TUESDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2022

Malami: Prima Facie Case Now Established against Kyari, May Be Extradited to US Says sponsors of terrorism to be arraigned in court in weeks Rubbishes Transparency International’s report on Nigeria Wale Igbindade Attorney General of the Federation

and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, yesterday, disclosed that a prima facie case had been

established against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari over allegations

levelled against him by the United States government in the fraud case involving an internet

fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi.

Malami, who spoke during an

interview on Channels Television, Continued on page 16

Again, IMF Urges Nigeria to Increase VAT, Remove Fuel Subsidy… Page 8 Tuesday 8 February, 2022 Vol 27. No 9800. Price: N250

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Promises Can’t Replace Agreements’ Implementation, ASUU Tells Buhari... Page 28

With Withdrawal of Wrong Fuel from Circulation, Queues Return to Abuja, Lagos, Others Petroleum marketers confirm presence of adulterated fuel in circulation Motorists in FCT spend hours in queues, traffic grounded Group wants alleged petrol hoarders arrested, prosecuted Emmanuel Addeh and Alex Enumah in Abuja

Following the supply of a wrong specification of petrol in some parts of the country, and its

subsequent removal in compliance with a government order, long queues have once more returned

to petrol stations in Abuja, parts of Lagos, and some other states.

Indications emerged yesterday

that the current challenge being faced in the supply of petrol in some states was as a result of the

directive to withdraw adulterated Continued on page 16

APC Leaders in Search of Consensus Candidate at Convention to Unite Party Buhari allegedly in agreement with decision Mustapha, Bwari, Al-Makura top list Party to grant waiver to intending defectors, including Jonathan Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja With the February 26 National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) inching closer, leaders and stakeholders of the party, particularly, governors, ministers, and members of the National Assembly, are searching for a consensus candidate that would lead the party to the general election in 2023.

A reliable source told THISDAY that President Muhammadu Buhari had consonant views, and that he actually handed down the option of a consensus candidate for national chairman before jetting out to Ethiopia to attend the African Union (AU) meeting last week. The president returned to the country yesterday.

Among those being considered Continued on page 16

BACK FROM ADDIS ABABA...

President Muhammadu Buhari arrives Abuja at the end of the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads and Government of African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia...

PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE yesterday

Afenifere Flays Extension of Igboho's Incarceration... Page 29

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

NEWS

NO LONGER BUSINESS AS USUAL...

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai. and Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, at the signing of bills regulating real estate transactions in Lagos State and two others, at Lagos House, Ikeja... yesterday

SEPCOL Explosion: More Bodies Recovered, Four Still Missing Company set to begin clean-up operations

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos Two more bodies have been recovered from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, belonging to Shebah Exploration & Production Company Limited (SEPCOL) which exploded in Warri, Delta State, last Wednesday.

With the company’s announcement yesterday, three persons aboard the vessel have now been confirmed dead, three have been found alive while four crew members were still unaccounted for as at yesterday.

On Sunday, the company, which is in receivership, indicated that one unidentified body had been noticed floating around the vessel, Trinity Spirit, located at Ukpokiti field (OML 108).

The asset, before it exploded, had the capacity to process up to 22,000 barrels of oil per day, inject up to 40,000 barrels of water per day and store 2 million barrels of oil.

In an update on further recoveries, made available in Abuja on Monday, the management of the organisation revealed that the two additional bodies were found on the deck of the vessel.

“The management of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) in receivership, announces further developments on the ongoing investigations into the unfortunate explosion and fire that engulfed the FPSO Trinity Spirit at the Ukpokiti Terminal in the early hours of Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022.

“Per our previous statement, the fire burnt out completely as of Thursday afternoon, 3rd of February

Buhari Back in Abuja after Attending AU Summit in Ethiopia Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday returned to Abuja after a four-day official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopian capital, where he participated in the 35th Ordinary Session of Assembly of the African Union (AU).

The president arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 3pm in Nigeria Air Force 1 presidential jet.

He was received by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor; service chiefs and Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, among other top government officials.

Buhari shortly on arrival boarded a Nigeria Air Force chopper that took him to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

While in Addis Ababa, the

President took part in the various meetings and consultations, including one with a Guinea Bissau emissary; Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, Suzi Barbosa, who provided him with graphic details of a recent coup attempt on President Umaru Sissoco Embalo.

Buhari also met on the sidelines of the summit with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, with whom he discussed the growth and development of Africa.

During the meeting, the President and his Ethiopian counterpart agreed growth and development of African countries will require strong and visionary leadership that caters for the needs of the people.

They further added that such leadership ought also to effectively strengthen institutions that encourage peaceful co-existence, while providing disincentives to conflicts and coups.

2022, thus enabling closer inspection of the vessel. Working with the relevant authorities, stakeholders, and expert organisations, a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) took place on Saturday, 5th February 2022.

“We also reported that on Sunday morning, 6th February 2022, NIMASA (Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency) notified us of a dead body found floating in the vicinity of the FPSO. “We can confirm today that two further dead bodies were discovered on the deck of the vessel in the afternoon of the same Sunday,” the Chief Executive Officer of SEPCOL, Ikemefuna Okafor, stated.

The company noted that it had made incident reports to the police and relevant authorities to assist in the ongoing investigation, stressing that efforts to establish the identities of the dead bodies were underway.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all the victims

of this unfortunate incident, and we are on hand to provide support to them as required.

“Thus far, the potential total number of the crew members accounted for is six, including the three persons who were found alive last week. Our priority remains focused towards establishing the whereabouts, safety, and security of the four crew members still missing,” the company stressed.

According to the statement, all efforts are now geared towards cleaning up the area to minimise any damage to the environment and in addition to ascertaining the exact cause of the explosion.

SEPCOL also commended all government agencies and the communities, particularly the fishermen, who it said helped with the initial rescue.

“Our crisis management team will continue to monitor developments in the investigations and update all stakeholders with new information accordingly.

“We appeal to members of the public to keep away from the area and contact the company with any information that may assist our investigations,” SEPCOL noted.

Trinity Spirit is the primary production facility for OML 108, which covers 750 square km (290 square miles) of water off the Niger Delta, ranging from a depth of 30 metres to 213 metres, according to SEPCOL's website.

THISDAY checks showed that the huge facility was built in 1976 (46 years ago), with a carrying capacity of 274774 Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT).

SEPCOL had in 2004 acquired all of 40 per cent of ConocoPhillips equity interest in OML 108 and is owned by a combination of Nigerian and overseas corporate entities, which include: Abbeycourt Trading Company Limited (ATCO), Abbeycourt Petroleum Company Limited and Allenne Limited.

At the time the massive fire erupted on-board the vessel, it

was learnt that about 10 persons were within the facility.

A Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) with the relevant authorities, stakeholders, and expert organisations visited the location on Saturday, but the report had yet to be made public.

When the vessel caught fire, the Minister of State, Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, said at the weekend that the oil storage facility was holding around 50,000 to 60,000 barrels of crude oil .

Ikeazor had said the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) had called the oil industry operators and the Clean Nigeria Associates, a cooperative responding to oil spill incidents for support.

Meanwhile, Ikeazor has said that the National Oil Spill Detection Response Agency (NOSDRA) has commenced overflight operations at the site of the exploded vessel to monitor the situation of crude spill in the sea.

Oil Wells’ Ownership: Rivers, Imo Know Fate as Supreme Court Fixes May 6 for Judgment Alex Enumah in Abuja The dispute between Rivers and Imo States over the ownership of 17 oil wells would finally be laid to rest on May 6, 2022, when the Supreme Court would deliver its judgment in the suit.

The decision to deliver its judgment on the said date was reached yesterday in Abuja, shortly after lawyers representing parties in the appeal adopted their final written addresses for and against the appeal.

Rivers State through its lawyer, Chief Joseph Daudu, while adopting its final address asked the apex court to give judgment in its favour on the grounds that historical evidence right from 1927 till date

clearly indicated that the oil wells belong to the state.

Daudu drew the attention of the Supreme Court to the boundary adjustment paper of 1976 where Ndoni and Egbema were confirmed to belong to Rivers state.

The senior lawyer disagreed with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in his claim that adjudication of the suit on the oil wells ought not to have originated from Supreme Court but a Federal High Court because oral evidence ought to be taken from the people in the area.

Daudu said the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction and could conveniently use all available sufficient historical documents right

from the colonial era to determine the real owners of the oil wells.

Responding, Imo State, through its lawyer, Chief Olusola Oke, said the suit be dismissed on the grounds that it ought to have originated from the Federal High Court.

According to him, the matter was one that would require the presentation of oral evidence from people of the area to confirm where they actually belong.

Similarly, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, through his lawyer, Dr. Remi Olatubora, aligned himself with the position of Imo state, to the effect that proper procedure for such a suit was not adopted

by Rivers State.

He insisted that witnesses including official of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor General of the Federation (SGF) and indigenes of the disputed areas ought to be heard for the court to make appreciable and acceptable findings.

Although Olatubora claimed that the AGF was neutral in the disputed oil wells ownership, but however said that scientific evidence must be considered along with open court hearing for the Supreme Court to make good findings.

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who presided over a five-member panel of the apex court thereafter announced May 6, for judgment in the matter.

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NEWS

EDUCATION IS THE KEY...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri (left) and former President Goodluck Jonathan, during the opening of a five-day education summit organised by the state Ministry of Education at the Local Content Tower in Yenagoa... yesterday

Finance Ministry, CBN, Others Back Lawmakers’ Probe of Unclaimed Funds in Commercial Banks Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Office of Accountant General of the Federation and some other agencies of the federal government yesterday expressed their support to the House of Representatives probe of unclaimed funds in commercial banks as well as unremitted funds collected on behalf of the federal government agencies by the banks.

The lawmakers at plenary on January 26, had set up an ad hoc committee, chaired by Hon. Idem Unyime, to look into the issue which financial experts had posited ran into trillions of naira.

Lending support at the hearing, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said the CBN issued on October 2015, provides guidelines

that obligate any bank to have notified the federal government of the existence of any such funds belonging to it.

Represented by the Director General Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, the minister urged the CBN to ensure it enforces its own guidelines.

Ahmed said: "From the opening remarks of the committee Chairman, it will appear that this is focused on unearthing the federal government’s balances that may still be hanging in any of the commercial banks. I believe that over the past several years there have been circulars of government seeking to enforce this.

“Because otherwise when we received this invitation that talked about unclaimed funds in Nigeria commercial banks, basically my initial reading of this is that it’s related to inactive accounts, dor-

mant accounts, because the extant regulation guiding the management of these issued by the CBN, on October 2015, provides guidelines for the management of inactive accounts dormant accounts and unclaimed funds.

"Those guidelines obligate any bank to have notified the Federal government of the existence of any such funds belonging to it, if they had I’m sure that those funds will not be there.

“I hope that without prejudice to the work of this committee that the CBN will also do the job of enforcing its own guidelines. As the work of the committee progresses, whatever other specific information required of us as a ministry we will be able to provide."

On its part, the CBN, represented by its Acting Director, Banking Supervision, Okafor Maxwell, assured

that the apex bank would comply fully to ensure the investigation yields the needed results.

He said: "We are not too clear about the requirements of the committee, but the speech of the Chairman made a lot of things very clear. We want to assure that the CBN will cooperate fully to ensure that this job is done. We are going to help the committee follow up whatever necessary to ensure that this job is done."

Also, the representative of Office of Accountant General of the Federation, Sylva Okorieaboh agreed that substantial amount of federal government funds might still be lying with commercial banks despite the presidential directive of August 7, 2015, and the circulars and efforts made to compel the commercial banks to comply with those directives.

Police, Hunters Foil Attack on Area Command in Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Kogi State Police Command, yesterday, disclosed that its men, in collaboration with local vigilance group, foiled an attack on the Command headquarters in Okene, Okene Local Government Area of the state, leaving one dead and some others injured.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP William Ovye Aya,said the Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Egbuka, had immediately deployed re-enforcement team to the area.

He said the re-enforcement team consisted of Counter Terrorism Units, Police Mobile Force, Intelligence team as well as Quick Response Unit along with the military and other security forces with a view to tracking the perpetrators and bring them to book.

"On the 06/02/2022 at about 2200hrs, some armed hoodlums attacked the Okene Area Command Headquarters with Sporadic gunshots and explosives chanting 'Allahu Akhbar'.

"The Officers on duty gallantly repelled the hoodlums, shot dead one of them, which forced them to flee before the arrival of backup teams from the neighboring Divisions,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police, however, assured law-abiding citizens of the state of his commitment in discharging his mandate in synergy with other heads of security agencies in the state to ensure a safe and secure environment for all to go about their lawful activities.

THISDAY gathered that the gunmen, numbering over 30 had stormed the Area Command, but were effectively repelled by the combined efforts of Police and local vigilance group.

It was learnt that explosives device meant to destroy the command were immediately detonated by experts in the state.

One of hoodlums, who attacked the Area Command fell to the superior power of police while others allegedly escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

A statement by the Kogi State Government, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the counter-attack was coordinated by the Executive Chairmen of Local Government Areas in Kogi Central and the Senior Special Adviser on Security to the Governor in charge of Kogi Central.

"The Kogi State Government wishes to report that the Okene

Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force was attacked by gunmen numbering over 30 in the late hours of Sunday February 6, 2022.

"However, they were shown the strength and efficacy of the Kogi security architecture as the local hunters, men of the State Vigilante Service collaborated with other security operatives to spontaneously foil the attack.

"The superior firepower of the combined security network

of the state ensured one of them was gunned down immediately while others ran away with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

"This is the second time in less than two months that Kogi proved impregnable to criminals as tens of them lost their lives in the attack on Yagba West LGA of the state last December,” the statement stated.

Two motorcycles were recovered as well as various arms and ammunition.

Okorieaboh, who is the Director, Coordinator Treasury Single Account (TSA) added that if any bank or MDAs were not doing what they were supposed to, then it's clearly an infraction and the work of the lawmakers will help to unravel anything of that such.

He said, "the letter we got was not detailed enough to prepare us for today’s sitting, however we are aware that there’s good likelihood that substantial amount of federal government’s funds might still be lying with commercial banks despite the presidential directive of August 7, 2015, and the circulars and efforts made to compel the commercial banks to comply with those directives.

“On the 14th of December 2021, the minister of finance inaugurated new TSA implementation structures and she alluded to the fact that there’s a likelihood that substantial amount that federal government funds are still lying with commercial banks and directed the banks to return those funds or they will be reported to anti-corruption agencies.”

In his presentation, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Chudi Ofordile, lending support to the lawmakers’ work, noted that some banks were yet to comply with the directive of the government that all funds should be transferred to TSA. He expressed optimism that

the investigation would help the agencies recover some of their funds from those who have not been able to identify them, adding that they have clear evidence where those funds are and who is in the custody.

Earlier in his remarks, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Unyime said the assignment was enormous, crucial and sensitive given what the country was facing economically.

He noted that 45 million bank accounts had not been linked to Bank Verification Number (BVN) hence the resolutions stipulated that commercial banks, submit document that would help the lawmakers recover the unclaimed funds.

While charging all stakeholders to be cooperative, he warned that commercial banks and other agencies sitting on the funds that belong to the federal government and were not willing to refund, would be suspended from collecting funds for the government.

Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila expressed optimism that the assignment would improve the system in terms of value addition.

Gbajabiamila who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase said that if it was true that N1.2 trillion was not paid into consolidated revenue account, then members of the Committee should ensure they expose the corruption aspect of it and come out with interventions that would improve and mitigate the situation.

NSITF Mobilises Informal Sector for Social Insurance Scheme Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja In line with its establishment Act, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has rolled out measures to enlist more workers in the country's informal sector into the scheme.

While flagging off a sensitisation meeting with stakeholders in the informal sector in Abuja, the General Manager in charge of Abuja region, Tesh Kibikiwa, said previously, the fund had concentrated on the enrollment of public sector workers and leaving out those outside the public service.

However, Kibikiwa said the

management of the fund was now determined to reverse the trend by reaching out to the workforce in the informal sector.

"Today as you can see a mixture of the informal sector chairmen or leaders of various sectors of associates in the informal sector.

We have been concentrating on the formal sector but our Act stipulates that we should cover the informal sector which constitutes the larger percentage of the workforce in this country.

“Hence we have commenced the process of sensitisation to bring stakeholders in this sector on board so that they can also enjoy the

welfare package of the federal government," he said.

Kibikiwa said some of the benefits of the social insurance scheme included compensation for workplace injury.

"Whatever the work you do, you should not suffer disabilities or injury, but should you suffer injury, the NSITF will come in to take care your medical expenses.

“The scheme will ensure that workers that have injuries or disabilities resulting from their work are treated properly to help them return to work or be rehabilitated," he said.

On the criteria required for one

to benefit from the scheme, the GM said one must a worker or employee in the public sector or informal sector.

He also said the worker was expected to pay one per cent of his or her total emolument, either monthly, quarterly or yearly.

When asked to assess the response from the informal sector, the GM said, "today we were impressed by the turn out of the people in the informal sector. A lot of them that came, have promised to take the message back to their others and to ensure that their members informed to enable them register with the social insurance scheme.”

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NEWS

DISCUSSING AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING...

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Ethiopian Minister for Trade and Investment, Ato Melaku Alebal and his Agriculture counterpart, Mohammad Mahmoud Abubakar, during a discussion on Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone programme being facilitated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) for Ogun State at the office of the Minister for Trade and Investment in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia... yesterday

Again, IMF Urges Nigeria to Increase VAT, Remove Fuel Subsidy Hails country’s efforts in curbing COVID-19

Nume Ekeghe The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once more advised Nigeria’s federal government to increase Value Added Tax (VAT), while also offering other fiscal measures that the country could adopt to stimulate economic growth.

In addition, it reiterated its call for the removal of fuel subsidy in the country.

The institution stated these in its 2021 Article IV Consultation

with Nigeria released yesterday where it also proffered monetary policies that could also support sustainable growth.

However, the IMF commended the Nigeria’s government over measures that were taken that averted the devastating impact of the COVID-19.

It stated: “Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities’ proactive management of the COVID-19 pandemic and

its economic impacts.

“They noted, however, that the outlook remains subject to significant risks, including from the pandemic trajectory, oil price uncertainty, and security challenges.

Looking ahead, they emphasised the need for major reforms in the fiscal, exchange rate, trade, and governance areas to lift long-term, inclusive growth.

“Directors highlighted the urgency of fiscal consolidation to create policy space and reduce debt

sustainability risks. In this regard, they called for significant domestic revenue mobilisation, including by further increasing the value-added tax rate, improving tax compliance and rationalising tax incentives.”

Furthermore, it stated: “Directors also urged the removal of untargeted fuel subsidies, with compensatory measures for the poor and transparent use of saved resources. They stressed the importance of further strengthening social safety nets.”

Court Revokes N2m Fine on Immigration, Odili’s Seized Passport Returned Alex Enumah in Abuja A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday revoked the N2 million fine imposed on the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and its lawyer, Jimoh Adamu, over the controversy surrounding the seizure of the international passport belonging to former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Peter Odili.

The revocation of the fine was based on the service's confirmation that the seized passport of the former governor, has been returned to him.

At the resumed hearing, the NIS said the passport seized on the order of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was returned to Odili since December 20, 2021.

According to Adamu, the document was released to Odili based on the judgment of the Federal High Court.

Meanwhile, Adamu told the court that the Immigration Service had already filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge the order of the Federal High Court releasing the passport to the applicant.

He protested alleged embarrassment caused him and his client by the lead counsel to Odili, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe, by allegedly misleading the court on December

21, 2021 that the passport had not been released to his client.

He urged the court to revoke the N2 million fine imposed on him and the immigration on the ground that the passport was released on December 20, 2021 whereas the order imposing the fine on him was issued on December 21, 2021, 24 hours after the passport was released through Odili’s daughter who is a Judge of the FCT High Court, Njideka Nwosu-Iheme.

The counsel tendered the letter of acknowledgment by Odili confirming the receipt of the document and urged the court to reverse the N2 million fine imposed on him and to also reverse another order asking the AGF to penalise him.

Ifedayo said his client, Odili had confirmed the release of the passport.

In his brief ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that in view of the

information by the immigration counsel and in view of the confirmation by Odili’s lawyer, that the order of the court had been obeyed, the N2 million fine on the NIS and its counsel and another order that the AGF should penalise him are all reversed.

The judge subsequently fixed May 25, for report of the Court of Appeal proceeding in respect of the appeal against the Federal High Court judgment.

It also recommended the removal of the official exchange rate and recommended further measures towards a unified and market-clearing exchange rate to help strengthen Nigeria’s external position, taking advantage of the current favorable conditions.

Also, the IMF noted that exchange rate reforms should be accompanied by macroeconomic policies to contain inflation, structural reforms to improve transparency and governance, and clear communications regarding exchange rate policy.

“Directors considered it appropriate to maintain a supportive monetary policy in the near term, with continued vigilance against inflation and balance of payments risks.

“They encouraged the authorities to stand ready to adjust the monetary stance if inflationary pressures increase. Directors recommended strengthening the monetary operational framework over the medium term focusing on the primacy of price stability and scaling back the central bank’s quasi-fiscal operations.

“Directors welcomed the resilience of the banking sector and the planned expiration of pandemic-related support measures.

APC State Legislators Endorse Yahaya Bello for 2023 Presidency Members of the State Houses of Assembly across the country under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have endorsed Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello for president in 2023.

The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued after the extraordinary meeting of the forum of APC State legislators held in Abuja yesterday.

The 365 legislators who attended the programme across the country also passed a vote of confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari for his sterling performance and cohesive leadership qualities.

Similarly, the lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Plan-

ning Committee for positively repositioning the party and for his purposeful leadership that has attracted people of goodwill to the ruling party.

Explaining why they threw their support behind the presidential bid of Yahaya Bello, the forum of APC legislators described the Kogi Governor as a young performer who has the interest of the country at heart.

The lawmakers also decided to embark on mobilisation of support for Bello's aspiration in their various states.

"We, the State Assembly Legislators of the Federation pass a vote of confidence in the President of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GFCR), for his sterling and

cohesive leadership of Nigeria through thick and thin and urge him to be relentless in ensuring that he leaves Nigeria in 2023 a better place.

"We pass a vote of confidence in the Governor Mai Mala Buni Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee for its positive aggressive repositioning of our great party, the All Progressives Congress and thank the Committee for its purposeful leadership, which has attracted men and women of goodwill into the party. We, the members, further urge the Committee to do more.

"The State Assembly Legislators of the Federation endorse and state their unalloyed and unshaken support for the aspiration of the

young and ebullient Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who has against all odds decided to take the bull by the horn, by aspiring to the office of the President of Nigeria come 2023.

"The members thank him for leading the clarion call for the Presidency of Nigeria and urge him to have no fear or doubt in his race for the exalted office as members of the Nigeria State Legislatures are solidly behind him.

"National, zonal and states' coordinators were inaugurated to continue to mobilise Honourable Members from their various states to ensure the victory of Governor Yahaya Bello's Presidential aspiration come 2023," the communique read.

They agreed that while the newly launched eNaira could help foster financial inclusion and improve the delivery of social assistance, close monitoring of associated risks will be important.”

They also encouraged further efforts to address deficiencies in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. The IMF Directors emphasised the need for bold reforms in the trade regime and agricultural sector, as well as investments, to promote diversification and job-rich growth and harness the gains from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“Directors called for stronger efforts to improve transparency of COVID-19 emergency spending.

Directors noted that Nigeria’s capacity to repay the Fund is adequate.

They encouraged addressing data gaps to allow timely and clear assessments of reserve adequacy,” it added.

The IMF noted that the authorities’ proactive approach to contain COVID-19 infection rates and fatalities and the recent growth improvement, socio-economic conditions remained a challenge, adding that the levels of food insecurity have since risen and poverty rate was estimated to have risen during the pandemic.

“The outlook faces balanced risks. On the downside, low vaccination rates expose Nigeria to future pandemic waves and new variants, including the ongoing Omicron variant, while higher debt service to government revenues through higher US interest rates and or increased borrowing pose risks for fiscal sustainability. A worsening of violence and insecurity could also derail the recovery.

“On the upside, the non-oil sector could be stronger, benefitting from its recent growth momentum, supportive credit policies, and higher production from the new Dangote refinery. Nigeria’s ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement could also yield a positive boost to the non-oil sector while oil production could rebound, supported by the more generous terms of the Petroleum Industry Act,” it stated.

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Transport Owners Threaten Strike over Rising Operational Costs Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) which is responsible for hauling petroleum products across the country, said yesterday that its members may be forced to withdraw services if the federal government fails to address the rising operational costs incurred by the organisation.

There had various conversations surrounding the growing cost of freight, with the government promising an increase last year, a development the transport owners said will help them improve their services and meet costs.

In a statement made available in Abuja, the association’s National President, Yusuf Othman, lamented that members of the association were finding it difficult to sustain the business because the freight rate is still very regulated.

According to him, the situation was even made worse because the monies were paid in arrears, adding that the transport owners would have no choice than to stop their services if the issue persists.

“And then we will also tell them (members) to park if nothing is done because we can’t operate in such a way. Transporters whose

freight rate is fixed and regulated cannot sustain the business if nothing is done.

“We can’t operate. We can’t work if nothing is done to increase

the freight rate. The condition is unbearable because of the rising cost of diesel,” he maintained.

Describing the business environment as unbearable,

Othman urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to urgently increase the freight rate to reflect the

present cost of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) diesel and spare parts.

He disclosed that the exdepot cost of diesel soared to

N401 per litre just on Monday, pointing out that the price may hit N420 per litre at the filling stations if something is not done urgently.

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE RETURNS…

L-R: Managing Director, PayAttitude Global, Babatunde Okeniyi; Managing Director, UP, Agada Apochi; the Host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Frank Edoho; Managing Director, HopePSBank, Ayotunde Kuponiyi, and the Managing Director, BLK Hut, Hakeem Condotti, at the event to announce the return of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire television show in Lagos…yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Land Grabbers Dropped Youth Group Kicks against Appointment of Gov for Akwa Ibom Obasanjo’s Name to Torment Us, Ogun Community Alleges Okon Bassey in Uyo

Residents of Olorunsogo, an agrarian community in Ifo Local Government area of Ogun State have raised the alarm that some suspected land grabbers, have been dropping the name of former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s to torment them in more than 200 villages.

The community, alleged that the major aim of the invaders from Ibaragun Awori extraction of the state, was to seize their land unjustly at Gbogbo Oke, Gbogbo Odo, Luwani, Yanbi, Jagunna, Iyedi Balogun, Iyedi ikereku, Asa Apon, and Oke Nla, amongst others.

Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, the Olu of Sunren Olorunsogo, Oba Olukayode Sodimu said the

worrisome aspect of the invaders, was that the name of Obasanjo was being dropped by them, who were boasting that nothing can happen.

Sodimu therefore, appealed to the Ogun State Government, and all other law enforcement agencies to come to rescue the community as they had been given to vacate the area within 24-48 hours.

The monarch said they were disturbed when the suspected grabbers, invaded the community, with hoodlums last year, claiming that they were executing Supreme Court judgment.

Sodimu alleged that the land speculators had been using mobile policemen to harass the villagers on regular basis.

A coalition of youths’ group in Akwa Ibom State has advised the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to withdraw the choice of his preferred successor in the 2023 gubernatorial race for the interest of the state.

The youth group insisted that the state governor cannot ignore all the democratic procedures to announce his

successor in the state for the 2023 election, describing it as an appointment of a governor instead of election.

At a joint press conference held in Uyo yesterday, the youth group condemned the act, saying the governor as an individual cannot carry out the responsibility of the party sole-handedly.

The press conference was addressed by the Speaker of the South-South Youth

Assembly (SSYA), Victor Thompson, on behalf of others.

According to them, Emmanuel’s action of handpicking a successor before the party primary is an imposition and an appointment of a governor for the people.

The body wondered why the governor would hide under the guise of ‘hearing from God’ to impose a governor on over six million indigenes of the state.

According to the group, “It is no longer news that Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel, has during his birthday exploited the element of his godliness of our people and their affinity to God come up with a deceptive vision that God has revealed a successor to him and has singlehandedly anointed and purportedly appointed his successor in the person of Pastor Umo Eno.

Peterside Slams Wike over Eviction of Waterfront Residents in Rivers Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt

The 2015 Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has condemned Governor Nyesom Wike’s eviction of residents of waterfront communities in Port Harcourt, capital of the state.

Peterside, who described the action as “inhuman”, said the governor “forcefully ejected over

100,000 poor and vulnerable Rivers residents from their waterfront homes”, alleging that it is part of the governor’s plans to convert the areas into personal ownership.

Peterside reacted yesterday, in a statement by his Media Team.

Peterside, who is also the former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said the pace with which the governor treated the waterfront

occupants was cruel, adding that there was no lawful quit notice or any compensation paid.

“This commando-style of doing things always adopted by Wike has become the hallmark of his administration and its legacy,” he stressed.

He stated that Governor Wike’s action against the waterfront residents “is against all Universal Laws and Conventions on Human Rights and Habitation,

including the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, UN-Habitat, United Nations Housing Rights Programme, UNHRP, the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Nigeria’s Policy on Housing, Peterside stressed that shelter was a right and fundamental to the welfare, survival and health of man”.

As the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) schedules its convention to elect National Executive Committee for February 26, some stakeholders across the country have thrown their weights behind the candidature of Niger State senator , Muhammad Sani Musa , saying he would lead the party to a landslide in 2023 general election.

Coordinator of joint APC

Stakeholders, Hon Umar Waziri Kumo at Daura Katsina State during the Turbaning of Hon Chibuke Rotime Ameachi as Dan Amanan Daura, said talks and mobilisation of delegates and influential party bigwigs were already ongoing to rally supports for Musa to emerge as next elected National Chairman of APC .

The unanimous supports

enjoyed by the Senator , according to Kumo, was not unconnected to his clean records in public service , persuasive skills and above all , the charisma required by leader of the party to win the hearts of Nigerians ahead 2023 election.

Kumo added that the party was trying hard to avoid repeating mistakes of the past, particularly error of takingsensibilities of Nigerians for granted .

He explained further that party stakeholders had agreed not to fall into the pothole that became the nemesis of the previous party in power .

“To avoid repeating such a costly mistake that may rob us the chance to maintain our supremacy at the centre , there is need to have a national chairman devoid of any known controversy and scandal.”

Northern Traders Pledge to Sponsor APC Stakeholders Back Musa for National Chairmanship Onu for 2023 Presidency A political support group, Northern Nigeria’s Young Foodstuff Suppliers Union has pledged to foot the bill for purchasing all the prerequisite forms for the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu to run for the presidency of the country.

Although , the minister is yet to publicly declare interest in aspiring for the 2023 presidency under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Treasurer of the organisation, Alhaji Shu’aibu Kano, said that they are more than ready to tax themselves as small scale businessmen and women to purchase the forms for the “vibrant and patriotic gentleman.”

