TUESDAY 25TH JANUARY 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Marginal Fields: NUPRC Invites Reserve Bidders after Winners Failed to Pay Within Stipulated Time Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday invited reserve bidders

for the 2020 marginal fields programme completed in 2021, after some initial bid winners failed to pay up their signature bonuses within the stipulated time.

A public notice signed by the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, indicated that a number of the winners of the assets could not pay

the fee, prompting the organisation to rework the process. The commission stated that all offers made to the initial bid winners had lapsed, explaining

that by allowing interested reserve bidders to take part in the rest of the process, it will expand the participation of Nigerians. “Notice is hereby given to the

general public, and in particular, all recipients of the letter of notification of potential awardee status in the Continued on page 18

LCCI Hails CBN’s Move to Halt Over-invoicing… Page 6 Tuesday 25 January, 2022 Vol 27. No 9786. Price: N250

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Military Seizes Power in Burkina Faso, Whereabouts of President Unknown... Page 8

Despite COVID-19, Over 14.2m Passengers Travelled by Air in 2021 Chinedu Eze

Notwithstanding the restrictions and devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the Nigerian economy, more than 14.2 million persons travelled by

air in the country through domestic and international flights in 2021. Records from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) showed that the number of passengers on inbound domestic flights were 5, 977, 927, while outbound domestic

flights were 6, 072, 337, making a total of 12, 050, 264. In the same period, inbound international flights carried 1, 086, 395 passengers and outbound international flights conveyed 1, 112, 884, making a total of 2,

199, 279. This made the total of both domestic and international passengers that were airlifted 14, 249, 543. Apart from 2020, when there were no scheduled flight operations for about four months, the highest

passenger traffic recorded in air travel in the past five years was in 2019, when passenger traffic rose to 17, 580, 023. Details of the travel statistics obtained from NCAA also indicated that 27 international airlines

operated 9, 673 flights with 3, 216 delays, 37 cancellations, 24 air/ramp returns, 18, 458 missing baggage and out of that number, 16, 978 baggage were later found. During Continued on page 18

FG Bows to Labour, Shelves Plan to End Fuel Subsidy from July Sylva: Buhari against subsidy removal Lawan appeals to NLC, TUC to cancel protest Postponement sends wrong signal to foreign investors, oil marketers warn APC: Removal will heighten inflation, cause undue hardship Labour petitions state governors over proposed hike in petrol price Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Emmanuel Addeh, James Emejo, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has announced the resolve of the federal government to jettison its earlier plan to remove subsidy on petroleum products from July. Ahmed stated this yesterday at a stakeholders' meeting held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, also stated at a different forum yesterday that subsidy paid on the pump price of petrol would remain for now. Sylva revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari was against fuel subsidy removal. The stakeholders’ gathering Continued on page 18

SUBSIDY STAYS... L-R: Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo; and Group Managing PHOTO: Julius Atoi. Director, NNPC, Mele Kyari, at a meeting between the National Assembly and federal government delegation on petroleum subsidy held in Abuja... yesterday

Ganduje: I’ll Sign Death Sentence of Hanifa’s Killers with Speed If... Page 49

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

NEWS

JUSTICE SECTOR SUMMIT 2022... L-R: Founding Member, Justice Reform Project (JRP), Osaro Eghobamien; Head of Konrad Adenaeur Foundation (KAS) Nigeria, Dr. ladimir Kreck; President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata; General Secretary, Joyce Oduah; Chairman, Organising Committee of the Justice Sector Summit (JSS) 2022, Dr Babatunde Ajibade and, Executive Director, Justice Research Initiative (JRI), Ikem Isiekwena, during a press brieﬁng to announce the Justice Sector Summit 2022 in Abuja ... yesterday

LCCI Hails CBN’s Move to Halt Over-invoicing Dike Onwuamaeze The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over its recent guidelines on e-Evaluator and e-Invoicing that replaced hard copy final invoice as part of the documentation required for all import and export transactions. The initiative was a major step to arrest the age-long practice of over-invoicing which dodgy importers and exporters had over the years used to cart away the nation’s forex. In a statement yesterday, the LCCI stated that introduction of e-Evaluator and e-Invoicing would, “facilitate trade transactions, boost revenue through more accurate invoicing, and reduce processing time for import and export forms.”

However, the statement by the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, pointed out certain issues that would require the attention of the CBN in order to improve the innovation. Almona said: “Ideally, for a critical change of this nature, there should be a pilot phase to help identify potential challenges and deal with these before the commencement date.” She also noted that the February 1, 2022, commencement date for the implementation of the new guideline provided only 10 days from the issuance of the guidelines, saying it did not give sufficient time for proper transition. She observed that issues of legal liability were not clearly stated out in the guideline and pointed out that the mechanism for dispute resolution need to be articulated.

“The CBN needs to establish an interactive and live customer complaints resolution section within the trade monitoring system to address any bottlenecks that may occur during transactions. “There is a need to clarify if the subscription fee of $350 is to be paid in Naira equivalence or foreign currency and if in the US Dollars, whether affected users will be allowed to source the dollars through the CBN,” she said, adding that, “the 2.5 per cent around the vertical prices appears stringent and should be reviewed to about 5.0 per cent given that discriminatory pricing may be a factor.” The LCCI also noted that the, “exemption of imports worth

$10,000 appears too low” as no import would be effectively exempted. It, therefore called for, “sufficient transparency and governance around the CBN-appointed agents and authorised dealer banks to ensure adequate independence and supervision. “Beyond these, consideration should be given to users of this platform that are Small & Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). We are also concerned about the potential impact of this new guideline on headline inflation. “Finally, there should be deeper stakeholder consultation and collaboration with the organised private sector in developing such The LCCI stressed that the

application of a Global Price Verification Mechanism guided by a benchmark price was also commendable. It said: “As we transit to a more automated system, there is a need to increase our investment in digital infrastructure to support the innovative digital products that are emerging in the country. We also encourage the federal government to automate more processes to reduce human interface as a way of curtailing corruptive tendencies in our trade chain.” The chamber also noted that the automation drive should also move to port operations where there are still sensitive procedures done manually with attendant cost burdens on importers and

exporters. “Since the trade sector has shown some level of resilience and has become one of the fastest-growing sectors recording a year-on-year growth rate of 11.90 per cent in the third quarter of 2021 and a contribution of 14.93 per cent to GDP in Q3 of 2021, the government should do more to make the Nigerian trade system more efficient and easier to navigate by all parties. “This will boost our trade balance and position Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which is expected to gain some momentum this year.” The LCCI said.

NLNG Commences Hospital Support Programme, To Secure Buhari During State Visit, Signs MoU with Six Teaching Hospitals Kaduna LGs Contributed N110m John Shiklam in Kaduna

A certain document currently in circulation, has revealed that the Kaduna State government, literally hounded 11 of the 23 local governments in the state, to contribute N10 million each, to provide additional security for the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, during his recent visit to the state. Buhari was in Kaduna for a two-day working visit on Thursday and Friday, last week, during which he commissioned some signature projects by the state government. However, the document, which has gone viral, dated January 19, 2022, and signed by the Director Inspectorate, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Iliyasu Hussaini, asked the 11 LGAs to contribute N10 million each, “to cater for additional security support to security agencies and logistics” during the President’s visit. The memo was addressed to the council chairmen of Jama’a, Kaura, Zangon Kataf, Chikun, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Zaria Sabon Gari, Giwa and Soba. Titled: “APPROVAL TO PROVIDE SECURITY TOWARDS THE PRESIDENT'S VISIT”, the document read: “I am directed to convey approval for the following Local Governments to incur expenditure, to cater for additional security support to Security Agencies and logistics,

preparatory to the visit of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Kaduna State for commissioning of projects. “You are requested to ensure strict compliance with budgetary provisions, financial rules and regulations on the expenditure, please.” In his reaction, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Dr. Shehu Makarfi, explained that the Local Governments applied for logistics, security, community mobilisation and advertorials in the media.” According to him, the N10m was the maximum amount approved for each Local Government to spend from their funds. “It was as approved for the relevant LG that applied for logistics, security, youth and community mobilisation and media advert, adding that only those who had the funds were allowed to spend the money. “It was approved as the maximum they should spend from their fund. And only those, who have the fund are allowed to do so. The second page carried the details,” the commissioner explained in a text message while responding to THISDAY’s inquiry. There was tight security in Kaduna during the president’s visit, with heavily armed security personnel deployed to strategic locations, while helicopters were deployed for aerial surveillance.

Projects to gulp $6m

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited yesterday kicked off its programme to help improve facilities at hospitals across the country with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with six Nigerian teaching hospitals nationwide. The NLNG said 12 hospitals from the six geographical zones in the country would benefit from its intervention programme. It stated that six of the 12 hospitals were selected as part of the first phase of the NLNG hospital support programme. The teaching hospitals in Phase 1 included the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Kano; University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Yenagoa. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, who signed on behalf of the company, said NLNG Board approved the implementation of the programme in the 12 university teaching/tertiary hospitals across the six geopolitical zones and Abuja to be executed at cost not exceeding $500,000 per hospital, with a total cost outlay of $6 million. According to him, the NLNG Hospital Support Programme is a

long-term response to needs identified in the medical sector in 2020, at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic when there was an urgency to upgrade health facilities across the country to contain envisaged surge in patients. Mshelbila said the NLNG had earlier donated medical equipment and consumables worth over N1.4 billion to some federal and state medical institutions and facilities in its host communities to help in the fight against the pandemic. He said: "This Hospital Support Programme, approved by the NLNG Board of Directors for 12 university teaching/tertiary hospitals across the six geopolitical zones and Abuja, will be executed at the cost not exceeding $500,000 per hospital, with a total cost outlay of $6 million. Specific programmes for the beneficiary institutions will be executed in two phases." Furthermore, Mshelbila explained that under phase one of the programme the company would sponsor the renovation and reequipping of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward (Block C) at LUTH. He said the company would sponsor the construction and equipment of a modern Maternity and Child Complex at UATH, while at the AKTH, the programme would deliver an Occupational Therapy and Neuromodulation Rehabilitation Centre. For the UBTH, Mshelbila said the target was to achieve the

remodelling and conversion of an existing building into a 15-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He also said the NLNG intends to provide a 6-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with 4-bed Renal Dialysis connected to the existing operating theatre at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH). In addition, Mshelbila said the project would provide a NeuroSurgical Centre for the UCTH. The NLNG boss further said other six university teaching Hospitals to benefit from the programme in phase two would be the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi; Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH); Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi; Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH); and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) in Rivers State. Mshelbila said findings of a NEEDS’ analyses carried out at the universities would decide projects to be executed in this phase are in their final stages. "Our estimation as indicated in the MoU that we are here to sign today is that projects in Phase One will be completed in 2022, while Phase Two projects will be completed in 2023,” he added. Speaking on the importance of the projects, Mshelbila said that the successful completion of the NLNG

Hospital Support Programme would give greater access to medical care to a wider population of Nigerians. He said the Hospital Support Programme was the company’s response to the pressure on the medical sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. He stated that NLNG and its partners in the project would significantly impact the healthcare system in the country by improving the fitness status of the beneficiary medical facilities. On his part, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh said the NLNG Hospital Support Programme (HSP) was the second part of the company's national Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. He said the first part was the University Support Programme (USP) for construction/rehabilitation of modern engineering laboratories, equipped with cutting-edge equipment in six universities, namely the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Chief Medical Director of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Prof. Bissallah Ekele who responded on behalf of other CMDs gave assurances that they would collaborate effectively to ensure the successful implementation of the support of the hospital projects.

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NEWS

AT THE LAUNCH OF AID FOR PRODUCTIVITY REPORT...

L-R: Dr. Jeremie Zoungrana; Managing Director and Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Olukayode Pitan; Chairman, Mr. Aliyu Abdulrahman Dikko; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo and Executive Director, BOI, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji, during Aid for Productivity Launch at Abuja ...yesterday

Subsidy: FG Plans Deployment of Gas-powered Vehicles in March Targets conversion of 5m vehicles, refuelling centres nationwide 50% financing to come from govt Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, others billed for phase 1 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government will from March this year commence the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-enabled vehicles as the country prepares to fully remove petrol subsidy. The government noted that with abundant gas reserves of over 206.53 TCF, a population of about 200 million people and the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the continuous absorption of an under-recovery deficit would be eliminated when the alternative fuel comes on-stream. Although the programme was launched last year, not much had been heard of it since then,

prompting widespread belief that the initiative had been abandoned by the authorities. But speaking in Abuja yesterday, when he met with stakeholders in the sector, the Minister of State, Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, along with his team in the ministry, noted that the government envisages to convert about five million cars at the end of the programme. A presentation made during the event showed that the government, working with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and oil and gas marketers plan to convert one million public transport vehicles and install 1,000 refuelling centres within 36 months. A breakdown indicated that

from zero to 18 months, 500,000 conversions would take place and 580 refuelling centres would be supplied by five OEMs; while from 18- 36 months another 500,000 conversions and 420 refuelling centres supplied by six OEMs would materialise. “Target is to reach 5,000,000 conversions by achieving a 20 per cent y-o-y increment (from year 3) which could be accelerated as the market matures,” the federal government stated. To ensure rapid conversion of vehicles, it promised to provide 50 per cent equity participation as well as encourage credit scheme investments with partner nations and OEMS.

In addition, the ministry pledged to make available a centralised management portal to maintain standards, evaluate utilisation and impact of government equity and overall project as well as select competent retail networks to catalyse the CNG sector. “A priority for the FGN is the rapid and strategic introduction of Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) as an alternative fuel for transportation in Nigeria in line with the approved National Gas Policy. “This will pave the pathway for full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector in Nigeria, whilst reducing the effect of deregulation on transportation costs,” it stressed. Furthermore, the government

Military Seizes Power in Burkina Faso, Whereabouts of President Unknown Nigeria condemns military coup Michael Olugbode in Abuja with agency report The military yesterday announced its take-over of government in Burkina Faso, suspending the constitution and ousting the country’s democratically elected president hours after mutinous soldiers surrounded his home. President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, 64, who had faced growing criticism from civilians and the military alike over his government’s inability to beat back the Islamist insurgents creating havoc in this nation of 21 million people, had led Burkina Faso, a poor, landlocked country in Western Africa, since 2015. The country had remained largely peaceful until 2015. But that year, militant groups launched a violent campaign as part of a broader upheaval in the Sahel, the vast stretch of land just south of the Sahara. The violence has destabilised large parts of the country and has led to the displacement of 1.4 million people and reported 2,000 deaths just last year alone. This upheaval led to mounting public frustration with Kaboré,

as the solution seemed to be beyond him. This perhaps led to the coup d’etat adding to worries over military interregnum into governance in the West African region as in the past year, there had been coup in Guinea, Sudan, Chad and Mali. According to agency report, the coup in Burkina Faso was announced on a state television late Monday, afternoon by a junior army officer who said the army had seized power in response to the “exasperation of the people.” Beside him sat Lt. Col. PaulHenri Damiba, a senior military officer who was introduced to the people of Burkina Faso as their new head of state. The military said the nation’s land and air borders would be closed, and a nightly curfew imposed until further notice. There was no mention of Kaboré’s whereabouts and no indication that he had agreed to step down. “The authorities have been captured without bloodshed and are being kept in a secure place,” the soldier said. The military’s announcement

came after a turbulent day in the country. Soldiers had on Sunday seized several military bases and the riot police clashed with civilian protesters. In the evening, shots were heard near the president’s home, lasting into the early hours of Monday, setting off hours of uncertainty amid reports that the military was pressuring the president to resign. In the afternoon, a tweet had appeared on President Kaboré’s account that asked people to stand fast behind their tottering democracy. “Our country is going through a difficult time,” he wrote, urging mutinying soldiers to lay down their arms. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has condemned the coup d’etat in Burkina Faso, calling for the immediate release of Kabore and other members of his government being detained by the military. The Nigerian government also demanded for the immediate return to the status quo ante. A statement on Monday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Francisca

Omayuli read: “The federal hovernment of Nigeria has received with grave concern, reports of a coup d'état in the Republic of Burkina Faso. “Nigeria strongly condemns the overthrow of the democratically elected government of President Roch Marc Kabore and his detention. “This unfortunate development not only subverts the constitutional order of the country, but also seeks to further destabilise the peace efforts in the ECOWAS sub-region. “This unconstitutional change of government is unacceptable. Nigeria, therefore, calls for the immediate release of President Marc Christian Kabore and other members of his government being detained, as well as an immediate return to the status quo ante," the federal government stated. The Economic Community of West African States is expected to also condemn the military take over as with some other countries which had gone the same way. Sanctions are expected to be announced by the region body to force the military to quickly hand back power to civilian authorities.

stated that the CNG was selected as the fuel of choice because it holds a comparative advantage due to its ease of deployment, its comparatively lower capital requirements, commodity’s supply stability, existing in-country volumes and local market commercial structure which relies predominantly on the naira. Sylva, speaking earlier, underscored the need to provide an alternative fuel for Nigerians, but noted that it wasn’t possible to move further without ensuring that the marketers were fully on board the agreement around auto gas. “If not, you will have a situation where converted vehicles do not have places to refuel,” he argued. “So, to do this, we all agreed as part of our engagement with labour to have at least 1 million cars converted in the first instance,” he added. He noted that very soon, the OEMs would be in Nigeria and they would need partnerships with local marketers to put their systems in place in Nigeria, especially in the installation of the dispensing stations and also the conversion kits. According to him, while N250 billion was recently made available in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the marketers to access, a further incentive would be the downstream and midstream gas infrastructure development fund which would also be deployed for the purpose. “As desirable as the issue of deregulation is for the economy, you all will agree that these structures need to be put in place so that the impact it will have when ultimately subsidy is removed, maybe at some future time, will need to make sure that everything is in place for the suffering masses of Nigeria. “This is so as not to have the full weight of whatever is going to come with full deregulation. So, a lot of discussions are going on, but I thought that I should invite you to discuss these details with you,” he said. Before the clarification made by the minister and his team, the marketers including the Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Chief Executive, Ardova, Olumide Adeosun, erstwhile MOMAN chair, Tunji Oyebanji

as well as representative of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPMAN), Christian Igwe, had raised some pertinent issues. Adeosun, for instance, noted that there was uncertainty as to the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on gas as well as problem with shortage of supply of gas in the country. He explained that building a strong investment case for CNG with financiers was difficult. “So, I mean, in in a nutshell, where we are really is that the investment cases have been made across the board, but we need a few more definite things that feed the assumptions that will go into the financials, which is really what happens with investors. “And I think where we are today is that the investment case has not been made strongly enough,” he said. Oyebanji on his part, argued that for example NIPCO already has an ongoing CNG operation in Benin City, which was to be replicated across the length and breadth of Nigeria. “But the bottom line of it if we are being very frank with ourselves is that as of now, it hasn't proved to be a profitable venture,” he maintained. But Sylva who made some further clarifications, stated that the burden would not to be on the marketers, adding that the downstream/midstream infrastructure fund would be made available to those who are screened to partake in the programme. “The burden is not to be on you. Already, the funding is in place. We are looking at our own side by providing 50 per cent of the funding and OEMs are providing the other 50 per cent and you are coming in at this point. “So, I think it's a different scenario. When NIPCO started, they were on their own, they had to set up everything. They had to get the funding themselves, but of course, we also recognised that it is not going to be easy,” he noted. In her comments, Technical Adviser to the minister on Gas Business, Brenda Ataga, clarified that no one was going to get cash, but equipment delivered to their stations for conversion.

TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

GRIEVING WITH THE TAMBUWALS...

L-R: Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during a condolence visit on Saturday by the Senate President to Buni, over the demise of Tambuwal’s elder brother in Sokoto... recently

Osinbajo: FG's Social Intervention Schemes Have Benefitted Millions of Ordinary Nigerians Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that apart from providing interest-free microcredit loans to petty traders, the various social intervention schemes of the federal government have made a significant impact in the lives of millions of ordinary Nigerians. Delivering a keynote address yesterday, at the Bank of Industry’s (BOI) ‘Aid for Productivity’ report launch, Osinbajo stated that as part of its determination to boost economic growth, the present administration has also ramped up its support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, which accounts for close to 50 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and 76 per cent of the country’s labour force. He noted the fact that the success of the BOI Growth Platform was the story of, “the Nigerian can-do spirit and the entrepreneurial DNA we carry. “This is a shining case study of what President Muhammadu Buhari strongly believes: that Nigerians will solve Nigeria’s problems. This is an example of what we can achieve when we unleash the best of our

people - especially our young - on the toughest of our challenges, and give them the free-hand to deliver results,” he added. The BOI Growth Platform includes interventions schemes such as the renowned Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) loans (MarketMoni, FarmerMoni and TraderMoni) – regarded as Africa’s largest fully-digitalised micro-credit scheme, the MSME Survival Fund under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), the North-East Rehabilitation Fund, the recently launched World Bank $750million NG-CARES programme, and statebased interventions, among others. According to the VP, “this demographic was far too important to ignore. We had to start solving for them, especially having been left far behind historically,” a reason he noted led to the implementation of intervention schemes through the BOI’s Growth Platform for MSMEs. “What might also not be obvious is the sheer scale of impact that has been achieved with these programmes, as over four million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises have been direct beneficiaries of the over

N150billion deployed in the past. “Fifty-seven per cent of these MSMEs are owned by Nigerians below 35 years of age, and close to 60 per cent of the beneficiaries are women. What is even less glaring is that the team of Nigerian professionals behind this work is largely young, with an average age of 28 years old.” Highlighting the transparency and impact of these microcredit schemes, particularly the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP loans - MarketMoni, FarmerMoni and TraderMoni) under the SIPs,

Osinbajo recalled his interaction in 2018, with a petty trader, Jafar Abubakar, one of the Tradermoni beneficiaries at Abubakar Gumi Market in Kaduna when he visited to launch the scheme in the State. The VP further highlighted the nationwide impact of the Administration’s Social Investment Programmes, which he noted was the, “most ambitious social intervention project in Nigeria’s recent history, with a series of people-centric programmes.” “This is a journey that only began as an idea six years ago: that we can build systems that will serve

Peter Uzoho The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc has processed payment of over N42 billion to power generation companies (Gencos) for November 2021 payment cycle for grid distributed

electricity. THISDAY gathered that the payment was made last week to Gencos for electricity delivered to the national grid during the period. The payment was a combination of market receipts and supplementary payments from

Begin sensitisation campaign

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has decried the minimal interest shown by people from South-west and South-east zones in the ongoing recruitment exercise for other ranks compared to their counterparts in the North. However, as part of measures to tackle this, the police force, had begun a sensitisation campaign championed by the Police Service Commission (PSC). In Lagos, at the sensitisation campaign, PSC Chairman, Musiliu Smith, said efforts should be made to encourage upright and responsible citizens to apply for recruitment in the police force. Themed "One Day Sensitisation/ Town Hall Meeting on Police Recruitment Exercise", the event was held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja. According to him, if the educated and upright young ones were

motivated to join and remain in the police, the country would definitely be on the way to having the right number of men and women needed for efficient police force. Smith noted at the meeting that the police and policing were indispensable to a peaceful and growing country, determined to change the narrative on the issue of her internal security. “We must continuously raise the alarm if we notice that some criminal elements in our community are applying to join the police with the recommendation of some community leaders. We must, therefore, all come together as a community to ensure that only the best are recruited into the Nigerian Police. “The PSC has adopted an approach to improving police, citizens relationships through community engagement forums such as this one, where issues that affects citizens are addressed and endeavour to keep the conversations going.

day would make the difference between staying enrolled in school or skipping school to earn money for that meal,” he added. Osinbajo also praised the infrastructure and transparency behind the BOI Growth Platform schemes. For instance, he recalled his visit to the Growth Platform’s Command Centre, which now has, “22,000 agents, living across all LGAs in Nigeria and equipped with its proprietary mobile technologies, receive mandates to capture and digitalise businesses eligible for its growing suite of programmes.”

NBET Pays Gencos N42bn for Electricity to National Grid

Police Lament Lukewarmness of S'West, S'East Candidates in Recruitment Exercise Chiemelie Ezeobi

everybody fairly and justly and bring credibility to government programmes. One of the biggest barriers we identified was the ability to reach people directly, capture and digitalise their information (even if they are illiterate) and process a benefit to them directly in a way that is transparent to all. Our vision set out to solve this. “For some programmes, the everyday Nigerians were young graduates who would benefit from a direct stipend and employment placement from the government. For others, it would be pupils for whom a reliable meal per

"The purpose of providing security and safety is defeated if the police as a security organisation is contaminated with persons, who are criminally-minded owing to the poor caliber of those applying for recruitment. "No one knows better the character of its citizens than members of the community. Therefore, citizens are encouraged to kindly urge people of good character to join the force. Those applying for intake should take the process seriously by preparing very well for the examination to give them the best possible chance of success,” he said. He, however, added that citizens should endeavour to encourage serving police officers by reporting and commending professionalism and acts of valor to relevant authorities as much as they regularly report misconducts by bad eggs. He also alleged that some of the officers were not interested in improving themselves educationally,

when they eventually join the force. In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the town hall meeting was very important, and that, "What we have observed over the years is that the number of people joining the service has been dribbling and we wonder why that is happening". Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mrs Folashade Jaji, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, said it has been observed over the years that the number of people joining the police and armed forces had reduced. His words: “We wonder why that is happening, and we believe we should encourage the youth to join the Nigerian police and other armed forces. We may not appreciate the importance of encouraging them to join the police and other armed forces in the future. When we are all retired, will there still be people in the police force that we can still go to for help?

distribution companies (Discos) made to NBET. Discos and Gencos payments are based on the electricity market settlement statement. Market Settlement Statement are issued in arrears by the Market Operator (MO) following a period of 28 days after a cycle. The MO takes the readings of the various meters via the grid network to determine the quantum of electricity supplied to the grid by each genco into the national pool. The electricity is then wheeled via the transmission network operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to the Discos and subsequently to the end-users. The settlement statement forms the basis of invoicing and processing of payments to the Gencos. NBET has continued to ensure timely payments to Gencos for energy generated and distributed to end users via the grid despite the average market performance of Discos. When contacted on the payment, the NBET Head of Corporate Communications, Ms. Henrietta Ighomrore, confirmed that it was made following its internal payment committee meetings and approval by the management. NBET has continued to fulfill its mandate in ensuring an efficient and effective transactions environment for the bulk purchase and resale of power in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). For the 2021 payment cycle, THISDAY learnt that NBET

processed an average of N68 billion worth of electricity via the grid, making sure that Gencos received an average minimum settlement of 85 per cent of generation invoices. According to the NBET spokesperson, for the January – June 2021 settlement cycle, NBET ensured that all Gencos received payment of 90 - 99 per cent of generation invoices for grid distributed electricity through the NBET Payment Assurance Facility (PAF) and market receipts. The company, however, disclosed that Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) remained the top performing Disco for the November 2021 cycle with a performance rating of 93 per cent of its Minimum Remittance Order (MRO). The least performers for the cycle under review were Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) with both Discos performing below 20 per cent of the MRO. The increase, timeliness and consistency in payments to the Gencos ensured stability of the national grid and sustained power generation across the country. The quantum of power delivered to the grid has been on a steady increase as Gencos can leverage payments to third parties and ensure maintenance of their plants, THISDAY learnt. With a new license, NBET noted that it was suitably positioned to lead the NESI towards a viable power exchange for the good of the sector.

TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

COMMENT

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

ATIKU ABUBAKAR’S PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION Besides Atiku’s age, it is the turn of the south to produce the next president of the country, argues Kassim Afegbua

ollowing my interrogation of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential aspiration and the urgent need to cede the nomination of the PDP ticket to the Southern part of Nigeria, the alarm bells have been let loose. Expectedly, I have been called all manner of names and accused wrongly, just to extract a pound of flesh from me for daring to question the rationale for Atiku presidency in 2023. I do not have anything personal against Atiku Abubakar, but I disagree with his latest resolve at being a professional aspirànt or perpetual candidate from 1991 till date. Politics has a process and timing. The timing for a fresh mandate for Alhaji Atiku is misplaced at this moment. Having put up such a strong showing in 2019, I thought very sensibly, that was the climax of a journey that started in 1990 when he initially aspired to preside over the country with late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, easily called M.K.O Abiola. Atiku Abubakar was in that equation even though at the end of the day, he was prevailed upon to step down for MKO Abiola. And the rest is history. Nigeria is a plural society with several political interests competing for attention. It is a country of many tribal leanings and clannish configurations. After the EndSars protest and the lukewarm attitude of the current president before he reluctantly addressed the nation, it became obvious that the age of Methuselah in Nigeria politics was no longer fashionable. Nigerians now yearn for younger leadership who is upwardly mobile to preside over the affairs of the nation, leaders who have the technical ability and managerial acumen to preside over our disparities and ethnicities, and create a balance towards national cohesion and stability. Nigerians are looking forward to welcoming a new dawn in our body of politics, some kind of paradigm shift that would give opportunity to our younger generation to politically assume a pride of place in the scheme of things. President Buhari has not helped matters. He has raised very curious remarks about the sanctity of travelling the road of the aged. Aside from being taciturn, President Buhari is not creative and result-driven. His go-slow style has affected our reading of the older generations who appear unwilling to quit the stage while the ovation is still loud. Buhari’s standoffish attitude and leadership weakness has become Atiku’s albatross. President Buhari has pointedly declared that at 79, working six to eight hours daily is no joke, reason why it will be an exercise in self-destruct to chart the course of an Atiku post Buhari era. From 1990 till date, Atiku Abubakar has featured in our politics at regular intervals. Remove 32 years away from Atiku’s age, you will readily see the beauty of a young man who got involved at such a middle age to seek the presidency of the country. After 32 years, he should honourably quit the stage for others to try their luck. That is the beauty of life’s evolutionary process. Seeking for that same position which he sought for in 1990 at this age and time is like performing a surgical operation with a blunt scalpel. His closest was the 2019 experience. Bookmakers said he won the election, but INEC thought otherwise. After the 2019 election, when the dust of that election had not settled, when tempers were still high and emotions were still boiling, Alhaji Atiku simply vanished into thin air. He was nowhere to be seen. His next address was Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. When the party members wanted to see him, they had to travel to Dubai. The tribunal came, and Alhaji was nowhere near the courts. Imagine how it would have been seeing him with his Lawyers inside the courtroom, it would have given a sense of motivation and encouragement to all the

NIGERIANS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO WELCOMING A NEW DAWN IN OUR BODY OF POLITICS, SOME KIND OF PARADIGM SHIFT THAT WOULD GIVE OPPORTUNITY TO OUR YOUNGER GENERATION TO POLITICALLY ASSUME A PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS

factors that participated in that election. We waited, kept our eyes on the road, thinking he would join us. Alas! He was away in the comfort zone of Dubai’s architectural wonders while we remained here in Nigeria like orphans or fatherless children. The tribunal case ended on a loss note. That was to mark another evolutionary watershed in the history of electoral petitions in Nigeria. But in all of the actions, Alhaji Atiku was absent. When they are seeking for election, they try to act as father-figure, pretending to have the interest of the people at heart, but when you need them to give you protection, they hide in the comfort zone of their empire. For those of us who were spokesmen of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, it was difficult getting to sit Alhaji Atiku Abubakar down to robustly engage, at least to glean from his perspectives on issues. After the election, and after his escape from the shores of Nigeria, there was no post-election thank you. And this is not about material gratification. Far from it! It was simply by way of hosting a meeting to say, ‘guys, you all are great. You made me proud. I appreciate.’ Instead, for two years, Alhaji Atiku was in Dubai, and left us in the lurch. When he returned to the country and the idea of recontesting struck his mind, he wrote personalized letters to some chosen associates, supporters and stakeholders. When I got my own letter, I asked a couple of questions. Aside from being a regular face in the political firmament of Nigeria, like Robert Mugabe to Zimbabweans, Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration was wrongly footed. The pendulum of the political equations and algorithms has to shift to the Southern part of the country in 2023. After an unbroken eight years run by President Buhari, it will be immoral for any Northerner to aspire to govern the country on another run of eight years. That would be injustice of the first order. Even if the equation becomes so compelling, we could opt for a younger element to fill the void. Contesting for presidential elections since 1990 till date without success is enough indication that he was not destined to be. At this age and time, I would rather he supports a younger element from the south as a way to assuage the feelings of the people. Political greed and selfishness has its own undercurrent. Just like power and its aphrodisiac, it makes men blind to their real intentions. Their eyes will be fixated on the aplomb of power, its allure and appurtenances. But the dynamics of the moment and the learned experiences from President Buhari’s gloomy and uneventful leadership, have combined to hurt the dialectics of an Atiku aspiration. The country must consciously engage with diverse interests across the land. Individual and collective interests must be cultivated. Geopolitical zones balancing through robust interactions and constructive engagement are the required process to build national cohesion. And with the way the country has become, a Southern presidency is one that will invariably calm frayed nerves and put paid to some agitations that have been threatening the unity of the country. The route I have taken is one borne out of my deep conviction that Nigeria needs to chart a new course of action. It is one that reminds me that if we choose to do things differently, we will achieve greater success than devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspirations of a man who has been a perpetual aspirànt and a recurring decimal in our national politics. Prince Afegbua was a former Commissioner for Information in Edo State

UZODIMMA’S POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT

Nkechi Obiagor writes that the Imo State governor is committed to addressing issues of growth and development

mo State government has begun the implementation of the 2022 budget of N381.4 billion. It is tagged Budget of Wealth Consolidation and Recovery (The People’s Budget). The Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, says the budget is unique for many reasons. According to him, it is a budget intentionally targeted at development. Here is how: Among the 36 states of the Federation, Imo makes the club of 26 states whose budgets are skewed in favour of capital projects than recurrent expenditure. The other 10 states have projected to spend more on recurrent than on capital. This is contrary to budgetary recommendations and prescriptions for developing nations by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other development institutions. That of Imo has attracted more positive reviews because the ratio of capital to recurrent expenditure relative to budget size, is quite high compared to others. Budget analysts and development economists have continued to commend the governor for his focus on capital projects at a time most parts of the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are stuck in the mud of infrastructure deficit. They are urging the governor to ensure implementation of the budget. During a stakeholders’ meeting/luncheon held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, in Owerri, the governor explained the motive behind the budget, outlining many ongoing infrastructure projects and hinting on many more to come. The heavy leaning on capital projects is interpreted to mean a determination by the government to remodel the state once famed for its progressiveness and for being the torchbearer for development in the South East in the days of the

legendary Dee Sam Mbakwe of blessed memory. The governor explained it thus: “The 2022 budget has the broad objective to ensure that our efforts to deliver our programme of shared prosperity through wealth creation and recovery come into full force this year. This budget of N381.4 billion is made up of recurrent expenditure of N96.7 billion and capital expenditure of N284.7 billion. In essence, the capital budget provision is over 74%. This is the first time in recent history that there is a clear budgetary emphasis on capital projects.” He continued: “The huge outlay for the capital expenditure underscores the determination of my administration to build upon critical infrastructure, especially roads that would transform the economic landscape of our dear state in 2022. The budget also presents a clear signal that we are going to pay more attention to the welfare of the citizens of the state in core value chain areas of health, education, agriculture, industry, youth empowerment and job creation. I anticipate that by the end of this year, Imo State would have witnessed a tremendous infrastructural transformation that will set it on an irreversible path to economic growth, which will make all of us very proud.” Uzodimma told the audience made up of net worth sons and daughters of the state from across various callings and political divides that his government is preparing a 10-year economic development plan that will further define the economic road-map for the state. Political watchers and socio-economic analysts familiar with Imo insist that the state deserves the type of capital expenditure-heavy budget being implemented by the governor. They argue that within most

part of the last decade, the state had been subjected to unprecedented abuse defined by reckless plunder of the state’s coffers, negligence of infrastructure, a broken school system, brazen stealing of public property and funds, and unworkable healthcare. Imo, once the toast of all the South Easterners, was reduced to a family estate, existing just to satiate the ego of one family and enrich a few political mandarins and cronies of the ‘privileged’ family. During this period of annexation of a whole state by one family, Imo became the poster child of asinine corrupt enrichment of a few public officials; state wealth was amassed and converted to private estate. Institutions and corporates that used to belong to the state ‘miraculously’ and mysteriously changed ownership and ended up as private equities. The people’s commonwealth became a family’s sudden wealth. During this period also, public infrastructure was left to decay and deteriorate to the knowledge of one and all including the tricycle riders, artisans, commercial motorists, traders, all of whom were left to bear the brunt of eight years of a failed leadership. Uzodimma says it’s the overriding need to build the state infrastructure, turn around the sliding healthcare system and restore the state’s lost glory in education that has necessitated the uniqueness of his budget. Already, he has begun the implementation and the state is assuming the picturesque ambience of a huge workshop. The World Bank and global development specialists have always prescribed increased public spending especially in areas related to human capital development as a way of building safety nets against runaway inflation and other headwinds that stunt economic growth in developing nations. They argue

that increases in health, agriculture, infrastructure and education spending over time for any developing community (state, province or country) often result in improved quality of life, improvement in life expectancy and general reflation of the economy. Uzodimma is doing just that; building infrastructure from roads to education to healthcare among others. Both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had visited Imo physically to commission multiple projects and on both occasions, they spared no words to commend the developmentfocus of Governor Uzodimma. During his historic visit to Imo in September, 2021, President Buhari, obviously pleased with the quantum of projects the governor had executed in less than two years, gushed: “I think I have to go back to the old saying that seeing is believing. I have seen enough that justifies his integrity in making sure that he is working very hard to make sure you get the structure necessary. I’m very impressed by what he had done because I have gone through the same problem at the centre to make sure that infrastructure is what will enable the people to mind their own businesses.” President Buhari is not known to be flippant. He is taciturn and chooses his word anytime he speaks. Commending Uzodimma for committedly building infrastructure in just the same manner the President is doing in different parts of the country is therefore an endorsement of Uzodimma’s politics of development. Constructing over 90 roads, some completed while some ongoing, is evidential of a governor who believes that, though politics is partisan, it must address the key issue of development. Mrs. Obiagor wrote from Owerri

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

EDITORIAL THE BANE OF COMMUNAL CLASHES Critical stakeholders could do more to tame the spate of violence

that has claimed dozens of lives and property worth hundreds of millions of Naira. From Erin Ile and Offa in Kwara State to Wanikade and Wanihem communities in Yala local government of Cross River State to Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, communal clashes have become a serious national security problem in Nigeria.

ice-President Yemi Osinbajo, last week in Abuja, met with deputy governors from the 36 states in the country over violent clashes that often erupt from boundary disputes. According to Osinbajo, the meeting became necessary so that all stakeholders in boundary issues could understand the act establishing the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the roles they must play to mitigate the misunderstandings that usually result in violence. Osinbajo, who is statutorily the NBC chairman, acknowledged that because many politicians ignore the emotions people attach to their ancestral land, they sometimes unwittingly sow the seed of discord.

