TUESDAY 10TH JANUARY 2023

FG: Port Harcourt Refinery to Commence Partial Operation Before End of First Quarter Sylva: Why I will happily buy fuel for N300 Says kerosene price deregulated, beyond govt purview Emmanuel Addeh and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government yesterday announced that the commencement of operations at the 60,000 barrels

per day Port Harcourt refinery has been shifted from December 2022 to the first quarter of this year.

In September last year, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who

was speaking after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, had promised Nigerians that the

country’s biggest refinery would Continued on page 32

Alleged Missing N89tn: CSOs Apologise to Emefiele over Call for His Visa Ban... Page 8 Tuesday 10 January, 2023 Vol 27. No 10135. Price: N250

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Six More Abducted Edo Train Passengers Rescued... Page 5

Again, INEC Raises the Alarm, Says Insecurity May Force Cancellation of Elections IPAC accuses governors of using touts to intimidate opponents, destroy campaign materials Vows to resist plot to sack INEC boss, scuttle election Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) yesterday expressed concerns over the forthcoming general election due

to the rising threats of insecurity, warning that the forthcoming polls face threat of cancellation if

the level of insecurity across the country continues.

This was just as the Inter Party

Advisory Council (IPAC), during a media briefing yesterday, alleged that some state governors were using

touts to intimidate their opponents Continued on page 32

Buhari in Yola, Canvasses Support for Tinubu, Binani, Other APC Candidates Tells Adamawa people Tinubu/Shettima can be trusted to deliver Urges them to make history by electing first female governor PDP mocks ex-Lagos gov

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Daji Sani in Yola Four months after launching the presidential campaign of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jos, the Plateau State capital, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday returned to the rostrum as he stormed Yola, the Adamawa State capital, to canvass for votes for the party's presidential candidate, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates of the party ahead of the February and March, 2023 election.

Adamawa was last week listed by the APC Presidential Campaign Council as one of the 10 states where Buhari would openly campaign for Tinubu before the February 25 presidential poll.

The president also used the campaign held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Yola, to advise the people of the state to make history by voting Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed-Binani as the first female governor in Nigeria during the governorship election in March 2023.

Continued on page 32

APC CAMPAIGN RALLY IN ADAMAWA...

L-R: Vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Kashim Shettima; President Muhammadu Buhari; Adamawa State APC governorship candidate, Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani; and APC presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the party's presidential candidate and Adamawa State APC governorship candidate campaign rally at Maidoki, Yola, Adamawa State...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

INVESTMENT FORUM...

L-R: Media Consultant, Mr. Adeniyi Ifetayo; Chief Executive Officer, Optiva Capital Partners, Ms. Jane Kimemia-Nechi; and Chairman, Optiva Capital Partners, Mr. Franklin Nechi, during 2023 investment immigration discussion in Lagos…yesterday

Ahead of Presidential Election, Tinubu Yet to Sign Peace Accord, Committee Reveals Insists proxy not allowed APC chairman signed for Tinubu, says aide Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja With about 46 days to the presidential poll, the leadership of the National Peace Committee (NPC) yesterday said it was still awaiting the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to sign the Peace Accord aimed at encouraging the peaceful conduct of the election.

Despite claim by the APC that its candidate was represented by the party's national chairman who signed the Peace Accord on his behalf, the space allotted to the APC presidential candidate to sign remains empty.

However, while clarifying the situation, a member of the NPC, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, told THISDAY yesterday that the committee as a matter rule does not allow vice presidential candidates or party chairmen to

sign on behalf the presidential candidates.

He said all the candidates that have so far signed the peace agreement did so in person, not through any representation.

When asked if Tinubu signed or was represented during the ceremony held last September, Barkindo said: "APC presidential candidate didn't sign our peace accord. We don't allow proxy."

He, however, said that the doors of the NPC were still open, urging those interested in signing the Peace Accord to do so.

On whether the candidate could still approach the committee to sign the accord after the designated day, Barkindo stressed that the doors of the committee remains open, adding that any candidate who is interested can come to their office and sign the document.

However, when THISDAY contacted Tinubu's Media spokes-

man, Mr. Tunde Rahman, he said the former Lagos State governor was away from the country on the day the Peace Accord was signed.

He said his absence was duly communicated to the committee and that the national chairman of APC, Alhaji Adamu was empowered to signed for Tinubu.

Rahman said: “When the peace accord was signed, Asiwaju was not in the country and the APC chairman and vice presidential candidate attended and party chairman signed on behalf of Tinubu.

“There was no information that he was expected to come and sign again when he returned to the country.”

He added: “There was an issue about whether a VP should stand for the presidential candidate or not, but that it was decided that the chairman or any officer of the party can attend and sign the peace

document."

The NPC is co-led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar II; Cardinal John Onayeikan; Bishop Hassan Kukah and other eminent statesmen, with the objective of supporting efforts at ensuring free, fair and credible

elections in Nigeria.

The NPC is a non-governmental initiative conceptualised in 2014, in response to emerging threats occasioned by the 2015 general election.

Since then, the committee has emerged as one of the leading lights and credible organisations

Obi Attacks Tinubu, Says Presidency Not Turn by Turn Omo-Julius Onabu in Asaba The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has taken a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu,

saying Nigeria’s presidency is not “turn by turn”.

Speaking yesterday when he arrived in Delta State for his campaign, the former Anambra State governor explained that if the presidency was to be turn by

Six More Abducted Edo Train Passengers Rescued Gunmen demanded N620m for abductees, says source Bandits kill seven NSCDC officials in Kaduna Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and John Shiklam in Kaduna The Edo State Government yesterday disclosed that six more persons out of the 31 that were kidnapped last Saturday at the Tom Ikimi Train Station in Igueben, Igueben Local Government Area of the state have been rescued by a combined team of security agencies.

This was just as the Executive Director, Esan Youth for Good Governance and Social Justice, Benson Odia, yesterday said the alleged kidnappers made contact with some families of the kidnap victims and demanded N20 million for each victim.

Odia said the demand was absurd, calling on the authorities to intensify efforts in rescuing the 31 abducted persons that are still being held captive by their abductees.

He also said that the Minister of Transportation and the Nigeria Railway Corporation boss were at Igueben to assess the situation

themselves.

But Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured the families of the victims that other passengers in the train would be released soon.

Also yesterday, the level of insecurity in the country continued to deteriorate as seven personal of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were reportedly killed in an ambush by bandits in Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State.

The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nekhihare, disclosed this during a media briefing, while giving update on the efforts by government and security agencies to ensure that all the victims were released as well as the arrest of those involved in the abduction.

Nekhihare said those rescued were a 65-year-old man, a mother and her baby, two siblings and another person, adding that two more of the gunmen that attacked the train

station have been arrested.

He appealed to Edo residents to be vigilant adding that, "operation bush combing" was still on going, saying nothing would be left to chance.

"A large portion of the forest is being combed. We call on Edo people to be vigilant. If you see something, say something," Nekhihare stated.

He also said: “Our Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, spoke with me this morning to share the latest information on the efforts being made by the military, police and personnel drawn from other security agencies, including the vigilante and hunters who know the bushes like their backyards to ensure the kidnapped passengers are released soon.

“The governor has provided the needed logistic supports of the various security agencies that are combing the bushes, small settlements, forests and everywhere around the place of the incident to smoke out

in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

It is an initiative made up of eminent elder statesmen who undertake efforts to support free, fair and credible elections as well as intervene in critical issues of national concern through high-level mediated and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

the kidnappers.

“Governor Obaseki has mandated his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, to coordinate the operation. The governor urged citizens to remain calm and pass any useful information to his office or the security agencies."

The Edo State police command had in a statement on Sunday said the kidnappers were herdsmen armed with AK-47 riffles. It had also said some of the passengers sustained bullet wounds, and assured that bush combing and rescue operations had begun to try to rescue the victims.

Meanwhile, Odia said the authorities promised to engage the use of a helicopter on Tuesday in an effort to locate where the victims were kept in the bush.

He said, “I can tell you that the kidnappers have demanded N20 million, totalling N620 million. This is absurd and I don’t know where poor people will be able to raise that amount

of money.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said he would confirm the veracity of the claim.

Bandits Kill Seven NSCDC Personnel in Kaduna

Meanwhile, seven personnel of the NSCDC have been reportedly killed in an ambush by bandits in Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State.

There were, however, conflicting versions of how the incident happened.

Sources in the Kaduna command of the NSCDC said the victims were ambushed yesterday, while escorting an expatriate to a mining site in Birnin Gwari LGA. The source said: “Eight personnel were assigned to provide security cover to the expatriate to a mining area when they were ambushed by a large number of bandits.

turn, it would be his “turn” by succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari this year.

“Somebody said it is his turn to be president, I want to tell you that the president is not turn by turn. If it is turn by turn, it is supposed to be my turn but we are not using turn by turn. It is the turn of Nigerians to be president especially those full of energy.

“No tribe buys bread or rice cheaper, no religion buys bread cheaper. Vote for commitment and capacity.

“We are not going to give excuses. I am not going to remind you of where you’re coming from or blame people where they failed.

Am assuring you that a new Nigeria is possible.

“Hold me responsible if we failed you in the area of security, economy. We will make the country work again. There will be no more strikes in the education sector again in this country,” Obi said.

The former governor also lamented that the Niger Delta region was backward judging by the resources accrued to it.

He promised to turn the region around if elected as the president.

He said, “We have gone to Warri, Isoko, Agbor, and Asaba only today, that shows you our seriousness and commitment, and all the places, people came out en-mass.

“Niger Delta supposed to be a haven, things are not working in the region. From here to Warri is supposed to be dualised. EastWest road has been constructed for the past 24 years, but nothing is working in this region.”

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FUNDRAISING FOR CHARITY...

L-R: Dr. Kayode Morohunfola; Mrs. Nike Olagbami; Dr. Kehinde Morohunfola; Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, HRH Oba Adesumbo Kiladejo; Mrs. Yinka Oyelowo, and Mr. Olusiji Kolawole, at Akin & Mary PHOTO; MUBO PETERS. Morohunfola Educational Foundation and fundraising inauguration in Lagos...yesterday

Alleged Missing N89tn: CSOs Apologise to Emefiele over Call for His Visa Ban DSS arrests middle belt youth leader for exposing plot to charge CBN governor for terrorism, group alleges Sunday Aborisade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A coalition of civil society organisations yesterday rendered an unreserved apology to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, over calls for his visa ban over the alleged missing of N89 trillion stamp duty.

They also apologised over a call to declare the CBN governor a persona non grata and that he should be arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), amongst others.

The leaders of the coalition, Mohammed Ibrahim of Northern Leaders Coalition; Gbenga Ganzallo of League of Professionals for Good

Governance and Accountability; and Chief Sampam of Transparency Africa, while reading the apology letter during a press conference in Abuja, noted that the allegations against him were false and untrue of his person and office.

The coalition stressed that the apology was premised on superior arguments made available to them concerning activities and interventions of the CBN under the leadership of Emefiele.

It noted that having weighed the details of what was made available to the CSOs against the CBN governor, they realised that they were acting on wrong information.

It stated: "We hereby tender our unreserved apology to the CBN

governor for getting involved wrongfully and joining forces to call for his arrest and removal from office. This action we sincerely regret and apologise.

“We hereby declare our unalloyed support for Emefiele and his numerous policies that are approved by President Buhari.

Again, call on all detractors to stop propagating falsehood and blackmail against the CBN Governor and to allow him to focus on his core mandate which is monetary policy with an immense value."

The coalition called on the DSS to allow the CBN governor to perform his constitutional duties as well as respect court orders concerning the issue and

halt intimidating him.

“Also, we urge our political class to allow our public officers to work and not to be distracted in any form. We respectfully urge the DSS to shield their sword and work with the CBN Governor to eradicate illicit financial flows in the country with great efficiency.

“We need peace in our polity as we approach the 2023 general elections. All political class is hereby warned to desist from fake news and blackmail as a way to ensure free, fair, and credible elections come 2023.

“We frown at behavioural tendencies that would destabilise our democracy. Again, we make bold to say that we want peace and nothing but peace."

NUPRC: Nigeria’s Oil Production Hits Nine-month High of 1.23m bpd in December Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja After months of stalling in its crude oil production projection, Nigeria appears to be steadily on its way to meeting its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota, hitting 1.235 million barrels per day in December.

However, the figure differed markedly from the estimate of 1.59 million bpd announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) earlier.

But when condensates which are outside OPEC calculation are added, the figure released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in its latest crude oil and condensate production data for December 2022, rocketed to 1.413 million bpd during the month under review.

Although still significantly lower than the about 1.8 million bpd OPEC allocation, the data obtained

by THISDAY showed that crude oil production increased from the 1.18 million bpd in November.

December’s output woulf be the highest production level since March 2022, when the country’s production averaged 1.237 million

bpd, while the January production figure was 1.39 million bpd, emerging the highest drilling done throughout the entire year.

Nigeria has been unable to meet its OPEC production quota for over a year, thereby hobbling the country’s main source of foreign exchange and putting immense pressure on the local currency, the naira, against the American dollar.

In February, March, April, and May 2022 respectively, oil production fell steadily to 1.25 million bpd, 1.24 million bpd, 1.22 million bpd, and 1.02 million bpd, while in June it rose marginally to 1.15 million bpd, before falling to 1.08 million bpd in July.

In August, the oil sector hit a deadly blow on the Nigerian economy, slumping to 972,394 bpd, and further falling to 937,766 bpd in September, before rising to 1.014 million bpd in October.

The Nigerian government has recently taken a rash of decisions to tackle the embarrassing oil theft situation in the Niger Delta, hiring local security groups as pipelines surveillance contractors.

Among those handed the security contracts was a firm belonging to a former Niger Delta warlord,

Mr Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo.

In addition, the NNPC announced that it can now monitor Nigeria’s oil infrastructure in real time with its new automated platform and has inaugurated a whistle-blowers scheme which

rewards persons who report the activities of suspected oil thieves to the national oil company.

Last week President Muhammadu Buhari directed the troops fighting the menace in the Niger Delta to halt the massive leakages

by May 29.

Meanwhile, the President of the Middle Belt Youth Vanguard (MBYV), Mr. Godwin Meliga, has been allegedly arrested by men of the DSS. The Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Youth Vanguard, Mr. Abbah Owoicho, disclosed the development in a statement made available to THISDAY in Abuja, yesterday.

Owoicho said the MBYV was part of the coalition of civil society organisations which exposed the alleged plot by the DSS to frame the CBN Governor for terrorism financing and economic crimes.

The Publicity Secretary said Owoicho, spoke extensively at the World Press Conference organised by a coalition of civil society organisations penultimate week, in Abuja, the nation's capital, had condemned the alleged plot by the DSS. Part of the statement read: "Mrs J. Meliga, the wife of our President has confirmed his arrest.

She said the men from the DSS headquarters stormed his residence in Gwarimpa at about midnight on Saturday, suppressed the security guards, broke down the protector and barged into his house and assaulted him severely before taking him away in handcuffs.

"He was said to be wearing only his boxers and singlet as of

the time of the arrest. The wife further disclosed that the men of the Service had been on his trail as they had earlier arrested one Samson Babalola last Thursday, who was said to be driving Mr. Meliga’s car.

"The wife further confirmed that family contacts within the Service have confirmed to them that he was arrested for causing the Service untold embarrassment through the exposure of the plot to frame the CBN Governor.

"Sources at the DSS headquarters told the family that the DG felt utterly humiliated by the press conference of the Coalition of National Interest Defenders which exposed the plot and that all members of the leadership of the coalition will be arrested for causing the DG such embarrassment.

"The wife, who has been weeping since the attack on her husband has informed us that Comrade Meliga has routine drugs he takes religiously and this unwarranted arrest would put his life in grave danger.

"Since the news of the arrest hit town, there has been outrage and all members of the National Executive Committee have been summoned to Abuja on Monday for emergency meeting to seek ways of securing his immediate release."

Atiku's Five-point Agenda Solution to Nigeria's Challenges, Says Bassey Bassey Inyang in Calabar The Chairman, Senate Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Senator Gershom Bassey, has appealed to the electorate in Cross River State to vote massively for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, because of the laudable contents of the party’s five-points agenda.

Bassey, a member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), made the call in Calabar

yesterday, at the palace of the Ndidem of the Quas and paramount ruler of Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, HRM, Ndidem Eta Bassey Etetta III when he and other members of the PPC in the state visited the first class monarch.

Bassey said if Atiku was elected president, his administration would implement a five-points agenda that would effectively tackle the problems confronting Nigeria.

He told a crowd of party members, supporters and the

people of the area that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government has failed Nigerians.

The senator said the APC-led federal government has incurred debts running into trillions of naira and has resorted to overtaxing taxing Nigerians on everything in order to meet up with their cost of running government.

Also speaking at the event, the leader of the delegation and Deputy Director-General, Operations, Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Liyel Imoke, said presently, it was only

PDP that has the solutions to the present bad governance and leadership by the ruling party.

In his remarks, the Cross River South, PDP Chairman, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, said the party remains the only opportunity for Nigeria to redeem the present situation, saying the party should be voted to remove the APC from government.

The National Women Leader of the PDP, Prof. Stella Effa Attoe, said the current APC administration in the country was the worst and deserved to be sent parking

by Nigerians in 2023.

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FACT-FINDING VISIT...

L-R: Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro; State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs. Tayo Adeola, during their visit to Shaha Market, Ikere Ekiti that was gutted by fire…yesterday

One Dead, Two Officers Injured as Yoruba Nation Agitators, Police Clash OPC denies involvement in Ojota mayhem Segun James and Rebecca Ejifoma One person died yesterday and two police officers sustained injuries from gunshots following a bloody clash between the Yoruba Nation agitators and men of the Nigeria Police Force in the Ojota area of Lagos State.

The clash was said to have ensued after persons masquerading as Yoruba Nation agitators disrupted social and commercial activities in the ever busy area of Lagos.

According to the state police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, a team of police officers comprising the Alausa Division and the Raid Respond Squad (RRS) promptly stepped in to disperse the unlawful gathering and prevented a breakdown of law and order.

"The miscreants attacked the police, fired gunshots, and destroyed two vehicles. One person has been confirmed dead, while two police officers shot by the miscreants are currently receiving treatment," he added.

Hundeyin also confirmed the arrest of four suspects as investigations commenced.

However, normalcy has since been restored to the area.

The police urged residents to go about their lawful businesses.

"Measures have been put in place to prevent further breakdown of law and order, and keen monitoring of the situation continues," he said.

The PPRO, however, warned that the State Police Command would not allow any person or group of persons, under whatever guise, to

disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the state.

Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams, has denied report that members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) was involved in a clash against the Yoruba Nation agitators at Ojota.

Similarly, the President of the Dr. Frederick Fasheun faction of the OPC, Wasiu Afolabi, has distanced the socio-cultural organisation from the unrest that reportedly broke out in Lagos, yesterday.

Speaking against the backdrop of the information making the rounds that members of the OPC were part of the groups that organised the rally, Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, said the Ojota rally came as a surprise, and it kept everybody unaware, adding that none of his members were part of the crisis.

"Let me clear the air on the crisis that had engulfed Ojota this morning. There were unconfirmed reports linking members of the OPC to the mayhem. I want to state it clearly that none of our member were at the scene of the incident.

"The OPC is not against the liberation of Yoruba race, however, it is a fact that the struggle for the liberation of Yoruba race is an inalienable right of all Yoruba to champion self-determination. We are not part of the peaceful rally held in Ojota.

"Our position on regionalism is very clear. It is sacrosanct, because that is what we are seeking at the

moment.

"Nigeria should be restructured to full regional autonomy, where each region will be at liberty to operate at their own pace.

"It is unfortunate that the report was done in bad faith to discredit our organisation. How can people be so mean to spread such sensitive information that OPC attacked the Yoruba nation agitators?

"Such information was wicked, mischievous, and uncalled for and could trigger crisis and cause unnecessary disaffection between the OPC and sons and daughters of Yoruba race," he added.

Also, Afolabi, in a statement signed by Bunmi Fasheun, said the

organisation’s initial investigations showed that no member of OPC was involved in the disturbance, “of today Monday and none had fallen casualty by omission or commission.”

However, Afolabi seized the opportunity to demand that the government must ensure freedom for the 31 victims kidnapped on Sunday by Fulani bandits at the Igueben train station in Edo State.

“There is absolutely no reason to associate OPC with what happened today in Ojota, Lagos. People were simply talking from the figment of their imagination. Just like any other person, we heard news of the disturbances through the social

The Federal Ministry of Health has said it was hoping to get assistance of donor partners to offset the $4 million counterpart fund debt used for the annual purchase of family health contraceptives.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who disclosed this yesterday, during the Ministerial update on COVID-19 pandemic, said the debt accrued during the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic that forced government to repurpose funds meant for family planning campaign.

As part of the partnership

arrangement with the UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, Nigeria had committed to sharing the cost of contraceptives with UNFPA. In line with Nigeria’s FP-2020 commitment, the federal government was expected to contribute $4 million annually to purchase contraceptives through a Basket Fund with external donors.

Nigeria has not been able to meet its obligation since 2018, and contributions from the UNFPA and other donors account for the bulk of funds used to procure family planning commodities in

discussion,” he said. “And we will be the last to cause a breakdown of law and order, especially in our home constituency anywhere in the South-West and adjoining states.”

“We are watching the development in Edo State with keen interest.

Edo has a sizeable number of OPC members. And we feel it is insulting, unacceptable and provocative for foreign elements to continue to kidnap Nigerians and make our rural areas unsafe for law-abiding citizens,” Afolabi added.

He urged the security agencies to ensure that the kidnapped victims were recovered and their abductors brought to answer for their crime in the court of law.

Tony Elumelu Foundation Appoints Chris-Asoluka CEO The Board of Trustees of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), one of the leading philanthropies empowering young African entrepreneurs from all the 54 African countries, has announced the appointment of Somachi Chris-Asoluka as Chief Executive Officer(CEO), following the retirement of current CEO, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu.

The appointment takes effect from March 1, 2023. Since the launch of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, the Foundation has trained over 1.5 million young Africans on its digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed nearly $100 million in direct funding to 18,000 African women and men, who have collectively created over

400,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The Foundation’s mission is rooted in Africapitalism, which positions the private sector, and most importantly entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for the social and economic development of the African continent.

The Foundation’s ability to fund, train, mentor, and network young African entrepreneurs, has created a unique platform for catalysing growth across the African continent.

The robust ability of the Foundation to reach entrepreneurs across geographies and sectors, has enabled it to conduct innovative partnerships with the European Union, United Nations Development Programme, the

Nigeria Seeks Donor Agencies’ Support on $4m Family Health Debt Onyebuichi Ezigbo in Abuja

media. When I made phone calls to my members around the axis and elsewhere, they said they knew nothing about the crisis,” he said.

“Nobody should drag OPC into a matter that does not concern us and today’s problem is none of our business,” the OPC president said.

According to Afolabi, OPC stands for a peaceful resolution of all Nigeria’s question.

“We took to the streets in 1994 to press for the exit of the military and the enthronement of democracy.

We have since won democracy.

Now we believe that resolution of national questions should come through dialogue. There is nothing that cannot be tabled for

the country.

The minister however, did not disclose the donor partners that would be bailing the country from the debt.

He blamed the $4 million debt on disruptions caused by COVID -19 pandemic.

“Why the country could not pay its counterpart funding for FP was that COVID-19 became the immediate problem the government needed to solve then.

“As soon as we have finalised the plans we will disclose the donor partners,” he said.

The minister said the COVID-19 pandemic had forced the ministry

to divert funding from essential family planning services and strained national health budgets.

He said there was need to finance sexual and reproductive health services in times of crisis.

According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO), survey of 105 countries, about 95 percent of these countries witnessed disruptions to health services due to the pandemic while 68 per cent reported disruptions to family planning services.

Currently, an estimated 257 million women need family planning services but could get them.

International Committee of the Red Cross, United States Government via the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), The French Development Agency (AFD), The German Development Finance Institution (DEG), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), African Development Bank (AfDB), and Google, with bespoke programmes including targeting female empowerment and growth in fragile states.

According to a statement, Somachi, who joined the Foundation in 2014, had served as the Foundation’s Head of Research, Head of Policy and External Relations, and most recently as the Director of Partnerships and Communications.

In her new role as CEO, Somachi would leverage her expertise, experience and network to provide strategic leadership in consolidating and deepening the Foundation’s work of transforming Africa through entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the appointment, the Founder, TEF, Tony Elumelu stated: “This is an important time for the Foundation and Africa. Our work is ever more important, and our platform is demonstrating our ability to truly catalyse change. We are increasingly working with partners, to magnify our impact.

“Somachi’s experience in partnership development will be particularly relevant. Somachi, as Director of Partnerships & Communications, has demonstrated

strong leadership, commitment, and strategic thinking, in delivering the Foundation’s mission to transform Africa. She is the perfect candidate to build on Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu’s impactful contribution.

“On behalf of the Board, I also thank Ifeyinwa, for her considerable achievements, significant sacrifice and commitment to building and empowering the next generation of African business leaders.

“The Foundation, since inception, has been led by a succession of dynamic and diverse CEOs, who have each brought passion, commitment, and innovation. As the tenure of Ifeyinwa draws to a close, I look back on the last five years and pay tribute to the impact she has made, first as Director of Partnerships, and later as the Chief Executive Officer.”

In response, Ifeyinwa said: “Over the last five years, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has significantly expanded its mission to empower African Entrepreneurs across all 54 African Countries. In particular, the Foundation has grown its partnership capability, opening its platform and process to third parties, who share in our commitment to growing the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, and transforming Africa by empowering entrepreneurs.

“As CEO, it has been my profound joy to lead the dynamic team to empower the next generation of young people whose ideas are transforming Africa.”

Continues online

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POLITICS

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

As Tinubu Storms Ondo for Campaign...

Fidelis David reports that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, last Saturday moved his campaign train to Akure, Ondo State capital, to canvass for votes from the people of the Sunshine state

Tinubu

N

igerians and the rest of the world believe that a tough race is in sight for next month’s Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Saturday, 25th February; as well as Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, 11th March.

Former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC); former Vice President, Atiku Abubakarof the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP); and former Kano State Governor, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have continued to boast of a large fan base across the length and breath of Nigeria.

Just like Atiku Abubakar, the sunshine state was the first point of call in the south west region for the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu.

The event held at the MKO Democracy Park in Akure, witnessed large turnout of APC supporters from the 18 local government councils to 3009 polling units of the state, the South West region and even beyond.

Though, it was the first state in the region to witness the Tinubu/Shettima campaign train ahead of next month election, the APC members were seen with banners, adorned fez-cap, crested with Tinubu and Shettima emblem, while singing songs with a promise to vote for APC in 2023 poll.

Governors at the Rally APC Governors present at the event include Babajide Sanwo-olu (Lagos), Abdulahi Ganduje (Kano); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); former governors of Osun and Ogun, Gboyega Oyetola and Ibikunle Amosun.

Others include Ekiti state deputy governor, Christiana Afuye; former Lagos state deputy governor, Sarah Adebisi Sosan; Senator Ajayi Boroffice; Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Senator Smart Adeyemi; Chief Dele Alake; APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaac Kekemeke, the Ondo State Party Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, among others.

Empowerment, Economic Growth Speaking at the rally, Tinubu said the crowd that attended the rally was an attestation that it was over for other political parties in the 2023 general elections.

Tinubu who promised a renewed hope and free empowerment for all Nigerians if elected in next month’s election vowed not to disappoint Nigerians by keeping to his campaign promises.

Ondo Rally Signals Renewed Hope for Nigeria The presidential flag bearer said: “Ondo is known as a progressive state, followed by other states such as Ogun and Oyo. I appreciate our progressive governors. This upcoming election is our own. It is the vote

Akeredolu

of inheritance. It is a vote of three to one. Don’t lose your Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs); your PVCs are your right.

“Our rally is a signal of our renewed hope for Nigeria, that on February 25, you will make a wise decision. You will vote massively for me. I’m too sure and very sure that you will vote for APC. That’s why I’m very happy. I will win this election. I am here with a message, a renewed hope and free empowerment for all of you.

If you give me your mandate as you promise, I will work so hard to put money in your pocket but there is a hard time and tough time ahead.

I love what Akeredolu is doing, I respect what Akeredolu is doing, he has improved the Infrastructural status of the state.

He has put Cocoa seeding back in the bush” Ondo Seaport and Abandoned Projects Tinubu also promised that his administration will approve the establishment of the Deep Sea Port in the state, there by, maximizing export potentials in the Southwest region and the country as a whole for economic growth.

He also promised that his government will revive all abandoned projects across the state and the country as a whole, thereby, turning the country to a manufacturing centre.

His words: “The coastal area of Ondo, we will work together with the governor and make it a tourist centre. We will address the surge of Atlantic like we did in Lagos. We will definitely look at all abandoned projects and promises of the past and rehabilitate them, give you the opportunity to become a manufacturing Centre,

Adamu

an economic centre for Ondo State. We will definitely develop Ondo seaport. We will develop hydroelectricity and give you uninterrupted energy and not estimated billing”.

Tinubu boasted that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shift the coming election, he will still win.

“Even if they fail in logistics, and they change the date,we will vote, and we will win. It is an appointment with our destiny and our being here today will not only but make it seamless. We must emerge fully dedicated to preaching a more prosperous, safer, tolerant and dynamic society. But, this things does not come by accident. This is about some of the fruits that only progressives and democratic good governance can harvest and that progressive governance can only be brought to you by someone who has govern in a progressive manner before.

Reject ‘Mr. Privatise,’ Atiku, and ‘Mr. Stingy,’ Obi In what appears like a joke, the former Lagos state governor called on Nigerians to reject Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, describing Atiku as ‘Mr. Privatise, and Obi ‘Mr. Stingy,’.

According to him: “Atiku can’t do it, he doesn’t want to do brain and hardwork required to build a better nation. Instead, he will rather sell your birthrights to the highest bidder and his cronies and run off with the proceeds. He cares little that his policies and actions will improvise you and you will be left with nothing.

“Obi has a chance to show how progressive he could be when he was the governor of Anambra state. All he could do was to boast that he saved money. I don’t know how much but I tell you, it is a wicked parent like Obi giving the opportunity to feed his children, invest in tomorrow on their behalf and hold the money in his hand, when the children starve and go to bed hungry, that is Obi’s wickedness.

“It is true that a heartless governor, will hold back money, when hungry school children, roads and clinic went into disre-

Our rally is a signal of our renewed hope for Nigeria, that on February 25, you will make a wise decision. You will vote massively for me. I’m too sure and very sure that you will vote for APC. That’s why I’m very happy. I will win this election. I am here with a message, a renewed hope and free empowerment for all of you. If you give me your mandate as you promise, I will work so hard to put money in your pocket but there is a hard time and tough time ahead

pair, neither the city dwellers nor farmer prosper during such a time. In the end, he resists to save the people because he prefers to save the money and he claimed to be a party labour. Is that labour? You will have to be labouring under a terrible delusion if you think he will do a better job for this nation than he did for Anambra state. What is there to be proud of after Obi left? Obi has nothing to be proud of, instead, Obi moved, left Anambra to Lagos. Obi!!, Obi!!, import and export, ware house economist”, Tinubu added.

Earlier in his address, the National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Adamu, represented by the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, while calling on the electorate to vote for APC candidates, said the Infrastructural drive of Akeredolu in the last six years will be replicated at the national level if Tinubu is elected.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in his speech, while urging the people to vote for Tinubu, promised that the state will deliver massive votes for him.

The convener, Tinubu Hope of Nigeria Vanguard, Mr Olu Rotimi Williams Daudu while calling on residents of the state to collect their PVCs, noted that the state will deliver 100 per cent votes for Tinubu.

“Get your PVC, our vision, desire is to elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our president, the Jagaban of the universe. He has the pedigree, he is a resourceful man, he has the wisdom, he has done it before, he has the track records”, he said.

Inauguration of APC South-West campaign office Immediately after the APC Presidential Campaign rally, Tinubu, went to inaugurate his South-West campaign office in Akure.

Tinubu was led to the campaign office by the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and State Chairman of the APC, Mr Ade Adetimehin.

Recall that the Akeredolu who is the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum was September last year appointed as the Zonal Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in the Southwest.

Tinubu, while inaugurating the campaign office said Akeredolu had demonstrated serious commitment to progressive politics.

“This is a serious demonstration of commitment to progressive politics, to democratic principle that we adopted as the hallmark of our own political philosophy. Together, we have worked to build democracy and it has not been easy even though it is the best form of government but it is very difficult to navigate. You have demonstrated with this building that you are truly committed to the developmental programme of our time and of Ondo State. You have demonstrated in many areas of infrastructural development, in setting this state on the path of prosperity, manufacturing and youth development,” he said.

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POLITICS

Opposition Moves to Stop Sule’s Re-election in Nasarawa The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) recently merged with a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nasarawa State with a view to halt the re-election bid of Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress, reports Igbawase Ukumba.

Sule

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ecords has it that the outcome of the 2019 presidential election marked the first time the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was defeated in Nasarawa State in a presidential election since the return to democracy in 1999.

This was even as President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who won the state for the first time in his political adventure, got his highest number of votes in Lafia, the state capital, where he polled 55,254 votes to defeat his closest rival, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP who got49,292 votes.

Atiku, on the other hand, got his highest number of votes in Karu Local Government Area of the state. The Nasarawa State Presidential Election Results as announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. Azuibike Nwankwo of the Nigeria Academy of Science (NAS), said President Buhari defeated Atiku Abubakar of the PDP with a margin of 6,056 votes.

Results collated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Nasarawa State Office in Lafia showed President Buhari polled 289,903 votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar who polled 283,847 votes. A breakdown of the result showed that out of the 13 Local Government Areas of the state, President Buhari won eight, while Atiku Abubakar took the remaining five council areas.

Similarly, the incumbent Governor Sule, who was the governorship candidate of the APC in 2019 general election polled 327,229 votes to defeat Dr. Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP, who had polled 184,281 votes.

Whereas the candidate of APGA, Mr. Labaran Maku, came third with 132,281 votes.

The declaration was made by the Returning Officer for the Governorhip Election in the state, Professor Bala Abdullahi.

Findings indicated that what might have influenced the victory of the APC candidates during the 2019 polls in Nasarawa could, on one hand, be attributed to the then incumbent governor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

The fact was that the then Governor AlMakura had four years to the 2019 general election, planted all the APC structures in Nasarawa state from the ward to state levels.

Therefore, the prevailing political structures established by Senator Al-Makura in the Nasarawa State chapter of the APC, paved the way for the party to win the 2019 election across board in the state.

On the other hand, the defection of former Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, from the PDP to APGA during the build up to the 2019 polls was an added advantage to the APC in Nasarawa State. Invariably, Maku’s defection to APGA split PDP’s votes at the polls, hence making it easy-going for the APC to win the state across board.

APGA has, however, recently merged with the PDP in Nasarawa State to wrestle power

Maku

from the ruling APC in the state.

The Director General of the 2023 Atiku/Ombugadu Campaign Council, Mr. Labaran Maku, disclosed this at the headquarters of Nassarawa Local Government Area of the state in continuation of the PDP 2023 statewide electioneering campaign rally.

Maku specifically said his splinter group that left the PDP for APGA in the previous elections had reunited with the PDP in order to wrestle power from the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Sule in the forth coming poll.

He claimed that the incumbent Governor did not win the 2019 governorship election as he (Sule) came last, insisting that with his coming back to the PDP alongside his teeming supporters, the incumbent governor and APC would be defeated with a wide margin in 2023.

Consequently, Maku maintained that the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would be given a block vote in Nasarawa State during the presidential election as a protest to bad governance exhibited by the ruling APC. On the allegations of bad governance exhibited by the ruling APC in the State, Maku accused Governor Sule of collecting security vote of N14.4 billion for about four years without securing the state.

Maku, who was a former supervising Minister of Defense during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, made the accusations at the headquarters of Wamba Local Government Area in continuation of the Nasarawa PDP state zonal campaign rally, insisting that people no longer go to their farms because there was

no peace in the state any longer.

The PDP campaign DG who spoke at the Wamba zonal rally in Hausa dialect, said: “Since the coming of APC, there is nothing to show for their credit. They have wasted our time. They didn’t allow us to enjoy peace, as hunger took toll on the people, while unemployment became the order of the day.

“There is no electricity in Toto since 2015.

But imagine wickedness that since Sule became governor of Nasarawa State, he collected not less than N300 million monthly as security vote but failed to rectify the issue.”

Maku continued that if you multiplied the monthly N300 million security vote by 12 months, it will amount to N3.6 billion per year. The former Minister also calculated further that if the N3.6 billion was multiplied by four years, it would amount to a total sum of N14.4 billion as security monies collected

by Sule during his four-year regime.

“So, if you give the incoming PDP government the N14.4 billion, I am sure Toto doesn’t need up to N1 billion to have electricity. And People no longer go to their farms because there is no longer peace in the land despite the N14.4 billion security vote given to the governor. That is why we are calling on you that this forth coming general election will not be a joke,” he said.

Maku, a former National Secretary of APGA, went down memory lane recollecting that in the beginning of Nasarawa as a state, it was under PDP because the peole voted for the party in 1999 almost 100%, hence all developments carried out in the state where under the administration of PDP. He said: “PDP established Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS), the Lafia Township Stadium. PDP formed Nasarawa United FC. The state School of Nursing and the state Polytechnic. There is nothing in existence in Nasarawa State at the moment that was not a child brain of the PDP. “PDP established the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), Federal University of Lafia, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia, CBN Lafia branch, and constructed the Lafia - Awe road as well as the Lafia -

Maku specifically said his splinter group that left the PDP for APGA in the previous elections had reunited with the PDP in order to wrestle power from the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Sule in the forth coming poll. He claimed that the incumbent Governor did not win the 2019 governorship election as he (Sule) came last, insisting that with his coming back to the PDP alongside his teeming supporters, the incumbent governor and APC would be defeated with a wide margin in 2023.

Doma road.

“One reason PDP is actually the party to beat in 2023 is that the incumbent governor has not performed. If you look at, the whole President of Nigeria visited Nasarawa State, after four years in government. What did the president commission. It was two motor parks, One in Lafia and one in Mararaba.

“You know as I know in 2019, they didn’t win. There were a lot of malpractices. If you look at the true records of that election, they came last. So in this dispensation, there is no APC in Nasarawa State.

“If you add APGA’s results with that of PDP, you will see that APC came at a far distance. So if you add those results now, it will be more than what it was in 2019. That is why in this election, we are not talking about how we will win, but on what margin,” Maku expressed confidence.

Reacting swiftly to Maku’s accusations, Governor Sule when speaking at the headquarters of Akwanga Local Government Area of the state in continuation of his statewide re-election campaign ahead of the 2023 general election, however, said he has been in power for only three years, yet some of them have been in power for the past 16 years.

“Some were commissioners, some were deputy governors, some were senators, some were ministers, yet I have to come and construct the road leading to their villages. The opposition has nothing tangible to offer the state, but merely seeking power to squander the savings made by my administration.

“With these types of politicians, it’s far better we bring a businessman to come and develop our state. They can only appeal to sentiments because they lack what to say as far as performance in my administration is concerned,” Governor Sule insisted.

He described the opposition as myopic by their quest for raw power, which they have failed to acknowledge that in just three years and for the first time in the history of the state, salary of workers were being paid even before the monthly federal allocation was received.

He added that his knowledge and experience from the private sector had prepared him to provide exceptional leadership to the state which saw to the attraction of investors, especially big commercial agric businesses that were harnessing the abundant agricultural potentials in the state.

“We have also been able to clear backlog of promotions from 11 years ago. Instead of the N20 million monthly allocation to settle gratituity of retired workers, we now pay N100 million in three months.

“Our minerals that used to be taken out of the state in raw form, we are asking investors to come in and refine it here, to add value to these minerals like we are now doing in Karshi and Akwanga. Nasarawa State now produces 30% of marble in Nigeria,” the Governor revealed.