He stated in a press release made available to journalists in Bauchi , noting that they are going to use their hard-earned money to bring Nigeria out of

the woods by supporting the only “incorruptible, detribalised and highly educated Igbo man who has all it takes to turn this country around if elected president.”

According to Kana, “We know it in our bones that if Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu as an old hand in the business of man management becomes the next president of this country, he will put into use the same mechanisms he used in the 90s when he held sway as the first civilian Governor of the old Abia State to take Nigeria to a greater height in the comity of nations.”

He added: “In his days as the Governor of the old Abia State when the whole of Ebonyi State was a mere senatorial district. Then as people who supply foodstuffs to all the South-eastern states, we enjoyed relative peace in Onu’s Abia.”

Edo High Court Dismisses APC Chairman’s Application to Strike Out N5bn Suit Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City An Edo State High Court in Benin City, Benin, yesterday dismissed an application filed by the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Col. David Imuse (rtd), seeking to strike out a N5 billion libel suit instituted against him by Akwa-Ibom State

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini.

At the hearing, Imuse’s Counsel, Austin Osarenkhoe , had argued that the claimant in filing the Originating Processes, failed to comply with Order 3 rule 3 of the Edo State High Court Procedure Rules.

In her ruling, however, the trial

Judge, Justice Vesty Eboreimen, said having considered the issue raised and the authorities cited, it could be addressed during the hearing of the suit.

She noted that the applicant’s motion was a deliberate attempt to delay hearing of the suit, and that in bringing the application, the applicant also failed to comply

with Order 22 of the Edo State High Court Procedure Rules, adding “It is a case of pot calling kettle black”.

The judge, therefore, ordered the Claimant to regularize his claims and the applicant to file his defence within seven days and adjourned the case to March 30, 2022 for hearing.

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

PDP Must Unite to Win 2023 Elections, Says Wike John Shiklam in Kaduna Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must unite to win the 2023 elections.

The governor spoke yesterday in an interview with journalists during a visit to former National Caretaker Chairman of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi in Kaduna.

He said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed the country and Nigerians are looking up to

the PDP for a way forward.

According to him, if the PDP is united, it can be sure of victory.

Wike called on party members in the state to unite and work for the victory of the PDP. “My ambition is for PDP to be reunited. If you have a united party then you are sure of victory. Does it make sense if you have a presidential ticket of a party and the party cannot win election.

“So for me, the unity of the party is paramount. It is not

‘Crisis within APC Anchored by Conflict Entrepreneurs’ Bunmi Ogundare The Director of Organisation of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Professor Ussiju Medaner, yesterday blamed the crisis within the party across the country on conflict entrepreneurs who are trying to manipulate some party stalwarts to create discord.

Medaner, a guest on The Morning Show AriseTV, was speaking on the backdrop of reconciliation made so far within the party and its plans to hold the February 26 national convention.

He said that these conflict entrepreneurs issue statements on behalf of some party chieftains, adding that the party is reaching out to everybody, to reconcile aggrieved members.

Medaner said: “I don’t think those things exist, but they are been anchored by conflict entrepreneurs. You have seen the interim reports by the interim committee that was submitted on January 31 and when you have something like reconciliation, it is ongoing.”

about going about (saying )you want to be President For me it is how the party united and fight this evil, this monster they call the All Progressives Congress”, he said.

Wike said his visit to Makarfi had nothing to do with Presidential ambition but to extend best wishes to the

former governor who recently returned home from a medical treatment in London.

“I came here to see one of our leaders who has done well for the party. Why I came here has nothing to do with presidential ambition,” Wike said.

He commended the PDP in Kaduna state for winning most

of the councilorship elections during the 2021 council polls.

“It is surprising to me as an opposition party the number of councillors PDP won in the last Local Government Elections.

“It has never happened so we need to encourage them to let them know that we know what they are facing and they have

support from us and that is why I came here”, the governor said.

Also commenting on the controversy over zoning the presidency, Wike said the party will meet and take appropriate decision, stressing that the most important thing is producing a candidate who has the capacity no matter where he comes from.

Katsina PDP Tasks Security Agencies, Electoral Body On Credible LG Poll

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the State Independent Electoral Commission (KATSIEC) and security agencies in the state to ensure credible and hitch-free local government elections in the state.

The State PDP Chairman, Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, made

the appeal in Mashi yesterday while conducting the party’s local government congress to e1lect the PDP standard-bearers for the April 11 councils poll.

The party, which has elected their councillorship standardbearers, is expected to also elect chairmanship candidates across the 34 local governments of the state today (Monday) through the local government congress.

He admonished the state government and the electoral umpire to beef up security across the 361 political wards and the 34 local government areas of the state in order to ensure free, credible and hitch-free local government elections in the state.

According to him, the party has credible chairmanship candidates, including a professor that when elected

as chairmen of their councils, will ensure transparency and accountability in spearheading the affairs of their respective local governments.

He, however, tasked PDP members in the state to come out en-mass and vote the party’s candidates without fear and conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.

Church Holds Prayer Rally against Ritual Killings in Onitsha David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Grace of God Mission International, Onitsha, has held a prayer rally around the city of Onitsha to protest the spate of ritual killings, cultism and drug consumption in the society.

The rally, which was led by the General Superintendent and

Presiding Bishop of the Church, Dr. Paul Nwachukwu, moved round prominent streets in the commercial city, occasionally stopping at popular junctions for prayers and sprinkling of anointed oil.

There has been a recent upsurge in the number of ritual killings related to quest

for wealth in many states across the country, most of which involve youths, with young girls being the victim.

Nwachukwu said: “We are doing this to pray against the spate of ritual killings in the society today, the high level of involvement in cultism by our young people and the rate

at which they consume hard drugs.

“Today is a very big and great day. Grace of God youths held a rally all over the streets of Onitsha, declaring and making it loud and clear that ‘yahoo plus’, ‘mkpulummili’ (hard drugs) and every kinds of cultism shall end in Onitsha.

Abuja Chamber Lobbies Kidnapped Jonathan’s Cousin Regains Freedom came down from the car and State Government (SSG), confirmed the release of the Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa CAC to Make Membership bundled him into it before he Mrs. Betinah Benson; Mr. Tari businessman, said he regain his Ajanami, a top banker in the freedom yesterday morning after The kidnapped cousin to former could raise the alarm.

Investigations by THISDAY state; Chief Marvin Turner, father two weeks in captivity.

President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Mandatory for Companies The statement issued by Mr/ Jepthan Robert, has regained indicated that Robert’s kidnap of Ogbia Local Government

James Emejo in Abuja

Talks are ongoing between the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for the latter to make it compulsory for registered companies to belong to one of the chambers of commerce in the country.

The ACCI President, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, said the proposal was part of efforts to sanitise the economy and increase oversight on activities of companies operating in the country.

Speaking at a meeting with the Registrar General of CAC, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, over the proposal yesterday, the ACCI president said the policy was not new as it already exists in Europe, Middle East and South Asia because of its numerous advantages to the economy.

Among other things, he said the concept would allow for post -registration monitoring and partnering

while it would be easier for government to implement financial interventions for the companies as the chambers normally stood as guarantors.

He said the move would also help the government to carry out inclusive consultation since the companies belong to one chamber or the other adding that it would also be easy for the tax authority to expand tax base and enforce tax compliance.

According to him, the commission would also find the arrangement useful as it becomes easier to verify and monitor registered companies since they belong to one chamber or the other.

Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, in a statement, further said the concept required a two-phased implementation process.

“The first being optional request for companies to indicate chamber of their choice during registration with CAC. And the second is a legislation to make chamber membership mandatory.”

freedom from his abductors.

He was said to be standing at the front of his house in Bayelsa State around 9.30 p.m. on that fateful night when a fast moving car stopped abruptly close to him, while some masked men

would be the sixth high profile kidnap incidents carried out in Bayelsa State in the last five months.

Others who have been kidnapped included the mother of the Secretary to the Bayelsa

Council chairman; Mr. Lotana Okoye, a popular businessman, and the state Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Mr. Federal Otokito.

A statement issued by the family yesterday, which

Austin Ekeinde on behalf of the family said: “We are glad to confirm that our brother, Mr. Jephthah Robert, had regained his freedom after a protracted ordeal in the hands of his kidnappers.

APC Wins All Chairmanship, Councillorship Seats in Kebbi LG Poll Ismail Adebayo in Birnin Kebbi The Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KESIEC) has declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of the 21 local government chairmanship and 225 councillorship seats in the last Saturday local government election in the state.

The KESIEC Chairman, Aliyu Muhammad Mera, in a statement said the APC swept all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the council election in which 17 political parties participated on February 5, 2022.

He said: “Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission, based on the

power conferred on it by Section 197 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to organised, supervised and conduct election into the local government councils in the state, affirmed that election was held into the 21 local government areas and 225 electoral wards in the state.”

He commended the state government for ensuring that local government areas are governed by democratically elected council chairmen and councilors.

According to him, “I equally thank all the security agencies and other relevant stakeholders for supporting the council election.”

&KDSHO RI 7UDQVÀJXUDWLRQ &HOHEUDWHV WK $QQLYHUVDU\ The Chapel of Transfiguration Church, Ipakodo, Ebute Ikorodu, Lagos State will hold its 20th anniversary tomorrow February 9, 2022. According to the General Overseer of the

church, Pastor Femi Ogunsanya, the anniversary which will commence by 5.30pm from Wednesday to February 13, 2022, will feature ministers of God such as Pastor J. S.

Ajulo; Bishop Francis Wale Oke, while Bidemi Olaoba, Tope Alabi, Mercy Chinwo and other gospel artists shall minister in songs on Friday night.

Ogunsanya said the 20th

anniversary shall witness great ministrations, worship, healing and praises to the Almighty God, adding that God has position the people for manifestation.

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

COMMENT

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

WAITING FOR YEMI OSINBAJO

Yemi Osinbajo will make a difference as a President, writes Emmanuel Olorunda-Otaru

A

nother chance for Nigeria to get it right in choosing the right political leaders beckons, as the 2023 general elections approach. This country that is so much endowed by God in all its ramifications, had been stunted developmentally due to bad and inept leadership since independence in 1960.

The multiple evils of corruption, nepotism, tribalism, moneybags’ politics, godfatherism, to mention a few, have been the bane of the country’s development. And the people are suffering in the midst of plenty.

It is not as if the country lacks capable leaders who can turn the fortunes around. Most times, it is after such a good leader’s demise, we the living, would now be crying crocodile tears, and lamenting that, ‘’he was a good leader Nigeria never had’’.

A man of God was said to have remarked sometime ago that, ‘praying to God to bless the country, is a misdirected prayer’; that God had already blessed the country. He said that rather, what people should be praying for is for God to give us good and God’fearing leaders, who will use the manifold resources to develop the country, and for the benefit of all.

The Holy Scripture says, ‘’The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom’’. If a man truly fears God, he will rule with the fear of God. And when the righteous rules, the people will rejoice. That is the truth.

As the 2023 political horizon unfolds, the chance to elect credible leaders at all governmental levels, in particular the presidency, stares us in the face.

It is a known fact that the country is blessed with an array of credible leaders, who can make a difference, from the North to the South. But for purposes of justice, equity, national cohesion and unity, the presidential pendulum is swinging to the South, after the North’s eight years in power by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The gentlemanly agreement on rotational presidency should be respected.

This perhaps informed the reason why the dominant political parties are zoning their chairmanship to the North, since the position of the chairman and the president cannot come from the same zone.

Now, zeroing in on the South, of all those angling to contest for the president, who will the crown fits most, the one who can wipe the people’s tears away?

Recently, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, broke his silence, to announce his ambition to vie for the coveted presidential seat. Toeing the same line, the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, equally went to the Aso Rock to consult the oracles. In the case of my former colleague in the defunct Concord newspaper, now the Publisher of the Ovation magazine/Boss newspaper, Chief Dele Momodu, he chose a different platform, that of the political party to make his own declaration.

This is apt and strategic.

Come to think of it, if all the motley political parties’ presidential candidates would be going to the Villa one by one to seek Buhari’s consent before declaring their ambition, the president would be over-burdened, and other pressing state matters would suffer.

NIGERIA NEEDS A YOUNG, VIBRANT, HEALTHY LEADER COME 2023. NOT RECYCLING OLD, WORN-OUT POLITICIANS THAT WOULD BECOME ANOTHER LIABILITY TO THE COUNTRY

But another credible and capable leader, who I believe can make the country proud, is the incumbent Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Although he is yet to declare his ambition to run for the president in 2023, Nigerians from all walks of life are already urging him to run. The number of his supporters who believe he can move the country forward is rising daily across the country. He is rated highly, among all the declared and undeclared contestants.

He has become a man of the people.

I believe he would not betray the confidence of his teaming supporters, which cuts across different ethnic groups and religions.

I believe he is not intimidated by political vultures, and in due time, he would make his ambition known.

For instance, a former Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Osinbajo’s supporter from the North said, ‘’Yemi Osinbajo is the best candidate of the APC in 2023 presidential elections’’. Also, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), also throws his weight behind the vice president: ‘’Mr. Vice President, wherever you go, we will follow’’. When Osinbajo’s supporters visited the former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, in Minna recently, to seek his support, he received them with open arms. These are just to mention a few of the who’s who canvassing for the candidature of the erudite law professor, Yemi Osinbajo for the 2023 presidency.

Nigeria, at this time, needs a young, vibrant, healthy leader come 2023. Not recycling old, worn-out politicians that would become another liability to the country. Eight years is another long journey for the country. We should not gamble with it again!

Last year, during the #EndSARS protest, there was a political reawakening among the youths in the country writ large. They promised to form a political party, to sponsor a youthful candidate to contest the 2023 presidential election. The youths of this country have the numbers to change the political equation.

From the foregoing, it does not appear the youths are getting their act together along this line. When can they form another political party, when the general elections are next year? Is there plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register additional parties? Time is of the essence. The most pragmatic option now, if I may suggest, is for the youths to adopt the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo as their presidential candidate, who still has age on his side, apart from his towering credentials.

With Osinbajo’s experience in government at the state and national level, having been two-time vice president, it is believed that he will hit the ground running, if given the mandate. He will not start learning on the ropes. Again, his loyalty has endeared him to his principal, who will be more favourably disposed to hand over to him. He has become, ‘’a son of the soil’’. In any case, it is not President Buhari that will decide his fate, but God, and the electorate, in a free and fair elections.

According to The New Tribe, one of the numerous political groups rooting for the vice president, ‘’It is time. Nigerians call on Osinbajo to run for President’’.

Olorunda-Otaru, the Night Editor of THISDAY Newspapers, wrote from emmanuel.otaru@thisdaylive.com

MUCH ADO ABOUT UMO ENO

Fidelis Ekwere writes that the noise over Emmanuel’s successor is needless as the electorate will have the final say

I

t was around 1993 I learnt the meaning of the word, ‘prerogative’ from a Bobby Brown song titled, ‘My Prerogative’. In the song, Bobby sang about how some people abused him for choosing to live the way he wanted. Defined simply, prerogative refers to ‘someone’s right’.

This word would come to my mind in the days following the announcement of a successor by the Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel.

The date was Sunday, January 30, 2022. The venue was the Government Lodge, Uyo. And the audience were selected stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. It was there Governor Emmanuel anointed Pastor Umo Eno, his commissioner of Lands and Water Resources as his successor in 2023.

This bombshell was not welcome by politicians in certain quarters. And they did not waste time in showing their dislike. The fall-out has been interesting to watch so far. It was reported that one of the attendees of the meeting, Onofiok Luke, a federal lawmaker who represents Etinan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, stormed off after the governor’s announcement. It is an open secret that Luke had eyes on becoming the state governor in 2023 and could not understand why Governor Emmanuel would anoint a ‘neophyte’ like Eno. Similarly, some Christian elders, in another report, frowned against the governor’s act. Then, few others chose silence.

Few days later, a picture surfaced in which Mr. Eno knelt before a standing Governor Emmanuel.

‘Emmanuel is playing god’, the opposition ranted.

If they could, they would have had Emmanuel’s head. An explanation that the governor was merely praying for the pastor would not satisfy trolls who ensured by their mischief that the image went viral.

Some even likened the image to a video in which Senator James Manager knelt before former Delta State governor, James Ibori, who sat squarely, as an overlord. But nothing could be further from the truth. And public commentator and Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation newspaper, Sam Omatseye, tweeted: “Pix shouldn’t deceive us.

Don’t compare James Manager’s kneeling to Ibori to Eno kneeling beside Gov Udom. Udom was praying for his chosen successor. Eno was humble so he knelt. Udom didn’t sit but stood. Eno didn’t present drinks. It was moment of reverence to God. Simple.”

If Luke had been the one anointed by Governor Emmanuel that day, chances are that he would not storm off the venue. No, I think he’ll relax and savour the trust of the number one citizen of the state. He’ll also probably crave the Emmanuel blessings. Or if it were the choice of the ‘Christian elders’ that was announced? I don’t think they would have minded. Rather, they’ll likely be likening Governor Emmanuel to Archangel Michael. Like the juju singer, Commander Ebenezer Obey, crooned in his song, ‘The Horse, The Man and The son,’ one cannot satisfy everyone. There is no point trying.

I think the hullabaloo since Emmanuel anointed Pastor Eno as his successor is needless. The governor merely exercised his prerogative. In many climes, it is not uncommon for leaders to choose their successors. These leaders occupy a vantage position from which they can glean which of their lieutenants is better positioned to succeed them. In fact, I believe it is the concerned leader that worries more about who succeeds them - who can play up or advance their legacy. Leaders routinely do this and it is not a new thing for political leaders to often pick their successors. Nearing the end

of tenure as Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu picked his Chief of Staff, Babatunde Fashola, as his preferred successor. Then, some top politicians in the state who wanted to become governor also were not happy. But Tinubu’s gambit was successful and Lagosians loved Fashola.

I think that in the interest of protecting and even advancing the legacies he has made for Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel would desire someone he deems capable of continuation. For a man who has embarked on massive construction of roads and bridges, hospitals, schools, infrastructural feats like Ibom Air, Dakada Towers and Spectrum TV as well as created an atmosphere where private businesses can thrive, a successor that would advance them would matter to him.

Enter Umo Eno. Born in humble settings, he began his career in 1982 with Union Bank of Nigeria, before joining Bertola Machine Tools from 1985 to 1990. He later moved to Norman Holdings Limited from 1990 to 1997, where he left as the Group General Manager, Commercial Services. In 1997, he ventured into hospitality and established Royalty Hotels and Recreations Limited. He formed Royalty Group and expanded into manufacturing and oil and gas. Between 2004 and 2007, Eno served as the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Hotels and Tourism Board from 2004 to 2007.

Pastor Eno, a two-time Paul Haris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Eket District 9140, holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Uyo, where he is also pursuing a Ph.D. program. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Catering & Hotel Institute, a graduate of PanAfrican University’s Lagos Business School and a recipient of the National Productivity Award.

Describing Pastor Eno’s entrepreneurial drive, Governor Emmanuel said: “He will be coming to the office of Governor with an economic blueprint that will further guarantee employment, development, and economic prosperity for our people.”

As much as Mr. Eno is not the popular candidate, he also has the support of others including the former governor, Obong Victor Attah, who is chairman of PDP Stakeholders. Anyone not satisfied with the governor’s prerogative should realise it can be contested at the party primaries. It is not like the governor’s ‘anointed’ automatically becomes the party’s flagbearer. No, not at all. The process of electing a gubernatorial flagbearer for the PDP in the state would still go on. This is where those opposed to the governor’s choice can slug it out.

In a recent interview, Harry Udoh, the chairman of the Civil Society Organisations in Akwa Ibom agreed that the governor has the right to anoint Umo Eno but the final decision rests with the people of the state.

“There’s still the primary election to be won and there is still the general election to be won.

Anybody can choose anybody; it is left for the people to decide. I think that’s what democracy is all about.”

He couldn’t have summed it better.

At the end, it is the electorate that has a final say on who eventually emerges Akwa Ibom governor in 2023. Emanuel has been steering the state very well since 2015 and he believes Pastor Eno would better steer it after him. As a popular chief executive he is staking his enormous goodwill and vast structure in the state to Eno’s service. Hence the wailers wanted his endorsement. The Governor could only pick one successor. That is something Akwa Ibomites should think and act about.

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EDITORIAL DATA COLLECTION AND CITIZEN PROTECTION The National Assembly should protect the public from actions that could undermine the democratic essence

T

he federal government has lately been hiding under the current insecurity to undertake multiple data collection and privacy infringement initiatives. Some of the pertinent questions that this regime of indiscriminate data collection has thrown up include: where should we draw the line between the responsibility for national security and the right of individual citizens to the privacy of their personal data and communications? Are there national legislations to protect innocent citizens from the several rogue elements that are in the system? Could a future autocracy feed on this trove of private data to curtail individual freedom for political purposes? In what remote locations are the backup servers of these data being stored and to what end?

From the National Population Commission (NPC) to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Corps THE MOST ELEMENTARY (FRSC), IndeREQUIREMENT OF A pendent National DEMOCRATIC AND FREE Electoral CommisSOCIETY IS THAT THE sion (INEC), Central PRIVACY OF INDIVIDUAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and several CITIZENS REMAINS A other federal agenSACRED AREA EXCEPT cies, Nigerians are IN CASES OF CRIMINAL being asked for their INVESTIGATION biometric data for almost every service.

Yet, what the government fails to understand is that biometrics is based on individual characteristics of the subject and is not necessary to be replicated or duplicated for authenticity. There are no two persons with the same set of fingerprints, palm prints, or retina in the world.

Since biometrics is therefore as individual as the DNA of a person, capturing same in a multiplicity of places in what is clearly a huge racket has dire implications for the security of citizens.

In a world where even the most powerful and technologically advanced nations have reasons to be apprehensive about cyber security, Nigerians cannot afford to sit by and hope that their interests in this matter are

Letters to the Editor

protected. In Israel, Shinbet and Mossad wanted to hide under the Covid-19 emergency to collect and domicile personal health and private data of citizens. A spate of litigations is ongoing in various courts which have halted the gimmick in favour of the sanctity of individual privacy of citizens. In Nigeria, despite the National Identity Number (NIN), Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) verification, Bank Verification Number (BVN), an arm of intelligence still seeks to acquire gadgets to access private social media communications.

W

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

ith hardly any interrogation, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami has introduced a torrent of data mining and harvesting initiatives. Yet, no one seems to care about these processes under the supervision of someone with a controversial past and questionable associations. Besides, it ought to concern the public that the more we introduce these intrusive data collection initiatives, criminal and illicit enterprises like cybercrimes have been on the increase. In some of the officially related financial crimes, the culprits are persons whose identity is not hidden and does not require complex data searching to be found.

It is common knowledge that our security agencies routinely snoop on the private phone conversations and communications of Nigerians. Even where it has been proven that the privacy of individuals has been violated, the law seems to overlook the infringement. Yet, the most elementary requirement of a democratic and free society is that the privacy of individual citizens remains a sacred area except in cases of criminal investigation. Even then, the relevant security agencies must obtain legal clearance to seek access to the private communications of individual suspects.

Routine massive acquisition of data and information on citizens is the favourite strategy of totalitarian regimes. When a democracy becomes incrementally subject to authoritarian gimmicks, repression in the hands of reckless politicians is what usually follows.

The National Assembly therefore has a responsibility to protect the public from executive actions that could undermine the democratic essence of society and circumscribe the liberty of citizens.

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.

LESSON FROM UAE ON COUNTER TERRORISM

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n April 2019, the Abu Dhabi federal court of appeal convicted six Nigerians named Abdurrahaman Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad over alleged funding of Boko Haram terrorists’ group. The accused were tried and sentenced before a court of competent jurisdiction for an alleged transfer of almost $800, 000 from Dubai to Nigeria to facilitate and aid the Boko Haram terrorists’ group operations.

While the court found the accused guilty of setting up a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to raise funds and material assistance for the insurgents in Nigeria, the convicts appealed their conviction in the UAE federal supreme court but the appeal was turned down by the apex court in December 2019, thereby upholding the appeal court judgement.

By virtue of UAE thorough investigation to this terrorist financing allegation and prompt prosecution of the culprits, the country’s authorities have indirectly sent a stern signal of their zero and intolerant stance against insurgency to all and sundry.

If the aforementioned culprits could face trial for sponsoring terrorism outside the shores of UAE, it is easier to predict the horrible fate that awaits whoever perpetrates or unleashes any iota of terrorist acts on UAE territory.

It is unfortunate that Nigeria authorities have not deemed it fit to emulate the UAE rapid response and tactical approach to counter terrorism. Rather, the national debate amongst government officials so far revolved around granting scholarship to repentant

Boko Haram, the modus operandi of negotiating with terrorists and incessant threats against unnamed financiers of terrorism.

A 2020 report from the United Nations Develop Programme (UNDP) proclaimed that insurgency-related conflicts had claimed the lives of almost 350,000 people in the North-eastern part of Nigeria with 314,000 of those from indirect causes of terrorism.

Numerous invaluable private and public property have also been lost to terrorism.

The sincerity and readiness of Nigeria’s government in the fight against terrorism is questionable. No nation can totally overcome or curb terrorism menace without identifying and sanctioning its financiers. One of the most effective counter terrorism strategy is to dismantle the network behind insurgency. A notorious terrorist recently apprehended in Sokoto State narrated how he purchased N28.5m guntruck in Niger Republic for terrorist operations.

The confession reaffirms that any war on terrorism without locating and breaking its financial channels is a facade. The havoc being wrecked on Nigerians by these terrorists would continue with their financial strength to purchase sophisticated weapon.

Both the Nigerian security apparatus and the terrorist foot soldiers have unlimited access to heavy weapon. The Nigerian government policy of purchasing more military warfare can’t defeat terrorism until her counter terrorism strategy adopts and prioritizes the utter decimation of terrorist life support machine ( financing).

Binzak Azeez, Newworth LLP (Legal Practitioners), Onikan, Lagos

EXPENSIVE UNREAL COSTS

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he fake online world has kicked the real investment world to the value of about $230 billion. As a comparison New Zealand’s GDP in 2019 (IMF) was $255B, putting it at 52nd place out of 211 countries reported on.

New Zealand is a real country and quite well worth visiting once we can again. Like everyone who has shares or superannuation I am worried.

As one of the apparently few citizens without a Facebook page I wonder what its value really is. Yes, like Bill Clinton who smoked but didn’t inhale, I tried it but didn’t like it and deleted my account or hope I did, they seem difficult to kill. There are of course billions, almost half of the world’s population, who do have an account but does a large number of supporters make it a good thing?

Perhaps that sort of money could be better used, maybe to cure cancer or prevent famines but then again it is ‘fake’ money unlike the real problems that still do exist. We should all get off the computers and meet our real neighbours and maybe do a few hours of volunteer work instead. You will receive real karma.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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TUESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SIXTEEN MALAMI: PRIMA FACIE CASE NOW ESTABLISHED AGAINST KYARI, MAY BE EXTRADITED TO US noted that multiple jurisdictions were involved in the matter, including the United Arab Emirates, America, and Nigeria. He added that though investigations were still on-going, the possibility of extraditing the officer was high.

The attorney general also claimed that the number of convictions the administration had so far secured in the fight against corruption clearly established that a recent report by Transparency International had no basis.

Malami explained, “There are lots of considerations that are ongoing, including the possibility of extradition and that is why the collaboration element comes in. There could be a need for extradition.

“As far as I am concerned, parties are discussing; we are collaborating and there are exchanges of correspondence.

Reasonable ground of suspicion

has been established and that will eventually translate into prosecution and eventual conviction.

“The position now is that there are prima facie grounds, reasonable grounds for suspicion have been considered from the perspective of prosecution, from the perspective of extradition if the need for it arises.”

Malami also addressed the question of terrorism sponsorship and assured Nigerians that nothing would be hidden in terms of names, associated facts, and circumstances.

According to him, “Work is in progress and nobody has been taken to custody arbitrarily. In a couple of weeks, these people will be charged to court. In a number of weeks, we will have something tangible. I am a man of honour, not out of pride, but when I make promises, I keep to them.”

Malami rejected the Corruption Perceptions Index 2021, which ranked Nigeria 154 out of 180 countries and territories, putting the country back five places from the rank of 149 in 2020. He said before the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Nigeria had only about 103 convictions in corruption cases between 2013 and 2014. He said the number had moved to 2,000 convictions in 2021 alone in cases brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The attorney general stated, “Today, as of the end of 2021, EFCC has recorded over 2,000 convictions. So, if you are talking of the year in, year out empirical evidence as it relates to the performance of our institutions, one single institution (EFCC) has established the point that there is no basis by which Transparency International report can stand.

“When you juxtapose the report of the Transparency International with that of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which is more universal and are the best for assessment.

“As far as we are concerned, when you are talking of Transparency International compared with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), then, the answer as far as we are concerned is UNDOC stands clear.

“The fact that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended and rated as the champion of anti-corruption established a point that there is no basis, no foundation, no justifiable ground and, indeed, to the standing platform upon which Transparency International could stand. We have been acknowledged to be doing very well by United Nations Office

WITH WITHDRAWAL OF WRONG FUEL FROM CIRCULATION, QUEUES RETURN TO ABUJA, LAGOS, OTHERS products from circulation.

THISDAY learnt that the shortage of supply from the sole importer, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), had worsened the situation.

In Abuja and surrounding states, majority of filling stations were shut and motorists spent hours in the sun struggling to buy from the few that were open, and causing serious traffic jams in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) blamed the shortage of supply on issues surrounding the presence of bad fuel in the market as well as undersupply from the national oil company.

The particular cargo with the product was said to have high sulphur, while marketers were advised not to sell to consumers, with at least 100 million litres already in circulation at the time the bad fuel was discovered.

In addition, it was learnt that the queues returned partly because the gap, which existed when depot owners started hoarding products before the announcement of retention of subsidy by the federal government, had not smoothened.

This has affected the lifting of the products to, especially Abuja and other parts of the north from Lagos, THISDAY gathered.

The federal government had backtracked on its plan to remove fuel subsidy in mid-2022, citing the need to protect the poor and vulnerable.

Many of the fuel stations visited, including Eterna and Enyo on Olusegun Obasanjo Way in Wuse as well as Total on Herbert Macaulay, did not have product and more than half of the fuel pumps at the NNPC mega station in the area were not operational.

South-West Zonal Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Dele Tajudeen, who confirmed the existence of contaminated fuel in circulation while speaking on a national television yesterday, absolved the organisation of any blame.

Tajudeen explained that that IPMAN members had suffered severe losses and may ask for damages from the authorities.

According to him, members of his group were supplied with bad products, which had put them in serious trouble, as they had to repair vehicles for their customers whose cars were impacted by the bad product.

Stressing that fuel station owners are now rejecting the bad product, he explained that the group was working to resolve the issue amicably with NNPC’s subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC).