We commend the vice president for the initiative, and we urge the NBC to do more in resolving contending issues in many of the flashpoints across the country, THE FREQUENCY OF THESE where communal CLASHES DEMONSTRATES conflicts are THAT WE ARE TEETERING becoming more TOWARDS A LAWLESS frequent and deadly. “There SOCIETY, WITH ALL THE FRIGHTENING IMPLICATIONS has to be an FOR PEACE AND SECURITY understanding of who has access IN OUR NATION to land because in some cases these are tied to ancestors. But these issues should not result in violence. In some cases, resolving these disputes can only be done at the highest levels of governance,” Osinbajo told the deputy governors. “Let me remind us that we are not here to resolve any particular state border crisis, but perhaps this meeting will review how disputes can be settled without political interference because very often when politicians play games with lands, it results in creating tensions.” There is hardly any zone in the country today where there are no conflicts arising from land borders between states. Yet, even within those states, there are violent eruptions among contiguous communities. For the past two decades, Aguleri and Umuleri communities in Anambra State have been on the war path over a disputed piece of land

Letters to the Editor

part from the alarming death tolls, the losses to the economy as a result of these deadly clashes cannot be easily quantiﬁed. Besides thousands of people that have been killed, several families are today dislocated with countless people physically and psychologically maimed for life. The future ambitions of many Nigerians, particularly children, have also been cut short or disrupted in many of our communities. Although presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, once stated that President Muhammadu Buhari was consulting for an inclusive stakeholders’ committee to interrogate issues that fuel these communal conﬂicts, nothing has been heard about the idea. But the Osinbajo initiative is timely.

T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

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

GOVERNING CONCEPT OF STATE GOVERNORS

overnance at the level of state government in Nigeria is simplistic in its dull splendour as to be a thorough thespian mimic. Or, what does one make of the comical attempt at fooling the general population by having friendly (read “hungry”) news-people and PR operatives put it out in news media outlets that “such-and-such state government” or “such-and-such state governor” desires “to do this” or “to do that” or “to pay pension arrears” or “to liaise with traditional rulers, elders, and stakeholders” or “to build roads” or “to assist farmers” and suchlike “to-to” policy statements? After these well-used lines are captured in print, especially, that is the end the people hear of them. Policy implemented! Time for the sitting governor to begin to “eye a Senate Seat” and do

Nigeria is awash with illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs). The ease of access to these weapons has made individuals and communities more fortiﬁed and hence less amenable to entreaties to make peace. Many communities are self-arming to protect themselves, to go on the offensive or for reprisal attacks. The frequency of these clashes demonstrates that we are teetering towards a lawless society, with all the frightening implications for peace and security in our nation. We therefore call on authorities in Abuja and the states to arrest this rapid and steady slide into anarchy by addressing all conditions that make violent attacks tools of expressing grievances between and among communities. We also enjoin them to devise effective conﬂict resolution mechanisms, create an early warning system that would alert of a brewing crisis, equip security agencies with modern intelligence gathering tools and promote policies that encourage peaceful coexistence and social harmony. Community and religious leaders must also rise to help in promoting peaceful co-existence among our people.

battle at the same time with a “kingmaker.” More irritating spectacles on the pages of newspapers are presented by those governors who confuse the population further by publishing architectural models of their planned “to-to” projects; these models are grand designs created to make the most of visual impressions. To the governors and to gullible Nigerians, it is work done in all its majestic accomplishments. Recall the fable about the king who danced stark naked along the major thoroughfare of town whilst holding on to the belief that he was grandly clothed. That king and his subjects made it seem like it was true for them all to believe that non-existence truth. Make-belief!! Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

SUPER EAGLES AND PROMISES OF DOLLARS

fter a stellar performance in the group stages of the African Nations Cup, then the congratulations started pouring in like the Super Eagles had won the cup. The Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele had to fly into Cameroon to promise thousands of dollars, if they did well and scored goals. For good measure the President of Nigeria, President Buhari even spoke to the team. The last time I can remember this happening was when General Sani Abacha encouraged the team before the Atlanta Olympic finals. After losing a pulsating game to Tunisia a lot of people are asking: did the promise of dollar rain put too much pressure on the team? Some even reckoned that the show of solidarity was unnecessary, as the Super Eagles camp became a parade ground for my Mercedes is better than yours. What happens to our dear Austin Eguavoen who a lot of people thought was the answer to our coaching problems? And will the ladies call out our dear Maduka Okoye for not diving properly for the ball? I definitely know many questions in the minds of Nigerians but the greatest priority should be facing an already wounded Ghanaian team in the World Cup qualifiers. Whatever happens I can imagine we will have enough blame to go round but in all I must say kudos to the Super Eagles despite the circumstances leading to the Nations Cup. Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

TUESDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SIXTEEN FG BOWS TO LABOUR, SHELVES PLAN TO END FUEL SUBSIDY FROM JULY was convened at the instance of President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who appealed to the labour unions to cancel the protests initially planned over the subsidy. However, petroleum products marketers in the country warned that the federal government’s decision to shelve subsidy removal would send the wrong signal to the world and foreign investors. But the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) commended the federal government for the decision to defer the removal of subsidy, saying ending the policy at this time would cause more hardship to Nigeria. Meanwhile, organised labour, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), dispatched protest letters to governors of the 36 states of the federation and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, expressing its opposition to the proposal by the federal government to increase the pump price of petrol, otherwise known as premium motor spirit (PMS). The meeting at the National Assembly had in attendance Sylva; Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed; Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari; and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe. Others were Special Assistant to the President on Natural Resources, Habib Nuhu; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Aliyu Shehu Shinkafi, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo. The finance minister said the federal government initially planned to remove subsidy on petroleum products from July. She said that was the reason adequate provision was made in the 2022 national budget for subsidy payment till June. Ahmed explained, "Provision was made in the 2022 budget for subsidy payment from January till June. That suggested that from July, there would be no subsidy. "The provision was made sequel to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which indicated that all petroleum products would be deregulated. "Sequel to the passage of the PIA, we went back to amend the fiscal framework to incorporate the subsidy removal. However, after the budget was passed, we had consultations with a number of stakeholders and it became clear that the timing was problematic. "We discovered that practically, there is still heightened inflation and that the removal of subsidy would further worsen the situation and impose more difficulties on the citizenry. "Mr. President does not want to do that. What we are now doing is to continue with the on-going discussions and consultations in

terms of putting in place a number of measures.” The minister said the measures included the rollout of the refining capacities of the existing refineries and the new ones, which would reduce the amount of the products that would be imported into the country. "We, therefore, need to return to the National Assembly to now amend the budget and make additional provision for subsidy from July to December 2022 to whatever period that we agreed was suitable for the commencement of the total removal," she stated. The minister told the meeting that the federal government would soon unfold the palliative being prepared to cushion the adverse effects of subsidy removal whenever it was implemented. She said, "What we have to do now is to continue with the discussion that we are making in terms of putting in place a number of measures, one of which is the deployment of alternatives. "The roll out of enhanced refining capacity, including the 650, 000 barrels per day refinery and also the rehabilitation of the four national refineries that have a combined refining capacity of 450 000 barrels per day and also the necessary rehabilitation "These would increase the refining capacity and means that we will import less "As we were discussing there is a possibility of amending the budget; we need to come back to the National assembly by way of amendment to make additional provision for fuel subsidy from July 2022 going forward.” On his part, Sylva said the meeting held behind closed doors agreed that the proposed removal of subsidy on petroleum products should be put on hold till necessary palliatives were put in place. He also said the PIA would be reworked by the federal lawmakers in line with the current reality. The petroleum minister stated, "The law (PIA) has been passed. We are all aware of that. But there is no law that is cast in stone. It is clear to everyone that at this point, operating the law is not possible within the six months framework that has been provided for in the law. "It is also a legislative responsibility now to see what could be done in extending that time frame for it to be in the purview of the law. "Secondly, the other legislative issue arising from it is the provision for subsidy in the budget, which would no longer be there after June.” Speaking on a national television programme last night, Sylva stated that the federal government was mindful of the effect of subsidy removal on the most vulnerable groups, stressing that removing the subsidisation is unfeasible for now. He said, “I will tell you categorically that at this moment, the complete removal of subsidy is not

in our plate at all. The president is not in support of removing subsidy at this time. So, we are working out other processes. “We all know that it is a desirable policy direction, but we also know that it will have some impact on the people and until some details are worked out with labour and other stakeholders, we will not remove subsidy. At this time, I can tell you that it is not in our plate at all.” Sylva also stated that the Dangote refinery would have significant impact on the fuel supply dynamics, including easing pressure on the economy, especially when combined with the on-going revamping of the three refineries in the country. He said with the Dangote facility and the three refineries in operation, Nigeria could become a net exporter of petroleum products in the nearest further. On gas, the minister stated that with the full domiciliation of all the gas produced by the Nigeria LNG, prices were beginning to come down. He stressed that the government might back down on the imposition of a 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported gas. “We are trying to see how we can remove VAT and some taxes on imported gas,” he stated. Sylva maintained that although not a regulated market, government was mindful of the fact that rising gas prices could negatively affect majority of Nigerians. He added that Nigeria would continue to consolidate its gas resources as a transition fuel, before the extinction of fossil fuels in some decades to come. The senate president urged organised labour in the country to shelve their proposed nationwide protests slated for Thursday, January 27. He said such action was no longer necessary. Lawan said, "I am taking this opportunity to speak to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and NLC to shelve their plan to go on strike or demonstration. It is totally unnecessary. "There is not going to be removal of subsidy, so let us not create unnecessary tension where there should be none. "Please, forget about the 27th of January deadline. We are supposed to come together and work assiduously to see that our country is stable that our people to enjoy the benefits of government programmes and projects. "At the end of the day, whatever decision we would be taking would be in the best interest of our people. Recall that last Tuesday, I visited the president (Muhammadu Buhari) on the possible removal of subsidy on petroleum products in the country.”

Postponing Subsidy Removal Sends Wrong Signal to Foreign Investors, Oil Marketers Warn

Reacting to the federal government’s withdrawal of its planned

removal of subsidy, petroleum products marketers warned that the decision to continue with subsidy payment would send the wrong signal to the international community, especially, foreign investors that might want do business in Nigeria. Managing Director of 11Plc and immediate-past Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, told THISDAY that the postponement would send out the wrong signal to the global community. Oyebanji said foreign investors and the world might have a second thought about Nigeria and how it treated issues of law. He stressed that the law stipulated that subsidy should be removed, but the government decided otherwise. He stated, "How would investors and the world look at us when after a long time, we passed a law saying that subsidy should be removed and, then, we decide not to implement it? Those people will have a second thought about us and the laws that we passed." He, however, sympathised with the government, saying the government may be justified in its decision considering the political and economic implications of removing the subsidy this time. Oyebanji explained, "There are several ways to look at it. One is the political standpoint. I guess it's just not politically expedient at this point in time, irrespective of the arguments for and against it. "Secondly, if we go through another #EndSARs arrangement now, you know, it will be very difficult. That is because the tendency is that whenever you have all these protests and things like that, before you know it, Area Boys will hijack it and it becomes something else. And I don't know whether we are in that kind of environment at this point in time." Another petroleum products marketer, who sought to remain anonymous, told THISDAY that the latest information from Dangote Refinery could have informed the government's decision to postpone subsidy removal. Dangote Group had announced last weekend that work at its 650,000 barrels per day refinery in Lagos had been completed and that the facility would start running between August and September this year, while full production would begin by year-end or beginning of 2023. The marketer argued that both announcements from the government and Dangote Group might be a strategy to douse the ensuing tension created by the subsidy issue. The marketer said, anonymously, "It could be an attempt to take the wind out of the sail of labour. By making this announcement, they would out-smart labour. You never can tell. "It could be a deliberate strategy. You know, they are already building up and saying they are going on strike. So, this will tactically take

MARGINAL FIELDS: NUPRC INVITES RESERVE BIDDERS AFTER WINNERS FAILED TO PAY WITHIN STIPULATED TIME 2020 marginal field bid round that the 45 calendar days allowed for payment of the requisite signature bonus has since lapsed,” the notice showed. Last week, the NURPC disclosed that the bid round concluded in 2021 had so far yielded about N174.944 billion, with owners of 30 fields having partially paid and two fields stalled by court cases. The new commission had further stated that 20 companies which won the bids had partially paid up, from among those who won the 57 oilfields. In May 2021, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) which has now transmuted into the NURPC with the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), concluded the oilfield bid round, the first successful exercise since 2003 when 24 assets were put on offer. The process which culminated in the presentation of letters to the bid winners in Abuja by the industry regulator, started in June 2020, with 57 marginal fields spanning land,

swamp and offshore put up for lease by the federal government. Marginal fields are smaller oil blocks typically developed by indigenous companies and have remained unproduced for a period of over 10 years. Some of the companies which emerged winners at the time, included: Matrix Energy, AA Rano, Andova Plc, Duport Midstream, Genesis Technical, Twin Summit, Bono Energy, Deep Offshore Integrated, Oodua Oil, MRS and Petrogas. A few others that succeeded in crossing the hurdle and had fully satisfied all conditions were: North Oils and Gas, Pierport, Metropole, Pioneer Global, Shepherd Hill, Akata, NIPCO, Aida, YY Connect, Accord Oil, Pathway Oil, Tempo Oil, Virgin Forest among others. At the time, it was also a big win for local oil and gas companies in the country, which had a good outing during the ceremony as 100 per cent of the beneficiaries of the exercise were indigenous entities. Before then, Nigeria last

conducted marginal field bid rounds in 2003, with 16 of the fields contributing just two per cent to the national oil and gas reserves. But in the notice, Komolafe promised that all the reserved bidders would be contacted in a short while to show their interest in paying the signature bonuses. “Accordingly, in line with the rules and guidelines governing the 2020 marginal field bid round and the notification of potential award letters, all offers made to potential awardees who have failed to pay the signature bonus for their respective equity participation have expired by operation of law. “And as such, interests have reverted to the bid basket due to effluxion of time for payment of the applicable signature bonus,” he stated. Furthermore, the commission noted that the equity of the initial bid winners would be pro-rated, indicating that they would only participate to the extent of their payments.

“The commission accepts no responsibility or liability in respect of any action or activity by any such potential awardee, their partners, associates, representatives or privies in further pursuit of any consideration or award under the said MFBR. “Participating interest for fields where the potential awardees have failed to pay all the required signature bonus will be pro-rated and the portion not paid for has automatically reverted to the bid basket. “This will be offered to reserve bidders, in line with paragraph 9 (III) of the MFBR guidelines. This is to ensure maximum participation of a wide cross section of Nigerians,” NURPC stated. In addition, the commission explained that eligible reserve bidders will be contacted shortly to provide proof of funds for payment of the applicable signature bonus, as a basis for the issuance of potential award letters for the equity participation taken back into the bid basket.

the tension away a bit."

APC: Removal of Petrol Subsidy Will Heighten Inﬂation, Cause Hardship

APC commended the federal government for suspending the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products. The ruling party said removing petrol subsidy at this time would heighten inflation and cause undue hardship in the country. National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of APC, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, said programmes and policies of the government were meant to benefit the people. Akpanudoedehe added that if the timing of the planned subsidy removal would cause hardship on citizens, then a review was necessary He stated, "We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for always putting the welfare and well-being of Nigerians first, as he has serially displayed in the implementation of programmes and policies of this administration. "Commendably, the federal government took into consideration the fact that the removal of subsidy at this time will heighten inflation and cause undue hardship on the citizenry." Akpanudoedehe said in line with the PIA, the federal government was already putting in place measures, particularly boosting the local refining capacities, to reduce the country's reliance on expensive import of refined petroleum products. He said this would in due course usher in the eventual and full deregulation of the country’s petroleum sector.

Labour Petitions State Governors over Proposed Hike in PMS Price

NLC notified the governors of the 36 states of the federation and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, of its opposition to the proposal by the federal government to increase the pump price of petrol. In the letter signed by NLC

President Ayuba Wabba and addressed to the state governors, the labour movement said the protest scheduled for January 27 was aimed at alerting governments at all levels of the sufferings that Nigerians were going through and the additional insufferable trauma that the citizens would be subjected to if the government went ahead with the hike in the price of refined petroleum products. In the letter, expected to be formally presented to the governors on Thursday, NLC said it stood by the agreement signed with the federal government on September 28, 2020 to freeze further increases in the pump price of petrol. The MoU with government also agreed to set up a technical committee to undertake a review of the state of local refineries in Nigeria. NLC said the mandate of the technical committee, which was made up of relevant officers of government and affiliate unions in the petroleum industry, included monitoring and tracking the fulfilment of government’s promises and efforts in terms of actions to revamp the public petroleum refineries. The union stated, "Unfortunately, after a few weeks of interaction with government on this critical national matter, government suddenly adjourned further discussions sine die. The situation has remained the same for nearly two years now, as government treats inquiries and promptings by organised labour with levity, disdain and contempt." While defending its position against the removal of fuel subsidy, NLC stated that under the existing importation price model for refined petroleum products, Nigerians were being forced to pay for all manner of acquired and transferred costs. It stated that these costs included the profit margin of foreign oil refineries, taxes paid by foreign oil companies, international shipping and logistics costs, product handling costs at the ports, demurrage charges, and import duties on imported petroleum products. NLC said it preferred Local Production Price Model, which drives Continued on page 48

DESPITE COVID-19, OVER 14.5M PASSENGERS TRAVELLED BY AIR IN 2021 the period under review also, there were 45 overbooked flights and denied boarding for international travel and 60 complaints about pilferage and discourtesy. There were 105 complaints, out of which 60 cases were resolved. In terms of domestic airlines, there were 10 airlines, which operated 74, 537, 42 flights. Also, there were 328, 542 flight cancellations, 110 air/ramp returns and 1, 086 delayed flights. Similarly, there were also 1, 086 delayed/missing bags. The number of baggage recovered were 1, 082 and over booking was 27, while pilferage, 281, complaints 308 and resolved cases, 227. Total number of flights operated by international airlines included African World Airlines, 1, 142; Air Cote D’Ivoire, 530; Air France, 255; Air Peace, 699; Asky Airline, 884; Azman Air, three; Badr Air, 47; British Airways, 584; Cronos Air, 130; Delta Airline, 350, and Egypt Air, 543. Others were Emirates, 225; Ethiopian Airlines, 828; Kenya Airways, 721; KLM, 229; Lufthansa, 555; Middle East Airlines, 122; Qatar Airways, 679; Royal Air Maroc, 173; RwandAir, 310; Saudi Air, 24 and South Africa Airways, eight. There were also TAAG Angola, 15; Tchad Air, 26; Turkish Airlines, 669, United Air Lines, 12 and Virgin Atlantic, 363. Operated flights by domestic airlines were as follows: Aero Contractors, 6,937; Arik Air, 9, 024; Azman Air, 3, 921; Dana Air, 9,360; Overland, 2, 917 and Air Peace, 17, 861. Others were Max Air, 8,607; Ibom Air, 9, 551, United Nigeria Airlines, 6, 408 and Green Africa, 1, 092. There were indications that flight delays had not abated, as records showed that despite passengers’ complaints, over 35 per cent of flights were delayed both on

international and domestic flights. Furthermore, the data revealed that flight delays from January to December 2021, showed that domestic airlines operating in Nigeria recorded 41, 398 cases of delayed flights. Flight delays by airlines were as follows: Aero Contractors 3, 766 from 6, 973 flights; Arik Air, 5, 171 from 9, 024 flights; Azman Air, 2,494 from 3, 921 flights and Dana Air, 5,227 from 9, 360 flights. Others were Overland Airways, 2, 441 from 2,917 flights; Air Peace, 9, 900 from 17, 861 flights; Max Air, 5, 212 from 8, 607 flights; Ibom Air, 2, 582 from 9, 551 flights, United Nigeria Airlines, 4, 063 from 6, 408 flights and Green Africa, 542 from 1, 092 flights. Reacting to the passenger upsurge since the lockdown in early 2020, industry expert and Managing Director of Flights and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan, told THISDAY that people were desperate to recover their businesses, their investments so there was rush travel and do business. Akpan stated, “People came out to recover what they have lost or were losing. Airlines that rested their planes had to bring them out and put them in the air to make money. “People had to go back to their businesses. Those who took loans have to service the loans. So, there was the need by the private sector and the government to kick-start the economy after the COVID-19 devastation.” Travel expert and consultant, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, said there was global pressure for recovery, noting that domestic airlines recovered quickly because Nigeria had only one lockdown, so recovery was not interrupted by another lockdown.

TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022

POLITICS

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

Understanding Musa’s Agenda for APC

Senator Sani Musa, Niger East, has a vision for the All Progressives Congress which is bigger than his current designation in the National Assembly, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong

mong the clutter of National Chairmanship aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguably, only Senator Sani Musa, Niger East, has demonstrated single-mindedness in the pursuit of his objective which he openly began ahead of many. At great pains to frequently explain why he wants to exit the Senate to head the party’s National Secretariat, Musa is trudging on despite the challenges posed by this self-assigned political enterprise. Determined to run the race to the end, he is encouraged by the increasing prospect of his victory at the party convention. In many strategic locations in Abuja, huge signage advertising Musa’s political aspiration are in your face everywhere you turn. The aggressive marketing of his interest in the APC National Chairmanship has its own gains for a man whose popularity was previously measured with his contribution to his state and to national discourse on the floor of the National Assembly. He knew that a more searching probe will be carried out on his personality, once he declared his interest to lead the APC. On a level playing field, Musa is confident that even his most ardent opponent in the race for national chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress acknowledges that he is a better candidate. Before he was elected a Senator, Musa worked in the public and private sector. Since 2014, he

Musa

has been one of the leaders of the APC and served as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) from 2019 to date. A studious look at his antecedents reveals one who is consistent. As a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the good people of Niger East Senatorial District and Chairman Committee on Senate Services, he said he

has had an amazing experience serving as a first term Senator. “My interest in the chairmanship of our great party, the APC is another call to national service just like my current position as a Senator of the Federal Republic. You must bear in mind that as a Chairman of the APC I can leverage on my experience here in the Senate to push the

manifesto of the party to the National Assembly more efficiently. It will also give me vantage position to deliver reconciliatory leadership which the party needs now to navigate out of its present challenges,” said Musa who is committed to use his leadership of the party to reinforce and keep the towering legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari. Musa believes Mr. President has given the APC an ideology and presence in the international community, his democratic ideals and work within the sub-region and Africa, fight against corruption and his efforts at providing security are ideals that should form the bedrock of the party’s moral philosophy. Therefore, there is a need to have a leader that will continue to give full support and attention to such progressive efforts. And this is why he feels strongly about becoming the head of APC’s administrative machinery. All of his efforts, he promised, will be directed to support the deepening of democracy in Nigeria. Driven by a clear vision of the direction to which he is taking the party, Musa has been canvassing the broad themes of his manifesto, which is encapsulated in the three Rs: Reconciliation, Reorganisation and Redirection. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Still Outclassing Pedestrian Politics For all his achievements in the private sector and his enduring attainment in public service, Wale Morafa commends Senator Ibikunle Amosun on his 64th birthday

ixty-four years today, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, immediate past governor of Ogun State, has maintained an infrequent staying power and relevance, in a characteristically squalid political space. This is worthy of study. You can almost count the number of times Senator Ibikunle Oyelaja Amosun, had granted interviews in his entire 64 years on earth put together. Either as a private citizen, senator or governor – Amosun – by style and personal disposition, prefers to be seen, rather than being heard, in strict deference to that famed public service creed. He does not pander to vain talks and whenever he chooses to speak, it is always issue-based. In policy formation, execution and administration, Amosun is usually not at peace with ‘disruptive administrative protocol’, because it stalls real progress and reduces the speed of work, he is wont to reckon. Result is the only language Amosun understands and would stop at nothing to ensure result is realised, so long he could defend his decision. Steely, cautious, deep, strategic, yet, open to progressive inklings, Amosun also boasts an unusually large heart, coupled with native intelligence, which explains why his intimidating political machine remains the only issue, today, in the annals of Ogun State body polity, even though he left office almost three years ago. One of the signs that he would never resort

Amosun to pedestrian or politics of character debate, despite the outcome of the 2019 governorship election in Ogun State – an event he has since put behind him – was the instruction he consciously handed his people, never to attack the government in office and as much, stay away from every form of confrontation, even when so pushed. This is why the only time you’d ever hear from the Amosun side was when setting the records straight. A lot of deliberate mischief had been designed,

and particularly orchestrated to draw him out to some cheap, filthy mud fisticuffs, but because he always knew where his traducers were coming from and why such mud was being slung at him or his record at that point in time, he’d rather do the issue debate – pure messaging – and putting the facts out there. Needless to say there had been instances of outright physical provocations and attempts to underwrite his development revolution, which remains the best of its type in the political history of the state, but understanding the fact that “wisdom is profitable to direct”, had always seen Amosun outclass his aimless detractors and devote only to both infrastructure and human capital developments as his only goal. Thus, when the elders say it takes no time for truth to catch up with lies, no matter how long such lies had embarked on its journey to nowhere, the fact that other tendencies in Ogun State, today, have suddenly seen the truth and are now comfortable with Amosun to advance the collective progress of the people, underscores this agelong assertion. Politics aside, it is already public knowledge that Amosun has written his name in letters of gold and etched his love directly in the hearts of individual indigenes and residents of Ogun State. Although his enemies would love to contest his performance record, it is politics. Their disavowal is evidently borne out of hate for this human train driving against their cave age ideas.

Amaechi is Ttusted Son of Daura Nseobong Okon-Ekong

ransportation Minister, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi will boldly register his political presence in Northern Nigeria when he is conferred with the all-important title of Dan Amanar Daura (Trusted Son of Daura) on February 5. Amaechi, who was a two-time Director General of President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign is believed to be highly favoured to win the All Progres-

sives Congress (APC) presidential primary. With his given names which allude to Yoruba and Igbo ancestry, the Transportation Minister is being positioned as an all-Nigerian man who can unite the country. The import of the title coming from the natural ruler of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, is not lost on observers of the polity. Daura is Buhari’s homestead. The Dan Amanar Daura title will further deepen Amaechi’s affiliation to the North which is being harshly

criticised by interest groups in Southern Nigeria, that condemn the Transportation Minister for being a willing tool in the plan of the North to dominate the rest of Nigeria. Particularly he is faulted for taking the Transport University to Daura and linking strategic northern cities by rail. It is a strongly held believe in some quarters that Buhari had Amaechi in mind when he said on national television that his preferred presidential candidate may be killed if he disclosed his name.

Particularly worthy of note is how Amosun has continued to assist and position people in different positions in government at the centre. How about the help he has continued to offer to other political actors in the state just so their collective push for the betterment of the people of the state becomes a reality? AGod-fearing devout Muslim, Amosun hardly begrudges anyone, and is quick to moving on from the past, especially, if those who offend him amend their ways and seek God’s face instead. And where they failed to acknowledge their wrong and redress such, he still moves on, because he understands that holding grudges could equally stifle personal progress. With the kind of goodwill that hypnotises his support base and awes even his archrivals, Amosun, has maintained a desirable hold, name and admiration of his people, and extended same to the national stable, where he is fast advancing the cause of the Nigerian project in collective interest. What, therefore, can we gift such a man on the occasion of his 64th birthday, if not to recognise his human development efforts and continue to pray for long life in good health and surplus for him? One thing is certain, though, Amosun’s work is not done yet – either for Ogun or Nigeria – and whatever life has in stock for him, is definitely sitting pretty in the belly of time and ready to be beckoned for action. -Dr. Wale Morafa

T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022

POLITICS

Issues Before the APC Convention As the All Progressives Congress prepares for its National Convention, Nseobong Okon-Ekong highlights issues that can guarantee a Hitch-free exercise

Buhari

Buni

ne of the most anticipated political events of 2022, the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is around the corner. With it comes the myriad of issues that have bedeviled the party from inception, but have recently become pronounced through all its organs from the ward, local government, state chapters and the national body. The boiling cauldron of multiple gladiators in the APC finally superheated and the party reached a tipping point when the former National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole was sacked. Leadership of the party became a freefor-all until the intervention from President Muhammadu Buhari which brought a new lease of life when the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC)led by Governor Mai Mala Buni was given the important task of putting the party back on stream. As a ruling party at the centre, there is pressure on the APC to put its best foot forward all the time. Most Nigerians look to the APC to present itself as a political party with responsible structures with built-in integrity to preserve the kernel of our democratic institution. The APC is not expected to entertain the flagrant display of impunity going into its convention on the back of flagrant abuse of set constitutional and procedural steps. As things stand today, to return from the convention with its honour intact, the APC must remain guided that having judiciously observed all prerequisite political processes to the convention, and must equally set the party structures aright to ensure compliance with all sacrosanct rules and regulations of the party and the electoral law as regard to the conduct of National Convention of the party It must be recalled that political processes that lead to a political party’s national convention are fixed and conventional - over a fairly long consensual period of time. It is the same for all political parties in the country. The party, under the CECPC administration has done a commendable job of meeting up with the prerequisites of party convention preparation, having conducted relatively very successful Ward, LGAs congresses, and States congresses, across the wards, LGAs, the 36 states and FCT. It is appropriate and in the interest of the party that we build on the successes of the CECPC handling of the party over the last months and the achievements that have ably redefined the operational pedestal of the party. Recalling the achievements of the party under CECPC leadership that has endeared the party more to the electorates and the entire population of Nigeria, without controversy, APC is a stronger party than it was years back. With a much more stronger membership base and lesser internal

any other. This is one agenda the party cannot afford to play with and which mus be yakent take very seriously. Now, as the APC prepares for its convention, as a sign of seriousness and allegiance with constitutional procedures, it must set its house in order among several other necessities. The party is expected to identify and collate the list of its appropriate delegates to the national Convention. The list should contain both the elected delegates from the ward, LGAs and state congresses, and the party regular statutory delegates. It is very important that in collating the list of the party statutory delegates, the APC should not embarrass itself by including deceased persons who were formerly statutory delegates of the party. It should not be forgotten that all past presidents on the platform of the party, all state governors, and all former and current members of the National Assembly who were and are still members of the party constitute statutory delegates. The list should be prepared and displayed for scrutiny prior to the convention. Having released the time schedule for the party National Convention which is to hold on the February 26, the ball is now in the court of all the APC members, stalwarts, leaders and interest units and groups in the party to work together to give the party a peaceful, rancour-free convention that will further endear the party to the electorate nationwide.

Akpanudoedehe

rancour and litigations as associated with other contemporary political parties, and even a ruling party; a peaceful and transparent convention would just be the icing on the cake and a final impression of the readiness of the party to maintain its hold on the reign of power in the country and across an increased number of states. This much the handlers of the party and all interest units within the party must take to heart in the overall interest of the party. Now that the party is set for the convention, as part measures to guarantee a successful, rancour-

free outing, the party should as a matter of necessity consider the fat that; APC as a responsible political organisation has in the past proven that it is only guided by its rule book and should do the same again in the coming national convention. The party must ensure a speedy and successful conclusion of all ongoing reconciliation actions, and to a large extent, as much as it is possible, bring the party into the convention on a truly united front. The unity of the party is paramount, and the fact that there are pockets of disagreements means there are aggrieved members, groups and concerns; and to this end, the party cannot afford to downplay the reconciliation process and its outcome for a reason of a limited time or

The party is expected to identify and collate the list of its appropriate delegates to the national Convention. The list should contain both the elected delegates from the ward, LGAs and state congresses, and the party regular statutory delegates. It is very important that in collating the list of the party statutory delegates, the APC should not embarrass itself by including deceased persons who were formerly statutory delegates of the party.

Consensus Candidate The constitution of the party as well as the Electoral Act prescribed the option of consensus candidate for political party in electing or selecting its National Officers to the National Executive Committee (NEC). It is suggested that the party, having presented a united front, consider this pathway as a measure to strengthen the agreement among units and groups and as well reduce the possible stress and litigations that may arise from direct and indirect elections. Zoning It is only appropriate in the interest of justice and recognition of fairness in inter-dealings with regional units within the party to adopt zoning as a measure to create the expected fairness. Party leaders and groups are therefore advised to tow the path of agreement as zoning is activated in the interest of the party to distribute the elective position in the party NWC Winning and retaining control of political power in Nigeria beyond 2023 would to a large extent depend on how well APC is able to manage the coming national convention. The most needed variable remains unity. On a united front, the party will surmount all adversaries and challenges and come out of the convention stronger than ever, building on the successes of CECPC over the last years.

TUESDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

Do We Prefer Sexual Enhancement To Brain Supplements?

rue story: I take brain-enhancing supplements. And I wanted to market them in Nigeria because of how they help me think deeply. I mentioned this to a friend who owns malls across Nigeria. He told me not to waste my time. He said if I want to make money in Nigeria, I should sell sexual enhancement. It made me sad, but can I say he was lying? I asked some other people, and they all said the same thing to me differently. And then I began to think deeply about this. Do we as a society value pleasure over treasure? And is that why we are almost always under financial pressure? We are multiplying our population without multiplying our remuneration. And until we reverse this, we will not fulfill our potential. I still wanted to investigate this matter some more. My mind is analytical, and until I have empirical data, I am not sure to accept a premise. So I thought to myself, what can I investigate or invigilate to either lend or take away credence from these assertions about our contemporary values as a people? So, I decided to investigate the biggest YouTube channels in European countries and African nations and was shocked! My findings showed that while other nations view wealth creation and self-development channels as a preference, we love skits, comedies, pranks, music and sexy channels. Perhaps, we do need a paradigm shift. The biggest YouTube channel in Sweden is PewDiePie, with 111 million subscribers. It is about using humour to teach gaming, investments such as NFTs, and new digital technology. In Germany, it is Kurzgesagt, with 17 million subscribers. It is about science and focuses on education. In France, it is Squeezie, with 16 million subscribers. Squeezie is basically a French version of PewDiePie. In contrast, in Nigeria, the biggest YouTube channel is Mark Angel comedy, and the next top five are comedians, rappers or singers. In Ghana, the biggest channel is Sarkodie’s. He is a Ghanaian rapper. In South Africa, it is Trevor Noah, the comedian. In Ethiopia, it is Hope Music, a music group. Next, I investigated countries with the greatest traffic on a particular pornographic website, called Pornhub. And lo and behold, Nigeria topped their visitor traffic. I found this hard to accept and reconcile with our very outward appearance of religiosity. Nigeria is perhaps one of the most religious nations on Earth. Who are the people visiting these pornographic websites? The thing is that we have not always been like this. Our pre-colonial culture was not like this. Gradually, we have grown to be a people who are publicly religious and privately hedonistic. But then again, am I sure it is so private? I remember the 100 private jets that attended Buhari’s son’s wedding, and the day it rained private jets in Maiduguri on December 28, 2019, during the wedding ceremonies of the son and daughter of Kyari Mele, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). I also remember a World Bank report that said if you isolate Borno and Yobe from Nigeria, both places would be the poorest places on Earth. Yet, that is where we saw the most obscene display of wealth one can ever imagine. What this shows is that we as Black folk prefer to be entertained than to be educated. We have become lovers of pleasure and have thereby missed out on treasure. And until we change that, our circumstances will hardly change. And the way to change that is to start teaching our children to value education over entertainment. It is not that we should not be entertained. We should. But it must not take priority over education. Perhaps it is too late to change our generation, but we must not pass on these generational bad habits that have not served us well. That is why I have always maintained that there is nothing like generational curses. Too often, poverty is passed down from one generation to the other, and this can lead to

Omokri giving a talk on brain maintenance in Wisconsin people, even educated ones, having a mindset that leads them to believe that there is some spiritual factor behind the chain of poverty in their lineage. It is easier to deal with poverty when you can blame it on inanimate things, rather than on yourself. And this failure to take responsibility for one’s station of life has created a huge growth area for purveyors of religious mind control. Many snake oil pastors are now into the habit of having visions that tell many poor persons which village person is behind their poverty. It has even gotten to the ridiculous extent whereby people are told that their own children are the witches and wizards making them poor. And they believe these farcical claims. But the question remains unanswered. Why are many people poor, especially in Africa and many parts of Asia, as well as in some other parts of the world? It is as a result of habits that get passed down from generation to generation. How do I mean? Consider the following: Your parents had you when they had no money. And you hated it. You grew up with an inferiority complex. You resented your richer cousins, and expected their parents to provide for you. And when they naturally focused on themselves and their immediate family, you and your parents saw them as wicked. Now, you are an adult. You are broke, just like your parents were. And you want to repeat the same cycle by getting married and having children you can’t care for? You are under the illusion that marriage and children automatically bring blessings from God. The same illusion that made your parents have many children. The next thing you do after getting married and starting a family you cannot afford to provide for, is to go to church and start seeking

deliverance from generational curses. But there is nothing like a generational curse. You did not get where you are by chance. You got there by choice. You made generational mistakes! You chose to make the same mistake that your father, grandfather, and great grandfather made! And the best way to break generational bad habits is to break out from the location where those bad habits were formed and crystallised. Your first memory in life is of your first home and the neighbourhood where you were born. It grounds you. It is almost like a thermostat. When you stray too much from your roots, your mind readjusts your life, because most people are tied to their history and not their potential. So, if you, as a parent, want your children to have a better chance at life than you, then relocate and dislocate those patterns of poverty that have plagued your lineage. Move out of that low-rent neighbourhood, into a better postcode. It is better to live in a small place in a high-rent area than live in a big place in a low-rent area. Where you live affects your potential and opportunity. You co-mingle with people and become like them. That is why Abraham had to leave his hometown to prosper. Where you live determines who you mix with and who you do business with. Who you mix with affects who you marry. Who you marry has a bearing on the quality of children you have. It is all connected. Even if you are poor, and cannot find a tiny space in a good neighbourhood, that is not the end of the world. What you can do is to occasionally take your children to classy hotels, nice malls, the cinema or just some fun hangouts. Expose them to the rich so they do not have a poverty mentality. Even if your parents did not do it for you, break the cycle and do it for them. It does not matter if you live in a slum like

Kibera, in Kenya, or Ajegunle in Lagos. Don’t pass on the poverty mentality to your children. Wake up your son or daughter one day. Have a shower. Dress well and dress them well. Then go to a Mercedes dealership with audacity and price and test-drive the latest Benz. You are expanding your children’s mind beyond their immediate environments. It is probably too late for your mentality to change significantly, even though it is possible for it to change slightly. However, your children are a different matter. Their kinds are still pliable and they are learning much of their foundational principles. If you aim them in the right direction, you will be aiming them away from the generational habits that have led you and your lineage so far to the state of existence and consciousness that you exist under.