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20 T H I S D AY TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2023

Tuesday January 10, 2023 Vol 27. No 10117

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

THE DEARTH OF TRUST KUNLE ADAMS argues that Femi Gbajabiamila should be commended in his intervention on the ASUU crisis

See page 21

LET’S MAKE EXTRA EFFORT TO PULL THROUGH Adaptation is the key characteristic of China’s policy against COVID-19, writes CUI JIANCHUN

See page 21 EDITORIAL

DEPLOYING TOUTS ON ABUJA ROADS QUESTION

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Technology makes a more efficient and transparent administration and management of elections, contends FESTUS OKOYE

OPTIMISING TECHNOLOGY TO SAFEGUARD PEOPLE’S WILL

The 2023 general elections will be Nigeria’s sixth successive elections since the country’s transition to democracy in May 1999. In fact, 2023 ZLOO PDUN D VLJQLÀFDQW PLOHVWRQH RI \HDUV RI continuous democratic governance, without any threat of military intervention in Nigeria’s postindependence history.

Based on literature on democratic politics and the annual survey conducted by Freedom +RXVH 1LJHULD·V GHPRFUDF\ LV ÀUPO\ RQ WKH URDG to consolidation. An important element of this journey is the reality that the country’s elections have continued to improve both in terms of credibility and in approximating the will of the people.

At the core of this progressive improvement in the electoral process is the role played by the leadership of INEC in reforming the institution through organizational and operational restructuring, including the introduction of strategic and election project planning and electoral cycle approach to preparations for elections; support for the enactment of a new electoral legal framework and the gradual but steady infusion of electoral technology for biometric registration of voters, voter accreditation and result management.

Although it is true that elections do not make democracy, it is also true that democracy, as a political project is meaningless without elections that are substantially free and fair.

Election is not only a mechanism through which citizens freely choose their leaders and hold them accountable; it is also a mechanism for peaceful transfer of power and resolving SROLWLFDO FRQÁLFW In other words, besides the fact that election RͿHUV FLWL]HQV WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR H[HUFLVH their franchise by choosing their leaders, it LV DW WKH KHDUW RI VRFLHWDO FRQÁLFW UHVROXWLRQ Considering that elections constitute the life wire of democratic politics, it is important to understand the issue of election management and have working knowledge of the meaning of democracy.

According to Larry Diamond, free and fair elections have four major components: one, Independent political parties that compete in electoral process freely and fairly; two, Freedom of the individual to freely participate in politics and election process based on their own choice; three, Substantial freedom that allows every adult to exercise the franchise by applying their voting right equally with equal weight; and four, Election outcomes or counting of vote that is accurate and legitimate.

At the most basic level, democracy is a type of government or political system ruled by citizens, people who are members of a society. Over the years a distinction has been made between direct and representative democracy.

Regardless of the theoretical debates about democracy and its relationship with power and politics, for a democracy to be meaningful to citizens, the electoral process should be credible enough to enhance citizens’ participation in governance, ensure government accountability and encourage political competition. It is for this reason that free, fair and credible election remains one of the basic and crucial prerequisites of democracy and democratic governance.

In fact, election is central to the principles and practice of democracy as the notion of popular will as the source of sovereignty of the modern state FDQ RQO\ ÀQG FRQFUHWH H[SUHVVLRQV LQ HOHFWLRQV ,W LV

the only direct way through which the people can exercise their right to determine their rulers. $SDUW IURP RͿHULQJ FKRLFH WR WKH HOHFWRUDWHV election confers legitimacy on those elected.

Furthermore, it promotes accountability, in the sense that the threat of defeat at the polls H[HUWV SUHVVXUH RQ HOHFWHG SXEOLF R΀FLDOV WR WDNH account of popular interests and wishes in their decisions. Even more importantly, despite the GLYLVLYH QDWXUH RI HOHFWRUDO SROLWLFV LW RͿHUV KXJH prospects in the management of diversity because WKH HOHFWRUDO DUHQD RͿHUV RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU GLͿHUHQW viewpoints to be canvassed and the electorate making choice(s) on the basis of the information at their disposal. Indeed, some electoral systems are designed to promote the representation of diverse interests and groups. It is therefore linked to the idea of peaceful and orderly succession.

There are irreducible minimums for a good election. In some countries, some of them are taken for granted and have become part of the established culture and values of the society while LQ RWKHUV WKH ÀJKW IRU HQWUHQFKPHQW RI WKHVH norms is still ongoing.

Whatever the case may be within any setting, an electoral management body that is independent, inclusive, professional, and imbued with the desire for early planning, procurement and deployment and monitoring of election materials and personnel is fundamental to the success of any election and the use and application of end-toend technology to logistics to obviate pernicious human interference in the electoral process has also become essential.

As an Election Management Body, INEC has made steady progress in the deployment of technology in the electoral process. This is based on the conviction that technology can make for a PRUH H΀FLHQW DQG WUDQVSDUHQW DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ DQG management of elections, by obviating pernicious human interference in the process.

In 1999, the Commission introduced technology in its operations through the creation of a Computer Room in its research department. The Computer Room evolved and metamorphosed to become the Computer and IT(C&T) unit and thereafter it became Information Technology and &RPPXQLFDWLRQV XQGHU WKH R΀FH DQG GLUHFW supervision of the Chairman.

In 2002, the Unit graduated and became a full department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). In the same year the Commission started the compilation of an electronic register of voters using the Optimal Mark Recognition (OMR) technology. In 2006 it introduced the Direct Data Capture Machine (DDCM). In 2021, the Commission upgraded and introduced the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED). The Commission introduced IVED to

improve the quality of data capture at the point RI HQUROPHQW IDFLDOV DQG ÀQJHUSULQWV PLJUDWLQJ IURP WKH LQLWLDO PRQR ELRPHWULF RI ÀQJHUSULQWV WR ELPRGDO ELRPHWULFV RI ÀQJHUSULQWV DQG IDFLDOV This involves an entire hardware and software change, designed to capture more information on the voters including their emails, birth and other personal particulars.

The need to enhance the power, prestige and sanctity of the vote led to steady improvement in voter accreditation process. The concept of oneperson one vote, the secrecy of the vote and the right to free choice devoid of any encumbrance is at the heart of the electoral process. In 2015 the Commission introduced technology for voter accreditation with the Smart Card Reader (SCR) WR FRPSDUH WKH ÀQJHUSULQWV RI D YRWHU WKDW DSSHDUV DW WKH 3ROOLQJ XQLW ZLWK WKH ÀQJHUSULQWV FDSWXUHG from that same voter when he/she was registered.

In 2020, the Commission decided to retire the SCR and introduced the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) which added facial capture to the H[LVWLQJ ÀQJHUSULQW WHFKQRORJ\ Given the trajectory of the electoral process in Nigeria and the numerous complaints relating to the results management process, the Commission decided to improve on the openness and credibility of the process by uploading electronic copies of the Polling Unit Result Sheet (EC8A) for General Public view on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). “This implies that the EC8A form ÀOOHG DQG VLJQHG E\ HDFK 3UHVLGLQJ 2΀FHU 32 is scanned or photographed and uploaded to a public domain which can be viewed by the general public”. This has been successfully accomplished LQ RͿ F\FOH HOHFWLRQV VLQFH $XJXVW The processes and policies of the Commission have evolved overtime. The evolution of the use of technology in the electoral process is a function of deliberate policies by the Commission, the support of stakeholders and societal development. This evolution has been captured in the electoral legal framework, as well as in the administrative policies of the Commission.

During the Electoral Act amendment process between 2019 and 2022, the Commission proposed 91 amendments to the National Assembly which considered and accepted RQO\ 7KH 3UHVLGHQW DVVHQWHG WR WKH $FW RQ the 25th February 2022 and the Commission released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 general election on 26th February 2022. Key Innovations in the new electoral legal framework include the early release of funds WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ WKH UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI WKH voter registration process, enhanced internal democracy in political party primaries, the use of technology in the electoral process, the power of the Commission to review decisions of election R΀FLDOV DQG D QHZ SRVW HOHFWLRQ UHJLPH DPRQJ others.

The Electoral Act, 2022 validates the technological innovations deployed by the Commission by cementing the place of the Smart Card Readers/Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in voter accreditation process. This was hitherto an administrative decision provided in the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.

Okoye is National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission

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TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2023

KUNLE ADAMS argues that Femi Gbajabiamila should be commended in his intervention on the ASUU crisis

THE DEARTH OF TRUST The last industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was reported to be the longest strike in the history of the university union. For more than eight months, students were out of classrooms, businesses within the campus ecosystem suffered unimaginable hardship.

The nation was on the edge as parents and other stakeholders, and thus Nigerians in general expressed worries over the fate of millions of young people whose future faced uncertainties. In the midst of the crisis, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila rose to the occasion in his characteristic manner

and elected to intervene in the public interest.

He has an impeccable track record in conflict resolutions. On several occasions, he had waded in on crises between the government and aggrieved unions and successfully brokered sustainable truce.

He was not seeking cheap popularity or playing to the gallery. He was truly concerned about the plight of the Nigerian youths and their parents, and also the aggrieved lecturers.

He was able to get the teachers back to the classrooms, with commitment from the federal government to meet some of the lecturers’ demands. When the government pro-rated the salaries of the lecturers after they returned to classrooms, the Speaker didn’t abandon them, he intervened and met with stakeholders on the matter.

So, the recent attacks from ASUU, through their lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN and the ASUU Chairman, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, were unwarranted. Falana reportedly said: “From the information at my disposal, the intervention of the House leadership in resolving the crisis was sabotaged by a member of the Federal Executive Council.

“Having been embarrassed in the circumstance, the Speaker should have apologised to the ASUU and the Nigerian people instead of denying the agreement reached with ASUU and President Buhari on the decision of the federal government to pay for the period covered by the strike.

“The agreement was based on the commitment of the lecturers to ensure that the 2021/2022 academic session was not cancelled.”

Prof Osodeke, also in a media interview accused the speaker of deceiving the university lecturers into calling off their eight-month strike.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, dismissed the allegations as baseless, stressing that at no time did Gbajabiamila agree with ASUU that

lecturers would be paid for the period they downed tools. Kalu unequivocally stated that the federal government legitimately withheld the salaries for the period universities were shut down.

The statement read, “On Tuesday, 27th December 2022, the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, granted an interview, accusing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Femi Gbajabiamila, of using deception to convince the union to call off its strike. He specifically alleged that the Speaker failed to deliver on his written commitment that the government would, without delay, offset the arrears of salaries owed to members of the union for the time they were on strike.

“For the record, at no point did the Speaker of the House of Representatives commit to offset the arrears of salaries owed to union members for the time they were on strike. The House of Representatives helped resolve the strike by making commitments to improve the welfare package of university lecturers and revitalisation funds to improve the infrastructure and operations of federal universities. These commitments are reflected in the 2023 Appropriation Bill, which includes N170bn to provide a level of increment in the welfare package of university lecturers and an additional N300bn in revitalisation funds.

“Furthermore, the House of Representatives continues to work with stakeholders – the Accountant General of the Federation and the Academic Staff Union of Universities to facilitate the adoption of elements of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

This effort is being supervised by the Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, Rep. Aminu Suleiman.

“Professor Emmanuel Osodeke knows that the federal government of Nigeria is under no obligation to pay university lecturers’ salaries for the duration they were on strike. This is a settled matter in law. See S. 43(1)(a) Trade Disputes Act, Cap T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN). The Executive decision not to pay salaries to lecturers for the time spent on strike is warranted by the government’s legitimate interest in preventing moral hazard and discouraging disruptive industrial actions. Nonetheless, the Speaker has made interventions for an exemption in this regard, and Professor Osodeke is well aware of this.

“Our objectives in this regard will not be achieved when stakeholders choose to ignore substantive issues and the consideration of bold ideas in favour of cheap blackmail and immoral propaganda,” he stated. The statement added, “Professor Osodeke’s bad-faith approach to negotiations and his affinity for political brinkmanship are significant reasons the universities were on strike for so long. His ongoing interventions continue to threaten the progress being made to preclude the possibility of further disruptions to the academic calendar of the universities.”

Adams writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State

Adaptation is the key characteristic of China’s policy against COVID-19, writes CUI JIANCHUN

LET’S MAKE EXTRA EFFORT TO PULL THROUGH On the New Year’s eve, Chinese President XI Jinping, at his 2023 New Year Address, extended greetings to all nationals as well as friends and people in the world, while claiming that, since COVID-19 struck, China has prevailed over unprecedented difficulties and challenges. China has entered a new phase of COVID response, where tough challenges remain. Everyone is holding on with great fortitude, and the light of hope is right in front of us.

After three year’s fighting against the pandemic, the whole world is much more convinced that, virus itself is the common enemy of all human beings. Till now, the

coronavirus is still lingering over the world, with far-reaching social, economic and political consequences in different countries, and also with its sub-variants, such as Omicron, prevalent in many countries including China.

From the very beginning of its response against the pandemic, China has always taken responsible policies on a science-based and targeted approach, by putting people and their lives above all else, and by adapting measures dynamically and proactively. It has been proved and widely recognized that China’s COVID response policies over the past three years have realized the goal of achieving the best results at the least cost.

In the past three years, China has provided the greatest extent possible of protection to the people. China has made the best effort to protect the life and health of its 1.4bn people, and poured all resources into treating every patient, no matter its own nationals or foreigners living there. China has effectively responded to five global COVID waves, and avoided widespread infections with the original strain and the Delta variant, which are relatively more pathogenic than the current spreading variants. Globally, China has had the lowest rates of infection and mortality. Despite the pandemic, average life expectancy in China rose from 77.93 years in 2020 to 78.2 years in 2021.

In the past three years, China has witnessed the stability of its economy and also its supply chain to the world. One of the key focuses of China COVID policy is to minimize the impact of the pandemic on economic and social development. With joint efforts of the whole country, China’s economy has managed to consolidate its resilience and maintain sound fundamentals, making it a reliable driving force of global economic growth. The country’s GDP expanded at an average annual rate of 4.6 percent from the third quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2022, which is well above the world average, according to data released by the OECD. Besides, China has also led the world in

terms of trade volume, goods production and energy production, and kept its inflation rate at a relatively low level.

Chinese people’s basic livelihood has been guaranteed during the pandemic.

In 2022, despite a global food crisis, China has secured a bumper harvest for the 19th year in a row.

In the past three years, China has witnessed the large-scale vaccination internally. China’s efficient response policies have bought precious time for researching and developing vaccines and medicine, and raising the vaccination rate of the whole population.

As of last December, more than 3.46 bn COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered on the Chinese mainland, with over 90 percent of the population fully vaccinated. However, due to most of the vaccination has been done a year ago, it is hard for a large part of the Chinese population to retain a high immunity level against various mutant strains. Recently, the second booster shot campaign has been pushing forward nationwide, with special attention on elderly people and people with serious underlying health conditions.

In the past three years, China has promoted the robust international solidarity. Since COVID-19 began, China has actively participated in international response. China shared the genome sequence of the virus at the earliest opportunity, making important contributions to the drug and vaccine research around the world.

The competent authorities in China has kept regular communications with the WHO, carried out dialogues with partner countries to exchange technical experience, and shared information in a timely, open and transparent manner in accordance with the law, aiming at an early global victory over the pandemic. Meanwhile, to strengthen global defenses, China has provided anti-pandemic materials to 153 countries and 15 international organizations, sent medical expert groups to 34 countries, and offered over 2.2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations.

In the last quarter of 2022, China adapted and refined its response policies, in line with a changed landscape of viral contagion. This shift is science-based, timely and necessary. It fully took into account of the much less pathogenic and deadly status of the globally spreading Omicron variant, as well as of the progress that China’s treatment, testing and vaccination capacity steadily on the rise, and would concentrate its response from stemming infection to caring for health and preventing severe cases.

According to this adaptation, people infected with coronavirus will no longer be quarantined and their close contacts will no longer be traced. Moreover, China is one step closer to fully opening to the outside, as domestic and foreign airlines will operate scheduled passenger flights, with limits on flights no longer applicable including closed management, nucleic acid testing, and quarantine measures.

H.E. Jianchun is Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria

22 4

T H I S D AY

TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

DEPLOYING TOUTS ON ABUJA ROADS The authorities are creating a climate for agitation. They should do what is right

A

instrument for extortion of innocent motorists. t a time that public administrators The streets in the numerous districts were shared are increasingly concerned with out to parking space management operators who placing the citizen at the centre of marked everywhere and designated some places as considerations in other jurisdictions, no parking areas, while allocating roadside spaces it is unfortunate that the authorities on edges of highways as car parks. in Abuja are largely interested Unfortunately, without any oversight and with in how to extort money from residents. On the the business apparently handed to cronies of pretext of a revenue drive and enforcing bogus VRPH SXEOLF R΀FLDOV WKH OHYHO RI FRUUXSWLRQ DQG laws, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) extortion within the city became unprecedented. and Department of Outdoor Advertisement and $W DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ ZRUNLQJ KRXUV LW ZDV GL΀FXOW Signage (DOAS) have become a spanner in the for car owners to park on the designated spaces wheel of dispatch riders, taxi drivers, and other within the metropolis even when they were ready innocent motorists. to pay because of the With street urchins as traps usually set by the collaborators, vehicles operators. And since are stopped on the No serious government will put in place policies that are making life they operated without road for all manner any clear rules, innocent difficult for the people as the Abuja authorities seem to have done of searches and they motorists were subjected can be clamped before lately QRW RQO\ WR KHIW\ ÀQHV EXW the owner is forced also physical assaults in to reclaim with fees the hands of the touts who ranging between N6,000 ran the show on behalf of and N25,000. The touts T H I S D AY the operators.

DOVR KDYH D OLVW RI RͿHQFHV ZLWK SHQDOWLHV WKDW WKH\ EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU Such was the level of the exploitation that even only understand and would enforce sometimes DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA those who resided in houses located within the ZLWK SK\VLFDO EORZV ´7KHUH LV WKH LVVXH RI WKHLU VWDͿ MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO precincts of busy highways could not park their DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU on the road. We don’t know which one is AMAC CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI vehicles by the roadsides without the harassment RU '2$6 :H GRQ·W HYHQ NQRZ WKH UHDO VWDͿ 2QFH EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN of either the operators of the FCTA task force WKH\ ZHDU WKHLU UHÁHFWLYH MDFNHW WKH\ ZLOO VD\ WKH\ MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI members. To compound the situation, because are AMAC; no ID card, no nothing,” said Yunusa THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE GLͿHUHQW RSHUDWRUV ZHUH DOORFDWHG GLͿHUHQW DUHDV Ismaila of Dees Rides, a logistics company based in ZLWKLQ WKH FLW\ PRWRULVWV FRXOG KDYH GLͿHUHQW Abuja. “The ID cards they show have no name or cards but knowing which to display on the vehicle photograph. The only thing written on it is AMAC.” T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EHFDPH GL΀FXOW We are not opposed to collection of legitimate EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA The FCTA administration must understand that revenues by any government department. But GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, unleashing touts on the roads in a money-making ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI what happens on Abuja roads is sheer recklessness.

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, YHQWXUH WKDW PDNHV OLIH GL΀FXOW IRU WKH SHRSOH LV Against the background that the Federal Capital ANTHONY OGEDENGBE unacceptable. We call on the National Assembly Territory Administration (FCTA) is reportedly DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI that exercises oversight over the FCT to intervene planning to reintroduce a policy of park and pay on SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH on this vexatious issue. No serious government will the roads within the metropolis, we need to remind ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI SXW LQ SODFH SROLFLHV WKDW DUH PDNLQJ OLIH GL΀FXOW IRU CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI them of what happened in 2013 before the policy DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO the people as the Abuja authorities seem to have was suspended. At that time, a policy advertised TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com done lately. to restore sanity on the road soon became an

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 MAKARFI AND KADUNA’S PDP It is now evident that the Kaduna State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is out for blood. A metaphorical kind of blood which if not tackled quickly may become physical. In my entire years as a politician and an avid observer of politics, not only in Nigeria but the world over, I have never witnessed a situation where a political party sabotages itself by itself!

The PDP held a primary election for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District on 23rd May last year. Of the six aspirants that took part in the process, Alhaji Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr. La, won the process with a resounding victory. A paid hand was used to demonstrate the process as not having been done right. A claim which was refuted by video evidence and witnesses from the security, ,1(& R΀FLDOV DVSLUDQWV· DJHQWV DQG JHQHUDO SXElic present. In the presence of all these witnesses, this individual made a fuss about the exercise. He seemed to be out not only for the metaphorical blood, but perhaps the physical as well.

The victory of Mr. La was challenged in court by the second runner up. A crooked court case ensued

ZKLFK ZDV DGMRXUQHG ÀYH WLPHV XQWLO 1RYHPEHU 2, last year. The judge of the Federal High Court, Division 1, Kaduna ruled against the victory of Mr. La. The verdict was appealed while the joker was GUXQN LQ KLV HXSKRULD RI WKH LQÁXHQFH RI WKRVH ZKR backed him from the two major political parties in the state. He basked in his short-lived court given mandate after a sham rerun was staged in which QRQH RI WKH ÀYH RWKHU DVSLUDQWV SDUWLFLSDWHG %DGDUawa enjoyed a short lived victory until 19th December 2022 when the Court of Appeal set the ruling of the lower court aside as it clearly cited the lack of jurisdiction and the clear evidence of absolute inconsistency with electoral processes, the rule of law as enumerated in the Electoral Act and the PDP Guidelines.

The victory of Mr. La at the Court of Appeal was D UXGH VKRFN HYHQ WKRXJK WKH VR FDOOHG LQÁXHQWLDO shot-callers in Kaduna knew that Mr. La was about WR UHWDNH KLV PDQGDWH 6HQDWRU $KPDG 0DNDUÀ the former governor of Kaduna State and the biggest saboteur of the PDP in Kaduna State called a meeting where he informed his minions, out of fear

that he would be put to shame by the actions of the Appeal Court, that “the Appeal Court will hand down the mandate back to its proper winner, Mr. La, on Monday (signaling the 19th of December 2022). And so it happened.

Now to the joke of all time, the PDP Kaduna Chapter itself took Mr. La to court! It is as clear as a case of an individual tearing his clothes and ripping himself with a sharp object. Evidently, the stakeholders of PDP in Kaduna wish to see the victory of the APC from top to

bottom in the state especially now that governor Wike has come out to say that he is willing to support Tinubu. If we remember, Senator 0DNDUÀ GLG QRW VXSSRUW $WLNX GXULQJ WKH 1Dtional Convention of the PDP. If you put all the pieces together, you will XQGHUVWDQG FOHDUO\ WKDW 6HQDWRU 0DNDUÀ LV behind this shameful act and the people must rise up in order to shock those who think they are out for blood.

Musa Ruga, Kajuru, Kaduna State

ROYAL BOO BOO The latest from the spare’s book “The Spare” suggests that ex-Prince Harry was told by Prince William and Kate to wear a Nazi costume. This is possibly true but irrelevant as everyone knows how this uniform and its symbols represent a hateful attitude and a horrific time of war.

It was a mistake and he shouldn’t be reminding people of this and then try to pass the blame.

Everyone must look for the positives in life and condemn the evils that have existed previously.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

23

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY ͯͮ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

FEATURES

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

Unending Pains of AilingVictims of Lagos Building Collapses (II) In the second part of this report, Omolabake Fasogbon, who tracked survivors of different building collapse in Lagos, reports that the survivors have tasked government to fulfill their promise and take care of their respective medical expenses

Anyanwu in the hospital Findings Hold Government Liable in 'Tort' real estate lawyer, Aderemi Fagbemi, like Ohioze, argued that government is liable in tort for negligence to victims where it fails to diligently perform its responsibilities under requite building regulations.

Investigation into recent occurrences point to negligence and flaws by the government.

Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Mr Lanre Mojola once admitted to the role of government in protecting and securing everyone using public place, and also ensuring victims are covered by insurance or compensated where death occurred.

Fagbemi said that government should be held complicit where constructions are permitted with no evidence of insurance by the owner.

Ilori affirmed that taking insurance for buildings under construction would ensure that right things were done in the building industry.

But beyond the insurance gap are other discovered regulatory deficits.

A study by Nigerian real estate data analytics platform, Estate Intel recognised man-made factors as the primary cause of the collapse in Lagos.

The study asserted that tragedy could have been averted if enforcement agencies were alive to their duty.

In the case of Ikoyi collapse, an investigation

by Lagos state coroner, Oyetade Komolafe spotted human errors that point to gross violation of the State Building Regulations.

Komolafe alleged that regulatory agencies compromised when they failed to sanction owners on identified errors.

There had also been backlash as to how the building permitted for 15 floors extended to 21 floors.

Further findings by this reporter showed that only a few houses in Lagos have mandatory building permit, which according to Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Chapter of NIOB, Godfrey O Godfrey, are not more than 20 percent.

A former President of NIOB, Mr Kunle Awobodu said a permit ensures that construction project follows all relevant regulations, including building standards, land use, and environmental protection.

In the same vein, Past President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Engr. Babagana Mohammed stated that building without a permit is a free license to building collapse.

This reporter found that house 11, Oba Idowu Oniru Road in Victoria Island, was one of the buildings that suffered collapse because it did not have a permit. No fewer than eight persons died in the collapse.

Our findings yet revealed that oftentimes, property owners or developers bribe state officials to skip permit certification. Fagbemi said this happen because of the tedious process and huge cost of obtaining it.

Spelling out the consequences of building without a permit, Awobodu said such house cannot be certified fit for habitation because it was built without regulatory monitoring.

Lagos State re-launched the Certificate for Completion and Fitness for Habitation in 2021 as part of measures to prevent building collapse.

This certificate guarantees that a house is safe and complies with the state conditions for habitation.

But, only about 100 houses in Lagos have this certificate, according to Awobodu. He alleged

A

Anyanwu's letter seeking government's support for medical bils that the process is being sabotaged by its managers.

Our investigation further revealed that many of the collapsed buildings were initially marked distressed, which by law should be removed in 21days but were not.

This included the historic Itafaaji building collapse and house 34, Ibadan Street, Ebutte-meta Lagos which caved in on May, 5, 2022.

A tribunal, headed by Abimbola Ajayi blamed collapse on weak enforcement of the 2010 Planning Regulations and Building Control Law, as well as “crass indiscipline and gross corruption”.

Despite Glaring Flaws, Lagos Insists No Compensation for Victims Despite tort law and agitations by civil society organisations, Lagos State government has maintained that there was no compensation for victims of collapsed buildings.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso once declared this on 99.3FM radio programme during Ikoyi collapse, stressing that the law has no room for compensation.

He added that government can only compensate victims on compassionate ground.

Findings showed that government on compassionate ground, indeed, gave out cash amount between N 250, 000 to N750, 000, but not all victims got the money, including Ogunsanwo.

Hassan said she expended the N500, 000 collected to offset medical loans.

Many hapless survivors who spoke with this reporter are very expectant, but certainly ignorant of their right in tort.

With First Degree Injury, Anyanwu Denied Treatment on Financial Ground In spite of their present predicament, Ogunsanwo and Hassan can be said to be fortunate when compared with Columbus Anyanwu who never received any support, not even medical, from government.

Although, Commissioner for Physical Planning& Urban Development, Tayo Bamigbose-Martins, told our reporter that government would always make itself available for medical care of victims in the event of tragedy like building collapse.

Our findings showed that other than

Estimated bill Hassan's redo surgery forwarded to the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health

Itaafaaji and Ikoyi collapse, victims of other 42 building collapse that happened in Lagos between 2021 and 2022 are mostly on their own.

One of them is 50 years old Anyanwu, a victim of the fatal collapse in house 34, Ibadan street, Ebute-metta. Among the dead was his only son, Nicholas, 5, while he and his wife sustained varying degree of injury in different parts of their body.

Anyanwu sustained serious injuries on the head, neck and left hand. But he could not complete his treatment, especially the surgery recommended for his hands.

When this reporter met with Anyanwu at Costain bus stop in Ojuelegba, the impairment on his left hand was obvious.

He apologised for fixing the meeting at the bustop as he said he had no place he could call home.

“I squat with a friend who manages just a room with his wife and children. My wife and two children live with my in-law." he said Anyanwu expressed disappointment that the government abandoned him while in LASUTH, adding that only friends rallied round him. He said he later called for his discharge, when no help came further despite that he was yet to recover.

Anyanwu, who sells fairly used dress, already lost his market space to the newly constructed Yaba pedestrian bridge, and he is now jobless.

The building collapse worsened his condition.

Amid tears, he said: “It was that bad that my treatment was usually suspended till we gather money for the next injection or diagnosis. Even nurses rallied support for me when they realised I was a disaster victim. They lamented that my case was not taken up as that of Endsars victims whom they said got first-class treatment at no cost".

He said upon discharge, a doctor asked him to keep a record of all his payments as evidence for a refund.

"He asked me to do a letter of assistance to the FMOH, Alausa through LASUTH Quality Assurance department. Nothing has shown forth ever since I did it. I wept more when I was also billed N73,000 discharge fee."

"Help me please, I lost everything", he pleaded.

Moved, this reporter supported Ifeanyi with a token which he collected with appreciation.

He showed a stack of receipts most of which have already become faded with time. He said he kept it in case the government calls in the future.

He however released a handwritten receipt compiled by his wife, detailing the hospital payment code as well as a letter addressed to FMOH, soliciting for payment of medical bills and accommodation, but was never regarded.

Anyanwu blamed the government for his problem, saying that both government officials and his landlord gambled with their lives by not demolishing the house quickly enough after it was discovered to be unsafe. Findings showed

Lagos State has always responded to emergency incidents with utmost dispatch. This isn't limited to just building collapse. The LASEMA is always activated to respond to emergency situations and ensures that medical support is provided where and when necessary

that the building remained for almost 180 days, instead of 21 days, before it eventually caved in.

Wallowing in Debt The trio of Micheal Ogboji, Francis Egbuonu and Ifeanyi Nelson may not have lost their lives in the Ebutte-meta calamity, they said they were more of living corpses after the incident. They are still wallowing in debt after losing goods worth millions in the shop they rented in the building.

Egbuonu, a generator dealer said, “I saw my goods razed down in my presence. The saddest part of it was that I had just newly stocked goods worth of N7millon just a day before the incident.

Most of us here buy goods on credit and pay suppliers after sales.

As it is, I've been sent back to square one, I can't tell how many years I will be able to pay back the supplier. If I had known this was what you want to discuss, I wouldn't have received you. It's not an experience worth revisiting.

"Don't even come here and ask any question.

Leave here if you don't want me to change it for you," obviously aggrieved Ogboji retorted.

Like Anyanwu, they alleged officials and landlords were complicit in the collapse, adding that government was insensitive to their plight.

Fagbemi urged government to take a cue from advanced economies to handle emergencies of this nature.

Awobodu also tasked government to provide temporary accommodation for occupants of distressed building so as to expedite their exit where collapse is likely.

Government Reacts Questioned on medical lapses and failure to take full medical responsibility of victims, the State Commissioner for Health,Prof. Akin Abayomi ignored reporter’s calls and never responded to Whatsapp messages after reading them. So also was the Public Affairs Officer of the Ministry, Segun Ogunyinka who promised to call back and never picked reporter’s calls afterwards.

On his part, Bamgbose -Martins avowed that government has always responded to emergencies.

He said: "Lagos State has always responded to emergency incidents with utmost dispatch.

This isn't limited to just building collapse. The LASEMA is always activated to respond to emergency situations and ensures that medical support is provided where and when necessary.”

He asked this reporter to furnish him with details of victims denied full treatment and refund, where needed. He promised that such will be investigated and resolved appropriately.

To prevent recurrence, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Mukaila Sanusi advised house seekers to ensure that a building possess a government-signed 'Certificate of Habitation' before consummating tenancy deal.

Sanusi added, “House seekers should observe a property for defects such as cracks, tilting and dampness.It is important that they also check if such house had been earlier marked by government agency for contraventions. All of these are important for their safety."

-This report was facilitated by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability (CMEDIA) project.

24

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 • 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 06Jan-2023, 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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 9.14% Anchoria Equity Fund 149.09 150.75 2.86% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.24 1.24 0.41% info@anchoriaam.com ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 22.21 22.88 9.50% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund 45.41 46.78 16.58% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.13 1.13 4.15% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.11 1.11 9.31% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.80% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 97.02 97.02 2.02% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,128.13 1,128.13 0.15% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.09 2.09 2.21% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.33 2.38 7.03% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.04 1.04 0.14% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.51% Paramount Equity Fund 18.53 18.87 0.67% Women's Investment Fund 148.69 150.49 1.48% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.00 1.00 13.11% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.07 1.07 8.89% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.09 1.09 7.33% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 105.05 104.95 2.98% 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 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn

Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

4,257.89 3,717.38 100.00

4,288.23 3,717.38 100.00

72.21% 8.64% 13.96%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.14 1.14 5.63% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 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 N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A 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) 103.96 103.96 10.08% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 11.95% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.55 1.59 -1.32% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.45 11.60 3.01% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.59% PACAM Equity Fund 1.39 1.41 -1.99% PACAM EuroBond Fund 117.43 120.71 3.30% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 127.07 129.33 0.05% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.05% 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 3,682.69 3,711.98 8.63% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 245.31 245.31 4.13% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.44 1.45 14.68% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 332.91 332.91 6.32% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 261.76 264.92 12.07% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.25% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,374.21 12,515.92 13.30% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.37 1.37 5.79% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 121.17 121.17 3.64% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 115.24 115.24 8.33% 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 0.96 0.99 0.98% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.39 1.42 1.62% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.16 1.18 0.05% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.11 1.11 8.87% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 7.76% United Capital Eurobond Fund 125.48 125.48 5.47% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.98% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.98 14.11 6.03% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.97 16.12 9.23% Zenith Income Fund 23.57 23.57 7.36% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.07% 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 N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.19 52.92

7.68% 3.98%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.31 135.10 102.69 17.40 16.40

14.41 137.21 104.43 17.50 16.50

2.30% 5.78% 2.69% -0.96% -1.99%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes 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

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

N/A

N/A

N/A

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.59

0.00%

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

LAWYER TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023

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PROFESSOR JOY NGOZI EZEILO, SAN

‘Who is the Practitioner, Without a Teacher?’

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II

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

IN THIS EDITION

R E Y W A L A

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When Court Can Order Pleadings in Action Commenced

by Originating Summons

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PROFESSOR JOY

NGOZI EZEILO

, SAN

Page IV

2023 SAN Forms Now Available, As Controversy Over Increased Application Fee Rages On

, r e n o i t i t c a r P e h t ‘Who is ’ ? r e h c a e T a t Withou JI ADELEKE

Page V

QUOTABLE

‘‘We are really worried about the level of attacks….With the elections approaching….. if these attacks continue up to the critical period of the electoral process, it may be very difficult for the Commission to recover, and it will pose a great danger to electoral business and the conduct of the 2023 general elections.’ - Festus Okoye, Lawyer, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information & Voter Education, INEC

COLUMNIST DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIARE, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Dr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Dr. Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

LAWYER

UNILAG Appoints Akingbehin as Professor of Public Law Page V

LSN Controversy: Former NBA General Secretary Suspended Page V

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE: EDITOR, JUDE IGBANOI: DEPUTY EDITOR, PETER TAIWO, STEVE AYA: REPORTERS

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023

Judicial Review: Of Pension, Legality and Constitutionality Nigerian Leadership’s New Year’s Resolution hough I’m not really much of a believer in new year’s resolutions, I spent some time during the Christmas vacation ruminating on Nigeria, especially as the 2023 general elections are upon us, and some of the resolutions that our leadership must make on behalf of the country, especially the three arms of government, if we are really serious about salvaging Nigeria. They must resolve to see and take governance and leadership roles as a privilege to serve the country, and not as the fastest means to enrich themselves. In the words of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America (1961-1963) in his Inaugural Address: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” - a call to civil action and public service, not self interest and corrupt enrichment.

Last Friday, I was shocked when I discovered that Nigeria's public debt is in excess of N50 trillion (exclusive of way and means debt). There is an N11.34 trillion budget deficit for 2023, which is to be financed by domestic and foreign borrowing. Yet, Government continues to waste money on nonsense like fuel subsidy of over N3 trillion for the period January - June, 2023, when people are no longer buying fuel at a subsidised rate all over the country, if they are even able find fuel to purchase. And, because successive governments (present company definitely included) have shown that the happiness and welfare of Nigerians is not their priority, it would not be out of place to conclude in the instance of this opaque fuel subsidy regime, that it unlikely to be in the interest of Nigerians, but instead, for the benefit of the few who are making a fortune from its operation and it is therefore, contrary to Section 16(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2018) (the Constitution), because the economic system is being operated in such a manner as to concentrate wealth in the hands of a few individuals or a group, while the majority of Nigerians are suffering.

How does one go about, challenging this bizarre policy? Judicial Review?

T

Severance Package for Non-Returning Legislators & Pensions Etc for Political Office Holders: Repugnant, Irrational & Unconstitutional By virtue of Paragraph 32(d) Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFC) Third Schedule to the Constitution, RAMFC has been given the power to determine inter alia, the remuneration of Political Office Holders and Legislators. I was talking to a member of the House of Representatives, and I told him that I did not think that Government should waste our scarce resources on paying non-returning Legislators a severance package, which amounts to about N30 billion for the 2023 exercise (including some expenses for incoming Legislators). He gleefully responded that, “it is the law!” (2023 Appropriation Act). But, some laws can be repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience, and deserve to be repealed; and, I submit that any law allowing such extravagant, discriminatory pensions/severance not only fits that bill, it is also unconstitutional. A law that says that a Legislator who has served for only four years, for example (and probably did nothing more than “siddon look”, that is, bench warming at the National Assembly, as many of them do), should receive a 300% basic salary severance package, after receiving an unjustifiably huge salary and allowances while in elective position, is unjust, and is contrary to the spirit and letters of the the Constitution. N30 billion can pay over 45,000 unemployed youths N50,000 per month for a period of one year. Why should it be wasted on less than 500 Legislators?

I must also add that while the pension of a President and Vice President (who do not hold office for more than a maximum of eight years - two terms) are pegged to the rate equivalent to their incumbent successors-in-office (see Section 84(5) of the Constitution), and by virtue of Section 124(5) of the Constitution, Governors and their Deputies (who also do not serve for more than eight years maximum) are paid fabulous pensions via laws passed by their State Houses of Assembly, Judicial Officers and Civil Servants who have served for most of their adult lives (some up to 35 years), are paid pensions pegged to their last annual basic salaries, which are rather low (salaries of judicial officers for instance, having not been reviewed for about 14 years!).

In Governor of Kogi State & Ors v Ahmed & Ors (2019) LPELR-48367(CA) per Emmamuel Akomaye Agim JCA (as he then was), the Court of Appeal held inter alia that: “The fact that elected public office holders and political appointees are paid huge amounts of money as monthly salaries and other forms of allowances while in office, is common knowledge in Nigeria.…It is also common knowledge that many of them, after an office tenure of between 3 to 8 years

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

The

Advocate “I disagree that in all cases, a Plaintiff must show that he has suffered a personal injury, over and above a general one of being a tax payer, to be able to prove his/her locus standi to bring a public interest action, such as one for judicial review of these super-fabulous pension packages” become stupendously wealthy, exhibiting mind blowing opulence and splendour.Yet, these office holders insist on being paid severance allowances for holding such offices.

Meanwhile, career Civil Servants who have served this country or their States or Local Governments all their life, can hardly collect their pensions and gratuity when retired.

They are now being subjected to contributory pension schemes, in which they contribute part of their monthly meagre salaries….to be able to earn pension and gratuity upon retirement. The political appointees and elected public office holders, who do not work as long and as hard as career Civil servants, quickly get paid huge severance allowances upon leaving office….without having been subjected to any contributory pension schemes. It is not morally right to pay an elected public officer or political appointee pension and gratuity or severance allowance….It cannot be justified….

It amounts to gross social injustice". I concur! I submit that this practice of paying huge severance and pensions to elected public officers and political office holders is inequitable, discriminatory, and an “unjustifiable gross social injustice” (in the words of Agim JCA (as he then was), especially against the Nigerian Civil Servant/Judicial Officer, and therefore, contrary to Sections 4(2) & 42(1)(b) of the Constitution.