“We need to be compensated, but we don’t want to put the masses in another crisis if we resort to going on strike, demanding compensation because we

know people are already in a deep economic problem,” he said.

The IPMAN official assured that the issue of bad fuel in circulation was already being investigated, stating that Managing Director of PPMC, Mr Isiaku Abdullahi, was intervening in the matter.

“Until the investigation is concluded, I don’t want to comment more, so as not to pre-empt it, but Mr Abdullahi is making efforts to ensure that all the depots are revived. He is doing a holistic rehabilitation of the depots,” he said.

Tajudeen added, “This (fuel scarcity) is as a result of short supply from the NNPC and, of course, the private depots around Lagos. One of the major reasons for the scarcity is that the five NNPC depots in southwest as at today are not loading products.

“Also, we witnessed the issue of bad product and I must use this opportunity to tell the masses that it is not from our members.

As a matter of fact we suffered serious loss of cash and integrity because we received the product from the private depots.

“As I am telling you, we have run into millions of naira in losses as a result of this bad product.

So, the station owners are not responsible for these product.”

Tajudeen commended Abdullahi for his efforts at ameliorating the situation, describing him as proactive. He said most of their customers had been complaining, prompting them to carry out repairs, replacement of the bad fuels and bearing the reputational damage caused by the situation.

He pointed out, “The situation is not too good because of non-availability of this product, coupled with this bad product that came in the last two weeks.

The products are being rejected now. So, because of that, there’s shortage of product.”

On the rising cost of diesel, Tajudeen stated that while the product had gone to N401 without the logistics costs, petrol has gone to N156 without transport costs, saying it will then hit N162 to N163 before it gets do the stations.

“Our profit margin has been eroded completely,” he lamented.

But he argued that government could not leave pricing in private hands because it will “strangulate the masses”, adding that the international crude oil prices does not necessarily tally with the rise in prices in the country.

A top NNPC official who spoke with THISDAY on the matter, stated that whatever the situation, it was the responsibility of the new downstream/midstream authority to speak on the matter.

The source said, “They (the queues) will disappear. It’s just a small supply gap. People are bound to make all sorts of speculations, but if the speculation continues, the downstream/ midstream authority will come up with a statement to clarify whatever is happening.”

Meanwhile, a civil advocacy group yesterday called on the federal government to take a decisive action against those alleged to be hoarding petrol in the country, and subjection unbearable hardship on the masses.

The group, in a letter to the Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), specifically accused members of independent marketers of petroleum products of hoarding fuel, which according to them, was responsible for the long queues at fuel stations across the country, particularly the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.

The letter dated February 7, 2022, and signed by the group's Convener, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, was titled, “Persistent Hoarding of Fuel

By Independent Marketers: A Call for Urgent Action.”

It said, "As you may already know, in recent months independent marketers of petroleum products have engaged in speculative acts of hoarding petroleum products, particularly PMS, in a bid to criminally increase the prices, cause artificial scarcity and plunge the country into widespread economic chaos.

"For example, filing stations

across the nation’s capital are littered with long queues of vehicles seeking to purchase fuel, while the independent marketers ensured that their filing stations were shut for the day by 6pm."

The group, however, lamented that the regulators had not deemed it necessary to call these independent marketers to order, as they had continued to allow them take advantage of Nigerians.

The convener expressed pain that the development was causing excruciating pain on the people, adding that an artificial fuel scarcity is the last thing they should worry about.

He stated, "It is equally important to point out that causing artificial scarcity resulting in economic sabotage is a criminal offence under our laws.

"The federal government must, therefore, put a halt to the ball watching and take urgent steps to address the economic sabotage, especially as there is no reason for artificial scarcity at this time.

"Sequel to the foregoing, we call on the federal government to arrest the offending marketers, shut their filling stations and bring this on-going economic sabotage to an end. Nigerians deserves to buy fuel at an accessible rate anytime."

on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).”

The minister insisted that the fight against corruption could only be assessed by the number of prosecutions and convictions, saying the fact that EFCC could records, over 2,000 convictions within a year showed that the present administration has done well in the fight against corruption.

Malami also dwelt on the alleged delay in the prosecution of high profile cases, saying, “As far as the present administration is concerned, delay of cases does not arise. If you are looking at it from the perspective of the legislative framework, we are enforcing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as in dayin-day-out prosecution of cases.”

Citing the the case of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, Malami stated that once the matter had been subjected to court, the delay in the prosecution could not be blamed on the presidency, adding that it is exclusively a judiciary affair.

“We have taken steps to provide the legislative framework; we have taken steps in due diligence of prosecution of cases, which as a result of multiple convictions within a span of a year, is a clear pointer that we have indeed promised and delivered,” he said.

However, on the case of former EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, the Malami said, “It’s a work-in-progress,” addeding, “The report of investigation, having been received, it is only logical to allow the agents of the government to do what they are supposed to do for the purpose of arriving at a certain position.

“The idea of political persecution does not arise but due process.

We allow the institutions to do the needful with a view to arriving at a final decision.”

On money recovered at an Ikoyi building some years ago, Malami said, “I have to refer back to record,” stressing that, all the monies that had been forfeited to the federal government were part of the funds used to support the budget.

Malami stated, “In our budgets of 2020, 2021, and 2022, we have a component of budget servicing that relates to recovered assets. So, if there has been a final forfeiture order relating to that money, it may have been applied to service

the budget.”

Speaking on the failure to disclose names of those allegedly sponsoring terrorism, he said, “Prima facie case or reasonable suspicion seems to have been established, eventually, prosecution will take place,” assuring that nothing would be hidden in terms of names, associated facts, and circumstances.

He said, ''Work is in progress and nobody has been taken to custody arbitrarily. In a couple of weeks, these people will be charged to court. In a number of weeks, we will have something tangible. I am a man of honour, not out of pride, but when I make promises, I keep to them.”

The issue of Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu also came up and the minister said, “We will allow the law of the country, where he (Igboho) is being detained to take its natural course. Perhaps, thereafter bring him back after the conclusion of his trial over there to face the Nigerian law that has been breached.

“We are not interfering with his on-going prosecution at the foreign land. A political solution can only be considered after the conclusion of his trial at the Benin Republic. We cannot rule out any possibility in terms of prosecution. In our laws, there are lots of possibilities.”

Malami refrained from debating the Electoral law, saying it would be premature for him to comment on it, as a copy of the Amended Electoral Bill only got to his office yesterday (Monday).

He explained, “I have not taken steps to review the content of what has been presented for consideration. So, it is premature and pre-emptive for me at this moment to arrive at any conclusion, taking into consideration that I have not seen what it contains and analysed it in accordance with the constitution.

“Certainly, if I am not satisfied and if I am of the opinion that it is against the public interest and against the dictates of the democratic process, I will advise accordingly. One thing I can tell you is that, we are all interested in leaving behind a legacy – a lasting democracy – a democracy that accommodates the collective interests of the Nigerian state and advances the national interest,” he said.

APC LEADERS IN SEARCH OF CONSENSUS CANDIDATE AT CONVENTION TO UNITE PARTY for the post of national chairman, a source further hinted, included former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Bawa Bwari from Niger State, Saliu Mustapha from Kwara State, and Senator Tanko Al-Makura from Nasarawa State.

These three prospective candidates were allegedly mentioned repeatedly by many of the major stakeholders of the party as suitable to lead the APC to a successful election in 2023.

Following media reports that APC was considering fielding former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate in 2023, the ruling party said defectors to the party, including Jonathan, would be given waiver to contest.

THISDAY gathered that the APC stakeholders were informed that in their search for a consensus candidate for national chairman, "They should put into considerations factors, like energy, credibility, experience, and ability to drive and sustain the winning streak of the party in the next general election."

According to a northern governor, who pleaded anonymity, "The president had informed us that the only way he would be part of the much talked about idea of a consensus national chairman is for the stakeholders to ensure that whosoever that will emerge meets certain irreducible leadership criteria, chief of which are character and credibility factors."

The governor said the ruling party was considering adopting the consensus option to avoid the crisis that could follow the election of a national chairman, bearing in mind that the national convention was around the corner.

The source explained that though "the office of the national chairman has not been officially zoned to any of the geopolitical zones in the north, in principle, the party may yield to the agitations of the stakeholders of the party from the North-central zone."

The source explained further that at several meetings of the APC governors with the party’s National Assembly members as well as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the three aspirants from the Northcentral had been consistently mentioned.

Bwari was Minister of State for Mines and Steel from 2015 to 2019. He was also Chief Whip in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007.

Mustapha was Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive change (CPC), Buhari’s legacy party before the merger that birthed APC. He was also Organising Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) at some point.

Al-Makura, a serving senator, was governor of Nasarawa State.

While Mustapha and AlMakura had long declared

their intentions and embarked on rigorous campaigns across the country, Bwari was yet to officially declare his intention at the time of filing this report.

Mustapha and Al-Makura also appear to enjoy the full and open backing of their governors, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Abdulahi Sule, respectively.

THISDAY was told that the stakeholders might have drafted the three names for possible security screening to avoid selecting anyone with the baggage of controversies as national chairman.

Barring any further delays, the outcome of the security profiling of the three might form the basis of the choice that would be sent to the president early next week.

According to the source, the security profiling was discretely undertaken to avoid any embarrassment to the ruling party.

Though it was gathered that two former governors – Abduallahi Yari of Zamfara and Modu Sheriff of Borno State – were still protesting adoption of a consensus option, the source said their protest might not hold water since the president had bought into the idea.

In the same vein, two aspirants for national secretary from Anambra State, Ambassador Jerry Sunny Ugokwe and Nze Chidi Duru, may emerge. The implication is that the office of National Secretary may have been zoned to the South-east.

Meanwhile, following

media reports and on-going permutations that APC was considering fielding Jonathan as its presidential candidate in 2023, the ruling party reiterated that defectors to the party would be given waiver to contest.

Jonathan had of late been paying visits to Buhari in Aso Rock, and holding private discussions.

Speaking with THISDAY yesterday by telephone, National Secretary of APC’s Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator James Akpanudoedehe, reiterated that anyone that defected to the party, by virtue of the December Resolution, would be given a waiver to contest, including the former president.

Though Akpanudoedehe said he was not aware if the former president was planning to come to the party.

Akpanudoedehe said, "Go back to my former reaction. I cannot bring out that topic again on the front burner. I cannot bring up that matter, because I actually answered that question about Goodluck Jonathan and I told Nigerians that anybody that comes into the party by the resolution of December has the right to contest.

"I am not aware that the caretaker committee has endorsed him; I am not aware that the caretaker has endorsed anybody.

I'm not aware that he (Jonathan) has been wooed to join the party.

I am not privy to that."

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2022

POLITICS

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

How Ganduje Became an Outsider in Kano APC Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state may be drowning in a sea of trouble that has beset him on all sides

Ganduje

T

hese are not the best of times for Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.

While he may not be new to swimming in troubled waters, the difference, this time around, is that those threatening to drown him are supposed comrades from the same political party, All Progressives Congress (APC). Having served as deputy governor for eight years and now close to his seventh year as the incumbent governor, the challenges confronting Ganduje are largely selfimposed. Political pundits expected the governor to have mastered the intrigues of Kano politics from being an insider for so long, but he has made so many apparent costly mistakes that have taken control of the party out of his hands.

The jostle for control of the party started when the governor unilaterally allotted positions for the 2023 national elections to certain persons without consulting other stakeholders in the party. Some serving members of the National Assembly from Kano State whose offices were traded off

by Ganduje were baffled that such weighty decisions could be taken behind them. After several failed efforts to get the Kano governor to rescind his decision, they came together in an alliance now known as the G-7.

Emergence of the G-7 The group includes Senator Barau Jibril, representing Kano North, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, representing Kano Central, Bashir Dalhatu of Buhari Support Organization, Sha’aban Sharadda, memberof the House of Representatives, representing Kano Municipal, Tijjani Jobe, member of the House of Representatives from Dawakin Tofa, Rumin Gado and Tofa, Nasiru Auduwa Gabasawa, representing Gabasawa and Gezawa and Ahmad Haruna Danzago Kano State Chairman of APC. There was clearly no need for Ganduje to allow the birth of G-7. He was supposed to sit them down and identify those who could go for higher appointments in Abuja or those to be nominated for gubernatorial or other appointments within the G-7, but he chose to abide by the advice of the chairman of the party produced by his faction, Abdullahi Abbass.

What could have been managed by the governor with the political sagacity that he was credited with was allowed to become a full-blown crisis.

Shekarau

Jibril

Once the case went to court, the line of differences was clearly drawn and there appears to be no going back; not when the matter has gone all the way to the Supreme Court, which decided in favour of the G-7. The Kano Governor lost the court battle at every stage. The Supreme Court has handed over the leadership of the party to Shekarau, while Ganduje is left with Abass, the factional chairman of the party, but the court has ruled that Danzago is officially the chairman of the party at the state level.

Effectively, the structure of the APC in Kano is in the hands of Shekarau, a former governor of the state and a serving Senator.

Although the APC Reconciliation Committee has made many public and secret efforts to make peace between the G-7 and Ganduje, it looks like the ship has left the harbour. What is noticeable everywhere in Kano, at the moment, is that the G-7 is in charge of the party. The people on the streets have turned their back against Ganduje, who has committed so many blunders that portray him as one without good advisers. On the other hand, it could be that the governor opted to act independently and refused to listen to anyone else. Whether he acted alone or in cahoots with others behind the curtain, he should have seen what was coming at him. As things stand today, the problem has become hydra-headed and too big to be solved in one day or one week. It is no comfort to Governor Ganduje that the selection process of the political parties for their flag-bearers in the 2023 national

Kwankwaso

elections is around the corner.

From feelers in Kano political assemblies, members of the G-7 were incensed by the Kano governor ’s thoughtless actions after they spent their monies, time and reputation to side with him in his various trying times. Whatever came up against Ganduje, they made sure those problems were solved at their own level. They joined forces and resources, with their intellectuality to make sure Ganduje emerged as a governor, a second time. Having done so much to support his person and administration, the least they expected from him was appreciation. Rather, what they got was a stab in the back and a blunt refusal by Governor Ganduje to reach an understanding with them when the opportunity was open, before they headed for the courts.

What further irked the G-7 was the effrontery of the governor ’s wife to publicly state that Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs would succeed her husband. Expectedly this created negative reactions in the state. The First Family of Kano was forced to by overwhelming public opinion to backtrack, but the governor ’s body language disclosed something else. The apology did not quite seem to come from the heart.

Perhaps, if Ganduje had chosen a better candidate and carried the G-7 along, the people of Kano may have agreed to his choice.

Rather than use his vast knowledge of politics in the state to cement relationships, Ganduje thought he could use the carrot

Whether he acted alone or cahoots with others behind the curtain, he should have seen what was coming at him. As things stand today, the problem has become hydra-headed and too big to be solved in one day or one week. It is no comfort to Governor Ganduje that the selection process of the political parties for their flag-bearers in the 2023 national elections is around the corner

and stick approach, unmindful of the fact that members of the G-7 individually and collectively command so much respect and are financially comfortable.

From the G-7 fold, Senator Barau Jibril has a lot going for him. Since Shekarau can’t be governor again, the lot may fall on Jibril, whose political machinery in Kano is so strong that even if he were to contest against a sitting governor, he will come tops.

He is powerful and the people of Kano are with him. Along with his compatriots in the G-7, they made so many covert efforts and used their money to buy copies of the videos that were supposed to be published to embarrass the Kano Governor. They covered his shame when it mattered.

Window for a Truce?

If the calculation does not work out well for Ganduje, he may go with his tail between his legs to beg for a soft landing. Recently, his acolytes who used to abuse former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on radio have indicated that if the opportunity presents itself, they are ready to apologise to the Kwankwasiyya leader. Ganduje has recently paid condolence visits to Kwankwaso on the death of his brother. Watchers of the political scene in Kano were also surprised when all the feuding Kano politicians gathered and exchanged pleasantries at the wedding of Shekarau’s daughter. These were not likely to happen in the past when there was no love lost between these politicians. Governor Ganduje has recently been going everywhere with Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, a wealthy businessman and politician, who is a known ally of APC National Leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose presidential ambition is openly supported by the Kano Governor.

However, many are quick to point to the fact that the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi’s daughter is married to Ganduje’s son. Tinubu was Ajimobi’s political godfather. Zaura is believed to have the money to match Jibril if they have to fight for the APC governorship ticket in Kano.

But power play is largely about interest, not family ties. So, where there are threats to expose the Kano governor ’s dirty deals, he may be pressurized to consider the skeletons in his cupboard than who his son is married to.

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T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2022

POLITICS

It’s Time for the Nigeria Agenda ‘Niyi Akinsiju argues that rather than promote invidious ethnic nationalism more Nigerians should awaken to the need to emplace leadership that will ensure transparency in government and integrity in the business of governance

Buhari

I

t is important to explain why The Nigeria Agenda chose Kano for its inaugural national sensitization advocacy. It is the outcome of a rationalization that was premised, not only on the city’s central positioning in Nigeria’s North-west geopolitical zone, but more significantly, because of its robust history of citizens’ engagements made manifest in the historical sublimity of the Talakawa political culture and tradition that still define the politics of the city and to a large extent, the politics of the state in contemporary times.

Thus, while citizens, especially of the social and economic category pejoratively described as commoners, in other states of the Nigerian federation, in bemoaned their burden of existence and listless fate under a political system materially dominated by an elite minority, which is usually driven by narrow self interest that mostly bothered on selfish expropriation of collective patrimony, the Kano commoners, the Talakawa, had long ago found and aggregated a common social, economic and political identity and purpose in their numbers. And, earlier than any citizens’ movement anywhere in the country, made commitments to not only the contest for democratic power, but to, by concrete class action, insist on making the people the centre of both government and governance working through the covenant inherent in the Sawaba Declaration of Principles of 1951.

This inaugural advocacy of The Nigeria Agenda in Kano city is in deference to this precocious act of political self enablement and activation, consummated about 71 years ago under Mallam Aminu Kano, the teacher, whose boundless humanism inspired a mass based peoples ideological movement and a political trend that is still a reference item in the simplicity of its context and at the same, its conceptual sophistication which helped the ordinary people overcome spurious divisions in their ranks. And, in honour of those patriots that have continued to propagate and sustain the ethos of that era.

Whilst Kano’s political and ideological pedigrees provide a strong ground to host this advocacy, we equally find an alluring proposition in the testimonials of the political activism of its political history, which continues to evolve through contemporary times, as a paradigm of adaptation for The Nigeria Agenda.

History is replete with politicians and peripheral political activists of different hues and characterizations, who, at convenience, and in pursuit of vain political and material gains, routinely verbalize, in vicious excoriation, the challenges and deficiencies of Nigeria’s nationhood and, sometimes, in the most delinquent manners, engaged in brazen revisionism as they fraudulent maneuver to manipulate public sentiments with the end to set one group of Nigerians against the others, in mind, with primary

Buni

intent at securing places and advantages within the nation’s political leadership hemisphere.

So, while the nation is treated to cacophonous scenes of sometimes curious and needless disagreements by these protagonists of our divergence, we continue to witness a unity of a small numbers of individuals on the higher hierarchy of the political tree, sated by privileges of power and offices despite their coming from different ethnic groups and religions.

Nevertheless, their willfulness becomes manifest in the face of any possible threat to their continuous holding of their places in the privileged political class, they veil their self interests in lofty text as engineer disaffections in the public space as they incite the civil population in effusive proclamation and protestation of denials of rights, marginalization, injustice, inequality, inequity flavoured with a large dose of invidious ethnic nationalism and prodigious explications of verses that underscore national differences.

The outturn is that there’s a lot victim’s mentality on display with an equal size of entitlement mentality playing out in the public space, as professional vendors of disaffections criminally seduced innocent citizens on a cocktail of twisted logic and fraudulent scenario painting in the bids to argue the justification for the stratification of the nation along ethnic and other jaundiced lines. All these in an enterprise of sophistry in the service of a few that have become adept at dividing the nation along primitive sentiments.

I do not in desire to dismiss

Ayu

occasions of injustices and marginalization in our country in this presentation, not at all. These, in fact, are hallmarks of the characterization of any community of human beings and there are much examples of such in our records as a country. It is, however, the industry of magnifying our differences which now flourishes as an alternative national option that I, here, submit, is not a true representation of the Nigerian circumstance.

The truth of our history is in contradiction to what these subject-matter experts and champions of our national chasms want us to believe in with their scurrilous venting of an alternate reality, as they frivolously argue to indicate that despite our more than 150 years of social and economic interactions as peoples of different tongues and ways of worship within this common geographical space, we are yet to evolve into true nationhood. This is a deliberate misrepresentation of our reality.

While, indeed, nationhood is a journey and constantly evolving, Nigeria has, from all markers of national identity, arrived at the anchorage of nationhood. And this at no small price; from a population size of just above 56 million people in 1963, we have together, journeyed through a treacherous terrain dotted with eight known coup d’etats with their violent and peaceful variants; including variegated uprisings, mostly triggered by local differences over tribal boundaries and religious differences. Plus, of course, social dislocations and economic deprivations of all sorts in our 63 years as a sovereign state. Yet, our numbers have grown to a humongous two hundred and six million people, this is a singular testimony to our unity as a people.

Indeed, since the 1914 amalgamation, Nigerians and Nigeria have increased and grown stronger and resilient, marrying across religious and ethnic divides, trading and doing business between and among ourselves, migrating and settling down across tribal geographical boundaries, even within the political firmament, politicians crisscross party lines in shifting affiliations that have become a peculiar character trait of democracy

The nation is treated to cacophonous scenes of sometimes curious and needless disagreements by these protagonists of our divergence, we continue to witness a unity of a small numbers of individuals on the higher hierarchy of the political tree, sated by privileges of power and offices despite their coming from different ethnic groups and religions. Nevertheless, their willfulness becomes manifest in the face of any possible threat to their continuous holding of their places in the privileged political class

in Nigeria. We have grown to share in the pains and joy of our compatriots across tribal and religious lines. As a people, we have together learn to continue to feed on the hope and prospects of Nigeria transforming into a hugely great country, with all its social, economic and security implications. Even as our faith and resolve in this country, no matter the talk-down and dangerous cynicism thrown around in some quarters, have remained unshaken. One good reason we are still standing solidly together today.

But as we aspire for greater economic returns and ennobling social conditions, the significance of recruiting the right kind of leadership at all tiers of governance to facilitate these is crucial. This is where the Kano political paradigm that I had romanticized earlier, applies; the recognition of our inherent and growing unity as a people because of our shared history and experiences, and the need to galvanize the capability to make leaders responsible and answerable to the people by acting and thinking beyond cleavages of our differences in the recruitment, evaluation and monitoring of the performances of political leaders. The Talakawa of Kano were able to transcend primordial sentiments by bonding around the virtues and attributes of their commonalities to achieving political ascendancy through solidarity of a single mindedness to dominate the political space for the good of the people.

In borrowing from the phenomenon of the Talakawa, there is a need to band together in conscientious vertical and horizontal solidarity, the more than 280 different tongues-ethnic groupings, divided along the two mainstream religions, must transform into active leadership recruitment officers, conscious of their rights, duties and responsibilities as Nigerian citizens and made potentates in the democratic space by jettisoning base appeals to primordial differences. And, as a collective, demand of leaders, the requirements of social progression, economic growth, security of lives and properties at all tiers of government. And to that extent, emplace leadership that will ensure inclusiveness, transparency in government, and integrity in the business of governance rather than those that will excuse abysmal performance or criminality in the conduct of government on the smokescreen of ethnicity and religious persecution.

This translates to making political leaders answerable for their deeds in office to the citizens; to ensure compliance by leaders to ethos of equity, equality, right of access to material assets, to justice, and to the enjoyment of unhindered peaceful existence anywhere we may find ourselves within the Nigerian geographical space without let or hindrance. These are the pillars on which the The Nigeria Agenda is pivoted, and to which we invite you to review and adopt, and to join us to amplify and propagate across Nigeria, conscious of our Nigerianess.

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TUESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

Reason Poverty and Ritual Killings Are On The Rise

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omething terrible has happened and is still happening to our national psyche as a people. Under the misrule of President Buhari, Nigeria has now become a place of desperation.

Our population is expanding. 16,000 babies are born every day in Nigeria.

Annually, 6 million people are added to our numbers.

Our population growth rate is 3%. Yet, under Buhari, our economy is barely growing and has in some cases during the time in review, actually shrunk in size (a recession).

In 2020, our GDP growth rate was -1.8% (negative 1.8%, meaning that it shrank). The African Development Bank projects that our GDP grew by just 1.5% last year (that is half the rate at which our population grew).

And with these sad realities, we have an administration that is increasing its budgetary spending on itself and its appointees/cronies (the cost of governance in Nigeria has increased by more than 40% under Buhari. Meanwhile, the budgetary spending on human development as a percentage of total budgeting has been reduced by more than 20%.

And not only has the Buhari administration squandered our present resources, they have put future generations in bondage by borrowing so much that China has had to take the extraordinary measure of refusing further lending to Nigeria.

This administration met a total debt of 12 trillion.

Today, Nigeria owes 40 trillion, with Buhari promising to borrow $12 billion more before his inglorious exit in 2023. So bad has the situation become that Nigeria now spends more on debt servicing than she does on actual infrastructure.

The end result of more people struggling for less resources, is a population that has become so desperate, that people are now willing to do almost anything to get money, fulfilling the Scriptural prophecy that Christ gave in Matthew 24:12 to the effect that “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

Ritual killings and skull mining have now become so rampant in Nigeria that hardly a day goes by without a sad headline referencing these atrocities in the media.

From five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar in Kano, to three-year-old Aminu Bukar In Jigawa, to the unfortunate girlfriend who was beheaded for money rituals in Ogun by her lover and two of his friend, to the young Imo teenager, who was caught in the act as he tried to kill his mother in pursuit of a money ritual. Buhari’s misrule had turned Nigeria into a nation of desperadoes.

And it is not just rituals. Nigerians no longer have

Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali an appetitive for any investment that can’t yield unimaginable interests in a matter of weeks.

Three million Nigerians lost 18 billion to the MMM Ponzi scheme in 2017. If you ask those same three million people to invest that money in the S&P 500 and get a sure 8% return on investment, many, if not most of them would have scoffed at you. I have experienced it in my free MasterClasses. As a people, easy money is a national disease we must cure!

If you had asked the majority of those three million Nigerians who lost 18 billion to MMM in 2017 to invest in #Bitcoin, they would have said crypto is too risky. Today, Bitcoin is ten times its 2017 value, while ponzi MMM disappeared faster than Buhari’s integrity. Risk is better than greed!

It is not that Nigerians are a bad people. We are not.

We have just been put under unimaginable pressure by a government that is so useless to the extent that they turned the third fastest-growing economy in the world in 2015, according to CNNMoney, to the world headquarters for extreme poverty.

And poverty has consequences. It makes people more likely to commit crimes. It gives them little choices in life. Terrorism and insecurity Nigeria is facing are as a result of the uselessness of our

government in improving conditions of life for the people. And this has created an environment where terrorists are able to recruit.

The sad reality is that Nigerians are the architect of their present sufferings. By electing a man who is not much better than a stark illiterate, we are paying the price of being led by the worst of us. And until Buhari is democratically ousted, very little will change!

He will continue to build that $2 billion railway to Niger Republic with money borrowed in Nigeria’s name nonetheless. And when that badly needed money is not spent developing our infrastructure, and improving our economy, Nigerians will get more and more desperate. And that desperation will continue until we have a separation of Buhari from Aso Rock.

This vicious cycle will continue until we are able to grow our economy at a faster rate than our population. If not, we are going to experience an ever-worsening Malthusian crisis.

And the only way we can rein in our population is by educating Nigerians, especially Northern Nigerians.

Buhari thinks his various schemes of handing out cash to Nigerians via programmes like NPower will halt the drift, but it won’t. Because, people are poor more out of a lack of wisdom than out of a lack of capital. For example, if you give most poor people a hen today, they will eat it. They will not wait for it to lay eggs. And tomorrow, they will beg for eggs from a man who waited for his hen to lay eggs.

It is the same thing with money. If you give many poor people $1000 and return in a week, you will find them with a new iPhone, or another new consumer item they do not need. The whole idea behind their poverty is their mentality. They have a consumer mentality, not a producer mentality If you want to become wealthy, you must have the mentality of consuming what you produce. It is called a prosumer mindset. A prosumer is someone who consumes what he produces. When I travelled around Asia, I developed a respect for their prosumer ability.

And it is only possible to have a prosumer mentality when you are educated. This is why I have consistently suggested that Nigeria should focus on education. And not just any type of education.

Our focus should be on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Most of the courses on offer in Nigerian universities are irrelevant and have expired in the year 2022. Nigeria is a developing country. We do not need millions of students studying liberal arts courses. We need science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

That is what we should be subsidising. Not fuel.

Certainly not fuel.

The kinds of courses on offer at Nigerian universities and the curricula at lower education levels only end up indoctrinating Nigerian youths to think like workers and employees. Our education system does not teach our children how to make money. Rather, it teaches them how to be dependent on the government.

And when you have a government as ineffectual as Buhari’s, the problems caused by the inadequacies of our education system only grow worse.

And that is all the more reason why our youths are engaging in these very shameful and satanic vices.

Nigeria must revolutionise her education system.

We are no longer in the colonial era where the British needed court clerks and office boys. We are now living in a knowledge worker age. And if we do not revamp and overhaul our education system, the world will be making trillions from mining Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies, while we will only be mining skulls in a futile bid to make money from fetish and occult practices.

Nigeria is graduating too many sociologists, philosophers, theatre artists, linguistics, mass communicators, psychologists (not psychiatrists) and other liberal arts. We are a developing country. Those courses are luxuries. We must encourage our youths to focus on STEM education if we are to develop!

STEM is what has taken China from second world to first world in less than fifty years. We do not have to reinvent the wheel. Let us learn from others who have escaped the situation we now find ourselves in.

Education that prepares young Nigerians to be entrepreneurs or makes them so highly skilled that jobs will look for them is what we desperately need if we want to stem the tide of ritual killings and skull mining, which are in themselves symptoms of the endemic, systemic, and generational poverty that exists in Nigeria.

Reno’s Nuggets Your father did not leave anything for you, so you too don’t want to leave for your children? Has it ever occurred to you that your father did not leave anything for you because his own father left nothing for him? If you don’t break the cycle, your lineage may be poor forever!

Even if you don’t have money or assets to leave to your children, at least get life insurance. That way, when you die (we will all die one day if Christ tarries), your children will have a windfall. Life insurance is not expensive. And if you are afraid that your children will kill you, keep it a secret from them. #RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

Insecurity: Niger Now Has Footprints of ISWAP, Boko Haram Within Its Borders, Says Commissioner Laleye Dipo in Minna The Niger State government, yesterday, claimed that banditry and terrorism had begun tofester in seven local governments in the state, because of the involvement of men of the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP).