Reno’s Nuggets How many times have you received a credit alert and you got angry? No. Credit alerts make you happy. Money makes you happy. Money can buy happiness. The happiness may be temporary. But it is still happiness. When God was happy with Solomon, what did He give him? Wisdom and wealth. Only misinformed people say money can’t buy happiness. If the person that is telling you that nonsense gets an alert in front of you, you will see him showing all his 32. Don’t listen to that type of poverty-mentality talk! The only time you will ever get angry at a credit alert is when the money in the alert is not up to the money you expected. In other words, the more the credit alerts, the more the happiness. The less the alerts, the less the happiness. Money aﬀects your happiness. If you want it to stay longer, make more money legally.

LAWYER TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

UT H

& RE A S O

WEEKLY PULLOUT

UT H

& RE A S O

CHIEF EDWIN KIAGBODO CLARK, OFR,CON

‘Despite Our Oil, the Niger-Delta is Underdeveloped’

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

IN THIS EDITION

Doctrine of Last Seen in a Charge of Murder Page IV

QUOTABLES ‘If we are thinking of 2023, that horse has bolted. There is nothing we can do between now and the next election, to clean the Judiciary…The appointment process is the entry point….Let us fix that, and then, over time, in the medium to long term, we have some hope that we can regenerate.’- Dr Babatunde Ajibade, SAN

‘If you are going to establish a State Police under this impunity by Governors, you must ensure that you put necessary checks in place, to ensure that they do not turn State Police to private militia.’ ’ - Inibehe Effiong, Human Rights Lawyer & Good Governance Advocate

Redefining the Role of the AttorneyGeneral Page V

OLAWALE FAPOHUNDA, SAN Olawale Fapohunda, SAN is the Attorney-General of Ekiti State. A frequent contributor to Thisday Lawyer since its inception, he has written severally on the limitations of the administration of justice system in Nigeria, and the need for urgent reforms. He has played a leading role in several governmental and non-governmental initiatives, aimed at enabling legal, policy and administrative interventions, for managing the justice system and the institutions, that deliver justice. SERIOUS MATTERS aims to contribute to national discussions on law reform, institutional strengthening, and good governance across the three arms of government.

LAWYER

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

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

Kalu, GTBank: A Tale of Two Judgements Supreme Court: Orji Kalu v EFCC I don't know whether to say, as we say in Hausa, 'Na sha mamaki' (I was amazed)! or in Yoruba slang, 'giri gbe mi' (literal- convulsion carried me; I convulsed; slang - I was shocked) - because these days nothing really should be shocking; there do not seem to be any boundaries or limits to questionable behaviour. I read in the news that Senator Orji Kalu had asked the Federal High Court to strike out his name and that of his company from the N7. 1 billion fraud charge filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and not recharge him; and the court found in his favour! How absolutely bizarre. Though I have not had the benefit of reading the full judgement of the Federal High Court per Inyang Ekwo J. in this case, I read the highlights of it, and I must say that I disagree with the argument raised on behalf of Senator Kalu and the judgement. You will recall that sometime in 2020, in Appeal No. SC 622C/2019 Ude Jones Udeogu & Ors v FRN (Kalu’s case), the Apex Court declared Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA) whose purpose is to make the wheels of justice roll faster, by allowing a Judge who has been elevated to a higher court, complete his/her part-heard criminal matters, null and void, because it is inconsistent with the Constitution (particularly Sections 250 & 290 (1) thereof) (See Section 1(3) of the Constitution). Justice M.B. Idris had been elevated to the Court of Appeal, when he was given a Fiat by the then President of the Court of Appeal to complete the hearing of the Kalu’s case. The Apex Court found that Idris JCA was no longer clothed with the jurisdiction to hear the matter, since he was no longer a Judge of the Federal High Court. It is trite that no matter how well-tried a matter is, if the court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to hear it, the proceedings are null and void ab initio, and of no effect. See the cases of Madukuolu v Nkemdilim 1962 2 S.C.N.L.R. 341; Obasanjo v Yusuf 2004 9 N.W.L.R. Part 877 Page 144 at 233 per Niki Tobi JSC. It is also trite that it is the Constitution (and enabling Statute) that confers a court with the requisite jurisdiction, and not the President of the Court of Appeal, the Head of any court or by the agreement of the parties to the action. In short, on the basis of the nullification of Kalu’s case, Senator Kalu’s conviction (and that of the other parties), and his sentence to 12 year’s imprisonment is null and void and of no effect, since the court lacked jurisdiction to complete the matter from the time Baba Idris J. was elevated. Senator Kalu was therefore, released from prison. Analysis of Section 36(9) of the Constitution Fast forward to now, when the Federal High Court upheld the argument of Senator Kalu’s counsel based upon Section 36(9) of the Constitution which provides thus: “No person who shows that he has been tried by any court of competent jurisdiction or tribunal for a criminal offence and either convicted or acquitted shall again be tried for that offence or for a criminal offence having the same ingredients as that offence save upon the order of a superior court”. I humbly submit that, this constitutional provision is inapplicable in this case for several reasons. Firstly, Senator Orji Kalu, cannot be said to have been convicted. It has been established that the court that completed the trial of Senator Kalu and Others lacked jurisdiction, and became incompetent/ improperly constituted when the trial Judge was elevated to the Court of Appeal. Also see National Bank v Shoyoye 5 S.C.Page 181 at 191; Gafar v Government of Kwara State 2007 4 N.W.L.R.

by the filing of a new writ of summons etc. What is commenced de novo is the trial. The original writ of summons and the pleadings (when they are not tainted with similar fatal defects) are unaffected by the pronouncement of nullity” - see Utah v Independent Brewery Ltd (1974) 2 S.C. 7 - per Ogundare JSC in Adefulu v Okulaja (Supra). The pleadings in the matter had already been concluded in Baba Idris J’s Federal High Court; and all that is required is for a new trial to commence before a new trial Judge of the Federal High Court. The fact that the matter was declared a nullity, does not necessarily mean that the pleadings are bad.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com onikepob@yahoo.com Twitter: @TheAdvocate

The

Advocate “…. Senator Orji Kalu, cannot be said to have been convicted. It has been established that the court that completed the trial of Senator Kalu and Others lacked jurisdiction, and became incompetent when the trial Judge was elevated to the Court of Appeal” Part 1024 Page 375 at 411. Secondly, due to this lack of jurisdiction, since the trial was nullified, the conviction of the Defendants in Kalu’s case was also nullified and of no effect. This means that the conviction does not exist (Senator Kalu and Others, were obviously not acquitted). Therefore, this matter does not qualify as the one referred to in Section 36(9) of the Constitution, that the Defendants are being tried again for the same offences, or offences with the same ingredients that requires the order of a superior court to proceed, since the initial conviction has been declared null and void, and it is therefore, non-existent. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, 6th Edition “Null” means ineffectual, nugatory, having no legal force or binding effect….”. In the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of null and void is: ‘having no force, binding power, or validity’; Dictionary.com: ‘Cancelled, invalid, ineffective’. In UAC v Macfoy 1961 All E.R. 1169, Lord Denning held that a nullity in law is a void act; an act which has no legal consequence. The act is not only bad, but is incurable bad”. In Adefulu v Okulaja 1996 9 N.W.L.R. Part 475 Page 668 at 693, “Null and Void” was also defined as “that which binds no one or is incapable of giving rise to any rights or obligations under any circumstances, or that which is of no effect…..” - per Ogundare JSC. “When a judgement or order is a nullity, it is as if it was never

Senator Orji Kalu

made” - Adefulu v Okulaja (Supra). This is the exact same fate suffered by Kalu’s case. The nullification of the case, automatically gave rise to Senator Kalu’s release; the order of conviction was never made; he was not bound by the purported conviction and sentence, because they were of no effect. Also see the case of Ugba v Suswan 2014 14 N.W.L.R. Part 1427 Page 264 at 317 per Onnoghen JSC (as he then was). The last part of the provision in Section 36(9) of the Constitution, that a consequential order is required, would also be inapplicable were the EFCC to start the trial de novo before a new Judge, seeing as for instance, the requirement that a person must be convicted or acquitted have not been fulfilled, as by virtue of the law, neither occurred in this case. Whether the Supreme Court mentioned the name of Orji Kalu or his company or not in their decision, are neither here nor there, and go to no issue. Mr Kalu and his company, Slok Ltd, were co-Defendants in the matter which was nullified. What is required in a case like this which was declared a nullity because of lack of jurisdiction, is for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the case to a new Judge to start the trial de novo; in this case, no consequential order is required. “When an appellate court nullifies a judgement, as for want of jurisdiction or for any other cause, the case is not commenced de novo

GTB v Innoson However, the situation in Kalu’s case must be distinguished from one in which the decision was made in error, like that of Appeal No. SC/694/2014 GTB v Innoson. An erroneous judgement, which could be erroneous in law or in fact, is one that can be appealed, in order to correct the error by setting it aside. See the case of Ugba v Suswan (Supra). The Apex Court had mistakenly dismissed GTB’s appeal in that case for lack of diligent prosecution, because the Court Registry had failed to bring to the attention of the Court that GTB had already filed its Appellant’s brief of argument. Order 8 Rule 8(4) of the Supreme Court Rules 2015 provides that an Appellant whose appeal has been dismissed under Order 8, can bring a motion applying for the appeal to be restored, and such motion may be granted if exceptional circumstances are shown. In this case, the fact GTB’s brief of argument had already been filed, shows that the Bank was prosecuting its appeal diligently. In Iteogu v LPDC 2018 LPELR-43845 (SC) the Apex Court held that it has the discretion to set aside its own judgement in exceptional circumstances -1) where the judgement was reached per incuriam (without due regard to the law or facts); 2) where the judgement is erroneous in law; and 3) where the previous judgement is contrary to public policy or occasioning a miscarriage of justice or perpetuating injustice. Giving a decision based upon an erroneous premise, certainly occasioned a miscarriage of justice on the part of the Bank, visiting the mistake of the Supreme Court Registry on a litigant, thereby depriving the Bank of its right to fair hearing guaranteed by Section 36(1) of the Constitution. See the case of John Andy Sons & Co. Ltd v Mfon 2006 12 N.W.L.R. Part 995 Page 461 at 481-482 per Omokri JCA. The GTB matter was not dismissed having been heard the case on its merits, that is, having determined the legal rights of the litigants, but, for an alleged breach of procedure or practice. Ordinarily, if a matter is dismissed, litigants can no longer go to court on the same matter, as they can do when it is struck out. They go on appeal. Dismissing a matter means that a properly constituted court went into the merits of the case, before dismissing it. When this is not the case, possibly the matter should be struck out instead. See the case of Oloriode v Oyebi 1984 1 S.C.N.L.R. Page 390 at 400 per Irikefe JSC (as he then was). In this circumstance, the matter was before the final court of the land, from which there is no appeal, but there can be a review in limited circumstances. See Order 8 Rule 16 of the Supreme Court Rules and Iteogu v LPDC (Supra). The Apex Court was correct to restore the matter in this case to serve the interest of justice. The Apex Court was right to restore the matter, in the interest of justice.

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, JANAURY 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

Doctrine of Last Seen in a Charge of Murder Facts The Appellant and two other persons were charged and tried for offences bothering on conspiracy, child stealing and murder, contrary to the provisions of Sections 516, 317 and 319 (1) of the Criminal Code. Five witnesses testified for the prosecution; while the Appellant was the sole witness. The trial court convicted the Appellant and others for the offences charged, and they were sentenced to death for the offence of murder. The Appellant’s appeal to the Court of Appeal, was dismissed. The Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court. Issue for Determination The Supreme Court considered the following sole issue as being central to the appeal and decided the appeal thereon: “Whether the lower court was right, that the prosecution had proved the offences the Appellant was charged with beyond reasonable doubt by the evidence adduced before the trial court.” Arguments Relying on the decision of court in COP v AMUTA LPELR- 41386(SC), counsel for the Appellant submitted that in criminal trials, the burden of proof is beyond reasonable doubt, and this burden rests on the prosecution throughout trial. Counsel contended that the burden is to be discharged by credible and cogent evidence, which is sufficient to eliminate reasonable doubt that it was the accused person who committed the offence he was charged with. Counsel relied on IGBABELE v STATE (2006) 5 NWLR (Pt. 975) 100 for the three ingredients of the offence of murder which the prosecution is required to prove together or conjunctively, in order to satisfy the proof beyond reasonable doubt. It was the position of counsel that the prosecution did not, by the evidence adduced at trial, prove any of the offences against the Appellant, particularly murder, beyond reasonable doubt. He argued that the witnesses called in the case did not give evidence in that regard, and that the Court of Appeal erred in law to have affirmed the conviction of the Appellant in the absence of proof beyond reasonable doubt. Further relying on the case of ORISA v STATE (2018) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1631) 457, Counsel argued that the evidence of the Appellant was cogent, unequivocal, and remained unshaken during cross-examination, but the trial court simply disregarded it in its judgement. Counsel

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 11th day of June, 2021 Before Their Lordships

Amina Adamu Augie Uwani Musa Abba Aji Mohammed Lawal Garba Tijjani Abubakar Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Justices, Supreme Court

argued that it is the duty of the trial court to resolve any doubt in the circumstantial evidence in favour of the accused person where it is capable of two interpretations; one showing the innocence and the other, the guilt of the accused person. In response to the submissions above, counsel argued for the Respondent that the prosecution had discharged the burden of proof of the offences the Appellant was charged with, and that the trial and lower court were right to have convicted and affirmed the conviction of the Appellant; respectively. Counsel submitted that the concurrent findings of the two courts are not only borne out of abundance of evidence, but also based on relevant principles of law in Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act. Relying on OSENI v STATE (2012) 208 LRCN 151, he posited that that proof could be in any of the following ways: confessional statement by an accused person, circumstantial evidence or evidence of eyewitness of the crime. Counsel submitted that conspiracy, which is an offence that may not always be proved by direct evidence, and is distinct from the main offence, can be inferred from the facts and circumstances of a case - IKEMSON v STATE (1989) 3 NWLR (Pt. 110) 455. Counsel contended that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, depicted vividly how the Appellant in company of the 1st & 2nd accused persons in consensus ad idem, stole and eventually murdered the victim for ritual purposes, and that the evidence of DW1 and DW2 corroborated the prosecution evidence to prove the charge of conspiracy as required by law. For the offence of child stealing, counsel argued that citing the evidence of PW1 and statement of the Appellant, established that the Appellant actively participated in the commission of the offence and that no evidence was given in rebuttal by the Appellant. On the offence of murder, counsel relied on EDAMINE v STATE (1996) 3 NWLR (Pt. 438) 530 for the essential ingredients of the offence, and argued that the law is settled that where the victim was last seen with the accused person and has not been found after a period of more than seven years, death would be presumed by virtue of Section 164(1) of the Evidence Act. Learned counsel submitted that the evidence before the trial court, was that the victim was last seen by and with the Appellant who received her from the 2nd accused person, and the victim

SC. 996C/2018 Between Nancy Aiwuyor

Appellant And

The State

Respondent

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC) has not been seen or found since February 24th, 2009, thereby giving rise to the reasonable presumption of death. Counsel submitted further that concurrent findings by the two lower courts, was rooted in the evidence which sufficiently established the ingredients required to prove the offences beyond reasonable doubt against the Appellants. Court’s Judgement and Rationale Before deciding the sole issue, the Supreme Court pointed out that the law permits a Respondent who did not file a Cross-appeal or a Respondent’s Notice of Appeal, to formulate issues from the grounds of appeal filed by the Appellant, and in so doing, adopt a favourable slant. Such Respondent does not have to adopt the form or style of the Appellant, in the formulation of the issues for determination -ATANDA v AJAYI (1989)3 NWLR (Pt. 111) 511. Deciding the sole issue, the Supreme Court held that it is elementary in all superior courts of record in Nigeria, that by the combined provisions of Section 131,

“As shown by the evidence, the Appellant and the 2nd accused person were the last persons seen with the victim….and they took her away alive…..The Appellant has the duty to give or offer an acceptable explanation on the whereabouts, the condition or situation that the baby victim has been, from the time they took her away from the village until she was traced, found or heard of or about, if ever”

132, 135(1) and 139 of the Evidence Act 2011, the burden of proof in all criminal trials is on the prosecution, to prove the offences which the accused persons are alleged to have committed beyond reasonable doubt. Another settled principle of law is that, the burden of proof imposed on the prosecution in criminal trials can be effectively discharged, and the presumption of innocence in favour of an accused person completely displaced by any of the following ways: confessional

statement of the accused person which satisfies the requirements of law, direct eyewitness evidence or circumstantial evidence which meets or satisfies the requirements of the law - IGBABELE v STATE (2006) 5 NWLR (Pt. 975). The court held that for the evidence to be adduced by the prosecution in the discharge of the burden of proof in any of these ways, by law, all material ingredients or elements which constitute the offence with which he was charged before the court, must be established together or conjunctively. Where a trial court failed or omitted to adequately, properly, and fairly consider a defence disclosed in the evidence before it which is open and available to an accused person before convicting him for the offence he was charged with, an appellate court would readily consider such defences in the event of an appeal on the failure or omission by the trial court - OJO v STATE (1973) 11 SC. An appellate court lacks the judicial competence to consider, deal with, pronounce and decide any issue or point which is outside of and not related to the grounds of an appeal contained on the Notice of Appeal filed before. In this instance, however, the Appellant did not, by his Grounds of Appeal or the issues submitted to the lower court for its determination, raise the issue of omission or failure by the trial court to consider the defence raised by the Appellant during trial, in the judgement appealed against. Not being an issue submitted to it or arising from any of the grounds of appeal before it, the lower court had no obligation or

duty in law, to deal with or make pronouncement on the alleged omission or failure by the trial court to consider the defence raised by the Appellant at the trial court - IYAJI v EYIGEBE (1987) 1 NWLR (Pt. 61) 523. Further, the proof of the offence of conspiracy lies in the inferences to be drawn from subsequent illegal acts or conducts by the individual conspirators. towards meeting or achieving the common intention and purpose. From the series and sequence of the acts and conduct by the accused persons, as narrated in their respective statements, there is no reasonable doubt that they could only come from the personal knowledge and common intention of persons who had agreed to commit an illegal act for a common purpose as envisaged by the provisions of Sections 7 and 8 of the Criminal Code, in order to constitute the offence of conspiracy between them. The evidence adduced by the prosecution through PW3 - the victim’s father, established beyond reasonable doubt that the victim who was a three-year-old at the material time, was taken away from their care, possession, and protection, forcibly and with the clear intention to steal her for an illegal purpose. The evidence leaves no reasonable doubt that the offence of child stealing under Section 371 of the Criminal Code was committed, in furtherance and pursuit of the common intention by the Appellant and her co-conspirators; the first and second accused persons. Consequently, the offences of conspiracy to commit felony and child stealing have been proved by the evidence, adduced by the prosecution, beyond reasonable doubt, as required by the law and the lower court was right to have affirmed her conviction for the said offences. On the charge of murder, the court held that the law is firmly settled, as seen in loads of judicial authorities, that for the prosecution to secure a conviction for the offence of murder, the following crucial, vital and essential elements must be proved conjunctively, beyond reasonable doubt, that the death of the human has actually and in fact, taken place or occurred, the death was caused by the acts done or attributable to the accused person charged with the offence and the acts was done by the accused person with the intention to cause the death or that at the material time he knew or had reason to know that death was the probable, and not only a likely consequence of the act- OKORO v STATE (1988) 12 SCNJ. In this case, the child who the Appellant and other accused persons conspired with, and stole was not found up to the time her trial commenced and ended. The lower court believed and relied on the evidence that since the Appellant and the co-accused conspired and stole the missing child who had not been seen or found for a period of seven years thereafter, there was the presumption of her death, and the Appellant had the duty to explain what happened to her because they were last seen with her. As shown by the evidence, the Appellant and the 2nd accused person were the last persons seen with the victim, when she was handed over to them by the 1st accused person on the 24th February, 2009 and they took her away alive, but she had since then, not been traced, seen or heard of or about. The Appellant has the duty to give or offer an acceptable explanation on the whereabouts, the condition or situation that the baby victim has been from the time they took her away from the village until she was traced, found or heard of or about, if ever. The fact that there was no direct evidence of her death or that her dead body was not found, would not affect or detract from the statutory presumption of her death, or its proof by the cogent and compelling circumstantial evidence placed before the trial court - STATE v SUNDAY (2019) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1676) 115. The court held further that the lower court was right that the presumption provided for and envisaged in the provisions of Section 164(1) of the Evidence Act applied in the Appellant’s case such that until rebutted by the Appellant, it was safe to say that the death of the child was proved beyond reasonable doubt in the circumstances of the case. On the element that the death of the child was attributable to or resulted from the acts of the Appellant, the court held that the prosecution has proved, beyond reasonable doubt, that the acts of the Appellant along with her co-conspirators, caused the statutorily presumed death of the child they stole for ritual purposes. Thus, the second element of the offence of murder was thereby, satisfied. On the last of the elements, their Lordships held that with the brutal removal of nine fingers and the hair of the three year old victim, no reasonable doubt exists in the Appellant’s case that she indeed intended and knew that the death of their unfortunate victim was the inevitable result or consequence of their nefarious acts. The court therefore, affirmed the conviction of the Appellant. Appeal Dismissed. Representation Olayiwola Afolabi for the Appellant. Paulyn O. Abhulimen for the Respondent. Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JANAURY 25, 2022

SERIOUS MATTERS OLAWALE FAPOHUNDA, SAN

08033142501 SMS ONLY

Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN

Redefining the Role of the Attorney-General ‘’Dear Learned Silk, the role of the Attorney- General, is simply to defend Government, prosecute criminals and send them to prison. Your foray into the realm of protection of citizens rights, is ill-advised and ultra vires. If you want to protect citizens rights, you should resign from office and be a defence counsel.’ - Lawyer (name withheld) Tolerance for Vile his comment and similar insults, cluttered my WhatsApp and social media handles last week. I had posted a tweet about my intervention in the matter of a 21-year-old convict. This was not the first time that I have received hate or rude texts, since my appointment as Attorney-General, but these latest ones were particularly vicious. As a public servant, one has to develop extra- thick skin to accommodate the rude, the uncouth and the less than decent. Most who have found a hiding place in social media to practice their ignoble hobby, writing vile.

History of Hate Mails My experience with hate texts/ mails, dates back to my first appointment as Ekiti State Attorney-General in 2012. Not many were enamoured by my idea of opening a sex offenders register, and they made their views known, expressed largely in gutter language. This has continued anytime the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice publishes the identities of sex offenders, on the Ekiti State Government social media handles. I am preparing myself for another round of vile mail this week, as we publish the identities of another set of convicted sex offenders, the first in 2022. In recent times, my publicised interventions in maters of persons who come into conflict with the law has received an equal balance of knocks and accolades. First Incident I recall two incidents similar to this current hullabaloo. An 18-year-old boy was arraigned, and charged for murder in the High Court of Ekiti State. Based on the Police Investigation Report, the Director Public Prosecutions (DPP) rightly gave ‘a case to answer’ advice. I took over the case, mid-trial. For some reason, the full medical report on the cause of death of the victim took forever to reach my office. I eventually received the report while in court examining the

final prosecution witness, who had given pretty compelling evidence against the Defendant . The medical report directly contradicted the Police Investigation Report. I decided on the spot, to withdraw the charge against the Defendant. Understandably, the deceased’s family and friends were furious, and threw everything allowable and not allowable on the Internet at me. Second Incident The other matter was the case of a young man, who was arraigned on a charge of armed robbery. He was alleged to have robbed an Okada rider of his motorbike at gunpoint. We had only one star witness, who in his statement to the Police clearly confirmed the identity of the Defendant as the offender. On the eve of trial, my office invited this star witness for a pre-trial conference. It was then he expressed surprise that we were still on the matter, because the local vigilante had recently caught the actual robbers, and the person we were prosecuting was not one of them. I went to court the next day, to withdraw the charges against the Defendant. Again, I received a lot of insults. I recall one prominent community leader telling me in no uncertain terms, that I had failed the State. He said it did not matter, if the Defendant was the robber or not. That for him to have been arrested in the first place, meant that his ‘hands are not clean’. My recent public apology to victims of the #EndSARS protest in Ekiti State, including Police Officers who were victims, was not well received by some. In the words of one public analyst, ‘the wind was taken out of the sail of my public apology by my reference to the Police. #EndSARS is about ordinary people, and not the Police’. I then got a lecture and many ‘we hate you texts’ from some self-acclaimed #EndSARS activists. The fact that Ekiti State is the first State to have paid compensation in full to all victims of #EndSARS, did not as much as catch their attention. The point that my office constantly seeks to make is that, we are not about securing a conviction at all costs. My Offensive Tweet Last week, I tweeted about my intervention in the case of a 21 year old convicted for armed

“It is certainly no longer the situation, that all we do is to represent Government and secure convictions. In many States of the Federation, the AGs are making the difference in justice sector reform and intervening in matters of citizen’s rights…. AGs are leading reforms in review of criminal laws and other legislation that relate to the administration of justice….it is the duty of the AG to ensure that criminal Defendants are properly represented”

robbery. The ‘untweeted’ background story is that, the only tangible proceeds of his crime was a Samsung galaxy laptop. He made a confessional statement to the Police. At the beginning of the trial, I had urged the defence Lawyer to enter into a plea bargain agreement with my office. We took note of his aged mother, his only child status, what was stolen, the weapon used (a wood), the attitude of the victim, and the demeanour of the Defendant himself. On face evaluation, he was certainty not in the category of the hardened ones that we prosecute daily. We offered a plea of guilty, in return for reduction of the charge to a lesser offence. His Lawyer refused, even after the Defendant himself admitted that his confessional statement was voluntarily given. At some point, his Lawyer complained loudly in court that he did not know why the AG was interested in the case. This was the situation until we closed our case. On more than two occasions on the court appointed dates for the adoption of briefs, the defence counsel failed to show up. We allowed him to choose a date that was convenient for him. On the date of his choice, he again did not show up to adopt his brief. Having already filed his brief it was deemed adopted by the trial Judge. His client was subsequently convicted, and sentenced to 21 years imprisonment. Pandering to Populism In our post-trial review, my office found that this Defendant was not professionally represented. We then decided to refer his matter to the Ekti State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, on grounds of ineffective legal assistance. This was the experience we sought to share on our social media handles, that evoked several unwelcome comments. There were some who fairly felt that the AG should not be seen to be giving a soft landing to convicts, notwithstanding extenuating circumstances. Some (sadly including a number of Lawyers) said my intervention was ‘medicine after death’, and that I should have referred the matter to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy during the trial. I have respectfully, asked them to make an effort to read more on the workings of the Council. I sent copies of the Ekiti State Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy guidelines, to many of them. We have to help each other in the area of continuous legal education. Several said that the AG should have stopped the trial, and complained to the trial Judgr that the defence was badly conducting its case. Really? How? Not a few thought that this was all about politics. In the words of a particularly animated, but poorly informed commentator, ‘the AG is on an antic of pandering to populism to score cheap political points’. I do not know any politician or political party whose manifesto includes, providing legal relief to convicts. The AG as Protector of Citizen’s Rights A cursory reading of most of the commentaries, showed a tragic lack of understanding of the role of the Attorney- General. It is certainly no longer the situation, that all we do is to

represent Government and secure convictions. In many States of the Federation, the AGs are making the difference in justice sector reform and intervening in matters of citizen’s rights. Almost all the States, have established departments of citizen’s rights and offices of the public defender. Also, in response to the scourge of sexual violence nationwide, not a few AGs have established Gender Based Violence units, to provide focused attention on issues of sexual and domestic violence. The AG as a Law Reformer Most flawed is the commentary by some, that it is not the business of the AG to propose laws. Nothing could be further from the reality of the daily experience, of the Ministry of Justice. There is no State Ministry of Justice, without a department of legal drafting. In all the 36 States, AGs are leading reforms in review of criminal laws and other legislation that relate to the administration of justice. In Ekiti State, we have just competed a holistic review of the laws of Ekiti State with focus on those laws with punitive provisions. We have redrafted our criminal law, and published policy statements and guidelines on plea bargain and prerogative of mercy. We will shortly publicly present our State action plan on human rights. AG’s Duty to Criminal Defendants I have struggled to explain to some learned friends, that there is no contradiction between the Director Public Prosecutions ‘case to answer’ advice, his determination to efficiently prosecute offenders, and the insistence of the AG that such offenders must be professionally and efficiently represented. To say, as some did, that the AG is ‘a busybody in matters of legal representation of criminal Defendants’ is ridiculous, and does not take cognisance of our additional ‘Commissioner for Justice’ title. To be clear, it is the duty of the AG to ensure that criminal Defendants are properly represented. Indeed, where a Defendant is unable to afford legal representation, the AG should work with the court in providing State assisted legal aid. The argument that a criminal Defendant who feels he was not properly represented is at liberty to institute a civil suit against the defence Lawyer is totally unreal, especially in the face of the financial situation of many of those standing trial or serving time in our correctional facilities. For clarity, the standard expected from defence counsel is not higher than that expected from prosecuting counsel. Across many States of the Federation, AGs have developed prosecution guidelines, which lists the conduct expected from prosecutors in criminal matters. In Ekiti State, we have gone a step further by enacting a novel Attorneys-General Law, that includes a Code of Conduct for State counsel in the Ministry of Justice. More Awareness Needed Many of the serving States’ Attorneys- General agree that, understanding the role of the AGs will not be an event. There is simply too much cynicism. We need to disregard the distractions and continue to prioritise our efforts to make our people more aware of their human rights, their rights in the legal system, the new values of the Justice Ministries, and the services that we offer and how to use them.

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Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark

‘Despite Our Oil, the Niger-Delta is Underdeveloped’ At 94, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON, a Lawyer by training, remains sharp, witty, and fearless, with undying patriotism for Nigeria. One cannot encounter this elder statesman, former Information Minister and Leader of the Ijaw nation, without being inspired and enlightened about Nigeria and its myriad of complexities. Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi spent quality time with Chief Clark at his Abuja residence, and left in awe at his sagacity, clear recall of events, dates, names and places. He went down memory lane and reminisced on his glowing career as a Lawyer, Activist and Nationalist. He also discussed several issues, including the grievances of the Nigeria-Delta people, underdevelopment and pollution of the region, restructuring of Nigeria and the 2023 elections

ou are a Lawyer by training Sir. Did you ever practice as one or you went straight into politics after you finished your studies and returned to Nigeria? Tell us about the highlights in your life/career I am a qualified Lawyer from the Honourable Society of Inner Temple, London. I graduated from Holbon College, London. One of my classmates was Justice Akintan, formerly of the Supreme Court. Also, Justice Jinadu of the Lagos State High Court, Justice Kaltugo and so many of them. In 1965 I returned to Nigeria as a Lawyer, as a member of the English Bar and I attended the three months course at the Nigerian Law School, then at Igbosere Road, Lagos. Then we were qualified as legal practitioners, and I went practice in Warri. First I practiced under Dr Mudiaga Odje,

SAN and also under Hon. Justice Rufus Ogbobine. My Chambers at No. 16 Roberts Road, Warri. I was the Lawyer of the Ogbijaws of Warri, especially those who had cases with the Itsekiris of Warri. They asked me to do their cases for them. First, the then Governor, Major General Ejoor (Colonel at the time). He set up a Commission of Enquiry in 1966, to look into the affairs of the Town Planning Authority and the Itsekiri Communal Land Trust. I, as a Lawyer prepared to appear for the Ijaws and to give evidence. The Lawyers for the Itsekiris, were led by Godwin Boyo of blessed memory. Since that time, I was recognised as a Lawyer, and I conducted many cases. The first case I did when I returned from England was a murder case, which I also won. It was reported in the law reports of Nigeria. Later I

"Warri belongs to the three ethnic groups"

had junior Lawyers working under me, including three who became Judges of the High Court. Stella Agbasa later became President of the Customary Court at Asaba. I was the first Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association in Warri, as far back as 1966. Members of the NBA back then included the Hon. Justice Ayo Irikefe, who later became the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Justice Ogbobine was the Chairman. Later, Dr Mudiaga Odje SAN took over from him. So, today you go to the office of the NBA Warri Branch - my photograph is there! In December 1967, I went to a party, and Chief S.O. Esiri who was the Chairman of the District Council called me and said ‘I heard that you are being appointed as a Commissioner in Benin City’. I didn’t believe him. When I got home I got a call, and I heard my name announced on the radio. I became the Commissioner of Education. How did you then veer into Politics and Activism? When in the first Republic, there was a party called NCNC, National Party of

Nigeria and Cameroun. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was the leader of that party. There were some youth organisations, the Zikist Movement and Zikist Vanguard; and I was a member of Zikist Vanguard. So, as far back as 1958, I was an activist at that time. When I went to London to study law, I was more of an activist than any other student. I was the Secretary of the Midwest Students Union. I was also the founder and Chairman of the Izon Students, in the United Kingdom. I remember I was the Secretary of the Zikist Vanguard, in London. I remember categorically, when we were to have that election in London, there was one Godwin Okigbo who had just arrived in London. We were to elect officers, and after the Chairman had been elected, they said, Secretary, and someone nominated Okigbo. So, I stood up and said: ‘this man only arrived last month in London. I have been a member of the Zikist Movement here in London! What type of tribalism are you practising? Is the party an Igbo party?!’ So, they apologised and they said I should be; I reluctantly accepted and became the Secretary of the Zikist Movement in London. Another one was, in 1962 and 1963, Presi-

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‘Despite Our Oil, the Niger-Delta is Underdeveloped’ dent Nkrumah was becoming a dictator in Ghana. He sacked Busia and Gbedemah. I led students to Hyde Park Corner in London. We demanded the resignation of Nkrumah. So, I have been an activist, even in London. And, I was a member of the Nigerian Students Union. In 1996, you more or the less became one of the major voices of the Ijaw nation due to an ethnic crisis in Warri. Since then, you have been one of the leaders of the Niger Delta region, an activist against what many see as an injustice against the region that has generated the bulk of Nigeria’s income since the 1970s. Thank you. First, let me correct you. I did not become leader of our people in 1996. This position I have held even when I was in Government. I told you I was the founder and President of Ijaw Students Union, and Secretary of the Midwest Students Association. Since I came back in 1965, I have been a leader of our people, and that position I have held to date. When I became Commissioner of Education in 1968, there was only one Grammar School in the whole of Ijaw land, called Brendan College; and there was one Teacher Training College, Senebe. I knew that education solves the problems of backwardness of any society. So, I went to my Governor and said: ‘I will accept being Commissioner of Education in your Government, please, give me a freehand to develop my place before the whole of the Midwest. Before I left in 1971, I established nine secondary schools in Ijaw land, and converted the only Grammar School to Government College, Bomadi. We built dormitories and so on. I remember when Governor Ogbemudia was to commission the building we had built, he came with the Governor of Lagos State, Col. Mobolaji Johnson. We entered boat to go to Bomadi, and he said he would copy our pattern to build his schools in Lagos. I saw to it that every girl who gained admission to tertiary institution got automatic scholarship, and I can name many who got it. I also gave scholarship to the boys, and later to the whole of Midwest State. In 1996, now that you mention it, there was problem of the ownership of Warri and I led my people. I have Itsekiri blood in me, and I hate injustice. I have Urhobo blood in me. I have Isoko blood in me, and I am an Ijaw man! Its only western Igbo I don’t have relationship with, but I have a child over there. So, I knew the whole of Midwest State which later became Bendel State. When the Itsekiris were lording over the Urhobos of Warri, I took the leadership of these people. Warri belongs to the three ethnic groups! In fact I have just completed the book, ‘The Owners of Warri’. It will soon be published, to show how Warri developed. At that time, Itsekiri youth burnt my two houses in Warri! The houses were located at No. 6 Baptist Mission Road, Warri. They destroyed my law Chambers, which occupied one of the two buildings. They burnt all my law books, my gown and everything. That was the time I stopped practising law, because I had no law books available to me again. They thought I was in my house, but fortunately that evening I got a call from the Military Administrator, John Duru that I should proceed to Asaba. So, five Chiefs of the Ogbijo of Warri followed me. Before we left, a prayer was said. Some people phoned to find out whether I was in town; one Lawyer, Bosseh picked it up, and he told them yes, I was. So, we left for Asaba and we got there by 11pm. I spoke to my family. One of my daughters was celebrating her 16th birthday that day. In the morning, I

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark

wanted to speak with them, the call didn’t go through, and we went to the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the Governor stood and said, ‘Chief Clark, your houses were burnt last night.’ I said ‘what about my children?’ the Commissioner of Police stood up and said, ‘they are safe’. He said ‘Do you want to go home?’ I said ‘yes, I must go’. They gave me some Policemen, and we left. I arrived Warri to see that my houses were burnt. As I was about to enter, I saw Policemen carrying the dead body of my security man, Mr Ndukwe. They carried the body like a roasted ram! That was how the trouble started. So, its not true that I was supporting any ethnic group. In 1996, the Idoko Commission of Enquiry was appointed, and I played a leading role. I must tell you that, I am still playing that role. I was not a leader of the Ijaw people alone. I became a leader of the of Midwest State and I took part in the creation of Delta State in 1991. When Delta State was created, I was involved in the leadership. After having been Minister of State in the Federal Government, there was nothing else for me to do. In a few words, can you articulate the major grievances of the Niger Delta people? Government gave the Niger Delta OMPADEC and NDDC with the mandate of developing the region, but, yet the region is not only under-developed, but suffering from serious pollution and despoliation. Why have these bodies failed to make any impact, despite the fact that successive administrations of the Federal Government have made a lot of funds available? Have you ever been a beneficiary of any of the contracts given by any of these bodies? The grievances of the Niger-Delta People is that the area is underdeveloped, despite the oil we are producing! I remember Senator Olusola Saraki, he visited the Niger-Delta. He visited Burutu and Ogidigben in Escravos. When he came back he asked me ‘are these people part of Nigeria?’ that was Senator Saraki!