Such skewed, self-serving pension laws are not only bad laws which do not make for peace, order and good government, they are also a drain on tax payers’ contributions and Nigeria’s scarce resources.

Judicial Review The power of Judicial Review was established by the US Supreme Court, in the case of Marbury v Madison, 5 U.S. 137 per Chief Justice John Marshall, by which federal courts could declare laws and executive or administrative actions

unconstitutional, null and void. Stephen Kola Balogun, one of our columnists (My Brief by SKB) is a committed supporter of the doctrine of Judicial Review, which he described to me as “one of the greatest innovations that common law bequeathed to our jurisprudence in the last 100 years or so, but is sadly, under-utilised, if used at all”. According to A.B. Rubin in his article, “Judicial Review in the United States”(Louisiana Law Review Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: (1979) Pages: 67-82) he stated thus: as “The doctrine of judicial review holds that, the courts are vested with the authority to determine the legitimacy of the acts of the executive and legislative branches of government”.

The case of paying these severance packages to Legislators, and exorbitant pensions and gratuities to political office holders, seems to be an appropriate case for judicial review. It is an irrational policy, which cannot pass the threshold of reasonableness as established in the case of Associated Provincial Picture Houses Ltd v Wednesbury Corporation [1948] 1 KB 224, where the Court of Appeal of England and Wales held inter alia that where a decision maker has given more credence to irrelevant facts, where relevant facts have been ignored and a decision is completely absurd and so unreasonable that no reasonable authority could possibly have made it, the court can adopt remedies against such a public authority. Be it laws that provide for these unjustifiable packages, or executive or administrative actions that do same, it is time for the legislature's severance packages for one, to be declared unconstitutional.

Even if they have come about these gratuities for political office holders by enacting laws, I submit that such laws and acts are an irrational, self-serving misuse of power by the Legislature and Executive, which fit the profile of decisions that can be checked by judicial review.

Former NBA President, Dr Olisa Agbakoba,SAN has threatened to go to court to ascertain the true extent of EFCC’s powers. Unfortunately, he hasn’t told us how he intends to institute such an action, bearing in mind the complicated rules on locus standi.

Going by way of judicial review, may possibly be the only legitimate way he can institute such an action. The sufficient interest test for judicial review, may not prove as insurmountable as the personal interest test in private law actions.

The venue for the ventilation of the severance package issue would be the Federal High Court by virtue of Section 251(1)(r) of the Constitution (and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court). Order 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, provides for Judicial Review. Leave to apply for judicial review must first be sought and obtained before the application for judicial review can be brought within three months of the act complained of, and Order 34 Rule 3(4) provides that the Judge shall not grant leave to apply unless he/she is satisfied that the Applicant has sufficient interest in the matter to which the application relates. In Adesanya v President, FRN & Anor (1981) LPELR-147(SC) per Mohammed Bello JSC (later CJN), the Apex Court held that what determines sufficient interest to prove locus standi depends on the facts of the case, and that “whether an interest is worthy of protection is a matter of judicial discretion, which may vary according to the remedy asked for”.

I disagree that in all cases, a Plaintiff must show that he has suffered a personal injury, over and above a general one of being a tax payer, to be able to prove his/her locus standi to bring a public interest action, such as one for judicial review of these super-fabulous pension packages. See the case of Re Ijelu (1992) LPELR-1464(SC) where the Supreme Court held that the Plaintiff has to have a special interest which has been adversely affected, to have locus standi to bring an action. After all, Nigerians also have the right to participate in our government (see Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution). In Oghenovo & Anor v Governor of Delta State & Anor (2022) LPELR-48062(SC) per Chima Centus Nweze JSC, the Supreme held inter alia that: “It would, in my view, be a grave lacuna in our system of public law, if a pressure group, like the federation, or even a single public-spirited tax payer, were prevented by outdated technical rules of locus standi, from bringing the matter to the attention of the Court to vindicate the rule of law and get the unlawful conduct stopped….In effect, there is considerable force in the view that it is by liberalising the rule of locus standi, that it is possible to effectively police the corridors of powers and prevent violations of the law”.

I concur.

Conclusion The law must not remain static. It must be dynamic, responding appropriately to the changing times. We cannot continue to let procedural technicalities, prevent us from doing justice to public law/public interest matters. With Section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution ousting the jurisdiction of the courts with respect to issues which border on the essence of governance, the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy (Chapter II of the Constitution), Civil Procedure Rules providing that a Plaintiff must show that he/she has sufficient interest to institute what could be public interest actions questioning laws or executive or administrative actions (some judicial review matters), and court decisions echoing this position too, what options are left for people to be able legitimately and effectively question some of these things? The military era of lack of accountability of government and its policies, is gone. The practice of using repugnant laws and outdated court decisions as omnibus reasons to continue as if we are still in an autocratic military era, and perpetuate policies that may be unjust or outrightly wrong, must stop. If the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 (FRA) was up and doing, it could also challenge these severance packages/pension laws and the fuel subsidy regime, as Section 3 of the FRA provides that the functions of the FRC include the promotion of the Section 16 economic objectives of the Constitution, and the dissemination of standard practices that will result in greater efficiency in the allocation and management of public expenditure and debt control.

There must be a clear procedural process, established to handle such matters questioning the validity of laws and policies, instituted as public interest matters and not as private matters where a person must show personal injury to prove locus standi to qualify to institute the action, vis-à-vis their constitutionality and other parameters. See the case of O’Reilly v Mackman [1983] UKHL 1; [1983] 2 AC 237 in which the House of Lords (as it then was) established the principle of procedural exclusivity - judicial review.

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

When Court Can Order Pleadings in Action Commenced by Originating Summons Facts The Appellants commenced an action against the Respondents at Federal High Court, Calabar Judicial Division, by way of Originating Summons in which they sought inter alia, a declaration that the 1st Respondent’s constitution which ought to have been submitted by the 2nd Respondent for the purpose of registering the 1st Respondent with the 3rd Respondent, ought to be a certain 2003 constitution and not the 2005 constitution.

They Appellants alleged that the 2nd Respondent concealed the existence of the 2003 constitution which was the only constitution ratified at the National Convention of the 1st Respondent, from the 3rd Respondent. The case of the Appellants was that they are members of the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd, and they found out that the 2nd Respondent who is the Most Senior Apostle and General Overseer of the 1st Respondent, used the 2005 constitution which was not approved at the National Convention of the Church to register the Church with the 3rd Respondent. They claimed that their interests under the 2003 Constitution were compromised in the 2005 Constitution, and the same was being used by the 2nd Respondent to harass and intimidate the Appellants.

The 1st and 2nd Respondent filed a CounterAffidavit and raised a Preliminary Objection, challenging the locus standi of the Appellants to maintain the suit and the mode of commencement of the suit. The 1st and 2nd Respondent maintained that the Church’s 2003 resolution (Exhibit E1) had been amended in February 2005 and upon its amendment, it was printed and signed by the 2nd Respondent as the General Overseer of the Church and the 1st Appellant’s husband – Snr. Evangelist Promise E. Ekanem, the Secretary of the Church. They claimed that further to the agreement of the members of the Church, the 2nd Respondent approached the 3rd Respondent to use the said February 2005 Constitution for the registration of the Church, and the staff of the 3rd Respondent observed that the signatures on the February 2005 Constitution was wrongly arranged. They posited that though being a minor mistake, it did not affect the registration process; however, the 2nd Respondent was advised to correct the placement of the signatures, and the Church upon being notified about this recommendation effected the correction in May 2005, after which the corrected Constitution was sent to the 3rd Respondent. It was also their case that while registering the Church, a Notice of Objection was published and when there was no objection to the registration; thus, the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd was accordingly registered. And, to keep the records of the Church straight, the February 2005 Constitution was discarded, leaving the Constitution as corrected in May 2005 (Exhibit E2) as the operative and binding Constitution of the Church. They maintained that Exhibits E1 and E2 were identical in every particular, except in the arrangement of the signature. They further claimed that the Appellants, without reason, stopped worshipping with the Church, and proceeded to form their own church - Church of Christ the Good Shepherded in 2008 and having left the Church in the circumstances in which they did, the Appellants do not and should not have any dealings with the Church.

The trial court in its judgement held that the Appellants failed to show that they have the locus standi to maintain the action, and struck out the suit. Aggrieved, the Appellants filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal, which court set aside the decision of the trial court, and held that the Appellants have the requisite locus standi to institute the action at the trial court. The Court of Appeal ordered that a fresh hearing of the suit be conducted after filing and exchange of pleadings among the parties. Still dissatisfied, the Appellants appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination The Apex Court considered the following issues

argued that, in view of the contradictory affidavit evidence between the parties, the Court of Appeal was right to have ordered a fresh trial on pleadings and evidence to resolve the conflict, particularly on the allegation of fraud raised therein. They submitted that the Appellants’ suit involves contentious issues, which can only be determined by filing of pleadings.

The 3rd Defendant did not file any process or participate in the appeal even though it was duly served with all the material processes of the appeal including hearing notices.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale In deciding the first issue in the appeal, the Supreme Court held that it is not in doubt that the Court of Appeal has wide powers under Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to assume the same position as a trial court to determine an action; however, certain conditions must be present to warrant the exercise of these powers of the Court of Appeal. The necessary conditions which the Court of Appeal would consider before it can invoke these powers are (a) The question must be a ground of appeal (b) The trial court must have jurisdiction on same; (c) All the necessary materials needed to determine the merits of the claim must be before the court; (d) The length of time between the disposal of the action at the trial court and the hearing of the appeal; (e) The court would consider the hardship or injustice that would follow, if the case is remitted to the trial court.

The Supreme Court held that these conditions were obviously not present, since the Court of Appeal could not, as the trial court, have determined the facts by merely considering the conflicting affidavit evidence of the parties.

The only course open to the Court of Appeal was thus, to send it back to the trial court for trial on pleadings.

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 2nd day of December, 2022 Before Their Lordships Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun Uwani Musa Abba Aji Mohammed Lawal Garba Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju Adamu Jauro Justices, Supreme Court SC/349/2011 Between 1. LADY LEADER BASILIA EKANEM 2. PROPHETESS FORTUNE HART 3. SNR. ELDER GEOFFREY MAMA

And

1. THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2. EMMANUEL O. ALOZIE 3. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION

APPELLANTS

RESPONDENTS

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

in its determination of the appeal: 1. Whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal ought to have heard the Appellants’ case on the merit.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right to have ordered pleadings to be filed and exchanged in the circumstances of this case.

Arguments On the first issue, counsel for the Appellants submitted that the Court of Appeal ought to have invoked Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to look into the case as if it is a court of first instance and resolve the issues, rather than remitting the same back to the trial court. He invited the Supreme Court to invoke its powers under Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act, to look at the circumstances and materials in the Appellant’s case and decide it on the merit. On the

“That standard cannot be met on affidavit evidence alone, which cannot be tested under cross-examination for its credibility, and what the law mandates is that, where the court is of the view that a case cannot properly be tried by originating summons, parties should be ordered to file pleadings”

second issue, counsel for the Appellants argued that there was no need for the order made by the court below for the filing of pleadings in the suit, because the contents of Exhibits E1 and E2 (the 2003 and 2005 Constitutions of the 1st Respondent) are clear and un-ambiguous and are documents regulated by the provisions of Section 128(i) of the Evidence Act which do not require pleadings and evidence to prove. Relying on PAM v MOHAMMED (2008) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1112) 1 at 88, counsel argued that the suit was rightly commenced by Originating Summons procedure.

Responding on the first issue, respective counsel for the 1st and 2nd Respondent argued similarly that, Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act, 2004 does not make it mandatory for the Court of Appeal to determine the case of the Appellants as if it is a court of first instance. They submitted that the referenced Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act gives the Court of Appeal the liberty to rehear the case in whole or in part, or remit it to the trial court. Counsel for the 1st Respondent argued that since the Court of Appeal decided the issue of locus standi of the Appellants to institute the action which was the basis upon which the trial court struck out the suit, it could not have decided the matter on the merit under Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act. Both counsel submitted that the decision of the Court of Appeal remitting the case back to the trial court for fresh hearing is proper, by virtue of Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act. On the second issue, both

On the second issue, the Supreme Court held that the use of Originating Summons to commence a legal action is resorted to, where the rights claimed or reliefs sought are predicated on the interpretation or construction of documents, agreements, contracts, statutes and other instruments, or where material facts are not in dispute or likely to be in serious dispute between the parties - KEYAMO v HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, LAGOS STATE (2002) 12 SC (Pt. I) 190. It follows therefore that, where material facts are not only in serious but riotous dispute between parties, an Originating Summons would neither be appropriate, proper nor suitable for the commencement of an action, since oral evidence may be required for the resolution of the dispute. The court placed reliance on DOHERTY v DOHERTY (1967) ALL NLR, 245 and FAMFA OIL LTD v A-G FEDERATION (2003) 18 NWLR (Pt. 852) 453.

Their Lordships held further that from the affidavit evidence of parties before the court and exhibits annexed thereto, the relevant and material facts relied on by the parties in support of their respective position on the authority and validity of the constitution of the 1st Respondent are not only in dispute, but seriously so, with the allegation of concealment with intention to deceive, which constitutes an allegation of fraud. With the allegation of fraud in the affidavit evidence before the trial court, there was the need to call oral evidence in order to prove same in accordance with the standard required and prescribed by law; beyond reasonable doubt. That standard cannot be met on affidavit evidence alone, which cannot be tested under cross-examination for its credibility, and what the law mandates is that, where the court is of the view that a case cannot properly be tried by originating summons, parties should be ordered to file pleadings. The Court of Appeal was thus right, to have ordered a re-trial of the case after the filing and exchange of pleadings.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation A. S. Abdulkadir, Esq. for the Appellants.

Folashade Alli, Esq. with Umar Saka, Esq. for the 1st Respondent.

S. B. Joseph (Jnr.) for the 2nd Respondent.

Olivia Agbajo, Esq. for the 3rd Respondent.

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

V

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Mr Nimi Walson-Jack

Prof Emmanuel Olugbenga Akingbehin

2023 SAN Forms Now Available, As Controversy Over Increased Application Fee Rages On Stories by Steve Aya The Legal Practitioner’s Privileges Committee has announced the availability of 2023 forms for Lawyers wanting to become Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), to start the process by buying their forms.

The LPPC, made this

known in a statement released to announce the availability of the form for the 2023 award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The statement also put the application fee for the form at N1 million, which will be paid to obtain the form.

This is a considerable increase from the N600,000 of last year.

In the notice, signed by

LPPC Secretary/Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hajo Sarki Bello, the period for obtaining the application starts from January 1, and closes on March 31, 2023. The notice also stated that the invitation was in accordance to Section 5(2) of the Legal Practitioners Act, 2004, and Regulation 10 (1) (4) of the Guidelines for

UNILAG Appoints Akingbehin as Professor of Public Law The University of Lagos has appointed Dr Emmanuel Olugbenga Akingbehin as a full Professor of Public Law and Criminology.

The elevation was done by the Governing Council on December 20, 2022.

Prof Akingbehin studied Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, where he bagged the LL.B. degree in Law in 1989.

Dr. Akingbehin's scholarship began from when he obtained his LL.B. degree from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife in 1989 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. He bagged the LL.M and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Lagos, in 1999 and 2011, respectively.

He was the recipient of the Godwin Obla's Prize for the best graduating student of his LL.M set. He joined the University of Lagos as Lecturer II in October 2000, in the Department of Public Law. He teaches Criminal Law and Criminology, and

his research interest also extends to Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, Juvenile Justice and Human Rights Law. He has made appreciable contributions to local and international learned journals and books, and he is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (Ikeja Branch) and the International Bar Association. Dr Akingbehin attended the Human Rights course at the Danish Centre for Human Rights in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the Conference of the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law in Edinburgh Scotland and Montreal, Canada amongst others.

He was a visiting Scholar at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria in South Africa, and the Centre for Capital Punishment Studies, University of Westminster in the United Kingdom in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Dr Akingbehin is also a research fellow of

the Department of Public Law, University of Limpopo in South Africa.

Akingbehin is a Chief Examiner with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, External Examiner with the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Law School, Abuja; also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of Nigeria and the Institute of Security of Nigeria. He is a Notary Public of Nigeria.

the Conferment of the Rank of SAN 2023.

It reads: “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (‘the LPPC’ or ‘the Committee’) hereby makes a formal call for applications, preparatory to the award of the rank for the Year 2023.

“Commencing with this year’s exercise, applications shall only be made online, and prospective applicants are directed to visit www. lppconline.com to make their applications.”

It notified prospective applicants that each person “must pay a non-refundable processing fee of N1 million only to any of the following accounts held in the name of the ‘Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (SAN)’: Account Number: 1014103141, at Zenith Bank PLC and Account No. 0213662834 at GTBank PLC. “Upon conclusion of payment, an applicant should upload a copy of the evidence of payment on the application portal. The applicant will receive an email notification from the LPPC Secretariat

confirming the applicant’s payment, and clearing the applicant to proceed with the application process online.”

The LPPC warned that any submission made after the deadlines “shall be treated as a non-submission”.

However, some Lawyers have questioned the propriety or otherwise of the new application fee for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as stipulated by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee in its 2023 Application Guidelines.

Some legal practitioners in the country, aside the increase from N600,000 to N1,000,000, have particularly queried the reasonableness of the fixed fee, given the disparity in earnings between Lawyers, and how the fee may have excluded some eminently qualified Lawyers from attaining the coveted rank.

Responding to such criticism of the new application fee, a Former NBA President, J.B. Daudu, SAN, described the new fee as appropriate.

According to him, “Taking

the rank of SAN, is not a tea party. It is expensive. You need to go round all the courts you have practised, collecting certified copies of judgements that you have appeared in. You need to have a state of the art law office, you need to employ an IT consultant to upload all your requirements on the SAN portal, you will travel around three times to Abuja for interviews and submission of forms, you will have to do a number of pro bono cases at your own expense, and you will approach opposing advocates and Judges for references. Those invisible expenses cannot be less than N25 million at the very least. Then, if you are selected you will cough out not less than N10million for the robes and other thanksgiving ceremonies.”

Human Rights Activist, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, described the process for SANship application as flawed and corrupted, saying a lot of persons who did not meet the criteria have now been given the rank.

LSN Controversy: Former NBA General Secretary Suspended A former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Nimi Walson-Jack, has been suspended from his role as a member of the NBA National Executive Council (NBA-NEC).

The suspension was as a result of his involvement in championing a splinter body for Lawyers, called the Law Society of Nigeria (LSN) few months ago.

Recall that the NBA-NEC

had agreed during its last quarterly meeting in Abuja, that Mr Nimi Walson-Jack, who acted as a Solicitor to the promoters of the new Law Society be stripped of his privileges as past General Secretary, and consequently, be suspended from being a member of the NBA-NEC. In a swift reaction however, the Former NBA Scribe described the suspension as

unconstitutional, saying it violated the letters of the NBA Constitution and his right to fair hearing under the 1999 Constitution.

In a statement, WalsonJack, in listing what he described as “Litany of Violations,” the former NBA General Secretary said: “The leadership of the NBA, by its resolution, breached the Constitution of the NBA, my fundamental right to a

fair hearing, and the right of my Clients to Counsel of their choice. The President of the NBA was the accuser, persecutor, prosecutor, and Judge in his cause.”

He stated that the NBANEC “has no power to suspend, expel or remove a statutory member like me, unless the Constitution is amended, an exclusive preserve of the Annual General Meeting”.

#upjudicialsalaries

"Unfortunately, the Judges who constitute the Judiciary, are paid less than what Senators earn in Nigeria. They are paid less than what House of Representatives members earn in Nigeria.” - Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN

VI COVER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN

‘Who is the Practitioner, Without a Teacher?’

The coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is the very pinnacle for any Lawyer in Nigeria. But, Lawyers in the Ivory Tower, are made to walk the toughest road towards attaining this prestigious rank.

Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, Professor of Public Law, Dean Emeritus, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, walked that rough road to SANship and was elevated to the rank last month. In a chat with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi, she spoke about her passion, providing succour and free legal services to women, children and the underprivileged through her NGO Women’sAid Collective (WACOL), which recently turned 25 years old. She also discussed the worrisome issue of human trafficking, her concern about continued police brutality which has continued to claim lives, and with her endless list of accomplishments, confessed that she feels fulfilled, both personally and professionally

L

earned Silk, tell us about your journey from New Wig to Professor and Dean, and then to your elevation to being one of the few female Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Are you fulfilled?

I feel fulfilled, professionally and personally, but it has been a long road to these accomplishments which I often describe as the journey from local to global, if one takes into account my humble beginnings. As you may be aware, I served globally between 2008 to 2014 as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.

The breaking news of my elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) came on a day, date, and hour that I least expected it. I was at Oxford University attending a programme, and my phone being roamed was on silent during my meeting on the day the list was released 29th September, 2022. It was then I saw the avalanche of surging goodwill and congratulatory messages,

from persons cheering in my moment of joy in attaining this height of distinction in the legal profession. I give all the glory to God Almighty, who makes everything perfect in its own time. I’m grateful to family, friends, and colleagues who have been with me collaborating, encouraging, and supporting me as I journeyed through the personal and professional development of what I termed from local to global. God is indeed awesome, and I’m a living witness to that. May God bless all those who contributed in one way or the other to the many successes recorded in the course of my career as a Lawyer, Law Professor, and Activist, which culminated in this honour of bestowing me with the SAN rank. I definitely didn’t, and couldn’t have done it all by myself.

I feel reinvigorated to therefore dedicate this professional privilege to continue my academic work geared towards social transformation,

“There has always been strong opposition to Professors taking Silk, and the current guidelines seem to have been tilted in favour of restrictive awards of SAN, whilst relaxing that of Legal Practitioners a bit….. I think the body is flexible to revising itself, if they think the changes would become problematic or discriminatory against a group”

activism for human rights protection, gender equality; giving voices to the voiceless, and championing access to justice through free legal aid and assistance as a Pro Bono Lawyer, and supporting the work of women and Collective (WACOL) and Tamar SARC amongst other humanitarian works that I’m involved in.

As I wrote in my professorial inaugural lecture - I will cease to live the day I stopped being responsive to the injustices and oppressions in my environment. My work, our work, is far from being done! Thus, the journey continues!

Once more I thank God – the author and finisher of our fate for the divine mercies and favours, that impelled me to reach the pinnacle of my profession as a Lawyer and Law Professor.

To your question in relation to my tenure as the Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, my tenure as the Dean was remarkable, and widely acknowledged as laudable and the recorded achievements speak for itself. As you may be aware, we are the first Faculty of Law in Nigeria, and our goal is to remain the first and the best so as to be a reference point in the University. We have tried to establish an environment where people can work; and since my Deanship, we have instituted various projects, particularly targeted at infrastructural development, so that every Lecturer can have a decent office and working environment and students, the best learning environment. By God’s grace, we hugely succeeded in building the relevant infrastructure to that effect.

Today, we have a lot to showcase, with over 60 projects completed within two years of my deanship. I did my best to run an open,

transparent and accountable administration. The direct labour approach helped us to manage our scarce resources raised from alumni, donors, friends and colleagues, effectively and efficiently.

My dream, foregrounded by the broad vision of the University’s and my extensive experience as a visiting Professor in universities around the globe, is to have a world-class Law Faculty or Law School as they describe it in some other climes. Undoubtedly, my achievements would not have been possible without the full support and encouragement of the University administration, colleagues at the Faculty, and importantly, our donors and financial supporters. I vigorously mobilised resources from our alumni, donors and friends to leapfrog infrastructural development that has created an adequate, effective and enabling work environment.

We have set the pace in putting this Faculty hopefully, on an irreversible developmental gear.

No one can push and pull us back. I can boldly say that the Faculty of Law, UNN is the best in the country, amongst both public and private institutions. Kindly, take a trip and see things for yourself. To God be the glory that we have blazed the trail, and demonstrated that, working together, we can make this Faculty truly the first and the best. We must constantly remind ourselves that our work is not done, and we must work harder to ensure that this transformational change is sustained. The slogan from now on is “forward ever, backward never”.

I strongly believe that we should use every leadership opportunity, to impact lives and one’s immediate constituency positively. I am committed to forward-looking and transformational leadership.

2. The Legal Practitioners Privileges Com-

VII COVER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

‘Who is the Practitioner, Without a Teacher?’ mittee recently released new requirements for the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, particularly the requirements for Academics. This has come with many criticisms.

What is your opinion?

The changing requirements has been a constant, if you have been following the LPPC Guidelines.

They’re continually reviewing, revising and tightening loose ends to enhance the process and ensure that the rank remains a coveted one.

However, this time around, it appears that some significant steps have been taken that will affect in particular, Academics applying to be considered for elevation to the rank of SAN. There has always been strong opposition to Professors taking Silk, and the current guidelines seem to have been tilted in favour of restrictive awards of SAN, whilst relaxing that of Legal Practitioners a bit.

I have come to respect LPPC as a body of distinction, and one that is also responsive in its quest for excellence in raising the Bar. Consequently, I think the body is flexible to revising itself, if they think the changes would become problematic or discriminatory against a group. So, let’s watch and see whether this would stand the test of time. It is pertinent to point out that, Academics walk the toughest track to SANship. You would have noticed that usually one may need to have attained a professorial rank, published extensively, and still be active in NBA at State and national levels. Student’s supervision at the graduate and post-graduate levels is required, including persons the candidates have mentored. I strongly believe that Law Teachers are most deserving of being awarded the rank for their scholarship, teaching and contributions in advancing legal education in Nigeria. Who is the Practitioner, without a Teacher?

3.The NGO, Women’sAid Collective (WACOL) which you founded just turned 25, with so many initiatives which have impacted women and men over the years. How have you been able strike a balance between strenuous academic work as a Law Professor, and the daunting task of managing such a big NGO? Tell us what WACOL is involved in.

I founded WomenAid Collective (WACOL) in 1997- to advance human rights and gender equality, in particular, access to justice for women and children whose rights have been violated. In its 25 years of existence, WACOL has made enormous contributions to Human Rights development in Nigeria. In fact, free legal aid and integrated assistance to victims and survivors of human rights violations is the mainstay of WACOL, because I believe that without redress and accountability, the impunity of human rights violations will continue.

Over the years, my role has thinned to that of a Director on the Board, which oversees and provides general guidance and leadership to the organisation, and not involvement in the day to day running of the organisation. WACOL has become and institution with relevant capacities, staffing and structure, to pursue its vision and mission without my daily interference.

The idea behind the formation of WACOL, was to have an organisation with a strong focus on access to justice for women and children in especially difficult circumstances. From my experiences belonging to membership organisations such as Women in Nigeria (WIN) and the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), I noticed the gap in unmet justice needs of this category, especially poor women and girls doubly disadvantaged and discriminated against because of their sex and gender. The search for justice by this category of persons, often ends in futility. Hence, the need to provide information and necessary support that would enable those whose human rights have been violated, to recognise and respond to such violations. The myriads of challenges for those seeking to obtain redress from Nigeria’s legal system, is what WACOL exists to tackle. WACOL was established in 1997 as an independent, non-political, non-governmental and non-profit organisation; registered as a company limited by guarantee, that is, as a charitable organisation.

WACOL’s vision is a democratic society free from violence and abuse, where human rights of all, in particular, women and young people, are recognised in law and practice. Its mission is to assist in the education, social, economic and political development of women and young people, through a wide range of services: training, research, advocacy, shelter, free legal and financial aid, intra-familial conflict resolution, and information and library services.

WACOL works throughout Nigeria and in the West African subregion, and its offices in Nigeria are located in seven States namely: Abuja (FCT), Enugu, Owerri, Cross River, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Edo States. WACOL in general, works in four thematic areas namely; gender/human rights, peace

Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN

advocacy/conflict resolution, democracy/good governance and reproductive health /rights.

At the onset of WACOL, I had the privilege of winning the MacArthur Funds for Leadership Development in February 1998, and that award then gives the individual winner $75,000 for a period of three years, to conduct research and develop whatever initiative they consider a priority in the field of reproductive health and rights. I used my funds to carry out research on “Legal Constraints to Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Nigeria”. It was the first of its kind looking at the law, the protection it offers young women and men, and gaps and challenges in mainstreaming sexual and reproductive health and rights. The findings of that formative study revealed and reinforced the interconnectedness of rights and how gender impacts the enjoyment of human rights of women, including health decision-making.

Furthermore, it demonstrated how the personal becomes political and women’s body the site of struggle. In fact, the conceptualised dichotomy of public and private spheres, productive and reproductive exacerbates gender inequalities, discrimination, as well as gender based violence against women and girls.

The journey of WACOL started in 1997, and by 1998, WACOL was up and functioning in our first rented duplex accommodation with boys’ quarters at New Haven. We immediately started the safe house in 1998, to shelter women and girls at the peak of crises who have suffered human rights violence and/or are victims of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV).

The MacArthur personal funds leadership I won, made it possible for me to financially support WACOL, before it got other funding opportunities.

It was the same year 1997 that I started teaching the course, Women, Children and Law at the University of Nigeria, Faculty of Law. I felt additionally energised after my LLM at the University of London in 1995 with a full Chevening Scholarship managed by the British Council, to also engage in scholarship that would advance social transformation.

Thus, I worked to blend theory and practice manifested in my scholarship and activism.

My mother’s widowhood experiences (God bless her memory) helped to shape my passion in defending human rights, and of course, in studying and practising law.

WACOL is a dream come true, and its vision has been translated into action, and her mandate is being realised, given the recorded milestones achieved in the last 25 years. I cannot believe is a quarter of a century already. Indeed, time to begin a transitional phase of handing over the baton to the next generation of female transformational leaders, to continue the struggle we have started and build on the existing foundation and structure.

The achievements are encouraging, especially assisting over sixty thousand women and children in need, through our free legal aid

“I strongly believe that Law Teachers are most deserving of being awarded the rank for their scholarship, teaching and contributions in advancing legal education in Nigeria. Who is the Practitioner, without a Teacher?”

programme.

WACOL works throughout Nigeria and beyond. It has established itself as a credible and committed organisation, whose work is well recognised beyond the shores of Nigeria.

It has an observer status with the African Union, African Commission on Human Rights (since 2001), and it also has an NGO Special Consultative status with the United Nations (approved in 2010 by ECOSOC). WACOL is a formidable organisation that can boast of institutional capacity for sustainable work, in the field of advancing human rights, gender equality, democracy and good governance.

WACOL is considered as the number one legal aid service provider for women and girls in Nigeria, providing assistance to about 2,000 on an annual basis, with over 4,000 drop-ins yearly. The organisation registers an average of 20 cases daily, at her legal clinic. This is evidence-based and well-documented. From 1998 to date, approximately 62,000 women and girls have accessed free legal aid and assistance services.

WACOL provides free legal services for women and young people, in our offices across the country. We also ran community law centres across selected States in the country.

Today, we are happy that WACOL has made the desired progress, and is steadily working to achieve the vision that birthed it.

Human rights are women’s rights, and are universal in character. We must keep defending the rights of poor women and children, who without being provided with the necessary information, legal aid, and other assistance will not recognise those rights, nor respond by seeking redress for violations they have suffered. It is my place as an advocate and a Lawyer, to use my privileged position to raise the voice of the voiceless, and in concert with like minds, demand accountability for breaches of fundamental human rights, especially violence against women and girls.

Key Achievements of WACOL WACOL programme and projects are wide and varying and include: Research; Advocacy for law reform to benefit the disadvantaged, including women, children and persons with disability; Capacity building on legislative advocacy for CSOs; Promoting women’s rights and access to justice under Sharia and Customary law; Legal education and awareness, including the training of paralegals; Provision of free legal aid and assistance to women and children whose human rights have been abused; Running of Shelter for battered women; Establishment and running of one stop holistic Centre for sexual assault cases called TAMAR Sexual Assault Referral Centre (TAMAR SARC); Engaging law enforcement officers - Police, prison officers, prosecutors on human rights and the rule of law; Promoting domestic implementation and monitoring of international human rights law and access to justice; Training of administrators of justice, including Judges, Magistrates, Sharia and Customary courts officials; Campaign to eliminate discrimination and violence against women, Campaign to end human trafficking, forced labour and unsafe migration; Integrated assistance to women victims of State torture and violent conflicts; Moot Courts on human rights and women’s rights; Curriculum development and building local jurisprudence for the teaching of gender, reproductive health and rights in universities/law faculties in Nigeria; sexual and reproductive rights advocacy, peer health education, Family life education, Publication of

legal literacy series (over 20 on different subjects) and other simplified and reader friendly public enlightenment books and IEC’s numbering over 30 on Electoral Law, Constitution, Civic Education, trafficking, rape, women’s rights, children’s rights, widows rights, family life/sex education, etc. Publication of training manuals on advocacy, gender, election monitoring, international human rights law, law enforcement and human rights; popular participation in constitution-making, training manual for the Judiciary, training health practitioners on gender-based violence, engaging traditional and religious leaders, etc. WACOL deploys the media and new technologies to promote awareness of human rights, gender equality and violence against women and girls (VAWG)/SGBV. Specifically, on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), it has undertaken a number of actions in the last twenty years, including research, advocacy, legal aid and assistance to victims/survivors of human trafficking, shelter, public education and awareness of the ugly phenomenon of SGBV, to break in particular, the culture of silence and impunity surrounding SGBV. WACOL has contributed to the passage of laws protecting women, girls and persons with disability from violence. Notably, it advocated and got the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Enugu State passed in 2019.

WACOL was also part of an advocacy and network of gender-focused organisations, that also worked on and succeeded in getting the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 passed by the National Assembly, and subsequently, signed into law by then President Goodluck Jonathan.

Most importantly the recent signing of the Practice Direction and Guidelines on Application for Protection Order 2022, which provides a standard practice direction and guidelines model for seeking protection order for victims of SGBV, signposts a landmark and epochal achievement in the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) within the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory, Anambra and Edo States. It is a big win for both the Judiciary in these implementing States and its technical partners, who worked in the most concerted manner to deliver this well resourced adjudicatory instrument for efficient justice delivery to victims of SGBV, as championed by some civil society organisations and the entire human rights community. We acknowledge the support of the global community through the EU/ROLAC British Council Project for supporting the implementation and development of guidelines for the issuance of Protection Order in FCT, Anambra Edo and Adamawa States respectively. At the foundation of this great stride, is the strategic partnership between ROLAC/ British Council Project and WACOL, a non-governmental human rights organisation with over 25 years consistent activism in the promotion and protection of human rights, especially in the area of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, which has materialised in this adjudicatory instrument of note.

4. You are a well-known advocate of female reproductive rights. What is your position on the rights of women over abortion? Are you pro-life or pro-choice, though generally abortion is an offence in Nigeria, except under the Penal Code which is applicable in Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory in special circumstances?

I think you have stated the position under the law, and also answered the questions posed to me.

To further add to your position is the importance of State responsibility to protect, respect and remedy recognised rights under international law for which they're parties to. cont'd on page VIII

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The last time I checked Nigeria is still a party to the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa with 41 other African Countries, and consequently, bound by its provisions.

Article XIV (14) is on health and reproductive rights of women. It stipulates that States Parties shall ensure that the right to health of women, including sexual and reproductive health is respected and promoted. This includes: The right to control their fertility; the right to decide whether to have children, the number of children and the spacing of children; the right to choose any method of contraception; the right to have family planning education.

Importantly, article 14 (2) (C ) provides that States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to protect the reproductive rights of women, by authorising medical abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest, and where the continued pregnancy endangers the mental and physical health of the mother or the life of the mother or the foetus. Unsafe abortion and their complications are a major cause of maternal mortality. Article 12 of CEDAW provides for the right to health, which includes the right to bodily autonomy and freedom of women and girls to be have sexual and reproductive freedom.

The Cairo Programme of action, in one of it’s recommendation, provides that comprehensive reproductive health care, includes family planning; safe pregnancy and delivery services; abortion where legal; prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS); information and counselling on sexuality; and elimination of harmful practices against women (such as genital cutting and forced marriage).

Although reproductive health and rights issues are still somewhat contentious in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, it has nevertheless, moved from the narrow conception of maternal and child health programmes to include a broad range of other issues of concern namely:- Family Planning, STDs, HIV/AIDs, Harmful Traditional Practices (HTP), Sexual and Domestic Violence.

I think from what I have stated, it is abundantly clear that sexual and reproductive rights have been recognised as human rights attributable to individuals. Thus, there is an obligation for Nigeria to implement at domestic/national levels, treaties which they have ratified.

5. There has been an astronomical increase in domestic violence, including rape, incest and defilement of toddlers. Beyond conventional legal mechanisms, what else can be done to ensure an end, or at least, a drastic reduction in these cases?

Prevention is imperative, and education through public awareness, sensitisation, and engaging with perpetrators, and the at risks groups and empowering victims/survivors to speak out about their victimisation without being stigmatised or doubly jeopardised. It is not enough to have laws that are not effectively implemented. As it were, the bane is low prosecution and lack of accountability to gender based crimes committed.

From available statistics, women and girls in Nigeria suffer from SGBV in different spheres of life, and from different actors. The prevalence of VAWG/SGBV has not changed, rather it appears to be rising In Nigeria, VAWG/SGBV is aggravated by patriarchy, religion, traditional and cultural practices. The emergence of Boko Haram terrorist group has escalated SGBV in the form of sexual slavery, abduction, forced marriage to the terrorists, kidnapping and trafficking of girls as mercenaries and comfort women for the insurgents, and ‘sexfor-food’, especially in the North East of Nigeria.

There are also discriminatory laws that condone, and even legalise certain forms of violence against women. The Police and the criminal justice system have failed to offer protection to victims of VAWG by classifying such violence as private or family matter, only reluctantly intervening where absolutely unavoidable. Compounding the problem of women and their rights is Nigeria’s pluri-legal legal systems, which include Customary and Sharia Laws that often reinforces sex stereotypes, including giving a man the right to batter the wife and/or make decisions on her behalf.

WACOL was able to provide free legal services

Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN

to many indigent women and children who came to our offices seeking redress against violation of their rights, particularly in matters relating to sexual violence, disinheritance, harmful widowhood practices, harmful traditional practices, physical, emotional and psychological abuses, forceful ejection from home, abandonment, custody of children and maintenance among others.

There has been steady increase in the number of cases reported at WACOL legal clinics - the head office in Enugu and other branch offices in Anambra, Imo, Edo, Ebonyi, Katsina and Abuja FCT. Meanwhile, from January 2012 to August 2022, over 20,000 clients visited our legal clinic for free Legal Aid advice and counselling, pro bono services and legal representation in Court. We registered an average 20 cases daily. 80% of these cases, bordered on physical, verbal, emotional and other forms of abuses, whilst 20 % centred on sexual violence .

The Covid-19 19 outbreak in 2020, saw a decline in the number of cases reported in that year, with a less than 1,000 cases reported in that year, unlike the previous years.

Though we developed online response to clients and their complaints, but, the short fall came from clients who were not internet savvy, and as a result, could not contact us through our online outlets.

About 5,000 women were provided with Free Legal Aid/assistance on rights to land, housing, properties and inheritance. We currently have about 100 cases pending in various courts, Police and the criminal justice generally, on behalf of our clients under our Legal Aid Scheme.

Apart from the legal representation in court, we also use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to wit; conciliation, reconciliation negotiation and mediation in arriving at peaceful settlement of disputes, in view of the high cost of litigation and the delay in obtaining judgement in our courts of law.

6. The landmark judgement by the Apex Court on women’s inheritance rights amongst the Igbos, Ukeje v Ukeje doesn’t seem to have settled that age long issue, as most families don’t seem to respect nor obey this judgement. What is your view on this?

Ukeje v Ukeje, Mojekwu v Mojekwu, Uke v Iro , Mojekwu v Ejikeme, Anekwe v Nweke are landmark court judgements that voided the Igbo customary law which disentitled female children from inheriting land or immovable property of their deceased fathers, as repugnant to natural justice, equity,

“WACOL has contributed to the passage of laws protecting women, girls and persons with disability from violence.