At the same time, the government disclosed that men of the dreaded Boko Haram sect hadintegrated into many communities around the state.

Commissioner for Local Government and Internal Security, Mr Emmanuel Umar, disclosed these, when he delivered a lecture with the theme: "Insecurity in Niger State, The Way Out" at a forum organised in Minna by the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ. Umar claimed that it had become difficult for security operatives to bring an end to banditry and terrorism, because of the "Footprints of ISWAP and Bokoharam members in the problem."

The commissioner also said inadequate manpower especially, on the part of the police, has aggravated insecurity saying, in some communities, "We have only 7 policemen while we don't

even have at all in some other communities, this is coupled with the difficult terrain of most parts of the state.”

In addition, Umar said, because the rural people had no interest in banking, thereby keeping their money at home, an act he said

attracted bandits.

According to him, despite the claim that ransoms were not being paid to "these criminal elements" reports have shown that in one incident in Kagara town, N70m was paid to the bandits even as "Not less than N500m" was lost

to bandits in an attack on the cattle market in Mariga town of Mariga Local Government.

Umar said all Nigerians should be involved in the fight against banditry and terrorism in the state and the country as a whole, pointing out that "the security

agencies need to be properly equipped and reinforced with additional manpower.

In his contribution, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, debunked claims that seven local government areas were under bandit siege,

saying the number of the local governments affected were just five.

Abiodun, however, disclosed that the command has identified the routes being followed by the bandits and deployed mobile policemen to the areas.

Nollywood Actors Declare Support for Ongoing Drug War Michael Olugbode in Abuja Leaders of the Nollywood industry under the aegis of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) have expressed their preparedness to join the ongoing war against drug abuse in the country.

Declaring their support to pull their weight behind the crusade against the drug scourge as led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), during a visit yesterday, to the headquarters of the anti-drug agency, they said their visit was to get enrolled to the ongoing war against drug in Nigeria.

The National President of AGN, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, who led the team, said, “We are here today to affirm our complete support to your efforts in combating the menace of

drugs in our society as we strongly believe it will help reduce drug crime to the barest minimum.

“As a Guild of major influencers and in line with our set objectives to educate, inform and entertain as well as our avowed commitment to national development, we seek a mutually beneficial partnership with the NDLEA to leverage on the star-power of our members in promoting some of your transformation programmes especially on drug trafficking and abuses.”

He said: “Majority of our members are youths and appeal to a generation of youths who are influenced heavily by internet content and social media. We have therefore outlined some advocacy programmes to enlighten Nigerian youths on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

“They include but not limited to: production of skits majorly for social media campaigns; drama series on negative effects of drug abuses, rehabilitations, eradicating the fear of stigmatization and advantages of total abstinence; engage some of our A-List actors as NDLEA Ambassadors to help use their star power to discourage the youths from doing drugs.”

He added that: “We share in the dream of a better Nigeria where success will be the reward for hard work and not through drug trafficking and other drug related offences.

“The era of glorifying drug barons and criminals is far gone and the Actors Guild of Nigeria, as Ambassadors of Nigeria’s image is readily available for advocacy campaigns, talk-shops, production

of skits, playlets, feature films etc. on the menace of drug abuse and trafficking.”

In his response, the Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig.

Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the Nollywood actors and the entertainment industry for projecting the image of Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that the campaign against drug abuse in the country would go far with the offer of partnership and support from the leadership of AGN. He said with drug use prevalence in the country, three times the global average, the agency needed committed partners like the Guild to mobilise the citizentry against the menace.

Marwa said: “A number of artistes don’t only use, they also encourage others to abuse drugs

through their work and activities on social media. We want the Guild to set good example by leading the war within its circle.

“Your movies must promote messages against the use of illicit drugs because the minds of millions are shaped by what they watch in movies. We need you to set up War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, committees within your industry.”

Apart from the National President, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, other members of the delegation at the meeting were Mohammed Kareem, Vice President North Central; Zulu Adigwe; Steve Eboh; Onwurah Agility Ifeanyi; Waash Waziri, Vice President North West; Nazareth Jesse Bako, Mayor AGN Abuja; Pamela Abah; veteran actor, Lisa Onu and Hajiya Salma Ibrahim, Chairman AGN Kaduna.

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ADENIJI KAZEEM, SAN

‘My Utopia is Online Courts and ADR’

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Dignitaries Grace Book Launch of Former Supreme Court Chief Registrar, Hadizatu

ine l n O s i a i p o t U ‘My ’ R D A d n a s t r Cou

Mustapha Page V

Erojikwe Chairs 2022 NBA-AGC

QUOTABLE ‘All of those waiting on the sidelines, hoping that this big country called Nigeria will break up into bits so that they can pick up the pieces, will be very sorely disappointed.’ – Professor Yemi Osinbajo GCON, SAN, Professor of Law, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Kubi Udofia PhD Kubi Udofia holds a Doctorate degree in Law from The University of Nottingham, a Certificate in International Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management, London, a Masters degree in Corporate Law from University College London and a Bachelors degree from University of Uyo in Nigeria.

He is a leading and an acknowledged expert, in corporate restructuring and insolvency law in Nigeria. As a scholarpractitioner, Kubi Udofia has extensively researched and written on a broad spectrum of topical issues in corporate restructuring and insolvency law. He is a seasoned transactional and dispute resolution specialist, with extensive knowledge and practical experience in corporate and commercial law.

He is a Partner at Babalakin & Co, a leading commercial law firm in Nigeria.

LAWYER

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

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Election Petitions: Case for Substantive Justice in 2023

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he election season is upon us. And, in Nigeria, this season is synonymous with election petitions.

The stage is already being set, with various pre-election issues. To be clear, these present controversies do not qualify to constitute election petitions, as election petitions arise only after an election has been conducted; but, the confusion emanating from the various pre-election imbroglios, is a prelude to what may arise from the off-season Gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun State which will hold on June 18 and July 16, 2022 respectively, and the general elections in 2023.

From the unending debates on the passing or non-passing of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill (EAMB); to which geographical area the two main political parties, APC and PDP are zoning the Presidency to, and why it should be or not be so; to the constitutionality or otherwise of zoning; to the debate about whether it is hypocritical to conveniently remember that zoning is unconstitutional now that it is the turn of the Southern zones to take the Presidency, according to the gentleman’s agreement that has been followed over the years versus the argument that where was the same gentleman’s agreement when President Jonathan from the South South zone ran for election in 2011 after completing late President Yar’Adua’s term, when it was still the turn of the North to produce a candidate to complete its quota; to disputes about who the authentic party flag bearers are for different elective positions, as we have already seen from the Anambra primaries that were conducted by the different political parties, and the Anambra State Gubernatorial election, which held towards the end of 2021; and the APC primaries that held recently in Ekiti State. These days, it is impossible to switch on the television or read any newspaper, without these issues being the topic of discussion.

Meanwhile, the insecurity that has pervaded the country, and most other pressing matters, seem to have paled into insignificance, because of the coming of the 2023 general elections.

Elections In Ojukwu v Obasanjo 2004 12 N.W.L.R. Part 886 Page 169 at 227 per Edozie JSC, the Supreme Court defined ‘election’ as “….the process of choosing by popular votes, a candidate for political office in a democratic system of government”. Elections in Nigeria are governed principally by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), and INEC Guidelines. Sadly, since our return to democracy in 1999, how many times have Nigerians had the opportunity to truly ‘choose by popular vote’ their candidates for political offices, with all the election manipulation, rigging and malpractice that occur? Out of six elections so far, Nigeria can possibly only boast of two credible Presidential elections, 1999 and 2015 - two of out six - 33.3%.

This is not a good score or report.

Definition of Election Petition An election petition is the only means provided

by Section 133(1) of the EA, by which an election can be questioned or challenged at a Tribunal or Court of Law. In A.N.P.P. v INEC 2004 7 N.W.L.R. Part 871 Page 16 at 55-57, the Court of Appeal held inter alia that: "What constitutes an election petition therefore, is a complaint by the Petitioner against an undue election or return of a successful candidate at the election….it is only an election or return of a candidate that can be questioned by an election petition, in which the person elected or returned is joined as a party” - per Mohammed JCA. Causes of Increase in Election Petitions Instead of the electoral process to have improved with each successive election, it worsened; and this is partly responsible for the phenomenal increase in election petitions. Of course, rigging, vote buying, greed and corruption are all contributing factors responsible for untrustworthy, questionable elections, and consequently, this unwelcome increase in election petitions. Nigerian politicians being bad losers is another cause, their desperation to win at all costs, even if it is to raise frivolous petitions, yet another. After the 2019 elections, the then President of the Court of Appeal, stated that there were about 805 election petitions in total!

Elements of Election Petition Election petitions are described as being 'Sui Generis', a latin phrase which means "of its own kind".

While some say they are neither ordinary civil or criminal proceedings, it has been decided in a plethora of cases, that election petitions are a different specie of civil proceedings. The online Law Dictionary defines the term ‘ Sui Generis’ as "of its own kind or class; that is, the only one of its own kind; peculiar". In Orubu v NEC 1988 5 N.W.L.R. Part 94 Page 323, Uwais JSC (as he then was) observed that

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

The

Advocate “As we go into the season of election petitions, aside from our hope that the improvement in the Electoral process will reduce the number of election petitions, it is imperative that the Election Petition Tribunals/Courts do justice to election petitions by deciding them on their merits, rather than on technical justice or other reasons” “an election petition is not the same as ordinary civil proceedings, it is a special proceedings, because of the peculiar nature of elections…”. In Buhari v Yusuf 2003 14 N.W.L.R. Part 841 Page 446 at 536 per Tobi JSC, the Supreme Court stated that, election petitions have no affinity with any action known to common law.

Technicalities v Substantive Justice in Deciding Election Petitions The Supreme Court, in Jim Nwobodo v Onoh 1984 1 S.C.N.L.R. 1 Page 195 per Uwais JSC (as he then was) said about election petitions: “It is the duty of the courts to hear them without allowing technicalities to unduly fetter their jurisdiction”. The issue of shying away from technicalities in the hearing of election petitions was succinctly stated in Ikpeazu v Otti 2015 18 N.W.L.R. Part 1490 Page 47 at 71-72 per Oseji JCA (as he then was), that: “In all election matters, the use of technicalities merely helps to shut issues in controversy. Once it is agreed that election petitions are in a class of their own, the handling of the matter too must take a form devoid of legal technicalities, that tend to leave the litigants more confused”.

For instance, in the Adeleke v Oyetola Osun State Gubernatorial election case, the decision of the Tribunal giving Adeleke victory, was overturned by the Court of Appeal, and that of the Court of Appeal, upheld by the Supreme Court. In that case, the Supreme Court gave victory to Oyetola not on the merits of the case, but on a technicality - that Peter Obiora, one of the members of the Tribunal who delivered the lead judgement in the matter, did not sign the attendance sheet of the Tribunal proceedings on a specific day, meaning that he was absent from the proceedings on that particular day; on a day which it is said that, important evidence about the rerun election was heard.

Many, including my humble self, still hold

the firm belief that since election petitions have their own characteristics, such technicalities should not be used to perpetrate injustice.

As much as possible, the will of the people and the evidence before the tribunal/court (merits of the case) should take precedence over technicalities. See the case of Ajadi v Ajibola 2004 16 N.W.L.R. Part 898 Page 91 at 168. A crucial question which should have been interrogated in deciding the Adeleke case, was whether the effect of Obiora’s absence/non-compliance, was substantial or occasioned any miscarriage of justice vis-à-vis the Tribunal’s decision.

Based on the weight of the evidence, was the Tribunal’s decision per incuriam? Would the decision have been different, if Peter Obiora had been present that day? If the answer to these questions were negative, then the judgement of the Tribunal should have been upheld. It seems that in the Adeleke case, technical justice was taken over substantive justice.

Technicalities must however, be distinguished from cases in which, the shortcomings are of a serious nature, for instance, where constitutional provisions have clearly not been met. For example, the ANDP Bayelsa Gubernatorial election case. The issue of not meeting the constitutional threshold of 35 years is not a technicality or irregularity that could be corrected. It was the root of the case. Not meeting the age requirement, vitiated their candidature. We, as Lawyers, also have our part to play as officers in the temple of justice, by advising our clients not to waste the time of the tribunals/courts with frivolous, unmeritorious election petitions, for instance, like this ANDP case.

INEC’s Resolve Optimistically, this will not be the fate of upcoming elections, as a combination of innovations and technology being introduced

by INEC this time around, and the passing of the EAMB into law with the electronic

collation and transmission of results etc, should make our elections more credible and seamless; and hopefully, reduce the number of election petitions in the future. This time around, the Professor Yakubu-led INEC means business in their resolve to deliver stellar elections; so, who knows? The 2023 elections may end up being Nigeria’s best election, since the inception of the Fourth Republic.

For one, the phasing out of the Card Reader and the manual Incidence Forms which were used upon the failure of the card reader, in favour of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is a step in the right direction, as the old Incidence Form system was one of the most famous parts of the electoral process used to rig elections. The new Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) will prevent people from doing multiple registrations, or using other people’s voter’s cards to vote. In the past, politicians would buy voter’s cards en masse, and have their people use them to vote for their preferred candidates.

Conclusion As we go into the season of election petitions, aside from our hope that the improvement in the Electoral process will reduce the number of election petitions, it is imperative that the Election Petition Tribunals/Courts do justice to election petitions by deciding them on their merits, rather than on technical justice or other reasons.

Be that as it may, the truth of the matter is, it is unlikely that there will be any significant improvement in the lives of Nigerians, since to the best of our knowledge, our country’s system is still the same. How can you do things more or less the same way, and expect a different result? Millions of Nigerians who could not wait to see the back of the Jonathan administration (PDP), imagining that a new dawn of ‘Utopia’ would be ushered in by the Buhari administration (APC), were disappointed.

I hate to be the bearer of unwelcome news, but, come 2023, be it APC, PDP or XYZ, I don’t see too much of a silver lining behind the cloud for Nigerians. The entry point into elective positions remains extremely low (education up to secondary level), especially for this nuclear age that we are in, so much so that many of the decision/policy makers are ill-equipped for the tasks they have taken on. The other negative elements are still very much in existence - insecurity, Boko Haram, an inequitable system where for example, these same inadequately educated politicians (not all of them are poorly educated though) earn better salaries than well educated, overworked professionals like medical doctors and judicial officers; tribalism, shaky economy, corruption, pervasive poverty, unemployment, to mention but a few. However, nothing will make me happier, than for my conclusion to be proven wrong.

Dear Editor Re: In Sokoto, BUA Becomes ‘Functus Officio’ Dear Editor, Admirable, laudable. Well done, BUA Foundation.

P.D.O. London, UK Dear Editor, Will this new line bring succour? Cement is almost N5,000 a bag.

O.O. Dear Editor, Hopefully this will help a little in bringing down the price of cement. A bag of Dangote cement currently sells for N4,500, while that of BUA, even though it sells for N3,800, is still too high.

A.W., Abuja Dear Editor, Salam Alaikum.

Your appreciation of Abdul Samad Rabiu’s efforts with regard to both his investment in Sokoto and his Foundations, is apt and most deserving of the gentleman. The social impact of these projects through the provision of employment, is immeasurable. Creating an enabling environment for business to thrive, is the main purpose of government; it nips insecurity in the bud, before it blossoms to banditry. Thank you BUA.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu

A.A.R., Lagos

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 • T H I S D AY

Whether Employment with a Statutory Corporation is Automatically Clothed with Statutory Flavour Facts The Appellant was an employee of the Respondent, before he was retired by the Respondent at the age of 52 years in 1994. Aggrieved, the Appellant instituted an action against the Respondent at the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, seeking a declaration that his purported compulsory retirement from the services of the Respondent is null and void.

It was his case that his employment with the Respondent was pensionable, and with statutory flavour; and by the conditions of service applicable to the pensionable staff of the Respondent, he was entitled to continue in the Respondent’s pensionable employment up to the age of 60 years. He also sought a declaration that he continues to be in the employment of the Respondent, as well as an injunction restraining the Respondent from interfering with his employment prejudicially. He sought in the alternative, an order directing the Respondent to pay him the sum of N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) as damages for the unexpired period of service, up until when he should have been due for retirement.

The Respondent did not file any defence to the claim; hence, the action was determined on the basis of the case presented by the Appellant, who gave both oral and documentary evidence.

The trial court delivered judgement in favour of the Appellant, and nullified his retirement by the Respondent. The trial court also awarded general damages in the sum of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) in favour of the Appellant.

Dissatisfied, the Appellant filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, and set aside the judgement of the trial court on the basis that the Appellant did not prove that he was an employee of the Respondent, or that his employment was one with statutory flavour, having not pleaded or tendered his letter of employment which embodies the terms of his employment with the Respondent. Aggrieved with the outcome of the appeal, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination In resolving the appeal, the Supreme Court considered the following issues as being central to the appeal: 1. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in its finding that the Appellant did not plead facts or adduce satisfactory evidence before the trial court to prove that he was a pensionable employee of the Respondent, and that the employment was one with statutory flavour.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right when it held that the Appellant did not place enough material before the trial court, upon which the award of N2,000,000.00 as damages could be sustained.

Arguments On the first issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that since the Respondent did not file any defence or join issues with him on his averments that he was a pensionable staff whose employment is with statutory flavour, there was no need for the letter of employment to be tendered in evidence based on the principle that what is deemed admitted needs no further proof. Responding, counsel argued on behalf of the Respondent that the Appellant’s letter of appointment containing the terms of his employment was a very important document that ought to have been tendered by the Appellant, and owing to the Appellant’s failure

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

Before Their Lordships Amina Adamu Augie Uwani Musa Abba Aji Mohammed Lawal Garba Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Justices, Supreme Court SC.242/2006 Between CHARLES OKWUDILI UMERA

APPELLANT And

NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION

RESPONDENT

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

to tender same to show the terms and conditions of the contract between him and the Respondent, he had failed to prove his case as required by law.

Arguing the second issue, counsel for the Appellant relied on the authority of IGBE v GOVERNOR OF BENDEL STATE (1983) 1 SCNLR 73, and contended that the Appellant was entitled to the award of general damages

“…..the mere fact that the employer is a corporation or institution established or created by a statute, does not ipso facto make all its employments or appointments clothed with statutory flavour. It is not enough to merely prove that the employer is a creation of statute, there must be proof that the employment is directly governed or regulated by a statute”

which does not require to be specifically pleaded and proved. He submitted that the lower court was wrong, to have set aside the award by the trial court. Conversely, counsel for the Respondent submitted that general damages is not recognised under contracts of employment. Thus, since the Appellant did not prove his claim, the award of damages did not arise, and the Court of Appeal was therefore, right to have set aside the erroneous award by the trial court. He relied on I.D.C. NIGERIA LIMITED v AJIJALA (1976) All NLR (Pt. 117) 131.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding the first issue, the court held that the very foundation of an action by an employee against an employer for alleged wrongful or unlawful determination or termination of his employment is his letter of appointment or employment, which contains the terms and conditions that form the basis of the employment and the contract or agreement between the parties. The success or failure of the action is entirely dependent on the terms and conditions agreed to by the parties in their contract of employment, as evidenced

by the letter of employment. The court referred to IDEH v UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN (1994) 3 NWLR (Pt. 330) 1.

Regarding the argument about the status of the Appellant’s employment in the statutory corporation established by law, the court held that the law remains that the status of an employment is determined by recourse to the contents of the letter of employment or appointment. This is because the mere fact that the employer is a corporation or institution established or created by a statute, does not ipso facto make all its employments or appointments clothed with statutory flavour. It is not enough to merely prove that the employer is a creation of statute, there must be proof that the employment is directly governed or regulated by a statute.

The legal burden and duty was on the Appellant who approached the trial court with the allegation of wrongful determination of his employment by the Respondent, to show by the terms and conditions of his contract of employment with the Respondent. And that the category of his appointment or employment was one which was provided for and protected by the provisions of the law establishing the Respondent, before it can reasonably be said to be clothed with, to enjoy and carry, statutory flavour. The court cited WAEC v OSHIONEBO (2006) 12 NWLR (Pt. 994) 258. In the instant case, the Appellant did not place any evidence of the terms and conditions of his employment with the Respondent before the trial court, in order for the nature, status or category of the employment to be determined as required by law. Until the terms and conditions of the agreement are placed before the trial court, the Appellant’s claim for wrongful termination of the Appellant’s employment by way of retirement with immediate effect, cannot be reasonably determined with any certainty, even on the balance of probabilities.

Their Lordships held further that while it is trite law that what is admitted need not be proved, claims that are declaratory in nature are never granted solely upon admission by the adverse party. Declarations as to title or legal right are not granted merely on the basis of admission by the adverse party alone, but proof by way of satisfactory, credible and sufficient evidence showing the entitlement of the Claimant to the declarations or reliefs is necessary. The court relied on OKOYE & ORS v NWANKWO (2014) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1429) 93. It was the duty of the Appellant who sought declaratory reliefs from the trial court, to adduce and place before the court, credible and sufficient evidence that would reasonably establish that he is indeed, entitled to the grant of the reliefs. He must rely and succeed on the strength of his own case, and not on the absence of a defence or presumed admission by the Respondent.

In determining the second issue, the court held that in claims for breach of contract, either ordinary or for employment, award of damages depends on the terms and conditions of such contract, and the quantum assessed on the basis of the evidence of the facts and circumstances giving rise to the breach of the agreement between the contracting parties.

More so, by the authorities of OGBAJI v AREWA TEXTILES PLC (2000) 11 NWLR (Pt. 678) 332 and SHENA SECURITY CO. LTD v AFROPAK NIG. LTD (2008) 4 – 5 SC (Pt. II) 117, general damages are not usually awarded for wrongful termination of employment. More importantly, with the Appellant’s failure to prove the claim for wrongful or unlawful termination of his employment, the issue of the type or quantum of damages which the Appellant was entitled to, did not arise.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Onyechi Araka Esq. with B.I. Oluwade, Esq.; Harold Ekwerekwu, Esq.; Rita Ihikew, Esq. and R.C. Nwogbu, Es. for the Appellant.

Fidelis Mbadugha Esq. with F. James Nwanyanwu Esq. for the Respondent.

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

V

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

NEWS

L-R: Former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima; Hadizatu Mustapha; Her Husband, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Kiru; and Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman, during the public presentation of a book titled “From Head Girl to Supreme Court" in Abuja at weekend ENOCK REUBEN Tobenna Erojikwe

L-R: Former President, NBA/ Chairman, 2021 Annual Dinner and Scolarship Awards, Paul Usoro SAN; Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, SAN; Former Head of State/ Guest Speaker, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, First Female, SAN, Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, Representative of Chief Justice of Nigeria/ Justice of Supreme Court, Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN; and some of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria elevated 2021 KOLA ALLI

Dignitaries Grace Book Launch of Former Supreme Court Chief Registrar, Hadizatu Mustapha Alex Enumah in Abuja Dignitaries from all works of life, over the weekend. gathered in Abuja, to grace the book launch of immediate past Chief Registrar (CR) of the Supreme Court, Mrs Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha.

The book which centres on the career path of Mrs Mustapha, who was the second female to become Chief Registrar of the Apex Court, is titled: ‘Hadizatu U. Mustapha: From Head Girl to the Supreme Court’, and it's goal is to challenge young girls to aspire to become somebody in life.

Dignitaries at the occasion include serving and past executives of Borno State, National Assembly members, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other well-wishers.

In his speech, Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, described the former CR, as a worthy ambassador, who has made Borno State proud, and worthy of emulation.

Zulum, who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Umar Kadafur, said that Borno State would continue to celebrate her and partner with her in serving as role model not only to girls in Borno, but the entire Arewa and Africa.

He said that copies of the book would be placed in the State archives, and be made available to younger ones in the State.

One of the co-authors of the book, Mr Dotun Adekanmbi, described Mrs Mustapha as a hardworking and dedicated official who had left her mark on the sands of time at the Supreme Court, particularly in the area of proper record management in Nigeria.

Adekanmbi stated that the

former CR, "was instrumental to the transformation of the Apex Court’s archives", which has today made the Court’s archives more user friendly and in tune with global best practice.

He however, disclosed that outside work, Mustapha is a good mother to every child that comes her way, and would always go the extra mile to solve the problems of others.

He concluded that the book would be a motivational manual for young people, to aspire to become whatever they desire in life.

In her remarks, Hadizatu Mustapha, disclosed that her success story is embedded in the determination of her parents and teachers, who encouraged her to pursue her dream in life at a time when girls her mate were being given out in marriage. She said she decided to tell her success story through the publication of the book, as the outcome would help to fully clarify her passion for promoting the interest of the girl child in Nigeria.

"I am a beneficiary, my teachers’ early belief in the education of the girl child, as well as my father’s unwavering belief that, like the boy next door, a girl could equally achieve her best if suitably and diligently encouraged.

"It is therefore my plan to establish an NGO, to promote the good of the girl child. It is also for this reason that I particularly wish to thank His Excellency, Prof Babagsna Zulum, the Governor of my dear Borno State for honouring my invitation to this occasion.

Despite the menace of insurgents, he has not wavered in his commitment to improving the lot of the girl child in the State.

"More can, should and will be done through the collaboration of government and indIviduals who are similarly

persuaded, for as it is said: if you educate a woman, you educate a nation”, she said.

According to the book

reviewer, Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, the book with 218 pages, contains 12 chapters with each chapter being captivating

and resonating. Accordingly, she recommended it for all, particularly those interested in developing the girl child.

'Improve the Welfare of Young Lawyers', CJN Steve Aya The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has called on senior Lawyers to seek the welfare of young Lawyers working under them.

The CJN who was speaking at the annual dinner party of the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN), lamented the welfare and working condition of the young Lawyers saying: “there is a need for you to do something urgent about this”.

“Their dressing in court is

shameful, and one cannot blame them, due to their poor welfare package”, Justice Ibrahim added.

The CJN who was represented

by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun JSC, further stressed the need for more training, as well for the young Lawyers as well, while commending BOSAN for instituting the scholarship program given to the most outstanding law students in Nigeria, as one that will help improve the study of law in our country.

Also speaking at the event, the special guest of honour, Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo,

SAN, said that justice belongs to the people, and not the legal profession.

Osinbajo, emphasised that the impact of the legal profession in fixing societal ills and building a just society, he also noted that “our system of justice is a public resource, it does not belong to the legal profession, it does not belong to the Bar or to the Bench; it belongs to the people.

“We are paid operators of a service that our Constitution created, to resolve their disputes and give justice. We are custodians, not owners. When this public

resource is not working effectively on account of delays, or it is being discredited by corruption, we, the operators have a moral, legal and civic obligation to fix it”.

"Every one of us seated here today knows that there is a lot wrong with our system of justice today; history beckons us to fix it”, the Vice President added.

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who delivered the keynote lecture at the event urged both Judges and Lawyers to do something about the length of time it takes to complete cases.

'No Firearms were Discovered by Police in My Home', Evans

Steve Aya

Evans, alleged kidnap kingpin who's real name is Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, has denied that firearms were discovered by the Police in his home.

In his evidence in Chief as defence witness before an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Friday, Evans also denied kidnapping a businessman, Sylvanus Ahamonu, and collecting a $420,000 ransom from his family.

Evans is standing trial alongside an ex-soldier, Victor Aduba, on a four-count charge of kidnapping and unlawful possession of

firearms.

Under cross-examination by the State Prosecutor, Mr Yusuf Sule, Evans told the court that he was born on April 22, 1980 and was from Nnewi, Anambra.

He vehemently denied knowing Ahamonu prior to seeing him after his arrest.

When Sule noted that Ahamonu had identified him when he testified virtually (via the Zoom app) in court, Evans said he is easily identifiable.

"Ahamonu and Idowu Haruna (the Investigating Police Officer) could have conspired with the Police.

“My pictures are everywhere, all over the world. Before my picture was everywhere, people knew who I was.

“I had a haulage and logistics business, with over 30 staff and drivers in Amuwo-Odofin”, he said.

The alleged kidnap kingpin said he had made no mention of his haulage and logistics business in his statement, because it was written by the Police.

Responding to questions, Evans said he also did not provide medical documents proving his alleged torture by the Police to the court.

He however, noted that while he

was incarcerated, he had filed a fundamental human rights suit against the Police over the alleged torture at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Explaining why he was seen in a jovial mood in the confessional video played in the court when prosecution presented its case, Evans said he was forced to act in that manner by the Police.

"The Police told me to be laughing and smiling in the video. You do not know what I encountered in the hands of Abba Kyari and his boys. My eyes saw hell.

"It was what they told me to be doing, that I was doing", Evans said.

PHOTO NEWS

Erojikwe Chairs 2022 NBA-AGC Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Committee on Continued Legal Education (CLE), Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe has been appointed to chair the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) for the forthcoming 2022 NBA Annual General Conference, slated for later this year. This

was announced by the NBA President, Mr Olumide Akpata.

Erojikwe is seen by many, as a highly dedicated goalsoriented Barman whose energetic handling of the Continued Legal Education Committee has yielded positive results, since he took up that responsibility.

HAIL THE BOSAN SCHOLARS The five awardees of Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) Scholarship awards for 2022 academic session at Nigeria Law School. L-R: Dan Chukwudi Enwelum and Joy Nneoma Abogu of University of Ibadan; Similoluwa Yesufu of Babcock University; Chisom Fortunatus Njoku of Rivers State University and Victor Akinmusire of LASU. Each of the awardees who are currently on 1st Class CPGA received a cheque of N500,000 from BOSAN

THE AMAZON AND HER YOUNG BROTHERS! The first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke, SAN with her younger brothers Silk. L-R: ACP Simon Lough; Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige; Chief Richard Ahonaruogho and Chief Mike Igbokwe at the BOSAN Dinner and Scholarship Award held at Continental Hotel, Lagos recently

#upjudicialsalaries 'That a good judgement flows from a mind that is not bogged by the thought of - where do I get my next meal? Or where do I get the money to pay my son’s school fees? Poor conditions of service, disturb the mind. It is an obstacle to clear and positive thinking.” - Former President of the Court of Appeal, late Hon. Justice Mustapha Akanbi CFR, in a publication titled, “The Main Obstacles of Justice According to Law”

VI

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 • T H I S D AY

INSOLVENCY DISCOURSE DR KUBI UDOFIA

INFO@KUBIUDOFIA.COM

Company with Pending Winding-up Petition: Legal Implications of Acquiring its Shares Introduction Recently, Honeywell Group Ltd (“Honeywell Group”) agreed to sell a 71.69% stake in Honeywell Flour Mill Ltd (“Honeywell Flour”) to Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (“FMN”) for an enterprise value of N80 billion. Ecobank Nigeria Ltd (“Ecobank”) has objected to this transaction, claiming that it has a pending winding-up petition (Suit No: FHC/L/ CP/1571/2015) against Honeywell Group for its inability to pay a debt owed to Ecobank. Although Suit No: FHC/L/CP/1571/2015 was dismissed by the High Court, the Court of Appeal upheld an appeal (CA/L/1041/2016) by Ecobank against the dismissal. A further appeal (SC/700/2019) by Honeywell Group against the Court of Appeal’s decision is yet to be determined by the Supreme Court.