"90% of the oil blocks have been allocated to Northerners, and a few people from the West"

So, we have no water, yet we sit on top of water. The water is polluted by the oil companies, operating in this area. We don’t have electricity! We have nothing! The oil companies have never built any house, in the area. They choose to hire and live on houseboats. When they finish their operation in a particular location they move to another, so that you’ll think that the company has never operated in that place. But, they have their own settlements in Ogborodo where they live. Chevron has a very good village in Ogidigben with electricity, tarred roads, water, everything. But, their hosts Ogborodo, which is less than one kilometre from them, have no water or any amenities. All these facilities I mentioned, were not extended to them. And, we are not lifting oil. All the oil blocks were given to Northerners, and people from the Western Region! We have never benefited. 90% of the oil blocks have been allocated to Northerners, and a few people from the West. Apart from Chief Lulu-Briggs who died recently, no other Niger-Delta man has an oil block. I remember Olorogun Michael Ibru, the oil block he had was taken away from him by President Olusegun Obasanjo. None of us from the Niger-Delta lift oil, nor have oil blocks. Today, 95% of senior appointments at the NNPC are held by Northerners! I have the list. When Buhari appointed members of the NNPC Board of Directors, they were nine. One was given to Niger-Delta, one to South-West, all the remainder went to the North, including the late Abba Kyari. I complained to Mr President that it is pure injustice, and very inequitable. You are oppressing us! You don’t produce oil. Why must you appoint a board of directors, six members from the North that doesn’t produce oil? Even the South-East, they produce oil in Imo and Abia States. The West produces about 4 to 5% of oil produced in Nigeria, in Ondo State, mostly Ogidigben and the Ijaw areas of Ondo State. Only one member, and I don’t think the person is even from Ondo State. The GMDs of NNPC for sometime now, have only been Northerners. They change from one to another! Now, there is one Petroleum Development Fund, a subsidiary of NNPC, and its controlled by Northerners. Used by Northerners alone, and they award about 1,000 scholarships every year. They built their headquarters there with billions of Naira, while they don’t produce any oil. Remember in 1963, the Constitution recommended that 50% of revenue

must go to the area or region where the resources come from. That is why at the early stage, the West produced cocoa with which Chief Obafemi Awolowo developed the whole Western Region, with the exception of Midwest. When the Israeli company was working there, they did not come to Midwest. They only concentrated in Yoruba areas. When television came in 1959, Chief Awolowo didn’t extend it to the Midwest! When it came to free primary education, they included us. But, Cocoa House and every other thing that was built, the Ikeja Industrial Estate, the Apapa Industrial Estate, Western House and Odua Investment Company, they excluded us. When finally Midwest was created, we said let us share assets and liabilities. They said ‘No! You didn’t contribute to the economy of Western Nigeria’. Till today, nothing in the assets of Western Nigeria has been shared. But, today the irony of it, the Niger-Delta now produces 90% the oil. So, this is one thing I want to point out to you. That we are not benefiting at all, from the resources of our land. See the Ogoni cleanup. A report by the United Nations was produced. The Government, to implement that report, they haven’t done anything, and Ogoni remains as it was. Apart from Ogoni, what is happening there, is happening to the rest of the Niger-Delta. Go to Bayelsa State, Delta, Rivers, Edo Ondo, Akwa Ibom; the pollution is everywhere and people are suffering. You saw recently the soot or you may have experienced it. The entire Niger-Delta is covered in black soot! Nobody cares! Today Kano State has 44 local government councils. But, Bayelsa has only eight local government councils! Why were these States created? Just to make money! Today, the 44 local government councils in Kano receive money directly from the Federation Account. So, at the end of it what the local governments receive and what their government receive, is more than most of our own. The development that is going on in Nigeria today, particularly by this President Buhari’s Government. He has done nothing in the South-South, and in the Niger-Delta. The only road we have, the East-West Road, hasn’t been completed in 10 years. Whereas they are building roads everywhere! Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Kano-Maiduguri Expressway! Recently, they awarded N70 billion for the construction of roads in Kano. Where does the money come from? Then you have NNPC serving only one part of the country, whereas the headquarters of this NNPC could have been located in the Niger-Delta, like Port Harcourt. What is happening? You have what is called Equalisation Fund Act by the Federal Government, which makes the price of oil the same level in every part of the country. You can’t buy fuel for N30 where it comes cont'd on page VIII

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‘Despite Our Oil, the Niger-Delta is Underdeveloped’ cont'd from page VII

from, and buy it for the same price in Kano. So, they brought the equalisation of funds, that you must buy fuel for the same price in any part of the country, wasting our money. Recently the PIB has been passed into law. What has happened? We kicked against it. We wanted 10% which the Government proposed, but the National Assembly in collaboration with the Executive, reduced it to 3% for the host communities. Whereas, they provided 30% for oil exploration in the North. They have been exploring for oil in the North for many years, with our oil money. Its not political. Its not by force! If God has not provided oil in your area, He’ll give you another thing. Why must you spend money looking for oil in every place?! The recent one is that, areas that have no oil, will become host communities. Like Sokoto, Bauchi and some places. Will they also be getting the 3% for host communities? Yes! Let me tell you, they said host communities will be impacted areas. Like, where you have pipelines passing through. They will be treated as host communities, all the way to the North! We are still waiting. The President didn’t waste any time, in signing the PIB. They didn’t even read it to him. At the end, they resubmitted it to him for amendment. When the Electoral Bill went to Mr President, he was looking at it for 30 days and refused to sign it for petty reasons. What about NDDC? When Obasanjo took office in 1999 as President, I came to see him in Abuja. He had just been sworn in, but he had not appointed Ministers. I knew him very well. We were both members of the cabinet of General Yakubu Gowon, in 1975. I was the Minister of Information, and Obasanjo was the Minister of Works and Housing. Murtala Mohammed was Minister of Communications, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was Minister of Finance. Three of them later became Heads of State. Murtala, Obasanjo and Shagari. The mere fact that I have not been President, does not mean I should not speak my mind on issues. I am not the leader of the Ijaws alone. I am a leader in Nigeria. In the South-South, I am their leader. So, when Obasanjo visited the South-South, after my visit to him Abuja, he later visited Warri and later went to Port Harcourt. He sent me plane to take me to Port Harcourt from Warri, to join the meeting. It was then he produced a Draft Bill for the creation of NDDC. Harold Dappa-Biriye was our leader of the South-South Peoples Conference, which later became South-South Peoples Assembly. We were there, and he later invited us to Abuja. We sat down with him at dinner, including Senator Brume of blessed memory. We redrafted the Bill. Then he called us again and said he wanted Ondo, Abia and Imo to be included, because they also produce oil. But. I said ‘they are not part of the Niger-Delta!’ I said if you find oil in Sokoto, will Sokoto become part of the Niger-Delta? So, we came to Abuja to meet the National Assembly members of the South-West and South-East. We had meetings. But, at the end, he refused to sign Bill. The National Assembly went back, and ensured the Bill was passed after 30 days. NDDC has been like that. It provided for Directors form the oil producing areas. It also provided for three Directors from the non-oil producing areas; the three Northern zones, North-East, North-West and North-Central. The people nominated from the North, outclassed our own people! Former Ministers, former Senators and so on. So, our people were feeling inferior to them. Most of the contracts, went to people who are not Niger-Deltans. What has happened! Every member of the National Assembly who was a member of

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark

the Committee on Niger-Delta which we now call NDDC, were exploiting the NDDC. They change the budget, include their own projects. This is what has been happening. Let me give you an example. There one member of the National Assembly, from Ondo State. He is not Ilaje, he is not from Ijaw area. He is from somewhere in the North of Ondo! They don’t produce oil. Within a short time, he awarded N10 billion contracts, to the area he comes from. The records are there! Then you have one Member from my place, Bomadi who has been in the National Assembly for 20 years! He has never moved a motion. He has never submitted a Bill. Today, imagine what damage that man has done. He is now facing charges of corruption, by the EFCC. This is how they take the money. The contracts are awarded, they tip the Directors of NDDC, and you don’t know how those contracts are executed. Then one Managing Director from Akwa Ibom was appointed as MD of NDDC; because he wanted to be Governor, all he did was to syphon the money of NDDC under the guise of emergency contracts. Billions of Naira! The Presidency can’t be excluded from this. They send contractors, and these people who are holding positions at the mercy of the Presidency, and some of these contracts will not be carried out. So, I am not surprised that over 2,000 contracts awarded have not been executed. You submitted a forensic audit report, and for over two months now nothing has been heard about it. No white paper has been produced, and that is the problem we have been facing.

"You saw recently the soot, or you may have experienced it. The entire Niger-Delta, is covered in black soot! Nobody cares!"

You asked whether I have benefited from the contracts, No! Recently, I saw in the papers that they awarded contracts in Ogborumabri, Bayelsa State in billions of Naira. I asked my Lawyer, Dr Kayode Ajulo to write to them about it, and he did. I was in London. He sent me another publication about this thing. Luckily Ajulo and Dotun Sowemimo, they searched for it and wrote to them again. After that, the man who got the contract owned up that he owned the contract. The documents are there! How have the IOCs been able to get away with not cleaning up the Niger Delta environment that has become contaminated by their oil exploration activities? Is it that the Government/ FEPA isn’t holding them accountable, or what really is the problem? Thank you very much! The IOCs, Shell, Chevron and others, the Federal Government own 60% of the shareholding, while the oil companies have 40%. But, when they want to do something for the host communities, like building houses, Federal Government will say no. That it will reduce their profits. Chevron for instance can’t award any project for the building of houses in the Niger-Delta above N20 million, and it has to be split into two, N10 million each. So, NNPC controls the operations of the oil companies. The oil companies now hide under the cloak of NNPC, and they are very proud. We have met them several times. They believe that the Federal Government, is behind them. Our people have gone to court and have won their cases. The money they won, has never been paid to them. The Federal Government is behind these oil companies, and they don’t care! So, there is no plan for cleanup? That is why I told you about Ogoni. The Ministry of Environment has a department, IFEP, and they are not doing anything. The pollution in Ogoni is not worse than the pollution in other parts of Niger-Delta. The oil companies sign MOUs with the host communities; they don’t even comply with it.

In 1964, there was a crisis at the airport in Warri, two Ijaws had been killed while fighting. I was sent for. They said they were militants. The oil company officials were employing divers and seamen from other parts of the country, to go and do the jobs in the Niger-Delta where they know we have traditional swimmers and traditional divers! So, the boys said ‘No! You deprive us of every other thing. But, this is an area where we specialise in naturally, and you don’t employ us’. That was what caused the fight. Big trouble, and I had to intervene - as far back as 1964. So, the people are aggrieved. Look at what happened in Bayelsa State recently, in Basambiri and Gbolumabri in Nembe area. One oil company sold their company to this Nigerian company, Aiteo that has no technical knowledge nor technology. So, when the oil spillage happened, they couldn’t control it for over three weeks! The oil was flowing out, polluting the entire place. Today, if you go to Rivers, Bayelsa or Delta, you have fishes floating on top of the rivers. You cant eat them. The Ijaw man never ate iced fish before. Its because of this oil exploration, no more fishes in the area. Niger-Delta people now eat iced fish. When I was a school boy, in the Ijaw area, we go school and come back. After eating we take out pots to the river to wash, and fish will come inside the pot. We took the fish home, to cook again. Today, you can’t find the fish anymore. That is our plight now. So, this is our problem. We are neglected. The President doesn’t listen to us. He said recently and I am going to answer him; that he has been able to still the problem of the North-East and South-South. He did not! We submitted a 16-point agenda to him in 2016. He has not replied. He has not said anything. So, if our boys are kicking, you can’t say you have been able to stop it. I remember when the Niger-Delta Avengers, the militants came in at the time Buhari came in 2015, he couldn’t stop them. They were destroying pipelines. They were destroying oil platforms. I met the Chief of Army Staff, Buratai for the first time at the airport in cont'd on page IX

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

COVER

‘Despite Our Oil, the Niger-Delta is Underdeveloped’ cont'd from page VIII

Benin. He came to greet me. He introduced himself and said he was just coming from Sapele where he went to commission Operation Crocodile Smile, as if that is the problem of the Niger-Delta. I told him ‘you didn’t have to do that’. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t succeed. But, the damage to the area continued until I decided to convene a meeting of the leaders of the Niger-Delta at Petroleum Training Institute in Warri. That was when we formed the Niger-Delta forum, PANDEF, which appealed to the youths to stop their operations and they did. As a result of that, I led a one hundred team of traditional rulers and eminent personalities, including former Senators, Ministers and Youths. I led MEND leaders to Aso Rock, and we submitted this document. Till today, nothing has been done. Its only the Vice President ,when the President was sick in London, that visited the area, Okerenkoko. That is when he approved the establishment of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko. You said again, EPZ, the gas company in Ogidigben, in Escravos River, which was to take off in Jonathan’s time, the foreign companies had come to the area. But, they abandoned it and they are now establishing gas companies in Ajaokuta, Kaduna and Kano and many other places. Where do you treat people like that? In 2005, Obasanjo set up the Political Reform Conference in Abuja here. I was the leader of the South-South delegation. We pressed for 50% to be introduced, they refused. We said ok. We reduced it to 25%, and the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Conference was Justice Babalakin who died recently. The Committee said they have approved 18% and we said ‘No, we want 25%’. When the whole assembly refused. We staged a walkout, and that was the collapse of the Confab. Then the whole thing was manipulated by the Northern delegation. They said they won’t increase the 13%. We came to the 2014 National Conference, the same thing happened. The Northerners said they don’t want an increase. Yet, if my oil belongs to the whole of this country, why does the gold found in Zamfara not belong to the entire country? I was coming to that question. So, that is the problem we are facing. You recently engaged the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo over the ownership of Nigeria’s mineral resources in the Niger-Delta. Many believe that as a Lawyer you know who truly owns Nigeria’s oil, but deliberately chose a contrary position. What really is your position on the issue? Listen, I had told you earlier that Obasanjo was my colleague in government. He doesn’t believe in any government, that comes into office. He criticised Shagari, he criticised every other government that came after him. He criticised Jonathan. That was our difference. But, he now helped APC to win the election! We thought he was an APC man, because he submitted some documents to Buhari that this is what he should follow. But, when he discovered that Buhari was not taking his directives, he now went against APC. He has published it. They then came to us, Afenifere, the Middle Belt and Ohaneze. We have what is called Southern and Midwest Leaders Forum, of which I am the Chairman. Ayo Adebanjo is the Chairman representing Afenifere. John Nwodo was the one representing Ohaneze,

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark

and now Ambassador Obiozor. Then we have Dr Bitrus Pogu representing the Middle Belt. We had a meeting with him at Yar’Adua Centre. That was why we came together. Last year, he invited us again to a meeting in Transcorp Hilton. He invited former Heads of State, first class traditional rulers, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Academicians and others. We held a meeting which lasted for nine hours. He said he had the permission of the President to convene the meeting, that the President was aware of what we were doing. Therefore, the communiqué we issued should not be published. Till today, that communiqué has not been published. Then he invited us again to another meeting on the 14th of January. But, I have been sick. He said he was coming to see me. Meanwhile, on Monday there was another meeting he called Global Peace Foundation. I didn’t want to go. So, we sent representatives. Ambassador Igali, Mark Imakpore who was Director in NTA and the Secretary General of the Ijaw National Congress, an Engineer, Mr Wodu. He attended on my behalf. So, when Wodu was making a presentation about happened in Nembe about this oil spillage and how we have been deprived of our resources, Obasanjo shouted ‘Will you shut up! When did the oil in Nigeria belong to you?! It belongs to the whole of Nigeria’. But, in the evening he came to visit me at about 6pm and he didn’t mention this. The following day, Ambassador Igali and his people now came to report to me, and brought the video. That is what happened. When I saw it, I said let me write him a letter. We used to exchange letters. I did and he replied. I haven’t sent him another reply, because people have been condemning him, including Cardinal Okogie, Mike Ozekhome, SAN. Everybody has been condemning him, so I decided not to reply him again.

"1963 Constitution says that 50% of revenue, should go to the region where the resources emanate from. 20% to the Federal Government. 30% to to be shared by the Federal Government and the regions again"

So what is your position on the ownership of the oil in the Niger-Delta? My position is that, I am a Lawyer, and he quoted all the various laws to me. If I have a piece of land, and you come to take my land and I say no, and you continue to take that land, using the Land Use Decree which Obasanjo established in 1978. The land belongs to the State Governors, and they are the trustees of that land on behalf of the people who own the land. It’s a part of the Nigerian Constitution, and can’t be repealed by any legislation, except they want to amend the Constitution. That doesn’t prevent me from saying that this land belongs to me. The resources you acquired belong to me. You are not using the same yardstick for other resources, in other places like Zamfara State. There is gold in Zamfara. There is lead in Nasarawa. Why oil alone? That is my problem. But, what is the evidence that people have? Because I have been hearing this lately, that the gold in Zamfara belongs only to Zamfara Listen! The Governor of Zamfara, Matawalle, accompanied by the Governor of Central Bank went with gold to see Mr President that this is their gold! They sold gold for N5 billion. The Governor is not denying it. It is now that the Minister of Mines and Power, that is running around the country because of the complaints that people give. You can’t treat people with double standards. If you say the oil belongs to the whole of Nigeria because you have brought some legislation to take my land, what happens in every Federation? Go to America. Oil found in my area belongs to me. I pay tax to the Federal Government. Go to California, they are very rich in oil. It is just a State. For the State of New York, they have other things, not oil. The American Government has not enacted a law to say that the oil found in America belongs to their Federal Government. Except where they have interest in the offshore oil. Go to other countries, it’s the same thing. But, in Nigeria, its different, because you want to oppress the Niger-Delta people. 1963 Constitution says that 50% of revenue should go to the region where the resources emanate from. 20% to the Federal Government. 30% to to be shared by the Federal Government and the regions again. The question I now ask is, have you changed the 1963 Constitution, and you now say that because you have the 1999 Constitution we have nothing again? That is my problem with Obasanjo. So what would you say in terms

of how it should be? Do you think its should go back to 50%? No. we are not even demanding 50%. We are not a greedy people. We are part of Nigeria. We said ‘first of all, give us 25%. Thereafter, give us 5% every year until we get to 50% in five years. We are following the 1963 Constitution. Basically what you are saying that Niger-Delta land and what is in it belongs to Niger-Delta? Exactly! The land and the resources belong to Niger-Delta. That was the Constitution of this country, in 1963. The Military Government for about 27 years, didn’t observe this until Shagari came into office. Professor Ambrose Alli, the then Governor of Bendel State took the Federal Government to court, and the court gave him judgement that indeed, the land and the oil belong to Niger-Delta people. He was joined by Melford Okilo, the Governor of Rivers State, who was in NPN. They were in different parties, but he joined him and they won. So, 1% was approved. Then to 3%. That was when OMPADEC was established. From there to 13%, at one of the constitutional conferences. President Shehu Yar’Adua contributed a lot. That was how we got 13%. The Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution provides for a minimum of 13%, which can be increased by Parliament when they desire. Since 1999, no increase has been made. We remain at 13% up till today. That is one of our grievances. So, in a nutshell sir, what you want is an increase of that 13% to 25%? Yes. And to be graduated to 50% over a period of five years as it happened in 1963. Are you and your South-South governors, all on the same page? Oh yes! And you have a good relationship with them? Oh yes! Lately, there have been a few secessionist movements. Like Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB, and Sunday Igboho. What are your views on this? We all believe in a united Nigeria. In 1914, Lord Lugard amalgamated the South and North. He didn’t make it in way that one region will dominate the other. We came to that union on equal basis. But, what has happened? Over the years, deliberate attempts have been made to increase the Northern population over the South. Today, you have more members of the House of Representatives from the North. Its only in the Senate that you have equal members. Is there equal representation in the Senate? cont'd on page X

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

COVER

‘Despite Our Oil, the Niger-Delta is Underdeveloped’ cont'd from page IX

No, let me come! North West has 7 States. South-South has 6, South East 5. They go to share money and others State would have more money than the South-East. You established universities in all States, whereas South-East has only five federal universities. So, the people are oppressed. When the civil war was fought, after the war, I accompanied my Governor, Ogbemudia to visit the Head of State, General Gowon at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, to congratulate him. He said ‘No. you don’t have to congratulate me. No victor, no vanquished. It’s a family war. We have come together. You go home and carry out my policy of rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation’ . The Ibos fought a war, should they continue to be punished and victimised? I said no. These are traces of the cause of what is happening now. So, this Nnamdi Kanu is not the first to do it. Uwazurike started it. They detained him and so on. So, this boy came, and instead of fighting, started an academic war with the Federal Government. So, they now declared them terrorists. Their claim, I will say it when my autobiography is published. These young Ibos don’t want to be second-class Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark citizens in their own country. They don’t see their future, in a place where they are being discriminated against. That is why they said ‘if it should be about such a person’s we cannot come back to be equal in Nigeria, capabilities and being able to take let us go back to fight the war that has ended’. Nigeria out of the rut it is in, and But, they don’t believe in violence. Due to the not whether the South East or North bad governance of the Federal Government, East zones haven’t had a bite before. that is why the young man in the West and the Kindly, share your views on this. young man in the East decided to break away. My views are very simple. Without This is what they are fighting for. Apartheid rotation or zoning there will be no Nigeria, in South Africa, Murtala Mohammed fought because the present Nigeria we are in, against it. If everybody is equal in Nigeria, some people are oppressing others because when you qualify for appointment, you get it, they believe they own Nigeria. because its on merit, nobody will complain. Now, zoning has been in existence Today, all the Federal appointments are held conventionally, even before independence. by Fulanis and Hausas to the exclusion of When Tafawa Balewa was Prime Minister our people. That is what they are fighting for. of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was They found themselves second-class citizens Governor General of Nigeria. He is in their own country, where apartheid is being from the East, and there was President practised. of the Senate. I remember when Alhaji So, Federal Government should not declare Ribadu was Minister of Defence in the them terrorists. This is not a matter for the first Republic, General Maimalari was courts. Asari Dokubo was charged for treasonable the most qualified Officer in the Nigerian felony. I met President Obasanjo and the matter Army who should take over from the was treated politically, and Asari Dokubo was British. The Northerners said no. That later released after he had spent one year in Ribadu was the Minister of Defence and prison. I sent a team of Niger-Delta leaders Maimalari cannot be the General Officer to Abuja, when Alabo Graham-Douglas was Commanding the Nigerian Army, that Minister of Aviation in Abacha and Obasanjo’s they are from the same North. government. He used his house in Abuja here, That was why it went to Aguyi Ironsi, as surety. That was how Asari Dokubo left otherwise Maimalari was more qualified. prison, and the matter was allowed to die He went to Sandhurst, Aguyi Ironsi didn’t down. got to Sandhurst. So, this zoning has Do you think that they should follow been in existence. the same route with Nnamdi Kanu? During the NPN, Shagari’s Government, That is what I am saying. Kanu and Igboho in 1982, we went to Kaduna for convention should follow the Asari Dokubo wxample. and this matter was argued. That after The same charge given to Asari Dokubo was Shagari the Presidency should go to the given to Nnamdi Kanu, but I negotiated with South. The late Umaru Diko said, that Presient Obasanjo and the matter was treated because the people who overthrew Shagari politically. That is the position. felt that the Presidency will now leave 2023 is round the corner and Nigethe North, that was why they staged ria’s nationhood and democracy is being a coup. tested. Should the Presidency be zoned to Nobody has refuted it. So, what am a particular section or ethnic group? If I saying? There must be zoning, if you so, which section of the country do you want Nigeria to survive and be a united think should produce the next President? country. Some say it shouldn’t be about zone or So, whose turn should it be? ethnicity, but about capacity; that zoning Its must be to the South! is not provided for in the Constitution; South or South-East? so that, if a candidate emerges from one No! It should not be zoned to South-East of the zones that may have had a bite of now. It should be zoned to the South, and the Presidency before or had it repeatedly,

"My views are very simple. Without rotation or zoning there will be no Nigeria, because the present Nigeria we are in, some people are oppressing others because they believe they own Nigeria"

the South will then decide who should have it. We may then give it to the SouthEast who have not had it before. All I am saying is that, the Presidency must be zoned to the South. Then we’ll now zone it to the South-East, when it comes. Many have posited that the American styled presidential system of governance which Nigeria presently operates, has failed us. While some advocate a return to the old parliamentary system, others advocate an admixture of both. As an elder statesman who has seen Nigeria through many seasons, what are your views? Why are you insisting that we return to the 1963 Republican Constitution? How do you think Nigeria should be restructured? Let me say this, the American Constitution is what we copied. But, the powers being exercised by the President of Nigeria today, is more than that of the American President. Are you saying it is autocratic? It’s autocratic! It’s dictatorial! A situation where you have about 70 items on the Exclusive List of the Federal Government. But, that was not the making of this administration I am not talking about this administration alone. But, the President will abuse the system, believing in the Constitution. We want a Constitution, whether a Republican Constitution or America, power devolves to the States like the USA. So, we need a reconstruction of the country, whereby power will now go back to the States. The States should operate on their own, and at their own pace. Not where they will carry briefcase to Abuja every month, to carry money from the Federal Government. As a result, the States are not doing anything now on their own. So, this diversification of our resources is not happening now, because of easy money from the centre. These Ministers in the Federal Government now, are not accountable to anybody. But, in the 11963 Constitution, you must contest election and be a member of Parliament to become a Minister. If you lost your election, you couldn’t be a Minister. So, you were accountable to your people. Not like now, where you’ll be in Lagos, and they just nominate you because you are a friend. You must go to your constituency where you are elected. So, whether its Parliamentary or American, the Constitution must go back to its pattern of 1963, where it looked like Parliamentary and Republican. That is what we want. When you restructure this country in accordance with 1963 Constitution, we are safe and dry. As the Buhari Administration enters

its twilight, how would you rate its performance vis-à-vis its three major campaign promises - fighting insurgency and corruption, and revamping Nigeria’s economy? You can only rate a Government based on its performance. When Buhari came to power in 2015, during the campaigns, there were three cardinal points they mentioned. Eradication of corruption, security and improvement of the economy. Today, the insecurity in Nigeria, the killings, kidnappings, rape and everything, are worse than at any other time in Nigeria. We are at the height of insecurity in Nigeria. So, the Government has not done anything! They claim that when they came into power, that they were the ones that cleared insurgents from the 14 local government areas in Borno. That is why Lai Mohammed, like Paul Goebbels of Germany, speaking lies at all times, saying we are to be grateful to General Buhari. Because without him, Nigeria would have been taken over by Islam. But, Jonathan in his book, ‘My Transition Hours’, stated he cleared the insurgents from Borno before the elections. They had to suspend the elections at that time for six weeks. He published his book in 2018. The Government has not refuted this. Jonathan cleared the insurgents just before the elections. That was when they brought in mercenaries from South Africa, to drive away the insurgents. Buhari did not do it. Today, the Governor of Borno State, Prof Zulum, said that two local governments in Borno State, are now occupied by insurgents. But, you’ll hear the Federal Government saying they have cleared the insurgents from Borno. That is not true. Recently, the Mobile Police College was invaded by insurgents, and they kidnapped some of the instructors. Even though the Federal Government denied it, but they carried away everything. We were even told that they attacked the Army headquarters in one of these places. They are riding high. Go to Katsina where the President comes from, they have been kidnapping people. They kidnapped and killed a medical doctor in Katsina. During Buharis’s visit to Daura, several students were kidnapped and taken away! What are the security people doing? While I praise them, they should put in more effort. Corruption is reigning high in Nigeria today. Go to the Presidency, the Judiciary, and the National Assembly, corruption is there! Go to the private sector, corruption is there. Where is there no corruption? What has President Buhari done? He came and said he was going to fight corruption, but, he hasn’t done anything. So, why do you want me to rate them? Give them what? 10 upon what? Zero point upon what? They have not performed. Simple.

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Head of Department, Human Resource Department, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Abubakar Ambursa; Principal Manager, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Hajia Hanne Tijjani; and Assistant Manager, NHIS, Mrs. Lynda Ikeh, during a meeting between SEC and NHIS in Abuja...recently

A cross-section of women among other beneﬁciaries of ‘Arise Pink Bucket’ food palliatives donated by the Convener of a non-governmental organisation, Arise Women, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, in Ibadan, Oyo State… recently

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom; and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, during the PDP Governor’s Forum meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State... recently

L-R: Daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Modupe Oyediran; her husband, Tunde Oyediran; deceased daughter, Mrs. Olawunmi Ayinla; deceased son, Gbenga Komolafe; and his wife, Pat Komolafe, during the funeral service for their late mother, Chief Morenikeji Komolafe, at St Joseph Catholic Church, Igbara-Oke, Ondo State…recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Super Eagles’ stand-in-captain, William Troost Ekong (left), and the team defender, Leon Balogun (right), displaying Dettol soap, being the oﬃcial hygiene partner of the Super Eagles, in Lagos...recently

L-R: Members of Ijebu Waterside Club (IWC), Professor Segun Awonusi and Otunba Bola Onabadejo; President of IWC, Chief Yomi Alausa; Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Akeem Balogun; other members of the club, Otunba Tayo Yusuf, Mr. Funso Salisu, and Otunba Obey Ogunlana, at the IWC monthly meeting held in Lagos...recently

L-R: Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Idimogu Jude Emeka; Head of Enterprises, Business Group, Globacom, Zakari Usman; winner of Joy Unlimited Extravaganza Promo, Mrs. Kafayat Morenikeji Adewale; Lagos Regional Sales Manager, Globacom, Ande Abdulrazaq Ola; Chairman, Isolo Local Government Area, Hon. Olasoju Adebayo; and Deputy Director/Regulator, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mrs. Priscilla Onuzulu, during the presentation of Joy Unlimited Extravaganza Promo car prize at the Gloworld Conoil Filling Station, Cele, Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

S & P INDEX

2 4 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

9.00%

CALL

INDEX LEVEL

564.02%

1/4 TO DATE

5.82%

N413.03/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.75%

1-MONTH

1-DAY

–0.17%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.85%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.19%

NERC: 8.1m of Nigeria’s 12.8m Electricity Customers Still Unmetered Figure represents 64% of total meter deficit Ibadan, Abuja, Ikeja Discos lead in metering efforts

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja After decades-long efforts to provide meters for electricity consumers in Nigeria, the device is yet to reach at least 8.1 million of the country’s current 12.8 million customers, new data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has shown.

The information gleaned from a presentation made by the commission in one of its sensitisation forums, indicated that only about 4.66 million end-users, representing 36 per cent of the entire pool had been fully metered at the end of November 2021. In the metering programme update, the data showed that

taken generally, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC) with over 2.07 million customers is leading the pack with the provision of 781, 123 units of the device for its customers. This is followed by Abuja Disco which has so far provided meters to 702,716 of consumers of the product in its franchise area numbering 1.582

million in all as well as Ikeja Disco which has installed meters for 632,960 of its over 1.298 million customers. But if taken from the point of view of the number of customers metered relative to total number of customers in each franchise, Eko leads the pack with 56 per cent, having been able to serve 345,357 of its 615,660 customers the electricity

measuring devices. This represents more than half of its customers. Still putting the number of meters provided side by side the total number of customers served, the efforts by Eko is followed by Ikeja with 49 per cent of its customers fully metered, representing 632,000 of its 1.298 million customers. Still in terms of percentages

relative to total customers, Abuja came 3rd as it has succeeded in metering 44 per cent of its customers while Benin and Ibadan are both tied at 38 per cent. The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has a huge metering gap despite the launch of several Continued on page 34

Farmers, Agribusiness Operators Back CBN’s Forex Exclusion List to Boost Sector Gilbert Ekugbe

Agricultural stakeholders have claimed that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) forex exclusion list has engendered a virile agricultural sector in the country in spite of its challenges. Some experts observed that the policy has forced farmers and

agri-business men to embrace backward integration projects for local cultivation of raw materials due. The apex bank has continued to sustain the policy despite complaints and pressures to review the list, and this is believed to have contributed meaningfully to the agricultural sector. The National President of Potato

Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dan Okafor, said: “It is true that the forex restrictions contributed to food production in Nigeria.” The Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has consistently defended the restriction of foreign exchange access to more than 41 import items. Emefiele argued that it is necessary

FOOD NAME OF COMMODITY

MAIZE

COMMODITIES

LOCATION

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

100KG JIGAWA

N9000

SORGHUM

100KG ENUGU

N24000

100KG DELTA

N15000

SIZE

100KG

ABIA

N14000

50KG

LAGOS

N13500

to protect the economy from the importation of items that could dampen the local production and economic growth. He noted that the implementation of forex policy on certain items had led to improvements in the domestic production of those items and a reduction in Nigeria’s import bill. The forex-restricted items pro-

SIZE

PRICE

STATE

100KG JIGAWA

hibition list includes rice, cement, margarine, palm kernel, palm oil products, vegetable oils, meat and processed meat products, vegetables and processed vegetable products. Others are poultry, including chicken, eggs, turkey, private airplanes/jets, Indian incense, tinned fish in sauce (sardines), cold rolled steel sheets, roofing sheets,

wheelbarrows, head pans, metal boxes and containers, enamelware, steel drums, steel pipes, wire rods (deformed and not deformed), iron rods and reinforcing bars, wire mesh, steel nails, security and razor wire, wood particle boards and panels, wood fiber boards and panels and Continued on page 34

T O D AY

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

N9,000

TOMATOES

40KG

BENUE

N15,000

40KG

KADUNA

N5,000

40KG

ABIA

N18,000

25KG

LAGOS

N9,500

40KG

DELTA

N17000

100KG

BENUE

N8,500

100KG

KADUNA

N8,500

50KG

ENUGU

N23,000

50KG

LAGOS

N17,000

100KG

DELTA

N23,000

PRICE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

FG, Egypt Begin Bilateral Talks on Power Supply, Agrees Deal with Sokoto, Bauchi on Renewables Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government, represented by the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, has held a follow-up meeting with Egyptian authorities in an effort to boost electricity supply, including renewable energy in Nigeria. During the talks with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ihad Awad , which held in Abuja, Aliyu affirmed the commitment of the federal government to see that Nigerians have efficient power supply in the nearest future. He informed the meeting that the government of Nigeria signed a power project deal with Siemens AG, a Germany-based firm in 2019, which he said has brought together Nigeria’s ministry of power, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) in search of solutions to the country’s power challenges. “The deal is to deliver up to 25,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid in phases and the federal government desires more of such partners,” he explained. Aliyu stated that the anticipated area of cooperation between Egypt’s ministry of electricity and renewable energy and Nigeria’s federal ministry of power may include the areas of provision of technical support in transmission and distribution networks, promotion

as well as in the renewable energy system in the electricity sector. Responding, the Egyptian Ambassador, Awad, said the country and Nigeria will complement each other and highlighted the government’s efforts to see improvement in the energy sector. Describing electricity as the engine

of development, he stated that both countries are working to ensure the realisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the areas of collaboration. Meanwhile, in an effort to improve electricity supply to rural and urban settlements in Nigeria, Aliyu has affirmed the commitment of the

government to provide reliable power to unserved and underserved communities. Aliyu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Nebeolisa Anako, at the signing of an MoU between the Sokoto and Bauchi state governments, assured that government will assist to make sure

that the programme comes to reality. He further reiterated that the government plans to install 5 million Solar Home System (SHS) and mini-grid by which would generate 250,000 and impact over 25 million beneficiaries across the states in Nigeria. Responding, the Commissioner of Energy, Sokoto state, Aliyu Balarabe

expressed gratitude to the government saying that Sokoto and Bauchi states would be the first to sign this tripartite MoU. Also, Commissioner of Power, Bauchi, Maryam Garba, said the state will take advantage of the initiative and key into the federal government’s plan to provide electricity to in the state.

Goldman Sachs Forecasts Oil to Breach $100 a Barrel in 2022 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Brent oil prices, which have been on the surge are primed to rise above $100 per barrel later this year, Goldman Sachs analysts have said. According to the firm, as quoted by Reuters, oil market remains in a “surprisingly large deficit” as demand hit from the Omicron coronavirus variant is so far smaller than expected. The hit to demand from Omicron will likely be offset by gas-to-oil substitution, increased supply disruptions, shortfalls from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and disappointing production in Brazil and Norway, the firm said in a note. Global oil demand is seen rising 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd) yearon-year in 2022, with fourth-quarter demand reaching 101.6 million bpd. Goldman expects the Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD) inventories to fall to their lowest level since 2000 by summer, and OPEC+

spare capacity to decline to historically low levels, given the lack of drilling in core-OPEC and Russia struggling to ramp up production. “We expect the increase in OPEC+ production to fall even further short of quotas in 2022, with an only 2.5 million bpd increase in production expected from the next nine hikes,” it added. Higher prices will allow OPEC to fall behind its monthly ramp up path slightly in order to preserve spare capacity, with the acceleration in shale production growth providing necessary inventory buffer, Goldman said. The bank also pushed its Iran production ramp-up expectations to second quarter of 2023, citing lack of progress on the Iran nuclear deal negotiations. read more It sees Brent prices at $90 per barrel in the first quarter of 2022, $95 in the second quarter and $100 per barrel in the last two quarters. Brent crude futures have traded

around $88 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures has sold at $86 a barrel. “We are not forecasting Brent trading above $100 per barrel on an argument of running out of oil as the shale resources is still large and elastic,” the analysts said. Meanwhile, oil supply will soon overtake demand as some producers are set to pump at or above all-time highs, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said, while demand holds up despite the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant. “This time around, the surge is having a more muted impact on oil use,” the Paris-based IEA said in its monthly oil report. “While the steady rise in supply could see a significant surplus materialise in 1Q22 and going forward, available data suggest that 2022 is starting off with global oil inventories well below pre-pandemic levels,” it said.

The United States, Canada and Brazil are set to pump at all-time highs for the year while Saudi Arabia and Russia could also break their output records. “World oil supply in 2022 has the potential for a massive Saudi-driven gain of 6.2 million bpd (barrels per day), provided the OPEC+ alliance continues to unwind the remainder of its record 2020 supply cut,” the IEA pointed out. OPEC and other producers, including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, is unwinding record output cuts put in place last year to counter a fall in demand caused by the pandemic. Its plan calls for adding back 400,000 bpd of production per month to fully unwind the cuts by the end of September, although some countries are struggling to raise output, with OPEC+ in December falling 790,000 bpd short of its target. Eased lockdown measures mean

mobility remains robust, the IEA added, leading the energy watchdog to increase its oil demand estimate for last year and 2022 by 200,000 barrels per day (bpd). “Supply disruptions and underperformance by OPEC+ are tempering growth expectations for 2022,” it said. But the IEA warned that with commercial oil and fuel stocks in OECD countries at their lowest levels in seven years, any dents in supply could render the oil market in 2022 volatile. The impact could be greater given that the ramp-up in pumping means the effective spare capacity of the group is reduced and now centred in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as some smaller OPEC members face output issues. OPEC+ producers’ effective spare capacity by the second half of the year, excluding Iranian oil, which is blocked by sanctions, could shrink to 2.6 million bpd, the IEA said.