Notably, it advocated and got the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Enugu State passed in 2019. WACOL was also part of an advocacy and network of gender-focused organisations, that also worked on and succeeded in getting the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 passed by the National Assembly….”

and good conscience, and violating both Section 42(1) (the right to freedom from discrimination based on sex or circumstance of birth) and Section 42(2) (the right to acquire and own immovable property) of the Nigerian Constitution.

Notwithstanding these progressive judicial decisions, discrimination persists in practice.

The problem has been the absence of a legal and policy framework empowering women and granting them explicit right to land in their capacity as citizens with full legal capacity, as envisaged by both the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW: 1979); and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol, 2003).

Furthermore, it is a reflection of the gulf between law in the books and law in action - de jure and de facto.

It is a demonstration that law is not a panacea, but a useful beginning requiring other enabling environments to take root firmly. The culture and prevailing customary laws and practices favour the rule of primogeniture and inheritance through male lineage, which flies in the face of the constitutional prohibition of sex discrimination and international human rights treaties that have entrenched the principles of equality and nondiscrimination, which Nigeria is a party to and consequently, bound to protect, respect and remedy.

It is important to note that inheritance right is fundamental and at the core of women’s empowerment, and hence, must be respected within and outside the courtroom. Of course, we celebrate the landmark Supreme Court decision that has settled the issue of customary laws informed by tradition are very discriminatory against women in relation to the inheritance of a deceased husband’s estate. While the law of inheritance and succession under English law is reasonably settled, the aspect dealing with customary law is not, which breeds conflict and acrimony among heirs. What is more, the law discriminates among beneficiaries, especially women. The discriminatory aspects of property inheritance under customary law in Nigeria manifests in different forms and scope, ranging from primogeniture rules, right of spouses, rights of adopted children and rights of illegitimate children (constitutionally no child is illegitimate).

Women in Nigeria despite the appellate Court’s decisions continue to suffer discrimination in the sale, letting, and use of immovable property such as land, because of their gender. Communal land is still largely governed by custom and tradition that discriminates against women’s right to land, property, housing, and inheritance. Women hardly have farming rights, even on the land they cultivate.

Yet, the role of women in agricultural development is paramount. It is glaring that when you look at ownership, access, and control of land, very few women have independent rights of ownership or access or control of lands.

This calls for heightened social and legislative advocacy, public enlightenment and community legal outreach and sensitisation programmes, that gender discrimination in property relations is inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution which guarantees rights to property and equal protection without discrimination on grounds of sex.

There is urgent need to scale up sensitisation and awareness on women’s rights, bearing in mind that customary law still governs the majority of people in localities or Igboland where this is prevalent. All actors should to do more to publicise the judgement, and ensure that it becomes the jurisprudence, the norm in Igbo communities.

7. Human trafficking is a global crime, for which Nigeria has been portrayed in a

bad light across the world. You were a United Nations Rappoteur on human trafficking, share with us your experiences with this shameful global crime.

Human trafficking, trafficking in human beings or trafficking in persons, is, unfortunately thriving in today’s world. Trafficking in persons (TiP) remains one of the fastest-growing criminal activities in the world, which results in serious breaches of human rights. Africa and South East Asia, remain the most impacted continents in the world.

In Africa, Nigeria is the worst country affected by trafficking. Although TiP is very difficult to quantify, it is hugely underestimated because of its insidious, complex and dynamic nature. Trafficking occurs within and across national borders, victims often transit through many countries to reach their final destination; thus, trafficking knows no border.

This phenomenon poses an increasingly serious challenge to humanity. Although the focus of antitrafficking responses has mainly been on demand for commercial sexual exploitation, particularly of women and girls, other forms of trafficking which also affect men and boys are thriving, including trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, domestic work, removal and sale of organs, as well as begging.

Nigeria is a source, transit and destination country as far as trafficking in persons (TIP) is concerned. This modern-day slavery is, unfortunately, growing in scale and repercussions. Nigerians are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or practices similar to slavery or the removal of organs to Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa, especially those with close proximity to Europe like Libya and Morocco.

Baseline surveys conducted by WACOL found that countries of interest for Nigerians trafficked internationally from Edo State include (1) Europe: Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark and Nederland; (2) Middle East and Asia include: Malaysia, Indonesia, Asia, India, UAE/Dubai and Malta.

The root causes of trafficking include: growing poverty, youth unemployment and gender inequality, discrimination and gender-based violence, which increases the vulnerability to trafficking, especially of women and girls. The problem of human trafficking in Nigeria also touches on areas such as corruption and lack of good governance, which results in the feeling of hopelessness and the desperation to leave Nigeria by all means amongst the most at risk groups, particularly young men and women.

There is no part of the world you will not find Nigerians in a trafficking situation, including involvement in unsafe or irregular migration. It is tales of woes, for Nigerian victims/survivors of human trafficking.

As the United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, I travelled around the world galvanising support to end the ugly phenomenon of human trafficking. The backbone of my work has been to advocate for a human rights based approach to combatting trafficking. Violations of human rights, are both a cause and a consequence of trafficking in persons. Thus, efforts to combat trafficking in persons will not be effective, unless they are centred on universal respect for the human rights of all individuals, particularly trafficked persons and persons at risk of being trafficked.

Victims of trafficking suffer grave violations of their fundamental rights; therefore, it is crucial that any response to trafficking be constructed around the common goal of remedying such violations. I will never advocate enough, for the formulation and implementation of anti-trafficking cont'd on page IX

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‘Who is the Practitioner, Without a Teacher?’ cont'd from page VIII

responses based on 5Ps (protection, prosecution, punishment, prevention, promoting international cooperation and partnership), 3Rs (redress, recovery and reintegration) and 3Cs (capacity, cooperation and coordination), guided by international human rights law and standards.

The international community provided an important tool in the global fight against trafficking, by adopting the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime, in 2000, and which came into force 25th December, 2003.

It is pertinent to observe that cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders, are critical to fighting trafficking in persons. We must speak against human trafficking; collectively work to stop the trafficking and human enslavement. We must act, buy and consume services/products responsibly, demand accountability and promote and protect trafficked persons, ensuring in particular that their right to decent work and livelihood is not exploited by traffickers and their cohorts.

We must work together to stop the impunity for trafficking, and guarantee non-repetition. Prevention through awareness raising and socio-economic empowerment, is key to keeping vulnerable people from falling in the traps of traffickers. For those whose journeys took them within the claws of criminals and were able to escape, we need to guarantee access to justice without fear of reprisal, and provide them with a clear path to recovery and reintegration, while protecting their privacy for a return to normalcy without fear of stigma.

8. There seems to be a growing problem, especially with Arab countries where African women are employed as domestic workers, and some end up being raped, starved, maimed or even murdered. There was a case in Kenya, where the lady was returned to her country no longer able to speak, and it seems that her employer has been able to get away with whatever harm was done to her. What is an organisation like the UN or other NGOs doing, to bring these criminals to book?

In fact, it is tales of woes from Africans and South East Asian domestic workers who have fallen victim. It is, unfortunately, growing in scale and repercussions, despite UN Protocol to Prevent, Punish and Suppress Trafficking and the ILO Domestic Worker’s Convention, which was adopted and came into force during my tenure as the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. I had official engagements on this subject in several Arab countries, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and Turkey Although, some Arab countries have taken step to stem the this menace of gross abuses and exploitation of domestic workers, it is still not Uhuru yet.

In Philippines, during my country mission in November 2012 at the invitation of the Government, I met over 40 repatriated domestic workers victims/ survivors who narrated their ordeals in the Middle East and where they were employed as domestic workers, and were subjected to various forms of exploitation. I found that children, women and men are trafficked within the country and abroad for the purpose of sexual exploitation, including sex tourism, cybersex and pornography, forced and bonded labour, domestic servitude and organ transplantation. The high demand for female domestic workers from the Philippines and the large number of Filipinos seeking overseas employment in this sector, has led to trafficking for domestic servitude being one of the most prevalent forms of cross-border trafficking.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 1 million Filipino men and women leave the country annually to work abroad, and a total of 10 million Filipinos live and work overseas. Many of these overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), men and women, are trafficked abroad, mostly through recruitment agencies forming part of organised criminal networks and often with the help of corrupt local officials. These workers subsequently become victims of forced labour and/or debt bondage, in destination countries. The situation is similar to Nigeria, India, Thailand, Myanmar etc. The problem of exploitation of domestic workers exists, even in the diplomatic community.

The United Nations, including its agencies such as UN Human Rights, ILO have legal frameworks/ standards that hold State parties to them accountable. The Special procedure mechanism of the UN

Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN

Human Rights Council, including treaty bodies, special rapporteurs, independent experts, working groups and committees can receive communications and adjudicate on reported cases against countries, for lack of due diligence in ensuring the elimination of such exploitation of domestic workers.

There are abiding obligations on United Nations member States, including Nigeria to implement the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, as well as other core international human rights treaties. In particular to ensure full implementation of ratified ILO conventions, including No. 129 on the abolition of forced labour, No. 105 concerning forced or compulsory labour, No. 182 on worst forms of child labour and No. 189 concerning decent work for domestic workers.

In Nigeria, NAPTIP and other NGOS, including WACOL, are working in this field to ensure effective remedies to victims/survivors, especially children exploited in the house help phenomenon that is widespread in Nigeria and nothing short of child labour, abuse and exploitation. The National Industrial Court is also empowered constitutionally to enforce ILO treaties, and deal with related labour and employment disputes.

The problem is the lack of awareness, so that those affected can y and respond to violations that they have suffered. NAPTIP is doing a great job and of course, partnerships, including public and private cooperation and collaboration, is key in tackling such menaces.

9. The gruesome murder of female Lawyer, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem by Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi on Christmas Day, following the murder of Gafaru Buraimoh by Officers of the same Ajewi Police Station, Ajah as ASP Vandi, has left many in tears and anger. This is several deaths too many, as Mrs Raheem was said to be pregnant with twins. How do you think we can eradicate this ugly trend of senseless extra-judicial killings by law enforcement agents? It seems that the #EndSARS Protest of October 2020 yielded little or no results.

I strongly condemn any form of extra judicial killings and Police brutality.

It is sad that barely two years after the #EndSARS revolution that brought to light the issue of Police brutality in Nigeria, we are still dealing with such horrific cases. I served on the Police Brutality Judicial Panel of Inquiry in response to the aftermath of #EndSARS, and some of the cases that were brought to our attention still cry for justice.

Unfortunately, it has become a bazaar of

“In Africa, Nigeria is the worst country affected by trafficking….Nigerians are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or practices similar to slavery or the removal of organs to Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa, especially those with close proximity to Europe like Libya and Morocco”

impunity.

Mrs Omobolanle Raheem was a pregnant mother and Lawyer, who would have been alive today but for the indiscipline of a trigger-happy Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, who is attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State.

Indeed, we cannot continue with such inhumane, wicked, absurd, ridiculous, and barbaric acts. It is high time that people are held accountable and duly punished, to serve as a deterrent to others.

As it were, accountability for such atrocious acts is still low, and we shouldn’t make mistake to think that this is just a Police matter - it spans through the entire gamut of the security sector.

I recommend worthy collaborations of both public and private sector, that will raise accountability stake through : 1.Investigation to determine responsibility, and bring to justice all perpetrators.

2. Training and Re-training of the members of the Police Force on the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures (S.O.P).

3. Medical and Psychiatric evaluation of each member of the Nigeria Police Force to ascertain their mental position, and provide help to those that may need it.

4. Expeditious justice delivery on cases of Police brutality to support citizens confidence in the process, and restore hope to the common man.

Accountability to women and girls rights is a State responsibility, and must be implemented in accordance with regional and international standards that Nigeria has ratified. In other words, the State has an obligation to protect, respect and remedy any violation of women’s rights. It must be borne in mind that, gender inequality is both a cause and consequence of gender discrimination, sexual and gender based violence and women and girls unequal access to education, employment, resources, power etc. Importantly, despite progress made it is still a long road to gender equality and women’s struggles are at crossroads, especially given the myriad of existential problems confronting the nation-state of Nigeria.

We need to ensure the inclusion of women in all spheres of life: social, economic, political, and cultural. Poverty and lack of livelihood opportunities are exacerbating violence against women, exploitation, and abuse, including the trafficking of women and girls. For progress, more investment in women and girls, strengthening institutional mechanisms, and providing adequate resources to ensure systematic gender mainstreaming; gender justice, and accountability.

Women’s rights are under threat, and the impunity of human rights abuses against women and children must be halted. I am committed to WACOL’s vision of transforming societies, for greater respect for women’s rights. What is paramount to me is continuing my activism, using my training as a Lawyer to offer free legal aid to women and children, especially in difficult situations and in search of justice.

10. How would you rate the performance of the outgoing administration? A few days ago, it was reported in the news that the President declared during a visit to Kogi State, that his administration had delivered on its campaign promises. Do you agree?

What are your main expectations from the incoming administration?

There is no doubt that the outgoing administration recorded some milestones, but, notwithstanding, it is a far cry from the promises and vision shared, upon which they were elected in 2015. The most challenging – are insecurity, poverty and hunger in the land. The domestic debt profile by recent data, put at over N70 trillion, is mind-blowing. We are back to spending colossal amounts in servicing foreign debts. Is this sustainable? How did we get

here as a country? Is this feeding the corruption web, or judiciously used for our collective good?

The state of affairs would suggest otherwise.

In terms of unifying the country they didn’t do well, to give full effect to the constitutional provision espoused in Section 14 (3). Nepotism has been widespread, and ethnic and religious fault lines exacerbated to the detriment of the Nigeria State and peaceful co-existence and mutual development.

The restructuring the ruling party promised, never materialised. The exchange rate in 2015 when the party took the mantle of leadership and now, tells a story of creeping inflation and the sharp drop in the quality of living of Nigerians. There is no justification to have the Naira, on this type of free fall. My salary as a Professor that has reached the last step of promotion, is about Five Hundred US dollars. Yet, I’m expected to invest in research, scholarship and teaching.

I always give the example of South Africa.

I visited SA first in 1998, when I took our law students to a Moot Court Competition that took place in Mozambique. We transited through South Africa, and I stopped over on the return leg in Johannesburg. I recall that the exchange rate then was 9 rand to one USD. Recently, in November 2022 when I traveled to Cape Town, SA, it was about 14 rand to one USD. And, over the years due to my work, I travel a lot to South Africa on academic exchange visits and other networks of Africans working in the human rights and development arena. It has not gone up to 20 or beyond in the last twenty years plus - that’s a country with an economy- juxtapose this with the Nigeria’s situation.

Anyway, the problem is multi-faceted and a reflection of decades of not doing the right thing, and allowing ethnicity and religion to impact on our democracy and development. It didn’t start with this regime, and it will be unfair to place all the blame on them. However, the legitimate expectations of Nigerians and the high goodwill and trust in the person of the President, were really squandered.

There is nowhere in the world where you have people in every nook and cranny, dollar hawkers/ money exchange. In fact, before you find where to exchange money in SA, it must be a bank or the few national and international Exchange Bureaus, unlike Nigeria. Importantly, they will make copies of the dollar you are changing.

My expectations from a new Government come May/June 2023, is for them to build on good policies and programmes of President Buhari, and also be prompt to put reverse others that are counterproductive. The education and health sectors, need to be prioritised.

The unity of the country has never been challenged, as it has never been since the civil war. So, urgent priority should be placed on unifying the country, restoring security, inclusive governance, economy, fast tracking human and capital infrastructural development. Importantly, ensuring participation of all geopolitical zones in Government, providing safe schools for our children, our economy is in shambles and extreme poverty has become pervasive.

This is evidenced by recent statistics.

The World Bank estimates that around 8.5% of the world's population (685 million people) could be extremely poor by the end of 2022. According to a report launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Bureau of Statistics, about 63% of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are multidimensionally poor.

The incoming government should invest in digitalisation, especially creating more opportunities and platforms for talented youths to display their innovations and ideas, to solve problems on the national and international spaces.

Thank you Learned Silk.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY

Ethics and Discipline in Law: Akin to Waiting for Godot (Part 7) The Legal Profession and the Society (Continues) Introduction ccording to the very erudite and distinguished Judge, Hon. Justice I. C. Pats-Acholonu, JSC, CON of blessed memory: ‘The Lawyer of the 21st century should be astute enough to defend the rights of man. The rights are fundamental because they were not given by men, but by God. It is the duty of the Lawyers, to watch the observance of these rights with eagle eyes. It is therefore, evident that, a modern Lawyer should be everything to everybody. His learning, his experience in human psychology, his understanding and appreciation of the frailties of mankind, will bring to bear on the problems that are bound to arise in future, as the society becomes more and more complex.’ On this note, we shall continue our discourse on this issue.

A

The Legal Profession, Ethics and Values We live in a society full of people like Pozzo: people who are leaders, but are blind and forgetful. These are the people leading and enslaving some people in our society. The goal of these people is obviously to profit from the voiceless and helpless people, like Lucky. This is the society in which legal practitioners in Nigeria live. The legal practitioner is a person whose mind has been renewed. He lives in a society that is subjugated and helpless. However, he is not helpless. He is learned, and has been equipped with the tool to help the society in which he lives.

In the practice of law, a Lawyer has a responsibility to uphold and observe the rule of law, promote and foster the cause of justice, maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and not to engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner. This is the general responsibility of a Lawyer. If a lawyer succeeds in everything, but fails in this responsibility, he has failed woefully, and his success in other areas will amount to a nullity. The legal profession is a calling. It is about service, and how the Lawyer renders this service is regulated by the Legal Practitioners Act 1990 and the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007. It is therefore, a breach of professional ethics to act contrary to these rules.

A discussion on the importance of ethics of the legal profession cannot be considered, without making reference to the rules provided for in the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).

Rule 1 of the Legal Practitioners’ Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) provides as follows: “A Lawyer shall uphold and observe the rule of law, promote and foster the cause of justice, maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and shall not engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner”.

The purpose and relevance of RPC was stated in the case of IKEME v ANAKWE (2003) 10 N.W.L.R. 548 C.A, where the Court of Appeal held that: “The rules of conduct in the legal

profession, are designed to protect and preserve the high standard of professional ethics at the Bar”.

Rule 30 of the RPC also provides that: “A Lawyer is an officer of the court and, accordingly, he shall not obstruct, delay or adversely affect the administration of justice”.

Sequel to the provisions of the RPC and other relevant regulatory authorities guiding the ethical conduct of Lawyers, the duties of a legal practitioner in Nigeria can be distilled into three distinct parts: the duties owed to his client; the duties owed to the court; and the duties owed the other Counsel. Let us touch on these duties.

Duties of Counsel to His Client This is the ultimate duty of any Counsel, as an Advocate. Before an Advocate can be held to be lawfully and properly performing his duties to his clients, the mandate of his client to him must always remain intact and in exercise of his apparent authority.

He must demonstrate that the best interest of his client, is always uppermost in his mind. See the case of NNPC v TRINITY MILLS INSURANCE BROKERS (2003) 9 N.W.L.R. 384 CA. A Counsel is a Minister in the temple of justice, and an officer of the court. Let me state that, this duty imposes the obligation on Counsel appearing in court as a Minister of Justice, to honestly disclose

“Devotion to the cause of the client, is an obligation that the Lawyer owes his client. This devotion must be carried out energetically, and with expertise.…where a Lawyer’s devotion to the cause of his client clashes with the rule of law, the rule of law shall prevail”

all facts favourable and unfavourable, as doing so will assist and guide the court in the judicious discharge of its judicial functions.

The point must be emphasised however, that as much as the Judex cannot speculate, so also must the Bar not put the Bench in a state of factual uncertainties of material facts in the case. See generally the case of UMAR v FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA & ORS (2020) LPELR – 5252449 SC. Clients sustain legal practice. Without them, what a Lawyer has is a mere wig to cover his head and a gown to cover his body. The client is the person that perfects the brief of the Lawyer, and he is the person whose cause a Lawyer promotes. By virtue of Section 14(1) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, it is provided that: “It is the duty of a Lawyer to devote his attention, energy and expertise to the service of his client and, subject to any rule of law, to act in a manner consistent with the best interest of the client.”

The key words/phrases in Rule 14 above are “devotion”, “attention”, “energy”, “expertise”, “rule of law”, “consistence” and the “best interest of the client.”

Devotion to the cause of the client, is an obligation that the Lawyer owes his client. This devotion must be carried out energetically, and with expertise. It is not enough to work, or report for duty. How are you carrying out the instruction of the client? Deploying expertise includes carrying out the instructions of the client, in accordance with the laid down rules and principles of law. An expert should do an appraisal of a case, and advise the client accordingly. Devotion to the cause of the client is not without any limitation: it is subject to the rule of law. Thus, where a Lawyer’s devotion to the cause of his client clashes with the rule of law, the rule of law shall prevail.

A Lawyer must always act within the bounds of the law, and his devotion to

the cause of the client is subservient to his devotion to the rule of law.

In the case of ADEWUNMI v PLASTEX (NIG) LTD (1986) LPELR-164, the Supreme Court, per Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, JSC (later CJN), held, at pages 34 – 35 that: “… There is no doubt that, a counsel is duty bound to present his client’s case with utmost devotion. But, such devotion must be coloured with professional discretion. In other words, counsel must be the master in the conduct of his client’s case, and should not be dictated to by his client as to how to conduct the case. … In the judicial forum, the client is entitled to expect his Lawyer to assert every such remedy or defence. It must however, be borne in mind that, the great trust of the Lawyer is to be performed within and not without the bounds of the law. The office of a Lawyer does not permit, much less does it demand of him for any client, violation of law or any manner of fraud or chicanery.

He must obey his own conscience, and not that of his client. …”.

Similarly, in the case of DARIYE v FRN (2015) LPELR-24398(SC), per Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, JSC, held at page 37 that: “… Lawyers are engaged, to espouse the case of their clients. It is a monopoly, and they should bear in mind that like all monopolies, their conducts are subject to strict rules of accountability for adherence to set ethical standards. They can fight the cause of their clients, but as Lawyers they must act within the rules regarding ethical conduct. They owe a duty to their client, but they owe a higher duty to a higher cause-the cause of justice. …”

Further, Rules 16 of the RPC provides that a Lawyer shall not: a. handle a legal matter which he knows or ought to know that he is not competent to handle, without associating with him a Lawyer who is competent to handle it, unless the client objects; b. handle a legal matter without adequate preparation; c. neglect a legal matter entrusted to him; or d. Attempt to exonerate himself from or limit his liability to his client for his personal malpractice or professional misconduct.

The cases cited above, are judicial restatements on how a Lawyer should conduct the case of his client. A Lawyer’s devotion to the cause, is not limited to judicial forum.

Solicitors must also act within the confines of the law, and their work must demonstrate industry and expertise. It is a breach of professional ethics to write an incoherent letter on behalf of a client, as the said act does not promote the image of the legal profession.

Rather, it is denting it. A legal practitioner is a representative of the legal profession.

He is the image of the body he is part of, and his work either brightens or corrodes the image of the profession. That is why the Rule 14 of the RPC calls for devotion and attention to the services of a client, and in a manner consistent with the interest of the client.

The Lawyer and the Court A Lawyer owes certain duties to the court, the aim of which is to maintain the dignity of the court, the Judge or Magistrate, and the profession. The Bar and the Bench are partners in progress. In UBA v TAAN (1993) 4 NWLR ( pt 287) 373 at 380-381, Niki Tobi, JCA (as he then was) stressed as follows: “…. I would like to say that in the judicial process both the counsel and the court are joint parties (partners) in the search for justice, the bedrock of any legal system built on the tenet of democracy and the rule of law.... And, that is why they are joint parties (partners) in progress, though not in the sense of corporate entity…” (To be continued).

XI

TUESDAY, ͹͸˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPECIALINTERVIEW

Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim: Nigeria Needs a CEO, Not a Commanderin-Chief, to Rebuild Nation

Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, the presidential standard-bearer of the Young Progressives Party in the forthcoming February 25 election, has expansive solutions to Nigeria’s perennial crises. He believes Nigeria needs a builder, a visionary, a thinker and a global citizen. In this interview with Bayo Akinloye, he stresses that the country needs a “CEO of the federal republic of Nigeria, someone seasoned in building, creating, developing and growing our nation like a Fortune 500 company, rather than a politician who’s there to service his party and his personal ambition.” He also bares his mind on the recent bomb explosion that rocked the palace of the revered Kogi monarch, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim. Excerpts: You’re the presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP). Why YPP and not Labour Party, APC or PDP considered bigger political platforms with the national spread in terms of support base? joined YPP because I believe that the party had similar ideologies to those that I relate with, and I believe that political parties should be symbolised by ideology and not just a platform to run for office. The so-called bigger parties have failed Nigeria since 1999. If you look at where we were and where we are today. So for that reason, I don’t see why I should sell my soul. I can’t just join a party because it was or is a larger platform. If we don’t learn from the examples of the past, we will never know where our future lies. To be more specific, APC and PDP were the only large parties and large only in the sense that they had been more seasoned. The emergence of the Labour Party is really due to the fact that individuals, not ideology, had moved from one party to another, which created the illusion of a larger party. For me, the ideologies of all three parties that you have mentioned are all the same, and as far as I am concerned, it is not for the betterment of Nigeria.

It’s for the betterment of self and individuals that want to wield power further into the next decade.

I

Much has been said about your tenacity as a successful businessman but do you think engaging in politics is the same kettle of fish as sitting atop a firm as CEO?

If I’m being judged on my tenacity, those doing the judgment should also realise that I am not an individual that focuses on one single dimension in life; neither am I somebody who believes that (the) impossible is something to fear. I believe (the) impossible is nothing but a challenge others fear, and for that, people call me tenacious. Yes, politics is not the same as business. But are we really being political in Nigeria? As I said, ideologies are important as we strive for change in our nation.

What does your party stand for is the question, and does your candidate embody those ideas and ideals? I do not see a difference between any of the parties, other than people transferring themselves, cross carpeting for their own good and not for the greater good of the country. This is (the) politics of self, not (the) politics of nation-building.

Furthermore, I firmly believe that in the current state of the nation, Nigeria needs a builder, a visionary, a thinker and, especially now, a global citizen. We need a CEO of the federal republic of Nigeria, someone seasoned in building, creating, developing and growing our nation like a Fortune 500 company, rather than a politician who’s there to service his party and his personal ambition. We, Nigeria, have done just this for over 30 years and failed. It’s about time we decided that enough is enough, and we pick somebody that’s focused on the development of Nigeria rather than the devaluation of the nation. We need a CEO, not a C-in-C (commander-in-chief). That time has

passed us by.

So, why do you want to be Nigeria’s president come May 29 this year, and what do you intend to do differently regarding the country’s economic and security challenges?

Being president by nomenclature is not what I am trying to be. I strive to take a leadership role as the head of the country; as I have always said, a leader that plots and plans ways and means that will see us as a united country, developing faster, quicker smarter and better than we have over the last 30 years. I see the practical processes necessary to more than double our GDP into a trillion-dollar-plus economy. I would certainly upgrade and reform our wasted oil and gas mono-economy that feeds only government and diversify into a substantially different economic model. We have developed plans on expanding our economic base beyond the present stagnant model. We know we can supercharge our industrial base with greater urgency on electrical power generation as a cornerstone of our development.

I know we can build a minimum of 10,000MW annually of connected power into towns and cities starting after the first year in office. Not only will this have the desired industrial boost, but (it will) also create tremendous jobs growth and a substantial multiplier effect on many levels nationally.

I know how to develop modern farming

complexes that will certainly surpass the meaningless and archaic agro and allied industries (that) past and present governments have been simply talking about. They say agriculture without practice or expertise. That is what I bring to the table—real-life experience and a track record, home and abroad.

The sheer magnitude of Nigeria’s mining sector has been completely underestimated and underrated.

In fact, the mining sector itself could easily develop a $1 trillion economy over the next two to three years by focusing its intention not just solely on the extraction mining aspect but also on creating value-added (services) through beneficiation of the mined resources into highly valuable ores or even further into finished goods. Nigeria has a terrific amount of lithium, cobalt uranium, gold, iron ore, bauxite, precious and semi-precious stones, rhodium and rare earth products that lie untouched and underutilised throughout Nigeria.

As far as this topic of security is concerned, is important to note that we have not had a major security retool in Nigeria in decades. We have become totally transparent and predictable in our military footing. We didn’t rise to meet the challenges of the future in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, so this is why we are sitting on a 1980s security footing in 2023. My administration will carefully execute a plan that I have diligently worked on over the last five years. I believe that Continued on page xii

XII

TUESDAY, ͹͸˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

Unlike YPP, APC, Labour Party And PDP Don’t Have Ideology in the recently completed World Cup, I believe the Saudi team got onto that field knowing that they could, a big could. I believe they knew they were in a contest, and as the match progressed, as the goals went their way, their belief grew stronger, and David eventually slew Goliath. I was always told during my days (of) racing cars that ‘in order to finish first, first you have to finish...’ so with this in mind, the winning post it’s not what happens after February 25 2023, but what strength I’m able to gather for my party, YPP. For the teeming youth of this country as they come to realise that there are political options and that there are leaders willing to carry them along; men and women, Christians, and Muslims. This we must strive to do and toil for as we build a better, more glorious Nigeria. I don’t need to make a name for myself in politics. I am grateful to God that I’ve already built one and I already come from the already substantially recognised Atta family dynasty, one that is amply represented by past generations and ancestors. I simply believe that by having that historical context as my backstop, I can help build a better country for all of us.

the current military architecture consists of more of the old and less of the new, in all measures, from men to doctrine, platforms and tools, to equipment and execution. I believe we need to encourage and recruit a younger modern generation of soldiers and security agents. Personnel that are very well educated, modern in their thinking, creative in their expertise, patriotic and diverse in their thinking. We must grow stronger, especially around sectors like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned vehicle proficiency on land, air and at sea. It is globally accepted that Nigeria’s teeming youth have what it takes to be world leaders in the hi-tech age, which is another reason why we need a young, dynamic, visionary leader in Nigeria. One that will be able to bring out the very best of these tens of millions of Nigerians, not just for security reasons but also for visionary leadership that recognises, prepares and provides ample opportunity for these young people to become world leaders from the various opportunities open to us on the global stage in the fourth industrial revolution. There are certainly already glorious examples of these brilliant young minds leading Nigeria, Africa, and the world in various technological disciplines.

Security also doesn’t just mean weapons of war and soldiers. We also have to think of the word security in global and holistic terms: digital security, economic security, food security, national security, border security, and cyber security. And as the CEO of Nigeria, Inc., my ideal position would be that I must secure, in all ways possible, the people, the resources and the integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so help me God. Let’s dwell for a moment on security, and it is fitting to cite the example of a recent bomb explosion in Kogi state from where you hail.

On December 29, an explosion was recorded in Okene, not far from the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. The Kogi government claimed it was a bomb attack likely orchestrated by disgruntled politicians. However, the SSS said it had apprehended the masterminds of the bomb explosion. Charity begins from home; how do you intend to tackle security in your home state?

First of all, for full disclosure to your readers, I am the second son of His Royal Majesty the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. I would also like to state that my family and I were deeply saddened by the loss of life that took place at the bombing on 29 December, and the prayers go out to the families of the deceased and those injured that day. There was also a tremendous amount of damage not just at the palace and in the mosque but also in residential homes in the vicinity of the blast. I certainly hope that the state government is considerate enough to assist those homeowners in repairing the damage of the blast and providing medical assistance to the injured. Now I have certain observations of what happened on 29 December, and I’ve also gone public with my thoughts. I believe that it was a reckless disregard for the safety of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as he visited the state to commission certain projects that the governor was so eager to present to Mr President.

In any nation, a society that values the office of the president, the society that values the life of its citizens, such an event would have been cancelled, and the visit of Mr President would have been immediately cut short due to the clear and present danger. That a bomb detonated less than 200m from where he was to attend an event is even incredible. So to me, it is evident that the president’s security was either compromised or, more drastically, that bomb was some kind of a deliberate act. The initial narrative given to the Presidential Guard was that a transformer had exploded. Being so close to the event’s location, I would have expected that a security detail would have gone to verify that that was indeed the case.

The extent of the incident would have also been very evident, indicating that a major explosive device had caused death and destruction. For me, that was a serious breach of security protocol. However, within 24 hours the narrative had changed, from an exploded transformer. The state government put out a press release that its security operators had been tracking politically misguided elements, and we’re fully aware of the situation. That in itself is a damning admission, but as if that wasn’t even enough, the third narrative was that DSS had apprehended an ISWAP cell in Kogi state that was responsible. For me, I am completely and utterly disgusted by the notion that over the last five or six years, my beloved state has become a hotbed of criminality, bloodshedding, kidnapping, assassinations and a number of dastardly deeds.

As this is an election year and elections only being less than 45 days from now, it is with full reasoning that a thorough spotlight and security spotlight be put into troubled states like Kogi state. If the shenanigans of December 29 can be done while the commanderin-chief of the armed forces is in that state, then no one can take their security for granted.

It is alleged that the bomb explosion was not targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari, who was visiting Kogi then to inaugurate some projects executed by Governor Yahaya Bello. Do you think your father, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, was the target? Or some members of the royal family?

Or could you be the target?

There certainly have been rumours and conjecture about who the target was. I guess we will really never know, but there’s too much circumstantial evidence pointing towards foul play in all directions. Of late, there has been a widely circulated leaked letter from the state government asking my father to present reasons why he did not attend the presidential visit

Ado-Ibrahim on December 29 and a query as to why he shouldn’t be disciplined. Now you don’t need to be Einstein or even the smartest man in the room to realise that the bomb had just exploded an hour before the president’s visit. My father’s palace was damaged, people had died, and properties were destroyed, not to mention the shock and confusion created by such an attack. But the state government, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that the oldest living monarch in the land, at 93 years old, should be agile and mobile enough to witness such damage, commiserates with his people, sympathise with those who have lost their loved ones, assess the damage to his palace. All within an hour, he must now attend to the visit of Mr President, who is also a close friend of his. This could not be done even by a 43-year-old. Not only this, the governor had publicly told Mr President that my father was unavoidably absent because of illness, and a representative had been sent to the event to read a speech on my father’s behalf. This last part is laughable because he was not even invited to the event or given notice officially of any gathering ordered by the governor of the state. Notwithstanding, the tension in the state, politically, has been considerable. When the chief executive of the state publicly announces that any traditional ruler that accepts any visits from non-ruling party candidates will be dethroned.

Political parties are frustrated with their activities.

We have seen what happened to the Labour Party’s presidential candidate on his visit to the state and the threats and damage done to the PDP senatorial candidate, not to mention the restrictions from even someone like myself, a presidential candidate from the state, one can only begin to wonder what the true state of democracy is in Kogi state and Nigeria as a whole. To me, democracy, freedom of speech, and freedom of association are what have been targeted, not any individual. The worst part of all this is that we all know they will get away with it, so what to do?

Has your father faced such an existential threat before, or have you ruffled feathers in running for president and supporting the ruling party?

Well, I certainly cannot see why all of a sudden, we are to believe that my candidacy has ruffled feathers. YPP has been a growing strength since I emerged as the presidential candidate, but I don’t see how or why that would cause any sane person to take such drastic actions. Furthermore, my father has been The paramount traditional ruler of the Ebira people for over 27 years, and

it’s only in the last five that we have seen a crescendo of blatant disrespect and disregard for this traditional institution that he holds very dear and is very reverent to. For me, I believe all traditional stools have been under attack, and the events in Kano a few years ago have only emboldened governors to play and tease traditional rulers with dethronement for whatever whims or insecurities the executive leader may have. This is the gradual disintegration of all our traditional values that we hold dear as Africans.

The onslaught of traditional versus state institutions has been enormous. I believe that we have to re-examine the role of the traditional institutions in Nigeria. I believe that these institutions play a vital role, yet to be appreciated by today’s governments, but highly revered by our colonial past. I believe the traditional rulers play a vital part in the security and intelligence gathering of the African culture. They live amongst the people and have enough granular intelligencegathering methods that can be fed to state and federal mechanisms for safety and security. I believe that this would be one immediate action I would pursue in a government led by me so that the laws could be changed and the mighty values that our traditional institutions still possess can be appreciated by all Nigerian citizens. In doing, so, I believe I would reconstitute the full national traditional rulers council and abrogate any disturbances from the institutions of (the) state. Certainly, there are laws that can be used for renegade rulers, but it’s fair to say that Nigerians love their monarchs, and they, the rulers, symbolize everything that is great about our Traditional values. As we weave this mosaic tapestry called Nigeria for now and for future generations, let’s always remember where we come from so that we can know where we are going and how far we have come.

Let’s go back to your presidential hope, which will either be realised or dashed come February 25. Are you convinced you will win the presidential race, or you’re into it to make a name for yourself?

I don’t think my position as a young independent Presidential candidate can be seen as a failure in the circumstances that we are in, in Nigeria today. Walking a path less travelled requires hope, belief, fortitude, and a desire to lead those behind me to a better place. As I always say, the journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step. I believe that as much as everybody wants to be a winner, being prepared to win at all times is good personal doctrine. For example, When Argentina played Saudi Arabia

Last October, your party leadership stopped short of saying you were not serious about galvanising needed support and momentum for the presidential poll, issuing you a summons.

Would you admit to having a sluggish start to the race regarding campaigning?

No, I certainly don’t believe that. I haven’t done anything that can be construed as being unsupportive to my party. I believe that under normal circumstances, YPP should have been a party with the momentum that the Labour Party is enjoying today. I joined the party in October 2021. It did not have a strong political presence, (and) it did not have a continued voice because the last flag bearer of the party did what every other disgruntled political aspirant or candidate does. He did not see the future in the party and decided to leave and seek greener pastures. I believe if he had stayed in the party, we might have built something quite sensational together today. In fact, we may have even had the dream team ticket.

Notwithstanding, for me joining a political party the way I found it, and with the promise that I see in it and its leadership, requires that I am faithful to the cause and have the presence of mind and the vision to help build this great party into the future. I’m not a flash in the pan but a constant flame that can build a better and brighter Nigeria by galvanising that which the party stands for: Youth and Progressiveness.

To me, Nigeria has no opposition party. That is a bold and obvious statement. There are no ideological differences, just symbols and fashion statements. There certainly isn’t any differential political mantra amongst the older parties in Nigeria. The current large parties are simply clusters of men and women seeking the instruments of power under a platform, in fact, any platform that will give them a presence and platform.

This is not politics. This is simply musical chairs of a political nature.

I also believe that there is no way on earth for a young New party to have the kind of engine needed to fight the existing political machinery of these large parties. YPP stands for something in my heart and mind, and I believe that, since I have never been in politics, taken public funds, or generated incredible wealth at the expense of the people of this great country, I must cut my coat according to my size.

I must use every advantage that I have against my opponents. And I must play my game, not the expected games of politicians past. With INEC extending the political campaign season by two months into a five-month political season, it would be absolutely insane of me to think I have the financial wherewithal to play against those that have been playing this game for the last 30 years. Furthermore, with the state of the economy, it is clear to see that the other parties have also not engaged in political business as usual. 2023 will certainly prove that Nigerian politics needs to become more ideological than transactional or commercial. Therefore, taking my time to place my bets where they may best yield results could be seen as being sluggish by some, but at the end of the day, I don’t intend to play my cards and leave the political table anytime soon.

Some things the YPP leadership wanted you to address were your ‘blueprint and a comprehensive campaign plan going into the 2023 presidential election for speedy harmonisation to avoid working at cross purposes’. What is your blueprint for the forthcoming poll?

This I can categorise as an unfortunate misunderstanding that was made public. As I stated earlier, I believe I needed to take all the time necessary to calculate the moves I needed to make. I needed to bring onboard strategic thinkers, not political jobbers, and to create an environment not just for today but a sustainable one for the tomorrows to come. My manifesto, which was one of the first to come out, clearly highlighted the strategic planning that we had in place for this great country. Once we flagged off the campaign, I believe that the party hierarchy and well-meaning party faithful came to a meeting of the minds, and we are seeing the fruits of that labour. I don’t believe that David hastily picked up that stone that slew Goliath. I believe he will have searched for the right kind of stone and prayed for the aim to be true in order to deliver that fateful blow. We must also realise that the fight between the tribes of David and Goliath didn’t just happen on that day. It had built to a crescendo for that date to happen, and I firmly believe that YPP’s day will surely come.