This discourse examines the legal implications of acquiring shares from or in a company with a pending winding-up petition.

Avoidance of Post-petition Dispositions Section 576 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA) voids certain dispositions of a company’s property done after the presentation/ filing of a winding-up petition. Specifically, it voids (i) any disposition of the company’s property, including things in action, and (ii) any transfer of shares or alteration in the status of members of the company. These transactions/dispositions are void except validated by Court. Section 576 is worded in a similar manner as section 127 of the United Kingdom’s Insolvency Act 1985, which replicates Section 227 of the UK Companies Act 1948 and Section 153 of the UK Companies Act 1862.

The impact of Section 576 of CAMA, is amplified by the retrospective nature of the commencement of compulsory winding-up. Winding-up proceedings do not commence on the date a court makes a winding-up order. Rather, when a winding-up order is made, it relates back to the date the petition was presented/filed and takes effect from that date: section 578(2) of CAMA. Nevertheless, the presentation/filing of a winding-up order does not necessarily signify the commencement of winding-up proceedings, the reason being that the petition may subsequently be dismissed by a Court.

In view of the retrospective nature of a windingup order, dispositions of a company’s property after the presentation/filing of a petition will become void if a winding-up order is subsequently made. Where the petition is unsuccessful and no winding-up order is made, such dispositions remain valid.

Acquisition of Shares from a Company Honeywell Group’s shares in Honeywell Flour are Honeywell Group’s property. “If” a winding-up order is eventually made against Honeywell Group; the shares in Honeywell Flour will form part of Honeywell Group’s property/assets which would be available to its creditors. Consequently, any disposition of those shares after the presentation/filing of a winding-up petition against Honeywell Group will be void unless validated by the Court. As previously explained, the winding-up proceedings would be deemed to commence on the date the winding-up petition was presented/filed and not the day the Court makes an order.

In Akers & Ors v Samba Financial Group [2017] AC 424, the UK Supreme Court held that the anti-disposition provision will not apply to assets held in trust for a company where the transferee is a bona fide purchaser for value without notice of the company’s interest. This is notwithstanding that such transfer of legal title

WINDING UP

had the effect of extinguishing the insolvent company’s beneficial interest. The Court explained that the anti-disposition provision was aimed at preventing the dissipation of a company’s legally owned assets and was “neither aimed at nor apt to cover” transfer of equitable interests.

There appears to be a misconception that the anti-disposition provision is aimed at furthering the pari passu rule. The pari passu rule ensures that similarly situated creditors are treated equally, especially in distribution of assets. In furtherance of this objective, the rule may sometimes invalidate dispositions to creditors. However, the pari passu rule cannot be used in invalidating dispositions to non-creditors because they do not partake in the distribution of an insolvent’s property/assets. In contrast to the pari passu rule, the anti-disposition provision invalidates dispositions to both creditors and non-creditors.

Its objective is the preservation of the company’s assets from dissipation. It is not concerned with distribution of an insolvent’s assets.

In Coutts & Co. v Stock [2000] 1 WLR 906, Lightmman J rightly explained that the anti-disposition provision is “designed to prevent the directors of a company, when liquidation is imminent, from disposing of the company's assets to the prejudice of its creditors and to preserve those assets for the benefit of the general body of creditors.” Similarly, in Re Wiltshire Iron Co [1868] 3 Ch App 443 at 447, Lord Cairns explained that the object of the anti-disposition provision is to “prevent, during the period which must elapse before a petition is heard, the improper alienation or dissipation of the property of a company in extremis”.

Acquisition of Shares in a Company Where shares in a company are sold/transferred after the presentation/filing of a winding-up petition, such sale/transfer will be void if a winding-up order is subsequently made. Shares

“So long as a winding-up petition is not eventually granted, a company’s disposition of its property/ shares or alteration of the status of its members (while the winding-up petition is pending) will remain valid. Such disposition or alteration will be void, if a Court subsequently grants the winding-up petition”

in a company are not the company’s property, but the property of the company’s shareholders.

Consequently, a post-petition sale/transfer of shares in a company will not violate the pari passu rule – which focuses on equal treatment of similarly situated creditors.

In Rudge v Bowman [1868] LR 3 QB 689 at 695, Blackburn J explained that the prohibition on transfer of shares is aimed at preventing a shareholder from transferring his shares to an impecunious person (who may have nothing to lose) with the aim of the transferor evading his liability as a contributory. The Court further opined that a Court would readily validate a transfer from a “pauper” to a “rich man” but not the converse. The rationale for this is that an impecunious transferee may be unable to meet pending liabilities to the company.

Validating Orders A winding-up petition may have paralytic effect on a company. Third parties may be reluctant to transact with the affected company due to the risk of retrospective invalidations of the transactions if a winding-up order is subsequently made. This may drive marginally solvent companies into insolvency. Even where a winding-up petition is unsuccessful, the company may suffer severe or irreversible financial and reputational damage.

To mitigate the hardship which presentations/ filings of winding-up petitions may cause, Section 576 of CAMA empowers Courts to validate certain dispositions. Ideally, parties may obtain prior Court validation for dispositions. Where prior validations are impracticable, parties may seek for retrospective validations. Decided English cases indicate that most retrospective applications for validation are made in response to a liquidator’s challenge of a post-petition disposition of a company’s property.

Whether a Court will validate a post-petition disposition is a matter of judicial discretion to be exercised based on the facts of each case: Re Clifton Place Garage (1970) Ch 477. English Courts will validate dispositions if there are special circumstances showing that it will be or has been for the benefit of the general body of unsecured creditors: Express Electrical Distributors Ltd v Beavis [2016] 1 WLR 4783. Previously, in Gray’s Inn Construction Co Ltd [1980] 1 WLR 711 at 718F-G, Buckley LJ had stated that Courts would validate dispositions done in good faith and in the ordinary course of business at a time when parties were unaware of a pending winding-up petition. This was echoed by Fox LJ in Denney v John Hudson & Co Ltd [1992] BCLC 901 at 904. This is no longer the position of English law. Recent authorities indicate that mere good faith and lack of knowledge of a pending petition will not suffice: Express Electrical Distributors Ltd v Beavis [supra]; Re MKG Convenience

Ltd [2019] EWHC 1383.

It has also been suggested that a recipient of an otherwise void disposition may rely on the defence of “change of position”: Express Electrical Distributors Ltd v Beavis [supra]; Re MKG Convenience Ltd (supra). The basis for this position is that a liquidator’s remedy to recover such dispositions is restitutionary. Accordingly, a recipient is entitled to the equitable defence if it shows that it would be unjust to require a return of a disposition because of a change in the recipient’s circumstance.

If Ecobank’s winding-up petition against Honeywell Group is granted on a future date, Honeywell Group’s disposition of its 71.69% stake in Honeywell Flour to FMN will become void. FMN would have to apply to Court for a retrospective validation of the transaction/disposition. In that regard, FMN may have to show that the disposition was for the benefit of the generality of Honeywell Group’s unsecured creditors. Considering FMN’s knowledge of Ecobank’s pending winding-up petition against Honeywell Group, and its disregard for Ecobank’s caveat, it would be arduous for FMN to successfully rely on the equitable defence of change of position due to the equitable doctrine of clean hands.

Implications of FMN’s Pending Appeal Ecobank’s winding-up petition against Honeywell Group in Suit No: FHC/L/CP/1571/2015 was dismissed by the High Court. Ecobank’s appeal (CA/L/1041/2016) against the decision of the High Court was successful with the Court of Appeal setting aside the High Court’s decision. Honeywell Group has filed an appeal (SC/700/2019) against the Court of Appeal’s decision. The appeal is pending at the Supreme Court.

A mere appeal against a Court’s decision does not affect the validity of the decision appealed against. The decision remains valid until set aside.

Accordingly, following the Court of Appeal’s decision in CA/L/1041/2016, the winding-up petition in Suit No: FHC/L/CP/1571/2015 is still pending.

Consequently, if a winding-up order is eventually made on a future date in Suit No: FHC/L/ CP/1571/2015, Honeywell Group’s disposition of its 71.69% stake in Honeywell Flour will be void unless validated by a Court.

Conclusion So long as a winding-up petition is not eventually granted, a company’s disposition of its property/ shares or alteration of the status of its members (while the winding-up petition is pending) will remain valid. Such disposition or alteration will be void, if a Court subsequently grants the winding-up petition. The Court order granting the winding-up petition will operate retrospectively and take effect from the date the petition was presented/filed. Parties transacting with companies facing winding-up petitions may (prospectively or retrospectively) apply to Court for validation of their transactions.

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Adeniji Kazeem, SAN

‘My Utopia is Online Courts and ADR’ After his tour of duty as Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN has returned firmly to active legal practice, doing what he knows how to do best. As his law firm, Adeniji Kazeem & Co. clocked 25 years recently, Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi engaged him on a wide range of professional issues, including reminiscences of his tenure as A-G of Nigeria’s largest and most cosmopolitan State. He also spoke about his optimism for the future of the legal profession, in Nigeria

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our Firm recently clocked 25 years of practice. What challenges did you face along the way and what are the things you think made you survive as a Professional?

What would you like to see change in the Nigerian Legal Profession?

I started my professional career as a Tax and Regulatory Consultant, with unarguably one of the great Accounting and Consulting Firms of its time - Arthur Andersen. For the five or so years I spent with the Firm, it was training galore on a wide range of areas namely tax, audit, accounting, and consulting.

In a short while, I was developed into a total all round professional with the confidence and foundation to take on the world. This was possible because the Firm had deep pockets, and was totally committed to continuous training.

The legal profession must embrace this strategy, and enforce total mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) for all practicing professionals, and stipulate

non-renewal of practicing licences for failure to comply. Unfortunately, most smaller Law Firms do not have the financial depth to spend the required funds on staff training and professional development, so the NBA must step in somehow. The NBA as a regulator of some sorts is moving in the right direction on the CLE issue; but, more needs to be done so we can produce well baked top-class professionals, who are able to operate anywhere in the world in compliance with global best practices.

While you were in office as Attorney-General of Lagos State, you were credited with several reforms and initiatives in the Justice sector like the DNA Forensic Centre (which was destroyed in the aftermath of the #EndSARS Protests), Task force on Land Grabbers, etc.

Kindly, tell us about a few of your innovations and what impact

“….we must encourage our young Lawyers with living wages, to ensure they can concentrate on acquiring the early skills required to be a good lawyer. The practice of paying “slave” wages, should be banished forever”

they made.

First, let me say I had good predecessors who did a lot of developmental work before I assumed office.

Secondly, Government is a continuum, and you try to continue from where your predecessors have stopped; but yes, we take credit for some of the new reforms you have mentioned.

However, what is most important is that no matter how reform-minded you are, you must have full support from your principal. I was lucky that the former Governor, H.E. Akinwunmi Ambode was also reform-minded, and this helped me achieve a lot of the things we were able to do. For example, the decision to appoint Directors from the Ministry as Permanent Secretaries in Ministries other than the Justice Ministry was readily approved by the former Governor, and it did wonders for morale in the Justice Ministry. I was also very passionate about using technology to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate crimes, and this gave rise to my push for a functional DNA Forensic Laboratory. The former Governor fully bought into the project and supported its establishment, and his action effectively placed Lagos State on the forensic map of the world.

It is ironical that despite hav-

ing the Task force on Land Grabbers, Lagos State stands accused of doing the exact same thing in the matter of the Magodo land, even being accused of frustrating the execution of the Supreme Court judgement. Since it is a fairly old matter, and therefore, one that was very much in existence during your time as AG, kindly, shed some light on the issue. Why did the State Government refuse to give up some land or pay compensation to the land owners?

I believe that the current AttorneyGeneral & Commissioner for Justice Mr Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, has already issued a comprehensive statement on the efforts successive Governments had made to resolve this matter amicably from when the judgement was delivered.

The Statement had also noted, amongst other things, that the Lagos State Government had entered negotiations with the Judgement Creditor for amicable resolution, which was still ongoing until we left office. It is therefore, not correct to say the State Government refused to give up land or pay compensation.

Your tenure saw the introduction of the death penalty for kidnapping in Lagos State. Did you secure any conviction during your tenure? Would you say the death penalty is an effective deterrent against kidnapping? What are your views on the payment of ransoms to kidnappers?

Yes, there were some convictions

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‘My Utopia is Online Courts and ADR’ for kidnapping, but they did not attract the death penalty. The 2017 Law prescribes the death sentence for kidnappers whose victims die in their custody, and life sentence for those whose victims do not die in the hands of their abductors.

I am not aware of empirical evidence, to show a link in reduction in kidnapping and the death penalty.

I do not support the payment of ransoms to Kidnappers as a State policy, as it will only encourage continuation of the dastardly act.

What do you consider as your lowest and highest points in your 25 years of operating your Firm?

Our Firm was established in 1996, with my late father as our Legal Consultant. By 1998, he had passed away, and I had hoped he would be around longer to give me the benefit of his rich legal knowledge. It was a sad period for me, but I had to forge ahead.

My high point was during my application for admission into the Inner Bar. Even though I had the option of choosing the Attorney-General’s chambers as a serving AG, I chose my private Law Firm’s office premises to be inspected by one of the toughest and most upright evaluators, and our chambers passed the inspection. I was proud of that moment, as it meant we had done something right over the years in building our Firm.

I am of course, also very proud of the legal professionals we have been able to train over the years. Law Firms are the building blocks of the legal service industry, and must be heavily supported. There is no gainsaying that without Law Firms, the numerous Lawyers being churned out yearly will have nowhere to work, and there will be frustration and joblessness. In this regard, we must encourage our young Lawyers with living wages, to ensure they can concentrate on acquiring the early skills required to be a good lawyer. The practice of paying “slave” wages, should be banished forever.

The legal profession is fast changing, with globalisation and a move towards artificial intelligence. How prepared is your Firm for this?

Yes, you are right that globalisation is upon us, and the challenge is how the Nigerian legal profession can raise its game to compete with the best of the Firms in the World. Artificial Intelligence and the growth of web based legal resources is chipping away at the market for routine legal services, so Law Firms need to adapt to the changing world we find ourselves. The new and indeed, old leadership of Law Firms, must become more exposed to Global best practices to provide cutting-edge value-added services.

Our Firm is very prepared for the challenges ahead, as we have been investing in technology and training with the underlying belief that, our

Adeniji Kazeem, SAN

staff remain our greatest assets.

Your concerns about financial autonomy for the Judiciary and better welfare for judicial officers, are very well known. How, in your view, can this be actualised in the face of the reluctance of most States to comply with the judgement of the Apex Court in that regard? Do you believe that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between JUSUN and the State Governors will make a positive difference?

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by JUSUN and the State Governors is a step in the right direction, but there is a still a lot to be done. Government spending is driven by budgets, which are in turn, determined by revenue received from Federal receipts and internally generated revenue. It is the revenue that determines what can be distributed to the various arms of Government, including the Judiciary. The Governor is the Chief Executive of the State and controls the treasury, so, if they stick to existing Agreements and set formulas of sharing, there will likely not be complaints of lopsided allocations. It is the failure to adhere to the rules that usually leads to avoidable problems.

Infrastructure development and proper welfare cost money, and the Judiciary cannot easily fight for itself; so, we must continue to fight for

“Having been able to see the Judiciary…..from the inside as a former Attorney-General… it is impossible not to have a lot of empathy for the Judiciary, because of the inadequate infrastructure and tough economic conditions they continue to operate under. There is still a lot that needs to be done for the Judiciary….”

them at any given opportunity; but, there must be accountability also.

The Judiciary has been on the firing line in recent times for corruption, suspicious orders and undue delays. What are you views on the characterisation?

Having been able to see the Judiciary, which includes superior and inferior courts of record from the inside as a former AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, member of the Judicial Service Commission, Body of Benchers, etc., it is impossible not to have a lot of empathy for the Judiciary, because of the inadequate infrastructure and tough economic conditions they continue to operate under. There is still a lot that needs to be done for the Judiciary, and budgets need to be upscaled even further, beyond the limited financial autonomy being enjoyed by some Judiciaries.

I do not condone nor justify corruption, delays nor suspicious court orders, but each case must be taken on its own merit without generalisation. There must be careful evaluation of the roles of the litigants, the Lawyers, support/ registry staff and the Judges, who are all key players in the system of administration of justice. It is only with a holistic evaluation, that a proper verdict can be given. I don’t accept a general tar brush for a system that still contains hard working, brilliant and selfless men and women. There may be bad eggs, but, in my opinion, they are not in the majority.

Lawyers have been often accused of being a major problem for the system of administration of justice, especially with their sometimes unethical practice?

That’s a tough call because this is my direct constituency, and there are very, very many respectable and ethically upright Lawyers in practice.

However, the truth must be told, that we do have major problems of

discipline, quality, and ethics which the profession is trying to self-regulate, albeit with huge push back from some bad eggs. It is important though, that there is continuing compulsory legal education to sanitise the mindset of some of our colleagues who have deviated, or are deviating from the values that have made the legal profession so respectable over the years.

Covid-19 has brought on virtual hearings for a lot of court proceedings, but some have complained that there is insufficient infrastructure to support this shift in judicial proceedings. What are your thoughts on this?

Technology is extremely key, for any serious-minded organisation to effectively operate today. The public health challenges brought on by Covid has now made it imperative that we all fully embrace technology, and the Judiciary and entire Justice sector appears to be slowly keying into this change. A lot of Law Firms now operate physically and virtually, and the pattern of providing legal services is also changing, so Law Firms must adapt and re-adapt to survive. It must, however, be said that, whether in the Judiciary, Law Firms, or the Justice sector, the deployment of technology costs a lot of money; but, there are gains in speed and efficiency in the long run.

My utopia is online Courts and ADR, where a huge number of ordinary people can access justice and get results quickly and cheap, from adjudicators who can operate from anywhere in the world. We should not underestimate the frustrations ordinary people are going through with the justice system, the archaic and sometimes antiquated procedure, the unending paperwork, and the delays.

These changes will not be easy, but with commitment of all stakeholders, it is very doable.

The younger generation of Lawyers who are typically more comfortable with technology, must be arrowheads of change in justice delivery.

Thank you Learned Silk.

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TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY

Managing Complex Litigation: A Personal Experience (Part 1) Introduction An Analysis of Complex Litigation Every company faces litigation, at some point in time. This is an occupational hazard, that cannot be avoided. In many cases, these litigations are in relation to fairly standard lawsuits regarding real estate, debt recovery or contractual disputes.

Almost any experienced corporate Lawyer is capable of resolving such matters, with the best possible outcome. However, this is not the case with complex litigation.

on some issues), or the domicile of one of the parties. Purely international disputes with no Nigerian connecting factor, are extremely rare in Nigeria.

Commercial litigation is governed by the Constitution, Statutes, Rules of Court, judicial decisions on litigation procedure as found in the procedural rules of the different levels of court, Statutes on litigation procedure and Practice Directions. Nigerian commercial litigation develops from English common law. This means that the law develops through the Judges, who play a non-inquisitorial role in adjudication, while the parties seek the outcome most favourable to their position. Here, the Judges constantly develop the law through the ratio decidendi in their rulings and judgements, which form the reasoning behind their positions.

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Litigation: Its Meaning Litigation is the process of resolving disputes, by filing or answering a complaint through the public court system. It requires the taking of arguments between people or groups (including companies), in a court of law. It is also the process by which Counsel to parties in lawsuits intend to integrate their actions with anticipated events, reactions, arguments and defence, to achieve the overarching goal of winning the litigation.

It is true that any lawsuit may be complicated, but complex litigation is the most complicated litigation that companies face.

The US Federal Judicial Centre’s Manual for Complex Litigation defines complex litigation as including: “one or more related cases which present unusual problems and…require extraordinary treatment, including but not limited to the cases designated as ‘protracted’ and ‘big’”.

Complex litigation, refers to a specific type of large civil case that companies face. It typically involves large civil cases involving multiple parties, multiple jurisdictions, large amounts of money, lengthy trials, complex legal issues, and multi-jurisdictional and complex choice of law issues. Expectedly, these types of lawsuits draw serious media scrutiny, and they usually accrue to substantial costs on a company, irrespective of whether or not they win such cases.

These complex litigations encompass several kinds of lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, international arbitration, contractual disputes, etc. Even the non-performance of a simple international sale of goods agreement, can dovetail into complex legal battles. As a result, these complex litigations usually require sophisticated litigators and expertise.

As evidenced by the Federal Judicial Centre’s Manual for Complex Litigation, an increasingly indispensable text for the sophisticated litigator, complex litigation has become its own discipline. Lawyers who hope meaningfully to understand and successfully to practice in sophisticated litigation, have to understand not only how this system operates, how it builds upon and modifies basic procedural doctrine; and how it impacts public regulations through private litigation.

The Role of the Judiciary in Complex Litigation Judicial supervision is most needed and productive, early in complex litigation. To this effect, Judges should conduct pre-trial conference as soon as practicable (usually within 30 to 60 days of instituting proceedings). It is therefore, imperative for the assigned Judge to be notified of a potentially complex case as soon as possible.

In certain situations, the demands of complex litigation is so enormous that the assigned Judge is relieved of his case docket for a certain time, or provided with assistance from other Judges or Judicial staff. Virtually all jurisdictions in Nigeria,

now have Civil Procedure Rules incorporating pre-trial sessions.

Complex litigation often constitutes of two or more separate, but related cases. It is imperative that all such cases should be assigned to a single Judge, for administrative ease. Once a complex or perceived complex case is assigned to a Judge, such a Judge should immediately review the pleadings and other processes in the case, the parties and their Counsel, and the interests therein, so as to search for possible conflicts of interest that would warrant his recusal. Where no conflict of interests arises, the Judge should then attempt to ascertain, whether there are related cases before his court or other courts. This is for administrative ease. and to prevent duplicity of cases.

In the United States of America, the Judges’ role in complex litigation management is crucial.

A Judge’s effective judicial management usually has the following characteristics: - Active: The Judge predicts or attempts to anticipate problems before they arise, rather than dealing with them as they arise.

- Substantive: The Judge is involved, but not limited, to procedural matters. Here, the Judge familiarises himself with the substantive issues of the case, in order to deliver informed rulings on such issues.

- Timely: The Judge gives prompt rulings and judgements, particularly those which might significantly affect further proceedings.

- Continuing: The Judge regularly monitors the progress of litigation, to ensure that litigation schedules are being adhered to.

- Firm, but Fair: Time limits, controls and requirements are not arbitrarily imposed on parties, without due consideration to the circumstances of the case and views of Counsel.

- Carefully prepared: Careful preparation sets out the proper tone, to facilitate the Judge’s effectiveness and credibility with Counsel.

The Role of Counsel in Complex Litigation The duties and responsibilities of Counsel in the management of complex litigation, do not lessen in the face of judicial intervention.

Contrarily, Counsel assume more responsibility due to their roles as advocates and officers of the court. Because of the nature of complex

“Complex litigation, refers to a specific type of large civil case that companies face. It typically involves large civil cases involving multiple parties, multiple jurisdictions, large amounts of money, lengthy trials, complex legal issues, and multi-jurisdictional and complex choice of law issues”

litigation, Judges usually rely heavily on the assistance of Counsel, upon which their case management is dependent. Other reasons also require the role of Counsel, such as the importance of interests at stake; length and complexity of proceedings; difficulty of communication and establishing working relationships with numerous Lawyers; challenges of appearing in unfamiliar courts with unfamiliar jurisdiction; extensive travel usually required; amount of money and costs accruable etc.

Complex litigation often involves numerous parties with common or similar interests, but separate counsel. Traditional procedures in which all papers and documents are served on all Lawyers, and each Lawyer files motions, presents arguments, and conducts witness examinations, may result in waste of time and money, in confusion and indirection, and in unnecessary burden on the court. Special procedures for coordination of counsel are therefore needed, and should be instituted early in the litigation to avoid unnecessary costs and duplicative activity. In many cases, the Lawyers coordinate their activities to avoid duplicity of cases, without even the assistance of the court.

Similar to the judicial role, Lawyers should be quick and alert to the existence of present or potential conflicts of interest, particularly in complex litigations where there are multiple parties and interests. An early conflict check must be made, before accepting representation.

This check should not be narrowed down to persons and companies formally acting as parties in the suits, but should be broadened to include affiliate persons and companies.

Complex Commercial Litigation The Nigerian legal system generally uses commercial litigation, to deal with high-value and complex disputes. In fact, commercial litigation is the most common dispute resolution process, for resolving such disputes in Nigeria. Quite a number of complex and high-value disputes, are nowadays better resolved through commercial arbitration, as high-value contracts tend to include arbitration clauses, which subject disputes to an arbitral tribunal. Commercial arbitration, which is part of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), is fast becoming the preferred method of resolving such disputes in Nigeria.

Commercial litigation disputes tend to be domestic in nature, that is, between Nigerian parties. However, participation of international parties also occurs, but mostly in instances where there is a Nigerian connecting factor such as the place of performance, the location of the subject asset, the law governing or the seat of the arbitration agreement (arbitral cases might be referred to courts to adjudicate

Factors in Commercial Litigation Before bringing a claim through commercial litigation, recourse must be had to the following factors: - the limitation period for commencing the action; - the appropriate court with jurisdiction to entertain the claim; - the issuance of pre-action notices where government agencies and departments are involved; - where companies are involved, the correct names of the companies as registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission; - whether any alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms can be used, or whether parties have agreed to submit to any ADR mechanism; - whether all available remedies have been exhausted before embarking on litigation; - the cost of litigation; - the possibility, practicalities and potential difficulties of enforcing the judgement; and - the civil procedure rules of the relevant court.

Jurisdiction of Courts in Commercial Litigation Jurisdiction of courts to try commercial litigation is established by the Constitution, and several judicial decisions have also been held to that effect.

Subject-matter rules can be found in Chapter VII of the Constitution, which prescribes the jurisdiction of the superior courts of record. The civil procedure rules of various courts, determine how the court would exercise jurisdiction over foreign parties.

Jurisdictional challenges are available and are usually grounded on the court’s lack of subject-matter jurisdiction or jurisdiction over the parties, or both. The principle of abuse of court process is available to prevent defenders from duplicating actions, and instituting an overlapping process in another jurisdiction in Nigeria. Generally speaking, there is no protection available to stop a Defendant from starting an overlapping process in a foreign jurisdiction preferred by it. However, where a court decision or judgement prevents an individual from starting or continuing an overlapping process and such individual continues, he or she would be liable for contempt of court, which could be both criminal and civil in nature.

Res Judicata As is native to the Nigerian legal system, the principle of res judicata applies to complex commercial litigation. It is the principle that prohibits parties from pursuing, or reinstituting a matter that has already been adjudicated upon by a court of competent jurisdiction. (To be continued next week).

Serious and Trivial “If you want to achieve something, you have to forget the boundaries that people create. No one knows your capabilities, more than you.” – Anonymous THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Litigation is the pursuit of practical ends, not a game of chess.” (Felix Frankfurter)

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

Rooting for Social Cohesion, Inter-religious Dialogue Duro Ikhazuagbe reports that the fourth edition of 'The Night of Ideas in Nigeria' was an event to rebuild together along the line of issues bothering on inter-religious dialogue and social cohesion in Nigeria

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he fourth Nigerian edition of the Night of Ideas was held at the Alliance française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre on Thursday 27 January.

As part of the cycle of debate of ideas led by the French network in Nigeria in 2022, it brought together actors from civil society, academia and the arts in Nigeria around the theme of inter-religious dialogue.

Coordinated by the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria) with the support of the French Institute of Nigeria and the Alliance française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre, the Night of Ideas brought together a public that was present both physically and online.

The choice was made to decline the theme "Re (construct) together" around the issue of inter-religious dialogue and social cohesion in Nigeria, in the wake of the PADIR research programme (African Perspectives on Inter-Religious Dialogue) led by IFRA-Nigeria.

According to the group, "The global COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered our lifestyles, reminding us of the importance of physical human connections, beyond the widespread use of digital technology, and the centrality of social cohesion in responding to economic, political and cultural changes and challenges.

"Nigeria, a diverse and plural country, is regularly marked by inter-group confrontations and violence, in a persistent context of economic crisis, but also constitutes a laboratory where original ways of living together are invented and implemented.

"Beyond the fatalistic and outdated speeches, this "Night of Ideas" was therefore intended to be a moment of exchange and collective reflection on the current perspectives of social cohesion in Nigeria."

Meanwhile, the evening was divided into

L-R: Dr Cyrielle Maingraud-Martinaud, Researcher, Ira-Nigeria; Kaduna-based artist, Ochai Ogaba; and Dr Philip Olakoyu, Coordinator, The West African Transitional Justice Centre (WATJ Centre) during the fourth Nigerian edition of the Night of Ideas held at the Alliance française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos... recently two parts. The first part was devoted to the exclusive screening of the short documentary "Compound" produced by the Mud Art Company, supported by the French Institute of Nigeria.

Mud Art Company was the winner of the Et Action! Programme conducted online for three months, from March to June 2020. Its founder and director, Ochai Ogaba, who presented the project, draws heavily on his experience of inter-community relations and tensions in Kaduna, in northern Nigeria, where

he is originally from.

The second part was devoted to a round table on the theme of the perspectives of inter-religious dialogue in Nigeria, with contributions from three guests- Mr. Olukoya Ogen, Professor of History at Osun State University and coordinator in Nigeria of the EU-funded research programme on daily inter-religious relations in the southwest of the country; Ms. Khadija Hawaja Gambo, an activist involved in inter-community

dialogue for thirty years and a permanent commissioner at the Kaduna State Commission; and Father Cornelius Omonokhua, Catholic priest, former representative for Africa at the Vatican Commission for relations with Muslims and secretary of the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC) and the West Africa Interreligious Council (WAIC).

The speakers highlighted potential solutions, notably around mediation between individuals, between groups and the priority of education.

Quest to Reduce Housing Deficit Uzoma Mba reports that Brass and Castles Property is on a quest to reduce housing deficit through service delivery

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or real estate firm, Brass and Castles Property Company Limited, its quest to reduce the housing deficit will help solve the challenges associated with housing in Nigeria.

According to the firm's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peacemaker Afolabi, "we want to be able to decrease the deficiency in housing in Nigeria at a bigger level. In another year, we will be handing over almost 50 apartments.

"So it’s a big one for us that we came into the industry. By doing that, we have already reduced the housing deficit. When we came into the industry, we made the promise to people that we are going to build and deliver to them.

"That's what drives us. And it is even very significant for us that we can have a drive and we can also achieve that drive."

Afolabi, who made this disclosure at the inauguration of Brass & Castles’ Dotsy Apartment housing project at Ologolo, Lekki, Lagos, also placed emphasises on private-public partnership, noting that it would assist in achieving speedy progress in the industry.