FARMERS, AGRIBUSINESS OPERATORS BACK CBN’S FOREX EXCLUSION LIST TO BOOST SECTOR wooden doors. Supporting the policy, the National President of Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN), Mr. Momoh Mustapha, said: “The position of the government is a good step in the right direction. “Any nation that continues to import is empowering other nations. We must encourage local production and create jobs for our people. That’s the way to go.” Similarly, the apex bank has refused to lift the ban on foreign exchange for importation of stockfish heads despite several complaints and appeal by Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC).

It was gathered that the stakeholders had been mounting pressure that CBN should lift the ban on forex for importation of stock fish heads into Nigeria since February 2021, but the apex bank has refused to yield its position. According to NSC Director, Africa, Mr. Trond Kostveit, notwithstanding the CBN’s reluctance, the value of the seafood imported from Norway to Nigeria was 40,000 metric tonnes valued at N41.3 billion ($75 million), noting that the dominating products were stock fish, stockfish heads, herring and mackerel. However, the Fisheries Consultant to NSC in Nigeria and a former Deputy

Director in the Federal Department of Fisheries, Ms. Abbey Cheke, asked relevant authorities to stop listing stock fish as animal feeds, stressing that apart from its nutritional value, stock fish does not compete with any fishing process in Nigeria. Chke noted that stock fish and stock fish heads were processed from the finest of codfish, which could only be found in the coldest of waters and could never be produced in Nigerian water. On his part, the Royal Norwegian Ambassador, Knut Eiliv Lein, assured stakeholders that Norway would continue to partner with Nigeria to

make stockfish cheaper for the populace, pleading with the Federal Government of Nigeria to allow forex access for stock fish importation. The Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Imo State Chapter and National Public Relations Officer, CAFFAN, Mr. Uchegbu Chijioke Nicholas, said: “If the government should give a verifiable support to local fish farmers in Nigeria, I will support the policy, but if it is to promote maximum beef consumption, I will advise them to liberalise the market.” Meanwhile, the federal government has spent $1.68 billion on food importa-

tion between January and September 2021. The CBN disclosed this in a report on sectorial utilisation of foreign exchange for the third quarter of 2021. According to the CBN, the government spent $163.60 million, $197.73 million, and $171.05 million in January, February and March, respectively while $156.30 million, $135.72 million and $213.58 million were spent in April May and June, respectively. The report also revealed that $184.69 million, 188.88 million and 271.59 million were spent in July, August and September, respectively. During a Bankers’ Committee

retreat in Lagos recently, Emefiele said Nigeria could produce enough to feed its citizens. He said: “We believe that Nigeria can feed itself; Nigeria can produce what it eats. Everything needs to be done for us to move away from a situation where everything is imported. “We need to get to a stage where we bring our manufacturing industries back to life again. For us to say that there is sustainable, inclusive growth in the country, we, as banks, working with the government, must do everything possible to diversify the Nigerian economy,” he said.

third party meter suppliers engaged by the Discos, effectively removing the burden of providing meters from the Discos. Unlike the CAPMI, it ensured that the customer received a meter from the MAP without making any upfront payment, while the payment was sculpted into the customer’s monthly electricity tariff as an energy charge until it was fully amortised. The scheme has not been as successful as was hoped, with Discos missing deadlines to engage MAPs even as import tariffs and lack of local manufacturing capacity beset the programme. The programme was followed by the CBN’s launch of the current NMMP with a view to funding the local production, and in some, cases importation of meters by meter providers and Discos. On the importance of providing measurement of electricity consumed, NERC stated in the latest data that meter-

ing would provide the opportunity for customers to pay for what they consume. It that added this would in turn improve customers’ satisfaction, eliminate estimated billing practices of the Discos and enhance revenue collection, which is critical to the financial viability of NESI. “End use metering is critical to financial viability, improving customer satisfaction and revenue recovery as well as provides transparent and accurate measurement for kilowatts of electricity consumed by the customer. “It ensures energy accounting and revenue protection for the Disco towards reducing their commercial losses,” it said. Under the MAP scheme, Discos signed a contract for 6.5million meters, with 1-Phase meters costing N44,896.17, later reviewed to N58,661.69 due to what NERC called forex differences, while the 3-Phase was N82,855.19, later reviewed to N109,684.36.

NERC: 8.1M OF NIGERIA’S 12.8M ELECTRICITY CUSTOMERS STILL UNMETERED mass metering programmes of electricity consumers in the past. A number of the initiatives had failed and have been replaced with new programmes, although estimated billing remains a major issue for customers, without metering devices. In September 2020, the federal government launched the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) with the backing of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which although slow, has aided the ramping up of the metering efforts. Like others , the metering scheme aims at increasing Nigeria’s metering rate, eliminating arbitrary estimated billing as well as strengthening the local meter value-chain by increasing local meter manufacturing, assembly and deployment capacity. Whereas the programme expected Discos to roll out six million free meters

over the next 18-36 months from when it first started, to unmetered consumers, less than a million meters have been offered almost a year after the plan was birthed. The Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Ahmad Zakari, recently stated that about N120 billion capital expenditure (CAPEX) fund was being provided by the CBN for Discos to improve the metering challenges. He said the government through funding option from the CBN, installed about 600,000 meters, although the number has markedly increased since then. The provision of meters has not matched the demand as non-metered consumers continue to rise, being in 2016, about 3 million of the registered accounts of customers, in 2017, over 4 million unmetered customers, in 2019, over 5 million and in 2022 over 8 million unmetered customers.

According to the latest NERC data as of November 30, 2021, when compared, the number of unmetered relative to total number of customers, Yola emerged the least performing with 81 per cent of its consumers not provided meters. Yola’s Abysmal performance is followed by Kaduna’s with 79 per cent unmetered customers and Kano with 75 per cent of its customers not provided meters. In summary, at the end of that month, Nigeria had 12.848 million electricity consumers, 4.666 metered customers, representing 36 per cent and 8.18 unmetered customers, representing 64 per cent. Among the unsuccessful initiatives, in a bid to address the metering gap, in 2013 at the outset of the privatised electricity sector, the Credit Advance Programme for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme was launched.

FOOD NAME OF COMMODITY

PALM OIL

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

25CL LAGOS N20,000-N25000 25CL

N21,000-24,000

NAME OF COMMODITY

RICE

COMMODITIES SIZE

25CL

IMO

N21,000–N24,500

25CL

EDO

N17,000–N20,000

STATE

PRICE

100KG ABUJA N23,000–N25,000 50KG 50KG

25CL IBADAN N18,000-N22,000

OYO

50KG KWARA N24,000–N27,000 50KG

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

COCOA

T O D AY PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

1 TON ONDO

N740,000 – N760,000

ONIONS

100KG

IBADAN

N25,000

100KG

KANO

N10,000

1 TON OSUN

N730,000 – N750,000

100KG

BENUE

N27,000

100KG GOMBE

N12,000

100KG DELTA

N21,000

100KG LAGOS

N25,000

100KG ENUGU

N15,000

100KG

N29,000

SIZE

LAGOS N23,000–N26,500

1 TON

50KG

EDO

N17,000–N20,000

EDO

1 TON CROSS RIVER

50KG SOKOTO N11,500–N13,000

N19500- N25000

STATE

N22,000-N25,000

PLATEAU N23,500-N25,000 (JOS)

50KG RIVERS N23,000–N26,500

25CL ABUJA

The purpose of the scheme was to relieve the Discos the burden of financing the cost of the meters. As such it enabled the customer to pay for the meter upfront while the Disco amortised the cost through electricity supplied to the customer over a period of time. However, the scheme failed to deliver on its objective as noted by the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola in 2016 because “Discos that collected money from their customers to procure and install meters at their homes have mostly failed to do so”. The CAPMI was eventually discontinued in 2016, leaving the sector with a huge metering gap. In April 2018, the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme was introduced by NERC in a bid to address the same problem. Under the scheme, there were to be

1 TON

AKURE SOUTH, ONDO

N720,000 – N740,000 N700,000 – N720,000 N730,000 — N755,000

ABIA

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Manufacturing Sector and the National Devt Plan The federal government has projected to drive the country’s industrial sector with N868.56 billion under the new National Development Plan, but only time would tell how far the plan would revoltionise the country’s manufacturing sector, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

he federal government launched the 2021 to 2025 National Development Plan (NDP) on December 23, 2021. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said that the NDP was designed as the country’s Medium-Term Development Plan meant to succeed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) that was implemented from 2017 to 2020. The Volume One of the NDP document stated that “national development is the highest priority of the government,” adding that the “government will unlock all constraints to ensure that economic growth is enhanced, inclusive and sustainable over the plan period and beyond to generate employment and reduce poverty.” It further stated that the NDP was formulated against the backdrop of several subsisting development challenges in the country and the need to tackle them within the framework of medium- and long-term plans. These challenges include low and fragile economic growth, insecurity, weak institutions, insufficient public service delivery, notable infrastructure deficits, climate change and weak social indicators. Hence, the Plan seeks to invest massively in infrastructure, ensure macroeconomic stability, enhance the investment environment, improve on social indicators and living conditions, implement climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies, amongst others. Specifically, the Plan is aimed at generating 21 million full-time jobs and lift 35 million people out of poverty by 2025; thus setting the stage for achieving the government’s commitment of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. The country can achieve these targets through high quality economic growth and a more inclusive economy, leveraging its young workforce, and enhancing implementation capacity at national and subnational levels. With effective implementation, Nigeria will progress significantly on the path of unlocking its potentials in all sectors of the economy for a sustainable, holistic and inclusive national development.” In addition, the role of the government will go beyond the normal provision of the enabling environment to include the qualitative participation in vital sectors of the economy that will open opportunities for the private sector to be a major engine of growth.

SIZE OF THE PLAN In order to accomplish its objectives, the NDP provided for the implementation of major infrastructure and other development projects across the six geopolitical zones and the opening up of opportunities for the rural areas to ensure balanced development and increased competitiveness. Specifically, the attainment of the objectives of the

plan would require an investment commitment of about N348.1 trillion. It is estimated that the government capital expenditure during the period will be N49.7 trillion (14.3 percent) while the balance of N298.3 trillion (85.7 percent) is expected from the private sector. Of the 14.3 percent government contribution, FGN capital expenditure will be N29.6 trillion (8.5 percent) while the sub-national governments’ capital expenditure is estimated to be about N20.1 trillion (5.8 percent). The successful implementation of this plan will therefore be heavily dependent on a strong partnership between the private and public sector. The country is moving along the path of the reforms required to unlock local content development, subnational economic diversification, competitiveness, growth, and making moderate, incremental progress in poverty reduction and other human development indices in the medium-term.

MANUFACTURING SECTOR The broad objective of the NDP in relation to the manufacturing sector is to improve the manufacturing climate, output and performance through improved infrastructure, stabilising the macro economy, and removing regulatory constraints. It said that as part of its efforts to improve the business environment for manufacturing, the government would simultaneously improve infrastructure, deepen and expand existing enabling business environment reforms, and align fiscal and monetary policy to strengthen the economy. The NDP stated that four strategies are critical to realising its goals for the Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. They are increased infrastructure provision to alleviate bottlenecks in manufacturing. It said: “Infrastructure has widespread effects on manufacturing productivity and industrialisation. As a result, the government plans to expand Nigeria’s infrastructure stock, beginning with energy and transportation infrastructure. It is expected that industries will have a steady energy supply by the end of the plan period.” In addition, the industrial locations would also be linked to multimodal transportation infrastructure covering rail, roads, air and sea ports. The second strategy is the launching of interventions funds to finance manufacturing expansion. This strategy is intended to improve the availability and affordability of long term single-digit financial facilities for Nigerian manufacturers. This would lower manufacturing’s overall cost structure and potentially lower entry barriers, resulting in a surge in manufacturing activity across the

country and increased economic output from the sector. The third segment of the strategies to boost the industrial sector is the strengthening of value chain linkages to primary sectors, especially the linkages between the agro-allied and primary sectors to ensure raw material availability for manufacturing. “This will be accomplished by implementing value chain development programmes and incentives to encourage local sourcing of raw materials in areas where Nigeria has a comparative advantage. There will be emphasis on fostering synergies among the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment and other relevant MDAs such as the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Ministries of Science and Technology, both at the federal and state levels, to implement initiatives that improve the productivity of value chains to provide critical input for manufacturing.” The fourth strategy is the review of existing manufacturing policies, laws and regulations to ensure business friendliness and trade. The NDP said that “government will take a comprehensive approach to the policies, laws, and regulations required to create mutually reinforcing framework that promote competitiveness and a business-friendly environment. Policies, rules, and regulations will all work in tandem to achieve export orientation of manufacturing activities. Through the Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Council, the government will provide the private sector with a channel to share feedback on its policies. The NDP also planned to “facilitate the development of industrial cities, industrial parks, and industrial clusters, while focusing on making hard infrastructure available within these industrial zones” and leverage technology and other digital innovations to aid Nigeria’s industrialisation process and competitiveness. It also envisaged working with key partners, especially development finance institutions, to develop and expand the credit guarantee schemes available to players in the manufacturing sector, particularly the MSMEs. It would also strengthen state-owned development finance institutions by injecting additional equity capital towards enabling them to support enterprises more effectively.

INVESTMENT AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION To meet the stated goals, the government assured that it would optimise financing for various initiatives aimed at eliminating binding constraints in the manufacturing sector. In addition, the government said that

it would prioritise the promotion of investment in the industry. Therefore, “within the planning period, an estimated public investment of about N868.56 billion is committed to complement private sector investment on this sector to achieve the objectives. Along with the government’s contribution to relevant ministries’ capital expenditures, other government agencies involved in industrial development in the three-tiers of government will use their resources to prioritise initiatives aimed at fostering manufacturing growth and competitiveness. Government will demonstrate its commitment towards creating an enabling environment for private investment to thrive in the country. Furthermore, the implementation of the AfCFTA should attract significant private sector investment.” In the years ahead, Nigeria will facilitate the rebirth of the manufacturing sector by improving the enabling environment, crowding in additional capital, and strengthening value chain linkages. These initiatives are expected to accelerate the pace of the country’s industrialisation, improve economic growth and foster value-added export orientation of manufacturing activities. Synergies and consolidation of efforts from all government ministries, departments and agencies involved in the sector’s development is key to realizing the stated objectives. Successful implementation of initiatives and stated objectives will advance the performance of the manufacturing sector. The Special Adviser to the President Muhammed Buhari on Finance and the Economy, Dr. Sarah Alade, who was a former acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said that the implementation of the NDP would be linked to the annual budget. She also harped on the need for the government to show the political will to implement the plan. “We do not want the train to leave us behind the fourth industrial revolution,” she said. A former Professor of Economics, University of Benin, Dr. Mik Obadan, said that the broad objective of the NDP for the manufacturing sector is to improve the manufacturing climate, output and performance through improved infrastructure, stabilising the macro-economy, and removing regulatory constraints. He said: “Manufacturing is a private sector activity. Opportunities abound in all areas of production, distribution and exchange of goods and services via MSMEs and large scale enterprises. Opportunities in infrastructure development through government’s PPP initiatives. The implementation of the AfCFTA should attract significant private sector investment.” But the Senior Partner, KPMG in Nigeria and Chairman, KPMG Africa, Mr. Kunle Elebute, has stated that the federal government should deepen economic reforms in order to attract the private sector investments that would drive the country’s development.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AGRICULTURE

FG’s Paltry Budget Allocations and Agricultural Sector Woes Despite Nigeria touted to be the food plug of Africa, the nation’s agricultural sector is still far from achieving its full potentials. Gilbert Ekugbe writes

ithout mincing words, Nigeria’s agricultural sector will continue to struggle until deliberate and concrete actions are taken to address key concerns that have been plaguing a sector that has the ability to change the nation’s economic narrative. The N291.4 billion allocated to the agricultural sector out of a budget of N16.9 trillion leaves much to be desired and questioned the present administration’s commitment to the diversification of Nigeria’s economy away from hydrocarbon resources. The N291.4 billion, which represents a marginal increase of about four per cent from the N280.3 billion of 2021 approved budget, goes to show that Nigeria is still not ready to activate the sector’s full potentials, which has the capacity to help Nigeria achieve an inclusive economic growth. Despite Nigeria’s commitment to the 2003 Maputo and 2014 Malabo Declarations to allocate at least 10 per cent of the national annual budget to the agriculture sector, the budgetary allocation for agriculture is yet to reach two per cent of the total budget. A country that still depends on hoes and cutlasses to meet its food needs will only end up importing its food requirements due to farmers’ inability to meet the nation’s demand for food. Stakeholders in the industry have always advocated the need for the federal government to up its ante by prioritising investments into the sector. Sadly, in the proposed budget presented by Mr. President to the National Assembly, agriculture has just 1.8 per cent, which is its highest in four years. In a chat with THISDAY, an Economist and the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, argued that the sector is not on the exclusive list and urged all the state and local governments to support the development of agriculture. Yusuf pointed out that they have a bigger role to play in the agricultural sector than the federal government. He said that the federal government is expected to pay much attention to irrigation services, research and policy formulation. “The role of policy is very important and it does not cost money. For instance, we need a policy that can

encourage the importation of tractors duty free. You will see that investors in the agriculture space would be encouraged to do a whole lot more. Those importing improved seedlings and feeds for both livestock and crop production should get their import duty waived. All these are policies that would help improve the sector,” he advised. The former director general of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) also said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is doing more than any ministry in terms of supporting agricultural development. Yusuf also implored the present administration to tackle the hydraheaded challenge of insecurity, noting that insecurity is the most challenging amongst all other issues currently being faced by farmers across the country. He said: “Farmers cannot go to their farms because they are scared of being kidnapped or even killed. We must find a way to address this challenge urgently as it is already taking a toll on the prices of food in the country. “There is problem of security and there is also nothing on the horizon to show that the issue will be addressed anytime soon even as the problem seems to be getting worse. If we do not fix security, how are we going to get people farming and if people are not farming how do they produce and if they are not producing how will the price come down.” On his part the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr. Kabir Ibrahim, said the proposed 2022 budgetary allocation represents a N100 billion increase when compared to the previous year. In his words, “This is not to say that the budget to agriculture cannot be improved upon, but it is at least an improvement. We can allocate about N4 billion to make it a one-off as long as we achieve the desired results.” Ibrahim, however, added that the 10 per cent that was recommended by the Maputo Declaration has been met if all the interventions from the CBN and National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) are considered.

He called on increased synergy between the CBN and the NALDA in order to have a far reaching impact on the citizenry. “The CBN and the NALDA should not be working in silos without carrying each other along. They should all work together because they are all contributing into one pool, but when we put all of them together, you will find out that they are contributing more than 15 per cent of the budget, which is more than the 10 per cent Maputo declaration,” he said. He advised that the budget of the federal ministry of agriculture is not to be given to farmers to do anything spectacular, but to create the enabling environment for agriculture to thrive. Ibrahim said: “If the federal government use all the N291 billion budgetary allocation to buy tractors for instance, they cannot buy more than 2000 units and the country is in need of at least a 100,000 unit of tractors and even the loan of $1.1 billion we are taking from Brazil is going to come with 10,000 tractors there will still be a shortfall of about 90,000 tractors. So it is not about the money, but about the favourable policies geared towards the growth of the sector.” Speaking on the skyrocketing food prices, the president of the AFAN explained that the situation is due to the nation’s weak currency, stressing that the current development is more of an economic issue rather than an agriculture problem. He advised that the CBN and the Federal Ministry of Finance must get their acts together and added that the economy in 2021 was a mixed bag of failures and successes. He said going by the figures in the fourth quarter in 2021, Nigeria is expected to experience a slow paced agricultural development, saying that activities in the last quarter of 2021 would still manifest itself. “We should stop the blame game because we are all involved in this, but certainly, the government takes responsibility for whatever happens. But we must analyse the issues. There are other factors that contribute to the skyrocketing food prices; we have issues of high cost of transportation, inadequate power

supply to preserve processed foods. In 2022, we must look at all the sectors because so many sectors depend on others. So we need to look at the whole issues holistically,” he advised. The Former Executive Director of the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), Mr. Oluwasina Olabanji, said the allocation to the sector is quite low, urging the federal government to invest in achieving food security. “If a nation is not investing in achieving food security but depending on other nation to meet its food needs, then the nation is destined for doom. You saw what happened during the COVID-19, when other countries closed their borders to other countries for almost three months. So imagine how we would have survived those three months if we had depended on other countries for some food items? “Agriculture is very critical and the present administration is trying its best to achieve food security because they have the political will, but have we ever attained that period whereby Nigeria can boast of groundnut pyramid in Kano or boast to be the second largest producer of cocoa in the whole world. We need to invest more on agriculture.” He added: “Food is very critical to a nation. It is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that emphasised food security for all nations and for us to achieve food security, we must invest in agriculture. But the budgetary allocation to agriculture is still too low.” He further highlighted the need for Nigeria to invest more in irrigated agriculture, adding that climate change is adversely affecting the productivity of Nigerian farmers in their quest to meet the nation’s food demands. “Technology has advanced as innovation is disruptive affecting the whole world as we speak. The way we do our research before is totally different from what is being practiced across the globe. We also need to promote irrigation system because climate change is taking a toll on our productivity levels. For us to promote irrigated agriculture means that we have to invest more on our River Basin Development Authority. We need to invest more on irrigation. Emphasis should be placed more on promoting irrigated agriculture,” he said.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

Has the Power Sector Privatisation Finally Failed?

Emmanuel Addeh writes that the takeover of three out of the 11 Distribution Companies (Discos) by creditor banks and the federal government, roughly nine years after their privatisation signals a deeper problem in the power sector than may have been envisaged

ndeniably, for decades there has been no respite for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), with the seeming intractable problems besetting the entire value chain, from generation to transmission and then distribution. There’s hardly any of the three tripods that is free from these worsening challenges, although the power generation leg of the sector appears to have fared better than both transmission and distribution, the latter being the most impaired. As it is, the biggest problem in the sector today, experts say, would be lack of investment as well as the consequent illiquidity. Many businessmen, both foreign and local, express fears of not being able to recoup their investment, mostly due to “low” tariffs, operational bottlenecks and government’s incessant interference in the sector. While the industry has always struggled, even in the best of times, the recent takeover (now being sorted out) of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) ,the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the earlier retrieval of the Yola Distribution Company (YEDC), although for unrelated reasons, has brought to the fore the depths of headwinds confronting the sector.

PRIVATISATION AND DASHED HOPES

Though many Nigerians were upbeat on the “successful” privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in September 2013, after years of dilly-dallying on the matter, that hope has since waned. On the 30th of that month about nine years ago, the federal government formally presented certificates and legal papers to the new owners of the power generation and distribution companies. However, the new owners were to wait until 1st January 2014 before they could assume full ownership of the privatised companies due to labour-related issues that were expected to be resolved before the end of 2013. Described as a significant milestone at the time, expectations of a significant improvement in power supply has since become a pipe dream for many Nigerians. Indeed at the time, it was thought that the transfer of ownership of the electricity companies from the government to the private sector would mark the end of a tortuous journey that started in 1999 when the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), embarked on the exercise. The reason for the handing over of the assets to the new “businessmen” were simple: drop in generation to sometimes as low as 2,500 megawatts, frequent system collapses, low levels of investment in repairs, maintenance and manpower development, as well as high energy losses. In addition, were the issues of inefficiency in terms of revenue collection. As an estimated 50 per cent of revenue collected was lost. Although government still holds substantial equity in the successor companies, the new private sector owners were further expected to block the leakages and improve on revenue collection when they took charge. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), which oversaw the programme, put the total sale figure of the Gencos and Discos at $1.27 billion and $1.26

billion, respectively, bringing the total to $2.53 billion. The then Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said that being highly capital intensive, a lot of investment was required in the sector, reason the initiative was important. “Government alone cannot afford these huge costs. This is at the core of the government decision to privatise the industry and in so doing, get the critical mass of private investment and expertise to resuscitate the comatose power sector,” he told his excited audience Nebo advised the new owners to consider listing their companies on the then called Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), where they could access long-term funds for growth and expansion.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

But experts like a one-time Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi, have always argued that the use of short term borrowing to execute projects with long term returns was the first mistake made by the Discos. On several occasions, he has posited that it was wrong for the investors who bought over the assets to borrow from commercial banks that would make demands for their funds in a short time. That decision, he said remains one of the problems in the sector. In addition, the lawyer had said that moving to full private sector market in utilities like electricity in a state of acute scarcity in one fell swoop was a miscalculation. “ This is the singular mistake Nigeria made. We should have fully commercialised and corporatised our electricity sector under effective regulation. Privatisation would have come down the line when the sector would have gained efficiency through effective regulatory and good corporate governance. “We erred by privatising so quickly when we were yet to set up a proper regime of corporate governance and when we are suffering from gross incapacity,” he had argued. Describing it as a modelling error, he maintained that sighting power plants far from the gas supply sources, resulting in high cost of transmitting across a large expanse, was adding to overall costs.

TROUBLE IN THE DISCOS

The Discos have mostly been the weakest link in the value chain, closely followed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), a fully government-owned entity, which in operational terms is the intermediary between power generation and distribution. Eleven in all, the distribution companies also bear the natural burden of shouldering all the blames in the sector, being the interface between the customer or end-user and the power value chain.

THE YOLA REPOSSESSION

Although unrelated to a major loan default, Yola Disco was the first to be retrieved by the federal government after the declaration of force majeure by Integrated Energy Distribution

and Marketing Company, the core investor in the firm. Consequently, the federal ministry of power took over the management and control of the electricity distribution company and appointed Mr. Baba Mustapha, an engineer, to lead the company. Before the final relinquishment, the company had on six occasions on November 10, 2013, August 27, 2014, October 15, 2014, April 9, 2015, April 30, 2015 and May 13, 2015 reported that it wasn’t able to perform its functions due to insecurity. However, after some years, Quest Electricity Nigeria Limited had recently acquired YEDC with a bid price of N19 billion. In addition to paying the purchase fee of N19 billion, the new investor has committed to a Performance Improvement Programme (PIP), which would involve an investment of N28 billion, over a period of two years.

AEDC LOAN DEFAULT

Although there had been some internal wrangling with the displaced board of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), it came as a shock when the federal government announced that that the lending bank (UBA), had exercised its rights over the shares of KANN consortium, part owners of AEDC. NERC and BPE in release jointly signed by the Chairman of the power sector regulator, Sanusi Garba and the Director General of the BPE, Alex Okoh, stated that there had been a dispute amongst competing factions of AEDC’s majority shareholder/core investor, stressing that the disagreement eventually spilled over to a dispute with the lender that provided the acquisition loan to KANN. According to NERC and BPE, the matter later deteriorated over KANN ‘s inability to service its debt to the bank. During the course of the intractable crisis, the statement said that the AEDC not only struggled to meet its obligations to the market under the terms and conditions of its licence but was also unable to meet its obligations to key stakeholders in the organisation, including staff. The NERC and BPE explained that this culminated in the industrial action by members of the Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). “The general public should note that arising from KANN’s inability to service its acquisition loan and the ensuing dispute over the servicing of the loan from UBA Plc., the lender exercised its rights by appointing a receiver/manager over KANN,” it noted. According to the statement, it then became apparent that decisive steps were required to address the matter wherein the BPE agreed with the lender’s request to exercise its powers as receiver/manager. It explained that this development included exercising its powers over the 60 per cent equity in AEDC as a means to recovering the acquisition loan it granted. AEDC oversees Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

And IBADAN TOO

In another shocking development, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) last week announced that it had taken over the assets of the core investor in the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). In a public notice, AMCON stated that it had appointed Mr Osayaba Giwa-Osagie (SAN) to take over the entire undertakings, assets of the company, including shares and interests in related companies and entities, and also monies kept in of the 25 banks in Nigeria. AMCON, it was learnt, executed the takeover of IEDM, the core investor, following a default in a Loan Servicing Agreement (LSA) executed with Polaris Bank. ”AMCON has pursuant to Section 48 and 61 of AMCON Act 2010 been appointed Receiver/ Manager over all the Assets of Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited as stipulated in the instruments executed in favour of AMCON. “This is by by virtue of the Loan Purchase and Limited Servicing Agreement executed with Polaris Bank Limited dated 30th November 2018 and a notice of appointment of the receiver/manager dated August 6th, 2021, which was duly stamped by the commissioner for stamp duties” the statement read. It was gathered that NERC had previously fined IBEDC N50 million for its failure to secure a refund of an interest free loan the board of IBEDC granted to its core investor group. But late Saturday, there was an indication that billionaire businessman, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, who owns the company had taken back the control of the IBEDC from AMCON. Chief Operating Officer of IBEDC, Engr. John Ayodele, in a memo to the staff, confirmed that after the negotiations, status quo ante was maintained. “Further to the communication earlier sent on 20th January 2022, in respect of the above, kindly note that the investors have resolved on way forward with AMCON and status quo ante maintained,” he stated. But whatever further action will be taken on the matter, one thing is sure: That there’s trouble within the Discos.

LAMENTATIONS YEARS AFTER

A few weeks ago, President Muhammadu Buhari accused his predecessors of mortgaging the sector by selling off the country’s power assets to their cronies who neither had the financial muscles nor the technical know-how to revamp the sector. According to him, Nigerians are facing epileptic power supply because those who bought the various electricity distribution companies got them based on political favouritism and geopolitical consideration rather than on merit. He argued that those who bought the Discos were not electrical engineers neither did they have the financial muscle, and thus, could not understand the intricacies of the power system in the country. “The owners of Discos bought them based on geopolitical zones rather than merit. The people that own them, who are they? They are not electrical engineers, they don’t have money, it is just a political favour,” he argued. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

SON Unleashes New Standards to Boost Cocoa Production in Nigeria Gilbert Ekugbe The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and stakeholders in the cocoa sector have unveiled new standards that would boost sustainable production of cocoa in Nigeria. The Director General of SON, Mr. Farouk Salim, noted during a technical committee meeting on the review of the National Industrial Standards (NIS) 990:2017 for cocoa standards that the review would enshrining minimum requirements in the national standards for sustainable cocoa production in line with international best practices and to enhance global competitiveness. Salim, who was represented by the Group Head Food Technology, SON, Mrs Omolara Okunlola, explained that the importance of cocoa in the global economy necessitated the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), and African Regional Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), which SON is a member, to collaborate with representatives from cocoa-producing and consuming countries to develop a new series of standards that would address longstanding issues in the industry. The SON helmsman stated that the technical committee meeting would harness the knowledge on cocoa production in Nigeria and the international experience captured in the ISO’s standards

through participation in regional and global standardisation activities to boost the nation’s economy. He revealed that the cocoa standard remained pertinent for the industry as it is expected to improve the quality of local cocoa production, and its acceptance in the global market, so that it would serve as an alternative source of foreign revenue to oil and gas in fulfillment of the federal government’s economic diversification agenda. Salim, therefore, called on committee to consider the adoption of the ISO 34101 standards on cocoa, which aimed at encouraging the professionalisation of cocoa farming. The director general said that the standards would cover the organisational, economic, social and environmental aspects of cocoa farming, strict requirements for traceability and offer greater clarity about the sustainability of the cocoa that is used. The new Chairperson of the Technical Committee, Mrs. C. O. Jayeola, in her remarks noted that Nigeria must not be left behind when it comes to the standardisation of cocoa. Jayeola said: “It is time to improve on the quality and traceability of this product as this will ensure better codes of practice and better quality products.”

In attendance at the meeting were representatives from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, the National Agency for

Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Rightway Business Support, the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry

(FMTI), the Nestle Nigeria Plc, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC), the Institute of

Professional Analyst of Nigeria (IPAN), the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) and representatives from SON.

Farmcrowdy Bags NITDA’s Certiﬁcation for Strict Adherence to Audit Compliance Gilbert Ekugbe Farmcrowdy Limited has bagged the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA’s) certification for being one of the few audit filing compliant organisations in the country. A statement issued by Farmcrowdy Limited said that the firm is one of the 1,213 companies that were recognised by the NIDTA for adhering to stipulated data regulations, noting that the

companies were shortlisted by the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) unit. The statement added that the recognition is a demonstration of Farmcrowdy’s commitment to solving food chain challenges with sustainable solutions, along with values in tandem with ethical requirements and responsibility. It said: “According to Technology Networks, data compliance is important to engender trust between the

organisation and the regulatory bodies, but also to the end-users of that data. “Data is a valuable asset in the pockets of many successful companies. Just like the human anatomy, blood is to the body what data is to an organisation and a test of data integrity invariably questions the reputation of any company. Even worse, it might cause a damaging effect on decisions made, the prestige, and the existence of organisations.”

The selected companies have their operations within the purview of 13 sectors of the Nigerian economy, which include Health, Transport and Logistics, Public Sector, Industrial and Extractive, ICT and Media, Energy and Power, Education, Finance, Commerce, and Consulting. Other organisations also included are Crown Flour Mills Ltd, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Olam Nigeria Ltd, Julius Berger Companies, and Landmark Africa.

Shell Officially Changes Name, Deletes ‘Royal Dutch’ Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Shell has officially changed its name, ditching “Royal Dutch”, which has been part of its identity since 1907, following plans to scrap its dual share structure and move its head office from the Netherlands to Britain. “Shell announced the board’s decision to change its name to Shell plc on December 20, 2021. This change has now

taken effect,” the company said in a filing. The London and Amsterdam stock exchanges will reflect the name change on January 25 (today) while the New York Stock Exchange will follow on January 31. The change will not affect share ownership and the A shares and B shares will remain unchanged for the time being, Shell said.

The shares are planned to be assimilated into a single line of ordinary shares on January 29, a Reuters report stated. Shell announced in November it would scrap its dual share structure and move its head office to London from The Hague, pushed away by Dutch taxes and facing climate pressure in court as the energy giant shifts from oil and gas. The firm has been in a

long-running tussle with the Dutch authorities over the country’s 15 per cent dividend withholding tax on some of its shares, making them less attractive for international investors. Shell introduced the twoclass share structure in 2005 after a previous corporate overhaul. Shell held its first board meeting in London on December 31.

the company was committed to supporting healthcare delivery in Rivers State as part of the pursuit of its vision of “helping to build a better Nigeria.” Represented Mr. Andy Odeh, the NLNG managing director stated that the Company was seeking to support the development of the tertiary health institution to provide excellent medical care for Rivers State residents while also catering to the training needs of medical students and resident doctors. Mshelbila stated further that NLNG was committed to working with partners to transform healthcare delivery in the state, adding that the intervention at RSUTH was a manifestation of the Company’s resolve to stand with the people of Rivers State

and to reciprocate the goodwill and support to the Company over the years. “The RSUTH project is an addition to several projects being executed by the Company in the healthcare sector in Rivers State. “NLNG continues to support the Bonny Community Health Insurance Programme (BCHIP) to help improve access to quality healthcare services for residents of Bonny Island. Some progress is being achieved in the Bonny Malaria Eradication Programme, which targets cutting down malariarelated mortality among women and children under five and making Bonny Island Nigeria’s first malaria-free zone. The Malaria Eradication programme is implemented in

collaboration with U.S. Agency For International Development (USAID). “NLNG and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), are also involved in the HIV/AIDS Surge Project, which focuses on the control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on Bonny Island”, NLNG managing director added. NLNG is owned by four Shareholders, namely, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (49%), Shell Gas B.V. (25.6%), TotalEnergies Gaz & Electricite Holdings (15%), and Eni International N.A. N. V. S.àr. l (10.4%).

OPEC+ Compliance Rises to 122% in December NLNG Partners RSUTH on Robust Healthcare Delivery Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies OPEC+ was 122 per cent compliant with its crude production restraint commitments in December, which is up compared with 117 per cent in November. December compliance among OPEC members rose further, to 127 per cent i compared with 122 per cent in November, while nonOPEC conformity also increased, to 114 per cent month from 107 per cent in November. In comparison, an Argus survey showed OPEC+ compliance at 117 per cent in December, with the 10 OPEC countries that accepted a quota recording a 121 per cent rate, while their non-OPEC counterparts hit 110pc conformity

over the period. The higher OPEC+ conformity suggests a widening gap between the group’s rising individual production targets and the members’ ability to deliver output hikes. Earlier this week, Paris-based energy watchdog the IEA signalled that the OPEC+ group’s intentions to lift output by 4.4 million bpd this year could see the coalition’s effective spare capacity down to just 2.6 million bpd in the second half of this year. The OPEC+ alliance will next meet on February 2, to discuss its monthly production strategy for March. So far, the group has pressed ahead with 400,000 bpd monthly output increases, in an effort to complete unwinding of its remaining output cuts by the end of this year.