XIII

TUESDAY, ͹͸˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

Nigerians Must Reject Corrupters-in-Chief Masquerading As Presidential Candidates Without the war chest of parties like the PDP, APC and Labour Party, how do you intend to gain further ground ahead of the February 25 contest?

When we realise that the battle is amongst former governors and a former vice president, it doesn’t take much to imagine from where most of that war chest would have come. As I previously stated, I have not been in government. I have not run a state nor been in any of the corridors of power in Nigeria. I have not amassed wealth through politics, I have not generated wealth through state capture, nor have I participated in any government contracts or tender to gain financial independence. Not having political people in high places is certainly detrimental to doing business in Nigeria, so I take it as a badge of honour that I don’t have questionable resources from prior political life, nor have I gained any advantage from having a father, who was a politician or a godfather, who is a politician.

You’re 59; 47 years of those years were spent outside Nigeria. Don’t you think you have stayed too long away from home and perhaps out of touch with the country’s realities?

Actually, I don’t think that there is any way one can judge when would be an appropriate time to get into politics. I believe it’s something you feel. I believe it is something you have ingrained in your soul or in your mind. I believe you must want to do something for your country and for your people. I don’t believe I’m out of touch with anything that I’ve seen since coming back home. I believe Nigeria has been in a repetitive tailspin for the last 30 years, and I believe that I bring fresh, new ideas to this race. I believe I’ve gained experiences and exposure that are far beyond those of my competitors. I believe that I have a modern outlook on life and the big wide world that we live in, and I believe that Nigeria has a place in that world. However, this requires that somebody like myself, someone that has the vision, knowledge, experience and know-how, must forge that path for the greater good and future of Nigeria.

Some might think you should have started your political career by contesting the governorship election. What do you think about that?

Well. That’s a shame that some might think that. I see a tomorrow that is unspoiled. I am untouched by corruption, nepotism, political favouritism, avarice or malice. These are some of the qualities of the leader we need in order for him to guide us out of this mess we are in. We need a nation builder that will focus on the task ahead and get the job done. We don’t want a leader that has had to make deals so that his leadership role is compromised by puppet strings, all in the hope of becoming president of Nigeria. We just cannot afford to have an imbecile as president. We cannot afford to have a corrupter-in-chief as president. We cannot afford to have a bigot as president. We cannot afford to have a hungry man in our kitchen. We’re at the precipice of very troubling times ahead in Nigeria. We know the problems, yet, We are being pushed to choose from individuals that have let us down before. We just cannot afford to be blind, desperate, and want to select a blind man to lead us. It is high time leadership was chosen from the content of one’s mind and heart rather than one’s wallet and ambition. Nobody contesting this office has ever been the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria before. No one has ever been responsible for the well-being of over 200 million people before. No one has ever been responsible to build up such a fallen economy as we have now in this great country before. So we cannot hold the yardstick of past political position as the litmus test for presidential elections. After all, all those so-called experienced persons left office some time ago. The world and the times have changed. Every one of us running believes we bring something of value to the table, but we must also bring two things that I believe are paramount to moving this great nation forward; patriotism and vision.

Insecurity and economic crisis have combined in Nigeria to plunge as many people as you can think of into poverty, as the National Bureau of Statistics reveals. In what specific ways will you address these two issues?

Unfortunately, the next president inherits a mammoth task ahead. The double threat of insecurity and economic collapse, also coupled with a high unemployment rate and out-of-hand inflation, will create significant hurdles for the next president. However, I believe that it is important that it is those skill sets I have, of being a creator, an innovator, a visionary and a patriot, that give me the confidence needed to fight these astronomical hurdles on behalf of my great country. I believe that the strategic planning that is needed to succeed is ready. We have already started working on an economic recovery plan that is firmly rooted In the redistribution of financial resources and economic and financial growth revenue generation away from the oil and gas sector as we know it today.

As the leader of a country with over 200 million people, a renowned base of Nigerian technological ingenuity in almost every field, cheap labour cost, first-class climate economy opportunities and a young, growing labour force, I’m confident that as CEO of Nigeria, Inc. I will create a master plan, a marshall plan for the re-growth and regeneration of Nigeria.

This will be done by creating an exceptional enabling environment for all-round growth, which will. Be grounded on a bedrock of growing and visionary, planned sustainable development. I will also be sending

out a signal to all well-meaning Nigerians to come home to help right this national ship. I don’t believe that we are looking disaster in the face. I believe that we are actually staring down at the opportunities in the making.

We can use these building blocks and opportunities to redefine Nigeria and our economy. It’s a chance to retool our nation and extract the best in human resources, natural resources, and climate resources, with the aim of making Nigeria great. I have served in many countries as a security advisor, and I know that we have the resources necessary to defend our country and provide military and paramilitary organisations with the right kind of tools and technology. This is an industry that I excel in, and I am confident that with the rudimentary elements on the ground and the vision and experience that I have, not only will I change the landscape of the security footing we are in, but I will create the template for sustainable and measurable security implementation for decades to come.

Earlier, mention was made about your party not being fully convinced about your preparedness for the presidential race. Are you now adequately prepared enough for the February 25 poll? Again, we ask you: how confident are you that you’ll win the presidential election?

Only a fool can say he is confident in winning the polls come February 25. After all, the people have not spoken yet. We hear of all these so-called polls, giving a win to this person or that person.

The reality is that Nigerians have not voted. Polls are impractical and useless in Nigeria. The reality is we don’t know how many people will actually vote because of widespread voter apathy. We don’t know how many PVCs will actually be excepted during this upcoming voting exercise due to BIVAS. In 2019, 86 million people were registered to vote, and only 28 million people voted in total. That means 56 million people did not even cast a vote. The winner registered 15 million odd votes; the second place registered 12

or 13 million votes, and the third place had 114 thousand votes. Any politician that is confident that he can surpass those numbers and guarantee a win today is simply delusional. I am in the race to win, and it is up to the voters to select who they want to lead them for the next four years. After all, if it was all so predictable, we would be seeing such high drama by those who believe this was a do-or-die affair.

What do you think INEC and the incumbent government should do to ensure the election is free, fair, peaceful and credible?

I have no doubt that there are elements within the political systems that are trying to figure out how to cheat and create havoc during these upcoming elections. It is too late in the day to start proffering solutions to INEC, and we don’t have enough security agents to secure our polling units. However, the government must put a grande show a force. We must also provide comfort and security to every man and woman that wants to cast their vote, to feel secure and free to do so by any means necessary. Above all, the most direct threat to our democracy is the sale of one’s vote for (a) pittance. As usual, a meagre sum will be paid for four years of poverty and degradation in Nigeria. We need to vote smart in February 2023.

Will you congratulate the winner if you lose?

Absolutely once the system has declared a winner, who am I not congratulate my new president at that point? I know for sure that with the egos and personalities bruised, we will witness wholesale rancour and disagreement, which will eventually lead to legal battles. I just pray that we don’t descend into physical battles just because of elections.

About the Nigerian youths, there’s the claim that their philosophy is superficial and generally materialistic. At a point, they have been described as ‘lazy’. What do you see when you consider the Nigerian youths?

What message do you have for them beyond the 2023 general elections?

We talk about the youth as if they were some abstract, independent, singular entity, when, in reality, they are a diverse, multicultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious group of people that politically get identified as youths in Nigeria. I just feel that the youth of Nigeria do not realise their true value. I believe they have been deceived into mediocrity in our nation’s political machinery. I believe they have been deceived by our elders, our religious groups and educators. I believe that the Nigerian condition has found its way into the psyche of the youth of our nation, and the youth, in general, believe the government is only out for themselves and not for the people.

If the youth of Nigeria became a movement with even 50 per cent of its constituents voting consciously for a better country, then we would see a miracle on the African continent and a tsunami of change throughout the whole of Africa. But those that want to stay in power and maintain their leverage, even in 2023, those that have had the steering wheel of Nigeria firmly seized in their hands, still want to play with our resources and continue to impoverish a nation of 200 million people for selfish gain.

Unless that sleeping giant is awoken and that ‘youth movement’ is ignited, I’m sad to say that after the next four years, we will be talking about exactly the same thing; repeating the cycle of insanity by doing the same thing over and over again and looking for a different result.

Nigerian youth; men, women, boys, girls, Christians, Muslims, and all citizens that want a better country: you need to realise that when they want votes, the old politicians call on the youth. When they want to go to war, the old politicians call out the youth.

When it’s time to build, the old politicians call out the youth. But, when it comes time to share money, they don’t call out to youth. They restock their pockets for the next election. Wake up, Nigeria!

It is not uncommon that some electoral candidates disappear from the political scene once their ambitions are not realised. Should Nigerians expect to see more of you beyond the presidential race in case you didn’t win?

As I said earlier, I believe in political ideology. I believe that I am where I am for good reasons. I believe in the YPP, the young progressives’ mandate. I believe that 75 per cent of this country needs representation in order to create a better and brighter future. I believe that we have a duty to be politically aware of the democracy we have, as failure to do so is why we are a failing nation today.

Tell us about your Reset Nigeria Initiative.

I started the reset Nigeria initiative before even thinking about getting involved directly in politics. Its birth originated as an idea with the singular mission of encouraging young Nigerians to get involved in politics and leadership in the country. I registered this initiative in 2017 and began developing it through the 2019 electoral process and made it a cornerstone of my political involvement in 2021. The goals were simple., We wanted Nigerian youth not to be ignorant of their rights, not to take for granted their ability to vote and their vote, to take stock of who we are and what we are as Nigerians, and above all, to love and respect the values of the flag, and the nation that we represent, with unity and faith, peace and progress. I’m a firm believer in patriotism, justice and the rule of law, and I believe the Reset Nigeria Initiative embodies these elements wholeheartedly.

Ado-Ibrahim

On a last note, can you tell Nigerians why you’re the best candidate for the job of Mr President and that you’re better than Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu, Omoyele Sowore, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, et al.?

I think that at this point in time, we have to realise that it cannot be business as usual at the ballot box.

The old adage ‘cometh the hour, come with the man’ is very apt. I believe I am the best applicant for the soon-to-be vacant job of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To break this down even more significantly, I believe the times really need a man of the times, and I believe I fit the bill, a square in a square peg. So to define that more clearly, in the age of technology, in the digital age, and in the age of the fourth industrial revolution, Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in any way, shape or form.

Putting an old hat on the young head will certainly not fit the bill now. I believe that the aspirations of young Nigerians can best be met by me. I have Built technology companies. I have built military and security platforms and companies. I have a global footprint. I have international credentials, I speak the global language of peace and empathy, and above all, I have a great understanding of the climate economy that is coming.

Nigeria has 18 candidates that are interviewing for the job of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In fact, the job of the leader of Africa, and I know that now is the time for us to set an example. Rather than for us to follow the anaemic, predictable African blueprint, one that puts an old man in the leadership of a young, dynamic people and expect nothing but the same sorry excuses. I challenge Nigerians to have faith and break the cycle of madness by putting a young, visionary, exposed, dynamic intellectual leader at the helm of affairs and watch over the next four years how incredibly fast and exciting our future will look like. That is why I am presenting myself as the best candidate for the job of president of the federal republic of Nigeria.

XIV

TUESDAY, ͹͸˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

Intercourse Outside Marriage Is Sinful R

ecently, a celebrity couple broke up and one of the parties involved decided to kiss and tell, or more precisely, to tell about the lack of kisses while the relationship lasted.

And her revelations have set off a storm, with many pundits opining about the propriety of sexual abstinence until marriage.

Ordinarily, I would not want to write about this, but for the fact that some decidedly non-scriptural views have been projected to the public and labelled as the view of the Jewish and Christian faiths.

To start with, let me clarify that there are huge differences amongst the following: a marriage, a betrothal, and an engagement.

And all three are also different from concubinage and extra-marital affairs.

A marriage is a union between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all other persons. It is an institution that is the foundation of family law, and you can only end a marriage either with death, or divorce.

A betrothal on the other hand, is an incomplete marriage. In Jewish and Occidental culture, a betrothal is a contract to enter into a marriage between a man and a woman. It is seen as an incomplete marriage, because everything that entails in a marriage also entails in a betrothal, except for the consummation of the marriage through sexual intercourse.

Just in case the definition above is a bit complicated, let me simplify it further. A betrothal is a ceremony of legal union and fidelity between a man and a woman, with the date for a ceremonial wedding pushed backward. It is seen as a marriage without a wedding. And to break a troth (troth refers to the contract that gives rise to a betrothal) you need to do a divorce in Jewish cultures and in medieval European legal systems.

The classic example is in Matthew 1:18-19. Those verses read as follows: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by [the power of] the Holy Spirit.

And Joseph, her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publicly to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her quietly.”-Amplified Version.

Now, from the above, it is clear that Joseph was betrothed to Mary. And when he found that she was pregnant, he elected to end the betrothal contract, and the only way to do that was by divorce.

If you read 2 Samuel 3:14, David referred to Michal, Saul’s daughter, as his ‘wife’, on the strength of a troth contract. That verse says: “Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, demanding, “Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins.”-NIV. The only thing that differentiates a betrothal from a marriage is the postponement of the consummation of the marriage. The reason is that most Hebrew girls of the Scriptural era were betrothed before their bat mitzvah.

A bat mitzvah is a coming of age ceremony, where a child is declared an adult (according to Jewish

The Holy Bible tradition, not according to modern laws) and has come of age.

Before their bat mitzvah, girls are not considered ready for marital sexual relations. After their bat mitzvah, they are seen as ripe for marital consummation.

So, a betrothal is usually made before their bat mitzvah, while marital consummation comes after their bat mitzvah.

The age of bat mitzvah is 12. For males, they have a bar mitzvah instead, and the age for that is 13.

However, an engagement is very different. It is a fairly modern construct, and refers to a formal or informal agreement to marry that does not involve a contract.

In other words, it is a mere promise that is not actionable, except a consideration has been made by one party to the other in exchange for that promise.

For example, if a wealthy girl invests in the business of a man because he promised to marry her, she has a legal case for breach of promise to

marry. But even at that, the man (or the party being sued) has a defence if he can prove that the lady (or the other party) withheld material information that would have affected the promise made had the other party been aware of it.

However, most countries have now abolished the tort and you can only sue for breach of promise to marry in very few jurisdictions.

Scripture is silent on intercourse between betrothed persons, but in my opinion, I think it is permitted, subject to the legal age of consent in any jurisdiction. And once there has been a consummation, the betrothal is ended and has automatically become a full-blown marriage, Now, this opinion of mine is not from the Holy Spirit. This is my personal opinion, that I believe the Spirit will agree with, but I am not certain. And because I am not certain, I will reiterate that Scripture is silent on intercourse between betrothed persons.

However, intercourse between engaged couples is not supported by Scripture, and is seen as fornication,

Ogun Pensioners Want Quarterly Gratuity Raised to N2bn James Sowole in Abeokuta Pensioners in Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to increase their N500 million quarterly gratuity payment to N2 billion in order to offset the N64.4 billion outstanding gratuities.

The pensioners said, the increase would go a long way in offsetting the backlog of unpaid gratuities.

The senior citizens, under the aegis of Nigeria Union Pensioners (NUP), Ogun State chapter, made the appeal while addressing journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The Chairman of NUP, Waidi Oloyede, who spoke on behalf of the pensioners, described the Contributory Pensions Scheme Review and Consequential Pensions Adjustment Committee set up to address the demands of workers and pensioners in the state as, "a ruse and a calculated ploy to frustrate our legitimate demands, discredit the NUP leadership and also build mistrust in the rank and file of our union."

The pensioners berated the governor over his failure to implement the agreements signed with them in the Memorandum of Action (MOA) over four months ago.

According to Oloyede, the government had agreed to implement the consequential adjustment of pensions as approved by the Federal Government in 2019 which mandated statutory increase in pension, lamenting that some pensioners still earn the paltry sum of N5,000 monthly as pension.

He said, the government also agreed to increase the quarterly release of N500m gratuities and ensure prompt payment of pension.

Oloyede also lamented the delay in the release of the fourth quarter release of 2022 gratuity.

The pensioners faulted the claim of the Abiodun - led administration of paying N3.6 billion out of the inherited outstanding N68 billion for the past three and a half years, insisting that, the sum, "is not enough to defray gratuities of retirees from June 2019 to

date being the tenure of the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration."

Oloyede said, it was regrettable that the governor had turned deaf ears to the cries of the pensioners, saying the persistent late payments of pensions by the Abiodun - led administration had worsened the plights of pensioners.

He said, "It is unimaginable to state that a total sum of N3.6 billion has so far been paid as gratuities by the Ogun state Government over three and half years ago; a sum which is not enough to defray gratuities of retirees from June 2019 to date being the tenure of the governor Dapo Abiodun administration.

"It is our candid belief that given the realities of the increase of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in our state as openly admitted by His Excellency in recent times, we strongly believe that a quarterly release of N2 billion will marginally go a long way to offset the backlog of unpaid gratuities.

"Pensioners are dying in droves on a daily basis for lack of good

healthcare that require ample financial redemption and expected pensions for the 25th of each month as it used to be in the Ogun State of previous administrations "This seems a government of deceit to the senior citizens since life is now very unbearable for the pensioners in Ogun State.

"No one deprives the elderly of their 'walking sticks' without its attendant repercussions. We are hereby calling on the Ogun State Government led by Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun to have a change of heart in the way the elderly that have toiled hard in their hay-days to keep the state on a sound footing are now being treated.

"There is sincere need for the government to regularly pay substantial amount to offset the backlog of gratuities. While the pensioners eagerly await required Consequential Increase in pensions to meet with the present economic situations of the nation as well as regular payment of Pensions by the 25th of each month as of previous administrations."

whereas, in a betrothed, it is seen as adultery. For those who would want Scriptural authority for this, I cite Matthew 1:18-19.

So, it is very right and very commendable when couples are able to abstain from sexual intercourse even though they are engaged. That some in the society would laugh at anybody who observes this discipline shows how wicked a generation we have become. Our morals are twisted.

Such exemplary conduct should be celebrated.

Some people have said that some prophets of the Jewish Torah slept with prostitutes and even had concubines, and that there is nothing wrong with it.

What they forget to mention is that some of those same prophets lied, committed murder, and also partook in idolatry. Should we also engage in lies, murder and idolatry?

Of course not. Scripture does not tell us to model our lives after our prophets. We are told to model our lives after Yeshua Hamashiach, whom some people erroneously call Jesus Christ.

For those who do not know, a prophet is one who hears from God, and speaks what God says to man.

We see the classification clearly in Acts 15:32, which reads in the Amplified Version thus: “Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (divinely inspired spokesmen), encouraged and strengthened the [g]believers with many words.”

In other words, a prophet is God’s ‘divinely inspired spokesman.’

A prophet is not someone who foretells the future.

The right Scriptural term for someone who sees the future is seer.

We see this in 2 Samuel 24:11: “Before David got up the next morning, the word of the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David’s seer:” Gad was a prophet, in that he heard from God. He was also a seer, in that he could see the future by the gift of God. However, when you read 2 Samuel 15:27, you get a deeper insight. That verse says: “The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.”

Zadok was not a prophet. He did not hear the ‘thus says the Lord’. However, he has the gift of seeing the future.

In fact, God has used animals to speak prophetically to people. We see this in Numbers 22:28: “Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”

Should we then start behaving like donkeys, because this donkey spoke for God? Or course not!

Scripture says “solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”-Hebrews 5:14.

A person who abstains from sexual intercourse out of fear of God is a person who has “trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

I am not referring to persons who abstain from such due to other reasons. And the public has not been provided with proof of such reasons. And until proof of such reasons is provided, let us work with only what is established.

And finally, on this score, let me say this, without speaking to anyone in particular. When you are hurt in a relationship, try as much as possible to relate privately with those you think are the problem and those you think can be the solution. Bringing private hurts to the public hardly ends well. You are not seeking solutions. Rather, you are providing entertainment and drama!

And it is worse for you when the other party is not responding to your public revelations. Because, while they may feel shame and devastation in the present, brought on by your public washing of dirty linens, ten years from the time, they can look back and heal. But every time you look back, you will be like Lot’s wife and turn to salt because of the shame you brought upon yourself.

Reno’s Nuggets When money comes your way, look after you and your family’s needs first, then invest the rest. If it is too small to invest, then save it until it is big enough. Don’t be over generous when you are not yet financially strong. There will be time for that. But you are not there yet. Kindness without wisdom is destructive!

And never borrow money in anticipation of money you are expecting, and never spend money before it has come in. That is how people are ruined financially. Always wait for money. Don’t expect money to wait for you. Money plays hard to get, when you play quick to spend! #RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

XV

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Brazil Vow to Protect Democracy after Attack on Govt Buildings Brazilian authorities vowed Monday to protect democracy and condemned “acts of terrorism” a day after thousands of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro stormed and vandalized the country’s Congress, Supreme Court and presidential office building in the capital of Brasilia.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva toured the heavily damaged buildings late Sunday and decreed a federal security intervention in the city’s federal district. He vowed to bring the rioters to justice and promised to punish the police who failed to stop the protesters.

The decree gives the government special powers to restore law and order in the capital and lasts until January 31.

Lula, congressional leaders and the Supreme Court president, issued a statement Monday saying that “defenders of democracy” in Brazil “reject the acts of terrorism, vandalism, crime and the attempted coup” and “are united to take institutional action, according to Brazilian law.”

Brazilian officials say they have detained more than 1,200 supporters of Bolsonaro, the former far-right leader who narrowly lost the October election to the leftist Lula. The supporters of Bolsonaro, who is now staying in Orlando, in the southern US state of Florida, were trying to either reinstate him or oust the newly inaugurated Lula.

Sudan’s Military Leader Reiterates Vow to Restore Civilian Rule Three days of talks between Sudan’s military and civilian leaders continued Monday to reach a final deal on governing during a two-year transition to elections.

Sudan’s ruling military has vowed the army will come under civilian authority as the two sides hammer out a final agreement.

The spokesman for the civilian side, Khalid Omer Yousif, addressed the media Monday at a press conference in Khartoum broadcast by the state-run Sudan News Agency.

He said this was an opportunity for all Sudanese to engage and cooperate with the regional and international community to achieve the high national interests of the country.

At a launch of the final phase of the political process Sunday, Sudan’s army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, repeated the military’s vow to place itself under a civilian government.

Sudan’s state news agency also broadcasted his speech.

Al-Burhan overthrew a transitional civilian government led by former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok in October 2021, citing a lack of attention to alleged threats.

The coup came just weeks before the military was to hand power to civilian authorities, sparking international condemnation and a withdrawal of foreign aid.

Ukraine: Russian Missile Hits Market in Kharkiv Region Ukrainian officials said Monday a Russian missile hit a market in the Kharkiv region, killing one person and wounding several others.

The officials said the missile struck the village of Shevchenkove, located about 75km from Kharkiv.

“We brutally condemn this act of terror,” Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova tweeted along with a video and photos of a large crater and a building in flames. “The only proper response is more weapons for Ukraine.”

Russia has repeatedly warned against Western military support for Ukraine, saying arms deliveries from the United States and Ukrainian partners in Europe would exacerbate the conflict.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters at a briefing Monday that more Western weapons deliveries would “deepen the suffering of the Ukrainian people.”

Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine nearly 11 months ago, drawing a swift vote from an overwhelming majority of the UN General Assembly condemning the operation and demanding Russia withdraw its forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address Sunday that the first week of the year brought no significant change along the frontline but that heavy fighting continued in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine.

UK Summons Top Iranian Diplomat Amid Latest Executions Britain’s foreign minister James Cleverly,

summoned Iran’s most senior diplomat on Monday after Iranian authorities executed protestors Mohammad Mahdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini.

“Today I have summoned the Iranian charge d’affairs to condemn in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent executions we witnessed over the weekend,” Cleverly said in a statement.

Since the death of 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini last September, Britain said it had imposed more than 40 sanctions on leading officials in Iran “for their role in serious human rights violations.”

The two men were hanged on Saturday for allegedly killing a member of the security forces during protests that followed the death of Amini.

The latest execution brings the number of protesters officially known to have been executed since the unrest to four.

China Snubs US Military Outreach Ahead of Expected Blinken Visit China has turned down a US offer to hold military de-confliction talks after an unsafe air encounter involving Chinese and US aircraft over the South China Sea last month.

According to US diplomatic sources who spoke on the background when discussing the sensitive issue, the proposed call on Friday between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe was cancelled after Beijing declined to participate.

After the Pentagon was asked about Austin’s contacts with his Chinese counterpart, Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners told VOA, “The last time Secretary Austin spoke to his People’s Republic of China (PRC) counterpart was in November.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to travel to China in a few weeks. Without discussing the specifics of the trip, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told VOA on Thursday that Blinken’s talks with senior Chinese officials would include “areas that are predicated by competition, areas where relations between our two countries have the potential to be even adversarial and ways we can ensure responsible management of those areas, but also areas in which we can seek and even deepen collaboration.”

The top US diplomat is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, China’s top diplomat and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Wang Yi, and newly appointed Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Beijing’s envoy to Washington.

a group of German lawmakers who landed in Taiwan on Monday morning. Leading the delegation is Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who leads the German Parliament’s Defense Committee.

The German lawmakers will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s National Security Council head and the Mainland Affairs Council, which handles issues related to China.

China has stepped up its pressure on Taiwan’s military in recent years by sending warplanes or navy vessels almost daily toward the selfruled island. China claims sovereignty over the island, which split from the mainland in 1949 after a civil war.

Sunday’s exercises have continued into Monday, Taiwan’s defence ministry said, monitoring Chinese warplanes and navy vessels on its missile systems.

China’s actions “have severely disrupted the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and surrounding waters,” the ministry said.

Pakistan Seeks $16bn to Recover from Flood Disaster A major international conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, co-hosted by the United Nations and Pakistan, is seeking $16 billion to support Pakistan’s multi-year effort to recover from last year’s unprecedented floods.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opened the conference with an impassioned plea for aid on behalf of millions of Pakistanis whose lives and livelihoods were upended by the disaster.

He described the crisis as a climate disaster of monumental scale, noting that one-third of Pakistan remained submerged under water more than six months after floods struck the country.

He said nine million more people had been pushed to the brink of poverty, and they need and deserve international support.

Guterres added Pakistan, which represented less than one per cent of global emissions, did not cause the climate crisis yet was one of its biggest victims. Countries on the frontlines of climate catastrophe needed massive support, he said.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif agreed, saying a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment carried out in October estimated total damages and economic losses topped $30 billion.

He said rehabilitation and resilient reconstruction needs were assessed at over $16 billion.

China Holds Large-Scale Joint Strike Drills Aimed at Taiwan

CEO of South Africa’s State-Owned Power Company Eskom Allegedly Poisoned

The Chinese military held large-scale joint combat strike drills starting Sunday, sending warplanes and navy vessels toward Taiwan, the Chinese and Taiwanese defence ministries said.

The exercises coincided with the visit of

South African police are investigating allegations by the outgoing head of stateowned power company Eskom that he was poisoned.

Andre de Ruyter alleges someone put

cyanide in his coffee a day after he tendered his resignation. De Ruyter has been criticised for failing to end widespread graft in the company that fueled the worst blackouts in South Africa’s history.

Debt-ridden Eskom says due to the police investigation, it cannot comment on de Ruyter’s claim that someone tried to poison him at his Johannesburg office on December 13.

The story broke over the weekend with de Ruyter telling energy analyst and editor of EE Business Intelligence Chris Yelland that after drinking the coffee, he became weak, dizzy and confused and started vomiting.

De Ruyter went to a doctor, and tests were conducted.

South Africa’s minister of public enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, says the alleged attempt on de Ruyter’s life will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be charged.

20 Die in Bus Crash in Kenya Officials say at least 20 people died and 49 were injured in a bus crash in Kenya.

Authorities say the accident happened Saturday shortly after the bus crossed the Ugandan border into Lwakhakha, Kenya.

Rogers Taitika, a Ugandan regional spokesman, told Agence France Presse that “Preliminary findings point to a case of overspeeding by the bus driver,” causing him to lose control of the vehicle.

The bus, headed for Nairobi, the Kenya capital, began its trip from the Ugandan city of Mbale.

Pope Condemns Iran’s Death Penalty against Protesters Pope Francis condemned Iran’s execution of protesters for the first time on Monday in his traditional New Year’s address to diplomats and said the war in Ukraine was “a crime against God and humanity.”

The pontiff made his remarks in a speech to diplomats accredited to the Vatican, his overview at the start of the new year, which has come to be known informally as his “state of the world” address.

His eight-page speech in Italian, read to representatives of most of the 183 countries accredited to the Vatican, ran the gamut of all the world’s conflict areas, including those in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

He repeated his condemnation of abortion, appealing “particularly to those having political responsibilities, to strive to safeguard the rights of those who are weakest,” and he again warned of the threat of a nuclear conflict.

However, the main novelty of the speech in the Vatican’s Hall of Benedictions was his breaking of silence on the nationwide unrest in Iran since the death last September of 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody.

XVI

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2023

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Lagos Free Zone Company, NCF Partner on Sea Turtle Conservation Bennett Oghifo

T

he Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZC) is partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to protect and conserve sea turtles in the company’s operational area.

Sea turtles are threatened due to being susceptible as by-catch by fishermen. They also nest on the sea shore, this makes their eggs vulnerable as they are often harvested by locals and consumed as food. This accumulated vulnerability is one of the reasons for its global decline, thus the need to conserve them.

LFZC is a free trade zone developer and management company responsible for the Lagos Free Zone. With an

operational area of over 800 hectares with nine designated industrial zones.

The company said it is determined to support the ecosystem to mitigate the impact of human activities.

“This is part of LFZC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Lagos State. To implement this project, LFZC is collaborating with the NCF, the foremost conservation organisation in Nigeria with over 40 years of conservation experience and a national footprint in ecosystem conservation.”

Lagos Free Zone Company is located at Ibeju Lekki in Lagos state. Parts of its environs, particularly the shoreline adjoining the sea have been identified as important sites for sea turtles

most of which are endangered.

The project is aimed at educating and raising awareness both within and beyond the surrounding communities.

According to NCF, this collaboration is part of their “Strategic Action Pillar 2021-2025, Pillar 2 – Saving Species in Peril. The objectives of this pillar include: To protect and recover indigenously imperilled and other significant species in all ecosystem types and critical habitats of Nigeria; To expand options for rural outreach strategies, livelihood schemes and grassroot coordination in support of in-situ wildlife conservation across support zone communities of critical habitats; To provide information consistent with facts, trends and predictors of wildlife dynamics as

guidelines for policies, recovery plans, decision-making and other sustainable investments in biodiversity management; and To foster interagency collaborations and partnership for

the commemoration of relevant conservation anniversaries, administration of legal instruments, environmental legislation and conservation education.”

Sea turtle is among focal

species NCF is determined to rescue. The Foundation is also protecting pangolin, African forest elephant, Nigerian-Cameroon Chimpanzee, vultures, Cross River gorilla, among others.

NCF and Lagos Free Zone Company officials

Building Sector Bubbles as IBS 2023 Begins January 31 Bennett Oghifo The Nigerian building industry perks up again as top sector leaders prepare to attend the 2023 edition of International Builders Show (IBS 2023) in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

As usual, the whos who in real estate development industry, professional and trade associations, mortgage financing institutions, researchers, government agencies, contractors all over world

will be visiting Las Vegas for the industrys top-notch flagship event for Q1 2023, kicking off January 31, through February 2, 2023.

According to NICHE PR & EVENTS, the IBS 2023 Nigerian anchor and co-coordinator, in a press statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Marcella Iyitor, the Minister of State, Federal ministry of Works & Housing, Hon. Umar I. El-Yakub, will be leading the federal governments delegation to the event.

Mrs. Iyitor, states that IBS 2023 offers the best opportunity for the Nigerian real estate leaders to learn from the best, connect/interface with international industry leaders and peers and consequently grow their sector knowledge; upscale and deepen their businesses.

“Uncover information like how to shift your business for the hot housing trend: builtto-rent and new tactics for a new era of home buying. Find the latest trends for interiors,

whats next for exteriors, how to avoid the top mistakes builders make them and how to build the healthy homes buyers are demanding now,” Mrs. Iyitor said.

The NICHE PR & EVENTS CEO, with over 15 years experience in coordinating international industry-specific events, further revealed that in IBS 2023, participants will discover how to achieve business success from the perspectives of experts, influencers and top leaders

from different industries in Game Changers Sessions.

“As the deadline for participants registration ticks down, NICHE PR & EVENTS also extends invitation to Nigerian real estate industry leaders who have not yet registered to quickly reach out to the agency or call Niche PR. & EVENTS on 07026115528 & 07026296773 “Join us in Vegas for the 2023 Builders Show and Education and walk away with the latest ideas, current

trends and new perspectives to achieve business success,” Mrs. Iyitor said.

El-Yakub

New AfDB, WWF Study Calls for Increased FG Commends Julius Berger for Progress at Bodo-Bonny Road Construction Investment in Africa’s Biodiversity Bennett Oghifo The African Development Bank and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), have launched a regional report on the performance of African countries under the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

According to a statement issued by the AfDB, the report highlights the important role that multilateral development banks can play in meeting biodiversity targets by providing advisory services, capacity building, market research, and linkages with other relevant partners.

The assessment, launched on the sidelines of the UN Biodiversity summit (COP15) in Montreal, Canada, is based on the 6th National Reports on biodiversity submitted by African countries in 2018 -2020.

Prof. Kalemani Jo Mulongoy, President and co-founder of the Institute for Enhanced Livelihoods and former Head of the Scientific, Technical and Technological Matters Division of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, presented the findings of the report.

He said, “For Africa, it is critical to adopt a framework with targets that will not only curb the loss of biodiversity but will enhance opportunities to improve the lives of many Africans, especially those depending on biodiversity for their survival, bearing

in mind Africa‘s biodiversity priorities.”

The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 outlines a framework for action by all countries and stakeholders to safeguard biodiversity and the benefits it provides to people.

Conclusions from the synthesis of the 6th national reports on biodiversity underpin Africa’s stance in negotiations over the post-2020 GBF. The reports shed light on the status of biodiversity in Africa regarding implementing national biodiversity strategies and action plans. This information will serve as a baseline, together with Africa’s biodiversity priorities and the Bank’s High Five objectives, which will guide negotiations over the post-2020 global biodiversity targets.

Innocent Maloba of WWF said, “the immediate goal after the adoption of the GBF is to update NBSAPs to ensure they reflect the ambition of the GBF ambition as well as to start developing national biodiversity financing plans.”

He also called for a multisector approach to biodiversity conservation to achieve the post-2020 GBF goals.

Vanessa Ushie, Acting Director of the African Development Bank’s African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre, said: “There is a unique opportunity to finance the implementation of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in Africa,

if we invest in natural capital and build an asset base of nature-sensitive investments that protect, restore, and make sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources.”

During the country panel conversation, Jeanne Ntain, Cote d’Ivoire CBD focal point, highlighted the importance of raising awareness of the decision-makers on biodiversity issues and on the implications of implementing the next GBF: “Otherwise, what we are doing here at COP15 has zero value”.

Ousseynou Kasse, African Group of Negotiators Chair, thanked the African Development Bank for its continuous support of the African negotiating team.

Arona Soumare, Principal Climate Change and Green Growth Officer at the African Development Bank, insisted on the opportunities to scale up public and private finance for biodiversity and the need to achieve ambitious GBF, in line with the development priorities of the countries and using all existing financial instruments.

Mrs. Prudence Galega, former policy advisor and Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Environment in Cameroon, moderated the session. She called on the African Development Bank to strengthen the support of African countries to address the challenges of sustainable development and biodiversity loss in an integrated way.

Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, celebrated with Nigerians and commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the great work executed and delivered at the 2nd River Bridge. The Minister spoke during his visit to the newly completed bridge to temporarily open it for the use of commuters. The temporary opening of the bridge, said the minister, is to ease the otherwise previous traffic gridlock and commuter torment that use to characterise the travelling experience of holidaymakers, especially during the yuletide season.

The Minister likened the previous hardship experienced on the old Niger bridge by which commuters spend more than two days just to cross the old bridge for holidays as “a dimension of poverty and economic hamstring to citizens which the President Buhari administration decided to tackle decisively and has, indeed, successfully addressed.”

Chairman of the South-east Governors‘ Forum, His Excellency, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State described the accomplishment and opening of the new River Niger Bridge by the President Buhari administration using the nation’s most reliable construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, as “a great miracle for the people of the South-east and Nigeria at large‘, adding that…it is a great miracle for our people who will no longer sleep for days at that point (refering tot he previously endemic transiting gridlock

between the Asaba and Onitsha ends of the old Niger Bridge during the yuletide holiday heavy traffic to the South east).”

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State also commended the Federal Government and Julius Berger for the completion and opening of the Bridge. The Delta State Governor spoke through his Commissioner for Works who was also present at the New River Niger Bridge during the Minister’s visit to open it for the temporary use of commuters during the holidays.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Engineer’s representative for the 2nd River Niger Bridge Project, Engr. Oluwaseyi Martins, explained that the first phase of the bridge and road opening which is for light vehicles moving one way only from Asaba to the South-east, would last from 15 December 20221st January, 2023. The second phase would be for one way traffic returning from the South-east (Onitsha end) towards Asaba, and it will last from 3rd January 2023 to 15 January, 2023. “Heavy duty vehicles still remain restricted from the new bridge due to the available small turning radius for now,“ he added.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc was represented at the ceremony which commenced at the Asaba end of the new bridge by the project director, Dr. Friedrich Wieser and the company’s Coordinator for Executive projects, Mr. Kai-Uwe Koehler, amongst others.

The Minister for works also visited the fast-progressing

Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State. During his visit, Fashola stated that work on the project is slated for completion in December 2023. The Minister hailed the continued progress on the work saying that, it could only have been done by Nigeria’s foremost engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. Fashola spoke at the project inspection tour said, “…this project is going to open up this community, and will be completed December next year, Buhari in office or not. There is no fear about that and about the funding and there is certainly no fear about the ability and competence of Julius Berger to deliver on the project and in superb quality.“ Stressing that funding for the project comes from the federal government’s Tax Credit Scheme into which both the NLNG and other big companies like Dangote and NNPC are investing, the minister continued, we are in Bodo trying to connect to Bonny Island. Contrary to what some people may say, the N200billion invested in this BBR project is nothing compared to its long term significance. This is my fourth time here. From the first time when I visited to really understand the project at hand, it was alarming that within one state, people could not connect with one another.

They were being inhibited. But the Peace Committee set up for the project embraced all the communities in this project area. Thank God, they are all working together now.

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

S & P INDEX

9 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

NERC: 37 Nigerians Died from Electricity-related Incidents in Q1, 2022

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja At least 37 Nigerians lost their lives in electricity-related accidents between January and March 2022, a new report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has indicated.

In all, NERC in the report, noted that the commission received 78 reports on health and safety issues, with the total number of incidents being 55, while 18 Nigerians sustained various injuries as a result.

Recently, Nigeria’s power

sector safety regulatory body, the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), said it was ramping up a nationwide audit of facilities to curb the use of substandard materials, which sometimes increase the rate of accidents.

Head of the organisation, Mr Aliyu Tahir, noted that more testing and certification of electrical materials and equipment was being carried out nationwide to ensure that they are of quality and built to specifications.

He listed transformers, cables,

conductors, concrete poles as some of the most critical in the sector.

“We will keep carrying out investigation of electrical accidents across the country to find out the causes, make recommendations to forestall these occurrences and we also carry out safety performance of these companies on a monthly basis,” he told THISDAY.” But NERC stated that the commission had initiated new processes to track licensees’ compliance with the submission of statutory reports, stating that

investigations had been launched into all reported accidents.

