such as terrorism, ethnic conflict and sectarian violence are actually acts of rebellion against Nigeria itself - its organization and dis-organization, beyond the felt criminal implications. This is why the long-term solution must begin with making the Nigerian state functional for the citizens’ benefit. Putting a gun in every hand may not be the solution. In a country where there is so much ingrained bitterness, and religious/ethnic divisions, as well as frustrations about the common patrimony and matters of justice, fairness and equity, the liberalization of gun use would be an invitation indeed to chaos and nihilism.

Ownership of guns in Nigeria today is controlled by the Firearms Control Act (2004), the principal provisions of which state that (1) no person shall have in his possession or under his control, any firearm or ammunition except such persons is licensed by the President or the Inspector General of Police (2) no such license should be granted to persons under the age of 17, persons who are of unsound mind, persons with eyesight problems, and persons that have anger control issues, and only the Inspector General of Police can grant a license to make and repair arms; (3) personal firearms including shotguns and automatic/semi-automatic guns are prohibited; (4) anyone who violates the law is liable to a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

Those who ask for the right to own guns are quick to draw attention to Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution and how the government seems to have failed the people; Section 33(1) which protects the citizen’s right to life, and Section 33 (2)(a) which gives a private citizen the right to use reasonable force to defend himself/herself as well as property from unlawful violence. The pro-gun lobby go a step further to point to the limiting effects of the aforementioned provisions of the Firearms Control Act. Except this Act is amended, and I do not see why it should be amended, Nigerians including those who want guns are duty bound to obey it.

Whereas Constitutional provisions constitute the basic law, part of the insecurity challenge in Nigeria is the failure to implement and enforce the Firearms Act. There are firearms and ammunition of different brands and capacity in millions of unlicensed hands. The Nigerian government is not sure of the number of guns already in circulation in Nigeria. Our borders are porous, and there are all kinds of local gun manufacturers in hidden places manufacturing and repairing arms without any license. In many parts of the country, live ammunition is sold in underground markets and Nigerian security agencies have no quality intelligence as to how that ecosystem works. The law says persons with unsound mind or poor eyesight should not hold weapons. For the benefit of whoever cares to listen, Nigeria is a theatre of mass psychosis. How else can we explain the phenomenon of trigger-happy security agents, who threaten as they wish to waste people’s lives with the assurance that nothing will happen? In a country where there is cultism even in primary schools, it would be mere wishful thinking to assume that persons younger than 17 do not already have access to guns. The menace of drug abuse has turned Nigeria into a bomb waiting to explode.

Hunger angers the people. Mass unemployment has thrown many into depression with maniacal tendencies. Are these the people we want to give the freedom to bear arms and ammunition in the name of self-defence? In a country that in fact believes in witchcraft, the resultant anarchy could eventually lead to civil insurrection. We must not adopt a measure that can consume the nation.

The view has been expressed that Nigeria should be like the United States where the right to bear firearms is constitutionally guaranteed under the Second Amendment. Let such persons be reminded that one of the major threats, in the same United States, is the right to bear arms - a threat to lives, hopes, the economy, politics, a harvest of deaths and violence that has become an American epidemic.

Gun-related deaths in the US have risen by more than 50% in the last decade, with an average of about 100 deaths being reported daily on average.

Mass shootings are common, in 2022 alone about 46 school shootings were reported. In Richmond, Virginia, in the last three years, almost 30 students have died in gun-related violence.

Even the National Rifle Association (NRA), the umbrella body for gun-lobbyists and self-styled defenders of the Second Amendment, has been exposed as a group of hypocrites. Their long-term CEO/Vice President, Wayne LaPierre has just announced his resignation with effect from January 31, under very controversial circumstances bordering on corruption. It is a mortal sin to engorge at the expense of other people’s lives. It is specious to argue that “the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a good guy with a gun.” Nigerians are good copycats, but we must be careful what we copy from other societies in the throes of their own peculiar kind of mass psychosis. Nigeria must not borrow other people’s madness as a solution to its internal problems.

The thing to do is to re-tool and refurbish our security agencies. The Nigeria Police is too weak as it is to enforce any laws in any meaningful and sustainable manner. The Police are primarily responsible for the protection of lives and property.

They seem to have submitted that responsibility to the military even under a civilian dispensation.

It is scandalous that they are often absent during moments of major security breaches. Many of the affected communities prefer to direct distress calls to the military, pretending not to know that Nigeria has a Police Force. The National Council of State should meet more often to encourage inter-agency collaboration, complementarity and the sharing of intelligence. It is argued that everyone should carry arms and ammunition because cattle herders do so for both personal security and economic reasons - the cattle herder may need to protect himself, but only as long as his firearm is licensed. Cattle rearing is still an issue because of climate change and desertification in the North, but this is a security problem that can be stopped through an effective cattle ranching system.

In Kwara State at a time, the Shonga Farms, led by white Zimbabwe farmers managed cattle ranches that fed people and serviced hotels and dairy farms, before that, some states in parts of the country had ranches – the Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River state for example. In 2024, Nigerians should not be fighting over animal grazing. Ethiopia has millions of cattle: how to feed the stock is not an issue. Cattle rearing does not have to be ethnically determined.

Nothing stops state governments in parts of Nigeria from engaging in livestock farming to reduce the North-South seasonal migrations. The Joint Task Force in the North East also bears arms: but are they licensed to do so as part of a formal response to the crisis in that area? That is the question. And let those who ask for guns for all note that the Firearms Act actually favours only the rich. A firearm does not come cheap. The poor cannot afford to build an artillery. The rich are busy doing so, and the more arms and ammunition that they buy and give to their political thugs and other agents, the more they endanger this country. When the rule of law and political will begin to prevail and good men control the system, Nigeria will begin to turn the corner with its security challenges.

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