He said: "We need to make a lot of noise around public-private partnerships. There’s so much that can happen. A lot of times, the private sector comes with funding; the other times the public sector comes with enablement, the environment for us to be able to achieve so many things.

"There are also scenarios where the government will make materials more affordable for the private sector. And in all, we need to be more accountable in the housing sector.

So quality control is very important. Once we have these two, the housing sector will be highly improved.”

On the inaugurated project he said:

R-L: Peacemaker Afolabi, CEO, Brass & Castles; Hon Saheed Bankole, Chairman Eti-Osa Local Government; Niyi Adesanya, Leadership Expert; and Akinyemi Omoyeni, Real Estate Developer at the commissioning of Brass & Castles’ Dotsy Apartment housing project at Ologolo, Lekki, Lagos

"Today is a remarkable day, a day of fulfilment to people. We promised to deliver the apartment to our customers/clients in eight months and today we are handing over to them."

Addressing the significance of young/ emerging real estate companies to the industry and generally to the Nigerian economy, Afolabi noted that "the major drive that brought us into the market is delivery. We wanted to promise and deliver. The significance is that we want to add to numbers, to

decrease deficiency in housing in Nigeria at large. This is an example: handing over of a 12unit apartments in eight months. The next one year we will hand over almost 50 apartments."

On his projections for the industry this new year and why it is important for private practitioners to collaborate with government to push the real estate forward, Afolabi opined that it comes under two factors- "Enablement for the private sector to comes with funding and the public gives environment and approval, as well as policy and ability to ride faster in doing the development.

"Last year the housing sector contributed

about 10 per cent across board to our GDP. This year we are looking at 15 per cent as a decrease in housing deficiency results to more people owning a house, more tax payers, land use charges."

Also speaking, Management Consultant, Niyi Adesanya, harped on the need for certification for anyone that wants to venture into the real estate sector.

He said: “Getting people trained and certified into real estate is key. Anybody going into real estate has to go through the certification process. If you’re building for 10 to 15 people, then you have to go through the certification program.

"The real estate industry will keep growing as it's the best investment one can make but the quality of your product is important and a lot must be done to improve the real estate sector.

"There should be government regulations to guide the industry. Training and certifying people to become real estate professionals.

We pray that good people in the industry will be more than the bad people.

"The significance of government- private collaboration is that every private should collaborate. Government should make it easy for private to achieve their dreams. With this synergy, the industry will develop more."

Also harping on the need for public- private partnership, which he said cannot be over emphasised, Chairman Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Hon Saheed Bankole, said: "The private-public collaboration adds merit to each other. The government enables the private. I appreciate good works especially when it's done to help increase the housing numbers. I support such and it will in turn encourage upcoming private developers."

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Nigeria is a Great Country

Map of Nigeria Ehi Braimah

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n January 10, 2022, I was sitting by the swimming pool of Protea Hotel in Benin City with my brother and associate, Moses Ajayi. Every December, Ajayi and his folks take family and friends, tourists and visitors to the pristine Ososo community in Akoko Edo local government area for the annual Ososo Carnival, a showcase of colourful costumes, revelry and entertainment.

As we sipped our drinks, we discussed sports, politics and the economy. Ajayi, a passionate Arsenal FC fan just like me, was still reeling from the defeat Arsenal suffered the night before when Nottingham Forest’s Lewis Grabban stunned the Gunners with a late strike in the FA Cup third round. The 1 – 0 loss ended Arsenal’s FA Cup run.

The evening was humid after a hot afternoon that was dry and dusty due to the harmattan season. Shortly after, an Asian expatriate who was close by requested to join us at our table and we obliged him.

With background music on, our expatriate friend -- clearly a jolly good fellow -- was ready for his pitch on why Nigeria must be a great country. In my mind, I suspected that this would not be the first time he was making the pitch which actually turned out to be a lecture of sorts.

As he enjoyed his beer, he proclaimed Nigeria’s greatness. “Nigeria deserves to be great,” our Asian friend announced, as he began his pitch.

Ajayi and I listened attentively. Perhaps, information available to him must have nuanced his understanding of our situation.

He kept saying, “Nigeria deserves to be great” which he repeated, from my recollection, more than 10 times while our conversation lasted. I decided to appropriate those words as the title of this piece.

By the time I watched an old video where the late Maitama Sule, politician, diplomat and elder statesman (1929 – 2017) postulated how Nigeria could become another Japan if we had 20 straight years of peace and stability, I noticed a striking similarity with the pitch by our Asian friend.

“Nigeria is the leader in Africa,” he continued, sounding like an authority on the subject. “Your country has all it takes to be great but you must join hands together,” he added.

“You have the resources, the population and the market. Nigeria needs to industrialise and focus on agriculture; after some years, you will see the result. I have benefitted from Nigeria and I want Nigerians to also benefit. Nigeria is greater than South Africa and Egypt.

“I love Nigeria and I don’t want to leave. I have been here for over 20 years and my desire is for Nigeria to be great.

“But I must tell you democracy is not bringing development to Nigeria. What is being practiced is capitalism; it is everyman for himself. Nigerians don’t like doing things together, but you must collaborate to make progress.

“The resources are concentrated in a few hands instead of going round. Democracy is like a child holding an AK 47 rifle, shooting at random because the child does not know how

Braimah to use the gun.

“Nigerians are creative, intelligent and hardworking people; there’s no part of the world you will not find Nigerians. Only few foreigners understand this country and how it works. My first business was lace fabric production in Kano but I have also set up other industries in Benue and Delta states.”

As our discussion progressed into the night, our friend, not surprisingly, delved into politics. Having lived in Nigeria for over two decades, he should know a thing or two about how we practice democracy.

“It will be a good thing if your next president comes from the South West,” he said, posturing as an oracle without naming anyone. Well, it was only a wish and perhaps his preference but I asked him why South West. “Yoruba people are intelligent people and if the next president comes from the South West, it will be good for all.”

Our Asian friend explained his preference based on his understanding of our geo-politics but he did not suggest in any way that we do not have good leaders from other sections of the country. From our conversation, it was evident he understood the power configuration in Nigeria and how privileges and opportunities are shared.

But he is disappointed at the slow pace of growth and development. He believes that those who have access to power abuse the priviledge instead of using it for the benefit of Nigerians. “You have enough resources but it is concentrated in a few hands,” he said again and again. “It is better for more Nigerians to benefit from what you have.”

“Your people are not united; instead of doing things together, you undermine each other for selfish ends,” continued our Asian friend. It was just another way of saying we do not like ourselves, resulting in mutual suspicion. Unfortunately, tribe, religion and region continue to divide rather than unite us. He hinted at the leadership crisis facing us with each election cycle.

“You have great leaders but you do not know how to pick the right persons to lead Nigeria to greatness,” he noted with a straight face. As he dissected these issues, Moses and I looked on in amazement. “My country is ready to help you harness your resources,” he pleaded, with a reassuring glint in his eyes.

What do you do when a foreigner sits across a table and tells you what you already know? “Nigeria deserves to be great” is not just an idea whose time has come; we should

join hands together and make Nigeria great.

Although our Asian friend did not specifically mention “re-structuring” during our conversation, he hinted at a “new” system of government that would be beneficial to all, citing bribery and corruption, a culture of impunity and an egregious sense of entitlement as vices that must be tackled before we can make progress.

In a nutshell, our laws must be enforced, no matter whose ox is gored – no one should be above the law. He also suggested that the “power brokers” holding the country by the jugular should prioritise the development of Nigeria ahead of every other interest by endorsing the candidate that is most suitable to lead the country next year.

He is confident Nigeria can regain lost ground with the right leadership, insisting that industrialisation and agriculture are Nigeria’s surest pathways to rapid economic development.

“The whole country must benefit from the wealth of Nigeria, not just a few people,” he reminded us as he left. With his permission, I made a few notes from his pep talk which looked every inch a TED Talk, but he extracted a promise from me that he would remain anonymous.

Before he joined us, four of them – same complexion and speaking the same language – sat together. He stayed back, as I gathered later, to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and sip more beer. That was when our chance encounter occurred.

When I returned to Lagos, I watched the Maitama Sule interview, a short video on the same subject pertaining to Nigeria’s greatness. Apparently, the video had been shared many times because of the importance of the subject.

The late elder statesman revealed that the international community was not interested in the economic development of Nigeria; they were only interested in our resources which they continue to exploit for their selfish benefit.

This was the view of a Professor he encountered way back in 1967 (identity not known). The same Prof told Sule that Nigeria would become another Japan if we had 20 interrupted years of peace and stability. Even after the civil war, there was also a deliberate conspiracy against Nigeria so that our economy does not grow.

In the interview, Sule, just like our Asian friend, said Nigerians are hardworking and intelligent but we knew next to nothing

"The issue of re-building our economy and institutions from the ground floor up does not require rocket science or any esoteric knowledge; indeed, it should be a major task – not just campaign manifesto – for the incoming administration"

about the resources we have. Is this position still tenable today? I don’t think so although we are still largely a consumption oriented economy.

This orientation must change; we should focus more on production, while specifically noting agriculture and industrialisation as our Asian friend recommended. If indeed the international community is waging war against Nigeria becoming an economic giant, what are we doing about it?

Is this why we import practically everything we need?

Sule also said Nigeria has the population to absorb whatever is produced locally, so the market was not the problem. In fact, the entire West African region and beyond constitutes our market, according to him. Our Asian friend said the same thing.

Whereas we cannot rule out the role of economic saboteurs since 1960, the reality is that we import “this and that”, a trend has continued to affect our balance of trade payments.

If we intensify our efforts in the production of goods for export by building winning global brands, Nigeria will be able to conquer the world and there will be less pressure on the Naira. So who are those under developing Nigeria?

The story of the Four Asian Tigers – South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong -- and how they developed their economies between the early 1960s and 1990s readily comes to mind and it should, ideally, inspire us.

It was that time Nigeria gained independence.

How did they do it? It was through exports and rapid industrialisation, achieving more than 7% economic growth each year.

If we determine our human and material resources index, it will show that Nigeria is indeed a great country, but why are we unable to rise to our full potential after over 60 years of nationhood?

Nigerians around the world are distinguishing themselves and creating significant values in different strategic positions. So, what exactly is our problem? We can also achieve high levels of economic growth similar to the Asian Tigers as our Asian friend explained.

The issue of re-building our economy and institutions from the ground floor up does not require rocket science or any esoteric knowledge; indeed, it should be a major task – not just campaign manifesto – for the incoming administration.

What our Asian friend and late Sule revealed are not new but they will always represent useful insights for us.

We cannot keep winking in the dark or “blowing big grammar” forever; we have to act. A country with the largest economy in Africa should not be begging for bread.

In spite of our numerous setbacks, we should be motivated by one of my favourite theories: we cannot give up on Nigeria because we do not have any other country to call our own.

Since Nigeria is indeed a great country, we need to affirm that greatness, not only in words but in action. It is time to wake up and smell the coffee.

-Braimah is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Naija Times (https://naijatimes.ng)

XVI

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 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 04Feb-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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.75% Anchoria Equity Fund 144.19 146.00 3.59% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.18 1.18 2.70% 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 N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 474.02 488.31 5.07% ARM Ethical Fund 39.48 40.67 1.35% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.08 1.08 -0.12% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 0.48% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.36% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 108.58 108.58 6.75% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,076.02 1,076.02 7.60% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 0.92% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.35% Paramount Equity Fund 18.47 18.81 9.78% Women's Investment Fund 145.94 147.56 4.94% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.19% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.14 1.16 -8.60% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.43 1.43 0.37% 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 7.10% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.89% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,142.46 1,145.63 -2.31% EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.70% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.01 1.01 3.57% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.03 1.03 2.17% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 101.21 101.21 0.35% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,410.65 1,410.65 11.07% FBN Balanced Fund 180.53 181.87 3.01% FBN Halal Fund 116.70 116.70 8.86% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.05% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN 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

122.63 152.35

122.63 3.85% 154.37 1.30% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.99 1.81 1.21

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 7.65% 3.99 -0.25% 1.85 4.13% 1.21 0.42% 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 N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.55 1.57 2.63% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.63 1,146.63 0.87% 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 12.48 12.60 6.00% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 9.54% 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) 100.82 100.83 8.60% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 9.01% 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 N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 131.00 133.51 7.20% 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 3,509.39 3,547.19 1.92% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 236.44 236.44 0.30% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.32 1.34 2.31% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 314.86 314.86 0.49% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 243.60 247.21 0.62% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.84% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,250.34 11,406.43 1.26% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.30 1.30 0.43% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 117.34 117.34 0.32% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 107.31 107.31 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 N/A N/A N/A United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Sukuk Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 13.40 13.52 1.58% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.10 15.27 3.35% Zenith Income Fund 22.22 22.22 1.09% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.29%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 54.65

10.62% 8.10%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.12 134.77 106.76 19.74 22.49

14.22 138.14 109.11 19.84 22.59

1.11% 2.40% 3.03% 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

4.38 5.66 18.50 1.00 21.27 160.81

4.48 5.76 18.70 1.00 21.47 162.81

16.30% 11.15% 7.65% 7.56% 9.65% 1.92%

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 ˾ TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

21

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

F E B R U A R Y

S & P INDEX

7 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

9.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

564.02%

1/4 TO DATE

5.82%

N413.03/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.75%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.17%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.85%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.19%

Despite Easing OPEC Cuts, COVID-19 Restrictions, Nigeria Produced 70m Barrels Less Oil in 2021

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Despite being a year marked by the lifting of Covid-19 lockdowns, restriction of movement and easing of cuts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria produced less crude in 2021 compared with 2020.

Updated data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), detailing

Nigeria’s crude oil and condensates production for both years indicate that while the country pumped about 546.5 million barrels of oil the previous year, it only managed to produce 477.4 million barrels in 2021.

However, analysis of the NUPRC data indicated that when condensates are added to the total quantity of oil produced, the 2020 number rose to 670.8 million, while in 2021, it fell to 590.7 million barrels, raising

the difference to 80.1 million barrels between the two years.

Condensates are valued lower than crude oil because of their high light ends content and are exempted from current OPEC quota rationing.

Last year, the federal government hinged its N13.08 trillion budget on an oil price benchmark of $40 per barrel and a daily oil production estimate of 1.86 million barrels, inclusive of condensates of between

300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day.

The central government also based the budget estimates on the exchange rate of N379 per US dollar, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was projected at 3.0 percent, and inflation was expected to close at 11.95 per cent. None of the benchmarks was met at the end of last year.

Severe restriction of movement was the hallmark in most countries of the world due to the pandemic

in 2020, resulting in less need for transportation fuel and for use in industries and invariably impacting negatively on oil prices.

But in spite of being a tumultuous year for the global oil and gas industry, a comparison of the two reports, updated by the commission showed that Nigeria pumped less oil in the 12 months of 2021, put side by side its production for the same period last year.

The information indicated that in 2021, the country failed to produce a drop of oil from Asaramotu, Ajapa, Anambra basin, Oyo stream and Ukpokiti while condensates were not produced from Tulja Okuibome, Aje and Ima terminals.

Nigeria’s total oil production has been on the decline for several months, with Libya overtaking the Continued on page 23

S&P: Carbon Emissions to Hit Record High in 2022, In Spite of COP26 Pledges Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Carbon emissions will hit record high in 2022 even with greater focus on climate change and the emissions policy remaining on the ballot in key markets, S&P Global Platts Analytics has predicted.

In spite of the focus on emissions

reductions and a lengthening list of countries that have made net-zero targets, the firm noted that it expects that CO2 emissions from energy combustion will increase by 2.5 per cent in 2022 to new record levels.

While leaders at COP26 pledged to strengthen 2030 emissions targets by the end of 2022 rather than waiting

for the formal “stock taking” process, there are significant risks to domestic environmental policy agendas from elections in 2022.

President Muhammadu Buhari had also at the Glasgow event promised that Nigeria will by 2060 fully meet its net zero obligations, although Nigeria still depends on

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

fossil fuels for export and domestic uses.

During COP26, 100 countries committed to 30 per cent reduction in methane emissions by 2030 (with some notable exceptions), which will likely bolster interest in better understanding fossil fuels and their associated upstream carbon

SIZE

PRICE

STATE

100KG JIGAWA

intensities.

But the matter has become political, economic and environmental, with for instance, the report stating that midterm elections in the US have the potential to affect significantly the Joe Biden administration’s environmental agenda.

In Australia, it stated that focus is

on the opposition party and whether a prioritisation of more aggressive environmental targets will win political and popular support.

Such elections, it noted, are reminders that “all politics are local” and the fate of global agreements Continued on page 22

T O D AY

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

N9,000

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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

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N23,000

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT…

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State, Princess Abiola Adetutu Liadi; Commissioner of Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State, Mr Sam Egube; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs Teju Abisoye; and Board Member, LSETF, Mr Idris Olorunnimbe, during the Press Conference to announce the Lagos Employment Summit 2022, a discourse platform for employment and employability strategies in the State… recently

Kyari: Actions on Energy Transition Must Reflect Global Reality Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari, has said that if the transition from the use of fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy must succeed, the discussions surrounding the subject must be based on reality, rather than sentiments.

Writing on the topic: “Perspective On Energy Transition,” for the “Atlantic Council”, on the Global Energy Agenda,” the NNPC helmsman noted that while slowing down investment in hydrocarbon

ventures may provide the right incentive for the energy transition, it cannot guarantee global energy security in the near future As a national all company, Kyari said the NNPC believes inclusive policy actions that guarantee access to finance and low-carbon technology are key to sustaining global energy security and equitable growth as the world transits to a carbon-neutral economy.

According to him, the NNPC’s strategy for achieving carbon neutrality is centred around three principles: namely the adoption of low-carbon technology across its operations, deepening natural

gas utilisation to reduce energy poverty, and investment in clean energy technology and products.

Kyari posited that these principles are mostly to support smoother transition to a carbon-neutral economy without compromising access to the cheap and readily available energy resources that will be required to address energy poverty and support country-specific development priorities.

“Slowing down investment in hydrocarbon ventures may provide the right incentive for the energy transition, but it cannot guarantee global energy security

in the near future, especially as energy demands grow faster than renewable energy maturation.

“The world therefore needs to adopt a more inclusive consensus, one that considers complementarities and trade-offs between and within policies and policy objectives.

“As a commercially driven entity, we are leveraging the current industry dynamics to diversify and grow our portfolio in order to maintain relevance in the global energy market.

“Additionally, we are reassessing the brown and green assets for our carbon budget and environmental credentials as part of our transition

to an energy company of global excellence,” he wrote.

Kyari stated that climate change has increasingly become a major concern for everyone, stressing that outdoor temperatures and sea levels were rising, water bodies drying up while the frequency of major weather events were increasing.

The worrisome impact of global warming has, over the years, triggered the best of human innovation, especially in the fields of energy and sustainability, he explained.

He stressed that world leaders, leading institutions, scientific communities, businesses, and organisations are now leading global solidarity in

action against climate change and its impact on life on earth.

The call to end the use of fossil fuels in order to reduce global CO2 emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, he admitted, is becoming louder, and the coalition big, but added that greater synergy is required to achieve sustainable outcomes.

“This requires the global oil industry to play more than one important role; to lower the global carbon footprint, sustain global energy security, and drive prosperity especially in developing countries where population growth remains well above global average.

IFC Targets $10bn Investments in Africa Annually Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The International Finance Corporation (IFC) plans to ramp up its new investments in Africa to $10 billion annually in support of businesses that will help drive economic recovery and growth on the continent.

The member of the World Bank Group plans to add about $1 billion to the amount it invests every year until it hits the target, according to its Managing Director, Makhtar Diop.

Bloomberg reports that the organisation had invested and mobilised $6.4 billion in Africa

in the 12 months through June last year.

While government spending has helped African nations to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, weather-related disasters and conflict, the number of people in absolute poverty remains high, the report said.

The IFC, venture capitalists and private equity firms are expanding or starting investments in Africa to create jobs and help boost household incomes, the report added.

“Investments in the private sector is an important factor to stabilise countries, revitalise the

economy and contribute to reducing fragility,” Diop said in an interview.

“For all crises, you have an opportunity. This Covid-19 crisis has opened an opportunity to strengthen regional integration in Africa,” he noted.

The organisation stated that part of the funds will go to

fragile and low-income nations to finance businesses in health, farming, affordable housing as well as the creative industry.

The IFC will also increase its investment in trade finance and in start-ups in sectors, including financial technology and energy, Diop mentioned.

Expert Calls for Thorough Execution of Nigeria’s New Birth Control Measures Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Global Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital, an emerging and frontier markets investment bank, Charlie Robertson, has called for the implementation of the recently announced measures by the federal government to curb Nigeria’s rising population.

While lauding Nigeria’s renewed efforts at controlling its population growth, Robertson recalled that similar goals to the ones launched

by President Muhammadu Buhari, for instance in 2008, had not been reached.

Buhari had last week launched the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development, in a move aimed at checking the high fertility rate in the country.

The president stressed the need for urgent measures to address Nigeria’s high fertility rate, through expanding access to modern contraceptive methods across the country.

In a note, made available to THISDAY, Robertson argued that fertility will play a key role in determining whether Africa will follow Asia’s success or Latin America’s rockier developmental road.

“UN demographic forecasts show

that Nigeria is pretty well guaranteed to have widespread poverty in 2050.

A high fertility rate means Nigeria’s population will not be able to grow deposits in the banking system, as a percentage of GDP. “The shortage of cash will keep interest rates high. The high cost of borrowing money for investment means GDP growth will be low. Too few jobs will be created to meet the booming supply of labour from a country with a median age (today) of 16.

“We know this is the case – because it has been the story for more than 50 years. And not just in Nigeria, but

across many countries in sub-Saharan Africa,” he stated in the note.

He stressed that it would be incredible if Nigeria could make progress on reducing child mortality rates as over 10 per cent of Nigerian children die before the age of five, a fatality rate that is far in excess of better understood risks like COVID. He added that when child mortality rates fall, so does fertility, arguing that after that comes lower interest rates, more jobs and more growth.

“Buhari mentioned girls education.

When girls stay at school until they are 16 or 18, they might have their first child at 19 instead of their third

child like those who left school at 12 or 13 might.

“Educated girls get jobs, earn money, push for education for their own children. It’s happened again and again around the world.

“In 2005, Bangladesh and Nigeria had the same population of 139 million. In 2021, Bangladesh was 166 million and Nigeria was 211 million. Since then, Nigeria’s economy has grown by 4.3 per cent a year, Bangladesh’s by 6.3 per cent, and the former has partly been a lucky gain from oil, while the latter has been self-grown.

“Per capita GDP in Bangladesh

has risen by 400 per cent from $500 to $2,100. Nigeria’s has risen by 86 per cent, from $1,220 to $2,273.

Bangladesh is on track to be a huge success in the next 20 years. Nigeria is not on the right track to do this,” the economist argued.

Robertson added that it is hugely important when a Nigerian president who is associated with the north, where educational access is more limited and fertility rates are higher, is prepared to back the sort of reforms that can transform Nigeria and make it look more Bangladesh in the future, “rather than keep it stuck looking like the Nigeria of the past.”

projects.

However, 2022 will serve as a litmus test for environmental policy as politicians balance keeping energy prices in check without increasing fossil fuel demand, while setting the road to lower

carbon economies.

“It will also be important to monitor if the momentum from 2021 carries into this year for electric vehicles and hydrogen, and how technological innovation evolves, ”the report stated.

S&P: CARBON EMISSIONS TO HIT RECORD HIGH IN 2022, IN SPITE OF COP26 PLEDGES often get determined by domestic elections, local public sentiment, and local policy shifts.

According to the group, events in 2021 have exposed significant hurdles governments and markets still need to overcome during the

energy transition journey, but there were also signs of progress.

The rapid return of global energy demand to near or above pre-pandemic levels in 2021, it explained, caught markets off guard, which resulted in record-high energy

prices in major markets.

“Despite the historic decline in CO2 emissions in 2020, 2021 showed that energy demand is still structurally outpacing the growth of clean energy supply, requiring the use of more fossil fuels, which means more

FOOD NAME OF COMMODITY

PALM OIL

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

25CL LAGOS N20,000-N25000 25CL

PH

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

greenhouse gas emissions,” it said.

But according to S&P Global Platts Analytics, despite the rise in emissions, 2021 marked several instances of progress such as electric vehicle sales reaching a new record and a surge of announced hydrogen

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, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

23

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

E-Invoicing: CBN’s Good Intentions vs. Manufacturers’Apprehension The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and other members of the organised private sector are apprehensive that the recent CBN’s guidelines on e-invoicing will further stifle their businesses in spite of the apex banks good intentions, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

T

he new regulation issued on January 21, 2021, by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the introduction of e-evaluator and e-invoicing for import and export in Nigeria is causing apprehension in Nigeria’s manufacturing sectors.

The e-evaluator and the e-invoicing replaced the hard copy final invoice as part of the documentation required for all import and export transactions.

The CBN said that the new regulations primarily aimed at achieving accurate value from import and export items in and out of Nigeria, which is good enough. It, however, exempted individual invoices with a value of less than $10,000 as long as the suppliers do not have “annual cumulative invoicing value of equal to or above $500,000 or its equivalent in another currency.

It further exempted “import and export made by all security agencies in the country, supplies to diplomatic and consular missions to international agencies dependent on the United Nations; goods directly supplied by a foreign government and donations made by foreign governments or international organisations to foundations, charities and recognized humanitarian organisations.”

But the MAN in its reaction to the new regulation and its guidelines has expressed apprehension that might, “run roughshod on private enterprises.”

The Director-General of MAN, Mr. Segun AjayiKadir, therefore, urged the CBN to suspend the policy guidelines for now and give adequate consideration for a stakeholders’ dialogue to address the concerns.

“This is necessary to ensure that government does not inadvertently create a regime of chaos that will decelerate the already low level of activity in the manufacturing sector in particular and the economy in general. We should avoid a situation that will give the regulators a leeway to ride roughshod over private business owners who are already groaning under an inclement operating environment,” Ajayi Kadir said.

He said that though the association appreciated the efforts of the CBN to sanitise foreign trade transactions in Nigeria, there is a “need to ensure that the CBN does not go-ahead to implement the guidelines without accommodating the constructive inputs of stakeholders, especially those whose businesses would be negatively impacted.”

The MAN viewed the 12 days grace given before the implementation of the guideline as hasty. It said: “We noted that the implementation date on the circular is scheduled for February 1, 2022; whereas the guideline itself was issued on January 21, 2022. This is just 11 days of grace before implementation. This is rather hasty.

A circular on monetary or fiscal guidelines requires adequate adjustment time. This is more so when it involves international trade and transactions; where a minimum of 90 days allowance of time is normally required, as many operators would have opened Form M and concluded deals either for import or export.”

The MAN is also concerned over the new regulation’s declaration that any Form M or NXP that bears a unit price over 2.5 per cent of the verified global checkmate price would not be approved. It said that this would checkmate the opportunity of its members to derive higher value for their exports.

It emphatically stated that, “we are worried about the determination of global price verification mechanism and benchmark prices.” It then asked: “What happens if some companies can negotiate better prices due to their scale of order and can get competitive lower prices?

Will these competitive prices be within the benchmark?

This aspect of the policy will lead to several challenges on valuation down the line including a floodgate of valuation issues with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).”

The MAN is further apprehensive that transmitting the authenticated invoices through the CBN-appointed service provider to the Nigeria Single Window portal

could introduce unnecessary bureaucracy with attendant multiple charges. “We already contend with this type of anomaly and could ill afford any addition. It will also be a disincentive to local and foreign investors,” it said.

The manufacturers association also objected to paragraph D of the guidelines, which directed that the content of the electronic invoice authenticated by authorised dealer banks is only advisory for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). This implied that the NCS could vary it, probably uplift the FOB when issuing the PAAR, and subject manufacturers to paying unnecessary additional FOB upliftment by the NCS. It pointed out that the CBN might force such importer or manufacturer to reduce its price if it considered it not in conformity with the benchmark pricing.

The MAN also warned that the annual subscription fee charge of $350 per authentication by suppliers on the portal meant to maintain the system has the potential to trigger a run-on Nigeria business by their foreign partners and encourage these suppliers to look elsewhere in the region as well as the continent.

Speaking in the same vein, The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, called for the scrapping of the guideline on e-invoicing and eevaluator in its entirety, insisting that regulators “should be seeking to alleviate the pains of investors in the economy, not exacerbate to it.”

Yusuf added: “The e-invoice and e-evaluator policy will only worsen an already bad situation.

The policy will increase transaction costs, entrench red tape, weaken investors’ confidence and heighten corruption risk. The truth is that there is a strong correlation between red tape and corruption.”

He also expressed concern over the increasing incursion of the CBN into the trade policy space, which he described as, “an aberration in our economic management system and a serious cause for concern to the business community.”

He pointed out that, “issues of import valuation and classification are statutory functions of the NCS, with the Ministry of Finance as the supervising organ.

The decision of the CBN to undertake valuation and product price benchmarking is a duplication of this statutory responsibility of the NCS. It will create an additional regulatory compliance burden and costs for the business community.

“We, therefore, submit that the e-evaluator and e-invoicing initiatives be retracted. There is no compelling justification for their introduction in the first place. The CBN could collaborate with the NCS to address any gaps in the valuation processes than setting up a parallel institutional framework.”

Yusuf recalled that only last October, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressed worry while addressing the Mid-term Ministerial Performance Review of the federal government over the high trade cost in Nigeria, which she said was an equivalent of 306 per cent tariff.

The CPPE argued that the CBN is merely trying to address malpractices in foreign exchange transactions, which were outcomes of the current distortions in the foreign exchange market, especially the administrative fixing of the exchange rate.

“It is thus better to address the causes rather than the symptoms of this abuse. A market-driven exchange rate will reduce and possibly eliminate these malpractices. Such a pricing framework will also reduce the distractions that the CBN would have to grapple with subsequently,” Yusuf said.

The President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Mr. John Udeagbala, recently called on the CBN to postpone the commencement of this policy so that “transition challenges will lead to chaos with immediate implementation. We also request the CBN to make the operation of these policies cost-friendly.”

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(LCCI) also pointed out some issues that would require further attention of the CBN to enable the guideline to achieve its core objectives.

A press statement that was issued by the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere 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 observed that issues of legal liability were not clearly stated in the guidelines and pointed out that the mechanism for dispute resolution needs 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 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 and 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 NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

DESPITE EASING OPEC CUTS, COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, NIGERIA PRODUCED 70M BARRELS LESS OIL IN 2021 country in October last year as Africa’s number one oil producer. But with the tensions in that country, the next month, Nigeria again emerged as Africa’s topmost oil producer.

Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, although assuring that Nigeria would restore its production capacity by the end of 2021, the pledges have largely failed.