Minna-Baro Rail Track Major Milestone, Says Minister Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mu’azu Sambo, has said that the recent approval of the federal government for the construction of a narrow gauge rail track from Minna to Baro with an extension to the Baro River Port in Niger State, remains a major milestone in infrastructure development in the area. He noted that the approval, which was an attestation to the commitment of government to boost infrastructure development to boost trading, mining and agro allied activities in and around the state and improve the efficiency of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Sambo stated this when he played host to the management team of the NIWA, led

by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Moghalu, who paid him a visit in Abuja. The minister added thanked the NIWA team for the visit while pledging to continue the bond with the organisation, promising to give them support where necessary. Earlier, Moghalu told the minister that the team was in his office to congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well. “We are proud of your appointment. We are here to congratulate you and pray God to help you discharge your duties successfully,” he said He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Sambo as, adding that it was a right choice, having been privileged to witness his dedication to duty while at NIWA.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) for the provision of a multi-million naira Infectious Diseases Unit at the health facility in Port Harcourt. In a statement by Andy Odeh, NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, the company said the partnership was for robust healthcare delivery in the State. At a signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the hospital’s management, NLNG’s Managing Director, Dr Philip Mshelbila, said

T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Blu Atlantic Hotel, Huge Growth in Nigeria’s Hospitality Real Estate Bennett Oghifo

xperts in hospitality real estate have determined that most investors who succeed at it are driven by undiluted passion and not by the depth of their money bags. An eye for fine details, more than just cash makes a huge difference even among 7-starrated hotels, water parks and resorts. The Blu Atlantic Hotel was conceived and built on the principle of getting the fine details right for the comfort and convenience of everyone, particularly that of the guests. Blu Atlantic, which took its name from the Aquatic Splendor that Lagos is renowned for, is built on over 1,600sqms of prime land on The Rock Drive, the Business Bay of Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The hotel is right next to some equally sturdy establishments like The Rock Tower, IMAX and the upcoming training facility of the NDIC. The facility has an interesting flow to it, right from the entrance that opens up to its parking space and to the front desk that is accessible by means of either the steps or a ramp for the physically challenged on wheelchairs. The glass door glides open as the visitor approaches the reception area, on the right of which is the restaurant and bar that can seat 50 diners. There is an external bar that can be accessed from the car park. The Blu Atlantic building, which rises to five floors, is energy efficient. The key cards control room lighting and all lights are energy-saving. Transportation up the five floors is by beautifully designed elevator with voice prompt. There is a staircase that can also be used, particularly during emergencies. The first floor has a conference room that can seat 25 people. There are 48 soundproof rooms, including the double volume suites, and complete with large beds that look therapeutic- relaxing. Each floor has the same room-type. The Managing Director of Blu Atlantic, Mr. Gozie Nwachukwu, who performed a tour of the pristine facility at the weekend, definitely did all that was necessary to make a remarkable difference in hotel experience in Nigeria’s hospitality industry. He had this vision when he was a lot younger and decided to actualise it when he knew the time was ripe. But first, Mr. Nwachukwu decided to review his experience in the hotels he stayed in both within and outside Nigeria and to incorporate the ideas he liked best. “I’ve been to hotels where there were

complaints from people and I thought to myself that maybe I should build a place I’d like to stay. So, that was how the idea came up.” He had an option of building his ideal facility either in Calabar or Lagos, but chose the latter because he lived in Lagos. In all of this, his interest was to develop a good quality establishment. “One thing that was very important to me was the quality of what we are bringing into the industry,” saying he had seen some ugliness in some hotels that made him “take caution from day one. We brought in reputed architects and foreign partners to do the construction. It took us three years and a few months to complete the construction of the hotel,” which was open for use in December 2021. Another niche he wants to focus on is service. “Service is very important. As they do in Ritz Carlton, when you ask for the restroom, they don’t point at it, they take you there. That type of service culture is what I want to bring into this place. Arriving guests can check in inside their rooms instead of waiting at the reception. The same with food and other services in the rooms. It’s all about comfort and convenience. These are the things that inspired me.” He said they are positioning Blu Atlantic as a “business hotel” with “2022-model facilities. It’s not only in cars that you have year models, we also have it in construction. The lighting, switches and others are modern and we went as far as making our walls soundproof. The walls of the hotel, including that of the rooms, are also finished with fibre wood which is fire and heat resistant.” Also, every floor has fire hydrant lines, cylinders and hoses and the hotel is fitted with smoke detectors, fire alarm and water sprinklers. Security is topmost at Blu Atlantic, as every inch of the building, including the public areas within and outside, is monitored with CCTV. There is good use of glass in the construction of Blu Atlantic, and Nwachukwu said “The glass facade outside (great blue wall) has to do with the corporate image we want to build. The glass is also insulated, soundproof, tampered as well.” The water treatment machinery is top of the range, he said. “We understand the water situation in Lekki, so in addition to doing an industrial borehole which goes 250 metres down, we also invested a lot in good water treatment. It is very big and robust and the water we get in the hotel is drinkable. “Also, our waste treatment facility

Blu Atlantic

is a 2021-model. It is one of the best in the industry and it is under where these cars are parked (pointing at the car park). It’s eco-friendly, biodigest. It’s not powered by electricity but runs on its own digest and generates gas that can be used to cook. We piped it to our kitchen, even though we don’t use it all the time. It’s gas that can be used for cooking.” Nwachukwu said the hotel was built and equipped through venture capital and credible investors who liked the

plan and trusted the promoter. “They saw the prospect, and they knew it’s going to be a lucrative one and they invested. What it also means is we have a lot of people on our board, people of different works of life, you know, not really people who‘re into hospitality. They‘re also passionate about sustaining the brand and about growing the brand. So yes, personal funding came in. We also had other investors, it didn’t come from the bank.”

Solewant Group Wins ‘Oil & Gas Contractor of the Year’ Award

olewant Group has won the NewsDirect Oil & Gas Contractor of the Year Award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences. The NewsDirect Oil & Gas Contractor of the Year Award is meant for only businesses that meet a high standard, based on quality leadership skills, contracts implementation, quality of projects execution, and contribution to local content. The award was conferred on Solewant Group on the 21st day of January, 2022 during NewsDirect’s 11th Anniversary Lecture & Award Ceremony that has the title: “Public Sector Financing: The Oil Revenue Challenges, Solutions and Prospect.”

According to NewsDirect, Solewant Group is “an outstanding contractor, with a strong impact on the Nigerian economy, the outcome of which, when analyzed, revealed a strong nexus the organization’s formidable deliverables, and the growth manifested in the Nigerian energy sector.” The Managing Director/CEO, Solewant Group, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, while accepting the award said he is happy that the good works of Solewant has not gone unnoticed. “We are honored to receive this award from NewsDirect. Thank you to each and every one of our clients and partners for your continued support and loyalty,” Ewanehi said. “We are committed to customer satisfaction, safety, including vis-

ibility and transparency throughout operations, continuous improvements, enhanced risk management, heightened employee satisfaction, and a stronger monitoring of processes in line with industry demands.” He added: “Our appreciation goes to NewsDirect for this recognition.” Several other awards and recognitions were bestowed upon distinguished individuals and principal corporate bodies in Nigeria. Notably, organisations that emerged as the top seven ‘Exemplary Leaders’ are Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Galaxy Backbone, NCC, NCDMB, NNPC, NIESV and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). The event had in attendance top personalities, seasoned stakeholders

and decision makers in the public/ private spheres of the Nigerian economy. Solewant Nigeria Limited, along with its subsidiaries (Solewant Nigeria Limited, Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings & Paints Limited, and Field Joint Coating Limited), excel in the provision of pipe, metal and field joints coating services. Now, the Group is now entering the next phase of its extensive development through a series of investments and expansions. Supporting the oil & gas, water, chemical processing, mining, refining, electricity, transportation and marine industries, the US-based Solewant Group subsidiary has refined its business model in protecting all metal and concrete services through its range of services in West Africa.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ JANUARY 25, 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Kwara Joins Elite States, Produces over 102,000MT of Rice

Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ

Kwara State branch chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Dr. Ahmed Saba has said that, the state has joined elite states in rice production in the country, with its over 102,000 metric tons output during wet and dry season in 2021. The North Central state, which contributed over 40,000 metric tons of rice paddy to the recently unveiled rice pyramid in Abuja, was not considered a rice producing state before the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the state Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. Speaking with journalists in Ilorin over the weekend on the state of the nation, Saba

explained that, “we thought we didn’t do enough in our production, until we got to Abuja, where the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), who is in charge of the anchor borrowers program unveiled the data, showing that Kwara State actually did better than we thought,by being among the top rice producing states in the country. Kwara State produced 62,332 metric tons of rice paddy during the dry season and 40,000 metric tons during the wet season, making a total of 102,332 metric tons.” Saba added, “The success of Kwara State in rice production should go to the President of RIFAN, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, who gave Kwara State chapter of RIFAN all the necessary support to achieve this feat.

Alhaji Aminu Goronyo didn’t only give us all the support we needed, he also provided valuable guidance at critical times, which helped us to navigate all difficult circumstances” Saba also thanked the CBN and the State government for providing enabling environment and support for the program. He added, “We must give kudos to the federal government of Nigeria, particularly the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for initiating a policy that enable farmers to access resources like never before, across all the value chain, from cultivation to harvest and sale, particularly the ilorin team, who supported RIFAN immensely during some emergency moments.”

Fidelity Bank Enriches Customers, Holds Promo Draw Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the second set of millionaires in its Get Alert in Millions Season 5 promo (GAIM 5) which held recently in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was witnessed by representatives of regulatory organisations which include: Ms Oyinkan Kusamotu, Senior Legal Officer, Lagos State Lotteries & Gaming Authority; Mr Tanko Mohammed, Head, Monitoring & Enforcement, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority; Mrs Susie Onwuka, Head, Lagos Office, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Ms Chioma Amanoh, Lagos Office, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).

Since the commencement of the fifth season of the promo in November 2021, the bank has enriched over 460 customers with various cash prizes. So far, 10 lucky customers have been rewarded with a million naira each. This month, Fidelity Bank has continued its tradition of rewarding loyal customers which has seen Ajoma Rachel, Stanley Sunday, Musbahu Kabiru, Usman Abdulkadir, John Uchechukwu, Oluwatayo Oladipupo, Esther Eloho, Sophia Sefera, Amarachi Sarah Anyacho, and Obi Chinelo emerge as the next set of millionaires in the promo. Commenting on the event, Executive Director overseeing the Bank’s Lagos and Southwest

Directorate, Dr. Ken Okpara, stated that, “As a bank that places our customers at the centre of everything we do, we are always looking for opportunities to help our customers grow. Two months ago, we kicked off the GAIM 5 promo to reward our customers and demonstrate our commitment to improving their lives and wellbeing. Today, we are excited at how happy we have made some of our most loyal customers. We remain committed to providing rewarding experiences and best-in-class services for our clients.” Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Product Development, Osita Ede stated that:

Food Concepts Names Abunu Managing Director Designate Food Concepts Plc has announces the promotion of Mr. Kofi Abunu to the post of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. He will succeed Mr. David Butler who will step down on 7th March 2022, on the expiration of his contract of employment, having led the Company with great success since 2014. The company in a statement said Abunu joined in 2007, and since 2017 has served as Divisional Managing Director (Business Development) of the Company. It stated, “Kofi was selected and appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following a rigorous and structured process that has been conducted over a

12-month period. The Company has been in a very fortunate position to have a great pool of talent; hence the appointment falls in line with the Company’s deep commitment to developing and producing talent from within the Organization. This appointment from within, reflects our Company’s commitment to human resource development. “Kofi has over 28 years’ experience in the food and hospitality industry and a diploma in hotel management. He also has a BA (Hon) International Business and Marketing from University of London and CIMA UK. He previously worked at McDonald’s (UK), Nandos, Innscor/Famous Brands (Steers and Debonairs).” Commenting on the appointment, the Chairman of

Food Concepts Plc, Mr. Ayo Olagundoye, said: “We are proud and pleased to welcome Kofi Abunu as Managing Director of the Company driving our ambitious strategy both within and outside Nigeria, wish him the best and assure him of the full support of the Board. Equally, we pay tribute to David Butler for his exemplary leadership, vision, and passion which have built Food Concepts into one of the great retail success stories in West Africa and offer our sincere thanks for all he has done for the Company and our over 5,000 people”. He expressed confidence that Abunu will make strong contributions to the company and its future strategic development plans.

Lipton Launches ‘Extra Strong’ Variant for Tea Lovers Global tea brand Lipton has launched an exciting new variant for tea lovers. The variant, which has enjoyed acceptance in other markets, was recently introduced to the Nigerian tea market. Labelled Lipton ‘Extra Strong’, the new addition to Lipton’s product line was crafted to cater to tea lovers who prefer a stronger tea taste. “We are elated to introduce the new Lipton tea bag to our customers across Nigeria,” said Chiedozie Egbuna, General Manager, West Africa, Ekattera. With every cup of Lipton tea enjoyed, we strive to create genuine connections between people, turning

each consumption moment into a quality connection. But we are not just introducing Lipton Extra Strong Tea, but also focused on fostering human connections. In view of the pandemic, it has become more important than ever and has proven to help people feel happier and healthier”. At Lipton, we believe that tea brings people together, so, we are here to help people be present in the moment and make those moments together more meaningful and special over a cup of tea, “he concluded. “The new Lipton Extra Strong is a full-bodied tea bag with a stronger burst of flavour, a darker colour, and a

more intense, uplifting aroma”, Country Brand Manager, Ekaterra, Motunrayo Babalola, commented while speaking at the event. “It is made with a new sunburst technology and with high-quality sun-ripened tea leaves freshly picked for their brightening, rich, and aromatic flavour. “We launched Lipton ‘Extra strong’, amplifying everything people love and associate with the yellow label for people who love their tea stronger.” “With Lipton ‘Extra Strong’, you get double the taste, colour, and goodness of tea,” she confirmed. Present in over 190 countries, Lipton is the biggest tea brand in the world.

L–R: Chief Digital Strategy Officer Chukwuka Obike, MD/CEO, Dr. Kazeem Olarenwaju, and Chief Operating Officer, Jonas Nyaye, during the official launch of Baobab Microfinance Bank mobile app at the Bank’s headquarters in Lagos... recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͵

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zaﬁro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͳ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Stock Market Close Lower on Proﬁt-taking in Nigerian Breweries, 25 Others Kayode Tokede The stock market yesterday dipped by 0.06 per cent to open trading activities for this week amid investors’ profit-taking in Nigerian Breweries Plc, 25 other stocks. The NGX All-Share Index declined by 29.08 basis points or 0.06 per cent, to close at 45,928.27 basis points from 45,957.35 basis points it opened for trading, while the overall market capitalisation value

lost N12 billion to close at N24.749 trillion from N24.761trillion it closed last week. The stock market negative performance was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which are; Nigerian Breweries, United Capital, NEM Insurance, FBN Holdings (FBNH) and Zenith Bank. Sector performances on the NGX yesterday were negative with the Banking Index drop-

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

ping by 0.45per cent, Consumer Goods was down by 0.23 per cent, Industrial index dipped by 0.01per cent while the Oil and Gas index added 1.67 per cent. As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative as 26 stocks lost relative to 15 gainers. LivingTrust Mortgage Bank recorded the highest price gain of 9.62 per cent to close at N1.14, per share. Northern Nigeria Flour Mills (NNFM) followed with

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

a gain of 9.49 per cent to close at N8.65, while Academy Press rose by 9.09 per cent to close at 72 kobo, per share. Courteville Business Solutions up by 8.70 per cent to close at 50 kobo, while Associated Bus Company appreciated by 5.88 per cent to close at 36 kobo, per share. On the other hand, Regency Alliance Insurance led the losers’ chart by 9.52 per cent to close at 38 kobo, per share. FTN Cocoa Processors followed

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

with a decline of 7.69 per cent to close at 36 kobo, while NEM Insurance lost 5.41 per cent to close at N3.50, per share. Sovereign Trust Insurance declined 4.17 per cent to close at 23 kobo, while Cutix shed four per cent to close at N2.40, per share. The total volume of trades decreased by 1.06 per cent to 278.606 million units, valued at N2.887 billion, and exchanged in 4,447 deals. Transactions in

O F

2 4

the shares of Chams topped the activity chart with 40.546 million shares valued at N8.115 million. United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with 35.115 million shares worth N284.738 million, while Courteville Business Solutions traded 33.326 million shares valued at N16.547 million. Sterling Bank traded 18.779 million shares valued at N30.103 million, while Access Bank transacted 17.068 million shares worth N166.413 million.

/ 1 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

TUESDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

dŚŝƐĚĂǇ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞǆ ĚŽǁŶ ϭϳďƉƐ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂǇ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞǆ ƐůŝĚ ϭϳďƉƐ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϵϭϱ͘Ϯϭ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ŽŶ ƐĞůůͲƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ & E, ;Ͳϭ͘ϳйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůǇ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϱ͘ϵй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞǆ͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

DĂƌŬĞƚ ZĞĐŽƌĚƐ DĂƌŐŝŶĂů >ŽƐƐ͘͘͘ ^/ ĚŽǁŶ Ϭ͘ϭй

dŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂůůǇ ďǇ Ϭ͘ϭй ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϰϱ͕ϵϮϴ͘Ϯϳ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǇĞƐƚĞƌĚĂǇ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲŽīƐ ŝŶ & E, ;Ͳϭ͘ϳйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ E ;Ͳ ϭ͘ϱйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůǇ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŵŽĚĞƌĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ ϳ͘ϱй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ േϭϭ͘ϵďŶ ƚŽ േϮϰ͘ϳƚŶ͘ sŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚŝƉƉĞĚ ϭ͘ϭй ƚŽ Ϯϳϴ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚĞƌĞĂƐ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ ϭϵ͘ϳй ƚŽ േϮ͘ϵďŶ͘ , D^ ;ϰϬ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ h ;ϯϱ͘ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ KhZds/>> ;ϯϯ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ůĞĚ ďǇ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁŚŝůĞ ^ W> d ;േϳϵϳ͘ϰŵŶͿ͕ h ;േϮϴϰ͘ϳŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;േϮϴϰ͘ϲŵͿ ůĞĚ ďǇ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

Previous Price Current Price Change Weighting Change YTD

Price Change Index to Date

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,915.21

-0.17%

3.3%

91.5%

15.0%

3.5%

1,155.50

0.0%

36.9%

21.0%

14.7%

5.2%

190.00

0.0%

7.9%

-3.6%

179.2%

14.1%

71.40

0.0%

7.2%

6.5%

19.1%

11.2%

25.65

-0.6%

6.4%

-1.3%

24.8%

3.9%

3.9x

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

5.2x

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.8x

5.4%

ot Applicable

1.6%

16.6%

13.7x

20.8x

5.5%

7.3%

34.3x

6.5x 1.0x

11.7%

25.8%

2.9%

25.60

-0.8%

6.0%

1.8%

20.9%

2.8%

3.5x

0.7x

11.7%

28.8%

284.90

0.0%

4.9%

10.9%

40.4%

16.7%

14.2x

5.5x

5.7%

7.1%

1,435.00

0.0%

3.2%

-7.8%

106.8%

15.6%

27.8x

32.8x

4.3%

3.6%

11.80

-1.7%

3.5%

8.4%

0.8%

7.0x

0.6x

3.8%

14.4%

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC

25.40

0.0%

3.5%

6.1%

11.6%

8.4%

9.5x

1.1x

3.9%

10.5%

9.75

0.0%

2.8%

4.8%

17.0%

1.4%

2.7x

0.4x

8.7%

36.6%

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

10 Access Bank PLC 11 United Bank for Africa PLC

8.10

-1.2%

2.2%

0.6%

19.5%

1.8%

2.0x

0.4x

6.8%

49.1%

35.90

0.0%

1.6%

-0.3%

15.4%

2.0%

8.3x

1.3x

11.4%

12.1%

ĐƌŽƐƐ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ

12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

47.30

-1.5%

1.5%

-5.4%

5.3%

1.9%

43.6x

2.3x

2.3%

780.00

3.3%

1.9%

20.0%

3.4%

1.9%

17.9x

0.6x

5.3%

5.6%

2.5x

ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͕ ϭ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d ŝŶĚĞǆ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ƵŶĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ƐŽůĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌ͕ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞǆ͕ ǁĂƐ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϳй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞͲ ĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ^ W> d ;ϯ͘ϯйͿ͘ >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚĞǆ ĚƌŽƉƉĞĚ ϭ͘ϰй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ŝŶ E D ;Ͳϱ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ // K ;ͲϮ͘ϰйͿ͘ dƌĂŝůŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ͕ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ ĂŶĚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ

Ϭ͘ϱй͕ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϭďƉ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐĞůůͲƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŝŶ & E, ;Ͳ ϭ͘ϳйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E ;Ͳϭ͘ϱйͿ͕ hE/> s Z ;Ͳϭ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ hd/y ;Ͳ ϰ͘ϬйͿ͘ KƵƚůŽŽŬ

14 SEPLAT Energy PLC 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 International Brew eries PLC 17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC 24 Guinness Nigeria PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 26 NEM Insurance PLC 27 Presco PLC

9.05

0.0%

1.4%

4.0%

14.8%

0.9%

5.00

0.0%

1.1%

1.0%

-10.3%

-3.9%

142.00

0.0%

1.1%

0.0%

38.8%

25.2%

9.7x

3.4x

5.3%

10.3%

28.60

0.2%

1.0%

0.9%

16.4%

5.1%

4.4x

0.7x

5.8%

22.7%

2.69

1.1%

0.7%

5.5%

12.0%

1.1%

2.4x

0.3x

8.2%

42.0%

2.36

0.9%

0.6%

1.7%

9.7%

3.0%

6.3x

0.7x

9.3%

15.8%

17.75

0.0%

0.5%

2.0%

15.3%

6.3%

11.6x

1.7x

8.5%

8.6%

3.00

0.0%

0.4%

0.3%

10.0%

1.0%

0.3x

5.0%

0.3x

40.3%

0.9x

-11.4%

10.90

-2.2%

0.4%

10.1%

2.4x

6.4%

42.50

0.7%

0.4%

9.0%

8.1%

3.8%

15.1x

1.2x

1.1%

6.6%

1.08

0.0%

0.4%

12.5%

11.1%

2.3%

5.7x

0.6x

0.9%

17.5%

3.50

-5.4%

0.2%

-22.2%

35.6%

18.5%

3.5x

0.9x

5.1%

28.7%

87.80

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

2.1x

1.2% 3.1%

28 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 29 AIICO Insurance PLC

13.10

0.0%

0.3%

-0.8%

21.3%

6.9%

12.3x

2.5x

0.80

-2.4%

0.3%

14.3%

7.2%

1.1%

444.4x

0.8x

30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance

221.90

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

46.2%

9.3%

5.0x

2.0x

1.8%

19.8%

7.05

0.0%

0.2%

-10.8%

24.7%

7.5%

3.5x

0.8x

7.8%

28.8%

32 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 33 Unilever Nigeria PLC

22.20

0.0%

0.2%

-1.3%

36.8%

14.7%

6.4x

2.2x

6.8%

15.6%

13.05

-1.1%

0.2%

-10.0%

-1.3%

-0.8%

22.80

0.0%

0.2%

2.0%

20.7%

2.5%

4.0x

0.7x

1.7%

25.2%

ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ŝƐĐůŽƐƵƌĞ

34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

5.85

0.0%

0.1%

-0.8%

7.1%

0.8%

6.6x

0.7x

4.3%

4.75

-0.4%

0.0%

7.5%

14.5%

2.6%

2.0x

0.3x

zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂǇ͕ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ ƌĞǁĞƌŝĞƐ WůĐ ůŝƐƚĞĚ ĂŶ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ϳϴ͕ϵϮϵ͕ϴϰϵ

36 Oando PLC 37 Wema Bank PLC

0.84

-1.2%

0.1%

16.7%

13.7%

0.8%

4.0x

0.5x

4.9%

38 Sterling Bank PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

1.61

1.9%

0.1%

6.6%

10.1%

0.9%

3.5x

0.3x

3.1%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

-41.3%

-9.2%

5.38

0.0%

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďǇ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ƐƚŽŽĚ Ăƚ ͲϬ͘Ϯǆ ĂƐ ϭϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͕ Ϯϱ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ĂŶĚ ϲϯ ǁĞƌĞ ƵŶĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ͘ dŽĚĂǇ͕ ǁĞ ĞǆƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƚŽ ďŽƵŶĐĞ ďĂĐŬ͘

ŽƌĚŝŶĂƌǇ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵƉůĞƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ^ĐƌŝƉ ŝǀŝĚĞŶĚ ůĞĐͲ ƟŽŶ ^ĐŚĞŵĞ͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƚĂů ĨƵůůǇ ƉĂŝĚͲƵƉ ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵƉĂͲ

8.1% 0.2%

1.2x

-1.2%

15.2% 48.9%

2.3x

25.2% 28.6% -20.3%

0.9x

ŶǇ ŚĂǀĞ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ƚŽ ϴ͕Ϭϳϱ͕ϴϯϭ͕ϵϬϬ ĨƌŽŵ ϳ͕ϵϵϲ͕ϵϬϮ͕Ϭϱϭ ŽƌĚŝŶĂƌǇ T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ŽĨ ϱϬ ŬŽďŽ ĞĂĐŚ͘ T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

CHA M S

40.5

0.0%

UB A

35.1

-1.2%

8.7%

C OUR T VILLE

33.3

8.7%

0.36

5.9%

ST ER LN B A N K

18.8

1.9%

780.00

3.3%

A C C ESS

17.1

0.0%

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

NNFM

8.65

9.5%

A C A D EM Y

0.72

9.1%

C OUR T VILLE

0.50

A B CTRA NS SEP LA T LA SA C O M A YB A KER

T ic k er

1.13

2.7%

FB NH

14.4

-1.7%

4.50

2.3%

T R A N SC OR P

13.6

0.0%

1.61

1.9%

GT C O

11.1

-0.6%

H ON YF LOUR

3.25

1.6%

WEM A B A N K

7.7

-1.2%

F ID ELIT YB K

2.69

1.1%

F ID ELIT YB K

5.8

1.1%

ST ER LN B A N K

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

R EGA LIN S

0.38

-9.5%

SEP LA T

797.4

3.3%

F T N C OC OA

0.36

-7.7%

UB A

284.7

-1.2%

N EM

3.50

-5.4%

GT C O

284.6

-0.6%

-4.2%

208.0

-1.5%

172.7

-1.7% 0.0%

T ic k er

SOVR EN IN S C UT IX

2.40

-4.0%

FB NH

N EIM ET H

1.92

-3.0%

A C C ESS

166.4

-2.5%

N EST LE

159.5

0.0%

122.7

-0.8%

J A P A ULGOLD

0.39

A IIC O

0.80

-2.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

UC A P

10.90

-2.2%

N GXGR OUP

55.1

0.0%

-2.0%

UA C N

49.6

-1.6%

UN IT YB N K

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

0.23

P ric e C hg %

0.49

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu| dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 • 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 21Jan-2022, 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 169.24 172.01 1.61% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 9.03% Nigeria International Debt Fund 323.21 323.21 3.64% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 101.44 101.44 0.44% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.77% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.43 3.49 -3.18% 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 7.28% Anchoria Equity Fund 140.86 142.63 1.21% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.16 1.16 1.82% 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 20.68 21.30 1.95% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 463.90 477.89 2.82% ARM Ethical Fund 39.56 40.75 1.54% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.07 1.08 -0.57% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.02 0.22% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.43% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 108.35 108.35 0.38% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,074.19 1,074.19 0.61% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.06 2.06 6.86% Capital Express Balanced Fund (Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.24 2.28 45.49% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.05 1.05 0.57% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.02% Paramount Equity Fund 16.95 17.26 0.74% Women's Investment Fund 139.80 141.40 0.54% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.11% Cordros Milestone Fund 136.37 137.25 3.16% 110.72 110.72 0.25% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.09% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.28 1.29 2.41% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.41 1.41 -1.00% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 7.46% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.89% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,155.15 1,157.30 -1.27% assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED 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 8.91% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 3.16% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.12 1.12 0.61% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 104.83 104.83 0.21% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1,403.96 FBN Bond Fund 1,403.96 11.11% 176.91 FBN Balanced Fund 178.14 0.95% 116.38 FBN Halal Fund 116.38 9.16% 100.00 FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 8.94% FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

122.53 150.83

122.53 3.80% 152.63 0.42% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.99 1.78 1.21

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 7.68% 3.99 -0.39% 1.82 2.32% 1.21 0.26% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price N/A N/A N/A

Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.41% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.89 2.96 1.36% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 142.03 142.08 -8.73% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.27 1.32 1.23% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 4.05% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ﬁncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.55 1.57 2.63% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,143.80 1,143.80 0.63% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.07 12.18 2.47% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.04% 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) 100.46 100.46 7.55% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 8.62% 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 1.60 1.62 PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.69 11.67 4.37% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.56% PACAM Equity Fund 1.47 1.48 1.63% PACAM EuroBond Fund 114.40 116.70 -0.77% 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 129.33 131.76 6.73% 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 1.08 1.08 10.03% 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 N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 0.94 0.97 1.38% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.37 1.39 0.70% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.12 1.13 2.59% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.12 1.13 0.45% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.96 1.96 0.38% United Capital Eurobond Fund 122.70 122.70 0.29% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.79% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.29 13.42 0.80% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 14.92 15.08 2.13% Zenith Income Fund 24.93 24.93 0.21% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.26%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 54.65

10.62% 8.10%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.03 130.70 103.60 18.69 21.86

14.13 133.97 105.87 18.79 21.96

0.47% -0.69% -0.02% 0.00% 0.00%

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.14 5.59 18.19 1.00 21.68 159.46

4.24 5.69 18.39 1.00 21.88 161.46

10.01% 9.82% 5.84% 8.15% 11.75% 1.06%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.28

10.80%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY Ͱͳ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

FEATURES

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

Army 38: All Eyes on Malami to Act With the Nigerian Army exhausting its appeal on the judgments of the respective courts to reinstate the 38 senior officers it compulsorily retired in 2016, stakeholders are urging Abubakar Malami as the nation's chief law officer to mandate the force to comply with the courts' decisions, Alex Enumah writes

ecently, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed a court judgment reinstating Colonel Danladi Hassan, who was compulsorily retired alongside 37 other senior officers in 2016. A three-man panel of the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed against the lower court’s judgment by the Nigerian Army authorities. The National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja had in its judgment delivered on January 9, 2019 ordered the reinstatement of Colonel Hassan, who was wrongfully retired compulsorily in 2016. The trial judge, Justice Sanusi Kado, had held that the Nigerian Army failed to convince the court about the disciplinary grounds for the compulsory retirement of the claimant. He consequently declared the letter of compulsory retirement null and void and of no effect. Rather than comply with the industrial court’s verdict, the army authorities, including the Nigerian Army itself, the Nigerian Army Council, the Chief of Army Staff, the Armed Forces Council, and others opted to appeal against the decision. However, dismissing the appeal and affirming the industrial court’s decision, Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment of the three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, held that the appellants’ case lacked merit. The Court of Appeal held that the appellants failed to justify their claim that the lower court’s verdict was perverse. The findings of the court showed that the lower court’s decision was based on the evidence presented before it by parties, Justice Adah said. The court also dismissed the technical argument of the appellants that Hassan’s case before the lower court was incompetent. It held that contrary to the appellants’ claim, Hassan complied with the condition precedent as required under Section 178 of the Armed Forces Act, before approaching the court. “The lower court had elaborate consideration of all the facts, both from the accusers, the accused person and their witnesses before coming to the conclusion that the exercise of compulsory retirement was done in error. “It was in that respect that the court now held that the compulsory retirement of the claimant was declared null and void; letter of compulsory retirement also set aside and he was ordered to be reinstated and a letter issued to that effect, reinstating him into the Nigerian Army with all rights and privileges. “There is no piece of evidence that is contrary to what the court has said. So, there is nothing that is perverse by the findings of the lower court,” Justice Adah said. The Court of Appeal added that an appellate court would not interfere with the findings of the lower court where the lower court has made correct and straightforward findings of facts”. “The trial court did excellently well in this case, and we have no need to interfere with the findings of the court. It is in this respect that we come to the conclusion that this appeal is lacking in merit. It is grossly lacking in merit, and it is hereby dismissed. “The decision of the lower court is upheld and all the decisions made therein, are also sustained,” Justice Adah added. The Court of Appeal’s judgment came about three weeks after the National Industrial Court ordered the reinstatement of Brigadier-General ASH Sa’ad who was one of the 38 officers affected. Brigadier-General Saad along with 37 others was forced out of service without recourse to the rules of disengagement in the Nigerian military. Most of the affected officers were neither queried nor indicted by any panel but got flushed out for reasons that smacked of high-level arbitrariness and witch-hunting by authorities of the army. The officers, who were nine Major Generals,

Malami 10 Brigadier Generals, together with some Colonels and a major, had subsequently petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, in line with the military’s rules to seek redress. But even after petitioning the president, five years later, their fates still hang in the balance. So far, the courts have ordered the Army to reinstate seven of the officers who challenged their compulsory retirement. On August 6, 2014, the 25 Task Force Brigade led by Hassan carried out a special operation and recaptured the earlier seized towns of Bulabulin and Damboa from the Boko Haram terrorists. He was the Commander of the 7 Division Garrison responsible for the security of Maiduguri and its environs before he was directed to lead the operation. Colonel Hassan was among the 38 senior officers of the Nigerian Army who woke up on June 9, 2016 to the shocking news of their compulsory retirement. The then Army spokesman, Brig. Gen S.K. Usman had declared that the officers were compulsorily retired on “disciplinary grounds, serious offences.’’ The alleged “serious offences” were said to include: partisanship during the general election of 2015, involvement in arms procurement fraud and jeopardising national security. The then Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen Mansur Dan-Alli (rtd) and the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai himself, corroborated Usman’s statement, alleging further that due process and fair hearing were granted to all the officers

and were found guilty by a competent legal procedure. However, it did not take long for Nigerians to know that none of the 38 officers was queried, charged, tried or found guilty of any offence, let alone even appearing before any court martial. Several of the officers who felt the Army breached its extant rules and regulations in carrying out the retirements took their grievances to the courts to clear their names. This was after they had appealed to President Buhari for his intervention and reinstatement, but no response from the presidency or the army. Seven of the officers have since won their cases in courts which ordered their reinstatement into the Force. Added to these seven are another two officers who obtained National Assembly resolutions ordering their reinstatement. Some of the officers who are still in their 40s are hoping that the Army authorities would carefully look into their cases in the interest of justice in order to continue to offer their military service to the country. Curiously, before he retired, Buratai disregarded the judgments of the courts and the resolutions of the National Assembly. This has worsened the unenviable poor human rights record of the Nigerian Army. For instance, in delivering his judgment on February 5, 2020 in Col M. A. Sulaiman v Nigerian Army and others, Justice Sanusi Kado corroborated the officers’ arguments by stating that: “The

"The AGF, Malami just has to sound a strong note of warning to the Nigerian Army. He also needs to let it know in clear terms that it cannot continue to be above the law of the land. It has to obey the judgments of the courts. He equally needs to let the Army know that it is ridiculing the courts by not obeying its decisions and this is sending a dangerous message across”

compulsory retirement of the claimant (Col MA Sulaiman), is hereby declared null and void and of no effect whatsoever, as it was not done in line with the extant rules and regulations.” Other judgments followed a similar pattern with the judges denouncing the actions of the Nigerian Army against the embattled officers and ordering their immediate reinstatement, promotion and payment of all their entitlements. To further validate the claims that the officers were perhaps innocent of the allegations the Army must have based its action on, it was reported that several of them were not even in Nigeria when they were compulsorily retired without fair hearing. For instance, Lt. Col. Thomas Arigbe was a Directing Staff on a two-year Exchange Programme with the Ghana Armed Forces at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while another, Col MA Suleiman, a national merit award winner for the safe rescue of several foreign hostages, was in Chad as military attache where his experience fighting the insurgents was being utilised. THISDAY gathered that the immediate-past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, was on the verge of acting on the impasse before he died with other senior army officers in a plane crash, in May 2021. Investigations by THISDAY revealed that due to public perception that injustices were meted out to the officers, the incumbent Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor recently called on the military authorities to obey the court judgments in favour of the officers and grant them voluntary retirement. Irabor made the request in a letter he wrote to the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) to revisit the issues surrounding the “arbitrary” retirement of the officers. His action was based on a series of letters by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to resolve the impasse. On February 15, 2021, Malami had through the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, written another letter seeking an explanation on the matter from the then CDS, Gen. Olonisakin (rtd). In the letter, Malami reminded the CDS that he was yet to receive any response for the initial letter he had sent, in order for him to advise Mr. President appropriately. When Irabor assumed office as CDS, he then replied to the Attorney General through the Minister of Defence, Magashi on the issue. Even though the CDS clearly admitted that the procedures followed by the Army in retiring the officers were improper and arbitrary, observers feel that his recommendation that all the 38 officers should be voluntarily retired with effect from January 1, 2018 was not proper because it will amount to double jeopardy by denying the affected officers justice as well as truncating their careers prematurely. With the Army exhausting its appeal on the judgments in favour of the officers, stakeholders are urging the Attorney-General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in his capacity as the chief law officer of the country to compel the Force to comply with the decisions in the interest of justice and fairness; the same way he swiftly compelled the Lagos State Government to obey the Supreme Court judgment in the lingering legal battle between Magodo Estate residents and landlords’ association recently. “The AGF, Malami just has to sound a strong note of warning to the Nigerian Army. He also needs to let it know in clear terms that it cannot continue to be above the law of the land. It has to obey the judgments of the courts. He equally needs to let the Army know that it is ridiculing the courts by not obeying its decisions and this is sending a dangerous message across,” said one of the sympathisers of the retired soldiers

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY JANUARY 25, 2022

FEATURES

Damilola Olanrewaju: Government Needs to Encourage Investments in Lands and Properties Damilola Olanrewaju a.k.a D.O, CEO of Opalite Nigeria, a fast-growing real estate development and brokerage firm, also coordinates a network of independent property brokers through an organisation called Marketing360Agency. He is the Lead Consultant at EmeraldhillsDSL a boutique marketing agency with a client base in Logistics, Real Estate, Pay-tv, Automobile and Hospitality Sectors. In this interview Mary Nnah, he dwells on the real estate investment and development in Nigeria and why the government must encourage such investments

business that constantly creates valuable services for our clients through our existing or new products.

ow do you assess government's effort as far as the property and real estate business is concerned in Nigeria? One of the ways the government affirms its hold on the real estate industry is through the policies they put in place to guide the industry. One major thing the government needs to do is to create more favorable policies that make it easier and safer for Nigerians at home or in the diaspora to invest in lands and properties within the country. Creating a better credit system would also help people track their wealth or debt levels and help them make better and more informed investment decisions. Can you tell us a few things about Opalite Nigeria Limited? Opalite Nigeria Limited is a real estate investment and development company that uses innovation and technology to help Nigerians simplify the rigors that naturally comes with investing in Real Estate. How is your company faring despite the challenges facing the real estate sector in Nigeria? We understand that every industry has its issues and shortfalls, and the real estate industry is no different. We as a business try to edge ahead by studying industry trends that could become problematic and creating solutions ahead. That way, you won't be caught off guard when issues arrive. There are still some things you can't prepare for, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic, but if you position your business as a solution provider, you can ride out any storm. So what we have done is create several verticals within the real estate space that helps us provide value to our clients. We have also created various products and services that help simplify different aspects of real estate that people interact with

Olanrewaju regularly. Opalite is new in the real estate business, so what is the company doing to cope with the competition in a saturated sector? The answer to that is simple, value, integrity, and trust. Almost every industry is saturated, but what sets you apart is how you do your business. People say that "a satisfied customer tells two people, and a dissatisfied one tells two thousand." So we keep our operations seamless and transparent. From the moment we start dealing with a client, we provide all the information they need to make the best investment decision without withholding any detail. We also pride ourselves on having an innovative and evolving

What other services and products does your company have? As I previously mentioned, our company focuses on constantly innovating and improving the real estate investment process. We provide various services and products, from short lets to property management and brokerage. We also offer backend investment opportunities for people who want to invest in developmental projects and earn substantial ROIs. We also have a new flagship product called The Opalite Landbank, which would make up the core of our innovations for 2022. We also have other projects and developments in the works, and we will provide more information as we progress. Can you tell us more about The Opalite Landbank? The Opalite Landbank is an innovative take on affordable Real Estate Investment, and I mean very affordable. Many people want to invest in landed properties but are unable to due to financial shortfalls, but imagine you could become a landowner without having to break your back or bank. Our Landbank offers people the opportunity to buy land from us while paying small amounts over an extended period. You could pay as low as N20,000 per month for up to 4years till your payment is complete with a low-interest rate. We offer the most flexible land payment plan in Nigeria, we don't take collateral, and there's a 100 per cent buyback guarantee if you want to resell your land after your purchase is complete. Who would you say are the ideal target for the Landbank and how do people subscribe to it?