“The total number of incidents in 2022/Q1 was 55. There were 18 injuries and 37 deaths compared to the 40 incidents recorded in 2021/ Q4, which were nine injuries and 31 deaths.

“The commission has launched investigations into all the incidents and will work with all sector stakeholders to improve the overall health and safety in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” NERC said in the report.

In accordance with the law, the commission added that it has continued to monitor the health and safety performance in the industry to guarantee the delivery of safe and reliable electricity to Nigerians.

For the period under review, NERC noted that some reports were still being expected, disclosing that the commission had developed new processes to track the submission of statutory reports.

“Sapele and Egbin Power have two outstanding reports each, while Yola DisCo, Agip power, Geregu

power, Shell power and Shiroro power each have one outstanding report for 2022/Q1.

“The commission has developed new processes to track the submission of statutory reports, including the health and safety report, by licensees which will guide the implementation of relevant actions against licensees that do not meet their obligations,” the report said.

According to the organisation, the health and safety reports were Continued on page 26

Oil Price May Rise as EU Sanctions On Russia Set to Begin February Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Oil markets may face headwinds in 2023 as fresh Western sanctions and a price cap on Russian oil come into effect, leading to an output squeeze in global supplies and putting upward pressure on oil prices.

Demand from China is expected to pick up as zero-COVID restrictions ease, adding to the tightness in energy markets.

The next round of European Union (EU) sanctions on Russian oil products are due to take effect on February 5. It comes in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine,

and will affect refined petroleum products such as diesel.

It follows an EU embargo on seaborne imports of Russian crude effective December 5 and a G7 move to cap the country’s oil at $60 a barrel. Both measures aim to blunt Moscow’s export revenue while still keeping Russian crude

FOOD

flowing through global markets to prevent a supply shock.

According to analysts, the next round of sanctions — combined with a rebound in Chinese demand as zero-Covid restrictions ease — will likely squeeze oil markets and push prices higher. Russian crude output could fall by 1 million

COMMODITIES

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

RICE

100KG

ABUJA

N35,000 – N45,000

SORGHUM

50KG

OYO

N35,000 – N45,000

50KG

PLATEAU (JOS)

N32,500 – N42,000

50KG

KWARA

N24,000–N27,000

50KG

LAGOS

N35,000 – N45,000

50KG

RIVERS

N36,500 – N46,500

50KG

SOKOTO

50KG

EDO

SIZE

PRICE

STATE

100KG JIGAWA

barrels a day “We expect the European ban on seaborne Russian crude and refined products (to come into force on February 5) to result in a drop of Russian production of at least 1 million barrels per day in 2023, with Russia having difficulties in finding alternative

markets,” said Giovanni Staunovo, a commodity analyst at UBS Global Wealth Management.

Indeed, Russia has threatened it would slash production by up to 700,000 barrels a day in retaliation to the G7 price cap, Continued on page 26

T O D AY

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

N30,000

C O C OA

100KG

BENUE

N32,000

100KG

KADUNA

N32,000

50KG

ENUGU

N24,000

50KG

LAGOS

N26,000

N60,000 – N70,000

100KG

DELTA

N35,000

N17,000–N20,000

100KG

ABIA

N36,000

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

1 TON

ONDO

N740,000 – N760,000

1 TON

OSUN

N730,000 – N750,000

1 TON

EDO

N720,000 – N740,000

1 TON

CROSS RIVER

N700,000 – N720,000

1 TON

AKURE SOUTH, ONDO

N730,000 — N755,000

26

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS FOOD

NAME OF COMMODITY

PALM OIL

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

25CL LAGOS N20,000-N35000 25CL

PH

NAME OF COMMODITY

TOMATOES

N24,000 – N35,000

COMMODITIES SIZE

STATE

PRICE

40KG BENUE

N15,000

40KG

KADUNA

N5,000

40KG

ABIA

N18,000

PRICE

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

ONIONS

100KG

IBADAN

N60,000

100KG KANO

N30,000

100KG ENUGU

N16,500

BENUE

N65,000

100KG DELTA

N14,000

100KG PLATEAU

N45,000

100KG

ABIA

N11,000

100KG DELTA

N50,000

50KG

LAGOS

N9,000

100KG LAGOS

N60,000

100KG KANO

N9,400

100KG ENUGU

N45,000

100KG

25CL IBADAN N22,000 — N35,000 25CL

IMO

N24,000 – N36,500

25CL

EDO

N20,000 – N35,000

25CL ABUJA N25,500 – N35,000

25KG LAGOS 40KG DELTA

T O D AY

NAME OF COMMODITY

N9,500 N17000

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

LOCATION

PRICE

MAIZE

100KG

OYO

N10,000

50KG

BENUE

N6,000

Advertising Community Awaits Business Boom Ahead February Elections Twitter lifts ban on political ad to boost revenue Raheem Akingbolu Political campaigns and marketing will contribute at least 40 percent to total Advertising revenue between January and March, 2023, a Mass Communication Lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Dr. Jide Johnson has stated.

Speaking to THISDAY on the factors that would shape advertising landscape in 2023, Johnson said marketing communications industry would start on a good note and strong foundation at the first

quarter because of the influx of revenue that would be accrued to the sector from political campaign and advertising between January and March, 2023.

“The first quarter of 2023 looks good for advertising because while corporate organisations would naturally be sceptical to invest in advertising because of the likely fallout from the election, political parties will fill in the gap to market their candidates and manifestoes.

In all; Public Relations, Experiential, Advertising and even digital, I

can confidently say that political campaigns will contribute nothing less than 40% to total Advertising spending in the first quarter of 2023,” Johnson said.

Also speaking, the President, Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Emmanuel Ajufo, admitted that every election year, comes with the opportunity of doing good business, with the hope that 2023 would not be different. “We hope that now, that the elections are getting closer, the politicians will do more

marketing of their potentials and by so doing, all arms of marketing communications will be better patronised,” Ajufo said.

For the President of Experiential Marketing of Nigeria, Tunji Adeyinka also said stakeholders expected a higher spend on advertising from the candidates in January as Nigerians approach the elections in February and March. However, I am disappointed with what I have seen so far, not just around the lower spend but also in the strategic and creative output. We have not

FG Sets Ultimatum for Meat Dealers to Adhere to Modern Haulage Protocols Gilbert Ekugbe t The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has given meat dealers in the country till May 29, 2023, to adhere strictly to modern meat haulage protocols.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, gave this directive at a national stakeholders’ workshop on meat hygiene and distribution of refrigerated meat vans to Butchers and Meat Sellers Association in Abuja.

Abubakar expressed concerns over the nation’s meat haulage processes that have caused huge loss of money in foreign exchange and limited Nigeria’s full participation in trade of most agricultural commodities outside the shores of the country.

In his words: “Come May 29, 2023, anyone caught transporting

meat in contravention of the modern meat haulage protocols, would be left with no option than to have his/her carcasses (sic).”

He said that the move is to demonstrate government’s unwavering commitment to resuscitate meat haulage system in Nigeria by flagging-off distribution of refrigerated meat vans to butchers and meat sellers to commence the process of modernised meat haulage system in their respective states.

The minster revealed that meat haulage was the act of transporting meat from one location to another, either within the abattoir premises or between the abattoirs in Nigeria, worrying that presently, meat haulage in Nigeria does not conform to global best practices that guarantee safety for transporters, the carcass and the consumers.

Abubakar pointed out that the practice has become undesirable

especially where carcasses had to be transported on wheel barrows, open vans, pick-up vans among others thereby exposing the meat to high level contamination and quality compromised.

He stated that the ministry in collaboration with financial institutions and private investors expected that each state of the federation would start with at least five refrigerated meat vans including the one that was donated by the federal government through the ministry.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, who was represented by the Director, Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Dr. Maimuna Habib, said that meat hygiene was an important aspect of food safety that should not be handled with kid gloves.

Umakhihe noted that the perish-

able nature of meat necessitated the need to improve on meat processing.

He pointed out that apart from the need to sanitise and bring meat haulage system in international standard; the operation had the potential to create sustainable jobs to youths in Nigeria.

He added that it was worthy of note that few states and investors had already keyed into the roadmap that guaranteed delivery of safe and qualitative meat to consumers.

Umakhihe, however, noted that ministry had contributed to the drafting of the National Food Safety and Quality Bill that had passed third reading at the National Assembly.

In his remarks, the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Mr. Baba Ngelzarma, commended the minister for the laudable initiative and called for an urgent need to train butchers and meat sellers in the country.

seen very strong, single-minded campaigns driven by consumer insight and a conviction birthed out of our situation. We have seen a lot of platitudes and big media exposures but not much by way of relevant and creative messaging. We still have a few weeks to go before the elections but if we go on at this pace this may turn out to be the ‘drabbest’ campaign season. Once more, let us hope we are proven wrong in the next few weeks,” Adeyinka said.

In a related development, Twitter said last week that it plans to lift the ban on political ads in the “coming weeks.” The company originally enforced the ban back in 2019.

At that time, it said that “political message reach should be earned, not bought.” Twitter charted a different path from other social networks like Facebook and Instagram, which allowed political ads.

The social network’s announcement comes at a time when advertisers have been pulling back spending on the platform. In November, the company’s owner, Elon Musk, blamed “activist groups” for putting pressure on advertisers to suspend ads on Twitter. Musk also had a spat with Apple as the company briefly paused ads on the platform, and Musk accused the iPhone maker of hating “free speech in America.”

TCN Takes Delivery of Two New 150MVA Power Transformers, Accessories The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has taken took delivery of two brand new 150 MVA, 330/132/33kV power transformers and accessories at its Central Store Ojo, Lagos State.

The two 150MVA power transformers and their accessories were delivered to Ojo stores from the Tincan Island port, Apapa, Lagos, last week, the General Manager Public Affairs, TCN, Ndidi Mbah, said in a statement.

TCN, she said, also has another two 150MVA power transformers awaiting delivery to Ojo Stores at the Lagos Port even as it is

expecting the arrival of different capacities of transformers and their accessories to berth at the port very soon.

“The transformers which have been earmarked for several TCN ongoing substation and lines projects nationwide, would be delivered to the sites as the projects progress.

These transformers and their accessories are a part of the continued effort by TCN to further expand the grid and also ensure N-1 reliability criteria in all transmission substations and lines nationwide,” Mbah added.

“Following a soft first quarter, I see the price of Brent returning to a $90-100 dollar range. What happens later will depend on the strength of an incoming economic slowdown,” he added. UBS’s Staunovo echoed his view.

Oil prices have trended upward since mid-December after months of declines as supply comes under pressure following EU sanctions on seaborne Russian crude and

threats by Moscow that it will slash production in retaliation to the G7-imposed price cap.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, has risen by more than 10 per cent from this year’s lows reached earlier in December, standing at around $83 a barrel.

“The real test will come on 5 February with the implementation of a products ban,” Rystad’s Dickson said.

Port Harcourt Disco had the highest number of complaints (46,152 representing 18.96 per cent of total complaints), while Yola Disco had the least number of complaints (1,268 representing 0.53 per cent).

In comparison with 2021/ Q4, it added that Port Harcourt, Enugu, Jos, Ibadan, and Ikeja Discos recorded increased customer complaints by 14,819 (47.30 per cent), 13,849 (57.49 per cent), 5,451 (40.60 per cent), 5,204 (52.58 per cent), and 1,611 (4.58 per cent) respectively.

In contrast, NERC said that

Yola, Benin, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja and Eko Discos received less complaints from customers in 2022/Q1 compared to 2021/Q4 by 435 (-25.22 per cent), -1,837 (16.14 per cent), -2,673 (24.22 per cent), -3,436 (20.86 per cent), 3,800(-12.24 per cent) and 8,005 (21.62 per cent) respectively.

“All the Discos except Eko and Kaduna Discos had over 90 per cent resolution rate for the complaints received in 2022/Q1 with Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola DisCos having resolution rates of 98 per cent, ”the NERC report said.

OIL PRICE MAY RISE AS EU SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA SET TO BEGIN FEBRUARY suggesting another potential hit to the country’s oil output, according to Business Insider.

The nation has been rerouting increasing volumes of its oil to India and China amid rising political tensions with Europe, one of its biggest markets, due to the war in Ukraine. In the week leading up to December 9, Moscow sent 89 per cent of its crude, amounting to about 3 million barrels a day,

to Asia.

But shipments to Asia are now proving more difficult as European sanctions make it tougher for traders to find enough insured vessels to transport Russian crude.

According to Rystad Energy, however, the risk of a sharp decline in Russian crude production was more acute in mid-2022, when global supplies were tighter.

“As long as US shale performs

and delivers growth, we see the market moving towards a more normal equilibrium,” Louise Dickson, a senior analyst at Rystad Energy told Insider.

Also, with global supplies expected to get squeezed, crude prices will likely soar past $100 a barrel next year, according to Saxo Bank’s Ole Hansen and UBS Global Wealth’s Staunovo.

“The embargo on seaborne crude

from now and fuel products from February will likely have a pricesupportive impact on markets,” said Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo. The supply disruptions should add to the “expected tightness when demand picks up in China following the current virus surge,” he added.

Those risks raise the likelihood of oil prices topping $100 a barrel, according to Hansen.

NERC: 37 NIGERIANS DIED FROM ELECTRICITY-RELATED INCIDENTS IN Q1, 2022 analysed in line with the provisions of Section 32(1)(e) of the relevant law for monitoring and evaluating of health and safety performance of licensees to ensure that operators abide by their responsibility of delivering safe electricity services to consumers.

In line with its strategic goals, the commission said that it has intensified efforts at implementing various safety programmes aimed at eliminating accidents in the industry.

Some of the safety programmes implemented by the commission, the report said, include the standardisation of protective schemes,

public enlightenment on health & safety, engagement of government agencies on Right of Way (RoW) violations, and a review of an operational procedure for distribution system operators on fault clearing.

Just last year, a THISDAY analysis showed that in 21 months, spanning January 2020 and September 2021, at least 156 Nigerians were killed while 87 were injured in electricity-related accidents.

A review of the number of deaths and injuries between the first quarter of 2020 and the third quarter of 2021 from NERC, indicated that the Discos submitted 114 health and

safety reports to the power sector regulatory agency in Q1,Q2, Q3 and Q4 respectively in 2020.

Out of the submitted incidents, Nine persons died in Q1, 26 were killed in Q2, 19 were electrocuted in Q3 while 22 died in Q4 of the same year.

In the same vein, four persons were injured in electricity-related accidents in Q1,12 in Q2, 11 in Q3 while 13 persons were severely impacted by the accidents in Q4 of the same year.

In the first three quarters of 2021, spanning between January and September, the NERC report

indicated that 24 people were killed by electrocution between January and March, 26 died between April and June, while 30 were killed between July and September of last year.

In addition, in terms of injury, including those affecting employees in the sector and third parties, the report stated that 13 persons were maimed in Q1, 15 in Q2 and 19 in Q3 of 2021.

The latest NERC report also stated that total complaints received from customers during the period were 243,387 across all Discos while 230,493 of them were resolved.

On the whole, it revealed that

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023

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BUSINESSWORLD

OIL AND GAS

Sylva: Pushing for Industrial Harmony in Oil Sector Emmanuel Addeh writes that despite being one of the most volatile sectors in terms of maintaining good industrial relations, Minister of State, Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has intervened in critical times to ensure harmony in the country’s oil and gas sector.

HEAT AND HARMONY

the ministry and the minister that the personnel employed by the multinational companies in the oil and gas sector are not treated with disdain, one source at the ministry said.

T

o start with, not a few Nigerians expected some kind of implosion likely caused by aggrieved workers who would feel short-changed during the recent changes in the Nigerian oil and gas industry brought about by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

At the time, a number of agencies were merged and there was need to reshuffle some positions occupied by staff of major government organisations within the sector. So, it wasn’t out of place to predict that workers’ protest would follow and then subsequently grounding of official activities.

But even if there were such forecasts, they never came to pass, most remarkably due to the deft handling of matters arising from the movement of workers and their expected remuneration. At least not till now. Not even a whimper.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva had pointedly told the employees affected that no job will be lost in the nation’s petroleum sector following the signing of the PIA into law.

In any case, the fears of industrial disharmony was real given patterns that had been observed for years, but the minister maintained that the move would instead create more jobs.

“We have already made provisions in the law to ensure that no job is lost in the oil industry as a result of the PIA. So, no job will be lost as a result of the PIA. All jobs in the petroleum industry will be intact.

“That was already taken into account.

We discussed with labour extensively in the process of drafting the bill,” he said at the time. And true to his promise , there’s no information in the public space that there was any casualty as far as the restructuring of agencies and parastatals are concerned.

Not long after, was the three-day strike scheduled to be commenced by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

No sooner than the news got to the media than the minister knowing the implication of such an action, swung into action.

Before the strike materialised, it was then immediately suspended by the General Secretary, PENGASSAN Lumumba Okugbawa, after a thorough engagement with the minister on the matter.

Specifically, Okugbawa said the decision to suspend the strike action followed the intervention of the minister

COMMITTEE MEMBERS SPEAK

Sylva

“We have already made provisions in the law to ensure that no job is lost in the oil industry as a result of the PIA. So, no job will be lost as a result of the PIA. All jobs in the petroleum industry will be intact.

who did everything to ensure that the matter was resolved.

The action which was suspended had to do with the alleged forceful enrolment of the oil workers into what they called “defective payment platform (the integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (lPPlS)” by the federal government.

EXXONMOBIL VS OMOOJO However, in recent times, the icing on the cake was when the Sylva who appears not to be resting on his oars in ensuring industrial peace, delved into a case which was a bit complex because the parties involved were not directly under his purview, as it were.

On May 3, 2021, Mr Ernest Omo–Ojo, an employee of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil petitioned the office of the minister of state, soliciting his intervention and that of the ministry over what he referred to as the unjust termination of his appointment.

Omo-Ojo insisted that the action was in flagrant violation of the regulatory guidelines enshrined in the amended oil and gas industry regulation on release of staff. He probably had his doubts, but given the minister’s antecedents, it must have given him some hope.

He wasn’t wrong after all. True to his conviction and belief, after receiving the complaint, the minister directed the permanent secretary of the ministry of petroleum resources to set up a committee to look into the petition.

Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary, constituted a three-man committee made up of the then Director in charge of Human Resources Management, Dr Famous Eseduwo, as the Chairman and the Director Upstream Department, Kamoru Busari as the Secretary, while the Director of Legal Services, served as a member.

It was learnt that the mandate of the committee was to critically review the petition from both ends, that is, hear from the complainant, Omo-ojo and his former employer, ExxonMobil and come up with appropriate recommendations to enable the management take an informed decision on the matter.

Having held meetings with all the concerned parties, it was learnt that the committee discovered in the course of the sittings that one of the regulations of the defunct Department for Petroleum Resources, (DPR) which provided that any Joint Venture (JV) company that initiates a disengagement process against its employee must forward it to the minister for approval, was breached

by ExxonMobil.

Similarly, it was established that the complainant, by his action, breached an aspect of the company’s policy which led to his disengagement from ExxonMobil.

The committee, THISDAY learnt, recommended that the minister and indeed the ministry should advise ExxonMobil to consider the option of compulsory retirement instead of the outright termination of Omo-Ojo’s appointment.

The recommendation of the committee was approved by the ministry and subsequently on February 4, 2022, it urged Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited to commute the termination of the complainant’s employment to retirement.

Furthermore, the company wasted no time, but disposed the matter in line with the ministry of petroleum resources’ advice.

“ExxonMobil has since accepted the minister’s directive and complied by withdrawing the termination letter issued on June 14, 2019, and issued me with a retirement letter,” Omo-Ojo said after the matter was resolved.

The amicable settlement of the matter underscored the resolve of

Speaking on the matter, the Director Upstream, Kamoru Busari, who served as the Secretary to the committee that investigated the case of Omo–Ojo, said he was fulfilled that he could assist in resolving the matter which put the complainant in a good stead in the end.

“I felt proud and fulfilled as an administrator to be part of the team that resolved the matter. More so, that it was a case of arbitration and an oil giant like ExxonMobil was prevailed upon to rescind its decision to sack Omo–Ojo and commute it to retirement.

“Surely, Omo-Ojo being the complainant put enormous pressure on the members of the committee as he was prevailed upon to withdraw the matter from the Industrial Court.

However, we continually gave him hope until the matter was amicably resolved,” Busari said.

He also advised anyone who feels short-changed or aggrieved with any government system to be patient enough and believe in the ability of government institutions in enforcing the law.

“Ensure you follow laid down procedures in the law or regulations to solve all conflicts. However, arbitration such as the case of Omo-Ojo is highly recommended,” he added.

“People should have confidence in the capability of the institutions to come to their aid whenever they report such cases,” the Director stressed.

Also in his remarks, the then Director, Human Resources Management, Eseduwo admitted that the defunct DPR did not properly play its role as a regulatory agency between the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Multinational Oil Company (MOC), ExxonMobil, towards protecting Nigerians working with the MOCs in the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

He confirmed that the Minister of State for Petroleum was provided with insufficient information and incompetent advice earlier to act on the matter.

“ExxonMobil acted in consonance with its internal rules in aberration of the federal government’s regulations on the disciplinary process of an erring Nigerian employee in MOCs. “There was no equilibrium between technical and political rationality in the matter, ab initio, and it was the above missing links that my committee interrogated. “ It’s important that people should get themselves acquainted with the MOCs’ extant service rules and be conscious of the rules, so they won’t be caught up with them,” he stated.

He confirmed that the ExxonMobil’s earlier decision on Omo-Ojo in terminating his appointment was annulled by the ministry of petroleum resources not on the grounds of lack of merit, but for breach of due process.

“Again, extant court judgments against such MOC decisions on their Nigerian employees are the consequences of taking haphazard decisions on workers as well as incurring avoidable financial implications,” he explained.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Dissecting MAN’s Recipe for Manufacturing Sector Growth Following the poor showing of the manufacturing sector and its declining contribution to the Gross Domestic Product in 2022, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has come up with a list of recommendations to drive the sector in 2023, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

F

or the umpteenth time, the operators of the manufacturing sector have called on the federal government to implement measures and programs that would aid the growth of the sector. Their call followed the poor showing of the sector in the latest GDP report that was published recently by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the manufacturing sector accounted for 8.59 per cent of real GDP in the third quarter of 2022 which is marginally lower than the 8.96 per cent recorded in same quarter of 2021 and 8.6 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter of 2022.

On a year-on-year basis, the sector grew negatively by -1.91 per cent in the third quarter of 2022 compared to 4.29 per cent in the third quarter of 2021 and 3.0 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2022. This represented a -6.2-percentage point and -4.91 percent point decline from the growth witnessed in 2021 Q3 and 2022 Q2 respectively.

The overall decline in both aggregate and sectorial performances, according to the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadri, could have far-reaching adverse effects on the manufacturers.

These adverse effects included lower manufacturing turnover, heightened forex challenges, slow infrastructural development and reduction in credit intervention as well as fall in manufacturing investment.

Ajayi-Kadri explained: “The GDP growth slowdown will most likely result in higher unemployment rate. Coupled with high inflation rate, the economy is likely to face higher misery index that worsens the poverty level and further shifts consumers away from elastic manufactured goods. This will eventually result in drastic reduction of patronage and lower sales turnover.

“The slag in the diversification drive implies further dependence on imported raw material and machinery. Hence, the forex crisis bedeviling the sector is not likely to be resolved anytime soon.

“Considering that the revenue generating capacity of the government is hampered by high unemployment, the limited funds will slow down the provision of infrastructure and credit facilities necessary to boost productivity of the manufacturing companies. Otherwise, the government will resort into more borrowings and put the country in debt peonage.

“The negative growth of the sector’s GDP sends a strong signal to potential investors in the sector. The impending result is negative investors’ sentiments and pessimism against provision of critical raw materials, technology and technical know-how required to promote the industry.”

PATH TO ECONOMIC GROWTH He noted that Nigeria’s path to economic growth, industrialisation and sustainable development has been compromised by inadequate attention to the numerous pressing challenges of the manufacturers who are meant to be the propellers of its long-term economic agenda.

He argued that achieving a stable rapidlygrowing economy would require the government to tackle head-on the daily bottlenecks confronted by business owners within the manufacturing sector, considering its active inter-linkages with other key sectorial drivers of the economy.

These bottlenecks included foreign exchange scarcity, multiple taxation, and exorbitant interest rate, high-cost business operating environment, smuggling, insecurity, energy crisis and epileptic power supply.

In order to restore the sector to an enviable position in the global business environment and in turn propel an inclusive growth of Nigerian economy, MAN hopes that the government would be committed in facilitating the formal service sector to widen tax net and avoid multiple imposition of tax on the manufacturing companies.

TACKLING INSECURITY, SMUGGLING The MAN urged the government to tackle

insecurity and smuggling by up scaling capacity building and providing adequate security equipment and technology for surveillance and intelligence gathering; continue to involve all stakeholders to play a vital role in supporting security along the oil infrastructure while also ensuring they are beneficiaries of the awarded surveillance contract and to deploy means to reduce unemployment and boost productivity of the manufacturing by encouraging local sourcing of raw materials, improving infrastructural developments, resolving all credit and forex-related challenges, ensuring implementation of the Executive Order 003 and imposing cost-reflective electricity tariff and energy prices.

In addition, the manufacturers’ association asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to jettison the failing hard peg policy and establish a clear and transparent market framework to guide the interventions of the CBN in the forex market.

It said: “Synergistically align monetary and fiscal policies while also curbing fiscal deficits by the gradual removal of fuel subsidy backed with appropriate palliatives for the poor.

“Tackle flood disaster by adopting erosion control mechanisms, early warning and emergency services as well as flood risk assessment and ecological funds.”

The manufacturers also urged the government to upscale electricity generation and build super grids that are regionalised to avoid continuous national system collapse and ensure a more robust transmission infrastructure.

It also made case for further reduce the reliance of the country on imported products and raw materials by encouraging local sourcing through a comprehensive and integrated incentivised system since Nigeria is largely bearing the brunt of imported inflation.

It also wanted government to restrict the exports of maize, cassava, wheat, food related products and other manufacturing inputs; and suspend the 15 per cent charges on imported wheat while encouraging growth in domestic investment in agriculture.

The MAN also urged the government to “incentivise investment in local development of raw materials; Give attention to domestic production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and Basic chemicals by incentivising investment in the area; refocus on Backward Integration and Resource-Based Industrialisation.”

HEADWINDS, FX SCARCITY Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Chinyere Almona, noted that the manufacturing sector suffered from headwinds like scarcity of FOREX for import of inputs, weakened consumer demand due to weak purchasing power, high energy cost, logistical challenges, policy uncertainties, and harsh regulatory environment.

Almona said that if these factors should be allowed to persist in 2023, Nigeria

might likely record a growth in the sector away from the negative growth of -1.9% as at Q3 of 2022.

“With lowering imports due to forex scarcity, local manufacturing could rev up in growth to meet the growing unmet local demand for hitherto imported finished products.

However, this can only happen if we address issues like rising inflation, scarcity of FOREX, high energy cost, high interest rates, and logistics challenge due to insecurity

in most parts of the country.

“In the case of subsidy removal by the new administration, we should expect some shocks to the economy in the short term with possibility of adjusted pricing and demand in response to market forces in the long run.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY ͯͮ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

29

IMAGES

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Friends and associates of Ashiru family, Jide Onalaja, Tunde Osinowo, Bimbo Ashiru, and Segun Awolowo, during the Ashirus’ wedding anniversary in Lagos…recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Linkpoint Resources International, Ropo Alabi; Publisher/CEO, Marketing Space Magazine, Ayobami Lukman Ishau; and Director, Innovation and Strategy, Linkpoint Resources International, Ibrahim Anibaba, during the presentation of ‘Most Consistent Experiential Marketing CEO (male) of the Year’ award to Ishau at the eighth anniversary of Marketing Space Magazine in Lagos…recently

Chairman, state Chieftaincy Affairs Review Committee, Revd Bunmi Jenyo (left), presenting a copy of the report to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke (right), at the party secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital...recently

Brig Gen. K F. Suleiman (left) decorating Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke (right), with the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem in Osogbo, state capital…recently

L-R: Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Ebele Enedah; Partner, Emuobonuvie Majemite; Senior Accountant, Ezekiel Onilude; AGM Human Resources, Mary Edeh; Senior Partner, Punuka, Chief Anthony Idigbe; former President, International Criminal Court (ICC), Chile Eboe-Osuji; Executive Director, Punuka, Angela Ezenweani; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Onyemem, and Partner Punuka, Tobenna Nnamani, at Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors’ endof-the-year event held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R: Manager of Sustainability, IHS Towers, John Isiekwene; Manager, Sustainability and Impact Reporting, MTN Foundation, Edward Fagbohun; Lead Consultant, Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) and Chief Executive, CSR-In-Action, Bekeme Olowola; Partner Business Manager, HP Inc, Elizabeth Nwajei; and Executive Secretary, Association of Licenced Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbolahan Awonuga, at the TTSWG Year-end ‘Sip and Tech’ event held in Lagos…recently ` PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, JANUARY 10, 2023

30

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Gas Commercialisation: NUPRC Announces 139 Bidders for Next Stage Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced 139 business entities as having qualified for the next round of the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) 2022.

In a statement signed by the Chief Executive of the Commission, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the oil and gas regulator stated that 300 bidders entered for the scheme initially.

“NUPRC is pleased to notify all interested parties, registered parties, the investor community, and the general public of the conclusion of the Request for Qualification (RFQ) phase of the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) 2022 in line with the accelerated delivery schedule.

“You may recall that in furtherance to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA), the NGFCP was restructured for enhanced value to investors, following in-depth assessment of current industry gas flaring situation and prevailing operational

realities, coupled with changes in the socio-economic landscape since the NGFCP was initially conceived,” it noted.

Consequently, the NUPRC stated that the Request for Qualification (RFQ) was issued to enable interested parties register their interest to participate in the programme.

“The commission is pleased to announce that 300 companies registered their interest to revalidate their prequalification status and submit Statement of Qualification (SOQ) as existing bidders and new participants, respectively.

“Following successful conclusion of the SOQ evaluation exercise conducted by the Bid Evaluation Team (BET), a total of 139 applicants were deemed successful and awarded the qualified applicant status in line with the provisions of the RFQ,” the industry regulator said.

To that end, and in consideration of Section 105 (2) of the PIA and similar provisions enabling the commission in that respect, NUPRC said it was publishing the list

of qualified applicants who will proceed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase of the NGFCP 2022.

“On behalf of the board and management of the commission, I heartily congratulate all successful applicants and enjoin them to follow through with the subsequent stages of the programme towards becoming a permit holder/ flare gas Buyer in line with the applicable statutes.

“All qualified applicants shall receive further communications via their respective contact addresses and the NGFCP portal (ngfcp.nuprc. gov.ng) accordingly,” the statement added.

The NUPRC re-launched the (NGFCP) 2022 in October last year, with the aim of reducing the flaring of the resource and ramp up its deployment for economic use.

The initiative introduces a bankable commercial structure for the monetisation of flared gas by providing flare gas buyers with title and access to collect the molecules from the prescribed fields.

FastCash Offers N200,000 in Loans for School Fees Payment Without hassles, Nigerians can now meet emergency financial obligations, pay children’s school fees and rent by accessing FastCash loans of up to N200,000 (two hundred thousand Naira) in minutes. FastCash is a collateralfree, convenient, easy-to-access instant loan solution powered

by First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

Getting a FastCash loan requires no collateral or paperwork.

It is available and accessible to salaried and non-salaried customers of FCMB through its mobile app and USSD platform.

It takes less than five minutes

to complete the application process, and the loan is disbursed instantly. Beneficiaries can spread the loan repayment for up to three months.

So far, over 2.7 million loans have been disbursed via the FastCash platform since it was launched in 2018. Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, Mr Shamsideen Fashola, said, “we introduced FastCash as a collateral-free loan to give Nigerians with urgent and unexpected needs access to funds within minutes when it matters most. FastCash loans close the access to finance gap

for many Nigerians, ensuring the well-being of their household”.

In addition to FastCash, FCMB offers Salary-Plus-Loan to salary account holders. It allows qualified customers to access short or medium-term funding before salary payment if they have to meet urgent needs.

First City Monument Bank is a member of FCMB Group Plc, a purpose-beyond-profit corporation. The Bank is committed to COVID-19 recovery, income equality and poverty reduction by easing credit constraints to disadvantaged individuals and small businesses.

PwC Spotlights Edo as Model State WithViable Economic Strategy The Chief Economic Adviser, PwC Nigeria, Andrew Nevin, has picked Edo as a model state with a viable economic strategy, noting that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s deep thinking has placed the state on the path of progress.

Nevin, in a chat with journalists, noted that after a review of subnationals in Nigeria, Edo stands out on the back of the government’s commitment to driving a pragmatic economic model to transform the state into an industrial hub.

According to him, “Edo State is a good example. Let me give you an example of the economic policies

Governor Obaseki has in place.

One of them is the development of agriculture and agro value chains and being able to attract investment, especially in palm oil.

“The second is the cultural industry. A new museum is opening up in Benin City and is focused on the Benin bronzes. There is an incredible story to tell about the Benin Empire.”

He added: “The third one is about upskilling young Nigerians to be able to assert themselves in the global value chain as developers. The governor is training thousands of developers

in the state.

“The point I am trying to make is that the state has an economic strategy and it is being executed excellently. Every state has attributes which it can draw on to drive growth.”

The Governor Obaseki-led administration has implemented far-reaching reforms across various sectors of the state’s economy, attracting investors in energy, commercial agriculture, agro-processing, forestry, skills development, tourism, entertainment, and creative industry, among other sectors.

Insight Redefini Encourages Principle of Collective Creative Work Redefini, West Africa’s leading integrated marketing communications group, as well as the world’s third most valuable marketing communications group, Publicis Groupe, marked its 43rd Founders’ Day on the 2nd of January, which represents the commencement of the flagship industry leader, Insight Publicis.

In a communication to its stakeholders, the organisation expressed a renewal of its commitment to ensuring the founder’s principles and values through employees’ collective efforts. Redefini has over the years received national and international

recognition for its exceptional work.

2022, in particular, ended on a good note for the marcomm giant, as the group recorded key client wins and was instrumental to the launch of new local and international brands in the Nigerian market, among which were Prime Video and Burger King. This is in addition to exceptional campaigns delivered for existing clients like Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), Nigerian Breweries, among others.

Redefini’s strategy is driven by deep insights into market and consumer behaviour. Through its collective creative approach and a commit-

ment to lead digital and technology integration in the industry, Redefini and its agencies continue to seize defining moments for its people and its clients across the continent.

Redefini currently boasts of housing Nigeria’s top 1% creative talents and client portfolio across West Africa. Through its agencies, the group continues to deliver the most iconic creative solutions for human-centred business growth.

In 2022, Redefini’s largest creative agency, Insight Publicis, launched iconic campaigns like Aquafina ‘Padi of Life’, ‘Pepsi Confam’, among others.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ͰͲ ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

31

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, ͯͮ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

Buy Interest in Airtel Lift Market Cap by N256bn Kayode Tokede The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) market capitalization yesterday appreciated by N256billion to N28.16trillion as Investors’ renewed buy Interest in Airtel Africa plc.

Also, the NGX All-Share Index rose by 0.93per cent to close at 51,693.08 basis points from 51,222.34basis points

amidst bullish investor sentiment in the new year.

The gain recorded yesterday brings the stock market Year-till-Date (YtD) to 0.88 per cent.

The exchange sectoral performance was mixed, with the NGX Consumer Goods index gaining of 0.08per cent, while the NGX Oil/Gas and NGX Industrial indices were flat.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

The Banking and Insurance Indices reclined by 1.31per cent and 0.70per cent showing signs of profit-taking from investors amid economic uncertainty.

The top gainers of the yesterday included: Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc, which rose by 9.38per cent, followed by ABC Transport Plc, which saw an eight per cent increase in share price.

S E C U R I T I E S QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Royal Exchange Plc, Airtel Africa Plc, and Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc also saw strong gains, with share price increases of 5.88per cent, 5.16per cent, and five per cent. respectively.

The stock market daily trading volume rose by 17.10per cent to 229.22 million shares worth N2.91billion in 3,900 deals.

This was an increase from

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

the previous day’s activity, it was a significant decrease in value as turnover value fell by 60.90per cent.

Financial services stocks dominated market turnover, accounting for 84.52per cent of total activity with Sterling Bank Plc topping the charts as the most traded stock by volume with 85.18 million shares exchanged in 76 deals.

Other highly traded stocks

AS O F

were United Bank of Africa Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Access Holdings Plc and Zenith Bank Plc. The stock market has sustained the optimism from the closing rally of 2022 and continues to be a key driver of growth in the Nigerian capital market seeing as investors seek higher returns in the face of inflationary pressures on the economy.

0 9 / 0 1 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

TUESDAY, ͹͸˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THIRTY-TWO

Buhari to Nigerians: Ensure No Terrorist Group Destabilises Nigeria Again Says people must develop strong confidence in nation Prays to retire in peace by May Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to develop strong confidence in the country and its security institutions and never allow any terrorist group to destablise Nigeria again.

Speaking yesterday at the palace of the Emir of Damaturu, Hashimi II El-Kanemi, the president said government would continue to protect the right of every Nigerian child to education, particularly the children displaced from their homes by Boko Haram.

According to a statement by the media adviser to the President,

Femi Adesina, Buhari said: ‘‘With the four months I have left as president, I’ll continue to be steadfast and I hope that I will retire in peace. ‘‘We must develop strong confidence in our country. Let us make sure we do not compromise security at all in any form because security and economy are the most important things. ‘‘We have gone through so much as a country and I appeal to you to be steadfast and make sure that we will not allow anybody to disorganise us again".

Expressing delight at the return of peace and normalcy in Yobe

State and Northeast Nigeria, the president thanked Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and his Borno State counterpart, Prof Babagana Zulum, for their persistence in reconstructing schools, health centers and institutions destroyed by the misguided terrorists.

The president noted that, ‘‘there was a deliberate attempt to destroy Nigeria but God did not permit it,’’ adding that ‘‘God has helped Nigeria to bounce back.’’

He also commended members of the Armed Forces and the Police for their sacrifices in protecting the country.

The president recalled that

having fought to defend Nigeria’s unity during the civil war, those who were part of that experience would never ‘‘allow anybody to fiddle with this country again.’’

Speaking earlier, Buni told the president that in the heat of the battle against insurgency, the Palace of the Emir of Damaturu was overrun by terrorists. ‘‘However, today and worthy of note is that Yobe State is one of the States you liberated from the clutches of Boko Haram terrorists. ‘‘Before, in this Palace even if you placed one billion dollars for someone to come and pick it, nobody dared to come near but

your coming onboard has made that history and the people of Yobe are enjoying relative peace.’’

On his part, the Emir also thanked the president for improved security in the country, saying ‘‘we have had bitter experiences in the past, but your administration has unified the country.’’

After the courtesy visit at the Emir’s palace, Buhari proceeded to the inauguration of several projects executed by the state government and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

They included the ultra-modern State Command Headquarters,

the Police Tertiary Hospital and access roads, and Police Secondary School, conceptualised and completed under Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba.

He also inaugurated Damaturu ultra-modern market, Maternal and Child Health Complex at the Yobe State Teaching Hospital, the 2600 Housing Estate in Potiskum and the Damaturu Mega School at new Bra-Bra, executed by Governor Buni.

Earlier and immediately after his arrival from Yola, Adamawa State, the President had inaugurated Yobe International Cargo Airport, named after him.

AGAIN, INEC RAISES THE ALARM, SAYS INSECURITY MAY FORCE CANCELLATION OF ELECTIONS and destroy campaign materials of opposition parties.

The commission also warned that a cancellation and/or postponement of elections in sufficient constituencies due to the prevailing security situation in the areas may not only hinder the declaration of elections results, but also precipitate a constitutional crisis.

Yakubu, who was represented by the Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute (BEI), Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, issued the warning at the validation of election security training resources held in Abuja yesterday.

However, Yakubu pointed out that the commission was doing everything possible to ensure that adequate security was provided

for election personnel, materials and processes.