Aside ageing upstream infrastructure, oil theft and outright sabotage, the government blames the difficulty in restarting the oil facilities shut down in the heat of the pandemic for the falling production figures.

A number of the country’s oil assets had been shut down as a result of compulsory OPEC cuts due to covid-19 and the need to fully comply with the mandatory reduction in production.

However, experts have blamed years of under-investment, ageing production facilities resulting in frequent shutdowns, sabotage, vandalism, community issues and incessant force majeure by Joint Venture (JV) partners for the declining production.

The NURPC figures showed that while total crude oil and condensates of 65.9 million barrels were produced in January 2020, it declined to 53 million barrels during the same period in 2021, a difference of 12.9 million barrels.

Furthermore, 62.4 million barrels of both crude oil and condensates were produced in February 2020; 65.8 million barrels in March; 62.9 million barrels in April; 55.3 million barrels in May and 51.4 million barrels in June of 2020.

In the same vein, 52.7 million barrels were pumped in July; 52.8 million barrels in August; 50 million barrels in September, 52.3 million

barrels of both condensates and crude oil in October while 51 million barrels and 47.3 million barrels were pumped in November and December of 2020 respectively.

In contrast, in February 2021, 49.3 million barrels of both liquid types were pumped; 54.2 million barrels in March; 50.6 million barrels in April and 51.4 million barrels in May. Furthermore, 49.1 million barrels were produced in June; 50.8 million barrels in July; 47.4 million barrels in August; 45.9 million barrels in September while 47.2 million barrels; 46.2 million barrels and 45.6 million barrels were separately pumped in October, November and December of 2021 .

In total, while 670.8 million barrels of crude oil and condensates were produced between January and December of 2020, in the 12 months of 2021, it fell markedly to 590.7 million barrels.

But while crude oil production

took a major hit in 2021, the production of condensates proved resilient and almost at par with 2020 figures.

As expected, the data showed that Bonny, Qua Iboe, Forcados, Excravos, Brass, Egina, Bonga , Akpo and Agbami terminals yielded the highest barrels of both crude oil and condensates for both years.

Nigeria’s capacity to fill its production vacuum had degenerated progressively from 30,000 barrels per day in October 2020 to 301,000bpd in August last year, culminating in 215,000 bpd as of September, 2021.

The country’s variance from actual required production levels was around 30,000bpd in October 2020; 47,000bpd in November of the same year and 103,000bpd in December 2020.

The negative production figures continued in 2021, with 181,000bpd in January; 43,000bpd in February;

43,000bpd in March; 63,000bpd in April and continued to soar to 124,000bpd; 155,000bpd and 201,000bpd in May, June and July respectively, hitting its peak yet in August with a huge figure of 301,000bpd.

When he resumed office, the new Chief Executive Officer of the successor agency to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Mr Gbenga Komolafe, had said that his immediate priority was to raise the country’s crude oil production from September 2020’s 1.4 million barrels per day to about 2.4 million bpd in the coming months.

Last month Komolafe stressed that with OPEC production quota of 1.683 million bpd in January and 1.701 million bpd in February, Nigeria is only able to pump about 1.396 million bpd currently, leading to a loss of at least 115,926 million bpd on a daily basis, put at roughly $300 million monthly.

“ We are losing about 115, 926 barrels per day , so that literally translates to roughly about $300 million and that’s a huge loss to a nation that actually requires these funds,” he stated.

The commission’s chief executive attributed the underperformance to mostly oil theft, sabotage, vandalism as well as technical issues, including ruptures associated with the assets.

“But the larger percentage is due to crude oil theft and as a commission we know the impact of this and recognising our regulatory role, we have been able to reach out to other operators as to what we can do about this.

“We are trying to put in place an industry-wide initiative to ameliorate the situation and we are expecting to go live in terms of implementation in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the other stakeholders,” he added.

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TUESDAY JANUARY 18, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Adebomehin, New Surveyor General, Gets Appointment Letter Fashola calls for execution of SCA Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The new Surveyor General of the Federation (SGoF), Mr Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, has received his letter of appointment as the substantive accounting officer of the office.

The letter marked ref. No. FMW&H/43353/T/39, dated February 1, was signed by the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

A statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations in the office, Abu Micheal, said the letter conveyed the approval of the appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, indicating that it took effect from January 5.

“I am pleased to inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has approved your appointment as

the Surveyor General of the Federation in accordance with the powers conferred on him

by Section 171 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The appointment is with effect from 5th January, 2022 and is for a term of four years in the first instance, renewable upon satisfactory performance, provided you have not attained retirement age of 60 years or 35 years pensionable services whichever comes earlier,” it read.

Adebomehin who served as director in several departments in the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF) until he took over the baton of leadership was the Director Internal Boundary.

The statement described him as a consummate, dedicated and well experienced professional

spanning over 30 years.

The new OSGoF helmsman attended the University of Lagos, Akoka where he bagged a B.Sc in Surveying, and Post Graduate Diploma in Photogrammetry, among several courses both at home and abroad.

Adebomehin took over from Mr. Adeniran Taiwo, who having attained the retirement age of 60, bowed out of office last year.

The new man had pledged to ensure continuous assessment of the performance of various departments and units in order to make necessary readjustments that would enable the office serve the government and the country better.

Adebomehin who hails from Lagos State was born on December 6, 1966 and has over three decades of work experience as a surveyor.

AFAN Reaffirms Commitment to Achieving Food Security Gilbert Ekugbe The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has expressed commitment to meeting the food requirements of Nigeria in spite of the many challenges besetting the agricultural sector such as insecurity, climate change and inadequate technology.

The National President of AFAN, Mr. Kabir Ibrahim, said that Nigerian farmers are poised to ensure food sufficiency in the country, noting that Nigerian farmers are showing a lot of resilience by working assiduously to produce what Nigerians and its neighbors eat sustainably despite the Covid-19 pandemic and various other challenges.

Ibrahim also said that the

National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), which would be launched soon to replace the Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP) that expired in 2020, would boost food production in Nigeria.

He said that more work would be done to attain food security in Nigeria.

He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration pledged to make agriculture the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy due to the restlessness in the oil producing areas and the country’s over dependence on oil thereby abandoning agriculture.”

According to him, as soon as the government was inaugurated work began in earnest to develop a policy to drive

agriculture, which culminated in the launching of APP to replace the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

“Upon the public launch of the APP, the CBN in support of the policy, evolved the ABP (Anchor Borrower Program) and several interventions. “As a result of these interventions agriculture soon occupied the front banner and the National Agribusiness Investment Plan was evolved,” he added.

He noted that the National Assembly passed so many bills to support agricultural production, which include the NASC seed act 2019, Plant Variety Protection (PVP), ARCN Act, resuscitation of NFRA and several others.

Ardova Empowers Auto Mechanics, Technicians with Cutting-Edge Training Peter Uzoho

Indigenous integrated energy company, Ardova Plc, new owners of Enyo, has reiterated its commitment to upscale Enyo’s MechTech initiative to drive a more effective workforce among auto mechanics and technicians.

Ardova recently acquired 100 per cent equity stake in Enyo. MechTech is part of Enyo’s corporate social investment drive to bridge the skills gap and enhance the productivity of mechanics in Nigeria’s auto industry.

The programme is implemented in collaboration with Auto Medics Limited, an automobile repair and

fleet maintenance workshop with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and equipment, with support from the Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN).

At the close of the programme, selected beneficiaries were deployed to Vehicon, Enyo’s Auto care centre to enhance productivity and improve customer satisfaction.

It was learnt that through Ardova’s partnership with Shell Helix, a renowned manufacturer and distributor of engine oil, other participants of MechTech are directly eligible to partake in MechSpark, a platform that enables the mechanics to become trade partners and

advocates of lubricants sales for the brand.

Leveraging on the new business model between Enyo and Ardova, MechTech will be imbibed into Ardova’s auto care concierge, FIXXIT to enable the graduates to work in a continuous learning environment for further growth and impact.

Speaking at the third convocation ceremony of MechTech, Chief Executive Officer of Ardova Plc, Mr. Olumide Adeosun, emphasised the company’s resolve to contribute to the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Goals through MechTech as a means for capacity building.

Ikeja Electric Unveils New Facility to Enhance Service Delivery Peter Uzoho To further optimise its services and enhance customer experience, Ikeja Electric Plc has unveiled its Shomolu business unit in Lagos state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new facility, the Board Chairman, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Kola Adesina, expressed the company’s readiness to provide adequate supply to customers while improving customer experience.

He said: “In addition to providing the required infrastructure that will strengthen our network and bolster services, our technical team is committed to further improve electricity supply to our customers, and this is our obligation to them.

“The unveiling of the new Shomolu Business Unit office signifies that Ikeja Electric prioritises both its members of staff and customers. This building provides a conducive environment for our staff, enabling them to work better, think intelligently and strategically, while ensuring quality service delivery,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Ikeja Electric’s Chief Executive Officer, Folake Soetan, reiterated

the company’s commitment to consistently improving service delivery to customers within its franchise network.

Soetan said: “We are very excited to commission this ultra-modern facility designed to optimise operations in Shomolu business unit, in line with our mantra - customer first technology now.

“The new office is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to enable efficient

service delivery and improve the overall customer experience. We are confident that Ikeja Electric, through this new office, will continue to deliver top-notch services to our teeming customers in the network.

“Our effort to continuously improve customer experience and deliver optimal value is the motivating force behind all we do at Ikeja Electric. And that is what has helped to position us as industry leader.”

Advertisers Elect New Officers, Elevate ED The Commercial Director of Biogenerics Limited has been elected as the new President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria, (ADVAN) at the sectoral group’s 19th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.

Bunmi Adeniba formerly of Unilever Nigeria and recently appointed Marketing Director of Coca-Cola West Africa had been the acting president of the Association for the last 2 years.

Other exco members who were elected at the well attended AGM include Nwando Ajene of Nestle

Nigeria as 1st Vice President, Yosola Atere of Mastercard as 2nd Vice President, Obum Okoli, High End Manager at Abinbev as Treasurer and Kenneth Iruonagbe of Tolaram as Publicity Secretary.

Speaking, Uwubanmwen called on all the members to come together to move ADVAN forward post-COVID lockdown. He also stated that his administration will ensure all the stakeholders in the integrated marketing communications work collaboratively to promote professionalism.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has urged stakeholders to work towards the implementation and enforcement of the Survey Coordination Act (SCA).

Speaking on the occasion of this year’s collaboration meeting of the OSGoF and the Armed Forces on the implementation of the survey coordination Act, Fashola said the issue of

surveying and mapping had become so important, given the prevailing insecurity that was bedevilling the country.

The minister who was represented by the Director, Cadastral, Mrs Oluwatoyin Akerele, described surveying and mapping with adequate security as the bedrock of any meaningful development.

Earlier in his welcome address, Adebomehin said that if the

existing challenges would be sorted out, there was the need for collaboration with various sectors and stakeholders on diverse platforms.

According to him, the Survey Coordination Act of 1962 is crucial to matters of surveying and mapping in the country and has far-reaching effects on national security, socio-economic activities, and attainment of sustainable development.

AKK Pipeline: Shell Eyes Investment Opportunities Up North Peter Uzoho Multinational oil and gas company, Shell, has indicated interest to explore investment opportunities available in the ongoing AjaokutaKaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline which criss-crosses some states in the north.

The Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited (SNG), Mr. Ed Ubong, disclosed this in Abuja at a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.

Ubong who attended the meeting with the General Manager, Shell Energy Nigeria, Mr. Markus Hector, stated that clear guidelines and regulations that support and protect investments were key in boosting investors confidence in the Nigerian gas sector.

“SNG currently distributes natural gas for power generation to industrial clusters around Ogun, Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers and Lagos

States and we are currently exploring markets along the AjaokutaKaduna-Kano pipeline project for investment opportunity to take gas to industries up north of Nigeria,” Ubong said.

The AKK gas pipeline spans a length of 614 kilometres, from Ajaokuta to Kano and it is a segment of the Trans-Nigeria Gas Pipeline (TNGP) and the Trans Saharan gas pipeline project.

Flagged off in June 2020, the project is being built at a project cost estimated at $2.8 billion. The pipeline is expected to enable the injection of 2.2 billion square cubic feet of gas daily into the domestic market. Also speaking, Hector said massive business opportunities exist for Shell gas business in Nigeria, adding that the company planned to significantly expand its investment in gas distribution under the right regulatory environment.

He commended the federal government for enacting the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which he said would support the growth of the

gas industry in Nigeria.

At the meeting, Ahmed applauded Shell for its deliberate and active investment in Nigeria’s critical gas infrastructure to supply gas for powering industries in key locations in the country.

Noting that Nigeria needs accelerated gas infrastructure to deepen domestic gas distribution across Nigeria, Ahmed encouraged SNG to continue to be transparent, responsible and to practice good corporate governance in its business dealings in the country.

He said the federal government’s desire to boost infrastructure development, especially in the midstream, necessitated the enactment of the PIA, assuring that NMDPRA would put the necessary regulations to make business favourable to investors.

Ahmed added that his agency was putting in place the right framework to encourage competition, competitive prices, flexibility of supply and investments in gas infrastructure.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Tax Professionals Reject Bill Seeking ICAN Regulation of Taxation Omolabake Fasogbon Stakeholders have described the move by the National Assembly to amend the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Act 1965, CAP. I11, LFN, 2004 as an encroachment into the statutory obligations of other professional bodies.

The legislation which was sponsored by Abubakar Yunusa Ahmad is meant to address emerging trends in the Nigerian economic environment and for related matters (HB 1178) as well as empower ICAN to regulate its members who practice accounting and taxation, among other professions.

Professionals who critic the bill maintained that if passed, such would start -off a clash of role between ICAN and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

Present at the Public Hearing

of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance were officials from CITN, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN); Association of Forensic Accounting Researchers (AFAR) and Taxpayers’ Rights Initiative who unanimously took a stand against the legislation.

In his presentation, Legal Adviser of CITN, Mr. Chukwuemeka Eze, cited the CITN Act No. 76 of 1992, section 1 which empowers CITN to regulate and control the practice of taxation in all its ramifications.

He said, “ The Bill has brazenly included tax practice in section 21 (which introduces a new Section 15 to the Principal Act) of the ICAN Bill that “a Chartered Accountant shall be entitled to practice or hold himself out to practice as an Auditor, a Reporting Accountant, Financial Accounting and Corporate Reporting Services

Practitioner, Financial Management Practitioner, Corporate Services Practitioner, Governance Risk and Compliance Services Practitioner, Tax Practitioner.”

“Section 28 of the Bill (amending Section 19 of the Principal Act) defines “Accountancy practice” as including “auditing, reporting accounting, investigations and forensic accounting, Financial Accounting and Corporate Reporting Services, Financial Management Services, Management Consultancy Services, Corporate Services, Governance Risk and Compliance Services, tax practice, accounting information systems practice, insolvency practice including receivership and liquidation as well as financial advisory.”

On his part, Chairman, Board of Trustees of AFAR, Prof.

Muhammad Akaro Mainoma opined that the bill would inflict injury to other professions.

BPP Commences Process to Amend Act

MARKET INDICATORS

Nume Ekeghe

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has said is has commenced the process of amending procurement Act to bring it up to date with current realities.

BPP also called on government agencies to emulate the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) in capacity building and compliance with procurement processes.

Speaking at a Management Retreat by the NDIC in collaboration with the BPP, the Director General of BPP, Mamman Ahmadu noted that the procurement act, which was enacted in 2007 is riddled with challenges presented by changing times.

Ahmadu who was represented

by BPP Director, Compliance, Certification and Monitoring, Ishaq Yahaya, noted that the BPP is already in talks with the National Assembly and is also in the process of crafting

an executive bill to that effect.

“The Public Procurement act was enacted in 2007 which is over a decade and we know thy there are certain challenges and issues that are in this act.

As a result we are in the process of presenting an executive bill to the National Assembly for amendment in order for us to ease some of the challenges that we have seen in the act.

“We are also in the process of improving our billing documents this is already on going and we are going to have billing documents that will address the procurement that conventional documents do not address such as information and communication technology procurement, framework agreement and the like.

“We are also, in line with the objective d the Public Procurement Act which is efficiency and value for money in the process of building an e-procurement

platform.”

This, he said, would cut back on physical engagement and improve efficiency.

He commended the management of the NDIC, noting that it is the first agency in the country to build capacity of its staff on the latest issues in procurement procedures in 2022.

“The NDIC is the first agency of the federal government that is starting this year on this capacity building initiative. Starting early is commendable because that means they will be early to plan and early to achieve their objectives, ”he said.

On his part, the Managing Director of the NDIC, Mr Bello Hassan, noted that the retreat had become necessary so as to engage the BPP as well as keep abreast with the development in the Procurement processes such as the recently published upward review of approval Threshold and its implications on Procurement.

FCTA Seeks Improved Commercial Ties with Qatar Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ ÌßÔË The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello has called for the strengthening of commercial and business relationship between Qatar and Nigeria. He made the clamour at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the FCT Administration and Qatar Charity, an international humanitarian, non-governmental organisation for the development of 200 housing units for widows in the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister said the location of the nation’s capital makes it an enabler of the commercial process given that there is a direct air link between Doha and Abuja.

The MOU was signed during the courtesy visit of the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghaneim Al Hajri, to the FCTA. Bello said the FCTA was also working towards making the nation’s capital a destination of choice for world class medical services across the country and indeed the West Africa.

He revealed that due to the

very close relationship between President Muhammadu Buhari and the leader of the State of Qatar, the Qatar Charity is also considering establishing an international world class hospital in Abuja.

He said the proposed project will add value to the status of Abuja as a very important medical care destination on the African continent.

In his remarks, Ambassador Al Hajri assured that the housing project for widows will be completed by the end of the year.

ENL Consortium Facilities Vaccination of Dockworkers As part of its resolve to support the effort of the Federal Government to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, ENL Consortium has facilitated the vaccination of dockworkers working at its terminal.

ENL Consortium is the operator of Terminals C and D at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa.

The dockworkers vaccination exercise, which was carried out from Thursday 27th to Wednesday 2nd February 2021, was conducted by authorised health officials.

Speaking on the exercise, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of ENL Consortium, Princess Vicky Haastrup, said, “The Federal and State Governments as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO) have told us that COVID 19-vaccines are effective and can lower the risk of getting and spreading the virus. Vaccines also help prevent serious illness and death in children and adults even if they get infected by COVID-19.

“Also, don’t forget that port workers, including dockwork-

ers are essential workers. The ports must keep operating round the clock in order to keep the economy moving and to ensure the continuous supply of essential commodities to Nigerians.

Dockworkers are important to ensuring continuity at the port, and we care for their well being.

“These are the reasons why we deemed it necessary to invite health officials into the port and encourage dockworkers to get vaccinated in support of the effort by the government to put an end to this pandemic.”

(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 AS AT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

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).

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

GTCO Acquires 100% Stake in Investment One Asset Management, Pensions Kayode Tokede Guaranty Trust Holding Company plc (GTCO Plc), has announced that it has acquired 100 per cent shares in Investment One Funds Management Limited and Investment One Pensions Managers Limited.

The holding company said the acquisition is in line with its business scope to offer broadened services to their clients.

In a statement signed by

Group Corporate Communication, GTCO, Oyinade Adegite the company said the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) had been notified adding that all regulatory approvals have been obtained for the Acquisition and commencement of operations of the companies.

“Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO plc), is pleased to inform The Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public of the completion of

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

the acquisition of 100% shares in Investment One Funds Management Limited, “GTCO said.

Commenting on the completion of the acquisition, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje said: “We are excited about our foray into the wealth management space, as it provides us with the opportunity of becoming a one-stop shop for financial services and products that will empower our customers through

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QUANTITY TRADED

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the course of their lives.

“We will focus on replicating our digital-first customer-centric retail strategy to create distribution channels for wealth solutions that we will offer, to both institutional and retail clients.

“As a dominant leader in financial services, we are positioned to add significant value to the asset management business in Nigeria and compete favorably with the largest global wealth managers in the areas of

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

disclosure, corporate governance and regulatory compliance.”

Agbaje added, “This acquisition is in line with the evolution of the Guaranty Trust brand in becoming a fully-fledged financial services company, with the capabilities and drive to deliver end-to-end financial services to every African and African business. With over 30 years of being a trusted banker to millions of Nigerians and expertise in capital allocation

O F

to generate the highest yields for our customers and shareholders; the Pension Fund business is a natural fit for the Guaranty Trust brand. Also, our bias for the highest standards in corporate governance will ensure transparency in how we manage the funds under our management, which will ultimately make us the preferred Pension Fund Administrator, not only in the Nigeria market, but also in Africa.”

0 7 / 0 2 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

28

TUESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

I FEEL YOUR PAIN...

All Progressives Congress (APC) Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (left) and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, during a condolence visit to the Murray-Bruce Family at Thorburn Avenue, Yaba, Lagos on the death of their mother and matriarch of the family, Madam Margaret Murray-Bruce...yesterday

Promises Can’t Replace Agreements’ Implementation, ASUU Tells Buhari Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday said it was tired of the insincerity of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration over its failure to fully implement the agreements reached with the government.

The Chairman and Secretary of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso chapter of the union, Dr. Biodun Olaniran and Dr. Toyin Abegunrin, respectively stated this in a release they signed after the congress of the union held yesterday.

In reaction to the promise of the president that he would fulfill agreements reached with the union, the lecturers pointed out that promises alone without action cannot replace implementation of the agreements.

According to them, various agree-

ments had been reached between ASUU and the government, but the government had refused to sign what would make the welfare of lecturers to be better and had been employing merry-go-round tactics.

He stated that their members have resolved to embark on an indefinite strike since government was not ready to do the needful.

While asking Nigerians to prevail on government to avert the impending strike, ASUU said it had allowed many stakeholders to talk to government that continued to portray the union as a dog that was only capable of barking and not biting.

The statement read: "Our Union, ASUU, is using this medium to call upon the federal government of Nigeria once again to implement the agreement it (FG) has signed with ASUU. It is unfortunate to mentioned that the federal government signed agreement with ASUU

Challenges in NIN Verification Persist Emma Okonjj The difficulty currently being faced by telecoms subscribers in verifying their National Identification Number (NIN) still lingers several days after attempts were made to resolve the issue.

Since last week telecoms subscribers could not carry out the process of NIN verification as a result of the issue.

Although the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) had since confirmed the challenge and has asked subscribers to use the alternative process called Tokenisation to verify their NIN, THISDAY gathered that it was from a link connecting NIMC and Galaxy Backbone, the government agency hosing the data servsers of most government agencies and also providing them with data services.

The issue which is not only affecting the NIN verification process, was also affecting network connectivity and data hosting services across the country.

Worried about the situation, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, yesterday, told THISDAY that telecoms operators

and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), were working hard to address the issue.

"Telecoms operators are aware of the issue but we are working hard with NIMC to resolve the issue. We are currently having meetings and technical sessions with NIMC and I believe the issue will be resolved soon," Adebayo said.

NIMC had last week, in a statement, blamed the situation on ongoing maintenance service being carried out by one of its service providers.

According to the statement, "The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) wishes to inform the general public that its NIN Verification Service (NVS) is temporarily unavailable due to the maintenance service being carried out by one of the Commission's network service providers. NIMC assures the public that the verification authentication services would be restored once the maintenance is concluded. The Commission apologises for any inconvenience this might cause our esteemed customers as all hands are on deck to ensure a speedy restoration.

The public can make use of the alterative Tokenisation verification platform."

since 2009 but the agreement is not implemented till date.

“The agreement was renegotiated in the name of peace. But to our dismay, the government has refused to sign the renegotiated agreement. In order to make the implementation of the agreement easy for the federal government, the union has limited its demands to only three.”

He listed the demands to include the signing/implementation of

the renegotiated agreement of 2009; adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Software (UTAS) instead of the controversial IPPIS. Conclusions on these matters had been reached with the government several months ago but yet, the federal government had been avoiding the final stage of signing the agreement, they stated.

"All the federal government was doing is promising all the time.

The federal government has taken the union for a toothless bulldog that can only bark but cannot bite.

We, as a union have taken time to pull the long rope with the government until our patience is completely exhausted.

“Our union is tired of the merry-go-round approach devised by the government about the same issues. We can no longer tolerate the swinging pendulum (with a declining amplitude) attitude

the government set for us. We have endured enough with such insincerity.

“We have resolve to embark on indefinite strike action if government failed to yield to our demands within a specified period of time.

"The union therefore, is using this medium to call on well-meaning Nigerians and the general public to call the FG to order in this respect, and that it (government) should respect its agreements with ASUU."

Education Vital for Manpower Devt, Says Jonathan Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has identified functional education as vital to the development of the manpower resources of any society.

Jonathan, who was the keynote speaker, stated this yesterday, at the maiden five-day Bayelsa State Education Summit with the theme: "Optimising the delivery, performance and sustainability of outcomes in the education sector," in Yenagoa.

Highlighting contributions he made in the development of the education sector when he was governor of the state and at the national level when he was president, Jonathan emphasised the important role of information and communication technology.

According to him, his administration made substantial investments at the national and state levels, including providing scholarship programmes.

He stressed that his recognition of the vital place of an educated citizenry was the reason behind his administration's investment in almajiri schools in the north.

"Education is a strategic tool for national development and social change. You cannot make progress without educated citizenry. People cannot develop without functional education.

"Today, ICT is key. It is replacing almost everything. The teaching of ICT has to start right from the nursery schools," he added.

He applauded the vision of Governor Douye Diri and his team in holding the summit to fashion out a sustainable policy

for the sector.

He urged the state government to legalise its educational policies so that successive government would not jettison them.

Jonathan also charged stakeholders at the summit to consider introducing a common language in the educational curriculum.

"If we must come together, we must have a common language.

When you want to develop our educational policies, do not forget the languages because language is very critical in creating global citizens," he added.

Declaring the summit open, Diri said at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bayelsa was handicapped as it lacked the equipment required in delivering remote learning.

On the need to back educational policies with a law, the governor said a bill would be sent to the House of Assembly to that effect.

Commenting on the need to adopt a common language, Diri said already, the state executive council had adopted Kolokuma as the chosen dialect and directed the Ministries of Education and Ijaw National Affairs to ensure implementation of the policy.

According to him, "language is not only critical in education but also in establishing one's identity and conscious efforts must be made to ensure our language does not go into extinction."

He called on stakeholders in the sector to develop a 15-year education plan that could be reviewed periodically to enable Bayelsans take their rightful place in the country and the world.

Diri also assured that his administration would continue

to support the model schools he inherited from his predecessor and called for support from the private sector, particularly the oil companies operating in the state.

The Chairman of the state Education Development Trust Fund and one-time Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, who was represented by Prof. Francis Sikoki, said the board remained committed to providing

interventions in the education sector.

In their goodwill messages, chairman of the state traditional rulers’ council, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, representative of the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Dan Kikile, and a representative of the Managing Director, Sterling Bank, described Senator Diri's vision on holding the summit as brilliant.

They said this was time to put Bayelsa on the global map.

Ibeto vs EFCC: Court Fixes March 8 for Hearing of Motion Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Justice Boma Diepiri of the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has fixed March 8, 2022, to hear the motion on notice on fundamental human rights by the Chairman of Ibeto Cement, Cletus Ibeto, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and one Daniel Chukwudozie (second respondent).

Ibeto (Applicant) had filed in the application in Suit No. PHC/268/FHR/2022 before the aforementioned court.

Ibeto claiming his fundamental right, sought to prevent the EFCC from investigating criminal allegations of fraud bordering on obtaining by false pretense the sum of N4.8 billion forgery and criminal breach of trust brought against him by Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.

The second respondent in the matter, alleged that he was approached by the Ibeto (applicant)

to purchase a parcel of land situated at Reclamation Layout Phase 11 Port Harcourt, only to discover that the property in issue did not belong to claimant and his companies.

At the resumed sitting on the matter yesterday, counsel for the second respondent informed the court that he had not been served by the applicant.

In his reaction, counsel for the applicant, Henry Bello, who held brief for the lead counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu informed the court that he served the second respondent on February 3, 2022, at about 10:31am.

Bello further informed the court of a civil case pending before the High Court of Rivers State, which he said had been fixed for March 14, this year.

After listening to arguments by parties in the matter, the trial Judge, Justice Diepiri, ordered them to regularise their processes before the next adjourned date.

29

TUESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

STAKEHOLDERS’ RETREAT...

L–R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Temi Popoola; Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ, Mr. Bola Onadele Koko; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Lamido Yuguda; Group Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group Plc, Mr. Oscar Onyema, and Chief Executive Officer, Vetiva Group, Mr. Chuka Eseka, during a stakeholders’ retreat on the Investments and Securities Bill 2021 in Lagos... recently

Afenifere Flays Extension of Igboho's Incarceration Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Emameh Gabriel in Abuja A pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed disappointment and profound regret over the extension of the incarceration by six months of Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo otherwise known as Igboho.

Afenifere, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi,said extending the detention of anyone, who had not been convicted of any offence was against the law of any country that claimed to be guided by the rule of law.

The group noted that Igboho had spent about 204 days in detention

in Republic of Benin, stating that this is much longer than it should be for a person, who had not been convicted of any offence and a person, who was not a criminal by any standard.

"The prolongation of his detention was a negation of the announcement on Saturday by the Abuja-based lawyer, Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, that

Igboho would be released soon," the group said.

Afenifere, however, lauded Chief Yomi Alliyu, SAN, for his doggedness in pursuing Igboho’s case and urged him to continue, saying, “Alliyu’s decision to resort to the ECOWAS Court to challenge the extension is quite welcomed.

We are prayerful that the Court

will reverse the decision by the Benin Court and set Igboho free soonest.”

He then called on the government of Benin Republic to rescind this ruling by its court in order to redeem its receding image on its respect for the rule of law.

Recalling a 2021 Report by The World Justice Project (WJP), which

104 ISWAP Fighters, Families Surrender to Troops Air strikes decimate terror commanders, others relocate families

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

In a major shift in the war against insurgency, signaling an end to the theatre, some 104 fighters of the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) and their families, at the weekend, surrendered to troops in Borno State.

This is the first time the ISWAP fighters were surrendering with their families.

Over 15,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families had so

far surrendered to troops in the North-east.

ISWAP had launched several attacks on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and rehabilitation centers for repentant terrorists in order to force them to recant.

But intensified air strikes had forced other ISWAP fighters to relocate family members after four high-ranking commanders of the terrorist group were decimated in Marte, Borno State.

A security source said senior

commanders were eliminated during recently coordinated airstrikes targeting the terrorists’ strongholds in Marte Local Government Area of the state.

Fighter jets including super tucano belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) straffed ISWAP camps in the weeklong and sustained aerial attacks.

"Those killed are Amir Abdulrahman of Abbaganaram; Imam Tujja, Imam of Bukar Mairam; Malam Ibrahim, Amir of Jubularam and

Bakura Imar, another high ranking ISWAP Commander among several foot soldiers of the terrorist group.