I'd say, everyone, whether you are a student, employee, parent, grandparent, organisation, whatever category you fall under, you can subscribe to the Landbank. The idea behind Landbank is to create a land purchase structure that everyone should be a part of, irrespective of age, gender, or financial disposition, and that is what we did. Landbank is straightforward and organised in a way that makes it easier for you to purchase your land and track your payment progress right from your mobile devices. We'd also be launching our landbank software to help people track their investments and savings at any time. And all the customers have to do is visit our website https://www.thelandbank. co/ and choose your desired estate and payment plan. Once you have done that, you will be redirected to a secure payment portal and a form to collect your details and begin your payment tenure. What are you doing to gain the confidence of prospective and potential customers? At Opalite, we have the "Out-Everything" mentality, which means we out-perform, out-execute, out-satisfy clients in a way our competitors cannot. We always put the clients first, and that is why our products and services come with ease and simplicity. We make sure that we remain transparent and open to our clients and prospects. We create flexible plans to fit our customers' needs and provisions. We also value customer communication and feedback. We listen and evolve to serve our customers better. To encourage interaction and engagement between us and our customers, we register our presence on all social media platforms. We are always available to answer any question or inquiry, and you can also book a walk-in anytime from Monday to Friday to talk to our real estate investment experts.

Inside Bolanle Hassan’s Community for Pet Lovers Raheem Akingbolu

olanle Hassan, an advocate of the pet community, has stated that pets offer positive physical and mental benefits such as curbing depression, security checks and serving as a guide for the blind or offering assistance to their owners who are disabled. She expressed her concern that despite these traits, Nigeria does not have stand-alone legislation regarding animal welfare, leaving pet owners to cater to their pets as they wish, with little or no knowledge of the right things to do. According to reports, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria has 9,000 registered members, but only 3,500 are actively practicing veterinarians. The rest are in different professions or no longer in the country. This also burdens most pet lovers with the responsibility of catering to their pet's need themselves. Speaking on the perceived neglects towards pet lovers in Nigeria and her passion towards helping to change the narrative, Hassan, the founder of Petmi, a Nigerian-based pet community, said, “I’ve heard a lot of cases where people lose their pets, not as a result of natural death but mostly because

Bolanle Hassan

the owners are ignorant of how to care for them.

“This drove me to start a blog “Woofline Pets” to write about dogs

and how to care for them, and in February this year, we launched the Woofline Pets app and have since garnered over 7000 members within its community, making it the leading app community for pet owners and lovers in Nigeria.” According to her, pet lovers who sign up to the platform are able to share photos of their pets, chat with other pet lovers, ask pet health questions and have them answered by vet doctors, search for pet services and enjoy many more features. She stated that with a rising passion for other pets such as cats, birds, bunnies and more, Woofline Pets has chosen to widen its range by transitioning to Petmi, bearing confidence that this change will enhance and make every user ’s experience better, while bringing pet lovers from everywhere closer. “Even though responsibility for animal welfare in Nigeria is assigned to the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, I believe this development will greatly give credibility to the pet business in Nigeria as Petmi is not only a social media platform but also a marketplace for pet lovers,” Hassan said.

TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A DV E RTO R I A L

TUESDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FELLOWSHIP INDUCTION OF MEMBERS... L-R: Former President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Kelechi Nwosu; Group President, Red Slate Limited, Mr Obinna Aniche; Vice President, AAAN, Mr. Jenkins Alumona; and President, AAAN, Mr. Steve Babaeko, at the Fellowship Induction of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON)

Conflicting Court Orders: NBA Refers SAN, Six Lawyers to Disciplinary Committee Commences summit on Justice sector

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olumide Akpata, yesterday disclosed that the umbrella body for practicing lawyers in the country has referred seven lawyers including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to the body's Disciplinary Committee for necessary action over their alleged complicity in court's issuance of conflicting orders last year. The National Judicial Council (NJC) last year placed a promotion ban on three judges of High

Courts of coordinate jurisdiction for engaging in the act, many, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad believed was capable of derailing the 2023 general elections as well as truncating democracy. The fate of the affected legal practitioners whose names were however not disclosed, would anytime from now be decided by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). The LPDC is the statutory body put in place to take disciplinary action against lawyers accused of

It’s Time to Salvage University Education from Collapse, Says Deji of Akure Fidelis David in Akure The Deji of Akure Kingdom and the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II has called on governments at all levels to do everything possible to resuscitate the dwindling fortunes of education in the nation’s tertiary institutions. The monarch made this appeal while playing host to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed. According to his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyeye Michael, the traditional ruler lamented the rate at which a large number of the country’s best brains were relocating abroad in search of a greener pasture and a better working condition. He was quoted to have said: “It is crystal clear and evident that the nation cannot afford to continue to fold her arms while allowing her best brains in the tertiary institutions to leave the country. It is an understatement that our tertiary institutions are currently undergoing serious manpower and infrastructural challenges" He also urged the federal government to look into the incessant industrial actions in the nation’s universities which often cripple the institutions and make the students to suffer and

as well subject them to fluctuating academic calendar. He noted that such practice portends a serious threat to academic advancement of the country. The monarch urged the NUC to ensure that the academic standard of universities was revamped to avoid the production of half-baked graduates who in turn wreak havoc in the society. Speaking earlier, the NUC Executive Secretary appreciated Oba Aladetoyinbo for the visit to the commission headquarters, describing the visit as timely and encouraging. He expressed the readiness of the commission to do everything possible to ensure that the standard of tertiary education in the country was maintained without compromise. "Your Majesty, it is true that we are faced with enormous challenges, however, I strongly believe that those myriads of challenges are surmountable if all hands are on deck. "We will take to the advice you have given us and we are assuring you that we will leave no stone unturned in our quest for quality education in the tertiary educational sector," he added. Adamu promised to continuously engage relevant sectors, agencies and stakeholders central to achieving a lasting solution to academic disruption in the tertiary institutions.

professional misconduct. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, on the NBA’s 2022 Justice Sector Summit, Akpata said the seven lawyers were found culpable by its Investigate committee. "Some lawyers have been identified to have played roles in conflicting decisions that emanated from different courts recently. They are seven in number, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. "We are in the process of filing a petition against them before the LPDC. This is based on our determination to ensure that the system is protected, irrespective of those involved,” the NBA President said. Speaking on the summit, Akpata said attention would be on how to reform the process of appointing persons as judges since the present one is already flawed. He stated that the NBA as a body believes that, "there is something not right about the way we appoint judges," as the process is not rigorous or robust enough. He said, "We cannot expect such process to be beneficial to the Judiciary. We have sent our recommendation to the NJC

regarding how we think that the process should be structured to become better and more efficient. “The process needs to be standardised. While some states subject candidates to examinations, others don’t. We have passed the era when someone will sit down in the comfort of his chamber and

decide who should be appointed as a judge." Akpata stressed that there must be a clearly defined process of selecting those that should be appointed as judges. He disclosed that the Justice Sector Summit 2022, which has as its theme: “Devising Practical

Solutions Towards Improved Performance, Enhanced Accountability,” was being organised by the NBA and the Justice Research Institute (JRI) in collaboration with The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Justice Reform Project (JRP).

AFCON: Despite Losing To Tunisia, Buhari Asks Nigerians Not To Write Off Super Eagles Says though team failed to perform, it deserves commendation Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians not to write off the nation's senior national team, the Super Eagles, despite failing to qualify for the next round in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking place in Cameroon. The President, in a reaction yesterday evening by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, to the loss by Nigeria’s Super Eagles Football Team to Tunisia on

Sunday in Garoua, Cameroon, said though the team did not live up to expectations in the tournament, both officials and players deserve commendation for the tough fight they put up. According to him: “They gave everyone the confidence that they were up to it, and I am sure it was something they could have achieved. Nonetheless, we should not write them off". The President urged Nigerians to encourage the players to do better next time,

especially in view of the World Cup qualification matches that have been lined up for them. He, therefore, directed Nigeria's football authorities to undertake a critical assessment on the Eagles' performance at the Cup of Nations tournament "and encouraged the general public to send their suggestions to the Nigeria Football Federation so that it will reflect and plan well for a better outing in the forthcoming World Cup competition".

FG BOWS TO LABOUR, SHELVES PLAN TO END FUEL SUBSIDY FROM JULY industrialisation for self-actualization, would save the local petroleum industry from the volatilities and sometimes conspiracy prevalent in the global commodities market. It said the country had no excuse for not utilising the comparative advantage of crude oil, its main foreign exchange earner, as a strategic national asset for improving the lot of Nigerian workers and the ordinary citizens of the country. NLC further said there were well-founded fears that the absence of optimally performing public refineries would eliminate competition and open the doors for monopolies and cartels and at a debilitating expense for the ordinary Nigerian, adding that government has a duty to ensure that this does not happen. In the protest letter, NLC urged the federal government to re-engage organised labour in discussions in order to find mutually acceptable solutions to the current quagmire in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sub-sector.

Group Cautions against Planned Protest

A group, Concerned Citizens Project (CCP) Nigeria, described the planned protest by NLC and TUC as misguided, unwise, and self-defeating. It said leaders of NLC and TUC should rise up to their duties and stop playing to gallery or books of some elite benefitting immensely from the petroleum subsidy. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Bello Musa Gwani, and National Secretary, Sylvester Koni, the group emphasised that the labour unions needed to get their acts together by putting the future and survival of the country first. The statement said, "The intended strike and protest will put a halt on the operations of government offices, banks, shopping centres and schools, transportation workers and will also significantly affect the informal sectors including markets and local transportation services. "This will cause an untold hardship on Nigerians and have significant damaging effect on an already struggling economy. Paralysing the country of more than 200 million people, majority

of the citizens live on daily wage, will be highly irrational." CCP added that considering the delicate security situation in the country, it would be of great concern that provocateurs and anarchists could hijack such protests and demonstrations, or hide under the cover of protestors and promote discord, anarchy and unleash mayhem to the detriment of public peace. It said, "We have all witnessed how criminal elements hijacked the #EndSARs protest, and the amount of looting and burning that took place, while turning into tribal violence and killings in some states. "Similarly, politicians and other interests beyond the implementation of the deregulation policy can hijack the national protest to derive personal and selfish agendas. "It is, thus, imperative for NLC and TUC leaders to avoid putting Nigeria in such delicate security situation. For most oil producing countries, high oil prices mean high government earning, more spending on education, health, infrastructure, poverty alleviation etc.

"Unfortunately, that is not the case in the Nigeria, as the high profit margin earned from high oil price is largely swallowed by petroleum subsidy. If NLC and TUC leaders are not in terms with the proposed stoppage to paying petroleum subsidy, despite the glaring evidences of the failure of the scheme, they can explore other avenues to prevent high petroleum price in the country. "One important option is to engage with the government to find a more suitable solution. For example, by putting pressure on the government to revamp the three national refineries (in Kaduna, Warri and Port-Harcourt), which can play a significant role in easing the pressure on our forex reserve, thus, strengthening our currency. "A strong Naira and local refining capacity will make the petroleum products cheap even without subsidies. In addition, if these refineries are revamped, hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created, thus, creating a multiplier effect in the fight against poverty and the growth of our economy."

TUESDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

CHANGE OF BATON... CP Abiodun Alabi (left) and AIG Hakeem Odumosu, at the handing and taking over ceremony at the State Command Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday.

Photo: Chiemelie Ezeobi

Ganduje: I’ll Sign Death Sentence of Hanifa’s Killers with Speed If... Aisha Buhari endorses capital punishment for murderers Prime suspect, two others remanded in correctional centre Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday, assured parents of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered by the proprietor of her school, Abdulmalik Tanko, that he would sign the death warrants of her killers with speed the moment the trial court passed death sentences on them. Ganduje, who was sure her killers would die too, disclosed this, when he paid a condolence visit, alongside his Deputy, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna; Majority Leader, State House of Assembly, Labaran Abdul Madari and other top government functionaries, to the family's residence in Dakata/ Kawaji. Also commenting on Hanifa’s killing, the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has openly supported the call for capital punishment for the killers of the five-year-old. Meanwhile, Tanko, alongside his two accomplices, Hamisu Isyaku and Fatima Jibrin, who were yesterday arraigned before a Magistrate Court 12, sitting at Gidan Murtala, Kano, and presided over by Magistrate Muhammad Jibril, have been remanded at a correctional centre

in the state. Addressing Hanifa’s parnts, Ganduje said, "We have good confirmation from the court handling the process that justice would be done. No stone would be left unturned. Whoever is found

guilty of this heinous offence will also face death without wasting any time. As a government, we have already started the process. "Our constitution provides that, when a death sentence is passed, it is the constitutional power of the

governor to assent to the execution of the culprit. I assure you all that, I will not waste even one second." On the court proceedings, he further encouraged the parents that there would be speedy dispensation of justice, adding

We’ll emerge stronger from the exercise, says Ayade Coalition writes Buni, Ayu, demands southern presidency Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja There appears to be simmering discontents in the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC), preparatory to the February 26 national convention of the party as some of the chairmanship aspirants have begun to disagree over the mode of election to elect members of the new National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC. But the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Senator Adamu Abdullahi led-nine-member reconciliation committee of the party to calm frayed nerves, saying the party

would come out stronger from the convention. At the same time, a coalition of Civil Society Groups, has called on the APC leadership and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone their presidential tickets to the south for the sake of unity ahead of the 2023 elections. However, with respect to the convention, while some of the aspirants had promised to align with the decision of the party leadership, which seems to be tilting towards consensus arrangement, others said they would preferred an elective convention to elect the chairman of the ruling party. Importantly, they wanted all

the aspirants to be consulted on whatever mode of election – direct, indirect or consensus – as decided by the party. A former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Mr. Abdulkarim Tsafe, told THISDAY that though he would prefer an elective convention, he wouldn't however mind if he emerged the consensus candidate of the party. "If he is the consensus candidate, then good. But we'll prefer to go for elective convention. It is very good if the party leadership will consult the aspirants on the mode of the convention," he said. The Senator representing Niger

Promises to release timetable for 2023 general elections soon The leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, charged its members of staff to remain firm ahead of the 2023 general election, because there would be many attempts to plant negative stories against the commission with a view to dragging it into a mud fight. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, who said this yesterday at a Capacity Building Workshop for Heads of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) and Public Affairs Officers of the Commission from 17 Southern states of Nigeria, also hinted that the commission would soon release the timetable for the

shared video of an Islamic scholar on her verified Instagram page, supported the call for capital punishment, when she wrote in Hausa that, she supported the cleric’s judgement, saying, “We support the judgment of Malam".

APC Convention: Chairmanship Aspirants Disagree over Mode of Election

INEC to Staff: Remain Firm, They’ll Drag You Into Mud Fight Chuks Okocha in Abuja

that, “The government will take good care of the family of our late child, Hanifa, of blessed memory," adding also that the government would do something about the affected school. On her part, Mrs. Buhari, in a

2023 general election. He emphasised the need for INEC’s staff to remain firm and courageous, while engaging the public, warning that some critical stakeholders might misunderstand some of the actions, processes and procedures of the Commission, adding that different meanings would be read into well-intentioned processes and procedures. According to him, "The Commission is a public trust and must be open and transparent. We must, on no account, personalise the issues. We must respond to those that deserve our response and allow the Nigerian people to take a position. Some of the critical stakeholders may misunderstand some of our actions, processes and procedures and read different

meaning into well-intentioned processes and procedures. "It is our responsibility to provide clarity and dispel negative notions and insinuations with potentially damaging impact on the electoral process. Some persons may go to the extent of planting negative stories about the Commission and in the process attempt to drag the Commission into a mud fight. "Some people may, by acts of commission or omission, portray the Commission in bad light. It is our responsibility to remain firm, focused, courageous and engaging," he said Okoye explained that 2022 would be busy and challenging for the Commission, stressing that it would present complex realities

and showcase the complexities of our democracy and electoral process. His words: "In the year 2022, the Commission will release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 general election. The Commission will give the statutory notice signifying the date of election and the place for the submission of nominations. "The Timetable and Schedule of Activities will contain the period for the commencement of campaigns and rallies in public by Political Parties and the last day of campaigns by Political Parties. It will contain the period for party primaries and submission of names of nominated candidates and resolution of issues and challenges arising from party primaries.

East and chairmanship aspirant, Mr. Sani Musa, also said the mode of election would depend on what the legislation stated, stressing that he had no problem whether it would be direct, indirect or consensus. Musa stated: "The mode of election depends on what legislation comes out with. If it is direct, if it is indirect, if it is consensus, I have no problem with it, as long as it is in the statutes of our book (constitution). As long as that is what the legislation is, I will abide by it and go with it." Mr. Sunny Monidafe, on his part, said he would rather align himself with whatever decision the party was going to make, but pointed out that everything must be done transparently. Monidafe, who spoke while addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja and seized the opportunity to deny standing down from the race, said: "Do I prefer consensus, direct or indirect? I am a party man, if my party says they want to do consensus, I will go for it. Direct or indirect, I will go for it. Mallam Saliu Mustapha said the decision as to preference of the options lied squarely with the leadership and stakeholders of the party. Mustapha, who spoke through his Media Aide, Mr. Dapo Okubanjo, told THISDAY that as a candidate, he had done his best to canvass for the support of stakeholders of the party across the country, particularly, the delegates. "So, whichever method the stakeholders adopt at the convention, be it consensus or elective, we believe that our candidate is the candidate to beat. However, as a good and decent politician, he has consistently prayed for guidance

and good direction for the party hierarchy to allow them come up with the option that is best suited for the party at this time – one that will reduce rancor and unite the party in order to position it better to win the next election in 2023 and beyond," he said. Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, said he preferred all the aspirants to go into the field, so, the best candidate could emerge as chairman. He said: “We are many and anyone can be chairman but not everyone can lead this party. All the people seeking to be chairman are qualified but only one person will emerge. It is a family thing and we will all go to the field, and party members will elect who they deem fit." However, speaking on the reconciliation committee, whose membership included the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu, who was in Calabar for a courtesy call on the governor, Ayade said he was optimistic that the APC would emerge from its current challenges stronger and more united. Speaking while welcoming the committee members at the State Executive Council Chamber, the governor said, "Today, we have so many gladiators and today we are the ruling party, but what I know for sure is that at the last minute, APC will always come together and win again and again. "For those, who have some complex permutations that, perhaps, this crisis or this tension arising from the congresses and perhaps, the potential national congress ahead of us will bring to an end the APC, they are just joking.

TUESDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT THE HELM OF AFFAIRS AT NDLEA... L-R: Secretary, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Shedrak Haruna; Chairman/ Chief Executive Oﬃcer, (CCEO), Brigadier General, Buba Marwa (Rtd); Special Adviser to CCEO, Yakubu Bako and Special Photo: ENOCK REUBEN Adviser, National Drug Control Master Plan, Lanre Ipinmisho, during a press brieﬁng on the one year anniversary of the CCEO and the activities of NDLEA in Abuja... yesterday

Abdulsalami: Abiola Wasn’t Poisoned, Died After Brief Illness Narrates events preceding his death Commends Kingibe’s role in managing situation

For the first time in 24 years, a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, yesterday, gave an account of how the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, died, dismissing widely held assumption that he was poisoned. On the contrary, Abdulsalami, who debunked outright, claims that Abiola allegedly died after taking a poisoned tea, further narrated how the late business mogul, died after falling ill in detention, including some of the events preceding his sudden passing. Abiola died on July 7, 1998, at the Medical Centre, Abuja, after he suddenly took ill while meeting some foreign diplomats. According to Abdulsalami, who commended Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, for the role he played in managing the situation, each time the issue of how Abiola died came up, he always smiled, adding: “I still thank God for directing me on things to do,

when he gave me the leadership of this country.” Speaking in an interview with the Trust TV, Kaduna, Abdulsalami said, “Well, I smile,because there were lots of allegations here and there that we killed Abiola. As always, when I am talking about the late Abiola, I still thank God for directing me on things to do when he gave me the leadership of this country. “On the day Moshood Abiola passed away, may he rest in peace, two to three things make me always say I thank my God for the guidance He gave me. One was I received a delegation from America, headed by Pickering, who was then, I think, the Secretary of State or so. In his team, I remember very well, was Susan Rice. I remember her very well, because of the role she played later. “So, after the normal courtesy and discussion we had, when they were leaving my office, Pickering said, ‘Your Excellency, we made a request to see Moshood Abiola,

FAAN Accuses Customs of Breaching Airport Security at MMIA Chinedu Eze The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has accused the Nigeria Customs Service of breaching airport security by forcefully opening security gate at the Cargo Terminal of the airport. FAAN explained that in airport management, Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel of FAAN are recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as being in charge of airport security. Therefore, the agency stated that other security operatives support and ought to take directives from FAAN. It, however, accused Customs officials of breaching security protocol by unilaterally opening security gate against the rule of engagement. FAAN officials said this was against the regulation of ICAO and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which regulates air transport in Nigeria. FAAN in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, alleged that at about 7:00 pm Thursday, January 20, 2022, while the AVSEC officers on day duty at Gate 3 were profiling a NAHCO (Nigeria Aviation

Handling Company Plc) vehicle that wanted to access the Security Restricted Area (SRA) via gate 3, “the Customs Area Comptroller for Hajj and Cargo Terminal suddenly emerged and pulled up behind the NAHCO vehicle that was being attended to and a customs officer (CSC Agunbiade) in the Area Comptroller's entourage later shoved aside the AVSEC Officer at the gate, forcefully took over the gate and opened it for the Comptroller and his escorts to forcefully access the Security Restricted Area via the gate.” FAAN further explained that while accessing the gate, the armed escorts to the Comptroller threatened to beat up the AVSEC officers at the gate if they dared resist their assault and breach of security. “This blatant abuse of the privilege of bearing firearms by the NCS has become a recurrent threat to the Safety and Security of our Staff and our operations. “While we keep on working to resolve all our challenges decisively, we hereby urge all stakeholders to please respect our mandate by being of disciplined and professional conduct in the interest of national security and operational safety,” FAAN said.

but we were denied.’ So, I said ‘Why were you denied? Who denied you? “There and then, I made a decision and I said ‘Look, you will see Moshood definitely. I overruled whoever said you cannot see him.’ So, I now called my Chief Security Officer, I said, ‘Please make arrangement for this team to see Abiola.’ That is one point. “Now, during the incarceration of Moshood Abiola, except his

personal doctor, to my knowledge, no member of his family saw him. So, when I became Head of State, based on consultation and interaction together with Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, I gave the family a date that they could come and see him. “So, a day before he died, his family came to Abuja to see him. For one reason or the other, the whole family could not see him at the same time, so it was agreed

that when this group of his family will see him today, tomorrow the next team will see him. “So, they saw him like yesterday, now this team from US came to see me and I said they could see him. Normally, it was in the evenings the family goes and sees him. So, because I had authorised the American team to see him, so the other part of the family were waiting to see him. “So, it was at this meeting,

when the American team was meeting Abiola that he fell sick and suddenly the security officers called the medical team to come and attend to him, and when they saw the situation, they said it was severe and they needed to take him to the medical centre. So, it was the medical team plus the American team that took him to the medical centre. Unfortunately, at the medical centre, he gave up.

NAFDAC Bans Alcohol in Sachet, Small Containers

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

In a bid to reduce availability and curb abuse of alcohol in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has stopped the registration of alcohol in Sachet and small volume and glass bottles below 200 milliliters amidst other stringent regulatory measures. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye who stated this in a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday, added that the registration of new alcoholic drinks in sachet and small volume and glass bottles above 30 per cent alcohol by volume has also been banned by agency following the recommendation of a high powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on one hand, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the industry represented by the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in December, 2018. Adeyeye, however said the agency would ensure that validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category will not exceed year 2024. The DG explained that manufacturers of low volume alcohol beverages (200ml) with satisfactory laboratory reports, which were already submitted to NAFDAC for registration before the decision was taken, have been directed to reformulate their products to stipulated standards free of charge. According to her, DIBAN was also given a matching order to embark on intensive nation-wide sensitisation against underage consumption of alcohol by

adolescents below the age of 18 years. This was to stem the tide of alcohol abuse in the country. She explained that the producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume had agreed to reduce production by 50 per cent,

while ensuring the products are completely phased out in the country by January 31, 2024. "Even as we grapple with the containment of COVID-19 pandemic, NAFDAC is resolutely committed to the strict

implementation of the regulations and regulatory measures towards safeguarding the Health of Nigerians particularly the vulnerable youths against the dangers of reckless consumption of Alcohol, " Adeyeye said.

Bayelsa Commissioner Regains Freedom as Gov Sacks Paramount Ruler, CDC, Youth Leaders Police declares four wanted

Olusegun Samuel Abducted Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Federal Otokito, regained his freedom last night. His abductors released him five days after he was kidnapped from his Otuokpoti community residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Nebolisa, and the Director of State Security Services, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, presented Otokito to Governor Douye Diri yesterday’ at the Government House, Yenagoa. However, addressing Government House correspondents, Diri announced the deposition of the Otuokpoti community paramount ruler, Chief A.C.T Wongo and appointed Chief Rescue Abe in acting capacity. The governor also announced the sack of the community's development committee chairman, Azibalua Amon and replaced him with Jerry Offor in acting capacity while the youth president, Emolem Igue was also removed and replaced with Shedrach Afiemo. A statement by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah,

quoted the governor as reiterating the state's zero tolerance to crime and kidnapping. Diri warned all those, who considered kidnapping as a business to desist as his government would not hesitate to invoke the extant laws and make the state uncomfortable for criminal elements. He, therefore, called on all community leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that peace prevailed in their environment as government would not hesitate to sanction anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties. Diri, who said preliminary investigation revealed that illegal refining of crude was connected to the kidnap, warned all those involved in the business in the state to stop forthwith. He, however, thanked security agencies and all those, who availed the government of useful information that led to the release of the commissioner, assuring them that his government would continue to make Bayelsa safe for all residents. His words: "I like to thank God that a member of the state exco, who was kidnapped is now here with us. I like to also thank the security agencies and all other

sources that helped in securing the release of the commissioner. Investigation is still ongoing. So, we appeal to all in Otuokpoti to keep the peace and security agencies will keep an eagle eye on Otuokpoti and environs. "Bayelsa will not condone crime and criminality. We have zero tolerance for crime. Let this be a warning to all those, who have taken that as a way of life that Bayelsa is not a state for them. We have anti-kidnapping laws and they will be invoked at all times. As a government, we will do everything to ensure peace for people of the state." Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Nebolisa, while speaking, also declared Joshua Abi, Clergy Mabinton, Gift Tebeda and Azin Azin wanted in connection with the kidnap. In his remarks, Otokito, thanked Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and all those, who worked for his release. Diri, on Sunday, during the Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area 2022 thanksgiving service at Sampou Community, had vowed to rescue the kidnapped commissioner unhurt. He also ruled out ransom for his release.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Coup: Soldiers Overthrow Burkina Faso President Kabore Soldiers in the West African nation of Burkina Faso say they have ousted President Roch Marc Christian Kabore and that a military junta now controls the country. More than a dozen mutinous soldiers appeared on state television Monday to make the announcement and said the takeover had been carried out without violence. Captain Sidsore Kaber Ouedraogo said the new military leaders would create a calendar “acceptable to everyone” for holding new elections. The development follows reports of heavy fighting near the presidential palace in Ouagadougou. The whereabouts of Kabore are not clear. Reports earlier Monday said mutineering soldiers detained him along with other members of his government. Russian Markets Plunge as War Fears Mount The Russian stock market took a dive Monday as war fears triggered a massive sell-off, with tens of billions of dollars wiped from the value of some of the country’s leading businesses. As concerns mount that President Vladimir Putin is poised to order an invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, the ruble also hit a 14-month low, prompting the Central Bank to intervene by halting its regular purchases of foreign currency to help prop up the ruble. “The Bank of Russia has decided not to purchase foreign currency on the domestic market,” the bank said in a statement. “This decision was made in order to reduce the volatility of financial markets.” The bank regularly converts the proceeds of the country’s oil and gas exports to avoid the ruble being impacted by swings in the value of global commodities. The bank offered no details on when it would resume buying foreign currencies. The ruble was down 2.3 per cent in early Monday trading but steadied after the bank’s announcement. Meanwhile, the Russian stock market plunged more than 10 per cent on Monday but was seven per cent down when trading concluded. Since the start of the Russian military buildup on the borders of Ukraine in October, the market has lost more than a quarter of its value. NATO Members Send Ships, Jets to Eastern Europe as Ukraine Tensions Mount The North Atlantic Treaty Organization said Monday its members are sending more ships and fighter jets to eastern Europe in response to Russia’s military buildup along its border with Ukraine. A NATO statement noted announced deployments or considerations for sending additional troops and equipment from multiple nations, including Denmark, Spain, France, the Netherlands and the United States. “NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and defend all allies, including by reinforcing the eastern part of the alliance,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “We will always respond to any deterioration of our security environment, including through strengthening our collective defence.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the United States and its NATO allies of escalating tensions. The United States and Britain also announced orders for their embassy staff and family members in Kyiv to leave Ukraine, citing the potential for Russian military action. Ukraine’s foreign ministry noted the US move but expressed displeasure.

2019. Protesters, mostly young people, marched Monday in the streets of Khartoum and its sister city of Omdurman, according to the prodemocracy movement.

China Flies 50 Warplanes in Taiwan’s Defence Zone More than 50 Chinese aircraft have flown into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in recent days, marking the sharpest escalation in military sorties since the year began. Sunday saw a record 39 flights enter the ADIZ, followed by 13 more on Monday, the government in Taiwan said. The ADIZ is an area of land and sea tracked by Taiwan’s military, including the Taiwan Strait and eastern China. Taipei responded to the incursions by scrambling several of its fighters to confront the Chinese warplanes, and the military tracked them on its air defence radar systems. There was no immediate comment from Beijing on the incursion. China typically sends between one and five aircraft each day in the direction of Taiwan, according to public data shared by Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense. Sunday’s flights by the People’s Liberation Army followed a joint freedom of navigation exercise between the US and Japan in the Philippine Sea, including the aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson and USS Abraham Lincoln. Cameroon Separatists Hold Hostage, Several Oﬃcials, Release Eight Workers Separatists in western Cameroon have released eight rubber plantation workers they abducted earlier this month. But the anglophone rebels are still holding onto five government officials and a top chief they abducted months ago in Cameroon’s Northwest Region. In a video circulating on social media, scores of family members and supporters shout with joy that God has spared the lives of their relatives. Police say the video, taken at the market square in the town of Tiko, also shows eight rubber plantation workers abducted by separatist fighters on January 15. The eight former abductees look tired and hungry in the video but show no signs of physical injury. Gabriel Nbene Vefonge, president of the Cameroon Agriculture and Allied

Envoy: Iran Nuclear Agreement Unlikely Without Release of US Prisoners The United States is unlikely to strike an agreement with Iran to save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal unless Tehran releases four US citizens Washington says it is holding hostage, the lead US nuclear negotiator told Reuters on Sunday. The official, US Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley, repeated the long-held US position that the issue of the four people held in Iran is separate from the nuclear negotiations. However, he moved a step closer to saying that their release was a precondition for a nuclear agreement. Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards have arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreigners in recent years, mostly on espionage and security-related charges. Rights groups have accused Iran of taking prisoners to gain diplomatic leverage, while Western powers have long demanded that Tehran free their citizens, who they say are political prisoners. Tehran denies holding people for political reasons. Workers Trade Union, was in the crowd welcoming back the former abductees. UAE: Ballistic Missiles Launched against Abu Dhabi Intercepted Pakistan Swears in First Female The United Arab Emirates said Supreme Court Judge Monday it intercepted two ballistic Pakistan swore in its first woman missiles targeting Abu Dhabi. Supreme Court judge Monday in what The UAE defence ministry said in a is being hailed as a landmark moment in statement the remnants of the missiles the historically male-dominated judicial fell harmlessly and that no one was history of the Muslim-majority nation. injured. Ayesha Malik, 55, took the oath at The ministry said the UAE is “ready a ceremony in the capital Islamabad to deal with any threats and that it that was televised live. She now joins takes all necessary measures to protect the bench alongside 16 male judges the state from all attacks.” at the top court. Last week, an attack claimed by The process to elevate Malik to the Yemen’s Houthi rebels hit a fuel depot top court from the Punjab provincial in Abu Dhabi, killing three people and high court, which she joined in 2012, wounding six others. had been unusually contentious. The UAE is part of a Saudi-led Pakistan’s nine-member judicial coalition that has carried out multiple commission, which decides on the airstrikes against Houthi positions in promotion of judges, had turned down Yemen since last week’s attack. Malik’s elevation last year before voting Saudi state media also reported 5-4 to elect her this year. Sunday that a Houthi-fired ballistic Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, who missile fell in the southern part of Saudi administered the oath to her, told Arabia, injuring at least one person. reporters after the ceremony that Malik was competent enough to be elevated Lone Gunman Opens Fire at German to the Supreme Court. University On Monday, a gunman at a German More Anti-Coup Protests as Turmoil university wounded three and killed in Sudan Continues one during a lecture in the school’s Thousands of Sudanese took to the auditorium before fatally shooting streets in the capital of Khartoum and himself. other cities Monday, activists said, The incident took place at the continuing relentless anti-coup protests University of Heidelberg in southwestern that have rocked the country since a Germany, and police say the man military coup three months ago. appears to have acted alone. According to the activists, security “We assume that there was only one forces fired tear gas to disperse perpetrator. At this stage we see no protesters in several locations in the further danger to the public,” police capital, including the area around the said. fortified presidential palace, which The suspect, alleged to be a student, has seen clashes in previous rounds reportedly used a rifle and had other of protests since the October 25 coup. firearms. The military takeover has upended No motive has been determined. Sudan’s transition to democratic rule “My sympathy in this terrible after three decades of repression and situation. So terrible. I am shocked,” international isolation under autocratic tweeted lawmaker Franziska Brantner, President Omar al-Bashir. The African who is from the area. nation has been on a fragile path to Heidelberg has about 160,000 democracy since a popular uprising inhabitants and is located to the south of forced the military to remove al-Bashir Frankfurt. The university is Germany’s and his Islamist government in April oldest and best known.

TUESDAY JANUARY 25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Make Refineries Function again, Afenifere, PANDEF Urge FG

Deji Elumoye inAbuja

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have faulted the plan by the federal government to indefinitely suspend the removal of fuel subsidy. The two groups in reactions to the government’s move yesterday said the only way out is for government to get the four refineries working at optimal level to bring the petroleum products prices to the barest minimum. The groups, in separate reactions, also accused the government of not having the interest of the masses at heart before formulating policies. The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, told THISDAY that it is unfortunate that Nigeria could still be talking of fuel subsidy six years into the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. According to him, President Buhari and his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) told Nigerians when campaigning to be voted into power that fuel subsidy was a scam. He said: “They promised to do away with it if voted into power. Beyond that, the party and its candidates promised to revamp the then comatose

petroleum refineries. “Over six years after the party came to power, the amount being taunted for subsidy has gone up considerably while none of the

four refineries in the country is working. Afenifere maintained that Nigerians are not impressed by the government’s decision to

postpone the subsidy removal till further notice. “It did so not necessarily because it loves Nigerians but because of the undisguised

resolve of the people to resist such unhelpful step. The group submitted that what President Muhammadu Buhari administration can do as far

as petroleum in the country is concerned, “is to get the refineries working which will thereafter bring the prices of kerosene, petrol, diesel and gas down considerably”.

ARDOVA RECORDS GIANT STRIDES…

L-R: Executive Director, Finance & Business Support Services, Ardova Plc, Mr. Moshood Olajide; Head, Corporate Banking, Union Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Sola Olubi; Assistant Director Services, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mrs. Bassey Efemona Judith; Chief Executive Officer, Ardova Plc, Mr. Olumide Adeosun; Chairman, Ardova Plc, Mr. AbdulWasiu Sowami, and Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mr. Oludele Sotubo during the Ardova Plc’s 20,000 metric tonnes LPG Storage Facility Groundbreaking ceremony in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

Army Restates Determination PDP Nullifies Ekiti Ward Delegate Congresses to End Insurgency, Other Security Challenges Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Commander, Nigeria Army Armoured Corps(NAAC), Major General S. Idris, has again reiterated the determination of the Nigerian Army to end insurgency in the North-east and other security challenges facing the country. General Idris gave the assurance at the 2021 Combined West Africa Social Activities (WASA) of Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured Corps(NAAC), Nigerian Army Armour School(NAAS) and 211 Battalion celebration, held at the Obienu Barracks, Bauchi. The commander, who commended the Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lt.

General Farouk Yahaha for his immense support to the Corps, and the dynamic leadership and guidance he had provided to the Nigerian Army, assured of the commitment of the Nigerian Army in maintaining the security in the nation as well as evolving a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles. “Our priorities are, just as the Chief of Army Staff mentioned, is continuous training, welfare of the troops, and we will ensure we provide maximum support to the troops so that they will effectively secure our territorial integrity and protect the citizens of this country,” he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday nullified the ward delegate congresses it conducted in Ekiti state on the 15th of January, 2022. The party has also disclosed that it will use the statutory/ automatic delegate list to conduct its governorship primary election scheduled to hold this week in Ekiti state. This was part of the resolutions reached by the National Working Committee

(NWC) of the party over Ekiti State election matters. Ekiti State has been embroiled in crisis after the congresses conducted by three-man ad-hoc ward delegate on the 15th of January, 2022. Addressing journalists shortly after an emergency meeting to thoroughly deliberate on the reports of the Special Committee and that of Appeal Panel, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, disclosed the position of the party on Ekiti state primary.