The INEC Chairman explained: “We all appreciate the fact that election security is vital to democratic consolidation through provision of an enabling environment for the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections and thus strengthening the electoral process.

“Consequently, in preparations for the 2023 general elections, the commission is not leaving anything to chance in ensuring that intensive and extensive security is provided for election personnel, materials and processes.

“This is particularly significant to the commission given the current insecurity challenges in various parts of the country and the fact that

the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members constitute the core of the Polling Unit Election officials.

“Moreover, if the insecurity is not monitored and dealt with decisively, it could ultimately culminate in the cancellation and/or postponement of elections in sufficient constituencies to hinder declaration of elections results and precipitate constitutional crisis. This must not be allowed to happen and shall not be allowed to happen.”

Therefore, he stressed that security personnel in particular and all election officials in general must be security conscious and alert to unusual activities in their environment and must be fully equipped to deal with any challenge at all times.

Speaking further, he said: “To

this end, the National Security Adviser, Major-Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd), and the INEC Chairman have jointly assured the nation that a conducive environment would be provided for successful conduct of the 2023 general election.

“Similarly, the Inspector General of Police (IG) Usman Alkali Baba, has conducted Election Security Management Workshops across the six geopolitical zones. On its part, the commission, through the Electoral Institute, has institutionalised the development and implementation of a cascaded training mechanism for security personnel as a critical component of its training plan.

“We are also aware that there is a new Electoral Legal Framework

FG: PORT HARCOURT REFINERY TO COMMENCE PARTIAL OPERATION BEFORE END OF FIRST QUARTER become functional by December 2022.

But that is no longer feasible, according to Sylva and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, who both spoke at the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration Scorecard (2015 – 2023) series, anchored by the Federal Ministry of Information in Abuja.

“The promise was to start the fuel plant, which is the 60,000 bpd component of this activity by the last quarter of 2022, but it is not practical. So, we will start it off in the first quarter of 2023, otherwise every other process is going on,” Kyari stated.

Sylva, who concurred with Kyari that the refinery would begin work before March, explained that the government had continued to buy stakes in most privately owned refineries in the country because of the need to ensure the nation’s energy security.

For instance, Sylva noted that the Dangote Refinery in which the national oil company holds 20 per cent shares, Waltersmith where it has 30 per cent and Duport where it holds 30 per cent would come on stream this year.

According to him, once these facilities begin operations, importation of petroleum products into Nigeria would most likely cease.

He further noted that the Dangote had already sealed feedstock sourcing deals with the NNPC. Sylva reiterated his often-held view that petroleum prices should be market-driven since subsidy is no longer sustainable.

“The management of the supply situation under this subsidy regime is not easy. We must all agree; so much money is being burnt on our cars. But somehow we have to seek funds in order to keep the country wet.

“Sometimes, if you really think deeply, you begin to wonder what magic they are doing to even be able to keep this country wet, considering that you buy something, let’s say for N10 and you are to sell it at a loss.

“And then you are expected to go back and buy the same thing and come back and sell at a loss, so that at every point in time you

are looking for more money to continue to buy it because you are mandated to sell it at a loss.

If you are a businessman, look at it from that perspective, that you are in a business where you are mandated to sell at a loss to the population,” he argued.

On how he feels, seeing Nigerians buy petrol for as high as N300 per litre, the minister said he has no need to feel bad since he was aware of the happenings in the market dynamics.

“Frankly, if you ask me I will say I won’t feel bad (buying fuel for N300) knowing the actual situation.

And if you compare Nigeria to other countries, then you will also understand. Then you convert the N300 to other currencies, you will probably understand.

“A lot of you travel to the United Kingdom and the United States.

How much do you buy petroleum products? Even in Saudi Arabia and in the Arab countries that produce crude oil, convert to naira, you will find out that we are not doing too badly,” he stated.

Sylva further stated that the federal government should be commended for improving the security situation in the Niger Delta,

which has helped raise crude oil production.

He stated that under a subsidy regime, no investor will come into the country, explaining that when the market is free, businessmen will put in their money.

The minister stated that the federal government has strengthened real-time tracking of supply and distribution and improved security in the operating environment.

He added that the ministry had succeeded in passing landmark statutes such as the Deep Offshore Continued on page 35

that will guide the 2023 as a result of the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 which prompted the review of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Conduct of Elections 2022.

“In particular, Sections 47(2), 60(1, 2 & 5), 62(1), 64(4a & 4b) and 64(5) of the Electoral Act 2022, which confers INEC with the power to use any technological device to transmit or transfer election results electronically are instructive in this regard.

“Emboldened by these legal protections, the commission introduced new innovative technologies and procedures and made commitments to the Nigeria People that (a) Continuous Verification, Accreditation and Voting will be conducted at the Polling Units using the Bimodal Verification and Accreditation System (BVAS) and (b) Real-Time Polling Unit-level results will be uploaded on to the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) Portal using the same BVAS. “These commitments require innovative security strategies and deployments for protection of voters, election personnel, materials, equipment, the electoral processes as well as the general public and infrastructure,” he noted.

Commenting further, the INEC boss said: “These innovative systems and processes minimise human errors and delays in results collation and improves the accuracy, transparency, and credibility of the results collation process thereby ensuring credibility of the process.

“They were tested during the Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections, held on June 18, 2022 and July 16, 2022, respectively. The Hon. Chairman INEC has severally assured the nation that the BVAS and IReV will be deployed during the 2023 general elections.

“Reports on the conduct of security operatives during the elections conducted by the commission, specifically stand-alone governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states have shown progressive and commendable improvement in their disposition to electoral training and professionalism on election duties.”

In his goodwill message delivered by its Country Director, Seray Jah, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), noted that the training of security personnel to be deployed for the poll was the ingredient for peaceful elections.

“Managing security threats in the electioneering process is a tall order for INEC, which has the responsibility, together with Nigerian security agencies, of preventing, mitigating, and resolving electoral violence.

“To effectively do this, security personnel deployed during the elections would need adequate training on their roles and responsibilities during the election.

“The validation workshop with key stakeholders in elections security presents an opportunity to ratify Continued on page 36

BUHARI IN YOLA, CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR TINUBU, BINANI, OTHER APC CANDIDATES Buhari, while thanking members of the APC in the state for their unflinching support to him since 2015, also advised them to remain committed to the party and support its candidates at all levels during the February and March, 2023 polls.

He specifically told the crowd that Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima could be trusted to deliver at all times.

“I wish specially to thank you for reposing your trust in me and giving me your support during the last two presidential elections.

“I want you to continue with this spirit and remain loyal to our party the APC. I want you to support our candidates at all levels in the state and federal elections. You can trust Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, our party's flag-bearer and presidential candidate, together with his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

“I want you to vote for them massively, retain the party in power at the centre, and also return Adamawa to the rank of the progressives.

“I want you to wholeheartedly embrace the message of ‘Renewed Hope’ on which our candidates and party are campaigning,’’ the president said.

“I am delighted to be here today in Yola, Adamawa State, to be part of the campaign of our candidates for different offices in the country, starting from presidential, to gubernatorial,

national and state assemblies.

It is APC from top to bottom.

“APC for president! APC for Governor! APC for Senate! APC for House of Representatives!

APC for Assembly members!’’ the president noted.

Buhari urged the electorate to vote for Tinubu and Shettima, as well as the other APC candidates for Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly.

He also called on Adamawa voters to shun sentiments, and make history by electing the first female governor in the country in 2023 in the person of Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed-Binani, saying her track record of dedication to duty and service would improve the livelihood of citizens.

The president told the voters that Binani had consistently worked for the welfare of the state over many years, adding that entrusting her with the office of the governor would further strengthen her to reposition the state for greatness.

He said: “Let me remind you of the good fortune that is awaiting your state in 2023, after returning the APC to power at the federal level and electing the party's candidate as your incoming governor.

“You have been given the opportunity to set a record in the history of Nigeria and the annals of democracy and politics in our country by electing the first ever female chief executive of a

state in Nigeria. You cannot afford that such a significant opportunity would slip through your fingers.

“I am, therefore, calling on all the men, women and youth of Adamawa State, the northeast and indeed the entire country, to support the candidature of Senator Aisha Binani and ensure her victory in March 2023".

Buhari said the APC had a vision of making Adamawa State more peaceful, progressive and prosperous.

“Your contributions in Adamawa State to our national development can be attested to by your output in agriculture, fishery, livestock, industry, manufacturing, commerce, mining, among others.

“Your achievements in the areas of education have made us proud and given us immense joy and satisfaction. Adamawa people are progressive in nature, and it is time to prove it once again.

“Our vision for Adamawa as a peaceful, progressive and prosperous state is strong and enduring. With your perseverance and determination, the APC will make Adamawa a model state in all areas of endeavour,’’ he stated.

The president urged youths in the state and the country to pursue values that would bring honour to their families and the country, advising that Nigeria’s image could only be improved by the citizens.

“Let me now speak to the youths of our country, and Adamawa State particularly. I

want you to know that you mean so much to us. Please, remain loyal and patriotic citizens, learn from your elders and behave responsibly at all times.

“There can be no other place better than this country that promises so much to us and beckons us to greater prosperity.

“I want you to remain true to our ideals of decency, respect and accountability. You should bear your responsibilities seriously and acquit yourself well in all that you are called on to do.

“You should all come out and vote in the forthcoming elections, exercise your franchise responsibly and do not allow yourselves to be misled by vain sentiments and idle promises.

“Let me remind you and the entire people of Nigeria that the eyes of the world will be on you come February and March, 2023. Therefore, do not give in to temptation and allow yourselves to be manipulated,’’ he added.

The president advised the youths to remain loyal to the APC by sensitising voters on the gains of the party, urging them to vote for its candidates at various levels.

Earlier in his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, called on voters to elect Tinubu for president and Senator Binani for Governor of Adamawa State.

Adamu told the large gathering of party supporters that both

candidates had been tested with responsibilities at various levels of governance, and would work together for the benefit of the people.

Also speaking, Tinubu thanked the president for leading the country with integrity, and setting new standards in development projects.

According to him: "Nigeria is blessed. We have integrity in President Buhari. Whatever damage the Poverty Development Party, PDP, has done, we will replace it with joy, prosperity, happiness and employment for our people.

"We will get you engaged properly. We will pay attention to your needs. Vote Binani for governor of the state, and when we are elected, we will work together to provide good water, education, health and end killings and kidnapping,'' he said.

Tinubu said if elected as president, he would revive the education sector, improve health care delivery and security.

He said he would also eradicate poverty, create employment and enable environment for businesses to thrive.

On her part, Binani pleaded with the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, APC stalwart, Nuhu Ribadu and a member of the House of Representatives, Abdulrazak Namdas, to join hands with her in ensuring success at the polls, Continued on page 34

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STATE-OF-THE-NATION IN FOCUS...

L-R: Director Media and Publicity, Arewa Elders Initiative, Mallam Danladi Usman; Director, Arewa Elders Initiative Mr. Sidi Hassan; and Director League of Professionals for Good Governance and PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE Accountability Mr. Gbenga Ganzallo, during a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja…yesterday.

Appeal Court President Warns Election Petitions Tribunals' Secretaries, Supports Staff against Misconducts Alex Enumah in Abuja The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica DongbanMensem, yesterday warned Election Petitions Tribunals’ secretaries and support staff to resist advances that could lead to misconduct.

Justice Dongban-Mensem said secretaries and support staff who were chosen from various jurisdictions of the Nigerian courts must not see the task as, “an opportunity to make money to enrich yourselves.”

She spoke yesterday at a workshop on capacity building for election petitions tribunals at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja with the theme: ‘Challenges arising from election tribunal and the way for’ Declaring the two-day event open, Justice Dongban-Mensem, whose court serves as the secretariat for the election petitions tribunals and enlists judges and support staff

for the exercise, added, “The court will not hesitate to deal with anyone found wanting in this regard.”

The appellate court president noted that secretaries and support staff found wanting in compromising the judicial process would be sacked by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and prosecuted.

The elections are scheduled for February 25th and March 11th.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had in November inaugurated over 300 judges that would be serving on different panels of the election petitions tribunals to adjudicate disputes expected to arise from the February 2023 elections.

Ariwoola, while swearing them in, had warned them against corrupt practices.

With less than two months to Nigeria’s general elections, Justice Dongban-Mensem said the

training was meant to highlight the challenges associated with election adjudication with a view to proffering solutions.

The appeal court president explained that the need to tackle the problems in the electoral process brought about the Election Tribunals which was adequately provided for in the constitution.

“They are established for the purposes of determining disputes arising from the conduct of elections into the various elective positions.”

She noted that the, “training will serve as a forum for you to share experiences with one another wherein guidance will be provided and strategies devised for the strengthening of the Tribunals.”

Justice Dongban-Mensem highlighted some of the responsibilities of the tribunal registrars including “receipt of Petitions and other Court Processes for filing, Service of Court Processes timeously on

Parties, issuance of Hearing Notices, preparation of Court Proceedings and Orders, custody and safekeeping of the Tribunals’ documents, compilation of records among … others.”

“It is important for you to familiarise yourselves with the provisions of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Practice Direction as it affects your performance at the Registry.”

JusticeDongban-Mensem pointed out that the election tribunals must be opened seven days before the elections, noting that, “the challenges faced by Election Tribunals in Nigeria are numerous.”

“This training consists of scintillating topical issues that will in no small measure prepare you for your assignment.

“I therefore urge you to pay rapt attention to every detail of it so that you can be well equipped

Find Courage to Stop Oil Theft in Nigeria, Uzodimma Urges Special Investigations Panel Amby Uneze in Owerri Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has advised members of the Special Investigations Panel on Oil Theft/ Losses in Nigeria to be courageous in discharging their assignment, describing the place of crude oil in the economy of Nigeria as “the brain of the country.’’

He then wondered why the life wire of Nigeria should be left in the hands of few individuals to "open the body and remove the brain."

The governor spoke when he received in audience, the Chairman and members of the Special Investigation Panel on Oil Theft/ Losses in Nigeria, on a courtesy visit to him at the Government House Owerri yesterday.

Addressing the panel members led by their Chairman, Major Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd), Uzodimma commended the wisdom of the federal government in setting up the panel for the purpose of "reducing the dangerous crime of oil thieves who are determined to cripple the economy of the nation."

He said the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and other well-meaning persons had long suggested that a special committee be set-up to unravel the crude oil theft in Nigeria and expressed happiness that the body has eventually been established.

The governor expressed joy

that in recent times the crude oil production level has increased and expressed confidence over the calibre of members of the committee who he described as "men and women of impeccable pedigree."

He then charged them to "find the courage to do the work and expose the thieves and even prosecute them."

Uzodimma said two factors had contributed to the successes of oil theft in the country - internal and external security. Internally, he said the security appeared compromised, not properly mobilised and equipped to fight the malady, while externally, the security needs to be properly coordinated or synergised.

He told the panel that in Imo State, his administration was doing her best, in conjunction with the security agencies, to check oil theft, noting that, "the result is that now things are getting better than the situation we met in 2020 when we assumed office.”

To achieve better results in taming oil theft in the country, Uzodimma recommended that the fight must involve the local communities/vigilantes, the state and federal governments security agencies.

He assured the panel of his administration's support to salvage the Nigerian economy and improve

the overall well-being of the people, expressing confidence that members of the panel would do the job assigned to them creditably despite the enormous responsibility that comes with it.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Panel, Ndiomu, said they were in Imo State to, "engage and have frank discussion with the governor on finding lasting solution to oil theft in Nigeria, knowing full well that Imo State is one of the oil producing

States badly affected by the menace of oil theft/losses."

He assured the governor that going by the seriousness attached to the committee's work, the final submission of its report will surely count "and in a very short while the problem will be solved."

On behalf of the panel, he requested for the governor’s support as they work to stop oil theft for the benefit of the Nigerian economy and people.

and informed of your roles as Tribunal Secretaries and support staff as elaborated in the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and the Election Judicial Proceedings Practice Direction, 2022.

“This training will serve as a forum for you to share experiences with one another wherein guidance will be provided and strategies devised for the strengthening of the tribunals” she said.

Elections, she said, play a very vital role in a democratic system of government as it gives the citizens the chance to choose their leaders.

“It is part of your obligation to discharge your duties with utmost good faith and not be carried away by little advances.

“Your integrity and that of the tribunal and its members are in the public searchlight, you must therefore ensure you are not used as weapons to truncate the process.

“Ensure to live above board so that you will not put the judiciary into disrepute” she said.

She further warned participants to see the training as a call to serve the nation and not to enrich self.

“Do not see it as an opportunity to make money to enrich yourselves but rather go there to build your name and your future as it is literally said that a good name is better than silver and gold.

“The court will not hesitate to deal with anyone found wanting in this regard” she said.

Also speaking, INEC National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who represented the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, pledged the commission’s support.

“The capacity building workshop is geared at equipping you with requisite knowledge needed for you

to carry out the task required for the proper and orderly function of election petitions.

“The registry is the administrative hub of the Election Tribunals proceedings.

“It is of utmost importance therefore that you pay attention to the enabling laws which empower you in the performance of your duty” he said.

Similarly, the Country Director, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Mr. Seray Jah, one of collaborating partners expressed great joy at the development.

He commended the leadership of the Court of Appeal.

“This is the first time we are bringing out the secretariat who I might call the foot soldiers of a successful tribunal in any country, I think, it is a testimony of the president of court of appeal.

“It is not only to enhance the capacity of justices and judges but also, to enhance that of the people who are usually unmentioned when the tribunal is very successful,” he said.

Speaking also, the Deputy Chief Registrar, Headquarters/Election Petition Tribunal, Mr. Kabiru Akanbi said: “We have developed a software for the management of EPT cases.

Here, you will be taught how the software works.”

The Court of Appeal is the penultimate court empowered to establish such tribunals and have the Registries opened at least seven days before the election.

The Registry is saddled with the administrative responsibilities of the Tribunal and is headed by a Secretary who is the Principal Administrative Staff.

Malami Inaugurates Bar's General Council NBA tasks members on self-regulation Alex Enumah in Abuja The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami, yesterday, in Abuja, inaugurated the General Council of the Bar. The inauguration which many believed was long overdue, was targeted at repositioning the legal profession in the country as well as reinstate public confidence.

Speaking at the occasion Malami disclosed that, "after initial challenges, we are succeeding in getting the General Council of the Bar on stream again, to enable it

assume its pride of place in the legal community.

"The inauguration of the Bar Council today represents a remarkable milestone in our legal profession. It presents an opportunity for constitutional heads of the legal profession and members of the Bar to meet and deliberate on pertinent issues affecting the legal profession, especially in view of current challenges and public perception of the profession".

The minister explained that the General Council of the Bar (Bar Council) was established by the Legal Practitioners Act and saddled

with functions as may be prescribed by the Act and the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association.

"The importance of the Council’s activities cannot therefore be overemphasised, and as such, there is an obvious need to reinvigorate the Council by ensuring that necessary structures are put in place which will allow it perform optimally," he said.

The AGF therefore urged members of the council to remain committed to professionalism, adding that the NBA must work in synergy with the council “to build an enviable legal profession

that will be beneficial to us all.”

According to him, "A body which consists of all the chief law officers in the federation cannot simply be ignored by any leadership of the NBA which is truly desirous of making significant impact on the administration of justice and promotion of the rule of law in the country.”

The Council which has the Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the Federation and 20 members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is headed by the AGF. Continues online

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PDP STRATEGIC MEETING...

L-R: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State, Hon. Augustine Nnamani; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi; State Governor and candidate of the PDP for Enugu North Senatorial District, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; PDP governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Peter Mbah; and Director-General of the PDP State Campaign Organisation, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, during a meeting at the Government House, Enugu…yesterday.

No Increase in Hospitalisation in Nigeria Due to COVID-19, Says Ehanire Over 76 million Nigerians vaccinated Ministry to commence vaccination at airports, other border posts Onyebuichi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has said the country did not witness any increase in the number of persons hospitalised as a result of COVID-19 infections during the yuletide.

He also said the sub-lineages partly responsible for the current increase in COVID-19 cases in other countries, such as XBB.1.5 and BF.7 COVID-19 variants were yet to detected in the country as at November 2022.

The minister said these just as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), which provided an update on vaccination, said as of Monday, January 9 2023, 76,161,470 eligible persons had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, representing 65.7 per cent of eligible population.

It said 64,094,498 persons had also been fully vaccinated.

As a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 as well as other variants of the virus that may be imported into the country, the minister advised that Nigerians who had received second vaccination to take the booster jabs as it has been proven to give extra immunity.

He said administering of booster shots was now being encouraged by the federal government because of the affirmation by WHO that those with vaccine booster shots were less likely to fall sick or die from COVID-19 infection.

While providing updates of COVID-19 infections and treatment, Ehanire said: "In Nigeria, we have had 5,708,974 samples tested, 266,463 confirmed cases,

259,850 discharged cases and unfortunately 3,155 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)."

The minister also said based on confirmed data, COVID-19 has continued to follow a different epidemiological course in Nigeria and most of Africa, with lesser cases, admissions, and deaths from the Omicron sub-lineages.

He said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) led COVID-19 emergency operation unit was closely monitoring the rise in the new Omicron sub-lineages XBB.1.5 in the UK and US, as well as the current resurgence COVID-19 trends in China, and other countries with a high volume of traffic to and from Nigeria.

"We are working to complete testing and analysis for December 2022. Since the detection of the Omicron variant in December 2021, its sub-lineages (BQ.1/BQ.1.1) has been dominant in Nigeria also as seen in other parts of the world.

"It is important to note that regardless of COVID-19 variants in different parts of the world, severe disease, admissions, and deaths disproportionately affect the unvaccinated and those with established risk factors thus - older people, people with co-morbidities etc," he said.

The minister further said the most important action for Nigerians to take was to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as the vaccine remains the most important intervention for preventing severe disease, hospitalisation, and death.

Additionally, Ehanire said though the COVID-19 protocols and restrictions have eased, people at high risk for severe COVID-19 were

advised to continue to adhere to the recommended non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPIs) such as the use of facemasks, good hand and respiratory hygiene and avoidance of crowded spaces.

While answering questions on the efforts by the ministry to check possible import of the newer COVID-19 variants, the Director Port Health Services said the staff were keeping vigilance at

the airports and other ports entry to the country.

He added that the department would start checking the vaccination status of passengers arriving the and would commence vaccination of those who have not do so on their arrival.

He complained that most inbound passengers were not taken advantage of the online platform to declare their vaccination status,

The Federal High Court sitting in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the name Hon Mohammed Umara Kumalia as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Borno Central in the forthcoming elections.

The court also ordered Kumalia to immediately stop parading himself as the PDP senatorial candidate for Borno Central ahead

of the election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Borno- Central senatorial candidate, Hon. Kaka Shehu Lawan had approached the Federal High Court to sought the disqualification of Kumailia, who was at a time the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the gubernatorial candidate of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011, on the grounds that he did not participate in the PDP primary election.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Jude Dagat said INEC erred in

cent of our eligible population.

64,094,498 persons have been fully vaccinated and this represents 55.3 per cent of our eligible population. 9,892,018 have received their booster doses."

He explained that this year has witnessed an increase in the number of eligible population from 111,773,503 to 115,983,921 as a result of increase in number of persons who turned 18 years.

BUHARI IN YOLA, CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR TINUBU, BINANI, OTHER APC CANDIDATES and lifting the state to greater heights.

A former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, also urged the electorate to vote for Tinubu for president, and Binani for governor of the state, noting that Tinubu and Shettima had already set precedence of good leadership as former governors.

He said Binani would build on past achievements in the state, and correct anomalies in leadership and development, especially in placing the welfare of the people first and ensuring inclusive governance.

PDP Mocks Ex-Lagos Governor

However, the campaign rally had barely ended when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mocked Tinubu, following what it described as President Buhari’s obvious snub during the APC campaign in Adamawa.

A statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Atiku/ Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kola Ologbondi-

yan, in Abuja yesterday, said it was clear that Buhari avoided the booby trap of identifying with Tinubu when the president declined to speak directly in his favour by commending him for anything during the rally.

He said: “The public watched as a visibly embarrassed Asiwaju Tinubu had to put up with President Buhari merely raising his hand without speaking on his (Tinubu’s) personality despite the pressure being mounted on him (Buhari).

“It is clear that President Buhari attended the APC presidential rally, after much prodding, only to satisfy partisan exigencies and not to campaign for Asiwaju Tinubu, who is badgered by allegations for which most well-meaning Nigerians have distanced themselves from his Presidential bid.

“Our campaign is therefore not surprised that President Buhari avoided the booby trap of smearing his image by refusing to campaign for Asiwaju Tinubu at the rally.

“It was indeed a pitiable sight

Court Stops PDP Borno Central Senatorial Candidate Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

hence the decision to enforce regulations at the international airports more structly.

On his part, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib disclosed that, "as at Monday January 9 2023, 76,161,470 eligible persons have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, representing 65.7 per

the first instance by publishing the name of Hon Mohammed Kumailia,"who did not participate in a valid primary election."

According to the judge, "INEC ought to have rejected the name of Hon Mohammed Umara Kumalia as submitted to it by the PDP as the candidate of the party ab initio."

He said: "There is no record of a re- run election conducted by the PDP and supervised by INEC." INEC had on September 20, 2022 published the name of Kumailia as PDP senatorial candidate for Borno Central after the name of

Jibrin Mustapha Tatabe who won the PDP primary election earlier on 23rd of May 2022 was substituted by the party.

The PDP had told the court that Hon Tatabe, the winner of the primary, had voluntarily written to the party headquarters to withdraw his candidature citing personal grounds, after which another primary election was conducted and won by Hon Kumalia.

But this was countered by Tatabe as he claimed his signature was forged in the said letter.

to behold as Asiwaju Tinubu watched Mr. President’s mouth, expecting him to campaign for him and speak words of commendation on his personality, which to his embarrassment, never came.

“Even when President Buhari, who was about to leave the campaign stage, was reminded by the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, to address the gathering in Hausa language, Mr. President merely described him (Tinubu) as being nominated by the Party and failed to campaign for him.

“Nigerians can recall that our campaign had earlier cautioned Asiwaju Tinubu that dragging President Buhari into

his campaign cannot help him given that his image had gone beyond redemption.

“The APC presidential candidate should face his political woes and not attempt to transfer the burden and smear of his alleged narcoticrelated offence and countless allegations of corruption and sundry misdemeanors on the president.“ He further said, “Asiwaju Tinubu should stop wasting his time. He should yield to the consensus by Nigerians to vote in a more acceptable, capable and experienced candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation at this critical time.”

Kwankwaso Promises Free WAEC, JAMB Forms, to Lead Campaign Council Onyebuichi Ezigbo in Abuja The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwso, is to lead the presidential campaign council of the party.

He promised to make application forms for admission and employment free if elected president.

Inaugurating the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (PPC) in Abuja yesterday, Kwankwaso said his government would construct 500,000 classrooms across the federation.

This, he said, is to accommodate the over 20 million out-of-school children.

He also said his government “will make all application forms for admission and employment free”.

“We will make all examinations such as WASC, NECO, NABTEB, NBIAS, JAMB etc free.

“We will introduce a four-year moratorium for JAMB so that our children can use the same JAMB results to gain admission into our tertiary education institutions.

“We will upgrade and expand all our universities, polytechnics and colleges of education and raise their standard to global competitiveness.”

The former Kano State governor said the party’s zonal campaign rallies would begin on January 12 in Bauchi for the North-east and move to Kaduna (January 14) and Lafia (January 16) for the North-west and North-central.

He said after the zonal rally in Lafia, the campaign would be suspended to enable him “travel to London to honour the invitation from the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House and present a discussion paper to a selected global audience.”

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROMOTIONS...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Monilola Udoh; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator, Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora; and PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN Director, Legal Services, Mrs. Odu-Thomas Yvonne, during the fourth quarterly meeting of the ministry in Abuja...recently

Edo Govt Raises the Alarm over Rising Lassa Fever, Records 18 New Cases Revs up surveillance, sensitisation, others to curb infections PwC spotlights state as model for viable economic strategy

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City The Edo State Government yesterday announced that it recorded 18 new cases of Lassa fever last week, raising the total number of persons currently on admission in the state to 23.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, who disclosed this while briefing

journalists in Benin City, said the persons, including 17 adults and six children, were currently receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), in Esan Central Local Government Area.

Reassuring the government’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of every Edo resident, Prof. Obehi said the government had stepped up

surveillance, sensitisation, and other measures to stop the spread of the disease and protect residents across all Edo communities.

Lamenting the unprecedented rise in the number of infections, the health commissioner called for the support and collaboration of every Edo resident to control and eliminate Lassa fever in the state.

According to her, “Edo State,

over the past one week, has recorded 18 new cases of Lassa fever, bringing the cases of Lassa fever patients currently on admission in the state to 23.

“The 23 patients, including 17 adults and six children are currently receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.”

Obehi listed the local government areas in the state most affected by

N500bn NDDC 2023 Budget Fraudulent, Says Wike Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Governor Nyesom Wike has described as fraudulent the description of allocation of N500 billion Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) 2023 budget.

The Rivers State governor expressed displeasure over how politicians were exerting pressure on the National Assembly to hurriedly pass the NDDC 2023 budget ahead of the general elections.

Wike wondered if the 2023 NDDC budget before the National Assembly would address development issues in the region.

The governor made the assertion yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when a delegation of the management of Leadership Newspaper Group Limited led

by their Senior Vice Chairman/ Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene, presented a nomination letter of award to him as the "Politician of the Year 2022."

Wike revealed that within the total estimate of N500 billion, N70 billion was expected from the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG), N4 billion earmarked for distilling of public drains, and N60 billion earmarked as support to security agency.

The Rivers State governor said a critical look at the details of the various estimate revealed that it was fraudulent budget.

Wike said it was laughable to see a development agency like the NDDC earmarking N4 billion to clean public drains when it was supposed to attend to strategic

EFCC Begins Auction of Forfeited Real Estate

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday at the National Open University, Jabi, Abuja, commenced the sale of forfeited real estate assets by sealed bids to the highest bidders.

The commission said there was no successful bid for the properties in Lot 1 comprising 24 units of luxury flats at Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, which was expected to be sold as a single unit.

EFCC Head of Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement that a bidder who turned in the highest bid of N13.1 billion was disqualified for failure to include the stipulated 10 per cent of the bid amount.

Other bidders did not make the reserve price.

Secretary to the commission, Dr. George Ekpungu announced that the Commission would open fresh

bids for the properties in Lot 1.

The bids will close by 12 pm on Friday, January 13, 2023, while the bid opening will be done the same day.

Also, there were no successful bids in Lots 2 and 3. Fresh bids were invited until Wednesday, January 11, 2023, and the bids will be opened on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Dr. Ekpungu explained that the Commission adopted the format of competitive bidding to ensure accountability and so that the government gets the right value for the assets.

He said the occupants of the properties for sale have the Right of First Refusal even as he vowed that the commission would ensure that former owners of the forfeited properties do not attempt to repurchase the assets by proxy.

Continues online

development issues in the region.

He queried why the NDDC would earmark N60 billion to security agency and not devote it to doing an enduring project and see the derivable impact.

Wike claimed politicians were already mounting pressure on the National Assembly members to speedily pass the NDDC budget so that it can be shared in lieu of the 2023 general election that is approaching.

Speaking further, Wike lamented that it was becoming almost difficult to see people standing on the side of truth whether it benefits them or not.

The governor remarked that issues of payment of staff and sundry matters created some problems within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the party lost the 2015 general elections.

He explained that while those who didn't wish PDP were vehement on their agenda to collapse the party, he and a few others stood up for the party, ensured that it was not killed and were described as the pillar of the PDP. Wike alleged that there were hired boys who have been commissioned to attack him and label him as a destroyer of the party because he is speaking up for fairness, justice

and equity.

Wike insisted that he cannot be destroying a party that he has contributed so much to build.

The governor also stated however, that he cannot be in a house he has built and allow armed robbers to take it over.

Wike recalled that the PDP presidential primary was fraudulently organised.

He said the organisers allowed an aspirant to return to the podium to do campaign when voting process had started. According to him, if the aspirant was allowed to make announcement that he was stepping down, there won't have been problem, but rather instructed delegates who to vote.

Speaking on behalf of management of Leadership Newspaper Group Limited, Senior Vice Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene said governor Wike was nominated as the "Politician of the Year 2022", because his activities have consequential impact on Nigerians.

On his part, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Sun Newspaper Publishing Limited Mr. Onuohia Ukah said governor Wike was awarded "Courage in Leadership 2022" because despite economy recession, he has delivered soul lifting projects for Rivers State.

the disease to include Esan West, Etsako West, Esan North East, Esan Central, Etsako Central, Esan South East and Etsako East.

Speaking on the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the disease and protect Edo citizens, she noted: “The Emergency Operation Centre for Lassa fever has been activated in Edo State on the 5th of January and they have had three meetings. The various pillars of the Emergency Operation Centre have been activated.

“The Infection, Prevention and Control pillars are currently working on contacting the Diseases Notification and Surveillance Officers in the various local government areas to beef up infection control. We have stepped up communication with messages being developed and disseminated to sensitise people in their local languages.

“We will also be meeting with local council stakeholders today in Edo Central. We will be meeting with the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) of the seven affected LGAs, as well as the market women, Enogies, and the healthcare practitioners in the LGAs, among other stakeholders.”

Lamenting the rise in the number of infections, the commissioner said, “This is an emergency situation and we want people to be aware that cases of Lassa fever are on the rise.

“While the government is implementing a number of measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state, we urge everyone to support the government's efforts in curbing the spread of Lassa fever by complying with guidelines to stay healthy and safe.”

She added: “Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; avoid contact with rat urine or feces; avoid consuming contaminated food or water and seek medical

attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of Lassa fever, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Economic Adviser, PwC Nigeria, Andrew Nevin, has picked Edo as a model state with a viable economic strategy, noting that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s deep thinking has placed the state on the path of progress.

Nevin, in a chat with journalists, noted that after a review of subnationals in Nigeria, Edo stood out on the back of the government's commitment to driving a pragmatic economic model to transform the state into an industrial hub.

According to him, “Edo State is a good example. Let me give you an example of the economic policies Governor Obaseki has in place.

One of them is the development of agriculture and agro value chains and being able to attract investment, especially in palm oil.

“The second is the cultural industry. A new museum is opening up in Benin City and is focused on the Benin bronzes. There is an incredible story to tell about the Benin Empire.”

He added: “The third one is about upskilling young Nigerians to be able to assert themselves in the global value chain as developers.

The governor is training thousands of developers in the state.

“The point I am trying to make is that the state has an economic strategy and it is being executed excellently. Every state has attributes which it can draw on to drive growth.”

The Governor Obaseki-led administration has implemented far-reaching reforms across various sectors of the state’s economy, attracting investors in energy, commercial agriculture, agro-processing, forestry, skills development, tourism, entertainment, and creative industry, among other sectors.

FG: PORT HARCOURT REFINERY TO COMMENCE PARTIAL OPERATION BEFORE MARCH and Inland Basin Acts, as well as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The minister also listed the gas flare commercialisation programme, which he said was at the final stage of awarding the flare points to potential winners as one of the achievements, stressing that the ministry has encouraged more indigenous participation by facilitating crude access and ease of license approval.

The projected five per cent reduction in the cost of crude extraction, he said, was also achieved and surpassed during the period.

He also said kerosene which now sells for over N1,000 was no longer within the direct purview of the federal government, since the price has now been deregulated, admitting however, that it remains the fuel of the less- privileged.

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said beyond what he termed the unprecedented infrastructure development, the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was leaving behind legacies of revamped security, social investment, self-sufficiency in staples

and probity, among others.

Mohammed said critics of the administration that claimed that the government had achieved nothing and those that admitted that it was only in the area of infrastructure that the government had performed were both wrong.

According to him, the Buhari administration would be leaving a legacy of a social investment programme that is unprecedented in Africa and has enhanced the quality of life of the beneficiaries.

“Our pace-setting social investment programmes like N-Power,

School Feeding, Conditional Cash Transfer and GEEP (Government Enterprise Empowerment programme) have benefitted millions of our citizens, both young and old, and this can neither be trivialised nor denied,” he explained.

He said that the current administration was also leaving the petroleum sector that could serve the interest of the nation, especially with the new PIA 2021.

According to Mohammed, the Act has provided legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry.

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RELIGIOUS MATTERS...

L-R: Vice Chairman, Alli-Oloko Balogun Descendants Union, Dr. Gbolahan Alli-Balogun; Newly-turbaned Imam, Alli Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, Alhaji Monsur Kehinde Alli-Balogun; Newly-turbaned lya Adini Musulumi of Alli Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola; Chairman, Alli-Oloko Balogun Descendants Union, Mr. Nurudeen Adegboyega Ojora-Adejiyan; and Mrs. Wonu Folami, at PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT the turbaning ceremony of Imam of Alli Oloko Wasinmi Mosque and other titles organised by the descendants union in Lagos Island... recently

Protesters Storm National Secretariat as Alleged N1.3bn Fraud Tears Enugu APC Apart We’re yet to receive the funds, says Enugu APC chair Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Some aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State yesterday stormed the national secretariat of the party as the alleged N1.3 billion fraud involving the chairman of the party, Ugochukwu Agballah and the governorship candidate, Uche Nnaji continued to tear the state APC apart.

But in a swift reaction, Agballah said the allegations by the protesters were untrue, adding that they were yet to be mobilised financially by the national leadership The leader of the protesters and Chairman, Concerned Members of Enugu APC, Alphonsus Ude, said the protest to the party's national secretariat became imperative in order to express their concerns.

He alleged that the duo misappropriated the sum of N283 million meant for the expression of interest and nomination forms to ensure that the party fields candidates for the governorship, and all the National Assembly and State Assembly seats in the state.

Ude alleged that there had been impunity, gross misconduct, fraudulent administration, embezzlement of party funds, and impunity being perpetrated by the state chairman and the governorship candidate.

The protesters further alleged the embezzlement of about $1.5 million being allowances for Enugu State delegates in the 2022 national convention and presidential election.

Against this background, the protesters called for the immediate removal of Agballah as the chairman of the APC in Enugu State and the appointment of a Caretaker Chairman to pilot the party through the 2023 general election.

Ude recalled that notable party leaders in the state were on a protest visit to the national leadership of the party in August 2022, where they had submitted a petition calling for the removal of Agballah as the state party chairman and appointment of a Caretaker Chairman to save the state chapter of the party from destruction and disgrace.

He further recalled that the signatories and delegation included Senator Ken Nnamani, former President of the Senate; Mr. Geofrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sullivan Chime, former Governor of Enugu State; Barr. Eugene Odo, former Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly; Ambassador Christian Ugwu, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, among many others.

According to him, although the chairman promised to look into the issues, “we can understand that pressing party matters such as the national convention and presidential primary, overseeing the various primary elections and the party’s preparations for the 2023 general election, which he had to undertake immediately after his election as the national chairman

must have preoccupied him.”

He stated: “We call on the national leadership of the party to cause Agballah and Nnaji to immediately make available to the state’s delegates to the national convention and presidential primary election the allowances totaling about $1.5 million given to them.

“We call on the national leadership of the APC to cause

Agballah and Nnaji to immediately account for the sum of N283 million released to them for the expression of interest and nomination forms for all the elective offices in Enugu in the 2023 general election.

“We call on the national leadership of the party to cause Agballah and Nnaji to release the funds made available for the preparations for the forthcoming

presidential rally in Enugu.”

The protesters re-emphasised the need to address with dispatch issues raised in the protest letter in order to reposition the party for a resounding impact in the presidential election in Enugu State.

Reacting to the development, the Director-General of Nwakaibie Uche Nnaji Campaign Organisation, Fidelis Edeh told journalists

that the national headquarters of APC should confirm if such funds were released.

“APC should be the one to confirm and not the candidate,” he said.

Also, Enugu State APC chairman said the claims made were untrue, insisting that they were yet to be mobilised financially by the national leadership.