“While some wounded terrorists were evacuated to Kirta Wulgo for Medical attention, we are aware of movements of their women and children towards Buningil, Bakkassi, Doron Liman, and Daban Alfa.

“I am not aware if the vulnerable people especially, the women and children being relocated are going to surrender to the Nigerian troops,” he said.

FG Moves to Avert Aviation Workers’ Strike

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has commenced moves to avert the impending nationwide strike byaviation workers.

The Aviation workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), had threatened to withdraw their services by today, Tuesday, February 8, 2022, over poor welfare and unimplemented agreements with the government.

The federal government, however, intervened on Monday by opening discussions with the aviation unions on the need to stop the impending strike, which could ground air travel nationwide.

The negotiations, which took place at the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was still ongoing as at the time of filing this report, last night.

Those in attendance included the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika and other relevant top government officials.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Charles Akpan, quoted Ngige as

having thanked the aviation workers for the matured way they went about their matter, saying they acted in the spirit of labour conciliation.

He said the aviation workers gave necessary notice to his ministry, but it was resolved that their parent ministry should first engage with them.

“I am happy that the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, reported that they did so with you, but there are two major areas that they couldn’t reach agreement with you and therefore, you had to escalate the matter by issuing an ultimatum to close the entire air space.

“I can see that all of you are here, both the traffic controllers and engineers. We thought there may be some openings in the air space, but I can see that all of you are united. I can assure you that we are going to reach agreements here and some of the agreements will be reached with the speed of a flash and we will get back to them.” Ngige said.

The minister referred to a conciliation agreement earlier done by NUATE with officials of his ministry, in which they agreed on March 31 as the timeline for

the consummation, wondering why the union seemed to have ignored this while threatening to withdraw service.

“But that is not the issue now. I know about your complaints and that is why I called all the stakeholders, including the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation. I had discussed most of the issues with your employers, the Minister and the Permanent Secretary and we decided on a line of action. It is that this government, the President in particular, does not believe that we can disengage people.

“The President does not believe a worker is not due his remunerations in terms of salaries and allowances.

That is why nobody can complain that we are owing salaries. Some allowances that have not been fine-tuned, once fine-tuned, the government will pay, because the President was a wage earning person all through his military career.

That is why he does not deal with anything pertaining to anybody being owed for work done.

“As long as I am the Minister of Labour, no government agency will owe anybody salaries and even

confirmed allowances. If you cannot pay all, the CBA negotiations allow you to do ability to pay at the time in question so that you can stagger payment. But, we will agree on things today, put timelines on them and it will be done.”

Sirika, on his part, said the agitation for the rights and privileges of workers was lawful and acceptable, especially, under the Buhari administration, which in its manifesto, entrenched the principle of social democracy, adding that the government took the issue of labour very seriously.

He, however, described the agitation as something in-house between the ministry and its parastatals, which could be dealt with, hoping that the leadership of the unions would go back to their members with something they would be happy about.

Speaking on behalf of the aviation unions, National President, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Ahmadu Ilitrus, called for urgent measures to address their demands, even as he lamented that since 2019, when the Minimum Wage Bill was signed, no worker from the Aviation Ministry had benefitted from it.

The Nigerian Army, however, announced the surrender of the ISWAP members on its verified facebook page, where it shared photos of some of the repentant terrorists and their relatives.

According to the army, the former ISWAP fighters surrendered their weapons on Saturday to troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa town of Borno State.

A breakdown of the figure showed that 22 of those received by the soldiers were men, 27 were women and the remaining 55 were children. The Director, Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Major General Bernard Onyeuko, confirmed the development.

placed Benin at 91st position out of 139 countries, where the rule of law was not being respected, the groupsaid the country’s overall rule of law score decreased 2.3 per cent in the 2021 Index as it fell three positions in global ranking.

"The score placed the country (Benin) at 11th position out of 33 countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and 14th out of 35 among lower-middle income countries," Afenifere stated.

According to the Yoruba leading group, Benin deserves a better record as its extension of Igboho’s detention would only worsen its image if not reversed, urging the country not to descend to the level of Nigeria, which ranked 121st out 139, which was worse on the scale.

It also called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to loosen the grip it has on nation-state agitators like Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu, to enhance its human rights record, stating that the government needed to be more sincere in its fight against terrorism.

"By so doing, political tension in the country will reduce, socioeconomic activities will be boosted with an improvement on the welfare of the people just as lives and properties in Nigeria would be more secure," Ajayi added.

Lack of Defence Lawyer Stalls Hanifa's Murder Trial in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The trial of the murder case against Abdulmalik Tankos, who allegedly kidnapped and brutally killed his 5-year-old pupil, Hanifa Abubakar, was stalled Monday for lack of counsel to represent the accused.

Tanko, alongside his two accomplices, Hashimu Isyaku and Fatima Jibrin, appeared before the High Court 6, presided over by Justice Usman Na-Abba.

The trio were charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Kidnapping, Concealing/Keeping in Confinement a Kidnapped Person and Culpable Homicide, contrary to Sections 97, 274, 277 and 221 of the Penal Code.

When the accused persons were arraigned before the High Court on Monday, they were docked without a legal representation.

The state counsel, who doubles as the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mohammed Lawal, prayed to the court to decide if the proceeding should go ahead, because it appeared the accused persons did not have lawyers.

Na-abba then asked the defendants, starting from the principal suspect, Tanko, if they could engage the services of a lawyer or want the state government to provide lawyers for them.

Tanko, who is the first accused person, said he could not hire a lawyer but he wanted the state to provide one for him.

Isyaku, the second defendant, said the same thing when was asked about hiring a lawyer. The third defendant, Jibrin, also said she wanted the state to provide a lawyer for her.

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NEWS

TIME FOR THE OLD GUARD TO RETIRE...

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Presidential Aspirant, Aare Dele Momodu, and his wife, Mobolaji Abiodun, during a courtesy visit to Government House, in Benin City... yesterday

Group Calls for Reinstatement of SON at Seaports, Others Juliet Akoje in Abuja Experts in the power sector in Nigeria under the aegis of Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) have called on the federal government to reinstate the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) at seaports and entry points in the country.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday, LECAN President, Dr. John Ekere Etim blamed the federal government for excluding SON which he said was constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of certification of the equipment from the seaports.

"In electricity, if you use substandard materials definitely it will backfire, so if you use quality materials it will last, the same thing

with all the equipment.

“But in Nigeria you find that some traders who go abroad to buy materials are also a problem because some are fake. So some people will go to buy because they want to also maximise profits. So they go and buy the substandard ones and that is why we are still having the problems.

“But how do these substandard products come in? They don’t just drop from the air? It passes through our seaports; we have our Customs there. I don’t know the politics that is happening at the seaports because SON supposed to be at the seaport and the entry points; NAFDAC is supposed to be at the entry point where these things come in.

“But we find that those people are no more there, they have been

2023: Osinbajo Advises Professionals to Shun Ethno-religious Politics Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has called on Nigerian professionals in politics to shun ethno-religious and parochial considerations in making crucial decisions for the development of the country.

Speaking yesterday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Professional Forum held at the State House, Abuja, Osinbajo stressed that only politics devoid of ethnicity and religious considerations could promote and facilitate development in the nation.

The Vice President emphasised the need for Nigerian professionals to embrace politics that was driven by merit rather than throw up base considerations ahead of the 2023 general election.

According to him, "The usefulness of professionals in politics is that you have people, who are used to being assessed on the basis of their own achievements, who are unafraid to make competence the first advertorial of their acumen. In other words, professionals emphasise the role of merit in public life.

"So, one of the major advantages to our communities of having professionals in politics is lost if we do not recognise our role as merit-driven persons must be to fight the temptation of ethnic,

religious and other parochial considerations in making crucial decisions for the development of our nation.

"There is no point having professionals in politics if these professionals are driven by ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations, because the whole point of professionalism is that you are defined by merit; you are defined by your professional acumen.

"Nobody would place their lives in the hands of an incompetent doctor, because they share the same faith or continue to patronise a dangerously inept mechanic, because they belong to the same tribe. If someone told me, for example, that the pilot, who is to fly the plane that I’m to go in is not a very good pilot, but he's from Ikenne, my hometown, I certainly won't go in that plane.

"So, in the same way, we must especially, refuse to be swayed by those whose sole argument for power is an appeal to sectional sentiments. We must resist it. And we must say no to it, because otherwise, we fail in our professional calling.

"True progress is about reimagining our collective circumstances and creating an environment that enables prosperity for us all. This is the challenge for us as professionals.

removed. It’s only Customs that are there at the seaports and they are supposed to inspect and call SON to inspect but you find a lot of poor quality materials coming into the country every time. So those things are also affecting the system,” the LECAN President noted.

Etim while responding to questions from journalists applauded the House of Representatives’ resolution to investigate incidences of deaths and accidents caused by

the negligence of electrical safety in the distribution network around the country as well as safety measures including the existence and role of the safety departments of all the distribution companies (DISCOs).

The lawmakers during the debate on the motion on the ‘Need to ensure safety in the electricity distribution network,’ sponsored

by Hon. Sani Bala, had expressed reservation over the capacity of Nigeria Electricity Management

Services Agency (NEMSA) to adequately carry out its mandate of policing electricity safety in the distribution network, as well as, the overall effectiveness of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, given the vast investment in the power sector.

Bala had said a report issued

by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in the last quarter of 2018 indicated that, there were 136,393 complaints from cus-

tomers about the negligence of the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) which had jumped to 151,938 in the first quarter of 2019.

Etim who decried the complacency by the regulatory agencies towards ensuring compliance with extant regulatory framework in the industry, argued that the distribution network had become a dumping ground for unsafe electrical installation because of NEMSA “negligence to ensure safety of electricity."

PDP: Confirming APC’s Gumus as INEC Commissioner is Coup against Democracy Our party must unite to win 2023 elections, says Wike Chuks Okocha in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, rejected the confirmation of a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Rhoda Gumus, as a National Commissioner (South South) in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) despite widespread outcry

by Nigerians The PDP, therefore, described Gumus’ confirmation as a “coup” against Democracy and an open invitation to serious political crisis that could derail the nation’s hardearned democracy.

However, relatedly, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said for the (PDP to win the 2023 elections, it must unite.

The governor spoke yesterday in an interview with journalists during a visit to a former National Caretaker Chairman of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi at his residence in Kaduna.

But, in a statement by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party insisted that in confirming Gumus, the APC-led Senate leadership has exposed itself as anti-people and completely insensitive to the aspiration of Nigerians for credible and transparent elections in 2023.

"The action of the APC-led Senate is highly provocative and incendiary, because it is in violation of Paragraph 14 (2)(a) of the 3rd Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which provides that, “a

member of the Commission shall be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity. Such violent assault on the Constitution and our electoral process by the APC cannot be allowed to stand," the PDP spokesperson said.

He explained that the media space was awash with reports of Gumus as a member of the APC in Bayelsa State with APC Registration Form No: BAY/ YEN/08/58315 and reportedly as number 27 in her APC Ward Register and yet, the senate went ahead to approve her nomination as INEC national commissioner According to PDP, "In nominating and confirming an APC cardcarrying member into INEC, President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC-led Senate leadership have recklessly violated the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which they swore to uphold and defend.

"This action is designed to corrupt and compromise the electoral Commission and pave way for the APC to rig the 2023 general election.

Nigerians can recall how President Buhari had earlier sought to impose his aide and card-carrying member of the APC, Lauretta Onochie as INEC Commissioner but was stiffly resisted by Nigerians," the party stated.

The PDP said the APC which thrives in impunity has again nominated and confirmed Gumus, another APC card-carrying member as National Commissioner in INEC in flagrant violation of the Constitution and total disregard

for the Nigerian people.

It said Gumus must not be allowed to be used to pollute INEC, adding: "Her mission is already exposed and our party is ready to mobilize our members and all patriotic Nigerians across the country by taking legitimate actions to protect the integrity of the electoral body.

"Our Party, therefore, issues a stern caution to Prof. Gumus to, in the interest of peace, steer clear of INEC as there is no way she can function in that office as a card-carrying member of the APC." The PDP spokesperson said that democracy is about transparency of elections and Nigerians cannot believe in the integrity of the process with Prof. Gumus in INEC. Meanwhile, Wike, in Kaduna said the ruling APC has failed the country and Nigerians were looking up to the PDP for a way forward.

According to him, if the PDP was united, it could be sure of victory, and as such, called on party members in the state to unite and work for the victory of the PDP. “My ambition is for PDP to be reunited. If you have a united party, then, you are sure of victory. Does it make sense if you have a presidential ticket of a party and the party cannot win election? So, for me, the unity of the party is paramount. It is not about going about (saying) you want to be President. It is how the party unites and fights this evil – this monster they call the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

Wike said his visit to Makarfi had nothing to do with Presidential

ambition but to extend best wishes to the former governor, who recently returned home from a medical treatment in London.

“I came here to see one of our leaders, who has done well for the party. Why I came here has nothing to do with presidential ambition,” Wike said, commending the PDP in Kaduna State for winning most of the councilorship elections during the 2021 council polls.

“It is surprising to me as an opposition party the number of councillors PDP won in the last local government elections. It has never happened, so, we need to encourage them to let them know that we know what they are facing and they have support from us and that is why I came here”, the governor said.

On the controversy over zoning, Wike said the party would meet and take appropriate decision, stressing that the most important thing is producing a candidate, who has the capacity, no matter where he comes from.

“It is not a one man decision, whether you zone it (Presidency) to West, East, North, what is important is somebody that has the capacity to move Nigeria forward. Nigerians are waiting for us and we must bring somebody, who has what it takes to move Nigeria from where we are now to what every Nigerian expect.

“We have many people who have what it takes. But at the appropriate time, we will sit down and move forward. For me, I have no other place other than PDP. When people hear me

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TUESDAYSPORTS

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

NFF Dumps Peseiro, Retains Eguavoen as Interim Technical Adviser Drafts Amuneke into technical crew as Head Coach Duro Ikhazuagbe The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday officially put in the cooler negotiations with Portuguese Coach, Jose Peseiro, to take over the Super Eagles job from sacked Gernot Rohr.

Instead, the federation announced a reconstituted technical crew of the Super Eagles with Augustine Eguavoen retained as Interim Technical Adviser.

Eguavoen led the team to the just concluded AFCON 2021 in Cameroon where the Nigerian senior national team emerged the best team in the group stage, winning all its three matches before crashing out of the Round of 16 to Tunisia.

To reinforce the technical bench ahead of next month’s 2022 World

Cup playoff against Ghana’s Black Stars, NFF also drafted former Nigeria World Cup star and former U20 Boys’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke as immediate assistant to Eguavoen.

One of the most decorated footballers to have come out of Nigeria, Amuneke scored both goals that won Nigeria the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations final match against Zambia in Tunis, scored the goal that won Nigeria and Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal in 1996 and played in the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals, scoring two goals at USA ’94.

As coach, the electrifying winger qualified Tanzania for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and led the Taifa Stars in the finals.

He is a Member of both the FIFA and CAF Technical Study Groups.

“The NFF Board has approved a recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee retaining Augustine Eguavoen

as Technical Director/Technical Adviser (interim) while Emmanuel Amuneke becomes the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles. Salisu

Yusuf will be the 2nd Assistant Coach/Chief Coach of the CHAN team and Joseph Yobo will be 3rd Assistant while Aloysius

Agu remains the Goalkeepers’ Trainer,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi announced.

The reconstitution comes after the Super Eagles’ outing at the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, and ahead of the potentially –explosive FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off round against the Black Stars of Ghana next month.

Sanusi added: “We acknowledge and appreciate the interest that Mr Jose Peseiro has shown in Nigeria Football during our very cordial discussions and have absolutely no doubt about his capacity. We believe that perhaps in the future, there could be an opportunity to work with him. However, in view of the positive performance of the Super Eagles at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations which has given hope to Nigerians and boosted our confidence in the present coaching crew to qualify us for the World Cup in Qatar, we have decided to accept the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee to retain the Eguavoen-led coaching crew and strengthen it with the addition of Emmanuel Amuneke.”

SUPER EAGLES COACHES

L-R: Super Eagles Interim Technical Adviser, Augustine Eguavoen; Goalkeepers Trainer, Alloy Agu; Assistant Coach Babatunde Eguaroje and newly appointed Head Coach/1st Assistant, Emmanuel Amuneke during the just concluded AFCON 2021 in Cameroon

Augustine Eguavoen – Technical Director/ Technical Adviser (interim) Emmanuel Amuneke – Chief Coach/1st Assistant Salisu Yusuf – 2nd Assistant/Chief Coach, CHAN Joseph Yobo – 3rd Assistant Aloysius Agu – Goalkeepers’ Trainer

30 Teams on Parade as Lagos Int'l Polo Tournament Returns Sadio Mane...Say AFCON trophy most cherished of all his titles

Mane: AFCON Win Best Trophy of My Career Sadio Mane has admitted that winning Senegal's first Africa Cup of Nations is the highlight honour of his career.

He scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Egypt, having seen a first-half spot-kick saved as Sunday's game ended 0-0 after extra time.

The West Africans had previously lost two Nations Cup finals, including a 1-0 defeat by Algeria three years ago.

"It's the best day of my life and the best trophy of my life," the 29-year-old Liverpool forward said.

"I won the Champions League and some (other) trophies but this is the special one for me.

This is more important for me.

"I am happy for myself, my people and all of my family."

Mane had been given a chance to give Senegal an early lead in Cameroon after Saliou Ciss was brought down in the area

by Mohamed Abdelmonem in the fourth minute.

However, he saw his attempt beaten away by Egypt keeper Gabaski.

Mane credits his team-mates with giving him the strength to return in the shootout, where he sealed a 4-2 triumph.

"When I missed the first penalty, it was a big blow for me," he said.

"But my team-mates came to me and said 'Sadio, we lose together and we win together.

We know you. You have done too much for us - keep on going'.

"That made me stronger and I think it made the difference when I got the second one.

"All the boys came to me and said 'Sadio, we trust you' and that gave me more motivation.

The trophy belongs to the whole Senegal team - everyone deserves it."

Mane was also named player of the tournament, and the morning after the final he posted a picture of himself in bed with the trophy and his winner's medal.

Gabaski's save from Mane in Yaounde was the fourth time the Senegalese had been foiled from 12 yards when playing at the Nations Cup. Mane saw his effort saved in the quarter final shootout defeat

by Cameroon in 2017 and two years later he failed to convert in the group game against Kenya and the last-16 tie with Uganda- although he did score in both of those games.

The prestigious GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament makes a return after 24 months with 30 teams vying for honours in four major cup titles.

Lagos Polo Club President, Ayo Olashoju expressed delight at the return of the month-long tournament which was preceded by qualifiers in late January.

"In recent years, Lagos Polo Club is evolving. We keep showing how polo should be played in the 21st century not only in Nigeria but globally.

"With five teams competing in the Majekodunmi Cup, which is

unprecedented. We have taken polo to a very high level that has never been seen in this part of the world," he enthused with pride.

Players from Argentina, France, South Africa, among others, will feature in the Lagos International Polo Tournament with Olashoju assuring polo aficionados that all Covid-19 protocols are in place for safety of all polo lovers who will thronged the venue.

Two Lagos teams Leighton Kings and Caverton will jostle for the Majekodunmi Cup alongside Almat from Abuja, Lintex from Kano and Malcomites from Jos.

Four Lagos teams will feature in the Open Cup while four others are from Abuja, Jos, Kano and Port Harcourt.

Head Group Corporate Communications GTCO, Oyinade Adegite declared that their sponsoring the Lagos polo tournament is a commitment to purpose and helping sustain the good tradition every year of the tournament.

She said: “For us at GTCO, it's about great customer experience.

Polo is known as the game of kings and anywhere kings are, our customers need to be there.

We look forward to partnering

the Lagos Polo Club for a very long time."

Tournament Manager, Seyi Oyinlola, expressed delight at the commitment of the sponsors which he described as top notch.

He declared that this year promises to be much in terms of organisation, standard of play and other areas of entertainment.

Apart from the four main cups (Majekodunmi, Open, Low and Silver), teams will also vie for subsidiary cups with the Dapo Ojora Memorial Cup as well as Chief of Naval Staff Cup as the new additional trophies.

L-R: First Vice President of Lagos Polo Club, Timi Akinwunmi; President, Ayo Olashoju; Group Head, Corporate Communications, GTCO, Oyinade Adegite; Second Vice President, Bode Makanjuola; and Tournament Manager, Seyi Oyinlola; at the Media Briefing to herald the PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT 2022 Lagos International Polo Tournament ...yesterday in Lagos

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

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Alaafin to FG

‘’Nigeria enjoyed her best years when we were practising the regional system of government. What we currently practice can be likened to a unitary system of government; it is not federalism, except we are deceiving ourselves. Unless we restructure the country, we will not have meaningful progress”---Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, counselling the Federal Government to restructure the country before the 2023 general elections.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

2023: The Politics Of Zoning T

he politics of zoning is likely to make or mar the 2023 Presidential election, with implications for the stability of the country.

It is one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria at the moment particularly in the two major political parties: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), which both represent most of the contending stakeholders in Nigeria. It is often argued that zoning is not expressly stated in either the 1999 Constitution or the Electoral Act, but it is a convenient measure adopted by the Peoples Democratic Party in 1999, with the return to civilian rule, in order to ensure equity, justice and a sense of ownership in the political representation process. Even though the word zoning is not used in the 1999 Constitution, it is nonetheless in line with the ideals of Federal Character as stated in Sections 14(3), 147(3) and 171(5) and the establishment of a Federal Character Commission in Section 153 (1c) and Part 1(C) of the Third Schedule.

The principle is that in a multi-plural, diverse country like Nigeria, with over 400 ethnic nationalities, it is important that every group is given a sense of belonging, and participation, to promote national unity and loyalty, and to prevent the overt domination of some sections of the country, lording it over others in appointments and the sharing of power and access. It is in this sense that zoning or the concept of rotational presidency is a derivative of the Federal Character principle. Since independence, this principle has been a source of tension and conflict among the various ethnic nationalities, regions and zones that make up Nigeria, with minority groups protesting about their marginalization by majorities, and great discontent over the distribution of power and positions by leaders who assume office and resort to the politics of hegemony, nepotism and favouritism to the advantage of their own ethnic stock. This was an issue during the military era, under Lt. General Aguiyi-Ironsi - Igbos were accused of dominating other groups. Then, there was the civil war, and the North seized power. Over the years, other Nigerians complained of marginalization, and the Northernization of power in Nigeria. The return to civilian rule in 1999 and the exit of the military were both meant in part, to address this volatile issue and ensure true, participatory democracy sitting on a tripod of equity, justice and good conscience.

It is therefore most unfortunate that as Nigeria moves closer to the 2023 general elections, there is so much disquiet about zoning and rotational Presidency. The kernel of it is the insistence by certain Northern interest groups that there is nothing wrong in a Northerner becoming President after eight years of the Buhari Presidency. These groups including the Northern Leaders of Thought, Northern Elders Forum, Coalition of Northern Groups and the Arewa Consultative Forum and their spokespersons have at one time or the other in the last few months argued that the North has as much right as any other zone in the country to run for the Presidency in 2023, and that there is no such thing as a consensus or an agreement to zone the Presidency of Nigeria to either the South or to the South East. Most Northern commentators on the subject indeed sound irritated by the idea of Igbo Presidency or the thought that Ndigbo is the only major ethnic group that has not been allowed to lead Nigeria since the return to civilian rule in 1999. There are however exceptions from the North: the Arewa Consensus Assembly for example, has called for a Southern Presidency in 2023.

The main argument of the naysayers is as articulated by former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso who argued in a Television Interview: “If you look at it from 1999 to date, or even after 2023, we have 16 years for PDP, eight years for APC. Now in the 16 years of PDP, we had a situation where the Presidency has been in the South for 14 years and only in the North for two years during the Umaru

President Muhammadu Buhari Musa Yar’Adua of blessed memory.” Similarly, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammed has argued as follows: “I want to let all Nigerians, especially those clamouring for the 2023 Presidency to go to the South, that it is the turn of the North to produce the next President.. We are aware of the agitations of the Southern part of the country because the leader of the country today, President Muhammadu Buhari who is from the North will finish his tenure in 2023, so power could rotate to the South. But I want to say that I am in PDP. I am not in APC that has this burden of zoning the Presidency to the South…. my party was at the centre for 16 years; 14 of those years were led by people from the South, so where is the justice and the justification. Therefore, it is the turn of the North to produce the next President…”

Both Kwankwaso and Muhammad may be defending the reported plan by the PDP to throw the race for the Presidency open within its ranks, but at the heart of their argument is the suggestion that the South has spent more time in power at the centre than the North. It is a specious argument that has been taken up by some youth groups in the North and they are wrong. Nigeria did not begin in 1999. In the 61 years of the country’s independence, under both the military and civilians, the North has controlled power at the centre, for more than 41 years! So there is a case to be made for equity and justice and it is in part why many Nigerians from the Middle Belt to the South are calling for restructuring.

This is also at the root of calls for self-determination and/or secession by ethnic nationalist groups in the East and the West.

For the benefit of those arguing that nobody should come to power based on sentiments, they may need to be reminded of a bit of history, which they seem to be conveniently ignoring. After the annulment of the 1993 Presidential election won by Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Bashorun MKO Abiola and the turmoil that enveloped the country, the military junta in setting up the Interim National Government (ING) had to choose as its head, a Yoruba man, and not just a Yoruba man, but someone from the same town as Chief Abiola, that is Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan. It doesn’t take much commonsense to see that there was an attempt here to assuage the feelings of the Yoruba and the

Egba even if that didn’t last for too long. Again in 1999, with the tension over the 1993 debacle yet to settle, the two major political parties at the time: the PDP and the SDP, both chose Yorubas as Presidential candidates: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (PDP) and Chief Olu Falae (SDP). The plan obviously was to appease the South West over the injustice that had been done to Chief MKO Abiola in 1993, and perhaps to show that Abiola’s party, the SDP still stood a chance of winning Nigeria’s Presidential election Again, for the benefit of those opposing the idea of a Nigerian President of Southern extraction in 2023, they should remember the dust that was thrown up by the North in 2010, after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The 1999 Constitution is very clear on succession to power in the event of the death of a sitting President: the Vice President is immediately sworn in. But Northern groups opposed the idea of then Vice President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan assuming office in accordance with Constitutional provisions (see section 146).

Nigeria almost broke up because some Northerners argued that only a Northerner could complete President Yar’Adua’s remaining one year in office. It took the National Assembly coming with a “doctrine of necessity”, something unknown to the Constitution before reason prevailed. The people behind the planned subterfuge never forgave President Jonathan. They took their pound of flesh in 2015, when they began yet another drama about how President Jonathan had promised to do only one term in office, and it was the turn of the North to produce the next President.

Even Northern members of the PDP, some of whom are now opposed to power-shift to the South, engaged in anti-party activities just to get power back to the North. As a worst case scenario for 2023, across the aisle, some other power brokers, including Emirs, are now suggesting that the same Jonathan that they opposed in 2015, should be allowed to return to office, and it is not certain that they want him back for altruistic reasons or out of love. So, should political parties and their leaders be allowed to always take decisions based on expediency?

It seems to me however that the APC seems to be handling the politics of zoning for the 2023 Presidential race much better than the PDP. With perhaps the exception of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, the other APC members that have publicly shown interest in the Presidential race are from the South: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Rochas Okorocha (former Governor of Imo State), Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and by proxy – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti.

So far, the APC seems to be tilting towards the South as most of its Northern members seem to be more interested in vying for the Chairmanship of the party – 12 so far in the APC Chairmanship race. APC insiders also claim that President Buhari believes that it is immoral and inequitable for a Northerner to succeed him. What is not clear is which Southerner from the South, East or South West the President is interested in, but in any case that is left for party delegates to decide. What is clear is that the APC has problems of its own, the party has been somewhat riotous as a constitutional, legitimate body in managing its own affairs, and that may be seen when and if the party is able to hold its National Convention scheduled for Feb. 26. Is there a Third Force within the APC? So it seems. Already, some members of the party are challenging the legitimacy of the Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee led by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni. Even if the Convention holds, there is still the possibility of some aggrieved members of the party going to Court to challenge the legitimacy of the Buni committee as in the Ondo State case: Jegede vs.

Akeredolu. The technical point raised by Jegede’s counsel at the time, was determined narrowly by the Supreme Court 4-3. The res in the matter, can still be revisited.

The PDP is likely to find itself in the eye of the storm if it zones its choice of Presidential candidate to the North. Except the PDP is playing some kind of game or a curious strategy, those who are pushing for a Northern PDP Presidential candidate must know that it amounts to political arrogance for anyone from the North to think he or she can win the Presidential election by jettisoning zoning or without the support of the South. The Constitutional provision on the character and spread of votes for a person to be elected Nigerian President is a bit cumbersome (see Section 133). The country is also fragile from many perspectives. We need to manage people’s expectations in the best interest of national stability. Why would the Northern PDP leaders say that they have not had their chance within the party? Do those of them who engaged in anti-party activities in 2015 have the moral right to talk about the Northern interest in 2022/23? Those pushing for a Northern Presidential candidate in the PDP apparently under-estimate the resolve of the Southern Governors Forum comprising the Governors from PDP, APC, APGA and the position as well of the various ethnic socio-political organizations - Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, PANDEF and Afenifere. Southern leaders are unyielding in their determination that the next President of Nigeria must come from the South. Both PANDEF and Ohanaeze have warned about the possible break up of Nigeria if power at the centre remains in the North. Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo wants a President of South East extraction.

Unlike the APC, the PDP has a long list of Presidential hopefuls from the North: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammad, former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

If the PDP goes ahead with its proposed no-zoning policy, these Northern aspirants, would confront, for now, from the South – former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, veteran journalist, Dele Momodu and others within the party who may also have their eyes on the ticket. The politics of zoning is bound to widen the gulf within the party with grave consequences in the 2023 elections.

In 2014/2015, the PDP lost woefully and imploded, basically because of this same division, with many of the party foot-soldiers at the grassroots level, scattering like pigeons. The standard explanation that is offered

by PDP leaders is that consultations are ongoing and that many of the aspirants are also still busy with consultations. Whatever it is, the uncertainty within the party serves only the purpose of giving an advantage to other political parties at all levels.

It remains to add that while the concept of Federal Character has been grossly abused in its application, the zoning principle in politics has helped to ensure a sense of balance, rotation and inclusion, but to jettison it for purposes of expediency would be counter-productive and costly. In an ideal situation, every aspect of national life should be driven by merit, but there is nothing ideal about Nigeria, and that is why we run a turn-by-turn democracy, with emphasis on how access to power amounts to access to the proverbial national cake. The logic is simple: every group wants their own share of the cake before anyone begins to talk about merit, as if any single group in the country has a monopoly of talent. This is the Nigerian dilemma.

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