The resolutions of the party said: “That all parties and stakeholders have agreed to abide by the decision of the party in all matters relating to all issues concerning the position of the party in Ekiti state. “That the three-man ad-hoc ward delegate congresses in Ekiti state held on 15th January, 2022 is hereby nullified. “That the party’s governorship primary election shall be conducted using the statutory/automatic delegate

list. That all pending court cases in all matters relating to the congresses in Ekiti state must be withdrawn herewith. “That any person defiant to the decision to withdraw all pending court cases which contradicts the provisions of the party’s Constitution shall be referred to the disciplinary committee of the party. That the party assures all aspirants, stakeholders and party faithful of a free, fair, transparent and credible governorship primary election in Ekiti state.”

Alabi Assumes Office as Lagos CP, Promises Effective Policing Chiemelie Ezeobi Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alabi has assumed office as the 37th CP for Lagos State Command. The new CP was recently posted to the state following the elevation of the immediate past CP, Hakeem Odumosu to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General(AIG) of Police

and subsequent redeployment to the Force Headquarters, Abuja as AIG Federal Operations (FEDOPS). After the handover, CP Abiodun promised robust policing through intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, public partnership and more importantly, respect for fundamental human rights

of all citizens. He said: “Although Lagos State is undoubtedly a familiar turf for me having served in the state for many years in different capacities, nevertheless, it has become necessary to bring to the fore my template and policing vision visibility policing and dominance of security space by ensuring the presence of policemen at

all times to deter criminals as a preventive measure and ensure that Rapid Response Squad is encouraged and strengthened to respond promptly and effectively to citizens’ concerns. “Respect for fundamental Human Rights by ensuring that no breach of Human Rights will be tolerated under my command and watch.

Representatives Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has underscored the importance of collaboration between public institutions and the private sector, saying that partnerships between the public and private institutions are bound to promote good governance and sustainable development.

of Understanding (MoU) between the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on law reform. According to him, contrary to what a lot of people think, governance is about collaboration and not about

inception of the 9th House has witnessed positive results in the passage of some critical laws in the country. He said: “This is basically the formalization of something that’s already working. The signing of the MoU may seem symbolic, but I see it beyond that. I see it as a way

love. Contrary to what a lot of people think, I always believe that governance is about collaboration; it’s about everybody. It’s not about politicians alone, it’s about everybody, so we’ve got to maximize our efforts and potential to bold, bigger and better things for this country.

Edo Community Cries to IG over Plot to Free Gbajabiamila, NBA Strengthen Collaboration on Law Reform Gbajabiamila stated this politicians alone. He added of deepening our democracy Udora Orizu in Abuja yesterday during the signing that collaboration between and developing the country, Murder Suspect The Speaker of the House of ceremony of a Memorandum the two bodies since the which we all so passionately AdibeEmenyonuinBeninCity

The elders and members of Ekiugbo Community in Uhunwonde Local Government Area of Edo State have cried out to the Inspector General Police , Usman Alkali Baba over alleged attempt by the Legal Section of the Force CIID to burgle investigation and set free the alleged murder of their son Justin Omoruyi. Their son, the late Ikpomnwosa Omoruyi was allegedly murdered by Justin Omoruyi and others, on their way back from Ekiugbo Community, in Uhunwonde Local Government Area of Edo State on the 12th of October,2021. The community noted that after a painstaking investigation by the SWAT team which linked the murder suspect to the death of Ikpomwonsa, they were shocked

that the legal section in the force CIID had suddenly resort to measures unknown to the law to pervert justice. While seeking for justice on the matter, they pointed out that the autopsy report had shown a link with the gun found with the suspect, appealing to the IG to order the Legal Section of the AIG Zone 5 Headquarters Benin to take over the case file as they no longer have confidence in the Legal Section of the Force CIID , handling the matter. In a complaint to the Nigeria Police Complaint Response Unit, through the approved platforms on behalf by the Solicitors to the complainants, Douglas Ogbankwa, noted: “That Justin Omoruyi was identified by eye witnesses , who saw him participating actively in the killing of the deceased on the 12th of October, 2021.

Surety Withdraws from N4.6bn Money Laundering Case Wale Igbintade

There was mild drama at the Federal high court, yesterday as a surety to a former National Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Yusuf Danjuma, standing trial over charges bordering on laundering of N4.6 billion, informed the court

that he was no longer willing to stand as his surety. Danjuma alongside a former Minister of Aviation, Femi FaniKayode and a former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman are facing charges of money laundering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,

EFCC. Also charged is a company, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Ltd.However, Clement Onwuenwuenor, SAN lawyer to Danjuma urged the court to allow him speak with the surety and plead with him to have a change of mind. The trial judge, Justice Daniel

Osiagor granted the request and stood down the case for 30 minutes. When trial resumed, Yusuf Danjuma’s lawyer Clement Onwuenwuenor, SAN, informed the court that the surety has been persuaded to wait until the next adjourned date to withdraw himself as surety.

TUESDAY JANUARY25, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

UNICEF Tasks Buhari on Increasing Funding for Education Kuni Tyessi and Michael Olugbode inAbuja As the world celebrates the International Day of Education yesterday, UNICEF has commended the federal government’s pledge to increase Nigeria’s annual domestic education expenditure by 50 per cent over the next two years, and by 100 per cent by 2025. The Fund also reminded President Muhammadu Buhari of his commitment to increase Nigeria’s annual domestic education expenditure by 50 per cent over the next two years, and by 100 per cent by 2025. UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, said in the Nigeria’s N17 trillion 2022 budget signed into law at the end of 2021, 7.2 per cent was allocated to the education sector. This is a step forward, an increase from 5.7 per cent allocated for 2021. However, there is still a long way to go to reach the internationally recommended benchmark that countries should spend 15 to 20 per cent of their national budgets on education. UNICEF said Nigeria’s education system can be transformed through adequate funding to ensure schools are safe; the application of genderresponsive policies, including

recruitment of female teachers, and improved facilities for girls. Others are the creation of multiple and flexible learning pathways for students, such as digital and transferable skills learning; the integration

of foundational numeracy and literacy in Qur’anic schools; and teacher training in the latest teaching methodologies. It recalled that in 2021, there were 25 attacks on schools. 1,440 children were abducted, and 16

children killed in Nigeria. Also, in March 2021, no fewer than 618 schools were closed in six northern states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Niger, and Yobe over the fear of attack and abduction of pupils and members of staff. The

closure of schools in these states significantly contributed to learning losses for over two months. According to the global organisation, “The Nigerian Government has committed to increasing funding for education,

which is a very important stepmany Nigerian children today are not in the classroom – and for those who are, many are not getting a solid education that can translate into good prospects for their futures.

KELLOGG’S SCHOLARSHIP BOOST…

L-R; Deputy Director, Public Aﬀairs, Lagos State Ministry of Information, Mr. Tayo Ogunbiyi; Director, Science and Technology, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Grace Akinfoyewa; a winner of Kellogg’s Superstar Scholarship 3.0, Mamud Mazeedah; Marketing Manager, Kellogg’s Mr. Darlington Igbabali; and representative of Association of Private Education of Nigeria (APEN), Mrs. Kemi Famuyide during the award presentation to winners of Kellogg’s Superstars Scholarship 3.0 in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

Obuah Commends Wike’s EFCC Re-arraigns Usman, Fani-Kayode, Two Efforts on Security in Rivers Others for Alleged N1.5bn Fraud Blessing IbungeinPortHarcourt

The former Chairman of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Mr. Felix Obuah, has commended the State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for sanitising the state environment through the clampdown on illegal oil refinery operators. Obuah, who is the Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), lauded Governor Wike for taking the bull by the horn. He said: “The governor deserves more than a pat on the back for all

his efforts and concern for the safety of the mass of Rivers people and those doing business in the state. “There is no gainsaying the fact that soot constituted serious health hazard in the state and has put the lives of several people on the line and should not be allowed to continue unchecked.” Obuah observed that the action and directives of the governor to the local government chairmen and traditional rulers in the state to identify and destroy every illegal refining sites should be appreciated and complemented by all concerned and relevant authorities.

Ekiti 2022: Group Warns Southern Aspirants against Betrayal Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti A group under the auspices of Ekiti Concerned Citizens’ Group (ECCG), has warned governorship aspirants of Ekiti South Senatorial extraction against accepting deputy governorship slot from any party, saying whoever betrays this would be treated as “Judas” in the zone. The group insisted that the All Progressives Congress(APC) , Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and other parties must pick their candidates from Ekiti South Senatorial

District for the June 18, 2022 governorship election. The group considered it outrageous, the brazen marginalisation of the South since the advent of democracy in 1999, saying time to correct the anomaly is now for the purpose of equity, fairness, justice and the future generation of Ekiti. The ECCG said this in Ado Ekiti yesterday at a press conference addressed by its chairman, Femi Babalola, shaping the minds of voters ahead of the PDP and APC primaries slated for Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

Sunday Sun Editor Loses Wife The family of Mr. Chidi Nnadi of Umuafom Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has announced the death of their wife, mother and sister, Mrs. Hope Kelechi Nnadi. Mrs Nnadi, who was the wife of the Sunday Sun editor, died in a Lagos hospital after a protracted illness. Mr. Nnadi, who made this known yesterday in Lagos, said that his late wife was a devoted Christian. According to him, the late Mrs .Nnadi will be buried on a later date to be announced

by the family. She is survival by her husband, Chidi; son, Chisom; and daughter, Oluchi.

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, re-arraigned a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Esther Usman; a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; a former National Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON, Yusuf Danjuma and a company, Joint-Trust Dimensions Nigeria

this Honourable Court in Lagos, conspired amongst yourselves to indirectly retain the sum of N1,500, 000,000.00, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) & 4 of the same Act.”

The defendants, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the 17-count charge. In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, asked the court for a trial date. However, counsel to the first defendant, Usman, Ferdinand Orbih, (SAN), urged the court to allow the the defendants to continue on the bail terms previously granted them by the court.

Marwa Charges Communities on Drug War at First Anniversary Michael Olugbode in Abuja Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has said that a special task force is currently working across the country to track and dismantle drug cartels behind the production and distribution of methamphetamine,

popularly called Mkpuru mmiri, being abused by youths in parts of the country. Marwa disclosed this while answering questions from journalists at a press briefing at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja yesterday to mark his first year anniversary as the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA.

The drug czar challenged communities across Nigeria to take ownership of the war against drug abuse as those in South East states are presently doing by standing up to those engaging in abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs. He said: “If you look at the preponderance of the dealers in drugs, I’m not saying anything new but the South-east has

the predominance and that’s a fact. Who are the Boko Haram people? I know they are not Yoruba and I know they are not people from Edo, but if you go to the North-west and ask who are the bandits, I know they are not from Cross River or from Lagos. If you ask the people doing the human trafficking, the women, you know from where.

Osun Factional APC Chairman Denies Smear Campaign against Oyetola The Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile led faction of the All progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has denied allegation of smear campaign against Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration, the state government should come out to substantiate the allegation. Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Biodun Agboola, in a statement issued yesterday, said such allegation was unfounded,

stressing that Oyetola’s administration should be the one to be reminded of many campaigns of calumny it has waged against his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola since 2018. Agboola said: Oyetola’s administration should rather check itself properly, saying it is being chased by its own shadow, noting that karma of what he did to his predecessor

must be fast catching up with them. According to him, vigorous and deliberate efforts were made by the governor and his team in feeding the public with falsehood with a view to blackmailing Aregbesola. Agboola said the governor is crying wolf where there is none in his allegation that a smear campaign was being plotted against him and his

government. He said said it is amazing that a governor who has spent the last three years maligning and setting up groups to blackmail his predecessor has raised the alarm over smear campaign. He listed different cases of deliberate falsehood which the Oyetola’s government, for reasons best known to it, had funded and promoted in the last three years.

Zulum’s Spokesman Bags Distinction in Masters Degree Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

Mrs. Nnadi

Limited, on a 17-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful retention to the tune of N1,500,000,000.00 before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. One of the counts read: “ That you, Nnenadi Esther Usman, Femi Fani-Kayode, Danjuma Yusuf and Jointrust Dimensions Nigeria Ltd., on or about the 8th day of January, 2015, within the jurisdiction of

Spokesman to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Mallam Isa Gusau has bagged a distinction in Masters of Arts (MA) Degree in Media and Public Relations from University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Unlike Nigerian universities which only classify graduate

degrees, UK universities classify Masters degrees starting with Pass classification for ‘C’ students, Merit for ‘B’ students, and Distinction for ‘A’ students. Gusau had in 2020 requested one-year study leave which was graciously granted by Professor Zulum after which he moved to the UK in September 2020, from where he was overseeing the governor’s media activities

by remotely working with his colleagues, coordinating his own office with daily inputs on publicity materials, working with and mentoring dozens of social-media associates and bloggers, and relating with more than a hundred journalists while also studying at the University of Leicester. The University of Leicester has 100 years of history and it is

one of the UK’s highly respected academic institutions where only extreme commitments result in students graduating with the highest grades after every module’s assessment undergoes simultaneous double markings by different lecturers whose different gradings must reasonably tally on each grade before marks are approved by academic boards.

TUESDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Balogun, Yobo Sad over Eagles Last 16 AFCON Ouster Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, has expressed his sadness over the ouster of Nigeria from the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon. The Glasgow Rangers defender who missed the action in Cameroon due to injury, yesterday lamented the exit of Nigeria to the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on Sunday by lone goal in Garoua. Balogun is has just recovered from the injury was part of Nigeria’s final list but has to drop out due to fitness issues. Balogun through his social media handle praised the players’ performance and called on Nigerians to keep on supporting the team. ” An extremely bitter defeat ends our title aspirations at AFCON2021. That doesn’t change the fact that they’ve been a joy to watch. “So please, don’t let negativity and bashing of players take over. Instead, keep supporting them

as you did before Sunday,” the former Mainz 05 defender stressed. Balogun is expected to be back when Nigeria face Ghana’s Black Stars in the playoffs round of the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers in March. Similarly, Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Joseph Yobo, yesterday expressed his anger at the red card given to Alex Iwobi last Sunday. The former Everton defender insisted that Iwobi should not

the red card changed everything for us. Iwobi is a top player, and he could have added a lot of value to the team,” stressed Yobo who as non playing captain led Nigeria to win AFCON 2013 in South Africa.

Guinea 0 - 1 Gambia

(Tuesday Jan 25) Senegal v Cape Verde (5pm) Morocco v Malawi (8pm)

(Wed January 26) Ivory Coast v Egypt (5pm) Mali v E’Guinea (8pm)

Alex Iwobi (second left) was sent oﬀ for a perceived dangerous tackle during the Nigeria versus Tunisia Last 16 clash on Sunday night

Cameroon progress to face The Gambia in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Debutants Comoros, ranked 132nd in the world, went into the game without a recognised keeper after Salim Ben Boina was ruled out through injury and Ali Ahamada and Moyadh Ousseini tested positive for Covid-19. The Indian Ocean islanders hoped Ahamada might return after a negative test on the morning of the game, but organisers Confederation of African Football (CAF) said the 30-year-Old had not fulfilled its protocols.

restrictions it was not meant to be more than 80% full. Match officials were quoted as saying that some 50,000 people were trying to attend. Nurse Olinga Prudence told AP that some of the injured were in a "desperate condition". The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said in a statement that it is "currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired". The last 16 match between Cameroon and Comoros took place despite the incident and ended with a 2-1 win for the hosts.

Despair for Guinea as Musa Barrow Fires Gambia into Last 8 Gambia kept the dream alive Both teams finished the after they beat Guinea 1-0 at the Kouekong Stadium yesterday evening to progress to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. Musa Barrow was the hero again for Tom Saintfiet's side as his 71st-minute strike proved to be the difference in Bafoussam.

in the mixed zone on a Sunday night. “We can look at it from different angles, but it was harsh in my own opinion – a yellow card would have been fair. “We haven’t seen the replay, but

Cameroon 2 - 0 Comoros

Six People Dead, Several Others Injured at Cameroon Stadium Six people were reported to have been killed and dozens hurt in a crush outside a stadium hosting an Africa Cup of Nations match in Cameroon. Video footage showed football fans struggling to get access to the Paul Biya stadium in a neighbourhood of the capital Yaounde. Naseri Paul Biya, governor of Cameroon's central region, said there may be more casualties, AP News reported last night. Another report said a number of children had lost consciousness. The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but because of Covid

launching a comeback. “I went to the assistant referee and I asked him, and he said it was a collision. Fair enough, there was no intent to hurt anybody because it was in the middle of the park,” Yobo told GOAL.com

RESULTS

Hosts Cameroon Overcome Hard-fighting 10-man Comoros to Reach Q’final Cameroon narrowly beat 10-man Comoros in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations, despite playing against a side with an outfield player as goalkeeper. Goals from Karl Toko Ekambi and Vincent Aboubakar gave the Indomitable Lions a 2-1 win after Nadjim Abdou's early red. But Comoros will take the headlines after giving the hosts a massive scare. Youssouf M'Changama scored a stunning free-kick and Chaker Alhadhur, normally a left-back, produced a brilliant performance as stand-in goalkeeper.

have been sent off for his challenge on Youssef Msakni during Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat to Tunisia. That decision did not go well with Yobo, who stated that it ruined Nigeria’s chances of

round-of-16 encounter with 10 men following the second-half dismissals of Yusupha Njie and Ibrahima Conte. The possession was equally shared in the first half, although the Scorpions looked far more dangerous on the ball than their opponents.

Cameroon’s Toko Ekambi (centre) giving hi-ﬁve salute to his captain, Vincent Aboubakar shortly after the Indomitable Lions PHOTO: BBC reached the quarter ﬁnals...yesterday.

Nigerian Basketball Players Petition FG, Kick against NBBF Election Threaten to mobilise foreign-based players to shun national team Olawale Ajimotokanin Abuja The Nigeria Basketball Players Association has petitioned the federal government over the unresolved Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) saga. The petition, which was signed by the current players’ representative on NBBF board, Ejike Ugboaja and the newly elected players’ representative on the NBBF, Stanley Gumut, was addressed to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare. A copy of the petition was also sent to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari and the NOC President,

Habu Gumel. The players expressed indignation and dismay at the leadership crisis that has trailed basketball development in Nigeria and the attendant international odium it has brought on the country. They said basketball in Nigeria may be heading for the rocks in no distant time if the situation at hand is not salvaged appropriately. They regretted that the reconciliation committee which Dare constituted to reach out to the various factions with the view of seeking and achieving amicable resolution to the crisis has not in any way delivered on its mandate towards the NBBF elections scheduled for January 31. “We have it on good authority

and beyond shadows of doubt that, the players who are the main stakeholders of this game have not been consulted, contacted. No meeting has been held with the reconciliation committee. There is no publication of a report from the reconciliation committee on their efforts, findings and prescriptions. The implication being that, the crisis that led to the formation of the committee is far from being resolve,” they said. They also said to their disbelief and total dismay, Mr. Ahmadu Musa Kida is still being referred to in official correspondences of the Ministry as the President of the NBBF long after his official tenure has elapse and his Caretaker appointment dissolved by the minister. “We find this disturbing

and totally unacceptable as it infringes on our sensibility and the legitimacy of the dissolution of the Caretaker Committee which you did.” They threatened that in the event of failure to give credence to their request which is in the overall interest of basketball and sports development in Nigeria, they will mobilise relevant stakeholders and supporters and stage a mega protest to press home their demands. In addition, they vowed that Nigerian basketball players, home and abroad would not play if these issues were not resolved. Speaking to reporters after leaving a copy of the letter at the minister’s office, Gumut said that election would not go ahead until all the cases were resolved.

TUESDAY, ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Super Eagles players and oﬃcials licking their wounds after the ouster from AFCON 2021 in Cameroon

PHOTO: ShengoPix

Beyond Eagles Fall In Cameroon Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigerians are angry with Super Eagles at the moment. That is understandable. This is a football nation. We love our Super Eagles and hate to see the team lose. Crashing out of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Last 16 stage is something we find difficult to swallow. The last time this happened was at the edition hosted by Muammar Ghaddafi’s Libya in 1982. So the anger is understandable. After whetting our appetite with 100 per cent record in the group stage, Nigerians looked forward to Eagles progressing to nothing short of semi final, at the least. Any team that take the Pharaohs of Egypt to the cleaners have elevated the stakes and more are expected from such a team. Defeating Egypt

with Mohamed Salah and all the big name players in top European leagues signalled a resurgence of a sort for the Super Eagles. Two more victories against Sudan and Guinea Bissau created that feeling that more should be expected from Augustine Eguavoen and his wards in Cameroon. However, many Nigerian ball fans were blinded to the reality that this same team some weeks back was floundering under German Gernot Rohr. The last 18 months of Rohr’s near six-year stint with Nigeria reduced our game to the level of Cape Verde and Central African Republic. At some point, several Nigerians lost interests in watching Eagles play. The spectacle was not only unedifying but lacked everything known about the Nigerian game. And so, there was nothing unusual for

Nigerians to begin to renew hopes, seeing the resurgence happening in Eagles with those three initial victories in the group stage of the AFCON 2021. I must admit that I was amongst the legions of Nigerians excited by the new development under Eguavoen. But I had my worries which I voiced out. As much as I was impressed by the victories, I knew it was just a matter of time for any sound technical bench to find solution for Eagles wing play. The Tunisians did. They watched Nigeria’s games in the group stage and realised that our strength lies in Moses Simon. They ensured that at every point, two defenders were on him and even seized the midfield. The outcome of this was that Moses Simon was effectively muscled out. That made Eagles attack, usually orchestrated from

the left flank blunt. Eguavoen and his bench was lost. He didn’t have a Plan B or C in such a situation. He could not switch game plan to ensure that we exploit the middle since the Tunisians had locked the wings. This is where Sadiq Umar would have come handy, had he been brought in early. He may not be a Rashidi Yekini yet, the Almeria of Spain forward sure have those qualities of the early days of Yekini before he became a complete striker. With either of Taiwo Awoniyi or Kelechi Iheanacho supporting, perhaps, the story would have been different. It was appalling listening to Eguavoen giving excuses that his players were slow in reacting to how the Tunisians played in the first half. Whose responsibilities was it to change the game when his Plan A had

been neutralized? Why stick to the same game when it was not producing the desired result? The 4-4-2 plan didn’t work once Simon was out. Without any creative midfielder with the capacity to switch the game, Eagles were going no where with what the Tunisians did. Anyway, all that is history now with the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon. One lesson Nigeria must take away from the outing in Paul Biya’s country is that Eagles have the talents to flourish under a knowledgeable gaffer. It was the same players that were ‘bad’ under Rohr’s watch that became ‘good’ under Eguavoen. And the ex-international failed to emulate the late Stephen Keshi of leading Eagles to the El Dorado because of his poor judgement

Unforgettable Memories of Port Harcourt Polo Club Golden Jubilee Festival Olu Osagie The prestigious 2022 Port Harcourt Golden Jubilee Polo Tournament ended with a thrilling climax last weekend with teams from Kaduna, Lagos, Yola, The Navy and host Port Harcourt sweeping top laurels. From the launch of the Arena Polo facility, the glittering award ceremony, the rich display of culture, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration to the mega musical entertainment, the golden jubilee anniversary polo festival will continue to linger in the memories of polo buffs across the country and beyond. After eight days of bumper polo actions pitting 33 top teams with all the big names in the noble game of kings and foreign professionals from Europe and Argentina, Kaduna Trappco emerged the top kings, carting home the event’s biggest laurel, the King Diette-Spiff Cup. As the biggest sporting festival in the oil rich Niger Delta region, the anniversary polo fiesta lived up to its cutting edge thrills and excitements, with The Nigerian Navy, Hasske & William and the Navy teams winning the OB Lulu Briggs Cup and T.Y Danjuma Cup respectively.

The spectacular polo festival also threw up Lagos GDF team as the proud winners of the glittering King T.J.T Princewill Cup, with home teams led by Strata Base/ Solotone, Bob Track, Shabazz, carting home runners-up laurels. Traditional rulers, polo administrators and aficionados and tourists from across the world who witnessed the week long international festival, were full of praises to the organisers and players for showcasing their awesome talents in a most friendly atmosphere. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Management and the entire Members of the Port Harcourt Polo Club, may I humbly thank everyone for making the epoch Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration such a huge the success, “ Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, President of Port Harcourt Polo Club stressed in his closing remarks. “The fact that tourists from abroad and polo enthusiasts from other parts of the country attend this festival annually attests to the immense tourism and social values of the exciting game of kings in the oil rich region and Nigeria,” he noted further. Dr. Dimkpa confirmed that the club and the Nigerian Army have agreed to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance

Day during the Port Harcourt polo tournament every year. He specially thanked the founding fathers of the club and Chairman Board of Trustees, H.R.M. King Alfred Diette-Spiff for his fatherly advice and presence throughout the grand celebrations. “I want to say a heartfelt

thank you to every one of our sponsors both corporate and individuals. We are grateful for your continuous support for our activities. We look forward to more mutually beneficial relationships between us. To the events planners and vendors, we say a very big thank you.

“To all the teams who participated in the tournament, we say thank you for honoring our invitation and for giving us worldclass displays of this beautiful game all through the tournament. We look forward to hosting you in future tournaments,” Dimkpa beamed with pride.

in the game against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia. Already, talks of who succeeds Eguavoen have started, with several trolling on social media those critics believed cost us the ticket to the quarter final. After the disaster that Rohr portends for the Nigerian game (most especially his last 18 months), the NFF cannot afford to make the same mistake as the 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana is barely two months away. If the contract with Portuguese Jose Peseiro has not been signed, it should be discarded. There is nothing in his resume to suggest he’s bringing to the table anything tangible. Every good coach is rated by his last job. If Nigeria cannot hire a top rated coach for now, Eguavoen should be left to continue from where he stopped at this AFCON. He must have learnt from his mistake and make amends after reviewing his team’s outing against Tunisia. Three different coaches for Eagles between December and March leave much to be desired. The new flair Nigerians are seeing of our Super Eagles should be allowed to flourish. We should be able to pick the World Cup ticket with little resistance from the Black Stars otherwise, a major crisis looms for the administration of the game in the country.

Founding Father and Chairman, Port Harcourt Polo Club Board of Trustees, H.R.M. King Alfred Diette-Spiﬀ (centre) and Port Harcourt Polo President and Patron Strata Base polo, Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa (with trophy), at the closing ceremony of the Golden Jubilee edition of the club last weekend in the Garden City

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

UT H

& RE A S O

Price: N250

MISSILE

Archbishop Onaiyekan to Politicians

“We need a new concept of political power as service for the common good as we approach the next election. The system we see around us now is riddled with corruption and godfatherism, which can only produce career politicians, for whom political oﬃce is a matter of business and investment to be recouped in oﬃce”---Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, berating Nigerian politicians’ misdemeanours.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Super Eagles, Maduka Okoye And The AFCON Defeat

igerians are very bad losers in politics, sports or both. Nothing illustrates this better than the politics of acrimony that is already emerging over the mode of primaries for the 2023 general election. But even more specifically, would be the anguish, outrage and frustration that have attended the exit of the Super Eagles from the 2021 edition of the African Cup of Nations Tournament in Cameroon. The Super Eagles finished in the preliminary group stage as the best team with all the nine points, having led Group D, where they were able to beat Egypt (1-0), Sudan (3-1) and Guinea Bissau (2-0). Four Nigerian players were included in the best XI after that round. Austin Eguavoen, Technical Director of the Super Eagles and interim coach of the team won the best coach award. The entire country was excited. Initial fears by Nigerian football pundits that the Super Eagles would fare badly if Gernot Rohr, former coach of the national team was not removed had been replaced by boundless optimism that it was fine after all that Rohr was sacked, and that without him, the country would perform exceedingly well. Eguavoen, the tested footballer who replaced Rohr, was promoted as master tactician who could in fact be promoted the substantive coach of the Super Eagles. Eguavoen was further used to justify the fact that there are good indigenous coaches who only needed to be given a chance. It should be noted that no other factor unifies Nigerians more than football, especially when the country is competing on a continental or global stage. At such moments, Nigerians forget geography, religion and other differences that push us apart. It is only during such moments that you can have a glimpse of national pride, or patriotism among Nigerians at home and abroad from Cairo to Kaura Namoda. It was therefore not surprising to see that the Super Eagles caught the attention of the entire country with their performance during the group stage at AFCON. Men and women of means represented by the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, visited the Super Eagles and promised them a Dollar Rain, denominated in Naira, for every match they won from the group stage onwards. Between CA-COVID, the private sector coalition, and Femi Otedola, the billionaire who personally promised a largesse of $250, 000, the country’s adrenaline level rose. Go for gold, boys, we all said. The Super Eagles had won the African Cup of Nations thrice in the past (1980, 1994, 2013). They were runners up thrice (1984, 1988, 2000). At other times they got to either the quarter finals or the semi-finals. Between 1982 and 1990, they were eliminated during the group stage only once. The bubble about the possibility of Nigeria getting to the finals of the on-going AFCON, based on group stage performance burst on Sunday, January 23 when the Super Eagles of Nigeria met the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia. In the 47th minute of the match, Tunisian ace player, Youseff Msakni sent a long volley in the direction of the Nigerian goal post. It looked like something that the goalkeeper of the Arise TV football team could easily punch away, but Nigerians were shocked to see the ball in the net, going past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. The Super Eagles struggled for the rest of the match, but the Tunisians defended their goal, and now, the Super Eagles are out of the tournament. Nigerians are in pains. They think the team could have done better, the goalkeeper in particular. One elementary lesson in football is that no team can or should be underrated, and that every match comes with its own dynamics. And no team should rely on initial success and then go to sleep. And three, the better prepared team, the most technically smart team, psychologically strong and skilful would always win. Luck is a very small element in a sport that has risen to the level of the exactitude of science.

One of the Super Eagles player weeping after the match with Tunisia... on Monday Nigerians do not want to hear this. They are inconsolable. This is why I argue that we are bad losers. What happened to sportsmanship? Many of the people bursting a vein because the Super Eagles have crashed out of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) would not have received a penny out of the proposed Dollar Rain, anyway. Let’s look at the excuses. Austin Eguavoen, the interim coach has since stepped down, to return immediately to his formal position as Technical Director of the Super Eagles. This means that the Super Eagles would now be managed going forward by Jose Poseiro, the Portuguese coach that the NFF engaged in December 2021, just before the AFCON. The defeat of the Super Eagles in Cameroon may be unfortunately read as a setback for indigenous coaches, unfortunately, because of Eguavoen’s stature and past records. He blames poor officiating, and the Senegalese referee, Mguette N’Diaye. Why? Alex Iwobi got a red card in the 66th minute reducing the Super Eagles to 10. Iheanacho also got a yellow card. There may have been cases of poor refereeing at AFCON, the most dramatic example being the group stage match between Tunisia and Mali which the Rwandan referee, Janny Sikazwe, ended prematurely twice as if he was in a hurry to catch up with a date. But Nigeria cannot give such excuse. Many teams have won with 10 men on the field, overcoming an 11-man team in come-back situations. Bayern beating Stuttgart 4-0, in March 2021, Chelsea 10 men beating West Ham 4-1, way back in 2006, Manchester City coming up from 3-0 down and with ten men to beat Tottenham 4-3 in the 2003-4 FA Cup, Chelsea beating Barcelona in the second leg of the 2012 Champions League semi-final, Arsenal beating Newcastle 1-0 with just 10 men in 2015, Manchester United beating Crystal Palace 2-1, with 10 men in 2016. It can be argued that there may be other considerations or that it is not always that a 10-man team can perform magic. Yes. Alex Iwobi was pivotal to the Nigerian team on Sunday. His exit from the field affected the team. But the key issue is that the Tunisian team was better prepared and far stronger in terms of tactics. We played a Tunisian team that had 10 of its main players down with COVID. Their main coach, Mondher Kebaier was not even available. He was in his hotel room isolating, after testing positive for

COVID. The Tunisians fielded their Team B. They were strong on ground, and focused. The Super Eagles throughout the first half played as if some of them had just returned from a house of pleasure, and were having trouble concentrating on the task at hand. It was clear that they underrated the Tunisians despite having been warned by the likes of Jay Jay Okocha and others that the Tunisian football team should not be under-estimated. Daniel Amokachi famously said in fact, that the Carthage Eagles have the capacity to blow hot and cold like the British weather. On Sunday, January 23, Nigerians learnt a bitter lesson about the Carthage Eagles and the British weather analogy. The Tunisia coach says they were able to beat the Super Eagles because Nigeria was predictable. Eguavoen has reminded him that Nigeria had defeated Tunisia before now with just 10 men. So, why didn’t we re-enact the feat this time around? That is the question. The Eagles were tired. They could not fly. Twitter Nigeria and Reno Omokri, the self-confessed Buhari Hater, have not been sympathetic at all. They blame President Muhammadu Buahri, who had made a phone call to the Super Eagles, before the match, as the source of the bad luck that led to their defeat. Quoting the Book of Job at 32:8, Omokri accuses President Buhari of negative energy, and hence anything he touches, goes to dust. In Turkey, President Recep Erdogan and his sycophants would have taken this as hate speech. A Turkish journalist, Sedef Kabas is in jail for having the temerity to compose a poetic innuendo about the President’s head. Omoyele Sowore, El Zaharadeen and Agba Jalingo in Nigeria have had their own experiences in that regard also here in Nigeria. It is certainly not true that the President’s phone call led to the Super Eagles defeat, the superstitious affirmation is too far-fetched but when Nigerians mix politics with sports and everything else, there can be no limit to the manufacture of conspiracy theories. “Who gave the team, Buhari’s number?”, someone actually asked. One fellow with the twitter handle @ayemojubar turned the reactions into a choreographed farce when he picked on another public figure, Desmond Elliot: “Blame Desmond Elliot for all this.” How? Desmond Elliot is an actor and a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. What has he got to do with the performance of the Super Eagles in the Cup of Nations? But the man who has suffered most in the hands of football-loving Nigerians is Maduka Okoye, the 22-year-old goalkeeper of the Super Eagles. Maduka Okoye is a goalkeeper with Watford FC, UK, currently on loan to Sparta RotterDam, and on national duty for the Super Eagles in the 2021 AFCON. During the group stage matches, Okoye was the darling of Nigerians. He was highly instrumental to Nigeria’s three-match win, displaying great talent beyond initial expectations. He was hailed as one of the new faces of Nigerian football and those on whom the future depends including Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon and others. Female fans particularly loved Maduka Okoye. They were more interested in his looks, and many of them said so on social media. The famzing was so much from cougars and all kinds of eyes-rolling, lips-pouting, Nigerian girls, I had to advise on television that the Super Eagles crew should keep ladies away from Maduka Okoye, to prevent them from spoiling him with love and affection, the same way they spoiled some other young men we know who have children from multiple continents. After Nigeria lost the match against Tunisia, the same Nigerians, men and women who praised Okoye turned against him. He was called “fine useless boy on the pitch…Okoye too sexy for the shot.” Memes suddenly emerged: “Okoye on Instagram vs. Okoye on the field” – very uncomplimentary reactions to a young man who came to help his

country. On Twitter, @jibbyfordPr said “It is not Okoye’s fault. He probably thought the shot was from a photograph.” Another person: @EneMariah1 said “I think he should go for modeling. Football is not his calling sha.” One more reaction from @chimejaypee: “He tried to pose for the shot.” Former Super Eagles striker, Julius Aghahowa also singles out Maduka Okoye for blame, accusing him of failing to save a ball that was coming directly “towards his direction.” What is the big lesson? Nigerians simply don’t want to lose at all. They will blame anybody including the weather. In life, in every sphere of it, you are only as good as your last performance. The day you fail, nobody remembers all the good things you did previously. The same people who praise you today can turn against you tomorrow, once their expectations are not met. It was never about you to start with, but their own feelings and selfishness. Can someone please explain this to Maduka Okoye to let him know that he tried his best and we must be glad that he showed up for Nigeria? But why is everyone so uptight about Nigeria’s performance at the AFCON? You cannot sow corn and expect to reap wheat. Is that possible, within the laws of nature? Nigeria wants to win gold at AFCON 2021, but the same country was never ready to excel. In fact, the sterling performance at the group stage was a miracle. In Nigeria, we go to tournaments and expect to perform miracles – miracles that are not backed up with strong preparation and organization. We experiment and expect accidental success. That kind of approach to international competition, be it in sports, science or literature, does not yield the accidents that we expect simply because the opponents are better prepared. Rohr was Nigeria’s longest serving Technical adviser but after 64 months, he had nothing to show for it. Nonetheless, Rohr must be laughing wherever he is now. After he was sacked, he granted interviews in which he said his sack was unnecessary and he could have won the cup for Nigeria. Nobody trusted him because the best he offered and achieved was a third place position in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. During the playoffs for the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, Nigerians were shocked that the country only narrowly qualified. They also found it hard to believe that Nigeria had to struggle not to be disgraced by Cape Verde. They asked for Rohr’s sack. And he was booted out, and now he doesn’t even have a visa to Nigeria. He can’t even access the unpaid arrears that have now been paid into his Nigerian bank accounts. He should therefore be very careful how he laughs because he was certainly part of the problem: coaching the Nigerian national team from Europe, and failing to modernize his tactics! There are other problems of course: the crisis of football administration in Nigeria. Those who can make a difference are not allowed to express opinions: so much division in the House of Football. Nigeria also lacks the infrastructure for developing local talent. The structures of old that produced gifted footballers from the secondary school level, Principal’s Cup have disappeared. Nigeria used to have a robust local league in the days of Stationery Stores of Lagos, BCC Lions of Gboko, Leventis United, Abiola Babes FC, Iwuanyanwu National, Enugu Rangers, Bendel Insurance, IICC Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan, NEPA FC, New Nigeria Bank FC, Calabar Rovers, Mighty Jets of Jos. Not anymore. There are many teams across the country, but their owners are not investing enough. Nigeria has the talents and a youthful population that can offer more, given the right nurturing environment. We should stop blaming phone calls, spiritual energy, Okoye’s good looks or the weather for the Super Eagles exit from the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon. The exit was foreseeable. Under different circumstances, it was avoidable.

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