Defraying Backlog of Salaries, Pensions, My Immediate Concern If Elected, Says Otti Ahamefula Ogbu The Abia State Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Alex Otti, has said his topmost priority if he wins the election in March, would be to clear the arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities and give the people the needed succour and relief from hardship.

He also pledged to stop the sharing culture of allocations and funds of the state so as to channel same to needed areas of development to restore production and create employment.

Otti who had an interaction with members of Abia Media Forum where he outlined his programme of redeeming the state which he admitted had fallen behind in all indices of development assured that he will through a mixture of

approaches, ensure that moribund industries in the state were resuscitated and production resumed so that employment would be created and youths engaged.

He lamented that though the national rate of unemployment in Nigeria was 33 per cent, that of Abia was 55 per cent which is higher than the national while in ease of doing business, Abia ranked 33 which makes it difficult for investors to come to the state.

The former bank chief said he was going to put infrastructure in place to ensure the state becomes attractive to investors and manufacturers so that all factors militating against making the state good to investors were removed.

On why the state has consistently lagged behind in development, he identified lack of social contract and

political jobbery as well as godfatherism which makes it impossible to owe allegiance to the citizens but instead owe same to their benefactors.

"There is this culture of going to Abuja to collect allocation and coming back to share it. You know the sharer will have a larger chunk and the money that will be used for development is just shared among some people. Again, this godfather thing which does not allow the godson to outperform his godfather.

Right from the return of democracy, the state has always been passed from one godfather to a godson which doesn't allow development.

"They don't promise the people anything and they don't feel they owe the people anything. That is the effect of stealing mandates and they feel the people no longer matter but I am here to reverse all those and

make the resources of the state to work for the state.

"Poor and unprepared leadership without vision is the reason Abia is underdeveloped. Having wrong leaders who perpetuate themselves and replace with stooges. The culture of sharing money so that no matter the allocation, they still leave debts without work to show for the money spent," he explained.

Asked his view on state police given the security situation in the entire South East region, he said the idea of state police was fine but that with or without it, he has a template which is to create jobs and pull those pushed into crime by lack and unemployment while he will use the regular security agencies to rein in the voluntary criminals who indulge in crimes inspite of any situation.

AGAIN, INEC RAISES THE ALARM, SAYS INSECURITY MAY FORCE CANCELLATION OF ELECTIONS the quality resources developed to train the security personnel as they prepare to deploy for the 2023 general elections. IFES commends TEI and INEC for the workshop.”

Meanwhile, IPAC has alleged that some state governors were using touts to intimate members of the opposition in their state.

The council further expressed concern about the level of insecurity in the country spreading in most of the states, where it alleged the governors were using sponsored touts to stop and destroy campaign materials and the party offices of the opposition political parties It urged the security agents to be proactive and ensure adequate protection of lives and property before, during and after the elections IPAC, however, passed a vote of confidence on Yakubu.

The council said it was fully in support of the plans being put in place by the commission to ensure a free, transparent and credible election, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), for voting purposes.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, at the end of an Emergency General Assembly, National Secretary of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle said the political parties resolved to support the INEC chairman in the onerous task of conducting the forthcoming general elections.

"IPAC expresses confidence in INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, warns anti-democrats plotting to remove him and truncate the ongoing electoral process," he said.

Dantalle who read the resolutions on behalf of the IPAC National

Chairman, warned that those he described as reactionary forces were behind the move to remove the INEC chairman to enable them truncate the process that will lead to credible general election in the country.

He also said the council backs the deployment of BVAS, IReV for the 2023 general election.

He said: "IPAC held an Emergency General Assembly meeting today on crucial national issues and evaluated emerging threats to the 2023 general election, particularly the grand plots by anti- democratic forces to remove the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu from office on frivolous allegations of false assets declaration few weeks to the general election, attacks on the commission's offices in some parts of the country which destroyed

sensitive, non-sensitive electoral materials and other property including Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), ballot boxes, voting cubicles, megaphones, electric power generators, election bags, water storage tanks, office furniture and fixtures in Zamfara, Imo, Ebonyi, Ogun, Osun, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, FCT, Ondo, Abia States and campaign violence. "Despite these unprecedented attacks on its facilities and the huge costs in replacing them immediately as time is of the essence, INEC has remained resolute, undaunted and courageous in deploying technology in the conduct of free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive general election leading to peaceful transfer of power."

IPAC said INEC's position on deployment of technology in the

conduct of the 2023 general elections was in tandem with the stance of IPAC. The council said there had been several attempts being made to remove the INEC chairman, from office following his determination to conduct credible elections, the latest of which was through an originating summons in Suit No: FCT/HC/GAR/CV/47/2022, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by one Somadike Uzoabaka.

According to IPAC, the Uzoabaka was seeking an order of mandatory injunction directing and compelling the INEC chairman to recuse, excuse and exclude himself and or step down as the chairman of INEC pending the investigations against him by the various law enforcement agencies.

Representatives of the political parties who attended the briefing also expressed their feelings on the state of the nation.

The National Chairman and presidential candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, Dan Nwanyanwu, said those behind the current plot don't want the use of BVAS technology and were looking for ways to frustrate the process, including the removal of the INEC boss to pave way for them to deploy the rigging machinery. He said almost all the political parties were in support of the process to ensure free and fair election.

He said that even as INEC and the parties were hopeful of a better election through BVAS, there were reports that some persons were already plotting to work against its effective deployment.

TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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L-R: Registrar, Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies (AES), Nigeria, Mr. Paul Umukoro; Chairman, AES Excellence Club, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande; Publisher, The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Dere Awosika; and Keynote Speaker, Mr. Alexander Neyin, at the 12th AES Excellence Club CEO’S Dinner/Awards Nite in Lagos… recently ETOP UKUTT

Ogun Pensioners Want Quarterly Gratuity Raised to N2bn James Sowole inAbeokuta

Pensioners in Ogun State yesterday appealed to the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to increase the N500 million quarterly gratuity payment to N2 billion to offset the N64.4 billion outstanding gratuities.

The pensioners said the increase would go a long way in offsetting the backlog of unpaid gratuities.

The senior citizens under the aegis of Nigeria Union of

Pensioners (NUP), Ogun State chapter, made the appeal while addressing journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The Chairman of NUP, Waidi Oloyede, who spoke on behalf of the pensioners, described the Contributory Pensions Scheme Review and Consequential Pensions Adjustment Committee set up to address the demands of workers and pensioners in the state as “a ruse and a calculated ploy to frustrate our legitimate

Ogun Central: You Can’t Reinforce Failure, PDP Candidate, Aderinokun, Slams APC

Sunday Okobi

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ogun Central senatorial district, Chief Olumide Aderinokun, yesterday declared that the All Progressive Congress (APC) would not be allowed to reinforce failure in the district.

Aderinokun stated this while reacting to remarks credited to Akeem Adesina, spokesman of the APC, that the candidate of the ruling party was the most preferred candidate across the six local government areas of the senatorial zone.

The PDP candidate in a

statement said he was ahead of the APC’s candidate in the district, Shuaib Salisu, in all areas of community development and empowerment programmes.

Aderinokun expressed optimism that his contributions to the grassroots, acceptability by the people and his hard work would see him emerge victorious in the February 25 senatorial election.

According to the statement, “Comparing Aderinokun with a former government official who served as Deputy Chief of Staff and a Chief of Staff with no physical contribution to his immediate environment is gross disrespect.

OML 103 PIA Default: Conoil Gets 10-day Reprieve as Delta Community Extends Ultimatum Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Conoil Producing Limited has received a 10-day period of grace as the two weeks ultimatum to the company over alleged silence in the face of the non-implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Upstream Host Community regulations for the Delta community of Polobubo (Tsekelewu) elapses today (Tuesday), January 10, 2023.

The host community announced yesterday that the extension of the ultimatum was in response to a letter received from Conoil Producing Limited inviting nominations into the proposed board towards the

implementation of relevant sections of the PIA and the host communities development regulations.

The was contained in a statement entitled, “OML 103 PIA Default: We extend our ultimatum by 10 days”, made available to THISDAY in Asaba yesterday.

Specifically, the community called the company’s attention to the fact that the ultimatum “to implement provisions of Chapter 3 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 and the Nigerian Upstream Host Communities Development Regulations 2022 within 14 Days; the ultimatum should expire tomorrow, Tuesday, January10, 2023.”

demands, discredit the NUP leadership and also build mistrust in the rank and file of our union.”

The pensioners berated the governor over his alleged failure to implement the agreements signed

with them in the Memorandum of Action (MOA) over four months ago.

According to Oloyede, the government had agreed to implement the consequential

adjustment of pensions as approved by the federal government in 2019 which mandated statutory increase in pension, lamenting that some pensioners still earn the paltry

sum of N5,000 monthly as pension.

He said the government also agreed to increase the quarterly release of N500million gratuities and ensure prompt payment of pension.

AbdulRazaq, Ilorin Emir Mourn as Kwara Assembly Leader, Olawoyin Dies APC suspends campaign

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Majority Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) state Assembly candidate for the forthcoming elections, Hon Magaji Olawoyin, is dead.

Olawoyin, 57, died

yesterday morning of a brief illness.

A statement signed by the House of Assembly Chairman Committee on Information, Youth, Sport and Tourism, Hon. Awolola Olumide, said the sudden death of the Assembly Leader occurred in the early hours of this morning(Monday) of

a brief illness.

Awolola said his burial would hold at 4p.m.

(Monday) at Magajin Ngeri family house in Surulere area of Ilorin.

According to him, “Kwara State House of Assembly announces with regret the demise of Hon. Magaji Abubakar Olawoyin, member

representing Ilorin Central State constituency and Leader of the Assembly.

“The sudden event occurred in the early hours of January 9, 2023, after he was briefly illness. Janazah will hold at 4p.m. at Magajin Geri family house in Surulere, Ilorin. May Allah repose his soul in Jannatu Firdauz.”

2023: Former Minister Vows to Unseat Bauchi Gov

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The immediate past Wazirin Bauchi and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the second republic, Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Kirfi, has vowed to ensure that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is defeated in 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

The 90-year-old elder statesman promised to deploy all arsenal at his disposal to ensure that Governor Mohammed did not return for a second tenure.

Kirfi, who was reacting to his removal by Bauchi Emirate Council as the Wazirin Bauchi said his removal was a betrayal of trust as he was

one of the people who made sacrifices to bring Governor Mohammed to power in 2019.

According to the elder statesman in an interview with journalists in Bauchi yesterday, “I was instrumental in bringing him to power in 2019. I did all I could to see that he emerged victorious against a government that

enjoys federal might at that time.”

“We will kick him out of office as I worked assiduously to bring him on board.”

He lamented that nearly four years into the first tenure of the governor, salient issues direct to people of the state remain unattended to despite repeated promises.

FCTA Reintroduces Park and Pay Policy Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that arrangements are being finetuned for the reintroduction of park and pay policy in the FCT. Director, Department of Traffic Management in the FCTA Transportation Secretariat,

Wadata Aliyu Bodinga, disclosed this yesterday.

He said the commencement of the scheme is billed for the end of first quarter of 2023. He explained that reintroduction of the on-street parking scheme in the nation’s capital, seven years later, was due to the need to ensure order and seamless traffic flow in the city

following exceeding population explosion.

“The FCT is fast developing at a very rapid pace that all hands must be on deck to ensure sanity and orderlines...over the past 47 years, the FCT population has risen to approximately 4,000,000.

“This rise in population leads to heavy usage of the roads which

leads to haphazard parking and increases parking competition, which further leads to traffic obstruction, congestion, exposes pedestrians to security/road hazards, increase in emission of carbon footprint into the economy, destruction of public infrastructure such as walk ways, green areas,” Bodinga said.

Ekiti Promises to Support Traders of Burnt Shasha Market Gbenga SodeindeinAdoEkiti

Following a fire outbreak which razed a section of Shasha Market in Ikere Ekiti in Ekiti State last Saturday, the state government has promised to support traders, who lost their valuables to the inferno.

A section of the market located

on Ado-Ikere road was around 4p.m. last Saturday gutted by fire, with property worth millions of naira destroyed in the inferno.

The state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who visited the market yesterday, lamented how multimillion naira wares in Amanda structures had been razed down,

and urged traders across the state to be conscious of their actions during this dry season period to avert calamity.

Visiting the market alongside members of the State Executive Council, Oyebanji assured the Hausa and Yoruba traders that were affected by the fire of support

to recover their losses.

The governor’s delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, pledged that the state government would carry out some restructuring in the market by ensuring that adequate spaces are created between blocks to prevent easy spread of fire.

Kano Urges Political Parties to Utilise Stadium, Other Facilities for Rallies IbrahimShuaibuinKano

As part of its avowed commitment to ensure a level playing field for all political parties in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has stated that as citizens, the opposition elements have the

right to use public property for the conduct of their campaign rallies.

The state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs and spokesperson of Gawuna/ Garo Campaign Council, Malam Muhammad Garba, who gave the assurance in a statement yesterday,

however, said the parties could only have access to facilities such as the stadium if they have clearance from security agencies on safe use of the facilities. He said the state government remains consistent on its policy of giving equal rights as a mark of its respect for democratic

ideals. The statement added that the state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has directed that the facilities be made available to the political parties, and called on them to always ensure proper use of the facilities and guard against any damage to them.

TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

IMPROVED INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Commandant, Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Air Vice Marshal Paul Jemitola; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna, and Registrar, AFIT, Air Commodore Edmond Oluokun, during a visit by NASENI to AFIT and site takeover of NASENI’s Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Equipment Development Institute in Kaduna…yesterday

Police Arrest 12 for Kidnap of Commissioner, Others in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Police Command’s Operation Zenda (JTF) has arrested twelve persons in connection with the case of kidnapping of the Commissioner for Housing/ Urban Development, Hon. Anthony Ogbu, and others in

the Benue-south senatorial zone.

The arrest of the suspects was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Makurdi by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP. Catherine Anene.

The command noted that one Mr. Mohammed Usman Omachoko, who specialised in preparing protection charms

Wike: Rivers Stand Firm in Scheme of National Affairs BlessingIbungeinPortHarcourt Governor Nyesom Wike has declared that Rivers State stands very strong in the scheme of national affairs, saying that is the reason when the state gives anybody support, it should be reciprocated.

The Rivers State governor insisted that if there was no Rivers State there would not also have been a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said despite the state’s contributions, there is nothing of note, in terms of project that can be reckoned as benefit to justify the support.

Governor Wike ,who spoke yesterday, at the flag-off of construction work on the Elele Internal Roads in Ikwerre Local Government Area, said the 2023 general elections will prove to many the strategic political importance of the state.

He said the state could not continue to be a dumping ground where the interests of the people are considered inconsequential.

Wike said people issuing political threats against the state should have a rethink, warning those allegedly issuing such threats in Abuja to desist from such else they will have problems.

Governor Wike said Rivers State has remained the bedrock of the PDP since 1999, provided it with bulk of votes and logistics than any PDP state in the country.

The governor pointed to how Rivers State refused to enter into negotiation with the All Progressives Congress-led federal government as done by other states, and did not give President Muhammadu Buhari 25 per cent votes in the 2019 election despite the heavy military presence in the state.

Dredge River Benue Now to Avoid Flooding, Ortom Tells FG George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has advised the federal government to urgently dredge the Rivers Benue and the Katsina-Ala to address the perennial flooding in the country.

The governor gave the recommendation yesterday, when he received the Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster Management, Prof.

Emmanuel Adanu, who led the delegation on a courtesy call to the governor in Makurdi.

Ortom commended the federal government for setting up the committee with renowned professionals for the management of flood disasters in the country, noting that it was a step in the right direction.

He emphasised that, “for us in Benue State, the greatest mileage to mitigate the flood

disaster will be to dredge Rivers Benue and Katsina-Ala. As long as the river is not dredged, we will continue to have this problem.”

Ortom recalled that he was aware that the government of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had awarded a contract for the dredging of River Benue, stating that the contractor did not execute the job and its status must be investigated.

While commending the federal government for the initiative of ecological funds, the governor appealed to the federal government to do more to tackle ecological problems.

He urged the Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster Management to do its best on the assignment, stressing that “if there are findings and you want to advise the state, we are ready to work with you.”

for kidnappers, as well as Mr. David Ejembi, Mr. Aondongu Akighir (AKA “Too Proud”) Mr. and Teryima Peter were also arrested on their way to

purchase guns for the group.

Further investigation led to the arrest of nine other gang members.

Two locally made Baretta

pistols loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from the suspect who also confessed to the crime.

The state commissioner of

police has urged the good people of Benue State to provide useful information to the police to enable them to fish out hoodlums within their communities.

FG Plans Three Industrial Parks, Votes N3.2bn for First Phase

Ugo Aliogo

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna, has stated that the federal government would establish three industrial parks

in the country.

He said about N3.25 billion has been earmarked for the first phase of the parks which will be sited in Nnewi (Anambra State); Osogbo (Osun State) and Igabi (Kaduna State).

He also said centre of NASENI Helicopter project of assembly and first made in Nigeria Helicopter

is being relocated to Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute (AAVDI) in Kaduna.

Haruna disclosed this yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on the Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology,(AFIT) Kaduna.

He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has

planned to develop industrial parks for the Automotive sectors in three zones of the country: Nnewi (Anambra State) Osogbo (Osun State) and Igabi (Kaduna State).

“Once fully taken up and equipped, the automotive park will be self-sustaining and a government revenue source.

Makinde OrdersInter-faith Payment of Two Months’ Salary to Civil Servants Service, held at the added that his administration on the salary structure of Oyo Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State yesterday said his administration has prioritised workers’ welfare in the last 44 months, adding that he has ensured no worker was sacked so far in his tenure.

The governor, who stated this yesterday during the 2023

Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, said he has remained faithful to his promise to uphold workers’ welfare, just as he also ordered the immediate payment of two months’ salary deductions to the workers.

Makinde, who said he has also ensured that no worker has been unjustly dismissed from work,

is built on fairness, equity and justice.

According to him, his administration has employed a good number of health workers as well as 5,000 teachers, adding that he would continue to prioritise the welfare of the workers in the state.

The governor, while speaking

State House of Assembly workers, said his administration would find means of paying the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), within the resources available to the state.

He said: “There is no need for a long speech today, but I will address few of the things you brought up.”

Salary: Students Protest as Taraba Varsity Workers Boycott Exams Ibadan Poly lifts suspension on students’ unionism Students of the Taraba State University, Jalingo yesterday blocked some of the major entry points into the city, demanding the payment of 10-month salary arrears the Taraba Government is owing to staff of the university.

This is just as the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan has lifted the suspension earlier placed

on the institution’s Students’ Union Government.

It was gathered that the protest in Taraba followed the decision of all the university unions including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities not to continue with the examination

scheduled to commence yesterday, January 9.

The unions had yesterday morning locked examination halls over non-payment of their entitlements as students who prepared for the examination were left stranded.

Worried by the inability of the university management

and the state government to pay the staff their entitlements for 10 months, the students matched to the office of the Vice Chancellor (VC) to present their grievances, but the VC was not on sea.

Consequently, the students proceeded to block the nearby Jalingo-Bali federal highway.

Airtel Completes Deal for Acquisition of 4G, 5G Spectrum at $316.7m Airtel Africa has said its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Nigeria, has acquired fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) spectrums from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a cumulative price of $316.7 million.

Airtel Africa’s secretary, Simon O‘Hara, made this known

yesterday in a corporate filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The telco said it purchased 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500MHz band and 2x5MHz of 2600MHz from the NCC for a gross consideration of $316.7 million, “payable in local currency”.

“This additional spectrum

will support our investments in network expansion for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, including 5G rollout, providing significant capacity to accommodate our continued strong data growth in the country and exceptional customer experience,” the statement read.

“Airtel Nigeria is Airtel Africa’s largest market, with significant growth potential. The company led the industry in providing affordable 4G services across the country following the deployment of a fully modernised network which facilitated a four-fold increase in data traffic over the last three years,” it added.

Dokpesi Released after London Airport Arrest The founder of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has been released after he was arrested by the police at the London Heathrow Airport on Sunday.

Giving details of how the media mogul was arrested, DAAR Communications, in a statement explained: “Dokpesi

arrived via Frankfurt from Abuja on a Lufthansa airlines flight and was invited off the plane, before other passengers were disembarked. Dokpesi was delayed at the airport for some hours before his passport was stamped and he was cleared by British Immigration officials for entry into the country.

“His visit to the United Kingdom is not unconnected to the invitation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by the British government to share perspectives on issues around the 2023 presidential elections.

“The media founder is the

Deputy Director-General, Technical and Systems of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

“Chief Dokpesi wishes to thank all for their outpour of love, prayers and support following the news of the incident and to reassure that he is hale and hearty.”

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TUESDAY, ͹͸˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Nigerians Snubbed again as FIFA Lists 107 Refs for Women’s World Cup Femi Solaja

Gareth Bale...end of an illustrious football career

Victor Osimhen...Napoli celebrate his 10th Serie A goal at Sampdoria on Sunday

World football governing body, FIFA, yesterday released the list of 107 match officials for the Women’s World Cup to hold later this year in Australia and New Zealand without a single Nigerian referee among the arbiters.

This total snubbing of Nigerian referees, appears, a serious indictment on the men and women officiating the game in the country.

It has been so in the last couple of years .

Sadly, several small footballplaying nations in Africa have their arbiters listed for several global tournaments.

In the list released yesterday, there are 33 referees; four of who are from Africa.

They include: Vincentia Amedome from Togo, Bouchra Karboubi from Morocco, Akhona Makalima of South Africa and Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda.

FIFA in releasing the list of officials for the Women’s World Cup explains thus: “As always, the criteria we have used is ‘quality first’ and the selected on-field match officials represent the highest level of refereeing worldwide,” said the chairman of the FIFA

Madrid Pay Tribute to Bale after Retirement from Football Real Madrid have paid tribute to Gareth Bale after he announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33 years yesterday.

The Welshman is widely regarded as one of Britain's greatest ever footballers, and his career will be fondly remembered for some incredible moments with Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, LAFC and his country.

Always a player for the big occasion, Bale scored in two Champions League finals for Real Madrid, including a spectacular match-winning overhead kick against Liverpool in 2018, and won the competition on five separate occasions.

He also led the charge as Wales sensationally reached for the semi-finals of Euro 2016, before qualifying for the World

Ndidi, Iheanacho, Aribo, Awoniyi in Carabao Cup Action Live on GOtv The quarter-final games of the Carabao Cup set for broadcast live on GOtv as eight teams compete for slots in the semi-finals.

Manchester United will host Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford tonight. The game will be broadcast live on SuperSport Football (GOtv channel 31) at 9:00pm.

Erik Ten Hag is keen on ending the Red Devils’ six-year trophy drought. Since they won a Carabao Cup and Europa League double in 2017, they have not laid hands on any other silverware.

Another game of the night is a clash between Newcastle United and Leicester City having Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho. Newcastle is gradually becoming a force to reckon with since it was acquired

by Saudi Arabian owners in 2021.

Eddie Howe’s men sit third on the league table and they will be hoping to brush past any challenge posed by the 3-time winners managed by Brendan Rodgers.

The match will be broadcast on SuperSport La Liga (GOtv channel 32) at 9:00pm.

On Wednesday night, Southampton with Nigerian international, Joe Aribo, will host eight-time winners, Manchester City at the Saint Mary’s Stadium. The game will be broadcast on SuperSport Football (GOtv channel 31) at 9:00pm.

Pep Guardiola’s men have dominated the competition since he took over in 2016. They won it

in four consecutive seasons between 2018-2021. The Saints will have a tough job stopping City from advancing to the next round.

Still on Wednesday, Taiwo Awoniyi’s Nottingham Forest will square up against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the City Ground.

The match will be broadcast at 8:45pm on SuperSport La Liga (GOtv channel 32).

Cup after a 64-year absence.

Bale's relationship with Real Madrid's fans and the local media was fractious at times, but there's no disputing how valued his contributions on the field were.

Indeed, he was regarded as one of the best players in the world after his £85.3m transfer, and made up one third of the famed Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo (BBC) trio.

Following confirmation of his retirement, Real Madrid have released a statement hailing Bale's legendary status, in addition to wishing him well for the future.

"Given Gareth Bale's announcement of his retirement from football as a professional player, Real Madrid CF wants to show its gratitude, admiration and affection for a great legend of our club and world football," the statement read.

"Gareth Bale arrived at Real Madrid in 2013 and defended our shirt for 9 years, during which he won 19 titles: 5 European Cups, 4 Club World Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 3 Leagues,

1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups. Individually, he was named Best Player in the 2018 Champions League Final and won the Ballon d'Or at the Club World Cup that same year.

"Gareth Bale has been part of our team in one of the most successful stages in our history and forever represents many of the brightest moments of the last decade, such as his goal after a memorable run in the final of the Copa del Rey in Valencia in 2014, his transcendental goal in the final of the Champions League in Lisbon in 2014 or his goals in the final of the Champions League in Kyiv in 2018, especially the Chilean one that will remain forever etched in the memory of all football lovers.

"His figure will forever be linked to the history and legend of our club.

"Best of luck, Gareth, and best wishes to you and your family."

Bale's final act at club level was to help LAFC win the 2022 MLS Cup - typically, he scored a dramatic injury-time

NPFL: Odigie Pleasantly Surprised

by Insurance Victory in Uyo Bendel Insurance FC of Benin City marked their return to the elite league with a steely performance that earned all three points on the road at Akwa United.

But a surprised Coach Monday Odigie said the result was not a true reflection of the action on the pitch and described Akwa United as the better side in the game.

Goals by Imade Osarenkhoe in the 40th minute and Ismael Sarki on 44th sealed victory for the Edo Arsenal on the opening match of the NPFL season.

Responding to questions at the post-match conference, Odigie who was still looking like he didn't believe the match outcome, said, "I am happy we won but the truth is that we were lucky to have taken

our chances.

"Akwa United had experienced players, their game plan was better which explains why we were always under pressure," Odigie noted.

He however commended his players for the emotional and psychological strength to have withstood the pressure.

"When we played in the preseason tournament in Lagos, we didn't do well and took the lessons back for correction "We needed to build their psychological strength and mental conditioning to play in the top league where you have tough clubs like Akwa United, Enyimba, Plateau United. It worked in this match but we are not there yet, there's a lot more to do", Odigie stated.

When told of the heroics of goalkeeper Anas Obasogie who thwarted Akwa United's efforts at goal, Odigie attributed the win to team work.

He said, "You can see everyone contributed to the defence of the goals, it was not the goalkeeper alone but I acknowledge his contribution also".

It was a result that sent the fans to quietly scramble for the exit after Akwa United failed to make the added time of six minutes count.

The match was watched by the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, Chairman of the NPFL Interim Management Committee (IMC), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye and members of the IMC.

equaliser before his side emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina.

“We all remember the very successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 in France.

“The high standard of refereeing contributed significantly to that success. The aim for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 is to repeat that success and to convince again with excellent referees’ performances.”

Further explanations emerged from the press release by FIFA. It stated that the selection was in close cooperation with the six confederations.

A total of 33 referees, 55 assistant referees and 19 video match officials (VMOs) will form FIFA Team One and have been chosen in close cooperation with the six confederations based on the officials’ quality and the performances delivered at FIFA tournaments “as well as at other international and domestic competitions in recent years.”

Apart from the absence of Nigerians among the 33 referees, none made the corps of 55 assistant referees and 19 video match officials (VMOs).

Among the 55 assistant referees are seven from Africa. They are: Carine Tezambong Fomo of Cameroon, Diana Chikotesha of Zambia, Soukaina Hamdi and Fatiha Jermoumi of Morocco and Fanta Kone of Mali.

Other Africans are Mary Njoroge of Kenya and Queency Victoire of Mauritius.

Adil Zourak of Morocco is the only African among the19 video match officials (VMOs).

Napoli Celebrate Osimhen’s 10th Serie A Goal of the Season Victor Osimhen’s goal in the 2-0 defeat of Sampdoria on Sunday has been celebrated as his 10th Serie A goal of the season for the Nigerian forward.

The victory at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium which extended Napoli’s lead of the Italian topflight to seven points, wiped away the blues of their first defeat of this season the previous weekend at AC Milan. Goals from Osimhen and Elif Elmas in either half gave Napoli the win.

The Naples based club congratulated Osimhen on scoring his 10th League goal of the season on Twitter yesterday.

“Victor bagged his 10th league goal of the season yesterday (Sunday) to reach double figures for his third season on the bounce!,” Napoli Tweet reads with glee.

Osimhen has scored 10 times and laid on two assists in 13 Serie A games this term.

Napoli sit atop the Serie A standings with 44 points from 17 games this season.

Meanwhile, Osimhen has equaled the Serie A goal record of football icon and current Liberian President George Opong Weah.

Osimhen matched Weah’s record with his goal in Napoli’s 2-0 win at Sampdoria.

Winners Emerge in 5th Marvico Badminton Championship in Mbieri Winners have emerged in the 5th edition of Marvico Group of Companies annual Badminton/2nd Draught Championships in Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Imo State.

The duo of Nnamdim and Kalu Promise claimed the men's doubles title and pocketed the N30,000 prize money at stake. They defeated the pair of Ebuka Ezekwe and Gozie Frank who got N20,000 as runners-up prize.

The women's doubles title went to Hope Ndukwe and Chisom Olugbe who combined effectively to outstroke the pair of Joy Nwaiwu and Rachael Onyegbulem to pick the N30,000 star prize while Joy and Rachael got N20,000 for their effort.

The highlight of the championship was the trilling encounter involving the Imo State Badminton

team and their Obazu counterparts.

Excited by the outcome of the event, Chief Nnamdi Iroegbu, the C.E.O of Marvico Group in whose company premises the Championship held, said his effort was not only aimed at changing the narrative by bringing the Championship to the door step of his community but also introducing cash awards for the youths to benefit.

He also explained that badminton singles events did not take place at this edition due to lack of entries.

However, the Draught event was won by Mr. Bright Oti who got N20,000 for emerging champion while the second and third position went to Mr. Chinemere David and Mr.Jackson Madujibeya who received N10,000 and N5,000 respectively for their effort.

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Tuesday, January 10, 2023

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MISSILE

Edo Govt to Tinubu

“Why is it that it was when he (Tinubu) got to Edo State that he thinks it appropriate to profile youths in the state as Internet fraudsters? We take an exception to this false characterisation and demand that he withdraws this comment. ‘Edo is Not Lagos ‘ as the people rejected the APC Candidate and the Lagos godfather at the 2020 polls. The same fate will befall the APC and Tinubu in the elections this year “ ---SA to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, flays Tinubu for his uncharitable comment about Edo youths.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Threats to Nigeria’s 2023 Elections F rom today, we have just about 47 days to Nigeria’s general elections, a major transition that would involve a change of government, the seventh since the return to civilian rule in 1999, but the biggest fear is that the current electoral process faces threats from different directions more than any other before it. I intend to identify some of these and reflect on them, as we all begin to count down to this year’s major elections. Yesterday in Ojota, Lagos, it was reported that there was a shoot out between members of the Oodua Progressives Congress (OPC), and the Oodua self-determination activists and Nigeria’s security agencies. Persons were killed, other were injured. By 9 am, concerned citizens had declared the Ojota area of Lagos a no-go area except you would willingly take a stray bullet in your head and die just like that. In Anambra State, unidentified gun men burnt down a police station in Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area.

The same station was destroyed by #EndSARS protesters in 2020 during a mass protest. The Umuchu Improvement Union decided to rebuild it, only for it to be set ablaze again. In parts of the East and elsewhere, both police stations and the offices of the electoral umpire have been special targets of evil-minded arsonists and unknown gunmen, ahead of the elections. As of December 2022, we were told that over 50 INEC offices had been attacked in four years, across 15 states.

Of these, 11 incidents in Imo state alone, seven in Osun, five in Akwa Ibom, five in Enugu and Ebonyi, four in Abia and Cross River, two in Anambra, Taraba, Borno, and one in Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa, Ondo and Kaduna. The frequency of these attacks has since increased as the elections draw nearer, causing understandable panic and concern among right-thinking members of the Nigerian community. The truth is that INEC facilities and security stations have become targets of arson and vandalism.

The attacks point to a trend: the determination to destroy INEC infrastructure, incapacitate the institution, and derail the 2023 electoral process. The details are as follows: yet uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been stolen, generating sets and computers are destroyed and the assailants across the country disappear into thin air. There is no record of arrests having been made. When INEC offices are not attacked, there are other attacks that point to what is beginning to look like a deliberate attempt by some hoodlums to make sure the 2023 elections do not take place.

On March 28, 2022 for example, a Kaduna bound train from Abuja was attacked and bombed and passengers were injured and abducted. More than 100 of the abducted passengers did not all regain their freedom until September 2022. The families who lost their loved ones, or paid ransoms, and those whose relatives were injured, humiliated and flogged, would never forget their pain and loss. Their only crime, at the risk of sounding repetitive is that they are Nigerians living in a country of strange occurrences where life has become “nasty, short and brutish”.

On Saturday, just a few days ago, the railway station at Igueben in Edo State was attacked.

This time, it was the station, not the train.

Over 30 persons were abducted including the manager of the train station. This is all made more worrisome because before the re-opening of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line on December 15, 2022, the Minister of Transportation had boasted that special measures had been taken to ensure the safety of passengers and the entire Nigerian

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu railway value chain. The Minister has since visited Igueben and he simply repeated the same tosh without even thinking about how additional security measures would eb taken.

What we see is that government officials do not learn from what happens to the people.

They repeat the same embarrassing script in an odious advertisement of their lack of capacity.

So much money and commitments have been invested by Nigeria in the country’s rail network, but the management is atrocious because it is in the hands of incompetents who on top of it all, have not learnt the lesson of keeping quiet when you have nothing intelligent or reasonable to say. In some other countries, where merit is more important than connections, the Minister of Transportation and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) would be out of job by now.

But the bigger picture, the big elephant in the room, is that this is election season and it seems that some fifth columnists are determined to truncate the process, derail it, make it impossible, as it were for Nigerians to have credible elections. This may sound hypothetical, but from the evidence of current trends, it is possible to do a threat assessment and conclude accordingly. We face a very high level of security threat as we get closer to the 2023 elections, and it is one reason why the security agencies must arouse from their slumber and stop playing possum when the house is threatened by arsonists. President Muhammadu Buhari had given, before now, the security agencies a deadline of December 2022 to make sure that they “got on top of the security situation” in the country. The various service chiefs pledged that they would do their job. The joke is now on them. Where are they? Are they hiding in some secret cupboards somewhere?

There is widespread insecurity in the land.

The people have played their part by seeking to register and collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards: 93. 5 million registered voters and over 48 million young people who want to use the 2023 opportunity to have a say in how they are

governed. Who is afraid of the people’s voice and power? Buhari wants to leave a strong legacy.

The starting point, and the obvious redemptive choice is to leave behind a free and fair election that produces the best options for Nigeria. This week, the President would begin to show up as we have been told at rallies of his party in 10 states (why 10?),,for the APC’s Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The last time President Buhari was sighted at any APC rally was during the flag off of the campaign in Jos, Plateau State. But now, he wants to come out to throw his weight and influence behind his party’s Presidential candidate. In doing so, at this crunch time, he must be reminded that he had told us again and again that he is for everybody and for nobody and all he wants is for Nigerians to vote according to their conscience.

He has an obligation to toe that chosen path even as he relishes photo opportunities at campaign rallies by his own party, otherwise he would be accused of hypocrisy. His party members expect him to deliver single-handedly, over 12 million votes from the North. But the times have changed. Out of the total of 93. 5 registered voters, over 48 million of them are young men and women, and they are majorly in the South, espousing a combination of #EndSARS, #IPOB and #TakeOurCountry Back ideals. There is a new generation in the electoral space that does not know the older generation. This is bound to be an election like no other. It would be a contest between the old and new order, the rich and the poor, the establishment and the people.

Whoever wins, Nigeria stands the strong chance of new realignments and awakening. The best bet for President Buhari as he goes into final retirement from public service and partisan politics is to protect his legacy for Nigerians, and take ownership of his own narrative. He is not getting the help that he badly needs!

Th 2023 election process is further threatened by the inability of the people, especially young men and women who dominate the electoral register to get their PVCs. In Lagos state or elsewhere, the story has been that either the INEC officials do not show up, or they arrive late and close early, provoking the anger of majorly young voters who believe that there is an attempt to disenfranchise them. INEC spokespersons continue to argue that they are prepared and ready, but what explains the inefficiency in INEC collection centres from Local Government Areas to the wards, and the fact that INEC ad-hoc staff are mostly unavailable at their duty desks. There has been a clamour for the extension of the INEC time-table for the collection of PVCs beyond January 22, 2023. INEC must also audit its own processes beyond merely making promises it cannot keep.

The people have been told that the only way they can vote and for their votes to count is for them to have a voter’s card. One man, one vote. INEC must in addition to everything else explain why its Voter’s Cards are showing up in refuse dumps and drainage channels. How did they get there? The PVCs must be in the hands of Nigerian voters who expect to use them to exercise their due rights under the law. This is not something that INEC must sweep under the carpet. The organization has announced that beginning from today, it would embark on the enlightenment of the electorate across the country. It is not just the voters that need enlightenment, the process must begin with INEC officials and ad hoc staff.

The politicians also must be called to order.

The beauty of the Electoral Act 2022 is that it spells out in no uncertain terms, the penalty

for misconduct. Sections 91, 92 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, guide conduct during elections accordingly, with penalties properly spelt out in Sections 92 (7), (8), 93(2), 94(2), 95 (6), 96(3) and 97 (1) but nonetheless, the level of impunity has been horrendous. Candidates go to campaign rallies and the major thing they do is to abuse their own opponents with a barrage of hate speech, toxic language and argumentum ad hominem.

In some states where certain parties are in charge politically, they do not allow the opposition to campaign or erect campaign materials. There has been in fact a rank disregard for Section 97 of the Electoral Act which forbids any form of campaign on “religious, tribal or sectional reason for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular political party or the election of a particular candidate…” Meanwhile, it has been reported that a special prayer session was organized by Muslim clerics in Kano recently in support of the APC Presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At the event, one Abdulmutalab Mohammed Auwal, a Sheik, advised Muslims to vote only for a Muslim-Muslim ticket as a call to Jihad. He argued the Bola Tinubu/Shettima Muslim/Muslim ticket is an indication of the supremacy of Islam. The meeting was attended by about 75 Muslim groups from the North and other parts of Nigeria. Other speakers at the event promoted the politics of religion. The last time we checked, the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria at Section 10 thereof says: “The Government of the Federation or of a state shall not adopt any religion as State Religion”. It is the same provision that is reflected in Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2022 on the prohibition of “campaign based on religion or tribe”. But here in Nigeria both the people and the government break the laws routinely because impunity reigns. How on earth can a total of 75 groups gather at a forum and preach hatred based on religion and they are allowed to get away with it?

So in essence, the security agencies are not doing their work! They have an obligation to protect the state against all levels of threat, and they must do so, proactively, and consistently, not when it is convenient for them to do so. A general election such as this country is about to hold in the next two months is not just about the ballot paper, and the people’s ability to choose, it is also a national security operation. It is the integrity of the Nigerian state that is at stake. The electoral framework is clear on that. The people’s right to vote and choose, freely and without inducement or any form of harassment or molestation, must be protected and defended. Election managers often talk about a certain concentric circle of security operations on election day, but clearly, the security dimension of any major national security event is not a day-event, it is a process: before, during and after. Not enough has been done before the elections as indicated by the multiple security breaches around the country.

The challenges ahead are clear and obvious.

The politicians are behaving as if the election this year is a kind of war. The last thing this country wants is any form of war. Nigerians want peace. The 2023 Budget as defined has a deficit of N77 trillion. Unemployment rate is over 33%. There is a debt overhang of over N22 trillion. Revenue projection is about N10 trillion. There is the possibility that fuel subsidy and other subsidies will be removed but there is no guarantee that the gains accruing therefrom will be properly managed. Tighten your seat belts. This is bound to be a tough year for us, as Nigerians. The politicians will win or lose, but they don’t seem to care enough about us.

This is our sad reality.

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